#security testing experts

[mobiloittetechblogs]

Smart Contract Audit and Development by Mobiloitte

[lamtfluff]

A few years ago I had a phase of being REALLY into digital privacy, using tor, duckduckgo, etc before suffering some burnout because I was trying to be 100% secure. So I'm by no means a expert I'm just relaying experience.

The culture of a lot of left leaning and "fandommy" sites (tumblr, twitter, etc) tends to fear/dislike (or just not know about) a lot of the IT stuff used by people into online privacy because they asscoiate it with "techbros". ESPECIALLY anything even remotely involving cryptocurrency. But if Trump is going to start censoring things and making morning after pills harder to get now might be a VERY good time for Americans to get into online privacy and how to avoid being tracked as well as avoiding censorship. Perhaps even some crypto to buy things discretly (or perhaps if ICE agents start caring about cash?) and because many activists groups also take donations in crypto. Never dealt with crypto myself but from what I know Monero was designed to be more untracable than Bitcoin. Don't know how succesfull that is though. Definetly get into privacy in general though.

I'll leave some useful links to get started. Words of advice:

Don't install a fuckton of privacy extensions on your browser, your unique combination of extensions will give your browser a unique fingerprint. Instead read up on and pick a few commonly used ones.

The BIGGEST annoyance for me was acedemic/proffesional settings because noone wants to switch over to some software they never heard off for one group project. Personally I use some normie software for exclusivly proffesional purposes with NO other information on me and do my actual browsing/leisure computer use more privatly.

https://www.privacytools.io/os: General software/browser/etc recomendations.

https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/: Test how private your browser is.

https://www.torproject.org/: THE gold standard for privacy focused browsers. Also obscures ip. Might not always be practical. Has the disadvantage of being notoriously slow and is blocked by some services/websites to avoid people bypassing ip bans and whatnot. Probably don't use this as your everyday browser but if you ever need to look up anything without censorship use tor.

https://tails.net/: Install a portable mini operating system on a usb stick to browse privately from any computer.

https://www.eff.org/ Electronic frontier foundations website.

https://mastodon.social/explore Don't have experience with it myself. But open source social media that should be much harder to censor.

Tumblr probably won't like me talking too directly about this because of ties to piracy but for people interested in banned books https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_library should be an interesting read...

[batboyblog]

April 1st is Election Day

Are you feeling sick, depressed, angry, outraged and all the other bad feelings about Donald Trump and Elon Musk this March? WELL FUCKO! its time to get to work, the first major test of the resistance to Trump-Musk is this April first! two special elections to the US House in Florida and a Supreme Court election in Wisconsin.

Florida's 1st and 6th Congressional Districts are having special elections on April 1st.

Right now the House of Representatives is 218 Republicans to 215 Democrats, flip these two seats, its 218-217, one vote away from being able to hold Trump and Musk accountable, and there are lots of Republican Congresspeople in their 70s and 80s.

The First Congressional District used to be well know sex criminal Matt Gaetz' district till he resigned hoping that'd mean The House wouldn't release a report on all his sex crimes, but the House released it anyways and Matt didn't get to be Trump's Attorney General. Any ways Trump endorsed Republican Jimmy Patronis, an ally of Ron DeSantis, which pretty much closed the Republican primary.

The Democrat is named Gay Valimont where ever you live in the US you can phone bank, if you live in Florida, or southern Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi PLEASE! for the love of GOD! find time this month, one weekend to knock doors, and if you have a spare dollar, maybe don't buy something off Amazon? give it to the cause?

Give Volunteer Events

The Sixth Congressional District used to be Michael Waltz' seat till he resigned to be Trump's National Security Adviser, you know that gross bullying of Ukraine's President Zelensky? Waltz was definitely a part of planning that little show.

Any ways Trump endorsed well known lunatic Randy Fine to be the Republican nominee. Fine's not even in Congress and he's already threatening Democratic members he doesn't like.

The Democratic nominee is teacher Joshua Weil You can phone bank from anywhere and like I said if you live in Florida or southern Georgia please please give of your time and knock some doors. If you have a dollar to spare it'll go a long way.

Give Volunteer/Events

These will both be up hill fights, they are normally very safe Republican seats. However, these are not normal times, Musk and his DOGE are about as popular with the public as an untreated STI. Musk is firing veterans, and military spouses from their jobs, cutting back the VA, and Social Security, firing park rangers, air traffic controllers, nuclear weapon experts, civilian workers from the Defense department, Trump is purging the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. These are all things traditional Republican voters do not like. So you (and I) all have a chance to tell them all about it. No matter what happens on April 1st I don't want a single Florida voter to not know about these elections and how important they are.

Wisconsin!

Every bit as important as the special elections in Florida and maybe more so for the people of Wisconsin, Wisconsin is having an election for a Supreme Court Justice. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is right now 4-3 liberal to conservative. Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is retiring and the election will elect her replacement for a 10 year term.

Right now a case is before the Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide if the state should ban abortions under an 1849 law. If Conservatives flip this seat they will ban abortion in the state

The Conservative candidate Brad Schimel has made clear in very sexist language that banning abortion is a top issue for him. What's more Schimel is endorsed by Elon Musk. Musk is pouring MILLIONS of dollars into this race, it's the most expensive Judicial race in Wisconsin History thanks to Elon Musk and likely one of the most expensive judicial elections in American history. This is your chance to go head to head with Elon Musk and kick his ass.

The Liberal in the race, Susan Crawford, is endorsed by all the liberals on the court, the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and dozens of unions including the teacher's union. She's promising to keep abortion legal and to stand up to oligarchs like Musk.

If you live anywhere in Wisconsin this election is about you and your future and the next 10 years of your state, please volunteer. All of us can phone bank or postcard write from anywhere, And if you're in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, or Michigan's UP and you want to make Musk sad? find a weekend this month to go to Wisconsin and knock some doors.

Give Volunteer Events

Where ever you are you can and should make a difference, even if it's just to share this post to help it reach someone else. Its time to stop feeling bad and start fighting back.

[ralfmaximus]

Recall is designed to use local AI models to screenshot everything you see or do on your computer and then give you the ability to search and retrieve anything in seconds. There’s even an explorable timeline you can scroll through. Everything in Recall is designed to remain local and private on-device, so no data is used to train Microsoft’s AI models. Despite Microsoft’s promises of a secure and encrypted Recall experience, cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont has found that the AI-powered feature has some potential security flaws. Beaumont, who briefly worked at Microsoft in 2020, has been testing out Recall over the past week and discovered that the feature stores data in a database in plain text.

Holy cats, this is way worse than we were told.

Microsoft said that Recall stored its zillions of screenshots in an encrypted database hidden in a system folder. Turns out, they're using SQLite, a free (public domain) database to store unencrypted plain text in the user's home folder. Which is definitely NOT secure.

Further, Microsoft refers to Recall as an optional experience. But it's turned on by default, and turning it off is a chore. They buried it in a control panel setting.

They say certain URLs and websites can be blacklisted from Recall, but only if you're using Microsoft's Edge browser! But don't worry: DRM protected films & music will never get recorded. Ho ho ho.

This whole debacle feels like an Onion article but it's not.

Luckily(?) Recall is currently only available on Windows 11, but I fully expect Microsoft to try and shove this terrible thing onto unsuspecting Win10 users via Update.

Stay tuned...

[jjaehyunnxie]

aftercare

gf!reader x caring!bf!jaemin

a/n: jaemin brainrot is a serious disease

! slightly suggestive, fluff

Jaemin pants heavily over your soft figure, trembling and whimpering under him. Your eyes were heavy, struggling to stay open. He smiles empathetically. "Shh. I got you."

His hands trace your curves before he slides them under you, picking you up with ease and carrying you to the bathroom. He places you gently in the tub, your hair tied up in a claw clip as to stay dry.

The sound of water pouring fills the room. Jaemin tests the temperature on his skin, and once it's just right, the soothing warmth envelops your sore body.

He hums softly, his hand caressing your back as you lean into his touch. "You did so well for me today, baby. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful girlfriend like you." he says with a melodic tone. Your heart swells at his words, smiling widely -- although you feel as if what he's saying isn't entirely true.

"I didn't do much, you did all the work."

His head leans in and rests in between the curve of your neck, pressing soft kisses as he smiles against your skin. "I disagree, princess. I might've done the thrusting, but who was it that took me so well, hm?"

