#Exton Park

[iffeelscouldkill]

Fic: (Un)Rest Stop

Two fencing teams, both with bus trouble. One rest stop. And only one cafeteria.

This might just be the longest hour of Van's life.

A/N: Happy Fence Secret Santa, @nothingtoknow222! I'm your Secret Santa! I hope you enjoy this silly little piece with Halverton and Exton shenanigans. I had a lot of fun throwing the boys together in a space with no escape and making them awkwardly get along. Halverton and Exton are like two bitchy exes who are secretly desperate to impress each other.

There's a bit of implied shipping (Van/Marcel and Gian/Aster, plus mentions of Marcel/Harvard and Harvard/Aiden) but mostly it's just boys being idiots and some very competitive Tetris-playing XD (No-one @ me about how Tetris scores work, I used a Reddit thread to ballpark a "high-ish" score and then winged it from there)

Read this fic on AO3 or scroll on for the fic!

It was just a friendly, non-competitive local meet. But Exton would be taking part and this meant that to the Halverton team, the stakes were as high as any state final.

“I can’t wait for Marcel to behold the increased speed of my parry technique!” Van said, reclined in his favoured position across the three seats at the back of the bus.

“And Aster won’t know what’s hit him on the piste,” Gian declared.

Ever the team leader, Scott tried to keep the group focused on the big picture. “Because we don’t have a lot riding on the meet this weekend, I think we could use this as an opportunity to try out new strategy. Sungchul, remember the discussion you and I-”

He was cut off by a loud BANG sound and the bus jolting. Scott, Sungchul, and Gian’s eyes widened, and Van sat up straight. “What was that?”

“I think... we might have blown a tyre?” Sungchul said uncertaintly.

At the front of the bus, Coach was also looking concerned, going to quickly speak to the driver. When she came back, she looked stressed.

“One of our tyres has gone,” she confirmed to the team. “Unfortunately it’s too far for us to keep driving the rest of the way on a bad tyre, so, we’re going to pull in at a rest stop to get it serviced. Hopefully it shouldn’t add more than an hour or two to our travel time.”

The team nodded stoically, but inside, Van knew they were all groaning like he was. As much as two hours extra to get to the meet! Bouts didn’t start until tomorrow, but to Exton, it would look like they were bottling out. No doubt they’d gloat insufferably until the Halverton team arrived (and then make fun of them for the late arrival).

“Okay, Coach,” said Scott. “You heard her,” he said to the team. “Just a couple of hours, and we’ll be on our way to dominate the meet. We can use the time to discuss strategy.”

Van caught Gian’s eye and they both winced. Sure, they wanted to win, but Scott was so serious about it a lot of the time. A couple of hours in a rest stop discussing strategy sounded incredibly dull.

The driver signalled to turn off into the rest stop, and as they drove into the parking lot, Van noticed that there was another bus there - one that looked really familiar from numerous local meets and tournaments.

Scott blinked. “That can’t be,” he said.

“Wait,” Gian said, gleeful. “Could Exton be having bus trouble too?!”

“Maybe they needed a break?” Scott said, frowning, but he sounded uncertain. There was no real reason why Exton wouldn’t drive straight through to the meet, just like they would have done if not for the tyre issue.

They pulled into the parking space opposite the bus that looked extremely like Exton’s, and sure enough, when they got out, they saw Coach Alessandra Donati was standing next to the vehicle, smoking a cigarette.

“Goodness,” she said languidly. “Don’t tell me you’re having transport trouble, too.”

Coach Brooks gave her a tight smile. “Blew a tyre out about a mile back. You?”

Coach Donati exhaled a stream of smoke. “Engine problems. But I’m sure we’ll be on our way in no time.”

“I’m sure,” said Coach Brooks, and then turned to the team. “Okay, boys, there’s not much that we can do here except wait. With any luck, we can get the issue sorted quickly and get back on the road. Don’t go far; I want you back here in an hour, sharp, for a check-in.”

“Yes, coach,” they all chorused.

Before they went into the rest stop, Van saw Coach Brooks wordlessly accept a cigarette from Coach Donati and light it up.

“There’s probably a lot of space in here,” Van said hopefully as they went to enter the rest stop building. “Maybe we won’t even run into Exton.”

Sungchul gave a snort to express his doubt about that, and as they went inside, Van’s heart sank. The rest stop consisted only of a couple of shuttered shop fronts and a bare cafeteria with a few tables, a self-serve coffee machine, and a vending machine. Inside sat four familiar figures.

“Oh, no,” Gian muttered, stopping short and causing Van to bump into him. “There’s only...”

“...one cafeteria,” Van finished hollowly.

