#unlock your storybook heart

[amandalovelace]

a quote from my book, unlock your storybook heart 🤎 read more: https://amandalovelace.com/storybookheart.html

[kaysbookpassport]

"Happy things aren't nearly common enough, so feel no guilt as you grab hold of one & put it on a shelf you can always see."

~Unlock Your Storybook Heart - Amanda Lovelace~

[historiaiswritten]

You Are Your Own Fairytale series by Amanda Lovelace 

I was introduced to this poet by a friend who said her writing might help sort out my personal feelings and give me some sort of guidance on life. She was not wrong. 

I picked this series up that had been collected into one book by the poet. Inside, it has: “Break Your Glass Slippers,” “Shine Your Icy Crown,” and “Unlock Your Storybook Heart.” It was the second poet I was introduced to that has impacted me through reading. I am not one for poetry as I have never understood it until recently. 

As introduced by the author, the first ‘book’ is about a girl struggling with self-image and confidence. The second is depression and anxiety. Lastly, the third is about perfectionism and pressure. They are all truly relevant to every stage of life and describe many situations that most people go through. Not all the situations can be applied to one singular person, but it may be someone you know like your friend, family member, classmate, coworker, club member, and so many other people that experience situations that are described in each of these poems. 

I highly recommend this poet and this series along with her other writings as I think they can help many people find insight into feelings and people who are facing these situations in their life or are dealing with these deep feelings. 

You may have noticed I did not put a quote at the top like in my other reviews, that is because I could not pick a single quote that spoke to me on such a deep level because it all did.  

[rhi-reads-and-writes]

Days off are tea, books and rain

[sarahowritesostucky]

Happy Little Family

📖"A Clever, Tricky Little Kitty Cat: Just like her Mommy"

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 4407

Tags: dark!Bucky, mafia/mob au, dubcon/noncon, a/b/o, threats and coercion, rape, forced pregnancy, forced domestic "bliss", yandere, kid fic

Summary: You thought you'd left behind the man who turned out to be more dangerous than you'd ever imagined. But one day he walks back into your life and reminds you that, come hell or high water, you're all going to be one happy. little. family.

This chapter: Bucky shows up unannounced at your cottage, shattering the peaceful life you thought you'd reclaimed for yourself and your daughter. He's reclaiming what's his, and he isn't planning on accepting a "no."

Nickname Dictionary: vorishka = "little thief" mamochka = "mommy/little mother" kotenok= "kitty/kitten" omegya = (made up) Russian spelling of omega omegechka = (made up) "little omega" shlyukha = "slut" krasotka = "Pretty(n.)/pretty one"

1. A Clever, Tricky Little Kitty Cat, Just like her Mommy

"And then the knight took the princess away to his castle, and they lived happily ever after."

You're just outside the nursery when you hear his voice, and ice cold fear instantly floods your chest. You drop the laundry basket and run into the room, and there he is: seated in the chair you nurse from, reading one of the antique fairytale books that your mom gave at the shower, holding your baby. 

"James," you breathe, horrified. He's been smiling down at June, but now his face smooths out as he looks up at you. He isn't frowning or glaring, but you know him, and there's a storm behind those eyes that makes dread curl heavy in your stomach. "Hi Doll," he says quietly. "It's good to see you again."

Your heart pounds in your chest. You feel sick. One wrong move and who knows what he'll do. You take a cautious step forward, eyes searching James' body and anywhere nearby for a gun. You don't see one. You take another step. "James," you warn,

June makes a happy gurgle at seeing you, and James coos down at her, "Aw, yeah Sweetie. I'm happy to see Mommy too."

Mommy. Hearing that word come out of his mouth, in a setting like this, is a nightmare you've woken from more than once. You lick your lips and hold out your arms, pleading, "Please give her to me."

He acts like he hasn't even heard you, smiling and tapping June's body with one finger. "We were just reading a story. Little lady is gonna be a big reader one day, I bet. Gonna grow up to be real smart." His gaze slides back to you, with what you interpret as a world-of-hurt-coming-your-way look glimmering in his eyes. "A clever, tricky little kitty cat. Just like her Mommy."

A whimper escapes you, unbidden. 

June starts squirming in his lap, eager to get to you. When he doesn’t hand her over, she starts to fuss. He coos at her and bounces her in his arms to calm her, kisses the top of her head while keeping his somber, reproachful eyes on you. “You left your door unlocked,” he says. “She was alone.”

She’d been down for her nap when you went downstairs and popped across the street to visit with Hilde, your one friend in the world. It’s so common for mothers to do, in this tiny, Nordic village you’ve settled in. It’s the culture here. It’s supposed to be safe. You swallow thickly, eyes flitting around to try and think of what to do. You think of your gun, so far away. You’d talked yourself out of keeping it tucked behind your bed, so now the only weapon you own is down in the kitchen. But maybe … maybe if you can get him away from June … 

“You should be more careful, Little thief. You never know who might break in and take everything you love.”

“The only thing we had to guard against here was you,” you hiss. “And I’m not fool enough to think a locked door would keep you out.”

“You’re damned right it wouldn’t.” He tosses the storybook aside like trash and stands up with June in his arms. “But you are a fool if you thought there was anywhere in the world you could go where I wouldn’t find you.”

You flinch forward compulsively, unable to think of your own safety over your baby’s. “Please, James,” you beg. “Please. Just give her to me.” 

“Oh no, Dollface,” he purrs, voice deceptively soft. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, and you aren’t gonna want her in the room when it happens.” His hands tighten threateningly on June’s little body. “Whose baby is this?”

You blanch. “Don’t hurt her.” 

“Aw. You don’t want me to hurt her?” 

“No, please!” The sob that’s been working its way up in your throat finally breaks. It’s killing you not to rush forward and snatch her from his arms. “Please, I'll do anything.”

“Is that so?” He stares at you long and hard. The few seconds of silence are torturous as he holds your daughter away from you. 

James is one of the deadliest people you’ve ever met, and he’s capable of horrendous violence, but he wouldn’t hurt a baby, that much you do know. What you have to worry about most right now isn’t him physically hurting her; it’s him wanting her, whisking her away right alongside you, when he inevitably takes you from this place. There’s nothing you can do to prevent your own fate, but if there’s anything you can do to keep him from getting his hands on June, you’ll do it. Your eyes flit around the nursery frantically, its pale, dream-like decorations taunting you as you try to think of what to do. It feels surreal to have a man like James standing in this room, feels wrong.

Your heart leaps when he suddenly moves, but he’s only turning to walk over to the crib, bending and placing June in it with a surprising amount of care. Something painful lances in your chest at seeing him handle her so gently, but when he turns back around to you, all of that gentleness is gone. “Come on,” he snaps. “To the other bedroom.” 

You hesitate, not wanting to leave your daughter alone, but he stalks forward and grabs your upper arm, herding you out of the nursery and down the hallway. In your bedroom, he pushes you onto the bed. You land in a heap and scramble to prop back up on your hands, trying to swipe the hair out of your face.

“Whose baby is that?” he demands. “Tell me. I want to hear you say it.”

His Voice. God. After almost a year and a half it should be lessened. The pull you feel when you hear it has no right to tug at you the way it does. You’re not even mated, which makes it all the more insulting. It gets in through your ears and spreads throughout your body, like an invasive plant, growing and sinking its roots into you and tug, tug tugging on your will: Whose baby is that.

You fight the awful urge to tell him, as you rapidly, fearfully weigh your options. It’s hard to think when you’re so frightened, so taken aback. Most people might think it wise to admit the truth, but you know this man, this alpha, and you know he’ll never let her go if he knows that she’s his. Anything, you think. You have to do anything you can to keep her from that life, that world. 

Heart in your throat, you insist, “Noone.”

“Noone?” His visage darkens. “Artificial insemination, then? I know they’re progressive and all up here, but don’t take me for a fool, mamochka.”

“It was just some guy! Just a one night stand, I swear!”

He surges in, gets one knee up on the bed and pushes you onto your back when you try to get up, leaning over you and holding you down by your shoulders. “So you did let another man fuck you,” he growls.

You jut your chin out and hiss, “Yes.” (Lying Rule #1: deliver your bullshit with confidence).

“Who? Was he alpha?”

“Why do you care? It was one night in Oslo.” (Rule #2: add in one or two unimportant details.)

“What’s. his. name?” 

A bitter sound escapes you (Rule #3: attach honest emotion to it, if you can). “I don’t know his name. I never did. I was just racking up a roster, just wanted to get laid after getting away from you.”

He bares his teeth at you in a snarl, furious, and shoves you harder against the mattress. You cry out and try to hit him, but he catches your wrists and holds them down to the bed easily, shoving you again, one of his powerful thighs pressed up between yours. “You’re mine,” he growls, getting in your face, lying on top of you. “Noone else’s. Not ever.”

You whimper and nod, shaken and keenly aware of his body on top of yours, his strength. James is a massive hulk of an alpha, capable of overpowering you in any situation, and even through your frantic thoughts, you know you’ll never be able to get away from him in close contact like this. He’s so angry, his scent gone thick and choking. You’re too panicked to plan out what it is you’re going to say next, you just wind up instinctively trying to placate him, blurting out, “What do you want?”

