#Same Day Plants Delivery Australia

[brezzegiftsseo]

Beyond the Bush: Curating an Authentic Australian Christmas Hamper with Native Ingredients

Christmas in Australia is a unique blend of tradition and the vibrant landscape of the continent. While many embraces classic Christmas fare, there's a growing trend towards incorporating native Australian ingredients to create a truly unique and memorable experience. This year, ditch the generic hamper and create a stunning, authentically Australian gift basket filled with the flavours and aromas of the land. This guide delves into the exciting world of native Australian ingredients, inspiring you to craft a truly special Hamper for Christmas Australia.

The traditional Christmas hamper often features imported goods, lacking the distinctive character of the Australian landscape. By incorporating native Australian ingredients, you can create a hamper that’s both delicious and deeply meaningful. This approach celebrates the unique biodiversity of the country, showcasing its rich culinary heritage in a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Think beyond the usual suspects and discover the potential of native ingredients to transform your Christmas hamper into something truly special and uniquely Australian. This is not just about creating a gift; it’s about creating a connection to the land and its rich culture.

For corporate gifting, finding the perfect present to represent your brand is key. Using native Australian ingredients to craft a Christmas Chocolate Gifts Australia hamper is a smart and sophisticated way to showcase your appreciation for clients and employees while simultaneously supporting local businesses and highlighting Australian culture. This innovative approach shows thoughtfulness, representing both high-quality gifts and a commitment to sustainability. This unique touch helps your gift stand out in a sea of generic corporate presents, creating a more memorable and lasting impression on recipients.

Elevating your corporate gifting strategy to a premium level requires a thoughtful approach. Creating Luxury Chocolate Hampers Australia that incorporate native ingredients is an impressive and sophisticated strategy. Consider premium native chocolates infused with wattle seed or lemon myrtle, alongside gourmet foods like bush tomato chutney or quandong jam. These high-quality products demonstrate that you value your clients and employees, showing you appreciate both quality and the unique aspects of Australian culture. This sophisticated touch sets your corporate gifting apart, presenting a refined and memorable impression.

For businesses looking to send gifts across Australia or even internationally, the option to Send Corporate Gifts Australia provides unparalleled convenience. This is particularly valuable during the peak holiday season when time is of the essence. Carefully choosing a reliable delivery service ensures that your uniquely Australian hampers arrive safely and on time, maximizing their impact and demonstrating professional attention to detail. The capability of selecting a delivery service is a crucial element when weighing the practicality of creating a hamper yourself versus ordering from a curated gift company.

Let's explore some fantastic native Australian ingredients perfect for a unique Christmas hamper:

Quandong: This vibrant red fruit boasts a sweet and tart flavour reminiscent of a cherry-apricot blend. It's delicious in jams, chutneys, and even as a unique addition to baked goods.

Bush Tomatoes: These small, intensely flavoured berries add a burst of umami and a slight spice to any dish. They’re wonderful in chutneys, sauces, or even sprinkled over meats.

Lemon Myrtle: This fragrant leaf offers a zesty, lemon-like aroma and flavour, perfect for teas, desserts, or even incorporated into marinades.

Macadamia Nuts: A true Australian staple, macadamia nuts offer a rich, creamy texture and subtly sweet flavour, making them a popular choice for snacking or adding to sweet treats.

Wattle Seed: Ground wattle seed adds a unique coffee-like aroma and a subtly nutty flavour to baked goods, coffee blends, and even ice cream.

Finger Limes: These fascinating citrus fruits have small, caviar-like pearls with a burst of citrus flavour. They're excellent as a garnish or added to cocktails.

Native Australian Honey: The unique floral varieties found in Australia produce honey with distinctly different flavours and aromas, adding a touch of local flavour to your hamper.

Creating Your Authentic Australian Hamper:

Choose your basket: Select a sturdy basket or container that reflects the Australian aesthetic. Think natural materials like woven baskets or timber boxes.

Select your ingredients: Choose a mix of sweet and savoury items, balancing familiar favourites with exciting native ingredients.

Presentation is key: Arrange the items beautifully, using natural materials like eucalyptus leaves or native flowers for decoration.

Personalize your hamper: Add a handwritten card or a small, personalized touch to make your gift truly special.

Consider packaging: Use eco-friendly packaging to reflect the natural theme of your hamper.

Beyond the ingredients themselves, consider including items that reflect Australian culture. Think locally made beeswax candles, handcrafted soaps with native botanicals, or a selection of Australian-made teas. The key is to create a hamper that is not only delicious but also tells a story of Australia’s rich culinary heritage and unique landscape.

Crafting an authentic Australian Christmas hamper is a wonderful way to celebrate the country's unique flavours and culture. By incorporating native ingredients and thoughtful presentation, you can create a gift that is both delicious and deeply meaningful. Whether you're gifting to friends, family, or colleagues, choosing native Australian products creates a memorable and impactful gift. For a wide range of high-quality Australian-made products and expertly curated hampers, explore the beautiful collections offered by Brezze Gifts. They offer a range of options to help you celebrate the spirit of Australia this Christmas.

[igotlovestruck]

DAISY, DAISY | pg10

PAIRING: pierre gasly x reader

DETAILS & WARNINGS: pregnancy, mentions miscarriages, birth

WC: 829

A/N: again, from baby reveal 📸! i plan on making little stories from that ig au, so here’s pierre’s version! ❤️ i also plan on making one for the other drivers (clement, dennis, felipe, marcus & pato) but like a different one, not specifically dad!au HAHAHA does that make sense? lol idk i’m rambling 😭 but anyway, enjoy!

this work is purely fictional. names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. © newuniverse, 2023. do not steal, repost in other platforms, translate and/or claim this work as your own.

pierre couldn’t believe it, it felt as if he was dreaming when they placed the baby in his arms. daisy anthoinette gasly was small in her father’s arms, the new father felt his heart skip a beat when the baby coos in his arms. she’s a perfect mix of the two of you; nose and lips from the ricciardo’s and the beautiful, captivating blue eyes from the gasly’s.

you share the intimate moment between the father and daughter. tears escaping your eyes as you watched your fiancé hold your baby for the first time. daisy anthoinette was a miracle you two have. after experiencing three miscarriages, you were on the brink of giving up your dreams of building a family with the love of your life. until one day in australia, after pierre went surfing with your brother, he saw you standing in the middle of the beach, waiting for him with pregnancy tests in hand.

