#it's just kids. just a bunch of 20 year old college kids not old enough to realize other people exist

[cuntwrap--supreme]

Cool! Xfinity is the only internet provider in my area, and they have such lax security that, despite me having what I would consider an impossible to guess password, I still had 15 random devices connected to my wifi. So I canceled with them because I'd rather have no wifi than be paying for some freeloading shitsacks to steal my shit! Hooray!

[nydescynt]

In elementary school, the first and only time I heard about trans people existing was a rumor about Lady Gaga. The first movie I saw with any kind of trans character was Ace Ventura, which my dad paused and preemptively explained, in serious tones; not because the transmisogyny might be upsetting, but because the existence of trans people was such an adult and taboo topic for us to be introduced to.

But things got better- were getting better, slowly. A guy in the grade below me in high school was the first openly trans person at my school. There were a few openly gay/lesbian couples at every school dance, something kids even a few grades above me said hadn't happened for fear of backlash. TV and movies, even kind of shitty primetime ones, were adding lgbt+ characters to their lineups.

Gay marriage was legalized in June of 2015. I remember walking to get frozen custard with my friends, and feeling an infectious joy: that everything was getting better.

I graduated high school in 2016.

Everything that year felt like a slide backwards into hatred. Increasingly fascistic rhetoric from the Republican candidates had crystallized into a bid for Donald Trump to run for president. The Pulse nightclub shooting happened that June; I remember crying for days, going to a vigil with my sister. We lied and told our parents we were going to the movies. Each car that passed made everyone at the vigil tense and relax - we'd already seen the news about the bomb threats, the foiled copycats.

I had just entered my first year of college, bought my first binder. Offered she/they pronouns in one class. Gotten to vote for the first time.

Trump won. Anti-immigrant and anti-queer and anti-BLM posters were slathered over campus the next day.

I remember feeling broken, the whole week after. Crying in the tiny LGBTQIA+ club room with a bunch of other dead-eyed queer kids. We spent every moment not in class huddled together like penguins, basking in the meager solace of all being equally scared.

We fought. We made social groups and organizations. We protested. We signed classmates up to vote. The microphone set up for national coming out day the following year saw lines of people waiting to tell the world who they were, in spite of it all. We got gender-neutral bathrooms designated in every building. We kept trying.

Social change comes in waves- 2 steps forward, 1.9 steps back. It feels awful and horrifying to see the backpeddle, especially when you're just coming of age after a period when all you can really properly remember is the steps forward. I know; I entered the world at a similar moment.

I don't want to retell my whole life story, so I'll end on this. After I graduated, Fall of 2019 I went down to Tennessee and worked at Cracker Barrel HQ for a while. They have a pride affinity group. One of the company leaders was an openly gay man old enough to be my grandpa. The world after that went to shit in other ways, but sometimes I sit and stare at my tacky CB-logoed rainbow flag and pride glows inside me. Pride that we have made it so far, so fast; that what was unmentionable 40 years ago and mockable 20 years ago is normal enough to be blandly included today. I am asking you to believe that we are still stepping forward. I am asking you to keep being you - as quietly as you want to, as loudly as you can.

[velarisdusk]

im bored tell me a random life story of yours

deciding if i go for meaningful or interesting....

my sophomore year of college, my boyfriend and i went on a halloweekend bender with a bunch of his friends. also bender is a bit generous of a word for it, we just went to our janky college club (RIP Pub, you will be missed; they tore it down to build apartments) 3 nights in a row. night 1 was fine, night 2 was questionable. but night 3? let me set the scene. (also putting this under the cut bc kinda long)

im dressed as a sexy german barmaid. obviously. the club is a quick hop skip and a jump from where my bf's dorm was on campus, so we walked bc who's gonna pay for an uber, it's right there. so a group of like 15 or so college kids who are like, 18-20 years old, are laughing and stumbling through campus (bc we pregamed. obviously.) and everything is going great until we walk by campus cops and everyone goes quiet. like why would you do that thats so fucking suspicious.

n e way, my bf and i were towards the back of the group so we kinda walked around and waited for them further up bc we weren't getting a citation goodbye. they ended up fine, so we all get to the club, have our fun, i have no clue how much i drank that night but it was more than enough. my bf and i tell everyone we'll meet them back at the dorms, and walk to the mcdonalds a couple of streets down from the club. we eat, whatever, walk back.

something abt me is i either wear a push up bra or no bra. you'll see me one day with C's and the next with A's, that's just how it is and idc. sometimes outfits need more or less boob and i can accomodate that. so i take off my VS bombshell bra bc its tight, and ask my bf to hold it bc his costume had big ass pockets. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW, THIS BRA IS SEVENTY DOLLARS. we get back to the dorm and he realizes its not in his pocket. this man lost my seventy dollar bra. and we'd only been dating for a month atp so he was like, sweating.

we retrace our steps and we're abt to give up hope (just remembering rn that this is the night i peed in a bush by the campus gym bc i could not make it to a bathroom), when on this very lowlight street, we're abt to cross paths with a dude who looks like hes tweakingggg, but my bf goes ahead and asks "yo bro, you seen a bra on the ground" and im rolling my eyes bc this is so stupid im ready to cut my losses and go home

"actually yeah bro wtf, it was right on that corner" points behind him

we thank him, we're laughing, we go get my bra, it's all nice and pristine, all good, and then the campus cops show up. different ones from earlier but they were driving by and they slowed down next to us and basically asked why we were picking a bra up off the ground. cue us trying to casually explain what happened without baiting them into asking our age bc underage drinking is very very bad

[hockeylovee12]

SOMETHING MINE-Luke Hughes

Part One

It all started on April 11th after the New Jersey Devils won 5-3 over the Buffalo Sabres. It was their last home game of the regular season and also the night 19 year old Luke Hughes made his NHL debut.

He did pretty well but was unable to wrangle up his first point, his brother Jack on the other hand had a fantastic night and managed to get one goal and two assists putting him one point away from reaching 100.

Jack was named the first star of the game and after he was finished with media he met up with Luke in the locker room.

“Hey so Nico, Dawson and Timo are going to Charlie’s it’s a sports bar down the street you coming?” Jack asked his younger brother.

Luke reluctantly agreed realizing the possibility of him being the only sober person the rest of the night. It sucks being the youngest.

The boys finished showering and changed into some more casual clothes and then they all left the rink and headed towards Charlie’s.

——————————————————————

You had been working part time at Charlie’s for the past six months after one of your roommates who was the niece of the owner helped you get the job. The pay was good and you made great tips. Surprisingly drunk people tend to over tip. The only thing that sucked is your coworkers who seemed to have an strong dislike for you.

You were only 19 and working part time because you were a student at a local college nearby. You were the oldest of four kids and came from a single income home so you were use to balancing jobs and school.

You had worked out your school schedule so you had all your classes on Monday and Wednesday and on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays and sometimes Saturdays you would work.

On this Tuesday the restaurant was already pretty busy and you already had five tables in your section. Usually you only get regulars and a few others but tonight there were a bunch you didn’t recognize and unsurprisingly your coworkers were putting the largest parties in your section.

You were taking the order of a group of three when you spotted five men walk in. They waited by the hostess stand while you continued writing down your tables order.

As you took the menus from your current table and walked to put them back you noticed as your coworker Clarissa guided the group of five to a booth in your section. 

You rolled your eyes knowing know you had over 20 people in your section while the others had less than 10 but shook your head knowing there’s no use in complaining this is how it usually goes.

You walk over to the group of boys and introduce yourself.

“Hi my name is Y/N and I’ll be your server today can I get you all started with some drinks?”

“Could I get a bud light” the captain Nico Hiescher requests

“Make that two” Jack Hughes says

“Ya I’ll take a bud light as well” Dawson Mercer says with a smile

“I guess if everyone is drinking a bud light make it a fourth” Timo Meier says You turn to the youngest Hughes

“Bud light for you too?” You ask

“Just water for me please” He says

“Oh ya he’s not old enough” Nico comments making Luke blush a little embarrassed

You nod your head then finish writing down the order and walk to the bar.

“Hey I need four bud lights and a water” you tell the bartender

He places the beers and the glass of water on the table and you bring them over to the group before giving them a few minutes with the menu and checking on your other tables.

After a few more minutes you walk back to the group of hockey players and ask if they’re ready to order.

“Ya I think so” Dawson says looking around the table and receiving nods in agreement.

You write down the order for three all american burgers an order of wings and chicken tenders.

The boys order a second round of beers and you take away the empty bottles on the table and replace them with new ones.

You give the order to the kitchen then head back on to the main floor.

After closing up two more tables you ask a coworker to cover for you while you ran to the restroom.

Reluctantly she agrees and you dash towards the bathroom down the hall from the bar.

As you quickly walk down the hall towards the woman’s room a loud crash sounds and you lose your train of thought and walk right into the men’s bathroom door that had just swung open.

“Ow” you say holding your head you

“Shit I’m sorry are you ok?” A man asks

You look up at the much taller man and realize it was one of your customers the one who wasn’t drinking.

“Shit ya no I’m fine sorry I wasn’t paying attention I’m fine” you say feeling slightly embarrassed at the awkward scene that just occurred.

“Alright uh sorry again and uh you should watch where you’re going” The guy says before walking off

You scoff at the words said. Maybe you should watch where you’re going. You roll your eyes then shake off the thought and continue with your previous task. After you finish you check on your tables then deliver the food that was ready. Feeling still slightly embarrassed as you set down the chicken tenders in front of the boy who just smacked you in the face with a door.

—————————————————————���—

It was close to midnight when the restaurant was starting to slow down the only customers left were the hockey players who were a little drunk with the exception of Luke Hughes who was not drinking and a few regulars sitting at the bar.

You walk over to them and ask if they need any boxes.

“No I think we’re ok thank you” Luke says

“One check?” You ask

“Ya please”

You walk to the hostess stand and sort out the bill then leave it on their table.

A few minutes later you return and run the card given. The boys said thank you and then began heading out. You notice one of the guys was clearly drunker then the rest (not that the rest weren’t drunk as well) and you walked to the door to hold it open while two of his friends helped him out.

“Thank you and uh sorry again about before about your head” Luke says

“No worries you guys have a good night” You say before walking back inside the restaurant

———————————————————————

That was the first time you met him. The following Saturday you were working a three hour shift from 4-8 and a few minutes before it was time for you to clock out he came in again to pick up take out.

“Name?” You ask

“Luke Hughes”

“One second” You say then walk to the back you find his order and bring it back to the front and hand it to him.

“Thanks” he says with a smile

You return the smile and watch as he leaves out the door.

A few minutes later your manager tells you you’re good to clock out. You sigh relieved and head to the back to grab your things.

You begin walking towards the parking lot which is on the way towards your apartment. Usually you drive but your car had to go in for maintenance yesterday and you couldn’t get it back until Monday. It wasn’t that far a walk only about 20 minutes so you were fine.

Once you get to the parking lot you notice Luke standing by his car checking out the tire.

“Hey is everything ok?” You ask

“Ya I just got a flat” He says you walk closer to him and check out the damage.

