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allwaswell16 · 7 months

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A fic rec of One direction fics where one of the characters is starting a new job and has an embarrassing situation due to meeting a co-worker prior to starting the new job as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

—Harry/Louis—

୭ you are my destiny (you are the reason that i still believe) by @alwaysxlarrie

(M, 98k, boss/employee) What he hadn't expected was for Louis Tomlinson to waltz into their company, and his life, and change around everything he thought he knew about fate. A Cinderella AU.

୭ Do Not Go Gentle by @afirethatcannotdie

(E, 70k, hospital) A Grey’s Anatomy AU where tensions are high, Harry and Louis are hooking up in secret, and no one has time for love. Or do they?

୭ i'll crash until you notice me by stylinsoncity / @aliensingucci

(M, 61k, boss/employee) Louis sets off to Barbados to oversee the massive resort his family owns known as Sandy Hill.

୭ You're the Light by @allwaswell16

(E, 31k, boss/employee) What he finds on his first day of work is a tall, gorgeous editor named Harry who has the most beautiful green eyes he’s ever seen—and who also happens to be his new boss.

୭ The Greenback Boogie by @lewiswilliamstyles

(E, 28k, boss/employee) When they see each other on Harry's first day of work, it was not the first time they met. The Suits inspired AU no one asked for.

୭ Every Lover's Got A Little Dagger In Their Hand by ishiplouis / @pocketsunshineharry

(E, 22k, enemies to lovers) Does the attraction between two complete opposites really exist, or is it just a myth?

୭ Into This Mess by crimsontheory / @ireallysawanangel

(E, 20k, enemies to lovers) The first day of Louis’ promotion is going well, far better than he expected. That is until his new partner shows up, who just so happens to be the guy who stumbled half-dressed out of his flat that same morning.

୭ Secrets, Santa? by @indiaalphawhiskey

(E, 19k, boss/employee) Right, okay, so Harry had confessed his deepest, darkest, dirtiest secrets to a stranger who turned out to be his boss. No big deal.

୭ Up All Night for Good Fun by @berzerkshires

(E, 13k, boss/employee) The man leaves his place before Harry wakes up, which makes him sad since it was the best sex he's ever had. But when he goes to his new job on Monday, he realizes the man he slept with is the CEO.

୭ fire for a heart by brainwaves

(M, 12k, office party) Louis and Harry meet in a club. In the beginning, everything that could go wrong does go wrong.

୭ I'm All Yours, I Got No Control by Bearandleonardwrite / @erikabearikuh

(E, 10k, boss/employee) Harry and Louis hook up at a club. When Harry turns up to his new job the next day, he's more than a little surprised to learn that his new boss, Dr. Tomlinson, is Louis.

୭ Should Be, Meant To Be by thecheshirepussycat / @the-cheshire-pussy-cat

(E, 9k, boss/employee) Louis signs up for a Sugar Daddy dating website on a drunken dare.

୭ How It Begins (series) by @phdmama

(E, 8k, classroom parents) New town, new job, new school for his daughter. It's a chance to start again for Louis Tomlinson, a clean slate. Or is it?

—Rare Pairs—

୭ Cool Kids Never Have The Time by wordsnnotes / @quelsentiment

(T, 6k, Zayn/Louis) Zayn auditions to join a band and makes a bad first impression on their bassist.

#ficrec #trackinghappily #1dficvillage #hltracks #1dsource #tracksintheam #trackinghome

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kishfish · 2 months

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microfic - Jegulus + wolfstar /past lives/

Gryffindor common room. Warm rich comforting red flecked with soft gold. The dying fire casting light into the room and managing to continue spreading warmth. The week before the castle would be empty except for a few strays staying over the Christmas break.

The afterparty was over, even the after afterparty was over. The last dregs of people drained from the room. Shouting votes of thanks to their gracious hosts. The music continued soft through the speaker hooked up to James’ beat up iPod shuffle. Remus and Sirius curled in on eachother on the loveseat. Sirius's head resting where Remus' clavicle pokes out to meet his chest. Remus breathes him in, residual smoke from the blunt they'd shared earlier mixed with the tenderness that is Sirius Black in the early hours. For all Sirius's loudness Remus enjoys these moments of stillness. Sirius sighs further into him and makes a noise of content.

James finds himself on the floor, head leaning against the bit of loveseat that is not taken up by Remus' lanky shape. He is slow in his movements not to disturb Regulus who's head is in his lap, eyes closed, eyelashes fanned out on pink dusted cheeks, residual effects of the firewhiskey's he thought could match Peter in drinking. With the rise and fall of Regulus' chest James runs a hand through the boy's jet black hair wondering how he got so lucky.

By now the common room is all but empty except for them.

Past lives couldn't ever hold me down Lost love is sweeter when it's finally found I've got the strangest feeling This isn't our first time around

It takes a few moments for them to recognise the song through the haze of the lingering post alcohol effects, only slightly controlling their movements now. James and Regulus lift their heads. Regulus now propping himself up with one hand to catch the knowing grin spread across James' face.

Past lives couldn't ever come between us Some time the dreamers finally wake up Don't wake me I'm not dreaming Don't wake me I'm not dreaming

It happens in unison, much like any other ideas shared by Siruis and James, the 'one-brain'. Sirius is jumping from Remus' arms leaving the sandy-haired boy looking like a he's just lost something precious. Regulus is being pulled to his feet by James and pushed into a now pouting Remus' lap from which he slides out of and onto the couch in a split second. Gay awakening scenes involving Remus tutoring an extra charms lesson with a slightly loose tie and flash of midriff as he stretched to write on the chalkboard flit across his mind. A blush spreads across his cheeks.

All my past lives They've got nothing on me Golden eagle, you're the one and only flying high Through the cities in the sky

The thoughts are pushed from his mind from his brain as his brother turns the volume up at least loud enough for the Ravenclaws in their tower to be woken from their sleep. Regulus throws him a look to which he turns it down a notch but the damage is done.

I'll take you way back Countless centuries Don't you remember? That you were meant to be my Queen of Hearts Meant to be my love

James and Sirius are now standing in the centre of the room back-to-back holding imaginary microphones as they belt out the lyrics. Leaving both Remus and Regulus in initial shock. The boys on the couch turn to eachother and share a look of amusement.

Through all of my lives I never thought I'd wait so long for you The timing is right The stars are aligned

James and Sirius belt out the words directed at the boys who have their hearts. Backs touching as they shimmy forward singing loudly, shaking with laughter. The room is filled with a warmth that even Regulus and Remus cannot deny.

So save that heart for me

James looking at Regulus who rolls his eyes.

Cause girl you know that you're my destiny Swear to the moon, the stars

Sirius pointing to Remus on the word ‘moon’ and then gesturing to himself and Regulus, who is trying and failing to hide a smile, when he yells out the word ‘stars’. Remus joining Regulus in an eye-roll.

