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fushipurro · 1 year ago

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Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy

Chapter 2 - Synched Spirits

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☆ Content: 18+ MDNI, cowboy!au, fluff smut & a bit of angst in between, guns, mentions of blood, pet names, creampie, anal, threesome (f/m/m), gangs

☆ Word Count: 5.4k

“So, you must be Clementine then, huh?”

The palomino huffs back, examining you with big brown eyes. Her ears flicker with interest, no doubt curious to the strange new human holding taking her by the lead to the other end of town. You can’t blame her for being wary, you’d feel the same if your beloved companion left you for another so you can only imagine how she and your Valentine are feeling right now.

She’s not the only one cautious of you. It’s hard not to miss the many townsfolk eyeing you down, what with how last night went. Between the robbery and your duel, everyone’s on high alert for the foreseeable future.

One would like to believe they’d be more grateful you didn’t outright kill the guy. Maybe they wouldn’t care so much if you were a man instead of a natural born, gunslingin’ woman, but sucks to suck. That drunken fool is lucky you decided to be nice and let him off with just a mangled hand. Had it happened after Valentine was stolen, the results would have been much different.

You hitch Clementine up outside the gun store, pushing past the door and greeting the shopkeeper. They’re about the only person so far today not afraid of you, but in all fairness, he’s the one with a dozen guns an arm’s length away.

“Lookin’ for anything in particular, Ma’am?”

You hum in response, scanning the available goods displayed out across the various shelves. There’s plenty of ammunition for a good price; wouldn’t hurt to replenish your pistol stocks after that duel. You decide on a few, bringing them over to the checkout counter.

“I’ll take these and…” Glancing up behind the clerk, there’s several cabinets containing an assortment of larger weaponry. A little voice creeps up from the back of your head offering a wonderful idea. “…maybe a rifle, depending on what ya have.”

He turns his back to you, unlocking one of the many units. Across the empty counter in front of you, he places down a few options, naming them as he goes, “Rolling Block, Varmint, Springfield, Bolt Action…take your pick.”

You’re instantly drawn to the Rolling Block, a girthy beauty that screams power and fine craftsmanship. “How’s the firepower on this one?” you ask, lifting the weapon up to better examine.

“You won’t find much competition with that one,” he tells you, and that’s exactly what you like to hear.

If someone dares to so much as think they can get away with stealing your horse, then you’re sure as hell going to track them down and put a gaping hole right where their heart should be. That black-haired outlaw better watch his back if he knows what’s coming. Once all is said and done with, Calamity Jane will be needing a new nickname after you usurp that throne.

“How much?”

“$187 even, Ma’am.”

Tch, that’s steep. And more than you have on hand thanks to the rest being buried in Valentine’s satchel.

You sigh, begrudgingly looking over the rest of the artillery. “How about the rest?”

“The Varmint here is our cheapest at $72 if you’re goal is hunting rabbits and other small game; otherwise the Springfield is our next cheapest at $120.”

You replace the Rolling Block in your hands with the Springfield Rifle, trying it out just like you did with the former. It’s lighter in weight with less range on the scope, but the clerk assures you that with some express or high velocity bullets, distance won’t be an issue.

“I’ll take this then.” You pass a billfold to the clerk, seething once again over why you’re doing this to begin with. Money’s hard to come by in this day and age, as far as legal opportunities go for someone like you. So help that bastard if he finds the rest of your stash and decides to take that for himself.

Leaving the store with your new weapon in hand, you’re quick to notice a gathering of lawmen outside the Sheriff’s office just across the street. A dozen uniforms with an equal number of horses all geared and ready to go.

“Who’s the Sheriff around here?” you call out, approaching the group.

“That would be me, Miss.” The crowd parts, making room for a young, white-haired man. “Sheriff Satoru Gojo. How may I be of service to you on this lovely day?”

You scoff, This guy? He’s clean as a whistle. Even the star on his chest could be mistaken for a mirror with how much he’s shined it.

Any other time and his equally bright smile might feel akin to fresh rain in the New Austin desert, but currently, it’s more like greeting the sun after a wicked night in the saloon.

“I’d like to know what’s being done about those thieves from last night.”

His blue eyes wander your figure up and down. Curious, but invasive. “You’re not with the bank, are you?”

Does it look like I’m wearing a suit or a fancy dress?

“My horse was stolen by one of those bastards and I intend on getting her back. Today,” you hiss impatiently.

Giving attitude to a man of the law may not be the smartest decision lest you desire a night behind bars, but to be fair, you have every right to be pissed given the circumstances. Had they have been competent in their line of work, then the criminals wouldn’t have gotten as far as they had or even been able to leave town in the first place.

It’s infuriating.

And the nonchalant nature of this man only pisses you off further.

“You’re in luck then, Miss…?”

You reply to the man with your name, sternness evident in your tone.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl,” he remarks, earning a glare of disapproval from you that he shrugs off with a laugh. “My deputies and I are heading out on a lead if you want to sit tight inside.”

You place a hand over your hip, all nice and sassy with your face anything but. “I’d rather come with y’all than sit on my ass.”

Satoru takes the lead of a pristinely clean cremello stallion, its fur almost as perfectly white as the hair on its rider’s head. “I won’t stop you, but…” He pauses, hoisting himself up and over the saddle effortlessly, showing off those long legs of his. “…it could be dangerous.”

You pat the gun holster attached to your hip, just another way of showing that you’re anything but the normalcy ‘round here. “I think I’ll be just fine.”

The rim of his darkly colored cattleman hat dims his facial expression as he hunches down over the horn of the saddle, but not the light coming from that toothy grin stretching ear to ear.

“I don’t doubt that for a second, I’m aware of the duel that occurred last night.”

“Good, so then you know I mean business,” you warn, not once wavering from the eye contact with Satoru.

He outstretches his hand, beckoning for you to accept. “Of course. You want to ride up here with me then so we can get going?”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” you respond, pointing your thumb behind you at Clementine. “This girl will do just fine.”

“Didn’t steal her, I hope?” he teases in an effort to lighten the situation. It doesn’t necessarily work as you roll your eyes the moment your back turns on him. From there, you and the rest of the deputies mount up to leave town, destination unknown.

You hunker back from the rest of the posse, allowing the mare to instinctively follow while you take in the surrounding sights. You had come to this town from a different path than the one you’re marching on now, but given the view, you’ll for sure find yourself adventuring out here again in the future. The settlers here picked a beautiful spot to build the city of Valentine on. In the distance lie snow-kissed peaks and plateaus in nearly every direction, a wide-open prairie, and now the freshwater stream trailing at your side.

The stream runs clear as crystal, giving you an easy view of all the trout and pike that call it home. Measly shadows darting around in search of food and the ducks swimming along the surface. Sunlight catches on all the ripples, reflecting a dazzling lightshow of effects.

“So… what brings you to our fair city?”

You turn to your opposite side where Satoru and his majestic stallion ─ Mugen as you’ve come to discover its name to be ─ are nestled up at your side, stirrups annoyingly clashing with utter disregard for personal space.

“Do I need a reason or permission to come?”

“Well, no,” he pouts, “but as Sheriff I like to know who all is coming and going.” He further invades your bubble by leaning over in front of your line of sight, leather scrunching with every motion. “Besides, you’re an interesting change to the usual visitors. How could I not be curious?” he adds pointedly.

You sigh, giving in to his questioning. He doesn’t seem like a bad guy after all, compared to the horse thief you’re eagerly waiting to meet later. Satoru’s merely caught you on a bad day is all.

“I’m just a traveler like any other,” you drawl, a seldom undertone in your voice. “I used to call Tall Trees home, but that’s long in my past.”

“Bear country, huh?” He whistles out of surprise. “No wonder you’ve got the balls of one.”

“You could say that.” An amused huff leaves you. “Hunting bears is what ensured our survival up around Aurora Basin,” you explain, looking off in the direction of the mountains you at one point called home. “Had to watch our asses at all times to avoid Brumas or Lobo’s pack always hanging around our house.”

“Brumas?”

“Yeah, she’s a local legend in those parts. ‘A giant clad in golden fur.’” You exaggerate with your hands the sheer size of the bear. “Many doubt her existence, but my dad and I saw her firsthand one winter while hunting elk. Barely made it out intact but we made sure to leave her with a memorable scar on her face.” The memory of that day pulls the edges of your lips upwards.

“It's kill or be killed,” the words of your father sound in your head. “Either you stand your ground and fight back, or you won’t survive in this world.”

As they say, there’s always a method to the madness. Grizzly hunting as a kid is what geared you up to take no shit from others today. Especially for a lone woman carving her way through the frontier, you need to have the balls of a bear as the man next to you so sweetly described.

“Yikes,” Satoru grimaces at the fierce display of your nature stretching across your face. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“Help me get my horse back today in one piece and you won’t have to worry.” You wink.