He leers down at you. “I want what’s mine. What’s always been mine.” On your wrists, his fingers tighten cruelly. “You’ve had your fun now, and gotten away with it for too damn long. You’re coming home with me, Little thief.”

You gasp as the pressure on your wrists increases painfully, mind flying to that cold, Siberian fortress and the life that awaits you there. You might be able to get away from him before then, but you might not, and you can’t risk June being trapped there as well. “Okay, okay! I’ll go with you, I will. Wherever you want. Just … Please let me give her to the neighbor. Please.”

He smiles nastily down at you. “Oh, you don’t want her to come along? Another man’s pup?”

Tears press at the backs of your eyes at the thought of leaving your daughter behind, but you shake your head. “Please. Just take her over to the woman across the street. She’ll look after her. Please James, she's my daughter. I won’t fight you if you leave her there. She’s nothing to you. Just let her stay where it’s safe.” 

Something in his expression shifts, but you don’t have time to figure out what the emotion might be, before he shutters again. He leans down and purrs, “Oh, I don’t know, vorishka [little thief]. You stole some very valuable things from me. And since I don’t see any fucking Picassos hanging in this hovel you call a house, I assume they’re in the wind.”

It wasn’t as though you’d simply been able to run away. Escaping had required finances, techniques, firms of dangerous men hired to plant false leads, erase tracks, ferret you away into oblivion, and then move halfway across the globe and buy yourself a new identity. The bribes alone had eaten up most of the money. You shudder in his grip, knowing that the paintings wouldn’t save you, even if you did have them. “They’re gone.” 

“I know they’re gone, Little thief.” He shoves his thigh down against you. “So how are you gonna make it up to me?”

You whimper. “I can’t,” you plead. “James. I don’t have anything.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I can think of a few ways you can start repaying your debt.” He runs one hand down your side, groping your waist as he breathes softly against your ear: “For instance, do you have any idea what she’d be worth on the black market?”

It takes you a split second to figure out what he means, and your heart seizes in terror as soon as you do. You know James is involved in every type of shady, illegal dealing there is in the world, but you’d never even considered the idea of human trafficking. Now that he’s said it, you panic that you’ve made a huge mistake by lying that the baby isn’t his. “James,” you whisper, horrified. “Alpha, please.”

“Oh, it’s Alpha, now, is it?” He chuckles meanly, the sound making your stomach churn. You’re about to say something else, beg in some other, pitiful way, tell him he’s June’s father, but instead you cry out as his hand fists in your hair and yanks your head to the side. His breath hits hot against your skin and he drags his nose up the side of your neck, scenting you. “Mmm,” he hums darkly, pleased. “You spread your legs for another man, but you didn’t let anyone in here.”

You squeak when his teeth scrape over your still-unmarked glands. “No!” you gasp, just as much an answer as it is a plea for nim not to bite you. “I didn’t, I didn’—”

“Shut up,” he snaps, closing his teeth down on the spot. You whine as he pulls your hair and slowly increases the pressure of his bite, threatening to break the skin. Horrified, you feel your body responding with arousal, heat blooming deep in your core. You squeeze your eyes shut, and sure enough few seconds later James is inhaling deeply and chuckling. “Oh, kotenok [kitten]. Still the same as ever, huh?” He shifts, hand slipping down between your legs and cupping you from over the fabric of your dress. “Ripe for your Alpha’s touch, even after all this time. How sweet.” Humiliated rage bubbles up inside of you and you glare up at him. He’s looking down fondly at you, eyes heated and lip drawn into his mouth. He lets it slide back out between his teeth and murmurs, “It’s okay, you know. It’s everything to me, omegechka [little omega], the way you respond. It’s only natural.” You growl angrily, but he just hums and tugs your hair again, other hand molding to your mound and rubbing. “Shh sh sh,” he hushes, when you cry out louder. “Don’t want to scare the whelp, do you?” 

You freeze, listening to try and hear June. She’s whining from over in her room,  not understanding why she’s been left alone when she can hear her mommy’s voice just down the hall. “Please,” you whisper, locking eyes with James again. “Please. Let me go to her.”

He grinds the heel of his hand against you. “I told you, Dollface. You don’t want her here for this.”

He kisses you on the mouth, chaste and lingering; so gentle that for a split second it makes you ache for what you once had with him. James always was very good at making love to you, at lavishing you with a softness and a tenderness even in the darkest of times. But now you can only shiver underneath his weight, because you know that’s not what’s about to happen. 

“Seventeen months, moya omegya,”  he rumbles quietly, lips brushing yours with the words. “My bed suddenly cold, not knowing if you were alive or dead. Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

His tone of voice is so intimately familiar that it makes your heart clench, bringing back memories of a life you’ve fought so hard to put behind you. “Please,” you whisper. “Don’t do this.”

He tuts and shakes his head softly, as if he’s actually remorseful. “How this goes depends entirely on you. I want you to know that.” He hasn’t stopped working his hand against you, rubbing his palm against your clit and smiling at how you shudder beneath him and your body betrays you. You watch his nostrils flare as he smells the reaction he’s pulling from you against your will. “Sweet girl,” he coos. “You just can’t help it, can you?” You toss your head and screw your eyes shut, but he’s having none of it. He yanks your hair and hisses at you to open your eyes. “No,” he warns, once he’s got your attention. He moves back, getting up onto his knees and shrugging off his jacket. “You’re going to watch. The whole time.” His hands land on his belt, the buckle clinking as he opens it and undoes his pants. “I want to look right in your eyes while I take back what’s mine.” He shoves his pants down along with his underwear. His cock springs free, already hard and wet at the tip. A part of him that’s been inside you hundreds of times, probably. Something you’ve craved and debased yourself for. 

Seeing it reignites your shame, but it’s the way you feel your cunt pulse and release a fresh wave of slick, that really makes you start resisting again. “Nnh!”

“Ah ah ah, Dollface. That’s not gonna work.”

“Nugh! Lemmo go!”  

You fight, of course you do, but it’s almost worse that way, as it only points out how comically mismatched you are to him. He laughs at you and holds down your thrashing body, barely even grunting from the effort of subduing you. “Shh sh sh,” he hushes, chuckling breathily as he forces you down with one hand and strokes himself with the other. “I have to tell you, kotenok. I’ve been looking forward to this.” 

“I hate you!” You manage to get a hand free and you flail, hitting and clawing at him. He inhales sharply as your nails scratch his face. He knocks your hand away with a surprised hiss and, wide eyed, touches the spot where a tiny line of red is welling up on his cheek. The next thing you know, he’s backhanding you, sending spots into your vision and knocking you out of your senses for a few seconds. Your ears ring and you blink, stunned.

His hand appears at your throat, squeezing, pressing up against the arteries. You briefly grapple with him, grabbing his forearm and fighting, but then his thumb notches into place and digs into your glands. Your cries taper off and you go limp with a pathetic, mewling whimper. “Nnnh …”

He leers down at you, adjusting his grip, still jerking his cock as he subdues you with the Hold. “Weak,” he says. “But that’s just how I like you.”

His thumb rubs in circles, sending a rush of liquid gold through your veins. It worsens the situation between your legs, and you can’t hide that any more than you can hide the humiliated tears that prick to your eyes as he shoves your dress up and rips your underwear straight off of you. He coos when he looks down and sees how wet you are. “Oh, omegechka.” He knees your legs further apart and drags his cockhead through your folds. “And this is you hating me?”

You shake with a silent sob, despising him with your whole being, hating yourself for reacting this way. Before James, you’d never met a man who coveted your omega nature so much, hadn’t known what it was to need an alpha that way, to have your body need him. And to think: you used to like it.

He lines himself up and sinks inside of you in one, unyielding push, forcing you to open to him, carving out his space inside of you. You cry out at the force of it, body clamping down hard and the delicate skin at your entrance stinging from the stretch, but he doesn’t stop until he’s fully seated. “Fuck,” he groans, grinding in deep, his pubic bone pressing against your clit, laughing darkly when it makes you squeal. “Oh, you sensitive?” He does it again, and again, doesn’t stop until he gets a high pitched, warbling moan from you. “Theere she is.” He digs his thumb in harder against your glands and stares right in your eyes as he watches the effect it has on you, soaking up the flush in your face and the furious tears welling at the corners of your eyes. “I know, Sweetheart, I know,” he murmurs. “You really can’t help it, can you?” You whimper and he nods along in mock sympathy. “Poor little thing. I can’t imagine what it must be like, to need it that bad.” 

“James,”

He pulls out halfway and shoves back in, hard, rumbling in pleasure when it elicits another yelp from you. His other hand grabs at your waist, fingers digging into the soft give of your body. He hums dirtily. “I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised. You look good for having just pushed out that pup. You look healthy.” You whine in protest and he fucks in hard again, baring his teeth in a mean smile. “Yeah, momma, you heard me.” He pulls out, thrusts back in. 

“Ss-stop.”

He laughs. “Don’t be like that, krasotka [Pretty(n.)]. I like it. You always were too skinny for my taste.” He runs his hand from your waist up to the top of your dress, yanking it down along with the cup of your bra, and groaning when your swollen breast spills out. You squeal in rage as he curses quietly, eyes going molten and unfocused. “Fuck, Honey, look at you.”

