#Technical Coordinator-WASH

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Welthungerhilfe Vacancy 2081 for Technical Coordinator-WASH in Saptari

Welthungerhilfe Vacancy 2081 for Technical Coordinator-WASH in Saptari. Are you aiming to work for an organization where it is worthwhile investing your personality, your skills and your time? Are you looking for a job that is exciting and has clear goals? Welcome to Welthungerhilfe! CAREER OPPORTUNITY  Welthungerhilfe Vacancy 2081 for Technical Coordinator-WASH in Saptari We are one of the…

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the best man — daniel ricciardo

daniel ricciardo x you (femreader) | 6.5k summary – he’s the best man, you’re the maid of honour. he’s charming and handsome, you’re single and looking for a good time. it’s an open bar wedding in swan valley and oh, he’s your ex boyfriend – what could go wrong? warnings – 18+ (sex, coarse language)

It had been 2 years in the making, the event of the decade your best friend had humbly coined her nuptials. And she was right – her and Blake had been waiting for what felt like a lifetime to show their love to the world or more specifically, to nearly 400 of their closest friends and family. It had been quite the build up with a global pandemic getting in the way and coordinating a wedding in Australia when so many of their guests were travelling in from overseas wasn’t easy. But they persevered and had finally made it to their wedding eve, guests from around the world checking into nearby hotels and resorts, excited for their big day.

For you, however, it was the rehearsal dinner that had you on edge from the second you stepped off your delayed Qantas flight that morning – stomach in knots over the unknown of it all. The few details that you were aware of were the ones that had you tangled up; the first being that you were Sarah’s maid of honour, one that you took very seriously but because of the border lockdowns and hectic work schedules, you hadn’t been as involved as you would’ve liked.

The second detail was the one that really had you in a chokehold. Up until this point, you’d avoided the inevitable, relief washing over you every time either Blake or Sarah said he couldn’t make it to the wedding party zoom call or when a suit fitting that Sarah had begged you to come along to was cancelled. Avoiding him had been a breeze so far, your communications kept mediated between your two best friends.

But today was D-day.

“You are rocking that LBD, girlie.”

Sarah’s voice brought you out of your phone and into the present, her bright white smile lighting up the room. It was the happiest you’d even seen your best friend and that alone was enough of a reason to grin and bear what was to come with him.

“Well I am technically single and hopefully out of the thousands of people you’ve invited to your shin-dig, there’s at least one suitor for me to have a crack at,” You winked, “But not your uncle Graham – he’s not my type.”

Sarah rolled her eyes and turned towards the full length mirror propped up beside your chair, “He’s back with Aunty Shirl so don’t worry… But I do know someone else who is single – definitely your type and actually mentioned you a few times last week.”

An interested hum slipped from your lips, curious to know who had been asking about you. Maybe you were in luck.

“Who was it?”

The way Sarah smirked and flicked her long blonde, perfectly curled hair off her shoulder should’ve given her away; “Just a friend of Blake’s – the classic tall, dark and handsome, you know… Brown eyes, absolutely hilarious and such a gentleman…” She continued, her tone teasing.

You blinked a couple of times, completely deadpanned as you stared your best friend down; “You better not be talking about Dan.”

“He’s still hung up on you, babe.” Sarah confessed, treading carefully.

“I don’t care,” You whined, irritated that this conversation was even happening. It had taken you months to move on, to mend your broken heart and now here you were, getting the run around by your supposed best friend who only wanted what was best for you. In her opinion, that was Daniel Ricciardo.

“Well just be civil with him. I know things didn’t end well and I know that you blame him for all of it and rightfully so,” Sarah quickly added, sensing your narrowed stare, “But you did love him once upon a time. A lot. And I know that you love me and wouldn’t do anything to fuck up my moment so get your sexy butt up so I can go see my husband.”

“Aye, aye captain.”

Anything to end this conversation, you thought.

Caversham House was beautiful. Everywhere you looked was picture-perfect – from the balcony overlooking the river to the four-story high waterfall framing the immaculate gardens, not to mention the painstakingly placed candles and floral arrangements hanging in every room. It was spectacular, tastefully extravagant and definitely worth the twelve-month wait.

The rehearsal dinner was strictly wedding party and parents only; everyone would have to wait until tomorrow to witness the event of the decade. Blake was the first person to come up and greet you, having only seen you a couple hours before when you’d arrived at the villas nearby. Michael was closely following behind with his wide smile; always making you feel loved,regardless of what had happened between you and his best friend.

“It’s really good to see you. Been too long, ey?” He asked, the pained inflection on his voice making you pout before you were ushered away by one of the other bridesmaids, promising him that you’d meet him at the bar for a drink later.

He was easy to pick out a crowd. The one who shall not be named; who had broken your heart into a million tiny pieces; who left you with nothing but an empty promise that maybe, one day he would find his way back to you. Utter bullshit.

He was standing with Sarah and her parents who practically raised you, chilled beer in his hand, smiles on their faces and loud laughs rousing the flock of ducks floating across the pond behind them. That fucking smile made you sick because it’s what landed you with said broken heart. Stunned in place, unable to process seeing him again after so long. It had only been six months but it felt like a lifetime without him – and without that stupidly infectious smile.

Daniel was the first to notice you walking over; truth be told, he’d been looking for you the second he stepped out of his hire car twenty minutes ago. Subtle scans of the garden and beyond, peeks over the balcony he was standing on, hoping to see you. He ached thinking about this moment, even last night in his hotel in Perth he thought about you – and whether you would speak to him, or even glance his way. You would have to, right? He was the best man and you were the maid of honour. Surely.

“Hi guys,” You smiled, confidence summoned out of nowhere, surprising yourself. Sarah’s parents were quick to pull you into a cuddle, claiming that you were too cool and way too busy for them these days, which the latter was true. You felt guilty but also knew they understood. They appreciated the little moments like this where they could get their whole family together again and you felt lucky to be a small part of that.

“We were just talking to Daniel about the season starting in a few weeks – are you going to be at the first race, love?” Sarah’s mum asked, and you hadn’t even registered that she was talking to you, assuming that everyone knew by now that you and Daniel had broken up.

Her question, albeit innocent, felt like a punch to the gut – one of the many painful reminder of how interconnected your life together had been for so many years. She wasn't the last person that weekend to remind you of what you'd lost, opening old wounds over and over.

“Actually Mum, I should go and find Blake and get started – your seats are over here…” Sarah was quick to jump into action, ushering her parents over to their table and leaving you and Daniel alone for what felt like the longest minute of your life.

He looked nervous but happy to see you. He looked jetlagged like you, and the way his frazzled curls fell onto his face indicated that the humidity had gotten to him already, the obscene summer heat doing the same to you. The small smile tugging on the sides of his mouth eased you, the quiet whistle he made also allowed you to relax. He was good at filling in uncomfortable silences – you, not so much.

“So…” You drawled, pondered out loud trying to fill the void, “Keeping well?”

Daniel stopped whistling and stifled a laugh at your seemingly innocuous question, “Really?”

“Well, what do you want me to say?” You sharply shot back, chuckling at his judgement, “Great to see you? How���s the family? Like…”

Daniel shuffled his feet on the pavement and looked up at the darkening sky above, “No, you’re right – I’m sorry. It’s just… so fucking weird seeing you after – after everything that happened in Austin,” He leaned forward and whispered, eyes boring into yours as he spoke.

You gave him a small nod, hard features softening the longer you held his stare. You always felt safe in those eyes but right now, you couldn’t let yourself get lost in them like you usually would. Daniel could sense your vulnerability and averted his gaze to his sneakers, saving you both from the heartache.

“I know but I don’t want to stress them out,” You looked over at Sarah and Blake who were speaking with their MC, “So let’s keep our distance and get through the weekend without any drama, please?”

Daniel frowned at your suggestion, wanting the complete opposite of distance but he knew he had no right to fight you on it “Sure...” He settled, a pang of disappointment shooting through his chest, “I can do that.”

“Great.”

You turned on your heel and set your sights on the job at hand. It was no mean feat being the maid of honour to someone as capricious as Sarah but she was glowingly in love; blissful compared to a week ago when she called you in the middle of the night crying, thinking that she’d forgotten to book a DJ. Of course you reassured her and sent her the wedding itinerary for the hundredth time that week, easing her nerves like only a best friend could.

And Daniel was in the same predicament, moving around the room wrangling groomsmen into their agreed upon seating arrangement. All of this ensuing chaos hidden behind your respective smiles and you knew then that at some point you would have to join forces; like you did when you were together. Five years of being the dream team.

“Why did they decide to have a million people in their wedding party?” You whispered once everyone was seated; now waiting for the bride and groom to make their entrance.

Daniel chuckled as he shuffled closer to you, the cologne you’d bought him for his birthday years ago filling your nostrils. It warmed your heart to know that he was still wearing it after the break up, no doubt that it reminded him of you every time he put it on. So many memories tied up in the smell of that cologne.

“Makes no sense to me but I’m proud of you for not slapping Izzy when she refused to sit next to Mark,” Daniel whispered causing a stifled laugh to slip from your smirking lips, “You did good, chook.”

Your nickname fell from his lips too easily, too familiar and your eyes rolled involuntarily. Of course he’d call you that, pushing the boundaries because there had never been a moment in the time that you’d known Daniel where he wouldn’t step over a blurred line. Hell, that’s how it started with him – a drunken night out and breakfast the next morning. He was nothing if not persistent and loved that once upon a time. But for now, you both had to be laser focused on the people who had found each other because of the two of you – a blind date turned into happily ever after.

“You did good too.”

You stayed true to your word and got a drink with Michael once the rehearsal was over – taking full advantage of the complimentary drinks being served by the luxurious resort you were all staying at. As you caught up with Michael, you couldn’t help but scan around the ballroom, unable to fathom how picturesque this place was in real life. It was heaven on earth.

Months ago, you found out that Daniel had been the one to suggest the venue after Blake and Sarah’s original plans fell through during the pandemic and the days following that revelation were tough. Crying yourself to sleep kind of tough. Caversham House had been written in your dream journal since yours and Daniel’s third anniversary – you remembered his words like they were said yesterday.

“My cousin got married at this amazing mansion in Swan Valley last year. One of the most beautiful places in the world…”

It was a throw away comment; an observation that Daniel may not have even realised struck you so much. But you went home that night and googled it; concluding that if Daniel ever proposed and you got to plan your wedding, Caversham House would be the place you would marry the love of your life. You never voiced that to Daniel and sadly, that day never came.

But years later here you were, watching your best friend living out your dream and you couldn’t have been happier for her – for them. Daniel had missed his chance, thrown it all away for god knows what and you couldn’t help but feel your blood starting to boil as he approached you and Michael sitting at the bar, your memories like little daggers sharpening in your mind.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” Daniel tentatively asked, a fresh beer in hand and a sheepish smile on his face. He knew he was.

“Nah mate. Pull up a seat if you want,” Michael replied and tugged out the stool beside him but Daniel glanced down at you with wide eyes, seeking permission before taking up Michaels offer.

“Join us.”

It was subtle but you could see Daniel exhale a sigh of relief, you knew him better than anyone. You could see the weight lifting from his shoulders as he sat across from you, trying to temper his joy that you'd agreed to have him anywhere near you.

And in typical Daniel fashion, he slotted into the group seamlessly, never an awkward pause of silence or a lull in conversation whenever he was around. He was the social butterfly, the one everyone loved and you were always content with that when you were together. After the split, it became obvious how much everyone loved him and you lost touch with most of your mutual friends – Michael included.

It was a bitter pill to swallow and you resented him in the beginning but watching him talk, crack the odd joke here and there you could understand why. Like Sarah had noted in her room earlier, he was the whole package but he broke your heart. And he regretted that every second of every day. He’d tried so hard to forget the way you smiled, the way you giggled softly, trying to suppress the real laugh that only he ever got to hear. You were glowing under the lights, hair swirling around in the evening breeze and Daniel couldn’t take his eyes off you.

The grimace on his face when you caught him made you smile, eyes narrowed with suspicion as he shrugged and mouthed, I’m sorry. You mirrored his shrug and took a sip of the glass of white wine he’d gotten you when he got up to get himself a drink. Truth be told, you couldn't keep your eyes of him either.

Before you knew it, the two of you were sitting alone – Michael made up some story that he needed to speak with Blake and that he would be back but he never returned. And you hadn’t really even noticed his absence until your phone buzzed on the table between you and Daniel.

“… But being back on the farm over the break was nice – the kids asked where you were and said that they missed you a bunch of times.”

Daniel noticed the way you looked at your phone. The small smile followed by the lip bite gave you away and he couldn’t ignore the way his stomach dropped, knowing that expression all too well. It was one he’d been on the receiving end of so many times. You flipped your phone over, screen down and returned to your conversation with apologetic eyes, “Sorry, what did you say? Something about the farm?”

