#Pave Hawk

[nocternalrandomness]

USAF HH-60G from the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron lands at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan - Feb 29, 2012

[radarsteddybear]

A HH-60G Pave Hawk used in both day and night personnel recovery missions. It has a mustache.

[usafphantom2]

Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 210th RS in an HH-60G Pave Hawk during training operations Sept. 6, 2024 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK. (j. moon)

@kadonkey via X

[probablyasocialecologist]

All the takes are correct and yet they also miss the point. Yes, it was insane for the Democrats to think they could win by running a soulless candidate, without a shred of progressive policy vision, pursuing endorsements from neocon war-hawks everybody hates, while arming and funding a genocide, and belittling and crushing those who have enough morality to protest it. It is enraging that the Democrats are so smug and blind to this. But these are all just symptoms. The deeper reality is that liberalism has failed, liberalism is dead, and people urgently need to wake up to this fact and respond accordingly. It is a defunct ideology that cannot offer any meaningful solutions to our social and ecological crises and it must be abandoned. Democrats have proven over and over again that they cannot accept even basic steps like public healthcare, affordable housing, and a public job guarantee - things that would dramatically improve the material, social and political conditions of the working classes. And they cannot accept a public finance strategy that would steer production away from fossil fuels and toward green transition to give us a shot at a liveable future. Why? Because these things run against the objectives of capital accumulation. And for liberals capital is sacrosanct. They will do whatever it takes to ensure elite accumulation, it is their only consistent commitment. At home, they suppress and demonize progressive and socialist tendencies. Abroad, they engage in endless wars and violence to suppress input prices in the global South and prevent any possibility of sovereign economic development. The Democrats have done all this purposefully and knowingly, for my whole life, not as some kind of "mistake" but in full consciousness that it is in the interests of capital. And because liberalism cannot address our crises, and because it crushes socialist alternatives, it inevitably paves the way for right-wing populism. They know this pattern, and yet they risk it every time - this election being only the most recent example. They did it in 2016, when they actively crushed the Sanders campaign and sent Trump to the White House. They do it because ultimately they (and I mean the liberal ruling class here) don't really mind if fascists take power, so long as the latter too ensure the conditions for capital accumulation. They 100% prefer this to the possibility of a socialist alternative. So, progressives have to face reality. The dream of "converting" the Democratic party is dead. This is now a fact and it must be accepted. The only option is to build a mass-based movement that can reclaim the working classes and mobilize a political vehicle that can integrate disparate progressive struggles into a unified and formidable political force and achieve substantive transformation. This will take real work, actual organizing, but it must be done and that process must begin now.

Jason Hickel

[suguru-getos]

୨・┈﹕✦﹕ Kinktober Day 8﹕✦﹕┈・୧

Hawks x f!reader -> Cockwarming

Event Masterlist

a/n: soft hawksie, comfort, slice of life <3, cockwarmin.

there are times your work, your day absolutely drains the fuck out of you. you want nothing more than keigo and to be covered in the duvet of his wings. today you were late from work, reaching home at 10 pm. it was irritating— you were drained and your shoulders were slumped, keigo noticed the lack of ease and effortlessness in your body language and facial expressions in the morning itself. a sudden murmur when he wore his hero jacket, “why don’t you take an off from work sweetie? take my card and spoil yourself a bit mm?” keigo tried, but you dismissed his proposal. “no, im good thanks kei” your smile also seemed forced—

now that you had returned home, keigo came over to you immediately. wearing his grey joggers and a white tee. fuck he didn’t even have to try !! he was so ethereal. the blazing sun had toned down in japan & keigo’s golden tan with it. you walked towards him, hugging him eagerly. a musical chuckle escaped him as his hands groped your back, “aww~ my cute little birb.” he mumbles, leaning back and kissing your lips softly, melting away your stress and worries. “dinner?” he muses, tucking a stray strand of your hair behind your ear.

“mhm, what do we have?” you asked him, nuzzling against his palm when he cupped your face. “mm, whatever you want is what we have. keigo’s kitchen especially catered to his baby girl.” he grinned. you love that he addressed himself as keigo and not ‘hawks’ in front of you.

“some chicken soup.” you hummed, smiling back at him tenderly, through tired eyes.

“gotcha~” he took out his phone to check for outlets and you chuckled, “hey now, wasn’t this keigo’s kitchen?” keigo bit his lip, blushing with a grin. “yes it is, just out sourcing some stuff.” he winked, sounding exactly like the man of your dreams — oh wait, he is.

the dinner came in quick, by the time you were out of the shower, a stray plume caressed your cheek, making you giggle as you paved your way towards the dining area. “dinner is ready missy, sit down.” keigo looked at you, still in the bathrobe and whistled. “oh my~” you blushed and rolled your eyes at his antics, sitting down and having dinner with your husband. things seem so great when you start counting these little moments that life awards you with your man.

once the dinner was finished, where you talked to him about work, he talked about his— well, as much as he could share of course. you got up. flustered at what you’re about to ask. “wanna, cockwarm.” the words came out of your mouth easy. keigo smirked, “mm? want to feel daddy that close huh?” you nodded, blushing and looking down.

you nodded, looking into his eyes because you know he likes it. “yeah, wan’- wan’ to feel you close keigo.” you looked down, fuck his siren gaze with his marked golden eyes made you shiver. “and too tired for the whole sex.” you pouted, while keigo observed you in awe.

“mkay, if my sweet little girl wants that, who the hell am i to deny her demands? don’t want to be a bad daddy to my kid.” he winked, carrying you bridal style, a low purr escaping him when you lean against his chest as he took you to your shared bedroom.

“looks like gotta work you up first mm? how else are you gonna take daddy’s cock?” keigo smirked, oh he had no filter at times… you pouted, quite impatient and wanting to feel stretched & full already. after all these years with you, keigo has become an excellent mind reader. “okay okay~ let me get the lube, mm?” he cooed, pulling the knot of your bath suit and kissing your exposed tits. tugging at your nipples just to check how far he could go with them. they get really sensitive depending upon the time of the month & keigo doesn’t want to hurt his darling.

spreading your legs, pupils dilating in anticipation, keigo lubed up your pretty pussy and groaned when you arched your back at him rubbing your clit. “there she is, there she is.” he hums, spreading your cunt lips and thrusting himself in slowly. you arched your back and whined, gasping at the stretch. “fuck— i can’t.” you moaned when keigo pressed your pelvis, making you feel just how deep he’s reaching.

“that’s it sweetness, that’s it. ssh~ you’re taking it so well.” he crooned, kissing your neck and stilling. your eyes were glossing up. overwhelmed by the smouldering amount of love keigo showers you with. “i love you.”

“i love you too.” he said it like a silent prayer, smiling tenderly at you and leaning beside, adjusting your position & kissing your forehead deeply. “cute. my cute little angel birdie.” he smiled, kissing your eyelids. “let it go for me okay? all your worries, all your stress. because i’d always be here.”

and he’ll always be there for you. <3 you don’t doubt that.

[thelastairsimblr]

Family Pack #4

I’m happy to share some sims with you all today! In this post, you’ll find 12 households (40 sims total), each with their own stories and biographies. All of these sims have additional Everyday outfits, skills, bonus traits, Likes and Dislikes, sexual orientations, pronouns, family dynamics, and Lifestyles. You can find them all on the gallery under my Origin ID: TheLastAirSimmer or in the tray files linked under the cut! As always, feel free to tag me if you end up using them.

Abreu

A respected food critic, Maria’s opinion is highly valued by all as the towns’ baked good connoisseur. Her husband Joaquin, a renowned pianist, is no exception; he worships the ground she walks on. Together, they project their creative outlooks onto their sons. Santiago, the eldest and a romantic, has the full support of his parents and wants to become a professional wedding photographer. Even though young Rémy feels he didn’t inherit his parents’ imagination, he still wants to make them proud.

Naval

Aparna owned her own restaurant while raising her two girls alone. Hema was able to help out when she was old enough, allowing Aparna to find success and receive critical acclaim by publishing her own cookbook. Today, Hema is focusing on her engineering studies while trying to find love; she’s very smart and sincere, but a bit naive. Ridhi is chasing a riskier path; she wants to be a famous musician. And while Aparna hopes that this is just a phase, she supports her youngest daughter anyway.

Monaghan

As young parents, Stefan and Marianne sacrificed a lot. Stefan became a cop to support his family, but still gets caught up trying to relive his youth from time to time. Marianne longs for the day that she can quit her job at the local diner and become a singer. Soren feels pressure to please his parents, but really just want to play videogames all day while Tatum and Aria constantly bicker, not at all concerned with their parents’ feelings or the wellbeing of Hunter, who just wants attention.

Larson

Quite the jazz singer in his day, Clive is desperate to find ways to stay relevant in the ever-changing music scene. Fiona, longing for the authentic soul who serenaded her years ago, knows she can inspire him again; she’s stood by him through a lot. But until then, you can find the melancholy art critic drinking to yesteryear at the bar. Jade dropped out of college to pursue a career in social media (much to Fiona’s discontent) while Candice is following the artistic path her parents paved.

Agawa

Ever the class clown, Yuto knew that he had a knack for entertaining people. This was only confirmed after he went viral on Social Bunny for the first time! When he told his parents that he wanted to pursue a life in the public eye, they saw it as further evidence that he couldn’t take anything seriously. He makes a decent living streaming video games and his eccentric personality is pure internet gold. Though to be fair, he should probably be a bit cautious with what he says and does online.

Hollifield

As a teen, Whitney’s future looked bright. But she forfeited a lot of opportunities to pursue a whirlwind romance with a boy who had a dangerous edge. They were happy for a time, but it didn’t last and the only thing she kept from that relationship was her daughter Emma. She now works a lowly job in fast food while taking classes at Britechester, hoping to find a career in social media. Her days are busier as a working single mom, but Emma keeps herself entertained by befriending her neighbors.

Catton

Following the loss of her son to avoidable circumstances, Dottie found herself in the care of his two children. Filled with regret for not doing more for her son, the college professor watches the kids like a hawk! She’s keen on using her connections to better their lives. Temperamental Owen does well to make her proud with his grades, but he has an artsy side that he only shares with those closest to him. His little sister Bonnie would rather spend time making friends than studying though.

