#Bluey walkways

[blurban-form]

Pelican Beach Park, Noosaville

The family walk along a long waterfront pathway in S2E18, “Piggyback”

They’re on holiday, staying at a “holiday house”. Bingo wants to be carried piggyback-style but she’s encouraged not to through various methods.

Note the colors on the trash & recycling containers are consistent with those for garbage pickup at houses.

They pass outdoor bbqs, benches, picnic tables, trash containers, boat rental places, and see houseboats, jet skis, and a large pelican statue.

By the time they get to the end, Bingo is ok with not getting a piggyback ride. But now Mum wants one!

This is a real place (of course) It’s not Brisbane; it’s Noosaville, about an hour and a half from Brisbane. It has all of the things we see in this episode, depicted accurately. (The pelican statue helped me figure out where this was.)

[alchemistc]

for the intimacy prompts, it's buck & tommy so of course gotta go with #7 kissing scars or #50 patching up a wound or whichever other prompt sparks joy for u <3

Buck's late. Holy shit he is so late. He'd promised Maddie he'd be at the house like, half an hour ago, but he'd gotten caught up in a conversation with Jana from B shift on his way out the door and it'd been just enough time to cause an extra half hour backup on the highway that had clogged up all his usual back road routes, too.

With this in mind, he's rushing as he parks the Jeep, barely paying any attention as he shoves his door closed and practically sprints up the walkway.

And of course, of course, he's jittery, rushing, so it takes him three tries to get the key in the lock, and by the time he swings the door open with apologies on his lips, he sort of wants the floor to just swallow him up.

There's no Maddie. There's no Maddie or Chim, who would definitely be standing in the entryway giving him shit for somehow ending their shifts at the same time and still managing to be late.

All there is is the faint sound of voices coming from down the hallway, so he follows those until he catches the light leaking out from the open door of the bathroom.

As he nears, the voices become a little clearer. Jee says something, too soft for Buck to catch, a little strain in her voice he's vaguely concerned about until the other voice responds, in a familiar cadence that has Buck stopping dead in his tracks for half a heartbeat before he remembers - crap, he'd invited Tommy over, too, when it became clear it was the only 'free' night they'd have for like, six days, and now not only is he late to babysit his own niece but he's left Tommy the task of sending Maddie and Chim off on their date.

Buck ignores the little skip of his heartbeat at the idea that Maddie and Chim had felt comfortable just ... leaving Jee in Tommy's hands. That's a dumb train of thought - Chim knows Tommy, and Maddie hasn't made a secret of how much she likes Tommy, too, there's no reason to get gooey about it.

"...and viola!" comes Tommy's exclamation, and in the bathroom, Jee giggles. He must be making a face, or doing some gesturing. Jee's a little obsessed with Tommy, still, just as enchanted as Buck by the way his focus is always so intent when she's telling him something, by the way he's always got a follow up question, by the way he's not remotely afraid to dissolve into giggles with her.

"Now you!" Jee exclaims, and Buck knocks on the doorframe, tilts his head in to get the scope of things. Jee's up on the counter, legs kicking, a bright orange bandage on her knee and the box in her hand being brandished in Tommy's face where he's kneeling on the bathroom floor. There's a tube of Neosporin open next to her, and some bloody paper towels in the trash, but Tommy and Jee both glance up at him with smiles on their faces.

"Hi Jee," Buck says, and Jee waves, in that weird age where she'll be talking a mile a minute and then go completely mute for like twenty minutes until she's had time to process something. She kicks at the cabinet below her and shakes the box of Band-Aids at Tommy's head, and Buck gets the message. "Hi, Tommy."

Something soft and quiet passes between them. Buck's trying to be cool about this relationship, but there are times where the comparisons start to rattle around in his brain, a bit, and he's - it's never felt like this. He can't imagine Chim and Maddie even feeling comfortable enough to leave Jee alone with Natalia or Taylor, let alone actually asking them to join him for an evening of Bluey and hotdog Mac and Cheese. And it's - maybe he's just older, more settled in his bones. Maybe the secret sauce is those relationships not working out, so that Buck knew exactly what he was looking for, and what he wasn't. He's grateful for that, but mostly he thinks it's just Tommy - how steady he is, how grounded, how one look from Tommy can ease a days worth of worries crawling under Buck's skin.

"Sixty words a minute for the last forty-five and suddenly you don't wanna talk to your Uncle Buck?" Tommy teases, massive hand curling around the bottom of Jee's foot to shake her leg, and Jee giggles and ducks, arms crossing and head shaking 'no' as she presses her heel into Tommy's palm and nearly launches herself into the mirror behind her. Buck slides a hand behind her head to steady her - clearly she's a little accident prone today, and he's not particularly in the mood for a visit to the hospital this evening.

The movement brings him close enough for Tommy to touch, and he wraps his free hand around Buck's calf, squeezing for a moment before he uses it as leverage to lift himself off the bathroom floor. This bathroom isn't nearly large enough for two grown ass men standing shoulder to shoulder, they barely fit toe to toe.

"Hi," Buck says, when Tommy comes level with him, chests brushing and a familiar fond look in his eye.

"Hi," he repeats, grin going wide, and next to them Jee squirms and grabs at both their arms.

"No kiss!"

Buck tilts his head, and Tommy mirrors it, brow raised. "You heard the lady," he admonishes in a wry tone when Buck's gaze darts immediately for his lips.

This doesn't seem to satisfy Jee-Yun, who leans forward to smack at Tommy's wrist. "No, kiss!"

The change in tone is enough for both of them to glance down at her. She's pointing at her bandaged knee, which makes a lot more sense. Shed spent the last 118 barbeque demanding every couple in her immediate eyeline kiss for her entertainment, like an extremely cute fork against a champagne glass.

Buck's not thinking about weddings, though. He's not.

(He absolutely is, but at least he and Tommy have, like, talked about it. In vague hypotheticals, but... still.)

Jee slaps her knee for emphasis.

Clearly whatever she did hadn't injured her too badly, but there is a rule. You bandage something, you gotta kiss it better.

Tommy eyes the distance back to the floor like he's eighty years old, not a fit forty, so Buck makes it easier on all of them by squeezing in and swinging Jee over his shoulders, her legs fucking pinwheeling enough to force Tommy to duck as her breathless giggles fill the echoing tiles of the bathroom. Settled onto Buck's shoulders, Jee digs her fingers into Buck's hair, and Tommy leans in and makes an exaggerated smacking noise as he presses his lips to her bandage.

She shifts her weight, pleased, and tugs hard on Buck's ear. "Okay, now kiss," she demands, and Tommy snorts with laughter as he leans in.

[dc418writes]

✨Pairing✨: firefighter!Curtis Everettxblack!nanny!reader

Summary🪄: You witness Curtis’ jealous side for the first time (Dipped in Guilt addition)

⚠️: age gap (reader is in late twenties, Curtis is in late 30s to early 40s), sprinkle of possessiveness, insinuation to happy adult fun times, pretty much all fluff

*DISCLAIMER!: although visual was made by me via Canva, I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP of photos used as they were all found on Pinterest*

“Looks like Jensen went all out with this huh?,” Curtis speaks. His son happily sitting in his thick, tattooed arms as you both walk up the concrete walkway

A decorated archway hangs overhead the entire short walk to the front door made to look like a cave full of spiders in their elaborate web. Finn couldn’t be less impressed though, deciding the grey mouse ears on his head - removing them for the fourth time now - were more intriguing than what was around him

“I like it,” you smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from Jakey.”

“Of course you’d say that,” he thought. Ever the kind, supportive one, it’s like you were Jensen’s biggest fan

You’d always actively listen when he was going on about one of his nerdy interests. Nodding along and giving your input every now and then about some character or theory you had

You were like that with everyone at the station really. Listening with awe to Ari’s stories of traveling in foreign countries and truly interested in the latest book Cap was reading

You even had a little book club of sorts, which had a small smile creeping along his lips when he’d overhear you on the phone excitedly discussing a part you couldn’t get over

Although Curtis did feel a way about you being on the phone with his station captain so late

And now that he thought about it, why the hell were you calling Jensen “Jakey”?

It didn’t take long for the door to swing open after ringing the melodic bell. Jake smiling on the other side in some outfit that looked like a blue ninja and matching mask as music and giggles could be heard from deeper in the house.

“Hey, come in! Glad you guys could make it!”

“Thanks for inviting us,” Curtis replies stepping in the highly decorated home. There were orange and black streamers along the walls and ceiling along with fake cobwebs and bats. Paper skeletons were along the walls in various goofy poses while a couple larger, plastic ones sat on some of the tables in addition to a mini fake caldron and Halloween themed confetti

Overall, it reminded Curtis of a less cluttered version of a Halloween store the longer you walked through

Clearly the kids loved it how they ran around ogling and enjoying themselves in their costumes

“Very nice Sub Zero!,” you spoke. “Is that the one you found on the site you told me?”

“Yea! And thank you for being the only person here to appreciate an iconic character,” he emphasizes specifically towards a group of kids - including his niece in her ghostface costume - walking past

“Whatever bluey.”

Jensen just shakes his head. “That’s the problem with this generation, no respect. Also very adorable cat and mouse costume you two.”

Tickling under Finn’s chin, the one year old giggles in his grey onesie before reaching for Jake’s glasses - as he usually did whenever they’d see each other.

“And let me guess, Curtis is a…grumpy old trucker?”

Although fitting from the black flannel over his arms, dark jeans that covered the laces of his boots, and ash grey beanie, Curtis just glared in his typical sour puss fashion cutting Jensen’s chuckles short. His once joking mood replaced with a slight look of fear as he nervously cleared his throat.

“S-Sorry, just jokes I swear.”

“Hey, more big people!”

Hearing that familiar deep, soothing drawl, you instantly turn around to find Ari with a beer in hand and in his usual jeans and simple white tee waving from the kitchen.

“So we got adults in the kitchen/dining room, and kids mostly in the living room. Food is in both, but let me know if you guys need anything,” Jensen quickly explains before jogging off at his sister’s call.

“Aww how cute, cat and mouse,” Ari smiles giving you one of his famous bear hugs before gently tickling Finn in his side. “And what about you Curtis?”

“A tired, responsible adult.” Ari chuckles at his friend - expecting nothing less than that response - as you playfully roll your eyes taking a babbling Finn from his arms.

“Well on that note, I’ll leave you adults to it. Cmon baby boy, we’ll have fun for the both of em.”

Curtis’ eyes naturally follow as you stride into the living room while cooing at his son. Ari’s daughter, Maya, excitedly squeals your name once you step foot on the large rug protecting the dark hardwood below. Having babysat her a few times now, she already loved you as if you were her best friend. She also loved Finn, saying how he was the cutest baby she’d ever seen.

“He’s like a babydoll!,” she whispered in awe while holding him that first time. Since then, you, Curtis, and Ari suspected that Maya might look at Finn as her own real life babydoll watching as she took care of him while he played on his mat and would occasionally try to rock him. She even tried to feed him his bottle, but that usually didn’t go well since Finn liked to hold his own.

Seeing you interact with the kids - complimenting their costumes and goofily dancing right beside them - a fraction of a smile tilts the corner of Curtis’ mouth replacing his usual stoic gaze.

There’s also a hint of something waking inside of him every time you hold his son or help him toddle about the room being careful that he doesn’t fall or hurt himself

It’s almost primal or possessive as he feels a low twitch and a warmth bloom along his skin

And he knows it’s bound to get him in trouble

“Stare any harder, and I’m gonna start getting jealous,” Ari smirks handing Curtis a chilled beer from the fridge behind him. Clearly caught, he can only shake his head as the two lightly clink their dark bottles together before taking respective sips.

“So I take it everything’s going well?”

“Yea, she loves Finn and he loves her back. Sometimes I think he might like her more than me.”

“Understandable. I mean she’s prettier, so kind, an amazing cook, funny, gorgeous-,”

“Are you done?,” Curtis glowered lowering the beer bottle from his lips. “Want me to call her back in here so you can find more ways to compliment her?”

He knew Curtis liked you, but he didn’t realize his friend was this deeply smitten. “Relax cowboy, no one’s trying to take your girl.”

Although Ari had to admit, if they weren’t friends he’d be doing any and everything to make you his.

“Whoa, Curtis has a girl?!,” Jake pauses as soon as he steps into the kitchen. A dopey grin on his face much to Curtis’ dismay.

“No, I don’t.”

“Oh he does,” Ari adds only making him more annoyed.

“I’m happy for you man! Finally getting back out there and opening yourself up for love.” Curtis instantly shrugs Jake’s arm from around his shoulder, but the giddy dork only puts it back making Curtis glare at his frosted tipped station mate. “You should’ve invited her.”

“He did. You’ve seen her a few times,” Ari chuckles with a wink before taking another swig from his nearly empty bottle. At first, Jake doesn’t seem to get it quirking his brow in confusion. When things finally click, Jake’s face morphs into surprised realization then excitement looking back and forth between a grumpy Curtis and sweet you in your makeshift cat costume bouncing Finn in your arms.

Curtis knew he should’ve stayed home.

-

Finally back home, Curtis lounged on his couch with arms crossed over his chest as some old, black and white horror movie playing on the screen mounted on the wall. The younger looking woman screaming in horror as some alien species cornered her in an alley

He couldn’t really pay attention though, with you currently in your room getting dressed to go out with your friends

“It’s our Halloween tradition! Since freshman year, we’ve always dressed up and hung out downtown.”

Selfishly Curtis wanted you home with him. You curled on the couch with your snowman blanket - as you tended to do - only a mere arms length away from him as you both watched a movie or one of your shows

He especially liked Love is Blind, but he’d never openly admit that

As if hearing his thoughts of you, the thick heels of your black booties click down the hall eventually stopping in front of him giving a little twirl and your heart melting grin

“And enter the wicked witch!”

Wicked was the word alright, but not in the traditional since of how the character looked when he was little

He could see your black thong through your lacy, wide legged black pants with spiderweb detailing. Your sleeveless top - lacy and see through as well - showing your black bustier underneath. To top everything off, a purple pointed hat on your head with black cats scattered all around in various poses

He could only stare as you excitedly grabbed your purse from the coatrack and shuffled through its contents making sure you had everything

“If Finn wakes up before I’m back, there’s two bottles in the fridge I made earlier, and the bottle warmer is already plugged in,” you state walking towards the front door as you begin typing on your phone. “Oh and-,”

Not paying attention, you don’t hear or feel Curtis get up closing the distance between you with hands stuffed in his front pockets. Turning to suddenly see his broad body startles you, making you slightly jump and a breathy giggle slip past your soft lips

“You can be very nimble for a guy your size,” you joke, but Curtis just peers down at you looking stoic as usual. “Well, I uh guess I’ll see you later then. Were you gonna lock up behind me or-,”

He simply stays silent looking stoic as usual causing your once good mood to slightly dim

“Um okay..g-goodnight then,” you weakly smile with hand twisting the doorknob. Once you have it open by just a crack, Curtis’ larger hand is pushing it closed again and leaving it there to block you from going out

Effectively confusing and startling you; making your brows slightly knit

“…Is something wrong?,” you ask.

“You want me to start being open?,” he begins still trapping you between him and the door. Not that you were particularly complaining. “Okay then, I don’t like - no, I despise the fact that a bunch of men, let alone one, are gonna have their eyes on you. Wanting something that’s not theirs.”

You can only stand there waiting for him to finish. Your back eventually pressing against the door as you step back trying to move away from his intense gaze

“Now I’m gonna give you an option. You can leave; go have fun with your friends and I drag you back here in an hour not caring if you’re ready to go or not, nor if you’re kicking or screaming when I do it. Or you can rightfully stay here.”

The way he spoke with authority as if he was your father stunned you into near silence, unable to clearly get your response out. “S-Stay?”

“Yes..with me,” he states leaning close enough that you could feel the air from his nostrils skate across your skin. “And I promise to make you forget about whatever grimy place you wanted to go and whoever you were planning to go with.”

You feel your core spasm at such a promise reflexively clenching your thighs together as your tongue peeks to wet your lips and you gently nod in approval. It should be shameful how easily you drop your purse into his waiting hand almost like you’re in a trance, but you could care less letting him lead you to his bedroom. In the morning, you’ll just text a quick apology to your friends about standing them up.

Not that they’d know what you were talking about since there weren’t any plans in the first place

[uftopia]

Very very rough outline of. dnf baby

^based on bluey episode rain (dreams on the chair on the porch, dnf baby is on the walkway)

kills myself oh my god dnf baby and bluey

[talkfastromance4]

Hardships, Happiness, Hemmings--a magazine article--Luke&Lily

**this is a MOCK magazine page**

a/n: Hi! I wanted to try something different and I also just wanted to write about Luke gushing about mama and the kids😊 I hope you like it!

Word count: 1.8k

Enjoy!

•••

Article by: Claire Tucker

Flowers line the walkway to the front door and after a doting doorbell rings, the first thing before me is a brown eye-ed bulldog-terrier mix named Petunia, known famously as the dog owned by the tall, blond-curled Australian frontman of 5 Seconds of Summer, Luke Hemmings. He’s smiling warmly and then the quick patter of feet on the hardwood is behind him followed by an excited question, ‘who is it daddy?’

Luke swings his second daughter, Posy age 5, in his arms. She waves hello and asks who I am. ‘This is the nice lady interviewing us, remember? Come on in.’

An episode of Bluey plays on the tv where his other children, Lily (9) and Oliver (1) sit happily on the couch. Oliver waves, Lily gives a quiet yet polite hello as Posy introduces me to her siblings. From the outside they’re seen as a rockstar’s family, but on the inside, they are a family just like any other. Toys are everywhere, grocery lists line the fridge and a month’s calendar is filled and color coded with each child’s extracurriculars.

CT: How do you manage all of their schedules while you’re working on new music or are on tour?

LH: All of it couldn’t be done without my wife, y/n. She’s got everything down to a T and I have reminders on my phone as well. Being home on most days is really helpful while she’s at work so I can take Lily to ballet and Posy to karate. Their uncles are a big help.

CT: What’s the hardest part of parenting?

LH: There are hard things but having a partner is what makes it all better. We have difficulties like any other family; getting them to bed isn’t always easy, making sure homework is done, asking permission to use a toy instead of just taking it (he chuckled at that) Posy is always taking Lily’s things. We’re working on asking first.

CT: You share custody with Lily’s father, Cory Stone, was it hard at first? Because you’ve been with y/n for…almost ten years, now?

LH: Yeah, ten years. There were some rough spots in the beginning of our relationship and I was so nervous to meet Lily in the beginning. She was only one at the time, but I knew if she didn’t like me, I wouldn’t get another date with lovie. Lily and y/n have such a close bond.

CT: Lovie?

LH: Oh, sorry (he blushed) that’s my nickname for y/n. I always call her lovie. But um, Lily and I got along great right away and soon, I saw her like my daughter. Cory is great, and so is his wife Ella. They have a beautiful little girl, Violetta who absolutely adores Lily, Posy and Oliver.

CT: So you’re all a big blended family?

LH: Definitely. It takes a village to raise kids and our village is big enough to do just that. We have so much love and support and we want to make sure we’re supporting and helping them in any way we can.

At this point of the interview, y/n Hemmings joins us with a pitcher of lemonade and some blueberry muffins she said Lily made. y/n joins us for the second part and sits intimately close to Luke who greets her with a soft kiss to the cheek and an arm flung around her shoulders.

CT: Oliver is your youngest and you shared very briefly with fans that it was a somewhat difficult pregnancy. How did you maneuver that as a couple?

LH: It was very hard. My main concern was how y/n was doing after it all happened. She had to have an emergency C-section but as soon as her eyes opened, she was the mama bear I’ve known and loved all along. She demanded where our son was, what his condition was and that we needed to see him as soon as possible.

Y/NH: You make me sound horrendous. (she said this with a laugh and a hand to cover her face)

LH: No! Lovie, you woke up and were fierce. You always put our children first and it never ceases to amaze me.

CT: And how is Oliver doing now?

Y/N: He’s so wonderful, he loves to laugh. Because he was born prematurely, he hasn’t been talking yet so we’ve been Signing with him and he’s caught onto that pretty quickly. He loves snow.

LH: Yeah, we went to a cabin and it was the first time any of the kids saw snow, Oliver loved it the best. When it’s raining here, he’ll go to window and sign ‘snow’ and he pouts everytime that it’s just rain.

CT: Y/N, what is it like at home while Luke’s away touring with the band? How do the kids handle it?

Y/NH: It’s always hard the first few weeks. The kids miss him terribly and it’s hard to explain timezones but we always mark a spot on a map where he is. We FaceTime with him as much as we can and when he’s home, we always make the most of it even if it’s for a few days.

CT: Luke, how is it with you?

LH: I have yet to find the best way to get used to being away from them but honestly, I don’t think I will. It’s always hard to be away from my family and especially when they’re younger and going through milestones. I’m happy I was able to see Olly walk for the first time, but I missed Posy’s fifth birthday. So when I’m with them, I cherish every moment.

Y/NH: And he’s the best dad, he’s always present and supportive of whatever they want to do. He and Lily love to sing together, he helps Posy with her karate and yes, he does wake up whenever Oliver is crying. We’re a great team and I couldn’t have asked for a better husband. The way he welcomed Lily into his life too…I’m sorry, I’m going to start crying. I’m a bit emotional.

CT: I understand you both wanted to talk about another hardship you faced as a couple and as a family.

Y/NH: Yeah, I had a miscarriage last summer and it really caused a wedge between me and Luke. I wasn’t handling it well, I wasn’t opening up with him because I was trying to process what happened. I kept thinking it was my fault, but I couldn’t dwell on that because I have three children to care for. I didn’t want to lose it in front of them so I kept it all bottled inside.

LH: I tried to uncork her bottle but it was hard. We were both thinking and assuming the wrong thing of what the other wanted and we started to see a marriage counselor. We went through some sessions, we did a technique she suggested and it got us through. From the outside we held it together, but on the inside, our family has gone through so much in the last several years. From y/n’s pregnancy being difficult to Oliver being in the NICU for weeks, normal sickness that come with children, touring and being split apart, and the miscarriage…

Y/NH: We’ve had so many hardships, but within those hardships there’s been happiness and a ton of help from our friends who are more like family. Luke’s parents were so amazing and flew out to help when needed. We have so much love surrounding us, it’s incredible.

CT: It sounds like you two have created a wonderful life. Anything to look forward to in the next year?

LH: We’re just taking it one day at a time. Our anniversary is coming up soon. Might plan a trip with the guys over the summer and we’ve got a double ‘first’ birthday for the twins.

CT: That’s right! Michael and Crystal are still the new parents, how’s that going?

LH: Great, Michael still calls and asks me for advice.

Y/NH: Luke is a pro at the blanket wraps, he can do it in thirty seconds flat.

Just as our interview was coming to an end, Lily, Posy and Oliver ran out with Petunia hot on their heels. Posy leapt into Luke’s lap reaching for a muffin and Lily made sure Oliver walked carefully to y/n. The Hemmnigs’ may have gone through some tough trials, but the love they exude is evident.

***

“Are you sure you can’t tell I’m pregnant?” you ask staring at the pictures in the magazine article.

“I’m sure,” Luke kisses your shoulder as he pours himself a cup of coffee. “The kids are covering you and in our pictures, your dress is billowy enough it covers it. Look how beautiful you are.”

“Stop,” you blush then start giggling when he places soft kisses on your neck. “When is the video supposed to show?”

“I think it’s live now. Claire said as soon as the magazines were out, the website would release the video on social media.”

You check on the kids who are playing outside with Petunia, you know Lily will make sure Posy and Oliver are safe, and sit down at the table. Luke pulls out his phone and opens up Instagram to find the video that he was already tagged in.

Along with the interview and small photoshoot, the magazine did a video of your whole family. Luke opens it and presses play.

It starts off with a close-up view of your walkway full of flowers, then Petunia’s nose poking at the camera. Posy appears next waving at the camera, and Oliver is seen crawling behind her. Luke gives a small tour of the house and his music room where Lily is practicing her ballet. She becomes bashful and hugs herself to Luke. The cheek kiss he gave you outside during the interview was shown, and a bunch of other kisses during the photoshoot.

After the family group photos, Ashton came by to keep the kids occupied while you and Luke had photos taken. Ashton was seen a few times in the background with the kids. There were photos of you seated on Luke’s lap, his arm wrapped around you. This was the first time you’ve ever done something publicly with him and he could tell you were nervous.

“Just pretend it’s Andy and Sarah, lovie,” he told you stroking circles on your back with his thumb.

The photos were lovely and you were thankful you were given hard copies of them all. Your favorites were of you and the kids on the couch, the kids playing together in the grass and the one of you and Luke smiling and kissing each other.

“What do you think?” Luke asks when the video ends on a fade out of your whole family doing group photos. Oliver started to cry and Posy was getting restless.

“It’s perfect,” you smile then touch your belly, “I can’t wait for this little one to get here.”

Taglist: @calumance  @in-superbloom @calpalirwin @karajaynetoday @wiiildflowerrr @sunshineeeluke @littledrummeraussie @suchalonelysunflower @hoodhoran @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt @sunshineeashton @ashtonsunflower​ @mymindwide​ @itjustkindahappenedreally @seanna313 @mulletcal @pandaxnienke @celestialams @in-a-world-of-fandoms @blairscott @writersdare

[elsabarnitt]

FMP

First hand research

The Arcade - Bournemouth

Visiting the arcade:

Before going to the arcade I had it in my head that it was thriving and there was no need for me to do a ‘refresh’ for branding and identity. I was kind of put off by it, however after feeling lost about my project and having a tutorial I felt like I just needed to get up and go. As I got off the bus I was reminded exactly where this arcade was (I knew where it was but I had forgotten exactly what was surrounding it etc.). I was walking up Old Christchurch road and started to realise and remember how run down this area of bournemouth actually is.

This whole road was filled with empty shops with massive for sale signs. It was dead. However from memory of living near this road in first year, this road has such a good opportunity to not be dead! Everyone uses this road to walk down to the beach or to the town centre. There’s massive opportunity to drag people in.

The Arcade images

When looking at this arcade, it feels quite posh. It is painted white (which from living in a white house I know it can look dirty quite easily). But this wasn’t. The gold lettering alongside the bluey windows makes this building look really pretty, and it’s a shame it’s on such a rundown road. (Though it wasn’t always rundown).

When walking through I noticed the floor was also a bit shabby and hadn’t had much upkeep. It was making me think that I could definitely do something with the floor and my identity.

The only shop that felt like it was ‘thriving’ was Waterstones. However I have no idea if they actually are but the clean green aesthetic made me think so.

After visiting it has made me realise how bad this road actually was and I had it in my imagination that it was full of thriving shops.

The Arcade - Website

On the website they have definately made it look nicer than it actually is, because why wouldn’t they. A lot of the shops that you see in the website are now empty and have shut down. There are images of lots of people shopping in the arcade so it definitely shows that it was once a good place for shopping and it has since gone down.

There is a section called ‘The Central Aisle’ which tells you what pop up shops are going to be in the centre of the arcade that month. I think this is a really good idea, however if people are using this as a walkway only (which it seems at the moment). Then they aren’t going into the arcade specifically for this and will probably end up just walking straight past them. I wonder whether having something in the centre like a permanent coffee shop/van with seating has the chance to keep some people inside the arcade.

[captainchrisbaby]

Five Minutes To Say Goodbye

Writers Note: Thank you for all the love on my previous One Shot! I had few people ask for a part 2 so I am in the midst of righting that now! Follow for more!

Summary: You’re an Avenger. Steve has been affected by the sceptre causing his mind to be under the control of Loki who has sent Steve to end the Avengers. Loki is aware of the love you and Steve share for each other and thinks it would almost be poetic that he be the one to kill you.

Warning: Violence

_________________________________________________________

“The signal is coming from here,” Tony points to the radar screen in the Quinjet where you see a little red dot flashing on the map.

“You know this is going to be a trap right Y/N? His phone has been turned off because he knows we can track it and now all of a sudden it’s back on, he is luring us out.” Tony looked at you with sympathy, he can see you’re hurting and scared.

“It’s Steve, he would never hurt me. I will go alone.” You spoke, the uncertainness clear in your voice.

“Y/N he isn’t in control right now, going alone would be too dangerous.” Natasha grabbed your arm. “We need to do this together.” She gave you a reassuring smile and squeezed your arm.

You stared at the ground for a few seconds, thoughts racing through your mind.

“Five minutes.” You protest. Tony and Natasha turn back and lock eyes with you, concern covering their faces. “I’ll take an earpiece and if things go downhill I’ll call you both in.”

Natasha and Tony give each other a glance then Tony rolls his eyes in defeat. “Fine, five minutes then we are coming in.” He says turning around and reaching for a small box. He hands it to Natasha then heads to the front of the Quinjet and takes a seat next to the pilot.

“Here.” Natasha reaches out her hand and opens it revealing three tiny earpieces. You take one and start fitting it inside your ear smiling when it’s in position. You watch her do the same then give you a wink.

The jet lowers down on to the roof of a massive empty shopping centre. You look out the front window at the darkness inside and imagine it buzzing with life only a few hours ago. Your mind begins to wonder as a memory flashes into your mind, you hear Steve’s laughter echo through your thoughts as you remember the day you took him shopping for some modern clothing options. You both laughed as he stepped out of the change room in a pair of blue jeans and a colourful striped polo that the shop attendant picked out for him. You tucked his shirt in and joked about his dad outfit while he glared jokingly at the mirror.

As the jolt of the jet hitting the ground brings you back to reality you hear the back door lowering and the cool air flowing through. Natasha hands you your UMP rifle and you switch the torch on.

“Five minutes!” Tony reminds you as you run out and onto the roof. You head over to the evacuation staircase and shoot through the lock, heading into shop you creep quietly insuring you check around corners before entering hallways. As you reach the main corridor which is usually roaring with happy shoppers you reach your head around and in the low light you see a tall figure standing in the middle of the larger walkway. Butterflies fill your stomach as you immediately recognise the strong build and perfect posture. “Steve.” You breathe to yourself.

You lower your weapon and use the strap to hang it behind your back, you slowly approach Steve still unsure if he knows you’re here. In that second the back up lights to the shopping centre flicker on and you blink a few times as your eyes adjust. Steve is standing only 10 metres away and he looks as perfect as always, only one thing is not recognisable… his eyes are glowing unnaturally blue.

“You’re alone?” Steve spoke, no emotion evident in his voice.

“Yes.” Your voice would have only just been loud enough for him to hear.

You begin to worry as his face remains straight and lifeless. The way he has always looked at you is non existent anymore and the fear in the pit of your stomach is rising.

“You were suppose to bring the others.” He smiled slightly, “Or did you want to die alone?”

You knit your brows as you study him. “This isn’t you Steve, Loki is in your head.” He doesn’t respond. “You are stronger than him!” You urge.

“A gun?” He says.

“What?” You reply.

“You bought a gun.” His eyes look down at the gun hanging over your shoulder.

“It was just incase.” You spoke softly, slightly ashamed.

“Of course you did Y/N, you need a gun because you’re weak.” His lip curled up slightly in a mocking smile and he began slowly striding towards you. “But your weakness is the exact reason you won’t use it to kill me.”

You step backwards with each stride closer to you he gets. Your hands are shaking as the man you love stands before you almost unrecognisable.

“Please.” You whisper. “I don’t want to fight you. I just want you to come home.” You beg.

You watch him intently and he stops a couple metres before you standing completely still for a few seconds. You feel uneasy so you subtly begin to reach for the gun hanging behind your back and when you see him notice you whip your hand around and grab it lifting it in front of you. He lunges at you and grabs the gun with both hands turning it sideways and using it to push you against the closed glass door of a store. Your hands tighten around the cold metal and with all your power you try to push the gun away from your chest.

Your strength is almost non-existent against his and you struggle as he slides the gun up over your throat completely cutting off your airways. You choke and look up into his eyes. They are empty.

“Please.” You mouth but no sound leaves your mouth.

For a split second you see his eyebrow imperceptibly drop almost to reveal concern, and in that small moment the gun just so slightly released some pressure. You lift your knee up hard between his legs enough for you to stun him and he drops the gun. You lean down and grab the gun and swing it up towards Steve’s head but as you close your eyes for impact the gun stops mid swing. You open your eyes quickly to see Steve’s hand holding the gun and he pulls it towards him forcing you with it, as you fall towards him he uses his other hand and swings it across your face knocking you to the ground.

The pain on your cheek stings and throbs but you stumble to your feet.

“Y/N, it’s been five minutes! We are coming in!” You hear Natasha inform over comms.

“No.” You snap, “I need longer.” You cough.

“Two minutes then we are in there!” She answers, frustration clear in her voice.

Steve crows. “You aren’t just weak, you’re stupid too.”

You glare back and begin to run towards him as you go to jump on him he lifts his leg up and kicks you in the stomach sending you straight back down to the ground. You cough and spit out a spot of blood. You try to lift yourself but Steve grabs your arm and throws you at the glass door sending you straight through it. The glass shatters around you.

You lay on the ground withering in pain quietly as you smell your own blood, the pain was scattered all throughout your body you couldn’t even tell where exactly you were hurt. Part of you gives up. You’re no match for him.

You close your wet eyes and allow the tears to stream off your face. You do nothing as you hear his footsteps stride away from where you lay, the sounds of your gun clinking off the ground and him nearing you again brings you to open your eyes. Steve stands above you gun in hand.

“Loki hoped you would come to save me. I told him how I loved you so he should see fit that I’m the one to watch the life drain from your eyes.” Steve kneels down and straddles you, he lifts the gun to your head and you don’t move. He stares down into your eyes and you gaze back at him.

“It’s okay Steve.” You whisper. He furrows his brows in confusion.

“You’re not going to fight back?” He argues, “Your’e just going to lay there and let me kill you? How pathetic.” He presses the end of the gun to your forehead.

You let out a sob. “I know you’re in there Steve. It’s okay, I forgive you.” You study his face as you see more confusion. “This is Loki’s fault, when you pull that trigger I want you remember that.” Your voice shakes as you struggle to speak. “This wasn’t you. It’s okay, I love you.” You whisper.

You close your eyes and wait.

But nothing…

You gently open your eyes again to see his finger on the trigger and his hand shaking. You notice his eyes are slightly glistening but still glowing blue.

“Steve?” You whisper. He shakes his head and blinks his eyes and you can see the internal battle he is fighting. You reach your hand up and place it on his cheek. “Come back to me.” You encourage.

“No!” He screams and presses the gun harder into your forehead. You reach your other hand up so his head is resting in your hands.

“I said come back to me!” You yell back at him, another tear falling from your eyes. You grip his face tighter, “Please!” You cry.

He pulls the gun away from your face and drops it beside you rolling off you and onto his back propping himself up on his elbow as his breathing shakes. He closes his eyes again and continues shaking his head.

“Steve.” You mutter with concern, rolling onto your hands and crawling over to him. The pain in your shoulder, stomach and face is making any movement for you difficult but you push through it.

You place your hand on his chest and watch as he opens his eyes. You gasp. His eyes aren’t glowing, they’re back to their beautiful bluey-green colour you know so well. He stares at the roof for a few seconds still blinking as he adjusts and then his eyes lock with yours. Beads of sweat drip down his face as he lifts his head until he is level with you.

“Y/N?” He whispers.

“Yes it’s me.” You let out a sigh of relief and a smile forms on your lips. “How did you do that?”

“I don’t know.” He explains, his facial muscles tense with confusion. “I guess my love for you is stronger than his power over me.”

You wrap your arms around him and melt into his arms.He embraces you and holds you there for a few seconds before pushing you back and kissing you hard.

The sounds of light footsteps and a loud metal clunk knocks you out of your moment. You turn to see Natasha and Tony standing behind you with smiles of relief.

“I told you all I needed was five minutes.” You joke as you moan from the pain.

[larryfanficwriter98]

Two

{Fake It Until You Make It Real.}

Well....I had seven chapters finished, but as my readers from my other story know I have a terrible habit or rewriting an entire chapter in just one night because of ✨inspiration✨ and 🌈self-doubt🌈. So just know what was once chapter three is now chapter two because my brain hates me.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

After Louis texted him the first time after their lunch, they haven't stopped texting except for when Harry slept, and Louis slept. They were currently talking about plausible backstories to make this believable. Luckily, they had Louis' every other free weekend to use as a cover up and Harry's odd hours to use as well. They then came up with their anniversary date, which was July 19 right after summer vacation started. They've been together for fourteen months going on fifteen, but despite that they've only seen each other a handful of times due to work, kids, and their busy lives. Once they work out the finer details it would be believable, but for now it will work.

From: Harry What's your ring size?

Louis pulled his eyebrows together as he stared at the text before sending a reply.

To: Harry Why?

From: Harry Your engagement ring silly. I can't have a ringless fiancé, a nice, cute boy might get the wrong idea.

To: Harry Like a supermarket engagement ring?

From: Harry No Lewis. A real ring. A real show stopping stone. A real every kiss begins with K jewelry piece.

Despite the conversation Louis couldn't help but laugh as he sent a reply

To: Harry I'm cool with any ole supermarket ring

From: Harry I still need your ring size either way so....

To: Harry 7. Also, not every kiss begins with K. Some begin with a slap.

From: Harry Kinky. Tell me more. 👂👂👂

To: Harry You're lucky I have a class in 5 otherwise I would.

From: Harry Lol damn. Have fun teaching Shakespeare

To: Harry It's not Shakespeare. It's Cinderella.

From: Harry Rodgers and Hammerstein's?

To: Harry Is there any other version?

From: Harry Good man.

Louis locked his phone and looked up surprised to see Zayn sitting across from his desk.

"Oh, good you've noticed me." Zayn said

"You could have spoken." Louis told him as he set his phone down on the desk, "how long have you been there?"

"Long enough to know you have a secret boyfriend you haven't told me about. I get not wanting to tell Freddie or even your family, but me? Is it new? Is that why?" Louis hesitated; this would be the perfect chance to tell Zayn the lie that he has had a boyfriend for the past fourteen months. Or he could tell Zayn that it wasn't like that at all and he was reading the situation wrong.

"We both haven't told anyone anything. He has a daughter that goes to this school on the other side of the building, so it makes things delicate." Louis said

"Okay I get that but why not tell me? How long has this been going on?"

"Fourteen months." Louis said not meeting his best mate's eyes as he stood up and grabbed a stack of scripts

"Fourteen months?!" Zayn shouted, "you've been seeing someone for fourteen months and you haven't said anything."

"He's a doctor, he works odd hours and so we only see each other a few times a month. Look we can talk later alright."

"I want to meet him."

"Later. I have a class arriving soon so leave." Zayn opened his mouth to probably argue but the first student entered so Zayn huffed and left the room making Louis sigh in relief. Louis grabbed his phone and sent a quick message to Harry asking if he was free sometime this weekend to meet Freddie before he locked it, silenced it, and placed it screen down so he wouldn't be distracted. Come lunch Louis checked his phone to see a message of Harry.

From: Harry Yes. I'm off today at 5 until Sunday afternoon.

To: Harry Wanna come over Saturday for pizza and Monsters Inc?

From: Harry Uh... yes! Count me in. Should I bring juice boxes? Candy? Snacks?

To: Harry NO!

From: Harry How else am I going to get your son to like me!?

To: Harry The normal way? With time?

From: Harry BORING! I'll see you Saturday! What time?

To: Harry Say four-ish?

From: Harry I'll be there.

************

Harry spent Friday after work at different toy shops trying to find the perfect toy for Freddie. He kept asking Louis what Freddie liked on disguise of needing to revise on TV shows little boys tend to like more than girls just in case. Which he did. He knew everything about PJ Masks and Bluey and Puppy Dog Pals. He knew about the animated Star Wars shows boys like and he was prepared with wrestling moves should it come down to it. However, having an awesome toy to give to Freddie wouldn't hurt his chances. He had been trying to be mindful that Louis lived in an apartment, but when he saw it, he knew it was meant to be. It was the last one in stock and it had been on sale, not that he would have cared anyway, but still it was a sign. So, he bought a few things to go with it then headed to checkout. He kept what he bought a secret and come Saturday Harry headed to the apartment complex. When he got there, he allowed himself to grimace only once inside of his car. Afterwards he schooled his features and stepped out locked his car three times just to be sure as he headed to the apartment building. The front door was held open by a large rock and the tiled floor was peeling but Harry ignored it and head up to the fourth floor to room 5D and knocked on it. He knocked on it while staring behind him at an old man sitting in a rocking chair with his front foot wide open watching him. He was only there for a few seconds before the door was pulled open revealing Louis.

"Is he alive?" Harry asked instead of greeting Louis like he had planned.

"Yes, though I never actually see him move but I see him gone." Louis said amused

"Right. Sorry. Hi."

"Come in before you get nightmares." Louis said pulling him into the apartment that matched the rest of the apartment complex except it was obvious Louis had done what the apartment manager allowed him to do to make it better. There was new paint on the walls and the floor had the new faux wood flooring probably replacing the tile that seemed to be all over the complex, "Freddie is in his room picking out his favorite toys to show you."

"Perfect. Do they have names?"

"Some of them though they change every other month."

"Got it. I bought him something by the way."

"I figured you had a scheme behind your questions. How big is it?" Louis asked folding his arms as Harry who shrugged

"I can carry it no problem."

"That doesn't tell me anything. Will it be in the way of my perfectly made walkway of toddler toys?"

"Yes, but it has a storage compartment."

"Will it be able to fit through the door once its constructed when we move?" Harry looked at the door then back at Louis and shook his head, "then no."

"What if I promise to be the one to take it apart and put it together?"

"Even tonight because you know he'll want it built."

"Yes, I promise."

"Fine. After pizza." Harry grinned following Louis to the couch, "just so you know don't be offended if he suddenly gets shy when he sees you. I never brought anyone home, so this is new to him."

"Relax I have a way with kids. You'll see and if it turns out he is immune to the Styles magic I have the toy as a backup."

"So, you are bribing my son."

"Call it what you will we are having Harry and Freddie bonding time while he loses every important piece as I build him his toy."

"That is probably accurate." Louis said amused, "How do you know so much about toddlers? You mentioned you didn't see Maddie much as a baby due to school and work and they moved here what...three years ago?"

"Yeah, just about. I work in a hospital. I see toddlers a lot when families visit loved ones and I occasionally work in the pediatric ward. Plus, I love kids. Always wanted a big family." Before Louis could reply Freddie came into the living room hugging the superhero chutes and ladders board game close to his body. Freddie climbed onto Louis' lap making shy eye contact with Harry before he turned away only to look back at him again a few seconds later.

"Hi Freddie." Harry said gently, "I'm Harry." He said leaning into him briefly teasingly making Freddie smile as he leaned away. "I bought you a gift." That had Freddie's attention

"You did?"

"I did. Your papa says it has to wait until after dinner though. Do you by chance have something we can do to make the time go by faster?" Harry asked innocently

"Maybe."

"Well, if you...by chance...have chutes and ladders anywhere in your collection...just know it's one of my favorite games ever."

"It is?!"

"Of course, it is!"

"I have it!" Freddie said excitedly as he handed Harry the box

"And it has superheroes?! That's so cool!" Harry said enthusiastically as he knelt on the floor at the coffee table, "Wanna play with me?"

"Yes!" Freddie quickly scrambled off of Louis' lap and knelt beside Harry and helped set the game up handing Louis the wolverine character and taking the Spiderman character for himself. Harry took the Iron Man character before they closed the box and set it to the side and Louis knelt down across from Harry as he grinned at him. Throughout the game Harry kept asking Freddie about his toys and how Nursery was going and his favorite tv shows. Louis watched his son completely fall in love with Harry over the course of two games that Freddie won without any help from them.

"Do you want to see my train collection?" Freddie asked after he helped put away the game

"Of course, I want to see it." Louis watched as Freddie grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him to spare room that was once Louis' office that had been turned into Freddie's toy room. Harry grinned as he looked back at him waving his fingers before he turned into the small hall. They were gone only a few minutes before the pizza arrived. After tipping the deliver guy he headed to the kitchen and set the pizza and cheese bread boxes down grabbing some plates. He made Freddie a player with two of the smallest slices of pizza then a thin slice of cheese bread. He set the plate on the coffee table with his refilled cup of juice then he made Harry a plate of the two biggest slices and two things of cheesy bread. After Harry's he made his own and called the boys for dinner, they left a minute later with Freddie telling Harry the story of Operation Patching Patches which was his teddy bear that had a huge hole in the stomach that had been sewn closed with a scrap of fabric.

"Papa didn't do a very good job, the stuffing still falls out, but Papa always told me it's the thought that counts so...that's why I have a jar full of stuffing."

"Well, you know Freddie I sew up open cuts all the time. I can fix Patches if you want me to."

"Good luck he doesn't let anyone have Patches." Louis said handing Harry his plate and a beer bottle

"Thank you and I won't have to have him. I have a sewing kit in my car." Freddie sat in the middle of the couch making it clear he expected to sit between them. Harry didn't even raise a brow as he sat beside Freddie on one end of the sofa. Even Zayn tells Freddie to scoot over and Zayn adores Freddie, it took Louis by surprise for a second before he sat on the other end. Harry and he locked eyes over Freddie and grinned before Louis turned on the movie Freddie picked out earlier.

***********

Louis laid on the couch watching as Harry, with Freddie in his lap more often than not, built the train track table. Harry had endlessly amount of patience for Freddie's curious mind and was gentle when explaining why Freddie couldn't do some of the things however, he did let Freddie screw in the screws tightening them quite a bit when Freddie was putting the screws on the other side. There were many photos and videos on Louis' phone of them together and a part of him wished in that moment that Harry was his real boyfriend, and he was meeting his son for the first time because they were ready for that next step in their relationship. He knew Harry wanted to try for something real together, but their relationship will have always started as a lie no matter where it led.

Shaking that thought out of his head he watched as Harry turned the table right side up. They finished the last few steps before they were opening the bags of tracks, cars, buildings, and other things that came with it. Once the city and tracks were built Harry pulled out the conductor hat and placed it on Freddie's head and gave him a whistle that Louis most definitely did not agree to.

"All aboard!" Harry and Freddie shouted before Freddie blew the whistle and they both made arm movements before Harry tapped the train with his finger and the train headed down the hill. By nine, an hour later than usually which Louis will regret in the morning, Louis sent Freddie to bed and tucked him in. Freddie was asleep before Louis closed the door.

"You are his new best friend." Louis said as he walked over to Harry who was putting the toys away with a grin

"Really? So, you think he likes me?"

"He didn't sit on Uncle Zayn's lap until two months after meeting him." Louis said as he took the whistle, "this is reserved for your house."

"Nope. Freddie will be upset if he realizes his whistle is gone." Harry said taking the whistle and putting in the storage bins the table came with. After dismantling it Harry and Louis moved it into the toy room then they sat on the couch, "I promise as soon as we have a solid timeline, I will take you out to a real date if you'll accept it. I really wish we'd have met in the shops or something. Maybe the park on a day I had Maddison. I wish this were normal."

"Don't worry so much about it. Did you want to discuss that? How we met?"

"Yeah, we probably should. Where do you picture meeting me?" Harry asked

"My dream meeting place is an adult toy shop." Louis said watching as Harry's eyes widen before he turned red and laughed, "I'm serious. I always imagine what if I met my husband as we are picking out adult toys."

"We can't tell our family that." Harry said laughing as he laid his head on the back of the couch, "my poor mother...all I'm picturing is telling her how I met my husband as we picked out adult toys and her dropping her pearl necklace on her vanity."

"Vanity!? Your mother has a vanity?" Louis asked

"It was her mother's. Moving on. Pick something else."

"I'm not sure. Where do you think we'd meet?" Louis asked looking at Harry

"Something fun. Unique. Different. Oh, I know. I cut you off." Louis laughed

"Then I stole your parking spot for the deli shop you cut me off to get into."

"And I cut you off in line."

"And bought the last thing of chicken."

"Then invited you over for a home cooked meal."

"With chicken?" Louis asked as he laughed

"With chicken." Harry promised grinning, "I made cheese and broccoli stuffed chicken with lemon roasted carrots and homemade rolls."

"Oh, that does sound good. Damn I missed out on a good date."

"How about you come over my next day off with Freddie and I make it for you two and Freddie can see the house? I work four am through four pm Monday through Wednesday then again on Friday and Sunday. You can come over Wednesday or Thursday?"

"That sounds good. If you're too tired Wednesday just let me know and we'll come Thursday."

"Great. I should go. Thank you for letting me meet Freddie. He's a great kid."

"Thank you. I'll walk you to the door." Louis followed Harry to the front door before opening it for him, "See you in a few days?"

"Yeah of course. We'll talk tomorrow?"

"Yeah." Louis smiled as he slowly closed the door behind Harry then bolted it and locked it. He checked on Freddie before he headed to his room to get ready for bed after a long day.

[blurban-form]

Blocks Minisode

A lot going on in this short! Bluey and Bingo create an interesting week for Nana and Bob by her agreeing to leave their block city in place.

At the start, Mum and the kids just rush out but Bluey asks just before they leave if the block city can stay up, and this seems to be something that’s happened before and Nana quickly says it’s ok. Bluey and Bingo like leaving their sprawling cities up for long periods (understandable)

It would have been easier for Nana to snap a digital photo on her phone, take it all down, and then recreate it just before Bluey and Bingo returned! But then it wouldn’t be funny!

City planning

Everything falls down because all the buildings are joined with ribbons? Not sure why they were, either just decorations or maybe pretend walkways? Good for connectivity but it makes the city fragile in the event of natural disasters like Bob!

The transport system is Brio trains rather than toy cars everywhere. Good city planning.

The city Bluey and Bingo build is all towers spread out, very Le Corbusier modernist planning, maybe inspired by the Gold Cost where Nana and Bob live?

Weather

Never heard the term “synoptic charts” with regard to TV weather forecasts, but yeah, that’s a term for the future outlook, what the weather is going to be. Do they say this in Australia?

Even though Bob thinks it’s a sun in the forecast, the next day is pouring rain! LOL.

Other stuff

This episode is detail heavy!

Nana and Bob have a Dyson vacuum.

They have one of those lady-with-balloons ornaments that was at the garage sale.

A lot of art and photos of the family throughout the apartment!

They have Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients recipe book, @beeclops posted this already: https://www.tumblr.com/beeclops/763390417473519616, meaning like the Wiggles, there’s a dog-equivalent of Jamie Oliver in the Bluey universe.

The jar with a logo must be something. Not sure if it’s this one, but likely? Rosella is an Australian food company.

Like I say, a lot in a short episode! Good stuff.

[globetrottinggeordie]

3rd February 2019

We were on our own today, without a guide, but we had the use of the driver, Sushil, and had been briefed by Barty about some of the things we should do. First she suggested that we revisited the Palace of the Winds, and to go in inside this time. Then she suggested an elephant sanctuary, where we could get up close to the elephants. Her final suggestion was to visit the Rajasthan Polo Club, where a tournament was taking place.

We had stopped to photograph the Palace of the Winds the previous day to take photographs of the outside, but today we were going inside the building to see what it might have been like for the King’s concubines, as they looked out onto the streets of Jaipur. There were loads of small rooms off the main walkways through the building, each with a number of wooden shutters, that could be opened to look out onto the street. Some of the rooms had fixed windows with angled slats that faced down onto the street, and which would have prevented the casual passer-by from seeing the face of the woman looking out.

We then drove out of town to an elephant sanctuary, that looks after abandoned animals. We were greeted at the entrance by Lachmi, a 45 year old elephant, and her mahout. We were handed bananas which we fed to the elephant, who ate them with relish. 

We were then invited to scrub her trunk and paint on a symbol, which is a local tradition. We had been told that the elephants would be bathing, however, this wasn’t happening as they don’t do this in winter in case the elephants catch a chill.

We then set off to walk around the estate with the elephant being directed by the mahout, who sat on her back, while we walked behind. 

While walking around we saw a few wild antelope that roam around the estate, and loads of pheasants.

On our return we had lunch in the outside eating area where the staff cooked an excellent buffet of local vegetarian and non-vegetarian (chicken and mutton) dishes, all washed down with a bottle of Kingfisher beer.

The estate has a “glamping” centre, and after lunch we went on a second walk around the estate and called in to see the tents, which were very luxurious and better equipped than some of the hotels we had stayed in. There were only six tents, so it is quite an exclusive setup. 

Apparently they bring the elephants around in the morning to let the “glampers” feed and walk around with the animals. While walking around we saw a massive bull antelope, who had a bluey-grey coat, and stood about 7 or 8 feet at the shoulders – a magnificent beast.

On our return to the entrance, we said our goodbyes to the elephants.

We then got back into the car to head back to Jaipur, where we were hoping to go and see a polo match at the Rajasthan Polo Club. When we arrived the match had already started, and there were hundreds of local people sat around the perimeter of the polo ground. The play was fast and furious, and end to end, and it was quite comical when the players were charging towards the crowd, they all jumped to their feet and ran out of the way of the ponies. 

On one occasion there was a narrow escape for an old man who wasn’t as quick of some of the others, and in scoring a goal, the polo player ran into the crowd, and in his haste to get back on the field he drove his pony forward shouting, “OUT OF THE WAY, OUT OF THE WAY!!!”. Needless to say, this was a British polo player who was eventually awarded the best player trophy, but he was a bit of an arrogant, snooty, toff that you’d expect to see at Cirencester Park, or some other posh polo club in the UK.

After the fun of the polo, it was back to the hotel for dinner, and to pack for our trip to Varanasi tomorrow.

[blurban-form]

Sidewalk Paw Prints

I’m sure one day we will get the origin story for the paw prints in the sidewalk (between the walkway and the driveway)

The house seems too old for them to be Bluey’s, unless the sidewalk was replaced relatively recently.

Where I live, putting sidewalks in cul-de-sacs is generally not done (in part because the pedestrian traffic is not considered significant enough to justify it, but it’s a good feature to have for consistency for pedestrians.)

These paw prints are fairly consistently shown, except when they’re not shown… (Above, seen in “Tradies”, but below, not seen later in the same episode.)

[blurban-form]

Front Bay Window / Front Room

So this is just around the corner, counterclockwise from the front entrance.

This is an area near the front door that is seldom used, it’s more common to have it in the background.

If Bluey turns 180 degrees, she’d observe a dining table and a bay window.

We know there a bay window because we can see the front of the house has a bay window adjacent/beside the front door.

Here’s Mum and the kids looking out the bay window. This view shows behind us is a fancy arch and behind that a ceiling light fixture made of rods & spheres. That’s the TV room. (That’s where we are going next.)

If we look out the window we can see the cul-de-sac the house is on, the walkway to the front door, etc.

Like I said, there is a dining table and chairs behind us. (I’m assuming this is where we would have fancy dinners, it is not where we regularly eat.) We can look at it if we turn 180 degrees from looking out of the window.

However, we will walk into the TV room, turn around and look back towards the front of the house.

Here we are in the “pixel carpet / TV room”, looking back towards the arch, fancy dining room table and bay window.

We’ll talk next about the TV room; a lot happens in this room.