#I saw the picture of eliza

[reallygroovyninja]

It's 1965 and Lexa is a rising star in the modeling world, known for her striking beauty and commanding presence on the runway. She's just been hired by a top modeling agency in New York City, where Clarke works as a secretary.

Clarke is charmed by Lexa's intelligence and wit, while Lexa is drawn to Clarke's warmth and sincerity in an industry that often feels superficial.

But with the constant demands of Lexa's modeling career and the strict social expectations of the 1960s, pursuing anything more than a friendly working relationship seems impossible.

Will Lexa and Clarke be able to navigate the challenges of their era and fight for their own happiness, or will societal pressures keep them apart?

[asterdeer]

who am i if not someone who responds extremely late to tag games.......... but yeah lock screen + last song i listened to + last picture i took + last picture i saved, tagged by @winterssunday like a hundred years ago, ty ty ty!! this is so fun, i love getting to show off cat pics <3 <3 <3

tagging anyone who wants to do it, tag me so i can seeeeeee

[fallstaticexit]

Prev / Next / Beginning

TW: Self Harm Mentioned/Implied

AN: next update our ladies will have a proper reunion but first tree farm tree farm! (Even though only the poor kids- and Bob- are the only ones super excited about it)

Transcript under the cut

Nancy Narrates: [All those years I’ve spent yearning, wanting, my whole self calling for her—and now she’s here]

Nancy Narrates: [This isn’t a dream. She’s here. I can feel the warmth in her cheek]

Nancy: I- I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to- I don’t know why I did that. I shouldn’t have-

Vanessa: [laughs] It’s ok, Nancy! It’s good to see you too.

Vanessa: Wow, look at you. You’re all grown up, aren’t you?

Nancy: I- I-

Vanessa: Still filled to the brim with tears too.

Nancy: [softly] Sorry. I thought.. I thought I’d never see you again.

Vanessa: 16 years is a long time. I was worried you would have forgotten all about me.

Nancy: I could never forget you.

Vanessa: I’ve come all this way to see you.

Nancy: Have you really?

Vanessa: I know it’s been years, but I was hoping we could reconnect. I’m staying at the Fyres Hotel. Maybe we could have dinner there tonight. Catch up?

Nancy Narrates: [I had to physically restrain myself from saying yes. I realized, after all these years, I still would have followed her anywhere...but it can’t be this way. Not anymore..]

Nancy: [exhales] I can’t. I’m sorry. I had plans.

Vanessa: Ah! Well. I did pop in last minute. Maybe some other-

Nancy: You could come with me! I mean, If you like? We’re supposed to get a Christmas tree for the house; trying to set new traditions and what not.

Nancy: It’s silly but it’s important to them- my sons. I have two boys, by the way. I have to do this for them but- you’re here and I don’t know if I can see you leave again. God, am I rambling too much?

Vanessa: You want me to go tree shopping with you and your children?

Nancy: [blushes] Will you?

Vanessa: Lead the way.

-

Malcolm: What’s taking that lady so long!

Jonathan: Should we try and call mom again?

Geoffrey: [hums noncommittally]

Malcolm: He’s not even listening!

Bob: Hellooo? Earth to Geoffrey?

Bob: Iggy say, ‘what’s eatin’ ya, Uncle G?’

Iggy: [coos]

Geoffrey: Heh, sorry! Sorry. I guess I got alot on my mind right now.

Eliza: Is everything ok?

Geoffrey: Oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah- well...I guess I’m thinking about Nance?

Eliza: What’s wrong with Nancy?

Geoffrey: I’ve been thinking about what happened on our anniversary trip.

Bob: Yeah? What was it?

Malcolm: Mommy’s here!! Mommy’s here!!

Malcolm: Er, who’s that with my mommy?

Bob: Well, I’ll be damned! Talk about a throwback!

Eliza: [whistles] Oh, wow! Who is that? Is she a model?: Well, I’ll be damned! Talk about a throwback!

Geoffrey: Vanessa Villareal?

Nancy: These are my sons, Jonathan and Malcolm.

Vanessa: Oh! Oh, Nancy, they are beautiful.

Malcolm: Who are you, lady!

Nancy: Don’t be rude, darling. Vanessa is- was- she’s my..

Vanessa: I’m your mother’s best friend.

Jonathan: I’m Jonathan, but call me Johnny. This loud mouth is Malcolm.

Vanessa: Johnny it is. You must get those cool, blue eyes from your mom’s brother.

Jonathan: You knew my Uncle Nathan?

Vanessa: No, but I saw a picture once, a long time ago.

Vanessa: [turns to Malcolm] And you look just like your mother.

Malcolm: Are you a movie star too?

Vanessa: [chuckles] No, I’m not a movie star.

Malcolm: Then who are you lady?

Vanessa: I’m your Auntie V. You can call me that, if you like.

Malcolm: Aunt V, are you gonna pick out a tree with us?

Vanessa: You bet. You should know, I have a keen eye.

Nancy: Sorry I’m late..

Geoffrey: Better late than never. I see you had an eventful day.

Malcolm: No more talking! Let’s go already!

Jonathan: I want to find our tree with mom!

Malcolm: Well I’m taking daddy!

Bob: Alright! Long time no see, VV! Man, it’s been a while, huh?

Vanessa: Just V is fine. Billy, right?

Bob: [sighs] It’s Bobby. This is my wife, Eliza and this cool guy is Iggy.

Vanessa: [sheepishly] Right. Nice to meet you. Wasn’t there another one of you?

Bob: [chuckles] Cassie. We still keep in touch. She’s a travel blogger now. And I’m sure you remember ol’ Geoffrey here.

Geoffrey: Good seeing you, Vanessa.

Vanessa: Likewise.

Bob: Heck yeah! Let the festivities begin!

-

Jonathan: This one! This is the perfect tree, right, Mom?

Nancy: Mhm. Yes, that’s nice- I’ll be right back.

Jonathan: Oh..

Bob: Alright, what’s going on? You can tell me, it’s just us guys now, and Iggy here is great at keeping secrets.

Geoffrey: Nance was so sad on our trip, sadder than usual. I haven’t seen her so low since- well, since Vanessa left. And she kept apologizing to me.

Bob: You’ve mentioned before she gets in a mood sometimes, right?

Geoffrey: Well, yeah... that’s not all. I saw these bruises on the inside of her thigh.

Bob: [eyes widen] You think she’s hurting herself?

Geoffrey: Is that it, you think? At first I thought they were- you know, hickies?

Bob: Whoa. Hickies? On Nancy?

Geoffrey: [snorts] That’s crazy, right?

Bob: You should talk to her. If she is harming herself, you should get her help, bud.

Geoffrey: And if it’s not that...

Bob: Then, that’s another kind of conversation. But this is Nancy we’re talking about. You two have been bit by the love bug since high school. I can’t imagine her having an affair with some other guy.

-

Nancy: Hi.

Vanessa: Hi.

Nancy: Sorry if I’m being...odd. I guess, I’m still getting used to seeing you.

Vanessa: I don’t think you’re being odd. I think you’re being you.

Nancy: Is that a bad thing?

Vanessa: [giggles] No, not at all. You haven’t changed and it’s refreshing.

Nancy: Ah. Well. You haven’t either. I mean..you still feel like my Vanessa.

Nancy Narrates: [All those questions I craved answers for came rushing back to me the more I looked at her. Was my loving her just a girlish memory of our past? Did she ever hear my voicemail? Was it worth mentioning after almost 2 decades apart? After I’ve already married and had children? After I’ve sworn to dedicate my all to them-]

Vanessa: So, about that dinner. Are you free tonight?

[satellite-evans]

Could you do Benedict Bridgerton with wife reader? There is a festival in the Ton and they were just enjoying themselves with their children and the Bridgerton's siblings. Fluff. Thanks!! :))

Good kind of chaos

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x reader

Summary: The family Bridgerton having fun at the annual festival <3

Word count: 1.2k

Warnings: flufffff

A/N:

English is not my first language, so I apologize if I made any (grammar) mistakes. Feedback, requests, recommendations, vents or questions are always welcome. I love talking to you guys about anything <3

Happy reading xxx

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site.

The soft hum of excitement filled the sprawling grounds of Aubrey Hall as the annual autumn festival, hosted by none other than the Bridgertons, came alive with vibrant colors and joyful music. Booths of entertainers, games, and refreshments lined the paths, while children wove through the adults with kites and laughter. Banners of orange, crimson, and gold fluttered in the gentle breeze, matching the hues of the trees that framed the scene.

At the heart of it all stood Benedict Bridgerton, the second eldest of the infamous Bridgerton clan, his artistic gaze flickering with wonder as he soaked in the atmosphere. Beside him was you—his wife, his anchor, the woman who had turned his life into an adventure far more beautiful than any painting he could ever create.

“Thomas!” you called, laughing as your eldest son, all of seven years old, ran ahead of you with endless energy. His brown curls, much like Benedict’s, bounced with every step as he led his sister, Amelia, on a hunt for the perfect kite. “Stay where we can see you!”

Amelia, delicate and graceful despite being only five, paused just long enough to turn around and wave enthusiastically. “We will, Mama!” she promised before tugging her brother along. The two disappeared into a crowd of children eagerly awaiting their turn at the puppet show.

You turned toward Benedict with a contented sigh, adjusting the shawl wrapped loosely around your shoulders. “Do you think they’ll ever tire?” you asked, your tone teasing, though the sight of your children, wild and free, made your heart swell.

Benedict smiled warmly, his fingers brushing against yours. “If they’ve inherited even a shred of Bridgerton spirit, I’m afraid not. They’ll run until the sun sets.” He tilted his head towards the scene before you, where the other Bridgertons mingled in the festivities. “And look at that, chaos already spreading.”

Following his gaze, you saw Anthony, attempting to corral his own brood of children while simultaneously discussing the logistics of the evening’s dance with his wife, Kate. His authoritative tone didn’t quite match the image of him holding a toddler on one hip, who was pulling on his cravat.

Daphne, the picture of elegance as always, was indulging her son Augie’s request to play a ring toss game, Simon beside her with their daughter in his arms. The Duke, though quiet, wore the smallest of smiles as he watched his family revel in the simplicity of the day.