“By my honor as Sheriff of Valentine, I will get your steed back.” He pulls a semi-auto pistol from his belt, twirling it around his finger like you’d find in those animated photographs big cities always show off. The cocky cowboy, slick as could be with the metallic extension of themselves. “I’m the strongest, after all.” He winks back.

You have to hand it to him; he knows how to make an insufferable day a little less so; like a chaser you’d have following some throat-burning liquor. All it took was just some conversation and fond thoughts to get you back in the right mindset.

A pungent smell wafts your way sooner down the path, the luscious greens of the shrubbery abruptly turn to charred remains covering the expanse of land before you. A thin boundary of life and death.

“Forest fire?” you question rhetorically at first, but Satoru offers an answer.

“Kinda, we’re approaching what used to be a town by the name of Limpany.” He pauses, exhaling a discontent sigh. “Burned to the ground last year along with the rest of what you see.”

Kinda?

“Do you know how it started?”

There’s another brief pause, enough to shift the atmosphere in an awkward direction. You aim your head at Satoru, finding his downcast expression and a bittersweet smile. He brushes his fingers through Mugen’s mane, finding comfort with his trusted familiar.

“Since you told me your story, I’ll tell you some of mine,” he begins, taking in a focused breath. “My best friend and I were once deputies together, our sights set on becoming the sheriffs of a town no one would dare mess with thanks to our presence.” A flicker of remorse passes through the depths of his blue orbs. “We had a job that went sideways, and it wasn’t the same for us after.”

“How so?”

“I went on to become sheriff like we originally planned, but Suguru started to pull back and decided on going home to Limpany for a while.”

A pit in your stomach forms, giving you a sinking suspicion as to where this story could go. Considering his mood, the destination ahead, and the reveal of someone important to his life, there appears to be more to this as a whole than just a bank robbery. Nevertheless, you allow him to speak freely.

“Suguru discovered some serious corruption going on in the town by its people. In response, he ended up decimating nearly the entire town in one night, sparing no one. From that day forward, he became a wanted criminal in the eyes of the law.”

You wonder what could have been so severe to require that much lethal force, but at the same time if you were in his shoes, you might make the same choices. It wouldn’t be that far off on things you’d do considering how you decided to get back at the men who stole the lives of your parents.

Now here you are sympathizing with the man you’re hunting for your own personal vendetta. Oh how the tables have turned once you see the other side.

“I take it this Suguru is your gold thief?”

He sighs, “Unfortunately, that looks to be the case.” As you already expected to hear.

The town comes into sight, and with that, an end to your conversation. You’re surprised to see that despite the raging inferno that had occurred, buildings remain standing all along the settlement. Crumbling and disregarded, but still feasibly sturdy.

Smoke still hovers in the air as nature has yet to blossom and overtake the land once more. Maybe once spring has truly set in, new life will occur in its wake. So far, It’s quiet, but that may not necessarily be a good sign. Satoru orders his men to disperse throughout the town, going door to door in search of any signs of the gang.

The two of you hitch your horses out front of what used to be the Limpany Sheriff’s Department. The lettering on the building has long since faded from the flames but remains legible to a degree. Next door however is a jailhouse that stands without issue, and scarce of any blemishes. While Satoru is occupied with the main building, you decide to check out what lies beyond the iron door. There’s a click as you pull the safety of the gun, cautiously opening the door and ready for whatever lies inside.

Come to find out, it’s empty. The eeriness of the room sets off a trail of goosebumps down your spine. There’s smoke damage on the walls inside, but elsewhere nothing is damaged as far as you can tell. One of the locked cells houses two adult skeletons shackled to the wall. The bones of their wrists still nestled between the cuffs. The cell across somehow felt more ominous. The door is opened, leading to an empty room which in itself isn’t a cause for concern, but the scattered loot tells a different story. You bend down to pick up once such piece.

Is this… a child’s shoe?

Your eyes widen.

No doubt that one, but multiple children were being held in this very cell for reasons unknown. Is this what Suguru had come home to find…?

“Surprised? I know I was when I first saw this.”

His voice startles you, causing your sudden turn to meet him. “Satoru, what is this?”

“Corruption,” he answers bluntly.

What a cruel world this can be to live in. And with that thought, you can’t blame Suguru for crossing that threshold of sin.

A commotion sparks up outside, drawing both of you to the door. “Sheriff, come quick!” One of the deputies calls out. You get up to follow Satoru out as the two of you are led to another section of town where lawmen have quickly begun to circle. “It looks like they camped here and left this morning! There’s fresh hoofprints everywhere too.”

“Mount up!” Satoru shouts confidently, “They couldn’t have gotten far, let’s not waste any more daylight here!”

You’re about to whistle for your horse off muscle memory when you immediately have to remind yourself that she wouldn’t be able to hear your call.

They don’t prepare you for these things.

Valentine is all you have left right now. Losing her is like losing family. As much as you find yourself resonating with Suguru, the fact remains that you’re heartbroken without her. Hopefully she’s safe and the two of you will be reunited again soon. You brush the thoughts, running off with Satoru before galloping off with the rest of the posse.

The roads outside Limpany aren’t the most well-travelled, so for any decent enough tracker, the thousand-pound impressions in the dirt are easy enough to spot. There’s evidence a wagon or two may have joined the group, all leading down the Dakota river towards the Upper Montana. Trees quickly become scarcer as you enter this new area thanks to logging companies, making it easier to see everything in front of you but at the same time, everyone can see you as well.

The group stops short of a tree line near the river to use as cover. Up ahead lies a small home and barn to match looking all too lively and full for its size. A fatal flaw in their attempt at laying low, but one you’re thankful for. Pulling out a pair of binoculars from your satchel, you investigate the scene. There’s a long, gray-haired man and another shorter bald guy walking around, weaponry in hand, and several more interesting characters around. Among the dozen horses grazing from their posts, none are Valentine.

“Are those the men we’re looking for?”

“Looks like it,” the white-haired man sighs, tightening the grip on his own pair of binoculars. “I see some other wanted faces the Outlaw Killer was looking into.”

“The Outlaw Killer?” you scoff, quirking a brow. Interesting title that speaks for itself.

“Yeah,” he snickers. “He’s a crazy bounty hunter. You’d know him if you saw him, I’m sure. Grouchy asshole that only ever wears black ─ hell, I think all his guns and even his lasso are the same color.” He rolls his eyes and an image of the blacked-out stallion and its flirt of an owner came to mind from the night before. So much for a bad temperament.

“Good to know,” you hum, raising your new rifle from its holster, taking aim at the gray-haired man first on instinct.

“Woah woah woah, what are you doing?” Satoru’s urgent voice fills your ear.

“What’s it look like?” you calmly reply, “I’m gonna pick them off one by one.” The safety clicks just as the man reaches out with a hand on the barrel to low the gun.

“I’m itching to get this done with as much as you are, but I’d like to arrest them, not kill.”

You click your tongue out of annoyance, “What’s your plan then, Sheriff?”

“Let’s just get a little closer and see what more we can learn first. It won’t do us any good if they’ve stashed the gold, and I doubt they’ll tell us anyways.”

He has a point, sadly. For now, you’ll just have to go along with it. You lean on the reins with a tap of your heel to guide Clementine. “Have it your way, but just remember that I’m not the one wearing a silver star.”

“Hey if this goes well, I’m more than happy to give you one.” He smiles, following your lead with the rest of his men. Once again, he’s got Mugen right up at your side, hunched over the saddle to see your face. “You’re just the kind of attitude we could use; that and I’m enjoying your company.” You roll your eyes but the faint smile tugging at your lips gives you away all too easily.

Being a deputy isn’t something you’ve had in mind before given your sense of exploration and all, but another way one could view it is imagining it as a means of settling down somewhere. An ever-growing supply of work paired with using your favorite set of skills to earn money; all and all giving you stability and a place to call home if you ever decide that’s what you want in life.

It's worth thinking about if he’s serious. A second option to consider on top of Kento’s.

To avoid spooking the gang, you and the rest of the posse tie the reins of your mounts to some trees a few yards back from the tree line closer to the homestead. From there, it’s all about maintaining a stealthy approach. Plenty of shrubbery dots the property, so even with the lack of tall standing trees, you’re able to keep as low a profile as you can without inciting a shootout. The rest of the men can have their fun with their hunt for gold or apprehending dangerous individuals. Your first and foremost objective is securing Valentine.

Since she’s not outside, one can only assume she’s in the barn out of sight. It’s a good size, but in desperate need of some TLC as you learn the moment some rotted wood snaps cleanly off with a simple tug. You crawl through from the back, entering the structure into a bed of hay. Looking up from the ground, you quickly find that it’s not just you stuck in a 12x12 box.

A familiar tobiano paint stands proudly, turning his head in your direction. Beautiful black and white markings cover the gelding with a splash of white on one side of its face revealing a sole blue eye. The other eye is a rich shade of brown, surrounded by black fur.

“Good boy,” you whisper to the horse, hoping to not frighten him or anyone else that may be inside to your presence. He eyes you back with a huff and some widened eyes, but thankfully their ears move in attentive patterns rather than that of aggression.