“This is why you don’t park on a curb” you joke

“Ok I’m not exactly good at parking” he claims

“Ya I can see that” You joke

“Do you have a spare?” You ask

“Ya but I don’t know how to change a tire” he says slightly embarrassed

You laugh

“Relax I can help you” You tell him

He pops his trunk open and lifts the tire out and grabs the tool next to it.

You loosen the flat tire and replace the other one.

“Thank you” Luke says

“My pleasure” You say grabbing your bag from the ground and handing the tool back to Luke

“It’s Y/N right?” He asks

“Yes”

“How’d you know how to do that?” Luke asks

“My dads a mechanic I’ve been changing tires since I was a kid he didn’t want me to get stuck then have to ask someone for help” You explain

“Nice clearly my dad did not have the same mindset” He jokes

“Well there’s always time to learn” you tell him he smiles as you turn around looking towards the sidewalk

“Where you headed?” Luke asks

“I just finished my shift so I’m headed back to my apartment” You explain turning back around.

“Are you walking?” He asks

“Ya I don’t live too far from here” You explain

“Let me give you a ride” he says you consider it but your not sure

“Come on it’s getting dark out it could be dangerous” He reasons

“And letting a stranger drive me home isn’t?” You say

“Well no but I’m not gonna kidnap you or something come on you just fixed my tire it’s the least I can do” he says

“That’s exactly what a kidnapper would say” You joke

He rolls his eyes and you smile

He walks around to the passenger side of his car and opens the door

You smile at him and get in the car.

He closes it and walks around to the drivers side.

“Here do you wanna put your address in so I know where I’m going” Luke says handing you his phone with google maps opened.

You take the phone and type in your apartment building name.

The GPS starts up and he begins backing out of his messed up parking job.

———————————————————————

“So where are you from?” Luke asks

“I’m from a small town in Northern Virginia” You answer

“That’s cool so what brings you to Jersey?” He asks

“I go to school out here”

“Cool”

The two of you continue talking about different subjects until Luke pulls up in front of your building.

“Thank you for the ride” You say

“Your welcome see I told you I wasn’t a kidnapper” he jokes

You smile and gather your things

“Hey before you go how about you put your number in my phone you know in case I wanna learn how to change a tire or something” Luke offers

You smile and take his phone again and put your number in.

“I’ll see you around Y/N” Luke says as you walk into your apartment building you flash him one last smile and he drives off.

———————————————————————

The next couple of weeks you and Luke kept talking the two of you hung out a few times and you started learning more about each other. You guys talked about your families and you found he was in the NHL and you were a little taken back by that but still thought it was cool.

Eventually the two of you started dating but you decided to keep it a secret from your friends and family at least for the time being mostly because of his job but also because you both agreed that it was nice having something that you didn’t have to share with the world something that was just yours.

A/N this is so random but I thought it was kinda funny I hope someone enjoys it lmk if you want a part 2 and what you would like to see. Also I’m still taking requests

All images are from Pinterest

[wirewitchviolet]

"They Don't Teach Kids About Computers These Days!"

I see variations on this a LOT these days. Sometimes it's people in their teens/early 20s being frustrated at how they're expected to know everything about computers, sometimes it's college professors straight up HORRIFIED when they realize they have students who don't have any understanding that their hard drive, a school's internal network, and on a public website are completely distinct places for a file to be located, and I kinda figure the weird stress a lot of people seem to have about the concept of getting a game and not having it just go into their Steam library specifically is a related issue.

Now on the one hand, obviously, I sympathize with this. I have a series of posts on this blog called How A Computer Works, because... I want to teach people about this stuff. (That's still ongoing by the way, I've just got a lot else going on and need to settle on the scope of the next lesson.) On the other hand, uh... I'm from the generation before the one that apparently has all the computer literacy problems, and nobody taught us this stuff in school... and the next generation up wouldn't possibly have had access. So was anyone taught how to use them?

Now I say "they didn't teach my generation how to use computers in school" but that isn't technically true. I see a lot of people call people my age "the Oregon Trail generation" when this topic comes up. Sort of on the edge of Gen X and Millennials, going through school in that window where Apple had really really pushed the Apple ][ on schools with big discounts. And they did have "computer classes" to learn how to do some things on those, but... that isn't really a transferable or relevant skill set.

Like, yeah, if you're below the age of let's say 30 or so as of when I'm writing this, the idea of what "a computer" is has been pretty stable for your whole life. You've got some sort of tower case, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and in that tower there's a bunch of RAM, a processor, video and sound cards of some sort, and a big ol' hard drive, and it's running Windows, MacOS, or some flavor of Unix going for the same basic look and functionality of those. It's generally assumed (more than it should be, some of us our poor) that a given person is going to have one in their home, any school is going to have a whole room full of them, libraries will have some too, and they are generally a part of your life. We can probably make the same sort of general assumption about IPhone/Android cellphones for the past what, 15 years or so too, while we're at it. They're ubiquitous enough that, especially in academic circles where they're kind of required professionally, people are going to assume you know them inside and out.

Prior to the mid-90s though? It was kind of a lawless frontier. Let's say you have a real young cool teacher who got way into computers at like 5 years old, and now they're 25 and they're your computer class teacher in the mid-90s. The computer they got way into as a kid? It would have been this.

That's not a component of it, that's the whole thing. A bank of switches for directly inputting binary values into memory addresses and some more switches for opcodes basically, and then some LEDs as your only output. Nothing about this is other than the benefits of fundamentally understanding some low level stuff is going to be useful at all in any sort of practical sense if you sit down a decade later with one of these.

This at least looks a bit more like a computer you'd see today, but to be clear, this has no mouse, no way to connect to the internet, which wasn't really a thing yet to begin with, and no hard drive, even. You did not install things on an Apple ][. You had every program on a big ol' floppy disk (the sort that were just a circle of magnetic film in a thick paper envelope basically and were, in fact, floppy), you would shove that in the disk drive before turning the machine on, it'd make a horrible stuttering knocking sound resetting the drive head, and just read whatever was on that right into memory and jump right on in to running Oregon Trail or a non-wysiwyg text editor (i.e. there's no making bold text appear on screen, you'd just have a big ugly tag on either side of your [BOLD>bold text<BOLD] like that). It was not unlike popping a cartridge or disc into an older video game console, except for the bit where if you wanted to save something you'd have to take the disk out while it was running and pop a blank one into the drive to save to.

So when I was a kid and I'd have my "computer class" it'd be walking into a room, sitting down with one of these, and having a teacher just as new to it as I was just reading out a list of instructions off a sheet like, "flip open the lock on the disk drive, take the disk out of the sleeve, make sure it says Logo Writer on it, slide it in with the label up and facing you, flip the lock back down, hit the power switch in the back of the machine..." We didn't learn anything about file management beyond "don't touch anything until the screen says it's done saving to the disk" because again, no hard drives. I guess there was a typing class? That's something, but really there's nothing to learn about typing that isn't where every key is and you only (but inevitably) learn that through practice.

Now, overlapping with this, I eventually got myself a used computer in the early 90s, very old at the time, but not as old as the ones at school. I had a proper black and white OG Mac. With a hard drive and a window-based operating system and everything. And... nobody taught me a damn thing about how that one worked. My mother just straight up did not touch a computer until something like 2001. I didn't really have any techie mentors. I just plugged it in and messed around and worked everything out. Same way I worked out what I was doing with older computers, mostly on my own at the local library, because that computer class wasn't much, and how I was totally left on my own to work out how to hook up every console I ever owned, which was slightly more involved at the time.

That forky bit in the middle was held in place with a pair of phillips headscrews. Had to keep the VCR and cable box in the right daisy chain order too.

Enough rambling about how old I am though. What's the actual disconnect here? How did my generation work out everything about computers without help but the next one down allegedly goes dear in the headlights if someone asks them to send them a file?

Well first off I'm not at all willing to believe this isn't at least largely a sampling bias issue. Teachers see all the clueless kids, people asking online for help with things is more common than people spontaneously mentioning how everything is second-nature to them, etc. Two things stick out to me though as potential sources of the issue though:

First, holy crap are modern computers ever frail, sickly little things! I'm not even talking about unreliable hardware, but yeah, there's some shoddy builds out there. I mean there's so many software dependencies and auto-updating system files and stuff that looks for specific files in one and only one location, just crashing if they aren't there. Right now on this Windows 10 machine I've got this little outdoor temperature tracker down in the task bar which will frequently start rapidly fluttering between normal and a 50% offset every frame, and the whole bar becomes unresponsive, until I open the task manager (don't even have to do anything, just open it). No clue what's up with that. It was some system update. It also tries to serve me ads. Don't know if it's load-bearing. Roughly every other day I have to force-quit Steam webhelper. Not really sure what that's even for. Loading user reviews? Part of me wants to dig in and yank out all this buggy bloatware, but I genuinely don't know what files are loadbearing. This wasn't an issue on older computers. Again, screwing around with an old Apple ][, and old consoles and such, there wasn't anything I could really break experimenting around. It was all firmware ROM chips, RAM that cleared on power cycling, and disks which were mostly copy-protected or contained my own stuff. No way to cause any problem not fixed by power cycling.

Next, everything runs pretty smoothly and seemlessly these days (when working properly anyway). Files autosave every few seconds, never asking you where you actually want to save them to, things quietly connect to the internet in the background, accessing servers, harvesting your info. Resolutions change on their own. Hell emulators of older systems load themselves up when needed without asking. There's a bunch of stuff that used to be really involved that's basically invisible today. The joke about this being "a 3D print of the save icon" already doesn't work because how often do you even see a UI element for saving? When we still used disks regularly, they held next to nothing and would take like half a minute to read and write.

And don't even get me started on launchers and start menus and all that.

So... basically what I'm getting at here is if you feel like you never learned how to properly use a computer, go get your hands on an old computer and mess around. There's yard sales, there's nice safe runs in a browser emulators, hell there's kits to build your own. That or just look for someone wearing like a Mega Man T-shirt or playing a Madonna CD (hell maybe just any CD these days) and start politely asking questions, because again just because everyone who knows this stuff just had to work it out on our own doesn't mean you should have to.

[buckysgrace]

20. Bubbles

Part Twenty of Every Little Thing!

CW: smut, lots of pregnancy talk haha. This chapter and next will skip around a bit!!

Daphne’s cautious attitude blossomed into excitement and relaxation, the same way the hot summer slowly drifted into a cold autumn. She enjoyed the cold, liked the way the leaves crunched underneath her shoes and the feeling of being bunched underneath blankets and blankets as the wind rattled against the side of the house. 

She grew excited the more her bump grew, feeling like she no longer looked like she was just bloated. The bump was still small, but she enjoyed feeling for where the twins might be growing. Right now their size didn’t bother her, as they would only be two little raspberries at this point. 

“I’m not dressing up.” Gator shook his head, his pink lips parting into a soft laugh as he drifted his fingertips over her swollen belly. He seemed to enjoy touching her stomach more than she did. He was always doing so, especially since they’d officially moved back into their finished house. Birdie had slowly grown accustomed to the idea of Gator doing so, although Gator still occasionally received a swift swat.

