#Eleanor Infante

[bob-the-movie-man-film-reviews]

The Machine (15): Kreischer? Who?

#onemannsmovies review of "The Machine" (2023). #TheMachineMovie. Only three laughs for me in this US "comedy". 2.5/5.

A One Mann’s Movies review of “The Machine” (2023). There have been two recent examples of US ‘national treasures’ that have appeared in films who are relatively unknown in the UK. In 2019 there was Mr Rogers, as portrayed by Tom Hanks, in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood“. And very recently, it was the author Judy Blume and her book “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret“. Now, it seems with…

[biffybobs]

Noa has become very close with one of her neighbours. In return for some knitting tips, Eleanor advises Noa to stop hanging around at home with an old bat like her and try meeting more sims her own age.

[flowerflamestars]

It is essential to me that my 3.5 migration patterns readers understand how insanely horny this story is about to get

[trentonsimblr]

babies!!! I finally updated my game and I love them!

[vir-adahlen]

in season 2 re: the fort conflict.. when flint tells eleanor “it’s not personal” and her face crumbles..….. oh no. she just wants to be his friend.

[pathologicalreid]

separation anxiety | S.R.

spencer's first case back from paternity leave involves children, so a concerned party reaches out to you for help

who? spencer reid x fem!reader category: fluff content warnings: mom!reader, dad!spencer, vaguely described breastfeeding, word count: 1.28k a/n: this is technically the reid family from cryptic, but you don't have to read cryptic in order to understand this fic.

Your book rested in your lap as you pinched the thin paper of the novel between your index finger and your thumb. You had one foot on the ground, and the other was on the bottom of your daughter’s stroller, effectively rocking the stroller in two-four time so the infant would stay asleep.

Just because the A-Team wasn’t around didn’t mean there weren’t people working in the BAU. A crying baby would certainly disrupt the workflow in the bullpen – even if the baby belonged to a member of the BAU. Although, you had already fed her – mostly covered – at Spencer’s desk, so maybe you were past the point of no return.

You and baby Nellie had just been staring at each other at home – she was doing tummy time – when your phone went off. A mysterious text from Derek Morgan had popped up on your phone screen.

Derek Morgan: Got a sec?

It wasn’t that you and Derek never texted, it’s just that it was usually under the realm of “on my way” messages and, more recently, baby pictures, but you usually communicated indirectly using a massive group chat that was created by none other than Penelope Garcia.

So, when you answered and he asked if you’d be able to meet the team when they arrived at Quantico, you hesitantly said yes. He explained more once they were on the jet, the case that they had been on involved young children, and there was a little girl that had struck a particular chord with your boyfriend – who was on his first case back from paternity leave.

Eleanor was three months old, and you weren’t sure who’d have a harder time being away from one another – her or Spencer. You hadn’t considered how Spencer would feel when confronted with a case involving children now that he was a father. Quite frankly, you had hoped that he would’ve had more time before he needed to face a situation like that.

You waited, still using your foot to rock Nell’s stroller as the cover diffused the fluorescent light, you could hear her moving now, likely having woken up from her nap, but if she wasn’t crying, you saw no reason to stop her from playing with the colorful toys that dangled above her.

Sighing, you peered up from your book to see the elevator opening on the sixth floor, revealing the team behind the steel doors. Morgan clocked you first, winking as he passed through the glass doors to the bullpen.

Spencer hadn’t noticed the two of you yet, so you slowly opened the cover of the stroller and picked your daughter up, holding her gently to your chest. The infant fussed a bit while she was being moved, effectively gaining the attention of her father, whose face lit up at the sight of his family waiting for him at his desk.

Pushing past the rest of the team, who had also noticed the small being in the room by this point, Spencer approached his desk, haphazardly dropping his bag on the metal surface before pressing a soft kiss to your lips. Before even bothering to separate your lips, he was taking the baby from your arms.

“Hey,” he murmured, pulling away from you slowly as he secured the baby in his arms, bending his neck to place his lips on the crown of Nell’s head, “I missed you, angel girl.” His voice was gentle as you looked on fondly, she reached out a small hand and gripped the collar of his shirt. “How are you?” He asked, turning his attention back onto you.

You smiled at the two of them, using a cloth to wipe the drool from her chin before Spencer took it from you, deftly draping it over his shoulder in case he needed it shortly. “Good,” you answered, “tired,” you added.

Across the bullpen, Emily waved at Eleanor, grinning broadly as she walked over to her desk with JJ. To her enjoyment, the baby responded by letting out a coo and smiling before turning her attention to her dad, nuzzling her face in his chest, “Did I miss anything?”

Raising your eyebrows, you shrugged, leaning back and sitting on Spencer’s desk, “She pushed herself up on her arms yesterday.” It wasn’t a massive milestone – you were still grateful that Spencer had been present for her first real smile.

“Oh, yeah?” He responded, proudly looking down at his daughter, who had moved on from nuzzling and was now trying to see just how much of her hand she could fit in her mouth. “Did you know that babies usually go through a sleep regression right before they learn a new skill?” He asked, directing the question at Nell, “That must be why your mama looks so tired.”

You waved him off, crossing your arms in front of your stomach, “She’s lucky she’s so cute.”

The familiar click-clack of heels notified you that Penelope Garcia had made it to the party, likely signaled by another member of the team, “The cutest little girl in the world!”

Even though every member of the team had held your daughter at one point or another, you weren’t entirely comfortable with her being handed off like a hot potato. This, combined with Spencer’s aversion to germs, led to an unspoken rule: wait until one of her parents offered to let you hold her.

“Did you want to take her for a bit?” You offered, looking over at Spencer as you did. He needed time with her, it wasn’t your intention to deprive him of that, but you needed to check in with him without the distraction of the baby. Handing her off, you spoke up, “Watch your earrings,” you tapped on your earlobe, “She will grab them.”

As Garcia held the baby, she made her way around the bullpen, allowing Eleanor to make grabby hands at everyone and everything.

Keeping an arm around his waist, you looked up at your boyfriend, “Are you alright?” You asked, keeping your voice low as there was no sense in airing your concerns to the now bustling office.

