#pool party lulu

[urhoneycombwitch]

heated touch

Eddie Munson x Reader summer edition.

foreword: “but Lulu it’s not even summer yet how come you wrote a pool fic” okay first of all global warming. it’s absolutely summer rn. hush up and eat up. 👼

cw: R wears bikini top + skirt, Eddie is Down Bad™️, and is also touchstarved, brief use of the awkward miscommunication trope, R’s baby hairs mentioned but no color or texture, weed mention (Robin is a stoner canon change my mind u can’t), R uses sunscreen (no skin color mentioned), implied plus-sized reader

wc: 3.4k

___

It’s the first real, normal, non-apocalyptic summer that anyone can remember having in a long, long time. 

With the heat index at a sizzling 97 today, various members of the Party have taken over Steve’s half-shaded, half-pool extravaganza of a backyard. The kids are jumping in and out of the bright blue water, splashing and cackling, while you and Robin stretch out like house cats in a sunny patch of grass nearby.

You, mere yards away, in a swim top and sweet little pleated tennis skirt. All that lovely skin on display, glistening in the light. 

And Eddie is sulking, indoors, frozen with lovesickness. There’s condensation dripping from the forgotten can of beer in his left hand; through the window above the kitchen sink, Eddie observes the scene in mournful silence.

“Christ, you really are a pussy.”

Eddie whips around with a glare that would level a normal human being, shushing Steve with a panicked fierceness that only makes the guy chuckle harder at Eddie’s expense. 

“Y’know,” Steve continues with the insults, dipping into the fridge and reappearing with a Fanta and a shit-eating grin- “You might want to try leering like a creep from the garage window. That way no will hear you jack off-”

“Oh, shut the fuck up, Harrington.” Eddie interrupts with a grade-A scoff and eye roll combo, rivaling Steve’s own bitchiness. “Wasn’t your last successful date back in high school, like, six years ago when you had better hair?”

Steve doesn’t even flinch. With condescending sympathy, he sighs and shakes his head of (beautiful-even-when-wet, damn him) hair, snapping the soda can tab with a flourish. “Might wanna hurry up and make a move. Can’t suppress my charm forever just ‘cuz you’re too chicken to man up- it’s not natural to keep all of this hidden away.”

Steve gestures to the broad expanse of his golden chest, dark thicket of hair sitting proud, the scars that he seems to have no qualms over showing off criss-cross along the flex of muscle at his sides. 

Realistically, Eddie knows Steve wouldn’t go after you, not even as a joke. It would defy the honorable and unmentioned Bro Code they’ve lived by ever since Eddie almost died in an alternate hell dimension and Steve valiantly pulled him back topside. 

Teasing, though? It’s Harrington’s godgiven right- especially since Eddie’s so hopelessly in love. It’s almost too easy to get him riled up, to light a fire under his ass to maybe finally get the situation some forward movement. 

Flames lick at the kindling. Steve walks backwards, shooting Eddie one last finger gun and wink before rejoining the boisterous outdoors crowd. Through the crack Steve’s left in the sliding glass door, Eddie can hear that asshole’s cheery voice ring out- “Lookin’ good, ladies!”- and your subsequent peal of laughter. 

Eddie can feel the heat through the black denim at his ass, sweat rushing to prickle at his pits underneath the light layer of tanktop- the one with a high-necked collar and sides long enough to conceal most of his scars. 

Not that he’s trying to hide ‘em, perse... they’re just sensitive to the sun. Plus his black jeans have holes in them, so they totally count as summer attire. He’s basically wearing shorts right now. Steve can suck it.

“Suck it, Steve,” Eddie grits out to no one for good measure, before taking a steadying gulp of beer and stepping bravely out beyond the glass doors. 

It’s shockingly bright, sun bouncing off the surface of the pool and rendering Eddie momentarily blind; he shields his eyes with his free hand in time to catch the tail end of Sinclair’s mid-air somersault.

“Five,” Max calls out, lounging safely out of the splash zone, waves from Lucas’s cannonball lapping at her pink donut pool float. Thick black prescription sunglasses take up half her face, expression unmoved even as her boyfriend splutters in the deep end.

“Are you kidding?” Lucas is indignant as he huffs and treads water. “Gimme at least an eight. Did you even see the flip?” 

“I saw it.” Unimpressed, Max shrugs a freckled shoulder. While Lucas devolves into swearing out his complaints (already with one elbow planted on the concrete to get out and make another attempt at a higher score), Max zeros in on Eddie, one brow arched high in searing appraisal. “You gonna swim with your boots on, too?”

“I’m- shut up, Red. Nice donut.”

Max’s triumphant smirk confirms what Eddie already knows (he totally bombed that comeback), but if there’s one thing in the world Eddie’s good at, it’s Pretending. A trait forged and perfected over the years of being reigning Dungeon Master; it’s served him well during D&D sessions, and when running from the law. 

And it’s coming in handy now, too, as Eddie walks past Steve (half-snoozing in a lounger) and the table of Baby Byers and Wheeler Jr. (playing an intense game of Slapjack), pretending to be totally Normal and Chill as he approaches you and Robin, a ways off from the bustling pool.

Go with what you know, Eddie tells himself, because if he focuses for more than two seconds on the fact that you’re stretched prone, sunlight filtering through the big tree overhead and illuminating the soft curves of your thighs just visible under the Spandex hem of your skirt, he’s gonna have a pressing issue that will be anything but pretend.

Robin’s lying on her back on the beach towel next to yours, a tattered copy of Pride and Prejudice held up close, obscuring her field of vision. Using this to his advantage, Eddie crouches on his haunches, then leans in to press his cold can of beer to the tender arch of Robin’s bare foot.

She yelps, kicking out on instinct (which Eddie was expecting). He manages to take the brunt of the hit with a forearm block, but doesn’t see the paperback coming until it’s hitting the side of his face.

“Ow, christ, Buckley,” he moans, slumping to sit on Robin’s towel, hamming up the victim act for your sake and sympathy while Robin snatches up her book and gives him another solid thwack, pages fluttering.

At the commotion, you’d lifted your head from your arms, leaning into them now with the weight of your upper half. Eddie tries really, really valiantly to not stare at your swimsuit top (practically a bra), and instead distracts himself with the fact that you were giggling. At him. 