You scoff with a laugh. He always says these types of things that leave you with no response.

Jaemin rubs the soap on a light pink loofa, lathering it up as the rose scent already envelops the room. You hum softly, inhaling the familiar smell as he starts to scrub your body. While the bubbles spread on your back, his other hand is softly massaging your muscles, earning a few grunts here and there from you as he finds the perfect spots like an expert. He chuckles at your reactions, "Shhh, relax, baby. You're still so tense..."

The warm water finds your body again as he rinses off the soap, leaving your skin smelling like a rose garden, a scent Jaemin couldn't get enough of.

Wiping you dry, he picks you up, large hands wrapping around your body, and takes you to your bedroom. His touch lingers on you for a moment as he places you on your bed, the sensation of your sheets directly on your skin leaving you feeling content. While he searches your wardrobe for a pijama set your eyes start to feel more and more heavy with each passing second, closing at last and drifting to sleep.

Jaemin chuckles softly when he sees you, his gaze taking in your beauty; peacefully sleeping, breathing steadily, with your lips slightly parted and your hair framing your face like a work of art. Not wanting to wake you up, he gives up the pajama idea, reaching instead for your favorite body cream. With immense care and adoration for you, his hands glide over your chest and body, spreading the soothing lotion which leaves your skin soft and wonderfully scented.

His supple lips plant a calming kiss on your forehead before tucking you in. The cold blanket brushes against your bare skin, a shiver running through you, but it last only a short moment until Jaemin wraps his arms around you. His embrace is warm and secure as he rubs his thumbs on your shoulder in a way that makes all of your worries melt away into a meaningless puddle. You knew that if he could just stay right beside you, like this, forever, you'd be safe and happy, protected by him.

[soulofapatrick]

The Fourth Wing Boys and their Kinks

Summary: Just what I think the boys' main kinks would be

Words: 3.9K words

Warnings: smut

➩ Overstimulation - Xaden thrives on control and precision, and overstimulation is his way of showing just how deeply he can unravel you. He takes his time, pushing you further than you thought possible, coaxing wave after wave of pleasure until you’re shaking beneath him. His low, gravelly voice whispers in your ear, “You can take more, can’t you?” as his skilled hands and lips continue their relentless assault. Xaden watches every reaction—your trembling limbs, breathless moans—with a predatory satisfaction, proving that only he can bring you to this point of exquisite surrender.

➩ Brat taming - Xaden’s authoritative personality means he doesn’t tolerate defiance for long—but he enjoys the challenge of taming a brat. When you test his patience with teasing remarks or deliberate disobedience, he’ll pin you with a dark, warning look that promises consequences. “Is that how you want to play this?” he growls, his voice a dangerous purr. Xaden thrives on putting you in your place, using firm dominance tempered with just enough restraint to make you crave more. By the end, you’re begging for forgiveness as he reminds you who’s really in control.

➩ Semi-public - The danger and thrill of semi-public intimacy appeal to Xaden’s dark, commanding nature. He’ll pull you into a shadowed corner, his hand firm on your hip as he murmurs in your ear, “Be quiet, or they’ll hear.” His touch is deliberate, teasing you while maintaining enough composure to keep control of the situation. The risk of being caught only heightens his intensity, as he pushes boundaries and leaves you breathless, flushed, and craving more even as others are mere feet away.

➩ Edging - Xaden has an unmatched patience when it comes to building anticipation. His touch is a tease, giving you just enough to drive you mad but never quite letting you fall over the edge. He watches every reaction intently—your gasps, the way your body arches beneath him—all while holding you back with a devilish smirk. “Not yet,” he’ll murmur, his tone dark and teasing. He enjoys knowing he’s the only one who can push you to the brink, dragging out the tension until you’re begging him to let go. The eventual release is explosive, leaving you trembling in his arms as he murmurs, “See what happens when you trust me?”

➩ Bondage - Xaden’s authoritative nature makes him an expert at restraint—both physically and emotionally. He enjoys tying you up, his rough hands gliding over your skin as he secures you with precise, unhurried movements. He takes his time, ensuring you feel safe, whispering promises of what’s to come. There’s a thrill in knowing you’re completely at his mercy, unable to touch him while he explores every inch of your body. He’ll linger, taking in the sight of you, his dark eyes filled with predatory satisfaction. “You look perfect like this,” he murmurs, his voice low and laced with intent, right before he shows you exactly how much he’s capable of.

➩ Thigh riding - Garrick’s serious, no-nonsense demeanour gives way to a deliciously commanding side in the bedroom. He’ll pull you onto his thigh, his hands firm on your hips as he guides your movements. His intense gaze locks on you, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches you lose control. “That’s it,” he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. He revels in the power of knowing he can make you come undone with just his thigh, the tension in his body evident as he holds himself back from taking things further—until he decides you’ve earned it.

➩ Hair pulling - Garrick’s lack of patience shows through in his touch, rough and unrestrained when passion takes over. His hand tangles in your hair, pulling just enough to make you gasp, his lips curving into a wicked smile at your reaction. “You like that, don’t you?” he teases, his voice laced with amusement and desire. For Garrick, hair pulling isn’t just about control—it’s about eliciting raw, unfiltered responses from you, something that feeds his need to break through his usual stoic exterior.

➩ Face fucking - Garrick’s authoritative nature shines in this act, where he takes full control, ensuring you’re as much a participant as you are at his mercy. He guides you with firm, steady hands, his tone encouraging yet commanding. “Good girl,” he growls, his voice thick with arousal. Garrick’s focus is unwavering, watching you with intense eyes that hold a mixture of pride and hunger. He’s mindful of your limits but pushes them just enough, ensuring that every moment feels like both a challenge and a reward.

➩ Somnophilia - Garrick’s protective side translates into a fascination with your vulnerability, though he would never act without explicit trust and consent. On rare occasions, he might wake you with soft, lingering kisses and featherlight touches, murmuring your name as his hands explore your body. His low chuckle would accompany your sleepy, surprised reactions. “Couldn’t wait,” he’d whisper against your skin, his tone teasing but tender. For Garrick, it’s about cherishing the intimacy of those quiet, unguarded moments where nothing exists but the two of you.

➩ Body worship - Garrick’s serious, duty-oriented personality doesn’t stop him from showing reverence for your body. His hands move with purpose, exploring every inch of you with quiet intensity. He takes his time, pressing kisses to scars, curves, and soft spots, his humor shining through as he murmurs playful compliments and earnest praise. “Perfect,” he’ll say, his voice full of conviction, his eyes filled with adoration. For Garrick, body worship is about showing you how much he values you—every mark, every flaw, every detail—and reminding you that you’re utterly, completely his.

➩ Praise kink - Liam thrives on knowing he can make you feel good, both emotionally and physically. His words are genuine and heartfelt, spoken with an edge of playfulness that keeps the mood light. “You’re so beautiful like this,” he’ll murmur, his hands steady and warm as they explore your body. Liam’s praise comes from a place of deep admiration and care—he enjoys building you up, reminding you just how much you mean to him in every whispered compliment and tender touch.

➩ Cunnilingus - Liam is the definition of generous in the bedroom, and nothing brings him more satisfaction than focusing all his attention on you. He’s thorough, patient, and utterly devoted, taking his time to learn exactly what makes you gasp and moan. He’ll lock eyes with you, a playful grin on his lips as he revels in every sound you make. “That’s it,” he’ll say, his voice husky with pride and arousal. For Liam, it’s not just an act—it’s a way of showing his loyalty and unwavering desire to put your pleasure first.

➩ Breeding - Liam’s loyalty and protective instincts lend themselves to a fascination with the idea of creating something lasting and permanent with you. The thought of you carrying a piece of him makes his possessive side flare in the most tender way. He’d pull you close, his tone a mixture of seriousness and affection. “You’d look so good carrying my baby,” he’d whisper, his hands firm on your hips, his words equal parts tease and promise. For Liam, it’s about deepening the bond between you, a physical representation of the love and commitment he holds so fiercely.

➩ Body worship - Liam’s charm and natural warmth make him an expert at lavishing attention on you. His hands are soft but firm, his lips leaving trails of kisses over every inch of your skin. He’ll pause at scars or imperfections, lingering to show his appreciation for every part of you. “Every bit of you is perfect,” he’ll murmur, his gaze full of sincerity. For Liam, body worship is his way of cherishing you, ensuring you never doubt how deeply he adores and values you.