Spencer’s smile faltered ever so slightly, “They were just kids. There have been kids before, but now…”

“Now you’re a dad,” you finished for him. “It’s not just something that you could see happening to someone else; it’s something you could see happening to yourself.” Pinching his side slightly, you smirked at him knowingly, “You know, your levels of empathy and sensitivity increase when you become a parent. Your brain adjusts to make yourself a better parent.”

Rolling his eyes slightly, Spencer raised his eyebrows at you, “You know, I vaguely remember telling you something very similar last week when you were crying at an ASPCA commercial.”

You reached up to ruffle his hair, “Nice try at sarcasm, babe, but you and I both know you never vaguely remember anything.”

“How did you know to come here? That I’d need to see her?” Spencer asked, watching as Penelope continued to parade around the BAU, now taking her up the stairs and through the roundtable room. “Was it a mother’s intuition?” He suggested, taking up a lighter tone.

Turning around, your eyes followed Garcia as she walked with Eleanor, “I was contacted by a concerned party.”

Spencer followed your gaze, “I’ll thank Garcia when she gives our baby back.”

You hummed, “Actually, it was Derek, he-“ Your voice cut off abruptly, “Oh, Penny, I told you she’d grab them!” You called from Spencer’s desk, but Garcia was already on her way to return Eleanor, holding one hand to her ear as she handed the baby back to Spencer.

[babydollmarauders]

1 + 2 = “NOT AGAIN!”

part of the el!hughes au

summary: in which jack and y/n (lovie) are pretty happy, but are even happier by the end of the day.

my fingers tremble as the back of my knuckles graze over the soft and supple skin on the cheek of my three month old, whom rests in his bassinet.

“what are you three doing today?” my husband lounges on the bed, his own hand sprawled on my sweatpants clad thigh; while i sit on the edge of the bed beside him.

“i think your mom is planning on taking El out to the water,” i reply, voice soft as i stare at our son, “and Leo and i are gonna go shopping.”

“shopping?” Jack inquires. the linen sheet falls down his toned stomach as he sits up to look at Elio in his bassinet, whose eyes crinkle when he sees his father.

“yeah, i need new clothes. don’t i? yes, i do. yes, i do.” my tone is squeaky and high pitched as i direct my sentences toward my baby.

the bedroom door squeaks as tiny toddler feet slap against the floor, running into the room and clambering up onto the bed.

“daddy! uncle winny ‘time to go!’” El stitches together through labored breaths, her chubby cheeks red from the exertion of running.

“uncle quinny says it’s time to go?” Jack deciphers her words, pulling the two year old into his lap as she tries to peer into the bassinet.

“mhm!” she hums, much too distracted by the baby that has scrunched his body up and opened his mouth into a yawn.

setting our daughter aside, Jack rises from the bed, hissing when i poke at a bruise on his hip as he stretches out his limbs.

he received that particular bruise as he was tending to Eleanor last night; running into her dresser as he navigated the darkness of her room after she woke up from a bad dream.

“lovie,” he grunts, batting my hand away and stepping back, “how would you like it if i poked your bruises?”

jaw dropping in disbelief, i scoff, “you do! all the time!”

a mischievous smirk spreads across his lips, accompanied by a chuckle, “i know.”

i scoot up the bed, El clambering into my lap and resting her head on my shoulder as i watch Jack bound around the room. from the closet, to the dresser, to the en-suite, and back to the dresser, until he’s dressed and ready to head off to the rink for training.

walking back to the bed, he dips down to peck a kiss to the top of El’s head before pressing his lips to mine in a goodbye kiss. when he pulls away, he turns and leans down even farther in order to kiss Elio’s chubby cheek.

“call me if you need anything,” he speaks, gathering his gear bag off the top of the dresser, “i love you, girls.”

“and you too, Leo!” he hastily adds as he leaves the room, just in time for his brother to call from the bottom of the lake house steps.

“Jack! let’s go!”

“i’m coming!”

**

a smile twists at my lips as i watch my toddler cuddle up to her grandmother, her eyes trained on the princess movie that plays on the living room tv.

“hey momma,” i start, catching Ellen’s attention as i pass by the couch, “i’m heading to put Elio down for nap.”

“okay, honey.” my husband’s mother nods, “i’ve got Eleanor, why don’t you go ahead and take a nap too?”

“yeah, maybe.” i shrug, “thank you.”

with the three month old in my arms, i climb the stairs, turning into Jack and i’s room at the top of the steps.

in a post-feed haze, Elio’s eyes are struggling to stay open and alert, rather crossing and fluttering shut before he pries them back open. the sight makes me smile softly, gently transferring him to the bassinet by the bed. almost immediately, his eyes fall shut and tiny little snores fill the air as he finally drifts to sleep.

i sit on the edge of the bed, admiring the infant in his little blue onesie as his fingers twitch in his sleep. and in a motherhood haze, i quickly lose track of how long i’ve sat, just watching him sleep.

“you get the snoring from your father.” i whisper, a loving gaze in my eyes as i scan his face.

“he does not! you snore like a freight train!” i hear from the doorway, my head snapping up to look behind me and finding Jack stalking into the room; closing the door behind him.

“okay, we both snore.” i concede, watching as my husband sets his gear bag back in place upon the dresser and strips down to get in the shower, “but i do not sound like a train!”

“no, you’re right.” he remarks, “you sound more like a helicopter.”

“i do not! i snore like the delicate angel that i am.”

“angel? yes. but snorer? also, yes.” Jack chuckles.

“we get it, i snore.” i huff, “how was training?”

“it was fine. i just need a shower and a nap now.”

i suppose he should enjoy naps while he can. it’s easy enough for him to have one right now.

“did you go shopping?” he asks, disappearing into the en-suite before i hear the shower water turn on.

“yeah! lemme show you what i got!” i leap from the bed, swiping the shopping bags off the floor by the bedroom door.

“shower fashion show.” my husband states, “i’m sweaty and i’m not about to listen to you complain about how bad i smell.”

