#Picnic Food Holder Bag

[wileys-russo]

alessia, “stop taking my sunglasses”, car

sunglasses II a.russo

"okay we have the picnic blanket, food, we're about to get coffees...what else do we need?" you listed off on your fingers as your girlfriend paused to think.

"mm nope! i think thats everything." the blonde hummed in agreement, grabbing her car keys and twirling them around on her finger.

"i think there is one thing we might be forgetting lessi." you prompted with a smile of amusement, your girlfriend frowning in confusion as she ticked it over in her head.

"oh my god wait the dog!" alessia realised, dropping her keys and turning on heel and sprinting off into the backyard where her brothers bulldog was taking a nap in the sun. "bella. walkies!" alessia grabbed her lead off the table and waved it happily.

"look baby she's just like you in the morning." you teased from the back door as bella merely rolled onto her back, showing her stomach to the sun expectantly awaiting a tummy rub.

"ha, ha, ha." alessia's voice dripped with sarcasm as she shot you a dirty look and you tossed her bella's collar. "come on bella! up we get!" alessia clapped encouragingly, patting her stomach and trying to roll her over.

you snickered in amusement as the bulldog made no move to aid her, alessia grunting with effort as she clicked the collar around bella's neck and still tried to roll her over onto her stomach.

"babe you could help!" the striker huffed as you snickered again, shooting you a glare as she heaved and tried to pull bella up to her feet. "bella. car time!" you whistled, alessia squealing and falling over as bella suddenly shot up and inside.

"aw do you want a tummy rub?" you teased as the striker huffed and held her hand out expecting you to help her up. "how do you whistle like that?" your girlfriend huffed as you grabbed her hand.

"family secret." you grinned, always having refused to teach her because you knew it wound her up. "alessia!" you yelped as with a firm yank to your hand you were pulled down to the ground, the blonde hovering over you.

"you're such a child!" you huffed, hitting her chest as she easily hopped up to her feet, sending you a wink and heading on inside. "oh don't help me or anything babe!" you huffed, standing up and brushing the dirt from your knees with an annoyed grumble.

"come on love we haven't got all day!" alessia sung out teasingly as you stepped inside, sliding and locking the back door closed, flipping her off as she clicked bella's harness on over her chest.

"luca gets back on wednesday yeah?" you asked for clarification as the striker hummed in confirmation. "can bella live here and you go back home with him instead?" you gasped sarcastically, washing your hands with a roll of your eyes.

"don't be grumpy! you'd miss me too much babe." alessia's arms snaked around your torso, tenderly kissing your cheek as you scoffed. "i'd miss your cooking maybe. you? not so much russo i'll take cuddles with the dog anyday!" you squeezed her face in your hand and wiggled out of her grip.

"excuse me!" alessia huffed grabbing her keys as you took bella's lead, tucking the picnic blanket under your arm. "you're excused." you shot back with a wink as your girlfriend grabbed the bag of snacks and rolled her eyes, closing the front door after herself.

"this is supposed to be our date day and you've spent the majority of it bullying me!" alessia protested as you clipped bella's harness into the ring holder on the backseat securing her into place.

"well you've spent the majority of our relationship bullying me, so it evens out!" you smiled, stealing a kiss before the striker could utter another protest, sliding into the passenger seat and closing the door.

you pulled open the console and plucked out a pair of sunglasses, settling them over your nose and clicking in your seatbelt as alessia's door opened and she sat down closing it after her.

sticking her key in the ignition she opened the console you'd just closed, frowning when she couldn't find the sunglasses that always sat inside. you were too preoccupied with your phone to notice as she glanced up to ask if you'd seen them.

"less!" you huffed as she snatched them off your face, settling them on her own and turning the key as her engine roared to life. "these are mine. my car, my sunglasses, my girlfriend, my brothers dog." the blonde smirked smacking your hand away as you tried to take them back.

"well someone woke up and forgot what sharing is! what happened to whats mine is yours?"

~

"babe please teach me how to whistle!" alessia whined as you did it yet again sending bella sprinting over toward you as you tossed her tennis ball and she raced off again.

"no! teach yourself." you smiled in amusement, squealing as your girlfriends hand smacked against your ass and she scowled at you, somewhat resembling a toddler having a tantrum.

"aw did someone not get her designated twelve hours of sleep?" you cooed teasingly, pinching her cheeks and pecking her lips, knowing how sacred her daily naps were to the footballer.

"i think you'll agree we both missed out on some sleep last night." alessia smirked suggestively as your cheeks flushed pink and you shoved her, the two of you sitting back down on the picnic blanket watching bella race around in circles.

"zoomies." you both chimed in unison, sharing a grin as the sun peeked back out from where it had hidden behind the clouds and you squinted, shielding your eyes with your hands.

waiting until she seemed off in her own little world daydreaming you leaned over and snatched the sunglasses off her face, rolling away from her when she tried to take them back.

"less baby its sunny! my eyes hurt!" you protested trying to fight her off and grunting as she flopped herself down on top of you. "stop taking my sunglasses. you should have brought your own!" your girlfriend laughed, easily pinning your arms down with one hand and plucking her sunglasses back with the other.

"i'll teach you how to whistle?" you bargained, alessia pausing to clearly think it over, letting go of your arms and sighing, offering you the sunglasses back as you happily sat up and took them.

"okay you form a little o with your lips, and blow!" you instructed, demonstrating as your girlfriend gave you an odd look. "i know how to whistle you idiot. teach me your whistle!" the blonde demanded as you shrugged.

"i said i would teach you how to whistle, not how to do my special whistle." "thats-but-no! show me!" "sorry baby, family secret."

"alessia!" you squealed as she tackled you back down onto the picnic blanket, hovering over you with a tut and a shake of her head. "what am i going to do with you hm?" the striker sighed, however before she could do anything a bundle of fur barreled right into the pair of you, knocking the wind out of her.

"good girl bella!" "you and that stupid whistle."

[cwcontentcreator]

100 Quirky Fun Life Hacks

1. Use a paper clip to fix a broken zipper pull.

2. Freeze grapes to chill white wine without diluting it.

3. Store bed sheets inside their matching pillowcase.

4. Use a trousers hanger as a cookbook holder.

5. Put a wooden spoon over boiling water to prevent overflows.

6. Use muffin tins for condiment assortments at BBQs.

7. Place a rubber band around an open paint can to wipe your brush.

8. Use nail polish to differentiate keys.

9. Cut soft cheese or cake with unscented dental floss.

10. Use a squeegee to remove pet hair from furniture.

11. Put pancake mix in a ketchup bottle for a no-mess experience.

12. Use old newspaper to deodorize food containers.

13. Clean your keyboard with sticky notes.

14. Use a can opener to safely open blister packs.

15. Amplify your phone’s speaker with a cup.

16. Use ice cubes to remove furniture indentations in carpet.

17. Use a banana peel to shine shoes.

18. Put a dry towel in the dryer to speed up the drying process.

19. Use a hanging shoe rack to organize cleaning supplies.

20. Use toothpaste to clear up hazy car headlights.

21. Drop Alka-Seltzer tabs to clean a toilet.

22. Freeze aloe vera gel in ice cube trays for sunburn relief.

23. Store ice cream in a zip-top bag to keep it soft.

24. Use a bread tab to hold your spot on a roll of tape.

25. Thread a necklace through a straw to prevent tangling.

26. Blow-dry your mirror to prevent fogging.

27. Use a pool noodle to fill your mop bucket.

28. Use a tennis ball to hold pens or as a towel holder.

29. Clean sneakers with toothpaste.

30. Use a lint roller to clean out your purse or backpack.

31. Use a pasta ladle to measure one serving of spaghetti.

32. Use a pillowcase to clean ceiling fans.

33. Place a rubber band around an open paint can to wipe your brush.

34. Use a post-it note when drilling to catch dust.

35. Wrap gifts with fabric for reusable wrapping.

36. Flip a toaster on its side for grilled cheese.

37. Prevent pot boiling over with a wooden spoon.

38. Infuse olive oil with garlic for instant bread dip.

39. Freeze lemon slices and water for instant refreshing drinks.

40. Use a hair straightener to iron collar edges.

41. Cook two pizzas at once by cutting them in half and laying them flat.

42. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses with vinegar.

43. Use a carabiner to carry multiple grocery bags.

44. Freeze a sponge in a zip bag for an ice pack that won’t drip.

45. Write with a whiteboard marker on appliances to track perishables.

46. Use an egg slicer for equally sliced mushrooms.

47. Put a damp sponge in the microwave to disinfect it.

48. Layer scented dryer sheets between sheets for a fresh bed.

49. Soak a sponge in water and soap, freeze it for a DIY ice pack that cleans.

50. Use binder clips to fix a broken keyboard foot.

51. Make a tablet stand from a cutting board and a scrunchie.

52. Stash emergency cash in a ChapStick tube.

53. Plant herbs in a wine rack with glass jars.

54. Organize cables with binder clips on a desk edge.

55. Clean blender by blending water and soap.

56. Stuff newspaper in wet shoes for quick drying.

57. Use a muffin tin to serve condiments at a picnic.

58. Turn a magazine holder into a shelf by mounting it sideways.

59. Keep apple slices from browning with a rubber band.

60. Use a plastic bottle as a makeshift watering can.

61. Drop a few marshmallows into brown sugar to prevent hardening.

62. Clean your iron by ironing salt on wax paper.

63. Use a vegetable peeler to slice cheese thinly.

64. Sharpen scissors by cutting fine-grit sandpaper.

65. Use crayons as emergency candles.

66. Place a wooden spoon in a pot to prevent boiling over.

67. Make your own ice pack by freezing dish soap.

68. Organize your closet by hanging bags with shower curtain rings.

69. Keep cords organized with bread tags.

70. Use a colander to evenly distribute powdered sugar.

71. Make a DIY sprinkler with a punctured plastic bottle.

72. Use a wine cork to safely store needles.

73. Store sheet sets inside their corresponding pillowcase.

74. Freeze coffee in ice cube trays for undiluted iced coffee.

75. Use beeswax to waterproof shoes.

76. Use a magnetic strip to organize bobby pins and tweezers.

77. Remove pet hair with a squeegee.

78. Use old CD racks for bagel sandwich holders.

79. Use a potato to unscrew a broken lightbulb.

80. Use a salad spinner to fluff down jackets.

81. Use glasses as a makeshift smartphone tripod.

82. Keep your earbuds in a mint container when not in use.

83. Seal plastic bags with the top of a water bottle; cut the top off and slide the bag through the neck.

84. Convert a cardboard box into a makeshift sled.

85. Turn a plastic bottle into a makeshift piggy bank.

86. Keep a bar of soap in the same drawer as your dirty laundry to keep it smelling fresh.

87. Use old socks as sleeves to protect drinks from warming or hands from cold.

88. Use a wine bottle as a rolling pin.

89. Make a no-sew pet bed from an old sweater.

90. Cut an old milk jug into a dustpan.

91. Use a yoga mat under rugs for extra no-slip safety.

92. Use a waffle iron to make cinnamon rolls.

93. Turn a bread clip into a holder for tapes on a tape roll.

94. Put Vaseline on the end of a nail polish bottle for easy opening.

95. Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls.

96. Use a pill container to organize jewelry when traveling.

97. Use a shower cap to cover the bottom of shoes in your luggage.

98. Use a lemon to freshen up your garbage disposal.

99. Use a rubber band around an open paint can for excess paint wiping.

100. Use clear nail polish to stop a run in your stockings.

[rosenrot-oh-rosenrot]

Make the Other Person Feel Valued

Customized promotional items are very effective in reaching out to the target customer population, making them very helpful in brand retention. Gift cards; special click here to learn more discount vouchers to a spa or a fancy restaurant; gift hampers containing confectionary items like fruit rolls, or, depending on your budget.

An important reason why gifts are exchanged is to make people feel valued. The monetary value is less important than the feelings and the thought which go into the selection of any gift. Choosing a great gift for a loved one, colleague, or client should not be as challenging as it seems to some people. Whatever be your budget, and whatever be the profile of the intended recipient, you add extra value to any gift that you personalize. These could range from high tech items to sentimental items like scented candles and pricey jewelry, or simply high utility items like crockery and cutlery.

Giving It the Personal Touch

People imagine that corporate gifts can’t be given a personal touch. Contrary to popular belief, personalized corporate gifts are valued more than cold, impersonal things like fitness trackers and drawstring bags. Whether it is a laptop bag, a charger, or even L-shaped folders; when they carry the name of the intended recipient, such gifts gain a sentimental value none would have suspected.Utility is a consideration which often drives gift choices. Backpacks, picnic mats, toiletry bags, and TSA locks are not only of high utility, but also lend themselves to well to personalization.These make perfect gifts for those who need to travel frequently.

Personalize for sports persons: Sports persons at all levels need such personalized items, especially when they travel to play matches. Just ensure that any bags given to them are made of durable - even rugged - ideally waterproof, material. If they are the kind which have lots of storage space, and several pockets to keep things like water bottles; then you have a winner on your hands.

Show Appreciation by Choosing Things with Beautiful Designs

Some of the best corporate gift ideas in Singapore are those which encourage the pursuit of hobbies and special talents.Trampolines, large balls, chessboards, sports equipment, musical gadgets, or items which promote sentimental memories like key chains, photo frames, champagne flutes, mugs with the recipients’ face printed on them - are options you could explore. Powerbanks score for their portability. Customized promotional items are very effective in reaching out to the target customer population, making them very helpful in brand retention. Gift cards; special discount vouchers to a spa or a fancy restaurant; gift hampers containing confectionary items like fruit rolls, or, depending on your budget, gourmet food; tickets to some once in a lifetime event, or highly rated play, even prestigious sports matches;engraved card holders; and high end watches or engraved trinkets make for excellent corporate gifts.

