#A Somerset Parade

[metalshockfinland]

A SOMERSET PARADE Unveil Riveting Lyric Video for 'Beyond The Ropes'

A Somerset Parade is excited to share their new lyric video for the track “Beyond The Ropes”. The song is a standout from their critically acclaimed album, “Carcosa”, distributed by Wormholedeath. “Beyond The Ropes” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative of a soul on a journey towards redemption. Haunted by the past, yet resolute in moving forward, the song encapsulates the struggle and the…

[dotwpod]

(311) Independent Best of 2023

Disciples!!Here it is – if you missed it on our Patreon site – the BEST OF 2023 of the Independent Artists submissions! 40 hand-picked songs from artists that rose to the top of nearly 900 submissions for 2023. Don’t forget to head to the website for the playlist (or check the notes in your podcast app) OR check your app if it supports ‘chapters’ to connect directly to the artists via your app.…

[a-dream-seeking-light]

A photograph of a planetary alignment on June 1, 2024 taken by Josh Dury near Somerset, England.  

[bunnyhugs77]

𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 & 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔

Pairing: environmentalist! jungkook x college student! reader

Series: 1/2

Word Count: 9.6k

Content Warning: practically cottage core, readers dog is a little ‘bitchy’ get it?, age gap (reader is 21, jungkook is 27), lots of nature, skinny dipping, reader is a tease, flowers as a love language, gardening, mutual pining, suggestive themes, tattooed! reader, pierced! reader, nerd talk, improper use of limes and honey, mentions of long-distance relationship, lots of plant-talk. 

Other Content

A filthy make out sesh, food play?, soft dom! jk, manhandling, grinding, dry humping, big dick! jk, penetrative sex, jungkook trying his best to be a gentleman, sex during a thunderstorm, unprotected sex (don’t be like them).

Of all the months in the year, June was definitely your favourite. What wasn’t there to love? Finally digging up your shorts and bathing suits from the drawer they’d been abandoned in upon the arrival of September. Eating cool treats under the hot sun. Not to mention, the perfect weather. Not too hot that you can’t walk a meter without breaking a sweat but still warm enough to wear shorts. 

Best of all, June was when you would drive 3 hours south to Somerset and stay with your parents for the summer. Your parents’ Somerset home was one of two that they owned but it was definitely their favourite. Why wouldn’t it be?

Somerset is a suburb that’s been abundantly blessed with beautiful forestry that shaded over a number of neighbourhoods including your own but not in a way that blocked out the sun. Because once those first hot rays of golden sunshine beamed down on the community, it was practically tradition for everyone to head down to the lake for a swim. 

At the end of the summer is the Summer Palooza. There’s great music, even better food, swimming and all kinds of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Once the chaos of the day passed, the night would be filled with lights, blankets and watching the fireworks light up the sky.

You were already smiling just from pulling up onto your parents’ driveway. You loved it here. If only Taffy felt the same way. 

Taffy is the 8-month-old cairn terrier that you bought not long ago as you had gotten a little lonely during the holidays. The minute she became part of your life, you would never live to see a dull day again, nor a stress-free one at that. 

When she wasn’t parading around the house with one of your boots in her mouth, she was digging up dirt anytime she had the chance. 

This meant lots of running when you took her on walks, hoping the owners didn’t see your dog assault their lawn. You had given up on writing apology letters after the first seven incidents. Your hand was beginning to cramp. 

Even though the two of you got along well most of the time, it was moments like these when your heads bashed. Some people couldn’t imagine not getting along with their own dogs. Meanwhile, you didn’t have that much difficulty when it came down to it. 

“Don’t growl at me.” You bickered with the terrier who was locked behind the bars of her cage, but still, the sound of her objection scared you a little. “We’re going to stay here for the next three months, trust me, you’re going to love it.” You wondered if anyone could hear you talking to her as if she were an actual human. Was that weird? 

Whatever, you didn’t care. She was just as petty, emotional and stubborn as a real human. She made that very clear when the first thing she did after being let out was run to the other side of the living room, far away from you. 

“She’s just the cutest thing,” Your mom gushes as her eyes followed Taffy’s fluffy body as she was on the move around the house. “To you,” You mumbled under your breath as you eyed her wheat-coloured fur bounce in the wind as she hopped up the stairs.

You let yourself get comfortable in the soft cushions of your parents’ couch. You talked about your drive over, and how things were with Taffy which naturally led to you bringing up how many times you considered giving her away. Your father found it quite amusing but you weren’t laughing. 

“It’s not funny dad. She doesn’t listen to me, and she’s ungrateful--” you stopped talking as you caught onto a shared look between your parents. 

“What was that?” you point between them and they try to shrug it off. 

“No no, what was that look you gave each other.” You insisted you picked on an exchange between them and would not rest until they came clean. 

“Nothing! Just sounds like you found a dog who’s just like you.” you objected, swearing up and down that you were nothing alike. Suddenly you stopped your rant, realizing you were defending yourself against the comparison between you and your own dog. 

You had a long drive up, maybe the fatigue was finally catching up to you. It must be since you were yawning for the 4th time in the last 15 minutes. You decided it was time for a ‘nap’. 

It was that same nap that consumed you for the next 13 hours, and you’re sure you could’ve slept longer if it weren’t for your mother waking you up. “Y/n, wake up.” 

There were only two things you hated in this world. Ketchup and being woken up. Naturally, you turned your body away from your mother’s voice, pulling the sheets over your head while you were at it. Then, she did the unthinkable. The covers were ripped from your body entirely and all at once. 

Your eyes shot open and your body shivered as the air conditioning was beginning to make contact with your bare skin. You sat up slowly, eyeing your mother down with death in your eyes. 

“It’s Taffy.” You were filled with dread.

---

In nothing but your shorts and tank top, you slipped on your dad's slides before you followed your mom outside. You first noticed the stunning hues of orange that striped over the sky as the sun was beginning to rise. 

Part of you thought you’d have to walk a little further out to see this grand revelation that was so important that your mother felt the need to wake you up from your nap, but you could see more than enough from the porch.

Holes everywhere. 

But not on your parent’s side of the grass. Oh no, of course not. It’s like she purposely dug up the neighbour's lawn because that’s what would get you in deep shit. 

But wait, it gets better. There was a beautiful arrangement of various plants along the neighbour's driveway until now that is. The soil was now littered with chewed leaves and torn petals. 

You don’t smoke but you felt that today was the best day to get into the habit. 

“Taffy did all this? By herself?” Your finger pointed loosely towards the terrorized grass. Your mom hums in agreement from behind you. Your face was full of shock, disbelief, awe, basically, any word that could describe your bewilderment at the situation. 

“She must’ve gotten out last night. I was going to take her for a walk this morning but clearly, she beat me to it.” Your mom explains as the two of you walk back into the house. 

“So what are you going to tell them?” your arms unconsciously folded over your chest as you questioned your mother about her next steps. “Me? Oh, honey, Taffy is your dog. Your responsibility.” 

“What am I supposed to say? ‘Hey, sorry that my dog absolutely annihilated your property, here’s $1000, please don’t sue me?’’’ Comedy was not your intention, yet your mother laughed anyways. 

“Mom!” You whined, practically stomping your feet out of stress. “This is serious! What am I supposed to do? I don’t have that kind of money laying around..” Your thoughts trail off, a mischievous smile briefly appearing on your face before vanishing. 

“Y’know, you look so pretty today.” You continue to compliment your mother’s attire, “And your face is looking more and more youthful by the day--” Your mother swatted your fingers away from her face. 

“We’re not paying for the damages, Y/n, but nice try.” She smiles, now it was her pinching your cheeks. With one last comforting touch to your upper arm, your mom was going back upstairs. Slowly, your vision panned over to the dog who was sleeping soundly in her little bed. 

‘Should’ve given you away when I had the chance’, you think. 

----

It was a little past noon and you knew your neighbours were having a heart attack right about now and who were you to interrupt someone during a medical emergency, you should probably just push it off till later, or never, never works for you.

You could see it happening vividly. The old lady takes a mere two steps outside and suddenly grabs her chest before collapsing. God. You couldn’t believe it. 

“Y/n, did you tell them yet.?” Now your dad was the one asking as he came down to the kitchen, making himself lunch. “Not yet, I’m going to shower first.” Secretly you hoped you too, would drop dead in the shower to avoid what was to come.

--

Stopping yourself at your front door, you opened your bank account for sentimental purposes. You were going to miss having money in here. With one deep breath, you made the short journey over to the neighbours. 

You had only spoken to them a handful of times over the last decade since your parents had bought the house here. With a quick ring of the doorbell you contemplated running back inside, you could still make it.

You heard footsteps approaching the door, there was no going back now. 

Ready to see the old lady with no more than 12 years left in her lifespan to welcome you but that’s not what your eyes were met with at all. Currently face-to-chest with undoubtedly the finest man you’ve ever laid eyes on. 

The man was wearing a black long-sleeve button-up that strained over his broad shoulders with the top two buttons undone, teasing the visibly large pecs that lay beneath his shirt. He wore black slacks that were held up by a belt that hinted at his small waist.

“How can I help you?” He smiles warmly. 

“You’re not old.” Is the first thing you say.

“I’m Jungkook, nice to meet you too?” He introduces himself, maintaining his quirked brow at your odd statement.

“No- I’m sorry. Obviously, you’re not old, I was just expecting you to be old-- I’m Y/n, I live next door..” You needed to compose yourself, you came here for a reason. You took a deep breath as you looked him dead in the eyes for the first time. 

“I recently got a new dog who can’t seem to keep her paws out of the ground so she’s the one to blame for destroying your plants. I’m so sorry, if there’s anything I can do--” It wasn’t until Jungkook told you to breathe did you realize you had tried to say everything in one breath. 

You inhaled. Then exhaled. 

“Can I show you something?” His question seemed to have been mostly rhetorical as he was already making his way towards the gate between your houses that led to his backyard. 

Once it was opened he stepped to the side, allowing you to walk through and you could just about feel your heart fall out of your ass at the sight. 

More holes.

More dead flowers.

More money.

You were afraid to look at the man behind you, but you did anyways. His arms were crossed, and you felt sick. “How much is this going to cost me?” You didn’t even want to know. 

“Well, with the damage done to the 30-year-old bonsai alone, that’s around eight thousand--” 

Your vision went black. Suddenly you couldn’t hear or see. Unconsciously your left eye twitched and you felt like you were foaming at the mouth. He just kept talking and talking, the costs just kept going and going. You never even heard the final amount, the only thing you could hear were the voices in your head telling you to kill that little cairn terrier once you got home. 

“Unless..” 

Unless?! There was an unless? This was your way out. There was no way you would pass it up. Whatever it was, it couldn’t possibly be worse than selling your limbs just to afford the price of one bonsai. 

“Yes! I’ll do it.” 

“Great, so I’ll see you tomorrow then?” You don’t even know what he said. You completely blanked out. You tilted your head to the side. “Yes, of course, I’ll be there. For what, again?” Now he looked a little confused.

“To re-plant?” He mirrors your tilted head.

God. 

At this moment you hoped Taffy would do what she was good at and dig a hole deep enough for you to crawl in and die. 

--

“Taffy!” You shout the minute you walk through the door. Enter the energetic dog who came bouncing down the steps at the sound of your voice. She circled your feet and you fought the urge to kick her, but even you knew you would regret that. 

She seemed to have been in a really good mood today and you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling, her energy was contagious. 

“No! I’m mad at you.” You remind yourself as you kick off your slides and make your way into the house with her following behind you, this time with a toy in her mouth, wanting you to play. 

“Not now.” Ignoring her, you take a seat at the kitchen table where your dad was working on some documents with focus. You sat in front of him quietly with a pout, hoping he’d notice you.

You sigh. 

No response. 

You sigh a little louder. 

He flips over the next paper, still ignoring you.

You sigh even louder. 

Slamming his pen down on the table, he gives you his undivided attention.

“What is it.” 

“Nothing, except for the fact Taffy just cost me like fifteen thousand dollars in property damages.” Your father was silent. He too was in shock like you were earlier. 

“He’s charging you that much!?” You shake your head, “No, he’s making me help him re-plant everything that Taffy ruined instead. That’s so unfair.” You complained. Your father couldn’t believe you were complaining about such a reasonable repercussion. 

Maybe you needed this. 

