#most of these are in some way open source programs

[massiv3tr33p3rsona]

Sweet | Terry Richmond X Toni (Black Fem OC)

Part II

Pairing: Terry Richmond (Rebel Ridge) X Stonia ‘Toni’/‘Sweet Tooth’ Vikes/Gillian Scott (Woman In GIF: Gina Torres)

Summary: After one of her dealers was wearing a wire, the feds came and shut down Toni’s million dollar drug empire she worked hard on. After taking a plea deal to avoid prison, she is enrolled into the Witness Protection Program, where Terry is assigned to protect her.

Warnings: sexual tension, age gap (older woman, younger man), mastrubating, titty playing, slight subToni!, slight domTerry!, spanking, slight worshipping, slight BDSM, angst, emotional feelings, daydreaming, mentions of death, cursing, drinking

Dividers Made By: @thecutestgrotto

A/N I: When I had my old account, this was called something else and Nicole Beharie was originally the headcannon, but it was never published as I deactivated, but now, I’m happy I got to publish it. Lowkey, I do wanna see Aaron and Gina work together in an age gap film, specifically erotic thriller or erotic drama because the tension between them is how they about to make the most money ever in their lives (delusional about the last sentence, BUT Y’ALL GET IT!!).

THIS IS MY WORK, SO PLEASE DO NOT STEAL IT.

Stonia ‘Toni’ Vikes was the biggest drug queenpin in the country, known to many under the name, ‘Sweet Tooth’. Earned the nickname off her main source of selling whatever she had well, she was also a good talker, managed to avoid being caught for so many years.

Capitalizing a yearly profit of $4 million, she lived a very lavish lifestyle: acquiring cars, houses, clothes, jewelry, and even investing into some companies under alias.

All of that came crashing down as ChiChi, one of her top dealers that she came up with in the business, was working with the feds to avoid going to jail for a long time, having her fall into their trap, effectively ending her run.

Following all the delays which led to a long trial, she was about to be convicted on all charges until they offered her a plea deal of walking away free in exchange to revealing her distributor.

She agreed, throwing them under the bus, and she received her ‘get out of jail’ card.

Now a target over what she did, she is enrolled into the witness protection program, where she is now to be accompanied by a bodyguard everywhere for the rest of her life.

She’s assigned a new name: Gillian Scott, has dyed her hair to a dark brown color, back to natural curls instead of straightening her hair, and now has thin brows. She is truly unrecognizable from afar, shedding her queenpin image.

Now here she is, riding in the back of an escort with two FBI agents, beginning a new life as a normal woman in loss of her luxury lifestyle.

Well, not most of it.

While she had to give up the cars and the houses, she was allowed to keep her clothes and jewelry, except for a few watches and necklaces.

And she was allowed to keep one of her savings accounts, but that had to get moved to a new one + a 10% fee to avoid being spotted.

But only one person can access it if she needed something and that person is whoever they assigned as her bodyguard that’s waiting at the house. Curiosity lingers as she thinks of ideas of what the bodyguard looks like.

Is it an older man with tattoos? A woman with a strict sense, but a softie? Maybe someone a bit younger than her?

Or worse: an ex law enforcement officer. She can’t do that due to the long standing history between them and drug dealers.

Her mind is interrupted when the car pulls into a driveway of a big house that sits on a lake.

Parking the car, the agents get out, with the male one walking to the entrance with a briefcase and the female one opening her door, help her out of the car.

“This way, Scott.” she said, ushering her to walk.

Toni grabs her purse and walks ahead, looking at front of the house.

Brick architecture, a double garage, a porch with a net and chairs, and there’s a grey truck parked in the street? This is a little low for her standards, but this is her new life now.

Standing at the front door, the female agent knocks on it, patiently waiting for them to be let in. The door opens, with the male agent standing there, moving to the side as the women walk in.

“Bates and Pearson are their way with your stuff. They’re just stuck in traffic.” he said, adjusting his tie.

Toni nods, walking into the house, with the female agent following.

Inside this three story house, it has white walls covered in many frames of artwork, family pictures, and some Marine Corps stuff.

Walking past the brown themed dining room, she enters the living room, standing in the middle. Black furniture surrounds as a flatscreen tv sits on a stands, with sliding doors to access the back porch, the lake, and backyard accompanying it.

“Whoever owns this place has an interesting taste in the design of it.” said Toni, now standing in the living room.

“Glad you took notice.” said an unfamiliar deep voice, making Toni turn around.

Standing in the kitchen stood a 6’3, chiseled man, wearing a sleeveless grey hoodie, which showed some arm tattoos, and some light grey shorts, holding a bottle of water. His skin had a slight brown tone to it, which definitely came from being in the sun, as his slightly baggy eyes were a mixture of a blueish-green, staring at her with an intense gaze. His lips are a very dark pink color, a curve to the bottom one as he took a sip of his water.

He had to be no older than 32, but no younger than 23. Damn, I’m old enough to be his mother or aunt, Toni said in her head, looking away.

“I see you guys assigned a baby to me.” she said, looking at both agents.

The man chuckles, walking over as he takes in her looks, arms crossed.

“Not used to being around people you can easily manipulate?” he asked, amusement in his voice.

Toni cuts her eyes to him, not saying anything before going back to the agents, making him nod at the no response.

“We figured he would be a better fit since he’s in the area we chose to put you in.” said the female agent.

“And he’s actually really good. Has a great resume and experience while in the Marines.” the male agent added.

“Anyone who only worked the grounds by doing the laundry, feeding everyone, or organizing whatever they were assigned probably had the same good experience.” said Toni, placing her bag on the couch.

“Not very sweet, I see.” the man said, making her laugh.

“I am. Just not wowed easily, that’s all.” she replied, looking back at the agents.

“Of course. You lived an upscale, illegal lifestyle after all.” he responded, drinking some of his water.

Toni rolled her eyes, ignoring the last part he uttered.

“You’re gonna introduce him or do I have to figure it out myself?” she asked, watching him move closer to the agents.

“This is Terry Richmond. One of our finest veterans who has great skills of defense and leadership, so he’ll protect you very well.” said the female agent, making Terry nod.

“I see.” said Toni, leaning against the couch.

“And this is Stonia Vikes. Also known as Toni, previously ‘Sweet Tooth’, and now her new name, Gillian Scott. One of the best cocaine traffickers we fought hard to track, not knowing what she looked like for years or was it a man we were looking for.” said the male agent.

“Poor management.” she replied, looking at Terry.

“Which is why she was so good at getting herself out of things or selling: just by talking. Lived the best life for a good time. Now she has to hide in the dark to live out the rest of her new life cause her once allies-turned-enemies wants her dead.” said the female agent, walking to the kitchen.

Toni looks away as Terry stepped a little closer, examining her features.

“Doesn’t seem like she’s fearful.” he said, backing up a bit.

“Nothing scares me. Not even a skilled Marine.” she said, looking at him.

Terry smiles, walking away to sit on the couch as the female agent walks back into the room with water bottles, handing one to the male agent.

“The men are almost here with your things, so we might as well go over the rules.” said the female agent.

“Have a seat.” said the male agent, pointing at the couch.

Toni turns and walks to sit on the couch, a few feet away from Terry as the agents sit in the lounge chairs.

The male agent opens the briefcase, takes out a file folder and handing it to Terry, who takes it.

“You probably were given a quick rundown of Vikes, but that includes a lot of things about her.” he says, feeling her eyes burning into him.

“Noted.” said Terry, reading the file.

“First rule: Using the new name we gave you while in public. You are Toni in here, but when you two out, you are Gillian Scott and Gillian Scott only. We don’t know if they have people out there blending in to take out, so it’s best to keep your true self hidden.” said the female agent.

“So….the same thing I been hearing since I took the deal.” said Toni.

“Second rule: daily inspections.” said the male agent, which made her roll her eyes.

“Shocker.” she mumbled.

As they continued discussing the rest of it, Toni looks at Terry reading, noting his calm demeanor as his finger traces over each word he reads.

Veiny, smooth hands. Etched calves. Thick thighs. Toned arms to match that big chest of his.

“Mr. Richmond, as you read through, you will notice that she has a….alcohol problem. Has ways of sneaking it, so make sure she doesn’t have any of it throughout her time in the program.” the female agent stated.

Toni scoffs, annoyed that they would include that part in her files, which she felt like its unnecessary.

“Fine with me. I don’t drink at all.” he replied.

“Could’ve added a detox program if you’re gonna do this.” said Toni, rubbing her head.

“So you can relapse immediately after finishing?” asked the male agent, eyebrows raised.

Toni looks away, not wanting to say anything. Even though, that comment hurt her a bit, which Terry took notice of.

“Last part was very unnecessary, O’Blac.” he said, eyeing him down.

O’Blac looks at him, caught off guard by his defense, but doesn’t say anything back.

“Apologies, Ms. Vikes.” he said, looking at her.

Toni ignores him, focusing mostly on the female agent.

“Twice a day: morning and night. Just make sure she has no weapons, drugs, unless it’s medication, or whatever you have prohibited from being in here.” said the female agent, continuing on.

Terry nods, going back to reading her file.

“Third rule: no contacting to anyone you’re prohibited from contacting. You’re not allowed to have a phone or any other device in your possession. No access to your bank account unless you go to Terry and ask him to take out some money that only be used for personal use, with some restrictions.” she added.

“Anything I’m allowed to do?” Toni asked, adjusting herself into her seat.

“You don’t have to wear an ankle monitor, so you’re allowed to walk around the property.” said O’Blac.

“But if you’re planning on walking around the neighborhood, I have to be present.” said Terry, looking at her.

“I don’t have a curfew?” she asks in a sly tone.

“Nahh. A little too young for that.” he replied.

Toni looks away, wanting to laugh but is not gonna fold in front of him.

“Violate any of these will get you sent to prison. So be cautious with how you’re living around here.” said the female agent.

“And treat Mr. Richmond well. You may think he’s mean on the outside, but he’s actually really nice.” said O’Blac.

Toni looks over again, seeing him smile a bit as he concentrates very hard at reading her file before closing it, placing it next to him.

“Understood, Vikes?” asked O’Blac.

Toni looks at both agents, nodding with amusement on her face.

“Good.”

The doorbell rings, making both agents get up.

“That’s Bates and Pearson. We’re gonna go talk to them as they bring in your things. Terry, why don’t you tell her more about what the property has while we’re gone.” said the female agent.

Terry nods at them as they walk out, leaving him with Toni.

Silence fills the room as Terry stands up, grabbing the folder with him.

“There’s a home gym downstairs if you don’t like waking outside. Has a treadmill and a few other equipment. There’s a garden on the left side of the house as well. I plant flowers mostly, but if you want to use it for something else, I’ll move to give you some space.” he said as he walked into the kitchen.

Toni nods, watching him move around the space.

“You from around here?” she asks, which makes him look at her.

“Lafayette is where I’m originally from. Was temporarily in Shelby Springs before I moved back.” he replied.

“How come?”

“I, uh…had a little situation with the police department out there that involved family.” as he leaned against the counter.

“Won a huge lawsuit.” he added.

“Must be nice.” she replied, rubbing her leg.

“How about you?”

“I do have an answer, but I don’t think I’m legally allowed to say.” she replied, making the both of them laugh.

“Right, right…” he mumbled.

“This your first time doing this?”

“Yeah. Protected people before. But never like this.”

“Hm.” she said, standing up.

“What do you think of me?” she asks, walking to him.

“Excuse me?” he replied, confused by her question.

“I mean, you’re a vet….working with FBI to protect a ex-queenpin who should be sitting in a cell.”

She turns around the corner of the island, feeling his eyes following her every move.

“And is notorious for getting things her way.” as she stands in front of him.

“Yeah? You’re nothing different from what I read on your file.”

“And that doesn’t make you feel….a little inexperienced?”

Terry laughs and nods, realizing what’s she’s getting.

“I see. I’m the young unaware ex-Marine who can’t handle the more feisty mature drug goddess’ standards after her fall from grace in your eyes. Right?” as he smirks, leaning up to stand, towering over her.

Toni smiles a bit, keeping her gaze on him as he looks down.

“Glad you see it.” she replied.

“But that’s not true. What I believe is what stands in front of me is a gorgeous older woman” as he examines her features, taking in her smile.

“Pretty eyes. Perfect cheekbones. A smile to die for. A physique I can’t describe or else, I feel like I’m overstepping.” as he pushes her hair back, seeing more of her face.

“…..who lacks discipline, dignity, and self awareness. Her charmed looks and usage of certain words always worked on a lot of people she fucked over, hence why she was able to run for so long.” as his smile fades a bit.

Toni stares at him, a bit of anxiety coming through her while keeping eye contact.

“That part of your life is over. As long as you’re in my presence, you’re not running things. And don’t even attempt to run over me.”

“And if I did?” she asked, folding in her arms.

Terry moves closer, backing her into the counter, cornering her. He leans in, putting his hand against the cabinet behind her, which makes her turn her head away.

“Trust me….you will regret it. So keep it short and sweet, Stonia.” he whispered, very close to her ear.

Toni snaps her eyes on him as the latter backs up, winking at her and smiling.

“I’m not afraid of you, Richmond.” she said.

Terry sucks his teeth, looking her up and down.

“Should be. I’m not one to attempt a leash on. Especially from you.”

Toni glares at him, astounded by that comment.

“You’ll learn.” he whispered, walking out.

What did he mean by that, she said to herself, watching him.

The door opens again, with footsteps being heard.

“Ms. Vikes, can you come to the stairs, please?” said O’Blac.

Toni listened, walk to where everyone was, grabbing her bag in the midst of it.

Getting to the staircase, she sees Terry, O’Blac, the female agent, and the two extra male agents, Bates and Pearson, standing there, holding her bags.

“May you show her where she’ll be sleeping, Terry?” asked the female agent.

He nods, walking up the stairs.

“This way.” he said, motioning her to follow him.

Toni obliges, following after him as the agents follow behind them.

Unlocking the door, Terry steps aside, letting Toni walk in first.

Examining it, she takes note that it’s a master bedroom: a big king size bed, a ceiling fan hanging over it, a three sided window that gives her a view of the lake with curtains, two nightstands, a vanity perfect to place her jewelry and makeup, a tv hanging on the wall, and a bathroom with a connected closet.

“Taken you like it?” he asked, a smile on his face.

“I do. Hopefully you’re not crowded in yours.” she replied, placing her bag on the bed.

Terry shakes his head. as he walks in, with the two men carrying Toni’s bags following, placing them on the floor carefully before walking out.

“Thought the diva needed the bigger space. Mines is spacious though.” he replied, making her squint her eyes at him.