[dailydayblog]

Necessary equipment for mountaineering and camping trips

1- Sleeping bag is the most necessary equipment for sleeping in camping If you don't have the right sleeping bag, you will probably feel uncomfortable at night while sleeping. One of the types of sleeping bags is in the shape of a mummy and very hard, so if you are used to sleeping on your stomach or side, you will definitely not spend a very comfortable night. Sleeping bags are produced and offered to the market in different sizes and temperatures. When buying, try to find out the temperature of the sleeping bag. We suggest getting a mattress for a sleeping bag. The feature of the sleeping bag mattress is that in addition to softening the bottom, it protects you from cold and humidity to a great extent. We suggest that you read the article on the types of sleeping bags and the introduction of the best sleeping bags

2- Carrying personal items Sunscreen Sunburn ointment First aid box Medicines you take Anti-mosquito ointment and bite treatment tooth brush and tooth paste Dental floss and toothpicks Soap or a little shampoo 3- Underlayment Carrying a waterproof, soft, thick and resistant mat is considered one of the most essential accessories for picnics and nature trips to enjoy nature. Being waterproof and the thickness of the underlay is one of the most important features of this material to prevent water and moisture from entering while being comfortable. Among other characteristics of the suitable underlay, we can mention the type of fibers and its texture. Light weight and high resistance so that it is not easily torn or damaged. Also, other features of a high-quality travel mattress are easy washing, light weight, easy transportation and small volume.

4- thermos, water holder or water purification tablets Drinking water and having access to safe water is one of the things that you must be careful about. Stanley and Primus fluxes can provide you with up to 120 hours of ice, 24 hours of cold water and 24 hours of boiling water. Also, water purification tablets and glasses can help you in critical situations. Waist thermoses are another water storage equipment, also folding water holders up to 20 liters can provide you with the possibility of storing water. Backpack thermoses can also be carried on your back and store up to 40 liters of liquids for you. Access to clean water is essential for camping survival.

5- Tools for setting fire Picnic gas, charcoal, grill, fire starter, alcohol, tin pit, etc. are among the items that you should choose among them to bring one, even if you have made a sandwich for yourself and do not need an oven, but stand up. Setting fire will drive all wild animals away from you except wolves.

6- Food and snacks When we think about camping equipment, we should not forget food. It is rare to find a restaurant in the middle of the desert or forest, so it is better to buy food in the nearest city to our destination.

Depending on the number of days we are going to stay in nature, it is not bad to take canned goods. Of course, you should remember to boil the canned goods so that they do not get food poisoning while traveling. In the camp, a spirit pot is also a trophy. A multipurpose spoon, fork and knife can help cook food in nature and take up little space. We also need spices and oil to cook food.

7- Bringing lighting and heating devices For nature walks, especially if you plan to stay at night, carry different types of flashlights (headlights, tent hanging lights, or forehead flashlights) with you. One of the biggest problems of nature travel is energy problems, LED lights reduce energy concerns because they consume less energy. If you don't have a headlamp, you can use a flashlight. The advantage of the forehead flashlight is that it is closed around the forehead and you can carry various things with your hands at night. Some models of flashlights can have a charge of up to 35 hours, which you can hang from a tent like a lamp. To move and spend the night in nature, having an extra battery is definitely recommended.

8- First aid box A first aid box is a box or bag containing supplies and equipment that can be used to provide first aid until the arrival of rescue forces or access to the nearest medical center. The selection of the contents of the box varies with the destination and the style of travel, but in general, the first aid box should include dressings, essential pills such as painkillers, anti-nausea and spasms, etc., such as sterile gas and bandages, etc.

9- Travel tent In most of the several-day trips to stay in nature, tourists carry tents. Suppose you get lost or injured on a day trip, or even get caught in heavy wind or rain. Having a shelter is essential for you. Also, if you intend to camp in nature even for a day, it is inevitable to have a travel tent with you.

Source : https://asghari-shop.com

[bejustsimple]

The importance of portable camping barbecue grills

Keeping cooking utensils organised in outdoor cooking settings requires outdoor kitchen utensil storage solutions. Providing convenience and efficiency for outdoor cooking activities, these weatherproof and sturdy storage choices guarantee that spatulas, tongs, and other equipment are easily accessible throughout grilling and cooking sessions. 

An useful addition for arranging meal necessities in outdoor environments is an outdoor plate and utensil holder. Convenience and effectiveness are ensured for picnics, barbecues, camping vacations, and other outdoor events by its weather-resistant and strong design, which keeps plates, utensils, and napkins readily accessible during outdoor meals.

For outside meals, a picnic basket set is a full option. For picnics in parks or on country outings, it guarantees convenience and fun with plates, cutlery, glasses, and occasionally a blanket.

For outdoor meals, a picnic eating utensil holder keeps dining necessities organised. During picnics or get-togethers, it guarantees simple access to cutlery, napkins, and other dining essentials thanks to its convenient design.

Portable Camping Barbecue Grills are lightweight and practical options for outdoor cooking. These portable grills are ideal for outdoor events like picnics and camping vacations since they make grilling on-the-go possible.

A multipurpose outdoor cooking solution is a Portable Folding Barbecue Grill. It's portable, collapsible, and simple to assemble, which makes it perfect for tailgating, picnics, and camping. With this portable barbecue, you can savour delectable grilled meals anywhere.

For outdoor cooks, a Portable Kitchen Barbecue Grill is a practical choice. It is portable and simple to operate, making it ideal for tailgating, picnics, and camping. It also makes cooking tasty meals on the go possible.

For meals on the road, Portable Utensils Set for Outdoor Foods is a practical option. It is small and light, and comes with all the necessary cutlery (forks, knives, and spoons) to make meal preparation and eating fun for camping, picnics, and other outdoor events where space is at a premium.

When travelling, a portable water bottle is an essential tool for staying hydrated. It is lightweight, sturdy, and conveniently designed for outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and travel. Its small size allows it to be conveniently carried in bags or backpacks for anytime, anywhere access to water. For those who like the great outdoors, a portable water filter is a need. When travelling, trekking, or camping, it efficiently filters contaminants out of natural water sources to provide clean drinking water. It is lightweight and portable. No matter where your travels take you, you may always have access to clean water because of its lightweight design.

[arcprintindia]

12 Best Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees In 2024

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of employee appreciation and recognition, finding the perfect corporate gifts for clients has become increasingly important. In 2024, the emphasis is on thoughtful, practical, and meaningful gifts that resonate with the modern workforce. From tech gadgets to wellness essentials, here are the 12 best corporate gift ideas to inspire and delight your employees.

1. Personalized Desk Accessories

Enhance your employees' workspace with personalized desk accessories such as engraved pen holders, custom mouse pads, or stylish desk organizers. These practical gifts add a personal touch to their work environment and make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

2. Smart Home Devices

Equip your employees with the latest smart home devices to streamline their daily routines and enhance productivity. From voice-controlled assistants to smart thermostats and lighting systems, these tech gadgets make life at home more convenient and efficient.

3. Wellness Kits

Prioritize employee well-being with wellness kits that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care. Consider including items such as essential oil diffusers, aromatherapy candles, stress-relief toys, and meditation apps to help employees unwind and recharge.

4. Customized Apparel and Merchandise

Boost team spirit and brand loyalty with customized apparel and merchandise featuring your company logo or slogan. From T-shirts and hoodies to water bottles and tote bags, these branded items create a sense of unity and pride among employees.

5. Subscription Services

Give the gift of convenience and entertainment with subscription services such as streaming platforms, meal delivery kits, or wellness apps. These subscriptions provide employees with access to a wide range of content and services tailored to their interests and preferences.

6. Tech Accessories

Upgrade your employees' tech game with stylish and functional accessories such as wireless chargers, Bluetooth headphones, or portable power banks. These tech essentials keep employees connected and powered up throughout the day.

7. Personal Development Resources

Invest in your employees' growth and development with books, online courses, or workshops focused on personal and professional skills development. Empower employees to expand their knowledge, enhance their expertise, and achieve their full potential.

8. Outdoor Gear

Encourage outdoor adventures and exploration with high-quality outdoor gear such as hiking backpacks, camping tents, or portable picnic sets. These gifts inspire employees to embrace nature, stay active, and create lasting memories with friends and family.

9. Eco-Friendly Products

Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly products such as reusable water bottles, bamboo utensil sets, or recycled notebooks. These gifts align with employees' values and contribute to a healthier planet.

10. Remote Work Essentials

Support employees in their remote work endeavors with practical essentials such as ergonomic office chairs, adjustable standing desks, or noise-canceling headphones. These items enhance comfort and productivity, whether employees are working from home or on the go.

11. Gourmet Food and Beverage Hampers

Treat your employees to gourmet food and beverage hampers filled with artisanal chocolates, gourmet snacks, specialty teas, or fine wines. These indulgent treats add a touch of luxury to their dining experience and make celebrations extra special.

12. Team Building Experiences

Foster camaraderie and teamwork with experiential gifts such as team-building workshops, cooking classes, or outdoor adventure activities. These immersive experiences create bonds among team members and foster a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best corporate gifts for employees in 2024 are those that prioritize personalization, well-being, and sustainability. By choosing gifts that resonate with employees' interests, values, and lifestyle preferences, businesses can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and foster a positive work culture.

Whether it's personalized desk accessories, smart home devices, wellness kits, or team-building experiences, the key is to show appreciation and recognition in meaningful ways. Invest in your employees' happiness and fulfillment with thoughtful corporate gifts that inspire, motivate, and empower them to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

[planetkiimchi]

crochet dates | nct dream ot7

featuring: non idol!nct dream x gn!reader, est. relationship

word count: 1553 words

summary — just brainrot. wondering how nct dream in an established relationship would treat you.

mark - friday nights crocheting in the car

The dim lighting of the car makes it difficult for you to see what you’re crocheting, so you take out your phone and turn the flashlight on. You prop it up on the holder on the side, checking with Mark to see if it’s blinding him.

He gladly says it isn’t. He’s driving you home from work, and all the tension in your shoulders slowly ebbs away as you lose yourself in crocheting, biting your lip in concentration as you focus on making this bag for yourself.

“Dang, you’re really dedicated to this thing, aren’t you? How long have you spent on this?”

You shrug. “Maybe a couple of days? Not long.”

Mark raises his eyebrows. “That’s kind of long. And really deliberate too.”

To you, it’s just a fun hobby, but Mark’s seriously impressed by your dedication. This might also be because you’ve crocheted a bouquet for him before, and he was over the moon.

Mark tries not to get distracted by your moving hands and the shaky light, but it’s a little hard when you’re right next to him and all he wants to do is watch you forever.

Every time you come to a red light, Mark’s turning his head to look over at you. His mouth’s almost hanging open as he watches you in awe, and when you catch him, you can’t help but blush.

renjun - sunrise cycling to the beach

When Renjun asks you out on a date, he’s thought everything through, from the location to the timing to the food. There’s picnic mats and snacks and plenty of water to keep you both hydrated, though you’ll never know how he managed to fit all of that into the basket at the front of his bicycle.

He hums as you cycle along, never seeming to be short of breath, and once you’ve found a rhythm, you lend your voice to his songs. You’re not a great singer, but he doesn’t mind.

You manage to catch the sunrise—at the expense of your sleep—at the beach, just in time to watch the sun slowly climb up the horizon, as if emerging from the surface of the ocean.

After you’ve watched the sun rise, you take out your yarn and begin to crochet. Renjun watches you with hearts in his eyes.

He won’t admit it, but you caught sight of his open sketchbook, and realised that he was sketching you crocheting. It may or may not have been for him to paint when you get back.

But he can keep that secret, because the bucket hat you’re working on is for him too, not that he knows it.

jeno - the yarn shop

You don’t frequent the yarn shop so often for no reason. They have a room specifically for people to crochet in, and they won’t kick you out if you put your headphones on and stay in there for hours.

They’ve created a comfortable atmosphere that you love to sit in, ruminating in the cool air and enjoying the comfortable chairs.

Jeno alternates between watching you with his head in his hands and reading his book, which explains why he’s only read forty pages after an hour.

You don’t mind, though. He’s not disturbing you, and sometimes he tucks your hair behind your ear when he sees it falling in front of your eyes and obscuring your vision. At other times, he tries to peer over your shoulder to understand how your hand movement is creating this thing, but he can’t quite comprehend it.

Obviously, he insists on paying for all your purchases, and you’re powerless to stop him. It’s a little odd, because some of the yarn is going to become your gift to him for your upcoming anniversary, but to tell him that would ruin the surprise.

So instead, you let him pay for it, and slip the notes back into his wallet when you’re walking out of the store, making sure he doesn’t notice.

(Even if he did, he wouldn’t protest.)

haechan - wet weather plan

Haechan would never intentionally set out to have a date at home. He itches to leave the house, his restless spirit preventing him from being able to sit still in an enclosed space for too long.

But the original date that he had planned, going to the park for a run, is impossible with the downpour outside. He suggested going to the park anyway, saying he would hold the umbrella for both of you, but you refused.

The wind is strong that day, and you don’t enjoy getting wet. With some persuasion, you managed to convince him to stay at home with you and watch a movie. Wonka’s playing on the screen while you crochet, Haechan’s arm draped over your shoulder.

When you move, his arm moves too, but he’s too absorbed in the movie to be bothered. When he thinks you’re not looking, he sneaks glances at you. He really loves to watch you concentrate on things, especially things that you’re good at.

He slowly but surely leans over, tugging playfully at your yarn, and you swat his hand away before he can do any damage to your precious creation.

He laughs, tipping his head back, and you press a kiss to his lips before he can do anything else.