Eloise, on the other hand, seemed far more interested in a heated debate with Francesca about the importance of women’s independence while her younger sister Hycacinth was running after her brother Gregory once again.

And, of course, Colin had made his way to the refreshments table, charming a young vendor into giving him an extra serving of sugared almonds.

You smiled at the scene, feeling a wave of contentment as you leaned into Benedict’s side. “It’s a good kind of chaos,” you said softly.

“It is.” Benedict turned to you, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “A little wild, a little unmanageable, but completely our own.”

Just then, a tug on your skirt drew your attention. Your youngest child, three-year-old Eliza, stood at your feet with a pout on her face, her tiny hands gripping a tangled mess of ribbon from her kite. “Mama,” she whined, her wide eyes brimming with frustration. “It’s broken!”

You bent down to her level, taking the mess of ribbon into your hands. “Oh, my love, it’s not broken. Just a little tangled, that’s all. Shall we fix it together?”

Eliza nodded eagerly, her earlier frustration already forgotten as you worked to untangle the colorful string. Benedict knelt beside you, his large hands gently guiding Eliza’s smaller ones as they helped with the knot. “You’ll be flying it again in no time, my little artist,” he said, a teasing grin on his lips.

Eliza’s eyes lit up at the mention of the word “artist.” Like her father, she had an affinity for all things creative, often sitting beside Benedict as he sketched, mimicking his strokes with her own colorful crayons. “I want to paint kites when I’m big, Papa!” she declared.

“And I’ll be your first customer,” Benedict replied, planting a kiss on her head. You watched them, heart swelling with love, before your attention was stolen by Thomas and Amelia, who were waving frantically from across the lawn.

“Papa! Mama! Come look!” Thomas shouted, practically bouncing with excitement as he held his new kite—a magnificent creation in the shape of a dragon, painted in deep reds and greens.

Amelia, her hair tousled and cheeks pink from running, beamed up at you both. “Uncle Colin helped us choose the best one! Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Exquisite,” you said with a smile, taking in their prideful expressions. “Shall we fly it together?”

The four of you made your way to a small hill, where the children gleefully launched their kites into the sky, giggling as they raced the wind. You stood close to Benedict, who had taken Eliza onto his shoulders so she could watch her siblings, her small fingers gripping his hair as she pointed at the kites.

“Papa, higher!” she squealed, her laughter filling the air.

You glanced at Benedict, marveling at the ease with which he balanced family and love, the joy in his eyes as he watched his children. “What are you thinking?” you asked, your voice soft as you stepped closer, resting your head on his arm.

He smiled, his gaze fixed on the sky for a moment before turning to you. “I’m thinking how lucky I am,” he said, his voice low but full of warmth. “To have this—our children, our life together. Sometimes I still can’t believe it.”

You felt your chest tighten with emotion, your love for him deepening in the quiet simplicity of the moment. “I know exactly what you mean,” you whispered.

Before either of you could say more, a loud crash of laughter erupted behind you. Colin had tripped over a small table, sending a tray of pastries flying—much to the delight of the nearby children, who swarmed the fallen treats. Hyacinth and Gregory were the first to dart forward, gathering sweets in their hands as Colin scrambled to his feet, red-faced but laughing.

“Ah, a Bridgerton tradition,” Benedict mused, shaking his head in mock dismay. “A party isn’t complete without Colin making a scene.”

“I’d say it’s charming in its own way,” you teased.

Anthony, overhearing your comment as he passed by, chuckled. “Charming is one word for it.” His eyes softened as he looked toward his own children, running hand in hand with their cousins. “We certainly know how to make an impression.”

You all shared a knowing glance, the bond between the siblings unspoken yet undeniable.

As the day wore on and the sun began to dip low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, you stood together as a family, watching as your children played, laughed, and loved. There was a peace in the air, a sense of belonging that had been woven together by years of joy, challenge, and the unbreakable bond of family.

Benedict wrapped his arm around you, pulling you close. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice full of love and gratitude. “For giving me this life.”

You looked up at him, your heart full. “And thank you for filling it with such color.”

Together, you stood in the fading light, your children running wild, the sound of their laughter blending with the chatter of the Bridgertons around you. The festival was a celebration, yes—but more than that, it was a reflection of the love and joy that filled your life, with Benedict by your side.

[poppadom0912]

the reader and jay dated, they ended up breaking up because jay joined the army, he left leaving her a note. the reader moves on but she finds out she's pregnant she decides to keep the baby. ages later she gets a job at intelli, they are at a crime screen, the reader spots her daughter. the team are a little skeptical when they see the reader giving her money. hank brings her in for questioning, the reader tells voight that thats her daughter, jay realises that the girl is his.

Warnings: Mentions of break ups and swearing, angst with a happy ending?

A/N: Hello! I hope this lives up to your standards. I don’t know how happy I am with this but it’s whatever. I felt like adding a backstory would’ve taken away from the main story so i apologise in advance for the differences between what you asked and what i wrote. Hope you enjoy!!

*****

"Alright baby, have lots of fun. Love you lots."

"Love you too. See you later."

And with that, you were alone, watching your daughter run away with her friends.

Recently, whenever you were with her, the guilt was chipping away at your conscious. All because of your job.

You had known Antonio for years, being partners before Intelligence was formed. So when it was established, you joining him was a no brainer.

It was your fault you hadn't ever spoken or told anyone about Eliza's dad. The only one to ever know that you even had a child was Antonio, but all he knew was that a child existed, not their age or gender, and that their father left before you could tell him about your pregnancy.

But then Jay had joined intelligence and the tension between you two was so palpable it could easily take a physical form.

So, you confided in your long-lasting partner who, with this newfound knowledge, wasn't so forthcoming to the man.

Not only did you feel guilt for not telling Jay that he had a daughter, but you also felt guilty for not telling Eliza, who knew she had a father out there in the world somewhere but had never met him.

However, you had shown her countless pictures of him - you weren't that evil - so she was aware that she was her dads carbon copy and when she was a newborn, you struggled to look at her and if she were to ever see him in the streets, she would easily recognise him.

And that's what worried you the most: the two of them accidentally meeting without you present.

*****

The murderer on your current case had struck again and everyone was at the crime scene doing their respective jobs.

As you were finishing talking to an eyewitness, you caught sight of a familiar group of girls at the back of the crowd of bystanders, a certain brunette standing out to you.

"Sorry Tonio, give me two minutes."

Without waiting for a reply, you patted him on the arm and walked away, aware of his eyes and a few others following your movements.

Were you acting without thinking? Yes

Did anyone know who your daughter was? No!

Was this going to be a mistake? Oh, definitely but having your baby at a crime scene took precedent in this situation.

“Elizabeth Y/L/N, what are you doing here?” You asked, bending under the yellow tape and pushing her and her friends away so they could talk without anyone eavesdropping.

“The cinema’s around the corner.” Your daughter pointed somewhere behind you. She was the only one talking and from the looks of all her friends faces, she’d be the only one to do so.

“Alright well, this street is inaccessible for the rest of the day.’ You said, your tone strict and firm. “Here, take this and get yourself some food from that place you all like.”

The smile that brightened up her face, you could never stay indifferent to that for long.

“Don’t do anything stupid.” You warned them, a soft smile remaining on your lips as you waved them off. All her friends saying their thank-you’s and goodbyes in sync.

You walked back to Antonio with your chest feeling lighter.

Unfortunately for you, you failed to notice the look shared between Voight and Al.

*****

You’d been over the moon when you saw the two lines. You and Jay had been dating since High School and despite never seriously talking about having kids, you both knew that marriage and starting a family together was going to be in your future.

Trying to contain your excitement, you went about your day as usual, going to work, talking with colleagues and friends, doing the groceries before going home.

Surprisingly, the apartment was quiet and empty when you stepped through the door. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, Jay always finished work before you. It was an unspoken rule that whoever got home first was in charge of dinner.

But today, everything was dark and in the same conditions you left it in this morning.

Turning all the room lights on as you walked through the apartment in search of your long-term boyfriend, you stumbled upon an envelope addressed to you in very familiar handwriting.

Feeling your heart thundering in your throat, you carelessly set the grocery bags aside and picked up the envelope with shaky fingers.

‘Y/N, I wish it didn’t…’

With those words, your entire world and everything you knew came crumbling down.

*****

Back in the bullpen, everyone stood back as Antonio presented the new information gathered from the previous crime scene. As Antonio finished, Adam came in, adding what he knew from a very knowledgeable witness.

As you were trying to pay close attention, you felt someone watching you. Such an uncomfortable feeling causing you to turn around and make eye contact with your boss who jutted his head towards his office.

Confused, you followed his silent instructions with no questions, aware of the multiple eyes belonging to your coworkers that were following your movements.

Closing the door behind you, you remained standing as Voight leaned against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms.

“Anything you wanna tell me?” The suspicion was sky clear in his tone.

Your brows furrowed in further confusion, your mind struggling to follow what he was insinuating and where this was going.

“No? I’m sorry but I don’t think I understand.” You licked your lips in uncertainty. “What happened? Did I do something wrong?”

He just continued to stare at you blankly. Now you were starting to get nervous.

“If you tell me now, I can cover for you. We can work something out, but you have to tell me.”

You wanted to scream out all your frustrations. What the hell was he on about?

When you remained silent, he finally gave in.

“Who were you giving money to?”

A laugh slipped out from the revelation which you immediately tried covering up with a cough so you weren’t given a reprimand.

“She’s my daughter.” You revealed, a small smile on your face as you spilt one of your biggest secrets to him. “No one knows besides Antonio but all he knows is that I have a child, not their age, gender. Nothing.”

Instantly, he knew your reasons without you justifying yourself.

“You’re keeping her under wraps?”

You nodded, “from everyone.”

*****

Jay wasn't dumb.

Ever since he joined intelligence, things between the two of you had been awkward from the get-go. Your shared past was known to all your colleagues and it was never brought up.

But it seems that Antonio would never get over it as still to this day, a grudge was sometimes still held against him which given the circumstances, Jay understood.

Several years working together, you two were fine. You'd talk only when needed and hang out only in group settings. Other than that, you were never seen together.

Somewhere deep down, Jay wished that you would allow him to explain himself and finally apologise but your grudge was ten times stronger than Antonio's.

