#Cups & Rings

[aplaceforyourhearttorest]

Unwind Me ⋅☆⋅ Kirk Hammett (18+)

The brazen sounds of cheers and drunken laughter ring out and dance their way backstage in the naturally dimming light, the joyous sounds causing you to grin to yourself and shake your head in amusement as you push a speaker even further down the now packed and narrow hallway. A man with a slightly sick looking grimace etched on his face stumbles his way out of a nearby dressing room and right towards you, and you quickly jump out of the way, your right shoulder bumping into and against an array of sharp boxes behind you amid your haste. He makes it to the bathroom just in time and you sigh in relief, before hunching forward and pressing your weight back onto the heavy machinery in front of you, willing yourself to ignore the pulsating ache emanating from the soon-to-be bruised skin underneath your itchy and sweat-clad crew shirt.

You twist your wrist and momentarily close your eyes in gratitude as you feel an elastic roll itself down your clothed forearm and rest upon your kickstarting and erratic pulse point, feeling eager to tie your hair up once you finish up the task of getting the rest of the equipment together and cased out. The earlier crew did their best within their scheduled time slot, but even they couldn't finish up the job in that time. Guitars and other smaller instruments leisured haphazardly against everything from coolers and stairwells, and to the edge of the stage the boys had just recently performed on, and you force your eyes to reopen as you tiredly make your way over to the towering and newly organized rows of the Marshall and Hiwatt speakers, near to the end of the hall.

Squatting down to untangle and release the secured latch of the strap encircled around the equipment you just carted over, you slowly raise your head as you finally come to acknowledge a familiar set of shoes paused and waiting only a few feet away from you in your peripheral vision.

A frenzied and fast travelling flush makes its way up to your cheekbones and down your neck before you even attempt to make eye contact with the man standing to the side of you, and you let out a shaky exhale as wide brown eyes peer back down at you in earnest once you do.

"Kirk," you breathe, your eyes glancing over with mild interest as they take in the clenching of his fingers around his flimsy cup after you say his name in greeting. You finish up removing the safety strap and stand before you could allow yourself to put too much thought into his reaction, hurriedly pushing it to the back of your mind as you try to hide your blush in the slightly frizzy curtaining of your hair. "Enjoying the new year so far?" you try to casually ask him, hoping you don't sound as nearly affected as you feel from just by having him nearby.

The lead guitarist nods absentmindedly as his eyes rake themselves over your fatigued figure, his plush and full lips lifting up to relax in a soft smile as he leans forward to rest his drink on the nearest ledge closest to him. "Let me." He offers kindly, already moving forward and gently guiding you back with a hand on your hip before you could even verbalize a protest. Your already unstable breath stutters in your chest as the rough patches of his palm blazes heat against your dampened flesh, the added weight of his large hand making the reddened hue of your cheeks darken even more.

Kirk's thumb spreads out to caress the indented skin of the beginning of your hipbone, before leaving entirely as he goes to lift the piece of equipment on top of the set with ease. You quietly watch as he casually walks over and places the speaker on top of another, before returning over to your side to grasp onto an amp. You go to reach down to secure a zip tie around its long cord to try and be helpful, before stopping midway and letting out a strained cry as the skin around your bruising shoulder painfully constricts and stretches. Kirk's eyes widen at the sound, and a multitude of other pairs zero in to stare at you as you clench yours shut. Your uninjured shoulder jumps up as a hand encases itself around it, before relaxing as the coolness of a familiar ring grazes against the bare part of your lower neck.

"Are you alright, babe? You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" Kirk asks you quietly, the hand on you guiding you to stand behind him for a bit more privacy and a few more steps away from the tipsy bystanders. You go to shake your head and falsely reassure him that you're fine, before opening up your eyes and looking into his worried ones. You instead nod in defeat and lightly rest some of your weight on him, your left hand coming up to gesture toward your right shoulder.

"I thought some guy was going to spew on me and the cart, so I rushed to the side and jabbed myself on a few sharp boxes." Kirk lets out a soft sound of sympathy, his usually rough and quick hands delicately rubbing small circles in your tense skin and muscles to hopefully help you relax. "Will you let me take you to one of the backrooms and get you some ice? Maybe check you out a little bit better?"

"But the equipment," You start before trailing off weakly, peering up into his eyes with furrowed and pinched brows. Your resolve quickly titters off into little to nothing as he continues to dote on you and caress your skin, his intense gaze on you keeping you feeling warm. "You've already been here and on the clock for over twelve hours; the rest of your coworkers are either already at their hotel or with the other guys getting shitfaced, and we've still got another two days before we have to get everything cleared out and back on the road." Kirk tilts your chin up and holds you in place as he takes another step forward and closer to you, your chests almost pressed together and becoming one.

"How about you focus on yourself for once and let someone take care of you. Let me take care of you." His tone of voice being soft yet leaving no room for any further resistance or questioning, as his fingertip lightly taps itself on the cleft of your chin. The tips of your scuffed up shoes brush against his as you subconsciously and unknowingly lean forward in his soft grip, your eyelids feeling heavier and weighed down as his comforting scent wafts over to you through the close proximity. Kirk raises an eyebrow after a few heavy moments of you not answering him, a pleased grin painting itself on his handsome features as you quietly agree and allow him to slide his hand down your arm and gently tug you forward.

Alcohol-laden murmurs and hushed whispers advance themselves down the chilled hallway and into the open and overpopulated area, but neither one of you seem to care as the two of you slowly become well acquainted with the feeling of each other's hands as you descend away. And as Kirk flicks on a light switch and makes his way over to the mini fridge attached to the back wall of the room and silently beckons you over, the clock hits one.

⭒

You let out a faint sigh of relief as you feel Kirk press a towel filled with crushed up ice against the slightly swollen and puffy skin of your shoulder, the strap of your bra sliding down as you lean back into the cold compress and his stable hold. The musician sitting almost flushed against your back, watches with rapt attention as the white lace dances itself down your goosebump ridden extremity and stops to rest in the curved divot of your inner elbow.

"Thank you for taking care of me and making sure I was alright. I probably would have just ended up trying to ignore the pain and getting as much as I could get done within the last two hours of my shift." You allow a small smile to grace your face as you hear him grunt out a sound of displeasure at your words, a shiver running through your upper half as a droplet of the melting ice runs its way down the side of your back. An audible gasp tears through you as you feel the sensation of Kirk's calloused fingertip swipe it away, before continuously making its way down to the base of your spine.

"You're still so tense," Kirk murmurs, his free hand pressing its thumb and index fingers into the dimples adorning the skin of your bottom back. He pauses and halts his movements as a saddened thought invades its way into his mind. "You aren't uncomfortable with me, are you?"

You immediately shake your head no, an unsettling twinge basing itself in your gut as your nonverbal attempt of reassurance doesn't get a response or reaction back from him. As carefully as you can without creating any more physical discomfort for yourself, you twist around to face him. Kirk's hands raise to stop you from moving once he sets the towel off to the side, but you gently brush his hands down to rest in his lap.

"You don't make me uncomfortable," You try to comfort him, the small smile on your face sliding off as you take in the wary and cautious look on his. You anxiously bring your hands together on your leg and wring them together, before muttering out your next words. "You make me nervous." Kirk's facial expression softens as he watches you avert your eyes and look elsewhere, unable to stop himself from reaching out to set his hands on top of yours.

"Talk to me, baby. I can't help you out if you won't let me know what's going on or bothering you." You nod uneasily, untensing your hands so he can entangle his fingers in yours and place them on the small space in between you.

"You don't make me uncomfortable, Kirk. You make me nervous. Every time you reach out to me and ask if I need help, I get all nervous as hell and make a damn fool out of myself. I don't think I've dropped so many amp boxes in my entire life, compared to the handful I have here with you guy in this past year," You playfully try to tug your hands away from his, the flush reappearing on your cheeks as his kisses the back of one of yours in a silent apology. "You haven't done anything wrong. The complete opposite, actually."

Your eyes snap back to his as he entirely lets go of your hands and carefully rearranges your legs to wrap them around him, your jean clad calves now pressed firmly against the back of his middle and the leg of the cushioned furniture, as he tugs you toward him. You rest your hands on his chest and lightly clutch onto the worn-out fabric as his hands find purchase on your waist.

"And what if I felt the same way about you?" He asks, his eyes filling with mirth as he watches yours widen in surprise, his glancing down to your now gaping lips as you part them in shock. "What if I told you that I've broken more guitar string that I should have been allowed to get away with, because I was too busy looking at you? Watching you run around and help everybody, exhausting yourself every single day on this tour and wanting to reach out and help you unwind? What if I told you that I set up this entire New Years after party, so that I could finally find enough courage to come over and tell you about how I felt myself?"

You let out a disbelieving huff of laughter, the shaking of your head causing your hair to cling to the sides of your face. "There's no way."

"Oh yeah, because the boys would never be alright with me inviting the roadies, or anyone else they happen to find attractive enough along to hang back with them and drink some alcohol after a concert." You stop laughing at that, your hands unclenching the fabric of his shirt and instead reaching up to rest against his shoulders, as he looks down at you with conviction.

"I've been gone for you for the past few months, and the only reason why I haven't had enough guts to say anything sooner is because you're so kind with everyone, and I wasn't able to tell if it was any different with me." His slightly shaking hands come up to grasp onto your chin once again, this time tugging you forward to rest your forehead against his.

"You are the most beautiful, hardworking, kind and patient woman I've ever met, and you knock me straight on my ass with just a single look, every single time and with no effort." You blink back tears and send him a tremor of a nervous smile, your heart beating insurmountably fast in your chest.

"And you are the most handsome, hardworking, down to earth, kickass lead guitarist I have ever had the honor of working with." Kirk lets out a shuttered bout of laughter as you lightly brush your lips against his, his grip on your chin losing strength and wavering as you whisper against him.

"Unwind me, then."

⭒

A giggle filters itself out from in between your kiss swollen lips as your legs are raised and placed onto Kirk's lap, you semi helpfully lifting your lower half from underneath you as he tugs down on the seemingly skintight fabric.

"Why in the absolute fucking world are your pants so tight for?" He huffs out, faux annoyance painted on his features before his expression smooths out and turns into an affectionate smile, the sound of your joy causing his heart to feel like it's beating out of his chest. The man in front of you lets out a cheer once he's able to tug them down and off from around your ankles, and your laughter settles into a gasp as his lips begin to trail up your bare legs.

Stubble roughly etches its own temporary indentation into your skin as he sucks and bites marks into your trembling limbs, and you can feel his grin widen against you the closer he gets to your clothed and wet sex. Heat pillows in your groin and a whine builds up in your throat as he stops to create another hickey on your inner thigh, this time only a few inches away from where you truly wanted him to be, his hands holding your stomach down in place as you squirm impatiently.

"Please, I need you." Kirk's eyes close in euphoria at the unsteady tone in your voice, his head raising and mouth removing itself from your purpling skin to dart up towards your pussy, his tongue peeking out to tease you through the cotton. Groaning as your slick pearls out through the fabric and envelops his tastebuds, Kirk lolls his appendage out to run it along your clothed folds, his spit darkening the fabric and causing it to cling to your swollen and pulsating folds.

"Fuck, if I could take a picture of you, I would." He whispers out, his eyes transfixed on the way you push against his hold in desperation, before he mercifully pulls your underwear down and immediately laps at your soaked clit. The cry that you weep lashes itself around the room and bleeds its way underneath the paper-thin door, and you buck against his dripping mouth as one of his hands reach down to bundle up the undergarment and shove it into his back pocket for safe keeping.

Kirk twists his tongue inside of your folds in a figure 8, causing your eyes to roll back in your head and your ankles to cross themselves behind his head, the action silently pleading for him not to pull back or tease. You let out a damn near scream once a single digit is thrusted its way inside of you and easily finds your spongelike spot, your eyes stinging from the dual sensation, it almost feeling like overstimulation even though you haven't orgasmed yet.

Your hand releases itself from around the pillow he carefully placed behind you to protect your injured shoulder, it easily finding purchase in his curly and wild locks as his tongue enters your entrance alongside his finger, his nose nudging against your clit and giving you the perfect amount of friction. Kirk harshly moans out against you as you tangle your fingers in his mane and yank, a second finger sliding inside of you and roughly nudging against your g-spot with relentless revenge. The combination of his tongue and two fingers inside of you and his moans reverberating over your sensitive sex brings you to your first climax, your legs clamping their way around his head and forcing him to stay in place as his mouth and hand continue to pleasure you without stopping.

You sob out his name and writhe in place as he continues to go down on you, only slowing down and licking you clean once he looks up to see large tear stains matting themselves on your cheeks.

"Want you." You brokenly whisper, your legs slowly unwinding from around him and allowing him to lean back. A fresh wave of slick pulses out of you as you take in his drunken expression, your cum covering his chin and jaw and nearly dripping down his neck. You carefully sit up before tugging his shirt over his head and bringing him up to your level, your tongue darting out to taste yourself on his sweat covered skin. Kirk pants out against you before lightly wrapping a hand around your throat to tug you into an opened mouth and messy kiss. You moan into him as the taste of your musk finds its way to you as he licks and teases you, and he grunts as your hand slides down to his covered bulge, your fingers pulsing around his generous length in a teasing manner.

"Baby, please don't." He pleads, squeezing his eyes shut as his balls tighten and raise, heat rushing to his groin and causing his dick to jerk in your grip. You lick your lips in hunger as you feel him pulsate against you, before slightly raising your hand and beginning to unbutton his jeans.

"You don't have to." He tries to assure you, although his hips buck upward to help you yank his jeans and briefs down all at once. "Want to feel you inside of me." You murmur out against his lips, drinking in his whimpers as you reach down to gather some of your wetness to use it as a lubricant to slide your hand down his red and angry shaft.

"Yeah? You can have whatever you'd like, baby. Use me." He moans as you gently push him back to lie down on the couch beneath the two of you, his hands coming up to steady you as you shuffle on top of him and get into a comfortable squatting position.

You gasp loudly as you feel the tip of his dick nudge and twitch against your still oversensitive clit as you ready yourself, and you both let out resounding and punched out sighs of relief as you slowly lower yourself onto his accommodating and girthy length.

"Happy New Years, baby." Kirk shakily jokes from beneath you, before gripping onto your hips to guide you up and down his weeping cock, your soaked and clenching walls welcoming him in every single time.

Happy New Years, indeed.

[13as07]

Coffee #1

(Neji Hyuga)

[Art work is not mine! Credit to Marimari999]

Requested by: Anonymous

Word Count: 3,878

Warnings and/or Pre-Notes:

Neji didn't die in the war because I said so and it was a pointless death :)

———————————————————————

     I feel excited, I shouldn't feel excited. It's just a cup of coffee, it's no big deal. It's just a cup of coffee. Friends get friends coffee all the time. I mean, Kakashi brings Gai-Sensei coffee all the time and vice versa. It's just coffee, it's just coffee, it's just -

     "Neji!" Lee's voice rings out, making me snap my eyes closed and let out a long sigh. "Neji, Neji, Neji!" He continues, his voice picking up the closer he gets to me. "Neji!" He screams once more, continuing to race forward, amping for another sad attempt to take me on.

     I deck down, making sure not to spill the coffee as I avoid Lee's jump kick. He goes flying over my head, another missed attempt to take me down. How sad. Lee lands a couple of paces ahead of me, quickly turning around to face me. "Oh! Did you get Tenten and I coffees?"

     "No," I answer shortly, straightening up before I continue walking down the road.

     "Then who's it for? You don't drink coffee." Lee pushes, strolling next to me, his hands on his head as he walks.

     "They're for me," I mutter, letting out another sigh. Why is Lee my squad mate again? Oh right, I didn't have a choice. "Can I help you with something or are you just here to pester me?"

     "I want us to meet up for lunch, are you down?"

     "Sure," I grumble, stopping on the corner of the street, waiting to see who I'm looking for. "What time are we meeting?"

     "How about noon? Met me at Yakiniku Q," Lee tells me, jumping around as he pumps his arms. "So you're coming, right?"