“How generous.” she replied.

O’Blac and the female agent walk in, handing him a closed envelope.

“That’s includes the card to her bank account, medical reports, tax documents, and other things.” said O’Blac.

He takes it, holding it in front of him as they continued talking.

Toni didn’t hear the rest, walking up to the windows as she watches the sun reflect over the gorgeous water, slowly setting.

She imagines how nice it would be to sit on a boat, tanning and drinking in the cool breeze, as she discusses the next steps for sales and distributing to her crew.

“We’ll be going now, Ms. Vikes.” said the female agent, snapping her out of her daydream.

She looks back, nodding her head as if she everything they were saying.

“Let this be the last time you see us. Cause next time, we’ll be back with cuffs to take you away.” said O’Blac, sending her a warning look.

“Understood, agents. I’ll be on my best behavior.” she said in a smart tone.

They nod before looking at Terry and bidding farewell, leaving immediately afterwards.

Hearing the door close, Terry places the envelope on the vanity before turning to Toni, who patiently waits for his next move.

“Which bag did you want me start with?” he asked, looking at them.

“Up to you. You’re in charge.” she replied, sitting on the cushion lying on the window ledge.

Terry nods, kneeling in front of the first bag. Turning it on its back, he unzips it and lifts the flap, revealing a variety of shoes packed nicely in there.

“You got a lot of shoes in here.” he said, moving them around to see if anything is hidden.

“That’s the first bag of them.” she replied, making him look up.

“They let you keep all of them?”

“Can’t really smuggle anything in things that is sewed thinly.” as she crossed her legs.

Terry lets out a soft chuckle, continuing his inspection.

“First one’s clean.” he replied, zipping it back up.

He moves it to the side before grabbing the second bag, unzipping it.

“Wow. *More.” he said as he sees more shoes in the bag.

After looking through that one, he zips it up and moves it to the side, grabbing the next one.

He continues doing this for the rest of her bags as she watches, entertained by his objective of completing his first task with her here.

He looks adorable doing that, she said, smiling a bit.

Finally, he stands up, brush off any lint around his knees before walking to her bed, about to grab her bag, which makes her get up and snatch it.

“Uh, what do you think you’re doing?” she asked, her eyebrow slightly raised.

Terry looked at her confused, stepping closer to her.

“The inspection includes your purse.” as he wraps his hand around it, making her look down.

“Come on now.” he mumbled in a deep tone.

“I think you’ve done enough.” she said, pulling back a bit.

Terry exhales, getting closer as he stares at Toni, watching her boldness go down a bit. A pleading expression comes across her face as he wraps his other hand around hers, feeling her flinch a bit.

“I’m not gonna ask you again.” he utters, gently removing her hand, pulling the bag away from her.

She was about to protest, but stopped herself, remembering that she is not only being protected, but following his rules or go to prison.

She turns away as he dumps the contents of the bag on her bed, not wanting to see his reaction.

“Oh.” he said, holding back his laugh.

What’s inside? Bras. Panties. Her gummies that help with iron, hair, and energy. And her personal favorites: her five vibrators, each being the color of the rainbow.

“My bad for assuming the worst. Turns out, you might be the best.” he said in a joking tone, which makes her angry.

“Get out.” she said.

Terry looks at her in confused way, wondering if she was serious or not.

“Excuse me?” he asked.

“Get out of my room.” as she turns to look at him, arms folded.

“I think your little inspection is done.” she added.

“Yeah, but you don’t have to be rude about it.” he replied.

“I do what I please when my privacy is being violated in front of me.”

“Privacy?” as he laughed.

“You’re a criminal who’s whole career was selling something to people for them to feel a different high that they couldn’t rest from. Probably sold a lot of personal items, ruined relationships, even OD’d just so you can live it large and continue distributing it.” he added, watching her mouth clench.

“You don’t know that.” she said, feeling his scowl.

“You don’t think their privacy got violated? Considering most probably bought it in public or you sold it to them around others that watched?”

“You would know, huh?”

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

Toni smirks, watching him slowly get mad as she leaned closer, more to his ear.

“How brutal was the training for the Marines? Did you have to get waterboarded? Random drills in the middle of the night? Spanked with a plank board on your ass?” she whispered as she traces over his arm.

“Or was it easy because you did favors? Got praises for being a good boy? Cause you seem like the type to receive that.” she added, a coy smile coming across her face.

Terry nods, an unreadable expression on his face. She hears him growl a bit before brushing past her, grabbing the envelope off the vanity.

“Strike 1.” he said.

“What?!” she exclaimed.

“I don’t tolerate disrespect or negative comments about my Marines background. Don’t let your mouth get you trouble around me again, Vikes.” as he walks to the entrance.

“No way you’re that sensitive.” she mumbled, rubbing her head.

“What was that?!” he asked, marching fast towards her.

She stood still, taken aback that he heard her. He stops in front, anger now all over his face.

“What did you say?” he asked. “I wanna hear it.”

Toni looks at him with no hesitation, not giving in. He nods, a stiff laugh coming out, creeping her out a bit on the inside.

“Thought so.” as he leans forward.

“Know your place.” he utters, patting her on her arm before walking out, closing the door.

Toni sighs loud, annoyed at what just happened as she began putting her stuff in the closet and drawers.

“This is going to be long road for me, isn’t it?” she asked quietly.

As much as she hated it…..she was very enthralled by how easily irritated he gets when she does something he doesn’t like.

Maybe if she continues pushing his buttons….

Wait.

No.

It would get her sent away. She’s a little weary because she wants to, but she also knows what consequences come if she goes too far.

After finishing filling her last drawer with her bras, underwear, and vibrators, she lays on her bed, slowly drifting to sleep.

For the next few weeks, she tries to find something worth caring for.

Her and Terry have gone shopping for not just groceries, but for her to buy things that she thinks it’s worth trying to entertain her and grow a huge likeness for.

She tried knitting. Found it boring and she’s only in her 60s.

She tried crocheting. Found it complicating.

She even tried puzzles and building sets. Found it too hardworking.

Reading, cooking, and journaling seems to be the only things she’s enjoying, but even that gets stale after a while.

Now here she is, lying on a lounge folding chair, tanning as the cool Louisiana air blows around her.

Wearing a black sheer kimono, sunglasses, and a white two piece bikini, it is a very nice day to be outside and do nothing, just watch time pass by.

A slow R&B song is playing on the speaker near her as Terry is kneeling in the garden, pulling weeds out from his section of flowers.

Wearing a sun hat, grey tank top, capri pants, and boots, he focused very hard as Toni watches, making sure he doesn’t accidentally touch her side, which contains herbs.

Cooking herbs, by the way.

“Having fun over there?” she asked in a cocky tone.

Terry looks at her, sending her a small smile as he stands up, looking out towards the lake.

“What a view.” he said, taking it in. “Gorgeous shine to it.”

“Thank you.” she said happily, making him look at her narrowly.

“Now, you know I’m not talking about you.”

Toni says ugh! as she looks at him, disbelief that he ruined the moment.

“Whatever you say, Richmond!” she said, adjusting her kimono.

“Would be nice if I had some help!” he replied, removing his gloves.

“You the one who decided to take on that, not I!” she responded, hearing him laugh.

“Because it’s relaxing. Always wanted a garden too.”

“Really?” she asked in an amusing tone.

“Yeah.”

“Well, make sure you’re not messing up my herbs, flower boy.” she said, looking forward.

He nods his head before removing his soaked shirt, tossing it somewhere before he resumed his yard work.

Toni looked over, taking in the body of a man who is also her bodyguard.

“My God….” she whispered, amazed by how etched his abs were, how sculpted his back was, along with how veiny the lower half of his body is.

“Like what you see?” he asked, interrupting her dazed look.

She squeals before turning away from him, hearing him laugh a bit.

“Ain’t nobody’s paying attention to you!” she replied.

“Right….” he said in a sly tone.

Terry left to go grab some tools from the garage, leaving Toni in the backyard.

As she was readjusting her spot, a suspicious boat passes by, nearly close to the land. An unidentifiable man that was driving it stares her down, mapping out her face.

She felt uncomfortable and was about to call Terry, but he was already on the move, walking up quickly and hiding something behind him.

“Can I help you, sir?” he asked loudly, which made Toni get up and stand next to him.

The man looks at him. before turning away driving off fast.

Terry shakes his head, before locking the gun he was hiding and putting it in his pocket.

“Did he look familiar to you?” he asked, looking at her.

“Never seen him in my life.” she replied, shaking her head.

“Anything look off?”

“Just dark.”

He nods, turning to the garden.

“For now on, tan on the second level of the house.” he said, walking off.

Toni watches him resume his work as she lays back down, thoughts racing about who the hell that was on the boat.

Eventually, the man returned at random times over the next few days, which made Terry get the feds involved and Toni having to stay inside most of the time to avoid seeing the man reappear.

They did their best with finding solutions, from suggesting a new location, which will take up to three years to happen or going out in disguise, which she found pointless.

This caused her to develop a lot of anxiety, not knowing where else is she gonna see him since he had good memory of identifying her.

The only way she could cure this feeling was by drinking.

Whether it was hot or cold, it helped calmed her. But, it does get a bit out of control if she sips too much, which was why it developed into an addiction later on.

But now, she has no access to getting it. Unless she steals it and sneaks it in while they’re out shopping and he isn’t looking.

Which worked.

She managed to steal a peach-mango wine cooler from their recent grocery store trip, hiding it in random places she knows he won’t look when he does his daily inspection.

Wearing a red nightgown that stopped just above her knees and a matching robe, she watches him look between the mattresses of her bed for the last time before he stood up, wiping his hands.

“Clean.” he said, looking at her.

Toni smiled, satisfied with his report as she stood up from the ledge.

“Anything else you need from me, Terry?” she asked, batting her eyes.

He shook his head, walking to the door.

“Just be up by 10 tomorrow. We’re going grocery shopping again. So think of something you want. Or restock.” he replied, standing in the entrance.

“Alright.” she replied, walking towards her vanity.

He watches her sit down, putting her hair up before grabbing an anti-aging face cream, opening it.

“You don’t need that.” he said.

She looks at him through the mirror, his eyes giving her an admiring look.

“Well, I can’t afford Botox in the moment, so this shall do.”

“Don’t need that either.” he replied.

“How else am I suppose to keep my youthful looks then?” she asked, turning around to face him.

“By being you. Not to mention, you don’t look your age, which is a good sign that you don’t need it.”

Toni smiles faintly, closing the cream before putting it back on the counter.

“You tell this to the women you see?” she asked, leaning back a bit.

“You’re the fifth one.” he replied, making both of them laugh.

“Ahh. You have requirements when it comes to you.” as she nods her head, turning back to her vanity.

Terry steps up, moving a bit closer to stand behind her, a little smile on his face.

“Don’t we all?” he asked, watching her cut her eyes to him.

“I’m open minded. As long as you have something I like, I’ll follow whatever you want me to do.” she replied, grabbing her moisturizer.

“Even if you haven’t tried it?” he asked in a sultry tone.

She stops, raising an eyebrow at him.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked.

Terry laughs quietly as he walked back to the entrance, leaving her confused.

“You been good these past few weeks, Vikes.” as he stops his movement.

“Following and obeying my rules. That’s what I like in a woman. Older or younger. Keep it up.” he replied, grabbing the doorknob.

“…..obeying, huh? Like you in control?” she uttered, watching his mouth twitch.

“I am. That’s why you here.” he replied.

She scoffs, looking away to begin her skincare.

“And you a good listener too. That’s another thing I like in a woman who knows her place.” he replied with a smirk.

Toni snapped her head at him, shocked at what he just said.

“Good night, Toni.” he added as he shut the door, turning off the lights.

With the vanity bulbs shinning on her, Toni closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down as she feels her body getting a little hot from that exchange.

No way I’m turned on by that, she utters, fanning herself.

She resumed her skin routine, finishing with a lock-in oil to hydrate her skin, looking at herself in the mirror.

Noticing a few wrinkles, some puffiness, and slightly baggy eyes, she took in what he said. He was right: she really doesn’t look her age. Maybe she should lay off the….

Wait.

Is she really following his orders? Oh my god, he was really seeing everything she does!

She shook her head as she got up, heading into her closet.

She walks to where her many pairs of shoes were, move some to each side until she found what she was looking for.

Hidden behind them was the wine cooler, standing tall against the wall.

She grabs it and walks back to her vanity, sitting down.

She opened it, which made a loud POP! sound, making her look at the door to see if he might bust through.

He didn’t, which meant the coast was clear.

She begins sipping the cooler, which felt real nice as it spilled down her throat, leaving a nice sting that made her moan a bit.

“Godly, have I missed tasting you.” she whispered, enjoying the taste.

She took a few more sips, feeling herself getting a little more hazy as she begins tracing over her legs, her heat growing hotter and hotter.

She looks at herself in the mirror, enjoying this new hunger that’s coming out as she closes her eyes, throwing her head back as the heat grows, yearning to be touched.

She feels a hand tracing over her chest, which made her look up, seeing Terry looking down at her, a glowing gaze from his eyes. He lowers his head as he gently wraps his hand around her throat, pulling her up from her seat.

“You know what I said about alcohol in the house.” he whispered in a tensive tone, hearing her whimper.

“What are you gonna do about it?” she replied, feeling his grip tighten a bit.

He leans in, inhaling her scent before crashing his lips onto hers, with the latter succumbing to it. He tastes the peach, mango, and wine on her tongue as she slides her hand over his bulge, squeezing it.

She closes her eyes, hearing him moan as he pushes her against the counter, not breaking the kiss.

When she opens them again, she’s back into her seat position, with no sign of Terry around her. She realized that she was hallucinating that, making her laugh in embarrassment.

“No wonder they don’t want me drinking.” she said, picking up the cooler, examining the ingredients.

“But you’re not listening to that rule for your own needs.” said a familiar male voice, making her jump.

She turns around and sees Terry standing there, his arms crossed as he has a disappointing look on his face.

“Terry…it’s not what it looks lik—“ she begins to ramble, but he cuts her off.

“I just told you that you were being good with following everything I tell you to do.” he said, beginning to walk up.

She attempts to stand up, but he stops her, motioning her to stay where she’s at.

“They are depending on you to not relapse and do away with drinking because they actually believe in you.” as he stops in front of her.

Toni becomes a little bit scared of him, not used to seeing this side of Terry.

He snatches the cooler out of her hand, startling her with how quick he was.

“And you decide to throw all that away just to taste…..this?” he asked, a disgust look on his face.

“A shame that you would do that.” he added, watching her look down.

Toni stands up, nodding her head as a remorseful look overcomes her.

