#i only have 2 days left of summer job let me free

[minofinno]

Summerjob work doodles because I got bored and have no wifi so i spent my time doodling 368327 things (forgive me for posting so much im bored okay)

also have me here cuz i barely post bout my persona (lol) and me with @1v31182m5 cuz we had wb a few days ago (i still won)

[dovesndecay]

It's June! It's Pride! It's (my) Birthday!

The Introduction Spiel:

Hi, I'm Reyah! (any pronouns! no really, go for it!) On June 21st, I'm turning 32, an exciting and mysterious age to be!! (So I've heard)

Warning: This is a post asking for financial help, and if there's one thing I would ask is that if you read the whole thing: please reblog.

I'm a multiply-disabled queer person of color, a writer, artist, and photographer. I live with three of my best-good-pal-friends, (@renthony, @kryptidkhaos, and @natalieironside) and our collective army of pets.

We all know it's damned hard to be all these things at the same time under the capitalistic hellscape we're living under, and we/I am always in need of a lot of help with the existing.

I ended the month of May with some smaller bills left still to pay, but am thankful to say that June already had fewer bills than usual due, and the amount I need to start the summer off right is actually less than I was afraid it would be! Woohoo!

What I Make

I mentioned my artistic endeavors, let me show you them!!

Writing

I write less often than I'd like, but I share poetry and shorts, when I have them, on my Patreon!

You must be over 18 to pledge, as I have, can, and will again share Adult Content occasionally. Patrons pledging at least $1/month get access to all content. But most posts becomes free to access eventually. :)

When I do longer form content, I primarily write fantasy with a focus on queer brown characters with disabilities, mental illnesses, and disordered attachments. Because therapy is expensive, and writing is free.

Photography

I do wildlife and landscape photography, primarily, but you can also check out my portrait and event work on my website! You can purchase PRINTS HERE.

And because it's my birthday, I'm offering a 32% discount code for all my prints! The code is good from June 1st to July 1st!

A Note, if you purchase a print: first off: thank you. (please feel free to send a photo of wherever you display it!!!) secondly: this will not go towards the received totals on my financial need because Pixels doesn't pay out until nearly 2 months after the purchase. Funds made from sales will go towards future needs.

CODE: PDHHTR

Artwork

I've been exploring art, both analog and digital, a lot more lately, and have shared both process photos and final drafts on Patreon! Here are just a few examples:

I admittedly don't post on patreon as much as I wish I had the energy to, but I try to make at least one thing a month, provided I have the spoons and time.

Creativity is, like, a level 5 spell slot when you're disabled and impoverished, and I appear to have exactly One (1) of those available at any given time.

The Needs:

The Bills: $1,100

Yeah, we had to get here eventually. Since this post is already pretty long, I'm putting the rest under a cut.

More than half of this, as always, is just for the car payment and insurance that keeps the regular day-job-haver getting to said job, and all our medical appointments, errands, etc.

I still owe around $13,000 total on Johnny Car, but I think we all know that's just not a real number.

The rest of the funds would go toward paying the small subscriptions, for my various medications, and the regular attempts to whittle away slowly at the $4,300 worth of other debt.

($2,200 of back taxes, and $2,100 of credit card debt, and gods, do I mean slowly. Interest piles up so much faster than I can seem to whittle.)

If you're able and willing to help with paying the bills, direct donations can be made here:

PayPal | (link)

Venmo | (dovesndecay)

Cashapp | ($dovesndecay)

If you can, and only if you can.

The It Would Be Cools:

Since every dime that comes in goes primarily towards food and bills, there's little left afterward to be put towards other life necessities like clothes, toiletries, let alone things I just think would be nice/neat/nifty to have.

I have a High Priority wishlist. It's mostly art supplies, bulk toiletries, etc.

I'm woefully low on clothes, being short, fat, and trans, so very little of what I own actually feels good to wear so much as it simply covers my body. I have a wishlist of clothes that would be nice to have.

For everything that firmly lands under the "I just want it" category, I have an Enrichment list. It's mostly stuffies, but also games, room decor, hobby supplies, books, and stim toys.

Our household keeps a big wishlist for things we need, want, groceries, accessibility products, and everything in-between.

Okay, now what?

Well, now, I'm gonna ask that if you got to this point, and if you can't/don't want to do any of the things listed above, then please reblog this post.

The more people that reblog it, the more likely I'm able to pay my bills for one more month this year.

But if you don't, it's not like anyone's gonna know. I'm not omniscient, I swear.

Anyway, I don't expect anyone to do anything if you can't or even if you just don't wanna, but if you can and you're willing to, it means the world.

I didn't think this is where I'd be at 32. But I never really expected to get here at all in the end, and it's a lot nicer than I thought it would be. Mostly because I am surrounded by amazing people who have the capacity to be so much kinder than I will ever have the words to describe.

Thank you, and to all, a happy pride!

🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 1

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

May 2019:

"And you’re sure you can handle it? I mean working here and college?" Peter Hastings was a nice, middle aged man, looking for a new nanny for his 6 year old son, Gabriel.

"I’ll wake him up at 7:15. Make breakfast and get him ready for school, drop him off at 8:30 and go to my classes. At 3 I’ll pick him up. Help him with his homework. Soccer on Monday and Wednesday. Piano lesson on Tuesday. Prepare dinner. Make him bed ready and then you’ll take over. Monday till Thursday. Fridays I’ll pick him up at 12. We’re going to the park, museum, zoo whatever. Have lunch and I’ll bring him home by 4, where you take over. And if you need a babysitter on the weekends, you’ll call me." Rachel repeated the schedule Mr. Hastings had presented her with, hoping he would hire her.

"Impressive. Well your report looks great, I understand why you’ve got a scholarship for the MCPHS. I’d say you’ve got the job." Mr. Hastings smiled at the girl.

"Thank you, Sir! Really!"

"Gabriel liked you, you have strong ambitions. I think you’re perfect. Now let’s talk money, shall we?" he clapped his hands and Rachel nodded.

With a full scholarship and a well paid job that still gave her enough time for her studies, she could start saving up money to get the hell out of Woburn, after graduating from college with her nursing degree hopefully.

"I know this was not what you applied for, but I’ll ask anyways, if you say no, you’ll still keep your job starting in fall!" her new boss said and she looked up "My current nanny, well she left, family emergency, so I would need someone from now on, during the summer until you’ll take over at the end of August. I know, you just graduated and probably already planned your summer, but I thought I ask anyways. Again, feel free to say no, the job is yours regardless. It’s only one more month of school and then it’s… well a full day job, I’m off for the entire August, but before that I’m loaded with events here and there…"

"I’ll do it." Rachel said immediately, every reason to leave Woburn earlier was a good reason.

"Yeah? You sure? I mean like I said, you don’t have to!" Mr. Hastings said but the girl shook her head.

"No it’s fine. Really. I have nothing planned. And like this I can get used to Boston."

"You can stay here. Our old nanny has her own studio in the backyard. That way you don’t have to drive every morning from Woburn to here."

"Are you sure? It’s no problem for me to drive!"

"With traffic in the morning you’ll be in the car for an hour or longer. That’s ridiculous. Come on I’ll show you the studio. You could even stay there when you start college. Thinking back to my college times? The dorms weren’t the nicest place to stay." he laughed and got up, leading the young girl outside through the kitchen.

"I mean. I haven’t seen my dorm yet… but from what I’ve heard, yeah, not the nicest place to stay indeed."

The studio was clean and modern. A kitchenette, a table with two chairs. Sofa, TV and a bed. A little bathroom. It was definitely more quiet and private than any dorm at her college.

"Are you sure it’s okay?" the girl asked.

"100%. It’s yours if you want it. Free of charge. You just have to keep it clean yourself. And if you want to bring friends over, just give me a little heads up."

Free of charge. The money she would safe. Only paying the tuition fee. The rest of her scholarship could go into her savings as well. She could leave home earlier than planned. It couldn’t get better than this.

"I guess I’m moving in then."

November 2021:

Rachel always dreaded driving home. The rare occasions over the past 2 years where she had driven home were all proof why it was better to stay away. But something in her father’s voice when he asked her if she would come home for his birthday gave her the chills. When she parked her car in the driveway of her rundown childhood home, she felt the pit in her stomach grow. Calming down her nerves she opened up the door, walking inside. The house smelt rancid. A mix of liquor, smoke and bleach.

"Dad?" the girl walked inside the dark living room when suddenly the light got switched on. She flinched looking at the man sitting in the armchair facing her.

"If it’s not Miss Americana fresh off of college." Tony.

"Where’s my dad?" her voice not as strong as she hoped.

"Come." he got up and dragged her outside with him.

"Stop. Tony! Let go of me!" Rachel tried to get away from him.

"Get in the car. You can do it on your own or I’ll make you." his jaw clenched.

The girl got inside. Shaking.

"Where’s my dad?" she repeated.

"Your dad… he pissed off a lot of people… he was a capo once… but his drinking? Mamma Mia… he became useless the day your mother died… fallen from capo to soldato… and now? A shame really…" he sneered.

"What did he do?" Rachel asked with a shaking voice.

"Oh bella, you know I can’t tell you. Otherwise I’d have to kill you. And I really don’t want to kill such a pretty girl." he laughed and the girl swallowed hard "Just know that he owes a lot of people a lot of money…"

They drove to Winchester and the girl knew immediately where they were going.

"When was the last time you were here? When your mother died?" he asked, although he didn’t sound one bit empathetic "A long time ago… then again, it’s never a good sign if you have to go to Winchester… our family parties are usually held somewhere else…"

The driveway up the hill to the dark manor made Rachel’s insides churn.

"Get out." Tony parked the car and she did as told, following him inside.

"Oh Rachel! Mia bellissima ragazza! Look at you! What a beautiful, beautiful young lady! You should look for a girl like her, Anthony, not the skanks you’re going for." Rosaria Romano pulled Rachel in her arms, before kissing her cheeks "The last time I saw you was before you left for college and now look at you! You’re skinny! Don’t they feed you well at college? All the money they take and then not feeding their students? Che cavolo! You’re staying for dinner! Anthony, tell your father I’m feeding this sweet girl first, before he can talk to her!"

"Mamma! She’s not here to eat!" Tony grabbed the girls arm, but he shrugged away under the cold, hard gaze of his mother. He rolled his eyes, walking away, cursing in Italian.

"Now come, mia ragazza, you can help me with dinner." Rosaria lead her into the kitchen where already a handful of women were cooking away "Here, put that on. We don’t want your beautiful outfit to get stained with pomodori!"

The next hour Rachel cooked together with the ladies, told them about college and how her life was going. She knew all too well that she couldn’t tell them everything. Giving away too much was dangerous, so she lied mostly.

"And what about the boys at college? Someone special there for you?" nonna Viola asked right as Tony came back.

"She’s coming with me now." he grabbed Rachel’s arm, pulling her with him. A muscle ticked at his jaw. His hold on her arm made her whimper in pain.

"Anthony! You hurt her! Stop! Don’t make me swing my mattarello at you!" nonna Viola raised her rolling pin and Anthony let go of the girls arm "There you go, stupido!"

"Come." he glared at the girl who took off the apron, handing it Rosaria.

"When the men have finished whatever their having to talk about now, we’re finishing our conversation, Rachel." she smiled and Rachel nodded.

As she followed Tony down a long, dark hallway the bad feeling she had, since hearing her father’s voice on the phone earlier that day, only intensified.

When they stopped in front of a big oak door Tony pushed Rachel hard against it, caving her in. His nose rubbing down her cheek. His breath reeked of smoke and liquor.

"You won’t like what’s happening next and let me tell you, I understand you. But then again… mhhh look at you." he whispered in her ear, making the girl shudder "My mother wasn’t that wrong, I should go for a girl like you…"

"Anthony?" Don Vito’s cold voice rang out through the door.

"We’re here, papa!" Tony said with a sadistic grin.

"Bring her in then. We have a lot to do."

January 2022:

"Miss Lombardi? Miss Lombardi!" the screeching voice of Professor Cullers made Rachel flinch "Ah great. You are with us again… well, do you know the answer, to Miss Edwards question?"

"I- umm… I don’t. No." the girl looked at her professor "Sorry."

"Maybe stop daydreaming then and start listening to what I’m teaching you."

"Yes, ma’am." she nodded.

The rest of the class Rachel kept writing down everything Professor Cullers said, listening carefully and when the bell rang she was one of the last to leave.

"What’s going on with you?" Stuart asked, waiting at the door for her.

"What do you mean?" they walked side by side to their next course.

"You’re absent. Pretty often. For weeks now…"

"It’s nothing. I’m fine. I promise." Rachel faked a smile and Stuart sighed.

"Ok, cut the crap. What’s going on? Since you left for your father’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, you’re acting strange… what happened at home Rachel?" he looked at her and she took a deep breath, shaking her head.

Stuart was the only friend she made in college, he didn’t talk much, but there was a sense of understanding between the two after she accidentally overheard a conversation between him and a stranger behind the cafeteria one day. Rachel since knew that their backstory was similar and that he broke off all ties to his old life. He would understand her, if she told him what happened. But then again, she knew that she might endanger him if she told him too much.

