#windows 11 optimizer

[lavoszero]

I need to be going to sleep but my spite for Windows and its automatic updates/forcing people to upgrade to Windows 11 without their OK makes me need to spread the word on how to stop that crap

Open Start.

Search for regedit and click the top result to launch the Registry Editor.

Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

Right-click the newly created key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

Name the new key AU and press Enter.

Right-click the AU key, select the New submenu, and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.

Name the new key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.

Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.

Click the OK button.

Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, automatic updates will be permanently disabled on the device. However, you can still download updates by clicking the "Check for updates" button on the Windows Update settings page.

If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on step 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select the "Delete" option, then reboot the computer to apply the settings.

If you want picture steps you can see so here (its the place where I learned to do this anyways)

[boosterpc]

https://www.fiverr.com/s/LoK2mp

Boost your PC's performance with my expert optimization guide! You'll get a step-by-step process to speed up your computer, personalized settings, and powerful regedits. Say goodbye to sluggishness and hello to seamless computing. Order now for a faster PC!

Sure, here's a brief explanation of each function:

1. **Detailed PC Optimization Guide:** You'll receive clear instructions to clean up files, free up disk space, and optimize startup programs for faster performance.

2. Expertly Crafted Regedits:** Customized settings designed to fine tune your PC, providing a significant performance boost beyond standard optimization.

3. **Driver and Software Updates** Recommendations for updating drivers and software to ensure stability and the latest features.

4. Personalized System Settings** Expert tips to tweak system settings for a customized and optimal experience.

5. **RAM Management Techniques:** Advice on managing RAM usage for improved multitasking capabilities.

6. Malware Removal Tools: Tools to scan and remove malware, ensuring PC security and data protection.

**Additional Options (With Extra Payment):**

-**Customized Regedits Internet AND Latency

[pumpkinstep]

I use this software.

It's an easy way to turn off settings in windows that you'd normally have to put a bit of effort in to find. Settings like trackers and a bunch of other stuff.

It works for windows 10

Revo Uninstaller is a great program for force uninstalling programs you couldn't uninstall otherwise. Like Microsoft Edge.

If you use it to uninstall edge and its not finding the program when you search for it, you'll have to open edge, then use the target mode which allows you to select desired programs manually.

target the opened Microsoft edge window and it'll start the process.

The cool thing about this program is that is does a hard uninstall, completely wipes out everything related to the program and it's stuff in the registry.

might I add, if you uninstall Microsoft edge, it will remove copilot as well. I've done this and it's been a few months since then I think. I've updated my laptop a few times and it hasn't come back. though if you want to avoid edge from coming back with an update, here's a vid on the more indepth process of its removal.

Something I usually do is go into my app manager or program manager window and read through what all is installed. I delete anything I didn't install myself and doesn't have a purpose. If you're not tech savvy, have a web browser open to search for programs you don't recognize. if it looks necessary, leave it alone. Usually windows is pretty good about not letting you uninstall important programs but it's good to play it safe.

Doing this whenever you notice a sudden dip in pc performance is a great way to catch unwanted programs that may have slipped in with something you downloaded recently. Paired with a good anti malware program like Malwarebytes, youre pretty much golden.

last tip.

It's a pretty good practice to Optimize and Defrag your harddrive regularly. It basically does a clean sweep of your harddrive by deleting unnecessary files.

Here's a link to instructions on how to do that. When you set about this process, you should have an option of to what degree the clean up is done (meaning what files is targeted), how regularly this process happens.

It usually deletes residual files, stuff in your downloads folder, trash folder, and stuff like that. you'll get to see what all is there when you do it before you confirm the clean up.

After doing all that, you've got yourself a nice and clean pc that should work better than it did before.

All the programs I linked to are free and can be used without paying for them.

I've been super into computers since I was kid so these are pretty solid methods of pc maintainance on the virtual side. If you have a proper box pc, and I guess if you're feeling brave enough to open up your laptop, don't forget to clean use an air duster to clean out your consul.

I promise you, nothing will help more than a clean pc and cooling fans.

i thought my laptop was on its last leg because it was running at six billion degrees and using 100% disk space at all times and then i turned off shadows and some other windows effects and it was immediately cured. i just did the same to my roommate's computer and its performance issues were also immediately cured. okay. i guess.

so i guess if you have creaky freezy windows 10/11 try searching "advanced system settings", go to performance settings, and uncheck "show shadows under windows" and anything else you don't want. hope that helps someone else.

[techdirectarchive]

Guide to Remote Desktop Connection Properties for Secure Access

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the new norm. One of the key technologies enabling people to work effectively from home is Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Here is a guide Guide to Remote Desktop Connection Properties for Secure Access. Please see how to determine why an MBAM-protected device is non-compliant, and an article on “Is RDP enabled? Enable and disable…

[thelastofme-l]

A 7/11 full of weed?

(Jesse x f!reader)

Word count: 7815

Summary: You and Jesse end up seeking shelter from the snow storm in a 7/11.

Warnings: fluff, dangerous temperatures, mentions of scars, friends to lovers, weed, mention of sexual abuse/trauma, yearning, smut 18+, fingering, unprotected p in v sex, happy ending, angel baby!jesse, golden boy!jesse

A/n: I need more Jesse fics and appreciation so I decided to type this up to sooth myself until I find more LOL Enjoy :)

"I thought you said the storm was gonna pass right over us?" You groaned from your horse as she trotted beside Jesse's. What started as a light snow fall turned into a blizzard in the matter of a couple hours as the two of traveled further on the patrol.

"I was being optimistic" He calls back, tucking his face further into his coat in an effort to shield himself from the weather.

"Yeah well—,” You shouted up to him over the howling wind, “Your optimism is gonna cost me my fingers"

You weren't lying. Your fingers were completely numb. The gloves you had been wearing stood no chance against the negative temperatures.

Jesse looked back at you then and you tried to make out his expression, but you could hardly see him in the white out.

He pulled his radio from his thick coat and spoke into it. You were struggling to hear him over the wind but knew he was calling back to Jackson.

"I know a place we can hold up" He yelled over, this time turning his reigns off the main path where the patrol usually stayed. "Follow me"

You didn't have to be told twice. After a couple more minutes of riding and snow hitting you in the face, buildings appeared in the distance. One that looked to be a brick building under all the snow with faded green and what looked like a 7 on the roof. The other some sort of garage, just across the way.

You watched as Jesse slid off his horse and moved toward what looked to be a garage door. You followed suit, feeling like needles were shooting through your body as you landed on the ground. Fuck.

You stood next you him, watching as he brushed the fresh fallen snow away to expose a rusty handle. You gripped the cold metal next to his hands and attempted to open it with your combined strength. It wouldn’t budge.

"Fuck" He groaned, standing at full height and smacking at the door in frustration, “It's frozen shut"

You glanced at the horses, knowing they were just as cold and could freeze to death if they didn’t get out of the weather soon, "Jesse, what are we gonna do?"

The snow whipped around between to the two of you, swirling white dust clouding your line of sight.

He thought quickly, kicking hard at the latch of the door before moving along the left side and doing the same. It seemed to be working, you could hear the ice cracking.

You copied him on the opposite side of the door, trying to kick hard despite the cold, shooting pain. When he tried the door again, it slid up with ease, exposing a small garage with concrete floors and bales of straw in the corner. It was bare and still cold but it would have to do.

You grabbed the reigns of both horses and ushered them inside as Jesse ripped at a square bale and tossing chunks in front of the animals. Once there was a generous amount left out he was rushing again.

"Follow me" He called again, pulling you away from the horses and back out into the snow. He pulled the door down, closing it tightly before running straight for the other building. Once at the door he moved a large piece of wood before pushing you inside.

You could've never prepared for the sight before you, no matter how distracted by the cold. Marijuana plants lined the inside. To the right of the door hung dried leaves and jars on shelves. There was supplies everywhere for the plants and just pass them in the back of the building was a wood burner that Jesse was already squatted in front of, trying to get it up and running.

All of the once clear windows were painted black and faded, however still preventing anyone from looking in.

"Am I fuckin' hallucinating?"

"Maybe–" Jesse was rushing around the room, moving pass you to the door you'd come in and locking it with another piece of wood that was sat off to the side. He set it in place and pushed on the door insuring it was locked before walking pass you again, "Do you see a 7/11 full of weed?"

"Uh huh" You mumbled, nodding your head as you reached out and touch one of the dry leaves.

"Then no" He said simply.

"Are we safe in here?" You asked, snapping out of your utter surprise as an overgrown tree scratched against one of the windows. Jesse moved back in front of the wood burner, fiddling with the knob again before it ignited.

"Never had an issue with raiders or infected, no one knows this place," He explained, sighing when he felt the small amount of warmth radiating from the box. He glanced over his shoulder at you, "So yeah, it's safe"

You nodded, shivering in your spot still by the door.

"Get over here before you freeze to death" He added, holding his hands out in front of him, absorbing the heat, "It's not a lot, but it'll do"

You did as he said, moving into the back of the room and sitting in front of the heat source on the ground beside him. He was right, it wasn’t doing much but it was better than nothing.

Jesse stood from his spot and moved behind the couch. He had stripped his coat, hat and gloves off, hanging them to dry much like the weed near the front.

After a moment he came back and stood in front of you. When you looked up at him from the ground you noticed he held his hand out expectantly, "Give me your stuff"

"No way, I'm freezing" You argued crossing your arms over the wet coat.

"If you keep them on you'll definitely freeze to death" He argued, taking it upon himself to pull your knit hat off. "They're soaked. If we hang them they'll be dry by the time we leave here"

You huffed, knowing he was right. He always seemed to be. You stood in front of him unzipping the coat and shrugging it off before peeling off your gloves. You hissed at the numbness that was still plaguing your fingers.

You turned just enough so Jesse couldn't see them as he hung your things up next to his. When he was done he pulled the small couch over in front of the heater and shook the dust off the old blankets that were thrown onto it.

You shivered involuntarily, with the coat removed you were left in only a thin blue long sleeved shirt and jeans. The ends of your hair were wet across your back from the snow that had gathered as you rode.

"You know in case of emergencies, such as this, you should be wearing more layers" He reprimanded behind you, seeing you holding yourself in an effort to get warm.

"Thanks captain obvious" You tried to stop the chattering of your teeth to prove a point but you couldn't. He instructed you to sit down on the couch and when you did he placed one of the blankets over your shoulders. It was thin, but provided a way to lock in the heat that would hopefully be coming back soon. "I-I'll r-remember that if we s-survive this"

"We'll be fine" He cupped his hands in front of his mouth and blew hot hair into them. He paced for a minute as if he were thinking, "As long as this heater does its job"

"Is this your place?" You asked, changing the subject as you watched him walk to a box on a shelf on the other side of the room, "Your little hide out?"

"Something like that" He said, digging around. You could see his back muscles flex under his black long sleeve shirt. When he found what he was looking for he turned back to face you and you snapped your attention back to the fire inside of the burner, as if you weren't just staring at him. "It was Eugene's place, he'd found it a couple years back, decided to keep the plants going and harvest them. He showed me once while we were on patrol and swore me to secrecy. Now that Eugene is gone, I come by and harvest what I can"

"Jesse the stoner" You quipped, watching the orange flames dance in the box. He walked back toward you with a package, small enough that it fit in just one of his hands. He was fiddling with the wrapping when you laughed, "Never pegged you as that guy"

"Not a stoner" He defended, finally opening the package that said Hostess on the front. "Just when I need to take the edge off or something"

"I knew it" You breathed, legs bouncing up and down as you sat, "Your sunny disposition makes so much sense now"

"Shut up" He laughed as he held out one of the cakes, waiting for you to take it. When you quirked an eyebrow at it, he added, "Whoever set this place up had a stash of these under the floor board. Eugene said they were popular back before, said they could last through a nuclear apocalypse and still be edible—they're called Twinkie's"

"Oh I've heard of those. Kevin had a whole speech about them a little while back, talking about things he missed from before," You moved the blanket so you could reach out and grab it from him, "—and something called Oreos"

The second he saw your hand he cursed under his breath. The skin was red and swollen, spreading up to your wrist with a waxy like sheen.