“I know, I know. I gave in a little too easily with choosing…..that.” as she looks at the cooler.

“It won’t happen again. I promise. Hell, I can pour it down the drain if you want just to show that I can follow the rules so I don’t go back to prison.” as her robe slides down her arm, exposing her shoulder a bit.

She traces over his arms as she steps a little closer, distancing the space between them as he watches her, a small smile coming on her face.

“Even better: I’ll do whatever you want for now on. I’ll commit to trying out the cold turkey method. Just please…..please don’t tell them about this.” she said, a little pity in her tone.

Terry looks her up and down, leaning in a bit as he wraps his arm around her waist, turning them so her back is to her bed. She gasps, weary on what he’s gonna do next as he steps back, looking at her.

“Turn around.” he said, a commanding presence taking over his body.

Toni does what he said, turning around.

“Are you wearing underwear?” he asked, curiosity in his voice.

“What?” is what she replied with instantly, but immediately regrets it.

You would say that while in an awful position, she said to herself, very flustered.

Terry sighed, trying to not crack as he steps forward a bit.

“I said are you wearing underwear. And I want an actual answer, Stonia.” he replied, her name coming out in a thicker tone.

Toni breathed harshly, caught off guard by this new side of Terry. She doesn’t know if she should fear him…..or actually want him.

“….y-yes.” she replied, a bit pitchy.

“Why the stutter?”

“….youre making a woman a bit nervous here.”

“Well, she wouldn’t be that if she followed the rules. Especially if she has history of not following them.”

Toni clenched at his authoritative stance right now, wanting to see his face, but refuses to get herself into even more heat.

She hears him move around, opening some drawers, wondering what he’s doing behind her.

“Bend over.” he said.

She looks back at him with a muzzled expression, but turns around immediately as he walks to her.

“That was an order that you didn’t follow.” he said, standing behind her.

Then, she felt a hard slap come across her left cheek, forcing her to hold back a moan, shocked by this.

“Now. Bend over.” he repeated, waiting for her.

Toni obliges, bending over until her face is lying on the bed, arching her back to keep herself from falling forward.

“Hm. You were telling the truth.” he said, tracing over the underwear as he gently rubs the sting away, feeling her relax a bit.

Toni fights back to the urge to moan, not wanting to show that she was enjoying this as he places a few kisses over it, filling his hot lips tickling in her skin.

“Alright. Do apologize for going a bit too far.” he said, removing his hand as he stepped into her view.

“However….. that strike two for you.”

She lifts her head up, appalled that she did all that just for him to not let it go.

“And you better not anything unless you wanna go to strike three right now.” he said, watching her close her mouth quickly.

He nods, impressed with the way she immediately obeyed him. He walks over to her vanity, grabbing the cooler before walking to the door.

She watches him, noticing a bouncing bulge in his pants as he stood in the entrance, grabbing the doorknob.

“Another thing: don’t touch me against my will unless I say so.” he uttered, looking back at her.

He takes in her flustered look, waking at her before closing the door behind him, walking to his room.

Toni grabs one of her pillows and puts her face in it, screaming into it.

She was so close to getting a taste of him under those clothes and yet, she still got bamboozled in the end, leaving her hot and bothered.

She realized that she has met her match in Terry Richmond.

Inside the busy grocery store contained many different shoppers, looking for different things they need for their place or somewhere they’re going.

Toni and Terry are walking down the grocery aisle that contained pasta and its ingredients, looking at each type of noodle in front of them.

Wearing sunglasses, a striped top, black jeans, and black latex boots, with him matching to blend in, she’s a little distant, but not too far from Terry, the thrilling feeling from last night still reeling over her body.

“How about a Louisiana Creole Chicken Rigatoni this week?” she asked, looking at him.

“What the hell is in Creole chicken?” he replies, his eyebrow raised.

“I don’t know, you the expert since you’re from here.” she replied, watching him chuckle.

“Real funny, Gillian. You should be a comedian.”

“You gonna come be my bodyguard if I do?”

Terry shakes his head in a laughing way as he grabs two of the rigatoni pasta boxes, placing them in the cart.

“If the Feds let you do that.” he replied, grabbing some spaghetti pasta as well.

Toni rolls her eyes as she walks forward, examining the pasta sauces.

“You feeling tomato, garlic, and onion or just tomato?” she asked.

“That goes into the rigatoni?” he replied, eyebrows raised.

“No, we have to get ingredients for that in produce. This is for spaghetti.”

“Ohhh. The first one, then.”

She grabs two jars, placing them in the cart. She grabs a bottle of olive oil, placing it next to them.

“We’e out of that too.” she utters.

“You sure it isn’t because it looks like a wine bottle?”

Toni looks at him, annoyance on her face.

“Don’t piss me off, Terrance.” she said, walking forward.

“Don’t call me by my real name then.”

“Or what? You’re gonna drag me to the bathroom and tease me again, leaving me all hot and bothered?”

Terry pauses, looking at her with shock. He walks up slowly, greeting the worker passing by with a smile before going back to his stoneface demeanor, scaring Toni a bit.

“Don’t say that again. Unless you want me to get you to regret it. Understood?” he asked, whispering low.

Toni smirks, turning away as she walks forward, watching people past them.

“What’s next on the list?”

“Kidney beans. We used the last of it for last week’s chili.” he replied, reading the list.

Toni nods, walking to the aisle next door as Terry followed behind with the cart.

They continued like this for the next few aisles, picking up simple things like water, seasonings, chips, cookies, paper plates, and napkins to newer things like garlic chili crunch oil, rosemary loaf bread, and horchata infused protein powder.

Well, the latter was for Terry since he said he wanted to try a new flavor.

During this, Toni always notices him staring at her for a while, from her face to her hair and even her ass. When she turns, he looks away immediately, pretending he was occupied with an item in the aisle.

After finishing finding what they needed in the aisles, they head to produce, picking up fruits and vegetables they need.

“Onion, green pepper, garlic, and petite tomatoes is what we need.” she said, looking at him.

He nods, walking over to get a few plastic bags as Toni waited with the cart. She watches him walk to where the items were, looking around before picking it up.

“And make sure you get good ones!” she said, making him look back at her.

“Don’t want a bad one messing up the dish.” she said, smiling.

Terry squints his eyes at her, resuming what he was doing before coming to her, placing the bags in the cart. She picks them up, examining each one as he watches, shaking his head.

“Is that really necessary?” he asked.

“That’s how I always made sure the product was good to go out or I get a complaint from one of my distributors.” she replied, putting the green pepper down.

“Natural instincts.” she added, watching him nod.

“Right….” he said.

“What’s next?” she asked, looking at the list in his hand.

“…Deli.” as he read it.

She nods, grabbing the cart as she walks to it, with him following her.

He watches her place the order of a half pound of provolone cheese, half pound of honey smoked turkey, half pound of white cheddar, and half pound of roast beef, noting to slice it sort of thin so it’s not too thick to eat.

The worker nodded before walking off to do the order, with her turning around, walking to the cart.

“You place an order in such a precise way, I’m impressed.” he said, crossing his arms.

“That’s how I was taught. Place an order very clear and directive, unless you want to get a terrible one.” she said, applying lip balm.

“Hm. So how did a woman like you get involved with the drug world and got away with it for a while?”

Toni looks at him, walking closer so she can lean in his ear so no one can hear her.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit of a personal question to ask in public?” she whispered.

“It’s not like anyone is paying attention to us.” he replied.

“I know what you’re trying to do, Richmond.”

“And you like it.” he said in a sultry tone.

Toni gasps quietly as he traces his hand over her waist as he pulls her close, making sure no one is staring.

“You gonna answer the question or do I have to make you?” he asked, moving his hands up her back.

Toni pushes him back, a quaint look on her face as he smiles, turning to face the counter.

“Grew up as the youngest of three in a little city outside of Phoenix. Was the only daughter in the house. Eventually became the only girl as my mother passed when I was 11.” she began, looking around her surroundings.

“They were all very protective of me, especially my dad. So I couldn’t live a fun and normal life most girls do as I wasn’t allowed to hang with friends, going out to places I wanted to see, not even spend the night. I was always smart, the one who manages to get herself out of her trouble, and even coming up with quick solutions to problems. Which my brothers hated. So, they did everything they could to make sure I don’t go off on my own when it came to applying for college. And it worked.”

“It did?” asked Terry, which she nodded.

“I got accepted to a lot of schools outside of Arizona and full ride scholarships, planning to go to Rutgers. My dad was against it and said I shouldn’t go to school after I graduate because he needs someone to take care of him. My brothers convinced him to choose me because he needed his “heirs” to continue running his landscape business is or one of them is going to be stuck doing with all the hard work he does while I have nothing much going on. Mind you, I wanted to work in medicine.”

“That explains a lot.” he said, smiling a bit.

“I don’t mean a pharmacy either. Like actual making the medicine. Pills, liquids, powder, you name it. I knew how to measure, label, and packaged stuff correctly, so I knew this job would be worth it. But no. He just couldn’t see it and it just made our relationship even worse. So what did he do? He went behind my back and rejected all of my offers, lying to them by saying “she’s not interested anymore” and I didn’t find out until three months before my graduation. We got into a huge argument, with him saying “you’re staying here, whether you like it or not” and barred me from going out. So what did I do? Packed everything I owned, including my personal documents, and left, vowing to never come back.”

“Here’s your cheeses and turkey, ma’am.” said the worker, making Toni look up.

She nods, walking up and taking it before going back to the cart.

“One of my girlfriends got me a bus ticket to San Diego, using some of the money from her job to buy it for me. She said het older cousin, Chino or ChiChi, will be waiting for me in a 1984 gold Hyundai Accent, having a job opportunity in hand. I was a bit skeptical, but she promised me it wasn’t nothing weird as he’s not into that type of work.” she continued, shrugging a bit.

“So, I woke up, bid farewell, and got on that bus to San Diego. Took 7 hours, so when I woke up, we were about an hour out. We arrived, got my things, and got off, walking around to see if I could find him. Which turned out to be very easy. He was about your height, just two inches taller, heavily tatted, a bit thick and muscular. Wasn’t in style back in the 80s, but he was definitely trendy before it happened.”

“And here’s the roast beef.” said the worker, holding it out.

Toni was about to go get, but Terry moved before her, grabbing it before heading back to the cart.

“That’s all?” he asked.

She looked at the list, reading over and seeing they got everything they needed.

“Yeah.” she replied, showing his the list.

“Alright. Let��s go to self-checkout. You can continue your story.” as he begins pushing the the cart.

She follows behind, standing close as she turns around, no noticing an unfamiliar man staring at the both of them, particularly her.

She ignored as she continued walking, getting in line with him while looking back to make sure the man isn’t behind.

“I got into his car, identified myself as the person he was waiting for, and he began driving, stopping to get us McDonald’s. He asked how old I was, I said I’ll be 18 in the summer. Have I ever worked, do I have a rap sheet aka a lengthy record, associated with the Feds, and do I owe debt to anyone? I said no to all them, and he said “Perfect. Boss might like you.” We came to this really dark, but tall house in Grant Hill, where you can see the bridge. The decor was very much like Scarface, but once again, it was the 80s. ChiChi was getting mad because one of the guards ordered me to take off my clothes to make sure I’m not wearing a wire and he immediately was like “I checked her already, why do you want to see a naked teenager?”, almost fighting him. It ended when the boss came out, asking why y’all fighting in his house this late?” as he’s wearing this silk robe.”

“What was the obsession with silk back then?” asked Terry.

“Luxury. Very soft. Shining. Easy to clean. Was also cheap back then. If you owned anything that had that, you were looked upon as someone who has money.” as she makes the money gesture.

“And in this instance, Angél Keita was very rich. Or El Padrino Negro y Marrón: Black Brown Godfather. One of the most well known drug lords that managed to never get caught nor charged in his lifetime. A whole Afro-Mexican running his own business and allegedly a hothead, but he seemed normal to me. He came down and cursed everyone out, until he got to me. Asked me who I was, with ChiChi telling him I was the new worker that was coming in. He ordered me and ChiChi into his office, closing the door behind him. Asked me the same questions ChiChi did, hand over my documents, explain what he’s expecting in someone who’s a packer, since that’s what I started out as.” as she sees the line moving, making her step forward.

She watches Terry move the cart up as the man she doesn’t recognize gets in line, just a few customers behind.

“Can we switch?” she asked, looking at Terry.

“Something wrong?” he replied, a concerned look on his face.

She leans forward, making sure the man doesn’t see her talking to him.

“There’s a tall, brownish black man, about 4 customers behind, that keeps staring at me. Wearing an olive green polo shirt, black sweats, and Adidas stripes sneakers. I think he’s been following us the whole time, but I’m not sure.” she whispered, looking back a bit.

Terry nods as he switches with her, him now standing on the side and Toni standing behind the cart.

She notices his grip tightening on the basket, his veins slightly popping out around his hand as he looks at the man, who then looks away.

“I’ll call O’Blac when we get home.” he said, exhaling loudly.

Toni traces over his veins, hearing his breath skip as he looks down, seeing her face looking mesmerized.

“His hands looked exactly like yours. Angél’s hands, by the way. Much older, but seemed to still have his youth spirit in him. He wanted me to follow his demonstration of how to properly identify, weight, fill, and pack the product. Which I did. Did it so effortlessly. Then, he told me to do it myself to determine where he’ll put me since he has four different groups of packers. Group 1 was the experts, meaning he can rely on them for most of the product. Group 2 was great, but timing is what holds them back and that’s where ChiChi was. Group 3 was decent, but 50/50. Meaning you’re good at two of the four, but suck in the other two. And Group 4 was bad, meaning you only excel at one of the four or suck in all of them.” she said, removing her hand.

“So you wanted to avoid being in the last two groups.” he said, intrigued.

“Correct.” she nodded, moving up a bit as the line moved again.

“So I did my test, with one minute as my time. Identify the product as MDMA since it was circular and had his initials on it, had to be under 5 oz, which I poured the correct amount. Didn’t overfill or it would be the one to mess up the weight scale as he was strict about that. And put the correct label on it. Finished with 42.1 seconds left, which impressed ChiChi but wasn’t sure if Angél was agreeing since it’s hard to map out his expressions. He looked at everything, thought about it, and said after a few more minutes of waiting: Group 1.” she said, smiling a bit.

“He was impressed with how fast I identified the drug, how careful I filled it into its container, and how accurately I placed the label. Said I beat someone’’s time by 8 seconds and he’ll keep a close eye on me. Spent about…4, maybe 5 months as a packer before I got moved up to seller with ChiChi. He said selling was gonna be hard as I had to make sure I wasn’t selling to a customer who was working with the Feds, on a rival’s territory, and in a way that is gonna make the customer either come back or refer me to some other people. So I went out, roaming around the area to figure out a good strategy to sell without getting caught.”

