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daisybeewrites · 3 years ago

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Academy Blues — Prologue

word count: 1.8k

warnings: not any for this chapter

ship: Dousy, background Fitzsimmons and Philinda

okay y’all.. here it is. the first installment of my first LONG TERM SERIES!!!!!! ahhhh i’m so excited. literally i cant wait to continue this and see where it takes me. i have an idea and a few different planning sheets, but honestly i have no idea where exactly this will end up. i love each and single one of you <3 thank you for reading!! this is also posted on Ao3, and linked in the masterlist.

Daisy hated the sound of the bells at The Academy. Screeching, awful, way too loud, the bells were the bane of her existence. They all wore standard-issue watches from the lab that monitored vitals and gave them reminders, and also told the time, for god’s sake! Fitz had even modified hers so that she could play snake on the tiny watch face! There was no need for the bells to be so excruciatingly disruptive. Though, Daisy guessed, there were many things more tortuous than bells ringing every hour and fifteen minutes.

Daisy slowed to a jog, cutting her morning run short. The bright side to being a third-year was that you chose your schedule, for the most part, and that meant Daisy had a free first period for four out of five days of classes. She usually spent this free period getting an extra hour in at the gym, boxing or sparring with Mack or Bobbi, two fourth years that had reluctantly taken her under their wings, or sleeping in. She reserved sleeping in for especially rough nights where visions of ashes and earthquakes and lightning returned time and time again, no matter how many deep breaths she took or sheep she counted.

But this morning was not one of those mornings. She had been up before sunrise, a little before her usual alarm and silently headed out of her dorm for a run. It was humid this time of year on most Virginia mornings, but never so hot that it made Daisy feel as if she was being smothered. The cooler air chilled her sweaty skin, her chest rising and falling as she jogged up the three flights of steps to the second years’ dorms. Down one long hallway, and she arrived at her room.

Daisy had been given her own room at the start of last year, complete with poly-adaptic-proto-whatever panels, which she had painted a pastel shade of purple, to compliment the greens of her cacti and the dark purples and blacks of everything else in her room. Even May had agreed that the stark white was too ”psych wing” for a bedroom. Daisy was grateful for the space, but considering the panels and the private room were only necessary since...

She shuddered. Grabbing her shower caddy, Daisy set off to the bathroom at the opposite end of the hall, hoping no one else was spending a free first period at the dorms.

Her shoulder-length waves were wet from bouncing against her neck, and starting to become annoying now that the sweat had dried and was starting to itch. Picking the white tiled shower furthest away from the door, Daisy quickly turned the water on, checked the temperature, pulled her sports bra and shorts off and hopped into the shower. Shampoo, condition, soap body, rinse. Checking her watch, Daisy found that she had showered in record time, less than three minutes. After spending another five just enjoying the hot water, she hopped out and changed into her class clothes.

Dark purple leggings, Coulson’s grey vintage SHIELD tee and a pair of white running sneakers she had “borrowed” from Jemma completed her look. Passing the mirrors, Daisy tried not to glance at herself. If her hair was messy or her undereye bags a bit too dark, she didn’t want to know. Instead, she headed back to her room to pack her bag for the day.

SHIELD-issued laptop, extra hard drives and a charger, Advanced CS 3: Ethical Hacking: Theory and Application, Advanced CS 4: Secrets of The Coding Languages, Physics notebook, an essay that was three days late on some boring book about international laws, and her sparring gear were all thrown into the black bag. She gave a second glance at the Russian notebooks Bobbi had loaned to her, promising that she’d learn without taking the class. Oh well, she still had all of this term to start. Plus, would she ever really need more than the dirty words?

One look at the alarm clock that sat on her dark hardwood night table showed that she still had almost forty-five minutes before she had to be in the computer lab. Sitting down on her bed, Daisy ran a hand over the grey blanket May had given her.

Daisy’s relationship with May and Coulson had been something of a problem with other students when she first got here. Some had been okay with the obvious paternal love Coulson showed for Daisy, showing her around and checking up on her, scheduling lunch dates and reminding her of tests. May was more subtle, texting her links to tai chi videos when she noticed Daisy getting too stressed or letting Daisy do her own thing if she saw that she was overwhelmed. Of course, none of the other students knew her family history, what she had gone through just to realize that May and Coulson were more her parents than her biological father and mother could ever be. She would see them later today—May during field training and Coulson in between lectures in the canteen.

Daisy walked over to her window to open her blinds, staring out at the campus she had grown to love. The large brick buildings scattered around acres of the Virginia countryside; green fields meant for physical activities like sparring or obstacle courses, or simply basking in the weather to study or chat; the dorms—red brick and concrete melded together to upgrade and expand the charming style of previously-built homes.

Grabbing a protein bar, Daisy headed to the canteen to make a green smoothie (and maybe snatch a cup of joe before she had to listen to an hour-long lecture on the reason SHIELD must cooperate with the UN’s stupid rules at 7:30 in the morning). Smelling the pines and morning dew surrounding her, she smiled slightly. Maybe this term wouldn’t be so bad.

———————————————————————

Daniel Sousa was a man of honor. He was a man of great strength. Agent Daniel Sousa, previously Officer Daniel Sousa in the US Army, was a man who could fix his damn alarm clock on his own.

Just, not today. Or the day before.

So, Agent Daniel Sousa was now hurrying his way to class at The SHIELD Academy, books in hand and gym bag slung over his shoulders. Catching a glance at himself in the shiny glass doors of the bio-chem building, he groaned. He hadn’t even brushed his hair. And, looking down, he discovered he was wearing two different shoes.

This is the college experience everyone raves about, he thought bitterly. You see, Daniel Sousa had enlisted to the army straight out of high school, forgoing university. He climbed the ranks impressively quickly, earning his place as second-in-command and reconnaissance scout in the 28th Infantry Regiment. Unfortunately, after only four years in the army, Sousa was injured in the field, losing his leg and almost his life.

He came back to the US a war hero, and yet, he felt he wasn't finished. So, when a recruiter named Peggy Carter knocked on his door claiming to be from SHIELD (“Wow, you guys are still a thing?”), he leapt at the chance to continue fighti-...doing good. The Academy wasn’t exactly what he had bargained for, though. Trying to earn his B.A. and training to be an agent at the same time was grueling, but nothing he couldn’t deal with.

No, six different one hour and fifteen minute long classes plus mandatory physical therapy every day wasn’t going to break him. Learning how to be a communications agent and re-starting field training and catching up on general college education was no problem. Pressuring himself to be the best, to break the limits, to get past all his weaknesses was just another miniscule feather to add to the pile.

Unless his stupid alarm clock broke. Then yes, Agent Daniel Sousa would fail, buckle under the weight and be left on the floor to die.

Maybe he was being a bit dramatic.

One bunny-slippered right foot and a sneakered left leg carried him forward, propelled by a quickly chugged orange Celsius and his sheer will not to be late.

Daniel heard the late bell ring out, understanding that, on his first day of class, he would be counted late. It wasn’t like him, not at all. Especially when his first class was a refresher course on field tactics and covert strategy, something in which he was already aces.

He let out a sigh, slowing as he rounded the corner into the comms building. At the Academy, most buildings were grouped into categories: the cafeteria, gym and pool, and student resource building all to the south; the gun range, obstacle course, and specialized gym to the east; bio-chem labs, tech labs, and smaller rooms for lectures to the west; the computer labs and comms buildings right smack in the middle; and dorms to the north.

He swiped a key card with his driver’s license picture and student ID, unlocking the sliding doors that led to the computer labs. It was quicker to short cut through them than to walk around the building to the entrance closest to communications classrooms.

It wasn’t because he knew a certain broody brunette spent her mornings in the lab.

No, it wasn’t, because she wasn’t in her usual seat in the corner, typing away.

He slowly walked through the rows of computers, searching for a familiar black backpack. Nothing was there.

“Hey, Sousa,” an accented female voice called behind him. He whipped around to see who it was, feeling just a twinge of disappointment when Elena, or, as most people knew her, Yo-Yo, was leaning against the door frame. Yo-Yo, a fourth year operations trainee, who was very close with Daisy.

“Hey, Yo-Yo. Good morning,” he called, “I’m running a bit late.”

Elena checked her nails casually, “Way to state the obvious. You were running faster than I could trying to get here before the bell.”

Daniel rubbed the back of his neck and blushed. “Yeah…”

“Daisy’s running late today, too.”

Daniel looked around, pretending that hearing Daisy’s name didn’t make him want to smile. “Oh, of course. She’s usually here early.”

Elena nodded, chuckling a little at his response. She couldn’t tell if he was oblivious or just a bad liar. It was charming, really. “Right. See ya ‘round, Sousa!”

“See ya,” He replied. He thought he heard a quiet ‘Lovable nerds’ coming from the direction she left, but he couldn’t be sure.

And so, with a last look around the computer lab, Daniel set off to arrive late to May’s lecture.

———————————————————————

okay okay,,, what do y’all think?? like/reblog and let me know! it’s the best way to support writers and it only takes a second! stay tuned for more chapters!!

#academy blues #daisy johnson #agents of s.h.i.e.l.d.#dousy #daisy johnson x daniel sousa #timequake #daniel sousa #jemma simmons #leo fitz #fitzsimmons #philinda #philindaisy #ashby’s fics #marvels aos #au!

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headoverhiddles · 5 years ago

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Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn - Marilyn Manson x Reader [Smut]

Synopsis: You, your boyfriend Brian, and his best friend Jeordie are forced by lack of finances to share a hotel room one night while Brian's band performs in Miami Beach. You two have to be quiet not to wake Jeordie...

Notes: Set during Spooky Kids era!! Partially inspired by this video. **Twiggy wasn't a part of the band at this point in time, but fuck it. I wanted to include him.

July 17, 1992.

"I've got... thirteen dollars."

Everyone (aka you, Brian and Jeordie) is sitting around in a circle on Jeordie's messy living room floor.

You and your boyfriend look over to the bassist.

"Thirteen?" Brian sputters, "You stupid fucker, you had 500 dollars last night. Where the hell'd all that go, up your ass?"

Jeordie picks at a hangnail. "Hookers and blow." He begins to pat his leg, drumming a beat. "We should make that a song..."

"We have better things to sing about than hookers and blow," Brian snaps.

"I don't know, I think it'd go with your whole theme," you tease, resting your head on his shoulder. Brian glances down, gaze softening fondly as his fingers thread with yours.

"Yeah, says the girl who probably encouraged him to burn our valuable hotel money on dumb shit last night."

You giggle. "I promise, I had nothing to do with it. Besides, I was with you last night, remember?" Brian smirks, recalling the record you two set.

"Yeah. I remember making you come a bunch of times. What was the challenge again?"

"I dared you to make me come more times than my vibrator could in one night."

"Mmm, and did I pass?"

"With flying colours."

Jeordie whistles, then tries to flip one of the coins from the pooling pile on the floor. It pings off something then disappears into the pit that is his studio apartment.

"Twelve seventy five," Jeordie corrects, staring sadly behind him at the lost quarter. Brian shakes his head, scratching through his hair.

"Jesus Christ, what are we gonna do?! This is a huge stop on the tour. Daisy, Pogo, and Sarah are already there, and the Spooky Kids can't afford to cancel this show because we're... fuckin broke hobos!"

"I'm not a hobo..." Jeordie whispers, watching an ant crawl across his toe. Brian scrapes up some bills to count again, painted fingernails a blur as he shells them out. You count your own too, nodding.

"Okay. I've got 210. Together with your 600... we should have enough for airfare and hotel room, for one night."

Jeordie gives a punched out snort-laugh, staring at the ceiling like it's about to cave in. "Yeah, for one shared room between the three of us."

You and Brian look at each other, shrugging. Jeordie hesitates, then looks at you two in distress.

"Awww."

So, the next day, after successfully making it to the next stop on the Spooky Kids' tour by way of crappy budget airline, you get to the hotel to check in before the show. It's not awful-- it's a pretty good motel, at least.

"I can't wait til we can afford a tour bus," Brian growls miserably, flopping down on one of the double beds. It shoots his lanky body up four feet off the bed as the overly-loaded springs catapult him, and you double over with laughter. Though he looks ready to murder, your laugh is infectious, and Brian starts to chuckle too.

"What the fuck is this?" He goes on, picking up a towel folded into a swan. He turns it around, and pretends to stick his dick into it, humping it as he waddles around the room.

"It's a swan," Jeordie smiles, face smushed into his own bed opposite yours, "I requested the towels be made into pretty swans for us."

"Yeah?" Brian discards the towel in a heap. " Did you also request little chocolates be left on our pillow every night, princess?"

"Dammit. I knew I forgot something."

