#Farm tour and training

[farmerstrend]

How Our Pixie Orange Farm Tour and Training Unfolded in Makueni County

“Discover how our recent Farm Tour and Training in Makueni County empowered farmers with expert advice on pixie orange production, from nursery management to harvesting techniques.” “Our Farm Tour and Training at Aaron Agronomy Services provided hands-on experience in pixie orange farming, offering farmers valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and pest control methods.” After a…

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

It's the most w o n d e r f u l time of the year

[stealingyourbones]

Submitted Prompts #144

*shakes a bag of bird skulls I found in the woodsI and places it on your desk like it's a bag of gold*

I had an idea:

What if the Fenton parents are, in fact very competent Hunters, but they love their children more than their work?

Say the first shot Maddie ever fired at Phanton actually lands, and the scream he makes sounds too much like Danny's voice, to a point even with any ghostly distortion, his own still recognizes the voice.

I can see her pulling Jack to the side, making a ruckus about how the "darn ghost got away just as her blaster ran out of juice". Mostly as a way to get Danny her darling son to leave and go somewhere safe, while his parents have a whole breakdown in the GAV about their dead son.

And so begins the stealthy studies on how Phantom's "human disguise" works, the Revelation of Horrible Truth, keeping tabs on Danny's growth and revising their whole attitude on Ghosts to account for the fact that Danny himself is, at least in some part, a Ghost himself, but all he's done is live his life (and be the little hero Mom always said he'd grow up to be).

Jazz stumbles across his secret and is immediately pulled aside to join the secret "Protect the Baby Ghost" family group chat.

"And what about all the times they shot at him in canon" I hear you ask?

They're damn good shots, but while Maddie can train herself to aim just so that the shot misses just enough it looks like Phantom dodged it, Jack has the Fenton Bazooka outfitted with a tracking HUD that purposely fails to hit everyone's favorite Ghost Boy.

Danny picks up on that, but not on the fact that They Know.

And so begins the single most convoluted training arc ever.

Next time Skulker's in town, Phantom has become untouchable. Not a single shot or electrified net reaches it's target.

(The electrified weapons in particular send the Fentons into a rage when Sam and Tucker finally can't keep hiding it, and come clean about what happened, since the Fentons have proven themselves to be trustworthy)

When Red Huntress comes about, and Valerie Grey becomes barely a distant acquaintance after having only just now started becoming more than a friend, and with the GIW sniffing about, Maddie and Jack pull Danny to sit between them and finally tell him they know, and they want to prove that they'll love him just as much as before, whether Human or Ghost.

Danny breaks down in the safety of his family's love, and takes some time off as Phantom to help his parents establish a proper line of communication with the Ancients, considering they've kinda adopted themselves into the roles of Aunts and Uncles towards their little Ghostling.

Which is a good thing, because in Phantom's absence the GIW make a giant spectacle of destroying several houses while chasing some blob ghosts. They're chased out of town by brick, stone and metal bat.

Next time Red Huntress actually manages to hurt Danny, the Fentons pack up and leave. The Portal can be transported somewhere else. It can be rebuilt.

Their baby boy can't be rebuilt, no matter how much he likes to be a little shit and ignore Reality to quote Shakespeare at his own head (thank you Mr Lancer, for not giving up on him) or "give them a hand".

As Fenton takes the last tour of Amity, Phantom disappears. The Protal has been left seemingly unguarded.

The Ghosts decide to have one last hurrah in Anity Park before Danny closes the Portal, as per their deal. They won't hurt anyone, just cause chaos, but in return Phantom won't stop them. It's not like poor Red has the energy to chase them down, now that she's been "upgraded" into Amity's sole defender (the one time Lancer compares her new lack of sleep to Danny's, horrifying pieces start lining up too well in her mind)

The Fentons move out. Into a quiet farm neighbouring the land that belongs to the delightful couple that are the Kents, and their darling son, little Clark, who stares at Danny mildly horrified whenever he comes by to babysit, or help out with fixing the stubborn tractor. One day under Danny's clever hands, and Jonathan Kent's eagle-eyed gaze, and that damned tractor has never worked so well before. The boy's alright in the old man's eyes, and he makes sure they kid knows it.

After quiet rooftop admissions of one small boy's growing powers (I know Adult Clark is a brick house of a man, but what if he was a little twig while young) and the reveal of Something More Than Human from his honorary older brother, the course of Time sets into it's best version, and an Old Clock smiles, as Superman rises, only to be scolded by Spectre for recklessness.

(Dunno how well it came across, but I'm envisioning Valerie's feelings towards Danny to go from bitter resignation because she " had to" push him away, to horrified despair when the truth starts falling into place. He's her "the one that got away". And it's not like she gave him much of a reason to trust her with his secrets.

Maybe older and wiser Red Huntress gets invited to the Justice League, and has to deal with not just Fenton, but also Phantom flirting with her, after a good long conversation on how dumb they both were as kids, and a mutual vow of "I think I can do better now, and I want to prove it to you")

[tgmsunmontue]

Another AU tickling away in my mind is Jake being a farrier and a blacksmith. He works in a 'historic village' to supplement his income while he does art and commission pieces and also shoes horses. He sort of fell into it because he rides a lot (grew up on a ranch) and when the farrier came he'd always help out, and then he got trained up.

The blacksmithing came as a hobby when someone was trying to offload the gear when Jake was out at their farm/ranch and he was like... Sure, I'll give it a go. Turns out he's got an eye for creating art with molten/heated metal and he's got ARMS, and a leather apron and tools and it gets all hot and sweaty... (He's currently thinking about getting into playing around with blowing glass).

One Friday he's doing a day at the historic village, just working the forge, making horseshoes and other little trinkets for the souvenir shop, and he's going to be giving a talk at eleven when the school tour comes through and then...

Mr Bradshaw, history teacher, walks into the foundry and almost swallows his tongue.

[allwaswell16]

A One Direction fic rec of hurt/comfort fics as requested in this ask. This rec is a part 2, you can find part 1 here. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis / Harry -

❤️‍🩹 This Multiplicity of Powers by @helloamhere

(E, 149k, superheroes) Maybe there’s a universe where he doesn’t have to keep all his secrets on the inside. But this isn’t that universe. //an X-Men AU.

❤️‍🩹 another dream but always you by you_explode / @nobodymoves

(M, 66k, famous/not famous) Harry is a Dreamwalker; he has the ability to visit people in their dreams and help put them on the right path. He's assigned to Louis, who's struggling after the break-up of his band.

❤️‍🩹 saw some things on the other side by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(M, 61k, time travel) Louis’ plan doesn’t take into account the fact that instead of writing murder mysteries, he will find himself in one.

❤️‍🩹 Chasing, Searching, Dreaming by @parmahamlarrie

(E, 46k, soulmates) Harry has known who his soulmate is since he was twenty years old, and ever since, he has been waiting for Louis to be ready for him. 

❤️‍🩹 Train Tracks and Porcelain by @jaerie

(E, 41k, historical circus au) Shadows were forming into people and things and, there in the middle of it, Louis watched the humongous head of an elephant emerge from a box car right in front of his eyes. Or a Water For Elephants inspired AU

❤️‍🩹 Caves End by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom

(E, 39k, farm) the one where Harry has lost his future, Louis has lost his past, but maybe together, they can find a way through the dark.

❤️‍🩹 My Other Half Was You by @lululawrence

(NR, 35k, acrobat Louis) By the age of 30, Louis' entire life trajectory had changed from what he'd thought it would be. He moved back to the town he grew up in and did his best to pull himself and his life back together again.

❤️‍🩹 All Out of Love by SunTomato / @sun-tomato

(G, 32k, cupid au) While on a mission to match Liam and Zayn, the distraction comes in the shape of Louis Tomlinson – an overworked and underloved man trying way too hard to do everything himself.

❤️‍🩹 Until the Pearls Get Lost by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(M, 25k, omegaverse) Liam’s childhood friend Louis is about to become the talk of the city; left at the altar because the mating bond was rejected, Louis will spend the rest of his life in an institution unless Liam can find someone to take him in and care for him as he recovers.

❤️‍🩹 Scarred by @allwaswell16

(E, 23k, omegaverse) As a male omega, Louis has learned to live with disappointment and rejection, but he dreams of the day he finds his soulmate. When Harry inadvertently rejects him as his soulmate, Harry has no idea he's doomed Louis to a slow, painful death.

❤️‍🩹 what's left of my halo's black by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(E, 22k, fwb) A year after a devastating breakup, Louis is still trying to put himself back together - but getting over a breakup is hard when you work as a wedding planner. Thankfully, his coworker Harry is the most supportive friend Louis could ask for.

❤️‍🩹 some evening in springtime by delsicle / @eeveedel

(M, 20k, age difference) Fresh out of veterinary school, Louis moves to a sleepy small town in Texas to take over the local animal clinic. But his new life is quickly interrupted by a middle aged rancher with a bad leg and a mysterious past, who really needs Louis's yoga skills.

❤️‍🩹 Safe place to hide us away by @lunarheslwt

(T, 12k, omegaverse) weighed down by everyday stress, alpha Harry takes up nesting in secret. It takes a load of missing clothes and unravelling lies for him to realise that his omega would love and accept him no matter what.

❤️‍🩹 Close Enough to Touch by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(M, 11k, tour au) Louis definitely did not need a masseuse on tour. Not even if that masseuse turned out to be gorgeous, kind, and lovely.

❤️‍🩹 I Kinda Need A Hero (Is It You) by @fallinglikethis

(NR, 5k, flower shop) Louis is a barista who’s had his heart broken. Harry is the boy who wants to put the pieces back together.

❤️‍🩹 Together We're the Greatest by @hellolovers13

(E, 4k, exes) It's not the first time Louis has to stitch Harry back together, but Louis will make sure it is the last.

❤️‍🩹 The Cowboy In Us All by @taggiecb

(G, 3k, famous/famous) When the real pain of trouble in their relationship gets to be too much they turn to the one thing that they can control; the messages in the songs they sing onstage.

❤️‍🩹 Remember Me (When I'm With You) by liberty_barnes / @liberty-barnes

(T, 1k, fallen angel Louis) the one where Louis was cast out and Harry just wants him to be happy.

- Rare Pairs -

❤️‍🩹 your crimes are quiet, my love by lightswoodmagic / @lightwoodsmagic

(E, 97k, Zayn/Liam) A darker Miss Congeniality AU that follows Zayn and Liam, MI5 agents, partners since training and best friends, as they race to stop a serial killer. 

❤️‍🩹 a little tenderness by @disgruntledkittenface

(NR, 10k, Niall/Harry) Harry’s never been around an omega in depri as bad off as Niall looks; most of the time, there’s an alpha friend or family member who can help out with scenting and physical contact.