“Why?” Daphne whined from where she was resting on his lap,  “It’s Halloween. It’s the only time we can dress up.” She pointed out, still thinking that it would be a lot of fun. She hadn’t done it in years, not since before she’d left the country. 

“No one is going to come this far out into the country anyways.” Gator shook his head again, still looking less than pleased at the idea as she curled herself closer to his warm body. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders before she rested her head near his. 

“It would be fun,” She continued to press on, “Please.” She pouted out her bottom lip as she nudged her cheek against his. He exhaled deeply, but she could tell by his tone that he was at least considering her suggestion. She supposed she was a bit spoiled by him as he usually always gave into her. 

“We’re way too old.” He said quickly as he furrowed his dark eyebrows together. She pressed her thumb between his eyebrows gently, liking the way his features immediately relaxed as she did so. 

“No I’m not,” She protested, doing her best to keep from growing offended at his claim, “You’d do it if you really loved me.” She added sweetly, her tone leaking with honey as she kissed the side of his smooth cheek repeatedly. 

“Now that’s just not fair.” He groaned. She could feel the corner of his mouth slightly curling up into a smile, just enough to reassure her that he wasn’t at all irritated. He didn’t fully agree to it now, but she had a feeling he would soon.

It felt odd for her to not have a job, to not have much of anything to do. She enrolled back in some college courses, taking miscellaneous writing classes as well as a handful of science ones. What she really enjoyed, however, was getting a chance to get back into her music. She knew what Bruce thought of it, but she really enjoyed getting the chance to sing and play her guitar to herself. Birdie was her main audience, along with Gator usually. He was harder to sing in front of as he always teased her about how her songs were written about him. She denied it, even though it was true. 

She finally managed to convince him to attend the Halloween event with her, even though he still continued to whine about it. It was a school event, a sort of trunk or treat that she was going to help Ruby with. Ruby was also bringing in one of her favorite hens and the fresh clutch of chicks that had been hatched to show off to the school kids.

“I don’t want to,” He continued to whine as she dragged him towards her parents house, “I look ridiculous.” He mumbled as he gestured down towards his outfit. She shook her head, feeling like he was being dramatic for no reason. 

“That’s the same outfit you wear when you go hunting,” She pointed out quickly as she observed his camo pants and hoodie, “You look fine.” She told him honestly, shivering a little bit from the chill that pressed against her bones. 

To the best of her ability, she had dressed herself as a deer. She had seen something similar on Pinterest and decided it was the only real way that she’d get Gator to dress up. She’d get him to do more next year when the twins arrived. 

“How cute,” Ruby grinned from ear to ear as she saw the two of them, clearly still overjoyed at the fact that they were actually together, “Let me get a picture before we go.” She urged them together, only to struggle with the camera on her phone for the next few minutes.

“Mom,” Daphne spoke between her teeth as she kept her lips pressed into a tight smile, “Do you have it yet?” She asked as Gator’s grip on her slowly became tighter as the cold wind continued to nip at their exposed faces. 

“Uh,” Ruby moved her phone away to look at it again, “Shoot I took it of myself.” She mumbled as she looked at her camera, shaking her head like she didn’t understand what she’d done wrong. Daphne sighed. 

“S’alright,” Gator laughed as he held his hand out. He took her phone, then quickly flipped the camera onto the right side, “Do it that way.” He instructed her before he stood next to Daphne again, pulling her even closer. She took a second to relax her features and roll her tongue across the insides of her burning cheeks before she smiled again. 

“Oh, right,” Ruby shook her head, “Technology. There. I finally got it.” She grinned in response, waving her phone around a bit as Daphne rubbed her fingers together. Gator placed his large hands over hers, giving her a soft squeeze before he helped her into the car. 

The school was packed as expected, but Daphne enjoyed the bustle of the younger children running around the packed gymnasium. She was slightly worried about running into Jessie, but her luck seemed to prevail as the night went on. 

She helped pass out candy with Gator, while Ruby took to explaining the importance of chickens and letting children take turns petting the hen and chicks. Daphne used to enjoy doing the same thing. 

“You think they’ll fight like that?” Gator mumbled, his features wrinkled up in judgment as he glanced over to a pair of boys that were screaming and hitting at each other as their parents tried to yank them apart. She pressed her lips together, trying to hide her smile. 

“Do you remember how me and all of my siblings fought?” She asked him seriously, “Of course they will.” She told him truthfully, smiling up towards him as he brought his large palm down against her soft bump again.

“Great,” He mumbled underneath his breath, “Perfect.” His lips twitched into the softest smile, holding a bit of amusement as he pressed he rolled his hand in a soft circle. He kept denying it, but she had a feeling he was going to be quite the baby hog. 

“They’ll get along too,” She reassured him, “Don’t worry about it.” She smiled as she briefly stepped on her tippy toes to peck his lips. He dragged his thumb near her belly button as he slowly dragged his mouth against hers. She savored the taste of bubblegum on his tongue as her heart hammered roughly inside of her chest. Everything felt right, like it was meant to be.

She snacked on a leftover bag of Skittles as they left the school, her mind full of different ways they could dress up the twins once they had them. She stalled as something small caught her eye and she was quick to pull away from their little trio to examine it. 

“Oh, Daphne!” Ruby protested as Daphne hurriedly lifted the little Opossum into her hands, “Put that thing down! They have rabies!” She squeaked out, looking rather squeamish as the little animal cowered in Daphne’s hands. 

“They don’t carry rabies,” Daphne scoffed, “Look! It’s a baby. The mother’s don’t come back if they drop them like this.” She frowned as she analyzed the little guy again. She brushed the top of its head with her thumb, watching the way it parted its jaw wide. 

“We can drop it off in the woods,” Gator reassured her as he started to reach for it, “I don’t think you should be holding it though.” He looked a little concerned, but Daphne knew the behavior of the animal better. 

“They’re harmless.” She told him seriously, smiling as she looked at the little fingers and toes on the Opossum. They were cute, she didn’t understand how people didn’t enjoy them. 

“It’s drooling all over you.” Ruby said in disbelief, making Daphne smile at her reaction. She never seemed to enjoy it when Daphne found different critters to play with. 

“It’s a defense mechanism,” Daphne pouted as she held the little animal up towards Gator’s eyes, “Isn’t this guy the cutest?” She squealed as she held onto him, hoping that she might be able to keep him. 

“I think Birdie would eat him.” Gator dismissed her, though he did reach a finger out to touch at the toys on the animal. She thought with a little bit of work she might convince him to keep the animal. 

“Don’t be mean to my poor kitty,” Daphne replied as she held the cold animal in her palms, “The conservation center is probably closed by now, but I can take it up tomorrow.” She spoke truly this time. The center would be well past closed and she couldn’t leave it outside alone. It was still shivering in her palms. 

“Oh my,” Ruby looked at her in disbelief, “Just drop it off in the country, it’ll find its way home.” She shook her head, still looking disgruntled as she balanced the cage of chickens in her hands. 

“Opossums aren’t supposed to be up this far North,” Daphne said with a frown, “This little guy needs our help.” She pouted out her bottom lip as she held the little animal up to her face. Gator sighed deeply for a moment before he nodded his head in agreement.

“Just for tonight,” He warned her, giving her a look that told her not to get too attached, “There’s no room for it.” He mumbled as he helped Ruby put the chickens back into the truck. She grinned as she looked at the opossum again, very delighted over her win. 

/////////////////////////////

“I thought you were gonna drop that thing off?” Gator questioned the next afternoon, his eyebrows raised as he peered at the cage the opossum was resting in. She had used one of his old snake aquariums, finding that it was the perfect size for the little animal. 

“He’s not a thing.” She pointed out as she petted her fingers through Birdie’s hair. He was resting on her lap, purring happily at the attention he was getting. 

“So you know the gender now?” Gator laughed as he held up his vest. She stared at the way his shirt clung to his body, enjoying the way his sides curved and dipped down towards his waist. 

“I felt bad calling him an it,” She reasoned softly, “I tried to Google it but I don’t think he’s old enough to really tell yet.” She told him as she rested her cheek against her knuckles, sighing softly as she watched him walk towards her. 

“You’re odd,” He said with a soft chuckle as he leant over to kiss the top of her head, “C’mon.” He rubbed at her shoulder softly, leaving her confused as she glanced up towards him. 

“Where are we going?” She asked him softly, although she already felt like she knew the answer to her own question. She felt her shoulders sag just a little bit. 

“Dropping him off,” He responded, then quickly nodded his head as she began to protest, “In a few months you won’t have enough time to take care of infants and a little rodent.” She shook her head quickly, feeling like she would have plenty of time to watch all of them. 

“Opossums aren’t rodents,” She replied gently, “They’re actually marsupials.” She corrected him with a soft laugh, sighing deeply as she could see the way his stance wasn’t swaying. He meant his word. 

“Oh my bad,” Gator teased her, “Come on. It’s time to go before that thing stinks up our house.” He brushes his fingers through her hair gently, twisting the red strands around as she let out a soft grumble. 

“He doesn’t stink,” Daphne mumbled underneath her breath as she looked towards the little opossum in disappointment, “Oh, alright.” She agreed with him finally, knowing that it wasn’t worth the fight. Perhaps she could convince him to get another cat instead. 

Only a few tears were shed at the dropoff, which Daphne blamed on the pregnancy hormones. Gator rubbed her back through the whole ordeal, offering his sympathies as she did her best to calm down. She knew it was silly. The opossum really would be better off with someone who actually knew what they were doing. 

“You did good,” Gator grinned as he pressed his lips against hers gently, “I’m sure the little guy will find his family again.” He reassured her, but she was too focused on the odd taste that was in her mouth. 

“Are you chewing?” She asked him as she furrowed her eyebrows together in disgust, rolling her tongue around in her mouth. It wasn’t the usual fruity taste she was used to when she kissed him. This was different, bitter. Gross. 

“I always chew.” He said in defense of himself, looking like he didn’t understand what the big issue was. 

“It tastes gross,” She replied as she wrinkled her nose up, “I can still taste it.” She gagged as she held her tongue out, as if she could get rid of the taste that way. He laughed as he passed his Mountain Dew to her, allowing her to take a swig from it. 

She cleared the taste from her mouth, trying to erase the bitter taste that formed in the back of her throat. Gator reached over to squeeze at her knee, making her giggle as a tickle raced up her spine. 

“Woah,” Gator grinned as he moved a large hand against Daphne’s round tummy, “They’re growing.” He mumbled softly as he glanced down up towards her.

“I’m getting huge,” Daphne whined, “Soon I won’t be able to see my feet.” She said dramatically as she held her feet out. She swore that her ankles seemed to be getting fatter as well. He pulled over in their driveway, making her stop for a moment to admire their finished house. 

“They’re cute though,” Gator grinned as he pressed a kiss near her belly button, “April won’t get here quick enough.” He mumbled as he placed another quick kiss against her stomach. She smiled brightly as she touched the side of his face, happy with how excited he was. 