“for real? mon amour, please tell me this is real…” he said, voice cracking as he held the two sticks in his own hands. you couldn’t speak, smiling and crying at the same time as you nod your head. pierre pulled you gently in his arms, planting a kiss on your temple. “baby, how do you feel?”

“i’m… i’m scared, p. i’m scared it’ll happen again.” you reply, referring to your previous miscarriages.

he never let go of you, letting you sob in his arms as he said: “baby, i know it’s scary but we’ll do everything we can to keep you two safe. i’m always here for you, if i have to quit racing just to take care of you two—i would.”

the nurses have left the three of you alone, congratulating you for a safe and successful delivery of your firstborn. pierre was in the zone as he stared at his daughter in awe, he couldn’t hear anything but her tiny coos. your pregnancy journey with daisy was hard, but thankfully his mother and your mum would help you most of the time because pierre was away most of the time.

waking up in the middle of the night with the most excruciating pain on your stomach was one of your biggest fears, but thankfully, pierre was right next to you and was able to assist you to the car. he returned to milan, just in time for daisy’s arrival. she wasn’t supposed to be born until after a few days, but the girl was so excited to welcome herself in the world and meet her parents.

“pierre, she’s going to be with us forever. stop staring and give me, your fiancée, some attention too!” you joked, causing pierre to laugh and avert his eyes from daisy to you.

“as much as i want to stare at her, i feel like i’m about to burst out crying any second now.” he chuckled, “mon amour—”

achoo! daisy sneezed, probably the cutest and smallest sneeze you’ve ever heard in your entire life and that brought a huge smile on pierre’s face. “i think i’m gonna cry, for real now” his voice cracked, “don’t tell daniel or charles though”

you smiled at him, “cry, pierre. she’s worth the tears.” you say, “and i’m definitely telling my brother and charles”

hours have passed and daisy was sleeping peacefully in the hospital baby crib, an hour for you and pierre alone. after you had pierre staring at daisy, he was now staring at you. you two have gone through ups and downs, yet here you are, staying stronger than ever—with daisy to join you in this journey together. “okay, now you have to stop staring at me” you chuckled, your hands found his cheek and the pads of your fingertip brush along his beard. “what’s on your mind, baby?”

he gives you a small smile, shaking his head lightly as he felt his cheeks heat. “nothing, just…” he sighs, “with daisy being here now, i remember the early days of our relationship… remember when we first moved in together?”

“daniel almost lost his shit when i told him i was moving with you in milan” you laugh, “our very first night together, you confessed that you feel safe in my arms and i told you that you were such a big baby.”

pierre nods his head, “now we do have a baby of our own… well, our miracle baby.” pierre leans over you, slowly connecting your lips together for a sweet kiss. a routine pierre and you have every night.

“we’re so in love, aren’t we?” you whispered, he gave you a nod.

pierre held your hand in his, squeezing it gently as he brought it in front of his lips before kissing the back. “thank you for giving me daisy. it wasn’t an easy pregnancy, but i’m glad we’ve conquered it together… you’ve conquered your fear, mon amour.”

you know hearts don’t break around here… daisy was now here to fill your hearts with joy and happiness.

yourusername and pierregasly

liked by danielricciardo, charles_leclerc, yukitsunoda0511 and others

ynricciardo daisy is enjoying her stay in australia and in the arms of her grandparents 🌼🇦🇺 it feels so surreal to think that it’s been a year since we found out i was pregnant with our little flower and now she’s here 🥹❤️

view all 2,761 comments

fan1 daisy looks so big now 🥺

ynricciardo ikr!! time goes by sooo fast, soon enough she’ll be walking around the paddock

pierregasly oh god i’m not ready for that

pierregasly but she’ll be the cutest baby there 🥹

danielricciardo the look on mum and dad’s faces! 😆

ynricciardo dad looks so happy, danny! wish you were here tho 🥹

pierregasly those balloons sure kept her entertained for a good amount of time 😄

[thelittlemarketbunch]

Christmas is finished now 4 days till new years 🏄‍♀️we will open till 3 pm on 31th then we will close for 11 days reopen 12th, let’s get the 😎last few days of 2022 finished in style ! Today we have orange 🍊 cream colour rose, Alstroemerias & snapdragon 🍀order yours for morning, afternoon or night delivery now ! . December discount: 10% store wide on app exclusive discount, download from Apple app or Android play store. Use code : APP10 ( APP STORE ONLY ) . Our little bunch starts from $39.95 Free delivery within 10km from Melbourne CBD (free delivery minimum spend $60). Same-day delivery is available to ALL SUBURBS within 50km from Melbourne CBD 3000. Postal gift box is open for all states in Australia via postal service. . To order, please head to our website: tlmb.com.au . Mon - Fri Melbourne Same-day business address delivery order before 1PM, Residential address order before 5PM, Sat - Sun same day delivery order before 3pm, unless sold out early. . #flowers #flower #flowersofinstagram #blooms #bloomsoftheday #florist #bouquet #vase #jar #rose #giftbox #cake #plants #preserved #preservedroses #preservedflower #driedflowers #native #nativeflowers #melbourne #flowerdelivery #melbourneflower #melbourneflowerdelivery #flowerstagram #flowerlovers #flowergram #flowersmakemehappy #floraldesign #rose (at The Little Market Bunch) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmr0t8syj2X/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mkohmapers]

GORGEOUS VEGAN GIFT IDEAS THAT WILL IMPRESS

https://www.mkohampers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/vegan-gift.jpeg

Gifting is an art form. It’s a gesture that transcends words, telling someone you’ve thought of them. In recent years, the demand for vegan gifts has skyrocketed, and why not? They’re ethical, sustainable, and mindful. For those hunting for the perfect token of appreciation, look no further. Here, we’re delving deep into the Best Vegan Gift Baskets Online in Australia has to offer.

Why Vegan Gifts Are a Trend in Australia

Australia’s surge in vegans has paved the way for a niche market. It is becoming more common for consumers to be conscious of their choices, opting for cruelty-free, ethically sourced products all the time. A gift hamper from Australia that is vegan not only appeals to those with this lifestyle but is also a universal symbol of thoughtfulness and sustainability.

