#Kenya Insider

[biglisbonnews]

Vulnerable Urban Life: These Largest Cities Will Face Extreme Climate Change Threats As global warming speeds up, its widespread effects are becoming more and more apparent. Climate change is reshaping our lives with higher temperatures and extreme weather events. In this context, cities worldwide are being examined closely for the wellbeing of their inhabitants. While some cities are being proactive in adjusting to the changing environment, others […]The post Vulnerable Urban Life: These Largest Cities Will Face Extreme Climate Change Threats appeared first on CEOWORLD magazine. Copyright CEOWORLD magazine 2023. https://ceoworld.biz/2023/09/13/vulnerable-urban-life-these-largest-cities-will-face-extreme-climate-change-threats/

[ausetkmt]

Inside Kenya’s most fearless demonstration led by Genzs and why this is the new dawn

Exclusive insights on Kenya’s most fearless demonstrations and why this could be the change we have been waiting for

[theantho1ogy]

Streamer AU

Kenma x Fem!Reader

Kenma was busy talking to the chat as you sat still on his lap, looking pretty for the viewers. He was streaming some new game that came out, something you couldn't remember the name of.

You were staring at his monitor, spaced out as he rambled on. Kenya starts bouncing his leg, making you jolt as the vibrator inside you grazed a certain spot.

You gripped his desk, holding in your moan as he continued on like nothing happened. You could see him smirking from his face came, getting off to you, knowing you couldn't do anything without giving yourself away to chat.

"Someone in the chat says you should play while I read the comments." Your boyfriend suggests, his eyes focusing on you as you throb on top of him. You give him a pleading look, hoping he'd have mercy and let you off.

But you knew you boyfriend was a sadistic bastard who loved making you suffer.

With false enthusiasm you moved closer to his set up, ready to play for him. The phone that controlled the vibrator sat to the side, off camera but just in arms reach for Kenma.

He toned down the power for the beginning of stream, just a slight buzz inside you. Letting you and him get back to work playing as if it was a normal day.

But when you hit an especially hard boss fight, he grabbed the phone and made it reach it maximum vibration level. Causing you to moan out, not even giving you time to react. Your hands stuttered on the keyboard, missing the boss completely, making the chat go wild with groans and tips on how to win.

You could feel Kenma stifle a laugh behind you as he brought the energy back down. You gave it a few seconds, incase he did anything else. You apologized to chat, making excuses for the lose as you got back to playing.

Without missing a beat, Kenma reads out some comments as he slips his hand down your front. His long slender fingers flicking your clit, making you shudder. You tried scooting away from him but he just pressed down harder, making you bite your lip to stiffen your incoming squeal.

With the rising consistent vibrations inside you and his fingers playing with you, it was hard to concentrate on the game. While he was acting nonchalant as usual, not missing a beat as he read comment after comment.

Your slick was leaking onto Kenma's sweats, but he didnt mind. Scooping up a bit with his fingers he stuffed it back into you and went back to work, circling his fingers on you.

You wanted to cum badly, your small noises getting more consistent and he could tell you were getting needy. You unconsciously started grinding down on his thigh, trying to get more stimulation.

Kenma's voice getting slightly louder to drown out your moans and make his viewers focus on him. The game was already forgotten, swinging aimlessly and running directly into the boss. Your main focus was cumming.

Your boyfriend finally thought you've been through enough, and knew you were close to breaking.

He saved the game and focused on the camera, saying his outro and promising to speed run the game next stream. With a small smirk he stared at you, drowned out in pleasure as he told you to give your goodbye to the audience.

Trying to focus, you gave chat a big tired smile, your eyes blown out as you stared blankly into the screen. You barely got out a bye as Kenma bounced his leg directly under your pussy and put the vibrator on full speed.

Causing your eyes to roll back in pleasure as you moaned loudly, cum rolling down your thighs and soaking into your boyfriends.

Kenma cut the stream just before you orgasmed, letting you have that little bit of privacy. Not that you knew that.

[haniette]

familiar stranger. // ln4

pairing | lando norris x fem!reader

genre | fluff, lots of angst, situationship au, suggestive !! (but no real smut scenes), hurt-comfort

word count | 9.7k

warnings | no use of y/n, suggestive in some moments, hot making-out scene, no description of smut scene, body shaming, toxic relationship, manipulative behaviour, crying, cursing, heartbreak, pet names (angel), lots of tension, pinning.

inspired by: kenya grace — strangers, chappel roan — casual

summary: once, they were caught in a messy situationship—passion without promises, love without labels—until life turned them into strangers. when their paths cross again, old sparks reignite, and buried emotions rush back. but it isn't as perfect as one can imagine.

a/n: hii how are youuuuu <3 hope you're all doing alright :) dropping off this real quick before getting back to finishing one long work for you guys hehe~

The wedding was full of people, sparkling dresses, clinking glasses, and soft laughter. But even in the sea of guests, you couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider here. 

This was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to enjoy the happy moments of other people’s lives. But there you were, half-heartedly smiling and nodding through conversations, just going through the motions, your mind not quite here. Your fingers absently traced the engagement ring on your finger as your eyes scanned the room.

Eric, your fiancé, had insisted you come, mostly to help him fill out the social circles and be his shoulder candy, but your heart wasn’t in it. The familiar comfort of your daily routine felt like a faraway dream as the buzz of the wedding slowly settled into a heavy weight on your chest. 

You hadn’t wanted to attend it, but you’d gone anyway, playing the part of the dutiful fiancée. But deep down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were running from something. Or maybe, someone.

You stepped outside for a moment of fresh air, hoping to clear your head. The cool night air wrapped around you like a quiet blanket, and you leaned against the stone wall, taking a deep breath, trying to steady the storm inside. 

For a moment, the quiet felt good. But then, you heard it—the familiar laughter, playful and carefree. It wrapped around you like a warm, but painful memory. You didn’t need to look to know whom it belonged to, but you did anyway.

Lando. He stood there, leaning casually against a pillar, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, the faintest trace of a smirk on his lips. The curls that you once loved to run your fingers through now framed his face like they were meant to be there, a bit longer than they used to be. His jaw was sharper, more defined, the boyish softness you remembered now replaced with the quiet intensity of a man who had seen more of the world, who had grown into himself. 

But his eyes—those beautiful aquamarine eyes—were the same. And in that moment, it felt like nothing had changed. It felt like no time had passed at all like you were back to being that girl who had laughed with him, who had shared late-night kisses in his car, whose heart had once been his. And for a moment, you wondered if he could still feel the pull of the past like you did. 

You stood frozen, just staring at him, trying to process what was happening. You hadn’t prepared for this. You didn’t even know if you wanted to see him, but there he was—Lando, in the flesh, as if he’d never left. 

The moment stretched out, as though the world around you had stilled, your heartbeat louder than any sound in the room. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his gaze met yours. 

His lips parted in recognition, the faintest flicker of surprise in his expression, followed by something darker, something deeper. There was a hint of disbelief in his eyes as he excused himself from the group he was talking to, and took a step toward you. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if unsure if he should approach if the moment was real.

You swallowed, trying to find your voice. The words were tangled in your chest, caught between a thousand emotions—anger, longing, regret. 

“Lando…” You said, your voice quiet, a little hoarse, as if saying his name alone carried more weight than you could bear.

His smile was hesitant at first, but it quickly softened, and there it was—that familiar tenderness, that same boyish warmth that had once made you feel like the only person in the world. 

“Hey,” He said softly, his voice a quiet murmur that made your pulse quicken. “It’s really good to see you.” His gaze lingered on you for a heartbeat too long, and you felt yourself drowning in that look, in everything that had been and could never be again.

You swallowed hard, trying to hold your composure, but it was hard—so hard. “It’s been a while.” You managed, your words coming out shakier than you’d intended.

“Yeah,” He said, his voice low, almost regretful, “A while.”

The air between you was thick, charged with years of unspoken things. The questions you never asked, the things you never got the chance to say. The tension hung there, like a fragile thread ready to snap, and neither of you seemed ready to pull on it.

And then, as if the universe were reminding you of the life you’d built since then, you heard the soft call of Eric’s voice. “Darling?”

You turned your head, your heart dropping just a little as you saw him—your fiancé, his hand reaching for your waist, pulling you toward him effortlessly. His touch was steady, but in that moment, it felt like a stark contrast to the warmth Lando had once given you. You pulled yourself together, even though every part of you wanted to stay in that moment forever.

Eric’s arm slipped around your waist. “Everything okay out here?” He asked, his voice light like the situation was nothing more than a casual break from the festivities.

You nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just needed some air.” You turned back toward Lando, not sure how to handle the sudden intrusion of your present with the ghost of your past standing in front of you.

Lando’s gaze shifted toward Eric, his expression hardening for a brief moment before he composed himself, offering a polite but distant smile. You could tell it wasn’t easy for him, even though he tried to hide it. His eyes never quite left you, though.

Eric glanced at Lando, clearly sizing him up. “This is Eric, my fiancé.” You said softly, biting the inner of your cheek nervously. Eric extended a hand, still with that easygoing grin. “Nice to meet you, man.”

Lando hesitated for a fraction of a second, then took Eric’s hand, his grip firm but distant, his eyes flicking to you before quickly returning to Eric. “Likewise.” He said, his voice neutral, yet you could feel the undertones beneath it. It wasn’t nice for him to meet Eric.

An uncomfortable silence stretched for a beat before you felt the weight of the moment. You cleared your throat, trying to smooth over the awkwardness. You hadn’t thought about what to say next, but the words that came out felt strange, a little too forced.

“This is Lando,” You began, your voice faltering slightly as you introduced him. “An old... friend.”

The words tasted foreign like they didn’t belong in your mouth. Old friend. It felt like a betrayal, a lie as if you were reducing everything that had once been between you—so real and vivid to nothing more than a passing acquaintance.

Lando’s stomach twisted at the nickname, a small flicker of something dark crossing his face. An old friend. It stung more than he expected, cutting deeper than he cared to admit. You had made him a stranger in your life. A ghost. And now, standing there, he realized how much he regretted letting that happen. His jaw tightened, but he forced a smile, nodding at the label you had assigned him.

“Yeah,” Lando replied quietly, looking down for just a second, a small breath escaping him. “Old friend.”

There was something in the way he said it—soft, almost too soft—that made your heart ache. It was like hearing the echo of something that used to matter, something that had once been everything to both of you, now reduced to a polite formality.

Eric didn’t seem to notice the undercurrent of discomfort. He laughed lightly, giving Lando a friendly clap on the back. “It’s good to meet you, Lando. Big fan of yours.”

“Thanks. Appreciate it.” Lando sent him a weak smile, trying to be polite but knowing him well, you immediately noticed that it didn’t reach his eyes. 

You could see the tension in Lando’s shoulders, the subtle way his eyes flickered back toward you—like he wanted to say something, anything, to break the uncomfortable silence that had settled between the three of you. But instead, he took a small step back.

“Uh… yeah— You know, I think I should probably head back inside,” Lando said, his voice strained, though he tried to mask it with casualness. “Good to see you again.”

You nodded, but it felt like your whole body was screaming for him to stay, for him to not disappear, again. 

“I’ll see you around.” You said, but your voice didn’t quite match the words.

Lando gave a small smile, though his eyes were distant. “Take care.” He said softly before turning to walk away. 

His movements were slow, as though each step toward the door was one he didn’t want to take. But he did it anyway, vanishing into the crowd with that same quiet intensity that had always surrounded him.

You stood there, rooted in place, as Eric wrapped his arm around you, leading you back into the reception. The words felt hollow in your ears. You could feel Lando’s absence once again, like a physical ache. You wanted to look back, but you didn’t. 

You didn’t want to watch him walk away for the second time in your life.

The weight of it all—the years, the distance, the things both of you hadn’t said, the way he’d slipped from your grasp—hung heavy between your ribs. And when you glanced down at the engagement ring on your finger, it suddenly felt colder and heavier than it ever had before.

And in that moment, you realized that maybe you were still waiting for him to come back and say it wasn’t over. That you two weren’t complete strangers, after all.

────୨ৎ────

The soft buzz of conversation and laughter filtered through the ballroom doors, the music pulsing in the background, but you couldn’t bring yourself to go back in. The cool night air was a balm to your racing nerves, but you still felt the weight of everything that had happened earlier. Everything that had been said without being said.

You stepped out onto the balcony, the chill of the evening air brushing against your skin as you leaned on the stone railing, gazing out at the dimly lit garden below. 

Your thoughts were a tangled mess, but there was one memory that stood out more than the others, one that seemed to pull you in with magnetic force. 

The night when everything had shifted. 

The office lights flickered faintly in the early evening haze, a reflection of the weariness that clung to your every step. The hum of your boss’s voice, sharp and unrelenting, still echoed in your mind as you descended the stairs, your bag heavy on your shoulder. Outside, the cool air was a slight reprieve, but it did little to lighten the weight you felt. 

Then, you saw it—his car, sleek and familiar, waiting at the curb, just as always.

Lando stood leaning against the driver's door, one hand casually in his pocket, the other scrolling through his phone. The sight of him alone was a breath of fresh air. He had his cap put backwards as he had it in his liking.

When he noticed you, his expression softened into a smile—a warm, genuine gesture that made the corners of your frustration ease ever so slightly.

You approached, trying to push aside the tension of the day. “Hi Lan.” You greeted, giving him a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Hi Angel, I missed you.” Lando replied, his voice low and calm, as if his only goal was to soothe you. Then he opened the door for you, and helped you get into the passenger's seat. In a second, he was already sitting in the car next to you, fastening his seatbelt. 

Then he looked at you and tilted his head, studying you. “Rough day?” Lando asked, glancing at you as he started the car. His voice was soft, unhurried, but there was a note of concern in it.

“More like a nightmare,” You muttered, rubbing your temples. “My boss was insufferable. I’m starting to think she gets a bonus every time she ruins someone’s day.”

Lando chuckled, but his eyes flicked toward you briefly, his brows knitting together as he took in your slumped posture. “Should I have a word with her?” He teased, but the warmth in his tone and the second meaning of his offer softened the edge.

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. “I don’t think you’re her type.” You replied, meeting his eyes.

“Her loss.” He shrugged, his voice light, and you couldn’t help but laugh out and shake your head. But his gaze lingered on you a moment longer as he drove to your apartment. 

When he parked by your building, it was already late, the moon shining brightly in the sky. Lando looked at you for a second, and then he reached over to brush a stray strand of hair from your face. His touch was impossibly soft, his fingers lingering against your cheek for just a beat too long. 

That was when it started—when the space between you seemed to shrink.

You could feel your heart pounding, the air between you charged with something unspoken. And when you looked at him, you didn’t mean to lean closer, but before you could second-guess yourself, his lips were already on yours.

The kiss was soft at first—gentle, tentative, as if testing the waters. But then something broke loose between you, a flood of suppressed longing that had been building for far too long. His hand cupped the side of your face, his thumb brushing over your cheek as his lips moved against yours, deeper now, hungrier.

The world outside the car ceased to exist. There were no cars passing, no city sounds—just the heat between you both, the soft sounds of your breaths mingling. 

His kiss was intoxicating, his lips moving with a rhythm that matched the pounding of your heart. When his teeth grazed your bottom lip, you gasped, and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss further, his tongue brushing against yours in a way that sent a shiver down your spine. You let out a small, involuntary whimper, and he groaned in response, the sound low and guttural. 