Qian

After founding a groundbreaking app, Shirong found a place among the company of the rich and powerful. His charming wife Meifing, quite the schmoozer at elite parties, is constantly looking for funding for her next big venture (while also being the go-to-girl for all the neighborhood gossip). Nuo chose to move home after grad school to save money, but is ready to leave and start her own law firm. Her younger brother Haoyu adds to her restlessness by barraging her with his antics.

Sullivan

Atticus’ dad Clifford, a retired veteran, supported his sons’ musical dreams fully, having raised him alone after his wife died. While roaming the world, Atticus met Elisa; a fashion guru with a fiery disposition. The pair had three children and Clifford moved in to help with the newborn. Like her dad, Lydia also wants to be an artist (whether if it’s for her love for acting or a desire to be in the spotlight remains to be seen) while Malicia, afraid of being unseen, finds relief in her friends.

Kingsley-Ramirez

Jaime and Paxton met/moved in together before they could actually get to know each other, both having been new to the city at the time with zero connections. They found themselves compatible not only as roommates, but eventually boyfriends as well! Jaime always puts others before himself; it shows in the passion he has for social justice causes he advocates for. Meanwhile, Pax works a parttime job at a small coffee shop, but is intent on putting himself through school to become a veterinarian.

Tanaka-Murdock

Nigel and Shannon met at Foxbury and developed feelings for each other during study sessions. Though Nigel was the only one to graduate, he admires Shannon for making the decision that was right for her. He enjoys being the breadwinner while Shannon follows her artistic instincts, though he wishes he had his wife’s free spirit. Shannon is quite hard on herself and works tirelessly until she makes something she’s proud of while their son Kason, while a quick learner, really just wants to play.

Miyake

Even if he’s never been the most social person, Kenzo is a loyal and fierce friend to those lucky enough to make it into his circle. A patron of the sciences, he cares deeply about precision and perfection. However, when it comes to raising his son Akira, he wants the boy to follow his own path, even if it’s not exactly the one he would choose for himself. Akira seems to be doing just that; far more sociable than his father, he never fails to leave a lasting impression on anyone he meets.

[cupidbedsy]

𝟭𝟵𝟲 ; 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 ୨୧

➪ summary: after getting picked 196 in the draft, she thinks she's a failure to her family. her brothers reassure her she's not

➪ warnings: reader thinks she's not good enough, reader is ignored, hate comments

➪ word count: 2.2k

➪ file type: fic - repupload

➪ sunny's notes: i don't remember when i came up with this idea but eh. i remember struggling with the ending so much when i wrote this however long ago and i still am like... i wrote that?

© cupidbedsy (sunflower-lilac42) ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

hughes brothers masterlist || nhl masterlist || taglist || navigation

Pick 196. Pick One hundred and ninety-six. A failure, that’s what she was. How did she fall that far down the draft? It didn’t matter what the real reason was, everyone loved to make up their own reasons. The most popular one being that she was a girl. Apparently, the only redeeming quality about her was her last name and the five other people who shared it with her. 

She didn’t even know why they were having this party for her. There was nothing to celebrate. Her mom would argue differently, saying she paved the way for women in the NHL but to y/n? What more did it matter if she was drafted 196?

Standing outside in the backyard, a red solo cup filled with peach tea snapple and a few ice cubes clutched in her hand, y/n watched as everyone interacted with everyone else but her. Aunts and Uncles interacted with her brothers, her mom, and dad caught up with more extended family members, her own friends were off in the corner talking with each other, and her brother’s friends were scattered about all drinking some type of alcohol (except for a few of Luke’s friends). 

The only words she had gotten from people tonight were, “Congratulations” and “Sorry you got drafted to the Sharks”

While the Sharks weren’t technically the worst team in the league - there were the Ducks, the Hawks, Columbus -, they sure made the list of bottom-tier teams. It was just another constant reminder that the team that had basically chosen her as a last resort was a crappy one at that, another reminder that she was labeled as not good enough by everyone and their grandma. 

She had to get out of there. Everything was starting to become too suffocating. The outcome of the draft, the plethora of news articles, the thousands of trolls wanting to bring her down, the party that was for her but no one seemed to actually be there for her. She maneuvered through the crowd of people, walking into her house. 

The moment she stepped into the living, she felt a brief weight of relief wash over her. However, it wasn’t enough, she needed to be alone (with her thoughts). So, she continued her pursuit up the stairs and down the hallway to her own room. Everyone’s doors were closed and hers was as well. She walked in and flopped down on her bed, sighing in contempt.

The room quickly became her safe space for the night. She had a few snacks leftover scattered from when her friends came over earlier in the week, and some unopened water bottles littered about as well. Her bedroom connected to the bathroom so she wouldn’t have to worry about running into someone if she ended up drinking too much water or just had the urge to shower later in the night.

She stared at the picture frame on her nightstand. It was the night of Luke’s draft, everyone was in their jerseys except for her. She was wearing an old white cardigan and a gray shirt underneath it. Her jeans were white as well, a little stain slowly appearing at the top of her knee. She was standing next to Quinn, Luke next to him, and Jack at the other end. She was smiling brightly and in hindsight, she couldn’t figure out if she stood out because of the white she was wearing or the jersey she wasn’t.

She remembered that night, the night she promised herself and silently promised her family members that she would be just like the three brothers. That she would be drafted in the first round, that she could hold up a 6 or a 9 or even a 2, right alongside them in her own jersey. That night she promised her family that she would not let them down, and now here she is two years later doing exactly the opposite of what she wanted to do. 

It must’ve been an hour before she heard voices outside her door, one male and one female. The female one was distinctly her mom’s, she knew that before she could even think about it. The other was harder to decipher, there being four males it could’ve been. But the way he talked and the language he used, it was very obvious that the voice had been Quinn’s. 

“Mom please, let me talk to her.”

“Quinn, I know how much you want to help… But I think I should handle this one. No offense, honey, but it’s different for her. Not only is she a girl, but she’s your sister, and Jack’s and Luke’s. She’s always going to be compared to you, just like how everyone compares Luke to you and your brother. It’s worse.”

Quinn teared up a little but quickly blinked them away, “Please.”

She sighed, looking between her eldest child and the door to where her youngest was sitting, “Fine. But come get me as soon as she says she wants me.”

He nods and turns to the door himself, knocking softly on it, “Y/n/n?”

“Go away.”

He gave Ellen a look but she only shrugged and walked away, “You asked for it.”

“Come on, bug.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Nugget. Munchkin. Squirt. I’ve got nicknames for days, bug.”

“Come in.”

Quinn pulled on the handle but realized it was locked, “It’s locked.”

“You want to come in, you figure out a way in here.”

He groaned in annoyance, “Please, y/n/n. Just let me in.”

He heard footsteps and then the lock unlocked and he opened the door. She was sitting up on her bed, the frame on her nightstand was now cracked. He frowned before closing the door and making his way over to the bed, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit.”

“It’s stupid.”

“If it’s making you upset, bug, it’s not.”

“I feel like a failure.”

“You what?” Quinn’s heart broke at her confession, “Why would you say that?”

She reached over, grabbed the frame, tracing over the cracks, and watched as a tear slid down her face, onto the glass. She didn’t say anything for a moment, and then she finally spoke, “Because I made a promise to myself that day.”

The boy’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, silently telling her to continue, “I promised myself that I would be just as good as you three. That when I was drafted I could hold my number alongside you. That I could prove that I deserved to be here.”

If his heart wasn’t broken before, it sure was now. He quickly took out his phone to text his brothers to come to her room, asap. Pocketing his phone, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards him. She leaned her head on his chest as silent tears dampened his shirt. 

He simply kissed her head and rubbed a hand up and down her one arm. A few minutes later they both heard the patter of footsteps and she pulled back to look at him, wiping her tears away, “I don’t want anyone to see me like this.”

“It’s just Jack and Luke.”

“Even worse.”

The two younger boys stood in the doorway, “What’s happening?”

Quinn motioned for them to come in and then close the door. The two followed the directions and both sat on the bed beside the others. Jack looked between his older and his youngest sibling, “You were crying.”

She only nodded and Luke frowned at her response. Moments passed of just silence, no one daring to speak. Jack and Luke desperately wanted to know what had caused their sister to be upset but they were too nervous to ask, so they sat there. And then she said, “It’s fine, guys.”

“It’s not, y/n.”

“Okay, can someone tell us what happened?”

“Noth-”

“She feels like a failure.”

“She what-” “You what-”

Y/n looked down, playing with her fingers to distract herself as the frame still sat in her lap. Luke’s voice cracked, “Why?”

“Because I’m not as good as you.”

“Who said that?”

“Only everyone in the hockey world.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t act fucking stupid, Luke. All of you. You’re on your phones way too much not to see it. The comments, the articles, everything. ‘Oh she only got drafted because she’s a Hughes’ ‘She’s not good enough’ ‘No wonder the Sharks picked her’ God it doesn’t stop. And all because I’m a girl.” More words spewed out of her mouth and the three sat there, silent, not moving an inch, scared that if they did it would trigger her more.

When the tears and other emotions caught up to her, she felt like she couldn’t breathe again. She was embarrassed she had let out her true feelings, ones she knew would hurt them. Quinn reached out for her but she shook her head, “I’m- I’m going to go find mom.”

And then she walked away, leaving the boys in her room, speechless.

ﾟ+*:୨୧:*﹤

Y/n spent the night with Ellen, crying into her arms as she comforted her, questioning whether or not she even wanted to play in the NHL at all. It all seemed useless to her, what good could she do except make herself look like a fool? Ellen was heartbroken at the words that came out of her daughter's mouth but she knew how she felt. It was common for any woman, no matter which sport or which workplace they were in, they feel inferior to those around her. 

Slipping from the bed, Ellen made her way downstairs to start making breakfast for y/n. When she got down there, she was surprised to see her three sons already in the kitchen, Quinn making pancakes as Jack helped Luke set up a tray they had sitting on the counter. She ran a hand through her hair before walking over to stand next to her eldest, placing a hand on his back, “Hi Mom.”

“Hi, what are you guys doing up this early?”

“Making breakfast.”

“Okay, let me rephrase. Why are you up so early making breakfast?”

Quinn looked between his brothers before looking back at his mom, “For y/n.”

Jack nodded from his place at the table, “We felt bad for last night.”

Ellen frowned briefly before smiling, “You boys did nothing wrong. It’s just that when you’re constantly compared to your siblings, especially when you're always going to be undermined anyway, it gets a lot. She still loves you.”