Give the boy an inch and he’ll take a mile, Wayne is wont to say of his nephew. Never been truer than now, as Eddie gets drunk off your attention and humors, crowding familiarly and rudely into Robin’s space just to piss her off more and to keep your twinkling-eyed focus.

“Yech.” Robin gags. “I’m not gonna sit here and watch you two flirt up close. I just ate lunch.”

Eddie’s worried that comment will embarrass you into pulling away but apparently, you’re not shying from the accusations of his affection anymore. 

A snort and a sardonic eye roll is what you dish back, and Eddie latches on, delighted to have a Shit Starter in Crime, pushing an honest hand to his chest in faux-shock- “Flirting? Me? I’d never. What an accusation. You’re getting crazier by the day, Buckley.”

The peal of laughter that ripples from you is like a song, vibrating the frequencies between Eddie’s ears, scrambling all the channels with its aching beauty.

Goddamn addictive, he thinks, as the white-out of his hearing fades back to normal. A light, warm wind rustles through the big oak overhead, leaves shushing together; allowing himself a glance at your stretched form, Eddie’s (un)luckily close enough to see the smattering of goosebumps rise on the skin of your arms. 

To observe the way sweat curls the baby hairs near your temple, at the nape of your neck. To see the little creases near the corner of your eyes as you close them, turning your face into the wind, a quiet expression of summer bliss on your face.

Eddie could sit here for hours like a (happy) creep just taking in every minute detail, but Robin starts bitching at him about the weed he still owes her from ages ago, poking her cold toes into the holes of his jeans, mischievous and irritating.

Eddie smacks at her ankles until she pulls them back, matching her argument point for point; it’s not about the weed, of which he’d gladly give- it’s about keeping that smile on your face even as you sit up to start digging through your nearby tote bag.

“And plus,” Robin’s saying, sticking a finger into the dimple of Eddie’s left cheek like the obnoxious little sister he never asked for, “You scratched the everliving hell out of my bike last month when you insisted you were sober enough to ride it home.”

“What’d you want me to do, drink and drive? Not very Just Say No Club of you.” Eddie is operating on autopilot with his responses, absorbed in the way your delicate fingers move inside the canvas of the bag. 

“I wanted the same thing that I currently. Want.” Two more ice-cold prods of her toes into the same spot of his exposed knee. “Three grams, pre-rolled, plus an apology.”

Eddie is about to give in with the promise of the rest of his sizable stash and a bike waxing regimine with his own spit thrown into the mix to get Robin off his case, when the sound of your voice cuts through the bickering. 

In your hand, held aloft and out between the three of you, is a bottle of sun lotion. Your focus is fixed on shaking displaced items back into your bag, not looking as you make a request:

“Babe, would you do my back?”

Eddie moves on instinct before he even has time to process the ask, reaching out towards the palm tree-printed plastic- but for some reason, Robin’s hand collides with his mid-air. Goddammit, Buckley. 

His annoyance at Robin quickly gives way to confusion, then roiling embarrassment as two sets of eyes whip to him, your mouth slightly parted in an o shape and Robin making a squeak of awkward alarm.

You were talking to Robin. Obviously, you were talking to your girl friend to rub you down with lotion. 

Jesus christ, Munson, get a grip.

Eddie lets go at the same time Robin and you draw back, the three of you stammering half-sentences over the thunk of the bottle hitting the ground.

“I meant- sorry, god, sorry, I meant Robin-”

“Fucking- jesus, of course you meant Robin, I’m sorry-”

“Oh god! I can do it! It’s fine!”

There’s a brief pause where all of you stare down at the bottle, as if it holds some great mystery of the world. Or is perhaps concealing a time-bending device that will let Eddie go back twenty seconds to kick himself in the head.

He’s just about to make some lame excuse to fuck off forever when Robin beats him to it, jumping up with a spastic, nervous energy. “Um. Steve’s calling me. So I gotta… see what that dingus wants. You’re good?”

This last part, directed at you; with a quick, reassuring nod, you say “I’m good.” 

Seemingly recouped from the whole debacle, you squint up at Robin- “Eddie’s got it,” and then fixing Eddie with a disarmingly beatific smile- “Right?”

It’s like looking into the sun. Eddie is pretty sure his neurons haven’t been firing properly ever since he caught a glimpse of your thighs earlier. By some miracle, he manages coherence- “Uh-huh. Yep. Right.”

“O-o-kay.” Robin lets the word expand, then gives a dorky two-finger salute and makes for the empty pool lounger next to a snoring Steve.

Then it’s just you and Eddie, blinking at each other from your seats on opposing towels, until you lean to pick up the bottle, this time handing it directly to him. 

An invitation, paired with a smile that still pulls at the corners of your mouth.

Someone jumps noisily into the pool, a few scattered cheers accompanying the crashing water. Red’s distant “Nine-five!” echoes through the backyard and this, of all things, spurs Eddie into unfreezing.

He takes the proffered lotion, shifting to kneel in the strip of grass not covered by either of your towels, waiting and watching for your approval. 

Like something out of a dream, you lower yourself face-down again, hands tucking themselves sweetly into the space between the hollows of your shoulders and the ground. Eyes half-lidded as Eddie scooches closer.

“Just on your back?” He asks, soft, like you’re a deer about to spook (although based on the way his hands are trembling, Eddie’s the more likely candidate for chickening out and running for the hills).

“Mhm. Please.”

Fumbling under your sidelong gaze, Eddie wiggles all the rings from his fingers, stuffing them into his pocket. 

“Too cold,” he explains, feeling fidgety from your eye contact, rubbing his hands together briskly to bring out the warmth and give them something to do other than shake.

Eddie pines for a cigarette, a quick burst of nicotine to steel his nerves. Instead, he picks up the sunscreen, squeezes a quarter-sized puddle into his left hand, and shifts to kneel close as he can without actually bumping his knees into your side.

The sunscreen is already warmed from being out in the heat of the day, so Eddie starts on your left shoulder. Dips his fingers into the puddle, spreads a thin layer on the blade of your shoulder, and rubs it in. 

