#I am gonna say numerically this seems more like a white issue than a man issue

[starlooove]

Ok but seriously you people need to stop saying men when u talk about the alt right pipeline not bc it’s misandrist or whatever that’s not real but bc it’s dishonest bc demographically y’all need to check eachother too tf. Bc as of now y’all are 50/50 just like everyone else

[king-finnigan]

wingless thing

this is a oneshot that i was planning on turning into a full series at some point, but i never really had any ideas for the main storyline. so here it is, now; it’s an AU where everyone on the continent is born with wings. the only people who don’t have them are witchers.

Geralt sighs as he looks up at the tavern, built into the side of the mountain. There is no path up, no way to get there other than flying. Which wouldn’t be an issue for anyone else.

But unfortunately, Geralt isn’t anyone else.

He lets out an annoyed huff and Roach bristles softly, pushing at his shoulder with her nose. He pats the side of her neck, tangling his fingers through her brown mane. “Sorry, girl,” he mutters. “Gonna have to sleep outside again tonight.”

He doesn’t really know what he expected. Posada is full of mountains, of course people are going to build as high up as they can to get away from the creatures and monsters on the ground. Still, he’d been looking forward to a proper meal and a soft bed for the night, but it looks like he’ll have to make do with his bedroll and some dried meat. He always does.

He takes the saddle and reigns off of Roach and starts setting up camp – laying down his bedroll, gathering wood for a fire, checking his dwindling supplies. He counts his coin, finds out he’s still low on it and gold hasn’t magically appeared in his pouch since he looked this morning.

It’s the reason why he came here in the first place. Usually, he doesn’t venture this close to the mountains – the buildings always high up and only accessible from the air – but there haven’t been a lot of monsters in the plains and forests lately, so he had no other choice but to head east.

He looks up as he hears wings flapping, watches with a barely-hidden scowl when a young man descends from the air, softly lowering himself on one of the branches of a tree at the edge of the clearing. His feathers are a light shade of brown, almost golden in the late afternoon light, interspersed by darker ones painting long stripes across his wings. The young man cocks his head, keen, blue eyes taking in the sight of Geralt sitting on the ground, wingless.

“What are you doing down here?”

Geralt rolls his eyes, his already thin patience running out quickly. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

“Setting up camp.” Apparently this young man either doesn’t know what a rhetorical question is, or he’s unable to pick up on them. “But why down here?”

Geralt glares at him, narrowing his eyes at those golden-brown wings. The young man merely raises his eyebrows, waiting for an answer. Geralt sighs. “I can’t get up there.”

“Up where? The inn?” Geralt nods, and the stranger finally seems to get it, his eyes flicking to where Geralt’s wings should be, his mouth falling open in a soft ‘O’. He appears to figure out a lot of things in the next few seconds, his face going from confusion to realization back to confusion numerous times.

Geralt sighs, lighting the fire with a quick Igni, the blissful quiet stretching out between them.

“You’re the Witcher,” the young man says eventually. “Geralt of Rivia, the Butcher of Blaviken.” Geralt resists the urge to growl at the mention of that cursed town, his mind unhelpfully providing him with the memories of Renfri, of her blood coating his hands, of Stregobor cutting off her grey-and-white wings while the entire town chased Geralt away. He shakes his head to rid himself of the images.

Finally, the young man comes down from the tree, the tips of his wings dragging in the dirt behind him as he walks towards Geralt, extending his hand. Geralt doesn’t take it and looks away. Eventually, the young man gives up and sits down on the other side of the fire, big, blue eyes taking Geralt in, his brown feathers trembling slightly in excitement.

“I’m Jaskier, by the way.” Geralt doesn’t respond, but the young man continues regardless. “You know, I’m a bard. My lute is still up at the inn-“ he jabs his thumb up at the side of the mountain “-so you’ll just have to take my word for it, but it seems to me that you’ve got a bit of an image problem, Witcher. You know, I could be your barker-“

“No.”

“-spreading the tales of- of… Geralt of Rivia, the…” He seems to think for a few seconds, chin in his hand. “The White Wolf!” he finally exclaims, spreading his wings and arms dramatically, nearly knocking into Roach, who bristles angrily, taking a few steps away from the annoying and expressive bard.

Geralt looks at Jaskier for a few moments. “The White Wolf?” he eventually asks, voice flat.

Jaskier nods excitedly. “Yes! Because your hair is white and you don’t have any wings! I saw you pacing around here before I arrived, and I thought to myself ‘wow, this guy looks just like a wolf stalking its prey’, so there you have it! White Wolf! Do you like it?”

“No. Go away.” What the fuck does he need a barker for? He’s perfectly fine on his own. He’s managed seventy years alone on the path without wings, and he’ll manage a thousand more, thank you very much. Now all he needs is for this guy to fuck off and let him be so he can get some much-needed sleep. He’ll set out early again tomorrow.

Jaskier pouts a bit but gets up, luckily. “Alright, aright. I’ll leave you to it, then. Bye, Geralt.”

“Hmm. Bye.” He doesn’t look up from the fire, sees the flames dance in front of him as Jaskier flaps his wings and starts running, eventually taking off, up and up into the sky, towards the inn built into the mountainside. Once the sound of wings flapping has faded away, Geralt lets himself relax and eats a meagre meal of dried meat and a crust of stale bread. He falls into a restless sleep after that, his dreams plagued by black and white wings, speckled with blood.

---

He sets out early the next day, towards Dol Blathanna. A goat farmer had approached him in the morning, offering a hundred coins for a demon that kept stealing his goats. Geralt highly doubts that it’s a demon, but a job’s a job, and no matter how little money a hundred coins is, it’s better than nothing.

He saddles Roach and heads to the east. Before long though, he hears the sound of wings, someone flying towards him.

“Geralt! Hi!” Jaskier lands next to him, using his momentum to fall into step next to Geralt, Roach too slow and the branches too low to keep flying. He’s a bit out of breath, but his entire face is lit up with a smile that easily rivals the morning sun. There’s a lute hanging against his hip, Geralt notices.

“So, what are we hunting?”

Geralt scoffs. “We aren’t hunting anything. Fuck off.”

Jaskier pouts. “You know, you should really work on your people skills. I bet you’d get more contracts, then, though of course my songs will help. I mean, I’m almost getting the impression that you want me to leave!”

Geralt throws him an apprehensive look. “I do want you to leave. Go away.”

Jaskier huffs, his feathers puffing up slightly in annoyance. “No! No, you need my help, Geralt of Rivia. Unless, of course, you want to be forever known as the Butcher of Blaviken and a wingless monster.”

Geralt scoffs. “I am.”

“What? The Butcher of Blaviken or a wingless monster?”

“Both.”

Jaskier gasps, hand dramatically laying over his chest, wings stretching out, the tips bending forward a bit in shock. “You are most certainly not!”

“Well, I’m not a white wolf, either.”

Jaskier laughs softly, his wings folding behind his back again. “I assure you that you are. Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you agree?”

Geralt rolls his eyes, but feels something soft unfurl in his chest. “Hmm.”

The bard grins. “So you do agree! Of course you do. I’m right, after all.”

It continues on like that for a while, Jaskier chatting on and on, his wings almost equally as expressive as his hands, and he almost slaps an increasingly disgruntled Roach with them several times. Meanwhile, Geralt keeps quiet, only giving monosyllabic answers from time to time, keeping an eye out for this so-called ‘demon’. Eventually, he dismounts Roach, leaving her behind at one of the only trees visible in the plain of yellowed grass, the rich mountains no more than a silhouette behind his back. He continues on foot, Jaskier following closely behind, still chattering.

“Sorry, what are we looking for again?”

“Blessed silence.”

“… Yeah, don’t really go in for that.”

Something rustles in the grass, and Geralt barely has time to turn around before something hits Jaskier square between the eyes. The bard collapses onto the ground, and the witcher walks towards him, finds a small, metal ball on the ground. He looks up when he hears footsteps, registers the dark silhouette of a person against the bright sunlight, and is promptly struck against the back of the head, his vision fading to black rather abruptly and violently.

---

He wakes up in a cave, hands bound by his side, something soft and firm and trembling pressed to his back. He frowns, confused, until he moves his head a bit and feels feathers tickling against his cheeks, the wings behind him puffed up in fear – except they aren’t his wings. Of course they’re not; he lost his a long time ago.

“Ah, good, you’re awake,” Jaskier says behind him.

Geralt grunts, starts struggling against the ropes that bind his wrists by his side.

“This is the part where we escape!” Jaskier exclaims, wings fluttering a bit in excitement, as if this is all just some big adventure.

“This is the part where they kill us,” he growls, still struggling against the bonds.

“Who’s they?” Jaskier’s wings contract in pain against Geralt’s back when a she-elf kicks the bard in the stomach.

Everything is a bit of a blur after that, getting his and the bard’s life threatened by the elves – easily identified as elves by their iridescent dragonfly wings – Jaskier’s lute getting destroyed, the elven king talking about the atrocities committed against them, and eventually letting the bard and the witcher go, even giving Jaskier a new, elven lute, the wood as shimmery and iridescent as their wings.

And before long, they’re headed back to Posada. Jaskier walks in front of him, strumming his new lute, singing a song of which only three words are true, give or take, his wings puffed up to let the soft breeze ruffle through the feathers.

Back in Posada, Jaskier offers Geralt to carry him up to the inn, which he resolutely refuses. There is a certain shame in having to stay on the ground while everyone else flies past, his differences pointedly underlined by his obvious lack of wings, but there’s something else entirely revolting about having to be carried up by a scrawny, little bard.

But instead of going back up to the inn alone, Jaskier stays on the ground with Geralt, practically stealing the Witcher’s spare bedroll.

“So,” Jaskier says, gently plucking away at the strings of his new lute. “What’s the deal with-“ he gestures at Geralt “-you know.”

He rolls his eyes. He’d much rather go to sleep right now than listen to the bard make redundant statements and ask vague questions. “No, I don’t know.”

Jaskier seems to hesitate, biting his bottom lip gently. “The wings,” he eventually half-whispers, as if it’s something Geralt’s sensitive about. Which he is, but he’d never show anyone that. “Where are they?”

“None of your business.” The light of the flames burns his eyes as he stares into the fire, and for a moment, he could swear he sees black and white feathers between the logs. For a moment, he’s still a boy at Kaer Morhen, looking on helplessly as they burn part of him, the barely-healed wounds in his back a constant, agonizing reminder of what he’s lost.

“Hmm,” Jaskier hums, plucking a few notes on his lute. “I suppose not. But there are rumours, you know? Like that you have to eat your own wings to become a Witcher.”

“That’s disgusting.”

Jaskier scrunches his nose. “Yeah, figured that one wasn’t real. Also heard a rumour that it’s what gives you your magic-“

“We don’t have magic.”

“-but my nan’s friend’s uncle’s brother’s teacher lost one wing during the war, and he didn’t get any magic powers, so I suppose that one’s a lie as well. I also heard a rumour-“

“Go to sleep, bard.”

Jaskier pouts at him for a second but Geralt doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he lies down on his bedroll, turning his back to the bard.

After a few seconds, he hears the faint rustling of clothes, the quiet thud of the elven lute being placed into the old, worn case, the clicking of locks being closed. He waits, watching the light of the fire dance across the trees around them, as Jaskier’s breathing grows slower and deeper.

Only when he’s sure that the bard’s asleep, does he let himself relax slightly, wincing when he shifts- the motion pulling at scars he can never truly forget. No matter how many nights have passed since that day so many decades ago, the ache in his back never fades.

He slips into a restless sleep.

[onyxiana-is-obsessed]

Misunderstanding | Hitoshi Shinsou x Reader

AN: Yo! How’s it going, friends! So, this is a soulmate au with Shinsou and I’ve been wanting to write this fic for a while, so I finally got around to it! Side note: Hitoshi’s hero name is Mindjack. Length: 2.3k Pronouns used: They/them Soulmate connection: The first words your soulmate says to you is written somewhere on your body.

Summary: For years, Shinsou believed his soulmate thought he was a villain, after all, that’s what it said on his body. But when he meets you, he’s a little surprised and what your words meant.

Hitoshi Shinsou often hated the world. Not only was it exceptionally unfair, but it was also cruel. Every single person in the world was paired up with a soulmate, one they were perfectly matched up with. For most people, this wasn’t an issue, but something positive they all looked forward to. That meant they didn’t have to go through the whole dating scene and heartbreak before meeting their one true love. 

Hitoshi disagreed. 

Every fated pair had a connection; the first line one of them says to the other. Their very first words to one another were plastered onto their skin. The words would appear on a child’s skin at the age of two and Hitoshi was no different. However, the words he’d received were just plain confusing. Until he got older, then they were the bane of his existence.

Hitoshi glared at this chest, which held the words his soulmate would say. Right above his heart, neatly written, were their first words.

“A villain’s quirk, huh?”

So even that stupid soulmate of his believed he was a villain. All he wanted was to be a hero, all he ever pushed himself to do was become a hero. Everyone doubted him because of his quirk, a stupid ability he had no control over.

He didn’t mean to, but overtime, Hitoshi started to hate people. He started to dislike everyone around him. No one gave him a chance, they always judged him before he could even defend himself. How could they? He desperately wanted to be a hero not a villain, yet here they were almost turning him into one.

What a hypocritical society he lived in. They held heroes in the highest regard, praised, and almost worshiped them. Yet, here was an innocent student striving to give his life to protect the same people who threw insults at him, basically deeming him a villain.

Despite all of this, Hitoshi persevered. He pushed through everyone and made it into the hero course. They were… a godsend, really. Class 2A. Especially people like Midoriya, Kirishima, and Kaminari. They pushed him harder than he pushed himself and they often referred to him as a hero. Something he so desperately needed.

However, Hitoshi always has a lingering fear. That his soulmate would think he was a villain too. The words on his chest were… daunting. Why would his soulmate say that to him? Out of all the damn things they could say, this was it? Nothing else?

No matter how Hitoshi looked at it, he couldn’t see a positive outcome. All he saw was a faceless soulmate of his, throwing insults at him just like everyone else. Calling him the one thing he despised so much.

A villain.

~**~

It was the end of the school day and Hitoshi had packed all his stuff, ready to go home. Recently, his connection had been acting up. It would sometimes tingle and sting a little, other times it was a calming, warm sensation. As much as Hitoshi hated his soulmate, he couldn’t help but bask in that comfort. It eased all his worries, often making his stresses melt away. Something he needed.

Exams were coming up and once he passed this, he would graduate. Then, he could officially start on his dream to become a hero. The road was difficult and filled with a lot of uncertainty, but he was almost done. He was so close.

“Hey, Shinsou!” Hitoshi stopped walking and looked behind him, a smile gracing his features. “How are you?” Midoriya asked as he stopped next to his purple-haired friend.

“I’m good, yourself?”

“Pretty good! Exams are coming up, you think you’re prepared? I’m so nervous! After this, we’ll graduate and become real heroes!” Hitoshi nodded, feeling excitement build up in his chest. His life goal was so close, within his reach.

“I am. Think you’ll have time to spar with me this weekend?” Midoriya nodded with a big smile.

“Most definitely! Kiri and I are gonna be sparring too, tomorrow after school, if you wanna join us! I would ask if you wanna join us today but you said you were busy earlier.” Hitoshi nodded at his words.

“Yeah, I have some stuff to do after school, including some homework I’ve been waiting to finish. But I can definitely join you two tomorrow, if that’s ok with you guys.”

“Of course it is!” Midoriya chirped, giving him a bright smile. “You know we love to train with you! Oh! There he is! Kiri!”

“Midoriya! Shinsou!”

“Well, I have to go! See you tomorrow, Shinsou.”

“You good, have fun Midoriya. Hey Kiri!” Kirishima and Midoriya waved one last time before they took off, heading the other way.

As Hitoshi walked home, his mind returned to the exam. They’d have a written portion and then the physical portion. Both required for graduation. Hitoshi was ready, he’d been studying plenty recently. He just needed to work on the physical-

“That’s him. The one with the villain’s quirk.” Hitoshi frowned, hearing the woman talking to her friend. Immediately, his mind blanked and all he could think of was how no one would accept him as a hero. Now that Hitoshi was 18, he just stopped arguing with people. Instead, he chose to ignore them but that didn’t work most of the time. Sure, he’d never confront them, but their words stuck, slowly breaking at the confidence his classmates help build up.

“Not sure why he’s even bothering to be a hero.”

“Right! Better off joining the villains. He belongs there anyway.” The other woman laughed. As much as Hitoshi wanted to scream and argue, he kept his mouth shut. There was no point. Ever since his 2nd year, all he did was try to show everyone he was a hero and a good one. He had spent his entire work-study proving he wasn’t a villain, but he could only do so much. Some people would just never accept him and he needed to come to terms with that fact. These two women were the perfect example. What else could he do? He was tired.

It seemed like karma was smiling down on him that day.

As Hitoshi walked by, someone bumped into him and ran to the two women. They screamed and backed up into a wall. One was able to get away, but the man ended up grabbing the other woman. She screamed as he pulled her against him, placing a blade against her throat.

People around them screamed and panicked, unsure of what to do and the man was already spewing demands. The woman that had gotten away, immediately looked for Hitoshi, but before even needing to be prompted, he jumped into action.

“Hey!” He pushed past everyone and stood in front of the woman and villain. He could see the fear and desperation in her eyes. Guess he’d get his chance to prove her wrong after all. “What do you want?”

The villain glared at Hitoshi before whispering something to the woman. Tears slid down her cheeks as the knife dug into her skin.

“H-He w-won’t sp-speak! H-he knows y-you’re qu-quirk.” She said, crying out when he tugged her close to him. She tried to struggle, but it seemed like he was much stronger than her, causing her to only tire out. That was a problem. Hitoshi didn’t have his capture weapon and the villain wasn’t talking. Next best thing, stalling.

“Ok, don’t hurt her. What do you want?” He whispered something to the woman, making her blink as more tears slid down her cheeks.

“H-he w-wants mo-money a-and a car t-to get away.”

“Money and a car? That’s easy. There are plenty of cars right here, I’m sure I can get one for you. But that money… we’re not near a bank.” He whispered something again, making the woman speak up.

“H-he s-AHH!” She screamed as he growled and said something, pulling on her. “E-empty your p-pockets!” Hitoshi’s eyes scanned the crowd and everyone looked at him for help. They knew him and now they needed him.

“I don’t think you’ll want their stuff,” Hitoshi said, holding his hands out, his eyes on the knife. “I can get you the money, but I need her to be safe and sound.” The villain glared at Hitoshi and whispered something to the terrified woman who let out a sob before talking.

“H-he said h-he’ll k-ki-kill me. I-if you d-don’t listen to him.” Hitoshi had an idea, but it was extremely risky. No reinforcements followed so that meant he was on his own.

“Calm down. Don’t hurt her,” he sighed before pushing his strategy, ��how much?”

“T-ten thousand.”

“Oh I don’t think we have that. I think there’s a bank down that road, it’s not close but we can make it. Let go of her and I’ll take you there myself.”

“Y-you go! H-he’ll st-stay here wi-with me.”

“Well damn, I can’t do that.” Hitoshi sighed before a smirk made its way onto his face. His eyes gazed into the villain’s, before he looked the villain up and down. “Are you scared? You’re shaking.”

“H-he says sh-shut up.”

“I’m just making an observation.”

“H-he’ll kill me!”

“For a thief, you’re not a very good one. I’m just pointing it out.” That got him.

“JUST SHUT-“ His eyes turned milky white and everyone froze.

“Let go of her.” Immediately, his arms fell off of her and she ran to Hitoshi. Without even thinking, Hitoshi took her in his arms, holding her tightly against him. “Oh your knees, hands above your head.” The villain complied immediately and everyone burst into cheers. 

The woman hugged Hitoshi, thanking him numerous times. He nodded as someone from the crowd called for help. Within 10 minutes, the police and pro heroes arrived.

The woman was taken away and after everyone was questioned, they were allowed to go home. 

As Hitoshi started walking home, a voice called out to him, stopping him. He turned his head and looked back at the person, waiting for them to talk.

“A villain’s quirk, huh?” The words on his chest tingled and warmed up, the universal sign of his soulmate speaking the words marking his skin. Almost immediately, Hitoshi turned hostile, ready to lash out. DID THEY NOT SEE WHAT HE JUST DID?! So this was his dumb soulmate?! Great! He’d been dying to give this bitch a piece of his mind for a good 15 years! He faced them prepared to argue but froze at the words that came from their mouth. “I don’t think there’s such a thing. Besides, you clearly proved otherwise. Congratulations, Mindjack.”

Wait, what?

The look on his face caused them to laugh a little. He’d just barely registered the look of amusement on their face.

“I know what they say about you. I’ve… never believed it was true. I hate how people say that someone has a “villain’s quirk”, there is no such thing. Your quirk is how you use it. Look at All Might. A powerful giant who smashed villains with his fists. No one called him a villain.” He couldn’t believe the words coming out of his soulmate’s mouth. They didn’t think he was a villain! It was all just a misunderstanding.

God, did he hate himself...

He grew up hating his soulmate, coming up with the best speech and argument he could. He’d prepared a pretty damn solid one too, but now he had to throw that all out the window because none of what he thought was true. His soulmate didn’t think he was a villain… they just got cut off! Why the hell did it do that anyway? Was this just some cruel joke from the universe?

Unfortunately, to the person in front, they had no idea Hitoshi was their soulmate, since the hero had yet to say a single word to them. Now that the majority of the public had thinned out, they decided it was best to leave.

“Well uh… see you around.” They said and turned to leave, walking in the opposite direction. His first words were ridiculously dumb because he didn’t even try to stop her. All he could say was:

“My soulmate doesn’t think I’m a villain.” They paused, their eyes widening as their back tingled and heated up. That… MINDJACK WAS THEIR SOULMATE?! They turned around, facing him, seeing the same shocked expression on his face.

“Y-you’re m-my soulmate?” They squeaked out, making him slowly nod. They almost cried from happiness. Just like Hitoshi, the words on their back were something they’d questioned almost every single day. Why would they think their soulmate was a villain? Was he really? They grew up believing their fated half was a villain. That maybe they’d done something but at the same time, none of it made sense. Why would their other half say that if they were a villain?

“I am,” Hitoshi said confidently. The fear had melted away from both of them, the uncertainty finally put to rest. “I-I’m Hitoshi Shinsou.” He introduced, his eyes meeting their beautiful (e/c) ones.

“Hitoshi…” they whispered, a smile gracing their features. “I’m (y/f/n). N-nice to meet you.” Hitoshi chuckled and nodded, looking down for a second. He’d never felt… so giddy and content. His eyes widened and he almost didn’t catch them. Without him realizing it, they’d run towards him, throwing themselves on him.

Hitoshi sighed, closing his eyes and pulling their body flush against his. His arms tightened around them, as if he was scared to let go. He didn’t want them to just… disappear.

(f/n) didn’t think he was a villain. Hitoshi was ashamed for hating them for no damn reason and vowed to make it up to them. (y/f/n) was his soulmate, his and his alone. The universe had chosen this beautiful person for someone like him and he would cherish and love them for as long time would let him.

[thechekhov]

Hey Chekhov, it has been a few years since I logged into tumblr and checked on your blog, but I thought of a question for you the other day. I cannot remember what it was. However I have a handful of other ones that came up since I've been thinking of you. A lot of them are direct and I hope they don't come off as abrasive. Most are based on the assumption that you are still in Japan. Question 1: Is the fact that LGBT is criminalized in Russia part of the reason you stay in Japan? (1/?)

Hey there, welcome back to tumblr! 

I’m going to put this under a cut so that it hopefully does not take up too much space on people’s dashboards, because it will get LONG!

I’m gonna preface this whole thing with first clarifying - 

I have not lived in Russia for the past… 17 years. It’s been a while. Although I’ve been back to visit family for prolonged periods for numerous occasions, it’s not quite the same as a permanent residence there. So take what I say about russia with a grain of salt.

Before I moved to Japan, I was living in the states. I was in the states for about 12 years. I imagine that will color some of my answers in a specific way. 

Question 1: Am I staying in Japan because Russian law criminalizes LGBTQ? 

No. I’m staying in Japan because I currently have a job in Japan and also because American healthcare sucks. I have national healthcare in Japan and I rather enjoy not going bankrupt if I have to go to the hospital. 

Now, granted, I’ve been propositioned by my grandparents and other family SEVERAL times (read: every time we talk on skype) to return to Russia and resume living there. The reason I refuse THAT is, by and large, because of the attitudes and laws towards LGBT in Russia. (: My spouse and I have even considered going to visit there, but we keep putting it off because we would have to take some significant safety risks, and it’s just dodgy. 

Question 2: Was I ever outwardly LGBTQ+ in Russia? 

No, not ever. Not beyond presenting androgynously in public (which I also tone down on when I’m over there). 

I am not out to ANYONE in my family except for my mother, and although I make my opinions on matters of LGBTQ+ stuff quite clear when I’m with family, I am personally not mentally up for the amount of arguing that would ensue were I to come out to them. 

Beyond that, my social circle of peers in Russia is nonexistent at this point. Any friends I used to have in my youth I’m no longer in touch with. When I go back, I interact with family and no one else. 

Question 3: How am I navigating Japan’s strict immigration laws? 

I’m not sure which laws you’re referring to specifically. I came in on a working visa, have renewed it multiple times throughout my contracts, and have now changed it over to a spouse visa. Aside from copious amounts of paperwork, I’ve not had any trouble. 

Question 4: Has my androgyny caused me trouble at the workplace because I work with children?

So far, no. At least not to my knowledge. I know that at least SOME people read me as androgynous because when I was new at the office, I had an older man straight up go up to me and say (in English) “You - man or woman?” 

Younger kids also can’t read me well and argue about my gender in front of me. Their teachers are usually very quick to ‘correct’ them, though. Teachers treat their inability to gender me on the first try as something embarrassing and seem to be mostly fine with my androgyny, perhaps finding it somewhat ‘unfortunate’ that I look the way I do. They’ve never been unkind about it, though, and my job has never been affected by it on a professional level. 

Question 5: Do I have a background in art + education?

I actually have a background in Linguistics - specifically the acquisition of languages (second languages… foreign languages…) I’ve never taken art classes except for a Generals course in community college. It’s just something I do as a hobby. 

BUT (segway time!)

Question 6: Does art provide a significant income for me? 

Yes.

Which is actually shocking for everyone involved, especially me, because I never foresaw my art as being profitable, which is why I never went to school for it. 

Now that my Patreon is thriving, I’m making QUITE the headway into repaying my student loans. Granted, I never thought it would be possible, but the fancomic I’m doing of the White Diamond AU gave my artwork so much more visibility that I’m now able to say I DO make a profit on my art and could probably continue to do so. 

No one is more surprised than me! I do think that having a background in art can give you more TOOLS to start with. You can definitely make a living on art but it takes a while to get the momentum of it started, so having a backup steady job like teaching (as you mentioned) helps you stay afloat while you figure out the creative niches you have to fill.

For your last question regarding racism:

Racism in Japan is different than racism in the US (duh). Most of it is actually directed at Korean and Chinese and southeast-asian immigrants living in the country. In some ways, there’s also racism towards black people and latino people and etc - but it looks different than racism in the US, or racism in Europe. 

I’m hesitant to say that white people experience ‘racism’ in Japan as such. There’s definitely xenophobia that’s running rampant in Japan as a whole, and there’s issues of fetishism on a HUGE scale - stereotypes GALORE! Some people literally try to get with a white person ONLY for the sake of having mixed-race babies because they are “cuter”. It’s uh. Super weird.

But frankly, that’s all really minor compared to what you get in the states. It will change, of course, depending on your race, but if you’re white, rest assured that you are likely to get special treatment in Japan instead of discrimination. (Though of course that comes with the bonus of having to field really weird questions based on myths perpetuated by being an isolated island country.)

If anyone else living in Japan wants to chime in, feel free, but that’s all I’ve got.

If you read this far...

[kenmab]

in which shizuka meets a friend

Jounouchi was starting to wonder if there was a sign on his forehead that beckoned anyone and everyone to pick a fight with him. While he would normally find himself fuming over the fact that he got into an altercation over being shoved into the guy after getting off the subway, he was more concerned with the idea of getting to the hospital late....again. Shizuka had fallen ill again, but even though the doctors couldn’t pinpoint what the cause of it was, she seemed to be recovering quickly from it. Regardless, Jounouchi had promised his sister that he would be there to see her at noon and he was just only arriving in the right town at 11:58.

Kabia took his time walking down the hallway in the general hospital. His little brother has just gotten his x-rays, if he moved too quickly he’d have to sit alone in the room and wait for them to wheel him in. Kaiba couldn’t believe how easily he’d let himself forget just how much disdain he held for hospitals, everything was too white and too bright. They give off an air of purity to hide the fact that they profit off of those more vulnerable than them, he always thought. But the only thing he could do about it was stroll down the long hallway with his arms folded. And perhaps consider extending his corporation into the medical field as well. His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar face, staring at his own reflection in the picture frame beside a patient door. Kabia sneered to himself, that blonde headed idiot really got a beating, he thought. Good maybe he’ll learn a thing or two about knowing where his place is. He considered saying something to him, mocking him for getting admitted to the hospital for a few punches but then noticed the bouquet of pastel colored flowers in his idle hand, while the other poked at the bruises forming on his face. Kaiba frowned. He’s a bigger idiot than Kaiba first thought, he showed up to see a girl looking like a delinquent. Kaiba then watched the other boy open folded sheet of paper up and scowl at it, before hastily cramming it back into his pocket. The boy then sighed at his reflection, turned, and opened the patient room door. 