They all let a small smile grace their lips turning back to what they were doing. It was only a few more minutes before Quinn was setting the last pancake onto the plate alongside some of her other favorite foods. 

They somehow managed to make their way upstairs without dropping the tray and knocked on her door. Their mom called up the stairs, “She’s still in my room!”

The three looked at each other in annoyance at having to now carry the tray slightly further down the hallway. Y/n let out a soft ‘come in’ when she heard the knock and sat up, running her hands through her hair to get it less messy. She looked confused when she saw her brothers enter with a tray full of food, “What’re you guys doing?”

“We made you breakfast,” Jack said happily, jumping onto the bed next to her.

Quinn set the tray down over her stretched-out legs before also sitting down next to her, Luke taking the place near her feet. She tilted her head, “Is it bad?”

“Quinn cooked.”

“Ah, so decent at best.” She laughed a little as she picked up the fork and took a bite of the eggs on her plate. 

After she ate a few bites, Quinn spoke up, “We’re sorry for last night.”

She took a sip of her drink and then looked at them, “You guys didn’t do anything wrong.”

“We know, but we’re sorry for not understanding how you feel.”

“And for excluding you at your party.”

She only shrugged and went back in for more of her food, but Jack stopped her hand, “Hey.”

She looked between them annoyed, “What?”

“You’re the best hockey player we know.”

“Sure-”

“It’s true, y/n/n. You have had to put up with so much and you continue to prove yourself to your team and your coach, who cares what anyone else thinks.”

“And you don’t have to prove you deserve to be in the NHL, you do. Whether you know it or not.”

She teared up at their words, tackling Quinn into a hug afterward. Jack steadied the tray, careful not to spill anything onto the sheets. They joined the hug shortly after, smiling at the task of cheering her up was accomplished. 

“Thank you.”

In hindsight, it wasn’t the approval of everyone else she needed, not the praise from anyone else, just her brothers. And if her brothers thought she was good enough, she did too.

𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 ୨୧

please message me if you didn't get tagged! -

@toasttt11 @chiblackhawks @prettyjoseph @nicole01-23 @shawnshoney @auriesphantom @dancerbailey3 @quinnylouhughesx43 @petite-potato4 @thehuggybearslover @absolutelyhugh3s @kei943 @dyslecticdutchman

© cupidbedsy (sunflower-lilac42) ; do not copy, repost, or translate my work and designs on any other website or here

[candycandy00]

Character:Hawks

AU setting:Gothic Mansion

Spice Level:NSFW

Mood:Light

Kinks:Breeding, Bondage, Choking

~🦄

The Chase - A Hawks x Reader Fanfic

Smut. 18+. AU. Hawks as a vampire. Fem Reader. Bondage. Choking. Creampie. Vampire-related blood/biting. 

My first time writing Hawks! I hope it turned out okay! Any feedback would be adored! Divider by @benkeibear.

When you first met Keigo at the cafe, the location you both agreed upon after talking on a dating app for almost a week, you were surprised. He certainly didn’t look 5’11. But height was never really important to you, so you didn’t mind. He was hotter than his pictures led you to believe, with a bright smile and an easy going attitude that appealed to you. 

When you asked him what he did for a living, he’d only said, “A little bit of everything over the years.”

He was only what, twenty-five? How many different jobs could he have had? But you dismissed it as a joke. You noticed he didn’t eat much, mostly just poking at his food or sliding it around on his plate. It almost felt like he was trying to make it look like he was eating. But his laugh was infectious, and he had plenty of funny stories to tell about traveling to different countries. You wondered how he found the time for all of that. 

At the end of the date, he took you home. You stood in front of your door, hoping he would kiss you, but he didn’t so much as pat you on the back. 

You went on a couple more dates after that, always at night. You joked that you were worried you’d never get to see him in daylight, and he’d laughed heartily. “What? You think I’m a vampire or something?”

“Maybe you are,” you said, giggling. 

He tilted his head, strands of dark blonde hair sliding over one eye as he said, “Maybe I am.”

There was a heat to his gaze as he said it, making goosebumps appear along your arms. And for the briefest of moments, you felt the most powerful urge to flee. You ignored such an irrational feeling. Keigo had been nothing but a gentleman, and in all honesty you were looking forward to him not being one anymore. 

On the fourth date, he asked if you’d like to come to his place for drinks. When you agreed, he said, “I’ll warn you, my house is pretty big. Been in my family for generations. Just don’t be freaked out.”

Now, as you sit in the passenger side of his cherry red convertible on your way to his place for the first time, you wonder how you could possibly be freaked out over a house. 

Until he pulls into the driveway. 

“Is that a fucking castle?!” you blurt out. 

The paved driveway, leading past an ornate, open gate, heads straight to a beautiful looming castle. It looks like something from a movie, probably about Dracula. The stone structure is huge, with literal towers! And though it looks like it was built in the Middle Ages, there are modern flourishes.

All the doors and windows appear to be new, and a lavish standalone garage sits nearby. The lighting is extraordinary, with beautiful colors being beamed at the castle from all directions. Without that, pulling up to this place at night would have been terrifying. 

Keigo laughs beside you. “Yep, it’s a castle.”

You turn to look at him. “Do you live here all by yourself?”

“I have a staff of people helping me run the place, but they all went home for the weekend.”

“Oh,” you say, realizing the two of you will be alone in this enormous building. A weird little thought crosses your mind, that you could get lost in this place, or that he could easily trap you here. You dismiss it, because so far Keigo has been really sweet. You don’t understand why you keep subconsciously thinking of him as a predator. 

And besides, you’re insanely attracted to him. You don’t think you’d mind him chasing you through this castle and fucking you against a wall. In fact you’re a little disappointed that he hasn’t made any moves on you. He hasn’t even touched you yet. 

“I didn’t realize you were rich,” you tell him as the two of you walk up to the door. He hasn’t even put his arm around you. Is he shy? Or just trying to be respectful? 

“I don’t like to advertise it on dating sites. I don’t need a bunch of young girls looking for a sugar daddy,” he replies, an easy smile on his face. 

That makes sense, though with his good looks, you doubt any women who approach him would be interested only in his money. 

Once inside, you find the interior is just as fancy as the exterior. It looks like the sort of house you would imagine royalty living in. High ceilings, plush carpets in some rooms with delicate tile work in others, rich furnishings in mahogany and gold, expensive paintings on the walls, a roaring fireplace big enough for at least three Santa’s to comfortably stand in. And again the mixture of antique and modern, ancient looking vases and art pieces beside a state of the art entertainment system. 

You look around in awe as he leads you down a hallway, through two different short corridors, and across a huge dining room to reach a kitchen. It’s the most modern room you’ve seen so far, brightly lit with beautiful marble countertops and all the best in appliances. 

The thought you had earlier returns to you as Keigo pops open a bottle of champagne - that you could get lost in this massive castle. You try to remember the exact turns the two of you took to reach this room, what the halls looked like as you walked through them. Could you quickly run back to the front entrance if you need to? 

Wait, why would you need to? Why do you keep imagining scenarios like that? 

Keigo is chatty and friendly as usual as he pours champagne into two crystal glasses and sits them both on the counter near you, subtly allowing you to choose the glass you want. He’s telling you about his great great great grandfather, also named Keigo, who lived here so long ago. 

“He was a weird old hermit, or so I’ve been told,” he says. “Spent years hiding out in this castle, letting the neighbors think whatever they wanted. It caused a lot of crazy rumors to spread about him.”

You sip your drink as you nod along. “What kind of rumors?” you ask. 

Keigo gives you that look again, the one that seems to be full of desire, and something else you can’t quite identify. The one that simultaneously makes you want to mount him and run away from him in terror. “That he was a vampire.”

You laugh. “People were so superstitious back then!” But in truth, you just felt an inexplicable chill run down your spine. 

Just then you notice that, while Keigo is holding the other glass in his hand, he’s never taken a sip. It’s a little suspicious, but maybe he’s just a light drinker, or he’s being careful since he has to drive you home later. Nothing to worry about, right? So why are alarm bells ringing in your mind?

And why does that excite you?

He sits the glass on the counter and steps a bit closer to you. There’s nothing explicitly threatening about the motion, but you find yourself drawing in a sharp breath. He stops when he’s close enough to touch you if he wants. Why won’t he touch you? His hands are so close. His body is so close! You imagine him bending you over his fancy countertops and fucking you right here in his pristine kitchen. 

“What about you?” he asks, snapping you back to reality. “Are you superstitious?”

You take another sip and try to project nonchalance. “Not at all. I don’t believe in monsters.”

He tilts his head again in that way that drives you mad. “You should. We’re definitely real.”

Huh? ‘We’? You laugh, almost touching his arm playfully but stopping yourself. “You’re really funny, Keigo.”

He smiles at you, that same easy going smile that charmed you from the beginning. “You’re funny too,” he says, “the way you keep pretending you don’t realize what I am.”

There they are again, the alarm bells, singing loudly in your brain, urging you to flee. The smile fades from your lips “What are you talking about?” 

“I don’t know what it is, some kind of gene or something, but some people just instinctively know,” he says, his tone casual. Friendly. “And usually, those same people send out their own signals, whether they know it or not. Just like you can sense that I’m a predator, I can sense that you’re wired to be the perfect prey.”

You back away a few inches, leaving your glass on the counter. Your heart is pounding wildly. “I don’t understand.”

He grins. “See? There it is again. You’re scared, naturally, but you’re excited too. You’re enjoying this. I can sense your pulse getting quicker, hear your heartbeat getting faster, and…” his eyes shift down your body, “can smell how wet you’re getting.”

You flush with embarrassment. He’s never said anything remotely sexual to you before, so it’s a bit of a shock to hear it now. But the worst part is that it’s true. 

“I knew it the moment I met you. It’s like you were designed to be my ideal prey,” he tells you. And suddenly you notice his warm golden eyes are glowing with a supernatural light, looking eerie even in this well lit room. He grins again, and you can see two prominent fangs, large and razor sharp, inside his mouth. 

You edge further away from him, still in disbelief. “W-what are you?” 

“Isn’t it obvious, sweetheart? Haven’t I been givin’ you hints this whole time? I’m a vampire.”

Your eyes sweep around the kitchen. There’s a knife block, but it’s closer to him than you. Is there anything else you could use?

You hear his laugh, still infectious even now. “Looking for a weapon? Not like you could kill me even if you had a gun. No, we’re gonna have a little chase. If you can make it back to the front door before I catch you, you can go home. Hell, I’ll even call you an Uber!”