     "Ya, ya, ya. Whatever Lee," I grumble, watching my new... friend, slide into the academy building. "I'll see you at noon, okay?" I push out, waiting for a beat before I rush across the street.

     "Oh, okay. See you at lunch," he calls after me, waving as I race across the way.

     When I get outside the door, I stop for a moment, balancing my breathing and setting my mind straight. It's just coffee. I'm just giving a nice girl coffee before I get my duty orders for the day. I am an active shinobi, I am a pillar of the Hyuga clan, I survived a war Lord being, I can give a nice girl with pretty eyes a cup of coffee.

     With that, I let out another long sigh before pushing the door open. I'm just here to get my duty form for the day and I just so happened to accidentally get two coffees. Even though I don't like coffee. At all. And purposely bought two. But she doesn't know that.

     I keep my breath even as I walk down the hallway, making the lefts and rights as I head towards the right room. The secretary's laugh rings out even through the door, making my hands tighten around the to-go cups. "It's just a coffee for a friend," I whisper to myself, squeezing my eyes closed for a second.

     When I open my eyes again, I push the door open, the metal squeaking on its hinges. "Good morning, Hyuga-San," the adorable secretary greets me, a huge smile on her face.

     It's just coffee. For a friend. With beautiful eyes. Who smiles every morning she sees me. "Hello, Aburame-Chan," I greet back, taking slow steps forward. "How are you today?"

"Oh, I'm great! How about you?"

"I'm good," I mutter, eyes caught on her toothy grin. Does she smile that big for everyone or just me? Hopefully just me, I want it to just be me. "I... stopped at the coffee shop," I add on, pushing the cups forward. "Fun story, I ordered one cup and they gave me two and... um... I would like to give you the other one."

"Aww, thank you, Hyuga-San. I appreciate the thought but I must insist you take it for yourself," the woman says, smile softening as she waves her hands around.

"No, no, no. Please take it, Aburame-Chan. I don't have any use for two coffees and I don't want the second one going to waste," I gently push, my heart pounding in my chest. Maybe it was a mistake getting her a coffee.

"Alright," she says, letting out an airy laugh. "I appreciate being in your thoughts," Aburame-Chan adds, taking one of the cups from me. She takes a small sip of it, giving me a soft smile after she pulls the cup away. The rim is stained, the clear sticky gloss coating her lips stamped into it. "Thank you, Hyuga-San."

My eyes flicker to her lips, the source of the stained cup. They're pink, plump, and shiny because of her gloss. I wonder if it's flavored gloss. What kind of flavored gloss would Aburame-Chan use? Would it be orange, like the scent of her perfume?

"You're welcome," I tell her, fighting down my nauseousness. The thought of her lips and her smile is making me nervous. I need to get my work order and leave. "Do you have my work form ready?"

"Of course I do!" She chirps, the top row of her teeth resting on her bottom lip, chewing on it as she smiles. Would her lips feel bruised if we kissed? Probably, since she chews on her lips. Is that why she wears the gloss? To make up for her chewing on them? "You walk in every day at ten thirty-two. It took a while but I've figured out how to get your forms in order before you come in."

"Oh," I breathe out, the feeling of heat crawling up my neck. Is my face red too? Or just my neck? Can Aburame-Chan tell I'm flustered? I hope not. "Well, thank you."

"You're welcome!" She says, her voice still cheery as she hands me my daily file. "I'll see you tomorrow, Hyuga-San."

"Neji," I correct, tightening my hand around the papers. "Please call me Neji."

"Okay, Neji," she says, my name sounding like a million praises falling from her lips. Her plump, gloss-tinted lips. "I'll see you tomorrow, Neji."

"I'll see you tomorrow," I echo, trying to even out my breath again. I slowly turn around, the thought of Aburame-Chan's lips still locked in my mind as I walk away. I peep back into the room as the door starts swinging closed behind me, catching her throwing my coffee into the trash.

"Did you not like it?" The man minding the desk with her asks.

"Not really, I'm not a fan of - " she says, her answer getting cut off by the door clicking closed. Not a fan of what? Me? Coffee? Black coffee?

———————————

     My eyes light up at the sight of the Hyuga boy standing outside the Duty Report room. He's a cute boy, with long dark hair, tied at the end with a loose band so that his locks still flow freely without getting in his face. His bangs hang loose though, framing his oval face.

"Stop making googly eyes," Rito - the fellow Duty Report worker - says, a chuckle following his words.

"I'm not making googly eyes," I grumble, my cheeks heating up from being called out. So what if I have a little crush on the Hyuga boy? It doesn't hurt to check him out on occasion. He's hot after all, and single, so it doesn't hurt anyone. Maybe I poked around Rock Lee about his squad mate a tiny bite. There's no harm in that. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being... friendly with a taken man.

"You are though. You guys flirt every time he stops in."

"We do not!"

"'Oh thank you so much, Aburame-Chan,', 'Oh, you're so welcome, Hyuga-San,'. Not to mention the eye fucking the two of you do," Rito teases, switching between fake gagging and making kissy faces. "Dear Lord, can't one of the two of you make a move already?"

I roll my eyes at the man, my senses out-weighing the small crush I have. "Don't the hyugas practice arranged marriages? Last time I checked I'm not from their clan so that disqualifies me."

"Ya, but rumor has it since Hinata has eyes for Naruto that the chief is going to get rid of the arranged marriage policies. If that's the case then you can have Neji all to yourself."

"Come on, Rito. Don't feed into the rumor mill," I grumble, scanning the window of the door again, watching as Neji stands outside.

"I'm being serious! I swear! I'm pretty sure I saw it on the Hokage agenda for next week's meeting."

I roll my eyes at my coworker again. I know the Hyuga Chief has gone soft after the war, but I don't think he's gone that soft. Nonetheless, I make a mental note to appear at the council's meeting next week. Just to debunk this rumor.

My attention flickers toward the door, the sound of it opening filling the room. A smile cracks across my face before I can stop it, Rito bouncing his eyebrows to tease me. "Good morning, Hyuga-San," I welcome him, kicking my coworker under the table. He grumbles in response, kicking me back.

"Hello, Aburame-Chan," he greets me back, walking towards the desk. The closer he gets, the louder my heartbeat seems to be. "How are you today?"

Great now that you're here. Would be even better if you'd ask me out, renounce your clan, gave me your beautiful babies, or at the very least tell me your hair care routine. "Oh, I'm great. How about you?" I ask, pushing down the butterflies in my stomach. That task gets easier when Rito kicks me under the table again.

"I'm good. I... stopped at the coffee shop," Neji tells me, holding the two cups towards me, steam spilling out from the holes of the lids. "Fun story, I ordered one cup and they gave me two and... um... I would like to give you the other one."

Another kick under the table lands on my shin. This time I return the kick, slamming my foot into Rito's leg. Despite Neji's story, his nervousness sparks my hopes of him purposely getting two coffees. The thought is - possibly - there even if I can't enjoy the treat.

"Aww, thank you, Hyuga-San!" I gush, throwing my hands up as I prepare to gently deny his gift. "I appreciate the thought but I must insist you take it for yourself." This time Rito steps on my foot under the table. Instead of returning it, I kick him in the shin again.

"No, no, no. Please take it, Aburame-Chan. I don't have any use for two coffees and I don't want the second one going to waste," Neji says, making my heart flutter again.

I feel like my face is on fire with embarrassment. "Alright," I answer, letting out a light laugh. My laugh sounds stupid, why did I laugh like that? That's so embarrassing. "I appreciate being in your thoughts," I tell him, taking one of the cups from him.

I lift the cup to my lips, tiling it back a bit. I make sure to keep my mouth sealed around the lid, not letting any of the liquid slip past my lips. After a beat or two I pull the cup back, setting it down on the counter. "Thank you, Hyuga-San," I mutter, sending him another smile.

"You're welcome. Do you have my work form ready?" He asks, eyes locked on me. I swear I can drink up his eyes like the milk color they are. Lord the things I would let this boy use his byakugan to do. Is there anything 'risky' you could use the byakugan for?

"Of course I do! You walk in every day at ten thirty-two. It took a while but I've figured out how to get your forms in order before you come in," I spill, instantly feeling embarrassed once the words are out. I nibble on my lip as I think about how stupid I sound. That sounds creepy, right? The kick to my leg answers my question for me; it did sound stupid.

"Oh," Neji says as I hand him his work order, only furthering my proof of how stupid I sound. "Well, thank you," he adds, his cheeks going red. So much for taking advantage of the possible end to the Hyuga marriage traditions.

"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow, Hyuga-San."

"Neji," he says, catching me off guard. "Please call me Neji." Maybe I didn't embarrass myself as badly as I thought I did.

"Okay, Neji. I'll see you tomorrow, Neji." His name feels heavy on my tongue like I want to say it another hundred times. It makes my heart flutter too, hearing my voice say his name, getting to be so casual with him.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he repeats, staying put for a moment before he turns on his heels. My eyes trail up and down his back, imagining how defined it must be under his shirt.

I pop my cheeks out, slowly letting my breath out as I try to clear my mind. Once Neji is out the door, I pick up the coffee and drop it into the trash. My lips are already feeling itchy from having the caffeine pressed against them. "Did you not like it?" Rito asks, making his eyebrows jump again.

"Not really, I'm not a fan of caffeine."

"Why not? I figured you'd down any drink Neji bought you."

"I'm allergic to caffeine," I shortly explain, rubbing my fingers against my lips that I'm sure are already forming a rash.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"No, I'll just end up with a rash on my lips. It should go away in a few hours."

———————————

     "I think you're looking into it too much," Lee tells me, his chin prepped on his hands he has folded on the table. "Doesn't your clan do forced marriages or whatever? Why put any effort into this girl if your uncle is just going to sell your life away?"

I blink slowly at the stupidity rolling off of Lee. I swear if I didn't know how empty-minded he was, I would mistake him as a Hyuga hater. "Arranged marriages. My clan does arrange marriages."

"Same thing."

"No," I sigh, rubbing my temples. Why is my best friend an idiot? Why am I best friends with Lee of all people? "Besides," I sigh again, dropping my hands to my lap. "My uncle is getting rid of those traditions. Something about 'wanting better relations with the village' and 'not wanting to be seen in the same light as the Uchiha Clan'. I'm getting dragged to a council meeting next week to get the tradition terminated."

"Oh, that's great news!" Lee says, jumping up from his relaxed spot and clapping his hands. "That means you can go for the cute secretary!"

"Yes, unless she doesn't like me."

"Maybe she just didn't like the coffee. Most people don't like black coffee, that's probably why she threw it away. Try getting her something sweeter tomorrow." This. This is why I'm friends with Lee because he wasn't cooped up in a clan his whole life and knows how to interact with other people. Plus, his support is a bit nice.

"I do not like coffee, let alone know anything about it. I don't know what I should order for us tomorrow."

"Ya, first off maybe just be upfront and tell her you bought her a coffee. Second, you said she likes oranges right?"

"She smells like oranges so I would assume so, yes," I mumble, picking up my glass of water, taking a few sips of it as I listen to Lee talk.

"Well, when you stop at the coffee shop tomorrow ask for two coffees with two shots of espresso, two shots of creamer, and four shots of orange juice. It'll be a sweet coffee with a tangy taste to it." Maybe Lee is so jumpy and happy because he drinks too much caffeine. That would make sense.

"And she will like it?" I ask, repeating the order in my head a few times. Maybe I should write it down so I don't forget it.

"I don't know," he says, shrugging his shoulders as he rests against the booth. "I don't know your secretary lady so I don't know what she likes, but if she likes oranges she should like the coffee. I think."

"Well," I mutter, slowly blinking at Lee again. "I suppose it's better than nothing."

                       ———————————

     My heart races again as I walk down the familiar path to the academy, two coffees in my hold just like yesterday. Lee said two shots of Expresso, right? Or maybe he said three? I should have written the order down. It's fine, I'm sure it's fine. All that matters is that it takes like oranges instead of coffee.

     I repeat the same steps as yesterday. Waiting on the corner to watch Aburame-Chan slip into work, waiting a moment before walking across the street, slow steps along the hallways of the academy, and waiting outside the Duty Order room to even out my breath.

     I watch her talk to her coworker, it's a different one today than from yesterday, but I already knew that. It's Aburame-Chan and the guy on Mondays, Aburame-Chan and the girl on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, then a second guy on Thursdays, and then she's off for the weekend. Is it creepy that I know her work schedule? Or is it just a coincidence that I've noticed when she's not here? I'm going with the second situation, it's less weird.

     When the women's laughs ring out, it snaps me back into the moment. Right, coffee for Aburame-Chan, which I purposely bought for her, with orange juice in it to make it tangy because she - most likely - doesn't like black coffee.

     I push the door open, the normal shrieking of the metal overpowering the secretaries's laughter. "Oh, good morning Hyuga-San!" The secretary that's caught my eye chirps out.

     "Neji, I asked you to call me Neji," I correct her, a bit worried that she forgot our conversation yesterday.

"Right. Neji." She says, a smile crawling across her face. "It seems you have a light day today," Aburame-Chan mutters, holding out my file for the day. She's not wrong, it is thinner than usual.

"Well... I guess I'll have some free time this afternoon then," I respond, setting down a cup in front of her on the table. "Perhaps you would like to spend my open afternoon with me? We could go grab something to eat? Or we could do something else more to your liking."

The secretary blinks at me a few times, tilting her head as her smile loosens. Lee was wrong, it's not that she didn't like the coffee. It's that she didn't like me. Why would I stoop down to listening to Lee? I should have known that was a bad idea.

"I get off at five. Met me here?" Or, Lee was right. I suppose even the dumbest of people have to be correct on occasion.

"Yes, of course. I will see you at five," I mumble, the familiar heat caused by the Aburame clan member crawling across my face. "Have a good day, Aburame-Chan," I say, nodding my head a bit before I turn around.

"Oh, don't forget your coffee, Neji." I swear I don't know how I'm going to survive our date if she keeps saying my name. Why did I give her my name? She already had my name. Why did I ask her to use it? Because it sounds good falling off her lips.

I slowly turn around, sending her a soft smile as I do so. "It is for you. Please enjoy," I shortly explain, nodding my head again and turning away before she can try and fight me on it like she did yesterday. By the time I slip out the door, I feel like I'm going to be sick from excitement.

I poke my head around, looking through the window of the door to see Aburame-Chan's reaction to the coffee. My excitement is quickly diminished when her head turns towards her coworker and her hand wraps around the cup to drop it into the trash again. She didn't even try it!

I knew it was me she did not like. What is the point of our date tonight if she does not like me? As I walk away from the academy two things are running through my head. One, I'm going to ask Aburame-Chan what in the world she is thinking and two, Lee is not as smart as he thinks he is.

                       ———————————

"I am just saying, if she does not like me, what is the point of going to dinner?" I grumble, getting another chuckle from Lee. He's waiting with me around the corner of the academy door for Aburame-Chan to get off work. He insists that he snooped around and figured out why she won't drink the coffee I get her. He also insists on not telling me, which is testing my patience. If he knows, why won't he tell me?

"Like I told you yesterday, I'm pretty sure she likes you. Don't cut your losses yet," he hums out, slowly shifting his head back and forth as he rests against the brick wall of the academy.

"Don't cut my losses," I grumble, mocking Lee's words. What does he know anyway? I mean, it's already four past five, if Aburame-Chan is oh so excited about our date, where is she?

As if the Lord himself can hear me, the door to the academy is pushed open, Aburame-Chan's laugh filtering out from the hallway. "You're stupid, Shino," she giggles out, the man called for walking behind her as they exit the building. His hands are buried in her hair, trying to tie it up for her.

     "I am not stupid. You are empty-minded and believe everyone is your friend. I am not saying Neji is a bad guy, I am just saying he is a guy." Shino's lecture angers me. What's that supposed to mean? 'He's a guy'? Of course I'm a guy. I swear, this whole date thing is getting more frustrating by the moment.

     Why did Aburame-Chan agree to a date if she doesn't like me? Why won't she drink the coffee I get her? Why is Shino fixing her hair for her? Why are women confusing?

