#I'm stating 14 tomorrow

[coffeeandcalligraphy]

the urge to walk to the dollar store and buy a giant roll of paper so I can brainstorm this new sunless ground villain

[eatyoursparkout]

cons: caught the dreaded plague this week

pros?: finally feeling human enough to play video games, which means i'm being paid to finish my disco elysium playthrough

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Your car spies on you and rats you out to insurance companies

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me TOMORROW (Mar 13) in SAN FRANCISCO with ROBIN SLOAN, then Toronto, NYC, Anaheim, and more!

Another characteristically brilliant Kashmir Hill story for The New York Times reveals another characteristically terrible fact about modern life: your car secretly records fine-grained telemetry about your driving and sells it to data-brokers, who sell it to insurers, who use it as a pretext to gouge you on premiums:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html

Almost every car manufacturer does this: Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, etc etc:

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2020/09/09/ford-state-farm-ford-metromile-honda-verisk-among-insurer-oem-telematics-connections/

This is true whether you own or lease the car, and it's separate from the "black box" your insurer might have offered to you in exchange for a discount on your premiums. In other words, even if you say no to the insurer's carrot – a surveillance-based discount – they've got a stick in reserve: buying your nonconsensually harvested data on the open market.

I've always hated that saying, "If you're not paying for the product, you're the product," the reason being that it posits decent treatment as a customer reward program, like the little ramekin warm nuts first class passengers get before takeoff. Companies don't treat you well when you pay them. Companies treat you well when they fear the consequences of treating you badly.

Take Apple. The company offers Ios users a one-tap opt-out from commercial surveillance, and more than 96% of users opted out. Presumably, the other 4% were either confused or on Facebook's payroll. Apple – and its army of cultists – insist that this proves that our world's woes can be traced to cheapskate "consumers" who expected to get something for nothing by using advertising-supported products.

But here's the kicker: right after Apple blocked all its rivals from spying on its customers, it began secretly spying on those customers! Apple has a rival surveillance ad network, and even if you opt out of commercial surveillance on your Iphone, Apple still secretly spies on you and uses the data to target you for ads:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Even if you're paying for the product, you're still the product – provided the company can get away with treating you as the product. Apple can absolutely get away with treating you as the product, because it lacks the historical constraints that prevented Apple – and other companies – from treating you as the product.

As I described in my McLuhan lecture on enshittification, tech firms can be constrained by four forces:

I. Competition

II. Regulation

III. Self-help

IV. Labor

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/30/go-nuts-meine-kerle/#ich-bin-ein-bratapfel

When companies have real competitors – when a sector is composed of dozens or hundreds of roughly evenly matched firms – they have to worry that a maltreated customer might move to a rival. 40 years of antitrust neglect means that corporations were able to buy their way to dominance with predatory mergers and pricing, producing today's inbred, Habsburg capitalism. Apple and Google are a mobile duopoly, Google is a search monopoly, etc. It's not just tech! Every sector looks like this:

https://www.openmarketsinstitute.org/learn/monopoly-by-the-numbers

Eliminating competition doesn't just deprive customers of alternatives, it also empowers corporations. Liberated from "wasteful competition," companies in concentrated industries can extract massive profits. Think of how both Apple and Google have "competitively" arrived at the same 30% app tax on app sales and transactions, a rate that's more than 1,000% higher than the transaction fees extracted by the (bloated, price-gouging) credit-card sector:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/07/curatorial-vig/#app-tax

But cartels' power goes beyond the size of their warchest. The real source of a cartel's power is the ease with which a small number of companies can arrive at – and stick to – a common lobbying position. That's where "regulatory capture" comes in: the mobile duopoly has an easier time of capturing its regulators because two companies have an easy time agreeing on how to spend their app-tax billions:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/05/regulatory-capture/

Apple – and Google, and Facebook, and your car company – can violate your privacy because they aren't constrained regulation, just as Uber can violate its drivers' labor rights and Amazon can violate your consumer rights. The tech cartels have captured their regulators and convinced them that the law doesn't apply if it's being broken via an app:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/18/cursed-are-the-sausagemakers/#how-the-parties-get-to-yes

In other words, Apple can spy on you because it's allowed to spy on you. America's last consumer privacy law was passed in 1988, and it bans video-store clerks from leaking your VHS rental history. Congress has taken no action on consumer privacy since the Reagan years:

https://www.eff.org/tags/video-privacy-protection-act

But tech has some special enshittification-resistant characteristics. The most important of these is interoperability: the fact that computers are universal digital machines that can run any program. HP can design a printer that rejects third-party ink and charge $10,000/gallon for its own colored water, but someone else can write a program that lets you jailbreak your printer so that it accepts any ink cartridge:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Tech companies that contemplated enshittifying their products always had to watch over their shoulders for a rival that might offer a disenshittification tool and use that as a wedge between the company and its customers. If you make your website's ads 20% more obnoxious in anticipation of a 2% increase in gross margins, you have to consider the possibility that 40% of your users will google "how do I block ads?" Because the revenue from a user who blocks ads doesn't stay at 100% of the current levels – it drops to zero, forever (no user ever googles "how do I stop blocking ads?").

The majority of web users are running an ad-blocker:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

Web operators made them an offer ("free website in exchange for unlimited surveillance and unfettered intrusions") and they made a counteroffer ("how about 'nah'?"):

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/07/adblocking-how-about-nah

Here's the thing: reverse-engineering an app – or any other IP-encumbered technology – is a legal minefield. Just decompiling an app exposes you to felony prosecution: a five year sentence and a $500k fine for violating Section 1201 of the DMCA. But it's not just the DMCA – modern products are surrounded with high-tech tripwires that allow companies to invoke IP law to prevent competitors from augmenting, recongifuring or adapting their products. When a business says it has "IP," it means that it has arranged its legal affairs to allow it to invoke the power of the state to control its customers, critics and competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

An "app" is just a web-page skinned in enough IP to make it a crime to add an ad-blocker to it. This is what Jay Freeman calls "felony contempt of business model" and it's everywhere. When companies don't have to worry about users deploying self-help measures to disenshittify their products, they are freed from the constraint that prevents them indulging the impulse to shift value from their customers to themselves.

Apple owes its existence to interoperability – its ability to clone Microsoft Office's file formats for Pages, Numbers and Keynote, which saved the company in the early 2000s – and ever since, it has devoted its existence to making sure no one ever does to Apple what Apple did to Microsoft:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/06/adversarial-interoperability-reviving-elegant-weapon-more-civilized-age-slay

Regulatory capture cuts both ways: it's not just about powerful corporations being free to flout the law, it's also about their ability to enlist the law to punish competitors that might constrain their plans for exploiting their workers, customers, suppliers or other stakeholders.

The final historical constraint on tech companies was their own workers. Tech has very low union-density, but that's in part because individual tech workers enjoyed so much bargaining power due to their scarcity. This is why their bosses pampered them with whimsical campuses filled with gourmet cafeterias, fancy gyms and free massages: it allowed tech companies to convince tech workers to work like government mules by flattering them that they were partners on a mission to bring the world to its digital future:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/10/the-proletarianization-of-tech-workers/

For tech bosses, this gambit worked well, but failed badly. On the one hand, they were able to get otherwise powerful workers to consent to being "extremely hardcore" by invoking Fobazi Ettarh's spirit of "vocational awe":

https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/

On the other hand, when you motivate your workers by appealing to their sense of mission, the downside is that they feel a sense of mission. That means that when you demand that a tech worker enshittifies something they missed their mother's funeral to deliver, they will experience a profound sense of moral injury and refuse, and that worker's bargaining power means that they can make it stick.

Or at least, it did. In this era of mass tech layoffs, when Google can fire 12,000 workers after a $80b stock buyback that would have paid their wages for the next 27 years, tech workers are learning that the answer to "I won't do this and you can't make me" is "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" (AKA "sharpen your blades boys"):

https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/29/elon-musk-texts-discovery-twitter/

With competition, regulation, self-help and labor cleared away, tech firms – and firms that have wrapped their products around the pluripotently malleable core of digital tech, including automotive makers – are no longer constrained from enshittifying their products.

And that's why your car manufacturer has chosen to spy on you and sell your private information to data-brokers and anyone else who wants it. Not because you didn't pay for the product, so you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

Cars are enshittified. The dozens of chips that auto makers have shoveled into their car design are only incidentally related to delivering a better product. The primary use for those chips is autoenshittification – access to legal strictures ("IP") that allows them to block modifications and repairs that would interfere with the unfettered abuse of their own customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

The fact that it's a felony to reverse-engineer and modify a car's software opens the floodgates to all kinds of shitty scams. Remember when Bay Staters were voting on a ballot measure to impose right-to-repair obligations on automakers in Massachusetts? The only reason they needed to have the law intervene to make right-to-repair viable is that Big Car has figured out that if it encrypts its diagnostic messages, it can felonize third-party diagnosis of a car, because decrypting the messages violates the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/drm-cars-will-drive-consumers-crazy

Big Car figured out that VIN locking – DRM for engine components and subassemblies – can felonize the production and the installation of third-party spare parts:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

The fact that you can't legally modify your car means that automakers can go back to their pre-2008 ways, when they transformed themselves into unregulated banks that incidentally manufactured the cars they sold subprime loans for. Subprime auto loans – over $1t worth! – absolutely relies on the fact that borrowers' cars can be remotely controlled by lenders. Miss a payment and your car's stereo turns itself on and blares threatening messages at top volume, which you can't turn off. Break the lease agreement that says you won't drive your car over the county line and it will immobilize itself. Try to change any of this software and you'll commit a felony under Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/02/innovation-unlocks-markets/#digital-arm-breakers

Tesla, naturally, has the most advanced anti-features. Long before BMW tried to rent you your seat-heater and Mercedes tried to sell you a monthly subscription to your accelerator pedal, Teslas were demon-haunted nightmare cars. Miss a Tesla payment and the car will immobilize itself and lock you out until the repo man arrives, then it will blare its horn and back itself out of its parking spot. If you "buy" the right to fully charge your car's battery or use the features it came with, you don't own them – they're repossessed when your car changes hands, meaning you get less money on the used market because your car's next owner has to buy these features all over again:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world

And all this DRM allows your car maker to install spyware that you're not allowed to remove. They really tipped their hand on this when the R2R ballot measure was steaming towards an 80% victory, with wall-to-wall scare ads that revealed that your car collects so much information about you that allowing third parties to access it could lead to your murder (no, really!):

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/03/rip-david-graeber/#rolling-surveillance-platforms

That's why your car spies on you. Because it can. Because the company that made it lacks constraint, be it market-based, legal, technological or its own workforce's ethics.

One common critique of my enshittification hypothesis is that this is "kind of sensible and normal" because "there’s something off in the consumer mindset that we’ve come to believe that the internet should provide us with amazing products, which bring us joy and happiness and we spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return":

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-have-great-conversations/

What this criticism misses is that this isn't the companies bargaining to shift some value from us to them. Enshittification happens when a company can seize all that value, without having to bargain, exploiting law and technology and market power over buyers and sellers to unilaterally alter the way the products and services we rely on work.

A company that doesn't have to fear competitors, regulators, jailbreaking or workers' refusal to enshittify its products doesn't have to bargain, it can take. It's the first lesson they teach you in the Darth Vader MBA: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/26/hit-with-a-brick/#graceful-failure

Your car spying on you isn't down to your belief that your carmaker "should provide you with amazing products, which brings your joy and happiness you spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return." It's not because you didn't pay for the product, so now you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

The consequences of this spying go much further than mere insurance premium hikes, too. Car telemetry sits at the top of the funnel that the unbelievably sleazy data broker industry uses to collect and sell our data. These are the same companies that sell the fact that you visited an abortion clinic to marketers, bounty hunters, advertisers, or vengeful family members pretending to be one of those:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/07/safegraph-spies-and-lies/#theres-no-i-in-uterus

Decades of pro-monopoly policy led to widespread regulatory capture. Corporate cartels use the monopoly profits they extract from us to pay for regulatory inaction, allowing them to extract more profits.

But when it comes to privacy, that period of unchecked corporate power might be coming to an end. The lack of privacy regulation is at the root of so many problems that a pro-privacy movement has an unstoppable constituency working in its favor.

At EFF, we call this "privacy first." Whether you're worried about grifters targeting vulnerable people with conspiracy theories, or teens being targeted with media that harms their mental health, or Americans being spied on by foreign governments, or cops using commercial surveillance data to round up protesters, or your car selling your data to insurance companies, passing that long-overdue privacy legislation would turn off the taps for the data powering all these harms:

https://www.eff.org/wp/privacy-first-better-way-address-online-harms

Traditional economics fails because it thinks about markets without thinking about power. Monopolies lead to more than market power: they produce regulatory capture, power over workers, and state capture, which felonizes competition through IP law. The story that our problems stem from the fact that we just don't spend enough money, or buy the wrong products, only makes sense if you willfully ignore the power that corporations exert over our lives. It's nice to think that you can shop your way out of a monopoly, because that's a lot easier than voting your way out of a monopoly, but no matter how many times you vote with your wallet, the cartels that control the market will always win:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/05/the-map-is-not-the-territory/#apor-locksmith

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/12/market-failure/#car-wars

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[saintjosie]

Hey, sorry for setting a bit of a depressing tone with this ask but im a struggling baby trans girl

Do you have any advice for coping with the thoughts of "i will never manage to mold my body into a woman's body"?

Right now i am unable to start transitioning due to multiple reasons - both social (especially family) and hrt accessibility related - and my biggest issue with my body is that it's just.. annoyingly masculine. Ever since i was 14 my legs had more and longer hair than my 30-something old cousin's husband. Ever since i was 12 i started feeling too ashamed of my body to wear short pants and it was only this year that i started feeling a bit more ok about it (I will not disclose my age publicly, but i am in university).

