#Sunrise Sessions Collective

[cherry-pop-elf]

Morning Classes

Severus Snape x Reader

Summary: You spent the night in your boyfriend’s bedroom, at the school he works at. The issue with sleeping in a dungeon, is that you can’t tell when it’s sunrise. You slept in, and decided to make it known to everyone that Severus Snape CAN get some bitches

Warnings: None really, besides implied sexual content. But none actually. Also teenagers being teenagers, and poor Snape ready to have a heart attack

“Sevvy?” You yawned, as you would lift up your head. There you were, in satin sheets. Perfect for the muggy weather that the dungeons collected. Breathe able, light, and soft. Made you want to never leave the ink and emerald covers, but you wanted to get some breakfast with your boyfriend.

Another yawn left you, as you climbed out of the covers. Quick to steal one of his dress shirts, and cover yourself up in. You loved how it was a dress on you. Made you feel so safe, and warm. Emotionally, anyway. Despite the muggy weather of a dungeon, it can change and become so chill. Just a matter of when Peeves wants to snuff out the fire places.

“Sevvy? I want us to get some breakfast.” You called, as you stretched your body. The cold stones sending shivers through your feet, and up your spine. “And cuddles. I want more cuddles.” You cooed, as you would force open the heavy door. The one to lead to his classroom. Took some effort, but you broke through.

“Sevvy, sweetie? Let’s get some br…” Your heart dropped, as you froze. Seems you slept in, because class was in session. The familiar smog of the potions brewing filled the air, but never enough to hide the faces of his students. Along with himself.

The way every student was jaw dropped, at the realization that someone was in Snapes bedroom. Not only in his bedroom, but clearly having spent the night there. They just couldn’t process it, and neither could Snape. That ever cold scowl vanished, to be replaced with the most brilliant of pink cheeks. Seems Hogwarts was just a breeding ground of making sure he got embarrassed.

“Oh….I….Apologies….It can be kinda hard to tell the time, when you are underground.” You gulped, as you rubbed the back of your neck. You tried to step out of the room, but your back came into contact with the door. No way did you want to turn around, and risk exposing your naked butt to a bunch of kids. That’s not only gross, but also very embarrassing.

“Damn, kinda hot-“ A student said, causing Snape’s head to spin so sharply. You are surprised that no bones were broken in the process. As if he had time to figure out who said that. He had a partner to worry about. He cursed himself for letting you sleep in.

“Not. A. WORD.” He warned his students, as he quickly ran to your side. Swiftly he would take off his ever present cloak, and wrapped it around you. Let you be covered, as the students still stared. Never did they think Snape could be human. Find love, have a romance, be intimate with someone. It was just kinda assumed he was an entity all on his own.

“I am so sorry-“ You quickly whispered, with shame in your eyes. Way to go. You had to humiliate him. A man that’s been burdened with such all his life. You just had to give him more trauma. Way to go. That’s reading on your face like a book, and he won’t have any of that. He will break the cycle.

“I should have left a note-“ He tried to whisper back, but failed. The classroom was so silent, from shock, so much as his own heart beat could be heard. Was Snape taking responsibility for his own actions, and not wanting someone to feel bad? Who is this imposter? That was getting the class rowdy now.

“Students-“ He warned, but the teenagers in them were over ruled. They had so many questions. Who is this person? How did you two meet? Did you go to Hogwarts with him? Are you from another school? Pure blood? Muggle born? Did you top?!

“I uh. Just better go get some pants on-“ You swallowed, as he nodded. He was quick to open the door for you, and you ran in. It would then slam behind you, but it couldn’t muffle the gossiping of the class.

“Children-!” He warned, but their curiosity overruled their fear. They had to know. Who the hell were you?! Why would you settle for him?! So many questions, so little class time to figure it all out. They needed to know!

You made sure to hurry up, and slipped on some random bottoms. Along with a cozy top. Just clothes to actually wear, as to go out there and save your boyfriend. It must be an emotional nightmare to deal with. A bunch of students ganging up on him, much like his childhood. You will save the day.

“Hey everyone-! Sorry about that-! So uh. Hi! Yes, I’m his romantic partner. No, we didn’t meet at Hogwarts. I’m a-“ You began to rattle off, as to try and settle everyone down. Along with give Severus a moment to breathe. Breathe, and process what is happening. So much for staying under the radar.

“Why him?” Someone asked. Damn, even you could feel Snape’s death glare towards the student. Stings, but you snuck your hand to tangle with his. Comforting him, with brushing your thumb over his knuckles.

“Oh where do I start? Handsome, smart, charismatic, playful-“ That got a brow raise at the remark. The moment you kissed his cheek? Everyone was gagging, and making mock throwing up noises. You swore you saw a smile tug at his lips, at such foolery. Had you giggle, as you nuzzled your head into his shoulder.

“Thank Merlin, the bell-!” A student shouted, as the clock tower rang. Everyone was quick to bolt, leaving behind cauldrons full of left over potions. That had him rubbing his temples, but you already grabbed your wand. Working on the first one for him.

“The talk of the school….again….” He grumbled, as he would work on another one. He never liked being in the spotlight. If he could hide in the shadows, he would. Impossible now. Given the ‘scary potion master’ now had a romantic partner. Someone could love him? Such horror.

“Oh hush. Bet they are just jealous that I’m the lucky one.” You soothed, as you would give his cheek another kiss. Make that, multiple kisses. Just peppering him, and not willing to lighten up. Not until he smiled.

Took a minute, but he did. Just for you. He smiled, and soon returned a peck to your own. Far softer, and quieter. Just how he was. Like a gust of wind, in the moonlight. One of the endless reasons you adored him.

“So…..no breakfast-?” You puzzled, before he handed you over an apple. He had made sure to grab you something, after he had his own. He kept you in his thoughts. Had you just beaming, as you happily took it. Taking a large bite, as you now sat on his desk. Eye candy, as he worked.

Maybe today won’t be so bad after all. He’s in good company.

[slytherinslut0]

MATTHEO RIDDLE- Beg For Me

Chapter Eight-Info: You and Mattheo have been butting heads for months, since you were assigned as his tutor, and one day during a session full of tense bickering, he has enough.

(This will essentially be a toxic book where we are Theós fucktoy. No love here, very minimal fluff.)

Tags: 18+, Sub!Reader, Dom!Mattheo, Dirty Talk, Toxic Behaviours, Jealousy, Possessive Behaviours, Manipulation, Angst, Kissing, Sadism, Grinding.

***FIND THE REST OF THE CHAPTERS HERE.

Monday dawned, heralding the return to the comforting rhythm of routine. It was the day that marked the return to navigating through a series of classes, where the majority of students seemed disinterested--their attention merely a sliver of the fervor you felt for the subject matter being presented.

Strangely, Monday held a special place in your heart, a day you embraced with boundless enthusiasm. As the sun stretched its golden fingers through your window, you sprang out of bed, brimming with a vitality that could rival the sunrise. Every cell in your body hummed with energy, enough to fuel you through the day and perhaps even run a marathon around the school grounds before your legs begged for respite.

However, on this seemingly mundane Monday, time seemed to drag its feet, the minutes stretching into endless hours as you maneuvered through class after class. Familiar faces that once held no significance now sent a shiver down your spine, tightening your stomach into knots so constricting they threatened to suffocate you whole.

Normally, classes with Mattheo, Tom, Enzo, and the rest of the Slytherin boys were unremarkable--a monotonous routine where you blended into the background. However, after the tumultuous events that unfolded in the Slytherin common room that past Friday night, it felt like every single pair of eyes in the room bore into your skin with an unsettling intensity, leaving you acutely aware of the weight of their scrutinizing glances.

The memories of that evening hung in the air like a lingering mist, casting a somber aura over your every interaction. Each sidelong glance felt like an interrogation, and hushed conversations reverberated with the unspoken questions that hung between you and your peers. Their collective scrutiny bore down on you, and as the day wore on, you found yourself yearning for the respite that the night would bring, where you hoped to escape the watchful eyes and find solace in the darkness.

With the finesse of a skilled acrobat, you expertly maneuvered through the day's treacherous waters, keeping your head low and your presence inconspicuous. The weight of wary eyes and whispered rumors hung in the air, yet you managed to evade their grasp, emerging unscathed by nightfall.

As darkness cloaked the castle, you found sanctuary in the Astronomy Tower, something you done quite often. There, beneath the celestial tapestry of the stars, you immersed yourself in your weekly research, finding solace in the quiet solitude of the night. The distant hoot of an owl and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop as you delved into the captivating realms of celestial phenomena.

With parchment and quill in hand, you meticulously documented the positions of stars, planets, and constellations, observing their intricate dance across the night sky.

Your research focused on celestial events, planetary alignments, and their potential impact on magical energies. Guided by the wisdom of ancient texts and your insatiable curiosity, you sought to unravel the cosmic mysteries that intertwined with the magical fabric of the wizarding world. Each Monday night since the start of the fourth year, you climbed the tower's spiraling steps in order to gather documentation and compare with the previous week.

Lost in the ethereal dance of the stars, your quill moved across the parchment as if guided by some unseen force. Each stroke of your pen felt like an incantation, weaving together the threads of magic and the celestial realm.

Suddenly, the soft echo of footsteps on the stone floor snapped you back to reality. Your head whipped around, eyes wide and heart pounding, only to find Mattheo Riddle sauntering over without a sheer care in the world. His cheeky grin mirrored the mischief that danced in his eyes as he slumped down on the ground in front of you, his back resting against the cold railing.

For a moment, the enchanting allure of the stars faded, replaced by the enigmatic presence of the boy who always seemed to tread the line between trouble and fascination. His eyes glittered with amusement, and you could sense there was more to his presence than mere curiosity.

The stars held their secrets close, but Mattheo Riddle was an enigma you were yet to decipher.

"Stargazing, Raven?" he asked, his voice a smooth melody in the quiet night. "Or might you be decoding the secrets of the universe?"

"What the hell are you doing here?" you retorted, your heart still pounding in your chest, nerves still recovering from the fright he had given you. "You scared the bloody life out of me."