“Onii-chan!” 

“Oy, Shizuka! Sorry I’m late, I just wanted to stop and get something colorful for your room,” the blonde headed kid said and slid the door shut behind him.

Shock wasn’t the right word, but Kaiba felt a sort of surprise. For a moment, the other boy had caught him off guard. He glowered and bit the inside of his cheeks. You idiot, if you show up to your younger sibling’s side looking like that all you’ll do is make them worry. Kaiba then decided it wasn’t in his best interest to worry about the affairs of others, he was only in this cursed place to visit his own younger loved one. Mokuba might have made it to his own room by now, waiting on his older brother. Yugi’s friend served well as a time killer, but Kaiba had real business to take care of and didn’t want anything to get in the way of that. Despite telling himself those things, his curiosity had enough control over him to notice and grab the paper lying on the floor outside of the door the blonde boy had entered. 

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

Jounouchi placed the hydrangeas in the vase on the nightstand and gave his little sister a goofy grin. Shizuka had a habit of getting sick, while also having a miraculous power of recovering quickly, though her mother always admitted her just in case. Jounouchi never minded, he just liked to spend time with his sister whenever he could. Though she pursed her lips at him. 

“Shizuka, you won’t believe the kinda trouble Honda got into last week,” Jounouchi said with a chuckle. Shizuka’s face remained unchanged. “...okay I know I said I’d be here half an hour ago but--”

“You got into another fight, didn’t you?” Shizuka didn’t even pretend to hide the disappointment in her voice. “You promised you’d stop getting into fights!”

Jounouchi blinked, put his hand behind his head, and chuckled again. “It wasn’t a fight! Someone shoved me because I bumped into him--”

“And it turned into a fight,” Shizuka sighed. Her brother was always such a warrior, but she always wished that someone would protect him for once. 

“Sure,” Jounouchi said curtly, he did not want to have this conversation. Instead he said, “the good news is that you get discharged tomorrow! Is mom getting you or can I come and pick you up? I was thinking it’d be nice if you and me and could go and get lunch somewhere before you go home again.”

At the thought of having lunch with her brother who she hadn’t seen in such a long time, Shizuka didn’t have time to feel worried. Jounouchi on the other hand, had something else to consider: how the hell was he going to pay her bill? It had always been that way, Shizuka’s hospital stays always consisted of mysterious fevers and numerous inconclusive tests that ultimately led to her healing on her own accord and getting discharged a week or so later. Every unnecessary test had a price tag that would eventually cost a fortune. He himself didn’t exactly need to pay the bill, but Shizuka’s mom always was tying a knot on one bill while being handed a different one. As Shizuka’s one and only brother, he wanted to do anything he could to put a stake in the cycle, then maybe Shizuka could afford something she wanted. He felt like maybe an angel had handed him the bill instead of Shizuka’s mother, but now he held a secret weight. While thinking of the bill he crammed in his back pocket before he entered the room, he reached to pat it, just to find it wasn’t there anymore. At this point, all Jounouchi could do is hope that Shizuka couldn’t sense the weariness in his smile.

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

“What?”

“It says here, Mr. Jounouchi, every test for Kawai Shizuka has already been paid for,” the nurse at the help desk turned the monitor to face Jounouchi, whose mouth was agape. 

“What the..” 

“There’s a note here asking the man responsible to remain anonymous, I’m afraid,” the woman continued, “but everything here is legal. The transaction is legitimate. Is there an issue with that, Mr. Jounouchi?”

Jounouchi blinked. Then blinked again. He had just approached the desk to ask for another copy of the bill so when he made it home he could plan his work schedule around school. Had someone found the bill on the ground in the hospital and paid for everything? Would someone do that out of the goodness of their heart? Was there someone waiting in the shadows to want something in exchange for the clearance? 

“You really can’t tell me the name of the man who paid the bill?” was all Jounouchi could manage to say. The nurse shook her head and turned the computer monitor back to face her. 

“Though I do believe that he was here to visit a patient. Maybe he’ll be back here again too, and you can greet and thank him face to face.”

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

“I’m requesting for you to get discharged tomorrow, Mokuba, I hate seeing you in a place like this,” Kaiba had his laptop out but his attention was on his little brother’s arm hidden beneath a thick cast. Broken, the doctor’s told him. Kaiba forced himself to believe that Mokuba tripped going down the stairs at school, he couldn’t control himself if he started to entertain any other thoughts on the matter. Mokuba just grinned and categorized his duel monster cards. 

“That’s fine with me! My friend is getting discharged today anyway, so it’d get boring really fast if I had to stay any longer,” Mokuba placed another monster card into the corresponding pile. Kaiba cocked his head slightly and furrowed his brows. Of course his little brother made a friend, he had that kind of power while his older brother had lived his whole life without it. Kaiba turned back to his laptop.

“Then it’s settled. You should be able to leave around 11 am, so try not to sleep in again like you did today,” Kaiba clicked away at business notes upon business notes, but he always had time for his little brother. Mokuba continued sorting his deck. There was a knock on the door. 

“Come in,” Mokuba said without looking up from his cards.

“Um, Mokuba-kun?” it was his friend from down the hall. “My brother’s just come to sign me out! I thought I’d come and say goodbye for now.” 

Mokuba turned to see Shizuka, who he’d run into in the hallway yesterday afternoon and spent the rest of the day talking to. They didn’t have much in common except the mutual need for someone’s company, so they couldn’t help but be kind to each other. From behind her, the boys inside the room could hear someone else’s voice.

“You didn’t tell me your friend was Kaiba’s little brother! I know Mokuba too!” Jounouchi entered the patient room. “Sorry for the intrusion!” He eyed Mokuba’s cast ridden arm and cocked his head.  

“Yo Mokuba, what happened to your arm?”

Mokuba cradled his arm and smiled sadly. “ I tripped on my shoelaces going down the stairs at school. I’m starting to think I inherited some unlucky genes.”

“It’s okay if you’re unlucky! Something good can come from it,” Shizuka said kindly. “My brother lost my hospital bill, but then someone else paid it for us! I heard him on the phone with Mom earlier.”

“Ah, Shizuka..” Jounouchi felt his face turn warm, she could just say something so embarrassing like it didn’t matter. And in front of a Kaiba of all people. There was a chuckle from the other side of the room. 

“I’m not sure if I would call that luck, good or bad. I’d call it carelessness,” Kaiba said, his laptop was open but he was facing Jounouchi. Jounouchi’s face went from feeling warm to a full embarrassed blush. 

“Well it doesn’t matter what it was! I’m gonna find the guy that paid it off and pay him back!” Jounouchi instinctively raised his voice around Kaiba Seto. Kabia smirked and raised an eyebrow in return. 

“You don’t say? And how do you expect to do that? By the looks of it, you don’t know who he is,” he said cooly, keeping his arms and legs crossed. Kaiba’s calm demeanor annoyed Jounouchi, and he knew that well.

“I--well...I’ll figure it out. Somehow..” Jounouchi hated it when Kaiba backed him into a corner for flawed logic. He hated even more not having the right words to say in front of him. “I have to pay him back! Unlike you, people put their hearts into every dollar they earn, and that man probably doesn’t have the time to just throw his money away on strangers! I’m going to find him and pay him back, it’s the most honorable thing I can do!” Jounouchi knew he was speaking too loud. Kaiba raised his eyebrows, but kept that smirk plastered on his face. You’re just lucky Shizuka’s in the room, Jounouchi thought to himself.

“Ah we should get going! If Mom’s expecting me home at 4…” Shizuka giggled. She thought her brother was strange to like to compete with his friends. “Mokuba-kun, get better soon, okay?”

“I will!” Mokuba smiled at everyone. His room felt even warmer than it did before.

Jounouchi gave Mokuba a goodbye and shuffled out of the room, remembering he’d promised to take his younger sister to lunch. 

“Nii-sama,” Mokuba started. His brother quietly typed away on his laptop. “Are you not going to tell him who paid the bill?” 

His brother stayed quiet.

“Mokuba, I’m working right now,” Kaiba answered. 

Mokuba sighed with a smile. Just how much longer would his brother pretend not to have respect for Jounouchi Katsuya who, for just a below average guy, continuously surprised him.

[shadowphoenixrider]

(I wrote more Katla/Kabu stuff because why the hell not. Sometime after this fic here. Katla is 26 years old.)

“Alright Sirfetch’d, finish it off! Brick Break!” Katla cried.

The Wild Duck Pokemon uttered a loud cry, charging into the fray. His Snorlax opponent swung out an arm to stop him, only for Sirfetch’d to parry the blow with his leek shield, accompanying sword glowing bright white.

“Sir-fetch’d!” He slashed the sword up and into Snorlax’s immense belly, causing the Sleeping Pokemon to utter a deep, defeated moan, tottering back before crumpling to the floor with a loud thud.

“And you win again...” Hop groaned, returning his Pokemon back to its Pokeball as their impromptu crowd erupted into applause.

“Yup.” Katla smiled, giving her Sirfetch’d an affectionate pat on the head before she too returned him to his ball. “But you don’t do too bad for yourself, Hop. Get your Pokemon rested up, and you’ll be ready to take on Gordie straight away.”

The younger man brightened, scratching the back of his head.

“You really think so, mate?”

“Sure!” The young woman nodded, slipping her hands into her hoodie pockets. “You gave me a good fight, and I’ve only just come out of there. So you’ll be just fine. Go for it!”

“Alright!” Hop grinned widely, already on the move again. “Look out Gordie, here I come!”

Sonia chuckled, shaking her head as the young trainer bounded away.

“Seems like he finally shook off that gloom.” She commented. “I’m glad - Leon’d worry if Hop wasn’t feeling alright.”

“Yeah.” Katla nodded, hiding her scowl. One of these days I’m going to give Bede what he deserves. “I worry too. Kid’s a ball of sunshine. If I can keep him blazing bright as long as I can, I will.”

“Sure.” Sonia nodded, curling her orange hair around her finger. “You wouldn’t want your rival to be down in the dumps, after all.” The trainer was about to retort it had more to do with the fact he was her friend when the researcher continued: “Anyway, I’m planning to look into things in the Slumbering Weald a little more. See ya!”

Katla waved her goodbye, noticing that the crowd that had mostly dispersed now the action was over, chattering excitedly about the two Gym Challengers, and who they were supporting in the upcoming matches. The trainer hadn’t expected a history lesson to have resulted in a Pokemon battle, but when Hop was raring to go, there was little that could dissuade him. At least everything was still as they found it.

She was about to make her own way towards the Pokemon Centre when she glimpsed a familiar black and red coat, just visible behind one of the ancient stone columns. Her heart skipped a beat, and the trainer wandered idly over, pretending to just pass by.

“Hey stranger,” she said, glancing at the older man out of the corner of her eye. “Shall we find somewhere a little quieter?”

“Lead on.” His soft, deep voice replied, his smile clear within.

The pair walked away from the Hero’s Bath, making their way through Circhester’s numerous winding streets until they found an empty patch of land on the edge of town, a copse of snow-laden trees guarding them from curious eyes.

“I did not expect to find you and Hop having a Pokemon battle in the middle of the Hero’s Bath.” Kabu commented, a warm smile on his lips. “Especially so soon after your stupendous battle with Gordie.”

Katla blushed, chuckling shyly.

“O-Oh well, it wasn’t anything special, just a nice tough fight, went through all the motions...”

“Perhaps, but I'm very glad I had the good fortune to be in the crowd.” Kabu replied. “To witness the bond between you and your Pokemon is a privilege, whichever side of the field I’m on.”

“Aw, thanks.” Her face was burning up now, despite the chill in the air. “But you’re definitely flattering me now.”

“Nonsense.” His smile widened, twinkling in his eyes. “I am merely giving a masterful trainer the honours she deserves.”

“Stooop!” Katla giggled, waving a hand at him. “I’m not toast, don’t butter me up like this!”

The Gym Leader chuckled, making her heart skip its next beat and Murkrow feet crinkle in the corners of his eyes.

“You’re fun to tease, Katla,” he said, something soft to his tone that made her heart do a somersault, another in the series of gymnastics it was apparently performing.

“Don’t tell me the only reason you were watching us fight was to torment me later.” She replied, trying to salvage some composure from the situation.

“In truth, I was hoping to cross paths with you again.” Kabu said. “It was lucky coincidence that I happened to notice your sparring with Hop.” His smile widened. “More so that we now have this fleeting time to ourselves.”

“Yeah.” The young woman nodded, glancing around them. Aside from the occasional soft whisper of wind through the trees, the snow absorbed all sound, cloaking the pair with silence. “It’s nice. Just wish it was warmer.”

“Yes. I like to think I have adapted to Galar’s fickle weather patterns, but I have never managed to insulate myself from the cold, especially here.” The Gym Leader commented, creases appearing between his eyebrows. “You’re not too cold, are you Katla? We can find somewhere warmer if you need-”

“Oh no no!” She replied hurriedly, pulling her hoodie a little tighter around herself. “I’m alright, thanks Kabu. I just...I’m not really a fan of chilly places either. The only place I went to that had an Ice type gym that wasn’t freezing cold was Mahogany Town in Johto, and even that place had a chill in the air.” Katla gave a lopsided smile. “I guess that’s why I don’t tend to have many Ice type Pokemon. Prefer the heat over the cold.”

“Perhaps.” Kabu’s concerned frown remained for a moment, before he opened his arm out to her. “Regardless, if you are cold, come a little closer. I’m told I run hot.”

Katla hesitated for a moment, glancing behind her. Yet, safe in the knowledge that no-one would see them at a cursory glance, she took his offer, moving to stand at his side. To her surprise, he curled his arm around her, pulling her close into his body. Katla felt herself warm up, but she didn’t think it was just from Kabu’s heat.

There was a pause.

“Better?” He asked softly.

“Yeah. Thank you.” She shifted slightly closer, noting how nicely her body fit against his.

Another brief moment of silence passed between them before Kabu spoke again.

“You’ll be leaving for Spikemuth tomorrow, I presume?”

Katla nodded.

“Yeah. Hopefully it’s a little warmer than this place.”

“Once you pass through the icy stretch of Circhester Bay, you will be pleased to find it warms up again.” Kabu smiled. “Unlike the other towns and cities you have been to, however, it lacks a Power Spot.”

“Oh, so no Dynamaxing, then.” The trainer lifted a shoulder, smirking. “No skin off my back - pretty much back to basics for me.”

The Man of Fire’s smile was amused.

“Of course. Then Piers should pose little challenge for you.”

“Oh no, the last time I was that confident was against Opal, and, well, we know how well that went.” Katla replied, glancing away. “Besides, considering he’s just behind Raihan in rankings without access to a Power Spot, that probably means he’s a force to be reckoned with.”

She swore she saw Kabu’s silver eyes sparkle.

“Very perceptive. Now I see another facet in what makes you such a skilled trainer and Gym Challenger.”

Katla blushed.

“C’mon Kabu, we’ve been over this! Stop buttering me up.” As the older man chuckled, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “Wait. I don’t remember a Piers. He wasn’t at the opening ceremony, was he?”

“You’re correct, he wasn’t.” Kabu sighed. “Piers is very...independent. He and Chairman Rose have clashed numerous times. Piers cares deeply for the future of Spikemuth, and he blames the town’s misfortunes on its lack of a Power Spot.” The Gym Leader shook his head. “Whilst he prefers to keep to himself, it is clear to see the issue troubles him deeply. I only wish I could offer him answers for his problems.”

“I can understand why he’d probably not want to go to the opening ceremony, then.” Katla commented. “What does he specialise in?”

“Dark types.” The older man replied.

“Huh.” The younger woman hummed. “Reminds me of a guy I met in Alola. Kinda abrasive and aloof, but deep down you knew he really gave a shit.”

For a moment, she let images swim up from her memory - red eyes; glowing in the dark, a smirk; full of promise, his face between- and then she quickly pushed them down again, blinking hard and hoping that she wasn’t blushing. Again.

She glanced back up at Kabu, who was looking down at her thoughtfully, his eyes glazed as his gaze was turned inwards. His face didn’t betray his thoughts, however, when he resurfaced.

“Yes. Indeed...” A small smile pulled at his lips. “I don’t suppose I need to ask you if you've ever fought Dark types before, do I?”

“No.” Katla replied. “I’ve fought them before, and the Alola guy was specialised in them, so I know what they’re like in the hands of a master.” And weren’t those hands masterful- she quickly squelched that thought by adding: “Trouble. Very troublesome. I was lucky to beat him. Which is why I’m not gonna get drawn in to thinking I’ve already got this.” She stuffed her hands into her hoodie pockets. “Like I said, learned my lesson the last time.”

“Of course.” Kabu nodded. “Yet forewarned is forearmed.” His smile widened. “I have every faith that you will do well against Piers, Katla. I look forward to seeing your match.”

“T-Thanks.” The young woman couldn’t help but smile shyly, her face flushing. “It means a lot to hear you say that. I’ll do my best.”

The Gym Leader nodded again, satisfied, and a brief silence settled around them, like the snow that was beginning to fall.

“Guess you’ve got stuff to be getting back to as well.” Katla said, looking up at him.

“Yes. I will be taking a taxi back to Motostoke this evening to resume my duties. There are still trainers attempting my Gym Challenge, though it will not be long before their window of opportunity will close.” His silver eyes slid over to meet hers, a smile pulling at his lips. “I don’t think it will be long before at least two trainers will qualify for the Semifinals.”

The trainer arched an eyebrow at him.

“Putting the cart before the Mudbray a little there, Kabu. I’ve gotta beat Piers and Raihan. Either one could put an end to it.”

“Perhaps.” Kabu turned to face her properly, reaching out to gently take her hands. “But I have faith you can do it. I see the spark in your eyes, Katla. You have a burning flame that cannot be extinguished. I sensed it when I first met you, and felt it in our battle. I am sure you will make it through to the Semifinals.”

‘The Ever-Burning Man of Fire’ seemed an appropriate moniker for the Hoenn Gym Leader, with the way his touch seemed to cause Katla’s face and heart to heat up, the latter skipping a beat. His smile was as warm as his hands, and for a moment, they remained like this, Katla wondering how fate had brought her to this point in time.

And then Kabu leaned closer, paused, before he tentatively pressed a kiss to her lips. It only took a second, maybe just two, but the heat it caused, rippling out from the Galar trainer’s heart, seemed to sharpen every sense she possessed as if Katla had awoken from the deepest, most restful slumber she’d ever had.

She blinked Rowlet-ishly up at him, noticing the older man’s sheepish expression - despite his bold move, a blush was beginning to darken across his cheeks, and he glanced away.

Suddenly his scarf poked its head up, peering up at him with an inquisitive: ‘Si?’ Kabu’s blush darkened, and he chuckled at his little companion’s confusion, Katla unable to resist giggling too.

“It’s alright, little one,” he said softly, stroking the Radiator Pokemon’s flat head with his finger. “Be at peace.” The Sizzlipede’s eyes closed, and it trilled with pleasure before returning to its duty around Kabu’s neck, the young woman wondering if her blood was made of magma, the amount of warmth she could feel leaking from her heart.

“Looks like you took your friend by surprise.” Katla spoke, and almost kicked herself for trying to make light of the situation. He smiled shyly, an expression she never thought she’d ever see on the older man’s face.

“Yes. And several others.” He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “I...I apologise, Katla. That was...foolish of me.”

“No no, it wasn’t.” She shook her head, stepping closer. “You surprised me, sure, but, but it wasn’t unwelcome.” If she kept blushing like this, her face was going to get stuck this way. “I liked it.”

The trainer had to admit it was amusing to see his composure slip out of his fingertips again, his blush creeping across his face.

“Oh? Are you sure? I don’t want to- you mustn’t feel like you should accept my advances because-”

“Kabu.” It was Katla’s turn to grasp his hands, squeezing them between her own. “It’s fine. If I didn’t want it, you would know.” A pause, deciding not to provide the example. “I promise, I will let you know if we start going too fast or too far. I know this might be the first relationship I’ve ever been in, but I’m twenty six - I’ve been around long enough to know what I want and who I want it with.”

Her blue eyes met Kabu’s grey, the older man watching her intently. “Trust me, please?”

“I do.” He nodded. “I’m just-” A pause. “Forgive me, Katla. I worry.”

“I know.” She squeezed his hands again. “It works both ways, though. If you feel uncomfortable, or like I’m the one going too fast or too far, you let me know too, okay?”

“Of course. Of course.” He replied, giving her hands an answering, if more tentative squeeze. Another pause, before a shy smile graced his lips. “For this being your first relationship, you show considerable wisdom.”

“Heh, I’ve just been working from what I picked up from various places.” Katla chuckled weakly. “I’m pretty sure I’ve still got a lot to learn.”

“As have I.” Kabu smiled, giving her hands one last squeeze before he pulled away. “Anyway, I fear I have taken up more than enough of your time, Katla. My apologies.”

“It’s fine, Kabu. I’m more worried that I’ve been the one taking up your time, with you being a Gym Leader and everything.” A half-smile pulled at her lips. “But, before you go...”

As the Hoenn man gave her a quizzical look, Katla leaned up and pressed her own kiss to his lips, unable to hide her smile as he blinked widely, his blush starting to reappear on his cheeks.

“...Oh.” He uttered quietly, lifting a hand as if to touch an imprint she left behind.

“I, I better go.” Katla said, stepping away. “I-It’s been nice chatting with you, Kabu. We’ll talk again sometime soon, yeah?”

“Oh, yes, of course.” The Gym Leader replied. “Safe travels, Katla. Best of luck for Piers.”

“Safe journey back to Motostoke!” She waved, before turning to walk back into Circhester, trying restrain the excited skip in her step.

---

“Siiizz?” Kabu had been watching the young woman leave when his Sizzlipede called to him again, having uncurled just enough to give him a Look, one that he couldn’t quite identify.

Despite the cold snow settling over his bench coat and into his hair, his face felt as hot as his Pokemon’s belly scales, and Kabu swore his lips were still tingling from Katla’s kiss. He managed a lopsided smile at his companion.

“It’s, it’s fine, little one,” he said, again, although he found his gaze drifting back to where the trainer had gone. “She’s just...a very special friend.”

The Radiator Pokemon did not look convinced this time, tilting its head and quivering its fiery moustache. Kabu sighed softly.

“Perhaps...Perhaps a bit more than that.” He admitted.

[sml8180]

Shot at Redemption - 03

Encounters

A week had gone by, now, and Rose had fallen into a routine. She would wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and find something for breakfast. After eating, she would normally spend the day mapping out paths through the woods around her cabin, or going fishing at the river. She normally kept away from others, and stayed mostly away from the nearby town. By evening, Rose would head back to the cabin, have dinner, and relax indoors, usually looking through the magazines she found in the cabin, or sitting outside and watching as the sun set and the stars came out.

Nobody really came around the cabin, and Rose had no issue with it. The less people she encountered, the less of a chance there was for her to be recognized and turned in. She would see the occasional person by the river, or a stray hiker on the path, but it wasn’t a common sight. By the next week, though, Rose found that she would need to actually go into the town. There were a few things that she needed that you just couldn’t get out in the woods. There hadn’t been much coffee in the tin when she had gotten there, and one could only live off a fish-only diet for so long. With a sigh, Rose cleared out space in her bag, setting her clothes and various other things she didn’t need to bring with her on the bed, strapped the bag over her back, and started out towards the nearest town, making sure her 1911 was where it belonged, just in case.

It was a decent hike to the main road that lead to the town, but Rose’s muscles were used to it, by now, after growing used to heading down to the river and hiking the trails all week. As expected, there weren’t many people along the way. At least, for most of the trek, until Rose came across a familiar body ahead of her. Even after just one meeting, she would recognize those glasses and that man-bun anywhere. Joseph was ahead of her on the trail, carrying a white bound book in his left hand as his rosary dangled below his palm, swaying a bit with each step he took. Rose tried to keep back from the man, doing her best to match his steps so that her own wouldn’t be heard and draw his attention. He didn’t seem aware of her presence, anyways, as he softly hummed as he walked. Rose was able to pick out the tune of Amazing Grace, a song she’d heard numerous times during her childhood. She shook her head, and continued to walk behind Joseph by several paces, hoping that he would take the opposite path at the fork coming ahead of them. It was just her luck when he didn’t turn off, but remained on the same path she needed to take to the town. As a result, Rose mumbled a string of curses under her breath.

“You really should mind your language. You can never know who might be listening,” Joseph’s distinctive voice met Rose’s ears, and she almost froze in her tracks. He had stopped, and partially turned towards her, with the same relaxed gaze he’d had when they last encountered one another.

“Last I checked, there were no children around in earshot. Unless I’m looking at one, that is,” Rose took a few steps closer to Joseph, looking him up and down with a smirk. Was the statement a bit petty? Maybe, but hell if she cared.

“The Lord listens,” Joseph offered in response. He turned fully to face Rose, watching as she stepped closer. “But, judging from our last meeting, you don’t exactly believe that.”

“I’m gonna be honest, I’m kind of surprised you remembered that.” She hadn’t exactly expected Joseph to remember her at all, let alone remember anything she’d said to him when they were last face to face.

“Many of my followers held the same views when they first came to the light. In time, they began to see that they had been mistaken.”

“You’re gonna have a hell of a time if you intend to change my mind.”

Joseph was quiet for a moment, before he spoke up again. “It seems we’re headed in the same direction. Would you at least humor me until our paths diverge?”

“Only because there’s no other path into town.” Rose gave a shrug as she responded. It wouldn’t be a long time to humor the man, anyways.

Joseph gave a nod, and began to walk down the path once again, with Rose taking a few quick steps to catch up with him. They were both silent for a short time, before Joseph finally spoke again.

“You don’t seem to be from around here,” he observed, looking at Rose out of the corner of his eye. Even with just a glance, Rose could see the same bright blue of John’s eyes when Joseph’s weren’t obscured by the yellow aviators he wore.

“Lucky guess. I’m willing to bet you and your brother aren’t from the area, either.” Rose looked up at Joseph, seeing what she could get from just reading his reactions.

“That’s right. We were born in Georgia,” Joseph confirmed. His answer seemed honest, and it almost surprised Rose in a way. It wasn’t often she encountered someone who was truly honest.

“Maine.”

“Hm?” The tall man looked down at Rose, humming in question. She’d spoken just fast enough that he hadn’t actually caught what it was she’d said.

“I’m from Maine. Originally, at least,” she clarified. She hadn’t been in Maine, or anywhere in New England, for that matter, in quite some time.

“I see. What brought you to Hope County, then?” Joseph seemed to be genuinely curious, if his tone was anything to go off of.

“A car.”

“You’re running from something.”

Rose looked up at Joseph for a second, before clearing her throat a bit. “What gives you that idea?”

“You’ve stayed away from commonly used trails, kept out of the town, you didn’t even give John your name outright. And you were matching my steps, in a clear attempt to go undetected.”

“Maybe I just don’t like people, you consider that?” She wasn’t about to admit that Joseph was right. Rose was running from something. A lot of somethings, if she was honest.

Joseph shook his head, “I don’t doubt that is part of it, but it’s far from the entire story. There isn’t any use in hiding it, because it is all clear in the eyes of the Lord.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything. We don’t know each other, and frankly, I’m completely okay with it staying like that.”

The man by her side didn’t say anything for a moment. He simply gave a nod as they continued to walk. A silence fell over them, and it began to make Rose a bit uneasy. The situation wasn’t helped when Joseph began to hum again, this time a tune she couldn’t name. As Joseph hummed, Rose couldn’t help the oddly uneasy feeling that built up in her. She cleared her throat a little louder than normal, halting the man’s humming.

“So… You’re one for music, too?” She tried to make some sort of actual conversation with him. They were stuck with one another until at least the next fork in the path, and she couldn’t stand the thought of just listening to his humming the entire time.

“I am, it’s one thing my brothers and I share,” the corners of Joseph’s lips tugged into a short-lived smile.

“Brothers? There’s more than just you and John?”

“We have an older brother, Jacob. Although, he isn’t the social type,” Joseph seemed to let out a quiet sigh as he thought of his older brother.

“I can relate to that, at least. Not exactly a people person.”

Joseph gave a quiet nod. “That was made clear the day we met, considering your communication skills.”

Rose simply rolled her eyes. She knew well enough that her people skills weren’t exactly the best. Her family had made sure she knew that. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I know damn well that I’m not the best with people, I don’t need some preacher telling me that. If you’re gonna spit facts at me, then tell me something I don’t already know,” Rose looked up at Joseph, almost challenging him to try to actually tell her something she didn’t know. The man was silent for a few moments, before he finally spoke again.

“John very well knows who you are,” he finally said. The man continued a couple of steps, before stopping, seeing that Rose had frozen in her tracks.