"Fuck—let me see your other hand" He revoked the Twinkie, sitting it back down in the plastic and moving to sit beside you on the couch.

You held your other hand out; it was just as red and waxy. Jesse immediately enveloped your hands, cupping them with his own. "Can you feel this?"

"Kinda" You shook your head slowly, teeth still chattering, "They're pretty numb"

You really weren't worried until you saw the look on Jesse's face. He brought the cupped hands to his mouth, blowing hot air directly into them and rubbing his hands over them, creating friction.

He could see that you were still shivering, legs bouncing rapidly against the concrete floor. He dropped one of his hands, pushing the blanket to the side and touching your arm through the fabric.

"We need to get your warm quick" He sighed, suddenly dropping your hands and moving to grab more blankets. He draped another blanket over your shoulders and motioned for you to lie down. Again, you did as he said, trusting that he knew what to do in the situation.

You watched him, face now against the couch cushion with the blanket pulled up to your chin. You were still shivering as he put two more logs into the burner and closed the grate door again.

"This sucks" You said in an attempt to joke about the situation, but you stuttered on the words. Jesse snapped his head to you, seeing your lips were tinged purple.

He was standing again and you watched him kick his snowy boots off before moving to the end of the couch. You could feel him lift your feet and tug carefully before your boots and socks were removed, leaving them bare.

"Even your socks are soaked" He muttered pulling the blanket back down over your feet and hanging your socks up next to the gloves and coats. "You really should get some new boots if you're gonna keep patrolling out here"

You laughed quietly, "I don't think I'm fond of patrols anyway, maybe I'll try again in the s-summer"

"Scoot over" He instructed, standing back in your field of vision.

If you could feel your cheeks, you're sure they would be blushing, "W-what?"

"Relax, I just want to share some of my body heat with you" He explained, watching your wide eyes before adding, "You're going to become hypothermic if we don't bring up your body temperature"

Before you could speak again he was reaching down and physically moving you over, not taking no for an answer.

He laid back with his head against the arm of the couch, next to you and lifted the blankets so he could get under them with you. You held your breath, already feeling warmth radiating from him. Luckily, the couch was long and wide, enough for you both to fit fairly comfortably.

"I don't bite" He chuckled when he noticed how far you were pressed into the back of the couch trying not to touch him. When you didn't laugh, he cleared his throat, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm just trying to help—"

"I know" You responded quietly, body involuntarily shaking from the cold or from the fact that he was laying so close next you, you honestly weren't sure.

He'd heard about your time on the outside before you were taken into Jackson. You'd told him how you were a drifter between different groups as you traveled from the Cleveland QZ. You never went into detail about your time on the outside but he knew that it placed you in less-than-ideal situations. He also knew you didn't like to be touched; that much he'd learned watching you recoil from hugs or any physical contact from others in Jackson.

"Just try to relax. You should warm up soon" He suddenly said, adjusting against the worn-out cushions.

“What are you doing?” You asked, as you watched his eyes flutter close, moving to sit up off the couch.

"Stay,” He said calmly, before looking at you once more. You were still not touching him, staring at him with bewildered eyes, “You need to stay under the blanket, I’m just resting my eyes until you’re warm again, okay?”

He waited for you to nod and slowly sink back into the cushions before he closed his eyes again, still lying on his back. You watched him for a while, until his breathing evened out and you were sure he was sleeping. His lips were parted slightly and quiet snores were escaping. His hands were intertwined loosely on his chest. You appreciated that he had kept his hands to himself.

But you hated the fact that you could feel the space between the two of you, under the blanket, become an oven. Of course, he was right, again.

Over the course of about thirty minutes, you had moved closer to him, making sure he was still asleep as you did. You were starting to get the feeling in your hands and feet back, the numbness slowly dissipating.

Before you knew it, you were tucking your hands against him, sliding them around his bicep so they were pressed against his side. Careful not to wake him you moved closer to rest your cheek against his shoulder. After about an hour you were asleep too, feeling content as the shivering subsided.

*

When you opened your eyes the light through the painted windows was completely gone. The only light was the orange glow from the burner, lighting up the room.

For a moment you forgot where you were, feeling hazy from sleep until you felt hot breath against your hair. You could feel the weight of an arm wrapped around your shoulder and the hard plane of a chest.

At some point the two of you must've adjusted because he had his arm under you and you were now nestled into his side with your head fully on his chest and the blanket pulled up to your face. You wanted to recoil at the feeling of him holding you in place but you didn't. You felt warm down to your feet that had managed to find their way under his legs for warmth.

The wind whistled outside of the thin windows telling you the storm was still raging outside of the building. You briefly thought about the horses but knew the garage across the way was the safest place for them. You were pulled from your thoughts as you felt Jesse shift under you, turning ever so slightly in your direction and tightening his hold on you. You knew it had to have been a reflex but it still made your stomach jump.

With him facing you more now you could see his peaceful expression and feel his breaths escape and fan over your forehead.

It'd been a while since you had let a person get this physically close to you and it surprised you that you didn't mind it. Instead, you moved closer to him, if it were even possible.

"How do you feel?" His voice came out groggy and thick, eyes still closed.

Fuck.

"Uh—better”

"That's good" He said lazily, moving to yawn before realizing his arms were around you. It was his turn to go stiff and panic, "Shit, I-I didn-"

"It's okay—really, I don't mind" You interrupted stopping him from removing himself from you, "You're like a heater"

A deep chuckle erupted from his chest as he relaxed at your words, sinking back into the cushions. "I'm glad I could offer the service"

A silence fell over the two of you now that you were both awake. Neither of you moved from your spots, just listened to the wind howling outside and watching the flames dance in the burner.

"Guess we won't be back in Jackson tonight"

"Guess not" You replied, trying to ignore the way his muscles felt under the fabric of his shirt.

"How do your hands feel?" He asked, remembering that they were on the borderline of frostbite earlier.

You removed them from his arm and out from under the blanket knowing it would be easier for him to look at them and see if you should still be concerned or not.

He took his free hand and grabbed your palm moving it around in the lowlight and examining it. His calloused fingers brushing your skin. "They look a lot better, might make it back with all your fingers and toes after all"

"You thought I was gonna lose my fingers?" You asked, biting at the inside of your cheek as he continued to play with your fingers even after he'd examined them. When he realized what he was doing he dropped your hand and cleared his throat.

"It crossed my mind" He teased, moving his legs under the blanket before turning to look over at you. Your gaze dropped from his eyes to his lips, before flickering back to meet his gaze. You hadn't realized how close he was until you heard his breath hitch in his throat. He sat up suddenly, knocking you off of him in the process.

"You hungry?" He asked, standing from the couch completely and walking over to grab the Twinkie from the counter. You hated that you immediately missed the warmth of his body next to you. "We can heat these over the burner"

"Uh— yeah sure, thanks" You mumbled, sitting up and bringing the blanket with you. The air in the garage was warmer than before but nothing compared to the heat you were just feeling.

He removed the pastry from the plastic again, this time setting them on an old glass plate and positioning them right in front of the heat.

"Is there anything to drink here?" You asked, not really thirsty but attempting to fill the awkward silence.

"Yeah, over in the file cabinet there" He instructed using his free hand to point over to the corner of the room. You lifted yourself off the couch immediately regretting it as your bare feet made contact with the cold concrete. When you opened the file cabinet you found a dusty bottle of brown liquor.

"Oh fancy" You hummed, grabbing the bottle and moving back over to the couch. "Some whiskey should keep the cold away"

After a minute he moved the plate away from the heater and sat next to you on the couch.

You twisted the cap off the bottle of whiskey and taking a small sip. The liquor burned your throat as you swallowed but it was good, well good in your standards.

"Those things look gross" You admitted watching him flip them over as they cooled down. You set the bottle between the two of you on the couch.

"Ye of little faith" He retorted, shaking his head at you and handing you one of the cakes. You took it in your hand and watched as he picked his up. It was golden in color, thick and spongey. "Trust me, you'll like it"

You weren't sure when you started this habit of trusting people, especially men. You assumed when you got to Jackson that it would be the same as everywhere else. You weren't to keen on trusting anyone again. But here you were picking up the likely expired dessert.

You mirrored his movements as he brought the cake to his mouth and took a bite. The texture confused you at first until you tasted the creamy filling inside. It was sweet and heavy yet light, like a whipped cream.

He watched your eyes go wide and you cover your mouth as you spoke, "I've never tasted anything like this"

"It's good right?" He urged, swallowing his bite before taking another.

You did the same and after just a couple of bites it was gone. You cursed yourself for not savoring every bite.

"No wonder the dude had these stockpiled" You squealed, tucking your legs up on the couch and turning to face Jesse. "I'm not kidding—I think that just changed my life"

He took a swig of the whiskey, offering you another sip, which you took before closing it back up. He nodded, amused at your reaction, "And think about how they would taste fresh and not expired"

"Why would you do this to me?" You whined throwing your head back before smacking his arm.

"Hey–" He held his hands up in surrender on the other side of the couch. "You can just say ‘thank you Jesse for introducing my palate to this delicious old world delicacy’"

You rolled your eyes at him, grabbing the bottle of whiskey and taking another swig, feeling the liquid settle in your stomach.

"How about thank you Jesse for keeping me warm"

That caught his attention, something in the way you said it. He shifted on the couch, taking the bottle and sitting it on the table near the couch.

He stood up from his spot and moved to the doors where the two of you had come in. He moved the board and opened the door just enough to look outside. A gust of wind and snow came barreling through the opening, feeling like it slapped you in the face. He closed it again, putting the board back in a locking position.

"I think we should try to head back at first light, I have a feeling this storm is only going to get worse"

You nodded, standing from the couch, this time not caring how cold the floor was. You kept the blanket around your shoulders and let it drag across the ground behind you as you walked. "We've got a couple hours to kill"

He caught you looking at him and moved his attention to the leaves hanging up. He was tall enough that he could reach them easily. "I think I'm going to do up some jars, maybe take some back to town with us"

You moved to the part of the building where the plants were, a lot of them looked dried up and dead, most likely from the cold months and the loss of sun.

"I still can't believe you are Jacksons weed dealer" You laughed, watching him work. You opted for sitting on the counter to the left of him to get your feet off the concrete. Once up you tightened the blanket around your shoulders.

"Why is it so hard to believe?" He ponders, meticulously handling the buds.

"I dunno" You sighed, picking at the loose threads of the blanket and kicking your feet back and forth. "I guess because you're the golden boy of Jackson"

He made a sound, looking over to you. "I am not the golden boy"

You bit your lip to stifle your laugh, but you couldn't contain it. He definitely was. Everyone in town knew they could depend on Jesse. He always kept his word and was nice, sometimes too nice, getting himself roped into helping the elderly in the community or playing with the kids. But was also strong and well versed in combat. Tommy and Joel trusted him like a son.

"What's so funny?" He asked, incredulously. He closed the lid on the 1st jar before turning to look at you.

"Oh nothing" You smiled, clearing your throat to cover the laughing again, "I just think it's funny that you can't see how much of a golden boy you are"

He rolled his eyes at you, crossing him arms over his chest and leaning against the counter that you were sat on. "Has anyone ever told you how infuriating you can be?"