The sons, and the daughters Our love is deeper than the oceans of water

The singing boys now only a foot away from the couch as they shake their shoulders to the beat of the song, going from back-to-back to facing each other on every alternate line of the chorus.

Hey, I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long

Endearment unable to stay off Regulus' face as James is looking at him singing the words surprisingly in key. Sirius holding the imaginary microphone out to Remus waiting expectantly for the boy to sing the next lines into.

Passing seasons Empty bottles of wine

Remus resists for as long as he can but breaks on the last two lines of the verse as they hit home. He would truly be lost without Sirius.

My ancient kingdom came crashing down without you Baby child, I'm lost without your love

Regulus is once again being pulled to his feet by James. This time however he is being enveloped in a one armed hug. James's other hand curled tightly around his imaginary microphone.

Diamond sparrow, my moonlight majesty You know I need you, come flying back to me

James turns into Regulus holding the microphone between them. Getting out a quiet "Hi Reg" without missing a word of the song. Regulus' breath catching as the older boy smiles down at him through the words. Brown eyes meeting grey with adoration.

Through all of my lives I never thought I'd wait so long for you The timing is right The stars are aligned

Remus is now being yanked to his feet and pulled into Sirius, who holds all of his weight as the taller boy adjusts, always aware of Remus' hip pain. This does not stop Sirius from swaying their bodies once Remus is steady on his own feet. Over exaggerated dance moves and pure joy.

So save that heart for me Cause girl you know that you're my destiny

James has let go of the imaginary microphone to hold onto Regulus hips, fingers slipping under the younger boys shirt. Regulus inhales sharply as warm fingers search his lower back. A victory laugh escape James' lips.

Swear to the moon, the stars The sons, and the daughters Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Save that heart for me And girl I'll give you everything you need Here's to our past lives

As the boys move around the room Sirius catches Regulus' eye on the line.

Our mothers and fathers

And gives him a middle finger intended for their parents causing a laugh to burst from his younger brother as he thinks about their parents being absolutely appalled by the current situation.

Our love is deeper than the oceans of water

James now slowing their movements till they're just rocking on the spot. Reg looks up resting his chin on the older boys chest. James still whispering the words.

Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long

Remus resting his head on top of Sirius' as the shorter boy slows and wraps both his arms around his waist.

So save that heart for me Cause girl you know that you're my destiny

Sirius looks up to catch Remus' look of longing He leans forward slightly catching Remus's lips in a kiss. Still managing to mumble the words softly onto his lips.

Swear to the moon, the stars The sons, and the daughters

Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Save that heart for me And girl I'll give you everything you need Here's to our past lives Our mothers and fathers Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long

As the song comes to an end both pairs are interrupted by many disgruntled students shuffling back into the room to complain about that "goddamn noise and of course it is Potter and Black". James giving Regulus a small smile and Remus trying to calm the growing crowd while Sirius chooses to die on the hill that is "the music needed to be that loud or Remus would no longer love him"

#wolfstar #jegulus #starchaser #sunseeker #marauders #remus lupin #sirius black #james potter #regulus black #peter pettigrew

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fable-and-folly · 11 months

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Rainbow Rec List

3Inspired by @danpuff-ao3 ‘s Color Self Recs

Pretty in Pink by @writcraft (Drarry, E, 3k)

What happens when the only person who accepts your secrets is the one person you can’t stand?

Hands Red, Hands Red by starlitsilveryes (Drarry, E, 30k)

Harry Potter is an International Quidditch Star with a dark secret behind his celebrity smile; Draco Malfoy is an Auror assigned to a case where he has to catch the world’s most dangerous and renowned criminal.

A story of crime, murder, emotional conflict, and illusion of love for those who are drawn to the allure of darkness.

Orange Blossoms by @danpuff-ao3 (Snarry, T, 3k)

These are foolish times to have hope, and more foolish still to be in love.

Yellow is the Colour (of My True Love’s Hair) by @mintawasalreadytaken (Drarry, E, WIP.)

Harry Potter can't forget Dumbledore's offer to Draco Malfoy on the parapet. Convinced that saving his nemesis is key to conquering Voldemort, he makes an offer of mercy that intertwines their fates.

Going Green by emynn (Snarry, E, 14k)

It was all Harry ever wanted for Severus to be recognised by the Wizarding world for all he’d done. But when Severus’ newfound popularity leads to a potential love interest, Harry becomes all too familiar with the old adage, “be careful what you wish for.”

The Blue Door by Snegurochka (Snupin, E, 36k.)

There is no situation, no opportunity, no sudden, aching desire that a werewolf can't control. Any man who says otherwise is just a man looking for an excuse

the witching hour (purple midnight) by ElasticElla (Hedric, T, 1k)

The first time Harry notices Cedric is in his third year. Dementors swarm the pitch, and everything goes black. He wakes up later in the hospital wing, the Hufflepuff seeker sleeping in a chair beside him, and Ron tells him in excited whispers how Diggory caught him and the match was declared null.

That Old Black Magic by bixgirl1 (Drarry, E, 77k)

Centuries ago, marriage contracts were the norm — ready-made alliances between families, expected and complied with, without complaint. But norms have a way of changing, and when a long-dormant contract flares to life, Harry has to navigate an unexpected splintering of the path he'd thought would be easy after the war... with Draco Malfoy.

The White Road by @perverse-idyll (Snarry, E, 47k)

One day, comfortably set up in the afterlife, Lily Evans Potter switches on the telly and gets hooked on the Harry Potter show.

Flecks of Gray by @wynnefic (Tomarry, T, 1k)

After Harry's second encounter with Voldemort, Lily's protection goes haywire, turning everyone Harry touches to ash. It's very inconvenient.

Sandy Brown Curls by outofbookshelves (Wolfstar, T, 1k)

Sirius stumbles upon a bookshop one day and is immediately smitten with its adorable owner.

#drarry #snarry #snupin #wolfstar #hedric #tomarry #recs

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chain-link-smut · 8 months

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Hello Beautiful Beasties!

Smut-tember 23, Day 3: Sky x Reader(Fem) - Sleepy Morning Sex

Summary: With no rush to the morning, you and Sky indulge in some sweet sleepy passion.

Word count: 979

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There was a warm weight against your back as you began to stir awake from your deep sleep. Warm, even breaths tickled the back of your neck, reminding you of who was with you. Turning over, you are met with a handsome face. Sky is sound asleep with an arm wrapped around your low back. He hardly moved away from you all night, not that you would ever complain of that. His full lips were barely parted and you couldn't help wanting to kiss them again. A single kiss wouldn't wake him, right? You took the chance.

His lips were soft, still holding the sweet taste of the last night's drinks. When you gave the second kiss, he hummed with a smile. The arm around you tightened, bringing you closer. He lazily kissed you back, making it a bit sloppy when his tongue grazed your bottom lip. Wanting to see how far your sleepy head partner was willing to go this early, you captured his bottom lip between yours, giving it a slight tug.