And it's like. It's so exhausting to look in the mirror and not only not recognise the face as my own, but often actively hate it. To look at my body and to barely tolerate it anymore

There are some things that i've tried. I've trimmed my leg hair (to a fourth of its original size), and the instant my parents noticed they mocked me. I'm trying to let my hair grow but not only am i getting bombarded with questions of "when are you gonna get a haircut/let me give you a haircut" from all members of my family, it's also in that incredibly awkwards state which i know i will have to push through, but it still makes it even harder for me to look into the mirror

Once again, sorry for the tone of this ask, but do you have any words of hope or advice?

im sorry youre going through all of that. its incredibly difficult and i feel for you. i think that one thing that i frequently see from people in the earliest stages in transition is the struggle of feeling like they will never see themselves in the mirror. and i get it. i was 29 by the time i started hormones and a big part of why i was scared to do it was because i also thought that i was never going to look the way i wanted to. and whether or not we like it, there is safety in being able to say, oh if i dont look the way i want to, then its better for me not to try at all. its a horrible feeling but its one that you've lived with for years and there is safety in the familiarity.

but that's the thing - no one ever looks 100% the way they want to. i dont know a single person who hasnt had the struggle of looking in the mirror and wishing they could change something. and yes, we as trans people face that much more than most other people but it is a human experience to want to change and better ourselves.

after four years of being on hormones, i still look in the mirror and see things i want to change but also that feeling is much much less now. and its not just the hormones either. i like the way i dress because i wear what i want to. i like my hair because i decided i wanted to grow it out and change the color. i stopped molding my appearance to fit other people's expectations. and in doing so, i found that liking something about myself mattered far more than if other peopled like it. so shave your legs! grow out your hair! when people ask you questions, dont answer or tell them to fuck off! you dont need to make excuses for yourself because you dont need an excuse to be who you want to be.

im gonna be completely honest with you - it will not be easy. and youre not going to wake up tomorrow and suddenly find that your entire perspective has changed. in fact it is very likely, and very human, to continue to question the decisions you make. but always remember, you know who you are. and if you dont know, then only you are capable of finding out. and so i say with all the love in the world, i hope you find yourself and learn to love yourself in the process <3

[linghxr]

15 grammar points (语法点) I wish I learned sooner

At my current level of Chinese, my biggest struggle is 词不达意 (cíbùdáyì, literally words don't convey meaning). It means poorly expressed or inarticulate. Basically, I know enough to convey my message but am often unable to do so succinctly and articulately.

Today I'm sharing 15 words/expressions that I feel really boost my ability to express myself articulately. I use them all the time and wish I had known them sooner. I hope they will be of use to you too!

(1) 万一 | 萬一 wànyī - just in case / if by any chance / contingency Ex: 万一我来不了，你就替我出席。

(2) 甚至 shènzhì - even / so much so that Ex: 他忙得甚至连吃饭时间都没有。

(3) 到底 dàodǐ - finally / in the end / when all is said and done / after all / to the end / to the last Ex: 他到底想要什么？ Ex: 我们一定要坚持到底，不能半途而废。

(4) 要不 yàobù - otherwise / or else / how about...? Ex: 快点起床了，要不就会迟到了。 Ex: 要不我们先坐下再想想办法吧。

(5) 而已 éryǐ - that's all / nothing more Ex: 我开玩笑而已，何必那么认真？

(6) 既然 jìrán - since / as / this being the case Ex: 你既然不想参加这次聚会，那就别去了。

(7) 除非 chúfēi - only if (..., or otherwise, ...) / only when / only in the case that / unless Ex: 除非大家都去，否则我不去。 Ex: 除非你去邀请，他才愿意出席。

(8) 处于 | 處於 chǔyú - to be in (some state, position, or condition) Ex: 病人的状况一直不稳定，还处于危险中。

(9) 通过 | 通過 tōngguò - by means of / through / via Ex: 很多人都想要通过看中剧提高中文水平。 Ex: 通过爸爸的帮助，我克服了害怕和紧张。

(10) 尤其 yóuqí - especially / particularly Ex: 为了完成这份工作，大家都很努力，尤其是她。

(11) 其中 qízhōng - among / in / included among these Ex: 我们班有十个学生，其中女生占百分之六十。

(12) 剩下 shèngxià - to remain / left over Ex: 放学后，同学都走光了，只剩下他一个人在教室里。

(13) 到…为止 | 到…為止 dào...wéizhǐ - until / up to Ex: 今天的讨论到此为止。 Ex: 到目前为止，这项活动只有十个人报名参加。

(14) 意味着 | 意味著 yìwèizhe - to mean / to imply Ex: 树叶开始凋落，意味着冬天的到来。

(15) 隔 gé - after or at an interval of Ex: 每隔十分钟开出一列火车。 Ex: 我们们每隔一天上一次中文课。

Happy Halloween tomorrow! 🎃👻🐈‍⬛

See similar posts: 20 measure words (量词) I wish I learned sooner 7 intermediate/advanced Chinese grammar fundamentals

[luvangelbreak]

Deprived | Twenty-one

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 22 Part 23 matthew sturniolo x layla venita (female!oc) summary: everyone knows the story of the bad boy and the good girl but what happens when the school's most popular boy, Matthew Sturniolo, and the girl who notoriously is never there, Layla Venita, cross paths. warnings: swearing, mentions of blood, injuries word count: 2.8k a/n: gasp!!

pov: matt

"Hey pretty boy," Layla's voice rang through the cold air as I felt her arms wrap around my waist, her chest pressed to my back as she leaned up to kiss me on the cheek. I smiled as I placed my hands on hers before turning my head to look back at her smiling face.

"Hey," I murmured as I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She smiled against me before someone cleared their throat. She pulled away from me and I turned around to see Mia glaring at us from where she stood between Nate and Nick.

Layla moved to stand next to me but I grabbed her wrist, pulling her to stand in front of me as I leaned back against the side of the minivan. I wrapped my hands around her waist before I placed my chin on her shoulder. She placed her hands over mine as she leaned back into me comfortably.

I didn't realise how much I missed being close to her until I lost the opportunity to. The past week my mind had been in a constant state of purgatory, torn between trying to fix whatever rift was between us or deciding if I didn't want to talk to her anymore. Of course, the latter was at the forefront of my mind when I was initially angry but I knew it would hurt me more in the long run. It was a short-term solution and it wasn't what I really wanted.

What happened wasn't worth losing her over.

"You wanna come over?" I asked her quietly and she shivered from my breath fanning against her neck.

"I can't," she answered quietly and I furrowed my eyebrows as she turned to look at me, her brown eyes glowing in the small sunlight that peaked between the clouds, "Gotta help my dad with something."

"Can I come over then?" I asked and she pursed her lips, her eyes scanning my face before she shook her head.

"It's family stuff. I'm sorry," she leaned back, kissing my cheek gently before turning to face the group that was stood in front of us. As much as it bummed me out that I couldn't spend the rest of the day with her, I understood that I couldn't insert myself into her life with no boundaries.

I let my mind travel to tomorrow, realising it was our last game of the season and it was the deciding factor of whether or not we won the finals. I realised that I never updated Layla on our game last week.

"We're onto the finals by the way," I whispered, pulling her attention away from our friends once again and she whipped her head around to look at me, "Tomorrow's the last game."

"You won?" she asked excitedly and I smiled gently, nodding my head as I did so, "That's amazing!"

"What's amazing?" Chris asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he looked at us and Layla smiled as she turned to look at me.

"You guys are in the finals!" she told him with joy and he nodded, a proud smile covering his face, "Why did no one tell me?"

"Probably because you were being a bitch," Mia rolled her eyes and I let my face drop as I felt Layla's energy shift, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Can you shut the fuck up, Mia?" I spat, my built-up frustration towards her finally spilling over and she frowned as she looked at me in disbelief, "If anything you're the one being a fucking bitch right now."

"Are you serious?" she asked, her mouth hung open as she stared at me and Layla laced her fingers with mine. She squeezed my hand in an attempt to calm me down.

"Dead serious. I told you if you don't stop I'm not gonna be your friend and I'm getting real fucking close to following through with that," I deadpanned, not feeling an ounce of guilt as her face contorted into hurt, "You have no reason to be such a bitch to Layla so fucking stop."

"I can't believe you," she mumbled, her face turning sour as she spun around and began walking out of the parking lot.

"Matt, you didn't have to be so hard on her," Allie spoke softly and I raised my eyebrows as I looked at her.

"How else is she gonna know that I'm that I'm serious? She hasn't listened to me this far," I explained, anger laced through the words that came out through gritted teeth and Layla once again squeezed my hand. I sighed, placing my forehead on her shoulder to calm myself down.

"It's okay," Layla said softly as she ran her thumb across the back of my hand and I shook my head against her shoulder.

"No, it's not," I mumbled and she sighed, leaning her head on top of mine. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, the rest of the world fading away as I only focused on her.

The way she smelled, the way her hand felt in mine, the way her thumb gently caressed the back of my hand and the way her breathing began matching mine. I lost track of time when I was with her, the only time my brain truly shut off was when I was around her. I craved that moment of us alone again and I knew she could sense that.

"Matt," Nick called my name and I reluctantly lifted my head to look at him, "Mom said we need to go grocery shopping for dinner. We gotta leave soon."

"Oh for fucks sake," I grumbled and Layla giggled under her breath making me look at her with a frown, "What?"

"Nothing," she shrugged, a smile still on her lips as I continued to stare at her, "You're just funny when you're grumpy."

"Alright, Miserable Matt. Let's go," Chris rolled his eyes as he rounded the car to jump in the passenger side and I let my frown deepen at the nickname that had stuck anytime I was anything but happy.

"I don't wanna go," I grumbled quietly enough that only Layla could hear as Nick began climbing into the backseat and Layla slowly pulled away from me as I groaned. She spun around to face me as she gave me a gentle smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow, pretty boy," she leaned in, pressing a kiss to my lips before pulling away. She knew I'd get carried away if she let the kiss linger for too long, "Have fun, Miserable Matt."

"Fuck you," I rolled my eyes as she began walking away and I pushed away from the car to stand up.

"I know you want to!" she called cheekily making me snicker as I jumped into the car, mumbling a goodbye to Nate and Allie as they got into his car.

+++

I don't know how many times I'd checked my phone since I messaged Layla asking if we could Facetime. It had been 3 hours and she still hadn't read my message. I was checking my phone every 5 minutes to see if she had replied.

"Dude," Chris deadpanned and I looked over at him from where he sat on the couch, "What are you stressing about?"

"Nothing," I brushed him off and he rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he went back to scrolling aimlessly on his phone, not bothering to pry further. I picked up my phone again, the notifications still empty and I sighed loudly.

"If you don't put that fucking phone down Matt I'm gonna throw it in the pool," Nick deadpanned and I looked over at him with a frown, "She'll reply when she has a moment. Stop being a psycho."

"I'm not being a psycho," I rolled my eyes, locking my phone as I put it face down on the couch. I slouched further back onto the couch as I crossed my arms over my chest, my eyes drifting back to the TV where a random movie was playing.

"I didn't know you were so clingy," Chris joked as he continued scrolling on his phone and I ignored him as I chewed on the inside of my cheek. Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door and I frowned, looking between my brothers.

"We expecting anyone?" I questioned as I got up from the couch, knowing both of my parents were already in bed so it wouldn't be anyone here for them. Both Nick and Chris shook their heads and I hesitantly walked to the front door. I swung it open to find Layla standing there with trembling hands and shaky breaths leaving her mouth. Her hair was covering the majority of her face but when she looked up at me, my heart dropped.

"I didn't have anywhere else to go," she choked out as tears sprung to her eyes and I froze for a moment, my body not knowing how to handle the situation.

"Matt, who is it?" I heard Nick's voice appear behind me for a moment before he gasped, "Holy shit. Layls, are you okay?"

"What's going on?" Chris asked and I ignored him as I grabbed Layla's arm to pull her inside. I didn't even close the front door behind me as I pulled her into the kitchen.

"Here, sit on the bench," I told her as shoved the various papers away from the edge of the island before I held her waist to help her up onto the cold marble, "Chris, get the first aid kit."

Chris didn't respond, I only heard him run down the hall to get the first aid kit from the bathroom as Layla caught her breath in front of me. Nick walked over to the freezer, grabbing out an ice pack as I placed my hand on her thigh.

"Baby, are you hurt anywhere else?" I asked, my voice shaking as I took in the pure terror in her eyes and she nodded her head, "Can you tell me where?"

"My back," she croaked out and I sighed when Chris returned with the first aid kit, quickly unpacking it on the bench beside her.

"Can I take this off? I just wanna check the rest of your body," I asked her softly as I grabbed the hem of the pink sweater that had drops of blood splattered over it. She didn't respond verbally, only nodded her head as she unravelled her arms from around her stomach.

I gently pulled the crewneck up as she lifted her arms up for me to slide the material over her head. She was only wearing a thin tank top underneath so it made it easier for me to scan her body for any damage. My heart cracked in my chest when I noticed the myriad of bruises littering her body as she covered her face with her hands. I moved around her, noticing the giant bruise on the lower half of her back. I tried not to stare too long knowing it would make her feel insecure so I let out a breath as I grabbed her wrists to pull her hands away from her face as she sniffled.

"Let me help pretty girl," I whispered as she continued looking down between us in shame and she once again nodded. Chris and Nick just stared at me in worry, their entire demeanour towards her changing now that they realised she was in some sort of danger. I could tell they wanted to help but weren't sure how. I let my eyes scan her face, the cut on her right cheekbone continued bleeding as it dripped down her face slowly and the split on her lip had dried blood around it.

"I can clean the cuts if you want," Chris spoke up softly and Layla turned her head to look at him as she tried to keep herself calm, "I know how to do it properly."

"You okay with that?" I asked her as I grabbed her hand and she hesitated for a moment before she nodded. Chris quickly grabbed the gauze and disinfectant wipes as I moved to stand to her left, still holding onto her hand to bring her any sort of comfort that I could.

"This might sting a little," Chris mumbled as he tore open the packet of wipes before unfolding it. Layla moved her hair out of her face, holding it back with a shaking hand as Chris moved to stand between her legs. As he began wiping around the small gash, she hissed from the pain, "Sorry. I'll try to be quick."

"Matt," Nick said from behind Layla on the other side of the island making me look up at him. He tilted his head down towards her lower back and I leaned forward, noticing the bruise on her lower back seemed to get worse by the minute before he asked Layla quietly, "Layls, does it feel like anything is broken?"

She took a moment to let Chris pull away as her face screwed up in pain before she muttered, "No. Just my back really hurts."

"Can I put the ice pack on it?" Nick asked and she hummed as Chris picked up the tweezers.

"This is gonna hurt," Chris let her know and she hummed once again as Nick placed the ice pack against her back. Chris began picking out small shards of glass that were stuck on the edge of the cut as Layla squeezed my hand. She let out a groan and Chris pursed his lip as he tried to work quickly before he mumbled, "Almost done."

He put the tweezers down before grabbing another disinfectant wipe, ripping the packet open and quickly wiping the cut gently once again. He grabbed another gauze and placed it over the cut before he leaned back.

"Hold that there until the bleeding stops then I'll tape a clean one on after," he explained, his voice calm as she nodded. She replaced his hand with her own, "I'm gonna clean your lip but if you put an icepack on it after it will heal fine."

She hummed in response as he used the disinfectant wipe to clean the cut on her lip before he pulled away and stepped back. She gave him a small smile that didn't reach her eyes as she whispered, "Thank you."

"Of course," Chris shrugged as he grabbed the wipes and the rest of the trash on the bench beside her.

"Here," Nick said as he leaned over the island and handed me another small ice pack. I nodded thankfully before I placed the ice pack on her lip and she looked at me with heavy eyes. I gave her a small smile as I leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"You okay?" I asked quietly and she closed her eyes, shrugging as she shivered.

"Let us know if you guys need anything," Nick said as he rounded the island and Layla looked at them both with sad eyes.

"Sorry for just walking in like this," she said quietly, her voice filled with shame and Nick shook his head as Chris stood in the doorway to go down the hall.

