#fundraising charity walk london

[lemoncrushh]

Back For You

Summary: Harry is in town, and you go visit him at the hotel.

Warnings: Smut - 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 1802

A/N: Another short blurb from 2016. This was when I was still writing a lot of 1D related fics. It was a request where you're at uni and [sort of?] dating Harry, and you have to keep quiet around the other boys.

You'd felt your phone vibrate in class alerting you of a text, but you waited until you were out in the hall to read it. A smile slowly spread across your face when you realized it was from Harry.

At the hotel.

You hurried to a bench where you sat down to reply to him. You'd met Harry over a year ago in London at a charity fundraiser where your friend's father was the chairman. You'd hit it off immediately, and by the end of the evening you were fast friends, exchanging phone numbers. You'd been accepted to a prestigious university, and you were now in your third year, studying to be a surgeon. You'd been anticipating Harry's return, but this time not just as a friend. For the last few months, you'd become something more. Neither of you had put a label on it yet, nor had you told any of the other boys. But your heart seemed to thump a little harder in your chest each time you saw him, or heard from him, or even thought of him.

Just got out of class. What time do you want me there?

You watched the three dots come up, Harry's reply moments later.

ASAP. We're finished with promo. Rest of the day is free.

You bit your lip, typing a quick text to let him know you were on your way.

"Hi there, love, gimme a hug!" exclaimed Louis when he opened the door.

You embraced him, stepping into the suite. You could hear the voices of the other boys, the television mixed in. You'd just rounded the corner when you nearly bumped into Harry.

"Hey, you're here!" he beamed, grabbing your shoulders.

"I'm here," you giggled.

Harry pulled you to him, wrapping his arms around you in a bear hug. You breathed in his scent, your head buried in his neck.

"I missed you," you heard him murmur in your hair.

Stepping back, you gazed up at him. "I missed you, too."

"C'mon," he said, taking your hand. "You want something to drink?"

You followed Harry to the kitchen area, opting for a soda which he opened for you. Then with his hand on the small of your back, you walked with him to where the other boys sat watching TV. Giving Niall, Liam and Zayn quick hugs, you observed the display of food.

"Jeez, guys, hungry?" you teased.

"It's for everybody," said Niall, stuffing a triangle-shaped sandwich in his mouth. "Help yourself."

"Thanks," you smirked, reaching for a handful of candy from the bowl on the table. Then you squeezed into an oversized chair next to Harry.

You sat chatting with the boys for a while until the movie that had been going was over and they started a new one. You felt Harry's arm wound around your waist, scooting you closer to him. You smiled up at him before he planted a kiss on your temple. Looking around at the other boys, they seemed to be oblivious to anything going on between you, so you leaned your head on his shoulder.

"Are you cold?" you heard him ask a few minutes later as he dragged his fingers down your upper arm.

You shrugged. "A little."

Sitting up, Harry reached for a blanket that was folded on the floor nearby, spreading it out and covering you both with it.

"Thanks," you whispered.

Returning your head to his shoulder, you could feel his breath tickle your hair.

"Y/N," you suddenly heard him murmur.

"Yes?"

"How's school?" he cleared his throat. It made you wonder if he was going to say something else. You lifted your head to look at him.

"Oh, it's fine. Going great, actually."

The ends of his mouth curved into a grin and his eyes danced, the reflection of the television bouncing off of them.

"Good," he mouthed as he leaned his forehead against yours. "I know I said it already, but I really missed you."

"Me too," you admitted.

"Yeah?" Harry lifted his hand to slide under your ear. "Do you think about me a lot?"

A low chuckle sounded from your throat. "You have no idea."

"Hmm. If it's close to as much as I think about you, I might have an idea."

"We might have a problem then," you licked your lips.

Harry stared at your mouth a moment and you thought he was going to kiss you. Instead he dropped his hand, sitting back in the chair. You let out a sigh, but not from relief. You did, however, feel his hand grab yours under the blanket, threading your fingers together.

You watched half of the movie, though you were hardly paying attention. Your heart was beating heavily in your chest, and you thought for sure Harry could hear it. Suddenly, he released your hand, pulling the blanket up. You bit your lip as you adjusted yourself in the chair. Once you were situated comfortably, Harry put his hand on your thigh. You instantly felt a charge of electricity throughout your body. Feeling bold, you covered his hand with yours, sliding them further up your leg, underneath your skirt. You side-eyed Harry, noticing the smirk on his face as he massaged you gently, turning you on so badly you could barely breathe.

Leaning into you, he whispered in your ear. "We probably shouldn't be doing this here, love."

"Yeah," you sighed. "You're probably right."

You moved your joined hands so that they lie between you, and you gripped the edge of the blanket with your other hand.

"I can't wait to touch you, though," Harry added a few moments later. "You're so sexy."

You looked at him, the color rising to your cheeks. You weren't sure when you would be getting a moment alone, but you were looking forward to it.

A little while later, you excused yourself to go to the restroom, rising from the chair. Harry held onto your hand a little longer, making you turn to look at him. You mimicked his grin, letting your fingers slip away from his slowly.

After washing your hands, you opened the door, jumping when you saw Harry standing there.

"Oh, you scared me!" you put your hand over your heart.

"Sorry, didn't mean to," he said in a low voice. Stepping closer, he put his hands on your hips, lowering his head toward yours.

"What are you doing?" you asked.

"Trying to kiss you," he replied before pressing his lips to yours.

You fell into the kiss, sliding your hands up his chest. His lips were soft, yet demanding. He had complete control over the kiss, swiping his tongue across your bottom lip before slipping it inside your mouth. A small sound escaped your throat as your tongue met his, and you wrapped your arms around his neck.

You felt Harry's body push you backwards until you were inside the bathroom again. He kicked the door closed behind him, reaching back to lock it, breaking from the kiss momentarily.

You glared at him, backing up a bit, his plump lips already swollen and parted slightly.

"Harry..." you said, though you couldn't seem to form the rest of the sentence.

"Just wanted some privacy," he explained.

You nodded silently, a small smile on your face. You watched as Harry's dimple dipped in his cheek, his arms reaching for you.

"C'mere beautiful," he growled, pulling you to him once again.

His lips crashed into yours, his hand on the back of your neck, the other on your hip. He kissed you with fervor, igniting a fire within you. You grabbed at his shirt with your fists, desperate to feel him closer.

"Y/N," he breathed against your mouth. "God, baby, what are you doing to me?"

"I don't know," you whispered. "What am I doing?"

Taking your hand, Harry aimed it at his pants, making you aware of his erection. Biting your lip, you reached for the button on his jeans, popping them open. Then you slid your hand inside, wrapping it around his hard cock.

"Fuuuu..." he sounded, his eyes rolling back as you began to stroke him.

"Is that what I do?" you inquired.

"Yes," Harry breathed, his eyelids heavy.

With a grin, you let go of him momentarily to grip the hem of his shirt. Understanding what you were wanting, he reached behind and pulled it off, dropping it on the floor. Then he grabbed you by the waist, lifting you up to the vanity.

"Please let me fuck you," he groaned, sliding his hands up your thighs.

Your eyes widened at his blatant request and you let out a gasp.

"Yeah?" he quirked a brow, lowering his lips to your jaw and peppering your skin with kisses. "We just have to try to be quiet."

His breath tickled your ear and you felt yourself get incredibly wet.

"Yes," you whispered back.

Looking you in the eye again, Harry reached further up your legs to grab the sides of your panties. You lifted your hips so he could slip them down and off. Pulling his wallet out of his back pocket, he produced a condom, unwrapping it and sliding it down his cock. Then pushing your skirt around your waist, you opened yourself to him. Aiming at your entrance, Harry drove into you deeply, his hands on your back.

"Holy shit," he moaned as he pulled back slowly. "Mmm, baby, you feel so good."

Trying to catch your breath, you wrapped your legs around him. "I thought," you swallowed, "I thought we had to be quiet."

"Fuck!" he half-chuckled. "That's gonna be difficult."

"Shh," you sounded, kissing his lips.

Harry began to thrust harder and faster, making you bite your lip to keep from crying out. Suddenly, he grabbed your thigh, lifting it up so your foot met the counter. You threw your head back, reaching the edge. Your body trembled from the orgasm as you tried not to moan too loudly. Harry came soon after, pushing so deep inside of you you saw stars.

Gripping the edge of the vanity, you watched as Harry's breaths evened out, his beautiful face flushed. Then he cupped your face, kissing you tenderly.

When he pulled out and disposed of the condom, you slid off the counter and put your underwear back on. Once you were both righted, he kissed you once more before opening the door.

You returned to the chair beside the television while Harry grabbed you both bottles of water. Then he sat next to you again, covering you with the blanket once more.

Laying your head against his chest, you could feel eyes on you, but didn't dare acknowledge them. You felt Harry's chest shake as he chuckled low, gripping your leg and placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

Not one of my best, but they can't all be winners lol. Hope you kinda liked it anyway.

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[alphynix]

Crystal Palace Field Trip Part 1: Walking With Victorian Monsters

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs take their name from the original Crystal Palace, a glass-paned exhibition building originally constructed for a World's Fair in Hyde Park in 1851.

In 1854 the structure was relocated 14km (~9 miles) south to the newly-created Crystal Palace Park, and a collection of over 30 life-sized statues of prehistoric animals were commissioned to accompany the reopening – creating a sort of Victorian dinosaur theme park – sculpted by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins with consultation from paleontologist Sir Richard Owen.

The Palace building itself burned down completely in 1936, and today only the ruins of its terraces remain in the northeast of the park grounds.

The Crystal Palace building then and now Left image circa 1854 (public domain) Right image circa 2011 by Mark Ahsmann (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Six sphinx statues based on the Great Sphinx of Tanis also survive up among the Palace ruins, flanking some of the terrace staircases. They fell into serious disrepair during the latter half of the 20th century, but in 2017 they all finally got some much-needed preservation work, repairing them and restoring their original Victorian red paint jobs.

———

…But let's get to what we're really here for. Dinosaurs! (…And assorted other prehistoric beasties!)