He goes back to filling out his papers and ignoring you. 

“Dad!” You tried getting his attention again but you knew you had lost it for good this time. Instead, you decided to give in and play with Taffy. “Fine.” You take the rubber ball from her jaws, “I’ll play with you, but I won’t forgive you.” You toss it elsewhere watching her run after it. 

---

The next morning you found yourself disappointed to see that you hadn’t died in your sleep. That means you actually had to go gardening for the next 6 hours. You were left perplexed once you got out of the shower. Staring at your closet, unsure what one would wear to garden. 

You settled on capris and a t-shirt that you didn’t care to get dirty. With one last look in the mirror, you said goodbye to your happiness and made your way next door. 

“Good morning,” He greets you the minute you make your way down the steps of your porch. You weren’t surprised to see he had already gotten started on the front lawn, a bag of grass seed on his right and a trowel in his gloved hands. 

“Here, I got you gloves.” He hands you a pair of burgundy gardening gloves to match his green ones. “Thanks.” You stood awkwardly as you watched him return to his previous position on the ground. 

“Have you gardened before?” He asks, looking up at you from where he knelt on the grass. You nodded, “Not a lot, only a few times with my mom growing up.” He smiles. 

“Well, maybe now you can practice a little more. I think gardening is one of those things that don’t really seem to be all that exciting at first but you find yourself doing it and enjoying it more over time, y’know?” Humming along with a plastered smile on your face. 

You? Enjoying gardening? Good one. 

“Would you mind just taking this trowel and using it to raise all of the lifted-up patches of grass, then I'll add some seeds once you’re done, we can water and we’ll be done for the first part.” 

When he says it like that, it sounded like you’d be finished in no time. Never in a million years could you have anticipated that it would keep you preoccupied for the next three hours. At least Jungkook wasn’t the worst person to talk to. 

You didn’t talk much in the beginning, not sure if it was because you both were total strangers or because he was devastatingly attractive. Maybe a mix of both.

Just when another period of silence fell over the two of you, your parents were seen leaving your house, waving to the both of you before getting in the car and leaving to god knows where.  

“I’ve seen your parents a few times, but I don’t remember seeing you.” Jungkook prayed he didn’t come off as creepy, he was simply curious to know where you’d been these last 4 months since he’d moved in. He’s sure he would’ve remembered you.

“Ah, yeah. I live about 3 hours north of here in Pineley, for school.” Jungkook knew he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t surprised to hear you were still in school. 

“Oh really? What are you studying?” 

“Just economics, I kind of hate it though, only one more year to go, then I’ll finally be done.” Jungkook was doing his best to crunch the numbers in his head.

Assuming that you graduated high school when you were 18... so 3 years later... You’re 21?

God, you’re 21. 

He’s 27 and you’re 21. 

Does he find you attractive? Yes, obviously. Who wouldn’t? Has he thought about you since the moment you met yesterday? Of course, but that stops now.

“But enough about me, what about you? The last time I was here, there was an old lady living here.” He chuckles, “So that explains the ‘old’ comment yesterday.” Your face flushes red as you continued to pat down the grass seeds in their rightful places. 

“New job, you know how that goes.” You nod with a smile, patting down the last patch of grass, and you realized you were done. “I think that’s it.” He announces, dropping his trowel down the grass, and giving the lawn a lookover. 

“It certainly isn’t as pretty as it used to be but once the new grass comes in it’ll look better.” He stands, offering you his hand to help you stand as well. You do your best to swat at the butterflies in your stomach from his gesture. 

“Do you want something to drink? I have some inside.” 

Now that you think about it, you were quite thirsty. 

“That would be great actually, thanks.” you appreciate his kind gesture, standing awkwardly on the lawn not sure what to do until you see his head pop out of the doorway. “Y/n, you coming?” 

His house looked nothing like yours. Everything was so, clean. Not to say that your house was dirty by any means but there was something about his selection of colours and arrangement of furniture that made everything so sleek and neat. 

He definitely owned more plants than the average person, you also couldn’t help but notice how cool it was in here, but not to the point that it made you shiver, more so a refreshing feeling. 

After the both of you washed your hands, he led you to the kitchen and invited you to have a seat on the stool behind his marble island. “You don’t have any allergies, do you?” Your eyebrows raised at his question.

“Allergies? I thought I was just coming here for some water?” You felt more than accomplished to see him laugh even though it was a genuine question. 

“You’re helping me with a pretty big task, I think you deserve better than just water.” Anything he said after that fell on deaf ears, your brain was too caught up with his flattery. Maybe gardening wouldn’t be so bad after all. 

You were intrigued to watch him pull out a wooden knife instead of a typical steel one. “Is all of your cutlery made of wood?” You were being sarcastic, poking fun at him. What you weren’t expecting was to see him pull open a drawer that revealed various assortments of cutlery all made from wood. 

“It is actually.” Now he was the one laughing. 

“Why?” Strumming your nails on the counter as you watched him roll up his sleeves for the first time today. Suddenly your palms were open and planted on the surface, bracing yourself. The sleeve of tattoos on his right arm knocked you breathless. Deep breaths in. Deep breaths out. 

“Well, because--Are you alright?” He checks in, you looked like you were overheating, and you had to convince him and yourself that you were just fine.

 Even if he wasn’t convinced, he decides to let it go and continues preparing your drinks. Turning his back to you as he opened his fridge. You should’ve suspected he had more tattoos aside from the lotus you spotted behind his ear earlier. 

“As you were saying,” Prompting him to finish what he was saying earlier, “Yeah, for starters, wood handles heat better, they’re antibacterial but most importantly it’s eco-friendly. We’ve done so much damage to the earth already, so why not do things a little differently, y’know?” 

That would explain all the plants. “So, I guess you take this global warming thing pretty seriously, huh?” His head tilts back while he lets out a fit of laughter. “I wouldn’t say that I take it lightly if that's what you’re asking.” He smiles as he skillfully peels the oranges with the knife. 

You noticed that he put the discarded peels into a little electric composter he had on the corner of his counter. He was really serious about this earth thing. “I do what I can to reduce my carbon footprint. I had solar panels installed on the roof within the first few weeks of moving here, and I’m sure you noticed all the plants in here. They're quite useful since I don’t actually have air conditioning.” 

Your eyes bulge out of your head, “No air conditioning? In Somerset? There’s a heatwave every other week in the peak of summer.” He shrugs, “Didn’t you notice how cool it was when you first walked in?” You nod slowly, curious to see where he was going with this.

“It’s thanks to the sansevierias, ficus elasticas and the aglaonemas I have around the house. When they go through their transpiration process they cool down the air at the same time.” 

What. 

Your severe confusion must’ve been visible enough to prompt Jungkook to dumb it down for you. “Think of it as when plants feel hot, they sweat and release water into the air which cools it down.” 

“What are you some kind of plant freak?” He laughs, reaching for the manual juicer he had on his drying rack. “Environmental engineer actually, but plant freak works too.” You felt almost embarrassed for speaking. You decided to just focus on the freshly squeezed orange juice that was filling up your glasses. 

“Enjoy.” He grins as he slid you your glass. Your taste buds were far from ready to handle the sweet yet tangy taste of the oranges. It was easily the best orange juice you’ve ever had in your life. “Oh my god.” He smiles, “Good right?” 

“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” You could not believe you were ranting about juice but there you were. “Would you believe me if I told you those oranges came from my backyard?” 

“I would, honestly.” 

---

It would be a lie if you said you weren’t a little disappointed to see how quickly the two of you had managed to finish replanting everything in the front yard. It’s been a few weeks and the two of you got along surprisingly well even though he was such a plant nerd.

You had a schedule, twice a week at 10 am you’d be at Jungkook’s door more excited than ever to garden. Something you never thought you’d say. 

This morning you were taking Taffy for a walk because why not. It was a beautiful morning, damp grass from the rain the night before and the smell of petrichor still lingering in the air. “Good morning,” Nearly breaking your neck at the sound of Jungkook’s voice greeting you as you watched him approach his car but he stopped in his tracks when he noticed the leash in your hand and what it was attached to. 

“Is this Taffy?” He points to the cairn terrier who was suddenly sitting pretty and wagging her tail. “The one and only.” He was already making his way over, making sure not to step on the grass that was growing in nicely. 

“Can I pet her?” You were flattered that he had even asked in the first place. So used to children and even other adults just petting her without asking. “Of course.” You permit, watching his face light up as he ran his hand over her brown fur. 

“How could something so cute cause so much damage.” It was a rhetorical question but you couldn’t stop yourself from throwing her under the bus, “Cute? This is all an act. The minute you get in your car I’m sure she’ll be 3 feet deep in someone else’s lawn.” The two of you laugh for a moment, falling into natural conversation until Jungkook realized that at this rate he was going to be late for work.

“I’ll see you later, Y/n.” His smile was so charming, so enchanting, so-- Taffy was already barking at you to start walking since Jungkook had already driven off. 

--

“God it’s so hot.” The two of you laid sprawled out on the grass of Jungkook’s inconveniently large backyard. Jungkook had long given up on wearing long sleeves, now opting for simple t-shirts and cargo shorts. 

“Maybe we should take a break?” Usually, you would take a break after 3 hours but it had only been an hour and a half so you were surprised to hear him propose such a thing but relieved at the same time. 

Following the same routine as always once you go inside, washing your hands then reconvening in the kitchen for something to drink. After about three glasses of water, you were able to stabilize yourself in your seat. 

“What’s next?” your curiosity prompts you to ask what the two of you would be doing once you returned outside. “I was hoping to start with the gardenias but I think they’re far beyond repair and we’ll have to buy more.” He leans forward on his folded arms, the closeness between your faces was getting to you. 

You held your breath, eyes looking anywhere but his when you spoke. “We?” He backs up, standing back at full height. “Yeah, I thought maybe we could go pick up some more and hopefully by the time we’re back it’ll be a little cooler.” 

“Sounds good.” 

--

You had no idea joining Jungkook for a trip to the local greenhouse would turn into an entire tour. It was like every single flower and plant had a meaning. 

“Do you just have the meaning of every flower imprinted in the back of your mind?” You cross your arms as Jungkook reached for the gardenias on the higher shelves. “Not every one, but I’m sure I know most.”

“This one?” Your index pointed to the calla lilies. “Beauty.”

“How about this.” Pivoting to focus on the opposite wall of flowers, quizzing him on the first flower you laid eyes on. “Health and prosperity.”

“Every flower really does have meaning behind it.” He hums in agreement, “I think that plants have a language of their own. That’s why bouquets are more than just flowers, they’re statements really.” 

“I never really thought about it that way.” 

“What about these?” You pointed to the red chrysanthemums that were so beautifully vibrant. “I love you.” It would be a lie to say the both of you didn’t freeze when you took in what he had said.

You were afraid to speak first. Thankfully you didn’t have to. Jungkook clears his throat. “That’s what red chrysanthemums mean.”

“Oh. Yeah, of course. Duh.” Awkward laughter erupts from your chest as you continued to walk by his side toward the checkout. 

The beginning of the ride back was oddly quiet as opposed to the one on your way here which was filled with a sing-along and a lecture about the importance of compost. 

Sunset was still a few hours away and the weather was still quite hot but it was a little cooler compared to earlier. 

“Can we stop somewhere?” You broke the silence and Jungkook was quick to redirect the car to your request. 

That’s how you found yourselves walking along Pacific Street. It’s like tourist central. it’s where all the popular shops and restaurants were found. Including Icee’s frozen dessert shop. It was easily one of your favourite spots in town. 

You ordered a lime sherbet for yourself and a chocolate sundae for Jungkook. 

“How did you know that’s what I wanted?” Jungkook leans down behind you and whispers in your ear. “Because you have 2 pints of chocolate fudge ice cream in your freezer,” You whisper back, watching the woman whisk herself around behind the counter preparing your orders.  

“And how do you know what’s in my freezer,” 

Your curiosity got the best of you. You wondered if he ate leaves for a living so when you found yourself alone in the kitchen when he went to use the bathroom you couldn’t help yourself. 

“Oh! Would you look at that, our order’s ready.” 

The two of you walked around town for a while. Now you were the one giving him a tour of the heart of Somerset. Sitting on the trunk of Jungkook’s car the two of you looked over the lake and the people down below you. 