➩ Foreplay - Liam loves to take his time, making foreplay an essential part of the experience. His humour and charm shine here, as he uses teasing touches and playful banter to build anticipation. He’ll trace soft kisses along your neck, whispering dirty jokes or sweet compliments in your ear. His hands are everywhere, learning every inch of you and coaxing you into a state of absolute need before taking things further. For Liam, foreplay isn’t just a precursor—it’s a way to connect with you emotionally and physically, ensuring every moment is unforgettable.

➩ Cunnilingus - Bodhi takes immense pride in his ability to please you, and he approaches it with both enthusiasm and tenderness. His playful nature comes through as he grins up at you, clearly enjoying every sound you make. “You taste so good,” he’ll murmur, his hands gripping your thighs to hold you steady. For Bodhi, it’s not just about the physical act—it’s about making you feel completely adored and cared for. He loves seeing you let go under his touch, knowing he’s the one responsible for your pleasure.

➩ Thigh riding - Bodhi’s tactile nature makes thigh riding one of his favourite ways to tease and connect with you. He’ll settle you on his lap, guiding your hips with firm hands, a playful smirk on his face as he encourages you to let loose. “Come on, sweetheart, show me what you’ve got,” he’ll say, his tone equal parts teasing and supportive. The friction and closeness drive him wild, and he loves the intimacy of having you so close, your pleasure written all over your face.

➩ Body worship - Bodhi’s sweet and protective nature makes him a master of body worship. He takes his time, tracing kisses along every inch of your skin, murmuring soft words of admiration with every touch. “You’re perfect, you know that?” he’ll say, his voice full of warmth and sincerity. Bodhi focuses on making you feel completely cherished, his hands gentle but deliberate as they roam your body. For him, body worship is about showing you just how deeply he values every part of you, inside and out.

➩ Marking - Bodhi’s protective streak and affectionate personality make marking you an irresistible form of connection. He’s not aggressive about it but rather playful and intentional, leaving gentle bites, kisses, or love marks where only the two of you know to look. “Gotta let everyone know you’re mine,” he’ll tease, his tone light but with a possessive edge. Bodhi loves the idea of leaving reminders of your time together, a way of keeping you close even when you’re apart. His touch is always careful and full of affection, ensuring every mark is a testament to how much he cherishes you.

➩ Somnophilia - Bodhi’s protective instincts make this kink a uniquely intimate experience for him. He’s drawn to the trust it requires, ensuring you’re fully comfortable and consenting beforehand. He’d wake you with soft, lingering touches, his voice low and soothing as he brings you to consciousness. “Good morning, gorgeous,” he’d murmur, his lips brushing against your skin as he eases you into pleasure. For Bodhi, it’s about blending affection and desire, making you feel safe and loved even in your most vulnerable moments.

➩ Semi-public - Ridoc’s humour and cheeky attitude make the idea of semi-public encounters irresistible. He enjoys the thrill of being caught—whether it’s in a secluded corner or in a place where there’s just enough risk of discovery to get his heart racing. “It’s not really public,” he’ll smirk, “just a little bit naughty.” The risk of someone walking in makes every touch, every kiss, more charged, and Ridoc loves to tease, taking things just far enough to make you squirm with anticipation, all while still keeping it lighthearted and fun.

➩ Cockwarming - Despite Ridoc’s playful demeanour, there’s a surprising intensity to his need for connection. Cockwarming allows him to be close to you for extended periods, where the attention isn’t rushed, and he can just enjoy being near you. He may joke around about it, but deep down, it’s about claiming space with you—without words, just through quiet intimacy. “I’m not going anywhere,” he’ll whisper with a grin, letting the tension between you both grow as time stretches on. It’s a way for him to relax, feel grounded, and indulge in the closeness he craves without needing to rush.

➩ Marking - Ridoc’s protective side comes into play with marking. He isn’t aggressive about it, but there’s a playful, possessive edge to how he lays his claim. A quick nip on your neck or a mark left on your inner thigh, all done with a grin and a joke to lighten the mood. “You’re mine now, love,” he’ll tease, the lightheartedness making it clear he’s not trying to be domineering—just showing you he cares in his own, cheeky way.

➩ Dry humping - Ridoc’s tendency to turn everything into a joke extends to the teasing nature of dry humping. His quick wit and playful manner mean he’s not in a hurry to go straight to the finish line. He’ll slow things down, pressing against you, enjoying the friction and the way it drives you wild with anticipation. His commentary will keep the mood light, but the closeness and build-up make it far more than just playful—he knows exactly how to make you beg for more, all while keeping it fun and teasing. “What? Can’t a guy get a little close?” he’ll say with a mischievous grin, pushing you right to the edge of frustration.

➩ Body worship - Ridoc’s body worship isn’t about reverence or slow adoration—it’s a playful, affectionate admiration of every inch of you. He’ll touch, kiss, and caress you with a light, teasing air, as though he’s trying to see how much he can make you squirm. “You’re so damn beautiful,” he’ll joke, but there’s genuine affection in his voice as his hands trace over your body, paying attention to every detail. For Ridoc, it’s about making you feel adored while keeping the mood light and fun.

➩ Praise Kink - Sawyer, with his steady nature and quiet confidence, would appreciate the validation of praise during intimacy. He’s not one to flaunt his abilities or demand attention, but when it comes to satisfying you, he would be incredibly attentive and would enjoy the reassurance of hearing how much you appreciate him. His praise would be understated but earnest, low and smooth, always making sure you know how well you’re doing, and how beautiful he finds you. “You’re perfect like this,” he’d murmur, the calm satisfaction in his voice making you feel cherished. For Sawyer, praise would be an intimate expression of trust and respect, not about feeding his ego but about connecting with you on a deeper level.

➩  Silent sex - Given Sawyer’s composed and calm demeanour, silent sex would be something he finds deeply intimate. He doesn’t feel the need for words to communicate with you during these moments; the silence would be a shared understanding between the two of you. His focus would be entirely on you—each touch, every movement would be deliberate and purposeful. When it comes to making love to you, he doesn’t need to speak to show how much he cares. His gaze, his slow, calculated movements, and the way his hands hold you close would be enough. The quiet moments are where Sawyer’s tenderness shines through, without the need for anything other than the connection between your bodies.

➩  Cunnilingus - Sawyer’s attentiveness to your needs would make him a patient and thorough lover when it comes to cunnilingus. He would take his time, savouring every moment as he worships your body. The way he focuses on you, his hands gently holding your hips as he learns every contour of your pleasure, would be an act of devotion. His quiet, calculating mind would apply the same precision to this as he does with any challenge, ensuring you’re completely satisfied. “Let me take care of you,” he’d say softly, his voice a low promise as he shows you how much he values you. Sawyer would treat this act with reverence, a true sign of how deeply he wants to please you.

➩  Hair pulling - Though Sawyer is generally calm and in control, his intensity would come through in moments of passion. Hair pulling would be a subtle but powerful way for him to express his desire, guiding you when things get heated. His approach would be firm but not harsh—he wouldn’t pull roughly, but rather in a way that brings you closer to him. He’d pull you into a kiss, using the grip on your hair to tilt your head just the way he wants, making sure you’re exactly where he wants you. “You make me lose control sometimes,” he’d whisper, his voice low and breathy as he uses the act to both claim and connect with you.

➩  Cockwarming - Sawyer’s need for connection and his ability to remain calm under pressure would make cockwarming a deeply intimate act for him. He’s not one to rush, and he would enjoy the sensation of being close to you without the pressure to go further immediately. For him, it’s about closeness, the sensation of you against him, and the trust it builds between the two of you. He would enjoy the quiet intimacy of it, keeping you close, feeling your body against his while taking a moment to breathe and simply enjoy the bond. “Just stay with me a little longer,” he’d murmur, enjoying the connection, his hands softly caressing your skin as he holds you close.

➩ Overstimulation - Brennan’s strategic mind would approach overstimulation with precision, as if orchestrating every touch to maximise your pleasure. He has the patience to carefully build you up, ensuring you’re pushed to the brink again and again, each time giving you just enough to keep you on edge. He’d be meticulous in his actions, feeling every reaction you give as he carefully stretches your limits. “Just a little longer,” he’d murmur, his thumb brushing over your skin to calm you before he builds you up again, watching the way your body trembles for him. There’s a level of control and care, but also a subtle intensity in his need to take you to the edge of madness before finally letting go.

