#it went from 298 to 296

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 310. brb x oc

a/n: not the happiest with this chapter :( (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

/267/268/269/270/271/272/273/274/275/276/277/278/279/280/281/282/283/284/285/286/287/288/289/290/291/292/293/294/295/296/297/298/299/300/301

/302/303/304/305/306/307/308

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

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-

“Your dad went there?” Bea asked as she followed Evelyn as she moved around after feeding JJ. The baby was sleeping peacefully in a bassinet not too far from them.

“Yep,something about ‘sometimes a vice-admiral has to step in.” she says while pushing her braids to the side, tucking some behind her ear “He didn’t appear worried though, so maybe there’s nothing wrong with Rooster’s mission. You know how it is—higher-ups checking in, making sure everything's running smoothly.”

Beatrice nodded,chewing her lower lip. "Yeah, that's true. He's been in the game for a long time. If there's something off, he'd probably pick up on it."

Evelyn glanced at Beatrice, concern flickering in her eyes. "You seem a bit on edge, Bea. Everything okay?"

Beatrice sighed, her shoulders slumping ever so slightly. "It's just... with Rooster deployed, and all this tension in the air, I can't help but worry. You–you know your dad better than anyone…should I be worried?"

Evelyn set the book she was about to put away down, her gaze meeting Beatrice's with a reassuring smile. "Bea, my dad has a knack for appearing calm even when the world is in chaos. It's part of the job, you know? But deep down, he's just as human as the rest of us. If something was seriously wrong, he'd probably let me know."

Beatrice nodded, appreciating the honesty in Evelyn's words, rubbing her arms. "I guess you're right. It's just hard not knowing, especially with everything that's been happening lately."

Evelyn moved closer,folding her arms as she leaned against the wall, “I know my dad is there because of the breach. That I’m sure.” she says as she looks back to where Shells was currently busy by flipping the channels on her tv, “But that is all I can safely assume.”

Evelyn's voice softened then “Rooster is a skilled pilot, and he's been through his fair share of missions. He knows how to handle himself."

The brunette nodded, rubbing her forehead. "I know, Ev. It's just...you know how it is. When it's someone you love, logic sometimes takes a backseat to emotions."

"Hey, that's completely understandable. We're all human, after all. Emotions are what make us who we are. Don't be too hard on yourself for feeling worried. It just means you care deeply."

Beatrice offered a small smile, appreciating the comfort in Evelyn's voice "Thanks, Ev. It's just a lot to process, especially with the kids and everything else."

Evelyn nodded in understanding. "You’ll be okay and if you need help you can always count on us, Shells, and me. We're all here for you."

Beatrice's gaze wandered to where Shells was engrossed in the TV, pursing her lips as she looked for something to watch "I appreciate that, Ev. I do."

Evelyn nodded, her gaze moving to where Wiley was, the cat took a liking to always sleep close to where JJ was. "I can't promise that everything will always be smooth sailing, but I can promise that you won't face it alone. Whatever happens."

Beatrice chuckled, wiping away a stray tear that escaped. "You always have a way of putting things into perspective, Ev. Thanks for being that anchor when I need it the most."

“Someone has to.” she smiles, “I’m the brains and Shells is the brawn.”

Shells,who didn’t care to be called as such, giggled gleefully in response while still going through channels.

Evelyn placed a comforting arm around Beatrice's shoulders. "Distance can be tough, especially when it feels like you're navigating storms on your own. But you two will be okay…also,what’s this I heard about your aunt Martha?"

Beatrice leaned into Evelyn's comfortable couch and she sighed, allowing the cushions to almost swallow her. "Aunt Martha is...well, she's Aunt Martha. You know how she is – cryptic, mysterious, and always dancing around things."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And? Did she drop any hints or mystical advice about the current situation with Rooster and everything else?"

“She told me to be patient, to navigate storms, and to be careful. Classic Martha speak."

“Huh.”

"Yeah," Beatrice agreed, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. "She did mention something about navigating storms, metaphorical ones. It got me thinking."

Evelyn nodded, her gaze drifting to Shells, who was still engrossed in TV, occasionally flipping through channels with a playful hum. "About?"

Beatrice took a deep breath, the weight of her thoughts heavy in the air. "About life, I guess. About how it throws these storms at us."

Evelyn listened attentively, her gaze soft and understanding. "Life does have a way of testing us, doesn't it? But sometimes, it's about trusting that you have the strength to weather them, no matter how fierce they may be."

Beatrice nodded, a contemplative expression on her face. "Rooster has been my anchor through so many storms. Ever since the beginning." she pauses, “...I want him to be okay,Ev. He went through…so much, so much.’

Evelyn's gaze softened once more, and she tightened her arm around Beatrice. "He's a resilient guy, Bea. You've seen him face challenges head-on, and he's always come back stronger. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way he talks about you. Rooster is committed to weathering any storm with you and for you."

Beatrice's eyes shimmered as she leaned into Evelyn's embrace. "I know he is. It's just... This situation with Mark and Miranda, it's unsettling. And Aunt Martha's cryptic advice doesn't provide the clarity I wish it did."

Evelyn sighed, her fingers absentmindedly stroking Beatrice's hair. "Your aunt Martha has…her own way of guiding others. It might not always be straightforward, but her insights have a way of making sense in their own time."

"I hope so," Beatrice murmured, her gaze distant. "I just want everything to be okay. For Rooster to come back safely, for us to get through whatever this is."

"We all do, Bea."

"I guess we just have to take it one day at a time, and-"

Shells’ voice interrupted them as she tossed the remote away, “Evelyn you only have horror channels and one kid channel? How the hell are you going to raise JJ? Is there a Hellraiser for babies I don't know about?”

The sudden shift from the heartfelt conversation to Shells' comment brought a burst of laughter from the trio. Beatrice wiped away a lingering tear and chuckled, appreciating the comedic relief.

Evelyn rolled her eyes playfully. "You know, Shells, JJ is still a baby. Horror movies can be educational but you know I’d never put my son through that."

The laughter echoed in Evelyn's living room, temporarily dispelling the weight of the world. Shells, seemingly unaffected by the emotional conversation, grinned mischievously. "You're just limiting his potential, Ev.I know you too well, JJ could be the horror movie aficionado of his generation!"

Evelyn shook her head, her eyes dancing with amusement. "I'll save the horror movies for when he's a bit older. For now, we'll stick to age-appropriate cartoons."

Beatrice couldn't help but join in the laughter, the tension in her shoulders releasing a little. Her stomach felt iffy, she was still a bit anxious but decided to use this anxiety to message her parents and check on the kids. She excuses herself as she walks to Evelyn’s guest bathroom, locking the door behind her and then allowing her body to calm down.

She leans her back against the door, furrowing her brows with her phone on her chest, “It’s fine, everything is fine.” she whispers to herself, dialing her mother’s number, “We are all fine. We really are.”

Beatrice waited anxiously as the phone rang, each ring feeling like an eternity. Finally, her mother's warm voice answered on the other end.

"Tesoro, how are you?" 

Beatrice took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I'm okay, Mama. Just needed to hear your voice. How's everything there?"

"We're all good here, sweetheart. Your papa is tinkering in the garage, and the twins napping. Nicole is watching tv, and the house is as lively as ever."

A small smile played on Beatrice's lips. "How's everyone holding up without me?"

Claudia chuckled, "Well,honey, it’s not like you are out of the country. We are all doing fine.”

Beatrice exhaled a sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear that. You know, I'm grateful for your support and Papa's. It means the world to me."

Claudia's voice softened. "We love you, Beatrice. Always have, always will. We understand the challenges you and Rooster face, and we're here for you every step of the way."

A lump formed in Beatrice's throat. "I love you too, Mama. And thank you.”

---

 Rooster remained focused on his duties, analyzing reports, conducting briefings, and ensuring the readiness of the squadron. They had a few hours before the mission so he took that time to…look at every single picture he had of Bea on his phone.

In one photo, they stood on a beach, the sun setting behind them, casting a warm glow. Beatrice's hair danced in the gentle breeze, and Rooster couldn't help but marvel at the serenity etched across her face. 

Another photo showed Beatrice holdingNicole, in her arms. The sheer joy radiating from both mother and child made his hear flutter. Rooster traced his finger over the image, the longing for those moments intensifying as the weight of separation settled on his shoulders.

As Rooster continued his nostalgic journey through the photos, he stumbled upon an image from their wedding day. Beatrice looked breathtaking in her gown, her eyes locked with his in a promise of forever. Rooster couldn't help but smile, the memory of that day etched into his heart.

Sometimes, he’d go to sleep listening to their wedding playlist.

The sound of a knock on the door brought Rooster back to the present. McAllister poked his head in, a hint of a smile on his face. "We’ll leave in fifteen, sir."

Rooster nodded, locking his phone and tucking it into his pocket. "Thanks, McAllister. I'll be right there."

As McAllister left, Rooster took a moment to collect his thoughts. Then he steeled himself for the mission ahead, the echoes of their shared laughter lingering in his mind. He was already wearing his flight suit, all he had to do was get his helmet.

Rooster rose from his chair, the metal legs scraping against the floor as he stood. His mind, momentarily freed from the weight of command duties, lingered on the images of Beatrice.The room, adorned with maps, mission briefings, and the hum of the air conditioner, seemed to shrink into insignificance compared to the warmth those memories brought.

With a purposeful stride, Rooster made his way out and towards his jet.Familiar faces greeted him with nods and salutes as he walked ahead. Once he reached it,Rooster took a moment alone, gazing at the sleek fighter jet that awaited him on the tarmac. 

No matter how many times he did this, he still had goosebumps knowing what he’d do. He was about to put his helmet on, stopping when he saw McAllister approaching him, “Sir! Sorry,Vice-Admiral Simpson wanted to talk to me.”

“Oh? What did Vice-Admiral Simpson want to discuss?"

McAllister shifted slightly,. "He wanted to go over some strategic points for the upcoming mission. He just told me to uh…do a good job.” he pauses, “And he said that you don’t need to know more because–”

“Because I already know, I get it.” Rooster nodded,chuckling to himself.  "Alright, McAllister. I appreciate the heads-up. Anything else before we head off?”

McAllister hesitated for a moment, glancing around as if making sure no one was within earshot. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Sir, there's something else. It's about Mark."

Rooster's expression tightened, the mention of Mark drawing his full attention. "What about him? "

McAllister's gaze held a mix of concern and uncertainty. "Sir, I've noticed some unusual behavior from Mark. He's been having private conversations with some of the recruits, and it seems... secretive. I overheard bits and pieces, sir, and it sounded like they were discussing something that goes beyond the usual mission chatter."

Rooster's brow furrowed, the weight of responsibility settling back onto his shoulders. "Private conversations, you say? Any idea what it might be about?"