“Do you like it here?” With the gentle breeze softly blowing your curls in your face you looked over the lake, not looking at him as you spoke and he did the same. “I mean, the greenery is great, there’s a lot of parks and--” 

You turn to face him, “Yeah and the carbon levels here are perfect blah blah blah, but do you like it here?” He grins at your teasing. “I do, yeah. The people here are just...” Neither of you realized how close your faces had gotten until your lips were millimetres apart. “..perfect.” he breathes out and you leaned in but he pulled away.

“Oh. I’m sorry I thought-” Your ears were red and you’re sure your face was too. “No, you’re right... It’s just. We can’t.” He sighs, looking away from you for a moment before looking you in the eyes once again. Your head tilted to the side confused, and he hated it when you did that. 

It was so cute. 

“Why not?” You ask. 

“Because, you’re 21, I’m 27. I just don’t want you to do anything you’d regret.” Your heart warmed. At all times he had your best interest at heart.

“I know what I want, Jungkook.” Cautiously, you moved closer until you were as close as you were before. You weren’t really doing anything but you were driving him up the wall. 

“Do you know what you want, Jungkook?” You were bad for him. So so bad. Everything in him was telling him this was a bad idea, but he threw caution to the wind the moment he pressed his lips against yours. 

Taking your face in his hands as he kissed you, over and over again until you were left breathless. “Oh shit.” you breathe out and he just laughs. “Where did all that come from?” He leans back with a smug look, “Been wanting to do that for a month now.” 

The cool breeze passed by again, bringing a weighted silence with it. Leaving that question in the air. It was all a matter of who was going to address the elephant in the room. Unsurprisingly, it was you. “Now what?”

“Nothing.” He says, and your heartbeat falters just a little. He must've noticed the change of expression on your face, “Nothing if you don’t want anything to change, but I’d be happy to see where this goes..” He struggled to look you in the eyes, not used to being the one under pressure.

“I’d like that.” 

--

“And then he kissed me!” You felt like you were in high school again the way you were throwing yourself all over your bed and swinging your feet as you talked to your dog about your eventful night. 

Taffy seemed to have been a little more excited than you were based on her endless barking. “I know right, and now we’re going to the Summer Palooza together.” Taf hopped up onto your bed with you and started to ambush you with licks and it made you laugh. 

Even though she was a little monster, she was really like your best friend. 

--

“You really do this for fun, every day?” You were developing a slight attitude, blame it on the heat. You enjoyed gardening when the temperature lets you, but days like these where you could see distorted waves of heat made you miserable. 

Jungkook didn’t respond, he only smiled knowing you were just ranting. You felt as though you were melting. Sweat beading on your forehead from doing nothing, the hot sun beating down on your skin with no remorse. 

“I’m taking a break.” It’d only been 30 minutes since you had begun gardening today but you couldn’t take it anymore. The moment you walked inside you regret making fun of Jungkook for his lack of air conditioning because those plants were doing a damned good job at cooling you down. 

You’d begun to learn your way around his house after spending so much time here. You reached for a glass from the cupboard before pouring yourself a glass of water. Taking sips as if you hadn’t tasted water in days. 

You let out a small gasp at the feeling of hands on your waist from behind you, “How can you make drinking water so attractive?” You cringed and pushed him away, “You’re so corny.” You snort before finishing off the rest.

“I wanna show you something,” He says it enticingly, as if what he was to show you would change your life forever. “I’m listening.” You stalk towards him slowly as he picked up his keys off the counter. “Up for a drive?” You grin. 

-

“Y’know, when you asked me if I was up for a drive I didn’t know we’d be trekking through the forest.” You were complaining again and Jungkook could do nothing but roll his eyes. “We’re almost there, I promise.” 

True to his words, only a few more minutes and you had arrived at your destination. The 10-minute walk was more than worth it. You were met with the sight of a gorgeous blue lake, it wasn’t the biggest but there were mini waterfalls sliding down the large rocks off to the side. 

There was direct sunlight bouncing off the water and making everything seem brighter. “Woah..” You stepped towards it slowly. You were shaded by the forest for most of the way here so you didn’t feel as hot but now that you were out in the open again the heat was overwhelming. 

Without thinking you stripped yourself off your top and bottoms, leaving you in just your underwear. “Care to join me?” You pivoted to face the man who was fighting off some of his most intrusive thoughts at the sight of your body. 

He could only remain so calm, but the moment he laid eyes on the cherry blossom tattoo that stretched from your mid-thigh up to the underswell of your breast or the butterfly jewelry that dangled from your navel, he was done for.

 He was going absolutely feral.

“fuck.” he mumbles, watching you dive in head first. He was feeling too much blood rush south but it didn’t make him think twice before stripping himself of his own shirt and shorts. In nothing but his boxers, he jumped in with you. 

He swam towards you with the biggest grin on his face. “Feel better?” You shake your head as your hands moved below the water. “I’m still..” Your voice had dropped an octave and become more seductive, “quite hot.” You punctuated your sentence with the revelation of you holding your panties in the palm of your hand.

Surely you had to know what you were doing to him. 

Jungkook feared he would drown. 

You’re too distracting, and you only proved his point by stripping yourself of the last article of clothing you were wearing and tossing them onto the grass as well. Jungkook was doing his best to be respectful, never wanting to cross a line without your permission. 

That’s how he found himself cross-eyed trying to stop his line of sight from falling. “It’s okay, you can look.” Even then he tried to be respectful and only look for a few seconds at a time but he was hopeless once you had taken his hand and pressed it against your chest. 

As if it was second nature he gave it a light squeeze. He thanks the universe for his sharp hearing or else he would’ve missed the small whimper that escaped under your breath. “you drive me fucking insane.” Jungkook’s voice was low and guttural before he pulled you closer to him. Wasting no time to bring his lips to yours. 

Kissing you deeply, as if his life depended on it. You were intoxicating. He couldn’t get enough. God, he was going to fucking miss you. It was a bitter thought he kept in the back of his head the more he felt himself getting used to having you around.

Fortunately, he didn’t let that gloomy thought ruin his mood as the two of you enjoyed your time together. Neither of you were expecting to spend two hours swimming but that’s exactly what you did until you couldn’t swim anymore.  

The drive home was a wet one but it made the shower feel ten times more refreshing. With a towel still wrapped around your hair and in nothing but an oversized t-shirt you walked towards your bed and checked your phone. 

It’s mission impossible trying not to smile at the sight of Jungkook’s name on your screen. 

Jungkook: I had fun today ;)

--

“This is the last one,” Jungkook announces and you felt a little emotional as you watched him squeeze the plant out of its plastic container. It was a blue vervain flower. “Hopefully it rains soon, these ones need a lot of water.” He informs you and that’s when you realized it hadn’t rained in weeks which was a little unusual for a Somerset summer. 

“Would you like to do the honours?” He offers you the pile of dirt with the sprouting plant. “Can we do it together?” His eyes crinkle at the sides with a smile. So, together, you planted the blue vervain. 

“Are you sure we’re finished? We didn’t miss a spot?” You stand up abruptly, searching through the empty bags of soil and containers that once had sprouts in them. “Y/n, are you okay?” 

You were fine. Wasn’t it normal to cry once you finished gardening? 

“Yes, can’t you see? I’m clearly fine.” Your tearful eyes weren’t so convincing. You didn’t have to explain what was wrong, because he knew. This wasn’t about gardening. Without thinking he wrapped his arms around you, holding you and it only pulled more emotion out of you. 

“I don’t want to leave you.” You mumble through broken cries into his shirt. “I know, but you can’t stay for me either.” He was right. Even though you had just met less than three months ago you grew attached to him so it made the thought of leaving him more difficult than it should be.

-

It was nearing sunset when Jungkook was doing nothing important at home when his phone buzzed on his coffee table. 

He too, couldn’t stop a small smile from forming at your message.

Y/n: do you have limes? 

Jungkook: Homegrown or store-bought? :)

You didn’t need any more small talk before you were already on your way over. That’s why Jungkook wasn’t surprised to hear the ring of his doorbell. Always happy to see you.

“Limes?” Jungkook brings up your odd request as he walked behind you towards the kitchen. “Yes, limes. I wanted a snack and we ran out, so now I’m here to take some of yours.” Jungkook did his best to keep his eyes off the way your hips swayed from the left to right with every step you took. 

He leaned against the counter, watching you whiz around the kitchen. Grabbing the wooden knife you once judged him for but grew fond of and a lime. “Do you have any honey?” He points to the cupboard to your left. 

Now that you had everything you needed, this was your favourite part. Slicing open the first lime in half, then again into thinner slices. You drizzled on just a little bit of honey onto the citron and bit onto it. 

Jungkook looked horrified. 

“Should I call someone for help?” You took it personally and objected. “It’s so good you have to try it.” You approached him with a honey-coated slice of lime but he immediately moved away from you to the other side of the island.

Jungkook’s place had dozens of big windows and skylights to welcome natural lighting as a replacement for regular lights. That’s how you noticed the clouds get progressively darker over the last 15 minutes but it wasn’t your concern at the moment. 

What you needed was to get Jungkook to try your creation. “How about I kiss you instead?” He freezes with interest. “I’m listening.” With the simple beckoning of your index finger, he was standing in front of you.

“Open.” You instruct, holding the bottle of honey high enough so it would fall onto his tongue. Next, you squeeze a generous amount of lime juice on yours before grabbing Jungkook by his cheeks. Crashing your lips together, creating a deliciously sweet but sour taste between the two of you. 

Your tongue swiped over his plump lower lip trying to savour the flavour and the kiss to the best of your ability but Jungkook was losing his self-control. His hands found themselves holding you at your hips, pulling your front to be flush against his, but he suddenly pulled away. 

Your eyes were half-lidded, dark and full of lust; your lips beginning to swell a little from the previous attack they just endured. you looked like sex on legs and that’s why jungkook had to stop himself. 

“What’s wrong?” he couldn’t believe you had the audacity to ask him such a thing. as if you didn’t know. “You. You’re plaguing my mind, y/n, and I’m afraid that once I start I can’t stop.” your teeth played with the plump flesh of your lip at his confession. 

“then don’t stop.” 

A clash of thunder roared in the sky.

Your clothes were scattered along the stairs leading up to Jungkook’s room which was massive if you might add. You couldn’t believe you hadn’t been up here yet. 

Gently, he laid you down on his bed, leaving you to admire his body that was sculpted by the gods themselves. Broad shoulders, defined abs and those muscular thighs you so desperately wanted to ride, but maybe another day. 

“You have no fucking idea how badly I’ve wanted this.” The feeling of his hot breath against the side of your neck gave you burning chills. With his arms on either side of you, he rolled his hips into yours and through his boxers alone you could feel his dick that was begging to be freed from its confines. 

“I- I need you.” your breath hitched at the feeling of his lips sucking on a particular spot on your neck making you let out a breathless moan.

“You’ve got me. I’m all yours.” He reassures you before he locked your lips with his while skillfully removing your bra. you helped with the action by arching your back giving him full access to undo the clasps.

within seconds he was attacking your full breasts. licking over your nipples with desperation. your hand raised to gently run your fingers through his locks while your legs widened to make more room for the man between them.

soon his kisses began to move south but stopped at the ink that patterned your skin. the tattoo was in black and white since you felt the blossoms were pretty enough that they didn’t need colour. once jungkook was done with you he had managed to colour in every single blossom with sinful bruises.

jungkook’s room was probably the most susceptible to natural light as it had the biggest windows, giving the both of you a front-row view of the storm that pummeled the world outside, but that didn’t matter. nothing else mattered except this very moment. 

now paying attention to the jewelry that was pierced into the skin above your belly button. jungkook let his fingers toy with it tauntingly, “a flower, hm?” your eyes were shut, too focused on keeping it together to respond.

“Pretty sure the last time I saw this little thing it was a butterfly, wasn’t it?” your body froze once you felt the pads of jungkook’s fingers touching your clothed core. you didn’t respond. 

“I asked you a question didn’t I?” he applied a sadistic amount of pressure to your clit, knowing it was just enough to get your attention but not enough to give you what you were looking for. 

“yes.” you breathed out, finally opening your eyes to see he was staring right back at you. “why did you change it? I thought you loved butterflies.” he was mocking you. using your words against you from a discussion you had a few days ago. he knows why you changed it. 

“you know why,” as if he was ignoring you he continued to rid you of your underwear leaving you completely bare. “no, I don’t think I do. refresh my memory.” the moment you felt his big and calloused hands gripping your thighs you felt you may never speak again.

Every touch, every whisper, every look he gave you left you on fire and wanting more. “you. I did it for you.” jungkook’s wicked grin was the last thing you saw before your eyes shut as he pulled you to the edge of the bed, with your ankles hanging over his shoulders and his nose against your dripping core.

a flash of lightning lit up the room briefly before it relied on the dim lighting of two naturally scented candles he had lit a little before you came over. “look at you, dripping wet and I’ve barely touched you.” 

“please,” you whimpered and he was so weak. he couldn’t deny you for long, you had no idea how much of a hold you had on him. wasting no time, he licked a flat stripe up your cunt and it took everything in you not to scream, including closing your legs on his head. 

there was no other place jungkook would rather be than between the soft flesh of your thighs but if he wanted to eat you out until you cried he’d need a little more space. 

he pried your legs open once more and you were already shaking. placing a comforting hand on your abdomen he tried to calm you down, “you gotta relax baby, I've got you.” 

you were helpless, unable to do anything but grab fistfuls of his organic cotton bedsheets as his tongue assaulted your poor pussy. “f-feels so good.” you whined, beginning to roll your hips against his face. 

quickly you felt the heat begin to build in your core with the skillful use of his tongue. “jungkook-!” your vision became distorted as your body was overwhelmed with pleasure, but jungkook didn’t stop. he lapped up every last drop of your orgasm on his tongue before bringing a kiss to your lips. 

jungkook was fucking filthy and you loved it.

“I need you,” already one step ahead of you, jungkook was stripping himself of his boxers. in one swift motion jungkook was flipping you onto your stomach and lining himself up with the entrance to your sopping cunt. 

you had barely gotten a chance to see and admire his dick but for a brief moment, you did it and had your breath hitching in your throat. you knew you would struggle to stand tomorrow. “you ready, baby?” he checks in with you and you decided to answer with actions. 

arching your back and pushing your ass towards him gave him all the answers he needed. “god, y/n. you’re going to be the death of me.” he groans, inching in slowly giving you time to adjust to his large size. A size you knew would take a while to get used to. 

he continued to slide in until he eventually bottomed out and your two bodies were connected. you were squirming nonstop beneath him as if trying to escape, body so overwhelmingly full. “just relax,” he whispers near your ear and plants a reassuring kiss on the side of your neck. 

doing as told you to relax your muscles and jungkook could immediately feel the difference. “that’s it, you’re taking me so well.” you smile into the pillows at his praises until your mouth fell open with erotic moans once he began to pound into you.

“fuck.” gruff and low moans fell from jungkook’s lips frequently. you never took him to be the kind to make much noise during sex but you were more than pleasantly proven wrong. his sounds only added to the speed at which you were approaching your climax.

“oh shitt, jungkook, I’m gonna-” this time you really did scream at the added pleasure from the friction you felt as jungkook mercilessly rubbed your clit. “me too, baby. me too. just hold it a little longer.” you couldn’t. it was impossible but you tried to hold it for as long as you could. 

“cum.” you didn’t have to be told twice. your arms went limp, no longer able to hold you up as you were pushed over the edge and came with jungkook following closely behind. his hips losing their consistency and becoming erratic before you felt him painting your insides with his cum. 

“oh shit..” the room was filled with nothing but the sounds of your heavy breathing and even heavier rain as it bounced off the glass of his windows. “at least it rained.” your voice sounded weak from all the screaming you’d done. 

your body was weak but your brain couldn’t seem to understand that as you watched jungkook whiz around the room with heart eyes. he looked like the epitome of sex and sin. the waves of his hair falling over his face loosely as some were stuck to the sweat on his forehead.

the size of his muscles distracting but not distracting enough to consume your attention away from the tattoos that covered the entirety of his right arm. before you could drool over him any longer he was already making his way toward you with a warm cloth to help clean you up. 

Once the necessary post-sex priorities had been taken care of, the two of you were left cuddling in Jungkook's bed. He had one hand behind his head and the other on your waist as you laid your head on his chest. 

Jungkook didn’t want to ruin anything with you but he was a strong believer in communication. This is why he brought up the sombre thought that plagued his mind for the majority of the summer. “When do you leave?” your head sunk along with his chest as he exhaled heavily. 

You pick your head up to make eye contact, “Is this your way of kicking me out?” His eyes bulged. “No, never. I mean when do you have to go back to Pineley?” Now it was your turn to sigh. Putting your head back to where it was before, beginning to draw small circles on his pecs.  

“Thursday.” 

“Oh.”

That was three days away.

“yeah.” 

This conversation suddenly made your lips feel chapped, “do you have any chapstick?” 

“middle drawer,” he replies, prompting you to roll away from him and check the instructed drawer. Looking for a small tube, instead, you found a journal of sorts. “What’s this?” 

Jungkook sits up with a defeated look on his face. “It’s a present. For you, actually.” Your ears perk at that. “For me?” He nods, “Open it. I was going to give it to you the day you leave but I suppose now works.” The book is still unopened, you tilt your head to the side, confused. 

God, you were so fucking cute.

“Why not just give it to me at the Palooza?” He sucks in a breath of air through his teeth, “About that. I got sucked into some board meeting that day with some important people like state officials and whatever, but I tried to get out of it, believe me.” 

Holding one of his hands in yours, you reassured him that everything was fine. “That sounds like a pretty big deal. It’d be silly for you to blow it off for some dumb event.” 

“It’s not some dumb event and you know it. You talked about the Palooza as if it were heaven on earth, and I was looking forward to going with you.” Your heart swelled. “Yeah, I mean, there’s always next year,” you say and it causes Jungkook to grin. 

“Next year? You sure you won’t forget about me by then?” Playfully you sent a hit to his chest, “Don’t say that. I’m gonna open my present and forget you even said that.” Admittedly he was a little nervous. He wasn’t the best at gift-giving, never knew what exactly to get people. 

Your eyes scanned over the pages as you flipped through them. It was like a flower dictionary. It had all kinds of meanings for all kinds of flowers, but there was something personal about the way the journal was put together.

The paper had a little more texture than you were used to seeing, it must’ve been recycled; but the way the string held together the pages at the top through unevenly sized holes made you wonder. 

“Jungkook, did you make this yourself?” His face was red. “Yeah, I know it’s a little lame but I--” Leaving the book on your lap before you pulled him close by his face and pressed your lips to his, pulling away with a smile. “I love it.” 

--

“Remember to give us a call when you get back, alright?” You hugged your parents tight as they helped load your car will all the stuff you brought 

“I will.” You smile waving goodbye to them as you stood near your car and your parents made their way inside. It would be a lie if you said you weren’t secretly hoping to see Jungkook one last time before you left.

That’s why you were so delighted to see him step out his front door, but not empty-handed. A bouquet of flowers accessorized his right hand as he made his way toward you. 

“You’re here,” Smiling with nothing but teeth as he stopped in front of you. 

“I had to see you before you left, I didn’t want to interrupt.” He gestures to your house which your parents had just walked into. “I got these for you,” Handing you the bouquet of arranged flowers that consisted of pink carnations and white clovers. 

You’d spent an embarrassing amount of time reading Jungkook’s little flower dictionary he had given you which explains why his bouquet nearly moved you to tears just from looking at it. 

You remembered what he had told you in the greenhouse all those weeks ago. 

 “I think that plants have a language of their own. That’s why bouquets are more than just flowers, they’re statements really.”

Pink Carnations: Gratitude, I’ll never forget you. 

White Clovers: Think of me.

“It’ll be impossible to forget you.” Your bodies moved on their own accord. He wrapped his arms around you and yours doing the same, even with the bouquet in hand. It was as if neither of you wanted to pull away but you knew you needed to go. 

“I’ll see you at the next Palooza.” your heart hurt a little to see the sad smile he had on. “Sure, but if you're able to squeeze me into that tight schedule of yours, maybe you could come to visit sometime?” You were nervous, you were proposing more than just Jungkook visiting you in Pineley.

“Like, long distance?” The arch of his brow told you everything you needed to know and you were regretting opening your mouth in the first place, “If you’re up for it?” You begin to make your way toward the driver's side of the car, thanking him for opening it for you. 

Carefully placing the flowers on the passenger seat with Taffy in the back. “I’m certainly willing to try.” There was the grin you were hoping to see on him before you left. Closing the door, and strapping on your seatbelt, Jungkook stepped to the side of the driveway giving you the space you needed to pull out, but you stopped parallel to the sidewalk. 

“See you in Pineley?”  

“See you in Pineley.” He smiles, waving you goodbye before you drove off.

[f1-birb]

I love how A lot of ex McLaren Drivers nasilały adopted Lando and they love him. Lewis, Jenson, Fernando or Mika.

~ Nando adopted him from Daytona 24 onwards. With Daytona he was so impressed with little baby 18yo Lando during the race that he went on to borderline wax poetry, and then Lando was the test/reserve for McLaren and did his apprenticeship in 2018, so when he wasn't racing in F2 he was learning the ins and outs, doing all sorts of jobs from sweeping the garage to making tea, and he learnt a lot from Fernando (probably insane to him since it was Lewis and Nando in 2007 that got him into F1 and McLaren) ~ a little bonus:

EDIT: thanks to an anon for the additional info, these two go further back than I was aware of! Lando was doing his internship at with McLaren as well as doing some test driver duties in 2017. 2018 was when they were in a team for Daytona 24 together and he became McLaren's reserve driver. And even before that, he's known Fernando since he won the WKC in an FA Kart

~ Jenson seemed to love Lando basically from the start, this interview springs to mind in particular, they're both Somerset Boys, and then he seems to have grown more and more endeared. Jenson has usually vouched for Lando for things, and the feeling is clearly mutual too from how at ease Lando is during interviews with JB

~ Lewis was actually a bit of a surprise, but seemed (to me at least) mildly amused by the rookies and Lando, I'm distinctly reminded of Silverstone 2019 and the iconic press conference, but Lewis' fondness for Lando in particular seemed to come after Sochi and then grew from there, and there's been a lot of sweet moments since. There's a few instances over radio, Lewis checked on Lando when he was sick in Barcelona last year and sitting on the floor under an umbrella during the drivers parade, stealing Lando's bucket hat, a few drivers parades this year where we saw the two of them talk to each other for most if not the whole thing

~ I haven't seen too much with Mika and Lando, but I know he's been pretty complimentary about him, and also turned heads when he made the bold claim (at the time) that McLaren will be the ones to challenge Red Bull and then lo and behold Austria and then the upgrades since and here we are

[steliosagapitos]

          Blessed Bealtaine/Beltane To All )O( 

         ~ “Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the beginning of summer.  It is one of the major festivals in the wheel of the year and is a sacred day and night of union between the Goddess and the God. Beltane in English, Bealtaine in Irish, Calan Mai or Calan Haf in Welsh, Bealltainn in Scottish Gaelic, and in Manx Gaelic Boaltinn or Boaldyn. It is one of the four seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh. This is a time of year when the veil between the worlds are thin and people would light bonfires on May Eve/Walpurgus nacht (April 30th) to ward of mischievous spirits, and to represent purification, tending the fire until dawn breaks. Historically in rural communities, cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease and evil spirits. It was also considered to be lucky to leap over the bonfire. The Maypole is a tradition that still exists today where people will dance around the maypole weaving ribbons (and magic) while they go. In Edinburgh, Calton Hill, there is a Beltane Fire Festival on May Eve every year with music, dance, fireplay, drumming, and immersive theatre that heralds the Goddess and God and the start of summer. It is a visually spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors and is not to be missed. There are celebrations throughout England; Thornborough Henge, near Ripon in North Yorkshire hosts a weekend festival of camping, stalls, a Beltane fire, with the main Beltane Ceremony observed on the closest Sunday to May 1st. Drummers, dancers and a mummer’s play are part of the festivities, with Handfastings performed by the local Druid by appointment in advance. Family friendly, pet friendly this is a celebration for all. Hastings, Sussex, celebrate the Jack in the Green festival over the May day bank holiday weekend which hosts live bands, dancing, social events and family fun. The main event is a procession through the streets of old Hastings town on Bank Holiday Monday. The procession is filled with unique characters such as drummers, mummers, Morris dancers, giants and the beloved Green Man. Glastonbury, Somerset, also hosts a variety of celebrations. There is a gathering to witness the Sunrise at Glastonbury Tor, followed by a procession in the town of Green Men, Morris dancers, Druids, Witches, and other Pagans, Dragons, and Maypoles. There are a number of artisan shops on the high street that sell Pagan wares, not forgetting the fantastic Artist Linda Ravenscroft who has a gallery and studio at the Market Place. Throughout Wales, there are parades, fetes, Morris dancing, music and singing of Carolau Mai, or May carols, the crowning of the May Queen and May King, and dancing round the Maypole which is  very much an essential part of Welsh culture. It would be fashioned out of birch wood and painted bright colours, adorned with ribbons and hoisted into the air and dancing would commence.The drinking of beers and elderberry and rhubarb wines were supplemented by metheglin, a variant of mead laced with spices. The drink had its origin in folk medicines, and traces its etymology through a combining of the Welsh words meddyg (meaning healing or medicine) and llyn (liquor). ‘May Day’ in Wales was also associated with festivities on the village green, or – to be more Welsh about it – the ‘twmpath chwarae’. Literally the ‘tump for playing’ was a place where people could gather in the evenings, long before television, for dancing or for sports. On Calan Mai, musicians would play while traditional dances were performed. One popular theatrical entertainment was the traditional ‘mock battle’ between two men dressed to represent Summer and Winter. ‘Winter’ would arrive carrying a stick of blackthorn decorated with pieces of wool to represent snow. He would inevitably be defeated by his garlanded opponent, willow wand tied with ribbons.  At the end of the fight, a May King and Queen were crowned and the serious business of eating, drinking and cavorting would continue long into the evening.In Ireland, Bealtaine is celebrated at the Hill of Uisneach. The Bealtaine Festival was revived on the Hill of Uisneach in 2009 and today’s' festival remains much as it was in ancient times, a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. A family-friendly event that welcomes all the different tribes to celebrate the beginning of summer at the sacred centre of Ireland. In 2017, the ceremonial fire was lit by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins; making him the first Irish Head of State to do so since the last High King, nearly a thousand years ago. It is  gathering where heritage, art, culture, music, fire-dancing, talks, workshops, wellbeing, yoga, story-telling, children's fun and food is enjoyed and celebrated before the great Bealtaine Fire is lit at sundown. Mayday celebrations vary from town to town, region to region but all have the same theme – the celebration of the start of Summer.  With the arrival of the annual of the April Lyrids meteor shower (April 16th – 25th) and the first Swallows and Bats sighted here on the Ards Peninsula this week – Summer is here ! What are the Bealtaine/Beltane/Mayday celebrations happening near you ? Get in touch as we would love to find out. However you choose to celebrate, have a magical weekend.  Love and bright blessings to all.” ~

[brookston]

Holidays 1.14

Holidays

Assembly Line Workers' Day

Caesarean Section Day

Cat Day (French Republic)

Defender of the Motherland Day (Uzbekistan)

Diary Day (South Korea)

Flag Day (Georgia)

George Price Day (Belize)

Human Be-In Day

International Kite Day

International Male Chastity Day

Makar Sankranti (Kite Day; India)

Mallard Day (Oxford, England)

National Dolls Doing Business Day

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

National Forest Conservation Day (Thailand)

National Pothole Day (UK) [Closest Weekday to 15th]

National Saturday the 14th

National STI-Q Day

National Undhiyu Day (India)

National Vodou Day (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Organize Your Home Day

Revolution and Youth Day (Tunisia)

Schnitzelbank Day

STIQ Day (UK)

Sultan’s Day (Malaysia)

Take a Missionary to Lunch Day

Unknown Citizens Day (Philippines)

Veterans Day (India)

World Logic Day (UN)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cakes and Ale Day (England)

Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

National Undhiyu Day (India)

2nd Sunday in January

Baptism of the Lord [Sunday after Epiphany]

Blessing of the Sea (Margate, UK) [Sunday after 6th]

Meitlisunntig (Switzerland) [2nd Sunday]

National Sunday Supper Day [2nd Sunday]

No Pants Subway Ride [2nd Sunday]

Volunteer Fireman's Day [2nd Sunday]

Yamayaki (Grass Burning on Mount Wakakasuyama & Fireworks; Japan)

Independence & Related Days

Ratification Day (Treaty of Paris ratified, ending Revolutionary War; US; 1784)

Journée de la souveraineté retrouvée (Restored Sovereignty Day; Mali)

New Year’s Days

Amenzu n Yennayer (a.k.a. Aseggwas Amaziɣ, ⴰⵙⴳⴳⴰⵙ ⴰⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖ or Amazigh New Year; Algeria)

Azhyrnykhua (Abkhazia; Day the World was Created)

The Burning o' the Clavie (Burghead, Scotland)

Hen Galan (Wales)

New Year's Day (Julian Calendar)

Novy God (Russian New Year)

Old New Year (a.k.a. ... 

Alter Silvester (Switzerland)

Anul Nou pe stil vechi (Romania)

Հին Նոր տարի (Armenia)

Стары Новы год (Belarus)

Стара Нова година (Bulgaria, Macedonia)

Старый Новый год (Russia)

Српска Нова година (Serbia)

Старий Новий рік (Ukraine)

ძველით ახალი წელი (Georgia)

Παλαιό νέο έτος (Greece)

Orthodox New Year (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Yennayer (Berber Calendar New Year’s Day)

Festivals Beginning January 14, 2024

Africa Cup of Nations (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) [thru 2.11]

Cologne Furniture Fair (Cologne, Germany) [thru 1.18]

Critics’ Choice Awards (Santa Monica, California)

Fire & Ice Festival: Under the Sea (Somerset, Pennsylvania) [thru 1.14]

International Istanbul Open Backgammon Championship (Istanbul, Turkey) [thru 1.14]

Martin Luther King Parade, Walking the Talk, and Festival (Long Beach, California)

School Nutrition Industry Conference (Orland, Florida) [thru 1.16]

Feast Days

Barba'shmin (a.k.a. Barbasceminus; Christian; Saint)

Barry the Honeybee (Muppetism)

Basil of Ostrong (a.k.a. Basil the Great; Orthodox Church; Saint) [Serbia]

Berthe Morisot (Artology)

Bhogi begins (Festival to Surya, a Solar Diety; India)

Buddha (Positivist; Saint)

Circumcision of Jesus Christ (Orthodox Church)

Devasahayam Pillai (Latin Church; Blessed)

Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto)

Dondoyaki (Fire Festival; Japan)

Einar Hákonarson (Artology)

Eivind Berggrav (Lutheran)

Feast of Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)

Feast of Nina (Bulgaria)

Feast of the Ass (Medieval Christianity)

Felix of Nola (Christian; Martyr)

Festum Asinorum (Medieval Burlesque Festival)

Gort Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Guido Franch Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Henri Fantan-Latour (Artology)

Hestia’s Day (Pagan)

Hilary (Christian; Saint)

Isaias and Sabbas (Christian; Saint)

Jean-Baptiste van Loo (Artology)

Macrina the Elder (Christian; Saint)

Odoric of Pordenone (Christian; Saint)

Pongol (Tamil Harvest Festival, India) [Usually 1.14 or 15]

Sava of Serbia (Christian; Saint)

Sidereal Winter Solstice (South, Southeast Asian cultures)  (a.k.a. ... 

Magh Bihu (Assam)

Maghe Sankranti (Nepal)

Maghi (Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab)

Makar Sankranti (Harvest Festival; India, Malaysia, Thailand)

Pongol begins (Tamil Nadu)

Tamil hai Pongal Day (Sri Lanka)

Uttarayan (Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Rajasthan)

Spell to Let Go Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Thai Pongal (Sri Lanka)

Thorrablat (a.k.a. Þorrablót; Midwinter Festival; Iceland)

Thorrablat (Norse/Heathen Festival to Thor, God of Thunder)

Traditional Day of Offering (Bhutan)

Wear a Colander Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 2 of 60)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [5 of 57]

Premieres

Appleseed (Anime Film; 2005)

Batty Man, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S3, Eps. 31 & 32; 1967)

Belle (Anime Film; 2022)

The BFG, by Roald Dahl (Novel; 1982)

Bosko in Dutch (WB LT Cartoon; 1933)

The Boy Named If, by Elvis Costello (Album; 2022)

Bugs’ Bonnets (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

Cape Fear, by John D. MacDonald (Novel; 1957)

The Captain and the Kids (MGM Cartoon; 1939)

Cookie’ with Gags (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1955)

Dog Gone Modern (WB MM Cartoon; 1939)

Elektra (Film; 2005)

Father Brown (UK TV Series; 2015)

5-4-3-2-1 or The Quick Launch Counter (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 248; 1964)

Get Thee Behind Me Satan, recorded by Harriet Hilliard (Song; 1936)

Goof Gas Attack, Part 7 (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 247; 1964)

A Helping Paw (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1941)

Home, Tweet Home (WB MM Cartoon; 1950)

The House (Animated Film; 2022)

Independent People, by Halldór Laxness (Novel; 1934)

In Good Company (Film; 2005)

Inside Llewyn Davis (Film; 2014)

Lonesome Traveler, by Jack Kerouac (Essays; 1960)

Low, by David Bowie (Album; 1977)

No Hunting (Disney Cartoon; 1955)

Other Voices, Other Rooms, by Truman Capote (Novel; 1948)

Paul Simon, by Paul Simon (Album; 1972)

Permanent Waves, by Rush (Album; 1980)

Pirates from Below (Animated Cartoon; Jonny Quest #18; 1965)

The Poseidon Adventure, by Paul Gallico (Novel; 1969)

Pueblo Pluto (Disney Cartoon; 1949)

Red Riding Hoodlum (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1957)

Sanford and Son (TV Series; 1972)

Saturday Evening Puss (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1950)

Scanners (Film; 1981)

The Today Show (TV Series; 1952)

Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini (Opera; 1900)

Waiting on a War, by the Foo Fighters (Song; 2021)

Today’s Name Days

Engelmar, Felix, Rainer (Austria)

Feliks, Malahija, Rajko, Srećko (Croatia)

Radovan (Czech Republic)

Felix (Denmark)

Feliks, Õnneleid (Estonia)

Sakari, Saku, Sasu (Finland)

Nina (France)

Engelmar, Felix, Rainer (Germany)

Nina (Greece)

Bódog (Hungary)

Dazio, Macrina (Italy)

Raitis, Roberta, Roberts (Latvia)

Auksė, Feliksas, Hilarijus, Laimis (Lithuania)

Herbjørg, Herbjørn (Norway)

Feliks, Hilary, Odo, Radogost (Poland)

Nina (Romania)

Radovan (Slovakia)

Félix (Spain)

Felicia, Felix (Sweden)

Adam, Nina (Ukraine)

Alair, Felice, Felicia, Felicity, Felix, Hilary, Hillary, Hillery (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 14 of 2024; 352 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 2 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Beth (Birch) [Day 20 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Yi-Chou), Day 4 (Ding-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 4 Shevat 5784

Islamic: 3 Rajab 1445

J Cal: 14 White; Sevenday [13 of 30]

Julian: 1 January 2024

Moon: 15%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 14 Moses (1st Month) [Buddha]

Runic Half Month: Peorth (Womb, Dice Cup) [Day 5 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 25 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 24 of 31)

Calendar Changes

January (a.k.a. Ianuarius; Julian Calendar) [Month 1 of 12]

[ukdamo]

The Guards Came Through

Arthur Conan Doyle

Men of the Twenty-first

    Up by the Chalk Pit Wood,

Weak with our wounds and our thirst,

    Wanting our sleep and our food,

After a day and a night.

    God, shall we ever forget?

Beaten and broke in the fight,

    But sticking it, sticking it yet,

Trying to hold the line,

    Fainting and spent and done;

Always the thud and the whine,

    Always the yell of the Hun.

Northumberland, Lancaster, York,

    Durham and Somerset,

Fighting alone, worn to the bone,

    But sticking it, sticking it yet.

Never a message of hope,

    Never a word of cheer!

Fronting Hill 70’s shell-swept slope,

    With the dull, dead plain in our rear;

Always the shriek of the shell,

    Always the roar of the burst,

Always the tortures of Hell,

    As waiting and wincing we cursed

Our luck, the guns, and the Boche.

    When our Corporal shouted “Stand to!”

And I heard some one cry, “Clear the front for the Guards!”—

    And the Guards came through.

Our throats they were parched and hot,

    But Lord, if you’d heard the cheer,

Irish and Welsh and Scot,

    Coldstream and Grenadier—

Two Brigades, if you please,

    Dressing as straight as a hem.

We, we were down on our knees,

    Praying for us and for them,

Praying with tear-wet cheek,

      Praying with outstretched hand.

Lord! I could speak for a week,

    But how could you understand?

How could your cheeks be wet?

    Such feelin’s don’t come to you;

But how can me or my mates forget

    When the Guards came through?

“Five yards left extend!”

    It passed from rank to rank,

And line after line, with never a bend,

    And a touch of the London swank.

A trifle of swank and dash,

    Cool as a home parade,

Twinkle, glitter and flash,

    Flinching never a shade,

With the shrapnel right in their face,

    Doing their Hyde Park stunt,

Swinging along at an easy pace,

    Arms at the trail, eyes front.

Man! it was great to see!

    Man! it was fine to do!

It’s a cot, and hospital ward for me,

But I’ll tell them in Blighty wherever I be,

    How the Guards came through.

[michaelelvidge]

Brand new episode of The Coverage Radio Show This Tuesday November 21 at 7PM Eastern Time. With new music from Cancer Bats, The Pissed Ones, Wheelchair Mosh Pit, Guitar Army, Rath And The Wise Guys, Old Way, Current Collide, Debt Cemetary, Annberetta, Paul Maged, Jeremy Harry Harris, Mad Painter, Ever Doubt, Accidental President, A Somerset Parade, Antipod, Silent Revenants, Bad As, Patriarch, Razumikhin, Death Shroud, Demons By Design and Slave Steel. Lots of music from around the world and it's only on....

www.420radio.ca

[afactaday]

#aFactADay2022

#371: you cannot throw fireworks by hand during holy week in mexico. idky youd want to tbh. but wait! in Bridgewater, Somerset, theres a carnival where its a tradition to hold massive fireworks above your head and parade through the street on bonfire night (guy fawkes night - november 5th)! also, Guy Fawkes himself went to St Peter's school in York, so they make a point of not celebrating his death there lol.

[turniptitaness]

Ooooh yay, I love a good nosy tag game, thanks @ineffablebookgirl

Tag 9 people you want to get to know better.

Last song: Well technically... We dusted off some Byzantine chants at Divine Liturgy this morning in preparation for Pascha and Bright Week, so that's always epic. But the last, uh, relatable song was "Touch" by Daughter.

Last show: Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, aka The Wesper Show.

Currently watching: Honestly nothing at the moment. I'm open to suggestion. But tbh it will probably be yet another re-watch of The Politician because I am a loser.

Currently reading: War and Peace (god help me), The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham (I know, I know, two classics at once, but what can you do? Libby holds come in when Libby holds come in.), Salt Slow by Julia Armfield (who knew there were so many ways to explore female rage?), and The Undiscovered Self by C.G. Jung. And I'm not even in school right now. 😫

Current obsession: I have so many. But the dominant one at the moment is the gorgeous Broadway revival of Parade.

It's just. Oh god. So good. I cry just thinking about it.

No-pressure tags: @mentallydatingahotcelebrity (I always want to get to know you better, duh) @firstmatesheeran @femmefatalegoth @izhunny @queen-paladin @panchali-p @biverly-switzler @spinninwiththestars and oh my god this is scary because most of you I genuinely do not know very well and social anxiety is a thing even on this anonymous hellsite but uhhh also @iamnmbr3 Hi I see all of you in my notes a lot and I like you and I am curious, but like I said these tags are SO NO PRESSURE, so feel free to ignore me.

[metalshockfinland]

A SOMERSET PARADE Drop 'Mirror White' Single & Video

Industrial rock sensation A SOMERSET PARADE announces the release of their latest single and accompanying music video, “Mirror White”, a track taken from the album “Carcosa”, due for release on February 16th via Wormholedeath. “Mirror White” is a haunting and introspective journey into the depths of inner turmoil and personal struggle. The song delves into the conflict between desire and…

[dotwpod]

(305) Gene's Picks 2023 Volume 4

Disciples!!Here it is – the final volume of ‘Gene’s Picks’ for 2023! Part Two for the second half of the year. We’ve got another episode with a nice variety for your listening pleasure, and there’s still time to catch Volumes 1-3 in your favorite podcasting app or YouTube. (Or visit http://www.dotwpod.com)It’s been a hell of a ride, and once again I want to thank EVERY band/Manager/PR Person…

[fischerfrey]

HPMA AU; A Christmas Prince

Chapter 5: Old Friends and New

Summary: A gathering with the royal family causes Dawn some headache. Prince Quincey makes an error in judgement.

Words: 2.6k

Characters:

Dawn Harvelle and Evander Alderly by @potionboy3

Diana Somerset by @endlessly-cursed

Beginning | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter 5: Old Friends and New

The family gathering Quincey had invited Dawn to, was about as formal as Dawn had expected. Too formal to be a real family get-together.

“When I look at all of you,” the queen was saying. “I'm reminded how important you are to me and were to King Stefanos.”

She raised her champagne glass. These people and all the champagne that they consumed.

“To family and old friends,” the queen said, and everyone toasted, repeating her phrase. To family, Dawn thought. Not that the queen seemed to care about the happiness of her family all that much. He took a sip of his champagne dutifully, filing his distaste for the queen under deal with it later.

And then Olympia spoke up, holding her glass of pommac rosé: “And to new friends, too.” She was looking at Dawn with a bright smile.

“To new friends,” said Quincey.

Dawn winked at Olympia, and she laughed.

~

After the queen was done with her speech, Olympia came to Dawn.

“Hey,” she said. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Are all your family gatherings like this?”

Olympia nodded. “I’m afraid so. You must miss your family right about now.”

“I do,” said Dawn. And he wasn’t lying.

“Quince told me you two hung out earlier,” Olympia said.

“Yeah,” said Dawn. “He’s talented.”

“Funny,” Olympia laughed. “He said the exact same thing about you.”

“He did?”

“Yes, he was very excited about it.”

“He was?”

“He doesn’t get to do stuff like that very often.”

“Too bad, he seemed to be having fun,” said Dawn.

“Yeah…” Olympia hummed and turned to look at Quincey who was chatting with his mother. Dawn followed her gaze and looked at him too. His stiff posture, how he seemed so different to the Quincey he had seen earlier today. The Prince Quentin persona firmly in place. It made Dawn sad.

“I’m happy you’re getting along,” said Olympia. “Come, help me put these up.”

She was holding a box filled with all kinds of Christmas baubles.

“Right, yes, of course,” Dawn said, tearing his eyes away from Quincey.

~

The tree was definitely gorgeous. And huge. They’d be needing a ladder to put baubles on the highest branches. Dawn took the box from Olympia and carefully put a few ornaments up. From the corner of his eye, he saw the queen looking at him with distaste. Secretly he took pleasure in the knowledge that she hated him being here.

“Hey,” said Quincey, who had walked up to them without Dawn noticing. Dawn dropped the box of baubles.

“Woah, careful,” said Quincey, catching the box midair.

Dawn felt ridiculous. “Cold air isn’t doing good for my reflexes.”

“Well, it’s quite cozy in here,” said Quincey.

“A bit over the top,” Dawn said, looking at all the Christmas decorations spread around the room.

Quincey took a bauble from the box and started to decorate the tree with them. “A bit, but don’t say that to my mother.”

“She plans the theme every year,” said Olympia.

“She’d probably just be happy that our tastes are vastly different,” Dawn pointed out.

“Okay, true,” said Olympia.

Olympia picked up a huge bauble from one of the boxes on the floor and Dawn wasn’t sure the branches of the tree would be able to hold its weight.

“That’s the size of my head,” he said.

“The bigger, the better,” said a voice behind Dawn he didn’t recognize. All three of them turned around and Dawn was face to face with a beautiful young woman, holding a heart-shaped Christmas ornament.

“Diana?” Quincey said.

“Surprised?” asked the woman.

“Y- yes, definitely,” Quincey replied.

“Would you put this up?” she asked, handing the heart-bauble to the prince.

Quincey took it dutifully. “Of course.”

“Be gentle with it,” Diana said with a smile.

Quincey put the ornament in a parade spot, right in the middle of the tree.

“Hold that thought, I have to pay my respects to your mother,” Diana said and went off to greet the queen.

“Did mother invite her?” asked Quincey in a whisper.

“She must’ve,” Olympia whispered back. “I mean, I didn’t.”

“Who is that?” asked Dawn.

“Lady Diana Somerset,” said Olympia. “She’s a family friend.”

“Oh, fun,” said Dawn. There was obviously something going on he wasn’t in on. And it didn’t bother him. Definitely not.

Quincey was looking at Diana and his mother talk.

“You can go talk to her if you want. Me and Olympia can manage,” Dawn told him.

“I… probably should, yes,” Quincey agreed. “Back in a bit.”

He left and Dawn wondered if he was looking at the future queen. He probably was. It didn’t bother him.

“Diana is nice,” said Olympia once Quincey had gone. “But I think mother is up to something.”

“She seems to like your mother’s style,” said Dawn. “Based on the bauble she brought.”

“Hmm,” Olympia hummed. Dawn didn’t like the way she had suddenly become so tight-lipped.

It didn’t bother him that he saw Quincey and Diana talk and laugh about something. It didn’t bother him at all that Diana was drop-dead gorgeous. It didn’t. It just didn’t.

“Dawn?” Olympia asked.

“What?”

“Don’t squeeze that bauble so hard, it’s glass.”

“Oh…”

Olympia took it off his hands and hung it on the tree. Dawn wasn’t feeling like decorating, suddenly.

“You know what,” said Olympia. “Wait here.”

She left Dawn by the tree, making her way to where Quincey, Diana, and the queen were talking. Dawn pulled out his phone to have something to do and just then it hit him what kind of scoop this would be. He opened his camera but didn’t end up recording or taking any pictures. He didn’t want to. There was a nasty feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he didn’t want to be here anymore.

“What are you doing?” asked none other than Evander, who had suddenly materialized behind him like some kind of spirit of Christmas Terrible.

Dawn dropped his phone into the box of Christmas baubles.

“Well?” Evander insisted.

“I was taking a selfie, if you must know,” said Dawn, fishing his phone out of the box.

“There’s something off about you,” Evander said, looking at Dawn like he had leprosy, or something.

That’s when Quincey elected to return. “Hey,” he said.

“Hi,” Dawn replied, rather sourly.

“Cousin,” said Evander.

“Did I… interrupt something?” Quincey asked.

“We were going to take a selfie together,” Dawn said.

“We were absolutely not.”

“Oh, I’ll take one with you, if Evie’s too much of an elitist,” Quincey said cheerfully.

“You will?” Dawn asked.

“I’m not an elitist for not wanting to take a selfie with the shadiest person in the room,” Evander said.

“I agree on that, your face is extremely shady,” Dawn said. Like recognized like, it seemed.

“Shady?” asked Quincey, puzzled.

“Don’t worry about him,” Dawn interjected. “Let’s just take the picture.”

They posed and Dawn took the picture. It turned out pretty cute.

“Show me?” Quincey requested and Dawn showed him the end-result.

“Never mind, that’s actually very tacky,” said Evander from over Quincey’s shoulder.

“I think it’s cute,” Quincey argued. Dawn tried not to feel any type of way about that.

“Right…” muttered Evander.

“This tree isn’t decorating itself, cousin dearest,” Quincey said. “We had better get to it.”

“Yes, it’s good I’m helping, since last year you and Olympia did a piss-poor job.”

Dawn was about to point out that their dad had just died, but elected not to.

“We had better avoid that, then,” said Quincey. They all got to work, and soon after Olympia and Diana joined them.

“I think he’s actually Scar,” Dawn said quietly to Quincey when he found himself next to him.

“Evie?”

“Yes.”

“He hates fun,” Quincey laughed.

“Don’t go to any high cliffs with him.”

“I’m actively avoiding it,” Quincey replied. He was speaking quite close to Dawn’s ear and if it sent thrills down his spine then Dawn didn’t want to think about it.

~

As Dawn reached for a new box of baubles a friendly voice said behind him: “I wouldn’t put those ones up, they’re for the white tree in the library.”

