#Heat Furnace Market

[jjj-techs-inc-hvac-r]

Working on a Fujitsu mini-split Heat pump

[astrolovecosmos]

The Planets & Random or Obscure Associations

~Sun~

Creativity, vitality, head of state, the father, games, yellow and orange clothing, articles of value, jewelry, gold, brass, power, diamonds, citrine, topaz, jasper, amber, rhodochrosite, mistletoe, almonds, citrus, succulents, sunflowers, fevers, heart, back, spine, grapes, walnuts, rice, chamomile, frankincense, juniper, saffron, marigold, rosemary, rue, palaces, towers, luxury.

~Moon~

Eternal, cycles, silver, aluminum, pearls, moonstone, opal, selenite, chest, glands, lymphatic system, nervous system, emotions, mother, ancestors, nurture, rebirth, tides, baths, ocean, brew, boat, sap, willow trees, succulents, pale color plants, white flowers, cucumber, cabbage, lettuce, melons, shellfish, pumpkins, lakes, fountains, ports, fishponds, pools, springs, sewers, dairies, toys, reflection, blankets, objects of comfort.

~Mercury~

Communication, journal, pen/pencil, any writing tools, wings, phosphorous, mercury, agate, tiger's eye, brain, nervous system, eyes, respiration, thyroid, speech, hearing, intellect, vehicles, money, bills, paper, books, pictures, parties or social gatherings, scientific instruments, butterflies, messages, mail, hazel, mulberry, myrtle, seeds, aniseed, dill, fennel, lavender, liquorice, marjoram, parsley, valerian, hazelnuts, beans, mushrooms, pomegranates, carrots, celery, libraries, schools, markets, fairs, public spaces, tennis or badminton court, studies, banks, bowling greens, offices, blue, white, or light colored flowers.

~Venus~

Love, relating, lust, high-quality fabrics, copper, bronze, sodium, malachite, tourmaline, emerald, rose quartz, kunzite, sapphire, pastels, throat, kidneys, lumber region, art, music, aesthetics, social life, fashion, jewelry, wine, pleasure, alder tree, fruit trees, paint, ash tree, birch, pomegranates, early flowering, daisy, mint, marshmallow, meadowsweet, mugwort, plantain, tansy, roses, thyme, vervain, yarrow, potatoes, strawberries, wheat, sugar, nectarines, ballrooms, bedrooms, dining room, gardens, fountains, wardrobes, theaters, looking and feeling good.

~Mars~

Lust, conquest, desire, flaming sword, red things, fights, iron, brass, bloodstone, carnelian, cinnabar, pyrite, magnetite, ruby, garnet, hematite, muscles, reproductive organs, blood, kidneys, immunity, heat, action, arms, pepper, sharp instruments, cutlery, attacks, scissors, weapons, physical intimacy, bites, stings, scalds, burns, accidents, hawthorn, pine, thorns, cactus, aloes, anemone, arnica, belladonna, garlic, ginger, hops, mustard seed, nettles, wormwood, chives, onions, leeks, radish, rhubarb, tobacco, labs, furnaces, distilleries, bakehouses, ovens, smiths, butchers, fields, anger, passion, self-focus.

~Jupiter~

Expansion, optimism, religion, religious sites, tin, seduction, turquoise, chrysocolla, topaz, citrine, jasper, liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, sciatic nerve, excess, abundance, prophecy, philosophy, knowledge, universities, foreign travel, luggage, honey, oil, silk, fruit, distinct clothing, merchandise, horses, domestic birds, gambling, indulgence, entertainment, oak, dandelion, sage, endive, chervil, asparagus, figs, churches, temples, palaces, altars, courts, mansions, woods, orchards, winery, cornucopia, connecting with the soul.

~Saturn~

Limits, boundaries, father time, lord of death, shadows, lead, iron, steel, calcium, asbestos, sulphur, diamond, onyx, calcite, skeleton, spleen, skin, teeth, nails, joints, structure, crystallization, old age, blockage, anything dark, wool, heavy materials, agriculture, wheelbarrows, spades, farm houses and buildings, cold, laws, aspen, blackthorn, buckthorn, cypress, elm, toxic plants, hemlock, henbane, belladonna, hellebore, barley, beetroot, safflower, parsnips, spinach, deserts, woods, valleys, caves, church yards, ruins, coalpits, sinks, wells, mud, institutions.

~Uranus~

Eccentrics, mavericks, invention, genius, revolution, change, trends, disruptive science or tech, uranium, magnesium, lapis lazuli, sapphire, aquamarine, azurite, chalcedony, electricity, neon lights, plaid, nervous and circulatory system, pineal gland, chaos, violence, upheaval, astrology, steam engines, coal, machinery, coins, baths, fishponds, dangerous places, computers, magnets, quantum physics, research, welfare, humanity, hypnotherapy, railways, banks, gas, psychiatric hospitals, offices, hospitals, dispensaries, fortified places, chemicals, mingled/mingling, spirit and matter.

~Neptune~

Illusions, veils, diffuse, deception, water, oceans, mysticism, enlightenment, artistic pursuit and understanding, zinc, potassium, amethyst, fluorite, jade, sugilite, coral, aquamarine, pineal gland, lymphatic and nervous system, spine, mental processes, addiction, psychoses, disease, photography, music, substances, gas, religion, poetry, mimicry, chameleon, anesthetic, telepathy, empathy, dancing, psychic gifts, places near water, hospitals, places of healing, jeweler, painters, brewers, musicians, visionary.

~Pluto~

Power, influence, darkness, new life, what's hidden underneath, seeds, volcanoes, deep earth or ocean, bury, explosions, eruptions, abduction, plutonium, smoky quartz, obsidian, jet, pearl, deep reds, reproductive organs, the unconscious, nuclear, transformation, death, birth, rebirth, underworld, riches, earthquakes, big business, murder, detection, detective, invisibility, sneak, enforced change, hidden places, underground, drains, sewers, radioactive places, the occult, black magic, sacrifice, renew.

[haggishlyhagging]

“By 1900 child mortality was already declining—not because of anything the medical profession had accomplished, but because of general improvements in sanitation and nutrition. Meanwhile the birthrate had dropped to an average of about three and a half; women expected each baby to live and were already taking measures to prevent more than the desired number of pregnancies. From a strictly biological standpoint then, children were beginning to come into their own.

Economic changes too pushed the child into sudden prominence at the turn of the century. Those fabled, pre-industrial children who were "seen, but not heard," were, most of the time, hard at work—weeding, sewing, fetching water and kindling, feeding the animals, watching the baby. Today, a four-year-old who can tie his or her own shoes is impressive. In colonial times, four-year-old girls knitted stockings and mittens and could produce intricate embroidery; at age six they spun wool. A good, industrious little girl was called "Mrs." instead of "Miss" in appreciation of her contribution to the family economy: she was not, strictly speaking, a child.

But when production left the houschold, sweeping away the dozens of chores which had filled the child's day, childhood began to stand out as a distinct and fascinating phase of life. It was as if the late Victorian imagination, still unsettled by Darwin's apes, suddenly looked down and discovered, right at knee-level, the evolutionary missing link. Here was the pristine innocence which adult men romanticized, and of course, here, in miniature, was the future which today's adult men could not hope to enter in person. In the child lay the key to the control of human evolution. Its habits, its pastimes, its companions were no longer trivial matters, but issues of gravest importance to the entire species.

This sudden fascination with the child came at a time in American history when child abuse—in the most literal and physical sense—was becoming an institutional feature of the expanding industrial economy. Near the turn of the century, an estimated 2,250,000 American children under fifteen were full-time laborers—in coal mines, glass factories, textile mills, canning factories, in the cigar industry, and in the homes of the wealthy—in short, wherever cheap and docile labor could be used. There can be no comparison between the conditions of work for a farm child (who was also in most cases a beloved family member) and the conditions of work for industrial child laborers. Four-year-olds worked sixteen-hour days sorting beads or rolling cigars in New York City tenements; five-year-old girls worked the night shift in southern cotton mills.

So long as enough girls can be kept working, and only a few of them faint, the mills are kept going; but when faintings are so many and so frequent that it does not pay to keep going, the mills are closed.

These children grew up hunched and rickety, sometimes blinded by fine work or the intense heat of furnaces, lungs ruined by coal dust or cotton dust—when they grew up at all. Not for them the "century of the child," or childhood in any form:

The golf links lie so near the mill

That almost every day

The laboring children can look out

And see the men at play.

Child labor had its ideological defenders: educational philosophers who extolled the lessons of factory discipline, the Catholic hierarchy which argued that it was a father's patriarchal right to dispose of his children's labor, and of course the mill owners themselves. But for the reform-oriented, middle-class citizen the spectacle of machines tearing at baby flesh, of factories sucking in files of hunched-over children each morning, inspired not only public indignation, but a kind of personal horror. Here was the ultimate "rationalization" contained in the logic of the Market: all members of the family reduced alike to wage slavery, all human relations, including the most ancient and intimate, dissolved in the cash nexus. Who could refute the logic of it? There was no rationale (within the terms of the Market) for supporting idle, dependent children. There were no ties of economic self-interest to preserve the family. Child labor represented a long step toward that ultimate "anti-utopia" which always seemed to be germinating in capitalist development: a world engorged by the Market, a world without love.”

-Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English, For Her Own Good: 150 Years of the Experts’ Advice to Women

[soft-mafia]

When We Were Young [Buggy x Reader] pt. 2

Pt. 1

warnings: fem reader, oc insert, sexual tension, nsfw, Buggy’s inexperienced, slightly dom reader

a/n: I decided that I kind of want to make this into a series oops(also does anybody know what episode this screencap is from please tell me please thank yuuuu)

“Shit, it’s freezing.” Buggy grumbled, huddling himself under the blankets.

“You don’t like the cold?” Y/n smirked softly, looking over at Buggy.

The uncomfortable temperature didn’t help with the uncomfortable feeling of having to share a bed. Apparently the lodge they stayed at only had one bedroom rooms; despite the reasonable distance they put between themselves, it was still awkward nonetheless.

As the night continued on, the cold didn't seem to let up, neither of them couldn’t get any shut eye at this rate. Buggy squeezed his eyes shut and swallowed harshly, “I don’t understand how you can stand this…” he grumbled, “What the hell is up with this place?! It was fine when the sun set!”

“You wouldn’t last a day in my hometown.” Y/n teased him. She then turned on her side, facing him as she watched him huddled up in a shivering ball. Hesitating a bit, she averted her gaze, “Buggy… if you’re really cold, we could huddle up together.” She said softly, “I’ve heard it helps.”

Buggy lifted his head, “What, like- snuggle?”

His words brought a blush to Y/n’s face, to which she hid it in the blankets, “Yeah, yeah. Something like that-” but before she knew it, Buggy was already clinging to her, trying to suck out all of her body heat. The way Buggy’s arms felt around her, and how he buried his face into the crook of her neck, dangerously close to her chest so naturally— her entire face went red and her heart pounded. Wrapping her arms around Buggy, she gently rubbed his back, trying to give him warmth from the friction.

“Damn, you’re just as cold.” Buggy hissed, “But this is kinda nice…” he spoke into her neck, sending a chill through her body. His voice could be so deep and gruff at times, Y/n could listen to him talk for hours(she had), and never get bored.