She could tell as the weeks went on that something was bothering him. She couldn’t tell whether it was Roy being his usual hard to please self or something that was happening within work. Rumors spread easily through the town and it didn’t take long for her to catch wind of people calling him a dirty cop. She didn’t believe it. Not Gator. Not her Gator. 

“What are you doing?” He looked at her curiously, a can of beer in his hands and his eyes drawn towards the football game on the TV as she straddled his lap. She brushed her fingertips across his shoulders, smiling mischievously as she felt a throb of pleasure growing in her chest. 

“Making my man feel good,” She responded as she brushed her lips down the curve of his cheek, “You take such good care of me. Let me take care of you.” She mumbled as she slowly wrapped her fingers around his half hard cock.

She spit down between their bodies, watching the way her saliva slid down the length of his cock. She drew her eyes up towards his face, fascinated with the way his eyebrows crinkled together as she slowly dragged her palm up his throbbing dick. 

He cursed lowly underneath his breath, gripping her fleshy hips as his cock filled out in her hand. She kissed his forehead, enjoying the way his nose pressed against her chin and rough gasps left his lips. 

“S’nice,” He mumbled as he moved his chin up so he could lightly graze his lips against hers. She closed her eyes softly, enjoying the way his groans vibrated across her mouth as she pumped him lazily in her hand, “God. Just like that, darlin’.” He groaned as he began to thrust his hips up with her movements.

“Yeah?” She teased as she flicked her tongue across the crook of his neck, “You’re so big and thick, wanna feel you inside me.” She mumbled, whining softly as she rocked her hips down against him. She breathed out, her clit beginning to ache at the dire need to feel him inside of her wet walls.

“Jesus,” He groaned as he began to grind up into her hand. His eyelashes fluttered at her rough movements, the sound of his cock dragging against her skin filling the room, “Let me feel that pretty cunt.” He grumbled as he placed his hand between her thighs, gently beginning to press his thumb up against her clit. 

She sighed in bliss, her body bursting into flames at the pleasure that spread through her body. She rolled her hips slowly against his touch, her walls throbbing at the thought of being touched by him as she began to tug on his cock a little harder. 

“You wanna feel my pussy?” She teased him as she slowly rolled her hips forward, pressing his heavy cock down against her leggings, “You don’t like my hand?” She teased him as she rocked her clothed cunt across the length of his cock, her clit throbbing and nipples hardening from the sensation. 

“Mhm,” He huffed out softly, his fingertips digging into her skin as he looked up at her, “C’mon. I wanna feel your cunt.” He responded as he dragged his fingertips towards her inner thighs, smirking as he easily tore her leggings in response. She gaped in surprise, feeling herself beginning to protest before he shoved her panties aside and slid his hard cock through her slick cunt.

She whined, rolling her eyes back in pleasure as she felt herself stretching along his thick girth. She moved her fingers up to his shoulders, holding onto him for support as she began to rock her hips forward shakily. Her body felt hot, far too hot as the bliss spread like fire through her veins. 

Her eyes fell to his features again, watching the way his lips parted in awe as he gripped her hips and began to move her along the curve of his cock. She gasped a bit at the sensation, feeling as if this was the first time all over again. 

“Gator,” She breathed out roughly as she gripped his shoulders, angling her knees in a better position as she began to rock herself along his cock. Her walls fluttered around his girth, dragging him in even deeper as he brought his face along the crook of her neck, “God, you feel so good.” 

His nose pressed against her skin, slightly cooling her warm flesh from how cold the tip of his nose was. She moved her hands around his shoulders, clinging to him as she continued to rock herself up and down the length of his cock. She whimpered at the way he dragged against her wet walls, how his fat tip pressed against her bundle of nerves.

“Oh!” She spit out between his loud groans, her walls fluttering around his girth as he roughly grinded his hips up to meet her movements. She whined at the sensation of his balls hitting against her backside, her muscles clenching in concentration as she continued her quick movements, “Jesus, Gator.” She moaned as she tilted his head up so she could clash her lips against his.

She kissed him deeply, hungrily as her pleasure grew harshly through her body. His lips were slightly dry, but moved against hers easily as she flicked her tongue across his parted lips. He whined against her mouth as he roughly squeezed at her waist, pressing her down roughly against his cock.

“Fuck,” He hissed as she bit down on his bottom lip, tugging on it softly as he squeezed his large hands over the curve of her ass, “Such a needy little thing.” He mumbled as he flicked his tongue against hers quickly, making her croon as she nodded her head in agreement. 

The sound of their flesh meeting filled the living room, drowning out the sound of the game on the TV as Daphne’s cries grew louder and louder. The pleasure had become almost too overwhelming for her as she dug her nails into his shoulders, whimpering as her cunt squeezed tightly around his cock. 

“Gator,” She moaned loudly as she rocked her hips forward, crying out as he continued to press his cock deep against her bundle of nerves, “Oh God!” She felt her toes curl in awe as her body shook, her high crashing down over her as she came with a whine. 

Gator groaned as she went slack in his arms, tightly holding onto her waist as he continued to guide her along his cock. His movements became rougher, deeper as he pressed his lips against the crook of her neck. He buried his groans there, sighing loudly as he pressed himself deep inside of her.

She moaned again, knitting her fingers through his hair as his warm cum painted her walls. He grunted roughly before he licked at her warm neck, making her body shiver in want once again. He continued to rock her slowly along his cock, her thighs burning as she slowly came to a stop.

“I like when you get like this,” Gator panted as he looked up at her amused, his brown eyes wide, “All frisky.” He added a second later, smirking as he rubbed at her thighs. He squeezed softly, massaging his fingertips into her skin. 

“Yeah?” She giggled as she leaned forward to press her lips against his delicate nose, “It’s your fault.” She mumbled softly, feeling like it truly was his fault for leaving her all hot and bothered. Anymore, the slightest touch left her needy for him. 

“Good,” He replied as his lips curled into a lazy smile, “I want you all to myself.” He mumbled, looking quite pleased with himself as he squeezed her ass again. She giggled as she leaned forward, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers. 

Daphne still felt awkward when people brought up when they’d get married, as she honestly didn’t know when it would happen. She was still working on getting legally separated from Hugh and Gator had yet to mention anything about marriage. 

“When you go into labor,” Roy started slowly over their Saturday dinner together. They still shared a Sunday feast with all of their families, but Roy insisted that they spent at least one more dinner with them, “You should use your marriage bed.” He pointed out towards the two of them, making Daphne stall as she brought her forkful of food up to her lips. 

“What?” Gator looked at him in disbelief, his eyes just as wide and expression just as surprised as what Daphne felt. Roy shook his head, grunting softly in irritation. 

“I was born in that bed up there,” He responded as he pointed upstairs, “You were supposed to be too, except you came a few months too early. Took us all by surprise.” He pointed out, looking like he was going to head into another spiel before Daphne thought of a response. 

“Oh,” Daphne breathed out, “I didn’t think about that. Were the girls born there?” She asked the question honestly, but quickly knew her answer by the way Karen’s features wrinkled up in annoyance. 

“The twins?” Roy chuckled, “No.” He said it easily, like there was an exact reason as to why they weren’t allowed to be born there. She bit her lip, trying to ease the tension out of the room again. 

“We’ll think about it,” Daphne mused softly, “I heard water births were good too.” She nodded her head quickly as she continued to eat. She wasn’t sure if she was comfortable giving birth on her bed, but she thought that it might be more comfortable than a hospital bed. 

“Water births?” Gator looked towards her, his mouth slack and eyebrows raised high as he shook his head like she was saying something alien to him. She felt a little giggly again, thinking that his reaction was cute. 

“In the tub, dear,” She grinned as she watched his features wrinkle up in confusion, “It’s become popular recently.” She nodded her head, thinking of the various articles she’d read and skimmed through recently. 

“Oh,” He wrinkled his nose up, “And you wanna do that?” He didn’t look very impressed with that suggestion, but also didn’t seem to want to deny her request. 

“I’d prefer a hospital,” She whispered towards him, “Just in case.” She nodded her head softly, deciding that it would be safer in case anything went wrong. Gator’s features changed quickly then, falling into worry as he read over the lines on her features. 

“We won’t have to worry,” He replied quickly, “It’ll be fine.” He reached over to grasp her free hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze as she nodded her head in agreement. He was probably right. She’d made it this far. 

Karen and Roy certainly didn’t seem as excited about the aspect of being grandparents as what Bruce and Ruby were. She knew things were complicated in her family, but she was at least grateful for them. 

To combat her nerves over neither of them having any new experience with infants, she’d taken it upon herself to enroll them in a few classes. She didn’t think it would be that bad or boring. It would teach them how to hold them, how to swaddle them and feed them. She was excited for that aspect. 

“Daphne,” Gator leaned over, moving closer to her as people continued to stare, “I’m the only man here.” He mumbled towards her, his eyebrows crinkled up in confusion as his cheeks burned a bright pink. She stopped messing with the blanket for a moment. 

“Huh,” She looked around the room before she nodded her head in agreement, “You’re right.” She bit down on her bottom lip, trying to hide her sheepish smile as he looked at her unamused. 

“Daphne.” He mumbled, looking uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat. She furrowed her eyebrows together as she struggled to get her winter coat unzipped over her bump. 

“What?” She looked at him defensively, “I’m pushing two babies out, I’m going to need your help.” She told him seriously as she shook her head, wanting to make sure that they both got the experience that they needed. 

“Your sister didn’t want to come?” He asked as he rubbed at the back of his head, looking like he was too embarrassed to leave but also that he didn’t want to be there any longer. She snorted at his question. 

“Could you see Noelle changing a diaper?” Daphne asked, raising a fair question, “This just proves that you’re going to be the best daddy.” She said excitedly as she squeezed at his hand. She jerked him forward a second later, holding his hand flat as she placed his palm flat over her tummy.

“Are they kicking?” He questioned softly, his brown eyes filling with excitement as his previous behavior slipped away. She nodded her head, making sure that he was able to feel the small flutters against her stomach as she kept his hand still. 

“One of them, I think” She told him gently, “This one doesn’t like to move as much.” She responded as she pressed one of her hands to the other side of her stomach. They stayed like that for a moment, just basking in the feeling of one another until the class began.

She had to admit the class was quite dull and perhaps that was why Gator struggled to sit still for so long. He dropped their fake babies four times, twice by accident but she was fairly certain by the third time he was doing it to see if they could get kicked out of the class sooner. She was sure that her laughter didn’t do anything but encourage his behavior. 

“Do you want to do a gender reveal?” She asked him as they made their way out to the truck after the class, “Or just an old fashioned way of them telling us?” She questioned him as she tugged her hat over her ears, wrinkling her nose up as she examined the fat snowflakes that were pouring out of the sky. 

“What do you want to do?” Gator questioned her as he took her arm gently, keeping her blanched on the wet cement as the new snow crunched underneath their boots. She walked carefully with him, deciding that it would take a lot of effort to get back up if she fell. 

“I don’t really mind,” She admitted as she leaned against him, “That’s why I was asking you.” She pointed out. No matter what they were having, they’d be living in a forest-like room for some time. Hopefully they wouldn’t mind.