Best Vegan Gift Baskets Australia Has To Offer

Despite the vastness and diversity of Australia, its approach to vegan gifts is nothing short of outstanding. Here are a few gorgeous vegan gift ideas that are sure to impress:

Themed Vegan Baskets: From gourmet chocolates to cruelty-free skincare, there’s a themed vegan basket out there that caters to every taste and preference. The element of surprise in discovering the goodies packed inside makes these gifts unforgettable.

Ethical Beauty Hampers: Australian beauty brands are leading the charge with sustainable and vegan products. A hamper filled with these goodies? Absolute perfection for anyone who loves pampering themselves without harming the planet.

Artisanal Vegan Delicacies: Think of hand-crafted vegan cheeses, locally made vegan wines, and delicious plant-based treats. An Australia gift basket filled with these is a gastronomic delight.

Gift Hamper Delivery Australia-Wide

The convenience of the digital age ensures that no matter where you are, sending a Gift Hamper Delivery in Australia is just a click away. Several providers ensure timely, and sometimes even same-day delivery, making last-minute gifting woes a thing of the past.

Moreover, the added advantage of online shopping is the customisation it offers. You can select each product that goes into your Australia gift hamper, ensuring it’s tailored perfectly to the recipient’s tastes.

Hamper and Gifts Australia: More Than Just Food

When most people hear ‘hamper’, they think of food. While vegan food baskets are a massive hit, Australia’s vegan gifting landscape extends beyond edibles. Think vegan leather accessories, ethically made fashion items and even vegan art supplies. The Hamper and Gifts Online in Australia scene is incredibly diverse, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly conscious of its choices, gifting vegan is not just a trend; it’s a statement. It says you care about the planet, the animals, and the person you’re gifting. So next time you’re hunting for the perfect gift, consider an Australia gift basket or hamper. Not only will it be packed with delightful goodies, but it’ll also carry with it the essence of thoughtfulness and love.

Vegan products are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, from the scenic coasts of Sydney to the bustling streets of Melbourne. So, whether you’re a local or someone across the globe, dive into the vegan gifting scene Down Under. Your recipients will surely be impressed, and the planet will thank you too.

[flowerdeliver]

Brighten Your Day with Stunning Flower Delivery in Brighton

Beautiful, personalised flower arrangements that precisely reflect the soul of your special day may be made by a wedding florist along with flower delivery in Brighton services. The selections are practically infinite as one can always choose timeless romance of pink roses or if one wants to spice things up then they can choose alluring attractiveness of blue irises and even delicate elegance of white daisy chrysanthemums and the regal beauty of purple chrysanthemums is quite popular. To further connect with Australia's rich floral history, couples can even use native Australian flowers as well which is quite popular among many couples.

Beautiful oriental lilies, roses, and many other flowers may be sent straight to someone's door with flower delivery in Glenroy service, which is becoming increasingly popular. Top florists provide this service and the catalogue of such florist is not just limited to flowers but also other things that can be given as gifts. Do you wish to surprise your significant other on a memorable occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine's Day? Consider conveying your feelings with a calming arrangement of lilies and white daisy chrysanthemums, or surprising your significant other with a passionate explosion of red roses on their anniversary.

The Vast Variety in Prominent Florists' Catalogue

Same-day flower delivery to your house allows you to order flowers on the same day, so even if you forget to order beforehand, you can still make the celebration successful. Additionally, the flowers can be purchased in attractive arrangements such as coloured vases, boxes, bags, glass bowls, etc. The flowers that top florists have to offer include phalenopsis in a vase, pink chrysanthemum disbuds with foliage, pink roses, blue iris, and tropical tops foliage, among many other flowers. For whatever occasion—a wedding, a sincere apology, or just making someone's day—the same-day flower delivery service guarantees that feelings are conveyed tastefully and on time.

Flowers Go Well with Other Gifts

The top flower delivery services also provide a wide range of additional presents, like champagne, chocolates, plants, candles, jewellery, and more. For several occasions, these presents might be the ideal option in addition to flowers.

See through the selection of top florists and flower shops to make your event seem flawless.

Source

[thanksabunch7]

Thanks A Bunch Florist

Welcome to THANKS A BUNCH FLORIST, a cherished Australian-owned establishment with roots dating back to 2006. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, our boutique offers a splendid array of fresh-cut flowers, meticulously selected to suit every occasion imaginable. As fervent advocates of genuine customer satisfaction, we take immense pride in our commitment to delivering top-tier service and premium blooms.

Unlike relay florists, THANKS A BUNCH FLORIST operates from a single location, ensuring that what you see is precisely what you receive. Our dedicated team, comprised of seasoned professionals, continuously expands our product range to reflect the latest trends and customer preferences. From enchanting floral compositions to delightful plant arrangements, chocolates, and bespoke gifts, our inventory caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

At THANKS A BUNCH FLORIST, we thrive on personalization. Whether it's tailoring a bouquet to match your vision or curating the perfect ensemble for a special event, our staff goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. With a plethora of glowing testimonials on our website, our sterling reputation speaks volumes about our unwavering dedication to excellence.

Weddings hold a special place in our hearts, and we've had the privilege of orchestrating countless unforgettable ceremonies. From exquisite bridal bouquets to captivating floral decor, our talented team transforms dreams into reality with finesse and flair.

Beyond weddings, THANKS A BUNCH FLORIST stands ready to mark all of life's milestones, from Mother's Day and Father's Day to birthdays, Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and beyond. Our expertise extends to crafting elegant sympathy wreaths and arrangements, offering solace during times of mourning.

With same-day delivery guaranteed for orders placed before 2:00 PM, we ensure your sentiments are conveyed promptly and with care. Embrace the artistry and passion that define THANKS A BUNCH FLORIST, where every bloom tells a story of love, celebration, and joy.

Keywords: Flower Delivery Melbourne, Melbourne Florist, flowers and indoor plants

Address: 86 Narina Way, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia Phone: (03) 9408 4439

Website: https://thanksabunchflorist.com.au/

[althealthinfos]

VistaClear Reviews: A Natural and Effective Supplement for Eye Health?