McAllister nodded, swallowing nervously. "I can't say for sure, sir. But it sounded like they were involved in something outside the scope of our usual operations. And, well, Mark has been acting rather condescending and arrogant lately, like he's privy to some information the rest of us aren't."

Rooster's jaw clenched, his mind racing through the possibilities. The puzzle pieces seemed to be falling into place, aligning with the suspicions that had been lingering. "Condescending, arrogant, and secretive. Not exactly the qualities you want in a teammate."

"No, sir. It's been bothering me for a while, and with everything else going on, I thought it best to bring it to your attention," McAllister confessed, a sense of unease in his eyes.

Rooster appreciated McAllister's diligence. "You did the right thing, McAllister. I need to know what's going on with my team. We can't afford any internal disruptions, especially with a mission on the horizon."

"I just... I don't want to jump to conclusions, sir, but it feels off. And I've seen the way Mark looks at you, sir. There's something there," McAllister added, almost hesitantly. 

Rooster's expression grew even more serious. "What do you mean, 'there's something there'?"

McAllister chose his words carefully. "It's like he resents you, sir. I don't know the specifics, but it's more than just professional disagreement. There's a personal element to it."

Rooster's gaze hardened, the implications sinking in. If Mark was involved in something beyond the squadron's knowledge, and if it had a personal angle involving Rooster, it added a layer of complexity to an already intricate situation.

"Keep an eye on him, McAllister," Rooster instructed, his tone firm. "Gather whatever information you can, discreetly. I want to know what he's up to, and if it poses a threat to the squadron."

"Yes, sir. I'll do my best," McAllister affirmed,quietly..

Rooster clapped McAllister on the shoulder. "Good man. Now, let's get ready for the mission. We'll deal with this when we have more information. For now, our focus is on the task at hand."

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA The Great Champion of the Catholic Faith Feast Day: May 2

Athanasius was born circa 296 or 298 AD in Alexandria, Egypt.

After completing his theological studies, he served as secretary to the bishop of Alexandria, whom he succeeded in 328. It was then that he began the theological struggle against Arius, the Alexandrine priest who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Even though the Council of Nicaea in 325 had formulated the Homousian Doctrine - meaning, that the Son is of the same divine substance as the Father - the conflict was far from over. The Arians were influential at the imperial court, and very active in propagating their heresy through popular songs.

In 355, there were so widespread, that St. Jerome exclaimed: 'The whole world groaned and marveled to find itself Arian.'

The anti-Arian bishops were kept in isolation, including Pope Liberus, and Athanasius himself was exiled five times, for a total of 17 years. In order to escape assassination attempts, he took refuge twice among the monks of the desert. In 164, Athanasius went back victorious to Alexandria, and spent the rest of his life writing the 'Life of St. Anthony the Abbot' and other inspiring books.

Athanasius died on May 2, 373, and his body was subsequently translated to Venice, Italy. Athanasius is considered to be the greatest champion of the Church, because he defended the Catholic faith against overwhelming odds and emerged triumphant.

[phoenixmaiden-gaming]

On the surface in the Necluda region and saw a waterfall coming from the sky, so I changed my clothes so I could swim up it and went back up to the Necluda Sky Archipelago. I was on a big island that looked like it could be a big building that fell apart. One of what looked like a tower was open and had a triangle shape of rocks, but one was missing. I put a tock in its place and the Korok appeared and gave me my 223rd seed (296 total). I then found a switch that turned on a turbine so the wind started blowing on another tower, I could then ride the wind to a higher place. I kept going around until I made it to the top of the Zonaite Forge Island. I kept looking around and found a yellow flower that I had to follow up some pillars until the Korok revealed itself and gave me another seed and now I have 224 (297 total). At the top of the island, I found a tree with a rock in it and under it was another Korok that gave me seed 225 (298 total).

[olivereactsaboutgarbage]

One Piece - Volume 32

As you may have noticed, my consistent-posts-throughout-all-of-December have been called off. My friends have told me that I should take as long as I need to get back to posting, and that's a great idea.

I have a funnier idea:

I'm gonna see if I can post normally on December 24th and 25th, then go back to not-posting on December 26th. Will I manage it? Hmm... I wonder...

Chapter 296 - Ultimate Sky Situation

Zoro obeys Lufpy just in time to die, but he wasn't obedient enough, because gravity doesn't work.

It's fine though, because the vore snake is still relevant after all, because it had friends. Hmm... an animal that had friends... where have I heard that before... well, it didn't have friends enough, because gravity doesn't work.

It's fine though, because Usopp decides to also obey Lufpy, by disobeying Wiper. Nico Robin explains to Wiper that this is morally correct. Except Usopp wasn't disobedient enough, because gravity doesn't work. I thought better of you, Usopp.

It's fine though, because Wiper had a recording of gravity working.

Danganronpa really IS a One Piece ripoff! In case that wasn't already thoroughly established.

The foolish Dumbledore expy isn't a Danganronpa fan.

Chapter 297 - Praise of the Earth

Hmm... very on-the-nose.

Wiper says that no matter how much destruction happens, his people's history simply cannot be erased. Epic

The foolish Dumbledore expy realizes that Lufpy and Nami are members of all life on earth, and are therefore susceptible to his all life on earth ball, so he decides to go ahead and use it.

Lufpy counters with the very same special fetish move the foolish Dumbledore expy gave him: Sexy human testicle.

:) Themes Themes Themes

Next, something even more blatant happens. But I already smiled once just now, so I've hit my smiling quota and can't say anything about it.

Chapter 298 - Love Song

Now that he no longer has access to all life on earth, the foolish Dumbledore expy tries a new strategy: Becoming even less effective against Lufpy! This'll definitely work!

It DOES work! You see, becoming less effective was a distraction from the fact that he could use stabbing as an attack.

Lufpy decides to not give up. In fact, Lufpy does the thing: He rings the bell. I, uh, don't think I mentioned previously in these posts that that was what he was trying to do, but it was.

Chapter 299 - Fantasia

Everyone is happy that this happened. Well, Tony Tony Chopper is missing crucial context, and last chapter Sanji was complaining, but it's fine.

Whoops, I accidentally summarized the entire chapter. I could say something like "To be clear, 'everyone' includes:" and list various individuals, but like

Oh, I spoke too soon: Exposition reveals that the giant silhouettes were the shadows of regular-sized people. In case anyone was still wondering about that. I certainly wasn't after a multi-day break! Thanks for reminding me!

Oh man, the Hanukkah-themed JoJo character... when he was like "I must find a way out of this!!!" and then Tony Tony Chopper just went ahead and moved on with his life, that was actually just his (Hanukkah's) last moments of relevance weren't they? Comedy gold?

I ask because the foolish Dumbledore expy is also drowning, now.

Chapter 300 - Symphony

Oh man, yeah, the stakes have raised so much, even specifically for Asia, from the days when Wiper not letting Asia have some dirt mattered at all in the grand scheme of things.

Tony Tony Chopper is still missing crucial context and Sanji is still complaining. At least Zoro is around, to Get It.

Everyone discusses what souvenirs they want. Some people want recording device souvenirs. Other people want souvenirs that don't exist.

Sanji has a new sexual orientation. He no longer lusts after women. He now lusts after big sacks. Finally, some representation, for um, that, sexual orientation!

Everyone is sad that Papaya is dead, especially Papaya! Everyone is mad that Papaya is alive, making Papaya even more sad! Sucks to be him!

Oh, the foolish Dumbledore expy's four friends actually have four corpses. All's well that ends well. As for the foolish Dumbledore expy himself, well... he's an astronaut. Wow, One Piece was truly ahead of its time. People with god complexes really DO sit upon unfathomable amounts of money and then go to space! Oda knew!!!

Also, there's more fire. This is a clever callback to earlier on, where there was fire!

Chapter 301 - I Hereby Guide...

Lufpy has a get-rich-quick scheme.

IT INVOLVES STEALTH!!!

Usopp gives people garbage in exchange for recording devices. Now, recording devices can be a major aspect of the series! However, garbage can't be. This will ruin the Space Junk Galaxy ecosystem! Everything good comes at a cost...

Lufpy's get-rich-quick scheme was vore, naturally. What other kind of get-rich-quick scheme would Lufpy have?

Nico Robin impresses everyone with her Indiana Jones powers.

What a good sequence of panels. I loven't weaponry! What a relatable character! That must be why people love Nico Robin: she's relatable!

Also, the king of pirates was also there. The One Piece guy. No not Lufpy. The One Piece guy.

Nico Robin is taking the Bible to the end of Space Junk Galaxy. That's her mission. Everyone is very happy about that. Wait, did I call it the Bible before? I need a refresher. Maybe between the 26th and my earnest return I'll spend time on a refresher for myself.

Oh, right, having the middle name "the" is actually very significant. And in the One Piece guy's case, his name as it is commonly known is actually a mispronunciation of Goal the Roper.

Everyone takes a page out of Nami's book even though only one of them is Nami, and they all busy themselves entirely too much with stealing money to have any time in their schedules for receiving money legally as payment for a service. Nico Robin likes this!

Chapter 302 - Finale

Asia gets a haircut.

The knight god gets to be a government guy again. He reminds everyone what his favorite vegetable is, in case they forgot. Hee hee hee... however, try as you might to discern the identity of his favorite vegetable via my posts, you NEVER will! You'll NEVER learn it!!!

Lufpy and his friends leave using a hot air balloon. Zoro thinks the hot air balloon is his enemy from back before they even went into the Space Junk Galaxy, but Zoro was just confused.

Chapter 303 - The Wealthy Pirate Gang

The DK Crew will continue to fight... in the name... of, um, bananas? I don't know. I don't know what they're fighting for.

One of the seven strong guys is terrorizing those people Lufpy disliked ages ago.

LMAO???

The implication that Zoro spent that entire arc telling himself "Okay, so this is what the afterlife'll be, huh? This particular physical location? I can't wait!" is already hilarious enough, but Usopp's objection to this sentiment being "No, dude, you're destined for eternal torment" adds something as well.

So... Lufpy can never go to the sky EVER again, right? Narratively speaking, I mean. Like... as far as Sky Arcs go, One Piece can't top this, right? I could picture there being a better food arc, a better fish arc, a better snow arc, a better desert arc... but a better sky arc? I dunno, man. I don't think it can be done.

No one bothers to deliver the punchline to Tony Tony Chopper's "where's a doctor when you need one?!" bit, so he has to do it himself. Is that character development? I can't tell.

Nami gets to be a jetski character for the rest of time now, huh? Kind of like... uh, I have no idea how pertinent it is to Dragon Ball itself, and if I ever did I've long since forgotten, but kind of like that one Dragon Ball opening, right?

Nami says "It's time to do some accounting work! It's not time to do some accounting work!"

Lufpy says the next arc should be about recruiting TWO characters to make up for the fact that this one wasn't about recruiting any. They should be an Usopp Replacement and a musician. No one agrees. They don't like Usopp, but they don't like music either.