“I don’t want to make all the decisions,” He laughed as he helped boost her into the truck. She stumbled for a moment, struggling to find a comfortable position to sit as everything seemed to press harshly against her bladder, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” She said, “Well, maybe. I might have to pee.” She wrinkled her nose up, giving herself a second to think as she brushed her palm over her stomach. She wasn’t sure how she’d be able to climb up into the seats once she had the twins. 

“You just went.” He laughed incredulously as he moved the seat buckle across her stomach to buckle her in. She wiggled in her seat, smiling teasingly towards him. 

“I can’t help that,” She whined a second later, “I didn’t say it was that bad.” She reassured him quickly, sure that she could at least make it until they got home. He shook his head, looking at her amused as he gave her cool hands one hard squeeze. 

///////////////////////////////////

“Do you want to know the genders?” Diane asked at their next appointment after she’d gone over the same reassurances. Daphne stared down at her bump for a quick second, speaking before she was able to help herself.

“Please,” Daphne went ahead and asked, “I mean it doesn’t matter either way. I don’t want to force gender norms on them or anything I just-,”

“She really wants to know if it's okay to buy dresses,” Gator chuckled softly, “It’s killing her.” He gave her a knowing look, cocking his eyebrows like he wanted her to argue with him. She mumbled softly underneath her breath, unable to deny that the little dresses and bows looked a lot cuter than the other outfits she’d seen. 

She liked to think that the increase in the size of her stomach had to do with Thanksgiving the previous week, but the more that it stayed the same size the more she was sure it would continue to grow. The fact that she still had several more months to go made her nervous. She wondered if by the time she reached her due date all of her would be plump and round. 

“I see,” Diane smiled as she turned the screen towards them, “I think you’re in luck then. Baby A is a little boy, see there. And Baby B is a little girl.” She explained slowly, pointing out how she knew as Daphne watched in fascination. She felt her eyes suddenly growing watery, overcome with all the emotions that rushed forth. 

“I don’t see nothin’.” Gator spoke up from next to her, his head close to hers as he squinted his eyes to observe the screen. She turned in amusement, curling her lips up into a smile as she admired the way his face crinkled in confusion. 

“Here,” Diane showed him again, “Does that make more sense?” She asked him, looking patient like she didn’t care to go over it again. Daphne traced her thumb gently into Gator’s skin as he began to shake his head, only to turn the motions into a rough nod. 

“Sorta,” Gator mumbled as he tried to get a closer look at the ultrasound, “You’re sure? One of each?” He inquired some more, glancing over towards Daphne for a quick second before he was staring at the screen once again. Like he wanted to make sure. 

“Fairly positive,” Diane nodded her head in agreement, “But sometimes we’re wrong.” She said quickly, giving both of them a strong look to know that her work could end up being wrong. Daphne didn’t really mind in the end. She just wanted them to be healthy. 

“Like Oliver and I,” Daphne grinned, “That’s kinda funny.” She smiled towards Gator, her heart beginning to thump roughly as he brought her hand up to his mouth and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. She was sure that she was very lucky. 

They were roughly around twenty two weeks; the size of bananas. Daphne was sure that she could feel them beginning to grow as her stomach seemed to just keep popping further and further out. It was beginning to make her back ache, a pain that she really wasn’t used to having. 

“What about names?” She asked him curiously as she began to prep for dinner, “Do you have any suggestions?” She watched as Gator leaned against the counter, linking his fingers together as he thought to himself for a moment. 

“What do you think about Roy?” He drew the question out slowly, like he wasn’t sure how to feel about his suggestion either. She stopped cutting at her vegetables, trying to figure out if this was him asking or his father. 

“Oh,” Daphne paused slowly, “I don’t know if my dad would be very appreciative.” She added softly, hoping that may be a good enough hint. She didn’t want to dismiss his ideas completely, but she didn’t want her son to be named Roy either. 

“Roy Bruce doesn’t make a lot of sense.” He teased her lightly, his eyes crinkled up in amusement as he watched her. She put the knife down gently before she dried them off, trying to think of how to make him feel better. She’d heard Bruce speaking about how Gator got his name to Ruby before, which seemed to set a fresh wave of anger through her. Gator was worthy and their son would be too, even if they didn’t bear the name Roy. 

“No, not at all,” Daphne grinned as she held onto his hands, “They’re both kind of lame names anyways. I like Gator a lot.” She scrunched her nose up as she spoke her truth, figuring that Roy and Bruce sounded like old men names anyways. They could come up with something better. 

“Right.” Gator snorted as he rolled his eyes, but kept holding onto her hands all the same. She squeezed softly, smiling as she brought their hands up towards her face. 

“No, I really do,” Daphne smiled as she kissed the side of his palms, “You know what name is kinda cute for a boy? Billy.” She told him seriously, thinking that it was a very sweet name for an even sweeter little boy. 

“I like Roy better.” Gator dismissed that name quickly, pursing up his lip before he quickly shook his head. She nodded along with him, figuring that they’d put a pin in boy names for now. He seemed set on only one name in particular. 

“What about a name for our girl?” She questioned instead, curious about what his answer might be. She rolled her tongue around in her mouth, wondering if he’d suggest naming their daughter after his mother. 

“Piper,” He mused at last as a thoughtful expression broke out over his features, “I still like that name. Piper Nicole.” He replied softly, his eyes turning curious as he awaited her response. She thought it was nice, really nice. Much better than naming their son Roy. 

“That’s really pretty,” She nodded her head in agreement, thinking about the first time he’d mentioned that name, “I really like that.” She told him truthfully, hoping that this would help him think of more names. 

“What do you like?” He asked her as he leaned forward, making her grin as he poked her nose with his own. She smiled as she breathed in the taste of strawberries from his lips. She hummed for a moment. 

“I liked Willow,” She said softly, “But I think you did a great job with the name.” She replied, not wanting him to feel like he didn’t have a say at all. 

“You do?” He chuckled as he pulled away just a bit, “We could do Piper Willow, you know, mix it together.” He suggested, sounding a little hesitant like it might be a bad idea. She grinned widely at his thought, feeling like it would be a nice process for them. 

“How about-,” She drew out softly, “You pick our baby girl's name and I pick the boy's name.” She suggested, hoping that he may agree to it. She thought it would be nice, it would give them a chance to each have a say in what their babies could be named. 

“I guess that would make sense,” He said at last after he thought about it for a moment, “Sure. We can do that.” He smiled as he leaned over the counter to gently kiss her, making her veins warm and her insides feel all tingly again. 

////////////////////////////////////

By the time Christmas rolled around, Daphne was sure that she was nearly about to explode. She no longer got nausea in the early mornings, but she did always feel like she was starving. Normally she’d get half way through her meal before she felt like she was too stuffed, then by the time she got her leftovers put away she felt as if she was starving again.

“Happy Birthday,” He grinned as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head, “Where do you want to go for dinner?” He asked her the loaded question, making her shift from her spot on the couch.

It was easier for her to sleep upright with her feet up then it was to lay flat on the bed. Plus, it was a lot easier for her to stay on the ground floor than it was to try and climb the stairs. By the time she got to the top, she was wheezy and red in the face. 

She’d tried to convince him that he could still sleep on their bed, but he was too stubborn to listen to her. He usually laid across the couch, his head on her lap as he sprawled his long legs out. Birdie usually rested near his head, still as protective. 

“Do you really want to drive somewhere?” She asked him seriously, glancing out towards where the sky was dark and angry as thick snowflakes tumbled down from the sky. The house was still decorated with Christmas decorations, with little pieces of wrapping paper still littered through their living room.

“Why not?” He asked her with a smile, “You deserve something nice.” He mumbled as he pushed her bangs from her forehead so he could place a kiss there. She lingered against his touch as she thought about it for a moment. 

“Meatballs sound really good,” She told him softly, “The ones my grandma used to make. With bbq sauce.” She said at last as she nodded her head, certain that was the only thing she wanted.

“You want to cook for your birthday?” He looked at her incredulously, but his lips cracked into a soft smile. She paused as she thought about it again.

“I’m sure my mom is doing something,” She said, checking her phone to confirm that her mother had already sent her birthday messages. Gator rubbed his palm across her stomach, looking amused as he awaited her answer, “But yeah. We could make those before dinner tonight.”

“Alright,” He chuckled as he leaned forward and kissed her lips softly, “Do you want help?” He asked as he gripped her hands, slowly helping her stand. She winced softly, trying to get herself comfortable on her legs before she took a step forward. She’d have to pee before she did anything serious.

“Of course,” She grinned as she looked at him, enjoying how he’d been helping her more in the kitchen since they’d officially gotten together, “I always need your help.” 

[stevishabitat]

wodneswynn Hey, listen: We're not gonna get anywhere with this "socialism" stuff unless we can establish solidarity networks that provide. real, tangible aid. And I do mean "tangible" in the sense of "you can fill up a box with it."

Back in the old-timey days, when we didn't have things like a minimum wage or gov- ernment assistance, folks didn't think twice about paying union dues every month out of their meager paychecks. And in those days, when it was a regular, everyday occurrence for union people to get beat up or outright murdered for their union-ing, the unions still managed to win a lot of their fights. Reason for all that? The bigger part of them union dues I mentioned "went into a strike fund",

Time on a picket line means time off the clock. And as for me, in this economy, if I go a week without a check, my family don't eat. I go two weeks without a check, and we're homeless. And them's the brakes.

Rjenroses: In my community we started a co-op in order to, in part, purchase things with mass buying power (i.e, we can get things at wholesale if we order enough of them, so we can, for example, eat organic food for about what conventional costs a lot of the time.)

But we also set aside a little money each time we order, and that money helps pay for donation boxes... and the social network we created when we created the co-op means that if someone has a crisis, someone else probably has the answer. "This family just lost their job and can't afford to buy presents for their kids" may get a response of "Here are presents for every single family member" or it might end up with finding a job for the people looking for work, or both, because the co-op membership is diverse and represents a lot of people who are otherwise. very connected in the community.

When a part of town is out of power, it's usually possible to find a co-op member who can run for ice or bring a meal, or offer use of a washer/dryer for the evening.

We had one year where we were making donation meal boxes for a holiday, found out on the last delivery about a family in severe need, talked about it in the co-op group and ended up showing up at their house with not only a meal, but enough dry goods, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. for a month, plus a credit with the co-op for fresh fruits andveggies.

I cannot overstate the power of networking. in your community. This one started out. in a natural parenting group, but quickly spread beyond that, from college students to retirees. It's like a small town, only more open-minded. We started with about 20-30 families. There are now hundreds of people involved.

I had a trans kid land with me at one point and asked if anyone had size whatever clothes and within a few hours we had a box on my porch, within a couple days we had a bunch of things he needed.

The co-op keeps a lending library of tools and weirdly specific kitchen devices like an Æbleskiver pan, a food dehydrator, a capsule maker and a carpet cleaner. The kinds of things people need once or twice a year, but might not have the room to store.

