#exit policy

[a-very-tired-jew]

I think CAIR is trying to do some damage control now. They were supposed to release the exit poll for this election at 10 am ET today, but have since postponed it. Their polling and releases repeatedly state that the vote was split between Harris and Stein at around 40% each respectively. The narrative has been that the population they represent has voted Dem for the past 20 years, only because of the Islamophobia after 9/11, and they're likely trying to find out why they'd vote for a politician that has villainized Muslims in the past (Muslim ban anyone?) Yet we're seeing from other news sources that this is not the case. It was, in fact, 40% for Stein and Trump each with Gaza being the primary factor.

For example, this is from a Voice of America article on the subject.

And here is the reasoning.

Read that last part again.

As I stated in my post about my student talking politics at me, and others on this site have pointed out as well, this same sentiment has been echoed by many across social media and IRL.

It wasn't about whether or not Trump was the better option.

It was about punishing Biden, Harris, and the Dems.

It was about burning everything down to make a point.

And here's the thing, Trump's policies and views towards Gaza are markedly worse. There will likely be an escalation, there will be no "ceasefire" or "stopping the genocide" magically as these voters want, but that doesn't matter. The Dems had to be punished.

So we're going to get 4 years of absolutely shit policies, rollbacks of rights, more policies targeting minorities, and a real chance at living in an corrupt authoritarian country all because of reactionary punitive rage based reasons.

In other words, because people decided to be immature with their vote and do a "that'll show em!"

The reasoning is utterly childish.

You don't vote to punish.

You vote to progress.

You vote to help the society you live in and help make beneficial change.

Instead, ya'll decided to act like children.

And we will all suffer for it.

When CAIR does release their data I'll update here

[ra-archives]

I was at a debate competition yesterday, so here's some art of the chain based on that. This is a debate au now ig?

Lu-tober day 15+16

No prompt

Debate AU lmao

Anyway highlights from the trip + bonus info

Had to get up at like 3:45 am, had to be their at 4:45 and then hours of drive time it was some bullshit no one was happy also it was cold as fuck

Wild and Hyrule being in Congress bc they're speech kids and need a debate even is so me tho. I crashed and burned cause I had not a single thing prepared lmao

Turned Legend and Four into a PF duo cause they gave me the same vibe as a pair of people on my team, also I think it'd be funny

I won first place with my Oratory! Wasn't actually expecting that, but I got straight 1's through all my rounds, was very confused at first but hey I slay :D

Last comic bit of Wild winning is basically a recreation of that moment expect there was more exited running and fistbumps as I returned to the audience

Probably never gonna touch this idea again but I find it amusing for now. Maybe one or two bored doodles during rounds.

[areyouwho-ithinkyouare]

it’s not that i don’t HAVE a plan for the christmas window display i’ve been put in charge of. it’s just that i dont WANT to do a christmas window display at all.

[liberty1776]

Over the weekend President Trump ordered a massive military operation against the small country of Yemen. Was Yemen in the process of attacking the United States? No. Did the President in that case go to Congress and seek a declaration of war against the country? No. The fact is, Yemen hadn’t even threatened the United States before the bombs started falling. Egalitarianism as a Re... Murray N. Rothbard Best Price: $3.44 Buy New $8.95 (as of 07:55 UTC - Details) Last year, candidate Trump strongly criticized the Biden Administration’s obsession with foreign interventionism to the detriment of our problems at … Continue reading →

[munaeem]

The Rise of the AfD: What’s Happening in Western Germany?

Hey there, friend! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of politics, shall we? Have you been scrolling through social media? You might have noticed headlines about the far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) party. They are gaining traction in Western Germany. You’re not alone. People are buzzing about it, and for good reason. Buckle up. We will unpack the reasons behind their unexpected…

[wasmormon]

QuitMormon Offers Free Legal Assistance For Mormons Who Want To Resign

Mark Naugle, an immigration attorney from Orem, UT, is the creator of QuitMormon.com, a free service that helps members resign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “QuitMormon is a pro bono service run by an unassuming T-shirt-and-jeans Utah immigration attorney named Mark Naugle. The 34-year-old has streamlined the process of resigning from the Church. When users are ready to…

[latestnews-now]

In this video, we unpack Antony Blinken’s powerful testimony before Congress about the Afghanistan withdrawal. From political blame games to heartfelt apologies to families of fallen soldiers, we cover the key takeaways. Watch to learn how this moment shaped U.S. foreign policy and the challenges it left behind.

[theonion]

Warning that even the slightest dent, knick, or scratch would henceforth be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Tuesday that Raymond Pratt, a 54-year-old resident of Chula Vista, CA who bumped a Tesla while parallel parking, had been sentenced to death. “Let me be clear: This man, who attempted to park on the street and damaged the front bumper of a Model 3, is a domestic terrorist who deserves to die,” said Bondi, adding that the United States now had a zero tolerance policy against people like Pratt, who gently bumped a Tesla, exited his 2018 Hyundai Elantra to inspect the electric vehicle for any damage, and—though he found none—left a note apologizing to the owner just in case

Full Story

[wildflowersandvibranium]

Our Safe Place

Here’s , PART ONE (this can be read as stand alone)

Pairing: Husband!Dad!Bucky Barnes x Wife!Mom!Reader

Summary: Bucky ; a new father cherishes the first day home with his newborn daughter, tenderly adjusting to their new life together. AS a family of four...including alpine.

Word Count: 2.5k ish

Warnings/Tags: FLUFFYYY Pregnancy mentioned , birth mentioned but not showed , newborn baby , girl dad Bucky , amazing domestic husband bucky , postpartum symptoms mentioned , alpine featured 🐾

if i missed anything let me know!

Authors Note: aaaaand im back with MORE domestic dad buckyyyyy you guys have been eating UP my last ones so heres more of my fav thing ever to write enjoyyy 💖

MY MASTERLIST🌷

The hospital room was perfectly quiet , save for the soft squeaks of your newborn baby daughter snuggled right against your chest. 