They nestled into each other, and as the day eventually rolled in, the cold spell finally passed. Y/n and Buggy were still cuddled up with each other, arms around each other, sleeping peacefully. Buggy was naturally warm, now that the temperature was slightly reasonable, he felt like a human furnace, he was like a weighted blanket that comforted Y/n.

She was the first to wake up, she looked down at Buggy who was snoring, still clinging to her like a koala. Y/n couldn’t help but smile at this, and when slowly brought her hand up to stroke his hair, he let out a snort, then groaned. Buggy slowly woke up, pulling away and sitting up to let out a loud yawn. Slightly disappointed, Y/n sat up as well.

“That was the best sleep I’ve had since… I, uh… don’t know.” Buggy grumbled, scratching his lower back, “Damn I’m hungry… When's the last time we ate?”

“Two days ago.” Y/n mumbled, “We need to get food at some point.”

“With what money?” Buggy scoffed, “Berries just don’t grow on trees y’know.”

“Well, you’re a pirate right? There’s a market downtown. Just take whatever you want.” Y/n suggested so casually as she stretched her body out. She felt a bit muggy and sticky due to being out on sea for the past few days without a good shower, she didn’t know how Buggy could stand it— but then again he didn’t exactly smell like roses.

Buggy stammered, then turned to look at Y/n, “Are you- are you asking me to rob these people?! Hell no!!” He exclaimed, rushing over to stand in front of her, “I can’t just— steal from civilians!!”

“Why not? I thought the whole thing about pirates was pillaging.” Y/n crossed her arms, looking up at him. Buggy gulped and looked to the side, “Yeah…! But not from normal people.” He thought back to his old captain, one of his main rules was to never provoke innocents, Buggy never saw a reason to antagonize normal civilians, all he wanted was treasure and a good time after all.

“Then how do you suggest we get food? It’s not gonna magically appear in front of you.” Y/n shook her head and then rolled her eyes, “Whatever, you think about it, I need to take a shower.” She grabbed her clothes and walked into the room’s bathroom, hoping they at least had decent water pressure.

Buggy let out a shaky sigh, then dug into his pockets to see if he had a decent amount of berry. Two berries and some pocket lint, not nearly enough to get him a bite to eat. He then thought about Y/n’s suggestion, but he couldn’t— it was such a juvenile thing to do, and morally wrong, Captain Roger would never tell him to do something like that, but was Buggy that desperate? The empty pit in his stomach pointed to yes. He sighed and sat at the end of the bed, Y/n told him to think about it, so he decided to think. Y/n had been running around long before they had met each other, and the suggestion to just steal came so naturally out of those soft, plump lips of hers—

She had to have done something like that before, right? Buggy swallowed, Well, there wouldn’t be any harm on my conscience if I just let her take some food for me… I wouldn’t be the one doing it. He groaned, holding his head in his hands as he weighed his morality.

Buggy was sprawled out all over the bed once Y/n was finished with her shower, literally, his arms and legs strewn about, all jumbled up into pieces as he was deep in thought. His face was buried into one of the uncomfortably hard pillows. Y/n grabbed one of his stray arms and tossed it at the back of his head, making him grunt and roll over on his cheek, “Ow!!” He grumbled.

“So what are we doing, Captain?” Y/n asked, using the title a bit mockingly as she stood there with a towel wrapped around her body. Buggy spoke as he quickly put himself back together again, “Assuming that you’ve stolen things before, I’m ordering you to stock up on food.” Y/n slowly raised her head up to meet his gaze as he put himself together, standing on top of the bed looking down at her.

“Too scared to do it yourself? It would raise your bounty y’know?” Y/n tilted her head to the side.

“Stealing food does nothing for my reputation!” Buggy growled and shook his head, “That’s not piriating, it’s thievery, two entirely different things.”

Y/n let out a sigh and turned to where her back was facing him. To Buggy’s surprise, she just let the towel drop, using it to dry her hair. His eyes were glued to her backside, he almost forgot to actually listen to her when she began to speak.

“Fine, I’ll get us stuff to keep us going for the next few days.” Y/n stated, “What about getting a ship? You got any ideas for that?”

Buggy gulped, “That’s… something I’m still trying to figure out. That part isn’t gonna be easy.”

Buggy stood waiting around the corner anxiously, he paced around, scrunching his beanie in his hands. Dammit… I should’ve gone in with her. How long has it been?! Did I make a mistake?! Suddenly, his arm was being tugged aggressively, popping off of his body to which he had to run to keep up with it. His eyes widened and he lost his train of thought.

“C’mon! We gotta head back to the boat!!” Y/n shouted, holding a huge sack filled with food. Buggy’s mind was still blank, but then he let out a loud shriek when he saw a mob of angry citizens chasing after them, “ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!!!” He picked up the pace, both of them rushing to the dock. Buggy’s gaze suddenly flashed to one of the ships parked in the harbor, and in the heat of the moment, he got an idea.

Buggy grabbed Y/n’s arm and began dragging her this time, “On that ship!!!” He shouted. There wasn’t time for any questions, so Y/n just went along with it. Y/n knocked over an apple cart to keep the angry citizens at bay and give them a reasonable amount of time to get up onto the ship, lift up the anchor, and have Buggy rush to the helm to get them out of there.

They were both panting heavily at that point, but after a while of breathy silence, and when they finally made it out on open water, Buggy let out an exasperated laugh, “We got a ship!!” He said gleefully, before his upper body collapsed on the wheel.

Y/n was leaning over the side of the ship, panting heavily before lifting her head up, “Holy fuck.”

Buggy stood up again and bounded towards Y/n, attacking her with a hug that knocked her over, “We got a ship!!” He said again, more excitedly.

“Now all we need is five chefs, a stuntman, trapeze artists, and people who can jump through flaming hoops.” Buggy said, the night sky beginning to settle in as he stuffed his face with ham, “Oh! And a cool animal to keep around on deck.”

Y/n was drinking from a bottle of wine, “Woah, calm down. Do you want to run a pirate ship or a circus?”

“Don’t question my vision.” Buggy beamed, then looked around at the ship, “This old thing needs a few tweaks too… it has to be flashy. We can stop somewhere and give it a paint job or something, and new sails.”

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Y/n couldn’t help but admire Buggy. She already did, but the way they were sitting across from each other, eating so close together with a single lantern lighting the area around them seemed so intimate. From the moment she met him she fell for his charms, he had a way about him that could attract anybody even if it wasn’t intentional. Y/n thought he was adorable, and he never treated her any less just because she was a woman. She remembered when she offered to be his doctor, expecting him to burst out in laughter and preparing to prove herself— he nearly exploded with joy and accepted her instantly.

Y/n had already gotten used to how this world treated women compared to her country, but Buggy was like a breath of fresh air, he reminded her of home.

She wasn’t thinking when she set down the bottle of wine and slowly crawled over to him, bridging the gap between them with her body. His eyes widened slightly but he didn’t protest, his words coming to a quiet halt as their lips were inches from each other. Tilting her head slightly so his nose wouldn’t get in the way and ruin the moment, they connected their lips together. Y/n crawled on top of him, their bodies pressed against each other.

Buggy’s hands instantly explored her body, so eager as if he had been dying to do it ever since he first laid eyes on her. His hands were strong from years of working out at sea. Y/n let out a soft moan into their heated kiss as his hands squeezed her ass through her pants.

This wasn’t the best way to have sex, on the wooden floor of an unswept deck, but right now that wasn’t on either of their minds. Y/n straddled him and took her top off, he blinked softly as she exposed her breasts to him. His eyes were wider than they had ever been in his life— he didn’t want to admit it right now but this was the first time he had ever seen a woman topless before, in person at least. But this wasn’t like the dirty magazines he had read before, this was real life.

“Damn…” he whispered, swallowing softly, hands rubbing up and down her waist, eyes fixated on her chest as if his gaze was glued there. Y/n couldn’t help but chuckle and lean back down and kissed him on his lips again, “Have you done this before?” She whispered.

“Hav-Have you?!” Buggy gulped, looking up at her with wide eyes. Of course he could tell that she was way more experienced than she was in the relations area, but thinking of her being with other men made him feel… jealousy. That frustration was sent flowing straight down to his cock, painfully hard in his boxers and all he wanted to do was get that frustration out. Y/n only chuckled and held Buggy’s face, stroking his jawline as she rose herself back up again.

She put her hands on his knees and slowly began to grind on the crotch of his pants, feeling him get harder as she continued to grind, “I’ll be gentle with you, just this once.”

Buggy let out a low groan, his hands still on her waist, watching the hypnotic movements of her hips. He thought he was about to die right here, but honestly if he died like this he wouldn’t be complaining, “T-Take off your pants.” Buggy said through soft groans.

“Oh?” Y/n purred, “Demanding.” Nevertheless, she slowly slipped off her leggings and tossed them to the side. Buggy’s jaw clenched when he saw her underwear, it clung to her body nicely and that small piece of garment was enough to drive Buggy even more mad. He quickly moved his hand down and unbuckled his belt, unzipping his pants and fishing out his cock. Holding it by the base, he rubbed it against Y/n’s crotch. She tilted her head back and let out a soft moan, then looked back down. His cock was thick, hard and twitchy, he had a thick bush of pubic hair that fuzzed out into that trail leading up to his belly button.

She had to admit, when she first met him she wondered what that little trail led to.

“You’re huge. You’re gonna destroy me.” She said, biting her lip. A smirk pulled at Buggy’s lip and his cocked throbbed just hearing that— damn that was hot. “Yeah? That’ll remind you who you belong to.” Buggy growled under his breath, before taking his cock and dragging it across the wet base of Y/n’s panties. He moved the garments to the side with his cock head before rubbing her clit.

Y/n gripped Buggy’s knees, her body beginning to tremble, “Buggy…”

“Y/n.” Buggy’s breath got caught in his throat, he then moved his cock around some more, his mouth hung open as he didn’t really know what to do now. He didn’t think he would’ve actually gotten this far… “Hey, uh…” he croaked out.

Y/n looked down at him, he expected her to laugh at him, being so pathetic that he couldn’t even stick his dick in her— but she looked at him with a loving gaze, “Need help?” She asked him, to which he nodded slowly. Seductively sliding her hand down her body from her breasts, to Buggy’s cock, she guided him to her entrance. Y/n let out a soft shiver as his head spread her pussy, she gripped onto his knee, shaking lightly as she sunk down deeper onto his cock.

Buggy’s breath hitched, teeth grit as he leaned his head back on the deck. He let out a quiet pant as she squeezed around him like a vice. They both were letting out soft moans, groans and breaths. Buggy squeezed her hips tightly, adding onto the pressure she was feeling. Y/n moved her hand to rest over one of his, then guided his thumb to her clit, “Remember to rub here and I’ll be yours forever.” She said before leaning down, taking his lips into hers once more, trembling and moaning as he rubbed her clit.

Y/n began to lift her hips up and down, riding him. His free hand made sure to explore her body, rubbing up her skin before coming up to hold the back of her neck, keeping her lips next to his. They breathed into each other’s mouths while her movements got faster.

Buggy bucked his hips up into her on impulse, it felt so good. He never thought he would ever be with a woman like this. Usually all of the girls flocked to Shanks like seagulls, and they would all laugh at him. He was always the ugly guy who only got asked out as a joke or a dare. But he was having sex, with a woman he thought was way out of his league. It was too good to be true.

