#Vacation Treaty

[fairy-lights-and-blobs]

For the next chapter of Vacation Treaty:

I have ideas for all of these forms, but I'm still undecided on which one I want more.

Some ideas down below.

When I say "Hoarfrost" I mean this stuff:

Imagine if a moth were covered in that instead of the usual fluff.

The Cockatrice form is going to be very feathery, and TALL. Like, Bruce Wayne tall when standing up.

The Butterfly Dragon I'm yet undecided if I wanna make it tiny and fairy-like or something a little bigger than that, maybe around the same size as Titus.

I don't think I'll do a complete description of what the full form looks like anytime soon, if ever because I like it when I can let my imagination fill in the blanks.

Just that Danny is going to have moments where he gets to be Weird and visibly non-human, and some things are gonna start peaking through at some points, which means the Batchildren are gonna start a whole list of moments where Danny felt at ease with being more visibly Other, either alone or in their presence.

Yes, this includes perched on the roof to watch the stars or the sunrise ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also, these are all going to include something to do with space.

[artuurle]

DUUUUUUDE YOU MADE A SOCIAL BLUNDER- into the oil vat with you.

[rabbitcruiser]

The Treaty of Alcañices (Portuguese: Tratado de Alcanizes; Spanish: Tratado de Alcañices) was made in Alcañices between King Denis of Portugal and King Fernando IV of Castile on September 12, 1297. It reaffirmed Portugal’s possession of the Algarve and defined the modern borders between the two Iberian countries.

[fairy-lights-and-blobs]

Long Haired Danny is an amazing visual and needs more appreciation.

I need more Long Haired Danny in fics.

[redheadspark]

May I have Azriel from ACOTAR with #10?

A/N - AWWW Adoranle for Azriel! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Warm

Summary - Azriel wants to keep warm on his day off

Warnings - Just fluff :)

You felt it again your toes at first: his own toes being cold.

It made you shiver and shake a bit in the embrace you were in, though the rest of the body was pressed up behind you with muscular arms around your waist and front and knees against your own.  It was a safe and comfortable position, something you and your mate have down with one another for centuries.  Both of a sense of protection, given that your mate’s back was to the door at all times in case of a bush or attack.  But mainly because he liked holding you, a sense of peace was for him when he had you in his arms.

It dated back to before you were mates, out on a spy recon mission together and needing to huddle together for warmth one winter night during a massive storm.  Tucked in your small makeshift tent, he held you close to keep you warm and safe, before you both found yourself falling for one another throughout the night.  He leaned down to kiss you, trusting his instincts and his gut more than his intellect that was telling him that it was a bad idea to kiss his partner. 

But that kiss led to a courtship, then being mates, and now being married for over 300 years.

“Mmmph,” You heard behind yourself against your neck as you blinked slowly and looked out at the massive windows in front of you, massive snowflakes falling from the sky and hitting the cobbled streets in front of the Townhouse.  A fire appeared in the massive fireplace of the bedroom, warmth instantly filling the room along with an orange tint and glow along the four-post bed you and your mate were snuggled in.

The first signs of winter came through Velaris, with the howling winds from the mountains bringing in the first snowfalls and bringing the holiday cheer that would be Winter Solstice.  Shops were open for longer hours, plenty of businesses were conducting sales and bundling items for the holiday to come, and an all-around sense of joy was within the busy town.  You could barely hear some of the citizens already out and about, the sun was not evident since it was hidden behind the gray clouds that were dumping the snow onto Velaris.

“Go back to sleep,” You felt in a whisper against your neck, you humming as you reached down to lace your fingers together against your bare stomach.  

“I will once you warm up your toes,” You replied groggily, the body behind you shifting a bit as you felt his foot push out from under the covers, pointing in the same direction of the roaring fireplace.  

“There, happy?” He asked in a huff, his lips moving along your skin as you chuckled and shifted.  Turning to face the other side, you finally saw the face of your mate: Azriel.  Sleepiness was in his eyes, his bare chest was now pressed in front of yours that had some small scars that were now silver lines along his skin, and his inky black hair which was short and mostly well-kept was tossed against the dark green pillow, and his bright hazel orbs of eyes shined from the dancing light of the fireplace.  No matter how many years you two were married and mates, you still got lost in his eyes and fell in love all over again.

“It’s the first day of our vacation, of course, I’m happy,” You remind him, seeing him sleepily smile back at you as you lean over to peck him on the cheek.  Both you and Azriel were looking for some time together, the past several months were busy with recon missions and visits to other Courts.  Not that you two hated your jobs: you both loved it.  Serving Night Court and helping Rhysand and the others keep Night Court safe.  

You would defend Night Court with all your life, even on the brink of exhaustion and worn muscles.  But for the next few weeks, with peace amongst the other Courts thanks to new treaties and alliances, there was no need for you and Azriel to go out and be busy.  Rhysand made sure of that, giving you both at least two weeks to yourselves just in time for Winter Solstice.  

“What should we do for our first official day of vacation?” You asked him in a tease against his cheek, about to pull away from him before he gently grabbed your chin within his fingers to keep you close.  You stared lovingly at him, breathing in the scent he had and carried ever since you two became mates.  Tree pine, orange slices, and something that reminded you of a storm or a Custer of clouds. 

“Stay in this bed, all day long, so you can warm up my toes with your warm feet,” he murmured, tracing your nose with his.  Seeing him plaint like this, no Truth Teller strapped on his leg, no wearing his leathers, simply open and vulnerable for only his mate to enjoy made you proud of him.  He came so far in his life, from his rough childhood and pain to how having a mate at his side and no fears that would haunt him.

It was not easy being his mate and wife, you knew that from the moment you kissed him and became his mate.  You knew the long nights he would be away on a solo recon mission, or even when you two would work together.  Both of you being spies for Night Court, sometimes that meant your emotions would be on the back burner.  You both had fights and spats because of close calls and injuries, but you’d never go to bed mad at one another.  It was a promise you two made when it got together: you were still mates through and through. 

But it would be such a sight for others to see Azriel, bare under the sheets with his mate without a worry.  Especially Cassian, who would make fun of him for days.

“What if we get hungry?” You asked in a teasing tone. Azriel nearly rolled his eyes as you laughed and he peppered you with kisses.  He was about to pull you in within his awaiting arms but you shoved him away, hearing him groan in protest as you slipped out of bed.  Although you were bare, with your hair cascading down your back, you looked behind your shoulder and saw Azriel sprawled out on the bed and watching you with love and intrigue in his orbs.

“Join me in the shower before we have breakfast in bed then, hm?” You asked, walking off before he could even protest.  You never heard him move out of bed fast enough as you laughed and he bombarded you in the bathroom.

These two weeks will be memorable.

The End

[simmplerussiangirl]

Her princess.

part two

Ambessa Medarda x Reader

Synopsis : The only daughter of the Ras family is exchanged with the Medard clan for a peace treaty. Thanks to her pride and the hard core inside her, she doesn't falls into despair and continues to live. She continues to live to take revenge on her family for literally selling her to a clan of enemies.

word count: 2.2k

cw: aggression,defiant behavior, Ambressa is a sweet bun.

A/N: I wrote the second part in five thousand words, but decided it would be better to divide it into two anyway. I doubt that people will read such a large amount of text.

Walking down the stairs, I yank my arm out with force. I wish I could say I succeeded with ease, but alas, I didn't. I only succeeded because she let me.

 Ambressa Medard was difficult to be around. She literally pressured you with her status and authority. What to say that any average person would feel like a bug comparing their bodies and accomplishments. Inwardly, I chuckled at the thought that she had put thousands of men into complexes with her mere appearance.

  Here I was, standing in front of her and feeling like a little girl. Even in my high heels I could only reach her nose. So I had to raise my head to look her in the eye.