You measle around to the front of the stall, managing to swoon him with your pets between soft whispering coos. “I should steal you and show him how it feels. You want that, big guy?”

A high-pitched whinny pierces the air, drawing your eyes to your long-lost Valentine one stall over. She stomps her foot aggressively, but her warning comes all too slow before the stall door flings open. Before you can reprimand yourself for being snuck up on, let alone draw your gun, the opposing force already has their own aimed nearly point blank.

“My, I didn’t expect anyone to check here first, let alone wish to steal Uzumaki from me?”

You turn slowly towards the man you’ve been wanting to see all night and day. The same silky-haired bastard that made off with your mare. He stares you down the iron sight of a Cattleman’s revolver, holding a salacious grin as he takes amusement in this whole ordeal.

“I think it’s only fair, seeing as you stole my own horse after your little escapade in town last night.” Unlike his suave tones, your voice is laced with the venom of a diamondback rattlesnake. Just because he has you cornered, doesn’t mean you’re any less dangerous than a pit viper itching to strike.

The sound of gunfire alerts you both to the events unfolding outside the shabby walls of the stable, all with the shouting of a dozen men. The sliding door to the entrance of the barn opens with a bang, and the outlaw is quick to draw up a second revolver at the new arrival.

“Suguru, put your guns down.” Satoru says, trying to mask the hints of pain and grief beneath a stoic demeanor.

On the other end, Suguru is cheerful and keeps his sight set on the other with a cheshire smile. “Satoru~ long time no see.”

You clear your throat, reminding the two of your third wheeling presence. “Nice reunion and all, but you’re outnumbered here.”

“That may be.” he pauses, rolling his head in your direction once more. “But I’m holding the guns here so it’s up to you both to decide how you want to walk out of here.”

Funny how things ended up working out after that.

Between some more bickering, monologues, thundering hooves, and dwindling gunfire, who knew a simple suggestion to “kiss and make up” would lead to you being sandwiched between them in one of the empty available stalls occupying square bales of hay to use as surfacing.

Straw digs into your back annoyingly, but the pleasure of two cocks in either end transition you to a state of euphoria. Muffled whimpers fail to escape, instead warping around Satoru buried deep in your throat. It’s long, veiny, and curves in all the right directions. His hands find comfort over the mound of your breasts, kneading into the flesh with each thrust.

You can’t see it, but those breathtaking blue eyes look in awe of your figure adorned with a sheen of sweat and the sight of Suguru’s cock disappearing into your perfect little pussy. “So pretty,” he purrs, noting how you’re glowing brighter than any star could hope to achieve, silver or not.

Suguru’s hands brand the dipping of your hips with a bruising grip, rutting into you with his especially girthy extension. Each jerk of his body hits right into a sweet spot bringing you ever closer to undoing the knot at the base of your core.

They both momentarily pause as you begin to unravel, choking out cries that leave Satoru reeling with pleasure from the tightness of your throat. Suguru feels it too. Your gummy walls encasing around him in erratic motions. The two of them aren’t far away from their own release.

The sounds each make only serve to keep the wings of your pussy fluttering for more. Irresistibly charming, and all the more passionate given the shared history they share, and you now caught in the middle.

Suguru leans forward over you, cupping Satoru’s cheek to draw him closer, crashing their lips together in a messy embrace. That one action forces each to come undone, painting both ends of you so perfectly white. They pull out, savoring the whining noise you release from the loss. The black-haired man takes a moment to admire how you clench around nothing and the cum gushing out like a waterfall of love.

“How are you feeling, baby?” Suguru asks, and both Satoru and you simultaneously answer positively making him chuckle all low and honey-like.

“You’re doing so well, but we’re not done just yet…” Both men exchange a look, as if reading one another’s mind. Soulmatism at its finest. “Well, Satoru?”

“It’s been too long, Suguru,” he responds gleefully. Satoru then proceeds to lift your tiring body up and onto his lap, making you straddle him as the other comes around into your view. “Ready for more, princess?”

“Less talk, more stuffing,” you scoff, taking it upon yourself to line his tip with your eager cunt, graciously accepting him into the depths beyond what Suguru could reach.

“You heard the pretty lady, Satoru,” the other whispers into his ear, nibbling the lobe as he slowly thrusts up into the man. The slick coating his shaft that you provided just moments ago make for a smooth entry, earning a deep fulfilling rumble from Satoru.

His fingers slid up your thighs and over the curves of your body, pressing into the plush to bounce you on him. You saw plenty before of the cobweb of veins that marble his cock, but feeling the ridges trailing along your insides leaves you breathing out such sinful sounds. He works it like the most formal of fountain pens, writing poetry on velvet walls that could put even Shakespeare to shame.

“Fuuh-uck,” you murmur, burying your face in the crook of Satoru’s neck, shamelessly letting him contort your body however he desires. Your arms wrap tightly around his neck and hair, locking him in against your bare chest.

“Now now, don’t go hiding yourself,” Suguru says between disheveled breaths, trying not to let his pace falter as he urges your face up. He overtakes your lips, mixing sloppy kisses with nips across your bottom lip.

Satoru uses this chance to pepper your open neck with marks fashioned all in his name, biting down with more force each time his lover hits that sweet spot inside. He can feel not only his own chest tighten, but his balls as well.

Suguru breaks the kiss, but only to push the two in front of him down. The weight of Satoru comes down over you, taking your mouth against his and soaking up the taste of all the combined flavors. Suguru unleashes powerful thrusts into Satoru that force him in and out of your own body as he chases his high.

“You missed me this much, Suguru?” He gazes over his shoulder, smiling as he tries to form cock-drunk words. “S-so much more aggressive than usual, f-feels good.”

“Not a day goes by where I don’t see a reminder of you.” You can just barely make out the seldom, yet saccharine face Suguru makes, your own vision clouded with a hazy white. “It’s just like the old days with o-our new friend here.”

“Our princess here is taking us so well, isn’t she?”

“She is,” he says, and you feel feather-light touches come over your thighs that attempt to coil around Satoru for closeness. “You’re such a good girl, I bet you want to cum, don’t you?” You feverishly nod, unsure how much longer you can hold out.

“Come on, baby.” A finger moves over your clit drawing star-shaped patterns until that’s all you’re able to see. “T-that’s it,” he drawls, following soon after.

Hot ropes of cum spill out inside you once more, making a beautiful cocktail of three. Suguru mercilessly ruts into Satoru until he himself finishes, savoring the feeling he’s long since missed and relishing in the new ones you’ve brought him.

Satoru’s body relaxes leaving you trapped underneath. You take the time to brush your fingers through his hair as you come down off your high, feeling yourself ground to the Earth in the process.

Suguru pulls out, leaving a chaste kiss to you both. His delicate fingers push the hair of your face, admiring the beauty of your afterglow. You close your eyes, soaking up the feeling of one another, completely oblivious to anything else.

Well, almost oblivious.

“It’s been fun seeing you again and meeting such a lovely new woman,” Suguru starts. You open your eyes and Satoru as well to see Suguru dressed and mounted atop the tobiano. “I’ve got to get home before my daughters begin to worry. See you around sometime.” He winks, galloping out of the stable before either of you can say another word.

Satoru stands up, exhaling a defeated sigh. The plan to arrest Suguru ended up with the two of you being detained by love. Both his gang and the gold are long gone to wherever his hideout lies.

Satoru helps you up, cleaning you off as best he can before readying the horses, and yes, that means yours too.

Valentine is home, back with her family.

You.

As you sit atop her on route back to the city of Valentine, you feel a discomfort in your clothes and the crunching of parchment to follow. The source of which is a pamphlet courtesy of Suguru, detailing drawings and hints on how if you’re interested, you can use these clues to find him and his camp of outlaws.

And so, a third opportunity for your future presents itself, but that’s for the future. For now, the only thing on your mind is a steak dinner. Here’s hoping the Butcher has finished his job.

☆ Notes: KFC breakup – saloon edition

Fr this chapter was hard for me to write. I love satosugu but I’m not confident in writing them just yet :( I cursed myself so many times and had to close to document. march weather also has got me not feeling too well so that sucks.