“Come here, Angel.” He murmured against your lips, his voice husky and low. 

His hands were on your waist now, guiding you as you shifted, moving closer to him. Before you knew it, you were straddling his lap, your knees pressing into the leather seat as your arms wrapped around his neck. The new position brought a fresh wave of intensity, the closeness making every touch, every kiss, more electrifying.

His hands roamed your body, his touch firm yet reverent, as if he was memorizing every curve of your body. His fingers slipped beneath your shirt, brushing against your hot, bare skin, and the sensation sent a jolt of heat through you. His lips left yours to trail wet kisses along your jawline, then down to your neck. Each kiss was deliberate, slow, and full of intention, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

“Lan…” You breathed, your voice barely audible, but the way his name left your lips made his grip on you tighten.

“Tell me to stop if you want me to,” He murmured against your skin, his breath warm and ragged. His lips hovered near your collarbone, his hands trembling slightly as they rested on your hips. “Or do you want me to continue, Angel?”

You pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, your eyes locking with his. There was vulnerability there, a question lingering in the depths of his aquamarine eyes. You didn’t answer with words; instead, you cupped his face in your hands and kissed him with everything you had into that one moment. 

That was all the confirmation he needed. His hands slid lower, gripping your ass as he shifted, adjusting the angle so he could kiss you even deeper. 

The hunger between you grew, the kiss turning into a frantic clash of lips and teeth and tongues. His hands explored your body, and you reveled in the way he touched you, the way he made you feel seen, desired, cherished.

The cramped space of the car only heightened the intensity, the intimacy of it all. When his hands moved to the hem of your shirt, pushing it up slowly, you shivered at the sensation of his fingers on your bare skin. He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning your face for any sign of hesitation. But you didn’t stop him. You wanted this—you wanted him.

His lips returned to yours, and the kiss turned heated, passionate, as if the world were about to end and this was the only moment that mattered. 

His hands roamed freely now, exploring every inch of you, and you responded in kind, your fingers slipping under his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. 

“Fuck, you have no idea what you do to me.” He muttered against your lips, his voice rough with need.

“Then show me, Lan.” You whispered, your fingers threading through his curls. 

He groaned again, his hands gripping your hips tightly as he ground you against him, the friction sending sparks shooting through your veins. “Fucking hell, you’re gonna be the death of me.”

His lips trailed down your neck, his teeth grazing your skin before sucking lightly, just enough to leave a mark. The sensation sent a shiver down your spine, your head falling back as a soft moan escaped you. Your nails dug into his shoulders as his hands slid beneath your skirt, his touch scorching against the bare skin of your thighs. 

“You’re perfect,” He murmured, his lips trailing down your collarbone. “So fucking perfect.”

You were trembling now, the tension building with every touch, every whispered word. When his fingers dipped lower, you gasped. Uncontrollably, your head fell against his shoulder as the sensations overwhelmed you. 

“Lan, please.” You whimpered, your voice desperate now and he didn’t make you wait. 

His fingers worked their magic, and you felt yourself unraveling, your body arching against him as waves of pleasure washed over you. He watched you the whole time, his eyes dark and hooded, his lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

The air in the car grew thick, the windows fogging up as the two of you moved together, the heat building until it was almost unbearable. You lost track of time, of place, of everything except him—his touch, his breath, the way he made you feel. 

Finally, he pulled you close, his arms wrapping around you, and the world outside the car felt like a distant memory. The rain had started to fall, pattering softly against the windows, but inside, everything was warm and electric. 

As you still sat together in the front seat—your head resting in the crook of his neck with his hands drawing small, soothing circles on your back—you felt a strange sense of calm wash over you. The rhythmic sound of his breathing was a strange comfort, grounding you in a moment that felt entirely surreal. The silence wasn’t awkward; it was filled with the weight of what had just transpired. 

For the first time in a long time, it felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

But as the stillness settled, reality began to creep back in. The bubble you had created in that car couldn’t last forever. 

When morning came, everything was different. Lando had to leave for another Grand Prix weekend, and you kissed him goodbye with the promise of staying in touch like you always did. But then the texts from him stopped coming. Days passed without a word. The silence between you stretched further until it became a canyon between you both.

You waited for him to call, to text, to say something, anything. But the silence remained.

A few days later, the pictures surfaced—him with another woman, smiling as she was clinging to him, kissing his neck. Your heart shattered, being left with nothing else than the feeling of unfairness, confusion, but also pain and frustration. 

When you decided to reach out, trying to make sense of everything, his reply came too late—cold and distant, almost as if he had never cared. It was then that you realized: he was gone. Just like that. Lando had slipped away like a shadow, leaving behind only the ache of unspoken words, the regret of never having said what you truly felt. 

You hadn’t realized how much you’d let yourself hope, how much you’d wanted him to be different. 

Blocking his number felt like cutting off a limb, but it was the only way to protect yourself. Even now, as the memory played in your mind like a film on repeat, you couldn’t shake the ache that lingered. The way you had been reduced to nothing more than a forgotten memory, just another girl in the blur of his life.

Now, sitting on that balcony at the wedding, the memory hit you with full force, each detail as vivid as the day it happened. You closed your eyes for a moment, the sounds of the wedding celebration muffling in the distance. 

The cool air felt too warm now like it was holding all the memories you couldn’t shake. The warmth of his touch, the depth of his kisses, the weight of his body against yours. And the pain of losing him—of watching him walk away like you meant nothing. 

You squeezed your eyes shut, willing the tears to stay hidden. But it was useless. Lando had been more than a fling, and it was nothing new. He had been a part of you, and that part was still aching.

After taking a deep breath and fixing your hair, you decided to go back into the ballroom, putting the mask of indifference back on your face. After all, it was just a party with your fiancé and lots of strangers. And one, familiar stranger.

────୨ৎ────

Lando stood by the wall, watching you from across the ballroom, your laughter cutting through the noise. It was like the space between the two of you had become something physical, something he could touch—a barrier he couldn’t cross no matter how badly he wanted to. His hands clenched at his sides as he tried to compose himself, to make sense of everything that was swirling inside him.

The weight of the moment crushed him from all angles. Seeing you with Eric, with that easy smile and the way his hand rested on your waist, it felt like a punch to the gut. He wasn’t jealous. Not exactly. He just… he couldn’t help but think of what he’d thrown away, what he could’ve had. What he should’ve had.

Lando’s eyes traced the engagement ring on your finger, gleaming in the light. A symbol of a future you had built—one that didn’t involve him, not anymore. His stomach twisted in a knot, the sight of it suddenly suffocating him. The feeling was like he was choking on his own guilt, the weight of every wrong decision he had made crashing down on him.

He remembered the night he had been with you, so vividly, so painfully. The way you had kissed him, pulled him in like you had always wanted this, like you had always wanted him. It had been reckless, wild, and hot, but it had felt right. And then… then he had been the one to ruin it.

He had never meant to hurt you. He never wanted to walk away from you, but somewhere in that whirlwind of emotions, of confusion, he had let his ego get in the way. 

The night you had spent together, the way you had laughed in each other’s arms, felt like it had been stolen from him. It should’ve been something that he held onto, something that pulled him back to you, but instead, he let his pride get the best of him.

That night after the Grand Prix, when he had seen the pictures, when the headlines screamed about him with another girl, it hit him harder than anything ever had. He had been drunk, so out of it, he hadn’t even realized the way the world would spin it. Some nosy people in the club had snapped pictures before either of them knew what was going on, and in that moment of complete foolishness, Lando had let it all slip away. He had been too embarrassed to even reach out to you, to try and fix the mess he had made. He had been too much of a coward.

The regret wasn’t immediate. At first, he tried to brush it off, convincing himself that it was just a mistake and that he could just forget it. He had to keep up appearances. But the more the days went by, the more he replayed that night in his mind, the more he felt the weight of what he had lost.

The truth was, the second he saw you looking at him with that painful distance, the second you pulled away without a word, he knew. He knew he had ruined everything. And the worst part was that he didn’t even dare to try and fix it. He didn’t text you. He didn’t try to explain. He just let you slip away like you were another girl in the blur of his life.

Now, seeing you here, seeing you with Eric—the man who was there for you, who had held you when you cried, who had shared your joys and your pain—it felt like salt on an open wound. He had taken that for granted, assumed that you would always be there, that he could always come back to you. But he had been wrong, so wrong. And the pain of realizing that now was almost too much to bear.

What made it worse was the quiet ache in his chest when he thought of what could’ve been. He could’ve been the one to hold your hand on this night. He could’ve been the one to put that engagement ring on your finger. He could’ve been the one you trusted, the one who stayed beside you. He could’ve been the one you looked at with that adoring, soft smile, the one who promised you forever. 

Instead, he had let his selfishness win, and now he was nothing.

He hated himself for it. He hated himself for every second he didn’t try harder, for every moment he could’ve reached out and didn’t. He was standing here, watching you, and all he could think about was how much he wanted to be the one to claim you, the one to fight for you. But he wasn’t. Eric was. 

And now it was too late, wasn’t it?

The truth of it crushed him, and he felt like an absolute fool. “How could I have been so stupid?” He thought, raking a hand through his hair, unable to shake the feeling of shame that flooded through him. He had watched you move on without him, and all he could do was stand in the corner, a mere spectator of the life he had so carelessly let go.

He remembered everything about you. The way you laughed, the way your eyes would light up when you were excited, the way your body felt pressed against his in the quiet moments, the soft whispers you’d share in the dark. It was like his heart couldn’t stop mourning the loss, mourning the future that had been so easily tossed aside.

His fists clenched as his eyes flicked back to you. You looked so beautiful, so radiant. The years hadn’t taken that from you. You had grown and blossomed into someone even more incredible than he remembered. But the realization hit him harder than anything else—you didn’t need him anymore. You had moved on. You had found someone who could give you everything he never could. And now, he was just a stranger in your world, a shadow of the man he used to be in your eyes.

The tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision for a moment. The weight of his mistakes threatened to drown him, and for the first time, he allowed himself to feel it all—the regret, the longing, the ache of knowing he had let you slip away. It was like watching the best part of his life walk out of his reach, and all he could do was stand there, powerless, as the person he loved disappeared forever. 

The pain of knowing it was too late was unbearable. He had let you go when he should have held you close, should have fought for you with everything he had. But now… now, you were with Eric. And Lando knew, with a sickening finality, that he would never get the chance to be the one who made you his.

And that thought alone broke him.

Lando stood frozen near the edge of the ballroom, his drink long forgotten in his hand, as he watched you from across the room. You were laughing at something someone from the group you talked to had said, your head tilted back. It was the smile that used to belong to him. A smile he hadn’t realized how much he loved until it was too late.

The ache in his chest grew sharper with every passing second. He wanted to move, to say something, anything, but his feet felt like they were rooted to the ground. All he could do was watch you, knowing he didn’t belong in your world anymore. 

You turned toward Eric, your hand brushing against his arm as you said something softly, something Lando couldn’t hear. Eric looked at you, his hand sliding to the small of your back in a gesture so intimate, so natural, that it sent a dagger straight through Lando’s heart.

It could have been him. It should have been him.

Eric leaned down, pressing a kiss to your temple, and Lando had to look away, the pain too much to bear. He clenched his jaw, blinking rapidly as the sharp sting of tears burned his eyes again. He didn’t cry. Not ever. But tonight, standing here, watching you with someone else, he felt like he might break.

The music changed, a slower song filling the room, and couples began to drift toward the dance floor. Lando’s eyes flicked back to you just as Eric took your hand, leading you toward the center of the room. You followed him with ease, your laughter spilling over as he twirled you playfully before pulling you into his arms. The two of you moved together, swaying in perfect rhythm, and Lando couldn’t look away.

He imagined himself in Eric’s place—holding you close, feeling your warmth against him, whispering secrets only the two of you could share. He imagined the life you could’ve had together, the nights spent tangled in each other’s arms, the mornings filled with quiet kisses and sleepy smiles. He imagined being the one to give you everything you deserved.

But that was all it was now—imagination. A dream that would never come true.

As the song ended and the crowd applauded, you turned toward Eric, your face glowing with happiness. And that’s when Lando knew—knew in a way that hit him like a freight train—that he had lost you. Not just for tonight, not just for a moment, but for good.

He stood there, rooted in place, as you and Eric made your way toward the exit, hand in hand. The sight of you walking away was almost too much to bear. He wanted to call out to you, to say something, to tell you everything he should have said years ago. But the words caught in his throat, and he could only watch as the distance between you grew.

As you reached the door, you glanced back for a brief second. Your eyes met his, and in that moment, he saw it—the flicker of something different, something that felt like a quiet goodbye, but also... fear? And then you turned away, disappearing through the doorway with Eric by your side.

Lando stayed where he was, staring at the space where you had been. The weight of his regret was suffocating, crushing him with the force of everything he had lost. The sound of the party faded into the background, the laughter and music drowned out by the echo of his thoughts.

It was over. He had let you go, and now there was no getting you back.

He stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air biting at his skin as he leaned against the railing. The stars above were impossibly bright, mocking him with their beauty. He let out a shaky breath, his hands gripping the cold stone as he tried to steady himself. But the ache in his chest refused to go away.

Lando closed his eyes, letting the pain wash over him. He had made his choice, and now he had to live with it. But as he stood there, alone under the stars, he couldn’t help but wish—just for a moment—that he could go back. That he could rewrite the story, change the ending, and be the man you deserved.

But life didn’t work that way. And as the night stretched on, Lando knew he would carry this regret with him forever.

────୨ৎ────

The drive home was thick with tension, the air between you and Eric heavy with unspoken words. Rain poured relentlessly against the car, the sound filling the silence that Eric refused to break.

You sat stiffly in the passenger seat, your hands resting in your lap as you stared at the blurry city lights outside the window. You tried to ignore the knot in your stomach, the lingering warmth of Lando’s presence a stark contrast to the icy atmosphere now suffocating you.

The wedding replayed in your mind—the glowing bride and groom, the joyous laughter, the dance floor alive with celebration. It should’ve been a night of happiness, a night that made you feel excited for your upcoming wedding. But instead, it had left you hollow, drowning in doubts you could no longer ignore.

Eric’s fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he navigated the slick roads. His jaw was set, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his body screamed louder than any words.

“I think it was a beautiful ceremony.” You said softly, trying to break the silence, but Eric didn’t respond. You hesitated, then tried again. “The food was amazing too. The cake—”

“You didn’t need any more cake.” He said abruptly, his voice cold and cutting.

The words hit you like a physical blow, stealing the breath from your lungs. You blinked, stunned, your mind scrambling to process what he’d just said. “What?” You whispered, your voice barely audible.

He finally glanced at you, his expression hard. “You heard me,” He said flatly. “You were already piling your plate up. Did you really need another slice? You’ll get fat if you eat this much.”

Your heart sank, the hurt flooding through you like a tidal wave. You hadn’t even eaten much—you’d been too nervous, too distracted by the night’s events and your own swirling thoughts. But his words cut deeper than the surface, touching on insecurities you’d tried so hard to bury.

“I wasn’t...” You trailed off, your voice trembling. “I wasn’t overeating. I just—”

“Don’t make excuses,” He snapped, his tone dismissive. “It’s not a good look.”

Tears stung your eyes, but you turned your head toward the window, unwilling to let him see you break. The rain outside mirrored the storm inside you, the sound of it hitting the car drowning out the sharp ache in your chest.