 But there was a huge problem. She was scanning you like she was reading you. And her gaze was heavy. The kind of look that makes you want to hide or at least put your eyes to the floor to get away from it.

 And I was no exception; I wanted to stop feeling it, badly enough. But my pride choked me. So I stood in front of the girl towering over me, breathing heavily, my eyebrows pulled down to the bridge of my nose.

 I saw a faint smile of approval run across her face, but unfortunately I didn't have time to see it. The girl turned around and walked toward the ship. I followed, still not saying a word.

 It took us about ten minutes to get to the dock, and when we finally stopped, I was overjoyed. My heels were insanely beautiful, but they were uncomfortable. They also made my feet bleed. The last few steps to the ship were the most painful, and I limped along, trying not to lose my face in any way; Ambressa could turn around at any moment. My shoulders were still squared, my head proudly up, and my face calm, as if I were not going into slavery, but on vacation in a neighboring country.

  Ambressa stopped near the stairs to the ship and let me pass through. I only arched an eyebrow in surprise and rolled my eyes.

-Are you afraid I'm going to kill you from behind? - I smirked wickedly.

-No, I just don't want my soldiers looking at your scuffed skirt. - She nodded toward the stairs - The stairs are high, and your dress is already moving in the breeze. But if you want to...-  she took a step toward the stairs, and I just put my hand out in front of her, blocking the way.

 I rolled my eyes again, and started to climb up the stairs, holding the dress on both sides so it wouldn't ride up. Since I was now the first to walk, I could take a little break and squint endlessly, biting my lips and cheeks in pain. The pain in my heart and the pain in my legs, which already had a trickle of blood running down my ankles.

 I climbed up onto the deck, and stepping slightly away from the stairs, turned to face the girl who was also standing on the ship.

- Don't expect me not to make life hell. Don't think I'll die so easily as a slave,” I adjusted my dress and looked into her face.

 Under other circumstances, I would have said her beauty was captivating. Her features were enchanting, mesmerizing, and even somewhat intimidating. The scars did not mar her face, only added to her charm and memorability.

- Who told you that you are my slave? You will not be a slave in my house, nor in my state as a whole.

 The woman turned and pushed me toward some kind of door. I reflexively took a step and nearly hissed at the flaring pain in my legs. Miraculously, I managed to pull myself together in time. But the girl seemed to have noticed something strange, either in my movements or in the sound I made.

- What is it? - She grabbed my chin, but I couldn't break free this time, so I just looked her in the eyes with distaste. - You look like a drowning cat. . They reach out and rescue you while you hiss and bite.

 She let go of my chin and put her palm on my shoulder blades this time, not pushing. She was just laying down to guide me in the direction she wanted me to go.

 We walked in silence for a long time as I ran her phrase “You won't be a slave” through my head. Thoughts were literally boiling in my head. Why am I there then? Does she really think that I would willingly agree to fight under her leadership using my magic? She can't be that naive, can she? No, absolutely not. Then maybe she thinks she can find something to blackmail me with. But I have no weaknesses; after all, I killed my father with my own hands. Only if it's through my country.,,

-Your pretty little head is about to boil. Ask me if you have any questions, child.

 I snorted loudly and rolled my eyes. Is she trying to gain my trust? Does she want to make the right first impression? Why the hell is she talking to me like that? Why worry about me and my condition?

-Whatever you want, sweetheart. - Ambressa stopped in front of some door -Your room for the next few days.

 The woman turned and walked back down the hallway, I watched the muscles of her exposed back roll over as she walked, as she moved further away from me. It was quite a breathtaking sight....

- No one will lock the door until the first time you make a mistake. Oh, and your maid Maria will be assigned to you tonight. Change before she comes; don't scare the poor girl with blood on your dress. There are a couple of outfits in the closet.

- You wouldn't dare lock me in!

 Ambressa never once looked at me, but I bet she smiled. Because she knew she'd do it if she had to.

 After waiting until I was completely alone in the hallway I opened the door and took an unsure step inside. I looked around the room. It wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't horrible either.

 There was a wooden bed pinned to the floor. It was already tucked into fresh linens in scarlet and gold. And near the wall were many different burgundy-colored pillows. By the small porthole was a desk, on which were sheets of paper and a couple of pens. Also in the cabin was an elongated wooden cabinet. When I opened it, I saw dresses of extraordinary beauty. There were three of them, all lavish, in the colors of the Medard clan and richly studded with jewels. The jewels sprawled along the bodice, along the translucent sleeves and hem of the dresses. This jewelry looked very much like splashes of bright scarlet blood.

- So he wants me to be a toy... A piece of jewelry... A trophy... Fuck that. - I laughed, and my laughter echoed off the walls and rang through my quarters.

I was angry. The last few days had been stressful enough as it was. And today was the last straw of my patience. Tears of anger, resentment, and hopelessness rolled down my cheeks.  I threw my dresses into the far corner of the room, threw everything off the table, and exhaled a sigh of relief. I turned to face the door with my eyes closed and breathed heavily, tears still streaming down my cheeks. As I opened my eyes, I saw the maroon pillows with the edge of my gaze and my eyes turned scarlet. Slowly limping, still standing on my heels, I walked over to the bed and used my magic to burn the pillows one by one.

 When I use my magic when my emotions are strong, it turns into a truly breathtaking sight. My eyes take on a blood red hue, my hair seems to lose its gravitational force and dangles quietly in the air. It is something like a strong wind blowing on me, but my hair is not tangled in any way, but goes behind my back, where it swirls up and down in a smooth wave. On my hands at this time you can see the glow, the color depends on the degree of complexity of the spell, as well as on the strength of my emotions.  The color changes from light red to coal black, as my grandmother told me while she was still alive. My glow once turned bright scarlet, and after that I was unconscious for over two weeks. I've never gone further than that, and I can't imagine what I'd have to do to turn my hands black.

 Hearing someone's quick footsteps outside the door, I braided weeds around the door, making a kind of barricade. I couldn't let anyone see the state I was in, and fuck it; some of the warriors probably heard me scream.

-Princess Ros, are you all right? - A man's voice called out, but my plants were untouched.

-Yes,” I hummed and sat down on the bed, finally taking off my shoes. I saw they were drenched in my own blood - Fuck.

 Footsteps were heard behind the wall again, it looked like the warrior had moved away from the door. I leaned back on the bed; arms spread, and stared up at the ceiling, digesting everything that had happened today. A tear rolled down my cheek again, and I lay in the fetal position, grabbed the white pillow I had left, and put it to my mouth and screamed.

 I screamed long and hard, feeling something inside me break. I don't know how long my next scream was stuck in my throat, all the time crammed into one big pile. It might have been ten minutes it might have been three hours. It didn't matter. Even with my voice broken, I wheezed into the pillow until I was completely exhausted.

My heart was beating at an incredibly fast pace, and my throat ached unbearably, as did my head. I finally got out of bed and went to the window. The sun was already setting over the horizon, which meant I'd cried all day.

 I started rummaging through my desk drawers to find something where I could look at my reflection. To my great delight, I found a large gilded mirror in one of them that was studded with red stones. It looked like this clan had plenty of money.

 I looked into my reflection and was horrified. My hair was a mess, my eyes were swollen and red, and so was my nose.

 - Horrible... - I put the mirror back down - And my dress is also bloody.... I look like a ragamuffin....

“A ragamuffin...” - I echoed in my mind.

 A plan instantly formed in my head. I grabbed one of the pens and used it to make a bundle on my head.  With a sigh of encouragement, I wiped the remnants of tears from my cheeks, grabbed the first dress I could find, and began to create.