“You two can go to the one on far end right.” said the cashier, pointing at it.

They listened, going down to the right, parking the cart in front of the scanner. Terry grabs the first item and begins scanning, carefully placing it in the bag.

“What did you do?” he asked, placing the first two bags in the cart.

“There was this strip club him and ChiChi frequented. It was called Tastee’s. I went in there, watching how the girls interacted with their customers, seeing some managed to take them into a private room. I came there a lot, a popular one noticed me on my next trip. Her name was *Honey. Gorgeous, sun kissed brown skin, sculpted like a goddess, an Afro so big and poofy, wore 70s styled makeup, and she always had gold glitter on her body and hair. Smelled very sweet, fruity, and floral. I can see why she was popular: she owned it. She thought I was interested in being a stripper, but I told her no as I’m just trying to figure out a way to sell drugs without getting caught or having people come to me to buy. I was expecting her to tell me to go, but she offered to help.”

Terry stopped, astound by that as he scanned the water underneath.

“A stripper helped you become Sweet Tooth?”

“Yes. She told me that his rival’s sales were becoming stiff because he raised the price on all his stuff, hence why they never see any of the sellers around here anymore. She was also cool with Angél and ChiChi, which is why I think she wanted to help me. She noted that since it’s most likely gonna be men as the customers, you have to dress, wear a scent, and act in a way to get them to buy. They loved short dresses, anything sugary and spicy, and when the woman is being sweet. Put all of that together and a smile: Sweet Tooth.” she said as she hands him the sugar.

He takes it and scans it, placing it in the bag as he sees the man in line, being second up.

“My first sale was there. I saw this guy Honey just took money from who definitely takes ecstasy since he was a frequent customer. I got up, fix myself, and pretending I accidentally bumped into him to get his attention, which worked. He was interested, indulged with my charm and the way I complimented him. I showed him the product and he rejected it at first, saying “I ain’t pay $7 for that.” and pushed it away. Told him that’s not who I work for and we sell ours for $4, which got him even more interested. Bought three off me before Honey came to get him. Left and dropped off how much I made to Angél, which I told him it wasn’t a lot but he said it was fine since it was your first day. Went back the next day…..made $5,000.”

“Damn. You went up that fast overnight.” he said, scanning the last few items.” he said, watching her nod.

“Had a good experience taking that, he told his friends and other customers about me. Went from $5,000 a night to $8,000 when he allowed me to go to other places around the areas. “Look for this Sweet Tooth woman!” “Sweet Tooth is who you need to go see!” “Hey, Sweet Tooth! You got some white girl and skunk on you? How much?” “Lend me some of that magic, Sweet Tooth.” Went from being on the bottom of the barrel to the top of pyramid less than a year working for him. Then I was able to travel to different cities across California to sell. Then to other neighboring states. Eventually, he chose me to run his Ensenada, Mexico section by ‘88. Made the most money I have ever seen out there. Met some nice guys too.”

Terry watches her lower her head as she closes her eyes, with her seeing the memory of Angél on his deathbed showing.

“Was his best seller for 12 years. We didn’t see it coming at all when they told us to come back to San Diego for an emergency meeting. I told ChiChi that doesn’t sound good, but he reassured that it was probably them opening a new spot. Instead, when we got there, he was laid out on bed in the middle of the floor, hooked to a machine. He told us that he had been secretly battling lung cancer for the last years, with the last few months increasing it from stage 2 to stage 4 and he knew he didn’t have much time left. So he told us that we will find out who’ll take over the business after the funeral, but he wants to say his goodbyes to each one of us privately so he can leave with everyone he cared about on a good note.”

She opened her eyes, seeing him watching with somberness in his eyes.

“When it was my turn, I went in. Telling myself to hold it together…..but I knew I wouldn’t by the end. He thanked me for giving him the most sales he has ever made in his life, saying I came at the perfect time when he thought he was about to go under like his rivals did. Said after his wife of an amazing 45 years, their three girls who he loved to pieces, I was the third most important woman in his life. I asked “Over your mother?” and he told me she been dead for a while, she’ll live.” she said, making the both of them laugh.

“Always saw me as his fourth daughter and was very protective, but not to the extreme. Truth is, I thought he was a better father to me than my own. Which says a lot. He said he hopes what I do continues on after his death, kissed my hand, and told me to get home safe. Left there with tears falling. About an hour later, he was gone.”

Terry paid the bill, grabbing the receipt as he motioned Toni to come, pulling the cart. She sniffles, taking out a tissue to wipe her tears as they walk out.

“Funeral came and the next day was the read of his will. Had everything divided between the people he wanted to leave something for. Gave his wife the house they stayed in, a lot of the older cars, a lot of money, and a lifetime warranty of going to the Bahamas for the rest of her life. His daughters got most of his jewelry, condos, money, and most of the newer cars he just bought. ChiChi was assigned as second in command of the business, gifted the big mansion in Miami, and the rest of his massive cigar collection. Lastly, it was my turn. He left me the house in The Hamptons, the house in Jamaica, the house in Puerto Rico, two Cadillac Fleetwoods, and a big diamond necklace he didn’t get to wear.” as she blows her nose.

“We thought that was the end of the reading until his lawyer said “And the person who will taking over the Keita Enterprises business will be….‘Sweet Tooth’ Stonia Vikes. Effectively immediately.” I was shocked, couldn’t believe he didn’t go with any of his longtime business partners, but with me. I cried about it for a few days, being afraid to be running something he was so good at. But ChiChi boosted me up, saying I’ll be a good transition from him and the business will go up.”

They stop at the car as Terry opens the trunk, beginning to place the bags in as she helped him, watching their surroundings.

“He was right. I ended up having the greatest run I never thought I had. Enjoyed that lifestyle. But I always wondered if my growing addiction to drinking contributed to losing everything……or maybe I just thought I was invincible.”

She finished placing the last bag in, closing the trunk as she looks Terry, who was leaning against the cart.

“Oh well. Life doesn’t turn out how you wanted. Tough pill for me to swallow.”

“……do you hate him? For what he did?” he asked.

Toni shrugs, not sure how to answer that.

“Ask me again in a few months.” she replied, walking to the passenger side of the car.

Terry watches her get in before pushing the cart to a holding station, placing it in there. He sees the man walk out of the store, heading in the opposite direction.

He takes out his phone and takes a few pictures of him, zoomed in and all before walking back to the car, getting in.

Toni finishes wiping her face as Terry starts the car, looking over.

“Craving anything? I know you hungry after all that crying.” he said, watching her smile a bit.

“….a spicy chicken sandwich. And some fries.” she replied, looking at him.

“Think I know a place that has that.”

“Well, hurry before the frozen food defrosts.”

Terry nods as he looks both ways before pulling out, driving to the fast food place he has in mind.

Few Months Later

Toni is sitting outside, looking out to the lake, scanning for details with her binoculars.

Wearing a white lace cut out sundress, hair in beach curls, and no shoes, she enjoys the breeze against her skin as the sun beams down.

She sees two swans floating on the water, both having a bright orange-pink gradient beaks, forming a cute little heart.

Perfect, she said, seeing them float away, cuddled up.

She smiles before dipping her dry paint brush into the cup of water, dipping it in white paint, and begins the outline of the swans on her canvas.

Toni finally found something she enjoyed doing as a hobby: painting.

She picked it up when her and Terry were walking downtown, exercising as Agent O’Blac and his FBI team investigate the stalker a little more at the house. They haven’t seen him anywhere since that day, wondering if he’s hiding or he ran off because Terry saw him.

They ran past an arts store, which caught Toni’s eye, making them stop.

She saw a wheeled paint brush set being on clearance for $100 displayed on the window front, containing different brushes, 150 colors (50 each for water, oil, and acrylic), 20 glitter colors, a easel, a pack of 20 canvas (five for each size), a palette, sponges, and five different sized paint knife.

She convinced him to let her buy it, in which he did. And now here she is, on her third painting.

This time, the lake is her muse. She detailed the water perfectly with its green-slight blue tone, capturing its reflecting with some white and silver lines.

The trees that stretch to the shore that’s not far from the house are encrypted on the edges in black to draw out the bark and branches.

Some brown tones are used as lines to bring it out more, and colorful leaves of different shades accompanies it.

The pink-orange sky sets the mood, with cotton candy like clouds floating, used with the sponges to create.

She’s in her element that she was looking for. peace and sober. She hears movement, which makes her turn around.

Seeing the living room sliding doors open, she watches Terry wheel out a cart with different foods on there: marinated ribs, marinated steak, chopped onions and peppers, burger patties, hot dogs, both hot dog and burger buns, cheese, and corn tortillas, heading to the grill.

“Need some help?” she asked loudly, watching him look in her direction.

“I ain’t know you was out here.” he replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Better yet, why are you not on the second level like I told you to be on?” he asked, crossing his arms.

He’s wearing a white wife beater, blue flared jeans, and a pair of black boots. Dressed like a cowboy working on his farm.

This is also the fourth time they have worn the same color, different outfit styles.

“Thought it was safe since we haven’t seen the man.” she replied, looking back at her canvas.

“Also wanted to get a closer look for my painting.” as she continued painting the swans.

Terry smiles a bit, coming down slowly to see her work.

“I’ll let you slide this time. Next time, stay on the second level.” he replied, getting closer.

Toni nodded, hearing his footsteps behind as he stops, leaning over a bit.

He’s impressed with how fast she accustomed to painting, her style matching her real well as she dips the brush in the water, cleaning it off.

He looks at her right shoulder, noticing a small bird rest on a flower tattoo on it, examining it.

“You have a back tattoo?” he asked, making her look back.

“Mmhm.” she nodded. “Got it during year 2 of working for Angél.”

“What’s the meaning?”

“Our state bird and state flower: a cactus wren and a saguaro cactus blossom.”

“May I?”

She nods, feeling him move her head to the side as he traces over it, feeling his soft fingers gliding against her skin.

“Why it feels like I’m learning something new about you every week?”

“Cause you’re slacking on your job maybe.”

“Trust me…I’m not.” as he leaned into her ear.

She looks up, seeing his eyes glaring at her in a ferocious way, making her wanting to touch him. But she doesn’t, slightly brushing her shoulder past his leg, making him laugh a bit.

“You know what you can do to make the water pop out more?” he asked, leaning in closer as he looks at the water detailing.

Toni looks at him, watching him pick up the glitter watercolor palette.

“Maybe add a bit of glitter to it. So whenever a source of light shines, it brings out a reflective effect. Just like how the actual lake looks right now.” he said, a brightness coming out of him.

“Hm. What color do you suggest?” she asked, putting her paint brush in the cup.

“Silver might be a little too clunky. But, if you mix a bit of this teal and orange, you might have a pretty gradient to it.” as he points at both colors.

Toni reaches over to grab two clean brushes: one for the teal and one for the orange. She picks them up, dips them in the cup to wet them before swiping over and adding the colors to the canvas, seeing it bring out the water a little more like he said.

“Wow….it looks prettier now.” she said smiling, adding more to the rest.

“Glad you liked it.”

“Thank you.” as she looks at him. “I appreciate the suggestion.

He nods as he watches her turn forward and resume painting. She becomes more intrigued, adding some of her flair as he walks back to the grill, leaving her to be.

She finished most of the painting by the time he was done grilling.

Finished the swans, the water, added some bugs and birds to the trees, and add an unfinished black circle to bring out some of the fireflies when it’s night out after it dries down.

The two are in the kitchen, putting the leftovers away and washing the dishes. She finishes the last one, placing it in the rack before washing her hands.

Drying them off with a towel, she turns around and sees Terry watching at her, leaning against the refrigerator.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asks, tossing the towel onto the counter.

“No.” as he shooked his head.

“White looks great on you.” he added as he walks up.

“Thanks.” she said, eyeing him down.

He stops just a few feet away, watching her move a bit.

“What do you want?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“Dodge my hit.” he said, backing up a bit.

“What do you m—“ she began to ask.

She’s cut off when she saw his arm swing at her, ducking just in time.

“Good. At least someone uses their survival skills.” he said, helping her back into position.

“What was that for?!” she said, pushing him back.

“Just a test. In case something happens when I’m not around.” as he put his hands into his pockets.

“….and that’s all?”

“Yeah. Unless you don’t know how to defend yourself from being put into a hold.”

Toni looks away, not responding to that, which Terry took an immediate note of.

“You don’t know how to defend yourself….” he said in a shocked way.

“That’s a job my men did to protect me. And only defense I knew was how to use a gun.” she replied.

He nodded, still in disbelief as he grabs her hand, pulling her gently with him.

“What are you doing?” as she tries to snatch her arm, but his grip tightens.

“I’m gonna show you what to do in case someone tries to put you in a hold so you can’t move or run.” he replied, walking them to the living room.

He lets her go before moving the table back a bit, giving them space. He turns his attention back to her, who’s waiting with annoyance.

“Let’s get started, shall we?”

She shrugs as he claps his hands together.

“See this distance between us? That’s the good amount of space you should have when you come across an intruder or an attacker. However, if they run up like *this.”

Suddenly, Terry was just a few feet away from Toni, dashing in a blink of an eye.

“Be prepare to fight. That was the main thing my instructor wanted us to remember whether we were gonna be on the field or see a potential threat somewhere in the streets.”

“So if they grab you like this…” as he grabs her arm.

“What’s the first thing you do?”

“Slap them.” she replied quickly, which made him laugh.

“Yeah, that’s usually the first move. But that’s also a move you want to avoid as they can potentially grab your other arm after you pull your hand back.”

“Oh.” she uttered.

“So. When they get attached of your arm, try to use your free hand to push their hand off by poking their socket and that will loosen the grip fully or a bit.” as he demonstrates, bringing her free hand to his socket.

“If you got sharp nails, fake or not, you might have to claw as well. Some people got a grip you can’t get out of.” he added, watching her laugh.

“Okay. What’s next?” she asked.

“You have to be very fast with the next move or you get trapped. As you feel or see that the grip is loose or gone, grab his arm tightly. Duck underneath it, but don’t let go. Bring it to their back, keeping it in a holding lock until you’re able to either put them in a hold or pin them to the ground or to a wall until help arrives.”

She nodded, trying to take all the instructions. He just laid out into our mind. Which seems like a lot.

“Wanna give it a try?” he asked.

“Yeah.” she said softly, watching him step back a bit.

She watches his whole demeanor as he walks up, stopping at a certain spot. He grabs her arm quickly and she tries to loosen the grip, but was a few seconds late as he turned her around fast, having her arm against her, bringing her into a hold.

