#nate's blog rates

[rating-bears]

Today’s wildcard is Nate from animal crossing!!

Nate is a lazy villager, but more than that he looks like an orange and I love it. Look at his coloring, the eyebrows, it’s all so orange. 🍊

He looks like —> 🍊

🍊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!!! I like it

[gnar-slabdash]

Apparently you can just ASK people to rp with you. That's just a thing you can do. You don't need to make a fancy blog and fill out an application you can just ASK. I learned this a couple days ago when somebody just .... did that. Asked me to rp with them. Out of the blue. And now that's what we are doing. Just like that. Mind blowing. Would anyone else like to do that with me? Details below the cut, just shoot me an ask or a DM or whatever if you're interested.

**Please be 18+. Even if the story is G-rated I'm just not comfortable with this level of involvement with a minor on the internet.**

My Characters: Obviously I can do Nate. If you like darker shit I am always excited for a chance to indulge my OTHER special interest, it's a fucked up serial killer/detective romance series (a la Hannibal but F/m) and I'd be happy to do either of those characters. I'm also a slut for anything about vampires.

Your Characters: Whoever makes you happy! OCs & Crossovers are awesome, I don't care how cracky it sounds we can make it work. No real live human beings though.

Content: Look, my favorite book series are about a serial killer who tortures a man until he falls in love with her. Then again, my favorite TV series is about a wholesome (if messed up) found family of modern-day Robin Hoods. I'm good with pretty much anything.

Style: I don't believe in counting paragraphs, I believe in "Yes and." Your reply can be a page or a sentence, as long as it gives my character something to react to. I do prefer third person and past tense. I will not make a blog or icons or edits or whatever. Just text, on whatever platform works best for you.

Frequency: Look, we both have lives. My life is an absolute wreck right now which is why I want to do this, it will be SUCH a nice escape, but also there will be times when I have no time or spoons. Let's just communicate and not make it a big deal either way.

One Big Request: Please DO NOT expect me to run the story. Come with either a plot that you really want to do and can run, or an idea to toss me that we can develop together.

[ladamedusoif]

Snowman (Dieter Bravo x OFC!Andie)

A Merry Fic-Mas - December 28

Part of A Merry Fic-Mas: A Pedro Boy Holiday Fic Calendar - click for masterlist.

Follow my writing blog @ladameecrit and turn on notifications to keep up with my writing.

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x OFC!Andie (set in the Curls universe)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: None. This is pure unadulterated fluff. For those who haven’t read Curls (and should): Dieter and Andie have two kids, Charlie and Ezra. Nate is Dieter’s agent. 

Word count: 1047

A/N: For @agentjackdaniels, with love. 

Charlie Bravo’s Frozen phase came with a special bonus. 

Every time a certain adorable snowman waddled onto the screen during one of her umpteenth rewatches, she would squeal with delight and point excitedly, yelling: “DADDY! It’s Daddy!”, before collapsing in fits of giggles. 

“I could murder Nate,” Dieter mutters to Andie in the kitchen as Charlie twirls around in the family room one hot summer day, belting out a garbled version of “Let It Go” at the top of her lungs, her little brother Ezra joining in with the occasional “GO” roared in harmony. “Why did he have to say I looked like Olaf? And why did he have to point it out to our Frozen-obsessed child?”

Andie ruffles his messy curls and smiles. “You can’t murder Nate, he’s an amazing agent and probably your best friend and I can’t possibly be responsible for you if he’s not around.” She takes a step back and surveys her husband. “And anyway, babe, he’s kinda got a point.”

Before Dieter can respond, his daughter appears, in search of some juice. 

“Why can’t we have snow?” Charlie asks, sipping on her juice box with great concentration.

“Because we live in LA, sweetheart, not Arendel.” Her father scoops her up and sits her on the counter, and Charlie traces the fading logo on Dieter’s well-worn t-shirt with her pointer finger.

“Can we go to Arendel?” 

Andie makes a “change the subject” face at Dieter behind Charlie’s back. 

“Oh, it’s very far away and I don’t think you’d like the long journey, Charlie. Hey - you want to go get some frozen yoghurt later?”

Charlie turns and stares solemnly at her father. “I would rather have snow.”

***

Nate makes it happen. On Charlie’s birthday, in late October, he hands her a Frozen-themed gift box and grins as she opens it to find a soft Olaf plush toy, before immediately giggling and pointing at Dieter.

The agent takes the little girl’s hand and dances her around the room, singing. “Do you want to build a snowmaaaaan? Well, do you, Charlie Bravo?”

She nods with great intensity.

“Ah, well.” A wide smile appears on Nate’s face. “In that case, ask your gorgeous mother there to have a look at what else is in the box.”

Andie reaches inside and finds a pale blue envelope. Inside is a brochure for a family-friendly ski resort in Aspen. 

“If snow can’t come to Charlie Bravo, Charlie Bravo shall come to the snow!” Nate beams and his husband Eamon offers a solo round of applause. 

“Nate, are you serious?” Andie is agog at the gorgeous photos of the chalets and restaurants, though already starting to worry about kitting out her entire family with ski gear. 

“Deadly serious, love. Booked it for early December, should be some lovely snow at that time. Don’t feel you need to do the whole skiing thing, either - actually, Dieter? Don’t go skiing. Please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t go skiing. I’m not negotiating with production insurers for you again.”

***

The snow was, as Nate predicted, lovely. Perfect, in fact. 

Dieter did as he was bid and stuck to some sledding and playing with the kids, discovering Charlie’s impressive aim in a snowball fight within a few hours of their arrival. 

Andie is zipping Ezra out of his bright orange snowsuit, fearful he might get too cold, when Dieter and Charlie, still clad in their brightly-coloured winter gear, appear at the door of the chalet.

“Angel, she said you need to come and help her build the special snowman.”

Charlie bounces up and down with excitement and starts to sing loudly, startling her little brother and making him wail. Andie scrambles to her feet and hands Dieter his golden-haired son. 

“You take him, watch some Bluey if he won’t calm down. Me and Charlie have been planning our special snowman build for weeks. Alright, Charlie Bravo, let me just get my boots on and then…” She leans in to her little girl’s ear and sings quietly: “Do you want to build a snowman?”

***

Ezra has fallen asleep and Dieter feels like he’s about to nod off himself. He can still hear Charlie and Andie shrieking and laughing outside, so he scoops up the little boy and wanders towards the main bedroom in search of his favourite comfort clothing: green robe and Crocs, fleece-lined for the colder conditions.

He lays Ezra down on the bed and opens the closet, rifling through the clothing Andie has already hung up in search of his robe. 

No robe.

And only his older pair of Crocs, too. Did he forget? He never forgets. Not these things, anyway. He’s been packing them for every trip he’s taken for the last fifteen years.

He is about to slip on a hoodie when he hears Andie and Charlie calling to him from the front door.

“Come see, Daddy! Come seeeeee!”

“Don’t worry about getting Ezra dressed back up, Dee!” Andie adds cheerily. “You’ll see the surprise from the front door.”

There, just outside their holiday chalet, is Charlie’s perfect snowman. Not Olaf, but her daddy. Literally.

The snowman has some twigs stuck here and there in lieu of Dieter’s messy hair, and a pair of his Ray-Bans rest on the snowman’s carrot nose. Dieter spies his new Crocs tucked in at the base of the figure, already covered in snow. 