Sunlight streamed through the window , catching on the pale blue and white hospital blanket wrapped around her tiny little body. 

Bucky was at your side , broad shoulders somehow more tense than usual,  his eyes locked on the baby like she might vanish if he blinked or looked away for more than just a second.

You reached up to squeeze his hand. “Buck, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing.”

He stopped , blinking like he’d just realized he’d been moving. “Sorry, doll. I just… can’t believe she’s here. That she’s ours.”

You smiled , brushing your thumb over the soft fuzz of your baby’s squishy pink cheek. “She’s perfect.”

He leaned down , pressing a kiss to your forehead , then to the baby’s. “Yeah she really is.”

A gentle knock on the door had you both looking up. 

A nurse poked her head in , smiling. “Alright , Mrs. Barnes , we’re all set to take you and this little one home.”

Bucky’s entire face lit up like the sun had decided to live there. 

He eagerly reached for the car seat , his big hands careful and sure , and you couldn’t help but watch as he fumbled with the straps at first but got it perfect , then gently placed your daughter inside. She let out a soft coo of disapproval for settled in once Bucky rubbed her belly.

“Ready to go , mama?” he asked , his voice soft looking at you like the most precious thing he's ever witnessed.

“Ready,” you breathed.

Bucky knelt in front of the car seat , adjusting her little onesie. 

“Hey, peanut,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over her tiny fingers. “Ready for your first car ride? You're gonna do great Daddy’s got you.”

You watched him , heart so full it felt like it might split open and pour out. This was the same man who once believed he didn’t deserve soft things , didn’t deserve a family. 

Now he was here , gently adjusting the hat on his newborn’s head , tears in his eyes.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

They had to wheel you out in the wheelchair , you insisted you could walk just fine but it was hospital policy , it made you feel a little silly seeing everyone watch you get rolled through the halls. 

Bucky walked beside you , the car seat cradled in his strong arms like the most precious cargo in the world , because it was. 

Every nurse and doctor your little family passed gave you both soft , knowing smiles. Some even paused to peek at your daughter , cooing and offering congratulations and compliments.

At the exit , the nurse stopped to hold the door for you two, and Bucky looked at you over the top of the car seat.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Better than okay,” you said , your eyes locked on him , on the little girl sleeping so peacefully in her seat. “Let’s go home.”

He nodded , his lips parting in a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Home,” he echoed.

Outside , the air was fresh and cool , the city’s noise a comforting hum around you. 

Bucky kept glancing at the baby every few steps , his lips moving in a silent prayer of thanks. When he reached the car , he hesitated for a moment , then gently placed the carrier in the backseat.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

You settled in the backseat next to your daughter , your left hand coming up and resting on the side of the car seat. Bucky double-checked every buckle , every strap , then checked them again. 

When he finally climbed into the driver’s seat , he looked at you in the mirror.

“Buckle tight enough?” he asked.

“Yes, Bucky,” you said, laughter in your voice. “She’s safe.”

He started the car , but every stoplight on the way home he twisted around, one hand braced on the seat to make sure you were both okay. “She’s still breathing, right?”

You grinned. “She’s perfect, Buck.”

“Just checking,” he said, his voice low, but you could hear the smile there too.

Or at every stop sign a quick “My girls alright?” eyes still on the road and you of course reassured you two were safe and content.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

By the time he pulled into your apartment’s parking spot , you were both exhausted but filled to the brim with excitement. 

Bucky practically sprinted around the car to open the door for you , helping you stand even though you insisted you were fine again.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured , his metal arm around your waist , the other hand on the car seat handle gripping it securely.

Inside , the apartment smelled faintly of the vanilla candle you’d left burning last time you were here. The last time you were a family of just two.

The sun was beginning to set , a golden glow bouncing off the skyline , and it felt like the entire place exhaled in relief—like it had been waiting for you to come back , to bring this new little life home.

He settled you in the bedroom , propping up pillows behind you on the bed , grabbing your water bottle , and pulling the beedside baby cart you two made right up beside you. “Alright, mama. You comfortable?”

“More than,” you said , reaching out for the car seat.

He lifted it up to the bed , easing your daughter out with hands that dwarfed her tiny form. 

He laid her in your arms , his hand lingering on the blanket.

“You’re amazing,” he whispered. “You brought her into the world. You’re… just amazing.”

You felt tears prick your eyes. “Bucky…”

He shook his head, his own eyes wet. “No, let me say it. You’re everything and more.”

As you shifted the baby in your arms getting you two perfectly comfortable , a soft meow cut through the quiet. 

Alpine , your sweet white cat , hopped onto the bed , her bright eyes locked on the new little bundle in your arms.

“Hey, sweet girl,” you murmured. “Come meet your little sister.”

Bucky hovered, watching carefully , but Alpine seemed to understand. 

She softly nosed at the baby’s blanket smelling her , then curled up against your side , purring.

“She’s already protective,” Bucky said , a smile pulling at his lips.

“Just like her daddy,” you teased.

He rolled his eyes, but you could see the way his shoulders relaxed. “Just want her to be safe. Both of you.”

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

You fed the baby while Bucky unpacked the hospital bags , moving around the apartment , he’d been waiting years for this moment. He’d pause every so often , peeking over at you , checking if you needed refills on water, a snack , a different pillow, anything he could grab you or the baby.

When he finally finished , he settled beside you on the bed. You switched on the TV, a soft , cozy baking show filling the quiet with gentle chatter.

He took the baby from your arms , settling her against his broad chest. She let out a tiny sigh , her little hand curled in his shirt , her cheek squished into his soft tshirt..

You watched him , the way his shoulders softened, the way his lips curved into that toothy private smile he saved just for you and now your daughter. 

“You’re cute,” you laughed kissing his cheek. 

You pushed yourself to stand , wincing only a little at the tenderness and soreness from only giving birth the day before. “I’m going to shower. Get the hospital funk off of me.”