“Buggy…” Y/n moaned out, looking at him with tears of pleasure in her eyes, “You’re massive.” She moaned, burying her face in his neck, inhaling his sweat and musk made her shiver and let out a soft breath.

Eventually Buggy rolled over on his side, holding Y/n’s leg up and thrusting up into her while smushing their lips together in quite a sloppy manner. She grasped at him, moaned and shivered underneath him; it was amazing, the best thing he had ever felt in his life. She felt delicate in his arms, he could hold her like this forever if he could.

Buggy held onto her tightly when he came, he groaned and spilled his seed into her, his eyes squeezed shut, breath caught in his throat. This was so much better than rubbing one out into his hand or a crusty rag— this was the release he needed. Y/n climaxed not too long after and clung to him, falling in and out of sleep. Buggy held her close to him, kissing her lips again, then her cheeks. He was about to say something, lovingly whispering into her ear but then his eyes glanced off to the side— Y/n’s bottle of wine, half empty.

Of course, she had to have been drunk. Nobody in their sober mind would sleep with someone like him.

Buggy furrowed his brows and kept silent, though he couldn’t stand to let Y/n go, so they stayed like that until they both went to sleep, still buried deep inside of her.

[thekiltongrammarwriter]

Jealousy of Mine

pairing; Cc walker x nerd fem reader

summary; Forgiveness. Never an easy topic, and never an easy decision to make. CC used to joke that forgiveness was just one of those things that people talk about to make them sound like a god like they had something so hard they deserved a trophy or some sort of accolade. Cc liked to think she was smart, not nearly as smart as her peers, but she probably should have known what had happened at the party wasn't going to magically disappear any time soon. Cc had a habit of treating events like these with the least amount of importance, which irked her family to no end and you as well.

words: 7k+

Warnings; Green-eyed Cc walker, confrontation, angst with fluff, sexual tension, 18+ content, smut, Cc walker being the cutest person on earth.

The music was almost too overbearing was what flew into CC's thoughts as she stood next to a few of her teammates, who had thankfully taken her aside and began to talk preparation about the next game that was against the high school ravens. It was a big game with a lot to ride on, and it wouldn't be exaggerating to say that was what had been running in CC's mind all week. Constant prepping, much to your annoyance.

Cc found her eyes wandering as she thought of you, a smile forming on her face at just the thought of you and your perfect smile. The way it was so sweet and radiated warmth. An Angel sent from heaven just for her. Her eyes met the large crowd and she couldn't help the deep twinge that littered her stomach as she caught sight of the sea of multitudes. Bright almost flashing lights met her eyes and she quickly excused herself. She had left you earlier with Wyatt as you both had gotten way too involved in nerd talk. As much as CC loved you she would rather barf than talk about Pokémon and how they almost crashed the stock market.

She had whispered she'd be back into your ear and you had nodded, all eager eyes focused on one of Wyatt's friends as he produced a pack of Pokémon cards, all freshly new. Needless to say, all you had done was kiss her cheek distractedly had and turned back to the group. "Oh come on James I just want one look!" Cc could hear your voice even as she began her walk through the crowds. Her nerdy girl, she almost chuckled at how cute you were. With your secret stash of Pokémon cards and English country novels.

After Cc's much-needed conversation with her teammates, head filled with soccer strategies her eyes moved to seek you out.

After Cc makes it through the sea of teenagers back to the small group of nerds she left you her face crumples as she eyes Wyatt who seems to seek his sister's eyes, his shoulders moving as he seems to point to the bathroom, pointing at his watch and signaling the number 10. 10 minutes. You had been gone 10 minutes. Cc inwardly cursed at her brother, of course, he wouldn't think to check on you. After all as special as Wyatt was, he was still a boy. A boy with no knowledge of high school parties.

CC's blonde brows crease, eying the hall full of young girls waiting in line for the bathroom, all with red cups filled with reeking alcohol. Cc can't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as she makes her way. You usually don't go to bathroom at parties, part of your rules you had set for yourself, you didn't like being by yourself, much less in a bathroom with girls who now would eye you with envious eyes as you walked down the hall, CC's arm draped over your shoulders.

It was no surprise that you were no longer need to most of the student body, now you were CC walker's girl, everyone knew that. And it didn't exactly cause friendliness affection. Cc moved through the crowds, feeling like furnace from the way heat of the people around her.

She managed to make it the door, knocking on it before asking loudly over the nauseating music. "Y/n? Sweet pea are you in there?"

It was Jessica who spoke from beside her, Jessica was a friend of yours from debate club, she creased her brows, surprised at CC. "Y/n said she was going to find you about five minutes ago? She went that way" Jessica pointed torwards the back yard. Cc sighed, getting even more restless as she had not laid eyes on you for more than twenty minutes and she could practically feel her protective instinct kick in.

Once out back Cc eyed every girl, and it was only when she felt Wyatt behind her, eyes looking for the same person. "Have you found her yet? It's not like y/n to be without either of us" Wyatt spoke, his own anxiety bouncing of him in waves.

It was only when Wyatt spoke that she followed to where his fingers pointed. And it was then that CC could feel her heart beat normally again as she caught sight of you. Only as soon as her smile came it was gone

You were sitting with Josephine March, looking a bit nervous. Cc had known Josephine since kindergarten, even pre-school. And even pre-school CC Walker had never quite gotten along with Josephine. She was sly, and spoiled to no end, and even now it took all of CC to even be on the same team with her.

The amount of times CC would finish practice with a bad taste in her mouth solely from Josephine had been enough to stop counting on one hand alone. Even recently Josephine had been treating CC like the scum on the bottom of her shoe, with too many saccharine smiles and backhanded remarks.

Now to see you sitting so close to her arch enemy it made her skin crawl and a feeling so vile take over her veins. "Why is she sitting with Josephine?" She practically gritted out, feeling her nostrils rise and her knuckles flex. Wyatt sensing his sisters discomfort only nodded, "I'm sure it's nothing. She probably couldn't find any of us and decided to go with someone she knew"

Cc chuckled sardonically at Wyatt's response, like you would ever intentionally go with Josephine march. You had been nice enough, kind enough to greet her when you met CC after practice, but you would never talk long enough to have a full conversation. Josphine probably didn't even know anything about you, other than you were the cutest person under the son, with your cheery attitude and lovely doe eyes.

Cc would be lying if she said she hadn't caught the way Josephine would eye you in the halls, her grey eyes would trail over you, like some sick pervy boy with no sense of decorum. Cc had seen the way Josphine would act around girls she found pretty, she would put on a facade, all false smiles and giggly laughs. All soft finger trailing over their arms. It made her sick, nauseous to death.

And now you were her victim. Yeah like hell you were. Cc eyed you, could tell that you were nervous, you were tapping your fingers anxiously over your red rimmed cup, which only caused CC even more concern. Last she left you had no drink in hand, and just the thought that Josphine had probably handed it to you with a soft smile and a charming, "oh it's no bother for a cute girl like you" had her walking past all the bodies across the yard. Wyatt's voice behind her, "CC wait!!"

It was like all of CC's sense were aimed at you, she could see the way your eyes skimmed the crowd, looking for her no doubt, anxiety laced in your eyes, but you were to kind to tear your eyes away from Josephine, and that was ok. Because CC would do the talking for you.

As soon as CC was near your eyes caught hers and your lip's upturned, your smile so wide and relief filling your eyes. Cc schooled her expression, seeing Josphine's obvious disdain when she caught sight her. Her pretty girl facade was out the door as quickly as it came.

"Where've you been pretty girl? I've been looking all over for you, you had me pretty worried" CC spoke, and she her body instantly calmed as you walked into her waiting arms, lip's immediately searching for her lips.

After a few kisses that made Josphine roll her eyes and gag you let go, "I was trying to find you but i got so lost that Josphine offered to sit out here while the party died down. She figured you would eventually come looking for me".

The words soured in CC's stomach. Just the way you had said it, all smiles, even sending Josephine your signature grateful smile, she had actually helped you, like she had saved you in some way.

"Oh it was no trouble CC" Josephine spoke, winking at you, "it was a pleasure to sit and talk a while with your special girl. She's as sweet as a button".

Cc could feel her lips twitch even as the words flew out of Josphine's mouth. She moved to press a secure kiss to your forehead, making sure to eye Josphine in the eyes, make her see the way her stern blue eyes were holding so much more than friendly banter. "Oh yes, my perfect pretty girl. She's one of a kind isn't she" she spoke.

Josephine only chuckled at that, like somehow through it all she had won something, like she had bested CC without her knowing. And it irked CC to no end.

"I'm going to find Wyatt, he looks a bit anxious" you spoke, eyes trailing to the boy who stood a few feet behind, worry laced in his eyes. Cc didn't acknowledge it, watching as you walked over to Wyatt, worry in your face as you began speaking to him. Now it was just CC and Josephine. Gone was the friendless that you brought with you.

Cc eyed Josphine with cold eyes, her brows creased and anger wafting out of her pours. "Stay away from my girlfriend Jo" she spoke, hoping the words would keep her steady.

The girl only eyed her, getting up and walking, almost menacingly, until she was flush against her, face to face. Blue eyes meeting cold greys.

"Have you ever thought that maybe it was your girlfriend who found me? Poor thing was so lost and looked so in need help, so I did what any gentlewoman would do, I helped her. Slayed her dragon that was causing her such despair, why? Because her girlfriend left her in a sea of people. Besides, I think she quite likes me. A few kind words and a couple stories about my humanitarian work and she was all over me".

Cc could feel her anger vibrating of her, just the way Josphine was so coy about it. She knew you well enough to know how good hearted you were, how optimistic and positive you tended to be. She used that to her as advantage. "She's got a kind heart. I see why you like her. Makes me wonder if she'd be the kind to cater to your needs." At this Josphine made direct eye contact with the blonde.

"Does she? Cater to your needs Walker? Is she a submissive little bitch?" It was said with such malice that CC could feel her chest erupt with rage and before she could advance any more forward she was pulled back roughly.

She was met with Wyatt, his calm words holding the rage at bay. "She's not worth it CC. Let it go. I sent y/n to go get the car. She doesn't need to see you like this. You'd be thrown off the team. Just think about it, the captain of the girls team causing a fight with one of her team mates?"

Wyatt's grip was hard on CC's jacket, almost like he knew just how much cc wanted to jump on top of the girl and give her a good black eye. After all Cc had given him one, on accident. She was incredibly strong for such a small girl. Holding in so much strength.

"You should really listen to your puny brother Walker" Josephine chided.

From her peripheral vision she could see Wyatt's face crumble, and maybe it was the way she knew only she could ever really understand her brother. For years he had been picked on, ruthlessly, relentlessly, cruelly. And for years CC had done nothing about it, had let him fight his own battles. But here he was, with his hands on hers, ready to help her, to save her. Well that was the last time anybody would ever cross a Walker.

"What did you call my brother?" CC growled out, blue eyes cold and frostbitten, words said between growls of pearly teeth.