"How hard was it? Leaving everything behind? Cutting off all ties to your family?" she asked instead and Stuart contemplated his answer for a moment.

"It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. But I had to do it, so I powered through…"

"But I mean… how did you do it? Where did you get your new identity from? What happened to your old one?" the blonde girl pressed.

"I know a guy who knows a guy… but it costs a lot… also, starting a new life somewhere new isn’t for free either."

Rachel thought for a second, all the money she saved from her scholarship so far, because she only had to pay for the tuition fee and work materials. All the money she saved from working for Peter, which she barely had touched. It was a nice little sum and should keep her afloat for a while.

"Why are you asking me all this? What happened?" Stuart asked again and Rachel sighed "You can tell me, Rach. Nothing you can say will scare me away… I know how you grew up… I know how it is… so come on, tell me."

"I need to leave. Like for real… I always planned on moving to Boston after college, but they won’t let me… I only have time after graduation and then my old life will catch up with me again… I will be pulled into this mess that my life is if I don’t run away." Rachel almost whispered and her friend looked at her wide eyed "They wanted me to leave college immediately but I managed to convince them that a nurse with a degree and all qualifications is more helpful, more useful for them, so they agreed, but as soon as I graduate they will take me back to Woburn or rather Winchester… I can’t go back, Stuart…"

"And you shouldn’t have to go back, but Rach this is a dangerous thing to do? Killing off your old self, start a new life… it’s going to cost you more than just money…" Stuart said and Rachel nodded.

"I’m willing to do whatever it takes…" the young girl said determined.

"Then I’ll help you. But it won’t be easy…"

"Everything is better than staying here…"

"I need to make a few calls, then we’ll see." Stuart smiled at her.

"Thanks Stu. You’re a good friend." Rachel squeezed his hand.

"I’m currently your only friend… so that’s that."

"True…"

April 2022:

"Rachel? There’s a letter for you!"

"Thanks, Peter!" the girl took the letter from the counter, while stirring the pasta sauce "Waterman and Krieger? What is that?" she asked when she saw the sender of the letter.

"They’re a law firm. Inheritance law if I’m not mistaken." Peter looked up from his newspaper.

"Inheritance law?" Rachel ripped the envelope open, unfolding the letter. She went silent, staring at the letter, the pasta sauce bubbling.

"Rach? Hey? Rach?" Peter grabbed the sauce pan and shoved it off the stove top "What happened?" he looked at the girl worriedly.

"My- umm… my mom… she left me some money…" Rachel said slowly, looking at Peter "They write that mom set up a trust fund for me before her death. I have access to the money when I turn 21. Which is in three months."

"Oh wow…" Peter squeezed her shoulder "Do you need a moment? I can finish up dinner and I’ll send Gabe to get you when it’s ready?"

"Is that okay?" the brunette asked and he nodded "Thank you."

Back in her studio she looked at the letter and saw that there was also another smaller envelope inside. She knew the handwriting immediately.

My sweet Rachel,

when you read this letter it means I am no longer around to gift you with my last treasure.

Every money I earned from winning beauty pageants and later from working and that wasn’t needed, I put aside for you.

I know you’re a smart girl and every college would offer you a full scholarship, but just to make sure that if not, we have the money.

I never told your dad about this money, I was too afraid that he would use it. Your father is a great man and I love him dearly. But he’s surrounded himself with the wrong people, they poisoned his mind. And over time he had to drink more and more to forget what he had to do daily for Don Vito.

Please don’t tell him about the money. Keep it to yourself. It’s enough for a fresh start, if you know what I mean.

I’m sorry, that I couldn’t be by your side for longer. That I couldn’t give you the home that you deserved.

Promise me to live a good life. Go live your dreams. But please never forget that I love you, my little Miss Americana.

Love always,

Mom

Rachel leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. When her mother died, she felt lost, didn’t know how to move forward, didn’t know how to continue with her life. Her father lost himself in alcohol, maybe even drugs. He disappeared for days, just to be laid down on the front porch by some of the men he worked with and for Rachel to get him inside, making sure he wouldn’t choke on his own vomit. She knew what he was doing. She knew who he worked for. From the day she was born she was part of a world she never wanted to be in, as she later realised. Movies and pop culture didn’t do this life justice. It wasn’t glorious or mysterious. It was scary and dark. Where other kids her age went to school and made new friends Rachel always had to stick to the kids from the family. To make sure she wouldn’t spill anything about her father’s work. Her mother had to fight hard with her husband to allow her to take Rachel to beauty pageants, after the little girl watched her mother getting dolled up for numerous pageants herself and wanting to be just like her when she was older. Rachel was talented, just like her mother. Her beauty apparent from a young age and it didn’t take long for her to win her first pageant. She loved competing in pageants. But what she loved even more was the time she spent with her mother. She was always so carefree and happy at the contests, a stark contrast to her usually quiet and almost depressed personality at home. She was always trying to not show Rachel how sad and worried she really was, but unfortunately it didn’t work out and Rachel had asked her more than once what was going on and why she was so sad.

"It’s nothing, my little Miss Americana, grown up stuff, nothing to worry about for you, my pretty girl." she had always said, followed by a kiss on Rachel’s forehead and a "I love you, my Rachel."

But with every year she got older she figured out more and more why her mother was so sad. And why the only times she was happy, careless and free, was when they went to pageants together. Because for a short while she could forget in what danger she was living with her daughter. What her husband did for a living. And the fear of the day where she, or worse Rachel, would have to pay the price of her husband’s job.

Ultimately she paid the price. After Rachel won the Miss Teen USA pageant in September 2016, and she had floated on cloud 9, her mother decided she deserved a treat and on the way home from Boston, where the pageant was held, she stopped at a little diner.

Rachel remembered how her mother ordered a strawberry milkshake and fries, she herself got a chocolate milkshake and fries and as soon as their food had arrived her mother looked around, a big grin on her lips before she nodded.

"No one’s watching… go!" she chimed and began dipping her fries into her milkshake.

Rachel laughed but did the same. Her father was always grossed out when his wife and daughter did that, laughing at them for their craziness, saying they better watch out or the food police would arrest them.

They were so happy that evening, her mother saying a million times how proud she was of her and what amazing and exciting times were ahead now for Rachel. But that happiness was gone in an instant when 2 men entered the dinner and her mother’s face turned to stone. She stopped laughing and looked at her daughter, shaking her head. To not draw any attention to them she silently held up her hand when the waitress looked over to them, signalling for her to come over. Paying in silence Rachel’s mother took her by the hand, guiding her outside, back into the car where she locked to doors immediately, starting the engine. She remembered how her mother called her father, telling him that two of Volkov’s men were at the diner. But before she could say anything she looked into the rear view mirror, her face turning pale when she told her husband that they were being followed. It didn’t take long for her mother to speed down the main road leading into Woburn, faster than ever before in her entire life. On speaker Rachel’s father telling her that their men were already on the way. But it was too late. She felt her mother grab onto her hand, clutching it tightly in her own, when the car was hit with something and soared through the air. She closed her eyes, holding onto the grab handle, listening to the sounds around her, when a searing pain shot through her left thigh. The pain was mind numbing and she tried her best to not focus on it. She tried to listen to the sounds around her but after a short while she only heard her own blood rushing into her ears. Then she felt her mother squeezing her hand and she opened her eyes, her first look was on the bright digital watch in the dashboard, then her mother squeezed her hand again and Rachel turned her head a little, looking at her.

"I’m so sorry, my beautiful Rachel. I love you so much." her final words as Rachel later had to find out.

After that night her father was never the same again. After that night Rachel was never the same again. She had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days, the doctors all confident that with the right care the wound on her right thigh, caused by an open break of her femur, would heal without leaving a big scar, so she could still compete in beauty pageants. But to her it didn’t matter. Without her mother she didn’t plan on continuing. And because of her not responding to any of the calls, mails or letters from the Miss Teen USA committee, regarding her upcoming tour through the United States, they stripped her off her title 6 weeks later, appointing her runner up, Caitlyn Summers, as new Miss Teen USA 2016.

Rachel absentmindedly rubbed her thigh, feeling the scarred skin through the thin fabric of her leggings. A reminder of the night that changed her life forever. That destroyed her life forever. She had to blink away tears, wiping her cheeks when Gabe knocked on the door, making her flinch.

"Rach! Dinner is ready!" his happy voice sounded through the door and the young girl cleared her throat.

"I’m coming in a minute Gabe!" she replied and listened to the sound of his steps on the gravel.

Rachel got up and looked into the mirror, wiping away the last remaining tears. It had been a while since she thought back to that night. The memories still too hurtful and real. After a minute of composure she followed Gabe back into the main house trying her best to not show the emotional turmoil she was feeling.

When Rachel went to bed that night she felt exhausted, drained, but also determined. Determined to escape her life in Woburn. Or Winchester. Escape her family. Live a happy life, just like her mother wanted her to. She would honour her mother’s last wish, give her all to do so. No matter what.

Chapter 1 - and that’s it. First chapter done. I tried something new this time, writing this story from a third-person perspective and also switching between Miss Americana/The Heartbreak Prince centred chapters. I hope you like it! Let me know what you think! 🩷💜

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[thatbadadvice]

Help! My Mother-In-Law Buys A New Outfit Every Time She Pours Jet Fuel on Chilean Sea Bass and Throws Their Carcasses, Flaming, Into the Rainforests from the Open Belly of Her Private Plane

Care and Feeding, Slate, 1 May 2023:

Dear Care and Feeding, My husband and I have two children (2 years and 6 months). We recently moved back to my husband’s hometown to pursue a career opportunity for me. My husband has been home with the kids but was just offered a job. We found a daycare, but it can only take the kids three days a week right now (we’re on waitlists for full-time, but it seems like it could be months or more before we find two full-time spots). My mother-in-law has generously offered to watch the kids for the other two days. Overall, she is a lovely, responsible woman, but we have some significant value differences around environmental issues and I’m not sure how to navigate them. Our household focuses heavily on environmental awareness. We drive electric cars, we compost, we limit our air conditioning, we limit our flying, we eat all leftovers, we avoid plastics whenever possible, and we buy exclusively secondhand clothing. My mother-in-law is a big fan of consumption. Her house is full of plastics. She throws away whatever is left on her plate at the end of a meal, she keeps her house so cold in the summer that I need a sweater and she drives a minivan. I’m concerned about the message it sends to the kids if we stick to our values, except when to do so would be inconvenient. How do I bridge our two very different lifestyles going forward? —Environmentalist Mama in Limbo

Dear Environmentalist Mama,

I'm not sure how you can describe a person who air-conditions her home and drives a minivan as "lovely" and "responsible" but I will assume that this planet-hating harpy has gripped you so tightly in her environmentally irresponsible talons that you cannot see the wildfire-ridden forest for the trees (which she is personally cutting down for fun and profit). Do not let yourself be hoodwinked by promises of familial love and generous offers of free child care, as if these things matter more than assiduously composting! This woman is a monster who is single-handedly destroying the only earth your precious babies have to live on. Imagine the tragedies that will unfold if your children experience a loving connection with a person who purchases items made of plastic? They could come to believe that other humans are whole people with their own interior lives and decision-making apparatuses and values instead of ugly nasty baddies who dare to oppose Mommy's One True And Only Way?

You simply cannot bridge two lifestyles as different as the two you describe here. On the one hand, we have your blameless and perfect eco-conscious little household of brave, Dumpster-diving Oliver Twists, and on the other hand, we have an ethically compromised, unscrupulous, indefensibly ignorant shitbird who probably barbecues her factory-farmed meats over asbestos tiles and flies to Australia to distribute the ashes over the Great Barrier Reef. If Planet Earth does not spin out into an apocalyptic ball of climate disaster by the time your children are old enough to be knifing their peers over tire fires for their share of rat rations, it will be because your uniquely virtuous family had the moral fortitude to drive an electric car and limit your flying. After all, electricity comes from magical climate-neutral fairies and the jet fuel industry is waiting with bated breath for the day that you ground your family and send an international behemoth into wholesale free-fall.

If there is one guaranteed way forward through the climate crisis, it is to silo ourselves into individual categories of "good people" who use paper straws (like you! you are so good!) and "amoral reprobates" (such as your mother-in-law, who sucks!) who do not. The very future of humanity depends on demonizing and shaming other people until they behave as we want them to, privileging individual actions over collective resistance to and accountability for the worst global offenders, and rejecting community-building opportunities in favor of being the only best good person ever.

Build no bridge with this woman! She would probably just drive over it with her minivan, and then the blood of billions will be on your hands.

[daitranscripts]

Iron Bull Conversation: Investigate

Tell Me About Seheron

Iron Bull Masterpost

Only available with positive approval after asking about the Ben-Hassrath

PC: Can you tell me more about Seheron?

Iron Bull: It was a damn ugly place. Only getting uglier when I left. Between the fog warriors, the Tal-Vashoth, my people, and the Vints, you were lucky to go a day without blood. What do you want to know?