 I finished when it was well past midnight. Placing the mirror on the table, I stepped away and admired my dress that I had altered to spite Ambressa. I knew it was unimaginably expensive, but it made me feel a little better about what I'd done to it.

I left the corset almost untouched, but I cut off the sleeves, leaving only the wide shoulder straps. I cut the jewels off the fabric and used the vine to attach them to the corset, in the form of blood splatters.

 The most interesting thing I did was with the layers of the skirt. Most of them, of course, I just cut off, and the rest I cut into scraps of different lengths. It looked very beautiful, though quite inappropriate for a girl of my level and status.

 I twirled around the mirror and fixed my hair, which had already been styled by magic. I smiled at my reflection. My mood had lifted after my recent tantrum.

 I was good for letting those emotions out, but I shouldn't cry anymore, it wouldn't help my grief.

 Removing the vine from the door, I walked out into the hallway. There I saw a young boy standing by my door. He didn't react to my appearance.

-Good evening- -I put my hand over my heart and nodded my head slightly, saying hello out of the politeness that had been instilled in me. - Can you tell me where the exit to the deck is?

 The warrior answered me nothing, didn't even look at me. I furrowed my eyebrows and, squaring my shoulders, walked in the direction from which I had come here.

- If you make any movement on the ship, it is your responsibility to alert Mistress Medarda and get her permission.

- I thought you were dumb-I continued to walk quietly down the corridor, feeling the damp boards beneath my bare feet. - I don't owe anyone anything, boy.

I looked over my shoulder and saw him striding in the opposite direction from me. It looked like he was going to report back. Chuckling to myself, I kept walking.

[arcanesea]

train ride

PAIRING: lee jihoon x reader GENRE: fluff, slight humor, established relationship W.COUNTS: 569 w. WARNINGS: reader has motion sickness

Panting, Jihoon gave you the most offensive side-eye ever in four years of your relationship. You turned your head due to the negative energy he radiates, offering a timid grin.

“I will never let you plan anything, ever again,” he said as the train started to move.

“Agree, I never want to plan anything ever again,” you reassured. Holding his hands in yours as a peace treaty. He clicked his tongue, expecting some arguments from you who had been hell-bent on planning a vacation together for the past 6 months. Despite the meticulous planning, you're still human after all. You misread the train ticket for another 45 minutes, causing both of you to run from the check-in point to the train track. You're lucky that it's only a three-day trip, so your baggage is still bearable.

You look around the train, trying to squelch the queasiness. You're not one to have motion sickness, and you hate to point it out to Jihoon after the incident earlier.

“Your hands are cold,” Jihoon stated, catching your attention. You turn to him ever so slowly it's almost comedic. “Let's switch seats,” he said before standing up.

You look up to him before he pulls you up and guides you to the window seat. You quickly stick your head to the window, taking in the scenery as the train moves forward. Feeling better with each passing minute.

When you finally turned your head to Jihoon, he was already looking at you. Hands propped on the armrest, supporting his head. The cherry on top was probably his sweet smile.

Your face turns hot as you try to assure yourself he is only looking at the scenery outside. But when you turn for the second time, he's still looking at you like that. All smitten, and if this was your room chat, he would be that one with hearts on the eyes and around the faces.

“It's really pretty, Ji,” you said, looking out again. He hummed in response, half agreeing. Because for you, he'd give up the window seat on the 6-hour train ride. Watching your beauty blend into nature's scenery. That's a thousand times more beautiful for him.

Every moment leading up to this day has been the most exciting time he had in his life. Instead of a surprise trip, like what a couple nowadays would do, you had told him early on that you wanted to go on a vacation with him. You're not that much of a planner, so you ask him to work together. Once you estimated the departure date, he immediately cleared his schedule. Both of you spent time researching places to go, food to try, and recreations to try.

He can't even stay mad at you for almost missing the train, imagining the upcoming three days when he gets to step out of his studio, with you, going to places you've never been, trying food you never had.

“Are you happy?” he asks finally. Hands reaching to yours. It matters to him. It matters that you know he'll still put you above everything else.

“I am!” you beamed at him. “It's gonna be so much fun.”

“I can already feel it,” he started. “But, genuinely, thank you for taking your time to plan everything. I appreciate it.”

“So, can I plan another one?” you grin sheepishly. 

“Don't push your luck just yet,” he laughs, ruffling your hair.

a/n. inspired by the fact that he hasn't got his driver's license yet bcs it's too much of a hassle. well, enjoy the long train ride then jihoon-a🥰

[anaconamor]

tropical rains - jude bellingham x reader.

quick sum: when the tropical rain hits in the morning of your first day of vacation, that won’t let jude and your baby boy stop them from ruining their morning.

wc: 3k | masterlist | jude’s masterlist

psa 🗣️: tysm for the anon who sent this request! i love this so so much! and ik we know that jude is a girl dad but boy dad jude just makes me feel so soft 🥹❣️ also not proofread so i’m sorry! but i do appreciate feedback if you’d like ❣️🗣️

“ms. y/n! you have a meeting in 10!” your PA said over the phone. you quickly grabbed your laptop and sat on the couch with a sleepy 9 month old cairo, who kept drifting off to sleep but also fighting it too watch the movie. “you okay sweetie? want mama to hold you?” you say in a tiny baby voice to which he quickly gets up and lays in your embrace.

you quickly open the campaign presentation, and split your screen to have the notes on the other side. you kiss cairo’s head, brushing his curls back as he stares into your eyes, “mama is gonna be on a call, dada should be home soon okay?” although he was nine months, he understood everything you and jude told him.

“now you go to sleep child, you’ve been awake all day” you playfully scold and tickle his side, to which he giggles, snuggling into your neck further and falling asleep in an instant. you press join and talk quietly not wanting to wake cairo up. as expected this brand-ad person wanted it his way but you wouldn’t allow that, negotiating a better contract and prices, and if they didn’t want to comply, they could look for a different company.

you weren’t here to waste time, those who knew you, knew that you weren’t playing games. you worked too hard to get where you’re at. that’s why the company you worked for always succeeded. along that way people would dislike you, since the people above them always appreciated you. if they couldn’t hustle like you, then they shouldn’t talk. it’s one thing jude always loved about you.

but jude and you went way back…

you and jude absolutely despised each other from the start. you couldn’t stand being around him, and when you did see him, you’d tolerate it. the two of you always kept a ‘happy friendship’ since your families were close, but jude and you had much love for his little brother jobe. jobe saw you as an older sister role model and confided in you always, which always warmed your heart since jobe was a sweetheart.

those times you hung out with your families it put an awkward vibe because they didn’t have a single clue of you and jude hating each other. they on the other hand expected something more romantic to appear, but. they never forced upon you two because they wanted to see the two of you happy. it’s all what mattered to them. after a drunken kiss shared between you and jude, it’s where it changed everything.

but, there’s always a but. you had known jude being a playboy throughout his whole life, passed around like some may say, and you’d expected him to embarrass you or worse regret it if he did remember. but all you could feel when you suddenly moved out of england, was the softness of his lips and the fancy scent of his.

when your best friend announced her engagement, she made the decision where you were her maid of honour, and jude was the best man from the groom's side. arriving back to england you avoided jude as much as possible, not wanting to even bump into him. but the two of you were set to be the most important people for the wedding.

after argument and argument, the two of you settled with a treaty, being at peace where the two of you laid. planning the wedding with him was where you learned jude wasn’t bad as you thought, jude thinking the same of you. when meeting you’d go out together for dinner, sit on your porch where you had late night talks about your life’s, and even going together to pick out your bridesmaid dress and his tux, you realised how madly in love you were with him this whole time.