It was Diana, or Lady Diana, as she was probably supposed to be addressed.

“Right,” said Dawn and put it down.

“The Queen thinks green baubles don’t pop out enough on the green tree,” Diana explained. Dawn wasn’t sure if she was agreeing with the queen or poking fun at her.

“You should be an event planner,” said Dawn. He left the box of green baubles alone and picked up another.

“I’ve just been on the other end of The Queen’s wrath one too many times,” she said with a smile. “I’m Diana by the way, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.”

They shook hands.

“Dawn, Dawn Albrecth.”

“Are you Olympia’s boyfriend?” Diana inquired.

“She wishes,” Dawn joked. “I mean, I’m her friend.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, you’re the companion, aren’t you? I didn’t know decorating was part of the job.”

Dawn laughed. “It’s not, but we’ve become great friends,” he explained. “And I was invited by the prince, actually.”

“Alright,” said Diana. “That’s nice.”

Dawn wasn’t sure if she was being genuine. He had hard enough time telling with Quincey sometimes, when he wasn’t being a dork or singing the lyrics to Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer wrong.

“Olympia is quite a character, though,” he added, wanting to keep the conversation going.

“What does that mean?” asked Diana.

“I meant that she’s great, I like her.”

Diana gave him a quizzical look. He had the distinct feeling that she could see right through him, somehow.

“Good,” she said and smiled again.

“Well, I’m going to take this to Olympia,” he said, hastily. “Nice meeting you.”

“You too,” said Diana. Dawn went back to the tree and wondered whether he was just being paranoid because of Evander and this whole situation. Maybe he shouldn’t have lied in the first place. Especially because he hadn’t lied about liking Olympia. And they had become good friends, and it sucked, lying to her.

~

That night, Dawn couldn’t sleep, so he snuck into the kitchens to look for something to eat. He’d done it before, so he found his way easily enough. As he was rummaging through the fridge, he heard someone clear their throat behind him. He dropped a jar of pickles on the floor and mercifully, it didn’t shatter.

“Shit–,”

“Dawn?” asked the person. It was none other than the prince. “What are you doing?”

Dawn picked up the pickle-jar. “I’m eating,” he said. “What are you doing?”

“I’m eating too.”

“In the middle of the night?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Check mate,” said Dawn.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Quincey explained.

“So, you chose to eat?”

“Passes the time.”

“What are you eating?” Dawn asked.

Quincey, who was leaning into a counter, wearing pajama pants, slippers, a fluffy looking robe, and no shirt (Dawn did not stare) showed him the bowl he was holding. “Cereal.”

“Can I have some?” Dawn asked.

Quincey nodded and pointed at the box on the table. “Help yourself.”

Dawn put the pickles back into the fridge and went for the cereal instead.

“I haven’t seen you here before,” he told the prince.

“Well, I come here quite often.”

“Were you trying to sleep before?” Dawn asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you want to watch a movie with me?”

“Like, together?” asked Quincey.

“That’s what with me usually implies.”

“Yes, I’d like to watch a movie with you.”

“Great, I have a laptop in my room.”

“Do you want to take the rest of the cereal with us?”

“To eat like crisps?” asked Dawn.

“I did mean in a bowl.”

Dawn took a handful of cereal from his bowl and stated eating them like crisps. “This is fine.”

Quincey laughed.

“Come along then, Your Highness,” Dawn said and headed back up to his room. Quincey followed him.

~

“What do you guys have against televisions in this place?” asked Dawn, while starting his laptop.

“The wiring is a bit problematic,” said Quincey and sat down next to him on Dawn’s bed. “It’s a very, very old building, you see.”

“You can’t even tell,” said Dawn, sarcastically.

Quincey laughed.

“Another thing you’re changing, as a king?” asked Dawn.

“I’ll consider it,” said Quincey.

“So, should we watch something Christmassy?”

“Yeah,” Quincey said.

“Home Alone 2, it is, then,” Dawn announced ceremoniously. “It’s better than the first one.”

“Sounds good.”

Dawn put the film on and got comfortable on the bed. Quincey followed suit.

“Are you cold?” Dawn asked.

“It’s a little chilly, isn’t it?” said Quincey with a soft laugh. “Another one of those old house perks.”

Dawn grabbed a blanket and put in on both of them.

“I’ve never seen you in such casual clothes,” said Dawn. “Or… so little clothes.”

Quincey laughed.

“I was sort of imagining silk pajamas,” Dawn said, stupidly.

“I don’t really like those.”

“Same, gets your hair all static.”

The film began properly, and they both fell silent. Dawn realized he’d never had a guy in his bed before, much less a guy who was about to become a king of a small nation. He glanced at Quincey from the corner of his eye. He was focused on the laptop screen with a faint smile on his lips. He had a really nice mouth, Dawn thought irrationally. He tore his eyes away from the prince and tried to focus on the film.

~

Dawn wasn’t sure when he had fallen asleep, but when he awoke, he noticed an arm wrapped around his waist, and felt steady breathing against his back. Carefully, he turned to look and saw the prince’s face mere inches from his. And he was cuddling him. God. He sat up, immediately missing the warmth of Quincey’s body. The movement jerked Quincey awake, too. He looked about as disoriented as Dawn felt. He checked the time. Half past eight.

“Uh… morning, Your Royal Highness,” said Dawn.

“Good morning,” Quincey said in a sleepy voice. It was cute. Fuck. “I must’ve fallen asleep…”

“I think we both did,” said Dawn.

“Yes, I…” Quincey felt around the bed and located his phone, switching the screen on. “Shit.”

“What?”

“I’ve been missed.”

“Oh… oh fuck.”

“It’s fine, I’ll tell them I was on a run,” Quincey said hastily, getting up from the bed.

“In that outfit?” Dawn asked. “Without shoes?”

“Oh, fuck me,” Quincey swore, and Dawn hadn’t known how much he’d needed to hear him swear before it was handed to him on a silver platter.

“Can’t you just sneak back to your room?”

“I get woken up by a member of the staff at eight o’clock sharp each morning, so they know I haven’t been there.”

“So, they’re going to think you’re sleeping with the help,” Dawn deduced. With Quincey’s reputation, that was an easy conclusion to arrive to. It bothered Dawn how the girls Quincey was linked with were always treated like they meant nothing. And it bothered him even more to think what would happen if he was linked to one of his own employees.

“Fuck,” Quincey said and buried his face in his hand. “I don’t want this to blow out of proportion.”

“What if you… snuck into Olympia’s room?”

“That could work, actually,” Quincey said. He typed something on his phone. “I’m texting her now.”

Dawn rubbed his neck and yawned.

“I’m so sorry about this,” said Quincey.

“Shouldn’t have fallen asleep…”

“I do feel quite well-rested,” the prince admitted with a sly smile.

“Me too,” said Dawn, surprised to find that it was true.

“So… maybe I’m not so sorry, after all.”

Dawn smiled at him.

“Thank you for inviting me,” Quincey said as a notification sounded on his phone.

“Anytime,” said Dawn.

“I have to go, Olympia replied, but I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah,” Dawn grinned. “I mean, yes, Your Highness.” He added a neck-bow for good measure.

“You don’t have to do that, just call me Quincey.”

“Oh…” Dawn managed. He had not expected that. “Okay.”

Quincey smiled and headed out. Dawn fell on the bed on his back and if he smelled the sheets a little then that was his business alone.

Tag list:

@lifeofkaze @gcldensnitch @magicallymalted​ (added you two too since your kiddos are part of this story tho not in this chapter!)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.31

Holidays

All Souls’ Day (Ecuador)

American Indian Day (Tennessee)

Bitcoin Day

Cavalry Day (India)

Crillo Music Day (Peru)

Dark Matter Day

Day of Local Songs (Peru)

Day of the 7 Billion

Día de la Canción Criolla (Peru)

Girl Scout Founder’s Day

International Black Sea Action Day

John Candy Day (Toronto, Canada)

King Father’s Day (Cambodia)

Martyr’s Day (Burkina Faso)

Medusa Day

Mount Rushmore Day

National Bug Busting Day (UK)

National Evangelism Day

National Prince Day

National Unity Day (India)

Non-Working Day (Russia)

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Phi Day

Plough Tree Day (French Republic)

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Reformation Day (Chile; Germany; Slovenia)

Saci Day (Brazil)

Senior Absurdity Day (Bronx, NY)

Spider-Girl Day

Trixie Day

World Cities Day (UN)

World Savings Day

World Thrift Day (India)

Youth Honor Day (Iowa)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Billy Beer Day (Plains, Georgia)

Brewtopia (NYC)

International Day of Rice

Japanese Tea Day (Japan)

National Caramel Apple Day

National Keg Day

The United Nations of Beer (New York)

Independence & Related Days

Edan (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

Nevada Statehood Day (#36; 1864)

Wellington (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

5th & Last Thursday in October

International Carignan Day [Last Thursday]

Punkie Night (Somerset, England) [Last Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [Every Thursday]

Three-Bean Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Three for Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thrift Store Thursday [Every Thursday]

Throw Away Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 31 (Last Week of October)

None Known

Festivals Beginning October 31, 2024

The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival (Big Sur, California) [thru 11.2]

A BOO-tiful Downtown Halloween (Los Altos, California)

Dragon of Shandon Parade (Cork, Ireland)

Halloween Trick or Treat! (Mystic, Connecticut)

Hillsborough County Fair (Dover, Florida) [thru 11.11]

JazzFest Berlin (Berlin, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Living History Farms Annual Farmstasia (Urbandale, Iowa)

MichiganFun' Convention (Port Huron, Michigan) [thru 11.2]

New York’s Village Halloween Parade (New York, New York)

Rakfisk Festival (Fagernes, Norway) [thru 11.2]

Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge (Huron, South Dakota) [thru 11.2]

Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Saga, Japan) [thru 11.4]

Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Thessaloniki, Greece) [thru 11.10]

Treat Street (Chico, California)

Feast Days

Abaidas (Coptic Church)

Alphonsus Rodriguez (Christian; Saint)

Ampliatus (Christian; Saint)

Begu (Christian; Saint)

Bob Crane Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Diwali Begins (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ... 

Deepavali (Guyana, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka)

Deepawali (Sikkam, India)

Divali (Fiji, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Suriname)

Diwali Amavasya (India, Trinidad and Tobago)

Èugene Fromentin (Artology)

Festival of Lights (Celebrating the Indian god Laxmi)

Gai Tihar (Nepal)

Kag Puja (Day of the Crows)

Kag Tihar (Day of the Crows)

Kali Puja (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Laxmi Pooja (Nepal)

Laxmi Puja (Sikkim, India)

Naraka Chaturdashi (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Tihar Festival (Nepal)

Yam Panchak (Nepal)

Erc of Slane (in Cornwall; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet Bast Ra (Ancient Egypt)

Felix the Chicken (Muppetism)

Festival of Inner Worlds

Foillan (in Namur; Christian; Saint)

Gerbil Caressing Day (Pastafarian)

Hallowe’en (also celebrated as ... 

Allantide (Cornwall, UK)

All Hallows Eve

All Saints’ Eve

Apple and Candle Night (Wales)

Beggar's Night

Beltaine [Southern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Books For Treats Day

Caramel Apple Day

Carve a Pumpkin Day

Chiang Kai-Shek Day (Taiwan)

Day of the Dead begins (Mexico) [until 11.2]

Dookie Apple Night (Newcastle, UK)

Duck Apple Night (Liverpool, UK)

Fright Night (Pastafarian)

Ghostwriter’s Day

Halloween

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hop-tu-Naa (Isle of Man)

Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

National Doorbell Day

National Dress Like a Slut Day

National Keg Day

National Knock-Knock Joke Day

National Magic Day

National UNICEF Day

Night of a Thousand Screams (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Nut-Crack Night (UK)

Out of the Broom Closet Day

Saci Day (Brazil)

Samhain [Northern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Samhain Eve (Celtic, Pagan) [7 of 8 Festivals of the Natural Year]

Scare a Friend Day

Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day

Thump-the-Door Night (Isle of Man)

Trick or Treat Night

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hokusai (Artology)

Isis/Osiris Mysteries IV (Pagan)

Johannes Vermeer (Artology)

John Keats (Writerism)

Kant (Positivist; Saint)

Makoshe’s Holiday (Asatru/Pagan Slavic celebration of Mother Earth)

Marie Laurencin (Artology)

Martin Luther (Anglican Communion)

Meindert Hobbema (Artology)

Neal Stephenson (Writerism)

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

Paul du Toit (Artology)

Paul Shinji Sasaki and Philip Lindel Tsen (Episcopal Church)

Reformation Day (Germany, Slovenia, Lutheran Church)

Quentin (Christian; Saint)

Susan Orlean (Writerism)

Theodore Romzha, Blessed (Ruthenian Catholic Church)

Vetmaetr (Norse beginning of winter, start of Odin leading the Wild Hunt)

Wolfgang of Regensburg (Christian; Saint) [Germany]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Xt'Tapalatakettle's Day.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [51 of 57]

Premieres

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Novel; 1892)

All Wet (Ub Iwerks Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Ash vs. Evil Dead (Film; 2015)

Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen (Song; 1975)

The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn (Baseball Memoir; 1972)

Catty Cornered (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

The Country Cousin (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1936)

Explosive Situation or Don’t Make It Worse — It’s Badenov (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 121; 1961)

Foul Hunting (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Girls! Girls! Girls! (Film; 1960) [Elvis Presley #11]

I Only Have Eyes For You, recorded by The Flamingos (Song; 1958)

Kitty from Kansas City (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Like a Virgin, by Madonna (Song; 1984)

Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi (Song; 1986)

A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift (Essay; 1726)

Ninety-Five Theses, by Martin Luther (Pamphlet; 1517)

Period of Adjustment (Film; 1962)

The Red Sea Sharks, by Hergé (Graphic Novel; 1958) [Tintin #19]

The Secret Teachings of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall (Book; 1928)

Slap Happy Hunters (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

Somebody Stole My Gal, recorded by Count Basie (Song; 1930)

Spellbound (Film; 1945)

Star Dust, recorded by Hoagy Carmichael (Song; 1927)

Strategy, by B.H. Liddell Hart (Book; 1929)

Two Weeks Vacation (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Unplugged MTV Show, recorded by Squeeze Live Show; 1989) [1st Unplugged Show]

The Walking Dead (TV Series; 2010)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Film; 1962)

A Witch’s Tangled Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

You’ve Got Me in Switches or Suture Self (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 122; 1961)

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Film; 2008)

Zot, Parts 1 & 2 (Underdog Cartoon, S1, Eps. 9 & 10; 1964)

Today’s Name Days

Christoph, Quentin, Wolfgang (Austria)

Alfons, Volfgang, Vukmir (Croatia)

Štěpánka (Czech Republic)

Louise (Denmark)

Ardo, Ardu, Arti, Arto, Artur (Estonia)

Arto, Arttu, Artturi (Finland)

Quentin (France)

Melanie, Quentin, Wolfgang (Germany)

Ablia, Apellis, Aristovoulos, Narkisos, Stratoniki (Greece)

Farkas (Hungary)

Lucilla (Italy)

Rinalds, Smilga, Valts, Volfgangs (Latvia)

Alfonsas, Liucilė, Tanvilė (Lithuania)

Edit, Edna (Norway)

Alfons, Alfonsyna, Antoni, Antonina, August, Augusta, Godzimir, Godzisz, Lucylla, Łukasz, Saturnin, Saturnina, Urban, Wolfgang (Poland)

Amplie, Afelie, Aristobul, Narcis, Stahie, Urban (Romania)

Aurélia (Slovakia)

Alonso, Quintín (Spain)

Edgar, Edit (Sweden)

Maura, Moira (Ukraine)

Cruz, Flint, Flynn, Kruz, Trent, Trenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 305 of 2024; 61 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 44 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 29 (Wu-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 29 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 5 Wood; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 18 October 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 25 Descartes (11th Month) [Ferguson / Condercet]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 39 of 90)

Week: Last Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 8 of 30)

[brookston]

Holidays 10.31

Holidays

All Souls’ Day (Ecuador)

American Indian Day (Tennessee)

Bitcoin Day

Cavalry Day (India)

Crillo Music Day (Peru)

Dark Matter Day

Day of Local Songs (Peru)

Day of the 7 Billion

Día de la Canción Criolla (Peru)

Girl Scout Founder’s Day

International Black Sea Action Day

John Candy Day (Toronto, Canada)

King Father’s Day (Cambodia)

Martyr’s Day (Burkina Faso)

Medusa Day

Mount Rushmore Day

National Bug Busting Day (UK)

National Evangelism Day

National Prince Day

National Unity Day (India)

Non-Working Day (Russia)

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Phi Day

Plough Tree Day (French Republic)

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Reformation Day (Chile; Germany; Slovenia)

Saci Day (Brazil)

Senior Absurdity Day (Bronx, NY)

Spider-Girl Day

Trixie Day

World Cities Day (UN)

World Savings Day

World Thrift Day (India)

Youth Honor Day (Iowa)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Billy Beer Day (Plains, Georgia)

Brewtopia (NYC)

International Day of Rice

Japanese Tea Day (Japan)

National Caramel Apple Day

National Keg Day

The United Nations of Beer (New York)

Independence & Related Days

Edan (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

Nevada Statehood Day (#36; 1864)

Wellington (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

5th & Last Thursday in October

International Carignan Day [Last Thursday]

Punkie Night (Somerset, England) [Last Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [Every Thursday]

Three-Bean Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Three for Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thrift Store Thursday [Every Thursday]

Throw Away Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 31 (Last Week of October)

None Known

Festivals Beginning October 31, 2024

The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival (Big Sur, California) [thru 11.2]

A BOO-tiful Downtown Halloween (Los Altos, California)

Dragon of Shandon Parade (Cork, Ireland)

Halloween Trick or Treat! (Mystic, Connecticut)

Hillsborough County Fair (Dover, Florida) [thru 11.11]

JazzFest Berlin (Berlin, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Living History Farms Annual Farmstasia (Urbandale, Iowa)

MichiganFun' Convention (Port Huron, Michigan) [thru 11.2]

New York’s Village Halloween Parade (New York, New York)

Rakfisk Festival (Fagernes, Norway) [thru 11.2]

Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge (Huron, South Dakota) [thru 11.2]

Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Saga, Japan) [thru 11.4]

Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Thessaloniki, Greece) [thru 11.10]

Treat Street (Chico, California)

Feast Days

Abaidas (Coptic Church)

Alphonsus Rodriguez (Christian; Saint)

Ampliatus (Christian; Saint)

Begu (Christian; Saint)

Bob Crane Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Diwali Begins (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ... 

Deepavali (Guyana, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka)

Deepawali (Sikkam, India)

Divali (Fiji, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Suriname)

Diwali Amavasya (India, Trinidad and Tobago)

Èugene Fromentin (Artology)

Festival of Lights (Celebrating the Indian god Laxmi)

Gai Tihar (Nepal)

Kag Puja (Day of the Crows)

Kag Tihar (Day of the Crows)

Kali Puja (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Laxmi Pooja (Nepal)

Laxmi Puja (Sikkim, India)

Naraka Chaturdashi (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Tihar Festival (Nepal)

Yam Panchak (Nepal)

Erc of Slane (in Cornwall; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet Bast Ra (Ancient Egypt)

Felix the Chicken (Muppetism)

Festival of Inner Worlds

Foillan (in Namur; Christian; Saint)

Gerbil Caressing Day (Pastafarian)

Hallowe’en (also celebrated as ... 

Allantide (Cornwall, UK)

All Hallows Eve

All Saints’ Eve

Apple and Candle Night (Wales)

Beggar's Night

Beltaine [Southern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Books For Treats Day

Caramel Apple Day

Carve a Pumpkin Day

Chiang Kai-Shek Day (Taiwan)

Day of the Dead begins (Mexico) [until 11.2]

Dookie Apple Night (Newcastle, UK)

Duck Apple Night (Liverpool, UK)

Fright Night (Pastafarian)

Ghostwriter’s Day

Halloween

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hop-tu-Naa (Isle of Man)

Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

National Doorbell Day

National Dress Like a Slut Day

National Keg Day

National Knock-Knock Joke Day

National Magic Day

National UNICEF Day

Night of a Thousand Screams (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Nut-Crack Night (UK)

Out of the Broom Closet Day

Saci Day (Brazil)

Samhain [Northern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Samhain Eve (Celtic, Pagan) [7 of 8 Festivals of the Natural Year]

Scare a Friend Day

Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day

Thump-the-Door Night (Isle of Man)

Trick or Treat Night

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hokusai (Artology)

Isis/Osiris Mysteries IV (Pagan)

Johannes Vermeer (Artology)

John Keats (Writerism)

Kant (Positivist; Saint)

Makoshe’s Holiday (Asatru/Pagan Slavic celebration of Mother Earth)

Marie Laurencin (Artology)

Martin Luther (Anglican Communion)

Meindert Hobbema (Artology)

Neal Stephenson (Writerism)

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

Paul du Toit (Artology)

Paul Shinji Sasaki and Philip Lindel Tsen (Episcopal Church)

Reformation Day (Germany, Slovenia, Lutheran Church)

Quentin (Christian; Saint)

Susan Orlean (Writerism)

Theodore Romzha, Blessed (Ruthenian Catholic Church)

Vetmaetr (Norse beginning of winter, start of Odin leading the Wild Hunt)

Wolfgang of Regensburg (Christian; Saint) [Germany]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Xt'Tapalatakettle's Day.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [51 of 57]

Premieres

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Novel; 1892)

All Wet (Ub Iwerks Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Ash vs. Evil Dead (Film; 2015)

Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen (Song; 1975)

The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn (Baseball Memoir; 1972)

Catty Cornered (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

The Country Cousin (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1936)

Explosive Situation or Don’t Make It Worse — It’s Badenov (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 121; 1961)

Foul Hunting (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Girls! Girls! Girls! (Film; 1960) [Elvis Presley #11]

I Only Have Eyes For You, recorded by The Flamingos (Song; 1958)

Kitty from Kansas City (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Like a Virgin, by Madonna (Song; 1984)

Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi (Song; 1986)

A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift (Essay; 1726)

Ninety-Five Theses, by Martin Luther (Pamphlet; 1517)

Period of Adjustment (Film; 1962)

The Red Sea Sharks, by Hergé (Graphic Novel; 1958) [Tintin #19]

The Secret Teachings of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall (Book; 1928)

Slap Happy Hunters (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

Somebody Stole My Gal, recorded by Count Basie (Song; 1930)

Spellbound (Film; 1945)

Star Dust, recorded by Hoagy Carmichael (Song; 1927)

Strategy, by B.H. Liddell Hart (Book; 1929)

Two Weeks Vacation (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Unplugged MTV Show, recorded by Squeeze Live Show; 1989) [1st Unplugged Show]

The Walking Dead (TV Series; 2010)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Film; 1962)

A Witch’s Tangled Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

You’ve Got Me in Switches or Suture Self (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 122; 1961)

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Film; 2008)

Zot, Parts 1 & 2 (Underdog Cartoon, S1, Eps. 9 & 10; 1964)

Today’s Name Days

Christoph, Quentin, Wolfgang (Austria)

Alfons, Volfgang, Vukmir (Croatia)

Štěpánka (Czech Republic)

Louise (Denmark)

Ardo, Ardu, Arti, Arto, Artur (Estonia)

Arto, Arttu, Artturi (Finland)

Quentin (France)

Melanie, Quentin, Wolfgang (Germany)

Ablia, Apellis, Aristovoulos, Narkisos, Stratoniki (Greece)

Farkas (Hungary)

Lucilla (Italy)

Rinalds, Smilga, Valts, Volfgangs (Latvia)

Alfonsas, Liucilė, Tanvilė (Lithuania)

Edit, Edna (Norway)

Alfons, Alfonsyna, Antoni, Antonina, August, Augusta, Godzimir, Godzisz, Lucylla, Łukasz, Saturnin, Saturnina, Urban, Wolfgang (Poland)

Amplie, Afelie, Aristobul, Narcis, Stahie, Urban (Romania)

Aurélia (Slovakia)

Alonso, Quintín (Spain)

Edgar, Edit (Sweden)

Maura, Moira (Ukraine)

Cruz, Flint, Flynn, Kruz, Trent, Trenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 305 of 2024; 61 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 44 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 29 (Wu-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 29 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 5 Wood; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 18 October 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 25 Descartes (11th Month) [Ferguson / Condercet]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 39 of 90)

Week: Last Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 8 of 30)