So much for the fleece lining, he thinks to himself.

And, as the finishing touch: the green robe, carefully wrapped around the bright white figure. 

“It’s a Daddy Olaf!” Charlie squeals, and Dieter immediately forgets about the waterlogged Crocs and the fact that his precious green robe is going to be soaking wet and just revels in his daughter’s joy, pure as the driven snow.

Andie beams at him, dark curls poking out from under her bright pink pom-pom ski hat.

His girls. His little boy, in his arms. And a new, frozen addition to the family. 

Perfect.

“It’s beautiful, Charlie!” he calls out to her. “Tomorrow, how about we make him a friend, hmmm? Mama’s got plenty of clothes that would look just great on a snowlady.”

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

Since she was a girl, Vanessa Morelli has trained for two titles: CEO of Morelli Construction, and more importantly, head of the Morelli Crime Family. So far, it’s going well; business is booming, and the city’s criminals fear and respect her. Or at least she thought they did, before shipments start disappearing, construction sites blow up, and—most annoying of all—the older women lay on the pressure for her to marry and make an heir.

When an ill-advised date with her Godson’s math teacher goes horribly wrong, she brings him under her protection while she figures out who’s sabotaging her operation.

Nate, the goofy, dog-owning teacher, wants nothing to do with her after learning that she’s the queen of organized crime in the city. But when the choice is life or death, he chooses to accept her help and move in for the summer. Bored out of his mind, though, Nate offers his services on the hunt for a suitable husband, interviewing every eligible mafioso in Massachusetts.

But when more sparks begin to fly between her and Nate instead of her and her suitors... she starts to wonder. Can they work and live together, without falling for each other along the way?

Review:

He's a math teacher and she's the head of a mafia family... he needed a date for a wedding and she needed a husband... and after one teacher meeting their lives are both entwined. Vanessa Morelli is the eldest Morelli daughter and has inherited her family's crime business. She's both the CEO of the Morelli Construction and the Morelli Crime Family... but after her father's death there's been pressure for her to get married and make a heir. Vanessa doesn't want to marry just anyone, she wants a partner, someone she could love.... and when she agrees to sub in for her sister at her sister's parent teacher conference she meets Nate. Nate is a goofy charming math teacher who isn't afraid to talk back to Vanessa (well that was before he knew she saw her kill two dudes). What was suppose to be a cute date ends up with two dead bodies and people now gunning after Nate since they think he might be a possible suitor for Vanessa. Vanessa has to keep Nate alive and try and get some of her less savory suitors to back off. Nate and Vanessa come up with a new deal: he helps her vet her potential husbands and she protects him while he lives with her for the summer. But as sparks begin to fly maybe the perfect husband for Vanessa is the one living with her right now... if only he could convince her that he could fit into her world. Looking for a fun rom com with a amazing protagonist who definitely isn't afraid to protect the people she lives and a soft love interest? If you loved rom coms like Ghosted, Hitman, Mr and Mrs. Smith, absolutely give this book a go. I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens to the next Morelli sister! It was a really cute read and I loved the dynamic between Vanessa and Nate so much, she's tough but sweet and he's soft but dependable. It's a cute read and one I'd absolutely recommend!

Release Date: September 26,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Happily Booked for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[galway-girlatwork]

Beyond the Wall

Fandom: The Last of Us-AU-The years before Joel meets Ellie

Rating: Mature-There is SO much angst and a tiny part of smut.  

Central Characters: Joel, Tommy, Tess, Stacie (Original Female Character)

Central Relationship: Joel and Stacie

Word Count: 5,271

Read on AO3

Please do not copy my work. If you liked it, please re-blog and tag me. Please do not steal my mood board. I do not give permission to copy, translate, or post my work to any other platform.

This was inspired by one of Jett’s (@morallyinept) boyfriend vibes…QZ Partner Joel.

Jett, thank you for giving me the inspiration. This one was rough but worth it. I hope I did your boyfriend vibe justice

Music Inspiration:

Thank you-Alanis Morrisette.

7 Minutes in Hell-Chrissy Coztanza.

Burn It Down-Daughter

Can You Die From A Broken Heart- Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne

Summary:

The QZ, where survival often trumps trust, two smugglers end up on the wrong side of each other. Amid the bleakness of survival, they share moments that let them briefly forget the hell they live in, their space becoming a sanctuary despite the nightmares plaguing them. But there’s hope or is there? When Tommy joins the Fireflies, something stirs in Stacie, a desire for more than just survival. She knows leaving will sever a bond, one that has been in existence for years. It’s the price of surviving, testing the limits of love and trust. How much strength does it take to leave behind everything, including the man you love?

[melioramuses]

✧ BYF:: Rules // Muse List ✧

Info & Rules

This blog is a hub blog, not a multi-muse blog. This means that each muse has their own inbox, their own drafts, etc.

PLEASE send asks to the individual blog of the muse you wanna interact with, NOT the hub blog! E.g., if you wanna send something to All Might, send it to the ask box on @promisedpeace.

I don't have triggers, really, but I do tag triggers following the "{{ tw: trigger" format. E.g., "{{ tw: spiders".

I'm a very laidback/low pressure roleplayer. I don't do fancy formatting aside from some bolding and/or italics and making the font a bit smaller, and I'm not hella active. (I don't mind people who use heavy formatting, though.) I'm not going to hunt you down for a reply after two days or two months, and I don't care if you've been MIA for a year then come back and post a response. Shit happens and I'm fine with it!

I generally write a couple paragraphs, semi-literate to literate, and omniscient third-person. However, I'm fine with matching length for longer posts. I don't really care if people match my length, so long as you're not giving me, like, two sentences to my four paragraphs. lol

On memes: I reblog memes to the hub blog, and all memes are open to ANY muse unless the tags state otherwise.

On NSFW: I'm open to PG-13 or occasionally even R-rated threads in established ships with writing partners I'm comfortable with. They'll always be put under a read more and tagged appropriately, and are only an option on muses who are 18+. (Also I do not feel comfortable aging up characters for the purpose of smut.)

On shipping: I ship chemistry only. I do not write romantic ships for muses who are underage.

OC's: I fuckin' love them. My MC from my novel trilogy project is an OC I've had for well over a decade and I have a blog for her, too. If you wanna write your OC with my muse, let's go! I'm happy to ship with OC's, too.

My muse is MY muse. If you don't like my interpretation, please just unfollow and go find one that better suits how you view the character.

Muse List + My Other Blogs:

My art/personal blog - @rivenharlow

Toshinori Yagi/All Might (MHA) - @promisedpeace

Eijiro Kirishima/Red Riot (MHA) - @resoluteriot

Tenya Iida/Ingenium (MHA) - @ingeniuminherited

Mirio Togata/Lemillion (MHA) - @saveamillion

Tamaki Amajiki/Suneater (MHA) - @consumingchimera

Nejire Hado/Nejire Chan (MHA) - @wackywavelength

Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto) - @avengerascended

Rock Lee (Naruto) - @bloomtwice

Snotlout Jorgensen (HTTYD) - @strongestrider

Viggo Grimborn (HTTYD) - @grimgambit

Frieza (DBZ) - @gildedemperor

Trunks (DBZ) - @henotichope

Kouga (Inuyasha) - @youkaishowl

Nate River/Near (Death Note) - @thetruesuccessor

Loz (FFVII:AC) - @breakneckboor

Kijonaia "Naia" Remiel (OC) - @thebastardlady

About Me

Hey! I'm Riven. I'm turning 30 in two days as of this writing (June 21st, 2024). I'm an artist and writer with a small business. I'm married with two kiddos and way too many pets (2 large dogs, 6 cats, a rabbit, and a bearded dragon). I'm also genderfluid (they/them pronouns exclusively, though) and pagan. I've been roleplaying since my friggin' Neopets days when I was, like, 8 years old, but I've been on Tumblr for about a decade now. You can find my socials here

Thanks for reading! No password needed but do feel free to message me or toss me an ask if you wanna start a thread!