VistaClear is a dietary supplement that claims to support vision health and improve eyesight naturally. It is based on an ancient Aboriginal recipe that uses 26 natural ingredients, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. VistaClear is designed to address various factors that affect eye health, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiency, and poor blood circulation. In this article, we will review VistaClear in detail and answer some of the common questions that potential buyers may have. We will also look at the ingredients, benefits, side effects, price, and customer feedback of VistaClear, and see if it lives up to its hype.

What is VistaClear and How Does It Work?

VistaClear is a natural eye health supplement that was created by a team of experts who studied the vision secrets of the Aboriginal people of Australia. According to the official website, the Aboriginal people have been using a special blend of herbs and plants for thousands of years to maintain their 20/20 vision and prevent eye diseases. VistaClear claims to have replicated this formula and enhanced it with modern scientific research, resulting in a powerful and effective supplement that can support every aspect of normal eye health.

VistaClear works by providing the eyes with essential nutrients that they need to function optimally. Some of these nutrients include:

Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that protect the retina and macula from blue light damage and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Zinc, which is a mineral that helps the body absorb and utilize lutein and zeaxanthin, and also supports the immune system and wound healing.

Vitamin B complex, which is a group of vitamins that help the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, and also regulate the production of homocysteine, a harmful amino acid that can cause inflammation and damage to the eyes.

Magnesium, which is a mineral that relaxes the muscles and blood vessels in the eyes, and also prevents the accumulation of calcium deposits that can impair vision.

Chamomile, lemon balm, and passion flower, which are herbs that have calming and soothing effects on the eyes and the nervous system, and also reduce stress and anxiety that can affect vision.

Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and bacopa monnieri, which are adaptogens that help the body cope with physical and mental stress, and also enhance cognitive function and memory.

Hawthorn, skullcap, and St. John’s wort, which are herbs that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and also improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the eyes.

By taking one capsule of VistaClear daily, the supplement promises to help users achieve the following benefits:

Clearer and sharper vision

Reduced eye strain and fatigue

Enhanced night vision and color perception

Prevention of eye diseases and vision loss

Improved overall health and well-being

What are the Pros and Cons of VistaClear?

Like any other supplement, VistaClear has its own advantages and disadvantages that potential buyers should consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the pros and cons of VistaClear:

Pros

It is made from natural and safe ingredients that have been tested and proven to support eye health.

It is based on an ancient and effective formula that has been used by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

It is easy to use and does not require any prescription or doctor’s visit.

It is affordable and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

It has received many positive reviews from satisfied customers who have experienced improved vision and eye health.

Cons

It is only available online through the official website and cannot be found in stores or other platforms.

It may not work for everyone or have the same results for different individuals, depending on their age, health condition, and lifestyle.

It may cause some mild side effects or interactions with other medications or supplements, especially for people who are allergic or sensitive to some of the ingredients.

It may take some time to see noticeable results, depending on the severity of the vision problem and the consistency of use.

How Much Does VistaClear Cost and Where to Buy It?

VistaClear is sold exclusively through the official website, where customers can choose from three different packages:

Basic Package: One bottle of VistaClear for $79, plus $9.95 for shipping and handling.

Standard Package: Three bottles of VistaClear for $177, plus free shipping and handling. This works out to $59 per bottle and a savings of $120.

Premium Package: Six bottles of VistaClear for $294, plus free shipping and handling. This works out to $49 per bottle and a savings of $300.

Each bottle of VistaClear contains 30 capsules, which is enough for a month’s supply. The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule per day with a glass of water, preferably with a meal.

Customers who order VistaClear from the official website will also receive three bonus items for free:

The 21-Day “Perfect Vision” Protocol, which is an e-book that contains a step-by-step guide on how to improve vision naturally in 21 days.

The VistaClear At-Home Test Pack, which is a set of tools that can help users measure and monitor their vision progress at home.

The Eye Health Smoothie Recipe Book, which is an e-book that contains 10 delicious and nutritious smoothie recipes that can boost eye health and vision.

Additionally, customers who order VistaClear from the official website will also be covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee. This means that if they are not satisfied with the product or the results, they can request a full refund within 60 days of purchase, no questions asked.

What are the Customer Reviews of VistaClear?

VistaClear has received many positive reviews from customers who have tried the product and experienced its benefits. Here are some of the testimonials that can be found on the official website:

“I have been using VistaClear for about 3 months now and I can honestly say that it has changed my life. I used to wear glasses for reading and driving, but now I don’t need them anymore. My vision is so clear and sharp, and I feel more confident and happy. Thank you VistaClear for giving me back my eyesight.” - Mary, 54

“I was skeptical at first, but I decided to give VistaClear a try after reading the reviews and the research behind it. I am glad I did, because it really works. I have noticed a significant improvement in my vision, especially at night and in low-light conditions. I can see better and I don’t get headaches or eye strain anymore. VistaClear is a miracle product.” - James, 46

“I have been suffering from dry eyes and blurry vision for years, and nothing seemed to help. I was afraid that I would lose my vision completely or have to undergo surgery. Then I found out about VistaClear and decided to give it a shot. I was amazed by the results. My eyes feel more moist and comfortable, and my vision is more clear and bright. I can read, watch TV, and drive without any problems. VistaClear is the best thing that ever happened to me.” - Lisa, 38

✅ Click here to read full reviews: VistaClear Reviews

[intercreativepudlo]

On citizenship.

I say 'we' because I became an Australian citizen on 26th of January 2021. Here is my personal journal entry from that day:

26th of January, Tuesday

I wake up just before dawn. As I lie in bed, I think about my sometimes annoyingly stress free life. From time to time, I long for things to change quickly and dramatically. Slow change is hard for me, I'm indecisive and tend to overthink things so any change I manage feels very hard won. But I'm also impulsive and feel a thrill when I have to handle a crisis. So even as a peaceful life is something I seek, when I find the equilibrium it can bore me too. 

Naturally, as I thought further about quick and dramatic change, I thought about this country whose citizen I was soon to become. This land and its first people, its wildlife, its landscape and its plant life. I thought about what it would have been like to be here, minding your own business, going about your life as the generations of your ancestors did before you. About one day, getting up before dawn to go for your solitary morning walk to think and clear your head, and looking out over the ocean to see the strangest sight. Boats. With strangely attired people on them.

