#Indoor Climbing Wall Release

[kayhi808]

Neighbors - Next Door

Another entry for "Mandy's Sweater Weather Challenge." Created by @she-likesorchids. I used a song prompt, "Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald which was released in the 1930's, an era Bucky is very familiar with.

It's a Bucky Barnes & Reader AU that I started. Bucky left unexpectedly for a mission after their first date. Reader thought that he ghosted her.😞

"Autumn in New York. Why does it feel so inviting? Autumn in New York. It spells the thrill of first-nighting"

It's been 2 weeks since Bucky came to watch you perform at the Flatiron Room and you haven't heard from him since. You thought the night went so well. You danced with him & made him laugh. He bought you dinner. And the kiss at the end of the evening was so sweet.

Oh well, chalk it up to another date that went nowhere. You normally weren't that weirdo, who stalks your dates who ghosted you, but you did try listening against your shared wall to hear if he was home. Nothing.

*****

Twilight was always your favorite time of day. The sky is lit up like its on fire with the oranges & yellows streaked across the sky. It signifies that you made it to the end of the day & tomorrow will be a new day. A new start.

Fall is approaching & the New York air is starting to chill. You leave your window open and the cool air refreshes your apartment. With your glass of wine in hand, you lift your leg over the window frame to settle on the fire escape. You look over & Bucky is perched in his window with a bottle of beer. He gives you a single wave, "Hey."

"Bucky," your brows furrow.

"How have you been?"

Oh, is this how we're playing it? Ok. "Fine. And you?" He nods and concentrates on his beer bottle. No matter how awkward this gets, you refuse to leave. This was your fire escape first! He can leave. You stay silent & ignore him or you try to. You give him side glances & notice that he's exhausted looking. There's a dark shadow of stubble on his face.

"I meant to call you sooner, but I didn't think to get your number."

Shaking your head, "You don't owe me an explanation."

"I feel I do."

Notching your chin up at him, "Well, I'm telling you, you don't."

Ignoring what you said, "I was pulled out on a mission & I never thought of getting your number because you're...you're right here. When I got home, I thought I'd wait for you."

Ok, so maybe you weren't ghosted. "How long have you been out here?" Bucky moves his leg & you see 2 empty bottles and he shrugs. You're trying to figure out if he's drunk, but he seems more tired. Sad. "Are you ok? How did the mission go? Was it a success?"

He huffs & starts picking at the label on his bottle. "Didn't quite go to plan."

"Are you hurt? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Bucky was far from fine. The mission sent them to an abandoned HYDRA facility. There was a room with children's beds. It made him sick to think about the serum being given to children, but he wouldn't put it past HYDRA.

You feel like he needs help, but you don't want to pry. "Have you eaten?" He looks up at you with his beautiful blue eyes, but there's pain lurking in its depths. "C'mon." You swing your legs over & back into your apartment. You wait a few seconds for him to follow, and when he doesn't you stick your head outside & Bucky is staring at your window. "It's getting cold, get in here," you nod your head indoors & disappear from Bucky's view. "Don't forget your bottles!"

You wait just within your apartment & when Bucky appears in front of your window; you take his empty bottles from him so he can climb in. He silently looks around while you head to the kitchen. "Shoes, please." He quickly kicks off his shoes and puts them by the front door. "Thank you," you smile at him.

You had already put a pot of leftover beef stew on the stove before you went out on the fire escape. It's just about heated through. You throw some french bread into the oven to crisp up. He goes to the sink to wash his hands, "You don't have to do this."

"You've been gone for weeks. Do you have anything to eat over there besides beer?" Bucky is silent. "That's what I thought."

You go to move away from him, but his vibranium hand circles your wrist, "I really did want to tell you I was going to be away. I didn't mean to just leave you."

"Gimme your phone." Bucky pulls it out of his pocket and unlocks it, handing it to you. You add your number to his contacts and you take a selfie. He watches you add everything under "Doll Next Door". You send yourself a text and pull out your phone. "Smile!" Bucky just frowns at you. "Oh whatever." You take the picture anyways and then he graces you with a smile afterwards. You roll your eyes at him. "There! We're set!"

You go to shove your phone back in your pocket but he swipes it out of your hand and reads his contact name, "Nerd Next Door?"

Shoving your phone back in your pocket, "You live next door and...you're a nerd." You start spooning the stew into bowls. "Can you get the bread from the oven and slice it up, please? And be careful, it's hot." You carry the bowls into the living room and queue up a movie. As you return to the kitchen, you see Bucky twirl the knife with his fingers. Shit, that was hot! Bucky catches your eye and it's like he knew what you were thinking because he gives you a cocky smirk.

You sit on the floor between the coffee table and couch. Bucky opts to sit behind you on the couch. You start up "Lord of the Rings" & Bucky laughs and smiles so hard his nose scrunches & he's even more adorable. You enjoy dinner, and Bucky gives you a running commentary on what's different between the book and the movie. Big ass NERD!

You notice however, the tension from earlier has melted away. He's made himself at home, sprawled out on the couch after dinner. You aren't surprised when you hear soft snores before the movie ended. You look back on him and he's asleep. You gently cover & tuck him in with a blanket and let him sleep.

You wonder if your poor Avenger will ever share his burdens with you. Until then, you'll be his friend. Dropping a kiss on his cheek you go into your bedroom to finish some work and let him sleep.

"It's Autumn in New York. That brings the promise of new love."

Bucky Barnes Masterlist

[discoveryzone12]

Why Indoor Playgrounds Are Essential for Toddlers Social Development

Young children are constantly in search of new experiences and places to explore. Both their physical and mental development are greatly supported by their endless energy and curiosity. Unexpectedly, indoor playgrounds have become crucial for the development of young children’s social skills and caring for them.

Beyond enjoyable games and activities, a well-organized indoor playground for Children in Ohio offers an exciting and fun atmosphere. This kind of play center sets up various playgroups for children so they can interact with other people and have happy moments. Here are some examples of how an indoor playground helps in toddlers’ socialization:

Working together:

There are various activities in an indoor playground where every participant must take turns. These activities teach toddlers how to become patient, cooperate with other children, and work as a team to achieve goals. Good social relationships are generated by this skill set. Therefore, it’s best to start developing this quality early. In addition to patience and cooperation, indoor playgrounds offer a safe environment for toddlers to learn how to share and respect boundaries. These interactive play sessions allow children to understand the importance of waiting their turn and listening to instructions.

Interaction:

As previously mentioned, indoor playgrounds create age-appropriate groups for children. These engaging environments motivate toddlers to learn and express themselves both verbally and nonverbally. For example, they can communicate with each other while sharing toys or planning play scenarios. This promotes language development and improves their communication abilities. This teaches them important social skills such as sharing, problem solving, and interacting with others. Playing in groups allows children to practice working with others and discussing their ideas.

Emotional Growth:

Group games and activities are about more than just having fun. Children frequently acquire sympathy as a result of experiencing a range of conflicting emotions and reactions. For example, if a child becomes upset while playing games, a child will learn how to comfort them and make them smile. It’s how they develop their emotional intelligence and form deep connections. They learn the importance of being kind and supportive, which is essential for building meaningful connections with others. As they navigate these social dynamics, they not only enjoy their playtime but also grow into caring and understanding individuals.

All-Weather Solution for Kids:

Indoor playgrounds give kids a safe, climate-controlled space where they can stay active all year long, whether it’s raining or too hot to play outside. These playgrounds let kids release energy and grow socially and physically via engaging activities like obstacle courses, climbing walls, and slides. By enjoying various activities, children not only have a great time but also improve their coordination, strength, and teamwork skills.

Boosting Confidence:

Play areas for young children and toddlers are not the only uses for indoor playgrounds. In addition to playing a variety of entertaining games such as slides, swings, and jumping pillows, they can also spend time managing difficult tasks like rope courses and playscape obstacle courses. While taken together, they help in strengthening, boosting confidence, and improving cognitive abilities. Children’s strength, confidence, and thinking skills are all improved when participating in these combined activities. This combination of fun and learning makes indoor playgrounds a fantastic place for kids to grow and thrive.

Do you want to include your kids in these playground? Discovery Zone can be a great indoor playground for toddlers in Ohio. Bring your kids to explore their new adventures.

[sloggervlogger]

Ape Socialization Tommy's Journey and Integration Into Jambo's Group by SloggerVlogger *Tommy, now with Jambo's group, nervously avoids conflict while Kibali and Jambo act out. Surprisingly, they ignore the usual favourite, aubergine.* Even though Tommy is accepted by Alpha Jambo, he's still trying to fit into the new group and gets quite nervous when the screaming starts. He tries to keep himself out of the way. Kibali is running around kicking windows and walls, as is Jambo. The staff scattered some food. I wonder what was wrong with the Aubergine in Flynn and Jambo's path. Normally, they are the first to go and quite a favourite of all the great apes. Don't miss a thing—hit Subscribe and Turn on all Notifications to be part of our Great Ape escapades every week. #HairlessChimpanzee #HairlessChimp Watch Jambo videos at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXC1aShJSBiV-oQYoaemapq4zbFELy1FI 🛍️Gear up with exclusive merch from our worldwide delivery shop: 🛍️Biggest collection of T-shirts, stickers, caps and much more rawshutterbug Redbubble @ https://rb-ambassador.pxf.io/HairlessChimp #AD #RedbubbleAmbassador 🛍️Customizable T-shirts, stickers, apparel, homeware and much more rawshutterbug Zazzle: https://www.zazzle.com/collections/hairless_chimp_jambo-119785925986234731?rf=238978496872225031 🛍️Amazon USA 🇺🇲 Store https://www.amazon.com/shop/sloggervlogger #Ad #AmazonAssociate 🛍️Amazon UK 🇬🇧 Store: https://amzn.to/47mDmbA 🌐My website: https://msvrvisual.weebly.com/sloggervlogger.html Some of the links above and in the video are affiliate links! When you make a purchase, I earn a commission without any extra cost to you. Your support means the world to me – thanks for dropping by and watching and commenting. Hairless Chimp Jambo, the alpha male was born at Twycross Zoo in England. He has had alopecia, a form of hair loss since his youth. He was born on June 9, 1982. In November 2018, Jambo lost his ear, possibly due to an accidental fight with his mother. Attempts to reattach it with skin glue failed as he continued to pick on it. In October 2022, he also lost a toe, with the cause unknown but possibly related to fights and agitation during mating season. In 2018, the chimpanzees received a new habitat called "Chimpanzee Eden." It spans 1,160 square meters and includes two seven-meter-high indoor spaces connected to a large outdoor area with climbing frames and huts. 🚀 Dive into our Membership Community today to unlock exclusive perks at incredible value! Enjoy access to special badges, early video releases, members-only content, and custom emojis. We've kept the fee as low as £0.99 available worldwide in your currency. 🙏🏻Think of it as leaving a small tip for the videos you enjoy and experience the benefits first hand. Plus, you're free to cancel anytime with no hassle! Your support means the world. 🔗 Join Membership https://youtube.com/@SloggerVlogger/join 📸Dive into our exclusive Members' Videos playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOsrZBBRAQJwVkpaMddhp9DA Due to background noise from human activity, the original audio has been mixed with natural bird songs for a more peaceful viewing experience. Where possible, I will keep the natural sound intact. Don't miss a thing—hit Subscribe and Turn on all Notifications to be part of our Great Ape Ventures every week. via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzmdN470ulQ

[ainews]

Holds, or "barred holds," are becoming increasingly popular in climbing gyms, but for some, they should be left alone. Verve Climbing, a climbing gym in Los Angeles, recently put a hold moratorium — a ban on installing new holds in any new walls — in place, citing arguments that run the gamut from concerns about safety and the environment to worries about the sport becoming formulaic.

Safety: For one, many established climbers worry that some holds are not designed for safety. When routes are set with holds that have too small of a surface area or are too challenging to hold onto, climbers may be at risk of slipping or falling off the wall. This is especially true for indoor gyms, where kick-offs and jumps are not an option. Safety is key when setting routes in an indoor environment, so many climbers prefer larger, secure holds that conform to the standards set by the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).

Environment: While some holds are made from eco-friendly materials, like recycled rubber and plastic, many are made from a variety of synthetic materials that cannot be recycled. This can have a negative impact on the environment. Also, some hold manufacturers employ processes that include gluing and bolting, and release toxic dust or fumes into the air, further contributing to air pollution.

Formulaic: Additionally, some climbing experts worry that introducing too many holds on certain climbs may interfere with the art of the route-setting process. While there are standards for indoor routes, many feel that too many choices can lead to a “formulaic” style of climbing which may not encourage creative problem solving or route experimentation. Having fewer holds available can help preserve the uniqueness of certain routes and may even encourage climbers to expand their skill sets.

Given these arguments, it’s no wonder the climbing community is divided on the issue of holds. While many argue they are necessary for safety and environmental reasons, others are concerned that too many holds may lead to a formulaic approach to routesetting. Ultimately, it’s up to each climbing gym to decide if they will embrace holds or maintain a hold moratorium.

[playtecequipment]

7 Benefits Your Child Gets From Bouldering In The Playground

Bouldering is more than just an exciting way for children to expend their boundless energy in a commercial indoor playground. It's an activity that has a plethora of benefits, both physically and mentally. Watching a child navigate their way across a bouldering wall can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking for parents, but the rewards far outweigh the risks. Engaging in this activity helps children develop a range of skills that are crucial for their overall growth and well-being.

The nature of bouldering, which involves climbing on rocks or artificial walls without the use of ropes or harnesses, makes it a unique and engaging activity. It demands not only physical strength but also mental acuity, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. 

Know what benefits your child earns from the playground activity known as bouldering by reading this list.

Improved Physical Fitness

Bouldering is a full-body workout that enhances a child’s physical fitness. It strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and increases flexibility. As children climb, they use their arms, legs, and core muscles, which contributes to overall muscle development. The repetitive motion of climbing and descending helps build endurance and stamina. Regular bouldering can lead to significant improvements in a child’s physical health, making them stronger and more agile.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Each bouldering route presents a unique challenge that requires strategic thinking and problem-solving. Children learn to analyse their environment, assess different routes, and decide the best way to reach the top. This process fosters critical thinking and decision-making skills. As they navigate through various challenges, they develop a sense of spatial awareness and the ability to think ahead, which can be beneficial in many aspects of life.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

Overcoming the challenges posed by bouldering can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Successfully reaching the top of a climb gives them a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the idea that they can achieve their goals through effort and perseverance. This newfound confidence can translate into other areas of their lives, helping them to tackle academic, social, and personal challenges with greater assurance.

Social Interaction and Teamwork

Bouldering often takes place in environments where children can interact with their peers. This interaction promotes social skills such as communication, cooperation, and teamwork. Children can learn from each other, share tips, and encourage one another. The social aspect of bouldering helps in building friendships and understanding the importance of working together towards a common goal.

Stress Relief and Mental Well-being

Physical activity is known to be a great stress reliever, and bouldering is no exception. It provides an outlet for children to release pent-up energy and stress. The focus required during climbing helps take their minds off any worries or anxieties they may have. Additionally, being engaged in a fun and challenging activity can boost their mood and overall mental well-being.

Development of Patience and Perseverance

Bouldering teaches children the value of patience and perseverance. Not every climb is successful on the first attempt, and children learn to keep trying and not give up easily. This resilience is a valuable life skill that can help them in overcoming obstacles and facing difficulties with a positive attitude. The process of trial and error in bouldering helps them understand that persistence is key to success.

Enhanced Coordination and Balance

Climbing requires a great deal of coordination and balance. Children must learn to synchronise their movements and maintain their balance while navigating the bouldering wall. This enhances their motor skills and body awareness. Improved coordination and balance can also benefit them in other physical activities and sports, contributing to their overall physical development.

Bouldering is an exceptional activity that offers numerous benefits for children. It combines physical exercise with mental challenges, making it an ideal way for kids to grow stronger and more confident. The skills and qualities developed through bouldering extend beyond the climbing wall, positively impacting various aspects of their lives.

Encouraging children to participate in bouldering can lead to a healthier, happier, and more well-rounded development. It’s an investment in their future, providing them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive. The joy and satisfaction they gain from overcoming challenges and reaching new heights are invaluable, making bouldering a truly rewarding experience for any child.

[detroitflights]

Amazing Winter Activities in Atlanta for Kids That They'll Love

A Georgia winter in Atlanta provides many enjoyable family activities. There are many ways to enjoy the season, from being active to unwinding. Find the greatest places to go on vacation where you can enjoy the snow or avoid it, and indulge in food while taking in Atlanta's breathtaking scenery. Book DTW flights to Atlanta and experience the city's diverse attractions and experiences, making it an unforgettable destination.

Bowling.

For kids who want to stay active indoors, Painted Pin is an entertaining and engaging substitute for traditional bowling.

Indoor Waterpark.

The Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange is a fantastic alternative for those who are prepared to commute. Other swimming options near Atlanta include the South Cobb Aquatic Centre in Austell, the Bogan Park Aquatic Centre in Buford, and the Bethesda Park Aquatic Centre in Lawrenceville.

Andretti Go-Karting.

Go-karting, a climbing wall, and a rope course are among the arcade games that Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offers at its Marietta sites. Visit the restaurants in Buford or Marietta and savor some delicious food.

Rock Climbing.

Popular rock climbing routes include Adrenaline Climbing in Suwanee, north Georgia, and Midtown Atlanta, close to Spaghetti Junction and Kennesaw.

Trampoline Park.

Take on exhilarating experiences at SkyZone Trampoline Park in McDonough and Roswell, or Adventure Air in Kennesaw.

Winter Hikes.

With its breathtaking winter hiking opportunities, Georgia State Park is the ideal place for families to join Junior Rangers and experience the great outdoors.

Volunteer.

There are several methods to support families in Atlanta during the holidays, especially those with children, by giving them the opportunity to engage in activities that reduce feelings of isolation and fear.

Indoor Playground

In addition to mall playgrounds at Cumberland Mall, Town Centre Mall, or North Point Mall, kids may enjoy indoor playgrounds like HippoHop and Leapin Lizards in Atlanta and Decatur. For kids, fast food establishments such as Chick-fil-A provide an affordable outlet to release their stored-up energy.

INK.

A non-profit in Gainesville called The Interactive Neighbourhood for Kids provides interactive exhibits in the form of a courthouse, pizza joint, and other things in a pint-sized town that is ideal for the physical and mental development of kids.

Snow Island at Lake Lanier.

From mid-November to the end of February, Snow Island at Lake Lanier is the ideal place to enjoy winter activities including ice skating, snow tubing, funfair rides, a snowy play area, s'mores, and hot cocoa.

Theatrical Activities for Young Audiences.

A joyful and exciting experience for the whole family, the Alliance Theatre presents professional shows for younger children (5 years old and under). Explore Atlanta by booking a Detroit to Atlanta flight.

[adaptsmedia]

"Fun and Fitness: How Fun City Encourages Active Play for Kids"

In today's digital age, where screens often dominate children's attention, finding ways to encourage active play has become more important than ever. Fun City, a popular family entertainment center, stands out as a beacon for fostering both fun and fitness in children. By combining exciting attractions with a focus on physical activity, Fun City has created an environment where kids can have a blast while staying active. In this blog, we'll explore how Fun City is at the forefront of promoting active play for kids and why it's the ultimate destination for families seeking a dynamic and health-conscious experience.

A Multifaceted Playground:Fun City's indoor playground is a paradise for active play. It features multi-level play structures, including tunnels, slides, and climbing walls, designed to engage children's bodies and minds. As kids navigate this vibrant playground, they're developing their motor skills and improving physical coordination.

Trampoline Zones:Bouncing on trampolines is not only exhilarating but also an excellent cardiovascular workout. Fun City offers dedicated trampoline areas where children can jump, leap, and release their energy while improving their balance and stamina.

Interactive Games and Activities:Fun City houses a variety of interactive games and activities that encourage movement and agility. From challenging obstacle courses to dance-based video games, these attractions turn playtime into a physical adventure.

Sports Zones for Team Play:Team sports like soccer and basketball are fantastic ways for children to stay active while learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Fun City provides spacious sports zones where kids can engage in friendly matches and enjoy the thrill of competition.

Adventure and Rides:Beyond traditional play structures, Fun City offers adventure rides that stimulate physical activity. Whether it's climbing a rock wall or navigating a thrilling rope course, kids can experience an adrenaline rush while building strength and endurance.

Fitness Classes:Some Fun City locations offer fitness classes specifically designed for kids. These classes, which may include yoga or dance, introduce children to enjoyable forms of exercise that focus on balance, flexibility, and overall wellness.

Safety First:Fun City places a high emphasis on safety. Trained staff members supervise play areas to ensure children have a safe environment for active play, giving parents peace of mind.

Active Parties and Celebrations:Fun City's party packages incorporate active play options, ensuring that birthdays and special occasions become opportunities for kids to engage in fun, fitness-focused activities with their friends.

Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle:Fun City encourages children to embrace a healthier lifestyle by making physical activity an integral part of their daily routines. Through their experiences at Fun City, kids can develop a lifelong appreciation for staying active.

Conclusion:

Fun City has redefined the concept of fun by making it synonymous with fitness. With its innovative attractions, dedicated staff, and commitment to safety, Fun City is leading the way in promoting active play for kids. In a world where screen time often dominates, Fun City provides a refreshing and health-conscious alternative, allowing children to enjoy the thrill of movement and the joy of play. If you're seeking an environment where your kids can have a blast while staying active and healthy, Fun City is the ultimate destination. Join the fun, and let your children experience the magic of active play at Fun City!

[kavyaorganicfarm2]

Nature's Living Curtain for Your Walls: The Beauty and Benefits of Parda Bel

In today's fast-paced world, where urbanization and technological advancements have taken center stage, our connection with nature often takes a backseat. We are constantly surrounded by concrete jungles, fluorescent lights, and the hustle and bustle of city life. However, there is a growing movement to bring a touch of nature back into our lives, and one fascinating way to do so is through the use of Parda Bel, a living curtain for your walls. In this article, we will explore what Parda Bel is, its benefits, and how it can transform your living space into a haven of natural beauty and tranquility.

What is Parda Bel?

Parda Bel, also known as "Curtain Creeper" or "Green Curtain," is a unique and visually stunning plant that can be grown vertically, creating a lush and vibrant living curtain on walls, trellises, and fences. Native to Southeast Asia, Parda Bel (scientifically known as "Polygonum aubertii") belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is renowned for its cascading foliage that can cover large expanses of vertical space.

The name "Parda Bel" originates from its Hindi roots, where "Parda" means curtain, and "Bel" means creeper or vine. Aptly named, this plant serves as a natural, living curtain, offering privacy, shade, and a touch of elegance to any indoor or outdoor environment.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Parda Bel

Elegance and Natural Beauty: Parda Bel's cascading leaves create a visually stunning green curtain, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space. Its lush foliage and delicate white flowers can transform even the most mundane walls into living works of art.

Versatility in Design: One of the significant advantages of Parda Bel is its versatility in design. Whether you want to create a tropical paradise in your backyard, a cozy and green corner in your living room, or a natural screen for your balcony, Parda Bel can adapt to various design preferences and spaces.

Seasonal Transformation: Parda Bel undergoes seasonal changes, with its foliage turning vibrant shades of red and orange during the fall months. This seasonal transformation adds depth and character to your living curtain, making it a dynamic element of your living space.

The Benefits of Parda Bel

Air Purification: Parda Bel is not just a decorative element; it also contributes to improved indoor air quality. Like many indoor plants, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, creating a healthier and more oxygen-rich environment. Additionally, Parda Bel can help filter out common indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde and benzene, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces.

Natural Cooling: The dense foliage of Parda Bel provides natural shade, which can significantly reduce the temperature in outdoor spaces. This natural cooling effect not only enhances comfort but also helps reduce energy consumption for air conditioning.

Privacy and Security: Parda Bel can serve as a natural privacy screen, shielding your outdoor spaces from prying eyes. It can be strategically placed along fences, balconies, or trellises to create a secluded oasis where you can relax and unwind.

Sound Insulation: The leaves of Parda Bel can act as a sound insulator, reducing noise pollution from nearby roads, neighbors, or other sources. This makes it an excellent choice for homes and apartments in busy urban areas.

How to Grow Parda Bel

Growing Parda Bel is relatively straightforward, making it an accessible choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. Here are the key steps to cultivate and maintain this living curtain:

Selecting the Right Location: Parda Bel thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. If you plan to grow it indoors, place it near a bright window with indirect sunlight.

Choosing the Right Support: Parda Bel requires a sturdy support structure to climb and cascade. Consider installing trellises, wires, or a fence for the plant to cling to as it grows.

Preparing the Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can improve the soil quality by adding compost or organic mulch.

Planting Parda Bel: Plant Parda Bel seeds or cuttings in the spring or early summer. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth. Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering and Pruning: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular pruning is essential to encourage bushier growth and maintain the desired shape of your living curtain.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant foliage.

Pest and Disease Management: Parda Bel is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, you should monitor the plant for any signs of issues and address them promptly.

Training and Shaping: As Parda Bel grows, you can train it to follow the desired path on your wall or trellis. Regularly guide the vines to ensure they create a full and beautiful curtain.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant Parda Bel curtain requires ongoing care and attention. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your living curtain in its best condition:

Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry weather. However, be cautious not to overwater, as Parda Bel does not thrive in waterlogged conditions.

Pruning and Trimming: Prune your Parda Bel regularly to remove dead or damaged leaves and encourage new growth. Trimming also helps maintain the desired shape and size of the living curtain.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to ensure that your Parda Bel receives the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Control: While Parda Bel is relatively hardy, it's essential to monitor for pests like aphids or mealybugs and address them promptly with appropriate treatments if necessary.

Support Maintenance: Check the support structure, such as trellises or wires, for stability. Make any necessary repairs to ensure that the Parda Bel vines have proper support as they grow.

Seasonal Care: Be prepared for the seasonal changes in your Parda Bel's appearance. During the fall, enjoy the vibrant red and orange hues before winter dormancy. In the spring, trim away any dead growth to allow for new growth to flourish.

Creative Uses of Parda Bel

Indoor Green Wall: Transform your living room, bedroom, or any indoor space into a lush oasis by growing Parda Bel along a wall. Its cascading greenery can provide a refreshing and calming atmosphere.

Balcony Privacy Screen: Create a private and serene outdoor retreat on your balcony by using Parda Bel as a natural privacy screen. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening relaxation surrounded by nature.

Vertical Garden: Combine Parda Bel with other climbing plants and create a stunning vertical garden on a blank wall. This not only adds beauty to your space but also maximizes your gardening area.

[utkarshblogs]

best indoor plants for bedroom?

When it comes to selecting Bedroom plants  for your bedroom, it's important to consider Best indoor plants  that thrive in low-light conditions, have air-purifying qualities, and can promote relaxation. Here are some popular choices:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Snake plants are known for their resilience and ability to tolerate low-light conditions. They release oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms. They also filter indoor air pollutants, promoting a healthier sleeping environment.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. They thrive in low to medium light and produce beautiful white flowers, adding a touch of elegance to your bedroom.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are easy to care for and can thrive in various light conditions. They have long, arching leaves with small plantlets that dangle from them, creating a visually appealing display. They also help filter out pollutants from the air.

English Ivy (Hedera helix): English ivy is a climbing vine that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb along shelves or walls. It excels at purifying the air by reducing airborne mold spores and other allergens. English ivy prefers moderate to bright light conditions.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera plants are not only visually appealing but also offer medicinal properties. They release oxygen at night, improving air quality while you sleep. Aloe vera plants prefer bright light, so placing them near a bedroom window is beneficial.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are lush and green, adding a touch of nature to your bedroom. They thrive in humid environments with indirect light. Boston ferns also act as natural air humidifiers and can help purify the air.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese evergreens are known for their tolerance of low-light conditions and their ability to purify the air. They come in a variety of leaf patterns and colors, making them visually appealing options for your bedroom.

Remember to consider factors such as the amount of natural light your bedroom receives, your ability to provide appropriate care, and any specific preferences you have when choosing the best indoor plants for your bedroom.

[adventurefitdojo01]

Fitness Center Near Me of Adventure Fit Dojo

Fitness Center Near Me of Adventure Fit Dojo

Whether you're looking to improve your climbing skills or are simply interested in staying healthy, the fitness center near me of Adventure Fit Dojo can help you achieve your goals. They offer training programs for all levels, including one-on-one coaching sessions with head coach Jimmy Webb and other climbers.

Download the FitOn app to watch live-streaming classes and join multi-workout challenges. You'll find everything from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), barre, boxing, and Pilates workouts.

Chelsea Piers Fitness

Chelsea Piers Fitness is a state-of-the-art fitness center with an indoor track, 75 ft pool, sports courts, and waterfront sundeck. It's also got some pretty cool perks like an artisanal cafe and shared spaces for working out and socializing.

It's no wonder that Chelsea Piers is a popular destination for celebrities, such as Blake Lively, Emily Blunt and Ryan Reynolds. It's one of the city's most inspiring fitness centers, with a wide array of state-of-the-art equipment and studio-quality classes.

It's also home to some of the city's most lauded sports and entertainment facilities, such as the golf club, the Field House and the Sky Rink. Located on Piers 59, 60 and 61 in Manhattan's Hudson River waterfront, Chelsea Piers is an excellent place to spend some time and work out, especially in the summer.

VITAL Brooklyn

If you're a climber or a fitness junkie, VITAL Brooklyn is the place to go. This massive 45,000-square-foot space in a former warehouse in Williamsburg offers year-round bouldering, classes, and a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

The West Coast-based company has opened four locations in California and Washington state, so it's not surprising that they're taking on the NYC market with this new spot. Owners Sacher and Nam Phan say Brooklyn's climbing community is well-established and passionate, so they saw it as a great fit for their new venture.

The team at Vital rehabilitated the historic warehouse, which had been a soda factory and metal warehouse, into a gym with colorful plywood-and-steel climbing walls and urban greenspace. The building's century-old brick and plaster were left exposed while bright pops of color and black and white murals add visual interest to the space.

Edge Fitness

Edge Fitness, a gym near me of Adventure Fit Dojo, is a top-notch gym with great equipment and group classes. The best part is that it’s also affordable.

The club’s premium amenities include a premium sauna, state of the art locker rooms, showers, and changing areas, as well as massage chairs. Each location also features a private women’s training room, complete with cardio machines, weights, and benches.

There are a wide variety of group exercise classes at Edge, including strength groups that make use of barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells to challenge every muscle group in the body. Another popular class is Edge Strong, which is a circuit-based workout taught by Edge personal trainers.

Aside from these group exercise classes, Edge also offers a variety of other amenities such as a state-of-the-art movie theater that screens new releases and classics each month. This is a great way to get in your cardio and have fun at the same time.

Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness

Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness is a unique climbing gym that offers personalized fitness training, for mind, body and soul. They offer climbing classes and equipment rentals for climbers of all levels.

They also have a full health center and a yoga studio, which is included in their membership fee. The facility has a large bouldering area, tall walls and a speed wall.

In addition to being a great way to stay fit, climbing can also be a great way to connect with nature. You'll meet other climbers and build relationships that can help you on your climbs, both indoors and out.

You can go climbing with a guide, or take a class to learn the basics. It's a great way to improve your strength and endurance, and prepare for long approaches.

Adventure Fit Dojo

Address : 183 HWY 50, Suite E, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448

Phone : (530) 314-3195

Email :zach@adventurefitdojo.com

Website :  zach@adventurefitdojo.com

[hengyuanshijia]

Introduction of climbing plant pots

Compared with other plants, the planting of climbing plants saves space and can also beautify the environment. By planting various plants on the indoor and outdoor walls of the building to green and beautify the walls, a local natural ecological atmosphere is created. It generally refers to a form of vertical greening in which climbing plants or other plants are used to decorate the vertical surfaces of buildings or various walls to achieve the purpose of beautifying and maintaining ecology. And climbing plant pots are different from other pots. Vertical greening is also an effective measure to improve the family environment; it is a high-tech developed in response to the environmental problem of tight land supply. Compared with the traditional flat greening, the vertical greening has more space, and one side of the climbing plant pot is designed with grid test, which can make the plants easy to climb.

Advantages of Climbing Plant Pots

The landscape effect of planting climbing plants on the balcony is particularly good. They take up less space and can increase the height and level of the green space. Make the most efficient use of the limited space on the balcony. Green plants can release a large amount of oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide during the photosynthesis process of the sun, and at the same time have the functions of blocking, filtering and adsorbing various dusts, bacteria and harmful and toxic gases in the air.

[unwhitewashthebadbatch]

What's wrong with Echo?

Probably the most egregious whitewashing offense out of all of them is Echo. Compare how he looks now to what he used to look like:

After being frozen for over a year, he's lost all of his melanin. Many fans believe a year without sunlight while locked in a freezer will burn away every last drop of melanin someone has. This is not how melanin works. Those of us who share a skin tone equal to or darker than Echo's know that even years indoors won't lighten our skin to such a drastic shade like this--and no amount of nutritional deficiency and lack of sunlight will drain someone's melanin in such a manner. While certain environmental or traumatic factors can affect one's melanin output and lead to things like vitiligo, this is not the case with Echo, and as much as not been confirmed by the team (1). Echo's appearance in the series is actually lighter than he appeared in the season 7 arc. This is a result of a group of designers who do not know how melanin works, who assumed that people of colors' skin changes the same way white people's does, and who then rendered something extremely unlikely for the sake of "storytelling". Many dissenters of #UnwhitewashTBB cite "narrative/visual storytelling" as a justification for the gross amount of whitewashing that has happened with The Bad Batch. This argument is weak because Echo's being pale serves no real purpose to the plot or characterization of himself or anyone else in the series. Echo's missing limbs do--he uses his probe to hack into computers, for instance. Some have said that Echo is pale for the same reasons that Darth Vader is pale: damage done to the body, an assumed lack of blood, and his being "more machine than man" and somehow less/inhuman because of it. Besides this being grossly ableist, Vader and Echo have only their prosthetics in common. In every other way, they're completely different. Why should Vader and Echo have a narrative connection via visual storytelling like this? Is that the type of story that should be told about Echo: that he is less than or inhuman because of his disabilities? Should we use ableism as a justification for racism? And why assume the creators intended to do something that makes no sense when the much more plausible answer is right there: they do not know how melanin works and defaulted to how white skin behaves under extreme conditions. Beyond this, as of this carrd update (7/29/2021, after the release of episode seven) Echo has basically been ignored by both The Bad Batch and the plot. Fans have begun to think that his presence is for nostalgia and nothing else, because his treatment in the series has been subpar to a worrying degree. Disabled fans are concerned about the ableism surrounding Echo. The Bad Batch is introduced to us by insulting regs and establishing their superiority complex. They harass his brothers and doubt his loyalty to his family for the entire arc, and then we see Echo again, and it's revealed that he's disabled: multiple amputations and various devices needed to keep him alive. Even when he's saving their lives, the Bad Batch don't trust him. At the end, Rex says that if Echo no longer "fits in" with clones like him, he can go with The Bad Batch. There are multiple issues with this, the largest being that Echo is disabled, not a criminal, and not a freak. There is absolutely no reason as to why the 501st that he's fought beside for most of the war beforehand would suddenly reject him now that he's missing some limbs and hair. There wasn't ever any point in TCW where clones were shown to collectively be ableist. Why wouldn't have Echo been able to fit in? Why wouldn't he have been accepted? Would Jesse or Kix have mistreated him for being tortured and abused by the separatists? Would Anakin have? Combine this with the continued narrative coddling of the Bad Batch. They have genetic superiority-fueled egos, never saw Echo as their equal, but have him join their team anyways, proving once again that this team of whitewashed superiors are better than the brown "regs" they despise because they "accept" Echo and his disabilities. The message that the team is sending just with that decision at the end of that arc is dually racist and

ableist one. The issues do not end there. Echo is new to the team, so it's understandable that he doesn't have a wall-set bed on Kamino, but he also doesn't have a seat on the Marauder. Despite being a double amputee, he's made to stand in many of the scenes we see him in, while the rest of The Bad Batch reclines in some way. One example is in episode seven, when everyone is asleep waiting for Wrecker to wake up and Echo is the only one standing. His lack of an arm is another example--he's still made to climb and carry things literally one handed, while the probe attachment only occasionally serves a purpose. Why not give Echo a hand that opens up with a probe inside it? Disabled fans have noted that it's like the team refuses to acknowledge Echo's status as a disabled character, instead either choosing to put him in extremely uncomfortable situations that an able bodied person would be fine with, or ignoring him entirely. In episode seven, we also see that Echo has a patch on his head before anyone else has even had the surgery to remove the chip. And when Wrecker wakes up, Rex says they only need to do three more, excluding Echo. Was Echo's chip removed off screen, and if so, why skip it? This may be a continuity issue, but such an oversight calls into question how much the writers see Echo as more than just the butt of jokes and the metal ragdoll, subject to constant uncomfortable situations and dehumanization. Within the Bad Batch, the implications are still dire: they may have pulled out Echo's chip as a tester before doing the "real" work of taking out Wrecker's. Echo is referred to as "more machine than man" by Tech in the premiere, and then Crosshair makes a comment about how Echo has been "turned into that", regarding his series of prosthetics and technology keeping him functioning. The worst offense is when he gets sold, and it's played off for laughs that the mostly-metal disabled man is now being treated as actually metal and inhuman. The Clone Wars already had issues with acknowledging the clones' status as slaves (Slick is villainized, the Kadavo arc makes no mention of how Rex feels being sold into slavery), and it's disappointing to see that these issues have continued into The Bad Batch. Fans are hoping that Echo doesn't keep being put into dehumanizing or otherwise dangerous situations for a disabled person, like when he got thrown and stunned in episode seven. (1) If the team had wanted to show damage to his skin without completely bleaching him, they could have designed him with patchiness, vitiligo, and/or other skin tone variations that show that damage has been done. Fans of color have also noted that this change seems to be permanent, as Echo does not seem to be regaining his melanin. Hunter | Crosshair | Wrecker | Tech | Omega | Home Fan Theories | Photo Gallery | Art Tutorial | Other Issues | FAQ | Goal

[hajimesh]

𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 — pro! oikawa / fem reader

after visiting oikawa's family, you both spend a relaxing weekend at an exclusive onsen—enjoying the warm bodies of water. but what starts as playful banter, turns into him reminding you why you love him and no one else.

⥅ word c. 2,273

⥅ warnings. brat/sub reader, brat tamer oikawa, intercrural + semi-public + water sex, degradation (mild), dumbification, daddy kink, pet names, aftercare

⥅ author n. my piece for the @bbthots-underground nsfw mini collab !! thank u @tsumue for literally giving me a plot to work with, u saved me<33 and @chibi-chanforever + @crescentsteel for taking the time to beta read ♡

dense layers of white snow coat the wooden rooftops, the sunlight reflecting on them which brightens your surroundings. you can’t help but marvel at the blinding sight before you, a breathtaking scene worthy of the title ‘winter wonderland’.

oikawa did warn you about how winters in japan are cold, but you weren’t expecting it to be this cold. thankfully, the warmth of the onsen wraps around you like a comforting blanket as you bask in its water. it’s in moments like these when you’re thankful for your boyfriend’s remarkable career and popularity, allowing you to enjoy most of the luxuries that are handed out to him on a silver platter.

a well-known onsen in the prefecture of iwate offered him a weekend getaway for two, and after spending the holidays with his family, the two of you agreed that you deserved a few days just for yourselves; to relax and enjoy each other’s company before he got busy again with his volleyball duties. the place is almost empty since you got snowed in after your first day, which stopped the usual flow of tourists, and save for the staff —who have been nothing but attentive to your needs and very respectful of your privacy— you and oikawa have the place all for yourselves.

your favorite part has to be the private rooms: spacey, indoor baths framed by glass windows that allow you to gaze at the dazzling white snow from your spot inside the water—the warm water soaking your skin and seeping through your pores, as it relaxes your tense muscles.

oikawa’s arms are wrapped around your waist, pressing his chest to your side and hiding his flushed face in your neck. his usually fluffy hair lies flat against his forehead thanks to the humidity in the air, and before you can think twice about it, your hand pushes it back—away from his handsome face. 

“this is nice, isn’t it?” he murmurs on the skin of your shoulder, placing a faint kiss on it.

you hum as your eyes switch from the falling snowflakes to his form, “i missed spending time just with you.”

a comfortable silence settles between the both of you, his breath fanning over your neck while your head rests on top of his.

“my family loves you,” he breaks the silence after a few minutes, “i think even more than they love me.”

you recall the way his family teased him, —all in good fun, of course— telling you that you still had time to escape and find someone better. so, after noticing the way he huffed out the words, it’s only natural you decide to play along with it. 

“and i love them more than i love you.”

his hold on you tightens, a low chuckle escapes his lips, making the hair on your body rise.

“we both know you don’t mean that,” his lips trace the sensitive skin of your neck, reaching your jaw and pressing a light kiss on it, “right, love?”

“mm, i don’t know. maybe i do.”

you feel his arms growing limp against you, a rush of coldness grazes your side as he moves away from your body. you’re about to complain when his hands grab you by your waist and turn you around so you can face him.

“say that again,” he challenges.

his usually relaxed face is gone, a stern look taking its place instead. but the faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips spurs you on all the more.

“i love your family more than i love you,” you say, and lift your chin in defiance, watching his eyes fire up at your reply.

before you can even imagine what’s going on through his mind, an involuntary shiver runs down your spine when his hands move upwards, his fingers grazing the skin of your breasts. 

“no, you don’t,” he states, his face leaning closer to yours, “and i’m going to tell you why since it seems like your dumb little brain is getting fogged up by the vapor.”

your breath hitches at his words, excitement running through your body as he looms above you.

“feel this?” he asks rhetorically, the pads of his thumbs rubbing circles on your nipples, “i don’t even have to touch your pussy to get you aroused. or am i wrong?”

you’re so lost in his eyes, the lustful look in them taking your breath away plus the sensation of his fingers tweaking your erect nipples, that you’re unable to think of a coherent answer.

he chuckles, releasing one of your nubs to caress your damp hair away from your face, “can’t even talk right now, huh? where did my brat go?”

your lips part, about to defend yourself, when he captures them with his. the kiss is messy, wet, his tongue immediately prodding between your lips in search of yours. a weak sigh leaves your mouth, his hand settling on the back of your head to keep you in place —to ensure your lips stay locked with his— while the other travels down your body until it reaches your throbbing clit.

he swallows down your squeal of surprise when his pointer and middle finger start massaging your clit in slow circles. if you had to describe his ministrations on you, you’d label them as thrilling and erotic; clouding even more your already hazy mind.

with a gentle bite on your lower lip, he finally pulls away from your mouth. but he’s still close enough for your breaths to overlap one another. you involuntarily buck your hips against his fingers, wanting —needing— more of his touch.

“patience, baby. i haven’t finished my explanation yet.”

oikawa takes a seat on one of the steps, the water reaching just below his waist, and proceeds to pull you between his legs. you try to sit down but he keeps your hips up, accommodating his erection between your thighs, so you place your hands on top of his to steady yourself.

“here’s another reason why you love me: no one pleases you like i do,” he accentuates his statement by thrusting up, cursing under his breath when your soft skin rubs against his length, “just as no one else can make me this hard, only you. is that what you wanted to hear?”

“tooru,” his name leaves your lips in a breathless way, your foggy mind filling with lewd images of him.

you can imagine his parted lips and the way his brown irises focus on you through half-lidded eyes, following every single one of your movements.

“yes, baby?” he coos and all you can do is whine. a twinge of tenderness swirls on his chest at how obvious it is that you’re enjoying it, “use your big girl words, sweetheart. i know this might be too much for you, but i need you to tell me how you feel.”

the head of his cock rubs between your thighs, grazing your slit slightly and providing you with a smidge of the pleasure you’re longing for.

“g-good, feels... so good.”

he stills for a moment, observing you closely while his hands cup your breasts, “now, can you tell me who do you love the most? or do i need to keep reminding you?”

before you can think of an answer, his thrusts suddenly pick up making your ass smack against his thighs as his fingers play with the soft flesh of your chest.

“tooru, i–”

the words die on your tongue at the sudden stimulation, your head rolling back and whimpering when his fingers give a harsh pinch to your hardened nipples.

“my dumb little baby, becoming stupid as soon as i play with your body,” he breathes out the words on the back of your neck, struggling to maintain his composure. your eyes cross at a particular thrust, at the same time his chest vibrates with his deep laugh, “that’s another reason why you love me. only i can get you to lose all coherent thoughts, making you my dumb little cumslut.”

a groan leaves your lips at the name, wanting nothing more than to have him inside you and filling your pussy with his thick cum.

“you crave it, always needy and wanting my cock inside your cunt,” he kisses your back, bending on top of you so he can hold you closer.

“i-i need you, please,” you turn your head to the side and your eyes meet his, “please, daddy.”

he stops as soon as the name rolls out of your tongue, a shiver running down his spine and making his cock throb between your thighs. he loves having you at his mercy, to see his cock-hungry baby begging for him.  

“what is it that you want, princess?”

“daddy’s cock,” your pouty lips look so enticing to him that he has to stop himself from shoving his length inside your mouth, “i n-need it so bad.”

“alright, since you’re finally starting to use your words.”

he releases his hold on you and makes you face him, climbing on his lap and wrapping your legs around his waist as the flushed tip of his cock grazes your folds.

“we can’t be too loud, okay?” he slowly eases himself inside of you, and a moan threatens to escape your mouth at the delicious stretch, “don’t want anyone to hear how gorgeous my princess sounds as she gets fucked. only i get to hear it,” he growls in your ear.

your jaw falls open, your eyes closing in pleasure when he finally bottoms out “ohh, daddy. s-so big.”

he hisses at the way your walls flutter around him. he lifts you up from his lap, leaving just the head of his cock inside, only to ram it back into you; and this time you can’t contain the moan that slips past your lips, slightly echoing in the room.

your eyes widen when you realize what you just did, looking into his stern gaze and knowing you’ve successfully pissed him off.

“what did i tell you?” he wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you flush against his chest and thrusting up, groaning in your ear, “you’re such a slut, wanting to let everyone know you’re getting off on my cock.”

his pace quickens, the feel of your pussy squeezing his cock prompting him to bite down on your shoulder, which earns him a cry of pain from you. he pulls you away from him, holding your jaw in a bruising grip as he looks straight into your eyes.

“i told you to be quiet, didn’t i?” he hisses, his brows furrowing and his harsh gaze making you clench around him, “look at you, a dumb bitch so cock-hungry that can’t even follow one simple order.”

your mouth opens in a silent scream when his cock hits your cervix, “d-daddy, ‘m so so sorry! i promise i’ll be good–”

“then shut up already.”

you try to stay quiet as he keeps reaching the right spots, the pleasure too overwhelming that you end up falling limp against him. his arms circle your waist and hold you close to his chest, thrusting up into your hole and making the water slosh around you. 

you’re thankful the staff gave you privacy, otherwise they’d be getting one hell of a show.

after maintaining the same pace for a couple of minutes, he slows down and allows himself to relax, resting his back on the stone and watching you bounce on top of him, the current position causing his pubic bone to brush against your clit.

you can’t help but dig your nails on the skin of his arms, whimpering when you realize your release is approaching alarmingly fast. you don’t have time to warn him of your impending orgasm before warmth fills your belly and extends through the rest of your body.

“shit— princess, hold still,” he groans as he watches you writhe on top of him, your walls fluttering around his girth and sending him towards his high as well.

warm spurts of cum fill your cunt, his hips jerking a few more times before he finally stills with his cock still buried inside of you. your pussy throbs around him, spasming and prolonging both of your highs. once you’ve both calmed down, he brushes your hair away from your face, leaning forward to kiss the tip of your nose and then capturing your lips in a delicate kiss. 

his large hands cradle your face once you break apart, his thumbs rubbing the skin of your cheeks comfortingly, “are you good, princess?” he coos, lifting your face so he can see you properly.

“just tired, wanna take a nap.”

he envelops you in a hug and lifts you up from his lap, a faint whimper escaping your mouth as he removes himself from your tender walls. he pulls you out of the water and immediately covers you with a towel, kissing your forehead before fetching one for himself. once you’re both fully covered in your bathrobes, he grabs your hand and starts making his way to your room with you right behind him, looking back at you every few seconds and noticing your eyelids getting droopy.

“let’s take a nap, baby. you did so good,” he guides you to the bed once you’re in the privacy of your room. he settles himself right next to you, squeezing you between his arms as tiredness takes over you.

it’s not until you’re finally asleep when he hears you mumble the words he had teased you with, making his heart swell in delight...

...and relieved to know you love him as much as he loves you.

[asset35-maya]

Reed900 meet-cute: disciplinary action (3/3)

“Be yourself.”

“What?”

“Just be yourself now.”

Gavin and Nines exchanged incredulous looks. They were approaching the end of the disciplinary workshop. Wasn’t the whole point to not be themselves?

Simon smiled in his usual mild manner. By now they had learnt it could only mean trouble.

“I’ve read your files. Neither of you know how to mince words. Neither of you are gentle.

Your Homicide colleagues consistently complain about your hostility and lack of respect, Detective Reed. And you, Agent Nines. You have a history of being rough with everyone you encounter on the field. Even civilians.

I can see you’ve both been on your best behaviour the past three days. Not sure who you’re trying to impress...”

Simon glanced between them, still smiling sweetly.

“But you can be yourself now.”

He took a step back and waved at the group to begin the last activity:

Jenga.

Giant Jenga.

Pairs vs pairs, with one person blindfolded and the other giving instructions.

Gavin groaned as they found themselves facing Allen and Sixty. The two grinned back, well aware of their competitive advantage. Who could be better coordinated than two SWAT teammates turned lovers?

Definitely not Gavin and Nines.

After a twisted ankle and three fallen jenga towers, Gavin ripped off his blindfold and rounded on Nines. 

“Your directions suck.”

“My directions are fine. It’s not my fault you can’t comprehend them.”

“It’s literally your fault I’m picking the wrong blocks!”

“My communications modules are the most advanced-”

“Shut up and switch with me. I’ll give the instructions. I outrank you anyway.”

Nines took the blindfold coolly.

“I don’t need your instructions. My perception and cognition software is more than enough.”

He shoved past Gavin to get to the tower of blocks. Sixty was waiting for him, smirking.

Nines proceeded to ignore all of Gavin’s barked commands… and fared just as badly as the human had. When their opponents decided to indulge in a makeout session after a particularly spectacular collapse, Nines faced him angrily.

“Stop distracting me!”

“Not that advanced, huh? This is why you should listen to your superiors.”

“Superior? How insecure do you have to be to pull rank in the middle of a bar game?”

Easily inflamed as ever, Gavin barged up to the android.

“The fuck you say to me, plastic? INSECURE? I’ll show you insecure!”

Nines’ LED went bright red. He put his hands on Gavin’s chest and shoved the human out of his personal space.

A scuffle began.

A much needed adrenaline surge after three days of inane indoor activities.

An outlet.

An irrational sense of relief.

A heavy blow to a steel midsection. An uppercut that only narrowly missed a jaw that was broken twice before. A mechanical hand catching a calloused fist.

It ended with Gavin pinned to a wall. There was silence as the other cops stopped tinkering with their block towers. Allen sat down with a sigh and Sixty climbed into his lap to watch the fun.

“Whatcha gonna do, big guy? Snap my neck? They’ll have you shut down in no time.”

There was only a deep growl in response. Gavin struggled against the iron grip.

“That all you got? Try showing off with something you weren’t built with!”

Nines released him immediately and slackened against the wall beside him. He stared at his own hands in shock.

With the return of blood flow to his wrists, Gavin released that he had just put himself in very grave danger. For the second time in his stupid life, he had tried to fight a military grade android. His head suddenly felt sore where Connor had given him a concussion a year ago. It started to sink in that his volatility was a serious problem. He was a danger to himself. Feeling faint, Gavin leaned against the wall.

LED spinning a calm blue, Simon strolled over from where he had been mentoring another group.

“Oh good. That’s what I was waiting for.”

The two merely looked at the blond android, eyes unfocused, chests heaving.

“I honestly thought the SWAT lovebirds would be the pair to implode first, but no matter, this is still a teachable moment. Gather round, everyone.”

The others approached cautiously. The pair looked like they would relapse into violence any second.

“You must have all realised that my activities have little material value themselves. You must be wondering what any part of my workshop has to do with police discipline… Allow me to explain.

Day One served to profile each officer beyond the complaints made against them. I then matched pairs based on the closest personality dysfunctions. Day Two was used to build a working relationship within each pair, and Day Three, today, was the stress test. The intent… was definitely to give everyone a taste of their own medicine… but also to let you all see how exactly your toxic behaviours could have developed… using your partner as a mirror.

Detective Reed and Agent Nines. Let’s unpack what happened here. You’ve gotten to know each other fairly well by now. You recognise each other’s competence and drive. You’ve shared laughs at other people’s expense. You even empathise with each other’s seeming lack of emotional intelligence. I think you might even have taken a liking to each other, no?”

Gavin and Nines chanced a glance at each other. There was a mutual feeling of foolishness. Simon went on.

“You both were on your best behaviour… until you succumbed to your superiority complexes and quick tempers. The only thing different from what usually happens at work was the person on the receiving end. This time, it was someone who could take it… and maybe even someone who deserved it. Detective, it’s been long since someone gave back insults as good your own, no? And Agent Nines, isn’t this is the first time a human has even tried to resist your use of force?”

Sixty had stopped listening and was trying to move Allen’s attention back to himself. The older man had the audacity to shush the android in his lap… and then the second squabble of the day begun. Simon smiled indulgently and held up a finger.

“I’ll be with you two in a moment, gentlemen. Let me wrap things up for this pair.

My point to the both of you is… you might go around thinking you’re the big bad wolf, but there’s always another wolf just around the corner. He might even be bigger. So there’s no pride to be taken in putting down the sheep around you. It’s embarrassing, really. So stop it. My sincere hope is that you will both remember what happened here the next time an impulse to terrorise an innocent colleague arises.

But if you simply must be a wolf… I suggest that you find your pack, for a lone wolf is a danger to himself and everyone around.”

Simon turned away and reached for Sixty’s hand to interface. He then began to break down the reasons for the mutual over-dependence between the SWAT android and his captain.

Gavin and Nines remained slumped against the wall. Even the RK900 seemed exhausted after the emotional rollercoaster they’d been on… from irritation and anger, to shock and bewilderment. Several moments passed and then Gavin suddenly reached within his jacket pocket and produced his phone. He held it out sideways to Nines.

“What?”

“He said to form a pack.”

Nines hesitated, but then quickly touched a finger to the device. Gavin glanced down at the new contact. It was saved as “Alpha 9Z”.

He looked up with a half-smirk, half-snarl on his face and found the same expression mirrored on the android’s face.

[rainydaydream-gal18]

Star Wars - Boba Fett x Reader: Eyes of Starlight

   Author’s Note:  Wow, am I late to the Boba party, or what?  Back when Mandalorian S2 was brand new, tumblr blew up with Boba Fett, and I was so down for that, except the majority of the fics I came across were smut, so I didn’t get the Boba content I was looking for.  Alas, I finally decided to write my own smut-free Boba moment.

In this, Boba is younger in this than in the Mandalorian.

Warnings: Action, a fight scene, nothing graphic in my opinion.  Reader does encounter intruders, so if that is a trigger then be cautious.

   The evening was anything but quiet, yet it was the lack of silence that made it so peaceful.  Bugs and frogs chirped a sweet song of the warm spring that had arrived.  You stood barefoot on the balcony off your room, hands resting on the railing as you enjoyed the time alone.  The moon was only a sliver, but the lack of blue light made it easier to see the sky of stars.  One in particular was twinkling many colors like a cut gemstone reflecting light.

   A pair of eyes that held a similar gleam flashed in your mind.

   You shook your head.  The one who those eyes belonged to was the last person you wanted to be reminded of.  He could be so smug at times.  Annoying.  Sometimes even condescending.  Most of the time he was gruff, but every now and then he’d wear a smirk that got under your skin even when you couldn’t see it behind helmet of his.

   He was Boba Fett, the greatest bounty hunter there was, and he was hired to protect you; a fact that he would not let you soon forget.

   You thought back to one of your earliest exchanges with him months before, when you nearly collided with him in the hall and he regarded you with a raised brow as you waited for him to step aside as most of your guards usually did.  He hadn’t moved.

   “You know, around here it’s polite to let the princess pass.”

   “Princess _________,” he sighed.  “ I’m being paid a handsome credit to protect you, not coddle you while you play palace.  Besides,” he paused, shooting you that look as you stepped to the side to let him pass, “I’m not from around here.”

   His words were absolutely infuriating.

   Sure, you realized from the very beginning that this Boba Fett was not impressed by titles, and perhaps you’d been asking for it by trying to pull rank.  It was just a test, a nudge to get a feel for this renowned bounty hunter.

   That glint in his eyes flashed across your vision again.  Even though you were in the farthest corner of the estate, it felt as if he were right there with his gaze boring into yours.  It made you feel hot despite the cool breeze that ruffled your nightgown, whether the heat was from frustration or perhaps underlying feelings you’d been denying, you weren’t sure.

   A single slide of a foot on the stone balcony a few feet away caught your attention.  You whipped your head around to get a look at what it may have been only to see a figure dressed in dark clothes with their face covered, and they stood as if they had just crawled onto the surface of the balcony, their gloved hands still grasping the railing.  You let out a scream and made a dash for your bedroom, but the intruder had reached an arm out to grab and pull you away from the door leading inside.

   You recognized the insignia on his glove.  He was part of the group Boba had been hired to protect you from.  They had launched an attempt to raid the palace and steal priceless artifacts belonging to your people to sell illegally, and they had succeeded in taking a few.  For safety, you and a few other artifacts were moved to an estate of the royal family, and Boba was assigned to protect you.

    Just as the intruder tried to put his gloved hand over your mouth to prevent a second scream, Boba burst into your palace quarters.  He immediately shot at the assailant while you sank to the stone floor, frozen in place while he faced his opponents.

   More of the intruders were climbing over the railing after scaling the estate wall.  Boba fought off several of them, but they kept coming.  At one point, he had knocked most of them down, save for one he was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with and another that sought to sneak up on him from behind.

   Sure.  He could be smug, annoying, and even act condescending.  His smirk got under your skin even when you couldn’t quite see it through his helmet.  He was Boba Fett, the greatest bounty hunter there was, and he was hired to protect you; and not a day went by that he didn’t remind you of that fact with his actions or words.

   You could not have predicted the fear that clawed at your chest at the sight of some low-life attacking him from behind while he was preoccupied by another.

   It was like your body unfroze and reacted on instinct.  Your hand snatched up a nearby blaster pistol and aimed it at the figure.  In a matter of seconds, the intruder was lying on the stone floor while Boba’s visor turned toward you.

   Your chest rose and fell with each breath as you stared wide-eyed at the floor.  You barely registered his footsteps as he crossed over to where you sat.  It was only when you felt the blaster lifted from your hands ever-so-gently that you snapped out of your stunned state.  It had surprised you, how slow and careful his movements were when grasping your shaking hand in his gloved one and helping you stand.  Considering how he carried on and bantered with you, you half-expected him to yank you to your feet in a quick, unceremonious way and tell you to pull yourself together.

   “Pull yourself together.”  Though he didn’t yank you to your feet, he spoke firmly through the visor.  “It’s over.”

   Well, alright then.  Perhaps you did know Boba fairly well by now.

   Firing back a retort would be useless at the moment.  Besides, you were too shaken up to try.  Instead, you focused on taking deep breaths until your heartbeat slowed to a steady pace.  After a few minutes passed in silence, you spoke.

   “I can’t believe they found us.  We took so many precautions...coming here without any guards even, to not draw attention...”

   “That’s why your parliament hired me. These scum pose a serious threat.”  He spoke over his shoulder as he walked through the sea of unconscious invaders.

   “I’m...I’m going inside.”

   He gave no reply and only knelt down to search one of them.  You released a sigh and walked indoors, sliding the door to the balcony shut behind you.  No tears fell.  No sobs escaped your lips.  You stared at the roomy bed in front of you that had been made by handmaids, not even feeling like collapsing into it.  You were still on edge and unsure of how to shake it off.

   Part of you wanted to head down the hall to the library and sit quietly with a warm cup of (favorite hot drink), but what felt like an invisible steel cable kept you from wandering.  You didn’t like the thought of being too far away from Boba.  Just in case.

   So you settled for pacing around the room idly, your mind running through the event over again.  You wished you had gotten a few punches in or managed to kick the trespasser where the suns don’t shine.  You’d been caught off-guard and didn’t react the way you thought you should’ve.  Even so, it was something you could learn from.

   The door slid open, and Boba stepped inside, removing his helmet and setting it down on a side table.  You were relieved that he didn’t appear injured.  “I’ve contacted authorities.  This group will be handled from here.”

   “Do you know who sent them?”

   He gazed at you for a few seconds, and at first you didn’t think he would answer.  “I have yet to figure that out.”

   “Oh.”

   He was still staring at you, and your instincts kicked in when he took a few steps toward you.  The dim yellow light of the lamps that lit your room glowed on his face and reflected in his eyes as he neared you.  Your heart thrummed so quickly, and your body may still have been feeling the effects of the event that had transpired only minutes before.  You flinched when Boba raised a gloved hand.  It wasn’t a fast or sudden movement, but when he saw your reaction, he paused nonetheless.

   Still spooked, you sharpened your tone in irritation.  “What are you looking at?”  That’s when the emotion finally crept in your voice.  Your vision blurred with the forming of tears as your face twisted in a look of frustration as you returned his gaze with a new fire.

   He didn’t look the slightest bit phased, but you noticed his expression lost some of its intensity.  Boba reached up again to take your chin between his thumb and forefinger, carefully angling your face toward the mirror on the wall to your left.  You saw the eyes that haunted you each day and the man they belonged to staring at your reflection.  Then, your gaze traveled to his gloved hand and up to your own eyes which gleamed in the lamplight.  Finally, they rested on a splotch of blood on your cheek.

   Your hand immediately reached toward it, but Boba caught your wrist with his other hand.  His gentle touch kept surprising you.  It was very different from what you’d expected.

   “Do you have supplies for this?” he asked.

   You simply gave a nod and extricated yourself from his light hold to retrieve the first aid you kept tucked under the bed.  His eyes never left you, and you caught his gaze as you walked back over with the small box.  Boba had removed his gloves by the time you found a disinfecting swab.  He took your chin between his thumb and forefinger so delicately before taking the swab and dabbing your cheek.  The sting was mild, but just enough to make you wince.

   “Hold still,” he told you.

   “You know, I am capable of doing this myself.  This isn’t exactly in the job description of you protecting me and the artifacts.”

   Boba didn’t respond, only leaned in to inspect the minor wound.  You didn’t want to allow yourself to enjoy the moment, but there was no stopping the way he flooded your senses and filled you with a sense of calm.  His masculine scent put you at ease, and the way he treated you so carefully as if you were made of glass evoked a quiet sigh from your lips.

   When he was done, there was only a trace of the scratch that needed a few days to heal.

   “There,” he stated, retracting his hands.  You immediately missed the warmth.  Even so, you maintained your composure as he leaned in once more.  “Is there anything else I can help you with, Princess?”

   “N-no.”

   “Really?”  That smirk touched the corner of his lips as he took on an almost intrigued expression.  “No complaint?  Not even a comment?”

   “Well-” you began, and he chuckled.

   “Ah, there it is.”

   “Now you won’t get to hear it.”

   “Fine by me.”

   You sighed.  “I was just going to say you should let me tend to your wounds.  There’s no way you walked away completely unscathed.”

   He paced over to where his helmet still sat on a table and knocked at it with his knuckle a few times.  “It’s called beskar.”

   “Alright then,” you tsked as you began to put the first aid supplies away.  “Your loss.  Let me know if you do need anything after all.”

   His brows perked again.  “There might be one thing.”

   You paused before tucking the first aid box under your bed.  “What’s that?”

   “I do feel a little sting,” Boba said.  “Right here.”  He gestured to his lip.  You rolled your eyes, but humored him by bringing the box back over and leaning in to get a better look.  There were a few scars, but definitely nothing fresh.

   “A sting?” you repeated, taking another step.  “I don’t see anything.”

   “Maybe you should look closer.”  His eyes gazed deeply into yours, and you found it nearly impossible to look away.  So you didn’t.

   Not until your lips were on his.  Then, you let your eyes flutter shut.

   The kiss was, like his manner toward you before, gentle.  Only after you relaxed into it did he kiss you back more firmly, his arm wrapping around you to pull you closer to his armored torso.  When he did pull away, you nearly chased his lips with your own before you remembered yourself.

   You had been the one to close the distance and kiss him.

   You kissed Boba Fett.  He had kissed you back.