You start thrashing again hard, trying to hit him, but you only get a glancing blow to the side of his head before he refixes his hand on your throat and clamps down in another Hold. He gives you a firm shake. “Settle down. I told you: I like it..”

“Nnn, fuck you!” You spit on him, but he only laughs and wipes it away, leering down at you and continuing gleefully,

“Shouldn’t be skinny like some damn underwear model. Mm mn, naw. Now you’re nice and soft, just like you should be. Somethin’ for Alpha to grab onto. Bitty waist and a fat ass.” He grabs your waist again and pulls you down into the next roll of his hips, changing the angle and hitting that spot inside of you that makes stars burst in your vision.

“Ah!” 

“Mmhm. Right there baby? Yeah, thaat’s the spot. I remember.” He’s panting open-mouthed, breathless as he taunts you, “I remember everything. What you like. How you feel. The sounds you make. Fuck.”  He shoves into you hard and holds there, his licked-red lips curling up wickedly. “Your cunt’s fluttering around me, Sweetheart. Clamping down so fucking hard.” 

“Nnh!”

He laughs, but his smile slackens as his own pleasure continues to build. He angles back and looks down your body, stares at where his cock is disappearing inside of you with lewd, wet sounds. “Shit, momma. And this pussy snapped back real good, didn’t it?” 

You cry out angrily, but it’s what he wants: to see you aroused and humiliated and furious at him. He sets a punishing pace, his hips slamming against you hard on the end of each, brutal thrust; his open belt and the zip of his fly digging into your ass every time he grinds inside. “You haven't been fucking anybody,” he says smugly. “How long’s it really been, mamochka? Hm? How long since another man was in this cunt?”

You moan miserably, his cock driving hard against your walls, too rough but not painful enough to keep it from feeling good. James is big, has an alpha’s cock, and it’s never been a physical possibility for him to be inside of you and not rub against every spot that makes your body light up in pleasure. You shake your head and try to close your eyes, but he pushes his hand up harder underneath your jaw, shaking you. “Uh uh. Look at me.” 

You can’t fight off the command of his Voice, not when he’s already dominating you so completely. Your eyes open against your will, full of tears, and he rumbles in satisfaction. 

“Better.”

Every whimper and mewl you make drives him on, stoking the angry satisfaction that’s burning in his eyes—eyes that you can’t look away from as you cry out again and again, little “Ah, ah, ah's” that interrupt the cadence of your skin slapping together, all of his eager growls and satisfied grunts.

“That’s it, shlyukha,” he pants, hips snapping in hard, again and again. “You—ugh—you let Alpha know how good that feels. Don’t hold it back from me.” His breathing is getting heavier the closer he gets, his composure and even his anger losing some of their hold as he fucks you harder, sinks down on you farther, covers you with his body fully as he ruts into you in pursuit of his climax. “Shit,”  he hisses not far from your ear, face stuffed in your neck. 

You keen high in your throat at his proximity to your bonding glands—a plaintive sound that directly contradicts the panicked ‘no!’ that flashes in your brain. His hand leaves the front of your neck and scoops around behind instead, gripping you at the nape in a Scruff that feels just as toe-curlingly right as the Hold had. 

For a very split second, his breath hitches and his growling trips into a needy whimper. “O-oh …” And that’s when you feel it: his knot starting to catch on the end of each thrust.

“Ah!” You cry out sharply and grab onto him, helpless to keep your body from seeking out more, from clinging to him and clamping down hard as his knot grows and triggers you into orgasm. “Hhgnn …”

He goes feral when he feels your body locking down on him, growling and shoving in and grinding to ensure that he catches inside and ties you together. His hand abandons your neck entirely as he gives in to the instinct to rut, both arms wrapping around your waist, scooping under your back and holding you still for him to fuck furiously against. The tug of his knot inside your cunt makes you sob and come harder, losing sense of yourself as the pleasure cuts through you like a knife. 

“Fuck, fuck, ohhfuck …” The sound of his deep voice, so lost in the desperation and helplessness of his own pleasure, makes your belly flare hot with new arousal even as you’re coming down the other side of it. You gasp and pant, and eventually whimper as the bliss dissipates and you become more aware of him on top of you, grunting and groaning and fucking into your tie as he rides out the long, debilitating climax of an alpha.

You keep your eyes closed and cry, hating that it still feels good as he fucks into you, grinds down on your clit and gives your another orgasm, and another. You wait for him to finish as your brain fills with the high that comes after, that unavoidable pink cloud that you know is going to seal your fate and make you helpless to him for the next thirty minutes, at least. You squeeze your eyes shut and turn your head in the direction of the pillows. 

As the high starts to take you, you think about how, if you’d just kept your gun holstered behind by the headboard like you’d planned, you could be blowing his brains out right about now.

A.N.: Soooo ... This is the rape-iest thing I've ever ever written. I hope y'all are okay. Just wanted to drop a note to let you know that this fic WILL lighten up and not be quite so, well, rapey, in the future. Thanks for reading! 💖Sarah

Story Masterlist

Masterlist

🍵Consider tipping your friendly neighborhood starving artist smut author!

✍🏻Commissions: reach out via Tumblr DM or contact here

This has been a fill for:

Event: @anyfandomdarkbingo

Card: sarahyellow/sarah-writes-stucky

Square I2: Face Slapping

Event: @badthingshappenbingo

Card: sarah-writes-stucky/sarahyellow

Square G3: rape/non-con

Event: @marvel-smash-bingo

Card: sarah-writes-stucky

Square O5: Rough Sex

Event: @sebastianstanbingo

Card: saraowritesostucky

Square N5: Revenge Sex'

Tag List (I'm doing my best, people 😅): @cjand10, @violetwinterwidow01, @ppbhquinn, @myfavbuckyfics, @liannafae, @sadsackssss, @timidquindim, @dakotali, @rayofdawnworld

[justallmyfantasies]

lovemaking

family of three (four?)

contains: 18+ smut, fluff, dad!alex! (unprotected piv, oral (f receiving) teasing, kinda breeding kink? idk anyway bye)

word count: 3.7k

you unlocked the door with your keys, feeling the warmth wrap around you as you entered. you heard the sounds of giggling and footsteps along the hallway, you walk into the house meeting up with little brown eyes in front of you.

you smiled at the sight and kneeled down, wrapping your arms around the little girl. her smile growing larger as you squeeze into the hug.

alex watched from afar, a smile plastered onto his face after chasing the little girl around the house.

you smiled as your daughter, olivia snuggled into your arms. "did you give daddy a hard time, huh?" you teased, gently tousling her hair.

alex chuckled from the hallway as he approached you both. "you have no idea. she's been running circles around me all evening."

olivia looked up at you with her big brown eyes, a cheeky grin on her face. "i'm just too fast for you, daddy!"

alex rolled his eyes playfully. "that, or I'm just getting old." he bent down to olivia's level, ruffling her hair affectionately.

you laughed, enjoying the playful banter between alex and your daughter. it warmed your heart to witness their bond - olivia was definitely a daddy's girl.

"come on, you little rascal, bath time." alex said, lifting olivia up into the air and pretending to toss her like a volleyball. olivia squealed with laughter, clinging onto him tightly.

you watched as alex carried olivia into the bathroom, their laughter echoing through the house. you followed them, quietly observing as alex started to fill the tub with warm water. olivia excitedly began to strip off her clothes, hopping around in her little pink underwear.

alex grabbed a handful of colorful bath toys from the nearby basket and tossed them into the tub. he then turned to olivia, a mock-serious expression on his face.

"all right, missy. in you go." alex said, lowering her carefully into the bubbly water. olivia giggled as she splashed the water around, playing with her favourite rubber duckies. alex picked up a soft washcloth and lathered it with sweet-smelling soap, gently washing her arms and legs.

you leaned against the bathroom doorframe, a soft smile on your lips as you watched the beautiful scene unfold before you. alex was a natural dad - patient, loving, and incredibly playful.

once olivia was clean, alex wrapped her in a fluffy towel, gently drying her off. he picked her up and carried her into her bedroom, where you had already laid out some clean pyjamas.

together, you helped olivia get dressed, making sure she was cozy and comfortable. as you tucked her into bed, she looked up at you both with sleepy eyes.

"will you read me a story before i go to sleep?" she mumbled, her words slightly slurred by exhaustion.

alex and you exchanged a knowing glance, both of you happy to comply with her request.

"of course, peanut." you said, plucking a storybook from the bookshelf. alex took the book from you and settled down on the edge of the bed, his deep, soothing voice filling the room as he began to read aloud.

olivia snuggled deeper under the blankets, her eyes fluttering as she fought to stay awake. but it was a losing battle; the combination of the warm bath, clean pyjamas, and the comforting sound of alex's voice was too much to resist.

before long, olivia had fallen into a peaceful sleep, her tiny chest rising and falling rhythmically. you and alex both stood quietly, watching her for a moment. then, alex leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

you felt a lump form in your throat as you watched him. alex looked up at you, his own eyes shining with pride and love. he reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours.

you and alex left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar in case olivia needed anything. you headed back to the living room, sinking into the familiar comfort of the couch.

alex sat down beside you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you close. you leaned into him, savouring the quiet moment of respite. for a while, you simply sat there in silence, enjoying each other's company. the house was peaceful, the only sound coming from the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

alex broke the silence first, his voice soft and thoughtful. "how was work today then, darling?” his arms wrapped around you, keeping you warm.