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Tell me of the fog warriors. [2]

Investigate: Tell me about Seheron natives. [3]

Investigate: Tell me of the Tal-Vashoth. [4]

Investigate: Tell me about Tevinter. [5]

General: Goodbye. [6]

2 - Investigate: Tell me of the fog warriors. PC: What were the fog warriors like? Iron Bull: They were the worst of the rebels. They trained for stealth attacks. They made this fog—I never saw any mages, so I figure it was alchemy, not magic. They were almost invisible in it. I’d be on patrol in the market square, the fog would roll in, and before I knew it, half my squad dead without a sound.

Dialogue options:

Special: You sound impressed.

[Back to 1]

7 - Special: You sound impressed. PC: It almost sounds like you admire them. Iron Bull: They didn’t use poison, they didn’t hurt civilians, and they were damn good fighters. You have to respect that. Plus, they hit the Vints as hard as they hit us. Hearing some terrified magister scream, “My slaves! Where are my slaves?” in the fog always put a smile on my face. [back to 1]

3 - Investigate: Tell me about Seheron natives. PC: What are things like for the natives of Seheron? Iron Bull: I remember one guy. He made these things, fish wrapped in thin bread? Nice guy, talked to him every morning. So one time, I’m asking about his bad back, and I see he’s nervous, trying to tell me something with his eyes. Next thing I know, his assistants draw knives and come at my team. The rebels had forced him to poison my food.

Dialogue options:

Special: What happened?

[Back to 1]

8 - Special: What happened? PC: And then? Iron Bull: I’d seen how nervous he was, so I hadn’t eaten anything. Couple of my guys weren’t so lucky. We killed the rebels. I lost two men to the poison, another to knife wounds. My friend who made the fish wraps died with a knife in his throat. Close-quarters fight. He was caught in the middle. That is what things are like for the natives of Seheron. [back to 1]

4 - Investigate: Tell me of the Tal-Vashoth. PC: Tell me about the Tal-Vashoth. Iron Bull: When Qunari can’t handle the fighting in Seheron or lose faith in the Qun, they go rogue. They flee into the wilderness and turn into bandits, attacking everyone. They’re vicious, savage. You look at them, and you can see why my people needed the Qun to stay civilized.

Dialogue options:

Special: Then aren’t you Tal-Vashoth?

[Back to 1]

9 - Special: Then aren’t you Tal-Vashoth? PC: Isn’t that what you did, though? Iron Bull: Hey. When I burned out, I didn’t go rogue. I reported in and went where the Ben-Hassrath sent me. I’m doing my job, serving the Qun out here. I’m not some bandit. I am nothing like them. [back to 1]

5 - Investigate: Tell me about Tevinter. PC: Tell me about the Tevinter people you fought. Iron Bull: The Vints sent forces to Seheron every autumn. Guess they didn’t like the summer heat. We had some good fights on the beaches. Standing in knee-high water foaming red with blood, ships on fire around us… The cities were worse. Free bit of advice? Don’t let the Inquisition forces get suckered into urban combat.

Dialogue options:

Special: What’s so bad about Tevinter?

[Back to 1]

10 - Special: What’s so bad about Tevinter? PC: Why do you hate Tevinter forces so much? What makes them so bad? Iron Bull: It’s not their armies. It’s their spies. They bloodied Seheron year-round, killing loyalists, supporting rebels. Alam had no city administrator. Nobody would accept the position. The last four who held it died inside a year. Trying to conquer a country is one thing. Making it so that nobody can live there? That just screws everyone. [back to 1]

6 - General: Goodbye. PC: See you later, Bull. Iron Bull: Nice talking with you, boss.

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien's Through Thousands of Mirrors event translation (Day 1 -Thursday)

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

This post contains a HEAVY SPOILER for the event that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Through Thousands of Mirrors Event | Day 1 (You're here!) | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | HS/Uni SSR Story: Monochrome Scenery

-

[Tidbits: I don't wanna break the flow so I'll put some information here first 😂. Dr. Lawson is Lucien's post-grad professor. Before, he also appears in UR MQ Distant Similarity. During his post-grad he has three seniors Colt, Elliot, and Caroline.]

-

[Math]

Seeing the particularly puzzled expression on the classmate next to him, Lucien starts to consider whether he should offer some assistance within his capabilities.

For instance, he thinks about telling the classmate that the topic currently being discussed on the blackboard is not from the same chapter as the one in the textbook he's currently reading.

-

[MATH/BIOCHEMISTRY]

After the vending machine devours Lucien's one dollar and twenty-five cents for the third time, and with only three minutes left to get to his next class, he begins to seriously contemplate whether he should try some mysterious repair method—like giving it a good smack or a swift kick.

-

[BIOCHEMISTRY]

Lucien coincidentally runs into Colt by the sports field, just as Colt is about to attend a cricket practice session.

Upon realizing that his senior from the lab is not only managing coursework and a significant project workload but also juggling a 20-hour weekly part-time job and daily school cricket team training, Lucien begins to contemplate whether there is any room for further optimization in his own schedule.

-

[PREVIEW/COMPUTER SCIENCE]

During the brief half-hour period, Lucien typically uses the time to prepare for the upcoming class or visit the library to research and gather information.

In any case, that time should not be spent on arguing and explaining to people, like the enthusiastic campus volunteer in front of him.

"No, thank you. I'm not a high school student attending a summer camp. This is my student ID, and I'm indeed a student here, a graduate student. Yes, I'm not lost, and I need to get to my class. Can you please let me go?"

-

[COMPUTER SCIENCE]

Lucien presses the enter key, intending to ask the teacher if he can leave early once his coursework is done. However, the error message on the screen deters him from that thought. So, he sits back down and begins to examine it again.

But that's okay, he does understand the commonality between computer science and experimental research: it's often hard to know right away if the thing at hand will work, why it's not working, or even why it's even working.

-

[LAB]

Come on, come on, come on. After moving this box, there's another.

And after moving that box, there are three more to go.

The prospects for the future and the shine in one's eyes are often taken away by the God of research in such necessary yet mechanical repetitive work.

-

[LAB]

Lucien goes out to get some water and returns to find a school burger on his desk.

Colt, with dark circles under his eyes, waves at Lucien and saying, "No need to thank me, newcomer. Have some food, we might be staying here today."

Lucien quietly eats the burger, hesitant to tell Colt that he has spent more time in the laboratory than in the dorm.

-

[LAB]

When Dr. Lawson enters the laboratory, what he sees is a scene where his graduate and doctoral students are sleeping and sprawled all over the place.

On the laboratory whiteboard, several words were written in large letters: "Publish immediately! Guaranteed to be published in Nature!!"

Dr. Lawson retrieves small blankets from the cabinet, covering each of these research madmen.

He proceeds to organize the data and take over the finishing work on the project. Of course, when it comes to authorship in the paper, not a single one of these kids' names can be left out.

[linguenuvolose]

2024 goals - March progress

I can't claim I focussed on my goals at all this month... Idk I don't really see them as goals either they're just kinda.. things I keep some track of. I know I said this last month but I think April will be more productive because this month for sure spring will feel like it's here (we're still waiting for the trees to turn green, it snowed A Lot last week, just to give you an idea of the situation).

Anyway love and light below are some reflections on my specific goals :)

Get back into a reading routine

I've kept on reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf and I only have 35 pages left. I'm still not consistent at all with it, I read a bit about once a week. I find it so hard to reach for the book instead of my phone, it's annoying because I really do enjoy the book.

Meet friends at least once a month

I've had some good hangouts this month, mostly others that have been reaching out. I'm happy because one of my friends came to my boyfriend's show and was so excited about it and I'm happy they are bonding! In April I have plans to go visit a friend who lives in another city (one of my closest friends who will also meet my boyfriend for the first time) and I'm also planning to reach out to another friend!

Do the damn exercises for my back :(

I did them like.... 2,5 times :( not good at all. And my salsa classes stopped in the middle of the month and I've decided to not continue so it's not looking perfect. Hopefully with the extra light we get now I can have more energy to do them in the evening.

Get better at Portuguese

I signed up for the Portuguese course at uni <3333 Hopefully I'll get in and I'll be able to do that in the fall. I studied in some way 11 days of the month which isn't nothing!! Started doing Clozemaster and I really like it, especially on the writing mode (let's be honest, all my knowledge in Romance languages makes the "choose from these four options" a walk in the park for me). It's super annoying that the free plan only allows you 30 words a day. What I really should do is produce more, write little texts and stuff.

Get my license

We're still waiting for the permit to be able to practice driving with my boyfriend but it's taking a while... I've had 2 lessons though (was supposed to have 3 but one got cancelled). I don't know that I feel that I'm getting any better but I do really have to start studying the theory. It would be nice to talk to my instructor also and ask him what he thinks a reasonable time frame would be for me. In my head I'm seeing myself getting the license during the summer but who knows.

Get back into the habit of going on walks

I have been on some walks this month but more in the sense of I am somewhere and walk a bit instead of taking the closest subway. But I mean now with the change of the hour and the warmer weather I for sure am seeing myself going on more walks!

Go to the theatre more (youth discount my beloved) and also to some museums!

I went to the Maurizio Cattelan exposition at the Modern art museum because my friend had a free entrance with her job. I actually really liked it! Unfortunately I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't have time to meander or look at the other expositions but I would love to go back! They do the free entry on Friday evenings so I think I might go!

Improve my sleeping schedule

I actually compiled my statistics for this this month (yay!). Slept an average of 7h15 but if we just look at work nights it's 6h20. Not great... It's not something I've paid particular attention to this month but I think I should. I think a goal could be maybe sleep before 1 more often (this month it was 3 times hihihi ma come siamo messi raga).

[vigilskeep]

hi hello @demandthedoodles was kind enough to tag me in wip fridnesday, that well-known day of the week, so i dug up a little keir and anders snippet. it’s not that deep it’s essentially just 1k of anders being embarrassing

(context: this is set at the end of the Act Break Breakdown™️, so basically keir hasn’t been in town for nearly a year in the time between act 1 and act 2. this also makes it set before any kind of relationship)

As soon as light bloomed inside the lantern, Anders nearly jumped out of his skin. There was a figure, waiting, in the dim light.

Hawke was in the doorway.

Hawke, of all people, was in the doorway.

As a mage, Anders was in the business of altering reality. Somehow no spell he had ever cast had seemed quite as improbable as the mundane fact of Hawke’s broad shape filling out the doorway of the clinic. He was a little hunched over, lending an awkward slant to the thick fur pelt worn over his shoulders, and letting his ragged dark hair fall loose to one side. It was longer than ever, almost to his waist. That was what startled Anders, more than anything: the reminder that it had been almost a year since the last he had seen of the man.

Frankly, he had not expected to see him again at all. “Hawke?” said Anders, baffled.

Hawke blinked, slow and cat-like. There was something strange to those yellow-gold eyes that had not been there before. Before Anders could place it, a motion of Hawke’s right arm, cradled to his chest, drew his attention. Anders only realised it was, in fact, an arm, when his sleep-deprived vision had cleared enough to see past the blood.

The blood. In an entirely different voice—an uncharitable listener might have called it a yelp—Anders said, “Hawke!”

“Healer,” answered Hawke, with a grimace. He was only wearing light armour under the fur, nothing more than a chest-plate, pauldrons, and bracers, no doubt a born and raised Fereldan’s concession to Kirkwall’s latest bout of sweltering summer heat. It left the injured arm mostly bare. It was drenched in red, which had poured down from a thick, ugly gash across the meat of his bicep.

“Maker’s breath,” said Anders, rushing over and immediately taking his other arm by the shoulder to pull him into the clinic. He was mildly aware it was a liberty to take, after almost a year, but there was no standing on ceremony in the clinic, and Hawke had never minded before. “What happened?”

Allowing himself to be moved, and Maker knew Anders could never have moved him otherwise, Hawke said, “Carta.” Right. Never one to waste words, this one.

Anders headed for one of the cots, manoeuvring Hawke approximately in its direction so he’d take the hint and sit down. How long had he been standing out there? “Why didn’t you just come in?”

Hawke did take the hint and sit down. With his free arm—his left hand, and Anders idly noted the dexterity he had with it—he loosened the distinctly Fereldan brooch that pinned the fur pelt around his shoulders, letting it slide free, and raked his long hair to one side, out of the injured arm’s way. “The lantern wasn’t up yet,” he said, like this explained everything.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Anders. “You must have heard me moving around.”

Despite the pain the movement must have cost him, Hawke shrugged. “Lantern wasn’t up.”

There was no use standing over him, at Anders’ height. He sat next to Hawke on the cot so he could face the wound. He was dismayed, almost immediately, by how distracted he was by Hawke’s closeness.

Nearly a year, and he wasn’t over this? A little mortifying, he had to admit. Maybe it was just the surprise. The sudden immediacy of him, after such an absence without any thought of his return. The familiar smell of blood and sweat and kaddis, and an excuse to zero in on the muscular thickness of his arm. That was all. Anders reminded himself he had a job to do, and focused on examining the wound.

The first thing he noticed was that the cut had sliced a tattoo raggedly in half. It took Anders a moment to piece it together as the sword and anvil of the Red Iron’s sigil, a souvenir of Hawke’s indentured year with the mercenary band. Justice flashed like a throbbing headache behind Anders’ eyes, remembering the onslaught of refugees that they had both poured in with. So many forced to lower themselves to such depths, all for the questionable privilege of feeding into this meat grinder of a city. “Glad to be rid of this, are you?” he said lightly.