“good idea.”

he hops in the shower as i bring the bags into the bathroom, dumping the contents upon the counter. and for the next fifteen minutes, i’m in a flurry of quick changes and listening to his comments of ‘oooh’ and ‘i like that’ and ‘you look so good in that, lovie’.

“use my conditioner.” i tell him as i step into a new article of clothing, “your hair is getting dry from the lake water and the sun.”

“copy that.” he calls out, and i turn around just in time to see him squirt a dollop of my expensive conditioner into his palm.

“okay, last outfit!” i announce, and he turns his head to look at me as i twirl.

“that’s pretty.” he comments amidst rinsing the product from his hair.

“hey, babe?” i study myself in the mirror as i speak, turning to the side. my heart races, and i’m fairly certain i can feel it knocking around against my ribcage as Jack hums in acknowledgement as he turns off the water, “does this skirt make me look pregnant?”

i watch his reflection in the mirror as he steps out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist as he studies my figure.

his brows furrow, face pinching in confusion as he analyzes my stomach; a small tummy left over from Elio’s birth nearly four months ago, “no?”

“‘cause i am.”

his entire body goes rigid in the mirror, eyes wide like a deer in headlights.

“say that again?” he chokes out, and i finally turn to face him as an anxiety ridden smile plays at my lips, tears gathering in my eyes.

“i’m pregnant.” i repeat, “again.”

Jack steps forward, wet hands plastering to my hips as his eyes dart between my stomach and my face.

“you’re sure?” he questions, receiving a nod in reply, “but we’ve only- the once- and i-”

“the once is all it took,” i shrug, resisting the urge to gnaw at my lip in worry, “i went to the doctor today before i went shopping, just to confirm what the test said a few days ago…. i’m 10 weeks.”

“three kids,” he breathes out, “oh lovie, how are we gonna do this?”

“with a lot of help from your parents and luke?” i tell him, but it comes out as more of a question than a statement. “how are you feeling?”

he blinks a few times before finally looking me in the eyes, pulling me flush to his dripping chest, “happy? scared? excited.”

“yeah?” my smile widens into a grin as his forehead drops against mine.

“yeah,” he reiterates, “we’re having another baby.”

Jack grins, his hands snaking down my hips until he reaches the crease between my ass and my upper thighs. lifting me up, my legs wrap around his waist as his lips crash against mine.

he steps forward until my ass rests on the counter, his lips trailing away to leave open mouthed kisses down my neck.

my breathing picks up, my heart pounding as my fingers sneak into the hem of the towel around his waist.

it’s at that moment that a faint cry echoes into the bathroom, alerting us that Elio has awoken.

“better get used to that, stud,” i laugh as Jack pulls away, a whine escaping his lips as he throws his head back in complaint, “because we’re gonna be getting interrupted a whole lot for the next eighteen years.”

**

“hey, Quinny,” i call out from the living room couch as he stands from his seat, glancing over as he hears my voice, “are you going upstairs?”

“i wasn’t planning on it, but i can?”

“can you grab Elio’s pacifier? there should be one in his bassinet, but if not then there’s some in my nightstand.”

“yeah, be right back.” Quinn jogs up the stairs, waving his hand up in acknowledgment when i call out a thank you.

the entire household is lounging in the living room, a child friendly movie playing on the tv. Trevor, Cole, and Luke build an intricate castle out of blocks with El, whilst Jim and Ellen sit on the other side of the couch, with Jack sitting beside me, and Alex sitting in an arm chair. Adam, Luca, Mark, Ethan, and Dylan all sit in chairs that they pulled in from the dining area, laughing at the sight of their friend taking building blocks with his niece very seriously.

“Trevor, stop. if you put that block there, it’s gonna fall!” Luke huffs, knocking the red block out of Trevor’s hand and onto the floor.

“you’re gonna teach baby Hughes bad things! stop hitting!” Trevor argues, making Cole roll his eyes as he continues building another wall of the already ginormous castle with El.

“your uncles are silly,” Cole tells El, tone serious and no baby voice in sight, “we don’t argue, do we? you and i, we make a good team.”

“she’s two, of course you get along with her!” Trevor grunts, “but if you were paired with mr. hot hands over here, you’d argue too!”

“i’m only hitting you because you won’t listen!”

the entire living room full of people is practically teeming with laughter at the scene on the floor.

“WHAT THE HELL!”

everyone freezes, the room falling silent as we all turn to watch Quinn bound down the steps.

his face is paler than usual, his eyes wild as he glares at my husband. my eyes dart around, scanning his stiff form. my body tenses as i see what’s clutched in his hand; the ultrasound photos from my doctors appointment just this afternoon.

i forgot i stuck them in my nightstand drawer. fuck.

holding them up, he glares at his brother, “NOT AGAIN!”

“hey! it takes two!” Jack pawns our small son off to Ellen, leaping from the couch and holding his hands out in front of him in attempt to placate his older brother.

“you really cant keep your hands to yourself, can you?” Quinn gruffs, “that’s practically my little sister! the poor girl can’t catch a break!”

“she’s my wife! and that night was her idea!” my cheeks flush as he announces our escapades to the room of our friends and family, “how were we supposed to know that would happen?!”

“well you’ve already had two! i think you should know by now how it works!” Quinn hisses.

“okay, can we just calm down?!” i snap, standing from my seat and facing Quinn.

“you two should be using protection,” Alex mutters from his seat. shaking his head, he looks over at Trevor and Cole, “i swear she gets pregnant every time he breathes on her.”

“shut up,” Jack growls, glaring at his best friends as they all snicker.

“you’re pregnant?!” Ellen shrieks, making Elio twitch in her arms. she looks down at the bundle in her arms, her voice softening “oh sorry, sweetheart.”

“we weren’t planning on telling anyone yet.” Jack sneers, eyes glaring daggers at Quinn.

“but yes,” i smile, looking around the room as i begin rubbing my husband’s shoulder in attempt to calm him, “we’re having another baby.”

“the last one for awhile, i hope?” Trevor questions, an eyebrow raised, but he cowers when i glare at him, “what?! the rest of us can’t keep up!”