“Oh, it doesn’t matter,” Daniel smiled and nodded towards your phone, “Answer him if you need to.”

You were slightly caught of guard, naively thinking you’d kept your cards close to you chest. Or maybe you had and Daniel was baiting to see if you’d admit that you were talking to someone new, finally moving on after six months. He was hard to read but he knew you better than anyone and you hated the way he was watching you, waiting for a response.

“Nah, all good. It’s not a serious thing,” You stupidly confessed, internally face palming as the words slipped from your loose lips.

“But it is a thing?” Daniel was quick to enquire, selfishly wanting to know whether or not you had moved on, if he'd missed his chance.

“Forget I said anything, please,” You swiftly replied, taking a gulp of wine and wilfully hoping he would drop it. He didn’t want to but he could see the warning in your stern gaze, silently begging him not to interrogate you over this, not here.

“I just want you to be happy.” Daniel landed on; honest eyes boring into yours as he clasped his hands together and sighed loudly into the cool air. 

“I was happy with you and then you threw it away like it meant nothing to you,” You breathed, hands expressively falling to your sides and busying your fingertips on the hem of your dress.

“You mean – meant more to me than anything. I just… woke up one day and realised that you deserved better; more than what I could give you being away for months on end,” He quietly replied, the words feeling dry as he explained why he’d cut you lose and broke your heart.

The scoff erupting in your throat caught Daniel’s attention, “Don’t you think I should’ve been the person deciding that, not you?”

“Of course but in the moment it felt like the right thing to do and I fucked up… I really, really screwed it up, chook. Do you ever think–”

Suddenly, you heard your name being shouted from across the lawn, both you and Daniel snapping your heads around to see Sarah waving her arms like a maniac trying to get your attention, “Time for bed, guys! Early start tomorrow."

Neither or you wanted to end the conversation there, on a cliffhanger because simply being close to each other again fuelled something internally that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. He gave you strength whenever he was near and you gave him solace, a sense of calm that nobody else could ever replicate. And tearing yourselves away from that was hard, so much so that a stand off had begun.

“After you,” Daniel motioned with a smirk, reading you like a book.

“You just want me to go first so you can check out my arse in this dress,” You teased and poked his shoulder, “Pervert.”

“Absolute tickets but honestly, yeah…” He winked as you stood up and smoothed out the dress that had ridden up slightly, his eyes shamelessly scanning your outfit, “Unbelievable.”

A blush crept up your neck as his words washed over you but you couldn’t let him see that, “Goodnight, Daniel.” You said, turning on your heel and fleeing the scene as quickly as you could, but not without a little strut as you walked away.

Daniel exhaled deeply and watched you until you were out of his sight, not even noticing the dip in the couch he was sitting on.

“Put your tongue back in ya mouth and go to bed.”

Michael had caught him red handed and now it was hit turn to furiously blush. He was down bad and had no idea how he was supposed to sleep, knowing you were a couple of villas down, thinking about him, thinking about you. He missed you in so many ways, the obvious ones now being the ones on his mind as he lay in bed, fingers trawling through his hair as he tried to think of anything else but you. What eventually lulled him to sleep was the promise of tomorrow – a new beginning.

After a couple of hours of complete and utter panic, the weather had finally decided to put on a show for the newlyweds. The clouds that had dampened the morning vanished as soon as the fleet of vintage cars rolled up the stoned driveway, arriving fashionably late. You had done your best to calm Sarah but she was already teary, eyes blinking rapidly in attempt to control the tears threatening to ruin her make up. Just breathe, you’d whispered as her sister made her way down the carpeted aisle, sun shinning down on the gorgeous archway at the top of the stairs.

“Let’s go and get you married to the man of your dreams, hey?”

That was all you needed to say before Sarah nodded and pushed you towards the open doors, one last wink giving you the reassurance that she would be right behind you. The ceremony was beautiful; there were many tears and laughter rumbling through the large crowd when Blake made a joke about her being stuck with him for the rest of her life. Everything else flew by in the blink of an eye and before you knew it, Daniel was reaching out for your hand, clasping it gently in his as he guided you down the stairs and out to the balcony where the photos were going to be taken before joining the reception.

“Champagne?” Daniel asked you, flute already locked and loaded in his hand – he knew you couldn’t resist a glass of bubbly, not after such a stressful morning.

“Please and thank you,” You sighed, taking a sip and glancing over at the happy couple who had already started doing photos together.

“Can’t believe it’s actually happened.”

Daniel followed your eye line and smiled, “Who knew 4 years ago when we set them up that we’d end up here…” He pondered out loud and you agreed, you never would’ve guessed it, "It's amazing."

“I said it back then and I stand by it now; we should be professional match-makers. We’re literally 1 for 1 right now,” You enthused, reflecting Daniel’s grin.

“Oh, we’re fucking killing it. Alright, let’s see…” He trailed off and looked around the balcony at the other groomsmen and bridesmaids making small talk, “What about big Mike? Been single for a while now and way too obsessed with my shit so getting him laid would benefit me too… Izzy’s single, right?”

“She is!” You whispered a little too enthusiastically that Daniel jumped back and laughed, “But she’s a commitment girl so I don’t think a hit it and quit it vibe or his travelling would be a good match. Marcia is a bit rogue… definitely single and down for anything, I reckon... Ooo, this is too much fun!”

Daniel chuckled and soaked in your excitement – it had been so long since he’d seen you smile like that, so free and uninhibited. Like his simple existence wasn’t sucking the life out of you and wasn’t making you miserable for the first time in over a year. He felt guilty taking so much emotionally from you, the toll of his work effecting both of you in the end. He hadn’t said it out loud but he knew that his mental health was having a detrimental effect on you but you loved him. Loved him with every cell in your body and you would never have given up on him. And little did he know, you still hadn’t after all this time.

“You are so beautiful.”

Daniel’s words surprised you and there was a second of silence before he doubled down with a soft laugh, “Like, breathtakingly beautiful.”

What you did next startled Daniel. Your hand brushed over the buttons on his light blue jacket, fingertips gently readjusting the small flower arrangement pinned on the lapel as you took in his compliment. You’d be lying if you said it didn’t ignite a spark within, a small flutter of your heart making you blush as he reached out and grasped your hips in his warm hands. The silk was soft under his palms, barely even a second passed before you melted into his touch, wishing for more than a friendly exchange.  

“Thank you,” You whispered, eyes flickering up through your thick eyelashes – his brown ones gleaming with joy as you trailed your hands down his chest and gave him a soft push towards the photographers standing behind him, “Get that million dollar smile ready, Ricciardo because I think we’re being summoned.”

He continued to seek you out for the rest of the night, hypnotised by the smell of your perfume and the softness of your touches; the latter caused by the couple of glasses of wine you’d consumed.

Daniel loved it when you were a tiny bit tipsy. He loved the little giggles that you gifted him and the way you hung onto him just that little bit longer. The memories of the two of you stumbling down the footpath outside your home together last summer, barely making it up the stairs and through the door came flooding back when you whispered in his ear, “You are so bloody handsome.”

“Excuse me?” He chuckled; hand sprawled over the small of your back as he placed his jacket over your shoulders, “You heard me,” You shot back, smirk plastered across your face as you grasped his hand. “Come dance with me.”

Daniel had been waiting for you to ask, praying you’d be the one to drag him out onto the dance floor. You knew what you wanted and you didn’t hesitate throwing your arms over his shoulders, forcing his hands to snake down yours sides and grasp your swaying hips. The floor was packed with people dancing along to the DJ who was mainly spinning 90s R&B – a personal favourite of yours and the bride.

Daniel was in heaven as your bodies moved together in perfect rhythm, the music transporting you back to the first time you met – the night when your life changed in the blink of an eye. He knew to savour it, never taking your intimacy for granted because he knew that you were hurting more than him, and you had every right to be. But in that moment, as he looked down into your glossy eyes, he saw the woman he fell in love with – the one he loved more than anything in the entire world. His girl.

You were barely inches apart when he leaned down and kissed you; lips ghosting before taking what they wanted, what they craved. Even though it was Daniel making the first move, you were going to if he didn't soon and the smile erupting on your face when he pulled back reassured him that he’d made the right call. Cutting the tension with a knife and making your blush under the thick layer of makeup that hadn’t budged all day.

There was a short pause as you stared at each other, unsure whether you were fully on the same page or not but Daniel didn’t want to wait any longer. He’d waited nearly six months to be with you, to touch you; to taste you.

“Do you wanna…?”

“Yes!” You hastily replied, making Daniel chuckle before he wrapped his arm around your waist and guided you off the dance floor and away from the loud music; both of you wildly aroused and tingling with anticipation.

The mansion where the reception was being held was enormous. Guest bedroom after guest bedroom lined the hallways so you were a little shocked when you were pulled into a bathroom at the end of the passageway. It was massive, bigger than your kitchen back home and the sconces hanging from the dark walls looked nearly 100 years old, barely emitting any light. It was definitely setting a mood and you weren't complaining at all.

“There’s locks on the bathrooms but not the bedrooms,” Daniel explained, sensing your surprise at his choice of location. You nodded and reached out for him, already missing the way his body felt on yours as he pinned you against the tiled wall, heat radiating down your spine as he feverishly kissed you again.

“You’ve done me in dirtier places,” You moaned and he chuckled against your neck, lips travelling across your collarbone and between your perky breasts.

The fire that had been smouldering in the pit of your stomach all night was being stoked by his firm touch, every trace of a fingertip or rough tug on your sensitive skin making you whimper with excitement. You needed him to fuck you good.

“I’d do you anywhere, honey.”

You hummed and roughly grappled Daniel’s curls between your fingers as he dipped down further and grasped the hem of your dress. A small shrug was enough to let the thick suit jacket he had given you fall to the ground, goose bumps erupting all over your arms as he left a trail of sloppy kisses up your thighs; stopping right where you wanted him and letting the flowy material of your dress drape over his head, disappearing from your sight. He knew your body like the back of his hand and knew you loved nothing more than his warm breath fanning between your thighs, glistening all for him.

“I want you to fuck me against this mirror,” You strongly suggested through batted eyelashes as he returned into view, a smirk painted on the supple lips that were seconds away from devouring you.

“Don’t want my tongue?” Daniel cheekily asked, still crouched down and gazing up at you with those big brown eyes, waiting for your response. “Maybe later,” You whispered, watching as he jumped up with a grin, eager to fulfil whatever you desired.

“Hands up where I can see them, ma’am,” Daniel playfully ordered and you played along, holding your hands up in the air as he spun you around so you were facing the dark mirror. You could feel yourself soaking through your flimsy panties and if you could feel it, Daniel definitely could as he slid his hand into the lace, cupping you gently and stroking a single finger through your folds.

“Spread ‘em,” He whispered into your ear before pressing a firm to your temple and kicking your heeled feet apart.

Your hands were gripping the sink in front of you; white knuckling already but knowing that this wasn’t anything compared to what Daniel could do to you. He once had you bucking on his thigh like it was the last orgasm you were ever going to have, screaming in pleasure like you were being tortured. And now, all you could think about was his hard dick pressing against your backside, taunting you under the thick material of his trousers.

“Danny,” You quietly moaned through gritted teeth and Daniel knew what that moan meant, not wasting a second before unbuckling his belt and pushing his pants down to his ankles. He did the same with your underwear, except he bent all the way down to rid you of them so he could keep them in his discarded jacket pocket for safekeeping.

“I’m gonna need those back, sir.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t think so,” Daniel teased, standing back up straight and catching your eyes in the reflection in front of him.

“Gotta be quiet for me, okay?” He sweetly whispered, tongue swiping across the shell of your ear as he teased your hole with his soft tip, the feeling of your excitement mingling together making your shiver, “Already feels so good.”

You hummed as Daniel nudged forward, his thickness took your breath away as you closed your eyes and leaned over the sink a little more; taking all of him, inch by inch. He could feel how tight you were, trying to not let his mind wander to whether you’d been fucked by anyone else since the break up. Because if you had, he knew it wasn’t anything compared to how good he could do you with the way you were already choking back moans. Whimpering for more.

“Relax for me, honey. The clenching feels crazy fuckin’ good for me but I need you to just take me nice and slow,” Daniel coached, smoothing his palms over your hips and slowly rocking you back and forth against him, “God, your arse really is something else,” He rasped, lightly tapping your rump as you looked up at him in the mirror, narrowed eyes sending him a stern warning.

“Don’t even think about it and don’t try the whole ‘oh, I accidently slipped’ trick because I know you,” You playfully scowled, trying to hide the smirk tugging on the corners of your lips.