The moonlight cast eerie shadows across his features as he nonchalantly pulled out a pack of cigarettes, the metallic glint catching the dim light. He skillfully extracted one, placing it between his lips, the end glowing briefly as he lit it with the flicker of his lighter, the scent of smoke wafting through the air. Amused indifference danced in his eyes as he exhaled a plume of smoke into the night, his gaze meeting yours with a teasing glimmer.

"What's the matter? Thought I was Berkshire?" he teased, his voice a low murmur, the cigarette smoldering between his fingers. "I came up because I knew you'd be up here...you're quite the creature of habit, even after all these years."

The tension between you hung in the air, thick and palpable, the silence broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the soft crackle of the burning cigarette.

"You knew I'd be up here?" you huffed, irritation lacing your words, the annoyance palpable in the air. His Berkshire comment had struck a nerve, and you felt the sting of it. "What, are you stalking me now?"

Mattheo let out a low chuckle, smoke curling around his lips like a ghostly veil.

"Hardly stalking, princess," he said, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a smirk. "This used to be my smoking spot. Had to find a new one ever since your prissy little ass decided to take up stargazing as a bloody extracurricular."

His voice slithered with a playful venom, a tantalizing blend of sarcasm and arrogance that only Mattheo Riddle could master. Each word was like a silk thread, wrapping around your senses, leaving your skin prickling with irritation and your pulse quickening with an unsettling desperation. The emotional whirlwind he stirred within you was as intoxicating as it was maddening--a dizzying concoction of annoyance and desire, a sick dance that left you both infuriated and oddly enticed, your heart pounding in your chest like a caged animal desperate for release.

Your eyes narrowed, a flicker of realization washing over you as you caught on to his unspoken admission, your lips curling into a devilish, twisted smirk as you tilted your head in challenge.

"Oh no...how utterly tragic, Riddle," your words dripped with sarcasm, each syllable carefully enunciated, as you arched an eyebrow in mock surprise. "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience I've caused you--please, tell me, should I get on my fucking knees for you now, or later?"

A wicked smirk curved Mattheo's lips as he took a leisurely drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing brightly in the darkness. His posture oozed unfazed arrogance, his sharp features highlighted by the soft glow, casting a sinister shadow across his face.

"Now...later...doesn't matter to me, Raven," he purred, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "You'll end up on them for me eventually."

"Just charming, you are," you retorted, rolling your eyes to hide the flicker of arousal that his words ignited. "Look, I appreciate the company...but if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to my 'prissy' little activity in peace."

You chewed your cheek, your tone laced with sarcasm as you turned your attention back to your celestial research, not bothering to look up at him as you tossed him another jab, seemingly unable to control yourself.

"And no, I wasn't worried you'd be Berkshire," you muttered, focused on your parchment. "I was worried you'd be your brother, you know, the prefect...getting caught by him is the last thing I need right now."

Mattheo's eyes narrowed, a glint of annoyance flashing in his gaze like a stormy sky. "Sorry to disappoint," he retorted, his voice low and laced with irritation. "Bet you'd love a punishment from him, huh? He'd make you face the wall, maybe even bend you over and have you lift up your skirt...the sixth years certainly seem to fucking love it."

Your stomach twisted, the weight of his words sinking in as you peeled your eyes away from your work. You met his gaze, desperately assessing him for any sign of bluffing, but not finding even a shred. His words hung heavy in the air, and you couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that he might be telling the truth. A scoff escaped your lips, a mix of disbelief and nervous tension.

"Don't believe me? Maybe try crawling out from under your little rock for once and listen to the talk." He took another drag of his cigarette, his lips curling into a half-smirk. "Consider me your guardian angel tonight, saving you from that terrible fate."

"Guardian angel?" you muttered, your voice dripping with sarcasm as you tried to brush off the uneasy feeling settling in your gut. "So that's why you're here...you're worried Tom is going to find me and touch me without your fucking permission, aren't you?"

Your words carried a biting edge, challenging him to reveal his true intentions. His half-smirk deepened, the corners of his lips tugging upward in a way that made your skin crawl. Mattheo's gaze bored into yours, his eyes flickering with a mix of amusement and something darker, something possessive that sent a shiver down your spine.

"I prefer to be the one that decides who gets to play with my toys," he said, his voice low and laden with a subtle threat. "And as it turns out, I don't like sharing what belongs to me, Raven."

The way he said your nickname sent a shiver down your spine, his voice wrapping around you like a dangerous promise. A predatory edge underscored his words, a warning wrapped in seduction, making you acutely aware of the dangerous game you were playing with the messy, brown haired boy in front of you.

And in the aftermath of his words, something inside you snapped, tired of his games, a fierce energy propelled you forward. With swift purpose, you cast your parchment and quill aside, shifting across the unforgiving stone floor, each movement deliberate, until you found yourself nestled in the space between his legs, the cold stone biting through your robes. Your eyes bored into his, your gaze intense and unyielding, as if you could find the answers to all of your questions painted on his skin.

"You're going to give me grey hair, do you fucking know that, Mattheo?" you whispered, your voice laced with frustration as you locked eyes with him, searching for any semblance of truth in his gaze. "When are we going to talk about what you said in the library? When you-"

"What's there to talk about, Raven?" He cut you off, leaning his head back against the railing, his expression nonchalant as he brought his half-lit cigarette up to his lips, taking a slow draw while his eyes remained fixed on yours. "I already told you, I was drunk."

Your stomach plummeted like a stone, a sickening mix of disappointment and hurt gnawing at your insides. Despite your efforts to conceal it, to suppress it so deep that it diminished into absolutely nothing, the sinking feeling was undeniable, overshadowing any semblance of composure you tried to maintain. Each shallow breath you took seemed to echo the hollow ache within you, amplifying the aggravating vulnerability you felt.

"So when you said I'm not just your toy, you didn't mean it..." your voice wavered into a barely audible whisper, trailing off into the unspoken ache. "When you said I'm the one girl you can't get enough of...you didn't-"

"Perhaps I meant one of those things," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the world. "I'll leave which one up to your interpretation, Raven...you're a bright girl, yeah?"

The dim light from the tower's single lantern cast uneven shadows on his face, highlighting the contours of his features. His eyes, usually a bottomless abyss, now held a glimmer of something you couldn't quite decipher. Mattheo's gaze flickered, darting from your eyes to your lips and back to your eyes, brows pinched in focus. His lips, once so teasing, tightened into a thin line, and the playfulness that usually danced in his eyes was replaced with a shadowed intensity.

His hand found your arm, the touch feather-light, yet still somehow managed to send shivers down your spine, as if the grip had the power to unravel every thought you harbored. You felt the weight of his fingers, warm against your skin, a stark contrast to the cool stone beneath you, and you exhaled; a long, trembling breath.

"Why do you have to do that?" You couldn't contain the frustration in your voice, the pent-up emotions breaking free. "Why do you always deflect everything? It's impossible to-"

Your words were cut off abruptly as his touch tightened ever so slightly, his grip firm yet still strangely gentle. His eyes drilled into yours, now, as if daring you to continue--the silence between you speaking louder than any words could, the unspoken tension lingering in the air like a storm on the horizon.

"Raven," he said, his voice low and measured. "You said you didn't want to make things complicated-"

"Too late for that, Riddle..." you cut him off, now. Your voice was edged with frustration, your emotions swirling like a storm inside you. "You already blew that door wide open when you started getting possessive and then said we should just forget about everything-"

His grip tightened further, tugging you closer, the tension between you palpable. "Yeah, and how long did that last?"

"Are you blaming me for that, Mattheo?" you said, your voice a mere whisper, your gaze flickering to his lips, almost involuntarily.

"I'd never blame you for any of this, Raven." He retorted, voice tight and controlled. "But you didn't stop me...you didn't push me away..."

Your lungs stalled in the wake of his words, your chest constricting, every syllable bouncing around in your head like a basketball. His words rattled your brain, a heavy truth you couldn't deny. The weight of your own desires and the reckless dance you both had engaged in settled upon your shoulders.

"You called yourself a monster..." you whispered, your voice barely audible, as if you were afraid of setting him off with too loud of a pitch. "You said you'd never deserve-"

"I am a monster, Raven," he spat, his throat working as he swallowed. "I have blood on my hands in ways you could never imagine…and that doesn't even do it justice…it’s on more than my hands…it's not as though it stops there, at my wrist like a fucking glove..."

His words hung in the air, laden with a haunting ache that resonated in the nighttime silence. A defeated exhale escaped your lips as you shifted against the cold stone, feeling Mattheo's hand slip around your back and pull you into the warmth of his chest. Your head nuzzled involuntarily into the hollow of his neck, seeking solace from the frigid night, every inch of your body tingling against his. You didn't understand what this was between you two, what the fuck you were even doing, but the biting cold seemed to fade away in the embrace of his body, offering a fleeting sense of comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

As the silence settled around you both, broken only by the steady drumming of his heart, you couldn't escape the profound curiosity that gripped your thoughts--you wondered what he'd gone through, what he'd done, or perhaps even what he'd seen--but even more than that, you couldn't help but to wonder--was it better to out-monster the monster, or allow yourself to be quietly devoured?

"What's your story, Mattheo?" you asked, your voice tinged with a bitterness you hadn't meant to unleash, shattering the silence between you. "What the hell made you such a complicated asshole?"

"What's yours, Raven?" His body tensed at your words, his Adam's apple bobbing against your head as he swallowed, a subtle tremor betraying the calm facade."Actually, don't even tell me...I'm pretty certain I've already got it."

"Is that so?" You cocked an eyebrow. "Let's hear it then."

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. "You're the girl who craves chaos but hides it beneath a veneer of perfection."

His words almost immediately made you tense, and yet, you knew he wasn't finished.

"Silver spoon-fed, parents too busy climbing social ladders to notice their own daughter drowning in their expectations...private schools, debutante balls, a picture-perfect life that's paralyzing you. You're the good girl, always following the rules, always striving for the unattainable...classic overachiever clawing for perfection just to win daddy's fucking approval," he pressed his mouth to your temple, dropping his voice into a low, growling whisper. "Tell me, how does it feel to wear that suffocating mask every day?"