Hawke frowned down at it. Too late, Anders remembered who had done that year of service with him, who also wore that mark on her arm, and he cursed himself for ever forgetting. As long as Bethany was in the Gallows, he couldn’t let himself forget. “I can live without it,” he said.

Not on Anders’ watch.

He lifted his hands and began using his magic to feel out the shape of the injury, to understand the cut that had made it and the stitch that might weave it back together. In the heat of battle and desperation, he might have done quicker, clumsier work, but Hawke wasn’t in danger. (Though Anders dreaded to think what might have become of the arm if Hawke had waited for the bloody lantern an hour or two longer.) He could afford the luxury of taking his time. With any luck, he could save the tattoo with almost no scarring at all.

After several long minutes of near-silent work, Hawke said, “I missed this.”

Anders blinked, and looked up from the wound, outside of which he had almost forgotten that Hawke was there. Hawke was looking back at him, steady and contemplative. Anders kept noticing details he’d almost forgotten. Hawke had longer eyelashes than you’d somehow expect of a man of his roughness, hidden a little away into the fold of his eyes, only visible at this angle.

“What?” said Anders, backtracking from all thoughts of eyelashes to parse out what Hawke had said. “You’ve missed getting cut up? Tell me you’ve found a line of work that doesn’t involve that and you’ll really give me a fright.”

“Not that.” The corner of Hawke’s mouth had turned up slightly.

Well, that was worth pursuing. “Having your own private healer, then?” he said, and he added his best suggestive raised eyebrow, just for masochism’s sake. “It must have been a trial to do without me.”

“It was,” said Hawke, entirely seriously, as ever, which flummoxed Anders so thoroughly he looked back down at what he was doing, which was probably a good idea. “But I meant magic. I missed it.”

That stunned Anders even further into silence. He flexed his fingers as he pulled the seams of Hawke’s wound together, binding flesh to flesh, and tried to remember if he had ever heard anyone else say the word magic the way Hawke said it. It was not unlike the way the Warden-Commander had spoken the words: In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice. It was not unlike the way Justice had said justice, when he’d had a voice of his own to say it. It was not even particularly unlike the way Anders had heard Chantry sisters utter the Maker’s name. Reverence. For magic. He had not thought to hear it again.

[imstraight]

well ig since i walked out i can spill the real tea at my last job

extreme racism

extreme sexism/misogyny

extreme homophobia/transphobia (a supervisor targeted this trans girl who was so sweet)

sexual harassment on a daily basis. i reported it often and was laughed at. didnt really help that the worst of it was coming from managers/supervisors. so many incidents including getting groped by an 80 something year old dishwasher over the summer

cut hours with a promise we’d be back to full time (never happened the salaried bitches got a 1k bonus for sending 20 people home daily) none of us were approved for partial unemployment and couldn’t eat or pay bills

dishwashers got paid meals. cooks did not. we were threatened with termination if we ate uhhh it was called stealing. but we got a free shift beer which no normal person took! we were hungry and most people weren’t even 21

call out sick? no that’s a write up. you were expected to come in still and have a manager send you home. (this is why i walked out i just came back after 2 viral infections that almost killed me and my dr sent a note and i had medical paperwork as proof) any absence would be held over your head including covid, not coming in during a travel ban, etc…

begged for a raise. i did not get a raise. i was the only person with a soup talent. i can make a mean soup. i was told “i didn’t give enough back to the company”

do you care about your family? not allowed. your life was supposed to be just work

13 hour shifts at times no recognition no nothing

phones were not allowed to be even in your pocket (new rule riiight before i left) scary shit bc i watched my friend have an extreme family emergency and i had to step in and take her home

managers got fired for sexual harassment ONLY if they were caught with multiple minors. no adult accusations were believed

sick time that you would get in trouble for using

filthy work environment

expired ass moldy food

someone sent out a blade in salsa a customer actually found it idk how we weren’t shut down and no he didn’t get in trouble he just blamed someone else

food was sent out either overcooked or extremely undercooked

gas leak (i almost got fired for calling osha over the summer cause everyone was getting sick anyways it was still a problem when i left)

we had a fire one day on a GAS STOVE and my coworker was screamed at for grabbing a fire extinguisher. it was rusty and he couldn’t pull the pin. they got it out with corn starch 😺

drinking on the job (im not a buzzkill but it was extreme and these people would drive home hammered)

you want a raise? you have to fuck a higher up for that. this girl was fucking a supervisor and they got caught on the property multiple times. she got a raise. a girl who busted her ass working did not get a raise and she quit after she found out (she was very nice)

need flexibility because you have personal obligations? no you’re not giving enough back to the company

unpaid vacation that rarely got approved. over the summer i needed 2 days off for getting my college shit set up and my bf’s bday. i let this manager know over 5 times with notice. eventually i was tired of being ignored and went around her and sent a mass email to everyone else reminding them i would not be there. it was not a request i was NOT going to be there. they didnt like that too much

managers would regularly come in 30+ mins late. i had to step in and get shit set up for the day write out lists and get a good idea of what we had stocked (which was not my job)

FAVORITISM if you were a white man you were golden. all minorities were treated like absolute shit

good employees were threatened with termination over everything. they did not need a reason to fire you. they just did

harassment in general i almost got into full on fist fights trying to defend myself after people came at me

hr cared about the company. owners cared about the company. management cared about the company. they did not give a fuck about employees at all

no one had manners this bitch almost knocked me out with a door she dropped a box on my head. she never said “behind, sharp” yk all the common kitchen etiquette. i was advised by a manager to stab her?

benefits? nonexistent. i did get covid relief for 40hrs which they didn’t want anyone to know about. i told everyone (we were encouraged to come in with covid just wear masks)

annoying ass rude ass people that wanted to mansplain everything even if they were in different departments LOL. i cussed out people on a daily basis. it got to the point grown ass men were afraid of me because they didn’t expect me to fight back

good workers were threatened the shitty ones were promoted

and much more!

honestly fuck that place with everything in me. i have been debating on blowing them in for labor laws and sooo much illegal shit. they would get shut down for many incidents i didn’t get into

[strangerthingfanfic]

Chapters 2-4 (thank you for reading. Hope to update again in a week but with the holidays I'm not sure)

Chapter 2: First day at work

Looking in the mirror Steve couldn't decide if he was in hell or maybe just maybe he could make it work for him.

He decided he could make it work for him. The sailor outfit looked ridiculous but it showed off his butt so that was an upside.

Scoops Ahoy. The ice cream stand in the mall. He had applied and got the job easily. The StarCourt Mall had been a blessing to first-time workers like himself.

Looking outside he groaned at the fact that the the sun was barely coming up. It was an ungodly hour.

He got into his car and headed towards the mall.

It was summer, he should be sleeping and being lazy but no, he was heading to the mall to work an eight-hour shift every day for the next five days. Then two days off then back to a stacked schedule.

Supposedly they expected the mall to be busy all the time with people hungry for ice cream.

Everyone hired was expected to be able to work Friday - Tuesday so they rotated the workers around so you didn't always get the weekend rush.

They were also partnered up. he was partnered with a senior from Hawkins. He hadn't met them yet but so far everyone, including the manager, was younger than him.

As he drove he noticed that the pool had a sign saying they would only be open weekends. “I wonder why” Steve asked himself as he continued.

When he arrived at the mall he laid his face on the steering wheel and closed his eyes. He would be ok, he told himself, and then grabbed his jacket and headed to the employee entrance.

When he got to the door there was a girl there in the same uniform and a bike.

“Hey, would you like to keep that in my trunk so nobody thinks of taking it?” Steve asked.

The girl turned around. She had huge blue eyes and short brown hair. She just stared at him and said “my name is Robin Buckley and we had history together with Ms. Click but you probably don't remember me but no big deal. Anyways I would love that and thank you”.

They put her bike in his trunk along with a backpack he hadn't noticed before. “I'm staying with friends because my parents are aholes” Robin explained.

Steve took a deep breath and couldn't believe what was about to come out of his mouth but it did. “How would you like to stay at my place? My parents are never there and I could use a friend” Steve said.

Robin's eyes lit up and she nodded.

“So roomie if I may, why are you leaving home?” Steve asked to make conversation as soon as they were finally let into the mall and they were getting things together.

Their manager wouldn't be around much since he also managed like three other food places that supposedly had employees that needed a babysitter more than we did.

“Well I like girls and my parents think that I'm a disappointment and need to change. Well, I won't so I packed what I needed and left” Robin said with no worry at all.

“Hey, I'm sorry. I don't care who people sleep with honestly” Steve said and Robin gave him a big hug.

As the day went on Steve and Robin got to know each other better.

As the day wound down, Steve noticed Jonathan had shown up.

All Steve could think about was how the hell Jonathan knew where to find him.

He watched as Jon sat at a table. Be couldn't stop staring at his beautiful brown eyes. They were deep and lost in thought.

“Earth to Steve we have a customer and it's your age group,” Robin said laughing.

Steve shook himself out of the trance and looked through the window. It was Erica Sinclair.

Robin was never going to let him live it down that all the kids he has been helping with the whole upside-down mess have come to see him.

He went out and said “you've already had free samples Erica, no more”.

She looked at him. “I'm not here for the free samples. I'm here as a messenger for the red head my brother is infatuated with. She wants you to meet her outside by your car after work. She has some questions. Also, I want a double fudge Sundae extra everything, reds paying” she said placing a twenty dollar bill on the counter.

Steve groaned, got her change, and then went and made her the sundae as soon as she was gone he closed the stall window and collapsed into one of the chairs in the back.

Thankfully Robin read the situation and put the ice cream and everything away. She also counted the till which he was especially happy about.

Then she slid into the chair next to him and asked “what's wrong dingus”? Steve didn't much care for that nickname but he was too worn out to care.

He told her everything. He didn't mean to but he did. She listened. I mean really listened.

“Can I join? I am in the band so I know a lot about music. I could play some songs or I can just manage. Oh maybe do costumes. Please” she said with her doe eyes blinking.

He nodded. He was sure Eddie wouldn't mind. They finished up the cleaning and headed to the empty food court to gather Jonathan.

He was still sitting where Steve last saw him. Steve's chest tightened and Robin giggled.

“You like him,” she whispered. He ignored her and went over to Jonathan.

“Ready Jonathan” Steve asked. Jonathan nodded, my mom dropped me off so I will ride with you I guess” Jonathan said not mentioning Robin at all, like he already expected her. Steve nodded and they headed out.

When they got to the car they saw Max waiting for them. She had a very serious look on her face.

Steve asked Jonathan and Robin to stay back and he went to talk to Max.

Chapter 3: Reaching Out

“Do you know where Billy is?” Max asked as soon as Steve got to her.

Steve knew it was coming but played it coy remembering Eddie’s words.

“I thought you were glad he's out of your life” Steve answered knowing quite well she said it because he overheard her one day.

Max shuffled her feet. She knew what she said was wrong but he hurt her and Lucas. He never apologized. But what happened after shook her.

“I was wrong ok. I've been worried sick. My parents act like nothing's wrong.

They buy me all this shit I don't need and even offered to turn Billy's old room into a hang-out space for my friends and me with a tv to boot.

They have his stuff in garbage bags in the garage and act like he never existed. My brain is in meltdown mode with them.

Please Steve, if you know where he is tell me or at least let me know he's safe. I promise Neil or my mom will never find out” Max said crying into Steve's shirt.

Not knowing what to do Steve turned to Jonathan. He had been with The Misfits longer and would know if bringing Max would be ok.

Jonathan nodded and gave a thumbs-up. Steve turned back to Max. “I will bring you to where he is Max but you have to know he's different. He's in pain” Steve said and gently took the girls skateboard and placed it in with Robin's bike.

Max got into the backseat next to Robin while Jonathan took the passenger seat up front.

The drive to Eddie's was quiet and a mixture of anxiety, fear, and pain.

Steve thought about placing a hand on Jonathan's lap but decided against it. He really wanted to say something to Jonathan about how he was feeling but kept quiet afraid of how Jonathan or the others might react.

As they passed the swimming pool Max started to cry. “Hey what's wrong champ” Robin asked as she rubbed the crying girl's back.

“Billy was really looking forward to being a lifeguard this summer but they fired him after what happened. He loves the water and it would have been perfect for him” Max said, wiping away the tears.

No one knew what to say so Robin just kept rubbing her back as Steve drove on.

As they were approaching Wayne's mobile home Steve became unsure they should've brought the two unannounced guests but Jonathan's hand suddenly resting on his thigh relaxed him.

“It will be good for everyone,” Jonathan said softly, making Steve's body tremble in a good way.

He parked out of sight of the mobile home so he could let Eddie know what was going on before they sprung Max on Billy.

“Alright, you two girls stay here. Jonathan and I will let Eddie know about the extra guests and if it's the right time. We won't be very long, ok.

If you hear or see a demo dog just hide, don't try to run” and with that Steve and Jonathan exited the car and headed toward one of the mobile homes.

“So how does Steve know so many young kids,” Robin asked looking to spark conversation.

“He has sort of become our honorary big brother. He has been there for all of us when we needed him” Max said, smiling.