"It's okay. Just glad to know you're okay," he said softly and she gave him a small smile. Both of them exited the room and I moved to stand between her legs, still holding the ice pack against her lip as I looked down at her.

She didn't say anything, she just grabbed my wrist to pull my hand away that was holding the ice pack and she placed her forehead on my chest with a sigh. I let my shoulders drop as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and pulled her into me.

We stood like that for a moment in silence as I let her breathe, looking down at her back where the bruise seemed to now be fully formed. I felt a weight on my chest, an anger flushing over me towards whoever did this to her. I knew being angry wouldn't help her right now but I couldn't push down the feeling as it rose throughout my body.

"I'm so tired," she mumbled, snapping me out of my own thoughts as she pulled away from me slightly and I looked down at her once again tear-filled eyes, "This is just so tiring."

"I'm sorry, pretty girl," I whispered as I placed another kiss on her forehead, a few tears spilling down her red cheeks as she tried to steady her breathing, "Do you want to go to my room? We can just lay down for a bit."

She let out a shaky breath before nodding and I pulled away from her. I helped her off of the counter and she grabbed the pink sweater as I grabbed the large ice pack that was against her back. I threw it in the freezer, grabbing a bag of frozen peas since it would cover the surface of her back more before I grabbed her hand and we made our way upstairs slowly, her legs shaky as she walked. As we made our way into my bedroom the only thing that ran through my mind was:

Whoever did this to her, they're going to wish they were dead once I find out.

tags:

@dsturniolo @chrisstankyleg @lov3bug @pinklittleflower @thatcrazybitch-69 @trinity2058 @alorsxsturn @chrizznmetswife @ilovechrissturniolo1 @leprechaunbirthdaygirl @sturnfix @lilsstvrn @sturniololol @sturniolowhore @jebbie-project-blog @jaxyy219

[mygaynesshasnolimits]

Some Key Dates/Locations [for everyone's convenience]

Aces play Mystics in DC tomorrow - I could see P wanting to go to this one.

Seattle: Storm a six game home stretch from July 1 to 14 so probably when Paige will show up. Azzi tends to go to Vancouver at the end of one month/beginning of next month I've noticed. She went late April/Early May and then again Early June. So I'm guessing she has monthly appointments.

LA: ESPYs are July 11th. The panel is July 12th. I imagine lots of NIL stuff during this time and training.

Montana visit the week after ESPYs or maybe after Phoenix: All Stars which is July 19-20th.

DMV visit: Azzi's Camp in DMV is July 27 and 28.

Atlanta hosts Overtime Select event that starts August 3-7. Paige mentioned Overtime Select during that Jada Live.

The unknown date is SC30 Select Camp - Steph has Olympics warm ups and the games that will keep him busy July 10 - August 10 (probably right after July 4 to get training in) so I don't know if/when that will happen but I don't see it happening in July and instead in August when he gets back. I imagine Azzi will have another trip to Vancouver before heading to Minnesota.

Minnesota State Fair: Aug 22 – Sep 2. I imagine camping at Azzi's grandparents cabin will be beforehand and then probably end with the Fair before transitioning back to UConn. I could also see them going to the August 15th Lynx vs Mystics game in Minnesota before heading north to the campground and then coming back for the fair before flying out.

UConn move in August 22-25. Fall Semester starts on August 26.

Full Schedule for the season is in September.

Media Day (Both UConn and Big East) and First Night is October.

the way I actually love u rn 🫶🏼

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

04/24/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys/TheCryptid Factor; Vico Ortiz; Nathan Foad; Kristian Nairn; Samba Schutte; Jes Tom; Kay Buchanan; Guz Khan; Uproar on Digital; MerMay; Watch Party Reminders; Fan Spotlight; Mini Love Notes; Daily Darby/Today's Taika

Hey lovelies! Sorry for the delay-- I know you say not to worry if there's a delay and I try not to but last night was particularly frustrating because I got most of the recap done, but then worked 14 hours in between that and fell asleep without actually hitting finishing up and hitting send! Anyway, bit late but here it is :)

​PS: Shoutout to the lovely @/MerakiRetreat for saving my butt the other day from a horrible auto correct error! You are a rockstar! Thank you so much!

== Rhys Darby / Cryptid Factor ==

There's a Cryptid Factor Tiktok now! He's out covering the Flamethrowing robot dog! If you have Tiktok, feel free to visit the link below, if you don't, I'm attaching the video here as well, but please, if you have tiktok, definitely go there to watch and interract so Rhys and TCF folks can feel the love :) The Cryptid Factor Tiktok

== Vico Ortiz ==

Vico being 🔥 Fucking 🔥 just like their short!

Vico Ortiz IG

== Nathan Foad ==

Nathan continuing to shine in Love's Labour's Lost. You're not gonna stop hearing from me about this for a while because I find him all to adorable in this.

Img Src: @Jodie_davie_creates IG

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian is going to be at the Captured Festival in Malta on Sept 5th - 8th. For more info visit capturedfestival.com!

Img Src: Kristian Nairn's IG

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba's appearing in You Made It Weird! With Pete Holmes!

== Jes Tom ==

Our dear Jes Tom out and about after surgery recovery!

Img Src: Jes Tom's IG

== Kay Buchanan ==

More Leatherworking BTS by our dear Kay Buchanan!

Img Srcs: Kay Buchanan's IG

== Guz Khan ==

Our friend Guz Khan is out with the fam!

Img Src: Guz Khan's IG

== Uproar on Digital! ==

You can now access Uproar on Youtube Movies in the United States! If you're not in the US or NZ you can still buy/access them via a vpn!

== MerMay ==

Save OFMD Crew is posting some prompts for the upcoming #MerMay! Check them out below and please feel free to share your creations with @saveofmdcrewmates on their various socials!

== Watch Parties ==

It was brought to my attention I kept posting a picture that was set back in 2014! Agh! Good news, we're back to the present. Today, Thu April 25th we'll be showing Short Poppies Episode 4 & 5 on the Rhys Darby Factor Discord, if you need a link, hit me up! Otherwise you can watch short poppies on Amazon Prime! Times: 3:30 pm PT / 6:30 pm ET / 11:30 pm BST

== Fan Spotlight ==

Our friend @melvisik is still at it with another member of the Red Flag crew-- Teresa Lee!

== Love Notes ==

Hey Lovelies! I'm sorry I didn't get to get as far as I wanted with last night's love notes, so I'll save them for tomorrow. I'll share some other folks love notes instead:

Img Src: @/genleeart on Instagram

Img Src: @/YourBeautifulLife on Instagram

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

Sorry for the cheat today all, but I just, really needed to see this gif of Stede and Ed and their wonderful hands. Gif courtesy of my darling Jodi @saltpepperbeard

[strid3rofthen0rth]

I've been going at max RPMs for about a week and a half. Redlining, 14-16 hours a day, between work and wood shop. It just happens like that sometimes. Work is going full bore, wood shop orders piling up. Put your head down and fucking dig.

And honestly, I've been feeling a bit raggedy. Worn down, which starts to make my liar brain tell me all the bad things, mostly from lack of sleep and stress. What I believe mental health professionals call "the big sads."

But relief is on the horizon. I'm headed to the bestie's tomorrow. With said cornhole sets in the truck to deliver to clients. Then we'll go to a high school football game to watch his son, a top prospect in the state, demolish the opposition. With his whole fam damnily, of which I am an honored member.

Saturday, we drive into Madison before the sun to get a good tailgating spot with all the boys for Alabama at Wisconsin.

The Badgers will lose badly, but the tailgating will be fantastic. I've been smoking and grilling meats all week to construct the greatest sandwich and taco bar ever witnessed on this plane of existence.

Couple hours to go in the shop yet tonight. Almost there.

[hesbuckcompton-baby]

I'm Your Man - Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal x OFC - Chapter 18

Masterlist | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17

AO3

Summary: As the war comes to a close, the future is brought into focus.

Word Count: 3.6k

Tags: @mads-weasley @xxluckystrike @curaheehee @footprintsinthesxnd @dcyllom @storysimp @latibvles @love-studying58 @justheretoreadthxxs @blakelysco-pilot

Dear Mrs Higgins

Thank you so much for the tea set - Robert and I think it's lovely...

Frankie lifted an envelope to her mouth, running her tongue along the glue as she finished writing the latest in a long line of thank-you letters still in order from the wedding. The formal niceties felt foreign to her, even to write, and a pile of crumpled paper covered the floor by her bed where she had tossed away a litany of spelling mistakes. Rosie had offered his assistance many times, but with all the supply drops he'd been running, she had no desire to burden him with anything else.

Just as she finished signing the most recent letter, the door to the hut slammed open, making her jump and accidentally smudge the ink. "Oh, for fuck's sake, do you have to barge in here like the building's on bloody fire?"

"Frankie, turn the radio on," George huffed, striding towards her.

"Yeah, in a minute - I've got to rewrite this one now, so-"

"Now," She pressed, getting down on her knees to rummage beneath Frankie's bed. "Where is it?!"

"Over there on the window ledge," Frankie frowned, watching as George zipped across the room. "What's going on?"

"Churchill's making an announcement."

"Oh, shit-" She muttered, letter writing immediately forgotten as they fumbled to set up the radio, perched side by side on the edge of the bed as they listened closely. They had made it just in time, and as the familiar, slurring voice came echoing over the waves, a sense of importance seemed to settle over the room - one so potent that Frankie's whole body seemed clenched, her heart struggling to beat out its rhythm in time.

"Yesterday morning at 2.41am at General Eisenhower's headquarters, General Jodl, the representative of the German high command and of Grand Admiral Donitz, the designated head of the German state, signed the act of unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces in Europe to the Allied expeditionary force, and simultaneously to the Soviet high command."

She felt George grab her hand. The words didn't quite seem real - how could they? Surely, they had been coming for a long time, and yet their arrival seemed so sudden, that it was as if Frankie were recalling a dream - peering through a veil into a fiction constructed by her subconscious, frozen in place as if any sudden movement might break the illusion.

She pressed her heels harder into the floor beneath her feet. It was solid. Real.

"Our dear Channel Islands will be free tomorrow. Hostilities will end officially ​at one minute after midnight tonight, Tuesday, the 8th of May, but in the interests of saving lives the ceasefire began yesterday to be sounded all along the fronts."

A bark of laughter escaped her, hand rising to clap over her mouth, suddenly embarrassed by the outburst despite being in the privacy of the hut, in the company of no one but her best friend. Beside her, George had begun to chuckle giddily, unable to wipe the grin from her cheeks.

"The German war is therefore at an end. After years of intense preparation Germany hurled herself on Poland at the beginning of September, 1939, and in pursuance of our guarantee to Poland and in common action with the French Republic, Great Britain, the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations declared war against this foul aggression."

Blood rushed to her ears, the pounding in Frankie's chest so fierce that she almost struggled to hear the broadcast. Her lungs felt full to burst, pressing against her ribs so hard they could snap. Neither woman felt any need to listen further before collapsing into each other's arms, squeezing so forcefully that it hurt. But they didn't care.

There was no one else Frankie wanted to spend this moment with. Not Bucky, not Ken - not even her husband. There was no one she'd spent more of this war alongside than George - no one who had seen her at so many of her worst moments, no one who had brought her through them quite like she had.

This was the first instant they'd ever spent as friends during peacetime. And now they had to decide what that meant.

"I'm coming with you," George's voice came hoarse over her shoulder. "If you're going to New York, then so am I."

"What about Ev?" Frankie chuckled.

She felt her shrug. "He'll come if I tell him to."

Grinning, she held her even tighter. Weren't they all just following Rosie in the end?

"I need to find him," Frankie uttered.

George nodded. "Me too. Different him. Same sentiment."

They didn't let go for a long moment, breathing in synch. Maybe the war had brought them together, but peace was never going to tear them apart.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

An almighty swarm of airmen had gathered outside one of the huts by the time Frankie arrived, having jogged all the way from her own, and the moment she locked eyes on Rosie she was running. Even in the thick of the crowd, his gaze found her without even having to call out, shouldering his way through, beaming so widely that the cool air stung against his teeth. She let out something between a shriek and a whoop, hurling herself into his arms the moment they collided, feet swept off the ground as he spun her once, then twice in the air.

Neither needed to say the words 'it's over' - they knew the other knew, that was good enough. Besides, those words held far too much weight to deal with right now. Those words meant their time here was over - that the future was now.

As Frankie touched the ground again, Rosie's hands cupped her cheeks, littering her face with kisses as she guffawed with laughter. A few of the airmen nearby had taken to whooping and whistling at the sight, and she felt the blood rush to her face, tinting her cheeks a bright red. "Alright, alright," She chuckled, gently batting away his hands as she leaned forward to press a quick peck to his lips.

"Sorry fellas," Rosie called over his shoulder, gaze never leaving his wife for even a moment as he seized her hand, abandoning the makeshift celebration without hesitation.

"We didn't have to go," Frankie pointed out as they walked away, bumping against his side as her free hand wrapped around his arm.

"Well, I wanna celebrate with my wife."

"Oh-ho, say that again," She tittered.

"My wife," He grinned, pressing a firm kiss to her temple. "And when we get outta here I'm gonna buy you a house - hell, I'll buy you anything you want."

"Well, yeah, I'd hope so - we both know I married you for the money," Frankie teased as he ruffled her hair beneath his palm in silent reprisal. They were quiet for a moment until she spoke up again, serious this time. "Dad and the kids don't need me anymore. But... I really loved looking after those kids."

She could feel his stare, fixed on her as they walked. "You been thinking about what you said at the wedding?"

"About a baby? ...Yeah, kinda."

Nerves coloured his voice as he spoke again. "...And?"

Frankie shrugged. "Why not? Yeah."

It hadn't seemed possible that he could grin even wider, and yet somehow he managed it. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," She assured him, pulling him into her embrace as his eyes began to well up with tears. Chin tucked over his shoulder, she let herself begin to grin too. "Yeah, honey."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

George's hair blew this way and that as she walked, palms in an endless battle against the wind to smooth it back down again as she muttered to herself, scanning every group she passed for the face she was searching for. Come on Ev, where are you? Many of the men she worked alongside called out to her as she passed, but she was so focused on the task at hand that she offered nothing but the occasional wave, too distracted to properly reply.

"George!" A familiar voice called, an involuntary smile already creeping across her expression in anticipation before she had even pinned down where it was coming from. But then Blakely was hurrying towards her, engulfing her in an embrace so sudden that it was all she could do not to audibly groan. "Ah, I was lookin' for you."

"Hey!" George chirped, holding him tightly. "I was looking for you! I've got something to ask you."

He seemed to grow slightly tense at this. "Yeah, so do I."

Holding onto her cheery demeanour despite the shift in his, she pulled away. "Okay, you first."

Letting out a nervous chuckle, Everett shook his head. "No, no - after you."

"Okay... Look, it's just..." George took a deep breath, hands clasped tightly. "Frankie and Rosie are gonna go to New York together now that this whole thing is done, and I... I wanna go with her, Ev. She's my best friend."