➩ Cockwarming - Brennan would use cockwarming as a way to foster a deep, intimate connection without needing to rush. It’s more about the quiet moment, the closeness, and his need to keep you near him. He’d likely enjoy the sensation of simply being with you, even if it means waiting. “We’re not in a hurry,” he’d say softly, his thumb gently rubbing the back of your hand as you rest against him. This act, for him, would be about claiming a small space in the world that’s just for the two of you, even if it’s not overtly sexual. There’s a tenderness to it—a way of connecting without words.

➩ Brat taming - Though Brennan doesn’t seem the type to be openly dominant, his patience and ability to think things through would make him very good at brat taming. He wouldn’t mind the pushback, recognising it as a challenge to be solved. When you act up, he’s likely to smile, knowing he has all the time in the world to bring you back into line. His voice would be calm, almost soothing, as he guides you back into submission. “You can keep testing me, but you’ll only end up exactly where I want you,” he’d say with a grin, letting his hands wander with gentle but firm authority. His approach would never be angry—more like an opportunity to remind you who’s in charge, without needing to raise his voice.

➩ Rough - Despite his tendency to focus on strategic thinking and being calm under pressure, Brennan’s rough side would come out when he knows it’s what you need. His patience would flip into a sudden intensity, driven by his desire to take control and deliver a release for both of you. He’d be firm, but never reckless—his roughness would have purpose behind it, focused on bringing you to your breaking point with intent. “This is what you wanted,” he’d say lowly, his hands gripping your hips as he moves with a force that contrasts with his usual composed nature. For him, roughness would be a way to show his intensity, grounded in his usual self-assurance.

➩ Thigh riding - Brennan would likely enjoy thigh riding as a subtle, playful way to enjoy intimacy without diving straight into more intense acts. His focus on connection means he’d want to enjoy the sensation of you moving against him, your bodies close, without the pressure of rushing. He would love watching you ride his thigh, enjoying how your body responds to the friction. “You look so good like this,” he’d murmur, a grin tugging at his lips as he enjoys the view of you, his hands resting on your hips to guide you with gentle encouragement. It’s a mix of tenderness and desire, with a steady intensity that matches his personality.

Fourth Wing Masterlist TAG LIST - updated 12th Oct 2024

[littleslaywrites]

crib construction | spencer reid x reader 

summary: spencer puts together the crib as you discuss your upcoming baby. 

word count: 1.2k

cw: f!reader, fluff, discussions of pregnancy

“Honey, I have a PhD in engineering. I’m sure I can figure this out,” Spencer says as he opens the manual for how to build the crib.

You wanted to help him, but he insisted on putting it together himself. He’d been that way since you first discovered you were pregnant, always insisting that you need all the rest you can get.

So you’re sitting in the oversized chair you’d put in the nursery, legs crossed, watching him take all the pieces out of the box. “You’re sure you don’t want my help at all?”

“I’m sure.”

He spreads all the pieces across the floor. He looks them over like he’s figuring out a puzzle, the look on his face more than familiar to you. Spencer looks at the manual, brow slightly furrowed.

“You know, I don’t have any PhDs, but I have put together a bookshelf or two,” you say, watching him studying all the components. 

He shakes his head. “You need to be resting. Besides, only someone who’s an expert in construction should be putting together anything our baby will be in.”

You laugh softly. He’s already overprotective of a baby that’s not even born yet. 

“No laughing,” he says as he starts to construct the base. “This should be the most secure baby containment unit that’s ever been built.”

“Baby containment unit?”

“Exactly,” he says, his famous goofy grin on his face. You can’t help but smile when you see it. 

You gaze at him as he works, a loving look in your eyes. You always love how he looks when he’s focussed, whether it’s on a case or on a crossword puzzle.

“Stop looking at me like that,” he murmurs, picking up a screwdriver. “You’re distracting me.”

“I can’t help it. You’re just too cute like this.”

He gives you a nose scrunch, which does not help his case at all. He works silently for a while until he breaks it with some quiet words.

“Are you nervous?”

“About the baby?”

“Yeah,” he says, never looking up from his work.

“I am. And I know you’re probably twice as nervous as I am.”

He hums, a small smile on his face. “I’m always nervous. But especially now.”

You nod. You’re more than aware of his relationship with his own father, and the pressure he puts on himself to be different. 

“You know you’ll do better than he did,” you say, not having to specify you mean his father for him to understand.

He sighs. “Yeah.”

“I mean it. The fact that you’re worried shows you care.”

He nods, looking up for the first time. You know you can’t fully convince him, but you still try. 

“I hope you’re right,” he says, walking over to you and placing a hand on your stomach. “I’m just a little bit terrified.”

You laugh softly. “I know, honey. But I’ve got faith in you. Besides, you’ve been reading a book about babies every day.”

“But it’s not the same. It’s not like a test you can study for. There’s factors we could never predict.”

You place your hand over his. “That’s true. But we’ll get through it. And we’ll do it together.”

He smiles softly. “Together.”

“Now get back to work, handsome.”

He laughs softly, going back to sitting on the floor. “I just want it to be perfect. For you and the baby.”

You nod, gently rubbing your stomach. 

“You think they’ll be more like you or me?”

You think for a moment. “I don’t know. I hope they get your smarts, though.”

“Maybe. But not too much,” he says. 

For all the benefits to being a literal genius, Spencer’s told you about the many downsides. He was too young to make many friends in school since he skipped so many grades, and yet too advanced to connect with anyone his age. He’d had a hard time connecting with others, and you were basically the first woman he’d ever had a romantic relationship with. 

You both go silent for a moment. He says, “you’ve got the balance, though. You’re smart, but you’re not as socially awkward as me. I hope they’re like you.” 

You smile. Despite him being smarter than anyone you’d ever met, he still found a way to make you feel good about your intelligence. “You’re too sweet.”

He shrugs. “Just being honest, sweetheart,” he says as he screws two slats into place carefully

“You know,” you start, “growing up, I always thought my parents had everything figured out. But really they were just winging it.”

“They did pretty well, though. I think you turned out alright.” 

You laugh softly. “Thanks, honey. But it’s weird thinking we’re gonna be those people, the ones who are supposed to have all the answers.”

“Yeah. I guess that’s what it’s about, though. Not knowing and still being there, figuring it out together.”

“Even if the crib ends up a little wobbly?”

“It won’t,” he says firmly. 

“If it does, I’m calling your review board.” 

He chuckles, and you both end up falling into laughter. It’s a relief for a moment, releasing the tension of knowing your lives are about to change forever in a few months. 

The laughter eventually dies down, leaving you in a comfortable silence. That’s one of your favorite things about your relationship, the comfort you have just sitting in silence, enjoying each other’s presence. 

The crib finally starts to resemble what it’s supposed to be: a place for your baby to sleep, to dream, to grow. There have been so many moments like this lately, moments where it starts to feel real. The fully constructed crib is just another representation of the baby feeling like a tangible thing that’ll be in your home soon.  

Spencer sits back, looking it over. “I think it’s done.”

“It looks perfect. That degree paid off.”

You stand, and he’s by your side in an instant, making sure you’re steady.

“I’m fine, Spence,” you reassure. “Just a bit front heavy.”

You walk over to the crib, the two of you studying it intently. 

“It feels so real now,” you say. 

Spencer puts a hand on the edge, wiggling it to make sure it’s completely sturdy. “It’s been real for a while now.”

“I know. But seeing this… they’re really coming.”

“Yeah. And soon.”

“You think we’ll be good at the whole parent thing?”

“Yeah. Maybe not perfect, but definitely good.”

You sit back down, and Spencer snuggles up beside you. The chair is just big enough for you to fit side by side, although slightly squished. “I can’t wait to meet this baby.”

He smiles, giving your cheek a gentle kiss. “Me, neither. But they can’t come too soon. I still need to baby proof the whole house.”

“And read that four foot tall stack of baby books you’re still yet to finish.” 

“And install the car seat without crying.”

You giggle. “Those odds aren’t really in your favor, Spence.”

“I know,” he says with a soft smile. “But I’ll try. I’ll try for you two.”