“How the… I didn’t even… I didn’t give him my full name…” she could only stammer at this point. How did that silk shirt wearing baptist know who she was from just her first name?

“John Duncan was a lawyer in Atlanta. John Seed is my baptist. They happen to be the same man.” Even if it didn’t show on his face, Rose could hear the smirk in Joseph’s voice. Her drop in confidence was just what he’d expected when he dropped the information on her.

“Well, that, complicates things a little,” Rose was honestly at a loss for words. She knew she shouldn’t have trusted John with her name, but she stupidly let her guard down. After standing where she was for another moment, Rose began to walk down the path once again, with Joseph following. They continued in silence; Joseph didn’t even start to hum again, until they got to the next fork in the path, and Joseph started to take one way, and Rose the other.

“It seems we’ll be going our separate ways,” the man looked towards Rose, his demeanor as calm as ever.

“Tell your brother he’s gonna have to try harder if he wants to get into my head. Oh!” Rose stopped after a few steps, quickly finding a pinecone on the ground and tossing it to Joseph, who was able to reach with his free hand and catch it. “Give that to John for me, tell him I say if he wants to fuck with someone, he can fuck himself with that.” Following her statement, Rose didn't wait for a response; she simply continued on her way, leaving Joseph with the pinecone in his hand.

It took Rose a while longer to reach the town, and she did her best to keep out of sight while there. Getting what she needed, Rose put everything into her bag and started to head back, hoping that she wouldn't have any more encounters. The way back to her cabin was almost completely silent, with only the sounds of wildlife and Rose’s own steps filling her ears. It wasn’t until she was back at the cabin that things seemed different. The door was ajar when she approached, and it filled her with a sense of unease, bordering on dread as she came closer. Her steps were as quiet as she could manage as she pulled out her gun and climbed the three steps to the cabin’s porch. Making her way across, Rose practically held her breath, 1911 at the ready in case she needed it. She got to the door, and kept to the side of it, peeking through the crack from the door being ajar before nudging it open with her foot and stepping around to properly view the inside of the cabin from the doorway, gun trained on the inside of the structure.

“October 4th, 2005; arrested for breaking and entering, first offence, let off on probation. April 25th, 2007; arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, two and a half years prison time, followed by six months parole. August 19th, 2011; arrested for the possession of an unregistered Glock 26, three years prison time, two years on parole.” Rose knew that voice anywhere. It was that damn baptist again. Her gaze settled on the man sitting in the corner of the room, left ankle resting on his right knee, as he sat on one of the chairs by the table, his right elbow resting on the wooden surface while he read from a sheet of paper in his hand. He looked up at the woman at the door and smirked. “Seems you’ve had some legal issues.”

“I’m gonna ask you this once,” Rose began, taking a deep breath to settle herself. “What the actual fuck are you doing in here?”

John set the page he held on the table and let his hand dangle over the edge of the hard surface. “After our little meeting, I decided to do a little bit of research through some case notes I had from a while back,” he was smirking as he spoke, and almost sounded amused. “Your name rang a bell, and now I see why. Rose Anne Carter has been on the run for the last six weeks.”

“So what? You’re no cop, you can’t arrest me.”

“I may not be a cop, but, I could easily turn you in with an anonymous tip to the Sheriff. You might not be worried about me, but you are worried about him. Now, why don’t you put the gun down, and we have a little chat?”

Rose hesitated for a second, eyeing John over the sights of her 1911. He was right, she wasn’t worried about him at all, despite the fact that he was a good head taller than she was when he stood up. But, she was worried about Whitehorse; despite their encounter a week prior, she had the feeling he wouldn’t hesitate to check out a tip leading to a potentially dangerous criminal who was very much wanted. With a sigh, she let her aim fall, slipping her backpack off and approaching the second chair at the table, setting the gun down out of both their reach. If she wasn’t going to have it, she was going to do what she could from letting the blue eyed man across from her get at it.

“Fine, then. You wanna talk, Blue? Let’s talk.”

Taglist:  @deputyoneill @johnseedthot @deputyshitlordsantana@jacobsmusicbox @farcrying5 @johnseedsplane @rookieseed

[ellipsesarefun]

Gossip.

Voltron fanfic.

390 prompts: 60, 61, 48, 7

A/N: prompt dialogues are italicized. Oh and that gossip really is true. Just.. tweaked it a bit. hahaha.

Cramming, studying, cramming. That's what everyone's been doing lately. Keith certainly isn't the exception to the rule. He has his own Embryology and Cell Biology notes to revise, as well as a Genetics report sheet to work on, and a thesis paper to draft and edit. He stacks up his textbooks and notebooks in one side and then rests the notebook, pen, and highlighter in front. 

Right. Everything is already settled. Keith was about to begin when a thunk sounded on the table and a large groan ringing his ears. Keith exhales an air he'd been holding in and ignores the person beside him.

"I can't do this anymore." Says his unsolicited seatmate. The familiar whiny voice is Lance, all right. Keith keeps his eyes on the paper, scribbling his notes.

"Fuck..." He hears Lance curse, "I feel like I've been hit by a car." Keith flicks a page and he continues his actions. Another sigh breaks loose but Keith steels his ignorance and careens away from his seatmate. He slides his textbook over and cracks open to a bookmarked page. 

Lance grumbles and repeats his complaints for what seems the second time (because somehow he's a never-ending stream of those Keith cares less to count). Keith shoots a glance to Lance shoving his books and notebooks; he smiles. 

"Frankly I couldn't care less." Keith obliges a reply. His retort is rewarded with a dry look. 

"I couldn't either." A third party intervenes. Keith turns to tousled ash orange hair and circular wire-rimmed glasses. 

"Hey Pidge." They bump fists and she pulls out a chair beside him.

"Watcha readin'?" She asks, straying away from his gaze to arch an eyebrow at Lance. She returns to her question to Keith before Lance starts a rapport. 

"Just on the chick embryo serial slide I missed to take pictures on." He says, lightly sliding towards her where the text faces her direction, "Do you have pics?" 

"Yea, hold on." She takes out her phone and shoves it to his side and continues to rummage through her things for other school materials. Without hesitation, he grasps it in his hands, swiping the password. He's done this a thousand times that Pidge wouldn't sick her robot on him whenever he looks at her messages by accident. Lance, however...

He glances at his other seatmate, who was already propped beside his shoulder, shining blue eyes fixated on the phone screen. 

Eh. Keith shrugs and thumbs the picture folder icon. The folder opens and he scrolls through the visual gallery. Somehow, there's quite enough slides that he's a little confused which one he's looking for. Her Histology class must be tackling the gastro-intestinal tract, he muses. When pink blobs take over the screen, he stops. He squints and taps on one of the pictures, revealing a pink blob of chick embryo with labeled parts in arrows and boxes.

"No way." Lance says, impressed, "Who has the time to do those things?" Keith snorts.

"People who like to ace in class handled by professors with favoritism issues." Pidge grumbles. She quickly arranges her notebooks and yellow pads in systematic order.

"Aren't you a Professor's favorite, though?" Lance points a finger at her. "Far from it!" She exclaims, batting his finger away from her line of sight, "I mean sure I get high grades but I'm more of a menace than an angel and professors don't like that. It's Acxa who is..."

"And that's a problem because...?" Lance trails off, and gestures at her with a tilt of his head to finish the sentence. She shakes her head.

"It's not Acxa who's the problem. It's Professor Haggar who is." Pidge rants. This isn't the first time Keith's seen her this haggard over anything (or anyone) but the overexaggerated squint of the eyes and warped frown is a sight. Even Lance is slowly backing away from Keith's side.

"What's this about Professor Haggar?" A muffled voice asks. All heads turn to Hunk munching on a cookie. Behind him follows Allura. Another beat of silence hasn't passed as Lance reiterates on Pidge's misery. When he finishes, the two have already taken their respective seats on the table. Beside Pidge, Hunk nods along.

"Yea, I get what you mean." Hunk empathizes as he chews the cookie on his stubby fingers, "Haggar has always been so moody. For the most part, she's okay with everyone except on her worst days." He opens his mouth, expecting the soft chocolate chip goodness on his tongue, only to munch on thin air. Hunk gasps, darting around for the cookie thief. His heated gaze lands on Lance, who was licking the remains of his last beloved bite.

"Hey! I was gonna eat that!" Hunk exclaims. The awful cookie thief merely smiles, not an ounce of guilt present in his smug look.

"Oops. Sorry. I was pretty hungry." His nonchalant demeanor wavers when chiding looks shoot at him from everyone around the table. Lance huffs and shrugs. Allura shakes her head and sighs.

"She quite has a noticeable favoritism, though." Allura chimes beside Hunk, tucking a lock of her white hair behind her ear,  "Sometimes she does cater to her students needs, but only when she seems available.  She often goes out for 'coffee breaks'," she draws air quotes, "but doesn't come back until the class session is over. There was an instance when Shiro spotted her with Professor Coran at the Tropical Hut by Altea Avenue."

"But You can't blame her." Hunk reasons, "Usually her Histology and Embryology lab classes are from eleven in the morning up until two in the afternoon. Of course she's going to be hungry at some point? Even the students go out to eat for thirty minutes."

"Yes, Hunk, but to not returning to her class until the session almost ends by ten or twenty minutes?" Allura rapports on. She exhales a frustrated sigh and fiddles with her long white curls. Pidge looks down to her right as her teeth gnaw at the bottom of her lip.

"I mean Histology and Embryology lab sessions are mostly looking at the slides and consulting the textbook?" Pidge says. Keith nods and looks at Allura. 

"Yea, and she always makes it a point to lecture a summary of the whole concept before she leaves us to our work." He says, "You really can't blame her." 

"But still." Allura insists with a glare. They all relent.

"Well, we can all agree that she has a tad bit of favoritism." Hunk says.

"More like over the top with an icing of her moodiness." Pidge mumbles. 

"True." That Keith can attest to. He's heard stories from a couple of his seniors about her. She had been a little too generous with certain students, like Acxa. Allowing extra questions after class, even to the point where she allows her favorites to her office.. Not once had he witnessed Professor Haggar snap at Acxa. And he's been with her throughout their entire block-terms and several other classes where Professor Haggar managed, as well as numerous study sessions with the rest of Acxa's group of friends.

Rumors fly around as her being terror thesis advisor. She has been known to provide vague instructions to students who are new to the field yet is seen to be helpful and hands on to specific people.. Would snap at anyone at certain times when they make a mistake yet would calmly criticize to a select few. So yea. Pidge has a point. 

"Hey guys, am I late?" All heads turn again to find a hulk of a man with an undercut bed-hair, dark circles under his eyes and two colored shoes. 

"Hey Shiro." Keith greets him. The said man lights up before flickering his eyes around his upper body.

"Hey, have you seen the...?" He maneuvers his hands around, circling himself until his hand reaches a paper stuck to his back, "Oh."  

"Are you okay?" Keith asks. Shiro turns around to him with a tired smile.

"Yes. Why do you ask?" He folds the paper and settles it on the table by the empty seat.

"You're wearing two different shoes."  Keith gestures down. Shiro follows his gaze and jolts at the sight. 

"Oops. I-oh god." He says, mortified. Keith waves a hand.

"It's all good, Shiro. We don't mind one bit." Keith assures him. Everyone else agrees along with him. He watches Shiro's face fall lax as he slouches down on his seat in between Pidge and Hunk. He closes his eyes and wow, does Keith see the thickness of those bags.

"I'm gonna nap for a few minutes." Shiro whispers, "Wake me up in a few minutes." They all say their affirmations before they return to whatever it is they're doing. The topic on Haggar has died down and Pidge is now scanning her notes. Hunk, Allura and Lance do the same, with another topic at hand. Keith casts a smile at the snoring Shiro and he quietly steers back to his notes. 

Sigh.

[themarchblessing]

PARA CHOCAR Y QUEMAR

SABRINA

Izaiah is officially a second grader! He finished his first year of school out smoothly and I’m so very proud of him. I cried the morning I sent him to school on the last day. It was an emotional day for me and a milestone for him as a young man. Regardless of how easy the material was for him, his grades never shied from being great and he always put his best foot forward. His school put together a graduation ceremony for all of the students and oh my goodness I cried during that too. Today Ravyn and I are throwing my baby boy yet another party but this time to celebrate his accomplishment.

My mom and uncle were supposed to come up here but my mom got sick the day before their scheduled flight. So they had to stay back in Chino but I promised to send them a ton of pictures. Zay was super bummed out that his grandma and Manny couldn’t come and I had to explain to him that his abuela is sick so she can’t fly. Not only that but my moms been having health issues lately so flying is not the best option right now. Maybe I’ll plan a trip to fly back to Cali next month. It’ll be a surprise to my mom because I wouldn’t even tell her Zay and I are coming. For now it’s just a thought though.

Curling the last few pieces of my hair I turned the wand off looking around for this new hair fragrance. Spraying the mist all over my head I then set the bottle down to run my comb through these curls to loosen them up. The sound of my doorbell ringing and people’s voices downstairs made me hurry up and finish in the bathroom. I still can’t seem to get ready any quicker these days and I’m really hoping Ravyn or Izaiah don’t give me a hard time.

“You’re a real life princess I swear.” I heard Corey say from my bedroom. Spritzing on some of my perfume I stood up from the vanity and met him by my bed.

“Shut up.” I huffed walking into his awaiting arms. My arms found their way around his neck and my lips met his. “I’m glad you could make it.” I mumbled against his warm lips, feeling his hands gravitate down my back.

“I wasn’t gonna miss. I was on the phone with Zay the entire drive over here.” Corey said as he kissed my cheek.

“I love how close the two of you are. You’ve been great with him since we go here and I’m so happy that he’s comfortable with you.” As I captured his lips again I let the moment linger, feeling that fire ignite inside of me. I crave this man every time he’s near me. That itch to feel him inside of me in any of the numerous ways possible makes me feel so lifelike inside. Corey really takes me breath away in the right ways. Not to mention that having sex every other day has my skin glowing like crazy, my energy levels, appetite and metabolism going berserk! I’m not complaining though.

It’s like the more sex we have the hungrier I become for food.

“I should’ve known the two of you would sucking face. Bajar ahora! Los huéspedes están viniendo!” Ravyn exclaimed from the door.

Shamefully I broke away our kiss and looked around Corey to see Ravyn tapping her foot on the floor. Her large hoop earrings bounced off of her cheeks as she stared me down with squinted eyes. I smiled with guilt because we got caught but I’m loving this green and white dress that she’s in.

“Estamos llegando. Estás Zay listo?” I asked, chewing on my bottom lip trying to fight off Corey’s wandering hands. “Babe stop.” I chuckled lightly, glancing at him quickly.

He grinned at me devilishly, roughly smacking one side of my behind, gripping it firmly.

Ravyn nodded and motioned for us to follow her before walking back downstairs. Standing tall I looked down seeing Corey sporting a full on erection tempting me in so many ways. Just staring at it is causing my mouth to water but I kept my composure. “Dame una hora y prometo ocuparme de esto.” Licking my lips slowly I took a little risk wanting just to touch it. Running my hands over the massive bulge in his pants I sucked on my bottom lip wanting nothing more than to take him in my mouth.

“I’ma hold you to that one hour shit. And if you don’t come through I’m gonna fuck you up.” Corey promised gripping my chin delicately, kissing me tenderly.

“Of course.” I moaned, putting space between us. Corey fixed himself and together we left the room to entertain these guests.

“Mom! Finally!” Izaiah came out from behind me hugging me almost making me fall. I stood my ground and turned halfway around hugging him back.

“You’ve been waiting for me huh?” Bringing him around to stand in front of me I did a once over of his appearance loving the outfit he and Ravyn put together.

“Yeah. Titi was mad because she had let everyone in.” Zay shook his head greeting Corey in their own signature way.

“Don’t worry about that woman. She’ll be alright.” Corey shrugged, taking Zay off my hands. I went around the house greeting Zay’s friends and their parents, mine and Corey’s friends, a couple of nice teachers from his school and Rochelle. I’ve got a full house today and boy will this be a challenge and a first for me. Last time we used Rochelle’s house but this time we’re using mine and I did not mentally prepared to have so many guests in my home. But today is about celebrating my son and not at all about me so I won’t dare to complain.

Ray and I welcomed in the caterers that she and Rochelle hired to feed everyone. Brian, Carli, Tori, Angie and their men all showed up making this one big house party for the adults. Zay, his friends, their parents and Rochelle are all out back taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. Everyone else including myself were spread out making conversation, laughing, etc.

“Bri..Julian is here.” Ravyn spoke lowly in my ear. Looking over my shoulder and avoiding Corey’s stare I rubbed his shoulder softly leaving the group to go let Julian in. I’m nervous to see him because a lot of shit has changed since we met up for dinner almost three months ago. I’m in a relationship and I’m engaged which will be a major shock to J. Or maybe it won’t.

Opening the door I put on a good face for good faith. “Hey.” I said stepping aside to let him in the house.

“Hey.” He smiled back. “You look good. How are you?” He quizzed giving me a quick hug.

Being appropriate and polite I hugged him back, stepping away quickly. “Thank you, I’m fine. As long as my baby is happy, which he is, then so am I. I’m glad you made it. I was starting to think you weren’t coming.” Pulling the sides of my blouse closer together I used my knuckle to wipe the corner of my lip.

“Oh no I wasn’t gonna miss his party. I just got tied up at work. Where is he? Out back?” J looked around the house.

I too looked around my vision landing on the window that creates a view to the backyard. “Yeah he’s out back with his friends doing God knows-“ When I felt J touch my hips and his lips damn near touching  my my own I pushed him back a little harder than I intended. “What the fuck is your problem? Are you trying to end up in the hospital?” I growled feeling my chest heave out of adrenaline.

“What the fuck are you talking about? What’s changed?” His eyebrows squished together as did mine as I racked my brain wondering where his went.

“What’s changed? A lot has changed since that last time I saw you Julian. A lot. I’ve told you on several occasions that we would never be what we used to. I told you three months ago that all I wanted from you was to be around for Izaiah’s sake. I don’t know where you thought this was gonna go but let me remind you one last time. We are over. We have been since before Zay turned a year old. Don’t ever try anything like that again.” Taking a deep breath I pulled my top together again looking around to make sure Corey didn’t see anything. He will send Julian to the grave most likely for trying to push up on me and I don’t want anyone to see Corey mad because it is not a pretty sight.

“Is he here?” J spoke. I looked him in the eyes feeling nervous to even respond. “Ahh..I see why a lot has changed.” He pointed to my left hand and crossed his arms over his chest.

Glancing at my engagement ring I folded my arms over my chest too, hiding my ring.

“Let me guess..I know him.” Julian guessed, dropping his head and laughing to himself.

“I only asked you to come here so you can be supportive of your son. I didn’t ask you to come here for me. Do us both a favor and don’t try to start any shit ok? I’m not in the mood and today is not the day. Excuse me.” Storming off with my tail between my legs I scurried to find Ravyn and bumped into my fiancé himself. Go figure.

“What’s wrong?” Corey made me look at him square on, already reading my facial expression. “What happened? Did he try anything?” He asked being spot on.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Just come outside with me.” I sighed, walking into his arms. I buried my face in his chest no sure if I want to cry or if I want to turn around, find Julian and slap the mess out of him. “I slept with him. About three months ago. The day after Zay’s birthday, we went to dinner to talk about Izaiah and I had a little too much to drink and I fucked him. It was way before you and I slept together and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to think less of me. I’m sorry.” I rambled out of nowhere. As soon as I stopped talking I felt dirty and I began to hate myself. I waited for Corey to react negatively or even push me away but he didn’t.

Instead he hugged me tightly, making me feel somewhat worse for withholding this information. But in the same breath he made me feel safe and okay.

“I love you girl. I’m not mad.” He muttered, kissing the top of my head. Backing away from him I searched his eyes not understanding.

“Why?” I whispered, swallowing the massive lump in my throat.

“Because then I would be a hypocrite for getting mad at you for something that happened in the past. Am I happy about what you told me? No, and I say that because you slept with him in particular but I respect your honesty. And besides that was before you and I, just like you said.” He explained, cupping my face in his large hands.

The comfort of his fingers gliding over my ugly scar and his lips kissing me with such passion gave me butterflies. “I think it’s been an hour..” I moaned quietly holding onto his hips.

“Still feening for some dick in your mouth huh?” He laughed just as his tongue met mine.

Reciprocating that same desire and passion I closed the distance between us getting very hot and bothered. “Go to my room. I’ll meet you up there.” We allowed the moment to linger before we separated. I turned around to watch him walk up the stairs in a hurry, “You’ve got my nose widen open Corey Howard.” Shaking my head I walked back towards the living room looking for Ravyn and Brian.

Wiping my lips to ensure my lipgloss did not smudge too much I walked closer to where the action was, spotting Ravyn and Devontae laughing and carrying on. “Ray!” I called catching her attention. She whispered to him and stood up to met me by the kitchen counter.

“What’s up?” She breathed loudly with a Corona in her hand.

“I’m gonna go upstairs for a bit. I need to lay down. Julian tried pushing up on me and I need some quiet time before I fucking snap. Can you hold it down for me and look out for Zay? I’ll be back in a little while. Please Ray..” holding her arms softly I looked deep into her green eyes for comfort.

“Damn girl okay. I got you mami. Go ahead. I’ll come get you if I have to.” She rubbed my arm and turned to go out back without another word.

Leaving the party I jogged upstairs holding my chest finding Corey looking at the pictures on my wall.

“You still look the same. Short and sexy as hell.” He complimented not breaking his concentration.

Smiling in comfort that he’s not at all mad about what I told him downstairs I shut and locked my door. Next I unbuttoned my shirt and kicked off my sandals. Closing our distance I stepped in front of him, unbuttoning his jeans in such a hurry. Pushing them down I brought his face to my level, kissing him with adrenaline pumping through my veins. His hands moved my shirt aside, gripping and squeezing my breasts hungrily.

We always find ourselves entangled in each other no matter where we are or what’s going on around us. I love our sexual chemistry. He excites me and completes me. And he makes me feel so much better about myself whether I’m clothed or fully nude. I whimpered from his gentle touch parting my lips and closing my eyes at the feel of his hands between my legs. Getting back to what I set out to do I took his hand out from my skirt, licking and sucking his fingers clean of the pre-cum my body created.

In a ladylike manner I dropped to my knees in front of him bringing his pants with me. Not wasting another second I wrapped my lips around the tip of him, swallowing his shaft easily. Giving head has never been my favorite activity but the more sex Corey and I have, the more I welcome the act. Seeing him so relaxed and at ease brings me a new sense of pleasure and happiness.

“Ahh..” he groaned, tangling his fingers in my hair. Working up a slow pace I closed my eyes to enjoy pleasing him until he shakes.

“How in the hell do you keep winning?!” Tori, Dave and Devontae yelled at once. Throwing down my final set I watched in satisfaction as their faces plummeted in sadness. My little group and I have played three rounds of spades, placing a higher bet each time. And luckily I’ve won every game. I pocketed the cash reminding myself to deposit every twenty into Izaiah’s account.

Shrugging coolly I turned around to see Izaiah walking toward me with two other boys hot on his tail.

“Mom..can we cut my cake now please?” He plead toying with my hair.

Laughing at how badly he’s sucking up I nodded curtly. “Yes. Give me one second and bring everyone into the kitchen.”

Izaiah’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. He and his friends ran outside making me laugh.

“That boy is too precious Bri.” Angie piped up. Turning to smile at her I got up from the table and walked to the kitchen. Placing the cake on the counter I searched for a knife and went to wash my hands. I got the cake set up and as everyone gathered around the kitchen I did a quick scan of the room. Corey, Brian, Ray, Carli and Rochelle we’re surrounding me some of them taking pictures.

“Come here baby..” reaching for Zay’s hand I placed him in front of me holding onto his hands from behind. “As most of you know, this gathering is to celebrate Izaiah’s advancement to a second grade along with his other friends too. Thank you all for coming out here to revel in my excitement as I watch Izaiah grow up and do great things.” I began my speech seeing the adults hold up their cups in unison to salute my little boy.

COREY

Holding my stomach I leaned into Ravyn trying to contain my laughter but I couldn’t. Brian should’ve been a goddamn comedian versus a computer technician because this nigga is funny as shit!

“Idiot! He’s an idiot I tell you!” Ravyn laughed holding me up as well as herself.

“That nigga is a damn fool. I told him he couldn’t handle three Coronas and three shots of Patron but he never listens.” I chuckled, watching Brian’s head spin in a slow circle.

“Somebody get this boy a water or Advil or something.” Devante said standing up to make Brian stand up from the couch.

“Get off me man, I’m good.” Brian complained swatting at Devante nearly missing his head.

“Nigga, if you don’t control them hands..” D warned, dropping Brian back where he was sitting.

Carli tried getting him to drink some water but he refused.

“Brian, drink the damn water!” Carli exclaimed.

Tori tapping my shoulder made me look over to her. “What’s up? You okay?”

“I’m fine but I can’t find Bri. Do you know where she went?” She questioned looking around.

I did the same suddenly becoming curious as to where Lori dipped away to. “That’s a good fucking question T.”

“Stop! I’m not talking to you about this shit again!” Sabrina yelled out of nowhere. Everyone in here stopped talking and listened to whatever was happening.

“The least you can do is let me have him for a weekend! How many times do I have argue with your crazy ass about the same fucking thing!” Julian yelling at her raised so many red flags for me.

“Izaiah never asked for you to come here! I did because you should be here for him! The only reason you’re standing in my house is because of me! So for the last fucking time no you can’t take him anywhere because he doesn’t want to be anywhere with you! Get that through your thick ass skull and get the fuck out of my face Julian!” She hollered with her voice cracking towards the end.

“What the hell is going on?” Ravyn asked looking to me.

Getting up from the couch I went to check on Sabrina to make sure she doesn’t snap. I rounded the corner seeing Julian a little too close to Lori for my comfort and hers. I can see how uncomfortable she is just by looking at her.

“Bri, you good baby?” I spoke up watching her look away from him and over to me. She shook her head in silence walking away from the scene altogether.

“Aye, I’m not done talking to you!” Julian snapped charging after her. I put myself right in the middle of their shit grabbing this nigga by the back of his shirt. When I had his attention I got in his face as much I needed to.

“Watch how you talk to her bruh I’m only gonna tell you this once.” I threatened feeling a hand grasping my arm.

“Corey stop.” Bri advised in a much softer tone. She stepped in front of me to break us apart just as a small audience formed in the doorway of the kitchen. “Don’t do this right now. Please.” She plead once more. I stepped around her not wanting her to be caught in the middle if anything popped off.

“Stay out of this Corey. This shit is between me and her. Sabrina, I’m not done talking to you. We need to finish this conversation now.” He muttered eyeing me up and down pressing all of my buttons so quickly. With one hand I snatched up the front of his shirt which I’m sure pissed him off.

“I warned you already not to talk to her like that. You need to leave. Now.” Shoving him backwards I felt my jaw tighten and my fist close up. It’s been years since I’ve been in a fight but that doesn’t mean my ability to hold my own has dwindled by any means. If pushed too far or just with the right motive I can easily put a nigga to sleep.

“Nigga this ain’t yo house! How the hell are you gonna tell me I have to leave!?” Julian got bold, attempting to hit me but Sabrina just had to step in the middle again. I blocked her from getting hit because I swear on my son’s life if this nigga would have harmed Bri to get to me, it would’ve been over for him.

“Because I can now get the fuck out! You’re not needed or wanted here. If I have to tell you again I’ll make you leave. You got a choice to make and don’t take all day either.” Grabbing Bri’s arm I moved her behind me to get her out of the way.

“Corey come on..don’t be like that.” She mumbled quietly.

Meeting her tired eyes I could sense my face pinch together. “Nah he needs to go. This nigga don’t have no business here. This ain’t his family. It’s ours.” Oh shit. I didn’t mean to let that slip out.

“Is this dude delusional? Sabrina, you might want to rethink who you’re considering to marry. He ain’t all the way there.” Julian spat angrily.

Turning around I tried to count to ten but I went off anyway. “If anybody’s delusional it’s you. I’m not replaceable by any means necessary, remember that. I’m not going anywhere but you can. You can go nigga!” I argued.

Sabrina stood in front of me with this line in her forehead indicating that she’s confused. “Corey, what you are talking about? He does have a right to be here. I asked him to be here for Iza-”

Shaking my head I glanced around the room stopping at Brian last. He slowly nodded giving me the encouragement that it’s time for me to come clean.

“Corey? Look to me..” Bri took a hold of my hand, using her opposite one to cup my jaw. She turned my face down to her and out of nowhere I just got the worst feeling. “What did you mean by this isn’t his family? What did you mean this is our family?” She sniffled softly.

“There’s been something I’ve been meaning to tell you Bri..” I spoke in a quiet tone only for her to hear. My heart is pounding in my chest the more time it’s taking for me to just spit it out.

“What is it?” Bri shook her head confused as she has every right to be.

“I made a mistake at your party seven years ago. I was really fucked up and in order for you to still have the baby you always wanted I made that happen..just not the way you planned.” My hand grew cold as Bri took a step back from me.

