#also sorry fao

[mythosidhesdollhouse]

Soooooooooooo I'm afraid your friend in doll collecting may have gone a tiny bit off the rails today. IN MY DEFENSE--I just got a refund from Aliexpress for an order that failed to arrive within their 'Delivery in 30 days or it's free!' window. So technically the money had already been spent. I just...stretched it a bit further ;p

The cloth doll in the middle is from HarperIman, another Black women-owned toy company. Their main business focuses on made-to-order, customizable, handmade linen dolls in the 18"-20" range, but they also have a line of 'petite' 14" handmade dolls that can be found at Target, FAO, and a few other retailers. The one I purchased, Sadie, is of the latter variety. I've seen this brand around for awhile, but this is the first time I've felt compelled to add one of their creations to my collection. I have a soft spot (LOL) for cloth dolls, but I'm also rather particular about them, so I don't have very many. This one spoke to me, she just feels like a good fit. I'm already having thoughts about embroidering flowers on her overalls ^_^

(Screenshots of some of the more bespoke dolls available directly from the HarperIman site)

I swear I made a genuine effort to choose between the two HBC girls and only get one for now...but I just couldn't. I made the mistake of browsing their Instagram, and the hair on these dolls is SO GOOD I am powerless to resist. I cannot wait to start designing outfits and accessories for them!

*sigh* so yes...I probably should have saved that money, but I'm also not exactly sorry it's gone...BUT REALLY THIS TIME, no more dolls. For a good minute. Between these latest shenanigans and Isabela and Moana and the factory Blythe from AE that hypothetically is still on the way, albeit extremely late...I have six dolls in transit. I need to slow the hell down and focus on making clothes for all these girls. I will make an honest effort to not go on ebay or Mercari or anywhere else I might be tempted by a deal at least until the end of the month. After that we'll see XD

[foreverydinger]

Tony's Christmas List 2023

Ian: @ianthedisastrous

A locket with one side showing the date the letter from Ian's publisher's first letter of acceptance and the other side being their first selfie together post-curse

Eilonwy: @eilonwy-notjustgirl

Paper stars ornament! They each have a face drawn on them and inside is either a wish Tony has for Eilonwy or a secret he wanted to share with her during the curse. She's welcome to open them if she'd like or she can keep them inside the ornament.

Mim: @madmagicmim

Long-necked goose stuffed animal for when you really need to get your frustration out!

Pip: @exsqueak-me

FAO Schwarz Glow Brights Disco Ball Plush with lights and sound

Jessica: @notbad-justsungthatway

Emma Frost Funko Pop figures! One human-passing and one diamond form. He couldn't decide which version to get so he scoured the internet for both (and now he can actually be open about giving her those comics)!

Julieta: @julicta

Handwritten recipe book of all of Harriet Rydinger's family recipes (and some added sticky notes thanking Juli for her help).

Errol: @hngrylikethewoolf

A Sherlock Holmes pipe (Errol gives him these vibes I'm sorry)

Willow: @halfawitch-willow

LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet set

Winston: @winndeavor

A tumbler for his iced coffee that says "Chaos Coordinator" (with the phonetic alphabet key) followed by "Someone who solves problems you never knew existed in ways that will blow your mind; See also: ninja; rockstar; legend"

Court of Miracles Coworkers (Jessica, Willow, Lucky, Susan, Gabriella, & Robbie): @notbad-justsungthatway @halfawitch-willow @bad-moon--rising @missxspider @gabriella-marino @robbie-ryeo

Bar in a Jar (Everything each of them need to make their favorite cocktails)!

SwynD&D Crew (Mirabel, Dipper, Ian, Eilonwy, & Penny): @waitingona-mirabel @thedipster @ianthedisastrous @eilonwy-notjustgirl @little-superstar-penny

Tony commissioned for everyone to get artwork of their characters (or the world/map for Dipper) as well as getting dice for everyone that matches their characters' vibes!

[faofinn]

No. 26 "Sometimes I get so tired, I don't even know myself."

Seeing Double | Working To Exhaustion | "You look awful."

Exam season was well and truly kicking Jess' arse.

On top of studying for what felt like eternity, Jess was also seven months pregnant, trying desperately to get things prepared for the baby, and trying to find a way to keep Fred's men from permanently ending up in prison. It was a lot, she knew it was, but she'd never been one to shy away from a challenge.

She stood from the toilet, groaning as everything spun sickeningly, the ringing all too loud in her ears. She gripped the counter hard, taking a few deep breaths to let everything settle. She'd just stood up too fast. Had probably gotten a bit dehydrated from the vomiting and lack of eating thanks to the pregnancy cravings, that was all.

After washing her hands, she headed back out, padding to Fred's library. She'd all but moved in there, much to Finn's disdain. Though, after a few days of complaining, he'd ended up joining her, a mix of worry and boredom keeping him by her side. While she read, laid on her back with her head in his lap, he tried mentally planning for the baby, but nine times out of ten, he only ended up more stressed, choosing instead to study her face, a smile on his own.

"You've got a stupid grin on your face. What're you thinking about?" Jess dropped the book, looking up at him.

Finn had the decency to look sheepish. "Nothing. You. The baby."

"God, you're a sap."

"Yeah, I know." He leaned down to kiss her on the nose. "But you wouldn't change me."

She hummed. "Oh, if I had the chance…"

"Jess! That's mean."

She laughed, pushing herself upright. "I know."

"You're meant to be nice to me!"

"Actually, it's the other way around. You're supposed to be nice to me."

"I'll be nice to the baby."

"I'm carrying the baby, you have to be nice to me too!"

Finn stole a kiss from her cheek. "Want something to eat?"

"What are you offering?"

"Whatever dad can make." He admitted with a laugh. "Or a takeaway."

"Ooh, I could do a takeaway."

"Yeah? Why don’t you pick something? I'll go see if anyone else wants anything." 

Finn headed off to find the others, though had barely been gone a minute before he rushed back. "I'm gonna have to go out with Dad and Fao. Mum's gonna be here, and Tai's next door, but Hars is coming with. I'm sorry, we can get one when I get back?"

Jess smiled sadly. "Of course. Just be careful, okay?"

He hugged her close. "I'm always careful. Love you."

"Love you." Jess echoed, watching him go. 