"Fuck you," your gaze hardened, the words slicing past your teeth like a razor, pulling yourself off his chest as you shifted to face him. You couldn't believe how scarily fucking accurate he was, but you refused to give him the satisfaction."If I didn't know any better, I'd think there was jealousy in your tone, Riddle."

"You can't deny it because you know I'm right," he shrugged, voice as cool as ice. "I see the look in your eyes...eyes don't lie, Raven."

"You think you have me all figured out, yeah?" You huffed, irritation flooding through you now, searing your skin. "Well you're not the only one...I fucking see you, Mattheo Riddle...the black sheep of a prestigious family...daddy's little disappointment, constantly overshadowed by your genius brother...a rebel without a cause, desperately seeking validation in all of the wrong places. The reckless bad boy facade is merely a shield to hide the cracks in your own pitiful self-worth."

You couldn't even believe the words leaving your own mouth, but if they affected Mattheo in any way, his expressions would never show it. You let your words linger for a moment before you countered his earlier question with one of your own.

"Don’t you ever get tired of pretending, Mattheo?"

A flicker of vulnerability crossed Mattheo's eyes, swiftly overshadowed by a simmering anger. His lips tightened into a thin line, the muscles in his jaw clenching visibly. The silence that followed your question was thick with tension, pregnant with the weight of unspoken emotions. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to draw out a composed response, his voice laced with a bitter edge.

"Tired?" He spat. "I don't have the luxury of exhaustion, Raven."

"Grow up, Mattheo..." you physically had to refrain from rolling your eyes. "It's about fucking time you got over yourself, don't you think?"

"I'd be careful with your next words, princess..." he spat, his tone sharp as a dagger. "You don't know anything about me…it's bold of you to think you can make assumptions like that."

"You fucking started it," your voice was low and laced with intensity, leaning in closer until your breath mingled with his. "You don't know half of the woman you stare in the face."

Mattheo paused, his eyes, deep pools of intensity, bore into yours, drawing you in with their magnetic pull. Every glance exchanged with him was like plunging into the depths of a storm, your heart racing with the force of the emotions he stirred within you. The pause stretched, the silence thick with unspoken desires and unquenchable passion as you held his gaze, feeling the unrelenting pull that seemed to tether your souls together.

"You know what I think, Raven?" The tone of his voice switched to a seductive purr, his calloused palm finding your thigh, slithering higher. "I think we're more alike than you'd care to admit."

Each word dripped with a venomous mix of arrogance and seduction, carrying the weight of the truth you both refused to acknowledge--the touch of his hand on your thigh rid any desire you had to speak, seemingly possessed and silenced simultaneously, clinging to his voice.

"I think we're two sides of the same coin, struggling to find our place in a world that demands we choose a path..." Mattheo continued, his gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine. "We both wear masks, Raven. Yours might be polished and refined, but it's still a mask. Underneath, we're both drowning in expectations, haunted by our own ghosts."

His fingers traced circles on your thigh, a touch that sent electric jolts through your skin. "We're both searching for something, aren't we?" he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "Maybe that's the point of all of this...after all, it is equally as fucking inhumane to be totally good, as it is to be totally bad, don't you think?"

A charged silence enveloped both of you as Mattheo pulled you closer, his fingers trailing a fiery path along your skin. His lips hovered inches away from yours, teasing but never quite fulfilling the promise of a kiss.

"Maybe...we make each other feel alive...does it matter if it hurts?" His thumb brushed gently over your bottom lip, a touch as soft as a feather but laden with an undeniable intensity. "It’s a risk…for both of us…but I tried to fight it and didn't even last a fucking day...it's wrong, Raven, it's so fucking wrong...but I just can't stay away from you..."

In the wake of his touch, his words, his fucking voice--you found yourself utterly breathless, frozen in a moment where time seemed to stand still. In the silence that followed, his eyes bored into yours like twin obsidian orbs reflecting a stormy sky, and you were rendered powerless, your every sense overwhelmed by the intoxication he effortlessly wielded.

His presence was a potent elixir that seeped into your veins, setting your blood on fire and entangling your soul in a web of desire. You were caught in a whirlwind, a chaotic dance between anger and need, a tempestuous passion that only he could incite. Every fiber of your being rebelled against the pull he had on you, yet you found yourself irresistibly drawn to the very source of your turmoil.

He was a living contradiction, an enigma wrapped in layers of darkness and charm. His presence was suffocating and intoxicating, a potent mix that left you both exhilarated and vulnerable. In that moment, you realized he was more than just a person; he was a force of nature, a hurricane you couldn't escape, even if you wanted to.

As the truth hung heavy in the air, you admitted it to yourself--despite the chaos he brought into your life, despite the risks and the dangers, you fucking craved him. A dark villain you found yourself strangely drawn to, unable to outrun the allure of his darkness. His touch, his words, his very essence--they made you feel alive in a way you had never experienced before, in the most chaotic and exhilarating way, and in the midst of this internal battle, you acknowledged the undeniable reality--you wanted him, fiercely and recklessly, consequences be damned.

You inhaled a shallow breath, drawing in his exhales like a forbidden addiction. "You're going to be the fucking ruin of me, aren't you, Mattheo?"

"Yes." Mattheo huffed, his breath mingling with yours as he grazed your lips once more. "Does that scare you, princess?"

"Yes," you admitted, your hands instinctively slithering around his neck, words leaving your lips without thought. "Everything about you scares me."

Your confession hung heavy in the air, your fingers instinctively curling around the fabric of his jacket. His response was a low, rumbling purr that sent shivers down your spine, the intensity of his gaze burning into your soul.

"I can't believe you just said that, Raven..." he husked, his grip on your waist tightening possessively. His lips brushed against your jawline, sending electric currents through your skin.  "You don't even know how fucking hard that just made me."

Your eyelids fluttered, heat pooling between your thighs, as his touch ignited a wildfire within you.

"You're fucking insane..." you breathed, your fingers digging into his jacket, desperately trying to ground yourself in the midst of the overwhelming desire he stirred. "I don't know how you do this to me..."

"It's useless to fight it, princess," he purred, his teeth grazing your pulse, each touch seemingly branding you as his. "I've already made you mine."

"Your toy," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart. "You've made me your toy."

"Yes, my toy." He growled, his grip intensifying. “Mine...all fucking mine..."

Under the moonlit sky, the Astronomy tower stood silent, the night air thick with a dark lust. His teeth sank into the sensitive skin of your neck, the cool breeze caressing your heated skin, intensifying the pleasure-pain sensation coursing through your veins. Your head fell to the side instinctively, the distant twinkle of stars above bearing witness to the passion igniting between you. Your body trembled under his touch, the night itself seeming to shiver in response to the escalating desire enveloping you both.

With a sudden intensity, he cupped your face in his hands, his touch both possessive and oddly gentle. His dark eyes bore into your soul, their intensity searing into your skin.

"Are you sure you're good with that, Raven?" he demanded, his voice low and raw. "You're good with being my little toy? You're good with continuing this with no strings attached?"

"Yes," you murmured.

"Say it." He said, vibrations of his chest rumbling through you. "Say you're good with it."

"I'm good with it," you said. "I'm good with being your little toy, I'm good with no strings, no bullshit-"

Cutting you off, his mouth crashed onto yours, a hungry, fervent kiss that seemed to convey years of pent-up desire--it was as if he had waited his whole life to kiss you, his lips molding perfectly against yours, igniting a fiery passion that consumed the both of you with ease. His lips moved with a purpose, a desperate need that mirrored your own--the air crackled with anticipation, your heart pounding in your chest as you surrendered to the intoxicating pull of his lips, the heat of his body pressed against yours.

You were lost in him, your senses overwhelmed by the intoxicating blend of pleasure and need. The world ceased to exist, and there was nothing but the electrifying connection between your lips, binding you to him in a way that felt inevitable, unstoppable, and undeniably right. His kiss was a storm, wild and unrelenting, consuming you entirely, moving with a fierce hunger, his tongue seeking entrance, and you welcomed him eagerly, your mouths dancing in a heated tangle of desire.

As he deepened the kiss, the intensity grew, an inferno raging between you. Every touch, every taste, every second seemed to set your skin ablaze, leaving you breathless and aching for more. Your fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him impossibly closer, as if trying to merge your souls through this kiss--the two of you shifting positions until you were straddling his lap, the feeling of his erection pressing against your centre pulling a guttural groan from your throat; his fingers digging into your skin in response.

With a gasp, he broke the kiss, his lips leaving a trail of searing kisses down your neck, igniting a fire wherever they touched. Your head fell back in response, exposing the vulnerable curve of your throat to him. His hot breath fanned over your skin, sending shivers down your spine, as he pressed soft yet possessive kisses along the column of your throat. His lips moved with purpose, exploring every inch of your neck as if it held the secrets to the universe, his tongue flicking out occasionally, teasing, before his teeth grazed your skin, a promise of both pleasure and pain. Each touch sent shockwaves through your body, amplifying the intensity of your connection, as you clung to him, lost in the whirlwind of desire and need.

"I want to make you cum again..." he murmured against your skin, his hands gripping your hips and pressing you down against his crotch. "I want to make cum over and over, fuck..."

"Matty..." you moaned, his teeth grazing your pulse, your hips rolling against his lap involuntarily, a soft gasp escaping your lips as his hands moved to your ass; squeezing with malicious intent. "Shit...we can't...not here..."

"I know." He groaned, his hot exhale showering your skin. "Wednesday."

"Yes..." you breathed. "Wednesday."

—————

Here’s chapter nine->

[rottenpumpkin13]

Sephiroth: quiet midnights, gleaming steel, faint incense smoke, the scrape of a whetstone, books lined perfectly on a bookshelf, cold rain against bare skin, polished black leather, bitter ginger tea at dawn, weighted blankets in winter, sharp ice crystals, scratched classical CDs, weathered angel statues with missing wings, sharpened pencils in neat rows, morning fog over empty streets, delicate frost patterns on windowpanes, steel-gray skies before snow, silent films in empty theaters, cat footprints on documents, mathematical equations, unopened mail, clean sword oil, abandoned chess pieces, mint tea leaves.