Bucky looked up , concern flickering over his face. “You sure you’re okay? I can help–”

You pressed a comforting kiss to his temple. “I’m okay. I’ll be quick ill use that fancy shower chair you got me” You winked , standing up.

He nodded , but as you padded toward the bathroom , you heard him talking softly to your daughter.

“You know, peanut,” he murmured , his voice low and reverent, “you’ve got the best mama in the world.”

She squeaked , a tiny noise , and he chuckled. “Yeah, I agree. She’s the strongest. And the kindest. And the most beautiful of all the mamas.”

You paused at the doorway listening , heart thudding against your ribs.

“You’re so lucky, you know?” he continued, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Because she’s going to teach you everything good. She’s going to show you what love is. And I’m gonna make sure you always feel safe. Because you’re perfect , peanut. You and your mama.”

You bit your lip to keep from sobbing , slipping into the shower with your heart swelling three times the size.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

The hot water in the shower felt like heaven , washing away the lingering antiseptic smell of the hospital. You took your time , moving carefully , every ache and twinge a reminder of the little miracle you’d just brought into the world. 

After a very sudsy and long wash off , you finally turned off the water, you could hear the faint murmur of Bucky’s voice and the gentle hum of the TV in the other room still , filling your little apartment.

You pulled on one of Bucky’s soft blue shirts , one that still smelled faintly of him—and a pair of loose sweats. 

When you stepped back into the bedroom , you found Bucky exactly where you’d left him , reclined against the headboard with your daughter sleeping against his chest. His hair was a little mused , his reading glasses perched low on his nose as he flipped through a well-worn copy of his most recent Fantasy read. 

You leaned in the doorway , your heart so full at this point it almost hurt.

“You’re reading to her already?” you teased slowly padding closer to them barefoot..

He looked up , a little sheepish. “Figured she should hear some good stories early on.”

You crossed to the bed , climbing up beside him. He shifted to make room for you , sliding his arm around your shoulders as you rested your head against his warm chest. 

You laid your hand over the baby’s tiny back , feeling the soft , steady rhythm of her breathing.

“She’s going to be a bookworm like you,” you murmured.

Bucky chuckled. “Good. I’ll take all the excuses I can get to read her stories.”

The baby stirred , making a tiny squeak that had you both holding your breath. 

She settled again almost immediately ,  her little face still pressed right up against his t-shirt , right above his dog tags.

“She already knows you’re her safe place,” you whispered.

He pressed his lips to the top of your head. “She’s got two safe places. She’s got her mama , which is mine too.”

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

The TV continued in the background , a gentle baking competition that didn’t demand any real attention. Just provided sound. 

You watched the flicker of the screen in the dim light , your mind drifting as you breathed in the scent of your daughter’s freshly lotioned skin and the warmth of your husband’s body beside you.

“I like this” you whispered against his chest , “And she smells like spun sugar,” you gave a breathy laugh.

Bucky’s thumb traced slow, soothing circles over your shoulder. “What’s that, doll?”

“This. Us. Quiet, easy.” You lifted your head to meet his eyes. “Feels perfect and at home.

His eyes softened , the way they always did when you said things like that. “It is home,” he said, his voice quiet but sure. “Wherever you and now this little bug are.”

You eventually shifted to your side , propping yourself up to watch Bucky cradle your daughter. 

He had this look on his face—soft and awestruck , like he still couldn’t quite believe she was real. And honestly neither could you.

“I can’t get over how small she is,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over her downy cheek.

“She’s going to grow so fast,” you said, a little wistful.

“I know.” His jaw worked, like he was trying to find the right words. “I just… I want to hold on to every minute , you know?”

You nodded , your eyes stinging with tears again. “Me too.”

He shifted her a little , careful not to wake her, and looked up at you with a crooked smile. “She’s got your perfect nose.”

“She’s got your bright eyes,” you shot back , grinning.

“God , how did we get such perfect little humans we get to call ours,” he said again , and you knew he’d probably be saying that every day for the rest of her life.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

You moved to sit up fully this time , your back resting against the headboard as Bucky’s arm slid around your waist. The baby let out a tiny sigh in her sleep , her little lips parting as she dreamed.

“I didn’t know I could love someone this much,” you said quietly.

Bucky turned his head, pressing a kiss to your temple. “Me neither. Thought I used up all my love in the war, in… everything that happened. But then you…” He paused , his voice quivering. “Then you gave me this. Gave me her.”

The words you could say did not match to how much you felt in that very moment so gently and slowly you kissed him with tears falling down your eyes , expressing everything your mind and heart were screaming through that moment. 

You were first to pull away ,  he kissed your nose as you softly , lay your hand over your daughters where it peeked out of the blanket.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

Your baby shifted again , her tiny hand opening and closing like she was dreaming of grabbing something. 

Bucky watched her, wonder in every line of his face and covering every part of his gaze. He spoke to her again , so quiet you almost didn’t hear.

“You know, peanut,” he murmured, “you’re going to grow up with so much love. More than you’ll know what to do with.”

She let out a sleepy squeak , and Bucky chuckled. “Yeah , you agree? Good girl.”

You couldn’t help but grin , brushing a kiss over his shoulder. “You’re already wrapped around her little finger, huh?”

“Hopeless,” he admitted with a smile. “Absolutely hopeless.”

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

As you both finally fell asleep putting the sweet little Baby in her bassinet by the bed , she eventually stirred , making soft , fussy noise that had you both tensing like coiled springs. 

You reached for her quickly sitting up , but Bucky shook his head. 

“I’ve got her,” he said , shifting to scoop her up. He stood up , moving to the foot of the bed to sway slowly back and forth , his big hands cradling her like she was actually made of spun sugar.

You watched him and her , your chest tight with so much love you didn’t know how to hold it all in or what to do with it. 

Bucky Barnes—once the Winter Soldier , once a ghost and shell of a man—was standing there in your bedroom, humming a soft forties tune under his breath as he rocked his miracle baby girl.

-end

my other dad bucky fics here! enjoyyy and more to come!

Comments , Reblogs , Likes and Requests are always loved!