[katiemay-025]

Cabin in the Woods

~~~~~

Summary: After the rebellion you decide to move to District 7 to be with Johanna and help her through her hydrophobia.

wc: 1.7k

warnings: y/n/n = your nickname, mdni, mentions of hydrophobia, swearing, brief nudity, blood. a/n: getting tired of searching tumblr for Johanna Mason fics and not finding any new ones so I wrote one myself.

~~~~~

The train pulled into the station and when the doors open, you’re greeted by the fresh smell of pine and the thick misty clouds. It had been a months since Katniss shot Coin and the victor’s were whisked away back to their district. You were from District 10, and used to live and breathe on the farm where you raised the cattle and horses. After months without a caretaker, some of them hopped the fence but most of them died.

There wasn’t much to rebuild in District 10 so you decided a change of scenery would be nice. More than anything, you wanted to see Johanna in District 7. You wanted to see how she was doing considering she refused any more help from the doctors. So here you were standing at the District 7 platform with a small pack of clothes on your back.

Finnick gave you her address and directions to her house since he’d been there for the victory tour as the mentor for the 72nd Hunger Games. When you had won during the 66th year, Johanna hadn’t had a house yet in Victor’s Village.

Making your way through the town was easy, most people far and wide had gone to The Capitol to see Snow’s execution, they were all still trickling back. The almost ghost town didn’t bother you, but a ghost house did. At first you weren’t sure if you had the right house but then you saw the horse figurine half carved from its stake and the many other figurines. As far as you knew none of the other victors had their talent as woodcarvings.

This was definitely Johanna’s house but it was as barren as when you had came home to your house. Musty and a layer of dust caking everything. Unsure of where she could have gone, you went back to the town where a few people were moving the logs around to help with the rebuilding. Someone must know where she went so you asked around. “Hey have you seen Johanna Mason? She’s a few inches taller than me, with brown spikey hair and brown eyes. She also permanently glares at everything.”

“Oh yeah the victor, she comes into town twice a week for food supplies.”

“She’s not at her house?”

“No she’s out west past the tree farms doing god knows what.”

“Okay thank you.”

All you had to go off of was Johanna was past the tree farms. The farms looked bad, the ground was uneven, the trees were uprooted and some of them had a chunk of the trunk blasted out, District 7 must’ve rebelled here, mirroring District 10 and the main work places.

At the end of the grid of trees, there was a trail between the bushes, at the start you found tracks that led further into the forest. It took another 30 minutes before you heard wooden logs tapping against each other.

Johanna was 10 feet in the air hanging with her legs wrapped around the tree and using the back end of her axe to hammer in the final frame log for her… whatever she’s building.

“So this is where Johanna goes after the war.” You say grabbing her attention.

“You know damn well why, I fucking hate that mansion.” she said swinging down to the roof of the cabin she built below the platform. “How did you find me?”

“Oh you know, I asked for directions and the guy sent me this way to follow angry gremlin tracks.”

Johanna rolled her eyes. “I have an axe in my hand right now.”

“You’re not a threat to me Mason. I can spit on you and you’d go into shock.”

“Shut the fuck up.” She scoffed. It was mean yes, using her fears against her but Johanna needs the reality check and from experience, she takes you more seriously when you don’t coddle her.

“No. You can’t sweep it under the rug Johanna. Not this time, I won’t let you. It starts just like this, not showering, avoiding the rain. Soon it’ll turn to you not staying hydrated and I’m not letting you die.”

“So what? You’re going to stay here until I get better?”

“If that’s what it takes.” You felt it first, the cold drop of water on your hand. “Let’s go inside, you can give me a tour.” You offer your hand towards Johanna and she pushes it out of the way as she walks around the cabin to the front door. You see the hair on her neck stand followed by heavy breathing. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards the door tripping on the steps of her porch and ramming into the door.

You winced watching her in pain so you moved to help her. As soon as you touched her shoulder she knocked it away again. “I’m fine!” She shouted. You could hear the pitter patter as the rain hit the leaves above you. You felt more drops on your head and looked up to feel them on your face. You loved the rain and if Johanna wasn’t going to accept your help, you’d at least enjoy it.

You reached your arm towards the sky smiling at the cool misty air. You hopped from the porch and ran circles around the tree spinning through the forest like a fairy. In the floor, you collected the pine needles and threw them into the air with a giggle, but you quickly turned your head to Johanna who sat with her back towards the door and her knees pressed to her chest.

The rain wasn’t getting to her because of the overhang but you saw the glistening under her eyes. Blood ran down her nose as well and watching her was like that 17 year old girl who cried through her reaping and her interview. Only this time it was real. You quickly stopped your dance and walked over to her, ignoring the squelching in your shoes. You crouched down out of arms reach from her. You wanted to hold her but you knew it would send her into a deeper madness because of your wet clothes.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s not fair! It’s not fair that you get to go out and dance in the rain and I can’t.” She whined. “District 7 is a rain forest, it rains majority of the days here and I can’t even step off my porch.”

“You’re right it’s not fair, but like I said, I’ll be here and I’ll help you every step of the way. One day we’ll be able to dance together in the rain.”

“It’s stupid. I know you’re fine but I-“

You waited for her to continue but her voice died out. “It’s not stupid Johanna. It’s completely understandable.” You reached your hand out to catch the rain and held it out towards Johanna. “Baby steps. If you wanna poke the water, go ahead. If not I’ll just sit here.”

This was a tactic to get the horses to trust you with a brush, holding the item in your hand and letting them feel the bristles of the brush for themselves before you grooming their hair. Johanna crawled to sit next to you. You heard her sniffling and saw her fingers shake when she brought it up. You never moved letting her dip her finger in the pool of your palms. “I can do this. It can’t hurt me.” She said to herself before plunging her finger in the water.

Johanna looked up at you like a child looking for approval and you returned a beaming smile. Your cheekbones rose high to turn your eyes into crescent moons. In all honesty you were proud she at least retained some things the doctor in District 13 taught her, like positive self motivation.

It seemed to click for Johanna that she actually touched water from the first time since The Block. “It’s a start. I’m proud of you.” You said.

Johanna let out a sigh she didn’t know she was holding as she looked into your eyes. If you weren’t here, she’d have hid under her bed until who knows when, but in your presence, it was like a protection. Through everything you had gone through, you were still the same caring and patient y/n she knew.

“I’m going to change before I start catching a cold.” You stood up stripping off your jacket. The cold water seeping down your back and you left it next to the door.

“If I see any water inside I’m strangling you.”

You shook your head as you stripped off the rest of your clothes turning to an all too smug Johanna. “Happy?”

“Very.” She said checking you up and down. “It’s like your horses and the apples you give them when they do a good job. I touch water and you get naked as a reward.

You laugh at her comparison. You couldn’t even be mad at her, after all, you did treat her like a horse a couple minutes ago. If this was going to help her then you wouldn’t mind.

“Okay. I can do that only in private though. I am not getting naked at the market, when you run your hand through the produce sprinklers.”

“That’s better for me then. I get you to myself.” She opened the door and let you go in. As you stepped into her cabin in the woods, you felt a hand squeeze the skin on your butt and snapped your head towards her, her name on the tip of your tongue. Johanna threw her head back laughing at your reaction before walking past you and bumping her hip with yours. "Make yourself some tea, I've got tea bags and pine needles. Collect your own water though. I'll get you some towels and clothes to dry off."

What a day, from being on a train to getting naked in the middle of the forest. No matter what though, you were glad that the day was ending in the presence of Johanna Mason. After putting on her clothes, because you stupidly left your pack in the rain, the two of you cuddled under a blanket and enjoyed the warmth of the crackling fire.

[mrchiipchrome]

can you do prompt 52 with beth mead please

prompt 52; Shh, stop moving.

Field trips with the Arsenal team, that did not involve away games, were frankly rare. They usually happened once in a blue moon whenever the stars aligned and Jonas thought that the team had done a good enough job on the pitch to skip training.

Somehow the team had managed to convince Jonas to plan a day trip just after the season ended, the sun standing proudly in the sky as you sit on the bus taking you to the activity. Jonas hadn’t told you what exactly you would be doing, but it surely did take a lot of time to get there.

You spent the time divided between your teammates, playing card games or gossiping, before finally retreating back to the arms of your longtime girlfriend. You had been missing her while socializing with the others, the smiley girl’s touch enough to make your knees weak.

You slide down in the seat that had been left vacant next to your girl for the last 45 minutes, she immediately notices your presence beside her. She slides her hand into yours, needing your touch just as much as you need hers. You bring your joined hands up to your mouth, kissing the back of hers before starting to fiddle with her fingers and the few rings that sat upon them.

A slight blush covers her face as she looks at your face with an indescribable amount of love in her eyes, she doesn’t even notice the lull in the conversation when she doesn’t respond and how there suddenly is a hand waving in front of her face.

“Beth, are you listening? You haven’t been responding,” Viv says, staring dramatically at the girl. Beth looks back at her best friend, telling her that she did in fact listen to the taller girl.

Another 20 minutes go by, Beth still talking with the dutch girl while you are sitting silently, your arm now around her shoulders. The bus stops suddenly, right outside of a farm with a big red barn and different types of fencing around pieces of land where the animals could go free.

“Alright team, as you can see we will be spending the day at this farm. We will go on a guided tour, learning all about farm life before you all get to go free.” The team nods at Jonas’ words, filing out of the big bus as you stand in a line in front of the large vehicle.

The guide comes up to you, introducing herself quickly and looking you up and down. It’s not something you notice, way too much in your own world, but it is something that Beth notices. A feeling rises up in Beth’s chest. It's not news that people thought you were attractive, but it was something about this tour guide that made her want to strangle someone(preferably the tour guide).

Beth separates herself from your side as you all begin to walk on the mud caked walk leading up to the biggest barn. Under the entire duration of the tour, the woman at the front of the group flirted with you, whether that be a subtle wink or a full on flirty line about how you were so strong.

The others had seemingly started to pick up on it too, sending her dirty looks every time she sent you flirty looks and flirted so openly. The only one to seemingly not pick up on it, was you. They knew you were oblivious, I mean it had taken you a full year of very obvious hints from your girlfriend before you had asked her out, but to not pick up on such obvious flirting was beyond you.

You couldn’t understand why Beth had separated herself from you completely, not even locking her pinky with yours. Something was obviously wrong, and you would have to figure that out before she closed herself off even more.

You slip up behind her as the tour nears its end, clamping one hand over her mouth and picking her up with the other. She tenses for a moment before she starts to thrash in your hold, trying to get you to let her loose.

“Shh, stop moving. It’s me, I just want to talk in private.” Beth’s previously tense and thrashing body stills and you loosen your grip on her, hand sliding down to grip her hand to pull her with you towards the big red barn.

As soon as you reach it, the two of you hide behind it. You’re slightly out of breath from the running as you look around the corner for the group, Beth’s body between you own and the red wall of the barn.

“They shouldn’t notice that we’re gone for like 5 minutes, and to find us it would take another 5 minutes. So we have 10 total minutes to talk.” You look down at her flushed face, suddenly realizing how close you were.