"Why did we let Jeordie book this?" you groan. "We all know I'm the responsible mom here."

"I beg to differ," Brian says, crawling over top of you and securing his stringbean limbs around you like a giant spider. "I'm more of a mom than you." You giggle.

"Says the man who just pretended to fuck a towel swan."

"What do you mean pretended? That slutty motherfucker's got my jizz all over him, he was begging for it." Brian grins, collapsing on top of you, and you shriek as he attacks you with kisses.

"Go put your makeup on, or you'll be late getting on stage! Then nobody'll ever know who the Spooky Kids are, and your career will never take off, all because you wanted to fuck your girlfriend. Again."

"I'll just tell the bouncers we were busy with hookers and blow, like proper rockstars," Brian murmurs, sucking a hicky into your neck. "They'll buy anything people like us feed em."

"Hookers and blow?" Jeordie perks up, turning to you two.

"No," you and your boyfriend both say at the same time.

Brian does his makeup with a little help from you, and Jeordie does as well. Brian's lower face is covered in red lipstick, and he’s got his striped pink and black leggings on, with an unbuttoned vest and a cat in the hat top hat on his head, long hair brushed out and down to his waist. Jeordie's got one of his green ragdoll dresses on, dreads done up in pigtails.

You three meet up with the other band members, all dressed and ready for the show as well, and you can immediately tell Brian is slipping into his stage persona when he tells the bouncer to go fuck himself on a butcher knife after being asked for ID. (You display the IDs you've got in your purse with many apologies after your boyfriend and his delinquent band waltz in like they own the place, despite the fact that they're only the opening act.)

You stand in the front row of the make-do mosh pit of the dive bar, all big smiles and support. Despite what your family warns you, you have the utmost faith in Brian and his aspirations, and even though he's got an absolute clusterfuck of personalities making up the band behind him, it's a wild wonder of a musical act, and you just know the five of them are gonna go places someday.

"Good evening, all you crazy motherfuckers here in Miami Beach," Brian points out to the crowd, "Let's fuck shit up!" Their opener, Thrift, leads to Lucy In The Sky With Demons, then eventually to everyone's apparent favourite, if the cheering is any guage-- Lunchbox. You like that song too, bouncing around and screaming for it like one of the fans for the night. Brian keeps looking at you, and halfway through the song, he pulls you up on stage, obscenely groping his hands all over your breasts and sucking on them through your bra. You don't mind-- you make a show of moaning, squeezing them together, until you eventually slap him off, wag your finger, and slip back into the crowd, to the laughter and heckles from the crowd.

The show goes later than expected due to the enthusiasm of the crowd. After the show, everyone hung around the bar for a bit too, drinking a couple beers and doing a few lines of coke to mingle with any ego-stroking fans or labels that may have been scouting.

The guys are still all riding the high of the adrenaline and drugs, but it's 3 in the morning now, and since you three have not only one shared suitcase and one shared hotel room but one shared brain cell as well, you all decided it would be a good idea to book a 7 am flight home.

Well. Blame it on it being the most affordable return time.

Once you get back to the room, some Judas Priest is cranked on the tinny room radio because "fuck the other hotel guests, I'm Marilyn Manson", and the air guitars are broken out.

Brian inspects himself in the mirror, making Herculean poses and sticking his tongue out grotesquely, checking for warts or something. He pinches his nipples, scratching down his pale torso.

"I need more tattoos."

"The ones you have now are rad," you mention, kicking off your shoes, "But a few more would make you look even more badass."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, I already wouldn't want to fuck with you. More tattoos? I'd be terrified."

"I thought you were already terrified. You scream every time you see my cock."

"That's cause it's so big..." You playfully lick your lips.

"Yeah? You wanna suck it?" Brian unzips his pants. "Wanna suck on it, baby?"

"I wanna get into bed, is what I want to do," you yawn, peeling your top off and tossing it at Jeordie. Jeordie catches it and dutifully slingshots it into your great big shared suitcase. The neighboring hotel room tenants bang on the wall, mumbling something bitterly incoherent about turning the music down.

"I will kick down your door and skullfuck you, you entitled asshole!" Brian shouts back. The pounding stops abruptly, and you question how you haven't been arrested yet.

"Seriously, I think it's time for bed though," Jeordie mumbles, crawling under his covers like an elderly cat. He jumps and frowns at something on the wall, something you're glad you can't see.

"Fine, grandpa," Brian rolls his eyes, and kills the volume on the rock station.

Five minutes later, you come out of the bathroom in one of Brian's oversized Black Sabbath T-shirts, and run a hand through your hair, walking over to get into bed with Brian. He's still scrubbing some of the eyeliner at the sink, and you beckon him.

"Come here. I wanna cuddle."

Brian grunts, and rubs his face once more, walking over to the door naked save for his boxer briefs to make doubly sure it's locked.

"Only space for three psychos in this room," he says, then does a barrel roll into bed, sweeping the covers over you both. The light is turned out, and Brian snuggles into you from behind, wrapping his arms around your middle.

"Bri," you whisper. He hums into your hair.

"Yeah."

You flip around to face him, your noses touching. He blinks, and you bite your lip, reaching under the covers. He bites back a moan, and you lean in to whisper.

"I'm wet for you."

Brian immediately looks over, and tosses a pillow at his best friend's head. "Hey Jeordie, fuck off for the night."

"What? No! I'm... trying to sleep..."

"The one night he decides not to get shitfaced and wander the streets," Brian sighs.

"It's no fun to do that yourself," Jeordie mopes. "Actually, that's not true. I'm just tired."

"Fuck," Brian mutters. You two let a few seconds go by.

"Is he asleep?" you whisper.

"I think so," Brian mumbles back, then gasps as you cup him again through his underwear, reaching in with the other hand to wrap around his half-hard dick.

"(y/n), I gotta be in you," he hisses, "Fast."

"Just... shhh..." you giggle, and he bites his lower lip, rolling on top of you under the covers. His long raven hair curtains around you, and he reaches down to pull his dick out. You wiggle your hips excitedly, holding onto his forearms, and he takes a condom off the bedside table, rolling it on. He winces at the contact, the touch of his own hand to get the rubber on enough to make him harden even more. He moans, finally pushing into you.

"O-oh..." you try to keep your voice down to a squeak. "Bri... Bri, Bri, Brian, fuck... I love your cock..."

"Call me Marilyn," he whispers.

"Hmm?"

"Call me Marilyn, I wanna hear you say it," he grunts, rocking his hips in again. He holds your wrists together above your head as his thrusts get deeper.

"God, please... fuck me harder, Marilyn," you breathe softly. His pace increases, both of you still attempting to be quiet so as not to wake your partner.

"Yeah... yeah, yeah," he whispers, "Fuck yeah, baby. You're so good for me. God, oh..."

Your eyes roll back as you smile in bliss, feeling your hands down your boyfriend's back as he does his best to make you come not in record quantity tonight, but record time.

"That feel good?"

"Uh huh..."

"Your pussy feel good now? Nice and full?"

"Yeah, oh my god. Mar... Marilyn..." You feel your orgasm coming, so you hook your feet just above his ass and smirk, thinking of something you know will do the trick. It may be dumb, but it's bound to work.

"It feels so fucking amazing getting fucked by the antichrist."

He buries his face beside your shoulder as his hips stutter, and you can feel him finish inside the condom, thrusting his hips erratically and quickly as he milks it. Each thrust is taking you closer, and you two breathe and pant together as Brian holds you, making you come with wave after wave of a gorgeous climax.

"Ah, fuck that was good," you breathe. Brian rolls off of you, depositing the condom and tucking it under his pillow. You wrinkle your nose. “Ew, man.”

"It'll make housekeeping smile. She can sell it on eBay, make more than we earn in a tour. Or she can jam it up inside her and call us for child support."

You giggle, and slap his chest lightly. He kisses you, and settles comfortably down beside you again, slipping his arms underneath yours.

"Do you think Jeordie's still asleep?" you whisper, stifling a laugh. Suddenly, a clear voice rings out.

"If you two loud assholes think I slept through that, then you must think I'm fucking deaf," Jeordie blurts. "Assholes."

Brian starts laughing, even as his friend keeps calling him an asshole. "You're next," Brian teases, and Jeordie sighs.

"Leave me alone and let me sleep."

"Get the lube, (y/n), it's Jeordie's turn to be violated by the dirty man who broke into this hotel room, aka me."

"Fuck off!"

"Fine, fuck you, more dick for (y/n)," Brian grins, and you smile, holding him to you.

You listen to the white noise of the deteriorating air conditioner. The rhythmic rising and falling of his chest tells you he's passed out behind you, dreaming and adorable with his face pressed into the back of your neck.

You glance behind you. "Jeord, babe? Sorry for keeping you up. Really."

Jeordie just smiles. "Honestly, I was listening the whole time to see what his secret is. How do you make someone come that much? It's insane."

You giggle into the pillow, and Brian wakes up long enough to croak: "Cause I am the God of Fuck."

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zedpercyfan · 5 years ago

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The Sirens of Cerulean | Part One

A City in the Fog

A thick fog was out one cold late afternoon along the Cerulean coast; it hung and swirled. One of Cerulean City’s oldest structures, an ancient white lighthouse, stood atop a cliff, standing as a guardian to guide ships away from the perils of the rocks below.

Tracey Sketchit was the lighthouse’s current keeper, the original one having retired some years back, leaving the position open. Tracey had been without much of a consistent job and took it since the pay was so good, plus it came with housing attached. There was also plenty of Pokémon that passed, and the occasional wandering Trainer that could keep him company or let him draw them and their Pokémon, a favorite pastime of his.

The black-haired man sighed, it was afternoon and he was bored as he finished sipping his tea. He grabbed his sketchbook, wandered upstairs and went outside to the balcony – the wind rustled his clothes and hair as he stood. “Right, anything that wants to be drawn…?” he thought aloud. Some migrating Wingull roosted nearby amongst the usual coast residents of Pidgeys, its evolutions, and the local Corsolas, Poliwags, and others that lived there. Tracey smiled, and began to scribble away as his Marill joined alongside him.

He continued his penmanship until a low, soft, feminine voice was heard, a kind of singing. Tracey’s hand stopped, and rested the thick book against the wet, rusted railing. He scratched his chin thoughtfully whilst Marill blinked in wonderment, her mouth agape. He pointed a finger toward the ocean. “Y’know,” said Tracey. “I really do think that they’re out there.” Marill looked over, eyebrow raised. “Well, you know what I mean.” He leaned in and whispered. “Come on…I know that you can feel their presence as well…”

He did not get an answer, as Marill was looking out towards the fog covered ocean where the voice could be heard. Tracey looked down, only to see that down below, the Pokémon looked the exact same way. The man blinked but said nothing. He just followed their gaze and remained silent as they all peered into the wispy soup.

OoOoO

Later that afternoon, a young man of about his mid-twenties came slowly trudging along the dirt path from the nearby forest. With a Pikachu resting on his shoulder, the man walked with a carefree nature, his black shirt and pants were simple, but what was most strange of all was that he had a dark blue coat – almost like a cape – on him for warmth.

He seemed to wander aimlessly till he heard a sultry sound, it carried along the breeze. It was delicate yet packed a pleasant spine chilling evocation with it. “Wow, that’s some voice,” he said, mildly awed. He looked to his Pikachu. “What do you say, buddy? Shall we follow this strange but alluring voice?”

“Pi Pikachu!” squeaked the mouse in agreement. Ash hummed in agreement.

He followed against the sea breeze till he reached the water – his feet stopping as soon as he felt rock beneath him. He looked out across the rocks where the sea met land. “So this is Cerulean City?” he said. “Well, the air is salty enough for it.” He shivered in the breeze and began to notice that the light was fading. “Almost nightfall…can’t stay out here. Brr…” Pikachu whimpered and buried himself in his Master’s cloak. He looked around and saw the giant lighthouse to his left, behind it stood the city itself. Slowly and carefully, he began to trudge toward it.

A short walk later he reached the city and found his way to an inn. A rather shabby looking place built out of grey stone. The raven haired man wandered in and tapped the bell for service. “Coming!” a voice yelled. A girl who looked barely past nineteen came sprinting from a room behind the counter before she nearly impaled herself on the wooden desk; her hands saved her as they reached out to stop her from the accident. She had dark blue hair which flowed all over her face from the inertia.

“Careful,” chuckled the traveler. “It’s not a race.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” said the girl as she pushed her hair back into place behind her ears. “Right…welcome to the Cerulean Playhouse Inn, I’m your host, Dawn Berlitz! How may I help you today?”

“Cerulean…P-playhouse…Inn…? Eh?”

“Pi pika…”

“Cerulean Playhouse Inn,” repeated Dawn. “This was once the site of an old theater, some of the old framework was used to create this place a hundred years ago. As a gesture of hospitality, I love to entertain the guests daily with a Pokémon performance. You know, like a Pokémon Contest.”

“Ah, I see, sounds great,” the man said.

“Good to hear!” chirped Dawn with a sway of her head. “Anyways, what’s your need here?”

“I’d like a room, stay time indeterminate,” he said. “I’m Ash by the way, Ash Ketchum.”

“Ash Ketchum,” repeated Dawn as she scribbled his name down. “Um, why ‘indeterminate’?” Ash flinched.

“Just trust me. I’m a little in the dark on the matter myself.”

“I think I get it…” said Dawn with a nervous chuckle. They continued the paperwork and Dawn soon finished up. “Right,” she said, holding a hand out to the doorway on her left, “if you’ll just follow me sir, we’ll be at your room.”

Ash followed her, but just as Dawn began to go up the stairs, a man with blond hair suddenly stomped into view on the upstairs landing and looked down at Ash grimly. “Hey, what’s the big idea?!” he shouted. Dawn pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

“Barry, he’s a customer, he’s not here to steal your glory as a Pokémon trainer or…”

“Oh yeah!? Well, if he is after my glory then I’m tripling his fine!”

Ash blinked. “Triple my fine? I’m broke enough as it is…”

“Oh no, Mr. Black Hair show off! You’re not stealing any of my glory. Me and Empoleon shall crush you, and—”

“Barry!” shouted Dawn. “As if anything like that has to do with anything!”

“Oh yes it does!” replied Barry with an accusatory finger. He slammed the railing with both of his hands, fumes practically roaring from his nostrils. “You listen here, tough guy! This establishment has tons of trainers staying here overnight every day! They’re in, they’re out. Take the hint! We don’t have the room to house some dude who says he doesn’t know how long he’ll be here! Honestly…!” And he stormed off.

Dawn gritted her teeth. “Ignore him,” she said as looked back at him. Ash could only grimace at her unsubtle twitching eyebrow. He could only imagine that what that ‘Barry’ had said wasn’t close to the tip of Dawn’s iceberg.

“R-right…”

Dawn said no more on the matter and lead – with noticeable irritation – Ash into his assigned room. She was about to leave when…

“Excuse, Dawn?” began Ash. “But may I ask a question of you?”

“Sure thing – what do you need to know?”

“Well, to start. How long have you been here?”

“For over half of my life,” replied Dawn. “My Mother and I moved here from the Sinnoh region to have a fresher start.”

“I see. Then tell me – what do you know of the Cerulean Sirens?”

Dawn’s originally polite countenance fell to an uncertain one. “The Sirens…?” she muttered. “Not sure in all honesty. But every time a major fog comes rolling in we hear these strange sounds coming from the ocean. There have been rumors, you see, about how the Sirens use the fog to sneak about and intermingle with us humans once we’ve gone and lost ourselves in the soup.”

“Yeah, it would seem right for them given their descriptions,” said Ash. “But, tell me, do you believe they exist?”

The bluenette tapped her chin in thought. “I guess. Though I’d much rather meet one than go on believing simple fishermen’s tales.”

Ash nodded. “Just curious,” he added, by way of deflecting any questions about why he had asked. “Good night.”

“Good night,” said Dawn with a bow. She turned back and closed his door. Once Ash was sure she was out of earshot, he walked to the window and opened it. For the second time that evening, a strange melody filled the air – soft yet powerful, calming yet unnerving.

OoOoO

It won’t lift for anytime soon it seems, thought Tracey as he stared in boredom out of the observation window the tune the only thing keeping him amused – he then blew the foghorn once again before stepping out to the balcony. When he did he heard strange splashing sounds from below. He scanned the area but saw nothing. Must be a Pokémon…

It was only the fog that covered the mysterious singer…

Beneath the fog and cold waves a few figures swam up to the surface and looked around. Soon enough they heard the same low song that Ash and Tracey were listening to, they nodded to each other before diving back under the water.

Deep in the water some few miles away from Cerulean they approached a strange civilization made of stone bricks. The two figures swam towards the largest building, protected by two other figures holding tridents, one of whom gave the scouts a stern look before nodding. Inside, the scouts approached a brown-haired figure whose tail flicked back and forth, arms crossed in front of his chest in impatience.

“We overheard the enemy singing out again,” said one, “and as usual, it was directed toward the ape primitives.”

The brown hair figure’s frown deepened. “Ever the persistent ones, those harpies,” he sneered. “I swear, when we’re done we won’t ever have to hear our vocals ever directed at those despicable apes ever again!”

OoOoO

“ ‘Well why shouldn’t we?!’ is what we’re obviously yelling to them,” huffed a pink-haired figure. She was talking to another one with blue hair, who was sitting next to one with orange hair. “They deserve it, the bratty troublemakers.”

“It’s all changed since our old ruler passed away,” the orange head said with a sigh. “Speaking on the topic of ‘why shouldn’t we’ – where’s Daisy?”

“You called?” said the woman in question. A beautiful blond woman swam elegantly in, her appearance above all else being even more beautiful than her three sisters’. But to call them just humans would be inaccurate – they were Sirens, or to put more simply with terms associated with fantasy, mermaids.

“Yes actually,” put in Lily, the pink-haired one. “We were actually wondering where in you’d gone.”

Daisy swam up the table they were sitting around and grabbed a piece of coral and took a bite out of it. “Just out singing,” she said nonchalantly.

“Singing where?” asked Violet, the blue-haired one.

“Y’know, out on the ocean,” replied Daisy as she avoided eye contact. She began chewing more on her food, this time far more aggressively.

“You were out singing for that lighthouse guy, weren’t you?” said Lily finally. Daisy choked on a piece of the coral fruit. “Knew it!” she sang victoriously, pumping a fist into the water.

“That’s dangerous, you know,” said Misty, the orange-haired, and youngest of the four sisters. “You’re lucky the fogs about. Why do you risk yourself so much just to sing for a guy?”

Daisy recovered from her cough. “You wouldn’t understand, Misty,” she said.

“I think I understand that we’re in enough hot water as it is with the rest of our kind!”

“But,” said Violet pointedly, “you did join us willingly in our stand against Rudy when he became ruler.”

“Y-yes, I did,” said Misty. She looked to Daisy. “I’m just worried about your safety. Not because of the humans but just in case any of Rudy’s thugs goes and finds you.”

“Ha ha! Misty, you worry too much,” said Daisy. “Those silly Sirens wouldn’t go near the human’s settlement unless they were ordered to, and we’re settled too close to them to make threatening us an impossible reality.”

“The pure amount of phobia they have is as sensible as staring into the sun,” Misty muttered. She then yawned. “Well, I’m tired, so I’ll be going to sleep. Come along, Goldeen. Night all.” Her Pokémon partner opened her eyes and quickly swam after her short-haired mistress. Daisy watched her disappear into the cave.

“I think,” she said to no one in particularly, “that that girl could do with something new in her life.”

OoOoO

“It’s quite easy, Dawn,” grumbled Barry as they walked through the hallways. “Just go up to him, say ‘Thank you for your partro-patro…PATRONAGE, at Cerulean Playhouse Inn, but we only do one-night stays, so please have yourself a good stay in this city, and get out!’ It’s easy!”

“Oh cool off,” sneered Dawn. “What’s the harm in him staying for more than one night?”

“It’s the principle,” said Barry pompously. “We serve travelers, not tourists.”

“Ash is hardly a tourist,” said Dawn evenly.

“Oh, taking his side now are we?”

“Not even close. I just don’t think that there is any harm in letting him stay. Besides, it’s hardly written down that we only serve for one night here.”

Barry didn’t immediately reply, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned towards another corridor. He huffed heavily. “You’re the one defending him.”

“Only because he’s a nice man, unlike you! Your antagonism to him last night was hardly warranted.”

“Oh just do what you want,” sighed Barry, walking away.

“Honestly,” said Dawn aside before looking in Barry’s direction. “I swear, I could make a living out of dealing with stubborn men like you!”

Just up above, Ash had finished getting ready for his day, in his hand was a strange book, the condition of its binding suggested it was of elderly age. With the book safely in his arms, and Pikachu on the opposite shoulder, he arrived at the top of the second floor landing in time to hear the last part of Dawn and Barry’s spat.

“Ugh!” shouted Dawn in frustration. “Stubborn brat, he should be thankful I even give him as many chances to keep working here as I do!”

“Hah!” said Ash suddenly. Dawn blinked in surprise and whirled round to see Ash beginning to go down the stairs. “Tell us how you really feel.”

Dawn sighed. “He’s only in it for the money, and his work effort is subpar, but he’s a decent hustle in the case of ruffians showing up.” She paused and noticed the strange book. “Oh, what’s that about?”

“This? Ah, just some research I plan on looking into.”

“Is it to do with Sirens?”

“Um – er – well…” Ash slowly crept up to Dawn and leaned in. “Well, yes, it does actually.”

“Wow! Really?! Or are you just pulling an elaborate prank because you think of me as someone who’d believe anything?!”

“What? No, no, no, not at all!” cried Ash in alarm as he stepped back.

Dawn quickly calmed down. Ash could only marvel at the wonder of a woman’s mood swings. “All right then – prove you’re actually on to something.”

Ash sighed and beckoned her closer. He then held out a hand and it began to glow in a blue color in a shape that Dawn could only describe as a ball, then, he made it disappear. Before she could speak, he spoke up. “I’m an Aura user,” he said in a hushed tone. “The society I belong to recently has felt some strange spikes and stagnations coming from this area. However, we really don’t know what’s causing them since those signals are coming from way out on the ocean. What we suspect is that the rumors going around about the actual existence of the Sirens might just be true.”

“So…they might actually exist?”

“Might is an accurate word for this situation,” he replied. “The legends spoke of them being able to harness a great power and channel it through various methods with their advanced technology that’s incomparable to our very own. But…” he added with uncertainty, “again, we just don’t have any confirmation.”

Dawn mulled the situation over, all of the info she got was quite shocking to her and she was struggling to comprehend it all, but he said it all with such conviction that she fully believed it. “So, what you’re saying is, is that there appears to be trouble, but it’s only a theory?”

“Yeah, it’s only an idea. I have no idea until I finally know what’s happening.”

“Wait though!” said Dawn as realization came to her. “If we’re in danger, shouldn’t the citizens know about it…?”

“Shh! Shh!” said Ash sharply. He brought a finger to Dawn’s lips. “As I said, it’s just an idea. No one else can know why I’m here, at least not until I know exactly what’s going on here. Dawn,” he added quietly. “Can I trust you to not say a word about this anyone else? Extra people knowing what’s happening might cause more trouble than necessary.” Dawn’s eyes widened, Ash didn’t seem to be playing light anymore, his look was extremely serious – whatever it was that he was looking into, it wasn’t a dead end. She nodded affirmatively. “Good.” Ash smiled, and then quickly took his leave into the misty city.

OoOoO

“…Wake up! Wake up!” came a prattling voice on the other end of her seaweed curtain. Misty groaned and got up from the shell that was her bed.

“What do you need, Daisy?” she asked sleepily.

“It’s already eight o’clock actually!” said Daisy cheerily. “So, like, it’s you who should’ve been up a while ago missy. Anyways…!” Daisy then invited herself into her sister’s room. “I was, like, thinking that you could do with a routine change, so come with me!”

“Go with you where…?”

“Oh, just around the reef. It’s been too long since we’ve spent time together – you really got to wonder where time flies.”

“That time took flight as a result of you disappearing of somewhere quite regularly recently…” said Misty sarcastically.

“Oh lighten up,” sang Daisy, and swam off with Misty reluctantly following.

Along the waves, Daisy saw a male Siren swimming a few yards away from where she and Misty were travelling. The male frowned when he saw the two approaching. “And just where are you two ladies off to at this hour?” he asked cautiously.

“Morning to you too, Sean,” replied Daisy crisply.

“You’ve got some nerve being snippy,” grumbled Sean. “You’re the ones who went and defected – your pitiful resistance group lives pathetically. Honestly, your opinions are all insane.”

“I don’t recall asking for your opinions at all,” answered Daisy. “I’ll ask when I want an idiot’s position.” And she quickly swam off.

“Nicely handled,” praised Misty when they were out of earshot.

“You get used to it when you’re on the defending side,” said Daisy with a smile. “Anyways, this is your surprise.” She pointed towards the surface of the ocean, though the light looked more fractured than usual.

“Huh, a storm might be passing by,” observed Misty.

“Yeah, I felt it in the waves,” added Daisy. “But all the same, you’ll really like what I’m about to show you.” Before Misty could voice an opinion, Daisy grabbed her by the wrist and pull her up to the surface, the area they were was covered with rocks, one of which the blond rested herself against.

“Ugh! The surface?” coughed Misty. “What is it from here that you’d want me to see?”

“Take a look.” The orange head opened her eyes and gazed upwards to what Daisy had been pointing to and gasped. It was the lighthouse, standing tall and somewhat menacingly over the washed clifftops and swirling fog.

“The lighthouse?!” she spluttered. “Wait a minute, what are you showing me a human structure for?”

“One – I think it’s beautiful, two – you’ve never seen it yourself before, and three – take a look up there…” said Daisy, whose tone went surprisingly soft on her third statement.

“What am I looking for?”

Her older sister pointed a finger at the male figure with black hair atop the balcony. “Him,” she said dreamily. “Oh…what a looker that one is. His name is Tracey. I’ve been observing his movements for a while recently.”

“So this is where you’ve been off to all this time?”

“Yeah, it’s quite out of the way from Rudy and his goons, and no one else really passes through here except for Pokémon, so I can observe him in peace.” Misty blinked, clearly not understanding. “I think he’s sweet,” went on Daisy. “You know what he does aside from keeping that light going? He watches the Pokémon, closely at that, he even draws them in that weird book of his…”

“Draws?”

“Yes. He talks often to that Marill of his, they seem awfully close. He calls himself a Pokémon Watcher, which I think has to do with that drawing habit of his. Whatever drawing means, it seems similar to our photos back home. So I think it’s just an archaic version of that – even if it does seem like a lot of work for something we could do in seconds. So primitive! Although…I wish I could get the chance to see his work up close, just to know what it’s like.”

Misty gulped. “You wouldn’t risk approaching him, would you?”

“What, are you suddenly as afraid of the humans as the rest of those ‘Magikarp’ we call our kind as well?”

“N-no…” said Misty quietly as she sunk under the water, her sister following. “I’m just scared for your sakes.”

Daisy smiled gently at her little sister. “Don’t worry, Misty, I’ve been careful, and if my observations are anything to go by, he’s curious about us as well. Well,” she added with a mischievous snicker, “mostly in me, that is. I am the one who has been singing for him recently. Ooh! I know, I could sing right now actually.” Daisy immediately popped her head out the water. Misty didn’t know why, but in reflex she dove further down into the water.

She watched as Daisy began to sing. They were both so preoccupied that failed to notice that Misty’s Goldeen was beginning to panic. The nearby weeds were swaying furiously, and the Pokémon began to scatter – the girls were oblivious to it.

OoOoO

Ash made his way through the fog, all the areas closest to the water in town was packed with people either at market or fishing. He wanted to begin his search by investigating places where he had heard the strange song being sung the night before. The book told him that often with Sirens the first sign of them being about would be fog. Deducing from that, he decided to head back to the lighthouse where the fog had first begun to appear and where the voice originated.

He stepped cautiously through before stepping up to the door and rapped loudly. “Ahoy! Ahoy, Keeper! Anybody home?!” he yelled.

Tracey was just putting some finishing touches on a drawing of his when Ash’s loud knocks disturbed him, luckily, he didn’t ruin his own work. “Who the devil could that be?” he said in surprise.

“Marill, mar?”

Tracey didn’t give in a second thought and hurried downstairs where he found Ash. Tracey couldn’t help but of him as a strange man.

“Ah, hello Keeper,” said Ash as he let himself into the building. “Hope you don’t mind; could do with getting out of the winds.”

“Mm, those winds are bit fierce,” said Tracey. “But anyways, who are you and what do you want? Almost no one from Cerulean visits the lighthouse, except Mrs. Meyers to deliver me bread.”

“Well, I’m not from around here, I’m a traveler,” said Ash as he aired out his coat. “I’m Ash, Ash Ketchum.”

“Sketchit, Tracey Sketchit.”

“A pleasure, Tracey, and sorry for the intrusion but I’ve come to ask something of you.”

Tracey raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Heard any…strange songs lately?”

“Oh, well yes I have,” said Tracey, shocked yet pleased at having someone aside from his Pokémon to talk to about the strange occurrences. “It happens almost every day actually. Just…comes randomly, fog or not. Whoever she is, she has a fantastic voice.”

“I can imagine,” said Ash grinning. “I overheard the tune when I passed by last night. Tell me, do you think it’s a Siren?”

Tracey was astonished! “Y-you believe they exist?”

“Well, do you?” asked Ash. “You’re the one hearing these miraculous songs.”

“I know, and I do believe in them,” answered Tracey confidently. “Well, see I want to. Thing is though, I’ve never seen one.”

“Mmm,” muttered Ash in agreement. Just then the two men both heard a familiar, and spine-chillingly, but calming, female voice – it was the mysterious singer.

“Speak of the Devil…” said Tracey.

“Yeah,” replied Ash. “Think it’s a Siren?”

Tracey seemed unsure, he shook his head to get the doubt out before a more confident looked came to him. “What else is there to explain why those songs keep coming from the ocean?” he said

His visitor only shrugged, before a sight from the window caught his eye. “Well, who knows? Perhaps it’s just our minds playing tricks on us. But oh man, look at that.”

Coming in from the sea were huge rolling waves. “Uh oh,” said Tracey, though he sounded calmer than he should have. “Better keep an eye out – there could be fishermen out on the bay, I only hope they aren’t getting caught in that, or our singer!” Before Ash could speak, Tracey dashed back upstairs. Ash grimaced as he heard the waves.

“Come on,” he said to Pikachu, and dashed out the door. A freak wind passed through, blowing up sea water and tiny pebbles, the waves crashing fiercely against the rocks. Ash heard a high-pitched scream suddenly and followed it. “Don’t worry! I’m coming!”

OoOoO

Misty was panicked as the icy water swirled around her – she couldn’t navigate through all the confusion. Suddenly, she hit a rock face; she thought for a moment that it was a cliff and that she was safe. She held Goldeen and breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly a large wave came and Misty shrieked as the force hit her and pushed her up the slick rock, she dragged over the jagged structure, her nerves firing off as the feeling of pain coursed through her. She landed tail first into the hard rock surface on the other side. “Ow!” she wailed loudly.

She took in her surroundings as soon as the chaos stopped – there was only enough water to submerge her bottom half, leaving her torso exposed to the earth. “Oh no,” she gasped. She had been forced into a tiny cove, the rock she fell in from being too big to climb. Her tail was bruised and she saw it was beginning to swell – she winced at the sight. She was worried – she was stranded!

Her heart rate began to go up. She was trapped, alone, in plain sight and with Daisy nowhere in sight. “Oh Goldeen,” she whispered in fright. “What if a human finds me…?” She had heard rumors that humans destroyed what they knew nothing about.

Ash jogged as quickly and as safely as he could over the dangerous terrain, whoever was in trouble needed to get out of the storm and fast. Wind and rain buffeted him. He hurried around the stones before halting with a loud screech of his heels.

Splashing before him in a pool of water was a figure that looked like a girl in a swimsuit, her hair orange went only as far as her shoulders. But most shocking for him of all was…

“A…tail?” he said aloud. It was large, green, made of scales, and pretty.

Misty squirmed round and stared in fright, any cry for help was lost in her throat like a cornered Pokémon.

Ash found his voice. “You…” he began. “You’re a Siren, right?”

#Pokemon #zedpercyfan #Pokeshipping #pokeani #SatoKasu #the sirens of cerulean

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this-is-a-love-story-fleabag · 5 years ago

Text

Love is awful (2/5)

More Fleabag fluff. 1168 words. Also available on ao3.

All chapters: prelude 1 2 3 4 5

The priest let out a good-humoured groan. He was sprawled happily over the grass with a preposterously large fishing hat over his face and a cold tin of M&S G&T in one hand. He was wearing her favourite of his t-shirts, the one with the little buttons at the neck and long sleeves that he’d pushed up over his forearms. God, his forearms. “Leviticus is cheating,” he said, indistinctly. “That man had some serious problems.” “This book is the word of God, you can’t just pick and choose which parts of it to take seriously.” He lifted up the hat to peer at her, incredulous. “You’re really not at all familiar with the history of Christianity, are you?”

Somehow, the brilliant blue of the sky, the moth-eaten tartan blanket that they’d taken from the rectory, and the sun beating down on Hampstead Heath elevated a box of cafe leftovers and some cans of pre-mixed cocktails into a genteel picnic. She lay across the blanket on her stomach, wearing a white sundress, already marred by several severe grass stains, kicking her converse in the air as she studied the book in front of her. “Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind,” she read aloud, “thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed; neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.” The priest let out a good-humoured groan. He was sprawled happily over the grass with a preposterously large fishing hat over his face and a cold tin of M&S G&T in one hand. He was wearing her favourite of his t-shirts, the one with the little buttons at the neck and long sleeves that he’d pushed up over his forearms. God, his forearms. “Leviticus is cheating,” he said, indistinctly. “That man had some serious problems.” “This book is the word of God, you can’t just pick and choose which parts of it to take seriously.” He lifted up the hat to peer at her, incredulous. “You’re really not at all familiar with the history of Christianity, are you?” “How do you think Jesus would feel about poly-cotton?” “Sweaty and itchy, the same way everyone feels when they wear poly-cotton.” “How about labradoodles?” “You’re missing the point,” he said petulantly, propping himself up on one elbow and abandoning the hat entirely. “What is the point of forbidding mixed crops?” “The point is, fuck off!” “This is some nuanced theological discourse, Father.” “You have not entered into this discussion in good faith. I should confiscate this,” he said, jabbing the bible with an accusing finger. “It’s just giving you ideas.” She closed the book with a snap and waved it at him. “I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,” she recited from memory, with her best approximation of an obsequious face. “Rather, she is to remain silent. Is that right?” “Don’t you point that thing at me!” He narrowed his eyes. “Have you been memorising bits of the bible just to annoy me?” “Yes.” “Well that’s… a lot of commitment,” he said with a laugh, deflating. She made an undignified snort of amusement, and he flopped the fishing hat over her head. “How do I look?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes and adjusting the hat to a rakish angle. “Beautiful,” he said, after looking at her for a long, appreciative moment. “I never thought I’d get you doing Bible study on a Saturday.” “In a pure and virginal white dress, no less,” she added, “100% cotton.” “Plus about 10% grass stains.” “Yeah, I had to catch a frisbee. I don’t think that’s explicitly forbidden in the bible.” Their conversations mostly went like this, verbal sparring that degenerated into good-natured bickering. Every now and then, he would look at her, suddenly completely helpless and lost, and he’d have to press her up against a wall and kiss her, even if they were in the middle of cooking dinner, or stuck on the Tube, or listening to a Very Serious Feminist Talk. It would be inconvenient, she thought, if it wasn’t so nice. On cue, he rolled over on the grass and nudged at her face with his nose, asking for a kiss. She pretended to consider it for a moment, then brought her fingers to tilt his chin upwards and pressed her lips to his. He made a happy little noise and rolled back, pulling her on top of him and into a bear hug, eliciting a squeal. She melted a bit, despite herself, and peppered his face with (embarrassing, sappy) kisses. She was feeling sixteen again, in some ways - day drinking in the park, free and unfettered under a blazing sky - except she wasn’t excruciatingly aware of her own gangly awkwardness, there were no bottles of suspiciously blue alcopops in the vicinity, and the boy she was snogging wasn’t trying to grow an ill-advised pubescent moustache. Acting like a teenager was much better, she mused, when you were actually an adult. “We should graffiti something,” she said into his chin, “or listen to melodramatic music then jump over a ticket barrier.” “First of all, I don’t want to get shot, and second of all, what?” “Nothing, never mind. Are you hungry?” “For food?” He was smiling his third-dirtiest smile. She waggled her eyebrows. “Do you want a slice of my pie, Father?” “Oh God, that actually sounds really good,” he realised, groping behind his head for the picnic basket. She pulled herself upright to pull the basket closer and retrieved a couple of takeaway boxes. “Mushroom or goat’s cheese?” “Surprise me.” The afternoon rolled by, slow like treacle, as they ate and talked and threw crumbs at each other. He strung together a daisy chain and laid it lovingly over her hair. She blew a dandelion clock in his face. It was nice. English weather being what it was, however, after a while the sky clouded over and fat raindrops started to land on their skin. “Did you bring an umbrella?” she asked as she scooped everything higgledy-piggledy into the basket. “Nope, you?” “Nope.” “Fuck. Time to run!” He grabbed her hand and dragged her along after him, giggling like an idiot. They sprinted across the park and took shelter under an awning, damp and shivering. He rubbed her arms to warm them up. “Do you think it’s going to let up?” he said, peering hopefully at the sky. “Well, eventually.” He drew her into a warm hug, resting his chin on top of her dripping hair. “I think you’re making me wetter,” she said into his shirt. He drew back. “Sorry, sorry.” “I didn’t say to let go!” She scouted the area, assessing their options. “Bus!” she cried, spying one that looked like it was going the right way. She pulled his hand and they set off at a run, waving the rolled-up picnic blanket madly at the driver as the bus approached the stop. They piled into a seat, flushed and panting a little, and laughed at their mutual dampness. “You look like a drowned thing,” he said, ineffectively patting at her damp head with his equally damp hand. “You look like an aftershave advert,” she said truthfully, taking in his muscles under his translucent t-shirt and his handsomely tousled hair. “Unfair.” "Fuck, you're freezing," he said, taking her hands in his. "It was your stupid deity that made it rain." "Well, he does sometimes like to do me little favours." "Favours? You're just as wet as me." He waited until they were about to step off the bus before responding. "I can see your nipples through your dress," he whispered, then sprinted away before she could punch him.

Next chapter ->

#fleabag #love is awful #fleabag x the priest #fleabag/priest #my fics

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sussex-nature-lover · 4 years ago

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Monday 28th December 2020

The Local Bird List - Parts 1 & 2

I was so disappointed to lose all the typing I’d done with my bird list and then I got side-tracked with the new birds we saw on Saturday. So I’m giving it another go and I’m making up my own categories.

MOST RELIABLE BACK GARDEN REGULARS

We’re guaranteed to see these birds every day at the moment, good numbers of them and multiple times throughout the day. I’m including notes from my own thoughts rather than anything technical.

♦ bold type indicates an outside link not affiliated to this blog

Robin

We have a good population of Robins in and around the gardens, back and front and both sides and from the woods. I’m aware of several nests and yes, they have before now used the open fronted box we have opposite the door in our front porch, with successful fledgings. They’ve nested in the side shrubbery adjacent to our neighbours and on one occasion one made a nest in a tall chest height planter that I hadn’t got around to sorting out. I’d got as far as half filling it with waste rubble and then it was out of bounds - not that I minded.

Blackbird

There are several pairs and for years Blackbird was my (very) early wake up call. Our bedroom is at the back of the house with lawn directly below the window and the woods beyond. The sound really carries and low and behold the birds who sing loudest always choose to pitch up right below the window. What I love about Blackbird, apart from their physical appearance, is how they rummage through the fallen leaves, they’re so determined and I also love to watch how the young follow a parent, it always reminds me of a game of Grandmother’s Footsteps.

Robin and Blackbird are members of the Four ‘Nightsingers’ Group along with Song Thrush and Nightingale, which are on the later lists.

Starling

Absolutely beautiful birds, particularly when the sun catches their feathers and the light plays on them. They look bejewelled - so snazzy that our collective name for them is the Peaky Blinders after the TV series and the gang members’ style and fashion sense. I really love the juvenile plumage - they often look like they’re wearing waistcoats. Starlings usually arrive as a mob and behave in the same unruly and raucous manner, devastating both the fat ball supply and the water bath. They have a ‘Club House’ just behind the decking in one of the shaped bushes.

Chaffinch

Not a bird that makes a huge impression to be honest, but when you look at them properly, very pretty. The females seem to have sweet faces and the males’ colouring is more intricate than you first appreciate. They’d declined in our garden, but still seem to be breeding. Some of the males this year have, at times, had such a deep colouring I kept hoping they were Bullfinch - sadly not.

House Sparrow

I think the males often look quite fierce, it’s something to do with the colouring around the eyes, much like the male Chaffinch, who I always regard as looking quite stern. The females have a much softer appearance and feather patterns, almost like the female Pheasant in that they’re only shades of browns and taupe and other natural colours, but the patterns are actually really pretty when you study them.

We call Sparrows either Dirks or Hodders. The former is after a previous neighbour whose bedding ended up in a communal courtyard (best not to ask) and the latter after a local firm of builders...yes, that’s a sign of how much ‘development’ the House Sparrows pursue around here. Hoorah. The flocks are strong and they certainly know where to come for food, either the seed or the fat balls.

Dunnock

Easily confused with Sparrow but a quieter and more solitary bird usually found ambling around the margins of the shrubbery minding their own business. Often falls into that difficult category of the Little Brown Jobs.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Breed extremely well here and visit the fat ball feeders constantly every day. One of my favourites. Since they discovered a reliable source of food they seem to have stopped attacking the nest boxes to prey on nestlings. I had a period of constantly watching on edge listening and repairing damaged boxes. This one is adept at taking a good sized noggin which he pushes into a hole in the trunk so he can peck away at it undisturbed, although he will sometimes remove it and relocate to another trunk, any loss is someone else’s gain.

Nuthatch

Similar to GSW ... also not adverse to a noggin or two

they are here in great number, breed well and are at both the seed and the fat ball feeders constantly. I always know when this beautiful little bird arrives as they drop straight down like a helicopter landing. They go up and down the palm in both directions, head up or head down. It’s a specialist technique.

Great Tit

Larger than the Blue and more sensible, although they did get into a rolling battle this year with House Sparrows. It was all over the nest box on the side wall and in the end the Sparrows won.

Blue Tit

Tiny birds identified by their colouring and the distinctive eye stripe - the Great Tit has the full black cap. We call them The Li’l Uns - nothing if not creative. They’re the gang who flock to the feeders together and are most likely to have what we term A Mad Five (minutes) It seems to be a game, to the Christmas Tree, to the feeders, back to the tree, to the Willow Tree and ‘off to the woods’ they go...so busy. House Sparrow play this game too, but it’s always really sweet to watch the BTs. Sometimes they adorn the huge Christmas tree looking for all the world like living baubles and decorations.

Marsh Tit

A similar kind of size, both Marsh and Coal are buff, white and black capped.

There are also very similar Willow Tit, but I’ve never seen one (that I know to)

Coal Tit

The Coal Tit has a white splodge on its head, often quite hard to tell which is which unless they’re at the right angle.

Long Tailed Tit

An absolutely glorious little bird who I am utterly in love with - and why wouldn’t you be? We’ve seen them in the garden before but this year they’ve made their presence well known and are coming in greater numbers, which is lovely. They tend to send out a ‘scout’ who arrives alone and then the rest of the gang show up. They stop for something to eat on their to and fro from the woods but don’t stay long.

The LTTs are so beloved in our house that they don’t have a collective nickname, we just say THEY’RE Here and we both know.

Wood Pigeon

‘Pijjie’ is another term for Bird Brain in our house. We also refer to them as One Twig because of the time we observed one flying from our garden to the local railway station to choose single twigs with which to return to our garden (literally like a twig hyper-market) and build a nest.

This year we had ‘Daisy Waldron’ build a nest in the Wisteria and Elder outside Ms NW tY’s former bedroom, so we had a lot of close up viewing. Two squabs were reared and fledged. Daisy laid another egg but abandoned it.

Common Pheasant

One year we had a total of 22 regulars in the garden. We’ve also had times when several males have been here, although there is a bit of rivalry as they set out to command the territory. There tend to be ‘bachelor’ gangs and then males will form a harem of ladies to look after and breed with. This year a few of the girls became very fond of my Crow, Papa Crow that is and no doubt saw him as ‘The Man’ aka the one who comes out with the food. The Blue Tits think of him like this too and really don’t bother about his presence, instead literally queueing up patiently.

We call Pheasants ‘Travis’ well, the males*, due to their habit of forgetting they can fly and standing around forlornly getting soaked in wet weather. The Girls tend to have a bit more sense and seek shelter under the bushes or hedges.

* vintage pop song Why Does It Always Rain On Me? by the group ‘Travis’

I do like the distinctive crow of the male Pheasant and we tend to announce ‘Travis’ whenever we hear them.

I do worry about them wandering in the lane, they tended to do that a lot during lockdown, but I saw The Girls go across to the field yesterday and they looked fairly sensational in their own flying formation. The males are absolutely stunning but The Girls have a quiet and understated beauty and elegance. I really have a soft spot for them.

Crow, Rook and Jackdaw

Rook has a paler and straighter bill and feathery trousers on their legs compared to Crow

Carrion Crow have a dark coloured bill and square tail. Their plumage is tidier than Rook and they appear to have mislaid their trousers

Jackdaw. The smallest corvid, grey shawl around its shoulders and black cap. Note its white eye

These three large black birds flock together. They live in the woods and cause the most enormous racket. When they’re in full flow we say ‘Rate my Baby!’ That started because these days we’re all inundated with feedback surveys, sometimes as soon as the order’s gone in and before you even get delivery of the goods, or before you’ve got in the car after visiting a restaurant etc. How did we do? How many stars?

The birds really rev up in the breeding season and of course when defending their nests, so we pretend they’re hassling us for 5 Stars. When they all descend on the garden it’s like being in the middle of a football crowd...or at least how that used to be, but with more flapping.

18 in total.

All the above photos are my own, all but one (Crow) photographed in our back garden and all taken through glass.

NEW BIRDS FOR 2020:

The first spottings we had this year which were new to us came on our Lockdown (the first one) walks. Both down the lane but only within 8-10 minutes.

Linnet, so we now call the location, Linnet Bridge. Of course if I give anyone directions they won’t have a clue what I’m on about.

Whitethroat

Plus Tree Creeper, Fieldfare, Redwing and the White Storks.

So six species new to us. That’s pretty good I think considering four were from inside the house and two just down the lane.

18 very regulars + 6 new = running total of 24 to carry forward to tomorrow.

Decoration from the Christmas Tree in Standen Courtyard.

Unseasonal, but in this lull between Christmas and New Year, who isn’t ready for a bit of escapism? and this one’s simple, but lovely in some of my favourite colours. Let your mind wander to blue skies and seas, golden sand, gentle lapping waves and the lure of a traditional British beach hut. (Gallery)

Christmas Music of Choice for the Day is amazing

The Piano Guys

‘Carol of the Bells’ for 12 cellos.

youtube

#UK garden birds Christmas decorations and carols #The Piano Guys #beach hut

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outlawqueenbey · 8 years ago

Text

OQ Puppy Love Verse - 1/??

“No. Absolutely Not.”

“Now Regina, before you say no--.”

“I already said it. No means no Robin.”

“But look at her face!”

“Yes full of mud! She’s already tracked it through the house. Her hair is everywhere!”

“You’re being dramatic love.”

“I am not! I said no dogs.”

Robin pouts, his shoulders sinking as he looks down at the mutt at his feet, one who is staring up at him with big brown button please don’t leave me, eyes. He just needs to convince another pair of brown eyes to agree.

They found her in the forest. Hiding under a bushel of low hanging ferns, cowering away when they had approached. Henry was there first, on his knees calling softly out to the blonde matted canine who only backed away from his hand further. Robin and Roland had caught up by then, Robin searching his pockets for something to coax out the scared dog. It took a long time, all three of them on their knees, slowly being able to touch a paw, then a tail, a scratch behind her ears, and finally Robin was able to tie a bit of rope around her neck gently and bring her the rest of the way out.

The boys had been over the moon at the prospect of having a dog. But Robin had his doubts. He loved animals, had been a dog kind of guy his entire life, but they are expensive, take a lot of time to train and he wasn’t exactly sure how Regina would react to the four legged body invading her home. It had been on their slow walk back Robin noticed the small limp and the rather swollen belly of the yellow lab. She would need to see a vet, and he had a suspicion that she was near about to give birth to a gaggle of puppies. Bringing in one dog was already a feat, but having puppies to take care of...well that was another situation he’d deal with when the time came.

“A dog Robin. You didn’t think about asking me before you brought her here?”

“I know. I’m sorry love. But the boys--”

“Oh no. You don’t get to use them in this.”

“They fell in love with her.”

“They also loved the frog Roland caught in the backyard last week. They are kids Robin. Man up and learn to say no to them!”

The pup whimpers at the high tone of Regina’s irritated voice, cowers and recoils slightly behind Robin who sympathizes wholeheartedly with the animal. It’s no easy feat trying to win over the heart of the Mayor.

“Love.”

“Don’t you love me.”

“Oh be reasonable Regina, it’s just a dog!”

“Yes. A dog. A messy, mud slinging, tick and flea infested, slobbering bundle of hair. Forgive me for not falling head over heels with it.”

“Her name is Daisy.”

“Excuse me?”

Robin takes a heavy breath inward and puffs out his chest as best as he can, standing square in front of the blonde dog at his feet. “Her name is Daisy. Roland named her.”

“Great. So I have to be the bad cop who tells our boys they can’t keep her and you come out looking like the hero who was on their side. We are their parents Robin. That means we have to look out for what’s best for them.”

“What do you have against dogs anyway?”

She stills, recoils slightly at his question and he can see the glossy whisp that fades over her eyes when she is trapped in a memory. It’s pained. This look that dances across her face for a fraction of a second before she shakes her head and huffs out a sharp nothing. But clearly it’s not nothing. Her reaction is far to blunt for it to be a simply, “I don’t like them.”

“You had a dog once didn’t you?”

“I never said that.” She frowns at him, crossing her arms over her chest protectively. “You didn’t have to. I can see it in your eyes. What happened to it?”

“What do you think?”

He sighs, runs a hand over his face and steps towards her, even if she slightly backs away, holding a palm up to stop him. He doesn’t. He never really does anymore. “Tell me.”

“No.”

“Regina.”

“Don’t chastise me. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Was it a girl or a boy?” He grips her palm into his own, forcing her to face him as he looks softly at her. For a second she doesn’t say anything, just huffs and gruffs and it makes her look all that more adorable when her nose scrunches up in that way. It’s hard for him to believe sometimes she instilled fear into people with her cute features. Still he just waits, brushes back a lock of her hair as she scowls up at him.

“It was a girl.” She relents finally.

“Ah. A little lady love. Did she have a name?”

“Pepper.”

He smiles, finally getting somewhere as he see’s her shoulders loosen at his roaming touch. “She sounds adorable.”

“She was. Brown fur, with white paws and a patch of white over one eye.”

“What happened to her?”

The weight of her exhale hits him hard, he knows the fate of most animals. You get to love them for a few sacred years before their time is up. But what he hadn’t expected was her painful whisper of “My mother happened.” Surely Cora couldn’t have been so cruel as to take away her daughters friend. But then again, this is Cora, and while he never met the woman, the stories are more than enough.

“Oh love. I’m sorry.” He curls her into a hug, combing through her hair she’s let grow past her shoulders, the little curls that wave through it another new attraction he’s found in her. He hears her sniffle into his shoulder, let’s her allow a few tears to stain his henley. She sighs and pulls back, wiping away her tears with a shy embarrassed smile as his thumb swipes over her cheeks.

“I just don’t want them to have to go through losing a pet. It’s awful.”

“I understand that. And you are a wonderful mother for wanting to protect them. But I too had a dog, Gus, a big grey scraggly looking thing, and he was the absolute joy of my life.”

“I know Robin, but you get so attached to them and they don’t live as long as we do.”

“Did Pepper bring you happiness?”

“Of course she did.”

“Aren’t those times worth it?”

“Robin.” She exhales exasperated, looking around his shoulder at the dog that is sitting scared in her foyer, staring at her terrified.

“It will be fine. I promise you.”

Her gaze flicks to his, sinking into the blue of his eyes, the safety they hold. Maybe a dog wouldn’t be so bad? She loves them, in all honesty. Has always had a soft spot for the four legged creatures and the way they just seem to sense all emotions around them. “The boys have to take care of her.”

“They will.”

“I mean it Robin. I am not dumb. I know the novelty wears off the second they have to pick up the first poop. I won’t cave.”

“I know. And I promise that I will whip them into tip top dog caring shape. You lovely hands won’t have to go anywhere near the unpleasant things.”

Huffing out a breath she moves around his shoulders and walks towards the blonde lab, her brown big eyes staring warily up at her. She is….cute. Regina has to admit that as she sinks to her knees watching the dog’s nose pucker and flare as she leans in slightly to smell Regina’s extended fist. Her eyes stay locked on Regina’s as she leans into sniff her, bopping her nose against her skin, wetting the spot instantly.

Her tail wags slightly and Regina smiles. “Hello Daisy.” The lab wags harder, bumping Regina pam with her snout as she claws slowly on the hardwood floor towards her and into her lap, her tail thumping hard on the floor as she curls into Regina’s body.

“She likes you.”

“Of course she does.”

Robin laughs, and kneels down beside them, running a hand over the lab’s head, scratching behind her ears happily. “So we can tell the boys she is staying?”

“I’m not picking up any poop. Or doing any of the 6 am walks.”

“Scouts honour, I swear.” He kisses her cheek. “We have a dog.”

“You owe me.”

“I’m certain I can figure out a suitable payment, your Majesty.”

Regina grins but doesn’t tear her eyes away from the brown eyes that look up at her. She really is cute. Daisy Mills-Locksley.

…

Well, just as Robin suspected Daisy is pregnant, very very pregnant according to the vet. So pregnant in fact that they are expecting puppies in little over a week. And Regina is beyond frantic trying to ready their home. Sure they could have left her at the vet to give birth, but Daisy was Regina’s dog now, and Regina wasn’t about to let someone else take care of her. She is more than adept at it...even if she has never been around puppies being born.

Lazily Daisy licks her palm on the carpet they are both laying on. Regina’s hand running gently over the bumping swell of her pink swollen belly. The vet suspects six of them. Six! Not only does she have one dog, but now they are about to have six puppies. Puppies that will need round the clock care and watch. Sure, Robin and the boys are excited and promising that they will help, but it’s going to be more than that. It’s going to be tedious and time consuming.

For all that it’s worth though, the boys have been amazing. She hasn’t had to pick up a single log nor has her beauty sleep been interrupted by Daisy’s morning need to pee. She’s a good dog. Truly. Doesn’t bark at much, love's affection, is happy to sit quietly at their feet by the sofa, and is very very fond of Regina. Almost to an irritating point for the rest of her family. If Regina’s heels click on the hardwood, Daisy is on her heels trotting at her side happily. She even sleeps on the floor beside Regina. Curled up into the soft purple velvet cushion they had purchased for her, refusing to go anywhere else.

“Robin! Do we have the puppy pads?”

He comes walking into the room, smiling at the fact Regina, the Mayor and once reigning Queen is laying on the floor with a dog, “Yes love. We are all set for their arrival.”

“And the extra towels?”

“All ready to go.”

She nods and goes back to scratching Daisy’s belly, wondering what the puppies are going to look like. If they will all be blonde like their mother, or perhaps an array of colors. “Roland has cleaned up the backyard right?”

Robin chuckles as he sits down beside them, patting Daisy’s snout affectionately. “You should have seen his face. All scrunched up and ewwwing every single time. It’s rather adorable honestly.”

“Are we ready for this?” She frowns but continues to gently pattern through golden brown fur.

“For what?”

“To have puppies?”

For all the things in her past, Robin can’t help but laugh, really laugh at her anxiety over their situation. She is utterly precious when she is nervous like this. Something that makes his heart flutter in his chest at her anxiety.

“It’s not funny Robin.”

“Regina,” He kisses her cheek, “We have raised two boys and a daughter together. Surely a bunch of puppies can’t be any more difficult.”

“But what if they are sick, or underweight. What if they need extra attention? What if--”

He shushes her with a gentle press of his lips to hers. “It’s going to be fine. You’re a wonderful mother. The puppies will be nothing but fat, healthy, yipping little fuzzballs.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

Daisy nudges Regina’s palm, and wags her tail cheerfully. It’s like she’s trying to tell Regina the same thing. It’s going to be fine.

…

She is a mess. A bloody frantic nervous anxious wreck as she tries to soothe her little baby’s whimpers. It started early this morning, just before 3 am they heard the first pained whine, and Regina’s been frazzled every since. They have everything, the hot towels, the dry ones, the pads and antiseptic gloves and wipes, yet it still doesn’t feel like enough. What if something goes wrong? Her heart aches at the mewling coming from Daisy, the way her spine arches back and the rather unpleasant liquid seeps out onto Regina’s floor. Doesn’t matter though. The staining on her floor the last thing on Regina’s mind, not when her little baby is in such pain.

Fortunately, for the past week, Robin has been “Doctor Puppy”. The amount of hours he’s searched and spent on their computer, his Ipad (he’s finally learned to use) and every other book, has been above and beyond. He knows about as much as he can without going to school for it. The calm he has, is the ying to Regina’s frantic yang right now. Where she panics that they aren’t ready, he is there to assure her they have everything and more than.

Not once in her entire life did she ever think she would be sitting on her bathroom floor, with her soulmate, and a dog, birthing puppies. But here she is, cradling a blonde labs head, hushing and soothing her the best she can, whilst Robin does whatever he is doing at the other end. Daisy keens and whines, “I see one.”, and it’s all suddenly happening. She is sweating, Robin is smiling, and within the blink of an eye, there are five little puppies snuggled into their mother, a blanket warming them from the bottom, and a half asleep Daisy in Regina’s lap.

Robin slings off his gloves, runs a palm over his damp forehead and is beaming brighter than the sun as he looks down at the bundle of fur babies. “They are perfect.” Regina grins through her tears, looking down at two blonde pups, a brown and a black one, all so damn small they could fit into her palms.

In her lap daisy whines again, her back legs arching stiffly. “Appears we have one more.” Robin grins and moves back down to his position, gloves being snapped back onto his wrists. Regina does her best to keep Daisy calm, but childbirth in any form can’t be pleasant. “It’s okay baby girl, almost done, almost there.” She breathes out the mantra quietly as Robin spends an inordinate amount of time trying to coax the last little pup out. “What’s wrong?” She frowns at Robin’s equal expression as he sits back on his heels with a blanket wrapped around a tiny form. “It’s not moving.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh God.” She shifts Daisy in her lap, moves on her knees towards Robin, and peers down at the still bundle of soft blue blanket. “Is it…”

“I’m not sure. Here, you try.”

The blanket is passed between them before Regina can calm her wild nerves. It’s so light. So tender and small in her hands as she turns the flap open and looks down at a jet black pup unmoving.

“Hello little one.” She coos softly, running her fingers over the bridge of his tiny button nose, up across the closed eyes and to the small tiny ears. “Be strong baby, come on. I know you can do it.” They wait, Regina still running her hands over the puppy’s face as Robin cups it’s small behind in the blanket. Daisy beside them whines and tips her head up, and Regina moves the little pup to her nose, letting mother sniff and smell her last tiny baby. “Regina look.”

The bare fraction of a itty-bitty paw stretches out of the blanket, a tiny whimper following as the pup finally yawns and begins to squirm. Well damn the tears being held back, she just cries at the perfect small sound. Robin leans his forehead into Regina’s temple as they set the last part of their expanded family down into Daisy’s belly, between the other five pups who have fallen asleep.

“Six puppies.” He chuckles, kissing her hair as his eyes lock onto her smile. “We are going to need more puppy pads.”

She laughs.

…

Ten weeks later.

“Robin! Roland! Henry! Anybody!”

God, of course they would all decide to not be within ear shot during bath time. A bath time that is completely their fault. They were the ones who decided that a pack walk in the muddiest part of the forest was a good idea. And damn them all, she was the one left corralling six hyper puppies into a soapy water filled tub that they immediately decided was both play time and jail.

Her shit is soaked, there is water everywhere on the tub, and her hair...well that is another curly mess of a matter completely. It’s like herding cats. Worse than. They are barking and howling and nipping at every chance they can. Splashing, squirming little buggers. “ROBIN! No, Opal! Stay!” The brown pup makes a run for it, slipping on the wet tile as Regina lunges for it’s soggy wet body. Apparently it’s a jailbreak and Regina is the unaware warden. They thunder over her, paws, tails and dripping wet snouts that clamber over top of her and head for the door.

“Regina!”

Well fucking finally!

He stills at the doorframe, the pups jumping up at his legs, and she expects him to do something...help her...but he just freezes for a second and then bursts out into a heavy laugh.

“It’s not funny! Help me!”

He buckles on the door, reaching out the stabilize himself on the vanity as he sucks in a breath desperate to quell the ridiculous amount of giggling at what he’s just walked into. “Robin!” She barks out, grabbing onto Hickory and Lily, wrangling them back into the tub, her blouse a long lost cause. Fortunately he has the good sense to grab the Opal and Thunder and deposit them into the bath rather quickly, turning on the bathtub tap as a distraction. It works all five pups clamber to the spout. “Why can’t they all be like Miles? He listens.” Miles as it turns out is that last pup they had received, the one who for a minute in time either of them were sure would ever open his bright blue eyes. He is perfect to Regina. Calm and well mannered. He is her little baby. They are never far apart, the two of them. She loves all the puppies but Robin can see the bond that these two have. Has walked in many times on them snoozing together on the couch (where puppies aren’t normally allowed), Miles’ tiny head tucked into Regina’s chest, her hand over his small silky body, both heavily breathing the minutes away.

“They need to get dried before everyone gets here. I am not adopting out messy little brats.”

“Uh Regina…”

“What?”

“Rusty is tearing up the bathmat.”

“What!” She turns on a dime, finding one small brown pup ripping apart (kind of) her creme bath rug. “You little beast.” Her hands swallow him up, tugging the material out of his razor sharp teeth and placing him back into the tub. He is most definitely the “wild one” of the bunch. Robin likes him.

A doorbell rings and well it’s time. She looks down at the six pairs of little colored eyes all staring up at her, sitting like perfect children with tails all a waggling. Her heart clenches. They aren’t keeping them. They can’t. Seven dogs and three actual human kids is far too many. Daisy is staying, but these six fur babies are going to new homes. And the thought has tears flooding Regina’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Robin’s hand slides up her back. She shakes her head, whispering out a sad “Nothing.” But he knows her better, knows this look at that tone better. “Come on, tell me what it is that has you looking so heartbroken. I thought you didn’t want to keep them.”

“I….God.” She wipes away her tears, “It’s just, look at them Robin.” She smiles down at her gaggle of pups, “They are our babies.”

“We don’t have to adopt them out you know.”

“Seven dogs is far too many. I am still trying to figure out how you got me to agree to one.”

“Still. The house in the woods is almost done, we will have more than enough space for all of them.”

She sighs, combs through the fur of all their fuzzy wet faces, “Would it be horrid of me to say no to adopting them out?”

“Regina Mills, look at me.” He turns her face to find his, smiling at the hope in her eyes. “You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. If you want to keep all six of them, then that’s exactly what we are going to do.”

“You sure you’re okay with that? It’s a lot Robin.”

He hushes her insecurity with a happy kiss, and the pups in the bath mewl and clamber at the lip of the tub. It makes her laugh into his mouth, tearing their lips apart as she looks back down at the six tiny wagging tails.

“Roland’s going to have a ton of poop to clean.”

#Puppy Love Verse #Daisy Locksley #Regina MIlls #Robin Hood

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dungeonsanddragonsfifthedition · 8 years ago

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I was tagged by @simptasia

Favourite cookie: like.... it’s either thin mints or samoas, you know i am on that girl scout cookie shit.

Favourite artist: not sure! i loved kahlo a lot growing up, so maybe her?

Favourite food: i do not know but i see a pineapple on my counter and i very much would like it, thanks.

Favourite movie(s): i Do Not Watch Enough Movies, but. spirited away, pacrim, ferris bueller’s day off, wet hot american summer, and a bunch of shitty buddy comedies i watched as a kid.

Favourite show: OH GEEZ, uh, parks and rec, probably, with lost, the good place, pushing daisies, the west wing, and crazy ex-girlfriend in tight competition. also, fucking snl because of childhood significance.

Favourite instrument to play: GUITAR even tho it hurts my fingers, because i’m better at it than the other instruments i play.

Favourite social media platform: None.

Favourite animal: GOATS

Favourite colour: dark turquoise!

Favourite books: oh geez again, um. a lot of austen, the house on mango street, and a whole bunch of others i can’t think of.

Favourite hobby: makin art and pettin dogs!

Favourite school subject: i’m a big fan of english & history, but art classes were fun when i had them on the reg.

Favourite flower: BLUEBELLS i have a huge garden of them at home.

Favourite fictional characters: SO MANY, um. leslie knope, hugo reyes, luna lovegood, toby zeigler, and SO MANY MORE.

i tag literally whoever wants to do this.

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dogvog · 6 years ago

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Top 10 Dog Breeds Around The World

All good dog breeds have a great deal of importance with specific dog characteristics. The following top 10 dog breeds list we are having a look at all varieties of puppies from the small to the large. We are selecting favorites based on their attitude and ease of training as well as their cuddly and cute elements. But to be clear we love all dog breeds now grab your leash.

Named Cujo although excellently featured in the Cujo (horror film) which is based on the novel of Stephen King Saint Bernard is a big creature with friendly nature whose true character is perhaps better portrayed in the friendly family jerk Beethoven named after the greatest.

The dog breed has roots as far back as 980 AD and while he didn’t carry barrels of brandy. He was actually created for rescue work and life in the Alps. This dog breed was nearly vanished owing to serious winters in the early 1800s. But he was happily crossbred with Newfoundland dog to reinstate and maintain his numbers nightly.

9- English cocker spaniel

This dog breed has been a fixture in the arts in some way for almost half a century first valued as a quality hunting dog in both wet and dry conditions. The Cocker Spaniel was created to hunt game birds especially one game bird which is called the Woodcock is where their name comes from the cocker spaniel. The English cocker spaniel is highly playful and lovable personality endeared it as a greeted member of a lot of families now. We think Prince George is certainly sweet in his photo. But one of our favorite things must be the family’s cocker spaniel Lupo as a good friend to the kids as it is driving out the cocker spaniels of Woodcock. He has intelligent nature also allows it to be employed regularly as a sniffer dog in Cuban airports. So overall the cocker spaniel can make a good pet if he is bought from a reputable breeder.

8- Siberian Husky

This dog was originally bred in Russia to be one of the most powerful working dog breeds. This large dog looks like a wolf and is really friendly and surprisingly light eater, smart and greatly trainable. The Husky is playful with kids and rarely let’s loose his signature howl but he makes poor watchdog breed. He just likes people too much he known for his icy blue eyes. The Siberian husky may also have amber or brown eyes and may even have one brown and one blue eye. Meanwhile, his fur can be white, black, red, silver grey or brown and keeps him warm in temperature as low as minus 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

7- Boxer

The boxer dog breed is like a 3-year-old child that’s it he did not grow up past three a common fur baby. The boxer was originally bred and intended for bull baiting, dog fighting, and even cart pulling obnoxiously pleased and greatly-spirited. The breed is intelligent and quick learner that appears to be similar to a cat of all dogs when he grins. He is happy, you really know if he is integrated into most dog loving families easily as he gets on well with and plays well with children. He may make a good relationship with cats over a shared dislike of birds. The breed may have got his name from its boxing like poachers. Although many in his native Germany dispute that claim meets John and his boxer with a 17-inch tongue which is the longest of any dog.

6- Yorkshire terrier

This dog breed is one of the cutest very tiny but brave and remarkably loyal. The Yorkshire Terrier is protective of his adoptive family and can take over the house effectively if he is allowed good fella noted for his long silky hair. The Yorkie is offspring of the sky terrier and Paisley and was literally bred to be a mouse hunter in the north of England where he is usually utilized in clothing mills and mines. He may have a big bark but there is not a lot of him to back it up. He is small but is still a terrier at home meanwhile the Yorkie is quite content as an indoor dog. The breed can be excellent watch puppy due to his suspicious behavior towards strangers. He loves teasing and messing with other dogs way bigger than him so keep his leash handy.

5- Bulldog

Even very high beauty requirements are like beauty sleep. You would have to sleep for like month you are really a typical dog whether French, British or American. Bulldog at present has roots as far back as 1500 but the breed as we know it did not really come to be till the old English Bulldog was crossbred with the Pug. This will not work sweetie that look won’t do work on him now considered as one of Britain’s national animals. In past, the Bulldog was bred and utilized for the sport of bull baiting rather than taking down bulls. Today, Bulldog thrives on attention and is pretty affectionate breed.

4- Beagle

This breed is found in different colors ranging from lemon, black, white, red and orange. The Beagle was recorded in ancient Greece and is even present in the work of Shakespeare Daisy. Of course, the modern beagle, however, can be kept track to the 1830s when the Reverend Philip honey would be established. The beagle was praised for his hunting ability in the first modern pack of the past and is valued today as a sniffer dog due to his amazing sense of smell.

3- Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is patient, devoted, charming and trainable and is an incredible choice for a family or a childhood friend. The breed came to be in the late 1800s in his quest to possess a retrieving dog that performed well on land. In water, it is fun to swim for him; he is a well-suited dog to drug enforcement, rescue and search work, and servicing the disabled community.

2- German Shepherd

The breed is perhaps well-known as the German Shepherd dog. He was known as the Alsatian wolf dog for much of the 20th century and developed around 1899. The German Shepherd is very often utilized as a Scout in military, rescue and search teams, police services and is a very much capable actor in dog terms.

1- Labrador Retriever

The lab is friendly and may be yellow, chocolate or black. This is all one dog breed and can be found in a single litter famous worldwide as a friend. The Labrador retriever is also eager to help out in the world of hunting, security and police work. This affectionate dog is also used as a guide and service dog.

#dog #dogs #dog blog #dog training #dog behavior #dog breeds #dog boy #medium dog breeds #german shepherd dog breed #working dog breeds #dog breed #pets #pet #pet lover #pet life #pet training #dog lover #dog life

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rayanrooke · 7 years ago

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Ranking the 10 Best Hiking Backpacks of 2018

A good hiking backpack is like a good hiking buddy. It goes everywhere you want to go, carries everything you need to carry, and takes a lot of the weight (literally!) off your shoulders. The best hiking backpacks help you stay organized on the trail and efficient in and out of camp.

There are many features of hiking backpacks to be considered, such as capacity, base weight, and durability of the fabric. Fortunately, brands like Osprey, Gregory, and North Face (just to name a few!) are some of the most trusted around the world when it comes to crafting high-quality backpacks. Our list of the Top 10 Hiking Backpacks will help to simplify your choice so that you can find the best backpack to get out on the trails this summer. Our Buyer’s Guide will also go into depth about the most important factors to keep in mind when buying a new hiking backpack.

1. Osprey Atmos AG

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The Osprey Atmos AG is an amazing pack for anyone interested in thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail. It offers a total capacity of 65 liters and comes with Osprey’s patented Anti-Gravity suspension system, which contours to your body for a perfect without restricting your movement.

Constructed from durable nylon fabric, this Osprey pack boasts a removable top lid, dual zippered front panel pockets, side and internal compression straps, an adjustable harness, a fit-on-the-fly hip belt, and a host of additional features.

2. Gregory Baltoro

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The Baltoro backpack from Gregory is another great multi-day backpacking pack with the capability and durability to handle extended treks or mountaineering expeditions. The pack offers a total capacity of 65 liters and is constructed from 210-Denier nylon and reinforced with 420-Denier HD nylon.

This pack boasts a stowable rain cover, side-mounted mesh water bottle pockets, removable shock cord ice axe or trekking pole retainers, a mesh front panel pocket, large hip belt pockets sized large enough for smartphones or other digital devices, and much more. The packs’ top-loading design with front U-zip panel makes accessibility quick and easy.

3. Teton Sport Scout 3400

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The top-selling internal frame backpack on Amazon is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a new pack for quick, 2-4 day getaways. The Teton Sport Scout 3400 offers a total capacity of 55 liters and weighs just 4.5 pounds when empty.

The pack boasts multi-position torso adjustment that fits a wide range of body types and sizes. It’s also designed with a durable, open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels to provide maximum comfort and airflow. Perhaps best of all, it fits both men and women and is designed for strategic, organized packing.

4. North Face Banchee

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This 50-liter backpack from North Face is designed to withstand heavy loads and remain versatile enough for any type of adventure. For the intrepid adventurer looking for a new multi-day pack, the North Face Banchee is an excellent choice.

This pack offers a breathable beaver-tail pocket for drying wet gear and is constructed from 210-Denier ripstop nylon. Featuring more than 8 storage pockets, this top-loading pack with floating lid boasts a dynamic aluminum frame for superior freedom of movement and load control.

5. Granite Gear Crown2

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Designed specifically with the ultralight hiker in mind, the Granite Gear Crown2 is another excellent pack for anyone looking to conquer a multi-month backpacking trip. This 60-liter pack weighs just 2.2 pounds when empty, and the frame sheet can be removed to reduce that base weight down to just 1.7 pounds.

This pack features a dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum straps, in addition to dual hip belt pockets with DWR-treated (1) zippers, a roll-top main compartment opening with singular buckle for quick access and easy compression, and a removable lid with a compartment that also boasts a DWR-treated zipper.

6. Osprey Aether

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What can we say? You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Osprey packs, and this one is another ultralight option that’s perfect for accompanying you on that month-long trip you’ve always dreamed of taking! This pack has a total capacity of 70 liters and offers a removable top-lid that converts to a daypack for side excursions.

This pack also features an internal hydration reservoir sleeve, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachments, zippered hip belt pockets, a large stretch mesh front panel pocket, dual front compression straps with StraightJacket compression, and much, much more.

7. High Sierra Titan

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

High Sierra comes in at our #7 spot with a monster of a pack designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts. This pack has a total capacity of 55-liters and offers the perfect mix of comfort, technology, and style.

The Titan boasts a top-load main compartment with gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid. Also included is a convenient webbing daisy chain on the front, padded grab handles on both sides, a removable media pocket on the backpack strap, a hinged front pocket with mesh side gussets to hold ropes or other gear, and a number of additional features.

8. Kelty Coyote

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

Kelty has been a trusted name in backpack design since 1952. The biggest pack on our list, the Coyote is designed for the multi-day backpacker that truly doesn’t want to leave anything behind. With a total capacity of 80 liters, this pack has an optimal carry weight between 20 and 60 pounds.

It features perfect fit suspension for customized comfort without hassle, an HDPE frame sheet and waist belt, mesh back panel, waist belt, sternum strap, and dual light beam aluminum stays. It’s a top loading pack with a removable top lid and front pocket with convenient organization.

9. Arc’teryx Bora AR

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One of the most weatherproof packs on our list, the Arc’teryx Bora AR is a perfect pack for anyone that wants to use it in mountainous areas with high exposure to rain or snow. It has a total capacity of 63 liters, which is great for trips in the 4-7 day range.

This pack features GridLock shoulder straps that adjust in both width and height for an extremely customizable fit. It also boasts a ventilated back panel, Thermo-molded Tegris frame sheet and aluminum stays, RotoGlide (patent pending) hip belt, and the ability to carry two ice axes.

10. Fjällräven Kaipak

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Fjällräven brings us this top-loading trekking pack designed for both short and long multi-day treks. With a capacity of 58 liters, the Kaipak is constructed from durable G-1000 Eco HeavyDuty (2) and includes a stowable rain cover.

The pack also features a supportive carrying system with hip belt, an adjustable top lid with two pockets, side compression straps, multiple attachment points for trekking poles or ice axes, and hydration system compatibility.

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Buyer’s Guide

All these shiny new backpacks come with a wide variety of bells and whistles. When it comes to choosing a pack for you, however, we are going to focus our Buyer’s Guide on the two most critical factors: fit and capacity.

Fit

Fit largely depends on your body size. Most of the packs listed above are available in different sizes or offer adjustable features that make them usable for many body types and sizes. Generally, you want to find a pack that sits snugly on top of your iliac crest (3) and hugs your body without squeezing uncomfortably into your stomach when the hip belt is tightened.

The two measurements that’ll help you when deciding which size pack to buy are your torso length and waist size. Waist size is pretty easy. Bust out that measuring tape and measure from your belly button around your back and back to your belly button.

You can find your torso length by measuring from the base of your spine (which is right in line with the top of your iliac crest) up to the base of your neck where the large bony prominence protrudes. REI’s pack sizing guide (4) is a great resource to find the pack that’s right for your body size.

Capacity

Deciding how much space you need for all your gear can be one of the most difficult parts of buying a new pack. From experience, however, we can tell you that it’s not as complicated as we often make it.

In most cases, it’ll boil down to the fact that, if you have space, you’ll use it. In other words, if you buy a 50-liter pack, you’ll find a way to fit everything you need into that space. On the other hand, if you buy an 80-liter pack, you’ll also find the extra gear to bring along and fill that space.

That said, we typically recommend a pack capacity of 20-30 liters for single day or overnight trips, a capacity of 30-50 liters for a weekend (2-3 nights) trip, a capacity of 44-55 liters for a multi-day (2-5 nights) trip, and a capacity of more than 55 liters for extended (5+ nights) trips.

Many thru-hikers, however, on the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail actually don’t carry much larger than 40 to 50-liter packs. Over the course of a more than 2,000-mile journey, it’s actually better to be carrying less.

But in deciding how much capacity you need, it’s also a good idea to take stock of the size of your current camping gear. If your sleeping bag, stove, and tent are quite sizeable, for example, then you might actually want an 80-liter pack just for an overnight adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the oldest backpack manufacturing companies have been around since the early 1900s (5). Backpacks have changed a whole lot over more than a century, so we’ve put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions about backpacks to help you make the best choice possible.

How do I pack my backpack correctly?

The simplest answer to this question is that you want to start with your sleeping bag at the bottom and then insert medium weight items on top of that. The heaviest items (bear canister or food sack, typically) should go in the middle of the pack closest to your back. Around that, you can stuff smaller, lighter items. Larger, bulkier items are best strapped to the top, bottom, or sides of the pack.

How do I keep my backpacking gear dry in the rain?

Many packs come with stowable rain covers that can easily be thrown over your pack at the first signs of rain. If not, we highly recommend buying a rain cover that’s big enough for your pack. A little extra tip, however, is to line the inside of your pack with a thick trash compactor garbage bag.

What is the difference between a frame and frame stays?

Some of the fancier ultralight packs offer frame stays instead of a full backpack frame. Frame stays are typically one or two aluminum rods that fit into slots inside the back of a pack. The main benefit of frame stays is that they’re lighter than a full frame, but they can also be bent to customize to your body shape more easily than a full manufactured frame.

What is a backpack brain?

The brain of a backpack is also known as the top lid. This fits over the main compartment of the pack and usually offers one zippered pocket. On some packs, the brain can be detached to become a fanny or sling pack for day adventures.

How do I use the straps on the outside of my backpack properly?

The exterior straps of your pack provide attachment points for a variety of equipment. They should primarily be used for gear that’s too bulky or awkward to fit easily into the interior portion of your pack.

What gear should I always have when backpacking?

While this can obviously vary depending upon where you’re heading, how long you’ll be out for, and a number of other factors, a good ‘hiking essentials’ list includes items like a map and compass, sunscreen or sun protection, insulated clothing, a flashlight or headlamp, first aid kit, fire starter, multi-tool and/or repair kit, food, water, and shelter.

Summary

The best hiking backpacks offer the essential features without adding too much extra weight or add-ons that don’t really serve a purpose. We hope you’ve enjoyed the information in this review and we wish you the best of luck in buying your next pack!

Via https://bestsurvival.org/best-hiking-backpack/

source http://bestsurvivalus.weebly.com/blog/ranking-the-10-best-hiking-backpacks-of-2018

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bestsurvivalus · 7 years ago

Text

Ranking the 10 Best Hiking Backpacks of 2018

1. Osprey Atmos AG

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

2. Gregory Baltoro

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

3. Teton Sport Scout 3400

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

4. North Face Banchee

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

5. Granite Gear Crown2

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

6. Osprey Aether

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

This pack also features an internal hydration reservoir sleeve, Stow-on-the-Go

trekking pole attachments, zippered hip belt pockets, a large stretch mesh front panel pocket, dual front compression straps with StraightJacket compression, and much, much more.

7. High Sierra Titan

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

8. Kelty Coyote

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

9. Arc’teryx Bora AR

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

This pack features GridLock

shoulder straps that adjust in both width and height for an extremely customizable fit. It also boasts a ventilated back panel, Thermo-molded Tegris frame sheet and aluminum stays, RotoGlide (patent pending) hip belt, and the ability to carry two ice axes.

10. Fjällräven Kaipak

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

—

Buyer’s Guide

Fit

Capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pack my backpack correctly?

How do I keep my backpacking gear dry in the rain?

What is the difference between a frame and frame stays?

What is a backpack brain?

How do I use the straps on the outside of my backpack properly?

What gear should I always have when backpacking?

Summary

source https://bestsurvival.org/best-hiking-backpack/

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lovedaisyandeleanor · 7 years ago

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Everyday Life

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged about our everyday life - and it’s probably because life is so busy! So this may be a LONG post (and it may cover things from a long time ago) - but it’ll be my effort to get caught up, so I can read about these fun milestones and memories years from now.

Let’s start with Darnell - after taking a couple of career detours (on a side note - he is 90% an active real estate agent, he just has to finish his licensing) he has found a good home in Truckstop.com. They are well-known in their industry, and have headquarters here in Idaho. We’re about 9 months in with the company and so far they have treated him really well. I’m excited to see Darnell at a company where he can grow and create his own niche.

He’s also been slowly adding tools to his “wood shop”. One of the great benefits of our home is the 4-car garage. And it’s a “true” 4-car garage, with two double bays (not an extended back). We converted the first bay into his wood shop. Woodworking is meticulous and time-consuming, so outside of a couple end tables and other small projects - we don’t have much to showcase yet. I’ve got BIG projects on my wish list though! Like a Murphy Bed for the guest room, a barn door for the front living room, and an entertainment center for the main family room...

As for me? Last January (yes, a year ago :)) I interview and was selected for an internal transfer position. It is a step up from what I was currently doing, and working toward a career path in Project Management. A year into the job-switch and I can safely say I LOVE my new position. It is much better suited for my strengths, my career aspirations, and it provides me with solid mentors all around me. It is also nice to be with a company that values work/life balance, and overall treats their employees well.

I’ve really been digging in and carving out time for myself. After having my Cricut for so many years and only using it for paper crafts - after joining a Facebook group I got so much inspiration and sense of “I can do that”. Since then I’ve made fun decals for cups, personalized shirts, and painted wooden signs (my favorite!) I’ve been able to use the wood-shop to cut/sand/stain a lot of my crafts and it’s been a lot of fun!

Daisy is now my big 2nd grader (I still can’t believe it). She’s been losing teeth left and right, and now that her adult teeth are coming in it makes her look even older! Before we know it, we’ll be shelling out money for braces. Academically she is not soaring like she has the first two years (her reading and spelling are up to par, but her math is starting to lag) but she is a great student, and always wanting to do the right thing.

As far as extracurricular’s go - we doubled up in the Fall and did Ballet on Monday nights (we are using a new studio that is much closer to our house) and Soccer on Tuesday/Saturdays. After taking a hiatus from Ballet last year (it was a struggle to get her to go) she adamantly told me she wanted to do it this year - and so far she’s proved herself right. I love seeing her get excited about something, and ballet has brought joy back to her again. We’re about 4 months in, and she’s still very excited to go every week. The multiple activities was tough at first, but as we got into a rhythm, the schedule was pretty nice. The games were on Saturday mornings, and it gave us all a great excuse to get up early and get outside.

We decided not to do Winter Soccer (it’s indoors) but added another activity - Girl Scouts! I’ve been wanting to get her going for about a year, but it was tough finding a troop that fit our schedule and needs. We were very excited to hear that a new Troop was forming - and we all agreed to meet at 5:30pm - score! We’re a couple months in and she LOVES it. We are also in the midst of our first Girl Scout Cookie selling season - and so far it’s going great. She set an initial goal of 50 boxes - and has already smashed it at 83! How fun!

Last but not least, my Eleanor. She sure lives up to her “Chunky” nickname (Chunky = a combination of Crazy, Mischievous, Naughty, Silly). I don’t know if we’ve raised her differently because she’s our “baby” but she sure gives us a run for our money! It seems like everything with her is more challenging than it was with Daisy. But she keeps us on our toes and we absolutely love her.

After trying (and failing) to introduce potty training - I finally decided that once she turned 3, we were going all in. Once we got to the point of her not screaming when asked to sit on the potty, I knew she was ready. But after over 2 weeks of hard core training (no diapers) she consistently wet her underwear without regard. We took pause at Christmas (there was just too much going on) but FINALLY, one weekend at home I was able to catch her warning signs (I had to watch her like a hawk) and got her to pee on the potty - our first success! From there, I think it finally clicked in her mind and she had maybe 1-2 accidents after that (but I think she was finally able to recognize the feeling). We’re about 2 weeks in and she hasn’t had a single accident - woo hoo! My best advice (and I should’ve known better) is to just watch them like a hawk, while constantly giving them liquids (for us, Chocolate Milk was the winner - she got tired of juice). I did the whole “set a timer and have them sit every 10 minutes” but it wasn’t effective for us, unless we got really lucky. I found that if I really watched her face (there was like a split second window) and got her on the potty in time, that was the only thing that worked. I’m just glad we have finally made some progress. I was starting to feel defeated and like it would never happen!

Other topics: she’s still obsessed with Mickey/Minnie Mouse. She’s always been funny because she’s never fixated on anything for too long (not like Daisy, who was a Toy Story fanatic for YEARS). She usually gets obsessed with one thing, and then moves on in a couple months. But Mickey Mouse has solidly kept her interest for a good 4+ months. I don’t mind it, because there’s enough content out there to rotate, and it’s super easy to find toys.

I am still her #1 choice for all the things, and while many times it’s draining, I love it. There is no greater feeling than walking in the door and being greeted by her tiny little body running up for a hug. She loves snuggling with Mom, and sitting on my lap whenever possible. It’s still hard for me to believe that my Baby is 3, but at the same time her newborn days seem like a lifetime ago. So for now, I’ll just enjoy the present. I know I’ll read back on this post 4 years ago and think I was crazy for feeling sad that she’s already 3. Blink and she’ll be 8.

Phew. That’s my very long update. I was going to stop and add pictures, but I’ve been trying to at least share my Instagram photos to get those memories captured on the blog. I desperately want to keep this updated on a regular basis - as I LOVE going back and reading them (especially the posts from when Daisy was Eleanor’s age). It’s fun to have a little time capsule and be able to reminisce. So hopefully you’ll be reading a lot more from me going forward!

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