At first, his touch is gentle and apprehensive, but when your eyes drift shut on the second pass of his fingers, Eddie gets a bit bolder. On your right shoulder, another layer of suncream goes on, but this time, Eddie lets his thumb slip into the grooves under your shoulder blade. 

He runs his thumb along the stripe of muscle next to your scapula, still with pressure light enough to feign keeping to his task, thrilled when you make a soft noise of satisfaction.

“I would’ve asked you, y’know.” 

Eddie pauses, hand resting at the top of your spine, the skin of your neck freshly glistening and tacky from his work. “Asked me what?”

“To do this.” You shrug a shoulder, pointing in a roundabout way at your back. “I just… I didn’t think you’d say yes.”

“Why the hell would I say no to this?” The words are out before Eddie can bite them back and find a much more cool and normal thing to say. He can feel your chuckle, the vibrations of it, the way it causes the muscles in your upper back to move.

Eddie tries to cover his lameness by refocusing on the mission he’s been given, like a heroic knight bestowed with a great honor by a fair maiden… on second thought, he’s got to cut out the fantasy metaphors. This situation is wild and tempting enough as-is without adding a potentially very horny layer to the mix.

“You can get under my top, if you want,” you murmur, lashes dark against your cheek in profile, voice all honeyed and fair-maiden-like. 

Eddie swallows hard. Distributes the rest of the lotion between two palms, rests them just below the black fabric, and then slides up. Underneath the top, your skin is the same- smooth and pliant and sweet. 

“Feels nice,” you whisper, eyes still closed in reverie, sounding sleepy and relaxed.

Eddie is entranced with the way your muscles move under his touch. He applies a bit more pressure to the mid-back area of your spine, dragging his thumbs down on either side. You make another noise, this one closer to a moan, and Eddie’s really glad he’s practiced at the skill of Boner Killer On Command because he wouldn’t dare sully the atmosphere with ill-timed arousal (though his limits are certainly being tested today).

“Sorry about the callouses,” he says, a bit of self-deprecation to fill the air because he’s gotta focus on something other than the way his hand fits perfectly in the center of your low back.

“S’okay. I like them, actually. You’re good with your hands.”

Not for the first time, Eddie is relieved that you’re not looking at him- his ears are burning, on their way to bright pink. Same with his cheeks. “Cool, yeah. That’s good. Um. I play guitar, y’know so… I get around.”

After cringing at himself, Eddie watches the apple of your cheek round upwards with a smile, a sharp flash of your teeth as you say, “I can tell.”

There’s an amiable quiet that falls over the two of you; in the background, splashes and chattering from the pool group float in the air, muted by the warm winds shushing through overhead branches. 

At one point, Eddie realizes he’s covered your whole back in sunscreen and is now just trailing his fingertips over the notches of your spine, starting low and ending near your neck, following the path down again in a loop. If you mind, you don’t say anything, seemingly sated by his touch. 

There’s an aching behind Eddie’s ribs. It squeezes at his heart, makes his next breath pinch- he wants to touch you like this all the time. He’s already hooked. 

All too soon, you’re peeling yourself from the blanket, sitting up with a sheepish smile. Eddie can’t tell if you’re getting shy on him from the touch alone, or if it’s the fact that he’s the one that’s been touching. 

Either way, if Eddie could find a more chill way to say “I’d like to do that every minute for the rest of my life if you’ll let me,” he’d say it to appease any worries you may have. 

Bare knees pulled to your chest, you gesture at the bottle still in Eddie’s hand. “I could… do you, if you wanted?”

Eddie scratches the back of his neck, through the heated curtain of curls. “Nah, that’s okay. My abs won’t be ready to debut until the end of summer. 1993.”

He’s expecting at least a chuckle out of you, but instead, he’s fixed with a kind, all-knowing look. 

The two of you are face to face, your shin close enough to brush Eddie’s ribs as you state, “Not a fan of the heat, are you.”

“What gave it away?” Eddie gestures animatedly at the humidity-fed frizz of his hair, then shakes his head like a wet dog. 

When you catch one of his curls between two fingers he freezes, heart slamming to a pause as you loop it around a knuckle.

“I have some deep conditioner at my place. Could help you out if you wanna come by some time.”

Mere inches from his cheek as you lean in, Eddie squeezes his eyes shut, trying to memorize how you smell- coconutty from the lotion, a bit sweaty, a faint hint of deodorant and the vanilla perfume you spray in the mornings. 

He’s never been this close before. 

He feels electric. Or more accurately, like he’s been electrocuted, and he’s waiting for you to restart his heart. 

“Does that sound good, Eddie? You, me, some hair care… maybe a movie? I can steal some from Family Video. I know a guy.”

At his ear now, your voice is low as you wrap a hand around the inside of Eddie’s arm- it’s his turn to break into goosebumps. “Oh yeah? Willing to steal for me already?”

This earns him a stellar laugh, head tipped back to show the curve of your perfect neck. You shove at him playfully, and he’s about to snap up your hand to bite as payback when your name is yelled from across the yard.

“Come on, we need another unbiased judge!” Max waves urgently from the pool as Lucas and Dustin get into an increasingly loud argument over the Olympic grading system. 

“Goddamn kids.” This comes out much more growly than Eddie intended; you just chuckle and squeeze his arm before pulling away to stand.

Eddie mourns the loss of your body heat until you extend a hand towards him, saying, “Let’s go humor our goddamn kids, and we can talk about dinner afterwards.”

It’s like your hand is made to fit inside Eddie’s. He follows close on your heels, heart thudding a steady, overjoyed rhythm once more. 

[jellyfishsloth]

pool party vex and lulu from league of legends I drew for someone

[beardedmrbean]

Ilta-Sanomat carries material from a new book that suggests Russia used a shooting in Imatra to advance its propaganda goals.

The book is titled Valehtelua, vakoilua ja valtiollista vaikuttamista (Lies, espionage and state-backed influencing) and written by Jouni Mölsä and Markku Mantila.

Mölsä served as head of communications for President Sauli Niinistö, so had a front row seat in watching this unfold.

The 2016 shooting saw three women shot by a man in the eastern Finland town, not far from the Russian border.