When Eric pulled into the parking lot of your building, he didn’t wait for you. He just turned off the car, grabbed the umbrella, and stepped out without a word. 

The rain was still coming down in sheets, soaking through your dress the moment you stepped outside. You struggled with your heels on the slippery pavement, nearly losing your footing as you hurried after him. He didn’t bother to slow down or offer a hand.

The final insult came when you saw him standing under the building’s awning, perfectly dry under the umbrella. He glanced at you once, his expression blank, then turned and walked inside without waiting for you.

You stumbled as you reached the door, the heel of your shoe catching on the wet ground. Your heart clenched as you caught yourself on the handle, the pain of his indifference sharper than the physical discomfort.

By the time you reached the apartment, your dress clung to your skin, your hair was plastered to your face, and your makeup smudged. Eric didn’t say a word as you closed the door behind you, the sound echoing in the tense silence.

“I’m going to change.” You murmured, your voice small.

Eric didn’t look at you. “Do whatever you want,” He muttered, kicking his shoes off before heading toward the kitchen. “I don’t care.”

You paused, your heart pounding as you watched him pour himself a glass of water. His movements were precise and controlled, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within you.

“I don’t understand why you’re acting like this, Eric,” You said, your voice trembling. “What did I do wrong?”

Eric set the glass down with more force than necessary, the sound making you flinch. He turned to you, his eyes narrowing. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?” You asked, frustration and hurt bubbling to the surface.

“I can’t believe you embarrassed me like that!” He snapped, his voice sharp and cutting. You stood by the counter, your fingers clutching its edge as if it were the only thing keeping you grounded. 

“What? I didn’t embarrass you, Eric,” You said, your voice shaking but firm. “I was just… talking to someone.”

“Talking to someone,” He repeated with a harsh laugh, turning on his heel to glare at you. “You mean Lando fucking Norris. The same guy you couldn’t take your eyes off all night. Do you even realize how pathetic that looked? My fiancée, giggling like a schoolgirl with some ex-flame in front of everyone we know.”

Your heart twisted at his words, the venom in his tone striking a nerve. “It wasn’t like that,” You said, your voice trembling. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

“You don’t think it’s wrong to make me look like an idiot?” He shot back. “To stand there, laughing and smiling with him like I don’t even exist?”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. “Eric, this isn’t about Lando,” You said carefully. “This is about us. About how you’ve been treating me.”

“Treating you?” His eyes widened in mock disbelief. “Are you serious right now? After everything I’ve done for you—everything I’ve sacrificed—you’re going to sit there and act like I’m the bad guy?”

“I’m not trying to make you the bad guy,” You said, your voice rising with frustration. “I’m trying to tell you how I feel. But you never listen, Eric. You don’t even care how your words affect me.”

“Oh, here we go,” He sneered, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Poor you. Always the victim. Always so sensitive.”

The words hit you like a slap, and your vision blurred with unshed tears. “This isn’t about being sensitive,” You said, your voice breaking. “It’s about respect. And you stopped respecting me a long time ago.”

Eric scoffed, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable. Do you think this is easy for me? You think I don’t feel anything when we fight like this? I’m trying my best, but apparently, that’s never good enough for you.”

You stared at him, his words cutting deeper than you wanted to admit. “Eric, this isn’t about effort. It’s about how you make me feel. And right now, I feel small. I feel worthless.”

His expression darkened, and he took a step closer. “Oh, so now I’m the reason you’re unhappy?” He said, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s rich. You were a mess when I met you. A complete wreck. I’m the one who fixed you, who gave you a life worth living. And this is how you repay me?”

Your breath caught in your throat, his words sinking in like a dagger to your chest. The tears you’d been holding back spilled over, hot and relentless. 

“Fixed me?” You echoed, your voice barely above a whisper. “You think I’d be nothing without you?” Your voice rose, trembling with emotion. “You think you’re the reason I’m standing here right now?”

His silence was deafening. He didn’t deny it. That was the moment it clicked—the realization that shattered whatever was left of your resolve. He didn’t see you as an equal, as someone to love and cherish. He saw you as a project, something he could control and shape into his own version of perfection.

“I’m done,” You said, your voice trembling but resolute. “I’m done letting you talk to me like this. I’m done letting you make me feel like I’m not enough.”

Eric’s expression shifted, panic flickering in his eyes. “Wait,” He said, his tone softening. “You don’t mean that. You’re upset, that’s all. Just—just calm down, okay? We can work this out.”

You shook your head, your tears falling freely now. “No, Eric. We can’t. Because I’ve been trying to ‘work this out’ for months, and all it’s done is break me.”

“Don’t do this,” He said, his voice pleading as he rushed over to you, gripping your wrists tightly. “Please. We’re supposed to get married. We’re supposed to spend our lives together. What about the plans we’ve already made? You can’t just throw that away!”

“Let go of me, Eric,” You hissed, trying to free your hands, “It hurts.”

“No! First you need to answer me.” He shouted, fastening his grip even more, your face twisting in a painful grimace.

“I’m not throwing it away,” You said, “You did that the moment you stopped treating me like someone you loved.” Then you shook your hands abruptly, his hands flying away from your wrists.

Then, you slipped the engagement ring off your finger and placed it on the counter, gently rubbing your wrists, where his hands were gripping on not so long ago.

His face twisted with anger and desperation as you turned and went to the front door. “If you walk out that door, don’t come crawling back to me when you realize no one else is going to put up with you!”

The words stopped you in your tracks, the cruelty of them stealing the breath from your lungs. For a moment, you thought you might collapse under the weight of it all. But then, a quiet voice inside you spoke up—a voice that had been buried for far too long. You deserved better.

Without another word, you turned around and walked to the door, each step feeling like a small victory. The rain hit your skin like ice as you stepped outside, but the storm couldn’t touch the fire burning inside you now.

You didn’t know where you were going or what the future held. But as you walked away from the life you once thought you wanted, you felt something you hadn’t felt in a long time. Freedom.

────୨ৎ────

The rain was merciless, soaking through your clothes, and clinging to your skin. You didn’t know where you were going at first, your mind spinning, your body on autopilot. The fight with Eric replayed in a relentless loop in your head—his cruel words, the venom in his voice, his tight grip, the way he’d dismissed you as though you were nothing.

For the first time, it felt like the truth had been laid bare: there was nothing left to fight for. The engagement was over. The fantasy you’d tried to sell yourself had crumbled. And yet, even knowing you had made the right choice, fear lingered in every step you took.

You had nowhere to go. No one to call.

Except him.

The thought stopped you in your tracks, rain dripping from your hair as you stared blankly at the empty street. Lando. His name echoed in your mind like a whispered confession, both a comfort and a torment. 

Was it even a good idea? You hadn’t properly spoken in years, and the when you saw him today, all you’d shared were strained smiles and awkward pleasantries.

But who else could you turn to? You weren’t ready to explain this to anyone—not your family, not your friends. You needed… warmth. Safety. And despite everything that had happened between you and Lando, he was the only person you trusted with your broken pieces.

With shaky breaths, you forced yourself to move, the address to his apartment burned into your memory.

When you reached his door, your heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the sound of the rain. You hesitated, your fist hovering just inches away from the wood. What if he didn’t want to see you? What if this was a mistake? But as you stood there, shivering and drenched, you realized you had no other place to go.

Your knock was weak, barely audible over the downpour, but it was all you could muster. When the door opened, Lando froze, speechless. His eyes widened as he looked at you, but the concern that quickly followed melted the knot in your stomach. You must’ve looked like a mess—drenched, shivering, your face pale and streaked with rain and tears.

“Fucking hell, Angel,” He said softly, his voice warm despite the shock in his eyes. The nickname he used to address you slipped uncontrollably from his lips, bringing back that warm feeling in your stomach. “What happened?”

You opened your mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, a sob escaped, and the tears you had tried so hard to hold back began streaming down your face.

“Come in.” Lando murmured, stepping aside to let you in. 

The warmth and coziness of his apartment were a stark contrast to the cold rain outside. The soft glow of the lights wrapped around you, but it wasn’t enough to stop the trembling in your body. Lando took one look at you and made a quick decision.

“Jesus, you’re freezing,” He said gently. “Come on, let’s get you warmed up.”

He led you down the hallway to the bathroom, the soft hum of the heating vent the only sound as he turned on the shower. Steam began to fill the room, fogging the mirror.

“There’s some towels here, and I’ll get you some clothes you can change into,” He said, placing a fresh stack of towels on the counter. “Take as long as you need.”

You nodded, your voice still caught in your throat.

“I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” He added, his gaze steady but filled with worry.

As soon as the door clicked shut, you let yourself crumble. The hot water cascaded over you, washing away the cold and the rain but not the ache in your chest. Your sobs echoed in the small bathroom, raw and unrestrained.

Lando never left his place. He sat outside, his back against the door, listening. Every muffled sob that reached his ears made his heart clench. He hated hearing you like this, hated that you were in so much pain. He wanted to fix it, to fix everything, but he knew better than to rush you.

He couldn’t shake off the feeling that this might also be what you had sounded like when he left.

Minutes passed, maybe longer, before the sound of the water stopped. Lando stood up, his hands fidgeting nervously as he waited. When you finally opened the door, wrapped in the towel, he handed you his clothes and you hid in the bathroom again. Once you were done dressing up, you came out in one of his hoodies and a pair of sweats he’d left for you. Your eyes were red and swollen, but there was a faint glimmer of calm.

“Feeling a bit better?” He asked softly, his voice tentative.

You nodded, your arms wrapped tightly around yourself. “Thanks.” You whispered, your voice barely audible.

He gestured with his head toward the couch, and you followed him silently. The room felt heavy with unspoken words as you sat down, tucking your legs beneath you. Lando sat beside you, leaving enough space to give you room but close enough that you could feel his presence.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Lando asked, his voice low and careful and you nodded. His eyes scanned your face, searching for answers. “Are you okay?”

The concern in his voice nearly broke you. You nodded quickly, playing with the sleeves of his hoodie that was too big for you. 

“I’m fine now. I just— …” You paused, the words sticking in your throat. “I didn’t know where else to go.”

He tilted his head, studying you. “What’s going on? What happened?” his voice was soft and tender.

“It’s complicated.” You whispered, avoiding his gaze.

Lando exhaled, standing up and running a hand through his curls. “Of course it is,” He muttered under his nose, his tone tinged with sarcasm. “It always is with you, isn’t it?”

You flinched, and he immediately softened, his frustration melting into guilt. “Fuck, I’m sorry,” Lando said quickly. “That was uncalled for. I just—” He cut himself off, pacing for a moment before turning back to you. “You, showing up here out of nowhere… it’s a lot to process.”

“I didn’t mean to put this on you,” You said quietly, your voice barely audible. “I just didn’t have anyone else.”

His expression shifted, guilt flickering in his eyes. “You don’t have to explain, Angel.” He replied, sitting down across from you, the unexpected nickname he used only for you made your stomach do a flip. But there was something guarded in his posture, like he was holding back.

The silence stretched between you, heavy and suffocating. Finally, he broke it. “So, what’s the deal? Did the perfect fiancé finally show his true colors?”

Your stomach twisted, and you looked away. “Actually… yeah.”

Lando’s brow furrowed, the sarcasm dropping from his face. “What do you mean?”

You hesitated, the words catching in your throat. But there was no point in hiding it anymore. “I broke the engagement,” You admitted, your voice trembling. “I left him, Lando.”

For a moment, he didn’t move, didn’t speak. He just stared at you, his expression unreadable. “You… broke it off?”

You nodded, tears welling up in your eyes again. “He wasn’t who I thought he was,” You said, your voice shaking. “He… he hurt me. In ways I didn’t even realize until it was too late.”

Lando’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. “Hurt you how?” He asked, his voice low, dangerous.

You didn’t answer, but his eyes drifted to the faint bruise on your wrists, and you saw the moment he pieced it together. His face darkened, his chest rising and falling as he fought to keep his composure.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, his voice breaking slightly.

“Why would I?” You shot back, the bitterness in your tone surprising both of you. “You left. You didn’t even say goodbye.”

Lando flinched, his guilt written all over his face. “I know,” He said softly. “I know I fucked up. But if I had known…” He trailed off, his voice thick with regret. “I would’ve done something. I would’ve—”

“You didn’t,” You interrupted, your voice cracking. “You didn’t do anything, Lando. You just disappeared.”

The silence that followed was deafening. He looked at you, his eyes filled with so many emotions you couldn’t begin to untangle them. “You’re right,” He uttered finally. “I was a coward. I thought I was protecting you by staying away, but I was only protecting myself.”

You let out a shaky breath, your hands trembling in your lap. “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore,” You admitted. “I just… I needed to feel safe. And for some reason, you’re the only person who makes me feel that way.”

Lando’s gaze softened, and the silence between you stretched like a chasm. You looked down at your hands, still trembling despite the warmth of Lando’s hoodie wrapped around you. The storm outside mirrored the one brewing inside—chaotic, relentless, and impossible to ignore.

“You’re safe here, Angel.” Lando had said. His voice was steady, but the tension in his body betrayed his emotions. You wanted to believe him. But after everything… could you?

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the room, filling the space between you. 

Finally, you broke the silence. “Why did you leave?” Your voice was quiet but laced with a sharp edge. “I know we weren’t together, but.. we did you leave?”

Lando’s shoulders stiffened. “I thought we have already covered this…” He said, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.

“No, we haven’t.” You shook your head, your gaze locking onto his. “You just gave me excuses. You said you were a coward, that you thought staying away was better for me. But why, Lando? Why did you leave without saying anything? Why did you let me think I was just… disposable?”

His face twisted with guilt, and he ran a hand through his curls. “I didn’t think you’d understand,” He admitted, his voice rough. “I was scared. I was so damn scared of what I was feeling, of how much you meant to me. And then I saw those photos—”

“Those photos,” You interrupted, bitterness seeping into your voice. “The ones with that girl? The ones that made me feel like I never meant anything to you?”

He flinched, his jaw tightening. “It wasn’t what it looked like.”

“Then what was it?” You snapped, the anger you’d buried for years bubbling to the surface. “Because from where I was standing, it looked like you moved on in a heartbeat. Like I was just another girl to you.”

“You weren’t!” His voice rose, his frustration spilling over. “You were never just another girl. Don’t you get that?”

“Then why?” Your voice cracked, tears stinging your eyes. “Why did you leave me like that? Why didn’t you fight for me? Fight for us?”

He stared at you, his eyes filled with anguish. “Because I didn’t think I deserved you,” He said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I’d only screw things up more if I stayed. And when those photos came out… I was ashamed. I thought if I called, if I tried to explain, it would only make things worse.”

“And you think disappearing was the best option?”

“I didn’t know what else to do,” He admitted. “I was young, stupid, and scared. And I’ve regretted it every single day since.”

The sincerity in his voice cut through your anger like a knife, leaving you raw and exposed. You turned away, wrapping your arms around yourself as if to shield against the vulnerability threatening to consume you.

“I needed you,” You whispered. “I needed you, Lando, and you weren’t there.”

“I know.” His voice was soft, filled with regret. “And I’m sorry. I’ll never be able to say it enough—I’m sorry.”

The room fell silent again, save for the sound of the rain pounding against the windows. You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. “I don’t know if I can trust you again.” You said honestly, your voice trembling.