Alone again, Jess returned to the books, grabbing a few more and setting up at the desk. She might as well make use of the time. Midnight came and went, but there was no sign of the boys. Sheila had made tea for the pair of them, and Jess had long been in bed, but she couldn't sleep. Despite the exhaustion that had crept into her bones, she'd barely had half of a good night's sleep in a week. She tossed and turned, struggling to find a comfortable position. The baby kept kicking whenever she almost found a moment's peace, immediately waking her from the slight doze she'd managed.

After several hours, when the sun had started to peak over the horizon, she gave in. The library had become her second home over the previous few weeks, so of course that's where she headed. She made herself a cup of tea as she gathered the books, glad Fred hadn't skimped on home comforts. 

Biscuits picked up too, she curled on the sofa and started her note-taking once more.

"Jess? Jess." 

She startled awake, immediately on edge. A blush covered her cheeks as she focused on Finn, reaching to wrap her arms around him. "You're home."

"Of course I am." He pressed a kiss to her hair. "Have you been here all night?"

She shook her head, stretching out with a wince. "No, I went to bed."

"Did you get any sleep? You look exhausted."

"Gee, thanks Finn." She shot back.

"I could have said you look awful." 

She slapped him good naturedly. "Finn!"

"I said I could have!" He protested, but quickly softened. "You do look exhausted though. Did you get any rest?"

"Maybe? I must have, I came down here earlier, you woke me up." 

"You didn't look comfortable in the slightest." He admitted. "I was worried about you. I am worried about you."

[eric-the-disposable-demon]

CROWLEY IS ME THO ALSO SORRY I TEND TO TALK IN EXCUTED CAPS ALOT NOT ANGRY YELLING PROMISE JUST EXCITED BUT ANYHOW crowley would do anything for aziraphale and thats beautiful

BRO I LITERALLY TALK IN FAOS ALL THE TIME IT SHOWS A CERTAIN LEVEL OF EXCITEMENT SMALL CAPS (or whatever its called) JUST DON'T HAVE. and yes I can relate crowley and I have so many things in common it's starting to get scary... also yes the lengths he'd go for his angel are also scary he would due for him

[thefixeraa]

* @parieur , marcel hardly ever was late , but today was one of those days , the drive to the diamond district taking longer than he had hope . " sorry i'm late , but i had to do something ... " he placed the red large paper bag in front of her , a smile on his face ever since he saw the little thing , a plushy grey seal with stripped belly ( the better choice between a beluga , an octopus and a turtle , ) and decided to buy it . it had been a rocky road before , one that had him holding back for a few months to wait and see , but now that things seemed to have come out on the bright side , it felt appropriate to now start planning ahead . " we don't know what they are yet but , i thought it would be cute regardless . "

it has been a little over three months now , and with the knowledge that her pregnancy was stable and healthy . it was time to look to the future and be joyful . it's been difficult to stay pregnant , despite being fertile and not having any issues to conceive . this whole thing was fairly hard on mia , her mind and body both suffering from the conclusion of a miscarriage . she stayed hopeful ( or at least tried to , ) because these things happen . it's normal : she kept telling herself ... none of that changed the way she felt it difficult to get out of bed or eat . none of that mattered because she still mourned the loss of a potential life .

hand roams over the small swell of her stomach , the thought that life was growing inside of her was ... surreal to say the least . never in her life , and this is very typical of someone who lives the way she has . never did she think that this was possible . the idea alone was farfetched and unreachable - it was crazy to think that anyone , including herself could be a parent . a mother . yes marcel has told her before she'd make a great one , but she didn't believe it ( and often still thinks she wouldn't be . ) maybe that is at best an insecurity , because she would be the first one to tell you she ins't at all confident in this . it's to be expected anyhow , but the thought that all of this was happening , it didn't seem real . it was however , and before she knows it , she'll be kicking and screaming and pushing this child out .

her thoughts are focused to the present , moment she hears the front door open . she blinks as marcel moves through the foyer , the red paper bag is the first thing she notices ... she also knows where that paper bag is from . the logo ' fao schwarz ' centered in the middle , her dark brow arching at him as it is then placed in front of her . offering little explanation , its on her to take a peak on what's inside . she pushes away the thin , white tissue paper and finds the large head of the seal . lifting it out of the bag , her lips pull into a wide closed smile , eyes immediately lighting up . " aww , " she says almost immediately as she holds it out in front of her . " look at this fuckin' thing , " adding to the previous statement . " you sure are preparing this kid for the aquatic life , " which she holds no qualms of , as she is very particular with aquatic mammals herself .

a little giggle is let out as she rounds the long kitchen island and slips her arms around his waist . a small kiss pressed against his lips as for one , a greeting and also as a appreciative gesture . as she pulls away that same smile is fixed on her face , her eyes are pulled up to marcel's as she holds him close . " our baby is going to be so loved knowing it's got you as their father . "

[aellynera]

You never posted about the end of your New York City Oscar trip. I was reading your other parts and now I'm dying to read it cuz you said it was weird but with an Oscar connection!

Oh Nonnie. I'm SO sorry. Life happened, y'know? And I sort of forgot what I was going to say, but now I remember. So. 😂

We went to the screening, which was awesome. Then the next day, I ended up messaging with Lisa Zaman, who had also been at the screening but we didn't see each other there. But we did meet up later that second day, in front of FAO Schwarz. I had asked if she was doing another art drop (where she leaves prints around the city for you to find) and she said no, she didn't have time, but she would meet me. So she did, and gave me a few Scenes from a Marriage prints! They are amazing and beautiful!!

(There's also the time I literally ran into her (okay technically she ran into ME like a rugby player 😂) on my birthday because we were staying in the same hotel - she was leaving, I was arriving - completely by accident, but that's another story for another time. And did directly involved Oscar, and it was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVERRRRRRRR)

[imperfectnothing]

hii rock ! ! i know i have um . 3 . asks still clogging your other inbox, ( please forgive me . I don’t know how and when to shut my mouth—but one day i shall finally learn ! ! ) i have a small question, ( might not be small since there might be a big response ? ) what do you think fao and han would think of nyx’s friends ? this is because i think it’s kind of . silly that fao likes the moon and stars and auri is based of the moon and some of nyx’s and nyx himself are based off stars . . auri would also probably ask nyx sometimes about his parents, as her mother, kurai, did kill herself shortly after auri’s birth .

ok im done . . really this time . i shall give you a break from my non stop yapping and record my thoughts in my drafts instead— anyways, love you rock hope your having a good day < 3 !

HELLO APRI <3 <3 im sorry that i have been so dogshit at answering asks Imma try and follow up on those. this afternoon (looks at my own two hands in horror).