We periodically do a buy of sensory toys and sensory bin supplies, for example, because we have a lot of autistic members and parents of autistic kids,I have bought socks from the co-op that were purple with unicorns farting rainbows on them. We recently got in Black History: flashcards and we've done a lot of Black Lives Matter and Hate Has No Home lawn signs. Pretty much if people want it and we can find it at wholesale, the co-op will order it.

It even spawned a side-business (more than one, actually, but this is the relevant one) of an online app for co-op managing, called http://managemy.coop so that other communities could take advantage of our experience and start out with an easier tool than the google spreadsheets we started out with.

Anyway... if you want to network within your community, this is a really, really good way of connecting with a broad cross-section of people.

nyshadidntbreakit: All that stuff about unions still applies, too. Unions have hardship funds. If you're a union member and you're broke, or you've been fired, or whatever, you can apply to the union for a grant to help you out. The binmen in Birmingham pulled off a months-long strike. recently thanks to the union paying their living costs. Unions force employers to pay decent pension contributions and have safe sick leave policies,

If you're employed, join your damn union!

solarpunk gnomes: You might check out http://www.transitionus .org/transition-towns too. They're trying to build resilient communities by getting neighbors to talk with each other about stuff.

[twopoppies]

hi gina, im not sure if this is the right place to talk about this, but i just really feel so sad right now. I'm a college student, and we're having our finals this week and the next. this whole semester was just too overwhelming for me, and i often find myself feeling so inadequate and like I'm not doing good enough. i had a presentation in class today and my professor pointed out how unprepared i was. which made me reflect on how i was just swimming in mediocrity this semester, and that's just not me at all. i used to be this highly academic achieving kid, and now i don't even give my very best, and i just often find myself wasting my time on social media. my depression is also just getting worst everyday, and sometimes i feel so empty. i really don't know where i can find the motivation again to try and save myself this semester, i literally have 10 days left to do so. maybe you have some tips you can give to a lost 20-year old depressed kid who's not really sure with how to deal with life. im so sorry for this stream of consciousness type of message. :')

Hi, sweetheart. I’m so sorry you’re struggling so much right now. I think many people your age struggle with a similar sense of overwhelm and depression. I truly do think the constant diet of social media and 24/7 doom scrolling is so unhealthy for us, mentally.

I don’t really have any suggestions for how to “save” this semester for you in the next 10 days, but I would say that it sounds as though your professor is aware and is empathetic. Maybe you can schedule a meeting with them and talk about all of this. Letting them see that your work does matter to you but that you’re struggling can make a big difference.

Beyond that, it sounds like you could really use a break from technology. I know for me even just disconnecting from tumblr for a week or so creates a huge shift in my productivity and mood.

I have a bunch of resources on my blog under MENTAL ILLNESS and MENTAL HEALTH if you want to look through that for ways to combat the depression (and maybe anxiety). Finding an affordable way to seek therapy would also be helpful (I know I have some posts about that, too).

Sending you lots of love. I think the fact that you’re even aware of the change is a great sign that you can turn things around. ❤️

[obsoleteozymandias]

Hi! I saw that your requests were open. So, if/when you get the chance, I'd like to have a match for Twisted Wonderland! This is long, I'm sorry in advance.

I use he/it/xe, I'm vaguely masculine and I call myself transmasc but not sure what my identity is as a whole for my gender. I'm also questioning my sexuality, so anything goes honestly. I'm fine with mostly any characters, but maybe not the first years other than Epel and Ace? I dunno, I don't like the majority of them for some reason. Anyone else is fair game, even the other college(s). Not too picky with it.

I'm 5'10 and chubby, fluffy and short hair, I wear glasses and a knee brace most of the time. My vision is really bad without my glasses. I also have somewhat mediocre hearing, but it's not enough to warrant hearing aids. I'm severely anemic, and I have chronic fatigue. And mental issues, I'll get into those later.

I'm a huge fan of fiction novels. And I essentially have two ends to that spectrum when it comes to my preferences; queer romance novels, and splatterpunk horror novels.

As for other hobbies than reading, I'm pagan. I know it's not technically a hobby, but I do want to mention it. I'm what some would like to consider an "eclectic witch," though I don't focus on those labels. I work with Lilith and Hades(which, given Hades is one of the Seven, may cause some confusion.) I'm also an artist, I like coloring with markers or doing paintings if I have the time. But markers are my primary medium at this time. DND is one last thing I'd like to mention, I'm the VP of the DND club we have at my school.

Other general interests, I'm gonna try and make this short. I like crystals a lot. Also some video games(pokemon is a special interest of mine, for example,) and animes(Black Butler is so far my favorite anime other than pokemon. Pokemon is my favorite as a whole, though.)

For me as a person, I'm pretty quiet. I don't have a lot of friends, but that's not something entirely my fault, because I've grown up with the same people my entire life and not many of them like me because I'm autistic. I'm small town and all that. Not even a stoplight in town levels of small. I've known one or two since preschool, and 20 other kids since kindergarten. My favorite core subject is English, and my favorite elective is Drama or Art. I usually keep to myself unless I'm around the few people that are actually my friends. Which is the DND club, and 3 other kids who are lowerclassmen by a grade or two. When I am around my friends, I do manage to be more extroverted, but it's only around them, and usually because we're doing stupid crap in DND. More of a follower than a leader, would rather be reading than being around people, and while I can't usually concentrate on classes due to my classmates, I still get high marks usually.

I do have PTSD, autism, AVPD, and BPD. I don't necessarily let them control me, but they do give me some personality traits. For example, I'm extremely hyper-vigilant. I can't relax very often. Even the smallest thing can set me off, but not in a temper way. I'm a perfectionist but only for myself. I hate socializing, and I only go to things like dances because my 6-8th grade years were hell due to the pandemic and other personal factors. Also, major parental issues. Not gonna elaborate on that one.

I'm also strangely good with kids. But not just any kind of kids, for some reason. I'm good with toddlers specifically. I can't handle anyone whose over 5 years old, unless they're over 13. So 6-12 years old and I can't handle them.

I do a bunch of volunteer work when I have the chance. For example, despite religious issues I have I do help out at an AWANA group at my area, working with the youngest group of kids there. I also do some work at the hospice thrift store in town.

That was a lot, but it might help you in the long run? I'm not sure if I added too much, but it's too late now. If you do end up doing my request, I appreciate it a lot! But if not, that's okay, I understand. Bye : )

I have mixed feelings about splatterpunk but I have been known to dabble

== Twisted Wonderland ==>

I match you up with…

Kalim Al-Asim 

Kalim is the kinda guy who is genuinely accepting of everyone and everything. He sees the intelligence and creativity in you and is instantly at your side, talking up a storm, asking you about your day, etc.  

He’s drawn to your mystique, most of all. He wants to know and understand everything about you, though he’ll certainly respect boundaries (he’s learning how). 

I headcanon that Kalim is also a crystal enjoyer - especially ones that distort or change his view of the world. He’ll be bouncing off the walls when the two fo you go crystal shopping, asking you all the names and picking out ones which match your eyes and your skin and - he’ll just take all of them!

He’ll then make you glasses and jewlery with the gems embedded in them. 

Kalim will encourage your creativity, whether through writing or art. He wants to watch you work too, and he’ll fawn over every little brush stroke, so proud to be your S/O! 

Bad days happen to the worst of us, and so whenever you’re feeling down, Kalim is quick to find a way to make it better. You’ll have to tell him directly how to help you - whether that’s letting you be or offering advice, but whatever it is, he’ll put 100% effort and love into it. 

And when he’s down, nothing cheers him up like some quality time with you, cuddling or holding hands (he’s a tactile person). 

You two are very much the sun x moon dynamic <3. 

[annekewrites]

Yet another grouchy old queer moment

Really tired of The Youths yelling "A is not for Ally and it never was!"

The first part...okay, fair enough. Aces and Aros shouldn't be erased.

But as an Old Queer? A absolutely was for Ally, back in my day. The original group at my college in the mid-1990s was GLBF (Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Friends). Remember that it was Gay-Straight Alliance long before it was "Gender and Sexuality Alliance" etc etc. And there were reasons for that.

Reason the First: Plausible deniability. Which some people who couldn't be safely out to their family desperately needed. Some kids might get grounded for supporting the queers, and entirely thrown out of the house after being beaten up for being known to be one of them.

Reason the Second: I know a lot of y'all don't like this, some of y'all don't believe this, but the Annoyingly Earnest, Overly Invested Ally to "uh...hey...wait a minute here!" pipeline? Is real. It's far FAR more real than the Loud Homophobe Who Is Seekritly Having Homosexual Thoughts. (Aside: I'm so incredibly sick and tired of people being nicer to or about the Loud Phobe "just in case" than they are to the Annoyingly Earnest "Ally" - like, what??) Yes, that includes the "bi woman's cishet boyfriend" who might just realize "sorry, neither" over time, and who is going to have a lot harder time having that realization if gatekeeping queerer-than-thous make his/their/her life hell for not figuring things out faster on his/their/her own.

Reason the Third: Learn some history, kids. Being a vocal ally to queer people absolutely was dangerous. It was...somewhere between 20 and 25 years ago, I don't remember exactly when, that the pastor of the UU church I went to in my mid-20s, in what was considered one of the gay-friendliest cities in a gay-friendly state, was receiving death threats and having the windows of his house broken for performing (non legally binding at the time) same-sex weddings. Very heterosexual, masculine man, husband and father, tattooed martial arts practitioner, later went on to be an Army chaplain. I remember people looking at the church budget and grumbling about the pastor's salary and snapping at them that THIS WAS HAZARD PAY. Because it was. It really was. Oh yeah, and that church's banners about supporting marriage equality got stolen, church otherwise got vandalized a bunch of times over this. So it wasn't even just the pastor, it was being known to be associated with that congregation. It was an entire thing. Around that same time, in that same city that I had moved to for its comparative queer-friendliness, I had a co-worker who was getting anonymous harassment at work for being vocally supportive of her out gay teenage son (who was, simply for BEING gay and out, getting falsely reported for sexually harassing classmates all over the place, it was a mess). She almost quit, but was scared that she'd be even less able to find a new job because of the reason.

Anyway. What I'm saying is this.

Including ace and aro folks in Pride: YES!

Ignoring our own history with this "A was NEVER for Ally, how dare the straights make it about themselves!" stuff: NOPE!

Besides...as I'm looking around at All The Politics Right Now...seems to me we need all the allies we can get! Let's not be damn fools about it.