“Next question, what is a demo dog and why does it sound very dangerous,” Robin asked, her voice shaking a bit this time.

Max took a deep breath and started telling the whole story as far as she understood it.

Steve and Jonathan knocked on Eddie's door. Eddie answered in jeans and a Hell Fire t-shirt. “You came back I'm so glad Steve” Eddie said giving Steve a big hug.

Jonathan got this look of jealousy and for some reason, Steve felt pleasure in this.

“Hey Eddie there's two more back in the car. My friend Robin who had to leave her parents because they were harassing her due to her sexuality and umm Max” Steve said quietly.

“Wow, that was fast Steve. Did she actually ask to come?” Eddie asked suspiciously.

“She did Eddie. I think she's feeling really guilty about everything” Jonathan said, helping Steve out.

Eddie took a deep breath and said, “I will talk to the others and Billy. If he's ready we will definitely make this happen. Just wait in the car and ill come get you”.

And with that Eddie closed the door and Steve and Jonathan went back to the car.

Robin looked pale when they got there and Steve asked “are you ok Robin”?

She nodded and replied “yup just learned about all the psycho things around here”.

Steve looked at Max who just said “she asked”.

Inside Wayne’s

“She wanted to come and see him. I think we should support it” was what Chrissy, Wayne, Patrick and Jason all agreed on.

Eddie knew it was the right thing as well but he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

Billy, who had been sitting quietly listening, finally spoke up. “I will see Max but I don't want to be alone,” Billy said, visibly shaking.

No one could understand what he was afraid of but all that mattered was that he was and they all promised to be with him the whole time.

Eddie leaned over the couch and kissed Billy on the forehead and headed out to Steve's car.

Steve and Jonathan were leaning against the car when he got there.

He motioned for Max and Robin to join the group as well.

“Billy gave the ok but we will all be in the room. Remember no loud voices, no yelling and most of all just be civil” Eddie said and as soon as he saw everyone agreed motioned for them to follow

When they got inside Billy was still on the couch and Eddie slid in next to him kissing him on the lips.

Billy smiled, kissed Eddie back, and once his attention wasn't on Eddie he looked over, waved, and said: “hello Max”.

Chapter 4: Reconciliation

Max looked at the man on the couch. He looked like Billy but didn't.

His grip on Eddie's arm was one of a scared child in a room full of strangers.

“Billy, that's Robin. She works with Steve at the ice cream shop at the mall. She's also looking for a safe place to be herself” Eddie explained softly to Billy who nodded.

That was another thing, flooring Max. Steve was a free target in his work outfit but Billy just said “you look good in that Steve” and that was that.

Eddie motioned for Max to sit on the couch across from them while the others joined the group already at the kitchen table.

“How have you been Max,” Billy asked, not relenting his grip on Eddie's arm.

She took a deep breath and said “I've been good how have you been”?

Billy stared off into space for a bit but finally said “with everyone's help I've gotten a lot better”.

Max smiled and said, “I'm glad Billy. I was sad to hear about the job at the swim center”.

Billy nodded but said, “me too but there's always next year”.

Max sat and stared at Billy for a bit. He really was a shell of who he was.

He looked healthy but you could tell he didn't lift weights every day like he used too.

He also let his hair grow out even longer. It was in a ponytail and it actually looked really good at him.

There were also college applications on the table with Billy's name on them. All local too.

“Wayne wants me to continue school,” Billy said as he watched all of Max's movements. He was studying her as much as she was him.

Not knowing exactly what to say, Max began Looking around and she noticed the instruments. “What do you play Billy?” she asked.

“I actually sing lead,” Billy said with a hint of his old self-shining in his eyes.

She didn't know Billy could sing. “Could you sing something for us?” Max asked excitedly.

Billy looked at Eddie who grinned and got his guitar. Eddie started playing a soft melody and Billy sang along to the music.

Max was blown away. She watched as his face lit up with pride with every note he sang. He loved it. She realized it was probably a passion he was afraid to follow under Neil’s house rules.

When he finished everyone clapped and he got another kiss from Eddie.

That was another thing he must have feared at home. Neil finding about his sexuality.

Max was starting to realize that her brother was living in a hellscape. It didn't give him the right for how he treated her and the others but it damn sure explained a lot.

Glancing down again at the applications she noticed some pictures underneath. Moving the papers she saw that they were of Billy and he looked like he was beaten badly.

That's when it hit her what happened the night he was kicked out. She was at Mike's house with the others when it happened and when she asked all she got was “he is no longer welcomed here”.

He was beaten. He was thrown out like a sack of garbage. If it wasn't for Eddie he would probably have died in this weather.

“Billy, that was wonderful. I can't wait to hear more” Max said wanting to go over and give him a big hug but didn't want to scare him.

She looked at Eddie who nodded and slowly went over and wrapped her arms around her brother. The brother she had feared and hated for so long.

“I'm so sorry Maxie, I didn't mean to hurt you or anyone like I did. It will never happen again” Billy whispered to her as he wrapped his arms around her.

Max burst into tears. He hadn't used that name for a long time. It was his nickname for her in a distant past when they actually were close.

She missed that time. She missed him trying to teach her to surf and then her trying to teach him how to skateboard.

“Maxie stay?” Billy asked no one and everyone. Max looked at him.

“You want me to stay?” she asked softly.

He nodded. Eddie looked at Neil who said, “I will talk to Sheriff Hopper and see what our options are. Tonight she can stay though”.

Steve caught sight of the time and groaned. He didn't want to leave but him and Robin had another early shift in the morning.

“Hey, guys sorry to run but we have an early shift tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow after our shift we can come back and start figuring out this band thing” Steve said standing up.

Robin sighed because she didn't want to leave either but knew they should.

“Sure you'll be ok, Max,” Steve asked before heading out. She nodded, not leaving Billy's side.

Jonathan suddenly got up and asked Steve if he could come and stay with them.

“My mom would be pissed if I came in this late anyways” was Jonathan's excuse.

“Sure thing,” Steve said and looked at Robin who gave him a huge grin making Steve more and more anxious about this arrangement.

Eddie got up to walk Steve Jonathan and Robin to their car.

He saw that Wayne was on the phone, probably with Hopper. Hopefully, while he was out the conversation wouldn't go south.

Chrissy gave Eddie the “we have this” look so he wouldn't pause what he was doing.

Eddie tended to put others above himself and Chrissy had appointed herself his honorary keeper to make sure he took care of himself.

The walk to Steve’s car was nice though the biting wind did make it a tad bit uncomfortable.

“I'm glad you're coming back,” Eddie said as they walked.

“Wouldn't miss it for the world,” Steve said, smiling. He really was enjoying his newfound friends.

“I can't wait to share my musical knowledge with everyone” exclaimed Robin.

“Maybe jackets should be a necessity or heating lamps on nights like this though Steve hopefully won't park in the middle of nowhere next time” Jonathan said making everyone chuckle.

When they finally got to Steve's car Eddie hugged each of them and said with a smile, “Welcome to The Misfits

[female-eren]

I need some advice. I recently was broken up with and I'm reeling from it. We met when i was 19 and he was 32 and we ended up hooking up 6 years ago. He didn't tell me until after we hooked up that he had a wife which started a crazy feud, but he eventually divorced his wife and convinced me to be in a relationship with him. The relationship was pretty rocky at first because he was very emotionally abusive. Like he would constantly reprimand me for doing the wrong thing and saying the wrong thing and would lecture me for hours and not let me sleep until I agreed with him. I used to live with him sometimes because my mom got evicted and i couldn't hold down a stable job because I had an untreated learning disability and he would pick fights with me every day when I would say/ do the wrong thing and sometimes he would even kick me out.

While he did all this its v confusing bc he was also very good to me at the same time?? He helped me out when I was evicted and let me live rent free with him. He helped me get my diagnosis and helped me look for a job. He helped me get over some of my insecurities and would urge me to go to therapy and helped me get my driver's license. The last 2 years he started becoming more spiritual and became a lot nicer to me (He would still reprimand me but not as often) and urged me to do yoga and meditation. He started getting serious and during that time he was throwing ideas around of leaving everything behind and going to a yoga center etc. I was so drained atp from the constant mistreatment and feeling like I wasn't a priority so I went outside the relationship to explore my options. i met a guy that I was going to meet for dinner and just talk to, but I was drugged and assaulted. I felt so guilty that I told my boyfriend and he broke up with me. This was a year ago. Since then, we've been on and off because he would come back but couldn't commit because he couldnt trust me. Early this year he moved to a different state and he reached out to me to ask if I wanted to visit him out there in the summer. I was cautious but I agreed because I missed him. We started calling and texting every day and he started hinting that he wanted a relationship with me again. I started catching feelings again and was grateful for the opportunity to make things right because I fucked up. I bought the plane tickets and two days after I bought them he told me that he was getting women flirting with him out there and that he wanted to explore his options. I was so upset and I asked him why we couldnt work things out, he told me he still couldnt trust me after what happened. He told me it's best if I get a refund on the tix and just stay home. I felt so crushed, I felt like I was lead on and I feel so ashamed and guilty over what I did. The worst part is I felt like I ruined everything and it's my fault that the relationship ended the way it did. What do I do???? I have no friends and no one to talk to.

Oh girl. He's abusive and leaving him is the right thing to do. Don't fall for it again. He seems really mentally unstable to me also tbh. I don't really know what to say, I think your biggest hurdle is going to be loneliness. And perhaps the reason you haven't left yet and are in this really messy situationship is because you seem to only have him. I know what it's like to feel you only have a partner in your life and no other friends, and feel like it's impossible to make new ones. But this man is not good and not worth it - a grown, married man pursuing a teenager is a nail in the coffin on its own. Then add all the rest. You need to put yourself first, and probably get some therapy if you can. The feeling of guilt and shame and disgust over being assaulted, even over just feeling used and dirtied, is something I know all too well and I haven't quite healed, not sure if I ever will. What I do know is we need to prioritise our future well-being, and this guy will not contribute to your happiness and health.

[thisisntmyrightera]

Always the Freak Girlfriend | Eddie Munson x fem. reader

Summary: Eddie and y/n have a hate/love relationship working on the music store in Starcourt, Eddie is Eddie and her is such a insecure girl who doesn't want to let Eddie know that she's so crazy in love with him...until some Russian's atack

Note: Inspired in Season 3 but with Eddie on this scenario.

Words: 1,551

Note 2: I was thinking about write this as a fanfiction but i am a little insecure if the idea is good. Please let me know in the comments if you like it.

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-This is just a summer job, just a summer job - I repeated internally to myself as I took courage and filled my lungs with oxygen to include me in the intense fight that Eddie had with Erica Sinclair for using the headphones on the sideboard for more than 30 minutes with her friends - Hello, everything alright? - I smiled at the girls as I stood next to Eddie trying to calm the discussion

-You can tell your stupid boyfriend to leave me alone or I'll stick this delicious Scoops ahoy cone up his white and flabby ass - my employee smile turned into an awkward smile looking at Eddie trying to understand how a 7-year-old girl had so much sarcasm inside, but honestly I liked that

-Look girl, I know your brother and I know perfectly well how spoiled you are..

-Eddie..

-What? she only comes here to listen to free music on the headphones and it's not even music, look, listen the shit she’s listening - the headphones that Eddie was holding in his hand he slammed into my ears while ''Take On Me'' was playing loud

-Yes – I take it quickly looking at him frustrated- but you can't talk to her like that, she's a...client - I looked at him irritated, giving the headphones to Erica in return, giving her a smile - I'm sorry, you can listen to the music without any problem

-But..Y/n

-I'll take this boy with me, sorry for the inconvenience - I smiled kindly taking Eddie's arm pulling him carefully towards the counter

-No..why do you always have to be the good policeman in everything?

-Eddie, you were fighting with a 7-year-old girl...7 Eddie! – I look at him furrowing my eyebrows worried about his social relations

-You called me boy...

-Relatively you are, you're still in high school and even though I'm a year younger than you, you must respect me, I'm your supervisor after all -I smiled sarcastically at him while I arranged my inventory book to include the cassettes and vinyl’s that had arrived

-Ok but... this time you didn't tell Sinclair that I wasn't your boyfriend - Eddie leaned on the counter in front of me resting his chin on his hand while he looked at me with those stupid and beautiful brown eyes

- And what's the point of me telling her? Every time you fight with her she says that you're my boyfriend again and although I always tell her that you’re not she never understands and when you fight with her again she repeats it to me, I'm not going to argue with her for something so...stupid

-So you're saying that being related to me doesn't bother you anymore and you see as an option in the future that you and I can finally go out?

-I'm saying that you should go to the warehouse behind and bring the boxes that arrived yesterday

-Yes ma’am – He give me one of his cute and dumb smiles and walk slow to the back of the store

It wasn't even halfway through the shift yet and I already felt anxious to be close to Munson like I did every day, so as always I would start arraging the cassettes that customers left out of place or cleaning the counter while Eddie was in the back "assuming" that he was putting things in the warehouse, although when I go to check the whole place it smelled like weed and I had to end up doing his job.