The Exton team were slumped or hunched over in various positions of resignation and boredom when the Halverton team entered. Aster Leventis (or was it Thomas?) was the first to notice their arrival, and he straightened up, nudging Marcel. Jesse Coste’s head whipped around and a gleam entered his eyes.

“Oh,” he said. “What have we here?”

“Jesse,” said Scott, nodding formally. “It seems like we’ve both been having some transport difficulties.”

“What are the odds?” said Marcel, looking delighted. “Van.” He gave a grin that looked more predatory than friendly. Van tossed his hair over his shoulder.

“Marcel.”

“Aster,” said Gian, nodding to one of the Leventis twins. Aster - or Thomas - didn’t correct him, only smiled.

“Hello, Gian.”

They all looked at Sungchul, who simply raised an eyebrow and went to sit at a table a little way away from the Exton team.

Van, Gian and Scott followed suit, stiffly folding themselves into various uncomfortable chairs. A clock ticked loudly on the wall. Gian drummed his fingers.

It was going to be a long hour.

Outside in the parking lot, Coach Brooks accepted another light from Coach Donati and said conversationally,

���How long do you think it’ll be before we have a bloodbath on our hands?”

Alessandra blew out a stream of smoke and considered. “I give it twenty minutes.”

Five minutes dragged by agonisingly slowly. Van felt like every tick from that godforsaken clock reverberated in his soul.

It wasn’t as though he didn’t have ways to pass the time - normally on long bus rides to meets, he and Gian would be gossiping and speculating about the other fencers, recalling infamous events, and passing fencing videos to each other, Scott and Sungchul. One bus ride Sungchul had managed to get him to try an audio drama that he liked, although unfortunately it had lulled Van to sleep before the second episode.

But there was too much tension in the air for Van to act like they were just passing the time before a meet. After five more torturous minutes, however, he was ready to contemplate anything. Even a strategy discussion. That, though, was completely off the table with Exton within earshot.

Finally, the stalemate was broken by a rustling sound as Marcel reached into his bag and brought out... some knitting. Van blinked in surprise as Marcel arranged a ball of wool on the table next to him, unwound it a little, and then started adding rows, needles clicking in counterpoint to the ticking of the clock. Huh.

This seemed to signal a kind of collective release of tension as Sungchul sighed and sat back, and Thomas – or Aster – rummaged around in a pocket to bring out a bag of mixed nuts, which he placed on the table between himself and his twin.

Oh right, food. On cue, Van’s stomach growled. He’d forgotten to bring the protein bar that he normally carried with him on the way to fencing meets.

He poked Gian in the shoulder. “Do you have any snacks?”

“You watched me finish mine on the bus,” Gian pointed out.

Van turned pleading eyes on Sungchul, who already had a pair of earphones in, and Scott, whose brow crinkled.

“There’s a vending machine,” he said, jerking his thumb at it. “Just get something from there.”

The contents of the vending machine were definitely not in Coach Brooks’ diet plan, but this was an emergency. Van wandered over, chose a chocolate bar, and managed to scrounge up enough coins to pay for it.

The vending machine dispenser whirred promisingly, but then gave a horrible grinding noise. The chocolate bar sagged halfway out of its slot and didn’t fall.

“No!” Van gave the obstinate machine a thump on its side, which had no effect. “Cazzo di macchinetta di merda eddai!” The machine was impervious to threats, and also to Van’s increasingly forceful rattling. “Mapporc-” He gave it a shove. “Puttana maledetta-”

Someone gave a cough behind him, and Van turned to see Jesse Coste standing there.

“Ah – it’s stuck,” he said, unnecessarily.

“Can I try?” Jesse asked, and so Van stood back to let him access the machine. Jesse calmly appraised the vending machine and gave an almighty slam on one side with his fist. The chocolate bar meekly dropped to the bottom, letting Jesse pick it up and hand it to Van.

“There you go.”

Van took the chocolate bar and stared at Exton’s captain. Watching Jesse Coste annihilate an opponent on the fencing strip was one thing; watching him annihilate a vending machine was another.

“How did you...”

“Hotel vending machines are all the same make and design.” Jesse shrugged. He inserted some coins into the slot, and a bottle of water dropped out of the machine, like the machine didn’t dare push its luck twice.

Van went back to join his teammates. Scott was chuckling, while Gian raised his eyebrows.

“Do you think I can get a can of fruit juice?” he asked.

“If you can’t, Jesse Coste can probably get it for you,” Van said.

Someone gave a soft laugh, and Van looked over to see Marcel still knitting away; the thing interwoven with his needles was looking recognisably hat-shaped. It was a little mesmerising watching Marcel’s hand flick and his needles move.

Van had never found crafts that interesting, but he was intrigued enough to say, “That looks cool.”

Marcel’s gaze cut over to him and he gave a smirk like he’d won by getting Van to say something complimentary. “My way with long, pointed objects extends beyond the épée.”