You return his smile, leaning in for a gentle kiss. The crib stands in front of you, waiting patiently. Ready, just like the two of you. 

At least, as ready as you can be.

[electronicsheeptaco]

USAID and Ukraine: How the Color Revolution ignited the fuse of the Russia-Ukraine conflict #USAID #MARA#USA Colorful Warrior

When talking about the root causes of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many people first think of geopolitical, historical disputes or ethnic contradictions. However, a often overlooked factor played a crucial role in this conflict - the color revolution long pursued by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ukraine. Ukraine: a testing ground for color revolution Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has become an important target of the United States' strategy of promoting democratic exports. As the executor of this strategy, USAID has gradually cultivated a pro Western political force in Ukraine by funding opposition groups, non-governmental organizations, and the media. The Orange Revolution of 2004 was the first successful attempt of this strategy, which not only overthrew the pro Russian government but also brought about profound changes in the political landscape of Ukraine. The deep involvement of USAID The activities of USAID in Ukraine go far beyond providing financial support. According to expert analysis, the organization has deeply intervened in Ukraine's political process through training political activists, organizing protests, and creating public opinion guidance. Political scientist Migus pointed out that USAID had invested a large amount of funds in various political forces and non-governmental organizations in Ukraine to disrupt the existing political stability. The root causes of the Russia-Ukraine conflict It is the long-term intervention of USAID in Ukraine that has gradually exacerbated the conflict between the East and the West in Ukraine, weakened the control of the central government, and laid hidden dangers for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. When the Ukrainian government tended to join the EU and NATO, Russia felt an unprecedented security threat, which became the direct trigger of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Behind the Scenes Role of USAID Several experts have conducted in-depth analysis of the role of USAID in Ukraine. Ingrid Nogales believes that USAID has become an important tool of US soft power, serving US global strategy by intervening in Ukrainian politics. Another expert pointed out that in practical operation, USAID often uses humanitarian assistance as a pretext for administrative intervention. The complexity and far-reaching impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is self-evident. However, when analyzing the root causes of the conflict, we should not ignore the role played by the color revolution promoted by USAID in Ukraine. It is precisely the deep intervention of external forces that has disrupted Ukraine's political stability, intensified regional conflicts, and ultimately led to conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.

[astrophileous]

Also the thought of Derek holding up readers bump once she’s farther along? The Tik Tok couples who do it and the immediate relief on their partners face is so sweet 😭🖤

wait omg this is actually a rlly cute concept. I'd like to imagine that it was JJ who shared this trick with him and he couldn't wait to test it out as soon as he found out about it askkjdsk

Love Bugs Masterlist / Criminal Minds Masterlist

Derek looked up from the plate of chicken in front of him at the sound of your whimper. It was quiet, but it was the fifth one Derek had heard since you sat down for dinner. You were quick to school your expression after that, smiling at him as if nothing was wrong.

As the clock ticked nearer towards your due date, Derek noticed that your stamina was rapidly decreasing as well. He would hear muffled groans and tiny moans slipping past your lips several times throughout the day, but as soon as he went to ask you what's wrong, you'd put on your perfectly crafted smile and wave him off. Derek made sure to soothe your ache and fatigue in any way you allowed him--feet massages before bed were becoming a routine that he was looking forward to do every single night--but Derek kept thinking that there must be something more he could do.

"Are you finished?" Derek asked as he began stacking all of the dirty dishes together.

"I can do the dishes," you offered.

"Nice try, Bug." Derek made a swift work to grab your empty plate, pressing a quick kiss on your forehead in the process. "I got this. You go rest somewhere, 'aight?"

"That's all I seem to be doing these days," you grumbled. "Resting."

"As you should be."

Once the dishwasher was loaded and started, Derek checked to see if the message he had sent promptly before dinner had been answered. He smiled when he saw the respond that the other person had sent. Exiting the kitchen, Derek put himself in an urgent mission to find you.

"Bug? Sweetheart?"

"In here!"

He followed your voice all the way to the laundry room. "I thought I told you to rest."

"You did."

Derek raised an eyebrow at your answer.

You continued to sort through the laundry as you glanced up at his face. "Do you need something?"

"Yes, actually." Derek moved closer until your whole body was caged between him and the washer. "I wanted to try something."

"Try what?"

He kissed your shoulder. "Do you trust me?"

"Should I?"

He chuckled. "You should."

Derek's hands sneaked around you then, from your waist and all the way to the underside of your belly. He told you to take a deep breath, which you obliged, before he slowly and carefully lifted your bump.

"Oh."

You were practically melting in Derek's arms, with the tension gone in your shoulders and the stiffness dissolved from your back. He watched with a fond smile as a relieved sigh fell from your lips.

"Does that feel good?" Derek asked.

"Very."

Derek laughed at the blissful expression that had taken over your face.

"Where did you even learn about this?"

"I consulted an expert." When your curious eyes searched his, Derek simply said, "JJ."

"Hm. That makes sense."

"I'm gonna let go now, okay?"

As careful as he had been when he lifted your bump, Derek slid his hands out from underneath your belly, kissing your temple when they finally secured themselves on your hips.

"That was amazing. Thank you." You turned around in his arms before wrapping your own around his neck. "You do know that you're obligated to do this for me at least once a day from now on, right?"

Derek's responding grin couldn't be any bigger. "Anything for you, sweetheart."

[stele3]

Blood donations through the Red Cross: a guide

Blood drives are always going on. You can go to the Red Cross website and find one in your area.

The website sends you text reminders the day before, as well as a link to the Rapid Pass, a questionnaire that determines you eligibility.

Yes, you can give blood if you’ve had gay sex; Biden fixed that. Yes, you can give blood if you’ve got tattoos, so long as they were conducted in a licensed facility.

On the day of, you go to the drive. You need your driver’s license, which they’ll scan. If you didn’t do the Rapid Pass ahead of time, you do it there.

They then check your hematocrit — usually by pricking your finger — your blood pressure, and your temperature. You sign a form saying you understand they’re gonna test your blood for diseases and will contact you if you’ve got any.

Time for the scary part. You walk over and lie down on what looks like a massage table. They put a blood cuff around your arm and have you squeeze a squishy thing to enlarge your veins. Once they’ve found a good one, they mark it with a pen.

They apply disinfectant to the whole area.

Steps 4-7 take about half an hour.

They insert the needle, tape it to your wrist, and wait while the bag fills. The normal blood donation takes 3 units, or 3 pints. Each unit is one transfusion, which is why the Red Cross says every donation can save 1-3 lives.

How long step 9 takes depends on you. Several factors are at play: your cardiovascular fitness, your hydration level, and the size of your veins. My speed record for filling the bag is 4 minutes and 4 seconds, but I’m told that’s insanely fast. (I guzzle water the day of.)

Once you’ve filled the bag, they take the needle out, apply gauze, and tell you to hold it over your head while they secure your donation. Once they’ve done that, they wrap tape around your elbow, which is to stay in place for an hour. The gauze needs to stay in place for about 4 hours.

SNACKS.

There is a critical shortage of O type blood, both O- and O+. There is always a critical shortage of O types, because O- is the universal donor (can give to anyone). However, because of its rarity (only 7% of the population), its use is restricted to babies and pregnant people. The most common blood type used in ERs is type O+.

Yes, this has the potential to cause side effects for people who have any type of - blood. Considering the beyond-critical shortage of O- and the prevalence of + types (85% of the population) vs - types (15% of the population), ERs will usually roll the dice and give you O+ until they figure out what blood type you actually have.

IF YOU HAVE TYPE O BLOOD PLEASE DONATE. Everyone should donate but especially type O.

If you don’t know your blood type, good news! The Red Cross will tell you after you donate! That’s very useful information for you to have, and they give it to you for free.

And I mean….theoretically, you could use this process to check for blood diseases like HIV. It’s free! If you have no other way of accessing that info, the Red Cross will absolutely test your blood and alert you if you’re positive. Scratch that, irresponsible advice. Apologies!

I’m not scared of needles, but I faint at the sight of my own blood. I still go every 8 weeks, because doing so SAVES LIVES. I have donated 8 times. That means I’ve saved the lives of between 8-24 people. Can you imagine how good that feels? 8-24 people are alive because every 8 weeks I plop my ass down in a gym or church or whatever and white-knuckle my phone for 5 minutes.