This post was made on June 21st of 2024 and will be updated as I think of anything to add.

[fexiinfiniteficlist]

Fexi Spotlight Interview

Hello everyone! I am excited to share our first Fexi Spotlight Interview with the amazing @fexiana! Most of you know Fexiana for her Euphoria Sims videos, but she also has written fics! In this interview, we talk about her love of Fexi, the creative and technical process of her videos, and future content plans. Enjoy and remember to check out her blog and other socials to watch her videos!

How did you get into Fexi?

Fexiana: It is really crazy because I never thought that they’d make a great couple in season one- not until season two episode one did I realize their potential and how much their opposition could attract. They have so many similarities as the season continued, but I’ve got to say, the chemistry on that sofa in season two episode one is how I got into Fexi.

What do you like about Fexi? 

Fexiana: I think Fexi’s differences are what I like about them the most. Even though they were raised differently and have different morals, they have so many similarities that pronounce the differences to the point us Fexi lovers can feel the compatibility. “Opposites attract” is a famous saying, and Fexi’s differences can be compared to one another in such a healthy way that I see nothing but a positive outcome and future between the both of them. They both deserve each other—true happiness.

How did you get into making Fexi Sims?

Fexiana: Waiting for season 3 has been so hard that I had to create a vision for myself in terms of Euphoria Sims. It was a way for me to fulfill my Fexi needs, as well as a way to physically see them and control their lives as I missed Fezco and Lexi on my screen oh so much. And trust—in my game, I control their lives accordingly: going on dates, cooking together, watching movies, taking naps together, playing with their pet cat, having great yet intelligent conversations, Lexi joking with Ashtray. Really, it was for a piece of mind as we don’t see the gaps. Many Fexi lovers like myself wish there were more scenes between them, so I tried my best to capture that.

What is the creative and technical process for your videos? 

Fexiana: The creative parts of the videos have a lot to do with the fashion aspect. I try to pick an outfit I think the characters would really wear or go off references from actual episodes. I’ve even gone as far as to build Fezco’s home and business for the creative part—even Lexi and Cassie’s room, although, I do plan on finishing the Howard house and Rue’s house.

The technical part is a whole other story. I wish I could say it was easy and smooth, but it is indeed very technical. I recreated Lexi’s play episode and went through a lot of technical difficulties. Come to find out, I needed to update the processor on my computer. So, if you guys happen to watch that, forgive me because the video is very laggy, and I didn’t realize it until after I edited/finished the episode. I usually start by filming first, and then I edit the clips on a timeline and add subtitles/songs if necessary. No matter how simple the songs, trust, it is very tedious!

What is your favorite scene/detail from your video?

Fexiana: I would have to say I am the proudest of the recreation of Lexi’s play episode (minus the lagging). In this video, I had to have Fezco there in attendance for my own peace of mind. I do plan on making an aftermath of the play video to show them happily hanging out after her play (and Ash is still alive). 

What plans do you have for your videos? 

Fexiana: I have so many plans for videos! I could literally do one for every holiday if I wanted. My very first video was of Fexi having a baby (R rated). I would like to do other videos such as them going on a date to the skate park or restaurant, Fez helping Lexi do homework, Fexi partying, and even focusing on other characters in Euphoria such as Rue, Maddy, Cassie, Jules, and Nate. Even though I focus more on creating episodes, I find that there’s nothing wrong with not having subtitles. It’s so much easier to do a music video, which is another plan I have for Euphoria Sims. 

How do people find and interact with your videos?

Fexiana: You can interact with my videos on: 

Tumblr @fexiana

Instagram @ fexi_ana

Patreon @ fexiana (for my Euphoria Sims Rated X videos)

What are your hopes for Euphoria S3? 

Fexiana: My hopes for Season 3 are for everyone to be happy—mainly and selfishly, Lexi and Fezco. Hearing that it is set to be five years in the future, I hope to see their future TOGETHER and that they’ve accomplished their dreams, as well as all other goals to elevate them individually and as a couple.

Do you plan to make Fexi content outside of your videos? Like fics, playlists, art, collages, mood/vision boards, or social media AUs?

Fexiana: Yes! Before I started making Euphoria Sims videos, I wrote Fexi fics on AO3 by the name Fexiana. I started a painting of Lexi and Fezco that I was supposed to finish last year, and I do intend to make graphite drawings of them. I’ve made Fexi playlists, but rather than share them in writing with links, I incorporate them into my Euphoria Sims videos and put the names of the songs in the credits.

Any other news or facts do you want to share? 

Fexiana: I guess I’d like to share that I am a very approachable person who loves to execute ideas from other people because thinking alone can be boring and discouraging at times. I think that’s what made me take a break in the first place. So, please, I encourage everyone to give me ideas. What would you like to see me create in Euphoria Sims? It doesn’t even have to be Fexi related as I have ALL of the cast made. For instance, I wanted to make a video of Rue and Jules playfully messing with Nate, Maddy in her hot girl era, and Lexi and Cassie having a girl’s night with Suze—cute, simple things. I’d love to have a list of ideas from YOU ALL. This way I will always have a new video to make without questioning “What am I going to do next?”

[lupaeusarc]

slides my url in here

SEND A URL AND I WILL ANSWER THE FOLLOWING :

do i follow them ? :  absolutely 🤍 why did i follow them ? :  part of me wants to say you followed me first but i can't remember for sure lmao i know i saw nate and ruby on the dash a lot so if i followed first it was probably bc of them do we role play ? :  we dooooo do i want to role play with them :  YES gimme all the dynamics i'll make a separate spreadsheet for our shit alone lmao an au idea for our muses :  well em and simon are in one rn and i love it but another cool one for anyone really could be like a truman show type of thing where like they start figuring it out together as time goes on idk this is incredibly half baked but some kind of like fishbowl type deal a song for our muses :  the summoning by sleep token

do i ship our muses ? :  a thousand percent i love all our ships and plots so far :') what i think about the mun :  literally one of the coolest people i've ever met i'm ???? so scared of you lmfao like in a good way i just think you're an incredible writer and the love you have for your muses is so visible and obvious and the detail you put into every aspect of their back stories and everything is insane and just yeah i think you're the coolest 🙌 overall opinion :  just such an awesome set of blogs it's so impressive 🥹 blog rate : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

[serenpedac]

I posted 858 times in 2022

That's 733 more posts than 2021!