it scared you. because you’ve never felt the way you did. it was a deep connection to him, a meaning of feeling loved and safe in his embrace. adoring the way his nose crinkled when he smiled, or him always tucking your hair back, making sure you always carry some ibuprofen since you can get headaches frequently, the fact no matter where you were, he always checked up on you.

when you accidentally revealed how you felt to him, it wasn’t a shock to him. he sensed it too. promising he never meant to hurt you the way he did, and that this whole time you were apart it made him realize how badly he needed you. he made you his girlfriend the day before the wedding. and then 3 months later you revealed to jobe first, who jumped up in down in excitement, the. your families who were relieved and thrilled.

jude was your first everything. your first kiss, your first boyfriend, your first time, your first love. and you wouldn’t have had it any other way. fast forward years later you were blessed with a healthy but chunky baby boy. and it brought the two of you closer than ever. as a first time mom, you just wanted to keep your baby safe and private, as selfish it may sound it was a bundle of joy you and jude always came home too.

after his approval to real madrid, it opened a new chapter. and it’s starting off bigger and greater than you imagined. you felt at home, and nonetheless jude too. his team welcomed him with open arms and he quickly became one of the best players of the start of the season. jude earned it, he deserved all of it.

after your zoom call you set cairo on the couch, putting pillows around him since he had a habit of rolling and turning in his sleep, just like jude. after setting your laptop in your office you quickly ran into jude’s open arms waiting for you at the door. he picked you up swiftly, your legs wrapping around him, while snuggling closer to him. all he could do was laugh and kiss your collarbone.

jude set you down and grabbed your cheeks, quickly pulling you into a heated kiss. “missed you so much. i hate when you have away games,” you pouted and kissed the small scar on his temple, pulling back. “i know baby, but i'm back now. and after today i’m all yours and cairo’s for the week,” jude said setting down his bag and taking his shoes off, slipping into those slippers.

“but then you go away again longer for the england camp… sorry if i sound so clingy or needy. i just feel like we haven’t spent as much time together you know?” you said, pulling your hair into a messy bun. “don’t apologise for that. i love you’re communicating this with me about this, and believe me i feel the same way. but that’s why we’re having this small holiday okay. and you’re all to me, just like right now.”

jude went up and hugged you, making you smile and lean in for a kiss. “thank you for all this. i truly can't thank you enough for what you do for me and cairo, we love you so much you know? even if you hate my fall candles…” you tease to which he groans and scoffs.

“listen, i have a point when it comes to smelling the same-”

“dada!” cairo bursts out, hair messy and face slightly puffy from his nap. jude quickly strides over and picks him up, kissing his head and cheeks, the sound of your sons giggles filling the room making you smile harder “hi my little man! i missed you so much little one! are you ready to go to the beach, yeah? mama showed me your new toys too!” jude said in a full baby voice, not hiding his adoration for his son at all.

since this would be his second time on a plane, you wanted to keep him distracted while he travelled. already filling up his snacks, his favourite teddy and toys in his small carry on bag. “oh you’re still sleepy, my poor baby, let’s go set you down for your nap. to give mama some time to finish work,” jude said placing cairo on his hip and walking up the stairs, not before sending you a wink and mouthing an ‘i love you! be right back.’

after spending the evening finishing cleaning the house, making some dinner, prepping last minute diapers and baby wipes, and watching a movie, the three of you headed upstairs to sleep. jude had already fallen asleep on top of your left side, his head on resting on you chest one arm draped around your middle. cairo slept peacefully on your right side, hugging your arms as his breaths got deeper and deeper.

the next day was spent mostly travelling. from madrid to costa rica was about a 13 hour flight, so you had to get to the airport early, go through security and then walk to jude’s private jet he insisted on taking, and then the long drive down to the beach. during that time, you fed and changed cairo, making sure the heat wasn’t bothering him.

jude was over the moon when you arrived at your destination, kissing you over and over as you saw your view. after taking a nap, you decided to eat at the hotel’s restaurant not wanting to travel after the day you had. you settled with something simple and easy, not wanting your stomach to react differently. “ew,” you say scrunching your face when you saw jude had ordered a seafood plate.

“it’s so delicious, watch!” jude bit into the shrimp and took a bit out of the lobster, which made you internally gag. “dada is nasty right?” you asked cairo who looked at the two of you confused before clapping his hands on the table. you kissed his head and dove back into the plate attempting not to get grossed out by the smell of seafood.

later at night you made it to the beach, where jude carried cairo on his shoulders, showing and pointing around at the different palm trees and decorations outside. you walked closely behind them, taking small pictures of the view and items you liked to save the memories. “it smells like it might rain,” you tell jude to which he playfully rolls his eyes and slightly smirks at you.

“okay ms. weather reporter. whatever you say,” jude teased.

but you weren’t wrong. the next morning jude stood by the balcony watching as it poured down, the palm trees swaying side to side, as the rain and lightning came down harder. jude scoffed and quietly told himself ‘she was right. it did rain’ but would never admit it. he looked over at you sound asleep on your side, one hand resting on your check while the other one rested around your rib cage.

cairo was about to squeal but jude quickly shushed him. putting the baby on his hip and walking into the bathroom where he brushed his teeth and did some skin care. he changed cairo out his pj’s and into a new diaper, slipping him into a cars ‘lighting mcqueen’ shirt.

jude understood how much stress you were in the past few days, how tired and exhausted you were from working and being a mom at the same time. he truly valued what you did, because it wasn’t easy, yet you managed to make it seem like it was. jude wanted to spoil you, so he quickly went down quietly with cairo and grabbed your favourite coffee, some eggs and pancakes to share between the three of you.

jude also knew how you loved to take pictures of anything, so he made sure to decorate the plate with some fruit as well. jude managed to carry cairo on his hip and the tray of breakfast all the way back to your room. it still continued to rain though, which slightly irked him since all he wanted was the head down to the beach or pool and began his vacation.

jude walked back in quietly yet slight panting, and set the food down on the desk. he kissed cairo’s cheek over and over, making the baby laugh and squirm around. “let’s wake up mama. i miss her and i know you’re hungry too,” jude said, brushing his sons curls back and picking him back up.

you could feel soft kisses being placed all over your hair, face and even arms as you woke up. you tried to adjust to the brightness of the room but that’s when you heard the thunder and rain come down. “good morning beautiful. how’s your sleep?” jude asked, his voice still deep and groggy to which you smiled and hugged him as he towered you on the bed. “so good. haven’t sleep like that in so long, i needed it,” you say, covering your mouth.

“gimme a kiss,” jude whines, but you kept swerving his pouty lips, insisting on brushing your teeth first, which you ended up doing. as you walked back in, cairo crawled over to you, you picked him up, grabbed his head and placed small kisses on his temple, but his hand was tugging on your neckline of the black night goen you were, wanting to be fed. you sit on the bed with cairo who’s feeding, and watch as jude placed the tray of food.

jude leans down and kisses you softly, your hand coming up to his cheek and thumb running softly along his skin. “i got us some breakfast so you wouldn’t have to go down. i also picked some fruit for him but it seems like he’s already busy,” jude says pointing to cairo on your chest. jude brought up the glass of coffee and you took a sip as he held it for you, you thanked him and grabbed his hand, kissing his knuckles.

jude settled next to you and quietly ate the croissant and sunny side up eggs. while you dug into the pancakes and hash browns. after you fed cairo, you offered him some juice and fruits so he did have some sort of solids in him. “did i not tell you it would rain,” you say, grinning at jude to which he narrows his eyes at you.

“you jinxed it!”

“yeha whatever you say. deny deny deny, that i was right,” you begin to joke to which he gasp and stutters but he knows you were right all along. “let’s dance in the rain,” jude randomly says, you stare at him confused but when he suddenly urges you to get out of bed, you knew he wasn’t joking. “jude wait- what do you mean? what if we get sick?” you say.