[thelonesomequeen]

Here is a master post of some of your asks. A lot of you had commentary to add after the newest DM podcast and I did get to some asks, but I wanted to make a space to post all opinions that we received. Below are anon submissions, not the commentary from moderators of this blog.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

I have a hard time believing the narrative of his family not liking her but inviting her to all the family events, parties and more./ Anon is forgetting is that in some of those events, Chris was probably the one paying the bill. So she will go and they will say nothing.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

How is Chris rushing to get married? They've been together long enough that I wouldn't call this rushing. I hope it all works out for him. My husband and I had people we were close to doubt our marriage, and it sucked. Every time we've hit a rough patch, I've wondered about the "I told you so's" we would get if it all fell apart. But we're still together almost two decades later, and counseling has been really helpful for both of us and the marriage. So, I say good luck to Chris and Alba. I wish them the best. I wouldn't want them to have to go through the pain of a divorce.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Man I don’t get this. Even if he is rushing to get married, why are y’all acting like he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s a 40 year old man, i’m sure he’s not forcing himself to get married just to be a husband. And i’m sure he’ll get a pre-nup because he hasn’t been in the industry for 20+ years and built up a career by being an idiot. They way some of y’all infantilize him is just insane. I don’t even care for Alba but y’all are acting like she hasn’t had multiple opportunities to use him for money. She could’ve easily gotten pregnant and gotten child support if she wanted instead of living in bumfuck Massachusetts for a year and going through a whole possible marriage. You know how much hate she would get if she divorced him and took his money. Even the five Chris fans who like her now are gonna hate her even more. There are valid reasons to dislike her, but this one just doesn’t stick.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Ok so if some people in this fandom are gonna believe that his family doesn’t like her, they will have believe that they’re engaged to be married right? Or are they gonna pick and choose the info to believe that best fits their theories.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

I don’t know I just find it hard to believe what dm said about his family. Some of them might not love her but maybe to tolerate her instead of outright dislike. But still I have doubts because he’s so close with his family especially his mother. Plus his best friend of several years seems to like her too. I just don’t think he’ll marry someone when his family doesn’t like her. This also reminds me a lot of what someone said during the Jenny days that his mom didn’t like her either.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Who in this fandom is happy about the current state of things? Literally no one.// please don’t speak so broadly for everyone! I for one am okay with the relationship (I don’t think Alba is problematic at all- her friends are a different matter), I am very happy he found love and wish them both the best. The only current “state of things” I am unhappy about is the way some parts of the fandom is behaving: the hateful nicknames, the internalized misogyny, the hate based lies, the xenophobia.😞😒

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

So why is he marrying her if his family don’t approve?/// My apologies for the light snark but: are you kidding?! You have to be joking?! Irrelevant of his reasons, so what if his family MAYBE doesn’t approve, it’s his life not theirs! Do you live your life based on your family approval over any decisions? College? Career? Love interest?- if you do I feel deeply sad for you. You live your life for you; family advice can be taken into consideration but not dictating it. & He’s online that’s why!

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

cause she was 21/22 when he followed her, right? 😬 yikes)// she was 23, and he followed a bunch of other actresses all working for Netflix too, so it’s clear as day the follow wasn’t romantic but likely work related, and likely and unintentionally it eventually turned romantic. Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants 🤷‍♀️ we don’t have control over who we fall in love with, they’re both legal, she was in her mid 20 she’s old enough. Plenty of high age difference marriage in Hollywood.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Okay so it seems as though (to me) he’s rushing to get married // rushing? How is dating someone for over a year and being engaged for nearly a year, getting married after being together for over 2 years is a “rushing”?! That’s the standard timeline for many couples I have ever met. They say you know within the first 6 months it you’re in love and if this is the person for you.. sounds to me he knew and acted upon it. Rushing would be if they eloped within a week or even 5 months, that’s rushing

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

I think it could be the rushing into it, but he very obviously wants kids and it's always risky to have kids with a partner that potentially will live overseas if the marriage ends. I hope he is at least thinking about that. I mean Chris has money she doesn't, but custody could turn ugly. I would definitely be worried about that if I was a family member.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

For what we know he was seeing/hooking up with other girls before Alba so if that Taxi cab theory was the case why Alba and not the rest?

Also someone that desperate wouldn’t wait 2 years to get married and have kids I don’t know just my two cents 🤷🏼‍♀️

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

I don't think there may be issues if she decides to stay home and put her career on hold to have children or just follow him around, like she seems to be doing now. The age difference, expectations in life, cultural difference will enter sooner or later. I don't see this lasting.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

But…I give it a handful of years maybe? I think it’ll get to a point where the age difference isn’t an issue now, but I think it will be eventually

I think he very much wants kids so I can absolutely see them having one or two, staying together to try and make stuff work for them but eventually divorcing. That’s not really saying much considering divorce isn’t exactly uncommon these days.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Real or not, I agree that it is likely his family is a bit disappointed in his choice. Maybe not Scott, but his mom and sisters seem pretty down to earth and grounded. I doubt they would approve of the age gap or the character of who he chose. After waiting for so long, it is sad to see who he finally picked.

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

That man loves his family and I don’t think he will marry anyone that they don’t approve of imo

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Watching them fixating on the part that some of his family members “don’t like her”

[oldarticles]

Life in the Real World (Sort of)

by Jake Hurwitz

One thing college humor gets praised for is its diverse writing staff. I mean just look at our writer's page, it's a never-ending list of faces from all over the world, each with his or her own unique blend of class and hilarity. Okay wait, don't really look at the writer's page, just take my word for it. Alright, fine, you got me, we're mostly a bunch of Jewish kids from the Northeast, and one or two hot chicks (Hey Lauren Holly *wink*). But just because we're all white kids with a college education doesn't mean we don't know the low down on the real world. Check it:

Politics: As your average 20 year old, I know what's important to today's youth: Trust Funds. We all have them, and we'd like to see them mature the way that they should. I'm sure we're all aware that there's a war going on somewhere in the world, over some kind of discrepancy"¦ Well I, for one, don't want anything to jeopardize my Trust Fund, which is why I always vote in my money's best interest. My parents and grandparents worked very hard to earn that money, and they deserve to see me drive around in an awesome sports car before they die. 

Sports: Now that it's fall, basketball season is in full swing, right? Okay, I'm not exactly familiar with sports like, "Football" or "Hockey" but I can tell you that my croquet set on the Vineyard has never seen so much action as it did this summer! Talk about your nail-biting matches! Even Champ, our Golden Retriever, got in on the excitement, barking and gallivanting across the yard. Aside from croquet, my favorite sport is probably sailing. When I'm on my father's boat, sipping wine coolers while our captain, Esteban, flies across the sea, I just know in my heart that this is The Only Sport for Me; which, coincidentally, is what we named the boat. I don't know about anyone else, but playing sports makes me feel like an average Joe. Only this average Joe would prefer to be called Joseph, I think it sounds better.

Jobs: I understand that those kids who aren't fortunate enough to go to college usually have to get jobs straight out of high school (unless you're a girl, they just have babies). Well I had a summer job this year, and man alive, was it tough! My dad's office barely gave me 25 dollars an hour and I had to share my office for like two weeks before they finally fired that woman who had been there for 9 years. Going to work everyday from 11:00 to 3:00 with only a two hour lunch break really made me appreciate the hard work real people have to do. Even though work was trying, I knew I was gaining valuable life experience, something you don't find at college.

Hopefully I've proved all you skeptics wrong by demonstrating that I'm in touch with current affairs, I'm down to earth and, clearly, I'm hard working. But just because I'm totally ready for the real world doesn't mean I want to get thrown into the mire quite yet. I'm enjoying college life - and even though it's a major bitch not being able to have both my cars on campus and I hate not having someone to hand wash my delicate garments - I definitely want to stick around for at least another 6 or 7 years. Hey, I think I hear my fraternity brothers calling my name from the game room, peace out!

[murdochautismmoments]

Just establishing my own timeline here

Murdoch had an alcoholic & (not physically) abusive father. (Who was still alive as of season 1.) (They had lost touch until partway thru season 1.)

Born in Nova Scotia. Grew up there & liked spruce beer.

Father was a fisherman.

Mom passed away when he was a little kid (I'd say 5-7 years old?)

Murdoch was taken away by nuns. Dad wanted to write but didn't know where.

Murdoch kids lived with their aunt.

fr keegan. William burned down his shed at 12 & rebuilt it in the month all by himself. Youth was a daydreamer.

Um when he was an altar server there was a shipwreck & then started taking notes for fr keegan. Also a birth in the room next door. tf dude. He know how to pray in some latin. Witnessed a woman dying & telling her confession?? Also there was a bunch of money in the hem of the coat. Taught him deduction.

Yo shik he’s solving his first murder investigation at 12 years old!

Keegan left nova scotia right after murdoch

He left home at 17 to go to a logging camp.

18yo  murdoch’s friend (didn’t) kill someone on a night he was drunk. Later, he held someone down while his leg was being amputated (from getting it caught in a log jammer). Still has nightmares 30y later

(between 62 & 65 this guy was killed. It was 35 years ago. Present day is 1897-1900 as of season 4)

He also had a job as a ranch hand at some point.

He has a sister who joined a convent at 14 & joined cloistered nuns in Montreal.

He is roman catholic in a city of protestants.

He went to college at some point where he met Eddy Cullen & were they both planning on joining the seminary? -- “So u’r a detective now?” ‘beats logging. I tried to write you at the seminary after jesuit school.’ “nah I got married.” -- so they went to jesuit school together, will went logging, eddy went to the seminary, then they lost touch. right? -- “still do any boxing?” ‘no I see enough of that in my career (on the streets).’ “I thought fr obrien beat it out of you.” ‘did a week ever go by that we didn’t see the inside of his office?’ “no” -- so he was a boxer & he got in trouble often. -- “fancy a pint?” ‘i’m on duty, maybe another time /lie’ “body is still the lord’s temple eh will?” -- ‘I haven’t spoken to him in 20 years’

Or he learned from the Jesuits

He was a boxer at some point.

Lumber camp "up north" from Montreal, stayed two winters, & then a logger mentioned being a constable so Murdoch applied.

Joined police force 10 years before S1.

5 years as Constable, "acting detective" at station 4 for a bit (2y), full detective 3 years before show began.

Bachelor in s1, engaged to Liza but she passed 1y before show began. Gave her a silver horse. She gave him his watch on his bday.

S1: 2 years ago come March 12th Julia & William started working together

S1 "I only attend once or twice a week," & "confession as often as possible" but later:

"every Sunday?" 'yes!' *lie detector* '...kidney stones'

Hadn't seen his dad in long enough that dad barely recognized him.

s5e8 turn of the century soon (also faked anna fulford’s death)

S5 is 1899

murdoch weighs about 160lbs bmi abt 23

s7e12 1901 8 years ago 1893 they did a murder; year julia & william met; year she became the coroner; one of the first murders they worked together

Murdoch season eight (8) was there in the constabulary for 12 years WITH brackenreid

Ok so S10 we know Murdoch's sister is dead

Just getting my history in order, ignore me

Julia Ogden

Mentor was dr osler

[aroacedragongirl]

Im just going to answer all of these because why not

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

its complicated

02: Who did you last say “I love you” to?

my father

03: Do you regret anything?

so many things :)

04: Are you insecure?

definitely

05: What is your relationship status?

single, hoping to stay that way

06: How do you want to die?

preferably painlessly

07: What did you last eat?

Honey bunches of oats with almonds

08: Played any sports?

i did karate for like eight years and hated it for at least like half of that

09: Do you bite your nails?

not really

10: When was your last physical fight?

see #8

11: Do you like someone?

this is a really ambiguous question. not romantically or sexually, thats for sure

12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours?

no

13: Do you hate anyone at the moment?

yes

14: Do you miss someone?