You stare at him, trying to process what he’s saying through your shock. “What happens if you catch me?”

There’s that smoldering look again, and you reflexively squeeze your thighs together as he says, “I’ll fuck your pretty little brains out and drink your blood.” 

Your breath hitches, your chest is heaving as you breathe harder, preparing to run. He smiles and says, “I’ll give you a one minute head start. Now go!”

There’s no hesitation as you rush out of the kitchen, sprint through the dining room, and down a corridor. When you get to the end of the first corridor, however, you can’t remember which direction to go. You take a chance on running left when you hear the dining room door open. He’s already coming! 

You stop around a corner and pull off your high heeled shoes. They’re too hard to run in, and they make a lot of noise on the tile. You backtrack and leave the shoes at an intersection where two halls meet, leaving it unclear which direction you went, then take a right down a corridor that looks vaguely familiar. 

As you run toward what you hope is the exit, you can’t help asking yourself if you actually want to find it. You’ve been drawn to Keigo since you first met him, and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t want him to absolutely rail you. He even acknowledged that fact out loud. If that was all he wanted to do, you’d be running toward him. But drinking your blood? Would that kill you? Or would he just take a little? 

You hear footsteps, and panic makes you dart into a room along the hall. It looks like a bedroom, as lavishly decorated as the rest of the castle but with less modern touches. In fact it could be a king’s bedroom from some medieval drama. 

On one wall is a large portrait of a man you mistake to be Keigo at first. Then you notice his clothes are from a different era and his hair is styled differently. Maybe it’s the ancestor he was telling you about. Or wait… if he really is a vampire, he could be hundreds of years old! Maybe he actually was the ancestor all along. 

You feel a warm breeze and look over to find an open doorway leading to a balcony. Red curtains are swaying in the air, and as you watch, they occasionally part to reveal a lovely view of the city at night. 

Just then, the door to the room starts to open. How does he already know which room you’re in?! Maybe it’s his enhanced senses, but you have to hide. You head out to the balcony and wait, listening as he comes into the room. You’re running out of options! 

You back up until you hit the barrier of the balcony. You look down. This side of the castle overlooks a yard that seems way too far down. Jumping would be a big risk! But you don’t have any choice!

As Keigo appears between the curtains, stepping onto the balcony, you quickly climb over and let yourself drop. You hear his voice calling for you to wait, but then you’re falling through the summer night air. You squeeze your eyes shut and brace for the impact. You hear a strange sound, like wind whooshing over fabric, and suddenly your fall stops. 

You open your eyes, wondering why nothing hurts, only to find yourself in Keigo’s arms. Behind him, you can see two enormous red bat wings that have sprouted from his back. His golden eyes now glow red, and his sharp fangs are much bigger. Is this his true form?

“Gonna give me a fuckin’ heart attack!” he says as he flies back up to the balcony and lands, still holding you. 

You squirm in his arms. “Let go!”

“Hey, I already caught you! Game’s over!” 

You go still as you realize he’s touching you. Your body is curled against his surprisingly hard chest. His hands are warm on your shoulder and under your thighs, holding you up like a bride. You look up at his face, and he looks so gorgeous, all resistance melts away. 

Without a word, you lean up and kiss him. You didn’t plan it or even think about it. There’s a magnetism that draws you to him, and you can no longer fight it. 

He carries you back inside and sits you down on the bed, leaning over you and kissing your mouth as he unbuttons his shirt. He’s way more muscular than you expected, and your hands move to his chest, slipping beneath his open shirt. His own hands are working your dress up your thighs, to your waist, then up and over your head. 

His fingers deftly unhook your bra and pull it off you, and when you’re left in nothing but lace panties and thigh high stockings, he pushes you back onto the mattress. He lifts your legs and turns them until you’re lying perfectly straight in the middle of the bed. That’s when you notice the blood red silk scarves tied to each post of the headboard. 

Keigo takes each of your wrists in turn and kisses the inside, right where you feel your pulse most strongly, then ties a silk scarf around it, effectively tying your arms to the bed. You give an experimental tug, but the silk is strong. 

When finished, he looms over you, his shirt still on but open, his eyes glowing, his blonde hair being slightly tussled by the breeze, his crimson wings spread out behind him. You’ve never seen a more mesmerizing sight in your life. 

He grins. “Nothing hotter than captured prey.”

And as he begins kissing you again, first your mouth, then moving down your neck, you feel that familiar prey instinct of wanting to escape. You jerk at your bonds, even as you revel in the sensation of his lips on your skin, his tongue running over one hard nipple before taking it into his mouth. You feel a fang ghost over the tender flesh, and shiver. 

You feel instinctive fear, but you also feel an indescribable thrill ripple through your body. You’re trapped beneath a bloodthirsty vampire, but you’ve never been more aroused in your entire life. 

That’s why you don’t struggle or protest when he slides your panties down your hips and off your ankles, then spreads you open. You’ve been waiting for this, aching for this, since you first met him. You’ve been desperate for him to touch you, to feel his hands and mouth on your heated, quivering flesh. To have his cock inside you. 

“Do you know how hard it was to control myself?” he says, planting a few more quick kisses along your stomach as he moves down. “If I’d touched you on that first date, I would’ve ended up fucking you on a table at the cafe.”

You look down at him as he rubs your dripping slit with his thumb, and ask, “Why didn’t you?” 

He glances up, looking mildly surprised, then he grins as his fingers spread your folds and he gives the first lick, right up to your swollen clit. “I didn’t think that would make a good first impression,” he answers before drawing circles around your clit with his tongue, never quite touching it but teasing it mercilessly. 

You moan, arching your back, lifting your hips from the bed in an attempt to get his tongue in the right spot. “Ahh… please…!”

He pushes one finger inside you, curling it in a way that has you gasping. “Hmm? Please what? Is this little clit feeling neglected?” 

Again he licks a path around it but never on it, making you whine. Finally, he shows mercy and wraps his lips around the tiny nub, suckling it as his finger pumps in and out of you. Your hips buck at the sudden intense pleasure, feeling his tongue run over the tip of your clit, even feeling a hint of teeth grazing over it. 

You cum within seconds, moaning and shaking, your hands balled into fists. He draws back, slowly licking his lips as he unbuttons his pants. You watch with anticipation, eager to see the cock you’ve been hungry for all this time. 

It does not disappoint. 

It’s beautifully shaped, much bigger than you would have guessed considering his height, and glistening with tasty looking precum. He pushes your legs up, hooking them over his shoulders and folding you in half, then looks you in the eyes as he pushes himself in. 

It feels incredible, his cock filling you up perfectly, rubbing you in exactly the right spots. When he begins thrusting, impossibly deep and hard, you can only let out little whimpers and cries, your mind going blank to everything but the pleasure of feeling him inside you. 

He leans forward, kissing you again as one of his hands slips around your throat. God, he’s beautiful. His glowing eyes stare into yours as his hand tightens, constricting your airflow, making your pussy clench around him in response. As you struggle to gasp in air, he runs his tongue along your parted lips and fucks into you even deeper. 

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he murmurs, his other hand maintaining a bruising grip on your waist for leverage. Just as you feel like you might black out, despite the hard fucking he’s giving you, his hand releases your throat. You take in gulps of air, the sudden rush of oxygen making you slightly lightheaded. 

And before you can fully catch your breath, his mouth opens wide, displaying the terrifyingly sharp fangs before biting down on your neck. 

You cry out in shock and pain, feeling his teeth tear into your skin as warm blood is sucked into his mouth. His tongue prods at the wound as his cock continues to ram into your drenched pussy. 

Well, there are certainly worse ways to go. 

As he repeatedly hits your most sensitive spots, a feeling of euphoria washes over you. The pain of his bite dulls, even as his teeth clamp down harder, and as he drinks your blood, you cum once again, trembling in his grasp. 

He pulls his face back, and his mouth is red all over, your life fluids dripping down his chin. His thrusts grow in intensity, an almost animalistic grunt escaping his bloody mouth as he fucks into you. A few seconds later, his mouth seals over the wound again, sucking out more blood as he shoves in even deeper, shooting his entire load into your womb. 

He finally pulls out of you, taking a moment to drink in the sight of your bound, bloody, fucked out form in his bed. Then he unties the silk scarves. 

“You okay?” he asks, his tone as casual and friendly as before. 

You wince as you sit up. You’re going to be sore for a few days, in a lot of places. Wait, is he not going to kill you? Drain you completely? Make sure you don’t tell his secret?

He seems to read your mind, because he laughs at your confused expression. “Don’t worry! I haven’t killed anyone since the 1500’s!”

You look at him incredulously. “Then what was the deal with that whole chase?!”

He tilts his head slightly. “It was fun, right? You really do have strong prey instincts. I don’t see that very often in the modern age. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Especially when I saw how excited you were getting.”

You blush at that remark. “So what now?” you ask, sliding out of bed and looking for your underwear. 

“Hmm? I guess we plan our next date?” he says, his eyes returning to their normal golden color while his wings seem to retract into his back. He hands you your bra with a smile. “Unless you wanna dump me after this.”

“No, I definitely don’t want that,” you say, putting the bra on. You lightly touch your neck, feeling the sticky blood and torn skin, then hiss at the throb of pain. “But could you go a little easier with the bites?”

An apologetic look flashes over his face. “Sorry, it’s hard to control myself sometimes. I hadn’t fed in a long time, and arousal makes the bloodlust stronger. It should heal up really fast though. Something in vampire saliva makes their bites heal quickly.”

“Good to know,” you say, pulling on your dress. 

He’s smiling at you in that easy going way you find so charming. “Start coming over more often. If you get used to this place, our chases might last longer.”

You stop and stare at him. “Wait, you’re gonna keep chasing me?!”

He grins. “Only if you keep running, sweetheart.”

[buggysangel17]

Dissolution

Summary: The abolishment of the Seven Warlords has finally come, but it seems Mihawk is no longer alone in cleaning up the mess that the Marine has placed upon him. Characters: Dracule Mihawk x Wife!Female Reader (Amihan) Word Count: 926 Chapter Warnings:  None divider by: @cafekitsune

Masterlist | Series Masterlist || Send Me An Ask?

“Your people’s debt is paid and there is a ship already waiting for you with everything you would need for your journey back to your island.”