Leaning down, you place a lingering kiss on her mouth, one hand on her waist and one on her jaw. You pull away before you can get too carried away, remembering why you brought her there in the first place.

“Beth, what happened before?” You ask her, looking directly into her eyes. She looks away briefly before looking back into your eyes, hers full of innocence.

“What do you mean?” The innocence in her tone matches that of her eyes, yet you don’t believe her for one single second.

“Oh really, then why were you glaring holes into the back of that guide's head? Was that because you were totally fine?” You weren’t as clueless as you first looked, you knew why she had been so distant as soon as you looked into her eyes, they always expressed everything she was feeling despite her trying to mask it.

“I- I- you-she looked at you like you were a prize to be won over with her horrid pick up lines and non subtle winks. I didn’t like it.” She mumbles, looking down towards the thick and long grass. Your hand settles under her chin, moving her head up to meet your gaze, a slight smirk on your face.

“So you were jealous?” She looks away from you again at your teasing comment, an embarrassed blush overtaking her face.

You pull her attention back to you, her eyes finding yours again as she searches for the truth in your words.

“There is nothing wrong with being jealous, baby. To tell you a secret, it was quite hot to see you glaring at that weirdo. I mean does she not know that I have the most wonderful amazing fucking girlfriend in the world?” You tell her, rolling your eyes at the thought of another girl flirting with you, especially in front of your girlfriend.

“I will love you until the end of time, no tour guide is going to take me away from you. That is certain.” You lean down, placing a passionate kiss on your girlfriend’s lips. She quickly deepens the kiss, the once simple kiss turning into a heavy makeout session behind the barn.

“Oh my god! I have to bleach my eyes after seeing that.” You two her the Dutch accent connected to your shared best friend, and when you look towards her she’s covering her eyes with her hand. “Come on before the others notice that you’re gone.”

You steal one last kiss from your incredible girlfriend before you follow Viv, Beth’s hand in yours.

When you rejoin the group you see the tour guide looking towards you with a flirty gaze. It makes you want to gag, but instead you pull Beth in for another deep kiss and make sure that she’s watching you. The girls around you cheer you on as you kiss, and you fix the woman at the front of the group with a stern look, telling her that you only belonged with one woman and that you didn’t appreciate her flirting at all.

“God I love you so much” You steal one last kiss from the shorter girl before continuing to look around the farm curiously. Beth once again looks at you with the most love filled look in her eyes, not believing she had someone who loved her as strongly as you did.

[hannahbarberra162]

Country Mouse, City Mouse Chapter 2

Now on Ao3

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Chapter 2 - Oh, Fiddleheads.

“Would you like to view the accommodations of the castle?” Mihawk addressed you, after completing a tour of his farm. You were a little impressed, he hadn’t done a terrible job. Especially since this looked like his first foray into farming. You’d definitely seen worse. He was a man of few words, telling you only the names of the fruits and vegetables he’d planted. That’s ok, you didn’t mind silence either. You were sitting on your haunches and making a rough sketch of the farm with paper and pencil you’d had in your sack. You stood up and said “sure enough.”

The afternoon sun had come and gone, and you were hungry. “By the way,” you said, walking towards the castle “I’m not much of a cook. I can grow your food but I cain’t cook it. Er, not well by any means. I can try, but you might not like the results.”

“It is no matter. A cooking schedule has already been established. Perona and I switch off, as Roronoa is also…not inclined towards cooking.”

“Oh, there are other folks here? And they don’t help you on the farm?”

“Roronoa is dedicated only to his training. Perona prefers to remain in the castle.”

“Oh, she’s what I call an indoor cat. Ain’t nothing. Takes all types to make the world run.” With that, you continued walking in silence together. You didn’t feel the need to say anything and neither did he. Walking along together, you occasionally pointed out wild edible flora. “Let’s keep our eyes on that fiddlehead fern. Once they’re ready, they taste great sauteed.” Mihawk looked over at the fern but said nothing. 

Upon reaching the castle, he opened the large door with ease. “After you,” he said gesturing inside. It was a grand place, you supposed, all bricks and tall ceilings. “There are many unused rooms inside the estate, you may select whichever suits you.”

“Oh no need, I’ll just be here to eat. Maybe to bundle vegetables when the harvest comes.”

“What do you mean.” he said the question as a statement, as though the thought of not living in the castle was unfathomable.

“This ain’t my kinda place. Too grand for the likes of me,” you said with a kind smile. “I saw you have a shed out by the farm. I’ll live in there. Nice ‘n comfy.”

“The garden shed is not a suitable accommodation.”

“That’s fine, I don’t mind hunkerin’ down outdoors. Weather seems fine tonight.”

Mihawk sputtered. You’d rather sleep in the grass than in his grand castle? 

 “You alright there, Boss? We already fightin’ each other?”

“There is no fight. If you wish to live in the shed or outside like the animals, you may do as you please. Beware the humandrills. I will give you no further warnings.”

“Thank you kindly.”

Mihawk POV

You did know your craft of farming. He enjoyed listening to you talk about the wild vegetables and their practical applications. You did not feel the need to prattle on when there was nothing needing to be mentioned, something he appreciated. You had a certain spark that made everything more interesting. It was charisma, he realized. Not like Shanks, who weaponized it to manipulate those foolish enough to fall for it. You were artless in your charming personality and it shined through your words and actions. You were not unpleasant to be around, which Mihawk appreciated.

He was going to show you around the castle when you told him your preposterous idea of living outside in the shed. He had never heard of such nonsense. But you were an adult woman capable of making your own foolish choices. He didn’t have to understand it. 

It was Perona’s turn to cook dinner, and he could smell the stew she was finishing. Perona, as temperamental as she was, had a knack for cooking. It was easier to tolerate her outbursts on a full stomach. He walked you to the kitchen and showed you the attached mess room. Though he had a penchant for eating in the dining room, they most often took their meals in the mess. Perona was floating about, putting the finishing touches into the stew.

“Ooooh, what do we have here?” Perona said as she floated about, encircling you. “Did you finally get a servant like I wanted? This one is dirty. Ew! Make it wash!” Perona said as she grimaced in disgust. You just laughed at her words, taking her insults in stride. You did not even comment on the fact that she was floating about with her hollows following.  

“Ain’t no servant, but I am dirty, no denyin’ that. I’m Y/N, I’m workin’ the farm for a few. You must be Perona. Heard a lot about you, but didn’t do you justice. Why you’re as beautiful as the day is long,” you said, tilting your head to the side and smiling. You had quickly surmised the way to Perona’s heart - through her ego. 

“Ah, don’t be so silly! In these old rags? I’m usually so much cuter!,” Perona was waving you off while smiling and blushing. 

“No, I mean it. I’ve never seen hair like yours before - just the crowning jewel of your look. You must tell me how you get it that way.”

Mihawk would rather eat Roronoa’s cooking than hear about Perona’s hair care routine…again. But the two of you were having a spirited conversation as the table was being set. He noticed you correctly placed the plates, bowls, cutlery and glasses according to the rules of etiquette. Roronoa joined the rest of you in the dining area. He grunted as a means of expression.

“Roronoa, this is Y/N. She is aiding my work on the farm.”

“ ‘M Zoro,” he said, sitting down to eat the plated food.

“Nice to meet you Zoro,” you answered. Though when you said it, it had an amusing twang. It sounded more like “Zoh-roh.” Roronoa said nothing and you didn’t engage with him further.

Dinner passed easily between the four of you. You talked with Perona about various topics he found exceedingly tedious. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see your table etiquette extended past table settings. He had been subjected to Roronoa’s unrefined eating style, often eating without utensils. Perona would talk with her mouth full of chewed food, a truly odious habit. You, however, held all your utensils correctly, cut your meat with the knife in your right hand, chewed with your mouth closed, and had placed a handkerchief in your lap as a napkin. Mihawk was pleased to see that there was at least one other person on the island he could bear to eat near.

After the meal, you helped clean up alongside Roronoa. Mihawk poured himself a glass of wine, and offered you one as well. You accepted, and he poured glasses for Perona and Roronoa as well. He felt it was acceptable to have a toast to new beginnings. He handed you your glass and raised it. You did the same. 

“May our harvests be bountiful and may we have the time to enjoy it.”

You smiled, and gently clinked your glass against his. Roronoa chugged his entire glass in one go. Perona sampled the wine and stuck out her tongue, declaring that it wasn’t “sweet enough.” You sipped gently and thanked him for the glass. Hopefully the humandrills didn’t kill you tonight, he thought to himself. You were becoming rather useful to have around.

[mxboxlocks]

PRIVATE DOMINATION/DOMINATED LINES!

i think i've posted them before, but this is my tf2 self-insert, the Private! they work under Soldier as an apprentice and mostly sticks by him through a lot of missions. i took a bit of time brainstorming their dom lines to get a feel for their personality and i think i did a pretty good job! so here you are!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

dominating scout "You run circles, I run miles, twerp!" "St-eee-rike! You're out!" "And that's what we do to spineless boys around my turf, slick. This is MEN'S territory!" "You're gonna need bandages for a lot more than your hands after that one." "DOMINATED, ya whiney little brat!" "I just knocked your ass out the ballpark!"

dominated by scout "Are you- Are you always this stupid? Cuz that was embarrassin'." "Dominated, bootlicker!" "You oughta get discharged, cuz there's no comin' back from that." "Y'know you take after your boss a lot; you're both easy to shoot, and you're both dumb as dirt!" "(laughter) Oh man! Wait'll I tell Soldier he's raisin' a HIPPIE!"

dominating soldier "Looks like THIS Private just moved up in rank!" "I'm taking your title, old man! Trial by combat!" "Land of the free, home of this boot I just shoved up your ass, Sarge!" "They should give me a medal for how hard I'm kicking your ass." "Saludos desde México, GRINGO! (Greetings from Mexico, FOREIGNER!)"

dominated by soldier "I don't wanna see your nose out of that dirt until your arms are about to fall off! IS! THAT! CLEAR?!" "Have you learned NOTHING, son?!" "DOMINATED! You are a disappointment! You are a coward!" "DOMINATED, you spineless hippie!" "Ohh, get up, it's only a scratch. UP, I SAID!" "DOMINATED! DISCHARGED! DEEEECEASED!"

dominating pyro "I got a waterhose back home with your name on it, Gas." "You're in hot water, ain'tchu?" "Holy mole, that's gotta burn!" (mole is a kind of Mexican spicy sauce) "Flail that 'thrower all you want, you can't burn a phoenix! CAWWW!" "DOMINATED, Pinkie Pie!" "You just got SMOKED!"

dominating heavy "Need an ice pack for that? Don't worry, we can bury you in the snow." "Your big gun doesn't scare me, Stallingrad!" "I never quit, I wanted your head! And so I shotcha til you were dead!" (reference to the song Rasputin by Boney M.) "Take that domination where the sun don't shine, lover-of-the-Russian-queen!" (another Rasputin reference) "Tell Dr. Boytoy he's gonna need to do a lot of work to get those bullets out of ya!"