When I got the letter telling me my citizenship ceremony was to be held on Australia Day, I thought of declining and doing it on a different day to boycott this holiday which I hate and believe to be utterly crazy in a society that claims to be tolerant and open and forward thinking. Celebrating a day that marks the beginning of an ongoing tragedy for Aboriginal people, and for the natural world that they lived in and cared for.

But that would change nothing. This heavy feeling would not go away, dramatic change for the better wouldn't ensue. 

I accept the full responsibility and I accept that becoming a citizen of a colonial country means I am no longer an innocent bystander.

Until yesterday I could still have had my high ground. From an immigrant's perspective, it was easy to see the injustice the lack of respect, the system of oppression. As a citizen, I accept that I am now a beneficiary of that very same system. I don't know that there is a solution here for me. This isn’t a rant about finding solutions to uncomfortable feelings. And I think that’s the point. You have to sit in this discomfort and do better when the ball is in your court. 

-

It’s a hot day. We leave not long after 9. We’re a little early so we go and check the surf at Belongil. It’s the most beautiful day with perfect waves.

We drive back to Cavanbah Centre, there are people lining up outside. Some of them are dressed up. We sign in and I fill in the electoral roll form. There are shitty little flags on all the seats. We put them on the ground. It’s a weird event. The officiate is Simon Richardson, the mayor of Byron. He’s really nice and says the right things, basically saying we’re all waiting for the date to be changed. Of course, in the absence of this change, we still have to proceed. The whole setup is a little too close to a religious ceremony for my liking. There is a little bit of bullshit and myth making streaming down from the stage. But all the organisers, as expected, are extremely polite. Politeness, however, is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it’s better than being rude. On the other, it can help you get away with murder. Australians and their institutions largely inherited their politeness from their British counterparts.

All efforts are undertaken to make the ceremony pleasant. There’s a kindly older musician who can’t sing for shit singing “Home Among the Gumtrees” and, just before the ceremony, “The Times They Are A Changin’”. In the first case, sweet, feel good song that’s meant to make you forget about the people who were slaughtered in the process of creating that lovely utopia with a clothes line out the back. In the second, it was clear from the delivery as well as from the context that the times are really not changing quite as dramatically as the song implies. The intention was good though, and I take a moment to appreciate that. For many present, this is a cause for celebration. Me, all of it mostly makes me uncomfortable.

We all get a native pot plant and a certificate from the mayor. The other guy, some old dude, delivers the whole ‘best country in world’ spiel. And yet, despite all the pleasantry, somehow it all seems so very awkward. Two girls becoming new citizens are wearing tops with the Aboriginal flag. We all mumble the pledge under our breaths and hardly anyone sings the anthem. I certainly don’t, even though I’m so tempted to just let go and enjoy myself. I mean, I love hymns and powerful songs, I love a catchy tune. But not this one. They make us stand in the front, like new Christians about to get baptised. Zach notices it’s taking a while and so he brings me a chair. He takes a photo of me with my plant and my certificate, pulling a ‘I’m not sure what to think of this’ face. 

-

We drive to Wayne’s around 4:30 and get straight to it. There isn’t exactly enough for us both to do, but I do about half an hour of mowing before Zach takes over and I go hang out with Wayne and his girlfriend. We talk everything, from movies and TV, Broken Hill where Wayne is going to scout locations for a show he’ll be directing (‘Total Control’), to multi level marketing scams, family histories, becoming a citizen, how Zach and I met. We want to hang out some more, but we have booked the tickets already.

We get to the cinema and collect our free wine and head straight into the theatre. There are no ads. That’s appropriate. The cinema is almost full. 

The movie is heavy. Zach doesn’t appreciate all the people commenting on it out loud and getting all too emotionally involved. I don’t exactly appreciate having this white guy being so central to the story. You can’t have everything. The boy who plays Gutjuk is really good. He needs to be in more movies. It’s a necessary movie. Visually amazing. But in the lift on the way to the car, I tell Zach that somehow I feel like this film belongs in the past, like it’s overdue. (I read later that indeed, the idea for the film and maybe even the script were developed around the year 2000). Like it does a bit too much to make white people not feel quite as horrible as they could about the invasion. That’s my only issue, I think. Visually, it’s flawless. The acting is convincing, especially from the Aboriginal part of the cast. Also, hero’s journey wise, it is flawless too. Everybody goes through their character arc perfectly, they all close, the hero becomes the hero and gets the girl (presumably), the girl gets her revenge, the riddled-with-guilt white dude atones for his sins, the white girl steps up to take responsibility and the bad guys meet their demise. Which is all a little too convenient but of course it’s satisfying to watch. But that too contributes to the feeling that it is somehow dated. Filmmakers who want to really make a splash go out of their way to subvert those kinds of expectations. And at the same time, I think Aboriginal people were owed this revenge tale. So. I think that generally, it is good that this film exists. And this was the day for all of us to watch it.

[giftsonthegoldcoast]

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[flowersexpresscosposts]

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Getting a fresh flower bouquet to your loved ones on a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion is always a thoughtful way to show them how much you care. It's also a great way to add a little creativity and thoughtfulness to the arrangement. If you're looking for a special gift to deliver to Upper Ferntree Gully, you can get a personalised cookie to pair with your floral gift. They come in three flavours: a classic caramel cheesecake, a vanilla passion fruit cake, and an eggless blueberry cheesecake.

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Florists also deliver to the Knox Melbourne region

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Melbourne. It is 32 kilometres east of the central business district. At the 2011 Census, it had a population of 25,585. A large portion of its inhabitants were born in Australia.

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The GtMIF1-1 and GtMIF1-2 gene sequences are allelic. They contain five histidine residues and a conserved zinc-finger domain. Compared to the GtMIF1 gene, the 3'terminus of the GtMIF2 gene is not conserved. This could be the reason for the loss of MIF1 linkage in the F2 progeny.

Using PCR-based markers, we have been able to distinguish the presence of the GtMIF1 allele in the faint-blue flower lines. During RNA-seq analysis, several F2 individuals died. This could be the result of a recombination event.

[nyortor]

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[quickspinner]

Licked

🎉🎉🎉Happy birthday to the woman who started it all (at least started the LBSC exchange where I met all these wonderful crazy people to enable and be enabled by) @justknitstuff / @chromemist ! 🥳 This one’s just for you. Sounds like things have been crazy lately and I hope this makes your day a little bit happier.