His eyes looked to have stars in them as they open. "Well g'morning to you too." He leaned forward into your lips with no real urgency outside of just wanting to. You slide your palms up over his chest and shoulders. Your fingers play with his sandy blond, wavy hair before burying them in it. The gently scratching to his scalp and the oh so nice pull had him breathless. His hand traced along your bare side to the only piece of clothing you had on: thin, silky, deep purple panties. His thumb hooked the laced hem, dragging it down one hip. Eyes still closed, you felt his hand slowly make its way inside, palm cupping you. He left his hand there just to feel the most intimate part of you.

Enjoying the comfort of having Sky so close and the excitement of what could happen, you keep your slow languid lip-lock steadily going. He knew you too well though. His fingers stayed on the outside of your entrance, stimulating you until you were only focused on his movements down below. Before you knew it he had you giving soft whimpers and hips rolling to get his fingers into your now soaked entrance.

Wordlessly, he nudged you over onto your back. Sky followed you to press some of his weight onto you, knowing that it's a form of comfort for you. In this new position you were able to spread your legs for him, not that he needed a bigger invitation. A single thick finger split your folds, coating it in your slick fluid. A second digit joined in to part the way, casually circling just at the rim of entering. The touch was relaxed, soothing you rather than ramping you up.

Sky's here and there open mouthed kisses left your neck and collarbone damp and he followed up with blowing cool air against the spots, raising goosebumps immediately. Your breath hitched as his teeth grazed below your ear. He let out a chuckle to your reaction, winning him a playful slap to his arm.

Dipping his fingers into the wet heat, your mouth opened and gave him the opportunity to have his tongue caress yours. He swallowed the moans you gave when his thumb found your button of nerves, giving it a swirl. Your legs involuntarily twitch when swiped over it. He didn't do it too often, but often enough that you were panting. The two rough digits inside you deliberately stroked your walls sluggishly. The constant ministration had you wanting to cum already and every time you thought you were close, he would ease out so his fingertips were the only part of him still giving attention to your overly stimulated entrance. Sky knew what he was doing and you had no interest in telling him to stop or hurry him along.

You lost count of how many times he got you right up to the edge of bliss, only to humble you back down. All this wasn't just getting your desires to rise, clearly, as Sky rutted his fully hard cock against your leg. He whispered a desperate plea in your ear, "Sweetheart, I want you."

Stroking his cheek lovingly, you asked, "How do you want me?"

"Turn over for me." Sneaking in one more messy kiss, you turned for him, placing a pillow partly under your hips, one knee bent. You trilled when he draped himself fully over your back. All else left your mind as you focused on the warmth of Sky's chest and stomach. His own legs pushed yours wider, then a hand slid down your backside to between your legs. He scooped a bit of your slick into his hand to lather his cock. You heard the little pops of fluid as his hand stroked over the head and down the shaft. You tilted your hips as he pressed the thick blunt head of his cock to your wanting hole. He released a shuttered breath as he was engulfed by your heat.

Arms wrapped around your midsection and chest, forehead laid in the crook of your neck, Sky begins to plunge further into your tight wall of muscles. The rhythm is set and you both made no effort to hide the sounds of your pleasure between the sheets. As the need to release grew, so did Sky's pace until with one last breathless thrust he painted your insides white with his cum. His fingers found the button of nerves again, forcing you to release your delayed orgasm.

Thoroughly worn out, Sky pulled you with him so you both could rest on your sides. He kissed your dewy skin, catching his breath. It was going to be a lazy day at this rate, but it was mornings like this that made you want to wake up in Sky's arms.

Keep it Naughty you Beautiful Beasties!🖤

#loz smut #purely smut #Smut-tember #ST23 #Sky x Reader

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topguncortez · 1 year

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i remember when i was a kid all i wanted was light up shoes… now kids are terrified to have light up shoes in case of an active shooter.

if you think drag queens and books are the issue… you need to WAKE THE FUCK UP

we are 85 DAYS into this year and there has been 129 MASS SHOOTINGS. why the fuck does this shit need to keep happening? how many more Parklands and Colombines and Sandy Hooks need to happen? how many more “thoughts and prayers” need to be fucking sent?

now more than ever is when we need to start paying fucking attention to who we are voting into office and who’s gonna make a fucking change. cause why the hell does my uterus have more laws and restrictions on it than a fucking assault rifle does. why does a 6 week old fetus matter more than a five year old sitting in math class.

#i’m pissed #my niece told my brother today she knows what to do in an active shooting #she’s five years old #FIVE YEARS OLD

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poledancingdinos · 1 year

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You've Got Me Hooked - Post Epilogue Bonus Scene

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Riley McKenzie)

Word count: 2K

Warnings: Sex work, Stripper, OnlyFans, Light Angst, Family Drama

Catch up: Series Masterlist

Taglist:@amberangel112 @utterlyhopeful-fics @marantha @kebabgirl67 @littleone65 @omgkatinka @luclittlepond @marytudorbrandon @enchantedbytomandhenry @narnianaos @geralts-yenn @peaches1958 @foxyjwls007 @identity2212 @summersong69 @liecastillo @islacharlotte @evansabove1981 @eskiix @lilacwineandthesinkingsunmain @tryingtoliveonmywishes @henryownsme

A/N: My friend convinced me to post this early because we both have no self-control.

If you want to be added or removed from my taglist, let me know! If your name is crossed out, I can’t tag you for some reason.

Masterlist

Riley

I’ve only been able to lightly dose for the past few hours, what with the nurses coming in to check on me or to make sure our baby boy is feeding properly and not losing weight for any reason. Then there’s the fact that we are in an unknown hospital six states away from our home. I doubt Sy will ever stop saying “I told you so” for that one but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity at the contract this firm is offering me.

I love running RD’s for Don because it also gives me the chance to pick up some freelance work now and then. I just wanted to get a feel for this company before signing on for a twelve month contract and I knew I wouldn’t want to travel once the baby was born.

It’s hard to say exactly what it was that woke me up this time but what pulls my eyes open is the sound of a familiar voice out in the hall. The door is propped open, which Sy has been doing whenever he has to leave me alone in the room. It’s not really necessary since I have a call button for a nurse and it’s not like anyone but the other new mothers and fathers in the ward would hear me if I shouted for help but it makes him feel better so I don’t say any of those thoughts out loud.

“I need to call the office and let them know to expedite the paperwork. I’ll meet you downstairs in ten minutes?”

“Yeah, alright.”

A man in a suit speed walks past the door and down the hallway that leads to the elevator. The other man apparently wasn’t in as much of a hurry to leave the building because it takes a few more seconds before he appears in the doorframe.