Bicycle cops are revealed to be the strongest kind of cop.

Chapter 304 - Long Island Adventure

The Depression Pirates are approaching. Their boat has a frog face. Well, so much for them.

Nico Robin doesn't have much to say about the transition to a new arc. Lufpy wants her to be more interesting.

Everyone decides to "boy who cried wolf" Usopp. "Depression definitely isn't real," they say. I'm sure he'll forgive them. He's used to being boy who cried wolfed, after all.

OH...! IS THIS WHOLE ARC GOING TO BE THE DEFORESTATION ARC?! GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF DEFORESTATION, THAT'S A LEGENDARY EVENT!

Maybe not, maybe this isn't the arc

This is the homeland of Endermen from Minecraft, that's not arc material

Also, there's a normal guy. And now a ship wearing a fursuit REALLY wants this to be an arc. They're preventing it from lasting a shorter amount of time than one single chapter.

Chapter 305 - Foxy the Silver Fox

Relatable

This is a good manga.

This random socially awkward guy from the homeland of Endermen is a laugh riot. He will most likely die.

See? It's canon. Um, not the part about him dying. The other part.

Literally any method of encoding secret messages would work for espionage if it was up against the crew of the Merry Go. Pig latin would work.

...Wait, that's not true, Nico Robin is there. Welp, better get rid of her.

OH, AN ANIMAL THAT HAD A FRIEND AND SPENT A LONG TIME WAITING, HUH?! IN ONE PIECE?! MAJOR PLOT TWIST!!!

"Saddest episode of Futurama"? More like "any chapter of One Piece"

Anyway, some horse hunters come to make this chapter of One Piece less sad. However, they do it backwards. It's fine though, because Tony Tony Chopper does it frontwards.

The horse hunters challenge Lufpy to a game. Lufpy says "Punching? Okay" but what's actually happening is that it's the Depression Game.

[stayndays]

it doesnt feel like i’m almost at 300 followers, it feels like i’m back to having 40 followers

and then i realized: i think i lost two followers today

[victorie552onepiecespeedrun]

Reading One Piece pt 297: On Fate

Chapter 544

Thoughts:

- Fpos/cs: Sanji in a dress!!! His hair is amazing, his make-up is abysmal and honestly I’m scared. I don’t understand why they put him in a dress if he didn’t want to have one. It makes me remember childhood traumas and I would rather not

…Well Sanji, at least you don’t have fish stockings?

- how many rings can a person have, calm down Blackbeard

- Blackbeard is making a very important speech. I guess I’ll type all of that

- “After first meeting you, I soon found out that you were the one who defeated that former Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, over there, Straw Hat Luffy!” *cue annoyed Crocodile*

- I wanted to become one of the Seven Warlords so I figured the best way to show the Government that I was the man for the job was to bring them your head” not a BAD strategy I must admit

- oh, he wanted to attack Luffy at Water 7. Wow, there was disaster after disaster in that place, imagine adding Blackbeard to the mix D: we would have to say goodbye to One Piece, really lucked out on this one, Luffy

- “But Fate… protected you!” …um, no, Ace and dumb luck protected him

- “Ace has been chasing me because I committed a terrible crime aboard Whitebeard’s ship. And by curious coincidence, he was your brother! Because I said I was going to kill you, he was unable to turn back! You see? If he let us go, not only would he defile the name of Whitebeard… his own brother would be killed!” …It kinda sounds like what I just said but it’s said by Blackbeard so I don’t like it. It also seems to me like it was Blackbeard who lucked out – his plan worked, he only just kinda shrugged and traded Luffy for Ace because why not, and if Ace’s already there…  

- “There’s no such thing as a coincidence, there’s only Fate.” “You’re a very lucky man.” “Captain doesn’t need your head anymore.” “Your brother fought bravely!” I applaud a loyal crew but they annoy me too. Also, Champion, why would you say that last thing to Luffy, it’s plain stupid

- “You’d better remember to thank Ace at his grave! If he hadn’t shown up then, you’d be dead now.” HOW ABOUT NO and Blackbeard, don’t act like Ace showing up was some divine intervention or something, he was Literary looking for you all over Grand Line

- “THEN WHY DON’T YOU TRY ME NOW!!??” *WHUP*  ha! Told you to leave Luffy alone!

- NO WAIT DON’T FIGHT SHIT ABORT MISSION!!! SHIT SHIT SHIT

- “Blood? Isn’t he made of rubber?” He is!!

- “That’s enough! You have to control your temper! Remember what you’re here for!” oh thank God for Jimbei, he’s stopping Luffy!

- “Don’t waste your time and energy fighting him! It’s not going to help you rescue Ace!” yeah!

- why is everyone just looking at that conversation, DO SOMETHING PEOPLE (strong people that is. Prisoners and guards should stay down)

- Crocodile speaks

- (why are they standing and talking. If Blackbeard isn’t here for Luffy, then why is he here. All of this feels very dangerous)

- “You’re Blackbeard, right? I heard some no-name pirate from Whitebeard’s ship had taken my place… but this is strange.” Crocodile’s asking why he’s here, he should be at Navy HQ. Well, YEAH

- “Everything is going according to my plan. Which I’m not telling you” ok then. Smart of him

- “Fine, I don’t care anyway” gee, ok

- Magellan is here! For a moment I was actually really happy about it. But he’s not here to rescue Luffy from Blackbeard of course. I have a very short memory

- and just like that everyone is moving again

- RUN RUN RUN to the higher levels!

-  “Awakened zoan types” …didn’t I read about that somewhere. I think that’s important

- guys, I think Shiryu deserted. He wasn’t planning at helping guards at all. Oh, what a betrayal

- (I’m not really surprised, he was a prisoner on LEVEL 6, but I also kind of am - WG indoctrination runs deep after all)

- Cameras are down. Everything is falling apart in this prison. I’m smiling so much my face hurts

- “Nothing is going our way! How could a single intruder spark all this mayhem!?” *maniacal laugher*

- on Level 2, Buggy and Galdino are up and at them again :) Blackbeard sure helped them here

- uh?

- “I’m gonna rescue Ace no matter what!” “Haha… I won’t say you’re wasting your time. Nothing’s impossible in this world.” …?  ? ??  ???

- “Sky Island existed, didn’t it? It’s the same with One Piece! It definitely exists!” is he…

- “Ha ha! Just you wait and see!” he’s walking past them

- “In a few short hours we’re going to put on a show that will shake the world!” …he went to do his own thing. Time to move on.

- (I feel very uneasy right now. We should not leave Blackbeard like that. He’ll be trouble in the future)

- Our pirate group feels as uneasy as me but there’s nothing to do about it now. To Level 3!

- …Magellan vs Blackbeard? Is this really happening

- damn, that poison works on them

- “Hannyabal… You did well holding them back for so long. You better not die. You’re the only one… fit to succeed me!” !! What a plot twist. WHY do I have to have feelings about prison wardens and their working relationship???? Is this really necessary???? Oda???

“Straw Hat!! You will not set one foot outside of this prison!”  

rOP 296  rOP 298

[megapinkpetal34]

Sakura is not Heartless

Since everyone says Sakura only ever cared about Sasuke, I decided to make a post to show that’s bullshit. Sakura cared about others and I went through the manga and put all the moments where it was shown. However, I’m not counting Sakura healing or protecting someone, because most haters always say “sHe WaS dOiNg HeR jOb!!!” Plus, I made a separate post for that.

Scenes under the cut.

Part 1:

Tried to warn Naruto that Kakashi was going to attack him (Chapter 5)

Gave a starving kid candy during the wave mission (chapter 19).

Helped Naruto understand how to perform the tree walking exercise (chapter 19)

Stopped Naruto from insulting Inari (chapter 22).

Helped Naruto walk after he pushed himself too far during training (chapter 34).

Caught Sasuke during his fall (chapter 38)

Tried to stop Naruto from insulting the Uchiha clan (chapter 38).

Tried to cheer up Naruto when she thought he was scared to take the Chunin Exam (chapter 39).

Was ready to quit the Chunin Exam, because she thought Naruto would have to give up his dream of becoming Hokage (chapter 43).

Scolded Sasuke when she thought he kicked Naruto in the face( though it was an imposter), because she was worried for him (chapter 46).

Complimented Naruto when he stopped Orochimaru (chapter 48).

Thanked Lee for saving her (chapter 52).

Sakura being genuinely scared for Sasuke, after he wakes up with the curse seal and remembering Orochimaru’s words (chapter 56).

Stood up for Lee, when Naruto was insulting him and thanked Lee again (chapter 57).

Encouraged Naruto and thanked him (chapter 74) (Chapter 74)

Cheered for Naruto during his match against Kiba (chapter 75) (chapter 76).

Worried for Lee during his fight (there are a few more moments, but I didn’t include them) (chapter 84).

Tried to jump down from the balcony to help Lee who was in critical condition (chapter 87) .

Got flowers for Lee when he was hospitalized (chapter 93).

Cheered for Naruto in his fight against Neji and being inspired by him. (chapter 105) (chapter 105).

When Naruto didn’t bring Sasuke back, she didn’t want him to feel bad and even apologized for not being able to be there to help (chapter 236) (chapter 236).

Part 2:

Mentally complimented Naruto on his growth (chapter 245).

Mentally complimented Naruto during the bell test (chapter 246).

Complimented Naruto for his plan against Kakashi (chapter 246).

Tried to tell Naruto she was worried about him being targeted by the Akatsuki (chapter 261). 

Defended Chiyo  when Sasori said he didn’t care about her dying and how she was nothing special (chapter 275).

Tried to get to know Sai after they got off on the wrong foot (chapter 287). Also helped him gather his things (chapter 287).

Sakura tries to play the peacemaker between Naruto and Sai (chapter 288)

Sakura sticking up for Naruto against Kabuto (chapter 291).

Tried to reassure Naruto so that he wouldn’t lose himself to Kurama (chapter 296).

Sakura wanting to learn Mokuton to help Naruto (chapter 297) and her feeling sad that she can’t do more for him (chapter 297)

Sakura didn’t want Naruto to be concerned about all the destruction he caused in his four-tails form, so she told him Orochimaru did it and knocked him out (chapter 298)

Get’s upset with Yamato for wanting to leave Naruto behind (chapter 298).

Lied to Naruto about Orochimaru attacking her, so that Naruto wouldn’t find out he was the one who did it, while under Kurama’s influence (chapter 299).

Promised Naruto that they would rescue Sasuke together so that he would not be upset about Sasuke running away (chapter 310).

Wished Naruto luck when he went off to train before the village was attacked (chapter 409).

Wanting to save Hinata as soon as possible and worrying about Naruto (chapter 438).

Thanked Naruto for saving everyone (chapter 450).

Getting mad at Danzo for trying to steal Tsunade’s position and declare a kill warrant for Sasuke (chapter 452).