He stares at you in shock, and you smirk back at him, knowing he secretly adores it when you kiss him first.

jaemin - tuesday afternoons curled up on your couch

Jaemin’s not the type of person to force you to drain your social battery by going out on a date, so this afternoon has been completely set aside for the two of you to just sit on the couch and relax.

The problem is, you have a short attention span. Since Jaemin just wants to spend quality time with you, he doesn’t really care what you’re doing, so you start taking out your yarn and hook and begin crocheting, cozily snuggling into his sweater.

He shifts so that you can be more comfortable, the textured fabric wrapping around your ears and muffling the sounds of the outside world, allowing you to focus on what you’re doing with your hands.

Jaemin watches you with fascination, raptured by your swift movements and the way the hook slips in and out of your work.

He asks you to teach him how to do it, and of course you do, scrambling to find a hook to lend him to use and finding another end of the yarn for him to work with. You wrap your hands around his, guiding him, and he’s thrilled by the fact that you’re touching him.

He really, really loves you.

You end up snapping a few pictures of him, but they’re all blurry because he gets shy and tries to stop you whenever he notices, causing the camera to get shaken around.

chenle - arts and craft

Chenle can’t crochet, but he’s good with his hands, which is why his tongue is sticking out while he tries to figure out how embroidery works from a Youtube video. The video is playing at half the regular speed, and Chenle’s brows are furrowed as he replays the video again and again.

You’re sitting across from him, crocheting a scarf for him.

He told you he doesn’t wear scarves, to which you told him he could, after you were done. You told him that it was rude to reject your gift, and he had nothing to say to that, so he shut his mouth and continued embroidering.

He eventually manages to get it, after you’ve done ten rows of the scarf, and he excitedly calls your name.

You look up and realise that he’s embroidered your name on the back of his jersey, just above his name. It’s small, so no one else can see it, but Chenle insists that that’s the point.

(You think he’s just too lazy to embroider something over a larger area, but you’re not complaining. You think he’s done a great job, and you tell him that.)

“Anyway, only the two of us need to know that it’s there,” Chenle says. “It can be our little secret.”

Your heart warms at his words.

jisung - the library

Jisung has tried to learn to crochet from you last time, but it failed because he didn’t understand how to control the tension or the way he held his hook.

He’d try again, but the frustration drives him crazy. He can’t stand knowing that there’s something that he can’t do, so he deals with it by avoiding the topic completely.

He’s in the library to work on his homework, furiously typing away while you sit next to him and crochet.

When you first sat down, Jisung had given you a string and tied it to your pinky and his pinky. It’s not a very long piece of string, so when you move your hand, it pulls the string taut and tugs on Jisung’s hand.

It comforts him, knowing that you’re there and shifting and present. Every now and then, he casts a glance over at you, as if to make sure that you’re still there. Each time you catch his eye, you smile reassuringly at him.

“I’m still here, Ji.”

“Just checking.”

“I’ll always be here.”

[eazy-group]

The Best Camping Tables to Create the Perfect Camp

New Post has been published on https://eazycamping.net/the-best-camping-tables-to-create-the-perfect-camp/

The Best Camping Tables to Create the Perfect Camp

Camping tables — much like camping stoves, sleeping bags and tents — belong to a unique subcategory in the outdoors: indispensable items that can make or break a weekend in the wild.

Forgo the camp table and you’re losing a convenient breakfast, lunch and dinner prep site and serving station; an easy-to-clean board game area; a gathering place for good friends, good food and good conversation.

This guide covers what to look for when purchasing a camping table, as well as few superlative examples we consider a cut above the rest.

How We Tested

The Coleman Outdoor Folding Table held our Ooni pizza oven with ease.

Mitch Kwitek

Our team of editors tested a selection of camping tables for months, taking note of performance, packability and durability. We tested in the Pacific Northwest, in parks and outside the city in New York City, and in the deserts and mountains of Southern California, Utah and Colorado. We took note of how tables held up in various kinds of weather, including wind and rain, and how easy they were to set up and break down. Cost was also a factor: we determined which budget tables are made with quality, and when it makes sense to splurge.

After plenty of testing, these are our final picks.

Best Overall Camping Table: Nemo Moonlander Table

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Best Overall Camping Table

Nemo Moonlander Table

Dual height mode offers variety of uses

Only big enough for a couple people to share

Materials: Nylon, aluminum, carbon fiber

Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 16 inches

Weight: 4 pounds, 14 ounces

The Moonlander checks many of the boxes required of a camp table: it’s easy to carry at less than five pounds, packs down to a fraction of its size and is easy to set up. The most notable feature of the table isn’t its packability though; the dual-height design steals the show. Set it up at four inches off the ground for picnic mode, or give things a lift and extend it up to 16 inches — side table height.

For added sturdiness, Nemo integrated carbon fiber and zinc pole tips into the aluminum poles, and the custom-engineered aluminum hinges are blind-molded onto the tabletop for extended performance. When you’re done eating, drinking or playing cards, fold the Moonlander up and pack it into its padded case for easy and hassle-free travel.

Best Lightweight Camping Table: Helinox Table One Hard Top

Best Lightweight Camping Table

Helinox Table One Hard Top

Easy to bring along on almost any adventure

Won’t work with standard height camp chairs

Materials: Polyester/polyester mesh; DAC aluminum

Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 14 inches

Weight: 1.8 pounds

This lightweight little wonder is easily the most packable on this list. If you’re flying solo or in a pair, though, this is really all the space one or two people would need. Bring it to the park, backpacking (if you’re feeling extra) or for a quick camp trip, and you’ll be covered.

Thoughtful details like two inset cup holders and a storage bag with zipper closure and grab handles make the Table One easy to transport, and convenient to use. Taller folks, beware: at 14 inches high, this table is best used with chairs that sit low to the ground (like one of our favorites, the Chair One), and may be uncomfortable for those of us with longer legs.

Best Budget Camping Table: Coleman Outdoor Folding Table

Best Budget Camping Table

Coleman Outdoor Folding Table

Materials: Aluminum

Dimensions: 8″D x 8″W x 28.5″H

Weight: 10 pounds

The Coleman Outdoor Folding Table is one of those cheap purchases that far exceeded the expectations of a simple camping table. I may have bought it for the occasional trip to the woods, but at this point, it’s been living outdoors for two years and I use it nearly every day. It’s the pizza oven table, the gardening worktop and the occasional outdoor office.

For a table that weighs less than 10 pounds and folds down into a small bag, I was quite impressed by the Coleman’s overall stability. The slatted aluminum top does rattle a little when it’s moved about but once weighed down with some gear it stays impressively planted and stable. Size-wise the Coleman is a 27-inch cube — which in my testing is just big enough to fit 4 cozy plates of food,as long as you’re going for a laid-back dining experience. Because the cross member supports on the aluminum Coleman come down 10 inches, there isn’t much room for your knees to scooch in. — Mitch Kwitek

Best Looking Camping Table: Snow Peak Renewed Single Action Table

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Best-Looking Camp Table

Snow Peak Renewed Single Action Table Large

Good looks and even better function

Materials: Bamboo, aluminum

Dimensions: 48 x 28 x 26 inches

Weight: 28 pounds

For campers that prioritize aesthetics as much as they do performance, there’s no other brand that does it like Snow Peak. Designed in Japan, this large table features a solid laminated bamboo top, supported by aluminum legs, and sits 4-6 people comfortably. Use it for group dinners, or as a stable and sturdy prep surface for meals by the campfire.

The Renewed Single Action Table comes with a nylon carrying case, and folds up to half its size for easy storage to and from camp. At slightly less than thirty pounds, this table is definitely weighty, but pound for pound, the craftsmanship and aesthetic are unparalleled. Snow Peak’s camp table isn’t just designed for the campsite: set it up on the patio for al fresco dining when you’re not in the wild.

Best Compact Camping Table: REI Co-op Camp Roll Table

Best Compact Camping Table

REI Co-op Camp Roll Table

Lightweight and easy to pack up

REI doesn’t sell replacement parts for repair

Materials: Aluminum, plastic

Dimensions: 27.5 L x 27.5 W x 27.5 H

Weight: 8 pounds, 8 ounces

This sturdy little table from REI is one of the highest reviewed on the retailer’s site, thanks to its simple and easy-to-use design. At under 10 pounds, and with the ability to be packed down into a compact little package, the table is lightweight and easy to throw in the back of the car for a quick weekend getaway. There are four hooks on the bottom of the table that don’t seem to have a purpose — the table doesn’t come with a storage net or accessories — and since REI doesn’t sell replacement parts for the table, if you break it or loose any pieces, you’ll have to buy an entire new unit. Other than those slight drawbacks, though, the Camp Roll Table is strong, simple to clean and big enough for dinner or a game of cards.

Best Camping Table for Cooking: Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen

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Best Camping Table for Cooking

Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen

Great for neat freaks and type A organizers

Materials: Aluminum

Dimensions: 56.2 x 18.9 x 31.5 inches

Weight: 13 pounds, 8 ounces

Do you like to roll with all the cooking tools necessary to create a gourmet dinner on the go? Then you’ll need something more than the standard table to house everything (and keep yourself sane as messes start to accumulate). The Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen comes with two side tables and a detachable compartment with two shelves to keep forks, knives and plates straight. At less than 15 pounds, it’s easy to haul around for a car camping adventure (or backyard cookout). When you’re done cooking your four-course meal, everything folds up into a convenient, easy-carry bag.

Best Camping Table for Backpacking: Big Agnes Woodchuck Camp Table

Best Camp Table For Backpacking

Big Agnes Woodchuck Camp Table

Roll-top construction makes set-up a breeze

Best for 1-2 people at most

Materials: High-tenacity Robic nylon with polyester ripstop and waterproof UTS coating; aircraft aluminum pole system

Dimensions: 21.5″ x 15.5″ x 17″

Weight: 2 pounds, 6 ounces

The mini-camp table is the ideal small surface for prepping and eating food in the backcountry. At just over two pounds and with a table surface 17 inches off the ground, this model is best suited for backpacking and pairs well with low camping chairs — anything too big or high, and you’ll be hunching over all weekend to reach the snacks. The Woodchuck is pint-sized, making it best for one or two people; with this table, three is definitely a crowd.

Best Camping Table with Integrated Storage: Portal Camping Table

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Best Camping Table with Integrated Storage

Portal Camping Table

Holds all your essentials

Materials: Aluminum

Dimensions: 27.6 x 47.2 x 28.3 inches

Weight: 12 pounds

The coolest feature on this camp table is easily the catch-all secured to the underside — the mesh layer is a great place to store small board games, a pack of cards and utensils for easy access. In the spirit of adaptability, one of the legs is specifically designed to adjust and telescope, to combat uneven ground.

Best Splurge Camping Table: Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table

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Best Splurge Camp Table

Front Runner Outfitters Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table

Easy to pack and deploy when paired with the brand’s corresponding rack system

Ridiculously expensive for a single table

Materials: Black powder-coated aluminum, 0.9mm stainless steel

Dimensions: 29.5 x 44.5 x 1.3 inches

Weight: 26.1 pounds

At first glance, Front Runner’s $600 camp table may seem like an extravagance — and for those that don’t already own one of the brand’s rack systems, it may very well be. But, for anyone who has the Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack on their rig, this hardy table is a welcome addition to any camp setup.

The stainless steel top is the same grade used in restaurants around the world, while the aluminum locking legs are powder coated with the same corrosion-resistant black powder coating as the corresponding rack. Notice the rounded corners: they’re glass-filled nylon, and were designed to prevent accidental damage. The Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table can be mounted under the Slimline II Roof Rack with ease, making packing and stowing a piece of cake. If you don’t have Front Runner’s rack system but still want the best of the best for your campsite, this durable table is a cut above the rest.

What to look for in a camp table

Materials

A quality camp table combines versatility and modularity; it will fold down to a fraction of its size, be easy set up or pack down when needed, and will be made from materials meant to stand up to the wear and tear of camp life. Most camp tables are made with aluminum or steel for the frame, with varying materials used for the tabletop — everything from nylon and polyester to bamboo, depending on the type of construction and durability you’re looking for.

Size

Similar to material, the size and shape of camping tables are varied depending on the intended use, the amount of people you’ll need to seat and whether or not they’re part of a camping system or designed for use on their own. Some tables feature a fixed construction, while others have adjustable legs that allow for varied uses.

[lolaslocker]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Apollo Walker Picnic Backpack Bag for 2 Person.

[birchkillchronicles]

Getting to Marigold

Chapter Two

Grass-Green, Black, Ultramarine

            Jeanie wasn’t signing up for yoga or Pilates classes anymore.  Which was because—for some reason—her classmates seemed far less friendly without Sylvie around.  But, then again, a brisk walk in the open air had always been Jeanie’s exercise of choice.

Today, however, as she crashed out of her house to stride down the Avenue, the late morning heat and the weight of her folding chair served to slow her usual headlong pace.  And, by the time she’d made it over the Rideau Canal bridge and into the more citified Glebe, the physical effort had calmed her down. 

But Jeanie still wasn’t back to her preferred buoyant disposition—and that vexed her immeasurably… 

            Cheer up, Jeanie! she chided herself.  As my mother would say—‘The world’s not against you!’ 

She hadn’t stopped for a coffee or a delicious wood-fired bagel after all.  Those treats had been irrevocably connected to this morning’s disappointment and rage.  But—priding herself upon her practicality—she knew that her Solo Day Out would be spoiled if she neglected her growling tummy. 

A further five-minute walk up Bank Street, the Glebe grocer sold healthy take-out salads and sandwiches. There, Jeanie selected a likely looking item from the ready-to-eat food cooler, as well as a bottle of sweet tea, and got in line for the twelve-items-or-less cashier.   