“Too slow.” he said, feeling her pant hard against his body.

“You’re too fast.” she replied, feeling him let her go.

“Let’s try again. Go slow, but not too fast.” he said. repositioning himself.

She nods as she fixes her dress, repositioning herself.

The scenario starts over again, with him walking up and stopping in the same spot he was in.

He grabs her arm, having a tight grip.

She moves at a good pace, poking his socket, which loosen a bit. But she didn’t move fast enough and once again, he got her into a hold.

“Fuck.” she whispered, feeling him smiling a bit.

“You didn’t push deep enough into the socket.”

“This is not going to work, is it?”

“Don’t say that.” as he leans down, resting his head on her shoulder.

“You’re almost there. Just move fast when the grip is loose or gone, Toni.” as he rubs her other shoulder.

He lets go of her, and they get back into the positions.

“One more time.” he said, clearly his throat.

She readjusts her hair, now having a determined expression on her face.

It begins again as he walks up, in his same spot.

He grabs her arm, having a much tighter grip.

Toni pokes his socket very hard, which loosens up his hold as he groans, ducking under his arm immediately while grabbing it.

She pulls his arm behind and holds it, trying to wrap the other one, which he’s trying to fight against. He looses his footing, making the both of them tumble to the floor, with her landing on top of him.

Toni lifts her head up, laughing as Terry follows behind, laughing too.

“I got you this time, just you didn’t want me to grab the other arm!” she said, tapping his chest.

“Mmhm. I’ll let you win this time, but next time, act like you want them out.” he replied, tracing over her leg.

She nods as she sits up, was about to stand up until she felt a pair of hands hooking under her thighs, lifting her up.

She looks down and sees Terry standing up, holding her until he was off the ground, putting her down on her feet.

The two stared at each other for a few minutes, gently tracing over each other’s bodies as Toni looks down, nearly jumping back.

Down around his lower half, poking through the fabric was the most thickest and slight curve dick she has ever seen, jumping through.

“Oh.” he said quietly, pulling away and hiding it with his hand, which covers most of it.

Damn, he got some big hands, she uttered, watching him back away slowly with a slightly flustered face.

“Didn’t know that happened. And sorry if you may have felt…” he begins, but he’s cut off by her hand.

“Stop. Its okay. I um….have that effect on men.” she said, watching him smile.

“Well, still. Especially from a respectful stance.”

She nods, understanding where he’s coming from. He turns away, heading towards the stairs.

“Have a good night, Toni.”

“Oh, you’re not gonna check my room?” she asked, but he waves it off.

“I’ll skip for the night. I’ll just resume it in the morning.” he said, walking up the stairs.

“Ok. Good night, Terry.” she added, watching him walking to his room.

He opens and closes the door very fast, locking it before moving more.

“I could’ve helped, you know.” she said, walking out.

Toni giggles as she walks to where her shoes were, sliding them on before heading to the living room doors.

Sliding one of the doors open, she steps out, leaving one open, so she can come back in.

Tiptoeing quietly, she heads over to the garden, looking up to where Terry’s room is, making sure he’s asleep. His light wasn’t on, signaling that he wasn’t up.

Kneeling down, she feels around the willow bushes, searching for something she hid that she needed it right now.

“Come on. I know you’re in here because he didn’t even check today.” she said, making sure she wasn’t loud enough for him to hear.

Finally, she felt something cold, picking it up.

“There you are.” she said, bring it to her face.

It was a bottle of Rochioli Chardonnay, her favorite white white that she took from their recent store trip a few days ago without him or them noticing.

She smiles as she begins opening it, quietly uncorking the bottle before taking a big sip, feeling it burn a little.

“Damn. You still taste so good even after hiding for a while.” she said, laughing a bit.

She walks to one of the side chairs, taking a seat as she begins drinking more of it while checking to see if he’s not awake.

Although she was happy with being sober, she just wanted to scratch the itch of tasting alcohol one more time before committing to a sober life for good.

She never done anything stupid besides act a bit flirtatious and loud, but she can also see how it starts to affect the way she ran things, which is why she stopped for a while before resuming again.

And this time, she’s gonna stop. After she finishes this bottle.

After drinking for the next hour, she shook the bottle hard. Feeling that it had nothing left in it, she tossed it into the lake, hearing it PLOP!

“Alright……le-let’s go to bed!” she utters, getting up.

Off a buzzy and kindled feeling , she nearly fell a few times as she walked, but kept her balance, closing and locking the doors quietly.

She noticed the lights were off, but can’t remember if she turned them off before she went outside or not.

Didn’t matter to her because she was in the house at least.

Heading up the stairs, she damn near struggled with it as she almost fell a few times, which made her laugh obnoxiously. She finally made it to the top, walking to her door.

Opening the door, she walks in, closing the door and taking off her shoes in a stumbling way, giggling.

After doing that, she looks up and sees a shadowy figure sitting on her bed, making her jump back, hitting the door.

“Stay back!” she yells, holding up her hands.

The figure gets up, slowly walking to her, which makes her even more uncomfortable.

“Don’t….don’t make me get my bodyguard to fuck y…you up!” she yells, hiccuping a bit.

The figure steps into the light coming from the moon, revealing itself as Terry, making Toni drops her hands and her fear skyrocket.

“Oh shit.”

“Oh shit is right, Stonia.” he said, a livid look on his face.

She tries to open the door, but gives up as he blocks it, locking the door before dragging her away, tossing her on the bed, making her scream.

“Where were you?” he asked, standing on the bedside.

She looked at him, not sure if she should defy or tell him the truth.

Or should she have fun with him.

A/N II: Had to divide this into two as I got hit with a limited characters message. However, this means part two is on the way very soon. Didn’t realize O’Blac sounds like O Block. Promise that was not on purpose. But hoped y’all liked this! Part II is coming though!

🏷️ : @iloveekeiarah @childishgambinaax @ziayamikaelson @ssamm1984 @turbulentvoids @fadingcherryblossompeach @angryflowerwitch @amethyst09 @motheroffae @cerya @thatitbitch @darkfairymoon @j0ysyndr0m3 @blaqueberryk @theogbadbitch @megamindsecretlair @zillasvilla

[purplecowbell]

Libre Office: Come on baby, work on your stories, we've been with you for your entire life, why don't you finish us?

Fanfic and Original work: Come back to us! If you don't write us, who will?

Nonfiction: Don't you know how nice and professional you'll look with a portfolio of me?

Kdenlive: Portfolio? No one's hiring for that. Edit some videos, you missed doing that in high school. Let's work on a medium that hasn't been totally devalued yet.

Ren py & Twine: You know you want to work on interactive fiction. You've always wanted to make a game. Let's combine the best of both worlds.

Godot & Gamemaker: Sure those can be games, but we're the big leagues. You can learn a whole new set of skills and have full control over the systems designed to showcase your narratives. Don't you want to be a real game dev?

RPG Maker: I'm pure level design baby. The restrictions I give you force you to flex your creativity without making you bogged down by details. You want to design a game with some meat on it. not spend a year trying to animate a walk cycle.

Libre Office again: I thought you were a writer first and foremost? Shouldn't you spend more time trying to hone that craft instead of jumping into oversaturated fields? (Editor's note: The arguments cycle until the end of time with very little actually accomplished.)

[mrnnki]

the hard-won (but very enjoyable) result of messing around in Krita for the past three days :3

[cosmicsimsi]

Why You Shouldn’t Use GShade

Even after two years, I still see people using GShade and claiming it's a safe program, when it’s really not! There are already some older Tumblr posts about this, but I figured it’s worth refreshing the issue.

So please read this

Around two years ago, GShade’s developer added a code that could forcefully shut down your computer, not because of a bug or security measure, but on purpose. Why? Because he was mad that someone, specifically a 16-year-old made an alternative way to install GShade without using the official updater. Instead of handling it professionally, the dev decided to add a malicious code as "punishment" for anyone trying to modify GShade. That’s malware behavior.

(The first spark) ↓

At that time you also HAD to update Gshade to unistall it. ↓

(Developers "Apology") ↓

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but that was patched out, so it’s fine now, right?” Nope. Because the biggest issue isn’t just what he did, it’s the fact that he still thinks he did nothing wrong.

The Problem with Closed-Source Software Like GShade

GShade is closed-source, meaning no one except the developer can see or verify what’s actually in the code. This is a issue when dealing with someone who has already abused their control over the software.

With open-source programs (like ReShade), anyone can look at the code, verify it’s safe, and contribute to improving it. If something shady is added, people can catch it immediately. But with GShade, you have to just trust that the dev isn’t hiding anything malicious. And considering his past actions, that’s a massive risk to take.

Even if GShade is "safe" right now, nothing is stopping the dev from adding another backdoor, data collection, or something even worse in the future. Since no one can see the code, you wouldn’t know until it was too late. And given that he still defends his actions, there’s every reason to believe he’d do something similar again.

“But I’ve Never Had Issues With GShade”

A lot of people say GShade runs better than ReShade or has better effects. That might be true, but no amount of quality or convenience is worth putting your computer at risk. Just because something hasn’t caused problems yet doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. Malicious code can be slipped in at any time, and because it’s closed-source, no one would be able to warn you.

And honestly? You shouldn’t be using software made by someone who has already proven they’re willing to mess with your computer. If a developer intentionally inserts harmful code once, they can do it again.

What Should You Use Instead?

There’s a safe and open-source alternative: ReShade

It’s free and open-source, meaning the community can review the code to ensure it’s safe.

It can do almost everything GShade does, and while it may take some tweaking, it’s worth the effort.

Most GShade presets can be converted to work with ReShade with a bit of adjustment.

There are guides available to help transition from GShade to ReShade Here is one: How To Move To ReShade From GShade

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s your computer, and you can do whatever you want with it. But if you choose to keep using GShade, just be aware of the risks you’re taking. The dev has already demonstrated that he’s willing to sabotage people’s computers when he feels like it. He still thinks he was justified. And because GShade is closed-source, he has complete control over what’s in the code without anyone being able to check.

So ask yourself: Is that really the kind of software you want to trust?

ReShade is a safer, open-source alternative that doesn’t put you at risk.

Thank you for reading

Here are some links that discusses the whole topic:

Twitter

Reddit

The persons Blog the code was directed at

[stellophiliac]

how to build a digital music collection and stuff

spotify sucks aaaass. so start downloading shit!!

file format glossary

.wav is highest quality and biggest

.mp3 is very small, but uses lossy compression which means it's lower quality

.flac is smaller than .wav, but uses lossless compression so it's high quality

.m4a is an audio file format that apple uses. that's all i really know

downloading the music

doubledouble.top is a life saver. you can download from a variety of services including but not limited to apple music, spotify, soundcloud, tidal, deezer, etc.

i'd recommend ripping your music from tidal or apple music since they're the best quality (i think apple music gives you lossless audio anyway. .m4a can be both lossy and lossless, but from the text on doubledouble i assume they're ripping HQ files off apple music)

i also love love love cobalt.tools for ripping audio/video from youtube (they support a lot of other platforms too!)

of course, many artists have their music on bandcamp — purchase or download directly from them if you can. bandcamp offers a variety of file formats for download

file conversion

if you're downloading from apple music with doubledouble, it spits out an .m4a file.

.m4a is ok for some people but if you prefer .flac, you may wanna convert it. ffmpeg is a CLI (terminal) tool to help with media conversion

if you're on linux or macOS, you can use parameter expansion to batch convert all files in a folder. put the files in one place first, then with your terminal, cd into the directory and run:

for i in *.m4a; do ffmpeg -i "$i" "${i%.*}.flac"; done

this converts from .m4a to .flac — change the file extensions if needed.

soulseek

another way to get music is through soulseek. soulseek is a peer-to-peer file sharing network which is mainly used for music. nicotine+ is a pretty intuitive (and open-source) client if you don't like the official one.

you can probably find a better tutorial on soulseek somewhere else. just wanted to make this option known

it's bad etiquette to download from people without sharing files of your own, so make sure you've got something shared. also try to avoid queuing up more than 1-2 albums from one person in a row

tagging & organizing your music

tagging: adding metadata to a music file (eg. song name, artist name, album) that music players can recognize and display

if you've ripped music from a streaming platform, chances are it's already tagged. i've gotten files with slightly incorrect tags from doubledouble though, so if you care about that then you might wanna look into it

i use musicbrainz picard for my tagging. they've got pretty extensive documentation, which will probably be more useful than me

basically, you can look up album data from an online database into the program, and then match each track with its file. the program will tag each file correctly for you (there's also options for renaming the file according to a certain structure if you're into that!)

there's also beets, which is a CLI tool for... a lot of music collection management stuff. i haven't really used it myself, but if you feel up to it then they've got extensive documentation too. for most people, though, it's not really a necessity

how you wanna organize your music is completely up to you. my preferred filestructure is:

artist > album > track # track

using a music player

the options for this are pretty expansive. commonly used players i see include VLC, foobar2000, clementine (or a fork of it called strawberry), and cmus (for the terminal)

you can also totally use iTunes or something. i don't know what audio players other systems come with

i personally use dopamine. it's a little bit slow, but it's got a nice UI and is themeable plus has last.fm support (!!!)

don't let the github page fool you, you don't have to build from source. you can find the releases here

click the "assets" dropdown on the most recent release, and download whichever one is compatible with your OS

syncing

if you're fine with your files just being on one device (perhaps your computer, but perhaps also an USB drive or an mp3 player), you don't have to do this

you can sync with something like google drive, but i hate google more than i hate spotify

you can get a free nextcloud account from one of their providers with 2GB of free storage. you can use webDAV to access your files from an app on your phone or other device (documents by readdle has webDAV support, which is what i use)

disroot and blahaj.land are a couple providers i know that offer other services as well as nextcloud (so you get more with your account), but accounts are manually approved. do give them a look though!!

if you're tech-savvy and have an unused machine lying around, look into self-hosting your own nextcloud, or better yet, your own media server. i've heard that navidrome is a pretty good audio server. i unfortunately don't have experience with self-hosting at the moment so i have like zero advice to give here. yunohost seems to be a really easy way to manage a server

afterword

i don't know if any of this is helpful, but i just wanted to consolidate my personal advice in one place. fuck big tech. own your media, they could take it away from you at any moment

[liberalsarecool]

Here's Trump's next target — according to the tyrant's playbook | by Robert Reich

Trump is following Putin’s, Xi’s, and Orban’s playbook. First, take over military and intelligence operations by purging career officers and substituting ones personally loyal to you.

Next, subdue the courts by ignoring or threatening to ignore court rulings you disagree with.