(although if you liked this fic please consider reblogging so it can reach a wider audience)

They let me know that you are enjoying what I'm publishing and gives me motivation to write more and more! :33

[reasonsforhope]

"Pictured: Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate for South Korea's Democratic Party, gestures while standing next to his wife Kim Hye-kyung, as he greets his supporters in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, June 4, 2025.

Summary

Election called after president ousted over martial law

Lee leading with more than 49% after 99% of votes tallied

Main conservative rival Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat

New leader faces challenge of healing polarised society, shielding economy from U.S. tariffs

Nearly 80% of 44.39 million eligible voters cast ballots

South Korea's liberal party candidate, Lee Jae-myung, was elected president in Tuesday's [June 3, 2025] snap election, six months to the day after he evaded military cordons to vote against a shock martial law decree imposed by his ousted predecessor.

Lee's victory stands to usher in a political sea change in Asia's fourth-largest economy, after the backlash against the martial law brought down Yoon Suk Yeol, the conservative outsider who narrowly beat Lee in the 2022 election.

Nearly 80% of South Korea's 44.39 million eligible voters cast their ballots, the highest turnout for a presidential election in the country since 1997, with Lee terming the polls "judgment day" against Yoon's martial law and the People Power Party's failure to distance itself from that decision.

With more than 99% of the votes counted, the Democratic Party's Lee stood at 49.3% to PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo's 41.3%, according to National Election Commission data.

A subdued Kim conceded the race and congratulated Lee in brief remarks to reporters.

Lee had long been favoured to win, and his supporters erupted in cheers as exit polls by the country's major broadcasters showed him defeating Kim by wide margins.

In a brief speech to supporters gathered outside parliament after the polls closed, Lee said he would fulfil the duties of the office and bring unity to the country.

"We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities," he said.

He also vowed to revive the economy and seek peace with nuclear-armed North Korea through dialogue and strength.

The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and effectively handed the presidency to his main rival.

Yoon was impeached by the Lee-led parliament, then removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April, less than three years into his five-year term, triggering the snap election that now stands to remake the country's political leadership and foreign policies of a key U.S. ally.

Lee has accused the PPP of having condoned the martial law attempt by not fighting harder to thwart it and even trying to save Yoon's presidency...

Need for Change

Park Chan-dae, acting leader of Lee's Democratic Party, told KBS that the projections suggest voters rejected the martial law attempt and are hoping for an improvement in their livelihoods.

"I think people made a fiery judgment against the insurrection regime," he said.

The winner must tackle challenges including a society deeply scarred by divisions made more obvious since the attempt at military rule, and an export-heavy economy reeling from unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally.

Both Lee and Kim pledged change for the country, saying a political system and economic model set up during its rise as a budding democracy and industrial power are no longer fit for purpose.

Their proposals for investment in innovation and technology often overlapped, but Lee advocated more equity and help for mid- to low-income families while Kim campaigned on giving businesses more freedom from regulations and labour strife.

Lee is expected to be more conciliatory toward China and North Korea, but has pledged to continue the Yoon-era engagement with Japan."

-via Reuters, June 3, 2025

[steddieasitgoes]

Eggs

written for @steddiebingo hop into spring mini event prompt: eggs | rating: g | wc: 1.8K tags: pre-relationship, humor, post-Season 2, Eddie POV

this is really dumb, but I’ve been in a terrible writing rutt because 2025 is being incredibly cruel to me and this idea made me laugh and I needed to write it so here we are

“This is bullshit!” Eddie swears, throwing his arms up and nearly knocking over the display of cheap gum and candy behind him at the register. 

“We have a strict policy,” the clerk says, tapping a worn Post-it note stuck to the small counter separating him from Eddie. 

Eddie scoffs, rolling his eyes. “You mean to tell me that big man Bradley himself has requested his minimum wage employees police the amount of eggs that paying customers can buy?”

“Yes,” the clerk says. “One dozen per person under the age of 21.” 

“It’s not alcohol, James. It’s eggs.”

“Eggs, you and your freak friends use to damage property.” 

“How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not going egging?” 

“That’s what they all say.”

Eddie wants to scream.

Sure, shitty kids in this town have been known to buy dozens of eggs just to hurl them at homes and people, but he’s not one of them. At least, not the one that’s doing the throwing; he has had his fair share of being on the receiving end, though, which is why he wouldn’t stoop to such low activities. 

Egging is beneath him. It’s not creative enough of a punishment for the assholes in this town — and yeah, okay, maybe it’s also because he can’t throw an egg to save his life much less hit the right target but that’s beside the point. 

Eddie fingers through his wallet, plucking out a handful of bills. He slams them down over the worn Post-it note and shoves them towards James. “Just take the money and give me my eggs.” 

He reaches over, yanking one of the cartons into his hands. He moves to grab the second, but James’s faster, swatting it out of Eddie’s grasp. It hits the edge of the counter on the way down, opening and sending a dozen of eggs to the ground. A few crack at Eddie’s feet, covering his boots in fresh yolks, while a handful roll down towards the exit.

“Damn it,” James swears, flicking raw egg from his own hands. “That’s the dozen you’re payin’ for.” 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Eddie growls. The entire store is looking at him now, including a bruised and battered Steve Harrington, who's clearly seen better days. At least someone is having a worse day than he is. “I’m not paying for those! I’m paying for three cartons of uncracked eggs.” 

“You’re not paying for a damn thing,” James says, yanking the phone free from it’s base beside the register. “I’m calling the police.” 

Eddie can’t help himself; he laughs this time. “For eggs?” 

“No, for assaulting an employee.” 

“I didn’t even touch you! You touched me!” 

“We’ll see about that,” James says, dialing the number to the Hawkins Police Department. 

Eddie does scream this time, letting out a primal groan of frustration. “You’re a piece of shit James. I hope you get a raise for being the patron saint of fucking eggs!” He snatches the money from the counter, shoving it into the pockets of his jacket before stalking out of the store with both middle fingers raised. 

