#(cough cough t & 5 holding hands as their world ends. the perfect gentleness in the face of inevitable cruelty.)

[i-am-become-a-name]

sometimes I remember within seven audios the Doctor hugs Ace so tightly that their hearts beating together will summon the TARDIS, that Ace kisses him and says when she thought of what she loved, it was him, the TARDIS and their life together, and that when the Doctor sacrifices himself Ace drops her life, her boyfriend that's going to propose, her job, even the chance to say goodbye, everything she could never have had on the off chance she could bring him back and I think about how Big Finish has just done incomprehensibly wonderful things in carrying on and growing these characters. Also that if I think too much about it too often I will have a heart attack.

[zipegs]

alana & chilton  // 905 words, g, past hannibloom //  ao3 written for day 5 of fad’s au challenge: hanahaki

The first flower petal Alana coughs up is a bright yellow tansy. She fishes it out of her mouth with trembling fingers and stares at its wet, fragile form. Hostility, she thinks dumbly. A declaration of war.

A small, desperate part of her wonders whether Hannibal, wherever he is, might be suffering the same. Her affliction has taken root because the man she loved was never anything more than a facade.

But his... If he fell ill, Alana wonders, what flowers would bloom first in his fertile lungs? Lavender, perhaps. Or yellow carnation.

She crushes the tansy in her fist and holds her hand out over the edge of her hospital bed.

Hannibal doesn't love you, she tells herself. No version of him ever did.

Maybe one day, it will start to sink in.

She opens her palm and lets the petal fall.

---

It's not long before the medical staff notices. Alana expected as much, but she hates how they've begun to look at her, with the same pity and gentleness one would show an injured stray.

She starts coughing one morning while a nurse is taking her vitals and can't seem to stop, props herself up on one elbow despite the pain that blossoms in her hips and chokes on a purple sliver of bittersweet.

The nurse tuts when she sees it catch on Alana's lip and lifts it carefully away, turns it over in front of her as though by doing so it might take on some different form.

"My aunt dealt with these," the nurse says, shaking her head. "Truth." She huffs out a humorless laugh. "She couldn't understand why she kept getting them until she found her husband's credit card receipts."

If only it were as simple as adultery, Alana thinks darkly. The nurse pats her shoulder consolingly, and Alana forces a tight-lipped smile. She wonders what truth the bittersweet is meant to call to mind. There are so many lies to untangle that it's nearly impossible to start.

Alana closes her eyes and clears her scratchy throat. She's been dreaming about her residency again, a world where all she knew of Hannibal was that he was beautiful and brilliant and kind. She'd go back there, if she could. Even if just for a single moment.

Alana has treated victims of relationship trauma before, distraught young lovers who sob on her small purple couch. They say they can't understand how this happened, that this person who hurts them is a stranger wearing their partner's skin.

You think it's a nightmare, she tells them sometimes, but this was always what was hidden beneath their facade. You've woken up—you've emerged from that perfect dream. I know that it's hard. But there is no going back. It's gone.

Alana stares at the empty white ceiling and wonders if every therapist has trouble reconciling their own advice.

---

Chilton lets himself into Alana's room just as she's hacking up the petals of two delicate pink crabapple blossoms, and he doesn't do her the graciousness of letting it go.

He lifts his bouquet in greeting, and the butcher paper and cellophane crinkle with laughter.

"I brought you flowers," Chilton drawls, the good side of his face tugging up in an amused smile, "but it seems I shouldn't have bothered. You've already got your own."

Alana settles back against her pillows and stares up at the ceiling again, refusing to give Chilton the honor of seeing her unsettled. "They come in pieces," she says drily, with a nonchalance she doesn't feel. "It'll be nice to have some in their undamaged form."

Chilton strolls over to the side of Alana's bed and sets the flowers on her bedside table, then gestures at the petals lying on her stark white sheets. "May I?" he asks, already hovering his fingers over their vibrant form.

"Go ahead."

He picks them up at one end and lifts them with evident distaste and curiosity, like a child showing off a decapitated worm. "Hmmm," he muses, "Crabapple blossoms. Rather pedestrian for someone in your circumstance; wouldn't you say?"

"There's a relief to be found in the expected," Alana says. "I've grown tired of surprises. Haven't you?"

Chilton hums and brushes off his fingers, letting the petals flutter to the floor. "How long until you start retching up full blossoms?"

Alana shrugs. "Difficult to say. Eager to be rid of me so soon?"

"Not exactly." Chilton fingers the silver head of his cane. "You got yourself to this garden, Dr. Bloom, but there are ways to... uproot it, so to speak."

Alana turns her head to look at him, attentive for the first time since he stepped foot in her hospital room. "You don't strike me as the charitable type," she says, uncertain of his aim.

Chilton shrugs a shoulder, and his lips twitch into a grin. "The enemy of my enemy..." He taps his cane lightly on the linoleum. "How long, do you think," he asks, "until Will Graham has reentered Hannibal's orbit?"

Alana lifts an eyebrow, and her own lips curl into a hint of a smile. "Not long. And with a little manipulation..."

Chilton hums. They watch each other for a moment, and then Chilton sniffs and makes his way to the door. "Once you're released from medical care," he says, "you know where to find me."

When he leaves, Alana's breath catches, and she coughs again.

This time, she spits out a purple columbine.

[carloswilliamcarlos]

The 12 Types of Clyde Kisses (Clyde Logan x Reader)

Warnings: Implied smut, grumpy tall angel alert.

Words: 887

A/N: Next up in “12 Kisses” we’ve got our sweet love Clyde, who deserves all the kisses in the world 🥰

1. The first kiss on your doorstep when he walked you home, crickets chirping and a summer breeze playing through the ends of your hair. He was so scared, adam’s apple bobbing in his throat, arms tentatively reaching for your hips. You could hear his breath trembling just before his lips ghosted against yours. So careful, so slow, like one wrong move would shatter this fragile, perfect moment. You couldn’t help but smile as he pulled away, coughed out a flustered “well, goodnight” and strode away matter-of-factly.

2. The second kiss immediately after, when he whirled around suddenly and strode back to you, hand burying itself in your hair and pulling you in again. More insistent, more sure, his feelings for you flooding him from head to toe. When he finally pulled away, he leaned his forehead against yours, catching a breath. “Well, goodnight,” you joked, and you both broke into giggles, his cheeks flushing adorably pink.

3. The kiss in the rain as the heavy clouds opened above you in his driveway, catching you in the downpour. He frantically fumbled with his umbrella to no avail, until he saw you blinking up into the sky, laughing, holding your arms out. As you looked over at him, he tossed the umbrella over his shoulder and wrapped you in his arms, pulling you into a kiss. You smiled against each other’s lips and gripped the drenched sleeves of your shirts, which would soon be discarded in a sopping trail to his bedroom.

4. The kiss on his cheek when he was on one of his grumpy rants, which you always found so endearingly funny. You listened and nodded along empathetically as he prattled off about getting roped into another one of Jimmy’s schemes. “I ain’t gonna just keep letting folks tell me what and what not to do any more,” he huffed. “I know, honey love,” you replied, planting a soft kiss on his cheek if only to hide your humored smile.

5. The smoldering kiss behind Duck Tape on his break. Your man was so soft and sweet so often, you forgot how strong and masculine he was until he had you pushed up against the bricks, hips rolling into yours, frame towering over you. It left you speechless, and he knew it, that elusive, satisfied smile shining through the darkness. 

6. The gentle kiss he gave you as you made love late one winter night, so in contrast with the mood it melted your heart into a puddle. He wanted you, you knew that. You could sense it in his desperate movements, hear it in his moans. But that kiss proved something more, something so big and powerful and all-consuming, there was only one word that could ever describe it: love.

7. The kiss you couldn’t resist even when you were annoyed with each other. You had reached an impasse on a stupid argument, resigning to give each other some space to cool down. But still, arms crossed, eyes lowered, tension ringing in the air, you both leaned in for a quick kiss, comforted by the knowledge that everything was going to be ok in the end. 

8. The whisper of a kiss he brushed against your temple when he thought you were napping. The sight of you all wrapped up in his t-shirt on the couch, eyes blissfully closed, fists bunched in a blanket. He couldn’t resist tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, mumbling under his breath, “Love you, bug.” He didn’t see the way your smile twisted upward. He just pulled the blanket over your shoulders and tiptoed away, humming an old Johnny Cash tune.

9. The possessive kiss he planted on you when he caught those assholes at the bar staring, talking a little too loudly about you, not knowing you were his. “Sugar,” he barked, beckoning you to him behind the bar. He circled his arm around your neck, dipped you down and captured your lips in a deep, passionate kiss that turned your legs to liquid. With a final peck and tap on your backside, he set you free, casting a deadly glare at the dumbstruck group of customers.

10. The loving kiss you pressed to his arm when he awoke from another nightmare, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. “I love you, Clyde,” you stated with a warm, reassuring calmness. “All of you. As you are. Forever.” Your lips circled his arm in a series of tender kisses, each one settling his nerves more than the last until he fell back asleep beside you.

11. The dreamy kiss you shared on the dance floor at Jimmy’s wedding, jazz music circling you like fireflies. He looked so dashing in his suit, you couldn’t have taken your eyes off him if you tried. You only broke away from him when it was time for the bride to toss her bouquet. Clyde wasn’t a bit surprised when you caught it, and you surely didn’t miss the knowing twinkle in his eye from across the room.

12. The kiss you shared underneath the West Virginia stars, laid out on the grass and tucked tight to his side. As you stared up at the constellations through the summer air, you thought you could glimpse forever. As Clyde looked down at your smiling, awestruck eyes, he felt exactly the same.

[kirishwima]

oooo, what about... hcs on how MC treats the various members when they’re sick and vice versa if you’re up for it!!!!

oh i really like this! especially since im a little sick today too lol

YOOSUNG:

* When he’s sick, he’ll complain about it A Lot 

* He’s just a grumpy little bean, walking around with a blanket over his head and shoulders, probably with a thermometer stuck in his mouth for extra Drama ((yoosung bby that’s-that’s now how u use thermometers))

* He’ll love it if MC takes care of him, taking his temperature, bringing him tea in bed or cooking a warm meal for him

* Even though he loves to be pampered, he’d really try his best so MC won’t catch his cold-he’ll berely even look their way, even holding his breath when MC is near his face to e.g. put a compress on his forehead

* When MC is sick, his caretaker switch is instantly flipped 

* He loves to take care of his loved ones, and so he might feel a little guilty excitement to be the one to take care of MC in their time of need

* Will make delicious hecking soup, or even call his mom for some housewife flu remedies

* He’ll feel especially guilty if MC caught the cold from him-will double up his pampering ante and refuse to let MC even take a single step out of the bed

* He’ll personally call their work/uni to let them know MC’s sick, and will spend the day by their side no matter what

*He’s just a sweet caring baby :’)

ZEN:

* Also a Big. B I G drama queen when sick

* Zen: *sneezes*  Zen: This is it. This is how I die. Goodbye cruel world

* He very rarely gets sick thanks to his good genes and self-care, so when he does it feels like the end of the world for him

* If MC tries to care for him, he’ll appreciate it but will refuse their help at first, worried that they’ll catch his cold

* Will eventually accept the help though, especially if his cold worsens/if he develops a fever e.t.c

* The first time MC takes care of him when he’s sick, he might actually cry; he hasn’t had someone care for him like that ever since he left home, and even then he never experienced this gentleness, the way MC cradles his face when placing a cold compress to his forehead or how they hold his hand tight to comfort him

* He simply appreciates their presence really

* If MC is sick, he’s immediatly tackling them to the bed, turning them into a burrito of clothes and blankets as he dashes into the kitchen to make them some warm tea with honey

* Might actually be a liiiittle extreme with his care-no Zen, no one needs 5 spoons of honey in their tea nor a whole box of vitamin C to get over their cold. Yes, they’ll be fine even without wearing 25 layers of pyjamas

* MC will probably have to calm him down and reassure him they’re fine, they’ve been through the common cold a dozen times and it’ll pass

* He’ll be happy to care for them whichever way they need him to though

JAEHEE:

* Baehee does NOT get colds.

* She refuses to!!

* What you heard was definitely not a sneeze. It was just. Uhhh. It was just allergies. Yup, that’s all it was.

* It takes a lot to convince her that yes, Jaehee, you do have the flu, and yes you need to rest

* The fussiest patient ever really

* Even with a burning fever she’ll refuse to stay in bed, dazily trying to get ready for work regardless of her condition

* MC please tie this girl to the bed (no, not in a kinky way, more like a please-stay-there-and-get-better sorta way)

* When she eventually gives up and allows MC to take care of her, she’ll feel really guilty about it-Jaehee’s so used to being self-efficient, that she’s never really had someone care this much for her

* She appreciates it, but is also scared-for her having someone care this much for you is both a blessing and a curse, and it’ll take her a long time to learn to accept help when she needs it

* If MC is sick however, she’s immediatly running to the pharmacy for vitamins and cold medicine

* She won’t fuss too much over MC-it’s something she herself hates, so she doesn’t want to make MC feel overwhelmed either.

* Instead she’ll discreetly push MC to go home earlier from work, will leave all the necessary medicine on the bedside table, make some tea and soup for the both of them, e.t.c

* If she knows MC likes to be pampered, she’ll be more bold with her care, cuddling MC and placing her cool hands onto MC’s forehead for comfort (i hc that Jaehee always has really cold hands and feet lol)

JUMIN:

* Similarly to Jaehee, he’s not used to getting colds

* He has his own personal doctor, nutritionist, everything needed to be in perfect health pretty much

* It’s more likely that, after getting the yearly flu shot, he develops a few flu-like symptoms for a few days as it often happens with the influenza shot

* He tries to muscle through the symptoms, but when he starts coughing midway through a meeting, he decides to take the day off and go home to rest instead

* He’s very attuned to his body-if he feels unwell, then that’s that, and he’ll simply wait for his body to recover to its natural state

* MC is probably a bit shocked at first-they’ll try to offer Jumin some help, to go get him some medicine or cook something for him, but he’ll refuse, saying his doctor has already given him all the necessary medications and that he can just call the chef to make them both something appropriate for the winter weather

* If MC tells him that they’d rather cook something for him because ‘a meal made with love will make the cold go away faster’, then he’ll simply tell the chef to take the day off, and lounge in the kitchen as he fondly watches MC make him a heartwarming soup

* He’ll indulge a little if MC lets him-will tell them to feed him, smirking at the blush that spreads on their cheeks. He’ll raise a brow and tease them, asking if they should help him shower as well, laughing at their wide eyes at the suggestion (not that he’d mind it *wink wonk*)

* If MC is the one sick however, then hoo boy, all hell will break loose

* The penthouse is effectively in quarantine-he’ll call the best doctors he knows of to examine them, will tell Jaehee that he won’t be coming into work and remain by MC’s side at all times until MC is back in full health

* Jumin: “I’ve called the best doctors I know, you’re in good hands MC”  MC: “That’s literally a cardiologist and a diabetologist, Jumin that’s like asking an architect to engineer an airplane?! pls tell these poor ppl to go back home”

* He’s absoloutely one to overreact, and it’ll take a LOT to convince him to calm down and simply let MC rest

* He’ll actually try and cook for MC-nothing fancy, maybe just some rice porridge or noodle soup, and it might taste a bit weird, but he’ll be happy if MC eats even a little bit of it

* Just wants to take care of his SO, even if he doesn’t really know how to

SEVEN:

* Wait i thought idiots don’t catch colds-

* He is definitely one to catch a cold in the summer

* One moment he’s fine and memeing like usual, the next he’s laid down on the couch, sweating and coughing like there’s no tomorrow

* He’s not used to actually having someone around to care for him, and getting sick as a kid...well, it was essentially a death sentence, so he’s gotten used to hiding his symptoms as best as possible

* It’ll actually take a while for MC to notice he’s sick-they might hear him discreetly cough while trying to talk, notice he looks more tired than usual, little things that point out that he’s not in the best shape

* He won’t push MC away if they try to take care of him, but he’ll be really confused-he deadass NEVER had anyone do this for him, and he doesn’t really know what’s happening

* “Wait MC why are you pulling me to bed I’m not really in the mood for-”   “SHUT UP AND LET ME NURSE YOU BACK TO HEALTH YOU BID NERD”

* Will crack nurse jokes at any and all opprotunities (will try and get MC to wear his nurse cosplay outfit ofc)

* In all honestly, his heart will swell with love when he looks up to see MC’s worried face, how they’ll place a hand on his forehead or feed him medicine and a warm meal that isn’t honey buddha chips

* He feels guilty but at the same time so happy-he never thought he could ever have this, and he does, and he’s so scared that they’ll slip right through his fingers-with the boldness that the delerium of fever allows him, he’ll hold MC close to him, not caring wether they’ll catch his cold or not, simply grateful for their presence beside him

* If MC gets sick....good luck lmao

* He wants to take care of them, he just...has no clue how to lol

* Will put honey buddha chips in the microwave and hope it works

* Nah I’m just kidding-he’s used to taking care of Saeran as kids, so he more or less knows what to do-he will however have to ask Yoosung if he can come over and help him cook since he’s hopeless in that regard

V/JIHYUN:

* V actually has a pretty weak immune system-not immunocompromised per say, but he’s just more vulnerable to the winter cold is all

* He’s used to getting sick and knows the drill-go to the pharmacy, get some meds, stay in bed for a day or two, then back to daily life it is

* Rika...never really took much care of him. It’s probably not only because she didn’t try to, but also because he’s used to doing his best to not worry anyone; whatever burden there is to carry, he’ll try and carry it alone, always

* Well, MC is here now and they ain’t about to let that happen

* V will try and undermine his flu at first, but MC will insist, will tug this big lanky boy into bed and cover him in blankets, make him some warm tea with milk and honey and stay beside him as he drinks it, rubbing soothing circles in his back if he starts coughing/sneezing

* Unused to such affection, he’ll probably be shocked and flustered at first, but will appreciate the care nontheless

* Can’t wait to get healthy again so he can pepper MC’s face with kisses and take them on a well-deserved date, as a thank you for taking care of him

* If MC gets sick, his nursing mode is ON. 

* This boy is a caregiver by design-he loves to pamper his loved ones, loves to be there and caring for them as much as possible 

* If MC has a cough, he’ll cook up one of his mother’s remedies-a cup of warm red wine with honey and lemon (it soothes the throat instantly, 10/10 guaranteed)

* He’ll quietly stay besides them as they sleep the cold off, reading a book and frequently checking their temperature, placing lukewarm compresses to their forehead (only after placing a quick kiss of course)

* Hates to see his MC sick, but loves to care for them, can you see the predicament poor spicy mint is in

hi im soph and im here to remind you to get your yearly flu vaccine when possible! the yearly flu is no joke and actually kills thousands per year, so please take care of yourselves and your loved ones

-send me mystic messenger headcanons/scenarios for the characters to react to!-

[xfanfics]

Destiel Fic Rec List Part 3

Last Updated in October 2014. Posted in May 2020 for posterity. Listed in no particular order - the total rec list will have ~250 fics. Header graphic used with permission.

This part of the list contains: 37 fics.

Other Destiel Rec Lists: [1]. [2]. [3]. [4]. [5]. [6]. [7].

—–

Teenage Dirtbag by littleartemis E | 7k | Canon!verse, Hot, sub!dean, dom!cas

Dean gets magically deaged so he's physically young again. Problem is he's a 'twink' once more and he can't hunt like this. Frustrated he takes it out on Cas who's getting to the end of his patience and decides a spanking is in order. He just didn't figure in that Dean might enjoy it.

The Perks of Playing Quidditch by noangelsinthegarrison G | 1k | Fluff,  Wizarding World AU

“So,” Dean coughs, drawing Cas’s attention back to his eyes, “Any chance this taught you not to fly when you’re sick?    Cas chuckles low in his throat and thinks that if Dean Winchester catching him mid-air, strong arms holding him against a solid, warm chest, was his reward, he hasn’t learnt any such thing. He pushes the thought down before he can say it out loud and instead raises an eyebrow. “Dean, you played through a broken leg last year.

AGGHHHHHHHHHH SO CUTE  

Adiago by noangelsinthegarrison G | 6k | Fluff,  Dancer AU

“His name’s Dean," Cas sighs, "And he’s really stupidly attractive, and when he dances, he feels it, you know? And it makes me feel like I know him, even though I don’t. He makes me feel like… like he’s dancing just for me.    Gabriel rolls his eyes, “Wow you’re overdramatic when you’re horny.

This fic is super adorable. Lovely and full of pining, which happens to be my fave.    

Good Clean Wholesome All-American Kink by Amelia_clark E | 2k Hot, Canon!verse

Dean's stronger than Cas now, and Cas kind of hates that. So Dean finds a way around it--he just needs to be tied up.

ImmMmMMmm HOT    

Roots and Wings by Elensulev E | 51k [WIP] | BDSM AU, soulmate AU, sub!dean, dom!cas

In an alternate universe where you learn your soulmate sometime around puberty, Dean Winchester is shocked not just that he is a sub, but that a man's name appeared on his wrist. John Winchester doesn't suffer subs gladly, and Dean takes the brunt of his father's misogynistic attitude. Can the mysterious Castiel convince him he is worthwhile? AU where Sam and Dean are raised apart, Cas is human, and John is a hunter raised by a disgruntled Man of Letters.

A fusion of the soulmate's-name-on-the-wrist and the dom/sub verses. Though the John parts are painful to read (this fic is NOT for John-lovers), the over all effect is worth it, and gentle-dom!Cas is my absolute favorite. Edit from 2020: Holy SHIT this fic is long now.  

Highwaymen. by orange_crushedv M | 66k | Harry Potter AU

Dean closes his eyes. He is under a blanket in his memories, fabric pulled up under his chin and his face pressed near to hers on the pillow. His father is asleep, snoring slightly, hands loose and expression happy, curled around her on the other side. She's speaking in whispers. He knows that she was already pregnant then, that Sam was on his way into their lives, even though he'd had no idea what exactly that meant at the time. He can almost see her face still, warm and orange in the light of her lumos circling their heads like a firefly, but every now and then she blurs in his vision, like a lost thread of consciousness, something half-remembered. Bit by bit, he's losing her.

The Wizarding World AU I never knew I wanted!    

Understanding your body in ten easy steps by almaasi E | 12k | Canon!verse, Masturbation

All Dean has to do is track down a decent porno for Cas to watch, help him find his sensitive spots, then hang back and let him do his thing. Easy-peasy. No homo. ...Absolutely no homo at all.

Casturbation. Fuck yes.    

Blackboard by lemonoclefox E | 76k | College AU, BDSM elements, sub!dean, dom!cas

Castiel Novak is a college English teacher, in a rather inappropriate relationship with Dean Winchester, who happens to be one of his students. But although their arrangement is one that works perfectly for the both of them, Castiel is starting to worry that maybe keeping it impersonal will be harder than he thought.

Perfect. The story is actually 8 chapters long, but the other 8 chapters are told from Dean's point of view.  

On Air by wincechesters E | 21k | Fluff, Radio Host AU

Cas and Dean are radio DJs who host the second most popular morning show in Lawrence. They’ve been co-hosts for years at different stations across the country, and they own a house together out of necessity, even though they’re just friends. But for some reason, a lot of their listeners and even some of their friends and family seem to think that they’re secretly in some kind of relationship, which they’re totally not (besides that one time that totally doesn’t count). In spite of that, Dean thinks he’s got everything figured out, until an ill-fated on air game of Truth or Dare turns everything upside down (and the billboards around town aren’t helping either).

FLUFFY CUTENESS AWW    

Courage of Stars by mcpadalacklesv T | 3k | College AU,

Dean's brain is stuck on 'he's leaving me he's leaving me' and he thinks about saying don't go or I'll come with you, but what comes out of his mouth is, "I don't think you get loose-leaf tea on the moon.Wherein Dean (who owns a bookstore) and Cas (an astrophysicist grad student) have been best friends since they were kids, NASA nearly screws things up, and tea is mentioned far too often.

THIS IS ADORABLE JFC. I loved the part about tea strainers omg  

How to Improve a dull day by arigatou_sunshine E | 7k | Soulmates AU, ABO, omega!dean, alpha!cas

Dean's about to pick up something not on his grocery list.At 28, Dean meets his alpha while shopping for groceries.

I just... Um. Yes. I have a sweet spot for the true mates trope and this is a very sweet example of that :)  

Ignite by angelofthemoorv E | 86k | Vampire AU

While investigating a lead regarding a serial killer, Dean Winchester suffers a beating. When he wakes up, he discovers a stranger named Castiel has been caring for him. But Castiel has a secret--he is a vampire. He is not like other vampires, however. His mission is to protect humankind, and he has been pursuing the serial killer, too. Will the friendship between Dean and Castiel endure the trials ahead? Will their mutual attraction develop into something more?

Feels 'Verse  by Gemmiel E | 18k | Fluff,  Alt!canon

Castiel discovers that being human is very different from being an angel, physically speaking, and Dean helps him explore the differences. AU for season 9 in which Cas goes straight to the bunker and Sam heals spontaneously from the trials.

Wow this verse is so lovely and fluffy that I just want to cuddle it. Basically how Season 9 should have gone.  

Thunder & Angels by pm_lo E | 51k

Castiel’s family owns the shoddily-regulated coal mine where John Winchester works, so Dean storms Cas’s mansion, demanding answers from the drugged-out trust-fund kid. In exchange for his help repairing the mine, Cas demands Dean live with him for three months and give Cas a shot at seducing him by allowing him one kiss a day.

AHHHH!!! This was PERFECT. Love the characterizations, plot, fluff and angst amaze. read the thingggg    

Cockiness by robomanticv E | 7k | Hot,  AU Panty!kink

Dean didn’t usually come to this kind of place, but Sam had given him the puppy dog eyes and argued and pleaded and even bribed him with pie. He was seeing some new girl who apparently very into the alternative burlesque scene and she had invited them to come see a show on her night off. Aka: The one where Dean sees his first burlesque show, learns that male burlesque performers are a thing, and tries a lot of new (sexual) things. Also my Castiel underwear kink makes an appearance because I'm weakkkk

Bunker 41 by CaptainMercy42 T | 25k | Fluff, Scientist AU

Dr. Castiel Novak is giving Lieutenant Dean Winchester a simple tour of BUNKER41 when an explosion traps them both inside. They'll get out eventually. Some days that thought is very comforting, and other days it makes Cas a little sad (DENIAL: a lot sad).

CUDDLING.

Pulled From The Wreckage  by DarkmoonSigel M | 30k | Alt!canon, wing!kink

Angel and shameless wingfic. Dean notices that he is changing into something but is it something that he can accept? Mature for a reason for later chapters so bear with me here.

The Auction by TamrynEradani E | 8k

Dean's a firefighter and Cas is a police officer, and they both end up at the bar, miserable after their auction dates. Lucky for them, the night is still young.

I just um... Hnng. Firefighter!Dean and Cop!Cas.    

Welcome to the Dork Side by TamrynEradani T | 15k

Dean's handing out pie when he has an odd encounter with Castiel Novak.

Super cute! :)    

Both Sides Now by TamrynEradani T | 21k |Alt!canon, genderswap!dean

Dean solves a hunt and realizes he's in love. He does most of this while cursed into a female body which means he's also dealing with being a woman, and it's more complicated than he had realized.

Shut Your Mouth by runoutofwit E | 2k | Hot, Dom!Cas

Dean’s not sure how they ended up this way, but he doesn’t care. He didn’t expect this. He didn’t expect Castiel, Angel of the Lord, to be the equivalent of a hormone-ravaged teenager, and he sure as hell didn’t expect him to be an asshole about it.

Hella dom!cas with bossy!bottom dean mmm.    

What I need by xaandria E | 46k | Medical AU

A joking phrase commonly heard between a surgeon and his tech is "Give me what I need, not what I ask for." Dr. Novak and his tech Dean will soon learn the impact this phrase has on life outside the operating room.

Surgical AU! Very terminology heavy, so I didn't understand some parts. But very good regardless.    

Starborn by riseofthefallenone G | 12k

Dean’s obsession with the stars starts all thanks to Sam. He just didn't know where that would take him in life. Or who - or what - he would meet.

This is LOVELY.    

Love Out of Chaos by mar_map E | 30k

Sam needs homework help, Dean likes to cuddle (although he won't admit it), John gets shot, Gabriel teaches Castiel to loosen up, and Balthazar likes to flirt. That's not what's important though. What is important, is that Castiel and Dean were always meant to be (even if the two of them have trouble seeing it at first), and though Castiel lost his family, another one just might have sneaked up on him while he wasn't looking.

You Deserve This by ticklethetoastl E | 2k | Fluff,  PWP Canon!verse

Sex with Cas was never supposed to be an emotional experience, and Dean doesn't deserve to be made love to.

Praise!kink is my ultimate weakness.    

S'only you. by louise97 T | 3k

Dean wasn't sure about what exactly had led them there—the cuddle accident, morning wood issues or the growing tension between them for the past few days—but yet there they were, and he had no fucking idea what to do (at first).

*keyboard smash* soOOoOoO CUTE  

Freckles by 2spooky4u E | 7k | Fluff

"I had to draw all them perfectly," Cas insists, and Dean suddenly can't get rid of the image of Cas, clutching on to a Crayola washable marker, jamming it into his skin forcefully like a little kid mashes his markers on the paper in a vehement attempt to make the color deeper. ”And now you're insulted 'cause I don't appreciate 'em?" Dean asks, bewildered. "No," Cas lies petulantly. "Huh." The stubborn child version of Cas Dean has painted in his mind is now clutching his paper possessively, shielding it from scrutiny. They drive in silence for a while. "Thank you for making my freckles," Dean grouses finally, knowing that it's the only way Cas will forgive him. ((((OR, IN WHICH CAS LIKES DEAN AND HIS FRECKLES, AND DEAN IS STUBBORNLY HETEROSEXUAL))))

Simple and adorable. Pining!cas and Discovering his bisexuality!Dean. Addresses Dean's self worth issues :D️    

Appoggiatura by ceeainthereforthat E | 121k | College au

Castiel leaves the religious commune of Heaven Farms to study classical piano after winning a full scholarship paid for by the Deanna Campbell Memorial Foundation, and answers an ad in the campus newspaper: 1 bedroom to let. Meals provided. 50mb wifi, quiet odd music student preferred.

Super interesting world building. Love the imagery and writing style.    

Good Books, Bad Movies by Amelia_Clark E | 17k | Fluff, Hot,  Bookstore AU

Castiel Novak is an award-winning, heavily tattooed writer of dark fantasy (think China Mieville). Dean Winchester runs a quirky book/video store called Good Books, Bad Movies. There's a reading, some lit-nerd flirting, and eventually smut amongst the shelves.

First of all, this is adorable. Second of all it's smoking hot.    

Alone Together by ScarletPhoenix E | 26k | Dean/Cas/BennyA/b/o AU

Dean Winchester has never expected to be happy. As an omega, his only hope is that he’ll end up with an alpha that’ll think of him as a human being and take him away from his abusive father. Castiel Novak isn’t allowed to be happy. As a beta, he’s forced by his parents to hide who he is under fake bravado and forced hormone therapy. The one thing that keeps him going is his love for his best friend, Dean. Benny Lafitte has given up on happiness. As an alpha, he should be mated with little ones running around under feet, but that isn’t how life played out. Instead he focuses on running his restaurant and ignoring his empty house. When these three meet, will they finally find the happiness they deserve?

Come Clean by snuggycas E | 3k | Hot,  A/B/O AU, PWP, Omega!dean, Alpha!cas

When Sam makes Dean help for the Universities annual car wash fundraiser, he meets Castiel Milton, a business intern who is finishing his masters degree. When they go on a date and Dean's heat suppressants fail, they make a discovery that will change their lives forever. This is all porn to be honest.

Hot and Cute <3 Also this hit all my kinks haha.    

grip them tight and raise them from pernicion by flux E | 20k | Fluff,  Much ado about nothing au, highschool au

Dean and Cas have been at each other's throats for years, but Anna and Sam are determined to change that for the better. With a well-placed love letter and some careful direction, they manage to get the two into a semi-antagonistic, fiercely competitive, and emotionally confusing game of relationship chicken. Now they just need to get to prom.

Fucking adorable and hilarious. I love much ado about nothing so much, and this was a wonderful rendition!  

The face of heaven. by orange_crushed T | 9k | Fluff,  AU

"This is the best day of my life," Castiel tells him, when he comes back. "You’ve been so kind to me." His cheeks are glowing a little from the cold, or maybe just because he’s an otherworldly being full of light. Dean doesn’t know. "If I burn another million years, I won’t forget it. "Oh," says Dean. "Good." (In which Castiel is a fallen star.)

PERFECT! Oh my heart!    

Hold Me Close by twisting_vine_x E | 7k | Star trek AU

Pon farr Destiel AU. In which Castiel is a half-Vulcan scientist, Dean is an engineer, and they’re best friends who are stationed aboard the USS Enterprise for her first five-year voyage. An away mission going wrong. Getting stranded together on some deserted planet. Just another day in the lives of a couple of Starfleet officers, but when the Vulcan side of Cas suddenly makes itself know, he and Dean are put in a position that has the potential to either make or break them.

Ghost Dance  by omphalos E | 51k | Angst, Alt!Canon

In post-apocalyptic isolation, Castiel nurses Dean back to something like his former self, but will a time come when Dean's recovered --and rediscovered-- too much?

Very angsty, very sad. This wrecked me with perfection. Be sure to read the tags.    

  Meringue by SurlyCat E | 23k | Dean/Cas/Jimmy, Hot, College AU

Dean and Cas have been together for about six months, when Cas starts to get antsy about their sex life. The sex has been good and all, but what Dean doesn't know is that his shy, sweet little boyfriend has been holding back. One confusing spur of the moment date with his boyfriend's twin later, and Dean finds out that Cas may not be as innocent as he thought.

*fans self* well basically this is really hot and you should read it. if you're into d/c/j of course.    

A Room Of One's Own by NorthernSparrow E | 94k | Hot,  alt!canon

All Dean wants is a little privacy. Cas doesn't understand.

Omfg. This was hilarious, wonderful, and hot. A+. Basically crack, but with emotional moments and hot porn. so, yep.

[novocaine-sea]

Haikyuu!! Masterlist

A list of all the fics I’ve written for Haikyuu!! Will be updated as I write more!

Multichaptered

Fruitless (E)

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Chapters: 15/15

Summary:

Fruitless: failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive or useless.

If a serial killer was standing right in front of you, would you know?

Untucking (E)

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Chapters: 4/?

Summary:

Akaashi Keiji is a drag queen who tries to maintain his privacy as he best he can in order to protect his four year old son, Tobio, from the life he lives at night. He’s done a pretty good job with this until one night he seductively lip syncs on stage to a man in the crowd, a man who he will discover is his son’s new daycare teacher. Bokuto Koutarou immediately flips Akaashi’s world upside down and it becomes a lot harder to protect himself and his son from prying eyes.

Black and Blue Heart (M)

Pairing: Sugawara Koushi/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Chapters: 10/10

Summary:

Sugawara Koushi has been in an abusive relationship for the past three years and when he has finally had enough, he flees after a particularly bad night.

He does not know that on this night he is going to meet the man that is going to heal his black and blue heart.

Time (M)

Pairing: Sawamara Daichi/Sugawara Koushi

Chapters: 5/5

Summary:

Daichi grabbed the phone and pressed it to his ear, “Hello?”

“Daichi,” Suga’s mother said immediately. Her voice was gentle but he could hear her breaking. This was definitely not good. “Daichi, Koushi’s been in an accident.”

He bolted out the door.

Wisteria (T)

Pairing: Oikawa Tooru/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Chapters: 4/4

Summary:

Wisteria: used to express affection after meeting someone special for the first time or serious devotion whether to a cause or a person Oikawa Tooru was having a terrible morning, taking the phrase waking up on the wrong side of the bed literally. He was extremely late for work, but things seemed to fall into place when he stumbled upon a small flower shop that appeared to have been broken into and robbed.

Tastes So Sweet (T)

Pairing: Semi Eita/Sugawara Koushi

Chapters: 3/3

Summary:

Semi has everything he could ever want. He plays sold out shows almost every night for a majority of the year with his best friends and sees places most people could only dream of. But, of course, there’s something missing. It’s love.

Comes in Waves (T)

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Chapters: 11/11

Summary:

Every night he is woken by the waves, crashing over him; suffocating. Everyday is he haunted by the rush of water in his ear doing somersaults against his ear drums. Everyday is another attempt to escape, but he cannot.

One-Shots Under the Cut!

General Audiences

Blushingly Obvious

Pairing: Shirabu Kenjirou/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Summary:

Shirabu notices that Ushijima blushes whenever he gets affectionate and decides he likes the look.  

Parent Teacher Conference

Pairing: Ushijima Wakatoshi/Oikawa Tooru

Summary:

Ushijima didn’t understand why his son really wanted him to meet his teacher. He really didn’t understand why his son’s teacher was sputtering all over the place at first meeting. 

Lights

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Summary: 

Akaashi always questioned why he went along with Bokuto’s antics, even when he was knocking on his window in the middle of the nights. It was always worth it.

Untitled

Pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio

Summary:

Iwaizumi was going to be supportive of him no matter what. Even if Kageyama wrote poems about volleyball.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Iwaizumi Hajime

Summary:

When Akaashi looks in the mirror he hates everything he sees. Luckily, Iwaizumi loves everything he sees when he looks at Akaashi.

Hands

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Tsukishima Kei

Summary:

Tsukishima bites his nails. Akaashi wrings his hands together. They can’t stand each other’s habits.

Together

Pairing: Azumane Asahi/Sawamura Daichi

Summary:

Asahi and Daichi reign in the new year the way they always do. Together.

Moments

Pairing: Sawamura Daichi/Sugawara Koushi

Summary:

Daichi really wanted to lounge around with Suga that afternoon, but his younger sister had other plans.

Something Sweet in the Stars

Pairing: Kawanishi Taichi/Semi Eita

Summary:

Kawanishi cannot wrap his head around their loss against Karasuno. Semi attempts to help him forget, at least for a little bit.

Chances

Pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Sawamura Daichi

Summary:

Kuroo and Daichi broke up months ago yet Kuroo can't stop thinking about him. It doesn't help that he suddenly starts to see Daichi everywhere. How is he supposed to get over him like this?

Teen

Without you I’m not clean

Pairing: Tsukishima Kei/Yamaguchi Tadashi

Warnings: Major Character Death

Summary:

He had nothing to say. He didn’t want to go back in that gym. It was too soon. Everything reminded him of the one he’d given his heart to.

Suns, Moons, and Stars Alike

Pairing: Tsukishima Kei/Yamaguchi Tadashi

Summary:

Yamaguchi hates himself in every sense of the word. However, his own insecurities are blinding him from those who love and care for him, especially one Tsukishima Kei.

Getting Gold

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Konoha Akinori

Summary:

The Olympics. Konoha had been thinking of this moment for his entire life; it was his first time here and he could hardly believe that he actually made it. He could hardly believe that he was there with his lover, Akaashi, a world renowned figure skater. The only thing on Konoha’s mind was snatching the gold away from him, among other things.

A Battle of Brains and Brawn

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Iwaizumi Hajime

Summary:

Akaashi tells Iwaizumi not to go easy on him in their one-on-one battle and the thought hadn’t even crossed Iwaizumi’s mind. He could win before Akaashi even had the chance to get a hold of him, couldn’t he?  (BNHA AU)

Unfair Farewells

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Kozume Kenma

Warnings: Major Character Death

Summary:

War wasn’t for everyboy. It definitely wasn’t for them.

Souls at Sunset

Pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Summary:

Ushijima is dying. Rapidly. It’s as simple as that. And when he hears splashing in the pond out back, Ushijima knows his time has come.

Mature

Land on Me

Pairing: Tsukishima Kei/Yamaguchi Tadashi

Summary:

Tsukishima is dragged to a college party by Yamaguchi and is forced to play a game of spin the bottle.

Shape of You

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Matsukawa Issei

Summary: 

It was supposed to be a one night stand but Matsukawa couldn’t get him out of his head. I’m in love with the shape of you.

this will never end

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Kuroo Tetsurou

Summary:

“Keiji.” Kuroo breathed after a little while. Akaashi looked at him and then down at the ground where the blood from Kuroo’s leg had dripped, leading a trail right to them. “Yes?” Akaashi squinted. It looked like there was an abandoned house up head. It was sundown, everything backlit by bright golds, oranges, and pinks. There was even a little bit of blue left in the sky. Akaashi wished he could stop and appreciate it. “What do you think Heaven’s like?” Kuroo coughed and Akaashi saw that a little bit of blood tinged the corner of Kuroo’s mouth. His heart started racing and pounding against his ribcage.

Explicit

At the Beach

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Summary:

Akaashi and Bokuto go to the beach for a much needed vacation

Today’s Special

Pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru

Summary:

Iwaizumi glared at him over his shoulder and blushed when he realized how close Oikawa’s face was to his own. He quickly turned back to his task, “Stop fooling around or you’ll be the next thing in this meat grinder.”

Oikawa smirked and trailed his hand lower to cup Iwaizumi through his pants. Iwaizumi froze under his touch and was just about to protest before Oikawa breathed in his ear, “You know, my ass is a meat grinder and it’s looking for today’s special.”

A Hard Day’s Night

Pairing: Ushijima Wakatoshi/Oikawa Tooru

Summary:

Tooru felt a meaty hand clamp around his ankle to stop the prodding toes at Wakatoshi’s thigh and piercing, olive eyes boring into him. “Stop.” It was one word but it was heavy, all the weight of the world pressing down onto it.

He met green eyes with a sly gaze, flushed pink lips parting in a devious smirk. “I don’t think I want to, Daddy.”

The Whir of Pleasure

Pairing: Sugawara Koushi/Terushima Yuuji

Summary:

Suga’s a tease and he knows it. Terushima takes matters into his own hands.

Close Call

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou

Summary:

Akaashi’s mother picks a really compromising time to call her son.

Sakanoshita

Pairing: Sugawara Koushi/Ukai Keishin

Warning: Underage

Summary:

After volleyball practice the team always walks down the hill to the convenient store, Sakanoshita, to get something to eat. When Suga lays eyes on the hot cashier behind the counter, he’s overwhelmed with lust and can’t get him out of his head. Luckily for him the cashier, Ukai Keishin, gives in to temptation easily.

Good Vibrations

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Kozume Kenma

Summary: 

Kenma is surprised to find that the butt plug that Akaashi made him wear that day was a vibrating butt plug. Naturally, he doesn’t last very long.  

“You’re Mine”

Pairing: Kyoutani Kenjirou/Yahaba Shigeru

Summary:

Kyoutani sees Yahaba flirting with somebody else and even though they’re not dating he is over come with jealousy. So, he takes matters into his own hands.

Oiled Up

Pairing: Bokuto Koutarou/Kuroo Tetsurou

Summary:

Bokuto pouted, “If you wanted a massage I could’ve just given you one at home. For free.” Kuroo shrugged, “I never get to see you in full work mode so… I figured you’d have to be professional at your own work place.” He thumbed at the tie of the robe and looked at Bokuto through his eyelashes, “I could leave.” Bokuto looked him up and down, knowing full well he was naked under the robe. Many possibilities ran through his head and he looked back up at Kuroo with a smirk, “No, this is perfect.”

Setters Do It Better

Pairing: Kageyama Tobio/Sugawara Koushi, Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru, Akaashi Keiji/Kageyama Tobio, Kageyama Tobio/Kozume Kenma, Kageyama Tobio/Semi Eita/Yahaba Shigeru

Summary:

When Suga had said he wanted to have a reunion, this was not what he had in mind. Kageyama figured it would be with their old Karasuno team to relive old memories. But no, he was wrong, so very, very wrong.

On The Grind

Pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Summary: 

Hinata was doing his daily scoop of Grindr when he found his exact type. Kageyama would say that he was addicted to the app, that it was some sort of sickness that he actively sought out men to fuck him. Hinata would then promptly correct him, saying that he was adickted and that he couldn’t help himself. He definitely couldn’t help himself after seeing the abs on this man.

Ethereal

Pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Kuroo Tetsurou

Summary:

Kuroo catches Akaashi masturbating one night when he comes home from work and decides to help him out a bit.

All Knowing

Pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru

Summary:

He loves this. He lives for this. Servicing the King.

it started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?

Pairings: Akaashi Keiji/Oikawa Tooru, Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou, Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru, Bokuto Koutarou/Iwaizumi Hajime, Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou/Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru

Summary:

After a friendly arm wrestling match after the gym left Bokuto feeling victorious, all he wanted to do was brag to his boyfriend and one of his roommates. He just never expected to come home to see said boyfriend and said roommate completely engrossed in each other, lips meeting lips with wet smacks.

Blood High

Pairing: Semi Eita/Shirabu Kenjirou

Summary:

Semi told himself that he wouldn't get involved with a human. He told himself he would never, ever fall in love with somebody with a beating heart. Then Shirabu came along and ruined all of that.

Good Boy

Pairing: Bokuto Koutarou/Shirofuku Yukie

Summary:

“You’re a good boy, right Bokuto?” Yukie purred as she stroked her fingers gently through Bokuto’s hair. Bokuto hummed and nodded, eyes slipping shut. He was a good boy.

when i’m fucked up, that’s the real me

Pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Semi Eita, implied Semi Eita/Shirabu Kenjirou

Summary:

When Kuroo calls, Semi comes.

After Hours

Pairing: Oikawa Tooru/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Summary:

Both lawyers, Oikawa thinks that on principle he should hate Ushijima, despite never having met the man before. However, upon meeting him, Oikawa finds he was sorely mistaken about Ushijima Wakatoshi.

[nocturna131]

The Iron King (Part 6)

Fanfiction.net 

Rated M

Summary:  The former warrior prince has claimed the throne and rules his kingdom in peace. But the neighboring King Natsu rubs in his face that Gajeel remains unwed poses a frustrating question. What is a King without his Queen? Natsu’s wife Queen Lucy brings a certain blue friend along with her to the duel between Kings. What will happen when he lays eyes on Lucy’s friend Lady McGarden?

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Thoughts are expressed in this format.

Support My Writing on my Koi-fi account!

“Your really turning into a sap aren't you Kurogane~” Lily teased as he brought down his practice sword at Gajeel.

Dodging to the side and sweeping Lilly off his feet before aiming the point of his own sword at Lily’s throat watching with satisfaction as he swallowed slightly. “Well I wouldn’t be calling me a sap right now if this a real duel.” Patting Lily’s cheek with the sword before offering a hand to help him up.

“If you haven't been spending every spare moment you had with Levy then I wouldn't needed to called you that.” Lily grunted taking the hand and standing up before dusting himself off. “She’s only been here for a few days.” Wiping his own brow off as he watched Gajeel place the sword back with the rest of the equipment.

“Can't help it.” Adjusting his outfit before gazing up at her room in the distance. “Just don’t let me screw this up.”

Lilly laughed and slapped a hand on Gajeel’s back causing him to break out of his trance. “Wasn’t planning on it my King and if I could make a suggestion.” Gesturing towards the stables. “Would be nice to take a Lady out for a ride outside of the castle just the two of you.” Trying his best to hide his own amusement as he watched Gajeel nod at the suggestion before smirking at him.

“Not a bad idea Lily.”

Changing into his smaller form and hovering for a moment in front of Gajeel. “I will go and let her know as you freshen up, can’t have her repulsed at your stench.” Quickly flying off into the distance before Gajeel could swipe at him.

“HEY I DON”T SMELL!” He shouted at the exceed before grabbing his collar and taking a whiff wrinkling his nose at the stench. “Maybe a quick bath wouldn’t hurt.” He noted as he headed toward his chamber trying his best not to run as he felt his excitement rise.

“Finally some alone time with Levy.”

Humming softly she felt the delicate pages under her fingers as she flipped the pages Levy almost missed the firm tapping on her window.

“Levy may I come in?” The glass causing his voice to be slightly muffled.

Jumping off the bed and rushing over to the window before pushing it open. “Sorry I can really get into my reading sometimes.” Sheepishly smiling as he landed on her bed.

Looking around at the multiple books scattered around the bed in mild amusement. “I can see.” Lilly coughed slightly. “I was here to let you know Gajeel would like to take you for a ride around the kingdom...if you would like.” He added not to pressure her.

Her presence around his friend has had a tremendous affect as if his sorrow caused from the past was being washed away.

Levy nodded. “It would be nice to see around the Kingdom....”

Chuckling Lily knew that she wanted to spend more time around Gajeel. Flapping his wings and hovering by her wardrobe as he looked for an outfit.

“What are you doing?” Levy walked next to him puzzled at Lily’s sudden interest in her outfits.

“Just thinking” Lily murmured as he pulled a dress out. “What dress would knock the air out of Gajeel?” Laying the dress on the bed and seeing her fidget with her skirt having not moved from her spot. “Whats wrong?” Patting the spot next to him. Levy shuffled over to the bed and sat down.

Curling up in her lap and purring softly as her hands ran over his soft fur. “Worried?”

Shaking her head in response. “No I just...not built like other women.”

Closing his eyes and yawning he could get used to Levy being in the castle with them. “Don’t worry too much your perfect the way you are. Not many people in the world can turn a Warrior King into a love sick sap.”

Scratching behind Lily's ear and smiling. “Really?”

Nodding and chuckling slightly. “He has fallen hard for you. You should have seen the stupid grin on his face the other night.” Shuddering slightly at the memory. “Nearly scared me out of my fur, not often have I seen that look on his face.”

Blushing slightly Levy patted his head apologetically. “I well um did give him a kiss on the cheek....sorry.”

“Its ok I was just not prepared for that.” Looking over at the dress he picked out earlier. “So what do you think of my choice?”

Levy eyes skimmed over ruby dress. It was fitted with a sweet heart neck line, black lace stretching up to the neck. The off shoulder sleeves matched the rest of the dress. Levy grinned “I think it will leave him breathless.”

Gajeel’s armored feet clinked against the ground, leading a great black stallion by the reins out of the stable. “I wonder if she is coming.” Stopping as red eyes skimming the outside of the stables for the small figure. The horse fidgeting as it waited for its rider to mount. “Easy Karma Demon” he commanded as he stroked the horse. Feeling his eye twitch as he swore the horse just snorted at his command. “You little...” he began to say before Lily landed on top of the saddle. 

“What is Demon ignoring you again?” Lily couldn’t contain his laughter as the horse respond in a nodding action. 

“Shudup!” Gajeel glared at his friend. “Not my fault he acts that way.”

Flicking his tail in amusement. “Sad when your own horse won’t listen to you. Anyway she should be here any moment.” Motioning to his sword on his back. “I will be close by to help if needed but far enough to not ruin any romance.”

Nodding his head in agreement. “Good. Last thing I need is trouble.” Gripping hilt of his own sword. “I rather not spill blood today.”

“Gajeel.” 

Hearing his name being called he turned away from Lily to face the source of the sweet voice. Seeing the red dress he backed up into the horse unexpectedly causing it to stomp it hooves in annoyance. What is she wearing? Gulping slightly and trying to remain composed as she stopped in front of him.

“Are you ok?” Levy eyes locked with his. She could feel his eyes running up and down her body causing an involuntary shiver to run up her body.

“Yes I’m fine.” He managed not to stuttered out. “Just end me now.” Eyeing how her dress accentuated her hips and the lace letting bits of skin show before looking back up to see the sly glint in her eyes. “Yep just stick a sword through me.”

Coughing slightly before offering a hand to her. “Let's go.” Helping her up onto the large saddle Gajeel couldn’t help as his hand lingered on her hip for a moment before letting go. Biting back a wolfish grin at his thoughts before pulling himself up onto the saddle behind her. Her dress draped to the side as she sat sidesaddle.

Demon stomped at the added weight before calming down from Levy’s gentle hand. Levy smiled. “Such a well behaved horse you have.”

Glaring at the Karma Demon as he looked the horse in the eye. “Yes such a well behaved horse.” Trying his best not to grit his teeth while slipping his arms past Levy’s waist to grasp the reins.

Lily chuckled as he flew ahead down the trail at his friend’s plight. This is going to be an interesting day.

Heavy steps of the horse could be heard along with birds chirping in the background. Looking around and taking in the mountains in the distance with eyes wide in amazement. “Its beautiful out here.” Levy noted that the snow on the mountains glimmered as the light bounce off of it. “Yes it is” Hearing him grunt slightly in response reminding her of the how close she was to Gajeel.

Leaning back slightly into his chest and humming softly she noted he stiffed slightly in surprise before relaxing slipping an arm around her waist. He kept in mind not to grip too tightly so the claws of the armor did not dig into her dress. “This is nice.” she murmured looking back at him noting the warm look in his eyes. As she got to know Gajeel more and more that his soft side was only shown to a few people in his life.

Such a dangerous man who could snap a man’s neck without a sweat but holding her with such care to not harm her. Tracing the chain mail with a finger noting the detail in its work while enjoying the feel of the muscle twitch under her touch. 

Lifting her head up to look at him as the horse slowed down to a stop as he pulled back on the reins. Trees surrounded them offering privacy to anyone who would try to look on. Looking around at their surroundings before look up at him with a curious look. “Everything ok?”

Nodding his head before taking a deep breath. “I don’t want you to leave.” Looking at her surprised face before continuing while chuckling. “Who would have thought a warrior like myself would be wrapped around you tiny little finger in a matter of days.”

“Levy...I.” Pressing his forehead against hers watching her face turn red. “I really like you.” stammering slightly. Feeling her brush her lips against his slightly chapped lips sending a shiver up his spine. “Same here.” she whispered back to him gripping at the chest plate.

Levy could feel her heart ramming against her chest as he sealed his lips over hers letting out a soft sigh as he pulled her closer. Nipping playfully at her lip he chuckled at the squeak that he got out of Levy before pulling back. “Still don’t understand why you like me.”

Slapping his chest playfully. “Because you may be rough on the outside but I like you for who you despite all the jabs at my height.”

Making a rumble of approval before leaning down and capturing her lips enjoying the soft touch against his. Running his hand up her back lightly tracing with the claws of the gauntlet causing him to groan slightly as she arched into him.

The horse aggressively stamped against the ground with its nostrils flaring. Gajeel snapped his head up in response before quickly narrowing his eyes. “Who the fuck are you?!” He snarled at the two men.

One of the men laughed wickedly before pulling out an arrow and raising his bow. “What does it look like King Gajeel.” He sneered back at him. “Someone wants you dead.” Gajeel jumped off the horse quickly and shoved the reins into Levy’s hands. “Go NOW!”

“But Gajeel!”

“GO!” Karma Demon raced off back towards the stables, the arrow narrowly missing Levy as she gripped tightly to the reins, her shouts of protest could be heard. “At least that horse knows when to listen when it counts.” Gajeel noted as he pulled his sword out and holding in front of him.

A large thud next to him along with the loud growl gave him clue to who it was.

“Lily how did they get so close?” He snapped at him not looking away from the two men.

“I don’t know how but they had to moved quickly to miss my line of sight.” Lily answerwed back, also not looking away.

“Whoever they are will pay.” Gripping the hilt tightly. “They shot an arrow at her.”

“Agreed.”

Feeling his muscles tense up as he felt his blood boil at the sight of the men. “I will protect you Levy even if it means more blood on my hands.”

[lilixbetty-blog]

Chapter 2 J.J -part 1 (Page 1- 5)

There’s something to be said about making the perfect cup of coffee. There’s even more to be said about making the perfect cup of coffee from one of the spaceship-like machines I’m staring at. I’ve spent days watching my fellow waitress, Veronica, complete the task with ease, while chatting, grabbing down another mug, and tapping the order through the till. But all I seem to be achieving is a royal mess, of both the coffee and the area surrounding the machine.

I force the jammed filter contraption on with a quiet curse and it slips, scattering the coffee grains everywhere. ‘No, no, no,’ I mutter under my breath, grabbing my cloth from the front pocket of my apron. The damp rag is brown, a dead giveaway to the millions of other times I’ve wiped up my mess today.

‘You want me to take over?’ Veronica’s amused voice creeps over my shoulders and makes them sag. It’s no use. No matter how many times I try, I always end up in the same pickle. This spaceship and I are not friends.

I sigh dramatically and turn, handing Veronica the big metal handle thingy. ‘I’m sorry. The machine hates me.’

Her soft pink lips break out in a fond smile, and her black shiny shoulder length hair swishes as she shakes her head. Her patience is commendable. ‘It’ll come. Why don’t you go and clear table seven?’

I move fast, grabbing a tray and making my way over to the recently vacated area in the hope of redeeming myself. ‘He’ll sack me,’ I muse, loading the tray. I’ve only been working here for four days, but on hiring me, Pop said it would only take me a few hours of training on my first day to get the hang of the machine that dominates the back counter of the bistro. That day was hideous, and I think Pop shares my thoughts.

‘No he won’t.’ Veronica fires the machine up, and the sound of steam rushing from the froth pipe fills the cafe. ‘He likes you!’ she calls louder, grabbing a mug, then a tray, then a spoon, a napkin and the chocolate sprinkles, all while rotating the metal jug of milk with ease.

I smile down at the table as I wipe it before collecting the tray and making my way back to the kitchen. Pop’s only known me for a week, and he’s already said that I haven’t a bad bone in my body. My grandmother has said the very same thing but added that I’d better grow some soon because the world and the people in it are not always nice or gentle.

I dump the tray on the side and start loading up the dishwasher.

‘You okay, Betty?’

I turn toward the gruff voice of Archie, the cook. ‘Great. You?’

‘Top of the world.’ He continues cleaning out the pots, whistling as he does.

Resuming stacking plates in the dishwasher, I think to myself that I should be just fine as long as I’m not let loose on that machine. ‘Is there anything else you’d like me to do before I get off?’ I ask Veronica as she pushes her way through the swing door of the kitchen. I envy the way she carries out all tasks with such ease and speed, from dealing with that damn machine to stacking mugs on top of each other without looking.

‘No.’ She turns and wipes her hands on the front of her apron. ‘You get off. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Thank you.’ I remove my apron and hang it up. ‘Bye, Archie.’

‘Have a good evening, Betty,’ he calls, waving a ladle above his head.

After weaving my way through the tables of pops, I push my way out the door and onto the narrow back street, getting immediately pelted by rain. ‘Wonderful,’ I smile, shielding my head with my denim jacket and making a run for it.

I hop between the puddles, my Converse doing nothing to keep my feet dry, squelching with each hurried stride as I make my way to the bus stop.

Taking the steps up to our house, I barge through the door and rest my back against it, catching my breath.

‘Betty?’ Nan’s husky voice instantly lightens my wet mood. ‘Betty, is that you?’

‘It’s me!’ I hang my soaked jacket on the coat hook and kick off my sodden Converse before making my way down the long hallway to the back kitchen. I find Nan stooped over the cooker, stirring a huge pot of something – soup, undoubtedly.

‘There you are!’ She drops the wooden spoon and wobbles towards me. At eighty-one, she is really quite remarkable and still so on the ball. ‘You’re drenched!’

‘I’m not so bad,’ I assure her, ruffling my hair as she assesses me from top to bottom, settling on my flat stomach as my T-shirt rides up.

‘You need fattening up.’

I roll my eyes but humour her. ‘I’m starving.’

The smile that graces her wrinkled face makes me smile, too, as she embraces me and rubs my back.

‘What have you done today, Nan?’ I ask.

She releases me and points to the dinner table. ‘Sit.’

I do as I’m told immediately, picking up the spoon she’s set down for me. ‘So?’

She turns a frown on me. ‘So what?’

‘Today. What did you do?’ I prompt.

‘Oh!’ She flaps a tea towel at me. ‘Nothing exciting. A bit of shopping, and I baked your favourite carrot cake.’ She points across to the other worktop, where a cake is sitting on a cooling rack. But it isn’t carrot cake.

‘You made me carrot cake?’ I ask, watching as she returns to serving up two bowls of soup.

‘Yes. Like I said, Betty. I made your favourite.’

‘But my favourite’s lemon cake, Nan. You know that.’

She doesn’t falter in her serving, bringing the two bowls to the table and setting them down. ‘Yes, I do. That is why I made you lemon cake.’

I flick a glance across the kitchen again, just to check I’m not mistaken. ‘Nan, that looks like pineapple upside-down cake.’

Her rump hits the chair, and she looks at me like I’m the one losing my mind. ‘That’s because it is pineapple upside-down cake.’ She plunges her spoon into the bowl and slurps off some coriander soup before reaching for some freshly baked bread. ‘I made your favourite.’

She’s confused, and so am I. After that last few seconds’ exchange, I have no clue what sort of cake she’s made, and I don’t care. I look across at my dear grandmother, studying her feeding herself. She seems okay and doesn’t look confused. Is this the beginning? I lean forward. ‘Nan, are you feeling okay?’ I’m worried.

She starts laughing. ‘I’m pulling your leg, Betty!’

‘Nan!’ I scorn her, feeling immediately better. ‘You shouldn’t do that.’

‘I’m not losing my marbles yet.’ She waves her spoon at my bowl. ‘Eat your supper and tell me how you got on today.’

My shoulders sag dramatically on a sigh as I stir my soup. ‘I can’t get on with that coffee machine, which is a problem when ninety per cent of customers order some kind of coffee.’

‘You’ll get to grips with it,’ she says confidently, like she’s an expert on the damn thing.

‘I’m not so sure. Pop won’t keep me just for clearing tables.’

‘Well, apart from the coffee machine, are you enjoying it?’

I smile. ‘Yes, I really am.’

‘Good. You can’t look after me for ever. A young thing like you should be out enjoying herself, not tending to her grandmother.’ She eyes me cautiously. ‘And I don’t need tending to, anyway.’

‘I like looking after you,’ I argue quietly, bracing myself for the usual lecture. We could argue about this until we’re blue in the face and still be in disagreement. She’s fragile, not physically but mentally, no matter how much she insists she’s okay. She draws breath. I fear the worst. ‘Betty, I will not be leaving God’s green pastures until I see you pull things together, and that’s not going to happen if you spend all your time henpecking me. I’m running out of time, so get your skinny little arse in gear.’

I wince. ‘I’ve told you. I’m happy.’

‘Happy hiding from a world that has so much to offer?’ she asks seriously. ‘Start living, Elizabeth. Trust me, time soon passes you by. Before you know it, you’re being measured for false teeth and you won’t dare cough or sneeze through fear of pissing yourself.’

‘Nan!’ I choke on a piece of bread, but she’s not amused at all. She’s deadly serious, as she always is during these types of conversations.

‘True story,’ she says on a sigh. ‘Get out there. Take whatever life throws your way. You’re not your mother, Eliza—’

‘Nan,’ I warn slowly.

She visibly slumps in her chair. I know I frustrate her, but I’m quite happy as I am. I’m twenty-one, I’ve lived with my nan since I was born, and as soon as I left college, I made my ex-cuses to stay at home and keep an eye on her. But while I was quite happy looking after my nan, she was not. ‘Elizabeth, I’ve moved forward. You need to, too. I should never have held you back.’

I smile, not knowing what to say. She doesn’t realise it, but I needed holding back. I’m my mother’s daughter, after all.

‘Betty, make your nan happy. Put some heels on and go out and enjoy yourself.’

It’s me slumping now. She just can’t stop herself. ‘Nan, you’d have to pin me down to get me in heels.’ My feet ache at the very thought.

‘How many pairs of those converse things do you have?’ she asks, buttering me yet more bread and passing it over.

‘Twelve,’ I answer, completely unashamed. ‘All in different colours.’ I plan on buying them in yellow on Saturday, too. I take the bread and sink my teeth in, smiling around my bite when she huffs her displeasure.

‘Well at least go out and have fun. Kevin’s always offering. Why don’t you take him up on his constant offers?’

‘I don’t drink.’ I wish she’d stop with this. ‘And Kevin will only drag me around all the gay bars,’ I tell her, raising my eyebrows. My best friend sleeps with enough men for both of us.

[uneplumesombre]

Tagged by @karasunovolleygays​, thanks!! (fics go from newer to older)

List the first lines of your last 20 stories (or however many you have altogether). See if there are any patterns. Then, tag your favourite authors.

1. Connect (FEH, G, Roy & Ninian) Roy is transfixed by her. She's beautiful, elegant in her steps and gentle in her voice, embodying the perfect lady who has nonetheless the streak of a warrior.

2. Bump & Talk (KnB, G, NijiHimu) There's this guy Shuuzou always, always, bumps into wherever he goes. The cafeteria. In between classes. In the dorms' hallways. In the bathroom, Jesus Christ.

3. Thousands of feathery kisses (KnB, G, KagaHimu) Taiga is ten when he's dared to kiss Tatsuya's cheek. He's a bit embarrassed at the prospect of kissing anyone who isn't his mother or his father, but it's Tatsuya so it's not that bad.

4. Through their eyes (HQ, T, KinKage) “You're not Oikawa Tooru.”

5. Third inhabitant (HQ, G, KinKage) “No,” Kindaichi said with the most stern look he could muster, which was to say not very stern.

6. A handful (FE14, G, ShiroSieg) Shiro's plan was pretty simple, in fact, and didn't require formidable intellect to put it in motion. He wasn't known for his brains, after all, so he shouldn't do something that couldn't match with his personality and reputation.

7. No wonder (FE14, G, HinaKumi) After a training session in which Oboro totally destroyed Hinata, and would have destroyed Takumi as well if she didn't hold back, both men were changing back into more casual clothes to fetch some food.

8. No escape (FE14, G, HinaKumi) Hinata tossed around in the bed, desperately trying to block the horrible noises reaching his ears, but there was no way he could go back to sleep.

9. No idiocy allowed (FE14, G, HinaKumi) Takumi frowned, eyebrows drawn together in both worry and disbelief, while his retainer was happily munching on an apple with half his arm still bleeding.

10. No other way (FE14, T, HinaKumi) Hinata sputtered blood on the ground and coughed until he had no breath left. His body was aching everywhere.

11. Flowery star (FE14, G, XanLow) Xander generally prefers training alone, hidden from anyone's eye. He likes to feel at peace and to be able to focus on every attack and strike and slash he makes; when he trains with soldiers, he's too self-conscious of their gaze and of the prospect of embarrassing himself if he makes a mistake.

12. Warm as the sun (FE14, G, Xander & Olivia, XanLow) Xander doesn't look up from his teacup. He hasn't felt so nervous since he was a child; the return of a fast beating heart with a mind swirling with thoughts that knock against each other is not how he envisioned this meeting.

13. Small as it may be (FE14, G, XanLow) Laslow is bored. There is nothing to do in Lord Xander's quarters, except watching the floor and the flickering light of a candle at night.

14. Here for You (KnB, G, HaiKise) Ryouta has been following him for the past hour and honestly it's getting on his nerves. Who did he think he was, his mom?

15. Dance with me (KnB, G, HaiKise) “This is fucking stupid. I'm not doing this.” “Don't be a baby Shougo-kun.” “Go to your party alone, I'm not doing this.”

16. In the making (KnB, G, HaiKise) Kise glances to the side, not even bothering to hide his suspicious demeanor. The man next to him growls. 

17. Walk on, wandering soul (FF Type-0, T, Ace) There was something oddly safe in this fight despite the heavy atmosphere. Maybe because his opponent wasn’t as big as the previous ones, maybe because the world ending outside the temple seemed far more dangerous, or maybe because Ace had become used to fight monsters and not humans.

18. For the better (FF Type-0, G, Qator) Qator Bashtar has always strived for more. 

19. Coffee (KnB, G, HaiKise) Haizaki groans and sloppily crashes on the couch in the living room. He switches the TV on and zaps channels until he finds something worth his morning time.

20. To give a hand (FMA, G, Ed & Hohenheim) Ed stifles another groan as he tries to tie his hair in a ponytail that won't result in the loss of half his hair. More often than not, his right prosthetic arm gets stuck in his blond locks, and when he manages to retrieve it he always finds some loose hair stuck on it.

I generally like to get right into the action when starting a story. That, or single out one thought of the character the focus is on. This list makes one whole year of English fics, but in the meantime I also wrote some fics in French.

I’m tagging @ma-je-s-capharnaum and @stephanericherthanyou!

[bloojayoolie]

Children, Click, and Dogs: Gentle, shy, incredibly sweet, in need of comfort & cuddles.. THE WARMTH OF COSTA RICA Id 32990, @ 2 Yrs., 34 Petite lbs. Broken hearted&dreaming of Love In Manhattan ACC TO BE KILLED - 7/10/2018 A GENTLE, SWEET, SHY PIXIE, “COSTA RICA” IS HOPING FOR THE WARMTH OF A FAMILY HOME AGAIN! She came to the shelter with her siblings Mexico and Puerto Rico but they were immediately separated to suffer further pangs of loneliness. All had only known the love of one family, and all had been bred for the money their puppies would bring. Costa Rica is so gentle, so in need of comfort and love. She is so lost in the shelter, quiet and shy, her former world gone, her new life keeping her frozen in place. We love her petite frame, and our hearts break that she is so sad and yet so willing to hold out her heart again, hope in her eyes that she will be loved back. Won’t you help this incredibly sweet girl? As experienced volunteer Evelyne Cumps writes: “Costa Rica and her sisters Mexico and Puerto Rico came to us as their owners could not care for them anymore. They all had their share at motherhood but look well cared for and healthy. Shyness is their hallmark, at least within our walls but Costa Rica is slowly coming out of her shell. I got quite a lot of smiles from her yesterday and it was not the heat making her out of breath! Her eyes were shining too. I think she enjoyed the company and attention, bringing warmth and peace to her heart. Costa Rica is a good walker, possibly house trained. She sits on command(for treats or none) and does come when called. She likes to settle next to me for caresses and this morning, I even got a little kiss. Life in slow motion, it is always with timid dogs. As she went briefly after a tennis ball, I guess that she must have been played with in her former home. I am sure that there is a lot more to say about pretty Costa Rica and it is for you to discover when she will be yours. Come and meet her soon at the Manhattan Care Center. I bet she will be a loving and loyal friend!” PRIVATE MESSAGE our page or email us at MustLoveDogsNYC@gmail.com for assistance fostering or adopting perfect, precious Costa Rica. Shy, sweet, Costa Rica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QR4Wwuiw5Y COSTA RICA, ID # 32990, @ 2 Yrs. Old, 34 lbs. Manhattan ACC, Medium Mixed Breed, Black / White, Unaltered Female Owner Surrender Reason: owner couldn't care for them anymore. I CAME TO THE SHELTER WITH MY SISTERS, PUERTO RICO (Id 32993) AND MEXICO (ALL ON THE KILL LIST WITH ME) Details on my behavior are... Behavior Condition: 2. Blue Behavior Assessment Date of intake:: 6/30/2018 Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray Date of assessment:: 7/2/2018 Look:: 2. Dog's eyes are averted, body posture is stiff and fearful, tail is low and not moving. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity:: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, tail is between legs, body stiff, mouth closed, lip long, ears likely back, may lip lick. Tag:: 2. Dog is fearful but unresponsive when touched. Approaches the Assessor when the game ends. Dog is likely crouching, may have a long lip or lip lick. Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted Toy:: 1. No interest. Summary:: Costa Rica did not approach the assessor but allowed the assessor to approach her. She had a tense, trembling body and tucked tail throughout the assessment but allowed all handling. Summary:: DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT: Due to arriving as a stray, Costa Rica's history around other dogs is unknown. She arrived into the care center with two female dogs. Costa Rica has appeared tolerant of approach from respectful dogs in the care center. She has not been observed to actively seek out interaction with other dogs. Slow introductions are recommended between Costa Rica and respectful dogs. Summary (1):: 7/1: When introduced off leash to the male greeter dog, Costa Rica is tolerant of polite greeting. She does not solicit play. Summary (2):: 7/2-3: Costa Rica keeps mostly to herself. Summary (3):: 7/5-7/6: Costa Rica greets male and female dogs politely. Summary (4):: 7/7: Costa Rica engages in some soft play with male and female dogs. ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Costa Rica so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. In the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No young children (under 5) Recommendations comments:: No young children: Due to the behavior seen in the care center, we feel that Costa Rica may be intimidated by young children. She needs a slow approach and time to warm up. She should never be forced to interact with new people, and should be allowed to greet and initiate an interaction at her own pace. Older, gentle children should have an in-depth interaction prior to adoption. Potential challenges: : Fearful Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Costa Rica is fearful at the care center. It is important to always go slow and give Costa Rica the option to walk away from any social interaction. Costa Rica should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Costa Rica’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Costa Rica would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. My medical notes are... Weight: 34 lbs Vet Notes L V T Notes 7/07/2018 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age:2 Microchip noted on Intake? n Microchip Number (If Applicable): n History : Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - gentle timid Evidence of Cruelty seen -n Evidence of Trauma seen -n Objective T = - P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: teeth in good cond PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: INTACT – externally normal - MAMMARY GLANDS PROMINENT MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally normal Assessment: Healthy Prognosis: Excellent Plan: Complete intake and Spay/Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery 9/07/2018 SO Reported to be coughing and sneezing on 7/8 and 7/9. BAR in kennel. sniffling, huffing, serous nasal discharge during rounds observation. No ocular discharge A CIRDC P move to ISO doxycycline 100mg tablet -- give 1.5 tablet Po q24h x 14 days cerenia 16mg tablet -- give 1 tablet PO q24h x 4 days TO FOSTER OR ADOPT: If you would like to adopt a dog on our “To Be Killed” list, and you CAN get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process *within 48 hours of reserve*, you can reserve the dog online until noon on the day they are scheduled to die. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)nycacc.org HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications

[wbouldingblog-blog]

I’m wet and cold, but not unhappy. Wet, not because it’s raining dear readers, but because I’ve just been for a  swim in our lovely (so far) hotel pool in Hoi An, and have only been driven upstairs because a) a child, who seems to have whooping cough but decided swimming would be his activity of choice today, hawked the brownish contents of his alveoli into the water where I would have been swimming and b) the temperature has dropped to a ‘frigid’ 24 degrees.

I left you on my Goalie Post as we were on the bus to Ho Chi Minh City (or HCMC as it’s known by those who want to spare syllables, as I do). After the most beautiful noodle soup in the most beautiful service station, we got to Phnom Penh without further drama and were driven to the Mekong Express depot, where we got on larger coach which would take us to HCMC. As we pulled away, the chap who seemed like he was in charge came down to inspect passports and visas. We’d been clever clogs and sorted ours online beforehand, having read that visa-free access was only an option. This turned out to be fake news. The chap explained (repeatedly) that ‘these passports, no problem. You don’t need visa!’ and disposed of our rather expensive printouts.

We got into our usual bus routine of napping, listening to classical music (me – the refined one, as you’d expect) and checking social media (Henny – the modern one, as you’d expect) (but me too when Henny let me leechingly tether to her cleverly-bought sim card). As we passed along the litter-strewn streets, weaving and honking our way past dangerously driven motorcycles, we followed our progress on Google maps – the border was approaching. Once again, the man in charge explained what we had to do and herded us all off at the Cambodian border to confirm to the authorities that we’d actually left their country. Then, once again as a group, we made our way on the bus through the no-man’s land between countries and entered the smart building of the Vietnamese immigration control. Immediately we were impressed by the organisation and cleanliness of the building – there were even bins! Once again, we waited en masse to have our passports processed and shuffled our way past the guards, put our bags through a (seemingly useless) x-ray machine and that was it – far less painful to get through than the Cambodian border.

Back on the bus, we sped past several grandiose buildings flying red flags with more stars, hammers and sickles than you could shake a marching baton at. We were definitely in a communist country now. Every shop flew the red flag with the yellow star in the middle – I was unsure whether this was a law or just some incredible nationalist sentiment from the shops next to the border. Then something struck me. In the 15 or 20 minutes it had been since we crossed the border, we hadn’t seen a single pile of rubbish next to the road, not one mouldy pile of litter had been spotted. On first impressions, Vietnam was taking a great step ahead.

It was only another hour or so to HCMC, where we were dropped next to a Burger King (great omen on the food front) and elected to get a taxi to our hotel – the Alagon Saigon hotel and spa. We had tried to get a vague idea of the price to the hotel (only a kilometre away as the crow flies), but only got the ‘taxi meter, taxi meter’ response, so took the taxi anyway. Bad idea. It ended up costing us 10 dollars for a 10-minute trip as there was a building site preventing us from going the short way. ‘New year’ was the excuse, but we had been robbed blind.

After we’d checked in and inspected our lovely large room (we’d even got an upgrade thanks to Henny’s elite status on Booking.com), we went for a quick explore, found the backpacker street and got some street food (Banh Mi for me – a delicious baguette filled with salad and barbecue pork, and a disappointing Pho for Henny – we knew we’d get better). We then sniffed out a bar on a street corner, ordered a beer each, saw a woman agree to accompany a creepy old man for the night, paid up and went home to sleep like freshly-chopped lumber.

The next day, we decided to have a relaxed day of exploration and walked over to the big Ban Thanh market, where I was talked into buying not one, but two pairs of shorts (I needed t-shirts really) for a princely sum. Perspirating madly and despairing at my awful decision (and bargaining skills), we headed to a local shopping centre which had been recommended by one of Henny’s colleagues (thanks, Alex!).

It was here that I had one of the most interesting toilet experiences of my life. Henny and I had both been suffering a little from the unpredictability of a gippy tummy, so our first stop was to the loos. No urinals, just stalls in the men’s – strange, but true. First thing to hit me was a small panel on the right-hand side of the bowl as you sat down. The second thing to hit me (as I sat down) was the heated loo seat. Normally when you sit on a warm loo seat, there’s that feeling of disgust (some fat, hairy bloke has just been voiding himself here, hasn’t he?), but here it was too warm and (dare I say it) comfortable for that. This was deliberate bottom warming – and not unpleasant. Then there were various buttons to control the minutiae of the enigma that was this loo. Position, style (rear, soft

A little blurry due to fits of childish laughter

rear or front), pressure, dryer and, most importantly, the stop button as well as the heat controls for the seat and water were all present here. There was more processing power here than there was in the rockets for the moon missions, that’s for sure. I found the heat control and turned it down on the seat, as I felt a little bit like I was being turned into human bacon. I didn’t actually produce (ahem) on the loo, but couldn’t pass up this ripe opportunity I’d been presented with. Opting for ‘soft rear’, just to try it out, I heard a whirr and suddenly (taking me a little by surprise) a jet of warm water spurted with quite some force and perfect aim at (and into – not quite as comfortable) my nether regions. Startled by this inanimate object’s sudden, damp invasion, I scrabbled through the controls, initially trying to find the pressure control to turn it down (I had opted for ‘soft’, hadn’t I?!), then mashing the ‘stop’ button like a younger sibling on a playstation 2. Having managed to put an end to my reverse shower, I tentatively pressed the dryer button which, in stark comparison to the aggression of the water, gently wafted me ineffectively. After a couple of minutes of gentle waft, I reckoned I was dry enough to get back out into the real world, where I met Henny with a schoolgirl giggle. She hadn’t been as brave as I (the loo pioneer) had, and probed me tactically on velocity and surprise value.

With my afternoon having been made by the loo experience, I forgave Henny the next hour or so of shopping centre ritual (walking aimlessly around the shops, mostly western, tugging at interesting tops and saying ‘ooh that’s nice’), when we got to a toy shop full of Lego. I’m not sure if it was my giggling childishness from the loo, but I certainly felt 5 years old again as I wondered at all the new (and expensive) Lego kits that were out there. We were supposed to be searching for something nice for the two Australian girls that Henny au paired (and who I’ll be meeting in Melbourne – looking forward to it!) on her last visit down under 4 years ago, but sadly found nothing at this particular spot (except great excitement for me at the prospect of playing with Lego again at some point in the future).

After a brief visit to the top of the high tower, we found that pool afternoon was in order. We headed home, got in our swimmers, in the lift and up to the 11th floor for our rooftop pool and 3 for 2 offer on beer, which powered us through our blog posts. The wifi was good, so we were able to post and schedule a few blog posts at that point, a refreshing change from the on-and-off relationship with the wifi on Koh Rong.

Beers finished, pool splashed in and blog posted, we made our (slightly wobbly) way down to the restaurant for high tea, a small collection of cakes and fruit and a cup of Earl Grey. I was once on holiday in Devon during the blazing heat of an English summer (probably about 25 degrees) as a child and couldn’t understand how my parents and grandparents were able to drink hot tea with their cream teas. I was told, “You’ll understand one day, William. Now finish your squash.” This was the day that I understood. Glorious it was.

Once we’d finished high tea, we headed upstairs again for a bit, I watched some football (it seems to be on fox sports 24/7) and walked to the street food market, where I ordered more Pho and some fresh summer rolls, while Henny took the night off food in an attempt to curb gippy tummy. We then rolled to a travel agent, booked a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels for the two days’ time and headed back home.

The next day, after another lovely buffet breakfast, we set off in search of sights: the independence palace, war remnants museum and (most excitingly of all) the post office. We got 2 out of 3.  After taking the long way around the walls and being accosted by a coconut seller who stole 150k dong from us for 2 coconuts (that’s 5+ euros for 2 coconuts which usually cost about 75 cents each) and holding his weighty wooden staff for a bit, we found that the independence palace was shut until one. We then decided to go to the war remnants museum and return when it was open again.

Me ‘pretending’ that the stick is heavy

Henny struggling with the weight

The war remnants museum is, unsurprisingly, about the Vietnamese wars of the mid-20th century, including both the war of independence with France, then the proxy and direct wars with the United States, which they call the American war. History is written by the victors, they say, and so it was here; everything written from a refreshingly Vietnamese point of view, painting them in a brave and patriotically heroic light rather than the ‘Apocalypse Now’ cloaked-and-daggered Viet Cong, Ride-of-the-Valkyries-blaring-from-a-helicopter history we’re familiar with in the west. Along with the standard war machinery in the courtyard, there was a wealth of photojournalistic content documenting the horrors from both sides (though the torture used by the Americans seemed to be more present) and the lasting effects of the tonnes of Agent Orange used to flush out the Viet Cong. We read stories of how 2nd and 3rd generations of families were dealing with the consequences, how the social programmes were helping those affected, as well as art which had been created by children affected by dioxin. It’s amazing how brutal we can be to each other sometimes and beautiful how people cope with and get on with their lives however they can.

After the museum, we headed back to the palace, but weren’t prepared to pay entry for another museum and walk around the gardens as well, so we got a bottle of water instead and headed to the post office via the cathedral. Unlike most British post offices, this wasn’t a Postman-Pat/Mrs-Goggins-run place with chocolate bars and lottery tickets, this was more of a post palace. The only thing I’ve seen which is comparable was in Russia, where they have a vast room and hundreds of Gogginses bureaucratically stamping and franking envelopes. At one end was a huge picture of Ho Chi Minh (the president whose name the city now carries) and around 3 sides were barred-off counters with various functions; pensions, unemployment benefit, parcel collection and sending, and stamp sales. After buying enough stamps to send our postcards from Koh Rong (hope you got it, Grandma!) and taking a blurry posting-picture, we went home, had some more high tea watched some football (or at least I did) and then treated ourselves to dinner at a sushi place where we sat next to some Germans who had found out the Vietnamese for cheers and wouldn’t shut up about it. Nevertheless, the sushi was good and my chicken teriyaki delicious. We then headed to the local mini mart, grabbed some beers and headed upstairs for a Netflix and chilling thriller session with the Ritual – a great British thriller set in Sweden.

The next day, after another very large breakfast (with more Pho!), we were picked up by a bus and taken to the Cu Chi tunnels, via an art factory where people affected by Agent Orange were making some fabulous pictures on blocks of wood using eggshell and bits of clamshell. Beautiful, but useless for us travellers, so we took the short tour of the workshop then chilled in the shade before getting back on the bus. 45 minutes later, we were unloaded and had stickers pressed onto us before getting into the museum’s densely wooded area. Here, we were shown how the Viet Cong had hidden in a network of tunnels which was a miniature underground town, with kitchens, underground toilets, air holes, tailors (for the high-end Viet Cong fashion overalls), and weapons factory. We also had a demonstration of various grisly traps, initially designed for animals but used by the Viet Cong for maiming humans. We were shown the remains of a tank and were even offered the chance to shoot some guns, which felt insensitive and a little awkward to do where so many people died, so we politely declined whilst flinching every time somebody had their go. Then, we finally got to crawl through a 100-metre stretch of the tunnel and I immediately regretted bringing my large blue rucksack – it was a squeeze even for those without hefty luggage. Dusty, dirty and with aching joints from scrambling around in the dark (it was like doing mega-squats), we headed to the kitchen where we were served the staple of the Viet Cong (tapioca with a sugar and peanut mixture) and some jasmine tea. Afterwards, we headed back to the bus and chatted with some of our fellow travellers, who gave us some excellent tips for Hoi An, our next stop.

We were dropped off at our hotel and, as another treat, headed out to the tallest building in HCMC for some cocktails and sunset view (we made it with 15 minutes to spare) then went to Pizza 4P’s (For Peace – another Alex recommendation) and had the best pizzas we’d had in a long time, perhaps ever (the toppings, sauce, dough – everything perfect). A very impressive cheese board with garlic pizza bread had kicked us off and the pizzas blew us away – Henny had a half-margarita with creamy burrata and a camembert and ham and I had a seafood pizza which I added tabasco to and it was perfect. We’re still waxing lyrical about it a week later. Dreaming of that pizza. Weighing up whether to return there, even though we only have 1 night in HCMC on the way to Australia.

Almost crying with happiness, we headed home and I introduced Henny to a staple of British culture, which is on Vietnamese Netflix and I’m pleased to say it was a success. Henny absolutely loves the Inbetweeners. Happy and full of lovely food and British schoolboy humour, we slept again until it was time to wake up for more food – this time a lighter breakfast – and then we checked out, left our bags downstairs and headed up to the pool to read, relax and swim. I managed to make friends with a Scottish dad who lives in Shanghai (shoutout to John) and chatted for ages about everything. We spent another couple of hours drying off, then headed out for some Banh Mi and a beer. We headed back to the hotel, collected our bags and headed to the airport in an Uber. The airport was better than Schönefeld (not a very high bar) and we relaxed and watched a couple of episodes of the Inbetweeners after going through the rather lax security.

Once on the half-filled plane with a loud American complaining and breaking several records, including ‘Most Disruptive Passenger Ever’, ‘Most Words Uttered On An Hour-Long Flight’ and ‘Most Opinionated Female 2017’, Henny took her usual travelling nap and I plugged myself into my ipod for some Blink 182 goodness. At the other end, we were met by a chap with a board, and helped out a couple who’d been let down by their lift from the airport. I’ll leave you there, wondering what happened next, and fill you in on Hoi An at a later date.

Yours cliffhangingly,

Boulders

  Ho Chi Minh… *sigh* Gone. I’m wet and cold, but not unhappy. Wet, not because it’s raining dear readers, but because I’ve just been for a  swim in our lovely (so far) hotel pool in Hoi An, and have only been driven upstairs because a) a child, who seems to have whooping cough but decided swimming would be his activity of choice today, hawked the brownish contents of his alveoli into the water where I would have been swimming and b) the temperature has dropped to a ‘frigid’ 24 degrees.