Like his companion, he’s wearing a fancy designer suit. His sandy blonde hair is neatly stilled but one rebellious lock hangs down over his forehead as he reads over the papers in a manila folder.

He looks older than when I last saw him, although that’s to be expected when you let five years go by between visits. As I stare at his left profile I begin to wonder what his life has become. There’s no sign of a wedding ring and for him to be dressed as he is must mean that he has fulfilled his destiny and become a lawyer.

My thoughts are interrupted when the tiny human by my side wakes with an ear-splitting cry. Immediately, I reach out and take him in my arms, laying him on my chest. I rock him as I whisper what I hope are soothing words and it’s not long before he quiets down.

The next time I look out the door I find chocolate brown eyes staring back at me in shock. The young man opens his mouth as if to speak but no words leave his lips so he shuts it again. His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows and slowly, he walks through the door. He stops about two steps into the room, staying a safe distance from me and the infant cradled protectively in my arms.

“Is my baby sister really a mother?”

I bristle at his choice of words. “I pushed an eight pound Syverson baby out of my vagina, I’d say that qualifies me for the title.”

Arthur taps the manila folder on his open palm a few times then tucks it under his arm in favor of shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You have every right to be mad at me. I’m really sorry about what happened. I never had a chance to explain.”

I don’t think mad is the right word. Mad implies that I resent being cut off or that I blame him for it happening. He’d already been away from home for four years by the time I got kicked out after high school. It’s not like he could have done anything to help or to change our parents’ mind.

We led separate lives while he was in law school and I was perfectly fine with that. We saw each other once a year at Thanksgiving and that was enough. What hurt was that he told my parents about the porn. That’s what I was. Hurt.

“There’s nothing to explain. You told on me and you joined them in pretending I never existed. Thanks to you the McKenzie name remains unblemished.”

“Riley, please believe me… I told them about the OF because I thought it would make them give in and send you some money. I thought the threat of some bad press would force their hand but I was wrong. By the time I found out what they had done, you’d changed your number and you’d erased any trace of Riley McKenzie from social media. I didn’t know how to find you and I thought that meant you didn’t want to be found.”

No, I didn’t want to be found. I didn’t want to risk people from the strip club finding my real accounts so I deleted them all. I started from scratch as Razzy and even now, I haven’t really gone back.

“Ri? What’s wrong, why are you cryin’?”

Sy’s deep voice startles me out of my thoughts. He briefly stops in the doorway, studying the room then side steps Arthur to come stand by the bed. He places himself between me and the stranger invading his space like the loyal protector he is.

I can’t imagine what this must look like to him. First there’s a man in an important looking suit standing by the doorway of the room and then there’s me — crying as I clutch our son in my arms. Whatever he’s thinking, he immediately goes into Captain mode.

“What’s goin’ on?” he all but barks at my brother.

“Sy?” I wrap a hand around his bicep, partly to get his attention, partly in the hopes of holding him back if he decides to lash out before he gets the full story. He looks at me over his shoulder, keeping his body towards Arthur. “This is my brother. Arthur, this is my husband, Sy.”

Both men give a small nod of acknowledgment but the tension in the room stays high. I told Sy the full story of what happened between me and my parents and the role Arthur played in that. I guess I should say the role I thought he had played. Sy was understandably very angry. He might have also said he would break his nose if he ever happened to see him. At least we’ll be in hospital if something happens.

“How did he know we were here?”

“I didn’t,” my brother explains. “It’s a coincidence really. We’re waiting on a judge to grant the state custody of a newborn down the hall.”

That does absolutely nothing to alleviate the tension in Sy’s shoulders.

“Barely a few days old and you’re already tryin’ to tear a family apart?”

My brother stands up taller, not even flinching at the tone of my husband’s voice. It’s a not so subtle dig but Arthur doesn’t seem to realize that it was meant to be personal.

“She’s a druggie who told a judge in open court that if they took custody of her oldest child she would just make a new one. I don’t know about you but I’d rather give that kid a chance at adoption and a good life rather than leaving them with a mother who thinks of children like they’re a goldfish in a petstore.”

Damn. Credit where credit is due, Arthur has a lot of balls to stand up to Sy like that. He looks at his watch and mumbles a curse.

“Can I see you again once you get settled at home?” I’ve never seen Arthur like this. He looks deeply upset by the whole situation.

“We umm… we actually live near Atlanta. I was only here for work but our son seems to have had other ideas. He’s three weeks early.”

Arthur’s eyes go comedically wide. “Three weeks early and he was eight pounds?” Neither one of us was by any means a big baby. Even now he’s only around five foot ten himself which is considered tall in our family.

“Yeah, that’s all this guy’s fault.” I poke Sy in the arm and he gives me one of his signature smirks though his eyes are all soft, looking at me with nothing but fondness.

Arthur’s phone dings three times in quick succession, causing him to sigh. He ignores it for the moment, instead reaching inside his jacket and producing a business card. He walks up to Sy, extending his hand. It takes him a second but Sy eventually shakes it.

“I’m glad Riley has someone looking out for her. For the both of them.” Arthur sets his business card down on the table by the bed and directs his next words to me. “If I can ever help you, in any way, please call me,” he says, tapping his finger on the card for emphasis.

“I will,” I tell him honestly.

Sy follows Arthur to the door, shutting it behind him. The boy in my arms starts to wiggle and fuss again so I push my top aside to allow him to latch on to my breast. We’re going to have to name him eventually. We’ve discussed a few options but we haven’t settled on anything yet. None of the names we considered before his birth seem appropriate now that he’s here.

Sy sits on the edge of the bed beside me, putting his arm around my shoulders.

“Is there anything I need to know ‘bout what happened before I got here?”

“He said he was sorry about what happened with my parents. That he’d only meant to help.”

Sy caresses the back of our son’s hand going completely still when the little guy moves it away in favor of wrapping his whole fist around one of Sy’s fingers.

“It’s your call, Mama. All I’m gonna say is if this guy is half as bad as me, having a hot-shot Manhattan lawyer on speed dial might not be a bad idea.”

I burst out laughing, leaning my head on Sy’s chest. If this were a cartoon, Sy and I would both have little red beating hearts where our eyes are supposed to be. Baby Boy falls asleep right there on my chest and Sy takes him from me, gently trying to coax a burp out of him before putting him back down to sleep.

“What do you think of Parker?” Sy suggests, walking around the room in small circles as Baby Boy sleeps on his shoulder.

“I was thinking Maddox but I like yours better.” I get as comfortable as I can, feeling the alluring pull of sleep myself.

“Parker Maddox Syverson,” he repeats, testing out the name. “Definitely gonna be a troublemaker.”

Sy kisses my forehead and I allow myself to close my eyes while Parker is placed in his crib with so much care I think my heart might burst from all the love I have for him and Sy.