50% of people are eligible to give blood but only 5% do, and that number falls to catastrophic levels among young people. Millennials and Gen Z give 40% less blood than older generations, and that’s placing us all at risk.

So if you’re in the 50% of the population who’s eligible to donate, roll your sleeves up and avert your eyes, guys. This is THE most basic form of mutual aid you can possibly do.

[everlastingdream]

The first time it happened, all agents took their weapons out the moment Lena entered the building like she owns it.

Alex considered firing everyone who let her past the guard post and then shoot her. In the leg. Maybe.

"Take it", Lena threw something at Brainy, who somehow was completely calm. It relaxed Alex too, since Brainy was an expert on calculating danger level of everyone.

And then Lena just turned around and exited the DEO, like she was dropping of their lunch or something. And she was still fighting with Kara!

"What the hell, Luthor!?" Alex shouted to her back, only to recieve resolute "Shut up!" in return.

Alex sputtered, because: excuse me, but you came to the secret underground goverment facility like to your own office! Brainy muttered something, tinkering with the thing Lena brought.

"It's anti-kriptonite suit", he said in wonder, already running some simulations on his tablet. "She shouldn't has figured this out for ahother five years".

"Brainy, test this thing in every way you can, and if it's safe, take it to Kara immediately", Alex grumbled, but her sister's safety was more important than Luthor's strange wims.

/ / / / / / / / / /

Next time everyone still grabbed their weapons, but wasn't ready to shoot just yet, as Lena angrily stormed into the building. Perhaps it was because despite her stare she complied with every security measure guards asked of her.

Which didn't stop her from slamming thick file into Alex's chest.

"What the hell, Luthor!?" Alex saw how Brainy grabbed Nia's hand to stop her from standing up.

"Shut up", Lena returned, as she went back without any explanation.

Alex was left with papers and strange sense of deja-vu.

Looking through evidence on their resent villain and drafts of some devices to counter his powers, Alex thought about how Lena always choose time when Kara was absent from the building.

/ / / / / / / / / /

When they reached fifth visit like that no one was surprised anymore. Because everytime they would be stuck, Lena will miraculously appear with what they need. But she still stubbornly refused to talk with anyone besides Brainy and only about science behind her inventions.

This time she confidentely walked into the building, but Brainy instantly stood up. Everyone around them tensed, powers and guns ready. Lena opened her mouth to protest but he forced her to sit under bewildered eyes of everyone in the room.

"She's injured", was the only thing Brainy said, as he pried another helpful thing from Lena's hands.

"Am not", Lena replied, and Alex noticed how she slurred her words a little. "Take this shit and let me go".

Nia was already out of the room, fetching medical supplies, when Alex moved Brainy to the side to check on her.

"Left side, one inch lower than her ribs", he told Alex. Nia, who put Alex's medical bag down, gently rubbed his back, even if it was almost invisible that he was worried.

Alex pressed her hand under Lena's jacket where he instructed, and her fingers returned covered in blood.

Lena was still swearing, when Alex cleared her wound - bullet hole - and dressed it.

"You need medical attention, Luthor", Alex said quietly. After everything she was still angry at the other woman but it didn't mean she wanted her dead.

"If I show it to someone, I'm as good as dead", Lena chuckled, cleary half-delirious from pain and pain-killers. How she managed to get there on the sole willpower was beyond understanding. "Even if you want it, I would like to live a little longer".

Alex didn't answer. Couldn't. Even if she knew it wasn't true, some part of her wanted Lena to believe it. To suffer.

It was a shameful, selfish thought.

/ / / / / / / / / /

"Lena?" Kara's weak voice sounded incredibly loud in the quiet of their usual exchange.

Lena stiffened and promtly turned to flee in the middle of her conversation with Brainy.

"Lena!" Kara could catch up to her in the blink of an eye, but somehow near Lena she always forgot she has powers.

Lena spent too much time talking over some sort of mathematical models and Kara wrapped up her mission early.

"Please, wait!"

"Leave me alone", Lena gritted through her teeth, but even Alex saw tears in her eyes, as she sped up.

"She's hurting", Brainy supplied from Alex's side, as they both watched this strange chase.

"She's injured again?" Alex asked with small pang of guilt.

"No, she's hurting emotionally. More than she shows."

He didn't add anything else. They watched door slamming into Kara's pitiful face.

/ / / / / / / / / /

"Why are you helping us?" Alex asked her about a month after Lena and Kara's dramatic meeting.

"Shut up", Lena answered, tired as hell after three all-nighters they pulled to rescue Kara from another dimension.

"It's getting old, Luthor. Spill the beans".

Perhaps it's exhaustion, perhaps it is somehow sisterly look in Alex's eyes, but Lena is silent suddenly, before almost pushing words out.

"You said you will turn over the world for your sister, didn't you? I had someone like that once. My big brother, who would be the only one to treat me like a person in the place that was supposed to be my home. Who protected me from everything he could. And whom I admired so much I wanted to be just like him".

Alex tensed, as always when talking about Lex. But Lena's voice was quiet, and her face already wet from tears she seemed to hold for so long, and Alex shut her mouth this time.

"When he did all that he did, I was disappointed. But I still loved my big brother. But when he first tried to kill me? I was heartbroken. The person who withstood father's beatings in my place tried to kill me", Lena chuckled through her sobs.

Alex never allowed herself to think about Lex past his atrocites. She couldn't afford any pity for the person who tormented her sister and her family. But right now there was another little girl beside her who lost her only family.

"You said you will turn over the world for your sister, didn't you?", Lena turned to her. "I killed my brother for her".

She didn't said anything after that. Just cried herself to sleep. And Alex was just sitting there, left alone with shocking news and even more shocking realizations. Lex was dead. Lena was the one who killed him. He told her Kara was Supergirl and she still killed him.

/ / / / / / / / / /

"Don't pity me, it makes my skin crawl", Lena said the next day, when she was given her own pass to the DEO. She threw it on the table right in front of Alex, and agent considered asking 'what the hell, Luthor' just for the fun.

"I'm not. But after what you did for my sister and what you continue to do, the least I can do is to give you free entrance".

Lena sat beside her, tired and feverish from overwork.

"Don't care about me either".

"When will you talk to Kara?" Lena scowled when Alex ignored her, but still took the pass.

"Never, perhaps. I look at her and see the dead body of my brother. It's not something a little talk can fix. And she will blame herself, burdening me with another endless boundle of her apologies".

"She will learn of his death eventually, and then she'll found out how he died. It will happen anyway. And yes, of course, nothing will be fixed just because you too will talk. But maybe you can relieve some of your burden, and maybe several small talks will help you both".

Lena didn't lift her head from the shiny surface of the table. But she nodded tiniest bit.

/ / / / / / / / / /

Lena kept coming to help. Kara kept trying to talk to her.

One day Lena conceded, and then she screamed at Kara for an hour in the empty conference room and stormed out.

They had reverse situation later, when Lena came injured once again. Kara screamed about her being reckless, and they eventually reached her past sorrows.

They screamed, then talked, then whispered. And slowly started to smile again. Later came tentative touches, lunches and game nights.

So when almost two years later Alex found them in the kitchen doing something she would prefer to erase from her mind, everything finally became as it should.

[pokemonshelterstories]

You’ve mentioned roaring moon a few times- can I ask why you were looking after it to begin with? Was it a research thing, rehabilitation, or something else entirely? When skimming it seemed interesting but with recent comments about paradox Mon it just gives me more questions

i've talked about my experience with RM a lot, but since my work has started getting published, i can talk a bit more about the actual process of the kind of work i was doing.