At the crime scene earlier today, everyone had seen you walk away and very suspiciously talk to a group of girls who you then handed money to.

The silent knowing looks they all shared held the same message. They all loved and adored you but they couldn't be ignorant to what they just saw.

Voight pulling you away to talk privately in his office only confirmed their suspicions.

When you re-joined them again a little later, the air was thick in anticipation, everyone wondering what happened between you and Voight.

You picked up on it straight away.

Now you hesitated. Telling Hank about your daughter was one thing. He was your boss and that man could take even the biggest secret to his grave.

It wasn't that you didn't trust them because you did, you would and do trust them with your life. But as soon as you revealed her age, everyone would connect the dots and that would lead to you being forced to actually talk to Jay.

"Umm." You licked you lips, wondering how to say it exactly. "Well, that girl I gave money to, she's not some criminal rando... She's my daughter."

Silence.

More silence.

"No fucking way."

"What?!"

"You have a freaking child?"

All their voices overlapped as they expressed their shock, Antonio clearly less so than the rest of them but still surprised nonetheless at knowing more.

You couldn't bear to look in Jay's direction.

"You have a fully grown child. Oh my gosh, you have to tell us everything." Kim asked nicely, her eyes wide from shock but also happiness. "Y/N, you’re a mother!"

You laughed, her giddiness contagious.

"Her name's Elizabeth." You started, smile soft and a sparkle about your eyes as you spoke about your favourite person and subject in the world. "It's always just been the two of us, so it's never been easy but we manage."

The rest of that hour was spent not working but everyone listening intently as you finally spoke about your daughter.

Jay finding you alone in the locker room at the end of the day wasn't a surprise. You'd been waiting for him to say something for a while now.

"Elizabeth?" He paused, watching you sat on the bench as you got your things together. "You named her after my mum."

The emotion was strong, weighing heavy down on his tongue, making it hard to talk. You still couldn't look at him, keeping your eyes trained in front of you inside your locker.

"Of course I did. That's what we planned, no?" You reminded him of the time you both came up with baby names. "I love your mum more than my own."

"And she's..."

"She's turning twelve."

"Fuck."

You couldn't stand the thick tension.

"She knows about you." You fiddled with the string bracelet around your wrist. "She's grown up knowing everything about you. I've sown her pictures of you and us and-"

You exhaled shakily, the emotions starting to get to you. "I've tried my best with her, to keep her opinion neutral but gosh Jay. You've caused me so much pain that at times it's so hard to see her adore this idea of you when she knows nothing of what you did to me."

Jay didn't try to stop your rant. "And I've been so scared that one day she'd see you in the streets and you'd reject her but-"

"I don't know how I feel about you back in our lives- back in my life." You finally looked at him, your eyes glistening from unshed tears. "I can't go through the pain again."

"Y/N, I'm-"

"No." You stopped him, your eyes burning into his. "I've already accepted your apology but this is going to take time. I'll introduce you to her and if you want, you can get involved in her life but leave me alone."

You were breathing heavily when you finished your rant.

"I can do that." Jay complied without a moment to waste. "Anything you want, anything she wants, I'll do it."

You exhaled shakily.

Wiping your eyes, you closed your locker door and zipped up your bag. Checking yourself in the mirror, you reapplied lip balm and patted your under eyes dry.

"I'll text you my address"

Jay stumbled on his words, confused at what you meant. "What? I-"

"She's home now. Did you want to meet her?"

"Yes. Yes please."

[icarusbetide]

#save elizabeth schuyler hamilton from male biographers 2024

Just got pissed off so bad. I'm in the middle of reading Burr, Hamilton, and Jefferson: A Study in Character, which presents an intriguing argument that Burr deserves to be put back into the Founding Father Pantheon, so to speak. The author doesn't shy away from hitting hard against the idea that Jeff & Ham were morally superior to Burr, and I was on board! Ready to go!

But then. During the discussion of the women in each of their lives, the author decides the best way to further promote Burr's attitude towards women compared to Jefferson and Hamilton is to disparage Martha Jefferson & Elizabeth Hamilton?

On Martha Jefferson:

Martha Wayles Skelton had been a widow, and none of Jefferson's biographers, even the resourceful Fawn Brodie, has been able to tell us much about her—from the solitary letter remaining to us in her hand or the accounts of their contemporaries—beyond the general impression that she was handsome, musical, and frail.

On Elizabeth Hamilton:

Hamilton's Elizabeth was an heiress, the daughter of an upstate squire, Philip Schuyler, with Livingston and van Rensselaer connections. She was plain, straightforward, loyal, and neurasthenic, endured his flagrant and frequent infidelities, and lived to the brink of the Civil War.

I'm sorry, I don't know enough about Martha J. to protest to her characterization, but I think I can say something about Eliza. Plain? Neurasthenic? And once again, annoyed at the lack of citation or evidence for flagrant and frequent infidelities - but putting that aside, even if it were true, I don't like how her staying in her marriage is subtly implied to be some failure or at least less interesting than a woman who didn't "endure" them. There's a lack of consideration of both her own strength & the societal circumstances of that time that would have influenced her actions.

On Theodosia:

Her character emerges from their large and fervent correspondence. She was confident, well connected, well read, beautiful even after a burn scarred her face, witty, worldly, and full of expectations of him.

Okay. The author saw the point and it sailed over his head. "From their large and fervent correspondence" is key here. Like I said earlier, I don't know enough about Martha Jefferson, but I bet that "handsome, musical, frail" is probably not an all-encompassing picture of her. The similarity between her and Eliza? We don't have the letters that they wrote to their husbands. It's unfair to judge Theodosia (don't get me wrong! she was well read and intelligent, that's not what i'm denying) from her correspondence with Burr, but then not acknowledge that the lack of that perspective would impact how we view the other two women.

And to top it all off:

Unlike Jefferson's and Hamilton's, Burr's character was molded by the love of a woman of immense force and intelligence.

Neither Hamilton nor Jefferson married a woman who evidenced such force of character and independence of view.

Jesus Christ. There's plenty to criticize about Jefferson & Hamilton, and I really wanted to see a well-reasoned argument about Burr's character and whatnot but this lacks nuance and is unnecessarily dismissive. It pisses me off that a book that seems determined to break down the idolized version of Hamilton, somehow ends up using his wife to further their angle, just like biased Hamiltonian biographies. In both cases, Eliza is the plain, unintelligent, steadfast wife. For sympathetic authors like Chernow, that's somehow justification for the Reynolds affair. For Roger G. Kennedy, that's used in an argument against her husband. "Let's talk attitude towards women! Hamilton & Jefferson didn't have intellectual wives! Point for Burr!"

I don't know nearly enough about Martha Jefferson to say anything of merit, but really?

To give credit where credit is due, I think Kennedy is trying to make the point here that Theodosia Bartow Burr was a major influence on Burr, as "Burr's character blossomed in the radiance of his wife and mentor". He also goes on to talk about various genuine reasons why Burr's attitude towards women is noteworthy. But I still don't like the way he dismissed the other two women as what? Not smart enough to help their husbands' characters blossom? Maybe there's merit to this book outside of this one section, The Women, but right now I'm not in the mood. Am I being dramatic? Idk.

[katsidoe]

Saw the pic by Garrett’s actor and had to make an Elizabeth version as quick as I could

Original picture under cut!

I forgot to resize the canvas before I drew Elizabeth over it so the final image is low quality 😭😭😭😭😭

I also can never seem to remember which side of her head Eliza’s bow is on

[flaresemily]

Platonic Knight Father x Daughter Readers Part 1

Platonic Father Knight x Daughter Readers….

WARNING ⚠️ ‼️ ⚠️ ‼️

Contains…. Something like a pedophile and teen pregnancy and so on. This story is disturbing and probably disgusting!! Read at your own risk!!‼️⚠️‼️⚠️

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!! THIS STORY IS DISTURBING ‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️

Rowen Archie a famous knight in the imperial family. He was known to be the most skillful and handsome knight.

While you Y/n Archie was his 4 years old daughter.

It all happens when your father and mother fall in love and get married for 3 years. They tried for a child but couldn't, then one day your mother found out she was pregnant.

Both of them were so happy. But sadly, she passed away after giving birth to you. But unlike the others…your father loves you so much!! He even threatens his own butler for trying to drive you out of his house.

4 years have passed…

Your father was summoned by the king.

“You summon me your majesty?” He bowed to the king.

“Now now Rowen…we are childhood friends, just call me by my name.” the king chuckled.

“Of course…now why did you summon me? Please be quick I have an appointment with my little flower”

The king only laughed at his words.

“I'm here to propose a deal…”

Rowen tilted his head to the side.

“Deal?”

“Yes…marry my sister…Eliza”

“...why?”

“She needs support…and she doesn't really trust men easily after her husband…well.. cheated on her”

“Is that so…okay then…”

‘If I married the princess…y/n don't have to be alone at the mansion,’ Rowen thought to himself.

“I agree!”

Oh how he makes a great mistake.

And thus the wedding happened. Everyone was celebrating.

The princess has 3 children with her past husband…all boys.

“Here you go darling…” Rowen offers his hand to his new wife. She takes his hand as she steps down followed by her son's.

“This is…”

“This shall be your new place from now on”

“Woah! So cool!” the third born said.

“Is there any way I can practice swords with you father!!! The second born asks.

“Ah of course you can Richter!” Rowen smiles at them all…forgetting…a certain someone….

11 years past…and yet…Rowen still forgets about his responsibility. And not only that…Rowen and his new wife Eliza have a baby girl named Lilith.

“Father…” Carlos, the first born, called to him in the family gathering room.

All family members were there except…one

“May I ask…who's this?” He showed them all a picture of a little girl.

“Ah that's y/n— Y/N!!!” Rowen quickly stood up. “N-no…how could I forgot….m-my precious roses!!” He ran out of the gathering room running around the house. All of them look at him weirdly.

Rowen was searching for you like a mad man. “Y/n!! Y/n!!!” As he called out to you…not even one he heard you reply.

“Y/—”

“My lord?”

Rowen quickly turned around and saw one of his old maids.

“Where's y/n!!”

“You mean little lady?”