Josephine only chuckled sardonically, a mini devil in the making, before using her index finger to pointedly tap roughly against CC's sweater, purposefully egging her on, practically begging her to make a move. Cc waited to hear that tiny bit of her consciousness, begging for her attention. Begging her to step away and remain the victor. Or perhaps maybe even her mothers voice, "CC we do not attack others!". But she couldn't hear it, no matter how much she wanted to. Josphine and crossed the line. First assaulting you in the most grotesque manner, and then making a pass at her brother.

For the first time since pre-school when Josphine March has purposely stole her pop rocks after lunch and proceeded to make her watch, unashamedly letting the candy pop CC Walker threw Wyatt's hand off her, before slapping Josphine match so hard across her face it ricocheted.

In hind sight CC should have known that everybody would be watching. Everybody. From the lowest of the food chain to the quarter backs of the school. All watching as Josephine let out a screech and held her now aching and bloodied nose, yelping and calling out like god himself had insulted her. "My nose is broken! Cc Walker broke my nose!" She squealed out. Cc felt her whole body go numb as realization hit her.

Everybody's voices weee loud, some of them congratulating her and others looking at the girl with wide set eyes, like they just couldn't believe that CC Walker could do that. Cc Walker remained still, eyes still set in shock. The party was far from reaching her ears, she thought of your face, how disappointed you would be. She thought of her mom, of her dad's disapproving stare. Suddenly Wyatt was by her side now, taking his sisters shoulders in his hand, worry in his eyes, "cc are you okay? Look we've got to go! Come on!" Right as he was dragging her away from the middle of the large crowd CC watched as you came in view, eyebrows creased and taking in the scene. It was obvious you had pieced it together; that or the fact that CC's right hand was bruised and red.

"Cc what the hell did you just do?" You managed to get out, and in a surprise turn of events you made your way to Josphine, bending down and asking her if she was ok, with those kind eyes. Well that just the icing on the cake.

"Are you fucking kidding me!" Cc spat, still being pulled away by Wyatt. "She doesn't know what she said cc! Come one let's get to the car and y/n will follow".

It was all a blurry haze as Cc was thrown into the truck and Wyatt finished the keys anxiously from his Pocket, his eyes filled with worry and confusion. "Cc do you just realize what you did!! I'm not mad at you for hitting her, she deserved it. But-" he grimaced, eyes meeting his sisters, her full blues beginning to water.

"You could have really hurt her CC" he seethed.

Cc could feel her emotions running rampant as she began to think back to your face, how confused and scared you had seemed upon eying her. Damn she had made a mistake. It was only then that the back door opened and you made your way inside, eyes distant and confused. Your voice soft yet rough. Almost as if you weren't quite sure to ask what had just happened.

"She's fine. Her brothers taking her to the hospital." You spoke, mostly making eye contact with Wyatt, who nodded eagerly, CC in the front seat with her knees to her chest and blue eyes red rimmed, like a child awaiting a consequence from her parents.

"They're not pressing charges are they?" Wyatt spoke, and CC could feel her heart still. She had never thought about that. Hell the Marches were loaded, they could press charges, end her soccer career in one choice.

It was your words that calmed her, "luckily I was able to convince them not to.".

Cc let out a soft laugh, of course you would still be saving her.

Wyatt nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Let's just get out of here." With that Wyatt pulled the car out of the driveway, the rest of the ride filled with nothing but breathing and quiet thoughts.

"You want to drop me of at home? That way you can take your girl home?" Wyatt spoke softly to his sister, who thankfully was looking more angry than scared.

"Yeah...yeah thanks Wy" cc spoke, giving her brother a thankful nod.

You remained quiet throughout the drive, almost like you were trying to piece together what could have happened to make your girlfriend that mad. You had known cc Walker to know that she wasn't so anger infused. You watched as CC remained motionless, blue red rimmed eyes taking in the night through the window, the wind whipping her blonde hair as the car drove.

Your heart suddenly felt conflicted. She was your girlfriend, and you trusted her with all your heart. Cc would never have done it without a fair reason.

The car ride was short and once at the walkers house Wyatt made his way out, moving to whisper something in his sisters ear before moving to press a kiss to her forehead, a sight that you weren't use to. Cc Walker was forever ruthless with her brother, Constantly making fun of him and belittling him, of course as lovingly as a sister could. but now you could see just how much CC Walker needed her brother.

Wyatt waved to you, saying goodnight before departing into the house.

You watched as CC moved to the drivers seat, remaining stoic and quiet, blue eyes moving to you, then the front seat beside her. "Aren't you going to sit? I don't bite" she playfully remarked. Only you didn't laugh, you couldn't find it in you too. Not when CC had chosen such a poor choice.

You remained quiet but chose to sit next to the girl, who looked relived that you did.

You didn't talk till you reached your house, the lights still off and your fathers truck out of sight. Leaving you to believe he was still out with his buddies. Cc turned you, hands still placed firmly on the wheel, blue eyes piercing holes into you. She looked almost annoyed, "Aren't you going to ask me what happened? Don't you want to know why I did why I did?"she was almost pleading with you.

It hurt you to even eye her red rimmed eyes. You could tell she was hurting. "I don't want to know CC" you let out, sighing and turning to her, a soft smile on your lips. "I really don't. I'm sure you had some justified reason" you mumbled out. Cc caught the implication, her blue eyes standing to attention, "and what does that mean? You think I didn't have a justifiable reason to sock her in the face?"

You blew out through your mouth, "cc can we talk tomorrow? I'm really tired and I would like to talk with you about this tomorrow-" you were about to tug open the door when CC's hand stopped yours, holding tightly.

"No! You don't get to leave! Because I did it for you!! I protected you like no one else does and you give me this!"

Cc was clutching into you fast, a look you've never seen on her face before. It was a wild type of look, a wild and rabid one. Like she was fighting some insane demons.

"You punched her for me? Oh really?? Cc!! Wake up!! You should know that you could have gone to jail! You could have gotten booked and had that on your permanent records!! Look-Cc-honey, I am glad that you felt the need to protect me. I truly am. But I am not happy nor do I condone the act of violence. I just don't-" and with that you got out of the car, leaving CC behind. You fished your keys out of your pockets, trying to find your house key. But it was then that you heard footsteps behind you. Frantic and loud.

"She called you a bitch! She made it seem like you were nothing but a piece of meat! Some slut that I date! But you aren't! You're my girlfriend and I love you! So I hit her! And I'm sorry it doesn't sit well with you but I did what I thought was right! After all you looked cozy with her when I saw you guys sitting there. You even let her get you a drink".

You hesitated, turning to CC, whose face was set in anger; her jaw slick and her nose flared.

You laughed sardonically, "so now you're pinning this on me?? Cc!! This stupid childish grudge you have toward Josephine needs to stop!! She was just helping me, I didn't even ask for the drink she gave one to me, and for the records do you think I am dumb enough that I would even drink it!"

Turning back to your door it was CC's words that made you halt.

"Yeah I think you are".

Hurt washed over you, you immediately met the blondes gaze. Her eyes cold and seeming to look you over, eying your lips and your cold cheeks that had become flushed from the cold.

"I think you are dumb if you can't even comprehend that what I did was out of love"

It was obvious that you both were not going to make any progress tonight.

"You think I was going to let her bad mouth you like that? Call you a slut? Ask how good you are in bed? Ask if you would eat her out? You think I would EVER let anyone else think about you like that?" Cc was close now, backing you against the door, her lips so close.

You could feel your heart race in your chest at how close she was, enough that you could count the flecks of blue in her Irises. Her breathe was tumbling out now, eying your soft skin beneath your neck, CC's lips aching to press against the skin and feel your pulse point beneath.

Cc remained confident as she eyed you, watching as you squirmed beneath her, her lips quirked up, "look at you, all pretty and all for me. I would never let anyone think of you the way she did...but me..." CC's eyes remained the same frost color blue, dialated and eying her with new hungry eyes.

"You wouldn't mind if I stayed a while would you? Helped you get ready for bed? Made sure the house was locked? Maybe tuck you in play with you under the sheets until I feel how soaked you are for me?".

You couldn't speak. Much less think of anything else but CC walked in your bed, touching you, panting on top of you like some wanton girl desperate for even an inch of you.

You only nodded.

Cc tutted her tongue, moving to rub beneath your jaw, her eyes watching your lips with such intensity it made your heart race and a second heart beat begin to pound underneath your jeans.

"I need words princess" she cooed, "do you want me to come in y/n? Do you want me to tuck you in all nice and pretty? Do you want me to make you a mess? My mess?"

You could feel your strength dissolving minute by minute, second by second, even as CC's fingers began to softly fall beneath your jeans, grabbing your waist and letting her fingers roam beneath your hot skin. Just the sensation alone was enough to cause you to blurt out, "fuck Cc please take me inside".

CC's eyes widened at the outburst. Her confident persona being lost for a second, you never swore. You were always sweet and kind, believed that that language was a way to express yourself rather than demean yourself.

"What?" She let out.

You were to far gone to even think about how whiny you just have looked, "CC take me inside and fuck me" you whined.

Cc stayed quiet for a moment before you reached for your keys, fumbling with them and opening the door and pulling CC in. Almost tripping on the dog bowls that laid near the entrance.

Cc caught you, her arms wrapping protectively over you. She was about to laugh when you shoved her so hard against the door, pounding on her and pulling her by her sweater, your lips immediately on hers, hands moving to grab her cheeks and run your fingers through her sweat soaked hair.

You could feel every sensation of CC's lips, even as CC remained still, careful not to touch you. As much as she loved okaying the confident girlfriend that was as far had her part would go. It was all up to you now.

You began to trail your lips against her jaw, down her neck, letting your tongue trace her hot skin and flick her ear, kissing it until CC began to let out soft gasps.

Your hand began to wander down to her jeans, your fingers sneakingly almost menacingly trailing against the frantic, rubbing just enough that CC's hips bucked, her cheeks flushed and mouth letting out a soft moan. "Oh fuck!"

You smiled victoriously before pulling her in for another kiss, this time allowing your tongue to meet her own and at the contact Cc began to gasp, pulling you in closer and beginning to take your top of, fingers moving to pull the fabric of.

You didn't mind, still kissing the girl like your life depended on it.

"What...what time does your dad get home?" Cc spoke, you sighed Against her lips, "not till eleven. Poker night" you managed to get out, pulling away just long enough that you lead her to your room, closing the door and locking it for a more secure measure.

Once alone in your room you watched as CC eyed you, her face stone still, eyes filled with arousal but also something else.

"We don't have to do anything-I-I mean I really want to but I-I don't want to make you feel like you have too! I was just playing confident out there but I really am not confident-" she began to ramble.

You were only focused on how cute she looked, sitting on the edge of your bed, cheeks flushed and blonde hair a while mess. Her tongue running a million miles a minute.

You moved so we're sitting on her lap, moving touch your foreheads together. Breathing in her scent.

"I want it. I want you. Please CC"

That was all it took. Once you both were out of your clothes CC began to pepper kisses all over your neck, relishing in the way you seemed to moan at just the way cc was on top of you, hips meeting yours.

"Take off your pants. I want to feel you against me" you managed to get out. Once Cc managed to get out of her clothes she settled against you, relishing in the feeling of your hot skin against yours, smooth and soft.

"I love you" she spoke, her eyes moving down to your chest, and you watched as her eyes lit up upon seeing your breasts.