“then we get sick. we have natural remedies surrounding us, we’ll be fine. this rain isn’t gonna stop me or us from our first day here. just take my hand and i’ll guide us okay?” jude’s voice turned soft, bringing you outside. it only took a minute and then you were completely soaked, you laughed and spun around, enjoying what mother nature brought in first things first in the morning.

jude brought his hands and gripping your waist as you danced, swaying side to side, your foreheads resting with each others, smiling like idiots at what you were doing. but in all honesty, it felt nice, a relief, you let the rain carry away the built up stress and frustration you held from work, slowly letting loose into the movements.

jude kisses your temple and spun you in a circle, and due to the height difference, you were dancing on your tippy toes, giggling as he told stories of how and when he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you. he praised you for being a hard worker and an amazing mom to cairo, protecting him at all cost. he kept pecking your lips and whispering ‘i love you… i love y/n’.

jude continued to guide you as your danced, his hand resting low on you back, as your rested around his neck. when lighting struck nearby, the two of you took it as a sign to go inside where cairo continued to watch his cartoons on the tv. when the small brown eyes stared at the two of you drenched he squealed, signalling grabbing hands. jude picked him up and held him close to him.

“i wouldn’t have it another way. we’ve been through our ups and downs but if it meant doing it all over again to be here like this with our little family, i would do it without hesitation…” jude says. you smiled with teary eyes, a tear slowly falling on your cheek where you leaned into jude’s touch as he brushed it away. “give mama a kiss! but not too many because she’s still mine,” he tells cairo.

“if you haven’t noticed jude. this, us and our little family, means the world to me. i can’t wait for more that's yet to come in the future, especially now that i'm expecting our second baby…” you say, a hand coming down and running along the small bump. jude steps back, his eyes roaming down at your figure before setting cairo on the bed and kissing you passionately. “you serious? we’re having another baby?” he asked with tears running down his face.

“yes jude! im 13 weeks… found out last week when i went for my yearly check up. baby is doing well and healthy…” jude gets on his knees and hugs your waist, his head resting right on your bump then kissing the wet material still. he glances up at you, and whispers a small thank you. jude stands back up and holds your bump with his hand.

“you hear that cairo? you’re gonna be a big brother!”

[sillylotrpolls]

(Context below poll)

It's mentioned a couple places that the Nazgûl/Ring-wraiths spent up to 949 years (!) preparing Mordor for Sauron's return.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Part 2: Chapter 2: The Council of Elrond

Sauron also had watched us, and had long prepared against our stroke, governing Mordor from afar through Minas Morgul, where his Nine servants dwelt, until all was ready. Then he gave way before us, but only feigned to flee, and soon after came to the Dark Tower and openly declared himself.

The Lord of the Rings Appendix IV: Gondor and the heirs of Anarion

Turgon followed Turin, but of his time it is chiefly remembered that two years ere his death, Sauron arose again, and declared himself openly; and he re-entered Mordor long prepared for him. Then the Barad-dûr was raised once more, and Mount Doom burst into flame, and the last of the folk of Ithilien fled far away.

[nimuetheseawitch]

SGA Summer Vacation Recs

So, a few weeks ago, a friend asked for longfic recommendations to read while on vacation, and I did not really realize how many I was recommending at the time. Seemed like a good idea to make a post about it.

Time in a Bottle by astolat, 14K (not originally on my list because it was too short, but it's too perfect for a summer reading list, so I added it), McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings To see a World in a Grain of Sand / And a Heaven in a Wild Flower / Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand / And Eternity in an hour.

The Long Dark (series) by @logicgunn, 141K, McShep, Rated G-E but the first is M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings An astronomical event causes two strangers to crash land on a remote island in the frozen Canadian north. Cue a fluffy slow burn in a survival setting.

Lord John Sheppard Versus Earth by LitGal, 61K, McShep, Rated M, Graphic Depictions of Violence Canon diverged before Jackson found Atlantis. The IOC stepped in and decided to make things more efficient. A gene testing program brought Major John Sheppard into the program earlier, but budget constraints and international treaties have kept Dr. Jackson out of the antarctic. So now John has to find his own team--and his own geek--or he's in danger of being stuck in the mountain forever as a light switch. However, as the universe changes, fate forces some things to return to proper form, and other things… they get wildly out of control. John isn't sure how he came to be Earth's enemy, but he's going to have to deal with the cards he's dealt.

Teamwork by onthewaters, 24K, McShep and others, Rated E, Graphic Depictions of Violence There is an Earth where things have turned out a little differently, and the people who go to Atlantis aren't quite the ones we know. AKA The one where Rodney is a Mountie.

The Doctor and the Sheppard by @hero-in-waiting, 70K, McShep, Rated E They've been in Pegasus for a year before Rodney is finally allowed to go off-world to meet with the mysterious leader of a group of allies against the wraith. The first meeting goes well, sending them down a path none of them could've foreseen, and leaving Rodney with thoughts of the mysterious leader with his bright eyes and dark hair.

The Hard Prayer by Rheanna, 30K, McShep, Rated M One year after the end of the world, John meets another survivor.

In Sickness and in Health by @a-storm-of-roses, 31K, McShep, Rated E "So I told a little lie, just to get you back to Atlantis. It was the only way, so try not to get too mad. I told them we were married.” When John suffers a major, life-changing injury on Earth, Rodney must pretend to be his husband to ensure his return to Atlantis. As he struggles to navigate recovery and accept his new reality, John must also come to terms with his new role as Rodney's husband and the new dynamics in their relationship. A story of healing, recovery, loss, love, and acceptance.

Enigma by sgamadison, McShep, 32K, McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings During an off-world mission, a piece of Ancient technology transports Rodney and John on a one-way trip to a deserted airfield. Working together to get back, it takes a vivid dream to make Rodney realize what's been in front of him all along.

Bridges by bussaiko, 52K, McShep, Rated E Engineer Rodney McKay went to North Carolina's Crystal Coast to help his sister design a series of bridges. He hoped to rebuild his career following a professional disaster; he didn't expect to be drawn into the small community of Athos Island, where he found friendship and perhaps something more with helicopter pilot John Sheppard. But when Rodney tries to learn more about John's past, what he discovers might tear them apart. (non-Stargate AU)

Apocalypse Rising by sian1359, 81K, McShep, Rated M, Graphic Depictions of Violence The Goa'uld are not the only ones who covet Earth.

Zen and the Art of Jumper Maintenance by Indybaggins, 39K, McShep, Rated M The one where Rodney gets sucked in and John… follows. Featuring a quirky John, Rodney in orange robes, crazy Ancient-worship, sheep milking and jumpers that aren't broken but need to be fixed anyway.

Black Helicopters (series) by whizzy, 141K, McShep, Rated T-E but the first is M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Screw the bet. Rodney was going to prove the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Oh, and incidentally, he might just catch the United States Air Force with their pants around their ankles.

Pegasus Purgatorio by MrsHamill, 127K, McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings It is difficult to write a paradise when all the superficial indications are that you ought to write an apocalypse. It is obviously much easier to find inhabitants for an inferno or even a purgatorio. (Ezra Pound) Yeah, I'd say that about covers it, Ezra. John and Rodney are left behind when Atlantis (and, by extension, Pegasus) is evacuated. While returning to the Milky Way, they decide to bring a few friends along.

What A Wonderful Bunker You Would Make by ocdindeed, 50K, McShep, Rated M Summary in simple words: Rodney is recluse and John has a kid. Summary in not so simple words: Rodney McKay has given up on the world, living a simple life up on a mountain devoid of people. He likes it that way, at least he did until a kid with a full head of dark hair ambled up his dirt driveway and changed his sequestered life forever. (AU - Set during SG1 & Pre-SGA timeline.)