-Hello ma’am! is Eddie here? - Dustin almost screamed as he walked through the door showing off his new ''pearls'' adorned with braces walking towards the counter

-Eddie, the children came home honey! - I didn't even have to look up to hear the back door slam open and Eddie's quick steps towards the counter.

-Henderson! ready to finish off the beasts of the underworld tonight?

-Better than that, do you want to be part of a real mystery? - Dustin and Eddie pretended to speak in codes so that I wouldn't understand them but they were so obvious speaking in front of me making me laugh at their childish talk

-Hey, don't make fun of this, it's serious- Eddie looked at me seriously making me look at him apologizing with his eyes while i endured another laugh- speak now buddy

-I think I discovered a group of...Russians conspiring against Hawkins - he whispered the latter, getting as close as he could to Eddie, almost covering his mouth

-Russians? What would Russians do in Hawkins? I mean...it's Hawkins

-Eddie my friend there is too much you don't know and you wouldn't believe me, have you ever heard that Hawkins is cursed? - I looked at them honestly intrigued in the story that Dustin was about to tell, leaning my arms on the counter to get a little closer to both of them.

-Of course a lot of times... what about that? -Eddie laughed nervously trying to cover his fear by looking sarcastic

The minutes passed while Dustin told us how he and his friends had killed some demogorgons, his friend had powers and the Russians were about to take over Hawkins and everything indicated that his secret laboratory was in the basement of Starcourt operating to defeat the world and they had to do something to end the ''bad guys''. Eddie looked scared, his fingers wouldn't stop hitting the counter while his eyes shone with tears or maybe just because that's how his eyes were, bright and cute, but honestly the laughter I held in for 20 minutes came out from me without warning.

- You gave drugs to the children right?.. - Dustin and Eddie looked at me so offended and surprised that I dont believe the story that Henderson had told

-What? ... y/n this is serious, Dustin has never lied to me and I believe what he tells me

-Yes... you believe a 13-year-old boy, Eddie, it's impossible that this is happening in our town, you understand... Hawkins is the most boring thing that can exist on earth

Eddie took a deep breath taking his hair physically desperate that I dont have credibility in his friend when suddenly all the lights in the mall went out.

- You see... a blackout! The Russians are diverting energy and this is what happens – Dustin open his arms on the air shouting as always

-Yes, how cruel they are - I raised my hands trying to look scared - it's almost 3 o'clock so I'll take my 30 minute break, ok?

-But..

- Take good care of the kid, don't give them sugar or anything that makes him fly - I stared at Eddie as i turned the counter walking to the door

-Where will you be? What should I do if I have to look for you?

-I'll be at Scoops Ahoy, watching Steve Harrington while I imagine I cover him with ice cream. – I bring my hand to my mouth kissing my fingers imitating a chef while leaving

-I hate Harrington, you idolize him and she loves him madly, I'm always second in everything - Eddie rolled his eyes annoyed walking behind the counter.

I lied, of course I wasn't in love with Harrington, I hadn't been in my entire time in high school, less I would be now, but teasing Eddie with that was more fun than I imagined.

Actually I was going to Scoops today to visit Robin, my best friend since the beginning of the summer that curiously we realized that we were neighbors and we took the same road to the mall and since that day we became confidants and inseparable, it was like having met my other half but with more sarcasm and an excellent haircut

-Ahoy sailor! –I ring the bell causing Steve to roll his eyes at the uncomfortable sound - is my woman here?

-Robin, the freak's girlfriend is looking for you

-Finally! - Robin slammed the door, leaving walking out to take my arm- I thought you weren't coming, I have something to tell you, thanks. Steve, I'll be back in 30 minutes.

-Sure...I'll wait for you here- Steve said goodbye waving his hand while he hold his scooper in the air

-Excellent service Harrington - I said goodbye to him while I was being pulled by Robin to leave the fast as we can walking towards the food court where we always sat down to talk while we share a milkshake or a plate of fries

-Any news with the weirdo? -her arm was intertwined with mine as we walked fast

-none, he's still annoying like every day, he was late again, he had a fight with Erica Sinclair and Dustin came to keep him company a while ago to talk about some...Russians or something like that

-Shit, what? - Robin took me by the shoulders stopping in front of me looking at me surprised- I told that boy not to say anything and he said to Munson

-What's wrong with that? he always tells him strange stories don't take him seriously - I looked at her laughing trying to calm her down

-It's just... it's not a story- her eyes changed from having that happy shine to really show fear and concern

[folkloreguk]

🍒Cherry Ice Cream (2)🍒

A/N: Part two is here! There won't be another one after this. I just wanted to split it into two little scenarios with one being cute and the other not so cute lmao...I hope you enjoy - as always I appreciate feedback a lot!

taglist: @lovely-ateez

genre: smut, optional bias (m) x reader (f), lifeguard!au, pool sex, unprotected sex

words: 3.4 k

PART 1 (fluff, both parts can be read independently)

It was the middle of the summer holidays and you had never been happier. Sunny weather, swimming, lots of free time and as much ice cream as you wanted were only a few of the reasons for your luck. The main cause was the boy of your dreams. A few weeks ago, you had met. It had been the most chaotic, embarrassing day at the public swimming pool – or so you had initially thought. Turns out being a walking disaster could not only attract negative attention. When the otherworldly handsome and kind lifeguard had pulled your clumsy figure out of the water and even bought you ice cream to make you feel better, you had a feeling things were about to change. And you hadn’t been wrong. Maybe you were seeing things through rose-colored glasses and a mix of lovestruck hormones, but you suspected he might just really be this great.

Ever since your first ice cream date, the two of you had been inseparable. Looks were one thing – and you had made yourself aware that though he was a picture of perfection, he could still have turned out to not be your type at all. But the inside reflected on his outside. Every day you found out a new enrapturing detail about him. He was a never-ending book that you were utterly unwilling to put back down.

Your days were spent at the public swimming pool, watching your lifeguard boyfriend do his job and questioning if this was all some sort of hidden camera prank. During his break he came running straight to your spot under the trees and plopped down on your towel, ready to spend the most time with you until he had to go back. Although your streak of bad luck was over, he still took care of you and made sure you were okay in the heat. He reminded you to drink enough water and sent you a good morning text every day. When he had first asked you to help him put sunscreen on his shoulders, you had hesitated with cheeks hotter than the sunlight that day. Now it was a daily thing, and sometimes when his hands were on your back, rubbing in the lotion, you caught yourself wishing there weren’t a hundred families around you. But it was hard scoring alone time with him at the pool. Even later at night, right before closing time, there were always one or two diehard swimming fans there.

“I love watching my cute girlfriend swim,” he would keep telling you.

“You better make sure you’re paying attention to the rest of the visitors, too,” you would reply, but secretly love his flirty remarks. Perhaps he wasn’t even so far off. After your first encounter, it was apparent that maybe you were the one guest who didneed the closest monitoring. Even his co-workers knew of you. They had made it their life mission to remind him daily how whipped he was for you, but he never cared about their teasing.

At night, you rode your bikes home. Towards the candy cotton clouds on the horizon, through the small suburb, you rode side by side, still damp hair flowing in the wind. Outside your home he cupped your face then, the sun kissed skin of his hands still warm to the touch. Like he was the slowly setting sun himself, he kissed you goodnight. You were addicted to his lips. He made you fly, brought back all your fondest memories as if he himself was in them, and let you forget every worry you’ve ever had in the world.

One evening at the pool, you lay on your bathmat, headphones in your ears and your favorite summer playlist taking you to another world. Suddenly, two hands grabbed you by the shoulders. You jerked up in surprise.

“Oh my god, we could have hit our heads together!” you scolded your boyfriend, who was smiling at you like an innocent five-year old.

“Guess what. My boss just told me that I can close the place up tonight. You know what that means, right?” he said.

“Tell me more,” you smirked.

“Technically, we can stay here however long we want. And do whatever we want. As long as no one finds out,” he whispered the last part into your ear. Chills ran up your spine despite the heat in the air.

“Do whatever we want, huh?” you said. “I thought you were being a model employee?”

“I am,” he shrugged with his child-like smile. “And the model employee needs to go back to work now. I have a reputation to uphold. You’ll be waiting for me, right?”

“Of course,” you nodded, watching his figure as he jogged back to his seat by the pool. The next hours seemed to go by extra-slowly, to your dismay. After his announcement, you only found yourself staring in his direction more than on any other day. Truly, you could never get used to his handsomeness. You thought of his voice that made you melt like ice and his hands when he kissed you. Too often they remained in innocent, safe territory. Maybe that was about to change. It was a Friday, meaning the opening hours were longer than usual. By 10 pm however, even the last person had left. The public swimming pool was closed. Officially.

You had to admit, you could get used to having an enormous swimming pool all to yourself. Blissfully, you dived through the water, not having to worry about crashing into anybody’s legs or losing track of your surroundings. You had always felt as though swimming was a little like flying. Not that you knew what flying would be like. But if you had to make a guess, feeling weightless and small in a seemingly endless space probably came close. All your life, it had remained the same. Playing pretend in the water, acting like a mermaid scavenging for the most precious treasure of the seven seas – all your loveliest ideas lingered in your memory like it had been yesterday.

The pool had a shallow end, about the depth which allowed your head to reach above the surface, and progressively deepened towards the other end. You took a gulp of air and descended into the darkness. Taking long strokes, you dived towards the white light at the wall of the shallower pool end. With the brightness ahead of you, you failed to notice the shadow behind you.

As you were in the process of coming up from the water, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around you. For the second time that day, you jolted in surprise and quickly gasped for air.

“You scared me out of my wits! Will you stop that!” you said, but you were already smiling. It was hard to carry grudges against the boy behind you. Not when he held your waist and rested his chin on your bare shoulder, grinning as if it was a crime to even suspect him of such things.

“Hi, there,” he said and pecked your cheek sweetly. “I missed you.”

“So did I,” you admitted. Only months ago, you had made fun of how lovestruck your friend had been. You weren’t one to speak now. His hands let go of you while you turned your body to face him. Then they were on you again, and although it was a small touch, your lack of clothes created a tension between you right away.

“Wanna race me?” he whispered into your ear, as if there was anyone around to listen in. Was he serious? Did he really think you wanted him to let go of you now? His voice on your neck rendered you wanting him so bad, you had to take a deep breath to compose yourself.

“I’ve been swimming all day,” you said. “Besides, didn’t you say we could do whatever we wanted? We can swim whenever we want, during opening hours.”

“Oh, sounds like you have better plans?” he asked. For a moment, he touched your forehead with his. If you bent forward slightly, you could have kissed him. His hungry eyes were on your lips when you had finished the thought.

“I was thinking you could kiss me, for starters?” you coaxed him. He chuckled.

“So you’ve been thinking about it too, the past few hours,” he realized. “You know, I was trying to be subtle about it.”

“Forget about being subtle,” you said. “Let’s just make out, please?”

“I’d like nothing better than that,” he smiled, and then your mouths touched. His gentle lips tasted faintly of chlorine and salt, a taste you had come to associate with him and magnificent things. You held his face in your hands tightly and pushed your body against him yearningly. Reacting, he sighed and deepened the kiss. His wandering hands found the small of your backside as you arched your back into his frame. You hummed quietly, hands burying in his wet hair and playing with it at the nape of his neck.

All your childhood you had been searching for your treasure under the water. Now you understood. He was right there in front of you. Little you would be proud you had found someone this precious and incomparable. And hot.

“Jump,” he said. You did as he suggested and wrapped your legs around his waist. The proximity of his body made your heart hammer against your ribcage with such feverishness, you worried it might jump through your chest. With the way he touched every curve of your body, you almost forgot how to kiss. Luckily, your instincts did the job for you as you sipped on his lips and sighed every so often. He caught your bottom lip between his teeth, and you felt his smirk when you moaned in surprise. Every inch of your skin burned with desire for him.

As he carried you over to the side of the pool, you pulled away shortly. You took the liberty to attack his neck with frenzied kisses. It felt just as you had imagined a thousand times. You couldn’t possibly recount all the instances when you had found yourself staring at his neck and shoulders in the past weeks. He was easily the biggest distraction you had ever known. But it wasn’t your fault his tanned skin was so inviting and his strong presence ever so alluring. Returning his teasing, you bit into his shoulder, kissing and sucking on it right after.

“Fuck, baby,” he said in a throaty tone. “You’re amazing.”

Softly, he rubbed his nose against yours before your lips locked again. The kiss was all but soft. Your tongues meddled as if you were starved people and you could barely keep your hands in one place. Not that you would want to. You wanted to glue his hands onto your body or better yet handcuff him to your wrists. What was the opposite of a restraining order called? You were about to invent a word for it. Never before had you been so intoxicated, so in ecstasy with another person.

He pulled aside the fabric of your top momentarily and cupped your breasts in his hands. You gasped and melted into his touch and the way he played with your nipples. He attacked your neck in kisses and you shut your eyes, enjoying the sensation of his lips.

“I really want you.” He had his hands on your ass and all you could think about was the growing bulge in his swimming shorts. Your hard nipples rubbed against his chest, the thin fabric of your swim top doing little to nothing to separate your bodies. How could somebody’s whole existence be so titillating? He pulled away, just far enough to speak but barely. “I’ve wanted you like this for a while. But I didn’t want to unsettle you by making you think I just want sex from you. Truth is, I don’t want you to be just some summer romance, Y/N. Every day I hope you’ll still be here when summer is over.”