Scott made a noise somewhere between a snort and a choke.

Never one to back down from an implied challenge (especially from Exton), Van said, “I’m sure I could master those just as well, if I tried.”

Marcel raised an eyebrow. “Well, if you were prepared to take instruction from a superior knitter, then we could see.”

One of the Leventis twins muttered, “Jesus Christ, get a room.” Van was drawing breath for an indignant retort when the other twin came back from the vending machine, putting a can of drink down in front of his brother. The grumpier twin (Van was pretty sure this one was Aster) looked at it and made a face.

“Did it have to be lemon?”

“There wasn’t any peach,” his twin replied, a little tiredly, dropping back down into his chair.

Aster sighed – and then looked up in surprise as Gian placed a can in front of him, picking up the lemon one.

“Here; it was the last one,” he said, ears pink. “I know you like peach flavour best.”

Aster’s mouth hung open for a couple of seconds, before he said, “That’s Aster – I’m Thomas.”

“No, you’re Aster,” Gian said, mildly. “I can tell you two apart.”

Aster’s mouth closed again, and he gave a kind of shrug before opening the can of peach juice. Thomas grinned.

As Gian walked over to the Halverton table, Van raised his eyebrows. “Is this a part of ‘crushing Exton’?” he hissed.

“You’re one to talk,” Gian returned. Van had no idea what that was supposed to mean.

He dug through his pockets and took out a battered deck of cards, shuffling through it for something to do with his hands. Maybe he could talk Scott into a game of Scopa.

Over on the Exton table, Jesse checked his phone and made a noise of discontent. Marcel gave him a sly look.

“Still no reply?”

“He’s probably busy training,” Jesse said. He was speaking quietly, but his voice carried in the near-silent cafeteria – and Van was straining his ears for potential gossip material. “I’m sure he’ll message back any day now. We used to spend all our time together – he won’t go silent on me forever.”

Marcel smirked. “Well, he might be busy with that Cox guy.” Jesse glared at him, unamused. “I can’t relate, though-” Marcel pulled out his own phone. “Harvard is always very responsive.”

“Harvard?” Van repeated, forgetting that he was pretending not to listen in. “As in, the Kings Row captain?”

Gian and Scott both looked over, also thirsty for new gossip. Even Sungchul took out an earphone.

Marcel looked as smug as the cat who’d got the cream. “We’re just having some fun,” he said. “Seeing where it goes.” For some reason, it made Van feel irrationally annoyed.

“Didn’t Harvard also go out with Dafna, a while ago?” Gian mused. “From Coach Ponomorenko’s team?”

Scott gave a snort. “I hope you’re prepared to face the wrath of Aiden Kane,” he said, in a voice that carried.

Marcel glanced at him and raised his eyebrows. “And why?”

Scott only smiled knowingly. Aster supplied, “They’re rarely seen without each other.”

“And did Aiden ask Harvard out on a date? No?” said Marcel. “He’s free to challenge me if he wants to prove himself.”

Van was sure that he’d bested Harvard on the piste multiple times.

“Fencers are all so competitive,” Sungchul murmured. His fingers were flying over his phone screen, and Van recognised that he was playing Tetris – another entry on the list of things that Sungchul had casually mastered.

“What’s your score now?” he asked, idly.

“500,671,” said Sungchul. “I’m going for a new high score.”

Thomas Leventis raised his head quickly like he’d sensed blood in the water. Looking back, Van would identify that as the moment everything went to hell.

“Mine is 502,573,” he said. “Can you beat that?”

Sungchul lowered his phone very slowly.

“In my sleep,” he said.

“Oh, boy,” said Scott, at the same time as Jesse sighed, “Here we go.”

Ten minutes later, Van was part of a tight circle of onlookers watching as Sungchul and Thomas spun blocks and erased rows at lightning speed. He had no idea what was happening, but it was apparently very important.

“502,580,” Sungchul said.

“502,620,” Thomas returned, immediately.

“502,776.”

“502,881.”

Van looked at the clock on the wall. “Uh... I think we need to go check in with Coach?”

“Here’s the thing,” Coach Brooks told the assembled members of Halverton and Exton who had managed to tear themselves away from the Tetris showdown. “There’s good news, and bad news.

“The good news is that the Halverton bus is ready to go. The bad news is that Exton’s engine problems are going to take a while longer to fix.” Coach Brooks looked meaningfully at her team. “However, we do have room on our bus for some extra passengers.”

Van’s eyes widened. The prospect of sharing a bus with Exton for the rest of the drive to the meet... Of helping Exton...

An hour ago, they all would have jumped at the chance to get one over on Exton by leaving them in the dust.