G******, Tramps, and Thieves* (series) by auburn, 372K, McShep and a whole lot more, Rated T-M, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, later fics Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Vala Mal Doran and her partners, renegades Jehan abd-Ba'al and Meredith McKay, hijack the Tau'ri ship Prometheus and leave the Milky Way behind in search of the Lost City of the Ancients, Atlantis.

*I censored this title due to a common racial slur

[ofmdrecaps]

12/27-31/2024 Daily OFMD Recap Part 2

TLDR; David Fane & Rachel House; Anapela Polata'ivao; Connor Barrett & Brian Gattas; Dominic Burgess; Damien Gerard; Christopher Corbin; Adopt Our Crew Lists; Articles; Fan Spotlight: Tiny Crew Big Raffle w/Lindsey Cantrell Interview and BTS; Our Flag Means Fanfiction; Love Notes;

Continuation of Part 1

= David Fane & Rachel House =

Are you in Aotearoa and want to show your support to the Maori people? Our dear Fang, David Fane (and Mary Reed, Rachel House) shared how to's on how to make a submission on the Treaty Principles Bill. Check out more at Koekoeaa's Instagram!

Source: David Fane's instagram

= Anapela Polata'ivao =

Anapela was out at PerthFest with other members of the Tinā film!

Source: Anapela's IG Stories

= Conner Barrett & Brian Gattas =

Our Hornberry and Siegfried are out and about with friends for the holidays!

Source: Brian Gattas Instagram Stories

= Dominic Burgess=

Dominic, aka Jeffrey Fettering, aka the cat-content king of social media is back with more cats!

Source: Dominic's Bsky

= Damien Gerard =

Our Father Teach is on vacation for the holidays and he sent so much love our way!

Source: Damien's Bsky

= Christopher Corbin =

So you may remember, our "We Could have Made Magic" Pirate, Christopher Corbin played santa in a an NFL ad recently. He posted the progression from Chris to Kris Kringle, and I just had to share it because it made me giggle!

Source: Christopher Corbin's instagram

== Adopt Our Crew ==

Our absolutely awesome fan crew, @adoptourcrew put together some lists regarding our dear show, and it looks like 30 different articles featured OFMD as one of the worst cancellations of 2024!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Bsky

They also put together a list of the Select 2024 Media Mentions! OFMD averaged at least one media mention per week! Holy cow!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Bsky

== Articles ==

Thank you to @adoptourcrew as always for the many articles OFMD has been featured in recently!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Instagram

Source: Adopt Our Crew Instagram

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Tiny Crew Big Raffle =

In honor of the Tiny Boats raffle, the @ofmd-buys-boats team had an Interview with our dear Set Dresser, Lindsey Cantrell! You can read the full thing on their substack-- here's a sneak preview!

They were kind enough to let me share the info here as well!

"Amy: What was your favourite set to dress? Linds: What a hard question. The favorite that first comes to mind is John Bartholomew's Captain's Quarters. The scene where Zheng Yi Sao leads a raid on Bartholomew's ship, and then convinces him to join her crew. The day we were going to shoot this scene was pulled up in the schedule, so during a few lunches and a few private rehearsals, I was brought over to the unfinished set to get my opinion on the status of its dress. What to add, where to move items, take away, etc. And it needed to get done quickly. We were pulling dressing from all over. Production Designer Ra and Art Director Troy really wanted it to be layered. They were discussing someone who'd lived in that space for ages. Our Set Dec team left the bones of it in a good place, but on the day we went to shoot it, we still scrambled a bit throwing items together for more chaos (some good ideas, some bad- ie: a stool ended up on top of a dresser?) I still love the way the lighting was shot through those windows and how it all came together. Plus, didn't that charcuterie look delicious?"

Source: OMFD Buys Boats Instagram

"Amy: Speaking of the tiny boats, we’d be remiss if we didn’t ask about them too - how did you make them and how long did it take you? I can testify from making repairs to our broken ones that they’re fiddly little things! Linds: Yes they are! The strain on my eyes that week! The bases of these tiny ships are custom lead molds created in the Propmakers Workshop. Next, painted and aged brown. Then, one by one I stabilized them and carefully drilled one tiny hole in the semi-center of each ship's base. Hoping each time that I didn't push too hard or for too long, potentially breaking through to the bottom. So I held my breath and got through all of that step. Off to the side, I had the makings for the tiny flags. I painted and aged what felt like a million toothpicks to start. Trimming off the bottoms of one end so they would sit flat inside my pre-drilled hole. I cut the different pieces of construction paper in a tiny triangle with one flat end, and put a line of glue on that side to place underneath a toothpick and rolled it over to hold. Some bits of my fingertips are definitely attached to the glue inside those tricky little flags. When my deadline was getting closer, I started to just begin placing the dried flags inside the bases the next day. Until I found some of them falling over by the time I came back from lunch. So then I realized I needed to add one tiny drop of super glue into the hole first. The final precise measure was making sure when I held the flag down to attach, that I was holding it straight up & down. Sounds easy enough, but if you're only looking at one side, you may be pushing the flag down and away. So if you check your other angles afterward, you'd notice it's leaning to that opposite side, as if the tiny ship is in a storm, someone told me. [...]"

Source: OFMD Buys Boats Instagram

Once again-- for the whole interview and additional BTS please check out their substack! Thank you so much @ofmd-buys-boats for not only giving us this wonderful gift but allowing me to share some of them as well!

= Our Flag Means Fanfiction =

Our friends over at Our Flag Means Fanfiction are looking for more co-hosts!

"Everyone is always invited to be a part of the podcast! Here are 3 ways you can be involved (if you can think of more ways, definitely share them!) 1) Narrate a fic for a minisode! Just get the author's permission first then e-mail the audiofile (mp3 or wav) to ourflagmeansfanfiction@gmail.com. Everything you send in, I will put it on the pod. 2) Want to be on an upcoming episode? Just DM here or send an email and consider yourself included the next time we record. 3) Have a group of friends and want to make your own episode? Do that! Just make your own podcast episode using zoom then send the audiofile to ourflagmeansfanfiction@gmail.com and I'll edit it (remove all the pauses, ums, and anything else you want cut out). This is an all-inclusive, open-source, podcast. Everyone who wants to be involved, can be! #ofmd#ourflagmeansdeath#fanfiction"

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram

The next Gay Pirate News Hour airs on Jan 4, you can check it out on the Our Flag Means Fanfiction Youtube!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram

== Love Notes ==

I really am so sorry I'm so behind lovelies. I hope you all had a wonderful and restful holiday season. I'm going to share a few extra love notes tonight because I've seen some really lovely stuff the last many many days -- and I have so much to say and haven't had a way to do so.

The first I wanted to share is from TheLatestKate with the message I most want to send to all of you. This year has been a hell of a time, and you have no idea how very grateful I am that you were here to share it with me and so many others, and still are.

Source: The Latest Kate's Instagram

Life can be so damn hard and sometimes it feels like you just aren't making any progress... or your impact isn't as big as you want it to be.

I wanted to remind you though that the earth spins at 1000 miles per hour (1,600 km/hr), that's 24,000 miles per day (38625 km/day)... but sitting on it, it doesn't seem to be moving at all. Now look at it from space, and you can see it rotating, you can see the light of the sun reflecting off of it. You can see all the lights on the dark side, and the clouds, and the winds, and vastness of the oceans. That's what I see in you. That's what others see in you. We can see all the wonderful things you are, and how brightly you shine because we aren't living it second to second like you are. So please believe me when I say this-- you are capable of anything, and you are doing SO DAMN WELL despite this crazy life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katie Abey ☀️Angela Sandland 🧚🏻 spirituality and creativity (@happinessenchanters)

Source: Katie Abey's Instagram

Our Pirate Queen shared this one (I couldn't remember if I'd shared it before, but here it is again if so!). Your softness, your creativity, all of that is your strength and I will die on that hill.