Aged-up Lukanette, alternate first meeting

Rated TL for thirsty Luka lol...but there’s nothing explicit or above a T rating. Just a lot of ogling and some innuendo. 

Luka’s been Jagged Stone’s guitarist for a couple of years now, and he’s seen lots of things. Weird things. Exciting things. Fun things. Not so fun things.

But Luka’s never seen anything like the designer Jagged flew in a few days ago. Unfortunately for his smitten heart, their first run-in (literally) didn’t go too well, so he’s hoping for a chance to smooth things over. A trip to the zoo, while unexpected, seems like the perfect chance...if he can stop ogling her long enough to remember how words work. 

Being Jagged Stone came with a lot of perks.  

Being Jagged Stone’s guitarist came with less (and a lot more headaches), but sometimes things trickled down, and so Luka found himself walking through the Australia Zoo, trailing at the back of Jagged’s entourage. The rock star had been invited for a private tour of the zoo, famous for its crocodiles, and Jagged had insisted on bringing “a few of his favorite people” along. (A few was really more like twenty, but when you’re Jagged Stone, nobody does a head count.) 

It should have been really cool. Luka loved animals and hadn’t been to a zoo in years, let alone one as big and famous as the Australia Zoo. They’d been brought in through a back entrance, and shown some really cool behind-the-scenes stuff, and the rumor was they were going to get to be more hands-on with the animals than was typically allowed.

Except Luka hadn’t really seen any of the animals they’d been supposed to look at that day, because a week ago, Jagged had flown in a stylist from Paris for some emergency or other. Her work done, she’d been invited along on this tour with them, and Luka was having a hard time looking at anything else. 

He’d met her shortly after she arrived, on the tour bus. She’d tripped coming down the steps just as he had started up, and she’d nearly taken him down with her, but Luka had managed to get a hold on the hand rail and keep them both from what would surely have been a painful fall. She’d been awfully embarrassed, and in the midst of some very confused introductions, Luka had made some stupid joke that had only made things worse, and she’d fled from him in a chaotic whirlwind of flustered adorable that had made it necessary for him to sit down on the steps for a moment to calm his pounding heart.

He’d only caught glimpses of her since then as she worked frantically to get Jagged ready for the finale show of this stop on the tour. As cute as she was, and as smitten as Luka had been in that short meeting, he hadn’t dared flirt with her while she was working on such a tough deadline, so other than volunteering to take her food or drinks when craft service brought them in, he’d stayed out of the way. She always flashed him a distracted (stunning) smile when he dropped off her food, but she’d been far too busy for anything more. Luka wasn’t entirely clear on why Jagged needed the new outfit so badly and so immediately, but it was Jagged and nobody even bothered to wonder why he did the things he did anymore. 

Besides, no one could deny that the outfit, when it had finally debuted, had been amazing. Unlike most people, Luka had the opportunity to see it up close and take in all the details that would, unfortunately, probably be lost under the heavy lights of the stage. Even so, it was designed to look stunning under those lights, and on camera, and anyone admitted to the privilege of actually meeting the rock star in it would be all the more dazzled. 

Luka certainly was. Far more than was really justified by what little contact they had, honestly, but Luka was used to trusting his intuition, and his gut (he was pretty sure it was his gut, though other parts certainly had plenty to say) was telling him that this girl was something special.

This should’ve been the perfect chance to talk to her, smooth things over, make a better second impression, pour on the charm. It would’ve been easier if he had his guitar, but still, he should have been able to make this work. 

Except summer in Australia was hot. Luka had ditched his hoodie almost the second they’d gotten off the plane. Even his well-ventilated jeans got swapped for a pair of board shorts at his first opportunity. 

So naturally, she was wearing shorts as well, and for such a short woman, she had gorgeous legs. Even her feet were cute in little flowered sandals he suspected she’d decorated herself. It didn’t get any better (or rather, it only got better) when he dragged his eyes above her waist. Her flowy, off-the-shoulder peasant top was somehow completely modest and unbearably sexy at the same time. Her hair was pulled up into a bun, with little tendrils sticking to her neck and bare shoulders or waving on the breeze as she fanned herself with the zoo map. 

It was all Luka could do not to ogle her like a creep. How he was ever going to manage to talk to her, he had no idea. 

So he hung back, trying to get his bearings and find his usual chill, while his bandmates shot him knowing grins and snickered behind their hands. They didn’t dare embarrass him too publicly, though. Luka had been participating in the annual Couffaine prank war since he was a kid and he was very creative when it came to revenge. 

It wouldn’t be that hard to shove one of them into the croc pen, he was sure. Just as an example to the others.

Busy contemplating his retaliation, he stopped automatically when the group stopped, and didn’t realize he was standing behind Marinette until she turned suddenly, brow slightly furrowed in thought, and promptly tripped over his foot and tipped forward with a yelp.  

“Whoa!” Luka’s arm shot out and he caught her around the waist, stopping her from falling, but she must have been startled by the sudden grab, because she tried to push him away and nearly fell again in the process. Luka didn’t let go, instead planting his feet to steady her. It only took a moment for her brain to catch up with what was happening and she stopped struggling. Instead, she babbled a breathless apology in rather confused English, and Luka grinned as he levered her back upright. 

“Don’t worry about it,” he said in French, keeping his hands on her waist for a moment longer to make sure she was steady before drawing back. “I wasn’t paying attention either. Are you all right?” 

“Fine,” she said, pushing her hair back from her forehead as she gave him an embarrassed smile. “I’m fine. Thank you. Sorry. Um, again. Thanks. Luka, right? I’ve been meaning to say thanks for everything this week too. I probably would have starved if you weren’t looking out for me, so...” She broke off to suck in a breath and gave an embarrassed smile. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“My pleasure,” Luka replied. “For both. Although Penny orders the food, I’m just the delivery boy.” He grinned at her, and she started to smile back before her eyes widened slightly and she whirled. 

“Um, we should catch up with the others?” she blurted. They had fallen a bit behind, and Marinette took off in a power walk that caught her up with the group in no time.