“Corey, what the hell are you talking about?” The tone in her voice changed from soft and curious to serious and uneasy.

“I switched it. I dropped the little cup that was for your procedure and replaced the..you know with mine. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you. I forgot all about it up until recently. That’s when I met with Eva to figure this shit out. I’ve been trying to tell you but there was never a right ti-“ I shut up quickly seeing Bri draw her hand back for me to not speak.

“Yooo! This nigga is mad delusional! Do y’all hear this bullshit? Sabrina, please tell me you don’t believe this fake ass story?!” Julian speaking managing to piss me off all over again.

Stepping around Bri to try and get this nigga I felt myself getting heated all over. “THIS IS NOT A GAME MOTHER FUCKER! THAT’S MY SON, NOT YOURS!” I belted reaching forward and successfully punching him in the face. Brian and Devante rushed over holding me back as if I was some wild animal who needed to be tamed. “Get off me!” I yelled trying to push B off me but he didn’t budge.

“Relax nigga! You ain’t acting like yourself.” I heard D tell me.

I tried pushing them both off but they would not let me go. “Yo..get the fuck off me bruh! Let me go!”

Julian held onto his face standing up on two feet looking like he was ready to get me back at me. “You a bitch you know that? How you gonna come at me like that? I didn’t do shit to you!”

“I warned you not to speak to my girl like you’re crazy and you didn’t listen. Next time, take my advice bitch.” I spat.

Julian came for me this time. Devontae had no choice but to let go of me. That’s when I took my chance. I managed to get one more hit in and that’s when Brian put me in a fucking head lock. If he were any smaller he wouldn’t have been able to pull this off.

He squeezed the hell out of my neck and as an instant response I hit him. “Chill out, don’t start something you’ll regret finishing. Calm yo ass down. You want Zay to walk in and see you like this?” He paused to ease up on me. And instantly it’s like I was back to normal. I’d never want my kid to see my when I don’t have control over myself. “That’s what I thought. Come on let’s go outside.” He suggested.

“Wait..How did you do it?” Bri asked stopping us from leaving.

“I called in a favor.” I replied without hesitation. Brian loosened up the reigns but still held me close by just in case. He’s like my brother in a way so that’s the only reason I allowed him to touch me like that.

The look of sheer disgust and anger settled across her face as she stared at me while shaking her head. I knew this wasn’t going to go over well. I told Brian over and over again.

“You called a bitch I barely know to help you get a nut off so you can replace Julian’s..” Sabrina chuckled angrily and began walking away.

“I’m good.” I shook Brian off and maneuvered past him and D to go after Bri. Just as I didn’t see it coming as much as I did she spun around and laid me out. Her small hand went clean across my face creating a very loud sound. A few gasps and ‘oh shits’ went around the room.

“AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME! HOW COULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?!” Sabrina hollered, smacking the hell out of me yet again. “I can’t fucking believe you Corey. You’re a coward. You pick Izaiah up from school every goddamn day, make love to me multiple days out of the week and you don’t think to tell me that he’s your kid?!” She was snapping in all the ways she needed to in order to get out all of her frustration.

“I’m sorry Lori I wanted to tell you I swear that I did.” I defended not caring who all was watching.

“You had plenty of opportunity to tell me! How long have you known?” She spoke to me in a semi calm manner for the first time since asking me what I meant by my first slip up.

Shaking my head as I didn’t want to tell her it’s been damn near three months I saw her making a third advance to hit me. I caught her in time before she could only pissing her off more. She didn’t step to me this time, she just snatched her arms away from me.

“¿Desde cuándo lo sabes?” She sniffles, wiping away a tear that fell.

“Tres meses..” I sighed feeling ashamed of my actions from seven years ago up until this very moment.

“Of all the stupid things you’ve done in all the years I’ve known you, this is by the far the dumbest. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. You had me walking around here still thinking that hijo de perro was Izaiah’s father. I told you about what happened the night after Zay’s party feeling so ashamed of myself and here you are confirming how stupid I was. Stupid to believe you were any different from the rest of them.” She ranted.

A symphony of footsteps broke my concentration and when I looked over at the door I saw Izaiah standing there. He practically had a question mark stamped on his forehead as he walked through people to get to us.

“What’s going on? Why are you guys yelling?” He asked innocently having no idea what’s happened.

“Tell him.” Sabrina demanded.

“Tell me what?” Zay retorted looking to me for answers.

Running my hands down my face I motioned for him to come closer and he did with no second thought.

“Corey, what’s going on?” His eyes bore into mine breaking me down in so many ways I never thought were possible. I squatted down to his level trying to find an easy way to say this. “Why is your face red?” His tiny palm cupped my cheek, tenderly rubbing the spot his mom hit me in.

“Don’t be a coward now! Tell your son how you didn’t know he was yours for seven years!” Julian exclaimed out of nowhere.

While the scene behind Izaiah was intriguing to watch as Julian got bullied out of the house I kneeled in front of my son wondering how I let this all happen.

“I know you don’t like Julian very much and that’s okay.” I began never losing his eyes. He nodded. “You don’t have to worry about him being in your life anymore.” I muttered feeling someone behind me.

“He’s not my dad is he?” Zay quizzed getting right to the point.

Shaking my head I couldn’t decipher the way he feels about all this. His eyes still hold that cloud of confusion but off of instinct I think he got the feeling that he wasn’t mad. “No he’s not. I am. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you either Zay. I am so sorry.”

“Do you have to leave?” He asked.

“Yeah. Your mom’s not gonna let me stay. Promise me that you’ll take of her for me. Promise me Zay.” I sternly advised.

“I promise. When will I see you again? Will I ever see you again?” All these great questions he’s asking made me laugh on the inside because I’ve always loved how curious he is about life. And now is no different.

“I don’t know man. Do you still have that iPad I gave you?” Lowering my voice so no one outside of us would hear I sighed in satisfaction seeing him nod yes. “I put my address and number in there as well as Brian’s number, my parent's numbers and Ravyn’s. Did you memorize them like we practiced?” I did a little scheming for this moment just in case Sabrina doesn’t let me anywhere near him.

“Almost. I still have trouble with Brian’s number.” He shrugged.

“Memorize it. He’s your best bet at trying to come see me since I know your mom bring you to my house. Look I gotta go before your mom comes back and kicks me out.” Before I could stand up and leave Izaiah hugged me unexpectedly and tightly.

“I love you.” I heard him mumble quietly.  

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I hugged him back. For a minute I had to block everything out to force myself not to completely break down in front of these people. I heard things being thrown around upstairs along with Sabrina doing what I can’t. Crack. I can’t lose myself right now. Not here.

“I love you too man and I always will.” I sniffled, kissing the side of his head. “Do what your mom tells you and make sure she eats, gets her sleep, and doesn’t drink. Take care of her better than I ever could, you hear me boy?” Izaiah nodded furiously, somehow hugging me tighter. This is the moment that I dreaded all long yet prepared for in the back of my head. I wanted to finally have my family together and now I don’t have anything.

[theblankest123]

1. Idk when exactly but it was like... Late 2020 i think?

2. Yup, all of them, numerous times.

3. Probably Sky islands, mostly due to the aesthetics and Kayava. Shoreline is also neat with the aesthetic, The Capitain, and also Moon. Jetfish are assholes though, esp when you try to carry pearls and shit around.

I also like Shaded bc hehe, spiders :) also the mice are neat.

4. Easy. Fuck Drainage all my homies hate drainage.

5. Oo... I am obsessed with the scavengers, despite them often being assholes to me, they are like really interesting!! And also just slugcats. Slugcats are such inetereting creatures in general and i love them.

6. RED CENTIPIDES But not because i think they are bad it's because tHEY ARE FUCKING HORRIFYING OK WHENEVER I SEE A RED CENTI I WANT TO RUN AND SCREAM. Im alright with normal centis but Red centipedes are the scourge they are so lighting fast and rilutheless and the only thing you can do when you see one is to cry and pray.

Outside of that. The deer suck ass. They are neat but god their ai is FUCKED.

7. Kayava. Also Capitain, Bioengineering and Grumblebum

8. Moon :)!! It's her :) she deserves good things

9. Fucker. I get him though.

10. Oh god that is hard to say. Maybe the first time i entered 5P and managed to get into the general system bus. That shit was. Wonderful? Awe inspiring. Man that was one hell of a moment... The buildup to meating something much, much greater than yourself.... Great moment

11. Quite a few. The only one that sticks out to me rn is the time i accidentally tamed a white lizard. It made no sence to me that it got tamed bc when it entered my shelter i stabbed the shit out of it but when i woke up it for some fucking reason was tamed. The shelters sometimes do that. It was wierd but i tried my best to make it up for my new friend.

12. Idk i havent read the echo dialogue in a while. Uhh the one in Subterranean bc they call you a little beast!! Which is a good and accurate way to respond to seeing slugcat!

13. Uhhh the one from NSH bc they are funny and also it helps Moon to give her that pearl.

14. Easy, FUCK the Unfortunate development jesus christ that's a nightmare

15. Outlaw :) crimes :)

16. Rivulet, the movement with them seems fun as fuck

17. I used to try to just always sneak past but it's so thrilling to fight a creature. So actually that, especially now.

18. It was. Sure a fucking experience. That's all i can say it sure as fuck was someting. Loved it though, love trippy shit.

19. Kinda? I havent read it in a while, some details are fuzzy, but yeah the tales of iterators and shit are interestinge. Oh, how things were...

20. Deer ai deer ai deer ai and deer ai. Thankfully RW remix is gonna fix that and loads of other issues so fuck yes

21. Fucking. Everything. I can talk about this game for hours, the creatures, the music, slugcats, iterators, lore, atmosphere, fairness in such an unfair way. The brutality of everything, no matter how fucking frustrating it can be. The moding scene. So much more

22. Bro i got like so many mods installed, i esp love the region mods the shit people make is cool as hell. Also i have played the living shit out of the expedition mod, it still brings so much replayability to rain world.

Rain World Questionare!

Just felt like making this for fun since I see them floating around sometimes for other fandoms. If you see this, reblog with your answers! I’d love to hear them and I will be sure to read them :)

When did you first start playing Rain World?

Have you completed the game? Which of the campaigns have you completed?

What is your favorite region?

What is your least favorite region?

What is your favorite creature?

What is your least favorite creature?

What is your favorite song from the soundtrack?

What are your opinions on Looks to the Moon (character)?

What are your opinions on Five Pebbles (character)?

What is your most memorable in-game moment?

Have you tamed any lizards?

Which echo is your favorite?

Which of the pearls is your favorite?

Which part of the game was most difficult for you?

Which achievement is your favorite?

Which of the Downpour slugcats are you most excited for?

Do you prefer to fight other creatures or sneak past them?

How did the ending make you feel?

Are you invested in the lore?

What is something you think the game could improve on?

What is your favorite thing about the game?

Have you played around with any mods for the game?

[airoasis]

News Now Stream 4/24/19 (FNN)

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/news-now-stream-4-24-19-fnn/

News Now Stream 4/24/19 (FNN)

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Or rame-p wi dirn ved genne rht So call the D. O. . All on who to penitentiary. And that i imply he he is starseen singo quick.To Joe by means of hring h numbe ve beestrongndor the st parof stad stro we asmehereas hwas somef thosstorie — That we so netiveowardoe Biden or thls whene wasn his decion king pcess severely i youe anotr ndidatend you suppose youe goome magi iormaon peop who a willi to co ahead to share that detrimental. Inrmatn whyot put it in the market when the man nonetheless attempting whether he’s going to run or not so whonows I virtually believe like within the entrance of the curiosity of frt trsparency. And anybody from The N Yor Time n in Keokuk Iowa when they report a sty. That. Clearlys poor at a exact candidate I suppose like they must have the state. Who gave them that expertise? This is it can be referred to as off fl research it happs at all times – however I feel like they will have to say ay soul somepposition research used to be provided to us by using.Pick your candidate toll so ye. She appears to pleasant. Ah but Ieant do hapn al pa oft is everybo interesting as kinof cerom zero tobling up e hero. Litelly inside about oneonh Annie Elizabeth Warren need to be thinkinghat I have got to do. We s wor anoer pgrama malove polits yomay be aware she li. Bu she is she is significantly placing the suggestions available in the market after which what occurs is. Other candidates tral to continuously resnd ther d her ide m e mo rect one was cngen the x sucta companies like Amananno be in a sittion whe the make as a lot moneys they do. And Jeff basins pen’s riche he does on businesses on all those types of thinnd a we l recognize we suggested to the Amaz web page zero on federal That’snbelievable so you realize loophole I figure you are actually think for the year conservative or liberal you appear at that and also you say welow c that. Stated I goa pn for tha. Thrigh.Ng on bothhe lt and No I that could be a road to enty entynd is ju htingp erybody but now let exhibit you litt bitn president trump’s comment oside othe White residence.As with lani- As wel. The variety of special they may be thmari one yes they areff visiting collectively on this one is interesting. Keep silent although ok there we go — more news now coming. The stock market. Three from an monetary standpoint is doing the excellent traditionally it can be ever executed. Waiting ales ain. Clos to or over 100 instances is an president. The time of the election. Quality they’ve ever been via a ways. We now have nearly a hundred to sixteen folks working in these days of the USA that’s more th. Three earlier than. We’re doingell and we’re doing matters are goi goo I convey within the Firstady proper now she’s labored very hard on the costs. Have been down about 17%. From final year whichs pretty potent what down. 17% for the opioids problems a bi probl is a. We’re ndli. The doctors areorki with us. They are working with further work s woing th us.Is amounof progrs Jo AnI ha beethe st And esidt a admn y far. We simply went by way of theall whi. Where you ad? Real ehteeangrDemos at eight psident drop the eight AM with advert. They we contriy cases Alary however eher th a passion. I have no idea. And eyame witno llusn a sincerely alame Atrneyener centered on the he all over the place the situation.S They verify my finciand th cheed my taxes I asme. Washe mt. U shouldrobay. Feel I read whereheyotry I I say is enghe hundred ople. Get back to infrtr. The reducing tas get bac to loweringrug ices thas wh.Relatively that’s what we should do The survey i These armpartial pee . Twty tnty t goain with e peoplehat see And ey’rnot ing n ains me the onlyay ty ca could lo. D Ion’think tt’s nna opsite tt’s at a l ofe opleayin. The ly w the getockeout r me. Nonnseut ty suld relatively foced o n ivehis a ligatedust you understan alstince received intoffior the lasta now. Youant litate. Afr the DNC. Lary The rty jobll othese matters thas what to be litigated. Because that was a rigged syem. Breaking down i’m breaking down the swap in case you seem at what’s taking place. They getting. Fi what’ gng to ppen from w on b I ope. I en is vetrong. But ifou can di. Alrit people and sy rig he with us had been folwing a two bit ftou’re tang aive appear Illins wre pole andBI agtsre at a sce in odstoc Illinshere ty recoved a b.Learngn simply littl bit i at is. Unfortately indd the misng t long gone week after which to e rightou e awting psident trump remar dhe Fir Lademarks abus he on this untry we’ ve itll f youight he on newnow hk g righ now in theed buttill. Holding an extraordinarily strongoday I every body maybe certain welcome bo the d we will he psideeref trpike I sdt just ase alws have it for u he in i entetyhat’ wre we prefer to e neonferences. T a slice of a you don get everytng o rig rig he on news n f . Let’s get me da to industry briefs right now from Tracy Carr. By means of Amazon ia method to make receivingour ckages mor handy andafe whe you arawayrom hom.Enables for delivery people to situation applications inside your home or car to be certain they will not get stolen beforeou g hom and now Amazon has expanded t servicewo gages you’ll nd eligible discipline and have a my queue connected garage door. Opener for those who alrdy possess a m queur enerll youaveo do i nnected with the E. Key with the aid of Amon as. Disneyould en as mh as % zero% of al ticket sales in North the usa this summer time that is in line with a rert in the rap biest dralong with seval polar filmranchises T ory for The Lion King a Aladnre all set to debut within the coming months.For reog on to fox business dot com in Ne. Thing there so much Tra you for that updat wel thisext orye first bught it tyou stery as itas hpeni On t lucest twey fourearbut nown freakingay that wasanuel Frco’s rction when he realiz he was once protecting. Sevehundreand sty eigket worth llion dlars in m heart began rt for out 5 or t minutes anco w the oy perso to check al Fivnumbers. Whilst onarch twey seventh making him the seconigge a loery htorye says he had od fling abo snding t On his manner hom from rkast moh. I honestly felt soucky thatI di lookt at e cama a I really wante to n got it becausIy feeling Franco says he stored his mouth shut aboutis b win Evenallo e after knewhat I’of wor I I work aa discontinue houseent in mu that — i am re to evyone awork high-quality however and Ieally desired say sething that I kn that i was once unhealthy decion and that i pe for wk aga.As for wt’s nextor Frao he ys that he wan to be careful about how he spends his profitable. T wanted to trel theorld I pl to li my liormal as as muc ase osehe lum sum ch optn for hello wina after taxes he’salkingway withhry six llion dolrs. Lauren Bncha fox ns tha u Laen tre whiife wellut I sorhere.Chaing as jother immiate aft Winng the jkpe dn’tant opleo fi out That’sow peo fi outf the. En y’re ite rht aer dide simply w the lotte Iyeoplgone woerf the waa lo of hen thoffiayin.Uorke — Isotere oious someing’ goi onnteg hofullhe spends it had inveed- Sma allightext doorhat r ye we e awting pside trum to lk d cris Inhis cntry and abrdo a dera procuto nowakin onharmaceucal companie introduced the firstver dru traffiing crges again a armaceical cpany a two distriting prescriion medications helped gas the opioid epidemic Lawrce dol the thirdheging former CEu cooperative for our DC with algedly tfficking tens o llions of tablets to armacies.Identified tillegay allotting naotics the iictment also claiming our DC and its executives made the deliberate determination to now not invesgate or alert federal rulators about phmacyustome ty kne extra disnsino pele for nonedicalses om twenttwelveo twty sixteen thef l skyrketed durghe perd RDC genered one pnt tallege in . Billion dlars of revenue fro e sale of controlled materials. The station was tied to that revenue. The seventy 5 year historic former CEO surnderin to thorities on Tuesday he is chard wit consring to distribute oxy code . And coniring to defraud the Drug Enforcement Administration which lift a minimal ten year jail sentence greenbacks legal professionals saying he’s being framed.Mr down won’t. Serve as their scapegoat. Thoroughly intends to fight that is In N Yor Jry bb gaen. Ne Theror tt uate a brand new learn correct now sws that young adults rather feel. They feel — quite often everything is dependable take a look at this. One it’s emerge as this new matters like I do not know myophomo ar in excessive university to dwelling here started vaping to support her stop cigarettes but i do not think it can be doing so much. To residence understands and understood every hit a virtual ges a a higy coentrated. Nicotine in new studyut of of teegers sdyouaid th 4 dates n nicotine pducts test pitive foricotinathen resechs proven of cocaine.As a whole. As heroin dependancy psychologist doctor Harris straighter worries this abilities lack of expertise among younger people about what they are feeding might leave them settl wh the nancia burden and abilities wellbeing influences of nicote liveio forhe res of eir n me you. Cry even grter stilating feelin in line with thU. S. Cents for disse ctrol and prevention estimatour int eight . Incrse fm the yea befor% everybode a lotf thes. Inhe batoom in the liary the peop in oseooms w flaved.G up withhese ping pducts absutely no that they appea to yoger audiense t the flavorsffery sobody’s nicotine baiting products. It imy favore the bacof the roomn fortress otheartf thei nufacters tappeal to younger persons.Many of which the Sny Brook college gain knowledge of finds might be didn’t have an understanding of what they’re putting into their our bodies if we can appeal to you with berries. And then it did she with nicotine that may be a long run sales circulation it is large so that you see it all over the place in the East Village I Max king. Box five news. And individuals we are simply now moments faraway from an FBI update in Illinois on the the missing the boys search we’ll convey it to your correct here. On news now you’re taking a are living appear at Woodstock Illinois this is where police and FBI dealers had been calming this wooded area. And our sister station fox thirty two in Chicago reporting that a body.Has been determined on this area and now we are waiting for that update might it’s the lacking a fiveear olboy. Be me newsow by way of xtwhat tragi and ce bko ne noy doppreateouoining u Ne Jery rig nowhere thereay wreo used to be hugehild predator skig the bd sieen ople had been aeste incding g s lksncluding aolicfficer Of making an attempt tsolit intercourse from a minor take a appear at this every body administrative center. In help partial agent in argeicha Reinhd Ofomelan. Shiff.Lke al have our And om Bern couy localaw put in force. I’dike toecogze and Rdy St Bri g. An uer sdle rir % eutena. Da allowg dedicated. We’re also grateful to operatn unites president and CEO hi Nancy ailes thank you. Thanks also to an incredible. Serv in a nner works d and nit No matte what i need at ast they’re all cl amid the strangest hrs he is continuously therworking Secretary Alex Cesary best Alex was once dng. Robertedfield who’selping us a radids V as by twenty thirty and where there was once going to be equipped to try this. Humans are shot please rise up sold. Forecely in a speeche will a renegad is via twenty thirty net ogress and so they failed to understand speakme about they could not speech health care professional they stated you imply that that’s righte’reoing to ha it round a gated. Through twey thirty thank y very much doctor very imptant. Also with us i. Th lieenant goverr of this greatd Brn.N whoseork tough with The mixture of Jeff Dunn and Bryan has bn. More often than not ueatae doing a fabuus job Jeff thank you very so much Jeff where are y Jeff. Jeff thanks. Jeff. Best jobeall greohn Mrs And the Geoia Aorneyeneral Chris automobile.Chris thank you. He is in the figI ow that. As well as participants of ngress Rick Allen. Drew Ferguson bBarry hell out of milk. Have a that’s a prettyall we we’ve got been doing ok togher Avue. Now we have been doing god’s to all the oplen this room to serve ery day. The frontiers and entrance traces I haa challenge it’s you ever in theratitude. Of our allntoouration you can also now not even comprehend it. Butur natn loves you and so they love what you’re doing thanyou very so much. The primary responders who deliver patients back to lifestyles. Yo a theaw enfcement Drug traffickers to justic. You’re the doctorsurse and coung strength tbuild.E and solace and A brighter and brighter ture. Of usa citizens overcome addiction For a new life of freedom. My ainistrations depying each useful resource atur disposal to empower you. Support you. Ane g Weill now not sol this epidem ernight. But