     "Fine, you're not stupid brain-wise but you're stupid protective-wise. Lord, Onii-San, you think you can give me a little space?" She whines, unknotting Shino - her brother's - hands out of her hair. Well, this must be what Lee feels like in these moments.

     "The guy keeps bringing you coffee. If I didn't know any better I'd say he's trying to kill you."

     "Neji doesn't know I'm allergic to caffeine. I'll talk to him about it at dinner tonight, okay? Give the guy a break. It's sweet he keeps bringing me coffee." This is definitely how Lee feels, my thought solidified by the cocky smile on his face.

———————————————————————

———————————————————————

[signfromeywa]

AUNGIA TA EYWA (A SIGNS FROM EYWA)

Chapter 04: The Infirmaty

Description:

Anastasia Novak is a behavioural scientist tasked with socializing a captive Na'vi on behalf of the RDA. The longer she works with the Na'vi and the closer she gets to him, the more she has to rethink everything she thought she knew and redefine her morals and values. Can she just carry on like this, or will she follow her heart?

Content: Rating +18, Avatar fanfiction, human x Na'vi ship, Na'vi captured

Characters: Human OCs: Anastasia Novak, Steven Turner, Patra// Na'vi OCs: Ean'tu,

Word Count: 3914

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❗️English is not my native language! I apologize very much if it reads a bit bumpy here and there.

I'm a German author and this is the first time I've tried to translate a story I'm working on into English and upload it. I still hope you enjoy it.❗

A sudden loud bang that shook the walls of the base made Mr. Turner jump up from his chair. He had been scared out of his wits and not long after the loud bang, the base's alarm sounded. Were they under attack? What had happened, just a moment ago Turner had been dozing away in front of the documents with his coffee cup in his hand, now chaos had broken out. The doors to the surveillance room opened.

"Turner! Quick!" Gonzales literally shouted and Turner took off running.

Once in the room, his eyes immediately fell on the window, which offered a view of the enclosure. The red flames colored the otherwise unlit surveillance room red.

"We have to get Sky out of there, now! Mobilize Unit 12 and give Sky a dose! This has to happen quickly!" as he instructed Gonzales and another colleague. The colleague ran out of the room to initiate everything else to get Sky out of the completely destroyed enclosure, Gonzales was busy in the meantime adjusting the dose and administering it to Sky via the collar.

It wasn't long before an entire unit stormed the enclosure. Fully equipped, they fought their way through the flames and searched for the Na'vi, who was lying unconscious somewhere. Only a few minutes later, the next unit arrived to fight the fire. Two AMP suits were mobilized to help get the flames under control and clear the debris out of the way.

Turner stood tensely at the top of the window and watched the units at work. Half of the surveillance technology had failed and he very much hoped that nothing worse had happened to Sky. If something happened to the Na'vi on his shift, it could cost him his head. After a nerve-wracking eternity, he was given the all-clear. The recovery unit had found the Na'vi and taken him out of the enclosure. But now everything had to happen very quickly. Sky couldn't wake up until he was back in a safe room where he couldn't hurt anyone and, above all, couldn't run away.

Gonzales came over to him. " Come on, let's take care of this, it's going to be a long shift."

Turner nodded to his colleague. He was right, besides, he would have to write a detailed report later and let Novak know that she would have to show up for work early, because they would most likely need that woman if Sky got out of control.

**

Ana woke up to the sudden ringing of her cell phone. Tired, she reached for the device that she had recently started keeping on her bedside table for just such occasions and peered at the number with blurred, tired vision. When she recognized the facility where she worked, she hastily answered her cell phone.

"Dr. Novak, what's wrong?" she asked anxiously, still a little hoarse."Forgive me for interrupting, Turner here, it's about Sky."

"Has something happened to him?" Ana interrupted her colleague, upset and worried.

"He's fine so far, just a few bruises, but we had to transfer him to the infirmary. Could you make it here at short notice?" Turner reassured her.

Ana sat on the edge of the bed and breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, I'll take the next team bus, where do I have to go?"

"Just our normal facility, I'll pick you up at the gate. See you in a minute."

"Yes, ok, I'll be right there. Goodbye." Ana ended the call. What had happened that Sky was in sickbay? It certainly hadn't been easy to move him there. Sky was wild and dangerous, he wouldn't have let that happen without resistance.

Tired, she got up and hurried to put on a skirt and blouse as quickly as she could before setting off. After all, this was still her workplace and she didn't want to be lacking in professionalism. She grabbed her work bag and hurried out of the room and down to the bus stop while she hurriedly checked her wristwatch again. If she remembered correctly, a bus was about to arrive and she couldn't miss it under any circumstances if she wanted to get to the base as quickly as possible.

The bus stopped and she ran the last few meters to catch it. Out of breath, she sat down on a seat in the first row and the bus took off. The journey seemed like an eternity, all she could think about the whole time was Sky and how he was doing. Questions were running through her head, making her tired mind dizzy. So she was delighted when the bus finally reached its destination and she was able to rush out of the doors.

Past the security staff, in the courtyard, her colleague Turner was already waiting. "It's a good thing you made it here so quickly. Sky is completely out of control," Turner said by way of greeting and set off with her.

"What happened, why did he hurt himself?" Ana wanted to know.

Turner's steps were fast and Ana had difficulty keeping up. "A plane crashed and tore one side of the enclosure. It started a fire and the flying debris must have injured Sky," he said, without turning to look at Ana. "That was a big bang, I tell you, I was totally startled."

"Oh shit- sorry." Ana cursed in disbelief, it was lucky that nothing else had happened to Sky. No wonder Sky was beside himself now, he was in a strange environment with strange people and the last thing he remembered for sure was that huge bang. Absolutely disturbing.

Turner went on to fill her in on the state of the enclosure, what measures had been taken and what would be necessary. While he was telling them this, they walked along the large main corridors of the base to an area that Ana had not yet entered. Until now, she had always taken the direct route to her department and had not explored the rest of the base. However, they walked through far too quickly, so Ana had no chance to look around, not to mention to remember where they were. She would never find her way back without help.

The large mechanical doors of a ward appeared in front of them, with a large white glowing sign. Infirmary. But this wasn't where ordinary soldiers went when they were injured, this was a high-security wing. It was already written on the front which security clearance was required here. One that Ana certainly didn't have, but Turner seemed to know what he was doing.

Together they entered the station through the large door and just ahead was an airlock with a receptionist. "Yes, please?" She didn't even look up from her work.

"Mr. Turner, we're here for Sky." He pulled out his employee card and Ana did the same.

Now the woman looked up, inspected the cards and compared the data with her computer. "Yes, that's right. You have to go down the corridor, turn left and go all the way through. He's in the isolation station, room 4," she explained briefly and then opened the airlock to the station for both of them.

With the help of the description, it didn't took them long to find the right room and when the doors opened, they could hear something falling to the floor and shattering, followed by the loud sound of many smaller metal objects falling to the floor.

Turner and Ana hurried in. The room was divided into two areas and separated by a pane of glass. On the far left was a small airlock and behind it was Sky. He was hissing angrily and frightened, pressed against the wall and fending off the medical staff who tried to approach him. In the process, he had knocked over a small side table where medical utensils had been laid out ready for treatment.

The two medics, fully clothed in protective suits and wearing masks, didn't dare approach Sky, their gazes just as frightened as Sky's.

"What's going on here?" Ana wanted to know immediately.

The two medics became aware of her: "He suddenly jumped up and started thrashing around wildly!"

Ana didn't want to hear any more, it was clear that they were scaring Sky and she couldn't blame him. He didn't know what they were planning to do to him, he was completely disoriented and perhaps even in pain.

Without hesitation, she grabbed a mask and entered the airlock. If she didn't intervene, someone else would get hurt.

She entered the separate treatment room and stood in front of Sky: "Please leave the treatment room, Sky is not in a condition where you can treat him."

"Mam, we have to treat his wounds," said one of the medics, raising his hands placatingly.

"You can do your work later, but if you don't leave now, Sky will only hurt you."

"All right," they picked up the medical instruments and bandages that were scattered on the floor and left the treatment room, "watch out, there's broken glass here."

Ana turned to Sky, who was now huddled on the floor in the corner. He had raised his hands anxiously in front of his face because the light in the room was a glaring white and seemed to be blinding him, which must have disoriented him even more. Tears were running down his face and his body was bruised here and there, with small wounds and cuts. His whole body was trembling. Ana felt so sorry for him, but she didn't know what to do. It wasn't as if they had built up any trust in each other, he was probably just as scared of her as he was of the doctors. How could she help him?

Then Sky suddenly lowered his hands and his wrinkled forehead smoothed as he seemed to recognize her.

"...Ana." he then said and Ana's eyes widened in surprise.Had she just heard correctly? Had Sky said her name? It was impossible, even if he was intelligent, that he had remembered the name so quickly since the last time, which had been a few days ago.

"Ana." she heard clearly this time. No doubt he had called for her. She cautiously approached Sky and carefully raised her hands.

"I'm here, don't worry." Ana said gently and crouched down in front of him when she reached him. She sat there hesitantly. Sky's expression had calmed a little when he recognized Ana, but she still wasn't sure how much he trusted her. Was it OK for her to touch him? How close could she get to him?

To her surprise, Sky pulled her out of her thoughts by saying her name again. He seemed to want to communicate with her, but it was the only word he knew. Ana summoned up all her courage and reached out for the Na'vi, who did not flinch. So she reached for his hand.

"Come Sky, come with me." She made a gesture for him to follow her, hoping he would understand beyond the language barrier.

Indeed, as she rose from her crouch, Sky stood up too, but without letting go of her hand. He was so huge, his hand completely covered Ana's, she felt fragile next to him, even though Sky only held her hand very carefully. It was as if he was aware of his size and, above all, his strength.

She gently led Sky to the treatment table where he must have been lying a moment ago. He sat down on it and looked at Ana.

"I'll get the medics to help you now, okay?" Ana knew that he didn't understand a word. Nevertheless, she looked deep into his eyes and said this very slowly in a particularly gentle tone of voice. She was trying to make him understand that she wasn't up to anything bad and that everything was fine.

Nothing was good at all. The circumstances were completely bizarre and actually quite inhuman. In front of her sat something that seemed not unlike the consciousness of humans, and yet he was caged like an animal.

As she turned to go to the airlock so she could use the microphone to ask the medics in, Sky held her by the hand. His eyes looked at her pleadingly; there was no way he wanted to be left alone.

Ana lovingly placed her other hand on his. "It's okay, I won't leave you alone."

She thought about it. Sky needed someone to look at the wounds and treat them, not that anything would get infected. But he would never let the medics near him without Ana.She pointed to his sore knee. "You have wounds." she said very slowly, then pointed out to the medical staff standing in front of the glass pane, still holding the bandages in their hands. "They'll help you take care of the wounds."

Sky looked at her warily and then at the medics. He seemed to be thinking about what Ana might have meant and she hoped so much that he would understand. She didn't know how else to tell him.

"Tam 'ì'awn hu oe." Sky then also said very slowly. Ana could hardly believe that she had just witnessed his language. It was the first time she had heard this foreign language, so she had no idea what he might have said, but from the way he had squeezed her hand, he clearly wanted her to stay with him. She smiled at him, trying to be calm, even though her heart was beating excitedly. She had gotten herself into something, the extent of which she could not yet fully comprehend. The more she saw that Sky was not so emotionally dissimilar to her, the more she had to question everything she thought she knew.

Ana looked to her right, to the window behind which the medics stood and watched in amazement as Ana dealt with Sky, waiting to do their job. With a gesture, she indicated to the two men that they should come to her and Sky to treat him. Only hesitantly did they both set off, still full of suspicion as to whether the Na'vi would be able to control himself this time or whether he would fight them off again.

Turner also seemed to be watching tensely. He seemed to be worried about Novak in particular, just like on the first day. As the medics stepped through the airlock, Sky's hand holding Anas tensed. His tail whipped nervously back and forth and his ears flattened. Ana could see him clenching his teeth and tightening his jaws, but he remained still. He was clearly still scared, but he trusted Ana to look after him, which she was determined to do.

"Come to us, but slowly, don't make any loud noises that might frighten him," Ana instructed.

The men approached them slowly, careful not to make any rash movements. They placed the utensils for cleaning, disinfecting and bandaging on the small side table with castors that they had set up again.

"Can we approach him without concern?" one of them asked uncertainly.

"I can't promise anything, but I'm in good spirits if you move calmly and slowly," Ana answered them, but looked at Sky to let him feel safe. The medics carefully began to clean his wounds and Ana knew that most of them stung a lot. Sky held on bravely. His body was tense and his face showed fear and uncertainty, but he didn't break eye contact with Ana. She would have loved to say something to him now, but she didn't want to risk Sky answering her in his own language. After all, Ana didn't know who exactly knew that Na'vi were apparently an intelligent species and what would happen if the wrong people found out.

After plasters had been applied to the few abrasions and two deeper cuts had a thin bandage, the two medics left the treatment room again. You could immediately see that Sky's tension had eased a little. He was much more relaxed when he was alone with Ana, but unfortunately she also had to leave now, however much she hated to leave him behind. He needed her now more than ever, of course, she was aware of that, but she had to talk about his further whereabouts. After all, he couldn't stay here. He needed a place where he could rest, with somewhere to sleep. Here in the room there was only emergency care equipment with a treatment table. If she took a closer look, it was even the right size for Sky. That was extremely unusual. None of this changed the fact that the circumstances had to improve for him.

"I have to go for a moment, but I'll be back." She looked Sky in the eye. "I need to talk to my colleague." She pointed at Turner.

Sky looked at her, worry written all over his face. He didn't want her to leave. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, then he pointed at Ana and said her name.

She nodded with a smile. "Yes, I'm Ana." But then he pointed to himself. "Ean'tu"

Ana's breath hitched for a second as she processed what the Na'vi had just said. Was it what she suspected? Had he just told her his name? His real one? Ana had to make sure. She pointed at him now too. "Ean'tu?" she said in an uncertain, questioning tone. The Na'vi, who apparently went by the name Ean'tu, nodded and Ana thought she saw a faint smile on his lips.

Ana pointed at herself again: "I am Ana," she said slowly, every single word, then pointed at him. Would he understand?

He looked at her warily and pointed at himself too. "I. Am. Ean'tu," he spoke after Ana, with a strong accent, only with his name instead of hers.

"Yeah, right." Ana smiled happily at him. He had understood quickly, she hadn't expected him to really try to communicate with her and if he did, it wouldn't be here. It was all very unexpected and she wished they had more time and, above all, more privacy. But there was a lack of both and she really had to go and talk to Turner, who certainly had enough questions.

"I'll be right back, I promise," she said softly and released her hand from his. Ean'tu stood up immediately, wanting to grab her hand again, but then hesitated when Ana flinched. That he would reach for her so suddenly had admittedly startled her and Ean'tu seemed to have noticed. His gaze went to the window behind which Turner was standing, watching them both tensely through the glass.

Then Ean'tu sat down again. He apparently didn't want Turner to think he was going to attack Ana again, because now he seemed very passive and was ready to let Ana go, even if she could read in his gaze that he was reluctant to do so. But she didn't have any more time to waste. Ana's colleague was waiting for her outside and she didn't want to keep him waiting any longer. She hurriedly left the isolated area through the airlock and approached Turner.

"What happens to Sky now?" she wanted to know directly. Now that she knew what Ean'tu's real name was, it felt wrong to talk about him as Sky. The name he had been given by a human. But for now, it was safer for them both and wouldn't lead to unnecessary questions.

"The enclosure is still partially destroyed and will probably need a few more days until at least everything is escape-proof again, until then Sky can't go back," Turner explained the situation. Among other things, he was responsible for managing the enclosure and therefore always knew exactly what was going on.

Ana crossed her arms thoughtfully. "We can't leave Sky here, he needs to rest, it's all been a lot of excitement for him. Isn't there a temporary enclosure for him?"