Haneul would be happy that Nyx has as many friends as he does. To be honest, Nyx was probably nonverbal until he was a toddler and even after he started talking, he wasn't very social with other kids . . . it is a miracle that Dian became his friend lmao. Haneul was very protective over Nyx because as much as he hated being pregnant and giving birth, he loved Nyx (and Mori. They're his favorites, mostly because they remind him of Fao 😅). But like, Nyx looks so much like Fao, even though he got Han's nose and two-toned hair, and they were pretty close.

Han's favorites out of Nyx's friends would be Aurien, Tallis, and Solei, simply because they're the most his speed and they are the nicest to Nyx (not that any of Nyx's friends are mean to him but Nyx and Tov bicker, and Cas makes fun of Nyx . . .) (Han is already fond of Castor and Kyo, though he doesn't think of them as "Nyx's friends.")

Fao was the parent that Nyx felt the most time with, especially when Han was too busy with other obligations to look after him, Fao would come in and babysit.

Sillily or sillyly (whatever. i am going to end up on the news) enough, Fao's favorites of Nyx's friends are definitely Tov, Lang, and Aurien. Fao doesn't really like people who are loud or talkative (which is why he likes Lang & Tov) but Aurien is sweet enough that he doesn't mind her at all. (To be honest I am thinking that maybe . . . in the modern au, Fao is the dad of Nyx & Auri? that married Cas' mom after she got divorced? because it would make sense w/his dark hair and light eyes . . . anyways.) Basically, I think if given the chance, Fao would be a kind of surrogate dad to Auri, playing with her and nodding along at her yapping.

A little note: Dian wasn't well-liked by either of Nyx's parents not because either disliked him or thought he was a bad kid but because they could tell that he had a huge baby crush on Nyx and they're both overprotective parents. Dian is Nyx's favorite so no need to worry about it lmao (Nyx doesn't actually have favorites, this is a lie, but it's a white lie so it's fine)

[mywingsareonwheels]

FAO the lovely @endeavour12345 who wanted more info!

Here is much more at this link here! TW medical details of leg ulcers etc., terminal illness, and possible eating disorder...

But here in any case is the pertinent bit about access tools!

"The last years of Henry’s life were pretty miserable. Because of his chronic illnesses and the fact that ‘the King was much grown of his Body’, he was unable to get about without assistance. He began using ‘machinery’ that consisted of a chair called a ‘tramme’, which seems to have been an early type of sedan chair. It was described as a chair ‘or the king’s Majestie to sitt in to be carried to and fro in his galleries and chambers, covered in tawny velvet, all over quilted’. He was also ‘let up and down (stairs) by a Device’ that was some kind of early lift. In spite of his disabilities, he was still occasionally able to get up on a horse and in August 1546, he paid for another device, ‘a new stool….for the king to light upon horseback’.(4)."

(Honestly that "tramme" sounds amazing to me.)

My partner also noted that in an episode of Digging for Britain there's mention of evidence of some adaptations made to Elsyng Palace to enable Henry to go hunting - some rails, not quite clear what for.

Anyway: he was a horrifying human being and extremely tyrannical king, but I love knowing about his accessibility accommodations. :-)

(Also the usual reminder here that people being fatphobic about Henry VIII are being awful and also missing the point about the things that were actually bad about him...)

Diversity win: this horrifying murderous tyranical king is disabled.

[life-is-no-sugarlicking]

30 Day OTP Challenge - Day 5: kissing <3

[tiffanyachings]

when you see a post that completely misses the point but can't be bothered to type out your response because arguing with people on this hellsite is futile

[bellakitse]

Greener on the Other Side

“I’m sorry,” he gasps, not believing what she’s just said. “Say that again, please.”

“I said he’s married,” she repeats herself softly, giving him a pitying look. “And he has a kid."

+

Alex hasn't heard anything about TK Strand in over four years. That's about to change.

Alex Fletcher walks into Gramercy Tavern twenty minutes later than he agreed to meet his friends. He already dreads what is sure to be a lecture on his constant tardiness from the group, but more so, what he knows will be pointed looks when they see he’s come alone instead of with his boyfriend.

Spotting them to the left of the restaurant, he starts to make his way over to them. “Sorry, sorry,” he starts to say with a charming smile as all five of them look up at his voice, hoping to curb the scolding before it starts. “The 6 train was an absolute mess. It got the 33rd street and then refused to go forward.”

Liz and Becca share a look at his excuse, and Alex has to keep from rolling his eyes at them. He gets it. Being late is one of his less desirable character traits, and they find it annoying, but after over a decade of friendship, he thinks they should get over it by now.

“Yeah, the trains have been acting up all week,” Malcolm offers while his wife Patricia gives him a small smile, the two of them ever the peacemakers of the group. “Sit down, man.”

Alex offers his friends a more sincere smile, shaking hands with him and his other buddy Chris before giving all three women kisses on the cheek.

“Where is Dean?” Patricia asks politely, and Alex winces at her mistake. It’s been a while since he and Dean ended things, but it’s also been a while since Patricia has joined her husband at one of their dinners.

“We broke up a few months ago,” he tells her, his face feeling tight from his fake smile. “I’m dating someone new now. His name is Wallace.”

“Oh,” Patricia says softly, going a little red in the face at her blunder. “My apologies, Alex.”

He waves her off, wanting to move on from the embarrassing moment quickly. “No worries, Patty,” he says to her. “And Wallace wanted to come, but he had to work,” he explains, trailing off lamely, not believing the lie himself, but it’s not like he can tell his friends that Wallace simply didn’t want to come because he thought it would be boring.

His friends all give him understanding, if not quite believing looks, and Alex wonders just how pathetic his expression is that they don’t push for more.

The mood around the table is awkward and quiet, making his skin feel tight. Thankfully their waiter comes over to take their drink order, easing the moment, giving him something else to focus on.

He starts to loosen up once there is a vodka soda in his hand. He listens to Liz as she talks about her latest architecture project, laughs at the funny story Chris tells them about his 1st-grade class painting the class bunny with washable markers. He’s enjoying their company, forgetting for a moment that his boyfriend should be there with him getting to know his friends when Becca’s eyes light up as Chris wraps up another story about his students.

“You guys will never believe who I saw yesterday walking out of FAO Schwarz,” she starts, her brown eyes lighting up with the chance to share some juicy gossip.

Alex leans in, already intrigued by the look on her face.