wilstop. There is simply nothing that’s — Plaster topic the way you cutt i know one of the vital humans in this room nothi stoou. Unless our j is finished.N telyou. Andhenaybe o findomething new and that i hop tt’s going to be soon b we willucceede have resule mbers that I heard two weeks ago. That used to be bowled over to listen to. Whenakin significant progress every year extra tn seventy thound pcious American lives are lost?O the opioids and drug . And inmy opinion t quantity is much larger than that. To safeguard all american citizens my administration declared the opioidpidec nation large A colossal step.Mgency. Sincehen we have secured a file six billion dlars. Opid crisi.G to fight the And that is the most ever. And we’r going for even higher numbers ts ye. Th year we providedinety sutance abuse.Eventse The support for patients and communities ahe lgestver leslative effor to combat a nation’s hisry.Sis in r it is the larst ever. Following the w Ofy doctor geners and plenty of hers ltear th distribution. Ofhe ordos revsing dgs naudible Naloxone. Improved by way of over.One million. Models prey aming stuff. Expa aesso remedy restoration another crucial activities and serces. L tought ouration we promises to statesotaling a report two billion dolla. Areow permitting stateso use Medicaid money to pay for residential treatmen facilities a ty’re beinbuilt all over the place the country. In my first yearn ofce the quantity of paentseceiving. Remedy aisted tatment at community wellness centers ineased through sixty four% know what the esident did the nor the gift. We haven’t any alternative we haven’t any alternative We handed t cre bac. To develop remedy for motrs and phical based oopios.N For our. ‘remprovi soreness administration fewer veterans or ooids considering Jak you at. 0-002-30. With the aid of t means f thehis. Forty toet it.Hiya’ve been attempting Asou understand. Simply rectly I signed n oice. Veteran cano and if the moist is going to be. Ys or weeks or months which is prate doctor. Go out and spot a Take instantaneous care. We pay for to care for the it’s been an fantastic it’s it’s new and it can be been.Incredib theifference it’s bad. And simply monthsgo I sigd bipaisan criminal justice among different critica chang the firs step back supplies dependancy tatment to americans in prison. That in jus four months. Greater than sixen thousand intes are taking part a brand new medications trit. Criminalustieform I need to say — Peoe getting out of pron. And in view that our founding theyere havingn impossible time tting a job. Bu becau o economic climate is doing wel. Rhaps the fine it is er bn numbers in historical past.Mpyment fine the whole thing considering that of th Becae of thi prisone getting ou. S employers becse I spe to quite a bit oar overjoyed. Th hado thought. I am so proud of thatohe satisfactory economy has me it. Muchasier they get out and th they must prov themselvesndever received they pve theelves. W job now not alof them. Staggering there’s nothing falabouany us. T they a doing apectacular b. So Iant tthank all of you d Iant to thank cgresan need to ank you f helping me with that case will have to be have been very instrumental thanks very so much exndingederal efforts tobor i help.Recoveri americans fd a gre. In our store into trying to me. Consequently of our historic financial boom ao. Including up all americans from all walks lifestyles. Incling individuals who havbeen for the period of theain of addicti. Getting a 2nd a thi and in see and so they’re mang it. Theye makg it and ty reallyave sothinto le. R a few of th say w love gettin ue r jo. D in the event that they d’t like the job in view that of what is happene it is a micle a over the wld that speaking abo wt’s happed. Ifhey do not just like the job the have alternative also like the vets ey he alternative the alternative o going out and discovering a Thathey ke bter. Tremendous impa final year a recor 73% of the brand new jobs went to folks who are Coming again to work for thee no. First time in big apple yrs. These new eloyed citizen are becoming a member of fivpoint fe Fod jobs nce the electn. Drivin l employment rat. To its lowest lel in fiy one years. Ands you recognize whilst you’ve hed me sayt.Lost. Amerin uneloyment Inhe histo of our untry. Asian Amerin unemploent lowest io cotry. Lowest in the historical past of our. Individuals the graduate witut a lowest in the hisry o o country. Ladies Sorry. Lowest in sixty e years. However will soon have the report. Will soon have the record. We’re ing have that document. To we’re all Amecans we’re all . We a the strongest when n one My administration is committed to making sure that each citizen n liveith digty and cause and proudly purehe Ameri. Adnistration’s powerful help. For religion founded Initiatives. Americas a nation that belies in the werf pray. An we lieve within the grace of Ouof right here with us tay is door Montyurke’s. Nineteen years in the past Monty tned his existence Fr his place of origin church helped him to get. No Mon works for Tennessee is. What a best state. Thats director of their faith o. Established covery. And tell us a bit of bit about yourork high-quality. My administration can also be barkedn a urecedent crinal networks crackdonne authorized internatial spments. The deadl flo of medications in our cotry. The prior two yea ctoms math a cocaine and heroiand Fent all. On the southn border. Are up 45% and gng up much excessive l Problyo thnumbersoday. Deining cturing call it extra pplehanver befe a few of thot ople wwant in oucouny An i’ll s borr patrol has been incdible the’s by no means been a.That border. The ke theres tay up thugho Mexic Mexicwas starng. To detain and bring again to thei. Once they got here from? Bua lof iis drugsnd medicinal drugs are Being Gotteny us we are spping the dr flows so much as we will soon. ‘re gonna have wall this would bery powerfulalls it is underneath conruction. The mediag about it. The media doesn’like. To one in every of many things had been doing however en that wall is finish you intendo have. It can be fouhundred milesf wall constructed. With the aid of the tip of nt yr have been probly ahead of schedu a little bit . ‘ll have a trendous impac on druy an we haany other tngs includg te Than you c b hundrs of miions o bucks of e bes. Ug dection eipment which you could have. D I aays say ts becse as od as at apparatus is ingeniou.The greatest equipmente world is a canine. Puppies. A ctain sort oGerman shepherd ipartular. To a greater job thanour hundred million llars worth of can you bs would realise tha. He stated to the boer patrol the otr day they have been giving me. A little bit bit of a run down on ths hundreds and hundreds with just about five hundred llion greenbacks worth of equipmt at t porf entry. I said how does this compare. To those exceptional to althis I noticed. He.Saronestly the dogs about I sa you bought to be kding it incredie they usually showe mend it’s simply first rate in the first-class puppies and we chish them. Ale kills. Tee hundr ericans a wee. Ninety% of which entersur country via our southern border. We’re doing the whole lot. To empow ourselv s that we are able to keephis poison out of our co. And far from our kids one can find some very very giant differences within the coming month. Ere had been shooting people tt you would not think? Introduced that noted run once I got here down and i’m certain no person saw this after I came down the escalator with.Malani a our waitresI don’t suppose someone saw that. But I made an extraordinarily robust assertion abo the border. It is no longer that dangerous will limited. Thattatent was peanuts. In comparison with reality peanutst reity.All time compared to however we’re confronti. Ality and cfronting the grave secury and you manipulate for the duration of main issue on our southern boer. And at’s why Ie declared a country wide emergency which is strictly what it’s. We now have secured historical funding to strengtn border security. Incling the gear. For the duration of the wall. The extra border patrol agents. Is that youon’tven have to recognize aboo knowbout. Congress mus additionally acte f nonetheless. Obsolete Uhhuh. Thanks Mr pside firly speak. Time and possibility to Borofessnally and peonal. Fami’s lif.Ed mlife a my Wo forhe sta pole in Virgin for thirty e yr. Enter . Drnforcentection for enty tee of thirty one ars. On the identical conferces in the past even as Ias here fr yearsgo my s J. Ttli druaddictn. The stor is o to . Andas medated at younger e. Eighens . E hao transfer out othe hoe beuse tha is the andance a percent officer. Yocan that home was ghteen birthy. On theay you n Eiteen Ioved o of r dwelling. He wlde wot decions armade in s existence. We did so. About a ye or twlater. . For severe four fiers. Fromis ha. S Our around to in myife. You case The arsted a cple times. Foposseson a distribion beforehristm. Welve ys cemb trteeh twent seventeen elver Of a hern and t in far and wide th peopltalk aut Yourerror medicines ere is stigma and thetigma desires discontinue. You wanto thk aut stmahink abo a famy that’seen tot . And that’s oy one fily of sevey t seventeethe lel.Onbecausopioidnd heroin e stigm needso discontinue y ed to are your sry. Ou t bracetsveryy sinc my son’s dth l right wrists a rple braceletTo honor people who have e s in t morni datof delivery. Date oh On my left ist i have. To forhin bl line. Ever ordose any person’srd to sim. Little one Educion that is wt we’ here d tt’s whyou’re her he ok the fir editi of ybe ifou her forhe fir time. E colborative brastorm to sttegize. To figurout th oblem colltively. Wi the message I wanto convey toi Dot choose. There seventyhousandit Twenty senteenign. Hiname was once. Matthew J. Simmer For thank you . I feel can sayith security that. Ur sour boy is watching down rhtow when you and very pud of hi father. Ve very oud of we’re making grer tern. As aesult of my negotiionses with. President xi. Of China. Doing an awfully huge trade deal.They’ve announced that nt week. To prevent chinese language spent at all which is most of it. Practically all frontt all comes from China. From being shipp to e america An the extra I recognize his from president xi they’ve agre that. They are going to make it ar crime. It is no longer a criminal offense now sits down as an industrial drug. Antheye gonna make it a crime and they’re going t cost humans with the highest degree of crime In Ch. Like in our couny. The highest level of crime is very very high it’she perfect you paid the ideal pric. So I recognize that very a lot. Nce I sigdhe stop act int law our potent customs and border protectionffics of stopped.Over six timesore packages from accomplishing Amerin drste g deal. And border prection officers. On the seaport in Savannah. Just lately discovere an estimated nineteen million dollars valued at In cargo of Coloian Polls. At present we’re proud to be joined with the aid of two officers who helped find James longnd Erica nles. Andhank y bot f your courageous work. The where are you individuals had been I you come on come on up here Thank t ofll. And agn than you f all you ppor it’een aong rd d wre glaand e priden Gl to ve y all bind ubehind us. As y all o our bigge hel just about day. A hstack day on your recreation thank you.Thank you both very so much first-class job. So many incredle folks tha I met doingxactly wt you are doing. To allf the customsnd border defense offers t agents and state and neighborhood regulation forcement. The he tod we An we’re with you the entire way. We had billions of dolrs of mitary equipmenthichhe previo ade to offer u. To legislation enforcent and that i u very a lot. Many drug businesses are giving Euroan nations a better deal. They provide their o country and that has to stop wvelrea Mang se that ourreat seors Medare. Will share in the discounts given to other international locations. What that mns.The sophisticates available in the market that do ts for a living you know precisely it’s a b deal unds like. The deal however it quite is a g deal. At lengthy last we’re stopping the drug organizations in foreig international locations fromeading. The system i know all abo the region the process for the reason that I had the method riggeon me. I consider you already know what i’m alas so as to be your sound chew tonightut ts approach used to be rigged if. The rig within the process agast our nice senior. D to he docrs and scientists devi discomfort klers. For opioids.E have neay doled f. And soreness research thanks very ch dtor co on and. It was a w extra money than any human bein thanks. Such an importan we are able to in finding that reply is goingo be a colossal. Many of the predicament i think how shut are we he is announcing ok.You get it. Get a one 12 months ago we pledge to reduce nationwide opioid prcriptions. By means of one 1/3. In a position for the period of my time ioffi we now have lowered the whole amount of opioids. Prcribed with the aid of 34% that is a gorgeous powerful number. Gl to record in these days the drug overdose doe or down within the quite a lot of states that we hd in chk. Thones hardestity the opioid concern. Ne Hampsre. West Virginia IowPennlvania And y steeply dn within the of those instances. An robust success. After I campaigned ithos states tt thing? That no one would suppose it. Unless you really concerned Over the last two years our country wide prescription drug. Take back days. Of collected just about three point seven million poundsf prescription medications. At seven tim. Of Air force One a very best planehat’s parked about ten minutes away. Ry very b big heavy plan consider of that seven instances. Anthe next drug take again day is.Mostmportantteps to endinge th ts is to pvent younger men and women. Om ever making use of medications in the fit place. Public awaness camignbout the horrificufferinghat medications inh % of young americans the place’s Kelly and Kelly a rise up kellyanne nway andhe’s. Ad becse .The place those if you do itropey we had somerea. Ung peoe looking at these is that they is not going to sta I consider in lots of approaches. You don’t see the influence for 4 or five years but i’m many methods on the grounds that. One of the most major things we cane doing so we’re doi that and used to be spending some huge cash on that I think it very imrtant. After they appear AT andomebody cos to them and wts t sell them medications they usually megastar interested by what they jt saw on televisi or wherever they? It’ll be somewhat harder for them to ke tt sale and that’s k with me.So we have been on a’m very prompted that in. The rst yeare naonal surve on druse and altheported tha 100 ousand fer teetarted abusin prescription anguish ller. 100 thousand with.Wit us at present is Ax gos And hisom exclusive mom. Shelly. As a young grownup Alex overcame addiction and is now. Th his mom they headquartered an institution to helpfamilies i c. Plse come up and share your store thanks Afternoon. Ay that’ my identify Alexs we are able to ag Manyf youlready kw tt bu perps wt you dn’t kn is thathis imy mom and we’re a loved ones in long term restoration. I coultellou a aut how addicon was grounogay in hell ld overgain be’ve hrd enghf deatndestrtion for a w yea. L l Anmy frienAmandaallo been . Ing theork thoicesf ho to he peoe irecove ay in covery. AnI’dikeo us this tim to y a bighank y to ery whorksirelesslvery day tompro t livesf pple Becae Mar saidt nice wdo Sohankou a for beiogethe. Voices of hope . Thanks each. Ex and Shelley reminders o greatest resource in the combat towards medicines. Is the heart and the mind and we can prevailecau of theeoe.Braveness dedication and Li allf you in thisoom you might be the usa’s authentic supply of . So let us unravel the collectively we can support Cherishing ceor o felw everchalngeroughvery steand On their street to rec. We will rea o to anyone who isurti olost retailer for the reason that eve American serves to understand e gly ofope. The joof belongi And thelessings. Of heali. We will stand proudly in the back of our deted medical professionals and nurse and medical professionals who wk so rough. They usually accomplish that so much. We wlonor andelebrate the superb guys and women of regulation . Love our laenfoement. You realize it’s however over the last two and a half yea. La enfcement. Has becomeot. You have got a little bit oblem rig. T t hot. Peoplelevethat law enrcemen me than er fore becau we respt you. Youtheighe levs we admire e job y do is incredible and hazardous.However isncredie. We will be able to strive to give each youngster a loving house. Every house a thriving future we will be able to renew the bonds of faly and fait that the link us collectively as citizens. As patriots and as american citizens. Supply in now not let up wwill now not and can in no way ever ve up d saving Your les. We will end this rrible menace. F addictione will make our citiesag and our future brighter than eve. Asne United nations we can work Weillor a ande will fight for the d when eveamily throughout ourand. Andive. A dg fre Ameri thanks god bless you and god bless. The united states of america thanks. President trump talking for practically forty five minutes in Atlanta — depend tking abo. The da whole on this country who’re particularly talking in regards to the opioid challenge and even bringing up. Some former addictsnd people in recuperation at this moment — Shared the stage with — to tell ofr hope to so many millionsan of usa citizens. Extra information now it is developing next Illinois wer wtingor the physique full an. On ns now butbviously a very a td this very moment it wa expecd too ti he in izona thawe received shed bk ahour.O elev a obvuslyow it’s sti — had been wtingor tha som irty mutes aer ttush again so wlla lo at thhoteally it’s g story notnlynllinoi but no is .Story as wexpected right her on t on that one here for you i’m My ces you realize it’been a nothat thes wjust had.S gift tn o goackut to w Jsey I plea forou -e ginng othatews conferce. Inewerse wre the w a baby pretod sixteen individuals arreste incling ac yingo ha s wit t below age. Rsonhat s obousl a tr thereut wilontie nowo ge tm t coeren T.Orsmatt ns Duri opetion hom ae n chatith the chaeefendas over vario socl med plformseading u to e made.Tupshen threstere Ar und cov artmentas in rgen cnty a it wastaffe withozens of ficersnd evidenceha. T d ? D r Ne Jerse. Fourf thes defenntsphia journey thiy o g These pdato travedearles. An some distance eac hopgo in finding thr victs vulrable eac ping tfind tm alon. But instead a t s chd on whh they cld press.Thesew e rested. Thirtn ofhe defendants cg eratn residence ane wer restedhenhey aivet are yet another alledlylanned to mallnd wasrrestethere. The 2 rs . Chars of condegree Lorg d or seconegree atmpted seal aault. Botcng t moralof a cld.Trd dree Ondefendt chang Kair ceshird degree arges of atmpted divinghe mors o a ild a posseion ofhild -*-*. Kaer was once alrea awaing ntenngn a guilty ea in a the Bgen coty procutor’ fice. Two n aegedly sen exicit phos of tmselveo base thi degre chaes ofthe dercd marial wh thchild the geral mentiede also restedfficereteropic — To gd junr of e rge wod percent dartmen for legedly arrging sith who o helievewas a fteen ye historical gl. As fs theenalti for seco dege chaes carryey ntence ofive toen yearsn jail Thd dege crges raise a nten of threto fivyears prison. St oe tseefendas weidot arrest. Folloe and tectiv word seaessly NEsigit devicncludi thdefendt’s ce phos. Labotory on the Bgen untyeon deo osecor’s offic wherehey wi underull forensic aminatns. These aminatnsill detern evence of a princouers constutedditional ces ofth unday Loring. Sealssault f little one enngerme. Firs apprancesere helnd two me wd detained penng tri.Thotherefendas at a mimum had been ordedo repo relarly tpre tri svices- To thatd th are phibite fro utilizing the inrnetxcept forork o havingnt f e y condtg i oer pretorym eratioome alo invves s ch incdible tea wor. Fr therain invesgators recruidyhe sta % and CAC taskw . Analtsnd oth sta fromys assied ievery aspt of ts tremdousfforts thankou notvesta. A me eveone but Io wanto cogne simply few. Fr the divionf cminal juste’d liz y an obligation Attney Geralie st o Blu. Bureauhief — Glianpervionf dept rpenr beau ief Jia glass ofheinar cres burea all und the leadship of filth deputy rectorhristi Hfman.I so wt to ank ecutive asstanFran invts selr prise a a of theeputy a legal professional basic and Dsy J. Tectiv w aressigd to is iestition commder lutent Jn — ste percent identification Zero sgean i youn detecti Btt Mch and alerget Pauscore no oergnt Cistd e I Cnit whinhe ste can’ deny tt assted whicend allI this orat. Y inkenio aistant prosutor bras ind Berg rely prosetor’sf the Who sisted in is opetion? I’alsoike tohank Bgen saddiver pole chie Cureton asingonscris uples upperaddle rer RamsolicchieBria Gree. Dastl I wouldike tthank our feraU S.Omelan investigaons uer SC Banicha a athe F Grory. . Acss theerse wordfics tiless to instigat and precut viontrimils a ose who el t deaypioid epidic b tir widpread and rvasiv dru dtribion acvities nessari a prrity.Forur Attorne Generain fe f ourtateaseen a will ntin to a high priory. Wl remai steadstn our puuit of t egrious offeers whoeek to viimiz our chd. I w tu this ove to at in. Director.Pole. Ofhe New I’ justake momt to everody’s remks — To th attoey n yo have arly thiy la enforcent at tother a collarate. Fr federal sta cnty loc Pennsylvania as ll asne ivels -n the Bre r the spe of it is ge and so the actual fact thawe he a tkt reaye rce likthis the feet tt we chilen uni.Cmes agnst A dediced to is selyn th stateolicepeak to th gnitudfhis iss — I thko th gener’soints about wn we thinkack to e lowerit h cay. Its a tolly differe ballga this e th the appearance othe intert and wii soasy for tse — Pretors to to es vulnable so believe wn subcts thaere these tt are at me thiingrestede go o thaf they thi yearld gir or bo ope ther tkingn ck othei intellect thethink at. They’r talkio a NeJersey ste troer tdeteive in a osecutor offic bausef an ift stom beg vicmized -ith everybyn th roo s h or hife. Theest of his coseling wheth that’aof mentalllnen leads to mecation sfne the taskorcenitiates likctim isf wish to ploit chiren wn they logy ink of uomebod in Freh ue wita goltripe down their g ono at comter — To ma se i would ke to troducnow th fedel bure of instigatn ank y — As you jt hear of theyba .H s todahese predars are the llaborive eort is iat e stat ofew Jery the regional thetaw ? Y e persons. Ds we sg in a we sd earlier than we wi thr in ainute. We wilnd mas somee wi arres tm in oer to ke our cldren safnd other rest of this in e cyr worl Thk you. Evators my fatherland safety counterpart. Morng my ne is ch Rnhold sistanpecial in arge homela secus Brinjustic to sexulyo individuals who y e onof eacof sizhighes ioriti. A long time Ipecial agent he the t legalovemen of pele gds acss U. Borrs d becse the intnets borderss theo ntrand onle ian internional ime.Of sually abung an nocent feelg of rief.Ary and i say tporarye fortunely tre soany predats outho r commities eratio he alon ia grea exampl ofa cal rources comning f the st righteous fee. Thank u. With thawe’ll takeour questis aui me aloinaudie] David Genel Th operati. It t theame — Typef operatn youe m l forcemt ancies we section Crim agast chiren tk forceere hit Coulbe anydy.Pfilehat.]o Stl theris notng in th ofile that dicatethat t child. Would be terest in canine. He– Yeah yea worI imply. Prioinvestations there and With t photo with e thet arof. Na of thchild hello and is made care priler the ats tt the invidual that e defeant is His betweenhirteeand fifen yearss nernitiat the cversation a couple of- It alway a defennt tha arts a conveation and thas how w. A ery. Chd Thwater — Whout getti to thepecifi detaif of For e endnd somofhel say chats eart oc belie his socia media profi- Inct Morecaredhat t childes.Wrap iup. All rit tha you vermuch foyour aenti and thank you for arising thanks a differt. Thank u iormati tha ultl is t recovy.At weelieve in ahallowrave wrappned plasti in odstocIllino e large Mnery rely corer’s ofce is on scene wit the F evidew . The cse of deh i unknot th tim a wle turne determed aa ly e McEny couy coroner’ andvidenc each joinfortion beincharge wh t deathr disappran.T with five unts ofirstegree aggrated btery. Two unts of aravate domesti btery. Anne couf failur to rert a msing or child dying. An you fend senioas bee arged witfive cnts of fit degr murde. Twcounts ofggravad batty. Coun of gravat domesc batter. Two unts o And o count of failu t. Port msing yr childeath poli deparent I wld lik thankhe FBI. The McCainecounttas atrney’sffice and other loca sta and countlaw forcemt a fireplace dartmen entiesgin managent eir asstanceas instruntal ibringe tohis instigatn [iudible achersamily is mhope tha youayave so solacn knowg that AJ kills haveeen brght tos juice. I uld al wish to ank t assiance ding th diffilt time [al JJ. We kno you’re a piece playing it happelaygrod and are hay you longehave t ffer. The ouomef thisase ia relt of thxtraornary efforts of s dictly invold in this se. Beuse t charg rulting fr thisnvestitionur bas largel or recored. Weillot b provingny fuheretails in effoo protecthe is Go afteron- Tnk youthank you. Chf black AJ’samilyf t commuty.To condences on ‘s Los wish to ta abouthen come bere you. Buit ishe unftunateesult I spt the las twoours her with ta conducng thiinvestatio. I want tw a meer othe laenforcement commity. – rtnernd frid stenino themotion. Folks as workforce have exhitedommitmr over tg real rlly bris lot o otion make difficult. The iestigati- f .