I miss my friends who have all gone off to college around the country

15: Have any pets?

two dogs and a chinchilla

16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment?

tired and annoyed by my mother

17: Ever made out in the bathroom?

nope, never anywhere, for that matter

18: Are you scared of spiders?

no, i think they are cute

19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

probably not, because it is impossible to predict the far reaching effects of what you do, and you could irreversibly change your life forever

20: Where was the last place you snogged someone?

what the fuck does that even mean? actually I dont think i want to know

21: What are your plans for this weekend?

i have no idea right now

22: Do you want to have kids? How many?

nope

23: Do you have piercings? How many?

nope

24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

calculus, physics, and computer science, probably

25: Do you miss anyone from your past?

that is literally the same question as question 14

26: What are you craving right now?

sleep

27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

probably by accident at least once without realizing it

28: Have you ever been cheated on?

never been in a relationship

29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?

never been in a relationship

30: What’s irritating you right now?

upon reading this my entire body spontaneously became itchy, fuck you

31: Does somebody love you?

I think my parents do?

32: What is your favourite color?

purple

33: Do you have trust issues?

definitely

34: Who/what was your last dream about?

I crashed the car that i am borrowing

35: Who was the last person you cried in front of?

one of my parents, i dont recall which

36: Do you give out second chances too easily?

probably

37: Is it easier to forgive or forget?

i am guilty of both

38: Is this year the best year of your life?

no

39: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

never have; hoping to continue that

40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked?

no

51: Favourite food?

i wrote an entire essay on this one in response to an ask if you want to know go read that

52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

if the consequences of our actions and random chance count then yes, otherwise no

53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

game with friends

54: Is cheating ever okay?

I dont think i am qualified to answer this (aroace)

55: Are you mean?

sometimes unintentionally

56: How many people have you fist fought?

complicated answer, see question #08

57: Do you believe in true love?

no

58: Favourite weather?

just cool enough to wear a hoodie, not too cold

59: Do you like the snow?

yes

60: Do you wanna get married?

no

61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?

definitely not

62: What makes you happy?

Making things, success, sometimes hanging out with my friends

63: Would you change your name?

probably, idk to what though

64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?

jokes on you ive never kissed anyone

65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

apologize for being unable to adequately reciprocate also why exclusively opposite sex?

66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

idk

67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to?

my mom

68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

also my mom

69: Do you believe in soulmates?

no

70: Is there anyone you would die for?

probably not

70 horrible questions ... Fuck it

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents? 02: Who did you last say “I love you” to? 03: Do you regret anything? 04: Are you insecure? 05: What is your relationship status? 06: How do you want to die? 07: What did you last eat? 08: Played any sports? 09: Do you bite your nails? 10: When was your last physical fight? 11: Do you like someone? 12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours? 13: Do you hate anyone at the moment? 14: Do you miss someone? 15: Have any pets? 16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment? 17: Ever made out in the bathroom? 18: Are you scared of spiders? 19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? 20: Where was the last place you snogged someone? 21: What are your plans for this weekend? 22: Do you want to have kids? How many? 23: Do you have piercings? How many? 24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)? 25: Do you miss anyone from your past? 26: What are you craving right now? 27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? 28: Have you ever been cheated on? 29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? 30: What’s irritating you right now? 31: Does somebody love you? 32: What is your favourite color? 33: Do you have trust issues? 34: Who/what was your last dream about? 35: Who was the last person you cried in front of? 36: Do you give out second chances too easily? 37: Is it easier to forgive or forget? 38: Is this year the best year of your life? 39: How old were you when you had your first kiss? 40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? 51: Favourite food? 52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? 53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? 54: Is cheating ever okay? 55: Are you mean? 56: How many people have you fist fought? 57: Do you believe in true love? 58: Favourite weather? 59: Do you like the snow? 60: Do you wanna get married? 61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? 62: What makes you happy? 63: Would you change your name? 64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? 65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? 66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? 67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? 68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? 69: Do you believe in soulmates? 70: Is there anyone you would die for?

[suttonstrackesdrinkingproblem]

Y'all not to get serious again on main but I'm starting to get self conscious about my age.

Let me explain. I am 26 years old. I know y'all are thinking ''that isn't old at all'' and you're correct but that isn't my problem. The problem is that I am 26 years old and a fucking failure. I used to feel like I was somewhat okayish but I lived in a small town and I was literally one of the most normal people from that town. I know live in a bigger city since I moved in August, I couldn't stand my small town and was ready to move and be on to bigger things. I was in a bit of a funk after moving, I started applying to jobs and had a couple bad interviews which put me in a deeper funk. Until last month when I got hired at Burlington I started to feel good again like my life was going in the direction I wanted. Now Burlington was a big step for me, I've been a cashier for 2 and half years but it was at a small family owned store and I kind of ran everything by myself on my shifts so working with a bunch of people at the same time and not being fully in charge is a strange thing to me, but I could handle it. Things were going well, I enjoy the job though like I said I miss the control I guess, and it seemed I was doing well. Until this Friday when one of the cashier higher ups said I was the slowest cashier there and my scan time was long, I told her I am still kind of new and I am still learning things, and she quite coldly told me then even with all the other newbies, I'm still the slowest. It's been sitting with me ever since and now I have major anxiety every time I go to work because I don't want to be the slowest and I don't want them to think I'm dumb, so now because of this I've been making stupid mistakes the last few days and I really wasn't before. Every time I get a customer I am sort of trying to rush and I keep running into problems. She told me she better see improvement by the 24th. The thing is some of the newbies are literal teens and people younger than me and yet they're doing better than me, the literal 26 year old! It should be the other way around in my opinion. Today I heard someone mention my name (there's two other girls with my name at work) and my last name and it felt like they were laughing/talking shit about me being slow, they more likely weren't but still that didn't make me feel better either. At my other job I didn't have to worry about scan time because my work didn't care about shit like that and they also told me things I was doing wrong or I could do better in a more...I don't know, not so condescending tone? And they also asked what was going on in my life which I know, jobs like big corporation don't give a fuck. It made me want to do better with that at my job with that approach. I was celebrated at my old job, and appreciated.

And it isn't just this situation that makes me self-conscious about my age all of sudden. It doesn't help that I'm a virgin and never dated nobody ever, I don't drive (I can I'm just absolutely terrified to), and plus everyone always thinks I am younger than I am, which isn't necessarily a bad thing and I normally take it as a compliment, but now I'm starting to think people are insulting me with they say that! They're saying that I act like child! That I'm not adult enough, and they're fucking RIGHT!!!!

I'm 26 motherfucking years old, I still live with my dad and my grandpa and I didn't accomplish shit in my fucking 20's at all. I mean I'm the fucking slowest cashier at my job like a giant fucking loser.

I know we should ignore societies expectations of us but most people my age live by themselves, are in a committed relationship with kids, finished college, oh and AREN'T THE SLOWEST MOTHERFUCKING CASHIER AT A FUCKING BURLINGTON JOB! Not everyone has that life I mentioned, I understand that but it doesn't take away the fact that most if not all people have at least accomplished one of the things I mentioned above and I haven't. So therefore I am a failure, I have nothing to offer anyone, and there's more than likely something wrong with me even everyone tells me there isn't (they're just being nice lets bffr) and like maybe there wasn't anything wrong with me in my small town, but there definitely is here.

In my town, I was a big fish in a little pond, and now....I'm like the tiny like piece of trash that floats above the huge, flowing river full of fishes who are better than me.

I didn't think my life would be like this at 26 I really really REALLY fucking didn't and I hate myself for it.

I should just quite while I am ahead and stop myself for embarrassing myself further.

[bitchkay]

Spoilers for... alot idk just alot, alot of different things, very vague non-specific but they're there

I need an actual list of how old the court of darkness characters are cus my brain is gonna eat itself

The age gaps are implied like, such and such is the same age as such and such, this character is older than that character, or what's his face and what's his face are close in age, things like that

I automatically assume these bitches are in their 20s so no older than 29, no younger than 20

But I tell you right now, some things do not add tf up🤨🤨

I feel like they only said Lou and mc were around the same age just so they can be like 'nah he's not an old man so yall can date dw'

Which gotta be a fucking lie cus apparently this bitch was the headmaster for the kings aswell so clearly this man is an old geezer💀💀

If we assume they're all the same age then shit is more complicated because who's older then who doesn't line up with their birth months

I think it's safe to assume Qelsum and Avari were the first to produce an heir to the throne, making Toa and Guy the oldest but if we assume they're all born in the same year that would make Guy the youngest cus this bitch born in November💀

Mc gotta be in her mid to late 20s if we assume shes been through college already. not that you cant be in college in your mid to late 20s but yk early twenties is considered 'college age' if you go to college after highschool yk

Thaumaturges live longer then regular humans so we can already throw away the idea that these bitches are in their 20s, they probably old asf and we ain't even know it

BUT-

A nice ripe age to start having kids is like mid to late twenties, not that you have to have kids in your twenties but health wise if you don't want complications in the future, and yk sometimes in stories the kings are like 'alright your old enough to breed someone... pick one.😐' and have an assortment of young women like this a goddamn candy shop so I dont know, but these bitches live longer than normal so they can full be 50 and popping out bare babies like a goddamn beehive

AINT NO FUCKING WAY THE HEADMASTER SO DAMN YOUNG NAH

it was actually the mcs familiar that said Lou was young like 'omg milady he looks like hes the same age as you' no the fuck he's not, that man gotta be fucking 60

Fuck a dilf, that man old enough to be a gilf💀💀

I bet the headmaster is like 70, the kings are in their 50s, and the consorts are like 23-30. Aging is like mad ambiguous so if the headmaster really is old asf I'm asking what his skin care routine is cus-

WHAT ABOUT GRAYSON OMG

GRAYSON DON'T HAVE MAGIC WHAT TF ARE MUNDANES LIFE EXPECTANCY

Yall-

What if Grayson is actually the youngest one out of everyone--

What if Grayson is actually mad young and everyone else with magic coursing through their veins just has a baby face cus the magic is keeping them youthful

Bro.

Look at Thoma, then look at Grayson.

What if Thoma is like 30 and Grayson is idk fucking 19 but Thoma has a baby face cus hes a thaumaturge and Grayson just ages faster cus hes not

...

I think I'm thinking way too hard about this--

No but let's talk-

Lynt and Roy are the same age, Rio is younger than Roy but somewhat close in age but closer to Sherry, apparently Rio has a bunch of siblings, like more than just Teto, Toa is older than Guy but relatively close in age, Guy and Aquia are close in age(or at least closer in age then they are to Zev) Toa and Lynt have to be relatively close in age cus didn't they know each other as kids, well I guess most of the princes knew eachother if not briefly as kids but I swear they're somewhat close, idk where Fenn or Lance fits in here but they're somewhere in between everyone, Lou essentially raised Dia so how old does that make Dia- How is Lou- listen I'm telling you Lou is an old geezer

What is the age gap between the consorts and the mc?!?!

Very off topic but I have the strange inkling that Lynt was conceived during birthdays sex.