“Who?” Liz asks with a grin, curious herself.

“TK Strand,” Becca answers, saying the name with emphasis, and Alex gets why even as he feels shock go through him. It’s been over four years since he has seen or heard from TK. Not since the night he stopped him from proposing, confessing he was in love with someone else.

Mitchell, he thinks bitterly as he takes a large gulp of his drink. In the end, he’d turned out to be Alex’s own personal karma for hurting TK.

Walking in on him and another guy from their gym eight months into their official relationship had been a kick in the teeth and a hard lesson to learn.

He shakes his head to clear it from the lousy memory just in time to hear Becca’s following comment, shocking him more than her first. “I’m sorry,” he gasps, not believing what she’s just said. “Say that again, please.”

Becca looks at him, hesitating as she bites down on her lip, looking remorseful for a moment, probably remembering that out of all of them, he’d be the one with the most invested interest.

“I said he’s married,” she repeats herself softly, giving him a pitying look. “And he has a kid. They were coming out of the toy store when I bumped into them, and he introduced them to me. His husband’s name is Carlos, and their little boy is Luca. Really cute kid – was talking a mile a minute about all the toys in the place, and given all the bags they had, they must have bought him half the store.”

“Wow,” Chris breathes out, his surprise evident. “I can’t believe he’s married and with a kid. How old do you think?”

“Four,” Becca answers instantly. “I asked Luca, and he held up his fingers.”

Alex shakes his head again. It’s been four years since he and TK were together, and he has a four-year-old son. “That doesn’t make any sense,” he says mostly to himself.

“I get the feeling he’s adopted,” Becca answers. “Or maybe Carlos’ son,” she continues with a shrug. “But he called TK dad.”

“What was the husband like?” Liz questions, and Alex is grateful because he can’t bring himself to ask.

“He was polite and friendly,” Becca pauses, shooting him another look before continuing. “Ridiculously hot, and hopelessly in love with TK. I spent maybe ten minutes with them, and you guys should have seen the way he looked at him. It was like TK hung the moon.”

The table is quiet for a moment. For his benefit, he’s sure, as he tries to process everything he’s learned, when Liz speaks up again.

“Good for TK. He deserves that and more,” she says with a smile on her face that takes a hard edge when he shoots her a glare. “What?” she questions, her whole expression challenging him. “You didn’t take care of him when you guys were together, and he’s a great guy. I always liked him even though we lost touch after you broke up. I’m glad he’s found happiness.”

Alex bites down on the urge to lash out at his friend, not only is it a losing battle with Liz, but deep down in the parts of him where he has buried his guilt and shame at his past actions, he knows he can’t argue with the truth she just laid on him.

 ֎֎֎

 The rest of the dinner is awkward to say the least. Even though they move on from TK, Alex can’t stop thinking about his ex and what he’s learned. He pulls Becca to the side as they’re leaving, grilling her for any more information she might have.

She finally tells him TK had mentioned they were staying with his mother and little brother – one of the few things he did know about TK and his family since Gwyneth and his father ran in the same legal circles. He’d learned about the woman’s surprise pregnancy almost three years ago.

Becca looks at him as he absorbs the information before letting out a heavy sigh, reminding him not to do anything stupid.

He’d given her an absent nod that even he didn’t believe. Which is probably why he’s outside of Gwyneth’s Park Avenue apartment in a hat and sunglasses like a stalker, hoping to catch a glimpse of his ex and his husband.

Whether luck is on his side or karma wants to teach him another lesson, he doesn’t have to wait long. He’s been outside of the swanky apartment building for maybe 15 minutes, trying to decide what exactly he thinks he’s doing, when the front door opens and out walks the person he wants to see.

He ducks behind a tree just in time to not be spotted, peeking behind it to look at the small family.

TK, at 26-years-old, had been a beautiful man; Alex remembers that well. But now, at 30, he’s even more stunning if that’s even possible. He walks out of the building with a tall, muscular man Alex instantly recognizes as the ‘ridiculously hot’ mystery husband. Each of them with a little boy in their arms.

“So what are we doing today?” he hears TK ask with a grin on his face as the little boys instantly start to chant, ‘Park, park, park!’

“I wanna see the penguins, Dada,” exclaims the little boy in the arms of TK’s husband. Carlos and Luca, he remembers.

TK smiles softly at his son before looking at the child in his own arms. “What about you, little brother? Do you want to go to the Central Park Zoo and see the penguins?” he asks, tickling his chin, getting a happy giggle along with a nod from the little boy.

TK’s grin grows before he looks over at his husband, getting a nod from the man too.

“It’s unanimous then,” TK proclaims in an animated voice that has the boys lighting up. “To the park! To the penguins!”

The pair of boys let out a ‘yeah!’ leaning over at each other to share a clumsy high-five that has the adults laughing.

“You just had to rile them up, troublemaker,” Carlos scolds TK, and he might be a stranger to Alex, but he can tell it’s said with amused fondness.  

“You love me,” TK teases his husband, going easily when the man reaches out to tug him in closer by his shirt, turning his face up as his husband leans in to kiss him, tilting to the side to keep the boys out of the way.

Alex swallows hard at the display. Even from where he’s hiding, he can see TK’s bright smile and dancing green eyes once he and his husband break the kiss.

“Always, my love,” Carlos tells TK as he kisses the side of his face adoringly.

“Dada, Papa,” Luca groans out. “Kissing later, park now,” he continues, much to the amusement of the two men.

“So demanding,” TK teases, leaning in to kiss the little boy’s cheek too, laughing at the face he makes. “Okay, let’s go.”

They start towards the park, and Alex hesitates for a moment. He’s seen and heard TK and his family with his own eyes and ears. It’s obvious his ex is happy and not at all thinking about him. He should turn around in the opposite direction and leave before his luck runs out and they spot him. It’s the reasonable thing to do, and yet he finds himself following them about half a block back, keeping his head down.

He can’t hear them from this distance, but he can watch them. He takes in the way the two men hold hands while each holding on to a child, listening and chatting with the two little ones. Everything about them screams family, and Alex can’t deny the dull ache it causes inside his chest.

Is this what he and TK could have had?

He follows them through the park until they come to a series of benches. He watches as TK hands over his little brother to his husband, the man easily carrying both kids. TK sits down, but no one else does. Instead, he waves at them as his husband walks away with the children, leaving TK alone.

Alex hesitates again. This is his chance to approach TK, and yet he’s frozen in place by indecision.