A wave of relief seemed to wash over him as he began to smile. "You wanna go to New York?"

She shrugged. "Yeah."

Blakely began to laugh. "Babe, we can go to New York."

A grin started to crease at George's cheeks. "Really?"

"Yeah, of course," He beamed.

"Okay. Okay, yeah - now you go," She nodded, passing her weight impatiently from foot to foot.

Suddenly he was nervous again, glancing around at the huts and men around them as if self-conscious. "Alright..."

Her brow furrowed. "... You ok?"

"Yeah, yeah, just... didn't really plan on doing this here."

George's frown deepened, and Everett couldn't help but wonder how she hadn't caught on yet. "D'you wanna... go over there?"

"George," He laughed in exasperation, digging deep into his pocket as he shook his head. The faintest yelp of surprise escaped her as the diamond ring caught its first glint of sunlight, carefully unwrapped from the handkerchief that had protected it on the long journey from his mother's house.

"Oh, I'm a bloody idiot," She whispered. Raising both hands to cover her mouth, she let out a giddy laugh, beaming before he could even ask the question.

Blakely had begun to grin, pointing down at the ring in his palm as he waited for her to stand still. "Can I-?"

"Yes! Yes." George nodded firmly, planting both feet in the gravel below as she waited for him to ask the question.

"George Aarons," He started, suppressing a chuckle as he noticed the way she had begun to fidget impatiently. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" She cried, her answer tumbling forth so quickly that she almost cut him off completely, throwing herself into his arms as an elated laugh erupted from her throat. Arms wrapped securely around her back, he swept her off her feet for a moment before pulling away to plant a hard kiss against her lips, palms lifted to cup her jaw.

"I love you," George breathed as their lips separated, faces barely an inch apart.

Everett smiled, pressing his forehead against hers. "I love you too."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Frankie practically screamed when she first caught sight of George, entering the party as it raged in the officers' club, new engagement ring sparkling on her finger. "Holy shit!" She yelped, practically hurling herself at her best friend as she hugged her. Chin tucked tightly in the crook of George's neck, she scanned the crowd for signs of Blakely, pointing a finger as he stopped in his tracks. "You!"

"Me?"

"Thank you for marrying the love of my life," Frankie nodded sagely, gesturing for him to come close so that she could pat him on the shoulder without leaving George.

His brow furrowed slightly. "... So Rosie would be-?"

"My husband. Duh."

"Of course."

Rosie had recognised her yelp from across the bar, burrowing his way through the crowds in search of Frankie. "Ah. Hey! Congratulations!" He grinned as he spied George's ring, giving Blakely an affectionate clap over the shoulder as they shook hands. "Mind if I steal my wife for this next dance?"

"Steal away," Frankie nodded, planting a forceful kiss on George's forehead as she retracted the hug, leaving a lipstick stain in her wake. As the couple weaved their way back through the crowd, Blakely let out a snort of laughter, wiping the stain away with the heel of his palm.

"Is she-?"

"Oh, really quite drunk, yeah," George affirmed.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"I never got good at this, huh?" Frankie laughed, uttering a swift apology as she stepped on Rosie's toe. Again.

"Well, I don't think being good is really the point," He shrugged.

"In other words, you agree - I'm horrible at this."

"I didn't say that!"

Frankie gasped. "You're 'yes-dear'-ing me!"

Rosie's brow furrowed, somewhere between confused and entertained. "I don't even know what that means."

"It's when you just go along with whatever I say because I'm your wife and you don't want to have to tell me I'm an insane person to my face."

"Well, I like my crazy wife," He smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek as she hummed a chuckle. They continued to step side to side as the music continued its brisk pace, Frankie's expression twisting with embarrassment as she felt his toe beneath her foot once more, the sight of this making Rosie laugh. "We don't have to keep doing this," He offered between chortles.

"No, I'm gonna do it until I get it right, otherwise I'll get shown up every time we go out," She frowned.

"Then you've gotta do it properly," Rosie said, looking down at the floor as he nudged her feet apart with his own. "Feet like that - you step with this one, then bring them together..."

As he continued to explain, Frankie began to realise that she hadn't been listening to a word, too distracted by... well, him. It was still somewhat embarrassing to admit, but if she stared at him for too long everything else seemed to simply ebb away, his voice fading into background chitter as her gaze traced every subtle movement in his expression, her lip rising in a calm, gentle smile.

For so long, this place had gotten used to firing on all cylinders - always working, always preparing for the next thing - never hesitating, never still. But now? Now there was nothing ahead of her - no planes to prep, no mission to agonise over. She was Just Frankie and he was Just Rosie, and everything else was simply cast aside. It was rare she ever got a moment to simply stop and stare - to take in the man before her and simply bathe in the feeling of how wholly and utterly she adored him.

"No, you've- ...Honey, you've stopped moving."

His voice came into focus once more, and Frankie blinked away her stupor, shaking her head slightly. "... Right."

"You okay?" He asked, brow creasing as he tilted his head slightly, a loose curl tumbling free.

"Mhm," She nodded, reaching up without a second thought to brush it away, her warm fingertips still managing to leave a flush in their wake as they grazed against his skin. "Tired. Little too much whiskey. I'm still working my way through the thank-you letters from the wedding."

"Well, I'll help," Rosie shrugged.

"No, no, you're-" Busy with your missions. The words had nearly slipped out without a second thought. And as a grin began to make its way across his face, she knew he'd predicted them.

"No. I'm not."

"No you're not," Frankie repeated, beginning to mirror his smile. "God, we're about to have way too much free time."

"Well, I can think of a couple things to do," He smirked, making her snort with laughter.

"Shush. We'll do that later. I gotta find Bucky," She beamed, giving his arm a tug as she pulled out of his grip, squeezing his hand as she turned away.

Rosie's brow furrowed. "I thought we were dancing?"

"Later!"

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Flares illuminated the night sky as Bucky sat back in his seat, watching on idly from his perch up on the command tower. Back when this had all started, he would've been inside with the others without a moment's hesitation, drinking and singing and making merry like all the rest. But these last two years had changed him, and that tug in his chest that had once compelled him on nights like this had gone limp.

At least one thing had always stayed the same.

"You fellas need some more booze up there?"

His lip curled in an involuntary smile, craning forward in his seat to peer over the railing. Standing in the grass below, profile brightened in the flickering light of the flares, Frankie stared up at him, a bottle in each hand.

"Get up here, Bevan!" Gale called beside him, letting out that deep, hearty laugh of his. She flashed a grin, the thunder of footsteps rising towards them as she dashed up the stairs, occasionally stumbling from an overindulgence of alcohol.

"Figured you'd be all over your husband tonight, all things considered," Bucky teased, edging over to the edge of his seat so that she could perch beside him.

"He gets me every other day. You and me gotta catch up on lost time."

He smiled, slinging an arm around her shoulders as she popped the cork on the champagne she had stolen, letting out a yelp as bubbles flowed over the brim, covering her hands.

"Before we make any more of a mess, I'm gonna see if I can't find us some glasses," Gale chuckled, stepping around the small puddle of champagne that was forming as he made his way to the door. "You can have my seat, Frank."

"Thanks," She uttered, squeezing Bucky's hand with hers and leaving a sticky palm print behind as she slid off the edge of his chair, sinking into the other.

Left alone, the pair sank into quiet for a long moment, listening peacefully to the cheers and music that hummed steadily from further down the runway.

"How's it feel?" He asked after a while.

Frankie let out a huff of amusement. "Completely, utterly bizarre. I mean... everything in my life changed because of this war, and now it's just... over."

"Which is a good thing. Right?"

"Oh, of course, yunno... I lost family to this thing. Almost all the boys I grew up with are dead now. But then, almost all the best people in my life, I only met because of this war. Hell, I'm married now - I can't just go back to how it was before."

Bucky let out a long sigh, nodding along as she spoke. He stared at the floor for a while, before finally speaking up.

"Y'know... It's gonna sound stupid, but for a little while back then, at the beginning, I kinda thought you and me..."

"Yeah, I know," She nodded, a beat passing before she reached across to grab his hand, holding it in her lap.

They were silent for a moment, letting the weight of Bucky's confession rest between them.

"Your hands are really sticky."

"They are covered in champagne," Frankie snorted, letting out a cackle as Bucky wrestled his hand from her grip, wiping it clean against her skirt. "Oh, you bastard."

"That's what you get."

As their laughter trailed to a stop, she found herself sobering, taking a deep breath.

"Promise me you're not gonna be alone after this. Promise you'll call and visit and find a nice girl to marry, and you won't let yourself go home to an empty house forever."

A flicker of something like adoration crossed his expression.

"Promise."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Gravel crunched beneath Frankie's feet as she finally returned to her hut, the energy that had carried her through the night steadily dwindling. Scrunching her eyes shut as she yawned, a frown began to crease her cheek as her vision readjusted, noticing the door to the hut as it gaped open, exposing the interior to the darkness.

Creeping up towards the entrance, brow furrowed, she tapped her knuckles gently against the doorframe, peering inside. There was only one light in the whole place, and in the warm glow, she could make out a familiar silhouette.

"... Honey?"

Rosie looked up from his spot on the edge of her bed, pen clasped between his fingers as he began to smile at her. "Hey, baby."

She let out a bemused chuckle, stepping inside. "... What're you doing?"

Shrugging, he raised one of the thank-you letters she'd been working on. "You said you needed help with 'em."

Frankie sighed, beaming as she came to stand in front of him. "I didn't mean right now. You should be at the party."

"Party got boring."

"It didn't sound boring."

"You weren't there."

The admission was so earnest that she swore something inside her melted, lifting both hands to loop around the back of his neck. Casting the cards aside, he stared up at her, arms draped around her waist.

"Now I am."

She pressed a long kiss to his scalp, cradling his head in her palms. Rosie let out a satisfied sigh, his thumb rubbing circles against her hip.

"Let's get outta here," He said.

Frankie's brow arched in amusement. "And go where?"

There was a glint in his eye. "Get us a room at the pub?"

"It'll be full by now."

"Well... I did call ahead."

She gasped teasingly. "Oh, you're good."

Rising to stand, he tugged one of her hands away from his neck, pressing a kiss to the back of her palm. He had that look in his eyes, the kind that made her cackle and go terribly red all at once.

"You have no idea."

[transformation4life]

Thinking Straight

"Hey Faggot, bet you want these guns?" The gymbro flexed to Parker.

Parker was your average gay twink trying to get some muscle at the gym much to the dismay of the straight homophobic gymbros. Even with that in mind he still came back every single time. Even with their comments he couldn't help but keep drooling at their bodies especially with their asian heritage.

"Yes I do. Now keep belittling me please," Parker didn't hesitate to keep staring.

The gymbro snarled and grabbed Parker by the neck.

"You. Faggot. Shut up! You will be like us soon enough and understand how much faggots like you deserve to suffer." The gymbro let go of Parker as the words left Parker with a terrible feeling in his stomach.

The collective bunch of gymbros all laughed and pointed at Parker soon after and Parker's hard on quickly faded and the poor skinny guy was filled with embarrassment and left the gym to go back home. Usually Parker would be filled with lust after the gymbros insulted him, but after getting grabbed he felt... different. Either way Parker needed to be alone for a while.

Parker arrived at his apartment and opened the door and was quick to collapse onto his couch.

" *Groan* That was so weirdddddddddd. What did that guy even meannnnnn? I'm as gay as can be!" Parker didn't want to think about what happened anymore so he resorted to his usual at-home activity of watching videos of male bodybuilders to get a hard-on.

So Parker pulled out his phone and was quick to search stuff like "Bodybuilder Flexing" and "Bodybuilder Posing" and "Pec bounce" hoping it would give him the desired tent in his pants. Much to Parker's dismay though, that tent never appeared even when it usually should have. Parker felt like something was off. The words the gymbro said to him ringed in his head again.

"AUGHHHH This is infuriating!!! Y'know what I'll just go to bed now. It's getting late anyway," Parker closed the YouTube app and made his way to his bed.

An urge quickly took over Parker as he out of characteristically decide to sleep nude.

"I-It's a bit hot in here this is perfectly fine..." Parker told himself.

Parker closed his eyes thinking of strong, large, and muscular men hoping he could maybe stroke his cock before bed but he still felt nothing. Infact he felt more challenged that he wasn't like them.

"I'll show them tomorrow. No more horny," He mumbled before drifting off to sleep as his life would soon change drastically.

As the night continued Parker kept rolling around in bed as he kept twisting and turning his sleeping position as he tried to think of large men in order to calm himself down but it still wasn't working.

"You will be like us soon enough," The words suddenly entered the thoughts of Parker making him sweat. Almost sweat too much.

Parker's face began to morph as his eyes became thinner and his lips a bit plumper and more changes to give his face a more asian look. Although his eyes were closed Parker's vision started to worsen while suddenly a pair of glasses appeared on his nightstand. Parker's pale white skin was slowly becoming much more tanner and much like he's been out in the sun for a lot longer than he actually has. Memories of being a Thailand immigrant quickly surfaced into Parker's brain as they replaced the ones of being born in the United States. Still as gay as ever, Chet Wong still wanted to get big and stare at men all the while.

"เชี่ย…" (Fuck...) Chet moaned in perfect Thai as he was about to get a hard-on thinking of the same asian gymbros before something stopped it.

The next most important change become evident as Chet began to pack on TONS of muscle. As the muscles packed on so did the memories of Chet going to the gym at young age of 14. It wasn't before long that Chet had two massive suckable tits, washboard abds, pythons for biceps and thick juicy thighs not to mention the bubble butt of all time along with other ultra masculine features.

And now... the star of the show couldn't wait much longer as Chet's currently small dick erected and grew into a thick girthy 10 inch monster just waiting to fuck.... something. Boys! Girls? Chet was a bit fuzzy on his sexuality as he continued to moan as he remembered his long rod and hanging out with... those asian gymbros?! Wait... that's right those were Chet's friends. Have been for a while now. But why would those homophobic shitstains want to hang out with-

-and understand how much faggots like you deserve to suffer." Chet grabbed his rod thinking of how hot his gymbros were and how lucky a gay bodybuilder like him was lucky to be around them until his stopped in his tracks and his dick softened.

"Why am I thinking like a Fag? I'm no Fag!" Chet's homosexuality quickly became 100% heterosexuality.

Thoughts of men pecs and hairy bodies were quickly replaced with the thoughts of busty women and their curvy bodies that Chet needed to seed with his 10-incher. Chet adopted every single toxic masculinity trait in the book as he thought about all the women he fucked and all the fags that he turned down. Chet's rod quickly rose to it's full girth as he began to masturbate until releasing a sea of cum onto his bed.

"ที่รู้สึกดี….." (That felt good...) All of Chet's worries were gone as he finally drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Morning arrived as a flurry of notifications brought Chet awake. Chet groaned a bit as his morning wood was evident due to his thoughts of women last night. Chet grabbed his glasses from his nightstand and went for his phone.