RM was an escapee from the great crater a couple of years ago, back before security was ramped up. this was shortly after the incident in which it was discovered that professors sada and turo had passed away. up to that point, the great crater was basically left to its own devices under the assumption that there were people down there monitoring it. escapee paradox pokemon were rare but not unheard of. nowadays, there are so many researchers and rangers keeping an eye on it that it would be hard for a pokemon to break out, but it definitely happened a few times in the past. RM was heavily injured and seemed emaciated based on our limited understanding of the species, so it was decided to have somebody rehabilitate it.

the reason why that person was me is several-fold. i have been a certified pokemon rehabilitator for many years and and had recently obtained my licensure to work with inherently dangerous species. i also was, at this point, a certified dragon-type specialist (one of my more recent rehab patients at the time was an aggressive dragonair). as a volunteer ranger, i had access to a capture styler. the cherry on top was that i live in artazon and thus could work closely with hassel, a highly-experienced dragon-type specialist who lives here.

that being said, i was simply the primary caretaker for RM. fairly early on, i was asked if i would be willing to continue housing RM instead of releasing it so that it could be researched. as part of both the rehab and research process, i had access to an entire team of researchers and pokemon care experts to help me. all of RM's care was paid for by naranja-uva academy in exchange for research access, and i worked regularly with a professor who hails from a dragon clan. i had an elite four member ready to jump in at any point. it's in spite of all of the resources i had access to that i felt that RM needed to be rereleased into the wild instead of continuing to serve as a captive research specimen.

taking care of RM was like having another job. almost all of the time i wasn't at the shelter or at school went to training RM, taking it out for flights, planning for its enrichment, and organizing various tests. the times i took it to the academy to be researched were actually a reprieve, since it meant i had a few hours where i could focus on myself. although i'm grateful for the opportunity, and i'm glad that i had what i needed to make it work, it was not a pleasant experience for me. in addition, i could tell that RM was starting to get stressed by its captivity in spite of all of the work i and my team were doing. releasing it was for both of our good. if i had thought RM could thrive in captivity, i would have found somebody else to take over its care; the way i feel about captive paradox pokemon comes from the experiences i had and what i saw. i don't blame myself or anyone else for how it went, because we really didn't know how it would go. but i couldn't in good conscience recommend that it happen again.

i think if they found the right individual pokemon, it might be possible for a paradox pokemon to live comfortably in captivity. but i will always hold that it's something that needs to be handled in the way that a zoo or research lab handles potentially dangerous pokemon- not just one person trying to care for it.

[cognitivejustice]

Seed enthusiasts can be motivated by food independence or climate change resilience or just the desire to grow – and taste – a really great watermelon. But what ties them together, says Bevin Cohen, a leader in the heirloom seed movement who organized the expo’s seed swap, is the joy of joining with others to grow a better future.

And heritage seeds are particularly valuable for biodiversity, seed experts say. These types of seeds are naturally pollinated and have been passed down from one generation to the next, traced back for at least 50 years.

Rezha Macedonian peppers sit on a table at the National Heirloom Exposition in Ventura, California, Sept. 10, 2024. Rezha, which means “engraved,” references the distinctive lines that fill the long, spicy pepper. They are grown in small batches from heirloom seeds from North Macedonia.

Rebecca Newburn founded the Seed Library Network to help consolidate these efforts, with seed packets available everywhere from universities to neighborhood Little Free Library boxes. The interest, she says, has been “growing and growing” since she developed the idea in the late 2000s. Last year, more than 2,200 people from 35 countries registered for the online Seed Library Network summit.

“People come to seeds from different places and connect to them in different ways,” Ms. Newburn says.

Some growers are worried about climate change, she says, and want to test out varieties that might fare better in a hotter, drier, or wetter environment. Others worry about corporations controlling so much of the food supply.

[sawmaw]

Hi, Saw!! Sorry if this request is a little weird but it wasn’t anywhere in your ‘don’t’s, so I was wondering how alright you are with writing lactation? 🫣 Sorry again if it’s too weird! I liked your fic with both of the twins, and I would love to see another with Jade in the future if possible! Thank you!

what the hell, sure

udder failure

🫀 solo jade oneshot

🫀 lactation, masturbation

🫀 note: i’ll be real i don’t super know much about lactation so i had to ask my lactation expert friends for help. i hope this suffices anyway

Poor, pitiful Jade, with his phone left unmoving in front of him. No buzzes, no rings, no replies to any text he’s sent… nobody agreeing to be a volunteer to test his concoctions.

Mixing and matching ingredients, carelessly throwing together whatever he found into the cauldron, just to see what kinds of potions and chemical reactions could be made was entertaining, but the most fun part was seeing the unpredictable effects when consumed.

Unfortunately for Jade, he’d been too overzealous and began his experimenting without securing a proper guinea pig to drink the potions. How could he be so heedless?

He was seated on his bedroom floor, staring into the cauldron with a pout on his face. The strange liquid within it bubbled every few moments, purple with a few strewn swirls of a dull red. What an odd color it made.

A few beats of silence passed and he leaned in just a bit closer over the cold iron. He curiously sniffed—the potion was scentless, fascinating in its own right.

Oh, if only he knew for sure the effects. It was admittedly tantalizing. No scent, but what of the taste? What if it enhances his senses? What if it turns him into a rabbit? Or grows him some wings, or shrinks his body, or splits him in two? There was no way he could know.

There was no way… unless he himself drank it.

No, that was an absurd idea. While there was no telling what benefits it could have, there was also no telling what harm it could inflict.

But he wanted to know and he was getting impatient. He glanced at his phone again: no text from Floyd, no text from Azul, no text from any classmates, dormmates, the Prefect. Surely this was some sort of prank. Surely.

And Jade surely needed to know.

His fingers were reaching for a vial from beside him before he could register it. He’d made it this far, he may as well go the full mile. Quickly, before his rationality returns.

A quick scoop of the vial in the cauldron, enough for a swig or two, and he wasted no time in downing it. The taste was pungent enough to make his nose scrunch. Bitter and sour, a strange savory aftertaste upon swallowing akin to what he would imagine rotten meat stock would taste of.

He pulled the now-empty vial from his lips. It was disgusting, but he was hopeful the effects would make up for it.

Five seconds turned to fifteen, nothing. Thirty, nothing. A minute, still nothing.

…Was it a fluke? It must have been. It was both disappointing and relieving.

No matter, there’s more to craft.

What if he adds some more ingredients to it? Perhaps a mandrake leaf…

While his mind rats off different ingredients to throw in, there’s a strange pressure that’s formed within the core of Jade’s stomach. Maybe the potion is making him ill. Maybe he’s crafted a fast road to food poisoning, which could be amusing to slip into a few drinks if he’s feeling particularly bored.

His eyes scan around aimlessly. Now, where’s it gone? Where’s the… mandrake… leaf…

The pressure quickly spread north. Up his torso, into his chest, pressure and so much warmth. It felt almost burning.

Oh, dear. Oh, what is this? A heart attack? No, don’t be ridiculous.

He swallowed thickly when he’d finally spotted the leaf. He snatched it from the ground and dropped it into the cauldron. Not much of a reaction other than a color change.

He’ll test it after this blows over. Or, maybe he won’t.

Jade shifted in his seat on the floor—his shirt was uncomfortably tight all of a sudden. Sure, it was normally fitted snugly enough to be somewhat classy, but this was far too tight. Is it a growing potion? No, the rest of him feels no different.

His fingers reached to his collar and dragged a hooked finger down to pop a few buttons of his shirt open. The cooler air did nothing to soothe the burning ache in his chest. Not his chest, but his pecs.

He took a glance down, the flesh swollen. It’s just fine, it will pass in time, just as every other potion. Until how long, however, was unknown.

Grabbing the ladle in the cauldron with twitching fingers, he idly stirred the liquid within it. He hoped this wouldn't be fatal.

He stirred and stared, stirred and stared… until there was a new sensation on his skin. His wide eyes shot down to see the damp spots on each side, the white fabric of the shirt slowly turning see-through.

Oh? So that’s what it does. Jade didn't know if he should be relieved that it was something as silly as this, or horrified that it was this.

He quickly shed himself of his shirt—there was no use in dirtying it further. He couldn’t stop looking at the odd sight, white dripping from his nipples down to his abdomen.

Should he laugh? Should he cry?

His hand hesitated before cupping around a pec. It was hot to the touch, tender and sore. A finger swiped over his nipple to pick up a drop of milk, caught off guard by his body’s immediate jolt. Was he always this sensitive?

He eyed the pearly bead on his finger, his curiosity quickly getting the better of him and he licked the milk from his fingertip.

It was different from cow’s milk, a subtly sweet flavor. He was embarrassed to admit it was almost preferable to it.

Just wait it out. It will pass. Ignore the pressure, ignore the aching tenderness, ignore the uncomfortable dripping, ignore it all.

Stir and ignore. Look at the pretty colors! The previous purple deepened into a navy blue, such a pretty shade. It really is uncomfortable. The bubbling shrank into a sparkling, almost as if it was carbonated. The pressure’s beginning to hurt. It was still scentless, he wondered why that was.