"Hm— infuriating? No" You made a motion in the air while you thought, "Hilarious, yes"

"Now that I think of it annoying would be a better description" He teased, his eyes fixed on you.

You rolled your eyes back at him, glancing around the large room. You weren't sure if it was the liquid courage talking or the silence of the room but you felt the need to speak again.

"You know you're like the only guy around our age who didn't come onto me when I first got to Jackson," The smirk he wore faltered as he pressed him lips in a straight line. He didn't know how to respond, so he didn't say anything at all. When you were meant with silence you pressed, leaning forward on the counter, "Why is that?"

When he realized you were waiting for an answer he shrugged, moving back to his workstation and filling another jar.

You were intrigued by his change in demeanor, so again you pressed, "Was I just that repulsive?"

"Jesus, Y/N—come on" He sighed, not finding the conversation amusing in the way you did. He had remembered how broken you looked when Tommy first introduced him to you and the way you flinched when he held his hand out to you. "Of course, not"

You'd been found by a patrol from Jackson during the warmer months after you had been traveling with a group of four guys. Over the years you'd learned to steer clear of men in general, but they had managed to earn your trust when they saved you from a heard of infected. You were cornered and accepting your death when they came rolling in. They took care of you for a couple of days as you passed through the mountains. They were nice enough until you refused to give them the one thing they wanted. The one thing they saved you for. When you wouldn't put out they decided they would take you by force.

They had beat you half to death and left you for dead afterward.

You distinctly remembered the first time you had seen yourself in the mirror of the infirmary once inside the walls of Jackson. You barely even recognized the woman who looked back at you. Swollen and mangled face with cuts and bruises scattered down your neck. When you were healed enough, with just subtle bruising and healing cuts you were introduced to the town. In the first couple of days, you were approached by many of the eligible bachelors, except the one that had caught your eye.

When you opened your mouth ready to make another sarcastic comment, he spoke again. "You were so different back then, like if the wind blew too hard you would fall over or somethin’”

That wiped the smirk right off your face.

He screwed the lid onto another jar before turning to face you again, seeing the expression on your features, before continuing, "The last thing you needed was those assholes trying to get with you"

You nodded, puffing your cheeks awkwardly and tapping your fingers on the surface of the counter beside your thighs. He was right. It was the last thing you needed or wanted at the time, which is why you avoided and turned down anyone who pursued you in the weeks that followed. Instead, you focused on getting stronger, never wanting to be in a situation where you couldn't defend yourself again.

That's how you became closer with Jesse. He would spend time sparing in the barn with you, teaching you different techniques for hand-to-hand combat and self defense. Soon enough you came out of your shell, especially around him.

You always wondered why he never made a move on you, even after months of training together every day.

He moved beside you to grab another jar down from the shelf behind your head, "Well—uh what about now?"

He froze at the question, arm lingering close your head before he set the jar next you on the counter, turning slowly to look at you. His gaze lingered on your eyes a little too long before he made himself look at the hand that you had moved to fiddle with the jar. "Yeah, things are different now"

"Different how?"

"You ask a lot of questions" He spoke in a low voice, one that he reserved for when the two of you entered abandoned buildings or there were infected around.

"I'm a curious person" You quipped back, meeting his eyes again. This time he didn't look away.

"I've noticed that" He said again, quiet enough that you could hear the wind just outside of the window howling again and your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

You didn't speak again, instead reaching out and grabbing his sleeve, tugging it ever so slightly toward you. From your spot on the counter top you were easily his same height, something you only experienced on horseback.

Your finger hooked into his belt loop before glancing at his lips again. He's so close now that you feel the heat radiating from him again. Before you let yourself overthink, you lean forward and press your lips against his.

His lips part ever so slightly, but he doesn't reciprocate, instead pulling away after a couple of seconds and blinking at you.

"What's wrong?" This time you were whispering, feeling your cheeks heat up at the thought of him not wanting this, "Sorry, I thought—I shouldn't have—"

"No, fuck—no that's not it. I don't want to pressure you or anything just because we are trapped here for the night and–"

"Damn," You giggle at him, now moving your hands up his arms and intertwining them behind his neck. "You're such a respectful, golden boy you won't even kiss me after all this time"

"I'm serious" He whispers but still places his hands on either side of the of you, trapping you against the counter.

"So am I" You whisper back, using your leverage on his neck to pull him closer to you. As you do a strand of his black hair falls into his face and you tuck it back behind his ear, catching a glimpse of his stressed expression, "Do you see anyone holding a gun to my head? Holding me against my will?"

He searched your eyes, eyes dropping to your lips as you leaned closer, your eyes closing as you anticipated the touch of his lips against yours again. His breath was hot, his lips gently touching your own, a soft and teasing caress.

As your lips met again he melted against you, hands moving to hold your waist. His kisses were slow and sensual, as if he was testing the waters, still hesitant and holding back. Instead of letting him overthink you moved your thumb against the nape of his neck soothingly and smiled against his lips, shrugging the blanket from around your shoulders.

He pulled back briefly, searching your face again before capturing your lips once more in a deeper, more passionate kiss. His hands moved to cradle your face as you deepened the kiss, thumbs tracing soothingly across your skin. Slowly, he parted your lips, his tongue running along the soft skin of your bottom lip, his hands gripping your thighs tighter, drawing you closer to him. The kiss deepened, his tongue exploring your mouth, tasting you, claiming you, consuming you.

He angled your head back giving him better access to explore with his tongue as you let a low moan escape your lips. He made a sound in response and you opened your legs to him needing him closer to you.

He settled between your legs and you pulled back just enough to mutter, "You smell like marijuana"

His laugh vibrates your lips making butterflies erupt in your stomach. Those butterflies only got worse when you felt him nip at your bottom lip.

You smirked, pulling away and pushing his head back, exposing his neck to you as your lips trailed down the skin. You heard his breath catch in his throat as his hands gripped at your thighs, "Fuck," he muttered.

Before you let him kiss you again you were reaching for the hem of his shirt, pulling it out from where it was tucked into the waistband of his pants. He got the idea and reached for it, pulling it all the way off leaving his chest bare and exposed to your touch. He shivered slightly as the cool air hit his skin, eyes locking onto yours as you took in the sight of him.

You'd seen him shirtless before, in the hotter months working or building around town when it was entirely too hot to wear a shirt, but never like this. Never this close. He pulled you closer once again, his chest pressed against you as his mouth sought out yours.

As you wrapped your legs around his waist, you could feel the strength and solidity of his body beneath your thighs. His arms encircled you, pulling you close as he lifted you effortlessly off the counter, carrying you as if you weighed nothing. His grip was firm, secure, and you felt a sense of safety as he held you tight against him.

His footsteps faltered slightly as he continued to kiss you, his attention fully focused on the taste of your lips and the feel of your body in his arms. He was wrapped up in the moment, intoxicated by your touch and the way your body responded to his. Unaware of his surroundings, he stumbled slightly, almost tripping over a box of tools on the floor.

Startled by your sudden gasp, Jesse quickly steadied himself, holding you tightly against him. He could feel your face buried in his shoulder, your body laughing slightly from the near fall.

"Please don't drop me" You whined, peppering light kisses along his collarbone.

"Don't worry, I've got you" He let out a low chuckle, his lips brushing against your ear, amused at your reaction and grip on him.

He focused on walking now, moving his thumb against your thigh as he did. You had to bite your lip at the sheer strength he had. You knew he was strong and, well— jacked, but you were not prepared for this.

Jesse carefully lowered himself onto the couch, positioning himself so that you were straddling his lap, your legs still wrapped around his waist. His hands moved back to your thighs, his grip firm yet gentle as he held you close to him.

Now safely settled, you kissed him again, fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck and hips moving against him. Your tongues fought for dominance against each other and he kept his hands on your waist, like the golden boy he was.

You rolled your hips lightly against him and smirked when his body jerked. You moved one of your hands from their place, blindly reaching for his hand on your waist. When you did you captured it, dragging it up and under your shirt on your back.

You hissed at how cold his fingers were but quickly recovered when you felt his calloused touch against your skin. You felt the corners of his mouth turn upward as he spread his fingers, moving them carefully.

His other hand found its way under the shirt and on your back soon after, moving up toward your shoulder blades to bring you closer to him.

You pulled back, grabbing your shirt and pulling it over your head in a quick motion, tossing it somewhere near the wood burner.

He gaped at you, not for your boobs or exposed skin, but for the scar that ran from your collarbone straight in a diagonal line and stopping at the top of your left breast. 

He'd seen you in low cut tops in the warmer months but he'd only ever gotten glances when it peeked through, it never occurred to him that it continued on.

You moved your hair to the side, fingers falling to fiddle with the button of his pants, hoping it would move the moment along, but it didn't.

Instead he took his index finger and traced the scar, leaving goosebumps in his wake, "What's this from?"

"Knife" You said simply, leaning in and capturing his lips with your own; a plea to shut him up.

He kissed you back but only for a minute before he turned his head to the side, breaking the seal of your lips, "What happened?"

You rolled your eyes, turning your attention to his neck, sucking and kissing at the skin. He seemed to stiffen, so you huffed, moving back to sit up straight, "Remember the story I told you about the group I was with before Jackson?" You didn't wait for him to answer, you knew he remembered, he always remembered stories you told him, "They did it"

"It was deep" He said, examining it again before looking up at you when you let out a dry laugh. "You never said what happened"

You moved your hands from his pants because it clearly wasn't helping you change the subject, and instead settled them on his shoulders.

When you thought about being half naked with Jesse this is not what you had in mind.

You looked at the space behind him, where you two had started this whole thing, biting at your cheek. You didn't want to sugar coat it for him, the way you did the others who had the nerve to ask. You liked Jesse, you really liked him. You wanted to be honest. "I—uh, thought they were good men– they got me out of a sticky situation with some infected…"

While you spoke Jesse played with your hair, twisting the ends gently between his fingers. "I didn't plan on staying with them, I preferred to be alone out there. But they told me they had families; wives and daughters—said they were about a four day trek away, talked me into it. About a day later they came on to me around the fire after they set up camp—"

You hated that you had his full attention, feeling nervous under his gaze suddenly while you spoke, "I thought it was a joke at first, told them I wasn't interested but they—uh didn't like that"

"So when George and the others found you, that was—" He trailed off, Adam's Apple bobbing as he swallowed.

You nodded, finger nails absentmindedly pressing into his skin, "They beat me, cut me— afterwards they held me down, took their turns and left me for dead"

You felt like you were floating outside of your body, seeing yourself on Jesses lap from the side, shirts missing and an uncomfortable silence.

"I didn't know" Jesse said, hands on your thighs, rubbing them soothingly, bringing you back to your body.

"It's not exactly something I tell a lot of people—or well anyone" You were the most vulnerable you'd been right there in that moment and you hated it, "At least I got a cool scar from it"

Jesse didn't laugh, instead he moved his hand up to your face, cupping your cheek. The gesture and expression on his features instantly made you feel the same way you'd felt the day you were saved. Broken.

And he must've realized because before you knew it he had moved his hand to the back of your neck and was pulling you against him. You let him, body curling into him and face burying into his neck. His hands moved to rub your back soothingly.

You hadn't hugged someone for longer than you'd like to admit, and after that incident you avoided being touched all together.

"Jesse" You mumbled, voice muffled against his skin. When he hummed you continued, "Does all that—uh bother you? I know it's a lot and the—"

He didn't let you finish, moving his head and catching your lips in a soft kiss. He pulled back then kissed you again before pressing his forehead to yours "Does that answer your question?"

You couldn't hide the way the corners of your mouth twitched in a small smile as you nudged his nose against yours.

You moved from his lap, throwing yourself to the other side of the couch and lying on your back. He watched you amused at the sudden movement.