“I don’t expect you to,” He replied. “Not right away. But I’m here now. And I want to earn it, even if it takes the rest of my life.”

You turned to look at him, searching his face for any hint of insincerity. But all you saw was raw, unfiltered honesty. “Do you mean that?”

“I do.” His voice was firm, resolute. “I’m not going anywhere this time. I promise.”

You nodded slowly, the tension in your chest easing just slightly. “But.. I don’t know if I’m ready for anything more than this—just talking, figuring things out.”

“That’s okay,” He said quickly. “We can take it slow. As slow as you need.”

A small, tentative smile tugged at the corner of your lips. For the first time in years, it felt like the walls you've built around your heart were beginning to crack.

Lando hesitated before speaking again. “What about Eric?”

You exhaled shakily, your fingers brushing against the faint bruise on your wrist. “It’s over. I broke the engagement. There’s nothing left to say.”

His eyes flickered with something unreadable—relief, anger, protectiveness, all tangled together. “Good,” He said quietly. “You deserve better anyway.”

You looked at him, your chest tightening. “I don’t even know what I deserve anymore.”

“You deserve everything, Angel,” He said without hesitation. “And if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

For a moment, you couldn’t breathe. The sincerity in his voice, the way his eyes held yours—it was almost too much. 

But then you nodded, a single tear slipping down your cheek. “Okay,” You said softly. “But I need time.”

“You’ll have it.” He promised, and you nodded, letting his words settle over you. It wasn’t forgiveness, not yet, but it was something. A tentative step forward.

As the storm outside began to ease, you found yourself studying him—his longer curls, the shadow of stubble along his jaw, the quiet determination in his eyes. He was still Lando, the boy who’d once made your heart race, but he was different now. Older, wearier.

A familiar stranger who somehow made you feel seen again, even after all the pain.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to start again.

© haniette | 2025, all rights reserved.

reuploads and likes are highly appreciated ♡

[cwwv9]

So could you write about the trend ”im so hungry that i could eat my boyfriend “ with bllk boy please ?

«I’m so hungry, I’ll eat my boyfriend»

— Without gender!Reader x Hiori Yo, Isagi Yoichi, Yukimiya Kenyu, Karasu Tabio, Otoya Eita, Chigiri Hyoma, Mikage Reo, Nagi Seishiro, Michael Kaiser, Alexis Ness, Rin Itoshi, Shidou Ryusei, Sae Itoshi

Warning: frank flirtation scenes, intense tension, "hornies" atmosphere, dense descriptions of bodily closeness and explicit manifestations of desire between the reader and the characters.

Note: At first I even forgot what the trend was, but it was familiar to me, but I looked in tik tok and everything became self-evident. I’m cool and smart before the first Wi-Fi outage

mailbox open for queries!!!!

Hiori Yo

The gym was empty, only the deaf blows of the ball echoed in the concrete walls.

You lazed against the wall, clutching your hands on your chest, looking at Hyory burning, who was all wet from training.

As soon as he stopped, breathing heavily, you grinned and said in a half-toned voice:

- I’m so hungry, I could eat you right here.

The ball rolled back. Hoori froze, as if he had been electrocuted.

Slowly turned around.

The cheeks were covered with rumblings, the eyes - confusion and something strange shaking.

You pushed yourself away from the wall and went to it, lazy, wriggling your hips.

There is no innocence left in your eyes.

- You should be afraid, Hyory, you murmured low, coming almost close.

He sucked the air through his teeth, choking. His T-shirt clenched to his body, drawing a thin line in his waist.

- I... - Hyori exhaled, half a step back, - I...

You caught his wrist, gently but firmly enough to make him freeze.

- You’re too sweet for me to hold on, you whispered at his ear, burning skin with hot breath.

He shook his whole body, the fingers on your hand were nervous.

Hoori trembled, looking at you silently from below, with that defenseless devotion that made the blood gush in his temples.

He would have allowed it.

He would have wanted you to do it.

And you could see it in his trembling breath, in the minute movement that he made.

Isagi Yoichi

The field smelled of fresh grass and sweat, and Isaiah was breathing heavily, standing in the middle of a line, wet, shrivelled, with sharp facial features.

You licked your lips and, without concealing the slightest hint of desire in your voice, threw:

- I’m so hungry, I could eat you right here, Yoichi.

His eyes widened. He jerked, as if bruised.

-Ch-che?. - he breathed a sizzle.

You stepped towards it, slowly, with intent.

-You have no idea how appetizing you are after the workout, you whispered.

You saw a drop of sweat slipping down his neck.

I wanted to lick her.

Yoichi backed away, his heart was pounding somewhere in the back of his throat, but you caught him a few steps away by grabbing the T-shirt and jerking off.

- I’m really gonna eat you, you blew in his ear.

He swallowed Isaiah, his face covered in crimson.

- Um... maybe at first... something to eat?.. he muttered in confusion, without taking his eyes off your lips.

You chuckled when you snuggled up to him.

- I’ve already chosen the food, Yoichi - your fingers have been sliding lazily down his side. - It’s you.

Isaiah was shaking, he seemed to be on the edge - just a little more and he will fall into your hands.

He didn’t push back.

He did not escape.

He stood, allowing himself to be your dinner.

And it made you tremble.

yukimiya kenyu

Your body was heavy on the couch. Your stomach cheated treacherously, and you moaned without even opening an eye:

- Kenya... I’m so hungry (already), I could eat you.

Silence.

And then - his easy laugh, lazy as a breeze outside the window.

- Eat me? he said, peering off his phone. It’s a threat or an invitation

You stood up a little, watching him slowly crumble on the chair, one hand behind his head. He looked so calm and seductive that something inside was moving.

You glided your gaze over his collarbones, the smooth line of his neck, the slight clump in his eyes.

- More of a warning, you snorted, struggling to get on your feet and getting closer.

Kenyu grinned, and then slowly reached for you, wrapping his wrist. His fingers were warm, strong.

- Come on, - his voice is lower, hoarse. - Show me how hungry you are.

You hover over him, leaning your hands on the armrests of the chair, as if to drive him into a trap.

His eyes twinkled with excitement. He loved when you were brash.

Unable to stand, you bent down and gently bit his neck - gently enough for it to be more of a kiss, but still with a slight pressure.

Kenya moaned quietly, nodding his head. His free hand slipped into your hair, tightly squeezing the strands.

- Stronger, he whispered, like a tease.

You did not deny yourself - left another bite, a little more insistent right on his collarbone, then passed through the skin of the lips, leaving a moist trail.

His breath became heavy. He pulled you away from the chair, pulled you closer to the waist so that you almost fell on his knees.

- If you’re so hungry, he whispered straight to your lips, I can be your dinner. Just note - I’m sweet but poisonous.

He covered your lips with a long, warm kiss, smelling of mint and something else - dangerous, enticing.

And at that moment, you really felt like you were losing control - not from hunger, but from it.

Karasu Tobio

You were sitting on the ledge, rocking your foot in the air. The couch collapsed, half asleep, opening the zipper halfway up.

Silence. Lazy, domestic.

And suddenly you wanted to break it.

- I’m so hungry that I can eat you, - you threw it away carelessly.

Karasu slowly turned his head, looking at you with the collar.

The corner of his lips was immediately pulled up.

- Pff, he said briefly, sounds like a threat, you know?

He reached out, slow as a cat, with his back flagrantly bent, and stood up.

He came to you slowly, putting his hands on both sides of the window sill, forcing you to lean slightly against the glass.

Close. Too close. His breath touched your temple.

- So what is it? - asked Karas lazily, his head on the side.

- Will you bite? Or just say something loud?

You clenched your teeth, but not from fear - from the strange, animal excitement. Karasu shagged with mint and shampoo, his fingers sliding down the sill next to your hips, not touching but making it clear: he can. At any moment.

- You can start with the neck, he said grinning, putting a little bit on your side. I trust you.

You did not stand it: you grabbed him by the gate of the hudes, pulled him to yourself and bit his skin right on the border of his neck and shoulder.

Karasu breathed quietly through his teeth:

- That’s right, yeah... - his voice got lower, darker. - I thought it was a joke and you were serious.

His hand slid down your back, firmly pressed against you.

Now you’re both breathing hard.

Karasu stuck his nose in your hair, whispered in his ear something unsteady, trembling.

You didn’t just want to eat it.

You wanted to leave your mark on it. That’s it.

Otoya Eita

You leaned against the wall, watching Otyu in a tracksuit go through his phone, smiling at himself.

You clicked your fingers to attract his attention.

- I’m so hungry that I can eat you, you said, trying to sound careless.

Otoya slowly raised his eyes.

His eyes were at first a little puzzled, and then a sneaky flame.

- Oh? - He grinned back his head. - Well... I hope you know how to use a sharp knife, he said.

He came to you, with gentle, almost gliding steps. His fingers easily touched your waist - so weightless that you barely felt the touch, but every cell of your body strained.

- Do you want to try? -whispered Otaya, leaning closer to your ear.

His hand slid up your back, hardly touching, creating a ticklish, patient tension.

His hand slid up your back, hardly touching, creating a ticklish, patient tension.

You felt his warmth, his smile, his dangerous closeness.

You pulled him over the edge of his T-shirt, forcing him to take another step forward. Now your breasts almost touched each other.

Otaya grinned wider.

- Wow, you’re really hungry, his voice was shaking with pleasure. What an appetizing day today.

You caught him by the wrist, put your fingers on his skin, clinging to his nails.

Otoya looked at you from the bottom up, as if to see how far you would go.

He wasn’t afraid. He was provoking.

And that’s what was driving you crazy.

You weren’t just going to bite him.

You were going to eat it with bones, with that cheeky smile, with that laughing breath.

And he was happy to be your dinner.

Chigiri hyoma

You were sitting on the edge of the bed with your arms around you when Chigiri came into the room. His long, pink hair was still wet after the shower, a thin T-shirt stuck to his body. He looked like a painting.

- What happened? he asked, sitting next to him. His voice was soft like silk.

You groaned, holding him by the waist:

- I’m so hungry, I’m ready to eat you.

Chigiri was still for a moment, then smiled, gently running his fingers through your hair.

- Right? - He leaned closer, so the ends of his hair tickled your cheek. - Then start with something easy.

You looked up. He teased you. You slowly leaned your lips against his neck - first carefully, tasting his skin, then slightly more, leaving a slight mark.

Chigiri breathed in your ear:

- Be careful, because if you do, I’m not gonna let you go.

His hands slid down your back, drawing you closer. You felt the beat of his heart.

A slight smell of perfume and fresh after the shower was bad. You clung to it more strongly, feeling how it melts under your touch.

- Come on, his voice went down, almost hoarse. - Bite me again.

And you submitted, enjoying his body twitching from every bite of your lung. You wanted to be satisfied with him - his laughter, his breath, his warmth.

Reo Mikage

The kitchen was in complete chaos. Scattered food, open lockers - trying to cook dinner Reo turned into a disaster.

You entered the room, holding your stomach:

- Reo, I’m so hungry I can eat you!

He turned, holding a strange sandwich in his hands, and laughed:

- Hey, I’m rich, but not rich enough to put myself on the line for food!

You, without wasting time, jumped up to him and hugged him by the waist with your face against his neck. They smelled of shampoo, expensive cloth and a little sweet spirit.

- I mean it, you were staring, leaving kisses along his neck.

Reo froze with pleasure, turning his head back. His hand slid on your lower back, pulling closer.

- Then start, he said, laughing through the trembling breath.

You bit him slightly at the base of his neck, and Reo moaned quietly. His body pressed against yours as if he no longer wanted to keep his distance.

He covered your lips with a kiss - greedy, moist, sweet. The kiss of a man who knew: he himself had been eaten by you long ago - completely, without residue.

When you, breathing hard, separated from each other, he whispered, embracing you more firmly:

- Promise I’ll feed you. Just give me a minute to enjoy this.

Nagi Seichiro

When Nagi found you, you were already lying on the couch with your hands dramatically extended.

He came up, looking lazily down.

- What are you thinking? - He said in a sleepy voice.

- I’m so hungry that I can eat you, you moaned without even moving.

Nagi raised his eyebrow.

- Then I’ll have to chew for a long time, he snorted, leaning on the floor next to you and resting his shoulder on your side. I’m lazy and heavy. You can’t handle it.

You turned, your face against his hair. It smelled of apples and leek.

- Try it, you said, pulling him closer and slightly biting his ear.

Nagi stirred, grinned, but did not turn away. Instead, he covered your hand with his big palm and pulled it up so lazy that you were practically lying on it.

- You can chew, he yawned. - Don’t complain about overeating.

You laughed, and then slowly, deliberately pressed against his neck, kissing his skin and feeling his breath getting a little harder.

He let you do everything - lazy, as if it would be too much trouble to resist. But in this passivity there was his trapped power: if you wanted to, Nagi would squeeze you so that you wouldn’t get out.

But now he was letting you fill up with it, smell it, feel the warmth of his body.

- Hey, he rattled at the end, rubbing his nose on your cheek. - You’d better sleep with me. That way you’ll forget about hunger.

Michael kaiser

– Ich bin hungrig genug, um dich zu verschlingen, - you mumbled in German when the Kaiser walked into the room with a bag of food.

You didn’t even know where that sentence was coming from, but it sounded so natural...

The Kaiser stood still, his lips curled in a sneer.

- Seriously? he said, coming closer. I hope you start with the best bits.

- Seriously? he said, coming closer. I hope you start with the best bits.

You didn’t have time to answer. The Kaiser leaned over you, pressing you against the wall. His hands were strong, sure, and the smell of expensive perfume hit his nose.

- Or do you want me to taste you first? - His voice became dark, velvety.

Your heart was racing. His lips slid down to your ear, just as he was breathing.

- Kaiser, I’m really hungry,' you said, clinging to his shoulders.

He laughed, almost affectionately.

- I’ll feed you, he promised by sliding his fingers down your side. But first I want you to look at me just like that one more time.

Your fingers were clenching in his shirt. The Kaiser grinned, feeling his power.

All you wanted at that moment was to really eat it. To swallow it with your head. To become one with it.

And by the look of his eyes, he wanted the same thing.

Ness Alexis

You found Nessa in the corner of the training ground - he was sitting on the lawn, typing something on his phone, his head on the side.

You fell close to me, without concealing a sorrowful groan:

- I’m hungry... I’m so hungry, I’m ready to eat you.

Ness tossed his head. His big eyes opened, his lips touched by a light smile.

- Could I eat it? he said, confused, as if you had just confessed your love.

You reached out and put your finger on his cheek:

- Exactly. So sweet. So soft.

Nessa’s cheeks immediately flashed pink. He stuck his face in his hands, laughing quietly.

- H-It’s not fair to say... he mumbled.

You put your lips to his hand, which he still held in front of his face, kissing his fingers one by one.

Ness looked at you with trembling eyelashes, and you understood: he would have you do anything to himself. Any touch, any kiss.

- If you’re hungry... he muttered, slightly nodding his head, I’m all yours.

And there was not a single joke in his voice.

You covered his palm with your hand, pulled him closer, feeling his body tremble in your hands.

Stupid, tender, with trepidation - but that’s exactly what he was sweet. One who wanted to eat whole.

Rin Itoshi

You found Rina in the gym. He was beating the ball against the wall alone with such force that it seemed like he was trying to destroy it.

You stood in the doorway, leaning on a joint:

- I’m so hungry, I could eat you.