56 posts created (7%)

802 posts reblogged (93%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@ejunkiet

@cleverblackcat

@wayhavenots

@ava-du-mortain

@agentnatesewell

I tagged 846 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#twc - 289 posts

#the wayhaven chronicles - 165 posts

#redacted asmr - 102 posts

#dragon age - 88 posts

#others ocs - 62 posts

#<3 - 59 posts

#fic rec - 55 posts

#n sewell - 50 posts

#a du mortain - 37 posts

#agent m - 31 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#you're putting something out into the world that you've tried to make good and that has inherent value regardless of how it is perceived

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

WIP Whenever

Sharing a little from my longfic today, because the rest of this week is going to be busy.

She should have expected him. There is no reason why Nate wouldn’t be waiting for her at the Warehouse, even when she had told him there was no need for him to go with Morgan to pick her up at the airport. This isn’t the airport, after all.

She had expected him. He had been all she could think about as the world blurred past outside the window of the car.

She just hadn’t expected him to be so… him. Dark brown jacket zipped against the cold, hands in his pockets, Nate is standing there. Waiting. Waiting for her.

Perhaps she hadn’t believed this moment would come, her mind skirting the confrontation, skirting all of reality. But she can’t look away now, not when he’s standing right in front of her, so very tall, even with the slight bend to his shoulders that makes her heart ache for him. For— for them. For all they lost. 

She should— she should say something.

As for tags: if you’re reading this, please consider yourself tagged and please do tag me if you share something ^^ (I could use some fic snippets to get through this week, haha)

27 notes - Posted April 19, 2022

#4

With how Dragon Age has been on my mind this week (because of the title reveal ofc, but also because I started another DA2 run) this seemed like a good time to share this art I made ages ago ^^

28 notes - Posted June 3, 2022

#3

Snippet Sunday

So... I recently tried to write a ficlet in German and it’s definitely not very good, but it has this snippet which is so like Yael and Nate, that I had to translate and share.

Nate’s eyes are dark, focused on her and her alone. They are open and honest, his every feeling there for her to see. She once thought she could lose herself in those depths. 

(She wished she would, for what could be sweeter?) 

She'd been wrong. In his eyes--in him--she does not lose, but she finds.

Tagging anyone reading this and:

(no pressure ^^): @ejunkiet , @devilbunnyking , @cleverblackcat , @wayhavenots , @lilyoffandoms , @roguelioness

Also, tentatively tagging @agentnatesewell . Had to think about you because this is the "home" fic. No pressure at all, but if you still want to share your thoughts about N, I'm here for it ♥️

33 notes - Posted May 22, 2022

#2

Rating: Gen

Words: 307

Warnings: None

Recharging

Maybe he fell into the wrong place, Caelum thinks for just one second, as sunlight blinds him and he can’t feel anything—it wouldn’t be the first time, and magic is hard, really hard, when he’s tired like this. But no, a thousand sounds and smells and colours and feelings wash over him as the world becomes ta– tan– real around him, everything bright, bright, bright. And he, he is standing right behind the counter with the cookies. 

Of course he is, he had been thinking about baking together with Freelancer when he phased here, but they had had no time. They really have to study hard right now. So he went here.

His eyes dart over the display. There are sugar cookies and oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies and tiny cookies that are all puffed up and crinkled and that he doesn’t know the name of, but— They smell delicious. Caelum steps a little closer to the counter, careful not to stand in the way of anyone, and takes a deep breath in. These cookies are the best. 

A lot of people seem to think so: the café is full with them. They are sitting around the mismatched tables and perched on the pillows in the window sills—plushy pillows in just as many colours as the tables—talking and laughing as they drink their coffee or tea and eat their cookies, all happy. 

It makes him happy, too.

He slips between people and tables to an empty spot in the window sill. He tucks up his legs, fitting into the little corner, and closes his eyes. Sunlight warms his back, and happiness radiates through the space around him, just as nice and warm as the sun. Here, he doesn’t have to help anyone. Here, he can just sit and relax. And that feels good. It feels amazing.

55 notes - Posted February 20, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

The kind and talented @nerdferatum made this gorgeous commission of my Wayhaven detective Yael, and I’m very much in love with it! Just look at her!!

70 notes - Posted July 31, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[ao3feed-johnnylawrence]

Oneshots about my favorite characters

by mattsturniololvr Please write some requests in the comments!!!! Words: 9, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Video Blogging RPF, Stranger Things (TV 2016), Gossip Girl (TV 2007), Heartstopper (TV), Cobra Kai (TV) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Underage Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi Characters: Chris Sturniolo, Matt Sturniolo, Nick Sturniolo, Will Byers, Mike Wheeler, Original Male Character(s), Chuck Bass, Blair Waldorf, Nate Archibald, Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey, Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Tara Jones, Darcy Olsson, Elle Argent, Tao Xu, Miguel Diaz (Cobra Kai), Robby Keene, Tory Nichols, Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, Samantha LaRusso Relationships: Chris Sturniolo/Matt Sturniolo, Chris Sturniolo/Matt Sturniolo/Nick Sturniolo, Matt Sturniolo/Nick Sturniolo, Will Byers/Mike Wheeler, Will Byers/Original Male Character(s), Matt Sturniolo/Original Male Character(s), Chuck Bass/Blair Waldorf, Nate Archibald/Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey/Serena van der Woodsen, Serena van der Woodsen/Blair Waldorf, Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Tara Jones/Darcy Olsson, Elle Argent/Tao Xu, Miguel Diaz/Robby Keene, Robby Keene/Tory Nichols, Daniel LaRusso/Johnny Lawrence, Samantha LaRusso/Tory Nichols Additional Tags: Anal Sex, Vaginal Sex, Threesome - M/M/M, Rough Sex, Forced Orgasm, Forced Feminization, Sex Toys, Vibrators, Punishment, Spanking, Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Loss of Virginity, Possessive Sex, Bottom Matt, Bottom Will Byers, Flirting, Drugged Sex, Other Additional Tags to Be Added via https://ift.tt/lhbSHIu

[thedarkestgreys]

I posted 3,594 times in 2022

That's 3,284 more posts than 2021!

772 posts created (21%)

2,822 posts reblogged (79%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@thedarkestgreys

@riahchan

@calculated2stagger

@actnatural-ly

@melo-baby

I tagged 3,336 of my posts in 2022

Only 7% of my posts had no tags

#it’s tearin’ up my heart when im with queue - 1,765 posts

#fexi - 213 posts

#bex answers - 198 posts

#hbo euphoria - 142 posts

#fic: your violent overnight rush - 140 posts

#fexi fic recs - 121 posts

#taylor swift - 76 posts

#lexi howard - 76 posts

#fexi fanfic - 69 posts

#drukkari - 68 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#honestly rue might be the most affectionate person in his life before lexi and even that’s probably very limited to the occasional bro-hug

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

sometimes my brain gets stuck on the fact that fezco took off that green sweater to go beat nate’s face in and collectively a bunch of us were like “that’s the hottest thing a man has ever done”

69 notes - Posted July 19, 2022

#4

the stray lines that unwind you

a sleepover fic for @melo-baby

hbo euphoria // 6.7k one shot // rated m

“Are you sure this is going to be fine?” There’s a tone of self-doubt that creeps into her voice that has Fezco snickering softly into the receiver of his phone. “C’mon now Lex, actin’ like you ain’t sleep over before.” She sighs hella dramatically into her AirPods. “Yeah but like, that’s different. Like it’s one thing to fall asleep watching a movie with you and crawl into your bed at like, 3am when one of us wakes up, or to crash at yours when a party goes late. Tonight’s just like, a sleepover. Like I have with Rue sometimes.” “So you can have a sleepover with yo’ other best friend, but not me?”

72 notes - Posted August 24, 2022

#3

sometimes it’s all the same fic

90 notes - Posted February 6, 2022

#2

157 notes - Posted October 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

when I was in high school marching band circa 2007 we successfully petitioned our band director to get us the sheet music for Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance for our stand music and it worked because his name was Mr. Black and he thought it was HILARIOUS.

310 notes - Posted July 3, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[boston-babies]

The only questions I’m not comfortable answering are any nsfw questions about the kids and their SOs. I don’t want to speak for my anons on what they’re comfortable answering so I’ll let them respond to this as well

/// Hi anon! Hi Barbie!

I'm honestly okay with anything as long as it's not too rated or just overall bad vibes/non pleasant. 😊

And Barbie, please feel free to let me know if any questions you receive for CC/Nate make you uncomfortable or something you'd like to avoid it from your blog. You don't have to post them right away. 💖

💖

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

A new holiday romantic comedy from best-selling author of Tis the Season for Revenge!

A year ago, Jules stumbled upon the man of her dreams in a bar on New Year's Eve. After a lifetime of watching romantic comedies, she was sure she had found her soulmate. That is, until she learned he has an entire family and blocked him.

A year later, she’s having the worst day she possibly could, leaving her stuck on the sidewalk outside her place in a ballet costume, watching firefighters condemn her house because of a water main break when a little girl grabs her hand and tells her she’s her Christmas wish.

When Nate’s daughter tells Santa all she wants for Christmas is for her dad to marry the real-life version of her favorite doll, he dreads having to tell her the truth. When they run into the spitting image of the doll, ballerina costume and all minutes later, he’s floored to find that it’s his dream woman who disappeared from his life last Christmas.

Nate’s meddling sisters offer his in-law suite and his contracting skills to Jules in exchange for watching his daughter, and he jumps on the opportunity. Now, he has just a few weeks to use Christmas magic to make her realize they are meant to be.

Review:

A sweet holiday romance that has all the cute Hallmark move vibes you could ever ask for. Jules and Nate had a magical time together last New Year's Eve.... until a big misunderstanding broke them apart. Now they are facing each other again and Nate is determined to win Jules back over..... and with a bit of holiday magic maybe it'll be possible. This was such a cute and easy holiday read that is perfect for adding to your tbr! It's sweet and fun and the characters are easy to get along with. Nate is a great love interest and he really had some fun lines that had me swooning. It's an adorable and funny read and one I'd absolutely recommend this holiday season!

Release Date: October 25,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Valentine PR for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[liaromancewriter]

I posted 3,147 times in 2022

That's 1,532 more posts than 2021!

728 posts created (23%)

2,419 posts reblogged (77%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@jerzwriter

@jamespotterthefirst

@potionsprefect

@liaromancewriter

@genevievemd

I tagged 2,791 of my posts in 2022

Only 11% of my posts had no tags

#oph fics - 466 posts

#mc monday reblog - 448 posts

#ask and answered - 389 posts

#ethan ramsey x cassie valentine - 357 posts

#ethan ramsey - 349 posts

#open heart - 297 posts

#ethan ramsey x mc - 176 posts

#open heart choices - 163 posts

#choices fic writers creations - 142 posts

#reblog reply - 141 posts

Longest Tag: 87 characters

#trying to mind my own business but it’s hard to stay quiet when you see others attacked

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Not Over It

Premise: When Cassie decides to date other people, Ethan has to pretend he's not affected.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff Trope: And one of them is jealous Words: 1,385

A/N: This is the follow up to So Over It and we get to meet Nate Hanson. Set during Book 1, leading up to Miami. In Lia Land, Miami happens the weekend of Jan 26-29. 

Submission for @choicesaugustchallenge Day 15 prompt “There’s always an escape.”

Part 1: It’s Not a Date

The flurries outside drifted aimlessly under the gray sky. Cassie Valentine absently watched the traffic outside the coffee shop and wondered for the nth time what she was doing here.

A few days after telling her twin brother Max to give Nate Hanson her number, she had agreed to meet the man at Derry’s. It wasn’t a date. They had both been clear on that. But each was curious about the other, and a coffee meet-up seemed like an innocent way to explore the waters.

She would have preferred to meet elsewhere, but he was going to be in the neighborhood, and they both deemed it convenient. On the positive side, she didn’t have to worry about her friends asking questions about Nate. However, she had been anxious about running into Ethan until she heard Danny mention that Dr. Ramsey was away for a couple of days.

Safe in knowing there wouldn’t be any awkward encounters at his favorite coffee shop, Cassie arrived a few minutes early. She parked herself at a table next to the window and in clear view of the entrance.  

While Cassie trusted Max’s judgment completely, her stupid crush on Ethan Ramsey meant doubts were never far from the surface. There’s always an escape, she mused. She could get paged, an emergency that would take several hours or even days.

“Cassie?”

Lost in thought, she glanced up at the sound of her name. She saw a handsome man in his early thirties with short, neat black hair and warm brown eyes. His caramel-colored wool coat was expensive, as was the Hermès cashmere scarf around his neck.

She thought Nate Hanson looked better in person than his official picture online.

“Nate. It’s nice to meet you.” She offered a welcoming smile. He waved her back down when she started to stand. Folding the coat on the back of his chair, he took the seat across from her.

She pushed one of the coffee cups toward him. “I know you’re short on time, so I hope it’s okay that I got you a cappuccino. Max told me it’s your preferred drink.”

“Thanks,” he said, humming in pleasure after taking a tentative sip. “I heard you’re particular about your coffee. I’m guessing this place gets the Cassie Valentine stamp of approval.”

“Gold star,” Cassie grinned, lifting her coffee cup in a mock toast and laughing when he lightly tapped hers with his own.

“Max told me you’re teaching at Harvard this term. What brings you to this side of the river?”

“My company is doing a research trial at Edenbrook,” Nate explained. “I had meetings with the researchers this morning. Later today, I’m meeting the board. Chief Emery asked me to update them on the trial’s progress. We’re at a critical juncture, and the Harvard gig was a good excuse to stay close to the team here.”

Cassie watched him with a considering look, chin propped in her upturned palm. “Small world,” she mused. “It’s good we didn’t meet up for coffee at the hospital then.”

He laughed, guessing precisely what she was thinking. “Edenbrook’s rumor mill is strong as ever, huh? It’s good to know things haven’t changed much since I did my sub-I rotation there.”

His words made her go still. Cassie knew he had gone to Harvard Medical School, opting out of clinical residency to focus on biotech and building his company. That information had been part of his official bio. What she hadn’t known was his connection to the hospital.

“Of all the hospitals in all the towns in all the world, you walk into mine,” she murmured. She tapped her fingers against the sides of her cup, thinking how this could get complicated before it even begins. Those damn connections.

He smirked knowingly at the implication behind her words.

“Maybe we should walk back to Edenbrook together,” he joked, a challenging gleam in his eyes. “I’ll gaze lovingly into your beautiful green eyes. You can pretend to be enamored with me. A light kiss goodbye, on the lips, of course, as we both head back to work. That’ll give them something to talk about.”

“You know that kind of gossip will travel back to my mother, right?” Cassie teased, green eyes sparkling in merriment. She leaned forward, enjoying his lighthearted company, and he did the same, their foreheads almost touching. “Do you prefer a summer wedding or something in the fall?”

His boisterous laugh and her joyful one had the barista and a few patrons glancing over. Unbeknownst to Cassie, a certain attending had stopped in his tracks on the sidewalk outside Derry’s, his eyes locked on her. Ethan Ramsey traced Cassie’s laughing, relaxed features and wondered if she would ever look at him like that.

His large frame was huddled inside a thick parka; light snow dusted his dark brown hair.  Pedestrians walked around him, one bumping his shoulder and muttering in annoyance. But he stood frozen in place, watching Cassie with a man who was obviously her date on the other side of the glass.

Ever since the PITA incident, and their confrontation in his office, she had kept her distance. It had been more emotional than physical, given his role in the fellowship competition and Naveen. And except for that time with the puppy during Christmas, she hadn’t really smiled at him as effortlessly as she would before, a light teasing grin as if she had found him amusing.

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77 notes - Posted August 20, 2022

#4

Just a Crush

Premise: When Ethan gets a chance to meet his celebrity crush, Cassie’s green-eyed monster comes out to play.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Trope: One of them was jealous Words: 2,500

A/N: It’s finally here! Dedicated to @genevievemd​ with my thanks for being patient with me. I hope it was worth the wait!  Submission for @choices-september-challenge-blog Day 30 prompt: "I love you. I hope you know that."

I’m also using two jealousy prompts from @creativepromptsforwriting​ (“I’m not jealous, I’m being absolutely reasonable.” and “What would I be jealous about?”) Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills

Cassie Valentine was not the jealous type. Never had been. But when she fell in love with and then married Ethan Ramsey, she discovered her laissez-faire nature had limits. And it didn’t help that the man was oblivious to his appeal.

Oh, he knew others found him attractive with his dark hair, brooding looks and laser-blue eyes. He just didn’t seem to care about nurses and residents trying to flirt with him. His tongue was as sharp as his gaze, and most people kept their fawning limited to when his back was turned.

Usually, Cassie got a laugh out of other people’s attempts to catch his attention. Whether it was cupcakes from secret admirers or that breathy voice some nurses used when trying to be sultry, it was harmless.

He had never given her any reason to feel insecure or jealous except when he watched Nigella Lawson’s cooking show. Whenever the celebrity chef came on TV, Ethan got a look in his eyes that raised her hackles. She couldn’t help herself. All it took was for the woman to start talking, and Cassie could feel her mood turn sour.

Before she realized how deep Ethan’s interest ran, Cassie had enjoyed the woman’s recipes. She’d even made him a Nigella-inspired dinner one date night. And Cassie always loved the meals he prepared after watching her show.

But she didn’t enjoy how her husband got so absorbed in the other woman’s heaving…’talent’ on display or contrived speech.

Okay. In the interest of fairness, maybe the latter wasn’t contrived so much as her usual way of speaking. She was a Brit, after all. Still, Cassie would have appreciated it if he had pretended not to be as mesmerized whenever Nigella started talking.

She knew her jealousy was irrational, but she didn’t care. Ethan knew how she felt, but he thought it was just her trolling him for a reaction. Aside from him, Cassie had told only one other person about her feelings about Nigella.

So, when she opened the invitation to the Hudson Group’s 150th Anniversary festivities at the annual shareholders’ retreat, she saw red.

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79 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

#3

Convincing the Chief

Premise: When Edenbrook’s PR team needs to engage the Chief, they go to the Ramsey Whisperer for advice.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 2,855

A/N: Submission for @choicesmonthlychallenge​ May challenge prompt, Day 22 “trapped”. 

Amalia Kallis was having a good summer. She had scored an internship at the prestigious Edenbrook Hospital and was loving the work. She hadn’t really seen herself in healthcare before, but now that she’d had a taste of it, she wouldn’t mind it as a career.

Unlike some of her former classmates doing internships, she hadn’t been relegated to coffee runs or being everyone’s gopher. She was doing real PR working with the hospital’s research teams to translate their accomplishments in laymen terms.

Granted, she wasn’t solely responsible for this and had to run everything by more experienced communication professionals to make sure it was accurate, but still. She had written the initial draft of the press release and most of her words would be out there for everyone to read!

She hugged the knowledge to herself as she took her seat for the weekly team meeting, her iPad already open to the Notes app. Halfway through, her screen was full of scribbles and her own reflections on the list of things to get done this week.

Amalia underlined ‘social media posts’ twice to emphasize the importance of the weekly task when she sensed a change in the mood of the meeting. She looked up when she heard someone groan the name ‘Ramsey’ in a tone that implied they were being tortured.

Confused, she glanced around the table at her colleagues and saw a varying mix of emotions, from dismay to neutral to downright fright. And wondered at the cause since her notes didn’t indicate any concerns with the topic of discussion.

She leaned over to her colleague on the left, who had just completed two years on the team, and whispered, “Psst, Ellie. What’s going on?”

“We need to involve the Chief,” Ellie replied softly. “He’s the Ogre of Edenbrook and he hates us.”

Ellie had the misfortune to speak during a brief lull in conversation and her whispered words echoed loudly across the quiet room. Their boss, Maureen Lively, glanced over and her eyes wrinkled in bemusement.

“He doesn’t hate us, Ellie,” said Maureen gently. “He just doesn’t have patience for the hoopla that goes with media. But as I’ve told all of you before, every executive is educatable.”

She eyed the entire team as she continued, “Dr. Ramsey has been Chief for almost a year now and he has already made himself available for initiatives that we never thought possible. Remember how he dressed up as a superhero for the Halloween event in Pediatrics?”

“But,” countered Maureen’s second-in-command, “our team was not the one to convince him. It was Dr. Valentine. She gets him to agree to everything.”

“Good point, Brad,” she nodded.

“Now that they’re married, it should be a slam dunk,” said another member of the team gleefully, rubbing their hands together.

Maureen frowned at the inference and said in a note that brooked no argument, “One has nothing to do with the other. They’re both professionals. While we can certainly consider asking Dr. Valentine for help, we cannot expect or demand it. Is that clear?”

Amalia nodded along with everyone else at the message and the tone. Maureen was easygoing majority of the time, but any sign of unethical behavior on the team was not tolerated.

When Maureen turned towards her, Amalia got a sinking feeling in the bottom of her stomach.

“Amalia, I think this is the perfect assignment for you,” she said. “Learning how to solve difficult problems is an essential skill for any PR professional. You will be the one to convince Dr. Ramsey to participate in this project as it was your idea to begin with.”

“Yes, Maureen,” said Amalia quickly, her voice betraying a slight tremor.

As the meeting ended and everyone went back to their workstations, Amalia’s inner disquiet increased at the thought of having to deal with someone she had heard described as an ogre. But a part of her knew Maureen was right.

If she wanted a long-lasting career in public relations, managing difficult personalities was for the par. She was extremely lucky to be given a chance to do so this early in her career. She just had to make sure she didn’t blow it.

Amalia spent the next two days figuring out her approach. She had certainly heard of Edenbrook’s Diagnostics team during orientation, but so far, she had not had cause to meet its leader. 

She googled Dr. Cassie Valentine and the search results ranged from society articles to medical stories. The search results for Dr. Ethan Ramsey were even more extensive and she found herself getting nervous at approaching the handsome but intimidating Chief of Medicine.

She escaped to the Serenity Garden, having discovered it by accident one day, and retreated to a bench in the back to gather her thoughts. The soothing sound of the water feature calmed her as did the new age flute soundtrack playing overhead.

She was about to head back to work when she heard two people on the other side of the hedge.

“Are you trying to tell me something, Rookie?” asked an amused masculine voice. “This is where they bring psych patients.”

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86 notes - Posted May 22, 2022

#2

The Prize

Premise: When visiting a carnival, Cassie shows Ethan exactly how competitive she can get.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: General. Fluff. Words: 1,295

A/N: This fic was requested by an Anon from the small romantic gestures list. I’m also participating in @wackydrabbles​ prompt 129 which will appear in bold.

It was a beautiful summer afternoon with the gentle breeze coming off the bay softening the harsh sunshine on a cloudless day. Cassie Valentine waited off to the side while her partner of two years, Ethan Ramsey, purchased their tickets to the carnival they’d seen signs for on their way back from a weekend getaway to Cape Cod.

She closed her green eyes, hidden behind dark sunglasses, as the sights, sounds and smells—deep fried delicious goodness mixed with popcorn and cotton candy—from the midway reached her senses. Screams of excitement from children mingled with shouts from barkers and vendors, set against the carnival music blaring from giant speakers.

“Here you go,” she heard Ethan say and she opened her eyes.

He handed her a ticket as he pocketed his wallet before looking intently at her. “One hour, agreed?”

“Two,” she countered, “with the option of three if we’re having a good time.”

Even though he was wearing sunglasses, she could tell that when his eyes narrowed as he tried to stare her into submission. She simply stared back, a smile hovering over her lips as she stuck to her guns.

“Fine,” he acquiesced. “But I’m not winning you a prize in those stupid games. They’re rigged and it costs more to play than it does to buy the same thing in a store.”

“You can’t put a price tag on fun,” she scoffed. “Maybe this time I’ll win you a prize, Dr. Ramsey.”

Their hands intertwined as they walked onto the fairgrounds. Cassie’s eyes grew wide as she took in the colorful tents and booths, trying to decide where to go first. And then she saw it and dragged Ethan behind her before he could protest.

“No! No way,” he muttered when he saw the words “Hear Your Fortune” and a crystal ball painted on the garish sign.

“It’ll be fun,” said Cassie taking her place in line.

“Fortune telling isn’t real, Cassie,” he griped. “You’re better off throwing your money on the ponies.”

“It’s my money,” she said, lowering her voice when the woman in line ahead of her turned around. “And I’m throwing it away here.”

“Don’t complain to me when you realize how pointless it is,” he said, glaring at the woman who was blatantly eavesdropping.

Before Cassie could say anything, the people in line groaned as the fortune teller put up a sign that said she was going on break.

“Well, that sucks!” said Cassie, disappointed as they didn’t have time to just hang around and wait.

“That’s fate,” he smirked, laughing when she hip-checked him in annoyance. “How about I make it up to you?”

“How?” she asked suspicious at his conciliatory tone.

“I spied a stand selling those tiny fried donuts you like,” he said, taking her hand in his as they backtracked to the other side of the midway where the food stands were set up. “I know how much you love anything deep fried.”

“You���re forgiven,” she said with a sniff, “but I’m not sharing my donuts.”

Half an hour later, she was sipping a cold and tangy lemonade with one hand and digging into the bag of popcorn Ethan was holding with the other.

“You’re going to make yourself sick,” he cautioned, popping a few kernels into his mouth.

“Please,” she sneered, “I’ve barely started. What shall we do next?”

“How about the petting zoo?” he proposed. “The sign said they had sheep and you told me once how you enjoyed stroking their soft wool coats when you were little.”

Cassie found her heart melting at the sight of the fluffy white sheep with their black faces peeking through the fence. She crouched down to eye level, running her hand over the soft wool, her fingers sinking in as they gathered around her.

She laughed when the smallest of the lot bleated loudly and tried to escape through the slats of the wooden fence. She gently pushed it back before standing up to let others in line have their turn.

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90 notes - Posted January 12, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Always My Number One

Premise: Ethan Ramsey is known for many things but being named America’s Top Hot Doctor was not an honor he was expecting.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,740

A/N: This fic was inspired by a conversation with my flock (you know who you are). This takes place later in 2022. I’m also participating in this week’s @wackydrabbles​, prompt 128 which will appeared in bold.

Cassie Valentine liked lazy mornings in bed, especially ones where both she and her husband, Ethan Ramsey weren’t working. They had been married for five months and every day was better than the last.

She looked around the master bedroom, her eyes still adjusting to the new view, so different from Ethan’s apartment. A few weeks ago, they had finally moved into their place. A penthouse in the Waterfront District, close enough to trendy shops and restaurants she liked and surrounded by water that Ethan wanted.

She glanced over at the clock on his bedside table; it was after ten o’clock which explained why the other side of the bed was already cold. Given the choice, Ethan did not loll about in bed. Whereas, she was more than happy to sleep the morning away.

Cassie rolled on to her back, stretching her arms and legs as she gave a brief (miniscule really) thought to getting out of bed and grabbing some coffee, maybe going for a run. No need to go crazy, she thought. Running in the afternoon was perfectly acceptable. But coffee? That was a necessity.

She wondered if she could convince Ethan to install a coffee machine next to their bed. It would save them (okay, her) so much time in the morning. And then she imagined his reaction — he’d pinch the bridge of his nose for sure — and knew it was a non-starter.

She spent another half-hour just lying there; her thoughts wandering from everything that had happened in the last couple of weeks (Eeek! Her best friend was marrying her brother!) to all the things she still needed to get done for Christmas.

Wanting coffee more than anything, she picked up her phone to text Ethan, hoping he was home and could bring her one from the kitchen, when Sienna’s name popped up on her screen.

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98 notes - Posted January 2, 2022

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[alonzo-maccay]

Pag-unawa sa Kahirapan sa Pilipinas

Ang kahirapan ay isa sa pinakamalaking suliranin ng Pilipinas. Araw-araw, maraming pamilyang Pilipino ang nahihirapang mairaos ang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, edukasyon, at kalusugan. Ang layunin ng blog na ito ay ipakita ang tunay na kalagayan ng kahirapan, talakayin ang mga sanhi, at magbigay ng inspirasyon para makahanap ng solusyon.

Sanhi ng Kahirapan

Ang kahirapan sa Pilipinas ay may iba’t ibang dahilan, kabilang na rito ang:

Kakulangan sa Trabaho: Maraming Pilipino ang walang permanenteng trabaho o may mababang sweldo kaya hindi sapat ang kita para sa pamilya.

Kakulangan sa Edukasyon: Hindi lahat ay may akses sa dekalidad na edukasyon kaya’t hirap ang marami sa paghahanap ng maayos na trabaho.

Korapsyon sa Gobyerno: Ang maling paggamit ng pondo ay nagiging hadlang para matulungan ang mga mahihirap.

Mga Natural na Kalamidad: Bilang bansang madalas tamaan ng bagyo, lindol, at iba pa, maraming komunidad ang nawawalan ng tirahan at kabuhayan.

“Kahirapan ang pinaka-malaking hamon ng aming pamilya. Mahirap makahanap ng trabaho lalo na kung walang sapat na edukasyon.” – Juan Dela Cruz, residente ng Tondo, Manila

Estadistika at Datos

Ayon sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), humigit-kumulang 18 milyong Pilipino ang nasa ilalim ng poverty line noong nakaraang taon. Ito ay nangangahulugang ang mga taong ito ay hindi sapat ang kita para matustusan ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan.

Poverty Rate: 18.1% ng populasyon noong 2021.

Income Inequality: Malaki ang agwat ng kita sa pagitan ng mga mahihirap at mayayaman.

Global Comparison: Mas mataas ang poverty rate sa Pilipinas kumpara sa ibang bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asya.

Solusyon at Tulong

May mga programa ang gobyerno at ilang organisasyon para matugunan ang kahirapan sa bansa. Ilan sa mga ito ay:

4Ps o Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: Programa ng gobyerno na nagbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal sa mga mahihirap na pamilya kapalit ng pagsigurado sa edukasyon at kalusugan ng mga bata.

Livelihood Training: Mga pagsasanay sa iba’t ibang hanapbuhay tulad ng pagnenegosyo, handicrafts, at farming na libre para sa mga gustong matuto.

Scholarship Programs: Mga scholarship para sa kabataan upang sila ay makapag-aral at magkaroon ng magandang oportunidad sa hinaharap.

Paano Makakatulong (Makilahok)

Kung nais mong makatulong sa mga kababayan nating nahihirapan, narito ang ilang paraan:

Mag-donate: Magbigay ng tulong pinansyal sa mga organisasyon gaya ng Philippine Red Cross, Gawad Kalinga, at UNICEF Philippines.

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HVAC Contractors in Houston: What to Look for and Why Turbo Home Services Stands Out

In Houston’s extreme climate, having a well-functioning HVAC system is essential for comfort and efficiency, both at home and in commercial settings. Whether you need installation, maintenance, or repairs, choosing the right HVAC contractor in Houston can make all the difference in ensuring your system operates efficiently year-round. But with so many contractors in the market, how do you choose the best one?

This blog will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting an HVAC contractor and highlight why Turbo Home Services is a leading choice for residents and businesses in Houston.

Why You Need a Professional HVAC Contractor

Your HVAC system is a critical component of your home or business’s comfort and air quality. Proper installation and maintenance not only keep your space comfortable but also ensure energy efficiency and longevity of the system. Here’s why working with a professional HVAC contractor is crucial:

1. Expert Knowledge

HVAC systems are complex, involving intricate electrical, mechanical, and structural components. A qualified HVAC contractor has the experience to handle everything from minor repairs to major installations, ensuring your system is running smoothly and efficiently.

2. Safety and Compliance

Incorrect installation or repairs can lead to serious safety issues, such as electrical fires or gas leaks. Professional contractors ensure that all work complies with local building codes and safety regulations. Licensed contractors like Turbo Home Services adhere to strict safety standards to protect you and your property.

3. Energy Efficiency

An improperly maintained or installed HVAC system can consume far more energy than necessary. Skilled contractors optimize the performance of your system to help reduce energy usage and lower utility bills.

4. Longevity of Your System

A professional HVAC contractor will not only fix issues but also take steps to ensure your system lasts as long as possible. Regular maintenance and expert repairs extend the life of your HVAC unit, saving you money on premature replacements.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Contractor in Houston

1. Licensing and Certification

One of the first things to check when hiring an HVAC contractor is their licensing. In Houston, HVAC contractors must be licensed to operate legally. Certification from organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) also indicates that the contractor has undergone rigorous training and adheres to industry standards.

Make sure to ask for proof of licenses and certifications before hiring a contractor to ensure they are qualified for the job.

2. Experience and Specialization

Experience matters when it comes to HVAC services. Contractors who have been in the business for many years are more likely to have encountered a wide range of system types and issues. Specialized experience in both residential and commercial HVAC systems is also a plus, especially if you have a large or complex setup.

Turbo Home Services has extensive experience in handling all types of HVAC systems, from residential air conditioning units to large-scale commercial HVAC systems.

3. Reputation and Reviews

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues who have used HVAC services recently. A contractor with a solid reputation for quality service, timely repairs, and customer satisfaction is a safer bet.

At Turbo Home Services, we pride ourselves on our stellar reputation. We encourage you to check out our customer reviews and testimonials to see why we are one of Houston’s top-rated HVAC contractors.

4. Range of Services

A good HVAC contractor should offer a comprehensive range of services, including installation, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. Look for a contractor who can handle all aspects of HVAC care so that you have a one-stop shop for all your needs.

Turbo Home Services offers a full spectrum of HVAC services, including air conditioning repair, furnace installation, duct cleaning, and regular maintenance plans.

5. Transparent Pricing

A reliable HVAC contractor will provide clear and upfront pricing. Beware of contractors who give vague estimates or tack on hidden fees. Reputable contractors will offer detailed written estimates after assessing your system and will walk you through any potential additional costs before beginning the work.

At Turbo Home Services, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing. We provide detailed quotes and work closely with you to stay within your budget without sacrificing quality.

6. Emergency Services

HVAC issues don’t always happen during business hours. It’s important to choose a contractor who offers 24/7 emergency services, especially in Houston, where extreme weather conditions can put added stress on your HVAC system.

Turbo Home Services offers emergency repair services so you can rest easy knowing that help is always just a phone call away.

The Turbo Home Services Difference

As one of the leading HVAC contractors in Houston, Turbo Home Services is committed to providing high-quality service that you can count on. Here’s what sets us apart from other HVAC contractors:

1. Highly Trained Technicians

Our technicians are certified, experienced, and regularly trained to stay up-to-date with the latest HVAC technology and best practices. We work with all major HVAC brands and systems, ensuring that whatever model you have, we can service it efficiently.

2. Tailored Solutions

Every home or business is different, and so are its HVAC needs. We offer customized solutions to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a new system installation, energy-efficient upgrades, or routine maintenance, we’ll work with you to design a plan that fits your needs and budget.

3. Preventive Maintenance Programs

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to HVAC systems. Our preventive maintenance programs are designed to catch minor issues before they become major problems, saving you money on costly repairs and extending the life of your HVAC system.

Regular tune-ups include inspecting and cleaning components, checking refrigerant levels, testing system performance, and replacing air filters. This not only helps your system run more efficiently but also improves indoor air quality.

4. Energy-Efficient Solutions

Houston’s energy costs can be high, especially during the peak of summer. Our technicians are trained to identify energy-saving opportunities in your HVAC system. We recommend and install energy-efficient solutions, such as programmable thermostats, high-efficiency units, and zoning systems, to help you reduce energy consumption.

5. Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

At Turbo Home Services, your satisfaction is our priority. We’re not happy until you’re happy. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their HVAC systems are functioning optimally, and we’re always available to answer any questions or address concerns.

6. Emergency Repairs and Fast Service

We understand the urgency of HVAC repairs, especially during extreme temperatures. That’s why we offer quick, reliable emergency services. When you need us, we’ll be there promptly to get your system back up and running.

Conclusion

When it comes to HVAC contractors in Houston, Turbo Home Services stands out for its expertise, reliability, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you need routine maintenance, a system upgrade, or emergency repairs, we have the knowledge and experience to handle all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.