"C'here" You requested quietly, propping yourself up on your elbows.

He raised an eyebrow at you, intrigued by your request. He obeyed, moving on the couch before crawling toward you, stopping when he could hover above you. One of his legs found its spot between your legs and your hands moved over his biceps.

You leaned up, desperate for him. He met you halfway, tongues tangling together almost immediately. His hand held your face before dragging down to your bra, where it stopped momentarily on the scar again, before massaging your breast, squeezing it gently.

You shifted underneath him so you could reach for his button and zipper again but he stopped you, grabbing your hand, "Are you sure?"

You nodded, biting your lip at the sight of him above you.

"Use your words" He instructed, "I need to know"

"Jesse" You groaned, throwing your head back against the cushion, "I've been sure for a long time"

He smiled at that, leaning down and kissing you before sitting up on the couch, hands finding your zipper and tugging your jeans down your legs.

You sat up, eager to take his pants off for him, unzipping them and pulling them down his thighs. His bulge was prominent and when no longer restricted it sprung under his boxers.

You reached around your back, contorting slightly to un-zap the clasp of your bra before tossing it.

You threw yourself back down, eager to have him back on-top of you. Luckily he didn't want to waste time either because you were barely able to shimmy off your underwear before he was coming back above you.

His mouth came to your neck, nipping at the skin there as he moved down. His lips found your scar and he took his time pressing gentle kisses along the length of it. That gesture alone could have made you ascend from your body. Just the idea of him taking care of you, the feeling of respect that you had been denied the last time a man was on top of you. He moved further down to your breasts, sucking at your nipples.

At some point he had moved his hand down between your thighs and when his calloused fingers grazed your folds you nearly fell apart. You held your breath as his fingers found your clit and his mouth came back to you, kissing you sloppy.

"Jesse" You moaned, feeling him against your thigh, "Please"

"Listen" He whispered in your ear, fingers halting on the sensitive spot between your legs, "You say the word and I'll stop —I won't ask any questions"

Yep. That was the hottest thing you'd heard.

"I know" You breathed, unable to hide how desperate you were, "I trust you"

That was all the reassurance he needed as he lined himself up with your entrance. As he pushed into you he caught your lips, kissing you hard.

You gasped into his mouth at the sudden sensation as he gave you moment to adjust to his size before rolling his hips into you.

He developed a rhythm as you moved your hands from his neck, spreading them across the plane of his back and dragging your nails against his skin. He moaned, making you feel weak, "You okay?"

You couldn't speak, not when you were this close, so instead you hummed, nodding and gripping him harder. He picked up his speed, using the back of the couch as a brace as he moved in and out of you, faster and faster. He was biting into your shoulder, trying to control himself.

"I'm close–" You whined, squeezing your eyes shut. “Jess—“

"I know, babygirl," His voice alone nearly pushed you over the edge. You felt him lift one of your thighs, the position unlocking a whole new pleasure as you reached the edge clutching onto his arm and biting slightly to muffle your screams.

The sight of you desperately clinging onto him and riding the wave of your orgasm is what sent him over the edge as he pulled out of you turning to the side and releasing his seed on one of the blankets in the ground. Neither of you had anything close to birth control or condoms, so the pull out method was the only option.

When he came back to you, he laid his head on your chest, his hand finding yours on your stomach. The two of you lie there, breathing rapidly with sheen of sweat across your foreheads.

"You're shaking again" He whispered, reaching for a different blanket from earlier. "Are you cold?"

"N-not cold" You muttered, moving to face him, brushing the hair that stuck to his forehead back, "Just happy"

"You're sure?" He asked, still pulling the blanket up and over the both of your bodies.

You nodded, feeling content and nuzzling into his side, "Was that uh–good for you?"

Jesse nodded, his breath coming in ragged breaths as he laughed against your skin. "Are you kiddin'," He lifted his head and kissed you again, feeling dazed. "I've never been so thankful for snow storm"

You smiled against him, feeling pure bliss. You sat up slightly, trying to untangle the mess of limbs under the blanket before cuddling into his side, your leg thrown over his legs.

"Are your feet always this cold?" He muttered against your hair, fingers tracing your naked arm, leaving goosebumps.

"You'll get used to it" You teased tracing his chest, eyes flickering closed to the sound of his heartbeat, not even a small part of you worried that you insinuated this happening again.

You wanted it to. You wanted him like this, forever. 

"We'll see about that" He quipped, using both his arms around you to keep you tight against him as your breath began to even out, "Just wait til I get you those new boots, you'll have the warmest feet in Wyoming"

For the first time in a long time you felt loved. You wouldn't be letting this feeling go anytime soon.

[rosegolden13]

"I'll be home for Christmas"

This is my first lil post on Tumblr! Hope y'all like it!! It's just some Christmas fluff with our collective husband, John Price <3

The cute divider thingy is by @anitalenia !

~900 words, all fluff, sfw

John promised he’d be home for Christmas but you’ve received enough false promises from him to not let your hopes get as high as to imagine him tomorrow opening the presents you’ve so carefully wrapped and laid under the tree. Still, you’re stirring at the sound of tires pushing through the slushy snow that has accumulated on the roads all day long. Drifting between the gentle hands of sleep and slow, lazy thoughts of your plans for tomorrow, you can hardly keep your eyes open, the blankets’ embrace drawing you towards slumber each time you wake when a car passes.

The time on the cable box flickers at you when you wake again. 11:52. Disappointment is a familiar, dull sting. John values optimism over accuracy when he tries to predict what time he can get home to you- both because of his own eagerness to see you again but also because of his constant need to protect you, even from something as minor as misfortunate news regarding his return. You knew better than to hope that he would be home for Christmas but you had hoped anyway.

Turning on your side, you face the couch cushions and pull the blanket snugly around you, closing your eyes to ease the sting of tears. Sleepy and sad on Christmas Eve, it’s easy to slip into a doze when you know there’s nothing to wait up for. Your husband will not be coming home tonight.

But he does. Despite the snow, despite the jetlag, he’s keeping his promise. Wild in his chest, his heart beats, ready to calm and beat in time with yours. His windshield wipers stubbornly push the fat flakes of snow that try to coat his truck. The tiny glowing green clock reads 12:16 by the time he cuts the engine in your driveway. 

The world outside his truck is silent, as if the world was lulled to sleep by the frosty white which covers almost everything. Multicolored lights twinkle from under the snow that covers your bushes. Perhaps he would have taken a moment to appreciate the peace after a month of constant chaos but there is a greater peace to be found inside rather than out. 

His entrance is nearly silent, assuming you’re asleep because all the lights are off except for the warm lights wrapped around the Christmas tree that stands in the front window. Snowy boots stomping gently on the welcome mat, he spots your sleeping form on the couch and something in him relaxes, something that has been tense since he left your side. 

Seeing your face soft with sleep, body cuddled beneath a blanket, having failed in staying up in wait for him- it was nearly too much to take after so much time away. The domesticity of the sight was overwhelming.

His gloved hand placed a poorly wrapped gift under the tree before he crouched down by the couch, gently rubbing your shoulder to wake you. “Love…” His voice was a grumble from exhaustion. It was enough to make you stir, eyes fluttering open to meet his. 

He could only admire your adorably surprised expression for a moment before you were launching yourself into his arms despite how cold his jacket was against you. “You’re home,” was all you could manage in a shaky murmur. 

His chuckle rumbled through you as he held you closer to his chest so you were leaning more on him than the couch. His big bear hands press your warmth to him. The snowflakes in his beard wind up in your hair as he presses a kiss to your head. “Didn’t I tell ya I would be? So little faith in me…” he chides gently as he moves to scoop you up in his arms, cradling you against him.

Even as you curl into him, you lightly smack his shoulder. “You told me you’d be home on Christmas Eve. It’s Christmas day now.” He just tsk’s, finding this specification ridiculous.

“Ungrateful, naughty lil thing,” he teases and earns himself another playful smack. “With this attitude, you won’t be gettin’ a thing from Saint Nick.”

“I’ve already got what I want,” You murmur in response, eyes closed and an amused smile on your face as he places you in bed and fixes the blankets around you. 

“Oh, yeah? What’s that, pet?” You can hear him rummaging about the room, likely changing into some warm comfortable clothes. Normally, you’d be fussing over him, brewing him a tea and forcing him to sit but you know he’ll protest if you even try to get up. 

You only answer when the mattress dips beside you and two strong arms pull you in tight. He sighs right into your ear, clearly pleased with all this comfort after the horror that is military-issued cots. “This,” you reply, voice soft with content as your eyes peek open to look up at him in the dark room. “This is all I wanted for Christmas, being in your arms again.”

His expression softens as he meets your gaze, clutching you tighter with one hand while the other gives your cheek a gentle caress. “Missed you, lovey. Missed you and your sappy nonsense.” His hand gives your hip a playful squeeze to which you kick his leg under the covers, the both of you smirking. He gives you a kiss to stop the quick remark he knows you’re forming. 

When he pulls away, you smile up at him, sleepy and content. “Merry Christmas, John.”

He presses one last warm kiss to your forehead, his thumb gently rubbing your waist. “Happy Christmas, pet.”

Thank you for reading!! I'm absolutely open to comments/critiques because I'm really new to this! Have a merry Christmas! <3

[mdpthatsme]

It’s a rerelease, not a remaster. Fixes for windows 10/11 optimizations. No price points yet, but it will be the complete games, all packs included. January 31 release.

[belladovah]

A Complete Guide on how to Fix & Optimize The Sims 2 on Windows 10/11

I've made a video tutorial and written guide on everything you need to know on how to Fix & Optimize The Sims 2 on Windows 10/11, with Performance, Stability, and Graphics Enhancements.

Watch the Video Tutorial on YouTube:

Read the Written Guide on my Website

[simbury]

How I got my Sims 2 game working on my new Windows 11 laptop, step by step.

OKAY. Gadies and Lentlemen.

I have seen plenty of these around, but I wanted to share my process!

So I bought an MSI creator laptop. The specs are as follows:

CPU: 13th gen Intel i7-13700H

RAM: 16 GB DDR5

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU

Step One: Fresh install. I used the EA App to install the UC version on my new laptop.

Step Two: Download and install RPC launcher. This will automatically apply the 4gb patch. Run as administrator, but not in any kind of compatibility which renders the 4gb patch useless.

Step Three: Download and install Graphics Rule Maker. I used all of the recommended settings, aside from texture memory which I set at 2048 mb for reasons that will become clear later.

Step Four: Memory allocation fix (empty standby list). Explanation here.

Step Five: Setting virtual memory. I used instructions from this post at MTS - My virtual memory paging file is now minimum of 25000 and maximum of 30000. You'll need to adjust to your system's own specs.

Step Six: In game settings. Shadows Off. Neighbours Off. Lighting Medium. RPC Settings. Apply 4GB patch. Automatically Clean Cache. Lot Imposters Optimized. Sim/Object Shadows Classic. I also have lot view ocean reflections ticked.

If your game works like this with no flashing and crashing, awesome. Mine did not. I firstly tried several different texture memory sizes, but they had 0 impact.

I believe the next step is only for NVIDIA cards, but may be wrong.

Step Seven: DXVK. The most recent version from, here. There are plenty of instructions on how to install out there. But make sure you install the 32bit version. I have these two following lines in my DXVK.conf file (and do make sure it is saved as a conf file, NOT a txt or similar).

d3d9.maxAvailableMemory=2048

d3d9.presentInterval=0

The first line corresponds to the texture memory mentioned earlier. DXVK installs won't recognise more than that and having it higher can cause crashes apparently. The second line... No idea what it does but it was mentioned in several guides and reddit posts.

