#The Phillips Backyard Weekender | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

nerdieforpedro · 1 year ago

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Tell me how you want me

Fanfiction 18+ MDNI

Word Count: just under 5k

Masterlist / Marcus Pike Masterlist

Marcus Pike x plus size OC (Isabella)

Summary: Marcus Pike is not trying to go to this cookout. It turns out though, he found a sleepy woman that happens to be the best thing that could happen to him.

Warnings: Smut, light BDSM, edging, oral sex (male and female receiving), established relationship, rough sex, after care, unprotected P in V

“Hey just stop by, I promise it will be quick.”

“Your backyard parties are never quick, especially when the cooler comes out. I’m not going.”

“Molly says she wants to see you, make sure you’re still alive. So do your nephews.”

“You didn’t have to mention the nephews Phillips…” Agent Pike sighed, leaning back in his chair. Pike was a sucker for the two little hellions, adorable since they’re both five years old, but double the trouble, he didn’t know how his wife did it with the long hours they have to file reports on these criminals who think they can hide behind art purchases funding their drug money.

Fellow Agent Phillips had been trying to get his partner Pike to stop buy his house for a backyard BBQ. His wife Molly insisted on it, she said he needed to get back out there in the dating game. Phillips said that they shouldn’t butt in because he’s a grown man and hadn’t indicated at any point that he wanted to be set up. Molly was not one for a no, so Phillips decided to ask Pike to join them for the last cookout before the fall really kicked in. It was still sticky and humid during the day but now cool in the evenings.

“I’ll stop by for a bit, say hi to Molly and the twins, then I’m out.” Pike stated flatly.

It would be very hard to do, but the last few years, he had gotten better at putting himself first, guarding his heart. He wouldn’t throw it away anymore as he had better standards for himself. Standards that had lead to some dates and some romps in bed but nothing substantial, not like he had with Teresa, but looking back, was it really? Had he ever really a solid relationship with a woman outside of family, acquaintances and colleagues? Pike knew he loves to please, but he was trying to work himself out of a decades old habit that found him in relationships where women he’s with call him a good man but they leave him for another guy they marry. Pike saw the evidence on social media.

The fated weekend comes and Pike is at Phillip’s house as promised with gifts for the boys and Molly because his parents taught him manners when visiting. It was one of the many selling points Molly mentioned when making the rounds with Marcus, he grinned and smiled through it all, only to be saved by Dean and Bobby running up to him and wanting to push them on the swings connected to the play set. Pike was so thankful for rude little boys.

“Uncle Pike, was mommy walking you around like a show pony?” Dean asked and he tried to climb up in the swing, his brother Bobby laughed to him as he was already in the swing.

“Mommy said it’s a waste he isn’t coupled up? Does that mean like Mommy and daddy? Some of Mommy’s wine friends mentioned that too.” Bobby told his brother, proud to know something he didn’t. Pike sighed at their discussion and knew he was going to have a long talk with Phillips about this.

“Don’t listen to what you mom and dad say, your Uncle is just fine.” Pike smiled, he was mostly telling the truth. After about ten minutes on the swings, the twins were bored and thought of something fun.

“Uncle, you wanna hide from those ladies? We know a good hiding spot! Daddy’s office, he has it but he never uses it. He usually does his papers when he’s with you at work.” Dean chimed, Bobby took his uncle’s hand and lead him into the house, telling the adults that they were going to show him their tablet. It was solid enough of an excuse to not garner any odd looks. Dean kept a look out while Bobby got Pike to the hallway.

“It’s the room at the end of the hall.” Bobby said and waved, tapping Dean on the shoulder so they could pop upstairs and play on their tablets and maybe raid the fridge later.

“Hey Bobby, did we take Auntie Izzy in there too?” Dean asked his brother once they were at the top of the stairs, Bobby thought for a moment and shrugged.

“I think so but she probably left by now. She usually goes home and we can find her online and play Pokemon Go with her.” Bobby answered not worried at all. His Auntie Izzy didn’t take to his mother’s meddling well but she was really fun with different games and she actually knew about SpongeBob and Paw Patrol so she was awesome in their book.

Agent Pike thought he was in the wrong room, but it was an office. There was just a woman laying across the couch in what looked to be a yellow off the shoulder dress, that had a slit in it. It exposed her very thick thighs and maybe a birthmark on the right one, she has white nail polish that matched her fingernails and toes. A smooth mole was on her right shoulder as well, her cleavage glistened with a thin layer of sweat as her chest rose and fell. It appeared she was asleep. White flip-flops were on the floor next to the couch and full fuchsia lips formed a small ‘o’ as she let out a coo. Her round honey tinted face appeared to be completely at peace. What was she dreaming about? Her hair was in an updo, coils in a cute poof above her head, because he was laying on her left side, her hair had teetered to the right a bit. The woman shifted a bit to the right and her cleavage peeked out a bit more from the top of her dress as did her thigh, Pike knew if she shifted again, he may see her panties, which would’t be bad for him. It was like a painting, one of the many he studied, the many artisans of the past had sculpted, painted and sketched full figured women through the eons. He wondered if he had any artistic bones in his body if her would be able to capture of majesty of this moment. The beautiful woman simply existing.

How long had he been standing here again?

Pike took a step forward to get out of the doorway, in an attempt to turn around and leave but knocked over a bookend and this a stack of books that was a the end of a shelf built into the wall. “Shit…” He whispered as he heard stirring behind him, movement. The agent turned and saw the vision of a woman sitting on the couch, rubbing her eyes, trying to get the sleep out. She was now sitting up, her hair still slightly to the right and both thighs on full display of her dress and further moved up. Pike cleared his throat, he needed to hear anything, it was so quiet. “Sorry about that.” He managed to speak softly. The woman nodded and chuckled. Her laugh was cute.

“It’s okay. I was likely asleep for too long. Are you a friend of Jack’s?” He heard her ask, she must know Jack and Molly well to refer to him by first name, or maybe she just didn’t work in law-enforcement, they always used last names. Pike nodded and turned to face her.

“I’m Pike, Marcus Pike.”

“You must work with him, not many people go with their last name first.” She laughed again, this time deeper though, her full lips moving as Marcus watched them, having a goofy smile of his face. “I’m Izzy or Isabella. I prefer Izzy though.” She stood up and pulled her dress from between her belly and thighs, she stepped forward for a handshake. Pike obliged and took her hand in his, it was soft but she had a firm grip. His calluses from using his gun slid against her palm and he sighed, feeling like he was exhaling all of the air in his lungs. She was up to his shoulder, not inducing her poof, looking down at her, he wondered if her lips as sweet as they looked. “Nice to meet you Marcus.” She smiled up at him, letting go of his hand and turning around to slip on her flip-flops.

“Nice to meet you too Isabella, er Izzy.” He corrected himself, he head her giggle as she checked her pockets. Women really do love dresses with pockets. “Are you avoiding the party as well?” Pike asked, he hoped so, then he would have something to talk about. After giving herself a quick pat down and it appeared as though she had everything, Izzy answered.

“Yeah, Molly insisted I come to get out of the house, but she just had a few guys she wanted me to meet. Wasn’t into it, so I asked the boys for a good hiding spot.” She put her hands on her hips, her arms jiggled with each movement. Pike couldn’t stop watching her. “Then I fell asleep after getting too comfortable.” She tossed a hand up with a shrug of her shoulder.

Marcus was racking is brain, should he ask for her number? Might be a bit too soon, coffee! Coffee is fine usually. Situation is a little awkward, but what wasn’t with the entire cookout debacle. “Izzy, would you want to get out of here and grab coffee?” He asked, cheesy? One hundred percent but why not? He wasn’t sure if he had ever studied anything or anyone in this much detail and he still wanted to know more.

Izzy’s eyebrows raised as she thought and agreed. “I could go for some coffee. You got Dunkin rewards? If not, I have some.” She pulled her phone out her pocket and grinned.

Pike matched her grin with his own, feeling playful, “Wherever you wanna go, I’m up for it.”

It had been four months since Isabella had heard words that changed her perception of men. ‘Wherever you wanna go, I’m up for it.” The accountant really had thought he was just giving her cheesy lines, which was sweet in a way. Marcus Pike was a man who followed through no matter if it was a promised phone call, a random lunch arriving at her office or a flirty FaceTime when he was at the office late. Time with him was well spent and always enjoyable. She never felt embarrassed by him and he seemed to find everything she did did cute which he told her often. By contrast, he was growing in a beard and mustache that looked sexy on him. It wasn’t too little and not too much, just right. She usually ended up touching it while they were out at dinner or matching movies at home as he touched her thighs.

Pike always made a point to have her climax at least once if not twice before entering her and chasing his own high. Izzy wondered what he might like but she felt a bit embarrassed about asking him, though anyone with any sense would instruct you to just ask. That was easy. Izzy never did things easy, it was not her way. Instead, she shopped around for a sheer midnight blue teddy with a matching crotchless thong. She had told Marcus to come by after work, shower and relax. He had been working a complex case with a few museums including the Smithsonian and how to coordinate the return of different pieces without pissing different countries off. She didn’t quite get the intricacies of it, but it sounded stressful. The office worker also had bought some handcuffs and a few candles that melt into oil and lube that she could massage him with or use to fuck him with. “This will be fun!” She exclaimed, hearing a knock downstairs followed by her phone ringing. He was here.

It wasn’t unusual for Pike to stay over at Izzy’s brownstone, it was much more comfortable that his studio apartment that was close to work, but cozy, as Izzy had put it. She had four bedrooms, one was an office, one was her master bedroom with a large walk-in shower that they had made very good use of, especially that built in bench seat. He relished in her pleasure, especially after she let it slip that she had only been able to climax using toys before. Marcus wouldn’t have that, plus hearing her scream his name made him want to grab her, twist her, make her more moist each time he heard it. He was greeted by his girlfriend answering the door in her black satin robe. He knew what the robe meant. “Hey babe. Sorry I’m so late.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m just glad you’re here Marcus.” Izzy kissed his lips softly, touching his cheek, her fingers trailing down to his jaw and poking his Adam’s apple. “You want to eat first or shower?” She asked, there was chicken Alfredo she could warm up for him.

“I’m gonna shower first, I feel stuffy from being in that office all day, you joining me?” The agent asked, dropping his bag after closing the door. One hand went to her hip, rubbing a circle to touch her thigh and ass while he kissed her shoulder. A soft sigh was heard from her lips so he then took a handful of her ass and squeezed. He heard a gasp and kissed her neck, clearly anticipating her joining him.

Though she was tempted, Izzy would stick to her plan. “No, no. You shower first and the pop into the bedroom. I thought of something for you.” She smiled, putting her ands on her hips before walking away and heading upstairs. Pike, stunned, picked up his bag and followed his love upstairs and quickly hopped in the shower. The last time she said she had something planned for him, she showed up at his office late saying she missed him and sucked his dick while he lied to his coworker and told him that he would lock up. Marcus fucked his girlfriend was in the bathroom. She enjoyed watching him struggle to keep a composed face, smirking up at him. It was then that Pike made sure that no one was in the office and his door was locked so he could bend her over the desk, slapped her ass before fingering her and plunging himself into her wetness as he spread her legs, her moans making him cry out her name. He left bruises on her thighs that night, ones that she told him not to say sorry for as she had enjoyed every moment. Isabella was also the same woman that held him and went with him to the hospital when his father had his stroke, thankfully he was able to recover mostly, but it wasn’t how he wanted to introduce her to his parents. He wanted to it be a nice family dinner. Not in a hospital room. But she was perfect throughout, making his mother nudge him and ask why he hadn’t brought her around yet.