“Yes!! Where is she!!” He was looking around the maid for any sign of you.

“Didn't you ask for lord Zachary to adopt her?”

As he heard that name he froze. Zachary Huxley. His dead wife's older brother.

“I…I didn't say anything about making him adopt y/n…”

“Eh!! But he said you allowed him to take custody!”

“HAH!! WHAT BULLSH*T ARE YOU TALKING!! HE'S A PERVERT!!”

“WHAT!!...oh no…Lady y/n!!!”

His eyes widened at his mistake…oh how he wished he wasn't blind by his new wife's beauty…

With you somewhere else (what happened in the past)

“What do you mean papa doesn't want me anymore.” Her eyes started to water. “Well my bad,sadly he wishes for you to be gone since he already has a new…family.” Zachary smirks at his own lies.

“B-but papa loves me!”

“In the past, yes but now…he doesn't want you…he's going to be busy with his new wife” Zachary held out his hand for her to take. And she did…I repeat…she did.

11 years later

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” The maids and butlers gathered around the table.

“Happy birthday to lady y/n! Happy birthday to you!” All of the maids finished the song with clapping.

“....thank you! Everyone” as she looked up. All of them could see bruises on her face,body and so on.

“....” They were silent. “Are you done singing the song?” Zachary came out of nowhere and startled them.

“Yes my lord we are done” all of them retreat to their own headquarters.

As they all leave y/n just sitting there doing nothing.

“Now y/n.. it's your 15th birthday…do you want anything?” Zachary walks towards her and caresses her hair ‘weirdly’.

“Nothing daddy! I just want to eat some cake can I?”

“Of course, anything for my precious…daughter.” He leaned down and kissed the corner of her lips.

And then, he goes away, probably doing his work. As he was out of her sight. She harshly wiped the kiss that was left by him.

Everyone could see that she was trembling hard. Sobbing her heart out.

"It's okay…it's okay y/n…papa…papa save me right?” she mumbled. But deep down she knew it's useless. She waited for 11 years. After she got ‘adopted’ she learned her uncle's true nature.

He was a pedophile. No wonder his sister hates him. And that's not all. Just a few months ago, she learned that her uncle put up something called dark magic. It allows the user to spy on someone.

So technically all of her years staying with her uncle. She was spied on by him.

And she knew…he saw all of her…I mean all of her. She always throws up at the idea.

As she retreats to her bed. She couldn't help but feel an unpleasant feeling.

As she stepped inside her room she was hit by a wave of a very good smell of perfume.

She started to feel dizzy. Before she could collapse on the floor she was welcomed by a pair of hands.

“Don't worry now my dear…daddy will take care of you~”

“N-no…..”

The next day….

Y/n jolted awake from her ‘sleep’ and she couldn't believe her eyes. Her body hurt here and there. And a lot of ‘marks’ were left on her.

She knew She was doomed. And the only thing she could do is cry her heart out.

This happened for a month until…

“Ugh!! I can't take it anymore!” One of the maids said. “What do you mean?” reply another. “Let's help the lady! Please!” She begged the head maids.

“....we can't…” the head maid looked down sadly.

*No….we can” one of the butlers came in.

“I know what we can do,” he hummed. All of the maids look at him weirdly.

Y/n was getting ready to ‘sleep’. She has eyebags under her eyes. A knock interrupts her thought.

“Come on in…” she replied weakly.

“My lady?” A maids poke her head in.

“Yes…”

“I have something to tell you!”

“What?”

She looked around before she whispered in her ears.

“We will get you out of here my lady.”

Y/n eyes widened and she quickly looked at the maid.

“A-are you sure!”

“Yes I'm not the only one everyone in this house wanted to help you! Excluding the lord.”

Y/n started to cry at this.

“W-where will I go?”

“Oh right…. it's okay we have a back up plan!”

And thus the maids and butlers get ready to sneak her out. As the previous maid and y/n tip toeing in the front door. Someone caught their acts from behind.

“So this is where you're going?”

Both of their eyes widen. “U-uncle..”

“Uncle? Really baby? I thought you were better!”

He glared at her.

“Guards!! Seized the maid!! How dare she try to take away what's mine!!”

A guard came and held down the maids. While Zachary was laughing like a maniac he was suddenly pinned down to the ground.

“What the f*---”

“I wouldn't curse if I was you….”

Zachary's eyes widened.

“Y-you!!”

“Hello…brother in law” as the hood fell down it revealed Rowen.

Y/n saw who the stranger was and felt very angry and sad, mostly sad. She pushes the guards away and takes the maid's hand and quickly runs away.

But she couldn't run far since she immediately collapsed on the floor.

“My lady!”

“My roses!!” As she heard her past nickname, tears fell down before she saw black.

Rowen quickly kneels down and carries his daughter back.

As he arrives at his mansion. How wife and step sons, including his daughter, were waiting for him.

“Daddy you're back!” Shout the youngest Lilith.

“...I'm back….everyone”

TIMESKIP

Y/n slowly regained her consciousness. There she saw someone head near her hands sleeping she assumed.

As she struggles to move. The head wakes up.

“Darling rosy! Don't you are still weak”

“... You…”

“Yes it's me papa! I miss you so much!!”

“...I..I don't have a papa” she looked away.

“N-no you do! Okay it's my fault for not looking after you!”

“...”

A few days have passed…y/n still remains in her ‘shell’. Rowen didn't stop visiting her. Until he carries her out to eat with him. He hand fed her with a spoon.

He was smiling, including his wife and sons. Except his younger daughter Lilith. She was in rage then she slammed her hand down drawing everyone's attention.

“It's not fair!!”

“Darling sit down…” her mother, Eliza warned her.

“Daddy loves me more!! Why did you have her attention!! I'm your daughter, not her!!”

Rowen slammed his spoon down the table mimicking his daughter's action.

“Lilith she's your older sister…respect her she's my child”

“But not with mommy right!! Did you cheat!!”

“Shut up Lilith Archie!!!” Eliza stands up angrily.

“M-mommy…I'm just defending you!”

“Defending…you don't know anything!! And your father can love anyone he wants!! And for your information! That's Y/n Archie! The true heir to your father's properties!!”

Lilith's eyes widened. “Impossible…he never told me he had a daughter!!.

“It's my fault for making him neglect his daughter…” Eliza confesses.

Y/n who have heard everything stay quiet. She tries to stand up but her legs tremble. And gave out making her collapse on the cold floor.

Rowen quickly helped her and carried her away.

Lilith who saw all this interaction was very angry.

Her older brother, Carlos knew that Lilith would try to do something bad to her.

Time last Lilith tried to frame y/n but failed as she was always caught by her older brother.

As for y/n…bad news is..she…started to throw up. She has nausea almost everyday.

Eliza, who notices these details, quickly hires a private doctor that she trusts.

As the doctor checked y/n Rowen,Eliza and Carlos were there. Carlos was there to make sure Lilith won't do anything stupid.

“...my lord…I have bad news.” The doctor finished packing her things.

“Well…lady y/n she's…” the doctor looked guilty.

“She what?”

“She's pregnant…”

“I-impossible…” Rowen fell down to his knees.

He started to cry for all the things he couldn't have done for y/n.

As for y/n, she too in a shock phrase, her eyes started to get glossy.

Eliza who saw that quickly hugged her. Y/n was still in a shock state as she quickly hugged Eliza too. Sobbing her heart out.

Rowen stands up and hug y/n taking her away from Eliza. He hugged her so tightly while sobbing and apologizing.

“I'm sorry…I'm sorry papa sorry”

Carlos who saw all of this quietly walked out.

A few months past y/n stomach growth. Eliza has been keeping an eye out for her and so did others.

She was 6 months pregnant. She was taking a walk in the garden.

“My lady it's time for your dessert”

No reply

“My lady?”

No reply

As the maid walked closer to her. It turns out y/n was asleep.

The maid chuckled.

“Well..I believe we can continue this story another time then dear viewers~”

“Till we meet again~”

[yandere-fics]

♡ Their Darling Is Trying To Hide Being A Yandere For Them ♡

(I Had no ideas for Sawyer for this one.)

You really do feel guilty about kidnapping Miriel, sure she's acting like she's okay with it, although she has pleaded for you to bring her her work laptop a few times so she can earn money for both of you and spoil you but you had no choice to kidnap her! She found your room dedicated to her and even though you know she's your soulmate, there's no way she would be okay with the shrine you have dedicated to her, sure if it was a different supernatural they wouldn't mind but your Miri was an elf and you were sure such a fragile supernatural wouldn't be able to handle your overwhelming affection.

"Babeeee, can you please untie me? How am I supposed to cuddle you like this?" You sobbed placing yourself on her lap on the chair you tied her to, why couldn't she just accept she was going to be here forever, you couldn't let her go, you just couldn't lose her!

It was a very bad idea to try to knock Eliza out and kidnap her, she definitely hated you now but what were you supposed to do, your Eliza wasn't very smart. You told her not to enter that room over and over again, you told her it was dirty and you needed to clean it but she went in anyways and well when you saw she had seen all the pictures you took of her you had to act quickly to keep her but she was much too quick and caught the metal pipe before it could slam into her head, she was definitely going to hate you now, you just knew it!

"Puppy?" She whimpered and you felt your heart drop for a moment, yeah she was never going to love you the same way again you were sure of it! Maybe you should try to knock her out again! You wanted to cover your ear so you didn't have to hear what she would say next, it would probably be about how she couldn't stand you anymore. "You were going to clean up all these photos of me? Why?"

Selene was... well frankly she was gross and you hated that you loved her so much. She could never know how much you thought about her, how badly you felt the need to constantly be attached to her side, you didn't even know why you liked her, she was just so... gross. But you really couldn't hold yourself back from obsessing over her which lead to you taking a lot of photos of her while she slept and while you were very sure she wasn't looking, you needed something to loo at when she went out on runs since you couldn't join her outside due to needing to pretend you really didn't want to be around her. It was extremely embarrassing how angry you felt hen she went out on runs and left you behind.

Leading you to today where you were crying in the closet with Selene trying to coax you out, she'd found your photos and had teased you for pretending not to love her for so long when she was staring point blank at evidence of your undeniable passion for her.