Fucking James. Eddie knew he should have waited in Mable's long line. She may take twice as long, but at least she would have let Eddie make his totally reasonable purchase. Hell, she probably would have offered him a quiche or egg salad recipe because that’s the kind of person Mable is. She’s considerate -- something James is not. 

But no. He just had to pick stupid James’s line because it was the shortest. He should have known better. It’s always the same with his type — lame ass jocks who peaked in high school and are now stuck in their hometown making life miserable for everyone else. 

Eddie’s too fired up to get behind the wheel right now, so he pulls out a cigarette instead. The nicotine does little to curb the frustration coursing through him, but at least it gives him something to do besides marching back into the store and starting something with James, he knows he’ll lose. 

After taking a long drag, he glances at the watch on his wrist. It’s five to eight; far too late to get in the car and drive the twenty miles to the next down over and pick up three dozen eggs. Gertrude is going to be mad. And then Wayne is going to be pissed when she and her gang retailiate against their trash. 

Fucking James. 

Eddie finishes his cigarette, snubbing out the end with the boot of his foot. He’s about to climb into his van when he’s accosted by none other than Steve Harrington. Great. Just what Eddie needs. Another lame, has-been jock giving him shit for simply existing. 

Steve’s eye is a deep shade of purple. There’s dried blood caked into the corner of his cracked lip, and there are remnants of some cheap band-aid adhesive around a gash above his eyebrow that probably needs stitches. And that’s just his face. He’s walking smaller, curled in like every step he takes closer to Eddie physically pains him. He probably shouldn’t be lugging around two paper bags full of groceries either, but what does Eddie know? He’s not a doctor. 

“You look like shit, Harrington.” 

“A plate to the side of the head will do that to you.” 

Eddie winces. He’s been hit in the head by a fair share of objects, but never a plate which leads him to wonder who Harrington pissed off. He doesn’t ask. Instead, he deflects. “Bet the other guy looks even worse.” 

Steve snorts, immediately grimacing. “Sure, let’s go with that.” 

Eddie fidgets, feet shuffling. This is the longest he’s ever been in Steve’s presence outside of mandated classes, and he doesn’t know what to say to him. Especially not when his face looks like that. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to because Steve moves, holding out one of the brown paper bags for Eddie to take. 

“Does the liege need an assistant to his chariot?” Eddie asks, staring at the heavy brown bag Steve’s struggling to keep hold of. “I’m sure one of the fair maidens inside would have assisted you.” 

Eddie waits for Steve to scoff and give him shit for speaking like some medieval idiot; but the judgment doesn’t come. At least, not in the form of harsh words. He does get a front row seat to Steve Harrington’s bitchy eye roll though so it’s not a total loss. 

“These are for you.” 

“For me?” Eddie asks, reluctantly taking the bag from Steve’s hand. He glances inside, almost afraid that something is going to pop out of him. Instead, he finds not one, not two, not even three, but four dozen eggs carefully stacked in the bag. “What the hell?” 

“I heard you arguing with James inside,” Steve says. “He’s a jerk. I mean, the guy is working a minimum wage cashier job and he’s still finding ways to be a total douchebag.” 

“So what? You just went to a different cashier and bought four dozen eggs?” 

“No,” Steve says, shaking his head. “I went back to James with three dozen eggs, and he threw in the fourth for free so I could ‘teach whatever freak that rearranged my face a lesson’.” 

“Fuckin’ hypocrite.” 

“Tell me about it.” 

Eddie blinks, the reality of the situation hitting him all at once. Ten minutes ago he was nearly arrested for trying to buy eggs and now he’s standing out here holding four dozen bought and paid for by Steve “the hair” Harrington who took a plate to the head less than 48 hours ago if his bruises are anything to go by. 

What the hell is going on in this town? 

“I uh,” Eddie starts, then stops, shaking his head. “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks.” 

“It wasn’t a big deal. I mean, they’re just eggs, right?” 

“Just eggs to you and me maybe,” Eddie says.  “But these things are gold to Gertrude. You saved my ass from her wrath. 

“Gertrude?”

“My pet. She loves eggs.” 

“I didn’t know dogs could eat eggs.” Something washes over Steve in an instant — a look of panic if Eddie’s not mistaken. His eyes grow wide and then narrow into slits as they scan the permiter of the parking lot. His grip on the bag tightens as his entire body goes stiff. And then he’s leaning closer, lips practically touching Eddie’s ear as he drops his voice. “It is a dog, right? Like a furry, wagging tail dog with a full face kind of dog?” 

“Are there dogs without faces?” Eddie asks, suddenly very concerned for Steve’s well-being. If he didn’t get stitches for the gash over his eyebrow, there’s no way he got looked at for a concussion. Maybe he’s hallucinating right now. That would explain why he willingly bought four dozen eggs for Eddie of all people. “Are you concussed still, Harrington? Do you need a ride home or something?”

“I need to know who is eating all these eggs,” Steve says, deathly serious. He takes a step closer, backing Eddie up against the van. “It’s not a dog, is it?” 

Eddie shakes his head. 

“Does it have a face?” 

“Man, what are you—“ 

“Does it have a face, Eddie?” Steve shouts, startling a few shoppers headed to and from their cars. 

Eddie’s never been more grateful for ease droppers than right now because Steve takes a few steps back, giving Eddie enough space to take a deep breath and try to figure out what the fuck is going on. 

“Eddie, I swear to—” 

“Gertrude is a raccoon!” Eddie says in a rush. “She’s a mother racoon who lives in Forest Hills and thinks she owns the damn place. She had babies this year, and I’ve been feeding them so they stay out of our trash. 

Apparently, Gertrude is a gossip and told other raccoons, and now we have a whole horde of them. If I don’t leave scrambled eggs out on the porch, they wreak havoc on the entire park.” 

“Oh.” Steve takes several steps back now, clearly satisfied by Eddie’s answer. “Are they cute?” 