While Pike was in the shower, Izzy was taking deep breaths, She went ahead and lit her candle and set condoms, handcuffs, but she didn’t have a blindfold. Hearing the water stop, she grabbed one of her scarfs and met him at the bathroom door, planting a kiss on him and wrapping her arms around his neck, standing on her tip-toes and put the scarf around his eyes. “Iz…what the hell?” Pike asked, chuckling. He never knew what to expect from this woman.

“I told you, a surprise. It starts now, so follow me.” She giggled and lead him toward the bed and sat him down, then pulled him close so his head rested on her breasts. She slipped off her robe and let it drop on the floor. Marcus’ arms wrapped around her back, he pressed his chest into her soft belly.

“Mmm…Should I be extremely worried or just quietly concerned?” He asked placing a small kiss between her ample breasts before nibbling on them.

Izzy licked her lips. “Neither, just listen to me and do what I tell you. I’m going to make sure to come first tonight Marcus. If you feel odd or uncomfortable about anything, just say…” Izzy paused to think of a word. “Rose.” She patted his head and took one of his hands and ran it upper her inner thigh. “You feel it Marcus? It’s been like this since you called me at your late lunch, hours Marcus…” She cooed, using one of her fingers to push his middle finger along her wet slit. Her legs widened a bit as Marcus slipped his finger in further, stroking her as he grew harder in his boxers.

“God damn woman….Tell me how you want me.” Marcus staggered, Izzy pushed him back on the bed and commanded him to scoot toward the head of the bed. He didn’t feel her get on the bed immediately, it felt like she was fiddling with something. “Izzy, what are you…” He was going to ask but she grabbed his wrists and cuffed them behind his head, kissing his lips again desperate for contact Pike lurched forward as she pulled back, panting. “Izzy, please….kiss me more.” A soft hand pushed on his chest and circled his nipple, rolling it between her fingers. Pike moaned loudly, struggling against the handcuffs, he needed to touch her, kiss her, caress her, grab her.

“Not yet. I want to watch you more like you watch me Marcus.” Izzy cooed, she released his nipple and slid off his boxers, the agent lifted his hips to make it easier. He bit down on his bottom lip as he whimpered. She hadn’t even touched his dick yet, would he last? Is this how he makes her feel? Anything like this? “Marcus, baby, you still with me? You remember the word right?” He nodded and she followed by asking if he wanted to use it, he shook he head.

“Please, tell me how to want me….Please…” Pike begged. Izzy loved the sight of the man who often made her hoarse for work the next day in a puddle go pleasure. His cock was wet with precum. She wanted to ride him them, but she would need his help for stability and she wanted to toy with him a bit more. Instead, she chose to remove her scarf and kiss his forehead, then straddled his lower torso so her ass would be rubbing against his hardness. “Fuck Iz….You haven’t told me to do anything yet.” He whined, which was true it was torture.

“Keep still.” Izzy commanded, bouncing her ass against his cock, smearing his fluid on her ass. She was kissing down his face to his Adam’s apple, biting it with her teeth before licking it. His hips buckled up in response and she bit his shoulder, “I said keep still.” Pike nodded and did his best, but he was failing the longer it went on, as she moved down, her hips did as well and her moist entrance was met with his hard cock, rubbing each other as she started to moan as well.

“Isabella please….” It was rare Marcus used her entire name, he was quite serious when he did. Izzy then reached for the candle and dripped the hot substance over his chest. Marcus yelped as his body shivered from both the heat and pleasure, Izzy started rubbing it into his skin, his chest, stomach and his arms, she used both hands to give special attention to his thighs, the dark hairs, tickling her fingers. Marcus did his best to remain still but his body was shaking, throbbing to release. “Please let me cum…” He asked out of sheer desperation.

Isabella sat back on the bed, admiring the sight of a spanning, sweating, lubed Marcus. She thought of taking a picture, but decided against it. She just soaked in the image. “Marcus, you think you can continue to stay still while I take care of you?” She asked, reaching for a towel that she had on a dresser, she wiped down his penis, his fingernails pressing into his palms. He nodded, but after she finished wiping, she flicked his shaft, causing him to make and audible grunt. “I need to hear an answer.” She stated, her finger tracing the veins along his shaft.

“Y-Yes, I can stay still. I’ll d-d-do my best. Please Izzy….honey…” He whimpered. Satisfied, Izzy ran her tongue from the base of his cock to her head, rolling her tongue around his head before sucking a little, not too much. Marcus did well in remaining still for the most part, but once she had his head between her lips, his hips buckled. He realized his mistake and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again….please your sweet lips, let me cum…” She reached down with a free hand and pinched the skin of his testicles, before taking his girth into her mouth bobbing her head up and down while she rolled his balls between her fingers. Marcus screamed trying to resist the urge to buck his hips with her mouth, he was trying and failing, but this time she didn’t stop. Izzy used her teeth to lightly graze the skin of his head before rolling her her tongue around it, without warning, Marcus shot ribbons into her mouth as she shrugged to swallow, but downed as much she could, she did end up choking a little. In-between his breathy heaves, Marcus asked if she was ok and if she could uncuff him, he needed to know if she was okay. As Izzy took deep breaths she handed him the key, he un-cuffed himself and took her in his arms, rubbing her back. Her coughing calmed as he cradled her, kissing her forehead.

She looked up at him, her mouth with traces of him on it, “Did you enjoy yourself Marcus?” She asked, he was dumbfounded. What made her think he didn’t? His kissed her lips softly before grabbing a tissue to wipe them and himself off.

“You always surprise the hell out of me Isabella. I fucking loved it. How’d you think of that?” He asked genuinely wondering. She had never mentioned anything like this before.

“I tried to think of what you might do. You aways seem to watch me and be studying me each time Marcus, plus I thought the candle would be a nice touch.” She giggled, nuzzling into his chest. Marcus pulled her on top of him so her legs were spread, She yelped as her bit at the top of her teddy ripping it, Izzy grabbed it and help it to herself though it only covered one of her breasts. “M-Marcus!” His mouth enveloped one of her nipples as he sucked and tugged on it, he reached up and took the torn teddy from her, the grip she had on it loosened considerably. His other hand trailed down her belly which he loved to pat, she swatted his hand away and to strode further down until reaching her slick lips, running a finger over each of them as he parted them. “W-Wait… you’re not supposed to move…” She stated weakly. He was no longer cuffed and non-compliant to her demands. Pike pushed her on her back just as she had done with him, however he took hold of her ankles and held her legs up, closing her thighs around his penis which was half erect. He was the one teasing her now, running his dick back and forth against her entrance knowing he wouldn’t enter her. “Fuck…Marcus…” She cried, grabbing onto the sheets of the bed. After a few more pumps he opened her legs and pulled back, the cool air hitting her wet lips and causing her to moan. He positioned her knees on his shoulders, she knew what came next, her body tensed, but Pike just blew a kiss toward her folds, watching her, watch him as he smiled. “What are you doing down there?!” Izzy yelled indignant. How dare he just sit there? He was in position.

Marcus was loving seeing her mad, it was perfect. He was being a bit petty for what just happened, but she also did choke on his cum, eh, it was fair. His face lurched forward and kissed her thigh before using his teeth to bite her, then lick it again. He would make sure she thought about him again while she was typing at her desk in a meeting, just like he did when she left scratches on his back. What he wouldn’t do to her to make her think of him when they were apart. His lips gently pecked her clit as he felt her knees buckle, then flicked it with his tongue, he could make her climax from just her clit, but he decided to start twirling his fingers, slipped into her cunt and turn them, not pump them. Izzy cried out his name and he smiled and a dark laugh left his lips as tongue flicked again on her clit, her hips were moving where his fingers weren’t so he pulled them back out and took a hand from her knee and smacked her ass. “Not yet, you have to stay still.” He mocked her mischievously and inserted one finger. Izzy growled, wanting more, but gave in and remained still and he slowly pumped her and forming an ‘o’ with his lips around her clit, she really did try hard not to move, but she always seem to be moving, even when she was still. It was one of the many things Marcus loved about her. He removed his finger again and replaced it with his tongue, flicking around her walls as they closed around him, his nose rubbing her clit as his eyes met hers.

“Shit, I’m almost there….Marcus!” Izzy yelled, but Marcus pulled away from her, licking his lips, she looked up at him and he leaned over her, moving up his body. “You…you…damn it…” She seethed, once was bad enough, but twice?! Izzy pinched his cheeks as he laughed, she only saw one of his hands though. Marcus used the other one to position himself at her moist sex, his tip already in, she felt him spreading her ever so much, but he stopped again. “Marcus please, let me move or fuck me…” She asked grabbing his shoulders and pulling him closer to her, he slid into her and filed her, stinging slightly as he normally preps her more. She leaned into his ear, “I didn’t move my hips this time.” The office manager felt like she had a win, he had edged her a bit too much she thought. Marcus just grinned and kissed her jaw, pulling his hips back so he was halfway out.

He grabbed one of her knees to spread her even more. “No you didn’t but I’ll still fuck you any anyway Izzy.” He smiled before plunging deep into her at an angle, hitting the very back of her canal, he felt her shudder and scream his name as she came, but he leaned down, sucked on her neck as he kept pulling in and out of her at a steady pace, she wanted him to go faster, but he was dragging it out, he was going to torture her. He even slowed down when he was withdrawing from her fully and plunging deep into her again, grabbing her hips this time. Her loud moans spured him on, the louder she became the harder he fucked her until his felt his cock start to swell again. Izzy wrapped her legs around him and Marcus panicked for a minute knowing that he had been a bit too eager and didn’t put a condom on.

“It’s fine, I’m on my pills pour into me Agent Pike.” She moaned, feeling herself nearly ready to come again. Marcus turned her on her back again and hungrily kissed her lips. Slapping his thighs with hers, he grabbed one of her breasts and rolled her nipple.

“You call me Marcus, Izzy….Fuck you’re so tight.” Marcus groaned. Spreading his thick seed into her, Izzy cried from he heat as her walls sucked his cum out of him, they arched into each other, their bodies sticky and wet from each other. Marcus kissed from Izzy’s forehead down to her shoulder and that mole he had seen when he first saw her sleeping in that office. He went to move, but she held onto him.

“Marcus, don’t move yet, just stay. Please.” Izzy said quietly into his shoulder, not looking up at him. Marcus brushed some of her hair off out her face and nodded pecking her lips. Eventually, the pair went to the bathroom and freshened up and changed the sheets before getting into bed naked. “Normally I only change the sheets before you come not after.” Izzy remarked, she used humor for when she was a bit uncomfortable. Pike wrapped his arms around her as they got in bed, she turned to face him. She held his hand after giving his ass a little squeeze. Marcus laughed.

“You never did tell me how you wanted me other than to stay still Iz.” Marcus asked, teasing her a little. Izzy faked a pout and lifted his hand to kiss it.

“I want you just like this, here with me.” Marcus kissed her lips as she laid her head on his chest, his hand rubbed her back, she drifted off to sleep.

“I don’t wanna be anywhere else.” Agent Pike slipped into a deep slumber, never forgetting the warmth on his chest.