"We have a sanatorium on this base, with various enclosures, but I can't tell straight away which ones are currently occupied and which are not. I'll make a few phone calls in a minute. If I have anything, we can move him." Turner looked over at Ean'tu thoughtfully. "The only thing we have to think about is transportation. We can't just transport him through the station like that, there's a high risk of escape or worse, he could attack someone. I'll be glad if there's something between him and me to keep us apart."

Ana could have been upset. The way Turner talked, Ean'tu was a monster, but Ana was no longer convinced of that at all. He was considerate and careful around her. To be honest, she had the feeling that he was very sensitive and therefore often very scared. If only she could make his circumstances better. She was determined to do this in the future and, above all, she really wanted to find out more about the secret contact. Her contact certainly knew a lot more about the Na'vi."Take care of initiating the transfer, I'll take care of Sky," Ana looked at her colleague resolutely. "I'll make sure he goes safely with me to the other station. No need to sedate him again."

"You want to... walk through the ward with him? Just like that? I can't let you do that. It's far too dangerous to trust on your word alone that Sky won't get out of control again and hurt someone." Ana could understand Turner's mistrust, but they had to start trusting him somewhere. At least Ana could, but Turner didn't know what she knew either. She was sure she could form a good bond with Ean'tu.

"We're taking security measures. We clear the corridors from here to the sanatorium, then we don't endanger anyone. We'll seal off the exits so Sky can't escape and he'll still have the collar on in case of emergency. So if he gets out of control, we can use it to tame him," suggested Ana, who was now all the more determined to move Ean'tu without sedating him. He should walk on his own. If he could see that Ana trusted him to do this and that he wouldn't hurt her, it would be good for their bond.

"...Novak, you have some ideas." Turner sighed.

"But they're good, aren't they?" Ana grinned.

"Unfortunately, it's not a bad plan... but I'll have to talk to the boss to get permission to evacuate and go into lockdown. After all, we'll be shutting down a small part of the facility."

 "Good, then I think you should start making calls right away." Ana laughed a little, although she felt sorry for her colleague. These were certainly difficult calls that she wouldn't have wanted to make herself. But then again, she was the brave one who was always with Ean'tu. Although she was no longer sure whether the Na'vi was the greater evil in this case.

Ana turned away to go through the airlock, "Let me know when we can start the transfer, I'll take care of Sky until then."

"All right, I'll see you later." Turner pulled out his cell phone and began to enter a number as he left the room. Ana just looked after him for a moment, then went through the airlock to Ean'tu, who had apparently been watching them the whole time and was already waiting for her.

Tag List: @twisteduniverse5 @yukilaaw @mooniequeen (If you want to get added, comment it under the post)

[vampiretendencies]

hi mya <3 i hope you’re having a great day! request for eddie plz for a blurb uhhhh seeing him get off stage at the hideout after corroded coffin just finished playing for the first time :) remember to eat something babes!

warnings; fluff, mention of drugs

pairing; eddie munson x fem!reader

author’s note; first piece for eddie, hope this is what you wanted. hope you’re eating as well as everyone else reading <3 pls continue to send things in before my requests close.

It smells thick of cigarettes, and various assortments of alcohol. Ears seemingly still ringing from being center with the loud amp that was a viral connection to Eddie’s guitar. Backstage awaiting to congratulate him for all he’d accomplished tonight.

The turn out was close to fifty people— greater than what Eddie thought but less than he’d hoped. He couldn’t catch himself complaining though, for his biggest fan was there and that was the only turn out he could’ve wished for.

He looked like a fucking rockstar— everything that encompasses one. From the sweaty curls that framed his face and forehead, to the hooped earrings, to the cut sleeveless shirt revealing his painted tattoos, and the running, supposedly ‘waterproof black eyeliner’, under his contrasting soft brown eyes— merely making him all the more enticing.

He’s on an adrenaline high, still shouting upon bursting through the backstage door. An array of treats waiting for Corroded Coffin in celebration of this being their first performance, something that you took part in. He appreciated that you paid attention to detail, and that you partook in anything he was interested in. Leaving small traces of yourself in plentiful ways.

“Holy shit, that was insane!” Eddie’s outburst is making your cheeks dimple, forming a grin out of complete bliss for your boyfriend. One of the few things that puts a smile on his face— his band, his girl, D&D, and sometimes the occasional drug here and there. He trampled you in the most anticipated hug, smothering you in affection and his excessive perspiration, all whilst backing you into a corner.

The others chat amongst themselves, and all Eddie can do is talk your ear off about how it was everything he expected and more.

“Did so good, Eds.”

“Think so sweet girl?”

Jesus, you can’t help but feel like you���re about to melt in two— like putty. His voice is so saccharine and raspy from yelling into a microphone half the night. One arm is fisted into the wall above your head, giving him balance and the other has his hand cupping your face, thumb toying with your bottom lip.

Oh, how he missed those infamous lips.

“I know so, was screaming every word.”

“Yeah? My number one fan huh?”

He’s speaking softly through a grin that he can’t contain, corners of his mouth pulling outward so tightly; smiling so long that smile lines became all the more evident. Truth be told, the chaotic mess of being on stage for the first time doesn’t compare to the high he’s on now being with you.

And you’d agree from the sensuous man peering down at you.

“Course’ Eds, always.”

Eddie thanks you for simply your presence by pressing an open mouth quick kiss to your lips— it’s gentle and as delicate as can be. For he fears if he were to allow himself to go any further he wouldn’t be able to control himself, considering so there are other people.

“S’gonna’ be even better next time, baby.”

“Can’t get any better.”

“Long as I’ve got you.”

[voidandabyssal]

Og undertale crew ends up having to play a horror game, who nopes out the moment the soundtrack amps up, who manages to still beat the game by sacrificing nightmareless sleep, and who’d just blow through it like the ring carnation of Doomslayer?

Frisk:

Plays through the game, completely deadfaced, even when its the middle of the night, pitch black and the soundtrack loudly amps up. They don't flinch. The only sound they make to indicate their scared is when they get jump scared, even then it's just a small gasp.

Undyne wails in defeat.

Toriel:

Toriel is immediatly nervous, she's only playing the game because Frisk insisted. She immediatly nopes out when she's forced to walk down a dark hallway.

She gives up and just heads back to finishing off one of her famous pies. Though she does watch the others, and laughs when Undyne falls out of her chair

Sans:

He's completely chill. "Whaddya talking bout Frisk, I'm not sweating, skeletons don't sweat kiddo." he tries to hide it, whittling off puns to distract the others, while discretely wiping away any blue sweat that beads down his head.

He does break, jumping out of his seat when theres a running away level. Sans doesn't like that sort of tension, reminds him of bad times. He ruffles Frisks hair and leaves to go 'help' Toriel (aka fall asleep in the living room chair)

Papyrus:

"NOTHING CAN STOP ME HUMAN! I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS!... AAAAAAHHHHHH" Papyrus gets jumpscared before the first jumpscare even actually happens, one of the creepy ambiant music plays and he freaks out. He sits with Frisk cheering the others on as they complete the game

Undyne:

Undyne blows through the game, shrieking angry threats at any of the ghosts and swinging any weapons around, somehow she manages to kill the ghost, which was techinically not supposed to happen. "HAHAHA I KNEW I COULD DO IT! C'MON ALPHYS YOU GOTTA TRY!" she convinces Alphys to join in.

Alphys:

At first Alphys stands in the corner watching the others, cheering on quietly as they play. Initially she's too anxious to try and play with all these people watching her but Undyne encourages her to join in.

So she sits down and... wait, HOW'D SHE BEAT THE GAME ALREADY?!?!

Alphys, whos spents years living as a true gamer (in the basement covered in cheeto dust) learnt a few hacks that would let her completely fly over any objective. She wins the game the quickest, and with much cheers from Undyne

Mettaton:

Mettaton arrives to the party, fashionable late, and immediatly dismisses the game "Darling that's just terrible for your skin" He says as Frisk askes if he wants to join in. Though he does watch, and records who plays next. "It'll make great footage for my show darling"

Asgore:

He arrives, bringing may cups of Golden flower tea into the room. "Ah is this the game I've heard about? Very well, I'll give it a try" Asgore hunchs over in the little chair, doing his best to avoid having it collapse under his weight.

He gets through to about halfway before he gets to nervous to continue, He doesn't like the villains that look like children. It's too offputting for him so he quits.

Flowey:

He isn't able to play, due to not having any fingers, though he does backseat drive when Frisk plays and he does angrily scream at the villains

[the-lone-writer94]

We'll Meet Again (Part 9)

Rex Brown x Female Reader

Summary: With time against you and Rex, will he be able to stop you from boarding the plane and leaving for good?

Age rating: 13+ *No warnings*

Word count: 1,018

*A shorter chapter just because I wanted the story to be an even 10 chapters lol (I'm weird like that)*

I slammed down onto the play button on my cassette player, as I allowed the sounds of Jimmy Page’s guitar to fill my ears, as I threw my head back and closed my eyes. But it didn’t take long before restlessness found me again and I sat forward in my seat. 

My gaze fixated on the bodies that moved around me through the airport, as I watched people come and go before me, as they were nothing but blurs. The voice on the PA system drained out the music, as I frustratedly amped up the volume. 

I shifted in my position, and stared down at my hand, Rex’s promise ring glistened beneath the fluorescent light. Suddenly an ache formed inside my chest at the thought of him. 

In the distance, I managed to catch the final words from the PA system, as I ripped my headphones away from me, as I recognized the flight number. I then stared down at my wristwatch, knowing that it was time for me to board my plane. 

Frozen in my stance, my feet were unable to move, knowing that the moment I stood up would mean that I’d have to leave this place for good. 

“This is the final call for flight DL 662.” The voice bellowed from the speakers. 

I closed my eyes for a mere second, before I exhaled and pushed myself onto standing. Grabbing my bag I shoved my walkman into the compartment before I flung the strap over my shoulder and stalked towards the counter. 

Just when I approached the counter and was about to place down my ticket, I heard a voice call my name. My brows furrowed, as my ear twitched. There it came again. 

Abruptly, I spun around, as my eyes drifted over the crowd of people that stood in my way. I stepped forward, as I followed the sound of the voice. Finally, the familiar face came into view, as I gasped. 

“Rex?” I said, as I hurriedly moved forward. 

It didn’t take long before we managed to push our way through to each other, my heart pounded against my chest. The fear that this may be a figment of my imagination had crossed my mind. Yet, the longer I stared at him, I knew that this was reality. 

My gaze then fixated on the person behind him, as I asked in utter confusion, “Billy?” Rex embraced me as I wrapped my arms around him. “Oh my god, what are you guys doing here?” I asked, as I drew away from Rex. “Why are you guys together?” 

Rex and Billy stared at each other before they returned their attention to me. “It’s a long story,” Rex began. 

“We cleared shit up… it’s all good now.” Billy added. 

“Oh,” was all I was able to say. 

“You can’t go.” Rex pleaded. 

I shook my head, as I averted my gaze from him. “Rex, I-” I paused. 

“No, but it’s fine now-” Rex exclaimed. 

“You can come back to the band.” Billy said. 

My eyes widened. “What? Seriously?” 

“You’re the best bass player in town.” Billy explained, as Rex cleared his throat. “You’re good too.” He added. 

“I can’t believe this-” I exclaimed, as I ran my fingers through my hair. 

“It’s fine right? You’re in the band, you didn’t break the deal.” Rex explained. 

“Yeah…” I said. “And you’re sure, Billy?” 

“Dude, I’m parked in a meter. If I was trying to fuck with you, did you think I’d drive all this way.” Billy bellowed. 

“Well, serves you right-” Rex challenged, “this whole feud was a misunderstanding.” 

I swallowed the temptation to ponder what the reason behind the feud had been, as I tried to wrap my head around what had unfolded before me. 

“Alright, well, let’s wrap this up guys.” Billy muttered. 

“So?” Rex asked me. 

My gaze locked with his as I stared into his beautiful dark eyes. I raised the ticket up and tore it into pieces. “My mom’s gonna be pissed, but it’s really not up to her.” I commented. 

A smile flashed across Rex’s face as he cupped my face and drew me close towards him. Our lips collided against each other. 

“Ugh, I’m gonna be in the car.” Billy groaned in the distance. 

---------

Anticipation lingered in my veins the moment Billy and Rex had dropped me off at my house. Quietly, I stalked into the house, an eerie silence blanketed the surroundings, as the beaming sunlight had seeped in through the windows. 

I placed my bags by the side of the door as I closed it behind me. 

“Mom.” I called out. 

I followed the silence, as I stepped further into the house. To my dismay, I found my mother sitting at the dining table. She turned to face me, as I saw the smudged mascara that had fallen beneath her eyes. 

“Before you say anything, I can explain.” I began. 

Suddenly, my mother shot up onto her feet as she stepped towards me and embraced me. Taken aback, I stumbled backwards as I fought to find my balance. 

“I’m so sorry.” She cried into my shoulder, and drew back. “I shouldn’t have done that.” 

“I mean… I did make a deal with you and dad-” 

My mom exhaled as she wiped the tears away from her face. “I projected myself onto you,” she explained, “I was afraid that you were making the same mistake that I had made.” 

My brows furrowed, as I tried to piece together what she was trying to tell me. “What do you mean?” 

“You know I tried to be an actress when I was your age.” 

“Really?” I questioned. 

“Your grams told me that it would never work out, and that I should give up,” my mom explained, and shook her head, “but it’s not fair on you.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“And Rex… perhaps I misjudged him.” 

“He’s really special to me, mom.” I said, as I stared down at the ring on my finger again. 

My mom’s gaze followed mine as she eyed the ring. She smiled. “I can see that.” 

[estatedekho04]

Apartments for sale in Narsingi Hyderabad

Discovering 2 BHK, 3 BHK, and 4 BHK Apartments in Narsingi, Hyderabad: A Homebuyer’s Guide

Ah, Narsingi! The name might sound like something straight out of a Bollywood movie, but it's actually one of Hyderabad's hottest real estate markets. Nestled right next to the Financial District and the outer ring road, Narsingi is like that cool cousin who suddenly got rich overnight. If you're in the market for a new place, whether it's a cozy 2 BHK, a spacious 3 BHK, or a luxurious 4 BHK apartment in Narsingi, you're in for a treat.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's take a quick detour. Imagine Narsingi as a massive buffet, with apartments as different dishes. There’s something for everyone: from the health-conscious to those with a taste for luxury. Ready to find out which dish... um, apartment suits you best? Let’s dig in!

Why Narsingi? A Quick Look at the Locale

Narsingi is like the rising star of Hyderabad’s real estate. It has all the right ingredients: strategic location, connectivity, and infrastructure development. Imagine having a home where you can escape the city's hustle but still be close enough to dive into it when the need (or mood) arises. That’s Narsingi for you. Plus, the outer ring road is just around the corner, making commutes feel like a breeze. You can be at your workplace in no time, leaving you more moments to sip that extra cup of coffee in the morning.

Top Reasons to Choose Narsingi:

Proximity to IT Hubs: Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Gachibowli and HITEC City.

Infrastructure: Upcoming metro lines, wide roads, and everything you need to make life easy.

Serenity: Despite its growth, Narsingi still has that charm of a peaceful suburb.

Investment Potential: Property values are on the rise, so buying now could be a smart move.

2 BHK Apartments in Narsingi: Cozy Comforts for New Beginnings

Let's start with the classic choice 2 BHK apartments in Narsingi. Perfect for young couples, small families, or even singles who enjoy a bit of extra space. A 2 BHK is like that reliable friend who’s always there for you, offering the right balance of space, comfort, and affordability.

Key Features of 2 BHK Apartments in Narsingi:

Size and Layout: Generally ranging from 900 to 1200 square feet, these apartments offer two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and typically two bathrooms.

Cost: Prices usually range between ₹60 lakhs to ₹1 crore, depending on the amenities and location within Narsingi.

Target Audience: Ideal for young professionals, newlyweds, or small families. It’s also a good option for retirees looking to downsize but still want to live comfortably.

Why Choose a 2 BHK in Narsingi?

Affordability: Compared to larger apartments, 2 BHK units are more budget-friendly. They offer just the right amount of space without burning a hole in your pocket.

Ease of Maintenance: Smaller space means less cleaning. Let’s be honest, nobody loves vacuuming all weekend.