"it was... hectic." you said with a sigh. "i really don't think i can manage my case load anymore." the stress from work had been weighing you down lately, and it was starting to take its toll on you.

alex hugged you tighter, a look of concern on his face. "have you talked to your boss about it?" he asked, his thumb caressing your shoulder in a soothing gesture.

you shook your head. "i don't think it'll make a difference. she's already overloaded as it is. i'm just... tired." you closed your eyes and leaned your head against his chest, finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

alex brushed a strand of hair from your face, his touch tender and gentle. "you're doing so much, you know? sometimes, i worry that you're pushing yourself too hard."

you didn't argue. you knew he was right. alex always knew when you were burning the candle at both ends, and he was often the one who made you take a step back and think about your own wellbeing.

alex's fingers traced tiny circles on your back, his touch a soothing balm against the tension in your muscles. he had a knack for knowing exactly how to calm you down, whether it was a reassuring hug or simple words of understanding. after a while, alex spoke again, his voice low and earnest. "love you.”

you tilted your head up, meeting his gaze. even though it was a simple phrase, it spoke volumes about the depth of his feelings for you. "love you too," you replied, a small smile playing at the corners of your lips.

alex responded with a warm grin, pulling you even closer to him. you cuddled into the crook of his neck, feeling a sense of safety and security in his embrace. you placed soft kisses onto his neck.

he chuckled softly, his hand coming up to caress the side of your face. his touch was electric, sending little shivers down your spine. alex leaned in, capturing your lips with his in a gentle kiss. the kiss was slow and tender, a quiet affirmation of your love for each other. alex's tongue flicked against your lips, requesting entrance. you parted your lips for him, letting him deepen the kiss.

alex's hands traveled down your body, pulling you closer still. you could feel the heat between you growing, the quiet moment on the couch transforming into something more intense and charged.

alex broke the kiss, his breathing becoming heavier. his eyes dark with lust, he nuzzled into your neck, placing hot, insistent kisses along your jawline. your body responded to him instantly, a burning need igniting in your core.

he lifted you up, settling you firmly onto his lap. you could feel hardness of him as you straddled him, and you couldn't help but squirm a little, wanting to feel him even more.

he looked up at you, a smug smirk on his face as he felt your movements. "someone's eager," he teased, sliding his hands up your thighs.

you responded by grinding down onto him, a silent plea in your actions. alex let out a low growl, his hands gripping your hips tightly. "you fuckin’ tease.”

he pulled you down, crushing his lips against yours in a passionate kiss. his tongue danced with yours, his hand sliding beneath your shirt, fingers tracing hot patterns on your skin.

you pushed yourself closer, desperate to eliminate any space between you. your hips rocked against his, creating a delicious friction that left you breathless. alex groaned into your mouth, his fingers gripping tighter on your hips, guiding your movements.

he stood up, your legs wrapped around him as he guiding you to the bedroom, kicking the door shut with his foot. he gently lowered you down on the bed, his hands then fumbling with the belt on his pants.

he was impatient, and so were you. the need to feel him was overpowering. as soon as his pants hit the floor, he was crawling over you, his body covering yours, trapping you beneath him.

his hands pushed up your shirt, leaving burning trails in their wake. his mouth soon followed, lavishing attention on your exposed skin. everywhere his lips touched, fire spread through your body, and you arched into him, craving more.

you reached for him, your hands mapping the planes of his back, feeling the play of muscle beneath your fingers. he pressed against you again, and you could feel his hard length press against your stomach, the heat and desire coursing through you both.

alex recaptured your lips, his kisses growing more urgent, more desperate. he nipped and sucked at your lips, his tongue delving deep into your mouth, claiming you completely. your hands went to the hem of his shirt, pulling it slightly.

the hint was clear, and alex broke the kiss momentarily to discard his shirt. he was beautiful, all lean muscle and smooth skin. your hands roamed over him, craving the feel of his flesh against yours.

alex leaned down again, his mouth moving to your neck, trailing kisses down to your collarbone. his tongue flicked over your breast, teasing you mercilessly. you let out a soft gasp, your body shuddering beneath him.

he moved lower, his lips tracing a path to your stomach, his hands slowly undoing the buttons on your jeans. he teased you further, his tongue dipping below your waistband, igniting sparks of pleasure that shot through you.

as he slowly pulled your jeans down, you felt utterly exposed, your skin hot and sensitive. he took his time, his hands stroking your hips, thighs, and calves, leaving no part of you untouched.

he looked up at you, his eyes full of desire and appreciation. "you're so beautiful," he said, his voice rough with need. "every inch of you."

his words made your heart flutter, your body reacting to his appraisal. he returned his attention to your thighs, his mouth pressing hot open-mouthed kisses on the sensitive flesh there.

you squirmed, your body responding to him with a mind of its own. alex's hands held you in place, keeping you trapped beneath him as he continued to worship your skin. the stubble on his chin sent shivers up your spine with every rub against your inner thighs.

he could tell how desperate you were, how much you needed him. he teased you even more, his lips grazing over your core but never quite coming close enough to give you what you craved.

you let out a sound between a moan and a plea, your hands gripping the sheets tightly. he chuckled against your skin, clearly enjoying his effect on you. "patience, baby." he whispered, his breath hot against your skin.

he finally gave you what you needed, his tongue parting your folds slowly, like he was savoring every second. your body arched off the bed, a cry leaving your lips. alex held your thighs in place, not allowing you to move. he lapped at you, his tongue finding all the right spots, driving you wild with pleasure. you tangled your fingers in his hair, your body shuddering uncontrolably as he continued his onslaught.

it was too much, but not enough at the same time. you were trapped in a state of bliss and ecstasy, overwhelmed by the sensations he was sending coursing through you.

alex groaned, the sound reverberating against you, adding another layer of pleasure to the mix. his hands moved from your thighs to your hips, his fingers digging into your flesh, gripping you tightly.

he was becoming less measured as he got lost in the moment, his mouth working faster, more urgently. you could feel the pressure building inside you, your body coiling tighter and tighter like a spring about to snap.

“fuck, fuck, alex.” you whimpered, your hands deep in his hair, pushing his head down slightly.

alex responded with a guttural moan, his tongue pressing deeper into you, sending you closer to the edge. your legs trembled, your breaths uneven as heat coiled in your belly. it was almost too much. you could feel yourself teetering on the edge, seconds away from toppling over.

he seemed to sense your impending climax, his pace increasing and his suction becoming more intense. his name was a breathless chant on your lips, your back arch arching off the bed. and then, with one final, skillful lick, you were undone. your body convulsed, your mind blanking out with pleasure.

the tension coiled in your belly finally snapped, waves of ecstasy crashing through you. it was as if the world had narrowed down to that one moment, to that one feeling. you heard yourself cry out alex's name, your hands gripping the sheets so tight your knuckles turned white.

through the haze of pleasure, you felt alex's mouth leave you with a kiss on your hip. he moved up your body, planting kisses on your stomach, chest, and finally your lips, his own breathing laboured.

he kissed you deeply, lovingly. you could taste yourself on his lips, and the realization sent another jolt of pleasure through you. you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him close, wanting to be as close to him as possible.

you could feel his hardness against your stomach, his need pressing into you. alex broke the kiss, resting his forehead against yours. his breathing was ragged, his eyes dark with lust and something else - something deeper.

"i need you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "i need you right now." he shifted his weight, positioning himself between your legs.

you nodded, unable to form words. you needed him just as fiercely, your body aching with emptiness and need.

alex adjusted himself, pressing against you. the feeling of his tip brushing against your entrance sent another wave of pleasure through you. you lifted your hips, your body silently begging him to fill you. alex pressed into you slowly.

he was big, and the stretch was intense, but it was the sweetest kind of pain. your fingers dug into his shoulders, your breath catching in your throat. alex paused, his eyes meeting yours, searching for any hint of discomfort.

"are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned. he was always so gentle with you, despite the primal need coursing through his body.

you nodded, biting your lip against the pleasure and pain intermingling within you. "i'm good," you whispered, your voice slightly shaky. "just, just fuck me alex.”

alex let out a shuddering breath, his eyes darkening further at your words. he began to move, his hips rolling against yours in a slow, deep rhythm. you wrapped your legs around him, pulling him deeper, needing all of him. each thrust was like a spark, igniting a fire within you that spread through your entire body.

alex's eyes were trained on your face, watching your every reaction, adjusting his pace and angle to drive you wild. his hands roamed over your body, touching you everywhere, as if he couldn't get enough of your skin you were lost in a sea of bliss, the pleasure building with each stroke. you could feel yourself getting close again, the pressure growing once more within you.

alex's breath was coming in ragged gasps, his movements becoming more urgent. he leaned down, his lips seeking yours, kissing you hungrily. one of his hands slid down to your hip, gripping you tightly, as if he was anchoring himself to you.

your eyes rolled back. “more, please.” you begged.

alex groaned, his hips pistoning against you harder and faster. he was close, you could tell. his body was taut, his fingers biting into your flesh. his lips found your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving tiny marks behind.