Get’s mad at Sasuke for insulting Naruto (chapter 485).

Sakura wanting to lift the burden of saving the world off of Naruto(chapter 573)

Encouraged the shinobi army to keep fighting against Obito and Madara (chapter 630).

Worrying that Naruto is pushing himself to protect everyone (chapter 649).

Mentally encouraged Naruto to keep living, because he was so close to his dream (chapter 663).

Note: there were a few other moments where Sakura cared or complimented others, but they were rather small, so I didn’t include them. But, it just shows that Sakura was always a nice person and SP ruined her characterization with filler full of her being jealous, vindictive, and overall mean, despite that not being the case.

[bookofjin]

Rise of Sixteen States: 290 - 299

(The Migriation Crisis of 298. Also ended up including some bits from the HYGZ that are not too relevant to the rest of the stuff.)

290 – 291

(Liu Yuan)

Yang Jun assisted the government. He used Liu Yuan as General who Establishes Power and Great Chief Controller of the Five Sections, ennobled as Marquis of Hanguang district.

294

(Murong Hui)

Hui, since Dajicheng was precisely the hill of Emperor Zhuanxu, in the 4th Year of Yuankang [294 AD] therefore moved to reside there. He taught to mulberry farm, and his laws and regulations were similar to the superior states.

295

(Fu Hong)

Aged twelve, Fu Hong's father passed on, and he replaced him as leader of the section. He excelled at studying with many adaptive plans, and he was good at riding and shooting.

296

(Li Te)

Li Te's father Mu was Hunting Commander of the Eastern Qiang. Te and his brothers were five: The oldest brother was Fu, courtesy name Xuanzheng. The next was Te (courtesy name Xuanxiu). Te's younger brother was Xiang, courtesy name Xuanxu. Xiang's younger brother was Liu, courtesy name Xuantong. Liu's younger brother was Xiang#, courtesy name Xuanlong. All were sharp and gallant, and had martial capability.

Te as young served the province and commandery, and was seen as unusual in his times. He was eight chi tall, was valiant, martial, and good at riding and shooting. He was deeply resolute and had great measures.

(HYGZ: 6th Year of Yuankang [296 AD], again considered Liang# and Yi provinces to be weighty provinces. Moved the Inspector of Yi province, Li# ??? to have Liang# province, concurrently General of Talented Officials. The General who Spreads Fervent, Zhao Xin, concurrently General of Smashing Charges.)

Middle of Yuankang [291 – 299], Qi Wannian of the Di rebelled, West of the Passes were disturbed and in chaos. Tianshui, Lüeyang, Fufeng, and Shiping commanderies were all robbed by troops.

(HYGZ: The Di of Guanzhong and the Qiang of Malan rebelled. They robbed Tianshui, Lüeyang, Fufeng, Shiping, Wudu, and Yinping. Issued out the [Inspector of] Liang# province and the [Colonel of] the Eastern Qiang and the [General] who Garrisons the West to chastise them. They did not overcome. Yi province dispatched Ma Xuan and Yin Fangjiu of the Serrated Gates to assist them. They used deer carts to transport grain from Chengdu to provide army provisions.)

(Yang clan)

The Yang clan of the Di of Qingshui in Lüeyang from Qin, Han and onwards, had for generations lived in Longyou, and been a prominent family. In the middle of Emperor Xian of Han's Jian'an [196 – 220] there was Yang Teng, he was a great leader of the section family groups.

Teng's son Ju was brave, strong and with many plans and schemes. He was the first to move to Chouchi. The land of Chouchi has an area of 100 [bai] qing, because of that he used Baiqing as the title. On four sides it was steep and sheer. The lofty flat land [?] has an area of more than 20 li. The road coils like goat intestines for thirty-six rotations. On top of the mountain is the source of the Feng river. Cook the earth to achieve salt.

Ju's descendant had the name Qianwan. Wei ennobled him as King of the Baiqing Di. Qianwan's son [or?] grandson was named Feilong. They gradually became vigorous and abundant. Wu of Jin made use of him as General who Conquers the West. He returned to live in Lüeyang. He had no sons, he raised his sister's child of the Linghu clan as his son. He was named Wusou. [In WS he named Maosou.]

In Emperor Hui of Jin's 6th Year of Yuankang [296 AD], to escape the chaos of Qi Wannian, he led 4 000 families of the section group to turn back and guard Baiqing. He titled himself General who Assists the State and Worthy King of the Right. Many of those people and gentlemen of Guanzhong who ran in flight relied on him. Wusou invited and admitted, consoled and connected. If they wished to leave he then guarded, protected, supplied and dispatched them.

298

(Li Te)

Among the Di there were in one year after the other great famine, the hundred families drifted and moved to go looking for grain. Those who joined each other to enter Hanchuan [I. e. Hanzhong] were several ten thousand families. Li Te followed along the drifting people about to enter Shu. When they arrived at Jiangge, he sat down legs sprawling with a great breath, looked up at the narrow defile, and said:

Liu Shan had land like this, yet he faced bound up to [other] people. How was he not of mediocre talent!

Those who were migrating together with him, Yan Shi, Zhao Su, Li Yuan, Ren Hui, and others all sighed in amazement.

Earlier, when the drifting people had arrived in Hanzhong, they sent up a letter seeking to depend on the food in Ba and Shu. The court discussed and did not allow it. They dispatched the Attendant Steering Clerk Li Bi to Hold the Tally and comfort and reassure them, and moreover to oversee and examine them, and not make them enter Jiange. When Bi arrived in Hanzhong, he accepts goods and gifts from the drifting people. He turned around and made a petition which said:

The drifting people are more than 100 000 mouths, not something Hanzhong, a single commandery, is able to raise support for. Down east into Jing province, the river current is swift and dangerous, and also they have no boats or ships. Shu has granaries and storehouses, and the people repeatedly have abundant harvests. [We] ought to make them go there for food.

The imperial court followed him, and so they scattered to be in Yi and Liang#, and could not be forbidden or halted.

(HYGZ: 8th Year [of Yuankang], Zhao Xin arrived in province. Though he honoured the simple and restrained, by nature he was really extravagant and haughty.

A commoner of the six commanderies of Lüeyang and Tianshui, Li Te, his younger brother Xiang, Yan Shi, Zhao Su, He Ju, Li Yuan, and others and several ten thousand families of the Di Sou and the Blue-green Sou, since their sundry lands for continuous years had been laid waste by the armies, went [looking] for grain and enter Hanchuan. A decree written that they were not allowed to enter Shu.

Yi province directed the passes to forbid them, but the Board of Household [official] Li Bi opened the passes and set them free to enter Shu. They dispersed and spread out in Liang# province and the regions of the Three Shu.

Huang Shi from Xingle county in Minshan, Cheng Tunjian, An Jiao, Cheng Mingshi of the Lushui Hu of Beidi and others, were enemies of with the Wenjiangliu [?] and Zili Qiang of Guangrou and Pingkang Thereupon they together with Zhi Feng of the Bangtong Qiang [?] and others with several thousand cavalry threatened the county prefect, and sought aid to chastise the Zili. The Grand Warden, Yang Binta, killed Tunian, and took the surrender of his remaining kin. The remaining kin thereupon thereupon rebelled, and killed the senior functionaries.

Winter, the Colonel of the Western Yi, Qu Bing of Xiping, petitioned to set out with the army. He dispatched the Commander of the Serrated Gates, Sun Tiao, as Controller-Protector, and lead ten thousand people to campaign against them. They fought at Chang'an常安 and greatly were routed by the Hu.)

299

(HYGZ: 9th Year [of Yuankang], Qu Bing, due to the defeat of his army, was summoned to return.

Summer, employed the Grand Warden of Jiangxia, Cheng Zong, as his replacement. The Hu withdrew and dispersed.)

Yuankang era (291 – 299)

(Liu Yuan)

At the end of Yuankang [291 – 299], Liu Yuan was charged with the section population rebelling and setting out from the frontier, and was dismissed from office.

(JS004 records a rebellion by the Xiongnu leader Haosan in 294, and his brother Duyuan in 296. Yuan's dismissal could have been related to this. Duyuan's followers included Malan Qiang, and the Malan Qiang later the same year also joined Qi Wannian. There could well have been Xiongnu among Wannian's followers as well.)

[etraytin]

Quarantine, Days 296-298

January 2-4 It is the night of the first day back to school and I have made the discovery that Husband can somehow hear my computer at 10% volume in another room through a closed door, so that is not wonderful. I am not feeling gracious about it, but I try to not be too much of an asshole when people are trying to sleep, so no more video or audio for me tonight, alas. But it does mean that I'm updating this journal, so I guess that is something? We have gotten out to do some shopping this past couple of days, because we were good for weeks based on the promise that we would do a little careful shopping after New Year. MIL and I went to William Sonoma and Soma and Talbot's because they were all next to each other in a great little upscale strip mall. They were almost empty, so that was nice. We got some new sweaters and a giant thing of peppermint bark, and arranged for knife sharpening, and I got a new bra. Well, ordered a new bra, because Soma did not have my size in the style I wanted. It turns out that Soma (a women's intimates store that is very unlike Victoria's Secret style stores in that it sells stuff you would actually want to wear) is using a touchless measuring system now. Instead of wrapping the tape measure around your boobs and abdomen and dividing by some arcane formula to get cup and size, now they give you an iddy-widdy sports bra with a battery pack on the back and sensors run through it and tell you to put it on over your bra. She handed me that thing and I, who am a sizable woman with an at-least proportionate kitten holding shelf, gave her a look that said I thought she was being way too optimistic. The lady insisted though, and by nearly dislocating both arms and discomfiting myself greatly, I did stuff myself into the thing. It got my correct measurements, as far as I can tell, but afterwards I didn't really feel like trying on bras. I just ordered a new copy of the one I already had. Anyway, we did that and then today we really took a wade into deep water and went to Target. Kiddo was desperately in need of pants that fit, and he is too old for the Oshkosh store. Plus the outlet mall would probably be even worse, because it is always crowded and the place is open air, which almost certainly means a bunch of plague rats not wearing masks "outside." At least in Target, we only saw one unmasked adult. Target's fitting rooms are still closed, so kiddo got three new pairs of pants in slightly different sizes, and my sister will help me get a hookup on whatever size works best for additional pants. He also got swim trunks, a new raincoat, a jacket-sweater, and a few new shirts, so he is very set! Nana is very good to him, and is where nearly all his new-new clothes come from. Luckily he is a guy comfortable with thrift store finds as well. On the way out, we even stopped by the Starbucks for frappucinos to drink in the car. We debated stopping by our favorite kitchen store, practically next door, but decided we'd pushed our luck enough. Shopping! So those were our big expeditions. Otherwise we have been staying pretty close to home for our last week here. trying to get things set up for MIL. I've looked up roofing companies for her and I'm trying to help straighten out the last financial stuff from summer. I tried to call an investment company today, first business day of the new year, which was a huge mistake. They are supposed to call me back first thing in the morning, after about an hour in total on hold. (And this was _after_ I did the whole callback number thing!) I am still trying to convince her to get a Life Alert style medical alert system, but it's not going well. She thinks her Apple Watch is enough, even though last time she fell, she wasn't even wearing the damn thing. I have even told her the story about my grandfather, who fell in his basement and fucking lay there for a whole night and didn't make it, a story I can barely stand to think about, much less tell, and it's not getting through. I just don't understand. Anyway, I have been keeping myself entertained here by watching Twitch streams and re-reading old stories from the gaming group I've belonged to for the past twelve years now. It's kind of funny because I realized that my first character for the site, who was a high schooler when I started playing her, will be thirty next year. (The game moves in real time, more or less.) I don't play her much anymore, but it's still pretty remarkable. It makes me want to start playing more than I have been lately, but the problem is that I need to come up with ideas for the characters I have now, not just revisit the ones I had then. I have also learned this past couple months that Twitch has a lot more on it than just gaming streams, so I've been listening to live music shows, watching comedy streams, and yes, even taking in some gaming. It's pretty cool. Tomorrow is grocery day and we are still not braving Walmart, so it's another pickup order! I came very, very close to forgetting to submit the big actual grocery list to supplement the tiny list I used to secure our time slot, and that would've been very bad. As it is, tomorrow afternoon is food day! It's the most wonderful time of the week.