Rental Income Potential: If you’re thinking of buying an apartment as an investment, 2 BHKs have a high rental demand, especially from young IT professionals.

3 BHK Apartments in Narsingi: Space for Growing Families

Next up, the 3 BHK apartments in Narsingi. If 2 BHKs are like a reliable sedan, 3 BHKs are the SUVs of the apartment world. Spacious, practical, and perfect for families that need that extra room. Got kids who need space to run around? Or maybe you're working from home and need an office? A 3 BHK has got you covered.

Key Features of 3 BHK Apartments in Narsingi:

Size and Layout: Typically ranging from 1300 to 1800 square feet, offering three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and two to three bathrooms.

Cost: Prices usually range from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crores, depending on the project and amenities.

Target Audience: Best suited for larger families, professionals with work-from-home needs, or anyone who enjoys hosting guests.

Why Opt for a 3 BHK in Narsingi?

Room for Growth: A 3 BHK provides ample space for a growing family. Kids get their own rooms, or you can have a guest room for visiting friends and family.

Flexible Living Space: More rooms mean more options. Set up a home office, a playroom for the kids, or even a mini gym.

Resale Value: 3 BHK apartments often have better resale value because they cater to a broader market segment.

4 BHK Apartments in Narsingi: The Lap of Luxury

Finally, we have the grand 4 BHK apartments in Narsingi. These are the penthouses of suburban living. If a 3 BHK is an SUV, then a 4 BHK is a luxury yacht. Spacious, opulent, and designed for those who believe in living life king-size.

Key Features of 4 BHK Apartments in Narsingi:

Size and Layout: Ranging from 2000 to 3000 square feet. They typically offer four bedrooms, a large living area, a spacious kitchen, and three to four bathrooms.

Cost: Prices can start from ₹1.5 crores and go upwards, depending on the location, view, and amenities.

Target Audience: Ideal for large families, executives, or those looking for luxurious living spaces with all modern amenities.

Why Go for a 4 BHK in Narsingi?

Luxury and Comfort: More rooms, more space, and a lifestyle that spells luxury. Ideal for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Entertaining Guests: Perfect for hosting gatherings, with ample space for guests to stay over.

Prestige Factor: Let’s be honest, telling people you live in a 4 BHK has a certain ring to it. It’s like saying you drive a Tesla instant prestige!

Choosing the Right Apartment: A Quick Checklist

Before you pull out your checkbook (or open your bank app, because who uses checks these days?), here are some things to consider:

Location Matters

Proximity to Work: How close is it to your workplace? Narsingi’s advantage is its closeness to IT hubs, but make sure your apartment’s location is convenient for you.

Schools and Hospitals: Check out the nearest schools and healthcare facilities. Good education and healthcare options can significantly add to the property’s value.

Amenities Check

Basic Amenities: Ensure there’s 24/7 water supply, power backup, and security.

Lifestyle Amenities: Gyms, swimming pools, and parks can add significant value to your living experience. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of a morning swim or an evening jog without leaving the complex?

Budget Planning

Upfront Costs: Consider not just the price of the apartment but also registration fees, maintenance charges, and other hidden costs.

Home Loans and EMIs: Have a clear picture of your finances. How much loan can you get? What will the monthly EMIs look like? A little planning now can save a lot of stress later.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Growth Potential of Narsingi

Narsingi is not just about the present, it's also about the future. The area is rapidly developing, with new infrastructure projects in the pipeline. The upcoming metro expansion is set to make commuting even easier, and the development of new commercial spaces will bring in more employment opportunities.

What This Means for Homebuyers:

Appreciation in Property Value: Investing in Narsingi now means you’re likely to see good returns in the future.

Quality of Life: As more facilities and amenities come up, the quality of life in Narsingi will only improve. You’re looking at a lifestyle that’s modern, convenient, and fulfilling.

Final Thoughts: Making Narsingi Your Home

Choosing the right apartment can feel like a daunting task, but it’s all about finding a place that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether it’s a 2 BHK that offers cozy comfort, a 3 BHK that provides ample space, or a 4 BHK that indulges in luxury, Narsingi has it all.

In the words of a wise (and possibly fictional) real estate guru, "A home is where the heart is, but a good home is where the WiFi connects automatically." So, take your time, explore your options, and find that perfect apartment in Narsingi. After all, it’s not just about buying a house, it's about finding a place to create memories, enjoy life, and maybe even host that housewarming party you’ve been dreaming of!

Visit estatedekho.com for more information about 2 BHK, 3 BHK, 4 BHK Apartments for Sale in Narsingi Hyderabad. Estatedekho is an online platform that offers sellers, potential clients, buyers verified plots, and professional agents at service.

[bskceramics]

Shop Angel Wings Letter Coffee Cup Black with Free shipping on orders $100+ to EU, USA, CA, and the Middle East from our Best Tea &amp; Coffee Cup and Mug Collections at BSK Ceramics. Angel Wings Letter Coffee Cup Black • The mug includes angel wings with a halo and a swinging letter in front of it. • This product includes a ceramic Letter Figure attached to the fixed ring in the cavity on the cup. Since the ring is produced together with the cup during the production phase, it does not come off.

[equestrianempire]

Records from Ocala Horse Properties are included in Wednesday News &

0h Carolina!

Bearers ‘ Run Farm is prepared, the pleasant party drinks are on snow, the programs are being walked, the ring familiarization is a head, and Team In, led by Chinch, is gearing up to provide you with all the news and action from what will undoubtedly be a great competition.

What is going on here, when:

Today ( Wednesday ) at 1 p. m. is the optional 4* S course walk with Carolina International Rider Rep. Ariel Gralḑ.

When the 4-* dressage begins tomorrow ( Thursday ) at 9:20am EST, 6:20am PDT, and 1:20pm GMT, the center line will be in play. For the 3* companies, display jumping begins at 10am EST / 7am PDT / 2pm GMT on Friday, with the 4* competitor starting at 12 noon EST / 9am PDT / 4pm GMT. On Saturday, Ian Stark’s cross-country program will take place with horses starting from 8αm EST, 5am PDT, and 12 noon GMT, and continuing untiI 5pɱ PDT, 2pm PDT, and 9pm GMT. Starting at 11:46 a. m. EST, 8:46 a. m. PDT, and 3:46 p. m. GMT, the 4* will be on training.

Do n’t worry if you ca n’t be there but still have Carolina on your mind. H&amp, C+ is hosting a livestream ( subscription required ), along with our awesome coverage ( if we do say so ourselves ) via the EN website and @goeventing, which includes live updates from the 4* cross country.

Chinch hopes to wrangle how many trading cards? Did my husband’s performance in event management be overrated? Who will win the big prize and the 4* succeed? Caroline įs aware!

Carolina International CCI & Ⱨ. Ƭ. ( Raeford, NC )[ Website ] Scheduled Entries]Ride Times]Volunteer]Cross Country Maps] Live Scores] Live Stream]EN’s Coverage ]

However, the first foot of the Li Nations Cup will begiȵ in Montelibretti, Italy, over in Europe. Tomorrow’s News &amp, Notes will cover this more, but if you just ca n’t wait, here’s some information to get you started:

[ Website]]Timetable ]]Entries] Live Scores]Dressage Day 1 Live Stream]Dressage Day 2 Live Stream]Show Jumping Live Stream]Cross Country Live Stream] ] FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1[ Montelibretti, Italy]

Ư. Ș. Weekend Preview

Carolina International CCI & Ⱨ. Ƭ. ( Raeford, NC )[ Website ] Scheduled Entries]Ride Times]Volunteer]Cross Country Maps] Live Scores] Live Stream]EN’s Coverage ]

Ocala Winter II ( Ocala, Florida )[ Website]]Entries ]]Ride Times ]]Volunteer[/Website ]

Pine Top Spring H. Ƭ. ( Thomson, Georgia )] Website]Entries]Ride Times]Volunteer]Scoring

Ram Tap National H. Ƭ. ( Fresno, California )[ Website]Entries]Ride Times]Volunteer]

Activities at other countries

[ Website]]Timetable ]]Entries] Live Scores]Dressage Day 1 Live Stream]Dressage Day 2 Live Stream]Show Jumping Live Stream]Cross Country Live Stream] ] FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1[ Montelibretti, Italy]

Wednesday Reading and News

A champion frσm the Olympics, the World, and Europe can move the Badminton program with you. Eventing legend Tina Cook may be taking a Badminton course move on May 9th. Find out how to drive the renowned gates after spending three years doing it. To reserve a seat, scan the QR code on this Instαgram article.

Make sure you check out these new CCI1* services if you’re stepping up to international competition this year. American Eventing users now have seven options to compete at International 1*, including fresh competitions at Alnwick Ford and Catton Park. How’s all you need to know.

Will you be able tσ watch the equine competitions at the Olympics this year? Horse gymnastics are treading a fine line when continuing to compete iȵ the Olympics, we all know. By watching the equestrian events taking place in Ƥaris, one means you can vote for them to be is to ƀe. Make sure you’re planning on tweaking in if you want to play your part in keeping us in the sport by watching the statistics. They also weigh economic and environmental considerations as well as the ever-present cultural license.

Does the Kiwis compete in Paris on the floor? Jock Paget, a high efficiency director, believes so. Accσrding to Jock, there is a comfortable atmosphere in the Kiwi camp. After winning creω copper in London 2012 for the first time in 12 yȩars, they are so eager to compete in the Olympics this summer, and Jock sαys they are “up for it. ” In Paris, everything is to enjoy fσr!

Horse instructor, writer, and rider of the 2024 Gaucho Derby, Warwick Schiller discusses the lessons he learned from the most difficult horsemanship ever to date. The Gaucho Derby this year crammed all the details that you would anticipate from a massive 500km walk through the Southeastern forest. The Derby callȿ for life skills, courage, resilience, and equestrian on an incredible level. It is much more than just α race. In the most ɾecent episode of his Jouɾney On Podcast, Warwick describes his journey as a” religious trip” and stock the life lessons he learned from it. It’s a lengthy listen, making it a great companion for those larger house chores, but not as much as the Derby.

We’ll wrap up with Bella Hadid’s horsegirl stylish and information of the week. No matter what she wears, Bella’s bringing the horseworld to Vogue is really great because she teamed bright glitter with a Stetson ( or another brand of cowboy hat that lacks the pleasing repetition I’ve gone with these ).

Sponsor Corner

Cooley Quicksilver, Miks Master C, and Cooley Nutcracker from Ocala Horse Properties, all brightly shined at the Conceal Grand Prix Eventing Showcase! This weekend at the SRF Carolina International CCI4*, keep an eye on the Liz Halliday and Ocala Horse Properties staff.

Tear of the Video

Twelve weeks ago, Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake placed fourth in the Carolina International 3*-S standings. Fast forward to the Pan-Am Games in Santiago, where they pμt on a strong personal gold medal display. They are in a race to win this year’s 4*-S at Carolina. Here’s a look back at their cross-country event from the first time they went to Setters ‘ Run Farm.

[reddrakebird]

Hearing what felt like possessiveness over the gift might have startled another but for Timothy, it was a part of their bond. Perhaps too many things have come between them throughout the years, or maybe they realize now what has been staring them in the face this whole time and are angry about all the time lost. Timothy could not explain most of the emotions the man in his lap encouraged, but he wanted to be fair. Timothy took a risk by saying what he wanted, the detail could have scared Kon from it or the Kryptonian getting pissed about being ‘owned.’ 

He did not remember the one snag that they would always be two very different people in the world and the public. That also meant accepting that he was and would always be Superboy here. The thought of doing otherwise never crossed Timothy’s mind when he wore a mask and beat up criminals in the dead of night. They had seen too much to go back now, but having each other completed something Timothy knew was missing for a long time. 

Lips were eagerly waiting for attention from their lover, wanting to be praised by them for his good deed with that slight affection that meant the world to Timothy. One Kon-El suggested they might need to tone down in public. Timothy disliked that. Lips parted from the warmth of Kon’s and he continued to listen patiently as hips started to roll softly, wanting Kon to feel him physically while having him mentally. That moan nearly caused his own; a soft gasp was given in greeting instead.  “We are on the same page regarding fights or breaking up. I like knowing you have it because even if we don’t work out, I want you to be happy Kon. I want to know you exist long after I no longer do.” And a small piece of his possessiveness will latch on to knowing Kon put it somewhere safe, maybe at his home in Hawaii where Timothy would become another memory. 

Hands cupped his cheeks, making sure those eyes looked up into Kon’s without shades, without the facade of his overzealous personality. “I knew you would like it; I did not expect how strongly you would protect it. I promise I don’t want to take this away from you. It is yours. I. Am. Yours.” he made sure each point was defined to draw attention to how serious this was for him. “I love you. Those words are not ‘sweet nothing for me’. I’m maddening in love with you, the kind where I don’t see an end, only a built future.” Hands lowered to grab the necklace from the box. The back was twisted to separate so he could place it on Kon. Hips thrust up once to hear a little sound from Kon before moving his hands around that beautiful neck. The clasp was connected and twisted to seal away where it disconnected as if it did not exist. “Later, I can grab a mirror and you can use your laser eyes to meld it so it can’t be removed except from you.” He offered. Fingers found the leather clasp of the ‘play’ necklace to undo its buckle, sliding it away so the new piece remained. The collar was then turned and placed around his own longer neck, buckled up snuggly. “I trust you more than you will ever know because my life sometimes doesn't mean shit. But my soul and heart intertwine with yours now; I don’t want ‘out.’ ” He reached for one of Kon’s hands, moving it towards the collar to hook a finger into that small O ring. 

Hands now free, they went to Kon’s hips, grabbing humanly hard to make him move faster. A whimper escaped Timothy’s lips at his own sensitivity and how damn good it felt to be in Kon with slick, semen-coated walls trying to pump more from him in greed. 

He did not get to talk about the first part because his body was amping up again, with Kon in control of the collar. Later, they could circle back around to that and finish their questions. Right now, he wanted to vanish in Kon’s body, slow at first, then the tempo picked up. “Conner…” he whimpered the name. His senses were all over, but all of them was on fire due to Kon-El.  “A little tighter, baby. Make it hurt just enough for me to remember.” he breathed out, obsessed with this angle and view of Kon. "Go faster, go harder. Use me. I want you to."

Timothy asked a valid question, one Kon hadn't thought about. "No. Once this goes on, it stays on." Kon answered, not liking the thought of removing it at all. "I'm always Superboy, Tim. If I hear trouble, it doesn't matter if I'm wearing my suit or not. I'm not just gonna not fly to help someone because I'm wearing something casual. So we'll either just have to tone it down with the PDA's when we're together and you're 'Tim', or I'll mask us the best I can." Kon leaned in to press their lips together again. It wasn't really an obstacle they'd faced in their relationship so far, but as they continued it - they'd have faced it eventually with or without a collar. Kon understood completely why Tim needed a civilian identity, but he didn't. Never had and wasn't particularly interested in having one like Jon or Clark. Being a superhero was his job. It's what he was made for. When he pulled back, Kon continued - letting out a soft moan as Tim moved his hips, eagerly rolling them with him. "If I'm upset with you, I still want to wear it. It'll help ground me. And I think it'll help you - because you'll know we're not through, even if we're having a rough patch. If we ever break up, I'd still like to keep it - though I wouldn't still wear it. You know. As something to remember you by." Kon began riding him again slowly, appreciatively, reassuringly, his hands slipping around and cupping Tim's cheeks, thumbs rubbing soft circles as he admired his boyfriend's thoughtfulness. "This is huge for me." He finally mumbled, letting down that cocky facade for another second. "Thank you, Timothy." Kon smiled.

[mmbirdtoys]

https://www.mmbirdtoys.com/products/1596-hot-air-sola-balloon

The 1596 Hot Air Sola Balloon from M&M Bird Toys is a uniquely bird thrilling, chewable and pullable hanging cage toy.