Source: Ruibo's Instagram Stories / HopeHealingArts Instagram

Lastly, I just wanted to say thank you for being a part of this little community called the OFMD fandom. This crew is phenomenal, and it has brought out so much love and healing in me (and so many of us) this past year. You are beyond a doubt some of the kindest, most badass people on the planet, and I am so very happy I get to share what little bits of time I can with you. I am slow to respond to things right now because of how crazy life is, but please know I'm here if you need me. I want so very much to see you succeed, and grow, and bloom in this crazy messed up world we live in. You are the change, and the softness this world needs, and I believe whole heartedly that each time you are kind to someone, you emit a wave of change that makes the world a better place. Rest up lovelies. Happy New Year <3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by bailey (@anxiety.positive)

Source: Anxiety Positive's Instagram

[fairy-lights-and-blobs]

Third chapter of "Tired mornings and new beginnings" has gone live just now.

You'll notice a new tag has made itself known from the last chapter until now.

Hope you enjoy the new chapter :)

[theoceanoasis]

Rodimus accidentally being inseminated with Soundwave’s sparkling

With the end of the war everything was changing one of those was his medic. He'd always had Ratchet as his medic but now he was looking into finding someone else.

Ratchet was great but he had other options now and wanted to try a... Nicer medic.

He was a little nervous going to his first appointment with his new medic. Ratchet had sent over all his medical information which was good.

He was probably glad it was one less person he had to deal with. Ratchet mentioned wanting to have more personal time now that the war was over.

His new medic used to be a Decepticon, but he was also a race car and had a shiny finish.

Since the war was over and a peace treaty had been signed. He thought it couldn't hurt to help blend Cybertron together. Even though the war was over they were still divided.

Walking into the clinic he was a little nervous because it was mostly Decepticons. However the appointment went well. Until he learned that he'd have to come back for his interface equipment to be looked at.

He always hated those appointments and he put it off for as long as possible. Which caused him to have a different medic since Knockout was on vacation with his Conjunx.

Even though he didn't want to do this. Especially when his medic wouldn't be there he forced himself to go.

The medic treated him strangely which he already didn't like making a comment about his looks.

He didn't know what to expect since this wasn't his usual medic but he didn't remember it hurting so much. He assumed the Decepticons didn't mind how rough their medics were but Ratchet never caused him pain like this when he was examining his array.

When it was over he felt sore down there and was happy to be done with it.

Days later and he started feeling sick. He'd throw up in the morning and then be fine for the rest of the day. He was also tired all the time, his moods fluctuated frequently and he was always hungry constantly having cravings. Even the energon he usually drank was now disgusting and he'd started drinking something else.

He was looking in the mirror noticing some weight gain when his comm rang. He quickly answered it confused when it was Knockout and he sounded stressed.

"Please come to the clinic immediately."

He then hung up leaving him alone to wonder what was going on. He took one last look in the mirror and then drove over. Afterwards he planned to hit the tracks to hopefully lose the weight he'd gained.

When he got there the clinic was quiet and he was quickly ushered into a room.

Knockout stood there looking nervous and trying to hide it. The medic who did his interface equipment exam looked terrified and was shaking. Ratchet was also there looking mad and Soundwave was there for some reason, but it was hard to tell what he was thinking.

"Sit down."

He did as he was told shifting in discomfort from everyone looking at him.

"There was a mix-up during your appointment."

"A mix-up!?"

Ratchet looked mad glaring at Knockout.

"What kind of clinic is this? How could something like this have happened?"

"What's going on?"

He gave them all a nervous look and Knockout sighed.

"You were supposed to get an exam done on your interface equipment which is standard procedure. However there was a mix-up."

Ratchet huffed and Knockout ignored him.

"Our medic here."

They froze staring at him in fear.

"Made a mistake."

Ratchet glared.

"They accidentally inseminated you with Soundwave's transfluid."

It was quiet for a long moment as he struggled to digest what he'd just been told.

"What!"

He shouted looking at them in shock.

"How could this have happened?"

"They thought you were Soundwave's surrogate and inseminated you. Now the question is if you're sparked or not."

He froze spark pounding as he thought about his recent symptoms. He rubbed his tanks and Ratchet shoved the other medics away grabbing some equipment.

"Let me do it and after this I want you to become my patient again."

"If he's sparked with Soundwave's..."

"Soundwave will just have to deal with it. If he's sparked Hot Rod would be carrying the sparkling not him and he doesn't get a choice."

Ratchet glared at Soundwave who remained silent. He didn't look at him instead he stared at the equipment. Shivering when Ratchet rubbed cold gel on his belly.

He then put some kind of stick against it and they all watched on the monitors as the beginnings of a sparkling appeared.

His optics widened and he felt like he was going to be sick. Ratchet grabbed a bucket passing it to him just as he threw up.

The medic responsible for this mess looked horrified and Soundwave glared at them while rubbing his back. He leaned into it for a second before remembering who was touching him and quickly moved away.

He found himself shaking crying as he begun to have a panic attack especially with everyone talking at once.

Ratchet kicked everyone else taking over as his medic.

"This is your choice. You never wanted this and I want you to take a few days to think things over."

He nodded still shaking and crying. Ratchet let him stay there until he was ready and when he left the room the clinic was empty and he didn't have to worry about anyone bothering him.

He went home and curled up in bed trying to figure out what he was going to do.

[rabbitcruiser]

The Treaty of Nymphenburg was a treaty between Bavaria and Spain that was concluded on May 28, 1741.

[ed-recoverry]

Some good news to get you through

As someone super into history and current events, everything always sucks so I just want to make a little masterlist of some glimmers of hope. Will try to make multiple of these.

I shopped around for all of these, but this website and this website offers happy stories all in one place for those who don't have the time.

Colombia outlaws child marriage after 17-year campaign

Jordan Recognized as First in the World to Eradicate Leprosy

Norway, Paraguay, Antigua and Barbuda join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Orran Gala Raises $400,000 for Armenia’s Most Vulnerable

Hanover firefighter creates ‘Belize Heroes’ to donate lifesaving equipment to home country

‌Norway’s Kon-Tiki Museum returns artifacts to Chile’s remote Easter Island

Minneapolis man's murder conviction vacated after 16 years

Hiking group for Muslim women breaks barriers as hundreds flock to the outdoors

Scientists find a 35,000-year-old saber-toothed kitten in the Siberian permafrost

Tupelo Preschool Teacher Donates Organ to Student

Author Katherine Rundell donates royalties to climate charities in Trump protest

Pan-Mass Challenge Raises Record $75 Million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Texas woodpecker no longer endangered after 54 years

Researchers discover 'lost' frog species in the Andes after over a century

More states are adopting laws to protect children of family vloggers

A 19-Year-Old Who Spent Her Childhood In Foster Care Was Finally Adopted By A Former Caseworker

Dolly Parton Gifts $4.5 Million to Nashville Public Library

New Mexico sees nearly 10% more first-year college students, bucking national trend

21-Year-Old Raising His 4 Siblings Since Their Mom Died Surprised With $40K and a New Car

Easy-fit prosthetics offer hope to thousands of Gaza amputees

UNM alumni hike tallest peaks in Ecuador to make prosthetic care more accessible

London charity helps young mums thrive

Italian charity sends 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Cyprus

Climate report shows the largest annual drop in EU greenhouse gas emissions for decades

