Biker!Steve is going to be so respectful and patient with Dove. To the point it might actually drive her crazy because every little casual brush of his fingers across her back, every time he puts his hands on her waist when he lifts her off his bike, every soft, sweet kiss goodnight is awakening something in her.
Something she can't put a name to, can't quite describe. It's just there, growing and gnawing at her every time he cups her chin, tilting her face up, his deep voice telling her to keep her eyes on him.
It's making her want to do things she's only ever read about. She doesn't know what to do though. And that's driving her as crazy as that growing ache.
Her only relief is that at least Steve doesn't know about the filthy, naughty thoughts she's having.
—Steve knows. He's known from the start. He can the way her eyes dilate, hear the subtle hitch in her breath whenever he reminds her how he strong he is, how through and patient he can be, what'd it be like if she lets him in. Steve knows exactly what's running through her pretty little head. And fuck does he wants to hear her soft voice confessing every dirty and sweet fantasy she has. Because he'll make every last one a reality for her.
Blogging this tweet because this explains SO MUCH about the mindset of pretty much all the folks I’ve known who’re against single-payer, it’s not even funny…
This never occurred to me. Not once. That Americans are against Health Care because they think it actually costs tens of thousands of dollars for a broken arm, hundreds of thousands for a complicated birth, millions for cancer treatment.
Because they’ve never known anything different. The idea that a broken arm is only a couple hundred bucks; a complicated birth a couple thousand; cancer treatment only tens of thousands; all easily covered by existing tax structures.
This explains a lot. And it’s a good example of what I was talking about in my post on scarcity being used to prop up ableism – always question the idea that a resource is genuinely scarce. Even if it seems obvious that it is, quite often that’s the result of careful manipulation and misconceptions that you’re not even aware of.
And never think you’re too smart to be fooled by that kind of thing, it doesn’t work like that. Similarly, don’t think people who are fooled by something are stupid. Nobody can have all the information about everything, and nobody has the time and energy to investigate and put together conscious conclusions about every piece of information they’re given. It doesn’t take being stupid, or even just gullible, to believe something like this.
I currently live in a country without free medical care and still, it’s enormously cheap compared to the USA. An American expat wrote a piece for our English language paper about how she paid more for parking at the hospital than giving birth to her baby that’s pretty interesting:
Yesterday I had to go to the hospital cause I injured my eye, I’m frankly dreading what the bill is going to be, but what made me balk was being told in the pharmacy that my insurance was denied for the antibiotic eye drops and it’d be over $100 out of pocket. So I didn’t get my eyedrops.
I’ve had these same drops before living in the UK. They cost me seven GBP.
It’s the exact same drug, same steroid, same strain of antibiotic. But somehow the US gets away with charging $100 for a generic non brand version of a drug which is easy to create and widely used. It’s downright robbery, but also a form of eugenics through poverty and class warfare. You keep the poor poor by making sure basic necessities remain unattainable and then you make it seem like the norm so no one fights it.
When I was travelling in Germany once, I seriously hurt my ankle. In a few hours, it had swollen to twice its size, and I went to a little ER in a tiny town. I spoke no German and only one nurse spoke English. They ran an X-ray and an MRI to determine what had happened (turned out I had bruised my peroneus brevis muscle and pulled the tendon), gave me a ton of very regulated meds for the pain and swelling, including some supports so I could walk…and my poor little 22-year-old ass was sat there, knowing all of this would cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, back in the US. I was shaking.
I’m in the exam room, post diagnosis and with pill bottles in hand, and in walks the one nurse I’ve been able to speak to the entire time. She pats my hand and tells me (and this is verbatim—I will never forget this conversation as long as I live), “I’m so sorry. We had to run those tests, and they are expensive. You don’t have insurance so you will have to cover the full cost.”
I start crying.
She continues, softly, as if telling me someone has died, “It’s going to be three hundred.”
I start sobbing, certain I’ve misheard, certain that I would be absolutely fucked, broke and going into debt in a foreign country. “Thousand?” I clarify.
Her entire demeanor changed, and she looked at me as if I had sprouted four extra heads. “No,” she says, “euros.”
My family got charged several thousand dollars for a late-night trip to the ER when I was a kid after an oops at home resulted in a large cut that needed almost 40 sutures. We lived in the US at the time.
Now we live in Canada. Last year my leg got rolled over by one of the front tires on a pickup truck. I spent 3 weeks in hospital, had 3 surgeries, one of which included skin grafting to cover the half of my leg that was degloved in my accident. I had IV antibiotics 4 times a day, I had physiotherapy daily, I was on a lot of meds for pain and having complex wound dressings changed every day. After all that, I had a home care nurse visit me every 1-2 days for 6 weeks to help with my wound care. The greatest expense to us as a family for the amazing care I received was my parents and husband using the parkade next to the hospital, which was like $13 a day. If we’d lived in the US, that injury absolutely could have bankrupted us.
I went to the UK for graduate school, and being there for that long meant I had to buy insurance for the duration. 18 months was something like £800 (this was in the early 2010’s). I, being American, figured “oh ok, that’s the premium and if I need serious medical care, I’ll get charged deductibles and all other kinds of fees at the time of care), because that’s how it works here.
Some time in the early part of that winter, I got incredibly sick. I’m immunocompromised, so sometimes that happens. But being a broke ass grad student in a foreign country, and dealing with unrelated financial abuse from family members, I figured I couldn’t afford going to the hospital. I figured I’d go to their version of Walgreen’s (Superdrug, and yes that is really that store’s name, load up on cough drops, some OTC meds, and try to ride it out as best I could.
One of my friends in my program came over to check on me and offer help. When she got to my room and saw how sick I was, she asked why I hadn’t gone to hospital. I was near tears and said I couldn’t afford it.
This is when I suspect my friend knew she was dealing with an American who was ignorant of how socialized healthcare actually worked, and realized that I couldn’t really be reasoned with. So she said, “I’ll pay for it- let’s go.”
Off we went to hospital, my friend did the talking bc my voice was so shot. The receptionist said, “as you don’t have an appointment, you may need to wait quite a bit.” I heard that and figured 5+ hours was at least what I was in for.
23 minutes later, my name was called.
My friend went back with me, bc I was pretty out of it. The nurse leading us back apologized for the “huge wait” because having a sick patient wait “nearly half an hour just for medical care” was unacceptable. I was stunned.
The nurse and doc asked some questions, looked at the medical records I had on my phone (bc I was a foreigner with very little medical history in the country), did a few rapid tests. The whole time, I’m seeing an old-timey calculator ringing up charges and freaking out… even though my friend said she’d pay, I was so conditioned to believe this would cost a fortune.
About 30 mins later, the rapid tests confirm I have both bronchitis and pneumonia. Doc writes me a prescription for some serious heavy-duty meds. My American ass is thinking, “ok, so now I go home, wait for 4 days for the pharmacy to fill it, then go get it.” The doc tells me that there’s a pharmacy counter on the way out, and I can stop there to collect the meds before heading home.
I’m skeptical but thank him. My friend gets me to the pharmacy counter. I give my name and hand over the paper, fully expecting to be told that it’ll take days to fill. The pharmacist turns around, pulls a bag off the shelf, hands it to me. Because my meds were already filled and waiting.
Me: you had them already?
Pharmacist: of course- there’d be no point in sending you home without medication, that’s why you came here. To get medical help.
Me: that’s so fast? (I am very confused)
Pharmacist: well, we expect people to have these illnesses at a higher rate this time of year, so we do our best to stock up on our end.
Me: that’s so nice? Also, what do I owe you?
Pharm: sorry, love?
Me: what do I owe you? For the medication? And the visit. All of it, how much do I need to pay?
Chat, her whole fact changed. She realized I didn’t just sound funny because I was in respiratory distress. I had an American accent. She reached over and patted my hand.
“Love, that’s what the health insurance is meant to be for. You’ve already paid for this. We’re not taking extra money off you, we don’t do that here.”
The entire visit was less than 2 hours, absolutely free, and everyone worked to be as efficient as possible in the goal of providing comprehensive healthcare for me, the patient.
Once I got home with the meds, I did actually recover pretty well (and relatively quickly, as far as I’m concerned). I talked to the friend after, and she admitted that she knew it was going to be free, but that I wouldn’t or couldn’t understand that in the brain fog of serious illness, so she said what she had to in order to get my stubborn (and terrified of bankruptcy) ass to the doctor.
That’s what healthcare should be. A goal of providing comprehensive and compassionate care to your patients, being well-staffed enough that no one waits for hours, anticipating medication needs, ensuring that patients leave with the medical care they sought- and that they’re not afraid to seek it, because they know medical care won’t make them homeless.
[Image ID: Photograph of a refrigerator interior. An unseen person is placing a glass tray containing a plastic-wrapped turkey onto a shelf. Text reads: “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to move the frozen turkey to the fridge.” End ID.]
Hello Tumblr, this year I have updated the original post with an image ID. For You.
Anyway here’s the 2025 specifics. American Thanksgiving is 11/27 this year, so fairly late in the month. If your household is looking to cook turkey this year:
10-15 pounds: Start thawing at least 3-4 days before, on Sunday, November 23rd.
16-20 pounds: Start thawing at least 4-5 days before, on Saturday, November 22nd.
20-24 pounds: Start thawing at least 5-6 days before, on Friday, November 21st.
And don’t forget: The economy is shit this year, lots of people are being laid off, and grocery prices are skyrocketing. There has never been a better time to donate to food pantries, and/or to reach out to your neighbors and see how they’re doing.
Which doesn’t need to end when thanksgiving is over, either – there are some charities that are specific to Thanksgiving, but don’t do anything to support people after that date. So.
Saw these 2 posts on Twitter about Bruce Wayne dealing with a PTA mom rival who tried to sabotage his class party contribution and this absolutely seems like something Malyshka would do if one of the other mothers from Bee's school or extracurriculars tried to play in her face. Big rich energy 👑
(also the Parent Teacher Association lowkey seems as scary as the mob but maybe that's just me 😂😂😂)
After a few run ins, she would start renting several food trucks when it's her turn and let the kids go wild. The PTA rival seethes every time.
Although she was not prepared for her experience with the PTA so things did not go as planned. Luckily for her, she has a mobster at her beck and call.
Pairing: Mafia!Bucky x Wife!Reader
AN: Part of the Bumblebee series
Bucky stares at you, a bemused smile on his face. It's not often he's taken off guard, his composed nature is legendary. But he's never been in this situation and he's not sure what to say without setting you off.
"What happened?" He whispers to Bumblebee, her rapt eyes watching your every move. "Why is she upset?"
"Mrs. Keaton—" she starts, the sound of that woman's name has you spinning on your heel, waving a spatula at the duo.
"Mrs. Keaton is a bit—" you clamp your lips shut, forcing down the sentence before your baby adds that curse word to her vocabulary. Bee's already agreeing with everything you say and you don't need her calling Keaton a bitch to her face. "She's rude and she needs to be shown that she can't do whatever she wants and get away with it just because she's head of the PTA."
Bee leans forward on the chair, planting her elbows on the marble island and she nods. "She threw mommy's cupcakes down and laughed." Bee turns to Bucky, her brow furrowed. "I saw her Papa but she lied and say she didnt do it," she finishes with an affronted huff.
Bucky sits up, getting a better idea of why his sweet wife is eating a handful of froot loops while baking enough cupcakes to feed an army.
Or in this case, an entire school.
"She had the nerve to claim it was an accident but just happened to have her own dessert in her car. Who happens to have three dozen cookies in their truck? She did that on purpose because she can't stand it that the kids like my cupcakes more than her dry raisin cookies." You rant, adding more softened butter to the mixture, furiously whipping the spoon around it.
"She's one of our rivals?" Bucky might not understand the intricate inner workings of the PTA and he really doesn’t want to but he knows how to take down enemies.
"She is Papa. We dont wike her." Bee states, her little fist hits the counter. "She's mean, right mommy?"
"Yes," you proclaim, staring down at the third bowl, quickly going through your options.
The first batch has froot loops in the batter and you're going to place more in the icing, the second set will have a strawberry filling, you need something special for this last one.
You're torn been making a caramel stuffed cupcakes paired with ice cream and cookies or key lime ones with bright green frosting and graham cracker crumble.
You're reaching for the eggs when the sounds of furtive whispering catches your attention. Slowly peering over your shoulder, you see little Bumblebee now sitting on the counter in front of Bucky.
"We need to get a handle on this Keaton," he muses, eyes narrowing as he contemplates who he should call in for this job. "Who should we get?"
Bee mimicks his expression, cupping her chin. She loves this game. "I can ask Mr. Tato, he knows people."
Bumblebee goes to one of his meeting, just one and now her stuffed dino is an mob enforcer.
You blink twice, turning around to face the conspiring duo.
"Bucky no," you state firmly, giving him a pointed stare before gazing at Bee, your curiosity getting the better of you. "And what do you mean 'he knows people'?"
Bee shrugs, lifting her tiny hands up. "He does Mommy. He knows everything. He helps Papa with business."
Bucky laughs, a deep, rich sound that brings a smile to Bee's face. You fight to keep one from pulling at your lips, not wanting to encourage their antics. "I'll handle Keaton myself."
Bucky smiles, a familiar look in his blue eyes. "Alright Malyshka," he acquiesces with a sly drawl to his voice.
He could tell you that he's going to have one of the guys block her driveway so she'll be late tomorrow, giving you enough time to set up your desserts in peace but he likes it when your imagination runs wild. And he knows you'll get the information out of him tonight.
"Bucky I mean it."
"I know. If you come up with a better plan than ours, we'll let you handle it. But if not..." He gathers Bee into his arms, whispering something that has her giggling before returning his attention to you. "No one mess with a Barnes."
"James if anything—"
Bucky's eyes flit back to you. "I'm sorry Malyshka but I have a meeting with Mr. Tato in five minutes and he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
"We needs to go mommy," Bee agrees, waving at you as Bucky carries her out of the room. "Sees you laters."
"My husband is going to commit a crime," you groan, pinching the bride of your nose. "And my baby is going to be an accessory."
After taking a minute to debate if you should go after them, you decide to finish your cupcakes, and deal with your mobster tonight.
Me just reading this. Sooo cute can we talk about who Mr. Tatro knows haha I cant wait to read how this event is gloriously better and everyone raves how better than Mrs. Keaton.
fanfiction is getting less interaction, people barely reblog anymore, role players are getting pushed out of fandom, ai generated slop winning art contests
To repeat the message louder: musicians, journalists, radio stations, listeners, record companies, streaming sites, discos; anyone remotely involved with popular music, you probably owe a big chunk of it to black musicians.
idk i just wanna sit in a dark library at night in the candlelight wearing an oversized sweater and exchange glances over my book to my lover while the rain pours outside and feel at peace with the world
Fic interaction is unfortunately dwindling, and I think we’re all feeling it. So this is my small attempt to help boost some engagement through the community and potentially help some writers earn new readers!
The challenge: to shine a light on as many fics as possible and show writers some love by reblogging with thoughtful comments
When: 11th - 31st July 2025
Who: all over the age of 18 are welcome, writers and/or readers alike. Not limited to any specific fandoms, let’s spread love and lanterns 🏮 far and wide!
Challenge Info:
There is no minimum or maximum number of fics to read, or words to leave in a comment. Only do what you are able to and what you feel comfortable with
Comments are the most motivating form of interaction writers can receive, so I encourage you to try your best to show writers appreciation with thoughtful reblog comments. Here are some links if you’re not sure what to comment or how to start leaving comments:
Fanfiction Comment Guide
Comment Starters
Guide to Leaving Long and Detailed Comments
No need to officially sign up, but it would be appreciated if you could let me know if you’re interested and share this post to spread the word
If you’re looking for a higher difficulty to this challenge, there are some prompts below the cut to help you spread your fic reading horizons! This part is completely optional
Please reblog the fics you read with #lantern reblog challenge and use the challenge banner below so we can spread love and lanterns 🏮 throughout the community this July!
Either throughout the challenge period or at very the end, collate all the fics you reblogged and post a Fic Rec Masterlist to help promote all those amazing fics even more! Please also tag me so I can create a Challenge Masterlist
Prompts for Challenge Hard Mode (Optional)
Read from three writers you have never read from before
Read three fics which were posted prior to 2020/give some love to older fics which may not have received a reblog comment in years
Read three fics which currently have less than 50 notes (posted more than a week ago)
Branch out and read for a fandom you have never read from before
If you traditionally read x reader stories, spread love to our writers with OCs
Help boost new writers joining our community and read a fic from a writer who has posted less than five fics total
Give your mutuals some extra love and reread your favourite fics from them
Read a long fic (10k+) or start a series you’ve been meaning to get to
Read a fic which has been sitting in your TBR list for far too long
Tagging some mutuals who might be interested in participating, but absolutely no pressure!