Eddie’s not a hundred percent sure it’s possible to get whiplash from a conversation, but if it is, he’s experiencing a pretty severe case of it right now. “Are you sure you’re not concussed?” 

Steve waves him off. “Hop gave me the all clear last night. Told me to ice it with some peas, which is why I came here.” 

“Okay…” 

“So is she cute? This Gertrude raccoon?” 

“I mean, she’s a raccoon, so yes, obviously.”

“Right,” Steve nods, then glances at the bag in Eddie’s hand. “Four dozen eggs is a lot for one person to make. Do you want some help?” 

Jesus H. Christ, what is going on right now? 

“You, Steve Harrington, want to help me make scrambled eggs for a family of raccoons?” 

Steve shrugs. “Beats sitting at home alone with a bag of peas on my head.” 

“What the hell,” Eddie mutters to himself, before turning to Steve. “Alright, Harrington. You can come help, but no distractions. If we don’t have eggs out on the porch by 9:30, Gertrude will make us pay.” 

“Nothing’s scarier than a hungry woman,” Steve jokes. “Lead the way.” 

[longlivejemily]

After Office Hours

Part 2 here

Pairing: Professor! Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Reader goes to her favorite professor hoping to find ways to improve her grade. He has some unconventional extra credit opportunities in mind...

WC: 1.3k

Warning: Student/teacher relationship, slight sub/dom dynamics, semi public sex, thigh riding, use of y/n, use of “baby’ and “little girl” plz let me know if i’m missing any!

You’re running down the hallway of the law building at your university silently begging that your professor is still there. As you approach the door, he’s exiting, keys in hand. “Wait, Professor Reid! I’m here! Don’t go!” You call out to him closing the last yards of space between you. “Miss y/l/n you’re late, office hours are over.” “No Dr. Reid you don’t understand! My statistics professor wouldn’t let us leave until we finished the lesson on probability distributions! I told him I had office hours to get to and he didn’t care. Please Dr. Reid I really need to talk to you about my grade!” He puts his hands in his pockets and sighs while gears are turning in his head. “Fine, for you I’ll make an exception.” “Thank you thank you.” You try not to read too much into his comment as he opens the door, “after you.” You don’t notice that he locks the door after following you in. 

As he sits across from you at the desk, you pull out your physical midterm paper all marked up in red ink. “I thought I grasped this concept so well! I don’t understand how I got a C-.” “Y/N, you got a stressor and trigger backward. You failed to accurately explain the concept. The points you did get were from the passion in your writing. I appreciated the way you wrote, but I couldn’t give you a higher grade. I’m sorry.” 

“Professor, I have a 3.5 GPA and I can’t have that drop, especially not from my favorite class!” He clasps his hands under his chin with his elbows below him. “Miss y/l/n, it seems you have been struggling in this class for a while now. I see how hard you work but you have narrowly maintained a B-. If this is your favorite class, why didn’t you come to office hours sooner?” “I-” Your mind is moving too fast to form an answer. You look down at the ground and can’t help but press your thighs together. You’ve only had a few moments in such close proximity to Professor Reid before, and definitely not alone. His eyes seem to darken, “Do I make you nervous?” You just press your legs further together “Umm..” “Come here.” He says in a soft yet demanding tone while scooting his chair back. When you walk over to him he gestures towards his lap. “Sit.” You comply. You put your right hand on his shoulder as his left-hand reaches around you and grips your side. He can probably hear your heart beating out of your chest.

“You know how I knew you wanted this? When I guest lectured in your physics class you were wearing sweatpants. Out of anything you could have worn, sweatpants. You tried to hide it, but I saw your eyes widen when you saw me. You never dared to be caught dead in front of me clad from one of your tiny little skirts you love wearing to my class.” He takes the hand not at your side and squeezes above your knee. “Do you wear those skirts just for me? Tell me the truth.” You turn to him but avoid eye contact. In the quietest voice you say “Yes, just for you professor.” Knowing you were coming straight to his office hours after stats, you wore one of your shortest skirts and knee-high black boots. You hoped being alone in office hours on a dark fall night he wouldn’t be able to resist you. It was worth a shot, anyway. He smirks and before he has a chance to reply you say, “Now back to my grade, is there anything I can do to improve the grade I got on my midterm? Can I resubmit it with your notes taken into account?” “I’m sorry miss y/l/n but there's nothing I can do. The university policy states that once midterm grades are locked, any work done before can not be revised. My apologies.” 

“Is there anything I can do? Any extra credit opportunities this term?  I can help you grade papers or clean your classroom! Please I’ll do anything! I need to improve my grade, please!” He just stares at you while you beg. “Anything?” He says with a devilish smirk. “Yes sir.” You say back to him, smiling and batting your eyelashes. He takes a deep breath with his eyes closed and once he opens them he locks eyes with you and says, “Ride my thigh.” “Excuse me, Doctor?” His dick jumps at the honorific. “You said you’d do anything to improve your grade. I know you heard me, ride my thigh.” You cannot believe Dr. Reid just asked you for this. Since the first day of class, he has been the sole object of your fantasies. You’ve fallen asleep many nights imagining him bending you over his desk and fucking you until you scream.

 Without a second thought, you stand up to resituate yourself on his lap, straddling his left thigh. The moment you stand up he reaches for your wrist, “What are you doing?” You smile on the inside, those four simple words have shown you he wants this as badly as you do. “Don’t worry professor, I’m just turning around, I need something to grab onto.” You say as you sink down onto him. You put both hands on either side of his shoulders and begin to rock back and forth finding your rhythm. The roughness of his khakis against your ass and your thong pushed against your clit has you stifling your moans quickly. He grabs your chin to make you look at him, “I want to hear you, baby.” You let the moans leave your lips, still mindful of volume. He puts one hand on the small of your back and the other on your hip, gently guiding you. When he touches you, you are on cloud nine. Here you are, in your professor's office after hours riding his thigh as he speaks sweet praises to you. You swear you’ve died and gone to heaven. “That’s it baby keep going.” You are eyeing the member in his pants start to grow. Every time he speaks you get closer and closer to the edge. He can tell by the way you’re speeding up. “Come for me little girl, I want to hear how good you’re feeling.” The use of little girl sends you over the edge. 

Tightly gripping his shoulders as you ride out the rest of your orgasm, leaving dents in his shoulders through his dress shirt. Once you’re done cumming, you collapse onto his chest breathing heavily. Staring down at his lap you see his dick straining against his pants, and he’s huge. He gently rubs your back as you come down from your high. He kisses your head and lifts you by your shoulders facing him. You’re staring deep into his eyes. “You did so good for me, but it's getting late, you should get home.” “Right right, sorry. I’ll head out now.” As you stand up and adjust your skirt you notice the wet spot you left on his pants.

 He sees you staring and interrupts your thoughts, “Don’t worry about it. Can I plan to see you next week at office hours?” “Yes!” You say a little too enthusiastically. “Um I mean yeah, I’ll be here.” You say in a chiller tone. “Good, I have more extra credit opportunities in mind, I hope to see you in class on Monday. Next week, come to office hours once they're done, okay? Don’t show up before 7.” “Yes Dr. Reid, I look forward to improving my grade however you see fit.” You say with a wink heading towards the door. When you go to turn the knob it's locked. You unlock it and glance back at him. He’s still staring at you with a hungry look in his eyes. You have the biggest smile on your face walking back towards your dorm, next week's office hours can’t come soon enough.

a/n: this is the first fic I’ve written in about 10 years! Should I turn this into a mini series? I have more ideas for how this story could go! Any feedback is greatly appreciated <3

[acasualcrossfade]

More Than a Hospital Thing

Stranger Things | Steddie |  Rating: T | Words: 1455 

CW: mentions of making out 

Written for @whumpril 2025: Day 1–Hug

Divider art by @saradika-graphics

Steve stared at the glowing orange elevator button, pointedly choosing not to glance over at Eddie. The elevator descended slowly, and Steve was thankful for it, wanting to savor his last moments with Eddie. 

They hadn’t said much about last night, and had only exchanged a nervous good morning before falling silent. Even the news of getting discharged wasn’t enough to strike up a conversation since it meant that their joint quarantine was over.

The hospital elevator was empty except for the two of them, which seemed more like fate, considering the start of visiting hours was the busiest time of the morning.

Steve would miss the moments of taking their pills in tandem and suffering the same side effects: nausea, nightmares, and at times, panic attacks. 

It was Eddie who was there, brushing Steve’s hair off his neck when he was sick, and reminding him to breathe during the worst of the panic and hugging him gently after it passed. And it was Steve who had held back Eddie’s hair as he was sick for an entire night, and it was Steve asked before climbing into his bed after Eddie dreamed that Vecna took Wayne. 

Steve especially hated how much he would miss the way Eddie held him at night, his face buried at the base of Steve’s neck.

“I might miss it,” Eddie mused and Steve was suddenly worried that Eddie could read his mind.

Steve looked over at Eddie for clarification. “The hospital?” Eddie nodded. “I didn’t think I’d like sharing a room as much as I did.”

Something warm and prickly moved up Steve’s body.Flashes of last night replayed in his head no matter how much he attempted to forget: Eddie’s hands splayed on his chest, Edddie’s hands raking through his hair…Steve pushed away the thought before he lost his words. “It grew on me, too,” he admitted.

“Then again, if they’re saying we’re healed enough to leave, I’m not sticking around to question it,” Eddie added, a smile tugging at his lips. 

Steve wanted to add something witty, to turn Eddie’s smile into a fuller one, but the elevator dinged, and the silver doors slid open.

A bustling lobby greeted them as they both stepped out. Steve nearly collided with a man in a rush, and Eddie sidestepped a small child. A few people were waiting in line at the front desk, while others tended to their kids by the windows and in the waiting room. Steve swallowed hard, seeing how many relatives and families were spending their Saturday here. He thought of Robin and the Party, all choosing to camp out in their room for as long as possible. Steve realized that now, they wouldn’t have to. 

“Ready to blow this popsicle stand, Harrington?” Eddie asked, leading the way to the shortest line at the front desk.

Steve nodded and followed, still looking around. He was grateful that Dr. Owens let them walk to the front desk since they weren’t truly discharged until they signed out, but Steve spied the two wheelchairs by the exit and sighed.  Stupid hospital policy.

The line at the front desk moved quickly and the clipboard of discharge papers wasn't as daunting as he expected.  As he scribbled his initials on the last page, there was a heaviness in knowing that whatever happened in that hospital room would stay in that hospital room. His pen hovered over the last section.

It was time.

Steve swallowed and signed quickly, sliding the clipboard back to the receptionist. She nodded in thanks and then pointed to the waiting wheelchairs. 

“Dr. Seth and Dr. Willis will wheel you out,” she nodded. 

Eddie threw Steve a look that was equal parts excitement as it was playful. “One last time?”

Steve sighed. “As long as you don’t try to race again, I think we’ll be okay.” 

“Why? Because you don’t want the Wheelchair Wizard to leave you in the dust again?”

Steve rolled his eyes. “You earned us escorted visits for the rest of our stay,” Steve reminded. It was true. For every meal or activity outside of their room that required wheelchairs, there were always two nurses to take them. Steve took a reluctant seat in the wheelchair for which was hopefully going to be the last time.

Eddie did the same, but sucked in a breath as he sat, his face contorting as he groaned and pressed a hand to his side. The nurse was there in front of him in seconds, but Eddie waved him off. “M’fine. Just…haven’t mastered the whole sitting down thing yet.” He blew out a breath, his hand not leaving his side.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Steve asked as the nurse began wheeling them out.

Eddie took another deep breath and nodded. “Nothing that a few painkillers can’t fix.”

The nurses parked their wheelchairs beyond the entrance, and confirmed they both had someone to come pick them up. Eddie told them his uncle was coming, but once the nurse disappeared inside, Eddie hobbled over to a nearby bench to sit. 