“Even if he is,” my sentence is interrupted by a lengthy yawn, “he’ll be just fine as long as he has you as a dad.”

Sy pulls the chair closer, folding his forearms on the bed and laying his head over them. I begin to play with his hair, scratching slow circles over his scalp. I love his curls. He occasionally keeps his hair longer than he prefers just so I get to play with it. I hope Parker gets his Daddy’s curls. The motion feels peaceful and meditative, aided by the low appreciative rumble coming from my husband’s chest.

“I love you, Sy. Thank you for making this my life.”

He shifts just enough to reach my free hand, intertwining our fingers together. “Back atcha, Mama.”

#captain syverson #captain syverson fic #captain syverson fanfic #captain syverson fanfiction #captain syverson x ofc

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sonder-paradise · 2 years

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Hi I have a question!! I loved ur dance with a pirate fic and find myself revisiting the fic multiple times!! :D but what happened between Chuuya and the reader 5 years ago? I thought it was implied they hooked up or kissed or had something special romantically, but I really don’t know. So what happened 5 years ago?

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 — 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐮𝐲𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚

◊ a/n: i didn’t wanna just give you an answer so i wrote a little something out as a prequel to Dance with a Pirate <3 i hope you enjoy since i had a lot of fun with pirate chuuya again :)

◊ pairing: pirate!chuuya nakahara x gn!reader

◊ genre: pirate au, enemies to lovers

◊ word count: 2.3k

All your life you had assumed the sea was your one true love. You saw a world of splendor and beauty in its oceanic views and deep cerulean waves. Yet, now as you sat at the edge of your open window, staring out at the vast sea, you wondered if it truly was the thing you adored.

Hundreds of days you had awaited that night: The night of your first pirate hunt. Your family, an infamous generational line of pirate captors were to be your judges and that night, a pirate would be yours.

“Our family has been asked to capture and execute a pirate residing on the eastern shore side of Martocia. His name is Osamu Dazai. I suggest you approach this one carefully. He’s got many allies in his territories.” Your mother informed you, sliding the tattered parchment across to you.

The image of a devilishly handsome man was inked in pure black on the front while minor details and key notes were scribbled on the bottom. Folding the paper, you tucked it into your backpocket for further reference.

With a prompt greeting from your mother and a wary eye from your father, you had fled into the crisp night air. The dramatic effect of the evening made your heart thud wildly in your chest. Perhaps this would be too easy for you. If you came back with him quickly enough then your family was sure to be astounded by your accomplishments.

You glanced at the door briefly, but made no effort to move your body. “Let the crew know we’ll depart at sunrise tomorrow.”

A short “Yes, Captain” tumbled from the other side of the door and you sluggishly pulled yourself up from your seat. Days you had been searching for this man and day after day he seemed to allude you further. You had gathered his favorite bars, his ship name, his regular treasure holds, and yet despite all odds, you had only garnered a small glimpse of him through a loftly crowd.

“Perhaps a walk would do me good.”

Your tour of the boardwalk left you with nothing but a bitter note in your mouth. The salty sea breeze bellowed against your face bringing about a sense of false calm in your wake. The moon was at its fullest in the sky. You paced the wooden planks listening to the gentle sounds of seagulls nesting in the cliffs above while the heavy waves glided onto the sandy shores.

When suddenly, a figure appeared before you. You paused your pacing, observing his features as he stopped in your path as if to block you.

Fiery red hair cascaded down his neck and rested on his left shoulder whilst keen blue eyes studied your own figure carefully. A distinct hat and coat took refuge on his somewhat muscular build. Though you noted him to be much shorter than he probably would have liked.

“You wouldn’t happen to be that pirate captor in the area, would you?” His voice melded beautifully into the ocean waves. A mixture of roughness and serenity teased your ears and had you just about tongue-tied. Though, only just about.

“It depends who’s asking. What do you want from me?”

The man smirked slightly at your response, taking the time to bow dramatically in your presence. Another action that had your stomach twisting into knots. From the look of his stature, he might have been with some navy or perhaps a captain of his own ship.

“I have some information on an annoying Osamu Dazai you might be interested in.”

Your eyes widened for a moment. “What’s your name?”

“Chuuya. Chuuya Nakahara. But you can call me whatever you’d like, Doll.”

“Well, Chuuya Nakahara, let’s talk elsewhere.”

You leaned against the alleyway of the mangled cobblestone streets. The town of Martocia was well-renowed for its hospitality though just a little more infamous for its increase of pirate settlements in the area.

This Chuuya Nakahara seemed odd for the time being. Apart from his rather strong personality, he did seem like he had information you needed and with the deadline for your hunt growing closer, it was information you desperately needed.

“So what sort of information are you giving me?” you asked, crossing your arms carefully.

Chuuya smiled like a fox. “I know where Dazai’ll be tonight and I also know that he’s told a couple in the area that he’s willing to make a deal with you.”

You raised an eyebrow at him. A deal with a pirate was also a precarious one. Who could ever trust a pirate’s word?

“What sort of deal is this? And why the hell should I trust you?”

Chuuya shrugged. A shrug so attractively casual you wished you could regret meeting him already. “He’s planing on retiring from pirating.”

“The man is only twenty-two, why retire so young?”

“He has a lover he wants to spend the rest of his time with apparently. You know, that whole romantic nonsense that drags people to their grave. Whatever the hell it is, he said that he would meet with you at the Moondrop Bar.”

You swallowed, feeling your throat tighten and dry. How could he be walking right into you just like this? A pit settled in the depths of your stomach.

“If you’re worried about anything, I can come with you, Doll. You might need the protection,” Chuuya murmured, drawing closer to you till he practically had you up against the wall.

“I don’t need your protection. I’ll be fine on my own, thank you. So if you’re finished, Nakahara, I’ll be taking my leave now,” you stated, pushing him back before heading back down the lantern-lined roads.

Taking a left at the next bend you heard that teasing voice call out to you. “The bar’s the other way, Doll!”

You turned back around, the back of your neck burning in embarrassment. “Alright, fine you can accompany me but only because I need your help getting there.”

The mysterious redhead rolled his eyes, standing at your side again only to gently place a hand on the small of your back to guide you towards the bar. “Whatever you say.”

The wafting chatters of the bar held secrets of untold treasures and undiscovered lands across the great sea. You could smell the deep aroma of whiskey and rum floating out from the counter as well as the crisp scent of frying fish and lemon juice.

Chuuya’s entrance with you went unnoticed by the crowds, who were busy listening to a tall-tale by this fierce looking sailor. His hand, still resting on your back, continued to lead you to a room on the second level of the bar. That twisting knot in your stomach pulled tighter.

“If this is some trick or trap, I’ll have your head for it,” you warned, resting a hand on the trusty blade at your side.

“Noted,” he murmured quietly.

Opening the third door to the left, Chuuya left your side to allow you singular entrance. You glanced back at him unsurely but that familiar smile forced you back around to greet the man inside.

He looked just like the image on his posters. A debonair sort of vibe with a mischievous and devilish grin that would have stolen the heart of any person in the area. Osamu Dazai was most certainly a pirate of interest.

“I see Chuuya’s done his job,” he commented, standing from his seat at the desk. “It’s lovely to finally meet the person who wants my head.”

At your silence, he continued, “I’m assuming Chuuya’s caught you up to speed? I want to make a deal with you. You see, I have someone important to me I need to keep safe now.”

His eyes softened in a way you had seen often for those that knew of love’s clutches. “In order to do that, I must ensure the world knows ‘Osamu Dazai’ is dead.”

The deal seemed to click in your mind and you stared at him in an attempt to find his sincerity. He appeared to be dripping in it.

“So you want me to bring back another man’s head? So that you can live with them?” you asked carefully, narrowing your eyes at him.

Dazai nodded eagerly, clearly happy to see you grasp the situation. “Yes, essentially. I’ll have someone else take my place of course but I want to spend the rest of my life with that person before someone like yourself takes it from me. No offence, of course.”

“None taken,” you shrugged, weighing the length of this dilemma.

“So, will you help me?”

You had no idea what love would have felt like for him: a pirate that had wrecked havoc upon the lands of many. You had no part in this complex story of a man and his lover. Yet, here you were having to make a decision that may destroy a fragile relationship. Your answer should have been clear. And even five years later, you would question your decision that fateful night.

But to a man that was supposedly your enemy, you agreed to carry out the sham of a lifetime. And so, the news of Osamu Dazai’s death to your family’s newest pirate captor rang about the towns of Martocia.

Home, you had sent the head of a pirate that carried similar features to Dazai and soon you would be returning to take your place among your family.

The candle light danced against the shadows of the wall. The window you had found yourself staring at was shut tightly and you sat at the desk pondering how this situation may have turned out for you. The ‘death’ of Osamu Dazai had the whole town, both pirate and citizen alike, in an uproar. You were sure a replacement for him would come soon enough.

But you couldn’t help yourself from thinking about the adoration in that pirate captain’s eyes as he spoke of his devotion to his lover. What sort of feeling was love? What sparked something so vast and beautiful in one’s heart that they would surrender themselves to death for it?

A tap at the window startled your thoughts and before you knew it, a certain Chuuya Nakahara stood in your room.

He smirked towards you and you could feel your heart flutter graciously in your chest. “So you took up the mackerel’s offer after all.”

You sighed, “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you,” he murmured, leaning against the bed post.

Ah, and there it was again. That disgustingly sweet feeling bubbling up inside of your core. How could he be so intoxicating and dangerous all at once? Then again, perhaps it was the danger that swept you off your feet.

“See me for what, Nakahara?”

“Call me Chuuya and I wanted to make a deal.” He leaned closer, resting a hand on the chair you sat on. His eyes flashed wildly and the gentle glow of the candles set a seductive ambiance.

“What kind of deal?”

“One I think we’d both enjoy. So what do you say?” he whispered. The tingle of his breath caught up against your ear and sent a shiver down your spine. A hand traced itself up your thigh and Chuuya zeroed in on your exposed neck.

“Deal.”

Awakening alone was another issue you would have throughout your life with a crafty man like Chuuya around. You groaned at the sight of gentle sunlight peering in through your curtains. The only semblance of Chuuya’s presence last night was the indentation of another person having laid beside you previously.

That, and the parchment note with scribbled writing. You blinked sleepily at it before clearly reading it with the muted sunbeams seeping in.

To my beloved Pirate Captor,

I have to thank you for your help with Dazai. He’s been an annoyance to me for a hell of a long time. I suppose the next time you see me, I’ll have been named Captain Chuuya Nakahara. I made that arrangement with Dazai so that I could have his ships and loot afterall. That mackerel really did fall in love with whoever the hell he found at that cove months ago. I just pushed him towards wanting to retire so he’d get out of here.

Regardless, you were a wonder to have around, Doll. I’ll miss seeing your cute face around. Though I have a feeling we’ll be meeting again. I wouldn’t mind spending another night with you. If you wouldn’t mind sleeping with a pirate again, of course. Take care till then, Doll. I’ll be off somewhere on the seven seas. By the way, I took that pretty sword and ship of yours. Just a little memento of the time I seduced a Pirate Captor.

Forever Yours,

Captain Chuuya Nakahara

Your skin burned by the end of the message. Your pride and sword had been stolen away by that devil of a man and to think a pirate of all people had been the one to take away your innocence. Crumping the paper in your fist, you burst out of bed to check your things.

The elegant sword your family had entrusted you with had vanished from your belongings and as if the timing could not get any worse, a knock resounded from the door.

“Captain… it appears we have a problem.” Atsushi said, opening the door slowly, “It seems the ships been stolen…”

You stared at the note and situation in disbelief. This man had robbed you of your belongings and was now terrorizing the seas with your ship? The ship that your family of infamous pirate captors had bestowed upon to you?

“I swear to god, Chuuya, I’ll shoot you where you stand the next time I see you!”

Tagging: @todorokichills @alittlesimp @greenshirtimaginesii @darlinqserenity @nameless-shrimp @whorefordazai @requiem626k @missrown @rirk-ke @kiyokoxd @jessbeinme15 @starglow-xx @shadyteacup @colourless-cora @scul-pted @kuraxmasha @yochicoz @pompompurin1028 @trashykawahq @swrdemon @life-sus @foolishestchildofchilds @fyodorscello @kur0-kawa @hanemiso @dazaiaiko @chuuyasboots @ruthdied @allisonlol @questioningmyownexistence @sebtomm @nullified-kiss @nathansside @cuteflowers-101 @sigmafied @boombboi @scarletta-ruan @skgch @daz8i @httpsobi @dazaiscum @thekaylahub @luciferspen @dazaisfavgf @thesatanofpizza @yuuotosaka3 @roiizuha @kisara-16reblogs @alice0blog @irethepotato @vinyicryes @monastary

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#[🖋] writing #[☠️] pirate au #chuuya bsd #chuuya nakahara #chuuya x reader #chuuya x gender neutral reader #bsd chuuya x reader #chuuya x y/n #chuuya x you #bsd x gender neutral reader #bsd x you #bsd x reader #bsd chuuya #bsd chuuya nakahara #bsd fic #chuuya fanfic

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stealth-liberal · 2 years

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Everyone is saying how they can't imagine what the families of the 19 children and 2 teachers who died in Uvalde, Texas today are going through. How they can't imagine what the families in Sandy Hook, Connecticut went through 10 years ago. How they can't fathom what the families of all the school shooting victims have had to fight through over the loss of their children.

I can. I have buried my baby. It wasn't due to school violence or gun violence, but I have held my dead child's tiny body in my arms and then gave him over to be prepared for burial. I cried. I screamed. I collapsed. I begged G-d to wake me up from the worst nightmare I couldn't have possibly imagined. I drank heavily for 3 years and SOMEHOW fought through to the other side.

These families will never get over this. Ever. This isn't something you get over. The best you can hope for is to get through it to the other side. Forever changed, forever altered. These parents will never be who they were before today happened, before their babies were killed for no reason. And mark my words there was no reason for this. It was senseless and easily preventable. Today never had to happen, and that fact will compound their trauma.

Some will go to therapy, some will live and breathe political activism on behalf of much needed gun control. Some will retreat from everyone, some will turn to alcohol (I did for 3 years), some to other ways to mute the screaming agony in their heads. Some won't make it, whether that's emotionally or physically, some just will not make it through.

I nearly didn't and I don't judge those for whom this is the end. We aren't supposed to bury our babies! We aren't supposed to outlive our children! This isn't 200 or more years ago when you would have 10 kids in the hopes that maybe 5, if you were lucky, would survive to adulthood. This isn't the way it's supposed to happen anymore. And it DOESN'T have to happen anymore... which makes this even more gut wrenching and heart breaking.

I know exactly how hard it is to cobble a life together after you lose a child and my soul bleeds for the struggle they're in for.

However... I am so ANGRY! What is it going to take??? Republicans, Libertarians and others of the conservative political ilk will NEVER do ANYTHING to end this. They will do everything, legal and illegal, to stymie Democratic, Green and other liberal attempts to legislate gun control. Nothing is beneath them.

So vote them all out. The only way we can save ourselves and our children is to vote them out. They do not care about any of us, so why should we care about them? Vote. Them. ALL. Out.

#uvalde #texas #school shooting #sl speaks #gun control #gun violence #politics #vote blue in 2022

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mr-up-on-a-downer · 2 years

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I kinda like Alex Jones ironically (i dont take him seriously but damn if he isnt entertaining) but this whole thing reeks of 2 things: 1. you aren't allowed to challenge the narratives that guns are bad and some mass shootings are planned out. Jones was way off the mark on this one but look at the vegas one and tell me that isn't suspicious as fuck, and if you look at chat logs you can probably find CIA/FBI/NSA fingers in every pie, because disarming the civilians is a goal of the .0000001% ruling class (sandy hook absolutely happened but HOW and WHY it happened are things I'd rather investigate than denying it outright).

And 2. Jones was a threat to the established norm. Whether or not he was taken seriously, he deviated from the standard narrative on anything and everything. Was he wrong about 99% of shit? Sure. But that 1% of the time he was right was unacceptable. He has to be punished for this.

Like Al Capone and getting fucked for taxes, this was the only way they could get to Jones and they absolutely sent a message of retribution for opposing the ruling party here.

I mean I think it’s pretty complicated but what he’s in hot water for is kinda a big deal in terms of what you shouldn’t do in the wake of a major tragedy so again it’s hard for me to feel sympathetic

Like you know what they say a broken clock is right twice a day. Most people had already written off Jones as a crazy man so calling him a threat to the established norm is kinda stretch. Even after mainstream attention he was and still is on the fringe culture wise, reduced to jokes and memes by all but the most dedicated info warriors.

Do I think he should saddled with a debt he can’t possibly pay? Not really, but only cause it sets a precedent for future cases to end like this. Debtors’ prisons isn’t a new concept and if they’re serious about prosecuting him for being unable to pay that’s exactly where he’s gonna go, and if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone.

But also, fuck that guy. He is nothing short of a grifter who makes money off selling questionable dietary supplements and just seems like a rancid person who even admitted that a lot of the nonsense things he says are just that. Like I don’t know him, never watched any episode of infowars and don’t really share a lot of views and opinions similar to his. I have no personal stake in his fate, I just don’t like the idea that it can happen to anyone.

And the easy answer is “Well Downer, don’t call a school shooting a false flag and all the grieving parents crisis actors so weirdos will go harass them for the ‘truth’” but again, does the punishment really fit the crime (I know it’s a civil suit not a legal one)?

I don’t know, it’s just something to think about.

#anon #long post

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anticonspiracist · 2 years

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the Alex in this tweet is Alex Jones.

no matter how many times Louis says that what larries do is harmful, THEY WILL CONTINUE because it makes them feel better to believe in the conspiracy theory. just like Alex Jones saying Sandy Hook didn't happen.

larries reading this who are enraged I made the comparison: be angry at your fucking SELF. stop projecting onto me, onto the vague bogeyman "antis" your BNF blames for everything, onto Louis for vocalizing his discomfort. Stop demanding ONE MORE THING from him (a DNA test) like you haven't demanded EVERYTHING ELSE and when given those things dissembled and explained away why you couldn't believe it. THINK about how what you're asking for (a DNA test) is the SAME EXACT THING a Sandy Hook denier asked for.

WAKE THE FUCK UP AND STOP BEING HORRIBLE.

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bqstqnbruin · 2 years

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I can't even tell you how many times I tried to type this out or try to figure out what to say but here we are.

With the news of the Tops Grocery Store and now Robb Elementary School just over a week later I'm so fucking tired of people being "prolife" and then doing nothing when it comes to an amendment they want to keep so badly that is allowing so many lives to be taken.

I remember being in high school and hearing about Sandy Hook, which is maybe half an hour away from where I was at school at the time, while I was in Algebra II, and then spending the rest of the day being fucking terrified about the same thing happening to us since there was a shooting threat at one of the elementary schools in my school district maybe a month earlier. I remember going to teach CCD for my church the next morning and being pulled aside and being told that I can't talk about it with my first graders, that I can't mention that there are people out there who are sick enough to kill children who are their age for no reason pertaining directly to them. I remember finding out that one of the victims of Sandy Hook was a family friend and having to watch my uncle grieve her because he watched her grow up only for her life to be taken because she was protecting her students. I remember going back to school that Monday and having half of my classmates missing because their parents were too afraid to send them to school, and spending the rest of the day talking about what happened and what that means and wondering what we do if someone came and did that to us, because if someone could do that to 5 and 6 year olds, what was going to stop them from doing that to teenagers? I remember my math teacher telling us that the best thing to do is look the person in the eye and confront them because they were more likely to back down, but if you can't do that, cover yourself with other people's blood and hold your breath because they'll assume you've already been hit and they won't need to do anything else to you. I remember my moms friend arranging the funerals and being so overwhelmed that my mom went in to help and her telling us what had happened to the bodies of those children and still being scared to this day by the images my mom's descriptions formed in my head.