"Wonder what Fag texted me last night. Let's see..."

Much to Chet's betterment it was one of his gymbro friends also from Thailand.

GB: เฮ้ Faggot พร้อมที่จะทำซ้ำแล้วหรือยัง? (Hey Faggot, ready to do reps?)

BigDick: ฮ่าๆ! แน่นอน ขอแค่ให้ฉันเตรียมไม้เรียวให้สาวๆ แล้วฉันจะไปที่นั่น (Haha! Of course just let me get my rod ready for the ladies and I'll be there.)

Chet put his phone down and got out of his bed to give a good look of himself on his closet mirror. He was feeling cocky and ready to seed.

After a self-obsessed ten minutes Chet put some clothes on, but making sure his prized schlong was big and out there. Chet then grabbed his gym bag and set out for where his bros were at.

"ไอ้เหี้ย! นั่นแหละ!" (Faggot! There you are!) One of the gymbros shouted as Chet approached

"ฮาฮาฮามาก. ฉันไม่ใช่ตุ๊ด แม้กระทั่งยกออกเมื่อคืนนี้กับผู้หญิงบางคน" (Haha very funny. I am no faggot. Even jacked off last night to some ladies.) Chet smirked.

"และนั่นคือเชตที่เรารู้จัก!" (And that's the Chet we know!) The gymbros all cheered.

"มาปั๊มกันเถอะ!" (Let's get our pump on!) Chet cheered back.

The thai gymbros worked out for hours as they built their muscles to show off to the ladies. A couple ladies at the gym even noticed the group making some comments about them. This caught the attention of Chet as he was ready to get some pussy tonight. While the other gymbros were distracted with their workouts Chet stripped of all of his clothes except for his underwear poorly keeping his rod in check.

"Hey ladies. Like what you see?" Chet did a little flex.

The girls giggled and nodded. Chet was ecstatic and made his move.

"So how about you feel this 10 incher in ya later tonight at my place?" The girls giggled again but politely decline much to Chet's rage.

"What?!?!?! You bitches don't know what you're missing on!!!" Chet walked away to his bros absolutely fuming.

"What's wrong bro?" One of the gym bros asked.

"Ladies didn't want my seed it was not fun!!!" Chet replied solemnly.

The bros showed deep concern for Chet and began to hype him up.

"You got big ass Chet! Those bimbos know nothing!!" One of the gymbros said prompting Chet to look at his ass in the nearby mirror.

"You are right!"

Almost as if right on cue another set of ladies walked by and Chet's libido was higher than ever. Chet adjusted his loose underwear ready for a seeding opportunity.

Surprisingly one of the ladies actually agreed to a date later tonight and the whole gymbro group cheered.

"นั่นคือเชตของเรา!" (That's our Chet!) Any sign of Parker was long gone as Chet pulled down his pants thinking of all the ladies he was going to fuck.

Chet's prize swayed back and forth as Chet began to smile as he moved his legs in excitement.

"ฉันรักการเป็นผู้ชาย!" (I love being a man!)

[kvetchlandia]

So...

The racist, nationalist, Islamophobic and antisemitic National Front (or whatever stupid, slightly less terrifying name they're giving themselves this month) is set to be the largest single party in the French parliament after next week's final round of elections. Italy is already governed by a party that's the direct descendant of Mussolini's Fascists. The neo-fascist Alternative for Germany was the second largest block in the recent German elections to the European Parliament and is expected to grow significantly in next year's elections to the Bundestag. Geert Wilders's reactionary party in the Netherlands took nearly 50% of the Dutch seats in the European Parliament (6 of 14). In the 2023 national elections in the Netherlands, Wilders' party took a whopping 37 seats in the Dutch House of Representatives, making it the largest single party in the Dutch legislature. Fortunately for the Dutch, they don't have another national election scheduled until 2028, but one could be held earlier should the government fall. It's hard for me to grasp that these countries, each of which was either conquered and occupied by the nazis and betrayed by collaborators, or was directly governed by nazis and fascists, is now electing precisely those same nazis and collaborators. Of course, we here in the United States, are facing the bizarre choice in the two "official" parties of American capitalism, of one candidate who's clearly cognitively impaired and another who is a dictator wannabe; a man already convicted of numerous felony charges and facing many, many more; a racist and misogynist; a man millions of dollars in debt on account of the fines levied against him after he was found liable for the civil sexual abuse of a woman and then libeling his victim and a man who has made it clear that if/when he's re-elected he's going to go after his political opponents and that he's also going to dismantle what little bit of social safety net we have in the United States. It looks as though Mushroom Dick, as Stormy Daniels referred to this monster, with whom she shared a brief and forgettable sexual encounter, is going to win the election in this country. This world is rapidly becoming an even sicker and sadder place than it's long been. I guess we should take a teensy bit of hope that Britain is bucking the trend and that Labour is expected to trounce the Tories in the upcoming election. Of course, this doesn't reflect that Britain is immune to the tide of the racist fear of immigrants that's sweeping over the rest of Europe and the United States but rather, it reflects the fact that the tide hit Britain first and that the British people have been suffering under the effects of Brexit for several years already, and that the long-term rule by the Tories has devastated the British working class and sucked much of the life out of the National Health System, which used to be a model for the world until the Tories slashed its budget to the bone. I guess all I can say is we're really screwed. The world is entering an ugly time and things are going to get worse before they get better.

OK, now I've totally depressed myself. I'm gonna pour myself a stiff drink and then stick a pillow over my head and try to go to sleep. I'm not in the mood to engage in my usual late night Tumblr silliness. Maybe I'll get back to posting tomorrow?

[aetherdoesthings]

hi, I was wondering if you could do a romantic x reader oneshot on Roronoa Zoro for Valentine's Day!

hi! sorry this took a while, but made it in time for valentine day before it ends!

forethoughts: remember that aforementioned crush i had? yeah really felt lonely while writing this bc ain't no way she's into girls 😭. anyways enjoy :,). also no i still haven't talked to her yet i still get anxiety when i open the chat because 🤷. sorry if the pacing is fucked i was in a rush trying to get this out before valentine's day ends (i'm still at my grandpa's house) so yeah.

notes: fem!reader, valentines day

February 14 was rolling around the corner and time was ticking. You had spent the 13th worrying about what to do on the next day with your boyfriend, thinking about what to do on your first Valentine’s day after confessing to each other at the beginning of the year. Sure, it had been only a month of getting to know each other better and being comfortable around each other, but to the two of you (or to you at least) it felt like years. 

With the sun already halfway through its shift, you started to panic even more, as a ‘perfect Valentine’s day’ itinerary still has not been formed. Seeing you in such a manic state, Nami and Robin had whisked you away, quite literally carrying you by the limbs off the ship and into town to grab something to eat. You insisted that you did not need to eat anything and you needed to think and prepare, but with Nami’s glare and Robin’s arms threatening to incapacitate you, you reluctantly sat on the wooden chair across the two women as food was served to your table. You picked up your fork, taking a bite as you swallowed. Immediately, you were reminded of how depraved of food you were, and engulfed the entire plate within minutes. 

“Has planning your day tomorrow really stressed you out, dear Y/N?” Robin remarked, giving you a napkin to wipe the corners of your mouth.

Your cheeks flushed red as you took the napkin, wiping your mouth before nodding your head. “I just want to have the perfect day with Zoro… he means the world to me, and I just want to have a good Valentine’s day with him…”

The moment you had confessed to Zoro, you had basically confessed to the whole crew since Zoro loved to brag about you being his girlfriend in front of Sanji. Naturally, everyone was supportive of it (Sanji as well after a few weeks) and it was common knowledge you and Zoro were dating.

Nami chuckled. “Still, it feels like you shouldn’t be putting in that much work into one day just by yourself. Do you know if Zoro is planning anything to do tomorrow?”

Your mouth was open, but no words came out. You sighed, shaking your head. “He’s been silent for the past few days. I tried bringing up Valentine’s day to him, and he just said ‘what’s that?’”

“So you’re putting this much thought and stress into planning out the perfect day with him but he’s not putting any effort into tomorrow?” Robin said.

The claim Robin made was like a bitter pill you had to swallow. It was true; while you spent your day stressing about Valentine’s day, Zoro was probably asleep or drinking or training in the gym like it was another Tuesday. 

“Come on, don’t sulk.” Nami flicked your head, prompting you to get out of your trance as you looked at the two women with a defeated look.

“Perhaps Zoro is planning on surprising you tomorrow.” Robin spoke out.

“Zoro can’t surprise me. I mean, he can, he’s just… not good at giving gifts. I love him, but sometimes I don’t want a bottle of sake for my birthday.”

“Didn’t the two of you finish that bottle in one night?”

“No we didn’t!” You shook your head adamantly. “Still, even if he’s going to surprise me… I just hope he doesn’t get me a dead boar again.”

“Hey, it’s the thought that counts, alright? At least he’s planning on surprising you.” Nami smiled. “It’s better than him just forgetting about you completely.”

“Why not just spend the rest of the day relaxing? You’ve spent the whole morning trying to plan for tomorrow. Just take a break; I’m sure tomorrow will be a great day regardless.” Robin suggested.

“We could go shopping together! I saw some really good shops near this cafe!”

You chuckled at Nami’s words. “Alright, alright. Sure.”

So you went shopping with the women of the Straw Hats, until the sun finally retired. The entire time you were still worried about tomorrow, but with Nami and Robin’s constant and unwavering encouragement and determination to make you not worry, you soon forgot about tomorrow and spent the rest of today shopping for clothes, watching Nami argue with a clerk for the price of a dress, and going inside libraries with Robin to check out books for Chopper and herself.

Since you had spent yesterday relaxing, you had nothing planned whatsoever for today. You had gotten into bed with Zoro, asking him one last time if he had anything planned for today. He simply grunted ‘go to sleep’. So you did.

The moment you woke up, you immediately noticed the Zoro-shaped hole in the mattress, your hand placed on the hot surface. Zoro must’ve gotten up a few minutes before you. You let out a sigh, forcing yourself to sit up as you rubbed your eyes. Zoro always woke up before you; he liked to train in the morning and get his morning workout done before the crew woke up. 

So today is a normal day after all… You thought to yourself. Even though you were disappointed that there wasn’t going to be any grand plan or event that was going to happen with you and Zoro, you were still determined to spend the rest of your time today with him. 

To your dismay, you had spent your entire day in fact trying to find Zoro on board the ship that was nowhere near land, since Franky had raised the anchor last night. Frustrated and tired, you had locked yourself in your shared room with Zoro, looking at old pictures of the two of you together, not a shred of love or romance beating in your heart.

You didn’t know how long you were moping for when the door to your room suddenly burst open. The green haired swordsman was standing there, wearing a shirt you had never seen before. His swords weren’t strapped to his side, his bandanna still tied to his shoulder. He ripped the blanket off your body, grabbing your hand. “Come on.”

It was already dark out, your legs wobbly and shaky from not moving the entire day. A mix of emotions surged to your head, your mind deciding what you should feel. As that was all happening, Zoro had swung you over his shoulder, as he ascended to the crow’s nest, plopping your body next to his. 

“What-” You were sitting on a bunch of cushions and pillows, while Zoro took a blanket for himself. There were treats and food littered around your makeshift seat, all foods that were your favorite. Candles were lit and scattered haphazardly around, placed by Zoro’s boots and your barefoot, away from the blankets and easily flammable cushions. The swordsman’s swords were placed beside him, one hand on all three hilts. His other hand was already gripped onto the neck of a bottle of sake, as he began to chug it slowly.

“What is all this?” You finally spoke after your mind had finally processed everything.

“Did you really think I forgot about Valentine’s day, dear?” Zoro let out a low chuckle, looking at you as he wrapped his arm around your neck. “Look.”

He removed his hand from the swords to point at the vast sea. Suddenly, red sparks colored the air, then orange, yellow, coloring the dull sky with bright cheery colors. You sat there in your comfy seat, jaw agape as you stared at the fireworks like a baby, your ears filled with the sound of cracks and wind of the fireworks launching into the air. The show lasted longer than you expected, the last firework forming a heart shape.

Zoro planted a kiss on your forehead, looking you in the eyes with love and affection, compared to the dull and lifeless ones he gave you yesterday. “Happy Valentine’s day, Y/N.”

[sinner-sunflower]

P.2 HH Lucifer-centric AU 23/?

STORY 1, PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 14.5, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22, PART 24, PART 25, PART 26

One last Radioapple for the road before shit goes down down.

Also! Check out this amazing art by @firinnie of Belphagor and Luci! I'm really so touched for the amount of support I'm getting. I really feel like I just got a writer's achievement because there's people taking time out of their day to make fanart based on my au ;;

Thank you all! <3 <3

------------------------------------------

As more and more angels descend from Heaven, they attack indiscriminately, targeting both other angels and demons alike. In response, Lucifer and the citizens of Pride waste no time retaliating.

Lucifer: This doesn't even look like a war anymore.

Lucifer mutters to himself while fighting those who come at him.

Lucifer: It's a fucking massacre.

Lucifer watches in disbelief as angels slaughter each other without hesitation. The sight of celestial beings, once symbols of purity and order, now locked in brutal combat, leaves him in a state of disbelief. What sort of goal are they trying to accomplish?

His rebellion had a clear purpose: to gain equality and freedom. But even then, it didn't result in this kind of bloodshed.

Lucifer growls, his eyes narrowing as he surveys the chaos.

Lucifer: This isn't right. There must be some reason behind this madness!

Throughout the battlefield, he witnesses a horrifying scene: angels reanimating after being struck down, only to rise and continue their assault. The sight sends chills down Lucifer's spine.

Charlie: Dad, look out!

He was so distracted that he didn't notice an angel sneaking up behind him. Thankfully, it didn't land a hit as black tendrils struck it and hurled it into the still-burning embassy.

Turning, he found himself face to face with Alastor.

Lucifer: Thanks, Al.

Alastor: A pleasure, my dear.

Lucifer yelped as the Radio Demon grabbed his hand and placed his other hand on his waist, pulling him close until they were chest to chest.

Alastor: Care for a dance, sire?

Alastor asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.

The King of Hell snorted, amused. Of course, Alastor would pull something this shit at a time like this. Lucifer responds, smirking.

Lucifer: Why, it would be my pleasure.

They spun and danced, Lucifer casting Hellfire on some angels while Alastor's eldritch shadows served as both sword and shield.

At one point, Alastor decided to play a jazzy tune. Laughing at the absurdity of the situation, Lucifer almost forgot they were in a war.

He heard a few cheers from the battlefield.

Angel: You guys look sexy as fuck! Can I join you guys next time? Preferably in the bedroom too!

Okay, maybe most came from Angel Dust.

Lucifer and Alastor exchanged amused glances, continuing their surreal dance amidst the chaos.

After one more spin, Alastor takes Lucifer's hand and dips down to plant a small kiss on it.

Alastor: I'll be elsewhere then, mon ange. Do keep out of trouble.