A moment later, his ex takes the choice out of his hand.

He startles as TK turns his head to look straight at him with a raised eyebrow. “Are you just going to stand there?” he calls out to him casually, the picture of calm as he places his arms on the backrest of the bench. It’s different from the TK he remembers, who was always constantly bouncing his legs with nervous energy.

“How did you – “ he starts, feeling awkward and off-balance.

“I didn’t,” TK answers with a shrug as Alex gets closer to him. “It was Carlos who realized. He’s a cop. Noticing weirdos is kind of his job.”

Alex cringes at the descriptor as he comes to a stop in front of him. “Hi, TK,” he says lamely, wincing again at the high pitch sound of his voice.

TK raises an eyebrow at him again. “Hello, Alex. Any particular reason you’re following us in that get-up?” he questions, pointing at his hat and sunglasses.

Alex feels his face grow hot at the question. He reaches up, taking them off. “Becca said she saw you,” he says uncomfortably, getting a casual nod back from his ex. “And I got curious,” he continues weakly. “I couldn’t help myself.”

“That sounds like poor impulse control,” TK mutters to himself. He moves to the side, leaving half the bench open for Alex to decide if he wants to take a seat or not.

Alex would be embarrassed by the speed with which he takes the offer, but the joy at being allowed to get closer overrides that. Neither says anything after he sits down, him because he’s nervous, TK it seems because he’s simply waiting him out.

“So,” he starts slowly. “You’re visiting?”

TK looks at him, seeming to study him before giving him a nod. “We try to see my mother and my little brother Robbie every few months. Sometimes they come to see us, but New York is always pretty in the spring, and Luca has never been.”

“That’s your son,” he blurts out, his face going hot again at the look TK shoots him.

“Becca shared everything, did she,” he questions with a dry smile, shaking his head to himself.

“The group had dinner,” he explains, not needing to add who exactly was there. There was a time when TK would have sat right next to him at one of those dinners, charming everyone with stories about fighting fires and daring rescues.

“Ah,” TK exhales softly. “It’s nice you all still do that. They’re good people. I liked them.”

“They liked you too,” Alex answers, giving TK a half-smile. “Liz was thrilled to hear that you’re married and have a kid. She’s happy you’re happy.”

TK smiles, this time more genuine. “That sounds like her,” he comments, looking nostalgic for the first time. “She was always kind to me,” he finishes, not adding anything else.

It goes quiet between them again, causing Alex’s nerves to fray at the edges. He’s not used to this TK. The one he remembers always filled the silence, even if it was just with nervous chatter.

“So, are you?” he can’t help but blurt out, swallowing nervously when TK gives him a curious look. “Are you happy?”

TK lets out a huff, and while he doesn’t smile or laugh, Alex can see a hint of amusement in his bottle-green eyes. “Is that why you’re here? You want to know if I’m happy?”

He feels the hairs at the back of his neck stand at the mocking he hears in TK’s voice. “Is that so crazy?” he questions defensively. “The last time we spoke wasn’t precisely the best encounter – “

“That’s because I was getting ready to propose to you and instead found out you were fucking around my back with a spin instructor,” TK interrupts him, surprising Alex with how calm he is. There is no anger or reproach in TK’s voice like Alex anticipated, just a simple fact. It hurts Alex more than he expected to witness how unaffected TK seems. “How is Mitchell by the way?”

Alex clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms as embarrassment courses through him. He wants to stand up and walk away from this. He’s not sure what he’d hoped to accomplish by seeking TK out, but it’s clear now whatever it was, he isn’t going to get it.

He looks at TK to find a mild curiosity on his face, like Alex’s answer doesn’t really matter to him one way or another.

“We broke up,” he answers anyway, taking a breath to try to soothe the ache before his next words. “I found him in our bed with someone else less than a year after you and I broke up.”

“Well shit,” TK says quietly, letting out a breath of his own. He doesn’t look gloating the way he has a right to look. Instead, he looks at Alex with what can only be called compassion. “Karma didn’t just pay you back. It sucker-punched you in the face, huh?”

Alex lets out a startled laugh at the description. TK joins him with a chuckle of his own, and Alex welcomes it even if it’s at his own expense. They laugh for a few seconds before they let it trail off.

“To answer your question,” TK starts to say. He looks at him, bobbing his head softly. “Yes, I’m happy. I’m the kind of happy where I wake up in the morning, look at my husband sleeping, usually with our kid between us, and I can’t believe just how lucky I am.”

“You love him,” Alex whispers, not really needing an answer when he can see it clearly on his face.

TK answers anyway. “He’s my soulmate,” he says with a smile that isn’t directed at him at all. It’s directed at the man who walked away with two kids in his arms minutes before. “I used to think that was you,” he continues, his voice sounding far away, lost in the past while Alex aches in the present. “I was so sure of it once, and then I met Carlos. I was still a mess about you, and I wasn’t looking to fall in love at all, but there he was, and I fell. I fell so fast, Alex. Years later, I’m still falling in love with him every single day.”

“That sounds – “ Alex starts, exhaling through the dull throbbing in his chest. “Scary, honestly.”

TK smiles, bright and beautiful, just like Alex remembers. “It is,” he says with a short laugh. “It’s terrifying, but it’s also amazing, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world.”

Alex nods quietly to himself.

“I’m sorry you haven’t found that yet,” TK continues softly because it seems that surprising Alex is the name of the game today. He gives TK a shocked look that has him giving Alex a compassionate look back. “I never wished you ill will. I was hurt and angry after everything went to hell between us, but in the end, I wanted you to find someone to love the way you couldn’t love me and for that person to love you back just the same.”

Alex swallows hard at TK’s words, feeling overwhelmed by them. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

TK looks away from him, and Alex follows his gaze to find that his husband and the kids are coming back with ice cream in their hands. “Thank you for saying that,” he says softly as he stands. He looks down at Alex, giving him a slight quirk of his mouth. “Goodbye, Alex. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Alex watches TK walk away from him, knowing it will be the last time he’ll see him. “Goodbye, TK,” he whispers at his back, feeling the loss more now than he did four years ago.

 ֎֎֎

 “Dada, we got ice cream!” Luca exclaims happily as he slurps on his spiderman popsicle.

“I can see that. Can I have a taste of spidey?” he questions, leaning in when Luca sweetly offers him his treat. “Mmm, that’s yummy. Thank you, sweetheart.”