Kassien was your boss meaning strictly off limits to you so in order to cope with being unable to have her, you had to get creative at times, taking little pictures when you were sure she wasn't looking, snatching anything you could when she left her coat behind on a coat rack at work... threatening people who saw talking to her a bit too long through anonymous accounts. You made sure to never go in her office however, you didn't want to leave your scent behind in there, then it would be too obvious that you were obsessed with her and you would lose your job but you knew she'd be in meetings for a long time today so what would be the harm in going in there just for a bit to bask in the scent of her cologne, you thought about buying a bottle of it just so you could smell just like her but that might make you see crazy so you refrained. Still it was nice to sit at her desk for a second.

But then Kassien walked in and while you tried to dart under her desk to hide, she still saw you. Honestly you couldn't pay attention to anything she was saying, you just knew your entire life was over, you were going to get fired and you wouldn't be able to see the love of your life anymore, even as she spoke in a soft tone you just knew she was definitely judging you.

Nikki seemed very... oblivious to the way humans behaved which is how you knew you could get away with certain behaviors because it wasn't like she would know this was a creepy thing you were doing, she would just blame you being human on why you would constantly follow behind her everywhere she went glaring at anyone who approached her, there were things you kept hidden because you felt like a bad person for it, like threatening rivals or taking feathers that had shed from her wings and hiding them in a jar beneath the floor board, it was risky putting them there but knowing your collection was there for whenever she went to work made you feel safe and comfortable, as long as she never found out what was the harm in it. She did inevitably find out however...

"I'm so sorry! I know it was so creepy of me to collect your feathers! Please don't hate me!" You didn't want to look up at her as you heard her ruffle her wings, probably in anger, until you saw a bunch more of her feathers fall from them.

"I don't understand why you couldn't just ask, mate, is not asking for things a human trait?"

You felt really bad about drugging Nora at night but she had a tendency to get up in the middle of the night to do stuff, you didn't know what, and you just couldn't have your Nora wandering around at night and so you started to drug her food every night so you could make sure she slept straight through the night and couldn't leave you. You were very sure your entire relationship would be over if she ever found out, though you supposed if she did find out then you'd just have to kidnap her, kind of like what you were doing right now, you just hoped the ropes would hold her when she woke up.

"Don't worry Nora, your reason for living will keep you safe in our apartment!" Her eye twitched a little bit, you knew your Nora didn't like being tied up, she would prefer the bondage be used on you, but you had to keep her and she'd found out your little secret. It did not take long for her to break out of the ropes and tie you up instead, happily cuddling into your side.

You ran a fan account dedicated to the notorious serial killer in the city, an account you tied to keep under the radar, one because you didn't want her to gain a lot of fans and then you'd have to share just how amazing she was, and two because she was a supernatural and you were mostly sure you weren't her soulmate so you could only imagine what would happen if she saw someone who wasn't her soulmate vying for a spot that was supposed to be exclusive to her soulmate. Still you very much enjoyed taking pictures of her and just following her everywhere she went, getting off on watching you kill people. You almost wanted her to find you in the closet, it would be bliss to die by her hands.

"Please kill me gently." You closed your eyes waiting for her to butcher you but it didn't happen. Oh well you could make her regret not killing you when she had the chance so now you could kidnap her!

[daswarschonkaputt]

so a few select people know that i've been working on these bad boys for a few weeks now. this collection started because @mortimerlatrice had the audacity to try and tell me that fem!kinn wouldn't wear skirts and dresses and i pretty much broke my tablet pen in the rush to prove her wrong. also i felt like redesigning my fem!kinn and fem!porsche ideas. beneath the cut are my thoughts on these outfits plus the fashion collections they're inspired by/referencing.

fem!kinn businesswear looks

fem!kinn i feel like is the type of person who weaponises her gender expression. every part of how she presents herself is a carefully cultivated power play. she smokes cigars and drinks scotch and can talk at length about stocks and cryptocurrency, but she wears high heels even though she had to teach herself how to run in them, has long hair even though styling it is a nightmare, and is never seen without make-up, because every part of her must straddle a line of being masculine enough to be respected without being dismissed as butch, or a transgressor of gender norms. so: power suits and heels.

most of these are just riffs on the show's suits, so no real reference images, though hilarious @elnotwoods and i managed to parallel brain the exact same corset + suit look bc we are bloggers of TASTE.

fem!kinn occasionwear looks

the product launch -- upon rewatching clips from this episode i realised that the product launch apparently has a roaring 20s theme? which be wildin'. i spent so long looking at pictures of 20s style dresses until i found eliza jane howell who is a tiny british designer who has an entire collection of 20s inspired gowns. the inspo for kinn's dress was the miranda dress from her eveningwear collection.

the diamond auction -- i've drawn fem!kinn in this dress before, and i stand by it. this is a dress from ralph and russo's fall 2015 couture collection, specifically look 12. i first saw this dress months ago when i was looking for clothes for a project i was working on and it's lived in my brain rent free since.

date night i and date night ii -- both of these dresses i saw on pinterest somewhere and forget to save the link bc when i do art i usually have abt 50 billion tabs open. (i make firefox weep each time i open a new one.)

looks that almost made it in: michael cors rtw fall 2022 look 24; and schiaparelli couture spring 2022 look 24.

fem!kinn misc looks

okay so the theme for this one was actually "iconic kinn looks" and you know what? the towel was iconic. there i said it.

the sleepwear look -- *cries in detail work* yes all that lace is hand-drawn YES MY WRIST ACHED SO BAD AFTER FINISHING IT, this one is just conjured out of my head, no inspo look

the suspenders -- real ones know which kinn look this one is based off. just google kinn in suspenders or something i guess because we were ROBBED that it wasn't in the show. ROBBED.

the towel -- since drawing it multiple ppl have told me that they think fem!kinn would just wear the towel on her hips, tits out, no shame, and they are all so valid.

family portrait -- when i was drawing this, i got sent a look by siv that i initially discounted because it was a skirt suit and fem!kinn all about those power suits. and then i was looking for thai designers and i saw the same look and i was like, "okay but she'd only wear this in a family portrait," and then i was like hhrrrrnngngn family portrait outfits for all of them, so now it's a category. this is a recoloured version of poem bangkok's fall 2022 rtw collection look 19.

fem!porsche "pre-kinn" looks

okay so my thoughts on fem!porsche are as someone for whom gender is almost an afterthought, whose main friends are all guys, who drinks bear and kicks ass and cuts her own hair whenever it gets too annoying, who buys male toilettries because they're cheaper, who's made a career out of being rich girl's experimental whirl into lesbianism, and who can get them off real easy but isn't so good at getting herself off. she's hooked up with her fair share of guys, and considers herself more of a male-leaning bisexual. like, girls are fun and all, but she tends to have a better time when she hooks up with guys. (kinn's gonna blow that out of the water, hahaha.)

the fighter outfit -- originally this was going to be just a sports bra + jeans, but then i saw a pic of a cropped hoodie and my brain just sort of blanked out and when i was done the art was finished. porsche's abs are very important to me. as are her arms. and her thighs. she's an itty bitty titty committee member tho and i stand by that.

the bartender outfit -- i've drawn this one before, but yes! all the buttons undone! cheapest black shirt and slacks! converse!!! YESS

the casual outfit -- bike shorts, big t, big shirt? yes. fem!porsche sits somewhere between jock and gonna-fix-your-appliances on a fashion basis and i am here for it.

fem-porsche "kinn era" looks

one of the big ideas i had going into this project was the idea that porsche feels divorced from her femininity in a way that she's not altogether satisfied with and that kinn helps her reconnect with it. because, like, let's be real: porsche has no major feminine influences in her life growing up, and she's literally always got bigger concerns. she defo plays up the idea that she's above it all, whilst also completely lost as to how to get to there. kinn is probably both an object of envy and attraction for her.

(also i have in my head that the sauna conversation goes something like: porsche: do you have a boyfriend, then? kinn: i've never once found a man that truly wants a powerful woman. porsche: huh, that's weird. i've had no trouble finding guys who want me to hold the up against a wall.)

anyway it's important to me that kinn makes porsche feel dainty and feminine.

the bodyguard look -- hrrrrngngng waist. that is all.

clubbing with tankhun -- you know how i said somewhere between jock and owns a monkey wrench? meet porsche out clubbing. love it for her.

first public date with kinn -- so the background i had imagined for this outfit was that porsche and kinn are going public, and kinn sends her a box with a dress to wear plus heels, only porsche can literally not stand for more than two seconds in the heels and hates them, so she wears her converse instead. this is almost a direct copy of look 12 from monse's spring 2021 rtw collection.

black tie date with kinn -- obvs this is a dress that kinn picked out for her, so i thought long and hard about what kinn would choose. in the end, i figured kinn would probably want her to look regal. i looked at so many dresses for this one, esp bc there was a secret requirement where i wanted the skirt to be loose enough that kinn could eat her out in it. look, i just think it would be gender if kinn dressed porsche up in this dress and porsche felt all pretty and feminine and then kinn ate her out in the bathroom at the event or something. you know. girl things. this dress is look 6 from valdrin sahiti's spring 2022 bridal collection and i had to download a pdf to get a reference picture, so appreciate my work. also shoutout literally the only time porsche is wearing heels. kinn had to give her like three hours of walking lessons.

fem!porsche minor family head looks

michael kors collection saved my bacon here. i really struggled to figure out what fem!porsche's overall aesthetic would be for her minor family head position. i wanted something distinct from kinn, but didn't think she'd go full androgyny. in the end i settled on a well-tailored suits with a military flare in their cut.

first business look -- this one is based on look 19 from michael kors collection's fall 2022 rtw collection. dem arms.

second business look -- same song, different verse. same collection, but look 7. the thigh-high boots were added by me, though. i wasn't drawing lesbian kinnporsche without putting one of them in thigh-high boots.

visiting mum -- a couple of things. this one is based on this photo i found on pinterest, because i just really liked the neckline. details you might miss: this is arguably porsche's most femme outfit here, but she doesn't have the perfectly styled hair that she has when she's on mafia business, and she's still wearing her ratty beat-up converse. she's feminine, but trying to be authentic. it's a specific kind of messaging she's trying to get across to her mum. she probably agonised for hours over what to wear. kinn definitely really likes her in it.

family portrait -- again, plucked from my own imagination. the original inspiration for this look was look 9 from altuzarra pre-fall 2020 but if you click that link you'll probably be able to tell i went completely off-script. the more i drew it, basically, the more the altuzarra look looked too japanese, which is understandable, because that collection's whole thing was about blending modern and traditional japanese fashion. in the end, i pivoted, and brought it more in line with kinn's look, because i really did want them to have similar vibes. (couples outfits? couples outfits!!)

near misses -- these ones almost ended up involved: altuzarra pre-fall 2020 look 6 for the family portrait; michael kors fall 2020 look 60 also for the family portrait; michael kors fall 2020 look 30 for minor family mafia business; look 17 from alexander mcqueen's 2011 pre-fall collection also for mafia business; this look from pinterest for mafia business that got discounted bc i was going in a different direction; and this dress from rouba.g's spring 2019 rtw collection for the black tie dress which literally only avoided inclusion here because i couldn't make the sheer fabric look right.

anyway the takeaway here is don't get into an argument with me because i will bring receipts. mort learned their lesson, don't worry.

also @yeetlegay i gave you adequate warning. you knew it was coming.