Daniel tipped his head back and cackled at you calling him out, revelling in the banter and the fact you knew him inside and out. He’d missed being called out on his shit and he loved nothing more than when you teased him during sex, the laughter ringing off the walls while he watched himself disappear into you.

“You’re tight enough already, baby so no shenanigans tonight,” Daniel groaned and jutted his hips forward, jolting you closer to the mirror in the process. He readjusted his tight grip on the satin dress that he'd bunched up around your hips and caught your gaze in the reflection again, “I bet old mate texting you last night couldn’t fuck you like this, ey?”

“Never gave him the chance,” You panted in reply, eyes trained on Daniel’s as he pounded into you, thighs trembling in pleasure as he stalked you, every little wince or twitch never went unnoticed and you felt hot under his gaze, his hot breath and soft groans fanning into your ear.

“Good. No man deserves you, honey – not even me.”

The little burst of confidence his words gave you spurred you on as you bounced back and met his hips with a slap, quickening the pace and really pushing the limits on how loud you could be in such a public setting. Your voice was coarse and your knees were quivering as Daniel trailed his hands up to your chest, boobs practically spilling out of the satin dress as he bucked into you. He gently pulled down the loose fabric, along with the lacy bra and cupped your breasts in his hands, using them as leverage as he fucked into you. Proudly watching his work unfold in front of him.

The feeling of his rough palms massaging your breasts was enough to cause a loud, pornographic moan to rip from your throat – one that could’ve been heard for miles. One of Daniel’s hands shot up and covered your mouth in an attempt to keep you as quiet as he could while got you off, wanting nothing more than having come undone around his stiff cock.

“Look at how damn sexy you are right now,” Daniel grumbled, eyes trained on yours so intensely. You nodded and moaned into his palm, feeling like your souls were re-connecting as he slowed down the pace and relished the feeling of you wrapped around him, bouncing on that dick so perfectly. He was in paradise.

Until the handle on the bathroom door started jiggling beside you, the loud bang that followed made both you both jump out of your perspiring skin. Daniel’s hand lingered over your mouth, his dick stilled inside you as the handle rattled again – more aggressively this time. The person on the other side didn’t say anything; the only sound swirling around the humid air was bated breath, both of you winded from the adrenaline. And from how exciting it felt nearly being caught with him filling you to the brim.

“Fuck,” Daniel whispered as he looked up at you and dipped his head into the crook of your neck, “Do you wanna keep going?”

The deviant side of your brain was screaming hell yes but the rational voice that kept you level headed was telling you to hit the pause button. It was risky enough doing the deed so publicly, something that you and Daniel never shied away from but right now, when you were both supposed to be at the beck and call of your best friends at their wedding; it all seemed a little bit decadent.

“We should get back,” You whispered, confirming what Daniel already assumed as he slowly pulled out and strategically manoeuvred his semi hard dick into the waistband of his underwear, attempting to hide how hard he still was in those deliciously tight pants.

“Good call… but uh, that was fun,” He stuttered and watched you smooth out your dress, his gaze burning a hole in the back of your head as you looked in the mirror and gently wiped under your eyes; removing any signs that you’d just been fucking your ex in a bathroom.

“Really fun,” You replied, wicked smile lining your smudged lips as Daniel stepped forward and helped you back into his suit jacket.

“We should do it again some time…”

“Absolutely – when were you thinking?”

“Oh, I dunno…” He pondered with a cunning smirk, “Maybe like, now?”

You chewed your bottom lip between your front teeth and sighed; you loved that he wanted you as much as you wanted him, both dying to finish what you started and maybe indulge in even more bad behaviour. It was like old times but different - good different.

“I’m staying in the Cliffside suite so… meet you there in halfa?”

Daniel clapped his hands enthusiastically and rubbed them together, “Sounds like a great fucking plan to me,” He agreed, grinning big and gently pushing you towards the door he was opening for you, looking both ways down the hallway.

“You go first so I can watch you walk away from me in that dress,” Daniel quietly teased as you sashayed down the hallway and back to where the reception was still going strong, “You are killing me!”

“I know!” You shouted back, flipping him the middle finger before spotting Sarah on the dance floor, eyes suspiciously narrowed as you shimmied over to her, smiling like the cat that got the cream.

“Where did you get to?!” She yelled over the music, definitely on her way to being drunk from the flutes of champagne that were still being served by the gallon.

“Just needed to freshen up!” You shouted back and looked over your shoulder at Daniel who had joined a conversation near the bar.

There was a giddy feeling that washed over you after you turned back to Sarah and listened to her ramble about how good the music was and how much fun she was having. It was a familiar feeling; the same one you had the night you met Daniel all those years ago. But now, in his home state, surrounded by so many people you loved, you had both been gifted the rare chance to start over.

To fall in love all over again. This was your second chance at a happily ever after.

a//n – thank you for all the support and patience on this one! thoughts? feelings? i wanna know all of them! or click here for more of my writing x

[kinkandkreep]

TokRev Boyos Dad-canons:

Baji-boo:

Learned how to be a dad from observing his mom be a mom

I think the consensus is that Ryoko is a major contributing factor for Baji ranking number 1 out of the best boyfriends to have in TokRev

I would venture a guess and say that though Baji was influenced by his mother’s parenting, he knows that she didn’t do a perfect job, as with any parent, and he intends to make up for where she might have stumbled

Now, I’ma keep it trill wit y’all, I ain’t read Letter from Keisuke Baji and don’t know much about it 😭

BUT from what I’ve gathered, we do see more of Baji and his mother’s interactions

I think overall, Baji is a very chill dad

He’s one who never really gave deep thought about the prospect of having kids, but figured that if it happened, it happened

Initially, Keisuke does have some insecurity concerning whether he could be an adequate father or not

But once the time actually arrives, he’s very self assured and confident in his ability to be a great parent

Contrary to popular belief, Keisuke isn’t stupid stupid, he’s just book dumb

He’s got good common sense and reasoning skills, and he’s very well aware that both pregnant women and babies are fragile 

So, he acts accordingly 

Keisuke tries his best to be gentle during your pregnancy and after 

He insists upon doing practically everything for you 

He doesn’t like to dwell on it, but he frets a lot during the whole process

Everything is liable to harm you and your baby and the thought makes him simultaneously furious and so anxious he can at times visibly vibrate from feeling both emotions

You do a fair amount of damage control during and after your pregnancy, even though you’re technically the one meant to be hormonal and sensitive

Keisuke, perhaps surprisingly, doesn’t really cry when you give birth

His eyes more so water really hard but no tears fall

He’s actually really supportive and calm throughout the birthing process (which he insisted on being present for) and once your little bundle of joy has been safely and successfully brought into the world, he’s immediately overtaken with such a sense of happiness and fulfillment and the urge to protect that he’s slightly taken aback

Rather randomly, he looks great in all the hospital pictures taken the day your baby is born 🙃

I could honestly see Keisuke having either a boy or a girl in about equal measure, so I’ll let you decide what the two of you have

Either way, he adores his child

He’s kinda like Mikey, in that he can be firm but also very accommodating with his kid(s)

Is somewhat familiar with Cocomelon and prays your child never has to be 🙃 (mostly for his own sanity)

Bubble Guppies is his stuff though

Coos at your child all the time

Like everytime he sees them he’s just overwhelmed with this desire to make cute noises at them 😂

Would beat anybody up who tried to make fun of him for it though *coughMIKEYcough*

Takes care of the majority of baby related and household duties for quite some time after you’ve given birth

He just wants to be helpful, you’ll let ‘im won’t you? 🥺

He tries not to coddle you though, since he knows you’re not like, bedridden, just recovering

His favorite baby cartoon is probably Paw Patrol and his favorite pup is, perhaps predictably, Chase (though he does also have a soft spot for Zuma) 

MATCHING. OUTFITS. 

Keisuke loves to match outfits with his baby

And like he’s not normally a fashion focused guy, like Mitsuya, but when it comes to coordinating with his little “mini me,” he really goes all out 

Of course, who would Keisuke be if he didn’t let your child(ren) play with his long, luscious locks?

A terrible father, that’s who 😤

I can see Keisuke’s baby or babies all having hair like his, and this makes for some…interesting wash days

Especially if you got temperamental 4C hair, like me

And then combine that with how thick Baji’s hair is too???

Girl, my arms hurt and I’m ti’ed just thinkin’ about it 😂

Luckily, whatever texture your hair is, Baji doesn’t mind being the one to handle wash days, once you’ve shown him the proper hair care techniques

Loves to go on outings and do different activities to engage your little one

Keisuke knows he wasn’t the most academically gifted, so he does everything in his power to make sure that your child is mentally stimulated from a young age to hopefully encourage a greater academic ability 

All that being said, Baji is a superb dad, and he believes wholeheartedly that fatherhood has changed him for the better 🙂

Draken here

[nonbinary-vents]

I need to vent about this, and I can’t do it on main.

I’m a masc presenting nb. I technically fall under the trans umbrella. I have two partners who identify as / are trans (one femme, one masc).

I’m Jewish.

They are not.

Yet all of us have noticed that some of the most antisemitic hate filled tankie screeds are coming from the trans community. My gf in particular has left multiple discord servers because what used to be the “haha, trans girl communist” stereotype has now turned into “Soviet era Communist who earnestly believes in antisemitic conspiracies and violently threatens anyone they think is ‘the enemy’”.

None of us can completely wrap our heads around this. It’s such a bizarre thing to witness and experience. Just outright hate, conspiracy, and support of violent terrorist groups, while also talking about how progressive and inclusive they are.

All of us are queer educators in some way. I’ve worked Pride events for years, my gf is the coordinator for a fair sized one, and the bf does in person and online queer education. In all of this we still want to be supportive of our community, but we don’t know how to go forward when it’s beyond the normal toxic. It’s full of hate that we typically receive from Right wing bigots, but now redirected on to random Jews in the diaspora.

None of us want to wash our hands of it, but we’re at the point where we might stop teaching for a bit just because no one is listening. No one wants to actually learn. Especially not from a queer Jew and their partners. They want to be mad, and that’s not sustainable or welcoming.

It is absolutely wild to see the way that so much of the trans community has absolutely nosedived into this stuff. Like, there were problems before when it came to radicalism and Jew hate, but just like… shit, it’s like a switch flipped on it overnight. I’m sorry anon, I can’t imagine how it must feel for someone to see all of this coming from a community that they put work and love into.

At the very least, I’ve seen so many Jews start to build a stronger lgbt+ community in the Jewish world. Hopefully it’ll be able to grow and flourish, and not devolve into a complete shithole lol

[unhinged-comics-screaming]

⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊ Weekly Bravern Madness Post ₊✩°｡⋆˚⁺

Episode 11 Spoilers ahead, naturally

I'm actually on my second watch since we found out our water heater is leaking so that was a whole thing so not quite first impressions but that's literally me screencapping every scene and screaming so probably better this way

Okay important things about me to consider for my lens as I go through this

I think Isami is so so so cute. I'll probably make a cute Isami screencaps post as a separate thing. His gap moe is so cute. I love his stern face. I think Smith is great too but I love the focus reshifting to Isami. Anyway. He's so cute

In terms of Smith as Bravern I guess I view it as the reverse too? I don't really know how to explain it but I guess in Japanese there's tags for Smith + Isami (Sumiisa) and Bravern + Isami (Braisa?) and in my head it's all Sumiisa. Like he may look like a giant robot but he's still Smith, if that makes sense.

Second watch bonuses: realizing why she reacts this way at his mention ;-;

Right away, I guess I got my beach episode! I love that Isami and Lulu have Bravern brand summer clothes. I hope they come out as merch. It comes up rarely eg. the boxing shoes from ep 5 have the (Burn?) Bravern specific emblem on them and I just think it's so cute. Like yeah Bravern probably printed them just for these instances and I wish we got enough show to see it in action.

I actually got so emotional at the end of episode 9 when the OP starts playing without the lyrics and this showing up with the ED music is phenomenal. Extra delicious that it starts with part of the full version of the ED that's not in the normal ending.

I also love this because the other two emotional moments where it's like, starting something but not completing it are the after boxing scene and when Isami is crying into Lewis' shirt (okay this can easily be assumed to fill out as "I wanted the two of us to save the world together" but what else did you want to do with hiiiiim). The shipper mind wants to fill it in with some love confession and then!!!

After the like, back and forth name stuff (which parallels the Lulu + Superbia fusion) I was like, pre-emptively bracing for some kind of goofy baiting/played for laughs thing but no he goes for it!!

I actually have a collection of any instance of Isami with any amount of coloring on his cheeks and I've been lamenting that the only full blush moments are when he gets the asian flush drinking but aaaaah so cute. Also he looks so young here! He's 24 he should be falling in love!

Also I'm like, actually really impressed about this scene technically because It's just a really good looking turnaround animation. With Bravern he's 3D so whatever but isami looks good from every angle!