Soon afterwards troll accounts on social media began posting false claims that the women had been Russian and the perpetrator had worked for Finland's Defence Forces.

Those false claims had to be debunked by Finnish officials, but were likely aimed at Russians inside and outside the country.

The authors ask whether the Imatra operation was part of attempts to persuade Russians that they were under attack outside Russia, offering them a reason to assist Russians outside the country with money and weapons.

Good advice?

Business daily Kauppalehti leads with a piece on ministerial advisors, focusing on their number and salaries.

The paper checks on Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's (NCP) claim that the preceding government led by Sanna Marin (SDP) had spent too much money on too many advisors.

KL finds that the Orpo administration has managed to reduce the numbers. It has a total of 58 advisors, including 47 special advisors and 11 state secretaries.

Marin's coalition government, on the other hand, had a total of 79 advisors composed of 65 special advisors and 14 state secretaries.

The state secretaries all get 10,971 euros per month with the exception of Orpo's right hand man Risto Artjoki, who receives 14,278 euros per month.

Special advisor salaries range from just under 5,000 euros per month to just under 9,000 euros per month.

Espoo's women's swimming sessions a hit

Helsingin Sanomat goes to a swimming pool in Espoo that has started to offer women-only sessions on Sundays.

The paper finds plenty of happy swimmers queueing up outside, with staff estimating that between 120 and 150 people turn up each week for the sessions.

They are the first sessions held by the municipality of Espoo, but there are sessions offered in the Helsinki suburb of Jakomäki and at Vantaa's Korso swimming hall.

HS interviewed swimmers who said the sessions were fun, and they would immediately sign up for swimming tuition if that were an option.

Some of the swimmers were of immigrant background, but HS also interviewed a white Finn who said she had not swum for ten years because she did not want to wear a swimsuit during the normal swimming sessions.

The current run of Sunday swimming for women is a trial running until the end of November. It could continue, with that decision to be made next month.

Finns Party aiming to reduce quota refugees from Muslim-majority countries

The Finns Party has proposed reducing the number of quota refugees accepted from Muslim-majority countries while increasing the intake from Christian-majority nations, according to newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

According to sources, Mari Rantanen, the Interior Minister from the Finns Party, along with Lulu Ranne, who is currently acting while Rantanen is on leave, have directed officials to prepare next year’s quota to exclude refugees from countries like Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the quota would increase for countries such as Venezuela.

Interior Minister Ranne declined to comment on the matter to Yle and HS.

At present, Yle has not been able to independently verify the claims reported by HS. The final decision on next year’s refugee quotas is still pending.

[rayless-reblogs]

For the character ask meme, how about Yuna and 14, 18, and/or 25?

Absolutely!

14: Assign a fashion aesthetic for her:

Hm, my first thought would be something like geisha core or flowercore, but I'm not sure those are actually aesthetics. A Google search tells me geisha core is more traditional, and while Yuna's canon outfit definitely takes inspiration from a kimono, I think it's too experimental for that.

And looking at a breakdown for flowercore/bloomcore on the Aesthetics Wiki (a thing!) that doesn't sound right at all. I think I'm also making a mistake if I only focus on her original canon outfit and neglect all the different dresspheres from FFX-2.

So one of the first things that strikes me when I look at it that way is that Yuna's outfits really exemplify the free-spirited, ethereal, 70's-inspired look of the early 2000s. It's a video game, so things are exaggerated, but when I look at her Gunner outfit, I see the soft peasanty blouses, the fringed leather belts, and the ruffles of 2002 or so. And let's not forget the low-rise jeans and tall boots. I'm not sure this is what most people think of when they say Y2K core (it's not a velour track suit), but to me, this is extremely Y2K.

Her Songstress outfit gives me a similar millennial vibe -- a ruffled 70s-ish blouse, the waterfall effect, the pleated miniskirt.

Her outfits also feel very flowing and organic, so I'm going to go with something like... Oceanic Y2Kcore.

18: A canon relationship with the character you admire:

One of the strongest elements of FF10 is the close bond the party shares, and that all centers on Yuna. And it's hard to pick a favorite there. I like how Rikku probably doesn't even know her cousin well, and she realizes she's always going to be in the minority when it comes to arguments about religion and philosophy, but she still leaves her home to try to save Yuna. I love Kimahri as the big stern, but loving, bodyguard. And I think Auron and Yuna have an intriguing dynamic; Yuna must have spent so many years imagining her father's journey with Auron, and she meets him with so much respect. But I wonder how it might have shaken her to see what he was like in reality. He's not antagonistic, he takes very good care of her, but I doubt he was what she expected.

But the first relationship that popped into my head was Yuna and Lulu. Lulu's just as stern and forbidding as Kimahri and Auron, but I like that the game takes time to show her being soft, sort of like a sister, but also very much like a mentor. I can imagine Yuna growing up looking up to Lulu so much, and while she doesn't try to imitate Lulu, I have to think Lulu had a huge role in forming her personality. The idea of Lulu loving Yuna so much, and then choosing to guide her to her death -- while Lulu herself has already failed at this on another pilgrimage -- is heartbreaking. They both must be so strong to undertake that, and to carry it out with a smile -- or, in Lulu's case, a slightly more neutral frown. Quiet strength like that (even if their choice is questionable) is something I really admire, as I'm much more likely to do something difficult kicking and complaining all the way.

25: What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

I can actually faintly remember the first time I saw a FF10 article in... PS2 Magazine, I think? And they had Yuna's classic character render pictured. I remember not liking her outfit, but I thought it was cool she had two-colored eyes. At that time, I'd only been playing JRPGs a few years, so I was pretty familiar with FF, but didn't have a huge pool of other heroines to judge her against -- Rosa, Terra, Aerith, Rinoa, Garnet. I think I was intrigued by her, but not very enthusiastic.

I came to really, really like Yuna after playing the first game, but being very disappointed by her evolution in FFX-2. I felt like they'd traded that quiet strength that had spoken so loudly to me for a shallower, more conventional action-based heroine. It soured my feelings on the character for a while.