I don't know if the newer versions of DXVK allow fullscreen mode as the older ones did not, but I play in borderless mode anyway which works.

I also delete my thumbnails folder every so often.

I hope this helps someone, this silly old game can be cantankerous but I was determined to get it running again!

[evol-astraea]

Desperate PC Tenno calling for help!

Calling all the tech-savvy players here on Tumblr who may hopefully lend me and tech support a hand. Yes, the situation is that bad. More under the cut to spare a lengthy wall of text!

I've been experiencing totally random and sudden crashes with WF since a month and half, by now.

The game first freezes for less than a minute, then crashes to desktop bringing up the window to report crashes. This happens literally anywhere and anytime in the game. During mission, at the end of the mission, while idling in the Orbiter/base of operations, sitting in the pause menu, checking the settings menu. All kind of possible scenarios. Ah, and DX11 or DX12 make no difference either.

It's driving me - and tech support - insane. Because it is so HARD to pinpoint the root cause! Every log file so far has reported some kind of General Protection Failure (GPF) error followed by different numbers.

I'm running the game on a brand new, pre-built computer from Megaport. Which I moved to from my old potato of a PC back in late November. Specs are the following: Windows 11 Home (build 24H2) Intel Core I7-12700KF, 8x 3.60 Ghz + 4x 2.70 Ghz ASUS Prime Z790-A Wifi DDR5 NVidia GeForce RTX 4070 Dual Palit 12GB 2x 32GB Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 1 TB SSD 1000 Watt PSU

I have done everything tech support has suggested me to do and: - Uninstalled and re-installed the game, - Update drivers. Being a new computer, everything is pretty much up to date. I had to do a clean install for the GPU drivers only using DDU, though, - Verified game files, - Emptied the shader cache on the drive game is saved to, - Repaired Steam library, - Lowered graphic settings, - Attempted to launch and run Warframe in Clean Boot mode to exclude background programs/services <- unsuccessfully; Steam didn't work at all (which I kind of figured would happen) and trying to launch the game straight from the launcher...triggered a download of the game files in the App Data folder on main (C) drive. O_o The random crashes don't even appear in the Windows Event Viewer. Nowhere to be found. And believe me, I have looked into every single category. I've been keeping track of the time(s) of the crashes but, alas, found nothing that could possibly be related to those. (also, I'm not a computer expert so perhaps I'm doing things wrong)

So far, the only weird thing I've noticed is...Most of the times there seemingly is a "break" in between each series of crashes. A few days at worst, 10-12 days at best. Yes, I checked even the Task Scheduler utility on Windows. Found no program/app that runs automatically that matches with the timing/days when the crashes have occurred so far.

Really losing my mind to this. It's frustrating, it's unnerving, it's making me genuinely terrified of playing the game. And the reason I got this PC in the first place was being finally able to play my favorite game without worrying about being unable to because of my old (and obsolete) machine! Because I don't know when the next crash shall decide to happen and oh boy it's gonna be so fun losing progress. Or having a couple of players reasonably angry at me for suddenly poofing as host. I'm really sorry about that, folks.

I'm already considering the option of total formatting this computer, should there be no other way. But not before entirely giving up. And maybe make things a little less complicated for tech support team.

I can't thank these guys enough for their help and most importantly patience over the past month and half. This mess has been handed to three different people already and a solution hasn't been found yet.

So, if there are fellow Tenno on Tumblr who have either experienced something like this before and found a fix or are just more knowledgeable about computers and whatnot, your help would be GREATLY appreciated. ;.;

EDIT: I forgot to mention a few important things! - Hardware temperatures are within optimal range while in game (CPU never above 65°C, GPU has been running ice cold and has rarely exceeded 50°C so far, RAM is chilling at 45°C average). - GPU memory usage averages around at max (peak) 77% on HWInfo. - CPU usage I honestly need to check! D: - Ran disk cleanup, scans with sfc, chkdsk and DISM (all through command prompts ran as admin) and no issues were found. - Checked RAM health as well with Windows' memory diagnostic tool. However, it seems to give many false positives even on perfectly functional RAM banks. Looking for a more reliable alternative. - Warframe is the only game that keeps crashing on this PC. I haven't been getting any with other games/programs (Hades II; need to test how Ultrakill performs) or any warning signs (BSODs, freezes, sluggish PC, etc) that could suggest hardware failure.

[searchingwardrobes]

Scarborough Fair: 11/?

I'm so excited, ya'll! This is it - the wedding chapter! And the wedding night, which means sexy times. I don't write smut, so it's super steamy and then fades to black. Buuut this may just be the steamiest thing I've ever written. So, enjoy!

And a reminder of Emma's wedding dress:

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Emma Swan has had a charmed life, despite being a foster child. She has a wonderful family who loves her, and the best friends in the world. The only thing that mars her idyllic existence is her birth mother: a homeless woman who mutters nonsensical rhymes and claims to be Snow White. One fateful night, however, Emma’s world is shattered. Perhaps her mother’s rhymes aren’t nonsense after all.

Rated: M for date rape, dubious consent, teen pregnancy, and sexy times (the good kind!)

Words: Over 3k in this chapter

Chapter One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten

Also on Ao3

Tagging:  (let me know if you wish to be removed or added):  @snowbellewells@teamhook@kmomof4@jrob64@xhookswenchx-reads-blog@thisonesatellite@welllpthisishappening@spartanguard@ohmakemeahercules@tiganasummertree@sparlecorn93@sals86@pirateprincessofpizza@xarandomdreamx@zaharadessert@huntressandlioness1@jamif@undercaffinatednightmare@onceratheart18@sparlecorn93@sals86@pirateprincessofpizza@xarandomdreamx@zaharadessert@huntressandlioness1@jonesfandomfanatic​ @hollyethecurious @lfh1226-linda

Chapter Eleven

“I can’t believe I was so stupid!” Ingrid slammed her palm against the steering wheel as they drove back home.

“It isn’t your fault Ingrid,” Killian assured her. “I think it was that amulet he wears. When he touched it, something happened to me. My thoughts got muddied, and I was drawn towards him.”

Ingrid shook her head and pressed her lips into a thin line. “You withstood him better than I did,” she looked over at Emma, “you both did.”

Emma’s brow creased. “You’re right. Maybe it has something to do with what my mom and Belle both said about true love.”

“What did they say?” Ingrid asked. 

Killian cleared his throat. “Just that the love Emma and I have for each other can be protection against Rumplestiltskin.”

“Not exactly,” Emma laughed, looking back at Killian with pride sparkling in her eyes. “My mom seemed very relieved that I had Killian, and Belle said that Rumplestiltskin wasn’t counting on Killian being in the picture.”

“She said he hated me,” Killian clarified.

“Don’t listen to him,” Emma told Ingrid, “he’s basically my hero.”

Killian scoffed even as his cheeks pinked, and Emma laughed.

“Emma,” Ingrid scolded, “how can you be so flippant about this? I told that horrible man things about our family. I invited him to the wedding! He could ruin it somehow.”

Emma shook her head. “He won’t. I don’t think he even can. Don’t ask me how I know. I just do.”

Ingrid glanced at Killian’s reflection in the rearview mirror. He shrugged back at her. Emma was humming the tune of “Scarborough Fair,” of all things, looking contentedly out of the window. How their visit to the mental hospital could possibly have encouraged her was beyond him, but he loved her all the more for her sudden optimism. 

Ingrid’s phone started to ring, and she answered via her bluetooth.

“Hey babe,” she told Liam.

“Hello, love. I’ve got great news!”

“We can use as much of that as we can get. What is it?”

“That professor of agriculture got back to me. According to him, we can take a kernel of corn and grind it down. Then we add that corn ‘powder’ to something fine, like flaxseed, and sow that.”

“Will that count?” Emma piped up.

“He thinks so,” Liam said. “Apparently there’s some legend in . . . Wales? Scotland? I can’t remember, but anyways, in the legend a father won’t let his daughter marry the man she loves unless he can sow an entire field with just one kernel of corn. This was how he accomplished it.”

“You didn’t tell him about our situation, did you?” Ingrid asked with concern.

“Of course not! I told him I was thinking of publishing a second book about the song ‘Scarborough Fair,’ that’s all.”

“Okay, well, at least that’s one thing.”

“Elsa is doing some data analysis to figure out how fast Emma needs to plow before the tide comes in.”

“Now we just have to find this town no one knows.”

That was what worried Killian the most. None of them had any idea how to go about the second riddle. And after their visit to the mental hospital, it was more clear than ever that the future of many people, not just Emma’s, was in the balance. 

*******************************************************************

The next week and a half flew by, and before Emma knew it, she was sitting in front of Ingrid’s vanity mirror in her wedding dress. Ingrid was applying her makeup, and Anna was using a curling iron on her hair. They all yelped when the door flew open, but it was only Liam. 

“What’s with all the people downstairs?” he demanded.

Ingrid straightened up to look at him, a stick of eyeliner gripped between her fingers. “We’re having a wedding, dear, the living room is filled with guests.”

Liam rolled his eyes. “I’m aware of that. But I counted two priests, a rabbi, a baptist minister, a Buddhist monk, and some woman waving a gourd around.”

“The gourd is part of a Cherokee ritual to ward off evil spirits,” Ingrid explained as she leaned down to apply eyeliner to Emma’s eyelids, “and there’s only one priest. The other is an Episcopalian minister.”

“Ingrid, what’s with all the holy people, that’s what I’m asking!”

Ingrid sighed as she straightened once again from her task. “I invited an evil imp to this wedding by accident, okay? So I’m trying to counter that with anything and everything I possibly can!” 

Liam sighed. “That’s sweet of you, darling. Eccentric, but sweet.”

He stepped forward and placed a kiss against his wife’s cheek as Emma and Anna laughed. He left after promising for the fifth time that day to keep Killian downstairs. 

“Do you think he noticed the crystals you lined up on the fireplace mantel?” Emma asked when he was gone.

Ingrid chuckled. “Probably not.”

Anna let out a frustrated groan as she released another limp curl from the curling iron. “I’m not good at this!”

“I told you to use hot rollers,” said Ingrid. 

Emma shook her head. “I don’t want my hair too overdone.”

Anna gave Ingrid a weighted look. “If only Elsa were here. She’s the only one who can do that loose side braid you love.”

Suddenly, Ingrid’s walk-in closet burst open. “Did someone say they needed my help?”

Emma squealed with joy at the sight of Elsa stepping out of the closet. She jumped up and threw herself into her older sister’s arms. 

“I’m so glad you’re here!”

“And I’m glad to finally get out of the closet.” Elsa looked over Emma’s shoulder and scowled at her sister and her aunt. “I thought you two would never say the code word!”

“We didn’t know Liam was going to interrupt!” Anna retorted. 

Ingrid just laughed. “Sorry we hid this from you, Emma, but we wanted it to be a surprise.”

“I wasn’t sure I could make it, either,” Elsa explained, “so we didn’t want to get your hopes up.”

Emma shook her head, dabbing carefully at tears that threatened her makeup. “I don’t care, I’m just so happy to see you! Will you be my second bridesmaid? You can wear the dress you have on - this wedding is very informal.”

“You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Elsa assured her. “Now, are we going to do something about your hair or not?”

*************************************************************

Killian stood in front of the fireplace in the Jones family living room, his brother standing at his side. He kept fidgeting and shifting from one foot to the other. 

“Nervous?” Liam asked him.

“No,” he answered without hesitation. He barely noticed all the people, most of whom he swore were strangers, crowded into their home. He didn’t feel he was giving up his freedom or being burdened, or any of the other cliches people used for grooms. He just wanted to see Emma descend the stairs. He wanted to pledge his life to her, slip the ring in Liam’s pocket onto her finger, kiss her, and then begin their life together. 