Luka trailed behind, a little deflated. He’d barely even said anything that time, but she’d run away again. Maybe...maybe he should just back off. If she wasn’t interested in him then—but for a second there, he’d thought...

He continued to linger at the back of the group, not approaching Marinette or trying to get near her. They came to another enclosure, and Luka leaned his elbows on the concrete wall of the enclosure, trying to find his enthusiasm for the trip. Below him in the pen, dingos yipped and frolicked, tackling each other and then sprinting around the pen. He had to smile, watching them. 

To his surprise, Marinette came up and stood next to him. She shot him a quick, hesitant smile, which he returned automatically, and then stood on her toes a little to peer over the barrier into the cage, leaning her hands on the wall next to him. She gave him another quick smile as she settled back on her heels. 

“They’re cute,” she murmured, and then blushed and looked away. 

“They look like they’re having a good time,” Luka observed, and she made a noise of agreement. An awkward silence fell between them. Luka’s face was turned towards the dogs below them, but he was watching Marinette out of the corner of his eye, trying to figure her out and not dwell on how much he’d like to nip along the pretty line of her jaw to her neck— 

His salvation came when he caught her eyeing his arms as he leaned on the rail. He’d cut the sleeves off this t-shirt years ago, and he was reasonably sure that the flush on her face wasn’t just the heat. Luka turned his face away for a moment to hide his smirk, and the little ego boost was just what he needed to untie his tongue. 

But before he could come up with something to say, Marinette did. 

“That’s the tour shirt from what, eight years ago?” Marinette asked, leaning back slightly to look at the dates down the back. 

“Yeah, I’ve had it forever,” Luka shrugged, pleased by the way her eyes followed the motion of his shoulders. “As you can probably tell.”

“At least it’s good ventilation in this heat,” Marinette quipped, reaching out to pluck the ragged edge of one of the tears on the side. 

“Definitely an advantage,” Luka agreed, with a wink. “Not as stylish as yours, though. That’s a cute top. I like the ruffles.” That wasn’t too weird, was it? She was a fashion designer after all. Luka didn’t know anything about fashion but she certainly looked good in it.

“I’m not very rock ‘n roll, I know,” she said, wrinkling her nose, glancing down at herself. Cute. “But it’s me, and that’s what matters.” She tossed her head and scrunched up one shoulder, giving a look that dared him to argue. 

“You’re perfect,” Luka smiled, and the pink on her cheeks grew a little darker. “You’re from Paris, right? I think Jagged said so?” he added quickly, afraid he’d made her uncomfortable. Marinette nodded, and he grinned at her, leaning back on the barrier again. “Me too. Well, sort of. We moved around a lot when I was younger but we’ve been settled in Paris for a long time.”

“That explains why your French is so good,” Marinette giggled. “I’d wondered.” She settled against the rail next to him and nudged his shoulder slightly with her own. “I bet the American ladies love your accent.” 

Oh God, she was flirting with him, and it was adorable. Luka suppressed the urge to squeal like a teenage girl as he looked down at his hands, grinning. “Maybe. Just my luck the only girl I’ve met worth impressing happens to be French.” He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing so he could pretend not to notice the choking noise she made.  

“Honestly,” he began, when he thought she had recovered, “I kind of have a habit of putting my foot in my mouth. Like when we met. I’ve been wanting to apologize for that. I didn’t mean to upset you or make you feel bad. Sometimes I’m thoughtless without meaning to be, so. I’m sorry.”

“Oh,” Marinette ducked her head slightly. “That’s all right. The stuttering, the word jumbling, it’s something that happens when I’m nervous. I should be used to it by now. I shouldn’t have been so sensitive, just—”

“No, wait. I really wasn’t trying to make fun of you, but I was out of line and you had every right to be mad at me,” Luka said, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her. “I’m sorry, and it won’t happen again.” 

Marinette stared at him for a moment, and then smiled. “Thank you. I, um, accept your apology.” 

“Thank you,” Luka grinned, letting his hand fall from her shoulder.  “So. How long have you known Jagged?”

“I’ve been working for him off and on for almost ten years now,” Marinette told him, as they turned away to follow the group towards the next exhibit.  

“That’s pretty impressive,” Luka said, and meant it. “I’ve only been with him for the last couple of years. I’m not sure I could take a decade of that.” He waved at Jagged, who was bouncing along at the front of the group, loud and gesturing broadly, chattering excitedly with their hosts (who might be the only people on the planet as croc-mad as Jagged). 

Marinette giggled and warmth filled him, entirely different from the heat of the sun on their backs or the way he’d felt when he saw her in those shorts. “You get it in more concentrated doses than I do,” she pointed out. “You’re stuck with him for months at a time. I mostly get video calls, plus one or two unannounced visits and the occasional demand to fly out and design something for him.” 

“Like now?” Luka asked, and Marinette nodded. 

“I don’t know what they tried to make him wear but apparently it was not acceptable and he needed somebody who gets him,” she said, tone cheerful though she rolled her eyes. “I don’t really mind this time. It got me out of another project that I really didn’t want to do, and Jagged pays well. It doesn’t hurt my portfolio either.” She winked at him and he was pretty sure it stopped his heart for a moment. 

“I bet,” Luka grinned, a beat later than he should have. “Jagged’s not an easy man to please.”

“You should know,” Marinette teased, leaning towards him, and then she seemed to catch herself and turn her attention back to the animals, cheeks reddening. 

Luka was still grinning as he looked back as well, not really seeing them. Something caught his eye to his other side, and when he looked, he found his bandmates making kissy faces and gesturing rudely. Luka raised his eyebrows at them in warning, and they fell to snickering. Luka rolled his eyes and turned toward Marinette, set on ignoring them, but she had pulled a small notebook from her bag and was sketching one of the flowers planted along the concrete barrier. Luka sighed, but opted not to disturb her. 

They were ushered on, and Luka had an easier time getting into the trip now that he’d at least cleared the air with Marinette.  When he ended up next to her again, she shot him a quick smile, too excited at the prospect of holding a koala to pay him much attention. Luka didn’t mind; her enthusiasm was cute, he was really kind of excited to hold a koala himself, and he was the one she turned to at the last second, shoving her phone in his hands and begging him to take her picture. He did, grinning stupidly the whole time at her sparkling eyes and beaming smile, and took one with his own as well, “just in case.” Marinette happily returned the favor, and it wasn’t as hard as it should have been for Luka to ignore his bandmates behind her making crude gestures and pretending to cheer him on. Clearly he’d been too easy on them the last few months. As they moved on Luka made a mental note to plan a particularly creative revenge. He had to find a way to ditch those jackasses before they ruined everything. 