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News Now Stream 4/24/19 (FNN)

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News Now Stream 4/24/19 (FNN)

Turned tragic proper now our sister station fox thirty two in Chicago reporting that a body has been located. Close this wooded subject in Woodstock Illinois this is very shut. To within the subject of where this lacking boy he is welcome right here to information now we are expecting. A an FBI investigation as soon update on that as good. Well as we got these are living pix into the newsroom — a bit of earlier this morning it began off as Ariel’s hanging and no longer unusual in any respect. To peer – you know with the stories of a lacking little one — that you would have photos coming in of a of an area being searched.You keep in mind the story. Of a younger girl who went out for a jog this was last yr. There in the Midwest in Iowa in a small city in Iowa and turned up missing in they had more than one syringes for her. Out within the farm lands out corn fields — just hoping — To you realize be capable — To both in finding her or recover bodies. And so it was once no longer. T unusu owing t excessive ierest in th case and the tusands of rertedlyipshat ha bn see see pturesike tthoned in fo t the teportitarted Mike witn th- one in all t first rorts fm e of o fox thiy two Had bnoundn thisrea. An thiss juso upda erybodhis ia litt fiv Andot gd conct wh the Poli had bn tthis coupls dwelling my. Andt streh morthan sixtye pas long. In ft I had chanco plean somefhe nil however the ther me in to rea toouch in of bod nevertheless it sr how factor areaid It tme itounded le he ws mostorder on the mobile name and n we d have at let sten to th rightow.Nce the cent gage You canisten nghborhdeah ree e tele o staon down right here wers taketo buyreek So — Tn tre is is nwas a velopmen thi i– Forrom e Chicoribune rorting. At thisery rnin. Policepoke with e mogain And aer that the oicer return to. . Agaiith the ibune efrom portin. Weere athe pole stion by using It w a coue of hrs lat And e nexthing wknew a law forcemt newconferceas beg set r latein theay d then whave t pictus from t sce. F g u n rselves — Th thi ecificlys t by using of a lile misng A t lite Boy you g awher inhisveearld bo. Is outind oin theuburbsyesrhon e ah yea so th is t really.Burbs andust ver erybyn th enrcemen w for six days nowas ll i’ve been ying ttrack do that lt. So a l of bl ribbo out there olle . Signal at a hom- just wn the stet fro the place. This familiva And it jusit doe’t loogood concsions werin staby mod for ths confence thas anoerind interting aect tit all. Is theact tt the FBI isn morehan just police topic thicr all right so we will have tha fut sttbin iwasupposedo At ts hrut now it’been nce ph back up just aittl bit sog y need to talk about will have it.For you correct here. News now that isne of thbig orie her of theay viously all correct a different — preserving trackf justoments ago president trump in the First lady walking down the steps of Air drive One in Atlanta. Where they’ll be quickly speaking about the drug difficulty in Americ- principally opioids — The president correctly on the south garden of the White residence or a bit elier this morning with anothe onef the impromptu news conferences and he did not off. By speaking abo how theirst woman e . A faiamount otime worng on a reality Malani in to ke se he was getting the fts.Ght and said tt I lieve we’re. Areelling folkshat ere’ bee abo a 17% reduion. A reporte usef opioids thinhisast yeaand she mentioned she sok her head to t affia. An so- Forhe fst cple whicou d’tm e evy bits mh as is.Rng o And nowhis jor speh. Atlta wch i wbelie — righ therend hers a liv okt the pium right there youan see as t crowd he is waing. For threside a the Fst La a when at hpens of coursee’llu heren news now s Alread rig ohe sta now we have numerous mong parts already and it tbrintia and i as we it forheseig. Monts to happen yh an is most like anymore my he eve with a wita littlender ten minute. Impromptu othe uth lawn it’s like. Ght there are such a large amount of ou of what he d to assert at present heb speaking about. Quite he stated in summaryhat wts to e thount as Spificly knohow vonrom high wi thery tsubpoenaskw yo proper and yowonder Wh doe the presidentiste to it appears he’s an excellent relationshipith s ne cef of employees? US- Somebodyay b aisin the president on sort of you kn wha tone he should be takingow we don’t absolutely is is possess man he’s gog to tweet whatever he needs to tweet and say atev he ntso sa — but ithisartilar illustration — He what he did do the fee and i’ve been questioning when at used to be going to return — Becausehe wle his argument against Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats is that they are gng to show themselves to the part of investigate examine .And no longer absolutely get quite a lot of things executed. So t they’rell kds ople — And adlis Nancy Pelosioday saying with the president is stonalling the United Stes Congso see is xes hs no gng t it is going to be a legal fht goes downm. Up allhe w in e Suemetelnd court — you know so that’s family of brewingut tre in phrases of the connection between the 2 but if the president’s gonna make the argumt.On the Democrats are the celebration of investigate — examine collusion investigate obstruction of in my tax vested in my household then he wishes to get off that topic. Right so he he was on a for somewhat even as in these days and you are going to play a few of that i am sure Yoll hear he used to be without doubt on that subject for a bit of at the same time speakme aut Moeer and the way he made the assumption. The molars tv would have financ and seemed it is taxes don knoif tt’s e ca or not — Bh e vot. And he stated it’s time for . To determine how we are able to begin to work on some of tse b issu the h so that’ll binteresting simply see himake that move it as he df cou keeup on at.Ah and rig n mean once spng breakheirxtendedor tir spring bak correct now so I nogetting the information one ey’re now not even there to receive the good day man could be pleasant Mike to have a have a job the place which you could set yrwn earnings and also you’r On vation -So Thf vacations I mea On the u to ke ae other sidofhe cn whh of course had been trained to do — If u we aongressm oa nato fro s Newersey. Or Delare. Omewre almost DCt’s allyot tt b a dl b the theongred mennd the senators from Washington and Ogon and kn youave two full days ofirniau avel ery sgle wee bathom s. Monday is a trav dayo get ther –n ce you’re wondering why are there no longer a lot of headline o of Congress on a Monday or Friday. That’s why. Tuesday Wednesday Thursday these of the three working days so and Monday presupposed to be the day th fly i. Ide is ppos to be at present the fly and so that is kindf the way in which itorks. Michael it’ such a day we must add up the wle number vacate days..I suppose it’l a rather rather as I heardou sa a ltle bit oDelawa and their spkingn Delare I about. Bing oka the enormous dayor overbi inl intesting isn it.Nuth Becae the headlin the day past used to be at a NeHampshe and it’s impornt state. Buit cou potenally ba that Bere Sands is pretttleit st ll known aretty willighten n that — part of Ne door in rmont — ts in Moouth ces o with is a national. Pollhat sa holdn a mine w e . O and oted Jdish. Most cching by. In that her pu that w Hashireollere’s eir snapsh. Of whe stands nationally witby 27% unwell wel aheadfernie Saers at 20%. An to dge aittle further hind welsubstaially fuher bind. Th set theres a quite intestingtory- This moing ou therey that — Thes somof these candites de dot knowho relatively Weeally d’t and but that a few of ese ndidat are. Or rame-p wi dirn ved genne rht So call the D. O. . All on who to penitentiary. And that i imply he he is starseen singo quick.To Joe by means of hring h numbe ve beestrongndor the st parof stad stro we asmehereas hwas somef thosstorie — That we so netiveowardoe Biden or thls whene wasn his decion king pcess severely i youe anotr ndidatend you suppose youe goome magi iormaon peop who a willi to co ahead to share that detrimental. Inrmatn whyot put it in the market when the man nonetheless attempting whether he’s going to run or not so whonows I virtually believe like within the entrance of the curiosity of frt trsparency. And anybody from The N Yor Time n in Keokuk Iowa when they report a sty. That. Clearlys poor at a exact candidate I suppose like they must have the state. Who gave them that expertise? This is it can be referred to as off fl research it happs at all times – however I feel like they will have to say ay soul somepposition research used to be provided to us by using.Pick your candidate toll so ye. She appears to pleasant. Ah but Ieant do hapn al pa oft is everybo interesting as kinof cerom zero tobling up e hero. Litelly inside about oneonh Annie Elizabeth Warren need to be thinkinghat I have got to do. We s wor anoer pgrama malove polits yomay be aware she li. Bu she is she is significantly placing the suggestions available in the market after which what occurs is. Other candidates tral to continuously resnd ther d her ide m e mo rect one was cngen the x sucta companies like Amananno be in a sittion whe the make as a lot moneys they do. And Jeff basins pen’s riche he does on businesses on all those types of thinnd a we l recognize we suggested to the Amaz web page zero on federal That’snbelievable so you realize loophole I figure you are actually think for the year conservative or liberal you appear at that and also you say welow c that. Stated I goa pn for tha. Thrigh.Ng on bothhe lt and No I that could be a road to enty entynd is ju htingp erybody but now let exhibit you litt bitn president trump’s comment oside othe White residence.As with lani- As wel. The variety of special they may be thmari one yes they areff visiting collectively on this one is interesting. Keep silent although ok there we go — more news now coming. The stock market. Three from an monetary standpoint is doing the excellent traditionally it can be ever executed. Waiting ales ain. Clos to or over 100 instances is an president. The time of the election. Quality they’ve ever been via a ways. We now have nearly a hundred to sixteen folks working in these days of the USA that’s more th. Three earlier than. We’re doingell and we’re doing matters are goi goo I convey within the Firstady proper now she’s labored very hard on the costs. Have been down about 17%. From final year whichs pretty potent what down. 17% for the opioids problems a bi probl is a. We’re ndli. The doctors areorki with us. They are working with further work s woing th us.Is amounof progrs Jo AnI ha beethe st And esidt a admn y far. We simply went by way of theall whi. Where you ad? Real ehteeangrDemos at eight psident drop the eight AM with advert. They we contriy cases Alary however eher th a passion. I have no idea. And eyame witno llusn a sincerely alame Atrneyener centered on the he all over the place the situation.S They verify my finciand th cheed my taxes I asme. Washe mt. U shouldrobay. Feel I read whereheyotry I I say is enghe hundred ople. Get back to infrtr. The reducing tas get bac to loweringrug ices thas wh.Relatively that’s what we should do The survey i These armpartial pee . Twty tnty t goain with e peoplehat see And ey’rnot ing n ains me the onlyay ty ca could lo. D Ion’think tt’s nna opsite tt’s at a l ofe opleayin. The ly w the getockeout r me. Nonnseut ty suld relatively foced o n ivehis a ligatedust you understan alstince received intoffior the lasta now. Youant litate. Afr the DNC. Lary The rty jobll othese matters thas what to be litigated. Because that was a rigged syem. Breaking down i’m breaking down the swap in case you seem at what’s taking place. They getting. Fi what’ gng to ppen from w on b I ope. I en is vetrong. But ifou can di. Alrit people and sy rig he with us had been folwing a two bit ftou’re tang aive appear Illins wre pole andBI agtsre at a sce in odstoc Illinshere ty recoved a b.Learngn simply littl bit i at is. Unfortately indd the misng t long gone week after which to e rightou e awting psident trump remar dhe Fir Lademarks abus he on this untry we’ ve itll f youight he on newnow hk g righ now in theed buttill. Holding an extraordinarily strongoday I every body maybe certain welcome bo the d we will he psideeref trpike I sdt just ase alws have it for u he in i entetyhat’ wre we prefer to e neonferences. T a slice of a you don get everytng o rig rig he on news n f . Let’s get me da to industry briefs right now from Tracy Carr. By means of Amazon ia method to make receivingour ckages mor handy andafe whe you arawayrom hom.Enables for delivery people to situation applications inside your home or car to be certain they will not get stolen beforeou g hom and now Amazon has expanded t servicewo gages you’ll nd eligible discipline and have a my queue connected garage door. Opener for those who alrdy possess a m queur enerll youaveo do i nnected with the E. Key with the aid of Amon as. Disneyould en as mh as % zero% of al ticket sales in North the usa this summer time that is in line with a rert in the rap biest dralong with seval polar filmranchises T ory for The Lion King a Aladnre all set to debut within the coming months.For reog on to fox business dot com in Ne. Thing there so much Tra you for that updat wel thisext orye first bught it tyou stery as itas hpeni On t lucest twey fourearbut nown freakingay that wasanuel Frco’s rction when he realiz he was once protecting. Sevehundreand sty eigket worth llion dlars in m heart began rt for out 5 or t minutes anco w the oy perso to check al Fivnumbers. Whilst onarch twey seventh making him the seconigge a loery htorye says he had od fling abo snding t On his manner hom from rkast moh. I honestly felt soucky thatI di lookt at e cama a I really wante to n got it becausIy feeling Franco says he stored his mouth shut aboutis b win Evenallo e after knewhat I’of wor I I work aa discontinue houseent in mu that — i am re to evyone awork high-quality however and Ieally desired say sething that I kn that i was once unhealthy decion and that i pe for wk aga.As for wt’s nextor Frao he ys that he wan to be careful about how he spends his profitable. T wanted to trel theorld I pl to li my liormal as as muc ase osehe lum sum ch optn for hello wina after taxes he’salkingway withhry six llion dolrs. Lauren Bncha fox ns tha u Laen tre whiife wellut I sorhere.Chaing as jother immiate aft Winng the jkpe dn’tant opleo fi out That’sow peo fi outf the. En y’re ite rht aer dide simply w the lotte Iyeoplgone woerf the waa lo of hen thoffiayin.Uorke — Isotere oious someing’ goi onnteg hofullhe spends it had inveed- Sma allightext doorhat r ye we e awting pside trum to lk d cris Inhis cntry and abrdo a dera procuto nowakin onharmaceucal companie introduced the firstver dru traffiing crges again a armaceical cpany a two distriting prescriion medications helped gas the opioid epidemic Lawrce dol the thirdheging former CEu cooperative for our DC with algedly tfficking tens o llions of tablets to armacies.Identified tillegay allotting naotics the iictment also claiming our DC and its executives made the deliberate determination to now not invesgate or alert federal rulators about phmacyustome ty kne extra disnsino pele for nonedicalses om twenttwelveo twty sixteen thef l skyrketed durghe perd RDC genered one pnt tallege in . Billion dlars of revenue fro e sale of controlled materials. The station was tied to that revenue. The seventy 5 year historic former CEO surnderin to thorities on Tuesday he is chard wit consring to distribute oxy code . And coniring to defraud the Drug Enforcement Administration which lift a minimal ten year jail sentence greenbacks legal professionals saying he’s being framed.Mr down won’t. Serve as their scapegoat. Thoroughly intends to fight that is In N Yor Jry bb gaen. Ne Theror tt uate a brand new learn correct now sws that young adults rather feel. They feel — quite often everything is dependable take a look at this. One it’s emerge as this new matters like I do not know myophomo ar in excessive university to dwelling here started vaping to support her stop cigarettes but i do not think it can be doing so much. To residence understands and understood every hit a virtual ges a a higy coentrated. Nicotine in new studyut of of teegers sdyouaid th 4 dates n nicotine pducts test pitive foricotinathen resechs proven of cocaine.As a whole. As heroin dependancy psychologist doctor Harris straighter worries this abilities lack of expertise among younger people about what they are feeding might leave them settl wh the nancia burden and abilities wellbeing influences of nicote liveio forhe res of eir n me you. Cry even grter stilating feelin in line with thU. S. Cents for disse ctrol and prevention estimatour int eight . Incrse fm the yea befor% everybode a lotf thes. Inhe batoom in the liary the peop in oseooms w flaved.G up withhese ping pducts absutely no that they appea to yoger audiense t the flavorsffery sobody’s nicotine baiting products. It imy favore the bacof the roomn fortress otheartf thei nufacters tappeal to younger persons.Many of which the Sny Brook college gain knowledge of finds might be didn’t have an understanding of what they’re putting into their our bodies if we can appeal to you with berries. And then it did she with nicotine that may be a long run sales circulation it is large so that you see it all over the place in the East Village I Max king. Box five news. And individuals we are simply now moments faraway from an FBI update in Illinois on the the missing the boys search we’ll convey it to your correct here. On news now you’re taking a are living appear at Woodstock Illinois this is where police and FBI dealers had been calming this wooded area. And our sister station fox thirty two in Chicago reporting that a body.Has been determined on this area and now we are waiting for that update might it’s the lacking a fiveear olboy. Be me newsow by way of xtwhat tragi and ce bko ne noy doppreateouoining u Ne Jery rig nowhere thereay wreo used to be hugehild predator skig the bd sieen ople had been aeste incding g s lksncluding aolicfficer Of making an attempt tsolit intercourse from a minor take a appear at this every body administrative center. In help partial agent in argeicha Reinhd Ofomelan. Shiff.Lke al have our And om Bern couy localaw put in force. I’dike toecogze and Rdy St Bri g. An uer sdle rir % eutena. Da allowg dedicated. We’re also grateful to operatn unites president and CEO hi Nancy ailes thank you. Thanks also to an incredible. Serv in a nner works d and nit No matte what i need at ast they’re all cl amid the strangest hrs he is continuously therworking Secretary Alex Cesary best Alex was once dng. Robertedfield who’selping us a radids V as by twenty thirty and where there was once going to be equipped to try this. Humans are shot please rise up sold. Forecely in a speeche will a renegad is via twenty thirty net ogress and so they failed to understand speakme about they could not speech health care professional they stated you imply that that’s righte’reoing to ha it round a gated. Through twey thirty thank y very much doctor very imptant. Also with us i. Th lieenant goverr of this greatd Brn.N whoseork tough with The mixture of Jeff Dunn and Bryan has bn. More often than not ueatae doing a fabuus job Jeff thank you very so much Jeff where are y Jeff. Jeff thanks. Jeff. Best jobeall greohn Mrs And the Geoia Aorneyeneral Chris automobile.Chris thank you. He is in the figI ow that. As well as participants of ngress Rick Allen. Drew Ferguson bBarry hell out of milk. Have a that’s a prettyall we we’ve got been doing ok togher Avue. Now we have been doing god’s to all the oplen this room to serve ery day. The frontiers and entrance traces I haa challenge it’s you ever in theratitude. Of our allntoouration you can also now not even comprehend it. Butur natn loves you and so they love what you’re doing thanyou very so much. The primary responders who deliver patients back to lifestyles. Yo a theaw enfcement Drug traffickers to justic. You’re the doctorsurse and coung strength tbuild.E and solace and A brighter and brighter ture. Of usa citizens overcome addiction For a new life of freedom. My ainistrations depying each useful resource atur disposal to empower you. Support you. Ane g Weill now not sol this epidem ernight. But wilstop. There is simply nothing that’s — Plaster topic the way you cutt i know one of the vital humans in this room nothi stoou. Unless our j is finished.N telyou. Andhenaybe o findomething new and that i hop tt’s going to be soon b we willucceede have resule mbers that I heard two weeks ago. That used to be bowled over to listen to. Whenakin significant progress every year extra tn seventy thound pcious American lives are lost?O the opioids and drug . And inmy opinion t quantity is much larger than that. To safeguard all american citizens my administration declared the opioidpidec nation large A colossal step.Mgency. Sincehen we have secured a file six billion dlars. Opid crisi.G to fight the And that is the most ever. And we’r going for even higher numbers ts ye. Th year we providedinety sutance abuse.Eventse The support for patients and communities ahe lgestver leslative effor to combat a nation’s hisry.Sis in r it is the larst ever. Following the w Ofy doctor geners and plenty of hers ltear th distribution. Ofhe ordos revsing dgs naudible Naloxone. Improved by way of over.One million. Models prey aming stuff. Expa aesso remedy restoration another crucial activities and serces. L tought ouration we promises to statesotaling a report two billion dolla. Areow permitting stateso use Medicaid money to pay for residential treatmen facilities a ty’re beinbuilt all over the place the country. In my first yearn ofce the quantity of paentseceiving. Remedy aisted tatment at community wellness centers ineased through sixty four% know what the esident did the nor the gift. We haven’t any alternative we haven’t any alternative We handed t cre bac. To develop remedy for motrs and phical based oopios.N For our. ‘remprovi soreness administration fewer veterans or ooids considering Jak you at. 0-002-30. With the aid of t means f thehis. Forty toet it.Hiya’ve been attempting Asou understand. Simply rectly I signed n oice. Veteran cano and if the moist is going to be. Ys or weeks or months which is prate doctor. Go out and spot a Take instantaneous care. We pay for to care for the it’s been an fantastic it’s it’s new and it can be been.Incredib theifference it’s bad. And simply monthsgo I sigd bipaisan criminal justice among different critica chang the firs step back supplies dependancy tatment to americans in prison. That in jus four months. Greater than sixen thousand intes are taking part a brand new medications trit. Criminalustieform I need to say — Peoe getting out of pron. And in view that our founding theyere havingn impossible time tting a job. Bu becau o economic climate is doing wel. Rhaps the fine it is er bn numbers in historical past.Mpyment fine the whole thing considering that of th Becae of thi prisone getting ou. S employers becse I spe to quite a bit oar overjoyed. Th hado thought. I am so proud of thatohe satisfactory economy has me it. Muchasier they get out and th they must prov themselvesndever received they pve theelves. W job now not alof them. Staggering there’s nothing falabouany us. T they a doing apectacular b. So Iant tthank all of you d Iant to thank cgresan need to ank you f helping me with that case will have to be have been very instrumental thanks very so much exndingederal efforts tobor i help.Recoveri americans fd a gre. In our store into trying to me. Consequently of our historic financial boom ao. Including up all americans from all walks lifestyles. Incling individuals who havbeen for the period of theain of addicti. Getting a 2nd a thi and in see and so they’re mang it. Theye makg it and ty reallyave sothinto le. R a few of th say w love gettin ue r jo. D in the event that they d’t like the job in view that of what is happene it is a micle a over the wld that speaking abo wt’s happed. Ifhey do not just like the job the have alternative also like the vets ey he alternative the alternative o going out and discovering a Thathey ke bter. Tremendous impa final year a recor 73% of the brand new jobs went to folks who are Coming again to work for thee no. First time in big apple yrs. These new eloyed citizen are becoming a member of fivpoint fe Fod jobs nce the electn. Drivin l employment rat. To its lowest lel in fiy one years. Ands you recognize whilst you’ve hed me sayt.Lost. Amerin uneloyment Inhe histo of our untry. Asian Amerin unemploent lowest io cotry. Lowest in the historical past of our. Individuals the graduate witut a lowest in the hisry o o country. Ladies Sorry. Lowest in sixty e years. However will soon have the report. Will soon have the record. We’re ing have that document. To we’re all Amecans we’re all . We a the strongest when n one My administration is committed to making sure that each citizen n liveith digty and cause and proudly purehe Ameri. Adnistration’s powerful help. For religion founded Initiatives. Americas a nation that belies in the werf pray. An we lieve within the grace of Ouof right here with us tay is door Montyurke’s. Nineteen years in the past Monty tned his existence Fr his place of origin church helped him to get. No Mon works for Tennessee is. What a best state. Thats director of their faith o. Established covery. And tell us a bit of bit about yourork high-quality. My administration can also be barkedn a urecedent crinal networks crackdonne authorized internatial spments. The deadl flo of medications in our cotry. The prior two yea ctoms math a cocaine and heroiand Fent all. On the southn border. Are up 45% and gng up much excessive l Problyo thnumbersoday. Deining cturing call it extra pplehanver befe a few of thot ople wwant in oucouny An i’ll s borr patrol has been incdible the’s by no means been a.That border. The ke theres tay up thugho Mexic Mexicwas starng. To detain and bring again to thei. Once they got here from? Bua lof iis drugsnd medicinal drugs are Being Gotteny us we are spping the dr flows so much as we will soon. ‘re gonna have wall this would bery powerfulalls it is underneath conruction. The mediag about it. The media doesn’like. To one in every of many things had been doing however en that wall is finish you intendo have. It can be fouhundred milesf wall constructed. With the aid of the tip of nt yr have been probly ahead of schedu a little bit . ‘ll have a trendous impac on druy an we haany other tngs includg te Than you c b hundrs of miions o bucks of e bes. Ug dection eipment which you could have. D I aays say ts becse as od as at apparatus is ingeniou.The greatest equipmente world is a canine. Puppies. A ctain sort oGerman shepherd ipartular. To a greater job thanour hundred million llars worth of can you bs would realise tha. He stated to the boer patrol the otr day they have been giving me. A little bit bit of a run down on ths hundreds and hundreds with just about five hundred llion greenbacks worth of equipmt at t porf entry. I said how does this compare. To those exceptional to althis I noticed. He.Saronestly the dogs about I sa you bought to be kding it incredie they usually showe mend it’s simply first rate in the first-class puppies and we chish them. Ale kills. Tee hundr ericans a wee. Ninety% of which entersur country via our southern border. We’re doing the whole lot. To empow ourselv s that we are able to keephis poison out of our co. And far from our kids one can find some very very giant differences within the coming month. Ere had been shooting people tt you would not think? Introduced that noted run once I got here down and i’m certain no person saw this after I came down the escalator with.Malani a our waitresI don’t suppose someone saw that. But I made an extraordinarily robust assertion abo the border. It is no longer that dangerous will limited. Thattatent was peanuts. In comparison with reality peanutst reity.All time compared to however we’re confronti. Ality and cfronting the grave secury and you manipulate for the duration of main issue on our southern boer. And at’s why Ie declared a country wide emergency which is strictly what it’s. We now have secured historical funding to strengtn border security. Incling the gear. For the duration of the wall. The extra border patrol agents. Is that youon’tven have to recognize aboo knowbout. Congress mus additionally acte f nonetheless. Obsolete Uhhuh. Thanks Mr pside firly speak. Time and possibility to Borofessnally and peonal. Fami’s lif.Ed mlife a my Wo forhe sta pole in Virgin for thirty e yr. Enter . Drnforcentection for enty tee of thirty one ars. On the identical conferces in the past even as Ias here fr yearsgo my s J. Ttli druaddictn. The stor is o to . Andas medated at younger e. Eighens . E hao transfer out othe hoe beuse tha is the andance a percent officer. Yocan that home was ghteen birthy. On theay you n Eiteen Ioved o of r dwelling. He wlde wot decions armade in s existence. We did so. About a ye or twlater. . For severe four fiers. Fromis ha. S Our around to in myife. You case The arsted a cple times. Foposseson a distribion beforehristm. Welve ys cemb trteeh twent seventeen elver Of a hern and t in far and wide th peopltalk aut Yourerror medicines ere is stigma and thetigma desires discontinue. You wanto thk aut stmahink abo a famy that’seen tot . And that’s oy one fily of sevey t seventeethe lel.Onbecausopioidnd heroin e stigm needso discontinue y ed to are your sry. Ou t bracetsveryy sinc my son’s dth l right wrists a rple braceletTo honor people who have e s in t morni datof delivery. Date oh On my left ist i have. To forhin bl line. Ever ordose any person’srd to sim. Little one Educion that is wt we’ here d tt’s whyou’re her he ok the fir editi of ybe ifou her forhe fir time. E colborative brastorm to sttegize. To figurout th oblem colltively. Wi the message I wanto convey toi Dot choose. There seventyhousandit Twenty senteenign. Hiname was once. Matthew J. Simmer For thank you . I feel can sayith security that. Ur sour boy is watching down rhtow when you and very pud of hi father. Ve very oud of we’re making grer tern. As aesult of my negotiionses with. President xi. Of China. Doing an awfully huge trade deal.They’ve announced that nt week. To prevent chinese language spent at all which is most of it. Practically all frontt all comes from China. From being shipp to e america An the extra I recognize his from president xi they’ve agre that. They are going to make it ar crime. It is no longer a criminal offense now sits down as an industrial drug. Antheye gonna make it a crime and they’re going t cost humans with the highest degree of crime In Ch. Like in our couny. The highest level of crime is very very high it’she perfect you paid the ideal pric. So I recognize that very a lot. Nce I sigdhe stop act int law our potent customs and border protectionffics of stopped.Over six timesore packages from accomplishing Amerin drste g deal. And border prection officers. On the seaport in Savannah. Just lately discovere an estimated nineteen million dollars valued at In cargo of Coloian Polls. At present we’re proud to be joined with the aid of two officers who helped find James longnd Erica nles. Andhank y bot f your courageous work. The where are you individuals had been I you come on come on up here Thank t ofll. And agn than you f all you ppor it’een aong rd d wre glaand e priden Gl to ve y all bind ubehind us. As y all o our bigge hel just about day. A hstack day on your recreation thank you.Thank you both very so much first-class job. So many incredle folks tha I met doingxactly wt you are doing. To allf the customsnd border defense offers t agents and state and neighborhood regulation forcement. The he tod we An we’re with you the entire way. We had billions of dolrs of mitary equipmenthichhe previo ade to offer u. To legislation enforcent and that i u very a lot. Many drug businesses are giving Euroan nations a better deal. They provide their o country and that has to stop wvelrea Mang se that ourreat seors Medare. Will share in the discounts given to other international locations. What that mns.The sophisticates available in the market that do ts for a living you know precisely it’s a b deal unds like. The deal however it quite is a g deal. At lengthy last we’re stopping the drug organizations in foreig international locations fromeading. The system i know all abo the region the process for the reason that I had the method riggeon me. I consider you already know what i’m alas so as to be your sound chew tonightut ts approach used to be rigged if. The rig within the process agast our nice senior. D to he docrs and scientists devi discomfort klers. For opioids.E have neay doled f. And soreness research thanks very ch dtor co on and. It was a w extra money than any human bein thanks. Such an importan we are able to in finding that reply is goingo be a colossal. Many of the predicament i think how shut are we he is announcing ok.You get it. Get a one 12 months ago we pledge to reduce nationwide opioid prcriptions. By means of one 1/3. In a position for the period of my time ioffi we now have lowered the whole amount of opioids. Prcribed with the aid of 34% that is a gorgeous powerful number. Gl to record in these days the drug overdose doe or down within the quite a lot of states that we hd in chk. Thones hardestity the opioid concern. Ne Hampsre. West Virginia IowPennlvania And y steeply dn within the of those instances. An robust success. After I campaigned ithos states tt thing? That no one would suppose it. Unless you really concerned Over the last two years our country wide prescription drug. Take back days. Of collected just about three point seven million poundsf prescription medications. At seven tim. Of Air force One a very best planehat’s parked about ten minutes away. Ry very b big heavy plan consider of that seven instances. Anthe next drug take again day is.Mostmportantteps to endinge th ts is to pvent younger men and women. Om ever making use of medications in the fit place. Public awaness camignbout the horrificufferinghat medications inh % of young americans the place’s Kelly and Kelly a rise up kellyanne nway andhe’s. Ad becse .The place those if you do itropey we had somerea. Ung peoe looking at these is that they is not going to sta I consider in lots of approaches. You don’t see the influence for 4 or five years but i’m many methods on the grounds that. One of the most major things we cane doing so we’re doi that and used to be spending some huge cash on that I think it very imrtant. After they appear AT andomebody cos to them and wts t sell them medications they usually megastar interested by what they jt saw on televisi or wherever they? It’ll be somewhat harder for them to ke tt sale and that’s k with me.So we have been on a’m very prompted that in. The rst yeare naonal surve on druse and altheported tha 100 ousand fer teetarted abusin prescription anguish ller. 100 thousand with.Wit us at present is Ax gos And hisom exclusive mom. Shelly. As a young grownup Alex overcame addiction and is now. Th his mom they headquartered an institution to helpfamilies i c. Plse come up and share your store thanks Afternoon. Ay that’ my identify Alexs we are able to ag Manyf youlready kw tt bu perps wt you dn’t kn is thathis imy mom and we’re a loved ones in long term restoration. I coultellou a aut how addicon was grounogay in hell ld overgain be’ve hrd enghf deatndestrtion for a w yea. L l Anmy frienAmandaallo been . Ing theork thoicesf ho to he peoe irecove ay in covery. AnI’dikeo us this tim to y a bighank y to ery whorksirelesslvery day tompro t livesf pple Becae Mar saidt nice wdo Sohankou a for beiogethe. Voices of hope . Thanks each. Ex and Shelley reminders o greatest resource in the combat towards medicines. Is the heart and the mind and we can prevailecau of theeoe.Braveness dedication and Li allf you in thisoom you might be the usa’s authentic supply of . So let us unravel the collectively we can support Cherishing ceor o felw everchalngeroughvery steand On their street to rec. We will rea o to anyone who isurti olost retailer for the reason that eve American serves to understand e gly ofope. The joof belongi And thelessings. Of heali. We will stand proudly in the back of our deted medical professionals and nurse and medical professionals who wk so rough. They usually accomplish that so much. We wlonor andelebrate the superb guys and women of regulation . Love our laenfoement. You realize it’s however over the last two and a half yea. La enfcement. Has becomeot. You have got a little bit oblem rig. T t hot. Peoplelevethat law enrcemen me than er fore becau we respt you. Youtheighe levs we admire e job y do is incredible and hazardous.However isncredie. We will be able to strive to give each youngster a loving house. Every house a thriving future we will be able to renew the bonds of faly and fait that the link us collectively as citizens. As patriots and as american citizens. Supply in now not let up wwill now not and can in no way ever ve up d saving Your les. We will end this rrible menace. F addictione will make our citiesag and our future brighter than eve. Asne United nations we can work Weillor a ande will fight for the d when eveamily throughout ourand. Andive. A dg fre Ameri thanks god bless you and god bless. The united states of america thanks. President trump talking for practically forty five minutes in Atlanta — depend tking abo. The da whole on this country who’re particularly talking in regards to the opioid challenge and even bringing up. Some former addictsnd people in recuperation at this moment — Shared the stage with — to tell ofr hope to so many millionsan of usa citizens. Extra information now it is developing next Illinois wer wtingor the physique full an. 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[dialux]

Gloriana

“If I am ever queen, I will make them love me.”

“Ye may have a greater prince, but ye shall never have a more loving prince.”

Sansa Stark and Elizabeth Tudor have numerous parallels between them, starting with their physical resemblances, ending with the strangely similar arcs their lives appear to take. 

As far as I can see, there are four areas under which to divide comparisons: physical, personality traits, parallel events, and predictions for the future of the book series. 

Under a cut because this got long.

Physical- 

Sansa had red hair, and so did Elizabeth. 

This is actually really interesting, because Elizabeth made a pretty conscious choice to maintain her status as a red-head (despite wearing wigs for so much of her life; she dyed the majority of them red)- this was because the red hair was one of very few physical traits inherited from her father, and it emphasized the legitimacy of her claim to the throne. Sansa, of course, has her own issues with red hair: it’s a marker of her beauty, and actively does her best to hide it in the Vale because the red hair represents her true self.

Both were considered attractive, and both were pursued by people who wanted them for their name/title.

Sansa’s encounters with the Tyrells- as a young, noble girl who’s got the correct name but not really anything else- can be paralleled to Elizabeth’s dealings with Thomas Seymour. Both of these events resulted in dire consequences for them: Sansa’s used by the Tyrells/Littlefinger to bear the poison that kills Joffrey, and Elizabeth was imprisoned and questioned over her relationship with Thomas- and how deeply she was involved with his treason- very harshly.

Character- 

Elizabeth’s vanities were noted through her court- she lived during an extravagant period, loved fashionable things, and wore rich gowns. Sansa’s love for clothes, jewelry, and pretty things informs the majority of her personality for almost the entirety of the first few books. She still uses this ability in the Vale to subtly manipulate those around her into believing her to be a true bastard.

They’re both capable of jealousy, pettiness, and small-minded behavior.

I would argue that Sansa would find ordering the death of her cousin a horrifying prospect, but, you know, we’ll probably find out the truth of that soon enough with Robert Arryn. Elizabeth, of course, ordered the death of her cousin, Mary, upon receiving indubitable information of her plotting against Elizabeth.

Both women were highly educated for their station- not to mention intelligent- with an innate grasp of politics and maneuvering. 

Romanticism. 

I’m sure there’s gonna be disagreement here, saying Elizabeth wasn’t a romantic- but. Hear me out: “I do not want a husband who honors me as queen, if he does not love me as a woman.” This woman is so romantic that she’d rather remain unmarried- in a time when that is absolutely unheard of for queens- than to marry a man who doesn’t value her for herself. She was pragmatic, for sure, but when reality didn’t intrude? When she worked through ingrained distrusts and cynicism? Then, then, Elizabeth was a romantic.

See: “She had always heard that love was a surer route to the people's loyalty than fear,” vs. “My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England’s hate.”

Learned distrust becomes a very well-honed tool in both women’s repertoire; however, this isn’t an instinctive tool for either. It’s learned, but almost unwieldy.

See: “Once she had loved Prince Joffrey with all her heart, and admired and trusted her his mother, the queen. They had repaid that love and trust with her father's head. Sansa would never make that mistake again,” vs. “Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.”

Events-

Edward Seymour vs. Petyr Baelish. Also: Philip II vs. Petyr Baelish.

All three of these men exploit Elizabeth/Sansa in a sexual manner, from Edward’s “playful romps” in Elizabeth’s bedroom to Philip II’s attempts to marry Elizabeth upon the realization that Mary was infertile to Petyr’s manipulation of Sansa based on her appearance.

Both lost their parents at an early age. Their mothers’ deaths were deeply violent, and the death of their brothers left them in deep danger.

Interestingly enough, Elizabeth and Sansa were both disinherited from taking their birthright- Elizabeth by her father’s declaration that she was a bastard, and Sansa by Robb’s will.

Elizabeth was taken to the Tower, imprisoned and questioned by Mary’s gaolers to determine whether she was loyal to her sister or to the Protestant faith. She spent years dancing the delicate line of convincing Mary that she wasn’t plotting against her while still keeping her Protestant supporters. Sansa spends years attempting to convince Joffrey/the Lannisters that she’s loyal to them, while she’s still loyal to the Northern cause.

For both women, their virginity was of great importance. It acts as a central tenet in Sansa’s arc, and Elizabeth’s title was literally the “Virgin Queen.

Elizabeth was the last of the Tudors; Sansa, currently, believes herself to be the last of the Starks.

Future-

I believe Sansa’s future- her endgame- to revolve around rallying the North and various other realms to better equip the Heads of the Dragons against battling the White Walkers. She might not lead an army, or wield a sword, but she will provide a safe haven; she will coordinate the relief/triage afterwards, and rule the North while she does so.

Taking a last stand, inspiring scores of followers to fight against a common enemy, an enemy that seems overwhelming and terrifying and unstoppable- these are what Sansa could do, what her character seems set up to do. This is also what Elizabeth did in pushing back the Spanish Armada, in defeating a force that’s immense and (seemingly) inevitably triumphant- through a combination of luck, cunning, and skill, which is likely the only way the people of Westeros will be able to defeat the White Walkers.

Under Elizabeth’s reign, England flourished under the Elizabethan Era. Under Sansa- no matter whom she marries, or if she does marry at all- the North will finally have a chance to recover from years of Ironborn raids and White Walker destruction.

TLDR: Sansa’s a beautiful, intelligent, queen-in-training who has been taken advantage of by numerous people. So was Elizabeth. And, in the end, we can only hope that Sansa remains on the trajectory that we’ve seen her on for so long, and rules the North- as its queen or warden or, more simply, its lady- as well as Elizabeth did Britain.

[the-questionmark-kid]

Once Upon A Fuckin Time

Probably gonna post about it now, so if you dont’ want to see this awful thing, just blacklist ‘ouat’ or ‘happy beginnings’ (i’m trash i am actual trash dear fucking god)

I finally finished this hell show and I’ve got a lot of thoughts so yes there’s spoilers this entire post is spoilers i’m so angry-

Alright in all honesty, I truly unironically enjoyed watching Once Upon A Time. The idea is wonderful, it’s everything a younger me would have wanted; fairytales existing in the ‘real’ world, their memories locked away until a fated day, magic existing all around us if only we know where to look. I love it. So many of the characters enchanted me, whether because of their strength, their intelligence, their kindness, or their cunning. The plot WAS interesting, for a time, some arcs better than others, some storylines falling flat while others reignited my interest in the show as a whole. But there was a lot of unnecessary mucking around in some ways, I feel. 

So to start, let me just say I began watching this show last year, it’s literally been over a year since I began this due to my fucked up attention span and work and sleep schedule and personal projects. So my memory of the storyline has always been a little disjointed. However: I did just marathon the last two goddamn seasons so I remember everything with near perfect clarity (aaaand I needed to watch some happy Rumbelle scenes so I went back over those episodes). And there are things I have issues with that like…aren’t even just my opinions, they’re just structurally bad for the series? I suppose that’s still an opinion, but I’m quite positive they’re opinions shared by many.