The ball bounced off the wall and rolled away, and Rin slowly turned to you. His gaze was cold, sharp, shrugged.

- Try it, he briefly abandoned.

You took a couple of lazy steps forward. Rin didn’t move, just clenched his jaw, watching your every move.

When you were close, he grabbed your hand and pulled you to his side, forcing you to press your breasts into his body.

-Come on, - his voice was hoarse. - What are you gonna do to me?

You raised your head, kneeling against his chin. His breath burned.

And, not holding back, he swallowed his lips in his neck, pinching the skin a little.

Rin breathed through his teeth, squeezing your wrist tighter.

- Without warning, yes.

But you saw in his eyes a strange gleam - as if he liked it. His hands slid on your back, rough, hard, pressing you to himself.

- You should have told me that you wanted to eat me, he whispered directly to his lips without letting go.

Your hearts clattered in unison - like two beasts finally finding each other.

And you knew: there will be no sacrifice in this game.

Shido Ryusei

You found Shido in his room. He was lying on the bed, looking like a star, in nothing but a sports suit.

You clenched your hands on the door, clutching your chest, and then, lazy, threw:

- I’m so hungry, I could eat you.

Shido, without a moment’s thought, grinned with rapacity... and instantly pulled his pants down to the middle of his hips, remaining alone in the black, tight-fitting boxers.

- Ha! Well, go ahead, if you want to! - he gave you a wink.

You’re frozen in the knowledge that it’s absolutely serious. Shido opens his hands, as if inviting you to lay your whole body on it.

- Why are you so cold? - His voice is getting lower, hotter. - Or can you just scratch your tongue?

You felt the sparkle running down your back.

Unable to stand, you approached the bed, pushed him on the shoulder so that he lay down, and literally climbed up, pressing his hands against the pillow.

Shido snorted, looking at you from the bottom up, with an expression of pure, impatient insolence.

You leaned towards him, kissing his neck first, then his collarbone, leaving wet teeth on the skin. He only mocked, allowed - until he embraced you by the waist, slightly bending towards your touch.

- It’s not enough for you to just eat, is it? - he wheezed. - You want to fuck me right here.

You didn’t answer. It was all in your eyes.

Shido jumped up, so now you’re under him. He looked at you with such rapacious fury and excitement that you thought he would really eat.

And you were all for.

Sae itoshi

You were sitting in the office, scrolling through your phone. Fatigue was pressing, work was piling up, and thoughts were all about him.

You dialed Sue’s number without warning.

On the second bell he answered:

- What? - Short, dry.

You grinned, not giving him a chance to give a business greeting:

- I’m so hungry, I could eat you.

There was silence at the other end. You even heard him breathe quietly.

Then:

- ... what the hell are you talking about? - His voice went down a little.

The lady sat on the edge of a leather sofa in the hotel room. He slowly raised his eyebrow, the second joined in a slight crease. Slight irritation, surprise, interest - everything was mixed in this movement.

He leaned back, putting one hand behind the back of the sofa.

— You work too hard if you’re already going crazy, he remarked coldly. But there was no ice indifference in his voice. A warm note was heard inside.

You grinned:

- I can come and prove it.

-Hmm. Darcy, - Saé put the phone down on his chest, lying there, contemplating at the ceiling.

He answered the phone again in a second.

- I’ll be free in twenty minutes. I’m waiting. If you come - better be prepared to keep your word - there’s a dangerous sloth in his voice.

You heard him turn off the call without letting you answer.

***

When you walked into his room, Sae was sitting there - still in a tight white shirt, untied by several buttons.

His gaze was heavy, lazy and at the same time appreciative.

- Come, he said calmly.

You obeyed. Saae reached out, took you by the chin and made you lean closer to him.

- If you promised to eat - his lips slid down your cheek, burning - start.

And he closed his eyes, putting himself entirely in your hands. But even in that gesture you felt: he controls every movement of yours.

[mariacallous]

American diplomats in at least two countries have recently delivered internal reports to Washington that reflect a grim new reality taking hold abroad: The Trump administration’s sudden withdrawal of foreign aid is bringing about the violence and chaos that many had warned would come.

The vacuum left after the U.S. abandoned its humanitarian commitments has destabilized some of the most fragile locations in the world and thrown refugee camps further into unrest, according to State Department correspondence and notes obtained by ProPublica.

The assessments are not just predictions about the future but detailed accounts of what has already occurred, making them among the first such reports from inside the Trump administration to surface publicly — though experts suspect they will not be the last. The diplomats warned in their correspondence that stopping aid may undermine efforts to combat terrorism.

In the southeastern African country of Malawi, U.S. funding cuts to the United Nations’ World Food Programme have “yielded a sharp increase in criminality, sexual violence, and instances of human trafficking” within a large refugee camp, U.S. embassy officials told the State Department in late April. The world’s largest humanitarian food provider, the WFP projects a 40% decrease in funding compared to last year and has been forced to reduce food rations in Malawi’s sprawling Dzaleka refugee camp by a third.

To the north, the U.S. embassy in Kenya reported that news of funding cuts to refugee camps’ food programs led to violent demonstrations, according to a previously unreported cable from early May. During one protest, police responded with gunfire and wounded four people. Refugees have also died at food distribution centers, the officials wrote in the cable, including a pregnant woman who died under a stampede. Aid workers said they expected more people to get hurt “as vulnerable households become increasingly desperate.”

“It is devastating, but it’s not surprising,” Eric Schwartz, a former State Department assistant secretary and member of the National Security Council during Democratic administrations, told ProPublica. “It’s all what people in the national security community have predicted.”

“I struggle for adjectives to adequately describe the horror that this administration has visited on the world,” Schwartz added. “It keeps me up at night.”

[a-simple-imagine]

Perfectly Pathetic

synopsis: when you take an interest in the new girl, regina takes an interest in you

pairing: regina george x plastics!fem!reader

words: 4.6k+

A/N - in the nicest of ways, please DO NOT read this if you don't want to read about toxic relationships. you have been warned. I don't want a repeat of last time. also we need more fics where regina is actually mean so

WARNINGS - swearing, alcohol use, general toxicity, toxic relationships and bullying/vague reference to weight

Buy me a ko-fi

the clash of plastic trays and idle chatter brought alive the fragile student body of North Shore High School. on the outside this may seem like any other lunch room but inside it was a carefully crafted game of chess. every move was calculated. each person has their place and if you stray too far you're at risk. you're sat next to Gretchen Weiners. known for big hair and keeping secrets, she knows everything about everyone. opposite her is Karen Shetty. she... tries her best and looks adorable doing it. a ray of sunshine if you get to know her. and before you sits the most beautiful woman you have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Regina George. effortlessly perfect but needlessly cruel. she was the most popular person in school and one of your best friends.

perfectly manicured nails stab into the skin of your cheek as your head is yanked in her direction. razor-sharp eyes stare back. "are you even listening?" the answer was no but you didn't want to say that. "what are you staring at?"

a flash of blonde as she looks behind her. you push against her grip to look too. across the room sat Janis 'imi'ike and Damian Hubbard. you hardly ever spoke to them but you were lab partners with Damian. he was funny. today, however, there was a new addition with strawberry blonde hair, a blue checkered shirt and brown pants. you knew everyone at this school to some degree. a curse of popularity. but you had never seen her before. "seems they've got themselves a new friend"

"who cares," her nails dig a little deeper drawing a pained expression as she pulls your head back to face her. She holds your gaze for a moment. a silent challenge. before fingertips glide across your cheek and she goes back to leading the conversation across the table. you pick at the food on the tray with a fork but you can't help but be intrigued. North Shore was boring and predictable. a direct result of being under Regina's control. but this girl was new and you couldn't help but be drawn to that. to the unknown. to the possibility. three pairs of eyes as you push up from the table and march across the room.

"I haven't seen you around here before." was all you could think to say as you approached the end of the table. Janis and Damian share a look before settling on... confusion. You weren't ever particularly mean to others but you were guilty by association. people mess with you. they mess with Regina.

"oh," by the look on her face, she already knew who you were or at the very least your friends. "it's my first day."

"Where did you transfer from?"

"uh... Kenya," she seems unsure. you put it down to nerves.

"you sure about that?" a curious raise of your brow. "'cause you don't sound-"

"we're leaving" stated firmly as three girls breeze past. the blonde leads the way. the other two are just a step behind.

"so what made you move all the way here from Kenya?"

"my mom got a new job."

"couldn't find one-"

the sound of your name echoes through the room bringing the world to a stop. a weird silence settles over the room. "come. now." growled through gritted teeth and paired with snapping fingers. you were being summoned like a naughty dog ignoring their owner. a sigh as all eyes fall to you. waiting to see what you'd do but make no mistake, they already knew the answer.

"I'll see you around." a flash of a smile before you scamper after Regina.

"so your ears do work." is all the girl says as she shoves you through the door. you bite back any comment because that was how this worked. you may be top of the food chain to everyone else but Regina led the pack.

as the final bell for the day rings, you're shoving things in your locker when you spot the new girl. she seems to be struggling to even open it. you watch her for a moment. a smirk settling. this was another chance to talk and this time Regina couldn't demand your presence. "need some help?" it seemed to take her by surprise as a handful of papers drifted to the floor. a small chuckle, you reach down to collect her work and hand it back. "how's your first day going?"

she shrugs, taking the papers. "it's alright."

"anyone giving you any trouble?" you ask, falling to lean against the lockers. people around here were not nice and took every chance to show it. some more than others. She shakes her head. "you sure? if anyone does anything, I can sort them out." you give her a knowing look and she offers a sort of amused smile. "so you do know how to smile, it's cute. are you gonna tell me your name or am I gonna have to guess?"

"it's cady. Cady heron."

"well, cady heron. the trick to these," you tap her locker door with your knuckle. "is to push in and pull up before trying to open it. annoying, I know but they're old." you watch her try again and this time it swings open. "see."

"Thanks." you linger as they shove some of their stuff inside. you notice a few stray stickers on the locker opposite.

"no problem." you push up from the metal. "I can show you all types of tricks to get through this hellscape if you want?" she shuts her locker and you both start walking towards the exit. "number one tip, avoid Regina."

"Isn't she your friend?"

"yeah," you nod. "that's why I said it. She can be... a lot. surely Janis told you that."

Cady looks at you for a long moment. "something like that." you let out a chuckle. Janis probably told her what a massive bitch Regina was. they had a less than favourable history.

"I should go. I'll see you around Cady Heron." as you both go your separate ways, you can't help but glance at her as she walks away.

having a study period just before lunch was both an absolutely ridiculous idea and the best thing to happen to your schedule. it basically guaranteed you didn't do any work whatsoever and felt more like a two-hour lunch period. seems you shared it with the new girl because she was sitting at a table scribbling in a book alongside Janis who was doing her normal embroidery or whatever.

"if it isn't Cady Heron," you comment, taking a seat on the bench. her face brightens at the sight.

"where's the rest of the coven?" Janis asks, not even bothering to look up from her work. "wait- don't tell me, a house fell on them."

"you're so funny Janis," an exaggerated sarcastic laugh.

"I think I can hear children singing... ding... dong the witch-"

"So Cady, how are you enjoying north shore?" you interrupt loudly and the 'song' trails off.

"It's fine."

"you don't talk much huh?"

her mouth opens but falls silent as Gretchen approaches the end of the table. she shoots you a less than favourable look. your brow furrows a little.

"Can I talk to you," pitch a little too high to say no.

"Sure," a shrug. you look at her for a long moment waiting for her to continue.

"in private," Gretchen urges. with a roll of your eyes, you stand up. flashing a smile at Cady, Gretchen grabs your hand and drags you away before you can say anything.

"what are you doing?" whisper yelled at you.

"I was just talking." god this girl was dramatic. you take your usual spot. she sits opposite.

"to the art freaks?"

"dude, it's fine."

"no it's not." she urges quickly, shaking her head "You know how Regina gets."

"Regina isn't here?" and she wouldn't be until lunch. only you and Gretchen share this free period. usually, you spend it listening to her gossip about people. she could not keep a secret to save her life at least not when it came to anyone outside of you and your friends; even then it's dicey. fun for you though.

"All I'm saying is you need to be careful,"

"don't worry. I was only interested in the new girl."

"that's worse," you just roll your eyes. "Regina doesn't like her."

"Regina doesn't even know her," you argue. "none of us do. she's been here like a week."

Gretchen thinks the idea of even wanting to talk to Cady is blasphemy. that it's better to avoid her but you think she's overreacting. Cady hadn't established herself at this school yet. right now she is with Janis but tomorrow who knows? she could be cool. it's a matter of perspective.

a pretty perfect smile does little to distract from playful eyes as you approach her jeep. the blonde is in the driver's seat. one hand rested over the steering wheel. the other typing something on her phone. She had sent a message telling you to hurry up but on arrival, neither Karen nor Gretchen were even here yet. you toss your bag in the back, climbing into your usual spot behind the driver's seat. Karen is usually next to you. "sit in the front, weirdo," she comments. you don't bother with a comeback, just moving to the front passenger seat.

"Where are the others?" you ask, glancing at her. the soft glow of the afternoon sun kissed her skin beautifully. black shades hang on the end of her nose. She really was something to be admired. Regina shrugs and then tosses her phone down. the car roars to life and you're starting down the road before you can think any more about it. it's pretty silent at first. the sound of the radio filling the space. the lack of your two other friends acting as a buffer was sitting weirdly. this wasn't your first time alone with Regina but she's been so grumpy lately. whatever you say feels like an invitation.

"so you like the new girl?" asked casually as she came to an abrupt stop at a red light. you just forward, the seatbelt digging into your neck. it drags up a quick cough but that could also be from surprise. other than that first interaction where she'd summoned you from across the room, you had never spoken to Cady when she was around. Gretchen may be dramatic but she probably wasn't wrong and you really didn't feel like risking it.

"Sorry?" feign confusion was... a choice but it seemed like the better option here.

"you like the new girl," repeated calmly; her eyes drift to you as yours move towards the traffic light. was this the longest red light in history? "right?"

now it's your turn to shrug. you find Cady intriguing but you're not entirely sure if it's interested in the way Regina is implying or just because you were so bored of the every day. "she's cool." a scoff as she pulls away continuing down the road. "you've hardly spoken to her."

"don't need to," Regina didn't miss a beat. Cady definitely didn't fit into what she'd consider cool but then again, neither had you. not entirely anyway and now you're here. you hang out with the most popular people in school. went to the hottest parties. you were currently being driven around by the Regina George. you never understood why or maybe you did and just refused to accept it was that simple. you know what everyone else says. that it's because of the attention you show her. you wouldn't necessarily say they're wrong but everyone gave her attention. She did always say there was something special about you. "I thought you at least had standards."

the rest of the car ride is silent as you think over what she said and Regina keeps to herself. the music is the only thing, keeping you sane until you pull up at the George residence. you always forget just how big her house is until you're there. As you walk inside, her mum appears abruptly startling you a little.

"hey, ms. George."

"hey girls," she singsonged. "how was school?"

"fine," Regina shoots back.

"well if you need anything? a drink? some snacks? advice? I'm here,"

"I'd actually love an iced-"

"we're good," growled as she grabbed your wrist hauling you up the stairs. "don't bother us." a confused look but she didn't let go until you were firmly inside her bedroom. door slammed shut. the blonde tosses her bag down.

"you should really be nicer to your mom, she adores you," you say idly taking a seat on the end of her bed, placing your bag down.

"you should shut up because it's none of your fucking business."

jesus christ. you kinda regret the decision to come over. "I just wanted an iced tea. maybe a little snack."

"god knows you don't need it," Regina comments. wow. okay. she was in a mood.

"what's up with you?"

"I'm fine," she responds. "you're just being so fucking annoying recently."

"I haven't done anything?" you've not been acting any differently so you have no clue what she's talking about.

"just absolutely drooling over the new girl. it's embarrassing." she declares, taking a seat on the bed.

"I..." you stop yourself because you're more confused than anything else. "we've spoken like once."

"liar" she responds. "I know you've been talking all the time," fucking Gretchen. "do you think she's pretty?"

"Cady?" Regina nods. you shrug. "I guess."

"prettier than me?" her head tilts. you can't tell if she was jealous or fishing for compliments; neither was her style. so it was probably a trap.

"no." you wanna say she's being dramatic but that wouldn't end well. She doesn't say anything, hardly even reacts. just cold eyes. Is she expecting you to say more? "of course not." you're waiting for the ball to drop. for her to make a snide comment or something. anything was better than nothing. but it just never comes. she takes out her phone and starts typing. you fall back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. you both just sit in the quiet. you're worried about saying anything that'll lead to more insults. god knows what she is doing on her phone.

"you're so pathetic." Regina eventually says. you'd take offence if you weren't used to it; basically a term of endearment at this point. you can hear her moving but don't bother looking until she's towering over you. dark eyes and a small smile that would seem genuine coming from anyone else. a hand cups your cheek but no nails follow; it's gentle and slow as she runs her thumb over your skin. what was happening right now? "do you ever think about me?" you blink a few times trying to make sense of everything. why was she being so nice? why was she being so gentle? why did she ask that?

"what do you mean?"

a roll of her pretty eyes. "you know what I mean." you did but surely not.

"I... don't know what to say."

"Because I think about you," your breathing hitches as you sit up. looking at her properly. "those pretty eyes," she moves closer. "these lips," her thumb runs over your bottom lip. you swallow hard. "do you wanna kiss me?" you just stare back. a smirk as she ghosts your lips.

"say you wanna kiss me." this felt cruel. you lean in and she pulls back slightly. a finger pressed against your lips. her expression is colder now. sharp. "say it."

"I... wanna kiss you," you dare and that smirk quickly returns. removing her finger, Regina leans in and connects your lips. it's soft and slow. not at all like you imagined kissing Regina George would feel like... until the girl pushes into you and it's exactly like you imagined. fast. forceful. like she wanted to devour you. A hand pushes you back against her massive bed and she moves to straddle your hips. your heart is beating so loudly you wouldn't be surprised if she could hear it.

"still thinking about the new girl?"

"I never-" You feel her press a little harder against your chest so you change your answer. "no." Regina tosses her hair over one shoulder, and a finger under your chin pushes your head up.

"I don't think you should talk to her anymore," Regina states before leaning down to connect your lips once more. "understood?"

you're too caught up in the moment to really gauge how serious she was being so you nod. "good girl." whispered against your lips.

Regina George had always been a lot. She always demanded attention and you often gave her it. you weren't ashamed of that. She knew you'd do anything for her. As did most of the school.

"Hey," Cady suddenly appears beside you in the hallway. she seems a lot more relaxed around you which was nice to see. however, you have not spoken to them since that weird night with Regina. She wouldn't like it. plus Gretchen would probably snitch on you immediately. "so we should probably figure out a time to work on our project." you've been paired up for an assignment in American literature.

"We can do it today after school if you want?" she nods. "I'll meet you out front."

"hey Cady," Karen slides up beside you on the other side, instantly looping your arms. ever the pleasant company. you wonder if she just wanted to see you or get you away from Cady. probably the former.

"I'll see you later," you say to the new girl before turning to your friend. "what do you want?"

"you're coming to Connor's party Saturday?"

"Obviously,"

"I have the perfect-"

"no," you respond instantly. you loved Karen. she was genuinely the sweetest person you know. but at every party, she tries to give you a Karen Shetty special aka a makeover. and every single time you have to say no.

"but I have the perfect outfit for you."

"is it actually perfect for me or just slutty."

"Both," Karen states excitedly. "please," pleading eyes as she draws you closer, hugging your arm. "please please please."

a loud groan. "fine."

"Really?" her eyes light up and circulation quickly returns to your arm. you nod at her which leads to excited clapping. maybe it wouldn't be so bad. maybe it was the perfect outfit for you but also sexy enough to satisfy Karen.

"oh here," you reach into your bag and produce a homemade friendship bracelet. you'd been tutoring some younger students for extra credit but sometimes you just hung out with them. "made them with some of the kids so,"

"ah thank you," she takes it eagerly. you had one for Gretchen and Regina too. only one of them would appreciate it though.

"why were you chatting with Cady?" Karen asks, sliding on her bracelet as she takes your arm once more.

"we're doing a project together," you explain. "you were literally just in class with us Karen."

"oh yeah," she smiles brightly. "I'm starving." you chuckle a little and allow her to eagerly pull you towards the dining room.

you're sitting on the grass. Cady is talking in your ear as you stare into the distance. most students had gone home already. The rest were working on homework or projects or extracurricular activities. you arranged this meeting but god were you bored. no offence to Cady but you kinda wish you'd been paired with Karen so you could be fucking about right now and then rush the work the night before it's due.

"are you going to the party Saturday?" you ask idly.

"What party?"

"oh shit." you forgot she was hanging out with Janis and Damian who definitely wouldn't have been invited. "connor mckay is having a party. The dudes a mess, big house though. you should come,"

"don't think I was invited,"

"I'm inviting you."

"not sure that's how it works."

"Just come Cady," you insist. "you can bring Janis and Damian too if you want. everyone will be too fucked to notice."

"uh, thanks then" she smiles a little, glancing back at her textbook. "I'll think about it."

"you have to think about attending your first high school party?" you question. laying down on your back. "I'll be there," you turn your head to look at them. "it'll be fun." you watch her carefully and soon she smiles.

"Okay, yeah."

"well that was easy," should have just started by stating you'll be there. "Be careful, Cady." you tease, looking back to clouds passing by but you can't help but smirk a little. "I'll start thinking you like me."

sat in the back of Regina's jeep as she fixes her hair in the overhead mirror, Karen inspects your face while Gretchen is copying Regina by fixing her hair. "can we just go in," you insist, slapping Karen's hands away. "before I regret coming."

"Why would you regret coming?" Gretchen questions, looking around at you.

"I feel stupid,"

"you look amazing," Karen urges. "perfect."

"you would say that."

"stop whining," Regina insists. flipping up her mirror. "you look hot. now let's go."

finally. "I'm gonna get so fucked up," you state as you step out of the car. walking beside Regina with Gretchen and Karen a step behind. the party is already alive. started at six. It was eight.

you reach the point in every party where you just don't want to be there anymore pretty quickly tonight. you're suddenly so aware of how annoying everyone is. sat on the kitchen counter, you swing your legs back and forth as you sip whatever was in your cup. Gretchen gave it to you. the party passes around you like you're not even there until an all too familiar blonde appears. "you look sad," you'd mistake that for genuine concern if it wasn't Regina "Already at sad drunk, that's impressive."

"what do you want Regina?" she had basically ignored you since you arrived so why she suddenly thought you were worthy of her presence, you'll never know. Shane was the object of her disgustingly public displays of affection tonight. "thought you'd be too busy with Shane."

"god, you're so obsessed with Shane," a roll of her eyes as she takes the cup from your hand to help herself. you watch her as the red cup comes to painted lips. not a hair out of place. so perfect. Regina was perfect. it was annoying

"I invited Cady tonight," you state, snatching your cup back.

"ew. why? I thought we agreed you weren't going near Cady anymore," technically you did. practically it wasn't that deep. who cares.

"And Janis and Damian but mostly to get Cady here,"

"desperate to hang out with losers," Regina sighs. "is she here?"

you shrug. "too many people. too big a house. I haven't looked, to be honest."

"Well," a hand finds its way to your thigh, running up and then down softly. "if you're good tonight maybe I'll give you a little treat."

"don't," you push her hand away. "go back to your boyfriend."

"he's not my boyfriend,"

"well whatever he is," you jump down off the countertop. "you made it very clear that I'm not what you want."

"you're so dramatic," she pushes up too. "I hate when you get drunk."

"Whatever."

"fuck sake," Regina responds. "you act like I said we're together or something."

"you're such an asshole," you huff. "I'm gonna find Cady."

"good luck with that,"

there are so many people at this party. you're not sure who half of them even are but they all seem to know you as you stumble around after the new girl. a constant barrage of 'hellos' and 'you look hot' in various forms. it's tiring. annoying. and you're about to give up and go find Gretchen so she can rub your back to make you feel better when you spot her. She was looking as awkward as ever. "you came." shouted over the thump of the music

"yeah," her face lit up. "Damian too. Janis said she'd rather jump off a bridge than come so..."

"That sounds... exactly like her," you nod. "I like..." you glance at her outfit. Regina would hate it. you don't love it. "your outfit. very school teacher chic."

"Thanks," she replies. "I didn't have anything to wear so,"

"it's cool. I'm just happy someone here isn't gonna irritate me- do you want a drink?"

"Sure," she nods. "do they have juice?"

"uh... probably somewhere." who asks for juice at a party? "I'll check. stay here."

you wander off back to the kitchen in search of some juice. your first stop is the fridge which is very stocked. you briefly scan for anything open, sweet and edible before just grabbing a carton of fresh orange and deciding that will do. pouring her a glass before heading back. she's still in the same spot only a particular blonde in the tightest little black dress has decided to strike up a conversation. you immediately know something is wrong. Regina can't stand Cady. it's why you told her you admitted to inviting her so easily. You wanted to piss her off. you can't make out what is happening but as you make your approach the redhead leaves. Regina turns to you with a sugary sweet smile betrayed by her eyes. "hey baby girl, feeling any better?"

"What did you say to her?"

"why do you have a glass of" brow knitted as she tapped her nail against the glass. "orange juice?"

"What did you say to her?"

"who?" you let her have the glass and she takes a sip. a visible look of disgust. "is there anything in this?"

"It's just fresh orange,"

"what the fuck? are you trying to sober up or what?"

"it was for Cady," you explain. "what did you say?"

the blonde shrugs. "she just had to go. not my fault." you don't believe her. why would you? She has a track record of being a conniving person who'll make trouble just for the sake of it. it'd be naive to think she didn't do anything."

"Why do you have to be such a fucking bitch all of the time," you grumble loudly. a hand snaps around your wrist and suddenly you're yanked closer to her. hot breath sending a shiver down your spine.

"I let you off before because you were all sad and tragic but don't think you can ever talk to me like that," growled in your ear before she abruptly shoved you away. "Cady left. get over it."

"she only left because you said something,"

"she left because she realised you don't like her," the blonde snapped. such a pretty poison came in the form of Regina George as she turned her gaze on you. She was pissed but kept it quietly contained to just beneath the music so nobody else had a clue. "that you've just been stringing her along. pretending to be her friend. all because I wasn't showing you enough attention," she's close again. too close. she wasn't physically that tall but right she seemed massive as she loomed over you. her eyes flicker to your lips and back up. did she wanna kiss you or kill you? neither seemed smart. "she realised that you belong to me."

"I'm not a dog Regina."

"you sure about that," a mean glint in those pretty eyes. "you wanted my attention. you got it." she shoves the orange juice back in your hand. it's contents splashing your hand. "don't cry about it now." and with that she turns on her heel and disappears into the crowd

// NEXT

[sgtgrunt0331-3]

On January 15, 2019, lone SAS operator Christian Craighead enters the Dusit Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, in respond to a terrorist attack. This famous photograph was seen on social media and major news outlets around the world.

Off-duty at the time, Craighead wore his combat gear over jeans and shirt when he entered the complex alone. He was able escort civilians to safety, then went back inside the hotel where he shot and killed two of the four al-Shabaab gunmen.

(Photo courtesy of AFP/Getty Images)

[420days]

BE MY GIRL? | JEY USO

It’s been a while & I’m a little rusty so excuse any errors or mistakes…

“I want to be down

With what you're going through

I want to be down (down)

I want to be down with you (down with you)

No matter the time of day or night

It's true, I want to be down”

Brianna sung in the mirror as she moisturized her hair. She just finished her full self care shower which consisted of exfoliating, shaving, and doing her skin care. Once she moisturized her skin, she got dressed in her matching red pajama set and began working on her hair.

Kenya convinced her to let her do a sew in on her hair and she was in love with it. She was used to wearing wigs but the sew in was giving her a more natural and youthful look. She used the roller brush and tried her best to blow out her bundles like Kenya showed her until she was satisfied with the look.

As time passed she looked over at the clock and saw it was 7:10. She didn’t want to be that girl but she was waiting for Jey to call her. She ran into him in the gym earlier and he asked for her number. As much as it threw her off, she agreed and became excited when he said he would call her after practice.

As if he could sense her thinking about him, an unknown number flashed about her screen. Nervous, she let it ring a couple times before answering the phone.

"Hello." She spoke softly.

"Hey love, how’s your day been?" His deep voice spoke making her feel a little tangly inside. She couldn’t tell if his voice was deep because he was possibly sleeping or because they were on the phone but she loved it.

“Nothing much, finished up some homework, got something to eat, and did some self care stuff. Did you have a long day? I didn’t think you were going to really call me.” She told him and he instantly felt bad.

He really planned on calling her sooner but as soon as his body hit the bed in his dorm he was out a lot longer than he thought he would be. The first thing on his mind when he woke up was Brianna.

“My bad love. I was definitely going to call you sooner but practice ran until six and as soon as I got out the shower I took a long ass nap.” He explained to her.

“Thats okay, I can only imagine how hard practice was. I know I’m always tired after practice especially when I have homework.”

“That’s what you were doing when I called?” He asked her.

“No, I was doing my hair.” She shook her head as she laid against her baby pink pillows and crossed one leg over the other.

“What you do to it? I know it looks good.” He complimented her. One thing he enjoyed about Brianna was she always looked well put together. Her toes and nails were always freshly done in white polish or french tips. He could stare at her pink lips that were always moisturized or covered in clear gloss all day if he could.

“I washed it and I was going to put some flex rollers in them but I don’t have anywhere to go so I might leave it as is.” She shrugged her shoulders and looked down at her nails.

“You should let me take you out.”

“Why do you wanna take me out?” She giggled into the phone when he sucked his teeth at her.

“Man, cause I’m feeling your pretty self. I like the energy you bring and I want to know more about you.” He told her.

“You’re so sweet. You asking me on a date?" She asked playing with the ends of her hair, twirling it around her fingers.

"Yeah, Brianna." He nodded his head as if she could see him.

"Wait, you have a game on Thursday, right?”

"Yeah why?" He asked.

"If you win your game on Thursday then you can take me out on Friday. How does that sound?” She smiled into the phone. If there was one thing her mother taught her it was to never give a man too much lean-way.

"Bet, so make sure your schedule is cleared cause ima’ have something planned for us.” He told her while trying to keep his composure.

“I just ask one thing of you.”

"And what's that?" She asked him.

"You gotta come to the game and watch me play. I want you to see for yourself how well I do when I’m challenged.”

"Mmh, that works for me. I’ll see you there.”

-

2 Days Later

“It’s so nice in here. You have good taste.” Brianna smiled at Jey as he held her hand and led her into the restaurant he picked out got them. He knew he was going to win the game so her set plans in motion as soon as he got off the phone with Brianna.

“Thank you.” I said as he held the door of the restaurant open for me.

“You’re good.” He spoke as we walked hand and hand over to were the severs were. He told them he had a reservation under his last name before we were brought over to a table.

“You did really good job tonight.” Brianna smiled as she sat across from him and took a look at the menu.

“I appreciate it. Did you enjoy the game?” He asked and she nodded her head. It was her first time attending a basketball game at the college and it was a lot funner than she thought it would be.

“How’s volleyball going?” He asked after the two put in their orders with the waiter.

“It’s really good actually! I’m getting along with the girls pretty well and we keep winning games so I can’t complain.”

“That’s what’s up. Do you plan on playing long term?” He asked wanting to know more about her long term goals.

“Not necessarily , it’s something I like to do for fun but not something I want to do forever. I want to be a physical therapist or personal trainer. She explained to him.

“That’s what’s up. I wouldn’t have expected that from you but I fuck with it.” He nodded his head.

“What do you want to do? Basketball?” She asked him the same question.

“Nah, not really. I mean it’s cool and everything but I’m still trying to figure it out.” He shrugged his shoulders at her.

“You have time to figure it out but you’re really good at it and I know you can go far.”

“I appreciate it love.”

They talked for a little while longer about any and everything but most of their time was spent with Jey making her laugh. She found his to be extremely funny and he enjoyed being able to make her laugh.

“Oh, I don’t think we ordered this.” Brianna spoke as the waiter sat a dessert down in front of her.

The waiter just smiled at her cluelessness before walking off to another table. Josh watched her look down at the writing on the plate before looking back up at him.

“You want me to be your girlfriend?” She asked him.

“Yeah, I know it hasn’t been that long, but I know what I want, and I never been the type to not act on what I want.” He spoke truthfully.

“Okay, I’ll be your girlfriend.” She nodded her head and smiled up at him. There was an overwhelming amount of emotions consuming her but everything felt right in the moment.

“It’s good?” He motioned towards the mini cheesecake as he pulled out his card to pay the bill and tip the waiter.

“Mmh, it’s my favorite even though I’m not supposed to be eating this.” She nodded her head.

“Why not?” He frowned.

“Because, I have to stay in shape. I’ve been slacking in the gym too.”

“Shit, I can’t tell.” He mumbled loud enough for her to hear as his eyes glanced over her body. Her face instantly turned red as she tried to hide the smile on her face but of course she couldn’t.

She was dressed in a pair of fitted jeans that showed off her long legs, a hot pink shirt that laced in the front showing a tiny bit of cleavage, and, sandals that showed off her bubble bath pink toes.

Kenya convinced her to step out her comfort zone and put on something a little different than what she would usually wear. Everyone knew Bri could dress but she never had to do or show too much to get that point across.

“Well, thank you but you’re an athlete so you know how it feels when your body isn’t on track with you. I’m new on the team so I have to be on point and show them how good I am.” She explained and Josh nodded his head.

“Nah, I feel you. I might have to come through and see you compete. See if you’re as good as you say.”

“I’m definitely as good as I say but you can see for yourself if you want.” She shrugged her shoulders.

@bebesobrielo @trentybenty @amandairene88 @kiki1704 @paigereeder @uceyliyahh @skyesthebomb @cyberdejos2 @chloeijuana

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Reptilia - Piciformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next order of birds are the Piciformes. This is a large order, containing the living families Bucconidae (“puffbirds”), Galbulidae (“jacamars”), Megalaimidae (“Asian barbets”), Lybiidae (“African barbets”), Capitonidae (“New World barbets”), Semnornithidae (“toucan barbets”), Ramphastidae (“toucans”), Indicatoridae (“honeyguides”), and Picidae (“woodpeckers”).

The Piciformes are quite diverse with a variety of body, and particularly beak, types. Nearly all Piciformes have parrot-like zygodactyl feet: two toes forward and two back, an arrangement that has advantages for birds that spend much of their time on tree trunks. Most piciformes are insectivores, though the barbets and toucans mainly eat fruit, and some piciformes also supplement their diet with eggs and small vertebrates.

All Piciformes nest in cavities (either burrows or holes in trees or termite mounds) and have altricial young, hatched completely naked. Aside from the jacamars, Piciformes do not have down feathers at any age, only developing true feathers. They are generally monogamous, at least for one breeding season, and both parents take care of the chicks.

Piciformes evolved around the Early Eocene, with the modern families known to exist since the mid-late Oligocene.

Propaganda under the cut:

The constellation Tucana, containing most of the Small Magellanic Cloud, is named after the toucan.

The largest Piciform is the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) (see gif above), with an average length of 56 cm (1.8 ft).

The Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) (image 2) is best known for its mutualistic relationship with humans. When a Greater Honeyguide has found a hive of honeybees with a large yield of honey, it will attract the attention of humans through specific calls. It will then lead the humans to the hive. Once the humans have collected the honey, the honeyguide sweeps in to eat the larvae and wax. Honey-hunters have specific calls and whistles used to call honeyguides when they are about to search for honey. Adults but not juvenile honeyguides will respond to these calls, signifying that a response to the calls is taught. Claims that it also guides non-human animals are disputed; humans seem to be the only animals to understand the bird calls. In some parts of Kenya, Greater Honeyguides have stopped guiding, due to a lack of responses by people in the area.

While they mainly eat insects, honeyguides are unique among birds for being able to digest beeswax.

In folklore, it is frequently noted that the honeyguide should be thanked with a gift of honey; if not, it may lead its follower to a lion, bull elephant, or venomous snake as punishment. Honeyguides do rarely lead humans to venomous snakes, but this is probably due to error by the birds, or perhaps as a means of trying to get humans to remove a snake from a nesting area.

Woodpeckers are known for their characteristic behavior of drumming their beaks on wood. This is done to “drill” for insects under the bark, to communicate, and to make nest holes. To prevent brain damage from rapid and repeated powerful impacts, woodpeckers have a number of physical features that protect their brains. These include a relatively small and smooth brain, narrow subdural space, little cerebrospinal fluid surrounding it (to prevent it from moving back and forth inside the skull during pecking), the orientation of the brain within the skull, and a skull which consists of strong but compressible, sponge-like bone.

Woodpeckers have long, sticky, barbed tongues for extracting food (insects and larvae) from trees. The tongue bone (or hyoid bone) of the woodpecker is so long that it winds around the skull through a special cavity, thereby cushioning the brain during pecking.

The smallest woodpecker is the Bar-breasted Piculet (Picumnus aurifrons), which is typically 7.5 cm (3 in) long and weighs 8 to 10 g (0.28 to 0.35 oz).

The American birdwatcher’s Thylacine, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) is presumed extinct, as the last universally accepted sighting in the United States was in 1944, and the last universally accepted sighting in Cuba was in 1987. However, hope remains that the bird may persist somewhere, and sightings are still made to this day (most of them probably other woodpecker species and none of them confirmed). Habitat protection and restoration efforts have been initiated in areas where the species might persist.

The related Imperial Woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis), endemic to Mexico, is also presumed extinct. If they have gone extinct, it would have been due to habitat destruction and fragmentation combined with hunting. If it is not extinct, it is the world's largest woodpecker species, at 56–60 cm (1.8–2 ft) long.

One of the accounts of the founding of Rome, preserved in the work known as Origo Gentis Romanae, refers to a legend of a woodpecker bringing food to the boys Romulus and Remus during the time they were abandoned in the wild.

In the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game Pokémon Sun and Moon, the Pokémon Toucannon had an evolution line based on the phylogenetic relationships within Piciformes, perhaps one of the only Pokémon evolution lines to make a nod to real-life phylogeny. The first evolution, Pikipek, is based on a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). The second, Trumbeak, resembles a honeyguide. The final evolution, Toucannon, is modeled after a Toco Toucan.

[shahaddhlan1]

I will never say goodbye..🇵🇸🌿

I let my thoughts run wild this morning. I sat before a boundless space, not a galaxy filled with planets and stars, but a pure blue sky, dotted with a pink sun, a flock of birds flying lightly, and trees unlike any other...

These are the kenya trees, dearest to my heart, captivating my eyes, and the only refuge for my weary soul.

Those trees, with their solid trunks rooted in the earth and their branches touching the edges of the sky, seem to embrace the entire universe, embracing the sun when it rises and whispering to the winds on cold nights. As the birds swayed above them, playing with the branches as if singing to them,

I sat there...

Amazed by the beauty of the moment, I listened to the song "Birds of a Feather." I only write when music flows in my blood, pushing me toward the words like the wind pushes the waves toward the shore.

And today, for the first time since the beginning of the war,

I didn't see the rubble!!

I didn't feel its presence, and I didn't pay attention.

It was as if it had evaporated into thin air, or as if nature, in all its glory, had decided to hide it from my sight.

Yes, spring has arrived, and with it has come everything beautiful.

Something like a dream, soft, gentle, as if it were wiping the wounds of the earth with the lightness of the breeze.

But I wonder...

Have I fallen in love with this land again?

Are these the signs of beautiful beginnings?

I hope so, indeed I hope with all my heart...

That this is the beginning of endings, the end of pain, the end of the ache that has clung to us like a shadow that won't leave.

Despite everything that has happened...

Despite the devastation that has befallen everything...

There remains something inside me that still resists, still blooms like a wildflower between the cracks in the walls.

Whenever I try to convince myself to leave, the earth calls out to me, whispering to me like the sound of the wind, seducing me once again.

So I refuse, clinging to it like the deep roots of Kenya. It is unshaken by storms, nor uprooted by wars.

I now realize that I am faced with only two choices: to leave or to stay...

But my heart had already decided a long time ago.

I am truly in love with it, clinging to it to the core.

It is the certain inevitability of love that has never left me alone since my birth.

So how can I say goodbye?

How can I leave it behind?

How dare they force us to leave?!

Brother... I am not a traveler, and my land is not a bag to be carried on shoulders.

I am here, I am staying...

I will never say goodbye.

It's over.

These are the usual fleeting words, I called them...

"I will never say goodbye to this land."

I'm happy to be writing. I've become much better than before thanks to it. I'm here to write my blogs and whatever comes to my mind.

May they leave an impact on you and help spread the word about my fundraising campaign to help my little family and rescue them from the horrors of war.

We need your support here 🫂💜☮️👇🏻

✅️Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #502 )✅️ & @bilal-salah0

GAZA 🇵🇸🍉🌿

[urlocalmultigroupfan]

ꜱᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇʀꜱ 𐙚˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 (양정인)

pairing: yang jeongin x fem!reader

summary: loosely based off of strangers by kenya grace

tags/warnings: suggestive (kissing in car) kinda angsty, no good ending

a/n: hihi guys!! i think yall have noticed that i haven't been as active on here anymore sigh. atp its basically js bc i used to write based off of what i wanted to happen, but now its more like im actually experiencing it with my gf, so its kinda different for me!! its also bc ive js been talking to my friends mostly recently 😭😭 so yep!! (on discord tho add so_dxnbi if u want to talk 😋! also i might not be active during the summer so this will be one of the many oneshots and stories i have prepped to come out over the summer <3 tysm for patience!! love you guys <3

also sorry for the kinda bad ending sigh 😓

credits to @hyuneskkami for the dividers

masterlist!

You never thought you’d end up here. In the backseat of his car, the world outside reduced to a blur of neon lights and rain streaking across the windows. His hands are everywhere, touching your skin, pulling you closer, leaving a trail of heat that’s impossible to ignore. Your breaths are shallow, uneven, caught somewhere between urgency and uncertainty. It’s messy, fast, and you know it’s never going to last. But in that moment, it doesn’t matter.

You had been strangers once. You never imagined it would go this far. But here you are, both lost in the feeling of each other, and yet… it feels like you’re miles apart.

ᡣ𐭩

It all started when you didn’t expect it.

You remember the night you first met him. It was one of those nights where you had no plans, no real intentions. The party was loud, a blur of faces and music that pulsed through the walls. You didn’t even know why you were there. Maybe it was because your friends had dragged you along, or maybe it was because you were just looking for something—something to fill the quiet spaces inside of you.

The first time you saw him, he wasn’t anything special—just another guy among many. Tall, dark hair, a smile that you couldn’t quite place. But when you bumped into him, spilling your drink all over his shirt, you immediately froze, mortified.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” you blurted out, fumbling for your words, trying to wipe the spill from his chest.

He laughed. Softly. “It’s fine, really. No harm done.”

His eyes were warm, and for a brief moment, you felt like he was the only person in the room. You barely noticed the music anymore. There was something about the way he looked at you that made everything else fade into the background.

“I’m Jeongin,” he said, offering you a hand.

You introduced yourself, and that was it. A simple exchange of names. But there was something about him, a kind of energy that lingered after the conversation ended. You didn’t think much of it at the time, just another stranger in a sea of faces.

ᡣ𐭩

But things have a way of changing, don’t they?

The first few weeks after the party, you didn’t think much about Jeongin. He was just another person in your life. You’d pass by him in the hallways, maybe exchange a quick smile, but that was it. But then, one evening, you ran into him in the library. He was sitting alone, flipping through a book, looking more relaxed than you had ever seen him before.

“Hey,” you said, trying to sound casual. “What’s up?”

He glanced up, his eyes lighting up when he saw you. “Hey! Just studying. Want to join?”

You hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but you nodded. “Sure. Why not?”

You sat beside him, the quiet of the library settling around you as the minutes stretched into hours. At first, it was just small talk—talking about assignments, the classes you shared. But before long, the conversation shifted. You found yourself laughing at his jokes, talking about things you’d never shared with anyone elseyour hopes, your fears, your childhood memories.

It was easy. Too easy.

And that’s when you started noticing him more. Not just his smile or the way he made you laugh, but the way he made you feel—like you mattered. Like you weren’t just a passing thought in his life. You started texting him more, meeting up for coffee after class, spending your weekends together in a way that felt so natural, so right.

You didn’t think much about it at first. He was just a friend, right? But even then, you could feel something shifting between you both, something you couldn’t name, something that made your heart beat a little faster every time he looked at you.

ᡣ𐭩

The moment it happened, you didn’t even see it coming.

One evening, it was just the two of you—sitting on the balcony at his apartment, the city lights flickering in the distance. You’d just finished dinner, and the conversation had slowly shifted to more personal things, things you had never dared to say aloud before.

“I think you’re one of the few people who actually listens when I talk,” Jeongin had said, his voice quieter than usual, his eyes soft.

You couldn’t help but smile. “I’m always listening.”

He was looking at you differently now, his gaze more intense, more focused. The space between you seemed to shrink, and your chest tightened. You wanted to say something, anything, but your words caught in your throat.

You felt his hand brush yours, and it was like the world stopped. Your breath hitched as he leaned in slowly, hesitating just a moment before his lips met yours.

The kiss was everything you didn’t know you needed. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing, just the overwhelming rush of wanting and being wanted. His hand cupped your cheek, pulling you closer, and you responded eagerly, the taste of him lingering on your lips.

But even in that kiss, you could sense something shifting inside of you—this wasn’t just a fleeting moment. You were both crossing a line, one you weren’t sure you could come back from.