They should call it the candy lane, Jeanie thought, as she tugged her folding chair strap further up on her shoulder so she could juggle her debit card holder out of her tote bag.  I wonder how many useless calories every checkout line gloms onto gullible people’s waists? 

Still, she selected a plain bar of chocolate from the banked treats and threw it on top of her salad container.

That’ll balance the vitamins in the broccoli, kale and quinoa, she told herself, tucking a free wooden fork and a small wad of napkins in her tote bag.  And my temper sure could use a bit of a sweetener…

After paying for her take-out meal, Jeanie crossed Bank Street and continued several blocks north until she reached the stone steps leading down into the park.

Resolutely, she descended the stairway and began to scout out a likely picnic spot… 

Beneath the leafy canopy of a giant oak tree, Jeanie slung out her chair on the cool grass-green lawn.  Steadfastly ignoring the chime that notified her that her phone had received yet another text, she fastidiously unfolded a napkin on her knee and dug purposefully into her food and drink. 

The tart, tangy salad dressing is okay, she ruled, automatically comparing it unfavourably to her own homemade recipe.  But the sweet tea is almost too sickly.  And overindulging in sugar is never recommended…

Virtuously, Jeanie recapped the tea and stashed it away in her summer tote with the softly melting chocolate bar.  Then—with her tummy rumbles quashed and her salad container laying tidily on the grass beside her—Jeanie sat back in her chair and took stock of her surroundings. 

Under the clearest of clear-blue skies, a variety of people were enjoying the park. 

In a nearby patch of shade, three bronze-skinned women were seated on folding chairs, sipping coffee and snacking on muffins as they consulted their phones. 

On the central pathway, a rosy-cheeked boy zipped by on a skateboard.  While his head ducked up and down to watch out for dogs and strollers, he never lost a beat as he defeated the villains on his handheld game console. 

A bit further in to the park—near where the stage had been set up—a Black middle-aged couple with two kids arrived on foot.  They stopped to scan the site, checked their phones, set up their chairs, spread out a picnic blanket, re-checked their phones, shared out food and drink—and dove back into their mini-screens.

Just past the picnicking family, Jeanie could see a couple of high-school-age kids—one olive-skinned, one tan—in black shorts and tee shirts.  They were setting down what looked like a rather solid white wooden bench on a low wooden stage.  Next, they unrolled several panels of some kind of stiff-ish cloth.  The fabric was painted with what seemed to be a watercolour garden scene, and, as she watched, the kids reached up to hang the panels from metal pipes installed high across the back of the raised platform.  Once those panels were in place, both of the kids unpocketed their phones and wandered off, heads down, behind what Jeanie assumed was ‘the set.’

Then, in the zone where Jeanie expected the spectators would sit, another assortment of black-garbed kids began to lay out neon-yellow ropes.  They caused a wee kerfuffle when the picnicking family had to pause in the scrutiny of their phones to move their blanket and chairs so that the rope-laying kids could clearly delineate what Jeanie supposed was the ‘centre aisle.’ 

            Now the first stagehands—phones holstered—reappeared carrying a folding table which they set up behind the neon-yellow rope.  A third kid soon followed hauling a large plastic bin, and all three delved into it for a ragtag collection of objects which they carefully placed in an obviously fixed arrangement.  Then, the first two kids headed backstage with their phones in their hands, while the third remained scrolling through her device beside what Jeanie thought from her limited knowledge of theatre must be the ‘props table.’

            At this point, the audience area began to fill in. 

A number of unaccompanied thirty-ish women, some grey-haired retirees and a couple of groups of university-age kids arrived.  And Jeanie couldn’t help but notice that all of their eyes seemed to be glued to the screens of their phones… 

A flock of bicyclists wheeled in.  They offloaded their folding chairs from their shoulders and then—even before locking their machines to a nearby rack or freeing their toddlers from their bike carriers—reached into their pockets for their phones. 

Then an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair was pushed into position by his female attendant. 

He wasn’t on a phone, however. 

Nope.  Not at all. 

He was, instead, concentrating on his laptop and barely looked up when his younger companion settled him close to the outer edge of the spectator zone.  And then she took out her phone and proceeded to text a message as well.

            But now the three bronze-skinned women in the shade were stirring and—realizing that all of the prime audience spots were quickly disappearing—Jeanie decided she’d better get a wiggle on too.  Folding her chair for portability, she tossed her salad container into the correct recycling can and loped over to a black-tee-shirted usher who was handing out programs.  Jeanie took one and, after a quick survey of the best spaces that were left, decided to sit close to the back near the centre aisle. 

            That way, she reasoned, it’ll be easier for me to slip away quietly if the play doesn’t live up to its hype…

            Settling into her chair once more, Jeanie opened her program.  It appeared that the work she was about to see—a so-called ‘two-act domestic comedy’ entitled A Tale My Father Told Me—was based on an old story about a mean father who treats his daughter unkindly. 

            Really? Jeanie thought with surprise.  Why would Lindy chose a such depressing plot for a summer show?  Now, if I—

“Jeanie—?”

Interrupted mid-criticism, she glanced up to see her loopy-neighbour-from-three-doors-down, Lindy Styre—playwright and director of this afternoon’s entertainment—regarding her from the centre aisle with what was, frankly, a look of total disbelief.

            Swiftly, Jeanie decided that she’d ignore the implications of Lindy’s expression and greet her—as Sylvie would have—with both warmth and confidence.  “Why, hello, Lindy!  What a lovely day for a matinee.  Your play seems to be drawing quite a crowd!”

            “Um, yes…Jeanie,” replied Lindy with an unsure smile.  “Thanks for coming out.  I just have to—”  And, without finishing her sentence, Lindy fled.

Jeanie rolled her eyes and shook her head. 

What a weird-o that woman was. 

For one thing, she was absolutely scared stiff of all the local puppy dogs.

Why, just a couple of years ago she’d witnessed Lindy melt into a quivering puddle on the sidewalk when a dogwalker had let his friendly mutt bark at her just a teensy-weensy bit.  

What a nut.

Of course, there was also that time when she and Sylvie—but no, Jeanie cautioned herself, don’t think about that…

Although, she now recalled, Sylvie had always been much more sympathetic to what she called Lindy’s ‘eccentricities.’  And she’d repeatedly pressed Jeanie to give the poor, lonely woman the benefit of the doubt…

But then, Jeanie sadly reflected, that old saw is true.  The good often do die young…

Alarmed by the morose direction her ruminations were taking her—definitely not a good place for a woman who prided herself on her unflagging optimism!—Jeanie firmly wrenched her mind back to the topic at hand. 

So, what was she thinking about—? 

Oh yes.  Pride, wasn’t it?  House pride…

Well, for the last few years Lindy has squatted in the Styres’ old wreck of a two-storey without the slightest titch of house pride, frowned Jeanie.  And that’s truly a crime. 

Everyone knows that a house needs tons of Tender Loving Care!

Of course, mused Jeanie, when Lindy’s dad was alive, the Styre’s place did seem a bit less neglected.  But, still, its porch and trim haven’t seen a paint brush for fifteen years…

And Lindy’s front garden—good gosh!—if you can call it that, she sniffed. Well, it’s nothing but a few sparse tulips in the spring, a tangle of ox-eye daisies and black-eyed-Susans in the summer and a raggedy show of purple asters in the fall.  And she only mows her grass when it reaches jungle height…

Of course, Jeanie had to admit, Lindy couldn’t be blamed for the gangly pair of city maple trees that overshadowed her front yard.  But, even with the help of that attractive older white guy who sometimes raked her autumn leaves, Lindy always seemed to be the last one on their Avenue to bag them up for the recycling truck…

I’d be mortified to let my property get so run down, Jeanie snorted to herself.  If Lindy would only—

But, suddenly she was aware that the audience had hushed around her.  A plump and pretty woman in black had hopped up on stage.  She was welcoming everyone and asking that all of their phones and handheld devices be turned off.

Complacently, Jeanie obeyed.  She really didn’t need to hear from anyone she knew for quite a while…

Now, with a musical flourish, the show began. 

And, yes, it was certainly funny—Jeanie had to grant Lindy that.  She was easily caught up in the waves of laughter and applause that rolled through the highly appreciative audience.

But it was all pretty foolish too. 

The characters postured and mugged and hammed up their parts.  The bombastic father bullied his daughter in a completely unrealistic way.  And the father’s nasty sidekick played his whole role with—for gosh sake!—a live chihuahua stuck in the crook of his arm.

At least one element did meet with Jeanie’s complete approval, however. 

The Roaring Twenties costumes—flapper dresses, sailor blouses and plus-fours—were authentically styled, yet sewn in striking flamingo-pink, malachite-green and carrot-orange hues. 

Quite appropriate for an outdoor venue where you have to compete with plenty of visual distraction, nodded Jeanie.  The costume designer, at least, deserves some applause.  Not every colour range would have been so bang on

Although, Jeanie smugly reflected, appropriate colour selection had always been her forte.  When it was all the rage in the mid-nineteen-eighties, she’d even considered becoming a professional Seasonal Colour Palette Consultant.  But then Bernie had been born—and she’d had to drop that idea.  Which was too bad, because a lot of women she’d seen around the neighbourhood could have certainly profited from her advice…

Nevertheless—colour had remained a central preoccupation for Jeanie, and she could never understand why so many folks seemed to simply overlook the fascinating nuances of tint, shade and tone. 

‘Be precise!’ her Algonquin College professor had been forced to remind the duller kids in Jeanie’s ‘Colour in Décor’ class.  ‘It’s not brown—it’s burnt sienna.  It’s not red—it’s carmine.  It’s not green—it’s jade!’

Well, as Bernie would say, ‘duh...’ 

Burnt sienna.  Carmine.  Jade.

What had been so difficult about that? 

As far as Jeanie knew, only a few very unlucky people were colour blind.  So, why had some of her fellow students been unable to distinguish the hues which were plainly in front of their eyes? 

Well, again—duh…

And, with that less than charitable thought, Jeanie returned her critical attention to the play, searching for something else to like.

Upon reflection, she decided, also okay was the live violin and flute music.  And some of the jokes were pretty funny, too.  And she really couldn’t have expected a traveling outdoor theatre company to have constructed much more elaborate sets.  But, still—

That plot.  That idiotic plot.

It was impossible! 

Why did the daughter have to involve her bossy ultramarine-haired neighbour and her father’s lawyer and his banker and his accountant and his doctor in such an elaborate ruse just to get revenge upon her dad?

Surely, in real life, Jeanie reasoned, the girl would have simply told off her domineering parent and stood up for herself when he pushed her around? 

That’s what I would have done, she maintained.  Stood up for myself—and told my evil father to take a long hike off a short pier! 

Although, she further mused, my own father was always pretty meek and mild.  Of course, with Mom being such a bossy-boots, what else could the poor man have been?  In fact, when Dad came down with viral pneumonia five years ago, my brothers and I were kind of amazed that Mom had actually let Dad go ahead and die on his own say-so.

But then—if she were being perfectly honest—Jeanie had to admit that she’d never felt scared of any guy in her entire life.  The only man she’d ever let raise a violent hand to her was her cancer surgeon, and it was his job to attack her with a knife. 

But, whatever… 

As she’d advised Bernie—on that day when her daughter had complained about being a bully’s target in middle school—if something felt wrong, simply bring it to the guy’s attention and then fix it. 

Whining about being a victim wouldn’t help. 

For, as Jeanie’s mother would say, ‘Laugh and the world laughs with you.  Cry and you cry alone.’ 

Now, if Jeanie had been insulated from the worst outrages of patriarchal abuse by her white, Protestant family’s upper-middle-class status—by her mother’s strong and forthright personality—by her father’s kind and gentle character—by Don’s distaste for uncivil behaviour—by her choice of Fine Arts and Interior Design studies at college—by her obliging female boss and agreeable female or gay male colleagues—by her safe neighbourhood and generally benign city—and by so many other extremely lucky circumstances in her life—well, that fact had never occurred to her. 

And—even if Jeanie had been confronted with the truth—she probably wouldn’t have understood its implications anyway.  Like a goldfish, she didn’t recognize the filtered water in which she swam.  So, as the first act wore on, she continued to chide the wimpy daughter in her head. 

When you come right down to it, she lectured, it’s each gal’s own responsibility not to accept that kind of baloney.  And all you have to do with a mean father like yours is speak up and exercise your gosh-darn rights! 

At long last, the twenty-minute intermission arrived. 

While the incontinent stood in line at the portable restrooms and the extravagant snapped up the overpriced souvenir tee shirts at the refreshment stand, Jeanie sat and scanned her program.  She felt it ought to provide some sort of explanation for Lindy’s ludicrous plot.  But, other than learning that the actors were playing ‘in a style derived from 16th century commedia dell’arte, the theatre of the absurd, and classical farce’—“Whatever those things are supposed to be,” Jeanie grumbled aloud—she found the program irritatingly uninformative.  It merely summarized the story and gave short bios of the people associated with all of this nonsense.

But watching the play seemed a better alternative than anything else Jeanie might be doing on this hot July afternoon.  At the very least, the show was amusing enough to keep her from dwelling on gloomy thoughts.  Such as—how on earth could any child of hers have grown up to be such a stick-in-the-mud—?

No!  Don’t let negativity win! Jeanie scolded herself.  As my mother would say, ‘Let a smile be your umbrella!’ 

That was the secret to life… 

Meanwhile, most of the audience had revved up their phones so that—when a bell rang to signal that the intermission was over—the plump and pretty stage manager had to ask everyone to mute their devices again.  