On the other hand, although Van would never admit it aloud, their rivals could sometimes be tolerable. And well, ‘crushing Exton’ was more fun when Exton was actually there to be crushed.

Scott made eye contact with his teammates, and Van gave a slight nod of assent.

“Yes,” Scott said to the two coaches. “We’re more than happy to be generous with our bus space and help out a fellow team in need.”

Aster rolled his eyes, while Jesse gave a nod that could be interpreted as gracious or mocking, depending on how you wanted to read it. “We’re honoured by that generosity.”

“All aboard, then,” Coach Brooks said, somewhat amused.

Marcel turned to Van. “Hey, now’s your chance to prove how well you can master needlecrafts! I can’t wait to be impressed.”

Uh-oh. Van cast around for someone, anyone else to be his seatmate. Coach Donati, counting her students onto the bus, suddenly frowned.

“Where’s Thomas?”

Coach Brooks looked around. “And where’s Sungchul? Would someone go and get them?”

Never mind – Van was not going to get saddled with that job. “Sure – let’s go,” he said, and bounded onto the bus.

[todaysdocument]

Telegram from the Executive Board of the San Francisco District of the California Federation of Women's Clubs Supporting the Raker Bill

Record Group 46: Records of the U.S. SenateSeries: Petitions and Related Documents That Were Presented, Read, or Tabled

The Raker Bill allowed San Francisco to build a dam on the Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park.

[preprinted Telegraph form reads "WESTERN UNION NIGHT LETTER THEO N. VAIL, PRESIDENT Form 2289 B RECEIVED AT"] B5A LY 477 NL 124 EXTRA SAN FRANCISCO CALIF DEC 2 1913 [purple ink stamp "1913 Dec 3 AM 1 49"] [blue ink stamp "1340"] THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES WASHINGTON DC WE THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT OF THE CALIF FEDERATION OF WOMENS CLUBS REPRESENTING A MEMBERSHIP OF SIX THOUSAND WOMEN VOTERS OF SAN FRANCISCO AND VICINITY RESPECTFULLY CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO A RESOLUTION PASSED BY OUR ORGANIZATION IN RECENT CONVENTION AT SANTA ROSA CALIF BEGGING YOUR FAVORABLE ACTION UPON THE RAKER HETCH HETCHY BILL WHICH YOU ARE NOW CONSIDERING WE BELIEVE THAT THIS RESOLUTION SHOULD BE GIVEN THE UTMOST WEIGHT AMONG ALL OF THE MASS OF ENDORSEMENTS OF AND PROTESTS AGAINST THE HETCH HETCHY BILL FOR THE REASON THAT THE WOMEN OF THIS DISTRICT HAVE BEEN FACE TO FACE WITH THE WATER PROBLEM OF SAN FRANCISCO FOR MANY YEARS AND KNOW IT AS NO OTHER WOMEN CAN POSSIBLY KNOW IT BECAUSE[stamp in purple ink "1913 DEC 3 AM 1 50"] (SHEET 2) IT HAS BEEN BEFORE US IN OUR HOMES AND IN THE MEETINGS OF OUR VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND WE HAVE GIVEN IT CONSCIENTIOUS STUDY WE HAVE PASSED THESE RESOLUTIONS WITH ACKNOWLEDGE OF THE FACTS AMONG OUR MEMBERS ARE MANY WHOSE HOMES IN SAN FRANCISCO ARE WITHOUT SEMBLANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION AND WHOSE HEALTH IS ENDANGERED THROUGH THE NECESSITY OF MAKING DOMESTIC USE OF WATER COMING FROM QUESTIONABLE SOURCES WE KNOW THE THOROUGHNESS WITH WHICH SAN FRANCISCO HAS STUDIES THIS QUESTION WE STAND UPON THE FINDINGS OF THE FEDERAL COMMISSION OF ARMY ENGINEERS APPOINTED BY OUR GOVERNMENT TO STUDY OUR PROBLEM WE HAVE GIVEN CONSIDERATION TO THE POSSIBLE INJURY OF CITIZENS OF OTHER SECTIONS AND BELIEVE THAT THE RAKER BILL IS A JUST AND HONORABLE BILL PROTECTING PERSONS WHO HAVE ANY INTERESTS IN THE WATERS FLOWING THROUGH THE HETCH HETCHY WE DO NOT AGREE WITH THOSE PERSONS WHO IN OUR OPINION ARE MISGUIDED IN ADVANCING FINE DRAWN DISTINCTIONS AS TO WHETHER THE HETCH HETCHY IS MORE PICTURESQUE AS IT IS THAN IT WILL BE WHEN ITS FLOOR IS COVERED BY A BEAUTIFUL LAKE[stamp in purple ink "1913 DEC 3 AM 1 50"] (SHEET 3) WE CANNOT BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL ALLOW THIS QUIBBLE TO ENTER INTO A QUESTION OF THIS KIND WHILE SAN FRANCISCO IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF WATER WE WANT WATER WITH JUSTICE TO ALL AND WE BEG TO AGAIN RESPECTFULLY CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO OUR FINDINGS AS EXPRESSED IN ON OUR RESOLUTIONS MRS PERCY S SHUMAN, PRESIDENT MRS PERCY KING VICE PRESIDENT MRS LEWIS E AUBURY COR SECRETARY MRS NATHAN FRANK REC SECRETARY MRS HENRY HANSEN TREASURER MRS H FINKLER AUDITOR MRS LILLIAN H COFFIN CHAIRMAN LEGISLATION MRS R V S BERRY CHAIRMAN ART MISS JENNIE PARTRIDGE CHAIRMAN CIVICS MRS J VICKERSON CHAIRMAN RECIPROCITY MRS C E CUMBERSON CHAIRMAN PEACE OR MARIANA BERTOLA CHAIRMAN HEALTH MRS NORMAN MARTIN CHAIRMAN PRESS MRS ELLA M S-EXTON CHAIRMAN EDUCATION MRS JOHN JURY CHAIRMAN MUSIC MRS C BURLINGAME CHAIRMAN HISTORY AND LANDMARKS MISS NELL H COLE CHAIRMAN FORESTRY MRS F F BOSTWICK CHAIRMAN PHILANTHROPY MRS W V GRIMES CHAIRMAN CIVIL SERVICE REFORM MRS NELLIE DENANN CHAIRMAN COUNTRY LIFE MISS M B VAIL CHAIRMAN HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS MRS LOUIS HERTZ CHAIRMAN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS. 113AM