There was a mix of sadness in the very root of Mihawk’s system as he stared as his wife, no, you were not his wife. Not in the way he would have hoped you to be one at least. You were a companion to him, a woman that was taken as collateral but had grown so fond of.

But there was also the excitement that never truly left him, not just for the Marine’s eventual arrival to take him away, but it was the excitement of the day that would come where he would see you again, on a much different circumstance than what was initially given to the both of you.

Maybe in another life, if the circumstance was in both of your favor. He would have loved to have you as his wife and profess his devotion to you in a way that you deserved. But it wasn’t in this moment, he loved you too much to allow you to be involved in the crossfire with the Marines.

“What are you talking about?”

The sound of the siren echoed through the outside walls of the castle. It was time.

“Surrender yourself now! “Hawk-eye” Mihawk!”

There was a trembling coursing through his fingers as he finally held onto his sword. But he wasn’t worried about himself, more worried about you. He placed his hat back on as he looked at you, genuinely looked up at you from where he sat.

This was the very thing that he loved so much about you. You feared nothing, the moment he had arrived at your island you held a sword right onto his neck, unfazed by his notoriety and the death that paved his way. You looked at him without fear and without doubt. He was certain that you would fight now if he so much as asked you, but he wouldn’t. He didn’t allow such a burden to also be placed on your shoulders because of him. It was too much that he had taken you away from your family. He will not allow for you to also take your life away that was all too precious to him.

“You need to leave, the Marines will be after me and I am uncertain if I will be able to keep you safe during the fight.”

It was his fear, more than you being a burden to him in this moment. He did not have the heart to allow you to be placed in the middle of all of this. He had feared that should either of you be able to escape this, the Marines would also place a bounty on your head, a target on your back that he no longer had the power to absolve you of.

“I’m not leaving.” Your voice held no hesitation as you tore the floor length dress you had on.

His brow quirked in wonder with what you had planned. Watching you dismantle one of your dresses’ skirt until it now reached above your knees, and the sleeves were haphazardly torn off without much effort much to his surprise. But then again, you were truly full of surprise.

“Am I your wife, Mihawk?” You inquired, voice never once wavered as your eyes stared onto the window, the blaring lights of the impending attack of the Marines were drawing near.

“You are.”

“Then as your wife, I will stand by you, when death takes my hand, I will hold you with the other and promise to find you in every lifetime.”

It was a vow, a vow that has never once escaped your lips during your arranged ceremony all those years ago. But you spoke of it as if it was a vow you had made since the beginning.

“But you can’t fight them with what they have in store. We have not yet trained you to your true potential.”

You smiled, holding onto his sword for a moment but he held onto it tighter but his eyes lingered on your skin as you held onto the base, A black essence had seeped through your skin and into your veins from just holding onto his sword. His eyes narrowed as you pulled away and your eyes turned to look at him.

“I know it’s far too late to explain myself now, but the Devil fruit that my people have been hiding for so long isn’t placed in a secured place as you had once believed.”

Taking a step back, he had watched you place your palms together, watching the black essences move upward to your palm and as your opened your hands, a sword quite similar to his own slowly materialized from your palms.

“I’ve already eaten the Ken Ken No Mi.” You confessed. “That’s the reason why my family has been isolating me from the world since I was a child.” You continued holding the sword in a stance that he would have never expected from you.

You held onto the sword in your hand. The exact replica of his Yoru sword gleamed ominously, and she wielded it with a grace that defied belief, even for someone like him, deemed the greatest Swordsman known to man.

“Aren’t you full of surprise, My Dear?” He chuckled finally standing up realizing that the circumstance would become more entertaining indeed.

“Isn’t that why you agreed to marry me, Dear Husband?” You quipped right back.

“Touché, my love. Touché.”

[nocternalrandomness]

USAF HH-60 at Nellis AFB during Red Flag

[babywitchofthesouth-responds]

The Ultimate Miraculous Ladybug Fic Rec List

Ft. 97 of the best Miraculous Ladybug fics (imo) >>>

A Miraculous Square Dance by ChatNoirLuvr

Marinette intends to finally confess her feelings to Adrien, but an Akuma forces it early— while she’s still Ladybug! As exciting as it is to become Adrien’s new celebrity girlfriend, the secrets required of a Ladrian romance make it too unsustainable. Until the heartbreak paves way for a right-old square dance (MariChat!) where they find each other again. At the exact right time.

Tell Me Why You Love Me by linnieluna

Now 22 and working full-time, Marinette and Adrien seem to be getting busier and busier, which means fewer opportunities to keep track of akumas and show up on time. With the idea of using a messaging app to communicate with each other without revealing their identities, their lives immediately grew to be easier... until it wasn't.

Can I Date You(r Character) by midnightstarlightwrites *

When Adrien's character falls in love with Marinette's, they decided to date in-game. What could go wrong?

[Note: this one seems discontinued but I loved it so much]

As Soon As I Belong by crazykotyara

Marinette likes Adrien. Adrien would prefer if she liked Chat Noir. That leads to an absolute mess of a relationship, which includes a weird game of Truth or Dare, identity shenanigans, and Adrien, figuring out some really important stuff.

Knock Knock by DorothyGale123

After an akuma targets Marinette, a certain cat jumps to her rescue! Unfortunately, he fails to knock before jumping into his classmate's room. Chaos ensues. What follows is an awkward apology, way too many coincidences, and some realizations on both sides that the person they used to think of as a friend might be more than meets the eye. Will these dorks finally realize what's been in front of them the entire time? Will they ever stop being so oblivious? And what happens when you throw a scheming Hawk Moth into the mix?

A dozen roses by IlioneThe3rd

When Marinette finds a pink rose on her desk, she suspects that her secret admirer is Chat Noir. After all, who else would leave a rose just inside a 5th floor window? But why would Chat Noir give roses to a girl he barely knows when he’s supposed to be in love with Ladybug?

As the dust settles by Pengirl91

After Ladybug lost everything and yet her partner stood by her, she realized what she had been trying to lie to herself about for months. She is undoubtedly in love with him. The only problem is that she's terrified of what that could lead to and there's a monumental task ahead of them before it might be safe to act on her feelings for him... more than she already has.

lovers who hesitate by momochai

Marinette is Adrien's Secret Santa and she's got this in the bag. Really!

Perfectly Platonic (Unless...) by frostedpuffs

After accidentally revealing their identities in less than ideal circumstances, Adrien and Marinette must navigate their newfound relationship as both partners and friends. Becoming best friends was a quick process, but when romantic feelings begin to bleed into what's supposed to be a platonic connection, their friendship starts to change in more ways than one. Surely it can't be that hard to hide their feelings from their best friend?

once more, with feeling by zimtlein

When an unfortunate incident causes both her and her sworn enemy to detransform in front of each other, Marinette knows she is screwed. Because even though Chat Noir turns out to be her former polite classmate, it doesn’t mean that he stops being an asshole to her. So it’s no wonder he starts toying with her like the manipulative bastard he is. The only solution? Take his Miraculous and be done with him forever. And never forget that he’s no more than her enemy. Never.

[Note: this one was FANTASTIC]

The Closest Thing to Love by jennagrins

When Gabriel tells Adrien it’s time for him to learn about the brand internationally, Adrien knows he can’t leave Paris - or Marinette. The two concoct a plan to allow Adrien to stay and finally achieve his independence from his father. They’ll just get married. The only problem is...they’re not actually dating. But that won’t cause any issues. After all, they’re just friends, right? What could possibly go wrong?

Unraveling by InkyCoffee

She felt the desire to prattle all but tear at her throat, and clamped her mouth and then her eyes shut tight, willing the babble back, waiting for the blow. A love confession gets rejected, leading to a reveal - and for a while there it feels like everything starts unraveling.

seven is my lucky number by MiaBrown

post-reveal pre-relationship roommates. but is it really pre-relationship if they are fake-dating?

Five Times The Love-Square Watched ‘Solitude’ (And One Time They Didn’t) by MiaBrown

According to Adrien, ‘Solitude’ was a very rare and special movie. Marinette wasn’t so sure about the first, but she was indeed certain about the second. This film was extraordinary, life-changingly so.

don't ask questions you don't wanna know by MiaBrown

Chat Noir’s plan of asking out his classmate, only so the girl could turn him down and offer to be ‘just friends’ instead was ridiculous. Too bad there wasn’t a sensible girl who would have rejected him. Ladybug was so sure of this, she dared to bet on it. And when the next day Adrien Agreste asked the same question from Marinette… Well, she wasn’t trying to prove herself wrong.

Ladybee by SailorChibi

Chloé didn't know what to do when Chat Noir and Marinette showed up on her doorstep. Marinette made Chat the guardian so she's forgotten everything; the Miracle Box is locked and no one knows the combination; and Chat is barely holding it together with the revelation that Marinette is both Ladybug and his soulmate. Time for a Bee to do what she does best: hold the hive together.

lonely girl (you are my world) by etherealme

Marinette is fine with her life. She’s fine with not knowing anything about Chat Noir, and she is completely okay with not doing anything about the growing feelings she has for him. But, when they’re sent on a road trip across continents, it gets harder and harder to avoid the lingering question: are Chat Noir’s feelings as unrequited as she’s led him to believe?

you give me thoughts of a prince and palace by Yilena

As the reclusive princess of her kingdom, Marinette's face isn't known to the public. Posing as a commoner, she runs away with her friend to another country for a holiday and accidentally seduces the prince. AU.

[Note: this one had me hooked on royalty AUs]

The Red Thread by Jheqia

When Marinette kisses Cat Noir during an akuma attack, it creates a connection between them that leads to some interesting... problems.

Soulmate Tropes by ggomo_springtime

An akuma makes soulmate tropes a reality.

Careful Stitches by Ashes555

Marinette still didn't know what happened, but whatever it was turned the moment that should have been her greatest victory into something that might haunt her for the rest of her life. Instead of helping her partner defeat Shadow Moth, she got a note. And then he was gone. Marinette thought that life would be perfect, but it never could be when Chat Noir was missing.

Revelations by Mindell

Dreaming of the day when he would finally discover Ladybug's identity had long been one of Adrien's favourite activities. Would she tell him her secret during a conversation? Would she transform in front of him? Would she reveal her identity once her mission was accomplished, when they would give their miraculous back? But never, never had he dreamed of a shy "I am Ladybug" confessed by one of his classmates, in the middle of their classroom and in front of all the other students.