Jeanie didn’t need to.  She’d never turned her phone back on.  In fact, she’d never even checked the messages that she already knew were there… 

Under the lengthening shade of the lofty catalpa trees, A Tale My Father Told Me rollicked by.  And when, in the final scene, the newly rebellious daughter revealed that she and her friends were the ones behind her father’s downfall, Jeanie laughed and applauded along with the rest of the audience at his powerless rage. 

No matter how dumb the story, she thought, it’s always fun to see a nasty man lose at his own game.   

But why did Lindy’s plot have to be so long and winding to get to that end?

All that fuss and foofaraw!

What was the point?

During the standing ovation, Jeanie didn’t jump up with the rest of the crowd.  Well, why should she when she’d found Lindy’s play so completely implausible?  And, when the actors came around begging for cash, she dropped a more-than-sufficient five-bucks into the cloche hat that the ultramarine-haired actress who’d played the cunning neighbour waved her way.

“You know, Madame,” said the actress with a wicked grin, “we take credit and debit card payments too.  At that table over there.”  She indicated a line-up of chattering audience members in front of the table where the black-tee-shirted teens had set the props before the show.

“No thanks,” Jeanie replied with a breezy smile. “I’m good.” 

“Must suck to be so poor.”  The actress gave her a saucy wink before turning to accost the elderly man in the wheelchair who readily threw a couple of twenties into her hat.

Jeanie was tempted to crush the ultramarine-haired woman with a snappy rejoinder, but decided it was best not to lower herself to the actress’ level.  So, she simply made a show of complacency as she folded up her chair and stuffed it into its holder.  Then she fished through her coin purse for change for the bus so that she wouldn’t have to make the hot and dusty walk home.  The seating area was draining very slowly, however, so, as she stood looking for a clear path, her gaze ranged around the park.  And, after a moment, she noticed a very peculiar thing about her fellow audience members. 

Having tossed their contributions into the hat or paid for their entertainment with plastic, most of them were busy folding up their chairs and blankets and marshalling their bicycles, kids and dogs.

But the majority of them were also focussed on their phones. 

Either they were texting, or reading texts, or telling someone at the opposite end of the line about the super-duper play they’d just seen.  In fact, most of them were so busy with their handheld devices—except for the elderly man in the wheelchair who sat perusing his laptop—that they weren’t even discussing the play with each other!

Jeanie, with her phone still turned off and stashed securely in her tote bag, allowed herself to be appalled. 

What are all these foolish folks thinking? she scoffed.  I’ve often heard that kids are addicted to their phones these days, but I didn’t realize that the adults are too!  They ought to be talking to each other.  Not just texting and blabbering away to folks who couldn’t even be bothered to come with them on a fun Day Out!

“So, Jeanie?”  Lindy was suddenly standing at Jeanie’s elbow, regarding her with a tentative smile.  “Did you enjoy the play?”

Good gravy, thought Jeanie.  What should I say? 

She always highly valued plain-speaking.  Say what you mean, Jeanie believed, and let the chips fall where they may. 

But Sylvie had often recommended that—in circumstances where being completely candid might sting—Jeanie ought to dress up her comments a little bit.  Tell fewer hard truths, Sylvie had often advised, to prevent trampled feelings all ’round… 

Therefore, taking a leaf out of Sylvie’s book, Jeanie decided to be gracious.

“Oh yes, Lindy,” she fibbed.  “It was absolutely wonderful!  Really funny.  I could never write something like that.”  Which was true.  Because, if I wrote a play, it would make sense, Jeanie thought.  But—“Where the heck do you get your ideas?” she enquired. 

“Um, I sort of follow the advice that you should write what you know…kind of…” Lindy trailed off.

“Well, it was very good!” Jeanie said, brightly, picking up her tote bag and hoisting the strap of her folding chair onto her shoulder.  “Maybe you should put on another one sometime?”

“Actually, um,…I already did…at last June’s Fimbria Festival, and—”

“Where?  Oh well, never mind!  Next time, you should really let Don and I know!  Imagine!  A gifted playwright living just a few doors down the Avenue!”

“Oh, I’m not that—" 

“Too bad your wonderful plays can only be seen outside at a park in the summertime,” commiserated Jeanie, laying on thick what she supposed Lindy would interpret as Sylvie-like empathy.  “Don and I don’t often—"

“Yes, okay,” hastily interrupted Lindy, “I’m part of a theatre company now, and we’re looking into a permanent space—”

“Oh, good for you, Lindy!” Jeanie was on a benevolence roll. “Maybe, once you’re up and running, I’ll come see another one of your funny little shows.”

Lindy gave her an odd look.  “Sure, Jeanie.  That would be great.”

“But I won’t keep you now.  Places to go!  People to see!” exclaimed Jeanie, as she swung smartly around to make her escape into the departing crowd.  

But, even as she fled, she could distinctly hear the voice of the ultramarine-haired actress asking, “Sooo…who’s that bitch?”

Her spine stiffening, Jeanie didn’t hang around to catch Lindy’s reply.

[yayabink]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Lilly Pulitzer Thermal Insulated Lunch Cooler Lg Capacity, Women's Lunch Bag NWT.

[hakkais-hoe]

Can I get the haitani brother and izana with a very motherly reader like they're always very caring and protective over them always wanting to take of them and for the haitani brother can it be before bonten please. I'm so sorry if this sucks😭

Yes of course love :) I love this idea so much, I'll do the Hiatani's ones during the Rokuhara Tandai arc if that's alright. For Izana it will be the Tenjiku arc.

Honestly not sure if I’ve done this right so I hope it’s okay-ish, thank you for your patience love ik it took a while :)

Age: no warnings

Warnings: minor character injury, blood, swearing, gn, fluff .

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Let Me Look After You, Okay?

Rindou Haitani ~ The Doting s/o

With bento bags full of freshly made food and freshly bought milk bobas in hand you make your way towards your boyfriends so called “gang hideout” the one place you hated him being at yet he was there so often, with the men you know he classes as friends but also the dickhead that beat them all senseless in prison just so they’d be under him. You hate South Terano with a passion and you can’t even hide it from them or him. He hurt your Rin so of course you don’t want him around Rindou or Ran.

The doors in front of you look bleak, cold and huge, dwarfing your size as the loom over you, uncomfortable as it is standing in front of them you know you have to go in especially seen as the man you’re trying to get to is definitely on the other side, completely blissfully unaware that you have brought him a little picnic, well him and Ran seen as you care about the grasshopper to an extent as well as annoying as he is.

Without remotely knowing where shouts he may be you push one of the doors open only to come face to face with over two dozen Rokuhara members, all of them stare straight at you, I mean of course they do someone’s just walked into their base with large bags of food and a holder full of boba in their hands you’re very out of place in the lower room.

“Who do we have here? I think you're very lost little one, how bout you turn around and leave while you can.” A booming voice calls from your left, startling you enough to make you jump around only to come not even face to chest with the man you know to be South. Before you can speak to him though you hear a very familiar almost mocking voice come from the stairs in front of you.

“It’s okay South, they're Rindous partner. Come on y/n Rin’s up here if you’re looking for him~” Goddamn Ran Haitani is currently lent over the banister grinning down at your slightly shaken form, you can’t help but glare at the giant green bean beckoning you up. With a small but reluctant smile at South you scurry past and up the stairs behind Ran.

“I brought food for Rindou and well I guess I brought you some too. How is he? Has he eaten yet? Any injuries? I brought a first aid kit too…just in case.” Ran chuckles at your worrywort behaviour, shaking his head slightly, while he opens the door to where you hope Rindou is.

“Okay mama bear calm down he’s fine, nothing happened but no he hasn’t eaten so I hope you brought a lot you know how he is… cranky little shit was missing you kiddo.” Ran’s voice is quiet so that he doesn’t wake the gremlin sprawled out on one of the sofas. He gestures for you to take a seat and takes the bags off you to set everything on the table so that you can wake Rindou in his stead.

You crouch down in front of the sleeping Rin, fingers going to stroke gently through his hair and down his face to wake him slowly, he grumbles and pushes at your hands but still starts to groggily open pretty amethyst eyes a sweet smile takes over his mouth when he notices it’s you stroking his face, you smile at each other for a minute happily forgetting the elephant in the room, or string bean if you will.

“Hey bunny…missed ya today… feel like- what’s that smell… lord I love you, you brought food.” Rindous groggy haze cuts straight off when his hound like nose smells all the food that’s now set out for the three of you, he shoots up grabbing at his drink and chopsticks, now happily ignoring you as he stuffs his face and grins at you. What a gremlin.

“Wow darling pace yourself, the food is not going to sprout feet and run away… Ran dig in too I made enough for all of us.” You coo, stroking Rindous back while he happily munches on his favourite meals. He reaches over and squeezes your thigh while still stuffing his face.

“I think you chose the wrong brother y/n. Rin slow down you’ll choke, I’m not sticking my fingers down your throat again…don’t you dare talk with your mouth full I can see you.” Ran stares at his brother, chopsticks midair before looking to you for help. You glare at him and go back to cooing over your lovely hungry boyfriend.

“Ignore him, love! Just eat away and enjoy it… I love your chipmunk cheeks when you eat, they are so cute!!” You muse at him gently before finally taking up your chopsticks too.

Ran Haitani ~ The Don’t Scare me Like that s/o

“Y/n, Ran’s hurt! It’s bad, really bad what do I do?! Y/n we’re at the hideout get here now!” Rindou’s fear stricken voice permeates your ears, through one and out the other you’re not sure you even heard him right, all you can think about is getting there. Feet leading you down the familiar path towards their current gangs hideout. You knew, you knew you should have talked them out of it, the feeling of foreboding you had earlier in the day was a sign all along.

He’s hurt, he’s probably bleeding and you weren’t there.

You don’t even acknowledge the rest of the gang as you shove through the doors and crowd at the base of the stairs, further up stand the other members of the s62 along with South Terano, the bastard that’s the whole fucking reason your man is hurt up there. If looks could kill he’d be 6ft under by now, you’re furious and they know it, Kakucho goes to step in front of you to speak but you cut him off with a glare. y

“Get the fuck out of my way you piece of shit… If anything happens to him and I mean anything I’ll fucking kill you South, mark my words.” Your voice is low and threatening when you speak to him, they all know you mean every word, that’s your man in there you’re no longer Ran’s nice s/o that they’re used to. You spare no further glances as you push through the men and onto the second floor where you swing open the usual room that the Haitanis choose to relax in.

In front of you is a scene from your nightmares, Ran seemingly unconscious, covered in blood and Rindou sat me to him also covered in blood with his head in his hands. The sound of your gasp pulls Rin from his position, he shoots up to meet you at the door a worried yet slightly bashful expression sits on his face.

“Rin-”

“Wait Y/n, before you say anything you should know that at the time I was freaking out…” Rindou trails off, clearly embarrassed as he rubs the back of his neck and steps aside to show you one very much alive and clearly fine, grinning Ran Haitani.

“Ran Haitani! Explain to me why your brother rang me practically crying saying you were really badly hurt?! I though you were dying you stupid man! I’m so upset right now… oh god I just threatened to kill your boss as well… I was so worried, you foolish man! Where are you hurt though let me look at you.” A million different emotions rattle through your brain as you scold the still grinning stringbean before pulling at his clothes to look at any potential wounds.

“God I love you doll. So feisty I like you like this, all protective and obsessed with me it's cute~” Ran coos back at you, allowing you to pull the top half of his uniform free to check the clearly very large laceration that resides down one side, luckily for him it’s the opposite side of his matching tattoo. Tears gather in your eyes when you seen the extent of the damage, he may be acting like it’s no problem but you know that he must be in pain, especially with the amount of blood that he’s lost. Instead of crying or scolding him again you choose to lather some disinfectant and ointment for wounds on the large cut before redressing it and pulling out electrolyte drinks and something for him to eat.

“We need to go to hospital, you’re still bleeding and you definitely need stitches and- and- I…” The focus in your voice begins to waver as tears flow down the flush of your cheeks, you grip the bunch of Rans top in your hands while trying to get your emotions in order before you carry on. Rans hand silently falls on the crown of your head, from there he strokes over and over his silence and the heat of his hand proves to calm you a lot quicker.

“Okay doll face, let’s go to the hospital yeh? You look after me so well you know? Running all the way over here with a first aid kit to patch me up, my little nurse huh?” Ran’s voice is laced with pure love, adoration and a light chuckle. Rindou comes over to help balance his brother, Ran puts most of his weight on his brother then links his other arm up with yours with a happy grin on his face again. If he wasn’t bleeding out he’d probably be skipping out of the room and past all the rest of the gang.

“Bye-bye we’re off to the hospital!~” Rans voice is an almost breathy drawl at the rest of them as the three of you leave.

Izana Kurokawa ~ The Encouraging s/o

“ ‘Zana, where are you? Love come on, Kaku is looking for you.” Your voice bounces off the walls of your apartment as you look for your currently spiralling boyfriend. You find him on the floor of your shared bedroom, hands curled around his head and his mutters incoherent words under his breath.

“Oh dear, come here my love… hmm what’s going on in that head of yours?” You coo pulling Izana to rest his head on your chest after you sit down next to his jittering form, hands brush through ash white locks lovingly effectively helping to calm the agitated man.

“I hate them all… I’m going to break them all down… if I take away everything he loves I can make him the perfect tool Y/n, don’t you agree? You always agree with me… you’re the old one… the only one that’s not a useless pawn to me…” Izanas vacant whisper fills your ears, you know you need to stop him but how can you bring yourself to disagree with the man you love? He may be ruthless and cruel but to you he’s calm and gentle.

“Izana, you know I will always support you in everything you do and you know the others will too but, do you really want to hurt him? He’s not Shinichiro, my love. If you still want to do this I’ll be there, you know I’ll never leave you.” You keep your tone happy and encouraging for him, the thought of upsetting him makes you sick to your stomach. You hum as you wait for his response, his agitated jittering from earlier long gone now as he rests happily against you, arms wrapped around your waist.