I was kinda stumped how to transition from gunpoint to dickpoint in a way that wasn’t so dubious or noncon so I hope you don’t mind me just skipping straight to the action :3 threesome smut is hard to write for me

#jjk #jujutsu kaisen #jjk au #cowboy!au #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru #satoru x reader #geto suguru #geto x reader #geto x you #geto suguru x reader #gojo x you #gojo smut #nanami kento #toji fushiguro #toji zenin #jjk smut #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader

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dragon-365 · 8 months ago

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I don’t usually make original posts discussing politics/current events, mostly because I’m not the best at it, but I feel the need to talk about Springfield, Ohio

I live near Springfield, I don’t know a whole lot about the community, because.. I don’t live there, but I’ve been seeing the effects that Republicans’ baseless pet-eating rumors have had on them. There’s been more than thirty bomb threats on various locations in the city, from schools to city hall to grocery stores. School has been canceled almost every day this week there. They’ve had to evacuate and lockdown buildings. Allegedly, neo-nazis have been showing up at churches. Thank god none of the threats have actually come through, but there’s no telling if or when one of them will be real

the double and tripling down that the republicans have done only makes it worse, no matter how many times it’s debunked by others, their followers will refuse to back down and look what it’s doing to this community

there is hope though, people have come together to support each other, and that’s the best way to beat this situation: kindness and community

Springfield’s mayor actually told Trump not to hold his rally there, Trump said “he’d have extra security”, as if it’s him that really needs protection

Their high school’s football team is playing an away game right now, and I hope they win

get out and vote if you can, I know I would if I could

#kamala 2024 #vote kamala #donald trump #fuck trump #trump #kamala harris #vote #ohio #springfield ohio #immigration

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justinspoliticalcorner · 4 months ago

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Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman at PolitiFact:

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Underlying 2024’s most outrageous political lie was a truth — some might even argue a confession — voiced by an accomplice: To get media attention, then-vice presidential candidate JD Vance acknowledged, sometimes "I have to create stories." And so, with a brazen disregard for facts, Donald Trump and his running mate repeatedly peddled a created story that in Springfield, Ohio, Haitian immigrants were eating pet dogs and cats. With this claim, amplified before 67 million television viewers in his debate against Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump took his anti-migrant, the U.S. border-is-out-of-control campaign agenda to a new level.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs," Trump said Sept. 10. "The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating, they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country. And it's a shame." City and county officials said repeatedly that it was not happening. Rebuttals did not diminish the consequences: Dozens of bomb threats at schools, grocery stores and government buildings. Pleas from locals to leave them alone. A continued lack of constructive debate on immigration and border control issues. After the threats subsided, some Haitians didn’t want to go in public or send their children to school. The police department sent an officer to protect churchgoers at a Haitian Creole Sunday afternoon mass. Haitian restaurant owners and schoolchildren heard taunts from people using Trump’s words.

"‘Dad, do we eat dogs at the house?’" Jacob Payen, a Haitian Community Alliance spokesperson and business owner, recalled his 7-year-old son asking. The Haitian population in Springfield had swelled since 2021 as people fled Haiti’s violence and instability. City officials estimated 12,000 to 20,000 Haitians had come to this city of about 58,000 residents in 2020, after hearing about jobs and low living costs. Most Haitians live in the U.S. legally under a temporary federal protection President Joe Biden extended. The sudden population surge came with growing pains on housing, health services, road safety and schools. When the local conversation turned to unfounded rumors and fearmongering, Trump and Vance seized an opportunity.

[...]

In choosing the 2024 Lie of the Year, the claims by Vance and Trump about Haitians eating pets stood out.

It was an absurd statement that Trump raised unprompted on the debate stage.

And neither Trump nor Vance stopped there. They stuck with the narrative for the rest of the campaign, over the objections of allies who debunked it and pleaded with them to let it go. When challenged by voters and interviewers, Trump said he heard it on TV; Vance said constituents had called his office with the claim.

[...]

Emboldened by Vance’s embrace of the rumor, Trump’s debate outburst cemented lasting consequences, stigmatizing a town and its residents in the name of campaign rage. For those reasons, Trump and Vance own the 2024 Lie of the Year.

[...]

Anatomy of a lie: How real strains primed voters for a baseless rumor

Haitians in Springfield fled their home country after their family members were killed, their businesses were burned down and their lives were endangered. The country was thrown into chaos, its capital city controlled by gangs, after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, an earthquake and a tropical storm. As their population grew in Springfield, the Haitian immigrants filled jobs and opened restaurants and stores. Some longtime residents grew irritated by the strain on city services, such as wait times for public health services, a housing shortage and rising rents.

In August 2023, a tragedy deepened the resentment: Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian who is in the U.S. legally and lacked a valid driver’s license, drove a minivan into a school bus, injuring about 20 children and killing Aiden Clark, 11. It was the first day of school. Joseph was found guilty of vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to prison. Angry residents attended city commission meetings over the next year to ask questions about how so many Haitians ended up in Springfield. They said the Haitians didn’t know driving laws or cultural norms and didn’t speak English. Local leaders acknowledged the road dangers and overburdened public services. They described steps they and the state had taken to mitigate the strains, such as hiring interpreters and launching drivers’ education classes. City Manager Bryan Heck said Springfield had struggled with housing scarcity for years before the Haitians arrived.

On July 8, Heck sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, copying Vance, requesting federal help. The next day, at a banking committee meeting, Vance highlighted Springfield’s housing shortage and demands on hospital and school services among the "very real human consequences" of immigration. Trump announced Vance as his running mate about a week later.

Discussion of real tension quickly turned to hearsay molded by racist tropes. The earliest rumors PolitiFact found of Haitians stealing and eating pets and geese came in August amid a neo-Nazi group’s protest. On Aug. 10, a dozen people carrying swastika flags marched downtown, protesting the city’s Haitian immigrants. The national white supremacist group Blood Tribe, which has opposed immigration around the country, posted on Gab, a social networking platform used by far-right groups, to take credit for the march. "Once haitians swarm into a town animals start to disappear," an anonymous user commented. That post garnered only a few likes and comments. On Aug. 26, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a call from someone who said he saw four Haitians carrying geese. Wildlife officials found no evidence to corroborate the claim.

On social media the same day, users amplified similar claims with thirdhand accounts. In an Aug. 26 Facebook post, a woman said her work partner’s brother-in-law saw a Haitian man cut the heads off geese in front of children. She tagged Springfield resident Anthony Harris, who told the story at a city commission meeting the next day, adding that the man ate the beheaded geese. On a private Facebook group about crime in Springfield, a resident said Haitians stole and ate a neighbor’s daughter’s friend’s cat. (The woman later took down the post and said she regretted it.) In the first week of September, verified accounts on X, sent the claim viral when they posted a screenshot of the Facebook post. "Springfield is a small town in Ohio. 4 years ago, they had 60k residents. Under Harris and Biden, 20,000 Haitian immigrants were shipped to the town," End Wokeness, a pro-Trump X account with more than 3 million followers, posted Sept. 6. "Now ducks and pets are disappearing." End Wokeness’ X post, which has 5 million views, included a photo of a Black man holding what appears to be a dead goose. The photo was taken in Columbus, Ohio, about 48 miles east of Springfield, according to a July Reddit post.

PolitiFact names the “they’re eating the pets” lie in Springfield, Ohio amplified by then-Senator and VP-elect JD Vance and “President”-elect Donald Trump as its 2024 Lie Of The Year. The pet-eating hoax served to fuel anti-Haitian prejudice.

#PolitiFact #Lie Of The Year #Springfield Ohio #Springfield Cat Eating Hoax #Hoaxes #J.D. Vance #Donald Trump #Haitians #Immigration #TPS #Temporary Protected Status

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mariacallous · 8 months ago

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It isn’t on the same level as the threats in Springfield or the increased school threats immediately after the Georgia shooting but I feel like it’s a symptom of this general violent rhetoric these horrible people are encouraging that an adoption event at a pet supply store in the next county, which is much more conservative, got canceled due to threats. Because some fucked up racist gun owner was opposed to Memphis Animal Services bringing dogs into their county.

Earlier that day, a Hispanic customer was telling me how she hates it here due to the racism. Then a white man ranted about illegal immigrants when I carded him for beer.

I don’t even know what is going on!

Ugh.

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petsincollections · 2 years ago

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Box Turtles

Missouri Department of Conservation Photograph Collection

A man holds two ornate box turtles in his hands. These turtles and hundreds more were confiscated as evidence in a joint Conservation Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sting operation that captured a Utah man illegally selling the turtles to pet stores. The turtles were released back into the wild near Springfield, MO.

Missouri Digital Heritage

#turtles #two turtles #turtle thursday #why are there always two turtles #missouri digital heritage #missouri department of conservation

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primepast · 2 years ago

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task zero + character introduction.