As Alastor lets go and begins to walk away, he is suddenly pulled back. The feeling of lips pressing against his own startles him, but he melts into the kiss almost immediately.

Lucifer's arms snake around Alastor's neck, deepening the kiss. He kisses Alastor like there's no tomorrow.

For him, there truly might not be.

When they finally break apart, both are breathing heavily from the intensity of the moment.

Lucifer speaks before he even has a chance to think.

Lucifer: I love you.

The words shock them both, and for a moment, there is silence. Then Alastor's entire demeanor softens. He moves his hands up to cup Lucifer's face, holding him like he is his whole world and looking at him with the same intensity.

Alastor: And I adore you, my Lucifer.

Alastor replies, his voice filled with genuine affection.

Maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.

[einsatzzz]

I passed my exam let's fucking goooooo!!!! This is one hell of a huge thorn off my chest, like this whole exam thing has been deadass constantly plaguing and stressing me out for a whole year, I'm so glad it's REALLY over now.

I knew I'm gonna receive the results around this time and even if I told myself to not give a fuck abt the results (self-worth≠exam results) my brain says otherwise (and mental illness also doesn't work that way unfortunately😔). So had to shut down and lock down my brain for a while when I can 😭😭 I even slept for like 14-16hrs each night shfvshvfsv don't wanna do anything stupid (I did try to reduce my sleep hours to normal amounts the other day, but got an anxiety attack instead from being awake when im not distracting myself)

Anyway, I think I can sleep a bit more peacefully now. I'll slowly go answer the asks and reply to dms/notifs tomorrow, I'm just so relieved right now that this is my current state -> 🫠🫠🫠🫠

Note: I also defeated my first boss (and a few minor bosses) in eld/en ri/ng yipeeee (<-forgor to continue playing for a while but needed a distraction, now i've made good progress there)

[uzumaki-rebellion]

"King Killmonger: The Golden Jaguar" Chapter 14

Masterlist HERE.

"Look at my face

It look like a painting

Certified trapper

But I look like I'm ancient

I look like I'm peaceful

And I look like I'm patient

But I will slap a nigga

With the same hands

That I pray with"

Kamauu—"Weidamineh"

The Royal Talon Fighter touched down on the talon port with a gentle ease that only Okoye could provide. The offramp slid out like a lion's lazy tongue and the children raced ahead of them to greet Umama, Grandpop, and Leona.

"Oh, my babies!" Umama cried out, smothering her great-grandchildren with kisses.

Yani hugged her aunt and then Dante, and N'Jadaka stood back to watch the elders reunite with the youngsters.

"Hey boy, your honeymoon did you good. Look like you gained thirty pounds!" Dante teased, patting N'Jadaka's stomach before hugging him.

Umama gathered Yani in her arms before she saved the rest of her affection for her biggest baby, the king.

"Umama, I missed you," he said.

"Oh, I am so happy to have you all back," Umama said with a singsong voice.

"Auntie Leona," he said, and Leona held her arms out to hug him next.

"You both look wonderful," Leona said, admiring their new deeply bronzed skin and radiant smiles.

The king escorted the older women in and Yani walked with Dante. Their children bounced around on happy feet, all chatty about the fun they had on the cove and seeing all the flocks of flamingoes come in for their seasonal time on the lake before heading to the shores of the Wakandan coast.

To N'Jadaka, the palace felt more expansive since he'd been away. The staff that bounded here and there on duty gave them warm smiles and pleased head nods on their return. The squeals and pattering of young feet made Umama and Leona grin from ear to ear.

"Finally! The palace sounds like itself again. It has been so strange not having the children here," Umama lamented.

"Umama," Sydette said with sparkly eyes, looking at her great-grandmother.

"Yes, my baby?" Umama said.

"Riki sang his song for Mama and Baba and they loved it!"

Umama reached out and held Riki's hand.

"You finally shared it with them. I am so proud, great-grandson. I told you it was a beautiful song they would enjoy."

"You've heard it before, Umama?" Yani asked.

"I helped him with the chorus."

Riki buried his face in Umama's robes, acting bashful.

"Leona, I'm glad you stayed until we came back," N'Jadaka said, putting an arm around his favorite island auntie.

"I decided to stay until you returned so I could hear about everything firsthand."

"You can stay for as long as you like. There's always a place for you here."

He kissed her cheek, and she squeezed his hand that dangled off her shoulder.

"Umama, do I have time to make some calls?" N'Jadaka asked.

"No, you do not. We are having an early dinner with everyone on the moon deck and then you and Yani must rest for your first day tomorrow," Umama said.

They headed for the family tea room where the rest of their family and friends who stayed after the wedding gathered to greet them on their return. Libations and finger foods were served and N'Jadaka caught up with his male friends Shaun, Walter, and Tahir, while Yani shared gossip with Twyla, Shuri, her two sisters, and Ladies in Waiting. Within minutes, more relatives arrived from Yani's side of the family.

"Where's Auntie Ramonda?" he asked Shuri.

His cousin sipped on lemon tea and snacked on a sweet biscuit, enjoying all the festive feel with all the people in the room.

"She's packing for the States. She'll meet us at dinner."

"She wants to leave early after all, then?"

"Yes. President Ellis is having a state dinner, and she prefers to be acclimated to D.C. a few days before going to it. She figured it was the least she could do to smooth over you not inviting him and his wife to your wedding. The First Lady there was extremely upset by the snub."

"I don't give a fuck."

"Yes, cousin…we know."

N'Jadaka threw his arms around Shuri and gave her a sloppy kiss on her forehead.

"I think I missed you the most," he said.

Shuri slyly cornered him near a table filled with towers of tiny cakes and cookies that the children hadn't discovered yet. She made sure his back was to the family.

"Has Leona spoken to you about Yani's cousin Cee Cee?"

"No. Why?"

Shuri glanced over his shoulder to survey the others.

"She's been vocally complaining to Twyla about her position in the family. She petitioned your office for a meeting tomorrow inside the throne room, and I'm sure they fast-tracked her on your schedule."

"What does she want?"

"I'm not sure because they keep that private on the throne room docket. But know for sure that Twyla is very unhappy, and it agitates Leona."

"Yeah, well, Cee Cee never liked me. She always gave Yani a hard time about being with me."

He turned his body around to look for the troublesome woman.

"Don't make a scene cousin, just be prepared tomorrow, that's all," Shuri whispered to him.

Cee Cee drank from a champagne flute and held a plate of finger foods in her hand. She directed her targeted gaze at Yani, who was talking animatedly with her circle of women. Yani's cousin was taller than her, with a plump build that many found pleasing in Wakanda. A pretty woman with a warm beige complexion and thick stylized hair piled high on her head like a crown, Cee Cee's inside didn't match the pleasant-looking outside. He had to steer his friend Shaun away from her at their wedding reception because she thought he was part of the royal family too and wanted to catch a nobleman by throwing ass on the dance floor. Any other time, N'Jadaka would've encouraged a little debauchery at a party for his friend, but Cee Cee was too jealous and vindictive to trust.

"Thanks for letting me know," he said.

Shuri looked as if she were about to say something else, but a staff member entered the room and announced that dinner was ready on the moon deck. N'Jadaka swept over to Yani's side and held out his arm for her to take. Their children walked in front of them as their Dora led them all to the elevators to swoop up a few floors.

The mild temperature made it a pleasant spot to break bread together. Once N'Jadaka made sure the children were fed well, and his wife was sated, he bid everyone good evening and took his family back to their own home. Their personal housing staff clapped their hands in a rhythmic celebratory way to greet them and Yani allowed the children to cut loose to their rooms to play, freeing up time for them to decompress. Yani went to her room to shower and change into lounge-wear, and he did the same in his bedroom. He slipped into an over-sized pale green cotton shirt and loose matching pants. Fresh garden flowers filled their home, and their staff had cleansed it thoroughly. The scent of lemon and lavender saturated the air. He fixed himself a glass of strong bourbon in the living room. Yani joined him wearing a soft powder blue half tank top covered with a thin powder blue robe with feathers at the end of the sleeves. The matching pants sat snug around her thick bottom and thighs, giving her an old-time glamour feel.

"It's so good to be back. I just want to look around at our beautiful home," Yani said, spinning on her kitten heels.

"Drink?" he said, offering to make her one.

She took a sip from his glass and he walked with her from room to room to room…so many rooms. So many decks with views of the city. Three floors of obscene space filled with beauty and comfortable charm. Yani's eyes twinkled like stars, and they settled into their luxurious and spacious family den. Stylish wall tapestries and tasteful artwork decorated it. They spent many evenings entertaining the children and relatives there.

"I'm so glad I had my clothes and crown prepared before I left," she said, snuggling into his side on a couch that felt like sitting on a cloud. "I'd probably panic about what to wear on my first day in the throne room tomorrow morning."

He could only imagine the stress of choosing an outfit for the first day.

"Aren't you glad I had you push back your hospital schedule for the week?"

Yani sucked her teeth.

"You were right to convince me. I can't even imagine thinking about hustling over to the hospital just yet."

"It's not too late to reconsider halting that part of your life for some time."

Her brow crinkled.

"I want to give myself time doing both until I can see for sure what I can handle."

Yani's kimoyo beads lit up. She tapped them and a voice came over their home intercom.

"Yes, Kora?"

"My queen, I am sorry to disturb your private time with the king."

"It's okay Kora, w'sup?" N'Jadaka asked.

"Would you like the children to be bathed now with an extra early bedtime following their school night schedule, or do they have permission to stay up for another hour since it is their summer vacation?"

"They can stay up for another hour and then have their bath. We'll hand them over to Umama on the way to work after breakfast and she'll tell you your schedule for the day," Yani said.

N'Jadaka jumped in.

"Kora, the queen will sleep in my bedroom tonight. Tell the children we'll tuck them in before we turn in."

"As you wish, kumkani."

The intercom went off with a cute bell sound the children liked to mimic with their voices.

"Ooh, I get to sleep in the king's bed tonight."

"It'll be best if we're up at the same time in the morning."

Yani gave him a coy look.

"What?"

"Somebody wants some tonight."

N'Jadaka pulled her in closer on the couch. Yani lifted onto his lap side-saddle and held his neck.

"It's been two weeks since we had the kids. Tryna sneak some pussy on the boat didn't work out, so having them turn in early is a win for me," he said, smacking her rump. "Daddy needs to sink in all this."

He gripped and shook her backside, and Yani giggled. She glanced toward the entrance, listening for the children. They were above them on the second floor, no doubt playing or telling their friends about the pool/slumber party. Yani reached for the controllers of game consoles and handed him one. She tapped a button and the giant viewscreen on the wall across from them flickered on and she loaded a race car game for them to play. They carried on together side by side, racing F1's across snowy mountain terrains. Yani shit-talked him down, but he led their races with high scores. He kept getting distracted by her outfit and let her play a solo round. She became focused on beating his high score and he lifted her on his lap, letting her use him as her race car seat so he could indulge in the feel of her behind wiggling on his crotch and thighs. Although she led her race in the game, he had the true pole position.

He raised his hands and cupped her breasts.

"You're trying to prevent me from beating your score, hands off man," she said, swatting his hands away.

He cupped the full weight of her breasts again and moved his hands up and down, exciting himself with their fullness spilling out from his fingers. Yani gyrated on his lap with slow rotations and he held the underside of her tits in his palms. He used his index fingers to circle her nipples until they poked out of the tank top.

"You wore this on purpose knowing I wanna see these big titties tonight," he whispered in her ear. "Wait…whatchu doin'?" he asked.

Yani lowered her strapless tank top and turned side-saddle on his lap. Her breasts spilled out like a big brown avalanche of flesh, and he immediately latched his tongue on a nipple, sucking greedily as saliva gathered in his mouth. She stroked her fingers along the back of his neck, encouraging his tongue play. Her soft puffs of breath above his head turned into soft moans giving into the pleasure. He squeezed a breast and looked at her voluptuous chest closely, like he hadn't seen it in ages. They would look so pretty with the nipples brushing against his sheets while he took her from behind. He huffed out a needy breath of arousal and relished the feel of blood rushing to his dick, thickening it. A quick switch in positions could have Yani on her knees right there and he could take what he wanted, but the children were unpredictable. He released a fat nipple from between his lips and played with her tits, his dick throbbing from the need to be squeezed by her hand. Pulling her closer to him in case anyone walked in on accident, he kept groping and pinching nipples, feeling the turgid growth of his dick in his pants.

He stuck his face between her breasts and brushed it back and forth inside the warm bounty. Yani lifted them and rubbed his face against the pillowy clouds of joy for him. He gasped out loud when she rubbed the tip of his dick through his clothes. The silk was already sticky with pre-cum and she milked more of it out until he had a huge wet spot on his lap.

It was time for them to retire to a more private place while the children bathed.

He held Yani's hand and pulled her to an elevator that led straight to his bedroom. She locked his bedroom door the moment they arrived there, and he shucked off his clothes. Yani did the same without haste. The staff had set up a fruit and cheese platter in his room for them next to a bottle of white wine, and they both nibbled grapes and shared a glass on his bedroom couch.

They couldn't get around the fact that his dick stood at attention while he fed Yani a strawberry. She leaned back on the couch and he kissed all over her tits, loving the sound of her moans every time he grazed his teeth across both nipples. He nuzzled her neck and teased his tongue along her throat and up to her lips.

"You're so pretty…so beautiful…my gorgeous wife," he hummed in her ear.

Yani touched his chin and scratched at his beard softly. She brushed her lips across his in a teasing way before kissing him fully, sliding her tongue in his mouth. All he could think of was that she was his wife and how much he wanted to please her. Make her happy. He made her his queen, but what more could she want in the years to come?

"Hey…are you okay?" she said.

He looked at her.

"I was just thinking…of our future."

"What about it?"

"I have to come up with new ways to make you happy."

"I'm already happy."

"Are you?"

"I have everything I need right here. In this house. My children and my husband."

N'Jadaka lowered his head and continued sucking on her tits, teasing his large tongue across her skin with long licks around her areolas. Yani dragged her nails over the sensitive parts of his back, waking up his skin to fiery tingles. The build-up in his lower parts rushed him to do more before he exploded from the lust coursing through him. It didn't take much for Yani to crank him up with her lush body and sensuous eyes, daring him to show her more.

He pulled her across the room to his giant bed and helped her get on her knees. She scooted back until her knees were near the edge and her legs dangled over comfortably. He dropped to his knees and smooshed his face into her ass, letting his tongue drag across her vulva, enjoying the ticklish scrapings of her piercings. Yani lowered her face to the bed and her ass cheeks opened wider to allow him more access to heaven. Eating her out from behind had him slurping and moaning into her labia. He stroked his dick while he catered to her pussy, the hard rod of his length hot and slippery in his hands. Two weeks without tasting her forced desperate lunges of his tongue inside of her and she purred on the bed, enticing him with the juiciest pussy in the world.