“If you’re by my side Y/n/n I can take on the whole world. I can’t do this without you, angel. Need you to tell me that I’m right… you have to help me, not even Kakucho knows me as well as you, angel.” Izana sits up straight and grabs your shoulders to make you face him so he can stare into your eyes, he searches and analyses your face before he has to make a decision on what to do. A loud sigh escapes past his pouty lips before orchid eyes lock with your own and he smiles, a smile only you get to see one so gentle and loving you could swear you were hallucinating, you grin straight back. Lithe but muscular arms pull you into a tight embrace, he lays a light peck on your neck before squeezing you even more into him.

“I’ll support you if it’s what you want to do ‘Zana, I love you so much.”

◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️◽️◾️

Taglist: @soushswag @bachibachibee @loonashadow @haitink @bontensbabygirl @roppongiperfume @wakasagurl @sunahyejin

[yong-bokk]

pairing: han jisung x reader

genre: fluff

prompt: jisung confesses his love under the lunar eclipse

han jisung is nervous

and he has been nervous for the past 3 days ever since u texted him

yn: sung !!!!

jisung: yn !!!!

yn: there’s a lunar eclipse happening in a few days

yn: do u want to watch it together o(〃'▽'〃)o

jisung: sure ^^

(also jisung)

hsdkfsKSDJFLAKSDJFA (」ﾟﾛﾟ)｣ DID U JUST

ASK HIM TO GO MOON GAZE WITH U

BC THAT’S THE CUTEST THING EVER :((

and u know how jisung rambles when he gets nervous

yeah

peace has left the skz dorm since then too

“oh my god what do i do what if-”

“it’s been THREE DAYS stop worrying about ur date”

“ಥ_ಥ SHUTUPJEONGIN ITS NOT A D A TE”

so

the (not) date day

jisung showed up on ur door

one hand holding a coffee holder with your favourite drink and his iced americano

and his other hand holding a bouquet of the prettiest gerbera daisies

“f-for u” ( 〃．．)

“these are so pretty :”””” thank u”

u looked so happy jisung swore he'd bring u all the flowers in the world >>:

anyways

the two of u found a nice spot near the han river right before the sunset

jisung opened his bag and boy did he come PREPARED

he brought a picnic blanket he stole borrowed from hyunjin

also boxes of katsu sandwiches and spaghetti lee know made

(minho, aggressively turning on the stove) “i can not believe u were just going to bring convenient store snacks on ur first date bring ur date some DECENT FOOD”

jisung: “(๑•́ ₃ •̀๑) it’s not a date-“

felix: “wait here i made u some cookies too（○´ u｀）enjoy ur date !!!”

conclusion

today’s (not) date: sponsored by skz

u helped set up the spread and pulled out food u brought with u too

“oooo what’s that”

“fruits……. and cheesecake !! ٩(^o^)۶”

“CHEESECAKE!!!!!”

the two of u munched on the food happily as the sun sets and the sky becomes dark

moments with jisung are always ur favourite

the two of u can talk about anything and everything

and even if u don’t, the silence is never awkward

under the starry sky, the two of u watch the eclipse in awe

well

u were watching the moon

jisung kinda missed it bc he was too busy watching u ( 。•n• 。)

when the moon was shining bright once again, jisung knew it was time

his hands were clammy despite the cold night breeze and

his heart was pounding so hard, he was afraid u could hear it

:((

but it’s now or never !!!

“h-hey yn”

“yeah?”

here goes nothing......

“the moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

jisung bit his lip as he stole a glance to see ur reaction

but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t read into ur mind

instead, a million of thoughts are running through his

what if u don’t understand

or worse,,,,

what if u do but u don’t feel the same way :(

he felt like he was closer and closer to heartbreak with every passing second

but his heart stopped when u leaned on his shoulder

“hey jisung”

“y-yeah?”

“(✿´ ꒳ ` ) i can die happy”

[all-might-can-smash-me]

Midnight Snack

Keigo Takami/Hawks x Reader

Summary: literally I was craving a chicken salad sandwich and so I channeled my personal experience (except I already had chicken salad made, so I didn’t have to go through a lot of struggle). Also my boyfriend thinks my chicken salad and egg salad are bomb (maybe he’s just being nice though 💀)

This is really short, sorry

Edit: Proof read and added some more to the story

Masterlist

Keigo tossed and turn within the sheets of his bed, almost getting himself tangled a few times. He froze though when a hand reached to tug back the blankets, slowly looking over to see your body maneuver around a bit before finally settling into a new position subconsciously in your sleep, a incoherent mumble following your soft snores. He let himself relax into the mattress of his bed, wings at awkward angles to make things more comfortable for himself and for you in the bed. Usually he would have also been asleep at this point, but something just ate away at him. A growl of his stomach drew his attention.

Hunger....but a hunger for a certain thing. A chicken salad sandwich. The glorious desire for the sandwich came into his dreams and hadn’t left since. He wanted that sandwich. He needed it. But the ones he had gotten from the delis or the prepackaged ones from the MANY 7/11s didn’t do his desires any pleasing.

He needed his own....he needed the one that you had made a few years ago on a simple picnic that sent his taste buds soaring. That glorious chicken salad sandwich you made had sealed the deal. Of course other things played a huge role in way he loved you and why he now was in an engagement with you and were soon to be married......but he couldn’t deny that your awesome cooking skills of his favorite comfort foods had a role as well. Thankfully, he had seen you make it TRILLIONS of times before for when you would pack his lunch for work, go out on picnics, or just try to cheer him up from a stressful day of work. He would always excitedly watch as you would make the chicken salad and place it onto those two glorious pieces of bread, wrapped up lovingly in a sandwich bag with a little heart drawn on it, teasing him with it’s presence in the fridge until the time it was ready to be consumed.

Carefully he sat up, glancing down at you before carefully sitting up and climbing out of bed, bare feet already scurrying out of the room silently and into the main part of his apartment where the kitchen awaited him. A few chicken breast were quickly seasoned and prepped on a pan carefully, and as silently as possible, covered with ten foil and the chicken placed on it and popped in the oven once it was finished preheating. Now all he had to do was wait, which he decided the best place to do so was right in front of the oven, eyes staring down the chicken baking within the confines of the inferno before him.

“What are you doing?” Softly mumbled out your tired voice as you shuffled groggily into the kitchen, Keigo didn’t even spare a glance to you as his eyes continued to stare down the chicken that was cooking. He was dead set on it cooking so he could finally kick that desire for the sandwich of his dreams.

“I’m making chicken salad. I’ve been craving a sandwich with it for the past week and it will drive me insane if I don’t take care of it....” he muttered out as his tired eyes soon looked to you. You only rubbed you eyes as you sat down at the counter, observing him and his current contest of staring at the oven, wings stretching and fluffing impatiently as he waited and waited until finally the timer he set was going off, you too enthralled with scrolling through tiktok sleepily to really even care about it. Keigo quickly sent a few of his feathers to retrieve the tray to set it on the counter top, other feathers bringing the condiments and utensils he needed, but he paused as he finished shredding up the chicken and transferred it to the bowl, looking to you.

“Hey....remember that time you made it and it was really good? Can you do it again? I don’t want to mess this up and ruin my whole mood for the rest of the week if it isn’t good.” He said, feeling horrible for bothering you in your sleepy and tired state, but you only nodded your head as you tightened the blanket that you had on your shoulders, getting up and moving to where he stood, already beginning to place in the condiments and stirring it around. Very much like a child, Keigo stood off to the sighed, latched onto your every move as he excitedly waited. Though you brushed him off, motioning him to back up a bit....which he did....barely. Though once those two pieces of bread were out, chicken salad being spread onto it, his mouth had begun to water and it didn’t help that you now had it placed neatly on a plate, motioning him to now sit down, plate setting down on the counter top with a little soft ‘clink’.

Keigo sat down, plate with the chicken sandwich now before him in all its glory, awaiting to be consumed. Carefully he grabbed it with both of his hands and took a bite and began to chew, but he paused before he let his shoulders slump, a hum of approval loudly coming from his body as he moved around his seat in a little happy dance, finally swallowing the food in his mouth.

“This...is...the shit!” He boasted, too busy to notice you scrap the rest of the chicken salad into a Tupperware, placing it in the fridge and cleaned up the kitchen. “Fuck all those delis and 7/11s....they couldn’t even put a dent into my craving, but this? Hell! Yes!” He continued on happily as he continued to eat the sandwich, now reaching over to rip off a piece from the paper towel roll that sat in its holder on the counter to wipe away at his mouth and hands. A smile plastered onto his face as he let his eyes shut, a satisfied hum being produced from him. It may have looked dramatic, but he was SERIOUS! That chicken salad sandwich was giving his brain the best serotonin right now.

“I’m glad you like it....” you quietly said as as you pushed in your stool chair, a hand pushing back the kinky and frizzy bed hair from your face and eyes. “But hopefully now I’ll be able to sleep without you tossing and turning around in the bed yearning for a chicken salad sandwich.”

[crabmono]

Hey there, I saw you wanted obey me themes story ideas. How about a date with beelzebub where the Mc and him hike up to a plateau area then have a picnic and stargaze. Then beel flys them home I order to avoid missing curfew. Make it very fluffy and full of love!

A picnic date with Beel!

(Thank you for the idea! I thought this was an absolutely adorable concept 😊 enjoy!)

“So, what do you say?” 

The voice of the tall demon hit your ears as you looked up from your desk. 

“A picnic?” 

Beelzebub nodded. 

You smile, standing from your chair. “I’d love to.” 

That’s what Beel had asked the other day. Naturally he asked in advance, given he would need time to get things ready and he wanted to make sure you were down before he even started. 

You’d heard from Belphegor that Beel was up all night—poor Belphie—specifically to make sure everything would be perfect, even going so far as to ask Barbatos for help on cooking.

As you got yourself ready to go, you grabbed a pair of hiking boots that Asmodeus had bought, so naturally they were very cute in style. A pair of stretchy jeans for ease of movement, and a warm sweater given the cold temperatures for this time of year. A sweater would be enough, it was still early autumn after all.

.. maybe a scarf, just for good measure.

With that all well and good, you took a small bag with a water bottle, mostly because Beelzebub had mentioned a hike prior to eating. You also made sure your D.D.D. was in your bag, put on silent. 

With everything together, you walked out into the main hall to see Beelzebub. His hair looked a little nicer than usual, and he wore a similar pair of hiking boots to your own. You couldn’t help but wonder if Asmodeus helped him get ready. 

Beel glanced over and waved. “Ready?”

“Yep.” You said with a grin. 

Beelzebub made sure to let Lucifer know that you two were leaving—we don’t need him worrying when you weren’t present for dinner—and with that, you were off.

He took you on a small walk down a shopping street, pointing out some of his favorite restaurants in the area, even suggesting you stop at one for a quick bite.

“Aren’t we going to eat later?” You asked.

“Yea.. but this place has really good dessert.” 

You laughed softly, grabbing his hand and entwining your fingers together. “We can have some after, okay?”

Beel glanced away, though you saw the red on his cheeks. “Kay..” 

The shopping street was decorated in lights from shop to shop across the street, all of different colors in different areas, and the many aromas that hit your nose made your mouth water. The scent of fried foods, grilled foods, and baked goods too. You.. really should have brought a snack for the walk. 

“.. Okay.” You said, glancing to another shop nearby. “Maybe.. We can have a little something.”

Beelzebub perked up, suddenly dragging you over to none other than Madam Scream’s. 

You found his eagerness as he ordered really, really cute. 

Of course, you also had to make sure he didn’t order an entire meal. Knowing Beel, he’d order the whole restaurant if he isn’t stopped. 

With a bit of haggling with him the two of you were able to settle on a box of macarons. There were only five, and you couldn’t help but wonder if you should just give him the extra or cut it in half.

As you and Beel sat on a bench nearby to snack, he held up a macaron to your mouth.

“Take a bite.” He said. 

With a raised brow, you took a small bite. Before you pulled away, Beel leaned in close. 

He sunk his teeth into the other half, grinning like an idiot as he did. 

Your face suddenly felt really warm.

He bit off half of the macaron in practically one bite, sitting up and watching as other people passed by. 

“Dork..” You mumbled as you playfully punched his arm. 

With the snack done, Beelzebub took your hand and led you down the rest of the street, almost not giving you a chance to throw away the trash. 

A hop, skip, and a jump later the two of you approached a large mountain, standing right at the entrance to a hiking trail. 

“It’s not as long as it looks.” Beelzebub said, noticing your wide eyes as you stared up at the huge formation. “.. Besides, we’re not going all the way to the top anyway.” He shuffled. “Another day, maybe. I don’t think I could walk all that way without eating something.” 

You laughed. “Don’t eat the trees, please.” 

Beel looked away, though a smile tugged at his lips.

He took your hand once more, giving your palm a quick squeeze before you started down the trail. Even though there weren’t too many people around, Beelzebub made sure you stayed very close to him. He even wrapped an arm around you at one point, and with his huge stature his arm almost wrapped around you entirely. That did make it a little hard to walk, but you didn’t mind. 

The further down you went, the quieter it became. Most of the sounds you heard came from the forest around the trail. An animal, or maybe the wind dashing through the trees. 

One would think this would be terrifying, but for whatever reason you didn’t feel any fear or stress. In fact, you found it quite beautiful.

As you walked, your eyes glanced at the large pine trees surrounding you, the flowers and foliage lining the untouched areas of the ground. 

A few small bugs would appear every now and then, and you even spotted one somewhat resembling a ladybug. 

To think, even a place where demons roamed could be beautiful like this… then again, demons weren’t so bad. At least, not the ones you knew.

“Oh!” You exclaimed, quickly pulling out your phone. 

Beelzebub glanced over, looking around for a moment before settling back on you as he realized no one else was around.

You quickly snapped a photo of the sunset through the trees, overlooking the devildom. From here, you could see the academy as well as the castle, and the whole surrounding area. The mix of colors that the sky made during sunset and the visible light shining through the trees made for a breathtaking view.

Even Beel had stopped for a moment to take it in. 

“Isn’t it great?” You said, taking the chance to lean on the demon. He didn’t seem to notice, but his arm slipped under yours, snaking around your waist. You leaned more on him, and he made sure to keep you upright. 

Beelzebub glanced down. 

“.. we’re almost there, you know.” He said.

You nodded, looking up at him. “You’re starving, aren’t you?” You can’t help but laugh as he nodded.

Beelzebub keeps his head turned for a moment. He then turns to face you. 

His cheeks had gone red. 

“Beel?” 

He closed his eyes, leaning in very close. 

The soft press of his lips sent a jolt through your entire body, His arm, still around your waist, tightens just a bit as he makes sure you’re right up against him. 

He was so.. Warm. You didn’t know how else to react. Your once open eyes had closed, and now you stood there in silence as Beelzebub just wouldn’t let go. 

For a moment you even felt his tongue brush against your lips, but he stopped right there and pulled his mouth away. 

He wrapped his other arm around you, holding you for a moment. 

With a small smile, you buried your face into him.

Unfortunately, he did have to let go of you. 

Beelzebub let out a small huff, taking your hand for the fiftieth time as he led you down a smaller, less traveled down path. 

He pushed a few tree branches out of the way, letting you take the first step onto a plateau, the edge of a portion of the mountain. 

From here you could see even more of the devildom. 

The sun had almost set by now, leaving only moonlight and stars to illuminate. Luckily, being right on the edge, the trees didn’t block that light. Even so, Beelzebub walked up to a blanket with a picnic basket that had been set out already. 

He reached into one side of the basket and pulled out a few candles, setting them in holders placed around the blanket.

Wow.

Watching as he lit the candles, though he had to do one more than once, a warm feeling rose in your chest. 

You walked over, taking a seat on the blanket and watching Beelzebub light the last candle. 

He put a hand on his hip, looking up at you. 

“Well..” He said. He took the spot next to you, crossing his legs and glancing at you once before opening the basket. He reached in and pulled out a handful of small sandwiches, and while they weren’t the prettiest food you’ve ever seen they still looked great. 

He then pulled out a pack of strawberries, some kind of potato salad looking dish (with some definite differences to the human world variant), some bottled lemonade, and a small cake decorated with fruits.

He glanced down, looking a bit worried. 

“I know it’s not all super fancy.. I tried to make it all nice, but I’m not really the greatest cook.” Beelzebub said, putting his hands in his lap. 

“Barbatos had to show me how to do some of this stuff. He made the cake, actually. I had trouble keeping myself out of the fruit so he locked me out of the kitchen while he made it.” He sighed. “.. I’m sorry it isn’t the best.”

He wasn’t at all sure if you’d like this. In fact, he guessed you wouldn’t.

But you.. You had stars in your eyes. 

He made this all himself. Well, with help, but he still put in a lot of work. 

“Beel..” You say softly, suddenly tackling him onto his back. 

Sat atop him, you leaned down and kissed Beelzebub. 

He made a small sound, staring at you. 

“You don’t hate it?” He asked.

“Beel, all of this just for me?” You said, laughing. “Wh- even the sandwiches.. They’re shaped like hearts. You..” 

He blushed, looking off toward the city. 

“You dumb dumb.. I love it.” 

Beelzebub almost didn’t believe you for a moment. But as he watched you take a bit of a sandwich and smile at him, he felt comforted.

You moved back to the spot you were sitting, munching happily on your sandwich and soon, Beel got himself back up too.

He grabbed two sandwiches, scarfing one down pretty fast. Though, he tried to go slower on the second. 

You gave him one extra, as you wanted to save room for the cake, and you knew he would have plenty regardless of what he ate. 

Were they super pretty looking? No. But you were lying if you said they didn’t taste great. 

“Mm.” You mumbled, looking to Beelzebub with a smile. 

With a hum, you climbed into his lap and grabbed a strawberry, eating happily while Beel just stared.

“Hm.” Beel muttered, using a fork to grab a bite of cake. He held the fork up to your mouth, letting you take the very first bite.

“Mmm!” You hummed, deciding to grab the fork from his hands to take another bite. Instead of eating more, Beel just watched. 

He wrapped his arms around your waist, pressing his face into the curve of your neck and shoulder and staying there.

“Beel.” You said, ruffling his orange hair. “You should eat some cake too. I can’t eat it all myself.”

“Mm..” 

You watch, taking a hefty chunk onto the fork to hold up for the demon. 

He lifted his head a little, before almost biting the fork in half as he took his bite.

“Careful- don’t eat the silver!” You laughed. 

Beelzebub smiled, closing his eyes as he held onto you. 

This little charade of you feeding him and him feeding you went on until the cake had been reduced to crumbs.

You, to be honest, were stuffed. Three sandwiches, god knows how many strawberries, potato salad, and at least two whole slices of cake were plenty to keep you happy. 

Surprisingly, Beelzebub seemed satisfied too. Was it the food, or the fact he’d been cuddling you in his lap this whole time?

Whatever the answer, you didn’t mind.

You felt content, so much so your eyes felt heavy. 

With a soft exhale, you sunk into Beelzebub’s arms and fell asleep. 

… well, that didn’t last so long. 

You felt a warm breath on your ears, and a low voice called to you. 

“MC… MC!” 

Opening your eyes slowly, you glanced up at Beel. 

“Hmm…?” 

“I didn’t wanna wake you up..” He let out a grumble. “We gotta get home. Lucifer will kill us.”

For a second you didn’t quite understand. Why would Lucifer…?

“Oh shit.” You looked at your phone.

The curfew that the eldest brother had set was fast approaching.

You stood up, just a little too quick for someone that just woke up, but you kept your balance as you helped Beel pack up what needed to be, and ready a bag of trash. 

He put out the candles and grabbed the holders, before looking around.

He clicked his tongue. “Okay..” 

All of a sudden, Beelzebub wrapped an arm around you and practically picked you up. 

“You.. maybe wanna hold onto me. And the basket.” He said. 

That’s when you noticed, his horns were out. 

“Beel?” You mumbled.

“This is the fastest way home. Otherwise we’ll be late.” 

“Beel, wait a sec- I’ve never actually been in the air like thi- whoa!!”

As your feet finally touched solid ground again you could feel the adrenaline still pumping through your body.

Beel leaned over, huffing and puffing as he tried to catch his breath. 

“Go.. go on in.. I’ll be there in a minute..” He mumbled.

With a nod, you hurried in only to see Lucifer standing at the top of the stairwell. 

He looked down at you, arms crossed, though surprisingly his expression wasn’t incredibly pissed.

“Welcome back.” Lucifer said.

Beelzebub walked in, looking up at Lucifer. 

“We’re home.. On time.” He said.

Lucifer smiled softly.

“I trust you two didn’t get up to any trouble.” 

“Nope!” You said, grinning pretty widely. 

[fiction-fun]

Loving in Color

That's right! It's time! This probably will have 3 parts so keep an eye out for the second part!

Fandom: Power Rangers (Dino Thunder)

Pairings: Tommy/Jason, Conner/Ethan, Kira/Hunter, Trent/Oc

Words: 12068

Warnings: fighting, light swearing(as with most of my stories) and homophobia (trust me it makes me iffy about even posting this but the scene is breif)

She blinked at her reflection in the mirror and glared at it. With a huff she reached over and grabbed her favorite bandanna, the green looking nice when tied into her hair. She carefully rolled the article and tied it around her hair brushing her hair back into place.

“Kaley! Come on, or you won’t have time for breakfast!” Kaley heard the shout and looked towards her door.

“I’m coming Poppa!” she called as she grabbed her leather jacket and her backpack heading to the door.

She walked downstairs and gave her Poppa a hug before slipping past him and into the kitchen, beelining right for the coffee maker.

“Not you too, look if you have coffee you have to eat real food too!” Her Poppa said walking over to her and reaching up for a plate.

She nodded and offered him a smile.

“Dad only come up from his lab long enough to get a shower and a cuppa?” Kaley asked looking at him.

Her Poppa nodded and handed her the plate he had made her. Moving back to the table where his own plate sat.

“I don’t understand how he can work all night and then teach during the day.” Her Poppa said.

Kaley smiled and laughed as she sipped her coffee.

“Wasn’t it you and Uncle Billy who told me Dads a determined caffeinated workaholic?” Kaley questioned lightly as she started eating the pancakes.

Her Poppa nodded and sat back.

“Yes, but I was hoping, SOMEONE, would lighten up on the work over the years, clearly not.” He said as he drank his juice.

Kaley laughed as she heard a thump.

“Someone call me?” her Dad asked as he came up the stairs wiping his hands on a washcloth pressing a kiss to her head and her Poppas cheek.

“I was more speaking in general, dear, but you two both have to get going, or you’re both going to be late.” Poppa said.

Kaley stood and put her empty plate in the sink, reaching over and grabbing a napkin and a pancake she carefully placed a couple stripes of bacon and a few pieces of eggs inside before drizzling the syrup on top and rolling it up in the pancake and the napkin around it.

“Here, dad eat. But I do have to go. Love you Dad! Love you Poppa!” She called as she handed her dad the breakfast wrap and kissed both parents on the cheek.

“Kaley! Training after school?” her Poppa asked.

Kaley tuned and put her hands on her hips.

“If you’re home, I’ll meet you in the park.” She said and he winced slightly.

Her Poppa walked over to her.

“I know I’ve been working a lot, but I’m trying to make it so I can be home more.” He said hugging her.

She nodded and sighed as she hugged him back.

“I know, doesn’t mean I have to like it.” She said softly.

Her Dad came over and hugged them both before looking at the clock.

“Jason, we have to go if we want to be on time, Kaley I’ll drive you today or you won’t make it.” Her Dad said smiling at them.

Her Poppa laughed.

“With you driving, Tommy, neither of you will make it on time!” Her Poppa said laughing lightly.

“Hey! I’ve gotten better about that!” Her Dad replied.

Her Poppa just smiled and shook his head nudging them both towards the door.

“You both have a chronic problem with not being on time. Now go, I love you both.” Her Poppa called out smiling and waving.

Kaley and her Dad waved back calling responses as they climbed into Tommy’s Jeep.

“All buckled?” Her Dad asked her.

“Yeah! Let’s go Dad!” She said with a nod and smile.

Tommy nodded and put the Jeep in gear bringing it around to face the dirt road leading to their house, he ate the last of the wrap and passed her a green travel cup of coffee his black one already in the cup holder, and hit the gas. The normally forty-minute ride to the school was done in twenty and Kaley leaned over and hugged her Dad as they parked.

“I’ll see you later Dad, I love you.” She said smiling.

“I love you too.” Her Dad said hugging her back.

She opened the door and grabbed her cup and bag, heading straight for the office.

*Two months later*

“He’s your best friend and you haven’t even seen?” Kira asked looking at her.

Kaley choked on her drink, coughing lightly.

“Kira, seriously not here.” She said looking around to see if the person was around.

Kira rolled her eyes.

“He’s not here today. Remember? It’s what you were complaining about all last period.

Kaley felt like she could slap herself.

“Yeah, right. And no, I haven’t, I just enjoy spending time with him. Besides he hasn’t either.” She said sitting back.

Kira sighed.

“Girl, you’re insane! You have too!” she said with a huff.

Kaley shook her head rapidly and waved her hands in front of her face.

“No, no I don’t! I don’t want my Dad’s to kill him!” she said lowering her voice a bit.

Kira sighed again and stood.

“Kay, all I’m saying is don’t let him go, before you know. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go play some music.” She said grabbing her guitar and heading towards the doors.

Kaley stood up quickly tossing her trash.

“I’m coming with you.” She said as she grabbed her bag.

Kira nodded and slung an arm over her shoulder with a big smile.

“That’s my girl!” she said with smile directed at her.

Kaley laughed and nodded, going to pull her jacket from her bag she paused.

“Crap, I must have left it in Winslow’s, I’ll just be a minute you go get started.” Kaley told her friend as she turned and ran back to the school.

Kira laughed as she walked to a picnic table and sat down to start playing, Kaley shook her head at her friend’s laughter but kept running. Getting into the school and turning down the history and science department halls she slid to a stop outside her History teachers’ class and knocked.

“Come in!” was called.

“Hey Mr. Winslow, I was wondering if you saw my jacket? I can’t find it.” She asked ducking into the classroom.

Mr. Winslow paused and then nodded.

“Yes, its still at your seat I believe.” He said offering her a smile.

She sighed in relief and ran over to her chair, grabbing her jacket from where it had gotten stuck in the little basket.

“Thanks Mr. Winslow! I’ll see you tomorrow!” Kaley called as she ran out of the room and back towards the yard.

She had almost made it when Three kids surrounded her.

“What do you want, Benson?” she asked looking towards the obvious leader of the group with a sigh.

He huffed and looked at the other two.

“Look at that guys, she thinks she can talk to me like that!” He said with a cackle.

Kaley sighed and waited, watching them as they laughed. Benson got up into her face.

“What freak? Not entertaining enough for you?” He asked snidely.

Kaley rolled her eyes and placing a hand on the center of his chest and shoved him and his foul breath away from her.

“No, I’m just waiting for you to get bored so I can go back to what I need to do.” She said her voice soft and bored sounding.