But more recently, I'm over that. I understand what they were trying to do with FFX-2 -- show this character who had been utterly shaped by cultural expectations finally breaking free. It's not how I would have written her development, but I'm more at peace with it. And I still really like her from the original game. As for the post-FFX-2 canon, it honestly baffles me, the direction they've taken things in. I tend to just mentally stop things right at the best end of FFX-2 and just leave it there.

Also, now I love her original game outfit.

Thank you for the ask, this was fun!

meme here

[beautouslysandy]

The Party Punch

Chp. 3

Rafe Cameron x F!Reader

By-Sandy

Warnings: Language, mentions of alcohol and cocaine and not proofread

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

You woke up to the irritating sound of your alarm, to hit the stop button with a groan. You rubbed your eyes with a yawn and hopped out of bed. You slowly walked over to your bathroom to wash your face and brush your hair and teeth. Then you got dressed in a yellow tube top and a white tennis skirt, you slipped on some air forces. With that you went down that stairs and went into the kitchen to grab something for breakfast. Jamie was outside in the pool with his new friends, your dad was at work and your mom was at the country club with some old friends as it was her day off. Lulu (your golden lab) was outside with Jamie and his friends, sunbathing. As you opened the fridge and grabbed some orange juice while your bread was in the toaster, your phone pinged. It was Rafe.

Rafe

Y/n, I am sorry about what I said.

Can we talk? I am truly sorry I shouldn't have acted like that

I am sorry, just talk to me when your ready. I will be here.

Today at 9:45am

Y/n. I am sorry that I said that and acted as if I owned you. I was just hurt and that isn’t an excuse but I feel shitty. Okay?

Rafe, I appericate your apology and I will forgive you on one condition

What?

You buy me ice cream whenever I want for a week

Deal.

No, two weeks.

Fine.

Yay, come over to yours?

Yeah. You are such a weirdo.

Thanks, luv u too bbg.

I never said that

Yes you did

Loser

Ass

I will let that slide

For sure bbg

Who said I was your bbg?

Me.

Then your my loser.

I want a better nickname

Like what

Something cheesy, you figure it out

Fine how about sunshine, suits you

See ya bbg

Yeah sure thing sunshine

You felt your face turn into a furnace. You were smiling sheepishly as you headed to Rafe’s. Once you get to the Cameron’s you knock on the front door, which is opened by a frowning Rafe but once he lays eyes on you he began to smile. “Hey, sunshine.” He said in a teasing tone

“Hey” You said with a warm smile. You and Rafe just hung out for a couple of hours in the pool with Topper and Lily who we’re already there. “Let’s have a party, man!” Topper exclaimed with his arm around Lily’s waist. ”Topper, you can’t ask someone to have a party at their home, but we should have a party somewhere!” She said calmly but letting her inner kook out

“Sounds good to me.” Rafe said with that mischievous grin and then looked at you who was wrapped up in a beach towel, you had to borrow a swimsuit from Sarah and it was surprisingly a bit small. You shrugged, Rafe was staring at you, you looked adorable wrapped up in beach towel with no makeup on, he didn’t understand why you used makeup even though it was barely any.

•••• About less than an hour later a bunch people flooded in and were drinking alcohol and snorting cocaine. “You have never been to a kook party have you?” Lily asked who was next to you drinking a Bud Light.

“A what?” You said unfamiliar with the term.

“A kook party? You know a party hosted and full of kook’s?” “What’s a kook, I have been hearing it quite a bit but nobody explained it to me.” “Somebody who is rich and then a pogue is somebody who is poor. On the island your either rich or poor there is no in between.” “Oh.” “Surprised you don’t know since Rafe is the claimed kook king.” You laughed at this ridiculous title that Rafe had which was most likely self-claimed above all else.

“What’s so funny, sunshine?” Rafe said, he was high, he wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you closer to him.

You got flustered, you didn’t want him to move his arm but it felt odd as you were only friends even though you wanted to be more. You thought this was a sign that he wanted to be more than friends as well but he was high so there was no true way to clarify. Or so you thought. ”Nothing.” You said blushing at the nickname.

Rafe took you hand into his and brought you out to the front of the house. “Y/n…” He said running his hand through your hair, with a soft smile.

“Rafe…” You said with a puzzled tone.

Rafe tried to kiss you but you pushed him away blurting “I don’t want my first kiss with you to when your high!” you covered your mouth after those words escaped your mouth.

Rafe looked at you puzzled but then it clicked in his brain, “Okay, tomorrow then?” He said walking up to you putting his arm around your waist. “Y/n?” You heard a familiar voice call with hurt

You turned to see JJ, John B, and Sarah. “What’s going on?” Sarah said taking your hand and pulling you away from Rafe. It was like she was trying to protect you from something.

“It’s none of your business.” Rafe said shooting Sarah a look of disgust, he took your arm to pull you to him when JJ stopped him. “What the hell?” Rafe said to the blond pogue who was getting in the way of being with his sunshine. “Your high, man.” JJ stated stepping in between you and Rafe. You were speechless. “So what?” Rafe said getting closer to JJ ready to throw a punch in his face. All Rafe could think about is how JJ could stop him and his sunshine from being together and being madly in love with one another. Before he could think clearly he punched JJ in the face or he thought was JJ. He heard a cry of pain, and realized he just punched you in the face, his sunshine. ”Y/n! Sunshine…I….I didn’t realize…” He said not being able to form sentences he was so ashamed of himself for not realizing it was you, how could he be so stupid and reckless. He hurt you. He wrapped you into a hug, you were ready to fight it but you feel so safe and loved in his arms. “You punched me in the face.” You said coldly.

“I thought you were JJ!” He said with a sniffle.

“I stepped in front of him.” You said looking up to see a tear running down Rafe’s face. You wiped the tear with your thumb.

“I am so sorry, sunshine.” He muttered with gulit and was followed by another sniffle. “It was an accident.” You said putting your head on his chest listening to his heartbeat slow down. His chest rising and falling making your head follow along. He kissed the top of your head without thought, you said nothing. You felt Sarah’s eyes on you, she hated that you were falling for Rafe’s tricks. JJ was hurt but had a feeling you two would end up with each other. John B had truly no say in matter. ••• You we’re in Rafe’s room (you slept over, nothing naughty, you know you were thinking it) your head on his chest. He was twirling your hair around with his index finger. You yawned, and pulled the covers up. You could hear Rafe’s smile, you looked up to see him looking down at you with a soft yet over-joyed smile.