Liam’s friend and colleague, shoved into a tiny corner with his keyboard, began to play the processional, and Ingrid was the first to descend the stairs as Emma’s matron of honor, a tiny bouquet of white daisies clutched in her hands. Elsa, then Anna. followed Ingrid down the stairs. Killian strained his eyes for Emma. She wouldn’t be escorted. She had said it was unnecessary, and she wanted Liam to be Killian’s best man. 

Then, suddenly, there she was, and the music changed. She seemed to float down the stairs like a vision, her dress trailing the ground, her bare shoulders glowing under the lights, and her golden hair in a loose braid that draped over her shoulder. Her hair was threaded with baby’s breath and Queen Anne’s lace, and she clutched a simple bouquet of white roses tied with a white satin ribbon. Her eyes were searching the crowded room, but she didn’t seem to be able to see him. 

Then, suddenly, at the bottom of the stairs, she faltered. She reached out one hand to grip the banister tightly. Her skin went suddenly pale. She seemed to be staring at something no one could see. 

What Killian couldn’t see, what no one could see, was the man at the bottom of the stairs, leaning on his cane. Only Emma could see him. Her breaths became shallow, and she suddenly felt dizzy. Panic gripped her heart. 

“You want to run,” Rumplestiltskin told her, a grin slowly spreading across his face. “You don’t want to get married at 17. You don’t have to. Just turn around and go back upstairs.”

Emma began to shake. What was she doing? He was right! She was too young to get married! Why was she getting married again? Who was she marrying? Something wasn’t right. This man made sense - she should just run back upstairs. 

“Emma?” 

Rumplestiltskin jerked his head towards the sound of the young man’s voice. The boy didn’t see him, of course. His spell had seen to that. But why was there such strong magic emanating from the lad? Rumple recoiled, feeling a sudden, sharp, physical pain. The shirt! The stupid boy was wearing the shirt Emma had made with no needle or seam. The wretched shirt that solved the first riddle. No one could see it; he wore it beneath his shirt and tie. The boy must be sweating in the heavy felt, too. What had possessed him to don the thing? Curse him! Rumple stumbled backwards, the magic of true love overpowering him. He turned and ran, his glamor spell starting to wane, and his skin burning. He almost fell down the steps, but when he reached the sidewalk he turned and steadied himself, smoothing down the front of his suit coat. 

“No matter,” he snarled up at the house and the people inside. “I may not be able to touch you yet, but I will, mark my words, I will, and soon!”

Inside, the sound of Killian’s voice had broken the spell that had held Emma frozen at the bottom of the stairs. She looked down into Killian’s gentle smile and sparkling blue eyes, and every doubt and bit of confusion fled. He held out his hand.

“Don’t be afraid, Emma,” he told her softly, “we’ll walk the aisle together.”

She took his hand and descended the last few steps. She tucked her arm into his and beamed up at him. 

“Why would I be afraid?” she asked him, and she would never remember the strange man at the bottom of the stairs. 

***************************************************************

Emma giggled as Killian carried her over the threshold of the house they would share, at least as long as the professor who owned it was on sabbatical. Killian set her down, brushed her lips with a kiss, then stepped forward, his arms spread wide.

“So, what do you think?”

Emma stepped slowly into the room, taking in the small foyer and the modest living room to the left. To the right was a stairwell, and down a short hall in front of her was a small eat-in kitchen. It was a narrow, two story Victorian, even older than the home she grew up in with Ingrid. Emma wrapped her arms around the post of the stairway banister and looked up at the decorative stain glass panel above the front door which was so common in Victorian homes. It cast shafts of colored light onto the flowered wallpaper. 

“It’s not very big, I know,” Killian told her, “but the man who owns it is a bachelor, after all. The upstairs is better, though. He renovated it to just one huge master suite with a really modern bathroom. It’s got a double shower!”

Emma caught his gaze at that, and a teasing smile lifted her lips. “Really?”

Killian swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. He’d never heard that one word sound so laden with sensual promise. Emma bit her lower lip as she regarded him, still draped across the banister. 

“I could . . .” he stuttered, “give you a tour. Of the house, I mean.”

Emma grinned slyly, then gazed up the stairs. “I only want to see the bedroom.”

Killian swallowed again, “Oh - okay.”

Emma stepped closer and took his hand. She said nothing, just gazed at him in a way that took his breath away. He took the stairs, leading her by the hand, every nerve in his body on high alert. 

The stairs led them straight into the master suite, with no door separating the two. At the back of the room was a sitting area surrounded by built-in bookshelves. A TV was mounted on the wall so it could be seen from either the sofa, rocking chair, or bed. 

The bed. It was a queen size, four-poster bed situated in front of a beautiful round window of colored glass. It dominated the room, or at least it seemed to right now. Emma walked to it slowly, running her hands along the quilt that lay across it. When Ingrid had seen the house, she said the quilt was another sign that fate meant them to be together. The pattern of interlocking circles was called a wedding ring quilt. 

Emma wrapped her arms around one of the bedposts, just like she had the banister downstairs, and looked at him shyly. Two spots of color tinted her cheeks. Killian scratched behind his ear and gestured to the door to his left. 

“Do you, uh, want to see the bathroom?”

“Killian,” Emma said gently, “why are you so nervous?”

He was able to laugh, just a bit, at her words, but he didn’t know what to say. Emma took one step forward, took him by the hand and pulled him closer. To her and to the bed. She ran both hands up the front of his shirt and began to undo the buttons. His heart threatened to beat right out of his chest. 

Suddenly, Emma paused. “What’s under your shirt?”

“The one you made. To solve the first riddle.”

Emma laughed as she worked off his tie and undid the rest of his buttons. “Oh my God, you must have been burning up!”

“You have no idea!” He laughed too and peeled the scratchy, insanely hot shirt up and over his head. He sighed in relief as he tossed it aside, then ran his hand through his sweaty hair. He caught Emma staring at him, her cheeks now bright red. He wondered if she would get nervous now, but instead, she turned her back to him. 

“Unzip me?”

Her back was almost completely bare already in her halter dress. The zipper didn’t start until her lower back. He could scarcely breathe as he slid it down, revealing her lacy underwear. 

“And untie the halter?” Emma’s voice was thick, and he was thankful he wasn’t the only one obviously shaken by desire.

Killian did as she asked, letting his fingers dance along her spine after he finished. Emma sucked in a sudden breath at his touch. He stepped closer, encircling her waist and pressing his chest to her back. Still holding the front of her dress to her chest, Emma leaned back into him, and he trailed kisses along her neck. 

“Are you even wearing a bra?” he asked against her skin.

Emma turned to face him, still holding her dress up. “It’s hard to wear a bra when it’s a halter,” she said, then she let go of the dress, and it fell with a soft rustling sound at her feet. 

For a few heated moments, he took her in, glorious in nothing but a pair of white lace panties. Then he surged forward, pressing her bare breasts against him and devouring her mouth with deep kisses. Emma moaned as he maneuvered her to the bed, and her hands fumbled with the zipper of his pants. 

After kicking aside his pants, he covered Emma with his body, nothing between them but that tiny scrap of lace. His hands roamed, as he sucked on her neck, and Emma panted as she grasped his back. He pulled back for a moment, tenderly cupping her cheek. 

“You asked why I was so nervous.”

“Mhm,” Emma replied, her lips pressed together, and her eyes wide.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, his hand drifting down to caress her breasts. 

“A little,” she whispered. 

“Me too,” he confessed, “because I don’t want to hurt you.”

Emma pressed her hands to his cheeks. “I know you would never hurt me.”

He ran his thumb along the waistband of her panties, and she shuddered, her eyes fluttering shut. 

“I don’t want you to be scared,” he whispered hoarsely.

Her eyes opened and held his as she lifted her hips and guided his hands.

“Do I look scared to you?”

**************************************************************

The window above the bed scattered beams of light in various shades across the quilt that covered Emma and Killian. They were both still naked, and Emma was tucked against him, running her hands through his chest hair. He ran his hands along her bare arm and kept brushing kisses to her forehead. 

Emma let out a contented sight, “That was amazing. I want to do it again and again and again.”

Killian chuckled. “I’m so relieved to hear you say that. I was so worried, I even asked Liam for advice.”

Emma twisted so she could look into his face. “You talked to Liam about us having sex?” she yelped. 

“Not like that, just . . . I wanted to be sure I was sensitive to what you’ve been through. He understood that and was really helpful. I read that some guys are really rushed and insensitive without meaning to be when it’s their first time, and I didn’t want to do anything stupid.”

Emma nodded, then a slow grin spread across her face. “Well, whatever he told you, I need to send him a thank you card, because . . . wow!”

Killian laughed. “Now, that would be awkward.”

Emma suddenly grew quiet, and her hand stilled in its exploration of his chest. 

“Emma?” he asked tentatively.

She sighed and rolled over next to him on her back. For her to lie there next to him, her breasts uncovered, made him feel so honored to receive that vulnerability. Still, something told him she was insecure about something.

“Did I disappoint you, though?” she asked.

Killian rolled closer to her as he exclaimed, “What? Why would you ask that?”

“Well, I doubt you imagined a woman with this kind of figure for your first time.” She ran her hand over her baby bump, which still wasn’t incredibly noticeable, to be honest. 

“Emma,” he said softly, turning her chin to face him, “you are the most beautiful, exquisite thing I have ever seen in my life. I thought I was going to internally combust for a moment when your dress hit the floor.”

Emma chuckled at that, but he could still see the insecurity in her eyes. He decided to show her instead. He gently ran his hand down the length of her body, stopping at her rounded abdomen. He caressed it gently, then leaned down and placed a lingering kiss right beside her belly button. To his surprise, he felt a small thump in response. 

Emma gasped, and Killian’s head snapped up. “Did he just -”

“Yes,” Emma laughed, “he just kicked you.”

Killian lowered his lips again to Emma’s belly. “Hello, little one,” he said, “it’s me, your daddy.”

He kissed Emma’s belly button again, and Emma dug her fingers into his hair. When he looked back up at her, tears were shining in her eyes. He pushed himself up and kissed her, gently at first, and then with more passion. Emma broke the kiss, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. 

“Didn’t you say something about a double shower?”

Before he knew it, she was out of the bed and darting to the bathroom door. With a growl, he jumped up and chased after her. 

[techdirectarchive]

Analyse Disks with Treesize: Defragment and Shrink VMware Workstation VM Disks

In this article, we will discuss how to “Analyse Disk with Treesize: Defragment and Shrink VMware Workstation VM Disks”. If you’re looking to improve VM performance, defragmenting is the way to go. If you are trying to free up disk space on the host, compacting (shrinking) or disk clean up will be appropriate. Please see how to Map and disconnect Virtual Disk in VMware Workstation, and how to…

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4: New Game Patch (September 18th, 2024)

Your game should now read: PC: 1.109.185.1030 / Mac: 1.109.185.1230 / Console: 1.99.

Sul Sul Simmers!

This patch is a big one and brings many new updates and fixes into the game that span across different packs, including improvements to apartment walls, ceiling lighting, and a whole host of fixes for our recently released expansion pack, Lovestruck. These, along with so many more across both Base Game and Packs, can be found below.

Thank you for your continued reporting efforts at AnswersHQ. It really helps to let us know the issues you care most about. We hope these fixes keep improving your game and allow you to keep having more fun! More to come.

There’s a colorful update to Build/Buy items! 650 color variants have been added and there are new items such as archways, doors, and even ground covers to spruce up your terrain. Check out the vibrant colors and new items in the video. For more details, scroll to the end of the patch notes to see a list of all the Build/Buy items. We can’t wait to see how you mix and match!