"Oh fuck they're even more beautiful than I imagined" she let out, she moved to eye you, "can I-" you laughed, let out a giggle before nodding.

"Well they are yours so I wouldn't mind if-" your breathe caught in your throat as CC's tongue traced over your nipple, biting it before pulling. Her eyes closed and looking like she was in heaven. Just the feel of Cc'd mouth on you was enough for you to whine, your moans seeming to spurr the blonde on even more.

"Yeah...sing for me just like that baby girl" cc spoke. "You're doing so well for me, you're doing so well sitting and letting me play with you like a good girl. That's what you are aren't you love bug, a good girl".

It was at that moment that the familiar jingle of the door made its way through the vents and your eyes widened, CC's mouth halted, her blue eyes widening. "Your dads here".

Immediately Cc bolted upright, finding her clothes and with the strength of a madman began to fix her hair.

You yourself began putting on some pajamas and it was your dads voice that made you let out a laugh, "why is the dog food all over the floor?"

Cc immediately shushed you, "if your father finds me here I will never be able to come over again! I'll die and my mother will have to buy me a gravestone!"

You only laughed, "just be quiet cc.".

It was your dads voice that spoke again, nearly shaking CC to her core.

"Y/n you here??"

Once you replied you moved to CC, taking your hand in hers.

"Thank you. For protecting me. I'm sorry I got mad at you. I just- I believe you are capable of so much. And I didn't think you behaving that way was evidence of that".

Cc laughed, moving to leave a few kisses on your lips, "I'll always be there for you." It was when your dad began to knock on your door that cc immediately flew out of your window, leaving so quick you forgot she was even there.

It was only upon getting home that CC truly felt stupid. She had managed to get in undetected so far, but as soon as she was halfway down the hall the lights came on and cc sighed. Moving to eye her parents.

Her mother eyes her with serious eyes, "care to share where you were?".

Cc let out a laugh, "I dropped y/n off at her house. We had a fight so we talked things over".

It was only then that Wyatt came near, whispering in her ear.

Her shirt was inside out

Forgiveness. Never an easy topic, and never an easy decision to make. Cc use to joke that forgiveness was just one of those things that people talk about to make them sound like a god, like they had something so hard they deserved a trophy or some sort of accolade. Cc liked to think she was smart, not nearly as smart as her peers, but she probably should have known what had happened at the party wasn't going to magically disappear any time soon. Cc had a habit of treating events like these with the least amount of importance, which irked her family to no end and you as well.

After all you had stormed into her life with your perfect scholarly grades and basic human decency skills, which included living life and knowing that reality happened. Cc could still hear your voice, "wake up cc! You need to realize that this is reality and you can't just sweep your problems under the rug".

As always you had been one hundred percent true. After cc had made it home after dropping you of and maybe having a bit of a heart attack after your father magically appeared home  also ruining her sexual fantasy she had made it home with a mind full of guilt and regret. Cc knew she should have handled Josephine differently. She should have acted with a sense of decorum, should have left with you and Wyatt in tow, having the confidence enough to walk away.

But she hadn't.

News got around fast and it was obvious that Wyatt had spilled the beans because the minute she had walked in her parents had been the first sight she saw. Cc had hung her head, watercolored eyes looking to the marble floor in remorse, but also with regret. After the whole fiasco that had happened during Christmas it was like Cc and her mom suddenly had a connection. Her mom was far less controlling, and in return Cc was more appreciative.  It was the feeling of knowing she had let  down her mom that seemed to shake her bones. Seemed to really make reality hit.

She was not a toddler making mistakes for the first time, nor could she pin the event of some crazy teenage outburst, because it was evident she had done it for a reason.  Her parents had sat her down in the kitchen, watching as CC sat down begrudgingly, blue eyes rimmed red yet again for an entirely different reason. Her mother had surprised her, instead of telling her of or looking at her with cold eyes her mother had took CC's pale cheeks in her hands, cupping them like they were the most precious thing that ever was on the earth. Cc knew that, because she had seen her mother do the same very thing when Miles had been born, and she knew her mother loved her with all her heart.  And that included her mistakes. "As a good mother should she holds room for all her children's mistakes".

It had taken her mother's warm soft cool brown eyes and her father's warm hand on her back and she had began crying. "I didn't mean to hit her...." Her mother bit her lip, moving to wipe some fresh tears from her face. "Wyatt explained what happened. We'd like to hear your story if that's ok with you sweetheart" her mother had said.

So cc told them everything. From the way jospohine had always acted toward her, this violent rage that resulted in clashing tensions during practice.  She spoke of the way she had spoke about you, and how it had ached and twisted at her insides even the thought of anyone disrespecting you. She spoke of the taunts and the way Wyatt had crumbled at the cruel remark. She spoke of the way her body had feeezed as her hand made contact with Josphine's jaw. The utter and crippling pain that had passed through her fingers, every tendon and bone numb.

She spoke of you, and your utter devotion of making sure no charges were pressed, of your anger at her for not treating it like it was the big almost monstrous deal it was. She stopped there, not wanting her parents to know how the rage had quickly turned into hot mouths wandering and swear words mirrored with delicious moans that still made her head swoon.

Her mother had remained quiet for a moment, eyes meeting her daughters dimmed blues. Her mother had got up, rummaging through the medical cabinet in the walkers prestige white kitchen, pulling out a bottle of Colloidal silver, and with soft hands moved to take CC's injured hand in hers. Cc had winced as her mother went over the bruised red rimmed flesh, "you've always been my firecracker CC" she had began. "But I'm not mad at you, while I think you should have acted differently, I applaud you for your protectiveness over your brother and your girlfriend. That doesn't mean I can shield you from the consequences, you will have to face the music, but if it's any consolation we love you and nothing, nothing you could ever do would make us view you any differently".

Now maybe if you robbed a bank or went to jail for credit card fraud we'd have to have a serious talk" her mothers jestfull eyes loomed into hers and CC let the way her chest bubbled over with laughter take her.

The punishment hadn't been severe, no use of the car for the weekend, and sadly no visits from you. CC's mom had been the one to call you, her mother had taken a shine to you after she had saw how hard you had tried to get CC to study for a test. She loved how persistent yet encouraging you were. You had a bright and almost jovial spirit. And maybe she just liked seeing the way CC's eyes would light up and her smile would rise at the sight of you.

CC's in jail for the weekend" she had joked with you on the phone. "No communication outside her jail cell".

Cc had rolled her eyes playfully and had stabbed her fork into her sausage, acting like a petulant child as her mother hogged her girlfriend. Part of the rule had been no talking. Any normal teenager would have thought that as house arrest or abuse of some sort, but seeing as it was only two measly days Cc didn't mind. And apparently neither did you from the way you sang like a canary with her mother, talking about designer antique sets that would lovely with the white kitchen.

Wyatt had been a great help, a rock that cc relied upon. He had been by her side since she was born and she was just learning now how amazing he was. He spent the whole weekend with her, playing video games that were way too nerdy and even kicking the ball around outside.

"Are you nervous about what coach will say on Monday?" He had asked, holding the checkered ball in his hands, omitting the very one crucial rule of the game, no hands. But cc relented, watching her brothers flushed cheeks as he rolled the ball in his fingertips. Cc brought her water bottle to her lips, wiping some of the water off her chin, her blue eyes hesitant to answer. "I have this feeling that the minute I walk through those doors is the minute something bad will happen. Is that stupid?" She had asked.

Wyatt had looked at her with those soft brown eyes, a look of understanding in them. "You're asking me that question? No C, it's not crazy. It's very real, very practical, very logical. I would be very terrified if you weren't feeling like that".

"But what if I do kicked off the team? You saw the party Wyatt EVERYONE was there. It will be the talk of the week, maybe even the year".

Wyatt had brought his sisters close to him by her shoulders, head leaning close to hers enough for eyes to meet.

"If you kicked off the team...then that's the price you'll pay for being a total badass".

A smirk over took CC's features, her blonde hair waving in the wind, "it will hurt. I'll doubtless end up without a soccer career."

"You do realize that your career will not be impacted slightly by you not playing for a few months?"

Wyatt swiftly ran away from his sister, moving to miss the soccer all that was aimed at him.

Sunday came around and CC had found herself busy babysitting, and surprisingly she didn't mind one bit. It had started out as a quick errand, her mom was making roast for dinner and took one look at the spice rack and she was getting her purse. "Cc be a dear and watch miles for me, he needs his lunch. I have some peas and bananas for him in the fridge" her mother spoke frantically as she kissed CC's forehead out of habit. "Oh and don't forget he won't eat it if you don't feed him with the blue spoon, not the green one the blue- oh and he will need a diaper change after that-"

Cc had only nodded to her mother, a trick she had learned before eventually her mother was out the door, car zooming past the street.  It had been a quiet Sunday  afternoon at home, her father was out, with the band as usual, and Wyatt had gone out with Ariana, Cc begging him with soft eyes to "have fun for her".

So that had left CC at home with Miles, who sat on his high chair, blue watercolored eyes begging his sister to feed him. Cc only smiled as she brought the food out, making sure to get the blue spoon in the process. She eyed the container, even smelling the baby food, a surprise look on her face.

I can't believe you like that Miles, it's icky. Icky baby food" she spoke, moving to tickle mikes cheeks. He laughed in return, his babbles turning into his newly baby English, his cheeks flushed as he looked at his sister, "Ceeeeeee food!" He whined out.

Cc only shook her head playfully, moving to sit down next to his high chair and scoop out the baby food, bringing it to her brothers lips. Miles remained still, eying the blonde with expecting eyes. Almost like he knew something was missing.

"Aren't you going to eat it?" Cc spoke, trying again.

Miles only eyed his sister, seeming to find it humorous as CC's eyebrows raised. "Come on miles! You gotta eat! Mom will be mad if I just let you go".

It was only then that Miles began to babble, his little chubby fingers hitting the high hair, "Ceeee go Zooom!" He babbled.

And suddenly it became apparent what he wanted. So cc doing her big sister duties began making the spoon fly and and zoom past the kitchen before landing in mikes mouth.

"Flight 456 you have docked" she out on her best host voice. Miles laughed, now eating the food. Cc sighed, moving to wipe his mouth. And it was only then that the house phone began to ring. With a sigh cc picked it up, holding it to her shoulder as she fed miles.

"Walker residence. Cc speaking" she began.

"Is it bad if I called just to see if you would pick up?" Your familiar voice filled her ears.

Cc couldn't help the large smile that filled her face, after just a single day of no communication after leaving you in a rushed frantic, while also walking home with the stinging way her body felt under your touch, your voice was very much welcomed.

"I thought my mom said you couldn't call me" cc began, eyes watching as miles eyed her as he sucked on the spoon.

I know I know, it's just-I missed you. After the way you left on Friday, it was hard to get you out of my head" was your response. Which had been true. There was no way you could get the image of CC Walker, face flushed and backing you into your door, her hot mouth leaving kisses down your neck. You had wished your father had been ten minutes late.

Cc felt her cheeks flush, her stomach filled with the white heat of arousal as she pictured how you looked when she left, face flushed and neck littered with fresh hickeys.

" I didn't want to leave, trust me  I would have taken you right there on your floor for your father to hear but...it didn't seem right. It felt rushed. When we do cross that line I want it to be slow. I want to take my time with you".