[schnitzelsemmerl]

whats ur opinion on uwu turtle boy laurens and 'if theres a hole theres a goal' hamilton???

also idk i hope this doesnt come off the wrong way but ur really cool!!!!

THE WAY I WENT FERAL WHEN I SAW THIS ASK <3333 💗💗💗💗🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 TYTYYYY ANON!!!!!! IT DIDNT COME OFF THE WRONG WAY,, IM FLATTEREDDDDD :3

now.

ohhhh boy. oh boy there's a lot i wanna say about how i don't like uwu boy laurens lmao. tbh i feel like this is very...mischcharactized? like, you are telling me that this man who is a abolitionist and is things like brave and loyal (the lee-laurens duel), is seen as like a uwu boy? idk that much about him as a historical figure, but he doesn't even seem like the fandom makes him to be, in the musical. that man probably sets houses on fire in his free time. i'd be scared of him /lh. and cmon, he drew a picture of turtles one time? i think he ate turtle as soup once. i assume people only think he's "soft" bc he shows admiration and yk as feelings. so uhhh my opinion on uwu boy turtle laurens is quite negative :3

onto ham! personally, i think the memes that make hamilton seem like "if there's a hole there's a goal" are very funny. but if somebody actually thinks he was like that? ehhhh....no. in my opinion, yes, he cheated on eliza. and (historically) people think he was in a emotional affair with angelica, i think. however, the angelica-hamilton thing was mostly them playfully "flirting" as friends. and yes, before eliza, there was laurens but in his time with eliza, i do think he loved her. and uhhh then the reynolds pamphlet which i can't explain, since i don't know enough to have a honest opinion on :'3 sorry

in conclusion: "if theres a hole there's a goal" hamilton and uwu turtle laurens is like washing those 2 complex characters down to their core

thank you for the ask!! i had a lot of fun answering it. also, if i said something wrong, please tell me!

[reallygroovyninja]

Beyond the Break

In the world of competitive surfing, Lexa Woods stands as a formidable force, widely regarded as the number one female surfer in the world. With her unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and natural affinity for the ocean, she has dominated the sport, leaving a lasting mark on the surfing community. Lexa's passion for the waves knows no bounds, and she constantly pushes herself to new heights, seeking the perfect wave that will solidify her legacy.

Meanwhile, Clarke Griffin lives life with a carefree spirit and a burning desire to explore the world. Surfing is not just a hobby for her; it's a way to connect with nature, embrace freedom, and leave behind the constraints of her everyday life. Clarke thrives on the adrenaline rush of catching waves, always chasing the next adventure and reveling in the sheer joy that surfing brings her.

Fate brings Lexa and Clarke together, their paths intertwining in unexpected ways. Initially, their differences are glaring: Lexa is disciplined and focused, while Clarke is impulsive and free-spirited. However, a mutual admiration for each other's love of the ocean sparks a connection that goes beyond the surface.

As they spend more time together, Lexa begins to see the world through Clarke's carefree lens, finding moments of liberation and joy she had never experienced before. At the same time, Clarke witnesses Lexa's unwavering commitment to her craft, igniting a newfound sense of purpose and determination within her.

Together, Lexa and Clarke embark on a journey that takes them to breathtaking surfing destinations across the globe. Along the way, they face challenges, both personal and professional, that test their resilience and force them to confront their own fears and insecurities. As they navigate the highs and lows of the surfing world, their bond deepens, and they discover that their individual strengths complement each other in ways they never anticipated.

In the midst of fierce competitions, stunning sunsets, and the exhilaration of catching the perfect wave, Lexa and Clarke find not only their place in the surfing world but also something unexpected—love. Through their shared passion for the ocean, they learn valuable lessons about life, self-discovery, and the profound connections that can be forged when two souls collide in pursuit of their dreams.

In this story of personal growth, friendship, and love, Lexa and Clarke's journey through the world of surfing becomes a transformative experience that shapes their lives in extraordinary ways, forever leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and the waves they conquer.

[butmakeitgayblog]

Oooo I see what Anon is asking.

I’m a glutton for punishment so I still follow Eliza on instagram (I welcome all judgement 😂 it’s fine, I’ll survive.)

I saw this pic in particular today that could def be Clexafied. I’m assuming this might be what they’re talking about.

But you’re 100% correct. Eliza just looks… gaunt. That’s the best way to put it. For a couple years now, she’s just looked totally unhealthy to me 😕

Which I hate to see. I hate to see her transformation both physically and emotionally, as a fan. It’s all just… shitty, to put it lightly, as a whole. She used to be so vibrant.

😂 no I don't judge you for still following her, to each their own. I just myself find anything about her eyeroll-worthy anymore. But that pic yes very much could be a Clexa pic snd I never would've seen it probably because I don't follow her, so there is that.

For the sake of the devil I did scope her IG for a quick sec and even found this

Tell me you've ever seen more milf Clarke from professor au vibe in your life??? The first time Lexa insists Clarke come along on their yearly faculty vacation? Getting to walk hand in hand with Elbow Patches through the very same tombs, ruins, and necropoleis that she'd spent those first weeks as just herr student and sort-of-friend hearing about in Lexa's excited dorky ramblings, doodles, and overly expressive hand gestures? And now she has her own pictures and her own memories to take home to Madi, now she can ramble on to her own friends about how excited that goon behind the camera got at the sight of a newly discovered piece of limestone. Like???? Please.

So it is possible, it's just really fuckin rare and usually when her eyes are closed or not visible so tell me what that means

[ducktracy]

Have you ever met any of the voice actors on Spongebob?

i’m incredibly lucky to say that i have!! i first met (“met”, at least as much as one can in a Zoom.. but Rodger did say hi to me!!) Rodger Bumpass and Carolyn Lawrence on a Zoom call back in 2021 to celebrate the premiere of The Patrick Show, and i met Tom Kenny and Doug Lawrence this year at our Kamp Koral season 1 wrap party! i got to stand next to Mary Jo Catlett in a picture as well :) saw some of the others like Bill Fagerbakke and Clancy Brown but didn’t get to say hi

i posted these before! but now is as good as time as any to tell my tale

when i showed up to the party i was Visibly Confused as to where to go since it was held in a (very pretty!) bar in Union Station but very out of the way bar. so i just sort of hung around until i recognized someone from the show so i could hound them as to where to go

i saw our showrunner Marc Ceccarelli and Doug Lawrence walk in and very shamelessly ran up to them like “hi do you guys have any idea where to go” etc etc etc and cracked some jokes. trying to play it cool and not throw up my breakfast lunch and dinner because holy shit i’m walking with Doug Lawrence! but he was so kind and cool and actually introduced himself first and gave me a handshake, i think i babbled something like “i know who you are and i’m trying not to freak out” HAHA so. so much for keeping it cool

but he was incredibly kind! and as we were getting our name tags he pointed to the one in the picture above he wasn’t using and was like “do you want this?” so i told him yes and i’ll be sure to sell it on ebay right away (it is proudly pinned on my corkboard above my desk and is never going to leave my possession)

later on i saw Tom and was like. i have to introduce myself or i will literally never live with myself. so i hung around until he had a free moment and was like “HI IM ELIZA IM A (at that time) STORYBOARD REVISIONIST IM SO SORRY I KNOW YOU GET ASKED THIS A TON BUT MAY I PLEASE HAVE A PICTURE WITH YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH”

he was SO NICE! that’s putting it so mildly. he hung around for at least 15 minutes and had a beer with us and talked about how he got his start and his career as a comedian. it was so. so amazing and kind of him to stay around and very casual! so much so that Doug came by and Tom even introduced me to him since i’m an out of towner and Doug was like “hey i know you!!” which. again. hard not to pass out on the spot. i think i babbled something like “SpongeBob and Plankton are my two favorite characters just so you know so i am in heaven right now” HAHA probably not the most professional approach but who cares

still one of the greatest nights of my life and a moment i’ll treasure for the rest of my life! i’m hoping that i’ll be able to have more stories to tell in a very similar vein to this one. beyond bucket list level and i’m still so gobsmacked that i can’t even find the words to express just how life changing and amazing and humbling it was

[lookclike]

a bit of earth...

task: an early memory at woodrow house when: 1988, shortly after eliza's 8th birthday

on her eighth birthday, eliza got an assortment of things: a summer dress and accessories for her samantha doll, a stuffed rabbit, various vhs tapes of disney movies. the most inconspicuous was perhaps a copy of the secret garden, bound in green cloth with golden detailing. as things tend to go when you’re a little girl, it immediately filled eliza’s mind with ideas about old abandoned victorian manors and beautiful gardens. when waiting for a robin to show up outside and guide her to a magical hidden place didn’t work out, she decided to content herself with the next best thing: her own little garden.

she could probably just claim a small part of woodrow’s gardens as her own. no one would care much about that or bother her. in fact, mrs. tristan would probably be happy if she was contained within a smaller part of the propriety. but eliza wanted to make things in the right way, and such she marched into richard’s office with all the determination of the world. 