Genesis: spilled red wine on white papers, chipped maroon nail polish on piano keys, gold bangles clinking against wine glasses, vintage vinyl at dusk, steaming mulled cider with cinnamon sticks, smudged eyeliner after theater rehearsals, leather-bound books with gilded edges, dark chocolate with sea salt breaking under his teeth, dog-eared poetry collections, playing cards scattered across silk sheets, cherry candy staining his tongue red, cologne bottles on antique vanities, melted red candle wax on love letters, fresh ink bleeding through parchment, caramelized apple pie, packed jazz bars at 2am, velvet curtains, stage makeup, worn dance shoes, red leather gloves, theater tickets.

Angeal: petrichor on summer mornings, fresh ground coffee beans, sunrise training sessions, polaroid cameras with worn straps, mismatched lucky keychains, pencil sketches in margins, old photos in cracked leather wallets, soup simmering on stovetops, buzzing radio stations between cities, dappled sunlight through garden leaves, evening cicada songs, autumn leaves crushed underfoot, soft worn flannel shirts, pressed flowers, acoustic guitars, wrinkled maps with coffee stains, soil under fingernails, homemade bread, herb gardens, worn pottery, recipe books, wooden spoons, patched jeans, morning dew, pocket knives.

AGS: loud laughter, discarded pizza boxes, arguments dissolving into jokes, snorted milk, tangled legs under a blanket, whispers in a packed room, empty mugs littered around a table, quiet yawns, bitten apples, ring tones, a half-finished puzzle scattered across the floor, a messy kitchen, heads on each other's shoulders, rock-paper-scissors, scattered dice, sour candy, bumping elbows, the glow of a tv screen, borrowed hoodies, stolen phone chargers, dirty dishes, arms around shoulders, inside jokes.

[cshfvck]

(𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨) 𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐱 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

genre: NSFW

c/w: none

a/n: hoped you lot missed me x

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

It was a lazy day today, neither of you could be bothered to wake up. The sunrise peaked softly through your curtains, the glow of orange and yellow lighting up the room. Aizawa groaned as his alarm blared, almost ruining the moment, until you felt his fingers run up your back and squeeze your shoulders, almost as if he was a cat, pawing you. The action drew a soft groaned from you, body sore from being on duty with him last night, as well as helping teach 1-a.

Aizawa hands were large and calloused, yet so gentle on your back, tracing scars left on your skin before going back to massage you. His phone had been lazily discarded on the bed, the alarm fading. Sleepy eyes met yours, his grey black eyes always made you weak. Shivers ran along your body, groaning his name quietly as he ran hands down your sides, making you tremble.

Hands squeezed your hips, the sunrise reflecting off both your bodies, reflecting aizawas eyes and making you blush like an idiot. You pushed his hands away and turned to face him, looking unamused and flustered. The black haired man looked at you and groaned as you kicked him playfully and complained, your voice hoarse from yelling last night.

"Be gentle with me.. I'm sore.."

The pleading was music to him, he hummed and nodded slowly before climbing on top of you, hands holding your hips again while his lips met your scarred skin, he was kissing your face and chest. Aizawa soon pulled off though and looked down at you, flipping you over as you huffed but didn't complain, a whine leaving you when he went back to massaging your back.

His hands were warm and just rough enough for it to hurt in a good way. A way that made you twitch and tremble in pleasure. Small noises filled the air, your body reacting to his touch faster than your like to admit. Each sound made aizawa amused, he stopped momentarily and mumbled a quietly apology, his voice also hoarse but naturally raspy, making your face heat up and body react more, feeling yourself grow hard when he squeezed your neck and spoke.

"Sorry love.. One sec.."

He scooted over a little and leaned over to the bedside, grabbing one of his cigarettes and lighting it, putting his things back and smoking as he massaged you. The whole situation made you hard, your member leaking and staining the clean bed with pre. A pretty whimper escaped you as he pressed down on your body again. He knew it wasn't a normal whimper.

With a swift move, a hand locked in your hair, hair wrapping around his fingers as if it was holding onto him. Your neck was strained and back arched from his act, practically drooling as he saw your expression and smirked while taking his cigarette from his mouth, only to bite and mark your neck and snarling quietly*

"Mm.. Need you like you need me, doll.."

The orange glow filled the room still but you were both naked now, slowly and lazily kissing each other, moaning quietly when aizawa grind into you, pulling your body against him to get better friction. He was now also hard, the outline of his cock visible inside his pants. You both knew this wouldn't be like your usual rough sessions.

Hands roamed your body, tugging down your boxers. His hand was warm as it wrapped around you, a moan echoing in the room. You bucked your hips up into his hand, your sounds pathetic and needy for him, him only. Only aizawa could see this side of you.

He took a drag of the cigarette before looking down at how you were trembling and almost crying from just his hand, his thumb tracing your tip and collecting the pre that beaded at the slit, the sinful pearly colour coating his thumb pad. He smiled and leaned down, kissing you slowly before speaking again

"Open your legs darling.. We might not have a lazy morning after all sweet.."

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

a/n: LOL cliffhanger x this was just a test tbh to see if I could write still, I'll finish this off at some point x

[iolite-moodboards]

little things about the young justice team (s1)... ₊˚ପ⊹

things i associate with the team (also sorta hcs) feat. some fun friendship stuff sprinkled in. some of them are a little unserious because they are special to me lol also because the show is so old, I incorporated a couple older, 2010's stuff.

I wann write more hcs for them :,)

𐙚˙⋆.˚ recommended posts: yj insta pages, scooby doo vibes

Robin₊˚ପ⊹

sushi

nintendo switch

versache sunglasses

demolishing the others on the monkey bars

sudoku

blackflips in response to everything

"i went to locked in island and no one knew ur name"

plays dti with m'gann

just dance 2014

beach days with the team

drama queen at heart

beefs with children on roblox

sweet coffee

rihanna is his white girl anthem

ungodly screen time

debate team

sitting on the counter while someone cooks/bakes

secretly a reader

the face swap filter on snapchat

Artemis₊˚ପ⊹

mario kart

pho

weekends with her mom

house music

fun nail polish colors

late night runs to cvs

redbull

fortnite with wally

espresso shots

flappy bird

a stuffed bunny she's had since she was a kid

getting gelato with zatanna

yelling at wally over voice chat and takes the mic out

caffeine addiction

led lights in her room

bribing dick to help her with her homework

"check this out" *blows something up*

a collection of lps figures on her shelf she hasn't gotten rid of

taking wolf out for walks (or is it the other way around?)

says she has her driver's license but actually does not

Zatanna₊˚ପ⊹

autumn walks

cappuccinos

tv at night

phone calls with her grandparents

ice skating

taro boba

saying "man don't even worry about it" when someone notices a magical portal randomly opening

stardew valley

stealing robin's sunglasses

arctic monkeys

lavender

tumblr girl

mitski

has become a more huggy person since losing her dad

walks around the city with dick

spotify jam sessions with connor

alfredo

turning the others into rabbits when they annoy her

taking pictures of the moon

Wally₊˚ପ⊹

doordash

the cravings of a pregnant woman (/j)

instant ramen

xbox

sneaking out for in-and-out

drinking water too fast and choking

wears new balance like an old man

"smells like up dog in here"

fortnite

dirty laundry on his floor

sends multiple texts in a row

chromeo

shamelessly listens to the btr theme

sneaking bites of batter without m'gann knowing

sitting with connor while he teaches wally origami

going through the drive through on foot

saying sunny d tastes like vomit then continuing to drink it

floor time

binging movies with dick

burns easily

Kaldur'ahm₊˚ପ⊹

watching the sunrise

5am swims

vegetarian

glass noodles

stingrays

nora jones

jazz

suggests playing twister and claims it's a team building exercise

not made for caffeine (he's a fish guys)

seaweed

has a lil fish tank in his room

smells vaguely of shrimp and salt water

watching spongebob because the others made him

he looks like your confused dad when you try to explain anything to him

bubble wands

adidas slides

actively plays animal jam

"what is up dog?"

sunscreen (burns easily pt 2)

surprisingly, will chug fruit punch

cabbage

Connor₊˚ପ⊹

hiking with wolf

bumper sticker that says "i am a dad to a fur baby" that the others got him

origami

hates sports

straight face listening to hey tayo

pottery

protein shakes

the smiths

gym days

has a human sized dog bed for him and wolf

not a fan of sweet things

actually needs glasses

gifted m'gann an origami fish once

eats cheese sticks like a child

weekly sessions with dinah

combat boots

dick tries to teach him roblox but he doesn't get it

motorcycle

the smiths

"stop saying it smells like wrong dog"

M'gann₊˚ପ⊹

baking at 1am

blackberries

gracie abrams

smells like sugar cookies

philosophy soaps

pompompurin

dti

sundresses

bath bombs

carly rae jepson

pulling connor into the kitchen to help her

everyone's pookie

pinterest and we heart it

audio books

lip gloss

turned martian manhunter into a girl dad

loves to listen to raquel while she proof reads her essays

daisies

always offering to make tea

Raquel₊˚ପ⊹

submitting projects at 11:59pm

glitter pens

obscure conspiracy videos at 3am

studying in cafes

stargazing

follows nasa

pilates with the team

angry birds

rocky road ice cream

girls night out where something illegal happens

always has glitter on her

cheering up her friends

updates her snap story when smth wild happens

pop music

french vanilla

kickboxing

podcasts

loves fish food much to kaldur's dismay

thought kaldur had autism swag for the longest time (he's just not human)

late night drives and loud music

[aftgficrec]

Can you please suggest fics where neil and bee have more interactions. Or even ones about andrew and bee talking about neil or anything else

Btw I really really appreciate everything yall do! God bless you.