You flushed, feeling your face get hot. You looked a sight with your head on your pillow and phone against your ear, the direct definition of love sick.

"Oh trust me CC the feelings mutual".

It was the loud babbling through the phone that caught your ear, a small smile forming. "Is miles with you?".

At that Miles began to babble again, this time angrily as his sister had stopped feeding him, distracted.

"Okay! Okay! Geez kid" cc spoke.

You laughed, "he's impatient...like someone I know" you teased.

Cc could feel the beefy change as the line was quiet before your soft voice, "you nervous about tomorrow? I know coach said she wanted to see you in the morning".

Cc sighed, breathing out a sigh. Blue eyes tired. "I'm starting to wish we never went to that party. I'm going to kicked off the team y/n, I just know it. I feel it in my bones".

"Maybe that's not such a bad thing. And before you go off on me...this is a good consequence for you. Next time you'll remember your actions. Right cc bear?".

The nickname made her cheeks flush, "ok mom" she shot back.

You didn't know what got into to you, maybe it was the fact that you had spent your weekend with  thoughts of Cc but the words were out before you could stop them. You wanted to tease her, make her twist in her seat, just a little.

"Oh but don't you mean mommy?"

Cc nearly dropped the baby food, eyes wide and heart pounding. "Need I remind you a child is near" she began. Causing you to giggle. 

You laughed, "well I have to go, dads home. But I just wanted to call you and tell you I love you. I'll be there tomorrow at school if you need to decompress...in the girls bathroom, I'll wear my best skirt. But seriously CC, I'm always there for you. I know how much soccer means to you, so if you need me to come and sit with you or cry with you or laugh with you...I'm there. I'll see you tomorrow cutie bear." And like that the line was dead.

Cc remained gobsmacked, "your aunt is really pushing it kid" she spoke.

The minute Monday morning arrived was the minute that CC began to feel the impending doom. She thought of faking an illness, maybe a sore throat, a cough, but then she remembered your voice. The encouraging way you had spoken to her over the phone. Trusting her, having faith in her that she would face the consequences. That she was strong enough to.

[alphaman99]

Mark Flatt

One crisp winter morning in Sweden, a cute little girl named Greta woke up to a perfect world, one where there were no petroleum products ruining the earth. She tossed aside her cotton sheet and wool blanket and stepped out onto a dirt floor covered with willow bark that had been pulverized with rocks. “What’s this?” she asked.

“Pulverized willow bark,” replied her fairy godmother.

“What happened to the carpet?” she asked.

“The carpet was nylon, which is made from butadiene and hydrogen cyanide, both made from petroleum,” came the response.

Greta smiled, acknowledging that adjustments are necessary to save the planet, and moved to the sink to brush her teeth where instead of a toothbrush, she found a willow, mangled on one end to expose wood fibre bristles.

“Your old toothbrush?” noted her godmother, “Also nylon.”

“Where’s the water?” asked Greta.

“Down the road in the canal,” replied her godmother, ‘Just make sure you avoid water with cholera in it”

“Why’s there no running water?” Greta asked, becoming a little peevish.

“Well,” said her godmother, who happened to teach engineering at MIT, “Where do we begin?” There followed a long monologue about how sink valves need elastomer seats and how copper pipes contain copper, which has to be mined and how it’s impossible to make all-electric earth-moving equipment with no gear lubrication or tires and how ore has to be smelted to a make metal, and that’s tough to do with only electricity as a source of heat, and even if you use only electricity, the wires need insulation, which is petroleum-based, and though most of Sweden’s energy is produced in an environmentally friendly way because of hydro and nuclear, if you do a mass and energy balance around the whole system, you still need lots of petroleum products like lubricants and nylon and rubber for tires and asphalt for filling potholes and wax and iPhone plastic and elastic to hold your underwear up while operating a copper smelting furnace and . . .

“What’s for breakfast?” interjected Greta, whose head was hurting.

"Fresh, range-fed chicken eggs,” replied her godmother. “Raw.”

“How so, raw?” inquired Greta.

“Well, . . .” And once again, Greta was told about the need for petroleum products like transformer oil and scores of petroleum products essential for producing metals for frying pans and in the end was educated about how you can’t have a petroleum-free world and then cook eggs. Unless you rip your front fence up and start a fire and carefully cook your egg in an orange peel like you do in Boy Scouts. Not that you can find oranges in Sweden anymore.

“But I want poached eggs like my Aunt Tilda makes,” lamented Greta.

“Tilda died this morning,” the godmother explained. “Bacterial pneumonia.”

“What?!” interjected Greta. “No one dies of bacterial pneumonia! We have penicillin.”

“Not anymore,” explained godmother “The production of penicillin requires chemical extraction using isobutyl acetate, which, if you know your organic chemistry, is petroleum-based. Lots of people are dying, which is problematic because there’s not any easy way of disposing of the bodies since backhoes need hydraulic oil and crematoriums can’t really burn many bodies using as fuel Swedish fences and furniture, which are rapidly disappearing - being used on the black market for roasting eggs and staying warm.”

This represents only a fraction of Greta’s day, a day without microphones to exclaim into and a day without much food, and a day without carbon-fibre boats to sail in, but a day that will save the planet.

Tune in tomorrow when Greta needs a root canal and learns how Novocain is synthesized.

[rosedavid]

8 or 9 (or both 👀) for lone star? 😊

thank you!! I don't even know where this went lol, but hope you enjoy! 8. sweater weather 9. shoulder kisses

TK wraps his arms around himself with a shiver, fingers digging into the soft sweater fabric. He pulls his knees up to his chin as he curls against the armrest of the couch. The loft is dark and silent.

TK's only been here a week, but already, he instinctively thinks of it as home. Then again, anywhere with Carlos feels like home.

TK just regrets that it took him this long to come back. Blowing up everything good in his life--that's one of his specialties. Yes, they both made mistakes, and for a long, terrifying moment, TK thought Carlos wouldn't be part of his life anymore. Because TK pushed Carlos away.

But they've talked, since then. Extensively. They were painful conversations, yes, but overwhelmingly good. And fuck, TK missed him. He missed touching Carlos, holding his hand at the market and cuddling with him in bed and stealing kisses whenever could. Now, he can do all of that again, and a tension he didn't realize he was holding has since released, like he can breathe easier.

Things are still new, though. Not new like when they first began their relationship. They already know each other in and out, understand each other on a subliminal level. But like after any break, there's a bit of a learning curve. It wasn't as simple as falling right back into where they were before because that version of them and their relationship doesn't exist anymore. Their relationship is stronger, more evolved.

Still, that leaves nights like tonight. After hours of sleeplessness and invasive thoughts, TK wandered out of the room after a kiss to Carlos's head. Carlos probably would've told TK to wake him. Before, TK might have. But he needed more time to process by himself.

Now, almost an hour since he left the warmth of their bed, footsteps pad across the floor. He expected Carlos to realize his absence, eventually, and as stupid as it sounds, even in the short absence, TK missed him. It doesn't take much these days.

"Hey, baby, you okay?" Carlos asks, voice thick with sleep. He looks so warm and soft, curly hair standing up and skewed to one side.

"Yeah. Just couldn't sleep." He shivers, hold tightening around himself.

The cold hasn't fully left since his fall through the ice. He's been living in warm clothes and under blankets for the last week. It's been getting better. Most of the time, the chill is brief and barely noticeable, but sometimes, like tonight, it won't let him rest.

Carlos notices immediately. He goes over to TK, pausing at the edge of the couch. "Can I...?"

TK nods. Carlos sits on the couch beside him, and TK unfurls from his ball. They readjust, TK reclining in the 'V' of Carlos's legs, and Carlos's strong arms wrapped around his middle.

TK nuzzles his neck, nestling into him like a burrowing owl. Carlos winces.

"Your nose is freezing."

TK smiles and presses it against him more in response. Carlos always radiates heat like a furnace, even now as he sits bare-chested.

“Is that my sweater?” Carlos asks. 

“Mmhm," TK confirms, as if it's not obvious by the way the sweater engulfs him, sleeves hanging well over his fingers. "I must've grabbed it on accident."

“On accident, huh? Just like my sweatpants and Austin PD shirt."

"Yup. Completely accidental."

Carlos laughs, breath ghosting across the bare skin of TK's shoulder where the sweater slipped down. TK shivers again, and Carlos leans down to kiss his shoulder. The first is just a peck, but the second lingers.

"You look cute, in my clothes," Carlos whispers. "I don't mind you wearing them."

TK tips his head up, blinking. "In that case, now might be a good time to tell you I stole your favorite sweatshirt a few days ago."

"You told me you didn't know where it went!"

TK giggles. "Sorry! It's just so comfy." His words are stopped by a large yawn. He has no clue what time it is other than late. He should be in bed, they both should be, especially Carlos since he has work tomorrow.

As if hearing his thoughts, Carlos suggests, "How about we go back to bed?"

"Okay."

One final kiss against his shoulder.

TK doesn't feel so cold, now.

[rjzimmerman]

I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, so this story resonates deeply with me. Way too many of my high school friends died young from heart and lung diseases easily traceable to the crud in the air we all breathed for years.

Excerpt from this story from the Chicago Tribune:

The “Dirty Steel, Dangerous Air” report details the national and local health and economic costs of steel industry pollution. Industrious Labs released the report on Monday.

Industrious Labs is an environmental organization focused on cleaning up industries through network and capacity building, research and analysis, and data-driven campaigns, according to its website.

The 44-page report found that coal-based steelmaking contributes to an estimated $13.2 billion in health costs, 892 premature deaths and almost 100,000 lost school and work days annually, according to a news release from the organization.

“Steel communities have been sounding the alarm on harmful air pollution for years, and this report quantifies just how devastating and far-reaching the consequences are,” Hilary Lewis, steel director at Industrious Labs, said in the news release. “The EPA has consistently failed to safeguard the health of these communities from the dangers of coal-based steelmaking. It’s time for stronger regulations that recognize the opportunity of cleaner steelmaking technologies and tougher enforcement of penalties on polluters to truly protect public health.”

The report focuses on 17 facilities nationwide, including four plants in Northwest Indiana, each of which are owned by U.S. Steel or Cleveland-Cliffs.

In addition to steelmaking, the report looks at the harmful effects of coke, a processed form of coal used in steelmaking.

The steel industry accounts for more than 90% of the market demand for coke, according to the report, which called coke a “very dirty fossil fuel.”

The product is made by mixing coal with oil or water and heating it at 2,000 degrees for many hours. Coke requires dozens of large ovens to be made as well, according to the report.

Industrious Labs’ report also found that most residents in Gary are in the top 10% of U.S. residents most at risk for developing asthma and at risk of low life expectancy.

The city is home to U.S. Steel’s Gary Works facility, which could potentially receive $300 million for its blast furnace if a deal between the company and Nippon Steel is approved.

The $300 million investment will allow for higher steel production and reduced emissions, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a statement. The furnace should have its life extended by up to 20 years.

Some residents, including those who are members of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, have concerns about the investment.

Carolyn McCrady, member of GARD, said the only way for the steel industry to grow in “a healthy way” is to get rid of blast furnaces. McCrady believes in the use of direct reduction furnaces, which she calls more environmentally and economically friendly.

Direct reduction furnaces could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by half and produce about 20% of steel nationwide, McCrady said.

[xiaq]

What questions do you ask a real estate agent when you're looking into a place? Asking since I want to know what to look for when I am eventually browsing realty sites :)

Well, it depends on the place, really. And I've only bought a house once, but I guess the basics:

Always ask for a Market Analysis of the Property and the Seller's Disclosure agreement. Those will be the best place to start (especially the latter). But, in general:

Age of house

Age of plumbing/electric/AC/furnace/heater/roof/windows

Type of sewage/heating/cooling

What's parking/the garage like (many places in cities won't have parking, if that's something you care about)

Trash/recycling/composting available through city?

If the current owner has performed updates to the property

If there are trees on the property, how old are they, how big will they get, do any impact the roof or gutters?

what direction does the house/driveway face (important for snow/ice reasons depending on location)

If the current owner is aware of any damage or structural issues

If it's part of a duplex/multiple units in one building:

how are each unit's utilities metered for water, gas, and electricity?Can we get a copy of the last year’s utility bills for water, gas, and electric for the unit? Is there an HOA or Party Wall Agreement and how does that work--get a copy of the formal document laying out communication/relationship/arbitration etc. between owners. Is there a history of arbitration that is available or minutes from HOA meetings that are available? How are HOA elections held, how are dues determined and paid, and have there been any special assessments within the last few years?

If there are solar panels:

Are they paid off? Is there proof they're paid off? how is ownership and maintenance of those panels handled and transferred? Are the panels for the entire building or just this unit?

Also just, what's the neighborhood like if you're unfamiliar. Walk around at different types of day. Is it mostly retirees? Young, loud, people? Folks with dogs? Get a feel for the environment.

[dawnrider]

For #WIP Wednesday I bring you a snippet of what I'm working on for @inuparentsday 2024! A modern AU with the lovely Izayoi discovering that the house she got for a steal in a great neighborhood was a steal for a reason...

Inspired by art by the delightful @heavenin--hell (Yes, that one.)

Snippet below the cut!

It was a good deal. In this housing market, one couldn’t turn their nose up at a great deal like this. So what if people said the furnace made odd noises. And the water heater growled when it was heating up. And the plumbing tended to clang and bump when the water went through it… Those were nothing when you took the price into account! She would have plenty to do the renovations she wanted to do. Fixing up the garden, painting the walls, eventually replacing the appliances… The neighborhood wasn’t even a “bad” one! Signing the paperwork, she had repeatedly felt like she was getting away with something very sneaky and that – at any point – someone was going to show up and tell her it was a mistake, that they had missed several zeros on the price and could she please come up with the remaining amount. Yet here she was, standing in front of her new front door to her new house in her new neighborhood in a new city. She let out a sigh of happiness as the lock turned with the key and the old door swung open with a creak. “Nothing a little WD-40 can’t fix,” she chirped. As she went through the house to look at it more closely, she started a mental checklist of the things that “just needed a coat of paint” or “a new set of hinges” and “maybe a new sink…” Her cheeriness faded some, but seeing the view from the upstairs sitting room and the balcony beyond it made it all worth it. Perched on one of the elevated neighborhoods that overlooked the main part of the city, she could see the ocean just beyond that. The sun set just beyond the horizon with the water often sparkling in the foreground. It was amazing. It was by far the most beautiful place she had ever lived in her entire life. One of the first things Izayoi did was set up her office in the sitting room. If she was going to continue to afford the mortgage on this house, no matter how small the payments were in comparison with her old house, she would need to make sure she could work. Part of that meant getting someone out to install her internet. Apparently there had never been anything all this time and there would need to be a fresh installation. Izayoi had that in her budget, but finding someone to actually do the work was proving a much greater challenge than she would have expected. “Yes, that’s the address,” she repeated. The operator hung up on her. “That was rude,” she muttered, staring at the receiver in her hand. She dialed the next number and was met with much the same treatment. Six more calls and she was running out of numbers in the yellow pages. Finally, someone at least told her why no one would listen past the address. “Lady, I don’t care if you’re willing to pay extra. That place is haunted and I’m not sending any of my guys in there.” “Wait… Seriously?” “Yea. No one here is gonna take that job. That’s why it’s never had a hookup. The only reason you got phone service is because the lines are on poles for that and it comes in through the roof.” “Please! If the phone lines are in that way, can’t you…” “No. Cable’s gotta go in through the ground and into the basement. City ordinance. So you either deal with dialup, or you get satellite.”

[topaz-witch-tea]

ok so like

me again :D

imagine yx taking care of yanqing and teaching him forgery (yq is like 10 - 12)

thats it thats all

i dont have any brain juice anymore - paimon

This is adorable!!! I love getting asks so feel free to send them in. I'm sadder that work has taken so much time out of my day that I wasn't able to respond sooner.🥺

I know you meant forging but the idea of Yingxing teaching Yanqing how a good sword is made so he won't get duped by a counterfeit in the market stuck to me. I also don't know much about forging so this was born from the little research I did. I hope you like it. If you want more regarding this, please feel free to send me an ask!

Yingxing has always banned Yanqing from the forge due to the fact that it was dangerous. Molten metal, and sharp tools, all are just accidents waiting to happen. Even in the Artisanship Commission, Yanqing is only allowed in Yingxing's office, the man cannot bear the thought of his child wandering around and getting attacked by an automaton.

However, as Yanqing got older, his allowance which would go to candy and snacks was now going to swords and scabbards. In the Xianzhou Alliance, swords and spears were preferred over guns as personal weapons. Part of it came from durability and aesthetics, but the other part was due to it being more useful as it did not need to be reloaded. But the high demand also brewed a strong market for counterfeit items which Yingxing had a strong distaste for. There was no way to ensure a weapon was high quality without knowing the artisan and the basic nature of blade-making and Yingxing could never allow Yanqing to be near a poorly made weapon. Which is why, for the first time in his son's 10 years of life, he was allowed in the forge.

Yanqing watched carefully from the bench as his father hammered the heated stick of metal flat, sparks flying with each contact.

"Now look here Yanqing, this is one of the most important steps in making a sword. During this process, both sides must be perfectly even and the point must be blunt. An uneven blade and a dull point are signs of a poor sword and an even more incompetent artisan for allowing such a thing to be sold. Don't ever buy swords from incompetent artisans and merchants. If they are unable to spot a quality sword, then there is no point looking at any of their wares." Yingxing stated very strictly.

"I understand." Yanqing nodded. He's sure that if he ever brought home such a poorly made sword, his Baba would walk straight back to the market and give the artisan an earful.

Yingxing then moved the cooled blade back into the forge and repeated the process 3 more times before sanding the edges smooth. He placed the blade back in the forge again, watching the blade turn bright orange and yellow before dunking it in oil. The sword sizzled upon contact with the liquid and steam erupted from the basin.

"This is to strengthen the metal. Doing this step improperly means a weak and brittle sword. This steel is from the furnace aboard the Zhuming and has very special properties. You can tell from the lines in the metal and the way it glows that the steel was properly quenched. If you don't see these, the sword is either a fake or poorly made."

Yanqing peered at the stellar blade his father made. The lines in the metal were smooth and evenly spaced and when held up to the light it produced an iridescent glow around it. "When I get better at the sword, will you make me one?" His voice brimming with excitement at the thought of weilding one of his father's blades.

Yingxing smiled at him and patted him on the head. "Of course, I look forward to making you as many blades as you wish."

Yingxing awaited the day he could make Yanqing a sword. He had tons of drawings made and a list of the finest materials saved for his son's first real sword. His child would only have the best swords, blades worthy of being compared to Starfall Reverie and Cloud-Piercer.

I hope you like it!❤️

[bropunzeling]

13 and 19 for the writing asks!

13. Ctrl+f: silver/gold/bronze–did anything come up in your WIP and if so, share it?

“Mmm.” Matthew tilts his head back, chin tipping up, the yellow light from the lamps along the highway changing his skin to a strange pale gold. “Dad got all invested, looking up neighborhoods and resale values. Kept telling me I should go for a house on the lake or something.” He sits up, adopting a new tone, exaggeratedly loud and brash. “It’s a good investment, Matthew. By next summer, the market’s gonna be crazy. You can make a nice little profit when your contract is up if you decide to sign somewhere else. This is about planning for your future.” Then Matthew shifts, slumping back into his seat and laughing softly. “Always so opinionated.”

“Sounds annoying.”

Matthew shrugs, resting an elbow on the car door and propping up his chin, looking out at the dark, choppy water of the lake on his side of the bridge. “Yeah, well. That’s parents for you.”

19. What was the last number you used in the narrative of your story? Share the line?

He can hear Matthew’s breathing, harsh and ragged, like they’ve just come off a two minute shift in their own zone; he can feel Matthew’s body heat, a furnace all along Leon’s front.

[maya-tl]

Hi! For the fics requests... I have two ideas, not sure which one would be better. Please, choose what you like the most <3 1)  "True! -- nervous -- very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?" for Fёanor Or 2) "I have to hide! I don't know why, but I have to hide. Now!"  for Maeglin

Gondolin was beauty given shape.

Never had Maeglin, accustomed only to the twilit canopies of his father's forest, seen so much white; the polished floors of white stone and the towering columns of white marble reflected the blinding midday sun like a mirror.

He had been afraid, at first, of the marvellous city upon which he could not gaze without pain blooming behind his eyes. Then he had been in awe, wondering at the exquisite craft of its architects, and then he had been fascinated.

Not at the sprawling markets or the splendour of the House of the King, or at the merry fountains bubbling away in the square, no. It was the armoury which caught his attention first, and from there the path led him easily to the smithies, beckoning him inside.

It was there he met Rog, Lord of the House of The Hammer of Wrath, an Elf of mighty build and stern of face clothed in the typical array of a blacksmith, who welcomed him gladly and humoured his request of touring the forges.

As Rog was informing him of the workings of the largest furnace Maeglin had ever seen, which belched fire and ash even as they used it, he opened his mouth to ask a question in the barely passable Quenya his mother had taught him.

There was a deafening crash followed swiftly by harsh words that grated on his ears, and Maeglin swivelled around, the hammer he had been inspecting slipping from his suddenly numb hands and clattering to the floor. The heat of the smithy grew around him and squeezed his lungs like a vice and his pounding heart sent a wave of blood rushing past his ears until it was all he could hear.

Rog's voice came through muddled, as if he was attempting to speak around a cloth.

"My Prince?"

Maeglin found it exceedingly difficult to breathe.

"My Prince, are you alright?"

"I have to hide." The sound of his own voice startled him, and the concerned face of Rog swam into his vision, his brow furrowed in alarm.

"You—"

"I have to hide," Maeglin repeated more urgently, hardly hearing himself, "I don't know why, but I have to hide. Now!"

Maeglin would have bolted towards the nearest exit had firm hands not grabbed him by the upper arms and shaken him vigorously, and that action alone shocked him out of his stupor, the scenery and bustle of the forge rushing back with crystal clarity.

Rog turned him sideways. Through the heat distorting the air around them, Maeglin spotted a handful of people bent over an assortment of scattered tools next to an upturned barrel; snippets of conversation in Quenya reached his ears and he realised that someone had accidentally tripped over the barrel and sent its contents tumbling onto the floor.

"My Prince."

Maeglin blinked and turned back to find Rog watching him stoically.