The artist who adds the extra effects like bloom and color tweaks on scenes occasionally tweets out their before and afters and I really hope we get this scene where they point out they added plush, kissable lips onto Bravern.

I reblogged a post about it but I do really love that Isami isn't like, disgusted or pushing him away or anything. Not even grateful Lulu interrupted it. Maybe he's actually disappointed she interrupted.

I know it sets ups the symbolic washing away of it but in case there was any ambiguity to the nature of this love:

There's some discussion across japanese twitter about how you're not supposed to do some line in the middle but based on some cursory stuff I'm not sure how common that thought process is. Also Bravern isn't that much of a pro in Japanese culture (even a lot of JP twitter was confused at his proud "This is OMIAI!").

If you aren't involved in Twitter, a comment people like to point out is that they specifically hired a Food Coordinator for this episode lol. I took a bunch of caps of it but between this and Isami's "we need to eat to be strong enough to save everyone" talk I need to do my Dunmeshi + Bravern food as strength and love post.

Anyway I'm obsessed with the fact that Bravern doesn't need to eat but actually has a mouth which reminds me of this tweet my sister brought to me

Naturally, his mouth is for kissing, Among other things.

Okay honestly the food bit is so weird I was kind of worried the entire first half of the episode turns out to be a dream sequence.

I need to set this as my desktop background or something. I think it's really cute that they added/implied that Isami and Bravern are now a cutesy couple rather than Isami being all weird about the love confession.

THIS! Is the point in the post I realize that watching while typing these up leads to me just doing a play by play which isn't really much of anything. I promise the rest of the post isn't just as long even though we're only halfway through the episode.

(Hey, timeskip OP here. This might be a lie)

Lulu + Superbia symbol! It's cute and has a really nice mix of being similar but opposite in it's own way.

I am obsessed with Segnitas being too lazy to fight and honestly I think he's so cute. The interrupting the fusion is kinda expected for a a show with every bit being in universe but it's still a good gag. I'm glad he is around to make commentary until his true death.

I kind of expected the Bravern + Superbia fight to be an episode 2 thing but I guess we won't have the time for that given the end of this episode. Triple shoutout to my Wednesday post by having the "You can get fulfillment from living!", seeing a callback to Lulu's kick and basically having an awesome fight.

Okay ending time. I have a lot of thoughts but one of the ones as I was watching was just.. He can't eat but he can bleed (and cry)? Actually considering that he explodes it's probably oil or something. Like obvs he isn't going to explode into purple triangles like everyone else but oofda. I am all sorts of sad about this but one thing that gets me is that Bravern doesn't even die fighting! It was a stealth attack!

There's some theories that Isami has a change of heart too fast and this might be another time loop, which I think would be on brand but man his reaction to Bravern dying is too much there's at least no way it's because of a Bravern dying bad end. Actually, I wonder if the damage to Bravern's core is worse than we can tell? Lulu bad end looks way worse though. Or maybe hypothetical Isami time travel route is -> they don't fight Superbia -> defeat one more death drive -> Superbia realizes he doesn't get his warrior death -> he takes on the last Deathdrive 1v1, dies -> remaining DD dies somehow but Superbia is still gone -> Isami goes back to save him for Lulu (they can't risk double time looping her?) -> doesn't ever experience Bravern dying so this is new and terrible.

In this case, Ira is acting unpredictably specifically because they do the no-kill route with Superbia. He's evidently super disgusted and I wonder if it's because its the peaceful resolution between the two? Otherwise I'm curious why else. Actually in general I'm curious why everyone is so personal with Bravern but I think we've all been asking that.

I think some people mentioned it on Twitter but Lulu very casually mentions her time travel lived experiences so it would be weird if they didn't know Bravern himself enabled it. Like I mentioned in my other post. He literally can't take on two giant mechs without Bravern and he knows for sure Superbia can't take on someone.

It's interesting that Bravern has different final words in this timeline than Lulu bad end but he also probably never had that stargazing scene in that route. Actually, you know what, I think Lulu bad end he does know it's Lulu because I don't think Isami was there for the specific curry scene we saw. He's still crying, naked in Bravern during that. Unless he just talks about Japanese curry all the time where we don't see.

Smith's last words are specifically "Brave Bang" (yuuki bakuhatsu) vs Bravern's "Brave Burn" and I'm basically Pepe Silvia-ing it up trying to figure out what it means. It's not really a direct confession about being Smith (because he's still a coward in that regard) but maybe it's a secret move/activation considering the moves are in English?

I think any kind of extra finale speculation requires its own post but that's my thoughts!

hm. Sorry. Maybe I should get into writing fanfic so you at least get something out of this

[skadren]

sephesis week day 3. battlefield / camaraderie: "my friend, the fates are cruel."

-

The next time he meets Sephiroth, Genesis has been stationed at a captured Wutaian fort for months, scuffling daily against enemy forces in a pointless battle of attrition. War should never be described as boring, and yet Genesis can come up with no other descriptor—that is, until they realize the small squadrons Wutai has sent are only scouts in preparation for a full-frontal siege to retake their territory.

Blanketed by clouds, the dim glow of the moon sits high overhead when they send out the emergency signal, then prepare for battle.

By midday, both sides are exhausted; when a sudden lull in the fighting comes, Genesis doesn't question it. After all, no matter what rumors ShinRa likes to foster, the other side needs rest to function too. He simply takes the moment to duck behind a reasonably safe corner to throw back some ethers while he still has the chance.

The hurried scrape of boots draws his attention, and Genesis glances up with a raised eyebrow, taking in the trooper standing before him, faceless behind the glowing red lights of his helmet. A messenger, judging by the color of his scarf. "What is it?"

After his squad leader had been unceremoniously killed a few hours into the fighting, Genesis had found himself taking charge of his teammates, and somehow all the army reports had soon followed suit. Technically there's no chain of command between the infantry and SOLDIER, given they're entirely different divisions, but everyone is uncomfortably aware of the power imbalance between the two, and…

In the end, it's more efficient to coordinate against the enemy this way when the enemy themselves are intimidatingly coordinated as well. Genesis had grown used to it. He'd had to, after all.

The messenger relaxes from his salute. "The fighting's over. It's… It's Sephiroth. Sir."

"Sephiroth?" Exhaustion evaporating into thin air, Genesis leaps to his feet, and the trooper's next report on casualties and damages washes over him like water over a turtle's back. "Where is he?"

"Just outside the fortress's walls—sir? Sir—?"

Boots clattering against stone, Genesis makes the leap from the inner to the outer wall, hurdling over the fortifications and landing nimbly on his feet on the battlefield outside—outside, which is like another world entirely.

Scorched and blackened, this earth is not the same earth Genesis had walked merely yesterday, and the ashes crunch underneath his feet. Despite the stiff breeze, the scent of burnt flesh remains thick in the air, and the remnants of Wutai's banners flutter weakly as they glow with half-extinguished embers. The clouds hang dark and heavy overhead with smoke.

Before it all stands Sephiroth, tall and straight-backed. With him facing away, it's easy to notice that his hair is longer now than when Genesis had last saw him.

"The efforts of all the men guarding the fort played a vital role in ShinRa's victory today." As he speaks, Sephiroth turns just enough that Genesis can see the edge of his profile, sharp and handsome. "I've made a note of it in my report. Congratulations on your promotion, SOLDIER Second Class Genesis."

Somehow, standing here in the barren memory of a battlefield, it doesn't quite feel like a victory. But yet again, all Genesis can do is say dumbly, "You're not supposed to be here."

Sephiroth inclines his head, a flicker of something tugging briefly at his lips before it vanishes. "I'm not."

Indeed, Sephiroth is meant to be hours away even by helicopter, attending some fancy military function in Junon. Genesis may pay attention to anything related to Sephiroth, but even that is something far beyond his interests. He does the math in his head, and with the time difference—

"You must've—you must have flown here less than an hour after our emergency signal was received," he says, incredulous. "Have you slept? Why did they even send you to help?"

Sephiroth shrugs. "Because I'm the only one who can."

He says it simply. Matter-of-factly. Coming from Sephiroth, it isn't a boast; it's nothing but the truth, and for once, Genesis finds himself speechless.

There's a question he wants to ask—why do you fight? But it's not a topic he dares to broach. It's a question that has haunted him every day since he'd entered the frontlines and learned the reality of war, but he still wouldn't know the answer if he were asked himself.

Distantly, the smoldering fire crackles. A particularly brisk gust of wind sends a ripped flag tumbling across the ground, the bold lines of the emblem charred and unidentifiable.

"Does it bother you?" Genesis asks instead, barely a whisper. "Doing things like this."

A pause. For a moment, Genesis worries that he shouldn't have asked this, either. But then Sephiroth's chin dips even lower, expression unreadable, and he says—

"No," he says, just as quiet. "I know it should, but it doesn't. Maybe that really does make me a cyborg, after all."

The corners of Sephiroth's mouth lift, as if he's made some kind of joke. Genesis doesn't find it very funny at all, but he doesn't have an answer for it, either.

Around them, the air shivers as the clouds finally exceed their burden. The sky begins to weep—a fine drizzle at first, then fat, heavy drops that leave gray streaks of ash on their skin.

Sephiroth's hand is warm through the leather of their gloves. Genesis hopes his own feels the same: the warmth of two humans, shared through the storm.

-

Later, when the news hits the press, there is only ever any mention of Sephiroth. Sephiroth and no one else, despite Sephiroth's own report leading to Genesis's promised promotion, and Genesis remembers—

Why do you fight?

("I'm the only one who can.")

He remembers.

-

previous day | next day

[crash-bump-bring-the-whump]

Whumpril 2023 - Day 29

Technically I wanted to write this for April Fool's Day but there wasn't enough context for it to hit y'all the way I wanted it to, so here we are! A follow-up piece is here!

TWs: Drugging, panic, overdose of fictional drugs, betrayal

Surrender | Punishment | “Final warning.”

Laredo laughed, popping the little pills into the pestle. "Oh this is gonna be funny." He started grinding them up, eying the powder they formed. "Do you think ten is too many?"

Dimitri hummed, tilting his head before shaking it. "I think it'll be fine. He's not Manuel's size, and these can't kill you." He got out the blender, pouring ice, sliced banana, and blueberries into it. "I don't think he'll drink the whole thing anyway."

Laredo added the crushed pills, some honey, then more berries. The lid was placed on the blender. In just a minute, a pretty purple smoothie was being poured into a glass, with a large straw to top it all off. Dimitri snickered as he held the innocuous drink up. "I'll go bring it to him, you clean up. Get rid of the evidence."

None of them had dragons that they were bonded to. The pact dampeners shouldn't have even been in the squad's shared home. But what Luis didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Or them.

Mariano was curled up on the couch, reading some book. His hair was already braided and pinned for their drill in an hour. Dimitri almost felt bad for what they were about to do to the kid.

Only almost though.

The look on his face after he inevitably stumbled through the course in front of every single one of their superiors, coordination all but gone, would be hysterical. Maybe he'd finally have a look on his face. Maybe he'd even trip over his own two feet and eat dirt. All during his very first group demonstration drill.

It would be fine. They'd get him some cake from the mess hall or something afterwards and explain that it was just some friendly hazing. They'd all had something embarrassing happen during their first. Manuel had been paint-bombed and had to run the drill dripping in viscous, pale blue paint. He was washing it out of his hair for hours.

Dimitri remembered his own fondly. They'd replaced his boots with ones that were a size too big. He'd been limping for days after he fell and twisted his ankle. It was all in good fun.

"Hey, Rookie." Dimitri said, smiling as he leaned over the back of the couch. "Made you a good luck smoothie since today is the big day."

Dark eyes looked up at him, glancing between his face and the glass in his hand. "Oh. Thank you, Dimitri." He said, a small smile flickering over his face. He took the smoothie and immediately sipped at it, his faint expression lighting up. "How did you know blueberry was my favorite?"

"Just a lucky guess. Don't forget to make sure your casting gloves and mask are polished." Dimitri felt like he'd won some impossible prize as he sauntered off to make sure his own gear was shining and perfect. Mariano hadn't even questioned it. He'd heard from his own bonded acquaintances that the pills could have a bit of a bitter taste--it seemed like the fruit and honey had been enough to mask it.

Just like they'd planned, soon enough they were all at the start of the drill course, a nearby crowd buzzing with anticipation. It was simple. Weave through a long straightaway, taking down targets while not hitting the civilians, then maneuver through a maze filled with obstacles, then through a warehouse, filled with smoke and noise and flashing lights. Once they breached the basement doors and secured the hostages, the drill would be over.