Performance

Reducing Memory Usage:

Frequent Memory Updates – Increased the frequency of memory usage data updates to prevent out-of-memory crashes.

Improving Simulation Performance:

Streamlining Data Storage – We restructured how we store game data to reduce the overhead of using Python objects, making the game run faster and use less memory.

Efficient Buff Generation – Reworked how temporary data is generated and stored to fix previous issues and optimize memory usage.

Reducing Load Times:

Optimizing Render Target Allocation – Stopped unnecessary allocation of large color targets during certain rendering processes, now saving valuable memory especially in high-resolution settings.

DirectX 11 (DX11) Updates

We’re pleased to announce improvements to the DirectX 11 executable for PC users. While these updates are focused on Windows PC’s, Xbox Simmers will also see benefits from these changes as the Xbox runs a console-based variant of DirectX 11. Here’s what to expect:

NVIDIA and AMD

NVIDIA and AMD Graphics Cards – Players using NVIDIA and AMD GPUs will now automatically default to the DX11 executable. Players on other GPUs like Intel, will continue to enjoy The Sims 4 on DX9 until a later update.

DirectX 11 Enhancements – Faster Graphics Processing – Implemented changes to how graphics data is updated, reducing delays between the CPU and GPU for smoother gameplay.

Performance Boost with Constant Buffers (cbuffers) – This enhances performance by reducing overhead and managing memory more efficiently. Users with mid to high-end GPUs should notice improved performance!

New DirectX 9 Option in Graphics Setting – By default, Simmers on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs will launch The Sims 4 using DX11. If you prefer, you can switch to DX9 via Game Options > Graphics and enable the DirectX 9 toggle before re-launching The Sims 4 to play using DirectX 9.

Intel

Ongoing Intel Development – We are continuing development on bringing DirectX 11 to Intel GPU based PC’s but it needs a little longer before we can bring it to Simmers as the default option. For now Intel based Simmers will continue to use DirectX 9 when running The Sims 4.

DirectX 11 Opt-In – DirectX 11 is available for those Simmers who want to try it, including those using an Intel GPU, you may experience visual issues with mods. We recommend disabling all mods while using the -dx11 command line argument.

For detailed information about DirectX 11 and instructions on how to enter launch arguments for both the EA App and Steam, please visit here. If you encounter any issues with DirectX, you can find assistance here.

The Gallery

Pack filters now properly work for Home Chef Hustle in The Gallery and library. No more hiding.

Base Game

[AHQ] Outdoor lighting will no longer affect inside the room through ceilings. Let there be (proper) light.

[AHQ and AHQ] When attempting to save, “Error Code: 0“ no longer occurs related to Gigs or Neighborhood Stories.

[AHQ] Addressed an additional issue where the game would fail to load and display Error Code 123 when traveling between lots.

[AHQ] Clay and Future Cubes will no longer get left on lots during events. Pick up your trash and leave nothing behind.

[AHQ] Frogs, mice and fishes in tanks are now visible when placed in laptop mode. Welcome back, friends!

[AHQ] Sims will put their tablets and homework back into their inventory instead of placing them in the world as long as they are standing or sitting. Again, stop littering, Sims!

[AHQ] The call is not coming from inside the house–you'll stop getting invitational phone calls from your own Household Members.

[AHQ] “Complete a Daily Work Task” Want now completes properly after finishing a daily work task. Work work work.

[AHQ] Children now have the option to quit their “After School Activity“. Although quitters never prosper.

[AHQ] Thought bubbles of Sims will no longer appear through walls and floors. Keep your thoughts to yourself.

[AHQ] Family fortune - “Heal Negative Sentiments” task will now properly complete.

[AHQ] Sims will return from work or school and switch into the same Everyday Outfit they had on instead of defaulting to the first Everyday Outfit in the Create a Sim list. You will wear what I tell you to wear, Sim!

[AHQ] Certain cabinet/shelf combinations over kitchen sinks will no longer prevent Sim from washing in the sink. No excuses for not cleaning up after yourself.

[AHQ] Outdoor shadows now move smoothly without jumping on the screen on ultra graphics settings and at different Live Mode speeds.

[AHQ] Camera jittering is no longer observed in Build Buy mode after using Terrain Tools.

[AHQ] When recent neighborhood stories mention a Sim that died in another neighborhood, switching to the respective Sim household will now have an urn present. RIP.

[AHQ] Upgrading washer/dryer now completes Nerd Brain Aspiration.

[AHQ] Sims will now hold the acarajé dish the right way while eating. It’s delicious however you eat it, though.

[AHQ] Autonomous check infant no longer causes new random cold weather outfit to be generated for infant. They’re not cold.

Infant no longer stretches when crawling in deep snow. Although we question why you’re letting your infant crawl in the snow.

[AHQ] Teen Sim is able to take vacation days while working in the lifeguard career. It’s only fair.

[AHQ] Event goals remain visible  even after editing from the Calendar.

Siblings can no longer be set as engaged in Create a Sim.

[AHQ] The Teen Goal Oriented Aspiration now gets completed properly after getting promoted at work.

Investigating missing Doodlepip splines. Reticulation progressing.

[AHQ] “Become friends with“ Want no longer appears for Sims with relationship equal or above friends. We’re already friends.

[AHQ] World icons on the world selection screen no longer move when middle-clicked.

[AHQ] Locked seed packets are unlocked in BB when using the gardening skill cheat “stats.set_skill_level Major_Gardening 10”. Gimme my seeds!

[AHQ] Female Sims' stomachs will no longer become invisible when paired with Masculine cargo pants in certain color swatches.

“Likes/Dislikes“ Sim preferences are now available for Sims created via Create a Sim Stories.

Sim animation will no longer pop when sitting on a stool and asking another Sim an inappropriate question.

[AHQ] Sim thumbnails are no longer low resolution on the Resume button.

[AHQ] Re-fixed issue where Skill List gets out of order, specifically when switching between Sims.

[AHQ] ‘ymTop_TshirtRolled_Yellow' top no longer clips with bottoms in Create a Sim.

[AHQ] Event Goals created through the Calendar properly show up during the Event, even if you edit the Event.

You can view the rest game patch notes on the Official site

[walviemort]

hidden blessing (14/?)

Summary: Killian thought the only thing he was left with after Milah’s death was a broken heart and a thirst for vengeance. It’s not until he gets to Storybrooke, after so many years spent in stasis, that he discovers something else: he’s carrying her child. How does this new, tiny blessing change his path? (Canon-divergent from 2x12.) rated T | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | part 13 | AO3 | 3.5k a/n: Well I didn't MEAN for it to be over a year in between updates, but here we are. I've also been working on yet another story, but figured it was high time to update this one! Hope it was worth the wait!

The mood in the cemetery was appropriately somber, even if what everyone was mourning had yet to happen. Killian, for his part, was receiving some comfort from the constant wiggles in his belly—but if Pan did manage to cast the Dark Curse, just what kind of future lay ahead for his child?

“Gold, this curse,” Emma asked. “Is it going to work like the last one?” He could tell Emma was just as worried about the news as the rest of them, but true to form, was trying to take the lead and make a plan. 

“The last one was created to service the Queen's wishes. This will be done per Pan's desire,” the Crocodile explained. “I would count on something hellish.” On that, Killian agreed with him. 

“The curse was built to be unstoppable,” Regina added. “There's nothing that can be done.” If even the Evil Queen was losing her motivation to fight, they were all doomed. 

Until Rumpelstiltskin told them that it was indeed possible to stop it—if they had the scroll the curse was written on—but that only Regina could do it, and there would be a price—because of bloody course there was. 

But it was a chance, and they’d all be fools not to take it. Quickly, a plan was hatched; Killian was going to go to the convent with David, Neal, and Tink to retrieve the wand of the Black Fairy, which would then be used to switch Henry and Pan back to their respective bodies, thus giving Henry possession of the scroll. It was a solid scheme—as long as nothing interfered; he hadn’t lived this long by only expecting the optimal outcome. 

Across the group, Emma gave him a tight-lipped nod that seemed to say “good luck”; he returned the gesture before running off, hopefully not into (too much) danger. 

———————

Things were equally solemn in the convent—and the fairies didn’t even know about the curse yet. The Blue Fairy was laid out in a coffin at the altar, or whatever religious centerpiece it was, with other fairies gathered around in mourning. 

Tink charged ahead. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need your help.”

“With what?” one of the fairies asked. 

Neal quickly said, “The Black Fairy's wand is here. We need it.”

The fairy began to step back. “We can never…”

“Yeah, yeah. It's a terrible thing,” Tink interrupted. “But what's coming is worse. Where is it?”

Before the fairy could answer, a pounding noise sounded outside, somewhere above them. All eyes darted up to windows at the roofline, where something dark—and familiar—was flying around. 

“What the hell was that?” David yelped. 

“Pan's shadow,” Killian answered, knowingly. That—that was the danger he’d been worried about, especially once it became apparent that the Shadow was trying to get in. 

“What does it want?” another fairy wondered. 

But Killian knew. “The wand.” It wasn’t a stretch to believe the Shadow had overheard their conversation back in the cemetery—and was here to foil their plans. 

One of the stained glass windows was partly open; the Shadow effortlessly slipped in. David shouted for everyone to run; the fairies all but disappeared, but the four of them stayed in the sanctuary, hiding behind the pews. (He knew nothing of this realm’s religions but some things apparently transcended worlds, including the setup of worship spaces. He’d never been much for organized religion, but if they escaped this unscathed, he’d throw up some prayers to the gods in thanks.)

“So all we have to do is light the candle, right? That's how you trapped it in Neverland?” David panted. 

“Yeah,” Neal confirmed. “This time I say we get rid of it for good.” 

Killian agreed. “I'll draw its ire.”

He began to move when Tink put her hand on his arm. “You sure you want to do this?” The others were looking at him concernedly as well. 

His hand rested on his belly; yes, logically, he shouldn’t be throwing himself into the line of fire like so. But he also knew—based on past experience—that the odds of the Shadow being able to hurt him were minimal compared to the others, and there was no way he could sit idly by and do nothing to help. “If it's the only way to prevent this bloody curse from obliterating us all, then it's a risk I'm willing to take.”

Tink squeezed his arm and smiled. “You’ve come a long way from only risking your life for love or revenge.”

He blushed a bit. “This is still within those categories,” he replied, nodding towards his stomach—but they both knew it wasn’t just the babe. 

The Shadow had been circling overhead, but was darting lower; it was now or never. 

“Hey!” he shouted, slipping out from the benches into the aisle. Not his most original quip, but it worked—the Shadow’s focus was on him, and it dove. 

Killian crouched and easily evaded it; hopefully, he could keep that up. “That the best you got?” he taunted; attacking its pride was a sure fire way to keep it close enough to capture. 

However, it was indeed not its best; on its next swoop, it managed to knock Killian off his feet, sending him sliding across the floor. He at least managed to fall on his side and curl up, protecting the babe from impact. 

Hands were on his shoulders almost immediately. “You alright?” David asked, brow furrowed in assessment, helping him back to the benches. 

“I think so,” he breathed; the wind had been knocked out of him a bit but the baby seemed to me kicking away as consistently as ever. 

In that time, the Shadow had flown back up to the eaves, far out of reach. 

“Too bad I can't fly up there,” Neal joked—but then realized: “Tink.”

It took some encouragement, but they managed to convince her that she could do it—they all had faith in her; she just needed to have it in herself. 

He watched with pride as she was able to activate her vial of pixie dust and float up. It took even less effort for her to light the flame in the coconut, easily trapping the Shadow. He felt no sympathy as the creature, if it could be called that, writhed as it was sucked into the flame. 

He only felt relief at the small hiss of a scream when Tink tossed it in an open brazier back on the ground. 