L'Instant Présent by Yilena

A Marinette with no knowledge of being Ladybug manages to be useless fighting crime for her first time, and carelessly reveals her identity to her oblivious partner when they're alone. AU.

Sewing Sentiments by frostedpuffs

Fed up with her miserable job at a fabric store, Marinette decides it's finally time to quit and move on...until she's tasked with training a new employee whose golden hair and gorgeous green eyes have her feeling a certain way. Torn between leaving her job and staying for Adrien's sake, Marinette decides to stick by his side, enjoying her new co-worker's company far more than she had ever expected.But there's something about him she can't quite place—a certain sadness in his eyes that, despite only knowing him for a short time, has Marinette wondering about his past and what exactly he's running from.

One Thing After Another by SKayLanphear

Marinette notices that, sometimes, Adrien acts a little out of the ordinary--like the time he stood in a cardboard box for no reason, or when he actually hissed at Nino. It's only when she starts to notice the similarities between Adrien and a certain feline that she begins to get suspicious. Basically, Adrien acts like a cat when he probably shouldn't.

[Note: this author write some fantastic stuff and this is one of them]

tell me something i don't know by carpisuns

The odds of having a soulmate are about negative one billion (or something like that). But somehow, like they always have, Marinette and Chat Noir find themselves together. They’re ready to finally tell each other everything, but it turns out that even soulmates have to keep secrets, and they can only be together if they vow never to touch.

Pick-Up and Chase by SKayLanphear

After she accidentally trips into Adrien and apologizes about "falling for him," Marinette learns that he's no match for cheesy pick-up lines--whether they were unintended or not. And while she finds it flattering that he turns into a flustered mess with only a few words, Marinette comes to regret making him uncomfortable. That is, until she learns he's Chat Noir. At which point the phrase "just deserts" becomes a permanent fixture in her everyday plans. A story in which Adrien is flustered, Marinette is smooth as glass at dropping lines, and Chat Noir gets the romance he was always asking for--even if he doesn't quite know how to handle it.

Tents and Cuddly Cats by SKayLanphear

[Note: this one isn't showing up anymore for some reason]

Serendipitous Fate by SKayLanphear

Adrien is excited to reveal his true identity, while Marinette is terrified. But Master Fu says they can't afford to be distant any longer. Chat Noir and Ladybug are meant to work in tandem both in and out of uniform, their strength stemming from the bond created between them. Yet, teenagers are sometimes better at dancing blind than running with wide open eyes, even with the steps laid out before them. Steps in the path of an expanding world. Apart, they'll flounder. But together, they might just stand a chance.

Wish Upon a Star-crossed Love by Aepyceros

Wherein a series of encounters lead to gradual realizations and revelations.

Gabriel gets used to... (Adrien having a Girlfriend) by Mystic_Raven20

Gabriel Agreste… The man; the myth, the legend; the grumpy old man who wouldn’t know love if it kicked him hard and straight up the hiney. Gabriel had a number of issues in his life, but the worst one goes by the name Marinette Dupain-Cheng; his son's girlfriend and the younger Agreste’s self claimed ‘love of his life’. In Gabriel’s eyes Marinette has a mission, and that mission is to take everything the Agreste’s have worked hard for. One thing was for certain, he wasn’t going down without a fight; and if his ship did finally sink he was dragging Marinette down with him.

come sleep with me by treasuredgem

Where Ladybug and Chat Noir try taking as many naps as possible because Hawkmoth doesn't sleep either.

Between a Rock and A Hard Place by P_Artsypants

During a class field trip to a natural cavern, Marinette and Adrien get trapped in an elevator…trapped in a cave. Such close proximity means that secrets don’t stay secrets for long… Can the two escape their iron prison, much less their glass cage of emotions? Or will teenage hormones be their undoing?

Where There's Smoke There's... A Smoker by Talik_Sanis

Marinette is smoking! It's a filthy, dangerous habit that could do terrible things to her, leading to truancy and missed homework assignments, and- and who knows what other horrible fates (certainly not Adrien, as he's too sheltered to even guess) for the dear sweet girl too pure for this world! Adrien Agreste has to save his very good friend from her smoking addiction! Basically, Marinette lies about smoking to cover for her detransformation in an alley. Things go south from there. All the things.

Cobblestone Streets by girlsivebeen

Adrien Agreste just wants to go skateboarding in Paris. All he needs is a disguise right?Marinette Dupain-Cheng can likely spot her partner anywhere, whether he's in a banana suit on a scooter, or attempting to successfully skate over the cobblestone streets of Paris with a motorcycle helmet on his head.

See You See Me by SomberSecrets

Chat Noir had found his new favourite past time-- staring at the pictures of Adrien Agreste on Marinette’s wall… walls. There were a lot of them.

To Know by mildswearingat4am

Cat is a little more observant when he talks to a certain plucky classmate in Evillustrator and sees something he was never supposed to see. Friendship, puns, anxiety, romance, and an even more convoluted love square ensue.

basically, I wish that you loved me by sagansjagger

Adrien and Ladybug have made a mistake. They've been caught by Alya making out and now the rest of the world thinks they're dating, despite their objections on social media. Alya, thinking that Chat and Marinette are devastated by their crushes' apparent relationship, tries to set them up with each other. Marinette and Chat, being the savvy duo that they are, mutually decide that they'll fake date in order to get Alya off their collective backs. This, naturally, blows up in their faces...

Following A New Fel(ix)low In Class by DevoTea

Felix starts going to Francois-Dupont. Marinette is not about to let him back into their school without some explanation though. He is a very suspicious individual, maybe she should follow him around some more. You know, just to make sure that he's not up to making someone akumatised or something.

Felinette Soulmate AU by San_fics

Now it made sense why she behaved so protective of Adrien that day, given the fact that his soulmate had a crush on the model. For some reason Felix didn’t like this idea at all. Shouldn’t there be some rule, forbidding your soulmate to fall for a wrong guy, even if he looked just like you?..

Inky Blue by soarbytheocean

Félix had always gone on a pre-determined path, precise and detailed. A person who had always maintained a stolidly calm surface, the waters of his ocean were never turbulent. So, when he collided with the serene forests of Marinette, the havoc that his ocean went through was hard to describe.

Rhythms and Rainstorms by SultannaMajor

They didn't need to speak to communicate. And that's a fact that she always found amazing. They understood each other in a way that no one else can. They danced around her kitchen like they were born to do it. MariCha

Birthday Surprises by brbcommittingason

Adrien has been seeking solace with Marinette, using her as a way to escape from his daily life. Or at least, that's how it started. As the months continued onwards, he didn't just go there for a source of comfort, but also just to be her friend. He was head over heels, he knew that, and maybe that's why it was so easy for Plagg to convince him to wear a hoodie (a generic one that could have been passed off as a regular black one) that she made him. Chat Noir, him. And Plagg might just be the reason his life is a million times better.

My Sweetest Princess by LadyKae

When the unthinkable happens, we're often left picking up the pieces and trying to move on. No one has learned that lesson harder than Marinette, and Adrien wants to be there with her for every step of the way. When his feelings for Marinette grow stronger, Adrien finds himself holding back for her sake. Join our favorite heroes as they navigate the paths of healing and finding love at the end of a long road.

moonlight epiphany by ohlittlebarchie

Sometimes, you are blinded by sunlight so bright that you’re left stumbling in the dark. And then you miss that the best thing you could ever have was right in front of you all along - come nightfall, you forget that the moon reflects the light of the sun. Maybe Adrien Agreste is the sun. And maybe Chat Noir, suddenly, unexpectedly, crept into her heart like a sliver of moonlight.

Breaking Free (Isn't free) by RachelLyseBrook

Papillon has discovered Chat Noir's secret identity. By sheer luck, Adrien manages to escape the mansion and akumatization, Plagg providing him an out while snatching up something precious to Gabriel Agreste. Adrien crashes onto a familiar balcony and begs Marinette for help, almost revealing his identity in the process. Distraught over her partner's predicament, Marinette swears that Chat won't be alone in this. That she will move heaven and earth to keep him safe. But neither of them realize just how difficult Papillon was going to make this for them.

When Bunnyx Brings a Baby by Druwho

Marinette thought she was up to any challenge. She was Ladybug after all! But when Bunnyx arrives with a baby in her arms asking her to babysit, Marinette quickly learns that Akuma battles are easy compared to taking care of a baby. A baby that seems to know her and for some strange reason... Adrien?

The Five Minute Adventures of Snake Noir by Kasienda

After Ladybug admits to Chat Noir that she told someone her identity, she insists that he do the same. He wants it to be her. She insists it has to be anyone else. He suggests they use the snake. She finds this to be a reasonable compromise. After many heartfelt five minute conversations that Ladybug doesn't remember, she decides he should keep the snake. That way he can always confide in her if he needs to. He also realizes it means he can talk to anyone… for five minutes... on repeat. 

You, Me & A Little Bit of the Future by joonapeach

Marinette expects some disaster on her first outing alone with Adrien. She just doesn't expect that disaster to be her future self passing off a baby for her to take care of with Adrien.

Infinite Us by Leda (Represent)

Ladybug has five minutes left with Chat Noir, and she isn't ready to give them up.

A Major Test of Strength by nemali

There is only one thing in Paris hated as much as the akumas: Ladybug herself. In an effort to help the Savior of Paris, Adrien winds up on the wrong end of an akuma attack — only to find himself stuck reliving the same day. With enough time, anyone can be a hero, and as he continues dying over and over, he is forced to confront the idea that these loops may be just as much of a blessing as they are a curse.

Breaking Free by UpTooLateArt

Marinette has failed as the Guardian. Shadow Moth stole the miraculous, and now it's down to her and Cat Noir to recover them, before it's too late. Just one problem - Cat Noir's father is their sworn enemy...and he's decided it's high time for some father-son bonding. As Adrien is drawn into his father's world, secrets will finally surface - and our beloved heroes will be faced with the biggest decision of their lives.

A Hundred Thursdays by Midnight Musume (Peas)

Marinette is stuck repeating the same day over and over. Her friends (and especially Chat Noir) help her cope.

Spots and Shades by DearLittleRobin

While trying to prevent a bad future, Marinette walks straight into another one. Adrien can't handle any more secrets, but realizes knowing things comes with a price. Time travel is as weird as everyone thought it would be

Revealed in Time by WhitleyMiranda

Marinette is sent 8 years in the future by an akuma. While there she discovers a grown up Chat Noir and more about her future than she could have ever imagined.