With their faceless masks, talon-tipped gloves and boots, and matching all-black uniforms on, they looked the part of an elite unit. Even Manuel managed to look appropriately inhuman and powerful. When the starting tone rang out, the five of them took off into the camera-laden course. Luis was watching. The higher ups were watching. A lot of other soldiers had even shown up. Luis' men didn't do this often--a chance to see their marksmanship and team synergy wasn't one to miss.

Dimitri felt glee blooming in his chest as he realized that Mariano, normally so quick, had lagged behind them when they'd all launched into their runs. Laredo and Mariano took point as they started their assault on the moving targets. Their newest member had sprinted hard to take his position, working with Laredo to cut a direct path for the rest of their team. Each shot fired from their gloved palms found its target, letting Dimitri, Manuel, and Izan focus on cleanup.

When they hit the maze, Mariano began to stumble. One gloved hand pressed to his chest for just a moment before he started hauling himself up the sheer wall. As always, Dimitri found himself at the top first, with Izan right behind him. The claws on their gloves and boots let everyone move that much quicker, with even the massive Laredo being able to climb like a jungle cat.

Up and over, they all dropped down gracefully before launching forward again. Mariano had needed to brace his hands against the dirt as he kicked off into his run again, as though he were physically pushing himself upright. Dimitri found himself grateful that they'd decided to put ten pills into that smoothie. The original plan of two or three wouldn't have had any effect at all.

They blasted their way through the destructible obstacles, using as few blasts of magic as possible. Mariano was gasping behind his mask as they ran, and Dimitri heard the reedy, desperate noise even over his own breathing. The first thoughts that something wasn't right flicked through his head.

Mariano worked out just as much as they did. He loved cardio. He ran and swam for miles, for fun, outside of their workouts. There was no reason for him to be out of breath after just a few minutes.

But those pills were safe. They were widely available, you didn't need a prescription for them. They were sold right next to the headache pills and the antacids. This was just a prank on the new kid.

Mariano's hand pressed to his chest again. He stumbled as they burst into the warehouse set, almost losing his balance completely. The smoke was thick, industrial clangs and the sound of screaming being pumped in through speakers. A red light flickered periodically, serving as their only light source.

They kept moving.

Down they ran, taking out the target dummies as they descended the stairs.

"Prepare to breach!" Dimitri called, stopping at one side of the metal double doors. Just as he got ready to fire his magic at the lock, Manuel cut through all the noise from halfway up the stairs.

"Stop the drill!"

Panic vibrated under the force in their medic's voice. The lights came on. The noise cut out. The smoke stopped. Izan hurried back up, with Laredo and Dimitri behind him.

Dimitri almost felt his heart stop when they got back up to the second landing.

Manuel was crouched next to Mariano, who was prone on the floor with one wrist held between Manuel's fingers. It didn't look like he'd even tried to catch himself. "We need medical down here! Now!" Manuel shouted, letting out a tense noise as he dropped Mariano's wrist and pressed fingers to his neck. "Come on Mariano, you're stubborn. Give me something."

"Oh my god." Laredo said, leaning against the stair rail. His voice shook on the end of his words. "What--what the fuck happened?"

"I don't know, because there's nothing in his records about this." Manuel growled. Dimitri didn't know if he'd ever heard him sound like this outside of an emergency. "But he just dropped right behind me on the stairs. Thank god--I have a pulse. It's really fucked up but I've got it. I, I think he's breathing, too. Izan, Laredo, help me."

Laredo looked back at Dimitri as Manuel worked Mariano's mask off of his face and tugged the hood underneath down to expose the rest of his face. Dimitri knew what was going through Laredo's head. The pact dampeners were just supposed to make you feel tired and dizzy. That was what his acquaintances had said.

Laredo and Izan hurried back up and crouched down beside Mariano, helping Manuel to get him on his back. Manuel's hand hovered in front of Mariano's nose and mouth, having fished his watch from one of his pockets to time his breathing. Mariano was too limp, looked too ashen. Dimitri found himself stuck on the stairs, his own heart racing as Izan took over monitoring Mariano's pulse.

Luis was right beside medical as they bustled down the stairs and took over, asking questions in-between talking into a walkie-talkie. He demanded that the people who had set everything up go double check what had been loaded into the smoke canisters. No one talked back to Luis. Not when the health of one of his men was on the line.

Not when their possible mistake could've nearly killed someone.

Dimitri and Laredo didn't look at each other as they exited the warehouse in time to see Mariano getting loaded into an ambulance, the first responders already working on him. Luis was on the phone now. He paused, cutting himself off. "You all report to medical too. Everyone is getting checked--yes I'm telling them to get examined. Ortiz had a clean bill of health just last week. Something had to be in that smoke and I'm not chancing anyone else. Yes. Yes..." The conversation faded as the four of them walked in silence.

They got examined.

They were all fine.

They went back home and to their separate rooms.

Luis entered as the clock hands inched towards midnight and summoned them to the living room. His eyes looked thunderous as they sat on the couch, his hands behind his back. "They figured out what was wrong with Ortiz." He said, gaze hard as he looked between the four of them.

Silence fell before Manuel spoke up. "Is...he going to be okay?" He was hesitant, wilting under Luis' eyes when his focus shifted onto him.

"Yes. He will be okay." Luis said. "He certainly will be. They just have to wait for his body to process the whole package of pact dampeners that's in his system." Luis tossed the empty box on the coffee table, the two sheets of broken blister packs landing on top of the cardboard with a clatter. It had drops of blueberry smoothie on it, likely from when it had been poured. "They can't just flush it out of him, either. After running the drill on that high of a dose, his heart might give out if they rush things. He has to wake up naturally, over a few days."

The living room felt like it was at the bottom of the ocean. The silence was absolute. The atmosphere was crushing.

"I know you all like to pull pranks when it's someone's first group drill. That is normally fine. I tolerate that as long as our results are not affected." Luis continued before setting down an almost-empty cup on the table. The sides were coated with smoothie. Just the barest few sips still remained at the bottom. Mariano had drank the entire thing. "So this is your chance to tell me: who's idea was this?"

No one spoke up.

Luis' jaw tensed. "If I have to see you all in the training room, I will." He looked over them all again. "And I promise, you will prefer if you speak up now."

Laredo raised his hand. "Manuel and Izan didn't know anything about this." He didn't look at Dimitri. Dimitri seethed. If Laredo had done his job better, they wouldn't be in this situation. They could've just blamed it on a new recruit hearing rumors about an easy high.

Luis looked at Laredo. His calm expression didn't change. "I expected better from you, Laredo. Much better. This isn't like you." A chill raced up Dimitri's spine.

He raised his hand. "I suggested it. I thought that it would be fine, since the pills were so little."

Luis hummed. His gaze roamed over Dimitri. It felt like he was being sized up for a meal. "I see." Luis looked them all over again. "Dimitri. Laredo. Report to the training room at sunrise. You are all dismissed. If you need me in the meantime, contact medical."

Luis left.

Izan and Manuel gave Dimitri and Laredo long, quiet looks before going to their rooms.

Laredo silently picked up the cup and packaging, tossing the trash back into the trash can before washing the dish and putting it away.

Dimitri stayed there on the couch, chest broiling. He didn't quite know how he felt. Did he regret it? Did he feel bad? Was he upset at Laredo? Mariano? Himself? It didn't really matter.

He was going to suffer through the punishment no matter what.

[magpiesbones]

a short list of shit I do to my current boots that pleather would not tolerate:

Dropped in the ocean. Technically I Stepped Into the ocean up to my knees but like. details

didn't actually wash the salt off after stepping into the ocean. for six months.

shove onto my feet without care for if the leather is crumpled a little. This is breaking them in.

Breaking them in. This would kill a plastic shoe.

Shoe varnish.

Prolonged walking.

I scuff the toes on everything and I am generally Not coordinated. I’d rather not trip and scrape a hole in my fucking shoe.

While I cannot Confirm that it’s bad for pleather to be tramped in and out of mud for hours and then clacked together to clean I can assume.

[seitosokusha]

Can you be homesick for something you’ve never known?

Jing Yuan supposes he can only say yes to that question now.

The sand is fine beneath his shoes, each step sinking in, leaving behind footprints in the sand that wash away with the waves. The ocean is a beautiful deep blue and the sound of waves ebb and flow, tickling the edge of his shoes.

The sun is bright and warm. The sky is filled with large white clouds that roll in the distance, pushed by the breeze. The taste of salt hangs in the air. Spirals of stone float in the air, scattered around them. It’s water in every direction, as far as the eye can see.

So this is the Ancient Sea, the Roiling Deep. This was the original homeworld of the Vidyadhara.

Jing Yuan had no idea that the Astral Express even knew the coordinates of this planet.

Yet somehow, they were here.

Jing Yuan looks out at the peaceful scenery and feels his heart ache. It’s strange. It feels like homesickness, an old nostalgia that fills him. He’s not entirely sure why. He’s never been here before. The sea calls, singing. He feels the urge to just jump in the water, swimming down in the depths of the blue. He misses this ocean fiercely. It’s odd seeing as he is fairly lukewarm to the concept of swimming.

Now that he was technically a Vidyadhara, maybe this is all what they feel.

[wildmtthyme]

Chapter 6: Nosy Cows

Warnings: None.

Chapter Notes: Apparently, in some parts of Scotland, they are pronounced "heeland coos".

Synopsis: Johnny's gone and Simon learns that he's not the only one who's grieving his loss so deeply. In their ruthless hunt for Makarov, the hunters become the hunted and the team is driven to ground. Simon should know better but he's got nowhere else to run. Nowhere but a small white wash cottage in the Orkney Isles. Johnny'd just have to forgive him for knocking on her door. He'd have to forgive him for a lot of things.

<- Chapter 5 - Chapter 7 ->

Series Masterlist

Two Weeks Later

Simon damn near jumped out of his skin when he felt the vibration go off in his back pocket. He let the shovel lean against the crook of his arm as he tugged it out, his brow furrowed as he stared down at the single ‘P’ that showed on the screen. He flipped the sat phone open and held it up to his ear. “Hn.” He made a non-descript sound of questioning. Simon. Price’s gruff tenor came over the line and he let out a heavy, relieved sigh. “Gaz still kickin’?” Yeah. Another rush of relief went through him. We need to schedule a conference call. He let his eyes drift over the cow that was nearest, who had its head cocked slightly at the strange device he was holding.

These buggers were smarter than they looked and sometimes it actually creeped him out a little. “When.” Five days from now, zero five thirty pacific time. A time zone that none of them were in then. He shifted his weight. “Copy.” Talk then. “Watch your six.” You too. The line disconnected and he shut the phone, pushing it back into his back pocket with a solemn expression that he tossed at the cow. “What?” He grumbled and was answered with a mournful moo. He shook his head and got back to work digging the post hole.

Five Days Later. Zero Six Thirty Pacific Standard Time

Simon closed the phone and let his weight sag against the cushions of the couch. No one had said where they were… but it was good to hear Kyle’s voice. Konig was in on the call, oddly enough but it was nice to hear the Austrian’s boyish tenor. Niko, Farrah, and Alejandro were all in on the call as well. Price had gathered a rag-tag sort of team together for the briefing. Alejandro’s base had been hit but they fought them off easily. Farrah’s too with a less than comforting outcome. Her and her men were now hiding in the desert. Konig was in hiding and Niko was… well, he was Niko so he was always technically hiding.

But Niko, Alejandro, and Konig with their respective people had all been working and had come up with a location. They were going after the leadership, going to cut the head off the snake according to Price. But it wasn’t going to be easy. And it was going to be dangerous, as always. But this had a different level of danger to it. This wasn’t an order. This was voluntary. The coordinates have been sent. No one will bat an eye if any of you don’t show. We all know the stakes on this one. We have no support, no angels on high… it’ll just be us and what we can muster.

Simon swallowed thickly as he leaned forward and let the phone slide out of his hand and onto the small trunk that she used as a coffee table. His frown deepened as he let his eyes roam the room. From the radiator on the wall that filled the space with comfortable heat to the ugly plaid chair… this place was a sanctuary. And as much as he tried to remind himself that it was never supposed to be his sanctuary… it had felt like it. It still did.

[radiomonkeys2]

Courtesy of Salvamakoto

Drugatsko is a terrifically ultraviolent person in her own right, persisting in a skullthrone she built herself. Drugatsko's skullthrone is decorated extensively in blood and gore, rotting and disgusting and replenished often. She crushes the skulls of any passerby with her bare hands and feasts on his brains. You even have Drugatsko's Sea— a massive body of blood and water. A sea formed from the blood of opponents Drugatsko herself slaughtered, so deep and mighty that it has its own weather where thunderstorms of blood wash the lands. Warriors are baptized in these bloody storms. Drugatsko's Sea has altered the climate of the surrounding area since it regularly rains and storms blood. There's blood condensation. There are tornadoes of blood! And perhaps most disturbingly, Drugatsko's Sea is just the first of multiple seas of blood she's left; it's merely the primary one she claims ownership over. Not to mention that she eagerly commands the Devastators to create their own seas of blood and mountains of corpses and skeletons, and they are more than happy to live up to that wish.

She is the archetypal Chaotic Yaban, one who lives for the thirst of blood and battle day-in and day-out, except with the added trait that she’s a god-empress of a planet of war freaks. In fact, Drugatsko did the impossible and cultivated a world even more war-obsessed than Kollidor, if that’s even possible— and did it out of HUMANS no less. Humans are warlike, to be fair, but we have a variety of traits that keep us from crossing over into becoming the Space Orcs we believe ourselves to be. There are far more warlike races in the cosmos. There are more warlike races on Earth if you want to be technical, including felines, ants, and chimpanzees. Human violence is exaggerated due to our technology and stupidly-large social groups. Yabans are still exponentially more violent than humans will ever be. Still, the Devastators show just how brutal humans could be if we were purposed for war as an innate value. They live as if Khorne has released their Chaotic bloodlust, in a world where Khorne doesn't even exist.

At a good bit over 400 years old, Drugatsko lives Yulaan's dream. Yulaan has dreamt often about turning Earth into a Mezara-like martial dystopia, a world where warriors are celebrated, honored, and rule, where hatreds drive conflict and war is an ever-present fact of life. Yulaan would love nothing more than to break Earth into ever-warring factions and ignite that human warrior spirit. But she is restricted by the rules of her arrest and has taken herself to respect what humans want and found a compromise: don't mess with the global order.  Contrast this existence with Drugatsko, who eagerly conquered Mezara as soon as she landed upon it and indulged gleefully in her Yaban battle tendencies to their maximal extent. And now, 400+ years later, she is living the Yaban dream, crushing skulls casually, killing thousands daily, and vanishing planets with powerful qi to the cheers of her bloodthirsty subjects, this ten trillion-man horde of insane warriors who call her their Ultra Khan. This hypermasculine mass of men wild with aggression and adrenaline living every day for war and combat.  Vicious martial barbarians clad in road warrior death armor, freaking out on adrenaline-fueled internecine aggression, with proto-nexcidious berserker tendencies galore. Drugatsko is a classic Yeren bolloi, vicious and overwhelming, and she has pre-empted the New Libertines movement on Kollidor just by way of circumstance. She is allowed to endlessly indulge in her own base Yaban impulses nowadays thanks to her few centuries of planning and coordination, transforming Mezara from what was essentially Planet Afghanistan into a Mad Max Sparta in Space. She lives the high life by Yaban standards, one of pure slaughter, combat, and conquest. And it's an extraordinarily hypermasculine existence, with all that brings with it. (Warning: this next part gets a bit gender studies-y) In that first Drugatsko post, I put it in no unclear terms that Devastators are a society ruled by male supremacy. So much so that they're unisexual— there is no such thing as a "female Devastator." And that's because Drugatsko herself killed them all when she first came to Mezara, long before they became the Devastators.  When Yulaan returns to Earth to tell of her bloodsoaked adventures on Gorta, her description of Devastator society seems to run horribly at odds with the fact they have a female god-emperor. Drugatsko is, after all, a bolloi. And yet Devastators seem to be as hot-bloodedly macho as they come, even showing clear disdain and hatred for Drugatsko on the basis of her sex. Heck, the whole reason Yulaan even gets employed by Drugatsko is because a warlord named Yasimbata defected from Drugatsko's empire precisely because of his hatred over her rule and just so happened to set up camp on Planet Gorta.  What confuses the Earthlings even more is why Yulaan agrees with Drugatsko's methods and ideology. But the answer comes back to the cold fact that Drugatsko is, again, a bolloi. She is a Yaban, a creature of war and conflict. Misogynistic hatred of herself is a form of conflict, one that she adores and always breeds hatreds and bloody desires. Devastators only ever get to enjoy the feel of the female body in battle and conquest (in horrible ways that need no description here) because Drugatsko took theirs from them long ago and, as a bolloi, refuses to offer herself as recompense. For those who aren't gay in this barbarian-BDSM-looking society, it's just frustrating to be under the bootheel of a not-unattractive dame forever closed and forever stronger than yourself while also being told that you, as a man, are superior to those weak pathetic females of the cosmos and should always indulge in your manly fighting spirit. It's a deliberate tactic by Drugatsko to keep the blood running hot at all times.

The raw, powerful misogyny Drugatsko spread often blows back against her as many of her own subjects despise her for being female. They are raised to hate femininity and desire to dominate it in all manners. They are told from birth that they, as men and as warriors of power, are superior to the weak pathetic females who once infested this planet and arrested their collective manly fighting spirit. That females are to be penetrated, violated, dominated, mastered, and discarded when used up. That females are creatures of peace and passivity, kind and gentle sensitivity, of romance and delicate emotions, of sass and spice, of submission and vulnerability— and they are men of might and glory, physical force and war, of creative destruction and matters of steel. Let no king rule you forever. Plunge your sword into his neck when he looks the other way. Bang your fist against his skull and blind him from the impact. Seek power at all times. This is the rule of Male Supremacy! Scream it loud unto the heavens. Let the gods tremble before the men of war. Fight, feast, and fuck all you can, you mighty men! Seek and destroy, all ye mighty!!

Oh, and your brutalitarian god-khan is female. And not even an ugly mannish one, besides her battle scars and muscles. Drugatsko is a she and she never hides this fact. In fact, she might very well be the manliest person on Mezara because of that, because she had to overcome her femalehood to achieve a brutalitarian iron fisted rule.

On a planet that's basically "What if 1980s hypermasculine action movies, but in a timeline where the Fascists and Futurists won," her manly subjects despise her on principle. They must learn to disrespect and disregard her voice, put back into their place only by her use of bellicose force and her powerful will. 

But she and Yulaan both understand why that's the point. It's something humans might not be able to understand. A bolloi facing misogyny, a bolloi being disrespected and told to get back in the kitchen, is exactly what she wants. Of course she's not going to do it. Tell a bolloi to get back in the kitchen when she isn't intending on cooking anything and you're going to get punched in the throat. But it's not because she demands to be respected or wants equal rights with you— Yabans don't understand the concept anyhow. She openly welcomes your disrespect and hatred. It's what she craves. She is a bolloi, a Yaban, a monkey of war and battle. Your hatred and disgust of her has bred conflict, and Yabans adore conflict more than life itself. By delivering a bitchslap to a bolloi in your attempt to make her submit like a woman, you've only ignited her fighting spirit. (And let's be fair here, you're going to do the same with most women, though perhaps not to the same extent of battlelusted conflict). Silvio Sabatini suffered a psychotic break over things like realizing this: that a bolloi will never respond to threats of violence by submitting or displaying vulnerability and, in fact, misogynistic threats of violence aren't understood as anything but an opponent ready to throw fists— like a man. To men who only understand how to control women via threats of violence, bollois are walking Antichrists. And Drugatsko is no different. 

So for Drugatsko, this mass misogynistic hatred of her and widespread desire to turn her into just another nameless slut by many sexually-obsessed Devastators, scratches that ever-pulsating itch of warlust. Yulaan agrees with the sentiment. People in the 2020s and 1960s alike don't get why she likes being the victim of misogyny, especially when she strikes back. They think she has internalized misogyny or that she isn't being honest about her desire to have equal rights with men and other males. But that's not it. Misogyny, hatred for her form, appeals to her need for war and conflict.  She wants to be hated because hate breeds conflict, and conflict is everything to a Yaban, especially a Titanist vroda. Drugatsko gets it. Drugatsko lives it. 

All in all, Drugatsko is a pure Yaban warrior, one who lives for endless carnage. She came to Mezara by accident, conquered it in blood and destruction, and remade it the way she wanted it to be in the absolute most brutal manner possible, a reign of blood so thick and murderous that it could only exist in fantasy. She's everything old-school Saiyans were promised to be, which probably makes it fitting that her design stems back to Knife Lady. Except as a Yaban, she's even worse. She's the OG Saiyajins with even more bloodlust.

What's terrifying is that she is not the deadliest Yaban to ever live. Not even close. For example, Batzor is said to have killed so many as to have formed an entire stellar system of planets, planetoids, and whatnot made of blood and bodies of those he killed just for fun. To kill so many requires a long time, but Batzor lived a very long time, much longer than Drugatsko currently has lived. The Ultra-Khan Rahal dwarfs even Batzor, having left multiple galaxies dead. Galaxies that had quintillions of civilizations each at that. And Yabans also do the infiltration baby thing that Saiyans do, meaning that plenty of un-noteworthy Yabans have been sent out to the stars to slaughter entire planets without remorse or affect, often as children.

Still, Drugatsko's bloodlust and devastating brutality (no pun intended) is beyond human comprehension, into levels that one could describe as "beyond Biblical." We're talking so much death, so much blood, so much savagery at her hands alone that it genuinely can be hard to fathom. And that's just her, not including her underlings. There are Devastators that have been born just to die by her hands, but there are so many Devastator humans that she has only ever killed a fraction of them. A very big fraction admittedly, but a fraction nonetheless (though to be fair, innumerable trillions, if not quadrillions of Devastators have been born/created, so assuming she herself has killed half of them...) And their sole purpose is to fight and kill. And as a result, many have become really, really good at fighting and killing.I figured it'd be as obvious as the picture on your screen, but she absolutely is supposed to look like Knife Lady from DBZ Episode 20 as I've been cripping Yaban designs from interesting-looking background Saiyans lately, especially the ones who look the most 80s and space-piratey and, thus, least likely to be represented in nü Dragon Ball with its Bart Simpson-haired monkeys galore.

Just in case anyone argues that I didn't ripoff the look for whatever esoteric reason, here's Knife Lady and Drugatsko back to back.

I know a few people thought that Yulaan was based off this character, and the "ancient Saiyajin" look definitely did stem from there. Hence why I went with straight up taking Knife Lady to use for Drugatsko directly since Drugatsko represents who Yulaan could have been under better (read: worse) circumstances. I mean for Christ's sake, the first ever image of Yulaan was of her eating a man's leg!

Also, I reused Knife Lady's look for another character (the Kokozarene Princess and hybrid Getabaru-Yaban Saiyan Daikonege) and Djuggesh's look is also heavily based on her, so I've gotten a lot of mileage out of it. It's just a very "Saiyan" look, the best female Saiyan design I've ever seen. All wasted on a character who only appeared for a total of 5 seconds.

[inaturalist-propaganda]

I love you trans people and I love you trans allies.

This original post will keep being updated!

tumblr made it so indented text removes line breaks so they're not all going to be indented.

some of the comments so far, June 10th 2023:

Pretty uncool to publicly support pride month after your PR disaster on the forum. Banning a user who was trying desperately to get you to understand that they were being misgendered, then rainbow washing on top of that? Come on, guys, this is shameful.

= = =

CAoS: Please do something about your child organisation, iNaturalist, for their continued and repeated attacks on myself and my fellow queer/trans/nb people. All we asked is for pronouns to be used as a part of their rule of "be respectful". Initially, Tony, paid Outreach Coordinator, denied this request, essentially saying being respectful does NOT mean you have to use someones correct pronouns. After almost a week, it was backwalked, to you can say you will not use but that is "not actually missgendering" becuase it "is just threatening it" instead of "actually missgendering". It has gone even worse now, with the person being missgendered being BANNED for continually asking for this basic respect. Now, our posts get hidden, or outright deleted. We need someone above iNaturalist to step in and do the right thing. I ask that you remove Tony from his Paid iNaturalist Staff position. A person who is literally the paid Outreach Coordinator should actually understand inclusion and diversity. I ask that you hire a queer bipoc person to replace him. This would be the first step in reconciliation that would show you mean what you say, and are not simply rainbow washing.

= = =

It's a little difficult to take this seriously when CAoS is the parent organization of iNat, whose PR team decided threats of misgendering trans people are not actually that serious. And, then, to make matters worse, removed a trans person receiving those threats from their forum, not the bully. It's easy to post a rainbow photo and say you support the LGBTQIA community, but the actions of iNat show otherwise. It's our actions as allies that matter most every day, not once a year pride posts.

= = =

I implore the California academy of sciences to admonish your child organization, iNaturalist for their repeated attacks on trans and non-binary folks in their forum. Their pride month posts are revolting when their staff is actively engaged in blatant retaliatory attacks against trans and non-binary people.

= = =

It would be great to see Inaturalist posting Pride month icons..... if it weren't for the disasterous behind-the-scenes transphobia that's rampant in the forums!

If this is your first time hearing it, paid staff on the inatrarlist official forums went out of their way to create a huge incident that alienated a good 90% of the queer community that was on the forums, by banning a trans it/its user who was being misgendered and refused to back down when staff refused to remove the 2 offending posts, despite multiple, *multiple* queer users telling staff all they had to do to resolve the issue was remove the two misgendering posts.

It took a full WEEK for anything to actually be concretely done, and that was only when the OP of the posts had to ask *permission* from staff to delete her posts because she realized what she'd done was wrong and hurtful, especially when the paid staff kept digging their heels in and insisting it wasn't *technically* misgendering..... somehow.

Staff kept digging their hole deeper, acting as though everyone was demanding they "police every single thing posted on the forums" and "act like a surveillance state" when literally from day one, alllllllllll they had to do was remove exactly 2 offensive posts that had been reported by multiple queer users. They staunchly refused to remove the posts or take *any* action other than to attack the very people who were the ones under attack, culminating in them literally banning the trans it/its user who was being misgendered all because, get this-- it refused to sit quietly by and have the posts remain up, and kept telling staff "leaving the posts up for everyone, myself included, the literal target of these posts to see with zero visible response from Staff for the blatant violation of TOS, is completely unacceptable".

Did I mention this happened in the forum thread DEDICATED to queer and LGBTQ Inaturalist users?

It was a forum thread DEDICATED to celebrating pride and queer identities?

And that the very Inaturalist staff who refused to do their jobs and remove two posts that violated their TOS because they didn't think it was a big deal for a trans user to be misgendered even after multuiple users explained exactly why that's so hurtful, the very Inaturalist Staff who acted like being asked to remove 2 posts was the equivilant of us demanding they police every single word posted on the forums-- were the very same ones asking queer Inaturalist users to volunteer for their Pride Month showcase.

What a joke.

If Inaturalist and the other paid staff behind it are TRUELY serious about diversity, inclusion, and welcoming their queer and LBGTQ users with open arms, then someone from higher up needs to take a SERIOUS look at the paid staff of the forums and how they ACTUALLY treat queer users when push comes to shove; they're more than happy to hide even the slightest, most mild critism of their moderation (or complete lack thereof) but refused for over 168 hours to do the most basic thing of hiding two posts containing hate speech and transphobia. That were in the LGBTQ thread, and had been flagged by multiple LGBTQ users, *including the it/its trans user who was the target of that hate speech to begin with*

but what did the forum staff do?

Did they remove the 2 posts that violated TOS?

Did they apologize for their mishandling of the situation?

Nope, they literally told us "if you don't like how we moderate, you go somewhere else" -- as though the literal LGBTQ thread was not EXACTLY where we were supposed to be protected from this crap.

Tiwane needs to be removed as paid Forum staff, and astra the dragon needs to lose moderation privileges, and ALL forum staff, be they paid or volunteers, need to go through a MANDATORY inclusivity and sensitivity training to properly handle the most basic aspect of their jobs., if you want your huge queer userbase to trust you again.

= = =

Wow. That's rich, given how you've treated LGBTQIA+ folks in your forums. If you want to be supportive of pride month, fire the team that's perfectly fine with misgendering people in comments. If not, this is just an ugly facade you're presenting to seem as though you support minorities without actually following through.

= = =

iNaturalist: you are NOT allowed to celebrate Pride Month because you continually create policies to harm queer/trans/NB members of your community. You allowed missgendering, saying it does not go against your rule of "be respectful". Then you back-walked it to it's okay to say you *will* missgender, or *will refuse to* use someone's pronouns, because it hasn't happened yet. Now, you are hiding or deleting all the callouts we are making of this issue.

iNat: STOP pretending to be an ally, when you are NOT. You are NOT an ally to the entire LGBTQIA+ community, only the ones you seem fit to bolster your public appearance during Pride Month, while all this goes on behind the scenes. Now we are no longer allowed any "political" posts - but we are only political in our existence because politicians and others would like us literally dead....If your "politics" denies people their personhood, your "politics" are utter shyte. The *person being misgendered* was *BANNED* for being rightfully upset about it while you sat back and did nothing other than, banning them, and allowing the continued transmisia/transphobia while *many of us* stepped up to say how wrong you were, and how wrong the entire situation was. Yet, you never stood up for us, and you continue to simply squash us.

Original LGBTQIA+ thread where the misgendering starts, followed by staff tone policing and pretending both sides are equally wrong: https://forum.inaturalist.org/.../lgbtqia-and.../23565/268

New thread to "discuss" the moderation issues, which is still just transmisia, tone policing, and bad-faith arguments on the part of the staff: https://forum.inaturalist.org/.../moderation.../42122 (pretending that asking them to remove exactly two (2) posts means we want them to become a fascist surveillance state and judge literally every post anyone makes...but now they just delete & hide our posts...hmmm.....)

= = =

As part of pride month you are actively discriminating against and attacking LGBTQIA+ members on your forum, in direct violation of your supposed policies. Despicable. Pretending to be an ally when you are actively attacking such people is an affront to the entire community.

= = =

[theinkdrinkingfemme]

Chapter 6

When the phone rang, it was a welcome distraction from the inch-thick piles of folders on Devon Haddon-James’ desk. Scooping it up, she balanced her feet on the table in front of her, receiver wedged between her cheek and shoulder. “Dickenson, what’s up?”

“Finishing up now. The few bits we have will be with you soon. DNA is all the girl’s.” 

He paused for a moment. With a particular aversion for awkward silence, Haddon-James quickly filled it with a curt “Good work,” before clicking off with a reminder to bag and tag all the items. Grabbing a scrap of paper and retrieving her favourite ballpoint pen from her trousers pocket, she set out writing the main tasks for this investigation:

Going to the teen’s last whereabouts

Locating the redhead in the CCTV footage

Tracking the car that the teen was last seen in

Speaking to neighbours, kith and kin

Info on Harlan Garnett.

Devon sighed. Most of the tasks couldn’t be done today, a thought confirmed when she checked the time on her cell phone. She yawned, suddenly hit with a bout of fatigue. She achingly wished her partner, Detective Sierra Logan, were here beside her. With it still technically being Easter, most of her team were still on leave. Add on budget cuts from earlier this year, as well as several early retirements, the crew was skeletal.

Carding her finger through her brown shaggy hair, she grimaced when the coils knotted stubbornly in her fingers. Her hair was overdue a good wash. And her entire body, when she caught a whiff of her day clothes. With no lover or spouse to come home to, this should’ve been an easy thing. Although, now that she thought of it, she typically filled that void, and every free moment, with unpaid overtime. Today was one of those empty days, her greying office matching her sour mood. 

Her boss, Chief George Quinn, poked his balding head through the door. “Just got word from Logan that she’ll be out of commission for a few days on another death.” He gave an apologetic shrug when she opened her mouth in protest.

Just great. “Anything else?”

His blue eyes paled in sympathy. “Go home, James. You can’t shoulder this on your own. Things will be back to normal by tomorrow.” His words rung in the air, even after he disappeared into his office.

Her shoulders sagged, as though they were waiting all day for permission to rest. Most of her day was spent on paperwork, alongside answering the tip line from today’s news broadcast. Doing double the work without so much as a helping hand from her boss wasn’t what she expected when she joined the dwindling City Crime Unit.

Her handbag at the ready, Devon made to go home. But as she got into her car and plugged her house’s coordinates into the GPS, she suddenly had a change of heart. Switching off the GPS, she made a sharp right back into the direction of the teen’s home.

Dickenson was still guarding the door, the team surprisingly still there. Dickenson nodded in greeting, holding out a plastic packaging of coveralls and gloves. Slipping them on, she stepped into the house, feeling like an intruder. The plain walls were devoid of photos, the impersonal feeling exacerbated by the sparse personal memorabilia in the hallway, sitting room and kitchen. Nothing to indicate the personality of the homeowner. She turned and glanced at a few bagged and tagged items, which were laid neatly on the cheap oak table. Seeing the items displayed as requested made her smile briefly. One crime scene personnel with buck teeth took off the hood of his coveralls, and her smile vanished, her permanent ‘thinking face’ etched on.

She pointed a gloved finger to some letters. “What are they?”

“A worker of some sort? Didn’t read too much into it.”

Devon gingerly took them out of their zip bag, reading them thoroughly one by one. Her eyes widened as she read to the bottom of the page. The cool atmosphere of the teen’s home was not enough to stop the beads of sweat from forming on her brow and the bridge of her nose. Buried memories forced themselves out of her unconscious mind and played out like a film on loop: her mother’s barely disguised look of disgust, the thud of the photo as her graduation photo was hurled to the ground, the curious faces of the teenagers she would live with for the next 11 months. She glanced at the letter’s contents again, the information inside changing the predesigned trajectory of the investigation.

“What is it?” Buck Tooth was regarding her horrified expression.

Devon’s face was ashen. “Harlan Garnett was a care kid.”

[inipitbluecake]

Unleashing the Power of Event Lighting and Production in Auckland

Hi mates! We all know that creating memorable events that leave a lasting impression on attendees requires the perfect combination of design, technology, and creativity. Two key elements that can make or break an event are event lighting and event production. Whether it's a corporate gala, a music festival, a wedding, or a product launch, the right event lighting can transform any space, while professional event production ensures that every aspect of the event runs seamlessly.

In a city as vibrant and diverse as Auckland, businesses and individuals have access to top-tier services that bring their event visions to life. Let’s explore how event lighting Auckland and event production services work together to elevate experiences and turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments.

The Importance of Event Lighting in Auckland

When it comes to event design, lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood, guiding the flow, and creating atmosphere. Event lighting is much more than just a tool to illuminate a space—it's an art form that can evoke emotions, highlight important moments, and draw focus to key elements of the event.

Mood CreationOne of the main purposes of event lighting is to create the right ambiance. Whether it’s a corporate event with a professional tone or a wedding with romantic vibes, lighting can influence the mood of the entire gathering. In Auckland, event lighting professionals use a variety of techniques, from soft, warm glows for intimate gatherings to dynamic, colorful light shows for concerts and festivals. The right lighting design helps immerse guests in the experience from the moment they enter the venue.

Highlighting Key ElementsIn any event, certain features, moments, or presentations deserve special attention. Event lighting can be used to direct guests’ focus to a stage, a speaker, or a product showcase. Spotlights, uplighting, and accent lighting can help ensure that the most important aspects of your event are front and center. For example, in Auckland, professional lighting teams often use sophisticated techniques to illuminate outdoor wedding venues or highlight the architecture of iconic event spaces.

Theatrical Effects and Dynamic DesignFor larger events such as corporate galas, award shows, or entertainment events, dynamic lighting design brings a theatrical element to the production. With Auckland’s diverse range of venues, from industrial warehouses to waterfront locations, event lighting services offer creative ways to transform any space. Moving lights, color washes, and synchronized lighting effects can make a room come alive, heightening the overall energy of the event.

Outdoor Event LightingAuckland's stunning outdoor venues are perfect for alfresco events, but outdoor lighting requires expertise to get it just right. Event lighting professionals in Auckland know how to balance functional lighting (such as pathway lighting and safety illumination) with decorative elements like fairy lights, lanterns, and outdoor chandeliers. This combination ensures that guests can navigate the space comfortably while still enjoying an enchanting, visually stunning atmosphere.

Event Production in Auckland: Bringing the Vision to Life

While event lighting sets the stage, event production in Auckland handles every other aspect of ensuring your event runs smoothly, from technical equipment to logistics and coordination.

Comprehensive Event CoordinationEvent production encompasses a wide range of services, including sound, lighting, staging, video, and technical management. A professional production company in Auckland works behind the scenes to ensure that every detail—from the AV setup to stage construction—is handled. This comprehensive approach frees up event organizers to focus on the content of the event rather than the technical aspects.

Creative Design and PlanningEvent production isn’t just about logistics—it’s also about turning creative ideas into reality. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a product launch, or a cultural festival, event production companies in Auckland work with you to design the overall theme and aesthetic. With the right production team, you can achieve a flawless blend of sound, visuals, and lighting, creating a cohesive experience that reflects the purpose and branding of the event.

AV Solutions and Technical ExpertiseAudiovisual elements are critical for any event, from keynote presentations to concerts. Professional event production Auckland team bring high-end AV solutions to ensure that your event’s sound and visuals are clear, impactful, and engaging. Whether you need large-scale LED screens, crisp sound systems, or projection mapping, a skilled production team ensures that every technical element enhances the attendee experience.

Hybrid and Virtual Event CapabilitiesWith the growing trend of hybrid and virtual events, many event production companies in Auckland now offer expertise in live streaming and virtual event integration. This allows you to reach a global audience while still providing a live, in-person experience for those attending on-site. Production teams ensure that both virtual and in-person attendees experience high-quality audio, visuals, and engagement tools.