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 307. brb x oc

a/n: oh god its so hot in here h e l p (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

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/302/303/304/305/306

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

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-

Beatrice woke up to her phone ringing, repeatedly, over and over and she frowns, covering herself with the covers and turning to the side. The phone continued and she finally figured out that the tune was Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire.

Rooster.

Rooster was calling.

With a groan, Beatrice fumbled for her phone on the nightstand, and she swiped to answer, her voice muffled by sleep.

"Rooster?”

“Hey gorgeous…did I wake you up?”

“Um…no,I,”she pauses “Well,yes but I was about to wake up…is everything okay?”

“I just wanted to hear your voice.”

The soft glow of morning seeped through the curtains as Beatrice sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she continued the conversation with Rooster. "Well, I'm glad you called," Beatrice replied, a genuine smile playing on her lips. "What's going on? How was the mission?"

Rooster's voice, though crackly through the phone,felt much lighter. "Mission went well, Bea. We handled it. I just wanted to check in on you."

Beatrice couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at his concern. "I appreciate that, Rooster. Everything's fine here, just another day in the life."

Rooster chuckled,god she loved his voice. "I know. How are the kids?"

"They're doing great," Beatrice replied, glancing over at the little alarm clock on her nightstand,seeing her alarm was turned off and she knew it was her mother’s doing immediately. "Mom and Dad are here, actually. They stayed overnight."

"That's good to hear. Tell them I said hi."

"I will," Beatrice said, her smile widening. "...so, the mission went well then?”

"Yeah, it went smoothly. McAllister's shaping up to be a fine pilot. We make a good team."

Beatrice couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for Rooster and the team's success. "I'm not surprised. You're the best, after all."

Rooster chuckled, a hint of humility in his tone. "Well,normally I’d have something witty to retort but…I’ll take that.” she hears him sigh over the phone, the sound of papers around, “Sorry,I’m finishing up the reports for the briefing.”

As Beatrice listened to Rooster's voice, she pulled her legs up so she could hug her knees

"I understand," Beatrice replied, her fingers idly playing with the edge of the blanket. "You know I appreciate you calling. It means a lot to me. And..you sound less stressed."

“Do I?”

“I’m your wife, honey,I know you.”

Rooster chuckled again, a warm, genuine sound that resonated through the phone. "Well, you have a way of calming me down, Bea. It's like my own secret weapon against stress."

She couldn't help but blush at his words. "I'm glad I can be that for you."

“That and much more,gorgeous.” he says “I have been sleeping better too.”

Beatrice couldn't help but feel a comforting warmth spreading through her as Rooster spoke. His words were a balm to her worries,warm like honey. Fuck she really missed him. "I'm glad to hear that, Rooster. You deserve a good night's sleep."

There was a brief pause on the line, and Beatrice could almost imagine Rooster's thoughtful expression. "You know," he began, "I was thinking, for the dinner once this is over…how about some Indian food?"

Beatrice's eyes lit up with anticipation. "That sounds wonderful, Rooster. I'd love that."

"Good. I've been missing you, Bea."

"I've been missing you too," Beatrice admitted, a soft smile gracing her lips. "But you're doing important work, and I'm proud of you."

He laughs so softly it’s almost dreamy  "I appreciate that, Bea. It means a lot to me. Anything planned for today since your parents are there?"

"Oh, you know, the usual," Beatrice replied with a chuckle. "Mom's probably going to try and feed me more than I can eat, and Dad will tell his usual dad jokes. Maybe we'll take the kids to the park later. Just simple family stuff."

Rooster's laughter echoed through the phone. "Sounds like a perfect day. I wish I could be there with you."

"Me too," Beatrice admitted, a hint of longing in her voice. "But we'll have our Indian dinner to look forward to. And in the meantime, you focus on what you need to do. "

Rooster's tone softened. "I know, Bea. But you're always on my mind, no matter where I am."

Beatrice smiled, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest. "Making me blush even from far away,huh Lt.?”

Rooster chuckled on the other end of the line. "Always, Mrs. Bradshaw. It's a talent."

Beatrice rolled her eyes playfully, savoring the affectionate banter. "So, any news on when you'll be back?"

There was a pause, and she could almost sense Rooster's expression once again. "Not sure yet. We have a few more missions lined up, but I'll keep you posted. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Far as I know we are still in the three months timeline"

"Okay," Beatrice replied, "We'll have plenty of catching up to do when you're back."

The connection between them held a poignant mix of love and longing, a bridge that spanned the physical distance separating them. Rooster sighed on the other end of the line, a sound that carried both the weight of duty and the ache of separation.

"I can't wait for that, Bea. And when I'm back, I promise to make it up to you."

Beatrice couldn't help but chuckle. "You better. Maybe…we can arrange something."

"Now that's a tempting offer. I might have to take you up on that." he says, more paper ruffling “You know the worst part of my job?”

“Paperwork?”

"Exactly," Rooster replied with a mock groan. "The paperwork never ends. But it's a necessary evil, I suppose. Keeps the higher-ups satisfied."

"Well, Lieutenant, just make sure to get it done efficiently so you can come back to me sooner."

Rooster's chuckle resonated through the phone. "Efficiency is my middle name. I'll wrap this up quickly and get back to you, Mrs. Bradshaw."

"Looking forward to it, Lieutenant." Beatrice sighed, leaning back against the pillows. "Take care of yourself, okay? And tell McAllister and the team I said hi."

"I will, Bea. You take care too, and give my love to everyone. Oh, and tell your mom to save some of that delicious cooking for me."

Beatrice grinned. "Will do. Love you, Rooster."

"Love you too, Bea. Always."

As they said their goodbyes,the warmth of Rooster's voice lingered, a comforting presence even after the call ended. Closing her eyes, Beatrice took a deep breath, grounding herself in the routine of the day ahead. 

Her parents were already up, the aroma of breakfast wafting through the house. She swung her legs out of bed, still holding the phone as she looked down at his contact picture with a little smile. She quickly got out of bed, ready to face the day with the warmth of Rooster's voice still echoing in her ears.

Her parents had taken over the kitchen, clinking dishes and the sizzle of something delicious on the stove. As she descended the stairs, the savory aroma of bacon and eggs greeted her, 

"Mama, Papa, you didn't have to go through all this trouble," Beatrice said, entering the kitchen with a grin.

Her mother turned with a spatula in hand, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Nonsense, tesoro. We're here to pamper you. Breakfast is the most important meal, you know."

Rafael chimed in with a chuckle as he set the twins on their bouncers, Nicole was already on her high chair. "Your mother's right. A good breakfast sets the tone for the day."

Beatrice couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for her parents. She joined them at the table, the aroma of food intensifying as plates of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and warm toast were set before her.

"So, how's Rooster?" Claudia asked with a knowing smile, taking a seat across from Beatrice.

"He called just now," Beatrice replied, her eyes lighting up. "Mission went well, and he's doing fine. He even mentioned Indian food for our next dinner when he comes back."

Claudia nodded approvingly. "Sounds lovely. You two have something to look forward to."

“True.” she hums while sipping her coffee, “You took care of the kids for me?” considering her kids were already up and eating the answer was yes. But her mother replies nonetheless.

“Well,we wanted to make your day a bit easier tesoro.”

She glanced around the table, Nicole happily babbling in her high chair, and the twins giggling in their bouncers. HTaking a sip of her coffee, Beatrice felt a sense of peace settling over her. "Thank you, Mama, Papa. I can't tell you how much this means to me. It's been a while since we had a morning like this."

Claudia smiled, drinking her own coffee "That is true, we thought you’d enjoy that."

Rafael chimed in, his voice a deep rumble. "You're doing an amazing job, Beatrice. You know that,right? That’s why your mother and I wanted to do this."

Beatrice's cheeks flushed with a mix of gratitude and humility. "I have good role models," she said, casting a fond look at her parents.

Claudia reached across the table, giving Beatrice's hand a squeeze. "This is mostly on you,tesoro. We're just here to share the load."

The weight of Beatrice's responsibilities seemed to lift, if only for a moment. She let out a soft sigh, appreciating the support from her parents while trying her best not to cry so early. " I love you both so much."

Rafael's eyes twinkled with paternal pride. "We love you too, tesoro. Always have, always will." he claps his hand, “Now, we are going to your zia Martha later.”Bea blinked when she heard her aunt’s name “Just some things she wants to talk to us about. Around lunchtime,would you and the kids want to join us?”

"What does Aunt Martha want to talk about?"

Rafael just looked…like he didn’t want to answer that. “Your aunt is my sister and I love her, but she is very cryptic. She just told us to visit her today. And you know I…try to understand her as often as I can.”

"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it's important," Beatrice said, her mind already turning with possibilities. It could literally be anything. She took another sip of her coffee, “I’d love to go.”

Claudia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Wonderful,tesoro and your father and I will find out soon enough. Martha has her ways of keeping things mysterious."

Rafael sighed loudly, eyes ahead with exasperation “That's an understatement, Claudia. I love my sister, but sometimes I swear she speaks in riddles."

“She does,though, papa. She is the main witch of our family.”

“That was your nonna, my mother.” he smiles, “But she did step in.”

“Yea but it’s been a while since I saw zia.” she mutters, running her finger on the mug’s rim with her lips pursed…maybe she could ask her aunt about Mark and Miranda…maybe. She knew she’d always have some weird mystical response to her anyway, “Lunchtime,right?”

“Yes.” her father replied,”Around that time.”