Maintaining a Professional Distance by buggachat

Ladybug and Chat Noir receive a hotel room from the city, which they most certainly will not use. After all, that wouldn't be very professional, would it?

Chasing the C/h/atwalk. by Inkkerfuffle

Paris. The city of lights, love and fashion. Follow the progress of Marinette Dupain Cheng as she enters the extremely competitive world of Reality television for a chance to be the winner of Project Runway: France.

Radio Silence by Eevee

When an inexplicable change between Marinette and Adrien brings the two closer than ever, Alya is left on the outside of a secret too confounding to be about cheesemaking or puppy love.

do you think i have forgotten about you by augustrose77

Memory Loss. Told in alternating time lines, one leading up to and one dealing with the aftermath of Marinette relinquishing the Miracle Box and the guardianship. Marinette struggles with her life after losing her memory, though there is a persistent voice that calls to her that always seems just out of reach in her memory.

Chat Noir's White French Man Hit List for Feminist Purposes by peachcitt

adrien agreste who is also chat noir absolutely chugs his respect women juice

Not a Monster at All by book_sandwich

Adrien Agreste overhears a conversation he shouldn't, and a revelation sends him falling onto the terrace of the only person he can trust: his good friend (?) Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

How Marinette Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ball by TheChatatonicOne

Hidden from the crowds thronging around the busy fairy portal in Paris's town square, a fae gate sits at the edge of the forest, locked, rusty, and full of ancient magic. Marinette thinks that this abandoned gate must not work anymore... but one day, a fairy disguised as a black cat steps through it.

Dearly Despised, (I love you) by snacc_noir

Marinette could go on about why she hated Adrien Agreste—from his unfunny pranks to his ineffable attractiveness—ever since he had the audacity that day with the umbrella. And yet, here she was fake-dating him while in love with a superhero.

Disrespectfully Yours, Marinette Dupain-Cheng by fettuccine (LFA)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng is top of the class. Straight A's, perfect attendance, and editor-in-chief of her university's premiere fashion magazine. Or... she would be top of the class, if it weren't for her academic rival Adrien Agreste. They've been competing for everything since their freshman year of college. If Marinette gets a 99, he gets a 100. If she gets an internship, he gets a better one. Now in their senior year of college, they're ready to fight it out one more time to win student journalist of the year — and the scholarship that comes with it. But when a semester-long project forces them to team up, everything changes. If they want to remain in consideration for the award, they'll have to figure out how to work together. Because in the cutthroat world of academia — and journalism — failure is not an option.

Lightning and Thunder by The_Rabbit42

While out for an evening run, Chat Noir gets caught in a thunderstorm and struck by lightning. He's fine! He ends up recovering/hanging out with Marinette. What ensues is a night full of conversation and commiseration, arguing and affection.

daydream by a_miiraculer

In which Adrien finds out Ladybug is Marinette, and beats the 'this is fine' dog at his own game.

the wonderful part of the mess that we made by heresie_irisee

They knew. They knew, and there would be no magical reset button for the memories they'd made today. She'd have to see him at school every day, and she'd see the Chat in him, as surely as he'd see the Ladybug in her.

Bakery "Enemies" [COMIC] by buggachat

After the defeat of Gabriel Agreste and the disappearance of the mysterious peacock miraculous user, Marinette is left to try her best as Guardian and pick up the pieces. With the kwamis left in hibernation, no leads on the missing peacock miraculous, and no way to contact her beloved partner, she's left to her wit's end on where to proceed. That is, until the prime suspect of the peacock wielder coincidentally takes up an apprenticeship at her parents' bakery. Adrien Agreste, son of Hawkmoth, has seemingly planted his roots in her home while Marinette was away for an apprenticeship. This could either be a disaster in the making, or the perfect opportunity to retrieve the missing miraculous... either way, it's war. At least, it would be, if the gosh darn villain weren't so sweet!

metamorphosis by peachcitt

Three years after hawkmoth's defeat, marinette is still trying to figure out her version of normal. there's also sleepovers.

[Note: brought me to tears. unrelated but Landing Feet First by Bayside is my unofficial anthem for this fic]

A Royal Thief by meeble

Marinette couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a bad day. Running late and accidentally dropping her father’s freshly baked bread was one thing, but telling off the prince of the kingdom and subsequently being kidnapped by said prince was something else entirely.

Love Doth Ran Smooth by Dpanda_17

When Nino had told Adrien he’d find love, Adrien didn’t expect to find his true love the next day. And for her to greet him the pleasant way she did.

Trolling Alya by SailorChibi

It was just one of those things that didn't have a simple explanation. As surely as the sun rose in the east, Marinette Dupain-Cheng was going to marry Adrien Agreste. That was a fact that Ladybug knew in her heart, and she knew that Chat knew it too. The unspoken acknowledgement surrounded the two of them like a warm, cozy blanket. There was really no need to rush to dating because that next step was always going to be there; they had all the time in the world. And in the meantime, torturing Alya was really fun.

electrify me, i’m dying to burn by Anonymous

Adrien and Marinette are best friends and partners—they can talk about anything. Even the hypothetical situation in which they’re dating.

cause our hearts are locked forever by SailorChibi

Ladybug and Chat Noir are not okay. Years of fighting akumas have taken a serious toll. The only comfort they have is in each other, and, when the pain of separation becomes too much, Marinette figures out a way to circumvent her promise to not tell Chat who she is.

1 step forward, 3 steps back. by agnes_writes

In which Adrien switches targets to Marinette, and everything goes wrong before it goes right.

Seven Seconds by alvares715

Adrien finds a lost video on his phone.

œuf ouch owie by miraculousunflower (ominousunflower)

Chat Noir enlists Rena Rouge's help to create an Aspik illusion. Absolutely nothing goes wrong.

Stray Chat by Pozolegirl

Adrien wants to be friends with Marinette but...it's hard to be friends with Marinette Dupain-Cheng and not have both parties become a little tongue tied around each other. So Chat Noir attempts to make friends with Marinette with the aid of his mask instead. Following problems at home however, Chat Noir suddenly becomes Marinette's roommate! Now they're both keeping secrets...

Always Welcome Here by gay_english_nerd

Adrien is forced on an extremely repressive diet and it makes heroing much harder. Marinette has lots of food and a very kind heart. What will happen when the meetups become regular? Maybe some... Marichat?

heartstrings by taylortot

one of marinette’s rare unlucky days turns into something treacherous. thanks to a certain cat, the real danger passes, but there are other things to be more afraid of. her heart, for example, might be one of them.

The New Guardian Is... Multimouse? by The_Rabbit42

During the events of Miracle Queen, Master Fu passes on the role of guardian to a surprising successor... Multimouse! Marinette is frustrated, Alya is confused, and Chat Noir is oddly pleased. How will this affect Marinette's friendships and partnership on both sides of her identity? How will this affect Adrien's view of the girls in his life? And how long will they keep it together?

keep me in your thoughts by LilaacStars

Love is messy enough by itself, but it's worse when you don't know if you love your classmate, your superhero partner or the boy that has been talking and dreaming inside your mind since the moment you were born.

Sommeil by Bronte

She'd noticed the bags beneath his eyes even with the mask over his skin and had asked occasionally how he was feeling and it was always the same response. ‘I'm fine,’ he'd say, ‘I just didn't sleep much,’ he'd say, ‘I'm just such a party animal,’ he’d say. She'd always let it slide in the past because she's his partner and friend, not his mother, but it’s kind of getting to the point where something has to be done. He yawns too often to be sleeping properly. He smiles too much to be happy.

Worthy Opponent by Soap_Lady

Felix Graham de Vanily is back! Not to cause trouble, at least not if no one crosses him. After discovering the last script his father ever wrote, he decides to honor his father (and make his directorial debut) by producing the movie. It has everything he likes; adventure, well-rounded teenaged characters, complex villains and witty dialog. The only problem is that it's set in Paris and there's only so much CGI can do. So he, his mother, and his group of friends who call themselves the Quantic Kids head to Paris to cast the rest of the characters. Marinette Dupain-Cheng has just finished her first year of lycee and though Lila is still around, her influence over Marinette's friends has waned, partly because they're on different academic tracks and have drifted a bit. She's not worried about that, she's decided to spend her summer as an intern in Graham Film's Wardrobe Department. It'll be valuable experience and with luck, she'll never even see Felix. Too bad she makes a wrong turn on her first day.

Passionfruit by SailorChibi

Marinette and Adrien are soulmates, and have known that since before they got their miraculous. They can’t not know who the other is. The solution? Keep on hiding the fact that they’re soulmates from even Tikki and Plagg, of course!

when you're near by buggachat

When Ladybug and Chat Noir were together, dancing across rooftops and kissing under the moonlit sky, Ladybug loved her boyfriend. But when the masks fell and all that was left was Marinette, she hated her boyfriend. She hated the lonesome afternoons, the third wheeling, the way his name wasn't in her contacts... She knows their identities are secret for a reason, and she tells herself she'd do anything to protect that— but when Marinette hears Chat Noir's voice coming from the boy sitting behind her in a coffee shop, she can't help but wonder if it's really worth not having him in her life.

Don't Let Me Let You Go by SailorChibi

When Marinette's parents find out and forbid her from continuing as Ladybug, Plagg comes up with what he considers to be the obvious answer.

Fireflies by sevendeadlyseas

When Ladybug and Chat Noir face their deadliest akuma, they both lose more than ever could have expected, and nearly fall apart trying to keep it together. Hawkmoth's identity is revealed and everyone's personal lives go to shit.

Slowly but Surely by San_fics

There was something Freudian in this, but Felix had a weak spot for women like his mother — outwardly soft and gentle, but strong and hard on the inside. And it was exactly the impression Ladybug left him with. Felix was smart enough to put two and two together. Maybe he still needed some proves, that would confirm his suspicions for 100%. Like the proves he needed to make sure Gabriel was Shadow Moth. But Felix used to trust his intuition and logic, so at this moment he was almost sure: the Marinette-girl was Ladybug.

a cat, confronted with the unknown, will respond not with fear, but with curiosity by LordKaladin

Chat Noir finally meets the mysterious Guardian his new teammates all talk about.