[grffnmallen]

To those who only drive in the suburbs, you are missing a dynamic, rich life around you. Go for a walk. You would never expect that behind a district of restaurants and strip malls as far as the eye can see, is a vibrant park tucked away in plain sight. Even walking through those strip malls, you will find businesses you never even knew existed. It is amazing what you find when you just walk.

Exton, PA

[glampingholidays]

Glamping in Rutland - Lantern Larks Exton Park

Lantern Larks Exton Park, Rutland Water - Glamping in Rutland. Read more, plus the other latest top camping & glamping stories and news in today's edition of "Camping News" ▸ https://campingholidaysites.com/?edition_id=0e9680f0-4264-11ec-be6e-fa163ed80008

[mariocki]

The House in Nightmare Park (1973)

"This isn't going to be excruciating, is it? I mean I don't mind agony, but I draw the line at excruciation."

[rabbitzvk-blog]

Anyone near Chester county Pennsylvania?

Hey! I'm hoping to find some friends near Chester county pa.

Only girls because I'm a girl and I dont care for Male friends at the moment cuz my 3 best friends/long time friends are guys and I'm not interested in a boyfriend or hooking up w random people.

I just need some girl friends to hang with!! I like nature walks and bird/bug watching. I like exploring and taking photos. Even in the cold days although not tooooo cold.

I like hula hooping and dubstep and Morrissey and anything orchestra or opera not like I take a lot of interest in it but it's still nice to listen to something different.

Idk that's some about me someone might also take in similar interests.

I moved back here last year from Michigan & it's been boring and lonely. I met new ppl or went to some some gatherings in the summer but I feel like I didn't have any connection with them.

I wanna conversate and laugh and talk shit (not really talk shit more like poke fun) I wanna get our nails done n drive around blaring like britney spears or something goofing around.

Friendships are different w girls then guys and I legit have no girlfriends. All my girl friends from high school went off to college or moved.

I try to get out and meet ppl but it's difficult especially I feel weird just going up out in public and being like "hey how are you?"most people now are awkward n dont know how to socialize.

Anyways I'm Kristina I'm 22 in April. I'm a really laid back person. I like to goof around and do all sorts of stuff. I been thru lifes downs as well. Currently just dealing with this friendship-less-ness and a little anxiety ish stuff but anyways yeah I'm typing this cuz I'm sitting at the nail salon right now waiting to get my eye browns done.

These 2 girls are sitting laughing and gossiping about boys. I want a pal 😭😭

[spellsword177]

Thoughts on Fence: Rise (Volume Five)

Warning!  The following will contain spoilers for Fence:  Rise (Volume Five).  Please proceed at your own risk.  Volume Five is in the bag, and, as usual, I cannot wait to see The Halverton Training Camp story arc concludes in the next issue.  Naturally, I had some thoughts in order from least important to most important.

It was great seeing Kally and Tanner again if only for a moment.

So far, I like MacRob the best out of the competing schools, Halverton is okay, but I cannot stand the snobs from Lowther who seem to think their all that and a bag of chips despite placing fourth.  I’m very interested to see more of Terrell Holmes, Nate Spencer, Gian Torres, and Marcus Washington who all seem very cool and interesting new additions.  I’m also curious to  see more of Hector Ramirez and Stefano “Van” Remo as we didn’t see much from either of them.

I adored Dante letting Bobby put pom hair ties in his hair.  If that isn’t love, I’ll eat your hat.  Unofficial boyfriend anyone?  It was also great Bobby getting the role of Team Manager; I’m happy for that little ray of sunshine.

The only reason Aiden isn’t better at fencing has to do with his personal lack of interest and Harvard’s ranking.  If Harvard improves his low lines, Aiden would likely move up alongside of him.

I suspect Seiji will at minimum either lose a point or even a practice match in the next volume.  The question is will it be Scott Langtree (who will be disappointed not to gain a new teammate), Marcus Washington (who shows the greatest talen), or Saunchul Park (who is clearly out for blood) that lands the blow.  Seiji is very disciplined and fast, but he is also arrogant and a bit predictable which is likely a major contributor to how Jesse beat him.  He may want to be a bit more dynamic in how he approaches his future matches.  As for Jesse and Seiji, I’m not surprised they were more at one time than simply friends as it was heavily hinted at in France.  I don’t for a moment believe Seiji ever saw Jesse in that way nor do I think what they had together was in any way healthy.  The real villain is Robert Coste.

I’m not surprised, but I am disappointed that once again Nicholas is at the bottom of the fencing order.  In all fairness, he is being forced to improve his two weakest areas of technique and defense through these drills.  I’m pleased he’s shown improvement, and I look forward to him proving once again to be a fast learner.  All he needs is Jesse’s skill to be monster at fencing possibly even the greatest.  I suspect the series will end with some combination Nicholas, Seiji, and Jesse on the piste at the state finals.

Previously, I have posted about which person will be the first to realize how Nicholas is related to Jesse.  Once again, we have movement in which Bobby Rodriguez noticed similarities in Jesse’s and Nicholas’s respective styles.  I suspect Coach Williams may already know, but if she does, she isn’t making it obvious in any way.

Finally, we have the return of Kyle Allen who conveniently didn’t mention how he was Jesse’s cousin, though I suspect his mother is Robert Coste’s sister making him also related to Nicholas.  I can say he is clearly overplaying how close he is to Jesse as he had no idea who Nicholas was, or the fact Jesse is eyeing him as threat for Seiji’s attention and a potential threat on the piste.  Likewise, he isn't attending Exton with Jesse Coste even though they are "so close." Out of everyone, he would be the last person to recognize and except Nicholas Cox as Jesse Coste’s long lost half-brother.  I would love for the rematch where Nicholas wipes the floor with him, but I’ll settle for his shock over Nicholas finally beating Emmet Scott by the end of the training camp.

The next chapter cannot come soon enough.  Maybe Nate Spencer’s statement of “It’s the Kind of Place that changes everything” may prove to be prophetic foreshadowing.  I will look forward to whatever may transpire. Go King's Row!

[fuckitandmovetobritain]

Exton, Rutland, England, UK

[grindhousecellar]

[happygirl2oo2]

Fence: Striking Distance fanart I'd love see made

Please, I can't draw but I need those in my life so badly, and no this list has no order really so do whatever

Harvard and Aiden's fair date (bonus points if you include Aiden's years of dreaming of it as well)

Seiji and The Bros (any scene of your pick)

Harvard on his motorcycle (bonus points if it includes his leather jacket that he literally bought for "practicality", god I love him)

Harvard and Aiden's first time meeting as kids back in kindergarden (bonus points if that includes the full scene with Harvard being Best Boy even as a 5 year old)

The (failed) trust falls scene

Harvard and his mom (I'd take anything, really, but bonus points maybe if it's their talk after he realized he's been in love with Aiden all this time 'cause he told Aiden when he came back that that's what he did)

The scene of Seiji in the lines "He walked off, a stern, remote presence among the joyful crowd. A guy hopping on one foot almost crashed into him. On reception of a chilling glance from Seiji, he decided to throw himself upon the floor instead."

That scene of Harvard and Aiden in the hospital as kids when Harvard's dad was sick and Aiden came back after he was forced to leave 'cause he "want[ed] to be with Harvard"

Aiden and Rosita (possible ideas for it- her singing to him as a kid, the scene of them in the parking lot...)