“the last one ever.” Jack announces. “we’re not planning on having anymore. we decided a long time ago that we’re a ‘three and done’ kind of family.”

“yeah, alright.” Luke scoffs, “we’ll see how that goes.”

“can’t we all just be happy?!”

everyone’s eyes dart to me as i stomp my foot, tears welling in my eyes as i begin to feel overwhelmed with all the chaos and panic that’s filled the room.

“Jack and i are happy. we’re having another baby. that’s that! there’s no more discussion to be had!” i cross my arms over my chest.

suddenly feeling very immature for my outburst, i plant myself back onto the couch, taking my baby back from Ellen and focusing on his sweet little face to calm myself.

the room is still silent, everyone still staring at me as Jack lowers himself back down onto the couch beside me.

“hey,” he coos, “it’s okay. i’m sure they’re all very happy for us. right, guys?”

a chorus of ‘yeah!’s and ‘congratulations!’ fills the air, and my body relaxes into Jack’s embrace.

“i’m sorry, i overreacted,” Quinn sighs, crouching down beside the couch in order to look into my eyes. his hand splays across my knee, “you guys make some pretty cute kids, i can’t wait to meet the next little one.”

“yeah?” i murmur, looking at my brother-in-law.

“yeah. i just got a bit scared because you just had Elio and i’m worried for your health.” he explains, “but i promise that i am happy for you guys.”

“please don’t worry, Q,” i tell him, “my doctor says it’s completely okay and that i’m healthy. there’s nothing to worry about.”

“okay. as long as your doctor says you’re good.” he amends, and i nod.

“well i’m not good!” Jack huffs, “i’d like an apology!”

Quinn rolls his eyes, “i’m sorry, Jack.”

“not forgiven.”

“are you sure you want another baby with him? he’s acting like a child.” Luke remarks.

looking over at Jack, i smile as he grins innocently at me, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing the top of Elio’s head.

“yeah, i’m sure.”

[hypnostouched]

What im most thrown by in Dark Heir is that Eleanor carried Will. With everything in the first book, with her being so firm that he is not her son - that she actually birthed him is so interesting to me and I had to go look back at the first book. Will does wonder what him not being her son means, if she found him as an infant or went through a weird pregnancy to have him but.

I wonder if he is her son. In a blood sense; I wonder if Will is Sarcean reborn AND the Blood of the Lady.

His Dark powers are sealed within him, it takes magic to touch them and I wonder if this was intended by the rebirth or this is because he has the Lady within him, sealing his stronger abilities. James can't do anything else when he's focused on magic; so if the Lady's blood is focused on sealing the Dark then of course he wouldn't be able to use Her power to do anything else.

Eleanor was Blood of the Lady, and Will follows her words like law. She is his moral compass, and although he fails her, he is tormented and anguished by that failing. I wonder if that goes deeper than her just being his mother.

We know that the prophecy is supposed to end with the Blood of the Lady killing the Dark King but it feels incredibly unfair for that to fall on Elizabeth. Visander might count now but thats too obvious; The Queen's Champion, now wearing the body of the Blood of the Lady. Thats the obvious outcome, death by his hand.

No, I wonder if Will might kill himself. Blood of the Lady, killing the Dark King. I know Pacat lets anime influence his writing, and I'm considering Code Geass. Fix things, put it all on false shoulders and kill them.

[apomaro-mellow]

Whatever Stevie Wants 8

Part 7

Steve dressed in the outfit his mother had set out and joined his parents in the dining room for lunch. It was a scene so familiar it made his stomach turn, and he picked helplessly at his food. He endured a couple minutes of them discussing whatever was going on with the Wilsons and their troubles with the Harriet family before finally speaking up.

“I’ve gone on with this long enough. Tell me where my children are before I call the police.”

“I don’t see how you expect to do that without your phone”, Margaret said. “And that staff has been instructed to keep you from the house phones at all costs.”

“This may seem extreme, son”, Layton started. “But it was necessary.”

“Necessary for what?! You both disowned me! And you didn’t say a word until I started dating Eddie and ‘besmirched the Harrington name’, so I changed my name and you went back to ignoring me. So why are you suddenly interested enough to kidnap me and my pups!?”

“We spent a decent chunk of our lives raising you, we deserve a return on that investment”, Layton said. “We thought allowing you to slum it out for a few years would bring you to your senses but clearly we were wrong.”

“We weren’t in contact because your father and I were hard at work for you, Steven”, his mother continued. “While you were working your tail off to drag our name through the mud. There’s hardly any alpha of good standing who will have you now. Barely any betas even.”

“Well it’s a good thing I’m already mated”, Steve said, arms crossed.

“That can be undone with a simple procedure”, Layton said, getting Steve to rise to his feet.

“You wouldn’t! You can’t! I won’t-!”

“Lower your voice!!”, both of his parents shouted back.

“I’m done playing along. I’m finding my pups, and I’m leaving this place even if it’s just with the clothes on my back. It wouldn’t be the first time.” Steve wanted to flip the table but instead he just stomped away from it.

Margaret rolled her eyes. “They’re not in the house.”

That got Steve to stop in his tracks. “What?”

“Maggie, don’t lie to the boy, it’s childish”, Layton said. “We considered leaving them at the villa, but knew you’d seek them out with no regard. They’re here and they’re safe with Eleanor.”

“...Prove it.”

Margaret scoffed but Layton went ahead and took out his own phone and brought up a camera feed. He held it out for Steve to see. There, in the very same nursery that Steve had spent his own infant years, were his girls. One was sleeping in her crib while the other was on her feet, tiny hands grasping the bars as if demanding freedom. Eleanor was sitting in a rocking chair, book in hand.

“Nessa, Vi…”, Steve whispered, tears coming as easy as breathing. He knew where that room was. He could-

“You will be allowed to see them soon. But first we need to talk”, Layton said as he pocketed the phone. 

“What more is there to talk about?”, Steve’s shoulders sagged. “You said yourself, there isn’t an alpha or beta who will have me.”