“might i have a bit of earth?” she asked richard, who immediately laughed at the quote taken verbatim from the book. eliza frowned. it was quite a serious request.

“you can have as much earth as you want… but maybe we should ask mr. davis for some help?” that would be good, eliza supposed. the secret garden filled her with enough excitement, but no actual tips on how to garden. 

“may i grow roses?”

“and whatever else you’d like.”

“may i have a piece of candy now?” the amusement in richard’s eyes as he gave her a piece of toffee was clear even for a child.

that’s how eliza found herself deep in dirt the next day, helping mr. davis dig holes with a child sized trowel. 

“now, most flowers are best planted during autumn, but we can still seed some stuff right now. marigolds, primroses, pansies-”

“and roses too?” asked eliza excitedly. mr. davis laughed good-naturedly.

“yes, roses too. though they may not bloom the way they would later in the year.”

eliza barely heard the warning, already dropping seeds in their respective holes and humming a song. she wrote the names of each flower in little plaques with the loopsides writing of a primary schooler, doodling little representations of them.

mrs. tritan’s mouth was a tight line when she saw eliza in the entry hall covered head to toe in dirt, her pastel yellow overalls almost brown. “i’m growing roses.” she said proudly and the woman sighed.

“i suppose that some manual work outside is good for you.”

eliza spent the rest of that summer focused singularly on the small patch of earth that she thought of as her garden, watering, weeding or just observing very carefully, as if she would one day see the flowers erupting from the ground magically. in a couple of weeks, there were some small green plants emerging. in a couple more, a shy combination of yellows, purples and pinks. one day, eliza took a polaroid camera to the garden (that probably belonged to one of her older siblings) and took a dozen pictures of her flowers to display proudly in her room. there was just one problem…

“no roses.” she said morosely to mr. davis as he taught her how to identify what is a weed and what is a flower. he simply smiled at her.

“just give it time.”

eliza gave it as much time as a child is able to - three more weeks, just one week before school was set to start again and her time would not be spent entirely on the garden anymore. by then, the entire gardening project seemed hopeless. why have any garden at all if she couldn’t grow roses, the one plant every proper garden seemed to have? that night, instead of going to dinner, eliza hid outside, petulant and childish and heartbroken over what seemed like a lost summer. 

the sun had already set down when richard found her by the swings, tear streaked face staring into the pond.

“you know, my mother also loved roses.” said richard, sitting by the second swing. eliza didn’t acknowledge him, though her frowned deepend a bit more. “she was a very good gardener, but i don’t think that’s why her flowers always grew impossibly tall and beautiful. it was because she loved them, and because she loved this place, as much as you do. just let things grow in their own time, lizzie.”

she sniffed loudly, and threw herself at richard muttering little sorries and let’s go home now.

that night, richard was the one who put eliza to bed, turning on the bedside table’s lampshade and pulling out the green book wordlessly before he started reading it. "a bit of earth," he said to himself, and mary thought that somehow she must have reminded him of something. when he stopped and spoke to her his dark eyes looked almost soft and kind. "you can have as much earth as you want," he said. "you remind me of some one else who loved the earth and things that grow…” 

eliza fell asleep quickly, though something about the story falling from richard’s lips tugged at her tiny heart. in her dreams, she saw herself as mary lennox, crying in archibald's arms, in a garden not unlike that of woodrow. you remind me of someone else who loved the earth… 

[say-hwaet]

Here’s the next chapter for my au fanfiction:

HIGH SIERRA: A RED DEAD REDEMPTION STORY

Chapter Two: Into the Woods

On his way to work, Arthur thumbs through his contacts on his phone. Soon, he hears the dial tone and a short pause.

"Hi, son."

"Hi, Dad."

"Bessie! It's Arthur!"

Arthur hears a background noise and a soft voice that has always comforted him ever since they adopted him as a teen. "It's Arthur? Hi, sweetheart!"

Hosea’s voice softens as he talks to his wife on the other side. "I'm going to put him on speaker."

BING

Then Arthur hears his mother correct her husband. "No, Hosea, you're doing it wrong."

BING

"It looks like a microphone, Dad," Arthur interjects, hoping they can hear him.

"Oh, wait, I think I got it."

There is a scratching sound. And another pause before Hosea speaks again. "There. Arthur, can you hear me?"

"Yeah, I can hear you," he chuckles.

"Ah. Good. So how are you, son?"

"Fine. Just thought I'd update you both on Isaac."

"Oh, that poor baby. How is that boy?" Bessie's voice grows louder, Arthur pictures her leaning close to the phone and almost laughs.

"As of now, they say he's stable and that the worst part is over. He's even been back to school."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Bessie praises. "I was hoping he could finish the school year out. It being second grade and all."

Arthur smiles softly, nodding his head. "I'm glad, too. He seems to be doing fine."

"How's Eliza?"

Arthur swallows, not sure if he was ready to talk about it. Hosea was also at the party but didn't see what had happened. He didn't know why Eliza stormed off and left Arthur behind that night. Bessie stayed at home and watched her grandbaby, so she wasn't aware, either. "She's alright."

Hosea’s voice comes confidently through the phone. "Still mad at you, huh?"

"How'd you figure?"

"Well, put two and two together, and an old man with experience can figure things out."

Arthur was hoping that it wouldn’t be so obvious, but he knows there’s no point in trying to convince his father otherwise. He’s too smart for that. "Sure.”

"So, are you gonna tell us what actually happened?"

"It isn't good."

"I doubt that."

Arthur becomes expressive as he drives, flitting his fingers on the steering wheel after making a turn. "You haven't heard what it is yet, but I don't know if I should say it over the phone."

"What is it, honey?" Bessie pleads.

They remain silent. It seems that he won't be able to talk his way out of this one. The tall redwoods guard both sides of the road and the solitude in his vehicle helps him to feel freer to talk about the topic of Eliza.

"Eliza saw Mary kissing me."

"Oh gosh. Your ex-girlfriend?" Hosea asks.

"Yeah."

"Oh, Arthur, why did you go on and do that?" Bessie wis not happy to hear it but sounds more sad than angry. Truth be told, she really likes Eliza, and she vividly remembers that day when Arthur came over, so young, sad, and upset when Mary told him she would never marry him. All those plans shattered.

So when Eliza came into the picture, and after seeing her grand baby for the first time at the hospital, she was rooting for them to be a family. But of course, she kept most of this to herself. Mary was a nice girl, all things considered, but she was not a perfect match for her son.

Arthur grimaces, but not from the sunlight as it flashes in his eyes. He lowers the visor and blinks. "I didn't kiss her back, but it didn't look good. I...I didn't stop her."

"Do you wish you had?"

"Yes, Dad, but I don't know how I feel about all this. I'm confused."

Hosea clicks his tongue. "Well, you need to figure out what it is that you want."

"That's what Eliza said."

"Smart girl." It was clear who Hosea preferred. "Take some time away from both of them and see who you miss. Think about who really matters."

"I can't just not spend time with Isaac."

"No, of course not, so just...pick him up."

Arthur sighs, that is an option. "Okay."

"It'll be alright, honey," Bessie's comforting tone makes Arthur smile. "It's better to be honest with yourself."

"You're right."

Arthur makes a final turn on a road and approaches the employee side of the district office. Showing his badge to an officer at security, he is waved on through. "Look, I gotta go. I am at the office."

"Alright, son. The next time you have Isaac, bring him on by, would you?"

"I sure will. Eliza wanted me to tell you both hello, by the way."

"I knew I liked her."

Arthur grits his teeth. "Not helping, Dad."

"Sorry. Bye, son."

"Bye, Dad. Bye, Mom."

"Love you!" she sings and he hangs up.

He parks in his reserved spot at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which he and the other wardens claim as their base. He looks at the time, and sees he is only five minutes late, and is sure that his superiors will forgive him.

He steps out of the vehicle and locks it, then makes his way inside.

He is greeted by the summer student at the front desk, Mary-Beth, who just recently came back to help their clerk for the summer. “Hiya, Arthur!"

"Well, Mary-Beth, it's about time you came back!" Arthur stops on his way in and leans on the counter. He rests his right arm on its surface and tucks his left hand in his pocket.

Mary Beth chuckles playfully. "And you're lucky I did. I have a lot of planning to do."

"And why's that?"

She beams, holding out her hand. On her ring finger, is a simple silver band with a solitary diamond.

Arthur’s mouth goes agape and he looks closely at the ring with a happy interest. "Why, congratulations!"

She brings back her hand to tuck hair behind her ear bashfully. "When I graduate next year, we will be going to Ireland for our honeymoon, that is where my fiancé is from. Well, kinda."

"Okay, so who is the lucky feller?"

"His name is Kieran Duffy. We met in my first year in college."

"Is he going into journalism too, then?"

She shakes her head and goes to a stack of papers to go through. "Oh no. He actually works as a groundskeeper. He has quite a career at keeping the university clean and beautiful, inside and out. Plus, he works with troubled kids over the summer and teaches them fishing, so I will get to see him when I help at the park sometimes. He rather enjoys it."

Arthur steps away from the counter, his eyes softening. He’s glad that at least someone is having a successful relationship. It seems that he always finds a way to mess his up. "Well, I am happy for you."

"Thanks, Arthur."

He waves as he walks on, heading into the conference room where there is usually a morning briefing and assignments.

Other than the tension in his personal life, everything else has been going well. Having been a game warden for almost ten years, he has worked hard and diligently up the ranks. Reaching the level of Corporal, he hopes to be able to work with the Special Operations Unit, if he can only prove himself.

Though he does not worry about being late this time, he knows he doesn't want to risk it again, lest the captain finds him unloyal and uncommitted to the tasks that the SOU would require of him.

He sees that the meeting has not started yet, and sighs a breath of relief. He finds a seat next to his friend Charles, who has only been with the department for a few months. He’s young, built like a bison, and speaks with a calm and thoughtful air. He has been helping Arthur implement a full-fledged K-9 program in the department, and Charles has shown great promise in his field. And above all, Arthur trusts him, which speaks volumes.

"Hey, Charles."

Charles nods, his voice soft and calm. "Morning, Arthur.”

Arthur pulls out the chair next to his companion and takes a quick look around. “Captain Monroe here, yet?"

Charles shakes his head, smiling. "Nope. You're lucky."