Here is what we found for you. -A

Neil/andreil talk to Bee:

Neil goes to therapy here

‘we softly stir the violence’ and ‘Healing’ series parts 1 & 3 here

‘“I wish I'd never…”’ here

‘Andrew Minyards Crystal’ here

‘pain our brain has made’ here (updated)

‘not to blame for falling’ series and ‘sidelines’ here

‘on the tip of my tongue (say something)’ series here (completed)

‘Andrew and Neil's guide to getting better’ series here

‘True Love Waits’ series here

‘Cyberstalking’ here

‘Promises’ here

‘A Taste of Your Own Medicine’ here

‘The Massive Continuity of Ducks’ and ‘Ghost of You’ here

‘A collection of Andreil one-shots’ ch 3 here

‘I Don't Know’ here

‘The Destination Was Always Forever’ (updated), ‘Minyard-Josten Rivalry’ (updated), ‘sunrise, abram’ series, ‘and in a flash, it's gone.’ series part 2, and ‘Stay Where I Can Reach’ here

Andrew talks to Bee about Neil:

previous ask here

‘Unspoken’ here

‘AFTG Drabbles’ parts 1 & 8 here

‘Paper Cut Hearts’ here

‘the shuffling of cards’ here

‘words can't warm the windows of my soul’ here

‘The Hand That Needs Me’ here

‘Mother Mannequin’ here

‘Anything’ here

‘the icarus to your certainty’ here

‘No straighter path than to struggle’ here

‘Can we can pretend like we're (not) in love?’ here

Neil Josten is Not Fine by Anonymous [Rated T, 3362 Words, Complete, AFTG Then & Never 2024]

After weeks of nightmares and an embarrassing discovery, Neil finally decides to pay Betsy a visit.

tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: nightmares, tw: bedwetting

i'll take anything you have (if you could throw me a line) by ifitmeanslosingyou [Rated M, 923 Words, Complete, 2024]

the sunrise can be pretty, neil thinks, but instead of the pinks and oranges washing him with ease, neil can’t help the panic at the thought that he’s been up here for longer than he planned to he wonders if anyone has even realized he left the dorms in the first place, wonders if andrew even looked when neil left the bedroom, wonders if he gave up, wonders if he finally came to his senses and realized neil was more trouble than he’s worth wonders if the roof of the court is high enough that the fall would kill him day 31: asking for help | therapy | “i’m alive, i’m just not well”

tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced self harm

help, I've lost myself again (but I remember you) by abitsillygoofy [Not Rated, 5320 Words, Complete, 2024]

“Neil we have to talk about it,” Betsy said “I don’t think so” Neil replied “Nope, not happening” He popped the p at the end trying to make the woman mad at him. “You just tried to kill yourself, so I think we have to have this talk” Betsy didn’t seem bothered by his act and kept her nice, neutral facial expression, but unlike on his session looked worried too. or Neil wakes up in the hospital after his suicide attempt and has to face what he did.

tw: suicide attempt, tw: self harm, tw: blood

keep telling me that it gets better (does it ever?) by phan_taloon [Rated M, 15415 Words, Complete, 2022, Locked]

Previously recced here

AU where Neil never met the Foxes, with a little less mafia and a little more pain for Neil when he ends up captured by Nathan for months, and has to deal with the consequences by himself. He ends up in treatment for chronic pain with opioids, and let's just say opioid use is tricky when you're alone and in pain; one thing can lead to another more easily than it seems.

tw: drug addiction, tw: drug overdose, tw: withdrawal, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: vomit

an acquired taste the asbestos is lovely by cyanica [Rated M, 6617 Words, Complete, 2024, Locked]

“What did you take?” Andrew demands. Neil wonders if Andrew will taste all that is wrong with Neil when he kisses him. He wonders if Andrew will recognize it. Andrew knows what it is to hurt himself, and this must be familiar. It’s deja vu, Neil thinks, if only a little bit worse, a little more terrible. Neil shakes his head, groaning into the toilet, “I don’t want to tell you.” Andrew pulls out his phone, and Neil can already hear it dialling when he says, “You can tell the paramedics.” Or; “Cigarettes,” Neil says. “I ate your cigarettes.”

tw: self harm, tw: overdose, tw: pica, tw: eating disorders, tw: vomit, tw: blood, tw: mental breakdown, tw: implied/referenced abuse

If it means protecting you (I’ll pay my dues) by Intangibel (duskbutterfly) [Rated T, 125462 Words, Incomplete, Updated April 2023]

Previously recced here

What if the threat of Aaron being charged with murder was more significant and Neil found out that he could prevent Andrew from having to be at the trial if he were to testify. What would he be willing to sacrifice to achieve that? What if instead of refusing to testify for Aaron, Neil decides to make a deal with the FBI to become their witness against his father if they’ll backstop his current identity. He thinks it means signing his death warrant and losing the Foxes. Betsy, Aaron and the Foxes are determined to convince him it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, his father’s people are coming for him and that’s not even starting on what Andrew will have to say about Neil choosing to martyr himself.

tw: graphic depictions of violence, tw: child abuse, tw: torture, tw: blood, tw: scars, tw: vomit, tw: implied/referenced drug addiction, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: homophobia, tw: conversion camp reference, tw: reenactment therapy with noncon

The Sun Still Rises by mordax [Rated E, 474451 Words, Incomplete, Updated Oct 2024]

Previously recced here

Somewhere on the road, Mary Hatford gets pregnant with her second child. When she passes, she leaves behind not only Neil, but his toddler brother. Survival is difficult without also raising a kid. Worn out and desperate, Neil still somehow ends up at Palmetto, only this time, he brings his four-year-old brother with him.

tw: violence, tw: anxiety, tw: panic attacks,  tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: drug use, tw: involuntary sedation, tw: reenactment therapy with noncon

NB: find fanart for this fic by @/elidanus on twitter here

Ain’t it fun by jemejem [Rated T (we say M) 30672 Words, Complete, 2018]

Neil can't sleep. Andrew can't feel. High school is going well for the both of them.

tw: homophobia, tw: mental breakdown, tw: anxiety, tw: depression, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: suicide attempt, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: scars, tw: ptsd, tw: psychological trauma, tw: flashbacks

I been here all along (so why can't you see?) by alexcherry [Rated G, 8691 Words, Complete, 2021]

Andrew leans on the counter beside Neil's thigh. "Where do you want to go, Josten? What favor do you need from me?" Neil looked at Andrew and steeled himself. "I want you to come with me to the next therapy session with Betsy posing as my boyfriend." "Like one," Andrew thought for a moment. "Couple therapy?" Neil perked up. "Yes! Exactly, and then we see how long it takes her to find out we're not connected at all."

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced murder

If You Need Shelter by AfraidOfBananas [Rated M, 2642 Words, Complete, 2021]

“The boy is staring at Neil with a startled expression like he’s just seen a ghost. Well, maybe he has. Neil hasn’t felt alive for a very long time.” Or.....Neil meets Andrew while he’s on the run

Family by BlueJay26 [Not Rated, 9420 Words, Complete, 2021, Locked]

The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. Three adults who certainly proved this was true, and their (sort of) children who realised a family isn't always linked by blood. Also known as, how Abby, Bee and Wymack earned their family's love and trust.

tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: internalized homophobia

Art

Abby and Betsy art by @rainbowd00dles 

Betsy 💕💕 art by @neroholik

Mom and Dad and Mom art by @llstarcasterll

Betsy and Abby 💖 art by @jeannemaybedarc

Betsy Dobson cosplay by @/toobeetofunction on instagram

@drbetsydobson instagram account/moodboard

[thefrictioninhisjeans]

hello hello hello folks

welcome to my first yap session!

today we'll be going over a topic that runs 23/7 in my head and a piece of my soul, music!

what kind of music, you might ask?

this kind of music.

This is a Topster. It's a handy dandy chart website that can display and list music, tv shows, films and video games!

We're gonna be looking over my PEP-AIR collection!

It's a set of music from pop, emo, punk, alternative, indie, and rock. Each album you see here has at least one song from it on my playlist.

These may be full albums, singles, entire collections of an artist's music (ahem) or songs that bands from this genre have collaborated on.

A few of my favorites include:

Fall Out Boy

My Chemical Romance

blink-182

Green Day

Weezer

Panic! at the Disco

shoutout to Nico Borie and Sunrise Skater Kids for making some fire covers in spanish and japanese

if ya recommend any music from this family of genres, do share! this is my largest playlist and i'm always looking to expand it 🔥

and now, a poll because I keep accidentally hitting the poll button and I can't delete it

as always, have a good undisclosed period of time between the next 12-24 hours!

this is orange, signing off.

[tomorrowusa]

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have drawn additional attention to what a terrible governor Ron DeSantis is.

“Florida isn’t safe with DeSantis at the helm of our state government,” said Matthew Grocholske, 20, campaign strategy lead with the Orlando, Florida, chapter of the youth-led Sunrise Movement. [ ... ] Florida environmentalists say that DeSantis’s policies to boost fossil fuels, suppress carbon-free energy and ignore global heating have fueled the climate crisis that has exacerbated such hurricanes. [ ... ] Hurricanes – including Helene – are becoming more dangerous due to the climate crisis, caused primarily by the burning of fossil fuels. DeSantis’s policies have fueled that crisis with his policies and rhetoric, climate advocates say. “When it comes to our climate crisis, Ron DeSantis is easily the worst governor in Florida’s history,” said Delaney Reynolds, 25, a PhD student in climate resilience at the University of Miami and lead plaintiff in a 2018 youth-led climate lawsuit against the state government. DeSantis’s opposition to climate action began early in his career. One day after taking office in 2013, the then representative voted against a measure proposed after Hurricane Sandy to guarantee people could collect on federal flood insurance claims. During his 2018 run for governor, he pledged to protect Florida’s Everglades and waterways. But though he admitted that “human activity contributes to changes in the environment”, he also said: “I am not a global warming person.” More recently, he has gone further, slamming climate action as “woke”. There is ample evidence that warmer ocean temperatures fuel more powerful storms, and preliminary studies show Helene’s strength was made far more likely by global heating. Yetas Florida was battered by record-breaking rain this past June, DeSantis staunchly denied any potential link to the climate crisis. “This clearly is not unprecedented,” he said at a news conference at the time. “I think the difference is, you compare 50 to 100 years ago to now, there’s just a lot more that’s been developed, so there’s a lot more effects that this type of event can have.”