“god, i’ll be fucking another baby into you at this rate, love.” the words were filthy, and they shouldn't have turned you on as much as they did. but they did, and the thought of having his child again sent a wave of heat through you.

you could feel him getting close, his thrusts becoming erratic, less measured. "tell me... you're close." alex whispered, his voice heavy with need.

you nodded, your words coming out in broken gasps. "so close." you managed to say, your nails digging into his back.

he shifted slightly, hitting a spot inside you that sent white hot stars exploding in your vision. "oh god, alex... right there."

"yeah?" he said, his voice strangled and low. "right there?” he knew just how to drive you wild, how to push you to the edge and leave you hanging. his fingers tangled in your hair, his mouth seeking yours again. his lips were hungry, desperate for more.

you could feel yourself getting closer, the pressure building within you with each intense stroke. you were on the brink of something huge, and you knew alex could feel it too.

"look at me." he demanded, his voice rough and urgent. "look at me when you come."

you forced your eyes open, meeting his fervent gaze. it was more than you could handle, the intensity of his look, the feeling of his body against yours, driving you crazy. you held his stare, your whole body tensing, waiting for that final push that would send you over the edge.

"come for me." he commanded, his voice a hot whisper in your ear. "come for me now." it was all it took. your body obeyed his words with almost no will of its own, a wave of pleasure crashing over you, drowning you in sensation.

you cried out, your body arching up against his, your eyes locked with his as you came completely undone. the waves of pleasure seemed to go on and on, each ripple making you shiver and gasp. alex's hands were on your hips, holding you tightly as he watched you fall apart, his own body taut with need. he loved to see you like this, completely vulnerable and at his mercy. it was a sight that never failed to undo him.

his eyes darkened, his own need taking over. "i'm going to come," he warned, his voice hoarse and rough.

you nodded, your eyes still dilated from the intensity of your climax. "do it," you told him, your voice shaky. "come inside me. i want it." you wanted all of him, the pleasure, the connection, the overwhelming feeling of togetherness.

he let out a guttural moan at your words, his body shuddering as he came, his release pouring into you, claiming you as his own. it was a feeling like no other, primal and intimate. alex collapsed onto you, his body heavy and warm. you held him close holding onto each other as the final ripples of pleasure ebbed and subsided. for a moment, there was only the sound of your uneven breathing, mingling together in the quiet of the room.

alex eventually lifted himself up, his eyes seeking yours. he looked wrecked, hair disheveled, skin sheeted with sweat. but in his eyes, there was tenderness, that only came out in moments like this.

he reached up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin.

you nodded, your body feeling heavy and sated. "more than okay." you smiled. there was nowhere else you'd rather be than here, in the aftermath of something beautiful and raw and real.

alex smiled back, his eyes still glimmering with a mixture of satisfaction and affection. he carefully withdrew from you, moving to lie down beside you, pulling you against him.

you cuddled closer, resting your head on his chest. beneath your ear, you could hear the steady beat of his heart, a soothing rhythm that lulled you in a peaceful, fuzzy headspace. his fingers played with tendrils of your hair, his touch light and caressing.

"i don't think i'll ever get tired of that.” he said, his hand moving to your back, tracing lazy circles on your skin. “of you."

you smiled against his chest, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "the feeling's mutual." you murmured. with alex, everything was easy, comfortable. this was love in its purest form, raw and uninhibited.

he chuckled lowly, his chest rumbling beneath you. "i just hope i wasn't too rough on you." he teased, his fingers tracing a path of fire down your spine.

you shivered at his touch, and then chuckled. "i can handle it, big guy." you replied, lifting your head to look up at him.

his eyes darkened again, a hint of his earlier lust returning. "oh, i don't doubt that. in fact, i think you rather enjoy it..." he teased, his fingers now dancing over your hip.

you swatted at his hand lightly, a mock scolding in your voice. "behave, i don't think i can handle round two just yet."

alex laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "i'll be good, i'll be good." he promised, his hand moving innocently up to your back again. but his eyes remained filled with mischief, hinting at future promises.

you laughed softly, settling back against his chest, feeling completely at ease. the room was quiet, the sounds of the outside world muffled and distant. the only thing that mattered in this moment was the two of you, the connection that bound you together.

alex's fingers continued to roam, tracing patterns on your skin, his heartbeat a steady rhythm under your ear. the silence between you was comfortable, but it wasn't empty. there was an unspoken contentment, a sense of completion.

you were content just to lay there like this, together, in the aftermath of the lovemaking. there was no need for words, no need for anything else. just each other, and the blissful silence.

a/n: reading @junedenim’s recent fic (which i’m obsessed with btw) really inspired me to write this and idk if i love it or hate but i wanted to post it….. anyway!!! thanks for being a inspiration for this xoxox enjoy

[songsofadelaide]

As a child of one of the Kingdom's noble families, you were subject to your family's many plans to maintain its standing in society. At every tail end of the Lone Moon since you turned six, when winter wraps Faerghus in its tightest and most frigid embrace, you would find yourself in the Dukedom of Fraldarius, under the watchful but caring gaze of Uncle Rodrigue, or that was what he encouraged you to call him. He said his eldest son already had a match, his betrothed a lady of a noble house too. Rodrigue wished Felix to forge the same warm friendship and companionship that Glenn and Ingrid already had... with someone. Someone he would come to love in the future. Rodrigue silently hoped that it would be you.

"...a love match," the older man said, his voice fading in the background as Felix, a boy dressed in the distinct Fraldarius blue, stepped out from behind his mother's skirts at her gentle urging.

"Say hello, cub," the lady of the house said in a tone so dulcet that it made the heat rise to your face. The boy's shy brown eyes met yours and somehow your young heart figured that you two could make things work. From what you remember, your parents were a love match— an extraordinary one, the kind many thought wouldn't work out but eventually did.

"Hello," you broke the silence with a single greeting and a smile that told him, let's work things out. "Shall we make our New Year's resolutions together?"

And every year, by the fireplace, next to his parents' blanketed feet, you and Felix whispered your resolutions for the new year in each other's ears, both of you looking forward to the fresh set of pages in a storybook that was yours to fill out and create.

"I want my swordsmanship to improve..." "I want to read more books..." "I want to get taller still..." "I want to get better at casting magic..."

In 1177, Felix stopped making resolutions, which wasn't all surprising.

Felix had no idea where to put this grief. You coaxed him out of his room at his mother's behest, but he had no words for you. When you held him in your arms as best you could, he barely moved himself.

You were present with House Fraldarius when they held a memorial for Glenn, a true knight of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, or so Rodrigue said, and not even your soothing touch could quell Felix's fist, his entire body seizing in a tempered rage he tried his best to contain. He was not the only one who lost a loved one, after all. And yet, he couldn't stomach how his father glazed over his eldest son's death. No words of embellishment will take away the fact that Glenn was killed horrifically in the Tragedy of Duscur. Felix would resent his father for that.

In 1178, when Prince Dimitri unlocked a certain bloodlust whilst suppressing an insurrection in west Faerghus, you were half-certain Felix might have developed the same grisly instinct, but you were relieved to find out that he was blatantly disgusted by the boar's unhinged behaviour.

In 1180, you entered the Officers Academy along with the other scions of the Kingdom's noble houses. As Felix grew into a swordsman of exceptional skill, he also kept you at an arm's length away, but again, that did not surprise you at all. You were a distraction to him, more or less, and he would appreciate you more if you showed yourself less to him. It was then you realised that he always sought you out at his own pace, that he desired your presence still, but only on his call.

"It's fine. It doesn't have to be me, as long as you're happy, Felix." "No," he hastily grabbed your hand. "It has to be you."

Felix brought you home with him when the Officers Academy closed its doors due to the internal strife simultaneously occurring in Faerghus, Adrestia and Leicester. It was then he became Duke Fraldarius, the Shield of Faerghus, and you, the lady of his house. When the war gong was struck, you stood by your husband rather than shying away from the fighting. Being Felix's assigned healer during your short stay at the Officers Academy granted you certain synchronicity with him. The two of you worked seamlessly beside each other, and he moved in complete confidence that you would have his back if no one else did. 

The war against Adrestia raged on for months, until it converged to a year, and it felt like you were the only one keeping tabs on the days that passed. The calluses in your hands thickened like the snow that usually blanketed Fraldarius this time of the year.

This time of the year...

"What are you doing?"

Your reverie was broken by your husband's query. It was still so odd to think that you two were married now, even though that was exactly what Rodrigue— your father-in-law— wanted from the start.

"Almost lost track of time because of how long this war's been dragging," you shrugged at him. "Happy New Year. Or not. We'll probably be asleep at the turning of the new moon."

Felix caught the quick twinkle in your eyes, his lips softening to a small smile that caught you off-guard. He stepped into your space and slipped his gloved hand in yours, pulling you further into the privacy of his quarters and straight into his arms.

"Felix?..."

"I want to be a better husband to you."

His voice was hushed to a whisper, and you could only blink to yourself as he held you much tighter. His breath was warm against your neck and it was there you noticed just how fast his heart was beating.

"I..." You started, only for a gentle laugh to leave your lips. "I want to be a better lady of the house."