#fanfiction #fanfic #pedro pascal #marcus pike #pedro pascal characters #marcus pike x reader #smut #sweet #plus size reader x pedro pascal character

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homeimgs · 1 year ago

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Glen Isla Home Connects with the Beautiful Australian Landscape

The homeowners wanted a new house on a bayside site with views across Port Phillip Bay to the city. The building is contained to one edge of the site in order to maintain a strong connection with the existing landscape. Aside from that, the owners also want the house to take advantage of the long-distance views.

The materials used in the house are simple, clean and robust. It is designed to engage with the landscape as it grows and defines the property.

The entryway is tucked behind a timber-clad wall with vertical slot windows. These windows frame the views of the garden and add appeal to it.

A sophisticated weekender, the first floor living reflects the client’s love of food, wine and entertaining. The lower floor is internalized – the muted color palette punctuated by a punch of green identifying the cellar which forms the core of the house.

This is the dining area of the house with white kitchen cabinets and a wooden dining table. It has a floor-to-ceiling window that provide views of the area around it. Read Also: JC House: A Modern Trapezoidal Home in Portugal

The kitchen has a large white island, while dark cabinetry compliments the other dark elements like the dining chairs, counter stools and shelving.

Inside, polished-concrete screed floors and charcoal colored ceilings create a contemporary appearance, while a lime green rendered cellar adds a pop of color. Light wood stairs lead up to the second floor of the home.

This color is echoed in the first floor carpet as part of a lighter, airier assembly of materials and colors.

Just off the kitchen and almost hidden within the shelving and kitchen cabinetry is the door to the master bedroom. Green flooring has been used again as a color element in the mostly white interior.

The bathroom is also white with simple modern fixtures in it. It has a long rectangular mirror on the wall which makes it visually larger.

In the en-suite bathroom, a corner window adds natural light and provides a view of the trees, while dark flooring and a dark vanity contrast the white bathtub and white floor-to-ceiling tiles.

In another bedroom, a sliding glass door can be opened to have direct access to the backyard.

In this bathroom, a round mirror hangs on the wall, while white tiles in a chevron pattern cover the wall.

Upstairs is an open floor plan with an outdoor living room. It is located off the indoor living area which has large sliding glass doors that open the space up to the balcony.

Let us take another look at the home’s facade. This looks even more beautiful during the night when the outdoor space and the interior are lighted. The house is designed by Bryant Alsop and with the looks of it, they really did a great job with its layout and architecture. Of course, the interior is very nice too. Another thing that made the house beautiful is its mix of materials as well as the landscaping. You have also seen how it looks like during the night when the lights are turned on. The house used a lovely mix of textures, shapes, and lines which resulted in a simple yet sophisticated modern home. Would you love to have a house similar to this? Read the full article

#BryantAlsop #GlenIsla #modernhome #MountMarthaAustralia

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thepermanentrainpress · 6 years ago

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Gallery: The Phillips Backyard Weekender - Day 2 featuring Dessa @ Victoria, BC Date: July 21st, 2018 Photographed by: Michelle Edwards

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iobsessoverfictionalmen · 2 years ago

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Werewolf By Night - Drabble #4

AN: This drabble takes place when Jack and the reader are fifteen years old. In this chapter, there is a mention of an adult insulting a teenager.

Pequeña chispa - Little spark.

Laura smiled at you and Jack when you entered Jack's house. It had become a tradition that you would walk home with Jack after school and wait there for your mum to finish work. She would then pick you up after school, even though you insisted that since you were fifteen, you could walk home yourself.

Laura's smile dimmed as she noticed your frown.

"Did something happen?" She asked you.

Your frown deepened as you exhaled, "There's a kid in our Maths class who was bragging about going out on his yacht last weekend. When he bragged to me about it, all I said was "it may look nice on Saturday morning but dark clouds will roll in in the afternoon and it wouldn't be safe to go on the yacht because of the winds."

Laura nodded slowly, "Okay, so what's the problem?"

Jack grimaced, "His mother accosted us after school today and shouted for everyone to hear that (Name) had ruined their vacation because the kid refused to go on the yacht. The parent even admitted that the yacht had been flipped in the harbour because of the winds but she also shouted for everyone to hear that (Name) was a witch and to stay away from her son."

Laura tensed. She knew that she'd spoken to your mum about this but clearly she needed to remind your mum of the danger you were in. The older you became, the stronger your powers would become. Laura knew she needed to comfort you now and worry about that later.

"Pequeña chispa," she murmured, "you tried to help somebody and instead of thanking you, they reacted horribly. You saved their lives. Life is about finding people who appreciate you and your actions. Good people will always help each other. Remember that."

Your eyes looked watery but you managed a nod as Jack wrapped an arm around your shoulders and gave you a comforting side hug.

"Now," Laura motioned with her head to the backyard as her voice returned to its normal level and tone, "would one of you be so kind as to bring Phillip in here? I have a feeling he'd stay in the garden all day unless I remind him to come in for breaks and meals."

"No need," Phillip replied as he walked through the back door with Jack's younger sister, Lissa in tow. "I thought I heard the voices of some of my favourite people," Phillip stated.

#my writing #werewolf by night #drabble #jack russell #female reader #demigod reader #jack russell x reader

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ging-ler · 4 years ago

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I saw you mention it on here but any chance youd be willing to drop some songs from your shinkami playlist?? If not i totally understand 👌also 10/10 on your art its hella nice

oh of course! I’ll put a good chunk here, not the whole thing. Once I feel confident and have a good amount of songs (to me thats like 100) i might drop it haha. anyways here’s a shit ton:

Summer Nights by SIAMES // Arrow by half alive // Can I Call You Tonight? by Dayglow // spend some time alone inside my head by Phillip Brooks // Stella Brown by Jelani Aryeh // This Side of Paradise by Coyote Theory // Falling for U! by mxmtoon // What You Know by Two Door Cinema Club // Weekend Friend by Goth Babe // When I’m With You by Best Coast // feeling lonely by boy pablo // Thinking of You bu smoothboi Ezra // Like or Like Like by Miniature Tigers // I Wanna be There by Liza Anne // Out Like a Light by The Honeysticks // Sports by Beach Bunny // Reflections by MisterWives // Talk Too Much by COIN // Backyard Boy by Claire Rosinkranz // If I Were You by Claud // Mariposa from Peach Tree Rascals // Silhouettes by Colony House // Scrawny by Wallows // Are You Bored Yet? by Wallows // Be Alone by Paramore

Hope that was enough anon! Haha, and thank you about my art! I appreciate it!

#kamishin #Anonymous #shinkami #i counted there are 25 song there omg

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multiverseofimagines · 4 years ago

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Could you maybe do a request with Phillip Altman??? Maybe the reader is one of his best friends and the whole family isn’t surprised that they get together and they’re just waiting for it?? Thank you!!!!

Sorry that this is so shit, I wrote it so fast just because it sat in my inbox forever. It lacks detail but I loved the premise.

“Phil if we don’t leave now we will be late!” You yelled from the front door of Phillip and yours apartment. He had been taking his sweet ass time getting ready, as per usual.

He steps out of the bathroom, the smell of his cologne intoxicating your lungs, causing a smile to spread upon your lips. It’s the annual family barbeque, all the Altmans and their respectable partners in one roof for the whole weekend, a tradition that had gone on for years. Only this time would be quite different.

You and Phillip had been Best Friends since you could remember. Since presumably middle school. You grew up only a few houses down, and you had been inseparable ever since. You had been there for every family gathering, every barbeque and birthday, every small event within his life, even if he had brought another girl with him that he had been sleeping with, he made sure to still invite you.

As time went on though, things had begun to change, especially after the death of his father. He had moved closer to home to keep up with his family's company, and to spend more time with them, as they all had grown closer since the death. He became more mature with this change, and though he was the same in many ways, he took from his brother Judd, yearning for a genuine connection with someone.

You remember it so fondly, the night things had shifted.

You sat within a restaurant, waiting for the guy you had been seeing to show, but it had been two hours past, and he had failed to pick his phone up. Tears welled up within your eyes, as you stared impatiently at the entrance, a sinking feeling inside of you. You thought you were staring to fall in love with the guy, you could see somewhat of a future with him, which made the pain of letting go even worse.

Eventually, a waitress came to your table, a sympathetic look upon her face as she explained you would need to leave soon due to closing time. You couldn’t possibly drive, too emotional to even get up and follow the orders of the waitress. There had been only one person who could come and help you now, and that was Phillip. You dialed his number, attempting to clear your throat as the ringing tone echoed upon your ear, trying not to sound as if you had been crying. Phillip picked up, his voice sounded as if he’d been awakened by the call, “y/n?’ he asked.

“Oh god I’m so sorry, did I wake you?” He could hear you were upset, your voice filled with emotion still.

“Are you alright? What’s wrong?” He was now fully awake, the sound of you being upset sending him into a worried state, “Yeah- I just-” You took a sigh, trying not to start crying again, but to no avail the tears still fell.

“Jonathan stood me up. I’m at Grummans, you know, the Jewish place on 4th street? I’m too emotional to drive and-” You were cut off by the sound of Phillips' voice, “I’ll be there in 15.”

He was there so fast; you were surprised he hadn’t gotten a speeding ticket that time around.

The two of you drove to your apartment in silence, not being able to find the right words, too emotionally exhausted to explain or vent. He pulled into the lot, parking within your usual spot. You basked in the awkward silence for a moment still tearful and heartbroken. You turned to Phillip, who’s eyes never left you, always so concerned for you, always there to make things better.

“ Thank you Phillip.” Your lips quivering into a forced smile, though the utmost greatful for him. You leaned over to the driver's side, kissing his cheek softly, lovingly. You never realized until now how easy it was with him, how you melted like honey in his presence. It was something you had felt before throughout the years, and though his family had teased you about it for years, insisting the two of you would be married later on within life, you never truly realized why you couldn’t love anybody fully. Even Jonathan, the man you had been crying over, he had been the only one you could maybe see moving in, but you didn’t want it deep down. Deep down you had found that love within another, Phillip.

You pulled away from his cheek slowly, taking in his hazel eyes, gleaming upon the moonlight that shone slightly into the front window of the car. He was so effortlessly beautiful, how could you only just realize? But now wasn’t the time, you knew it was too good to be true, he couldn’t feel the same. You turned back to the door, going to open the handle, when his hand stopped you, softly resting upon your shoulder, causing your head to turn.

“Move in with me.”

He had felt it too within the car, the years of repressed feelings rushing to his thought process. The countless nights he had spent in other women's beds, wishing if only it were yours instead. It’s why none of his flings had lasted, he had looked for you within the eyes of others, when he could have just turned around to see yours staring back at him.

The two of you had moved in together, but it had all remained a secret to his family. You two acted as if everything was still the same way it used to be, not wanting to be pressured by anyone to explain yourselves. But this barbeque was important, for Phillip had plans to propose. He didn’t know when would be the perfect time; he was much more of a spontaneous soul, and he knew you would hate some huge declaration.

He wouldn’t do it in front of his family though, that would be too much. He would do it whilst you two were alone, perhaps in the evening within the back garden, as everyone was sleeping. That’s what he had dreamt about, all those silly nights, pining over his soon to be fiance, a perfect and subtle way of asking for eternity.

The two of you rolled your suitcases up the front walkway, Wendy and Tracy meeting you halfway to help with the bags. “Oh y/n! You’re absolutely glowing!” Tracy engulfed you in a tight hug. Beside you, Wendy did the same to her brother, saying how good it was to see him.