Intimidate legislators by warning that if they don’t bend to your wishes, you’ll run loyalists against them. (Make sure they also worry about what your violent supporters could do to them and their families.)

Then focus on independent sources of information: the media and the universities. Sue media that publish critical stories and block their access to news conferences and interviews.

Then go after the universities.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Last week, Trump threatened in a social media post to punish any university that permits “illegal” protests. On Friday he cancelled hundreds of millions in grants and contracts with Columbia University.

This is an extension of Republican tactics before Trump’s second term. Prior to Trump appointing her ambassador to the United Nations, former Representative Elise Stefanik (Harvard class of 2006) browbeat presidents of elite universities over their responses to student protests against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, leading to several presidents being fired.

Senator Josh Hawley (Stanford class of 2002 and Yale Law class of 2006) called the student demonstrations signs of “moral rot” at the universities.

But antisemitism was just a pretext.

JD Vance (Yale Law 2013) has termed university professors “the enemy” and suggested using Victor Orban’s method for ending “left-wing domination of universities.”

I think his way has to be the model for us: not to eliminate universities, but to give them a choice between survival or taking a much less biased approach to teaching. [The government should be] aggressively reforming institutions … in a way to where they’re much more open to conservative ideas.”

Trump is also targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on university campuses.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

But of all Trump’s and Republicans’ moves against higher education, the most destructive is the cancelation of research grants and contracts. The destruction is hardly confined to Columbia and other suspected left-wing bastions.

Research universities depend on funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Trump reportedly aims to slash the budget of the National Science Foundation by up to two-thirds. And he’s instructed the National Institutes of Health to no longer honor negotiated rates for “indirect costs” on grants that it administers — money that universities use for laboratory space and research equipment.

In defiance of court orders, Trump has largely maintained a freeze on NIH funding.

As a result, many of America’s great research universities have stopped hiring and are cutting Ph.D. programs — in some cases rescinding offers to accepted students.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trump’s moves are consistent with the tyrant’s playbook, but they’re also jeopardizing America’s national security and competitiveness.

Trump speaks of putting America First, but his attack on the nation’s great research universities is ensuring that the U.S. comes in second — to China.

Although America has long been the global leader in scientific output, China is now surging ahead. Even before Trump’s cuts in research funding, China was projected to match U.S. research spending within five years.

China has already surpassed the U.S. as the top producer of highly cited papers and international patent applications. It now awards more science and engineering Ph.D.s than the U.S.

Tyrants close universities. Fascists burn books. Trump is destroying America’s most important asset — its innovative mind.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Robert Reich is a professor of public policy at Berkeley and former secretary of labor. His writings can be found at https://robertreich.substack.com/.

[importantstudentbusinessspy-blog]

Academia

Masterlist

Pairing: Aged up Damian Wayne x f reader

Tags: academic setting, rivals to lovers, friends with benefits, smut, fingering, edging, oral, p in v,

You guys have been in the same program for a year now. Being who he was and having the skills, family, and privilege he had, Damian was used to getting what he wanted. He could tell you wanted him too. There were the obvious signs like the pink blush under your glasses coloring your cheeks whenever he'd challenge a point you raised during your physics lecture. Then there were some hidden signs like the way your breathing would pick up whenever he made his presence known. To any clueless passerby wouldn't think twice of it, but for someone like him who'd trained in the art of detective work - you were practically panting.

Every day, you came into your lab dressed pristine like you were in some prep school. Today, you wore a white button-up tucked into a plaid skirt, dark leggings, and some leather shoes that looked like they belonged on a doll. Damian grinded his teeth, grasping at his bicep as he watched you make your way to your seat, ignoring something his friend, Felix, was saying about their previous night's escapades. So prim and proper. Always. He wanted to tear that skirt off you. He wanted to untie the bow, holding your hair in a ponytail. He'd let you keep your glasses, thinking they made you look so, so cute. He wanted to see how much cuter you would be disheveled and writhing under him.

"Are you boys coming to tonight's kegger?" A feminine voice spoke up, and his view of you was disrupted by a pair of women taking their seat at the table in front of Damian and Felix.

"Kappa is hosting!" One of the girls, Joanna excitedly spoke. "It's gonna be fun! Damian?"

"Hmm?" Damian raised a brow distractedly before remembering what was just said at him. "Oh, sure. I might need to leave early, but I'll drop by."

The second girl, Marcy, tisked, pursing her lips in mock dissappointnent. "You always leave the parties early! I swear to God you're like the only sophomore I know who's bedtime is at 10 pm!"

Sure, he was fine with them thinking that. Most nights, Damian went off to patrol gotham with his brothers and father. Sometimes, he went to meet with his mother and granfather. But he still wanted the campus experience. He still made an effort to show up.

"Yeah, Wayne tech isn't going to run itself when Daddy retires." Felix jabs, leaning back and giving Damian a cocky sideways glance.

Damian turns to him, unbothers and winks. "You know it won't."

Joanna and Marcy both flush red in their cheeks. Damian presumes it has something to do with the reminder of his bloodline and power, which Felix just provided, in an attempt to put him down. From his peripheral vision he can see Felix's shoulders slump as the man realized he fumbled his goal. It's okay, tiger, there's always next time.

"Is y/n going?"

Marcy tilts her head. "Who?"

Damian nods towards you, sitting a couple rows below them and reviewing your notes. From where he sat, he could see your writing was organized but not neat at all. You were in the wrong major.

The girls follow his gaze to you and share a look.

"We didn't ask everyone yet." Marcy nudges Joanna, who goes down to talk to you.

Damian watches as you look up from your notes as Joanna talks to you, nodding along with what she's saying before politely smiling and shaking your head before turning back to your notes. Joanna nodded and walked back up to rejoin the group. She opened her mouth to speak, Damian was eager to hear the excuse you offered, but at that moment, your professor walked into the lecture hall.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

"Y/n,"

You turned away from your phone and towards the source of the masculine voice that's just spoken to you. A tall, broad shouldered freshmen who you came to know by now strutted out of your lecture hall, hand clutching the strap of his bag while the other was in his jean pocket.

Damian wayne had caught your eye fairly easily - as you're sure he did with everyone else. For starters, he was the only man in your engineering major who didn't come to class everyday in sweatpants.

You detested the inequality you saw each day, where girls put an effort to dress nice, no matter how they felt and guys just gave up. We were representing the future of our country, you once thought while cringing at your freshmen year gathering, if we cant even dress ourselves well, how are we supposed to inherit our responsibilities well.

Damian was a breath of fresh air. He typically wore some variation of neat button ups or golf tees tucked into his jeans, and the sleeves usually rolled up, emphasizing muscular, tattooed forearms The top button was typically undone, showcasing his necklace, the symbol of which you were unsuccessful in spotting, above a hard muscle chest. Sometimes, he wore his signature leather jacket, creating an image that had popped up more than once in your head before falling asleep. He also smelled like some sage.

Today, Damian went the casual route with a Gotham University hoodie and jeans falling into classic black Converse. He exceled at his rugged look. Facial features sharp as usual, with angular eyebrows that often give him a serious, brooding expression, like his father often held in conferences. Black hair swept slightly forward. His green eyes were always striking. They mesmerized you when you first met him, and they mesmerized you still.

"Damian, hi." You said, gathering your textbooks in your arms. "How are you?"

"I heard you're not coming to today's kegger at Kappa." He didn't answer your question.

"No, I can't tonight." Or any other night, until I graduate, you wanted to add.

"I haven't been seeing you much around lately," he raised a sharp brow.

You grasped your textbook against your chest, chuckling nervously. "Yeah, I went and got myself the idea of doing a double major. And now since we're sophomores, I have a whole year to catch up on. So I spend most of my free time studying."

"What's the other major?"

"Math. Statistics and probability." You said, then opened your mouth to tell him you'll see him around.

"How come?" He beat you to it. Students and faculty were making their way past you in the hall, and you made sure to get out of their way. Damian hadn't moved an inch.

"Uhm, it's kind of a long story."

In truth, interning at Wayne Tech for the summer has been eye-opening. You loved getting to work with the engineers developing weapons and defense systems, but you also found yourself constantly curious about the work the data analysts did. It didn't take long to realize you found their skills and knowledge in predicting contingencies to every possible outcome really cool and wanting some of it for yourself. The next week, you went to your academic advisor and asked how you could do a double major.

"Come to the party tonight." He ordered. "We'll have plenty of time."

"I..." you rushed to refuse but his gaze wasn't leaving room for argument.

"Come to the party. And tell me what possibly inspired you to take up maths and physics simultaneously." He took a step closer to you, crowding your space. You swallowed nervously, looking around to see if anyone was watching you. He gazed down at you.

You nodded, swallowing nervously, then something caught your eye. There was a bandage on his neck, just below his ear. "What happened to your neck?"

"I'll see you tonight." He brushed past you and kept walking to his next class.

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Damian dropped his gym bag in the trunk of his Camaro and slamed it shut before making his way up the busy street on frat row. It was still early in the night, but Kappa's party was already in full swing. People were out on the lawn, on the porch, and the muffled music from inside the house could be heard down the street.

Someone offered Damian a drink, which he politely waved off as his keen eyes searched the first floor for a particular person. It didn't take long, surely enough he zeroed in on you, standing with your drink awkwardly linking hands with a girl he remembered to be your roommate, Alice. You exchanged your sweater and skirt for a t-shirt over a maroon colord silk dress. You let your hairdown, styled in perfect curls, one side pinned up by a maroon pin. Ever the color coordinating type, Damian snorted.

"You came," he approached you slowly.

You offered him a timid smile. "To be honest, you intimidated me into thinking I had to."

He raised a brow, pursing his lips. "Good."

He then turned to your roommate, tilting his head towards you. "Mind if I take her for a moment?"

Beside you, Alice gave you both a knowing look. "Take her for longer than that." Before gently unlinking your hands and walking off somewhere.

Damian tilted his head towards the window behind you. "It's nice out, wanna go for a drive?"

You followed his gaze to a black, shiny Camaro parked out front, and you felt your face flush. Did you just get offered a ride in Damian Wayne's muscle car?

"Umm, I wasn't planning on staying long -" you began.

"Just long enough to tell me why you changed your major."

"I didn't change it, I'm doing an additional -"

"Tell me in the car," he says and takes you by the hand, leading you to some cheers and hollers from your classmates and fellow program students. Some are patting Damian on the back, others are catcalling the two of you for being the "fist fuck of the night". You're in disbelief that even in college, people behave like they're in high-school. Damian mostly ignores them. You avoid eye contact as much as you can.

When you two are seated and on the road, you're still as tense as always. You turned to look at him in the drivers seat. Always so at ease, with one hand on the wheel, the other resting between your seats, ringed fingers tracing a pattern on the skirt of your dress.

"Where are we going?" You ask.

He doesn't meet your eyes, watching the highway intently. "My place."

"Oh, umm." Your heart picks up and you feel a tingle between your legs and especially on that spot where his finger is fidgeting. "I'm - Damian I think you're really nice. Definitely attractive," you babble nervously.

"Thank you."

"And what's more is you're smart, and that ticks off a lot of boxes." You continue.

"Does it?"

"And from a well off family."

"Very much."

You go on, unable to stop yourself. "I mean, I'm so flattered. I could do so much worse."

"So much worse." He supplies.

"But I'm just in a state in my life where I'm not really looking for a relationship." You scratch behind your ear. "Which is true, I'm not just saying it to you, I said the same to another guy who asked me out last week."

"Who asked you out last week?"

You saw his hand tense around the wheel, and your eyes widened. "No one! It doesn't matter since I'm not really dating right now."

"Who said anything about dating?" He asked.

You blinked at him. "Huh?"

"Sweetheart," he turns to face you, the speedometer showing the speed excelerating as you two merge onto the highway. "I'm not interested in dating you either."

"Damian, watch the road, please." Your hand shoots to the handle bard as your breathing speeds up. "A- and then why are we going to yours?"

You turn away from the highway and back to face him only to see the smirk he's giving you. "What?"

"Why do you think?"

You turn away, unable to hold his heated gaze. "Well..."

"Y/n, I want you. And I know you want me. In order for us to move on happily with our lives, we need to get each other out of our systems. Capiche?"

Not expecting such blunt honesty, even though your should be used to it by now, whitnessing it in your joint lecture halls for three semesters now. Your gaze travels down to where his hand is now holding your thigh. Your skin is so warm there. "I... yes. Capiche, I mean."

He grins, turning back to the road. "Good."

■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

Damian's building was in the upper side of Gotham, where most of the upper class resided. His elevator led straight into the penthouse suite. You followed him into the big room, taking tentative steps and looking around. Like his wardrobe, his apartment was clean and crisp. Every item was organized or folded in its dedicated spot.

"You have a nice place."

"Nicer than the Gotham U dorm room?" He asked from the kitchen, making you snort, covering your mouth.

"You want something to drink?" He asked from the kitchen island.

"No thanks, I'm good." You shook your head.

"Perfect." It took him three strides to reach you. He cupped your face in his hands, lowering to kiss you.

Surprised by his dedication not to wasting time, you were too overwhelmed to resist as he walked you back into a wall, all while his lips never leaving yours. His kisses ranged from playful bites of your lips to long licks against your tongue as he tilted his head to fit you against each other like two puzzle pieces.

One of his hands left its place on your cheek to travel down to your shoulder, lowering the strap of your dress and reaching in to lift the t-shirt under it, exposing your maroon colored bralette. Your hands slowly brought themselves to his hair as he moved the cup of your bralette aside, circling your exposed nipple with his finger. You let's out a breathy moan against his lips, and he drew back to assess the "damage."

There you stood, leaning against the wall, panting. Your parted pink lips were shiny with saliva, and your pupils were wide, gazing up at him with a glazed look. The left strap of your dress hung off your shoulder, the left side of your shirt lifted, and your cute breast was exposed, pretty nipple raised in excitement.

Damian felt a surge of extasy gazing at your mouth. "I wanted to mess up that lipstick all day."

Your knees buckled, and you were afraid you were going to fall, only to look down in surprise to see his knee had wedged itself between your thighs. "Why did you stop?"

"I just wanted to see what else I could mess up about your perfect look." He said before his hand traveled to your panties under your dress. "Are you wearing a matching set?"

"Yes," you panted.

Damian raised his brows. "For who?"

"For- ah!" You moaned as his finger found your clit, rubbing slow circles on it. "For me."

He lowered himself onto his knees in front of you and lifted your dress, then you heard a tear and realized he'd just ripped off your panties. You gasped. "Damian! They're expensive!"

"Oh no!" He whined, mimicking you. "Feel free to charge me for your troubles."