dominated by heavy "DOMINATED. Now be quiet." "Dominated! You do not live up to your title." "Mm. You need more training." "Private is not disciplined! (singsong) Oh, Soldier!" "Stay down, little man. I do not enjoy killing babies."

dominating demo "Gotcha that time, Cap'n Loch Ness!" "Those bombs of yours ain't really all that useful when you can't keep your eye on 'em, are they?" "Didn't see me comin' did ya?" "Oof, you're gonna need more than a drink for that." "You just LOVE my bullets, don'tcha Cyclops? CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!"

dominated by demo "TELL YOUR SORRY EXCUSE FOR A LEADER THAT I'M COMIN' FOR HIM NEXT!" "A fine sendoff for a boot-lickin' bib-wearin' git!" "For your sake, laddie, I'll tell your ma you died doin' what you loved; gettin' your BLOODY ARSE handed to you!"

dominating engineer "You ever thought about buildin' a bulletproof vest?" "Not very intuitive design when your own sentry can shoot at you too, y'know." (rare) "Dominated! Tell Beecave I said best wishes!" "Twelve pHDs and for what?! Try a tour in the army, Quickdraw!" "They don't teach fightin' like that in IT, do they?" "Tend to your farm and mind your own damn business!" "DOMINATED, Marty Robins!"

dominated by engineer "You're not much smarter than yer mentor, are ya? Hell, y'all might be related." "Dominated. Tell Houston I said they can go to hell!" "Take your humid ass air back down to the coast, damn it!" "Not in my damn base, ya don't."

dominating sniper "You piss in jars and you keep 'em. I don't need to embarrass you any more." "Dominated, Heeler!" (vague reference to Bluey) "Aren't Australians supposed to be the best fighters in the world?! C'MON!" "I got you in my sights. Wanker."

dominated by sniper "(sotto voice) Gotcha, trench rat." "Gotcha, trench rat!" "(sotto voice) Another bloody moron crossed off my list." "Another bloody moron crossed off my list!" "You think wearin' a uniform makes you special, punk?!" "(sotto voice) They got cages in hell for people like you, grunt." "They got cages in hell for people like you, grunt!"

dominating medic "Someone call the waah-mbulence!" "And for your death certificate, that'll be 200,000 dollars! Name of insurance?" "What's this? A DNR? Baaad news, other team, the doctor is OUT!" "Dominated, pillskirt!" "Dominated, psych ward!" "DOMINATED, Frankenstein!"

dominated by medic "I would use your body for science, but it's so full of sugar and plastic I think I'd be better off robbing a grave!" "Ooh! That limb looks infected. I'll have to take it off." "You never SAW me coming, did you, fraulien?!" "Ha-ha-hah! Your blood, it gives me youth!" "Shut up and let me do my job!"

dominating spy "You sorry sacks of scum are USELESS to your teammates!" "Ooo, a ghost?! So spooooky!" "Need a cig, baguette?" "That's what you get you little weasel!" "Buy me a drink later and we'll call it even." "Eat that, white flag!"

dominated by spy "If your spatial awareness were as large as your ego, you'd have caught that!" "Now to torture the information out of you - or is that too much to handle?" "A knife in the back, like a kiss, au revoir." "I've met politicians with more conviction than you!" "Dominated! Now go back to your play-pen!" "Dominated, you scraggly ill-kempt mutt!"

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in May 2024

01/05 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

As President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, attended The Princess Royal Training Awards Alumni Skills Summit at Guildhall. 🏆

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Whitley Fund for Nature, attended the Annual Whitley Awards Ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society. 🦋

02/05 With Sir Tim Named a Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train ‘HRH The Princess Royal’ at Paddington Railway Station. 🚉

Unofficial With Sir Tim Attended day two of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. 🐎

03/05 With Sir Tim Departed the UK from Stansted Airport for Canada and arrived at Vancouver International Airport

HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Vancouver;

Attended the Commissioning Ceremony for HMCS MAX BERNAYS at North Vancouver Burrard Drydock, before attending a Reception onboard. ⛴️ 🇨🇦

Attended a Dinner onboard HMCS MAX BERNAYS at sea. 🍽️

04/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Toured HMCS Max Bernays at sea. 🌊

Visited Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. 👪🪖

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited God’s Acre Cemetery and laid a wreath at the Memorial. 🌹

Visited the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Archive. 📜⚓️

Her Royal Highness afterwards visited Fed Urban Agriculture Society Urban Farm, 395 Harbour Road. 🌾

Attended a Reception given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia (the Hon Janet Austin) at Government House. 🥂

Attended a Dinner given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at Government House. 🍽️

05/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Visited Government House Gardens. 🪴⛲️

Attended the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade at the Parliament Building and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph before taking the salute at the march past of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, Serving Personnel and Cadets. 🫡

Attended a Royal Victoria Yacht Club Youth Dinghy Regatta. 🛥️

As Patron of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, visited Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. 🐎

Departed Vancouver International Airport for the United Kingdom. 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

06/05 Arrived at Heathrow Airport from Canada 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

08/05 Hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace alongside The King and Queen, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 🍃☀️🪴

As Patron of the Woolf Institute, attended a Reception, followed by a Dinner, to launch the Randeree End of Life Programme. 🥂🍽️

09/05 As Patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, visited the Headquarters at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth. ⚓️

As Patron of the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust, attended the Annual Presentation and Reception at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. 🏛️

As Patron of the Association of Wrens, opened the new Headquarters Building at Lanyard House, HM Naval Base. 🫡

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, visited the HMS Victory Conservation Project at HM Naval Base ⚓️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, attended the HMS Victory Conservation Project Dinner onboard HMS Victory at HM Naval Base. ⚓️🍽️

10/05 As Patron of Catch22, visited Greater Manchester Victims’ Services at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters. 👮

Visited the East Manchester Community Boat Project at Portland Basin Museum Marina in Ashton-Under-Lyne to mark its 30th Anniversary. 🛥️🎂

11/05 unofficial With Sir Tim Went to Badminton Horse Trials to cheer on Zara Tindall in her Cross Country stage of the three day event. 🏇🏼

13/05 Visited Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool to mark its 90th Anniversary. 🏊‍♀️🍾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps and Marine Society and Sea Cadets, opened Stonehaven and District New Headquarters. ⚓️🫡 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

14/05 With Sir Tim As Patron of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy held a Founders’ Club Luncheon at St James’s Palace. ⛵️

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended the King’s Centre for Military Health Research Conference. 👩‍⚕️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Wellington Trust, attended a Dinner onboard HMS WELLINGTON (mto mark the Ship’s Ninetieth Anniversary. ⚓️🥂

15/05 As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, visited Glenarm Organic Salmon Fish Farm, off Glenarm Harbour in Ballymena. 🍣🚤

As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, attended a Luncheon at Glenarm Castle. 🐟🍽️🏰

16/05 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Bembridge Station, followed by a Reception at Brading Haven Yacht Club in Ryde, Isle of Wight. 🔍🌊

As President, Royal Yachting Association, opened the Sea View Yacht Club's Training Centre in Seaview, Isle of Wight. 🛥️

17/05 With Sir Tim Hosted the annual Not Forgotten Association garden party at Buckingham Palace. 🫖🍰☀️

20/05 unofficial Departed from RAF Brize Norton for Norway and landed at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

21/05 As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, Norway. 🔨⚙️🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, received a briefing on the sinking of DF Hydro at Mael Station in Telemark, Norway. 🏭🇳🇴

Attended a Reception given by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway at the Residence in Oslo. 🥂🇳🇴🇬🇧

22/05 As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited Vestre Gravlund Cemetery and laid a wreath on the memorial. 🪦

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Linge Club and attended a Reception at Akershus Fortress, Oslo. 🇳🇴🇬🇧

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association. 🪖🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, with The Crown Prince of Norway, visited the Norwegian Resistance Museum, Akershus Fortress. 🏰 🇳🇴

unofficial Departed from Oslo Gardermoen Airport and landed at RAF Brize Norton . 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

23/05 As Patron of the Hornet Services Sailing Club, visited the club for their 60th anniversary. ⛵️🎂

Opened the Army Sailing Association Offshore Centre in Gosport. ⛵️

With Sir Tim & Duke of Kent Held a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's 200th anniversary. 🛟☕️

With Sir Tim Visited the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 🌸🌺🌼💐

24/05 Opened the Admiral Lord Cochrane Room at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall, London. 🔐

Sometime in May unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of Trustees, attended the Science Museum Groups annual dinner

Total official engagements for Anne in May: 53

2024 total so far: 224

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in May: 23

2024 total so far: 55

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[princessamahle]

a tour of the hashira's estates part 8

Rengoku: As a son of a former hashira, Kyojuro spent his entire life growing up in the home of Shinjuro rengoku's estate.

So rengoku could've gotten an estate of his own at anytime after receivng funds at the hashira salary. but he decided to take care of his family. As his brother needed confidence in himself and his father was drinking away his depression. Despite the verbal and possibly physical abuse from his father he didn't let that distract him.

What I've notice after watching mugen train is rengoku has a habit in caring for other people quickly. Trying to take them under his wing and always saying he'll look after him. Like a mother taking in orphans he cares for everyone. So if he did have a hashira training arc, he would treat the slayers well. This isn't to say however he wouldn't be tough on you. He'll make you go through a grueling training just to bulk you up.

We have to remember this is a man who had to self train himself after his father stopped training him. But with his father leaving him to his own devices and a good book he fairly learns quickly.

Now as for his estate, its pretty small compared to the others. He also seems to live nearby a small town as many hashira do stay close to their respectable districts. Based on specific angles and how its laid out it is safe to say they don't own any land.

Rengoku also seems to have a bamboo and wheat growing behind his fence. This was shown in the dream sequence. It's possible they farm on day to day basis. After all he his a growing boy who needs to eat regularly like mitsuri.

He trains outside the front yard with his brother senjuro and he seems to spend alot of time out there when isn't on missions.

However he does have a dojo as he is seen training mitsuri in that dojo.

We've also seen one of the bedrooms as it is shows the room that leads to the front yard or possibly the backyard. Despite the room looking completely different in two pictures its possible ruka is sleeping on the other side of the room as this is still the same room room that leads out the front or backyard.

Wind chime in their ceiling

This is also the room shinjuro sleeps in and sadly the room his late wife past away peacefully. It's safe to say this is the master bedroom.

This could be senjuro's room as he uses it to have a private conversation with tanjiro. But it could just be another guest room not used.

Even though we never see kyojuro's room its possible he may share a room with senjuro due to many siblings sharing rooms together. It is very common in japan back then and now. But if he doesn't he may have a room in the estate as there could be many rooms not shown. We also have to remember mitsuri stayed there as a guest for 6 months of training. so I wouldn't be surprise if their were more rooms not shown.