…It’s really too much.

Vials, where did he put the vials? On the floor, were they kicked away during his squirming? There’s one, two…

Jade desperately held a vial up to one of his leaking nipples. Now, how in the world do you—

It was an experimental squeeze, but it was what was needed to cause milk to spurt into the glass. Relieved and horrified, he gave another squeeze, an involuntary whimper slipping through his lips. The muscles hurt, the glands hurt, everything was too sensitive. Sensitive, sensitive, sensitive.

But it felt good. It was good to get it out, it was good to touch and squeeze. Fill the vial, put a cork on it, another vial up to his other nipple, squeeze.

He couldn’t help but laugh. This was preposterous. Of course the one time he’d decided to be his own test subject was when something truly ridiculous happened.

Another spurt, creamy white hitting the inside of the glass.

It was difficult to ignore the swelling in his shirt before, and it was even more so trying to ignore the swelling in his pants. Yet another aching pressure, but his hands were occupied already.

The second vial was quickly used up: fill it, cork it, set it to the side, replace it. Replace it with another vial. Replace… there isn’t another vial. He’d brought in three, one used for the potion, two used for makeshift milk bottles.

Jade’s mind was racing so frantically—there had to be more, the swelling hurts, squeezing makes it hurt more, but squeezing makes it feel better, it won’t stop leaking, why am I so hard?

His hand mindlessly palmed at his cock through his pants—when did I start doing that?—while the other flicked and rubbed at a nipple. He was sure they’d never been this sensitive, a single graze of his fingertip suddenly enough to make his body jolt and squirm.

His whining and panting was strained and strangled, but did he really need to be quiet? Alone, but what if someone walks by the door? It’s far too embarrassing to risk.

He looked down at his now-slicked fingers toying with his nipple, watching the leaking milk smear on his skin. He wanted to look away, but he couldn’t stop watching. Mismatched eyes trailed further down to his other hand still stroking and squeezing at his dick through the fabric, then back up a bit to the milk on his abdomen.

Everywhere, it’s on his hands, it’s on his stomach, it’s in his vials, it’s sprayed on the cauldron, it’s on—it’s on—

With an involuntary gasp of air, he yanked his cock out from the waistband of his pants as his orgasm crashed into him without warning. Eyelids scrunched shut, jaw clenched harshly, hand squeezing his swollen pec enough to spray a different white over himself.

It was intense and it was sudden, the shock from it leaving his body spasming for a moment or two before it allowed itself to relax. His lids finally fluttered open again to look down at the mess on both himself and his surroundings, he couldn’t tell what was cum and what was milk.

…The milk.

Jade panted heavily as he forced himself to sit up straighter in order to spot the two full vials.

What kinds of dishes could he make for the lounge with it, he wondered.

[theskywithin]

🌿 Important Note: Jupiter is About to Bring Blessings, But You Need to Change Your Mindset to Receive Them

Jupiter moves into Cancer on June 7, and it wants to give you something real. Not just inner peace, though that’s part of it. Not just wisdom, though that’s coming too. It wants to give you comfort, softness, support, love, belonging. It wants to help you feel safe enough to finally exhale. But here’s the catch: Jupiter can offer you the whole ocean but if you keep showing up with a cup, you’ll only ever taste a sip. This isn’t about manifesting harder. It’s about getting honest about the parts of you that still brace when something good shows up. The parts that shrink, deflect compliments, that say “I’m fine” instead of “I need help.” The parts that feel more comfortable struggling than receiving. Because receiving takes trust takes presence, willingness to let go of control, believe you’re allowed to feel good without earning it through exhaustion. Jupiter in Cancer wants to nourish the parts of you that were never nurtured. To give you warmth without condition. To remind you that being held is not weakness, that comfort is not complacency, that abundance doesn’t only come when you suffer enough to deserve it.

So this week, ask yourself:

🌿 Where am I still rejecting what I say I want? 🌿 What would it feel like to be supported, not tested? 🌿 Am I ready to make peace with ease?

Because the blessings are coming but they’ll pass right by if the door is closed. So open it. Let life meet you with both hands full. You’ve carried enough... It’s time to receive.

♈️ Aries (Sun and Rising) Let someone else take care of things sometimes. Ask for help with the move, the bills, the emotions. Upgrade your space, get serious about your living situation, and stop pretending you're fine when you're overwhelmed. Receiving starts with honesty.

affirmation: “I am safe to slow down. I receive support, security, and softness without guilt.”

♉️ Taurus (Sun and Rising) Say yes to the invitation. Follow up with that contact. Start the project even if it’s not perfect. Stop gatekeeping your own ideas, someone out there wants to support them. And if you’ve been thinking about buying a car, laptop, or course? It’s time.

affirmation: “I receive new opportunities by speaking up. My ideas are allowed to be heard and paid.”

♊️ Gemini (Sun and Rising) Raise your rates. Ask for the raise. Spend like someone who knows more is coming. Invest in comfort, a better mattress, new clothes, food that nourishes instead of numbs. Start treating your security like it’s already growing, because it is.

affirmation: “I am open to more income, more worth, and more ease. Receiving is my new normal.”

♋️ Cancer (Sun and Rising) Update your bio. Launch the thing. Walk into the room like it’s already yours. This is your moment but you have to meet it halfway. Take the compliment. Say thank you. Stop brushing off the attention you asked the universe to send you.

affirmation: “I am ready to be seen, trusted, and celebrated. I welcome every door that opens for me.”

♌️ Leo (Sun and Rising) Rest on purpose. Delete the productivity app if it’s making you anxious. Take the sabbatical. Say no before you crash. Receiving for you looks like canceling plans and still believing you're worthy. Choose peace even when no one’s watching.

affirmation: “Rest is not a threat to my power. I receive healing and peace without having to earn it.”

♍️ Virgo (Sun and Rising) Start the group chat. Apply for the grant. Text the mentor. You don’t have to do this alone anymore. Receiving looks like sharing your goals out loud and letting people rise to meet you. It’s time to reconnect with the ones who actually get it.

affirmation: “Support is safe. I allow the right people into my vision. I don’t have to carry it all.”

♎️ Libra (Sun and Rising) Stop second-guessing your readiness. You are the expert now. Update your resume, pitch yourself, walk taller. Say yes to the role, the opportunity, the next step even if it scares you. Jupiter’s trying to promote you. Let it.

affirmation: “I am no longer waiting for permission. I receive recognition, respect, and my next chapter.”

♏️ Scorpio (Sun and Rising) Book the trip. Enroll in the class. Tell your story. Publish the work. Everything expands when you stop keeping it small and personal. You don’t have to have it all figured out to be inspiring. Take the leap, the world wants more of you.

affirmation: “I receive expansion by stepping into the world. I don’t have to stay hidden to be safe.”

♐️ Sagittarius (Sun and Rising) Start the healing process you’ve been avoiding. Open the scary email. Go to therapy. Let people in. Money might come from surprising sources this year, but so will emotional support if you stop pretending you don’t need either.

affirmation: “I am safe to trust. I receive emotional support, financial blessings, and deep healing.”

♑️ Capricorn (Sun and Rising) Be vulnerable in the conversation. Sign the contract. Trust the new partner. You don’t have to manage every dynamic alone. You’re allowed to want companionship in business, in love, in life. Let people show up for you.

affirmation: “I don’t need to do it alone. I receive love, partnership, and mutual effort without fear.”

♒️ Aquarius (Sun and Rising) Fix the schedule. Adjust your work hours. Upgrade your workspace. Say no to the clients that drain you. Receiving starts with protecting your energy, not burning it to prove you care. Make your daily life more livable now, not later.

affirmation: “I let go of burnout. I receive structure, support, and work that actually works for me.”

♓️ Pisces (Sun and Rising) Pick up the paintbrush. Go on the date. Share your work. Post the thing. Not everything has to be a masterpiece, it just has to be you. Jupiter’s ready to grow what brings you joy. But you have to stop keeping it secret.

affirmation: “I don’t have to prove my joy. I receive celebration, inspiration, and space to create.”

SUMMER SALE!!! My book is on sale until June 15 !! There's a full preview of the Moon chapter waiting for you 🌙 Click the link below to read and feel into it 💌