"That's not funny - oh!" You tilted your head back as he licked circles around your clit. "I won't forget this." You struggled to say.

"I wasn't kidding." He wispered against your pussy, licking eagerly. "I'll buy you a new pair."

You whimpered, your fingers tightening around his hair as he ate your pussy. "Fine,"

You arched your back, feeling the familiar tremors of orgasm start in your core. "Oh!"

Suddenly, he pulled away before you could reach your climax.

You tanned, looking down at him. "I was close! Why did you stop?"

He gave you a shit-eating grin and shrugged, those green eyes shining with mischief. "I wanted to see your reaction."

You didn't understand him. "Well, umm could you... please..."

"Please...?"

"...Make me come?"

He shrugged again, as if to say 'well see' before spreading your legs and diving in to lick your pussy again.

He eged you three more times. Each time, he stopped just as you were about to climax. You let out a frustrated whine, pouting. "Damian!"

"Y/n!"

"Why are you doing this?"

He stood up to wisper in your ear. "Because you like it."

He lifted you up with ease and carried you to his bedroom, laying you down on his massive bed. Your mind was swimming on oversensitivity and overstimulation that you'd barely registered him taking off his clothes and positioning himself at your entrance. Only when he was on top of you again did you have time to take in his glorious physique. Muscles upon muscles from his arms to his shoulders to his back and his abdomen. When he finally entered you, all of the edging you'd experienced until then made you nearly come simply from the first penetration.

You moaned, arching as your hands grasped against the black silk bedsheets.

Damian groaned above you, causing your ears to vibrate with the erotic sound. You gazed down at you. "You look perfect. Just like this."

You bit your lip, whispering. "Wait, please give me a moment."

"No." He began thrusting slowly.

"Damian, its too much-"

"You can take it. You excel in everything." He let out a sound which was a mix between a moan and a chuckle. "My little perfectionist."

You arched your back, feeling him fill you up. "I'm close again!"

"I know." He smirked, grinding in and out of you. "I know. You're so good, baby. Come for me again."

His hips increased their speed against you. The both of you moaning with each movement. Your nails clawed on his back as you felt him hit your g spot.

"Please, don't stop!" You begged.

"I won't," he panted. "Kiss me," he ordered.

You lifted yourself to meet his lips as he sped up, his finger back on your clit, making you whimper into his mouth, the two of you reaching your orgasm.

That was the last thing you remembered before falling asleep.

[piratesexmachine420]

Thoughts on Linux (the OS)

Misconception!

I don't want to be obnoxiously pedantic, but Linux is not an OS. It is a kernel, which is just part of an OS. (Like how Windows contains a lot more than just KERNEL32.DLL). A very, very important piece, which directly shapes the ways that all the other programs will talk to each other. Think of it like a LEGO baseplate.

Everything else is built on top of the kernel. But, a baseplate does not a city make. We need buildings! A full operating system is a combination of a kernel and kernel-level (get to talk to hardware directly) utilities for talking to hardware (drivers), and userspace (get to talk to hardware ONLY through the kernel) utilities ranging in abstraction level from stuff like window management and sound servers and system bootstrapping to app launchers and file explorers and office suites. Every "Linux OS" is a combination of that LEGO baseplate with some permutation of low and high-level userspace utilities.

Now, a lot of Linux-based OSes do end up feeling (and being) very similar to each other. Sometimes because they're directly copying each other's homework (AKA forking, it's okay in the open source world as long as you follow the terms of the licenses!) but more generally it's because there just aren't very many options for a lot of those utilities.

Want your OS to be more than just a text prompt? Your pick is between X.org (old and busted but...well, not reliable, but a very well-known devil) and Wayland (new hotness, trying its damn hardest to subsume X and not completely succeeding). Want a graphics toolkit? GTK or Qt. Want to be able to start the OS? systemd or runit. (Or maybe SysVinit if you're a real caveman true believer.) Want sound? ALSA is a given, but on top of that your options are PulseAudio, PipeWire, and JACK. Want an office suite? Libreoffice is really the only name in the game at present. Want terminal utilities? Well, they're all gonna have to conform to the POSIX spec in some capacity. GNU coreutils, busybox, toybox, all more or less the same programs from a user perspective.

Only a few ever get away from the homogeneity, like Android. But I know that you're not asking about Android. When people say "Linux OS" they're talking about the homogeneity. The OSes that use terminals. The ones that range in looks from MacOS knockoff to Windows knockoff to 'impractical spaceship console'. What do I think about them?

I like them! I have my strongly-felt political and personal opinions about which building blocks are better than others (generally I fall into the 'functionality over ideology' camp; Nvidia proprietary over Nouveau, X11 over Wayland, Systemd over runit, etc.) but I like the experience most Linux OSes will give me.

I like my system to be a little bit of a hobby, so when I finally ditched Windows for the last time I picked Arch Linux. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to treat their OS as a hobby, though. There are better and easier options for 'normal users'.

I like the terminal very much. I understand it's intimidating for new users, but it really is an incredible tool for doing stuff once you're in the mindset. GUIs are great when you're inexperienced, but sometimes you just wanna tell the computer what you want with your words, right? So many Linux programs will let you talk to them in the terminal, or are terminal-only. It's very flexible.

I also really, really love the near-universal concept of a 'package manager' -- a program which automatically installs other programs for you. Coming from Windows it can feel kinda restrictive that you have to go through this singular port of entry to install anything, instead of just looking up the program and running an .msi file, but I promise that if you get used to it it's very hard to go back. Want to install discord? yay -S discord. Want to install firefox? yay -S firefox. Minecraft? yay -S minecraft-launcher. etc. etc. No more fucking around in the Add/Remove Programs menu, it's all in one place! Only very rarely will you want to install something that isn't in the package manager's repositories, and when you do you're probably already doing something that requires technical know-how.

Not a big fan of the filesystem structure. It's got a lot of history. 1970s mainframe computer operation procedure history. Not relevant to desktop users, or even modern mainframe users. The folks over at freedesktop.org have tried their best to get at least the user's home directory cleaned up but...well, there's a lot of historical inertia at play. It's not a popular movement right now but I've been very interested in watching some people try to crack that nut.

Aaaaaand I think those are all the opinions I can share without losing everyone in the weeds. Hope it was worth reading!

[novella-november]

Well. I have a feeling I'm about to have a million new followers. (March 31st, 2025; not an April Fool's joke, unless Nanowrimo has very poor taste and timing)

Here's a link that explains in long video format the whole entire thing in detail:

and to sum it up:

This blog was made as an Anti-Generative AI to Nanowrimo, as well as a way to actually build a friendly, low-pressure, helpful community of aspiring writers, without the hard-fast-do-it-or-die pressure brought on by nanowrimo.

There is no official "contest" -- only a community coming together to inspire each other to write, help out with motivation by setting community goals, keeping participation motivation via Trackbear.app, etc!

The most popular writing challenge is still November for most people, but I myself have also started to keep a year-round, daily writing goal of 444 via the website 4thewords, which has been an extreme help in getting me to write a little at a time.

This year has been very hectic for everyone what with the election results so I haven't been very active on tumblr (I think everyone can understand that) but I was originally planning on also having each month of the year being a different themed writing / art challenge but got a bit distracted real life.

So, what is the Novella November Challenge?

It's a fun challenge where writers come together to write 30,000 (or your own personal writing goal!) words in 30 days, sharing tips, writing advice, plot ideas, accessibility aids, and committing to having fun while explicitly fighting back against Generative AI by using our own words and disavowing the use of scraping and generating to take away the livelyhoods of artists of all spectrums, and proving everyone who insists "generative AI is an accessibility tool" wrong by committing to our creative visions and making it easier for everyone to find the tools they need to succeed by sharing tips, free programs, and finding a like-minded community to support you! 💙

There is no official website, there is no required place to show your participation, this is a community initiative that will never be monetized by predatory sponsors or dangerous moderators abusing their power.

This blog is here to inspire everyone, regardless of experience level, to write and create the story they want to tell, in their own words, while striving to remain a fun, low-pressure challenge that doesn't turn into a stressful spiral, like often happened with Nano.

Want to start writing but not sure how? Don't have money to spend on expensive writing programs? Have no fear!

LibreOffice: An always free, open-source alternative to Microsoft Word (and Microsoft's other office suits)

4Thewords: A website (both desktop and mobile web browser) that syncs your writing cross platform to the cloud, with built-in daily word goals, streak tracking, and you can fight monsters with your word count to game-ify writing!

Trackbear: A website dedicated to tracking your writing, setting custom goals, and creating leaderboards for community participation; you can join the year-long community leaderboard with the Join Code "f043cc66-6d5d-45b2-acf1-204626a727ba" and a November-limited one will release on November 1st as well.

Want to use Text to Speech to dictate your novel?

Most modern phones have a built-in option available on your keyboard settings which can be used on any writing program on your phone, and most modern PCs that allow a microphone (including headphone) connection has some kind of native dictation function, which you can find by opening your start panel and searching your computer for "Speech to text" or "voice to text".

Want to write while on the go, but don't want to / can't use the small phone keyboard to type, or speech to text?

You can, for as cheap as $40, buy a bluetooth keyboard that you can pair with your smart phone or tablet and use to write in any and all writing applications on your phone -- this allows you to write on the goal (especially using cross-platform websites or services, like 4thewords or google docs) , and the small screen can also help minimize distractions by muting notifications in your writing time.

[dj-of-the-coven]

How to Burn Your Own CDs - a guide for Windows users

Are you--yes, you!--tired of paying money to stupid shit like spotify for your music? Do you hate the way that the music industry takes almost all the profit that bands make through streaming and leaves them with pennies? Have you ever wanted to fire up that old CD-Radio in the corner of your bedroom, only to be stopped because all you have on CD is Weezer's blue album and a copy of Kidz Bop 16 that you don't remember buying? Well this guide just might be for you!

Materials you'll need:

A computer. Can't do it without this one.

A CD drive. It can be internal or external, but you'll need one either way. You can find them at Office Depot for fairly cheap and I've heard that some Walmarts carry them.

A pack of CD-Rs. CD-Rs, or CD Recordables, come in packs of 20, 50, or 100. A proper 100-pack should cost you no more than $30, so unless there's some special shortage in your area, don't buy from anywhere selling them at a markup. CD blanks are literally 50c a piece.

CD cases. Sold wherever CD-Rs are, but you can also find these at thrift stores pretty easily.

A sharpie or some kind of permanent marker

Software you'll need:

Jdownloader. You can acquire mp3s through Bandcamp if you're dedicated to righteousness, but for everyone else, install jdownloader or some other kind of open-source download program. I will be proceeding as if you have jdownloader available.

Windows media player. This should open automatically when you insert a CD-R into your CD drive.

Fre:ac audio converter. This is only for the occasion that you encounter OPUS or mp4a files that cannot be interpreted by your CD player.

Note: If you're very determined not to download software onto your computer, you can use free youtube downloaders and audio converters, but these are subject to viruses and other issues such as download speed. I will be proceeding as if you have the programs I listed.

The process:

Decide what you want to burn--anything goes, but keep in mind the time limit on your CD-Rs. Most will record 90 minutes or less.

Open jdownloader, switch to the linkgrabber tab, then paste youtube links in any order until you have all the music you want. I'd personally recommend doing it song-by-song instead of a full album stream, because a massive file will require a lot of work to separate back into searchable tracks.

De-select all files except audio on the right-hand side options menu.

Make a folder inside the music folder of your laptop and label it with the name of your mix CD.

In the properties tab of each song on jdownloader, change the destination folder to the folder you've just created.

Hit "start all downloads".

Once finished, open each folder. If everything is an .mp3 or a .wav, skip the next 2 steps.

Open Fre:ac audio converter to convert all audio files that aren't .mp3 or .wav into .mp3 or .wav.

Drop the converted files next to the unconverted files in your folder. If you wish, you can delete the originals to make the folder easier to browse.

Put your blank CD-R into the CD drive. If external, plug in your CD drive first or the tray will refuse to open.

Windows media player will open automatically. On the right-hand side, you will see the tracklist of your CD-R (which should be blank). On the left, you will see the audio that your computer is able to find in the music folder. Put your selected tracks IN ORDER onto the tracklist.

Listen to the beginning and ending of each track to make sure there isn't a significant time gap. This also prevents accidentally burning a youtuber's stupid outro if you missed it before.

When satisfied, hit "start burn".

On an external drive, the CD tray will open upon completion. You can reinsert it to ensure that the burning went smoothly.

Once satisfied, remove the CD from your drive. With your sharpie or permanent marker, write the name of the album on the front, then store safely inside a CD case.

you did it👍

Ask me if you run into any issues.

Legal disclaimer: this guide is purely for educational purposes and I do not admit to or take responsibility for any piracy committed using the instructions given.

Illegal disclaimer: cops suck my dick

[smallmariofindings]

The Klaptraps in Donkey Kong Country and the similar Klampons in Donkey Kong Country 2 have a turning animation where their mouths are open. To achieve a smooth animation without any sudden skips, they are programmed to only turn around when they are in a point of their walk cycle where their mouths are open.

Most platforms they are found on are spaced in such a way that their mouths opening will sync up with them reaching the edges of the platforms. However, in some cases where they are not, a failsafe behavior can be seen: the enemies will hit the wall, then walk backwards for a few frames until they open their mouths again and can finally turn around properly.

Main Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Bluesky | Small Findings | Source: StephenJPlant

[crowbraincoin]

Where to make friends as an adult.

Recently I saw a devastating citation stating that most adults find it hard to make new friends as it feels like there is a lack of community and resources to do so. It takes nearly 50 hours of time together to move from mere acquaintance to casual friend. For more advanced levels of friendship, it can take more than 200 hours before you can consider someone “close”. (source)

So, though I'm not an expert by any means, I thought I'd offer some examples, ideas, and tips on finding and making friends as an adult! Check below the break :>

Ideas on where to find friends:

🆓 Local free (or cheap) events. I went to a presentation that included a free beer in the ticket cost and I had a blast! Most cities have an events calendar you can look at. Soon I'm attending a free event for the transgender community honoring those that came before us. 📖 Library programs. Most libraries that I've seen don't even require a library card, just your email or phone number to sign up for a program! Be it a presentation, class, or event, the library is the place to be!

❕Events of interest. I think about what I'm interested in and what I would like to connect with people about, and I search around to see what I can find. I use sites like Eventbrite to help me search.

💻 Online Communities. For those who can't make it out very often, consider joining online communities by searching for fandoms or topics of interest and see if there is a discord server, bluesky feed, tumblr community, or other communities on socials!