Other than that, this is all we see including the dream sequence and flashbacks that were shown. Maybe in the future will see more of rengoku's life and origins as we got a flashback of rengoku's memories on how he defeated a lower moon.

I give it a 3 out of 5. As we saw some exterior and interior designs but not enough to show its qualities.

[odxrilove]

☆ VALENTINES DAY WITH ENHYPEN

pairing: enhypen x reader

genre: scenarios, fluff, established relationship

a/n: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYBODY!! 🫶🫶 i hope everyone has a great day hihihi i listened to kiss later by (loona's) yeojin and day 1 by red velvet while writing this!

☆ HEESEUNG takes you to a concert.

heeseung’s an adult and so with his adult money, he can finally spoil you on valentine’s day. he’s terribly excited with everyday that passes, he knows you’ve always wanted to watch your favorite artist(s) in concert and the fact that they are holding a concert near where you live on valentine’s day was like destiny. after they announced their tour, heeseung was even better informed than you were, feigning ignorance whenever you told him about it. and when it was time to buy the tickets, heeseung even pleaded for his friends’ help, all of them quickly scrolling and tapping on their laptops in heeseung’s room until one of them managed to snatch some tickets. after the tickets are secured (and he’s given the one who got them twenty dollars) heeseung uses the rest of the days until valentine’s day to listen to your favorite artist(s) entire discography, even going as far as to learn their names. and when he parks in front of the concert hall, he can’t help but smile as you get teary-eyed.

☆ JAY brings you to a restaurant.

it’s a well known fact that jay likes to spoil you– one of his love languages is gift giving, and he’s pretty good (read: super good) at it. he knows what you like and wants and doesn’t mind spending his money on you, even if you get embarrassed and angry when you realize the cost. so over the course of the past few months, jay has spoiled you less than usual, per your request. you’re happy to spoil him in return, using your well-earned money to buy him well-deserved gifts. jay couldn’t be happier though and you immediately notice him wearing the watch you bought him whenever you meet him after. as a thank you and for valentine’s day, jay decides to treat you to an expensive restaurant, knowing that was part of your bucket list. and as the two of you eat peacefully, clearly in love and whispering sweet things to each other, jay shows off his watch, his sleeve bunched up at his elbow.

☆ JAKE takes you strawberry picking.

for weeks before valentine’s day, jake was searching for ideas for the best date ever. his ego was holding him back from asking his friends for advice and he in no way wanted to use google, watching tons of romcoms for inspiration instead. with every day that passed, his heart would beat rapidly at the sight of any valentine’s day decorations. jake was desperate, thinking that he would never find something before valentine’s day. but that was until he came across a flower field near a farm while walking his dog layla. he thought he was dreaming or seeing things! how could he have missed such a magical place? not a second later his legs started moving towards the farm, ready to beg and plead to whoever would listen. jake was lucky that the owner was nice and his wife a fan of anything romantic, getting permission with a slap to the back. and when it was finally time for you to go on your date, you didn’t think jake could ever score a better date than this one, picking out strawberries together while admiring the beautiful flower field.

☆ SUNGHOON takes you ice skating at night.

you’ve accompanied sunghoon a lot to his ice skating training, happily watching him from the sideline as he skates around, showing his moves off with a grin on his face. the boy is always happy when you accept or propose to accompany him, the urge to do his best for you growing instantly. it’s always chilly at the ice skating rink so he always offers his jacket or hoodie to you, forcing it over your head while chuckling and assuring he can’t get cold while skating. but even if sunghoon couldn’t be happier during these moments, there’s something he does find annoying and it’s his coach interrupting your “romantic date” by pointing at the clock, ushering you both outside before closing up. so when it’s valentine’s day and time for your weekly ‘date’ at the rink, his coach finally relents and lets him have the keys of the building, making him promise to give them back at 7am sharp the next day. normally, sunghoon would have groaned at the early hour but this time he can only bow, forcing a “yes sir!” out of his mouth before running off with the keys.

☆ SUNOO takes you picnicking in his garden.

sunoo is a romantic at heart. he’s one of the biggest kdramas fans you’ve ever seen and the two of you often binge watch new dramas together, cuddling and sharing a soft blanket late at night. it’s cute, really, and sunoo loves watching them with you, unable to stop himself from giggling when you comment on the plot. since the two of you are avid drama watchers, the bar for dates is set quite high and you often surprise each with new and special dates. because of that, sunoo wanted valentine’s day to be very special but his dreams soon came to a stop when all his plans got ruined. suddenly, the restaurant he reserved a table at had to close that day and the owner of the flower shop he was going to bring you to for a class about bouquet arrangements is sick. it’s last minute and rushed but you’re happy about the impromptu picnic in his garden. sunoo did try his best to make it special and you think it is so he’s all happy again– it doesn’t matter that the picnic had to be in his garden next to his mom’s roses because of the cake that needs to stay in the fridge.

☆ JUNGWON takes you to a new cat cafe.

you two met thanks to your neighbor’s cat. your neighbor, a little old lady who gives you cookies whenever she sees you, accidentally let her cat escape while you were walking out the door. so in a rush you took off behind her cat, screaming its name and jumping over obstacles like you were doing parkour. when you bumped into jungwon, who was tightly holding onto the cat, you mutually thought it was meant to be. since you’ve started dating him, cats have been a constant presence in your life, which you’re not mad about. so for valentine’s day, jungwon thinks it would be nice to bring you to the new cat cafe in town, knowing how much you love those little creatures. but not only are you going to snack and drink whatever beverage you want to, you will also take care of the kitties after. and when you jump up and down excitedly at the mention and thought of playing with cats, giving dozens of kisses to jungwon, he knows valentine’s day is successful.

☆ RIKI brings you to the arcade.

riki and you became friends, then lovers while bonding over your shared passion, gaming. everytime the two of you would hangout, it would either be at one of your homes, hands glued to the game controller or outside in the sun, laying down in the grass with your switch. it was never boring, the competitiveness rising with every new game and day. you loved video games, so riki thought the best date would be something related to that. of course, he didn’t want valentine’s day to be just another hangout because, well, it’s valentine’s day! he would be a terrible boyfriend if he ruined your first valentine’s day together. so when the Special day finally arrives, riki takes you to an arcade. the place is filled with games he knows you both are going to enjoy and for once, he doesn’t mind letting you win a few times.

perm. taglist: @0x1lovebot @fairybinie @blaqpinksthetic @odetoyeonjun @pockyandme @soobin-chois @lolalee24 @soobisms @junityy @kaimal @laylasbunbunny @jaeyunverse @enhacolor @honglynights @starry-mins @pointlessapple @isoob

please do not copy, repost or steal any of my work. all content belongs to @odxrilove

[absolutefilthimsosorry]

Spoilers for DnP Incohearent!!!!

I’m having so much fun trying to solve these that I made a list to keep track! Message if you can help me fill in any I’m missing or if I’ve got any wrong!!!

Also lmk if you see any I’ve missed!! I’m going to keep updating this and have it unrebloggable but you can reblog this post to have a link to it!

These are all gathered from this post and this post so check the notes on those first to try to solve them then look here if you need answers!

Sow march cheer ray = so much cherry

Wee nay urn for uke oye yer tub = we’ve never fucked on youtube?

Ta fold in fig = the golden pig

Feed hay hid eho = vday video

Tat he won ape hit morse him he = daddy want a bit more simmy

Watt ken ice hay = what can I say

North key bus teabag king = naughty busty baking

Fool tie enter nit hobo / fall tie mint her nepo moe / fault aye mint earn are ohm owe/ foul thyme inch hermit hole mold = full time internet homo

Cumin mile aid deed or = come in my ladydoor

Hum hay zinc tan = amazingdan

Elven ower fug sedge own = eleven hour fuck session

An berry moth ribeye adam stir = and every month we buy a hamster

March rest array = Manchester eye

Cyst herding yell = sister daniel

Add a ding teps = editing tips

Cop dubai khaki luna = topped by kakuna

Late eat tore = ladydoor

Half tugger etch two eggs cyst = have the courage to exist

Perish she end wink = Parisian twink

Coal ten big/ goal then pick = golden pig

Cyst ordain yell = sister daniel

Train youth inks = try new things

Gay mean moss/ gain ink mass = gamingmas

Soften need = soft and neat

A wools lied = owl slide

Topper bought them hill = top or bottom Phil

Coat fit firenze = golf with friends???

Few ours pig meow fits = viewers pick my outfits

Read less tar = red lester

Eye eight soup igloo = I ate super glue

Insight youth era too walls = inside you there are two wolves

Mine amy stan = my name is Dan

Clap hella = glabella

Hiss teeth rent = hits different

Eel eyes apron kay kiss = Eliza pancakes

See pram haze ink bra jet = super amazing project

Feels lie yawn = phils lion

Fuel ease snot dawn fair = Phil is not on fire

Jaw shush ear son = josh hutcherson

Ball bull him tour food = bauble in your foot?

Sure eck = shrek

High ate dust = hiatus

Add a dink deps = editing tips

Ga hay shoom air age = gay shoe marriage

Pope eat plate aim = poppy playtime

Eat aches stu = it takes two

Goo gal few ed = google feud

Baze ick lee eye meg ay = basically I’m gay

Ko min yout ti ew = coming out to you

Ender knit subvert grew oop = internet support group

Phylis turn yar a sheen yes = PHIL LESTER YOU’RE A GENIUS

With Audi intern yet wean ed brr wood halve mat = without the internet we never would have met

Gum ban yins drool I’ve = companions through life

Reed sons wide answer flail = reasons why dans a fail

Ewan dam ah some are reed = you and Dan are so married

Denver sis fill/ Denver cis full = Dan vs Phil

Or lawn huffing = all or nothing

Dunk rye core raft = don’t cry craft

Mortal jester roam and thick/ Morph adjust row antic = more than just romantic

So wall how debris poll light = swallow to be polite???

Oar hinge art = orange heart

Foray virgo em = forever home

Chai reel loop/ share real oob = cherry lube

Cad boyd anne = cat boy dan

Far turf ill lip = father philip

Tess lit hen ink = the slittening

Forth house indie rolled or touches = four thousand year old tortoises

Hey moth swish roundup floating = a month without uploading

Jam march let pet tea an farms = Je mange les petit enfants

Day lion howl tour = Dalien Howlter

Ima let all kit = I’m a little kit

Feel pearl lays shell ter = Phil plays shelter

Fewer blue key app ending = viewer spooky happenings

Hell low iam tour reel = hello I am Toriel

Laugh tuh gey mile kuh = left to get milk

Villas eek wreck why vuh = Phil’s secret wife

Footy strain gin said dent = ___ strange incident????