“Why would you think I’m going anywhere?” you asked. “You’re the reason I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I ask myself every day how I managed to end up with you in the first place.”

“That’s easy. First, threaten to demolish the turnstile with your stubbornness, second, offer your head to a bunch of kids with a water ball, third, square up against a bug in front of a hundred people, fourth- “

“Okay! Enough,” you said. “Don’t bring up my clumsiness. That’s just about the least sexy thing in the world.”

“Baby, I think there’s nothing not sexy about you,” he spoke. He kissed you deeply and all your embarrassing memories vanished at once. “So, you’re cool with this?”

His sudden change in tone caused your breath to hitch in your throat, as his hands lingered by your hips, just above your bikini bottom. You only nodded, the motion getting more eager as the words sunk in. He slid his fingers along the inside of your thigh, and you squirmed under his touch in desperation. Swiftly, he pushed aside the material above your center. His digits slid through your wetness, catching the nub between them, and rubbing ever so slowly. An overwhelmed gasp spilled over your lips, and you closed your eyelids.

“Fuck- ,“ you muttered under your breath. He teased your core, nearly sliding his finger into you, but then pulling away to find your nub to toy with.

“You look so beautiful,” he said. At his words, you looked at him through fluttering eyelids. He was one to talk about beauty. The luminescence from underwater sharpened his features, and his eyes had something magical, something enchanting about them. Like he could have you – or anyone – without saying a word. He reminded you of a merman, or rather a siren. Ready to drag you along with him, deep under the surface. And you were so willing to let it happen. For all you knew, you were long lost and under his spell anyway.

“Have you ever done it in public?” he asked. You were too distracted by his fingers on you at first, head hanging back in ecstasy, until you snapped out of it.

“No, but – fuck – I guess I can strike that one off my sex bucket list after tonight, can’t I?” you said.

“You have a sex bucket list? Interesting, tell me more about it,” he smirked. His eyes darkened and his tongue licked over his lips once. As if on command, his lazy ministrations on you quickened, rubbing your clit in small, circular motions until you were a moaning, stammering mess. You suspected he did so just to see your immediate reaction, and you gave him just what he wanted.

“Can we postpone the – the talking…on later?” you murmured, feeling like collapsing against his broad shoulders. “I’m kind of too busy to – to talk.”

“I can see that,” he teased you, kissing you gently. The delicacy of his lips only made your head spin more. “You’re so sweet, baby.”

“Don’t you want to get busy too?” you asked. You reached for his swimming trunks and wrapped your hand around his hard member through the material. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”

“Shit- me too.” His arousal echoed in his moans, and he sucked in a breath. There was a sense of power in knowing you could make him react so gravely by doing so little. You tugged on his trunks and pulled them down a little to reveal his full length. Palming him, you felt how painfully hard he must have been for a while now. He groaned and it was the best thing you had ever heard. Eagerly, you slid your bikini bottom off and watched for a moment as it sunk down into the depths of the pool. Your legs wrapped around his waist again as he aligned his cock with your core.

At this point you supposed you were both out of words. Hunger had taken over and you barely managed to form a sentence. He kissed you and you hummed and nodded, wanting him to know you were ready. Easily, he entered you and you whimpered at the way he stretched your velvet walls after all the wait. Your senses were overcome with everything around you. The warm water enveloping the both of you, the soft summer breeze caressing your faces, his hands on your hips as he guided your body into his thrusts and the sound of your breathless moans and sighs – it was pure bliss. Night had almost fallen, with the sky being a deep blue, almost black by now. It was a perfect setting for a perfect night with your favorite person.

You gazed into his dilated pupils and the coil in your stomach tightened in the most delicious way possible. Now you recounted a myriad of dreams you’d seen him in. Not always, but occasionally he showed up in your dirtiest of dreams, with his gorgeous, addictive smile and strong arms. But now he was right there, in front of you – inside of you – and you apprehended how weak your boldest imaginations had been. Your nails dug into the skin of his shoulders as you clenched around his cock. He moaned your name huskily and it only clouded your head further.

It was crazy how loving a person could magnify everything. Even with closed eyes, the mere idea of him fucking you, at night in a public pool, could beat every single other experience you’d ever had. You felt like you were blessed with the audience with a god. A god, who had manifested on earth only to scoop you up and show you the finest things in life. You definitely couldn’t think of a finer thing than his cock dragging through your walls, hitting your g-spot repeatedly, while he had you cased against the pool tiles. Moans and little whimpers fell from your lips, and you were glad there wasn’t a single soul close by who could have heard.

He was jaw-dropping. With the way he pounded into you hard, using the poolside wall as support on your back, you felt your head spin as your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Your skin seemed to prickle wherever he touched you and you pushed your chest against his. Just a little closer, you told yourself, even though you were running out of space already. It was body against body while he whispered naughty things into your ears, telling you how incredible you felt, how lucky he had gotten with you and how sexy he found you.

“You’re the fucking best I’ve ever had, baby,” he said. His teeth grazed your neck as he kissed your sensitive skin messily. You could have counted every single drop of water hanging from the strands of his hair and adorning his face. Could have taken notice of every single eyelash and even the tiniest speckles of color in his irises. But you could barely command your eyes to stay open.

“So- close,” you said. In your ecstasy, you clawed at his back as another wave of pleasure went through your entire body.

“Together, hm?” he said, lips brushing over your cheek with every thrust. You hummed and nodded, as he picked up his thrusts to a toe-curling speed. With every touch of your sweet spot, you felt reality slip away a little further, and you were doing nothing to fight it. You invited the feeling in, resting your forehead against his, breaths coming out in short puffs. And then it overcame you. Your orgasm jolted through you like electricity, and you clung to him as if you might have sunken otherwise. It made your shared moans high pitched, and he followed you, pulling you into his arms like it was alone you who was keeping him afloat.

The splashing of the water softened as he drew out your highs for as long as possible with slower thrusts. Eventually, he halted completely. He cradled your face in his hands and when you finally opened your tired eyes, he was watching you with full adoration. His charming smile caused an eruption of butterflies in your stomach. This was only the beginning of your time together, yet you could barely fathom your fortune. And as it seemed, this time fate was on your side.

[theroomofreq]

can you give me muggle jily recs pleaaseeee <3 :D

HOW MANY HIGH-QUALITY MUGGLE JILY FICS ARE THERE?? TOO MANY TO COUNT. *cracks knuckles* BUT I am here for the challenge. Jily AUs are my JAM.

Again, shoutout to our amazing @jilyarchive friends who tag every wonderful muggle jily au they come across. here is the link that will take you to their tags page. You'll find links to specific tropes and AUs :')

I've searched through my own AO3 bookmarks and history tabs, and I present to you 28 jily muggle fics that I LOVE. I am THRILLED thinking about all the good things in store for those that read these wonderful stories. This list took me ages to make because I went through and reread most of these brilliant fics. Happy reading !! xx

properly improper by @lizardcookie

“Marry me,” Mr. Potter repeats, closing the distance between them by striding back up towards the sofa, only to stop and crouch to one knee right there at her feet, looking up at her. Burning. “Pick me,” he elaborates. “Pick me, choose me, love me instead.”

- this fic is the reason why I comment the way that I do (spoiler it's because it's amazing)

The Wedding Ring by @mppmaraudergirl

What is undeniably worse than attending your sister's wedding looking as desolate and forgotten as a wilted houseplant? Drunkenly ringing your ex-boyfriend and asking him to be your date.

- SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY AT THE PERFECTION

Oh my god, they were ROOMMATES by @magic-girl-in-a-muggle-world

Silly one-shot, Muggle AU with Fem!Jily as pining roommates and Marlene as their matchmaker.

- the fic that brought me back to jily and inspired my deep obsession of fem!jily

Swipe Right, Swing Left by @downn-in-flames

The unspoken rule of using dating apps in D.C. is that you always start with where you work.

James Potter, it seems, never picked up on that one.

- giddy just thinking about this gem

'Tis the Damn Season by @petalstofish

It doesn't feel like Christmas for Lily Evans, not after losing her parents to COVID before the Holiday season. She anticipates spending Christmas all alone until a boy from her past shows up and offers her a mutually benefiting deal that has her calling him 'babe' just for the weekend. 'Tis the damn season, after all.

- cries in respect for lyrical writing

Watch Me Unwind by @maraudersftw

Lily Evans hates her job, hates the bigoted customers she has to serve as a bartender at the richest club in the city. But the one person who makes bearing all of it worth it has someone else in his arms tonight. (Rated: M)

- obsessed with the way the plot jumps around the time line in this

oil be there for you by @abby10fanfic

Texting/Social Media AU: Lily and James haven't spoken for 2 years. But that's all about to change thanks to Peter and his involvement in an essential oil pyramid scheme. Featuring boss babes, toxin-free lifestyles, binding contracts, and a very oily journey.

- YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW FAB THIS IS

a matchmaking mission by @downn-in-flames

James Potter has a mission: get Sirius Black and Remus Lupin to finally admit that they both fancy the pants off each other by Valentine's Day.

His partner in crime? Lily Evans, Remus' flatmate, who he also happens to be slightly in love with

- DOUBLE the amount of pining idiots in love :")

about time by @jilyss

'sure, yeah, I can accompany you to that black tie event for your work tonight. wait. why are we on a red carpet?'

- this is my emotional comfort fic, your honor

whiskey business by @elanev91

Sirius Black has a (bad?) habit of picking up hobbies that take over his and James' flat -- this most recent one? Homemade vodka that James now has to try and peddle to everyone in the building.

- hysterical! must read!

Fashion Disaster by @maraudersftw

James Potter is roped into an awful dare by his best-mate, which involves him wearing atrocious pieces of clothing for all days until Christmas as dictated by Sirius. If this wasn't terrible enough, he now has to contend with his maddening crush on the beautiful saleswoman at the clothing store.

- classic hijinks that I live for

it wasn't a pity invite by @elanev91

Part of the December "Winter Tropes" Jily challenge. Prompt: my family invites you to join our holiday meal as an obvious setup and omG i’m so sorry

- awkward Christmas date that owns my heart

spice and honey by @clare-with-no-i

tagging along with her food reporter sister to profile James Potter, London's hottest young chef, is not how Lily Evans pictured her Monday going - especially if he's anything like Petunia’s described.

needless to say, she's in for a whirlwind at Chez Maraudeur.

- I'm one re-read away from printing this out and putting it on my bookshelf.

Waffle Wars by @elanev91

There's only one waffle maker in the dining hall and it literally always breaks. So, naturally, the only reasonable course of action is to meticulously map out when it's working and, ultimately, do a heist.

- the witty narration in this fic can not be matched

You Can Hear It In The Silence by @alrightginger

Lily is non-verbal and deaf in a world where the things your soulmate says about you end up written on your skin. She has known about her soulmate since she was seven, but knows they don't have a clue she exists and possibly never will.

- exquisite, cue me sobbing forever

out the window by @displayheartcode

A new family moves to Ottery St Catchpole.

- everything I could ever want in a fic, forever in my mind rent free

The Christmas Guest by @thegodmachine

An Evans Family Christmas: Petunia is bringing her fiancé and Lily is bringing her…Friend…

- petunia pov that gives me WINGS

Football, Calculus, and Cappuccinos by @moonawrites

At eighteen years old, James Potter has a lot going on. He's a rising star navigating the politics of professional football, the pitfalls of sudden fame, the fallout from choosing his dream over his father's company... and a serious crush on the red headed new barista at his favourite coffee shop.

- I'm still working my way through this fic, but trust me when I say its a GEM

if u like pina coladas by @zephyrcove

Lily is desperate for a date to Petunia's wedding, James has been pining, and their friends meddle ;)

- explain to me how characters can be so perfect via texting fics?

Shelf Awareness by @ghostofbambifanfiction

It's too far out of her way and she's wasting so much money, but Lily can't help but return to the bookstore every weekend, where her passion for good literature has, perhaps, been unexpectedly reignited by the messy-haired, pun-making, rather handsome bloke who works there.

- you absolutely must know that I binge read this and then immediately REREAD it

How to win a witch in 10 days by @adenei

“She’s going to find some unsuspecting wizard, get him to fall for her, and then do all the things that turn men away to get him to break things off! Won’t it be the best way to see what witches do that drives men crazy?” But what happens when the man in question is a blast from Lily Evans's past? A Jily Magical AU based on the romantic comedy "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

- fic based off of a rom com? YES PLZ :’)

The Fight Before Christmas by @ghostofbambifanfiction

The heartwarming Christmas tale of Lily Evans and James Potter - two plucky kids who hated one other, until the day they really, really didn't.

- complete sucker for this one

All This Time by @thejilyship

James and Lily grew up next door to one another. Their bedroom windows giving them glimpses into the others life, and also offering prime opportunities to argue with each other over every little thing. They never figured out how to be friends when they were kids, but now that they've graduated from college and are home for the summer, they have a second chance to get things right.

- one of my favvvv tropes

Let Me Love You by @thejilyship

With only a month until she's set to take the throne of Gryffindor, Lily is informed that she'll have to get married or choose to give up her throne. She never thought she'd have to even entertain the idea of an arranged marriage. Enter, James Potter.