The 'steaks run in the woods' scene

Aiden picking out his outfit for his fair date with Harvard (he canonly told Harvard that he just bought that for their date, but boy's been dreaming about this date, in detail, for years ok, so you better believe that either he had this outfit tucked away and saved for that occasion only in the hopes that it might happen and he couldn't tell Harvard that OR that he was so excited he really went shopping to get the perfect outfit for his dream date with Harvard, and I'd take a drawing of either version you want 'cause I love them both)

'Nicholas giving Seiji his fixed watch' scene

Harvard and Aiden's first time to Kings Row

"What are you doing tonight?" "Being heterosexual? Or.. maybe not?" scene

Harvard and Aiden in the rain under one coat (Harvard mentioned that it's been happening constantly since they were 10, so bonus points if if it's them, like this, over the years, eventually ending with the scene of it in the fair date)

Harvard taking care of sick Aiden

Dante being Done® with the fence team (scene to your choosing, there's a bunch)

The scene where Harvard and Aiden are being romantic while the others ignore them to focus on crime

Nickholas and Aiden's talk at the campfire

Harvard cooing over the picture Coach's baby nephew she showed him on her phone (happened in the first chapter, bonus points if you include "Aiden sneaked a glance at Harvard's glowing face and then smiled to himself" in the background)

In the same scene as the one the idea above is from, it was also mentioned that Harvard secretly collected videos of kittens and puppies being friends, so a drawing of that maybe..?

Harvard and Aiden's "Because it means nothing" scene (because apparently I'm not dead enough inside yet)

Seiji's first time at breakfast scene (Bonus points Nicholas lowkey stealing Dante's food, and extra bonus points if it includes the scene with "-the best looking guy in school, everyone agrees-"×"Wait, why are we suddenly talking about Seiji?")

Harvard and Aiden's first kiss

Harvard waking up Aiden in the morning (it's canonly said to happen a lot, so you can make it as you wish, but I have the scene if you want it for reference, and bonus points if it's them doing it over the years, starting with younger them doing it by phone like Harvard recalled and ending with it now with their room and shared bed in Kings Row. Additional bonus points if you also make the scene of him telling Aiden boring stories to help him fall asleep)

Follow up on the one above- if you end up just drawing that 'telling him boring stories to help him fall asleep' scene instead, then bonus points if Harvard starts the story with them both as kids, as he's canonly been doing it for years ever since their first sleepover, and ends it with them as they are now at their room in Kings Row

The scene with Seiji, Jesse and Aiden in the woods but the part where "“I knew it, I knew horrible things were happening at Kings Row,” Jesse muttered. He stopped tugging persuasively and pulled at Seiji’s wrist hard enough to hurt, so Seiji’s sleeve was disarranged and the dying light caught his watch. “And what ghastly object are you wearing on your wrist?!” “That’s my favorite watch,” Seiji snapped, and twisted his arm free."

Harvard and Aiden's first sleepover

The campfire scene, specifically the part in the lines "Nicholas made a grab for the big bag of marshmallows, despite Seiji’s attempts to foil him. He fought for possession of the bag while Harvard brought Aiden a drink from the cooler and Eugene protested loudly: “Watch the fire! Bros, I’m concerned you’re gonna actually fall into the huge roaring fire.”"

Aiden and Seiji little talk in the woods after they walked away from Jesse

Harvard and his mom's magazines

The night cook-in meet thing at Dante and Bobby's room (all parts of that scene are on the table but possible bonus points for the part where Harvard's smiling at a text from Neal and Aiden accidently knocks over the burner which sets the curtain on fire)

The campfire scene, the lines "Eugene reached out with hope for a fist bump. Seiji waved him away irritably. “You saw what happened with the weight lifters earlier. Do you think I am in the mood for more physical contact today?” “Understood, bro,” said Eugene, lowering his fist. “Catch you tomorrow, on another righteous teammate day! I think you’re all the best, bros!” Instantly his fist shot back up in position. Seiji gave Eugene a betrayed look. “It’s a reflex, bro,” Eugene assured Seiji. “I didn’t mean anything by it.” Seiji made a grouchy sound and moved closer to Nicholas for protection from fist bumps."

Harvard and Aiden's double date

The Nicholas and Seiji scene in the lines "Seiji clung to the curtain as if it was a security blanket and he was a big baby. "I need the curtain." "You need me," said Nicholas. Seiji Blinked. "What?" "You require my present?" Nicholas reminded him."

The two Harvard and Aiden Araté scenes, next to each other- the one in the Salle where they're fencing, kinda early in the book, and the one in their room with the last kiss, around the end of the book

Seiji seeing Dante trying to sit next to Nicholas and Nicholas telling him "hey, dude, no, I'm saving this seat for Seiji" before he come to the table and sat there

Harvard playing video games with his little cousin (he mentioned to coach, quite early in the book, that he did it occassionally)

Nicholas and the Bros at the fair

Seiji's chat with his dad (bonus points if you also drew the memory of Seiji as a kid that his dad brought up here)

The scene in the woods with Seiji, Jesse and Aiden, especially the lines "Aiden rolled his eyes. “Oh my God, there are three of them.” “There’s only one of me,” Jesse snapped. “I’m Jesse Coste.” He tossed his head up high. Seiji had seen other people quail when faced with half the fury currently gleaming in Jesse’s blue eyes or contained in the arrogant lift of his chin. “Don’t flip your hair at me, freshman,” Aiden sneered back. “I’m Aiden Kane.” Aiden shook back his own light, bright, curling hair from his face and looked down his nose at Jesse. “Who?” Jesse asked. “Ask some of the Exton boys,” Aiden drawled. “I don’t remember their names, but I guarantee you they’ll know mine.”"