Snow core play sum = snokoplasm

Nope puts cereal sleeping mage innit = no but seriously imagine it

Tear rip pulling flu hence = terrible influence

Jeff why eye aisle hike vague liner = fyi I like vagina

Eggs intense all cry cis = existential crisis

List of contributors

@fletthewreck @dandp @deadandphilgames @manchesterau @thephouseplants @awrfhi @jonsaremembers @rachosaurusrex @dapgolf @dan-whoell @dnphobe @dreamingalto @steveandscraggy @phanbeats @danandfuckingjonlmao @pepper-pastry @yonpote @un-interactive-introvert @spaniel-trowel @sisterdanieldyke @queerdnp @morganadelacour @amid-fandoms @spectral-kitkat @goingpheral @angelzonearth @wdapteo @2009phan @dansevilpianotea

[auberge13]

Since the Jon and Nia friendship is shaping up to be an important aspect of Absolute Power and especially Absolute Power: Super Son (based on some comments by the writers and preliminary sketches from the artist), I wanted to explain why I think the friendship is so strong, despite its minimal appearances. Overall there are 4 major issues for this friendship: Son of Kal-El issue #13 (she's in a few issues after this but this is the big one), Beast World Tour: Metropolis, the backup in Action Comics issue #1060, and the mini story at the beginning of the Pride Uncovered Issue. This post is gonna break down how those issues establish this friendship and how they do so really well.

Starting from their meeting, Nia lets herself into the Fortress of Solitude via dream travel because she had a future vision of Jon and every other superhero being taken down by the big bad of this book Henry Bendix. After warning him about this and therefore preventing it from happening, we get a few moments that show why Jon and Nia hit it off so quickly. For one they are very similar people!

As Dreamer (and soon Super Son) writer Nicole Maines has pointed out, they are both small town farm kids with really big powers and legacies to live up to. I would also add that they both had to figure out those powers and legacies largely without the help of the hero they're trying to emulate, Jon because of his time spent on Earth-3 and the lack of time he's gotten to spend with his dad since returning, and Nia because she wasn't given any of the training she was supposed to get before unlocking her powers because her family didn't think she'd get them, and then her mother died. They are in very similar places in their lives and can relate to each other in different ways than they can with anyone else.

Nia also gives Jon something he really needed at this time in his life- certainty

Some of Jon's big feelings in SoKE and leading up to SoKE had to do with his fear that his father was leaving earth never to return. The records from his time in the future said that Clark would never make it back from Warworld, and, as we see in that first screenshot and also a dozen other places, Jon was not ready to be Superman OR to say goodbye to his dad. This is a huge moment for him.

In return, Jon gives her a confidence boost in the form of 31st century admiration and some help with controlling her powers. In this scene, Jon and Nia give each other the things they look for in their close relationships: tangible, provable support (as tangible and provable as things can be in a world with time travel and future visions).

This transitions smoothly into the next major appearance, Beast World Tour! In this story, Nia has a vision of the future that shows Metropolis' destruction, and therefore needs to evacuate the city. However, no one listens to her because she's a new and unknown hero. So she calls Jon, Superman, for backup. This works, but they still need to deal with Livewire, who Nia foresaw causing all the damage. They have this exchange.

I love this moment in their friendship. I think it's worth noting that Jon just got back from the Injustice universe- his major reckoning with what it means to be Superman and the many ways Superman can be bad. He's once again insecure about how to be Superman in any way that differs from the way his father does it, and therefore resorts to trying to emulate his dad as much as possible. Here, Jon is behaving at his most Superman, but his least Jon. As I mentioned previously, Jon really cares about the provable and the tangible (I could write a whole post about that but to put it briefly it's the whole reason he goes with Jor-El as a kid). His platitudes here are very Superman, but they don't do or mean anything. He's ignoring what Nia is actually saying. Then, Nia does something that really solidifies their friendship- she doesn't treat him like Superman. Nia doesn't put up with his finger waving or cave to his certainty that Superman can handle everything. She treats him like any teammate. She knows this is best and she doesn't care that Jon is Superman, just about how to do the right thing. Tangible and provable. And in response to this-

I love it when the friends respect each other.

This leads directly into the AC backup, which takes place soon after this. The two have succeeded and taken a break in Nia's hometown, Parthas.

If we can take one thing from SoKE, it's that Jon has an immense fondness for anyone who lets him nap on their couch. I joke, but there are actually a lot of parallels between how Jon draws close to Jay and how he draws close to Nia. In both cases it is because they could relate to Jon in ways others couldn't, they could provide Jon with real tangible solutions to his problems (headphones, future vision), and they allow Jon to rest and be just a normal guy. We saw how these aspects led to a close and lasting relationship between Jon and Jay, and because of that we can see how they would create a close and lasting relationship with Nia.

And finally, we have this adorable little moment from the beginning of the Pride Uncovered Issue.

The chemistry here is just so strong. This is a friend group! I believe it! But to go beyond that, Jon hasn't really gotten a chance to like. Chill. Kid can't catch a break. The fact that this nice little hangout exists really does a lot to sell this friendship, at least for me. When a character is constantly embroiled in The Horrors, these little fluffy moments stand out! They matter!

And now, we get to watch this all fall apart! Nia has helped Waller take over Gamorra, the country she helped Jon and Jay liberate in the first place. She has captured and imprisoned Jay for Waller, and is complicit in Jon's kidnapping and Cyborgification. We don't know the role she has to play in Absolute Power: Super Son just yet, but it's sure to be a major one, and no matter what, this friendship is about to get a whole lot more complicated.

[harley-sunday]

Feels Like Home [07]

Summary: When an unexpected three-week break between Monza and Singapore finds Daniel back on his farm in Perth he’s desperate to use this time to clear his mind, figure out his future in Formula One, and find his way back. He didn’t expect a new neighbour, a sassy two-year old, and three alpacas would make him realise that sometimes, what you’re looking for is right in front of you.

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x reader (unnamed OFC)

Warnings: Language

Word count: 5.2k

AN: The cliffhanger in the last part might have been a bit mean, I agree. BUT. We needed a little drama, babes. It ain’t all fun and games over on the farm. Anyway, hope this makes up for it :) If not, you know where to find me ♥

Masterlist

Granddad knows something is wrong the second you walk back inside and the door slams shut behind you and he points to the couch immediately, "Sit." He waits until you do before he continues, his voice more gentle this time, "Start talking."

There’s no use pretending everything’s fine and so you do as you’re told. You tell him about Blake and the NDA he wants you to sign, but before you get to tell him how upset it's made you, Granddad interrupts you with a chuckle that you feel is terribly out of place and earns him one of your better scowls.

"Sweetheart," he starts, giving the bottom of your foot a soft kick to get you to listen, "we all signed one."

"What?"

"When Danny first moved in he and Blake did a little tour of the neighbourhood and made all of us sign one of those forms. Me, Mrs Mackenzie, Kevin Holmes- Anyone really."

Huh. That's- Something you definitely wished you knew sooner.

"To be honest, I thought you'd already signed one," Granddad says with a kind smile. "You two have been hanging out so much I figured he'd already given you one. That's why I never mentioned it."

Letting your bottom lip roll between your teeth, the anger from before slowly ebbing away, you start to feel as though maybe you overreacted the tiniest bit. You're still mad Blake sprung it on you like this but yeah, ok, it kind of makes sense that he wants you to sign one. Fuck.

It's then you hear a car door slam shut and see Daniel drive off, a trail of dust following his car. All of a sudden it feels as if the air is being sucked from your lungs because he’s leaving tomorrow and what if- You look up at Granddad, "I messed up, didn't I?"

"Nah," Granddad shakes his head. "You got put on the spot and you know as well as I do us Lintons don't like that. He doesn't leave until tomorrow right?" 

You nod.

"See. There you go. Plenty of time to make this right, sweetheart." Granddad leans back in his chair then as if it really is that simple.

Maybe it is.

Ellie walks over to you from where she was playing with her wooden train and holds up her arms to you. When you pull her onto your lap she gently pats your cheek, "Momma sad?"

You shake your head and quickly reassure her, "Momma's ok." You let your chin rest on the top of her head and let out a heavy sigh, "Momma just needs to figure out how to fix things."

"Come with?"

"Yeah." You can't help but laugh. "Yeah bub, I guess you can come with."

***

"I just wish you would have told me." Daniel sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose as he paces around his living room. "You put me in a right spot, mate."

"I know," Blake agrees quietly. "Do you want me to call her or go over there to see if-"

"Nah, I'll- I'll figure something out," Daniel tells him, waving his hand around. "I just hope she'll understand."

"She will." He can hear Blake take a deep breath, "Just tell her I was being a right cunt and went rogue."

Daniel can't help but chuckle, "Will do." It’s then the intercom rings and he doesn't want to get his hopes up but he can feel his heart skip a beat because who else could it be? "I gotta go, mate. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"I really am sorry, Dan," Blake tells him. "I owe you one."

Daniel laughs, knowing full well it's usually the other way around, "I'll add it to the list, mate."

As soon as he ends the call he pushes the button in his intercom and waits for the camera to come on and confirm who he hopes is his visitor. He feels a wave of relief wash over him when he sees her now familiar face come into view, "Hi." 

“Hi,” she looks into the camera but before she can say anything else he's already opened the gate and he sees her let out a deep breath before she gets back into her car and heads down the driveway.

He waits for her outside, using one of the meditation exercises Michael always makes him do to help calm his nerves as he tries to figure out what to say to her. All too soon and yet not quick enough her car comes into view and he takes a few deep breaths in a futile attempt to prepare himself for whatever comes next. 

When she pulls up he has to stop himself from rushing over and waits until she’s out of the car before he greets her with a quiet, “Hey.”

“Hi,” she replies, a small, hesitant smile tugging on the corner of her lips. Instead of walking towards him she rounds the car and opens the back door and he’s a little confused but then he hears an excited, “Danny!” coming from the other side of the car and sees Ellie beaming at him.

“Hello Miss Ellie.” Daniel starts to hold out his hands to take her but then realises she might not want him to and so he drops them. To say he’s a little surprised when she hands him Ellie anyway would be an understatement, and somewhere deep inside he hopes that this means things are on the mend for them but he doesn’t want to think it out loud. Doesn’t want to jinx it. 

“Danny home,” Ellie says, patting his cheek with her hand.

Daniel can’t help but laugh, “Yeah. Danny home, sweetheart.” He looks at her then and nods to the house, “Why don’t we go inside?” He leads them to the kitchen, where he sits Ellie down on the countertop, one hand keeping her in place while he reaches for two mugs with the other. “Coffee?”

He hears her clear her throat, “I think we should talk first.”

Shit. She sounds serious but of course he agrees, “Yep. Ok.” 

***

“I overreacted,” you blurt out, wanting to make sure he knows you’re not here to blame him for anything. You hesitate but then put your hand on his arm anyway, “I’m sorry.” 