The next few days passed in a haze, the thrill of being with him clouding your thoughts. You were officially more than friends, but neither of you spoke about it. It felt like an unspoken agreement between the two of you—no labels, no expectations, just the feelings that both of you kept buried deep down.

But it wasn’t long before the cracks began to show.

ᡣ𐭩

It was one of those nights when everything felt a little too much. The air was thick with tension, and the heavy weight of unspoken words hung between you both. You were both drunk, but there was a certain clarity in the way you looked at him.

You’d been out with friends at a club, and now you were in his car, parked in an empty lot, the sound of the rain tapping against the windows. His hand was on your leg, drawing lazy circles on your skin. He was leaning close, his breath warm against your neck, and you couldn’t deny that you wanted him. You needed him.

You let him kiss you again, this time deeper, more desperate. His hands were everywhere—on your waist, your back, your thigh. You could feel the heat building between you both, the need, the desperation, as if this moment was the only thing that mattered.

In the backseat, it was all about chasing that feeling—the feeling of being wanted, of being seen. His lips were on your neck, his body pressed against yours, and you could feel every inch of him.

It was reckless. It was messy. But it was you both searching for something—something you couldn't name, something you couldn’t hold onto.

But even in that moment, you knew it wouldn’t last.

ᡣ𐭩

Things between you both became complicated after that night. The chemistry, the passion—it was always intense, but it wasn’t enough to keep the distance from growing. Jeongin pulled away more and more, his texts shorter, his responses slower. You tried to ignore it, but the cracks were undeniable.

You wanted to talk about it, to ask him where you stood, but every time you tried, he’d shut you down with a simple excuse—“I’m busy,” or “I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

But you knew. You knew what was happening.

One evening, you sat in his apartment, the silence between you unbearable. You couldn’t ignore the distance anymore.

“I can’t do this anymore, Jeongin,” you said, your voice trembling despite yourself. “I’m tired of pretending everything’s fine.”

He looked at you, his expression unreadable. “What do you mean?”

“I mean this,” you gestured between you both, your hands shaking. “This… whatever this is. I can’t keep doing this if you’re not here with me. You’re not really here, Jeongin. Not anymore.”

There was a long pause. You didn’t look at him. You couldn’t.

Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet. “Maybe I’m not, then.”

That was it. No apology, no fight. Just a simple acknowledgment that you both knew things weren’t working. You both had been drifting for so long, it was only a matter of time before it ended.

ᡣ𐭩

After the breakup, you tried to move on. You went to class, you hung out with friends, you kept yourself busy. But every time you saw him—whether on campus or in passing—there was a part of you that ached.

He didn’t reach out, and neither did you. The silence between you was louder than anything you could say.

Months passed. You both moved in different circles, but every once in a while, you’d catch a glimpse of him. He never looked at you the same way again. He never even looked at you at all.

You were strangers again.

And somehow, that hurt more than anything else.

You never saw him again after that day at the coffee shop. He was just another face in the crowd, another memory.

A stranger.

hope yall enjoyed <33

todays playlist....

bills by enhypen, dadada by mad tsai, like by bts, feelings by lauv, love scenario by ikon, voices by stray kids, banana shake by hus, busy woman by sabrina carpenter, bed chem by sabrina carpenter, feels like summer by childish gambino, butterflies by stray kids, run bts by bts, mama said by kickflip, ssick by stray kids, drama by aespa, deer hunter by &team, like that by doja cat and gucci mane, start a war by jennie, fall in love again by p1harmony

*bold is explicit*

taglist: @rockstarkkami @sirloncelot-of-bananas @jisunggy @me-on-a-archive @hyunjiiza @hyuneskkami @hvseunq143 (im pretty sure i missed somebody 😭😭)

taglist is open! please comment if you would like to be added <3

[marie098887]

Early airport morings. ✈️

Going to the airport with your boyfriend.

Part 2: Barou, Yukimiya, Aiku, Gagamaru, Otoya, and Karasu

📝 Requests: OPEN

After months of talking about it, canceling plans, and pretending you’d “definitely do it next break,” you and your boyfriend finally found the time. No matches. No press. No chaos. Just a trip, something small, something together. It’s early in the morning. The sky’s still dark. You’re both running on no sleep, dragging your bags and trying to act like this isn’t the most exciting thing you’ve done in weeks. Sleepy faces, overpriced airport food, and that quiet buzz of we’re actually doing this. The trip hasn’t even started yet, but it already feels like a good memory.

👑 Barou Shoei

Barou doesn’t travel light.

He shows up before the sun, hoodie up, dragging a suitcase big enough to fit you inside and a duffel that’s definitely all protein bars. He barely says anything when you come out, just nods, grabs your bag like it’s nothing, and mumbles, “Let’s go.”

The car ride is quiet. Not awkward, just Barou being Barou. One hand on the wheel, eyes on the road, lips pressed into a straight line. You ask if he’s excited. He grunts.

At the airport, he moves fast. Knows exactly where to go. Refuses to ask for help.

Refuses to let you carry anything either.

You catch him checking the flight info three times like it might suddenly change. You say, “We’re early,” and he says, “Good.”

He buys you a bottle of water and acts like it’s not a big deal. You smile anyway.

You find your gate, and he finally sits down, arms crossed, legs wide, looking like he’s guarding something. You lean against him. He doesn’t move for a second, then relaxes.

“I hate airports,” he mutters.

You laugh. “You say that like we’re not doing this together.”

He doesn’t answer, but his hand brushes yours and stays there.

They call your group. He stands first. Grabs your stuff without looking at you, setting a hand on your shoulder.

You walk beside him, still yawning, still quiet. And for once, he doesn’t mind the silence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🍊 Yukimiya Kenya

Yukimiya arrives right on time. Not a second late. Not a hair out of place.

He’s wearing a monochrome outfit, rolling matching luggage, those same glasses, holding your favorite drink, because he knew you’d forget to grab one in the terminal.

You look at him, still half, asleep, sweatshirt baggy, socks mismatched.

“You look like a catalog ad,” you mumble.

He smiles, soft. “And you look like someone I’m very happy to be traveling with.”

The car ride is peaceful. Calm music. His hand resting on your knee at red lights. You fall asleep with your head tilted toward the window, and when you open your eyes again, you’re already pulling into the terminal.

At the airport, he handles everything, check in, boarding passes, bag drop. You don’t have to lift a finger. He walks at your pace. Keeps you close without hovering.

He’s quiet in the crowd. Focused. But every now and then, he looks over at you like he’s making sure you’re still here.

At the gate, you sip coffee together and scroll on your phones. He leans into you. Subtle. Gentle.

“I’m glad we did this,” he says, barely above a whisper.

You smile into your cup. “Me too.”

They start boarding. He stands up, smooth and effortless, then offers you his hand.

“Come on,” he says. “We’ve got places to be.”

And just like that, you’re off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

💚 Aiku Oliver

He pulls up, not blasting music but definitely loud enough for you to hear from outside the car.

He leans over the center console when you open the car door and grins.

“Look who decided to show up. You sleep in those sweats for three nights or just two?”

You don’t even bother responding. You just throw your bag in the back and climb in.

He hums like he’s proud of himself for getting under your skin this early.

But he brought snacks. And gum. And your favorite hoodie just in case you forgot yours.

At the airport, he’s loud, not too loud but loud.

Commenting on people’s outfits. Talking through TSA. Throwing a wink at the barista while ordering two drinks and sliding the better one to you without looking.

“Babe,” he says, handing you your coffee. “If we miss this flight, it’s 'cause you stopped to yawn every five minutes.”

You end up sitting at the gate, your legs stretched across his lap while he scrolls and makes dumb comments under his breath about the other passengers.

Then, out of nowhere, he taps your knee.

“Thanks for coming with me.”

You look up. He’s serious for once.

“No one else I’d wanna do this with.”

And just like that, they call your group.

He stands, reaches for your bag, and then, gently grabs your head and pulls you forward, kissing your forehead before standing up.

"Alright, let's get going."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🐼 Gagamaru Gin

He doesn’t say much when he picks you up.

Just reaches out, takes your bag like it’s nothing, and mumbles, “Morning.”

His hoodie’s oversized. Hair messy. Sleep still clinging to his eyes. You’re not sure if he even slept, but he showed up exactly on time, keys in hand, like this trip was the only thing on his calendar.

The ride is peaceful. Barely any music. No small talk. Just the hum of the road and the occasional glance from him to make sure you’re not too cold.

At the airport, he stays close. Navigates like he’s done this a hundred times, even though he’s clearly just guessing and hoping for the best.

You keep asking, “Are we going the right way?”

He just nods. Calm. Unbothered.

At the gate, he buys you both a bottle of water and a granola bar. No drama. No jokes. Just hands it over like it’s second nature.

You lean on his shoulder while you wait. He doesn’t move, just lets you rest there, completely still.

“Thanks for coming with me,” you say quietly.

He shrugs. “I wanted to.”

When they call your group, he stands, stretches once, then looks at you.

“You good?”

You nod. He grabs your bag again, like always, and follows you toward the gate without a word.

Still quiet. Still steady.

But if you looked close, you'd see him smiling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🤍 Otoya Eita

He sends a text at 4:45 a.m. sharp: “You better not be wearing something ugly to the airport."

You roll your eyes and walk outside in the hoodie you slept in.

He whistles when he sees you. “Wow. Hot.”

“Shut up.”

“You shut up. You’re the one making this ride dangerous for me.”

He opens the trunk for your bag and starts rambling about how he barely packed and “just threw stuff in,” but his suitcase is definitely the size of a small couch. His hoodie’s hanging off one shoulder, and he keeps fixing his hair in the rearview like you’re not watching.

In the terminal, he somehow knows exactly where everything is.

Passport ready. Boarding pass pulled up. You barely have time to think, he’s already dragging you toward the gate.

You stop for food. He insists on splitting everything. “Airport calories don’t count if we share them.”

He makes fun of your order. You make fun of his hair. He tells you it’s hot when you’re mean to him.

When you sit at the gate, he stretches out across two chairs and pulls you closer with zero shame.

“Can’t believe we’re doing this,” he says, voice softer now.

“You’re not gonna complain the whole trip, are you?”

He shrugs. “Not if I get to wake up next to you somewhere new.”

...You hate how smooth he is when he’s tired.

They call your group. He stands and offers you his hand, but only after grabbing your bag like he owns it.

“Let’s go, airport cutie.”

You roll your eyes again, but you’re smiling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

💜 Karasu Tabito

He shows up late. Of course.

You open the door and he’s already sipping coffee, hoodie thrown over his head, suitcase in one hand and zero apology in his expression.

“You’re lucky I even made it,” he says, completely serious.

“You’re lucky I’m still coming.”

He grins. “That’s fair.”

The car ride is mostly him making sarcastic commentary about everything he sees outside, interrupted by long stretches of silence where he zones out mid-sentence.

You ask, “Did you sleep?”

He says, “Define sleep.”

At the airport, he complains about the line, the lighting, the coffee prices, and the suitcase wheels that “don’t roll right,” but he still takes your bag without saying anything.

He points out weird outfits, makes dumb jokes while you wait in line, and throws a granola bar into your lap like he’s doing you a favor.

“You’ll thank me when we’re 30,000 feet in the air and hangry.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re so annoying.”

“Yeah, but you know you want me."

At the gate, he leans back in his chair with his arms crossed, eyes half shut. You think he’s asleep until he says, low and casual:

“This is cool.”

You glance over. “What is?”

“This,” he mutters, not looking at you. “Us. Doing stuff like this.”

You don’t say anything. Just smile and lean into him a little.

He doesn’t move, but he doesn’t pull away either.

When they call your group, he groans like he’s in pain, then stands and stretches dramatically.

“Let’s get this over with,” he says.

But he grabs your bag again. Keeps you close in the line. Doesn’t stop talking the whole way down the jet bridge.

And yeah. He’s glad you’re here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Phew part 2 is done! Part 3 is coming soon! Thank you all for the love and support. Y'all make this so worth it.

[exeggcute]

interesting links roundup #12

>>> permalink <<<

reading

An American composer's biological matter creates new music from beyond the grave

The Creativity Hack No One Told You About: Read the Obits

The dark side of the Moomins

Darwin’s Children Drew All Over the On The Origin of Species Manuscript

Deconstructing Housing

The Great Hobby Lobby Artifact Heist, part 1 (+ part 2)

The hidden religious divide erupting into politics

The High Heel Problem

How Germans Buy New Kidneys in Kenya

How two men stole Edvard Munch's The Scream in just 50 seconds — and how authorities managed to get the painting back

If You Ever See This Speed Sign, You’re Probably Going To Die

An IKEA bookshelf’s third coming

Is True Crime Keeping Me in Prison?

The Man Who Broke Bowling

The Objectively Objectionable Grammatical Pet Peeve

The Play Where Everyone Keeps Fainting

Pokérus: unraveling the biology of the Pokémon virus

The rise of the infinite fringe

Scientists Hack Human Eye to See a Whole New Color, Called "Olo"

Snap. Crack. Stroke.

Sponges, drill bits and wires: Surgeons mistakenly left objects inside thousands of patients since 2015

Standard Patterns in Choice-Based Games

Starved in Jail

A Strange Phrase Keeps Turning Up in Scientific Papers, But Why?

The Tactics Elon Musk Uses to Manage His ‘Legion’ of Babies—and Their Mothers

The Third Sex

The Weight of the Internet Will Shock You

The World’s Most Popular Painter Sent His Followers After Me Because He Didn’t Like a Review of His Work. Here’s What I Learned

Why the Right Way To Fly a Rhino Is Upside Down

Your phone isn’t secretly listening to you, but the truth is more disturbing

tools/reference

Emulation General Wiki

"Good" Flag, "Bad" Flag

How to make a Longbow

Pink Trombone

Public Domain Image Archive

Unsplash

other

Attention KMart Shoppers

Claim for a missing tooth

The Fish Doorbell

Improved Relative Time

Which Year - Photo Guessing Game

Wikipedia: Danger triangle of the face

[latterdaysainttemples]

Inside the Nairobi Kenya Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Read the Church Newsroom article. Learn more about Latter-day Saint temples, their purposes, and find a temple open house near you.

[zvaigzdelasas]

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies have signed a constitution paving the way for the formation of a parallel government, a member of its coalition said Tuesday.

“The constitutional document was signed in Nairobi last night by all parties involved in the signing of the founding charter,” Ahmed Tuqud Lisan, a member of the preparatory committee of the Sudan Founding Alliance told AFP.[...]

Last week, the RSF and its alliance of political and military partners signed a charter vowing to establish a “government of peace and unity” in rebel-controlled areas of Sudan.

The “transitional constitution” signed on Monday documents the “tasks of the transitional period, the decentralised governing system and the structures of the executive authority,” Lisan said.

The next step would be to form the government, which will “be announced inside Sudan”, he added.

Kenya has been criticised for hosting the RSF and its allies, with Sudan’s army-aligned government recalling its ambassador in protest last month.

Sudan’s foreign ministry accused Kenyan President William Ruto of acting on “his commercial and personal interests with the militia’s regional sponsors”.

It is considered a reference to the United Arab Emirates, accused by Sudan and Western powers of backing the RSF, which it denies.

Kenya signed an economic partnership agreement with the UAE in January.[...]

The war between the RSF and the army has torn the country in two, with the army controlling the north and east, while the RSF holds nearly all of the western region of Darfur and swathes of the south.

4 Mar 25