Washingtonians defend the Climate Commitment Act

Voters decide MN Lottery will keep funding environmental causes

Finnish fathers taking nearly double length of paternity leave since 2022 reform

Oysters reintroduced to Firth of Forth appear to be 'thriving'

German union says auto and engineering workers to get 5.5% wage rise

Seaweed farming brings hope to Kenyan villagers hit by climate change

Previously extinct Cape Water Lily restored at False Bay Nature Reserve

From landfill to limelight, Ghana waste entrepreneurs win Earthshot Prize

A derogatory term for Native women will be removed from place names across California

Texas Native Health expands facility to better serve the state's Indigenous community

Borneo’s ‘omen birds’ find a staunch guardian in Indigenous Dayak Iban elders

African cinema takes to global stage with diverse storytelling

Maori haka in NZ parliament to protest at bill to reinterpret founding treaty

Animal welfare group works to rescue lions, pets in Lebanon

Inside a Massachusetts studio showcasing the work of artists with disabilities

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Jesse Duquette

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LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

July 11, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUL 12, 2024

Yesterday, Raw Story reported that Ivan Raiklin, Trump’s self-declared “Secretary of Retribution” has compiled a “Deep State target list” of 350 people he wants to see arrested and punished for “treason” if Trump is reelected. The list includes Democratic and Republican elected officials, journalists he considers to be Trump’s enemies, U.S. Capitol Police officers, and witnesses against Trump in his impeachment trials and the hearings concerning the events of January 6, 2021.

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) told Raw Story: “His hit list is a vigilante death warrant for hundreds of Americans and a clear and present danger to the survival of American democracy and freedom.” The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Raiklin said the list was just the beginning. “This is the scratching of the surface of who is going to be criminalized for their treason, okay?” 

Former president Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has tried to distance himself from the radical extremist blueprint outlined in Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation. Today, videos surfaced of Trump cheering the project on from the start. At a Heritage Foundation dinner in 2022, Trump, slurring his words, said: “Our country is going to hell…. This is a great group and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do...when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America. And that’s coming.”

On a right-wing podcast yesterday, Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts said that Trump’s agenda and Project 2025 have “tremendous” overlap. “There are some quibbles and differences of opinion here and there, which not only is okay, but it's actually good,” Roberts said. “I mean, we're gonna be able to sort those out once the presidential administration declares what their priorities are.” He said that Trump’s attempt to distance himself from the project was “a political tactical decision.” Media Matters uncovered a video in which Project 2025 director Paul Dans said that Trump is “very bought in with this.” 

The Heritage Foundation, the key author of Project 2025, is a sponsor of the Republican National Convention. 

Today the Heritage Foundation preemptively accused the Biden administration of cheating in the 2024 election and warned that Biden might try to hold the White House “by force.” It said that Biden and his administration could ���circumvent constitutional limits and disregard the will of the voters should they demand a new president.” 

There is no indication that Biden, who has repeatedly said he will accept the election results, will try to launch a coup against the United States government. In contrast, Trump, who has refused to say he will accept the election result unless he agrees with it, has already done exactly what Heritage is trying to pin on Biden: Trump tried to stay in office against the will of the voters in 2021. 

Trump is currently under criminal indictment for that attempt, although the Supreme Court’s eye-popping July 1 decision in Trump v. U.S. declaring that a president cannot be prosecuted for crimes committed as part of a president’s “official duties” means Trump can challenge those indictments. Indeed, in the wake of that decision, Trump’s lawyers have filed a motion to vacate the jury’s conviction of Trump on 24 felony counts related to the falsification of business records in his attempt to skew the 2016 election, and to dismiss the indictment. 

While the U.S. and our allies celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Erin Banco of Politico reported yesterday that Trump advisors have told foreign officials that Trump plans to scale back U.S. cooperation and support for NATO, including reducing the sharing of intelligence with NATO countries.

This seems likely to be related to the news that the U.S. intelligence discovered a series of Russian plots to assassinate executives from European defense companies that are supplying arms to Ukraine. Americans took that intelligence to Germany and foiled a Russian plot to kill the chief executive officer of a German arms manufacturer. 

Trump has stayed home playing golf for the past two weeks, but on Tuesday he held a rally at his Doral golf club outside of Miami, where he kept the audience waiting outside in 90-degree heat before he showed up an hour late. His 75-minute speech was, as The Guardian’s Richard Luscombe reported, “full of evidence-free claims that his 2020 election defeat was fraudulent; baseless accusations that overseas nations were sending to the US ‘most of their prisoners’; and a laughable assertion that a gathering of supporters numbering in the hundreds was really a crowd of 45,000.” He also claimed that Biden had quadrupled the price of bacon and said, “We don’t eat bacon any more.” 

Trump did not mention his vice presidential pick. For the first time since 1988, it appears the Republicans will go into their convention without knowing who that pick will be. 

Luscombe reported that the crowd “appeared mostly subdued,” yawning and playing on their phones. 

Today, the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times wrote that Trump is “the only candidate in the race who is patently unfit for office—any office—and an imminent threat to democracy.” “If the [Republicans] had any decency left,” it wrote, they would dump him. Voters, the board said, must see the election as “a referendum on our 248-year democracy, and a choice between a trustworthy public servant who upholds American values and a serial liar who wants to push the country into authoritarianism.”

Almost two weeks after calling for Biden to step out of the 2024 race for the presidency, the editorial board of the New York Times also said that Trump is unfit to lead the United States of America, and urged voters “to see the dangers of a second Trump term clearly and to reject it.”

There was continued good news today about the American economy. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had collected more than $1 billion in overdue tax bills from millionaires. That crackdown was possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which funded an initiative to pursue high-income, high-wealth individuals who have an income of more than $1 million and owe more than $250,000 to the IRS. 

Republicans have repeatedly tried to cut the funding that made this enforcement possible. 

Today’s inflation report for June showed that inflation continues to cool, falling in June for the first time since the start of the pandemic. It declined in June by –0.1%, as gas and electricity prices dropped and as rent had its smallest monthly increase since August 2021. Statistics also show that workers’ wages continue to grow more quickly than prices. 

Yesterday, the AFL-CIO executive council voted unanimously to reaffirm its support for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, saying: “Unions have never wavered in our support of them because they’ve never wavered in their commitment to working people.” The Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union quoted that statement and added: “BAC is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters across the labor movement in supporting the Biden-Harris re-election campaign.”

In a press conference this evening, Biden championed the economic boom his policies created for the middle class and reminded attending journalists that “none of you thought that would happen.” 

In that press conference, held after he presided over the three-day NATO summit and thus focused on foreign affairs, Biden answered press questions directly and fully, not only on his health but also on foreign affairs. He reiterated the importance of NATO and reminded reporters that he was key to reinforcing the alliance after Trump weakened it, then went on to talk about foreign affairs more broadly. He also noted that “I’ve spent more time with Xi Jinping than any other president,” adding: “And by the way I handed in my notes.” This was a reference to the fact that in an unprecedented move, Trump infamously refused to disclose the notes from one of his conversations with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

At the same time that Biden was holding a press conference that focused on NATO and foreign affairs, Trump was meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Putin ally Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán. On social media this evening, Trump indicated that he is trying to conduct his own foreign policy, although the Logan Act prohibits private citizens from negotiating with foreign governments, and reiterated his support for Putin’s call for “peace” in Ukraine. Their plan calls for giving Putin the western regions of Ukraine that were central to his 2016 support for Trump; Trump’s 2016 campaign manager promised Trump would look the other way as Putin absorbed them. 

Orbán, who has openly called for Trump’s reelection, posted: “Peace mission 5.0[.] It was an honour to visit President [Trump] at Mar-a-Lago today. We discussed ways to make [peace]. The good news of the day: he’s going to solve it!”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON