#Boat Rentals Deals

[sailingcharter1]

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[royalpath8]

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[samparoy]

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[magicfootballstuff]

Gooner (alessia russo x reader)

As you slowly drift into consciousness, it doesn’t take you long to realise that Alessia is already awake beside you. Her breath is steady but not deep, her body is just a little too rigid to be asleep, but the biggest telltale is the hand that plays absent-mindedly with your hair.

“Morning, beautiful girl,” Alessia greets you as soon as she realises you’re awake too.

You lift your head to look at her, propping your weight up on one arm. 

It’s the penultimate day of your holiday together. After the football season wrapped up, you each went away separately with your respective friendship groups, before reuniting to go away as a couple before the World Cup preparations begin. It’s been a relaxing few days, renting out a cute wooden cabin with a terrace that overlooks the beach, spending your days relaxing on the sand or out exploring the quaint local town. But this morning Alessia looks far from relaxed, her blue eyes that match the sparkling ocean outside filled with worry.

“How are you feeling?” you dare to ask.

Alessia laughs nervously, then deflects by saying, “Next question.”

“Okay, how about this one instead?” you ask, arching a suggestive eyebrow. “Do you want to join me in the shower?”

Alessia ponders the question for just a fraction too long and you’re about to start panicking that you’ve said the wrong thing, that this kind of distraction isn’t what she needs right now. But just when you’re about to take your words back and offer her breakfast instead, she smiles.

“I don’t think I could ever turn down that kind of offer.”

———

After an extended shower filled with soft kisses and wandering hands, you move to the terrace outside your cabin for breakfast with a view out over the white sand and blue sea beyond. Alessia looks like a goddess, sun-kissed skin and golden hair, even as it hangs in damp waves over her shoulders. 

The breakfast you’ve made is a simple one, just toast and freshly prepared fruit, but as you set the two plates down and take a seat across from your girlfriend, Alessia is finally ready to open up.

“The announcement goes out in an hour,” she tells you.

“Are you nervous?” you ask. 

“I’m absolutely bricking it,” she admits.

The announcement that Alessia is leaving the club she’s spent the last three seasons at probably isn’t going to be a surprise to many people, especially not given the recent media attention around her contract situation, but you know that doesn’t make it any easier for Alessia herself. It’s probably a good thing that you’re here on holiday, almost in an alternate reality where you can pretend that Manchester or football contracts or transfer windows don’t exist.

“What do you need from me?” you ask, eager to settle Alessia’s nerves and make today as easy as possible in these circumstances.

“Nothing, you’re already doing enough,” Alessia tries to assure you, but you know her well enough to recognise the worry in her eyes.

“How about we check out that boat rental place we saw yesterday?” you suggest, as you reach for a slice of watermelon. “Disconnect a little, just you and me out on the sea?”

Alessia reaches for your hand across the table and says, “I don’t think I tell you often enough how much I love you.”

“Keep telling me,” you grin at her, “because I’m never gonna get tired of hearing it.”

———

“I think I’m more scared about the Arsenal announcement in a few weeks than the one today about me leaving United,” Alessia admits later.

You prop yourself up on one elbow to look across at your girlfriend, who is lying on her stomach on a towel beside you on the deck of the little boat you’ve rented as it bobs up and down in the shallow water of the cove where you’ve spent the afternoon swimming and splashing about.

“You are?”

“Yeah,” Alessia nods as she rolls over, pushing her sunglasses up to sit on the top of her head. “It’s always scary joining a new team but I’ve never had to deal with this much publicity on a transfer before. I have no idea how the fans are going to react.”

“They’re going to love you,” you assure her, reaching for her hand and tangling your fingers together. “They’re so lucky to have a player like you choosing to play for them.”

“What if they think I’m joining for the wrong reasons?” Alessia asks, her teeth chewing at her lower lip in worry.

“Listen, I know that I’m Arsenal’s most talented and best-looking defender and that anybody would switch teams just to spend more time with me…”

Alessia tilts her head to one side as she shoots you an unimpressed stare, raising her eyebrows as if to say ‘seriously?’

“I’m joking,” you grin at her. “But Arsenal is such a special team. Why wouldn’t you want to play for us? It’s such a good move for your career. And of course there will be more eyes on our relationship now and some people may think you’re only here because of me, but I promise that the second you step out onto the pitch in an Arsenal shirt, the real fans won’t care about anything except for how good you are.”

Alessia is quiet for a moment, lost in thought, before she hums and says, “It’ll be nice to score at the Emirates again.”

As she speaks, her gaze flicks across to you and her eyes betray the mischief behind her words.

Remembering her last goal at the Emirates and the points it snatched away from Arsenal in last season’s title race, you retort, “I’m not above throwing you overboard, you know?”

“You wouldn’t,” Alessia challenges you. “You like me too much.”

“Eh,” you make a non-committal noise. “You’re okay, I guess.”

“Maybe I’ll throw you overboard instead,” Alessia retaliates with a grin.

“You like me too much,” you counter, using Alessia’s own argument against her.

Alessia’s eyes, sparkling blue under the Mediterranean sun, soften with adoration as she smiles at you.

“I really do.”

———

“Are you ready?”

She’s been sitting at the dining table in your shared apartment for the past twenty minutes, her phone face up in front of her, watching the minutes tick down until four o’clock, because that’s when it’ll become official. Alessia Russo will be unveiled as Arsenal’s newest signing. 

You’re expecting her to say no. Alessia hasn’t quite been herself ever since the announcement went out from Manchester United a couple of weeks ago that she would be leaving them. You know that the comments from some of the United fans, as well as the anticipation of her expected move to Arsenal, has been playing on her mind, even through the World Cup preparation camp with England. 

She hasn’t talked about it much, not with the media, not with the other Lionesses, not even with you. And you haven’t pushed her either. You know she was at the Emirates yesterday doing media for the announcement, but she didn’t even tell you much about that.

You’re expecting her nerves to be at their peak, having already expressed to you back on holiday that this is the moment she was most scared about, which is why it’s a bit of a surprise when she looks up at you with not a shred of doubt in her blue eyes.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life,” she confesses.

You grin back at her as she refreshes the social media on her phone again, counting down what can now only be seconds until it goes live.

Your own phone is ready too - firstly, to add Alessia to the Arsenal group chat, which she insisted on waiting until the official announcement before letting you do it even though most of the girls already know she’s about to join the team, and secondly to like and share all the posts to your own social media channels, eager to welcome your girlfriend to the team.

“Well, there it is,” Alessia says, as she stares at Arsenal’s latest post with a slightly awestruck expression on her face. 

You drape your arms around her neck from behind and rest your chin on the top of her head, taking in the image of your girlfriend wearing the red and white of Arsenal that is so familiar to you, yet still so new on Alessia.

You could definitely get used to it though.

Giving Alessia’s arm a little squeeze, you say, “Gooner looks good on you.”

[starlightkyeom]

once upon a summer | bsk

summary: Every summer kind of goes the same. The population of your usually sleepy beach town doubles and you bust your ass to make enough money to last through the slow season. But a new face blows into town like a whirlwind and he’s determined to catch your eye. Only one problem: he’s here for vacation and you’re married to this town. 

pairing: seungkwan x fem!reader genre: 90s!au, summer love | fluff and some angst rating: sfw but minors still don't belong here word count: 8.6k tags/warnings: none really, some swearing, mentions of food, there's a tiny bit of angst

a/n: thank you so much to @beomcoups and @mingsolo for hosting the Now That's 90s collab! be sure to check out the other amazing fics 💕 also thank you to @wonwussy @cheolism @onlymingyus and @wooahaeproductions for helping me brainstorm when i got stuck writing seungkwan.

It’s the same every year, without fail. The weather starts to get warmer, summer is around the corner, and your sleepy little beach town transforms. No longer sleepy, now bustling with life and tourists. Although you groan at how busy the roads get or how difficult it is to run errands or even how hard it is to find a place to go out to eat, you’re also thankful. The influx of tourists guarantees that your family will be able to make ends meet for another year. Sure, there are people that visit during the off months. When it’s too cold to go into the water or even to sit outside and enjoy a meal, at least to most of the people who visit. When you have to wear pants and a jacket to walk along the sands of the beach, careful not to get any part of you wet. But, the bulk of tourists visit between late May and mid September, like clockwork.

You’re just as married to this little town as your parents are. Chipping in at their restaurant when you can, but mostly running a beach rental company with your brother. It lets you be outside a lot more, running boat tours to look at dolphins or explore the tiny little islands off the coast. Or renting out jet skis for people to run around on. Sometimes, when you can’t pawn it off on someone else, you also lead the kayak tours through the shallows between the outcroppings of seagrass. It’s not that you mind those tours or even the workout of kayaking. No, it’s just that people have a tendency to overestimate their abilities and either end up whining or toppling their kayaks over. You’re keen to avoid that whenever possible. When the ocean is calm enough, you’ll also let people rent boats to go out wakeboarding. Those are some of your favorites, when you get to drive because none of the tourists has a boat license. Or, more realistically, nobody wants to deal with it when they’re on vacation. And there’s nothing stopping you from turning the boat a little too hard if someone is acting like an asshole. All you do is say you’re avoiding a wave or staying out of the path of another boat. You’re the local here, born and raised. How can they argue with that?

On the days when it’s a little slower at the shop, or the ocean is a little too wavy for some of the activities, you’ll drop in at your parents’ restaurant. You’re not often on the schedule, but there’s always plenty to help out with. Whether it’s filling in for someone that called out last minute or hopping behind the bar or just running food to tables. Your parents’ restaurant is one of the most popular in town. People wait for hours to eat there just because they don’t want to be the only ones left out. Of course, you also think the food’s amazing, though you’re a little biased. 

Today is one of those perfectly calm days out on the water, so you know you won’t be able to swing by the restaurant. Not that the waves ever get that big here. It’s definitely not enough to surf outside of an incoming storm. But, you try to be careful with renting the equipment out all the same. Most of the boats are refurbished anyway, since new ones are so expensive. 

“What’s on your schedule today?” your brother, Jamie, asks. 

“Nothing so far. I’m just getting caught up on paperwork and renting out boogie boards and shit,” you answer. “Not that there’s any waves to use them on.”

“No duh,” he answers. “Think the kids just use it to float on.”

“Whatever floats their boat,” you shrug.

“Feel like running a private tour out to the islands for the day?” he asks.

You fix him with a look, assessing him. It feels like a setup because you love taking private tours. They usually bring a bunch of food and drinks and just kind of do their own thing on whatever island you take them to. Which leaves you free to read or just enjoy the sun. Sometimes, you’ll even fish or snorkel. It’s just, well, your brother loves those tours too because they’re easy. Something about his tone makes you suspicious. 

“Why aren’t you doing it?” you finally ask.

“Got a kayak tour in an hour and they’ll be here any minute,” Jamie says. “And you hate the kayaks.”

“Gotta page Mike to make sure he’s back before you head out,” you say. 

If you’re about to take a boat out and your brother has a kayak group in an hour, then someone is going to need to actually man the store. Since you set the schedule yourself, you know that Mike should be back in half an hour, tops. But, like all of you, he’s prone to tacking on a few extra minutes when the group is cool and he doesn’t have something scheduled back to back. 

“Chillax, I already did that and Joshua is coming in a little earlier so he’ll be here before I take the kayaks out,” Jamie says.

“Joshua tries to get pretty girls to listen to him play guitar and you want him alone in the shop?” you wonder with a snort.

“That was one time,” Jamie defends, ever the loyal friend.

There’s a retort on the tip of your tongue about how he’s only been caught doing that one time when you notice a group of guys approaching. You immediately know why your brother passed the group off onto you. At least, if these are the dudes that booked the private boat tour. Shoobies. The worst kind of tourists because they don’t think they’re tourists. Because they only live a few hours’ drive away so really, it’s like they live here too. Because they have a house out here and no it’s not just a vacation house, this is home. This particular group saunters up looking like they just stepped out of some boating catalog. Before your brother can elbow you, you plaster on your best fake smile, the one reserved for times like this. 

The guy in front seems to be the one taking charge. His bright button up shirt matches his shorts, like he probably got them in a set, and his slightly curly hair looks a little too styled for the beach. The sunglasses look expensive, too, which you never recommend for a boat trip, but it’s his money. Honestly, his whole outfit probably runs close to what you’re charging to take them out for the rest of the day. So, that’s his choice.

“Sup, we’re looking for Jamie,” another one says. He’s tall and classically handsome, like that kind of guy you see in a magazine. Someone that just knows he’s attractive. He’s even got his shirt open showing off his stomach and a lot of tan skin. You hate him immediately. And not in the way of like oh, he’s actually kind of sweet. No, he reminds you of an ex. 

“That’s me,” your brother answers. 

“I’m Mingyu, I called about the day trip,” he says.

“Lucky timing, we just had a group cancel before you called,” Jamie says. “And my sister here has an opening to take you out.”

The surprise is clear on the guy’s face as you introduce yourself and give your name. Like you can’t possibly be the one that’s going to drive the boat. Like a girl couldn’t possibly handle it. You’ve heard it all before, so you’re just bracing yourself. But, before he can say anything, the guy that seemed to be taking charge earlier speaks up.

“Thanks for taking us out,” he says. 

“Are you sure you can handle it?” Mingyu asks, clearly unable to fully resist. For the first time, you glance around to do a headcount. Seven. Your brother is sending you out with seven guys all by yourself.

“The boat or the party?” you ask. 

“Either,” he answers like he’s actually doing something. 

“I got my boating certification when I was 14,” you answer.

“And she started driving boats a few years before that,” Jamie adds.

“Someone had to drive for you to wakeboard,” you say easily to your brother.

Your brother smiles before looking back at the group. “She’s also got a really mean right hook and she’s not afraid to use it, so don’t be skeezy.” 

It’s clear that several guys in the group are eyeing you appraisingly, wondering if you really could knock them out (spoiler: you absolutely could) or if you would even consider it (spoiler again: yes, you would). Nobody else seems to have something to say, so your brother carries on with payment and going over the rules. In the meantime, you double check that your bag has everything you need (pager, emergency kit, shoes, water, snacks, the lunch you packed, etc.) and grab your shirt. You’re in the process of tying it off when you catch one of them, the one that thanked you, watching you. 

A few minutes later, when you’re walking over to the dock, it’s him that falls into step beside you. Casual. Not even saying anything. At least, not for a minute.

“I’m Seungkwan,” he finally says. 

You greet him again, even though he already knows your name, and figure that might be it. It is, for a bit, at least, while you get everyone on the boat and situated. Tell them that they should probably save whatever food and drink they brought for once you stop because you’re going to drive a bit faster. They paid a little extra to go to a further island and since it’s a little later than you’d normally leave for that island, you try to even it out. Not that they’ve shown they deserve it, but there’s no harm in case they have deep pockets. Which you assume they do, based on their clothing and general attitudes. 

Where you had your brother helping you out pushing off from the dock, you’re on your own on the other side. It’s fine, you do it on your own all the time, there are just a lot of eyes on you. Some of those eyes seem to be waiting for you to mess something up, too, but you’re not going to give them the satisfaction. You brush it off when one, you forgot his name already, offers to help and says that he helps on his dad’s boat all the time. You can tie a knot, though. 

Once you’re tied off, you point out all the amenities on this little island, which aren’t much. There’s a little place to eat that also has a small bar, chairs to lounge on and umbrellas set up. There are also some picnic tables set a little back from the beach. You let them know that you’ll either be on the boat or sitting inside the little food shack if they need you. And you’ll be ready to head back whenever they are. Mingyu and most of the group take off immediately. Seungkwan lingers behind. 

“Are you coming?” he asks.

“Coming where?” you ask back.

“To the beach with us,” he clarifies. 

You blink in confusion. “No, I don’t usually hang around.”

“What do you do?” he wonders. 

“Read, get a tan, go talk to the couple that runs that little food shack,” you say with a shrug.

“Do you know everyone here?” Seungkwan presses.

You sigh softly and turn to face him fully. “Mostly. At least all the ones that work in tourism. It’s a small town.”

“Seems busy now,” he notices, looking around.

“It’s summer. Most of the people here now don’t actually live here,” you inform him. 

“What’s it like here in winter?” Seungkwan asks.

You regard him for a moment. “What are you trying to do?”

“I’m just trying to get to know you,” he says and, almost like he can’t help it, rolls his eyes. “Most people know how to make conversation.” 

“But why? Like what do you want?” you press.

“Just to get to know you better, geez, what’s with the third degree? You’re cute, there’s nothing wrong with talking to me,” he says.

“As if,” you scoff. “I don’t date shoobies.” 

His face is adorably confused and you mentally chide yourself for even thinking something about him is cute. “What’s a shoobie?” 

“Exactly,” you say like that answers everything.

He opens his mouth, but closes it when your eyes dart to this side. Neither of you noticed another of his friends approaching. You think it’s the one that offered to help tie off the boat. “We wondered where you got off to.”

“Sup, Chan? We were just talking,” Seungkwan says to his friend.

“Mhmm,” the friend, Chan, apparently, responds. “Well, Mingyu wants to know if you have the wallets in your bag. He wants to get something to drink.”

“Oh, right, yeah. I’ve got them,” Seungkwan says. 

You spend most of the day sitting at the bar of the food shack, despite saying you might read. Well, you alternate between sitting there and chatting with Vernon or helping him out behind the bar. His parents run all the services on this tiny island and you grew up together. Right down the street from each other, actually. He’s been one of your closest friends for as long as you can remember. And one thing you remember is the two of you have always helped out at the other’s family businesses. It’s just part of growing up in this tiny town. Everyone knows each other and takes a lot of pride in helping. Plus, you’ll never say this to Vernon, but you’re probably better behind the bar than he is. You’re surprised his parents have him here at all, but still welcome the distraction.

Your boat guests, as you’re calling them, know you’re here too. Mingyu made a slightly inappropriate comment the first time he strolled up to buy a drink and Seungkwan apologized for him profusely. Seungkwan seems like someone who actually cares about those around him, actively tries to make sure everyone is okay. It’s sweet, in a weird way, but still doesn’t change what you told him. The no shoobie rule is strict. As you’re considering telling the guys it’s time to call it a day, Chan wanders into the bar and says just that. There’s no rush, he insists, but they’re ready to head back whenever you are. 

“Need a lift back to the mainland?” you ask Vernon just after Chan walks back to his group.

“No, I gotta help the ‘rents clean up here,” Vernon answers as his mother pops her head around the corner.

“Actually, you should head back,” she says to her son before turning to you. “As long as it’s not too much trouble?” 

“No, there’s plenty of space on the boat,” you insist.

“Good, then you can go home and let the dog out,” she says.

“Okay,” Vernon says with a shrug. “I’ll just grab my stuff and meet you out on the dock.” 

You give him a nod and head off to the boat. The guys are coming off the beach and fall into step just behind you on the way to the boat. It’s clear most of them have been drinking, yet they’re not as rowdy as you’re expecting. They’re still helpful with getting stuff loaded onto the boat and only two of them make comments that make you cringe. 

“Do you own shoes?” one of them asks, gesturing towards your feet. The guy in question is especially slender, not skinny but lean. His dark hair is a little longer than you’re used to, currently tucked  behind his ears.

“Yeah?” you say, except it comes out more like a question. 

“You haven’t had any on since we first met you this morning,” he presses on. 

“Minghao,” Seungkwan hisses.

“I’m more comfortable around the boat without them. It’s easier to not slip. I keep a pair in my bag, though,” you answer, unsure why you’re even bothering.

“Should we all take off our shoes, then?” Mingyu asks.

“Might help you not fall this time,” another one jokes.

“Oh, snap!” Chan, at least you think it’s Chan, calls out.

“I didn’t fall, Jeonghan, I just stumbled,” Mingyu defends.

“Let’s all keep our shoes on and just watch our step,” you instruct. 

Vernon appears during all the craziness from your…well, you can’t really call paying customers idiots. But, there’s also nothing stopping you from calling them that in your head. 

“You’re the guy from the bar right?” Seungkwan asks and Vernon startles a little before nodding.

“Yeah, my parents run the food shack and the bar and that little gift shop,” he answers.

“I offered to give him a ride back to the mainland so he could get back faster,” you fill in. “As long as you guys don’t mind.”

The guys all shrug. Seungkwan is the only one to speak up. “Good with us. Do you know each other well, then?” 

“She’s my best friend,” Vernon answers without hesitation. 

If Seungkwan has something to say to that, and it seems like he might, he keeps it to himself. Actually doesn’t say anything to you for the rest of the ride back to the mainland and doesn’t appear to say much to his friends either. You don’t even mean to notice, mostly engrossed in your conversation with Vernon as he stays with you by the steering wheel. The group, as a whole, seems like they’ve had a good day, all smiles and very few hints of developing sunburns. 

You realize when you get them all off the boat and back onto land that they definitely had a good time. Mingyu tips you way more than he needs to and way on top of what you would normally expect even from a group like theirs. 

“What’s your schedule like the rest of the week?” Mingyu asks. 

“My personal schedule or the company’s schedule?” you ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Not like that, we just liked having you driving the boat and we want to come back,” Mingyu says and you can’t deny it’d be nice to have the guaranteed money.

“Oh, let me go check the books if you’ve got a minute,” you say. 

Mingyu just nods and follows you along to the shop. “I’m only in a few hours tomorrow morning, so I definitely can’t do that. Monday isn’t too busy and I don’t have anything I can’t move. Tuesday during the day, since it’s slow, I usually work over at my parents’ restaurant. The rest of the week is filling up, but nothing I couldn’t move if you wanted to have me with you. Otherwise, I can have someone else take you out.” 

“No, no, you were really great and we want to keep going with you,” Mingyu quickly says. “How about, for now, we book for Monday? And Wednesday. Full day trips.” 

“Where do you wanna go?” you ask.

“Uh, where do you recommend?” 

That’s how this whole thing with this ridiculous group starts. You ask Mingyu what kinds of things they want to do, list each of the reachable islands, list off the routes you can take without stopping at a specific island, list all the boat related activities. He ends up booking a third day with you, too, because there’s just so much that they want to do and want to see. You’re thankful for guaranteed money with people you’ve at least already met. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t and all that. 

You’re a little later leaving your parents' restaurant than you meant to be on Sunday evening. One of the other servers really needed to get cut first, though, so you let them go. Often, you were first to cut out, since you had your own full time job to contend with. But, knowing your schedule for the next day was going to be easy, you didn’t mind. 

What you’re not prepared for, though, is one of the guys from the boat group sitting outside. Seungkwan.

He stands up from the bench he’s sitting on and walks over to you. “Busy schedule for you.” 

“What are you doing here?” you ask.

“We were walking by and I thought I noticed you. Mingyu said you mentioned working at your parents’ restaurant tonight,” Seungkwan says.

“So, you what? Waited for me? Kinda weird,” you observe.

“As if,” Seungkwan scoffs. 

“You’re here, though,” you comment.

“I just figured you might need someone to walk you home since it’s dark,” Seungkwan says.

“Kinda weird since I barely know you,” you comment. “Why do you want to hang out with me so bad?”

“Not really sure right now,” he says. 

You regard him for a moment and he shifts under your gaze. Without another word, you turn and walk a few steps, before looking over your shoulder. “I’m not going home. You’re welcome to walk with me, though.” 

Seungkwan looks confused but hastens to fall into step with you anyway. It’s like he can’t really help but keep a running commentary up while you’re walking. There are so many thoughts that it’s hard to keep up, or even get a word in. It’s entertaining, all the same. 

He pulls up short when you get to your destination and he realizes that it’s a houseparty. People and music spill out onto the lawn in a part of town that’s reserved for things like this.

“Aren’t you taking us out in the morning?” he asks.

“Mingyu didn’t want to meet until 10 because anything else was too early and it’s not that late yet,” you shrug. “You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to.” 

“But, I can? If I do want?” he asks and you chuckle. 

“Thought you wanted to get to know me,” you whisper into his ear. With that, you smile and walk into the house. It takes him a few seconds before he hurries after you.

Parties run a little differently here, in a town that depends so heavily on tourism. Sure, plenty of people will party until sunrise, anyway. Running off being young (mixed with a lot of coffee). You’ve done plenty of it yourself, too. But, the parties all start a little earlier for people like you that can’t always afford to go until the dawn of a new day, especially when you have to spend all of the next day on the water. 

While you’re careful to mix your own drinks from the bottles laid out, Seungkwan doesn’t seem to have the same worries. You introduce him to Joshua, who also works with you, and he doesn’t even hesitate to fall into step. So much for wanting to get to know you. Maybe he did just want to know where the good parties were. Joshua even lets him use the house phone to invite some of his other friends. 

Those friends do show up and somehow both stick out and blend right in. They’re new faces, brave enough to come to a party where they don’t really know anyone. And they’re undeniably attractive. All of them. It’s a bit annoying, really. As you watch from your position on the couch with Vernon, a group of girls that you’ve known for years, and never really liked, starts to fall all over Seungkwan and his friends. Rosie, the ring leader, looks over at you with a smug smile and returns her attention to Seungkwan. It’s the same as any other time. Her eyes get big, she leans in close to him, touches his arm. The shoobies always seem to fall for it. 

You’re on your feet and joining the group a minute later.

“Ah, there she is,” Rosie coos. Seungkwan clears his throat and takes a step away from her. Rosie, always using the same tricks, just steps closer and links her arm through his. 

“Oh we loved her,” Mingyu, the tall friend, states. He’s a little tipsy, mostly friendly. 

“Yes, everyone seems to,” Rosie says, all false cheer. “Seems a little…dangerous to me. Letting someone so young take you out on the boat.” 

“Only when you don’t know your way around a boat despite living next to the water your entire life,” you cut across. “Then, it’s best to keep both feet on land and do something safer, like working at an ice cream shop.” 

“I didn’t get any complaints when some of them stopped by earlier. Shame I didn’t get to meet Seungkwan, though,” she says and bats her eyelashes. 

You roll your eyes and hold your hand out to Seungkwan. “There’s someone I wanted you to meet, come on.”

“He’s fine here,” she says. You snort.

“Yeah, I can make my own choices, actually,” he says and extricates himself to take your hand. 

“We’ll just be here,” she calls at your retreating backs. 

“Thanks,” he says as soon as you’re out of earshot.

“No problem,” you answer. 

“Did you really want to introduce me to someone?” he asks as you wind through the kitchen.

“No,” you answer and pluck a couple beers out of a cooler. 

“Just wanted to get me alone?” he presses and you fix him with a look.

You don’t say anything else, just trust that he’s going to follow you outside, which he does. You plop down onto a bench by the fire and hold out a beer as he sits next to you.

“It was just a little busy in there,” you finally answer. 

“You don’t like the people?” he asks. 

To buy yourself a minute, you open the beer and take a sip. “I don’t mind crowds or whatever. I’ve just known all these people my entire life and some of them are annoying. It’s like we’re in some kind of competition that nobody ever told me about.” 

“Like Rosie?” Seungkwan presses. Your lips press into a thin line and you look away as you take a sip. “I caught the diss.” 

“Yeah, I usually dip when she’s around,” you admit. 

“She doesn’t like you either?” Seungkwan asks.

“None of those girls do,” you laugh. Seungkwan looks like he’s expecting more. “When we were in high school, a bunch of us went out on the boats one weekend. I didn’t realize one of their boyfriends was trying to pick me up until he went in for the kiss. I obviously brushed him off, but…”

“Damage was done?” Seungkwan asks.

“Yeah,” you say. “Like I’d ever kiss him anyway, as if.” 

“And that’s all? They’re not trippin’ over your success with your business?” Seungkwan asks, a mischievous glint in his eye over the question. 

You chuckle. “I do okay for myself.” 

“Okay? Joshua told me how well you pay him and also that he was shocked you managed to move around enough things to fit us in the way you did,” Seungkwan said.

“What do you want me to say? I could leave here. I could franchise and get out of this town, but I’m married to this life here,” you admit. “Plus, how could I ever get over missing out on meeting the people I charter?” 

“It’s okay, you can admit you like me,” Seungkwan says.

“You’re very confident, has anyone ever told you that?” you wonder.

“All the time,” he answers.

“Cheers,” you say and he bumps his beer into yours. 

That one party seems to be a bit of a turning point for you with Seungkwan and his friends. They’re all funny, if slightly hungover, the next day on the boat. Always make sure to include you in what they’re doing. It starts to feel more like friends than customers on that second boat trip. Against your better judgment, you also agree to see them outside of boating trips too. 

Through that, you get to know each of them. It’s actually kind of nice, in a somewhat chaotic way. It’s a little overwhelming at first. Not that you mind being around new people. You usually thrive in groups of people. It’s what makes you so good at your job. It’s also really sweet to see how much they love each other, especially the way they love Seungkwan. Any one of them would do anything for him and it’s melting your usually guarded heart. 

He hasn’t asked you out again since the party, at least not explicitly. But, he’s shown you in a million ways that he’s there. He’s brought you drinks and waited for you after another shift at the restaurant. He listens to what you say and the things you’re interested in. Like how there’s this beautiful art gallery almost an hour away that you’ve never been, but are dying to see. He’s touchy once he realizes that you’re okay with it. A hand on your arm, brushing along your hip, grazing your lower back. 

It’s only been a week since the first time you met them and this unexpected group already feels like a safe space for you. That’s why you’d agreed to a late dinner with them after a long day. Turns out, dinner was more like small plates cooked by Mingyu in the house they were staying in. 

“Why won’t you let Seungkwan take you to dinner?” Chan asks.

“I don’t date shoobies,” you repeat. 

Chan gives you a confused look. “That’s what Kwan keeps saying, but I don’t know what that means. I don’t think he does either.” 

“It’s a term for the tourists. Particularly the ones that come down in the summer from the nearby cities and think having a vacation house here means they actually live here,” you explain. You’re not sure why. There’s just something a little endearing about Chan. Kind of like a sibling. 

“It’s just dinner,” Chan says with a shrug and takes another sip. 

“Fine,” you relent.

“What?” Chan asks, nearly spitting his drink out. “Kwan!”

“Wait…” you start and then marvel at how quickly Seungkwan appears. 

“She said she’d get dinner with you,” Chan says as he walks away.

“You agreed to go out with me through Chan?” Seungkwan questions.

“Okay, it’s not like all that,” you start.

“You do like me,” Seungkwan announces, triumphant. 

“We’re not going out here. If I’m gonna go on a date with a shooby, it’s got to at least be in a different town,” you sigh.

“I can work with that,” Seungkwan agrees. 

It’s nice to be able to sleep in a little and trust that everything is okay both with the shop and the tours. You’re just about to head out to work when your phone rings. You consider letting the answering machine get it before rushing into the kitchen. You think you probably just manage to pick it up off of the receiver before the last ring. 

“Hello?” you answer.

“Oh good, I caught you,” Seungkwan says on the other end.

“Yeah, I was just headed out to work,” you say.

“Actually, about that. I know we said dinner, but I have a surprise for you today. It’s too good to pass up,” he says.

“Seungkwan, I have work,” you tell him.

“I spoke to your brother, actually. A couple of my friends agreed to help out at the shop and your brother has someone covering for you. So you’re free,” he shares.

“You can’t just unplan my day,” you say, but you know he can hear the smile. 

“You deserve a break. Just say yes,” Seungkwan says.

You consider it for a second, switch the phone from one ear to another to think. There’s only one answer, really. “Okay.”

“Okay?” he asks.

“Yeah, okay. What should I wear?” you ask.

“Just something comfortable. We’ll be inside, so you don’t have to worry about the heat,” he says. 

“I have to change because I was ready for work. Give me like ten minutes?” you ask. 

“I’ll come pick you up,” he says. 

It’s hard to get dressed for a date when you don’t know what you’re doing, but you try to just put the first thing on that you can find. That’s part of why you gave yourself such a short window to get ready. It forces you to focus without overthinking anything. Your mind is going into a little bit of overdrive wondering if going out with this man is actually a good idea. Not because you're worried something is going to happen. Weirdly, you actually feel very safe with him. It’s more because you do feel safe and comfortable and completely at ease. That’s not something that happens very often for you. It’s nerve wracking that it’s happening with someone only here for a getaway. 

Thankfully, a knock on your front door interrupts your impending spiral and you hurry to answer it. Seungkwan stands on the other side in a nice pair of slacks and carefully tucked in shirt. As his eyes traveled over your own outfit, you worried that you were underdressed. Then, he smiled, told you that you looked beautiful, and handed you a bouquet of vibrant flowers. You invited him into your apartment just long enough to find a vase and fill it with water. 

When Seungkwan leads you outside to the black town car, you pause for a second. This already feels fancier than any date of your life and it hasn’t even really started. Sensing your slight hesitation, he gives your hand a squeeze and holds the door open for you to slide in. 

As soon as he’s in as well, you’re immediately thankful for him. It’s not like you to be nervous on a date. Not that you actually go on dates often, but it’s just being around people. And that part is easy. Has to be for your line of work. Dates are usually easy too, which makes you wonder why this date is so hard. Thankfully, Seungkwan carries the conversation for both of you. Or, at the very least, he keeps up a steady stream of questions and stories about himself. All you have to do is follow his lead. 

Finally, curiosity gets the better of you. “Okay, where are you taking me?” 

“You do understand wanting to surprise someone, right?” Seungkwan asks. 

“We’ve just been in the car for awhile,” you start.

“Sick of me already?” Seungkwan jokes.

“And we’re not heading towards anything that I recognize for somewhere to eat or anything else date-like,” you say.

“You did tell me that you weren’t going on a date with me in your town,” he says.

“I did,” you agree.

“And we’re not going on a meal date,” he says, still maintaining the mystery.

“You’re so exhausting,” you complain. 

“You’re the one who agreed to go on a date with me,” he points out. 

“I did,” you concede.

“You must really like me,” he presses.

“As if,” you scoff in response.

The truth is that you’re not sure how you really feel about Seungkwan. You want to keep him at a safe distance. There are a lot of reasons that you have the rule that you don’t date tourists that come down to the beach during the summer. Part of it is that you don’t find any of them all that interesting. There’s often a sense of superiority over the people that are working for the summer. Or they just don’t see it as anything serious. Everyone loves to think of the fun, no strings attached summer flings.

Which brings you to the second, and real reason. No strings attached is fine. But it ignores that you’re real people, too, with real feelings that could get really hurt. It might just be fun for the person who breezes in and breezes back out on vacation. This town is your whole life. This is your livelihood. The last thing you need is to fall in love with some rich guy from the city that’s going to be leaving before you realize it. You don’t want to risk getting your heart broken. It doesn’t exactly explain why you’re breaking all your rules with Seungkwan, though. 

When the car pulls to a stop and you look around, your breath catches. As kind as Seungkwan is, you still can’t believe that he brought you here. Once, in a passing conversation, you mentioned an art gallery that you’d been dying to go to. It’s just that life got in the way or it felt too far away or nobody really wanted to go with you. It seems impossible that he would have been listening closely enough to remember you mentioning it. 

“Seungkwan,” you whisper out.

“I thought what better time than now to check off some things you want to do,” he says, trying to gauge your face. “Is that…did I do okay?”

“It’s so thoughtful, thank you,” you say earnestly.

“Let’s go, then,” he says and helps you out of the car.

The whole experience is a little surreal. Someone is waiting at the door and lets you in. Seungkwan doesn’t even stop to pay an entry fee, if there is one, before leading you off to the first installation. Just as you want to ask about it, you catch sight of the piece that he’s leading you to and get completely lost. Yes, this really is the perfect date. 

Seungkwan is also the perfect person to have with you. For all the times he can’t seem to stop talking, he’s surprisingly soft spoken during your time at the gallery. He keeps in constant contact with you: a hand on the back, carefully grabbing your hand to lead you to a new area, an arm around your waist with his thumb tracing patterns into your hip. His body pressed into yours is both immediately comforting and entirely terrifying. How has this man waltzed into your life and pulled all of your normal walls down? 

You were worried that you might feel out of your element going to a gallery with someone like Seungkwan. He’s clearly got money and loves art. As much as you also love it, you don’t exactly know very much. Instead, Seungkwan remains by your side and shares his insights about the different pieces while asking for your thoughts, too. Nothing about it feels like you’re out of place. In fact, you feel like you’re exactly where you belong. 

“Can I ask you something?” you ask suddenly.

“Anything,” he answers.

“Why’s it so quiet in here? I know it’s during the day, but…” you start while looking around. 

“Oh, I rented it out for the day,” he says casually.

“You…what?” you ask with wide eyes.

“I just thought it might be nice to explore it in peace without anyone else around,” he shrugs off.

“That’s really sweet,” you say with a squeeze of his hand in yours. “I hope you know that you don’t have to do all that to impress me, though.” 

Seungkwan looks away, maybe a little shy for the first time since you met him. Not that it’s been that long. “I do want to impress you.” 

“Why?” you ask.

“You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before and I want to show you that maybe I’m not like anyone you’ve met before either,” he answers. It’s so honest. More honest than you’re used to. 

“You’re definitely not like anyone I’ve ever met,” you admit.

“In a good way?” he wonders.

“I’m not sure yet,” you say, matching his level of too-honest. 

Seungkwan, usually quick with a smart remark, doesn’t have anything to say to that. He only runs his thumb over the knuckles of your hand in his. You’re starting to appreciate that about him. That he doesn’t always say something even when you know he’s got some of the quickest wit in the world. 

When you leave the museum, he takes you to the greasiest hole-in-the wall of a dinner that you’ve ever seen. The kind of place that you can’t really imagine someone like him visiting. Someone that has a car phone and designer everything. The kind with more money than you can even conceive of having yourself. But, he slides into the booth with the cracked leather and opens up the discolored menu to see what the place has. 

There’s something really endearing about it. Especially considering how worried you were about fitting in at the art museum and then some fancy restaurant afterwards. Instead, he’s showing you all the little ways that he can fit into your world. Or that he can adjust his world to fit you. All the many ways that he listens when you say something about wanting to go to the museum or not really seeing the point of those super fancy places. Which, honestly, isn’t even totally true. 

Your heart is so full watching Seungkwan make the waitress laugh at his jokes. You feel impossibly light at the ease of the conversation between you. It’s even easy to swat away at his hand when he tries to steal food off of your plate. It should be a little scary, the way this man is breaking down every wall that you spent so long putting up with a practiced ease. It’s not, though, and you don’t really want to dwell on why that is.

Nothing really changes, at least not officially. But, in reality, everything is different. Seungkwan fits into your daily routine with the same ease that he’s shown in everything else. He’s there with coffee before you start work, there at the end of the day to talk about dinner plans or walk you over to the restaurant your parents own. Sometimes, he’s there during the work day, with or without his friends. It’s only been a little over a week and he already feels like an inextricable part of your routine. 

Your brother only teases you a little bit. Mostly, he claims, because he’s afraid that Mingyu could take him (spoiler: he absolutely could not). Really, he’s just happy to see you happy and taking chances that you wouldn’t normally take. Happy to see you enjoying life instead of just living to work. He doesn’t talk about the looming issue and you don’t bother bringing it up either.

At least until you can’t really avoid it anymore. 

You and Seungkwan are sitting on a swinging bench at the park. With your legs tucked up underneath you, it’s easier to curl up to him. As is normal for him, he finds all the little ways that he can to be in contact with your body. Even though physical affection has never been your favorite, he’s so casual about it that it feels easy. Everything feels easy. 

“So, I have to leave tomorrow,” he says.

And suddenly, your whole world flips. Which is crazy, right? You still barely know him. Haven’t really been out on much that counts as a date. And you knew that this all had a time limit because he’s a tourist. A shooby. Someone that only comes down during the summer or on weekends. This isn’t home to him like it is to you. It doesn’t make any sense that it would feel as awful as you’re feeling now. He’s just someone you met through work and have gotten to know. It is not the end of the world.

“Oh, right,” you say, pulling away to put space between the two of you.

“Are you upset?” he asks. 

“No, of course not. Why would I be?” you ask in return.

“You seem upset,” he presses.

You scoff. “As if.” 

“Well, I actually wanted to talk about what we were going to do since I have to head back to the city,” he says.

“What we’re going to do?” you repeat as a question.

“Yeah, like about us,” Seungkwan says. You aren’t looking at him so you don’t see the confusion on his face. You don’t really hear it, either. Not over the pounding in your head. “I was thinking I could come down sometimes on the weekend and figure out how to get you up to the city when you have time off during the week and…”

“What are you doing, Seungkwan?” you snap, finally looking at him.

If he registers the hurt in your eyes, he doesn’t comment on it. He only reiterates what he’s already said. “I’m trying to talk about us, like I said.”

“There is no us here,” you snap. “It always had an expiration date, right? You were always going to leave.” 

“Well, yeah, I do have to leave. But, I don’t want this to…” he starts.

“To what? To end? Why bother starting it in the first place?” you ask with far more bite than you intended. 

“Because I like you,” he says like it’s obvious.

“Do you? Or do you just like that I’m fun for vacation?” you ask. 

“This has never been about just having fun on vacation,” he says, still trying to keep his voice even. You can hear the irritation creeping in, though. Good. Maybe that’ll be easier.

“Sure it wasn’t,” you snark.

“Listen, if it was just about fun on vacation, I wouldn’t have picked you,” he finally snaps. 

“Nice, Seungkwan,” you say, even though you know you pushed him. 

“Don’t turn this around. You know it’s not about it being some vacation fling. Vacation flings are supposed to be…” he starts and then snaps his mouth shut.

“What? Easy? So I’m not a fling because I didn’t sleep with you?” you ask.

“You’re twisting my words, that’s not what I meant,” he pleads with you.

It’s too much, though. This is exactly why you never go on dates with people like him. This town is just an escape to them. Something to get them out of the dreary routine of everyday life. And it’s everything to you. The only thing you’ve ever known and the one place you’re not sure you could ever give up. So, yeah, you knew better than to get involved with him. Knew and did it anyway. There’s nobody else to blame.

Without another word, you’re on your feet and walking off. Ignoring Seungkwan’s calls after you. It’s over and that’s a good thing. It’ll allow you to refocus on the things that matter like your family and making enough money to last through the quiet season. There’s no point in listening to anything else that Seungkwan has to say when you’ve heard it all before. 

This always had an expiration date, you remind yourself. At least you got to walk away on your own terms.

It seems that Seungkwan doesn’t understand that it has an expiration date. He tries to stop by the shop before he and his friends head back home. Your brother is quick to intercept him and suggests he’s better off just leaving. For all the annoying things your brother does, at least he doesn’t bother you. Just lets you keep busy and take over any of the tours when you don’t have something else to do. Even lets you reorganize the entire store without a word. You’re thankful for him.

That’s not the last you hear of him, though. You come home to messages on your answering machine asking you to call him back with a number. There’s no point in taking down the number, or even finishing the messages, so you delete them. It even makes you hesitate to answer the phone, preferring to let the machine get it. When you’re not sure if it could be him, you’re not in a rush to pick up. 

That’s when he starts reaching out to your friends like Vernon. Thankfully, he’s naturally aloof and doesn’t actually know much of what’s going on. There’s not much he can tell Seungkwan. Not much help he can provide. Although, he wouldn’t help anyone that you didn’t want him to, so he mostly just stays out of it. 

It isn’t until the first weekend since he left that you realize he’s still got tricks up his sleeves. You actually have a minute to wonder why he didn’t call the night before. Actually wonder if maybe you’re being too hard on him. And then he’s there, waiting for you by your shop. When you try to ignore him and breeze through the door, your brother blocks your way. 

“Just…give him a chance to talk. You might be surprised what he has to say,” Jamie says. 

Your brother is a lot of things. He’s annoying in the way all siblings can be. But, he’s never stuck his nose into your business without good reason. And he’s definitely never gotten involved in your dating life. It’s enough of a pause to make you consider giving Seungkwan a chance to say whatever he drove all this way to tell you. 

“What’re you doing here?” you ask when you sit down next to him. 

“It’s the only way I could think of to make sure I could talk to you,” he says. 

“I didn’t want to talk,” you say, a little petulant. 

“Then you can just listen,” he says. That catches you a bit off guard with how firm he is. “I didn’t come down here looking for anything. I just came away for a trip with my boys. Then we met you and you’re all I could think about. You’re complicated and guarded, but you’re also kind, smart, funny, thoughtful, strong, and the only person in my life I haven’t been able to figure out in one or two conversations. I wasn’t planning on developing feelings for you. I can’t help that I did. And it certainly has nothing to do with it being vacation. You’re not some vacation fling to me.” 

That whole speech brings you up very short. This isn’t what you were expecting and you feel a little guilty. You’re not used to someone putting in this much effort when there are so many obstacles. It’s not how this normally goes. Sure, someone comes down for a weekend or a vacation and they want to chase you while they’re here. Then, the vacation ends and they want to just go back to their normal life with a story about the person from vacation. They didn’t want the complication of distance and schedules before anything had even really happened.

“There’s got to be other people that don’t live so far away,” you say. 

“I can’t think of anyone but you,” he says confidently. Easily.

“But, why me?” you ask.

“For all the reasons I said,” he says. 

“You live far away,” you protest weakly.

Seungkwan takes your hands in his and looks calmly into your eyes. “Just answer one thing for me. Do you feel something for me as well? Or am I reading this whole thing wrong?” 

“I do, but…” you start.

“No buts. Don’t worry about the distance or any of that. We’ll figure all of that out,” he says.

“By me moving?”  you wonder.

He looks surprised. “No, of course not. We’ll just find times where we can. It’s like I said. I’ll come down for a weekend or you can come visit me. I’ll pay to send a town car to pick  you up if I have to.”

“You really want to make this move without changing…” you start but can’t finish.

“I want you exactly how you are. Like I said, we’ll figure out a way,” he says. “Are you in? Ready to take the jump?”

“As long as you catch me,” you say through the butterflies in your stomach.

“Every time,” he agrees.

i struggled with this and seungkwan was difficult, but i hope you like it all the same 💕

[gretavanlace]

Debauchery Defined

Jake Kiszka x reader

18+ only! Minors do not interact!

Warnings: graphic sexual content, language, masturbation, dirty talk, dangerous situations, oral sex (m/rec), illegal activity (traffic related), etc. jake in a hat briefly - cause that shit deserves a warning. Probably typos, excessive italics as per usual, blah blah blah

“I’m sorry, sir, I have nothing under the name of Kiszka.”

The bored attendant, slouched upon a stool beneath an Enterprise sign, doesn’t even have the decency to sound mildly apologetic.

The sign is bright. Too bright for the hour. Too bright for the weary, sleep deprived, burn in your eyes. Just too bright.

Judging by the furrow in his brow, despite his ever present sunglasses, Jake shares your contempt for the fluorescent glow.

“I made a reservation days ago.” You reiterate, spelling his last name once more. Turns out, it’s a lesson in futility, as the clerk doesn’t even bother to type it in.

“I told you,” he snaps, fixing you with a glare. You sense he thinks it reeks of authority. It doesn’t. “There’s no rental reservation. Spell the name all night long if you feel like it, but it isn’t going to change anything.”

Jake, in a smooth rush, is leaned in closer - serpentine and quick in his movement. Yet, calculated, careful, eerily calm in that unsettling way he adopts when irritation is trudging toward anger.

His warning comes quietly, but it bears a menacing aura all the same. “Speaking to her that way is ill advised, I can promise you that.”

Your hand finds his arm, stroking soothingly through the worn hopsack of the blazer he layered on, hours ago, before your flight. “Jake, it’s alright.”

Never aggressive just for show, and certainly never overtly so, when Jacob feels someone is crossing a line with you, he is quick to polish his armor - a knight sweeping in to save his damsel in distress.

He relaxes visibly beneath your touch and navigates back to civility with a deep breath.

“Alright…” he flicks a glance at the name tag that rests crookedly on the other man’s shirt “Tyler. So you don’t have the reservation - we need a car. You have cars. Simple. Why is this an issue?”

He’s tired, and cranky…a long day of travel has leeched the patience from his bones.

Tyler, likely used to overwhelmed travelers frequenting the airport kiosk, remains unimpressed. “I have one available vehicle. Luxury class. Reserved for our most discerning clients.”

Jake rolls his eyes, clearly teetering on the edge of asking this asshole if he’d like to taste the back of his hand. “As it happens, I am discerning. How lucky for us. We’ll take it.”

Papers are signed, keys are exchanged, and finally, you’re schlepping through the hall leading to Parking garage B7, as instructed.

“Luxury for discerning clients.” He scoffs, hefting his bag, and yours, over his shoulder, though you continue to insist you can share the load.

His battered guitar case swings against his legs as he stomps along, “What an asshole. S’probably some boat of a Lincoln or something…I’m gonna look like a pimp.”

The wide-brimmed hat cocked low over his shades will be most fitting, then, won’t it?

Laughing at his dramatics - not so different from his twin, after all - you watch the doors whoosh open to reveal a deserted sea of concrete. Deserted that is, save for one lone sports car waiting beneath a flickering light.

You both stop short. “Or a frat boy douchebag.”

“Frat boys can’t afford cars like that.” You correct, nudging him to get moving.

He picks up the pace dutifully, “So, just a douchebag, then?”

“Yes, yes, Jacob…you’re very refined and everybody knows it.” You tease, ever the soft heart for his antiquated flare. “If anyone sees you, we’ll just explain that your horse and buggy are in the shop.”

His eyes rove across the lines of the car as you approach. Slyly sweeping over the glossy, black curves, almost hidden below the mysterious shadow of his hat.

“I’ll drive.” He mutters as if it’s no big deal, startling your feet to a standstill.

Never, not once, in the entirety of all the time you’ve known him has he ever offered to drive. In fact, now that you’re exploring the subject, you don’t think you’ve ever even seen him so much as graze a finger over a steering wheel.

“Do you…” you pause to collect your jumbled thoughts. “Do you even have a driver’s license?”

It seems strange, all at once - that you’ve never wondered about this before.

“What?” He laughs, finally shaking off the annoyance he’s been wearing on his shoulders for a few too many hours.

You wait while he presses a button on the key fob, opening the trunk with a smooth hiss, asking “well, do you?” as he dumps the bags, and his Gibson, inside.

You’ve seen him present identification hundreds of times, but you can’t recall it ever being anything but his passport.

“Purse in the boot or up front with you, darling?” He asks with an exaggerated swagger and flourish.

“Stop avoiding the question, Jacob.” You sigh, folding your arms as he slings your purse over his shoulder, abandoning Oliver, and moving to open the passenger side door for you. “Do you or don’t you?”

He waits until you’ve settled and then bends at the waist, offering a forehead kiss, and a secret. “I don’t. You wanna break a few rules with me, hall monitor?”

You feel your eyes widen as if he’s just confessed to casual murder for sport.

But you tamp it down and take hold of some perspective, this isn’t murder. Still, you don’t like it.

“Jake, don’t drag me into your debauchery. If you want to endanger the lives of hundreds of unsuspecting motorists, you can do it alone.”

In response, he swings the door closed and jogs around the sloping, gleaming hood, slipping into the driver’s seat, gentle and sleek as a sleepy housecat.

“I never said I didn’t know how to drive, baby,” he tosses his hat in the back and shakes out his waves, “just that I failed to revisit the DMV when ‘the man’ said my time was up.”

“This is stupid.” You slide down in your seat, careful not to reveal how much you’re enjoying the supple leather coasting along the backs of your thighs where your shorts have ridden up.

The opulence is an undeniable high. One you wouldn’t have expected, but there all the same.

He grins to himself, face lit up, beautiful and bright, like a little boy in a toy store. “Debauchery,” his voice is smooth as whipping cream. Smoky. Lazy. Like he plays behind the wheel of a flashy Porsche every day. “Immoral behavior that involves sex, drugs, alcohol, etcetera.”

“What?” You’ve begun to relax already. He is skillfully maneuvering the vehicle through the twists and turns of the garage. Okay, so maybe he does know how to drive.

“Debauchery. That’s what it means. It isn’t this.” He waves a hand, absently calling attention to the car. “But don’t you worry that pretty little head of yours, my love. I’ll have you dragged down into the thick of it soon enough.”

Leaning back against the headrest, you decide to give into his whim and enjoy the ride. It’s lovely to be able to strip off the stress of the day and let him take over the department of transportation, for once.

As you study him, with the hum of the road and the purring engine serving as white noise, you can’t help the smile that tugs at your lips.

“Jacob Kiszka,” you allow your grin to widen as it will, “I never would’ve guessed you’d be such a guy.”

He grabs for your hand, pleased that - as luck would have it - he has been blessed behind the wheel of an automatic…the absence of a gear shift leaves him open to holding onto you, and you are his favorite thing to hold.

“What are you on about?” Oliver pops in to say hello again, as is habit when Jake feels a bit too on the spot.

“Never once have you wanted to drive,” you remind him, lacing your fingers through his. “No matter how many times I tease you for being a passenger princess. Wave one fast car with a pretty paint job under your nose and you’re swimming in testosterone.”

A soft laugh is his only response as he coaxes out onto the freeway.

“You look good behind the wheel, baby. You know that?” Your free hand toys with a lock of his hair, smoothing it and twirling it around your pinky.

“I look good, always.” he sighs, feigning boredom as he weaves in and out of traffic to find his desired lane.

The further away from the hub of the city you drive, the more traffic begins to dissipate, until you seem to be adrift along some dystopian highway time has forgotten.

“How long?” You ask softly.

Staring out the window at the scenery whipping by sounds lulling, you might even fall asleep to it, but you can’t seem to tear your eyes away from him, and this calm, capable, skill set you never knew he possessed.

How like him to keep you on your toes, sharing bits and pieces of himself little by little. Doling out tiny Jacob Thomas shaped morsels only when he sees fit.

“Who cares how long?” He glances up at nothing in the rear view mirror. “This is nice.”

“It is.” You agree. Allowing the silence to wrap up warmly around you both again.

You watch him. And you watch him. And you watch him some more.

And you’d help it, if you could. Honest. The timing is most inappropriate. Not to mention, likely a little dangerous, but something about watching him command all that power beneath his hands has you weak. Submissive. Needy.

In moments of weakness in the dark, you’ve confessed that you feel the same watching him play. The way he makes love to his well worn and loved guitar. The way he coaxes sex soaked wails and whines from the strings, working his fingers faster and faster along the frets until the climax crashes apart, exploding into sound where there once was quiet.

The way he talks to her, the way he loves her. The way he knows her body just a little better than he knows yours, or even his own. It all makes you a bit jealous in the most decadent way. It makes you eager to showcase your worth as well, to sink to your knees in service to this god walking around amongst men.

He holds a brand new power and you want to slink into his lap and mewl like a kitten starved for attention. Instead, you settle for moving in closer, brushing a feathery kiss against his neck, nuzzling into the crook of it, unabashedly brazen with your want.

“Hello, my love.” His eyes never stray from the road, but his hand wanders your thigh, welcoming you. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m wet.” It’s a simple admission, but the way you hush it in his ear causes his cock to stir. It takes so little from you to pluck at his edges until he’s unraveling at the seams.

“Why’s that?” He adjusts in his seat, spreading his thighs just enough to make your head spin. “All I’m doing is driving a car. Is that all it takes?”

“Sometimes.” You sound pouty. It’s hardly there at all, but he hears it and he loves it. His spoiled rotten sweetheart.

“Well, I’m a little busy, love.” He slides his hand higher, silently wishing you had chosen a skirt today. “But you go on and be sweet to that pretty pink place I love so well. I miss your pussy, baby…it’s been such a long day. Miss the way you feel, the way you smell, the way you taste. I want you all over my face, fuck. Touch yourself.”

“Right here in the car?” You suck his earlobe into your mouth and the nibble over it as if he is an indulgent treat, because he is.

“Yeah.” He nods, grip tightening around the steering wheel, “Right here in the car.”

Maybe some other time you might toy with him a bit, dangle the string just out of his reach, but you’re further off track than he is at this point, so you shimmy out of your shorts and slide out of your sandals to rest your toes on the dash. Your knees fall apart as your fingers disappear into your panties with the tiniest moan when your fingers brush over your clit.

“Aren’t you such a good girl?” He pats at your thigh in praise, burying his grip into the soft, warm flesh there. Filthy, fucking dirty little thing, touching her pretty, wet cunt in a car we don’t even own just because I asked. So good, baby. Who’s my well behaved, darling girl?”

Sometimes you think his need to praise you rivals your own deep-rooted lust for receiving it.

“I’m your good girl.” You breathe, writhing slowly in your seat, drawing in the scent of sex and Italian leather, laced with the faintest hint of his cologne. It has faded with the hours, handing the spiced teakwood over to something a little more Jake…this is when you love it best.

“Then be my good girl and come over here. Come see me, sweetheart.” He extends an arm, casually inviting you in. You know what he wants, and you plan to give it to him.

For a moment, you're both illuminated in the golden glow of headlights traveling along across the median…he looks like the slickest snake masquerading as an angel. A serpent in the garden, ever tempting and cunning.

It’s all a front, as you well know. A role he plays when he wants to make you quake with desire. His heart is soft and kind, ever mindful of others, ever stuffed full of unending empathy and thoughtful love.

Unbuckling your seatbelt with a click that makes him frown, you slide over to the very edge and toy with the clasp of his belt, panting hot little puffs of breath against his flushed cheek, if only to stir him up further.

“You want that?” He lifts into your touch so you can feel how hard he is, all for you.

“Yeah,” tiny pecks of your lips chart his jawline. “Yeah, I want that.”

“Say it.” His fingers are in your hair now, curling into a loose fist near the nape of your neck, pushing you down. “Say you want my cock. Say where you want it.”

You’re hurrying now, tenderly fumbling with the buckle, hungry and desperate for it. “I want your cock, Jake. Want it in my mouth…in my throat.”

“Fuck…” it growls out of him strangled and tangled up with hot, salacious, greed. “C’mon, baby.”

You long to preen with pride; he wants it so badly, so suddenly - but there are more pressing matters at hand.

Both hands on the wheel now, he watches as you sink down around him, swallowing him so deeply, and with no real warm up, that you gag, sucking him down further anyway as you retch and sputter around his length, throat both fighting the intrusion and pining for more of it.

“Slow down.” His warning grits out through his teeth. He didn’t want to say it at all, slow is the last thing he wants. He wants to float off into it, stare focused and sure on the road, thoughts lost in the way you sound fighting around his cock, sucking and lapping over him, dying for just a little more, just another taste….

You shake your head adamantly, sending your soft, wet tongue slicking back and forth just along the base, nearly nudging at his balls as they tighten up for you. Every reaction his body hands over is all for you. Always for you.

“Fuck, baby,” his right hand drops to pet at your glossy hair as he fucks up into your kiss. “Gonna make me cum in that pretty little mouth. Feels so fuckin’ good. You want it?”

Nodding urgently, you bury your nose into the soft path of hair that trails below his belly button, choking until your throat is squeezed around him, strangling the thick head of his throbbing cock.

He’s twitching against your lips now, straining and pulsing, fucking throbbing. Obscene and depraved. Perfect.

“M’close, baby,” he’s murmuring raspy, stuttering, pleas as his grip tightens until your scalp stings blissfully. “Keep going, just like that, so close…baby, baby, baby, fuck…”

He’s whining and babbling, broken curses and hissing encouragement that barely makes sense. You couldn’t love it more.

Hollowing your cheeks, you suck hard on the updrawn and then relax your throat, plunging him straight to the back of it in one harsh go with a guttural sound that makes his thighs jerk.

You feel the slight hitch in the gas as he loses his footing on the pedal, and soothe him with a palm swept under his shirt until you can feel his heart hammering against your palm.

He regains focus - you can feel it - and then whispers a soft, “Thank you, sweet girl.” Grateful that your wits have prevailed when his own were waning.

You linger at the base, licking at what you can with his heavy weight cradled in your tongues embrace. He flexes violently, and you brace for it, gluttonous for the warmth of his release, and with a groan and gasp of your name, he doesn’t disappoint.

“Gonna cum, baby,” oh, he sounds so pretty. Trotting out the tiny whimpers that are saved for when he’s really lost in it. “Don’t stop, don’t stop, dontstopdontstopdontstop, fuck fuck fuck—“

Your taste buds dance with him, alive with the delicacy that is Jacob. So warm and perfect, covering your tongue, rolling down your throat, until you can feel him inside you, really inside you, in the way you love most.

He’s a mess above you, but you carry on until he is whining with overstimulation and begging you to stop, lightly pulling you away until you can just barely lap over his glistening tip as he softens against his splayed open pants.

You know he’s thinking of all the ways he plans to return the favor when he can properly get his hands on you, but as he catches his breath beside you and steals glances at you tucking his beautiful cock away, you feel completely, totally, blissfully, satisfied.

Taglist: @gretasintrees @greta-van-chaos @celestialfauna @s0livagant @groggyvanfleet @kiszkathecook @brokenbellz @llightmyllovee @doodle417 @seventieswhore @jake-kiszkas-smirk @gretasmokerising @weightofdreams-gvf @imdepressedaf1996 @alisonwonderland29 @gretavanfleas @gretavangroove @sparrowofthedawn @xserenax-13 @tbagggvf @obetrolncocktails @tripthelightjaketastic @jakeslovehandles @poofyloofy @70sgroupielovr @heatmyfleet @age-of-nyahh @sammiboo162 @jakekiszkasleftnutsack @saoirsemaeve @mywickeddivinity @thelvnternskeeper @paintmyhouse @tripthelightfandomtastic @tripthelight-fanfic @mckenna4 @sarakay-gvf @theweightofjake @joshsmama @sammysvanfeet @rhythm-of-space @highladyofasgard @sunfl0wer-power @sad1lynn @demolitiondann @gvfpal @starcatcher-jake @hugorobinson

[sillyname30]

Naya Rivera’s Ex Ryan Dorsey Speaks Out for the First Time About the Glee Star’s Tragic Death and Raising Their Son Alone (Exclusive)

"I'm not a big believer in everything happens for a reason because I can't ever think of a reason why he doesn't have his mom," the actor tells PEOPLE

This summer will mark five years since Glee star Naya Rivera’s shocking drowning death, but for her ex-husband, actor Ryan Dorsey, reminders are everywhere.

“I’m here in L.A. working at Warner Bros., and Forest Lawn Cemetery [where she’s buried] is on the other side,” Dorsey, 41, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. “So many songs make me think about her, like Amy Winehouse's 'Valerie,' which she sang on Glee, and ‘Sunflower’ by [Post Malone and Swae Lee] because I always used to get her sunflowers on Sundays.”

There’s also the fact that Dorsey’s son with Rivera, Josey, now 9, closely resembles his mom — and he has her personality to match.

“He’s definitely his mama’s son, because when he doesn’t get the answer he wants, he keeps talking,” Dorsey says with a grin. "He likes to talk, and that's mama for sure."

As Josey poses with his dad during their PEOPLE photo shoot at Calamigos Guest Ranch in Malibu, Calif., on Feb. 3, he comfortably strikes up conversation with the adults around him, cracking jokes and excitedly describing his favorite video games (Minecraft and Plants vs. Zombies, to name a few).

“He doesn’t know a stranger,” Dorsey says. “He is such a happy kid.”

Josey’s resilience isn’t lost on his dad or anyone familiar with their story: Josey was only 4 when he watched his mom drown at 33 on July 8, 2020, while they were swimming off a rental boat in Lake Piru in Ventura County, Calif.

“I treat him differently than I would a normal kid because of what he’s been through,” Dorsey admits. “For me, it’s not a big deal if he hears a bad word or if he sees someone get killed on TV. I don’t know if that’s a bad way to go about raising him, but it is the cards we were dealt.”

While Dorsey has largely remained quiet in the years since losing Rivera — still beloved among fans for her role as outspoken cheerleader Santana Lopez on Glee from 2009 to 2015 — he finally feels ready to talk about the tragic events and what his and Josey’s lives have looked like since.

"I've never been one to talk about my life like this," he says. "I've turned down so many of these kind of things, because it was too hard. I still can't really look at pictures of her, and it's still hard to talk, but I feel like I'm ready. There's just so much that happened."

The day Rivera died began without much fanfare for Dorsey. He had driven from L.A. to Big Bear Lake, Calif., for a friend’s birthday and was in a Ralphs supermarket when he received a call from Rivera’s mom Yolanda’s husband to tell him that Rivera was missing after taking Josey swimming.

“I instantly said, ‘What do you mean? She knows how to swim,’” Dorsey says. "He said, 'They jumped in, and Josey got back on, and they're trying to find Naya.' I collapsed into a pallet of drinks. I didn't know what to think, but I feared the worst.”

He immediately got into his car and sped the 145 miles to Lake Piru.

“I drove 100-and-­something the whole way with my four-way hazards on, chain-smoking cigarettes — and I don’t even smoke, really — and just crying,” he says. “I just wanted to get to Josey.”

Josey had been found asleep and alone on an adrift pontoon boat that Rivera had rented three hours earlier that day.

“If we’d have lost both Naya and Josey, I don’t know how I would continue on with my life,” Dorsey says. "I don't know what I would've done, but I'm sure it wouldn't have been good."

For five days search-and-rescue divers looked for Rivera.

“It was the worst five days of my life,” says Dorsey. "There was a fear, what if we don’t find her? It was just awful."

The search concluded on July 13, when Rivera’s body was found in a remote part of the lake. Dorsey says Josey has recalled more details of that day over time. He remembers that it was windy and describes being worried about getting into the water, but his mom told him, “Don’t be silly!

After some time swimming, Rivera noticed the boat — which hadn’t been equipped with an anchor or flotation devices, points that Dorsey included in the wrongful-death lawsuit he filed on behalf of Josey against Ventura County that was settled in 2022 — was drifting.

She told Josey to swim back. He remembers grabbing “the tanks” and pulling himself “around the boat,” says Dorsey. (The incident report said Rivera drowned after exhausting herself getting Josey back on the boat.)

“He said that the last thing she said was his name, and then she went under, and he didn’t see her anymore," Dorsey says, tears welling up in his eyes. "It just rocks my world that he had to witness her last moments.”

Dorsey says Josey still holds a lot of guilt.

“Something he’s said over and over is that he was trying to find a life raft, and there was a rope, but there was a big spider on the rope, and he was too scared to throw it,” Dorsey says. “I keep reassuring him, ‘Buddy, that rope wasn’t going to be long enough.' That obviously still sticks out in his head because he feels like he could have saved her. I think she just got caught up in a brush — that or a weird undercurrent from the dam. It was just a freak occurrence."

Dorsey — who dropped 40 lbs. due to the stress of Rivera's death — also can't help but think that if he'd been there, he could've done something to change the outcome of the day.

"I probably would have jumped in, and I like to think I would've saved the day," he says. "But on the other hand, I think maybe something bad could have happened to both of us. I don't know."

After Rivera’s funeral, Dorsey took Josey back to his home state of West Virginia to get away from paparazzi. When they returned to L.A., Rivera’s younger sister Nickayla, 30, moved in with them for about a year.

“She was such a big help,” he says. “I had to go to Vancouver for five months and Josey came the last month to stay with me, but during the time I was gone she held it down and kept that consistency. It was very surreal sometimes because the way she would say things to Josey would sound like his mom.”

Throughout their relationship Dorsey and Rivera were no strangers to having to weather headline-making ups and downs. They met during a night out in 2010, after Rivera's Glee costar Heather Morris approached Dorsey and told him, "My friend thinks you're cute. Go talk to her."

"I'm not the approaching type of guy," Dorsey says. "So Naya finally walked up and said, 'What's your name?' That's how we started talking."

Through the years, Rivera and Dorsey dated on and off, but "when we were apart, I always thought about her," he says. "I thought she was someone that I could marry, because we were just so silly and we got each other."

They officially rekindled their romance after Rivera split from her ex-fiancé, rapper Big Sean, in April 2014.

"The girl I was talking to would always see these headlines or pay attention to TMZ, and she knew of our history, so she was like, 'Oh, did you see what happened to your girl?'" Dorsey recalls. "I forget what the drama was, but I reached out. I sent an email, like, 'Hey, I saw this happened. I hope you're doing all right.' She responded, 'Where are you?' We met up and had dinner, and that was kind of the catalyst for us starting to get back together.

During one of their breakups, Naya found out she was pregnant with Dorsey's child and got an abortion. She didn't tell Dorsey about it until later.

"I just remember telling her, 'I wish you thought you could have trusted me with that information so I could have helped you do whatever you wanted to do,'" he says. "When we got back together, we both were like, 'Oh, this is a second chance.' This sounds silly, but I felt like the world deserved that second chance of me and her having a kid."

They wed on July 19, 2014, Dorsey's birthday, and when they found out they were pregnant with Josey, "I jumped up and started crying," Dorsey remembers.

"I've had tears of joy three times in my life," he says. "The first time was my first job when I booked Parks and Recreation. I had five lines. The second time I had tears of joy was when they said, 'It's a boy.' Every guy wants a boy, right? The third time was our wedding."

Things took a rocky turn in their relationship in 2016 when Rivera filed for divorce but had the filing dismissed months later. In 2017 Rivera was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after she allegedly hit Dorsey while taking Josey, then 2, for a walk. She filed for divorce for a second time shortly after, and the charge was dismissed at Dorsey’s request.

“It was a monumental disaster,” says Dorsey, who plans to share more details about the arrest in an upcoming memoir.

Even after their divorce, “we went back and forth playing house,” Dorsey says. “We were going to try to have another baby and all the things. We went to Maui to look at places and get a fresh start, and then we fell out again ... If I knew what I know now, I would’ve tried to do things differently to make it work.”

And no matter whether they were off or on, "we always put Josey first," Dorsey says. "He had a good schedule. If one of us couldn't do it, we always would fill in. We never had any real turmoil about raising him together. We were very good co-parents."

Since Rivera’s death, Dorsey has been feeling the weight of juggling fatherhood and his career, especially as Josey has started asking questions he can't answer.

"We made this book of memories for Josey that sits by his bed, and during the holidays he was crying looking at it," Dorsey says. "You can only give him a hug and tell him, 'I know, life is not fair. Bad things happen and there's no reason for it, and you just have to do your best to be a good person.'"

"It's hard trying to explain things that you can't really make sense of no matter what age you are," he continues. "I'm not a big believer in everything happens for a reason because I can't ever think of a reason why he doesn't have his mom."

His move back to West Virginia with Josey two years ago has made things a little bit easier.

"When we were living in L.A. for the two years after Naya's death, I was auditioning in my garage, rent was $6,000 a month, and it's like, I'm getting nothing for Josey's future," he says. "It didn't make sense to stay because COVID changed our industry to where all my auditions were on tape, and I can audition in a garage anywhere. West Virginia is just a completely different place. There's not much to do, but it feels safe and there's no traffic."

Another benefit to West Virginia is that it offers "more bang for your buck," he says.

"I'm a single parent, I'm the only one earning money for Josey," he says. "Everyone thinks that if she was successful, and if I'm on TV, that you have a bunch of money, but no one really knows the financial situation. I didn't leave L.A. because we were just sitting on a bunch of money."

He next appears as the mysterious Frank Whales in the Feb. 16 episode of the CBS hit Tracker — "I have a good face for crime, apparently," he jokes of often being cast as the bad guy — and has been in L.A. filming for a "very cool" Apple TV+ show he can't talk about just yet. He also has partnerships with brands like Happy Head and Soula supplements.

"I'm a bit of a journeyman actor," he says. "I haven't gotten my big break yet as a series regular, and I'm hopeful that's going to happen soon. There were so many people who were influential in the business that reached out when Naya died, like, 'Yeah, we'll look out for something for you and we'll get you on something.' Then they turned into ghosts. It was disheartening, but it's fine."

Outside of work, he's getting pressure from Josey to date.

“It’s sad but sweet that he’s been telling me for years that he wants a brother and a stepmom,” says Dorsey. "Expecting someone to sign up for my life and his life, it's not easy. I think he's easy, but all the variables, it's a lot to ask from someone."

In the meantime he’s focused on keeping Rivera’s memory alive — he’s going to throw a "blowout" birthday bash for Josey when he turns 10 on Sept. 17 that he hopes would make party planning-pro Rivera “proud" — and relishing every day with his son.

“I’m trying to be the best parent that I can be and raise a good little man," he says. "He gives me a reason to keep going with my life.”

[lemissingmask]

[ID: Sketch of Eliot Spencer with long hair and in a sleeveless top, tied to an upright chair with his hands bound behind it and his neck held to the back of the chair with a thick leather band. He has blood and bruises visible on his face. In the background, beyond him, is Alexandra Bligh walking towards him and talking, and in the foreground is a close up of someone drawing a bright red liquid from a vial into a syringe. Black bars above and below the sketch is the text 'COMPOUND 002 -- 15 % w/v' and 'DOSE # 1 12/26/22 -- 17.04', respectively. End ID]

-

Day 15: Experimentation

Bligh makes a deal with some high ups in the FBI or CIA, gets released in order to oversee and run experiments into more effective methods for torture and interrogation using untraceable chemicals. Each experiment is recorded visually as well as notes taken.

Ficlet below the cut - part 2 of the three-parter started on Day 8

-

Parker hated the velvet softness of the night. Almost as much as she hated the glimmering stars that broke the darkness like thousands of unattainable diamonds.

How dare the evening be so peaceful and calm and beautiful when Eliot was in so much pain?

Or probably in pain.

He wasn’t dead. He couldn’t be dead. He had promised not to leave her and he wouldn't break a promise.

But they knew by now who had him and why, and it was impossible that Eliot was enjoying anything less than torment.

Because that was the point.

That was why they took him.

Using Hardison’s hacking access, they had managed to find out who took Eliot after almost two weeks of searching, and what they found was horrifying.

Alexandra Bligh, released before ever really getting to jail, had been extremely active.  Expenses that took some digging to find revealed rental payments for a building on a private island off the east coast, the hiring of a complete security team and of several scientists from within various government institutes, and purchase orders of chemical ingredients for some of the most brutal enhanced interrogation drugs currently in existence.

The funding had come from within government, through several layers of secrecy, but ultimately under the ordinance of a former member of the CIA. Someone who Vance - after being made to understand that Eliot was in severe danger - revealed had worked with Eliot on some classified operations under his command.

The funds had been transferred under the name of an operation that had very little digital trace, beyond the purpose, whose lengthy wording boiled down to: design new chemical means for breaking people, and the person in charge: Alexandra Bligh.

Hardison had researched the components while his and Breanna’s programs worked to search for Eliot, and privately told Parker what he thought they would do.

Like red haze mixed with toxins designed variously to trigger pain receptors, alter the threshold for pain and other unpleasant stimuli, and cause something called central sensitization, which Parker didn’t understand but it sounded bad.

Hardison’s simplified summary sounded worse. All the memory and sensation heightening effects of red haze, but now with added very real and very strong pain.

They were using Eliot Spencer as the test subject to develop more brutal, untraceable, methods of enhanced interrogation.

And all that on an island almost inaccessible by any stealthy means.

Now Parker was standing with Breanna on a dock in the darkness, waiting for Dr Not-Dead-Paul to bring around the boat they’d need to get to the island. They'd called him in to help in the recovery mission, in part because they needed someone trustworthy who could fight, and in part because they didn't know what state they'd find Eliot in. Having a medic who Eliot knew on hand could prove very useful.

It was Paul who suggested Harry and Sophie remain behind. Having been told what they believed Eliot had been kidnapped for, he cautioned against having too many people around at the point of rescue. Only the three of them needed for the rescue itself - Breanna to stay in the boat or just beside the building, using the proximity to get into their servers and then guide Parker and Paul to where Eliot was, and the thief and temporary hitter would then break him out and escape.

“What if you need more muscle to get out and Eliot can’t fight?” Breanna asked nervously, watching the headlights of the boat as it approached, “Shouldn’t we call in another hitter? Bligh looks like she hired a hell of a lotta security...”

“No time,” Parker watched beyond the boat into the darkness that hid Eliot somewhere inside it, “And Eliot will be able to fight.”

“He’s been tortured for weeks…”

“He’s been shot, stabbed, beaten, drugged, poisoned, and hit by cars, trucks and carnival rides, and still been able to fight. He’ll be fine.��

"Parker's right," Paul said, and Parker thought he sounded sad, "Eliot can handle being tortured. And, usually before, he’s had to fight his way out alone. No team to back him up."

"But he does this time," Parker smiled at Breanna and hoped it looked reassuring, "Eliot's going to be fine."

He had to be fine.

Like Paul said, Eliot had been through torture before, and probably for much longer than this. He’d been injured physically and tormented mentally more than enough times for this to be almost meaningless.

In theory.

But theory didn’t stop her being on edge and upset and angry at the beautiful night.

-

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

January 19, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JAN 19, 2024

President Joe Biden today signed the continuing resolution that will keep the government operating into March.

Meanwhile, the stock market roared as two of the three major indexes hit new record highs. The S&P 500, which measures the value of 500 of the largest companies in the country, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which does the same for 30 companies considered to be industry leaders, both rose to all-time highs. The third major index, the Nasdaq Composite, which is weighted toward technology stocks, did not hit a record high, although its 1.7% jump was higher than that of the S&P 500 (1.2%) or the Dow (1.1%).

Investors appear to be buoyed by the fact the rate of inflation has come down in the U.S. and by news that consumers are feeling better about the economy. A report out today by Goldman Sachs Economics Research noted that consumer spending is strong and predicted that “job gains, positive real wage growth, will lead to around 3% real disposable income growth” and that “household balance sheets have strengthened.” It also noted that “[t]he US has led the way on disinflation,” and it predicted further drops in 2024. That will likely mean the sort of interest rate cuts the stock market likes. 

The economic policies of the Biden-Harris administration have also benefited workers. The unemployment rate has been under 4% for more than two years, and wages have risen higher than inflation in that same period. Production is up as well, to 4.9% in the third quarter of 2023 (the U.S. growth rate under Trump even before the pandemic was 2.5%). 

The administration has worked to end some of the most obvious financial inequities in the U.S., such as the unexpected “junk fees” tacked on to airline or concert tickets, or to car or apartment rentals. On Wednesday the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a proposed rule for bank overdraft fees at banks that have more than $10 billion in assets. 

While banks now can charge what they wish if a customer’s balance falls below zero, the proposed rule would allow them to charge no more than what it cost them to break even on providing overdraft services or, alternatively, an industry-wide fee that reflects the amount it costs to deal with overdrafts: $3, $6, $7, or $14. The amount will be established after a public hearing period.

Ken Sweet and Cora Lewis of the Associated Press note that while the average overdraft is $26.61, some banks charge as much as $39 per overdraft. The CFPB estimates that in the past 20 years, banks have collected more than $280 billion in overdraft fees. (One bank’s chief executive officer named his boat “Overdraft.”) Over the past two years, pressure has made banks cut back on their fees and they now take in about $8 billion a year from those overdraft fees. 

Bankers say regulation is unnecessary and will force them to end the overdraft service, pushing people out of the banking system. Biden said that the rule would save U.S. families $3.5 billion annually. 

The administration has also addressed the student loan crisis by reexamining the loan histories of student borrowers. An NPR investigation led by Cory Turner revealed that banks mismanaged loans, denying borrowers the terms under which they had signed on to them. Rather than honoring the government’s promise that so long as a borrower paid what the government thought was reasonable on a loan for 20 or 25 years (undergrad or graduate), the debt would be forgiven, banks urged borrowers to put the loan into “forbearance,” under which payments paused but the debt continued to accrue interest, making the amount balloon. 

The Education Department has been reexamining all those old loans to find this sort of mismanagement as well as other problems, like borrowers not getting credit for payments to count toward their 20 years of payments, or borrowers who chose public service not receiving the debt relief they were promised.

Today the administration announced $4.9 billion of student debt cancellation for almost 74,000 borrowers. That brings the total of borrowers whose debt has been canceled to 3.7 million Americans, with an erasure of $136.6 billion. Nearly 30,000 of today’s relieved borrowers had been in repayment for at least 20 years but never got the relief they should have; nearly 44,000 had earned debt forgiveness after 10 years of public service as teachers, nurses, and firefighters.

Biden has been traveling the country recently, touting how the economic policies of the Biden-Harris administration have benefited ordinary Americans. In Emmaus, Pennsylvania, last Friday he visited a bicycle shop, a running shoe store, and a coffee shop to emphasize how small businesses are booming under his administration: in the three years since he took office, there have been 16 million applications to start new businesses, the highest number on record.

Biden was in Raleigh, North Carolina, yesterday to announce another $82 million in support for broadband access, bringing the total of government infrastructure funding in North Carolina during the Biden administration to $3 billion.  

On social media, the administration compared its investments in the American people to those of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal in the 1930s, which were enormously popular. 

They were popular, that is, until those opposed to business regulation convinced white voters that the government’s protection of civil rights, which came along with its protection of ordinary Americans through regulation of business, provision of a basic social safety net, and promotion of infrastructure, meant redistribution of white tax dollars to undeserving Black people.

The same effort to make sure that ordinary Americans don’t work together to restore basic fairness in the economy and rights in society is visible now in the attempt to attribute a recent Boeing airplane malfunction, in which a door panel blew off mid-flight, to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Tesnim Zekeria at Popular Information yesterday chronicled how that accusation spread across the right-wing ecosystem and onto the Fox News Channel, where Fox Business host Sean Duffy warned: “This is a dangerous business when you’re focused on DEI and maybe less focused on engineering and safety.” 

As Zekeria explains, “this narrative has no basis in fact.” Neither Boeing nor its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, is particularly diverse, either at the workforce level, where minorities make up 35% of Boeing employees and 26% of those at Spirit AeroSystems, or on the corporate ladder, where the overwhelming majority of executives are white men. Zekeria notes that right-wing media figures have also erroneously blamed last year’s train derailment in Ohio and the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank on DEI initiatives.

The real culprit at Boeing, Zekeria suggests, was the weakened regulations on Boeing and Spirit thanks to more than $65 million in lobbying efforts.

Perhaps an even more transparent attempt to keep ordinary Americans from working together is the attacks former Fox News Channel personality Tucker Carlson has launched against Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “a member of the new master race” who “must be shown maximum respect at all times, no matter what she says or does.” Philip Bump of the Washington Post noted yesterday that this construction suggests that Harris, who identifies as both Black and Indian, represents all nonwhite Americans as a united force opposed to white Americans. 

But Harris’s actions actually represent something else altogether. She has crossed the country since June 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized the constitutional right to abortion, talking about the right of all Americans to bodily autonomy. That the Supreme Court felt able to take away a constitutional right has worried many Americans about what they might do next, and people all over the country have been coming together in opposition to the small minority that appears to have taken over the levers of our democracy. 

Driving the wedge of racism into that majority coalition seems to be a desperate attempt to stop ordinary Americans from taking back control of the country.  

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[aiseoexpert]

Affordable Taxi Services in Udaipur: Your Guide to Comfortable, Budget-Friendly Rides

Planning a trip to the City of Lakes? Udaipur is known for its breathtaking palaces, serene lakes, and cultural richness. But getting around this beautiful city can be a hassle without the right transportation. That’s where affordable taxi services in Udaipur come in handy. Whether you’re looking to hire luxury taxi in Udaipur, book online taxi services in Udaipur, or find the best taxi rental services in Udaipur, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your journey in Udaipur smooth and budget-friendly with reliable taxi services.

Why Choose Taxi Services in Udaipur?

Getting around Udaipur can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. Public transport options like buses and auto-rickshaws may not offer the comfort and flexibility you need to explore the city’s stunning locations. Here’s why opting for affordable taxi services in Udaipur is the best choice:

Key Benefits of Taxi Services:

Convenience: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off services.

Affordability: Options to suit every budget.

Flexibility: Customizable itineraries to explore offbeat destinations.

Comfort: Well-maintained vehicles for a stress-free ride.

Reliability: On-time services, perfect for catching flights or attending events.

Types of Taxi Services in Udaipur

1. Luxury Taxi Services

Perfect for travelers looking to explore Udaipur in style.

Features high-end vehicles like sedans and SUVs.

Ideal for weddings, business trips, or special occasions.

“Book a luxury ride and add a touch of elegance to your Udaipur journey!”

2. Airport Taxi Services

Hassle-free Udaipur pickup and drop taxi services.

Affordable rates for Udaipur airport taxi service.

Ensures timely arrival and departure.

“No more stress about missing flights or waiting for cabs at the airport!”

3. Online Taxi Booking

Conveniently book your ride with online taxi services in Udaipur.

Real-time tracking and secure payment options.

4. Customized Taxi Packages

Hourly, half-day, and full-day packages to explore Udaipur.

Special deals for family trips, corporate events, and solo travelers.

Top Destinations to Explore with Taxi Services in Udaipur

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Udaipur has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit places:

1. City Palace

Experience the grandeur of Udaipur’s royal past.

2. Lake Pichola

Enjoy a serene boat ride with a stunning sunset view.

3. Fateh Sagar Lake

A perfect spot for evening strolls and scenic beauty.

4. Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)

Witness panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes.

5. Jag Mandir

A majestic island palace offering a tranquil retreat.

With an Udaipur local sightseeing taxi, you can comfortably visit these iconic spots without worrying about navigation or parking.

Why Book a Taxi Online?

Booking a taxi online saves time and effort while ensuring you get the best service. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

Ease of Booking: Book in a few clicks from anywhere.

Transparent Pricing: No hidden charges; know the cost upfront.

24/7 Availability: Reliable services even at odd hours.

Testimonials

“I booked a luxury taxi in Udaipur for my wedding, and the experience was beyond amazing. The car was spotless, and the driver was highly professional!” – Radhika Sharma, Jaipur

“Thanks to affordable Udaipur airport taxi service, I reached the airport on time without any hassle. Highly recommended!” – Aakash Mehta, Delhi

“Exploring Udaipur with their online taxi services was the best decision. The ride was smooth, and the driver guided us to the best local spots!” – Priya Verma, Mumbai

FAQs

1. How can I book a taxi in Udaipur? You can easily book a taxi through online platforms or by contacting local service providers. Many companies offer apps or websites for seamless bookings.

2. Are Udaipur taxi services affordable? Yes, you can find a wide range of options to suit your budget, from economical rides to luxury vehicles.

3. Can I get a taxi for Udaipur airport pickup and drop? Absolutely! Most taxi services in Udaipur offer dedicated airport transfers, ensuring timely and hassle-free travel.

4. Are luxury taxis available for weddings and events? Yes, you can hire premium cars for weddings, events, and corporate travel.

Why Choose Us for Your Taxi Needs?

When it comes to reliable, affordable, and comfortable rides in Udaipur, we’re the trusted choice.

Key Features:

Wide Range of Vehicles: Choose from economy to luxury.

Experienced Drivers: Professional and courteous chauffeurs.

24/7 Customer Support: Assistance whenever you need it.

Competitive Pricing: Quality services that won’t break the bank.

“Affordable taxi services in Udaipur made my trip unforgettable!”

Make your Udaipur trip unforgettable with affordable taxi services that combine comfort, reliability, and affordability. Whether you need a luxury ride or a budget-friendly option, Udaipur’s taxi services cater to all your travel needs. Book now and experience hassle-free travel!

[sailingcharter1]

Know More About Boat Rentals Deals in Thai Boat Market

Houseboat sanction is one of the undeniably well-known choices for water occasions with loved ones. Phuket boat sanction is an exceptional encounter as you have that fabulous approach to investigating the marine fortunes and picturesque islands nearby with extravagant facilities and solaces of home. Leasing a houseboat is very simple since you needn't bother with a permit to do so. You should simply find a believed rental office for your contract concerns and schedule.

Realities about Houseboat Rentals

Houseboats are very well known for inland streams and lakes since they are not difficult to oversee regardless of whether you have no earlier cruising experience. Ensure that the boater in your gathering is a grown-up and ought to go through complete preparation for your arranged houseboat excursion or occasion. Beginning your excursion on board the best houseboat will give you new experiences that will last you a lifetime.

Tracking down the Right Phuket Boat Sanction

Before you anticipate a houseboat getaway or occasion, ensure that you find and pick the right Phuket boat contract office. Utilize the best rules for you to concoct a legitimate and confided-in specialist co-op in the first place. For example, the best contract organization has long periods of being in the business. You want to ensure that they have untainted and demonstrated standing in the business.

Uplifting news for Phuket Sightseers

Having an excursion in Phuket, Thailand is the best choice you might at any point make. For the most agreeable, bother-free, and safe cruising experience, consistently pick a houseboat excursion and occasion. You can find various schedules and travel objections when you are ready for your usual hangout spot.

Reach out to the right boat rental organization today and see the marine fortunes of Phuket more than ever!

For more information please visit Boatinthebay boat rental deals

[thedepressedweasel]

What happened 24 years ago during spring break was that we went to a fancy French restaurant in Times Square and I tore a napkin by mistake. It was the day after we saw the Broadway version of "Beauty and the Beast". Everybody was dressed up for a very expensive restaurant and were feeling festive. Well, everyone except me, who had to tip-toe around one of my egg donor's infamous moods.

She started the morning with a very nasty hair trigger temper and had quickly gotten worse over the day. We had barely started eating our appetizers and did even eat our main course meal yet and this was exactly the type of thing that could tip the boat over.

As you can see, I was 10 1/2-years-old. Yes, I was at that age when I would usually receive crayons and a piece of paper whenever we went out to eat; however, that classy restaurant didn't offer me any, so instead, I had to busy myself by playing with the paper table protector that the restaurant always changed between every customer. Then I accidentally ripped it and my egg donor went big mad, so she took me away from that restaurant and then we were gone for what felt like several hours on end and then when we eventually came back, I was in a very bad shape; my pantsuit at the time had been torn, both of my eyes were red and my face was all puffed up with so much bruises galore. The woman who was supposed to be my mother had beaten me up in front of the building next door to that restaurant for accidentally ripping a napkin and was already yelling at me that I'd better pray that we didn't get charged for the disposable paper that I ripped because if she ever saw it on the bill, I would get another beating worse than that and then my bruises on my "ugly" face wouldn't be the only ones.

OFC my paternal grandmother, my aunt Beatrice and a married couple whose daughter (who was a baby at the time) was at the mercy of her grandma, kept asking my sperm donor why his wife was always so angry. It's just a napkin, I'm only 10, it's no big deal. In other words, the whole mood at the table dramatically shifted because they couldn't stop looking at my broken and bruised face. I didn't deserve that, ever! Then they asked for a bill.

The waiters started serving us very slowly, offering free refills and telling us that there was a problem with the system and that the bill would arrive at out table as soon as possible. We were watching other tables pay up and leave. My egg donor was becoming more and more and more pissed off. I was crying and praying that it would be over soon, since she was impatient and deliberately ramping up for another violent episode quickly.

I now realize that they were trying to keep us on the premises because someone called the police. My egg donor had battered me in cold blood in front of the building next door and it was very likely that someone from the restaurant witnessed this and was just as disturbed as most of us. Maybe this was why she was always raging in her seat and making an absolute scene in the establishment. She knew damn well they had reported her and she wanted out before the cops arrived.

We sat and waited for forty minutes straight while my egg donor became so irate that the whole ass restaurant fell into a hush watching her. Here was this crazy Russian lady, throwing her toys out of the pram, slamming hands on the table and threatening the restaurant staff and her own crying children. Eventually, she screamed in anger and slapped a lump sum of money on the table before rushing us out, during which she practically tore my arm off in her process of violently pulling me away from the table. Then we got into the rental car, during which she made my sperm donor high tail it out of there and back to Brooklyn, whereafter we dropped off the little girl's parents (so they could pick up their daughter from her grandma) before coming back to my paternal grandmother's apartment. Then later that evening, we went to the store for a bit before we went out to my paternal aunt and uncle's house in Ridgewood at New Jersey.

My sperm donor had said that it all happened because I was upset that the restaurant didn't offer me any crayons. Subtly twisting the truth to make it look like it was my own fault.

[nothing0fnothing]

What happened was my aunt offered me a shandy. I was thirteen years old, the legal age to drink in Italy. It was a family holiday, at a very expensive restaurant so everyone was feeling festive. Everyone but my sister and I, who were tip toeing around one of my stepfathers infamous moods.

I had begged her to keep her voice down and drop the topic. I was barely speaking above a whisper and frantically glancing over to make sure he couldn't hear our conversation. He had started the morning on a hair trigger and had gotten worse throughout the day. We had barely started our appetisers and this was exactly the type of thing that could tip the boat over. She asked him anyway.

"Can Cordelia have a shandy?"

She really didn't know. She probably thought she was standing up to him on my behalf. Out of self preservation I immediately threw her under the bus.

"I don't want one, I just wanted to know what it was." Not good enough. He didn't tear into her, or me, he locked on to my sister.

She was at the age where she usually got crayons and paper when we went out to eat, but this classy restaurant didn't offer them. Instead she had quietly busied herself by playing with the paper table protector the restaurant changed between every customer. She had torn it. He went mad.

He took her away from the restaurant and they were gone for what felt like hours. Our other family members began asking my mum why her husband was so angry. It's a paper sheet, she's seven years old, it's not a big deal.

When they returned she was in bad shape. Her smart clothes had been torn, her eyes were red and her whole face was puffy. Her father had just beaten her in the car park for ripping a napkin. He was telling her she better pray we weren't charged for the disposable paper she ripped, because if he saw it on the bill she was going to get another one twice as bad.

The whole mood of the table shifted. My aunt and uncle tried to talk to me but my voice was sad and small and so were my answers. "It's all my fault" I kept thinking as I looked over at my innocent sisters broken little face. She didn't deserve that. They asked for the bill.

The waiters started serving us very slowly. Offering free refills and telling us there was just a problem with the system and the bill will be there as soon as possible. We were watching other tables pay up and leave. My step father was becoming increasingly pissed off. I was praying it would be fixer soon, because he was impatient and ramping up for another violent episode fast.

I realise now they were probably trying to keep us on the premises because they had called the police. My stepfather had absolutely battered my very young sister in a car park, it's very likely someone from the restaurant witnessed it and was as disturbed by it as the rest of us. This was probably why he was absolutely raging in his seat and making an absolute scene in the establishment. He knew they'd reported him and he wanted out before the cops arrived.

We sat and waited for forty minutes while my stepfather became so irate the entire restaurant fell into a hush watching him. Here was this crazy foreign guy, throwing his toys out the pram, slamming hands on the table, threatening resturant staff and his own crying children. By now it wasn't a disturbance, it was an all out scene. Eventually he slapped a grand on the table and rushed us out. I was picking up my bag and he practically ripped my arm off sharply pulling me away from the table. We got into the rental car and he high tailed it out of there and back to the villa.

My mother has said that it all happened because I asked for alcohol. Subtly twisting the truth to make it look like it was my fault.

[denimbex1986]

'If you freeze any frame of Netflix’s Ripley, then you’re likely going to be presented with a visual masterpiece.

That is partially attributed, of course, to Robert Elswit’s gorgeous black and white cinematography. But you can also thank production designer David Gropman for setting the series in such fantastically photogenic and gorgeous locations. A mixture of found locations and built sets, Gropman’s designs for Ripley capture the eye in a way that few other designs this season have.

Gropman’s work along with other craft elements of the Patricia Highsmith adaptation deliver a fully Emmy-worthy presentation. Building and scouting for those amazing locations, Gropman felt that he was finally able to evolve his personal aesthetic into full-scale design.

“I’ve always used color very carefully in my work as a production designer. I’ve always wanted to have a theme that takes you from one end of the story to the other and not call too much attention to itself, letting the story and the world sort of exist for the actors and the words,” Gropman explained. “For me, finally doing a black and white film, something I’ve wanted to do for so long, eliminated that trick of color to help tell the story. I feel like I’ve finally arrived where I wanted to as a designer, just pure expression of light and shape in its purest form.”

Ripley, written and directed by Oscar winner Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List), adapts Patricia Highsmith’s original novel The Talented Mr. Ripley in an 8-episode limited series. In the series, con artist Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) travels to southern Italy to convince trust fund playboy Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home and work for his father. After a series of questionable events, Ripley kills Dickie and begins to take over his life, leaving Dickie’s girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning) highly suspicious of Ripley.

Locations play a significant role across the series, not only in presenting picturesque and camera friendly scenes but in helping to define the characters in subtle ways. Early on in the series, Dickie’s gorgeous, seaside villa dominates the proceedings. This location was one of the first that Gropman and team scouted along the Italian Amalfi Coast since they weren’t going to build this on a soundstage as they did with Tom and Marge’s interiors. The space needed to reflect Dickie’s wealth and easy-going nature — something that relayed the dichotomy of extreme wealth with a bohemian lifestyle.

The villa is also filled with beautiful art (think Picasso) that helps attract Ripley to this lifestyle. The location says a great deal about Dickie as a person who Ripley so desperately wants to be.

“The important thing to understand about [Dickie’s] character is that he has great wealth, which Tom finds captivating. He has beautiful things that Tom finds captivating, but I think what he finds most captivating is the fact that Dickie is so easy living with these things. They are not the most important thing to him,” Gropman said. “The most important thing to him is this bohemian life that he’s made for himself and can afford in a beautiful villa in a beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast and with these beautiful things surrounding him. Tom, of course, is amazed by all this, but I think amazed most of all by the way Dickie lives with these things.”

After killing Dickie in a rental boat (Gropman acquired five variations of the boat, including the one that he purposefully sinks), Ripley flees to Rome flush with Greenleaf cash. He plans to spend his first night in Rome as Dickie Greenleaf in the Excelsior, a luxury hotel whose exterior is actually the Hassler Hotel located near the top of the Spanish Steps. The decadent interior, something that Ripley had yet to experience until meeting Dickie, was filmed at the Palazzo Ruspoli, a 16th century palazzo in the heart of Rome.

You can even rent the room now if you’d like to live la vita Ripley.

You’d likely spend more time there than Ripley actually does after nearly being discovered by Marge. He quickly leaves that hotel for a less attractive hotel called the Hotel Bolivar. Gropman chose that location because of the rain-drenched steps leading up to it and the fantastic sign that says Bolivar. The interiors were shot elsewhere.

Another fascinating aspect of Ripley is the characters’ relationship to art. Dickie collects art (such as the Picasso) and tries to paint on his own. Unfortunately, he’s completely devoid of actual talent. Ripley, though, becomes obsessed with art, particularly elaborate Caravaggio pieces. That inclusion comes directly from writer / director Zaillian who, according to Gropman, wanted to imbue the story with the same passion he felt for the controversial artist.

“You take the story of Caravaggio and how he was a bit of a scoundrel, a murderer, accidentally or not, and then you have the beautiful sense of light in all of Caravaggio’s paintings. Some people say one of the great shames about not being able to see Ripley in color is you don’t have a chance to see Caravaggio’s paintings in full color,” Gropman laughed. “But what you do get to have is all the beautiful light and shadow and composition that Caravaggio was so brilliant at.”'

[greenaway-torres]

Cabin Fever

Imagine you and your s/o went on vacation to a cabin and you two get heated up by the fire (sfw version)

P/n: your partner’s name

When they told you it was going to be a vacation, you expected the beach or some typical summer go-to. Now you’re in a cabin in some mountain in the middle of nowhere, shivering your ass off.

“We’ll have fun,” your s/o told you when you arrived. “Promise.” They helped bring your stuff into the cabin, setting it in your bedroom. It was small and seemed cozy enough. But if you were cold now, how was it going to be when it was night?

“Wanna take a tour,” your partner asked you.

“I want to be on a beach somewhere. Or somewhere warm.”

“Come on, don’t complain. I looked into this place and it’s pretty nice. There’s a small town nearby if we need anything. There’s a few trails we can hike. Even a lake with some rental boats for couples. This will be great.”

They walked to you, holding your chin and lifting it up so you could look at them. “You got a trust me, ok?”

You sighed and rolled your eyes. “Fine. But if this ends badly, you’re not picking trips anymore.”

“Deal,” they laughed. Their lips lightly touched yours. You leaned in to deepen the kiss, wrapping your arms around their neck. As they pulled you closer by your waist, you bit their lip and pushed them away.

“Uh uh. You get a good time when I’m having a good time, got it?”

They smirked, licking their lips. “Yes ma’am. Now come on, let’s go get some supplies.”

You two got back in your car and drove to the town your love mentioned before. There wasn’t much to it; a general store, a bed-and-breakfast, a bar, and a sheriff’s office were the main attractions. At least from what you could see anyway. You grabbed some things you needed for the few days you were there. Even grabbed a couple mugs to add to your collection when you got home. Now that you had what you needed, you decided to walk around for a little bit. Though it wasn’t what you were expecting, the town was nice. Everyone seemed friendly and welcoming. With how late it was getting, you two decided to eat in town. The food was pretty good, and you both left happy and full.

By the time you made it back to the cabin, the sun was already setting. Your partner was the first one to shower while you unpacked and put the supplies away. You didn’t hear the shower stop or them coming out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around them. While you were in the kitchen, P/n came up behind you and wrapped their arms around your waist.

“YOU ARE WET,” you yelled as you tried to wiggle away.

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

“P/N GET OFF!!”

“And you’re so soft, baby. You always feel so good.”

“P/n,” you laughed, giving up with trying to get away. “Please get off.”

Your partner turned you around. You were now pinned with back against the counter and their arms on either side of you. “What you think?”

“Of?”

“Everything, silly,” P/n said, kissing your forehead. “What do you think of the trip so far?”

“It’s decent.”

“Only decent?”

“The town was nice. The people there are nice too and I like the mugs we got. And the food was good.”

“But?”

“I’m still cold.” They laughed at that. They lifted your chin and kissed you deeply. You leaned in, feeling a little lightheaded with how intense it was.

Your partner pulled away, not before giving you one last peck. “How about now?”

“Not much different,” you lied. Your cheeks were flushed and your chest felt hot, but you weren’t going to tell them that.

But they knew already. “Don’t worry, I know what will warm you up. Go ahead and take a shower and meet me back here ok?”

You gave them one last peck and went off for your shower. The water was just how you wanted it. You warmed up as the water ran down your body. But sadly, you couldn’t stay in it forever. You got out and got dressed. You walked back to the open area. The fireplace was already lit with a few cushions in front of it. And a couple blankets. Your partner was in the kitchen with the mugs you bought earlier. They handed you yours. The warm feeling of your drink started to feel good in your hands. As you drank it, the beverage filled you with warmth.

P/n offered their hand and walked you to the cushions. They put a blanket around you before sitting and taking their own blanket. You reveled in the warmth you were getting.

“Warm now,” your partner asked you.

“Almost. Just need one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

You moved closer to them, placing your head against their chest. “This. Now it’s perfect.” They smiled and kissed your forehead. The two of you watched the fire as it crackled and popped. You felt your eyes getting heavy. You didn’t realize how tired you were.

“Best vacation ever,” you sighed before drifting off to dreamland.

Hope you enjoyed! I’ll post the nsfw version later

[fredsullysullivan]

Sully was at work around the grounds of the adventure center today cleaning up around the grounds so it looked better. With the weather changing, at last, going from cold to warm, it was nice but it made the lake and everything a bit of a mess. So he was around to clean it up for the day and was in the rental shed where they kept some supplies. He was doing a count of what he had and what was out or being rented for the day. He was counting the fishing poles he had and two were missing. He looked all over then went in and saw it was rented as a deal with Nicks cabins, which also had the boat rental but that came back. So he had track down the fishing poles so he headed to Nicks office for the cabin rentals and went inside and to his office for that he knocked on doing pretty much a musical number on his door. "Siirrrr Nick....." he sang just to be annoying towards his friend.

@nickxwagner