48 Hours To Make You Love Me by Mystic_Raven20

When two heroes miss the minibus for their winter get away with the gang they have no other choice but to make their way to the resort by themselves. After avoiding their feelings for years, a freak snow storm makes them reconsider more than just whether to carry on driving. Luckily, they find a quaint little bed and breakfast where suddenly they’re thrown into a situation where their feelings can no longer be held back; but, is it too late? The interference of an elderly couple after an eavesdropping accident helps both Adrien and Marinette come to terms with their feelings and their actions. Through movies, hot chocolates and snuggling to keep warm, Marinette wonders if it’s possible to make Adrien love her again, and more so can she do it by the time they need to leave their little sanctuary?

The Ladybugs and The Bees by BullySquadess

AKA the early-fandom Ladynoir puberty fic that spiraled waaaaay out of proportion.

Remember That Time When... by mostlovedgirl

Twenty-two-year-old Marinette Agreste was looking forward to the anniversary trip she would be taking with her husband Adrien that weekend. Those plans are derailed when she wakes up in her old bedroom... and she’s seventeen again.

Build You Up by CoffeeBanana

After the events of Risk and Strike Back, showing up to school and acting like nothing had changed feels wrong. Adrien doesn't want to be there, listening to the fears and criticisms of his classmates. Worrying about Ladybug. Trying not to let his doubts consume him. But it turns out there's someone else who might want to be there even less than him. And maybe the answer to his problems has been sitting behind him in class all along.

Can't Fool Me by CoffeeBanana

Marinette and Adrien both have the same plan: to impersonate their superhero partner for April Fools' Day. But when they both get a little too into character, well...what could possibly go wrong?

You and Me by 11JJ11

Marinette tries to find ways to let Adrien knows how much she cares, even if their relationship must stay a secret.

Forget me not (because I will) by Bluestpaw

Being a guardian is hard. Forgetting to be one is even harder.

[usafphantom2]

The U.S. Air Force Temporarily Moves 17 B-1B Bombers to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota

David Cenciotti

B-1 to Grand Forks AFB

Seventeen aircraft and 800 people will relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, while Ellsworth Air Force Base, in South Dakota, is readied for the arrival of the B-21 Raider.

Beginning this month, the U.S. Air Force will temporarily transfer 17 B-1B Lancer bombers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. The relocation is expected to last about 10 months, during which Ellsworth will undertake all the works required to welcome the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.

While at Grand Forks, the BONEs (the unofficially nickname of the bomber, from B-One) of the 28th Bomb Wing, will still carry out their usual assignments.

According to Col. Derek Oakley, the wing’s commander, the runway work is a big step toward getting ready for the Raider. He also noted how it reflects the Air Force’s dedication to the long-range bomber program and its impact on the local community.

“The runway construction at Ellsworth is a key milestone in ensuring we’re ready to receive the B-21 Raider. This project illustrates the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to our nation’s newest long-range strike bomber and to the surrounding community.”

In a press release, the U.S. Air Force said that Ellsworth residents might see more construction-related activity, while people living near Grand Forks should expect heavier military traffic and aircraft noise as operations ramp up.

B-1B relocation Grand Forks

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024, during Bomber Task Force 24-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

The first two Ellsworth’s bombers are expected to arrive at their “new” base this week, ahead of the full fleet’s arrival in early 2025. Routine inspections and repairs will take place at Grand Forks, but larger maintenance tasks will be handled by the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas. From there, Ellsworth bombers were launched in Global Strike missions in Iraq and Syria: in the night between Feb. 2 and 3, 2024, they took part in the air strikes on seven facilities, which included more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias used to attack U.S. and Coalition Forces in northeastern Jordan which had killed three U.S. soldiers on Jan. 28.

The 319th RW at Grand Forks AFB, is the headquarters operating the RQ-4B Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance unmanned aircraft launched and flown remotely all over the world. Supporting a critical Air Force mission, sensor operators of the 319th RW analyze pattern-of-life data to help protect NATO’s eastern flank and oversee several strategically important operational areas.

Col. Tim Monroe of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing highlighted the benefits of integrating B-1 operations into Grand Forks’ existing drone-focused setup, which uses RQ-4B Global Hawks for surveillance worldwide:

“There’s no doubt integrating the B-1 community into our Grand Forks Unmanned Aerial System ecosystem will pay dividends for everyone involved. This temporary relocation is the vanguard of Air Force integration, readiness, and agile combat employment, and epitomizes the mantra of One Team, One Fight.”

Once Ellsworth’s runway upgrades are completed, the bombers and Airmen will head back home, paving the way for the B-21 Raider’s arrival in the mid-2020s.

Ellsworth was selected as the first B-21 Raider base after it cleared an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) report in 2021. Whiteman and Dyess AFBs in Missouri and Texas, respectively, were later designated the second and third bases for the bomber by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in mid-September.

Grand Forks was previously a B-1B base, until the bombers were relocated in 1994. In anticipation of the possible relocation, a hot-pit refueling, the first in 30 years at the base in North Dakota, was carried out by the 28th BW with support by the 319th Reconnaissance Squadron, on Oct. 1, 2024, to assess the possibility of relocating the bombers. In fact, while the majority of the physical infrastructures, including the required runway length, ordnance storage capacity, and aircraft refueling equipment, are still present, the 29th BW and the 319th RS still had to demonstrate the ability to operate the B-1B from non-home base locations.

@TheAviationist.com

[takingchences]

♡ ❦ ♡ 𝐦𝐲 𝐁𝐍𝐇𝐀 + 𝐌𝐇𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ♡ ❦ ♡

𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐬! 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮❜𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰. 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐈 𝐁𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐆𝐎𝐔 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 ⋆₊ ❀ ¸࿐

𝑼𝑳𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑽𝑰𝑶𝑳𝑬𝑻 -> 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑 -> ongoing

Pairing: Bakugou x OP!fem!oc

A descendant of a legendary quirk longs to separate herself from her family name, but first she'll have to confront villains, ghosts from the past, and her growing attraction for Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.

✎ uv scenarios: coming soon

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

𝑫𝑨𝑴𝑺𝑬𝑳 -> 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑 (𝟏𝟖+) -> ongoing

Pairing: Pro Hero!Bakugou x fem!oc

After receiving a number of death threats and surviving a failed assassination attempt, an up and rising hero is hired as a bodyguard for a young heiress until the culprit is found.

𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐘𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐈 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 ⋆₊ ❀ ¸࿐

𝑮𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺 -> 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑 (𝟏𝟖+)

Pairing: Yandere!Dabi x fem!oc ( feat. Hawks )

A young agent for the Hero Commission offers a hand to a scarred boy on the street, unaware that that one act of kindness would come back to haunt her years later. After all, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Status: on hiatus

♡♡ 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 + 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒔 ♡♡

𝐏𝐎𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 -> 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑

Pairing: Rockstar!Bakugou x Ex!fem!reader

#quirkless au. #band au. #exes to lovers.

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐁𝐒 -> 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑 (𝟏𝟖+)

Pairing: Married!Bakugou x Married!fem!reader

#quirkless au. #married life au. #parent au.

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 -> 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑 (𝟏𝟖+)

Pairing(s): Bakugou x Married!fem!reader ( feat. Kirishima )

#married life au. #parent au.

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐒 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐒 -> 𝐏𝐆-𝟏𝟑

Pairing: Dragon Prince!Bakugou x fem!reader

#fantasy au. #arranged marriage au. #quirkless au. #enemies to lovers.

┈┈┈✃┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

[theramseyloft]

Can you explain why most ferals have skinny black eyelids but captive birds have white or skin toned eyelids

That's pretty much natural selection at its finest.

I have seen a bit of research on the pattern of city pigeons and how it tends towards darker colors, and the general consensus is just that it does.

My observation of feral populations has led me to believe that it's a product of predation.

Pigeons' primary predators are accipiter hawks and falcons. (Raptor folks, please correct me if these should not be differentiated, or if my spelling is incorrect!)

Barred and barn owls will also hunt them at night.

The ten or so local feral populations I am familiar with forage primarily in strip mall and gas station parking lots, which are paved black.

Pigeons have four different pattern genes.

Blue Bar is the Rock Dove Wild type.

There are a few different subspecies of Columba livia.

This is C. livia targea.

C. livia palistinae

C. livia canariensis

Note fow fine featured the face of a wild Rock dove is compared to

a domestic feral from a continent that has never seen wild Rock Doves.

Normally, wild type coloration is dominant over everything else.

But in their domestication, Rock Doves were interbred a few times with Spectacled Pigeons:

From these, came both the Checker and T-check patterns, and very likely the Ash Red base color, all of which are dominant over the Rock Dove's blue bar.

They also got the genes for a big, thick cere around the eye.

Cheeto has the same t-pattern as the Spectacled pigeon above.

He's not from the local flocks.

Here are all the birds I've had who are:

Shadow: Blue Bar, expressing the darkening modifier called Dirty.

Coal and Orion: Checkers

Coal is expressing Dirty and Sooty.

Orion is expressing neither.

Panther: T-check, expressing Dirty, Sooty, and smoky

Fiona: Blue Bar

Licorice: T-check, Dirty, Smoky, and Sooty

Pierce: T-Check

Archie: T-check

Bridget: T-check

Pete: Blue Bar

Masnud: blue Bar

T-check is dominant over all four patterns.

Checker is recessive to t-check, but dominant over bar and barless.

Bar is recessive to t-check and checker, but dominant over barless.

Barless is recessive to everything.

So, on the one hand, the darkest pattern is dominant.

But

Ash Red, like lost homer Charlie here,

Is dominant over blue.

So why don't you see this dominant color absolutely everywhere in feral flocks like you do T-check and Checker?

My bet is because it's the easiest to pick out of a crowd and see against the blacktop.

Blue bar is easier to see than T-check or checker, but it's a recessive gene, so it can still crop up in a feral population even if all of the breeding adults are t-check or checker.

But Ash Red being dominant means that: once every bird expressing it visibly is picked off for being too easy to see, the gene is wiped completely out of the population.

The long and short of it is: the darker the feather pigment, the darker the skin pigment tends to be.

And darker feathers are harder for hawks to see over black top and harder for owls to see under a bridge or in an eve or overhang.

A predator will always take the easiest prey, so the prey animal that is harder to catch by any means or degree is the one that survives to raise offspring.

Pigeons in human care, despite being the same species, simply do not have the pressure of predation shaping their color, builds, or behavior.

Their care takers breeding program shapes them.

And humans tend to find contrasting colors and interesting shapes aesthetically pleasing.