At the top of the toy is a quick link connector for fast installation in the aviary. From here a sturdy link chain hangs down to a metal wire that works as the toys backbone. This wire passes through the center of the large handmade sola wood ball. On top of this wood ball is a natural wood ring thats adorned with colorful plastic tube pieces. Dangling down from the wood ring are colorful plastic chain links. These each end with (2) colorful chewable bird donuts.

Underneath the large sola wood ball the wire has a loop that dangles a small length of link chain. At the end of the link chain another metal wire hangs that passes through the center of a small handmade sola wood ball. This sola ball has cup cake cups facing up and down with a small metal bell underneath.

All of the parts on this toy are easy for pets to manipulate. The sola wood balls are a delight to be chewed apart. The lightweight plastic chain links are a joy for both beak and feet to grab. The cardboard donuts offer lots of shreddable paper layers in a bird enticing shape. While pets play with the toy the cup cake sola ball underneath will swing and shake about, making even more fun and lots of ringing sounds.

All pet birds need quality destructible toys to express their foraging nature in a healthy way while in the cage. This is their natural instinct to explore by breaking apart, shredding, tear and ripping. Providing toys to let pets perform this in the cage is very healthy for birds as its mentally stimulating and promotes lots of exercise.

This toy ships in bright assorted bird pleasing colors for the plastic chain links, colorful plastic tubes, cardboard donuts and cup cake cups.

[Specifications]

Height: (13) inches or (33) cm

Width: (5) inches or (12) cm

Weight: Under (3) ounces

A bird safe chewable cage toy

Individually hand-crafted by Mai in our small Florida shop

#mmbirdtoys

#solabirdtoys

#americanmade

#floridabirdtoys

#foragingbirdtoys

[mayhemproduces]

Sister Abigail (c) vs Joshua Bishop- MPW World Championship- Death Palace

It all comes down to this. 

It’s been almost six months since Sister Abigail locked Josh Bishop in a grave in a buried alive match, and almost a year since Josh Bishop locked Abigail in a casket in a Grave Consequences match- but this goes back even longer than all that. Ever since Josh Bishop broke into professional wrestling, those in the back, those who actually see what our wrestlers are like behind the scenes, know the relationships they form, they’ve known that this was inevitable. Joshua Bishop and Sister Abigail have always been on a collision course- and it comes down to this, in the biggest match in MPW history. Only the second time ever, we have a Death Palace match in MPW. The first time, Syn & Rickey Shane Page absolutely destroyed one another. The carnage Bishop and Abigail are about to inflict on one another is going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen in MPW before. 

“Panama City… It is now time for our Thunder In Paradise Main Event of the evening!” Steve Guy stands in the middle of the ring, dressed to the nines in a bright red and yellow floral vacation suit, the entire crowd on their feet, Josh Bishop and Abigail standing in their respective corners, Abigail talking strategy with her cornerman and toy boy Syn, and in Bishop’s corner, Fonzie whistle cuts through the noise, just serving to amp the crowd up further. The energy in this arena right now was absolutely electric. 

“People of the Boardwalk Beach Resort, and those watching at home on Pay-Per View�� 

ARE YOU READY FOR A FIGHT?!” 

This might be the loudest crowd we’ve ever had for an MPW show on record, this building is practically SHAKING right now! 

“Your main event of the evening is a singles competition, scheduled for one fall, contested inside the Death Palace, and it is for the MPW World Championship!” 

Champion and challenger’s eyes meet for the first time, the calm before the storm… 

“Introducing first, the challenger…” 

Steve Guy pauses as to let it hang in the air, but that pause is quickly filled by the chanting of a large amount of our MPW fans here… 

“FUCK ‘EM UP, BISHOP, FUCK ‘EM UP!” 

The crowd’s clapping and stomping along with their chanting practically sounds like cannons are going off in the stands, as it’s clear who the crowd favorite is here tonight… 

“Fighting out of Rip City, and being accompanied to the ring by the Manager of Champions, Bill “Fonzie” Alphonso, weighing in tonight at 255 pounds, he is the winner of the 2023 MPW Chaos Cup, Mr. Up For Anything, The Intense Icon, JOSHUA BISHOP!”

Josh Bishop pounds his chest and lets out a battle cry, the challenger is ready for war tonight! 

“And the opponent…” 

The crowd reaction and atmosphere quickly shifts to boos, as the White Reaper steps forward, her eyes bearing holes into Josh Bishop’s very soul. 

“Emerging from the Wasteland, and Honoring the Fallen, being accompanied to the ring tonight by the Poisoned Prince, Syn, she is the MPW World Champion, The Matriarch of Destruction, The White Reaper, and the Queen of the Hollow, SISTER ABIGAIL!”

The Devil Herself, long she has reigned over MPW. Will tonight be the night? Can Abigail finally be stopped, finally unseated as MPW World Champion? 

Referee Jake Clemons on the call, he finishes presenting the MPW World Championship to champion and challenger, before handing over the belt to Steve Guy as he leaves the ring, Syn though is quick to snatch it away from Steve, and clutch it to his own chest, insisting to Steve Guy that the belt isn’t going anywhere tonight. Not wanting to argue, Steve goes back over to the timekeepers desk, and ringing the bell, our main event is underway! 

Josh Bishop turns to throw his vest to Fonzie, but Sister Abigail doesn’t feel like wasting any time, charging Bishop, looking to spear him through the glass pane right behind him, but Bishop turns around just in time, and catches Abigail around the throat! Abigail got caught! Bishop throws Abigail overhead, smashing Abigail through the pane of glass with an overhead choke toss suplex! Abigail explodes through the glass, but she quickly gets back to her feet, clearly rattled as blood and glass leak down her back. Abigail stumbles back into the middle of the ring, only to get her head kicked all the way into the middle row with a HUGE Pump Kick! Josh Bishop might already be closing in on the MPW World Championship! Josh Bishop grabs a handful of Abigail’s hair, forcing her head between his legs, before lifting Abigail high into the air, the entire Panama City Crowd on their feet, Syn looks like he’s gonna have a heart attack! Josh Bishop is looking to end this already! 

Josh Bishop puts Abigail into the mat with a MASSIVE Bishop Bomb! Josh Bishop just squashed Abigail! It’s over! Holy shit it’s over! Josh Bishop folds Abigail up, looking to capture the title!

1…..

2…

KICKOUT! 

Abigail kicks out of the Bishop Bomp! Abigail keeps the title around her waist for the time being, but absolutely everyone in this arena thought that one was it! Bishop puts his hands on his head, looking at Clemons with disbelief. He thought he caught her, he thought he was ending this one right then and there. Clemons shakes his head and just shows Bishop a two. The nightmare isn’t over yet, but it was never going to be that easy. Beating Abigail is a war of attrition, chipping away at her armor. One big shot wouldn’t be enough to do it, but Abigail would sure as hell feel that one for the rest of this match. Abigail already rolled out to the apron, on the side of the ring with the glass panes laid across the outside, and Josh Bishop follows her out onto the apron. The setup of the Death Palace was the same as the last time- three sides of the ring, with platforms build into the ring- one with panes of glass, one with light tubes, and one with barbed wire boards. The fourth side of the ring has a scaffold pushed right up against it. The ring itself still had one pane of glass propped up in a corner, with Abigail having already gone through the other one in the ring. Josh Bishop picks Abigail up on the apron, and wraps another hand around her throat, looking to lift Abigail up for a chokeslam, and put her through the panes of glass, looking to send her right to the concrete floor. Bishop goes to lift Abigail, but Abigail hangs onto the rope, blocking it, before she catches Josh Bishop with a couple of elbows to the head, stunning him, before taking a couple steps back, creating some distance, before Abigail suddenly charges Josh Bishop, launching herself at him, spearing him in mid air, the two crashing through one of the panes of glass on the platform, before both competitors crash and burn to the floor! Holy shit! 

Both Bishop and Abigail lay on the concrete floor, on the pile of broken glass, both competitors much worse for wear after that one! Fonzie rushes over to check on his man, and Syn looks like he’s in the midst of an anxiety attack, his hands on his head as he looks on. Abigail is the first to move, and she crawls out from under the platform, right to Syn. The World Champ is on autopilot right now, and it seems like more than anything, she needs him to lean on right now. Syn helps Abigail to her feet, and helps her stand, leaning Abigail against the steel barricade to support her, as Syn goes to grab a bottle of water, uncapping it and pouring it over Abby’s head, and making her drink some of it. 

“Hey, cmon, cmon, stay with me. You’re fine, you survived his best shot, go destroy him. He’s all yours.” 

Syn coaches her up as he fans her, the water somewhat bringing Abigail back to life, as she shakes off the early onslaught, and marches over to a downed Bishop, who was trying to crawl out from the glass pile, catching him with a boot to the face. Abigail puts the boots to him a couple more times, before grabbing a handful of Bishop’s hair, throwing him into the steel guardrail, and then laying into Josh Bishop with a couple of stiff forearms, before she takes a couple of steps back, and launches a boot right at Bishop’s head, knocking Josh Bishop over guardrail, and into the fans! Maybe we should’ve expected a match like this to spill into the crowd, and here we go right off the bat. 

“If the action looks like it’s coming your way, it is! Grab your shit and move!” 

The familiar warning from Steve Guy comes as Abigail comes over the barricade, grabbing a chair, and cracking it over the head of a kneeling Josh Bishop! Bishop is stunned for a moment, as Abigail raises the chair above his head once again, as Bishop takes another chair shot to the head. Bishop collapses to the floor, as Abigail throws the chair aside, and extends her arms out to her sides, soaking in the boos and the hatred from the MPW fans. 

“You all live in my world! Your heroes stand no chance against me!” Abigail declares, laughing as the crowds boos grow even louder. Abigail smirks and licks her lips as she watches Josh Bishop try and struggle to get up again, watching as he pulls himself up to his knees, before nailing Josh Bishop with a Psychosis knee! Abigail nearly takes Bishop’s head! Bishop falls to the side, as blood leaks from a cut on his head, flowing down the Intense Icon’s face. All of the early pressure the Intense Icon had has evaporated, and Sister Abigail is in complete control now. Abigail picks Josh Bishop up and throws him over the barricade again, spilling onto the floor at the ringside area. Abigail vaults the barricade again and picks out a light tube from the Death Palace structure, before raising it up, and smashing it over Josh Bishop’s head as he struggles to get back up to his feet again. Abigail then picks up Josh Bishop again, before grabbing him and whipping him into the steel structure that makes up the scaffolding, bouncing Josh Bishop’s head off the steel! Bishop’s head recoils back as he collapses again, as Abigail saunters after him. The Devil was in complete control right now, and it didn’t bode well for Bishop’s chances in the long run. Abigail picks Josh Bishop up again, and throws him back into the ring, perhaps already looking to end this one. Josh Bishop crawls for the middle of the ring, as Abigail slithers in after him. Abigail watches the back of Josh Bishop’s head as he pulls himself up to his knees, as she looks for another huge Psychosis knee, but as she launches herself at him, Bishop ducks underneath, avoiding a knee to the back of the head! Abigail slides and turns back around, looking to charge Josh Bishop again, but as Bishop gets back to his feet, he catches her, spins her around, and plants Abigail with a HUGE Black Hole Slam! Bishop nearly puts Abigail through the mat! Bishop with the cover, looking to win the title!

1….2… Kickout!

Abigail out at two once again. Bishop pulls himself up to feet, and calls for Fonzie to throw him a chair. Fonzie obliges, Bishop catching the chair, and as Abigail gets back up to her feet, Bishop cracks the chair over Abigail’s back, dropping Abigail to her knees, before Bishop sets the chair up in the ring, before catching another chair from Fonzie, cracking it over Abigail’s back again, and setting that chair up as well, back to back with the other chair. Bishop grabs Abigail again, and wraps a hand around her throat, before lifting Abigail up into the air, and driving her down onto the points of both chairs with a MASSIVE Chokeslam! Abigail’s back might be broken after that one! Bishop kicks the chairs out of the way, and then makes the cover on Abigail, looking to win the title!

1….2… Kickout!

Abigail out at two once again. Josh Bishop sits up on his knees, before grabbing Abigail by the hair again, pulling her up to her knees as well, before popping Abigail with a forearm right to the face. Abigail recoils back, and manages to stumble back up to her feet, Bishop joining her up on her feet, before catching her with a chop to the chest. Bishop turns to hit the ropes,  but as he turns around, Abigail’s already got a chair, and she smacks it over Josh Bishop’s head! Abigail rears back and swings AGAIN, cracking the chair over Bishop’s head a second time! And then she rears back and catches him a third time! Bishop doesn’t go down, but he stumbles a bit, but stumbles right back into one of the corners, grabs a chair, and turns around, before driving the chair right into Abigail’s gut! Abigail hunches over in pain, and Bishop raises the chair over his head, before cracking the chair down on Abigail’s back, dropping her! 

Bishop tosses the chair aside, and drags Abigail back up to her feet, before laying into her with a straight right hand, backing her into the corner, before Bishop rears back and drills Abigail across the chest with a brutal sounding chop! Bishop rears back to deliver another, but Abigail ducks, and shoves Bishop back into the corner, before laying into him with a bunch of stiff chops of her own! Abigail sends Bishop out of the corner, and into the opposite corner, whipping him so hard that Bishop actually hits the turnbuckle, goes over, and rolls over to the outside! Bishop lands on the Death Palace structure, his back connecting with the steel! Bishop stumbles away, clearly a little dazed, as Bishop tries to clear the cobwebs. Abigail gets out onto the apron, and charges Bishop, trying to nail him with a Rolling Senton, Bishop catching her somewhat, but her heel does manage to clip Bishop on the top of the head, sending him stumbling back in a daze further. Abigail lands on her feet and continues to follow him, laying into Josh with a couple of stiff right hands as she does. Bishop turns and catches her with a couple in return, with these two monsters now going back and forth, brawling on the outside!

Bishop and Abigail fire right hands back and forth against one another, trading forearms, as we’ve broken down here into a full on brawl! The two alternate between right hands, headbutts, chops, and forearms, the grins never leaving the faces of these two psychopaths the entire time! Back and forth they go, neither giving an inch, before Bishop gets caught with several forearms in a row from Abigail, before she sends him stumbling back with a huge boot to the face. Bishop has to lean on the apron just to keep himself upright after a shot like that. Abigail comes back with a forearm of her own, Bishop answering back with a right hand of his own. Once again, back and forth these two go. Just two behemoths pounding on each other, back and forth. Abigail manages to grab Bishop, throwing him back into the ring, finally taking this fight back into the ring. Abigail slithers in after him, and looks for a roundhouse against a kneeling Bishop, but Bishop catches her leg, stands back up, and lifts Abigail up, before throwing her overhead with a T-Bone suplex! Abigail hits the mat, and Bishop gets back to his feet, taking a second to take a breather. His attention is suddenly taken to ringside, however, as a commotion and crowd reaction draws him, as Syn had blindsided Fonzie with the MPW World Championship, and clocked him upside the head! Syn drops his former friend and manager! 

Josh Bishop turns to try and help out Fonzie, but as Bishop goes to climb through the ropes, Abigail gets up and kicks the ropes, kicking the rope right into Bishop’s bean bag! Josh winces in pain and grabs at his crotch as he drops to his hands and knees, before Abigail hits the ropes, puts a foot on the back of Bishop’s head, driving him into the mat with Starfall! Abigail rolls Bishop over for the pin, looking to retain the title! 

1….2… Kickout!

Bishop kicks out at two! Outside of the ring, Syn was busy stripping Fonzie of his hat and his whistle, putting both of those on, and hopping up onto the apron, putting the whistle in his mouth and blowing obnoxiously, mocking his old friend and mentor. Syn grabs a chair then, and joins his beau in the ring, as Bishop struggles to pull himself up to his knees. Just as Fonzie used to do for RVD, Sabu, or once upon a time, even Syn himself, Syn holds a chair in front of Bishop’s head for Abigail, as Abigail hits the ropes, and drives her knee into the chair, and the chair into the head of Josh Bishop, with Psychosis! Bishop may have just been lobotomized by a hit like that!  