Now my biggest issue is honestly with how the writers handled Rumpelstiltskin, he himself but also his relationship with Belle, his sons, and his overarching destiny. But that doesn’t truly bother me that much until probably the middle of season 5 (that’s a lie, but this is how I’ll present the argument. I guess.), so we’ll skip that for now. First, I want to talk about the AMAZING opportunity they had to work with “the Moms” and how they threw it into the gutter:

1) Emma and Hook -Okay just….what the fuck. What was the Point. Captain Hook was one of my favorite villains as a kid, and honestly I was on board with this scrappy pirate and Rumple being the bane of each other’s existence. I enjoyed the feud for a little while, and the Emma not being swayed by Hook’s ridiculous attempts at flirting was a refreshing reminder of her true purpose in the show: she is the Savior. She has more important things to worry about than a romance. -Hook’s purpose was… Frankly, he felt expendable during the last two seasons, and when he died, I was thankful that arc was finally over. But beyond his practical uselessness, having to move on from Hook would have been very good for Emma, for reasons I was going to explain but I’m too fired up to get into right now. Point is, Hook’s presence stopped meaning anything beyond giving Emma her boy toy love interest. Given the fact that it’s a show about fairytales, okay whatever, that’s fine, but Emma is SUCH a badass! I actually LIKE this character! But by season 5, by the time Emma is as fallible as she can get as the Dark One*…most of her reasons for doing things are because of Hook. And frankly? That’s boring. Even Snow and Charming**, with their constant sleeping curses and “I will always find you” lines, still manage to be more engaging and keep me invested far more than Captain Guyliner trailing after Emma like a lost puppy.     -**On that note, can I just express my disappointment over David’s total lack of involvement in Emma’s life until season 5?? It felt like up until that point, David was just a side character that Emma never really spoke to and had barely any desire to be around, which I feel is a real disservice not only to the characters but to the phenomenal acting Josh Dallas provided when he WAS allowed to play as Emma’s father, not just Snow White’s Prince.

2) Regina -I didn’t like Regina until well into the third season, I’ll admit. She was a bad person who did bad things for very little reason, and it didn’t seem like her character was going anywhere. But I’m glad she grew. I actually have very little issue with the overall way her story went; she learned to love herself, which I feel was the most important thing for her to learn. That being said, that business with Robin Hood? Pretty unnecessary. Once again, it felt like a pointless romantic subplot meant to create drama and throw another snag in any potential plot building or character dynamic.

3) Emma and Regina - On that same vein of thought; I didn’t understand why my friend shipped Regina and Emma at first, but I sure as HELL do now. Jesus christ, what a missed opportunity. So much about them becoming a couple makes sense, would bring the series full circle; what could be more ideal than the product of true love, destined to defeat evil, falling in love with the personification of said evil? That is…the whole point of the show, I feel. That love and faith in those you love will always triumph over the darkness in the world. -Having them end up together also reinforces the central theme of family, as well as family found in unlikely places, which I got the sense was extremely important to Regina, Henry, Snow, Charming, Rumple, Baelfire, and Belle in addition to (obviously) Emma. -If Regina were a dude, they would have gotten together. Enough said.

4) Rumple -The series spent a great deal of time setting up Rumpelstiltskin’s tragic backstory, making his rage and his pain and his despair relatable, only each time his redemption seemed at hand, it was ripped away from him one way or another. -As frustrated as I am with Emma’s forced romances, Rumple’s actually make me cringe. Holy shit why are all the witches after the Dark One. Like, it’s not even Gold that they want, it’s literally scaly, deranged, conniving Dark One. And it’s not like Belle, who legitimately wants the man she sees struggling within, the witches are quite literally after the mad dog they see. And I am SO disturbed by this. Cora’s entire life did not need to be dictated by her obsession with a madman. Zelena did not need to be tossed away because she became infatuated with someone incapable of love. And that whole business with the Evil Queen in season 6? When he’s MARRIED? When he’s MARRIED to the woman he ACTUALLY LOVES, the woman he has a SON with???? I am. Actually disgusted with the writers for that cheap little drama. It just seems so incredibly out of character? Especially for how Rumple is in that particular moment when the Evil Queen approaches him. -Forcing Rumple to walk the line between light and dark even after he makes decisions that, for any other character, would be a decisive moment of positive growth. The struggle with the dagger and his ultimate decision to give it to Belle, the loss of his power on numerous accounts and the realization he could be strong without it, pulling Ex-fucking-calibur out of the stone and throwing it away without asking for a single thing in return (an act that only someone with the heart of a true hero could undertake and yet he still reverts completely????), finding out he was predestined to be a fucking SAVIOR. My god. You cannot give someone all of this growth, all of this struggle and positive reinforcement, and then insist he’s still the ultimate form of evil in the world. That’s. Incredibly hypocritical. Even when he’s still technically a villain and Isaac writes him his happy ending, Rumple’s deepest desire is to be seen and revered as a hero; he WANTS to be good, to be admired, to know his wife and son are proud of him. Even during this reality where he never became ‘evil’, he struggles with morality, something no other villain in that alternative story did. I am beyond disgusted by this character’s treatment. -You know what, there’s so much that dissatisfies me about Rumple’s treatment, I might have to rant about it in a different post. I was given a fallible character with an intriguing backstory whose reasons for doing evil were the best of intentions; who when approached with any sort of honest kindness or love, struggles daily with concepts of morality, humility, and selflessness; whose deepest wish is for family and heroism, a place of belonging and deep, unbreakable love; but there was no redemption arc. Correction: there were THREE redemption arcs, and each one of them fell flat for dramatic plot defects that served no purpose but to STOP this delightfully complex character from coming full circle and getting the arc he deserves. -I’m going to be salty for a long. Long time.

[concussed-to-pieces]

Kitten; Part Ten

Fandom: WWE

Pairing: Jon Moxley[Dean Ambrose]/Unnamed OFC

Rating: Holy shit M.

AN: Happy Thirst Party Saturday everyone! Tagging our finest, @tox-moxley, @hardcorewwetrash, @oraclegazes, @actualamyautopsy and @iwannadiehere. Enjoy!

The worry started setting in about a week before Valentine's Day. She never wore pants to bed. Shit, she hardly ever wore anything to bed and now all of a sudden she was wearing more clothes than a nervous bride. To say he was confused would be an understatement.

“Kitten? Y’ gettin’ sick again or somethin’?” He asked finally after the third night of this new…interest in long sleeves and sleeping pants and the whole ‘not being naked beside him’ thing. Which wasn’t that big of an issue, really it wasn’t. They were both adults and if she wanted to wear clothes to bed that was definitely her right. It was just…it was a deviation from the norm and that was always a little scary for him.

She didn’t necessarily look guilty, but she sure as shit was cagey about the subject. “I’ve been kind of chilly.”

That was it. That was all he got. And hell, he wanted to press the matter, but at the same time he didn’t want to be that guy. So he just shut his mouth, accepted his good morning kiss (that he was still pretty sure he didn’t deserve) and headed in to work as usual. He was a good boyfriend and refrained from asking the questions that might make her upset.

Simple Mox, good Mox.

...

Callihan of all people was the one to suggest he ‘tidy up’ for Valentine's Day, wiggling his eyebrows at Moxley in a way that made Jon want to wallop him. “Chicks ain’t into body hair anymore, man. Ya’ chest is literally revolting. I would know.” Callihan gestured at his own hairless torso. “Keep a little bit of the trail, sure. Give ‘er somethin’ to follow. But get rid of that fuckin’ pelt. Trust me. She’ll be all over ya’.”

“The last time I trusted ya’ fuckin’ scrawny ass I got beaned in the back of my fuckin’ skull with a steel chair.” Mox snorted with laughter, unable to keep it in when Sami looked let down. “Fuckin’ douche, tryin’ to kill me and shit.”

“I didn’t know the chick had a boyfriend, man. Will ya’ let it go?” Sami groaned. “I said I was sorry an’ everythin’.”

Mox rubbed a hand thoughtfully over the stubble that plagued his face daily. “I don’t think she cares, Callihan. I mean, I’ll take it under…advisory or whatever th’ fuck, but I’m pretty sure she don’t care?” Mox's voice rose at the end of its own accord, turning his previously firm statement into a question. A doubt, starting to worm its way in. “Why would she care?”

“Hey I’m jus’ sayin’, man. It never hurts to at least look like ya’ makin’ an effort.” Sami pointed out.

Jon’s eyes narrowed. “Shit.” He said finally. “I always look like a damn hobo next t’ her, man. D’ya think that would help?”

Callihan shrugged. “Special occasion, ain’t it?”

…

This was a goddamn terrible idea. Shit, he didn't even know if she wanted this or not. He didn't really want to ask, either. How much of a fucking jackass would he look like if he just walked up to her, opened his mouth and said something like, “hey babe, sugarplum, apple of my eye, you ever thought about me not looking like a stray dog for once?” The wild idea of him pulling off being a dashing son of a bitch haunted him, especially while looking like that guy from the cover of that book he definitely wasn't supposed to know she had stashed in her nightstand.

She was still wearing the damn pants to bed. Shit, she wasn't even letting him put his hands in said pants anymore, usually rolling over or catching his hands and kissing his knuckles in that way that made him melt.

Finally, early in the morning on the fourteenth, after Callihan daring him for half the damn night in between fights and at least seven shots of Jack Daniels lining his empty stomach, Mox sacked the fuck up and walked into the twenty-four hour Walgreens down the street from the CZ. He'd mopped himself off a little so he wasn't a total bloody mess, just an emotional mess. He didn't know when this had turned into such a big fucking deal (but he was relatively certain it was Callihan's fault), or when he had decided that this was obviously a great idea and it was definitely what Kitten wanted and he really needed to just go through with this before he lost what little nerve he had.

So he strode in, made his way to the shaving aisle, glanced over numerous wax kits with terrifying-looking pictures, grabbed a tube of some cream that promised 'pain-free results!' and stormed the cashier like he was on the beaches of fucking Normandy. I am the man who is going to make my girlfriend happy on Valentine's Day and nothing on this planet is stopping me.

In hindsight, maybe applying the shit once he had sobered up would have gone better. Or maybe applying it after his chest had healed from the fights. Or maybe just not slathering the shit on while finishing the bottle with Sami and then falling asleep next to the sink in the CZ bathroom. He only conked out for about forty-five minutes or so, but according to the tube that was forty minutes too long. The burning sensation was what woke him and Mox flew into a drunken panic, flailing and damn near knocking himself out on the underside of the sink before he managed to stumble to his feet.

He remembered thinking oh God no, just staring at his reddened, irritated chest coated with now-flaking cream in the mirror for a few wavering seconds before tearing at his jeans and making a mad dash for the showers. He'd wash it off. It'd be fine. This was definitely not going to ruin everything and he was still a good boyfriend.

Sami full-blown shrieked when Jon threw open the door to the showers, “Christ Mox, th' fuck did ya' do?!” He looked horrified, which only added to Jon's panic because Sami never busted out that face around him.

“It'll come off Sami, s'gonna' be okay Sami.” Jon mumbled, almost losing his footing on the slick floor. Callihan caught his arm and slammed his still-clothed ass down on the tile, ignoring Mox's protests as he turned the shower on full blast, freezing cold.

“Y' fell asleep with this shit on? I mean yeah, I done pretty much th' same thing first time I tried it. At least it's up here, right? Mine was on my fuckin' balls.” Sami's rueful grin made Mox start laughing even while he shivered under the frigid spray of the shower.

“F-F-Fuck C-Callihan, m' a f-f-fuckin' fa-failure.” He managed to say through his chattering teeth, essentially climbing his friend to stand again.

“Shut the fuck up.” Sami said bluntly, his hair now lank and dribbling cold hair gel down his face. Mox suddenly wanted to cry for some reason. He couldn't do anything right for fuck's sake and it hurt, way worse than whatever the fuck was going on with his chest. “Don't get fuckin' bitchy on me now, Mox. S' just some hair. You've had way worse'n this shit, man.” Sami continued, sounding almost like he was scolding him as he rung out his shirt.

“M' sorry man, I jus' wanted t' make her happy.” Jon scrubbed furiously at the skin on his chest, trying to avoid eye contact. Most of the paste had already dissolved under the water, taking his chest hair with it, but the redness seemed to be here to stay. Patches were bleeding here and there, and his poor nipples, Christ. Mox felt raw, like someone had exfoliated his chest with a fucking belt sander. “What th' fuck'm I gonna' do, Sami? I...we have a little thing planned tom--shit, tonight.” He realized in horror.

“Fuck that, what about tonight with Gage? Are ya'...I mean, shit man, y' look like y' got skinned.” Callihan, ever the master of tact. Mox teared up and he quickly ducked his head, staring at the floor as Sami shut off the shower.

“I j-jus' wanted t' look good f' her, m-man.” He hiccuped. “She looks like a fuckin' p-princess an' m' all d-d-dirty an' disgustin' an' ugly as shit, fuckin' ruinin' her jus' like Drake s-said--”

Sami whacked him upside the back of his head, making Mox yelp in pain. “Jonathan fuckin' Moxley, listenin' t' somethin' that comes outta' Younger's mouth? Who th' fuck are you, and what the shit did you do with my partner?”

“I dunno', man!” Jon cried, “M' hurt an' still drunk an' I'm fuckin' p-panickin', fuckin' bad dog all over th' fuckin' place, what the hell am I gonna' do Callihan?!”

“Ya' gonna' fight with a shirt on! No shit, genius! Ya' gonna' fuck ya' woman with a shirt on! No shit, kinky! She's gonna' love ya', you ain't gotta' tell her shit, an' you'll be fine!” Callihan was fucking roaring at this point, obviously still pretty hammered himself. “Ya' dick is fine, ain't it?! Chest jus' looks like ground fuckin' burger, y' waited too long an' shit! Now go to sleep, sleep off Jack and then we'll be ready t' fight. Ya' totally got this man, no worries!” The encouraging slap on the back he gave Jon almost knocked him over.

…

Fighting was fucking agony. Mox should have known from the second he stepped into the ring that Gage would take him to task.

“What's with the getup, street dog?” Nick had circled him, taking in the white t-shirt he wore. Jon's prayers that he wouldn't notice the tiny spots of fresh blood seeping through the front of it apparently went unanswered as Gage's opening move was winding up for one hell of a chop. And yeah, he'd fought hurt before. Fought really hurt before, much more hurt than this bullshit chemical abrasion across his chest. Like when Gage had whacked his arm open with a dinner plate, or when Damage had Powerbombed him on the cement beside the ring.

But the shirt just made everything worse. It rubbed and clung to his raw skin; Jon felt trapped and he wanted to fucking scream. There was a damn reason he didn't wear shirts in the ring, too easy to get grabbed or hung up on the wire or whatever the fuck else guys would do to one another. If there was one thing Mox was sure of, it was that he didn’t like it when his opponents got creative.

As he rammed his knee into Nick’s midsection Moxley found himself wondering whether anyone in the crowd was here for Valentine's Day. Like this was someone’s idea of a hot date. “Hey babe, wanna’ watch a human dog fight? Bet that’ll get your motor running.” Jon shuddered, cringing in pain when Gage landed another slashing chop across his chest. But he forced himself back up, forced himself past the next one to wrap his fists in Nick’s worn basketball jersey and hoist him high, almost tipping them both out of the ring. Gage strangled the ropes, kicking wildly and knocking Mox flat on his back.

Nick lunged on top of him and Mox could barely hazard a guess at how fucked he might have been if he hadn’t gotten his feet up in time. As such he ended up catapulting the other man over his head, and Nick slammed into the plywood on his back. Mox got up, wiping the blood from his split lip off with the hem of his shirt. The collar around his neck jingled quietly, and Jon felt some of the tension ease out of him. She’s waiting for me.

“Gage, can we speed this up?” He rasped, slumping back into his corner. “I got a cute chick dyin’ t' see me at home, man.”

…

He was lucky. He knew he was lucky. Lucky to be alive, lucky to have a friend like Sami, lucky to have his Kitten. Jon showered, shaved and changed after the fight, stripping off the now-pinkish white shirt and putting on a fresh one beneath his button-up. Hopefully it would keep the blood from soaking through and staining his (somewhat wrinkled but very clean) dress shirt. Normally Mox was master and commander of all things Band-Aid, but there was just too much surface area for him to fix this problem efficiently. Gauze was out of the question, too bulky and obvious. She would ask, or worse she’d be fucking worried about what had happened and he’d kill any mood that might have already existed.

Jon let Sami help him fix his hair a little, Callihan clearly holding back his laughter at how slowly and carefully Mox was moving. “Ya’ like a grandma or some shit man, loosen up.”

“Can’t help it, Callihan. M’ sore. Nervous.” Jon admitted. “I mean, she’s been actin' funny. Wearin’ more clothes and stuff. I just don’t wanna’ wreck what good thing I have here by showin’ up looking like I-”

“Th’ fuck do you mean, ‘wearing more clothes’?” Sami asked, tipping his head to the side. “Is this like that shit from before where ya’ were both bein’ fuckin’ idiots when you coulda’ been idiots fuckin’?”

“No no, she still lets me hold her and shit. She’s…I mean she’s a hot sleeper, y’know? It’s just weird, all of a sudden she’s wearin’ pants t’ bed an’ long sleeves.”

Sami ‘hmm’ed softly, looking like he was thinking hard. “Shit man, I dunno’. I’m assumin’ you ain’t, y’know, asked her about why she’s doin’ it, right?” He snorted when Jon nodded. “’Course not. Ya’ prefer drivin’ y’self fuckin’ nuts.”

“It’s harder than that, Callihan.” Mox said, annoyed. “I don’t wanna’ look stupid. I already look like a fuckin’ deadbeat. If she catches on that I don’t know what I’m fuckin’ doin’ when it comes t’ her, I’m fucked. I never had t’ do any of this fuckin’ Valentine's Day crap before man.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure you ain’t never whipped out a little TLC on a chick before, Mox.”

“Bein’ soft…isn’t really somethin’ that I am, Sami.” Jon mumbled. “I pretend for her, but I’m always lost n’ shit. I thought it’d get easier, fake it ‘til I make it. Everyone else before her, it’s usually been a contest t’ see how quick they can get what they want outta’ me. My mouth or my dick or my fists, whatever the fuck. An’ I went along with it because shit, I was poor an’ lonely so fuck it.”

Callihan had gone strangely quiet. His fingers fidgeted in Mox's hair. When he spoke again, his voice was a little kinder than Mox was used to. “I didn’t know, man. I always figured y' had a kinda’ normal love life, aside from the weird collar bullshit. I’m…I’m sorry ‘bout that, Mox.” After a second he punched Jon in the shoulder, that familiar grin back on his face. “Sorry I been sweet-talkin’ all them chicks into my pants, that is!”

Jon smiled gratefully at his friend. There was only so much sugary-feel-good bullshit he could take from Sami at one time. “Yeah yeah, someday you’ll find a nice girl an’ she’ll take ya’ V card an’ leave y’ heart in the dust. Don’t cry t’ me Callihan.”

“Take my fuckin’--how dare y’ fuckin’-” Callihan sputtered with rage. “Insinuatin’ that I ain’t--the balls on you, Moxley!” He finally managed to say, tossing Jon his hoodie. He then grabbed him in a headlock and gave him a vicious noogie, thoroughly ruining any work he had put in to the other man’s hair. “Y’ lucky we’re friends, you fuckin’ cocksucker.”

...

The bus ride over to the stop near her apartment gave Jon ample time to worry and half-crush the bouquet of orange roses he’d picked up. They were out of red ones, go figure, and the orange ones were the least ragged-looking in the group. So orange it was. He wished for a second that he knew what orange roses meant in that flower language bull, before deciding that it was probably better that he didn’t know. I hope she likes them, shit.

Keeping the roses safe until he got to the apartment was priority number one. He ended up cramming them under his hoodie so they would stay a decent temperature while he made the slow, slippery walk from the bus stop to the apartment building. It had been raining most of the day and now everything was covered in a sheen of ice. Mox breathed a sigh of relief when he finally got in out of the elements, carefully knocking the ice and slush off his boots then heading down the hall.

Upon opening the apartment door, he was confused for a second at the lack of lights on. Was he too late? Too early? Shit, did he get the wrong day? His panic was short-lived however, once he caught sight of the candles flickering in the living room. Oh. Why the fuck didn’t he think of that?! Nothing was more romantic than fucking candles. Christ, he was awful at this.

Jon struggled out of his hoodie and boots, clutched the flowers a little tighter. He had to swallow a few times before he could speak. “Kitten? Y’ home?” He rasped.

“In here, Jon.”

Of course she was in the bedroom. Stupid, stupid! Jon half-wished he was still drunk, at least to give his body a fucking reason to be so slow and clumsy. He didn’t want to open the bedroom door. He didn’t want to be the one to ruin the little daydream life he had, the one where everything was okay and he wasn’t fucked up and helpless when it came to this romance bullcrap. So much for looking like the guy on the cover of that book that I’m not supposed to know about, he thought wryly.

He had to fight the urge to knock before he pushed the door, hearing the latch click softly as it gave way. He felt almost like he was a stranger, like this was the first time he'd ever come home. Maybe even like the first time he'd seen her laid out on the bed, as if she was a beautiful surprise just for his greedy body to devour, for his stupid, weak fucking heart to latch onto.

There were a few more candles placed here and there in the room, but it was the sight of her that caught him. She was on her back, arched in a way that his brain quietly informed him was probably pretty uncomfortable but did absolute wonders for his dick, wearing a little see-through number that Jon had never seen before. His mouth went bone fucking dry. “Ki...”

“I've been waiting for you, Jon.” She murmured, and God damn, if she didn't sound every inch the sultry fucking vixen. “Missed you. Happy Valentine's Day.”

“H-Happy...I g-got. These.” Jon forced the words out, extending the bouquet. “F-For you.” She rolled over onto her hands and knees (that was a wince, that was definitely a wince, what the hell?), accepting his flowers with a happy noise that shot through his body. “Kitten, y' look fuckin'...wow. Christ.” Jon said softly, hoping that the fucking reverence he felt was properly vocalized. “You're so fuckin' pretty, I...” He wasn't sure what happened inside him. It was like something broke, shattered into a million pieces. The next thing he knew he had lurched toward her, hands shaking as he pressed her back to the bed and drew them over bare skin that seemed so hot, fever hot and smooth, smooth like silk.

Kitten squirmed and whimpered under his touch. Normally that would have lit Jon up like a firework, but something about her reaction seemed...wrong. Too sharp, like she was in pain. “Kitten, y' alright?” He asked cautiously. Did something happen to her? Is there a bad reason she's been wearing all those clothes? His stomach twisted in fear. Did I hurt her somehow? Does she not feel safe around me anymore? “Sound a little iffy.” Don't you dare fucking start bawling, Moxley.

“I-I just missed you.” The hesitation, the fucking hesitation in her voice hit him like a punch to the gut. Jon really wanted to cry.

He sat back on his haunches, running a hand through his hair and sucking in a breath. “Kitten, if y' don't wanna' do this anymore, all you have to do is say it. I...you ain't been lettin' me do much lately, an' that's fine, but draggin' this shit out hurts me. I love you, Kitten, but if y' don't wanna' do somethin', if you don't want me around anymore, ya' gotta' let me know.”

Kitten's fists clenched at her sides. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face with it, screaming into the thing with a vengeance. Mox watched, wide-eyed in confusion. She finally seemed to be finished, chucking the pillow at the wall. Her face was wet with tears, but she didn't look sad, she looked fucking livid. Jon swallowed hard, unsure of what he had gotten himself into. “Kitten...?”

“J-Jon, I got...I got f-fucking waxed. And it hurt. My skin is apparently really sensitive. I'm all...I'm all red and everything from the waist down feels like it's on fire but I just wanted this t-to be good so I figured I could suck it up because it's our first Valentine's D-Day.” She made an infuriated sound. “I hate this! Why can't one thing go right?!” Jon was helpless to stop his raspy laugh, quickly holding up a hand to deflect the pillow aimed at his face. “This isn't funny, Jon! I spent most of today with a fucking ice pack between my thighs just trying to bring down the swelling!” She snapped.

“Kitten, m' so sorry. I ain't laughin' at you. But y' gonna' laugh at me when you see what I did to myself like a fuckin' doofus.” Jon struggled to unbutton his dress shirt, nervous giggles still escaping his mouth. “Oh my God, you ain't even gonna' fuckin' believe this, Kitten.”

“What's those spots on your...Mox are you bleeding? Did you fight today?”

“Jus' wait.” Jon hauled his undershirt over his head, tossing it to land on the abandoned pillow.

Kitten's anger appeared to evaporate, her hand reaching out shakily to touch the raw skin of his chest. “Jesus Christ, Jon, what happened? Who did this to you?”

“Y' gonna' fuckin' cry laughin', Kitten. I...I did this. Callihan told me that girls don't like...they don't like hairy guys. S-So I got some stuff that y' rub on an' it eats th' hair. I figured I'd surprise ya'. I fell asleep with it on though.” Jon was startled when Kitten seemed more upset than amused, the tears streaming down her face. “I was so worried about tryin' t' hide this shit from you, an' it turns out y' pretty much in the same fuckin' boat. God I'm a fuckin' idiot, Kitten. M' so sorry. I ruined Valentine's Day.”

“I think we both did, Jon. I mean, I spent the whole week not shaving so this wouldn't happen, and it still did!” Kitten huffed. “I didn't want to gross you out, that's why I started wearing clothes to bed. I felt like a fucking hairball, it was revolting but I wanted it to be a surprise and everything I read said that I should have at least a week's worth of growth and...and now I look like one of those hairless cats, all pink and pissed-off.”

“Oh my God, Kitten, I don't give a flyin' fuck whether ya' shave seven days a week or seven days a year, or if ya' got more fuzz than a fuckin' Wookie. I just missed the shit outta' touchin' you. How fuckin' dumb are we?” Jon snorted. Kitten laughed through her tears after a minute, cupping his face and kissing him. “M' so sorry, Kitten, fuckin' Christ I'm sorry. Let's get y' outta' that tight little number an' into somethin' of mine, okay? Nice n' loose.” He offered.

Her legs were almost scorching to the touch. Jon was thankful for the dim candlelight of the room as he carefully helped her peel off her clothes. He wasn't sure if he actually wanted to see the full extent of her damage. Couldn't trust himself to keep from bawling his eyes out. He definitely didn't want her to see the full extent of his damage, especially the undignified, patchy remains of his happy trail. More like happy fucking hopscotch.

She finally seemed comfortable, curled up on his side of the bed in a loose, hole-filled shirt and nothing else. Jon made sure that all the candles in the living room were extinguished and then slowly trekked back to the bedroom, pleased to find that she'd dragged her laptop up onto the bed and was scrolling through it looking for something to watch. Jon didn't even mind when she picked a mushy romance flick, too preoccupied with how she essentially laid her tits on top of his arm and kept making little noises in the back of her throat whenever he would play with them.

He nodded off with her head in his lap, his fingers stroking through her hair gently while she mumbled something about a, “do-over...”

“I wish you'd just asked me.”

The soft words eased into Jon's consciousness, into the mundane dream he was having. Was it even a dream? He didn't feel achy. He must be dreaming. But all he was doing was being cradled in her arms, one of her legs flung over his and her chest pressed tightly to his back. Jon relaxed against her. It wasn't often that he indulged himself as far as being held went, still a little uncomfortable with letting his guard down. He was the badass, he was the one who protected, and he was the one who did the spooning around here, thank you very much.

“Wish you could talk to me. I promise you won't scare me.” Kisses landed on his shoulder blade. “My poor mutt. I should have told you what I was doing. Just wanted it to be a surprise.” Fingers toyed with his collar. “Why are we so bad at this?”

She sounded sad. Jon wanted to say no, wanted to take all the blame for himself. None of this would have happened if he wasn't such a coward, if he'd only been able to speak to her, like all those normal couples did. But his tongue refused to cooperate. So it was a dream, then. Not much could keep him from talking if he so desired to shoot his mouth off. And if it was a dream...

He burrowed further into the warm cocoon of blankets, securing her arms around his waist and making her snuggle even closer. No harm in indulging a little.

…

Four days went by. Four long, tender days of her wearing as few clothes as possible (mostly his shirts), curling up against him every chance she got and fussing over his chest. Jon had never thought of himself as a man with a great deal of patience, so he considered it a personal triumph that he had lasted this long without bending his sweet, beautiful Kitten over the nearest surface and railing her until she begged for mercy for being such a God. Damn. Fucking. Tease. The best part out of the whole thing (and honestly, this was what really got him going) is that it seemed entirely unintentional. She was no more forward than normal, but her being sweet and gentle with him coupled with her pretty consistent lack of underwear or pants was fantastic.

Shit, maybe he had gone soft and, in turn, maybe he wasn't as bad at this as he thought. He certainly had never refrained from fucking someone out of fear of hurting them before her, that's for sure. He recalled with a wince a few of the marks he'd left on women past, when they would demand or urge him out past any sort of reasonable boundaries, “be rough with me, Mox!” They wanted something different from him, something that their boyfriends apparently weren't willing to give. The crazy, rabid street dog. They didn't want Jon. Not a lot of people did. Getting shoved into that dark, fighting mindset while he was fucking was always a terrifying experience because Jon was never quite sure what he might come back to.

He knew he was lucky, leaving a trail of nothing more than crisp-edged hickies and the occasional too-hard bite that made chicks squeal in pain or ecstasy.

He knew he was lucky because Kitten was still pressed to his side, fingers ghosting over the almost-healed skin of his chest. There was food in his stomach. He was warm and safe, camped out on a couch with the woman he loved. She never pushed him, never forced him past his boundaries. And yeah, he'd fucked up Valentine's Day but they'd had a pretty good Christmas, a few fun birthdays between them.

“Kitten, d'ya think we can try again?” He asked, hand rubbing over the smooth skin on her calf. She had been more and more receptive to touch as the days went on, slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy. Which was a damn good thing. “For Valentine's Day, I mean. Maybe next week or somethin'?”