She came in his mouth with her soft moans jammed down into the blanket. He sat back and watched her vulva throb with the last tremors of her orgasm. The wet pink of her opening beckoned his thickness to fill her up. Tracing his tongue all around her clit to push aftershocks into her quivering back, the king raised onto his feet and lined up the head of his dick against her waiting pink entrance and paused his action.

"Face the other way," he said.

Yani wiggled around and he climbed onto the bed, positioning himself behind her again.

"I want you to face the mirror," he said.

She widened her thighs. He reached for a pillow to cradle her elbows.

"Comfortable?" he asked.

She nodded and he sank into her depths. He snapped his eyes shut, unable to keep a loud groan ripping from his lips. Yani's wet and deep center sheathed him in divine heat. Her vaginal muscles clenched twice and his toes bunched up. Every fucking time she did that, it made him feel like he'd never had pussy before. He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling as a "Fuck!" flew out of his mouth like an amazed virgin getting his first piece of ass.

Yani only whimpered, relaxing into the weight of his dick inside of her. No matter how many times he fucked her, she reacted with startled eyes at how hefty he was. They locked eyes in the mirror, and he got his wish. The moment he started thrusting, her breasts brushed against the blanket, showing him how full they were and how lovely they looked hanging in that position. It was hard being a simp for big titties and an ass so sinfully fat that it brought tears to his eyes. No man was immune from a body she possessed. It was humanly impossible. Yani rocked back onto his dick.

"Oh…oh…oh…oh…" was all he could muster as a language in that moment.

Nothing needed to be said with good pussy swallowing his erection like a lollipop. Yani's pussy displayed the dexterity of a mouth sucking on dick, and he let her have at it while he passively watched and slapped her ass. His moans grew louder, yet neither one spoke to each other, their exchange of conversation taking place between hard dick and wet pussy. She twisted her hips in a slow rotation and the grip on his erection became slippery suction that had his balls ready to pump cum. Those bountiful titties had him down bad and he watched their gentle bounce as they slapped together with each thrust he threw back at Yani. Eventually he gripped her waist and pumped into her, wanting to hear the cheeks clap loud in his ears. Her pussy choked his dick with a grip so tight his eyes watered and became blurry. He wanted to savor that moment of them together. It would be the end of their old lives because the next day, they would embark on a new chapter as a ruling couple. Right now, the world was just the two of them joined in physical perfection.

Oh Bast!

She yanked on his dick, turning him powerless. His balls slapped against her plush ass and the orgasmic surge moved from his sack to the root of his dick, pushing through to glory. There was nothing he could do. The queen was fucking him into submission, and he gave in willingly.

The first three spurts of cum stopped her grinding, and she accepted his hot offering with glassy eyes and parted lips. Cum pulsed through his dick in an urgent release, and he pulled out, letting her watch how it shot across her back and painted pale lines of gratification on sweaty skin. The final sharp throb at the base of his dick dragged out a roar from him that even had his sphincter tightening.

"Oh, shit…baby!" he mumbled.

His lips jammed together as he watched her backside jiggle. Yani stared at his reflection.

"I'm still hard," he said, shaking his hips and waving his erection at her.

The blessings of having an Udaku king for a husband glowed in her eyes.

He glanced at a clock on the wall. The children were probably in their rooms for an early sleep already. Yani sat at the edge of the bed and he jumped down from his spot and stood in front of her. Lifting her chin, he studied every part of her round face. He kissed her forehead and then her chin.

"I love you," he said.

Her eyes crinkled and she turned her head slightly away from his intense gaze. She slid her warm fingers up his chest and touched the dimples in his face that appeared from smiling so hard at how lovely she was. Yani acted shy, and he found that quality alluring in her.

"I love you, too," she finally whispered into his lips.

Her tender kiss brought him back inside a warm glow that enchanted him by being in her presence. The woman was everything to him and he was cognizant of how he would work hard to make every moment with her precious as long as he had her by his side. Yani threw her arms around his neck, anchoring him to her. She twirled her tongue around his and gave him a noisy smooch before releasing his eager mouth. He reached for another squeeze of her breasts, and she stared at him with those dreamy eyes that had always captured all of her love for him. Unbending his back, he stood to his full height. She fondled his dick, keeping those sexy eyes on his face.

She already had cum all across her back. No point in wasting the rest of the canvas. He shoved his dick between her lips and she engulfed it like the good queen she was.

"Dassit," he crooned.

Yani turned his dick into a magic stick and sucked it slowly, letting her full lips pucker around it as he slid in and out. She hummed and let the vibrations flow across the slick skin as she wet it even more with her warm mouth. He spit on his dick, adding more lubricant, and her pretty lips sucked his inches down easily. The head of his dick bulged against each side of her cheeks as she played with it in her mouth. She constantly kept her big beautiful eyes on his knowing that shit got him off. Pulling his dick out, she licked under it and sucked on his balls like they were summer peaches. They had to hurry. The children would expect them to say goodnight soon.

Yani spread her legs and played with her puffy labia. It was only a matter of time before she sent him off to glory. The anticipation of knowing that in another thirty minutes he would be back inside of her, pounding away to another exhilarating nut, thrilled him. He looked forward to fucking her in the ass and having her face ride him while he jerked off later. Then he would buckle down and slow-fuck her until she wept in his warms. They had a lot of lovemaking to catch up on.

"Yani…fuck!"

She closed her eyes, already prepared for what was about to happen. He shot a powerful load all over the side of her face as he palmed a breast. The finest woman in the world belonged to him for the rest of his life. What a gift.

Slick ribbons of hot cum drenched her lips, and she stroked his length to pull every drop from his balls.

They showered together and cleaned each other with perfumed, lathery pink soap. She checked for the special lubricant cream she needed for the evening with him inside his cabinet. He helped her dress back into her lounge-wear and he pulled on a long blue sleep tunic to meet the children in.

They went to Sydette's room first. Kora helped their eldest tie her hair up for the night inside her bonnet. She wore a colorful magenta satin nightgown and cuddled a small stuffed gray elephant.

"Happy to be back in your own bed?" Yani asked.

Sydette thought about it, and Kora left them alone.

"I'm happy, but I miss sleeping on the houseboat, especially on the floating platform. Can we take a boat trip again for my birthday next year?"

"Of course," he said, lowering hand to touch her bonnet.

"Cozy?" Yani asked.

"Yes, Mama."

"Sleep well tonight. We'll have a big breakfast in the morning with Umama, Grandpop, and Aunt Leona before Mama goes to work with me," he said, with pride in his tone.

"Night Baba, Night Mama."

"Night Sweet Pea," he said, watching Yani kiss her cheek first.

He kissed her forehead and tapped the lighting control on the wall that would gradually darken until the only lights in the room were from the skyline outside.

"Want your curtains closed?" Yani asked.

"No, I like seeing the lights of the city."

They took their leave from Sydette's room and walked past a room that used to be Joba's. She no longer stayed in her own room, preferring to share space with her brother, so they skipped her old bedroom and padded down the hall to Riki's room. The door was closed. They heard singing behind it. Riki instructed Joba on a few lines and they sang together.

"Another song," he said.

"They sound so sweet, harmonizing."

"Should we come back?"

Yani pressed her ear to the door.

"I think they're done."

N'Jadaka knocked on the door and waited for the children to welcome them in. Inside, both children sat on their beds, waiting to be tucked in. Yani helped Joba snuggle under the thick covers in her bed, and N'Jadaka pulled a buttery soft blanket over Riki.

Yani didn't mention the singing, and neither did he. They didn't want to hamper their children's creativity when they knew Riki was shy about it. As much as the boy loved singing out Top 40 Wakandan hits at the top of his lungs, sharing his own personal work didn't bring out his immediate confidence and they wanted him to nurture his talents without being overbearing in encouragement.

"Today was a nice day seeing everyone again, huh, Dumpling? Sunshine?" Yani said.

"Will everyone go home soon now that we're back?" Joba asked.

Yani tickled Joba's chin.

"I think most will linger a few more weeks. Wakanda is so beautiful in summer," Yani said.

N'Jadaka tapped the remote to make the bedroom curtains close. Their bedroom was bigger than most living rooms, and yet he still had to fight his way past so many toys on the floor. He glanced at Riki who watched him with shiny eyes. Joba did the same. Shuffling over to each bed, he kissed foreheads and patted bonnets.

"Door open or closed?" Yani asked.

"Closed," Riki said.

Now that Joba was with him, he was more comfortable having the bedroom door closed. He wanted to be a big boy, but deep down Riki was still nervous sleeping alone and he loved having Joba with him all the time. N'Jadaka suspected Joba asked to be moved to her brother's room to save face for him.

Yani clasped his hand after he shut the door. They took time to walk through their home and admire the view in the family room. The golden city sparkled like diamonds down below. He put his arm around Yani.

"We are responsible for all of that," Yani said.

"Yep."

He walked her back to their bedroom, and they used the stairs so they could listen to their home settling down for the night. They undressed and snuggled in his bed for over an hour, marinating in the warmth of their arms cradling one another. A clock in the bedroom struck a late hour and N'Jadaka made love to Yani again. He talked her through a long orgasm in missionary and afterward she climbed on top of him and let her breasts hang in his face. He clutched at them like he was a drowning man and they were his only life preservers. She loved on him with her plush body molding against his rock-hard muscles until he cried out her name over and over. He watched her lift on her feet and pry her labia open gently so he could witness his throbbing dick pumping cum into her pussy. It looked like his heart moved to his length as it beat out a steady, throbbing motion. When his body couldn't release anymore in that moment, she lifted off of his tip and let him see his ejaculate run out and back down on his tip. He handed her a warm cloth from the basin left on his nightstand and she wiped herself down. She cleaned him off too, and then sat her vulva on his lips where he kissed and kissed and kissed and kissed…until they fell asleep.

Yani stared at her reflection in the three-sided mirror inside her spacious dressing room. Her personal tailor, Keeya, fussed around the short train on the aquamarine-colored skirt that fanned out on the polished floor. Keeya's assistant Ipuo helped tighten the cobalt-blue corset, accentuating the top of Yani's ivory puffy sleeved blouse.

"Okay…now my queen…your crown," Keeya said.

Keeya's saucy dark brown eyes widened when she stepped back to look at the overall presentation after gently placing the queen's isicholo on her head.

"Gorgeous, simply gorgeous, kumkanikazi!"

Ipuo concurred and Yani ran her hands down her sides and twirled around to see the other angles of the designer outfit.

"A solid choice for your first day," Keeya said.

She pointed to the racks of custom clothes already lined up for the queen to wear for the rest of the summer.

"We'll bring in your fall line at the end of August for your final approval," Keeya said.

Yani nodded.

"Leave me," she said to her clothing staff.

Keeya and Ipuo, lowered their heads and stepped out of the dressing room.

Yani touched the rings on her fingers, including the long gold and silver finger armor on her pinky fingers. Her make-up was immaculate and dewy-fresh, giving her youthful round face a touch of summer glow.

Beautiful.

Being in Wakanda had given Yani plenty of opportunities to look fabulous, but this time, and this look, she was truly stepping into her queendom with class and an erudite style that took in the stylish couture of queens long past. She worked hard with Keeya and Ipuo to mix and match the historical fashion of N'Jadaka's people with the future in mind. That meant adding more island touches that represented her own culture. That morning, she had a conversation with her style team about incorporating billowy slacks and mix-and-match blazers for her travel pieces. This required them to custom make her jewelry and repurpose older pieces to make a firm statement about her vision of herself. She was a child of Mama Wati and wanted the world to know that. Keeya was pleased with that, since she was a member of the River Tribe.

Yani took a deep breath and exhaled, waving her arms above her head to fight off nervousness. She lifted her skirt to look at her heels. Even they were custom made to her specifications and dyed the color of her ocean back home.

The isicholo looked like it always belonged on her head. She ran her fingers up the sides to feel the power of that crown. No one could tell her shit now. She was N'Jadaka's legitimate wife and his right hand on the throne. Yani giggled and touched her nose, thinking of her time being his maid and cook. She also thought of the uncertain time when she sat in a Planned Parenthood clinic with her legs in stirrups, almost removing the fetus growing inside of her. If she hadn't chosen to have Riki, would she be standing there now in fancy raiment with a crown on her head?

She brushed the thought away and embraced her power.

Her walk out of the dressing room and down the long stairs to the living room was slow and calculated to help her focus on the day. She gripped the polished guardrail and lifted part of her skirt as she descended. Before she even touched the first floor, a round of thunderous applause greeted her. N'Jadaka and the children waited for her at the bottom with all of their family and friends. They fawned over her with so much excitement, but she only had eyes for N'Jadaka. He wore stately black robes with his hair tied back. His golden panther claw necklace gleamed around his neck. He held out his hand to take hers and all of their well-wishers walked with them out of their home and down to a wide hall that led to the throne room.

Yani waved at their entourage, kissed her children goodbye and waited for armed guards to open the double doors of the throne room.

The council of elders stood at their arrival and watched them with pleased eyes as they strode toward two throne chairs. The bigger, more impressive one belonged to N'Jadaka, but the one next to it made Yani's heart skip. It was so regal and intricately carved with ancient figures in the dark iron wood and silver scallop-shell framing. The color scheme matched N'Jadaka's throne, but it also had its own flair and feminine touches with the cushioned seat and arched ottoman that stood next to it. Yani had seen pictures of her throne before laying eyes on it and was told the ottoman piece was for when she became pregnant and could rest her legs and feet when needed. It once belonged to Umama.

The elders weren't the only people in the room. Part of N'Jadaka's office staff was there who handled his PR and international affairs. They sat to the right of the throne to observe the proceedings and provide input when necessary.

N'Jadaka guided her in front of her chair and she waited for him to sit before she positioned herself in her seat. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"You sit at the same time I do," he said.

She smiled, and he kissed her cheek in front of everyone, making Elder Zinzi grin. Yani placed her hands on her lap and felt the cool breeze of the air conditioning circulating inside. She leaned back in her seat and loved how the throne design gave space for her isicholo.

Elder Efetobo spoke first.

"Welcome Queen Yani. We are so pleased to have you with us. May your voice and presence strengthen our leadership in guiding Wakanda the right way."

"Thank you Elder Efetobo," Yani said.

Her voice sounded loud in the cavernous room and she became mindful quickly of how to speak. Elder M'Kathu smiled and held out his hands wide in greeting.

"We hope your honeymoon was as splendid as you look, kumkanikazi. The nation is pleased to have you both back."

"Thank you, Elder M'Kathu."

Elder Bhira chimed in.

"Queen Yani, my people back home spoke highly of your visit to the River Market. They hope you will return and stay longer to enjoy more of the culture there."

"I would love to. I look forward to taking my children there too," Yani said in a River Tribe dialect she had practiced.

Elder Bhira's green-plated lip lifted from the smile on his face. Elder Zinzi gazed at Yani with loving eyes.

"As the others have said, kumkanikazi, we are so pleased that you and the king have returned to lead the nation. We have a lot to cover in a short time. Is there anything you would like for us to add to our agenda this morning?"

"No, Elder Zinzi. You may begin," Yani said.

Zinzi nodded and faced N'Jadaka. She tapped a kimoyo bead on her wrist and tossed an agenda schedule in the center of the circle. Yani sat through the first hour listening to tabled items from the last gathering they had with the king. In the second hour, parliament provided detailed report overviews they missed while being on honeymoon, and in the third hour, they discussed military updates and set war dog goals for the month. She found it all interesting and tried to keep up with any objections or concerns the council had with each actionable item. One thing was for sure, N'Jadaka had a brilliant leadership mind and, for the first time outside of their personal lives, she could witness him wield political savvy with his own people. She had to use her earbud translators for some conversations that were spoken in Wakandan, especially when their meeting moved into listening to the personal complaints of individual Wakandan citizens who had permission to seek redress through the king.

Four different individuals gained access to the throne room with nervous energy facing N'Jadaka. Yani glanced over at him from time to time, watching his expression look intimidating to people. His aura crackled with intense concentration as he listened intently and gave his opinion of the petition. When he brought her into the conversation, she was surprised. She did not expect to have input so soon on serious matters. However, she quickly learned her position with the two of them seated on the throne together. The people appealed to her as the voice of reason when the king didn't side with their case. Most of the petitions dealt with property and land rights, while one brought up lineage and rights to lead a family's fortune after a matriarch had passed and didn't leave a will. Yani sided with a middle sibling who ran the matriarch's affairs for twenty years when the other five siblings left home for careers in the military and politics. The middle sibling, a woman in her forties, wept openly as she listened to Yani explain how she interpreted the fallout between the family members and their rights to finances and a thriving business enterprise.

N'Jadaka took Yani's take into consideration and made a decree granting the woman full power to continue running the matriarch's affairs and divide up assets as she wished to do equally. A staff member brought Yani and N'Jadaka some tea, and did the same for the elders as they took a respite before seeing the last case. N'Jadaka appeared fidgety on the throne. Yani was about to ask what was wrong and she noticed the name on the new petition floating in the center of their circle.

Cecilia Anne Galiber.

Yani sat erect on her throne as her cousin Cee Cee strode in with a haughty air wearing her best purple wrap-dress and severe make-up that declared she was ready for business. Not bothering to read the abstract of the case, Yani fixed her lips in a tight line, staring down her relative.

N'Jadaka sat back in his seat and rested his hands on his throne's armrests.

"You may speak your case," he said in a dry tone.

The king's voice halted the assertive drive in Cee Cee's stance. She looked at the council elders and gave a curt glance at Yani before directing her ire at N'Jadaka.

"I am the first cousin of the queen and today I would like to present my case requesting that I receive a title like the rest of my family who reside in Wakanda."

N'Jadaka tilted his head.

"What kind of title do you think you deserve?" he asked.

The king's low tone knocked a bit of the wind out of Cee Cee's sails. She locked eyes with Yani, and Yani's lips curled into an angry sneer. How dare she strut into her husband's domain and demand a title like some entitled brat. She gripped her armrests and leaned forward.

"Cee Cee, you couldn't speak to me in private about this?" Yani demanded.

Her voice went up an octave and the council elders lowered their eyes out of respect for the queen.

"Yani, you know it's not right or fair that Twyla, your sisters, and Auntie get to have prestige while the rest of—"

"First, you will address my wife by her proper title, Queen Yani!"

N'Jadaka's voice boomed so loud it made the elders and his personal staff jump. Cee Cee looked shocked by the aggression and took a small step back.

"Second…you have no right to march in here demanding anything from the Udaku clan. My wife's grace is the only reason you're allowed to stay here. I have seen you disrespect her and also say disparaging things about me when you thought I was a no good thug sitting on a hill using your cousin. Remember that? Wasn't it you who said all I wanted from her was pussy and a good time?"

"Kumkani, please, the queen is present," Zinzi gently chided.

"It's okay, Elder Zinzi," Yani said.

Zinzi nodded and cast her eyes back down. Cee Cee tried saving face and held her head high.

"Back then, I could only speak from what I saw happen with my cousin from past relationships. I didn't know you were rich and royalty. But now that we all know who you really are, I think it's right that I share a respectable title like the rest of my blood. Twyla's a princess and Auntie is a queen. I'm a Galiber descended from Queen Mary, too. I want to be a princess like Twyla."

"You think a bitch like you deserves to be a princess?" N'Jadaka barked.

Yani leaned in her seat toward her husband, relishing the dressing down he gave her disrespectful cousin.

Taken aback, Cee Cee's eyes narrowed. She glared at Yani.

"You won't say anything?"

"What is there to say when my husband has told you what he feels? You have always treated me foul, Cee Cee. You never wanted me to be with the king."

"He was working as a lowlife! Why can't anyone in our family see that all the things I said were to protect you from heartbreak and ruin? Huh? Mi stand here now, gyal, all proper-like to ask for what is a fair thing, yeah? Your mummy trusted mi to look after you. Why yuh think I go live with Auntie and work for her at that compound? Am I not a Galiber with the fiyahbun blood run through me veins too?"

Tears stung Yani's eyes and she willed them not to fall. Cee Cee never did anything that didn't benefit her in the end.

"I gave you permission to live at Our Lady's Manor. You're taken care of financially, and so are your children. Twyla is a princess because she stood by my side through thick and thin. The king adores her and granted her a title because she was good to mi and him. My husband knows who is for mi and against mi. You never treated me kind. My life was gossip and entertainment for you. But now that I'm a queen and given respect and a nation to rule over, you want to come here and demand something from we? Do you seriously think you're worthy to represent our family when you questioned and belittled my life?" Yani said.

N'Jadaka stood up and walked toward Cee Cee.

"I grant you nothing. You may stay at Our Lady's Manor, but you are no longer welcome in Wakanda. Pack your things and your children's. I will have The Royal Scorpion Fighter take you home this evening. You are forbidden from setting foot in Wakanda ever again. I also proclaim censure in your current behavior. You are also forbidden from speaking about the Udaku clan and especially anything about Queen Yani in public. Leave us."

Cee Cee's face broke into a scowl of disbelief. She turned toward Yani.

"Queen…Yani…I only want what Twyla has…"

Yani turned her head away and stared outside the window, and surveyed the beauty of Birnin Zana. Her husband had spoken her feelings. He was generous in letting her stay at their compound, but he wanted the best for Cee Cee's children, despite her selfish and hateful nature.

Okoye tapped her spear twice and throne room guards stepped forward to escort Cee Cee out. Yani's cousin limped out the throne room visibly defeated.

N'Jadaka fixed his gaze on the council elders.

"What's our last agenda item?"

Yani glanced at her kimoyos, surprised at how fast the morning went in the throne room. Five hours had passed, and she stayed keyed up for more.

Zinzi stood up and so did N'Jadaka's PR head, Qwara.

"Kumkani, something has come up that we have shielded from you while you were on your honeymoon," Zinzi said.

Qwara turned toward the king, but her eyes fell on Yani's too.

"Kumkani," Qwara said, "The queen is privy to everything that happens in the nation, but this matter is very sensitive and may embarrass her. Shall I proceed?"

Yani glanced at N'Jadaka. Whatever was to be presented, he was unaware of.

"Proceed," he said.

He reached for Yani's hand, and she threaded her fingers with his. Qwara stood near Zinzi and waved her hand in front of the floating screen. Several news outlets appeared with well-known journalists doing interviews.

"During your absence, various international television markets and streaming services broadcasted the royal wedding on repeat for several weeks. Recently, four women have stepped forward with lascivious stories they have peddled for financial gain in several media platforms. Two are from the U.S., one is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the final one is from the queen's home island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands."

All four women's pictures took up the center circle from the kimoyo projection.

Qwara gave the king time to digest the information before him. Zinzi stepped in closer to the throne.

"Kumkani, the women have not said anything that vilifies you as a king or your past life as a mercenary, however, their stories are of a sexual nature that we don't feel is appropriate for your reputation and the image you have built for your reign," Zinzi added.

The king turned to Yani.

"If you don't want to see or hear this, I'll understand if you prefer to leave," he said.

"I'll stay," Yani said, squeezing his hand.

"Play the first one for us," N'Jadaka said.

Yani's cheeks burned with second-hand embarrassment for her husband, even as she feigned a brave face to listen to potential lewd commentary.

A popular CNN broadcaster in New York held a panel discussion with three attractive women sitting near his news desk. Two of the women were from D.C. and detailed trysts with N'Jadaka a decade earlier. They shared photos of themselves with the king, wearing bathing suits at a five-star hotel pool. Both women were sexy, bubbly, and had only fond memories of him. They were shocked to find out that their former ménage à trois lover had royal connections and were set to peddle a future book about their hook-ups over a two-year period.

The third woman brought an annoyed look on N'Jadaka's face. She had been a childhood friend of Marisol's and the king's until she developed a sexual relationship with him in their teenaged years and beyond. That woman also had media proof and shared clips of videos she made when they were in their late teens and early twenties on his visits there doing capoeira. None of the women had scandalous videos of the king naked or in a compromising sexual position. But their graphic and detailed descriptions of his love-making did enough damage.

The fourth woman was a random jump-off named Isis that N'Jadaka slept with one time and dumped. She had no photos to prove her connection. However, her ties to the island must've given enough legitimacy for the media channel. Isis swooned over her re-telling of how she met N'Jadaka in Yani's favorite club and how she never got over him for years. She claimed to be present at the club where she thought Yani first met the king at Kendall's first live performance. The interviewers asked each of the four women on the two different shows how they felt watching his nuptials, and each one calmly stated that they wished it had been them. However, they believed he didn't seem like the type to settle down or want children.

Qwara tapped the images, and they winked out, giving everyone a moment to sit with the sordid information.

"There were two other women we could get a hold of to sign confidentiality agreements with compensation in Oakland and Atlanta. We confiscated pictures and video to destroy any proof of connections. Luckily, none of these women had anything negative to say, but their poor financial situations forced them to attempt media sales for capitalistic gain," Qwara said.

N'Jadaka looked at Yani. She placed her other hand on top of their joined ones.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be," she said.

"I tried to be discreet, but you can't always foresee the future."

Zinzi cleared her throat, and they turned to look at her.

"What would you like for Qwara and your PR team to craft in your statement?" Zinzi asked.

"There won't be a statement," N'Jadaka said.

"Kumkani, these interviews are already going viral. We must have you respond to these attempts at tarnishing your reputation and the queen's."

"He doesn't need to make a statement," Yani said.

All eyes moved to her face. She perked up, knowing nothing horrible was at stake.

"Those women were with him before he was king. Before he was with me. They all seem to treasure their time with him and were not disrespectful to me or his family outside of the sex talk. I think this will all wash out in the next news cycle."

"But my queen, those two women in America plan to write a tell-all. It is already in poor taste to hear about the sexual prowess of our nation's leader," M'Kathu chimed in.

Yani glanced at N'Jadaka. He pondered her words and M'Kathu's.

"No statement. You can try to get an injunction on their book to block publication, but I won't add fuel to their tiny fire."

"Are you sure, kumkani? A terse statement from you and the queen could prevent others from trying this stunt," Zinzi said.

Efetobo tapped her cane on the floor.

"The king has spoken. Who are we to question his wishes on this matter? Queen Yani supports the decision. So be it," Efetobo said.

Qwara bowed slightly to the two of them on the throne.

"I will prepare the injunction, kumkani," she said.

Another staff member approached the king from the side.

"Kumkani, your lunch is ready. We have it set up in the side room," a young man in a pearl-white chef's uniform said.

"We are done here for the day. I'll see you all in the parliament gathering in one hour," N'Jadaka said."

The council of elders stood, and N'Jadaka helped Yani up from her seat. The clicking of her heels echoed in the throne room as they headed to a side room where N'Jadaka ate his meals alone after council meetings.

"Smells delicious," Yani said to the chef.

"Thank you, Queen Yani. I hope the meal pleases you," he said.

He pulled out Yani's chair for her and she took her seat next to N'Jadaka's. The chef quickly brought them full plates of steamed halibut fillets, grilled asparagus tips with a side of herb stuffing, and small fried fish cakes. N'Jadaka poured them sparkling water and waited for the chef to leave before he spoke to her.

"Yani, that whole thing with the women took me by surprise. I can't say I wasn't expecting it one day, but I thought I would be the one to know first and get ahead of it before you got wind of it."

"We were on our honeymoon and those women were only taking advantage of something that created a splash in the news cycle. You're a famous public figure. I'm surprised nothing has come back to bite me on the butt."

"That's because I took care of all that easily. St. Thomas is a small island and people don't want smoke with me over you."

"So how did Isis slip through on your end?" she said with a smirk.

"Well, Isis wasn't her real name, and she had left the island before we could find her. We scrubbed videos and still monitor social media on your behalf. I didn't think I was much of concern, and that was my fault. You really don't think I should make a statement?"

"It's pointless and makes it seem like you have something to hide. Most people understand what it is. They saw the wedding. Know how good-looking you are. Who wouldn't want a chance to brag?"

"I hope it doesn't embarrass you."

"Not so much as my feeling awkward for you. Although, I would be curious to read that book from the D.C. women. You made quite an impression," she joked. "I thought M'Kathu and Bhira were going to die of shame listening to the interviews!"

"You seemed tense in the beginning, though."

He sliced into his fish and she speared one asparagus tip with her fork.

"I think I was more worried about someone jumping up with a secret child to be honest."

"That won't happen. I can promise you that."

"Can you?"

"Yes. The only children I have are the ones here with Umama. Any woman who jumps up and claims otherwise will play at being sued because blood tests don't lie in Wakanda."

Yani trusted his confidence in the matter. She also had ancestral back up. If there was another child in the world, Califia Stevens would've told her because she had been present at each of his biological children's births with N'Jobu.

Their meal was filling and Yani helped herself to more before they had to head over to the West Palace to oversee a larger meeting with various members of parliament. They strolled over together rather than ride an indoor shuttle to help their lunch digest and keep them from getting sleepy.

Staffers and government workers greeted them with much enthusiasm and Yani wondered how many were gossiping about the women capitalizing off of his celebrated marriage. She didn't detect any sly snickering as they moved through halls and up escalators to the meeting hall. If anything, the atmosphere seemed laced with more excitement at their return. Their Doras who flanked them opened the grand hall doors and over one hundred politicians stood at attention waiting for them to enter and take their place at the head table. People cast admiring glances at her attire, and N'Jadaka escorted her to her seat with a bounce in his step. She remembered to sit down with her husband this time, and he grinned at her. Her eyes fluttered across the expansive gathering and caught sight of Remy seated on the far left next to Elder Efetobo and members of the Merchant Tribe. His eyes lighted upon hers and that dark desire for her was still blatantly there, even with the king seated beside her.

Yani wrenched her gaze away and focused on listening to the agenda the head of parliament presented before the governing body of Wakanda and their king and queen.

She had enough drama for the first half of her day. No old paramour was going to add more.

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