⌕ . ˚ ⅋. 「 pedro pascal. forty six. cis man. he/him. 」 luca reyes was recruited as a captain’s crew for the libertalia twenty six years ago and was given the codename: dionysus for their carefree but spiteful behavior, typical for the sagittarius. while preparing for a heist they listen to back in black by acdc and don’t dare to leave without their most trusted item: engraved pocket knife.

part one: statistics.

basic information:

full name: josé lucas reyes espinoza luca reyes.

nickname(s): lu, whatever insult is being thrown his way.

age: 46.

date of birth: december 2nd, 1976.

place of birth: santiago, chile.

nationality: chilean american.

gender: cis man.

pronouns: he / him.

orientation: bisexual.

language(s) spoken: fluent in english, spanish & portuguese, familiar with russian, asl, & french.

accent: used to have a slight new yorker accent, not so much anymore.

family ties:

mother: maría espinoza, deceased.

father: juan reyes herrera, deceased.

siblings: has five siblings, three younger and two older.

spouse / partner: widower, currently single.

children: has a daughter named mia, in her mid twenties.

pets: has a ball python snake named ralph.

occupational information:

codename: dionysus.

meaning behind codename: dionysus, the greek god of wine ( also bestower of ecstasy / god of the drama ... fittingly enough ).

position: captain's crew.

skillset: scoped firearms / long range weapons / quick thinking under pressure / expert hand eye coordination / lockpicking / anything that allows him to stay still.

weapon of choice: prefers a sniper rifle, currently carries a m1903 springfield.

physical appearance:

face claim: pedro pascal.

hair color: dark brown.

eye color: dark brown.

height: 5'11"

weight: 165 lbs.

build: athletic.

tattoos: has a small clown fish tattoo on his left shoulder for his daughter.

piercings: none.

clothing style: whatever's still in his closet from the past decade, mostly old shirts with the occasional hole or stain and jeans. sometimes wears a leather jacket he found at a thrift store ... he doesn't really have a "style" just if it fits and isn't too fancy... comfortable dad attire.

distinguishing characteristics: salt & pepper hair, dimpled smile, square jawline.

personality:

mbti: estp.

element: fire.

western zodiac: sagittarius.

chinese zodiac: dragon.

positive traits: carefree, charming, adaptable, perceptive, bold.

negative traits: spiteful, impatient, impulsive, defiant, insensitive.

hobbies: drinking, fishing, woodworking, reading, doing nothing.

character inspiration: seth gecko ( fdtd ), the ten seconds of screentime dionysus gets in the pj movies, ron swanson ( parks & rec, this is strictly only vibes ), jim hopper ( stranger things but not the cop part acab ).

part two: questionnaire.

001. the professor provides every member of libertalia a unique codename that reflects their personality. each codename is derived from various forms of mythology, folklore, or literature. why do you think the professor chose that name for you? do you agree or disagree with his decision?

the professor has always been an idol of luca's and joining within libertalia's first year is something he looooves to brag about. he was codenamed dionysus and though a bit stumped at first, he realized that the professor must have known about his sticky fingers expensive alcohol bottle collection ... or maybe he just has a sense of humor and was already well aware of luca's drinking problem. there's much more to the name than luca understands - a man of intense passion, both known for his excitable attitude and anger. either way, luca has never really cared to know, especially since he likes to imagine the professor does have a sense of humor... and for that reason, he loves the decision.

002. gaining an invitation into libertalia isn’t an easy feat. what do you think made you special enough to get handpicked by the professor?

luca usually chalks it up to being young and lucky enough to be on libertalia's radar early on. he hadn't planned much at the beginning and had been reckless on his heists, going into hiding after a bank robbery went wrong and he was separated from his partners. for whatever reason, he was given a second chance when it seemed like his life was over and for that, he'll always be grateful.

003. the captain’s crew is the highest position at libertalia. do you desire to graduate to this level? if you’re already a member of the captain’s crew what motivated you to change your position?

as a current captain's crew member, the position has been on his mind since he learned it was a possibility. he has no desire to be in a true position of leadership like the professor, but luca owes everything to libertalia and his allegiance has only strengthened over the twenty plus years with the group. he used to love joining on adventures but as he's gotten older and faced injury after injury, his focus began to shift to the potential of heist planning - whatever he needed to do to remain useful to the organization. he fears that his intelligence isn't as good as his physical skills but is doing his best to make sure no one notices.

004. although many members of libertalia don’t know each other’s personal lives, it’s rumored that many members came from suspicious backgrounds. who were you before joining and what was your life like prior?

joining libertalia was an impulsive decision, one made without the knowledge of his wife. she was always in the dark about his thievery and criminal background, some he even completed while they were married. they'd known each other since high school and she only discovered his extracurriculars once he was already in libertalia. luca had grown up having to make his own way in the world and refused to change for anyone, but it cost him the opportunity of having the family he'd always wanted. libertalia was his purpose after that and he's refuses to think about the past anymore.

005. what was your primary motivation for joining libertalia? was it for the riches or for the thrill of adventure? or is there something else motivating you to continue working for the group? what do you hope to achieve?

the primary motivation had always been to see what the world had to offer. a simple curiosity of what else there could be and a desire to scratch an itch of thievery. he hadn't expected much, truthfully, as far as profits go - but once the money started showing on paper, that helped too. now that he's lost the other side of the life he had, libertalia has essentially become everything to him and he hopes to help it flourish with the years he has left. he loves the idea of passing on all the wisdom and experience he's learned, a main reason he's apart of the captain's crew.

006. how would the other members describe you? would you consider yourself to be a team-player or do you prefer to work independently?

never serious, always joking, mouth never not open. not usually seen without a drink in his hand. he's got a contagious laugh and that can either soften the view some people have toward luca or infuriate them. always loves to be the life of the party and at every single funeral, he's made the "i put the fun in funeral" joke to someone. doesn't know how to read a room very well but he's got the best of intentions. works well with others... but usually gives them a headache at some point.

007. libertalia is anonymous, therefore necessitates secrecy outside of the group. how do you balance your personal life outside of this, granted you have one? is there a clear separation between libertalia and your personal life?

luca used to be able to balance everything perfectly within the first few years of libertalia - after his wife discovered he'd been lying about a business trip and knew he couldn't lie to her anymore, it went downhill from there. after a messy separation, luca's personal life became more or less existent. his thirties were spent jumping from mission to mission, becoming almost obsessed with his work until a bad back injury made him replan his future. now he's just focused on remaining valuable.

008. henry avery’s treasure has been lost since 1695. even with the brightest minds on the case, all leads to find the treasure haven’t turned up. avery’s treasure is the professor’s white whale and after several years of searching, many believe the treasure ceases to exist. do you believe the treasure exists?

luca is certainly skeptical but leans toward hopeful.

009. do you trust the professor? do you trust the libertalia?

yes and yes - with his life.

#at:intro #no cute graphic my b

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shrimppets · 12 days ago

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Shrimp Pets

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+17038287809

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naturedshieldpestcon · 2 months ago

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Why Year-Round Pest Control in Springfield, MO, Is a Must for Homeowners

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petshrimpforsale · 3 months ago

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Pet Shrimp For Sale Splashy Fish

Splashy Fish

5408 Port Royal Road, Suite A, Springfield, VA 22151 United States Maps URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fHL4ahuYWUFFGkuJ8 +17038287809

https://www.instagram.com/splashyfishtropical/

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salvia-plathitudes · 8 months ago

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Lifted direct from HuffPost:

“First of all, the claim is false: There are no credible reports that “people who shouldn’t be in this country” are eating pets. It bubbled up from the depths of right-wing internet spaces directly to the X account for the Republican Party’s vice presidential nominee.

Second, the false claim is part of Trump and his supporters’ yearslong pattern of painting immigrants with a broad brush as rapists and murders, even invoking the fictional film ”Gangs of New York″ and the fictional serial killer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter — whom Trump has invoked nonstop in recent months to describe immigrants.

These claims about immigrants being especially prone to crime run counter to all available data, which show that immigrants break fewer laws than Americans who were born here.

The lies are all part of Trump and Vance’s justification for pitching a “mass deportation” of millions of people, which by their and their advisers’ own admission would involve a “bloody” police state and huge processing camps.

What Is Vance Actually Talking About?

The Trump campaign did not respond to HuffPost’s questions. But it appears Vance was responding to a collection of rumors and baseless internet posts related to immigrants living in Ohio — all breathlessly amplified by Trump-aligned social media accounts.

In one instance, a social media post purportedly from Springfield, Ohio, that’s been making the rounds includes the claim that the unnamed poster’s neighbor’s daughter’s friend — say that five times fast — lost her cat, then later found the cat hanging from a tree outside her Haitian neighbor’s house. It’s impossible to verify such a fourth-hand claim, but no news stories indicate anything similar happening recently. And Springfield police told the News-Sun Monday that while they were aware of the rumor on social media, they hadn’t actually received any reports related to pets being stolen and eaten.

Another viral post shows a man at a Springfield city commission meeting — Anthony Harris, a local self-identified “social media influencer” — claiming Haitian immigrants “are in the park, grabbing up ducks by the neck, and cutting the heads off and walking off with them, and eating them.” Harris did not return a message seeking comment about evidence for his claim.

The posts have been amplified by far-reaching far-right X accounts including @EndWokeness, which has 2.9 million followers on the app, and Charlie Kirk, whose organization, Turning Point Action, is helping to run the Trump campaign’s get-out-the-vote operation. “Apparently, people’s pet cats are being eaten,” Elon Musk, X owner and Trump endorser, responded to Kirk’s post about the fourth-hand claim of the missing cat.

Springfield, Ohio, has been a hub for immigrants, and particularly Haitian immigrants, in recent years — contrary to Vance’s tweet, they are here legally — but there’s no evidence at all for these viral claims.

In fact, Springfield’s deputy director of public safety and operations, Jason Via, dispelled the rumors to NPR last month.