In a groggy voice in he said softly “Morning, sunshine.” You smilies at the nickname, “Good morning, handsome.”

“So, do you remember last night?” He asked, smirking at the nickname you chose to call him, even though he already knew your answer

“What?” You said acting clueless

His facial expression’s changed instantly at this, “Your joking right?” He asked hopefully.

“I remember everything from you trying to kiss me to you accidentally punching me in the face.” You said frowning at the last few words as you said them.

“I am really sorry about that, but I am glad you remembered because now I can do this.” He said staring with an apologetic tone and it turning to a flirtatious tone ending with a kiss. You pulled back stunned.

“Oh.” He said scratching the back of neck, he looked at you his face was getting pink.

You kissed him and he kissed you back, you sat on his lap and you both pulled out of the kiss. You rested your hands on his chest, he had this huge grin that made you smile like sun. You two just sat there looking into each others eyes not knowing what was yet to come…

[simpanda27]

Nosey Neighbor Challenge

Created by Lulu R. / June 23. 2024

The Sims 4 can be a fun way to add some unique gameplay elements focused on social interactions, mischief, and community engagement. I came up with the Nosey Neighbor Challenge. Here’s a detailed outline for the challenge:

Objective:

Become the most notorious and well-known neighbor in your Sims neighborhood by interacting with all your neighbors and involving yourself in their lives. Your ultimate goal is to max out the Charisma and Mischief skills while completing specific milestones for being a "nosey neighbor."

Setup:

1. Create Your Sim:

o Young Adult or Adult.

o Traits: Outgoing, Perfectionist, and either Self-Assured or Cheerful.

o Aspiration: Friend of the World (under the Popularity category).

2. Neighborhood: o Move into any residential neighborhood with at least four other households.

o Your house should be modest but have at least one room dedicated to surveillance activities (e.g., with computers, telescopes, etc.).

3. Starting Funds: o Use the "freerealestate on" cheat to move into your house, then set your household funds to §20,000 using the "money 20000" cheat.

Rules:

1. Social Butterfly:

o Your Sim must introduce themselves to every neighbor within the first week of moving in.

o You must visit at least one neighbor’s house daily and engage in at least three interactions.

2. Gossip King/Queen:

o Spread gossip about other neighbors at least twice a week.

o Host a weekly “Neighborhood Watch” meeting at your house, where you invite neighbors over for drinks and gossip.

3. Surveillance:

o Your Sim must have a surveillance room with at least one computer and one telescope.

o Use the telescope to "spy on neighborhood" at least three times a week.

o Hack into the computer of a neighbor at least once every two weeks.

4. Mischief Maker:

o Reach level 10 in the Mischief skill.

o Prank neighbors regularly (at least twice a week).

o Use the “Noxious Cloud” interaction on neighbors whenever possible.

5. Community Events:

o Organize at least one community event per season (BBQ, pool party, game night, etc.).

o Ensure you use these events to gather information and spread rumors.

6. Charisma and Relationships:

o Max out the Charisma skill.

o Have at least five close friends in the neighborhood.

o Maintain at least one "enemy" status with a neighbor.

Milestones:

1. Friendly Face:

o Introduce yourself to all neighbors and have at least one “Good Friend.”

2. Neighborhood Watch Leader:

o Host 10 successful Neighborhood Watch meetings.

o Max out the Charisma skill.

3. Mischief Master:

o Reach level 10 in Mischief skill.

o Successfully prank all households in the neighborhood.

4. The Gossip:

o Spread gossip about each neighbor at least once.

o Cause two major fights between neighbors due to your gossip.

o Try to break up relationships or cause drama.

o Maintain a friendly facade while secretly meddling in others’ affairs.

5. Surveillance Expert:

o Use the telescope to spy on the neighborhood 50 times.

o Successfully hack into a neighbor’s computer five times.

o Peeking through windows (use the “View” interaction).

6. Community Organizer:

o Host and successfully complete four community events.

o Ensure all neighbors attend at least one of your events.

Winning the Challenge:

To win the Nosey Neighbor Challenge, you must achieve all milestones and have your Sim reach level 10 in both Charisma and Mischief skills.

Additionally, your Sim must have at least five close friends and one enemy in the neighborhood.

Celebrate your victory by hosting a grand party, inviting all your neighbors, and revealing the secrets you've uncovered during your escapades.

Enjoy playing The Sims 4 Nosey Neighbor Challenge!

Extras:

Take screenshots or create a story around your nosy neighbor’s escapades.

Share your progress on social media using hashtags like #NoseyNeighborChallenge or #Sims4GossipQueen.

[krishvievilla01]

Discover the Epitome of Earthy Luxury Living at Krishvi e'Villa

Discover the Epitome of Earthy Luxury Living at Krishvi e'Villa

Nestled in the serene locale of Chandapura, just a 15-minute drive from Electronic City, Bengaluru, Krishvi e'Villa redefines modern living with its unique blend of eco-friendly design and luxurious comfort. This thoughtfully crafted community is tailored to meet the discerning tastes of contemporary homeowners who value sustainability without compromising on elegance.​

Architectural Excellence

Krishvi e'Villa stands out with its climate-responsive architecture, seamlessly integrating natural materials to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of exposed wire-cut brick masonry and an earthen-material palette not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental harmony. Each villa is designed to facilitate indoor-outdoor continuity, allowing residents to experience the tranquility of nature from the comfort of their homes. Efficient furniture layouts and strategically placed skylights with toughened glass ensure that spaces are both functional and bathed in natural light.

Unmatched Amenities

At the heart of Krishvi e'Villa lies a sprawling clubhouse, serving as a central hub for leisure and social interactions. Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the clubhouse offers a plethora of facilities, including:​

Indoor Badminton Courts: Perfect for sports enthusiasts to engage in friendly matches.​

Futsal/Basketball Court: A versatile space catering to multiple sports activities.​

Cricket Pitch: For those who enjoy practicing their batting and bowling skills.​

Swimming Pool with Toddlers' Section: A refreshing oasis for families to unwind and relax.​

Fully Equipped Indoor and Outdoor Gyms: Ensuring fitness routines are never interrupted.​

Café and Indoor Play Areas: Ideal spots for casual gatherings and entertainment.​

Party Hall and Mini Theatre: Spaces designed for hosting events and movie nights.​

Salon and Spa: Offering residents a place to rejuvenate and pamper themselves.​

Additionally, the community boasts walking and jogging tracks, a children's play area, and a yoga deck, promoting a holistic lifestyle for all age groups.

Prime Location

Strategically situated near Electronic City, Krishvi e'Villa offers unparalleled connectivity to major IT hubs, making daily commutes effortless for professionals. The upcoming metro stations and proximity to the Hosur International Airport further enhance accessibility. Residents can also indulge in retail therapy at the nearby Lulu Mall and have peace of mind with reputed institutions like Construe International School and Sri Sai Hospitals in close vicinity. ​

Thoughtful Design and Specifications

Each 4 BHK villa, starting at 1.50 Cr*, spans approximately 2,287 sq.ft., offering spacious living areas that cater to modern family needs. The interiors feature high-quality finishes.

Flooring: Kota stone flooring in living and dining areas, with anti-skid ceramic tiles in wet areas.​

Doors and Windows: Engineered wood doors with teak wood main doors, complemented by uPVC framed windows ensuring durability and aesthetics.​

Kitchen and Utility: Equipped with provisions for piped gas, hot and cold water, and electrical points for modern appliances.​

Bathrooms: Fitted with premium fixtures from brands like Jaquar, ensuring a luxurious experience.​

The emphasis on natural materials and earthy tones throughout the villas fosters a sense of warmth and harmony, making each residence a personal sanctuary. ​

Commitment to Sustainability

Krishvi e'Villa is not just a residence; it's a lifestyle choice for those committed to sustainable living. The development incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as solar water heaters and extensive green spaces, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint. The design encourages natural ventilation and lighting, minimizing energy consumption and promoting a healthier living environment.​

Secure and Connected Living

Understanding the importance of security, Krishvi e'Villa offers 24/7 smartphone-connected surveillance, ensuring residents' peace of mind. With 100% power backup, life here is uninterrupted, allowing families to enjoy the myriad of amenities and comforts without any hassles.​

In essence, Krishvi e'Villa is a harmonious blend of luxury, sustainability, and modernity. It offers residents an opportunity to live amidst nature while enjoying the conveniences of urban living. For those seeking a home that reflects their values and aspirations, Krishvi e'Villa stands as a testament to thoughtful design and unparalleled quality.

[marcopollio]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Universal Thread Womens Slim Fit Camisole Tank Top Pottery Red coral 1XL summer.

[micro-expressions]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Divided Pink White Floral Patterned Lace Casual/Formal Weekend Short SleeveDress.

[tarmiches]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: New! Capiz Boho Shell Necklace.

[inkievoid]

Chris’s wife gives gardener vibes. I feel like since she has a bit more time on her hands due to her staying at home—she’d probably start a little garden in their backyard just to pass some time.

Let’s be real; Chris literally risks his life daily, he had to make some sort of big buck. I’m not talking millions, but more than the average American household. I feel like they’d have a really pretty suburban style house, with a big front a back yard. Their neighborhood has houses really far apart—so they have a ton of space.

She’d drag Chris to Lowe’s, make him buy a bunch of wood so he could make her pretty little garden beds. And use his muscles to lift all the soil bags and stuff, that girl will NOT play with her garden. She’d buy every single seed pack that’s in season, buying a few more to keep when the time comes.

Being the amazing husband Chris was—he’d make the garden beds, and dump the soil inside. Letting her make little holes and drop seeds inside, which Lulu, CJ, and Ollie all helped doing.

As soon as the first little sprout poked through the grass, she dragged Chris outside! Squealing and giggling like a child for how excited she was, making sure the bunny’s and squirrels wouldn’t eat all of her vegetables! >:(

Every morning she’d wake up after dropping the kids off at school, check on her plants and take out any weeds if needed. Chase a bunny or two out of her yard because they ate her tomatoes, and give her garden a nice watering.

Over the summer, the kids would love running around and watering the plants. Spraying the hose at each other, running around, and enjoying the beautiful summer afternoon, before they jumped into the pool. All while Chris cooked up some killer hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Duh.

I imagine she’d also send pictures to Chris, showing him the fattest carrot in the world she had pulled out. Telling him how she fell on her sad trying to pull it out, he’d just laugh and say he was jealous the ground got sat on and not him. (👀) Or if he was home, she would drag him outside and make him look at all of the vegetables she had picked today.

And you can’t forget about the flowers! In the spring, it would be a beautiful field filled with pretty flowers. Sunflowers, tulips, peonies, roses, making her garden a beautiful place to have their weekly barbecues. All of a sudden, Leon’s wife wanted a garden as well.

- Anon! 🎀

Nasturtiums would be planted all along the food garden since they're natural bunny and squirrel repellent apparently (according to Google)

But for flowers I would imagine her having Chris make a bricked out area. For a flower garden and they'd throw a garden party and all their kids friends and have the kids paint cute little designs on the bricks so the garden is super colorful!

[sassybrassboutique]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Mini Rosetti Tan & Brown Satchel.

[dogdaz]

Wonderful Wednesday: Big Tree 2024

Wonderful Wednesday: Big Tree 2024

Over the years Big Tree, the giant maple in the backyard, has seen many animals. It watched the kids grow up. It shadowed many a pool party. Now it has a new group of protectors. Big Tree Little dogs 2024 Jolie and Bearnard are the keepers of the watch in 2024. Sofie & big tree 2010 Louise & big tree 2009 The Trio 2019 Sofie & big tree 2014 Lulu & big tree 2009 Squash & Louise big tree 2011…

[poshfind]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Tularosa Blue Stripe Amelia Short Romper XS-S.

[teeto-peteto]

I choose to believe that the pool party skins are all canon to the lore. Why is everyone here? Why aren't people starting wars? Who cares, let's chill. Peace and love on Runeterra. I will not rest until every champion in League is involved in the skinline one way or another-

YES im not that lore wise but wasnt pool party initially pretty much canon? Was that when Institute of war was still a thing?

i dont remember BUT i love pool party i just hate that riot often decides to go for smexy content. Like yeah i get it swimsuits and all but... if you know you know.

Remember that pool party has the BESTS splasharts for champions like Ziggs, Renekton and Graves, those splasharts are SO good it makes me so undyingly happy. There is very good concepts in the skinline and i love octopus hat Lulu... Rek'sai being a Jaws reference and draven with the lifesaver... Ziggs with the water balloons and the water guns on other champions I DONT KNOW its very cool and i want all of them to have a funny day. Sadly Braum and Setts skins were very forgettable...? They didnt get that much publicity and honestly is kinda eh? I believe Song of the Ocean skins are also involved with Pool party just that it has a different name? I also like Syndra's skin a lot, i dont quite get why people dont like her, understandable but i just think she's goofy and pretty in that skin. Heimer abs scared EVERYONE and that made me have a good laugh. Pool party Orianna is also cute, she deserves a lot more love.

[casualtheoriesandthoughts]

Revisiting Religion in Final Fantasy X (and X-2): Part 2

So I just got to the Moonflow in my current replay of Final Fantasy X, and found another interesting theme: anxiety about technology. I find that this is actually fairly common in Japanese media, but doesn't seem to often be discussed in regard to this game.

Throughout the game, you see characters discuss Yevon's prohibition on the use of machina (or machines). Lulu notes that the Yevon priesthood decides which machina are considered prohibited for public use, and this (largely) includes weapons. Even so, Yevon warrior monks use guns and flamethrowers. While one could read this as yet another instance of hypocritical doctrine on Yevon's part (which is not untrue), it is also worth examining what Wakka says is Yevon's teaching on this: "When humans have power, they seek to use it." He says this when explaining to Tidus how Yevon understands the ruins of cities like those in the Moonflow, as a transgression against nature.

Especially given the prevalence of climate anxiety and the excesses of technological progress in the real world, it's actually quite difficult to argue that Yevon is wrong on this. The abuse of power, especially when enabled by technological advances, is a widespread historical experience in most societies. In Japan, no such event looms in the popular imagination more than the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Lulu describes the war between Bevelle and Zanarkand as follows: "They made weapons so powerful... It was thought they could destroy the entire world." Yuna then says, "The people feared that Spira would be destroyed."

Similar concerns were raised when the atomic bomb was first developed. Now, let's get to how this this concerns religion. It's clear that in the universe of FFX, society has come to associate the destruction of nature and humanity with the use of machina, a connection made manifest through Sin. Sin is a manifestation of Yu Yevon's resentment of Bevelle, which developed weapons of mass destruction to use against Zanarkand. Over time, Sin's destruction of machina-based cities figured into Yevon's teaching that the human use of machina would only lead to destruction. This is not an unreasonable development, in my opinion.

That being said, Tidus and Lulu's comments about machina only being as bad as their users still stands. It's not as if machina like the sphere pool or the elevator-like apparatus at the Moonflow are harmful to humans or to nature. Furthermore, the Al Bhed, the only society in Spira known to be familiar with machina never use it to wage war, even though they very well could (especially with the airship). Instead, they made their Home in a fortified base in the desert.

Does that mean that Yevon's view of machina as encouraging people to abuse power and technology is wrong, though? I would say that these are not mutually exclusive. True, not much stops people from abusing technology to do all manner of things, but the same goes for conscientious and non-violent use as well. The fact that people like the Al Bhed and the Yevon Warrior Monks (esp. under Maester Kinoc) exist makes this clear. Heck, the party even ends up using the airship to broadcast the Hymn of the Fayth to pacify Sin before blasting a hole in Sin's mouth with a laser cannon.

If that's not a complex portrayal of the relationship between technology, power and faith, I don't know what is.

That being said, FFX's narrative really doesn't go too deep on this technology-and-power bit, especially after you acquire the airship. The consequences of technological progress aren't really a focal point, partly because Spira is a technologically stunted world. Even so, I think that the narrative is pretty clear on the way that the pursuit of power corrupts and that technology is frequently its instrument. An inability to account for the dynamics of technology's enabling of power is the primary reason that Sin (and the main conflict of FFX more generally) even exists, and it continues to influence society even in the present.

It's worth noting the events of FFX-2, particularly the rise of political parties. The Machine Faction, while portrayed as politically neutral, clearly has a stake in trying to make the use of machina mainstream (which includes weapons). The Youth League and New Yevon are not much better in this regard, as they both make use of machina for their own purposes. In fact, the tension over Vegnagun (as much as it's driven by Shuyin's shenanigans) can be understood to revolve centrally around the just use of weapons of mass destruction, and how politics instrumentalizes this question rather than directly treat the human costs entailed in it.

The first game spends a lot of time trying to build up the complexity of human flaws, and how they produce a number of responses to suffering, including despair, faith, cynicism and resolve to change. The party members are the main people through whom we experience these developments. However, none of the people of Spira who look up to Yuna in FFX-2 really experienced what she or anyone else in the party did. No one else went through the crisis of faith or found the courage to find a new way to defeat Sin the way the party did (with the possible exception of some of the Al Bhed, like Cid).

All of this should absolutely complicate the way that technology is adopted in FFX-2, and it explains a lot about why Yuna has such misgivings about the way that Spira changed in two short years. I will admit here that FFX-2's narrative handles this some what sloppily. The story often portrays Yuna mostly as some kind of sentimental Luddite who struggles to get with the times, while compelling you to side with the Youth League over New Yevon in order to uncover the bloodiness of both parties. Not to mention, the game tries to make Gippal out to be a cool guy, when his leadership of the Machine Faction really should be held in greater suspicion.

Even so, we have to look at the number of missions involving machina malfunction, changing of Spira's natural landscape and the development of more machina weapons (the Experiment anyone?!), not to mention the whole thing with Vegnagun. Technology plays a big role in generating the moral tensions of the second game, and the absence of Yevonite reverence (in addition to hostility towards it) only magnifies the importance of the kind of spirituality that I identified in FFX in my previous post.