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lonelycowgirls · 2 years ago

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Staying Afloat aka yachtie!harry

Here we go... part one of Scarlett's story!

I can't wait for ya'll to read this and what I have in store for these characters. This is mostly self-indulgent because I LOVE Below Deck, but I hope you all love it, regardless.

Click here for the Character List if you want to really form a picture in your mind.

Please like, reblog and follow if you enjoy it!

My asks are also open for feedback and ideas to how this universe can continue.

Nel xo

Warnings: swearing Word count: 4.2k

Intimidating moustaches and pretty boys...

Scarlett

"Buongiorno, signora."

"Buongiorno." I handed the man with a very intimidating moustache, sitting behind the immigration inspection desk, my passport. My new bright orange floral leather sleeve sat in the crevice between his thumb and forefinger as he fingered through the pages to find the photograph page. I smiled genuinely at him before looking back to my phone to check the text that told me where I would be meeting my taxi driver. Normally the broker would arrange for the drivers to meet me with a sign in the airport arrival area, but this time it looked like I would have to meet them outside the airport in the taxi rank. Not that I minded, I just enjoyed the usual more - it made me feel famous.

"Business or pleasure, signora?"

"Business," I responded, tossing my hair over to the other side and hoisting my carry-on bag further onto my shoulder. "I'm working on a super-yacht."

The man nodded once, looking completely unimpressed, before stamping my passport and passing it back to me, waving me through to baggage claim. I smiled again at him, ignoring the fact that he looked past me with a blank stare. I got it, his job looked incredibly tedious. Having to deal with people like me; ignorant people who didn't speak the language and, worse still, refused to learn, entering his country every day. That's us Brits for you.

I wandered to the baggage claim area in pursuit of my bag. Before the upcoming season, I'd just completed a winter season sailing in Australia. My phone buzzed with the familiar 'Welcome to Italy' message from Vodafone. It buzzed again with a text from my mum.

Mum: Hope you're alright, hun. Text me when you land. Dad's still upset that you aren't coming home. Have fun. Mum x

My dad never got it, my ambition to travel. Probably never would. He hadn't been out of the country since he and Mum had split up when I was seventeen. He was happy with summers spent in Skegness and Blackpool. As soon as I found yachting I was on the first bus to Cornwall, where the training took place. My nanna had been an air hostess, so I like to think travelling is in my blood. She was brave and bold and was the first person to defend me at family gatherings for my life choices. I kept an album of her photos from her travelling days under my bed at home and kept a small Polaroid of us together in my purse. It helped when I was second-guessing myself in my job or if I was having a wobble about life. It was all the motivation I needed to keep going.

Walking through the bustling airport, I checked the screens above each luggage belt for the correct one. Amsterdam... Paris... London... Sydney. As I approached the Sydney belt, I pulled my headphones out of my bag to continue listening to the podcast I'd had on during the flight. I was in the middle of being lectured on why we were all wrong about Anna Nicole Smith by a pair of millennials - who were most likely barely birthed when she was actually alive - before the plane began to land.

The belt moved around and around for almost half an hour before any bags actually made their way out to its impatiently awaiting audience. I watched as a little boy ran to jump onto a giant black suitcase that was bulging at the sides, his dad rushed to pick both the boy and the suitcase up off the belt before they both found themselves winding back out to the mysterious place where the bags were handled. No one ever really questions where they come from or who handles them, they simply just appear. The boy's mum was in the middle of breastfeeding a very young baby but wasn't deterred from chastising the boy loud enough for me to hear over my headphones.

I watched a young lad from a group of tatted-up blokes, who I assumed were on a stag do, help an elderly man hoist his very large leopard print suitcase off the belt once he'd seen he was struggling. I then watched the elderly man wheel the case and its matching carry-on over to another elderly man who grabbed his hand to guide them both towards the arrivals exit.

I spotted my Gucci (T.K Maxx Special) monogrammed suitcase as it came steadily around the corner and stepped to pick it up, dragging it to land heavily on the shiny marble floor, being careful to not drop it on my sandalled feet. Then I just had to wait for my dad's old navy-blue duffle to wind its way through.

Walking out from the arrivals exit, the heat hit me straight in the face, but with a pleasantry that only came from the Italian Riviera. I sighed happily and slid my Dior sunglasses over my eyes. They were a gift from my last boyfriend, but for that price, there was no way they'd be going to the tip like the rest of his stuff.

Before looking for my taxi, I stepped to the side to toss my curls into a high bun. There was no way I'd make it through a hot taxi ride with probably no air conditioning with my thick black locks hanging around my neck and face. Once I was satisfied with the look after a quick check in a nearby parked car window, I lit a cigarette and checked my phone again for the licence plate number of the taxi I'd be taking to the dock.

Glancing around, my eyes landed on a sleek black Tesla. My eyebrows raised, sliding the glasses down my nose, I double-checked its plate number with my phone once more. If this luxury travel was anything to go by, this charter season, I was in for a treat.

"Grazie mille." I said as the kind man, who I learned was named Tullio, tried to carefully remove my heavy bag from the boot of the car. "It's okay you can just drop it." He smiled and wiped his brow and began to wheel it up the dock. I rushed to stump out my second cigarette on the top of the nearest bin, then trotted to catch up with him, attempting to take the handle from him. "Oh, please, um, per favore, I can take it from here." He waved me off and gestured for me to lead on. I blew a few stray curls from my forehead, smiled tight-lipped at him and stepped to start making my way up the dock.

Mega-yacht after mega-yacht passed by as I searched for the one I'd been hired on, Andiamo. I felt the awkwardness creep up my spine at the thought of meeting the crew and captain alongside Tullio. I didn't want them to think I was one of those stewardesses. I already knew that I'd give that impression with my choice of designer bag - even if it was a knock-off. I didn't need a small, sweaty Italian man in a too-tight suit trailing behind me with it to make that worse.

"Ah, here we are, grazie, Tullio." I smiled widely, stopping outside a random boat. He looked at me, one bushy brow raised in question, then shook his head and continued up the dock. My face fell and I followed him sheepishly. He must have thought I was barmy.

As we approached the end of the dock, I spotted a tall man, arms folded, looking sharp in a uniform. He was standing at the stern of a boat that the closer we approached became clear to be named, Andiamo. I couldn't see how many stripes were on his uniform but my guess was that he was the captain. The rattling of my suitcase along the creaky wooden boards of the dock grabbed his attention and he opened his arms wide, laughing sharply before clapping his hands twice.

"Ciao, bella!" The man on the boat exclaimed loudly in a very American twang, making poor Tullio jump slightly and mutter incoherently in Italian. The dock was so quiet otherwise. I smiled and brought one hand to shield my eyes and the other up to wave at him. He jogged around the side of the huge ship, practically skipped down the passerelle and hopped onto the dock as we met in the middle. "Welcome, Scarlett!" He yelled, even though we were barely two steps apart. Americans.

"Ciao, you must be-"

"Captain Bobby, a pleasure to meet you." He held a hand out for me to shake, which I did with gusto - always eager to make a good first impression and wanting to match his energy. He turned to Tullio who stood beside me. "Signore, grazie, I'll take it from here." Bobby nodded, but Tullio didn't move. "Oh, right." Bobby jumped into action, patting the pockets of his trousers in search of his wallet. Pulling it from the back of his very tight white trousers, he plucked out a note and handed it to Tullio who saluted us both and meandered back up the dock. Bobby sighed awkwardly while putting his wallet back, but he recovered quickly. "Alright, let's get you on board." He clapped his hands again, rubbing them together before hoisting my suitcase onto his shoulder with surprising ease. My eyes wandered to the bulging muscle of his upper arms in his smart white shirt and epaulettes, but only for a second before I shook it off and followed him up the passerelle, kicking off my shoes in the process.

"She's a beauty, Captain." I said, glancing around the gorgeous boat before me.

"Yeah, we've got ourselves a looker, that's for sure!" He shouted again, leading me into the bridge.

"So, Scarlett-" He said, placing my suitcase onto the pristine burgundy carpet and rolling it to sit in the corner.

"Oh, please, call me Lettie. It's what all my other boats called me." I corrected with a shrug and a smile. He nodded.

"Alright, Lettie. I've obviously read over your resume many times, but please, tell me a bit about yourself." He leaned back against the arm of the big leather captain's chair and folded his arms across his chest. He smiled and I noticed how kind his eyes were, with the way they crinkled at the corners. He was a pretty young captain from my experience, I hoped that that fact would bode well.

"Well, I'm 27 years old, I'm from Liverpool originally but I've been travelling and yachting since I was 19. I've just come from a season in Oz which was a 74-footer, and I-"

"ROBERT?!" I jolted slightly at the loud interruption that sounded like it came from the dock. I whipped around whilst the captain clapped his hands again and laughed as he squeezed my shoulder, darting out of the door. I frowned as I watched him leave and moved to look at what all the fuss was about.

"Hey hey! Harold! You're looking fresh, my man!" I leaned against the small entryway to the bridge to watch the captain jog to meet a long-haired man at the end of the passerelle. The man had round black sunglasses on, a patterned shirt that was undone to just past his chest, and loose brown shorts. He'd brought half his wardrobe if his baggage was anything to go by. I counted four black duffle bags that were bursting at the seams resting on the dock. It's a good job Tullio only had to pick me up from the airport...

"You're telling me?! Get in here you handsome bastard." The two men hugged closely, clapping their hands on each other's backs. I rolled my eyes at the bro fest and stepped back into the bridge to wander down the stairs and through to the interior of the boat. It was beautiful; varnished wooden surfaces, a luxurious curved sofa as a centrepiece, all leading to wall-to-wall double glass doors that led out to a stunning view from the aft deck, and loads of vast space. I ran my finger along a windowsill and lifted it to see a coat of dust. Sure, it was stunning, but it was fucking filthy. I sighed and looked out the window, I imagined who I would be working with and hoped that they were ready to put in some hard work because I wanted to make good money this season. I heard the low timbre of male voices approaching again and turned to see them coming down the winding stairs, still chatting and catching up.

"Ah, there she is! Harry, this is Scarlett- oh sorry, I mean Lettie. Our chief stewardess for the season." I smiled at the men and stepped to extend my hand to shake.

"Great to meet you, Scarlett. I'm the bosun." He said, smiling around a deep British accent. As he took my palm in his, I noticed how rough his hands were, the classic sign of a deckie.

"You too, Harry. You're quite young for a bosun, eh?" He shrugged and smirked.

"Maybe I'm not as young as you think."

"Harry's been my first mate for three years now, we were on another boat though. I trust you guys will work well together to figure out everything on Andiamo." I nodded dutifully and hoped that Harry wouldn't be what I suspected he'd be from first impressions. But something deep inside me secretly hoped that he would. I supposed that only time would tell.

We walked further into the interior and on down to the crew mess. The captain led the way through to explain where the crew quarters were. I was surprised by how big the space for the crew was, my previous boat had had tiny living quarters. "So, Lettie you'll have two stews under you, a girl and a guy, if I remember correctly." I nodded. "And you've actually got the same under you, H."

"Nothing new there then," Harry smirked to the captain, who rolled his eyes playfully.

"I don't wanna know, man." Captain Bobby put his hands up in surrender and wandered back out to the mess. Harry glanced back at me and I quirked a brow in his direction, before moving past him to check where the uniforms had been stored.

Just as I started sifting through the laundry room and placing uniforms into piles for everyone, I heard the captain yelling again above. The crew mess was normally very soundproof, due to all the debauchery that usually took place there - he was really that loud. I guessed that more crew were arriving.

"Hey, Harry what size t-shirt are you?" I called out to him.

"Depends, is it Fruit of the Loom?"

"Um, no. They're unbranded." I looked at the label on the neck of the bright teal-coloured shirt in my hand. I walked back out to the mess to see him sprawled out on the bench seat, munching on an apple. He'd put his shoulder-length hair into a bun that didn't look much different to my own. "They're soft though. This one's a large? What do you think?" He jumped up from where he sat in the mess and bared his chest, holding the apple in his teeth. I scoffed a laugh and held up the shirt to his chest, he nodded with a smirk, his dimples poking through each side of the apple.

"This'll do, Scar." He took the shirt from me and put it over his shoulder as he took another bite of his apple, moving past me to go into his room. My move to return to the laundry room was halted by a girl coming down the stairs.

"Hi! I'm Marnie!" The girl exclaimed, her blonde hair whipping to catch up with how quickly she'd bounded down the stairs. She pulled on the straps of her enormous backpack to readjust it on her tiny shoulders.

"Oh, hi Marnie, I'm Scarlett. But you can call me Lettie." I smiled and shook her hand and tried not to be blinded by her perfect white teeth, bared in a bright smile. "I'm the chief stew."

"Great! I'm a deckie." She explained, her strong Australian accent caused a ripple of warmth through my veins. I already missed Oz. Hearing footsteps, I turned back to see Harry jogging through the narrow corridor towards us.

"Is that a deckie, I hear?" He said, still chomping on his half-eaten apple. "Hey, I'm Harry, bosun" Marnie didn't miss a beat, opening her arms up to signal a hug, which caused Harry to hesitate slightly before accepting.

"I'm so excited for this season! Is anyone else here yet?"

"Just us and Cap so far."

"Oh, pick of the rooms then!" Marnie winked, if her speech was written down, every sentence would be finished off with an exclamation mark. I loved her already. I led her to the bedroom next to Harry's, which she'd be sharing with the engineer, who, I was pleased to see, was also female.

I continued sorting through the laundry, placing fresh uniform packs onto each of the free beds. Each pack had a pair of white shirts with epaulettes, corresponding to each role, a pair of teal polo shirts, and a pair of shorts or a skort, depending on the person. Then I started unpacking in my room.

I was in the middle of organising my knickers and bras neatly into a drawer when I heard a crash. Rushing out into the hallway I was met with Harry's confused face across from me. We looked at each other for a second before he tilted his head for me to lead the way towards the crew mess.

I gasped, "Oh, Christ, are you okay?" I reached to help the girl that was trying to lift herself up off her enormous, metallic silver, hardshell suitcase that was lying flat on the polished wooden floor.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I'm so embarrassed."

"Did you fall down all those stairs?" I asked, Harry moved the suitcase to sit back on its four wheels, rolling it to the side of the crew mess table. The girl nodded, rubbing her elbow.

"Why didn't you get Cap to carry your suitcase down here for you? Or he could've radioed me." Harry leaned against the table, folding his arms across his chest. I took her arm in my hands and turned it inspect the possible damage.

"Wanted to do it myself." The girl said in a smaller voice. She was so petite, but I could see the lines of muscles in her bare arms, she probably could have done it herself if the stairs weren't so narrow. "I'm fine, honestly. I'll just go to my room." She shrugged her arm out of my grasp and moved towards her case. I frowned in her direction and caught Harry's eye as she moved down the hallway, he smirked, confirming that we'd both had the same thought. She was a stew.

"Um, hey, I can let you know which room you're in, what's your name?"

"Molly," she sighed in an accent I could tell hailed from either New York or Boston. "I'm second stew, I think." She stopped and glanced to look at me expectantly.

"Oh, yes. I'm Scarlett, but you can call me Lettie. I'm chief stew." I smiled slightly, I felt like I was treading on eggshells around this girl. "You're in with me," I said, beckoning her towards our room. "I hope you don't mind the top bunk, I just prefer to be on the ground." I laughed lightly. Molly smiled tight-lipped at me and lifted her suitcase up onto the top bunk with minimal effort. I knew it.

We continued to unpack in silence, I hoped that this frost that had come to rest upon the beginnings of our relationship was temporarily caused by her unwanted trip down the stairs. I'd just finished making my bed when I heard another voice, this time deep and masculine, I counted my lucky stars as I left the room.

"Hi!" It was my turn to say everything with an exclamation mark. The man jumped as I rushed towards him. He had dark shades on and just a large backpack slung over one shoulder. His megawatt smile made my belly flip - he was fucking gorgeous. "Sorry, I'm Scarlett, I'm the chief stew." Stepping forward, I collected myself and held a hand for him to shake. His bulging muscle flexed as he shook it, before lifting his shades to sit on his head and slinging his backpack to the floor.

"So nice to meet you Scarlett, I'm Jesse. I'm a steward." I quirked my brow at him, but inwardly rolled my eyes at myself for assuming that he would be a deckie.

"Nice to meet you, too! Looking forward to working with you this season. Let me show you where you'll be staying." I led Jesse to where he'd be staying with the male deckhand and left him to settle in and unpack.

I looked at my Apple Watch and decided to take a smoke break before heading up to start organising the boat. I let both of my stews know to be ready to help within the hour and headed up to the aft deck.

The sun was just beginning to set over the line where the sky met the steady waves of the sea. I sat on the teak and slid my legs through the bars to dangle over the edge of the boat. Taking a cigarette out of the personalised case my Grandma had given me and lit one. I sighed the smoke out and swung my legs back and forth in front of me, leaning an arm back to rest on. I thought about quitting every time I left a boat - smoking that is. But every time I boarded a new one all I could think about was having a ciggy out on the deck. It was just too easy, the culture was smoking and, to be honest, I'd find myself desperate for one after a hard day on charter.

I took another deep drag and brought my gaze to the crystal-clear water below me. I watched two bright blue fish swim in circular patterns, one of them chasing the other. I smiled softly, leaning my chin on my arm on the metal rail. The warm breeze blew through my curls and made me feel content for a few moments.

"Hey, mind if I knick one of those?" I jumped slightly at the interference of my peace but recognised Harry's low timbre. I turned to face him, his figure stood in the golden sunshine, making him look rather yummy. I nodded and passed him my case and lighter. He flicked it open as he swung his legs through the bars to sit beside me. Lighting up, he looked closer at the metal case, turning it in his hand. He ran his thumb across the raised imagery and wording. "Is this supposed to be you?"

I laughed, blowing another puff of smoke through my lips and nostrils. "What do you think?"

"I think if it's an accurate portrayal, I can't wait to see you in a bikini." I laughed again, taking the case back and looking at it myself. On the front, there was an illustration of an extremely voluptuous woman, naked apart from the flames engulfing her intimate parts. Her head was tilted back, eyes hooded and mouth agape sensually. But her flowing dark curls were where our similarities ended, I could assure him that much.

Yeah, nana wasn't your average grandma.

"I bet. Shame I only brought one-pieces, then, isn't it?" I said, side-eyeing him as I blew more fumes from my lips. I moved to put the case to my side on the teak.

"Ah, I'm sure I've got something you can borrow." He rebuffed casually, looking out to the sunset before us. I side-eyed him harder.

"You've brought bikinis?" I questioned, running my tongue along my the edges of my top teeth in curiosity, a slight lift in the corner of my mouth.

"One or two may have ended up in my suitcase, comes with the territory." I scoffed and rolled my eyes playfully at his cocky wink in my direction. He was one of those guys who had a permanent smirk on his lips. I always got on with guys like that, at least at first. I was never one to take to people who took life too seriously. They usually ended up taking the joke a step too far though.

I decided to chance it and give him a once over as he looked out to sea. His hair was still pulled back in a hair tie, with wispy baby hairs dancing in the warm breeze. Green eyes, squinting in the sunlight but still glittering in the reflection of the ocean beneath us. He had a prominent nose with large nostrils, but it only served to enhance his distinctive face. He interrupted gruffly, a slight cough directed into a fist brought to his mouth. "You should know that. Been in the industry for an age, haven't you."

I glanced back outwards, lining up the tip of my cigarette between my two fingers with the edge of where the sky met the sea. "Certainly feels that way," I mumbled slightly, closing one eye as the scorched tip continued to sizzle away. "Yachting years are like dog years. My body would definitely agree." I decided not to question how he knew the length of time I'd been yachting, it wasn't uncommon for staff to read each other's files before a season, especially the bosun.

"Your body definitely speaks for itself." Harry side-eyed me again, taking a long pull from his cigarette over smirking lips. He was going hard, but I couldn't afford to let my imagination run too wild. He was the bosun and as the chief stew, we needed to have a strong relationship onboard. Which meant avoiding a catastrophic relationship off-board. Although, I let my mind wander to all the ways I could make him feel catastrophic.

Shaking my head and ridding myself of the thoughts, I stubbed my cigarette out in the crystal ashtray I'd found behind the bar in the main salon and moved to stand.

"Alright, pretty boy," I said, before leaning down to speak into his ear, hands squeezing his broad shoulders. "I think it's time we did some work, yeah?" With that, I left him with a parting tap, but I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away. Looking into my reflection before the double glass doors began to slide open, the suspicion was confirmed with a glance at him behind me.

This was going to be one hell of a season.

#harry styles #harry styles writing #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles angst #harry styles imagine #harry styles blurb #harry styles one shot #harry styles au #lhh!harry #yachtie!harry #harry styles fic rec

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0ur-diabolikal-rapture · 8 months ago

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the past month or so has been really strange for me in terms of my current fixation/interest/idk the word for with toby stephens

In 2010 I studied jane eyre as part of my english class and my teacher made us watch the 2006 bbc adaptation with him and ruth wilson in it, and although I didn’t read the book cover to cover, I really loved the adaptation

In 2013 I went to see him perform in private lives in london. at the time I was really into the tv show the hour, and seeing anna chancellor being cast really made me want to see the show, and recognising toby from the promo material made me even more excited about going

after the show my friend at the time and I waited at stage door to try and meet anna, and we were lucky enough to meet the entire cast as it was literally just me and my friend waiting there. all of them were really great but toby in particular went out of his way to interact with us and was really sweet I’ll never forget it. the show itself was so funny and was definitely a highlight of the theatre trips I’d been on that year, and I’d even got clippings of interviews and other promo bits that anna and toby had done during that time too

and then in 2014, I’d always been obsessed with period dramas but I’d managed to watch north and south (2004) for the first time, which honestly changed my life it’s still one of my favourite things ever. and as a collector I’d obviously wanted to have it on dvd, so I opened up amazon and added it to my basket and I’m not sure why, maybe it was offered as a recommendation? or having watched a period drama it made me think of others I’d enjoyed? but I bought the dvd for jane eyre as well.

and since then, even through the many times I’d culled my dvd collection I always managed to keep those two even though I didn’t watch them, because I knew how much I’d enjoyed them in the past I couldn’t part with them

since around 2021 I’ve watched north and south maybe once a year maybe twice but I was still reluctant to rewatch jane eyre in case it wasn’t as good as I remember but finally in 2024, after a little period drama resurgence I rewatched it. and I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks. I wanted to rewatch it immediately, I’d completely forgotten how good it was all those years ago and I was so glad I’d chosen to watch it again

about a month ago now, I’d seen a edit on my twitter of toby for black sails, I didn’t even know the show existed I had no idea of the context or anything but I saw it and was so intrigued by it that I went out the same day and bought the entire boxset, I had no job and I really didn’t have the money to purchase it but I just had a good feeling about it. (for context: I don’t have wifi at my place so I buy dvds to watch things) but after a couple of episodes I was so happy that I got them and I knew it would be my new favourite show ever and I was obviously obsessed with flint

since finishing black sails I bought a few more dvds of toby’s work and I’m having such a good time and I genuinely don’t know why I didn’t do this after seeing private lives because that’s my usual pattern after seeing things that I really enjoyed. I really admire his craft and there’s just something about him I can’t really describe but I’m just a little fascinated at the moment

it’s just been a strange but interesting time for me having loved an actor’s work for such a long time, having met him such a long time ago and only now really exploring his work properly. I’m obviously having the best time but it feels so.. bittersweet? illogical? like I’ve missed out on a lot? life is strange…

but anyway I watched the tenant of wildfell hall today and baby toby holding a puppy healed me

#long post #little discussion to no one in particular #brain working overtime #toby stephens #basically #black sails #changed my life

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333creolelady · 5 months ago

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14 final scenes that inspired LOTBB, A thread:

1. "Black Sails” (2014) is a historical drama set in the early 18th century and serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." The series is about the adventures and political intrigues of Captain Flint and his crew of pirates in the Caribbean. John and Madi's relationship stood out to me. John is a former British naval officer and Madi is an enslaved woman and the daughter of an African leader. Just from their descriptions you can imagine how different they are. I found that some of the themes in the show overlap with my intentions for LOTBB. It’s not often you see a black woman on a boat with pirates on a tv show. However, every few years we see something different. As their personal connection deepens, it becomes entangled with the larger conflicts and ambitions that drive the narrative of the series. I chose two scenes for you those interested. Scene 1 and Scene 2.

2. “Becoming Jane” (2007) is a biographical drama about the early life of Jane Austen. The film explores Austen's relationship with Tom Lefroy. Their romance, which faces societal and economic challenges, serves as an inspirational story. The film blends historical facts with fictional elements to illustrate how Austen’s personal experiences influenced her novels. Jane and Tom have such good chemistry in this movie and I think this scene perfectly encompasses the tension between Roman and Jane, especially in those early days when their relationship was still undeclared and seemingly vague. I loved the literary element of the second scene so much that I found some way to work it into the story . Watch scene here & Here .

3. “Belle” (2013) is a historical drama based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a British admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle in 18th-century England, Belle navigates racial and social issues while becoming involved in the fight against the slave trade. The film explores her personal and legal struggles, her relationship with a young lawyer, and her impact on the broader movement for justice. Belle (Dido) who was born in the West Indies like Jane. This movie was really popular here in the early days of tumblr. This scene was sweet to me as Belle learns how to manage her hair as a black woman in such a difficult and tumultuous time. I relate Jane with this character as she navigates Europe while being black and a woman. She learns the beauty of self care and begins to enjoy things like styling her hair and dressing up. Jane begins to accept that it’s okay to be perceived in her new life. Readers will see Jane in a new light in the last chapter, as she fully embraces her differences and even falls in love with them. Watch it here.

4. “Anna Karenina” (2012) revolves around Anna Karenina, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who embarks on a passionate affair with Count Vronsky. This movie birthed MANY Aaron Taylor Johnson fans. I personally gravitated more towards Kitty and Levin in the story. Their story was allll about patience and growth. No did not mean never. This proposal scene is heart warming and a Hint for chapter 9. Watch the scene here.

5. “Chevalier” (2023) is a historical drama about the life of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Set in 18th-century France, it portrays Bologne as a talented Black composer, violinist, and swordsman who rises to prominence despite facing racial prejudice. The film explores his achievements, personal struggles, and the impact of his extraordinary talents in a society that is both fascinated by and hostile toward him. Roman’s backstory is based heavily on this portrayal of Joseph Bologne. I recommend this movie to any of you period piece lovers out there. It’s the embodiment of “you have to work twice as hard to get half”. I also appreciate a nod towards the people of color who lived in Europe during this time. All too often movies like these use black people as props or decoration. However, Joseph’s mother introduces him to a whole new world that the “others” create for themselves when nobody is watching. Those who are “othered” have always made space for themselves—even during the darkest points in their history. Paris will be eye opening for Jane. This is a Hint for chapter 9. Watch the scene here.

6. Castlevania:Nocturne (2023) Edouard and Annette's relationship is marked by a deep bond rooted in shared experiences and mutual support. Edouard, a skilled and determined vampire hunter, is initially focused on his mission to vanquish the vampire threat. Annette, his close ally, provides both emotional and practical support. Their relationship evolves from professional partnership to a more personal and affectionate connection, with Annette often serving as a source of strength and encouragement for Edouard. Annette’s backstory helped shape Jane’s backstory, especially as she finds herself. Annette begins to understand that she is not defined by what she’s been through. She pushes past the labels placed onto her and finds her strength. Edouard uses his talents to disarm and survive much like Roman did at one point in his life. However, Edouard is on a mission and Annette joins the cause proficiently. Watch the scene here.

7. “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) a film adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. It follows Elizabeth Bennet, a witty and independent young woman, as she navigates issues of class, marriage, and morality in 19th-century England. The story focuses on her relationship with the wealthy and initially aloof Mr. Darcy, exploring themes of first impressions, social expectations, and personal growth. I’m sure that most people have heard of this movie by now and it’s certainly a slow burner. However, my favorite part of the movie was Elizabeth asking for her Father’s blessing. A close second was Darcy’s second attempt at a proposal. It was so touching and it will be a hint for chapter 9. Watch the scene here.

8. “ Sense & Sensibility” (1995) is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. The film focuses on the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who must navigate love and hardship after their father's death leaves them in a financially vulnerable position. Elinor, who represents "sense," is practical and restrained, while Marianne, embodying "sensibility," is emotional and impulsive. As they contend with romantic entanglements and societal expectations, the story explores themes of love, class, and resilience. I found this movie touching and the element that I hoped to extract from the male lead was the patience of Colonel Brandon. This movie is age gap done right especially considering how much older the Colonel is than Marianne. Watch the scene here.

9. “ Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013) needs no introduction or explanation. There’s a good chance you’ve seen it or have seen enough clips to understand what this movie is about. It’s nothing short of devastating. However, the monkey mutts idea is an idea I pretty much stole (not without tweaking a few things of course). Do I feel bad about it? Considering some of the political affiliations/opinions that the directors and producers/actors have—-no I don’t. Watch the scene here.

10. “Annihilation” (2018) is a science fiction film based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel. The story follows a group of scientists led by biologist Lena, who enters a mysterious and rapidly expanding zone known as "The Shimmer." Inside, they encounter bizarre and deadly mutations affecting both flora and fauna, challenging their understanding of reality and human nature. As they delve deeper, they confront existential questions and personal traumas, leading to a gripping and surreal exploration of transformation and the unknown. The island in chapter 8 is inspired by this movie, especially the encounter with the Monkey’s. I highly recommend this sci-fi if you’re into aliens. Please proceed with caution with this scene as it has gore and the death of a character. Watch it here.

11. “ Damsel”( 2024) The talking dragon. Need I say more ? Watch the scene here.

12. “ Alien” (1979) directed by Ridley Scott, follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo, who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial lifeform after investigating a distress signal from a remote planet. The alien creature, initially discovered as an egg, grows into a lethal being that picks off the crew members one by one. The film builds tension and horror as the remaining crew, including Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), must fight to survive and ultimately confront the alien. This scene is such an organic depiction of how a group interacts during an impossible situation. There’s frustration, fear, disbelief, anger, paranoia and exhaustion. I wanted the conflict for my story and I did that to the best of my abilities. Watch the scene here.

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deancasbigbang · 1 year ago

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Title: The Siren and the Viking

Author: Fred

Artist: reafre

Rating: Explicit

Pairings: Sam/Eileen Past Lydia/Dean

Length: 50000

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Tags: John Winchester’s A+ parenting; Minor Character Deaths; Sexual Content; Frottage; Dark Fairytale; Historical inaccuracies; Mythical inaccuracies; Enemies to Friends to Lovers

Posting Date: October 13, 2023

Summary: Once upon a time, in the deepest dwellings of the sea, was a Siren who stared up at the skies with fascination and wonder. Once upon a time, up on the explored and unexplored lands of the world, was a Man that longed for nothing more than to sail at sea, the dangers nothing when aboard his drakkar. Once upon a time, there was a story of war and blood spilt between two peoples. But there was also a story of built trust, forged peace, and, unbelievably, love, between the two most unlikely of beings.

Excerpt: Before he could move near close enough to speak to Anna, a war cry erupted amongst the storm. The Men’s spears jabbed through the darkness of the sea. Castiel watched, horrified, as the blood of his brethren mixed with the ocean. Anna screeched in anger, but none of the men crumpled, instead shouting louder as they pulled new blades from their furs. As Castiel swam closer, intent on helping his brothers and sisters, one of the Men jumped at the helm of the ship, shouting instructions to hurrying figures in the darkness. The wind blew through the sails, propulsing the ship forward as the Men shouted triumphantly to the Gods. Castiel swam closer, following them, staying in the shadow of the boat so that they wouldn’t see him. The Man at the helm let out another shout, and Castiel’s eyes snapped back to him only to be spellbound by what they saw. The man was tall compared to his kind, clad in armor and furs, his great sword thrust in front of him, pushing his crew onwards. The sea had drowned his figure, and although the dark skies painted him in sombre shades, he still shone like the sun, golden under the grime. His hair was the color of wet sand, hanging in wild strands around his neck, and his beard threw droplets wildly as he turned and shouted his orders, leaving smears of water that immediately blended into the furs around his neck. Black claw marks had been painted across his face in four slashes, and surrounded by the dark makeup, his eyes popped, the color of ice under a layer of freezing water. Eyes shining like the emerald jewels hidden amidst the coffers of shipwrecks. Eyes green like the sea. Castiel’s breath caught in his gills. The ship broke the wild waves, as the Man continued to push his crew forward. Castiel traced their path and sighed in dismay as he realized they were sailing toward The Pit, a cropping of rocks that were closely knit together, creating tight passages impossible to navigate for anyone lacking the speed and grace of a tail. Many ships had crashed against The Pit, the Men aboard drowning in its depths as the Sirens shrieked in joy around. Castiel’s heart beat a sharp staccato rhythm in his throat as he watched the ship and its fascinating Steersman, the man who had managed to fool them and spill more Siren blood than he had ever seen, sail toward his annihilation.

DCBB 2023 Posting Schedule

#dcbb 2023 #fic preview #2023 promo #deancas #destiel

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dear-indies · 1 year ago

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hi cat! do you have any suggestions for a fc (woc, preferably) who could play a pirate character? thank you so much! 💛

Jessica Parker Kennedy (Black Sails) Black Canadian / Ashkenazi Jewish.

Son Ye Jin (The Pirates) Korean.

Han Hyo Joo (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure) Korean.

Ilia Isorelýs Paulino (One Piece) Dominican.

Haven't watched the show but they were on a boat in some gifs:

Amita Suman (Shadow and Bone) Bhojpuri Nepalese.

Anna Leong Brophy (Shadow and Bone) Irish, Chinese, and Kadazan.

Jessie Mei Li (Shadow and Bone) Hongkonger / English - is a gender non-conforming woman who uses she/they.

And not pirate specific media but:

Adwoa Aboah (Willow) Ghanaian / English.

Erin Kellyman (Willow) Afro Jamaican / Irish - is a lesbian.

Cara Gee (Strange Empire) Ojibwe.

Devery Jacobs (Blood Quantum) Mohawk - is queer.

Claudia Kim (Marco Polo) Korean.

Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian) Macanese, Chinese, Malaysian.

Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead) Shona Zimbabwean.

Zoë Robins (The Wheel of Time) Nigerian.

Madeleine Madden (The Wheel of Time) Eastern Arrernte, Arrernte, Kalkadoon, White / Gadigal and Bundjalung.

Sarita Choudhury (The Green Knight) Bengali Indian / English.

Tao Okamoto (Westworld) Japanese.

Ellora Torchia (Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands) Indian / Italian.

Dianne Doan (Vikings) Vietnamese, 1/8 Chinese.

Anya Chalotra (The Witcher) Kashmiri Indian / English.

Anna Shaffer (The Witcher) Black and White South African Jewish.

Sophia Brown (The Witcher: Blood Origin) Black British.

Jessica Matten (Frontier) Métis, Saulteaux-Cree, Chinese, British.

Kylie Bunbury (Tut) Afro Guyanese / Swedish, as well as Polish, English, and German.

Malese Jow (The Shannara Chronicles) Chinese / English, Scottish, Cherokee.

Chu Ja Hyun (Arthdal Chronicles) Korean.

Kim Ok Bin (Arthdal Chronicles) Korean.

Hope these suggestions help!

#fc help #rph #rpc #period fc #pirate fc

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llycaons · 2 months ago

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Couple of Mirrors - ep2.

really sorry about the cheating thing but im experiencing lustful thoughts for yan wei once again

well I suppose that WAS the breakdown. and we're starting off with xyy leaving on her own and finding her way back to the photo studio, where yan wei awaits with an umbrella <3

damn. those photos are incriminating as hell

yan wei in her black turtleneck and belt and trousers made me short out for a second 😭 show me a masc women and I'm gone

I'm always attracted more to mascs no matter the gender...sometimes a particularly wimpy looking man will catch my eye tho. BUT I really do love the aesthetics and styles of feminine presentaton as well. for every butch/femme wlw pair I see I usually admire the femme so much for being so so beautiful and then am like 😳 abt the butch. this happened in bound, this happened in black sails...I'm always thinking I hauve covid around the corkys and the anne bonneys and the yan weis and the lin wanyues and such.

aw. their kitty <3

xyy IS a little childish. she's no xff. but still, she deserves respects

NOOOO. the long hair...a-wan and her husband FUCKED in the MARITAL BED? ohhh that's LOW

xyy standing up for her version of the story! FIRING A-WAN WITHOUT A WORD. NICE. good for you, xyy! I mean, not very mature or communicative of her, but like, has a-wan earned that> she knows what she did

if there is one thing I fucking love it is shy women learning to stand up for themselves and demand better treatment. all characters who have been mistreated and abused really but especially women

xyy pretending like she doesn't know why a-wan is out of work...she's so devious!

but what about her husband? she's cold and standoffish, but she hasn't cut him away the way she has with a-wan. having just read *flips hair* anna karenina AND watched the double, this feels like a very familiar plot to me. how is she to stop being married to this guy without ruining herself?

a-wan...you horrible woman...

xyy grabbing a knife and stalking after her husband and his tryst would be a little more ominous if it wasn't a butter knife

A-WAN???

okay that reveal would have been more dramatic

unfortunately I find suspenders really really sexy so when I saw yan wei I was like. weak-kneed

why was she randomly aiming at people tho what a freak

WAR FLASHBACK!!! those fight scenes are actually rlly good I love to see her stabbing and slashing

I know the political situation got really complicated in the early 20th century but if this is the early republican era I assume yan wei was fighting on behalf of the communists? they don't mention it at all tho and the fact that the voiceover is in english really confuses me 😭 she's clearly not a decorated veteran now so I assume she had to go into hiding after the war ended. unless all her comrades died

yan wei's actress was only 23 here...she looks even younger honestly she has a bit of a babyface

is she in hiding?? WHY IS A WHITE MAN HER COMRADE

was she really going to murder that man just for mugging her? I mean, he's a menace, but there's not....more steps in between first?

this little girl is so sweet! and she really seems to like yw - this sequence lets us get to know yw better. somewhat surly, but good at heart.

god I hope this girl doesn't get killed 😭

what a crappy mother...

WELP

my favorite looks:

yww sooo pretty <3

#couple of mirrors lb #this is so difficult to just sit and watch tv. how do ppl do this #im only here bc its so cold and rainy outside

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lovingpromise · 11 months ago

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Დ ▫ Yamano Arai

BASICS.

PHYSICAL.

MEDICAL.

Mental | Arai fully believes that she is cursed like her father before her. It is hard to get close to others without fearing that something will happen to them. Physical | She is in top physical health. She doesn't tend to get sick often but when she does it takes her a few days to recover fully. Phobias | N/A Eyesight | 20/20 Vices | Alchohol (Socially), Tobacco (Smoking)

CHARACTER.

BACKGROUND.

Birthplace | Sawara, Omigawa-han, Japan Current Home | The Sea upon The Vengeful Servant Headcanons | Links will be here

Yamano Arai was born in the town of Sawara located within Omigawa-han, Japan. Her mother, Yamano Minoko, died during childbirth. Though she would never meet her, she came to hear stories of her kind and gentle demeanor. It was her mother who named her Arai.

Her father, Yamano Naagari, was a merchant sailor and spent most of his time at sea. Unable to care for a newborn child, he remarried. His new wife, Yamano Sago, cared for Arai during her early childhood. It was said that most did not know that Arai was not Sago’s birth child as she seemed to love her as if she was. She did so until Arai was the age of five before unfortunately also succumbed to childbirth, this time taking her unborn baby with her.

The deaths of both Minoko and Sago led to rumors surrounding Naagari. Those within Sawara thought him cursed and that anyone else who would marry him would suffer a similar fate. He struggled to find another wife, and so instead five year old Arai would come to accompany her father on his shiply travels.

For three years, Arai lived aboard her father's ship, learning the ropes of seafaring and observing him as he worked. Most of her time was spent at sea, talking with sailors, and watching the waves. It was not orthodox for a child to be raised as she was and so she grew more mature than other children her age. During the few months of the year that Arai and her father spent on land in their hometown, she could not find herself connecting with her fellow peers. Instead, she continued to stick by her father’s side, preferring to speak and hear stories from those much older than her.

This period of her life ended abruptly when she was eight. During their time at sea, pirates attacked their vessel, killing Naagari and the crew. Arai, the sole survivor, was taken prisoner and forced to work on the ship of the crew that killed her father as a slave. Aboard the enemy ship, Arai endured forced labor alongside other captives. They worked from sun up to sun down and were often treated worse than scum.

Despite the hardships, Arai formed a bond with her fellow slaves, many of them seasoned survivors, who taught her essential skills without drawing too much attention. One that stood out the most was a man named Clayton Ramsey, who went by Clay. He had been the first mate aboard a British vessel before his capture and had been too useful to kill. Perhaps it was because he was a father, he spoke often of a wife and son back home, but Arai felt safe under his wing. That said, all the captives did their part to look out for one another, and under Clay’s guidance they began to formulate a plan to free themselves.

That plan was executed a bit quicker than anticipated. At thirteen, Arai had the misfortune of catching a crew member’s attention. She was growing into the beginnings of her womanhood and he attempted to take advantage of that fact. Before anything could happen she grabbed his dagger and took his life in self-defense. It was the first life she had ever taken, but it unfortunately would not be her last. Knowing that Arai would likely be punished with death for killing a crew member, the captives sprung into action and began their rebellion. It was a hard battle, people dying on both sides, but when the dust cleared the slaves had overpowered their captors and seized control of the ship. They were free.

The ship now theirs, a decision was made. Some sought life on land, eager to get back to the family they missed, while others, including Arai, felt a connection to the sea. Clay, via a unanimous decision, took up the mantle of Captain and those that wished to stay aboard became part of a new crew. Most that stayed did not have a home to go back to. Arai, who had lost her father, did not feel much of a connection to her homeland. Instead of going back to an unknown, she decided to stay by Clay… Captain Clay’s side.

Under the captain’s guidance, Arai continued to learn the ins and outs of seafaring and how to defend herself. The ship, now named The Vengeful Servant, was disguised as a merchant’s ship whenever they went into a port that asked too many questions. About a year after taking over the ship, they were in one such port. Arai hadn’t asked why, but the Captain had avoided coming to Britain when possible. Though he was a father and husband, he hadn’t attempted to go back to see his family. She could tell that things were complicated for him.

Yet that year he had taken her with him into port and they visited what she assumed was his old stomping grounds. It was there, in a pub, that he learned that his wife had died a few years ago and his son was being raised by her parents. Clay didn’t cry or fall apart at the news, but Arai could tell that he was sad by the look in his eyes. She asked him if he would go to see his son, but he told her that he would be better off without him. She disagreed and told him so. She put herself in the shoes of his son and said that she would have been waiting for him to come back home. It was her words that persuaded him to reconnect with his son. She did not go with him, but he thanked her upon his return.

Not long after that was the first time that Captain Clay spoke to the crew about an ancient treasure that he wanted to find. It sounded outlandish, a pipe dream, but they all joked around and told each other what they would do with a cut of that kind of money. When they got to Arai… she could not find an answer. The future wasn’t something she thought much about. Clay told her that one day that would change.

When Arai was fifteen she went with Captain Clay, as she always did now, in search of new members for their crew. Not long after stepping off the ship, a younger redheaded boy bumped into her and ran away. It only took Arai a moment to realize he had stolen her coin purse before she began to chase after him. Clay called after her, but she was too focused to listen. The boy was fast but did not yet have good control over his limbs, it wasn’t long before she caught up with him in an alley.

She hit him a few times over the head as punishment before Clay reached them and pulled her off. Her coin purse was retrieved and the Captain asked the boy who he was. Ten year old Conrad, a street urchin by the state of him, held a fire in his eyes as he introduced himself. Though a bit bruised, he wasn’t afraid. Arai simply saw him as a silly child, but the Captain saw something different. For reasons unbeknownst to her, he offered Conrad a spot on their crew as their cabin boy if he wanted it. He accepted.

Arai found Conrad to be an extremely annoying addition to their ship. Perhaps it was because they were the two youngest crew members, but he followed her around everywhere. He tended to mess up a lot, having never worked on a boat, and she had to take extra time to teach him. She tended to sigh heavily at him and he would joke that she sounded like an old man when she did. Such comments usually ended with her hitting him on the back of his head and he would just laugh. She found him so strange, yet as much as she would never admit it they did grow close. She came to see him as a younger brother of sorts.

By seventeen, Captain Clay gave Arai the title of Bosun, claiming that the title had always been waiting for her when she was ready for it. She excelled at it, realizing that he had been preparing her for it all this time. It was refreshing. Those who had been with them since the beginning welcomed her into the position with open arms, but those who had not taken time to get used to taking orders from someone younger. Arai did her part to prove herself and leave no room for doubt. She became known for taking no nonsense on deck.

Years later, a new face would find its way onto The Vengeful Servant. Rose Fletcher was not the type of person that someone would take for a pirate… nor did she seem made for such a life. Once again, Arai was unsure of her Captain’s thoughts on his choice of crew members, but his intuition had never been wrong. They had been in need of a Navigator and it was clear that she had the skills to fill in that role at least. She was usually not one to worry too much about new crew, but she found her eyes gravitate in Rose’s direction more than once. Eventually that led her into helping out the young woman, teaching her how to defend herself in a proper fight, and from that perhaps something more.

— Timeskip —

Arai knew that it was her fault the crew of The Vengeful Servant disbanded, everyone scattering to the wind. Captain Clay’s blood still stained her hands despite the passage of time and the angry scratches he had left on the back of her hand had scarred over as a reminder of her deeds. For the briefest of moments, after everything had been said and done and the dust had settled, Arai tried to go back to Japan. Tried being the keyword. She had found nothing for her there. Her birth mother had extended family, but she could not bring herself to reveal her existence. She felt like an outsider the moment she stepped on land.

Instead, Arai found work on various ships over the course of those next few years. The harder and more backbreaking the better. She punished herself in this way until she was approached one day in between jobs. A man approached her, wanting her to return to being a Bosun for a lucrative trip. He said that his boss had wanted her specifically and no one else. Arai was prepared to turn him down but the man mentioned that in the event that she tried to tell her these words: “It’s not the perpetrator who gets to decide their punishment.” He would not reveal who the person was unless she came to see him herself, and so against her better judgment, she did.

It surprised her greatly when she was met with Morgan Ramsey, Captain Clay’s son. She could tell, by the way he looked at her, that he did not like her. Nor would she blame him for it. He asked her again to join his crew, which she could not understand. He showed her his father’s journal and explained that he wanted to continue where his father failed. Arai reminded him of the dangers of such a quest, of what had transpired with his father, but Morgan insisted. He told her that she owed it to the memory of Captain Clay to see it through. That finishing his quest should be the punishment that she so desperately sought.

Unable to find it in her to refuse, Arai re-took her title as Bosun for The Vengeful Servant. Morgan had already convinced most of his father’s old crew to rejoin for the trip and so she saw many old faces that she had avoided for some time. Morgan, however, said that they had one person left to convince… Rose. Arai disagreed that she was needed, but Morgan insisted. Captain Clay had hand picked his crew, the people on board of The Vengeful Servant were some of the best. If Clay had entrusted Rose as his navigator then Rose was who they needed.

The problem was, Rose had already turned down Morgan’s middleman. So, Morgan thought that perhaps Arai would have a better time convincing her.

RELATIONSHIPS.

VERSES.

Verse Name | Pending.

#Დ ▫ ARAI | info

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boutny · 1 year ago

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Mast-er-ful, mast-er-less

The planned route - as long as we made good progress along the South Coast, it seemed achievable

Boutny was on a buoy in Falmouth harbour, where she had hosted Anna and Esme while I was in Scotland for a few days. The first week of September looked just right for completing Boutny's voyage of the summer - the plan had been to get from Faro to Brightlingsea in Essex, and it looked as if Wednesday to Sunday would bring 70 hours of Southerlies and South Westerlies, and then maybe 30 hours of Easterlies. So if Boutny made the 200 miles or so to Dover in the 70 hours, the Easterlies would allow us to make Brightlingsea the next day after turning the corner from the Channel to the North Sea.

That was the plan. And as I have quoted before on this blog - what does God do when they want to laugh? Watch people making plans...

I emailed the group of potential crew the weekend before, and I was delighted that John once again put his hand up. He knows Boutny and he knows me, and he is both a hugely useful person to have aboard and a great sailing companion. We took the overnight train, me from London, he from Basingstoke and met up at 7am on Truro station, where we connected with the train to Falmouth.

Lovely way to travel ... except sleeping while sitting is an art

We got to the quayside too early for the late-rising water taxi. The port was still and we had a little bit of a ticking clock - we needed to get to Madgik, John's boat, to collect his wet weather gear before his mooring dried onto mud.

Waiting for the water taxi at Falmouth town pier

The wind started light, and the dolphins accompanied us out of the Fal estuary.

The first of many dolphins who'd accompany us over the next 36 hours

We soon got the big Spinnaker up, and it would stay up from about 11 on Wednesday to 5am the next morning. We had a full supermoon and a blue moon, and despite cloud cover, the night Spinnakering was magical. Here we are in the evening, the filming obviously designed to show how well we eat on Boutny.

The moon, of course, also meant Spring tides, and one of the challenges of the route is that the tides around the headlands can be pretty ferocious. Portland Bill is the famous tidal race, but the other headlands have mini versions of these going too.

The Samsung phone camera trying to cope with a moonlit sail. Of course, the sky was grey-black, not that absurd blue it has filled in

It settled into wind with rain, and was surprisingly wonderful sailing. John surfed some lumps and thought he might have broken at Boutny speed record. When I was helming, I preferred to gaze at the sea and make the occasional tiller correction to maintain our heading. We hit the contrary ebb off Salcombe, and despite Boutny giving every appearance of powering through the water, the lights ashore were hardly moving. I took down the Spinnaker early in the morning because the wind was backing, and we needed to stay offshore to clear the Portland Bill tidal race by a (very safe) 15 nm.

We hit the ebb again off Portland in the early evening of Thursday, and we were looking forward to the turn, and being powered at speed. By then, the wind was fresh, and we had taken a little gib in and taken the foresail down entirely to have a calm night. There was a messy swell, and to stop unwanted sail movements, I had tethered the clew of the main to cleat on the outer beam. We were powering along very nicely, John and I chatting in the cuddy. We reckoned we were in with a chance of making Dover before the winds turned.

And that is when it happened.

A great cracking sound.

"That's the mast breaking!" was John's immediate thought. I was not sure - maybe my echo-location is not so good. We were frozen for a moment.

"Do you agree I should take the main down?" I asked.

Yes, John agreed, and I pulled the main down as fast as I could. We looked up, and there was the crack. About 2m from the top of the mast, a great big split in the planking.

"How are we going to stop that falling on top of us?", asked John, very sensibly...

As quickly as I could, I took a hoist from the foremast, secured it to a hoist on the main, and pulled both of them up - if the top of the mast was going to finish breaking off, it would dangle off the foremast rather than fall onto us into the cuddy.

We sailed into Portland Harbour on the gib. The tide turned in our favour and we made 4kts-5kts and arrived around 11pm. Enough time to anchor safely and get a good night's sleep. The next day we had the wonderful surprise of finding a really helpful crane crew at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy - hugely recommend the place - and the split mast was soon lying flat on Boutny's deck. I will be repairing the mast, and inspecting the foremast thoroughly, over the next few weeks in Portland.

So ... what are the lessons from this adventure?

The first is simple - be patient. Boutny spent 18 months on the hard in Sete. I really went over the hulls and decks thoroughly. But for some reason, I never decided to take down the masts and give them the same treatment. Soon before launch, in June last year, I had gone up the masts and found a bit of rot here and there as well as traces of old repairs.

My departure had been delayed by all sorts of frustrations - mainly to do with a bad choice of epoxy primer undercoat paint - and I was feeling frustrated. I should, of course, have decided then to take the masts down and give them a good servicing. But my impatience to get going led me to the wing & prayer strategy instead. Very short-termist, obviously.

But not just short-termist - just misguided. When sailing, the point is not really to get anywhere. The goal is the way. The end is the means. The means is the end. So frustrations like that, of having one more step before being ready, really have no place. So maybe the second lesson is to have a regular reminder when wishing for speed: are you actually constrained? are you doing this for the way or the end?

Of course, on Friday morning in Portland, I started out with feelings of frustration - I had to jettison all those plans I had related to Boutny having reached her winter destination ... I would be able to empty her of 18 months of accumulated stuff, I would be able to start to think about the rain-cover/tent, indeed, I would be able to plan the proper refurbishment of the masts.

But the more the day progressed, the more I found myself surrounded by the helpful crew at the academy, and the more I reminded myself that my destinations were fictions, on this adventure with Boutny, the happier I found myself in Portland Harbour. I quickly started to look at it as somewhere that might be home for the winter, and what had seemed in the morning like a disaster was now appearing in a quite different light. So maybe if I had been able to do that in June last year, I would not have been in Portland that day at all.

Evening on a visitor buoy in Portland Harbour; the guys in the boat were catching Bream, the kite in the background had delighted us all evening with their foiling.

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woozapooza · 8 months ago

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Working on a Melfi gifset and I am once again asking why Lorraine didn't win the Emmy for s3. The scene where she discusses the Rottweiler dream with Kupferberg is literally Whitecaps-tier acting.

#yes I KNOW the Emmys are fake and stupid. I know. that's why neither Black Sails nor BCS ever won one. but...still >:(#her acting in that scene is so indescribably powerful I can hardly bear to look directly at it #I mean her acting in the entire episode is incredible but I think that scene is the best of the best #The Sopranos #x #Anna watches tv #Anna watches The Sopranos

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permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 · 1 month ago

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ooooh, thanks for the tag, @themareverine!!! let's see what I can come up with!

2024 faves

books (**are re-reads)

**The Help, Kathryn Stockett

**A Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin

**Outlander, Diana Gabaldon

Shadow and Bone (Book 1), Leigh Bardugo

I've had an absolutely awful case of reading-ADHD this year, so I haven't been able to dive into much. A goal of mine for 2025 is to read so much more than just a teeny list like above 😅.

movies (**are re-watches)

**The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

**The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

**The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

**The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

**The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

**The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

**Pearl Harbor

**Top Gun (1986)

**Top Gun: Maverick

yes, I re-watch tons of 'comfort' movies rather than exploring anything new, don't judge

tv shows (**are re-watches)

The Rings of Power

**Black Sails

House of the Dragon

**Grey's Anatomy

Pretty Little Liars

**Criminal Minds

songs/artists

Lost It All, Black Veil Brides

Take Me Back To Eden, Sleep Token

The Apparition, Sleep Token

Far From Home (The Raven), Sam Tinnesz

Hurt, Johnny Cash

Numb, Nathan Wagner

Something In The Orange, Zach Bryan

A Bar Song (Tipsy), Shaboozey

Last Of My Kind, Shaboozey, Paul Cauthen

The Seed, AURORA, Anna Lapwood

Indigo, Sam Barber, Avery Anna

Too Sweet, Hozier

Austin (Boots Stop Workin'), Dasha

Ain't No Love In Oklahoma, Luke Combs

Beautiful Things, Benson Boone

probably a million more that I'm missing, but this is a good chunk

favorite everydays

a little silky terrier menace named Roxie 🐾🐾🐾

my job (never thought a pharmacist girlie could turn into a QA girlie, but here we are, and forever grateful to be learning).

writing

getting distracted by Tumblr when I should be writing 😅

Kindle (hilarious, since for the longest time I refused to consider reading from anything except fanfiction.net on my tablet, or a physical book in my hands)

Yankee Candle Scent Melt cups (seriously, it's an addiction at this point, special mention to Home Sweet Home, Lemon Lavender, Spiced Pumpkin, and Red Apple Wreath)

No pressure tags: @ruralnorth, @catz4ever, @bigblissandlove1, @eye-of-mordor, @oh-great-authoress, @floydsglasses, @dwarveslikeshinythings, @gauntletgirlie, and anyone else who wants to join!

oh this looks fun! i'm playing even if i wasn't tagged! stolen from @jolapeno

2024 faves ✨💛

books **audiobooks/dramas

Wolverine: Origins Weapon X, Mark Cerasini, David Alan Mack, Hugh Matthews.

Unveiling Grace, Lynn K. Wilder

Tell No Lies, Allison Brennan

Chill Factor, Sandra Brown

**Wolverine: The Long Night

** Wolverine: The Lost Trail

movies *are rewatches

Homestead (2024) dir. Ben Smallbone i watched this believing it was a movie, don't judge me.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) dir. Shawn Levy

*Real Steel (2011) dir. Shawn Levy

*Logan (2017) dir. James Mangold

Beyond Glory (2016) dir. Larry Brand

Paperback Hero (1999) dir. Antony J. Bowman

Australia (2008) dir. Baz Luhrmann

Transformers One (2024) dir. Josh Cooly

tv shows *are rewatches

Landman

Homestead

Lioness

Tulsa King

Troppo

*Terra Nova

X-Men: The Animated Series

X-Men: '97

albums songs/artists

Hugh Jackman. just about anything from him, specifically The Greatest Show, Come Alive, and A Million Dreams.

In the Secret Place, Jackie Baker

Onaga, JJ Hairston

More than a Conqueror, Bethany Music

I Drove All Night, Roy Orbison

All Things are Possible, Hillsong Worship

P31, Hannah Barr

Liar (Truth Is), Allison Eide

Cold War, Swingin' Hammers

+ a billion others I just don't have time to list

nintendo switch

Stardew Valley

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Princess Peach Showtime

favorite everydays (currently)

Wolverine yes he's in my everyday, lol

My customized Wolverine ringtone and text tone

Christ Glorified Fitness on YouTube Christina is amazing and I love her.

Kindle Scribe

Airpods Pro

Casetify Wolverine phone case

Standing Yellow Phone Charger

Remo 10" tambourine

Snacklebox

Nintendo Switch

Citrine Solitaire Ring

Hoka Clifton 8's

Moonstone Seven's The Hair Plop

tagging without pressure: @thevoicefromanotherworld @permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 @itsgoghtime @bpmiranda @hereforthehitsbaby @lubdubology

#2024 favorites #tag game #happy (almost) new year y'all!!!#thanks for sticking with me and my seemingly never-ending RoP posting!

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fiercestpurpose · 4 years ago

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okay, enough of this. everybody reblog this post and recommend your favourite piece of actually good media that centers queer characters and their stories. i'll go first by saying please listen to friends at the table.

#m.txt #anna this is where you reblog this post and tell me to watch black sails #also first person (who isnt alie) to reblog this and say supernatural gets permablocked

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fiendslothful · 4 years ago

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#OH. MY. GOD.#I just finished episode 5 (XIII I think) of black sails #and HOLY SHIT #that was SUCH a good episode #like the acting was amazing as always but just!!!!!#the return of billy was pretty tame compared to every other situation #even though he still irks me i appreciate vane for doing the bare minimum with abigail #the scene where anna finds out about having to leave the crew and jack behind #and as she is leaving the rage on her face growing with every step and the music swelling and growing louder #as jack tries to lighten the mood before realising how fucked he is?#great scene #thats not even MENTIONING flint and miranda and thomas #like #I knew flinthamilton was canon #but I didn't how and when they would become canon #so throughout the episode and fighting and flashbacks you just get these little hints about their fall #and it made me think how someone who hadnt been spoiled feel for the first time watching these scenes #knowing that miranda and james had the affair but also hearing a constant mention of something else going on #like this is early 1700s everybody had straight affairs so why would it ruin them #and then when you find out from miranda that james and thomas had the affair and loved each other #it just instantly clicks and all those hints start to make sense #so so far this episode has been my favourite one #also the ending gave me a FRIGHT holy shit #black sails #personal #currently watching

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horrorlesbion · 5 years ago

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love can find you when you least expect funny how two lives connect

#blacksailsedit #black sails #james flint #thomas hamilton #flinthamilton #mine #anna learns how to photoshop #did i get fucked up watching carrie 2002?? MAYBE #anyway what is my brand #if not picking the emotional bits out of weird musicals #and applying them to my special interests #now im emo as >FUCK

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darlingshane · 2 years ago

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fiesta in your mouth

Shane Walsh x F!Reader

Rating: 18+

Word Count: 2k

Summary: – @anna-hawk requested: I would love a sexy drabble with Reader being hungry... for food. The food is taking forever to arrive and they start bickering about Reader's impatience. It ends with Reader biting Shane's ass cause, well, HUNGRY. Except hungry for more now 😏.

Content/Warnings: explicit, smut, oral sex, food, eating, playful banter, crack, some fluff.

-- Read below or at AO3.

It's another lazy night, hanging out at your boyfriend's, waiting for the food to arrive. And as per usual, your stomach starts protesting impatiently after an hour of just sitting around, watching TV.

It's always the same when you leave Shane in charge of either cooking or ordering. He's not a bad cook, he just doesn't have the time, or he's too tired after work to do so. And when it comes to ordering via app, he's not very tech-savvy and often screws up the order.

“Ugh, when it’s the food coming?” you complain, lolling your head back against the edge of the couch to watch Shane coming out of the hallway half-naked with just a pair of black sweats hanging low on his hips after taking a shower.

“Why are you always so hungry?”

“Why are you not?” You whine, “you said we were eating an hour ago.”

“Don’t be such a brat. Food will be here soon,” your boyfriend states, plopping down on the couch next to you with his knees widely apart.

His curls slightly drip water on his bare shoulders while he flips channels on the TV, and you reach to swipe them with your fingers.

“Are you sure you ordered and paid right?”

“'Course, I’m sure. Stop being a pest. You should’ve eaten something before getting here.”

“You said you were cooking, I was saving myself for you.”

“You mean your virginity? I think that ship sailed a long time ago, sweetheart,” he quips, pinching the side of your hip, and you swat the back of your hand against his bicep.

“What did you order anyway?” You wonder.

“Mexican. I got all your favorites… arroz con pollo, crunchy tacos, nachos, enchiladas… A whole fiesta for your mouth. Better than my cooking, right?” He then reaches for his phone to check the Postmates app. “Look, it’ll be here in half an hour.”

“Another half hour?”

“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t have time to cook like I said,” his mouth draws a playful smirk, “but if you were that hungry, you’d have lifted that sweet ass off the couch a long time ago, and made dinner yourself like women are supposed to do. But lil miss grumpy pants here doesn't like cooking, doesn't she?”

“I could punch you for even joking about that, asshole.”

“I'd love to see you try.”

“Is that a dare?”

“C'mon, let's see what you got,” he grins, and stands up, tugging the waistband of his sweatpants higher.

Then, he pushes the coffee table towards the TV console to have some more space, and holds his palms up, inviting you to spar amicably.

You stand in front of him, wiggling your fingers before closing both hands into fists. You start punching either of his palms alternately while he taunts you about how weak your blows are, mocking your flimsy arms, and terrible posture. You double down and hit harder until your knuckles start hurting, while he relentlessly jeers at you.

Getting all worked up, you decide to go for his face instead, but your hook is keenly intercepted before landing.

Shane quickly pins your wrists at your back afterwards, and your boxing session turns into wrestling. You escape his hold several times, but then you end up pinned down on the floor in the most awkward position with your body held and twisted around him in a way that your face is facing his ass while he struggles to keep you like that.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna give up, sweetheart?” he drawls, half panting.

“Never,” you laugh and manage to get one of your hands free to pull his sweats down and uncover his stinking cute booty. Without warning, you take a big bite at the curve of his hips, firmly marking your teeth on his ass.

“The hell are you doing?”

“Told you I was hungry. I needed a nibble of those delicious buns,” you bite his butt again, pressing harder, until he releases you.

“You’re a savage,” he grumbles, as you unclench your teeth to see that bright, pink love bite you’ve stamped on his white ass.

“If you forfeit, I win!” you exclaim in victory, rolling on the floor to have your back against the rug, and pushing both your arms up.

“I don’t think so,” his tongue swipes his lips before having him on top of you again.

He pulls your arms down and straddles your chest, placing his crotch awfully close to your face.

“Let's see how hungry you really are,” his lips curve up lewdly, as he pushes his sweats and boxer briefs down, showing his limp cock.

You lick your lips in anticipation, watching him pumping himself a couple of times until he’s half hard.

Then, he playfully taps the bulbous tip of his length against your lips, purring, “want some of this, darlin'?”

You eagerly nod.

“Okay, show me your tongue, and I'll feed you.”

Doing as he says, you open your mouth and stick your tongue out.

With a fist curled around the underside of his cock, he places it on the wet surface of your tongue and strokes back and forth until his semi erection blooms into rock-hard perfection with a bittersweet wet dripping that comes out of his slit.

“Now close your lips and have at it.”

Letting him guide-boss you like this is one of your biggest turn-ons, and you can already feel the sweet arousal coiling madly in your core with just a taste of him.

Your eyes are locked with his when you wrap our mouth around his flared tip. You inhale and start bobbing our head forwards as much as this position lets you.

Starting slowly, you let your mouth take inch after inch, watching him bask in the delicious undoing of your ways. You hum and go a little faster as he braces his palms on the floor over your head.

“Keep going, darlin’,” he grunts between praises and curses, losing his breath the harder you go, “I’m almost… fuck yeah, just like that, sweetheart.”

The pace of your mouth picks up, sucking him dry, and moaning against his steel-erection throbbing against your tongue. It drives him wild. You can feel it in the way he erratically starts thrusting into your mouth at the same time with nothing but desperation pressing in his center.

“You wanted me to fill your dirty mouth exactly like this, huh?” he grunts coarsely, and you can barely nod, as his cock starts twitching a second before having his seed spilled at the back of your throat.

He comes with a loud strangled moan and after every drop is out he takes his cock away, and places a palm over your mouth.

“Sh, sh, sh. Don’t spill it, baby,” he grins at you, half panting, “I wanna see you swallow.”

Your lips quirk up beneath his palm before gulping every drop of his sticky essence down your throat. You then open your mouth and show him.

“Good girl,” he exhales, lying on top of you as he comes down from his high, “who’s the winner now?”

“You are, baby,” you chuckle, running your palms up and down his back as he presses himself between your legs. He’s not as hard, but you can still feel it behind the fabric of your leggings.

“Are you still hungry, sweetheart?”

“Hmm, a little. You promised a fiesta for my mouth and that was just a… a bitter spoon of yogurt past its expiration date at best.”

He snorts at your words, “say what you will, but I bet that made you wet.”

Pressing your teeth on your bottom lip, you give him a quick nod.

“Yeah? Do you want me to take care of that?”

“What do you think?”

“That you’re greedy as fuck, baby,” he laughs.

“Not as much as you are.”

“Yeah, probably not,” he accepts and draws in some air before sliding down your body, taking your clothes off, so he can give you the same release.

He buries his face between your legs and just as his tongue starts teasing your folds, the door buzzer goes off at the worst possible moment.

“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” you utter in frustration.

“Tough luck, sweetheart,” he pulls his head back, amused, glancing at you, “looks like we’re going to have to postpone this.”

“Ugh,” you let out as he pulls himself up, yanking his underwear and sweats on, to answer the door.

“Hey, don’t complain, the food is here. Isn’t that what you wanted?” he chuckles and buzzes the delivery guy in.

“I guess,” you mumble, hot and bothered, as you slip into your shirt, and take a seat on the couch, covering your kegs with the throw before Shane opens the door.

After collecting the food, he places the containers from your favorite Mexican restaurant on the coffee table, and drags it back to its former position near the couch.

You pick a random unlabeled container, open it, and instantly forget about the interruption after finding out he ordered churros.

Glancing at you as he pulls the lid off another, Shane catches you smiling while sinking your teeth into one.

“Those are for dessert.”

“Says who? I gotta get the taste of your churro out of my mouth somehow. This will do.”

“Well,” he licks his lips and yanks the blanket off you to uncover your legs, “if you’re gonna have dessert first, I should too.”

“Yeah, have at it,” you chuckle as he kneels on the floor, pushing your knees apart, and dragging your ass closer to the edge of the couch.

You take another bite of your churro and put it aside as he props your thighs over his shoulders.

He gazes at you one more time before diving into your pussy. The eager tip of his tongue slowly traces the shape of your lips, teases at your entrance, and every spot he can find to drive you out of your mind, avoiding your clit altogether.

Your fingers slide into his half-dried curls as he circles around it, barely grazing the peak of that swollen bud that’s aching for more significant stimulation. Filled with anticipation, your grip anxiously pulls at his hair as he takes his sweet time, savoring every inch of you.

His lips curve up against your folds, and you exhale, letting his name fall from your lips when he finally latches around your impatient clit.

Letting your head fall backwards, you close your eyes and drink in the mind-numbing sucking of his lips, taking you up to cloud nine with practice ease. One of his hands slips under your shirt to grab your breast while the other keeps a firm grip around your thigh with his fingers pressed on your mound.

Your body lights up with every lick and hum served in all the right places as he works you up to the highest level. He channels that electric jolt of your body to press a little harder until you fall completely apart at the mercy of his lips.

He pulls his head back, gently soothing his palms on your thighs while you slowly come down from your high. It takes you a moment to open your eyes, and when you do you see him using his fingers to clean the edges of his mouth covered in you.

“Welcome back, baby.”

Speechless, you simply smile at him as a response, as your breathing evens out.

“That good, huh?” he utters with his usual smugness, as if he didn't already know how to make you lose your mind like that.

He then rises from his knees and sits up, pulling you into his lap, linking his arms around your waist as you hug his neck.

“You taste sweeter than honey,” he whispers against your shoulder.

You let out a small laugh and pull back, so you can look at his eyes.

“Love leaving you without words, sweetheart,” he sweetly smiles, and you sigh, delighted, before capturing his lips.

#jon bernthal #shane walsh #shane walsh x reader #twd fanfiction #twd #the walking dead #shane walsh fanfiction #jon bernthal smut #darlingwrites

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