D'oh! Of course it's "unprecedented". That's what the climate crisis is all about. Weather keeps getting more extreme.

DeSantis is doing his best to destroy the state's response to climate change.

In August, DeSantis’s administration sparked outcry for its so-called Great Outdoors Initiative, which included plans to pave over thousands of acres at nine state parks and erect 350-room hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts. In May, the governor made headlines for signing legislation scrubbing most references to climate change from state law. The policy, which took effect on 1 July, restructured the state’s energy policy to nullify goals to boost wind and solar, instead focusing on hardening energy infrastructure against “natural and manmade threats”. [ ... ] During his run for president in the 2024 Republican primary, DeSantis also promised to ramp up domestic oil and gas production and fend off electric vehicle mandates, moves that climate experts warned would have boosted greenhouse gas emissions. His promises rhymed with his state policies. This past legislative session, DeSantis reportedly quietly helped craft a ban on wind energy infrastructure in Florida. And he also signed a far-reaching energy omnibus bill boosting the gas industry and increasing the barriers to purchasing electric vehicles. [ ... ] Last year, DeSantis turned down federal aid for energy efficiency, electrification and slashing carbon pollution. In 2022, he vetoed from the state budget a $5m allocation for a hurricane shelter in a north-east Florida town, and barred the state’s pension fund from making investment decisions that consider the climate crisis. The previous year, he adopted a bill banning Florida’s cities from adopting 100% clean energy goals. Such policies have exacerbated the climate crisis, which fuels hurricanes like Milton and Helene, Grocholske said. “The catastrophic level of this hurricane is directly due to the policies our state government is passing,” said Grocholske. “It’s clear that [DeSantis’s] administration has been one of the biggest threats to climate justice our state has faced in its history.”

Ron DeSantis is actively inviting the destruction of much of his own state.

DeSanctimonious is not on the ballot this year. But there are elections for the Florida legislature.

Florida State Legislature

Look up your legislative districts. If you live in ones represented by MAGA Republicans, contact your state or county Democratic Party to find out how you can help defeat them.

Find Your Legislators Look your legislators up by address or use your current location.

[bexxthehexx]

"A June Recap"

Just a collection of my favorite photography session pictures this month. Nothing brings me greater bliss when I'm trying to capture a "Pretty" little thing... Just walking along until i see something that makes me go "Oooh Pretty..." From Landscape Sunrise to Macro Spider.

[theultrablog]

Starting now: PULP STORYTIME!

I’ve been running one of the best games of my life over the last few years. I’ve been writing them up over at SA, but that site is gated and I wanted to share those stories with a larger audience. I’m gonna be posting some tales of pulp adventure from my table, weekly. Enjoy!

The Park-North Snipe Hunt!

“You don’t have a piece,” laughed the gangster, “and now you won’t see your 14th birthday.” “Bang,” said Devika, pointing a finger gun. Kulfi obliged from a block away. The mook wouldn’t see the sunrise. In this game, we play a collection of pulp gentlemen thieves, grabbing & nabbing in 1930s New York. And an errant detail changed the course of the entire session. The session started with us trying to steal the Doomsday Clock, a pastiche of the Antikythera mechanism. Someone beat us to the punch, forcing us to investigate…which led us to the local Syndicate. While looting a safe in a mafia speakeasy, I decided to forge a note, taking credit, signed “the Gray Gargoyle”. Who’s that? Well, it’s a costumed adventurer who smashes crime, especially art crime! Total ass-pull, but it fit the setting. We didn’t think much more about it, until our adventures led us to an upstate airfield, where mafiosos were trying to smuggle the Clock out of the country. I spent a fate point to declare that they were already being stopped… by the Gray Gargoyle! Yes, he dove off the air control tower and with his Gliding Cape, intercepted the plane! We rescued him from airfield security, but we had a plan. Since we were gentlemen, it wouldn’t make sense to just kill the guy and take the artifact. After all, that’s not thievery, that’s mugging. So we engineered a plan where we gathered the mob boss who was after the artifact, killed him with a sniper rifle, and escaped in the confusion. Unfortunately, the Gargoyle didn’t take the bait and get himself killed in the fracas, instead watching our escape from the valet stand.

Running the circus from the monkey cage!

The campaign continues, with a rotating GM. This week and last, we were joined by Evelyn St. Cloud, insecure Circus Aerialist*. This week was a flashback featuring her and mystic orphan Devika Velyapur, trying to pull some scams at the Hagenbeck–Wallace circus. And while we prevented an accident, saved the circus and altered history, most notable were three things: —Evelyn only agreeing to help prevent a train crash because of Devika goading her, targeting her aspect “Anything you can do…”. —In order to chase the villain, we convinced the circus strongman to bend the frames of two penny farthings together to create an ersatz duo bicycle. —We discovered the villain of the adventure, Mabel Smith Douglass, was someone we met last week. And since this was a flashback, that limited our options. Highwire-walker Evie jumped onto the plane. But while she couldn’t open the door, all she could do was force a landing. And without a suitable escape route, there was no way to convince airport officials that the villain had stolen property. So after some fisticuffs, we swore revenge on someone who died at the end of last session. *There was a brief cameo by Smuggler ‘Typhoon’ Mike McGinty, but he had to leave after the first hour. He discovered a tiger sleeping on his boat and used his connections to try and sell it to a buyer in Canada.

For reference, Devika, Lord Simon, and Javid, our initial trio:

[thelostchaoswitch]

June is upon us, bringing the warmth of the sun and the lushness of summer! As the days grow longer, there’s a magical energy in the air that’s perfect for our witchy practices. Here are some enchanting things to do this month, including a few you might not have thought of! 🌞🔮

1. Celebrate Litha (Summer Solstice): On June 21st, the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. It’s a powerful time for manifestation and gratitude. Decorate your altar with sun symbols, fresh flowers, and candles. Consider a sunrise or sunset ritual to honor the sun’s peak.

2. Herb Harvesting: Many herbs are at their peak potency in June. Gather rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage. Dry them for use in spells, teas, and incense. Remember to thank the plants and leave offerings in return for their bounty.

3. Midsummer Night’s Dream: Inspired by Shakespeare, embrace the fae energy that’s strong during this time. Create a faery garden or leave offerings of milk, honey, and shiny trinkets in your garden to invite the fae into your life. ***Be cautious and be aware of who you are working with. Make sure you study before you call forth anything***

4. Solar Water: Create solar water by leaving a jar of water in the sunlight for several hours. This water can be used for cleansing, charging crystals, or in sun spells to bring energy and vitality into your life.

5. Nature Walks: Take long walks in nature to ground yourself and connect with the Earth. Collect natural items like feathers, stones, and leaves for your altar. Pay attention to animal sightings, as they might bring messages from the spirit world.

6. Fruit Magick: June brings a bounty of fruits like strawberries, cherries, and apricots. Use them in kitchen witchery—bake a pie with intention, make a fruit salad charged with positive energy, or create fruit offerings for deities or spirits.

7. Seashell Spells: If you live near the coast or have access to seashells, use them in your magick. Seashells represent water and can be used in love spells, for emotional healing, or to enhance intuition.

8. Firefly Meditations: If you’re lucky enough to have fireflies in your area, watch them in the evening. Use their gentle light to guide your meditation, symbolizing illumination, hope, and the beauty of small things.

9. Sun Gazing: In the early morning or late evening when the sun is not too strong, practice sun gazing. This can be a form of meditation and can help you absorb the sun’s energy directly.

10. Journaling with Intention: Reflect on the first half of the year and set intentions for the months ahead. June is a midpoint, a perfect time to reassess and realign your goals and dreams.

11. DIY Sun Catchers: Craft sun catchers with crystals, beads, and other shiny objects. Hang them in your windows to catch the sunlight and fill your space with rainbows and positive energy.

12. Create a Summer Spell Jar: Fill a jar with items that represent summer to you—sunflowers, sand, seashells, and herbs. Seal it with a yellow candle and use it to attract summer energy into your home.

13. Moonlit Bath: On a warm night, take a moonlit bath with flowers, essential oils, and sea salt. This can cleanse your aura and connect you with the moon’s feminine energy.

14. Dance Under the Stars: Gather friends or enjoy a solo dance session under the starry sky. Let the rhythm connect you with the universe and raise your vibrations.

15. Make Sun Tea: Place tea bags in a jar of water and let it steep in the sunlight. As it brews, infuse it with your intentions and drink it to absorb the sun’s energy.

Let’s embrace the magic of June and make the most of these sunny, enchanted days! What are your favorite witchy things to do in June? Share in the comments! 🌞🌸🔮

Stay strong, stay well, stay safe. 💕

[sleepingdeath-light]

relationship hcs ; poppy

requested by ; anonymous (15/05/23)

fandom(s) ; welcome home

fandom masterlist(s) ; here

character(s) ; poppy partridge

outline ; “Hope you’re having a great day :D

can i request poppy or barnaby romantic hcs?

feel free to decline! take care <3”

warning(s) ; none, just fluff!

memorises the recipes to all of your favourite meals and desserts until she can make them entirely independently — but she also made a personalised recipe book for you if you ever wanted to try

gives the most wonderful hugs and is always happy to sit down and cuddle with you after a long day

calls you ‘honey’ or ‘sweetheart’ mostly

doesn’t really kiss you so much as she bonks her forehead against yours lovingly (she doesn’t want to risk hurting you… having a beak and all)

you have matching aprons and oven mitts — she even designated you as her assistant chef, even if your assisting is limited to things like fetching pots and cleaning up (depending on your skill in the kitchen)

date nights usually consist of making good food and then eating it until you’re ready to pop — but the occasional stroll about the neighbourhood or co-reading session also makes an appearance

she even asks howdy to order cookbooks and recipe collections from abroad so the two of you can ‘taste the world’ on date nights

she also keeps note of any spices or other ingredients she’ll need imported so she can pass them on to howdy

the two of you are basically the neighbourhood’s bonus parents and the others tend to come to you looking for advice from their extra-mum and extra-(preferred title)

this running joke has resulted in the two of you getting matching mugs — hand painted by your neighbours (all of them, based on how eclectic their decorations are) — with ‘#1 bonus mum/dad/parent’ written on them

poppy’s quite substantial in size so your sleep arrangement usually consists of her curling up comfortably on the bed and you sleeping on her body (she’s very soft!)

she also knits you things like scarves and hats and mittens because she worries about your featherless body getting too cold

she has the flowers you have her on your first date pressed and preserved in a picture frame in the living room

she’s very sentimental (see above) and also keeps every single photo you take and letter you write

she has impeccable handwriting and usually writes any joint-cards for your neighbours (it didn’t start out that way, but you both liked the aesthetic of her writing so it just kinda… happened!)

she has a habit of saying things remind her of you rather than saying that she loves them

like if she samples a dish and it’s the most hearty, delicious thing she’s tasted — you come to mind and she’ll save you a serving or two

flowers in bloom and sunrises/sunsets are also perfect candidates for this comparison

so are sugary/sweet desserts and perfectly painted pictures

e.g. she’ll say to wally that his latest painting is ‘very (name)!’ and he knows that she loves how it looks

very unintentionally romantic — but you and the neighbours find it adorable

if you wear your hair in a specific style (be it protective, like braids, or aesthetic like a beehive), she’ll learn how to do it so she can help you out — she’s more dextrous with her wings than many people would assume

she loves scented candles — specifically ones that smell like food items like vanilla or gingerbread — and she has like so many

she doesn’t even light them she just keeps them around to open and smell — and if you add to her collection on anniversaries or birthdays then she’ll be so very thrilled

[mythaura-blog]

Development Update - March 2023

Hi there folks, Miyazaki here with Mythaura’s development update for the month of March!

Topics covered include:

New Special: Panda

Beast Creator Contest Winners

Ko-fi Q4 2023 Concepts

Ko-fi Sponsored Items

More info available under the cut!

New Special: Panda

We’ve added our newest Special marking to the Beast Creator demo: Panda!

Panda has coverage on a beast’s limbs and eyes. This Special has a lot of fun layering opportunities with other Specials–be sure to play around with it to see for yourself all the potential it can bring!

Beast Creator Contest Winners

Thank you for all the great submissions to the Beast Design Contest! You all never cease to impress us with your creativity. For the March 2023 Beast Creator Contest we’ve got our three winners: iddq_tea, Zelie, and LMNas!

Our three winners will each have the rewards automatically applied to their accounts, and these three beasts will be featured on the homepage for Quarter 4 (April through June).

Keep an eye out for our next Beast Creator Contest–we’ll be gathering entries in June to display on our site for Quarter 1 (July through September).

Ko-fi Quarter 4 (2023) Concepts

It’s the first day of Quarter 4 (2023), which means we’ve got new Quarterly Rewards for Sponsors to vote on on our Ko-fi page!

Which concepts would you like to see made into official site items? Sponsors of Bronze level or higher have a vote in deciding. Please check out the Companion post and the Glamour post on Ko-fi to cast your vote for the winning concepts!

Votes must be posted by April 30, 2023 at 11:59pm PDT in order to be considered.

All Quarter 3 (2023) Rewards are now listed in our Ko-fi Shop for individual purchase for all Sponsor levels at $5 USD flat rate per unit. As a reminder, please remember that no more than 3 units of any given item can be purchased. If you purchase more than 3 units of any given item, your entire purchase will be refunded and you will need to place your order again, this time with no more than 3 units of any given item.

Hopefully in the future Ko-fi will offer the functionality to limit purchases per user, but for the time being we will be reviewing orders manually and reaching out to those who disregard these instructions.

Quarter 3 (2023) Companion: Shimmer Kelp-Dancer

Quarter 3 (2023) Glamour: Tainted Claws

Quarter 3 (2023) Solid Gold Glamour: Kirin

Ko-fi Sponsored Items

Daybright Peafox, Sunrise Peafox, Midnight Peafox

Sponsored by: Alex

White Inkmink, Onyx Inkmink, Coral Inkmink

Sponsored by: Zebrask

Sneering Snerret

Sponsored by: Rainy

Boreal Vigilhound, Umbral Vigilhound, Gilded Vigilhound, Argent Vigilhound

Sponsored by: Alanna

Ornamental Curved Dagger

Sponsored by: Percy

Mythaura v0.13

Upgraded to Laravel 10.

Adjusted how sessions are handled to create better cross-domain performance.

Prevents actions from resolving in battle when the target is already defeated.

Admin CMS cleanups and adjustments.

Adds webhook to handle battle disconnects.

Adjusts validation method in pusher webhooks.

Created tool to collect debugging info on battles.

Added ability for admins to force a cache override when needed.

Adjusted UI to better handle when a beast is defeated.

Began initial balancing on battle.

Properly implemented surge abilities.

Refactored battle element icons.

Many various bug fixes and tweaks to battle UI.

Thank You!

We appreciate you sticking through to the end of this month’s updates!

May will mark one year from the time that the current dev team started work on Mythaura, and our May 1, 2023 update will feature a video detailing an integral part of the Mythaura gameplay loop: the battle system.

Mythaura’s player versus player (PVP) battle demo will go live with the June 1, 2023 update. We’re so excited to see everyone partake in this system, and look forward to your feedback!

See you around the Discord!

[rottenpumpkin13]

For Christmas, I would like some angst with a splash of comfort.

Affer a particularly gruesome experiment as a small child, Babyroth (maybe 5 or 6) comes across a holding cell containing Red XIII.

Sephiroth finally snapped after a session that left him quivering, nauseated, and wracked with unease. He'd thrashed and screeched when they attempted another blood draw, sending blood vials cascading across the steel floor, leaving several lab technicians nursing their wounds. Hojo had him confined to a holding cell "until you learn to conduct yourself as a proper specimen."

The cell was cold, furnished only with an uncomfortable metal bench, the confining walls pressing in like a suffocating box as Sephiroth cocooned himself in the corner. His unruly silver hair cascaded over his face as he kept his head bowed, eyes adjusting to the darkness while he vacant-mindedly kept track of the click of lab assistants' shoes against the corridor floor.

But it was the padding of paws across the corridor that drew his attention. Sephiroth unfurled slightly, eyes straining through the gloom, curiosity piqued.

Sephiroth couldn't identify its species. All he knew was that it was unmistakably young, notable by its childlike movements, the nervous flick of its burning tail, and the inquisitive tilt of its head as it studied Sephiroth with equal fascination.

"Your hair looks like starlight," the creature suddenly spoke, its voice clear and young, sending Sephiroth practically leaping from the bench in surprise.

"You... you can talk?" Sephiroth whispered.

The creature's tail swished playfully. "Of course I can talk!" came the reply, tinged with a hint of pride. "I am Nanaki. And you are the one they call Sephiroth."

"Just Sephiroth," he confirmed, finding an unexpected comfort in this strange dialogue. "I've never seen anyone like you before. What are you?"

Pride straightened Nanaki's spine as he declared: "I am of a proud tribe from Cosmo Canyon," though his posture quickly softened with homesickness. "Though I am far from home now."

"Cosmo Canyon?" The words felt foreign on Sephiroth's tongue. His world had always been bounded by windowless walls, the sharp bite of needles, raining routines, endless tests, endless expectations.

Nanaki's eyes brightened as he settled onto his belly. "It's the most beautiful place in the world," he began, his voice rich with longing and admiration. "The canyon walls are red like the sunrise, reaching up toward the sky. At night, the stars shine so bright you feel like you could touch them. My grandpa, Bugenhagen, knows all their names and the stories they tell."

Sephiroth edged closer. "There are stories in the stars?"

"Oh yes! There are stories all around us! They teach us about the Planet, about life, about how everything is connected." Nanaki's voice grew animated as he painted pictures with words: warm winds dancing through the canyon, the rhythm of festival drums, the intoxicating taste of freedom on the night air.

Hours slipped by as they talked. Nanaki spoke of his people's sacred duty as canyon guardians, of planetary studies that sought to understand rather than exploit, of communities bound by love instead of scientific curiosity.

When morning came and the lab assistants came to collect Sephiroth, he hesitated, looking back at his newfound friend. In a world where survival was never guaranteed, goodbyes weren't possible and promises empty. Instead, Sephiroth offered a small wave, and Nanaki's tail blazed briefly brighter before they separated.

Neither could have known that their next meeting would come decades later, when fate would place them on opposite sides of a conflict.

But for one precious night, they were simply two children sharing stories in the darkness.

[legcndsnvrdie]

INTRODUCING ALFIE MADDOCK

my name is [ ALFIE MADDOCK ] … and i am from [ HELLTOWN, OHIO ] and i’m an [ASSISTANT VARSITY BASEBALL COACH & PERSONAL TRAINER]. i lived in helltown for [ 27 YEARS ] because [I COULDN'T HACK IT AS A PRO BASEBALL PLAYER]. i am [30] my pronouns are [ HE/HIM ] and i am [ LOYAL, SELFLESS, DISCIPLINED ] though some may say i’m [ BLUNT, PARTICULAR, COMPETITIVE- ]. i also hear i look a lot like [ BRANDON LARRACUENTE ] but, i don’t know if i see it. i’m here because [MOM NEEDED HIM HOME AFTER DAD WALKED OUT ] but, maybe there’s more to it than that. you never know with helltown.