He chuckled in relief when you returned his embrace, his hair coming undone from its ribbon just in time as you pressed a tender kiss to his cheek.

"Happy New Year, Duke Fraldarius."

Felix returned your gesture in kind, his lips stealing the warmth of your breath not long after. He still can't believe he played right into his father's hands the moment the old man introduced you to him— one of the very few things he is truly thankful for. Now he gets to call you his, he gets to protect you as part of his home, and he is yours, too.

"Happy New Year, my wife."

[welcomingdisaster]

(ao3) There are no harbors in which a star may dock. There is no place in Middle-Earth that might tolerate the brilliant blinding light of the gem nor the white fire of the ship upon landing. No intermediaries, even, who may bear mail down from the sky, except perhaps birds. 

Elrond is almost sure it is birds, though he has never seen them. 

It happens once every few decades, usually, always on nights when a thick blanket of clouds obscures the sky. Usually he will be woken by the breeze; will find his window open, when he is sure he left it shut. And they will be there, tucked between his correspondence, or into the pockets of his robes, or laid out on his desk. 

(Once, only once, when he’d lived briefly on the outskirts of what would become Lindon, taking a year of solitude to pursue his studies, Elrond had awakened to the door unlocked and wet footprints on his floor, a puddle pooling by the bed where someone had stood and looked down at him, the tracks still so fresh it could not been more than an hour since his guest’s departure. He prefers not to think of it.) 

The gifts themselves vary, as do the accompanying feelings. 

A horrible gnawing grief strikes Elrond at the little ship carved out of a white wood he does not recognize, the craftsmanship precise on the front part, the tiny faces of each individual sailor so clear he can read their expressions, imagine the words they are forming with their lips. But the back is coarsely cut, as though the carver had hurried to finish it in time, the details lost. Elrond stares at two figures on the bow of ship, small and indistinct, and imagines them twins. 

He cannot help a childish, guilty resentment at the shimmering green blue tunic, a size too large for him. It is beautiful, woven of a material that is both light and warm, and seems to reflect water and light both. There is a note with it, as there are with so few of the presents; I thought of your favorite hue. But it is not, of course. It had been when he was four and endlessly enamored with the sea; when he was four and his father meant to take him sailing when he grew old enough for it; when he was four and his father had picked him up, kissed him atop the head, and promised to return soon; when he was four and the shore of Sirion was blue and green and peaceful, when children were snatched away only in storybooks and always returned by the end. 

Love and longing war for space in his chest at the comb, curved silver and set with pearl, exactly as his mother had worn though perhaps a little nicer; many overlapping layers of metal as waves, each bubble of sea-foam rendered carefully, tiny pearls scattered as stars fallen into the water. There is a single dark hair caught on a tooth, thick and gleaming in the light of his candle. He will not wear it, but tucks it against his heart, and carries it for years in that innermost pocket. 

Sometimes he tries to to leave his own gifts on his desk or in the messenger-bag. A poem, a bracelet made with red gemstones and wood in the Numenorian way, a white king carved in ivory. But he can never time it right, can never predict which rainy night will bring such correspondence, and they sit untouched for months before he puts them away again. 

[miraculousturtle]

Please reblog or back this lovely children's book by a wonderful Chicana poet from Los Angeles!

Kickstarter closes ends on June 14th and she is only at 17%.

🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO is a story about a black cat named Buttonz...

He is the only cat - among humans and dogs! - until one day he comes across two black kittens just like him in his family's backyard...

But when Buttonz's cat fam unexpectedly grows, even more, they seem to have all the fun in the world in the wild cat jungle of the backyard. Then, some strange feelings come up inside Buttonz's otherwise purrfect heart. Soon, his tail begins to sag, and, alas, he loses his appetite! Something's gone missing. Will Buttonz ever find his mojo again?

Why Mojo? Why now?

Kids have been struggling in a post-pandemic world in their key formative years. Mental health specialists have encouraged concerned adults to help our children name their feelings and find healthy ways to manage them during difficult times. BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO was written to serve as an important reminder to children that even though not every day is ameowzing, we can still nurture our mojo and find new ways to build relationships and support networks with those in our community.

Kickstarter Goal

Our Kickstarter goal budget of $8,500 is designed to offset the cost of illustrating 100% of the book and carry us right into book production. Book production includes a professional layout, cover design, and ebook conversion. There are other costs associated with publishing and merchandise development (see rewards) that are covered within this goal.

You can help Oh My Gatos! Books unlock two more books in the series - Mama Mittens Magical Tails and Lady Lemons the Library Cat - when you help us reach our stretch goals. Check out the details down below to see how!

From the Author

Hi! My name is Brenda Vaca and BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO is my first children's storybook. I am a writer who fell in love with stories - reading and writing them! - from a very young age. I published my first book, a poetry collection for grownups called Riot of Roses, last year in December 2021 with incredible support from the Kickstarter community. I'm back again this year because my first experience was so incredible, I wanted to do it all again. This is my family's first cat, Buttonz. He's the inspo behind this new children's book series.

About the Illustrator

Sucy Ananda, known professionally as "SucculentFleur," is an incredible artist and illustrator from Indonesia. Brenda was a big fan of SucculentFleur on Instagram so when it came time to find an illustrator, Sucy agreed to help! And we're so thrilled she did. Her bright artistry and imagination really capture the spirit of Buttonz and his family.

The Rest of the Team

Ana Karen is a fantastic stationery designer and producer. What can we say, she loves paper! And, of course, other wonderful essentials to make learning, writing, reading, and creating fun. Ana Karen is designing a special pencil, especially for Buttonz's book launch!

Paola Gutierrez, otherwise known as "La Piedrita Feliz" and "El Libro Feliz y Yo" is a children's book writer and poet who loves to paint beautiful stones with encouraging messages and affirmations. She graciously agreed to be part of our campaign by designing several sets of Mojo Motivations and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Naynay the Cat Lady is a mysterious gal who loves to crochet and is so so crafty. She has created a prototype of a Buttonz stuffy using her fabulous crocheting skills that are available exclusively for this campaign. How very boutique of her! Recommended for older children. Limited supply, so snatch yours up before they're gone!

[kaaaaaaarf]

hi friend!! 43 & 65 🫶

Hiii Emma! 🫶

43. Favorite book you've read recently?

Uh, it's been a hot minute since I've read a book that wasn't poetry. The last poetry book I read was unlock your storybook heart by amanda lovelace.

65. Anything you're procrastinating on right now?

Finishing literally any of my fics.

asks for people in their 30s

[hummingbird-games]

2022 IN REVIEW (VN/INDIE GAMES EDITION)

(Missed last year’s?? Check me out!!)

This year had lots of personal high highs and lower lows, so I’m glad I had games to distract from things 😂Without further ado, here’s my year in review:

DEMOS

Pivot of Heart - I’m unsure of the current status of this one, but I played it earlier this year and fell in love with the MC, the art, and was intrigued by the tarot inspired gameplay!

My Alien Roommate - I will 100% be supporting the Kickstarter the MOMENT it’s live. I was actually upset when I reached the end of the demo knowing good and well it was only a demo so that’s how you know I had a fun time ��� also, how can you not wanna romance an alien?? That’s what I thought. 

Our Life Now and Forever - On one hand, if you’re plugged into the VN scene, you’re already aware of this game and there’s no need for me to draw attention to it. On the other hand, to quote Billie Stevenson, “I do what I want.”

Infinite Blue - Oh man did I have fun with this one! To say I’m excited for the full game is an understatement! (review for this one is on the blog too btw)

Error143 - Seeing people simp for Micah Yujin has added 10 years to my life because a dark-skinned love interest getting THIS much attention??? Players be ready to risk it all for him and I love it. Also yeah he has my attention too, I am not immune, TF you thought this was???☠️

Garden of Seif - I’m not much help in selling this game because I just straight up inhaled it?? Everything was on point, from the characters, to the unraveling story, to our LIs and supporting cast, and of course, can’t love a game with loving the MC (at least, that’s how I work)

Fully Released & Played (at least 1 playthrough)

Gilded Shadows - The brain rot for this game is so real??? So. Damn. Real. It got to a point where after I played so many routes and unlocked multiple endings that I had to stop playing so I could work on my game! And there’s still content on the way?????? Oh to live at the same time as GS 🤗

Sifting Thyme - I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t my favorite high school otome game.  And I thought long and hard about the many other games I’ve played. And I have played a lot of high school romance/dating sim games ☠️ But this one takes the cake!!--and because food is involved, pun intended. If I could have played this in one sitting I totally would have.

An Everyday Love - Check the tags on this blog. I never shut up about this game. Seriously. 

Butterfly Soup 2 - Sequel’s only been out for like 2 months and I’m already begging for a third.  

Blanket Cat & Teacup - The first is a cozy visual novel that gives storybook/ younger me watching Reading Rainbow vibes, and the second is a puzzle, point and click narrative about an introverted frog girl who needs to get tea ingredients for her party, and both these games reminded me of the healing power of gaming. 

Still Shinning - Simply and lovely in its execution. I need to check out this dev’s other titles as well!

Portrait of a Texas Family - If you play no other games on this list, play this one. I don’t have any better words other than “I love it” and “this family and their love and their worry stick with you”.

Dusk & Dawn - SFHJSHFJSEJE THIS WAS SO GOOD LIKE WHAAA??? Black female MC, demi rep, superheroes, 2 dating options, multiple endings/dead ends, ughhh this game had it all. The only thing stopping it from being perfect is a sequel. And no, there’s no announced sequel so we can sulk together...

Fully Released (& still on 1st playthrough)

Wylde Flowers - I suck at farming sims in general, but this game has a special place in my heart. It’s the definition of charming + cozy and it was made to be played in bed so shoutout to the Switch port!!

ValiDate: Struggling Singles in your Area - I want to go in depth about this game when I’ve played all or majority of the routes, but for now just know I also believe this game was made for playing in bed LOL.

Gemi’s Gushies

(a list within a list of games that have devs trucking along in the background and I want to spotlight for y’all)

Band Camp Boyfriend

Ise and Kai

The Closet Door

Herotome

College Craze

Trouble Comes Twice

[less-than-three-3]

Cereza and the Lost Demon is so beautiful

I’m going to be totally honest, I partially bought this game out of spite because people were being really annoying about how “it didn’t look worth the price” and “it isn’t bayonetta so it’s bad :/” (I was interested in it too but that definitely catalyzed it lol)

Were they right? Ok, I think it’s kind of a cop out answer, but I think “if this type of game looks up your alley” then it totally is worth it, and it really carves its niche out fairly well. No it’s not bayonetta but like.... obviously not lmao? Funnily enough, actually, amidst the revival of the dumb “give me back old zelda” with totk on the horizon, I think this game hits a lot of the notes of the more linear temple-centric zeldas... 

It’s also a very pretty game in many ways, honestly possibly one of the most aesthetically appealing games on the switch overall, though I do have my gripes with gameplay. Full thoughts below, with minor spoilers so be warned.

I’m just going to start with what I loved about it, because if I dig into the gameplay first it’ll come off worse than it is, because my only real complaints were gameplay-related. The music was absolutely gorgeous and always so fitting, and the adaptations of music from the mainline games to this new aesthetic were done excellently. It might honestly be my favorite bayonetta soundtrack, and I really like those soundtracks. From fully orchestrated, lush environments, to more jovial lighthearted moments, to serious heartwrenching developments, the soundtrack covers everything so well. 

The art, too, was great. In addition to the painted artstyle, they do the thing that I fucking love in animation where there’s like a still textured background, and as the characters move, they like, move past the background? I don’t know what to call it, and the internet doesn’t know what to call it, but if you’ve seen Chowder or Gankutskuou you know exactly what I’m talking about lol. The painted aesthetic also lends itself to like actually creative uses more than just looking pretty too, most notably a part at the very end that was so touching, when you play it you’ll know what I mean. If there’s any small nitpick it’s just that the storybook format of cutscenes leads to just a few “stiff” moments? But it’s like totally understandable. 

That said, I loved the cozy storybook narration and framing, and I honestly don’t really get when people say it’s tonally inconsistent with bayonetta (I’m going to avoid the worst case explanation of this). The mythological vibes, for lack of a better word, are still extremely present, so people must just dislike that it’s a story about Cereza as a young girl? Because like obviously she isn’t going to be a badass, sexy witch as like, a 12 year old, but it’s not like the game moves the needle in the complete opposite direction and becomes a super cutesy wholesome 100 vibe. The vibe is, like I said, cozy, mythical, maybe whimsical, and yeah it’s at a slightly slower pace than the mainline games, but it’s not so out of the question, especially for a game exploring the journey of a young Cereza.

Her journey is not the deepest thing in the world, really, and it is kind of in part due to the set up of the game, where you have to collect these four elemental cores to unlock powers and get to the heart of the forest. Kind of like zelda, in a way. There are a couple twists and turns, but I think the main element is the growth of Cereza and Cheshire, independently and together. There are some tropey elements for sure, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t still tear up after certain events occur.

And speaking of zelda, I really felt like the overall gameplay loop was very reminiscent of that kind of style, but with a twist. As you traverse through each region, there are obstacles that serve as “puzzles” to solve to continue your path forward, sometimes using some mechanic that you may get in the future (there are literally bomb flowers lol), and then you get the upgrade, and solve more puzzles or traverse new types of land with the powers you unlocked. And of course, there are Tir na nOgs which, like literally everyone says, are pretty much semi-required shrines from BotW. Many of them presented interesting puzzles, some of them were just like tests of strength?? (like botw!) And of course this is all on top of the unique control scheme of controlling both Cereza and Cheshire with each side of the controller which certainly takes a good bit to get used to. The parts where you have both characters separately doing different tasks were really fun.

But, honestly, I felt like there wasn’t enough of that. Like I said there was a lot of combat trials, and honestly, even though I really did enjoy the combat, I almost wished there was less of it? There is a lot of fluidity possible between the 5 different stances Cheshire can get, and light and heavy combos, as well as bind combos, but besides that the enemies were hardly really that threatening (outside the bosses, which were certainly very cool fights) so it just felt more like an annoyance beyond the honeymoon period after I unlock a new skill. And it felt like it took away time from doing puzzles, which I wouldn’t call sparse but I would call just a little deficient. Maybe it’s because it’s relatively short, or the difficulty was designed to a younger audience? And as a result, I really didn’t feel like I wanted to go back to find the other Tir na nOgs, because their main reward was getting spirit orbs fragments of health, which I didn’t really feel was super necessary. And that’s a shame, because maybe I did miss out on some really cool puzzles. There are also upgrade materials for special skills Cereza and Cheshire can get, but I felt like I more or less got the ones I got from the materials I could get more conveniently. Overall it just kind of felt, both from a combat and puzzle standpoint, that they could have and maybe should have really fleshed it out more and get those gears turning. 

I also just would like to mention that the opening of the game felt glacially slow. Not just like introductory stuff, but pretty much everything until your skill tree gets unlocked (and you get your first elemental core relatively soon thereafter). I think I get why, because they not only want to actually set the exposition and I felt that was paced fine, but also let people get used to the dual stick movement once you get to control Cheshire. But man the base combat without any additional upgrades is not that interesting, and the very early puzzles were, obviously, pretty simple to ease you into it. I absolutely think after that part, things start to really open up and feel much much better, but that opening segment has gotta be like, a couple hours or so. 

Besides those gripes, though, I do think it’s at least a very visually pretty game with great music and a cozy story and setting, and the gameplay, if you’re vaguely interested in a game like this, definitely works well. While the extra chapter of this game does tie into Bayonetta 3, a game that I actually still haven’t played and am not planning to play soon, oops, the actual main story is fully independent. So regardless of if you’ve played a bayo game or not, if you think you’d like it, or if you’re one of those people who just really really wants old dungeons back in zelda, then I’d recommend it. Not my favorite, but a solid spinoff that I think they could really expand upon.

[satoshi-mochida]

Story-driven adventure game Saltsea Chronicles announced for PS5, Switch, and PC

Gematsu Source

Die Gute Fabrik has announced choose your own adventure game Saltsea Chronicles for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC (Steam). It will launch in 2023.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Saltsea Chronicles is a new story-driven adventure game from the award-winning indie studio Die Gute Fabrik (Mutazione, Sportsfriends).

Captain Maja’s misfit crew must heist their impounded ship and mount a rescue. Guide the crew across islands of a post-flood world known as ‘Saltsea’. Explore strange and wonderful communities, uncover a deep conspiracy, choose where to go and which crew members to investigate with, and chart a journey through twists and turns, difficulties and delights.

A Post-Flood World

Visit different island communities as you investigate the mystery at the heart of the game. Each built on pre-flood ruins—in beautiful and beguiling ways.

As you explore you will uncover different pathways through a rich and varied series of islands. This flooded world, betrayed by the so-called Hoarders, barely remembers a time before the Flood. They rebuilt on the ruins of what came before, and new talents and technologies took the place of the old. Many surprises await!

Choose Your Priorities

In Saltsea Chronicles you guide the entire crew through the story. As well as investigating the mystery of your captain’s disappearance, you will uncover secrets, create and resolve tensions between the crew, and add to your number as you meet others who ask to join you.

Each chapter, you pick which island to visit and who to send on the expedition. Your choices will unlock different content, develop relationships, and give you a chance to resolve (and create) tensions within the crew.

With a lightning-fast navigation system, you’re free to hop around the islands as you explore. Choose between short and snappy observations, or dig deep into conversations with your crewmate or the locals, exploring the islands across different times of day.

Uncover a Conspiracy

Was your captain kidnapped? Or did she leave of her own free will? Keep track of the mystery in Murl’s Log and collect records of your encounters as stickers in the Almanac.

Different playthroughs will take you to different islands, introduce different characters and have dramatic consequences for your crew. You can replay from any chapter and branch your save file to meet new crew members, explore different communities and trace alternative pathways through the rich and gripping story.

Themes

From an award-winning and diverse writersroom—with experience in Young Adult fiction, film, theatre, poetry, and games—Saltsea Chronicles imagines a rich world where communities have rebuilt in the aftermath of disaster, creating a new society of connection, resilience and hope—but one still troubled by the universal questions of how to live together through conflict and change. This wide-reaching story game traces meaningful themes with humour, lightness of touch, and care.

Key Features

Distinctive Print-Inspired Art Style – A unique art style inspired by risograph print techniques brings a storybook aesthetic to the fantasy-tinged world of Saltsea Chronicles, brought to life with beautiful bespoke animation.

Try Your Hand at Spoils – Spoils is a trick-taking card game from the world of Saltsea Chronicles. Play cards with each local community, but watch out—some islands have their own house rules!

An Original Soundtrack by Eli Rainsberry – IGF-nominated composer and sound artist Eli Rainsberry (No Longer Home, A Monster’s Expedition) presents a musically hybrid score and soundscape guided by the spaces and characters of Saltsea Chronicles.

Navigate the Drama as Well as the Seas – Tensions between crew members are represented by Issues, small ‘relationships quests’ you can track, resolve, or, sometimes, just have to leave unsolved.

[emilysworldoffandoms]

Books I Read in 2022

1. Beast Boy Loves Raven By Kami Garcia & Gabriel Picolo 2. Dear Girl By Aija Mayrock 3. A Fire Like You By Upile Chisala 4. Nectar By Upile Chisala 5. Soft Magic By Upile Chisala 6. As If On Cue By Marisa Kanter 7. Heartstopper Volume 4 By Alice Oseman 8. Address Unknown By Katherine Kressmann Taylor 9. Ariel By Sylvia Plath 10. Heart Talk By Cleo Wade 11. At Somerton: Cinders & Sapphires By Leila Rasheed 12. At Somerton: Diamonds & Deceit By Leila Rasheed 13. Unlock Your Storybook Heart By Amanda Lovelace 14. Instructions for Dancing By Nicola Yoon 15. Martita, I Remember You By Sandra Cisneros 16. Brown Girls By Daphne Palasi Andreades 17. Here's to Us By Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera 18. Counting by 7s By Holly Goldberg Sloan 19. The Summer I Turned Pretty By Jenny Han 20. It's Not Summer Without You By Jenny Han 21. We'll Always Have Summer By Jenny Han 22. Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood By Melissa Wagner & Fred Rogers 23. Gained a Daughter But Nearly Lost My Mind: How I Planned a Backyard Wedding During a Pandemic By Marlene Kern Fischer 24. At Somerton: Emeralds & Ashes By Leila Rasheed 25. Café Con Lychee By Emery Lee 26. The Book Tour By Andi Watson 27. God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian By Kurt Vonnegut 28. Yoga Pant Nation By Laurie Gelman 29. Mr. Malcolm's List By Suzanne Allain 30. Miss Lattimore's Letter By Suzanne Allain 31. The Road Between By Courtney Peppernell 32. Enough Rope By Dorothy Parker 33. My Favorite Half-Night Stand By Christina Lauren 34. Smells Like Tween Spirit By Laurie Gelman 35. How to Be a Wallflower By Eloisa James 36. Be Like the Moon By Levi Welton 37. Morality for Muggles: Ethics in the Bible and the World of Harry Potter By Moshe Rosenberg 38. 84, Charing Cross Road By Helene Hanff 39. Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating By Christina Lauren 40. The Matchmaker By Thornton Wilder 41. The Cheat Sheet By Sarah Adams 42. All-of-a-Kind Family By Sydney Taylor (Re-read) 43. Shadow Angel Book One By Leia Stone & Julie Hall 44. Spooky America: The Ghostly Tales of Sleepy Hollow By Jessa Dean 45. Needle & Thread By David Pinckney, Ennun Ana Iurov, Micah Myers 46. Good Game, Well Played By Rachael Smith, Katherine Lobo, Justin Birch 47. Home Sick Pilots By Dan Walters & Caspar Wijngaard 48. Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard By Tom Felton 49. Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley By Jonathan Kruk 50. Heartless Prince By Leigh Dragoon 51. A Contract with God By Will Eisner 52. Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American By Laura Gao 53. Blackwater By Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham 54. Woman World By Aminder Dhaliwal 55. In Real Life By Cory Doctorow & Jen Wang 56. Lore Olympus Volume 1 By Rachel Smythe 57. Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword By Barry Deutsch 58. Persuasion By Jane Austen 59. Devil in Disguise By Lisa Kleypas 60. Shadow Angel Book Two By Leia Stone & Julie Hall 61. Lore Olympus Volume 2 By Rachel Smythe 62. Talk to My Back By Yamada Murasaki 63. How I Saved Hanukkah By Amy Goldman Koss 64. Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet By Barbara Dee 65. Shadow Angel Book Three By Leia Stone & Julie Hall 66. The Matzah Ball By Jean Meltzer 67. Canción By Eduardo Halfon 68. Leopoldstadt By Tom Stoppard 69. Say Yes to the Duke By Eloisa James 70. Winter Roses after Fall By Robert M. Drake & r.h. Sin 71. Roomies By Christina Lauren 72. Falling Toward the Moon By Robert M. Darake & r.h. Sin 73. Empty Bottles Full of Stories By Robert M. Drake & r.h. Sin

[claricezillerauthor]

A Grand Adventure Where Wonder and Self-Discovery Collide 

"Giovanna Hart: The Call of Laniwai"

Imagine a world where shimmering rivers sparkle with jewel-toned stones, their names whispered on the wind – emerald, ruby, sapphire. This isn't a dream; it's the reality Giovanna finds herself in after stepping through a magical rainbow named Tomé. "Giovanna Hart: The Call of Laniwai" by Clarice Ziller isn't just a story; it's an invitation to escape the ordinary and embark on a delightful adventure unlike any other.

Giovanna, a spirited 10-year-old, embodies the struggles many children face – the sting of isolation, the monotony of routine. But all that changes with the arrival of Tomé, a vibrant rainbow that whisks her away to Laniwai, a land brimming with fantastical creatures and exhilarating experiences. This isn't your average vacation destination; it's a playground for the imagination, a world where the extraordinary becomes commonplace.

Following the Call of Laniwai, Giovanna sheds her boredom and loneliness like an old cloak. Gone is the sadness that clung to her during the pandemic's isolation. In its place, a sense of wonder takes root as she explores shimmering rivers and encounters creatures from a storybook. Remember those childhood moments spent crafting fantastical worlds in your backyard? Laniwai embodies that spirit of imagination, transforming make-believe into a tangible reality.

This adventure, however, isn't just about frolicking in rivers of gemstones. Laniwai isn't for the faint of heart. It's a world that demands courage and resourcefulness. Giovanna, now known as Nannah in this fantastical realm, faces challenges that test her newfound spirit. Remember the thrill of deciphering a secret map or conquering a backyard obstacle course? Laniwai offers a thrilling escalation of those childhood adventures, pushing Nannah to confront her fears and discover a wellspring of inner strength.

But fear not, for Nannah doesn't face these challenges alone. Along the way, she encounters a vibrant cast of characters – mischievous pixies, wise old giants – each bringing their own unique personality to the story. These friendships become a source of support and laughter, a reminder that even the most daring adventures are best shared with companions.

The real magic of "Giovanna Hart" lies in its ability to capture the essence of a ten-year-old's imagination. The story is infused with a sense of lighthearted fun, a reminder that life is meant to be an exciting adventure, not a monotonous slog. As you journey with Nannah, you'll find yourself reminiscing about those childhood days when every day held the potential for discovery, when the world seemed boundless and brimming with possibilities.

"Giovanna Hart: The Call of Laniwai" transcends the boundaries of a children's book. It's a story that resonates with readers of all ages. It is a book that will remind us to embrace the wonder in the world around us. It's a call to break free from the mundane and rediscover the joy of exploration, the thrill of the unknown. 

So, step through the shimmering portal of Tomé alongside Nannah and let the magic of Laniwai reignite your sense of wonder, love, hope, and courage. 

Remember, life is supposed to be light and fun, and sometimes, the greatest adventures begin with a single, curious step into the extraordinary. 

So, are you ready to take a leap? Get your copy of Giovanna’s adventure from Amazon!

About the book:

In this first book of a trilogy, Meet Giovanna, a spirit 10-year-old stuck at home who is whisked away to Laniwai, a land of adventures, by a magical rainbow. On this quest to Pearl City, she faces fantastical creatures and unlocks courage she never knew she had. This heartwarming story teaches us all about the magic of childhood and the value of discovering and believing in ourselves.

[elvinmendoza]

In the Heart of Winter: A Journey Through Shirakawago

📍Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan

In the embrace of the Hida Mountains, Shirakawago unfolds like a storybook village under a white blanket. The gassho-zukuri houses, with their steep thatched roofs, stand testament to the ingenuity of past generations.

Shared Warmth Despite the chill, the village’s heart beats warm with shared moments and smiles that light up the frosty air.

Traveler’s Tips for Winter

Dress in Layers: The key to comfort is layering your clothing. Start with thermal wear and build up to a waterproof outer layer.

Footwear: Choose waterproof boots with good grip for snowy paths.

Stay Hydrated: Cold weather can be deceptive; keep drinking water.

Check Weather Forecasts: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.Respect the Environment: Stick to marked paths to preserve the natural beauty.

Unlock exclusive discounts on tours, transportation, and accommodations with Klook using the promo code ELVINMENDOZA!

Klook: https://go.elvinmendoza.com/klook

For more travel contents visit: