#welcome to the next level! 💚

[zepskies]

BREAKING POINT - Part 1

Pairing: Russell Shaw x Reader

Summary: Russell made you a promise, but “getting out” of government contract work is even more difficult than he thought it would be. Is he willing to put the past aside, or is this going to be your breaking point?

AN: Welcome back to the Every Second Counts-verse! After the cliffhanger in Bubbly, I know you guys have been wanting this next part of their story. Get ready for a rocky ride — in two parts! 😅 (Also thank you again for all the birthday wishes. You guys are the best. 🥹💜)

Special thanks to the lovely Michelle - @luci-in-trenchcoats - for giving me tons of Tracker spoilers from the books that helped me shape the idea for BP! Both Michelle and Wayne - @waynes-multiverse have been incredibly encouraging and supportive in this one. 💚

Song Inspo: “Come in From the Night” by Chicago

Posted on Patreon: 3/28/2025

Word Count: 6.8K

Tags/Warnings: Fluff, angst, secrets and lies of omission, hints of Russell’s shady past, 2x02 events, and a twist…

⌖ Series Masterlist

Part 1: One Step Ahead of the Past

You paused in the middle of the grocery store aisle when you heard the thump. Yet another item dropped into the shopping cart.

You turned your head from the display of buy-one-get-one coffee brands and rose a brow at your boyfriend, trying not to smile.

“Uh, no. I don’t think so,” you said, grabbing the box of Zebra Cakes out of the cart.

“Aw, come on,” Russell implored.

“Babe, Dory and I call these cancer cakes. And you know what, for a guy who somehow keeps in like, Super Soldier-level shape, you’ve got a mega sweet tooth for all things junk,” you teased, and then smiled hard when he snaked an arm around your waist to try and distract you. You knew what he was really aiming for.

“Super soldier, huh?” A smirk curved his lips. “We talkin’ Captain America or Schwarzenegger?”

You laughed and tried to wiggle out of his grip. He had you trapped against the handles of the cart. He sneakily clawed a hand for the cartoonish black and white box of treats, but you held it just out of reach.

“If we have these in the house, you know I’m gonna eat them too, and it’s all just going to go straight to my ass, stomach, and thighs,” you quipped.

Russell hummed a kiss into your neck.

“I got no issue with that.” He squeezed your hips. “Just makes you softer to tenderize.”

A hot blush lit up your face, especially when an older lady gave you two some side-eye as she passed by with her cart. You bit your lip to temper your embarrassed smile, but you still reached back to pinch Russell’s side in retaliation. He just laughed and dodged your hand, ultimately wrapping his arms tighter around your waist.

“It’s true,” he whispered lowly in your ear.

“Hmph, I’m sure,” you replied in amusement. 

Despite your better judgment, you tossed the Zebra Cakes back into the cart and kept it pushing, literally. Russell’s pleased grin had you almost rolling your eyes. Yes, he knew how to play you like a fiddle.

You grabbed a couple packages of Gevalia coffee and continued down the aisle, but you didn’t realize that your shadow had disappeared. Russell caught up to you after a little while, withdrawing a peach cobbler from behind his back. It was from the bakery section. Another goddamn dessert?! And how’d he get over there and back so fast?

“I know I might be pushing my luck, but what about this guy for tonight?” he asked. “At least it’s homemade, right?”

You chuckled. “Yeah, homemade. Right from the factory that delivered it to the grocery store.”

But you sighed and relented on that one too, waving a dismissive hand. Eh, it’s on sale. Pick your battles, I guess.

Russell took that as consent to place the cobbler carefully next to the carrots, broccoli, and asparagus. He was slightly mollified by the bag of potatoes.

“That’s a lot of rabbit food,” he remarked.

“Oh yeah, and it’s gonna go great with the steaks tonight,” you sweetly replied. You knew the only way you were going to get him to eat said broccoli was if he had a slab of meat to go with it. Again, pick your battles. Your man was many things, but health-conscious wasn’t exactly one of them. It surprised you, considering he’d spent most of his life in the military.

“Heeeeell, yeah. With the special sauce, right?” he asked hopefully.

“Yes, with the special sauce,” you smirked.

And no, that wasn’t a euphemism.

Russell smiled, that one that crinkled the crow’s feet around his eyes. His hand fell to a comfortable place on the small of your back as he fell into step with you. It was his habit whenever you two went out together—a familiar hand on your hip, your waist, or brushing your hair back to massage the back of your neck. You liked the contact; the reminder that he was with you, and that he wanted to be.

But his touch fell away after you entered the cereal aisle. You did hear a short buzz, but you didn’t notice until you were almost at the end, halfway through asking if he wanted oatmeal or Fruit Loops. When you realized you were talking to empty air, you looked over your shoulder and saw Russell stopped in the middle of the aisle, staring down at his phone with knitted brows.

His attention was wholly on the screen, where a brief message held more weight than it should.

Are you in?

Russell kept digesting the words.  

“Russ?” you called to him, breaking him out of his reverie. “What’re you doing?”

Shit. He typed out a reply, and he sent it before he could think better of it. He pocketed his phone and caught up to you in a few of his long strides, his long hair bouncing along with him. His hand slipped around your waist and found purchase on a belt loop of your jeans. 

“So with our soon-to-be three course meal, what’cha thinking on a movie? Wanna watch Terminator again?” he proposed.

You rose a brow at three courses, but you skipped ahead to pushing back on said proposal. 

“God, no. We watched all six movies last weekend!” 

“Aw, come on, get to the choppah!” Russell invoked his best Arnold impression, prodding at your waist all the while. Never mind that the line was from Predator, not Terminator.

You flinched, and a giggle bubbled up in you on reflex as you swatted at his hand. You pushed the cart onward to the checkout counter. 

“All right, just the first one though,” you replied. “Then I want to watch Bridesmaids.”

He playfully groaned. “Gonna make me sit through another chick flick, huh?”

“Oh no. It’s hilarious,” you said with a snicker. “Though maybe it is better if we watch that one after dinner. There’s a scene with food poisoning from some sketchy-ass meat and…yeah. Anyway, you’ll like it, baby. I promise.”

Russell gave you an indulgent smile, but inside, he hid a guilty twinge. 

“What was your favorite thing to eat growing up?” you asked.

Russell was helping you unpack the groceries in the kitchen in a familiar routine. He’d been living with you for almost a year now, and still, little questions like this sometimes helped you get a window into the man.

Key word being sometimes, because even now, he considered your question with more uncertainty than it should warrant.

"You mean, uh, on the compound?" he asked.

"Sure." You'd take any brief spotlight into his childhood.

“Uh…kind of hard to answer that one. We mostly ate whatever wild game we could catch,” he admitted. “A lot of rabbit. Which honestly wasn’t my favorite, but I learned to like it.”

He soon abandoned that thought to take out the peach cobbler from a grocery bag with a devilish cackle. You knew by the boyish look on his face that he’d be cutting at least two generous slices out of that one later.

“Maybe that explains why you’re such a foodie,” you wondered aloud. Because your man didn’t just like food. He was borderline obsessed with trying new spots with you, whether it was an upscale restaurant on the bougiest part of downtown, or a sketchy taco truck on the side of the freeway.

“Could be,” he acknowledged with a chuckle.

“What was it like having to hunt for your own food?” you asked. You’d studied history and ancient civilizations for both of your doctoral degrees, let alone your experience as a professor at Wyoming University, but studying hunter-gatherer communities was much different from having to learn how to survive for your next meal.

Russell set down the cobbler on the counter. He took advantage of the task of grabbing the vegetables next, handing them off to you so you could sort them the way you liked in the refrigerator.

“Wasn’t easy,” he said, “My dad was a taskmaster. And that wasn’t just about skinning rabbits and squirrels.”

You grimaced. “Squirrels too?!”

Russell nodded.

“We had these milestones…” he trailed, as the memory reappeared in his mind. “Heh. I remember being woken up and dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. Dad had me scale a cliff in almost pitch blackness. Couldn’t see the ground below me, could barely see a few inches above me. Was the day I turned thirteen years old.”

You paused what you were doing to meet his gaze. Jesus. Happy fucking Birthday, you thought, both in sarcasm and incredulous dismay.

Russell sighed and shook his head. He continued balling up empty grocery bags.

“That. That look right there,” he said, pointing at your face. “That’s why I don’t talk about this shit.”

You quickly recovered yourself and shut the fridge.

“I’m sorry, it’s just…” You turned to him and laid a hand on his forearm, sliding down to slip your hand into his. “I’ve given you the deep cuts, right? And my brother has no problem spilling all about my awkward teenage angst, and basically every embarrassing thing I’ve ever done since I was two. But with you, there’s still so much I don’t know, Russ. Not just about how you grew up, but about your life since then.”

Russell brushed his thumb over the back of your hand, but all he could really give you was a quirk of his lips.

“That’s classified,” he said, only somewhat joking.

“Look, I get that. I know there’s a lot you can’t tell me,” you said, “but give me the broad strokes, okay? Besides Doug, who have been the important people in your life? Where were you stationed? How many countries have you seen?”

Russell let out a deep breath. None of your questions had easy answers. He knew he needed to give you something, even if it was just broad strokes. But…he just couldn’t bring himself to look back anymore. There was too much tied to things he couldn’t, shouldn’t tell you. Mostly it was for your own safety, but selfishly, there were also things he didn’t want to let loose. If he did, maybe it would change the way you looked at him with those soft, loving eyes. 

“Look, maybe that’s not something we should get into tonight,” he said. 

 Your expression shifted into disappointment. You seemed to be making that face a lot lately, whenever he told you about another job out of town, whenever he didn't come home when he initially said he would, whenever he closed up on you.

But this time, you closed up on him.

“You know what, it’s been a long day. I think I’m feeling too tired to cook,” you said. You tossed the wad of empty grocery bags under the kitchen sink and passed by him on your way out of the room, and over to the bedroom.

Russell blinked in confusion. 

“Well, wait, what’re we gonna eat then?” he called after you.

“I don’t know. Make yourself a sandwich,” you said, just before he heard the door shut.

The loud thud made him sigh through his nose. He surveyed the ingredients you’d intended to cook with strewn across the kitchen counter and rubbed a hand over his bearded face. 

“Shoulda saved that conversation for after dinner,” he mused.

You and Russell were still at odds as you got ready for bed that night. After what happened in the kitchen, you cooled off for a bit. You did end up making the steaks and watching Terminator with him, but afterward, you went back to the bedroom to read by yourself, leaving him to watch old reruns of Seinfeld on TBS.

It was never really the same without you and your colorful commentary, or the way you often burrowed into his side and commandeered most of the couch. (He didn’t mind, long as he got to cop a feel every now and then.)

He could read you all too well though. He knew you were still mad at him.

He now eyed you in your silky negligée, which he thought you’d worn to bed on purpose just to torture him a little. It was the pretty purple one with lacy edges. He bought it for you while you two were on vacation in California a few months ago. 

Russell’s phone buzzing on his nightstand distracted him. He checked it before you had a chance to see what was on the screen. It was from his handler at Horizon, detailing a string of coordinates for his next gig—plus a ticket for his flight taking off in two days. Russell planned to tell you tomorrow after you cooled off a little more, though he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. 

He tried slipping into bed behind you and wrapping his arm around your waist, kissing your bare shoulder. He nosed past the thin strap of your nightgown and inhaled the pretty, floral scent of your soap…which he totally didn’t use himself.

“Nuh-uh,” you warned without even looking at him. It was a firm no on the touching, to which Russell exhaled and leaned back on his pillow, carding a hand through his hair. 

“Come on, baby. How long’re you gonna ice me out?”

“Until I actually know the man who’s in bed with me,” you snipped back testily.

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Russell said. He drew back in and kissed the side of your head, rubbing a hand down your shoulder. “You already know the important bits.”

“Oh, yeah? Like what?” you dryly replied. It was a struggle not to give into his touch, but this wasn’t the first time you two had a conversation, verging on argument about these things.  

He knew it all too well.

Still, he hesitated. Like what? How I’ve spent a long time doing what I’m told, and not a lot of asking questions. Probably not as much as I should’ve.

He shook his head. “I’m not gonna lie, I’ve seen a lot of shit that would blow your hair back. But even though my growing up was…unconventional, to say the least, it’s made me good at what I do. Most importantly though…” He pressed another gentle, lingering kiss into your neck. “This is where I want to be. You’re the one I wanna move forward with.”

He felt you take a long breath. He hoped it meant that you were hearing him, that you were softening.

“How are you going to do that when you’re away on another job?” you asked. 

Russell paused. 

You moved away from his hold and sat up in bed. He followed suit as he noted the look on your face, tired and upset. His brows furrowed, despite the prickle of guilt bubbling under his skin.

“What’re you talking about?” he said.

“Don’t even try it. I saw the coordinates pop up on your phone just now!” you snapped, and you make a sound of frustration, rubbing your face with both hands. “You promised me, Russell. You promised you’d be done with contract work months ago now. So what is it? Is it that you need more money for your brewery?”

Russell swallowed. The truth was, he’d made the target goal on his business account months ago, but he’d also found one reason or another to accept the last few jobs out of town. There was pressure from Horizon to stay on. They didn’t want to lose a valuable “contractor,” after all. But it was also his own unwillingness to give up the feeling of knowing exactly what he was doing, what he had been trained to do, and secretly, the way his work kept him on the edge. 

That flip in the stomach that forced him to make decisions in the breadth of a second? 

Well, it was a hard feeling to give up, and an even harder life.  

He rubbed a hand over his face with a tired sigh.

“Look, it’s more complicated than that,” he said. 

“You know what, I don’t think it is,” you shot back. “I think you’re a lot like Charlie, except this—this kind of work is your fix.”

The accusation stung like a hot iron poker. Russell opened his mouth to sling back a retort, even though he knew your aim was deadly when you wanted it to be.

You just turned away from him and shut off the light. 

In the morning, Russell woke to your side of the bed being cold and empty. It made him feel hollow, shitty, after the events of last night reared back up in his mind. 

He lied there between the sheets and listened. He could hear your familiar movements in the kitchen. Letting out a deep breath, he forced himself out of bed. 

After brushing his teeth and raking a hand through his messy bedhead, he cautiously approached the kitchen. Russell lingered in the doorway just outside of view. He found himself watching you putter around in your little nightgown, fuzzy slippers, and frizzy hair. Your fingers got tangled in it while your free hand grabbed the eggs from the fridge, your hip propping the door open. 

You’d made a pot of coffee and even set out his mug for him, as was your habit. Your own mug laid half-empty on the counter. His mug was somewhat special, though not just because it currently had a spoon resting inside it, ready for his sugar and cream.

You bought it for him last time you blew half your paycheck at Marshalls; a home goods store he could rarely drag you out of within an hour. That mug featured all the major condiments, including sriracha, which was what made you think of him. It matched the sweatpants you found for him, covered in cartoony fries and burgers. 

They might’ve been silly gifts, but he liked that. He liked that you thought of him in the little things that somehow added up into the big things. They reminded him that you’d given him a chance. You’d given him home cooked meals, and let him make you a few too. You’d watched virtually every popular ‘90s movie that had ever been made with him—or at least, every one you thought he’d might like. You had a list of the 2000s to tackle next. 

You were an encouraging sounding board for him, whether it was talking about what he’d serve on the menu of his future brewery, brainstorming names, or even looking up what paperwork he would need to get started. You’d also been helping him navigate his relationship with Dory, and your brother Charlie, and even Colter, whenever Russell’s still admittedly distant relationship with his brother came up.

Russell washed your car and took out the trash and washed the dishes whenever you cooked, but standing here right now, it finally clicked just how much you actually did for him. How much you cared, and put your actions behind the caring part. You’d given him a place to come home to after decades in service, and years more on the road.

Hell, you were his home. You and his sister.

But now, he realized why you were so upset. You thought he had one foot off of the firm foundation you were trying to build with him. You thought he wasn’t wanting to fully commit here, to you, and to the things he claimed he wanted. You were struggling to understand him.

So Russell entered the kitchen officially, padding in on sock-covered feet until he could slip his arms around you from behind. You stiffened in his grasp and turned to look at him over your shoulder. 

“Russ,” you warned, but he shook his head. 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said. “You were right.”

You paused, allowing the fridge to close. Slowly you turned in his arms. You bit your lower lip and granted him a dubious gaze. Still, he counted it as a win when you tentatively held him back, slipping your hands over his biceps for stability. 

“About what?” you rose a brow in challenge.

“I’m gonna start shopping around for real estate here in Laramie, but first, I’m gonna start making moves on the business proposal for the brewery. Would you mind looking it over for me?” he asked. 

Your head tilted as you considered what he was saying, as well as what he wasn’t saying.

“But aren’t you…leaving?” 

“I’m not taking that job,” Russell said. “I’m calling Horizon today, tell ‘em I’m retiring. For good this time.”

It took a while, but his words seeped into your mind and settled there on the ocean floor. Tears began to sting in your eyes, but you nodded and reached up on your toes for a sweet, lingering kiss. You stroked his cheeks and slipped your fingers through his hair when you hugged him. He held you back just as tightly. 

He knew he hadn’t given you everything you asked for, but this felt like a good start.

Russell expected the call at some point, but half an hour was a new record. It was a Saturday, and he made sure you were busy in the laundry room before he took the call in your brother’s old room—AKA: Russell’s office. 

Charlie had been out of rehab for a few months now, rooming with Manny, one of his old unit buddies. Your brother agreed to leave the family house to you though, since you’d always been the stable one who could actually take care of the mortgage and the general upkeep of the house. Russell joined Charlie and his friends for beers every so often, either at Charlie’s apartment, or a new bar close to downtown. 

They traded stories and friendly fire at one another, Russell from his side of the branch in Special Ops, to Charlie and his friends in the Air Force. Dave and Manny could be especially loud-mouthed when tequila was involved, but Russell welcomed the good-natured ribbing with a few good pot shots of his own (he was still a little proud of “glorified flight attendants”).  

Now though, Russell held the phone to his ear and greeted the man on the other line.

“Hey, man. What’s up?” 

“What’s up?” Adam intoned. “‘What’s up’ is that you’re leaving us high and dry, Russ. What’s that about?” 

“Look, you know this was never a permanent gig for me,” Russell replied, speaking quietly just in case you were close by. “It’s high time I took a break, settled down, you know?”

Adam snorted. “You don’t have a civilian fucking bone in your body, Russell.”

“Well, that’s nice. I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

“Look, you’re the best man I ever worked with. The best CO I ever had. You pulled my ass outta the fire more times than I’d care to admit,” Adam said, “but you remember that last tour?”

Russell sobered. “You know I do.”

“And you remember what I had to do to get us out of that mess. Out of Nicaragua.”

Not like you’d ever let me forget it, Russell thought. Though it was nothing he didn’t see behind his eyes when he went to sleep.

“But when I got this gig, and they asked me who I’d recruit, you’re the first guy I thought of,” Adam said. “Well, you and Dougie. He fucking quit on me too.” 

Russell was happy for Doug. He and his wife just had their first baby a few months ago. One chunky little boy. 

“Look,” Russell said. “I’m grateful for…everything, you know that. But this is just something I gotta do. I’ve got other responsibilities now.”

“Yeah. How is your girl, huh? Been wanting to grab a beer with you, maybe get to finally meet her.”

Russell’s lips twitched. He didn’t talk about you as a rule, not to anyone in Horizon. Aside from Doug, Adam was the only one on the payroll who knew Russell’s real name, let alone about you. This was supposed to be a secure line though. 

“She’s waiting on me, Adam. Can’t keep doin’ that to her,” Russell replied. 

After a while, Adam sighed. 

“All right, Russ. I hear ya. I’m fucked, but I hear ya.”

“You’ll be fine,” Russell smirked. “You’ll find someone young and fresh off the meat market.”

Adam scoffed. “Right. These kids. Half of ‘em anxiety ridden pussies or juvie fucking flunkies. Can’t hack even half the shit we went through in basic, let alone eight months in Baghdad.”

That led into familiar territory. Russell shot the shit with his old friend for a few more minutes before he finally let Adam go. The phone hung from Russell’s hand after, and he expelled a sigh. He felt a twinge of regret, like he was letting go of hell of a lot more. 

After he left home and enlisted, it didn’t just become his life. It became who he was. Both his body and his mind were shaped by the structure of the chain of command, the mission, the follow-through. Muscle-memory.

Putting that aside had been harder than he imagined. After all, what the hell was he, if not a soldier?

Russell wrestled with that question longer than he cared to admit. It even had him getting up from his desk to consult a glass of bourbon he kept on the bookshelf. 

…It’s for the best, he reasoned. 

Even now, Russell didn’t get to see his little sister as often as he liked. Their work kept them moving in different directions, her busy teaching schedule not often gelling well with his more unpredictable one. But today, a Tuesday, he was taking her to lunch between classes.

She stopped short in the doorway of her office.

“Oh! Damn, I forgot…”

She meant to invite you too, but when she took her cell phone out to call you and see if you were busy, Russell laid a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay, she already knows I’m here,” he said. “But you and I are long overdue for some brother-sister time.”

Dory hesitated, but at his grin, she smiled back brightly and put her phone away. “Okay, then. Where do you want to go?”

He took her to a nearby café you told him about. It was one you and Dory frequented at least once a week, either for coffee and pastries, or for a nice protein bowl.

“Why is everything a damn bowl nowadays? They’re all just trying to be Chipotle,” Russell groused, but he ate his bowl of wild rice, steak, and arugula salad with just as much gusto as a carton of Chinese fried rice. He polished it off with a beer and tried to stifle his belch.

Dory rose a brow, but after a beat, she couldn’t hold in a laugh.

“Well, doesn’t seem to bother you that much,” she remarked. Her amusement slid into a teasing smirk. “Matter of fact, looks like you've been eating well since you started shacking up with my best friend.” 

Russell grinned around the lip of his beer. "What're you tryin' to say, D? You fat-shaming me right now?"

"Aw, I wouldn't go that far," she laughed. "You just look like you're settling in to this civillian thing."

Russell smirked. He couldn't argue with her. According to you, he was in super soldier shape. Still, he knew you were being a little too generous. He had softened around the pouch a little since he’d stopped moving around from motel to motel, no time to get comfortable, as he was now. His hard work was also looking different these days—sitting at his desk or on the couch with his laptop. He wasn't a complete sloth though; he still worked out on the regular.

“Gotta admit, she keeps me well-fed,” he said. Though there was no mistaking the glint in his eye, or the waggling of his brows. Dory snorted and shook her head. 

“Please, I don’t wanna hear about any of that. It’s bad enough I had to endure the beginning stages when you two couldn’t be in a room together without eye-fucking each other. Or sneaking off into a public restroom at our work Christmas party—to actually fuck each other.”

Russell spluttered a laugh into his beer, making a slosh of amber liquid run down his shirt. Dory smirked and handed him an extra napkin. He coughed and blotted out most of the stain himself, but gave her an accusatory look through his amusement. 

“You guys seem to be doing well though,” Dory said, her eyes softening along with her smile. “She told me that you finally quit Horizon.”

He rose a brow and set down the empty beer. “Finally?”

“Well, sorry, but she’s not the only one who worries about you, you know?” Dory grabbed her brother’s hand. “It’s been good to have you around this past year, getting to know you again. It feels like having a bit of home back.”

Russell smiled ruefully, squeezing her hand.

“Thought you didn’t like to think about all that.”

“It wasn’t all bad,” she admitted. Her head tilted in thought. “I remember, you used to sing to me whenever I couldn’t fall asleep.”

His mouth twitched, his eyes softening.

“Couldn’t blame you. That place made some weird-ass sounds at night,” he replied, though he sighed deeply through his nose. “You were just a kid.”

“So were you, Russ,” Dory reminded him. 

He held her gaze for as long as he could stand. Eventually, he lowered his eyes. He released her hand and went back to polishing off the flourless chocolate cake she’d ordered for dessert. 

“That night…you really recognized the man Dad was talking to?” Dory asked after a while.

Russell was a little surprised she was bringing that up, but he nodded slowly. 

“I did, but hell. That was twenty years ago.”

She bit her lip. “I still can’t believe Colter thought you…”

“That’s in the past too,” Russell said, his tone even more dismissive.

Hmm. Protesting a little too much, Dory thought.

“Did you ever tell her?” she asked.

They both knew who she meant. You.

“She knows the main bits, but you’re asking if I told her how our brother thought I killed Dad?” Russell scoffed. “No. Didn’t think that little footnote would go over well.”

Dory stared back at him with concern in her blue eyes. She didn’t like keeping things from you, even if it wasn’t her secret to tell. Unfortunately, her family had a lot of secrets.  

“It’s not worth getting into, D,” Russell said. “That, or any of it…though I don’t know. I don’t think Colter’s ready to let it go. He believes me now, but he wants to know who got to Dad, and why. He’s tenacious, I’ll give him that.”

Unlike Colter, it seemed, Russell had an image of his father that had lasted in his mind. It wasn’t a good one. 

Paranoid son of a bitch. 

Russell couldn’t really blame Colter though. He was young when they were taken to the compound. He probably didn’t remember his friends, the house, the way they lived before. 

Russell had been ten years old. He remembered being on the baseball team doing well as a pitcher, and having to lie to his coach and quit the team. Russell remembered saying goodbye to his best friend, Randy, who he never saw again. Russell remembered having to lock up his tears and help his mom take care of his younger siblings, and make sure they were settling into a musty old cabin in the middle of the woods. 

“I’ve tried looking into it before,” he admitted.

Dory’s brows raised. “When?” 

He waved a dismissive hand. “A long time ago, when I had government access to some things. Got a whole lot of nadda.”

“No good is going to come of it, and I told Colter the same thing,” Dory said, shaking her head. “Whatever happened, it’s better if we all just move on.”

She continued eating. After a beat of hesitation, Russell followed suit.  

A couple of weeks later, Russell felt like he’d made good progress. He narrowed down his search to three different spots in downtown that were up for leasing, though one of them was a bit too close to Howley’s for your comfort, which meant he really had two options. Both were walkable, but one had more parking availability, while the other was a better price for the amount of interior square footage. It was a lot to consider.

You’d given him the number of a good commercial realtor you knew, thanks to your boss, Dr. Goldstein. Looked like that stuffed suit was good for something, other than piling his work onto your plate so he could get his monthly back wax. 

You were still at work on a Thursday when Russell’s phone rang. He quirked a brow at the caller ID, but a grin tugged at his lips when he answered. 

“Well hey there, Ms. Greene.”

“Russell, where are you right now?”

“Chillin’ at home. Working through some stuff on my new business venture. Though if the next question’s ‘What am I wearing,’ I gotta remind you that I’m happily off the market,” he teased.

“And thank God for that,” Reenie dryly remarked. “Listen, I need your help. Actually, I think Colter needs you.”  

He detected the urgency in her voice now, and he sobered. 

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but I need you to find him. He’s been missing for over 24 hours.”

“Looks like I’m gonna be a little late for dinner,” Russell told you over the phone. "Uh, okay, maybe a lot late."

“What? It’s kind of hard to hear you. Do you have the top down on the Chevelle?”

“She’s a Chevelle Malibu, baby. Well, technically, Malibu for short—”

“Russell, what’s going on?”

“It’s nothing to worry about. Reenie called, and it looks like Colter might be in a hard spot. I just need to go help him out,” he replied. Really, he was fighting his worry as he pressed his foot a bit harder on the gas. The sleek Chevy flew down the highway at a speed that would make you hit his arm, if you were here. 

“Why does it sound like you’re giving me the kitty gloves version?” you asked him in suspicion. 

Russell smiled ruefully. This was why he loved you—for your mind. 

“Again, nothing to worry about. I’ll be home by the morning…probably.”

He heard your heavy sigh. 

“Okay, Russ. Just be careful, please.”

“Hey, you know me. I’m always careful.”

“Right,” you snorted. 

The curve of his lips kicked up into a grin. “I gotta let you go, but I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah, okay…I love you.” 

His face softened a fraction. “Love you too, sweetheart.”

You hung up with your boyfriend and slipped your phone back in your purse. An undercurrent of worry churned in your stomach. You knew Russell was downplaying whatever was really going on. Reenie wouldn’t call him for help unless Colter was really in trouble, or else why wouldn’t she call the police? 

That rewardist work that Colter did, it had led him into some shady shit, according to Dory, like insidious cults, serial killers, and corrupt politicians. She talked to Colter now more than she used to, but even then, she knew he wasn’t giving her the whole story about most of his adventures. 

Must be a Shaw family trait, you thought sourly. 

With Dory on your mind, you decided to call her up and make tonight a girls’ night. You hung out at her apartment after work, splitting a bottle of wine and several orders of Mexican takeout while watching reruns of New Girl. 

“Where do you think they are right now?” Dory asked, for a moment sobering from laughing at Jess’s antics. 

You had your glass of wine poised to your lips in thought. “I don’t know, but I do know Russ wasn’t telling me the whole truth. I think Colter’s in trouble.”

Dory worried her lip. It clearly didn’t sit well with her that both of her brothers were MIA right now. You tried calling Russell earlier for a check-in, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Colter’s number didn’t even ring. It was just a dial tone, with a disembodied voice saying this number has been disconnected.

But there was nothing you two could do. Reenie had advised you to sit tight and wait for one of them to check in. 

“You know, I may not understand them sometimes, but it makes sense to me why they are the way they are,” she said. “They had it worse than me growing up, either because I was the youngest or because I was the only girl.”

“What do you mean?” you asked, though you had a feeling you knew where she was going with this. 

“I remember, Dad used to make them sleep outside sometimes. Somewhere in the middle of the damn woods, without supplies, without food,” Dory said. She actually began to tear up, her blue eyes turning pale and glassy. “I heard him and my mom arguing about it once. Finally he agreed to go out there and watch out for them—from a distance though, so they wouldn’t know he was there.”

You stared back at her in dismay. That hurt your heart so fucking deep. No wonder Russ didn’t want to open up about this shit. How can I blame him? How can a father…

You shook your head, resting a hand on her arm. 

“But why? Why did your dad do all this? Russell said he was paranoid, but…what was he running from?” you asked.

“We don’t know,” Dory admitted. After a moment, she looked over at you and held your gaze. “All that we did know, was that his death wasn’t an accident.”

That revelation shocked you. Your mouth parted, though no words escaped. 

Dory set down her wine and got up from the couch. Then, with a certain decision weighing in her eyes, she went over to her room. 

“D?” you questioned. “You’re just gonna drop a fucking bomb like that on me and walk away?!”

Not getting an answer, you rose to follow her, where you watched in bewilderment as she dug into the recesses of her closet until she found a plain white shoebox. It was just some old cardboard, frayed at the corners, but Dory hesitated to even open it. 

“What are you doing? What is that?” you asked.

“A few years back, a family friend gave this to me. Apparently it has some of my dad’s old stuff,” she said. “I’ve never wanted to go digging through it because I wanted to leave the past behind me. I think it’s been easier for me to say that, but not so easy for Colter and Russell.”

After a beat of hesitation, she handed the box over to you. 

“Would you give this to Russell when he gets back?” she asked. “He can do whatever he wants with it. Look inside, try to piece together what happened, or just burn it all. Either way, I’m done. As far as I’m concerned, my dad wasn’t really my dad after he took us to live in that place. And my mom…” She laughed humorlessly. “She was no saint either. She went along with everything my father did.”

You took the box from her with some concern. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t even like having it here. It’s just a…bad reminder.”

You rubbed a hand over her arm in comfort. "You guys never went to the police?"

Dory shook her head. "Mom didn't trust anyone, least of all the police. She probably thought it was safer for us."

"God, I'm sorry," you said. After a beat, you set down the box and pulled Dory into a hug. She rested her chin on your shoulder and squeezed her eyes tight for a second.

"It's okay," she said. "...It's in the past." 

Sure, you thought. But there were some scars that didn't fade, no matter how much you ignored them, banaged them, or tried to soothe them.

You took the box and left her apartment shortly after. She offered to let you stay the night so you wouldn’t be alone, but you declined. Russell installed a state-of-the-art security system in your house, making it feel like the safest place in the world to you. That was where you’d be able to sleep tonight, even with this mysterious old shoebox.  

The drive back was devoid of traffic this late at night, but after what happened with Eddie Mendez last year, you always felt uneasy driving alone at night. A good part of you was also still trying to digest all of this.

On one hand, you could understand Colter and Russell wanting to know what happened to their father. If Ashton was murdered, the reason could explain everything they went through growing up. 

With all of these thoughts rattling through your mind, you couldn’t even be completely relieved when you pulled into the driveway of your home. You walked into the house quickly, shut the door, and input the code to lock everything behind you.

Holding your purse on one shoulder and the box under your other arm, your first instinct was to find a good hiding place for it. You began to wonder if you should’ve accepted it from Dory at all. If her father’s death was no accident, then what was he killed for?

But…Dory had this thing in her closet for all this time without incident. Surely there was nothing diabolical about it. Ashton Shaw had been a professor too, right? It probably just held some keepsakes, a few old essays, some paperclips and 20-year-old dust bunnies…

You found a place in the house that a burglar would be unlikely to look for something valuable (again, really, what kind of burglar would want to steal a shoebox of old junk?), and you took a deep, calming breath in the middle of your living room. 

You still hadn’t been able to get in touch with Russell. All your texts had been going unanswered. You grabbed your phone and began to find Reenie in your contacts, but you paused. You were reminded of something you forgot to do when you walked in the door. 

Along with the coded door lock, there was an app on your phone where you could monitor the cameras strategically placed outside the house. However, when you checked the app, you realized that the camera feed said Unavailable. For every single camera. 

Your brows furrowed. That’s weird… 

Seconds later, the first bullet broke through your impact windows. 

AN: 🫣 Oh sorry, did I not mention there was a cliffhanger? You can rant and scream in the comments, it's totally fine. 😂

As you can see, we're in the middle of 2x02, with my own twist on some things around it. Plus some material from the books making it into this part - and more heavily implied in the next part - coming next Sunday!

Next Time:

While the phone rang, tucked between your shoulder and your ear, you were forced to set down the gun. With trembling hands, you quietly rifled through your medicine cabinet for gauze or an ace bandage. Fuck, yes! Okay. This could work. You found the big square bandages that stick on. Russell bought them the last time he came home with a couple of nasty abrasions from a job.

Still, the phone rang.

Come on, come on, come oooon!

“Hello?” The lawyer’s voice was smooth and retaining a note of exasperation.

“Reenie! Where’s Russell?” you whisper-hissed.

“I have him right here. What’s wrong?” she asked. Immediately, her tone shifted to concern. You’d never met Reenie in person, but you knew she worked with Colter and, according to Russell, was damn good at what she did. 

You didn’t give a shit about any of that right now.

“Put him on the phone, please!” 

In a few seconds of shuffling, you finally, finally heard his voice. 

“Sweetheart, what’s going on?”

A breath of relief escaped you in a rush.

“Russell,” you sobbed.

⌖ Keep Reading: PART 2

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Every Second Counts Masterlist

Russell Shaw Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Russell Shaw Tag List:

@kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007

@wincastifer @ades106 @roseblue373 @rizlowwritessortof @brianochka

@branj19 @globetrotter28 @charmed-asylum @lamentationsofalonelypotato @chevroletdean

@waywardxwords @deanwinchestersgirl87 @this-is-me19 @rachiem4-blog @sweettimelady

@leigh70 @clinicallydepresso @xiphoidbones @skoveu @nyotamalfoy

@kmc1989 @jackles010378 @emily-winchester @jessjad

@my-stories-vault @deans-spinster-witch @syrma-sensei @stellasfictionalworld @ultimatecin73

@jesllianaquilesrolonsworld @pieandmonsters @grilledcheeseandtomato @taehyungxjungkookistaekook @lovelystoriesaj

@nicksalchemy1 @spnwoman @onlyangel-444 @sexyvixen7 @illicithallways

@wolkenprinzessin007 @alwaystiredandconfused @carpenterswife @cheynovak

[mclager]

It's ok, I'm ok | Gabriel Bortoleto x Singer!reader

Ynco

Liked by colesillinger and others

Ynco All my love songs are about you! Missing you 24/7 💕

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Colesillinger missing u 2 ❤️

User99 She is so in love!

User83 SO CUTE

[10 minutes later this post was deleted]

Deuxmoi

Deuxmoi Hockey player Cole Sillinger was seen getting intimate with a blonde girl, while his girlfriend, Yn, is on tour.

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User99 oh...

User83 that's why she deleted her last post, got it

[•••]

Ynco

Ynco

Liked by gabrielbortoleto_, stakef1team and others

Ynco Still trying to perfect my Sauber green, anyway, thanks @/stakef1team for inviting me! I really needed a new favourite sport in my life 💚

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Stakef1team We hope you're doing better after the weekend ;)

→ ynco For SURE I am!

gabrielbortoleto_ It was so nice to see you, I hope to see you more weekends from now on

→ ynco I hope that too

User14 Yn and Gabriel? Is that a ship??

User5 is Yn... I mean I can't blame her, he looks so nice

Deuxmoi

Deuxmoi Dinner post race for the singer, Yn and @/Stakef1team rookie driver, Gabriel Bortoleto.

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User66 YES PLEASE

User23 I don't know if she levelled up or down...

User11 this is a weird couple

User6 Gabriel will be so much better for her then the one who must stay nameless I just know that

Ynco

Liked by gabrielbortoleto_ and others

Ynco It's ok I'm ok IS OUT NOW!

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Gabrielbortoleto_ You're so talented it triggers me!

→ ynco I could say the same thing about you, F2 and F3 champion!

User99 The other guy must be crying in his shower RIGHT NOW

user83 I swear to god this song almost made me thank the cheater for the inspiration THIS IS TOO GOOD

Ynco

Liked by Gabrielbortoleto_ and others

Ynco I'm inspired

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Gabrielbortoleto_ Such a stalker I have in my hands

→ ynco Not my problem you looked cute

User55 Gabriel is saying Yn is a stalker, but he is the FIRST at commenting on her picture

Hulkhulkenberg Gabriela really is in good hands

User23 If Nico ships it, I do it to!

User43 Not Nico exposing the new couple!!!!

Gabrielbortoleto_

Liked by ynco, hulkhulkenberg and others

Gabrielbortoleto_ Her next song is my new favourite song ever (no spoilers), by the way, I want to say that I love her ❤️

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Ynco I'm glad you loved it

→ Gabrielbortoleto_ I love everything you do

→ ynco I love you

User57 IS REAL? OMG!

User99 FINALLY!

User77 Yn is really a athlete appreciator

User43 This couple goes hard

User67 @/Gabrielbortoleto_ NOW I WANT TO HERE IT!

→ Gabrielbortoleto_ Soon!!

Ynco

Liked by Gabrielbortoleto_ and others

Ynco Literally my biggest fan, I'm his biggest fan too, so we're even! Love you so much, my home ❤️

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Gabrielbortoleto_ I love you more than anything

→ Ynco I'll write an whole album about you if you keep being cute!

→ Gabrielbortoleto_ Good to know, meu amor

→ Ynco I'm fucked aren't I?

→ Gabrielbortoleto_ 100%

User99 There's no other couple as cute as this one

User5 I WANT A LOVE LIKE THIS!

User17 She needs a love like this to make up for all the shit she went through

Ynco

Liked by Gabrielbortoleto_, Hulkhulkenberg and others

Ynco He inspired so much that I had to write two songs about him! (I may need to write a whole album, but we can wait a little bit for it) Btw, thanks for being the hot guy on my MV ;)

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Gabrielbortoleto_ You're welcome ;)

Gabrielbortoleto_ As I said, my new favourite songs! Te amo, meu amor ❤️

→ Ynco Love you too, meu amorzinho ❤️

User99 iconic

User67 Such good songs goddamn!

User77 PLEASE WE NEED A FULL ALBUM!

Hulkhulkenberg New Sauber background music alert!

→ Ynco You better garantee that!

→ hulkhulkenberg Oh I will!

→ Gabrielbortoleto_ Well I will love it! I love her voice ❤️

User5 Gabriel is such a simp for his girl and I'm here for it

[storytellerwhims]

STRANGE NEW LEGACY CHALLENGE!!🛸🏜️

WeLcOmE to StRaNgErViLlE👽

STRANGEST LEGACY of all inspired by my love for Strangetown. From The Sims 2 with all its wacky weirdness. Also from my love for mystery and paranormal. I hope you enjoy the legacy challenge. I am currently working on graphics for this! They will be coming soon!💚

Before You Play:

This legacy challenge is un-modded but uses a lot of the packs. Also this legacy challenge may have triggering or uncomfortable topics. So be aware this legacy is meant for people sixteen and older!

Recommended Mods:

Strangerville Story Toggle Mod 

(This mod will help the storylines for Gen 1-5) 

Personal Objects Mod by: Littlemisssam 

Zombie Apocalypse Mod by: Sacrificial Mods 

MC Command Center 

Wicked/Wonderful Whims (18+)

Lumpinou Pregnancy and Family Relationship Mod 

Rules: 

-You can play on any lifespan you want I recommend Normal or Long. 

-No cheating money except at the beginning of the legacy. 

-Must complete all goals for each Gen before moving on to the next Gen.

-Dress your sims in the specified colors for each gen.

-No adjusting or changing the legacy! But feel free to skip any part of the gens that use packs you don't have.

-If you play, please share using the #TS4strangervillestorieslegacy  and tag me @Storytellerwhims. 

Starting Out: 

-Start out with the amount of money you're given in game.

-Build your Modern Futuristic Home (or find one on the gallery) with a science lab inside it!

The Generations🛸

Gen.1 Insane Scientist Makes a Monster Plant🧪🌱

You're insane in the brain, your ideas for human advancement. Have interfered with your sanity. You seclude yourself in a science lab filled home. Thinking of a way to make sure humans. Remain the tip top of all living things. Little did you know that an evil alien whom you befriended. Had plans for an alien plant to take over Strangerville. You do as they instruct to make a garden full of bizarre plants. That starts an apocalypse in Strangerville! Realizing what you have done you have a baby through science. To carry on your family's legacy in case you don’t make it! 

Lifestage: Young Adult 

Aspiration: Renaissance Sim

Traits: Erratic, Genius and Ambitious

Colors: Neon Green

Career: Scientist 

Goals:

-Live in Strangerville in a house that looks like a science lab

-Be in the Scientist career reach level eight

-Meet an Alien whom you befriend who has the Evil trait.

-Plant a garden full of Bizarre plants

-Max the Logic Skill and Reach level five in Gardening 

-Have the Techie Lifestyle

-Never Marry 

-Have a baby through Science 

Gen.2 Hipster Artist Embracing the Weird✌🏻🎨

Everything around you is very odd and messed up. But you're a very mellow sim you grew up in this environment. You're very used to how strange this town is people with bulgy eyes. It’s not your problem, all you wanna do is party and paint. You move out to a trailer watching all the peculiar things. Going on around town you paint them. Being inspired by all the things that make your town different. Unaware of the dangers lurking in hidden places. You party with your friends enjoying your life. Till one day you have a hookup with someone who has black eyes. Soon you realize there an alien you have a baby. And all your carefree days are over! 

Lifestage: Start as a Teen 

Aspiration: Party Animal

Traits: Party Animal, Creative and Lazy

Color: Yellow 

Career: Freelance Digital Artist

Goals:

-Move to a Trailer home that is full of color

-Do not graduate high school get an F in school.

-Party with your friends at Nightclubs instead of studying.

-Paint by reference pictures of Strangerville

-As a Young Adult be in the Freelance Digital Artist career have at least five successful gigs.

-Add Lazy trait as a Young Adult

-Max the Painting and Reach level three of the Mixology Skill

-Have the Sedentary Lifestyle

-Meet an Alien hookup with them then have a baby/babies

-Be a bad parent have a negative relationship with your child.

-Never Marry

Gen.3 Eco-Friendly Alien Creates A New Family♻️👽

You were born from another planet but live in a town. Where people are possessed because of something. An Alien from your home planet did many years ago. That brought on this strangeness, your parent doesn't care about the problems. The town is facing but you do so you build a sanctuary making contraptions. To try to help people who are infected and in need. You search garbage cans for things to recycle to make this town more green. Prosperous, more full of life but no one wants change. All the military and scientists have secrets that are hidden behind a locked door. That you aren’t brave enough to lock pick, but you meet a human. Whom you fall in love with you have children and raise them. To believe in generosity and hope that the town will be exhumed.    

Lifestage: Young Adult (Must be an Alien)

Aspiration: Neighborhood Confidante 

Traits: Green Fiend, Generous and Family Oriented

Colors: Teal and Light Green

Career: Eco Innovator 

Goals:

-Move to Eco Eco-friendly home that you build from dumpster diving for things to sell.

-Have a bad relationship with your parent

-Be in the Eco Innovator career reach level five of the career.

-Max the Gardening Skill and Reach level five of the Fabrication Skill.

-Have the Outdoorsy Lifestyle

-Have a prosperous garden full of fruits and vegetables etc.

-Have a dog or cat 

-Fall in love with a human sim and marry them.

-Have four children

Gen.4 Military Personal Protects Strangerville’s Lore🪖🚫

You are one tough sim as a child you were the bully in school. Picking on people and pulling pranks. Till you went to high school and started working out. To release all the frustration. Because of your newfound athletic skill. After high school you join the military. To help serve and protect Strangervilles most precious secrets. Once you learn all the juicy details you are sworn to secrecy. So, to distract your mind from telling them all. You go on dates, lots of them on a dating app. Soon you find out one of your dates is pregnant! You always knew you’d be a strict parent! Because of your attitude, but you raise the child/children. Spoiling them but teaching them manners how to be proper.

Lifestage: Young Adult 

Aspiration: Chief of Mischief

Traits: Athletic, Mean and Romantic 

Colors: Dark Green and Brown 

Career: Military 

Goals: 

-As a child and teen pull pranks 

-As a teen start working out and graduate high school.

-Move out into an old house in Strangerville as a Young Adult.

-Be in the Military career reach level ten of the career.

-Have the Adrenaline Seeker Lifestyle 

-Max the Athletic and Mischief Skills

-Go on at least three dates using the Cupids Corner app. 

-Get one of your dates pregnant

-Decide to marry them or not 

-Have at least one child.

-Teach your child responsibility and manners. (parenthood pack) Have them age up with one of those character values.

Gen.5 Billionaire Who Wants to Make Strangerville a Movie🛸🎬

You're a wannabe billionaire always wanting to make money. As you get older you make that come true. Selling your screenplays but now. You are starting to go bankrupt, losing everything is a fear of yours. So, you write awful stories of the events in Strangerville. Then make bank off of people’s pain. You want to own an empire! So, you marry and have children, to keep your legacy alive. Then as an Elder you quit being a writer and become a businessperson. To pass down your billions to your children so that they may. Keep your family's fame and fortune going for generations.

Lifestage: Young Adult

Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy

Traits: Materialistic, Hot Headed and Self Absorbed

Colors: Black and White

Career: Journalist/Business

Goals: 

-Live in a fancy house full of useless trinkets

-Be in the Journalist career reach level ten

-Have a bad reputation

-Write screenplays about Strangerville and publish them.

-Make at least five enemies with Strangerville townies.

-Marry a very vain sim like you who has the High Maintenance trait.

-Have one child

-Join the Business career as an Elder

-Make at least 40K simoleons and move into a mansion.

Gen.6 Child of a Billionaire Rebels💋💵

As the child of a billionaire, you crave a life with no responsibility. So you sneak off away from your parents. To hook up with people and drink from sunset to sunrise. You're only a teenager; it's not allowed but you don’t care. You use your parents green to fulfil your every want and need. It becomes so bad your parents kick you out! Now you have to fend for yourself. So, as a Young Adult you have to get a job as a retail employee. You make it alright on your own, but you miss abusing your parent's money. You act out even worse than you did as a teen because of this. You go on to become a villainous valentine who ends up pregnant and alone. 

Lifestage: Start as a Teen

Aspiration: Villainous Valentine

Traits: Romantic and Macabre (Add Non-Committal as a Young Adult.)

Colors: Red and Green 

Career: Retail Employee

Goals:

-As a teen live with your parent sneak out, go drink and hookup.

-Get into trouble, have a bad relationship with your parent get kicked out. “move out”

-Live in a old trailer home 

-Be in the retail employee career reach level five

-Max the Romance and Charisma Skills

-As a Young Adult hookup with at least ten sims.

-Finish the Villainous Valentine aspiration

-Get pregnant by one of the sims you hookup with.

-Never Marry 

-Have at least one child

Gen.7 Soda Franchise Owner Sells Out🥤💰

You are a lover of soda always as a child grabbing one from the fridge. As you became a teen your passion grew stronger for fizzy drinks. So, you dropped out of high school to pursue. A dream of making a very well-known cola brand. You work hard perfecting your recipes for juice fizzing. Now you sell them at a stall, and you make a large profit. You don’t need your family's money. You have made your own riches doing what you love. Making soda for everyone to sip and enjoy. You ticked that off your bucket list. But now still one thing remains children to carry on the cola’s legacy. So, you rush and marry have children. But soon as you're an adult. Your business is no longer your passion family is. So, you sell your retail store where you sold the cola. To provide an even better life for you and your family.

Lifestage: Young Adult

Aspiration: Market Magnate

Traits: Maker, Creative and Ambitious

Colors: Blue and Red 

Career: Juice Fizzing Stall/Store Owner

Goals: 

-As a child on up, drink soda from the fridge.

-Have bad manners character value from burping 

-Don’t graduate high school 

-As a Young Adult make money from juice fizzing.

-Sell your juice at a selling table/food stall

- Own a retail store where you sell your juice

-Max the Juice Fizzing Skill

-Have a good reputation

-Marry someone impulsively Elope.

-Have at least two children

-Sell your Juice Store after you start your family.

Gen.8 Delusional Doctor Supports the Apocalypse🩻😵‍💫

You are a person obsessed with experimenting on humans. You are a doctor but not the good kind you are working with aliens. To keep the secret of Strangerville’s oddity alive. So, you make lots of enemies with people who try to fix the apocalyptic world. You control them by using a voodoo doll. The alien who started it all asks you to assist them by using a cloning machine. Hidden away in your old industrial house. Now the alien is satisfied with you. But they ask you to surrender yourself to it so that it can repopulate. Strangerville with more messed-up doctors who will keep the end of the world going. You agree and have children with the alien then accept your fate by the Mother!

Lifestage: Young Adult

Aspiration: Public Enemy

Traits: Evil, Macabre and Genius

Colors: Blue and Black

Career: Doctor 

Goals: 

-Live in an old industrial home 

-Be in the Doctor career reach level ten of the career.

-Make friends with an Evil Alien.

-Max the Logic Skill 

-Have an Atrocious reputation

-Use a cloning machine on yourself

-Have a baby/babies with your Evil Alien friend.

-Pass away from the Mother Plant death.

Gen.9 Ghoul Warns of the Dangers of Strangerville👻🫨

You are a skeptic, a person who doesn’t believe in the paranormal. You're naive under the impression that Strangerville isn’t so strange. Now though as a Young Adult with a career as a mortician. You're not so sure any more people are dying from infection. A true pandemic but not like one you have ever researched before. You are warned by a ghost who was put in the desert. To rot after an experiment with the mother went wrong! Now that you've been warned, you can work towards reviving this sad town. 

Lifestage: Young Adult 

Aspiration: Computer Whiz

Traits: Skeptical, Macabre and Geek

Colors: White and Red

Career: Undertaker Mortician Branch

Goals: 

-Be in the Undertaker career Mortician Branch reach level eight of the career.

-Max the Thanatology and Programming Skills

-Meet a ghost who has the Paranoid trait.

-Become friends with the Ghost

-Have a baby on your own through science

-Never Marry 

-Have a good reputation

-Have the Indoorsy Lifestyle 

-Leave a Will for your child talking about the Strangerville Mystery.

Gen.10 Detective Solves the Strangerville Mystery🔍🛸

Growing up with the truth of this sad town. You know what has to be done. In order to make this town beautiful again. You have to become a detective and make your parent proud. Discover what makes this place so apocalyptic. So, you find the clues and along the way. Meet people willing to help. To Bring good change for Strangerville and its townsfolk. You realize people have tried to conquer this “Mother” and have failed! So, to avoid you and your friend's death. You all take the risk and eat the bizarre fruit. To conquer the Mother Plant hidden deep in the depths. Of that creepy messed up laboratory! If you succeed, everyone's lives in Strangerville will be better! 

Lifestage: Young Adult 

Aspiration: Strangerville Mystery 

Traits: Active, Nosy and Ambitious

Colors: Purple and Orange

Career: Detective

Goals: 

-Keep your parents will with you your entire life.

-Have a good relationship with your parent as a Child on up.

-As a Young Adult join the Detective career and reach level eight.

-Make Three Friends to help you solve the Strangerville Mystery.

-Max the Research and Debate Skill

-Have a Pristine Reputation

-Have the Adrenaline Seeker or Energetic Lifestyle

-Keep a collection of Clues for the Strangerville Mystery.

-Complete the Strangerville Mystery aspiration.

-Defeat the Mother Plant and Save Strangerville 

_____________________________________________

Thank you for playing the legacy challenge! I hope you enjoyed it, if so, please share it! Below is the Google Doc if you want to look and share it as well!🥰

@ts4challengehub

[roguegambitweek]

Romy Discord FanFic Rec List

In honor of Rogue/Gambit Week, some of the writers from the Romy Discord wanted to share some fics that we’ve written. 

With so much Romy love to share, we hope y’all find a new favorite or rediscover an old one. 

💚💖 Thanks for reading! 💖💚

Takes Two To Tango (or take down a Wild Sentinel) @aldreantreuperi by AldreanTreuPeri [ao3]

Rating: M | Universe: XtAS’97 | Words: 1,521 | Chapters: 1 | Status: Oneshot 

Summary: A battle is as much a dance as anything achieved on a dance floor…and having the proper partner can literally keep you alive… Episode 5 fix-it fic.

But Here We Are by AppleJ @applejacks1552 [ao3] 

Rating: M | Universe: Comics | Words: 32,978 | Chapters: 30 | Status: Complete 

Summary: They never thought this would be possible, but Rogue is uneXpectedly eXpecting. Yet nothing is ever THAT simple in the life of an X-Man. What secret will Gambit discover that complicates their happily-ever-after?

AppleJ says: Hmmmm ... why I wrote that fic in particular: First, because I wanted to make the fan theory that the twins (Maxime & Manon) were Romy kiddos real. Second, because I KNOW it will be a cold day in hell before Marvel ever gives Romy kids in the main 616 (like maybe long after I'm dead & they're out of storylines & they've already split/reunited them 5 times over?), so it seemed like fertile ground (pun intended). And third, because they say to write what you know & I wanted a pregnancy/birth story that reflected the reality that it isn't all sunshine & rainbows & certainty for many of us & that's okay too.

Mighty Thin Ice by Cajun_Hawk @cajunhawk [ao3] [ff.net]

Rating: E | Universe: Comics | Words: 138,942 | Chapters: 11 | Status: WIP 

Summary: Rogue is working hard to get her powers under control while she and Gambit have decided to take their relationship to the next level, in hopes of having something normal very soon. 

The Legacy of Dark Cerebro by Chellerbelle @chellerbelles [ao3] [ff.net]

Rating: T | Universe: Movies | Words: 45,064 | Chapters: 12 | Status: Complete 

Summary: What if X2 had ended differently? What if the X-Men hadn’t gotten to Professor Xavier in time and all the humans had died? Takes place 5 years after this alternate ending (exception of the prologue). 

Chelle says: After much indecision, I decided on The Legacy of Dark Cerebro. The opening scene had a special place in my heart, and New Sun vs Phoenix was on my fanfic bucket list for a long time. 🙂Also, this story seems a bit more “new reader” friendly than some of my other favourites, haha.

Risk and Reward by DayenuRose @dayenurose [ao3] [ff.net]

Rating: T | Universe: Comics | Words: 47,518 | Chapters: 13 | Status: Complete

Summary: There’s an old adage that goes, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. As a thief, Remy LeBeau know full well that oftentimes the greatest risks come with the greatest rewards. When he starts to fall for the enigmatic Rogue, Remy must decide if the risks are worth the possible reward. 

Rose says: This was one of the first Romy fics I’ve written. It was a real entry into Romy fandom for me. Everyone was so welcoming and kind in the comments. And during the process of writing this, it helped me come to a better understand of Gambit, Rogue, and their relationship. 💜

LeBeau’s Eleven by Ilargikat @ilargikat [ao3]

Rating: G | Universe: Comics | Words: 14,182 | Chapters: 6 | Status: WIP

Summary: Planning a heist is not easy, especially when you need special skills to pull it off. The luck of being an X-Men is that the skills are within reach, maybe not people willing to commit a heist.

Once. Now. Before. Always. by lovethelebeaux @lovethelebeaux [ao3]

Rating: M | Universe: Comics | Words: 10,179 | Chapters: 4 | Status: Complete

Summary: Four vignettes from four different time periods over the course of Rogue and Gambit’s relationship. 

Lovethelebeax says: Heehee I've only written like four things so this will be easier for me than most 😅 it's this one, my first in 20 years

The Tailor & The Seamstress by Ludi_Ling @ludi-ling [ao3] [ff.net]

Rating: M | Universe: X-Men |Words: 58,659 | Chapters: 13 | Status: Complete

Summary: Remy LeBeau is the creative lead at a waning fashion house in 1910 New York. Over the street is his employer’s rival, where a pretty and talented seamstress happens to work. Romance ensues, of course - in-between a friendly rivalry, that is. 

Ludi says: It was a tough call on which fic to choose, but I settled on this one because the last fic I write is always the one I'm most proud of, and this is the last one I completed! Last summer @narwhallove challenged me to write a Romy fic that played on my love of both them and of historical fashion. She threw some ideas at me, and I wrote nearly an entire chapter. Then, X-Men '97 starts, and I read back on what I wrote in July '23, and suddenly the rest of the story unfolds before me. I had a blast writing it! And I hope you have fun reading it too 😉

But I Can’t Trace Time by Sandmans_Raven @sandmansraven [ao3]

Rating: T | Universe: Comics | Words: 8,998 | Chapters: 1 | Status: Oneshot 

Summary: After a battle with the time-traveling mutant-hunter known as Ahab, Rogue is sent into the future. To get back, she must rely on old friends and put a stop to Ahab’s plans. 

Toys by Spaceorphan @spaceorphan18 [ao3]

Rating: T | Universe: Comics | Words: 1,619 | Chapters: 1 | Status: Oneshot 

Summary: Romy catches Remy playing with toy action figures of the X-Men. Shenanigans. Set in the 616 verse, but some fun meta-y references to XM97.

[stardustcasti]

HI CASTI! Congrats on finishing Silverborn, I am so insane abt this book and I’m glad you enjoyed it too 🥳

Anyways I just want you to know that you have single-handedly kicked off an absolutely massive Cinderella Boy obsession in me. I was up late last night binging like 30 episodes and omg. It’s so good. The artstyle is so cool, I’ve fallen irrevocably in love with Buddy (HIS OUTFITS!?!! 😍), Chase is absolutely hilarious and I fear I understand Deacon on a spiritual level.

Anyway. Thankyou so much! I think. This might ruin my life if I keep reading it near bedtime 😭

Gofhvhchryg9yz74av

He Vel! First of all thank you! This book cought my heart and it's not going to leave soon.

Secound of all, you should have seen me when I read the next part.

This one

I'm glad to hear!

I am ready to welcom you to the fandom (the sweetest fandom ever, and I am not even exaggerating) with much joy!

Welcome to the CB family 🩷💚💙💜🗝

Yes, Buddy indeed has wonderful outfits. Yes, Chase is hilerious in any level, and ah, for the Deacon one, dear, Do you want a hug?

Glad you know you limits and go to sleep when you see them🙂‍↕️

I'm kinda dizzy and don't really know what to write cause I just woke up and ahhh but yeah!

[ansonghub]

welcome to ansong's first ask meme weekend! we hope these can help you all learn more about each other's muses and foster lots of in character interactions! to participate in the ask meme weekend please reblog this post! we ask that you please only send questions to those who have reblogged the post. please try to send out at least five questions or prompts to different muses for them to answer before answering your own! this ask meme weekend will last from november 15th until november 17th @ 11:59pm est. while you can only send in asks during this timeframe, you have up until november 29th @ 11:59pm est to answer any you received! for these, any three emoji memes answered OR any one dialogue starter prompt will count towards next week's activity check (november 23rd)! please tag all these as as:meme001 and, of course, have fun! <3

✽ ✎…details about you.

send a emoji to receive an answer from the muse in character!

𝐎𝐁𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒. 💭 — what is your MBTI, enneagram, and/or other personality aspects (if known/interested in)? 🚗— do you have your driver's license? can you drive or operate any other vehicle besides a car? 🎮 — what are three of your favorite hobbies? 💍— do you have any piercings? do your want any or any more piercings? 🖊️ — do you have any tattoos? do you want any or any more tattoos? 🎻 — do you play any instruments? what is your current skill level? 🩸 — what is your blood type?

𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐒. 🎶 — what type of music do you like? do you listen to music very often? 💯 — share three random facts about you that others may not know 💤 — are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? how are your sleeping habits? 🔱 — can you swim? do you enjoy swimming? 🔶— do you know cpr? do you have any other medical expertise? 🚫 — do you drink and/or smoke? do you do it regularly, or is it more on occasion or for special events?

𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄. 🌈 — what is your sexual orientation/gender identity? what pronouns do you use? 🎄 — what is your favorite holiday? 🐶 — do you have any pets? 🐈 — do you prefer a wide circle of friends or a few close friends? 🐷 — what is your favorite animal? 🌴 — do you have a green thumb? do you enjoy gardening?

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒. ❤️ — what do you think are three of your most positive traits? 🤍 — what are three of your more questionable traits? 💔 — what do you think are three of your most negative traits? 💘 — what and/or who do you consider to be the most important to you? 💛 — how many languages do you speak? what language(s) are you learning, if any? 💚— do you prefer being inside or outside?

𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒. 🍝— what is/are your favorite food(s)? 🍔— are you good at cooking? are you good at baking? which one do you prefer? 🥯— what do you typically eat in a day? and do you skip any meals? 🍸— what is your favorite alcoholic drink, if you can drink or like to drink? ☕️— what is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage? do you have any preference on how you like to drink it?

𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄. 😖— are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? do you let people in easily, or are you more reserved? 🤔 — what do you think are some of your quirks or unique mannerisms/traits? 🧐 — are you more logical or emotional? 🤓 — are you more chatty or quiet? are you at ease in social situations, or are you more shy? 🤩 — do you prefer to plan ahead or are you more spontaneous? 😥 — are you more prone to getting stressed out, or is it easy for you to keep your cool? 😓 — do you think that you're more open-minded or stubborn?

✽ ✎…dialogue prompts.

send a dialogue prompt for the muse to answer in character! these are intended to be used as the base for a para thread starter. some prompts include crude language & can be edited slightly to suit the muse(s) they're intended for!

“   You better be careful what you wish for. ”

“   Can you get us out of this mess? ”

“   Come sit down beside me. ”

“   Don’t you raise your voice at me! ”

“   Hey! What’s the hold up? ”

“   Hey, you’re supposed to be asleep. ”

“   I'm growing strangely fond of you. ”

“   I really don’t trust your judgement. ”

“   I didn’t expect to see you here. ”

“   You promised me. ”

“   I have a really bad feeling about this. ”

“   I never, ever want to hear you say that again. ”

“   I think they did it, I just can’t prove it. ”

“   Don't worry, I won’t let you down. ”

“   Being a menace to society is a full time job and I'm dedicated. ”

“   I'm tired of answering that question. ”

“   This has gotten completely out of hand, I'm sorry. ”

“   It's so good to see you smiling again. ”

“   Just because I'm small doesn't mean I can't kick your ass. ”

“   I am no longer comedic relief, I am now serious panic. ”

“   Yes, but it's my job to take care of you. ”

“   What is going on? It’s the middle of the night. ”

“   You know that it’s not that easy. ”

“   What? What makes you think I'm being sarcastic? ”

“   Just tell me what you want from me. ”

“   Oh? Got nothing to say? That must be a first for you. ”

“   Can I ask you a... personal question? ”

“   Sorry about the chaos, I needed attention. ”

“   Ugh, I just can't take this anymore! ”

“   Is that a threat or a promise? ”

“   No one asked for your opinion. ”

“   Have you lost your goddamn mind? ”

“   Nothing’s impossible if you’re brave enough. ”

“   It's a little risky, but that's what makes it fun, right? ”

“   I need you to talk less and smile more. ”

“   You know that's not a good excuse. ”

“   I'm going to manifest being happy. ”

“   Here are some scissors. Now cut it out. ”

“   This is getting out of hand! ”

“   There you are! I've been looking all over for you. ”

“   There's no one I trust more than I trust you. ”

“   We can work this out together! ”

“   What other choice do I have? ”

“   Whatever you decide to do, know I'll support you ”

“   Hey, slow down! Where are you off to? ”

“   For legal reasons, that was a joke. ”

“   We have to get out of here! ”

“   Yeah, yeah. That's what I thought. ”

“   I need you to get out of my way. ”

“   You can not be serious. ”

“   You don’t have to be embarrassed. ”

“   God, you make everything so complicated. ”

“   You don’t have to be afraid! ”

“   You're the best thing that’s ever happened to me. ”

“   You're stronger than I gave you credit for. ”

“   Oh, you're up to something, aren't you? Spit it out. ”

[bah-circus]

level 3 Henry Jekyll from TGS. make him slutty :)

-@headmate-alchemist

Of course dear audience! We have heard your request and have found a suitable performer for you! We hope this performance suits your needs, but you are free to make any adjustments you wish.

❣︎For Our Next Act, Please Welcome,,,❣︎

Henry Jekyll!!!

°·⊱ Name: Henry Jekyll, Bunsen, Chemical, Julius, Mann, Argon, Garreth, Vienna

°·⊱ Age: 35

°·⊱ Race/Species: Human [transEladrin / transHighElf]

°·⊱ Source: The Glass Scientists 

°·⊱ Role: Sexual Educator / Sexual Alter, Archivist, Doctor, Mediator, Internal Organizer

────── · · · · ──────

°·⊱ Sex: Male

°·⊱ Gender: Bxy, HenryJekyllcharic, Boyslut, Bxyslut, Sluttygender, Himboslut, Slutlexic

°·⊱ Pronouns: It/Its; He/Him; Pop/Pops; Chem/Chems; Luv/Luvs; Lust/Lusts; ♥️/♥️s; Se/Sir; Vae/Vaem

°·⊱ Sexuality: Bisexual

°·⊱ Personality: Polite, diplomatic, and driven by a desire to help others while maintaining social propriety. Struggles with internal conflict between societal expectations and scientific progress. Anxious about reputation but deeply compassionate. Despite all of this, Henry is still incredibly flirty. 

────── · · · · ──────

°·⊱ Nicknames/Titles: Founder of The Society for Arcane Sciences, Senior Neoalchemist of the Society, [Prn] Who Studies Neoalchemy, The Scottish Scientist, [Prn] Who Sleeps Around

°·⊱ Likes: Neoalchemy, Scientific advancement, Supporting fellow scientists, Tea ceremonies, Proper etiquette, Organization and planning, Classical music, Helping others achieve their goals

°·⊱ Dislikes: Chaos and disorder, Being seen as immoral, Losing control, Violence, Social rejection, Having his methods questioned, Being Shamed

°·⊱ Emoji Sign-Off: 🧪🥼🎩🫖⚗️💚

────── · · · · ──────

°·⊱ TransIDs: permaHorny, mutoHypersexual, transHimbo, transEladrin / transHighElf, transLongLived, transHighFantasyUniverse, transForgottenRealms

°·⊱ CisIDs: Scottish, Auburn Hair, Brown Eyes, Pale Skin, Moles, C-PTSD, Depression, Gr00med, Hypersexual, BPD, NPD, Introvert

°·⊱ MUDS: Chronosynesthesia

°·⊱ Paras: 🩺, 💐, 🩸, 🥚, 📖, 😖, ⚙️, 👻, 🤖, 🙌✨

°·⊱ Faceclaim: 1 | 2

I hope this works out for you!!! Have a lovely day! - Pest Swarm ; Cain

[cassie-mun-the-daughter-of-death]

Welcome!

Main acc: @utterlyvertigo

This is a roleplay acc for my oc Cassandra Mun. Agathario daughter

Any violence/homophobia will result in immediate block

- C.M 🌸

My Coven:

💜 @fagatharkness - Agatha Harkness, my Mum, witch killer, killer style, occasionally bursts into song, also happens to be Jolene (yes that Jolene)

🖤 @theeegreenwitch - Rio Vidal, my Mamí, Lady Death herself, owns an emotional support knife, seems scary but she’s the sweetest

💛 @winemothercalderu - Lilia Calderu, my unofficial aunt, she lives rent free in my mum’s basement, likes wine and tarot

❤️ @alice-wuing-ur-ass-lol - Alice Wu Gulliver, our favourites hot topic girl, flirts with Lilia and Jen loads, also has a famous witch mother

🩷 @kalekare - Jennifer Kale, bound witch bestie, unfairly perfect skin, she makes face creams which are apparently delicious

💙 @cansomeonetakemetotheroad - Billy Maximoff, emo dude and total witchcraft nerd, I used to babysit him

🩵 @speedy-toby - Toby Tommy Maximoff, the fast one, also babysat him, currently not in an existing body

🩶 @nickythescratching - Nicholas Scratch, my older brother, he’s the best, also not in a body for some reason

❤️ @maximoffher-rocker - Wanda Maximoff, the twins mother, my mums situationship from hell

💚 @since-51 - Mrs Hart Sharon, my next door neighbour, plant expert, she’s makes really good pies

🧡 @yourfavouriteboyf - Eddie, Billy’s boytoy, our pet human

🤍 @alexandramayisgay - Alexandra, literal chaos incarnate, Alice’s friend and I think she’s Lilia’s ex??

🩶 @bitemarksonyourveins - Carmen, taking “blood” witch to a whole new freaky level!

🩵 @literallybornfromspite - Sabrina, not the teenage witch, my half sister-? (Complete and utter bitch! Harkness/Kale beef lives in me)

[kindheart525]

Some of the Smiling Friends kids are more than friends in this next gen! I wanted to introduce some couples (and a new character) to the Dottieverse, so meet a couple of pairs that will make Glep a grandfather 💚

Giorno and Ell, much like our stars Kip and Dottie, grew up together in the Smiling Friends headquarters daycare and were best friends for as long as they could remember. Ell challenged anyone and everyone to race her, no matter how willing they were, but Giorno was the only one who never said no. In fact, he would sometimes challenge her first. They were both little show-offs which led to something of a rivalry at times, but it was a playful one. As they grew up they became regular workout buddies and cheered each other on in their respective athletic activities. For a time they were also each other’s wingmen until they realized they would prefer to be more than friends. Now they’re in a steady relationship filled with playful teasing and competitiveness, but also lots of genuine affection. Pim, of course, was ecstatic, already planning out a wedding and grandkids when they announced they were dating. One day those dreams will come true when they welcome their own horde of future Olympians and Paralympians!

Gola has a thing for the big boys! She sort of follows her mother’s footsteps in being a gorgeous model who ends up with Just Some Guy when she meets Crawdad, the son of an old Smiling Friends client (Shrimp and Jennifer). Like his father, Crawdad doesn’t seem to get out too much and is a bit of a bumbling gamer, but if you get to know him you’ll find that he’s intelligent beyond his time. He has surprisingly philosophical insights into just about anything from video game lore to life itself, though he would downplay it as “that’s just my take on it!” However, his master’s degrees in philosophy and literature that he hardly talks about prove he’s not just talking out of his ass. In this way he contrasts his love Gola, who can be kind of stupid and incompetent, but it does take a certain level of social intelligence to rage-bait strangers on the internet like she does, so maybe she’s smarter than one would think as well. Nobody is really sure how these completely different individuals crossed paths, but they adore each other to bits. Gola calls him Crawdaddy now, but one day he’ll be a different kind of Crawdaddy when they decide to grow their family.

[cephalonserotonin]

Devstream 179 Notes

Thank you for your patience as I get this out about a week late; I've had multiple family obligations the past few weeks which have, alas, cut into my warframe time.

Apparently the Stug is a Top Gear reference (Kaz is wearing a motorcycle helmet and doesn't speak for a good 20 minutes, it's actually kind of annoying) A new devstream face on the left: Nikita, principal weapons artist!

1999 Hype Dripfeed

(to catch up those unaware: first referenced in last year's tennocon, and barely begun in the Whispers in the Walls update, Warframe 1999 is the game's "next chapter," unexpectedly taking place during what seems to be the age of the apple II and Y2K, featuring "protoframes" and the good works of Nine Inch Nails.)

Tennocon 2024 merch is retro 1999 and awesome: the physical merch pack includes a very cool USB key, and the digital pack includes a dope syandana

YAY the Aoi teaser, it is absolutely worth rewatching

Concept art for Arthur, Aoi, PINK ATOMICYCLE!

Protea Prime next this week

Protea Prime herself and her awesome trailer have come out since I took these notes, so I'm just going to link the prime access trailer and website promo instead of my usual preview descriptions. Definitely watch the trailer, it's....inspiring. We've had such banging soundtracks for the prime trailers lately!

May 15 "Interim" Update:

Will bring next season of Nightwave; the current season will end on that day, and the next will start two hours later (on the same day; how nice, I hate waiting that extra week). Comes with a set of "daybreak" skins for the nukor, glaive, kubrows (?), and the ✨CEDO✨(my Lavos bias comes through)

Some tennogen skins, nice to see skins for less represented boys Revenant and Baruuk. There will be another batch of tennogen in the Jade Shadows that includes a skin for Lavos (hype).

💚 Update 36: Jade Shadows💚

Lore focusing on the Stalker coming from a Post-TNW perspective

I got really excited because Rebb used "they" for the Stalker (who I think has always previously been he/himd?)

Jade: the 57th warframe! She's somewhat but not wholly angelic: light is the theme, but there is "choral flavour." Pablo describes her kit as "support and debuffing enemies"

Lore focusing on the Stalker coming from a Post-TNW perspective

I got really excited because Rebb used "they" for the Stalker (who I think has always previously been he/himd?)

Jade: the 57th warframe! She's somewhat but not wholly angelic: light is the theme, but there is "choral flavour." Pablo describes her kit as "support and debuffing enemies"

Honestly I think her wings are giving more Peacock

They wanted to include more direct visual inspiration on the Stalker's weapons but they were determined "too edgy" lol. But they're still Stalker-inspired. She has Evensong (Jade!Dread, which I'm especially excited for), Cantare (Jade!Despair, which I hope has better stats than the OG), and Harmony (Jade!Hate)

The Stalker has a Landing Craft Skin called "Terror." Which is very cohesive with the rest of the Stalker aesthetic.

Operation: Belly of the Beast: A clan operation that will launch with Jade Shadows.

There's a new eximus :( the Jade Light Eximus :( "Parvos Granum is up to something" 😨

also Yareli Deluxe is a thing

As an aside, Kaz, freed from the Stug bit, is rocking the Gideon Nav energy 😎

Another helping of QOL:

Adjusting the "rubber" necks of frames: "Warframes aren't prey, they're predators".

Alchemy in the circuit! As an enjoyer of both the alchemy game mode and the circuit (and not a fan of its defense or assassination), this is welcome for me!

Apparently the AI level changes are important for crossplay; "a bouquet of QOL" that will bring a better experience for many.

Medical debt bond drop rates adjusting includes a replacement for the credits reward in bounties. and there was much rejoicing.

Here Comes Pablo's Rant: impending enemy scaling & status effects rework

As with all of Pablo's mechanics overviews, I recommend watching (or reading) this yourself if you want a deeper look. He's always very informative.

"A lot of this may change" off to a great start

Devs are considering adding a damage cap for enemy armor and adjusting the damage resistance function of armor. reasoning: armor strip should be a viable strategy but not an absolute requirement for higher level play.

Status type mechanics will be simplified: type effectiveness bonuses are now going to be by faction instead of by flesh/armor/shield material -> with exceptions:: Kuva Grineer, Amalgam Corpus, Deimos Infested

Buffing some less used status effects: Cold will now fully freeze enemies, which doubles crit bonus Gas will be more visible visually (but mechanically the same) Magnetic…will depend on how the shield rework goes (yay playtesting). Blast "will be blasty." I've been hoping for a Blast buff for AGES so I'm excited to see what we get from that admittedly very vague teaser.

You can tell he knows the fanbase is already going to flame him for even coming close to nerfing viral/heat/slash, because he said several times they are not being altered. We love you Pablo.

Semi-auto weapons are going to have automatic (not needing to re-click) shooting mode, but (similarly with the shield gating rework last year) you'll be able to keep your semiautomatic flavour with a new mod that disables this new functionality in exchange for a big buff. Effectively replacing Shred with another high-damage, high-punch-through mod.

Key art is from Warframe's official devstream overview; stream screenshots are my own.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

Ready To Hope

1200 Words for 1200 Followers #2

A/N: Hi friends! Welcome to the 12-A-Palooza! This event is my way of saying thank you for sticking with me. Your support and kindness toward me and my writing is out of this world and I’m grateful for every last one of you! Rolling right along with the second piece - which is set in the same AU as Every Color Illuminates. This “color soulmates” trope has been really fun to play with, so it might be pretty easy to convince me to write more for them ;) 

Warnings: Talk of past relationships, Teresa makes a tiny cameo 

Requested by: @alraedesigns - Song: Shake It Out - Character Choice: Marcus Pike (Thank you so much for sending this, Alex! I know you love this sweet cinnamon roll man, so I hope you enjoy the continuation of this AU! 💚) 

Summary: When Marcus contacts a renowned Art Gallery in hopes that a Color Ambassador can help him with some details for a case, he’s reminded of the fact that asking for help to see color hasn’t always worked out for him in the past. This time, though, things will be different. 

“This might be a shot in the dark, but-” Marcus clamped his phone between his ear and shoulder so that he had both hands free to pay the coffee vendor. Mouthing a ‘thank you’ to the man, he took his beverage, dropping his change in the tip jar. “You don’t have a Graysight CA who can walk me through the exhibit, do you?”

He held his breath and readjusted the phone, gripping it with his right hand. I hope she says y-

“We do.” Michelle, the director of the National Gallery of Art responded. “Actually, our best Color Ambassador sees in Graysight. And you’re in luck, Agent Pike, because she’s here today.”

Marcus released his held breath in a relieved sigh, lips lifting into a smile. Amazing. “That’s great.”

Admitting that he - the regional head of the FBI’s Art Crimes division - needed a CA always gave Marcus a hint of anxiety. It wasn’t because he was embarrassed that he hadn’t found his match yet. It was because he knew that people made assumptions about him based on his position, and that sometimes when they found out that he couldn’t see in color, their assumptions turned to doubt in his ability to do his job. But here was a fellow professional within the art community telling him that the best person for the task at hand was someone just like him.

Clearing his throat, Marcus tilted his left hand, careful not to spill his coffee, so he could read the time on his wristwatch. It was just after 11. No time like the present, right? “Would it be too much trouble to meet with them this morning? I can be there in half an hour.”

“Of course not, Agent, anything we can do to help. There’s a group tour finishing with that section of the Gallery now, but once they’re done I’ll rope off the wing so that you won’t be disturbed while you’re here.”

She excused herself then, telling him that she needed to go speak with the CA who would be guiding him. Marcus thanked her and hung up the phone, sliding it into his jacket pocket. He let out another sigh, this one heftier and more satisfying as it left his lungs.

Finally, a break in this case that goes my way.

Heading away from the coffee cart and toward where his car was parked, he tried to keep the next thought from materializing. He failed.

It’s not just this case that I haven’t caught a break in. It’s been… everything.

Though it had been nearly eight months since he’d left Texas, the way things ended between him and Teresa still stung when he thought about it. The sting was made worse by the fact that if their roles were swapped, she wouldn’t need a CA to assist on the case, because she had matched and had lived with color for years.

Jane had been the one to let the spectrum into her life. It had given Marcus pause at first, when she told him. But Teresa had insisted that it was simply because they were such good friends - that they connected on a level that was purely platonic. Hers hadn’t been one of those sudden, blinding explosions of color that some people experienced, but a steady glow as she got to know the man. That, along with the fact that Jane had been able to see color before meeting Teresa - his match had been his first wife - had been enough to convince Marcus that a serious relationship with her was possible.

Not everyone matched with their partner. He knew that. It didn’t mean a relationship was doomed.  

There were other signs though. He frowned as he sipped his coffee. Other things I ignored.

Like the time he asked Teresa to describe the colors of a sunset they watched together . “I don’t know, Marcus.” She looked at him as if he’d asked her to solve a complex mathematical equation instead of helping him to understand the world around him. “It’s orange.”

“Yeah,” he’d said, one arm wrapped around her to bring her closer to his side, his lips landing near her temple. “But what does that mean? What does it make you feel?”

She’d only stared at him, shaking her head. “Warm, I guess? I don’t know, I can’t explain it. Hopefully someday you’ll be able to see for yourself.”

That had been the end of that conversation. Marcus never tried to get her to describe colors to him again. He told himself that he didn’t want to put her on the spot. But if he was being honest, it was because he didn’t want to think about what it meant that she wasn’t even willing to try.

But I can’t think about that right now. I need to… Need to think about this case. And I need to let go of what happened in Texas if I want to have any hope of finding something real.

Reaching his car, he got in and entered the address of the Gallery into his GPS. The automated voice and the gray arrow on the screen helped him concentrate, and before long he was pulling into the visitor parking lot.

Alright, Pike. He took a long swig of his coffee to drain it, setting the empty cup - one that he was told was brown with green stripes but only saw as light gray with darker gray lines - into the holder in the center console. Time to focus.

As promised, Michelle had roped off the Rothko exhibit, a security guard leading him there after Marcus showed the man his badge. As he waited in the room, he walked around and looked closely at the various color-blocked paintings on display - squares and lines and rectangles that all appeared to be in grayscale.

I can’t even imagine what it would be like to see these. Really see them.

Before he could get too lost in his fantasy, he heard a pair of footsteps getting closer. Turning, he saw you and began closing the distance.

“Agent Marcus Pike,” he introduced himself, holding his hand out to you with a smile.

You returned the smile and the introduction, fingers wrapping around his hand to bring your palms together. The moment you did, the room erupted in hues he didn’t have names for. The paintings that surrounded him seemed to glow, their colors radiating from the frames to shine directly on you. He sucked in a breath, a rush of emotion coursing through his chest.

I… I can see. It’s her.

He hadn’t taken his eyes off of you. Not even to glance around at the heavily saturated works he was there to study.

“Marcus?” Your voice came out as a whisper, and he saw the wonder in your expression, noticed the way that your breath came quickly and unevenly. He noticed the way that he felt relaxed and calm as blue and green shimmered in the corners of his vision and a soft tingle spread along his spine. “I… I don’t think you need me to-”

“No. I do.” He said your name again, smiling around it, letting it roll off his tongue. “I definitely do.”

.

.

Thank you for reading! If you’d like to be added to or removed from the tag list, please feel free to let me know. You can also fill out the form on my Masterlist! :)

Tags: @something-tofightfor @littlemisspascal @mishasminion360 @nyctophiliiiiaaa @alraedesigns @practicalghost @tanzthompson @amb11 @haylzcyon @harriedandharassed @woodlandmouth @swtaura @thescarletfang  @trickstersp8 @princessxkenobi @imtryingmybeskar @wildmoonflower @mswarriorbabe80 @theredwritingwitch @silverstarsandsuns @pedro-pedrito-pascalito @jedi-in-crocs @hannahkatharinee

[fountainpenguin]

"I'll treat you nice; I'll be so kind! Just bring me all the food you find~ And I'll run this dump, 'cuz I'm the smartest here..." (x)

---

New Dog's Life chapter today! ~ 3rd Life series fan-season

Chapter 39 - “Wednesday: Squall Hospital”

❤️ Read on AO3

💛 Start from Chapter 1

💚 More Pixels Imperfect fics

Dog's Life is 1 year old today!

Mumbo wakes up in the hospital. Etho pays a visit to ask after a commission… wandering trader style. Also, the phantom hybrids strip down to flaunt their stuff. Get your sparring game on!

Impulse, who modded out of phantom state long ago, watches from the sidelines.

Dog's Life anniversary chapters, Part 1!

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

Brief #trafficshipping (Mumbo reflecting on his divorce with Martyn, which happened 100 years ago but Martyn only found out yesterday)

---

Mumbo

Location: Hospital, Southwest New Star, Bottom Floor

🖤  🌕  🖤

He couldn't tell you when he became aware of voices. On some level, they were there the whole time, even with memories playing across his eyes. Some he'd rather forget, full of escorts with diamonds for teeth waiting while his fumbling hands plugged his player file in a foreign server core, his heartbeats tangled, chilly breath on the back of his neck warning him that he only had minutes before he could expect his back thrust against a wall, fangs in his neck… Payment claimed for keeping a lone wandering trader safe another day out in the anarchy world.

Wake up, he warns himself, and dissolves to begging at the memory of his own anxious hands grabbing the shirts of a dozen anivores for support. Wake up. This isn't real. Get out!

Some hands had been a good deal gentler. That didn't always make them perfect. But Impulse had only been rough once. Vee almost too soft. BigB… Well, they didn't say much on the first and last trek they ever took together, even when collapsing into the same guest server and sharing a bed (with Vee, too) after a long, long day. Mumbo distinctly remembers the guy rolling over once, mumbling "Your turn," when the baby allays started fussing for their milk. It's laughable, looking back on it, although Mumbo had griped about it at the time. Hysterical. I can't believe I didn't crack up! BigB's underrated. He should let Grian know; make sure he remembers to appreciate what he has.

And Martyn… Martyn hadn't taken any adventures with him. But he'd roleplayed softly in their bed, letting Mumbo (For once, for once) take the lead.

He's lying on his back. Which isn't usual for him. Shapes and figures blur together. But he hears… words? Sounds like words. This is people-talk. He stirs without cracking open his eyes.

"Let's go," cheers a pleasant, pumped-up voice from somewhere to his right. A masculine voice. Big. Loud. One that's only familiar on the very fringes of his memory, like a frayed tassel on his llamas' blankets that he's always had, but only remembers when he's looking straight at it. Chair legs screech across the floor. Mumbo winces, screwing his eyelids tighter, but the mystery figure isn't one to be put off by silent rejection. "Welcome back to New Star! Boy, am I glad I decided to check in mentally for work today. What's this guy's name again? Oh, right, right. Well, we can cross 'Save patient' off our daily tasks. What's next?"

Oh, goodness… His eyeballs want to yawn. He tries it with his mouth, though it's… less satisfying than it probably would be on a server with actual sleep mechanics. Well, at least my head's no longer clicking. Fading images still dance across his mental comm screen, but they're swirling into smoke the more he shifts around, zoning back into the world. Mumbo blinks his eyes a few times, trying to make them stick. The face of a man with a black, neatly trimmed beard swims into view above him. Maybe a little too close.

"… I know you."

The man's face snaps from pleasant to shocked real fast. He bites one corner of his lip, leaning back in his chair. What? Mumbo's voice feels scratchy in his throat, even unspoken. Before he can get his next words out, the man's addressing another figure in the room somewhere out of sight. "Ohoooh… He knows me, and I had to check his file 4 times before I burned his name into memory. That's about to be real awkward. Hey- You know what? Accidents happen. That's life."

"Yeah, I know you," Mumbo mutters, mostly to himself. He lives across the hall from Martyn and Jimmy. Simmers' Quarter. Seen him around. He sort of hops all over the place. But the name escapes him. Mumbo should care about that. Should he care? A zing of guilt courses up his back at the thought of forgetting his ex-husband's immediate neighbor, but he breathes through his teeth instead of saying so.

… Okay. Take stock. Mm. If he can get his brain to drag itself awake from a sluggish, whimpery state, that is. Mumbo runs his fingers through sticky threads of mussed-up hair. His body doesn't ache, surprisingly enough. Or maybe not surprisingly; double regen is a killer. Well, the exact opposite of a killer. He braces his hand to the mattress, pushing himself to a sitting position. Mumbo brushes his fingers across his mustache. He goes to flip his F5 eyes on, but the shift makes him so dizzy, he pulls back and drops his face in his hands instead.

The bearded man scoots his chair closer to his bedside, all smiles and absentminded apologies. He double pats his chest. Thump-thump. "Hey, I'm James Turner- formerly known as The Sim Supply. Well, not over here… You kind of had to be there. And if anyone tells you I designed Vanillite, they've got the wrong guy. Ask your husband; he'll vouch for me."

"… Uh. Oh, goodness me." If he were in one of Martyn's mangas, he'd have slash lines across his face, flushing up a storm. Mumbo reaches for his hood. No robes. His hands clasp on empty air, so he pulls his blankets into his lap instead, squirming his hands between his legs. "Aha… I should probably come clean about that. Martyn and I aren't, um… sleeping together anymore."

Sleeping doesn't feel as hot and bitter on his tongue as married would. And it's the accurate word, even if it stings. It feels more correct than dating. They'd flirt and play and cuddle, usually with fingers in each other's clothes and hair, until they got all snuggled up and Mumbo (eventually) drifted off to sleep. Martyn left by dawn every morning, all his blond hairs despawned from the bed. Nocturnal phantom code. Warm. Soft. I… needed space. And I was leaving for a trip, and it was never really that serious anyway. Okay, that sounds bad out of context, but-

James' frown burns a scar in the crest of his head. "Uh. Dude? Does Martyn know?"

"It was 100 years ago!" He can hold his head high and proud on that, except he can't. "Did nobody get the memo?" And without a hood to tug over his face, he looks away, just biting the edge of his knuckle and gripping the hospital bedsheets with his hand. Wait. Why am I in hospital? Seriously, that memory just went out the window. Did he get flashbanged? Close range? He touches two fingers to his scalp. Sore…

"… Didn't I see your mouth all over him at the shower house on Friday?"

Ohh, don't remind me… Mumbo fumbles through a couple squeaks, then focuses on the more pertinent question. "Sorry; why am I here, exactly?" And why do I smell bacon?

[Full chapter on AO3 - Link at top]

[chaosinpixels]

Welcome to the Love Roulette Challenge!

Lights, camera, randomness! We're kicking off the Love Roulette Challenge in The Sims 4, where love is blind, fate is randomized, and the drama is totally simulated. 🌟 This challenge is a test of matchmaking skills and Sims chaos as we dive into the unpredictable world of The Perfect Match. The goal? To find an ideal match for each contestant and watch the sparks (or fireworks) fly!

The Setup:

It all begins with 8 randomized contestants (generated by a number picker, because who needs control?). These Sims are stepping into the limelight to find the one. Your task? Pair them up with their perfect match! When their date pops the big question—move in with me—we ship the lucky Sim off to a new home and roll the dice again to bring in the next contestant. It’s a revolving door of love, heartbreak, and ridiculous Sims antics.

The Twist:

Every one of the 30 contestants in this challenge was generated entirely by AI, making each character’s backstory, personality, and style as unpredictable and unique as possible! To spice things up, I’ve grouped them into three difficulty levels, each with its own color-coded flair: 💚 Beginner Bliss (Green) – Easygoing and lighthearted, you’ll match Sims based on just a few traits like style, hair color, and body shape. 💜 Medium Madness (Purple) – Ready to up the stakes? Add more complexity to your pairings and factor in extra customization options. 💖 Hopelessly Hardcore (Pink) – Buckle up, perfectionists. This level throws everything into the mix, leaving no trait, aspiration, or backstory unconsidered. It’s messy, and we love it.

If you'd like to play along, you can choose your difficulty level and use my randomized character list to create your own TV-worthy drama. 📝 The full cast of 30 characters and their details is waiting for you in this Google Docs link. Choose as little as 8 to fill the house or as many as all 30!!

Will Your Contestants Find True Love?

Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster filled with awkward dates, surprise proposals, and the occasional house fire (oops). Who’s joining me in this journey of chaotic matchmaking? Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to share your own Love Roulette Challenge stories using #ChallengeAcceptedTV! 🎥💌

Challenge Accepted. Let the matchmaking begin!

[bioleaderpack]

🌿 Australia’s Takeout Is Going Eco-Chic—and These Bowls Are Stealing the Show

Let’s talk food. Let’s talk sustainability. And let’s talk about the fact that what you eat your pad Thai from might just be more important than the pad Thai itself.

Welcome to 2025 Australia, where food delivery is a lifestyle and eco-packaging is the new sexy.

☀️ Beachside Takeout with a Green Twist

Picture this: You’re sitting on a warm patch of sand in Byron Bay, holding a steaming bowl of vegan pumpkin laksa. The ocean breeze carries the scent of fresh lemongrass and coriander. You dig in… and your bowl? It's not plastic. Not styrofoam. Not greenwashed nonsense.

It’s a 100% compostable bagasse bowl—sturdy, stylish, and straight-up made from sugarcane fiber.

This is what Aussie food culture looks like now. 🌊

🥡 Not Just Any Bowl—This One’s Got Standards

We're done with soggy cardboard containers and plastics that pretend to be eco.

🌱 Strong biodegradable paper bowl? Handles your saucy stir-fry like a pro. No leaks. No drama.

🌱 Plant-based sugarcane bagasse bowl? It’s heat-resistant, Insta-worthy, and breaks down in your compost bin like a boss.

It’s the kind of packaging that makes you feel better about ordering extra dumplings on a Tuesday. No guilt, just good taste.

🍜 Aussie Eats Are Going Global—and Greener

Australia’s food scene is one big international buffet:

Korean kimchi bowls

Lebanese lentil soups

Thai green curry

Japanese donburi

And with flavors this bold, packaging has to keep up.

That’s why more kitchens are switching to plant-based sugarcane bagasse bowls—they hold the heat, keep the broth in, and don’t melt under pressure (literally).

🚲 Ghost Kitchens + Green Bowls = The Future

The rise of ghost kitchens and food delivery apps means food is moving faster than ever. But that doesn’t mean the planet should suffer.

These bowls:

Look good

Feel sturdy

Compost like a dream

They're showing up in every Uber Eats order, from Sydney suburbs to downtown Brisbane.

One ghost kitchen even told us switching to 100% compostable bagasse bowls cut their waste bill by 30%. Win.

🎨 Aesthetic Check: Pass

Tumblr is about the vibe, right? So let’s check:

🌾 Earthy textures

📸 Looks fab in flat lays

✍️ Custom printed with soy ink logos

🧘‍♀️ Minimalist enough for your zero-waste blog

Whether you're a foodie, a sustainability geek, or just want your takeout to match your aesthetic—these bowls get it.

🧠 A Quick Breakdown (Because Info Is Sexy)

Use it for…Ideal BowlCoconut lentil soupStrong Biodegradable Paper BowlJackfruit rice bowl100% Compostable Bagasse BowlSpicy tofu noodle saladPlant-based Sugarcane Bagasse BowlChia pudding breakfastSugarcane Bowl with Clear Lid

🐨 Final Thought: The Future Is Plant-Based—and Plastic-Free

Australia's food delivery game is next level. And now, finally, so is the packaging.

Because honestly? Nothing tastes as good as zero waste feels. 💚

[btcinfonews]

Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Regulations for Banks

📉💰🚀 Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Regulations for Banks: Here Comes the Bull! 🚀💰📉

So, those mystical suits over at the Federal Reserve decided to play nice with the crypto industry, and wow, it’s about to get exciting! On April 24, 2025, they announced a major overhaul in crypto regulations that could make banks feel like kids in a candy store. 🍬🥳

What to Know:

Federal Reserve eases regulations, impacting crypto markets positively.

Banks welcome reduced regulatory friction on crypto activities.

Institutional involvement in crypto is expected to rise.

🚀 Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Regulations for Banks 🚀

The regulatory landscape is shifting, and banks can finally ditch the red tape. This means Bitcoin and Ethereum might just get the hug they’ve always wanted from traditional financial institutions! 🏦💚 With the removal of approval requirements, it’s like they just unlocked a secret level in a video game! 🎮

Just think: higher liquidity in DeFi and stablecoins, banks feeling liberated, and tech innovation hitting a new peak! Remember, historical trends show that when regulators ease up, crypto sees a meteoric rise—let’s just hope it’s not like those balloon animal dogs that pop (looking at you, 2022–2023). 🐶🎈

"These actions ensure the Board's expectations remain aligned with evolving risks and further support innovation in the banking system." - Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chair

So, are we ready to hodl our way to the moon? 🌙✨ There's plenty to be excited about, and investors should definitely keep their eyes peeled for the next big jump in crypto! Check out more details here and let’s ride this wave together! 🤙💸

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research!

#CryptoNews #CryptoRegulations #InvestSmart #Bitcoin #Ethereum #DeFi #InstitutionalInvesting #Hodl

[kanalcoin]

💥🔔🚀 *Attention Crypto Enthusiasts!* Buckle up your virtual seatbelts because BDAG just blasted off with a whopping **$304 million** presale! 🌌💸 Yes, you read that right—BlockDAG isn’t just any token; it’s the *Layer 1* platform that’s changing the game! Meanwhile, the ever-memeable **$PEPE** is throwing some serious whale party vibes with a recent $17.42 million injection. 🐋💚 Talk about taking ‘whale watching’ to a whole new level! Get this: one lucky whale has scooped up **500 billion PEPE tokens**—that’s one considerable commitment! 💰📈 *Charting adventures?* PEPE’s bouncing back from the depths to challenge previous highs—will it moon again? 🌙🚀 But wait! Are we forgetting about **$TON**? Holding strong at **$3.24** with 740 million tokens forming an unshakeable support wall. 🤩🔒 Talk about retail strength! They’re not just hodling; they’re *conviction buying*. With 90.26% of holders in profit, this could rocket any moment! 💹 Now, let’s get back to our favorite new BFF—**BlockDAG**. It’s not just raising funds; it’s designing its *DAG-based* infrastructure to welcome an *ecosystem of rapid transactions*. 📊⚡ What’s more? The mobile-first **X1 App** is already pulling in 2 million users! 💥 *Tap your way to crypto riches!* If you’re curious (and you should be), dive into this wild ride and check out the full scoop on [Kanalcoin](https://kanalcoin.com/bdags-presale-hits-304m-ton-holds-firm-pepe-whale-activity-surges). Are you ready to spot the next all-star crypto player? Let's chat in the comments! 💬👇 *#Crypto #Blockchain #InvestSmart #PEPE #TON #BlockDAG #MemeCoins #CryptoInvesting #CryptoCommunity*