Luca smiles up at him, his face already a sticky red and blue mess. He looks at Robbie to see his face is yellow from his Spongebob popsicle. He smiles at them fondly as he turns his backpack to his front, searching for the wet wipes to clean their faces.

“We got you a cone with sprinkles,” Carlos says with a smile, though TK can see the worry in his eyes. “Is everything okay?”

TK looks at his husband, taking in his concern for him along with his ever-present love, and smiles as he remembers what he just told Alex moments ago. The love he and Carlos share is so strong – it can be frightening at times to feel so much and so intensely for another person, but like he told Alex, he wouldn’t change it for the world when it means Carlos loves him back just as strongly.

“Yeah, baby,” he answers, reaching out to touch Carlos’ cheek. “Everything is okay,” he smiles at his husband before looking down at his son and little brother. “Better than okay because we’re going to go see some penguins!”

Luca and Robbie cheer happily.

“Let’s go, Robbie,” Luca says to his uncle, throwing an arm over the other little boy’s shoulder.

TK and Carlos watch them walk a few steps ahead of them, chatting away the way only little kids can.

“You sure you’re alright?” Carlos asks as he hands him a melting ice cream. TK takes it, giving it a few licks to keep it from dripping.

“I swear, babe,” he assures him as he wraps an arm around Carlos’ waist. “We talked, and then we said goodbye.”

“What did he want?” Carlos asks curiously.

TK shrugs. He’ll be honest even after talking to Alex; he’s still not entirely sure what the other man wanted out of the conversation. “I’m not even sure he knows,” he answers after a moment. “He apologized for the past and asked me if I was happy. Maybe he was feeling guilty.”

“What did you tell him?” Carlos questions, a smile playing on his mouth when TK shoots him a look. “What?” he asks innocently, and TK can’t help but chuckle at his fishing.

“I told him,” he starts to say, making sure that he’s holding Carlos’ gaze, as usual falling in love all over again as he gets lost in Carlos’ soulful brown eyes. “That every morning, I wake up amazed I got so lucky to love and be loved by you.”

Carlos pulls him to his side, pressing his face into his neck. “I’m the lucky one, Ty,” he whispers against his skin.

TK smiles at Carlos’ words, his smile growing as Luca shouts for them to keep up; the penguins are waiting. “We both are, my love.”

[mightiestfightiest]

FIGHTASONE AU WEEK: robot uprising CAROL DANVERS - Drifter [ Malware ]

Carol couldn’t resist the pull of the stars forever and once things had settled and the team seemed peaceful. she went back up with Alpha Flight. As usual, Carol easily loses touch with life back on Earth, engrossed in the many threats the universe offers. A year passes, two, four, six.

Alpha Flight reports that the connection to their base has been lost. Carol was busy dealing with a mission to actually concern herself about it but when things had gone dark for a while, they pulled her from her duties and filled her in on their current situation.

No communications in or out. Couldn’t be a galactic threat considering they hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary coming into earth.

The whole thing was suspicious but the last thing Carol and anyone on the Space Station thought it would be was anything dire. So, in an effort to relieve their worries, Carol said she’d go and check out what’s going on and report back. Easy, simple, nothing to worry about. After all, when you’ve just battled off some hundred vicious aliens, what’s the worst a trip to Earth could bring?

The shuttle’s frequency might have been bad, but Carol’s headgear? Built and designed by Stark? Not likely. As soon as she entered the atmosphere she worked on getting in contact with someone. She wasn’t even given a chance to worry about no responses since the second her gear was picked up on they made their way through the software and since it was designed by Stark it wasn’t difficult in the least.

The helmet wasn’t attatched to anything important, oh, just her mind.

With the hack of the helmet it gave insight into Carol’s vitals and the damage had been done before she fell to the ground in the middle of Negative Space. Unable to locate the body, the bots left her to the scavengers.

Upon awakening she was in a place she didn’t recognize with someone she didn’t know.

It only took seconds for her to realize, she didn’t know her own name.

It’s been a little over a year since Carol arrived on Earth. The blow to her head took her months to even wake up. Once nursed back to health she helped those who had taken care of her, just drifters themselves, wanting to survive. No one really recognized Carol, long hair, out of uniform, no one believed in the idea of “heroes” anymore. After learning what had happened to Earth and how it had been before, she’s happy she doesn’t remember what things looked like.

Driven by a strange pull, she travels from place to place. Not knowing why, just that she needs to be somewhere, but every time she arrives she’s feels as if she’s too late. There’s nothing, no one, there. With no memories, only a desire to protect, whether that means from the artificial intelligence that rules with a fist or what’s left of society fighting itself for survival.

Since Carol is without her memories (just for sake of RP she knows her name is Carol) she doesn’t know the extent to her own abilities really just knowing she’s strong and tough and sometimes shoots things out of her hand. Has yet to come across anyone who knows her, much less stick around to get to know people.

[faofinn]

30. Patient 0

They’d booked an Airbnb, the whole family. Fao, Finn, Hars, Ely, Jess and Tai, as well as all the kids. They’d found this place in the Cotswolds, away from the hustle and bustle of London, and it was perfect. Loads of room, a cosy fireplace, all the essentials. They’d not been a able to get their Christmas work patterns sorted to spend it together, so they’d agreed on a week off together now the kids had broken up to enjoy being with the family. 

But Christmas time meant coughs and colds were rife, especially with young kids, and they’d quickly spread through the group, decimating their plans and soon reducing them to the Sick and the Well. Luckily the house they’d booked was big enough, and they were able to claim a part of it as a spot for those who had gotten sick to stay and be miserable whilst the others stayed busy trying to enjoy themselves. 

Of course Harrison was the first to succumb to it, far from surprising as a grizzly Levi had refused to be anywhere but his hip. With his immunosuppressants, any illness was so much worse, but it was also Harrison - a cold would be the end of the world, but pneumonia was just another day to work. 

Keeping a close eye on everything (and in contact with his consultant), he was happy enough to curl on the sofa with snacks and Disney films. 

Fao was next to join him, bringing Kieran along, just proof that Levi definitely was not sneaking into his brothers' room. Harrison felt beyond miserable, and couldn't help but grin as Fao joined him. The two curled up on the sofa together, the kids squished up with them. Harrison had his head in Fao's lap, pestering the other man to play with his hair - Fao couldn't lie down with his chest, so Harrison was simply making the best of a bad situation, was his excuse. He also drew the short straw with Harrison being the first one to fall and now in charge of the remote. 

Aristocats was the first film, of course it was, every song earning a rendition from Harrison, much to the kids' delight. It wasn't that unusual to hear Hars sing now, happy and content and stable for the first in a long while. It had been his favourite film as a child, the VHS one of his only possessions, and one he still had. Things were easily lost and stolen during all the moves and upheaval, but by sheer determination, he managed to keep it safe. 

Once he'd moved in with Steve, its place on the top of the list had only become more solidified, Steve coincidentally buying him a small stuffed cat. Of course with Harrison's history, Steve quickly joked he was O'Malley the Alley Cat, scrappy and street smart, willing to do whatever he needed to get what he wanted. And Fao ran with it, taking Hars to get his O'Malley tattoo on his 18th birthday. Somehow it had survived all the injuries and operations and scars, and he absently rubbed his hand across the ink. 

It was easy to forget where he'd come from, especially when he was feeling so rough and miserable, but he wouldn't change it for the world. Kieran had dozed off on top of him, and Harrison carefully stretched out for his phone and swiped his arm. 8.7. He knew he didn't need to check, not really, but since he'd been so unwell, he just couldn't help himself; he needed to make sure they were okay. 

Levi was curled into Fao, his hand curled around the loose fabric of his hoodie and snoring through a snotty nose. He sighed, settling back into Fao, happy both his kids were fine. 

"I'm sorry you got sick." He murmured to Fao. 

Fao hummed, his hand returning to Harrison’s hair. “Mm, it’s okay. Was bound to happen.” He said softly. “Doubt we’ll be the last, either.”

"We definitely won't be." He said softly, making a content noise at Fao's fingers in his hair. "God, that's nice."

Fao laughed, though it threatened to turn into a cough. “Careful, you’re married now.” He teased. “Kieran’s sugars okay?”

"Tai can have Ely." He brushed it off. "Yeah, he's doing well with them."

“Mm, good.”

"I feel fucking rotten." He admitted, voice a whisper. 

“I bet.” He murmured. “Can I get you anything?”

"You're meant to be sick too, not looking after me."

“I’m sick but I’m not dead, and I’m not immunocompromised either.”

He hummed. "I'm happy enough here, you’re helping."

“Mm, okay.” Fao murmured. “Who do you think is gonna be next? Finn?”

"Alfie. The three keep swapping beds. Finns been kicked out of yours so he should be safe." He joked. "Or maybe Jess, just for five minutes peace from him."

Fao laughed, setting off a cough. When he recovered, he sniffed. “So the germs came from your house, eh? I think it’ll be Finn or one of my kids, and if it’s Arthur then Ely won’t be long behind.”

"Levi was fine when we left." He protested weakly, though there was a flicker of mischief. "And I'm immunocompromised. I'm always gonna get ill. How can you be so mean to me?"

“I was gonna say it’s not my fault you’re immunocompromised, but it actually is.” Fao said lightly. 

Harrison stretched out. "Oh, yeah. All your fault."

“So rude of me.”

"How dare you save my life."

“Shocking behaviour. You’re just as much to blame for my chest sounding as shit as it does, though.”

"Sure, sure -" Harrison broke off coughing, finally stopping with a groan. He took a few moments to breath, his chest heaving. "Fuck's sake. I can't do this."

Fao frowned, reaching out for Hars. “Hey. You alright?”

Harrison nodded slowly, pushing himself more upright. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just need to not be ill."

Fao rested a hand on his shoulder. “Careful.”

"I love the kids, I do, but they can keep their germs." He tried to joke.

“I know, as if it wasn’t bad enough working in a hospital.”

"Yeah, that's true." His frown faded as Levi stirred, his heart melting at his sleepy yawn. "Hey, Leaf. You okay?"

He rubbed his eyes with a closed fist and then his face on Fao's hoodie. "'m tired."

"I bet. Did daddy wake you up?"

He nodded, shuffling about again. "All the coughing."

"Oh, I'm sorry, kid. I didn't mean to."

Fao stroked a hand over his godson’s hair. “Go on, back to sleep, kid. We’ll try not to wake you up again, hmm?”

"Is daddy okay?" He stretched out, worry on his face.

“Your Daddy’s fine. He just had a bit of a cough.”

"We've all got coughs. And snotty noses." He nodded. "And sleepy."

“Cos we’re all poorly.” Fao said. “You have a snooze again.”

He settled back down. "Okay. Love you." 

Harrison grinned. "Love you too, Leaf."

“Sweet dreams, little one.”

"Oh, bless him." Harrison murmured. "I hate when they're ill, but he's so cute when he's snuggly."

“I know, until they won’t leave me alone. Beth would live in my pocket when she’s ill.”

"She might end up joining us by the end of the week."

“She probably will.”

"It does make me laugh."

“What does?”

"We come away on holiday, finally all have the time off together, and now we've been split up with patient zero over here." He shook his head. "So much for a big family gathering."

“God, I know. It’s sod’s law.”

"Not to sound like a stroppy kid, but it's not fair."

“You always sound like a stroppy kid, and then complain when yours are.” Fao teased. 

"Don't be rude to me, I'm sick."

“So am I.”

Harrison moved to settle against Fao again. "So be nice to me."

“Mm, no.”

"Ouch!"

“You love it really.”

He grinned up at him. "Yeah."

“Can’t complain.”

"Watch me."

Fao snorted. “Makes a change, not.”

"Don't laugh at me!" He protested with a laugh.

“Nope.”

There was a knock on the door, drawing both men's attention. Finn stood in the doorway, wrapped in an oversized hoodie and a blanket, and looking particularly miserable. 

"Shove over, let me join yous."

Fao grinned. “Welcome to quarantine.” He joked. “It’s got you too. Must be man flu, the girls are immune. Come join, Hars put Disney on, just don’t wake Levi or he’ll get mad.”

"It's not man flu, I'm dying." Finn said dramatically. "There's no room for me on the sofa." 

"Snooze you lose." Harrison laughed. "It's definitely man flu. Even the kids are boys."

[sassyfrassboss]

For the anon planning a trip to NYC - I go to NYC often (was most recently there this past October.)

If the Christmastime magic is something you're really looking for, I definitely recommend lunch reservations at The Plaza Hotel to look at all their Christmas decorations. (I recommend lunch reservations rather than dinner or staying there because it's easier on the wallet and a little more kid-friendly.) Obviously go ice skating at Rockefeller Center - it is touristy but in a bucket list kind of way. Radio City's Christmas Spectacular is fun too and FAO Schwartz is a lot of fun but be prepared to wait in line to go inside.