“I think it’s sad that some people are using this as an opportunity to spread hate or spread fear,” Via told NPR. “We get these reports ‘the Haitians are killing ducks in a lot of our parks’ or ‘the Haitians are eating vegetables right out of the aisle at the grocery store.’ And we haven’t really seen any of that. It’s really frustrating. As a community, it’s not helpful as we try to move forward.”

The same story quoted Denice D. Williams, president of Springfield’s NAACP, who said she wasn’t surprised by the anti-immigrant rumors, given she’d heard similar things as a child.

“I’m not surprised, I’m disgusted. I grew up in an all-white neighborhood, so they were telling us, ‘go back to where you came from.’ They would trash our yard. I’m 70 years old, and I’m still hearing ‘send them back.’”

The fact that the rumors are baseless hasn’t stopped prominent Republicans from sharing posts apparently based on the stories — including from Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, former Trump adviser Stephen Miller and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)”

Guess who is pushing the “migrants are eating your pets” bit?

Benny Johnson, who was identified as being a paid operative involved in a Russian disinformation plot.

#us politics

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tophardwoodflooringexpertspage · 1 year ago

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The Charm and Advantages of Wood Flooring

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suckitsurveys · 2 years ago

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Are you currently in love? I am.

Are you afraid of stink bugs? No.

What is the one room in your house you spend the most time in? The living room.

What do you think of your current president? I know I should be paying more attention but politics are just so mind-numbingly BORING to me. I don’t want to spend my time keeping up with it because it’s mostly just so depressing. I know enough to know that he’s doing at least somewhat better than Trump, but that isn’t really hard to do.

Is there one website you visit regularly, but would never admit to? Nah. Maybe certain fan fic pages hahahaha.

Do you own any pets? I have three kitties.

Would you rather have no legs or have no arms? I guessssss no legs.

Are you afraid of the dentist? I don’t like it.

Have you ever done anything illegal? Of course.

Do you like McDonald’s sweet tea? I’m not a fan of sweet tea. I like my tea as bitter as my soul.

Do documentaries bore you? Depends on the subject.

Are you usually happy or sad most of the time? I don’t know. I don’t feel one way more than the other honestly. I’m mostly content.

Does money make you happy? It does. Fuck capitalism but gimme all the monies thanks.

Have you ever had a storage locker? If so, what is/was stored in it? No.

How far away is the nearest capital city? 2 and a halfish hours. The capital of Wisconsin (Madison) is actually closer to Chicago than the capital of Illinois (Springfield).

What was the last movie trailer you watched? The last one I recall watching was Dumb Money, but I know there were some before Bottoms but I don’t remember which ones.

Are you expecting anything in the mail? No.

Have you ever broken any bones in your feet or hands? I broke my wrist if that counts as a hand bone.

Do you remember the first house you lived in? I do. We moved into the house my dad still owns when I was 5, but I remember the apartment we loved in before that.

Have you stayed up past 3 in the morning this week? Nope.

Is there anyone you know by the name of Frank? Yes.

Are you currently in a smoking environment? Nope.

Do you ever not speak to someone because you’re afraid you’ll annoy them? Eh, that’s on them, bro.

Have you ever known a guy who caused a lot of drama? Most men I know have caused drama in one way or another.

Is there anything you’re saving up for? Eh.

Have you ever punched someone and broke their nose? I’ve never punched anyone to begin with.

One word to describe your most recent ex? Irrelevant.

Do you like snow? When I don’t have to drive in it.

Can you tie balloons? I can.

When was the last time you were at a pet store? Last month.

Do you know anyone who is terrified of dogs? I don’t think so?

What’s your favorite horror movie? I’m not a huge horror movie fan.

What cover do you think is better than the original song? I’ve never met a cover of Chelsea Hotel #2 I didn’t like.

What’s a TV show you have gotten into recently? I’ve just been watching House Hunters lol.

What is a food you think is nasty that most people enjoy? I don’t know. I like a lot of “gross” foods.

Was the last person you hung out with single? Nope.

[TW: ABUSE] Have you ever been in an abusive relationship? Not really.

Do you like drinking diet sodas? Nope. If I’m gunna have soda at all I might as well go for it.

Who was the last person that cried in your presence? My niece.

What was the last thing someone gave you? Ummmm my sister made me a sandwich for our apple orchard trip if that counts lol.

Who is the person you often go to for venting? Here or Mark or Sarah.

Was the last person you kissed male or female? Male.

Who were you with the last time you went swimming? I was with Sarah. We went to a beach in Maine when I was out there visiting her.

Do you say “I love you” even when you don’t mean it? No.

Is it hard for you to be “just friends” with the opposite sex? Nah.

Do you prefer wheat or white bread? Wheat.

What’s your opinion on fast food? It’s fine in moderation.

Have you ever dated anyone while they were in jail? No.

If you’ve ever babysat, do you like it? I don’t mind watching my nieces from time to time.

Do you get a lot of spiders in your house? Yup. Basement living perks.

Name two of your favorite things as a child. Playing on the swings and Pokemon.

Do you own a pillow pet? I did.

Have either of your parents gone to jail? I imagine they were both arrested at some point. They were both hippies lol.

Do you have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)? I don’t think so.

Do you know a hoarder? My grandmother was.

Do you think homosexuality (anything besides heterosexual) is a choice? Absolutely not.

Do you have any interesting scar stories? Nah.

What’s a reasonable amount of time before two people get engaged? Whenever.

Do you hate the texture of meatballs? No, I actually love meatballs.

Do you get migraines? I do.

#surveys

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bat-boness · 2 years ago

Text

Ronan Davis

Ronan is my murder oc!

Gender:Male

Age: 22

Sexuality: bisexual

Likes: music, beauty, human anatomy, meat, horror films

Dislikes: confrontational people, soup, work,

Ronan is a 5'9 male who works at "Sidney's gastation" in Springfield illinois. He is a yandere who's murder methods are less violent if he can control it. His motives for murder are to have beautiful people stay with him /love him forever without abandonment or rejection and complete control. He is diagnosed with aspd and bpd. He loves music and considers it a large part of his life.

He doesn't appear very nervous, he's usually stoic and doesn't smile but engages in conversation once in a while

Has a special spot for animals. He likes cats

Occasionally goes to the gym

Has headphones in thoughout the day

Oddly goes to pet stores regularly and bars

Favorite food is steak and chicken

Obsessed with beauty because he cannot find it in himself

Favorite color is yellow or orange

Interested in science

Necro, fascinated with death and crime investigation

#art #anime art #goreart #ocart

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fiction-fun · 4 years ago

Text

A surprise for someone

Fandom: The Simpsons

Pairing: Moe/Oc

Words: 2404

Warnings: none

The woman sat the letter down on the small table and let out another sigh as she ran a hand through her red hair.

“Well, I guess it’s time I pack. It won’t take long.” She muttered as she looked around the empty apartment.

The only response to her words was the small footsteps of her kitten Scarlett, as she walked over to the woman, she bent down to pick her up.

“Alright Scarlett, mommy will get you some food then we’ll get ready and go to Springfield, ok?” She asked petting the kitten as she walked to the kitchen.

The kitten just purred as the woman sat her down and pulled out a plate and a can of food. She opened it and dumped the can onto the plate before putting it down on the floor.

“Alright baby, I’m going to go finish packing us up. You eat up.” The woman muttered softly.

The woman moved around and stored her measly possessions in boxes taking them down to her small car before coming back up and getting the letter and Scarlett. Putting Scarlett in her carrier she smiled softly at the small cat.

“Alright time to go sweetie.” She said softly.

She walked downstairs and left her key at the desk before walking to her car. Carefully strapping Scarlett's carrier to the seat, she climbed in. She turned the car on and started to drive. After a few hours she pulled off the road in Springfield, by a small bar. She sighed and looked at the map. Figuring out her best route she started back out and got to her apartment. She pulled in and ran inside to finish the paperwork, Scarlett’s carrier clutched in her hand. The manager shot her a dirty look but handed her the key.

“We don’t usually allow pets.” He said huffily.

The woman looked down at Scarlett.

“I was told she wouldn’t be a problem.” The woman returned.

The manager rolled his eyes but didn’t comment leading her up the stairs to her apartment.

“Rent is due the first of the month not the third, twelfth or fifteenth. No loud noises after ten and any damages you make you repair.” The manager said as he opened the door and handed her the keys before walking away.

The woman looked around the small apartment with a sigh.

“Just us in another tiny apartment, Scarlett.” She murmured softly.

She settled Scarlett on the floor and turned to the door.

“I’ll be back in a minute sweetie, then we’ll get you out of there.” She said quietly.

With that she walked out of the apartment, and down to the car quickly bringing everything up to her apartment. When she shut the door behind her and settled the last box down, she turned and opened Scarlett’s carrier letting the curious kitten out. That evening the two curled up on her small air mattress and fell into a restless sleep. The next few days she spent getting her new job in order.