The "Dinosaur Court" down in the south end of the park still remains to this day, displayed across several islands in a man-made lake. Over the decades they've been through multiple cycles of neglect and renovation, and are currently cared for by the London Borough of Bromley (Crystal Palace Park Trust are due to take over custodial duties in September 2023), with promotion and fundraising assistance from organizations like Historic England and the Friends of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs charity.

Just about 170 years old now, the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs represent fifteen different types of fossil creatures known to 1850s Victorian science, with only three actual dinosaur species featured. Although often derided for being outdated and very inaccurate by modern standards, they were actually incredibly good efforts at the time, especially taking into account that the field of paleontology was still in its very early days.

They also just have a lot of charm, with toothy grins and surprisingly dynamic poses.

Unfortunately on the day I visited in early August 2023 most of the statues were heavily obscured by plant growth, both on their islands and on the sides of the paths they can usually be viewed from. Since I'd seen images from about a month ago showing things being less overgrown, this was probably just some unlucky timing on my part coinciding with some explosive summer foliage growth.

The first island on the trail features a few Permian and Triassic animals which were only known from fragmentary remains in the 1850s. These "labyrinthodonts" were recognized as having similarities to both amphibians and reptiles, and so were depicted with boxy toothy jaws, warty skin, stumpy tails, and long frog-like back legs.

Today we'd call these particular animals temnospondyl amphibians, specifically Mastodonsaurus, and we know they were actually shaped more like giant salamanders with longer flatter crocodilian-like jaws, smaller legs, and long paddle-like tails.

———

Somewhere in the foliage beyond this specific "labyrinthodont" there was also supposed to be a pair of dicynodonts, but I couldn't see much of them at all and didn't manage to get a remotely visible photograph.

Crystal Palace Dicynodon when much less overgrown Left photo by London looks (CC BY 2.0) Right photo by Loz Pycock (CC BY SA 2.0)

These Dicynodon are depicted as looking like sabre-toothed turtles complete with shells. That was fairly speculative even for the time, but considering only their weird turtle-beaked-and-walrus-tusked skulls were known it was probably the best guess Hawkins and Owen had. Today we know these animals were actually synapsids related to modern mammals, but Victorian understanding considered them to be a type of reptile.

Modern reconstructions of dicynodonts have a slightly different face shape, along with squat pig-like bodies and semi-sprawling limbs. They may have had fur, but currently the only known actual skin impressions from the genus Lystrosaurus show leathery bumpy hairless skin.

———

Next time: the Jurassic and Cretaceous sculptures!

[cottoncandy-cult]

Little Angel

Sebastian Michaelis x Neko Child! Reader

Sebastian was walking the streets of London with Ciel, searching the alleyways for a magical thief. Ciel wasn't quite sure why he was sent to search out the thief, from what he had found the thief was only stealing food. He assumed it's because the police had been on this case 3 months and made absolutely no progress, though apparently the night before one of them managed to graze the thief with a bullet. Sebastian was quick to stop when hearing whimpering, drawing the young male's attention as well to a small box that had a bit of blood leaking from the bottom.

Curiously he approached, when carefully moving one of the flaps he spotted the tiny form of a young girl. She was in a dirty and torn dress; her side was bleeding heavily. But what stunned the male was her ears and tail, they were that of a cat. With one look he knew it was a bullet wound, their thief was a child. She tried to hiss at him, but it was weak and pathetic. "It's ok, I just want to help you." His voice was soft and calm, but she soon fell unconscious. He was quick to act, lifting the girl up with ease as he rushed to his master.

-

-

-

With a groggy groan (E/c) eyes began to open, the room was dim which she was glad about. Her head ached, she moved slightly only to feel a sharp pain in her side making her hiss. "You shouldn't move, you're hurt pretty bad. But don't worry, we'll make sure you have a full recovery." The butler spoke softly from the bedside, watching her with his usual polite grin, The trio of trouble making servants not so sneakily peeking in seemed flabbergasted, they knew she was getting special treatment because she was part cat. The guy was obsessed with them after all. The young girl watched him warily, but she was so drowsy and weak. "Go ahead and sleep, the medicine for the pain is gonna make you tired." The girl was out like a light as he finished his sentence, making the older demon chuckle.

-

-

-

A year had passed since that day, (Y/n) had been adopted by the butler but Ciel had taken to her, so she was more like a princess than anything. Lizzy adored her, the 6-year-old just ate up the love and attention. Sebastian adored her most; he spoiled her greatly and was never shy to show his affection. They had been out for a walk one day, Ciel had to go through London in search of a particular shop.  She had tagged along and of course Sebastian was going, as they walked, she spotted something. It was a kitten, white with one blue eye and one green eye. One of its paws was hurt, it seemed to be almost looking for help. The girl did the only thing she could think of, she scooped up the cat and brought it to Ciel. "Ciel look!" At the sound of her voice, he turned to her, the small girl showing him the injured kitten in her arms. "Ciel can we take her home please!?" She bounced slightly on her feet, her eyes glossy with worried tears. 

She was a soft-hearted child, her heart ached for everyone and everything. He kneeled down, looking at the kitten as he patted its head. Sebastian was right beside her, stroking its chin. "She does need to learn about responsibility, this could be a good chance." Ciel was quiet as he thought, Sebastian held his breath and hoped for a yes while the girl looked ready to cry. "Ok fine, tell you what. You can take it home, but you have to take care of it." That was where it began, the sweet girl did chores and errands to earn money. She was smart in how she used it, because she was doing so well, he began to give in anytime she brought a homeless animal to him. The mansion was like a massive foster home, but Ciel had found a way to use this as an advantage. Sales had gone up, people enjoying the fact he cared for animals. They'd have balls and fundraisers, rehoming animals and doing adoption charity events. He wished he had listened to Sebastian when the demon would ask to take in a cat, as now he was making almost triple what he was. Sebastian loved it, at least he loved all the cats.

Now here he sat in the garden, leaned against a tree as (Y/n) cuddled into him. Being part cat meant she needed attention, and he was happy to give it to her. Kittens and puppies ran and played around them, it was a calm day and Ciel generously gave everyone a break. He had been in a wonderful mood for a bit. Sebastian smiled down at the girl who had fallen asleep from his rubbing of her ears, soft purrs escaping her. The demon just couldn't wrap his head around it; she was just so sweet. She was so innocent, a miracle worker that had yet to understand what she could do. Sometimes he wondered if maybe she was just a lost angel, either way he was happy he found her. Her one act of kindness had proven that karma exists, her desire to help animals had led to them being in an even better position financially. Ciel having opened a few charities for various causes.

Sebastian moved to stand, carrying the girl easily. She stirred slightly, but simply snuggled into him. "So warm..." Her words were a sleepy mumble, she gave a whine when he placed her in her bed. But she soon relaxed and fell back into a deep sleep, Sebastian could only chuckle as he removed her shoes, socks and coat. Gently he tucked her in, she slept a lot but that was likely because she worked so hard to take care of her responsibilities. He was proud of her; nothing would ever change that.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Ewan McGregor is an official ambassador for the non-profit organization, @gocampaign stepped out to the fundraising event at The London Rooftop in West Hollywood on Friday.

Founded in 2006 and based in Santa Monica, California, the organization supports projects at the grassroots level that bring direct relief to children in need of education and vocational training, medical care, enrichment programs, and basic human rights. GO Campaign invests in grassroots leaders who are helping vulnerable children all over the world, from East LA to East Africa.

In addition to funds, GO Campaign provides capacity-building expertise to help protect the sustainability and longevity of struggling grassroots nonprofits. Actors Lily Collins, Evangeline Lilly, Ewan McGregor and Robert Pattinson are the organization's official ambassadors.

So 3 Scotsman and Tony Horton walk into a roof top Hollywood Bar! Such an incredible night for a beautiful cause with the main man Scotty Fifer raising money to help empower orphans and vulnerable children in their community to build a better future!

The GO Gala, which is the GO Campaign's annual Hollywood fundraiser, brings together supporter, celebrities, influencers, philanthropists, project partners from the field, social activists, and top rate entertainment.

📍The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

' They dont want our charity but they deserve our solidarity'

#EwanMcGregor #officialambassador #Scots @gocampaign #non-profit organization #ScottyFifer #GerardButler #TonyCurran #Hollywoodfundraiser #childrenaroundtheworld

Posted 20th October 2024

[medlinlaw]

Winspear Opera House Provides A Glimpse Of Dallas Musicality

The Winspear Opera House is a stunning concert hall and performing arts venue in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. With its striking design and exceptional acoustics, the Winspear Opera House is a must-visit destination for music and theater lovers alike. 

Outstanding Features Of Winspear Opera House In Dallas

The Winspear Opera House was designed by world-renowned architect Norman Foster, who is also responsible for designing other iconic structures such as the Gherkin in London and the Reichstag in Berlin. Having a sleek and modern building design, its stunning glass facade utilizes nature to enlighten the interior spaces.

Exceptional Acoustics

One of the most impressive features of the Winspear Opera House is its exceptional acoustics. The concert hall was designed by the renowned acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, who is also responsible for creating other renowned concert halls, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The hall's acoustics are characterized by a warm, clear sound that is ideally suited to a wide range of musical genres. 

Home To The Dallas Opera

The Winspear Opera House is home to the Dallas Opera, which is one of the most respected opera companies in the United States. The Dallas Opera presents a wide range of operatic productions throughout the year, ranging from classic works by Mozart and Verdi to contemporary operas by living composers.

Host To Programs, Initiatives, And Events

The opera house hosts a variety of educational programs and initiatives to promote arts education and appreciation, including backstage tours, masterclasses, and workshops for students of all ages. It also hosts various other events and performances, including concerts, ballets, and lectures.

In addition to its regular performances, the Winspear Opera House also hosts various special events throughout the year. These can include galas, charity auctions, other fundraising events, private parties, and corporate events. The opera house's beautiful spaces and world-class amenities make it the perfect venue for any occasion.

Other Fascinating Attributes Of Winspear Opera House

If you're planning a visit to the Winspear Opera House, be sure to take a tour of the building. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you behind the scenes to see the inner workings of the opera house, including the backstage areas and the orchestra pit. You'll also get a chance to learn about the history and design of the building and to hear some of the incredible acoustics for yourself.

If you're a fan of the performing arts, the Winspear Opera House is a must-visit destination in Dallas. Whether you're interested in opera, ballet, theater, or classical music, you're sure to find something to enjoy at the opera house. And even if you're not an art aficionado, the building's stunning design and beautiful architecture are sure to impress.

In addition to its role as a performance venue, the Winspear Opera House also serves as a cultural landmark and gathering place for the Dallas community. The opera house hosts a variety of free public events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and other cultural celebrations. These events provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and experience the transformative power of the arts.

Summary

The Winspear Opera House is a world-class performing arts venue and cultural landmark that is not to be missed. With its exceptional acoustics, stunning design, and commitment to arts education and community engagement, the opera house is a true gem in the Dallas Arts District. So if you're looking for a memorable arts experience in Dallas, be sure to add the Winspear Opera House to your itinerary.

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[rafesheaven]

the annual christmas sorority date auction༉ೀ

warnings — frat!rafe, sorority!reader, date auction (for charity), rafe being competitive, jealous rafe, oral (m. receiving), praising, tit sucking, nipple biting (for like 2 seconds), spanking, sex in lingerie, unprotected sex, creampie wc — 1.7k a/n — merry christmas + happy new years !! got the date auction idea from the movie, white chicks + ib @rafeyscurtainbangs concept in her kinkmas fic ‘holidate’

“not that i’m against the purpose of it, but do you have to be in this year’s event?” rafe huffed, looking around at the stage setup . “i would skip it if i could, but they think having all of us in the event will benefit the fundraiser,” you sigh. “yeah…well, these guys willing to bid to win a date with a girl is a bit pathetic, it’s stupid,” your boyfriend grumbled, making you raise a brow.

“oh is it? you didn’t seem to think it was stupid last year when you bid on getting a date with me. you know…the same date that led to us dating.” rafe knew you were right, but that didn’t mean he liked the idea, “i know, but i don’t want to even think about how many of the guys from the other fraternities will try to bid on getting a date with you.”

“guess you’ll have to outbid them, huh?” you tease. he rolled his eyes, muttering something along the lines of, “i shouldn’t have to bid just to go on a date with my girl,” under his breath. “that’s too bad, i was hoping to give you one of your christmas presents early if you win the bid,” your fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “yeah? and what would that be?” rafe grinned as you plucked his hat off his head, turning it around and placing it backward on his head.

“there’s only one way for you to find out,” you whipped your head around at the sound of your sorority sisters calling your name. “it’s about to start. i have to go before london rips my head off for not being ready,” you gave him a rushed kiss on the cheek, your gloss sticking to his skin, before heading towards the stage to get in position.

as the event started, rafe became antsy, waiting for your turn as your sorority sisters appeared on stage individually. members of fraternities bidding against one another in hopes of landing a date with any of the girls had him on the edge of his seat.

he fidgeted in his seat when london announced your name, his jaw clenching at the sound of the men hollering when you stepped out onto the center of the stage. you gave rafe a playful wink while london introduced your name and interests to the crowd of fraternity brothers before the bidding started.

he figured no one would try to place a bid, knowing you were his. but rafe couldn’t be more wrong when he heard “$100”. he sat up in his seat, snapping his head toward the direction of the voice. “you’ve gotta be fuckin’ kidding me,” he scoffed, he glared, his eyes landing on chad, a member of his rival fraternity, who had his typical, stupid smug look on his face.

“$200,” rafe called out, and it didn’t take long for the two to start calling out numbers, trying to outbid the other. you nervously shifted in place, your eyes darted back and forth between rafe and chad, anxiously shifting in place as the number increased, nearing $800. your eyes widened at the number rafe blurted out, he knew his father would be furious once he found out how much money he blew off, but knowing no one could get their hands on you was worth it. seeing chad’s dumb grin on his face fall was purely a bonus.

after the event, you walked off stage, where rafe was waiting for you by the stairs. “thought you said you shouldn’t have to bid to go on a date with me?” you mock. he chuckled, dipping his head down to capture your lips with his, “like i said, you’re my girl. you didn’t really think i’d let these assholes take you from me, did you?” you giggle, “no, but you’re dad might kill you for how much money you dropped, which was a ridiculous amount.” rafe shrugged, “the old man will be fine, you know i don’t care how much i spend when it comes to you.”

“plus, i wanna know what my present is,” he grinned, “you can’t blame me for wanting to know when you’re the one who mentioned it.” you give him a playful smack to the chest, “you’ll see what it is when we’re back at my apartment.”

as soon as those words left your mouth, he practically dragged you out of the building. once the two of you made it to your apartment, he tried to pull you into your bedroom, only for you to shove him onto the couch, “be patient,” you warned. “baby, you know i’m the most impatient man when it comes to you,” rafe complained, groaning at the look you give him, “okay, fine.”

“wait here,” he watched you disappear around the corner and into your bedroom. he looked around at your apartment's walls which were adorned with pictures. his ears perked at the sound of your bedroom door opening, accompanied by your voice, ”close your eyes!” you poked your head out, ensuring his eyes were closed before walking out.

you stood before him, lowering your head to press your lips onto his in a messy kiss, climbing onto his lap, your legs straddling either side of him. rafe wrapped his arms around your waist, his tongue slipping into your mouth. he let out a strained groan as you suck on his bottom lip, a string of spit connecting between your lips when you pull away.

“holy shit…” rafe rasps, his eyes blinking open, raking up and down your body, taking in the red and white candy cane lingerie. “god…you look so fuckin’ sexy,” his hands ran up and down your thighs, fingers playing with the embellishments on your stockings.

you kiss along his jaw to his neck, sucking and biting at his skin. you roll your hips into him, grinding your clothed cunt against his bulge. rafe’s hand entangles in your hair, tugging your head back to pull you in for another kiss. he nips at your bottom lip, ”as much as i love this on you, i wanna see those pretty tits,” his hands snake behind your back. he unhooks the clasps of the corset, pushing the straps off your shoulders, and tossing it aside. your eyes flutter shut, his lips trailing down your neck to leave wet, open-mouthed kisses.

your hands pull at the hem of his shirt, tugging it over his head, before gently shoving him to sit back. “i’m supposed to make you feel good tonight,” you slipped off his lap, settling yourself between his legs, your hands fumbling with the button and zipper of his pants. rafe lifted his hips, helping you pull his pants and boxers down to pool around his ankles, his hard cock slapping against his abdomen. you look up at him, wrapping your hand around his length, stroking it slowly before licking at his tip, sucking it into your mouth.

he watches you take more of his cock into your mouth, and he leans forward, grabbing your hair and bunching it into his fist. “fuck, just like that,” he moans, his hips rolling, pushing his cock deeper into your mouth, pulling a gag from you when his tip repeatedly kisses the back of your throat. you blink up at him, tears threatening to spill and drool slipping out of your mouth, “always makin’ a mess on my cock like a good girl, just how i like it,” his praise making you press your thighs together.

his jaw goes slack, watching your lips slide up and down his dick, “fuck…you like makin’ me feel good, don’t you? always wanna please me no matter what?” you hum around him, the vibrations traveling up his cock making it hard for his eyes to stay open. he pulls you off of him with a wet ‘pop,’ “if i’m gonna cum, it needs to be inside your sweet little cunt.”

rafe yanks you up from your knees, and you hurriedly try to remove the garter belt and thigh-high stockings. “no, keep ‘em on,” he demands, pulling you down onto his lap again. you rest your hands on his broad shoulders, raising your hips to let his fingers hook into your thong to pull it to the side. “jesus, sucking my dick always gets you this wet, huh?” he chuckles, planting a hand on your hip to keep you steady.

he guides his cock to your drooling hole, biting back a groan at your walls stretching around him, sucking him in deeper. he presses his head into the cushion of the couch, staring up at you in awe as you roll your hips. ”takin’ me so deep, your pussy is always greedy f’me, isn’t she?” his hands ghost up your plush thighs to your ass. you whined when he delivered a sharp smack. “c’mon baby, you can do better than that,” he coos, encouraging you to move up and down, bouncing on his cock.

“good girl, just like that…” rafe grunted, leaning forward to capture your nipple into his mouth. his fingers dug into the flesh of your waist, “rafe–” you yelped, the pain and pleasure of feeling his teeth sink into the sensitive bud sending jolts through your body. you whine as he pulls away, “oh, you like that, huh?”

he pulls you forward, your face burying into his shoulder and his hands grip the fat of your ass, holding you still to pound into you. you cry out, your nails biting into his skin, his thighs smacking against your ass with each harsh thrust. the head of his cock persistently hits your cervix, pulling a sharp gasp from you.

rafe removes one hand to slip between the two of you, the pads of his fingers circling your puffy clit. your eyes roll back, whimpering into his shoulder, “gonna cum f’me, baby? gonna make a mess all over my cock then let me fill this pretty pussy with my cum?”

“y-yes!” you sob, his fingers pinching your clit, sending you over the edge. “shh, just a little longer,” he groans at your walls squeezing around him. you pant against his neck, squirming on top of him. his hips stutter, pushing himself deep inside you, moaning your name, his cum spilling inside your cunt, painting your walls white.

“don’t know how you’re gonna beat next year’s present, this might’ve been the best christmas present yet,” rafe panted, kissing the side of your head.

taglist: @oceandriveab @cameronwillow @bloodibambiidoll @cameronsprincess @rafesthroatbaby @starkeysbabygirl @nemesyaaa @rafesangelita @rafesbabygirlx @fallbhind @zyafics @fae-of-prey @cybersunnie @whytheylosttheirminds @ilovefiction4lmen @jjslaybank @whinyangel @rafeysangelbaby @momoewn @kazanskied @saintlike05 @coco-cinnamon @blckbrrybasket @wearemadeofstardust0 @starkeysbebe @sabrina-carpenter-stan-account @starkeysheart @littlelamy

[principalpoppins]

Marian Poppins

For @godscobhhq

The Details:

Name: Marian Elizabeth Poppins

Age: 40

Gender/Pronouns: Female || She/Her

Height: 5'8

Weight: 180 lbs

Description: A thin woman with a softness around the edges from years behind a desk with brown hair and green eyes ringed with sable. Despite the dreary weather, she never loses the warmth of her skin nor the sparkle of her eye.

Biography:

Marian was practically a perfect child.

As a child, she was always kind and gentle. With children her age and younger she seemed to click instantaneously. Adults praised the ease in which she made friends and obeyed her parents. By all accounts, she seemed the ideal child. Of course, no child is perfect. What mistakes she made were swept aside when she showed such genuine apology for her misadventures. Even when the misstep would earn a punishment, she managed to evade it.

Always a star in school, it was to no one's surprise that she received acceptance letters from Brown, Oxford and Harvard. Eager to see more of the world, Mary accepted the place at Harvard and quickly became top of her class as a future educator. This degree earned her offers from more than one failing district, hungry for promising young teachers to fill their empty positions. One stood out: a well-written offer from a highschool in Godscobh, a small beachside town. A visit there captured her heart, and she purchased a small home with assistance from her family back in London.

This picture perfect life wavered some when the school year started. The small classes she taught were full of students who cared little for study. Many dropped out, though her class had a noticeably smaller rate than the other teachers. This success, however small, gained her respect until she found herself in charge of the school itself. Mary was passionate about the students and their lives, filling the role of nurse, councilor and leader at all moments. Part of her loved the business, part of her loathed the rush. She wanted to have time to guide her pupils.

Perhaps when they had more teachers.

Though what they really needed was more funding. Mary made this her hill to die on. She spent weekends championing her cause on Mayor Zika's doorstep, demanding he see the needs of the next generation. Maybe an annoyance, certainly persistent in her determination to succeed. Invitations to every luncheon, every charity event or fundraising dinner arrived neatly in the Zika mailbox no matter to what extent he went to avoid her.

Mary had gone so far as to walk the docks, speaking with Harbormaster Barbossa's teenager employees. Those who had no time for school were taught in their free time, with the principal going out of her way to ensure they learn. When she wasn't teaching or pestering the Mayor, she picked up babysitting shifts for the parents in town who needed a break. She didn't mind the extra work. Ir was good enough to see the thankful looks on their faces.

Now in her 40s, officially over the hill as of May 1st last year; Mary has lost none of her energy. Her kindness keeps her young, she jokes. This town needs her more than ever, and she doesnt intend to give up any time soon.

[chooseachallenge]

Charity Challenges in the UK: Inspiring Ways to Make a Difference

Charity challenges in the UK have become an increasingly popular way for individuals and groups to raise funds for good causes while pushing their limits and fostering a sense of community. These challenges offer a unique blend of adventure, personal growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s trekking mountains, running marathons, or undertaking creative feats, charity challenges uk inspire people from all walks of life to come together for a common purpose.

Why Are Charity Challenges So Popular?

The appeal of charity challenges lies in their ability to combine philanthropy with personal achievement. Participants are motivated not just by their own goals but also by the knowledge that their efforts will benefit others. For charities, these events are a vital source of income and a way to engage supporters.

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in creative and diverse charity events, reflecting the nation’s growing enthusiasm for supporting good causes. From local community initiatives to nationwide campaigns, there’s a challenge to suit every interest and fitness level.

Popular Charity Challenges in the UK

Marathons and Runs: Events like the London Marathon and Great North Run are iconic charity challenges, attracting participants from across the globe. These events offer individuals the chance to raise funds for their chosen causes while enjoying the camaraderie of running alongside thousands of others. Even shorter runs, like 5K park runs, often include charity fundraising options.

Cycling Challenges: The RideLondon event and Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle rides are popular among cycling enthusiasts. These challenges allow participants to explore the UK’s beautiful landscapes while supporting charities.

Trekking Adventures: Iconic treks like climbing Ben Nevis, conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks, or even taking on international challenges like Mount Kilimanjaro are favorites for adventurous fundraisers. Such treks test endurance and resilience, offering participants a sense of accomplishment.

Creative Challenges: Not all charity challenges are physically demanding. Events like bake-offs, dance marathons, and themed dress-up days are fun, inclusive ways to raise money. Virtual challenges, such as walking a set number of steps or cycling miles over a month, have also gained popularity, especially post-pandemic.

Extreme Challenges: For adrenaline junkies, challenges like skydiving, bungee jumping, and open-water swimming provide an exhilarating way to raise funds. These events often attract those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Benefits of Charity Challenges

Participating in a charity challenge goes beyond raising funds. It builds a sense of community and purpose, improves mental and physical health, and provides a platform for personal growth. For charities, these events are an excellent way to raise awareness and connect with supporters in a meaningful way.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved in a charity challenge is easy. Many charities in the UK have dedicated events or partnerships with challenge organizers. Simply choose a cause you’re passionate about, select a challenge that suits your interests and abilities, and start fundraising. Platforms like JustGiving and GoFundMe make it simple to collect donations online and share your progress with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

charity fundraising challenges uk demonstrate the power of collective action. Whether you’re running a marathon, climbing a mountain, or hosting a creative event, every effort counts in making a difference. These challenges not only transform the lives of those in need but also enrich the lives of participants, proving that giving back can be as rewarding as it is impactful. So, why not take on a charity challenge and become part of a growing movement of changemakers?

[toughgirlchallenges]

Gina Atkinson: From Royal Signals Engineer to Inspirational Fundraiser and Adventurer

Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Gina Atkinson, a former Royal Signals engineer with a remarkable story of service and resilience. Gina's military career took her to 30 Signal Regiment, where she visited  35 countries during her first five years of service.

Following a deeply personal loss in 2019, Gina embarked on a mission to honour her brother's memory by running/cycling 100 miles a week for a year, raising £10,000 for a local cancer charity and establishing an Art Foundation in his name. Her dedication did not stop there; Gina continued to raise over £250,000 for veterans' charities through a series of inspiring challenges and initiatives, including ultra races and solo adventures across Scotland.

In this episode, Gina shares her journey of coping with grief through fitness and adventure, her experiences in the military, and her passion for supporting veterans and cancer patients alike. From riding across Death Valley to planning her next challenge of running from London to France in 2024, Gina's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of adventure to heal and inspire.

Learn how Gina's adventures and fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and gain insights into her motivations, challenges, and the importance of mental health advocacy in her journey. 

Join us as we explore Gina Atkinson's inspiring story on the Tough Girl Podcast.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

 By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. 

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

Who is Gina

Being based on the Wirral, UK

Being a fundraiser for Veterans Charities 

Combining her fundraising with crazy adventures 

Growing up on the Wirral and why it’s an amazing location

Her early years spending time hillwalking in Wales

Joining the army cadets at 13

Deciding to join the army as an electronica engineer in the Royal Signals 

Being posted to 30 Signal Regiment nicknamed the ‘globe trotters’ 

Visiting 35 countries in the first 5 years 

Military memories from peace keeping missions

Volunteering at the orphanage in Bosnia 

Making the decision to leave the army

Wanting to make a second career and experience something different 

Starting fundraising for veterans charities almost straight away

Riding across Death Valley in America 

Getting involved in ultra races and going to see places at the same time

The Wall Ultra Race across Hadrian’s Wall 

Dealing with covid and losing her brother at age 52 to stage 4 bowl cancer

Coming up with the idea of doing 100 miles a week for 52 weeks - 5,200 miles in memory of her brother. 

Dealing with grief and needing a distraction

Coping with stress and trauma by fitness and adventure in nature

Not knowing the next steps

Getting post adventures blues at the end of the challenge/adventure

Backdoor adventures

Raising funds for ssafa the Armed Forces charity  

Meeting veterans and sharing stories and memories

Being an advocate for mental health 

Raising over £250K for veterans charities and winning multiple awards

300 mile solo adventure across Scotland (3 bucket list challenges in one) walking the West highland Way, paddling the Great Glen, and then walking back on the Great Glen Way to Fort William

Getting injured and needing to return in 2024 

Not taking a dip in lock ness

The planning behind the challenge ideas

Taking it from the idea to getting to the start line 

Sticking to the plan 

Using YouTube as a resource 

Testing your kit and making sure your food is nutritious and tastes good

Keeping positive while on adventures 

Motivation and discipline why you need both

Quote by D.H. Lawrence, “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” 

Going back to your WHY

Motivation from the GI Jane movie and Legally Blonde

Being inspired by the Queen 

The next challenge in 2024 - running to France from London!

Maintaining fitness levels while not on adventures 

How to connect with Gina on social media 

Final words of advice for other women who want to do more adventures 

Starting on your own fitness journey 

Why consistency is the key for training for endurance events

Try and enjoy it and remember why you are doing it

  Social Media

Instagram: @goliveit.onelife

Facebook: @GinaGinelli

Military Memories is an anthology of poems from the force’s community.Profits go to Military Charities SSAFA & Sporting Force.

Instagram @Militarymemories2021

Twitter @militarymemos

Book: Military Memories: Military Memories is a anthology of poems written by the forces community. The poems illustrate the journey taken by those who join ... families’ lives and also the trauma we face.

  Check out this episode!

[runnersnz]

“So what's my WHY when it comes to running? Well it's definitely evolved over the years to a point where it is now a key part of my identity, my passion and my life.

I was a nerd as a school-kid. Straight A-student, but not sporty at all. I was always jealous of the athletic types and their popularity. Fast forward to university and I continued to study hard, but party harder, and by the time I finished my degree in London, I was very unfit, smoking, drinking too much, and eating poorly. Then I went out to watch the London Marathon one day and I was blown away by the determination shown on the faces of the athletes, all running for different reasons, but united in their goal, and the support to propel them was awe-inspiring. A seed was sown and a few years later, it came up in a conversation with my old man. I made a throwaway comment about how cool it would be to run it one day. In his 50s at the time, and willing to call my bluff, he threw down the challenge - "Well if you're in, I'll do it with you". The gauntlet was laid down. We got charity fundraising entries (failing in the lottery) and spent the next 6 months training for the 2007 London Marathon. The day came - I went out like a hare and crashed and burned by mile 20. He went out like a (smarter) tortoise and caught me close to the finish line. That was a special day.

After moving to NZ, I continued road running for many years, mainly as a commute to stay fit, but also did several 10ks, halfs and marathons again. In my 40th year, I set myself the challenge of 4 marathons in a year, and ticked off Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Dunedin and Queenstown. But injuries kept coming back and I was getting slower and losing interest against the pressure to get faster. Then a friend at work suggested I try an XTERRA race at Makara West Wind. It was brutal, but I loved it. The goal was no longer to finish in front of others, it was about supporting each other to get to that finish line, to revel in the amazing scenery we ran through, and to make new friends. I'd found my passion.

From there, I soon signed up to the full series, exploring all these cool trails on my doorstep I had no idea existed. On one of the races, I overheard someone talking about WUU2K. Two days later I was signed up. Then it was Taupo 50k, then Tarawera 102k, Old Ghost Ultra, the list goes on. But the races weren't the end goal - they were just the celebration of the journey, which was all about exploring as many trails as I could, soaking it all in. Yes it was training, but wasn't an effort like it used to be. I discovered the Wild Things trail directory which changed my life in that exploration aspect. And I found my tribe in WoRM - a collection of simply amazing human beings, who love running in beautiful places, and don't mind the odd beer or two afterwards!    

I haven't slowed down since, ticking off lots of amazing events, exploring further afield in wild places like the Tararuas, and going further and further each year, the pinnacle being the summer just gone where I completed the Tarawera Miler then Ring of Fire, and a few of us have just done 3 of the Great Walks in 5 days.

I don't know how long I will be able to continue, but trail running has made me, at 45, fitter than I've ever been, not just in mind but in spirit too. It takes a lot of mental stamina to complete an ultra and the strength that's given me helps me in other facets of my life. As someone with very much a "carpe diem" mentality, I intend to keep exploring, and be grateful for each day I am able to run and do so in a safe and beautiful country with a wonderful community alongside me!”

Joe @infinity_runner_ (Kepler/Wellington) - Portraits of Runners + their stories @RunnersNZ

[jaskierx]

nearby tube station =/= road that is walked down to get to the tube station

and i’ve unfortunately read the financial transparency policy and it means very little when you consider that the charities mentioned in it don’t match the charities mentioned in the fundraiser, or that all fundraising goals were made clear from the outset, or that nobody knows who actually has the kofi account that’s currently full of money. you can write as many policies as you want and they mean shit all if you don’t actually follow any key principles of financial transparency.

excuse me if i’m out of line but i don’t feel like there is a lot of point in continuing this discussion - i’m a british person who is trying to raise legitimate concerns about the london location, and you, as an american, are telling me that google streetview is misleading because…other shots of the area show people existing there?

so. the save ofmd billboard in london.

stop fucking donating. because you're picturing this

when you're actually getting this

it's not a street with heavy footfall. it's not a significant location. it's not on the way to a tube station or anything else that would make it a highly travelled street.

vue is where you go to pay £5 to see a movie. this isn't going to be djenks taking a selfie in times square. this is going to be a random street in london with a 10 second billboard getting ignored bc everyone walking past has better things to do than look up from their phone

[avocado-writing]

Crossed Paths

Part 3 of 4

| Tangerine x Reader

| Canon-Typical Violence, Excessive Use of Swears

| Slight NSFT (Making Out)

| 2.3k Words

Part 1 Part 2

Tag List:   @queenofstarsanddarkness @venusthepirate @luhvbot @fruits1ut @hoalkk1 @snowymav​​  @kneelarmhstrung  @piechans 

Please ask if you’d liked to be tagged for the final part.

Reblogs are very much appreciated!

Naturally, you end up running into the Twins again.

Because that’s what they’re called. The Twins. You don’t ask why. You don’t get the sense it’s something that they like to explain, and they’re constantly bickering like brothers anyway. Suits them, really.

So what if you keep requesting cases where you think it’s likely they’ll pop up? It’s nice to have mates in this business sometimes. Not safe, sure, but nice. 

The woman claws desperately at the wire around her neck, a futile effort, while you take stock of your situation. Yeah, the Twins might be dangerous, but you’ve become sort of fond of them. Lemon is a sweetheart to you in a way you think he likely isn’t to others, and Tangerine…

Well, Tangerine is Tangerine, isn’t he?

Sure, you know, really, they’re incredibly dangerous men. But if you’re going to meet men on this job they’re going to be dangerous. And you’re not exactly Miss Congeniality yourself. 

Coming back to reality, you realise your mark probably stopped breathing some time ago. You untangle your garotte and let her body thump heavily to the floor, getting out your phone to take a confirmation picture. You’re pleasantly surprised to see there’s a text waiting, in the silly little group chat you’ve made with them. 

They both objected, pretended like they were too old to be in a group chat, but you’ll be damned if the three of you don’t use it every day.

🍋: gig in knightsbridge next weekend 

🍋: at a charity fundraiser or some shite

🍋: see you there?

Then, another text:

🍊: Stop sending multiple fucking texts when you only need to send one. I hate hearing my phone keep going.

Knightsbridge. It’s not exactly home, but it’s near. You’ve been hopping between jobs for so long now you’ve not been back to London for… well, you don’t remember, really. Your phone makes little clicking noises as you fire a message back.

You: will see what i can do. T, don’t be grumpy.

You see the telltale three dots of typing pop up a couple of times, then settle without a new notification. With a small smile you can imagine Tangerine huffing at his phone screen as he acquiesces to your request. 

Silly bastard, you think, fondly. Now idle, your hand reaches up to play with your ear. Rather, the chunk of helix you no longer have after that bullet clipped you.

After Tangerine tried to stop the bleeding.

Immediately you get onto the phone with your handler.

                                                     *

Knightsbridge leaves a bit of a sick feeling in your mouth as you stare out at it from the back of a taxi. Reminds you of being a kid again. Walking past the houses of cunts who were much richer than you for no good reason other than that they were born that way. Meanwhile you grew up on a council estate with such a black mould problem the kitchen wall collapsed one winter.

You cross your legs. No. You’ll never be like these people. However, you did find yourself getting a job, so you have to pretend to be like them for a night.

“Knightsbridge?” your handler’s voice had crackled, “Why’d you wanna go there?”

“Change of scenery,” you’d replied, rummaging through your mark’s fridge to see if she had anything worth pilfering.

A sigh, the sound of fingers on a keyboard.

“Huh.”

“‘Huh’?”

“There’s half a dozen hits put out for people listed at a gala going on next week. You’d better know what you’re getting into.”

Better know what I’m getting into indeed, you think, as you pay the driver and exit the cab.

The building you’ve been dropped off into looks like it’s some sort of modern art gallery. One of those hideous new builds with too many glass panes, too many ways for people to look in and spot someone being taken out. You can already see the place is packed. Men in crisp suits, women with fancy dresses, all standing around the perimeter of the place with drinks in hands and money in wallets.

Makes you sick.

The feeling is smoothed over, though, when you spot the Twins.

Tangerine and Lemon are standing just out of view of the entrance, tucked away between some of the poncy sculptures the gallery has outside. Tangerine is smoking and Lemon appears to be chastising him for it. Lemon catches sight of you first, and lights up.

“Here comes trouble,” he calls. You grin, pleased to see him.

Tangerine? Well. Tangerine just… stares. Dumbstruck. Only for a moment, though, then he shakes himself out of it. He stabs his cigarette out on a sculpture that looks like it’s made of old water boilers.

“Alright, lads?” you say, cheerfully, closing the gap between your parties. You reach out to smooth down Lemon’s suit lapels, adjust Tangerine’s tie. “Ah, don’t you two look handsome?”

They do. The Twins have always worn a suit well, but they’ve really outdone themselves tonight. All spotless jackets and shiny shoes. There’s nothing that gives them away as not being part of these rich punters.

“You look stunning, love,” Lemon says as he takes you in. You have to admit, you do scrub up alright. You’ve even put on a bit of slap, something you never ever do. Makeup is a waste of time on missions. But tonight? Well, it’s the exception to the rule.

The dress you’re wearing clings in all the right places. The little clutch you have at your side hides your garotte. You’re golden.

Feeling Tangerine’s eyes heavy on you, you turn to meet his gaze. He opens his mouth as if he’s going to say something, but for once doesn’t quite know how to go about it. Which is a surprise because usually you can’t get him to shut the fuck up.

Lemon looks between the two of you, then rolls his eyes.

“Oh, Christ. If you two are gonna do this I’m going for a slash,” he mutters, turning his back and wandering away. You barely suppress a snort of laughter, but your attention is fully returned to his brother.

“I… ah, look. I got you something,” he says, sounding a little unsure of himself.

“He nicked it,” Lemon calls over his shoulder. Tangerine shoots him a withering glance, but doesn’t deny the accusation. Instead, he rummages in his pocket before holding out his hand.

It takes you a moment to identify the gift. It’s gold, and it’s jewellery, but it’s too small to be for a finger. You don’t have any piercings, so for a moment you’re flummoxed.

Then it hits you.

Oh.

“T…” you say, softly. 

“Mind if I do the honours?”

You carefully move your hair out the way of your ear. With fingers more gentle than you thought him capable of, he reaches up and places the tiny cuff over your helix, completely obscuring the chunk that’s been taken out of it. Now? Now it just looks like you have a normal earring. 

“There,” he states, his fingertips just about caressing your cheek as he withdraws his hand. 

And then there you are again, staring into his eyes.

He says your name. So quiet you can barely make it out.

You step towards him.

There’s a screech behind you as a Mercedes pulls up outside the gala, breaking the moment between the two of you and causing you to turn. 

Your mark steps out, a middle-aged gentleman in a black tuxedo. He offers his far-too-young wife his arm as she makes her way around the car, all white teeth and bleached hair.

“Shit,” you say, “he’s mine. Better get a move on.” you look back at Tangerine. “You’re not here for him too, are you?”

“Nah. Our one’s already inside.”

“Oh, good. I was getting bored of winning anyway,” you grin at him, and he laughs at your impudence.

“Cheeky cunt,” Lemon says fondly as he returns to the posse. 

“Yeah,” you agree, and the three of you head inside.

                                                       *

It starts out fine. Mingling with the rich twats, keeping an eye on your target. You recall the case file as you watch him. Guy’s involved in human trafficking. Lowest of the low. You don’t usually get a lot of satisfaction from your jobs, but you know you’ll enjoy watching the light leave his eyes.

Turns out there’s some sort of meeting going on involving your mark and theirs. When the two of them head upstairs, the three of you agree one of you watches the stairwell while the others go and finish the job. Well, one of them waits, you’ve made it clear that you have to document your modus operandi.

Lemon and Tangerine turn to each other. You know, if you weren’t operating on such a tight schedule, there would be bickering. Instead Lemon just states:

“Rock-paper-scissors?”

Tangerine groans.

“You’re like a fucking child,” he grumbles, but puts his hands out anyway. Lemon shoots paper. Tangerine shoots scissors.

“‘Kinnel…” mutters Lemon, rolling his eyes and getting out his gun, assuming the position of guardsman. 

“We’ll be quick,” you promise. 

“Yeah, yeah, get a move on,” he says, though you can tell he softens from your words.

The stairs are some of those ridiculous ones without bannisters, made more to look good than to be easy to climb. The further interior design isn’t much better. You’re met with long, grey corridors with minimal lighting, almost like it was made to be annoying to you specifically. 

The two of you are quiet as you make your way along the doorless hallway, all business. It’s only as you go to round a corner Tangerine grabs you and pulls you back.

You go to ask him what he’s doing, but he puts a finger to his lips.

Footsteps.

Hard to tell how many, this place echoes like mad. Definitely coming too fast for you to make it back to the door you just came from. You could just start fighting, but you might easily be outnumbered.

“Shit,” you whisper. There’s nowhere to get to, and you’re running out of time fast. Footsteps are getting louder along the corridor. 

You look at Tangerine. He seems just as concerned as you are, scanning the area for any escape you might not have spotted. His search turns up just as empty.

An idea flits through your brain.

“Do you trust me?”

He blinks, processing the question, but his reply is sure.

“Yeah. I trust you.”

You grab his face between your hands and slam your mouth onto his.

For a moment Tangerine is completely still, confused, but he quickly cottons on to the cover you’re going for. One of his hands snakes into your hair, the other grabbing a hold of your waist.

He pushes you against the wall as security rounds the corner. This close, you can just about hear three pairs of footsteps. Three is fine. You can’t confirm it by looking, though, because your eyes are firmly clamped shut as Tangerine kisses you.

One of the security guards makes a noise of disgust.

“Alright, move along you two. Party’s downstairs.”

You don’t reply. Instead, you find yourself tugging Tangerine closer. His hips fit so well against your own, his waist is so narrow. You wrap a leg around his calf and slide it upwards, encouraging him to grab a handful of thigh. 

His moustache is rough as he kisses you hard, tongue touching yours as you open your mouth for him. And in that moment you realise there is nothing fake about this kiss. This is something you’ve both wanted to share for a long time and now you have the perfect opportunity to do it. No pretence, no stupid banter beforehand. 

Just a kiss.

Tangerine reaches between you. From the security guards’ view, it probably looks like he’s undoing his belt, as if he plans to fuck you right there in full view of them. You know better. He’s going for his gun.

“Come on, stop it now-”

As he lays his hand on your shoulder in order to break you up, you suddenly separate from Tangerine as fluid as oil on water - turning to catch the security guard in the nose with your fist. Tangerine fires before he really gets a good aim, hitting one of the others in the shoulder, the final in his knee.

It takes moments for you to slaughter them all. The gun works quickest, obviously, so Tangerine watches as you choke the life out of the guard who touched you.

Eventually he stops fighting and slumps.

In the aftermath, you and Tangerine are left oddly silent. You step over the corpse beneath you and over to him. In a mirror of what you did earlier in the night, you begin to fix up his suit, which has become rumpled - partly from the fight, and partly from the ferocity of the kiss. 

Really, you know you didn’t need to go through the pretence of all that. Really you could have just rounded the corridor and taken your chances.

Neither of you care.

Your hand traces up his tie until you’re caressing his neck.

“You once asked me why I don’t use a gun,” you say, quietly. When Tangerine swallows you can feel it under your fingers. 

“I did.”

“Well,” you sigh, “It’s because in this life, some people like to be choked. And some people like doing the choking.”

And that’s what Tangerine does on the spit in his mouth, so taken aback by the sudden confession. His pupils blow wide. You know, if there wasn’t a time restraint, you’d be following up that kiss.

But the two of you spring into action when you hear voices coming from down the corridor. Right. The meeting.

When you turn to finish tracking your mark, you can feel your palms sweat. When your garotte is wrapped around his neck a few moments later, while Tangerine takes out the rest of the cunts you haven’t gotten to, you feel no thrill.

You can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

Oh christ, you’re fucked. 

Score: Two all.

[sometimes-men-need-help-too]

Movember

As Movember returns, the team hope that its iconic moustache will continue to serve as a “powerful catalyst for change” and conversations about men’s mental health.

Movember, which is synonymous with people either donning or shaving off a moustache, takes places in November annually and seeks to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues.

“The moustache starts a conversation, it’s a really powerful catalyst for change”, Sarah Coghlan, the global director of men’s health promotion at Movember, told the PA news agency.

“That conversation and awareness is so important, and it continues to prove itself in its effectiveness.

“Men might come to us because they think it would be fun to grow a moustache, but actually along the way they learn a little bit more about the health risks, they might ask their dad about prostate cancer in the family, they might notice a friend whose behaviour has changed and have the skills and confidence to reach out and be there for them.”

The 48-year-old who lives in Bromley, in London, added that as “silly and ironic as it is, it is a symbol of change for men”.

“It really does put men in that vulnerable position of looking in the mirror every day and grooming their moustache and asking themselves what they can do to improve their health and the health of those around them.”

Some moustached specimens have even used their tash to try and gain favour in job interviews.

“We hear fabulous stories of people going into job interviews with a moustache and it kinds of breaks the ice and sets them apart as a candidate, and has that lovely bonding ability”, she added.

Aside from the glorious facial hair, Ms Coghlan said that if she were to sum up the cause in three words, she would say: “Walking, talking, billboard” to highlight that any challenges can be taken on to raise awareness for the cause.

Ms Coghlan, who has been with the charity for 15 years, said she wanted to bring the “hairy moustache to the northern hemisphere” from Queensland, Australia, and has been pleased to see the campaign go from “strength to strength”.

“The UK is leading the world today in our registrations, in participation and fundraising, which is always wonderful to see”, she added.

Data from Movember revealed that in the UK, the 2021-22 campaign, which ran until April 2022, raised 26.1 million Australian dollars, which equates to over £14 million, with 88,650 registered participants.

Since 2003, the charity has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally.

She added that Movember creates a sense of community among participants.

“I feel constantly connected to the community because of the stories that we hear, what Movember means to the people who grow and find other like-minded people who want to do something about the state of men’s health,” she said.

“Frankly, it’s still the case that men are dying younger than women for largely preventable reasons, and we can all play a role in ensuring that the men in our lives live a long and happy life.”

Many members of the public have taken on a variety of different challenges from climbing mountains and crossing oceans to making pizzas shaped like moustaches this year.

“It doesn’t have to be huge – it just has to be that visual symbol or that gesture that says I know there’s something going on here for men and I want to be part of that conversation and that movement for change,” she added.

Here's the website for it:

[queenshelby]

ME AND THE DEVIL – PART ONE

Featuring: Tommy Shelby x Reader

Words: 3555

Warning: Smut, Abuse 

Notes: This is fiction and not historically accurate. It plays somewhere in the middle of Season 5, after Tommy met Oswald Mosley and became affiliated with him but before he planned to assassinate him.

Tag List: 

@lilymurphy03

@deefigs

@theflamecrystal 

@chrisevanshoeee

 @desperate-and-broken

@weepingstudentfishhorse

@severewobblerlightdragon

@captivatedbycillianmurphy

------

You were the oldest daughter of the chief of police in London and married to Oswald Mosley. The marriage between you and Oswald was arranged by your father who was supporting Mosley’s fascist movement.

Your husband was abusive and disrespectful towards you. You despised him and his fascist views. Luckily for you, he didn’t involve you in many political events. You were only obliged to attend functions with him where it benefitted him and his party.

You were aware that he was expanding his party but you didn’t involve yourself with politics, at least so it seemed. You knew that the fascist movement was dangerous and you hoped that, one day, your husband would pay for his sins.

You were not allowed to work, but you were allowed to volunteer at the local orphanage and soup kitchen. As the wife of Oswald Mosley, this was beneficial for his political campaign so he didn’t intervene. Little did he know that this was where you would meet one of his enemies.

Just so it happened that, on a Thursday evening when you were volunteering at the orphanage, you met a mysterious stranger.

Dressed in a comfortable but elegant dress, you unpacked several toys that were delivered from the Womens Association of Birmingham for the children at the orphanage.

The children were excited and you could barely keep up with their demand. Their excitement was overwhelming and their eyes lit up as they took the toys from your hands. It wasn’t often that they received brand new toys and you took joy simply in seeing their excitement. You wanted children of your own, but not with your husband. He wasn’t capable to be a good father and you were glad that, despite numerous attempts, you didn’t conceive.

After years, he told you that you were worthless, not being able to give him a child. But you were somewhat grateful for it. It also meant that he no longer bothered to force you to sleep with him, which never was pleasurable in any sort of way. You were pleased to learn that, after years of abuse, he found whores to be of more interest to him than you.

The work at the orphanage took you away from your miserable life. Working with children was pure joy for you and gave you the courage to inform on your husband to the communist partry. You did it for them, so that they can grow up in a world free from oppression. Your husband was the devil and you knew that very well.

Just as you went to get the last box of toys from the van, a man approached you from behind.

‘Please, let me help you with this’ the man said, taking the heavy box from your hands. He could see that you were struggling with its weight. After all, you were of small statue.

‘Thank you, Mr…’ you said in a way you would usually ask a question.

‘Shelby. Thomas Shelby’ the man said as he walked inside with you.

You showed him where to place the box so that you could unpack it as, all of a sudden, one of the nuns from the orphanage walked towards you from the hallway.

‘Please, Mr Shelby, you do not need to do this’ the nun said with a hasty voice.

‘But it’s my pleasure’ Tommy said as he opened the box and helped you unpack it.

‘Thank you’ you said with a shy smile as you couldn’t help it but stare into his bright blue eyes.

‘No thank you for the work you are doing here Y/N. It is admirable’ Tommy said with a warm smile.

‘I take joy in it’ you said before asking him how he knew your name.

Your question caused Tommy to point to your name tag.

You flushed immediately. Of course, he can read.

‘Very informal’ Tommy said as he observed that the name tag only had your first name on it.

‘Well, I like to be the children’s friend. I am not one of the mistresses or teachers here. I simply volunteer’ you said whilst, the truth was, you were embarrassed of who you were. Y/N Mosley, the wife of a fascist. Of course, you weren’t going to tell him that.

‘We need more kind hearted people like you in a world like this Y/N’ Tommy said as he unpacked the last toy from the box.

‘Please, you make me blush Mr Shelby’ you said shyly while looking up into his piercing blue eyes again.

He was much older than you, probably the same age as your husband, but he was incredibly attractive. Unlike your husband, he appeared kind hearted in his own way.

‘My apologies, it wasn’t my attention to make you uncomfortable’ Tommy said with a smile.

‘It’s quite alright Mr Shelby. Thank you again for helping with this’ you said as you were wondering why he was at the orphanage.

‘Tell me, why are you here? What is your business?’ you asked with curiosity.

‘I am having a meeting with Miss Walsh at 4 o’clock to discuss the funding of the new library for the orphanage. As you know, the orphanage has the facility on site. It’s unused and will need to be fenced. And of course, we will need books’ Tommy said. You could hear the passion in his voice for the project.

‘Are you funding it?’ you asked bluntly.

‘My late wife’s charity is. She cared deeply for children who were abandoned or lost their parents in the war’ Tommy explained.

‘She seemed like a wonderful woman and I am sorry for your loss Mr Shelby’ you said.

‘She was and thank you for your kind words Y/N’ Tommy said.

‘May I offer you a tea? Just while you wait for Miss Walsh?’ you asked.

Tommy agreed and you sat down in the reading room for 15 minutes before Miss Walsh arrived.

You enjoyed your conversation with Tommy. He seemed like a smart man, elegant, firm and yet kind hearted.

The conversations you had were mostly about the orphanage and plans for the education of the children. You loved to read and you liked the idea of a library. You shared ideas for fundraisers and it was evident to you that Tommy was intrigued by you. His eyes wandered everywhere, from your face, down to your hands, which is where he noticed your wedding ring.

‘You are married. Do you and your husband have children?’ Tommy asked.

‘No, we do not. How about you Mr Shelby?’ you asked.

‘A son and a daughter’ Tommy said.

‘Then you are lucky’ you responded just as Miss Walsh arrived.

You said goodbye to Tommy and, just as he was about to leave with Miss Walsh, he asked you whether you would be interested to help with the establishment of the library since you were familiar with literature.

You were surprised that a man like him would personally involve himself with a project like this. It was more common for rich men to simply provide the funds. But, he seemed to care for this particular project, so you agreed.

A few weeks after your encounter with Tommy, the books arrived and you volunteered to sort them and arrange the library for the children.

Tommy came by one afternoon to see how the project came along and offered you his assistance. But most of the time it was his sister Ada who attended the library to catalogue the books with you.

She was a kind woman, socially aware and most defiantly in favour of the communist movement.

Despite your numerous discussions about politics, Ada never thought to mention that her brother Tommy was a politician himself. In fact, she didn’t like to speak about him at all.

Another week later, you were surprised to see Tommy at the library at lunch time.

‘Good Afternoon Y/N’ Tommy said as he brought in another box of books.

‘Mr Shelby, I am surprised to see you’ you said. This was your third encounter with Tommy and you were pleased to see him. You were intrigued by him.

‘I thought you could use some help since my sister is busy with errands today’ Tommy said.

‘So, you came here to help me catalogue books?’ you said sheepishly.

‘Making appearances Y/N, that’s all’ he said as he began to unpack the books.

‘Thank you, Mr Shelby, but…’ you said and before you could continue, Tommy interrupted you.

‘Please, just call me Tommy’ he said as he handed you the books.

You climbed up the ladder to put them onto the higher shelves just as Tommy advised you that, the truth was, that he had meeting with Miss Walsh again but that he set aside some time for the library beforehand.

Tommy and you talked for a while as you shelved the books. You noticed his eyes gaze over you again on several occasions in particular when you stepped up the ladder. He was clearly looking at your ass, possibly even your underwear, but you didn’t mind.

Every time you came down from the ladder, he stood uncomfortably close to you, so close that you could smell the scent of his aftershave. It smelled like musk and he was clearly chewing mint, probably to hide the smell of the cigarettes.

He was handsome, very handsome and the look he gave you every time he handed you more books from the table was intense. A look of want and desire. Or were you imagining it?

Unfortunately, your encounter with him only lasted for about thirty minutes before he had to excuse himself in order to meet with Miss Walsh.

You said goodbye to Tommy with a warm smile and received a smile in return.

Just after he left, you went on with cataloguing the books. It was a slow process and you were the only volunteer on duty that day. Your husband approved. Doing community service was beneficial to his party and political goals. It shows that him and his family care for the community.

But you simply did it because you felt it was right and gave you a purpose.

You spent nearly every day at the library and almost all books were catalogued.

After another half an hour, you had one more box to shelf for the day. You were focused, your mind entirely with the books.

To your surprise, just as you stepped down from the ladder to grab more books for the top shelf, your face was just above Tommy’s face. You couldn’t believe that he was there. You never heard him come back.

‘How long have you been standing there?’ you asked as your foot touched the floor.

‘A few minutes, just enough to admire the view’ he said sheepishly and you weren’t sure whether to smack or kiss him.

But, before you could make up your mind, he leaned in and took the kiss he’s been desperate for since the moment you’ve met.

The kiss was gentle at first, brushing his lips against yours a couple of times, then locking them together in a haste, allowing your tongues to explore each other.

You had never been kissed this way before and gave into him completely.

Your mind told you to stop, to push him away. You didn’t know this man and if your husband was to find out, it would be detrimental for the both of you.

But in your heart, you wanted this so badly. This and so much more.

As your tongues played with each other, coyly at first, then like long-lost lovers, Tommy’s hands ran over your back all the way down to your ass.

His lips tasted sweet and his hands sent shivers through your body.

Without breaking the kiss, Tommy’s hands wandered beneath your skirt, gently and passionately.

‘Not here. The reading area’ you whispered just after you broke away from the kiss.

Tommy nodded just before he planted his mouth just above your clavicle.

While planting gentle kisses over you, Tommy navigated to one of the long desks in the reading area.

He was so gentle, a feeling that was unfamiliar to you. Despite the fact that you barely knew him, you somehow trusted him and wanted him.

Just as your back hit the desk, Tommy lifted you up to sit on it before gently pushing your legs apart.

He moved in between your legs while continuing to kiss you. His skilled fingers began unbuttoning your white blouse, revealing your lace bra.

No words were spoken as Tommy ran his index fingers down the inside of the straps of your bra, over the edges of the cups, then down your cleavage, all while gazing his eyes over your body.

He kept this tease up until you got impatient. Your breathing became heavy as he pulled the bra down, freeing your breasts. Your areolas were covered in goosebumps and your nipples were puffed up. The reading lamp lit all your curves in titillating contrast and you could that Tommy enjoyed what he was seeing.

Not ever had a man looked at you with such desire. You only ever been with one man, your husband, and this was new territory. You actually enjoyed yourself and were feeling guilty about it.

‘So beautiful’ Tommy whispered just before his lips kissed, licked and sucked their way to your stiff nubs on your breasts.

His hands cupped, squeezed and kneaded your smooth flesh and you moaned deeply and gripped the edge of the desk behind you.

Tommy flicked the tip of his tongue across your nipple before nibbling naughtily around it. Not ever had anyone paid such attention to your breasts and you started to feel something that was unfamiliar to you.

You could feel a tingling sensation build up in between your legs and your lace panties were getting wet.

Just as Tommy continued to stimulate your breasts, you gasped and threw your head back as his teeth ever-so-gently brushed up against your nubs again.

Tommy’s hands soon moved from your breasts down beneath your skirt, brushing over the inside of your thighs.

You pushed your legs together for a moment, unsure whether to give in or not.

You despised being touched there by your husband but this was actually enjoyable.

‘Do you want me to stop?’ Tommy asked, noticing your reluctance.

‘No, please don’t’ you said as you decided to let him proceed, opening your legs again.

You were slightly embarrassed by the wetness pooling in between your legs but, to your surprise, Tommy seemed pleased with it.

‘You are so wet Love’ he smirked as his fingers finally brushed over your panties just before he crashed his lips back onto yours.

You moaned into the kiss as his fingers pulled aside your panties and you could feel his finger tips roam over your entrance.

You tried hard to relax as Tommy’s fingers ran up and down your slit and started spread your juices.

He teased your entrance, just slipping in a single finger and only to his first knuckle.

This must be what foreplay was all about you thought as you kept giving in to your moans.

‘Tommy’ you moaned, desperate for more and, just like that, Tommy suddenly bit your neck gently while plunging his finger deep inside you.

Your moans turned to a gasp and a whimper as pleasure flooded your senses. You knew that Tommy had just left a hickey and, whilst you should be concerned, it just made you even wetter.

Tommy kept kissing and biting your neck as he added another finger inside of you and explored you with his fingers. The tip of his finger found many crevices but, unbeknownst to you, he was searching for your g-spot.

‘Fuck, oh god’ you screamed all of a sudden as Tommy’s fingers pressed upwards, earning you smirk from Tommy.

He had just found what he was looking for and, based on your reaction, it was evident to him that he was the first to have found your sweet spot.

Just as he relieved the pressure inside you, he pushed his fingers up again, and again, each time causing you to moan loudly.

‘Shh Love, one of the nuns might hear you’ Tommy whispered sheepishly just as he pulled his fingers out of you.

All these sensations were unfamiliar to you.

‘Please don’t stop’ you pleaded. It felt so good.

Tommy pulled you close for another kiss to shallow your moans before slipping his fingers back inside of you.

His fingers began to push against your g-spot again, running smooth circles and stimulating it just the right way. You were panting. It was ecstasy and you could feel an unfamiliar tension build up in your stomach.

‘I am going to make you come now Love. Try to be quiet’ Tommy said and you had literally no idea what he was talking about until, all of a sudden, he pushed into you with more force.

Your whimpers soon turned into shouts and you clenched onto Tommy’s arms firmly.

It wasn’t long until Tommy could feel your walls tighten around his two fingers.

‘Oh my god’ you moaned before you held your breath, not knowing what was happening to you as you felt your orgasm roll through your body.

‘That's it Love’ Tommy said satisfied as he continued to stimulate you.

You gasped as electricity shot up and down your spine while Tommy kissed you again to soften your screams.

He could hear footsteps approach and quickly withdrew his fingers.

‘Mr Shelby, is everything alright?’ one of the nuns asked loudly.

‘Yes, I am just helping with the books’ Tommy said with a grin on his face as he rearranged his pants to deal with his throbbing erection.

You were quick to button up your blouse before the nun approached.

‘I just thought I could hear a scream, that’s all’ the nun said.

‘Yes, that was me, I caught a splinter from the ladder and Mr Shelby just helped me get it out from my finger’ you said, your face still flushed and your hair messy.

‘Mr Shelby, if you do have a minute, Mr Connel would like to discuss the article in the paper for your campaign’ the nun said. ‘We thought that you had left but when I saw your car I hoped that I would find you here’ she added.

‘Of course’ Tommy said and, just like that he left.

‘It was nice to see you Y/N. Perhaps we meet again sometime soon’ he said with a grin as he followed the nun.

‘Likewise, Mr Shelby’ you responded.

You wanted to so much more but, since you almost got caught, it was probably for the better that you didn’t take this further.

You were hoping to see Tommy again but, for the next couple of weeks, he didn’t attend the orphanage.

You asked his sister Ada about him with some curiosity.

‘My brother is probably busy in Westminster. Although, who knows. I have given up on following politics. Why are you asking?’ Ada said.

‘Politics? Is Thomas a politician?’ you asked surprised and slightly concerned.

‘Yes, he is a member of parliament. Did you not know?’ Ada asked surprised.

‘I had no idea’ you said, wondering whether he knew your husband and whether you were nothing but a political stunt. Was this planned by an opponent? Did Tommy know who you were? Or was it a sheer mistake?

All these thoughts were wandering through your mind as Ada was talking to you and you didn’t listen to a single word she said.

‘Y/N? Are you alright?’ Ada asked.

‘Yes sorry, I am fine’ you said just before finishing up for the day. You had to make your way home soon before dinner.

You excused yourself and headed home. The thoughts however wouldn’t leave your head.

Your husband wasn’t home when you arrived. As usual, he was either with your sister or at the whorehouse.

You didn’t care much and enjoyed the nights on your own. You were no longer sharing a bedroom but you hated to cross his way when he was around. A black eye here and there or some bruises and scratches were the norm when he was there.

The next morning, Oswald walked through the door at around 8 o’clock, just in time for breakfast.

‘Did you buy yourself a dress for tonight?’ he asked after shouting at the maid. The coffee was too cold for his liking.

‘Oswald, please’ you said, trying to reason with him as the maid left rather upset.

‘Then you get the fucking coffee, wife!’ Oswald shouted and you got up, taking his cup and walking towards the kitchen.

‘There you go’ you said as you returned with a fresh cup from the kitchen.

‘See, that wasn’t that hard now, was it? Even my fucking wife could manage’ he said to the maid as he took a sip.

‘Now dear, did you get yourself a dress? Something outstanding for the gala?’ Oswald asked.

‘Of course. You will approve. It is very elegant and expensive’ you said.

‘Good. We need to make an impression. You will meet the new members of my party and, as you know, all politicians judge each other. There is no room for mistakes’ Oswald explained.

‘Of course, I understand. Now would you please excuse me. I will need to freshen up’ you said before Oswald waived you away

[the-empress-7]

What is Pippa’s job?

She used to be an event planner, with Party Pieces and also Table Talk. She leveraged that and her post-royal wedding fame as a socialite into a party planning book and lifestyle columns/correspondent gigs in the UK and US media. The book bombed and her columns didn't last very long, less than a year (but still longer and with more effort than Meghan's 72 days!).

Around 2016ish, she pivoted noticeably towards charity fundraising, and that's been her main gig, plus obviously her family. It's thought that William helped her in that shift to charity fundraising because he didn't like the idea of a royal-adjacent being involved in for-profit self-promotion (hmm, sounds familiar).

She reminds me a lot of the housewives on RHONY, where they do all this charity work off-camera but we hear them talk about it all the time on-camera, have all these connections, but we see them mostly going to parties, dinner, and walking around NYC. Which is Pippa in a nutshell: we hear a lot about her charity work, don't really see it, she has a lot of connections, but we mostly see her walking around London for the paps.

Thanks anon. Although I don't think it is fair to say that Pippa mostly walks around London for pap shots. She literally does not need to. Plus she keeps to herself now and does not get involved in anything Royal or political except for showing up to support her sister. Which is more than I can say for many members of the BRF. She does not owe the public anything vis a vis her charity work or otherwise.

[dailytomlinson]

We thought we loved Louis Tomlinson and his big heart enough already, but our king keeps proving us wrong every day. We can easily say he is the reason why we wake up with a smile on our faces. And quite recently, the Chorlton-based band, Maruja, did too.

On Saturday, Maruja’s van was broken into, and £6000 worth of gear and equipment were stolen. Louis Tomlinson came across their GoFundMe page and made a generous donation of £4000 to the fundraiser. He even reached out to the band on Twitter and followed them. Thanks to him, the band has raised much more than their goal and can recover their stuff much sooner.

We’re joining Louies worldwide in penning down a we-are-so-freakin’-proud-of-Louis speech (like any other day in Louienation)! What an angel! And this is not the first time Louis Tomlinson has come forward to help, raised awareness, and warmed our hearts. Here are 5 recent occasions where he proved what an absolute gent he is.

The Away From Home Free Festival And Global Livestream

Louis played his first headlining festival mere days ago, giving us all a show we will never forget! Entirely curated by himself, Louis made tickets for this event completely free, simply wanting for us to enjoy our first live show back after the pandemic. The one-day festival hosted nearly 8500 fans, at Crystal Palace Bowl, London. Needless to say, Louis Tomlinson’s gesture made our hearts feel prouder than ever, and we will never shut up about it.

Days later, he put out a Livestream of the same event, along with a mini-documentary, from which we are still recovering. Letting us in on his journey to a career-defining moment with the Away From Home Festival, Louis did not miss any chance to acknowledge his fans as the driving force behind him. Laying down his vulnerabilities and sky-rocketing his way through, being vocal about the undeniable support he receives from his team and us, Louis once again made sure he made this feel like home! He calls us a “passionate bunch,” but let’s take a moment to thank him for being so passionate about his music, his people, and his fans.

Donation To The Fundraiser For 16-year-old Noah Cosby

Earlier this year, Louis Tomlinson liked a tweet by the Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team that posted a GoFundMe page for Noah Cosby, who suffered a devastating dirt bike accident. The accident led him to break his back in two places causing paralysis from the chest down. Louis went on to make a generous donation of £5,000 to help Noah with his emergency surgery and intense physiotherapy to be able to walk again.

Following his noble gesture, more people and fans from all over the world joined in. They started sending Noah love and best wishes and helped surpass the initial goal of £110,000. You can support Noah’s fundraiser by donating to the Cosby’s GoFundMe page here.

Louis Signing “Singer” For Isabella’s CelebSign Of The Week

On 9th July 2021, 15-year-old signer Isabella posted a video of Louis Tomlinson signing the word “singer” in sign language. While it is adorable enough to watch on repeat, small gestures like this go on to show how Louis has a way with them to uplift people and make them feel special, included, and loved. Surely enough, his one video raised ample awareness and encouraged people to learn sign language!

Louis met Isabella, who learned sign language to help her little brother Lucus who has Down Syndrome, on the BBC One Show back in January 2020. He has also appreciated her signing videos, where she teaches sign language for communicating and even signs complete songs. It appears as though they have stayed in contact since then.

Louis Tomlinson’s Historic Live From London Charity Concert

12th December 2020 marks a historic day for Louis and his fandom when he held a Livestream that enticed 160,000 fans globally! Essentially setting the record for the biggest male-artist Livestream that year, Louis donated the profits from the concert between FareShare, Crew Nation, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Stagehand. He also gave some of the proceeds to his touring crew.

Louis Being A Ray Of Sunshine During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic hit us all really hard. Most of us lost a loved one, faced the virus firsthand, didn’t attend school, or lost jobs. We definitely felt drained out mentally, physically, and emotionally. Louis Tomlinson has been a real ray of sunshine throughout these dark times, supporting various charities, the less fortunate, and regularly checking in on his fans.

In September 2020, Louis tweeted in support of a UK-based non-profit called Free My Meal, which connects individuals in need of meals with those that can help with the same. He also retweeted a tweet posted by football player Marcus Rashford MBE urging UK residents to sign a petition to end child food poverty. Louis even recorded a special message for Doncaster, in which he asked everyone to stay positive and safe.

Throughout the pandemic, Louis has checked in on his fans multiple times, bestowing love beyond mountains and seas, uplifting them with his wishes, and helping cure the lockdown blues. It’s safe to say, Louis made those dark days bearable. When all we needed was hope or comfort, Louis was there to provide both!

It is no secret that Louis Tomlinson has a heart of gold. Over the years, he has supported so many charities, quietly donating to some we may not even know of yet. He is a patron of The Eden Dora Trust, Stacey’s Smiles, and many more that you can read about here.

The next time someone asks us why Louis Tomlinson is our “Sunshine,” we know which THP articles to pull out! How has Louis made a difference in your life? Does he inspire you to give back?