Claudia noticed the subtle shift in Beatrice's demeanor. "Tesoro, something on your mind?"

“Hm? Oh,” her fingers tracing circles on the tabletop. "It's just...things, nothing more." she wasn’t going to let her parents know that they got weird neighbors that are almost…harassing them in a way?

Claudia exchanged a glance with Rafael, and her father leaned back in his chair, a warm smile on his face. "You know, tesoro, you can always share your thoughts with us. We may not have all the answers, but we're here to listen."

Beatrice sighed, appreciating the genuine concern in her parents' eyes. "I swear it’s nothing serious." she smiles, “I promise you.”

Lies.

Claudia smiled back at her. "Well, you know we can help you if you need."

"I know, Mama. It's just... you know…life and such hah." she clears her throat, “Anyway!Let’s keep on with breakfast yeah?”

[troybeecham]

Today, the Church remembers St. Athanasius, Bishop.

Ora pro nobis.

St. Athanasius, also known as Athanasius the Great and Athanasius the Confessor, was a bishop and doctor of the church. He is called the "Father of Orthodoxy," the "Pillar of the Church" and "Champion of Christ's Divinity." Athanasius became one of the most dedicated opponents of the heresy of Arianism. Much of his life was a testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Born in either AD 296 or 298 in Alexandria, Egypt to a prominent Christian family, Athanasius received a wonderful education in Christian doctrine, Greek literature, philosophy, rhetoric and jurisprudence.

He was well studied in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospel accounts and the Christian texts which would later be recognized by the Church as the canon of the New Testament. He credited the confessors during the Christian persecution under the Roman Emperor Maximian as his teachers of theology.

Bishop Alexander of Alexandria became a strong influence in Athanasius' life after Alexander witnessed him playing at administering Baptism as a young boy, with other children. Alexander called the boys over and after questioning them, he determined the baptisms were valid and decided to train them for priesthood.

As he grew up, Athanasius befriended many monks and hermits of the desert, including St. Antony. He later wrote the biography of Antony.

Athanasius became Alexander's secretary in AD 318 after being ordained a deacon. Around this time, Athanasius wrote his first work, a theological treatise on the Incarnation which is still quoted extensively in Christian theological studies and spiritual literature.

Around AD 323, Arius, an ambitious priest of the Alexandrian Church, or his students, denied the Divinity of Christ, and began spreading word that Jesus Christ was not truly divine, but merely created in time by the Eternal Father.

Alexander demanded Arius produce a written statement on the false doctrine. It was condemned as heresy after two dissenting Bishops came forward. Arius and 11 other priests and deacons were deposed, or removed from their office, for teaching false doctrine.

Arius left for Caesarea, but continued to teach his false doctrine and enlisted support from the Bishop of Nicomedia, Eusebius and other Syrian prelates.

Athanasius, as Alexander's secretary, was present during the great Church debate. He may have even composed the letter that announced Arius' condemnation. Athanasius stood alongside Alexander during the famous Council of Nicaea to determine the matters of dogma.

It was during this meeting, summoned by Emperor Constantine, that Arius' sentencing was officially confirmed and the Nicene Creed was adopted as the Creed of the Church and a worthy symbol of the orthodox Christian faith.

The early Christian Church, still undivided, rejoiced at the defense of the true nature of Jesus Christ. To this day, Athanasius is considered the great defender of the Faith in both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

Just five months later, Alexander died and Athanasius succeeded him after being unanimously elected. He was consecrated as the new Bishop of Alexandria in 328 and continued the fight against Arianism.

In AD 330, Eusebius approached Emperor Constantine and convinced him to command Athanasius to allow Arians back into communion. Athanasius refused, noting the Catholic Church could not hold communion with heretics who attacked the divinity of Christ.

However, Eusebius did not give up on his cause. He wrote to Athanasius trying to justify Arius and he wrote to the Egyptian Meletians in efforts to have Athanasius impeached.

The Meletians charged Athanasius with the crimes of exacting a tribute of linen for use in his church, sending gold to Philomenus, treason against the emperor and authorizing one of his deputies to destroy a chalice being used at the altar by a Meletian priest.

He was tried and proved his innocence on all accusations.

The Arians didn't stop there though; they came forward with another charge, claiming he murdered a Meletian bishop. Athanasius was ordered to attend a council at Caesarea, but knowing the bishop was alive and in hiding, Athanasius ignored the summons.

In AD 335, Emperor Constantine commanded Athanasius to go to the Council of Tyre, Lebanon. The council was full of Athanasius' opponents and was led by an Arian. Athanasius realized his condemnation was already pre-decided.

Athanasius was exiled for the first time to Trier, Germany. While there, he kept in touch with his flock by letter.

Athanasius' exile lasted for two and a half years. He returned to Alexandria in AD 338 to find both Emperor Constantine and Arius had died. Constantine's empire was divided between his three sons, Constantine II, Constantius and Constans.

After he returned to Alexandria, his enemies continued to try to bring him to exile. They accused him of raising sedition, of promoting bloodshed, and detaining his own use of corn.

Eusebius was able to obtain a second sentence of deposition against Athanasius and get the election of an Arian bishop for Alexandria approved.

After this, a letter was written to Pope St. Julius asking for his intervention and a condemnation of Athanasius. The case for Athanasius was set forth, and the pope accepted the suggestion offered by Eusebius for a synod to discuss the situation.

Meanwhile, a Cappadocian named Gregory was installed in Alexandria, and Athanasius went to Rome to await his hearing.

Athanasius was completely vindicated by the synod, but was unable to return home to Alexandria until the death of the Cappadocian Gregory in AD 345.

Athanasius returned to Alexandria to scenes of people rejoicing after he had been absent for eight years.

However, in AD 353 Athanasius would face more condemnations by the Arians in the councils at Arles, France and again in AD 355 in Milan, Italy.

Persecution continued against Athanasius and escalated to physical attacks against him. While he was celebrating a vigil Liturgy in a church in Egypt, soldiers forced their way in and killed some of the congregation. Athanasius managed to escape and hid in the desert, where a group of monks kept him safe for six years.

During his years as a hermit, he wrote his Apology to Constantius, the Apology for His Flight, the Letter to the Monks, and the History of the Arians.

Athanasius returned to Alexandria after the death of Constantius in AD 361 and the new emperor, Julian, revoked all sentences of exile enacted by his predecessor.

This lasted only a few months though. Emperor Julian's plan for paganizing the Christian world couldn't get very far so long as Athanasius, the champion for Catholic faith, was around. Therefore, Julian exiled Athanasius and he once again sought refuge in the desert.

He stayed there until AD 363 when Julian died and the next emperor, Emperor Jovian reinstalled him. Jovian's reign was a short one, and Athanasius was again banished just eight months later.

Jovian's successor, Valens issued an order banning all Orthodox bishops who were exiled by Constantius.

Four months later, Valens revoked his own order and Athanasius was restored permanently.

Over the course of his life, Athanasius was banished five times and spent 17 years of his life in exile for the defense of the doctrine of Christ's divinity.

However, the last years of his life were peaceful and he died on May 2, AD 373 in Alexandria.

His body was transferred, first to Constantinople, then to Venice.

St. Athanasius is often shown as a bishop arguing with a pagan, a bishop holding an open book or a bishop standing over a defeated heretic. He is a patron saint of theologians, and faithful Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians and hailed to this day as a great Defender of the Faith.

Uphold your Church, O God of truth, as you upheld your servant Athanasius, to maintain and proclaim boldly the catholic faith against all opposition, trusting solely in the grace of your eternal Word, who took upon himself our humanity that we might share his divinity; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

[douxbebearchives]

Find An Olitz Fic Masterlist: Fifteen

Greetings! Here is a masterlist for all of the questions we’ve received regarding hard-to-find Olitz fics (“Find An Olitz Fic”). We recommend you come here first and/or utilize our desktop search button before sending an ask. There’s a strong possibility the title you’re looking for is there.

Directions: Click on the links below and you will find the title. The masterlist includes mostly-answered questions.

If there are corrections that need to be made or you know a title for an unanswered ask, please kindly send us a message. Thank you!

PREVIOUS LISTS

#281 - Hi there! I'm looking for a fic where Fitz and Olivia were at some fancy party or and they went out into a garden where they were threatening some woman and Olivia was being really ruthless with her and Fitz played along and when it was over and Fitz was upset with Liv because he said that's not the type of people that they are.

#282 - Do any fics exist where Olivia gets pregnant from closetgate and she doesn’t hide the pregnancy from Fitz.

#283 - Where are The King Stands Alone and one where Congressman Fitz left Liv at a train station telling her she wasn’t good enough, he becomes president later on and livs son visits the WH.

#284 - What's your top 5 favourite Olitz stories? (M)  

#285 - Hi, do you know what chapter of Some Other Me exactly is the one where Micah finds out about Fitz's assassination attempt in school? thank you in advance!

#286 - Is there a fic where Olivia and Fitz are older? They meet in a retirement home or something.

#287 - *UNANSWERED* Olivia goes out for a night with her friends (Abby and Quinn I believe) and doesn’t keep in contact with Fitz and comes home intoxicated very early in the morning. I think they’re married and have a child together... do you know this fic?  

#288 - There was a story I read it’s sort of canon... where Olivia and Fitz are backstage before a debate and Olivia is leaving the campaign and before she leaves she professes her love for him for the first time and they are interrupted by Cyrus and that’s when Fitz goes on stage and says he’s a man in love with a incredible woman. Do you know which fic this is?

#289 - *UNANSWERED* Hi I’m looking for a story I read where Fitz is in his 60s and Liv is in her 40s. I believe they are married and a Olivia meets a man, I believe he is Hispanic (not Curtis Pryce), and she contemplates cheating.

#290 - I know this isn’t a lot to go off of but in a fic I was looking for I remember Olivia and Fitz were talking about something and somehow Olivia brought up how she cheated on her ex in college and it freaked Fitz out and he becomes concerned that she will also cheat on him. I think they’re married in this story.

#291 - *UNANSWERED* Looking for a story where fitz and Liv never met untill now. Mellie cheated and Fitz kicked her out or she did something that requires him to hire Olivia. As Liv helps him out with the issue on the white house she hears/evasedrops women talking about rumors about Fitz how he's amazing in bed the best at oral and some other things I cant think of anything else I hope that's enough.

#292 - *UNANSWERED* There is a fanfic that I had read describing Fitz showing Olivia the headboard of their bed where it has the States of Georgia and others on it. Cannot for the life of me remember who has the story or what the story's name is. Please help!

#293 - Hey do you remember the story where Liv and Fitz are married but they were having problems and she started flirting with a spanish guy name Armando ( I think) and he turned out to be obsessed with her  

#294 - Fitz is president, Olivia is pregnant, Eli is in the pentagon and reveals that Olivia's mother isn't dead even though Olivia believes that she had been. Huck ends up finding her. I think Fitz has Eli killed.... Do you know this story?