I remember hearing about Parkland on Valentine's Day five and a half years later and being livid that things hadn't changed despite things like the Sandy Hook Promise and federal government officials like Chris Murphy trying to push for that change, only to come up short again and again. I remember sitting in Philosophy and saying, "as someone who wants to be a teacher, my biggest fear should not have to be about how I'm going to protect my students if someone tries to come in and kill them?" I remember people like MTG telling students from Parkland and Sandy Hook that what happened to them didn't actually happen, that it was all staged, that it didn't matter, that they were being dramatic.

I remember waking up from nightmares after school shooting episodes in shows like Glee and the Fosters or after reading the book this is where it ends because I was dreaming about being in that scenario and not knowing what to do. I've never even been in this sort of situation and it's still traumatizing, imagine what it's like for people who have had to deal with this in person.

This Christmas will be 10 years since Sandy Hook and all of this shit just keeps on happening because people are so adamant about keeping an outdated fucking amendment from 200+ years ago without trying to make it better and then throwing their hands up like 'oh well, this is America' when it keeps fucking happening.

Even worse is the shooting developing right now in Texas is that it's in a community that is predominately Hispanic and there are people who have the fucking audacity to say "well they were illegal anyway" as if that actually matters? They're children! They're babies! Being illegal or not, what happened to being so prolife! What life are you even pro for if you can see children dying like this and be like "I don't care, they're not here legally anyway." There are 16 victims right now, 14 of them are children, and they think it doesn't matter because of their ethnic background.

#tw shooting mention #tw school shooting #tw racism #you do not have to read this but FUCK im mad

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96thdayofrage · 2 years

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Twelve hours after a gunman walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 students and two adults, I learned that he was “lonely” and “bullied” for a stutter and a lisp. I learned that the 18-year-old mass murderer used to play video games like Fortnite and Call of Duty. I learned that the monster at one point used a knife to cut his own face. I learned that on his 18th birthday he purchased two assault rifles that he took photos of and posted online with the caption “my guns.”

And I don’t care.

I don’t care that he had a tough upbringing. I don’t care that middle school was difficult for him. I don’t care that he struggled to make friends.

This is not because I lack sympathy. It’s because all my sympathy is used up on the carnage he left behind. I care that Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares, 10, had the whole world in front of her and that she would help anyone who needed it. I care about her cousin Annabelle Rodriguez, also 10, who was killed in the massacre with her.

And he, whose name I will not mention in this piece because he will not gain infamy from my story in death, doesn’t get to do this. Just because you’ve had it tough, you don’t get to inflict pain and misery onto the rest of the world.

“He was the nicest kid, the most shyest kid. He just needed to break out of his shell,” his friend told The Washington Post.

Fuck that guy.

You know who else was a nice kid?

Eight-year-old Uziyah Garcia, whose grandfather described him as “the sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known.” And fourth grader Xavier Lopez, 10, who was the life of the party at all his family’s barbecues and had received his honor roll certificate just hours before he was killed.

I care about Eva Mireles, the teacher who died a hero protecting her students. For 17 years, Mireles taught the fourth grade out of pure love for her students. And I know this because my mother taught for 50 years and still has trouble paying her mortgage. There’s no money in teaching. Teachers are paid in smiles, hugs and mugs with silly sayings. It’s a barter system most of us will never understand and a love that many of us will never experience. And I don’t need to know if she shielded a child on the day she died: She was a hero 17 years ago when she walked to the front of her classroom, grossly underpaid, and gathered those tiny faces’ attention.

I don’t care about monsters.

Monsters destroy.

Monsters leave wreckage in their wake.

Monsters gorge until there is nothing left but sadness and pain.

The media needs to stop trying to make men out of monsters. Not everyone is redeemable. Sometimes what it looks like is exactly what it is. Sometimes evil wins.

I don’t ever need to know that the Buffalo mass shooter had a toothache. I don’t ever need to see the Sandy Hook shooter’s drawings or notebooks, or go back to the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooter’s home so that his father can say, “I don’t know what happened, I just know that the boy wasn’t raised that way.”

He was.

He wasn’t.

I don’t care.

Once a life intrudes on another in the most violent way, finding out what that life was before that moment doesn’t matter. I don’t believe that monsters are afforded the rights of people. They don’t get to be redeemed. There is no need for reflection on the life they lived up until that point.

They are monsters.

But for some reason, America wants to study them; it wants to know who they were before that day. Why? What difference does it make? Has it gotten us closer to understanding what makes them hate-filled and callous? Has it worked to curb the violence? If the goal isn’t to paint the monster in a more humanistic light, then why bother learning who they were before they attacked and unloaded their pain onto others?

In October 2017, columnists for Slate argued against my beliefs. In a piece titled “We Need to Humanize Shooters,” Elizabeth Adetiba and Jake Bittle argued that by not giving air to their stories we aren’t learning what makes them who they are and thus are stopped from preventing acts like this in the future. They write:

But responding to these harmful characterizations by saying that we must label mass shooters like [Las Vegas shooter Stephen] Paddock as “evil” and shun all information about their motives or struggles is course-correcting in the wrong direction. The truth, difficult as it may be to accept, is that societal influences play as much of a role in perpetuating mass shootings as they do in local, small-scale shootings. The magnitude of mass shootings makes the intentions behind them more difficult to comprehend, but these shooters are also products of a society that is notoriously apathetic toward more quotidian acts of violence.

While I agree that societal influences definitely play a part in the dejection and isolation that seems to be consistent in the mass-shooter profile, I don’t know what knowing that after the shooter has murdered innocent victims helps us to understand. Everyone is dejected and isolated at some point in life, but that doesn’t mean that any of us are going to commit mass murder. We would have to have precognition levels of insight to determine who has the propensity for this level of violence. But we can stop lionizing shooters and rehashing their past with a sympathetic bent.

If we must look at shooters past then it’s best we take our cue from this 2019 Los Angeles Times op-ed and use researchers’ exhaustive lookat every mass shooting since 1966 as the template. The authors found four common themes. The first was that the majority of shooters have experienced childhood trauma, and as a result have mental health issues. The second is that in the weeks or months leading up to the shooting, almost all of them had experienced some kind of crisis that led to their breaking point. The third is the most intrusive and telling: that almost all of them studied other shooters, and in the information age, many were radicalized online. Finally, all of the shooters found ways to carry out their plans, from finding the location to securing a weapon.

These findings tell us much more than knowing that the Uvalde shooter missed large portions of school and wasn’t on track to graduate.

Other than learning whether or not the shooter has died after the shooting or has lived and will face justice, I don’t need to know anything else about them, nor do I care. The best thing to come out of the Uvalde shooting was learning that the monster was dead. The family of those who lost loved ones that day will not have to be further terrorized like those in the Buffalo supermarket shooting who will have the see the monster’s face every time he goes to court. You don’t get to take away 19 of the most vulnerable among us and two adults who loved them like family and tell us after the tragedy, after the remains, after the devastation, how tough you’ve had it. Because at that point I don’t care.

And the media needs to stop caring too.

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