When walking into the house, the smell of food wafted upon your noses. “Mom! Their here!” Wendy called out, Hillary soon coming from the kitchen, dawning an apron. “ Oh! Phillip! Y/n!” Her arms lifted, engulfing each of you in a hug. “I’m just making dinner now,” She smiled, her eyes then settling upon the suitcases you had brought with you in order to stay for the weekend.

“This time around, Judd is sleeping at Penny’s, so y/n- how about you take Phillip's room? I’m sure my son would be a dear and sleep in the basement.” Your eyes widened, and “um” escaped your lips, as you almost instinctively went to correct her, but Phillip had caught on, interrupting you, “ Of course Ma.” He smiled at her, as she furrowed her eyebrows in your direction, utterly confused. “ That was close.” You whispered to him once she left.

It was a perfect night as usual within the house, laughing and bickering, talking about what everyone had been up to, if anyone had any exciting news. The food was amazing, though Phillip always complained upon the Kugel. When you two ended up alone he couldn’t stop talking about how disgusting it was. And though he had wanted to do it that night, he walked out the backyard with you to find Paul and Tracy sharing a kiss with one another. The two of you sneaking around the side of the house trying not to get caught, despite your fit of giggling. You both collapsed onto the ground, your back against the side fence.

“ I wish I could at least sleep in the same bed with you this weekend.” You laughed, your pinky holding onto his in a discreet fashion, “ When are we going to tell them?” You asked, staring upon the stars.

“ Soon enough, I promise.” He snuck a quick kiss to your cheek, before getting up to go to bed. You soon followed, going in the other direction.

Phillip had sat upon the fold out bed, something was keeping him awake, perhaps the lack of you beside him, or maybe the thought of how he was going to purpose. He wished his father had been alive to guide him, tell him what to do. He couldn’t tell anyone either, the secret had gone on for too long for him to tell anyone now, he would just have to do it on his own.

As Phillip continued to ponder, he could hear footsteps coming down, “y/n?” He question. There was no response for a silent moment before his sister's voice softly called out her name, “No, It’s Wendy. Can I come down?” He sighed softly to himself, “Yeah sure” He watched his sister with a curious smile. “You left your leather jacket upstairs, figured I’d bring it down for ya, before a child gets to it.” She smiled, her hand extending out to toss it at him, as she did so her smiled faded as something hard had flown out of the jacket, hitting the floor. Phillip immediately pounced to the floor to find what he had realized was the ring.

“Fucking shit.” Phillip swore under his breath, the tiny box, in between the two of them.

“What the hell is that?” Wendy questioned, walking over to Phillip.

“Nothing, it’s really nothing Wendy.” She laughed, holding her hand out, expecting him to pass it over, “You can lie to yourself but you can’t lie to me, kid. Give it up.” He passed it over, a sigh coming from his lips as she opened the box, revealing the most gorgeous diamond ring she had ever seen. Her eyes widened, staring at it for a moment before looking up at her younger brother.

“Um- who’s this for?” She asked. He couldn’t tell her, not now, it would ruin the entire plan, but Phillip was a terrible liar. “No one-” he responded, grabbing the box from her hand.

“Are you seeing someone Phil?” He couldn’t help but smile, causing Wendy to furrow her eyebrows, “Oh my god Phillip- don’t tell me you bought this for some-” Phillip looked up at her, “Somewhat Wendy? Whore?” Wendy bit her lip in embarrassment, “ Why wouldn’t you tell us.” She now sat down beside him on bed.

“ I didn’t want to explain myself. You all would have hounded us.” He slightly chuckled to himself, imagining the family’s reactions. Wendy smiled, grabbing his hands, “We’re your family Phillip. You can’t hide this stuff, because whether you like it, whoever you choose will be a part of this family too.” He smiled back at her, their eyes both forming tears.

She let go of his hands, grabbing the box from his free hand, staring at it, “Why didn’t you bring her this weekend?” She questioned, still looking at the box. Phillip failed to answer, a blush swept upon his cheeks as he tried to hide a mischevious smile. It took Wendy a moment, before looking back at him, a look of confusion plastered upon her face.

“ Wait- Why did you bring the ring with you?” He still didn’t answer, attempting to look away from her gaze, “Phillip why are you smiling like that!”

It took her a moment, Phil looking at her face changing out of the corner of his eye, with every passing second he could see the realization settling in.

“ OH MY GOD” She was off the bed and up the stairs in a matter of moments, “MOM!!” Phillip following close behind her, “ Wendy! Please don’t!” It was too late, her yelling had wakened everybody in the house up by now, all coming down in their respectable nightgowns and robes.

“What is going on?!” Hilary questioned, coming down the stairs to meet Wendy and Phillip, it was as if it had been scene out of their childhood, whenever Wendy had caught him sneaking out.

Tracy and Paul followed behind, with you behind them, all of you now standing at the bottom of the stairs, staring at the two.

“Why don’t you tell her Phillip?” Wendy turned to him, passing the box back to him.

“What are you talking about?” Hilary questioned again, staring at the black box with confusion. Your eyes widened, also plagued with confusion.

“ I can’t-” He choked out before looking at you, “y/n? can you come over here?” You awkwardly stepped past them, walking over to Phillip. He looked you in the eyes, nervousness fell upon him.

“I didn’t want to do it like this- believe me. But it seems as though I have no other choice now.” He laughed, lowering himself onto one knee in front of you.

“ It seems as though we’ve already spent half of our lives together. You are my best friend, my rock, the only person I’ve ever truly felt this way for. Will you do me the honour of spending the rest of your life with me?” You cried, tears rolling upon your cheeks as you nodded frantically, staring at the now open box, the diamond shimmering among the chandelier above you.

“You’re crying?” Tracy whispered to Paul,

“ Yeah-” He wiped his cheek with his hand, “Only cause I owe Judd a 50$”

#phillip altman #phillip altman imagine #adam driver #adam driver imagine #adam driver x reader #adam driver headcanons #adam driver smut

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newstfionline · 3 years ago

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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Offices after COVID: Wider hallways, fewer desks (AP) The coronavirus already changed the way we work. Now it’s changing the physical space, too. Many companies are making adjustments to their offices to help employees feel safer as they return to in-person work, like improving air circulation systems or moving desks further apart. Others are ditching desks and building more conference rooms to accommodate employees who still work remotely but come in for meetings. Architects and designers say this is a time of experimentation and reflection for employers. Steelcase, an office furniture company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, says its research indicates half of global companies plan major redesigns to their office space this year. “This year caused you to think, maybe even more fundamentally than you ever have before, ‘Hey, why do we go to an office?’” said Natalie Engels, a San Jose, California-based design principal at Gensler, an architecture firm.

Canada sets record temperature of over 114 degrees amid heat wave, forecasts of even hotter weather (Washington Post) Lytton, a village in British Columbia, became the first place in Canada to ever record a temperature over 113 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday—and experts are predicting even hotter weather to come. The temperature in Lytton soared to just under 115 degrees Sunday, according to Environment Canada, a government weather agency. “It’s warmer in parts of western Canada than in Dubai. I mean, it’s just not something that seems Canadian,” Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips told CTV News on Saturday. Even in the metropolitan hub of Vancouver, parks, beaches and pools have been flooded with residents eager to cool off as the temperature hit 89 degrees at the local airport on Sunday—a record in a coastal city that usually has mild weather. The high temperatures in the region have been blamed on a “heat dome”—a sprawling area of high pressure—now sitting over western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Experts say climate change can make extreme weather events like this more common.

Florida condo collapse echoes tragedies in Brazil, Egypt and India (Washington Post) Around the world, in countries with paltry building codes, little enforcement of existing rules and the proliferation of informal housing, tragedies like Thursday’s building collapse in Florida—where scores of people are still missing—have taken a heavy toll. Among the missing is the first cousin of a former president of Chile, where in 2019 at least six people died when two houses collapsed in the port city of Valparaiso. Others are from Argentina and Colombia, sites of two deadly building tragedies that killed at least a dozen people in each country in 2013. On Friday, five people were killed in the coastal Egyptian city of Alexandria after a five-story building collapsed—an all-too-frequent event in a country where planning permits are often bypassed or violated and makeshift structures house millions of people. At least two people died in Brazil when a four-story residential building crumbled June 3 in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, were organized crime is known to have a hand in shoddy construction projects. In India, buildings are routinely at risk of collapse during the annual monsoon rains. The night of June 9, at least 11 people, including eight children, were killed in Mumbai when a two-story building collapsed on nearby structures, the BBC reported. Local authorities said it was likely due to heavy rains.

New Cuba policy on hold while Biden deals with bigger problems (Washington Post) Five months into his administration, President Biden’s campaign promise to “go back” to the Obama policy of engagement with Cuba remains unfulfilled, lodged in a low-priority file somewhere between “too hard” and “not worth it.” “I would say that 2021 is not 2015,” when Obama reestablished full diplomatic relations with Havana and opened the door to increased U.S. travel and trade with the communist-ruled island, only to see Donald Trump slam it closed again, a senior administration official said. “We have an entire world and a region in disarray,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. “We are combating a pandemic and dealing with a breaking down of democracy in a whole host of countries. That is the environment we are in. When it comes down to Cuba, we’ll do what’s in the national security interest of the United States.” But if the current state of the world and national security demands on the administration make addressing the relationship with Cuba one hard problem too many, what makes it not worth the effort is a purely domestic matter. For the most part, it comes down to two words: Robert Menendez. The Democratic senator from New Jersey, the powerful chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, is a key player in issues the administration sees as far more important than Cuba in a Senate evenly split along party lines. The U.S.-born son of immigrants from pre-communist Cuba, he is strongly against reopening the door to Havana.

Venezuela migrants cross US border in droves (AP) Marianela Rojas huddles in prayer with her fellow migrants, a tearful respite after trudging across a slow-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande and nearly collapsing onto someone’s backyard lawn, where, seconds before, she stepped on American soil for the first time. It’s a frequent scene across the U.S.-Mexico border at a time of swelling migration. But these aren’t farmers and low-wage workers from Mexico or Central America, who make up the bulk of those crossing. They’re bankers, doctors and engineers from Venezuela, and they’re arriving in record numbers as they flee turmoil in the country with the world’s largest oil reserves and pandemic-induced pain across South America. Last month, 7,484 Venezuelans were encountered by Border Patrol agents along the U.S.-Mexico border—more than all 14 years for which records exist. While some are government opponents fearing harassment and jailing, the vast majority are escaping long-running economic devastation marked by blackouts and shortages of food and medicine.

Peru’s election limbo (Foreign Policy) Supporters of both Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori took to the streets of Peru over the weekend as the June 6 presidential election still does not have an official winner. Castillo’s apparent 44,000-vote victory has been delayed by Fujimori’s accusations of fraud in an election process that international observers, including the United States, have described as free and fair. An electoral jury charged with adjudicating contested ballots resumes its review today, with an official result only possible once the jury’s work has concluded.

Who needs hackers? (Foreign Policy) A spat between Russia and the United Kingdom over a British naval vessel’s transit near Russian-occupied Crimea took a bizarre turn over the weekend when classified documents about the operation were found in a sodden heap behind a bus stop in Kent. The documents, given to the BBC, describe the boat’s journey—which caused Russia to scramble military jets—as an “innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters,” and includes potential routes that would have avoided a Russian response. The British government has launched an investigation into how the documents leaked. Responding to the incident, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mocked the British government. “Why do we need ‘Russian hackers’ if there are British bus stops?,” Zakharova said on Telegram.

The Far-Right Stumbles in France (Foreign Policy) The French far-right fared poorly in regional elections over the weekend, failing to win control of even one of France’s 18 regions and potentially denting Marine Le Pen’s chances ahead of next year’s presidential contest. Le Pen will hope that the low turnout belies greater support on the national stage. An estimated 34.5 percent of French voters cast a ballot on Sunday.

Spain, Portugal further restrict UK travelers (AP) Spain and Portugal have placed new restrictions on U.K. travelers. Portugal says they must go into quarantine for two weeks unless they have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 finished 14 days earlier. The policy took effect Monday. The government says people can quarantine at home or in a place stipulated by Portuguese health authorities. Arrivals from Brazil, India and South Africa come under the same rule. All others entering Portugal must show either the European Union’s COVID Digital Certificate or a negative PCR test. In Spain, beginning Thursday, people arriving from the U.K. in the Balearic Islands will have to show they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative PCR test.

India Shifts 50,000 Troops to China Border in Historic Move (Bloomberg) India has redirected at least 50,000 additional troops to its border with China in a historic shift toward an offensive military posture against the world’s second-biggest economy. Although the two countries battled in the Himalayas in 1962, India’s strategic focus has primarily been Pakistan since the British left the subcontinent, with the long-time rivals fighting three wars over the disputed region of Kashmir. Yet since the deadliest India-China fighting in decades last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has sought to ease tensions with Islamabad and concentrate primarily on countering Beijing. Over the past few months, India has moved troops and fighter jet squadrons to three distinct areas along its border with China, according to four people familiar with the matter. All in all, India now has roughly 200,000 troops focused on the border, two of them said, which is an increase of more than 40% from last year. China is adding fresh runway buildings, bomb-proof bunkers to house fighter jets and new airfields along the disputed border in Tibet, two of the people said. Beijing also adding long-range artillery, tanks, rocket regiments and twin-engine fighters in the last few months.

U.S. targets Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Syria strikes (Washington Post) U.S. forces launched airstrikes on facilities on both sides of the Iraq-Syria border, the Pentagon said Sunday, in response to recent drone attacks on U.S. troops in the region carried out by Iran-backed militias. Two militia locations in Syria were attacked, along with one in Iraq, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement, which described the strikes as defensive in nature. Officials have said militias employing small, explosive-laden drones to attack regional U.S. personnel is one of the chief concerns for the U.S. military mission there. Syrian state media said, without providing evidence, that U.S. strikes hit residential buildings near the border around 1 a.m. local time, killing one child and wounding three residents.

Palestinians protesting against Abbas (AP) Thousands of Palestinians have taken to the streets in recent days to protest against President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority, whose security forces and supporters have violently dispersed them. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of an outspoken critic of the PA in security forces’ custody last week, but the grievances run much deeper. Abbas’ popularity plunged after he called off the first elections in 15 years in April and was sidelined by the Gaza war in May. The PA has long been seen as rife with corruption and intolerant of dissent. Its policy of coordinating security with Israel to go after Hamas and other mutual foes is extremely unpopular. Protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque on Friday accused the PA of being collaborators, a charge that amounts to treason.

Ethiopia declares immediate, unilateral cease-fire in Tigray (AP) Ethiopia’s government on Monday declared an immediate, unilateral cease-fire in its Tigray region after nearly eight months of deadly conflict as Tigray forces occupied the regional capital, soldiers retreated and hundreds of thousands of people continue to face the world’s worst famine crisis in a decade. The cease-fire could calm a war that has destabilized Africa’s second most populous country and threatened to do the same in the wider Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia has been seen as a key security ally for the West. The declaration was carried by state media shortly after the Tigray interim administration, appointed by the federal government, fled the regional capital, Mekele. Meanwhile, Mekele residents cheered the return of Tigray forces for the first time since Ethiopian forces took the city in late November. Ethiopia said the cease-fire will last until the end of the crucial planting season in Tigray. The season’s end comes in September.

After pandemic free-for-all, parents struggle to reinstate screen-time rules (Washington Post) The week after Rebecca Grant took away her kids’ video games for a month, after a year of relaxed pandemic rules, her 10-year-old son was livid. The ban wasn’t an easy decision for Grant. The 46-year-old mom of two from Fremont, Calif., did hours of research and read multiple books from parenting experts. She joined Facebook groups for families in similar situations and closely watched her children’s behavior, which had been worrisome for a while. “He was really not taking it well,” Grant said. “In a way, it reinforced my decision. He’s just so attached to this [video games], he’s not rational.” After 15 months of various levels of shutdowns, families in the United States are trying to come out of a tech-filled haze for summer. It’s a chance to swap out Xbox time for bike rides with friends, or Zoom school for summer camp. But parents are discovering that subtracting screen time is much harder to do than adding it. They are facing resistance from kids accustomed to their freedom or just struggling to find alternatives to fill the time before a more normal fall school semester begins. While some parents just want their kids to be social or active again, many have noticed personality and behavioral changes in their children. They’re irritable, argumentative and have poor focus. Some have become anxious or depressed, or throw more tantrums and fly into rages. “Having all that screen time all day for a whole year, their nervous system is really disregulated, and those symptoms need to be reversed,” said Victoria Dunckley, a child psychiatrist who studies the impact of screens on children and the author of “Reset Your Child’s Brain.” “All this overstimulation is putting them into a state of stress.”

#headlines #news

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glassbxttles · 4 years ago

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Dates with the Boys

Clyde: Clyde loved cooking together. You two moved in sync in the kitchen. One made your pasta, the other made a sauce to compliment it. Both of you would argue over what to drink; which usually ended up with you having wine and him having whiskey. At the end of the night, you would do the dishes and he would turn the radio on something soft and slow. Sometimes you would dance together and sometimes you would just sit on the couch listening to Clyde hum into your hair.

Flip: Flip likes to take you out shooting. You both steal away to a secluded part in the woods and Flip sets up cans that you two just blow to absolute shit. He wanted you to feel confident. Wanted you to be able to feel like you could help yourself if, god forbid, something else were to happen when he was away. You’d get to let out your pent up rage and maybe you two would sit in the grass and tell each other about the week you’d had.

Sackler: Adam always took you dancing. Every friday night you two would go to the same karaoke bar and have the same nacho and fried pickle dinner. Adam would sit and sip on a soda and you would as well. When they’d put on something slow, Adam would pull you close and press kisses into your hair. Afterwards he always went across the street from your apartment building for a meeting whilst you ran him a bath and made him a snack. You’d wash his hair and he’d splash all that he could at you until your clothes were wet or you were in the tub with him.

Daniel: Daniel bated you into a classic film every weekend if he wasn’t working another long shift. It shouldn’t be surprising at this point. You knew how giddy he’d get when he’d exclaim; I have two days off and I’m gonna spend them with you in my underwear. You’d smile and make him a BLT sandwich with extra mayonnaise, just like he liked it. You two would cuddle on the couch and inevitably Daniel would be out within the first ten minutes.

Charlie: Charlie likes when you both get dressed up and go out to a fancy dinner. He loves it more when he discovers you’ve stashed away to your shared bedroom to change into a pretty lingerie set he’s never gotten his hands on. And you both spend your night in a wonderful way.

Ronnie: Ronnie’s favorite date by far is when you two planted the garden in your backyard. You each spent time researching which plants you wanted and which herbs would grow in the area. You took picking out your planters seriously, and Ronnie picked out a bunch of Star Wars garden décor. You two spent the evening getting dirty, throwing dirt and laughing as you dug each hole. You two would kiss in the middle and it took you so much longer than you thought it would because you couldn’t get enough of one another.

Rick: Rick likes to take you to bookstores to browse. You each would pick out a book for the other and you’d treasure it more than you care to admit. The two of you would settle down in the park for a picnic with your books and just read quietly as you ate your sandwiches. And maybe Rick would snap a few photos of you. He loved the mundane shots that just showed your life together.

Phillip: Wine tastings! Wine tastings! Wine tastings! Phillip loved when you would put on those high rise jeans and that underboob top that drove him crazy. He would take you out one weekend a month for wine and cheese and you both were tipsy and love drunk by the end of the night, stealing kisses under the moon.

Matt: Sleepovers! Matt loves when you’d come to stay the night. You would wear his hoodie and a comfy pair of leggings. He would wear his star wars pjs and a nice worn in red t-shirt. You both would make hot pockets and pizza rolls and down dozens of root beers as you two went back and forth between movies.

Kylo: Crazily domestic, You and Kylo took a cooking class together. His ego being crushed every time your half came out better. But you’d just smile and offer to help with his, which normally led to food being shoved in your face and laughs emitting as your body was engulfed by his limbs.

Ben: Ben wanted you to feel safe, after all it’s been a long time since you’ve been able to. He always planned staycations to last a week. You reminisced over your old life together and counted on making new memories in this new world.

Jude: Road trips. Every weekend you two would take a trip out of state. Loading up on snacks and drinks before you left New York state lines. You bought a new CD every friday to be the anthem of your trip. And you spent three days, marking up all sorts of bed sheets in the surrounding states.

#I have ideas for ben/kylo but i struggle writing them #matty is my baby #matty x sunshine warms my heart #clyde my darling #i love thinking of dates with our sweet boys #i love my adcu

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izzy-b-hands · 5 years ago

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Fictober 2019, Oct. 16th, “Listen. No, Really Listen.”

Fanfiction

Fandom: The Pacific

Pairings: Eugene “Sledgehammer” Sledge/Merriell “Snafu” Shelton

Rating: G

Warnings: None

2,291 words

I’ve never written them as having kids, but I figured I’d give it a shot on this prompt. Baby gets left on their front step, and what are they to do?

“You got Snafu, how many I help you?” Snafu’s voice was difficult to hear between the din in the background and... “Is that a baby?”

“He got left on the doorstep,” Eugene fussed as he tried to adjust the baby to his other shoulder, away from the phone, even as the baby tried to shove his little face and head full of dark curls into his chest. “I was cleaning the house, the doorbell rings, by the time I get there whoever rang it is gone, but there’s a basket and-”

“Baby?” Snafu asked.

“Yeah,” he replied. “Maybe six months old, skinny, and upset as can be right now. I ran all up and down the road looking for whoever left him, but whoever it was must have moved fast.”

“Maybe they’re thinkin’ your old man still lives there? I mean, if you absolutely had to drop a baby somewhere, with a doctor would be a good spot,” Snafu said.

“That might be it. There’s a note in the basket, but I’ve got my arms full right now so I haven’t read it yet,” he sighed as he bounced gently, hoping it would ease the baby’s sobbing. “I hate to ask this, but would the shop let you come home early today?”

“Hold on,” Snafu said, and Eugene could hear him move away from the phone just a bit. “Hey! Somebody left a kid in our driveway! Can I head home, give Gene some help?”

Not far enough away from the phone, however, and Eugene cursed at the combined volume of Snafu yelling, the shop din, and the baby on his other shoulder. He could deal with noise, but it was an awful lot right at the moment.

“That’s fuckin’ weird!” came the shouted reply from someone in the shop. “Yeah, go home. We got it for today!”

“You and the kiddo hold tight; I’m on my way,” Snafu hung up, and Eugene all but tossed the phone back down to the set.

“I know. You’re hungry, tired, probably more hungry than anything else honestly, but I don’t have much in the way of food for you, buddy,” Eugene soothed as he walked them back to the kitchen and checked the fridge again, as if the contents (beer, half a loaf of bread, and a wedge of cheese) would have somehow changed. “We need groceries, and even if we’d gotten ‘em yesterday, don’t usually buy for a baby, so no idea if we’d have anything...that isn’t what you wanna hear though. Hell, I’m sayin’ it, and it isn’t what I wanna hear.”

“Dad’s in his office hours now, or I’d call him and have him bring something for you,” he continued, bouncing gently on his feet, hoping to soothe the painful sounding crying from the baby. “Shit. Should have had Snafu pick something up...”

He shifted the baby to his hip as he went back to the phone, and dialed Mary and Sid.

“Phillips’ residence,” Mary sounded so warm, so cheerful, so like someone who might have something fit for a baby in her fridge.

“Mary, I have a baby.”

“All on your own? Well, color me impressed. Does Snafu know, or is that a surprise for when he gets home?”

Eugene sighed. “Funny. He does know, and he’s on his way home, but I have no food suitable for a baby, and I didn’t think to ask Snafu to get us anything, and the little guy is just bawling his eyes out, and I mean, I’ve never heard a baby cry this hard, and I don’t think they can hurt themselves doing that, but what if they can, and-”

“Eugene,” Mary interrupted softly. “How about I bring over some things the baby can probably eat, and then we can all relax until Snafu gets home?”

“Okay, yeah. Thank you; I’ll find a way to pay you back, have you and Sid over for dinner this weekend maybe, or-”

Mary laughed. “Just relax. I’ll be over quick as I can.”

It helped, knowing the cavalry was on the way, but the baby didn’t understand that, and his pitiful cries weren’t lessening.

“Buddy...you gotta calm down. Why am I telling you that? You don’t know what ‘calm’ is, really. And why should you? You got reason to cry,” he hummed as he tried another circuit around the first floor of the house. “Look, here’s Queen! Say hi to the kitty!”

He knelt down to try and show him Queen, but Queen only sniffed the baby’s foot, looked at him as if to say ‘Really? This is the best you can do?’ and flounced away upstairs.

“Okay. How about the backyard, huh? We’ll go see what’s out there,” he said as he went to the front door, unlocked it for Snafu and Mary, and then went out to the backyard.

The afternoon was turning into the soft early evening, and the sun filtered through the trees that lined the edges of the yard, just outside of the fence Snafu had built to make sure the cats stayed safe whenever they went out. Birds chirped in the branches that extended over the fence, flitting through the leaves.

It was one of Eugene’s favorite sections of the yard, along with the garden, and he headed straight for it.

“Look, see all the birds? They make noise too, but they sing. If we stop crying, we can hear them better.”

The crying slowed just a bit, as the baby started to peer around the yard, eyes red and obviously tired, little lower lip stuck out in a pout.

“That’s better, see? Listen,” he said softly.

The crying started to veer up in volume, but he went closer to the branches, pointing out the tiny sparrows, the swallows, the robins, and others hopping about. “No, really listen.”

Finally, the crying slowed to sniffles and the occasional whine as the bird song surrounded them.

“Calms me down too, being out here with them,” he said, gently patting the baby’s back.

He didn’t pay much attention to how long they stayed there, the baby calming enough to switch from sniffling to babbling, particularly something that sounded like ‘bird’, a chubby hand pointing to the birds as they fluttered by.

“You two still hungry?” Mary’s voice startled him back to reality, and he turned to find her and Snafu stood at the back of the yard, smiling.

“How long have you two been there?”

“Long enough to know you were all panicked for nothing. Look at you, you got this,” Snafu replied.

“Not really,” he blushed. “Just lucky he likes the birds too.”

“Well, why don’t you say good night to the birds and come inside. We got groceries, and that note read too. Think you’ll be interested to give a read as well,” Mary said and lead the way inside.

They settled in the kitchen, and the baby turned to him with the tiniest, saddest look on his face at the lack of birdsong. The fussing that started up was quiet, but he sighed internally at the thought of the baby being upset again, when he’d just gotten him happy.

“Gimme. You need a break,” Snafu said, taking the baby from his arms.

The baby stared at Snafu wide-eyed as Snafu settled him on his hip, murmuring something in French, almost instantly quieting him.

“How...” Eugene stared.

“Lot of neighborhood siblings. Used to babysit for most of the neighbors once I was old enough. Like having a bunch of little brothers and sisters,” Snafu replied as Mary handed him a bowl of what looked like strained peaches and a spoon.

“You gotta eat up nice, okay? We don’t got a high chair for ya,” Snafu said to the baby as he sat and set the baby on his lap. He moved a spoonful of peaches towards the baby, who instantly batted the spoon out of his hand and onto the floor.

Snafu sighed. “Okay, alright, Armand. I asked for that, didn’t I? Invited it by saying anything at all...”

Mary snickered. “You jinxed it is what ya did, Snaf. Didn’t he, little man?”

The baby, apparently named Armand, finally gave them a smile as Snafu handed him back over so he could clean the floor.

“You read that note, and I’ll take Armand back in a moment and we’ll try again,” Snafu said. “Not gonna toss the spoon to the floor this time, right? “

“Yah,” Armand babbled.

“Here,” Mary said, and handed over the note from the basket. “You read, and I’ll help Snaf.”

“I’ve got it,” Snafu fussed.

“I’m here to help, let me,” Mary insisted.

As they playfully argued, Eugene bounced Armand on his leg and set to reading the note. It was short:

I’ve watched you and who I can only assume is your husband for awhile now. I’ve been struggling to keep Armand and myself fed and safe since my parents kicked me out, and I know I can’t keep it up much longer. I have enough money to start over somewhere else, and as much as I don’t want to give my baby boy up...I want him to be safe, and healthy, and happy, and with people caring for him who are all those things too. You both seem like those people, who won’t judge me too harshly for my actions. Please, raise him well like I know you will, and let him know his momma loved him very much.

Thank you.

It was unsigned, and in handwriting his didn’t recognize. Who knew how far away the woman had come from, or how far away she was now. He regretted he couldn’t somehow reach her and help her, but if nothing else, he could do as she asked, as long as Snafu was ready for it as well.

“So...we have a baby?”

Snafu gave him a soft, careful glance as he stood up from the floor. “I mean...I know the other options. Had a sibling end up there...foster care, and all that. Never did hear from her again. So...”

“We have a baby,” Eugene smiled.

“We have a baby,” Snafu grinned. “I mean, there’ll be stuff we have to work out. Who goes in to set up him for school, and all that, but with everything we’ve seen so far...think we can figure that all out. Right, little man?”

Armand giggled, and it felt right in a way he hadn’t realized it would. Fatherhood had crossed his mind before, and he’d talked it over with Snafu, but they’d figured there would simply be no way to adopt without the less kind and tolerating sort of people...asking questions. Getting in their business, keeping them from being a happy family. They were lucky in that overall, there weren’t many like that, but even the few could make things difficult.

“Congratulations are in order!” Mary chirped as she tossed the used rags into their sink, the mess cleaned and the floor back to shining. “Let me call Sid, and on some friends. You’ll need so much...diapers, a crib, some toys of course, changing table, and that’s just the bare bones...we’ll get you taken care of, give me five minutes!”

“We can buy some of it,” Eugene protested. That was a lot of kindness to ask from everyone.

“At this hour? From who? You need at least the diapers and bed tonight, so don’t you argue with me,” Mary replied. “And keep feeding him! He’s happy for the moment, but he’s still gotta be hungry!”

They watched her head for the phone, and laughed.

“The hell would we do without her?” Snafu said as he picked up the spoon and bowl and started to try and feed Armand again.

“Be pretty goddamn hopeless, I think. Thank heavens for Mary,” he replied as caught some of the peach falling from Armand’s mouth. “Gotta actually try and get in his mouth, Snaf.”

“I’m tryin’,” Snafu replied. “Peach not your thing, buddy?”

As if made of pure and adorable spite, Armand swallowed the next spoonful down happily.

Snafu smiled. “What a little asshole. How is possible to love someone that impossible so damn much?”

“Same way I love you,” Eugene smiled, even as a spoonful of peach hit him in the face.

“Spoon slipped,” Snafu giggled.

“Lies, but I still love your ass,” Eugene shook his head. “Someone is gonna need a bath after this.”

“Nah,” Armand said, in the process spitting out his current spoonful of peach onto his already stained onesie.

“Also lies,” Eugene laughed. “C’mon. Let’s get you cleaned up before the neighborhood comes over with things for you.”

“Nah,” Armand replied.

“Wanna bet ten bucks his first word is no?” Snafu asked as they headed for the bathroom upstairs, passing Mary, still on the phone, a notepad full of notes in front of her.

“I’ll be happy no matter what it is,” Eugene said. “Just can’t wait to hear it.”

“Maybe his mom’ll reach back out,” Snafu said quietly. “Would love to let her know what it is. Give her updates on him.”

“I hope she will,” Eugene replied. “I want her to know he’s gonna be safe, and happy, and healthy. And clean, in a little bit.”

By the time everyone was over, with clothes, diapers, toys, and just about every other baby-related item they could have wanted or needed, he was. Dressed in a fresh diaper and clothes, he was a charmer to everyone, and it felt like the house was complete with him there. They both knew there was plenty difficult to come, probably sleepless nights as Armand adjusted to a new home, and more as he grew, but they were ready for it. The good and the bad, and everything in between.

#text post #LeeH writes #Sledgefu #fictober19

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pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles · 5 years ago

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Colour Me In (Part 8)

Kevin was cracking up at the video Eliza was showing him. Calum and her step dad, Phillip, had decided to play a little one on one football in the backyard before they ate dinner. It was friendly but competitive. Keven watched as Calum kicked the ball around her step dad's ankles while Phillip tried to fake him out. Calum was smug until Phillip swooped back around stealing the ball and scoring with ease before he could react. Clapping Calum on the back Phillip laughed, “those cigarettes, my boy, they slow you down, I'm an old man, that's my excuse.”

“You're not old, and you're Brazilian. That's a natural advantage from birth,” Calum teased him.

Phillip had been much easier to win over. He was friendly and outgoing, making everyone here meet feel like an old friend. He and Calum had quickly started chatting about music and football. As a child, Phillip had played in his family's band, his dad having a decently popular career as a singer/variety show host on Spanish language television. After his father died, his mother had brought them to the U.S. opening her own restaurant with the kids as entertainment on the weekends. He had a lot in common with Calum and Eliza had been relieved.

“Even better,” she told Kevin, “between Pops and Alex monopolizing Calum, Mama had a hard time pinning him down. She did ask about the tattoos and life on the road, and she didn't look happy when he told her they had a tour coming up.”

“Ooooh you didn't tell me he was going on tour“ Kevin shot her a look.

“It's no one's business, besides you know how busy we've both been. Yeah he's gonna leave in two weeks and be gone for four months. I hate it, I hate it so much, but this is what he does. It's just part of being with him.” Eliza sighed, sad just thinking about it.

“You guys aren't breaking up are you?” Kevin looked devastated at the thought.

“What? No!!! Don't even think that asshole,” Eliza almost smacked him. “We're gonna text, and video chat, but I worry a little bit. I mean he'll be on the road with his friends, girls everywhere, and I know it's got to be killing him.” She blushed and looked away, embarrassed to talk about it even with Kevin. They'd been dating a little over two months now and still hadn't had sex, or really much past some steamy makeout sessions in the car or on Calum's couch. She knew it was out of character for him to go without for so long. He hadn't complained once, but Eliza worried he would get tired of waiting.

“Bitch will you stop worrying, Calum clearly adores you. He's hanging out with your family, teaching Alex guitar, learning how to deal with Maggie's hyper ass, and Mama even invited him back a third time. He's learning another language just to talk to you. You've got this boy whipped and it's obvious to everyone. The thots are still mad at you,” Kevin dissolved into laughter.

He was so glad Eliza had come up to Santa Barbara for a few days. His mother had suffered a series of strokes and his siblings, despite being in her life and in her pockets, had not been able to find the time to handle the crisis. Kevin, the youngest, the one she'd thrown out of her house at the age of fifteen, was left to set up her care and sign papers after being granted power of attorney. For almost two weeks he'd dealt with it alone before begging Eliza to come up and save his sanity. They'd spent an entire first day just shopping and gossiping. This morning they had hit up a fancy bistro for breakfast and then a spa mani/pedis. Currently they were sprawled out on the couch at Kevin's mother's house talking about boys, per usual, before Kevin had to meet his mom's lawyer at 2pm.

She felt guilty that she'd let her best friend go through so much by himself. Eliza felt she'd been neglecting their friendship for Calum, but Kevin insisted he understood.

“If I had a man like that in my life, you might only hear from me on Christmas and your mama's birthday,” Kevin cracked himself up. “Maybe Maggie,” he added “how is my little troublemaker anyways? Sad she's finally losing you to a man?”

Eliza snorted, “not hardly, she's thrilled she has someone new to pester. Not only that she and Calum really hit it off, and she's taken improving his sign language as a personal mission.”

Eliza's phone buzzed. “She must know we're talking about her,” she laughed checking her messages. Her face fell and Kevin knew it was bad news.

“Oh no” she mouthed staring at the screen as tears filled her eyes.

Kevin, impatient, snatched the phone from her hands. “Oh shit, oh my poor baby,” he put this hand up to his throat and looked at Eliza.

I just got the email and apparently all that work was for nothing. I didn't get the internship at the U.N., I'm not going to NYC. I actually tried really hard on this and I don't know why they didn't pick me. So right now I feel like a complete failure, and I'm stuck here for the summer instead of having my own life across the country.

"Oh shit, we're going into Maggie meltdown mode," Kevin was alarmed, "she's never dealt well with disappointment."

"The danger of being a gifted child. Most things come easy for her. Anything that doesn't she just applies herself to with stellar results every single time. Usually the only time Maggie doesn't get what she wants is from Mama or me" Eliza knew how much her sister had been counting on this, and how devastated she must be.

"Mama has her hands full with that one, but she knows how to deal with Mags when she gets like this," Kevin reassured her, but Eliza shook her head.

"Nope, Pops took Mama and Alex up to SF for the weekend. Alex has that gaming convention and they're looking at a couple properties," Eliza didn't want Maggie to be stuck home alone with nothing but her anxiety and Oliver for company.

"It's ok if you gotta go back," Kevin signed, Eliza could tell he was disappointed but his concern for Maggie won out.

Kevin checked traffic and it wasn't hard to lip read "ooh you're FUCKED."

There was a fiery multi car fatality crash on the 101 that had traffic backed up for miles. It was going to turn a 2 hour drive into an epic quest. Eliza texted Maggie back as she tried to figure out what to do.

Maggie was curled up on the couch with Oliver having cried herself out. Her mind was racing and doubt was gnawing on her soul. What if she wasn't as smart as she liked to think she was. What if she was wasting her time trying to go for a career in diplomacy or government. What if her father was right about going into the corporate world where her knowing five languages would put her in high demand. Why didn't they pick her? Did she do something wrong? Was she just not good enough?

She knew she was making herself crazy, she knew it was unhealthy to do so, but she couldn't stop her brain from spinning. Her eyes were stinging, her throat was sore and she could feel a headache coming on. Oliver gave wonderful snuggles, and when she sat up he climbed right back in her lap. Maggie loved the little guy, but right now she really wanted someone there with her. Eliza would have headed straight back from Kevin's mother's house, but the best they could hope for her return was late that night with traffic as backed up as it was. With any luck Kevin might come with her, her sister was her support but Kev was always good for a laugh.

There was a knock at the door. Oliver began barking and Maggie was confused because no one should be at her door. The knocking continued, getting louder, and now she was getting a little scared. Sure it was early afternoon and they lived in a decent neighborhood, but she was home alone with a stranger at her door and nothing to protect her besides a four legged floof.

She peeked through the blinds and gasped when she saw the car. She ran to the door, with Oliver in hot pursuit, flinging it open to find a very familiar face.

“Calum? What the hell are you doing here?” Maggie was baffled, but genuinely curious. Calum had to know Eliza was with Kevin, and even if she'd told him she was coming back early that wasn't even two hours ago.

Calum grinned at her, “Eliza was upset about you being home alone right now. With her stuck in Santa Barbara I thought I'd come check on you and see if you wanted to grab lunch. I even brought Duke along if you needed extra convincing,” opening his leather jacket and handing her his dog. Maggie squealed as she got kisses from Duke before she gave it to Oliver's begging and put him down so they could say hello.

“My sister sent you to check on me,” Maggie raised an eyebrow but she was smiling again.

“Not exactly,” he admitted. “She texted me because she was upset about traffic and not being able to get back down here. She then had to explain why she was coming back. I have nothing to do today until later this evening with the guys. I was gonna get some food so I thought I'd scoop you up to go with me. It's better than sitting home alone isn't it?”

“Can you give me a bit to get ready?” Maggie asked and Calum nodded bending down to pick up the ball Oliver dropped at their feet.

If you see pics of me out on a date with your boyfriend just know I'm using him to get to Luke Hemmings

WTF Maggie??

Wait did Calum come over?

Yes we're going to lunch and taking the dogs. He didn't want you to worry about me being home alone.

Awwww that's sweet, but now I have to worry about what you two are gonna talk about

Eliza glanced up at Kevin who had been reading the conversation over her shoulder.

“As you should, but I think it's funny” Kevin signed and Eliza flipped him off.

I'll try not to say anything too embarrassing, but I'm not sure about him lol

Don't make me hurt you Mags

I'd like to see you try....TTYL

"The bread here is amazing," Maggie told him as they were seated on the patio. "I don't know if I want chicken or eggplant today, but both are really good."

Calum noticed Maggie wasn't as talkative and her smiles were still a bit forced.

"Order both if you like," Calum told her. "Let me guess you can probably order in fluent Italian?"

Maggie shook her head. "I only know bits and bobs of French and Italian. I'm sure I'll pick it up eventually."

"You know what… Four languages? Same as your sister"

"Five… English, Spanish, Portuguese, Farsi and ASL. Eliza can read all but Spanish quite well, but it's not the same."

"How so?"

"She misses out on things, like when Mama is singing in Portuguese and her accent changes, or the rumble in my father's voice on certain words or phrases."

"Eliza doesn't talk much about your father," Calum raised his eyebrows, hoping she'd keep going. He didn't want to pry into something that always seemed like a touchy subject.

"They're not close really, they write letters back and forth, but there's an awkwardness between them. They split when I was five and Eliza was seven. Baba and Mama both blamed themselves for Eliza's illness and subsequent disability. She became overprotective and he became distant. We moved to the US in the middle of the separation/divorce while he stayed in the UK. He would call and I would usually be the one to answer the phone, and that's how we stayed in touch. As I got older he'd call when Mama wasn't home and we'd always speak in Farsi so that's my official third language. I've been signing since I can remember talking so those go hand in hand…. No pun intended." Maggie finally smiled a real smile as they brought the bread and dipping oils.

Calum nodded chuckling as he tried the basil and garlic infused olive oil. The bread was delicious and he told Maggie she should order for him.

"Can we get a mozzarella caprese instead of salad, I'll have chicken picatta and I think he'll like the spaghetti carbonara with pancetta," Maggie looked at Calum who shrugged and nodded.

"So tell me about Phillip and Alex," he picked the conversation back up.

"Mama met Pops when I was eight or nine, they both were in real estate and my understanding is that's how they met. He's got a wild family background to say the least. His mother was a former Miss World who had married a Mexican singer she'd met only two months prior at a charity event. They had four children in quick succession before gaining their own variety show in the early 80's. It all fell apart when his dad was murdered for supporting the wrong candidate, or at least that's what the family believes. Anyways they met, married and Alex came around about a year later," Maggie spoke in rapid fire bursts playing with her hands and drumming her fingers.

"Ok now I get to ask a question," Maggie turned those huge deep brown eyes directly on him. "Are you really the player Kevin says you are?"

Calum was a bit shocked but decided to roll with it. "Wow really going in hard right off the bat Maggie Yeah,I was, I hate to admit it."

"If you were enjoying yourself then, why do you feel bad now? Were you just waiting for a good girl?" Maggie's tone was light almost teasing.

"You sound like the guys," he rolled his eyes at her, "I get teased endlessly about her you know? I wasn't waiting for anything or anyone. This all just happened. I'm just as surprised as anyone."

"So then why haven't you made a move on Eliza? What are you waiting for?" Maggie knew her sister would kill her for this, but she was so sick of listening to Eliza pout and worry about not being up to Calum's "standards."

"Seriously?" Calum was irritated. "Why would you ask me that?"

"Because she thinks she's doing something wrong…. She's afraid of what's going to happen when you go on this tour, that you might be tempted out of frustration."

Calum's face softened when he saw Maggie's worried and fearful expression. She continued, "listen I know I'm nosy and have no filter, but she really really likes you." Maggie grabbed his hand, "I know you really like her too, but you haven't tried to get with her or introduced your girlfriend to any of your friends."

"I thought you were sad… Where did this interrogation come from?" Calum needed to think about that. The guys were dying to meet Eliza but the idea scared him to death.

"Honestly, I'll have to think about that, it's not that I don't find her beautiful. Wanting her isn't the problem, but I don't want to scare her."

"I am sad, but you're providing a decent distraction. Besides how often am I going to get a chance to be nosy without my sister interrupting?" Maggie grinned at him and he smiled back.

"Why don't you come with me after lunch? We'll go pick up Luke and you can meet the guys. Maybe you'll see why I've waited."

"Finally" she exclaimed at the sight of the waiter with their pasta as well as the invitation. "I'm starving and I've been waiting this whole time just to meet Luke."

@kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @wildhearthood @cal-puddies @calumh-excess @biba3434 @babygirlcashton @angelbabylu @itstheholls @calteahood @5sos-ficssmut @cal-pal-cuddles @1dthewantedlove

any and all feedback is appreciated more than you could know

#calum hood #colour me in #deaf #eliza #asl #calum 5sos #5sos calum #calum hood imagine #calum hood blurb #calum hood fanfiction #5sos #calum imagine #5sos imagine #5sos fanfic #5sos blurb #calum fic

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your-anxious-nightmare · 5 years ago

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Adventures In Dad-Ing (12)

Summary: LOGAN’S BACK!!! Logan is in a bit of pain but superhero Roman to the rescue. Word Count: 2370 Relationships: Prinxiety, Platonic/Almost Parental Roman and Logan, Previous Chapters: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, (because I know this has problems, look up the tag ‘adventures in dading’ or ‘dad virgil’ on my blog archive and you’ll find all of them) Tags: @katatles-the-fish @karma-the-tax-collector @analogical-mess @rebeyerfdog (ask to be tagged xoxox) Warnings: Abuse mention, Blood mentions, Panic attack/Sensory Overload, I wrote it how I remember feeling it (i normally don't remember it) so it’s not necessarily accurate but be careful just in case. Ao3

Logan was a smart child.

He could recite pi to the 50th decimal, solve a Rubix cube in under a minute, and knew his 12 times tables.

He also knew his family wasn’t normal.

It wasn’t normal when his step-father locked him in the basement when he forgot to do the dishes or when his mother slapped him for speaking too loud. It wasn’t normal that his bed was a pile of old rags on a torn foam mattress or that he had to wear second-hand high neck sweaters to school even in the summer.

But he didn’t know how to change it.

He was scared to ask for help because he didn’t know what to say. He was scared he’d be taken away. He was scared they wouldn’t listen.

So he hid it all. He wore long shirts and claimed to be clumsy and only spoke when spoken too. He kept his interests to himself, learnt to sneak food after dark, made friends with the boy around the corner so he had somewhere to get away too.

Of course, there was always the Casey’s when he needed a hug or to get away for a few hours.

So after his father had stopped attacking him for burning their breakfast, he snuck out the door and headed down the road, wiping his tears with his sleeves and smearing the blood further across his dark skin.

As he walked down the street, he pulled his hood up to hide his face from the neighbours working in their gardens and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He probably looked more suspicious that way but at least they wouldn’t judge him too harshly.

When he reached the Casey household, Logan knocked lightly, waiting a few minutes before knocking again. But no one came.

So he sat on the doorstep, arms folded around his middle and tears quietly falling into the new cuts on his face.

He sat there for hours, slowly moving closer to the door as the sun made its way across the sky and left him in the cold, huddled against the wall and bored out of his mind. It was nicer there, alone, then it was at home so he wasn’t complaining.

It was 5 pm when a car pulled into the Casey’s driveway, Patton jumping out of the back before the car had even stopped and running to the ball of child he called his best friend.

“Logan!” The boy yells, falling to his knees in front of his friend, carefully unfolding his arms from around his knees and pulling him into a gentle hug.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call. I just had to leave.” Logan whispers, burying his head into Patton’s shoulder and wincing as he brushes against his collar just a touch too hard. Patton looks up as Virgil and Roman climb out of the car, both with worried looks on their faces.

“Logan, you are always welcome here, no matter the time. I’ll put a spare key under the flower pot for you in case we aren’t here again.” The father walks over, kneeling by the pair of boys as Logan looks up. The blood had dried to his face long ago, eyes red from the tears that now stained Patton’s shirt as well as his own.

“Let’s get you inside to clean you up okay?” Virgil unlocks the door as the boys stand, Patton helping Logan inside to leave the adults to talk.

“Do you want me to go home, Virge?” Roman takes his hand, squeezing it lightly as he watches the man continuing to stare after his son.

“I think I’d like if you stayed, I just don’t know how Logan will feel. He doesn’t know you and he’s hesitant enough to talk about it with me, let alone a stranger.” He turns to face Roman, both concerned and mildly afraid. Without a word, Roman pulls him into a hug, holding him tight before Patton returns to the door.

“Dad, Logan said there’s some mail in the letterbox. Is Mr Phillips staying?” Virgil pulls away enough to face his son.

“Is Logan okay with him staying?” Patton just nods, a small smile on his lips. “Then, it’s just up to you.”

“Let’s go help your friend clean up while your dad gets the mail.” Roman lets go of his boyfriend and takes Patton’s hand, entering the house while Virgil treks across the yard. He waves at the couple next door, the youngest happily drinking coffee while their boyfriend tends to the garden, and takes the collection of envelopes.

Shuffling through as he walks inside, it's all the usual stuff. BIlls, promotions, a pamphlet for the pizza place in town. The last letter, however, makes him freeze at the door to the kitchen.

It’s a plain white envelope, with his name printed on the front and an ‘Urgent’ sticker across the top. He tears it open, finding a single sheet of paper and a piece of cardboard to keep it straight. It’s his court date, the first hearing for the custody battle over Patton.

It’s scheduled for a Sunday.

Could he get Roman to take Patton for the day? Tobias might be free to babysit, it is a weekend and one of his normal workdays. Would Remy be able to come along? Should he take Roman instead? Is he even allowed to take someone?

“Mr Patton’s Dad?” He looks up to see Logan at the counter, face cleaned up and a Hello Kitty bandaid on his cheekbone, looking at him curiously through broken glasses. “Are you okay? Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, Logan, I’m fine, it’s all good. How are you feeling?” He carefully slides the letter back inside, placing it and the bills in the folder on the bench, turning to the boy who looks at his hands with conviction.

“I am okay. Mr Phillips cleaned me up and made sure I was alright. He is very good at first aid. He and Patton have gone to find blankets to build a fort in the living room. They said you would not mind, do you?” He looks up, green eyes filled with a worry Virgil can’t understand.

“I think that sounds wonderful. Are you sure you’re alright with Roman hanging around? I know new people can be scary and he is a teacher so I would understand if you were uncomfortable.” Logan had once said that the teachers at his school were rude when he couldn’t take part in activities, and that none of them seemed to care that he either came to school in pain or just not at all.

“Thank you Mr Patton’s Dad, I’m okay. Patton said he is like a large teddy bear.” Logan laughs lightly as Virgil cackles, both happy to see the other smiling.

“You could definitely describe him like that.” Roman enters the kitchen with his arms stuffed full of various blankets and sheets, Patton trailing with even more, one thrown over his head so he can only vaguely see through the thin fabric.

“Come on, Papa! Mr Phillips said he knows how to build a better fort than us.” Patton laughs, turning to run from the room and hitting the wall, stumbling back into his Dad’s arms before being directed into the living room.

“Logan, are you coming?” Roman looks at the young boy still sitting at the counter. He nods slowly, climbing down and following him to the lounge where Virgil and Patton have claimed half the furniture and started draping sheets over it.

“I guess you’re on my team then, Little Einstein,” Roman smiles, starting on the fort and directing Logan to help him. Within only a few minutes, Patton falls through his and his dad’s fort, leading the two pairs to combine their efforts and collapsing in the middle with smiles all around.

As Virgil and Roman left to prepare dinner and Patton got distracted by a cat in the backyard, Logan couldn’t help but get lost in his thoughts.

This was a home where the father treated his son with love and respect, where outsiders were welcomed in with open arms, where everyone felt wanted. Yes, there is only one parent, but it’s a family no matter who is or isn’t there. It was warm and comfortable and safe. Nothing like his home.

Tears start to brim in his eyes as he thinks of having to go back. Sure, he could stay here the night, maybe two, but eventually he will have to return. He will have to face his mother and step-father, the physical beatings and verbal abuse. He can't stay in this eutopia forever no matter how much he wants too.

Or...

He could speak up.

Roman is a teacher, not his teacher, but still a teacher. Technically, if he hears about, or even really suspects the abuse, he has to ask. If Logan told him, he could tell the police or child services. He could get him out of that nightmare house.

But...

Logan's step-dad is a police officer- the captain, to be specific. No one would listen to the 'delinquent' son of his 'mentally ill' wife. That's what they were. He was punished for acting out, she didn't know any better. Or at least that's what he'd say.

Sometimes his mum hugged him after yelling, saying she was sorry and that she loved him, that it was for his own good. Sometimes she kissed his forehead or gave him an extra slice of toast. She loves him. Or at least that what she claims.

Logan hiccups a sob, hand slapping over his mouth to keep himself quiet and silently praying no one heard.

"Logan?" Roman's voice calls from behind the curtain of sheets next to the couch, the only path to the outside world from his cave. The boy doesn't reply, stifling his sobs and frantically wiping at his tears.

"Can I come in?" Waiting for the quiet affirmative, Roman slowly crawls in, looking up at the worried father in the doorway. He disappears into the tower of sheets, finding Logan curled up against the couch, eyes filled with terrified tears.

"Hey buddy, wanna talk?" Logan frantically shakes his head, hands tugging at the hems of his jeans, fingers rubbing over the fabric roughly. "That's okay, would you like a hug?" Another shake. "That's alright too. Is it alright if I just sit here?" The crying boy nods slowly, watching the man adjust his legs to sit comfortably. His tear-filled eyes track Roman’s every move, undeterred by the lack of air entering his lungs, more focused on the threat of pain.

His mother hated him crying, she hated hearing him sob or even hiss in mild discomfort. She often lamented about how ‘men shouldn’t cry, it’s a sign of weakness’. He had learnt to stay quiet and unseen, but this was inescapable. The emotions welling up so much they had to burst free no matter the cost.

They sit there for a while, Logan sobbing quietly into his knees as Roman waits patiently, quietly telling him some meaningless tale of his day. Logan slowly calms down, breaths coming easier as he focuses more on Roman's words than his hands, eyes locked on the teacher's face as his own hands stop frantically tugging at his clothing.

"How are you feeling now, Logan?" Roman carefully lays his hand face up between the two, watching the green eyes snap down to the offending movement. Logan looks up to Roman’s face, seeing the soft, welcoming smile before looking back down to his hand. Slowly and carefully, like a cautious wild animal, Logan reaches out, fingers brushing over Roman's skin before grasping his hand tightly.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk, you don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable with. Virgil said you're very cautious around new people so I understand if you'd prefer to talk to him, or even Patton instead. But I want you to know that if you need an impartial ear, I am here to help. If you want someone to just listen, or give you advice, or anything at all, you can come to me as well," Roman laments, watching Logan's hand trail up his arm, fingers dancing over the now-faded scars that litter the tanned skin, before he looks up, tugging on Roman's sleeve. No words are exchanged, they don’t need to be, as Logan crawls closer to Roman, curling up in his arms.

Roman holds the young boy close, running a soothing hand over his back as he clings to him. Neither speak, both relishing in the silence and the warmth of the other.

Logan still feels scared, he can't help it. Roman is a man, much bigger than he is, holding him. He could easily hurt him, hold him too tight and suffocate him, crush him slowly, break a bone or four. But something about Roman feels honest. He feels safe and genuine and warm, though that could just be because he's holding him.

Roman is scared too. Logan has been abused, it’s obvious to anyone that spends even a moment near him. He holds the boy tight, but still loose enough that he could push away at a moments notice. He would hate to hurt him, physically or otherwise, but he wants to show the boy how love can be, how you can feel safe in the arms of an adult.

When they pull away, Logan is the first to move, sitting back on his knees and smiling at the teacher softly. Roman smiles back before holding out a hand, leading Logan into the kitchen where Virgil and Patton sit at the counter, dinner ready to be served.

Virgil dishes it up as Roman pours them all cups of juice and mugs of coffee despite the hour, Logan climbing up next to Patton and smiling at his friend as he holds his hand beneath the table.

The house quickly fills with laughter and stories, adults and children alike sharing tall tales and smiles over a meal prepared with love. Ex-families, custody battles and unsavoury thoughts are all set aside if only for the night, giving way to only love and happiness.

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