“We said ‘hardly’”, Margaret said. “We have found three men who are willing to open their home to you. Despite your…checkered past.”

“Now sit down so that we may discuss it”, Layton ordered.

Steve sat down, defeated but only for now. They had caught him off guard. But he wouldn’t fall for their tricks again. Now that he thought about it, the day before his mother had pushed seconds onto him. She had never encouraged him to eat more a single day in his life. That should’ve been enough to arouse suspicion.

“So first there’s Ridwan West”, Margaret started. “I think he’ll be your favorite. He doesn’t mind taking both girls. He’s actually trying to run for office and apparently diversity is in nowadays”, she smiled.

“But if you don’t want to throw your hat in with a politician, my top choice would be Findlay Weeks”, Layton said.

“Then why don’t you fuck him?”, Steve murmured under his breath.

“The Weeks have a diverse portfolio and they don’t rest on their laurels. You could be looking at exponential growth”, his father continued, used to his son’s mutters after years of them.

“But the Weeks are more…inclusive”, Margaret said. “When we mentioned your daughters, he’s fine with adopting Violet, especially if she blooms into an alpha….Vanessa on the other hand…”

Steve dropped his fork. “You would make me abandon one of my children!?”

“Don’t be dramatic, you would still have contact with her. Eleanor is amazing with children. And of course we have other omega maids who would love another child. How many pups did Nadine have?”

“One, mother. Nadine had one”, Steve said. But he didn’t expect his parents to recall details of their staff. Least of which is the fact that while having only one son, Nadine frequently watched her nieces, nephews, and younger cousins and thus had plenty of children in her life. Steve could remember because there was a time when the house staff were his only source of comfort and validation. But sometimes they changed as frequently as the seasons, his mother rarely ever satisfied.

“Regardless, that just leaves Ethan Mcbride”, Margaret kept going.

“Let me guess, he also wants me to leave behind my black daughter?”

“Well he would prefer it if you came completely unattached”, Margaret said. “Of course, Violet would be in just as good hands as Vanessa. And this way they could be raised together.”

“By a nanny. Or a maid. But not by either of you. And I should be so lucky!”, Steve raised his voice again.

“Your father and I have done nothing to deserve this level of disrespect, Steven!”

“I’m through with this. I’m getting my children and we’re leaving.” This time, when Steve stomped out of the dining room, he didn’t stop at his parents’ protests and he went right up to the nursery. He opened the door and his heart felt full as he saw them.

Violet, who was awake, saw him first and showed all her gums in her smile. Steve reached out and then felt something sharp puncture his neck. As he fell down and lost consciousness, he could hear Vanessa’s beginnings of a cry.

“Thank you, Craig”, Margaret’s voice could be heard. 

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

Wayne let out a heavy sigh as he picked up the phone and made the call. He wished with all his heart he didn’t have to make it. But the longer he waited, the worse it would become. He rubbed his face as Eddie picked up.

“Hey, son.”

“Yo, Wayne. What’s up?”

“I’ve got some troubling news. Unless you’ve heard from Steve since he left for his folks?”

“We talked just before he left”, Eddie said. “He missed a call from me and Grant though. And he hasn’t been answering any of our texts. Is something up? Is he sick?”

“What’s the last real contact you had with him?”, Wayne asked.

“...The other day he sent a pic of the girls in some get up Madame Harrington put them in. But that was over a day ago. Wayne, what’s wrong? Where’s Steve? Where are the babies?”

Wayne felt his heart break at the worry already evident in Eddie’s voice and he handed the phone over to Beatrice. 

“Put me on speaker”, she said, knowing the others were probably close by. “You all need to get ready to cancel whatever you need with Chrissy so you can get home.”

“Mom?”, Jeff’s voice came over the line.

“And whatever you do Jeffery, stay calm. If any of you lose control, then this just gets harder.”

Eddie, Jeff, Grant, and Gareth held their breaths as Beatrice told them that they hadn’t heard from Steve for too long either. That he hadn’t returned when he said he would. Steve had sent the location of the place he was supposed to be meeting his parents. But when she and Wayne had gone over there, he and the Harringtons were nowhere to be found.

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

When Steve came to, he was seated on a couch in the living room. The sun’s position was slightly different. It must have been a couple of hours at least. His mother sat across from him.

“You can’t keep me drugged up forever”, he said, his words still slightly slurred as he came to.

“Oh trust me, I don’t want to. But if you insist on sabotaging your own future, I will do what is necessary”, Margaret’s voice and expression sharp.

Steve could see the future she envisioned. Him, silent and obedient next to a man twice his age. And if he kept refusing, she’d make good on her threat. He’d be drugged until they chose someone for him. She’d never gone to these extremes, but now she’d already done it twice. He bit his lip. The important thing to do now was buy time. His pack would notice his absence and sound the alarms soon if they hadn’t already.

“Do you…do you really think any of them will like me? Any of those matches you suggested?”

“They’ve already expressed interest. And your father will be able to meet two of them today for lunch at the club”, Margaret switched gears easily. “You and I can spend today preparing, they’ll want to meet you soon, maybe even tomorrow.”

“Do you think I’ll be ready by then?”, Steve asked, hoping to prolong it a bit more.

“You may have covered yourself in grime, but Harringtons are diamonds that can shine through anything. Oh I’m getting giddy just thinking about the wedding we’ll get to plan. And just think, if you and Ridwan pair well, the wedding could be in the paper.”

Steve held back from rolling his eyes. His wedding to Eddie had already been covered by quite a few news publications. But of course, that didn’t matter to his mother. He wanted nothing more than to hold his children. He knew better than to ask for that though. At least for now. He would grit his teeth, grin and bear it. He could trust that whatever nanny they employ would take fine care of the twins.

And he knew if he was ‘good’, then his mother would reward him with some time with his own children. Having to play their game made his blood boil. But it was the only way to ensure their safety.