Daniel furrows his brows and doesn’t say anything and-

“Granddad told me you have everyone sign an NDA and, I mean, it makes sense- You wouldn’t want to have to worry about anyone running to the press or your competitors with inside information, right?” You’re rambling, you know you are but now that you’ve started it’s hard to stop because you need him to understand, “It was a little unexpected, that’s all. It felt like we were about two merge to companies instead of us dating and-”

“Are we?”

“Are we what?” You feign innocence because as soon as you mentioned dating you realised you put a label on something that might not even exist yet. You should have kept it casual, should have just said something about you being friends because now there’s this weight behind it that you’re not sure Daniel wants to carry. You’re a single mum with a kid. He’s a Formula One race car driver. There is no way this could be as serious as you’re making it out to be. 

You’re too lost in thoughts to notice he’s taken a step closer and so when he puts his fingers under your chin to make you look up at him you let out a surprised, “Oh.”

There’s a hint of a smile playing on his face when he asks, “Are we dating?” 

You bite your lip and shrug, trying to play it cool, because you might as well go all in now, “You did take me on a date.”

“I did,” Daniel says, his voice low. 

Next to him Ellie coos and it pulls both of you out of whatever moment you were having. You can’t help but laugh when you see your daughter looking from you to Daniel and back and so you pick her up, “Why don’t we put you on the couch with my phone for a couple of minutes, huh?” You look up at Daniel, “I’ll be right back.” 

“Yep.”

Once Ellie’s seated you find an episode of The Koala Brothers online and press play as you put your phone on her lap. To buy you and Daniel even more time you hand her a fruit pouch, “Here you go, bub.” You tilt her chin up and point to the kitchen, “Momma and Danny are right there ok? We can still see you.”

Ellie nods absentmindedly, not wanting to miss another second of the adventures of Frank and Buster.

You make your way back to the kitchen, where Daniel’s exactly where you left him. You take a deep breath, trying to ignore the herd of butterflies that’s stomping around in your stomach, “Where were we?”

Daniel, bless him, plays his part, “I just confirmed I took you on a date.”

“Right,”

“And after that I was going to apologise.”

You look up at him with furrowed brows, “What? Why?”

“Because I should have talked to you about this-” he says as he runs a hand through his hair, letting it rest at the base of his neck then. “I didn’t know Blake would ambush you like this but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t have at least warned you it was going to happen at some point.” 

“A little heads up would have been nice,” you agree, “but I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I should have just talked to you about it instead of making rash decisions. I feel like such an idiot-”

“Hey. No,” Daniel shakes his head and reaches out to you. “Don’t say that.”

“I just-” You try to smile, deciding to jump straight to the most important question of all, “Are we good?”

“We’re good,” Daniel replies without hesitation. He holds out both his arms to you then and pulls you in for a hug, “All good.” 

You wrap your arms around him and pull him close, “Good.” 

“There is something else I want to talk to you about,” he says as he lets go of you not much later. Daniel takes a step back and leans against the counter and when he takes a deep breath you’re a little worried he’s going to say something you’re not going to like but once again he surprises you, “I hate that I have to leave tomorrow. These past two weeks- Hanging out with you, and Ellie, and Oscar- It was amazing and I’m going to miss you guys like crazy but-” Another deep breath, “I was hoping we could see each other again? After the season is over?”

“I’d like that,” you reply, ignoring the way your heart seems to skip a few beats.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you agree with a nod.

Daniel smiles, “Good. Because I like you. A lot.” 

Oh.

“I know it’s not fair to ask you to wait two months but-”

“I’ll wait.” It comes out barely above a whisper and so you try again, a little louder and more confident this time, “I’ll wait.” 

Daniel’s entire face lights up at your promise, “You will?” 

“Yeah, I uh-” You take a deep breath and look up at him, a smile tugging on the corners of your lips, “I really like you too.” 

Daniel pushes himself off the counter and takes a step forward, closing the distance between you. He looks from your eyes to your mouth and back, silently asking for permission that you give him by tilting your head back.

You wrap your arms around his neck and stand up on your toes so you can meet him halfway, his lips ghosting over yours then, making you smile into the kiss when he deepens it. There are no fireworks, no orchestra that plays the right song at the right time, but still it feels as though you’re in a movie and you’re being swept off your feet. 

Daniel has put his hands on your lower back and runs his tongue in between your lips as he pulls you closer. When you part your mouth his tongue slips inside and then you taste him and God, you never want this to stop. You can feel yourself getting lost in the kiss, liking the way he makes you work for it, always teasing and a push and pull between you that feels so-

“Momma!”

Both you and Daniel pull back at the same time, panting a little, and you’re sure your embarrassed grin matches the one Daniel’s wearing. You clear your throat, keeping your eyes locked on Daniel’s, “Yes, bub?”

“Momma, done,” Ellie says and there’s really no arguing with that, is there?

“I’m not sure if she means the episode or us,” you laugh quietly, raising your eyebrows at Daniel. You watch Ellie as she slides down the couch and wobbles over to the kitchen, scooping her up in your arms when she’s within reach and blowing a raspberry on her cheek, “Hello little monster.”

Ellie giggles and squirms in your arms, “Momma, no.”

“Momma, yes,” Daniel says then, blowing a raspberry on her other cheek. “Gotcha!”

You and Daniel continue your coordinated attack, making Ellie giggle even louder. When after a minute or so you pull back Ellie looks at you with bright eyes, “Momma, stay here?” 

***

They spend the rest of the afternoon in his garden, Ellie running around and chasing birds and butterflies, while she and Daniel watch the little girl from where they’re sitting on the top step on his back porch, enjoying a cup of coffee and some Michael-approved snacks Daniel found in the fridge. He remembers something then and stands up rather abruptly, making her look up at him with furrowed brows, “Shit. Sorry, I just- I forgot I had something for you guys.” He turns around and heads towards the gate that leads to the courtyard, “Wait here, ok?”

He doesn’t wait for a reply but instead makes his way to where he parked his truck and opens the door, grabbing two packages from the passenger’s seat. He wrapped them himself this morning and so what if he used some leftover Christmas paper? It’s the thought that counts, right? Daniel hurries back to the garden and finds them exactly where he left them two minutes ago, except this time Ellie has sat down in the grass, admiring a bumblebee that’s flying around her.

“Ellie?” He motions for the little girl to come over, “I’ve got something for you, kiddo.” 

It takes some time for Ellie to get up and make her way over, Daniel holding out his hand to her when she reaches the stairs, helping her climb up and sit down in between them. 

“I wanted to give you this yesterday but then I forgot and-” He hands Ellie the smaller of the two packages first, “Here you go.”

“Thank,” Ellie says as she tears into the paper, scrunching her nose in delight when she sees what it is.

“That’s a pretty sweater, bub.”

“It’s from the latest merch release,” Daniel explains as he hands her the larger package, “I got one for you too. Maybe-” He clears his throat, feeling a little embarrassed all of a sudden. “I figured maybe you could wear it when you watch a race? I know Oscar still wears that Red Bull shirt I gave him years ago but I didn’t really wanted you in McLaren merch so I-”

“Thank you,” she says as she helps Ellie put on her sweater, pointing out the lemons on the front as she tugs the fabric down. She unwraps her own package then, smiling when she holds up her sweater and admires the print, “Did you know I love peaches or was that just a lucky guess?”  

“Lucky guess,” he admits with a grin, a happy feeling spreading inside his chest because of all the lucky guesses he’s made so far, this might be the one he’s most proud of. 

He watches her as she stands up and puts it on before she spreads her arms and spins around, “I love it. Thank you.”

“No worries,” he replies with a shrug even though seeing her wearing his merch makes him feel all sorts of things. “It’s nice knowing you got people back home rooting for you.”

She sits back down, a little closer this time, pulling Ellie into her lap, “I can’t believe you have to leave tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” he agrees quietly. He nudges her shoulder with his, tries to keep his tone light, “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Ellie snuggles into her then and lets out a yawn.

“We should probably head back,” she says but doesn’t move.

“Yeah.” Daniel wishes he could stop time, just stay here, right in this exact moment. He offers the next best thing, “Do you want me to come with you?”

“Oh, no, that’s ok,” she says as she looks up at him. “You’ve got an early flight tomorrow.”

He starts to protest, “It’s not that early-”

“Daniel,” she says, her free hand on his knee, “we’re going to have to say goodbye eventually anyway.”

He lets out a heavy sigh, “I know.” 

She gives him a small smile as she strokes Ellie’s hair, “You’re gonna say goodbye to Danny, bub?”

Ellie looks up at Daniel with a sleepy smile but shakes her head. 

“I have to leave tomorrow,” Daniel explains, holding out his hands to the little girl who climbs onto his lap without hesitating and he pushes the fleeting thought that she might not remember him when he comes back all the way to the back of his mind and presses a kiss to the top of her head instead, “I’ll be back soon, ok?”

“Come with?”

Daniel chuckles softly, “Nah, sweetheart. You can’t come with this time.” 

“Danny come home.” It’s not even a question, Ellie looking up at him with a determined look on her face, as if she wants to let him know that if she can’t come with him, he’s going to have to come home with her.

“I will,” Daniel promises, hugging Ellie tight. “Soon.” 

***

You watch as Daniel leans into the car and kisses Ellie’s forehead. When he whispers a quiet, “See you soon, sweetheart,” you feel your throat tightening and you have to bite your lip to keep the tears at bay. 

Daniel steps back and turns to you then, a sad smile playing on his lips. He holds out his arms and pulls you closer when you step into his embrace, “I’m going to miss you, neighbour.”

“Yeah,” you agree quietly. Wrapping your arms around him you try to blink away the tears that have started to form in your eyes but fail miserably. When you pull back you let your hands rest on his chest and look up at him, “Please be safe.”

“Always,” he says. He kisses the top of your head, “Take care of the girls for me? And Oscar. And Ellie?”

She nods, “Always.”

“Take care of yourself too,” Daniel adds, raising his eyebrows. 

“Yep.”

“Good.” He cups your face then, using his thumb to wipe away a tear that’s inching its way down your cheek, “I’ll be back before you know it. And it’s not like I’m disappearing off of the face of the earth, right? We can call and text and-”

You nod, not trusting your voice right now. When he dips his head and captures your mouth in a kiss you close your eyes and try to savour the moment. Sixty three days, you try to tell yourself. 

Sixty three days until he’s home again.

***

For the first time in maybe forever, Daniel doesn’t want to go back to racing, doesn’t to leave Perth, and it’s- It’s a weird feeling, something he doesn’t quite know how to deal with, doesn’t quite know how to put into words and so he’s in a bit of a mood all throughout their travels on Tuesday. By the time they touchdown in Singapore, he’s over it and he doesn’t really say much during their transfer to the hotel, puts his headphones on instead, trying to ignore the looks Michael and Blake throw him. He feigns a headache and opt outs of dinner that evening, allowing himself to wallow in some self pity instead.