“Look who's still a fairy,” he teased, sauntering towards her, but his genuine grin probably belied the sarcasm. 

“Look who's still a pirate,” she tossed back. “You all right?”

“Aye; we’re fine.”

“Good. I wish you had a bit more self-preservation, you know? If not just for your kid, then for Emma, too,” she added on a whisper.

Before he could comment either way, the apparently resurrected Blue Fairy interrupted them—not just to welcome Tink back into the folds of fairy-dom, but also to give them the Black Fairy’s wand. “Go—save us all,” she commanded, somewhat melodramatically, but the situation was that dire. Neal took the wand and they wasted no further time. 

Back at the pawn shop, everyone else was waiting; the wand was all they needed. Emma looked tense, understandably; he hoped his nod was an encouraging one (and hoped they’d get time at some point here for more communication than glances and gestures). 

Later, though; now, Gold was performing the spell, and then they had to find Henry. 

After confirmation—so much as they could tell—that it worked, they all headed out into town to track down Henry, led by Granny and her keen sense of smell. But the lad ended up finding them first, sprinting out of the library, curse in hand.

It was hard not to get a little emotional at the reunion with Henry and his mothers (Killian’s own heightened hormones notwithstanding), but that quickly gave way to confusion when, upon being handed the curse scroll from the boy, Regina collapsed on the pavement accompanied by a flash of purple light.

She recovered, but when asked what happened, only cryptically said that she “saw what needed to be done.” He didn’t like the sound of that.

“Mom, are you going to be okay?” Henry asked, worried.

Regina placed her hand under Henry's chin. “The important thing is you will be.” That didn’t fully assuage Killian’s concern, though it was definitely important. His hand drifted to his waist, protecting his babe (and drawing comfort from them, too—this whole thing wasn’t done yet).

“No, he won’t actually.” They all turned at the unwelcome voice—Pan, somehow free, and suddenly holding the scroll in his hand.

“He has the—!” Killian started to say, but was frozen in place before he could finish his warning; even the babe within him had stopped moving, which was even more unnerving. 

“Curse?” Pan finished, smirking. “That I do.”

He started to monologue, debating which of his captives he would murder first; honestly, it was a bit cliche, but Killian knew well what the demon child was capable of.

Pan had just rounded on Belle and Neal when Gold appeared behind him; took him long enough (though it wasn’t a stretch to think Pan had incapacitated him, given that Pan himself should have still been imprisoned). 

Pan teased his son. "You're here to protect your loved ones, eh?”

“I'm not gonna let you touch either one of them.” If Killian weren’t frozen, he would have arched an eyebrow, impressed; it only took the Crocodile two centuries to learn how to stand up for his family, but better late than never.

Should have expected it would be in dramatic fashion, too. After some repartee, Gold’s shadow appeared—carrying the dagger. Which he used to kill both Pan…and himself.

Regardless of their broken history, this was not the end he expected for the Dark One. Perhaps in a normal situation, he wouldn’t feel the rush of emotion he did now; but as it was, he felt tears well in his eyes and a surge of oddly-placed pride. 

That also meant they were free from Pan’s spell, with the demon’s demise; that brought the strongest sense of relief of all. All the decades of serving that arse were permanently done, thank the gods.

But seeing Belle collapse on the ground in tears brought any elation back to the ground; he slowly moved behind her and placed what he hoped was a comforting hand on her shoulder, even though they also had a rocky past. To his surprise, she reached up and squeezed his hand, but he stepped aside when Neal came forward to pull her into an embrace. Over his would-be stepmother’s shoulder, Neal found Killian’s gaze; they didn’t even exchange a nod, but a look of understanding and sympathy was obvious.

Others gathered around the two of them to offer their condolences, including Emma, but Regina was drawn to the fallen scroll once more. And then all eyes were on her.

“My father did what he had to do. He saved us,” Neal said, voice thick. “Regina, don't let him die for nothing.” His plea seemed to fall on deaf ears, though. “Regina?”

“What?” she asked, looking up from the scroll and blinking.

“We're here for a reason, love. Pan,” Killian reminded her.

“He’s dead,” she said quickly.

“His curse remains,” he countered. “Can you stop it, or shall we all start preparing our souls? 'Cause mine is gonna take some time,” he added, hoping a moment of levity might help.

On cue, one of the dwarves came up screaming about the curse’s imminent arrival.

“We can still stop it, right?” David asked, ever hopeful; Regina confirmed it, but still seemed reluctant.

“W-what's the price?” Emma was clearly distraught; he wanted to hold her, assure her it would be fine, but now was not the time. “Gold said there is a price. What is our price?”

Regina turned to face the group. “It's not our price. It's mine. I have to say goodbye to the thing I love most.”

They all knew who that meant: Henry.

The lad in question moved closer to his mothers, confusion and worry on his face. 

“I can never see him again,” Regina went on. “I have no choice.” It made sense, but gods was it cruel. Killian barely even knew the little life within him yet already couldn’t imagine being parted from them like so; but with a hold you’ve held, raised, loved? He couldn’t imagine. 

“I have to undo what I started,” she added sadly. 

“The curse that brought us to Storybrooke?” Snow realized, on a gasp. 

“That created Storybrooke,” Regina emphasized. “It doesn't belong here, and neither do any of us.”

Just when he was starting to find a reason to stay; he cast a brief glance at Emma, but then focused on the pavement. He had a bad feeling in his gut where this was going. 

“Breaking the curse destroys the town,” David said, breathlessly—and throwing half a dirty look at Killian; he deserved it though, given his hand in the town’s first near-destruction. 

But what Regina said next was worse. 

“It will wipe it out of existence as though it were never here. And everyone will go back to where they are from. Prevented from ever returning.”

That part—that would make this awfully difficult. But…when she said “from,” did she mean…?

“We'll go back to the Enchanted Forest?” Emma seemed to be putting the pieces together at the same time. 

“All of us,” Regina nodded, “Except Henry. He will stay here because... he was born here.”

“Alone?” Emma’s voice cracked.

No—that…couldn’t be; it was too awful. Impending parenthood was absolutely making Killian a sap, but he knew a thing or two about being abandoned, and few things were more awful; Henry didn’t deserve that, especially after what he’d just been through—especially when both his parents knew what it was like too. 

He could see remnants of the little lost girl Emma had once been starting to show on her face, and longed to clear them away somehow—assure her it’d be alright. He was too far away though, so he settled with reaching out to squeeze Neal’s shoulder, knowing he was likely having similar flashbacks. 

“No,” Regina countered, thankfully. “You will take him. Because you're the Savior. And you were created to break the curse. And once again, you can escape it.”

Emma’s eyes weren’t the only ones starting to brim with tears, but hers were the ones he was focused on. “I-I don't want to. We'll both go back with everyone.”

“That's not an option,” Regina said, equally emotional. “I can't be with him. If I don't pay the price, none of this will work.”

Ominously, thunder sounded in the distance, indicating the curse’s proximity. They were running out of time. He loathed to say it, but Regina was right: Emma had to go.

Heartbreakingly, her mother agreed.

“I just found you,” Emma protested, every inch the lost girl.

“And now it's time for you to leave us again,” Snow told her, obviously working hard to hold it together. “For your best chance. For his.”

She continued to fight it—to hypothesize a way to win—but he could feel it in the wind: they had to act fast, and this was the only way to not leave Henry by himself. But if they didn’t move quickly, they’d all get wrapped up in whatever sick plan Pan enacted before his death.

Emma looked across the crowd and found his eyes. No doubt she saw sadness in them. But he swallowed and gave her what he hoped was a confident, encouraging nod. Selfishly, he wished she could go with all of them, but she’d never be able to live with herself if she had to leave Henry behind—nor would he expect her to.

She pursed her lips and gave a tiny nod in response. “Okay,” she finally said, albeit reluctantly.

Killian directed the group to the farthest town line—the spot that gave them the most time before the curse overtook them. All too soon, everyone was gathered around Emma’s yellow vehicle in a series of tearful goodbyes that were wreaking havoc on his heightened emotions. 

Henry clung to Regina while Emma bade farewell to her parents and Neal, then turned to face him.

“That's quite a vessel you captain there, Swan,” he teased, trying to lighten the moment a bit for both their sakes. She smiled—something he vowed to sear into his memory. But then he couldn’t hold back anymore—he had to be sincere. “There's not a day that won't go by that I won't think of you,” he added, perhaps a bit dramatically but it was the honest truth.

“Good,” Emma said—then, to his shock, she quickly gripped his lapels and placed an insistent kiss on his lips. 

He didn’t hesitate to reciprocate, knowing it would likely be the last. 

It was all too brief, but she stayed in his space one more moment. “Take care of yourself, okay? And good luck.”

“You too,” he replied, voice suddenly thick with emotion—but who could blame him?

He stepped aside and pulled himself together as they made the final preparations to leave; he could see the sky darkening as the curse approached. He heard something about them losing their memories—or getting new ones from Regina—something like that, which was probably a blessing but sounded cruel in the moment. They wouldn't remember them—all the things that had happened in the last months, especially Emma finding her family. But it was probably for the best.

Snow was giving Emma one last embrace goodbye and placing a kiss on her forehead when he turned back around. He placed his hand, as he did so often, on his belly, praying to the gods that they would never be faced with such a prospect.

Then Emma and Henry were in her car and it was roaring to life, just as Regina enacted the counter curse.

As the storm clouds rolled over him, he watched Emma drive over the town line—into safety. 

What lay ahead for both of them was unknown, but they at least had their children; what else did they need?

—--------------------------------------

One year later

Killian knew he was in the right spot—portals were generally accurate—but as he stood outside the door, he was nervous. A lot had changed in his world in the past year; he had to assume the same could be said here. 

But he was on a mission. So he swallowed his nerves and knocked. 

He could hear voices inside—they were definitely there; but there was no answer, so he knocked again, urgently. 

Finally, he heard footsteps approach. The door swung open, and there she was: Emma, in all her glory, blonde hair hanging loose around her face. She looked good. 

He was so relieved; he grinned and stepped forward. “Swan. At last—”

But she stopped him from moving any farther forward with a hand on his chest. Her brow furrowed and she cut him off. “Woah, do I know you?”

Oh, right—in his eagerness, he’d nearly forgotten about the spell that replaced their memories. Good to know it had held. 

“Look, I need your help,” he charged on, though. “Something's happened. Something terrible. Your family is in trouble.”

“My family's right here,” she countered. “Who are you?”

“An old friend,” was the best he could come up with; he was starting to feel desperate. “Look, I know you can't remember me, but... I can make you.”

Much like their parting, but with the roles reversed, he did step into her space—and found her lips, thinking fervently of all the feelings he’d been holding onto for her over the past year. 

He really should have expected the subsequent knee in his groin, though; thank goodness he wasn’t still feeling (too) tender down there. 

“The hell are you doing?” she demanded, shoving him back to the opposite wall. 

He groaned and tried to catch his breath. “A long-shot,” he admitted. “I had to try. I was… hoping you felt as I did.” Which sounded ridiculous as soon as he said it; how could she feel anything when she clearly didn’t remember him?

“What you'll feel is the handcuffs when I call the cops.” Well, that was in-character. 

But he didn’t come here to fail. “Look, I know this seems crazy, but you have to listen to me. You have to remem—”

But the door slammed in his face. 

Bloody hell; that hadn’t gone to plan. But he was a captain for a reason; he’d just have to rely on his backup. 

He'd do whatever it took—he���d promised. So many people were relying on him, but more so on Emma. It wasn’t his intention to drag her back into that part of her life, but he’d seen her with her parents before they left—she deserved to be reunited with them. 

And he wouldn’t be reunited with his own child until he did. 

—————————————

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