Part 9

[nanshe-of-nina]

Women’s History Meme || Empresses (4/5) ↬ Empress Yelisaveta Petrovna of Russia (1709 – 1762)

Yet Elizabeth’s flighty persona was a concoction to help her survive in a scorpions’ nest. While vaunting her numerous love affairs, she carefully concealed her political acumen. The British envoy’s wife reported, “In public she has an unaffected gaiety, and a certain air of giddiness that seems entirely to possess her whole mind… In private I have heard her talk with such a strain of good sense and steady reasoning that I am persuaded the other behavior is a feint.” … Numerous powerful families tried to persuade Elizabeth to stage a coup and proclaim herself empress. Afraid of bloodshed, Elizabeth hesitated until she heard rumors that Anna Leopoldovna was planning on claiming the imperial crown for herself and having her inconvenient cousin shut up in a convent. Elizabeth shuddered at the thought of religious life because, as one contemporary wrote, there was “not an ounce of nun’s flesh about her.” On November 25, 1741, hours before she was to be arrested, Elizabeth rallied loyal troops and invaded the palace. The coup was ridiculously easy; the people wanted the daughter of Peter the Great to rule. Anna was imprisoned in one fortress and her infant son in another. Elizabeth was gentle with her former enemies who now swarmed to proclaim their loyalty. She swore never to sentence anyone to death for political crimes. She outlawed the torture of children under seventeen and the cutting off of women’s noses. Even the humblest subjects were encouraged to hand Elizabeth petitions for redressing injustice. Unlike her three female predecessors—her mother, Catherine I; Empress Anna; and the regent Anna Leopoldovna—Elizabeth took her governmental responsibilities quite seriously, working most of the day, reading reports, presiding over meetings, forcing rival ministers to make peace. Mercurial and temperamental, Elizabeth had an arsenal of tactics to get her way—flashing a brilliant smile, stamping her foot in impatience, swearing like a fishwife, complimenting and cajoling. — Sex With the Queen: 900 Years of Vile Kings, Virile Lovers, and Passionate Politics by Eleanor Herman

[milo-igidk]

I keep thinking of the infant from that night...(Eleanor Olivia Wright) I keep thinking of the infant from that night...

[amethystamanda]

1895, Part 1

The Samuels were blessed with Olivia as a calm infant and Eleanor as a sunny infant. They turned out to be not quite identical, with Eleanor having some moles that her twin did not. They have their papa's black hair and their mama's green eyes.

They were not prepared for twins, and the feeling lingered for Laurence.

Uncle Maurice, still a bachelor, brought over some toys for the children: dolls for the girls, a dragon for Andrew, and a dollhouse for them all to enjoy.

Is Miss Behr's reputation attracting dishonorable men, or is she chasing them?

Laurence went to visit her and her new son Luther, and...realized that he really should have listened to his wife...

He loves his wife. He loves his children. Telling Lydia would devastate her.

So he went home, and said that Miss Behr didn't need his support anymore, played with the children and the cat before bed, and that was the end of it.

Olivia and Eleanor's cc under the cut, and updated for Lydia, since it's been 5 years and she deserves some new clothes, and the toys.

This is not the normal time to end things. It's only Monday night, and I usually (for this save, so far) do Sunday-Saturday, one week, one season, previously one year. But it feels like the right place to stop.

Toys:

Playable Dollhouse Toys https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=554787

Aliki childroomdoll (deco, not functional) by @thealiceanstuff https://www.tumblr.com/thealiceanstuff/646554459999174656/mesh-by-cranberrymk-recolours-by-me-it-was-created

Fresh Victorian Dollhouse by @sonarisims https://sonarisims.tumblr.com/post/738375424248365056/thank-you-for-your-support-i-have-just-one-more

not placed yet, but also Midnight Hollows Toys (again, deco) by @anidup1-blog https://anidup1-blog.tumblr.com/post/140812562590/midnight-hollows-toys

Olivia wears a flouncier gown and a whiter bonnet than Eleanor most of the time. They dress the same for sleepwear, and have the same gown for cold weather.

sifix Elin Dress by @simverses https://simverses.tumblr.com/post/721288548562665472/sifix-elin-nightgown

Vintage Shoes by @historysims4 https://www.tumblr.com/historysims4/713420546595061760/hi-another-conversion-for-infants-is-here-this

Head wrap in Academia by @mccncasters https://mccncasters.tumblr.com/post/712270381015351296/infant-clothes-in-academia-and-a-moot-point-not

1830s Infant Outfit by @peebsplays https://www.patreon.com/posts/1830s-infant-92232260

Infant bonnet https://sims4nexus.tumblr.com/post/712801721620070400/infant-bonnet-go-to-download-page-this-was-a

Esther Dress V2 by @historicalfictionsims https://historicalfictionsims.tumblr.com/post/713805022473945088/esther-dress-conversion-v2-bgc

Victorian Robes for Infants by @vintagesimstress https://vintagesimstress.tumblr.com/post/713322401241399296/victorian-robes-for-infants-long-and-short

Everyday

Formal/Athletic

Sleep

Party/Swim

Hot

Cold

I'm not a fan of huge sleeves, but I'm glad bustles were 1870s-1880s.

Marjorie Hair by @buzzardly28 https://buzzardly28.tumblr.com/post/704554762855743488/weekend-number-4-of-december-1910s-set-part-1

1890s Early https://buzzardly28.tumblr.com/post/732722263683710976/1890s-hair-set-this-was-my-gift-for-week-1-of

The FINE FEATHERED Hat by @gilded-ghosts https://www.patreon.com/posts/mini-millinery-39795858

1889 Morning/Dressing Gown by @vintagesimstress https://vintagesimstress.tumblr.com/post/190880855027/1889-morningdressing-gown-for-women-sifix-saga

Lace Gloves https://www.mystufforigin.com/edwardian-fashion-01-conversion-gloves-hat/

Shirtwaist I and Skirt I and Jacket I https://gilded-ghosts.tumblr.com/post/689631149939736576/victorian-visions-i-a-mini-collection

Old West Teachers Dress by elfdor https://www.patreon.com/posts/old-west-dress-19868455