How to make friends:

Consistency. Once you find a place you enjoy going to, an organization you whose events your enjoy attending, or a series of events that takes place KEEP GOING!! Consistency is key, you have to keep interacting with folks to become friends with them.

Transparency. Just be yourself, but that doesn't mean you should be trauma dumping! Sharing personal detail allows us to feel closer to people, but make sure you're not sharing too much information! That can always come later when you're closer friends.

Confidence. You have to believe that you're someone that people want to be friends with. Don't believe it? Well ask your current friends why they are friends with you! You'll not only get a confidence boost, but also hopefully share a touching moment with your existing friends.

Follow up. If you want to be friends with someone you've met, you have to build up the nerve to further connect with them. This means sharing phone numbers or socials.

Start talking. The best way to do this is by asking questions or by giving a non-threatening compliment. Try not to make it all about you, though it is easiest to talk about the one thing we know best (ourselves) it typically won't help you make new friends! Show that you're interested in them, their thoughts and feelings on the topic of the event or a neutral topic such as musicians or food.

Questions. Ask open ended and non-invasive questions and follow through. Examples below!

Invite them out. Once you've established an acquaintance, invite them to hang out! BUT if you're the one inviting them out then you need to make sure you have some plan in mind. This could be going to a trivia night, a local event, or going to a new place together.

Further questions or topics of discussion:

I'm new to this [place or reocurring event] how long have you been coming here? Do you like it so far?

If you could be a crab or a lobster, which would you be and why? (make sure you have an answer ready!)

How long have you known about [place or event theme]? What got you interested in [place or event theme]?

(If at an event with drinks or food) I'm having trouble deciding what to choose, what should I try?

What superpower would you want and why?

What do you do for work? Do you like it? (follow by asking non-invasive questions about their job. This is easier when you have no clue what the job position actually is, lol).

Hey, I really like your style! Where did you get your outfit?/Who or what are your fashion influences?

What questions or topics of discussion do you typically go for when meeting new people?

[enigmatist17]

I've never written Deadlock before, but RatchLock(?) in the Mecha Pilot Jazz Au by @keferon has me by the throat bc Ratchet is my #1 babygirl of All Time ❤️❤️❤️

My other fics I've done in said AU 1 2

---

Ratchet was old.

Sure, he still had a good 50 to 60 years left in him, but hoy boy he was old. He knows most of that "aging" happened when he worked with the mecha program, and while it had been the highlight of his life, the dark road they had started to turn down wasn't for him.

Pilots dying in dozens from all sorts of ways, the worst being the degradation of their minds from the very machine used to defend humanity

Bright-eyed rookies turning hollow and their spark burned out, most leaving with eyes unseeing inside the same black bag.

Demands for more, demands to integrate human and machine, demands to take away their humanity to win

Demands that still haunt his dreams, especially when old superiors ambush him with a gaggle of his new students and interns in his tow.

His town, dammit!

Most of them watch Ratchet spend the rest of the day cursing up a storm that could make any sailor blush while slamming things down, everyone escaping when he eventually made a vague motion to the door. He goes for his bottle of whiskey once he makes sure the last student drives off with some friends, taking a seat in the middle of the shop floor as he pours himself a generous glass, setting the bottle by the side of his chair.

"Does Ratty have all his toys away~?"

"For now." Ratchet rolled his eyes as he took a sip, able to hear the bay door behind his chair rattle before opening with a slight screech. To a normal person, the sight of what appeared to be an unpiloted mecha slipping into some random repair shop would have caused a bit of a ruckus, but Ratchet is unbothered as he takes another sip of his drink. "Make sure you close the door this time."

"I leave it open one time." The mecha scoffs, glowing red eyes cycling in exasperation as the bay door is closed with a slight tug, the loud crash of metal on concrete making the human in the room pinch the bridge of his nose. "Oops."

"If I had a wrench within reaching distance..." The mecha grins as it crosses the shop floor, unapologetic as they sit on the floor across from the bioengineer. "Any luck today?"

"I was able to take out two scouts, should give me enough energon for a few cycles." Ratchet watches as two glowing cubes are pulled out from a seemingly endless storage space inside one arm, shown off before they're placed back inside. "I've survived off less."

"I'm still working on a synthetic version, but no luck." A flicker of regret crosses Ratchet's face, and the mecha reaches over to poke the top of his head. "Hard to create an alien food source, apparently."

"You're still trying, I'll take that." The mecha croons, glowing eyes watching Ratchet take another sip with a sort of purring noise.

No, not a mecha, an honest-to-god alien known as a Cybertronian.

"You seem upset." While the strange organics lacked an EMF field, Deadlock didn't need one to see the annoyance in those pretty optics of his human.

"Just some of the usual bullshit." Deadlock raised an optic ridge and stared, his ornery human staring right back with a scowl. "Got somethin' on my face?"

"You don't get this grumpy over the "usual" bullshit." Deadlock leaned forward with a slight tilt of his helm, the low rumble of his engine getting the other to relax just enough to consider it a victory. "Ratty~"

"Stop calling me that, my name is Ratchet." The Cybertronian only grins, reaching forward to poke the man in his chest.

"I don't like you being upset." Metal that should not be that expressive molds into a pout that would rival his little niece, and had he not seen Deadlock rip out a part of one of the alien threats (Quintesson he's been told) with those sharp teeth, he might find it cute.

.....

Fuck

"Some of those government fucks showed up in front of my people, wanted me to just leave and go back to all of....that." The whiskey is drained, and Ratchet leans over to grab the bottle. "It's one thing to harass me over the phone, but the street? In front of my kids? They can fuck right off with that." The glass is filled again, and the two sit in silence as he slowly drinks, looking at the floor with his brows furrowed. "I can't go back to that, no matter how much that would help out my....project."

"Aw, I'm a project now?" Deadlock cooed, a clawed digit gently caressing the side of Ratchet's face with as much care as he could muster. "I got an upgrade~"

"You're a disaster." Ratchet rolled his eyes, but otherwise didn't move as he listened to the (begrudgingly) familiar cadence of Deadlock's systems. While he could be as silent as the grave, Ratchet was pretty sure he was some sort of spy or assassin of some kind despite any questions getting the brush off, the alien mech had adopted the practice of allowing his natural ambient noise to become noticeable.

Just for his human, one of many things he'd adopted for his savior-turned-object of affection.

"Would you like for me to kill them?" Deadlock purrs when Ratchet raises an eyebrow, taking in the warmth against his digit. "I could make it look like an accident~"

"Like hell you will, that'll just get more eyes on me."

"Are you sure? Didn't sound like you were all that upset by the idea Ratty."

"Yes I am...though if they approach me in public again, maybe you could cause an accident or something, as a treat."

"Oh you do spoil me~!"

[b0tster]

Hey, question from someone interested in dipping their toes into game dev but with no coding experience: Do you recommend beginning with an engine that is friendlier for those just starting out, like Godot, to learn the fundamentals on before transitioning to something like Unreal later on once you have some experience? Or do you think its better to jump right into Unreal as a novice, since it'll be a steep learning curve either way and you might as well learn to do it on the engine you're most interested in long-term?

I only have my own experience to go off of, but unreal engines blueprint visual scripting was a very accessible way to dip my toes into more serious programming.

I haven't used godot before so I can't comment on it, but i do know that its open source which is always a huge plus.

[merrydock]

Some old art of my Owlk engineer, Eris, designing the Stranger's solar sails! Enjoy a big ramble about him and his job because I love this silly man:

Eris works on the design team for the Owlk space program, specialising in energy and propulsion technologies for the ships, satellites, and probes. Having a design philosophy of functionality and beauty, Eris enjoys going all-out with his work. He has received special recognition for his solar panel designs in particular, which borrowed from the unparalleled efficiency found in photosynthesizing plants.

When designing the Stranger's solar sails, Eris took inspiration from plants, but also the opening of insect elytra; the ballooning behaviours of silk-producing invertebrates, in which they sail from tree to tree using electric fields and air currents; and how flying creatures will use thermal updrafts to soar higher while expending less energy. Already familiar with how solar energy impacts technology from his work on solar panels, he proposed the use of this energy to propel the Stranger through space.

As travelling the distance between stars presented the major roadblock in the plan to reach the Eye (regarded as the Interstellar Propulsion Problem), Eris was lauded for his contributions, promoted to being one of the main engineers overseeing the Stranger's design.

More information about his general design process below!

When designing for a project, Eris uses all of the tools at his disposal. His first weapon of choice is always his pencil, and he will sketch out potential sources of inspiration on paper until the design concept begins to take form. Based on the initial project parameters he's been given, he drafts up a blueprint for his components.

Next, he must further conceptualise his designs. This is where the most valuable tool of the trade comes into play—the Vision Torch! Vision Torches serve many purposes for Owlks, from allowing them to nonverbally communicate to creating photographs from memory alone. Owlk engineers LOVE Vision Torches for how easy they make effectively communicating ideas. They allow concepts to be visualised in 3D, basic functionality to be shown through animations, and are even able to interface with computers. Eris might even 3D print a model using a Vision Torch to help him visualise his concepts as he works.

The space program is extremely collaborative, and Eris works on just a small part of the overall project, so being able to easily share ideas with others and see how all the individual components of a satellite or ship interact is vital. When discussing with more than a single other Owlk, Eris can use a Vision Torch linked to a holographic display to present concepts to a crowd. Concepts can also be tweaked in real time this way!

[Here's an example from the game of Owlks building the simulation with Vision Torches and a holographic display!]

With a Vision Torch, concepts can also be directly uploaded to a computer terminal. This is where a lot of the real work gets done - calculating weight, materials needed, stress testing in simulations, calculating trajectories, making precise tweaks to finalize the design, you name it. This also allows other Owlks working closely with Eris to access the most current design for their own tests.

This is an iterative process - as other Owlks finalize their components, as weight limitations are further restrained and material needs are calculated, Eris often has to go back to an earlier step and rework his concept. Fortunately, he thoroughly enjoys getting to be creative in his work (and doing math) and treats every project as a puzzle that needs to be solved! The only time when he's not excited to go back to the drawing board is when a last-minute adjustment from his peers means he needs to work long hours to get his work done in time for launch.

[luigilore]

dealer!lu who's a mutual friend of your upenn roommate, sophie. you're smoking with her in the days leading up to midterm exams to manage your stress levels and not overthink, and her weed is GOOD. better than anything you've ever had from your shady snapchat plugs, so you ask her, "hey, this is really good. where do you get it from?" she puffs out some smoke before responding. "this guy in 3rd year named luigi. he's one of my boyfriends friends. some engineering guy, but apparently he's cool. i can ask brian to get you in touch with him if you want?" she says. "yeah, that'd be great." you smile, passing the joint back to her. a few weeks later, sophie asks if you want to go over to brian's for a small post-midterms celebratory get together. you had always heard about it from her previous stories; video games, board games, and a whole lot of alcohol and weed. you'd never thought of going before, but you and sophie had gotten a lot closer this term because of your schedules lining up and actually seeing each other around the dorm more. you agree to go, and after getting dressed, you and sophie are making the walk over to brian's dorm. he opens the door after a few knocks and the marijuana smell hits your nose immediately. "hey babe. hey y/n." he smiles at both of you, before wrapping an arm around sophie and leading you both inside. sophie wasn't kidding when she said the get together would be small. it's literally just a few of brian's friends and some other girls you had seen around campus. you take a seat next to sophie and she whispers who everyone is in your ear. "...that's patrick. he's majoring in business. funniest guy you'll ever meet." she points at the guy in the red t-shirt with the brown hair. "....and that's luigi. comp sci major, i think. he's the plug with the good weed. he doesn't really talk much though." she points to the most gorgeous man with the curly hair and adidas hoodie on. as if he's heard your conversation, he turns over to you and meets your eyes. his eyes hang low, a slight red tint to them. your eyes flicker to his hand to see a roach. he puts it out and takes a slow sip out of the red solo cup in his hand. you force yourself to look away, but as you meet sophie's eyes again, you see the teasing glint and smile on her face. "someone's got a crush." she smiles. "no i don't!" you deny, all too quickly. "hey, maybe you should get with him, then i can finally stop begging brian for weed. you could get it directly from the source." she winks, nudging you. "yeah, yeah..." you walk off to pour yourself a drink at the homemade bar, when you bump into him. as cliché as it sounds, you manage to spill the drink on him. "fuck. i'm so sorry, i didn't mean to do that!" you panic and start wiping the drink off him with a paper towel. he grabs your wrist, "it's fine, you worry too much" he smiles at you. you find yourself lost in his gaze, again. you couldn't help it, he's so gorgeous. "wanna smoke one?" he offers. "...yeah" you smile nervously. luigi leads you out onto the balcony. on your way out, you take a glance at sophie, who winks at you. brian, who has his arm around her, is giving you both the biggest smile you've seen all night. you both take seats on the chairs outside and he pulls out a fat one. he lights it up and passes it over to you. you smile at him letting you take the first hit. the smoke hits your lungs instantly, and you smile at the familiar feeling before passing it back to him. the conversation went on, and time passed by as the joint died out. you learned that luigi was an over achiever and had many accomplishments you could only dream of. you both spoke about your respective programs among many other things. the night ended, and you left with luigi's number in your phone and the offer of free weed whenever you needed, because in his words, you were "cool". little did you know what was in store for you...

-gymrat anon hehe I HAD TO GET MY THOUGHTS ON THIS OUT IM SORRY

GYMRAT ANON OMFG. omg never apologize i was giggling kicking my feet reading this 💖💖 i love ur mind

absolutely obsessed with the idea of him having the best weed bc he ofc just would

omfg his hooded dazed eyes, slightly red kinda a permanent half smile on his face even with ur vodka lemonade all over his hoodie… and his voice would be so low u

ugh to get high with him 😫😫 he’d be like “how is it?” and ur so high feeling so good with this absolutely gorgeous man beside you cold air against ur warm skin and ur like “so good”

and you’d get to talking about ur majors and then how he was his fancy high schools valedictorian and last summer was a camp counselor at stanford… and tbh you’d feel a little bit intimidated… just a bit

but he doesn’t act pretentious or arrogant, he’s interested in you, in your major and what you want to do… he asks you a lot of questions and then apologizes with a shy laugh saying, “i didn’t mean to interrogate you”

you just smile as you tell him “it’s nice when someone’s interested in you”

and he’d grin like “well you’re interesting. i just wanna know more about you.” AHH

he would look into ur eyes in such an intimate way

omfg the offer of free weed anytime what a man 😣

WHAT WAS IN STORE cliffhanger killing me i can’t figure dealer luigi out

okay so sorry i just typed out my reactions/thoughts bc this really is that serious to me