Syn throws Fonzie’s hat away, and takes another couple annoying blows of the whistle before throwing that away as well, as Abigail drags Josh Bishop into the corner of the ring. Syn starts gathering up chairs and even a couple of light tubes, piling all of those weapons on top of Joshua Bishop, before Syn turns and starts making out with Abigail, before he pulls away and starts heading up top, before Syn sets his feet, launches himself, and crashes onto Bishop with a Front Flip Van Terminator! Bishop is crushed under all of that steel and glass! Syn rolls off, and Abigail drags Bishop out of the corner, before hooking the leg, looking to retain! 

1…..2…. Kickout!

Josh Bishop kicks out at two again! Abigail pounds on the mat in frustration, and turns to Syn, telling him that she’s done playing around. She wants to end this, and she wants to end this match right now. She didn’t want to toy around with Josh Bishop anymore, and Syn agrees. Abigail turns back around, and grabs Josh Bishop, hooking his arms, and lifts him up, looking to set Bishop up for Baptism by Fire, but as she does, Syn climbs up to the top rope. Syn takes a second to set his feet, and it looks like Syn’s going to add a double stomp onto the Baptism, making a devastating move even more devastating. But before Syn can jump, a whistle cuts through the air and distracts him, and as Syn turns to see where it came from, suddenly, a chair comes flying at his head! Fonzie got back up and decided to get some revenge, the chair connecting with Syn’s head, knocking him off the top rope, and as Syn falls, he crashes through the panes of glass of the Death Palace, going through the glass, and down to the concrete floor! Abigail’s eyes grow wide, and her mouth hangs open, as she watches the love of her life plummet through glass to the floor! Abigail drops Bishop, and, seeing red, charges Fonzie on the apron, and knocks Fonzie off the apron with a big boot! Fonzie’s head nearly gets taken off by that boot! 

Abigail turns back around to find Bishop again, only to turn right around and get blasted by a big lariat from Josh Bishop! Bishop makes the cover!

1….2… Kickout!

Abigail survives, keeping her title for the time being as well. Abigail can barely even stand right now, watching her heart and soul fall through that glass pane snapped her out of the adrenaline rush, as this weekend’s events start to catch up with her. The raw power, the strength, the intensity, of Joshua Bishop hitting her like a mack truck. While Bishop is hyped, the adrenaline coursing through his veins at top speed. Bishop beats his chest, throwing his head back with a huge, guttural roar that the Boardwalk meets with equal praise. Bishop lines up the champion, wanting to take her head off with a huge Pump Kick - but Abigail… collapses. Simply too exhausted, too much blood loss, and maybe, even, the journey has been as much of a mental, emotional burden, as it has been physical. Maybe Abigail doesn’t have it in her anymore, but Bishop doesn’t care. She’s had this coming for a loooong time now, and Josh won’t let her off so easily, kicking her in the head, then kicking her on the back. He pulls Abigail up, but Abigail finds the strength to shove him, and nails Bishop with a rather half hearted forearm. Bishop throws back a big one, knocking Abigail right back down to the mat. Bishop, bloodied and bruised, looms over Abigail, as Abigail doesn’t move for a few moments. She starts to crawl towards the ropes, pulling on them to get one foot under her. She grabs a light tube, picking up the other leg. She staggers to her feet and spins around, shattering the light tube over Bishop's head! A shower of poisonous gas and glass shards encompass Bishop's head, cutting his even more open,but Bishop barely even budges. He just rears his arm back and crack!, down goes Abigail with another hellacious forearm! All that work just to get to her feet, to swing at Bishop, trying to knock him down to her size, just to get swatted back down. Abigail clings to him, grabbing onto his knee pad, and forcing herself to sit up. Bishop dons a crimson mask from the Reaper, but lords above her now - when Abigail swings her arm back! But Bishop SWATS her with a huge forearm, blocking the low blow!

Bishop picks up the champion, and she catches him with a desperation boot to the gut, creating a bit of distance between them. Abigail leaps, crushing the side of Bishop's head with an explosive Psychosis, but takes herself out as well! If it means getting Bishop down for a moment, buying herself some much needed time, then it will have been worth it. In somewhat of an uncharacteristic move here, Abigail is back on her feet rather quickly. A bit too greedy, unwise, for someone who prides herself on having backup plans for her backup plans. The Matriarch has lasted this long by carefully crafting every move, but chooses to grab Bishop, almost cradling him, with a gun pointed to his head. There's a delusional, crazed smile on Abigail's face as she pulls the trigger, bringing Bishop to his feet, but Bishop fires off some back elbows, knocking Abigail to the ropes. She releases him, and Bishop swings, misses, and Abigail uses his moment to pick him with a back suplex! Bishop goes over the top rope, crashes through the light tube platform! Bishop's massive frame takes out half of the platform, leaving more light tubes unbroken, but a disturbing amount of glass all over the ringside area, and embedded in Bishop's skin. Frantically, Abigail gets Bishop back inside the ring, and hooks both legs to retain!

1 - KICKOUT!

WHAT?!?!

Bishop not only kicks out, but at ONE. Clemons hand barely even touched the mat before Bishop threw the shoulder up, throwing Abigail off of him in the process. Abigail's wide eyes bore into Clemons, her face curling in a snarl, as if it was somehow his fault. Staggering to her feet, Abigail's legs barely able to support her, she grabs both of Bishop's wrists, pulling him to his feet, and tying Bishop in a straight jacket. She tucks Bishop's head under her arm and lifts, spiking him with an implant, straight jacket DDT! Bishop lands on his head, and for the first time in a while now, Abigail looks confident. She can stand a little bit better, draining the energy that once flowed through Bishop. Abigail slashes her throat, grabbing Bishop - but he turns it around! Bishop plants Abigail with a high angle German suplex! Picking Abigail up, Bishop wants the Bishop Bomb for the second time tonight, but Abigail wraps her legs around his head, and tosses him with a hurricanrana! Bishop lands on his tailbone but is instantly back on his feet, and turns Abigail inside out with a HUGE clothesline! Bishop isn't holding back an inch, ripping Abigail off the mat, and nearly putting her through it with a Chokeslam! Tongue sticking out of his bloody face, Bishop picks back up where he left off, getting Abigail up for the Bishop Bomb. Abigail slips out, actually hitting an arm drag. But Abigail maintains control of the wrist, and yanks Bishop back into her arms, and NAILS him with a massive Psychosis! Abigail holds nothing back on that one, and picks Bishop up, planting him with a Spinebuster! In the same motion, Abigail floats over, hooking the far leg and snubbing Bishop's face with her forearm to retain!

1… 2 - Kickout!

Bishop out at two! She kept the beast down for a bit longer this time, but not anywhere near as long to satisfy Abigail. She looks pissed, shooting Clemons a dirty look, before she grabs a broken handle of an old light tube. She crawls to Bishop, the broken piece in her hand, and drives it into his forehead. Grinding the jagged edge against his flesh, splitting Bishop WIDE open. Blood is openly pouring down Bishop's face, completely coating it in the thick, red substance. Abigail leans back with a sick look of pure and utter joy on her face, before sliding the bloodied edge against her own freaking tongue. She throws the handle aside, it surely shatters elsewhere, as Abigail wants to finish this off with her ultimate weapon. At this point in the match, one has to wonder if Abigail even has the ability to lift Bishop up for the Baptism by Fire, but once it hits, it has yet to fail her in MPW. Abigail has plenty of other means to finish a match, but none were as definitive as the Baptism, and Abigail wants to make history repeat, trying to get Bishop up, but Bishop blocks it. On his feet, Bishop remains, but Abigail, with wrist control, floors him with a short arm lariat. She maintains the grasp around the wrist, marching around the ring, almost like she was hyping herself up, before picking up Bishop, and knocking him down with a second lariat! She releases the wrist, finally letting the arm dangle as Bishop lays on the mat, trying to clear his head. There's a cloudy look in Abigail's eyes. If The Devil could cry, you wouldn't be farfetched to believe those might actually be tears.

"It's time," it's a breathless, near whisper, a proclamation, "It's time," with more authority, confidence, arms raised to her sides. "It's time, it's time."

Wrist control maintained, Abigail spins Bishop out - but Bishop ducks! He grabs Abigail's wrist, spins her out, and lands his OWN Famemaker! It IS time & for Abigail to say goodnight! Bishop covers!

1 - KICKOUT!

What the hell is it gonna take to end this thing?! A Bishop Bomb, a Famemaker, none of it has been enough, and Abigail digs down deep to kick out at one. But neither has the energy to continue. Slumping to their sides, taking a much needed rest, as the Boardwalk gives them a standing ovation. Thunder in Paradise delivers every year, but this is a different level of violent, emotional warfare and no matter how you felt about them, it was hard not to respect the resiliency shown thus far. We have a bad feeling that this is nowhere near finished, with many more twists, and violent turns ahead. But one thing remains the same; everywhere they go, Abigail and Bishop will fight. Crawling towards each other, Bishop can barely see through the curtain of blood, they come forehead to forehead. Glaring at each, before Bishop throws the first bomb. A hard forearm rocks the champion, but she comes back, nailing a forearm, but groans into it. "Coward," it's a mutter at first, before she gets right in Bishop's face, "Come on, coward." Back on their feet, Bishop lands an even more powerful, brutal forearm. Abigail throws one back, putting her weight behind it, but Bishop sends her hurling back with another big forearm. "You fucking coward," Abigail spits out before her next shot, catching Bishop on the jaw, and actually causing Bishop to stumble. "You think you deserve this, huh? Your big moment, in front of all of these poor, mindless idiots. People just like you. Huh? You think you can take this from me?!" And Bishop CHOPS her with a huge overhanded chop, smacking Abigail right on the heart!

Abigail winces, struggling to breathe for a moment, before she flicks her hair and delivers back a chop. Bishop is grabbed by the wrist, with Abigail delivering a quick series of kicks to the side of the head, forcing Bishop to his hands and knees, where Abigail rams her knee, the thick brace wrapped around it, into the crook of Bishop's neck, the side of his head, kneeing him into the mat. Abigail kneels over him, smacking Bishop in the side of the head before sitting him up, just to knock him down with another chop to the chest. A manic grin spreads over Abigail's face as a breathless chuckle of, "You're a fucking coward," as Abigail sinks her fingers into his now pink, nearly red, hair, starting to shout, "I'm not going to take this from you. You can't take this from me." Abigail sounds more desperate, as if she was, almost, trying to convince herself, when Bishop ROCKS her with a forearm! He shoves Abigail off him, and gets to his feet, picking himself up with the ropes. That forearm had sent Abigail to the other end of the ring, where she leans against the ropes. Champion and challenger lock eyes, a deep rooted, burning hatred for one another, passing through the connection. They're back nose to nose, forearm for forearm, elbowing the shit out of each other. Bishop tosses in an uppercut after a few rounds of back and forth, and Bishop shakes his head. Abigail gets some distance between them, picking up momentum for Psychosis, but Bishop steps out of the way. He grabs Abigail by the throat, wanting to hit a Chokeslam, but Abigail lands on her feet and breaks the grip, wanting to hit a Chokeslam of her own! Bishop counters by simply shoving Abigail back, and as she charges, Bishop scoops her up - AND PLANTS HER WITH THE WRATH OF THE GODS! COVER!

1… 2… KICKOUT!

Abigail squeaks out at two, avoiding an ending that would’ve been pure poetic justice, and keeping her title reign intact. Bishop has a handful of hair and lifts her up - but Abigail lands an overhand chop to the chest! She rears back, delivering a knife edge chop, but Bishop barely reacts. Abigail flicks her hand, pushing it back before she lines Bishop up, landing a third chop, and Bishop swings, knocking her down with one gigantic chop, causing Abigail to crumble. She’s back on her feet in a matter of moments, going right for Bishop, who nails her with another chop. Abigail grimaces, turning inward as she falls back, bouncing off the ropes, and walks right back into another big, big chop from Bishop. Abigail bounces between Josh’s palm and the ropes like a ping pong ball, absorbing the brunt of those unrelenting chops. After the fifth or sixth, Abigail stops bracing up, almost looking like she might fade…. “COME ON, YOU MOTHERFUCKER” - and eats another EXPLOSIVE chop, knocking Abigail straight down to the mat! She crawls away from Bishop and to the ropes, leaning on them with a delirious smile plastered on her face, a breathless proclamation, “You’re not taking this from me.” Clinging to the ropes, Abigail pulls herself to her feet, charging at Bishop - who drives her down with another massive Black Hole Slam! Bishop instantly grabs the throat, yanking her up, and right back down with a Chokeslam! The Boardwalk Beach Resort knows where this one is heading, as Bishop shouts, “It’s time to send this bitch through Hell, and down EXIT 187!” Looking for Bishop Bomb #2, but before he can actually raise her, Abigail grabs Jake Clemons, and throws him into Bishop’s arms! Bishop grabs Jake and throws him aside, and immediately, a chair connects with the dome! Abigail throws a chair at Bishop’s head, stunning the Intense Icon, and Abigail spears him through the glass pane with an explosive Spear! Bishop’s driven through the glass, Abigail bloodying herself in the process, and she drags Bishop through the glass shards, folding him up to retain!

1… 2… KICKOUT!

Bishop out at two! Abigail looks incredulous, for a moment, before getting in Clemons’ face, screaming, “Don’t fuck this for me!” But as she turns around, Bishop levels her with a clothesline! Bishop sweeps her off her feet before throwing her to the ropes, perhaps thinking about another Black Hole Slam - but Abigail hits Psychosis instead! Bishop drops to a knee, and Abigail underhooks the arms, picking him up…. 

BAPTISM BY FIRE?! HOW?! 

Somehow, this late in the match, Abigail hits her ace in the hole, and finally turns Bishop over to lay him to rest….

1….

2…

KICKOUT!

BISHOP. KICKS. OUT.

Abigail leans against Bishop, looking up at Clemons with a face of pure confusion and disbelief. In the seven years that Abigail has used the Baptism by Fire, only one person has ever been able to kick out of that move. That list now consists of two people: Syn, and Joshua Bishop. And Abigail can’t believe it. The Boardwalk jumped out of their seats, the walls nearly shaking with the thunderous ovation from the fans, as Bishop found the will to survive. Where can Abigail go from here? What can she do to keep Bishop down?

Abigail snaps, getting in Jake Clemons’ face, telling him, “I told you not to fuck this for me!” As if  this was, again, somehow his fault! As Clemons and Abigail argue, it's drowned out by the thunderous cheers from the audience. They can feel the hope that tonight could finally be the night, even if Bishop has yet to show any signs of life. Breaking the argument with a shove to Clemons chest, Abigail leans over the ropes, shouting for Syn, but he hasn’t moved since going through the glass pane not too long ago. She shouts for Malakai, Riley, anybody, but there’s nobody there. She’s all alone, and turns around into a Pump Kick from Bishop! How the hell is Bishop even standing?! Not only has Bishop gotten back to his feet, he carries Abigail through the ropes and onto the apron, before jumping off the apron, and driving them through the glass platform with a Death Valley Driver! They crash and burn through the shower of glass, drawing even more blood from their battered bodies, before Bishop throws her back inside the ring, nearly decapitating her with a Pump Kick! Bishop drops into the cover to win the title!

1… 2…. Kickout!

Not enough to take this match home, but it knocks some spit and blood out of the mouth of the champion. Both wrestlers having pushed each other past their limits, past the point of physical exhaustion, the canvas painted with their blood, covered in glass. Even now, Abigail can’t make it back to her feet as Bishop, steel chair in hand, sizes her up. But the fight that Abigail shows, still trying to get up, has Bishop truly thinking about their past. Bishop raises his fist to Abigail, holding out a fist bump as a sign of respect. Respect not for her as a person, as a character, but rather the fight she was showing. Abigail looks at it, almost considering - before she spits on Bishop’s hand. Bishop rears the chair back and CRACKS it over Abigail’s dome! She starts to stand up, and Bishop does it again. Blood trickles down Abigail’s forehead as she starts to raise her arms, weak and trembling, up to her sides, when Bishop connects with a third headshot. Abigail finally falls, crumbling into the corner, but she holds onto the ropes to keep herself afloat. Legs wobbling beneath her, Abigail walks up to Bishop and swings at his head, but Josh easily dodges it and grabs Abigail by the throat, planting her with another Chokeslam! Bishop rolls her back to her feet, and nearly Pump kicks Abigail’s head clean off her shoulders! Abigail is out on her feet as Bishop grabs her - and he hits another Bishop Bomb! Abigail is FINISHED! We have a new World Champion!