Picnic skirt 2 and tops 3 & 2 https://linzlu.tumblr.com/post/183990078506/commission-01-picnic-at-hanging-rock-i-want-to

the romantique riding dress by gilded-ghosts https://pandorasimbox.tumblr.com/post/185274110453/retro-pixels-the-romantique-riding-dress-a and the schoolmistress dress https://maxismatchccworld.tumblr.com/post/177061501145/retro-pixels-the-schoolmistress-dress-a-proper available here https://simfileshare.net/folder/133411/

notsooldmadcatlady’s Victorian nightwear (Part I) in JewlRyBox by @kissalopa (yes, I used the colourful recolours in white) https://www.patreon.com/posts/notsooldmadcatla-106920275

Perfectly Plain skirt and Ever Elegant Blouse https://pixelnrd.tumblr.com/post/627474128995336192/gilded-ghosts-the-new-woman-a-late-1890s-mix

Alice Mutton Sleeve Dress https://linzlu.tumblr.com/post/664710584730812416/alice-mutton-sleeve-dress-for-the-first-1890s

Fur Hat by @lilis-palace https://lilis-palace.tumblr.com/post/672287848483913728/seasons-of-ladies-hats

Rather Ravishing Skirt with apron by @gilded-ghosts https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-woman-late-40862046

and probably more that I'm forgetting that are listed here https://amethystamanda.tumblr.com/post/750183396505976832/1890-samuels-and-fitzpatricks

If I still forgot something, and you want to know, send me an ask.

[bethanydelleman]

Have you done a chart on the age differences between siblings in Austen novels?

No I haven't! Welcome to...

Jane Austen Charted #21: Age Gaps Between Austen Siblings

So firstly, Jane Austen doesn't usually supply birthdates, we only know the Elliot family, Robert Martin, and Harriet Smith if I remember correctly, so all of these are estimates. It's possible that Kitty Bennet was born in November 1802 and Lydia January 1804 and that is still technically two years, though not 24 months.

However, still interesting how nicely spaced the children are in most families. I imagine people understood that having babies immediately after the other was bad for women's health. Also, breastfeeding was going through a renaissance among the upper class.

Some ages just aren't given, these are the families with enough data.

Northanger Abbey:

Sense & Sensibility:

Pride & Prejudice:

I find the age gap between the Darcys interesting. It's possible Lady Anne suffered a string of miscarriages.

Mansfield Park:

Math tells us Mrs. Price also had a stillborn or infant death, so she had 11 full term pregnancies in 14 years. 😬

Emma:

John's freaking age isn't given! Ga!

Persuasion:

Ahhhhhh, exact dates. Delightful.

Edit: A lovely human reminded me we know Eleanor Tilney's age, so that family is now added to the charts.

[doueverwonder]

Heam and I were discussing giving Zea a show where she just observes other nations like she's filming nature documentaries; when she gets to India and China's episode involves things such as

playing bluff and swearing at each other in sanskrit

arguing over the right way to prepare tea but agreeing how Zea does it Is Wrong

"when were you born, Eleanor?" "1840's" "oh my gosh INFANT"

"When I was a kid I didn't have fancy toys, I had a stick" "okay grandpa, you also didn't have half the domesticated animals"

they keep trying to give her Bits of Wisdom and she will not retain any of it

she asks them 3 separate times if they remember the wheel being invented. They keep avoiding the question.

lovely little segment called "Tai Chi vs. Yoga (i'm bad at both!!)"

basically she ends up interviewing them instead bc they're a little too boring to just Observe Them

Eli standing there with her little microphone "These two are proof dinosaurs once roamed the earth"

solid 30 min of complaining about English ppl

"are u guys dating" "no more questions" "i'll take that as 'its complicated'" "no" "too late"

"I spent the first three hours here bored out of my mind, and i'm leaving with two new great-great-great-great-great-grandparents, see you next week :)"

[mermaidsirennikita]

Historical fiction where one of the MC is a widow/widower?

Thanks

Oh, so many!

Elizabeth Hoyt:

The Raven Prince—Widow heroine and widower hero, she had a shitty husband and he had a wife who was disgusted by his hideous scars~ (from smallpox). One thing I like about this book is that she really isn't like... ashamed of her desires. She wants him, so she goes after him. In this case by wearing a mask and dressing up as a sex worker at his favorite brothel.

Scandalous Desires—Silence is a widow of the "my husband sucked and I'm very innocent because of Morality" persuasion... She's a Quaker, the hero is a river pirate, she's been raising his baby who he dumped at an orphanage and now he's demanding the baby back because his enemies may use her against him... So naturally, Silence goes WITH the baby. And gets seduced. And has her brains fucked out.

Thief of Shadows—Isabel is a jaded society widow who actually took lovers after her husband's death, gasp. She falls in love with virginal vigilante Winter Makepeace, who's also six years younger than her. This book has a refreshingly real approach to infertility, but beware, it is quite emotional, so if that's triggering for you maybe skip it.

Lord of Darkness—This one actually isn't one of my FAVORITE Hoyts, but a good Hoyt is still better than a lot of other people's "very good" books. The hero is a widower, the heroine is his second wife who he married due to a blackmail situation. She was pregnant by another man when they wed, and quickly miscarried, which results in them living apart for several years... Until she arrives, demanding a baby. Too bad Godric is a vigilante

Duke of Pleasure—The hero is a widower, but I'd be lying if I told you I remembered a ton about his marriage lol

Jennifer Ashley:

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie—Beth is a widow who loved her husband, which is one reason why she actually wants to start getting FUCKED again

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron—Cameron is a widower with a teenage son. His heroine is also a widow, though she didn't particularly love her husband. Cameron's wife was abusive and the book DOES get into that. It was intense. So keep an eye out.

The Duke's Perfect Wife—Hart Mackenzie is a widower who lost his wife and infant son when she was giving birth. He didn't super love his wife (the heroine is his fiancee who dumped him, which led to him getting married to another woman—he never got over Eleanor) but he's clearly very much traumatized by the loss of her and the baby.

Rules for a Proper Governess—The hero is a widower with two children, the heroine is his new governess. He very much loved his wife and the unresolved shit surrounding her death is a plot point.