"Are you with me now?"

Maeglin went to nod, then blinked some more as he processed the words. "You speak Sindarin," he blurted out, and watched as the corner of Rog's lips twitched upwards.

Maeglin must have also spoken in Sindarin, reverting to his native language in his moment of panic.

"I do," said Rog, offering no explanation, "Are you with me now?"

"Yes," said Maeglin, then looked aside as Rog released him, "I'm sorry, I—"

"No need, my Prince," Rog interrupted, "Many of us who have crossed the Ice can't stand the cold. Some relive the horror of it at the slightest noise. Whatever you have endured is not my business."

As Maeglin turned over those words in his head, trying to make sense of them, Rog gave him a friendly slap on the back and began moving away, gesturing for him to follow. None around them paid them any attention, the people huddled around the tools returning to their posts once the mess was cleared as though nothing had happened.

"Come," Rog said simply, "I shall show you to the bellows."

Gondolin was beauty given shape. Perhaps his mother had been right, Maeglin thought while he followed Rog deeper into the bowels of the forges of the House of The Hammer of Wrath.

This could be his home after all.

*

Send me a quote and I'll write a short snippet around it! Remember to include the characters you want me to write for!

[thewizardtower]

Unsolicited…

You've got a really overwhelming situation. It’s a bit ancillary to my irl job (env health and industrial hygiene), so I wanted to toss some thoughts to the void to maybe make it less heavy? (Def feel free to disregard and delete)

Since the AC is too large for the house, the house will stay too humid because the AC doesn’t have time to “dry” out the air – it’ll kick on and off too quickly instead of running for awhile. I’m guessing this is also contributing to the fire hazard (power cycling of the unit). You may be able to find a company that will trade the unit for a more appropriate one, which could help recoup some of the costs for a new system, or maybe local rebates with the power utility provider if the new unit has a heat pump, or just for being smaller and consuming less energy overall (spitballing ideas)

If you have a dehumidifier (bit spendy), you can put this in affected areas to help the problem from getting worse. For an attic, you can try placing it near a central air intake or exhaust inside of the house, like near vents or the furnace, to try and catch the airflow (if you put the central air furnace to ‘recirculate’). Changing your furnace filters monthly if you don't already should also help with air quality.

Mildew will stain, like the plywood and drywall in the attic, but if it’s dry, it shouldn’t grow. You can also spray surfaces in a diluted bleach solution to help manage it. Just a small bottle of plain bleach (none of those silly laundry kinds) and a spray bottle. An N95 respirator and long sleeve shirt/pants would be a good idea if you go into the attic, but mostly for fiberglass (if you don’t have blown insulation) and potential critter dust (mouse droppings, esp if you’re in a rural area, which I assume if you have a well)

A “hot attic” will be that (hot), but it shouldn’t be “humid”. If it is, it might be worthwhile to visually check your roof or attic and make sure the PO didn’t leave you with a crappy roof and soffit venting set-up, or that the vents weren’t block by wasps, critters, etc.

Sending the best vibes I can, from one broke Millennial to another

Gotta stick together to survive in this shitty capitalist hellscape

Bless you honestly. 🙏🥺 Thank you for this advice! I'm definitely going to use the bleach solution on the mold.. it's everywhere and all into my insulation.

Exactly everything you said is what the repair guy just told me lol that's exactly why there's mold. The previous owners installed a gigantic unit for whatever unknown reason. Unfortunately the AC unit is roughly 20 years old, so I can't trade it in for anything because all the parts and coolant supplies it uses are no longer on the market/viable. We were able to measure what kind of AC unit we'd need and the smaller unit brought the cost down from $13k to...$11.6k. So, not much, but still a little. (I've been considering asking for ko-fi donations since I'm honestly and truly desperate, but I first need to wrestle the part of my brain that doesn't allow me to ask for help first lol).

Thank you, anon, for your advice on this. It truly means a lot to me that you took the time to reach out! People like you make being a poor millennial a little bit easier. Seriously, bless you.

[dujour13]

❛ don’t you know what you’re doing to me? ❜ for Siavash and Woljif please. 😁

I wasn't going to do these yet and then this happened 😅 Thank you!!

---

Anevia had raised an eyebrow and said she could send someone, but he insisted he needed the fresh air, so the Knight-Commander was down at the Drezen market doing his own shopping, and glad of it, because he found a merchant selling Andoren olives and bought a great deal more than was reasonable, and then spotted one of his favorite people under the shadow of the city wall in urgent conversation with a well-dressed halfling. Just as he approached, the halfling gave a derisive, angry bark of a laugh and strode away. Siavash heard him muttering about calling the watch as he passed.

Woljif looked mildly disappointed, but perked up when Siavash wandered over.

“Saw you coming?”

“Yeah,” Woljif shrugged. “Can’t win ‘em all.”

“Gotta know how to work your audience.”

“How do you do it, chief?”

It came to him so naturally Siavash had to think about it for a moment. But if he were to break it down, this was where he’d start. “First, you let them know you’re on their side.”

Woljif nodded eagerly.

“Like this.” Siavash threw an arm across his shoulders. “I know how you feel. You and me, we’re in the same shit up to our eyeballs. Some people have all the luck, cartloads of money they can afford to throw away…”

As he talked, leaning in conspiratorially, Woljif’s lips parted and the smile on his face went from cunning to dreamy. His tail went stiff.

“Oh yeah?” he breathed, heat rising from his chest into his cheeks and out the top of his head like he was some kind of furnace. Could the chief feel it radiating? He was real close.

“And then, you share the vision: ‘if I had a little money to invest, I’d be looking for something quick and sure, and definitely not through a bank. Those guys are the worst sort of thieves, but you know what I mean.’”

“Uh huh,” Woljif nodded. Siavash’s face was inches from his face. His breath was soft and warm and his eyes were lit up like… like autumn leaves in the sun? What am I, waxin’ poetic?

“And then you tell them the scheme, but don’t act eager. Act regretful, tell them all the hitches you’re worried about. The minute they start to get interested, that’s when you hook ‘em—‘yeah, maybe… it just might work.’”

“You’re uh, you’re pretty good at this chief.”

“I’m not done,” Siavash grinned. “But then, you change your mind. Tell ‘em no, it won’t work, and anyway why would they trust some tiefling off the street in the first place? They’re obviously too smart for that. And when they insist, you offer some guarantee, like ‘I swear on my old Gran.’”

“Yeah, that gets ‘em sometimes.”

“And there you are.” Siavash released him and stood back. “Now you try.”

Woljif had to catch his breath first. He wasn’t at all sure the effect this proximity was having on him was not readily visible, and he could hardly stuff his hands in his pockets without calling attention to it. Right. I can do this. Just don’t look down, chief.

He threw an arm over Siavash’s shoulders. “Yeah, us lowly soldiers gotta look out for each other, ‘cause the higher ups don’t care if we end up—”

“Crusaders don’t really think that, do they?”

“You told me to—”

“All right, but not like that, it’s bad for morale. Besides, you’re not conning the poor foot soldiers anyway, are you? You’re too smart for that.”

“Psh, ‘course. Chief, the point is to get some a’ them frustrated unsung-hero-types, third sons a’ bumpkin nobles. They got money but what they don’t got is respect from the officers. Or brains, a lotta the time.”

“Ah, of course. You’re one step ahead of me there.”

Woljif gave a little shrug and leaned back in, the smooth-talk rolling out of him in an animated stream.

Siavash stared rapt at his clever golden eyes as they filled with feigned camaraderie, regret, hope, and then regret again, a masterful drama playing out on his features. Fast learner, and he could put on an act that would melt the heart of an ice-cold inquisitor. I’d give him money, he thought. And more than that. His eyes strayed to Woljif’s lips and quickly back up again.

“So?” Woljif drew back, but somehow his hand stayed on Siavash’s shoulder.

“You’re a little bit too good at that. I don’t want you to get yourself in trouble.” And Siavash meant that in more than one way.

Woljif gave him a crooked grin. “You’ll bust me out again, won’tcha chief?”

“Sure. But I’m busy, so don’t get caught too often.” There was a moment of silence, both smiling stupidly.

As they said their goodbyes, Siavash tugged his tunic down in front and headed back toward the Citadel wondering whether he could sneak back to his chamber without getting roped into another debate about supply lines.

In his mind his hand landed lightly on Woljif’s jaw and pulled it in for a kiss, his thumb stroking down over his adam’s apple. A surprised breath. Lips warm and eager. Fingers in the hair at the back of his neck, pressure as he was gripped needily and forced against the wall. A cool hand tracing up his torso under his shirt. The contour of a slim waist under his palm. Greedy kisses. The exquisite bolt of pleasure when their hips met.

I have to stop doing that.

He passed a hand over his eyes, fairly certain Woljif had no idea what he was doing to him. How could someone so clever be so naïve at the same time? But what an incredibly intoxicating combination that was.

[fragileizywriting]

I have been afflicted with the mortal devastation that is womanhood, curled up in my bed with a heating pad pretending it is a little black cat purring. 😩 Do you think Chat would know what a period is when he meets Marinette or would she have to explain why he needs to make biscuits on her lower abdomen and make himself into a mini furnace in cat form all day as she lays whimpering below him? She’d be a bit cranky about it I think. Maybe Luka knows her schedule and comes by to check up on her and has to quietly explain while she’s asleep. Chat attunes himself to her cycle from then on and he’s always prepared to warn her about leaving a rag down before bed and makes sure he’s in place when she wakes up in pain. Gives her back and whole body massages. Helps bathe her. A sweet boy. Runs into town for supplies from the market if needed. Teaches Felix how to care for her, too. Anything to keep their witch relaxed and in as little pain as possible. 😭

YESYESYESYYSYeysSEYyesSYEYSEYESYESYES

okay but adding onto this, i think chat knows about it, but only in the theoretical sense? as in, he was taught the reproductive system (plagg brought anatomicals made out of wood. chat thought it was bad until tikki showed him irl anatomicals. chat didn't sleep for a week) but since he never experienced it himself, he probably didn't realize juist how debilitating it could be!

he thought it would be minimum pain, a few complaints, but doable? a papercut. a tummy hurt.

he was WRONG.

cut to marinette's menstruation cycle being so bad she gets fevers from it sometimes, but chat does so well with the chaos (as if he wouldn't in the first place, though he is actually very grateful for luka's sudden help).

he's overjoyed to do his duties as a familiar. everytime luka makes fun of him for it, chat flicks a mini fireball in his direction.

she's miserable, fatigued, curled up under the bedsheets and pants out apologies for not being a good host when luka comes around. she can't even move. when they're both able to convince her, chat gives her spongebaths in the washroom. although he does his absolute best to lobby his point about letting him do the laundering, she doesn't let him wash out the rags or clean her up entirely— she does that on her own, making herself clean and using all the magic she has to make sure there's not the scent of anything in the washroom when she's done.

chat feeds her soup. lots of it. she adores the taffy candy that luka brings for her in order to feel better. chat refuses to leave her alone when the cramps get too bad, kneading the shit out of her in an attempt to make her feel better.

(she's so miserable at being such a fatigued witch. she thinks chat must hate that she's so weak. she has no idea that chat knows VERY WELL (at least, anatomically speaking) what she's going through, and doesn't blame her in the slightest for feeling so down from it.)