She shook her head, suddenly swinging her leg over his thighs. “I was thinking maybe...” She trailed off, biting her lip.

It had been almost two weeks between the build up to the almighty V-Day and the subsequent healing time. Eleven days of not being able to stroke his Kitten, eleven days of keeping his hands to himself. But here she was now. Offering without words, straddling his thighs and shifting her hips back and forth. No panties, nothing between them but his jeans.

Jon swallowed hard. “Are you sure, Kitten?” He had to ask. God only knew how bad it could be if he didn't.

She nodded eagerly, taking his hand and pulling her shirt up (technically his shirt) so he could touch her thighs. Jon's eyes narrowed and he grabbed a handful of the shirt, dragging her in for a hungry kiss. “Lean over the couch arm.” He demanded breathlessly, thrilled when she obeyed. Easy. There she was. Spread out, waiting for him. Jon wasted no time, all but pouncing on her and quickly breaching her cunt with two fingers.

She cried out, arching her back against him and circling her hips as he curled his middle and ring fingers roughly inside her, his index coming up to tease her clit. She was already wet, already fucking soaked and so damn tight around his fingers and Jon wondered briefly how long she'd wanted him to do this but hadn't asked. The idea of her needy and achy made his dick all but crush itself against the zipper of his jeans, his brain (as usual) going into fucking overdrive and imagining her whimpering and fingering herself on the couch, wishing it was him the whole time.

He groaned and pressed his chest to her back, pinning her to the couch arm. “Jon's got you, Kitten.” He whispered in her ear. “Y' little tease, walkin' around with no panties on like you don't know what you fuckin' do to me. Makin' me hard as a fuckin' rock, makin' me wanna' bend your naughty ass over an' fuck ya' until y' can't see straight. It would be so fuckin' easy, so fuckin' easy. Just tug this shirt up a little, slide this fat fuckin' dick into you. You'd love that shit, wouldn't you?” Jon asked, spreading her pussy lips to tease his middle finger over her entrance in a mockery of penetration.

“Y-Yeah-” Kitten sounded almost frantic, her hips rocking up into his touches.

“Y' like me when I'm desperate, don't ya' Kitten?” Jon leaned back and unzipped his jeans, lazily stroking his cock and winking when she looked back at him. “Y' like it when I just say all the shit that's on my brain, instead of keepin' it in. Shit, y' might even like me bein' in charge, huh?” Kitten whimpered pitifully. “Jesus Christ Kitten, you made me so fuckin' hard, damn. Could come just from this. What would y' do if I came right now, fuckin' coated y' stomach?” Jon cupped his cock and pressed it to her slit, rubbing himself slowly back and forth across her dripping opening.

Kitten dug her fingers into the couch, moaning needily and trying to shift her hips so he would slide his cock into her.

“Mmm, someone's been a naughty fuckin' Kitten. I think y' can wait me out.” Jon murmured. He'd never gotten himself off quite like this before, but it definitely had merit. He really was too wound up, the waiting and her willingness completely ruining his endurance. Jon felt no shame though. He was  perfectly willing to go multiple rounds, if that was what it took for him to satisfy her. He pressed his forehead to the small of her back and came with a soft grunt after a few more tugs on his dick.

Kitten made a whining noise, seemingly in disbelief that he'd come so soon. “J-Jon...?”

“I toldja', y' been fuckin' naughty.” Jon panted, smirking. “Gettin' me hard all the time, rubbin' ya' tits on me like y' trying t' titfuck my whole fuckin' body. Can't tell me at least some of it wasn't intentional, Kitten. Y' must like me all riled up an' achin' t' fuck you.” The blush that spread over her body was answer enough.

“I...I like it when you take charge. I've missed you.” Kitten said quietly, her honesty surprising Jon. “God, Jon, please. Please.” Her fingers slid down her stomach to touch his dick, stroking him gently. He hadn't exactly wilted when he came and she apparently realized that, if her sharp intake of breath was anything to go by.

“Oh that's right, I'm still good t' go.” Mox grinned, softly biting her shoulder blade through the shirt. “I've been fuckin' waitin' for this, Kitten. No one an' done tonight.”

“Yes.” She sounded thrilled and it made Jon laugh.

He spread her legs open even wider, taking a moment to appreciate the effort she'd put in. “I know y' probably ain't too keen on waxin' ever again, so if y' don't mind I'm just...” Jon paused, thrusting his fingers back into her and then mercilessly hooking them over her spot. Kitten's back arched, the woman pressing her cheek to the couch arm while she moaned and writhed underneath him. “Mm, Kitten y' sound a little close t' creamin' all over my hand. Smooth little pussy tryin' so hard t' come on me.”

“Please, Jon, I--” She begged, her voice cracking as she came. “It's been awful, could tell I was making you hard but I couldn't do anything about it, wanted to fuck you so bad but I was too sore.” Kitten admitted jerkily when she could speak again, “wanted you so much, so fucking much, Jon, please.”

Her confession hit him like a sack of bricks. Even though she'd been in pain, she still wanted him. Him! Jon was a little exasperated with how quickly his eyes welled up. How fucking soft could he get, really? But for her...

Shit, for her he'd fucking melt away if she asked for it.

“No more waitin', Kitten.” Jon rasped, blinking the tears back. “No more hidin'. I'll be careful. I promise. Won't hurt you. Good Behavior.” He felt a shudder roll through her body that had nothing to do with her orgasm. He vaguely recalled coaxing her onto the worn-out mattress he'd had at the CZ warehouse with those same words and a fervent promise of no biting.

Good Behavior, Best Behavior.

It felt like a lifetime ago that he'd been that guy, the one who'd wanted to go dark because it was usually better than being around inside his fucked-up head. A lifetime since she'd been so small and scared, willing to do anything just to feel safe for a little while. She'd hauled him out of his destructive cycle and he'd slowly given her a sense of security.

They'd come so far together.

Jon shook his head and pressed another kiss to her shoulder blade, easing his fingers out of her. “Hey, turn over, okay?” He asked softly. She had a shy expression on her face when she obliged, tugging the shirt down like it would cover her completely. He caught her hands, mouthing soft kisses on her knuckles. “No more hidin' from me, Kitten. My beautiful fuckin' princess.”

“Only if you promise to do the same.” She replied, her voice just as soft. The protest was on the tip of his tongue, he didn't hide--

But he recalled the hellish week he'd spent agonizing over something as pointless as whether she liked his body hair or not, and he finally nodded. A smile lit her face and she slid a finger through the D ring on his collar, pulling him into a kiss that was so tender it hurt. “My strong mutt.” She crooned to him when they finally parted. “I love you so much.”

Shit, he might be totally fucking broken at this point. He quickly ducked his head and began fumbling with his jeans in an effort to keep her from seeing how hard those words still hit him. She cupped his chin though, tipping his face back up so he could meet her eyes. “I'm serious, Jon. I know it's difficult for you. I don't expect one night of me tying you up to be enough to work through a lifetime. But...I'm going to keep saying it until you're okay with it.” She whispered.

He had no idea why she was being so quiet. All it did was add another layer of intimacy to the situation. Jon could handle yelling, frantic movements, demands and orders and hits that landed. When it came to the gentle stuff though, the romantic shit like they had in the movies she liked to watch, he was at a total loss. It always sat heavy in his chest and made his throat tighten, his longing quickly slapped down by the reality of who he was.

“M' sorry Kitten, I don't mean to...I jus'. It's jus' a hard thing for me to handle. M' okay.” Jon mumbled, “Bad at this shit.”

“Do you still want to, or should we stop?” She asked cautiously, searching his face. “I totally understand if you would rather just snuggle.”

Jesus Christ, Kitten, you aren't even fair. Jon shook his head, not trusting his voice as he laid his head on her chest and wrapped his arms around her. He could hear her heart rate pick up while he slowly, slowly slid his cock into her, could hear the moan she tried to bite back. Her hands cradled his head. “Who says I can't do fuckin' both, huh?” Jon challenged shakily, biting down hard on his lower lip when she whimpered. “I'll snuggle the fuck outta' ya', Kitten.”

“Mm, yes-” She sighed, stroking his hair. “God I love you. Love you so much.”

Jon couldn't answer, just gripped her as tightly as he dared. He may like to talk, but his words failed him at times like these. His body would have to do the talking for him. No candles here, no cute lingerie or bouquets of roses (though not for lack of trying on either of their parts). Just all his damn feelings, all his soft fucking bullshit feelings that he couldn't articulate so he had to resort to this, holding her close and easing their bodies together like he was never going to do this again so it had to last.

Maybe she'd get an inkling. Maybe she'd hear the 'I love you so much' that was what he meant when he clumsily said she was beautiful. Maybe she might understand he had never done this with anyone else and it was fucking terrifying and he didn't know what the fuck to do.

“Kitten, I...” Jon's voice petered out and he cursed inwardly. Dammit, fucking dammit. She just started stroking his hair and it made some of the strain leave his body. “Fuck.” He muttered, torn between comfort and being more aroused than before. She was so fucking warm around him, whole body wrapping him in an embrace that he never wanted to leave. “I missed you.” He finally said softly, voice muffled by her shirt. “Fuck, did I miss you.” He sloppily licked and nipped at one of her peaks through the shirt, hoping to distract her from how choked-up he sounded. “N-Not just this, obviously.” He cursed the tremble in his voice. “Everythin', everythin' about you. I'll try not t' hide anymore. Don't want ya' t' feel like I do.”

“God, Jon...” She was being so damn tender with him, like when he came back to her walking fucking wounded and it killed him because it meant she was worried. Her fingers buried in his hair, her hips rising to meet his own so gently, her sweet voice moaning praise as he made love to her. He found himself breathing every word that got tangled up in his stupid mouth, pulling energy from all the times he'd fucked up, broke off, never said what he wanted to. All his stupid machismo was shoved aside, like what had happened the first time he'd met Kitten.

The only thing left was that raw love ache that hurt sometimes, burned a little too bright sometimes and left him feeling defenseless. But Jon would do it for her. He would do anything for her. “Oh God, Kitten, please open your eyes.” He begged, propping himself up over her. “I gotta' tell ya' somethin'.” Please, please, before I lose my nerve.

She half-opened her eyes, her hands moving to cling to his midsection. Her breath was coming in shaky little sobs, wanton noises making their way out as he continued to fuck her slowly. “J-Jon--” She gasped, her nails digging into his skin in that way that let him know she was close.

“God, I love you!” Jon fairly exploded, forcing the words past the lump in his throat. “I love how y' say my fuckin' name, my real name. I love the way ya' fuckin' curl up around me, the way y' take care of me. I fuckin' love ya' happy fuckin' face an' th' kisses you give me an' the ways y' make me laugh and I hate that I had to fuckin' slog through all my hangups jus' so I can fuckin' finally gush 'bout how fuckin' great you are!” The words poured out of him, hot and messy and maybe a little more than he'd intended to share as he felt her walls tighten around his cock. “Y' my Kitten, you're th' most precious thing I fuckin' have, most importan' thing in the fuckin' world t' me an' I love you so damn much, so fuckin' much--”

She grabbed his collar and jerked him down to her face, kissing him for all he was worth. Jon cupped the back of her neck and refused to let go, the two of them locked in a race for completion while he continued to mumble against her lips, all the soft shit he'd always been too scared to say.

I love the way you make me feel, I love the way you touch me, I'm so sorry for making you wait for this, please forgive me, I love you so much, I'm so sorry he hurt you, thank you for letting me love you, thank you for trusting me...

“I love you too, Jon, I love you so much--” Her reply made his heart swell and he swallowed hard, bumping his forehead into hers and looking down at where their bodies joined.

“Come with me, Kitten. Come with me, please. M' fuckin' beggin', can't last much longer.” He pleaded urgently.

She cried out, the sound sending shivers down his spine that went straight to his dick as she came around him. Jon slowed his pace to a gentle rocking, brushing her hair back from her face while she gasped for breath. “O-Oh, Kitten...” He moaned, his own orgasm rolling over him in an all-encompassing wave that nearly made his arms give out. “Fuckin' Christ, Kitten.”

She quickly struck one-two at his arms, successfully dropping him on top of her with a startled 'oof!'. Kitten didn't seem to mind being almost-crushed though, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tight while she ran her hand through his hair and made soft noises of content. Exhaustion dragged at his body like a dead weight, but he couldn't in good conscience just doze off after saying all that stuff to her.

“Are y' alrigh', Kitten?” He asked warily, after she hadn't moved for several minutes. Her breathing had evened out, heartbeat still coming back down. She'd fallen asleep underneath him. Jon barely kept from snorting with laughter. So much for being worried about how she would take him essentially fucking his feelings into her, seemed she was handling things better than he was.

He carefully untangled her arms from around his neck, standing and twisting back and forth to work the kinks out of his spine. His whole body ached but in that warm, pleasant way. Jon looked down at her, thoroughly tousled and sound asleep without a care in the world. “Y' have th' best ideas, Kitten.” He said quietly. “Let's head t' bed.”

Her head lolled against his chest when he picked her up and her fingers sleepily traipsed across the bare skin. “Miss your fuzz.” She mumbled as Jon laid her down on their bed.

Jon hushed her, trying not to laugh while climbing under the covers and tugging her close. “It'll grow back, Kitten.” I hope.

“Mm, good.”

Jon laid there silently for a few minutes as she moved around, finally seeming to get comfortable with her face tucked into his neck. “Damn, but ya' sure do know how t' make a first impression on a guy.” He said softly.

Good Kitten.

Epilogue

[citizentruth-blog]

Undermining Democracy, GOP-Style

Brian Kemp is a disgrace. (Photo Credit: Office of U.S. Senator David Perdue/Flickr) When it comes to the present-day incarnation of the Republican Party, always beware the shell game.  Per Dictionary.com, shell game is defined as "a sleight-of-hand swindling game resembling thimblerig but employing walnut shells or the like instead of thimblelike cups." If you're familiar with the setup of three-card Monte, the logistics are essentially the same, only with cards instead of shells. Find the pea (or the Queen of Hearts) under the shell. Double-down on your ability to find it again. If you're successful, you win big. If you're not, the opposite happens. With Donald Trump, Con-Man-in-Chief, working in cahoots with a party whose agenda seems increasingly predicated on deception—so that you don't discover how bad their policies actually are for you or the country at large—this diversionary tactic is alive and well. Before your eyes, numerous issues await your attention, but energy/money/time being limited, you can only pick one on which to act at the risk of having all three suffer. Concerning the events of the last week and change, three "shells" jump to mind being of national import, especially fresh after Election Day. All merit scrutiny as threats to democracy, and yet, there aren't enough hours in the day. That press conference President Trump has had some stupendously bad press conferences during his tenure, but his post-election presser, if not the outright worst, ranks right up there. There's a lot to unpack here, so let's get to the nitty-gritty, shall we? The great and powerful Republican Party: First things first, Trump started by lionizing the GOP's "achievements." Apparently, not losing control of the Senate and ceding control of the House qualify. At any rate, they were achievements because the Democrats had an unfair advantage in fundraising from special interests and wealthy donors and because the media is so gosh-darned mean to Republican candidates. Also, we had a bunch of retirements. But we had big rallies! And we did better than Obama! The country is booming! If the Democrats don't screw everything up, we'll all be united and thriving together! On bipartisanship: With the whining about the Republicans' handicap thus dispensed with, it was time for questions. First up, about that spirit of bipartisanship he and Nancy Pelosi talked about. Like, that's not really going to happen, right? Especially with all the investigations expected to be going on and unless y'all compromise? Trump demurred on the issue. No, we're totally going to be able to work together with the Democrats. Of course, if we can't, they're the ones in control of the House, so you know—their fault. Oh, that border wall... We're gonna build the wall. We've already started building it, in fact. Just try and stop it. The American people want it. The Democrats want it—they just don't want to admit it. Fine by me. I'll take the political capital and run with it. But the caravan is coming, ladies and gents. I can't say for sure that I'd advocate shutting down the government for it. But come on—I totally would. On the ever-tumultuous Cabinet: Trump is totally happy with his Cabinet. Good Cabinet. Great Cabinet. As long as no one suddenly displeases him, he has love for all. At this point, in a completely unrelated move, the President pushed a button revealing a pool of sharks underneath the floor and lowering a human-sized cage suspended above it from the ceiling. The Jim Acosta portion of the program: If there's one moment of the press conference you heard about, it was likely this. CNN's Jim Acosta, established persona non grata among Trump's base, pressed Trump on referring to the migrant caravan in Central America as an "invasion." Trump was all, like, well, I consider it an invasion. Acosta was all, like, but that caravan is hundreds and hundreds of miles away and you're demonizing immigrants by showing them climbing over walls, which they're not going to do. And that's when things got really interesting. As Trump settled into Attack Mode, Acosta tried to ask a follow-up question. Trump was all, like, you've had enough, pal. Nevertheless, he persisted, trying to ask about the Russia investigation. Meanwhile, a female aide tried to grab the mic away from Acosta, which he stifled with a "Pardon me, ma'am" and a hand on her arm. Before Acosta relented, Trump called the investigation a "hoax" and called Acosta a "rude, terrible person." Fun times. More about the Jim Acosta portion of the program: NBC News's Peter Alexander came to Acosta's defense as next reporter up—only to get harangued by the President in his own right—but the implications of this kerfuffle and the subsequent revocation of Acosta's press privileges in covering the White House are serious. I don't care what you think about Acosta personally, even if you feel he's a self-aggrandizing hack. Judging by the smarmy attitude of other CNN personalities like Anderson Cooper and Chris Cuomo, elevated self-appraisals seem to be a fairly common occurrence there. I also don't care what you think about Barack Obama's frosty relationship with FOX News and the questionable treatment its reporters received at the hands of the Obama White House. On the latter count, two wrongs don't make a right, and if Trump and Co. want to distinguish themselves, they should do it by being better and less petty—not the other way around. To that effect, squelching Acosta's voice in a dictatorial way should be concerning no matter where you stand politically in the name of journalistic integrity and a free press. And let's not start with the whole "Acosta assaulted that young woman" narrative. If you're relying on a doctored InfoWars clip to make your argument, you already should take the hint you're probably on some bullshit. More on bipartisanship: After Jim Acosta was given the ol' Vaudeville Hook, Alexander questioned Trump on why he was pitting Americans against one another. To which Trump asked back—and I am not making this up—"What are you—trying to be him?" He was referring to Acosta, of course. Even after what just happened, it was stunning. For the record, Pres. Trump gave a dodgy "they're soft on crime" answer and suggested the results of the election would have a "very positive impact." So, um, yay togetherness! If the Mueller investigation is unfair to the country and it's costing millions of dollars, why doesn't Trump just end it? I'm posting the whole question here, because the President sure didn't answer it convincingly. On voter suppression: "I'll give you 'voter suppression': Take a look at the CNN polls, how inaccurate they were. That's called 'voter suppression'." Um, what? On the individual mandate: You know, I could tell you what he said, but do you have any confidence that, regardless of how people feel about the individual mandate, Republicans have a plan in mind which will allow them to keep premiums down and cover preexisting conditions? Neither do I. When all questions by women of color are "stupid" or "racist": Speaking of three-card Monte, here's a shell game within the shell game in which you get to pick which one is the most flagrantly dog-whistle-y. PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor asked Trump about whether his claim to be a "nationalist" has emboldened "white nationalists" here and abroad. Trump said it's a "racist" question. Putting aside the notion held by many that racism implies power and Trump therefore has no idea what he's talking about in this regard, it's a legitimate question. Trump pivoted to his overwhelming support from African-American voters—a fabrication, at any rate—but his lack of an appropriate response betrays his complicity on this issue. More on denigrating black female reporters: While the dialog with Alcindor was the only such interaction with an African-American female reporter during the press conference, it's not his only recent unflattering characterization herein. In response to a question by CNN's Abby Phillip about whether he appointed Matthew Whitaker as acting Attorney General, he called her query "stupid" and opined that she asks "a lot of stupid questions." As for April Ryan, Trump recently referred to her as a "loser" and someone "who doesn't know what she's doing." If these comments were isolated incidents, one might be able to give Trump the benefit of the doubt. In such close proximity to one another and based on his track record, though, Trump deserves no such consideration. He's attacking these women of color because he has a problem with being challenged by strong females and because it's red meat to throw at his base. Other odds and ends: Trump evidently can't turn over his tax returns because he is under audit. This is complete and unmitigated bullshit. Trump likes Oprah. Even if she, too, is a loser. If anything is going to be done with DACA, it will apparently have to be dealt with in court. Whose fault is that? You guessed it: the Democrats. Trump claimed to have a lot of trouble understanding people from foreign news outlets. If there were anything to make him seem like more of the "ugly American," well, this would be it. What did Trump learn from the midterm results? Seeing as he learned that "people like him" and that "people like the job he's doing," he obviously didn't learn a damn thing. Will Mike Pence be Trump's running mate in 2020? Yes. Glad that's settled. Nice hardball question there. How will Trump push a pro-life agenda with a divided Congress? Like a mother trying to give birth, he's just going to keep pushing—don't you worry, evangelicals. Did China or Russia interfere in the election? The official report's, as they say, in the mail. How can we enact a middle-class tax cut alongside the existing corporate/high-earner tax cut? With an "adjustment." What kind of adjustment? Trump's "not telling." YOU HAVE NO IDEA. JUST SAY IT. Per "Two Corinthians" Trump, God plays a very big role in his life. He's also a "great moral leader," and he loves our country. On an unrelated note, a lightning bolt ripped through the ceiling during the press conference, narrowly missing Trump as he delivered his remarks. Au revoir, Monsieur Sessions Politics makes strange bedfellows. If you're thinking how strange it is to be protesting the firing of Jeff bleeping Sessions, you're not alone. Sessions' aforementioned removal as AG in favor of Trump loyalist Matthew Whitaker—assuming he actually was fired and didn't resign, though how would we know?—is not something that anyone feels bad about for Sessions's sake. You make a deal with the Devil, and eventually, you expect to get burned, no? Given his profile as a notorious anti-drug dinosaur who infamously once professed that good people don't use marijuana, some drug reform activism groups are even happy he's gone. Outside of this context, though, the larger partisan hostility toward Robert Mueller and his investigation matters. I'm not going to even get into whether Trump has the right to remove Sessions and replace him with someone like Whitaker who wasn't confirmed by the Senate, or whether it matters if he was fired or if he quit. Honestly, these questions are above my ken as a citizen journalist. If past statements are any indication, however, putting Whitaker in charge of the DOJ is suspect. The man didn't exactly write the book on how to limit the scope of the Mueller investigation, but he did pen an opinion piece for Trump's favorite news outlet on how it should be done. As with invalidating Jim Acosta's White House press privileges (a move which has prompted another lawsuit against the Trump administration, mind you), such is a line the president should not cross, no matter what side of the aisle you're on. As Americans, we should all be worried about the fate of the Mueller investigation as it comes to a head, and should implore our elected officials to safeguard the inquiry's results. The ghost of the 2000 election Oh, those hanging chads. It's somehow comforting—and yet actually deeply, deeply disturbing—that not much has changed since the fracas surrounding the 2000 recount that captivated a nation and prompted cries of a "stolen" victory for George W. Bush. Then again, that Al Gore didn't win his own state and that thousands of Florida Democrats voted for Bush puts a bit of a damper on pointing to these shenanigans and Ralph Nader as the only reasons why Gore lost. As with Hillary Clinton losing in 2016, alongside legitimate concerns about Russian meddling and James Comey's untimely letter to Congress, it's not as if strategic miscues or lack of enthusiasm about the Democratic candidate in question didn't play a role. Now that I've set the scene, let's talk about 2018. There were a number of close races across the country this Election Day—some so close they still haven't been certified or conceded. Depending on your views, some were either disappointments or godsends. If you were pulling for Beto O'Rourke in Texas, while you still should be encouraged, you were nonetheless dismayed to find that enough voters willingly re-elected Ted Cruz, famed annoyance and rumored Zodiac Killer. If you were pulling for Kyrsten Sinema in Arizona, meanwhile, you likely were over the moon once the race was finally called. Of the key races not yet called at this writing, those in Florida and Georgia loom particularly large. In the Sunshine State, the candidates of both the race for U.S. Senate between Rick Scott (R) and Bill Nelson (D) and the race for governor between Ron DeSantis (R) and Andrew Gillum (D) are separated by less than half of 1%. Meanwhile, in the Peach State gubernatorial race, there are enough outstanding votes that Stacey Abrams (D) and her campaign are convinced they can force a runoff election based on the margin. In all three cases, despite the razor-thin vote disparities, Republicans have been quick to cry fraud or try to expedite certifying the results. Scott, with Trump throwing his own claim around wildly in support, has made accusations of electoral malfeasance without the evidence to back it up. And this is just speaking about what has happened after the election. Leading up to the election, DeSantis caught flak for telling voters not to "monkey this up" by voting for Gillum, dog-whistling loud enough for racists across the Southeast to hear. Brian Kemp (R), meanwhile as Georgia Secretary of State, oversaw the purging of voters from rolls, the failure to process voter applications, and keeping voting machines locked up—all primarily at the expense of voters of color, a key Democratic constituency. Depending on how far back you wish to go, the antics of DeSantis, Kemp, and Scott are only the latest turn in a long-standing American tradition of voter suppression aimed at blacks. Carol Anderson, professor of African-American studies at Emory University, provides a concise but effective history of keeping blacks from the polls—by hook or by crook. We may no longer be threatening prospective voters of color with tar and feathers, but voter purges, closure of polling locations, and disenfranchisement of felons from being able to vote aren't much of an improvement. This is 2018, after all. As Van Jones and others might insist, Kemp et al. can only win one way: by stealing. To put it another way, if these Republicans were convinced they had won legitimately, they wouldn't need all the chicanery, subterfuge, and insinuations of impropriety. Even if they do prove to have the votes necessary to win, their conduct is a stain on the offices they have served or will serve. Like it is with the White House's revocation of Jim Acosta's privileges following Trump's press conference or the suspicious installation of Matthew Whitaker as head of the Department of Justice, the injustice here is such that it should, ahem, trump partisanship. Instead, our "winning is the only thing" mentality and emphasis on results over process all but ensures bipartisan inaction. Assuming a shell game is run fairly, the customer playing need only follow the correct shell amid all the movement. This itself might be a chore depending on how much and how fast the shells move. Going back to the Wikipedia entry on the shell game, though, there's an important note about how, frequently, games of these sort are not on the up-and-up: In practice, however, the shell game is notorious for its use by confidence tricksters who will typically rig the game using sleight of hand to move or hide the ball during play and replace it as required. Fraudulent shell games are also known for the use of psychological tricks to convince potential players of the legitimacy of the game – for example, by using shills or by allowing a player to win a few times before beginning the scam. In other words, it's a con. You've been following the wrong shell all along because the eyes deceive. In the context of President Donald Trump's unbecoming behavior, his DOJ shakeup of questionable legitimacy, and the Republican Party's stacking of the electoral deck, while all of these matters merit your justifiable outrage, they are yet a distraction from something else not even on the table. For one, shortly after the press conference, Trump issued a directive designed to halt asylum-seeking at our southern border. It's a particularly problematic order, in that it appears to fundamentally misunderstand asylum law and makes it yet harder to apply for asylum than it already is. It's also reactionary policy that overstates the dangers of the migrant caravan and illegal immigration in general, and further puts us out of step with international standards on safeguarding refugees/asylees. This executive order comes on the heels of Trump's stated desire to end birthright citizenship, another move which would be of dubious constitutional validity and subject to challenge in court by civil rights advocacy groups, not to mention having U.S. troops stationed at the border with Mexico. It's easy to dismiss these as political stunts designed to fire up his base when you have no skin in the game, so to speak. For immigrants and would-be applicants for asylum/visas, this rhetoric is more worrisome. Owing to our country's poor track record of acting on behalf of vulnerable populations—I'll bring our sordid history of intimidating voters of color and otherwise acting in official capacities to deny them their rights back up, in case you need reminding—this is more than simple hand-wringing based on the theoretical. In the miasma and noise of a Republican agenda fueled by the views of FOX News talking heads, Koch-Brothers-funded legislative influence, obeisance to moneyed interests and religious conservatives, Tea Party railing against deficits, and Trump's own prejudicial outlook, it's legitimately hard to cut through all the bullshit and focus on what we can do as possible influencers. By now, the sense of fatigue is real, especially because when we act to counteract said agenda, there's also half-hearted Democratic Party policies and media clickbait designed to offend around which to work. So, what's the answer? Assuming my words are even that useful in this regard, I'm not sure. As noted, all of the above merits scrutiny, but we have our limitations. It may be useful to zero in on one or a handful of issues that arouse your personal political passions. Plus, if you can afford it, so many causes spearheaded by organizations devoted to the betterment of society deserve your donations, though throwing money at these problems does not automatically equate to solving them. At the end of the day, though, what is abundantly clear after decades of failed policy initiatives is that tuning out is not a viable option if we want meaningful change. Indeed, people-powered solutions will be necessary if we are to fix our broken democracy—and there's a lot to fix, at that. Recognize the shell game for what it is, but don't refuse to play. Instead, change the game.   Read the full article