"Am I?" Arthur laughs as he sits down. He lurches forward and the chair makes a warbled screech on the tiled floor.

Charles returns to face forward and rests his arms on the table in front of him. "I wouldn't want to get on his bad side."

"Sure, If he has one,” Arthur snorts.

"The nice ones usually do, when you least expect it."

Arthur can see his point, but decides to humor him. "I'll take your word for it." As their conversation settles, he looks over on Charles's left and sees Copper, his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, lying down. He pats Charles’s shoulder, and gestures to the canine. "Hey, thanks for taking him home for a few days."

Charles nods. "No problem, Arthur. If he and I are going to be working together, we might as well get used to one another, right?"

"Sure." Arthur was grateful to Charles for taking him for a few days. Even though Copper belonged to Arthur, ever since he was a pup, he needed to be able to not worry about him while he figured things out. Charles could see it anyway, the change in Arthur's demeanor, without even knowing about the incident at the party, but didn't think it was his place to ask. So, when Arthur suggested Charles take Copper for a couple of days, he gladly agreed. "Since we have this K-9 unit starting up, you will be getting a dog soon, I think."

"I was wondering about that. I overheard Captain Monroe asking someone about it yesterday."

"Well, good."

Before anything else could be said, Captain Monroe enters the room.

"Good morning," he formally greets. All in attendance make sure to rise in respect. He waves them down and they sit. "Just to make you all aware, although some of you may already be, school ends in three weeks, which means we will have more people active in parks, forests, and wild reserves." Captain Monroe fingers through some papers after setting them down on the table.

Finding one, he takes it and glances over it. He continues, "If you recall last year, we had some teenage arsonists who thought it amusing to start some wildfires, so be diligent in your patrols if you see unoccupied vehicles near dry grass and on the outskirts of our National parks. We also have a rising issue of drug trafficking this year. With that being said, Corporal Morgan and Warden Smith, you will be taking your K-9 unit and patrolling the northwestern region of our district. Try to avoid detection on the roads, and enter through the northern part of the woods."

"Understood," answers Charles.

"And before you ask, Morgan, the unit will be getting a new K-9 Monday, so Smith, it will be assigned to you. Sounds good, gentlemen?"

"Yes, sir," they answer in unison. Arthur turns to see a small smile on Charles's face.

"Very good. Let's continue with the remaining assignments."

Captain Monroe begins to go through each group and unit, reiterating the cautionary tales and places to keep an eye on. Arthur and Charles listen, though they don't need to. Arthur was only responsible for his unit and was to check in on other wardens as needed. He loved the freedom to be outdoors while also manning a gun and taking his dog along. To him, it has been the perfect job.

But knowing that some don't feel that way has bothered him in the past. He didn't appreciate the doubt that some had in his career choice.

Hosea and Bessie always told him he was intelligent and could have been a doctor or pursued a career in the exploratory sciences. But he preferred to help his folks work their ranch raising horses and hold riding classes. So, when he decided to go to college, it came as a surprise, as they were unsure of what he would pursue. But when they found out the reason why he even decided to go to college, they vocalized their concerns that his relationship with Mary wasn't healthy at the time. Arthur was convinced that being college educated would earn her parents' approval and they could get married, despite Hosea's assurances that it wouldn't. He didn't listen, had his heart broken, and they were certain that he would quit college, despite being close to graduation.

But he stuck with it. Earning two degrees in Biology and Conservation Law, it wasn't long before they were sitting in an auditorium watching him receive his badge after excelling in the Warden Academy.

Captain Monroe dismisses everyone and leaves the room. Charles and Arthur stand up, alerting Copper. Copper rises and comes to Arthur, tail furiously wagging.

"Hey, boy!" Arthur greets, patting his dog on the head. "Did ya miss me?"

"Do you wanna drive?" Charles asks, pushing his chair in.

"Naw, I see the look on your face. You take the reins for today. You oughta learn the routes, anyway."

"I know where we're going."

Arthur raises his hands in a playfully defensive gesture, smiling.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Charles chortles and Arthur takes Copper's leash.

"Let's go."

***

After being on the road for a few minutes, a silence fell in the cab of the department truck. Arthur takes out a small leather sketchbook he uses as a journal and starts to write some thoughts down. He writes about this morning and the confusion he feels and hopes to figure things out. After writing, he looks out the window at the scenery and begins to sketch it.

"I didn't know you drew, Arthur."

Arthur turns and sees Charles glance his way before turning back to look at the road. "Oh. Yeah, I've been doing it since I was a boy. Not really good at it, it's just a hobby. It has been a while though, so I thought I'd get back into it."

"Oh really? I am into woodworking myself. I make bows."

Arthur lifts his chin, interested. "Really? Who taught you?"

"My mom. When we lived out at the reservation, it was important to keep our history alive. Making a hunter's bow was an honorary task. She also does some featherwork."

"So you're Native American? I thought that you're..."

"My father is black and my mother's Native American."

Arthur feels embarrassed, worried that he has offended him. "Oh. I hope I didn't offend you by..."

Charles lifts his hand in a passive gesture, putting Arthur at ease. "No, it's okay. I know you didn't mean anything by it. Most people are fine, but that doesn't mean everyone is. Even amongst my people, there were some."

"Huh."

"Yeah."

A small silence falls between them, the scenery changing slightly as they head more north. After another moment, Arthur clears his throat. "When did you move off the reservation, then?"

"I was almost eighteen. I guess my father wanted a different life for us. It was hard for my mom, but we adjusted eventually. I still go out to visit my family that's still there. I wish things could have been different for them."

Arthur doesn’t know if he should say anymore. There isn’t much to say. He looks to the back of the cab into the bed of the truck and sees Copper's head sticking up in his secured crate. He smiles. Turning back around he opens the page in his journal and begins to sketch a mountainous landscape.

***

Finally approaching the woods from the northern side, they pull off under some trees to hide the truck. They both jump out and Arthur immediately goes to the bed of the truck to let Copper out, who begins to whine quietly. He knows he is about to start working and it excites him every time. Arthur grins. "Just hang in there, boy. You'll be out soon enough."

Charles grabs their packs and pulls out a pump action rifle. Though they prefer to avoid shooting anything, there was always a chance to encounter something dangerous in the woods.

Arthur leaps into the bed and lets Copper out, who bypasses him, and jumps down onto the ground, sniffing eagerly. Leaping over the side, Arthur meets Charles and takes his pack from him. "Thanks, Charles.”

"Sure, Arthur.” Charles rests his hands on his hips and regards the forest before them, taking a deep breath of the pine-scented air. “Where do you want to start?"

Considering their options, Arthur points east. "Let's check out the spots where folks tend to camp. We might pick something up there. If Copper gets anything, we will follow him then."

"Of course."

Locking up the truck, they begin to trek in the woods, heading to a secluded spot where people tend to camp at. The woods are thick and the fresh air circulates through the leaves, causing a rustling sound. Looking up through the trees into the sky, Arthur regards the clouds and wonders if it might rain. He pulls out his GPS and looks at their location. The campsite is a mile into the woods.

"Arthur, look."

Arthur immediately stops and looks to Charles, who points into the trees. Following the line of sight, Arthur spots it: a young buck, gently eating at a small bush. Arthur looks at Copper, who remains still and does not bark.

"Good dog," Arthur whispers.

They remain still for a moment and wait for the deer to trot gracefully in between some aspens.

"Let's hope he lives a long life.”

Arthur replies with conviction and solemnity. "That's what we are here for, Charles. Let's keep going."

They move onward. As they continue, the light penetrates through the trees less and less. Arthur takes note of the health of the trees, indicating the dryness of the foliage in his Game Warden's logbook.

"Hopefully it will rain soon. It isn't good how early in the summer it is to have it dry like this."

"Yeah," Charles agrees.

It has been almost twenty minutes, and they approach the campsite. Pushing away at some low branches, Copper runs ahead and sniffs the site. Arthur holds back the branches for Charles who nods in thanks and they walk around the space. Charles immediately goes to the fireplace and checks the coals.

"Still warm. There is still a glow. So irresponsible."

Arthur regards the trash. Thankfully, it was all in a bag, but it was still left behind.

"Do you think they could still be around?" Charles asks.

"I don't think so. There's no tent."

"Maybe they're day hikers."

"Could be." Arthur notices a bunch of sunflower seed shells strewn all over the ground. "Don't people know they can burn half of the trash they bring in?"

"I guess not. Look at the sky." They both look up and see an opening in the trees. A line of smoke shoots straight up. Fire.

"The other camp?"

"Let's go, Arthur."

Arthur kicks dirt on the coals, stifling any that desire to burn. "Okay. Let's remember to come back and pick up the trash later."

"Sure thing."

Arthur whistles sharply. "Copper, heel!"

Copper comes quickly to Arthur's side and they move on to another common campsite.

"Who normally camps out here?" Charles grunts as he ducks under a tree.

"Teenagers and young adults who want to be alone," Arthur answers matter-of-factly. Copper leaves Arthur's side and trots ahead, keeping his head low to the ground.

"I can imagine," Charles scoffs, disgusted.

"C'mon. Don't tell me you never had a wild streak?" Arthur laughs, remembering the days when he would sneak out to meet Mary at the diner in town during its late hours. They'd share a milkshake and a few sweet nothings, and he'd come back home before Hosea and Bessie would even notice he was ever gone. Sure, he'd be exhausted in the morning, but it was typical for high school sweethearts to do things like that.

"Nope.”

Arthur’s smile falls, but after thinking about it, it doesn’t really surprise him. "Oh."

"I am guessing you did?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I condone trashing up a camp and leaving an unattended fire."

"Sure," Charles laughs.

Suddenly, Copper stops ahead of them and lifts his head. He sniffs the air and signals that he has found something of interest. Charles and Arthur stop laughing and watch. "Find, boy," Arthur commands, and Copper takes off.

Right in the direction of the camp.

"Something's not right," Charles says thoughtfully.

Arthur can’t help but agree. "Let's go see."

They walk briskly through the woods, carefully watching their steps, and see Copper sniffing at something large on the ground. It takes a moment to realize what it is.

It is a partially charred body.

Let me know if you want the next chapter! 😊

@photo1030