Christmas lights is a must in NYC. Definitely do one of those nighttime bus tours of the city. For something that's a little more pocket (and family) friendly, go check out the Dyker Lights in Brooklyn. It's a residential street that goes all out on Christmas lights - it's really a sight to behold.

One of my favorite restaurants to eat at is Bubby's in Tribeca. The fried chicken is so good and it's a few blocks away from the Ghostbusters firehouse.

For hotels, I've learned is that it depends on your priorities. Do you want it quieter at nights? Then look in more business-y areas like Wall Street or around Bryant Park where most of the buildings around you are offices. Do you prefer to be closer to a more "central hub" for getting around? Look near Grand Central or Penn Station. Do you prefer to be where it's well lit at night or with a good police presence? Look in the theater district or Times Square. Would you rather save some money? Look in Brooklyn or Queens, though you may have a long subway ride to get into the city. Do you prefer something more kid-friendly? Consider one of the national hotel chains like Marriott or Hyatt. Do you want to splurge and treat yourself? Consider a boutique hotel.

Also, do realize that a lot of hotels don't serve breakfast so if breakfast is important, that's something to make sure the hotel includes before you book the reservation. If you're a breakfast-eating family, a hotel without breakfast can put quite the dent in your budget if you're not prepared.

Hotels I've stayed at and would recommend - The Library Hotel, The New Yorker, and The Edison Hotel. The Library Hotel is my favorite but it's pricey and a splurge for me. Normally I stay at one of the Hyatts but they're all pretty uniform and basic.

Also if you're out of state (not a New York resident), then you can get a 10% discount at the Macy's on 34th St if you show your driver's license at Customer Service. Only that location, though.

Thank you!

NYC Trip ANON this is a great post!

Sorry for the delay. I have been on vacation.

[divinely-paired]

“Tandy, this is crazy.” Tyrone was giving her a look that Tandy has come to know well. That expression of sheer disbelief he had been giving her since the day they had re-met.

“And?” Tandy raised an eyebrow, staring back at her partner impatiently. “Maybe crazy is what people need. Gotta get the message across somehow.”

“Have you thought this through?”

“Do I ever?”

“Girl, you’re going to be the death of us.”

“Hey, we’ve beat death like twice now. That means nothing. Now make with the portal already!”

“I’m coming back for you as soon as this starts going south.”

“Worrywart.”

“One of us has to be.” With a sigh, Tyrone pulled her in, darkness enveloping the two of them from where they were hiding in their church and dissipating over one of the NYC streets...a bit higher up then Tandy had been prepared for. As the darkforce’s grasp released her, she dropped into the roof of a bus, stumbling a bit on the landing. Somewhere in the distance - or perhaps in the back of her own mind - she could have sworn she heard Ty laughing.

No matter. She straightened herself up, grabbing the sign she had brought with her and holding it above her head.

She hadn’t exactly been expecting someone to end up her with her.

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that part. Really. That was far from my best landing.” She shrugged, grinning slightly and standing a bit straighter. “You could say that though.”

Peter was getting mighty sick of this goddamn job. He’d signed up to fly planes, and he was pretty sure they were just trying to stall him at this point. He was fine! There was no need for him to go to an actual hospital to get the final aeromedical checkup when they had their own secret bullshit at SHIELD. No. Someone was testing him on exactly how much he hated hospitals. Assholes. Getting on the bus should have been good enough, right? He didn’t actually have to go inside. Just show that he would have done. It wasn’t as if this stupid thing was going anywhere any time soon. New York had a whole load of traffic, but this seemed out of the ordinary. He grabbed his phone - to change the song, but also to tell Gamora he was bored and did she want to get noodles. She’d tell him to keep his appointment, he knew that, but it didn’t matter. He really just wanted to get her attention so she’d call him.  One of those flashy boxes came up on his screen from the news people. Saying something’d happened over at the Wakandan embassy. Well. Saving the day would be a totally good excuse to skip! As soon as he put his phone back in his pocket, there was a loud crash on the roof. Some people started screaming, and he pushed his way through the standing crowd in the aisle. Putting on his mask and opening the emergency window, Peter climbed out atop the bus to find - a small blonde chick with a sign?  He stowed his mask, trying a different tactic. “Hey, y’really freaked some folks out there for a second, huh? What’s the cause? Y’ stickin’ it to the man?” @divinely-paired

[acti-veg]

Hi! This is a dumb question, but when we say that AA produces more GHGs than all transportation, are the emissions from the transport of animal products included? Also, someone told me that AA only accounts for 3 % of all global emissions. Do you know where that figure comes from? Are these the emissions AA produces minus the transportation? Sorry if these are really basic questions, I'm just trying to understand.

That’s not a silly question at all, and the answer is actually a bit complicated. Those stats are transport across all sectors including animal ag, however both that figure and the animal agriculture GHG figure it is compared to are estimates only.

These figures are often disputed on the grounds that animal ag is calculated on life cycle emissions, meaning we account for both direct emissions and indirect emissions. That is methane directly from animals, then the impact of their feed, of transporting them, housing them etc. No reliable life cycle data exists for transport, so their argument is that comparing the 14.5% of animal ag which is calculated according to lifecycle emissions with the 14% of the transport industry which is not, is unfair.

I do see their point and don’t think this is being argued on bad faith. However, comparisons like this are very common, we can only work with the data we have and make conclusions on the basis. Besides, if the transport sectors emissions are being underestimated, it follows that animal agriculture’s transport emissions would also be being underestimated to a similar degree, so the imbalance would probably correct itself regardless.

I am assuming that the 3% figure is them getting confused on their data sources. 3% is the figure the EPA quotes for percentage of US emissions from animal agriculture in 2019, not global emissions. The EPA are not generally considered to be very reliable when it comes to this kind of thing, and many have questioned the accuracy of that statistic. A study from the same year in Agricultural Systems, for example, found that 3% of emissions in the US were from beef cattle alone.

14.5% is the lowest realistic estimate for global emissions, and comes from the FAO. The World Watch Institute contest that this is a drastic underestimation and hold the figure as high as 51%. Most scientific literature quotes between 14.5% and 16.5%, with many of the more recent reports quoting 16.5% as the new minimum realistic figure. These are both frequently referred to as conservative estimates.

If you want to explore some of the primary sources for these figures yourself or just some secondary analysis, I have a bunch of references on this in the environment section of my source bank.