   Your handmaids and some security arrived on the scene, and Boba left you in their care without a word.  Sure, he was annoying and smug sometimes.  This man had been a mystery to you for the months that you’d spent under his protection.  At first he had regarded you with similar annoyance, but perhaps things had changed.  Perhaps you had started to grow on each other through the banter.

   You hadn’t anticipated this.  You hadn’t thought that you’d care for the bounty hunter so much.  It was only after the kiss that you were finally able to accept your feelings.  They went beyond professional, even beyond mere attraction.  Did you dare to venture into the territory of love?  You weren’t quite sure about that yet.  All you knew was those eyes, his voice, and now his kiss, would haunt your dreams.

[dingoat]

Boy

[Almost 2k words, mostly sad. I needed to write some sad. Don’t read if you don’t want to read sad.]

There was a very large part of Ahuska that just wanted to relax. To stop, shut down for a while, to simply exist without looking over her shoulder, without worrying what would come next, without wondering where they’d next touch down for a bite of food. They were home, they’d gotten Nines home, against all odds, against every doubt, though she didn’t feel any ounce the ‘hero’ that was being suggested by the colonists.

Colonists. Settlers. Out here, they weren’t Deserters any more, they weren’t even the Free People’s Army.

Just people, working together to build a new home.

As much as Ahuska enjoyed the idea of that, there was still something restless in her heart, unsettled in her guts, if she let herself dwell too long on what sort of future that might offer. And she couldn’t pause to dwell just now, anyway, because she still had responsibilities to check in on. She’d given some moments to Nela, to her buir, even to Ulfran, though that had just left her feeling more awkward and uncomfortable than she’d thought possible. She’d helped Crow offload some of their gear into the little prefab dwelling that had been built in their absence and awaited their return. She’d settled Pexu with a good feed, avoided being pulled away to some sort of celebratory gathering with Laks and the other bothans, and now… to the stables.

The paddocks looked to be well in order, with some half dozen of the varactyls out foraging, pressing their beaks through the knee-high clumps of grass in search of bugs, their bright feathers catching the glow of the late afternoon sun. She slowed to watch them; two of the blues, three blue-green, and that lovely deep purple-black girl… but no flash of iridescent silver, no violet-streaked plumage. Ahuska scanned across the rolling slopes of fenced off pasture one more time to be sure, then shrugged and started heading to the stables proper, figuring her Boy must be indoors.

The musty stable smells hit her immediately in a wave of familiarity and comfort, and the soft trills and churrs of restful varactyls tugged at Ahuska’s heart with a pang that made her realise how much she’d missed having Boy nearby. Of course, it had made sense to leave him on Eden. He was getting on in years, he tired more quickly than he used to, was less inclined to make those steep climbs, took longer to warm himself up for the day…

Ahuska’s feet carried her to his stall, and she frowned to see it empty. Was someone out with him, then? She told herself not to get upset, it’s not as though they’d set a date on their return, it’s not like she should expect everything to just be waiting for her… 

Her gaze darted about the stall walls and floor, and narrowed her eyes. Why wasn’t there any bedding down for him though? Even if he was off on a longer trek… perhaps they’d just moved him. Perhaps he’d hit it off with another of the varactyls and they’d arranged a larger stall for them to be penmates…

Ahuska moved through the stables with more urgency in her stride, and something uncomfortable turning about in her guts.

There was the orange striped boy. The little dark blue girl with attitude. The large and gentle cavern boy. The pale gold who she remembered as scrawny, but had clearly put on some solid muscle since she’d been gone. The tawny, the green…

“Boy!” Ahuska called, squinting, turning and staring back the way she’d come. “Bo-oy!”

But no familiar warble responded to her voice, and she felt suddenly cold.

“Boy! Where’s my Boy?” She called again, pushing through to the doors that opened straight into the paddocks, running out amid the tussocks of native grass. “BOY---!”

Still no response came to her, and she turned again, berating herself for not checking if his tack was still hanging in the storage area.

“Ahuska!”

The shout came before she started moving back inside, and she twisted to look over her shoulder and spy the dark-haired figure sprinting down the path that ran alongside the paddock fence.

“Ahuska, wait, just… wait a…”

It was Kovar, and he looked… well. His back straighter, shoulders squared, the bothan carried himself with more ease and confidence than when she’d seen him last. When she’d asked him to take care of the herd while she and Crow took off on their fool’s errand, chasing after the declared dead based on nothing more than an old dream and a hunch.

She didn’t want to see him right now. She didn’t want to have to be the one to tell him what she’d seen on Korriban…

“Just a… a-a-a moment,” he was nervous, not out of breath, despite his dash and the way he’d vaulted the fence to hurry up to her. “I was hoping to catch you before you got here, there’s…”

Something in his tone made the cold feeling inside her clench around her heart like a gnarled fist. She suddenly, desperately didn’t want to hear what he had to say, and she shook her head as she turned back and started moving toward the stables. “It can wait.”

“No please, wait, just wait. I don’t… I wish I didn’t…”

“Then don’t.”

Subconsciously, she’d already started casting herself outward, feeling the bright sparks of life that shone outward from each of the beautiful animals quietly foraging in the paddocks. She knew Boy wasn’t anywhere out there with them, just as surely as she knew that Kovar was feeling utterly wretched, and she wanted nothing to do with either of those facts.

“Ahuska you’re not going to find him in there,” she could hear the effort it took for him to say those words, and she thrust aside the shudder of anxiety that tried to grip her, masking it all with anger instead.

“Where then?” She snarled, spinning to round on Kovar who took an abrupt step back, hands raised. She pressed forward. “Who the hell have you let take my varactyl out of the settlement? How long has he been gone?”

He stared at her, and she hated the look in his eyes. She hated how abruptly terrified she was of what he was going to say.

“Just over a week,” Kovar murmured, his voice hitching slightly. “He’s been gone just over a week, there was nothing we could do…”

Ahuska sucked in a hard breath through her nose, refusing to believe he meant what she knew he must surely mean. “The hell do you mean, Boy can’t be gone…”

Kovar opened his mouth, searching for words, but his expression said more to Ahuska than any words possibly could.

“No,” Ahuska shook her head and shuddered, something terrible gripping her from the inside. “No, you don’t mean that. Where is he, where…”

Again she turned, and when Kovar set a hand on her shoulder as she tried to take some staggering, aimless steps out into the paddock she jerked violently away from his touch.

“Stop it, no! No, he can’t just be gone! Where is he, where are you? Boy? Boy!”

“Ahuska…”

But she wasn’t listening. She didn’t want to listen. So long as he didn’t say it outright, so long as she didn’t have to hear the words aloud, she could believe that her Boy was simply… missing. Missing, somewhere, and therefore able to be found, just like Nines had been. Lurching footsteps carried Ahuska across the paddock, her movements so rough that she startled the foraging varactyls. Seeing them shy away from her, lifting their heads and flowing back a few paces, only made her more upset, driving the cold, twisted feelings more sharply through her insides.

She stood, staring out, her breath coming in shudders.

She heard his footsteps behind her in the grass, she flinched and leaned away, hugging her arms across her chest as he came to stand beside her.

“I’m sorry.”

She gasped, then, a hiccup of a sob, and suddenly felt as though she couldn’t breathe. It couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be true. He couldn’t be gone. She shivered and shook, her ears quivering, her insides constricting. “How?”

“You know he had a few things going on. But it was a tumor, in the end. Grew quickly and aggressively and was pressing into his lungs. I… I tried. You have to know I tried, but he was old, and the sedation was hard on him, and he…”

Ahuska’s breaths were ragged with sobs that she couldn’t quite bear to release.

Kovar took a deep breath of his own. “He stopped breathing. He probably would have only carried on another day or so as it was, but we couldn’t bring him out of it.”

“No…” she croaked out the word, she tried to deny what she was hearing though there was no denying the terrible aching rush that flooded her body. “No,” she repeated, more firmly, that single word of denial taking a phenomenal effort. “No he can’t, he can’t. He’s not…!”

It can’t be like this. I wasn’t there. I wasn’t there for him! The image of Boy taking his final breath, stretched out on an operating table surrounded by strangers, tore her to shreds. A violent and terrible guilt flushed through her, and as Kovar reached out again to try and offer a comforting hand, she sensed it and pushed outward, sending him topping backward into the grass. She didn’t want it. She didn’t want comfort, she didn’t want him, she didn’t want anyone.

I let him down. I let him down, I knew he was getting old but I abandoned him, I wasn’t there for him. He was my Boy and I should have been there…! Ahuska didn’t pay any attention to where her feet where taking her, all she knew was that she couldn’t stay here.

Her beautiful silver varactyl was gone. He’d been so gentle, so trustworthy. Never prone to wander, never snappy or defensive, how many beings had had their very first ride on him? He liked to sleep with his chin resting up on something. He loved knytix skins and crunchbugs more than anything, though one time he thieved a box of sweet cakes from the side of her bed and devoured the whole thing through the night. The sun used to energise him, but in the last year or so it just made him sleepy, and to rest against him after he’d spent an hour or so basking was bliss. The feathers just behind his ear holes were the softest.

She’d told him she loved him and kissed the curve of his beak every time she settled him for the night, but had she told him enough? Did he know, did he know right at the end just how much he’d meant to her?

Her Boy was gone.

She’d been barely fourteen when he was passed into her care, a constant and steady fixture of her life, and now, just like that…

Ahuska buckled into the field in the middle of nowhere and sobbed openly, grief rolling through her in waves she could no longer contain.

Her Boy was gone.