#295 - Hi guys can you please help me find the story about Fitz and Olivia they had a daughter but Olivia never told him they got in this ugly argument and went their separate ways Olivia met and married a guy name Mel and they had twins( girl & boy) eventually they divorced but left on good terms, Olivia admitted her true feelings to Fitz and they reconnected and got married and they had a son I believe his name was RJ  I can’t remember their daughter’s name…Please help 🙏…Oh yeah if it helps I do remember it being a complete story.

#296 - I'm looking for a story ... Fitz and Olivia are divorced and they have a daughter; Fiitz marries Mellie but she dies and Olivia sleeps with Fitz. reply to: southerngirl612 please.

#297 - *UNANSWERED*  There is an Olitz story and/or scene I've read that I cannot for the life of me remember. I believe they're younger & it's rated M. There's a scene where Fitz walks in on Olivia shaving herself & he gets all flustered. Later on they're out by a pool nude & Olivia is like it's yours and that's how I take care of it. Then he goes down on her for the first time. Afterwards she asks why he's been holding out on her & he gets quiet cause it's the first time he's ever done that, anyone remember!?

#298 - *UNANSWERED* Are there any stories where Liv is a rich, bad, boss ass b***h?

#299 - *UNANSWERED* Hi, just wondering the name of this story. I’m not sure if this has been asked before but Olitz are married and there’s a part where Fitz is drunk and Olivia is trying to undress him but he resists and says “I’m married” and points to wedding ring.

#300 - Hi I’m looking for a story (I think it’s a one shot) where it’s told from Mellie’s point of view, and we see olitzs “affair” as it happens. One scene I remember well was she caught them (but didn’t make her presence known) in the rose garden having sex and how after they were done they stayed joined and professed their love for one another.  

[space-x-cowgirl]

Y’all are gonna hate me for this part 2.

226. Wish you were the opposite sex: No.

227. Caught someone doing something: Yes.

228. Played a game that removes clothing: No.

229. Cried during a movie: Yes.

230. Cried over someone: Yes.

231. Wanted to hook up with a friend: Yes.

232. Hooked up with someone you barely met: Yes.

233. Ran away from home: Yes.

234. Cheated on a test: Yes.

Section Twelve: Would you

235. Bungee jump: No.

236. Sky dive: No.

237. Swim with dolphins: Yes.

238. Steal a friend's bf or gf: No.

239. Try to be the opposite sex: No.

240. Lie to the police: No.

241. Run from the police: Maybe.

242. Lie to your parents: No.

243. Backstab a friend for your own well being: No.

244. Be an exotic dancer:Maybe.

245. NQ- Kill the president: No.

Section Thirteen: Are you

246. Shy: Yes.

247. Loud: Yes.

248. Nice: Yes.

249: Outgoing:.No.

250: Quiet: Sometimes.

251. Mean: I can be.

252. Emotional: Wxtremely.

253. Sensitive: Very.

254. Gay: Half.

255. Strong:.No.

256. Weak: Yes.

257. Caring: Too caring.

258. Dangerous No.

259. Crazy: A little.

260. Spontaneous: No.

261. Funny: I hope.

262. Sweet: Yes.

263. Sharing:. I try.

264. Responsible: No.

265. Trustworthy: Yes.

266. Open-minded: Yes.

267. Creative: Sorta.

268. Cute:.No.

269. Slick: No

270. Smart: Kinda.

271. Dumb: A little.

272. Evil: No.

273. Ghetto: Maybe.

274. Classy: No.

275. Photogenic: No.

276. Dependable: I try to be.

277. Greedy: Sometimes.

278. Ugly: Yeah.

279. Messy: Sometimes.

280. Neat: I try.

281. Perverted: Sometimes.

282. Silly: Very.

283. A B****: Sometimes.

284. A Good Listener: Yes.

285. A Fighter: No.

286. A Party Animal: No.

287. A Game Freak: Yes.

288. A Computer Freak: No

Section Fourteen: Future

289. Dream job: Veterinary tech.

290. Dream house: Not sure.

291. Husband/Wife: Current.

292. Kids:2.

293. Names: Aela and Oliver.

294. Pets: Yes.

295. Car: Jeep Wrangler.

296. Age you would want to get married:Beofre 30.

297. Best Man/Bride's Maid: Not sure.

298. Honeymoon: Ireland.

Section Fifteen: Your friends

299. Best friend: Noah.

300. Known the longest: Elise.

301. Craziest: Not sure.

302. Loudest: Noah

303. Shyest: Me

304. Best hair: Jake

305. Best eyes: Jake

306. Best body: Idk

307. Most Athletic: Idk

308. Hot-Tempered: Craig

309. Most impatient: me

310. Shortest: Crystal

311. Tallest: Jake

312. Skinniest: Jake

313. Best singer: Jake

314. Funniest: Noah

315. Can always make you laugh: Noah or Craig

316. Wish you talked to more: Craig or Jake

317. Wish you saw more: Noah

318. Who drives you insane after a while: None

319. Who you can stay around forever and never get sick of: Noah

320. Ever lose a friend because you took it to the 'next level': Almost

321. Whose always been there when you need them: Noah

322. Who is like your family: Noah.

323. How many friends do you have?: like 4.

324. How many are really close? 1.

Section Sixteen: The last

325. Thing you ate: Nerds.

326. Thing you drank: Baja blast.

327. Thing you wore: Work uniform.

328. Thing you did: Peed.

329. Place you went: Taco Bell.

330. Thing you got pierced or tattooed:Nose.

331. Person you saw: Tristyn.

332. Person you hugged: Tristyn.

333. Person you kissed:Tristyn.

334. NQ- Person you beat to a juicy pulp:Alysha kinda.

335. Person you talked to online: Nate.

336. Person you talked to on the phone: My mom.

337. Song you heard: Selfish Machines.

338. Show you saw: Shokugeki Food Wars.

339. Time you fought with your parents: Like 2 weeks ago.

340. Time you fought with a friend: A week ago.

341. Words you said: Go sleepies and brush your teefies

Section Seventeen: Now

343. What are you eating: Mothing.

344. What are you drinking: Nothing.

345. What are you thinking: Sad thoughts.

346. What are you wearing: Pj’s.

347. What are you doing: This.

349. Hair: Down like usual.

350. Mood: Sleepy.

351. Listening to: The fan.

352. Talking to anyone: No.

353. Watching anything: No

Section Eighteen: Yes or No

354. Are you a vegetarian: No

355. Are you a carnivore: Yes.

356. Are you heterosexual: No

357. Do you like penguins: Yes

358. Do you write poetry: Yes

359. Do you see stupid people: Yes

360. You + Me: no

361. Do you like the Osbournes: Yes

362. Can you see flying pigs: no

363. Do you sleep with stuffed animals on your bed: Yes

364. Are you from Afghanistan: no

365. Is Christina Aguilera ugly: no

366. Are you a zombie: Mo

367. Am i annoying you: no

368. Do you bite your nails: Yes

369. Can you cross your eyes: no

370. Do you make your bed in the morning: no

371. Have you touched someone's private part:yes

Section Nineteen: This or That

372. Winter or Summer: summer

373. Spring or Autumn: spring

374. Shakira or Britney: Britney

375. MTV or VH1: mtv

376. Black or White: black

377. Yellow or Pink: pink

378. Football or Basketball: basketball

379. Mobile Phone or Pager: mobile phone

380. Pen or Pencil: pen

381. Cold or Hot: hot

382. Tattoos or Piercings: piercing

383. Inside or Outside: inside

384. Weed or Alcohol: weed

385. Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi

386. Tape or Glue: glue

387. McDonald's or In-n-Out: mcdonalds

Section Twenty: Opinions

388. What do you think about classical music: It’s okay.

389. About boy bands: Good.

390. About suicide: Sad.

391. About people who try to force their opinions on you: Annoying.

392. About teen pregnancy: Not horrible

393. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years: married with kids hopefully

394. Who do you think you'll still be friends with in 5 years: Noah

395. About gay men: they’re nice

Section Twenty-One:

396. Do you have a website: no

397. Current weather right now: cold

398. Current time: 234 AM

399. Any shout outs: no

400. Last thoughts: no

[kelleyish]

Tumblr, I tell you what. I’ve been having a difficult couple of weeks. I’m still kind of in the middle of it, too.  I’m having another “poor me” phase, and feeling very discouraged about everything. The business thing is still struggling, and I’m having trouble finding motivation to do things.  This in turn makes me feel like I don’t have what it takes to run my own business, and I should just go punch someone else’s time clock until I’m 70.

I’m sticking to keto, but truthfully it’s only because I went and put my car away in my garage a week ago, so I don’t have access to it to make midnight 7-11 runs. Nevertheless, every night my brain taps on my shoulder, asking if I should maybe steal my parent’s car keys, or if it’s too far to walk to the store.

While I’m eating keto, I haven’t been able to get my calories down as low as they need to be yet. Even though I weigh 300 lbs, my calories need to be down around 1200 a day to make any significant progress. And I haven’t been able to get down there yet.

Before I got off track a month ago,  my lowest weight was 296.  I saw as high as 305 on the scale sometime this month, and then as I made attempts to get back on the wagon I got back down to 298-something, which I think also aligned with shark week. Then I bounced back up again to around 304. I’ve been weighing every day for about the last week, and for the last few days I’ve been stuck on 300.8.  

In my mind I’ve pretty much already lost that weight loss bet I made.  I’ve wasted an entire month, and now I only have four months and still an entire 50 lbs to lose.  An average 300 lb person, especially a guy, could easily lose 50lbs in four months with a little hard work, but frankly I just don’t think my body will do it.  If I could get to a place where I think I could give some extended fasts a go it *could* be possible, but currently I’m way too hungry for that.

And finally, as I mentioned, my being on the wagon currently is being maintained by external factors, like being at my parents’ house without access to my car.  My willpower is pretty low. This upcoming weekend over Labor Day, I have to go down to Austin and housesit/dogsit for my brother. I will be all alone, unsupervised, with a car and a city at my disposal... and it just doesn’t look good. I’ve got the metaphorical angel and devil on my shoulder, the angel reminding me the diet bet isn’t out of range but can afford no more delays, while the devil whispers about the kolache shops in West, and RoundRock Donuts, and all the good food they have in Austin.

So, that’s all the internal reasons I’ve had a hard week.  Externally, when I walked into my house a couple days ago it was 91 degrees inside, even though the A/C was running.  I turned it off and went back the next day, in case it had frozen up, but it still didn’t work the next day.  The system is only four years old, but I wonder if I managed to damage it by running it too much, trying to hit a certain electricity used goal so that I can get the cheapest electricity bill I can. So now it’s going to cost who knows how much to fix that. The system has a 10 year warranty but I’m pretty sure that’s just parts and not labor.