“Miss Sinclair!” the principal called as she walked out of the office.

The woman turned, hair twisting around her face from the hair tie it was held in.

“Yes, Principal Skinner? And it’s Kaley really.” Kaley said looking at her new boss.

Skinner laughed and nodded before handing her a list and some files.

“You left these.” He said by way of explanation.

Kaley turned a light red color as she took the files.

“Sorry, I won’t make the same mistake again.” She assured, hoping that he wouldn’t think badly of her.

Skinner just shook his head.

“It’s alright. I’ll see you Monday.” He said as he moved passed her.

Kaley gave a soft sigh and glanced to the clock, her four o'clock meeting had run until past six and she really needed a drink.

“Where can I get a drink around here?” she muttered to herself as she climbed into her car, locking the files in her glove compartment.

It was in that moment she remembered the bar she had briefly stopped at when she first arrived. With a nod she turned her car on and headed back towards the bar. After a few minutes she pulled her car to a stop outside of the bar and looked up at the name.

“Moe’s, huh I wonder if they’d be opposed to a lady getting a drink.” Kaley muttered softly, reaching up and holding the locket around her neck.

She shook her head and turned off her car before climbing out of the car and walking towards the bar. With one last look around she pushed open the door and walked inside. She paused at the door and looked around the small bar, not seeing anyone. She walked over to the bar and sat down.

“Just a minute!” a rough voice called from the back.

She nodded, before shaking her head and looking towards where the voice came from.

“Don’t worry! Take your time!” she called back softly.

She heard a loud crash and scrambled footsteps before a door opened.

“Oh wow, it is a lady.” The apron wearing man said as he walked from the back.

Kaley nodded.

“Yes, I hope you don’t mind, I just need a drink and your bar was the only one I knew of. I’m new in town.” Kaley said brushing her bangs out of her face.

The man nodded and moved about pouring her a drink.

“It’s fine, no worries. I’m Moe by the way.” The man, Moe, said as he sat her drink down.

Kaley picked it up and took a sip, nodding.

“Well Moe, I’m Kaley, and it’s nice to meet you.” She said smiling at the man.

That made the man freeze.

“Hold up a second, did you say Kaley?” He asked.

She nodded and smiled gently.

“That’s right, and you said Moe.” Kaley said giggling lightly.

Moe looked her over again his eyes pausing at her locket that she had left over her shirt.

“Might be a stretch, but is your last name Sinclair?” he asked her.

That caused Kaley to pause, and slowly lower her drink.

“Yes, it is, why?” Kaley asked cautiously.

She watched as he reached up and took out an identical Locket to the one, she wore, her eyes widening.

“Because it’s me, Morris Szyslak.” He said opening his locket and showing her the pictures inside.

Kaley reached up and opened hers showing the same pictures. The pictures that were taken when they were 8 and she had to move.

“Moe…” she whispered looking wide eyed at her old friend.

Moe smiled a small smile at her. She reached over the bar and pulled him into a hug, it seemed to shock him for a few minutes because he didn’t respond right away, but after a few seconds she felt him wrap his arms around her and tuck his head into her shoulder. They spent the next few hours catching up, before more people started coming in.

“Hey Moe! Let the beers fly!” the biggest of the group yelled.

Kaley smiled as Moe sighed and went to turn, she grabbed his hand quickly and pressed a piece of paper into his hand.

“I’ll see you later, Moe.” She said as she stood up, leaving a few bills on the counter.

“Who’s the hottie?” She heard one of the others ask, before Moe told him to shut up and drink his beer.

She laughed and walked to her car, getting in and heading home. She sighed with a smile as she walked up the stairs to her apartment. She walked inside and to the kitchen to feed Scarlett.

“Scarlett, mommy found an old friend. And she’s happier than she has been in years. But I just don’t know what I’m going to do.” Kaley said softly talking to her small kitten as she ate.

Over the next few weeks her and Moe spent a lot of time together, getting reacquainted with each other and before long it was as if they had never been apart. One day two months after they first found each other again she walked into the bar after work and shot Moe a small smile as she sat in what had become her seat, even Moe’s regulars left it open for her.

“Hey, Moe.” She greeted sitting down.

Moe seemed nervous as he turned and grabbed her drink.

“H-hey, Kaley.” He said setting the drink in front of her.

She took a sip of the beer and nodded.

“Moe is everything ok? You seem nervous?” she asked reaching out and taking his hand in hers.

Moe reached up with his free hand and tugged at his bowtie.

“Yeah, everything's fine.” He said, the nervous edge leaving his voice.

She watched him for a few seconds before letting his hand go.

“Alright.” She said unconvinced, but letting it slide for now.

Moe gave her a small smile before walking towards the other side of the bar where Barney sat. After serving Barney he came back and they chatted for a while him having to go serve others every now and then. Before long Kaley sighed and stood, dropping a few bills onto the counter, she gave Moe a smile.

“I have to go do some work. I’ll see you later, Moe.” She said.

Moe seemed to hesitate, almost making a move to make her stay when he shook his head and looked at her again.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later, Kaley.” He said, wiping out a glass.

Kaley sighed and walked from the bar, and out the door. She paused briefly before turning on her heel and racing back into the bar.

“Moe!” she yelled and she knew she must look a sight her hair a mess from the wind and her quick movements, eyes wide.

Moe looked up from the bar, his eyes going wide seeing her, he walked from behind the bar to her, worry evident on his face.

“Kaley? What’s wrong?’ he asked looking her over.

She smiled and shook her head meeting him halfway across the room.

“Just forgot this.” She said before leaning in and pressing a kiss to his lips.

It took a second before Moe responded by wrapping his arms around her and returning the kiss, when they pulled back Moe looked at her.

“Kaley…” Moe said softly.

Kaley smiled gently.

“Well, one of us had to do it. So, will I see you later?” she asked him softly.

Moe nodded not being able to get the words out. Kaley smiled pressed another kiss to his cheek and walked back outside. This time she got in her car and drove home. She ran up to her apartment and got in the shower quickly before getting into something cute but comfortable, and getting to work. A few hours later she heard a knock and yawned lightly as she stood up, looking at the clock she saw it was after midnight. She smiled and walked to the door opening it, and seeing Moe standing there.

“Moe, come in.” she smiled and stepped aside.

Moe walked inside and looked around; she blushed a bit but smiled still.

“It’s a little bare, but it’s just Scarlett and me. So, we don’t need much.” Kaley explained as they walked to the living room.

“Scarlett?” Moe asked giving her a smile.

Kaley nodded and stepped forward to the couch, picking up the small red and orange kitten, she turned and showed her to Moe.

“Moe, this is Scarlett.” She said softly.

“Well hello there Scarlett.” Moe said reaching over and lightly scratching the kittens head.

Kaley giggled softly as they settled down on the couch, Scarlett nestled between them.

“So, uh you’re the councilor for the school?” Moe asked.

Kaley turned red and closed the files slipping them into her bag.

“Yeah, it’s a job.” She said softly.

Moe nodded, and they started talking about different things.

*Three years later*

“I still can’t believe it, Moe! Who’d have thunk it!” Homer said as he took the offered beer from Moe.

Moe laughed good naturedly his left hand running through his hair, gold band shinning in the late afternoon sun.

“I know, I still wake up some mornings and go, 'wow, this really happened!’ and Kaley just smiles and kisses me and makes breakfast. She’s the best.” Moe said a dreamy smile on his face.

The chime on the door went and both men looked up seeing the woman they had been discussing standing there with a smile on her face.

“Sorry to steal him away Homer, but it’s our anniversary.” Kaley said as she walked in and leaned carefully against the bar.

Homer let out a long sigh.

“Oohhh but I just got here!” Homer groaned out.

Moe rolled his eyes and turned pulling off his apron.

“Yeah, and now you’re just leaving.” He said as he walked from behind the bar.

Homer groaned again but nodded and stood to leave the Tavern. Moe wrapped his arms around Kaley and the two of them headed towards their new home. The large four-bedroom home had seemed like a huge buy when they got it two years ago. But as they walked inside to see Scarlett and Mr. Snookums on the couch and Neil Patrick Hairless running around the couch they smiled as they kicked off their shoes and relaxed for a while. After dinner Kaley smiled over at Moe from where she sat watching him as he puttered around.

“Moe, come here for a second.” She called sweetly.

Moe turned and looked at her before he walked over and sat next to her. Kaley smiled softly and handed him a small wrapped box.

“Hopefully this is as good of an anniversary present as I think it is.” Kaley said softly.

Moe looked at her confused before opening the box and letting his eyes take in the contents. Inside was a small framed photo of a grey and white image, and below that was a small device.

“Kaley?” Moe asked slightly breathless.

Kaley smiled and nodded, leaning against him slightly.

“Yes, Moe. I’m pregnant.” She said softly.

Moe let out a gasp before carefully standing up and setting the present aside. He pulled her up and into his arms, spinning her gently.

“Best anniversary ever.” He whispered softly and pressed a kiss to her lips; one had sliding down to rest on her abdomen.