Steve caught the same grimace from before, and he suddenly wondered if either of them should really be going home. 

“I’m alright,” Eddie repeated at Steve’s face of concern. “I just…need a second.” He rubbed absently at his side, right where the bats had taken most of the flesh.

Steve bit his lip and sat next to Eddie. “Is Wayne on his way?”

“Probably’ll be here in a couple hours.”

Steve blinked in surprise. “A couple hours? You were going to wait here for a couple hours?” Steve studied him, but let his surprise soften. “Joyce and Hopper wouldn’t mind giving you a ride home.”

“It’s kinda…far,” Eddie explained. “They relocated us to the next town over, and since Wayne works in the opposite direction, it’s easiest if he picks me up here after his shift.”

“Then stay at my place until Wayne’s done,” Steve said, the words too quick for him to stop them. He blushed, but continued. “There’s a few extra bedrooms if you need to stay longer.”

Eddie shook his head. “I would hate to intrude, Harrington. It’s your first night home. You deserve some peace and quiet.”

“We’ve been sharing a room for the last three weeks. Another night won’t do me in.”

Eddie shyly met his gaze. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” Steve helped Eddie back to standing, but to Steve’s surprise, Eddie stepped closer and wrapped his arms around him.

Steve tensed for a minute, unprepared, but then relaxed into Eddie’s embrace. He felt Eddie’s arms tighten slightly as he held him with confidence and buried his head into Steve’s shoulder.

Steve felt the tickle of Eddie’s curls against and under his chin, and felt the way Eddie rubbed down the middle of his back, avoiding his shoulder blades. Steve was grateful; his back was healing but still held angry abrasions from being dragged through the Upside Down.

And that was a thing about Eddie’s hugs. He knew where to hug and hold, and each one was affirming and unafraid, always leaving Steve feeling seen in a way he didn’t have words for. Steve never felt trapped or suffocated by Eddie’s embrace, either. Rather, the closeness was a welcoming salve especially after their quieter morning. Steve inhaled Eddie’s familiar scent of something refreshing and woodsy mixed with the sharper smell of antiseptic.

Eddie shifted to look up at Steve. His eyes were curious and playful, with that same rueful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “And what if I want you in my bed…?”

Steve’s entire body flushed as he met Eddie’s eyes. “Would you…want to?”

“Steve, if you’re asking if I want you in my bed, the answer is yes,” Eddie stated, his voice lower. “And, if you’re asking if I want to make out with you in your bed, the answer is yes, absolutely.”

Steve blinked. “Last night, it wasn’t just…a hospital thing?”

Eddie quickly planted a kiss on Steve’s cheek before his face broke into a wider smile. “Definitely not just a hospital thing.”

Steve barely had time to collect his thoughts when a loud honking erupted in the parking lot and they both jumped and let go of one another.

Hopper’s truck honked again and Steve smiled. The yellow truck was a sight for sore eyes, and for the first time since Steve left the hospital, he felt at ease, as if the ground under him was a foundation rather than falling out from under him. And once he and Eddie were both buckled in safely in the backseat, Steve discreetly reached for Eddie’s hand.

And when Eddie took it, intertwining his fingers in Steve’s, everything was right in the world. 

[zvaigzdelasas]

“Very aggressive” homeless encampment sweeps, as recently touted by Mayor London Breed, began Tuesday morning in San Francisco following a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

The Standard witnessed aggressive enforcement action under the Central Freeway, carried out by police, the Department of Public Works, Department of Emergency Management, Homeless Outreach Team and San Francisco Fire Department.

Homeless people were not notified of the sweeps ahead of time, as has previously been the norm, according to a schedule of encampment clearings and a city official who was on the scene.[...]

“One of the DPW workers started hollering past me, ‘I’m taking everything today,’ ” Tannahill said. “They were adamant that there wasn’t going to be enough time to pack up the tent.”

By 10:30 a.m., all city workers who were clearing the encampment had moved down the block, to the corner of 13th and Harrison streets.

Brandon Cunningham, the fire department’s incident commander at the scene of an encampment sweep near 13th and South Van Ness streets, told The Standard he was unsure whether people living at the site were notified beforehand. Tuesday’s schedule of encampment clearances, obtained by The Standard, does not list the location.[...]

City staff have previously given notice to encampment occupants days before conducting a clearing.

In a video captured by The Standard, a police officer can be heard explaining to a person whose belongings have just been thrown onto a truck bed that encampments are “no more.”

“London Breed, the mayor, Gov. Gavin Newsom says no more on the streets, no more encampments. No more. This is what it’s come down to. This is our laws,” the officer said.

Max Gunn and Kara Sullivan, who have been homeless in San Francisco for roughly two years, told The Standard the city threw away some of their clothes. Gunn said members of the Homeless Outreach Team told him there were no shelter beds available.

“They got my clothes,” Sullivan said. “They laughed at me and did a mocking New York accent and acted like they were tough.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Management disputed the individual’s account, saying everyone was offered shelter during Tuesday’s action.[...]

Nisha Kashyap, an attorney representing the Coalition on Homelessness in the suit against the city, called the sweeps “alarming” and “unacceptable.”

“The city’s conduct blatantly violates the existing injunction against property destruction and disregards its own laws and policies that mandate advance notice and the provision of shelter and services,” Kashyap said in a statement Tuesday. “By ignoring the injunction, the city is not only acting unlawfully but also stripping people of their basic survival necessities, making it harder for them to exit homelessness.”

A statement from the mayor’s office said the city’s “street response will consist of offers of services and support on a daily basis, targeted encampment resolutions, and coordinated efforts to prevent re-encampments and new areas from being encamped.”

In a memo shared Tuesday by the mayor’s office, officials said they seek to prevent encampments from cropping up again once they have been cleared.[...]

The memo also outlines the consequences homeless individuals may face if they continue to camp on the city’s streets and refuse shelter. These penalties include citations and possible arrest.

“The goal is not punishment, it is compliance,” the memo reads.

30 Jul 24