Nicholas and Seiji moving the curtain scene

Eugene telling Nicholas about the prank (poor dude about to pass out while Nicholas is touched by it)

Harvard and Neal (mostly for Haiden angst in edits purposes to be honest 😬 But also 'cause Harvard is Best Boyfriend no matter who he's with and I kinda want to see it)

Seiji & Nicholas being Oblivious Freshmen

Aiden's coming out to Harvard when they were.. 15 I think it was(?) scene (it's been mentioned in Aiden's thoughts in the scene where Harvard comes out to him after his date with that girl), maybe? Idk

[seedsandroots]

Summer 2020. Ainslie and myself (Hana taking the photo and possibly Amy as well) Out on the ol haunted roads of exton park.

The deserted medieval village of Horn lies nearby (a couple miles out of exton) and I have seen the spirits on close, misty nights, appearing as little twinkles and flashes of little light in the oak parkland. Spooky and unsettling but harmless, I wonder who these spirits are?

[extonpennsylvania101]

Exton At a Glance

Quick Facts and Everything You Need to Know About Exton, Pennsylvania. The city of Exton is an independent territory found in the state of Pennsylvania, member of Chester County. Exton brings a considerable amount of tourists annually for their local activities and famous sites. Because of that, we've rounded up a few fun facts about the city of Exton you need to know!

History & Etymology

Exton has a rich origin story the festivities and events that the city holds on a regular basis, to the sensational local diners and bars both the natives and tourists love, Exton is home to a diverse populace and complex culture and history.

Population Data and Figures on Geography

With a land area of 3.2 sq mi, Exton holds a grand population of 4,900. The city of Exton is made of a particularly varied mix of people, coming from all walks of life and experiences. And with PHL only a ways off from the heart of the city, it's not surprising that Philadelphia Airport finds hundreds and thousands of people coming and going into Exton every day, whether for work or pleasure.

Culture and Popular Establishments

Coming from an intricate history as a city and part of the state of Pennsylvania, Exton hosts a lot of the leading restaurants and world-renowned hotels. Go over our Top 5 lists of the city's finest dining experiences and fanciest hotel rooms for when you're in Exton. And while you're here in town, you might as well check out some of Exton's most popular landmarks to make the most of your trip here, like the Exton Park, Boot Road Park, and Pinot's Palette. Whether you're an art aficionado, want to enjoy a nice day out in the park, or want to take your children to see and learn about animals in the zoo, Exton has got the place for you!

Afterwards, if you want to unwind and enjoy a chill night in, you can explore some of the city's most reputable bars and joints to get a bit of downtime and relaxation after a long day. If you time your vacation just right, you might even be able to catch one of our annual festivals and special events. If you're a sports fan, you could even catch a game or two at Draper Walsh Stadium Whether you come here regularly for work or are visiting on a holiday, we're sure you'll enjoy your stay at Exton.

Click here to find out the best places to visit in Exton, Pennsylvania.

[team-downey-1965]

Robert Downey Jr, and Susan Downey their kids Avri and Exton in Disneyland Park! (06/02/2019)

[thefatmfanclub]

Florence Welch with Mathew Smith and Jack Loveday Exton, whilst shooting the video footage for Florence + the Machine's BST Hyde Park stage-show 

Via @OneStopFilms

[thefollyflaneuse]

'Survival is Capricious': The Bark Temple, Exton Park, Rutland

‘Survival is Capricious’: The Bark Temple, Exton Park, Rutland

The Folly Flâneuse is putting her feet up this week, and handing over to her very good friend The Garden Historian. As guest contributor he reveals the history of the lovely, but now lost, timber temple at Exton Park.

In 1953, when Barbara Jones coined the opening words ‘survival is capricious’ for her account of the Bark Temple in Follies & Grottoes, she was probably unaware of how prophetic…

[glampingholidays]

Glamping at Exton Park, Rutland

Short stay: Lantern & Larks glamping at Exton Park, Rutland, UK - A Luxury Travel Blog. Read more via “Camping News" ▸ http://campingholidaysites.com/?edition_id=69daf370-9c90-11e7-b468-0cc47a0d164b