That was clearly the wrong thing to say as Benson, in classic bad guy movie fashion, snapped his fingers and the other two jumped grabbing her arms as he punched her in the face. Kaley rolled her eyes and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Is that it? Because, that was rather weak.” She said even as blood dripped from her nose and split lip.

Bensons goons tightened their hold on her, and he came up and punched her a few more times, once in the eye, once on the cheek and once in her stomach, she huffed a bit but didn’t do anything else.

“What freak? Not going to yell out?” Benson cackled.

“No, why would I when none of that hurt?” She returned the question, as she felt her face and stomach throb.

Benson huffed and walked back a few steps back turned to her, before he spun and locked eyes with his buddies and her.

“You just don’t want to worry your freaky fag dad.” He said.

And that was one thing to many. In the blink of an eye, the two holding her where on the ground in various forms of pain. Kaley herself was sat on Benson beating the ever-loving daylights out of him.

“Don’t. You. Ever. Call. My. Dad. That. Again!” she screamed each word punctuated with a punch.

Benson couldn’t even respond, he just kept trying to block the hits, but blood was spraying everywhere, and he looked more like raw-meat then human. Just as she was about to punch him again a pair of hands wrapped around her and pulled her off him. She turned her glare onto the one who had stopped her only to freeze when she came face to face with her Dad, Principle Randall behind him with Kira and two others.

“I think it goes without saying that she has at least a weeks’ worth of detention.” Randall said looking at her Dad.

He nodded a pinched look on his face.

“Kaley, go straight to my room.” He said setting her down on the floor.

“Dad…I...” She tried but her Dad gave her a soft glare.

“Go. Now.” He said firmly.

Kaley nodded and with a mumbled “Yes sir.” She turned and headed back down the hallway, stopping at her Dads room she opened the door and closed it softly, moving to sit at one of the tables, she huffed sitting down. She looked down at the floor, feeling both tired now that the adrenaline was leaving her, and upset that she had upset her Dad by doing what she did. She looked up for a second before dropping her eyes again when she heard the door open. Her Dad pulled a stool from another table and sat in front of her.

“I managed to talk Randall out of suspending you. But you do have Detention starting today for the next two weeks.” He said softly.

Kaley nodded not trusting her voice as she sniffled wincing at the pain in her face. Her Dad sighed and lifted her head, carefully wiping the blood and tears from her face.

“You never fight like that, especially when you don’t know if the other person has had any training. What caused it?” He asked her.

Kaley sniffled thickly.

“He insulted you, and I got angry.” She said softly.

Her Dad smiled gently at her, hugging her tightly.

“Oh sweetheart.” He said softly.

She wrapped her arms around him trying not to stain his jacket.

“I’m sorry Dad, I just…I got so mad. He doesn’t know you! He can’t say that!” She said crying softly.

Tommy rubbed her back and kissed her head.

“I know Sweetheart. I know. But you can’t do that at school, or anywhere. Fighting is never the answer. What’s our rules with training?” Tommy asked her gently.

Kaley sniffled and sighed.

“Martial arts are only for defense never to attack, never escalate a fight.” Kaley said softly.

Tommy nodded.

“Exactly. Although it looks like you tried not to escalate things.” He said softly.

Kaley nodded.

“No, he punched me four times and insulted me a bunch before I even reacted. Not that I really could at first with his buddies holding my arms.” She said agreeing with his statement.

Her dad sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“You know we have to tell your Poppa.” He said gently.

Kaley nodded.

“I know. I really am sorry I got into a fight.” She said just as softly.

He nodded and hugged her again, before pulling her to her feet.

“I know you are.” He said gently.

*a few hours later*

“And here are your delinquents, your personal one included.” Randall said as the group of four walked into the room, and took seats.

“Really, I wanted to go to the museum.” Her Dad said looking at her.

“Good, take them with you educational and boring perfect.” She said walking quickly from the room.

Tommy groaned before turning to face them.

“Alright guys, let’s head out.” He said grabbing his suitcase as the kids grabbed their bags.

Kaley grabbed her bag and walked towards the door. Looking back at the others with a sigh she headed towards the parking lot.

“What’s her problem?” she heard the jock ask, glancing back she saw the one with the computer always present shrug.

“She got into a fist fight, got hurt and got in trouble. Why don’t you be nicer.” Kira said with a huff as she picked up her pace to catch up to Kaley.

“Hey, just let them go. They don’t know me its fine.” Kaley said softly as she threw her bag into the front seat of her Dad’s Jeep.

Kira tossed her bag in the back seat before looking at her.

“Still its not right that they’re talking about you, you’ve got enough stuff going on.” Kira said looking at her.

Kaley shrugged and climbed into the jeep.

“Wait, why does she get the front?” the jock asked again.

Kaley shot him a glare.

“It is my Dad’s Jeep.” She said with no room for argument.

“One fights enough for today isn’t it?” Her dad asked as he climbed in.

She nodded and turned back to the front as the other all got in the back. With that Tommy started the Jeep and took off headed towards the museum. Most of the time spent in silence and when they arrived her dad let out a long sigh.

“Looks like its closed.” He said looking around.

“Oh, well looks like that’s it, detentions over and we should really be getting back.” Kira said turning back towards the Jeep.

Tommy turned and looked at her with that smile on his face that meant he had a plan. Kaley sighed and rolled her sleeves up a bit knowing where this was going to go.

“Alright, how about you guys look around, try to find anything even remotely historic and I’ll cancel detention for the next week. While I try and figure out why the museum is closed.” Tommy said muttering the last bit to himself.

The others groaned even as they took off towards the side of the museum, Kaley hanging back for a second.

“Just don’t break in, I don’t think Poppa wants another call about one of us in trouble today.” She said with a small smile as she moved to follow the others.

Her Dad turned and gave her a smile.

“Don’t worry, I’m just going to look for any information.” He said.

She nodded and turned to the path. After a while of listening to the boy’s bicker, she huffed and walked passed them.

“Hey what’s your rush, sweetheart.” The jock called.

Kaley froze at his words and spun around; in three quick steps she was standing in front of him. She raised a hand and poked his chest backing him up with each poke.

“Listen here, I don’t care who the fuck you are. But my name is Kaley. Get it fucking right or I’ll make what I did to Benson look like child’s play.” She hissed softly.

He put his hands up and nodded. She sighed and turned back around. They kept walking for a few minutes before Ethan the one with the computer spoke up louder than before.

“Fine but don’t look at me when you fall into a sink hole or something.” He called out as Conner the jock walked on ahead.

Conner shook his head when there was a rumble and the ground collapsed out from under them. They landed in a heap at the bottom, except for Kaley who as soon as the ground dropped, she tucked and hit with a roll. She stood up and looked at the others.

“Are you all ok?” she asked them, as they started to stand up.

They nodded and started looking around. After a few seconds Conner looked at them all.

“I’ll climb up the wall, go get Dr. Oliver and be back soon.” He said looking up at the wall.

Kaley snorted as Ethan gave him a look.

“Why are you going?” he asked.

“I’m the most athletic.” Conner said puffing his chest out with pride.

“Alright Mr. Tough guy. You go ahead and climb the wall and when you fall, I’ll tell you why you failed.” Kaley said with a soft snort and a laugh.

Conner shot her a glare as they backed up and he started climbing up the wall. Very quickly he fell back down landing hard on his back. Kaley moved to stand over him.

“One, its old rock. Two, its old sandstone making it weaker than other stones from time and erosion. Three, you’re not the most athletic, you’re just the one who plays sports on a school team. Now can you stand, or did you break yourself?” she asked looking down at the boy still on the ground.

Conner groaned but rolled to his feet standing up.

“Good, now let’s try and find another way out.” She said turning towards the tunnel at the far side of the cave.

“What did you mean, I’m not the most athletic?” Conner asked a little bit later, after gaining Kira’s wrath by calling her babe.

Kaley shot him a look and rolled her shoulders.

“I’ve been doing Martial Arts since I was five. Could I have even made it out of the hole? Maybe. But most probably not. The stone was to old and the ground to wet. But that’s not important. The fact is I am much more athletic then you I just don’t believe in the institution that is school sports.” Kaley said as she slipped her hands into her jacket pockets.

“Oh.” Conner said trailing off.

They walked in silence for a while longer before coming to a cave or a control room. Everyone looked around.

“This must be like the mothership for you dude.” Conner said looking at Ethan.

“Normally id be insulted. But when your right your right and right now, your right.” Ethan said dazedly.

Kaley was to busy looking at the consoles to pay much attention and she huffed out a sigh, she’d know these monitors anywhere.

“Guys look!” Kira called.

That drew everyone’s attention to a central raised pillar, where four stones sat. the four of them walked down to it and looked at the stones that were there.

“What do you think they are?” Kaley asked looking at the to her grey stones.

The others shrugged and Conner reached out to grab one by him, Ethen tossed his hand out.

“Dude what are you doing?” He asked looking at Conner.

Conner shrugged and looked at the other three.

“Look I’ve been in enough Science classes to know those things are major prehistoric.” He said.

Kira bit her lip.

“I hate to agree with him, trust me I do. But I’ve already missed one practice so.” She said reaching forward.

Kaley took a deep breath and reached out too.

“I’ve got another week beyond you guys anyways, but I can’t miss study sessions with Trent and training with Poppa because you’re nervous, Ethan.” Kaley said softly.

With all three of them against him Ethan nodded and together they took the four gems that sat there.

“What are they?” Conner asked voicing the question again after the gems glowed slightly.

Ethan shrugged looking at his gem.

“I don’t know, I can get on the computer later and look them up?” He suggested.

Conner faked a gasp.

“You, on the computer? Let me put on my surprised face!” He said voice heavy with sarcasm.

Kira turned and walked away.

“Hey where are you going?” Kaley called looking at her.

She turned back and raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see what kind of freak lives in a place like this.” She said as she turned back to walking.

The boys nodded and headed after her. Kaley taking an extra second listening in the silence. Above her she could hear footsteps and soft talking. She shook her head.

“Hey you coming?” Ethan called as he stuck his head back around the corner.

She nodded and moved to follow them.

“Yeah, just wanted to make sure we didn’t trigger alarms or anything.” She said as they walked down the path.

They figured a way out and started back through the forest when they started to be followed by weird creatures. With a nod they all took off running through the forest, Kaley and Conner leading the pack with Ethan next followed by Kira, who fell in a ditch. The others doubled back and helped her up. As they where running Kira fell again and they were to far away to do anything. Kaley turned and jumped up kicking off a tree to try and get closer, but Kira let out a loud piercing screech. Kaley landed in a crouch near her and covered her ears. They all decided to ask questions later and got Kira back up as they ran back through the forest. Kaley turned and got separated from the others.

“Not good.” She said as she went into a guarding stance seeing creatures all around her.

Without a thought as the monsters came at her she jumped and dodged their hits, skidding across the ground she flipped seeing the monsters close in on her she threw her hands up. Two large tornado strength winds flew from her hands and knocked them back away from her, she jumped up and looked at her hands for a second before looking around smiling and shaking her head.

“Time to play.” She said throwing her hands out again, this time lighting shot from one hand and the other caused branches and things to slam down into the enemies.

“That was so cool!” Kaley cried out with a grin as she took off running to try and find the others.

She cleared the forest and found Conner.

“Oh, goodie it’s you, any idea where the others are at?” she asked.

Conner shook his head.

“No, they must still be in there.” Conner said.

Kaley looked back at the forest.

“With those things.” Kaley said nodding at the monsters on the ground.

With that they ran back into the forest finding Kira and Ethan unharmed and just finding each other.

“That was.” Ethan said looking down at his arms.

“Incredible?” Kaley suggested.

“Freaky?” Kira said.

“Cool.” Conner said with a nod.

Ethan nodded.

“All of the above.” He said in amazement.

Kaley laughed and shook her head as the group started back towards the road.

“We don’t tell anyone. Right?” Conner said looking at the rest of them.

They all nodded just as they found the road.

“Hey guys, any luck?” Tommy asked looking at them.

They all glanced at each other, shaking their heads.

“No, no luck.” Conner said speaking for all of them.

“What about you Dad?” Kaley asked looking at him.

He shook his head.

“No, come on. We should get back.” He said and they all headed back to the car.

After a while they were back in town and dropping the others off.

“Dad wait! Please? He wasn’t in school today.” Kaley said pointing to Trent.

Her Dad nodded and parked the car.

“Make it quick, ok?” He said looking at her.

She nodded and unbuckled her belt as she ran from the Jeep.

“Trent!” Kaley called running towards him.

He turned and looked at her, with a smile. Kaley wrapped her arms around him.

“Are you ok? Where were you? Why weren’t you in school?” She asked pulling back slightly.

Trent laughed and shook his head.

“I’m ok. I was home. I woke up and wasn’t feeling great you know how my allergies are.” Trent said looking just passed her.

Kaley’s mind flashed back to what Kira had said earlier, and she looked down at the ground.

“I probably won’t be able to make our study sessions for the next little while.” She said softly.

Trent shot her a look.

“What? Why not?” He asked her.

She shrugged and looked up giving him the first proper look at her face with the bruised cheek, busted lip and slightly swollen eye and nose.

“I got into a little fight today at school.” She said looking passed him.

Trent reached up and ran a hand gently across her cheek.

“Little fight?” He asked.

“You should see Benson.” She said with a dry humorless laugh.

Trent sucked in a breath and pulled her in close.

“You ok?” He asked.

She shook her head.

“Nah, I hurt. I have detention for two weeks, Dads disappointed and I’m sure Poppa is too. Just been a long day.” She said softly.

Trent nodded and looked passed her.

“Hey, looks like your Dad wants to go.” He said.

She turned and waved to her Dad before turning back and nodding.