#fanfiction #oc #the simpsons #moe simpsons #moe syzlak

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mariacallous · 6 months ago

Text

“Make cats safe again” read the MAGA-style baseball caps perched on the heads of five AI-generated felines printed on a black T-shirt alongside a Trump 2024 banner. It’s yours for just $29.99 (10 percent off if you order three) from United Patriot, an online store that proclaims it is “not afraid to speak the truth!”

The T-shirt may seem innocuous enough. But its slogan references a racist lie, spread by US presidential candidate Donald Trump, that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, had been eating local pets. The false claims have led to a wave of xenophobic abuse including bomb threats and vandalism against the local Haitian community.

The item is also one of thousands being sold by a group of online operators who are targeting the US election using hate, lies, and conspiracy theories, all to make a quick buck.

United Patriot is one of four ecommerce companies identified by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) that have been advertising merchandise, often aimed at Trump supporters, using different levels of misinformation and hate speech.

They have collectively paid to publish over 15,000 “political” ads that have racked up millions of impressions on Facebook. And though the operations present themselves as patriotic outlets selling US products, TBIJ has found evidence suggesting many are being at least partly run from overseas.

Both operations are just examples of a bigger global problem that goes far beyond one election in one country.

“Evidence has shown that we engage more with content that is provocative and emotionally charged,” says Hannah Perry, digital policy head of research at think tank Demos. “Because algorithms on platforms such as Facebook are designed to optimize for engagement—keeping us on platforms for longer and prolonging our exposure to advertising—such algorithms disproportionately surface inflammatory and divisive content.

“Actors will no doubt target the US election to attract an outsized audience relative to other domestic stories.”

The operations we identified are all enabled by the economics of the internet, which encourage workers from Nigeria to the Philippines to the US to amplify hate and falsehoods to millions in the pursuit of profit. And they show how people simply out to make money currently have their sights set on one of the most finely balanced elections in history.

From Biden to Betting Scams

“A White House video in which Joe Biden goes 45 seconds without blinking is raising serious questions about who is currently serving as president of the United States,” says a presenter over a picture of the current president, claiming he has been dead since June 2022.

The video, produced by The People’s Voice channel on the video platform Rumble, is clearly aimed at capturing conspiracy-minded Americans. It is just one of hundreds of US-focused posts hosted on a network of Facebook pages run largely from Nigeria aimed at extracting money for sports betting scams. Twenty-five of the most active pages identified by TBIJ have amassed more than 669,000 followers, more than doubling from 290,000 followers last year.

An investigation by Nigerian media outlet HumAngle reported in September that the wider network, which may be as large as 240 Facebook pages, appears to scam people out of money by offering them the opportunity to profit from high-odd bets placed on what the pages say are “fixed” sports matches. Despite HumAngle’s reporting, 199 of the accounts remained active with a combined following of more than 2.7 million accounts.

To attract users to these scams, the pages have been boosting engagement by publishing political content—in particular, conspiracy theories and false claims about the US presidential race. Some posts falsely claimed Kamala Harris, the sitting US vice president and 2024 Democratic nominee, is a man. Others focused on the idea that natural disasters such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton were engineered by Democratic leaders to prevent people from voting in swing states. Both are conspiracy theories that have gained traction in the last few months.

The pages have co-opted the branding of hacktivist movement Anonymous, an ostensibly anti-establishment group of online activists and hackers that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Wearing masks similar to those adopted by the movement (originally taken from the film and comic book series V for Vendetta), those behind the scams will often overlay footage of themselves over clips pushing disinformation.

But while they align themselves with a political movement and push political falsehoods, they are using them to make money.

Daniel Roberts, a spokesperson for Facebook parent company Meta, tells TBIJ: “Scammers persistently target people online and in the real world—and that’s why we work with governments, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies to deter bad actors. This is a highly adversarial space, and we continue to update our enforcement systems to respond to evolving scammer behavior. We are reviewing the accounts shared with us and will enforce against any that violate our policies.”

Promoting Popularity

Online marketing, whether it is promoting legitimate goods, hateful T-shirts, or attempts to scam people out of their money, relies on getting people to see posts. Social media algorithms tend to boost content that they predict will attract a lot of attention.

In recent years, it has become clear that conspiracy theories, misinformation, and hate are very good at tapping into the emotions that drive this kind of engagement. And that, in turn, means that anyone with something to sell is incentivized to push that kind of content to boost their profits. Post something that receives a high level of engagement (say, a conspiracy theory) and it’s more likely that your other content will be promoted by the algorithm.

Other posts on the Nigerian network’s pages claim to be able to foresee the future. Predictions about politics or natural disasters are published alongside their claims to deliver returns on high-risk bets. They also often post “testimonials”—short videos depicting people thanking the pages’ operators for “changing their lives” through fixed sports betting. All are gimmicks to lure in new targets for sports bettings scams.

According to a conversation with the admins of one of the pages, a ticket to participate in the fixed betting would cost someone $4,250. A “mini-ticket” costs $2,100. TBIJ obtained a bitcoin address used by one such page with about 70,000 followers and found that the wallet had facilitated nearly $1 million worth of transactions. These schemes have been used to scam many Nigerians and others over the years, according to HumAngle.

The target market, however, is far more global.

As the US election has gained pace, the volume of content on the network of sites aimed at US citizens has ramped up, with the pages trying to remain relevant by referencing new events.

Many posts piggyback on false claims about US government relief available to hurricane victims, such as the Trump campaign’s claims that relief funding was restricted because the money was instead going to immigrants or to the defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression. “I hate that our government never runs out of money for illegals and foreign wars. But runs out of money to help struggling Americans,” one post reads.

Another shows an AI-generated picture of Trump standing in a flooded area and handing toilet paper to the victims, captioned, “a picture they don’t want you to see.”

Profiting off Patriotism

Like the Nigerian network, other similar ecommerce merch stores rely heavily on Facebook for their marketing and promote similar conspiracy theories in order to gain traction.

Many of the ads run by United Patriot include graphics that reference and promote destroying the pride flag, misogynistic slurs against Harris, transphobia, anti-vaccine logos, anti-Ukrainian sentiment, gun ownership, and mentions of the “stolen election.”

Misogyny aimed at Harris regularly featured in ads run by another of the sites, which also sells merchandise containing anti-trans slurs. Another of the sites posted a video falsely claiming Dominion voting machines helped steal the election from Trump.

The messages, potentially misleading US citizens or stoking hate towards various groups, will have been seen by many times more people than actually made a purchase.

Those running the network of Facebook pages in Nigeria may simply believe that US-focused clickbait is the best way to boost the number of people who see their scams. In contrast, the ecommerce operations identified by TBIJ give every impression that they are proudly American.

Yet analysis of their listed physical addresses and online presence suggests that the businesses are at least partly run from Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and Croatia (with Facebook page admins based in those countries). None of the ecommerce sites identified by TBIJ provided a US address that could be tied to their business.

United Patriot, which says its “patriotic collection of amazing apparel items … are all printed locally here in America,” claims on its Facebook page and website to be located at an address in Gardena, California. However, TBIJ could not find proof of that business registered at the address. The only other commercial activity found at the address was a warehouse providing services for wholesale shipments for people based overseas, as well as two online stores that have been accused in Google reviews of being scams.

The Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit focused on “marketplace trust,” told United Patriots in November 2022 that it should change or substantiate claims made on its website about items “printed in the US.”

Another such site, Red First LLC, says it is based in Carrollton, Texas, at the same address as a fraudulent merchant claiming to resell Ralph Lauren clothing. This does not necessarily mean the companies are owned by the same person, but suggests the address may have been used by scammers.

Nor are all these operations strictly pushing right-wing messages. Red First LLC (which trafficks notably less in hate and misinformation than the other three companies) has created at least 5,000 ads over the last two years. While it promotes mostly right-wing merchandise and content, such as T-shirts bearing misogynistic insults toward Harris and signs suggesting the 2020 election was stolen, it has also in a small number of cases posted pro-Harris content. The commercial imperative behind the operation means it isn’t averse to backing the other side.

Meta Under Scrutiny

As attempts to influence public opinion and elections have ramped up across social media, companies such as Facebook owner Meta have come under scrutiny for the role they play in hosting bad actors trying to polarize public opinion on their platforms.

In 2021, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, blew the whistle on the company’s role in spreading disinformation and the increase in racial hatred. Numerous studies have also shown that social media platforms’ algorithms, including Facebook’s, create bigger engagement opportunities for far-right, conspiratorial, and hateful content.

“The US election is an already fraught and divisive political event. If the aim of these scammers is to bring people in, then appealing directly to emotion to circumvent media criticality is key,” says Joe Ondrak, senior research and technology lead at anti-disinformation startup Logically.

“There is likely a large pool of potential victims and easily exploitable narratives for them to choose from. The way algorithms reward engagement means that misinformation, conspiracy theory, and hate speech are easy ways to find a wide audience.”

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