S.M. LaViolette:

Selina—The hero is a widower. He and his wife had a shitty relationship, but her death and his guilt surrounding it (they were in a HORRIBLE carriage accident, which also left him blind) is a big deal.

Aurelia—The hero was twice-widowed. Neither marriage was super great, but the second is particularly wild because the heroine DIED getting attacked by a PANTHER while FUCKING HER LOVER LMAO. I mean. I gotta give points for that.

Joss and The Countess—Alicia is twice-widowed. Her first husband was kind, but her second was SUPER abusive, physically and sexually. Nothing on the page, but it's a big part of the plot, so be aware.

The Footman—Heroine is a widow, husband was very abusive, this is on the page in her memories.

Hyacinth—I believe the hero is a widower in this one, and the marriage was Tough Times.

The Music of Love—The heroine is a widow whose husband died MYSTERIOUSLY before she goes to take a position as a much teacher that he picked up just before he died

Grace Callaway:

The Duke Who Knew Too Much—Hero is a widower, the marriage wasn't great (a lot of Callaway widower heroes have shitty dead wives, which isn't my FAVORITE trope, but I'll put up with it for her)

M is for Marquess—The hero is a widower, and his wife was of the "your mild kinkiness is ungodly and I'm gonna make it everyone's problem" variety.

Olivia and the Masked Duke—Hero is a widower, heroine got him into some bad shit, it was a bad marriage all around

Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl—Hero is a widower who's sworn off love because of his rocky first marriage, then oops he gets married lol

Pippa and the Prince of Secrets—Heroine is a widow, shitty first husband, reunites with her childhood sweetheart

Her Protector's Pleasure—The heroine is a widow whose abusive husband separated her from her daughter; she enlists the hero to help her find the kid

Lorraine Heath:

When the Duke Was Wicked—Lovingdon is a great widower hero. He actually loved his wife, he lost her and their daughter at the same time, and he's so traumatized about it that he runs around fucking anything that moves... because he'll never love again. BUT WHAT IF HE DOES???

The Earl Takes All—Julia is a widow, but she doesn't know it, because this is GORILLA TWINS! and her husband's twin brother is pretending to be him to prevent her from losing her baby

The Duchess in His Bed—The heroine is a recent widow who enlists the hero to get her pregnant after her husband dies so that she can have his heir

Between the Devil and Desire—Olivia is a recent widow, and Jack is her son's new guardian who she HATES because he's a SCOUNDREL. One of my favorite books!

Julie Anne Long:

The Perils of Pleasure—The heroine lost her husband and child, who she loved, and is traumatized by it

Lady Derring Takes a Lover—Heroine is a widow with a cheating husband who starts running a boarding house with said dead husband's mistress

After Dark with the Duke—Frosty widower hero with a grown son who falls for a scandalous opera singer

What I Did for a Duke—Hero is a bitter widower who lost both his wife and their child

Lisa Kleypas:

Lady Sophia's Lover—Ross Cannon is a widower. It's been a while, but I believe he's of the "I loved my wife and shall never love again" variety

Cold-Hearted Rake—The heroine is a recent widow whose husband did not in fact have sex with her before she died, lol

Monica McCarty:

The Viper—The hero is of the "my evil wife" variety, and the heroine is of the "my shitty husband" variety

The Chief—The hero is a widower with two sons you NEVER SEEN ON THE PAGE LOL, he's pretty frosty

The Recruit—The heroine had a shitty husband who's turned her off of marriage, which is why (among other things) she's not particularly psyched to marry the hero after he gets her pregnant lol

A Rake's Guide to Seduction by Caroline Linden—The heroine is a widow whose marriage wasn't great. She's depressed, and the hero is her brother's best friend who realized he was interested in her just before she got engaged.

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian—Kit is a widower who loved his wife and child. He falls in love with Percy, a dandy who asks him to teach him how to rob his dad lmao... The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes also has a widow heroine... but in a rather unique way

An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera—The is an f/f romance, one of the heroines is a widow who had a unique relationship with her husband.

The Widow's Kiss by Jane Feather—The hero is a widower and the heroine is a widow who he begins to investigate after her FOURTH husband dies lol

The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham—The hero is a widower who also, I believe, lost his son.

The Earl's Mistress by Liz Carlyle—The hero is a widower who had a difficult relationship with his wife; he has a six year old daughter. The heroine is a widow whose husband was a dick. She's very innocent because he didn't give a fuck about her pleasure, but she's not a virgin.

In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint by Alexandra Vasti—Widower hero who's a bit kinky and a heroine who is vERY much interested in kink.

Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy—The heroine is a widow who hooks up with a guy in a random one night stand.... then it turns out that he's about to get engaged to her stepdaughter

A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant—The heroine is a widow who had a frigid relationship with her husband. She decides to save her financial situation by getting pregnant with his heir... even if that means enlisting a local loser. FAST.

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy Reid—Has a widowed heroine who enlists the fixer hero to help her find her son's missing governess

For My Lady's Heart by Laura Kinsale—The heroine had a good, if not romantic relationship with her husband. Now she's frosty and withholding.

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell—The heroine is a widow whose uptight, withholding husband left her feeling like she was less than. She falls for the hero, a trans man, on a WILD BICYCLE RACE!!!! And he sure does blow her mind...

What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston—The heroine is a widow who wakes up married to a lawyer in Scotland lol

The Harlot Countess by Joanna Shupe—The heroine is a widow who married out of necessity; now she's back in the orbit of the man she tangled with BEFORE that marriage

[mosneakers]

Normally accepting assistance from a stranger from a nearby town offering to come over and stay with you for a few days and help take care of your children because "infants can be a handful" (even though all 3 of your kids are well past the infant stage now) may be a bit unconventional, but Sawyer knows good and well if she were to ask any of the Darlings for babysitting help while she goes on a date with someone who is not Brick Darling, it would be a matter of time before said news reaches Brick Darling. And Sawyer just doesn't have time for Brick's temper, especially now that it's heightened by wolfiness. So, make yourself at home, Ms. Eleanor Sullivan :)