There’s a team briefing early Wednesday morning and Daniel tries to pay attention, really he does, but he finds his mind drifting, wondering how she’s doing and if the girl’s are alright and- Lando kicks his feet under the table then and when Daniel looks up he finds the entire room looking at him, no doubt waiting for an answer to a question he hasn’t heard. Lando, bless him, saves the day and pretends the question was directed towards him and answers for the both of them. 

As soon as the briefing ends, Lando catches up with him. “You alright, mate?” 

“Yeah, just a little tired,” Daniel lies.

“You came in from Perth, mate,” Lando counters with a grin, clapping Daniel’s back, “it’s not like you’re jetlagged, right?” 

Daniel shrugs but doesn’t say anything. 

“You’ll be alright,” Lando says, veering off to his side of the garage. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Yep,” Daniel gives his teammate a quick wave and heads over to his team. 

The rest of the day drags on, more meetings, more data to look at, more promises by Tom that this time they might even finish inside the points. Blake rescues him somewhere around six, ushering Daniel back to the hotel with relative ease. Their meeting with Christian isn’t until later that night but Daniel still needs to freshen up and he knows Blake wants to go over some final details before they leave.

When Daniel steps out of the shower not much later, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist while he uses another one to dry his hair, and checks his phone he’s surprised to see there’s a message from her. He opens as he walks out of the bathroom and sees it’s a picture of her and Ellie, wearing the sweaters he gave them last Sunday, telling him good luck for tonight. 

“You’re grinning like an absolute idiot, mate,” Blake teases from where he’s sitting on the couch. “You good?”

“Why are you still here?” Daniel counters without looking up from his phone. 

“We have to leave in twenty minutes, mate.” 

“And?”

“And-” Blake grins and shrugs, “-someone has to make sure you actually get ready and not stare at your phone for another half hour, like some goddamn teenager who’s experiencing his first crush.” He stands up and holds out his hand,  “Give me that.”

Daniel lets out a dramatic sigh but then hands over his phone anyway, knowing Blake has a point.

“Thank you,” Blake tells him with a grin as he sits down again. He nods towards the bathroom, “You’ve got eighteen minutes to get ready, mate. Get going.” 

***

“Momma, help,” Ellie says, holding out her now dirty hands. You’re outside in the vegetable garden to plant some lettuce and green beans, or at least, that’s what you’re doing. Ellie apparently decided it would be more fun to try and dig for gold with her bare hands.

“Come here, you monster,” you tell her, making her clap her hands together to get the worst of it off before you wipe them clean on your sweater. “There you go.”

“Thank.” 

Your phone rings then and when you pull it out of your back pocket and see it’s a video call from Daniel, you can’t help but smile and motion for Ellie to come closer, “It’s Danny, bub.” You sit down on the edge of one of the raised planters and take the call just as you pull Ellie onto your lap, “Hey you.”

“Hi,” Daniel beams back. “Hi Miss Ellie.”

“Danny,” Ellie exclaims, smiling widely.

“How are you doing, ladies?” Daniel seems to be in his hotel room and for a moment you wonder why he isn’t at the track but then you remember it’s still only nine-thirty or so.

“We’re good, right bub?” 

Ellie nods enthusiastically, “‘m going potty!”

You can’t help but laugh, even more so when you see Daniel’s confused face, and so you explain, “Yesterday she told me she doesn’t want to wear diapers anymore so we’re trying to be a big girl and go to the toilet, huh bub?” Ellie nods and you throw Daniel a wink, “I think Isabella not wearing one might have heavily influenced her.”

“That’s good though, right?” Daniel looks at Ellie, “You’ve got this, sweetheart.” 

You smile at him, “How are you?”

“Yeah, good.” He sits up a little, “We leave in ten minutes or so, but I figured I could give you a call first.” 

“How was your meeting yesterday?” 

Daniel narrows his eyes at you but there’s still a hint of a smile somewhere, “Did you send that NDA to Blake yet?”

You let out a laugh, “I did.” 

“Good.” His usual grin is back then, “No, yeah, we’re working on it. They’re doing some final tweaks to the contract on their end and uh- Yeah, we should be ready to sign before the end of the season.”

“So you’re going back?”

Daniel nods slowly, his smile growing even wider, “I am.” 

***

He gets his best result of the season in Singapore, a fifth place that no one was expecting, least of all him. 

Some journos say it’s because he’s finally getting used to the car, while other 'experts' think it’s because a weight has been lifted off of his shoulders now that he’s in the final stages of his McLaren contract but none of them are right. It isn’t because of the car or leaving McLaren or- It’s because he finally knows what his future holds.

He’s going home.

***

“Ellie, wake up, bub,” you gently stroke your daughter’s cheek so as not to scare her as she wakes up from her nap. When she opens her eyes you smile at her, “Hi sleepyhead. It’s time to go watch Danny race, remember?” 

“Danny,” Ellie sighs, pushing herself up and holding out her arms so you can pick her up. 

You last spoke to Daniel on the phone on Tuesday, when he called after landing in Suzuka, but you have been texting pretty much every single day and so you know Suzuka holds both some good and bad memories for him. The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the last races you can watch without having to get up in the middle of the night because of the time difference and so you promised him you’d watch the race together with Granddad and Ellie. 

“You want to wear Danny’s sweater?”

Ellie nods, “Danny go car racing.”

“Yep,” you tell her as you help her into the sweater. “Danny’s going to go super fast, bub.”

Granddad’s already got the TV on by the time you make it downstairs and you hand over Ellie to him so you can warm up her bottle and slice an apple for her. You make it back just when the formation lap starts and so you point out Daniel’s car to Ellie, “There’s Danny.” 

“You remember what number Danny has?” Granddad asks your daughter, laughing then when she  proudly holds up five fingers but says, “Three.” 

“That’s right,” Granddad says, kissing the top of her head. “Clever girl.” 

You take a quick selfie of the three of you and send it to Daniel, because even though he won’t see it until after the race you want him to know you were cheering for him. 

***

Somehow they settle into a rhythm quite easily after Suzuka where they text each other daily and Daniel makes sure to video call at least once a week, usually on Tuesdays when, except for workouts with Michael, he doesn’t have much else planned.

After Suzuka he goes on to Austin, where he has a week off and finds himself hanging out with some of his Stateside mates, who somehow all comment on how much more relaxed he seems. He lets them believe it’s because he’s four races away from leaving McLaren but both Blake and Michael give him a look that tells him they know better.

Austin proves to be a disaster and he even finishes one place lower than where he started. There’s a message from her, after the race, telling him they’re still rooting for him, a picture of her and Ellie attached that makes him realise there are more important things in life than winning a race. 

Daniel’s in Mexico City when he gets a message from her early Thursday morning and not at all at a time she should be awake and so for a moment he’s worried something has happened but then he opens the picture and sees two fluffy newborn alpacas huddled close to their mothers and he hits the call button without thinking twice.

She answers on the first ring, “Hey.”

He’s a little taken aback by how exhausted she sounds but he guesses a double alpaca birth does that to a person, “Hey. Congratulations!” He can’t help but tease her, “So, are you a grandmother now or-”

“Daniel Ricciardo,” she bites back but he can hear the smile in her voice, “take that back.”

He laughs, “I kid, I kid. How are the ladies doing?”

“They’re good. Betsy’s a little unsure of what it means to be a mother but I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

He nods even though she can’t see him, “Who else gave birth? Babs?”

“Yep.” He hears her tell one of the girls to move before she comes back to him, “Blanche shouldn’t be too far behind either.”

“And how are you?”

She scoffs, “Tired. It’s been non stop for the past three days but-”

“How’s Oscar doing?”

She must know what he really wants to ask because she tells him, “He’s good. Walking is much easier now but he’s still a bit unsteady on his feet, you know? And he gets tired rather quickly so I’d rather have him watch Ellie than help me deliver some alpacas.”

Daniel hears what she’s saying but still, “Yeah, but-”

“I know, ok? I know, but it is what it is.” She clears her throat, “The laundry can wait another day or two and so what if the windows aren’t clean? Like I said, Blanche shouldn’t be too far behind and they should be fine on their own after a couple of days anyway so-”

“Gotcha,” he says. He can feel she’s getting annoyed and he doesn’t want her to feel like she needs to defend herself and so he quickly adds, “Well, if you need any help coming up with a name for one of them, let me know. I got a few nice ones up my sleeve.”

“Such as?”

“Reginald if it’s a boy,” he deadpans and he relishes in the laugh it draws from her, “and Mildred if it’s a girl.” 

“Right,” she draws out, still laughing. 

“What?” Daniel feigns innocence, “I think they’re great.” He doesn’t, not really, but at least he’s made her laugh and that’s all that matters. “I should probably let you get back to the girls, huh?”

“I was just about to head home actually.”

“Good, go get some sleep.” He lowers his voice then, “I’ll talk to you soon, ok? You got this.” 

She sighs, “Yeah.”

Once the call is disconnected he turns his phone in his hands over and over again, trying to figure out if there’s anything he can do to help her. 

Maybe there is. 

[bright-and-burning]

some highlights from this 2004 adam norris money marketing profile:

"There are few managing directors younger than Adam Norris of Pensions Direct, the pension arm of Hargreaves Lansdown. At 33, he has achieved a higher level in the industry than most do in their entire career." "Norris quips that early retirement would be readily available to him yet it is a very unattractive option. 'I do not believe in going to the office for the sake of it. I enjoy every day of my working life. I am lucky enough that my work is also my hobby. The day I stop enjoying it is the day I will retire.'" "He also takes his hobbies very seriously and, before entering financial services, spent a year in Europe pursuing a career as a tour cyclist. He trained in Belgium with the hope of becoming a serious competitor in the Tour de France. While not making it as a professional, he did come back to the UK with a new outlook and a wife." "Yet Norris maintains he still only works regular hours and prefers not to work later than 5.30pm if he can help it. He refuses to take work home. 'It is a matter of working smarter rather than harder, which is something we need a lot more of in the financial services world.'" "Comments like these demonstrate Norris's forthright pragmatism, that seems to stem from his structured, mathematical training as an engineer and his hard-work ethic, which he says is a result of growing up with dyslexia and needing to work things through. 'I have become very good at learning and observing the world through truly different eyes to everyone else. If you cannot spell, who cares? Working out solutions to difficult problems and understanding the world we live in is vastly more important.' This is a tenet he aims to pass on to his children through real-life experience. He has bought a small farm in the West Country where he has sheep and other animals. 'Real-life experience is most important for a good grounding in anything. I am always conscious that financial services is a world unto its own and, the more of the outside world you see, the saner and more balanced you are.'" "Education: BEng, University of Leicester Career: 1993-95 financial adviser, Acuma; 1995-98 IFA for small brokerages in Bath and Bristol; 1998-present managing director, Pensions Direct, the pension arm of Hargreaves Lansdown Career ambition: To be the biggest shareholder in Europe's biggest IFA Life ambition: To enjoy every day Hero: Doesn't have one Likes: Jam sandwiches Dislikes: Marmite Drives: Porsche 911 convertible"