BASICS

full name: alfred benjamin maddock II   nickname(s):  alfie, al, alf, alfster, captain  age:   thirty birthday: october first gender: cismale relationship status: single star sign: libra current residence: helltown, ohio occupation:  assistant varsity baseball coach & personal trainer languages: english & spanish

REFLECTION

looks like: brandon larracuente hair color: dark eye color: ever changing depending on the lighting, typically bluish grey sometimes green & hazel  height: six foot, two inches   tattoos: half sleeve on his left arm piercings: left ear (team bonding dare)

FAMILY

father: alfred maddock sr. mother: naomi maddock nee torres siblings: three younger sisters (hoping to put in wcs for them!) pets:  great dane named onyx extended family: potential step-mother aka the woman his father ran off with

PERSONALITY

characteristics: disciplined, honest, passionate, loyal, protective, blunt, competitive, nostalgic for the good ol’ days.     fears: letting this family down, not living up to expectations passions/hobbies: baseball, working out and lifting weights, juicing (like fruit juices lol), drawing, sketching, & designing tattoos  drugs/ alcohol/ smoking: dabbled after leaving the minors and returning to helltown/ yes / cigarettes socially   aesthetics:  bases loaded, 2 outs, game on the line, toned muscles, empty beer cans, calloused hands and bruised knuckles, worn out cleats, ice cold yellow gatorade, backwards baseball caps, shirtless workouts, championship trophies collecting dust, sliding into home plate, drags of cigarette smoke to numb the pain, sweat dripping down a furrowed brow line, one more rep, again, again, again, knuckles cracking, folded up varsity jackets character inspo: Jason Street (Friday Night Lights), Archie Andrews (Riverdale), Jeff Atkins (13 Reasons Why) Cedric Diggory (Harry Potter), Randy ‘Pink’ Floyd (Dazed and Confused)

BIOGRAPHY 

EARLY YEARS:

Alfred Maddock II was born to a middle class family in Helltown, Ohio on a warm October evening with the Cincinnati Reds World Series playoffs well underway. His father barely made it to hospital in time, squeezing in one last inning before rushing out of the bar to witness the birth of his own little shortstop. Alfred Sr. was something of a legend back in high school. The kind of guy who reminisces about the glory days at his 9 to 5 job and marries his high school sweetheart which he did. Her name is Naomi, and she is the matriarch of the Maddock family.  Alfie is the eldest child of Maddock's little baseball team of four and his father's only son. Therefore from the time Alfie could walk, he was always in the yard playing catch with his old man and coming in late for dinner with soot stained cheeks and green stains streaked across his knees. Not to mention, the distant sound of his mother’s warnings —don’t track mud in the house—following him to his place at the table.  Despite his father’s small town legacy, Alfie wasn’t a natural talent and baseball didn’t always come easy for him. What he did have, however, was discipline and the fierce drive to work twice as hard as his teammates even if that meant double sessions and waking up before sunrise. By the time he hit middle school, Alfie was already as tall as a sophomore and his father was more like a second coach to him than an actual parent, constantly reminding him to always choke up on the bat to achieve better ball control. 

HIGH SCHOOL:

In high school, all Alfie’s hard work paid off. The kid had it all, a bright light in a town that always seemed to be constantly plagued by mystery and fog. He was an All-American shortstop who made the varsity baseball team his freshman year, scored a hot girlfriend, was the resident beer pong champ at all the post game after parties, and to top it all off he was a pretty nice guy. Alfie could always be found wearing his varsity jacket with his signature backwards baseball cap, ready to throw a fastball over to one of his teammates who he was constantly surrounded by.  Being both popular and captain of the baseball team did have its responsibilities however, and there were certain unwritten rules that came with the territory. Alfie wasn’t your typical stupid, jerkface jock; he was the captain, in the top spot. He wasn’t flashy like some of the other guys on the team—though his homerun victory laps were legendary— or made an ass of himself by getting into arguments and fist fights on the field. He was the guy who would have your back and take the fall, a leader, and the heart and soul of the Ashevere High School baseball team. It was a role that Alfie cherished and one that carried over in his family life and and with his friends off of the baseball diamond.

PRESENT:

With an impressive high school baseball career, Alfie was recruited by the Columbus Clippers to play Minor League Baseball and was on the fast track to play in the Majors for the Cleveland Guardians. This was his moment and his chance to finally get out of small town Ohio and make something of himself. For three seasons, he shined like he did in high school. He was quick, agile, and had a throwing arm worthy of the pros, even became captain of the team in his final season.   But it was in that third and final season with the Clippers that Alfie was thrown the biggest curveball of his life and his world came crashing down. Alfred Sr. ran off with another woman leaving his family behind, and Alfie’s mother completely devastated. Much mystery surrounds his father’s sudden departure with this other woman, one that brings about a certain eeriness Alfie can’t seem to place. His father was no saint, but Alfie was about to be at the top of his game just like his dad always wanted for him and then suddenly he takes off. It didn't make sense to Alfie, but it was enough for him to put his dreams on hold. Always the captain on or off the field, the athlete saw no other choice but to give up his career and move back to Helltown to help out his mother, becoming the replacement father figure for his younger sisters that nobody asked for. Alfie has been back in Helltown for nine years now, often greeted with a furrowed brow and a pleasant: “Aren’t you that kid who played ball for Ashevere a few years back?” He took up a job at the local gym as a personal trainer and eventually became an assistant coach for the varsity baseball team, unable to completely leave the sport behind forever.   As much as Alfie longs to escape Helltown and reclaim the all-star career he was robbed of, he can’t seem to leave, unable to shake the darkness that continues to lurk within the town and half convinced the most recent disappearances may be connected to his father’s sudden departure all those years ago, let alone leave his family to fend for themselves among all the chaos.  But even with the game on the line, bases loaded, and two outs, the kid always could manage to pull through and smash a curveball straight out of the park.

KAYLA MCNEIL & HER DISAPPEARANCE

Alfie couldn’t tell you exactly how it happened. One minute he was grumbling about a bad call the umpire had made during a middle school double header, and the next they were making out. It was nothing more than a one time thing, a harmless kiss in the heat of the moment. She was there, he was upset, and from that moment on Kayla always seemed to have that calming effect on him. By the time high school rolled around, she was more like another one of his sisters and he was integrated into her friend group. They lost touch when Alfie was recruited to play in minors and only reconnected recently. When she disappeared, it was a strange feeling. He wasn't as close with her, and yet he still somehow feels obligated to find out what happened to her.

HEADCANNONS:

Alfie always wore the number 13 in baseball despite it being considered an unlucky number on and off the baseball diamond. He was never really superstitious about it until recently and swears he sees the number 13 in the most random places now almost as if to mock him.

He is a huge A-Rod fan and looked up to him as a kid even though his family were Cincinnati Reds fans. He wanted to be a professional shortstop because of him. May or may not have teared up a bit when him and JLO broke up, too.

Alfie is extremely protective of his mother and sisters and feels he has to be the man of the house now that their father walked out. 

In his spare time, Alfie loves to draw and sketch. He has a sketchbook filled with his doodles and potential future tattoo ideas. They actually aren’t bad at all.  

His ducati is his baby and he treats it as such.

CONNECTIONS | PINTEREST | SPOTIFY

[harmonyhealinghub]

Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Celebration of Light and Renewal Shaina Tranquilino June 28, 2024

As the summer solstice approaches, many around the world prepare to honour this pivotal moment in the celestial calendar. The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. This day has been celebrated for centuries, revered for its profound connection to nature, light, and renewal. Let's delve into the significance of the summer solstice, its historical roots, and ways to celebrate this magical time.

The Astronomical Significance

The summer solstice happens when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun, resulting in the sun reaching its highest position in the sky. This leads to the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year. The word "solstice" is derived from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still), reflecting the sun's apparent pause before it starts its gradual journey back towards shorter days.

Historical and Cultural Roots

Throughout history, the summer solstice has been a time of celebration and ritual across various cultures.

Ancient Civilizations: The solstice was integral to many ancient societies, such as the Egyptians, who aligned the Great Pyramids of Giza with the solstice sunrise. The ancient Greeks celebrated the festival of Kronia, a time of feasting and social equality.

Stonehenge: Perhaps one of the most iconic solstice celebrations takes place at Stonehenge in England. Thousands gather at this prehistoric monument to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the Heel Stone, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Midsummer: In Scandinavian countries, Midsummer festivals are a vibrant tradition. People dance around maypoles, enjoy bonfires, and celebrate nature's bounty with feasts and floral crowns.

Indigenous Traditions: First Nations tribes, such as the Sioux, celebrated the solstice with the Sun Dance, a ceremony of renewal, healing, and connection to the Earth.

Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

The summer solstice symbolizes light triumphing over darkness, a time of fertility, growth, and renewal. It's a powerful period to set intentions, harness the energy of the sun, and reflect on personal growth. Many believe it's a moment to reconnect with nature, align with its rhythms, and embrace the abundance of life.

Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Sunrise Meditation: Begin the day with a sunrise meditation or yoga session. Find a quiet spot outdoors, feel the warmth of the sun, and set positive intentions for the season ahead.

Nature Walk: Connect with nature by taking a walk in a nearby park, forest, or beach. Observe the beauty around you, and perhaps collect flowers, herbs, or stones to create a solstice altar at home.

Bonfire Gatherings: Light a bonfire in your backyard or join a community event. Bonfires symbolize the sun's power and provide a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones, share stories, and enjoy the night.

Create Art: Express the energy of the solstice through art. Paint, draw, or craft something that reflects the vibrancy of summer. This can be a personal ritual to honour the creativity and growth within you.

Seasonal Feasting: Prepare a meal using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and perhaps host a potluck with friends and family to celebrate the solstice together.

Solstice Rituals: Perform a solstice ritual that resonates with you. This could involve lighting candles, saying prayers, or engaging in a spiritual practice that honours the sun and the Earth.

Embracing the Light

The summer solstice is a reminder to embrace the light within and around us. It's a time to celebrate life, growth, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Whether you observe the solstice through ancient traditions or create your own rituals, this day offers a profound opportunity to connect with the rhythms of nature and welcome the energy of summer.

As we bask in the longest day of the year, let's take a moment to appreciate the warmth of the sun, the beauty of our world, and the potential for growth and renewal in our lives. Happy Summer Solstice!