The Synergy of Lighting and Production

The combination of expert event lighting and event production creates a powerful synergy that can turn even the simplest of events into spectacular experiences. Event lighting design enhances the mood and visual impact, while production handles all the technical elements that make the event flow smoothly. In Auckland, this duo of services is the key to creating events that captivate, engage, and inspire.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale corporate event, leveraging the expertise of Auckland’s event lighting and production professionals ensures that your event is memorable, polished, and perfectly executed.

Conclusion

In Auckland, the best events are those that seamlessly blend aesthetics with flawless execution. With professional event lighting and event production, you can transform any venue into a dynamic, engaging space that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. From creative lighting designs to expert production management, these services ensure that your event stands out, whether it’s a corporate function, a wedding, or a large-scale festival.

Partnering with Auckland’s top event professionals allows you to focus on the content of your event while trusting the experts to bring it to life in ways that are visually stunning and technically flawless.

[followurarts11]

Top Art Classes in Singapore

Top Art Classes in Singapore

Top Art Classes in Singapore - Followurarts Studio

Introduction

Art has always been a universal language, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. In recent years, the art scene in Singapore has flourished, with more people recognizing the value of creativity in their lives. Whether you're a budding artist or looking to refine your skills, art education plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.

Why Choose Art Classes?

Top Art classes offer numerous benefits beyond learning how to draw or paint. They enhance critical thinking, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost confidence. Engaging in creative activities can also be therapeutic, providing an outlet for self-expression and stress relief.

Overview of Followurarts Studio

History and Background

Followurarts Studio has been a cornerstone of the Singaporean art community for over a decade. Founded by passionate artists, the studio aims to nurture creativity and artistic talent in individuals of all ages.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Followurarts Studio is to create an inclusive environment where creativity thrives. They believe that everyone has the potential to be an artist and strive to provide the tools and guidance needed to explore and develop artistic skills.

Top Art Classes at Followurarts Studio

Beginner Art Classes

Drawing Basics

Perfect for those starting their artistic journey, this class covers fundamental drawing techniques. Students learn about lines, shapes, shading, and perspective, building a strong foundation for future artistic endeavors.

Introduction to Painting

This class introduces students to various painting mediums such as acrylics and watercolors. Participants explore basic color theory, brush techniques, and composition to create their first masterpieces.

Intermediate Art Classes

Advanced Drawing Techniques

For those with some drawing experience, this class delves deeper into complex techniques. Students practice rendering textures, mastering light and shadow, and capturing more intricate details.

Watercolor Mastery

This intermediate class focuses on watercolor techniques, teaching students how to control the medium to create vibrant, expressive artworks. Topics include washes, blending, and layering.

Advanced Art Classes

Oil Painting Techniques

Advanced students can explore the rich, versatile medium of oil paints. This class covers advanced blending techniques, color mixing, and creating depth and texture in paintings.

Abstract Art

This class encourages students to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Participants experiment with shapes, colors, and forms to create unique, abstract pieces.

Specialized Workshops

Digital Art

In the digital age, digital art skills are invaluable. This workshop teaches students how to use digital tools and software to create stunning digital artworks, from illustrations to animations.

Sculpture and 3D Art

For those interested in three-dimensional art, this workshop covers the basics of sculpture. Students work with various materials like clay and plaster to create sculptures and 3D installations.

Children’s Art Classes

Creative Kids Program

Designed for young children, this program focuses on fostering creativity through fun, age-appropriate projects. Kids explore different materials and techniques, developing their artistic skills in a playful environment.

Teen Art Exploration

This class is tailored for teenagers, offering more advanced projects that challenge their creativity and technical skills. Teens learn about various art styles and techniques, helping them find their unique artistic voice.

Benefits of Enrolling at Followurarts Studio

Experienced Instructors

Followurarts Studio boasts a team of experienced instructors who are professional artists themselves. Their expertise and passion for teaching provide students with invaluable insights and personalized guidance.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The studio is equipped with modern facilities and high-quality materials, ensuring that students have everything they need to create their best work. The inspiring environment fosters creativity and learning.

Community and Networking Opportunities

Joining Followurarts Studio means becoming part of a vibrant artistic community. Students have opportunities to network, collaborate, and showcase their work in exhibitions and events.

Success Stories from Followurarts Studio

Student Testimonials

Many students have found success and fulfillment through the studio’s programs. Testimonials highlight the positive impact of the classes on their artistic skills and personal growth.

Notable Alumni

Followurarts Studio is proud of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the arts. Their achievements serve as inspiration for current and future students.

How to Enroll in Followurarts Studio

Enrollment Process

Enrolling in Followurarts Studio is simple. Prospective students can visit the studio’s website, fill out an application form, and choose their preferred classes. The friendly staff is always available to assist with any questions.

Fees and Schedules

The studio offers a range of classes with flexible schedules to accommodate different needs. Fees are competitive, and there are often discounts for early registration or multiple class enrollments.

Conclusion

In summary, Followurarts Studio offers a diverse range of art classes catering to all skill levels and interests. With experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community, it's the perfect place to embark on your artistic journey. Whether you're looking to develop new skills or simply explore your creativity, Followurarts Studio has something for everyone. So why wait? Join today and start your creative adventure!

FAQs

What age groups are the classes suitable for?

Art Classes at Followurarts Studio cater to all age groups, from young children to adults.

What materials are needed for the classes?

Most classes provide materials, but some may require students to bring their own. Details are provided upon enrollment.

How long are the classes?

Class durations vary, with most sessions lasting between 1 to 2 hours. Course lengths can range from a few weeks to several months.

Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied?

Refund policies vary by class, but the studio strives to accommodate students’ needs. It's best to check the specific policy for each course.

[jobtendr]

Selected USAID Funding opportunities

Selected Funding Opportunity Due Dates* *All current USAID opportunities can be found on SAM.gov (contracts) and Grants.gov (grants and cooperative agreements). These opportunities are also collected on our searchable Funding Feed on WorkwithUSAID.gov. Don't see an opportunity in your country? Check out USAID's Business Forecast to see anticipated upcoming opportunities. AFRICA August 2 | Sub-Opportunity | Nigeria: Request for Applications (RFA) from Chemonics for the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity to implement critical hygiene-related activities in response to the severe cholera outbreak. August 2 | Senegal: Annual Program Statement (APS) from USAID/Senegal for Strengthening Information Integrity and Resilience (IIR) in the Sahel. August 6 | Mozambique: Presolicitation Synopsis from USAID/Mozambique for the Local Governance Strengthening Activity (LOGOS IDIQ). August 9 | Nigeria: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from USAID/Nigeria for the Borno WASH Activity to increase safe, sustainable, climate resilient and inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in communities, schools, and health care centers. August 9 | Sudan: Request for Information (RFI) from USAID/Sudan for the Feed the Future Agriculture-led Growth Activity award design process. August 12 | Malawi: RFA from USAID/Malawi for the Higher Education for Youth Prosperity in Agriculture Project to create new partnerships with minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in efforts to amplify USAID/Malawi’s work in support of higher education. August 12 | Mozambique: RFI from USAID/Mozambique for application interest in a new HIV Activity - SUstaining Control the HIV Epidemic through quality Services, resilient Systems, and Community Outreach (SUCESSO). August 12 | Sub-Opportunity | Sierra-Leone: RFA from Panagora Group for the Localize Global Health Security Activity. August 14 | Mozambique: RFI from USAID/Mozambique for USAID EntoLocal for planning and implementing entomological monitoring and technical assistance for malaria vector control. August 14 | Nigeria: RFI from USAID/Nigeria to gather information from local U.S. and Nigerian firms to provide digital marketing services. August 16 | Kenya: RFI from the American Embassy in Nairobi and USAID/Kenya (USAID/KEA) for stakeholders to review, comment on, and provide responses in support of USAID/KEA’s future elections program. August 16 | Mali: APS from USAID/Mali for concepts that support USAID's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) development objectives in Mali. August 16 | Senegal: NOFO from USAID/Senegal for the Leader with Associate Award (LWA) to implement the USAID Sahel Regional Resilience Activity. August 19 | Mozambique: RFI from USAID/Mozambique for the USAID Inter-Religious Engagement for Better Health Activity. August 21 | Madagascar: NOFO from USAID/Madagascar for Public Supply Chain Madagascar to strengthen Madagascar’s technical capacity and efforts to achieve an integrated public health supply chain. August 23 | Zambia: Request for Proposal (RFP) from USAID/Zambia to provide technical services for the USAID Foundational Learning Technical Assistance Activity. THE AMERICAS August 2 | Sub-Opportunity | Colombia: RFP from Chemonics for the promotion of sustainable livelihoods derived from the forest economy, for the municipality of Cartagena del Chairá in the department of Caquetá. August 6 | Sub-Opportunity | Colombia: RFP from DAI for strengthening governance and sustainability for tourism infrastructure reactivation. August 6 | Sub-Opportunity | Colombia: RFP from Chemonics for strengthening the value chains of non-timber forest products through strategies that provide sustainability and competitiveness in Guaviare, Caquetá and Putumayo. August 10 | Sub-Opportunity | USA: RFP from Chemonics for the Agriculture Growing Rural Opportunities (AGRO) in Ukraine Activity to facilitate logistics and coordination services for Ukrainian Water User Organization’s study tour in California. August 13 | Sub-Opportunity | Mexico: RFP from Chemonics for the Design and Preparation of the State Registry of Missing Persons and Not Located in the State of Coahuila De Zaragoza. August 16 | Cuba: NOFO from USAID for the implementation of the Rebuilding Cuba’s Nascent Civil Society program. August 26 | Sub-Opportunity | Colombia: RFA from DAI to strengthen governance for adaptation to climate change in social and institutional actors in the department of Caquetá. August 27 | Guatemala: APS for achieving the USAID/Guatemala Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025 goal to advance Guatemala’s development by connecting Indigenous peoples, women, and youth to opportunities. ASIA August 2 | Sub-Opportunity | Thailand: RFP from RTI International for policy review support around advocacy by underrepresented groups and civil society organizations for the USAID End Wildlife Crime Activity). August 5 | Sri Lanka: RFP from USAID/Sri Lanka for the Economic Modernization Activity. August 8 | Cambodia: NOFO from USAID/Cambodia for the Cambodia Media Development (CMD) Activity to strengthen and expand the diversity of trustworthy news and information sources available to Cambodians. August 9 | Pakistan: NOFO from USAID/Pakistan for the Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity to strengthen the capacity of Pakistani universities to lead gender-inclusive and climate-resilient responses in water management. August 10 | Bangladesh: RFI for aid in the design of the new USAID/Bangladesh Feed the Future Water Management Activity. August 13 | Cambodia: NOFO from USAID/Cambodia for the Bridging Education Solutions for Transformation (BEST) Activity to improve learning outcomes and necessary skills of students. August 16 | The Philippines: RFA from USAID/Philippines for an activity that will conserve biodiversity and advance climate adaptation and mitigation at the national and subnational levels. EUROPE & EURASIA August 5 | Ukraine: RFI from USAID/Ukraine for the Ukraine Mental Health Initiative for National Development (U-MIND). August 6 | Sub-Opportunity | North Macedonia: RFP from DAI for a cyber workforce assessment for the USAID Critical Infrastructure Digitization and Resilience (CIDR) program. MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA August 5 | Egypt: RFP from USAID/Egypt for the implementation of the EconomyPlus Activity. August 5 | Yemen: RFI from the USAID/Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) for an economic activity. August 7 | Lebanon: RFI from USAID/Lebanon to inform an upcoming activity designed to prepare higher education graduates to enter the workforce and contribute to Lebanon’s economic development. August 8 | Jordan: RFI from USAID/Jordan for a potential Global Health Security (GHS) activity to strengthen biosecurity and safety, address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and prevent and respond to emerging threats. August 16 | Sub-Opportunity | Egypt: RFP from DAI for the Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) Program to support the Trailblazing Capital: Investing in Africa’s Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Activity. August 16 | Sub-Opportunity | Iraq: RFP from Chemonics for the Iraq Together/Ma’an Activity to enhance water, sewage, and solid waste management services. OTHER/GLOBAL August 2: RFI for a potential activity to support the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation. August 7: RFI from USAID’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security (REFS) for feedback for a planned holistic risk management research activity. August 16 | Sub-Opportunity: RFP from Tetra Tech for the Climate Adaptation Support Activity (CASA) to provide technical assistance related to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the climate and environment workforce for USAID. August 22: RFP from USAID’s Office of Inspector General for financial statement audits. Interested in responding but not sure if you're ready to partner with USAID? Take the Pre-Engagement Assessment on WorkwithUSAID.gov! This self-assessment will help you understand your organization's readiness and provide resources to help build your capacity. Also, get tips on crafting your proposal in our three-part blog series entitled “How to Write a USAID Proposal.” Read the full article