- cries in princess diares AU

The Fabulous Baker Brothers by @frustratedpoetwrites

Lily walks a different route home from work and stumbles upon a cute little Bakery with an even cuter baker in the window.

- yes yes yes to embarrassed pining.

Marigold Mornings by @mppmaraudergirl

This is a fun game she thinks, as she removes her hand from his side and reaches up to run it down his chest.  He catches her hand in his own, takes a step forward so that her nose nearly brushes against his shirt. She can feel the heat radiating off of him—or maybe it’s from her. He licks his lips and her eyes are drawn to the motion.  She knows it is a bad idea, absolutely knows it.

- incredible storytelling featuring dynamic characters :') a favvv

Welcome to Pettyville by@women-inthe-sequel @alrightginger

When Lily Evans accidentally sends a text to the wrong number, she isn’t expecting to find the right person behind it. She can’t stop talking to Prongs. The only thing is, Prongs can’t stop talking about the girl in his class. What could go wrong, other than the number?

- LOVE SQUARE ANYONE

The Kiss a Stranger Project by @alrightginger

“What’s your name, then?” she asks, realizing they haven’t even properly introduced themselves yet. She nervously crosses her arms.

You shouldn’t kiss a guy without knowing his name first.

Right?

- THIS ONE WILL LIVE IN MY MIND FOREVER

[sim-lush]

Simlush’s All Packs Save File

This is a save file that I’ve been working on since October 2020, it is a CC free save file that’s made using all the packs installed.

If you want to download this save file and don’t have the packs, it’s still possible but you’ll lose some items from the packs you don’t own.

I will be making more save files in the future, I’m planning to make one save file for each pack, but for a few weeks or months I might need a little break from making contents on YouTube and also making save files, I’ll update as soon as I’m back 😊

Now, let’s talk about this save file.

All the worlds have been either entirely re-build or renovated, all the townies, NPCs and new sims are based on my make overs and preference of style, but I did not change skin tones, face and body shape, eye color or hair color when giving the townies a makeover, I hope you like them 😊

All the worlds are pets, child and toddler friendly except for some particular places like bars or lounges.

I left some of the lots being empty without any building in it because I think you might want to build something, too. You are free to bulldoze, renovate or do anything with the builds that came with the save file though.

Most of the sims in this save file have skills and jobs, I try to make the worlds seems more… you know normal and livable.

You can delete all the families I have created or changing the world based on what you prefer.

In total there are:

69 Builds Renovated

163 New Builds

116 Families (65 are new)

In total there are 364 Sims in the save file including “currently not in world” Sims.

Willow Creek

3 Starter Houses

16 New Builds

1 Renovated Build

8 Families (4 are new)

Community Lots: 

Lounge

Library

Museum

Gym

National Park

I try to make Willow Creek like a serene town filled with suburban houses.

All Community Lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

There are 3 starter houses (under 20k) that are perfect for family.

Oasis Spring

2 Starter Houses

14 New Builds

3 Renovated Builds

6 Families (2 are new)

Community Lots:

Restaurant

Lounge

Gym

Bar

National Park

The world has modern mid-century and Mediterranean houses.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

There are two starter houses (under 20k).

Newcrest

15 New Builds

10 Families

Community Lots:

Spa

Restaurant

Library

Museum

National Park

The world has modern builds with some eco vibes.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Magnolia Promenade

2 Renovated Builds

2 New Builds

1 Family (New)

Community Lots:

3 Retails

The world is build based on older days kind of world where the building is using classic style.

I build an apartment in this world so I can put a retail employer there and play them as if they work in the nearby retails.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Windenburg

7 Renovated Builds

16 New Builds

14 Families (7 are new)

Community Lots:

3 Café

Library

Bar

Lounge

Nightclub

Retail

National Park

Swimming Pool

I try to keep many styles of buildings in Windenburg since this world have so many lots. There are country cottages, Modern wooden houses and some classical houses, too.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

San Myshuno

1 Starter Apartment

4 Renovated Builds

24 New Builds

21 Families (13 are new)

Community Lots:

Retail

Karaoke Bar

Gym

Lounge

Arts Center

Center Park

Because I always dream to go to New York, the San Myshuno from this save file is build based on New York, well the kind of New York I’ve seen only from movies lol

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Forgotten Hollow

1 Starter House

2 Renovated Builds

3 New Builds

3 Families (1 is new)

I do try to make Forgotten Hollow less dark and weird, but yup, it is still kind of dark and less dark lol

Brindleton Bay

1 Starter Apartment

3 Renovated Builds

13 New Builds

7 Families (4 are new)

Community Lots:

2 Restaurants

Bar

Museum

2 Vet Clinic

Park

This world has many country farmhouse style kinds of houses and community lots, very cozy and warm vibes.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Del Sol Valley

1 Renovated Builds

9 New Builds

5 Families (2 are new)

Community Lots:

National Park

Karaoke Bar

Retail

Museum

Lounge

Del Sol Valley that I try to build is highly inspired by LA and very summer-y in vibes.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

StrangerVille

1 Starter House

7 Renovated Builds

4 New Builds

5 Families (1 is new)

Community Lots:

National Park

Restaurant

Bar

Library

Vey Victorian looking but with many colors in it, I try to make it more fun looking and livable.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Sulani

1 Starter House

4 Renovated Builds

10 New Builds

10 Families (6 are new)

Community Lots:

Bar

2 Beaches

This Sulani is inspired by Bali Island and I try to keep as many colors as I think will still make a good aesthetic to keep Sulani having the summer and happy vibe.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Glimmerbrook

2 Renovated Builds

2 New Builds

5 Families (1 are new)

Community Lots:

Library

My favorite world of all worlds, I try to keep the quirky-ness of Glimmerbrook as the main aesthetic of the world, but there and there I combine some antique and bohemian style around the world.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Britechester

All Builds are Renovated Builds

6 Families (2 are new)

Community Lots:

Library

Bar

I think Britechester is the world that already have cool builds, so I just renovate here and there trying to make it more normal and less “The Sims” in general lol

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Evergreen Harbor

2 Starter Houses

2 Renovated Builds

22 New Builds (Including each     and all Community Spaces)

9 Families (6 are new)

Community Lots:

Community Spaces

Bar

The Evergreen Harbor of this save file is neutral but most of the lot are already Green, all the community spaces including the other 3 variables that only change when sims vote for it are all already re-build. I aim to create a green world when building in Evergreen Harbor.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

Mt. Komorebi

7 Renovated Builds

7 New Builds

7 Families (4 are new)

Community Lots:

Lounge

Park

Onsen Bathhouse

Bar

3 Rentals

I try to keep Mt. Komorebi with its very strong Asian vibes, but I did add some other style around the buildings to bring more richness to the world.

All community lots are pets, child and toddler friendly.

VACATION WORLDS

Granite Falls

2 Renovated Builds

4 New Builds

Child and Toddler Friendly.

Selvadorada

5 Renovated Builds

2 New Builds

Bar

Museum

National Park

Child and Toddler Friendly.

Batuu

Honestly, I did nothing to Batuu because I just don’t know what to do with it actually.

How to Install These Worlds?

Make a backup of your save     files in a folder on your desktop

Download the save file

Put the save file into this     path Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Saves

Start your game and enjoy the     save file!

Important Notes:

I renamed the file in hope it     won’t conflict your save files but if you do happen to have the same name     you can change the last 2 numbers from the save file but leave the 0s be.

Always make a backup of your     save files before putting this save.

It's the first release so if     you do happen to have some problems with the save file, let me know and I     will try to fix it.

You can do anything with the     save file, changing lots, bulldozing things, deleting sims or families.

Download from Patreon (no ads & free)

ENJOY!

[write-for-my-own-entertainment]

Summer with the Striders [1]

Chapter One: Bro Strider? What a weird name

A Multi-Chapter Series

Description:

It’s silly of you to think you could possibly be spending this summer like any other, spending time with friends or perhaps participating in one of many summer activities. Unfortunately for you, your parents had something else planned and shipped you off to spend the summer with a family friend and his kids? Now you’re spending the summer with these fuckers. Shenanigans ensue.

 | Chapter 2>>

Pairings:  

Platonic! Striders / Gender-neutral! Reader

Chapter Synopsis:

In which you’re picked up outside the airport by a man you only know as Bro and are whisked away not without a pitstop for pizza first though.

Chapter warnings:

Food Mentions

==> Be the heat exhausted teen

This was not at all what you expected your summer vacation to be like, you were planning to spend the responsibility-free time gallivanting around with your friends enjoying your fleeting years of childhood, doing crimes or I don’t know ending the world by meteor storm or something? Who knows, surely not you as you are now melting your ass off standing outside an airport in the Texas heat waiting for some family friend that was only ever cryptically referred to as Bro. That’s not even a name. What frat boy wanna-be were you about to meet?

Speak of the devil and he may appear. A car with tinted windows and a strange paint job came to a screeching halt before you. The tinted window rolled down and you were met with a blonde man with strange pointy sunglasses, “Are you [Name]?”

You give a hesitant nod, you have no idea who this man is. Is he Bro? His popped collared shirt really does scream frat boy to you so it's possible.

“Great. Get in the car.” His voice left no room for argument but you couldn’t stop your gaze from darting around you in hopes there was at least someone there to witness you possibly getting kidnapped.

“Wait- who even are you?”

“I’m Bro, the guy who’s taking care of you for the next 3 months. Now get the car, we have places to be.” With no room to complain you put your bag into the back seat and climbed in, almost immediately the car was moving before you could even buckle your seatbelt. 

The car was silent as you zoomed along the highway, the infamous Bro Strider your parents often talked about when they reminisce on past days. He sat beside you now and you weren’t quite sure how to feel, you hadn’t been with him long enough to gauge if he lived up to the stories or not. You admit to yourself this is in no way how you expected this meeting to go, you anticipated fan fair and maybe fireworks but you suppose this would have to do.

You directed your eyes to him after a few minutes, his gaze was seemingly on the road though you couldn’t quite tell, damn shades, and his mouth was turned into a frown like his mind was elsewhere. 

“So.” Your eyes narrowed at the man, you weren’t sure if he heard you until one of his eyebrows peaked over the top of his glasses.

“So?” even in the short time since you had last heard his voice you had almost forgotten what it sounded like. Though the way he spoke now seemed different, far more hesitant than the first.

“My parents told me you have kids?” Man, that was an awkward question to break the ice with but you couldn’t help it. Some little part of you in the back of your head needed the reassurance that you wouldn’t be living with just this grown man for the next 3 months.

The car swerved slightly and you made solid contact with the car door, “No I don’t have kids,” he paused, and you internally began to panic, “I do have two younger brothers your age but let's get it straight now, they are not my kids. I did not birth them.” Weird thing to specify but alright.

“Sorry, My parents made it seem like you were a father or some shit.”

“You’re fine, I have no idea the kind of stories your parents must have told you about me, can’t blame you for being confused.” he cleared his throat after he trailed off, “but yea I have two younger brothers that I look after, dirk’s the older of the two and Dave’s, Dave. They’re both pretty independent. They don't really need me to be around to take care of them anymore but I appreciate the two of them sticking around as much as they do.” The corner of his mouth twitched upwards as he continued. “Dirk’s not always the best with people, he gets that from me unfortunately but he’s good at creating things and he’s smart already out of high school. Dave’s nothing to sneeze at either. I don't see him often, he usually closes himself in his room so he can have calls with his friends without me ‘embarrassing’ him but he’s a good kid, creative. I hope you end up getting along with them.” The car drifted back into a now comfortable silence as Bro took an exit off the highway, you couldn’t help but smile.

Eventually, the car came to a sharp stop before a pizza place, the fragrance of the place was so strong you could immediately smell it. Bro glanced at you before hopping out of the car, “Hold down the fort” was all he said before the door slammed and he made his way into the restaurant. Moments later he walked back out carrying a solid 6-7 pizzas, you made a move to open the driver’s side door for him. He sets them down for a moment before maneuvering them into the backseat with your bags, he finally plops himself back into the driver's seat.

“That’s a lot of pizza.” you couldn’t help your gaze from flickering between him and the pile in the backseat as the car began to move again.

Bro didn’t even glance at you as his gaze was once again locked on the road, “I didn’t know what you like so I grabbed a bunch.” He said it so nonchalantly that you almost didn’t believe him. You kept these thoughts to yourself as the vehicle continued on.

It was half an hour later when you arrived at an apartment building, it didn’t seem like you had traveled that far but traffic seemed to be at its height at the moment.

The apartment building itself was plain, a tall building covered in various windows. It may have once been colorful but now the unrelenting sun had made it void of any.

You barely noticed that the car had stopped until you felt the air conditioning stopped, taking the one thing that was preventing your insides from cooking away. Bro had already exited the vehicle, pulling your bags from the backseat, and motioned for you to grab the pizzas. This was it, the true beginning of what this summer had planned for you.

Headcanons come free with your reading of this story:  Bro makes everyone call him Bro because his actual name is really stupid and doesn’t want anyone knowing it. It’s Brouregard like Beauregard but worse.