Second, I’ve had some Funko Pops for sale on eBay for a little while.  One of them, a Lucky the Leprechaun figure, sold last week.  So I packaged it up and sent it off, and immediately when the buyer received it, he requested a refund because the item was damaged. He was trying to claim it wasn’t the item that was in the pictures, that this one was all beat up looking.  Well of course what I sent him was in pristine condition, and I immediately knew it was a scammer because I’d heard other people talk about the same thing on the Funko subreddit. The scammer claims they want to return the item, and if you accept, they get their money back and they ship you not what you sold them, but something worthless it its place.

After looking closer, I discovered this buyer’s account was less than two weeks old and has zero feedback. Had I noticed this before, I would have thought twice about completing the sale in the first place, because these scammers create new accounts every time they pull this, since the account will get banned when the scam is discovered. Rest assured I will not make that mistake ever again. 

I requested proof of the damage from the buyer twice, which they ignored both times.  After 5 days, I was told, the buyer would have the ability to escalate the claim, at which time eBay would step in. At that point, the buyer would have to provide proof, right?  Wrong.  The buyer escalated the claim at 2:30 AM (in the middle of the night, of course), and by 2:35 AM eBay had already sided with him and directed him to return the item to me, even though they could see my messages in their system and that he’d ignored my requests for proof.

I spent the next two days being pissed off about it, until I received his package back, containing - surprise surprise - a figure of Cartman from South Park, worth probably $5, instead of the $100 figure I had sold him.  I called eBay and they refunded my money without even asking for any proof on my end.  I guess maybe $100 is small potatoes for them but this whole process made me so angry. If they had asked the scammer for even a shred of proof... And then, when someone returns an eBay item, they have the option of making the seller pay for return shipping, so of course he did that as well. So that ended up being another couple of calls to eBay, making them refund that charge too, since it had turned out to be a scam and wasn’t my idea to allow the return in the first place.

On a completely different note, I recommend the movie Ready or Not, out in theatres right now.  It had a pitiful opening weekend, which surprised me.  It’s gotten good reviews, and it was a great movie. Samara Weaving was great in it, and I learned she’s Hugo Weaving’s niece (Agent Smith from Matrix, the elf dad guy in LOTR, and Red Skull from Captain America). Also Adam Brody was good in it, and I always like to see Dave Rygalski doing well.

[sesquipunzel]

Act 2 (291-300)

Yep, that is definitely the face of OH FUCK!  Exactly what I said, Johnny-me-boy!

Page 291 ==> 

I should have suspected that "I will try to be more careful next time” would come back to haunt Rose.

291. John watches the car plummet down to punch a silent hole through the cloud layer, and all his hopes of saving his friend and of having help and companionship in his predicament go plummeting down with it.

Mine did too, on reading page 290, but I've had time to think since then. I couldn't tell you if this is a fresh deduction or some faint memory bubbling up from previous read-through, but DAD went to the store after John saw the green package in the car, right? And returned, but we didn't see him carrying in the mail — because he was armless at the time. We didn't see him carrying in baking supplies either, but there was a fresh box of Betty on the counter when John was looking for him. So I'm gonna hazard the guess that the software is safely in the house somewhere. (Maybe even safely in the safe?)

[Which raises another question — couldn't Rose have looked for DAD in John's house, using the SBURB software, quicker and easier than John running around? John wasn't able to check in DAD's locked bedroom — could Rose look inside it anyway (assuming client!John is close enough)? What about looking inside the safe? This software is a coded migraine on so many levels.]

And I'd like to think DAD is in his room, busy doing something secret and important to save them all, but somehow I don't think that's how this is going to go.

Despite the magnitude of all the other issues he faces, I feel John can't help but think "dad's gonna be at least perturbed about us destroying his car"... but that's just gonna bring back the fact that dad is missing, and might not care about the car, or anything else, ever again.

292.  "But hey, accidents happen. You double check your PDA to make sure if Rose is really gone. Indeed this seems to be the case." Pretty fookin' cavalier, John! I know he means 'gone' as in 'offline', but the stakes are pretty fookin' high, and he knows there are fires and meteors threatening Rose's house — for all he knows SHE could be gone forever too, and he's just apparently lost the means to save her!

But sure, let's go check Pesterchum.

At least we get to talk to gardenGnostic, finally — she's been gone for like 200 pages.

293. GG is not meteor-splatted — she is curious, and excited, and empathic, and answers to a 'he' named 'bec'...? 

And John is taking the 'gotta save the world' stuff seriously — his movies have primed him well. As far as he knows, he's the only one to successfully create an Apple with the Alchemiter, and what Rose said about the purpose of the game really stuck with him: "and i think i have to save the world from the apocalypse!!!" 

Not all by yourself, kiddo! You've got friends, and look how GG believes in you!  

I think though, GG's not sure how much to believe yet about this being the end of everything for everyone — she's still able to sound light-hearted about Dave being silly. In fact, in general she "sounds" much more expressive in text than any of the others, lots of exclamation points and emoticons.

And I owe John an apology about his Cavalier-hood — he's thinking more clearly than I am about the fact that other people he knows have copies of the server software. Guess it was just the ‘oh well’ tone of that narration that jarred me.

294.  Aaaand Dave has apparently been rapping this whole time.

He gets with the program PDQ once John lays out the stakes, even with his mild "yo" and "oh man" and razzing on Rose's rambling rhetoric as if he has remotest room to rant.

295.  Returning to Rose in the rain: cos where else do you want to be during Harmageddon than crouching in a damp kitty crypt?

296.  The readers want her to knit a cozy for her laptop? They don't know knitters! If it's knittable and even the tiniest bit useful, she has already magicked it up out of Nothing and Wishes and String. So she equips the one she already has.

297-298.  And now they want her to make schpellcasting her schtrife schtyle...and she NOPES that right down as a really dumb way of messing with dark forces. [The chocolate fiend in me has always wondered if there are Special Dark Forces that shouldn't be messed with as well. Even if Hershey is the least special of the Dark Chocolate Forces.]

Probably for the best Rose doesn’t cross the streams, we readers don't know how magic OR science work in this verse, OR these SYLLADICES or SBURB software that fall somewhere in between. The multi-level interactions between byzantine systems would almost certainly be even more complicated and frustrating than what we've already got.

Rose apparently puts some thought into the order in which she grabs her stuff, which is better than John managed.

299.  Didn't I tell you knitting kneedles were vicious, way back when I first met Rose? I will take undeserved pride in my inadvertent prediction.

I think she should eventually pick up a pair like this, though:

300. Buuuut...allocating the knitting needles to the strife specibus causes Rose’s Tree Modus to go TIMBAAAA. Best laid plans of rats and roses gang aft agoogley, my dear. Back to one, and from the top!

That's it for tonight I'm afraid, but on pens and kneedles, storywise, and can't wait to attack the next bit and find out how we get Rose out of danger!

[welcometomy20s]

June 17, 2022

VOCALOID LEGENDS - 2017 Part 1

#293 - Waiting for a Chance to Pounce (Umetora) [Luka, Miku, GUMI, Rin, IA]

Achievement Date: 17-01-10, Upload Date: 13-10-24

Kind of seen as a counterpart of Pomp and Circumstances, I think the song itself kind of fall short because Umetora’s tuning makes the VOCALOID feel drugged or something, which wasn’t the case in the Pomp and Circumstances, so that’s a bit odd.

#294, U-4 - Can You Name the Unova Pokémon?! (hapi->) [Ryuto, Miku, miki, KAITO, Rin, GUMI, Gakupo, Teto]

Achievement Date: 17-01-20, Upload Date: 10-12-12

This is a vocaloid of the famous Pokemon rap… I believe it’s Gen 5? I think the song is interesting for how the different interpretation and tuning changes the song. Huh, there is an odd break that emphasizes the triplet nature of Pokemon names, famously utilized by Brian David Gilbert in his version. Wonder if he was inspired by this song.

#295 - Detained Teacher (HoneyWorks) [flower]

Achievement Date: 17-01-29, Upload Date: 14-04-17

The first flower song on this list. HoneyWorks actually utilizes flower quite a lot, and as with flower, HoneyWorks changes their upbeat orchestra for a self-duo rock about a teacher who tries to make amend of a wrongdoing using a student who is a brother of a friend of his who sadly passed away, and it’s part of the Confession series. Sounds more like a… I don’t know Last Note. song than what you typically think of HoneyWorks.

#296 - Snow White (n-buna) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 17-01-23, Upload Date: 16-03-12

Another fresh summer song from the master of those songs, n-buna. One of the more melancholic songs from him, I guess the Snow White motif makes it so. Perhaps, it’s the song about a shut-in and suicide? I’m not really sure, but yeah it’s a nice song. 

#297 - Earphone and Sound of Cicadas (Orangestar) [IA]

Achievement Date: 17-01-26, Upload Date: 14-07-17

Song that defined the Orangestar’s Bright Summer style, and it might be the brightest and summery song from him. It also might be one of more bittersweet song from him, since I guess it’s about a girl enjoying that moment of summer despite all the troubles in life, not inspiring like his more famous songs, but more wistful, which is nice.

#298 - Judgment of Corruption (mothyP) [KAITO]

Achievement Date: 17-02-01, Upload Date: 11-06-13

And we continue the Evillious series with a corrupt judge played by KAITO. Yes, we have a rare KAITO solo song. Kind of odd, has that baroque flourish and the traditional Japanese progression, kind of sounds like a Showtime Wonder song, if I’ll be honest.

#299 - Pierrot (KEI) [Hatsune Miku]

Achievement Date: 17-02-02, Upload Date: 10-06-29

Pretty straightforward song about Pierrot trying to cheer up someone… or is it someone trying to get over an abuse removing the facade of a pierrot? Not sure, KEI’s bright rock always makes for a good listen and a pretty good song to cover as well.

#300 - Leia (Yuyoyuppe) [Megurine Luka]

Achievement Date: 17-02-07, Upload Date: 11-01-01

Milestone goes to a milestone song. One of the more famous Luka songs, and one of the most powerful VOCALOID pieces. Sad lyrics and the 11/8 beat that makes for a jarring but powerful experience and one of the best use of Luka’s large timbre. The song went under the radar but I understand why people really like this song.

#301 - Rosetta (monaca:factory) [GUMI]

Achievement Date: 17-02-18, Upload Date: 10-09-02

monaca:factory is one of the more interesting Vocaloid-P, kind of a mix of rock and trance that has a clean and refined feel to it, quite unlike any other producer. GUMI is well used here as well, although you can’t go wrong with GUMI…

#302 - Ecstatic Vivace (Last Note.) [GUMI]

Achievement Date: 17-02-26, Upload Date: 13-06-28

Third song from Mikagura Academy series, about a short girl pretending to be a tall girl trying to learn calligraphy but not doing particularly well. Well contains the typical Last Note. happy spirit but a bit heavier than usual, which is fine.