1…..

2….

….

Bishop looks up in confusion to see Jake Clemons holding up two fingers. It appears that Abigail did kick out, by simply lifting her shoulder mere inches from the mat. Just enough to get her shoulder off the canvas, just enough to stop the count, but that was all the energy left in the reservoir. It took everything Abigail had just to squeak her shoulder up, to try and hang on for just a few more moments, until something kicked in. That second gear, a new rush of adrenaline, or another elegant trick, but Bishop isn’t waiting for that. If a Bishop Bomb won’t be the answer to Abigail’s puzzle, then there’s only one thing left….

Enlisting the help of Fonzie and Jake Clemons, Bishop gets a table set up in the ring. On top of that, a glass pane… and on top of that, a rack of light tubes. Panama is uncomfortable at the sight of the structure, some even frothing at the mouth with excitement for the destructive violence were about to witness, as Bishop picks Abigail up on his shoulder, and carries up to the top of the scaffold. Abigail is still limp, weightless in Bishop’s arms, as Bishop settles them at the top of the scaffold. 20 feet in the air, Bishop has Abigail’s head between his legs, as he takes a look out at Panama City Beach. The Boardwalk Beach Resort has been an electric home for Thunder in Paradise for the third year in a row, but tonight, this crowd has been one of the liveliest, loudest, crowds MPW has ever had, and Bishop gives them exactly what they’re begging for. Lifting Abigail up on his shoulders, Bishop takes the leap off the scaffold - and THROUGH the table, through the glass, with a sitout Powerbomb! Holy fucking shit! Abigail’s dead! Bishop folds her up!

1….

2….

3!

IT’S OVER.

“HERE IS YOUR WINNER, AND THE NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWW MPW WORLD CHAMPION, JOSHUA BISHOP!”

Panama is stunned, but jump to their feet, screaming their hearts out as Josh slumps to the side. Soaked in his own blood, skin embedded with glass, but he is victorious. Bishop sits up, wiping the blood out of his eyes as Jake Clemons presents him with the MPW World Championship. He almost can’t believe it before he takes it, the streamers showering him as Bishop looks over his new piece of hardware, the prize for the war he just endured.

After nine long, tortuous months, it’s finally over. The reign of the White Reaper has crumbled at the hands of the Intense Icon, and Joshua Bishop is your NEW MPW World Champion. Long reign the new King of Mayhem, and good luck to anyone who tries to take it from him….

[laresearchette]

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES? AMERICA’S GOT TALENT (City TV) 8:00pm DOUBLING DOWN WITH THE DERRICOS (TLC Canada) 10:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT HOT WHEELS: ULTIMATE CHALLENGE (NBC Feed) 30 FOR 30: THE AMERICAN GLADIATORS (Premiering on June 5 on TSN at 7:00pm) BARGAIN MANSIONS (Premiering on June 2 on Magnolia Canada at 9:00pm)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME DESECRATION HUSTLE IN BED WITH THE PEDROS RODEO SISTA TIGER’S TAIL

CRAVE TV DARK SIDE OF THE RING (Season 4)

NETFLIX CANADA I THINK YOU SHOULD LEAVE WITH TIM ROBINSON (Season 3)

MLB BASEBALL (SN1) 7:00pm: Brewers vs. Jays (SN Now) 8:00pm: Rays vs. Cubs (SN1) 9:30pm: Yankees vs. Mariners

CEBL BASKETBALL (TSN5) 7:00pm: Scarborough Shooting Stars vs. Ottawa BlackJacks (TSN5) 9:00pm: Niagara River Lions vs. Calgary Surge

QUEST OUT WEST: WILD FOOD (APTN) 7:00pm: Tracey is introduced to the community relief agencies Mamas for Mamas and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society. These organizations act as a lifeline within their community, providing fresh food, clothing and workforce training opportunities.

MEMORIAL CUP (TSN/TSN4) 9:00pm: Peterborough Petes vs. Quebec Remparts

LITTLE BIG COMMUNITY (APTN) 9:00pm: Located on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Wiikwemkoong is a community focused on maintaining culture and being self-reliant.

DESTINATION FEAR (DTour) 9:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): The team faces terror at a decaying Pennsylvania sanatorium, including a ghostly mimic and child spirits; Dakota has a dark experiment up his sleeve to amp up the fear.

100 DAY DREAM HOME (HGTV Canada) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): Shontelle and Will have been making the most of their 1970s ranch style home, but with a large blended family and Shontelle's at-home baking business booming, there's no longer enough room to keep everyone and Shontelle's baking equipment contained.

[ourlittledinosaur]

Brighten Up a Dreary Rainy Day with These Fun Online Activities

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Brighten Up a Dreary Rainy Day with These Fun Online Activities

Before your child even gets a chance to utter those annoying “I’m so bored” rants on rainy summer days, be sure to prepare yourself with some options. Visiting local children’s museums, indoor trampoline parks, or your local library to join the summer reading club are all great options, but you can also create plenty of fun right in your dry, cozy home. Try tapping into your child’s love of technology, and use a tablet or computer to enjoy these great online activities.

Make a Personalized Recipe Book

Pick up a colorful three-ring view binder. View binders have a pocket on the front that can display artwork, so you can use the computer together to create a personalized cover. Next, search together for kid-friendly recipes that your child likes. Cooking with your child is a wonderful way to work on both reading and math skills. You can read the recipes together, teach counting, weighing, measuring, and even fractions when you show children how to half a recipe, for example. Teaching children to cook also has lots of other benefits, like family bonding time, enhanced communication skills, nutritional eating, and the art of patience.

Introduce Your Child To The Cat In The Hat

No one can turn rainy days into fun (with a side of mayhem) quite like Dr. Seuss. Check out the online Cat in the Hat book video and introduce your child to the creative genius of one of the greatest children’s authors of all time. They’ll enjoy seeing just how crafty one crazy cat can get on a rainy day. There are also plenty of other Dr. Seuss classics online for viewing.

Take Online Music Lessons

Introducing your children to musicology on a rainy day is a great way to turn idle time into something fun and productive. Do you have an old woodwind stashed in the attic or basement that could use a little love? Order a batch of reeds online to breathe new life into that old instrument, one that your kids can quickly learn and enjoy with some patience and a little help from YouTube. According to Parenting magazine, learning an instrument can help children in numerous ways, such as developing social skills, boosting self-esteem, learning discipline and patience, improving academic performance, and honing physical skills.

Get Scientific

Most children love hands-on learning. If your child enjoys building things, there are lots of projects that will teach math and science skills to kids of all ages in a fun way. If your child is curious about the natural world, take a concept like volcanoes and teach your child how to gather information online. Read details together about how volcanoes form and erupt. Find and view recent news stories and images from a volcanic eruption. Next, amp up the fun by making a cup of lava, and finish off the project with some volcano coloring sheets.

Do a Fun Workout Together

One of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s health is to be a role model for good physical health. One way to go about that is by introducing them to exercise. Exercise for children doesn’t have to be the old humdrum of sit-ups and jumping jacks, though. Head online together and find some fun online routines that include activities like dance and yoga.

Teach Your Child the Value of Volunteering

When children learn to volunteer, they’re also learning valuable skills. They learn what it’s like to have less, and the immense privilege of having everything they do. They can learn new life skills. They can understand the emotions that arise out of volunteerism like feeling appreciated and making a difference for someone. It’s also a great chance for children to develop valuable communication skills. Common Sense Media lists a range of apps and websites that children and parents can visit to find a volunteer project that would be meaningful for them.

Rainy days can provide excellent parent/child quality time. They allow time for you to talk and share, and give you wonderful opportunities to serve as a good role model. You get a close-up look at what strengths and weaknesses your child has so you can offer help. And best of all, you’ll become closer to your child, and they’ll feel your love and support.

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[percontaion-points]

Covet chapters 40-43

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Chapter 40

At least until Uncle Finn comes tearing down the hallway, loaded for bear—or, in this case, vampire. “Vega brothers!” he snaps out, looking at Hudson and Jaxon both. “Go wait for me in my office.” When they just kind of stare at him, he adds a “Now!”

The dude shows up only after the fight has ended, and didn’t even have the decency to have Starbucks. 

Considering what happened to Cole the last time Uncle Finn was this furious, there’s no way I’ll be able to rest until I’m sure Hudson and Jaxon aren’t currently falling through some portal to Texas to join him.

Chapter 40 summary: Some of Jaxon’s friends tell Grace that the reason for this fight was a show of dominance. A way of proving themselves now that Cole (the former pack leader) is gone. 

Finally, FINALLY, Uncle Finn shows up and yells at those involved to go to his office, for the nurse to get some students to help her take the wolves to the infirmary, and for everybody else to get to class. 

Grace is already on edge because of the fight, and it only gets worse as more time passes and she doesn’t hear from Jaxon or Hudson. She later runs into Macy and another witch, Gwen, who tell her that a bunch of underclassmen vampires randomly attacked the senior witches at lunch. One girl was bitten, and a huge fight broke out because of it. They think that they jumped on the chance when Finn was distracted with the werewolf fight earlier. 

Chapter 41

It’s only after I put my phone down and curl up beneath my hot-pink comforter that I realize he never answered my question about Jaxon— almost like he already knew I’d gotten an answer.

Chapter 41 summary: Grace finally hears from Hudson at 3 AM. He texts her that they got chewed out by Finn for a while before he put them on “belfry” duty. Which would normally mean that they’d have to ring the bells, but since everything is digital, they simply run the system that plays music between classes. It’s kind of been a running “joke” in this book about the different songs that are playing. Grace puts in a couple of requests. 

Hudson briefly talks about the “fight” he had, and says that it was nothing. He also complains about the underclassmen vamps who attacked the others in the dining hall at lunch. Says that one of them got expelled, and Grace thinks that it’s the one who bit the girl. 

Grace tries to ask about Jaxon, but Hudson doesn’t respond. 

Chapter 42

It’s a really good picture, so good, in fact, that my cheeks are burning even before I hear a thud sound behind me.

Chapter 42 summary: A few days pass, and tensions between the different groups are at an all-time-high. Finn is on a war-path because of it, which is making the students who are trying to stay out of things tense, too. 

Macy suggests that they should meet up in Jaxon’s tower to study and plan, but Grace remembers about how Jaxon had redecorated. So they end up agreeing to meet in Hudson’s basement room instead. 

Grace had never been down there, and as she’s going, she’s thinking about how lonely it must be down there. But then she gets there, and she’s kind of blown away with how cool everything is. The next two pages are nothing but describing what the room looks like before the chapter ends without any actual plot having happened. 

Chapter 43

“My Grace,” he whispers so softly that I’m not sure if I imagined it or not. Right before he cups my cheek in the palm of his hand and leans forward.

Chapter 43 summary: Grace had gotten there ahead of the others, and feels embarrassed when Hudson shows up with some chairs. She stammers out some awkward small-talk, and finally asks him to put on a record. He does, but the sexual song only amps up the awkwardness. 

Finally, the two of them get real close, and Hudson starts to lean in towards her. But something tells me that somebody is going to show up before they can kiss. 

[lindiwe-in-camelot]

Zaid was easy with compliments, as was fitting a Northerner. Sweetheart, love, darling, all casual terms of affection sprinkled in as if it were nothing. It made him immediately more charming in the face of the stiff aloofness of her fellow Southerners. "We have a kettle, but I forgot to bring the tea from the warehouse, sorry," Lindi winced apologetically, ignoring the fact that she'd been in no state to think about the following morning's tea situation when she stumbled back to the bungalow after her panic attack on the black sand beach. She was British, she should have prioritised tea. (Did they have Rooibos tea too? She'd like to impress Zaid again with a proper cup of South African Rooibos.)

Lindi let Zaid stretch, checking the cupboards just in case there were some tea bags lurking, like this was a hotel and she needed to find the drawer with the mini-bar snacks and complimentary drinks. Nothing. Bugger. Zaid spoke, riffing on her opener to say exactly what her brain had sluggishly been on track to ponder. How easily she had gotten up and filled up the kettle, the way she couldn't help but fret about the unbrushed fuzz on the back of her teeth. It did piss her off, how quickly she was thinking about popping down to the Warehouse like it was her local TescoExpress.

"You are completely right," she agreed with him, leaning back on the counter and crossing her arms over her chest. "My daughter would call me such a 'sheeple,'" Congrats Lindiwe, you've drunk the Kool-Aid. "But… we are here so… what else are we supposed to do? Rough it and go… fishing?" Lindi asked, because she had never gone fishing in her life. The idea seemed barbaric to her, skewering worms and standing out in the freezing cold only to bludgeon a fish to death. It was especially barbaric in the face of the leftovers she and Zaid had stowed away last night, neatly wrapped up in the industrial-scale fridges at the Hub. "I'd rather take the not-poisoned feast and the bed and the kettle."

Speaking of that, was the kettle one of the bloody ones with the whistle lid on the spout? Zaid had only just mentioned the peace coming from the absence of the announcement… A high pitched noise rang out, gentle at first, like a mosquito hanging around your ear. Lindi inspected the kettle, but no, it was clear, and the ringing, grating noise was only growing louder. "Zaid…" Lindi gave him a half-exasperated look, as if he was to blame for tempting fate and inciting the island to blast this horrible noise on them all.

From the window, Lindi could see light streaking across the eastern skyline, a bloody red sunrise. Red skies at morning, shepherd's warning… The noise only got louder, edgier, like someone was trying to play an amped-up rusty cheese grater like a cello. Lindi gave in and cupped her hands over her ears. There was an extra ringing sound in her right ear, the side she was wearing her diamond bracelet on. "Should we… go to the Hub?" Lindi shouted to Zaid. She was always a proponent of safety in numbers, and maybe there they could see whether this was something that affected only them, or if it was hurting everyone.

Lindi was the closest thing Zaid had to a friend here; and frankly, Zaid hardly had friends back home. He had Tej. Then beyond Tej, he had industry colleagues, and employees or people he'd hired for the big picture things: financial advisor, PR representative, lawyers, of course. Zaid hadn't given a second thought to his family back in Sheffield.

Regardless, Lindi was none of those things, so. She was a fan? But this place was certainly the great leveler. And perhaps, maybe, Zaid wanted a friend. He took a moment to gaze at Lindi, bathed in a golden shaft of early morning light. Her hair like a halo, her skin radiant, slightly shiny from sleep. Shew as gorgeous and maybe it felt a little brilliant to get to wake up in the same bungalow as the woman, as if they'd had a one night stand but he was too legless and knackered to leave, so she let him crash on the couch.

Right. So. Zaid had never had a friend. He didn't even know what 'friend' should entail. (Lust? Yeah, probably not?)

"Cheers, you're a real sweetheart," Zaid said, then looked behind her hopefully at the kettle. "Good to know that whomever set up these blasted little huts had the good sense to include a kettle, yeah?"

Zaid stood up then, folding the thin couch blanket first before he raised his arms to stretch. A wide yawn followed, and Zaid almost would've gone into the uttanasana of a sun salutation if he was alone. (Or with Tej. Tej was so adorbs when he did yoga, fucking hell).

"That really happened," Zaid echoed, stressing a different word. "Yeah. Fucking hell, and you know what pisses me off this morning? Among the trillion other frights from yesterday? Is that this morning, I wake up and I think 'bloody hell, I should have me tea. I should have a bit of brekky. I should brush me teeth.' As if normal morning routine is...normal here."

A broad shrug to Lindi's last question, because Zaid still had no answers. "Ta, by the way, for helping me pack the feast leftovers in them big fridges," Zaid added, wanting to linger with Lindi for a bit longer, before he inevitably had to leave. "Honestly I might just head back to the Hub to find some nosh. And -" Zaid pointed up, tilting his head to listen. "Hear that? The bloody announcement's gone. Did that happen last night sometime?"