He saw his moment when they finally reached the famous crocodile paddocks, and the family took Jagged with them into the pen, since he was “an experienced crocodile handler” (“Have they met Fang?” Luka murmured to Marinette, who giggled). By now rumors of the rock star’s presence had circulated and there was quite a crowd jamming up against the barriers to see him—and Jagged never could resist a crowd. Before long, an impromptu croc show was on, and it became obvious the tour wasn’t going to continue any time soon. 

Marinette sighed at his elbow and folded her arms, pouting slightly, and Luka quickly assessed his options. Excusing himself, he worked his way through the crowd of bystanders to Penny, who was somehow managing to look both bored and stressed out at the same time. She barely acknowledged his “Hey, Penny,” when he sidled up next to her.  

“I was just wondering,” Luka said, brushing sweat-damp hair off of his forehead. “It looks like Jagged’s gonna be a while and Marinette’s looking pretty—” Don’t say hot! “—uh, warm standing out here in the sun, so…” He faltered for a moment as Penny turned away from Jagged to look directly at him, eyes narrowing. She saw right through him, he was sure. He swallowed his nerves and went on. “I was, um, thinking maybe I could take her to find some shade and maybe buy her something to drink and some ice cream, and we can meet back up with you guys in a bit?” 

Penny stared at him for a moment, and Luka looked back as impassively as he could. She looked toward Marinette over his shoulder, and Luka couldn’t help glancing back. Marinette’s cheeks were still bright pink and she was fanning herself with her map again. 

“Couffaine,” Penny said in a warning voice, and Luka turned back to her with a sigh. 

“Penny come on,” he said in a low voice. “Even rock stars don’t meet a girl like that every day.”

Penny’s lips pressed together, and her eyes flicked to Marinette again before fixing back on Luka. “You know she’s flying out tomorrow,” Penny said, her voice unexpectedly gentle.

Luka rocked back on his heels slightly, and took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Tomorrow. That meant his only shot for a date was tonight. If he didn’t at least get her number by the end of the day, she’d walk out of his life and who knew when he’d see her again, and that just wasn’t acceptable. 

He focused back on Penny and flashed a smile. “Then I better not waste any time, huh?” 

Penny sighed, and then reached around him and snatched the zoo map out of his back pocket. She clicked her pen, then circled a place on the map and slapped it against his chest. “You have two hours. Meet us there and don’t be late.” 

Luka took the map and tucked it back into his pocket. “Thanks, Penny.” 

She sighed. “Good luck,” she muttered, turning back to Jagged.

He went back to Marinette, blowing out another deep breath and trying to look relaxed as he approached her. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. Time to bring your A-game, Couffaine.  

“Hey, do you want to get out of here?” he asked, when she looked up at his approach. “Penny told me where to meet them later, and as entertaining as it might be to watch Jagged get eaten by a crocodile, I’m pretty sure he’s too lucky for it to actually happen. What do you say we go get something to eat and see the rest of the zoo?” 

He was rewarded with a brilliant smile and he walked off at her side, flipping off his bandmates behind her back as they passed. 

Marinette relaxed almost immediately, away from the crowd, and Luka winced internally, afraid she might have noticed some of the teasing. “Sorry if the guys have been giving you a hard time,” he said, as casually as he could. “They’re a bunch of clowns but they’re mostly harmless.” 

“Oh, they’re fine,” Marinette shrugged, smiling up at him. “They seem nice enough, just...loud. It’s always loud around Jagged. It gets to be a bit much sometimes. I don’t know how you stand it. You don’t seem very loud yourself, except when you’re on stage.” 

“I’m not,” Luka admitted, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Never have been, except on stage. I’m used to the chaos, though. Ice cream?”

Marinette brightened. “Sure!”

The ice cream might have been a mistake, Luka reflected a short time later. Marinette’s mouth was gorgeous. Celebrities paid good money for lips like that, and watching them glide along her spoon was only half as torturous as watching her lick at the ice cream directly, trying to sweep up the melting drops running down the side. 

Luka quickly took a bigger bite of his own than was wise, and gritted his teeth against the resulting brain freeze. Marinette laughed at the face he made, and that brought him back to a place where he could at least speak normally to her. For a while, they stayed on neutral topics, chatting about their families and careers in between cooing over the animals. Marinette was sharp, and entertainingly witty when she didn’t think too hard and trip over her tongue. 

Luka was catching her rhythm, now. She skittered away from him when she got overwhelmed or felt she’d been too daring, but as long as he waited, she’d sidle back, settle back into shy flirting that would gradually grow bolder, until something tipped her over the edge and she ran away again. Luka adjusted to suit, letting her have her space when she needed it, easing off his teasing when she returned until she found her footing again. He was enjoying it, actually, now that he knew she wasn’t actually scared or put off by him; he got a charge out of it when he flustered her and she fled, and an equally powerful feeling when she came back to him. 

The rest of the afternoon was a series of exquisite moments. Standing a little too close, leaning into each other’s space more than was necessary to read a sign or peer into an exhibit. Shy looks that grew slowly bolder and smiles that turned into soft giggles. A burst of triumph when he took her hand and she slid her fingers between his. The flutter of excitement he felt when she leaned against his arm to point something out, and then rested her cheek on his shoulder instead of pulling away. A look up at him, and a dip of his head that might have become a kiss if not for a rush of small, screaming children bumping into their knees. 

They made it to the giraffe pavilion Penny had circled on the map a little ahead of the others, and Luka knew he’d better say what he needed to say quickly. The employee at the doors let them in and led them to the giraffe feeding area, giving them each a handful of lettuce, and went back outside to wait for the rest of the group. Another bored-looking employee was leaning against the back wall, but he didn’t seem to be paying them any attention. 

Marinette was back to the bubbly sort of excited she’d been when they held the koalas, and Luka was loving every moment of it, but he knew the clock was ticking. He took a breath and stepped close, reaching over her to offer some lettuce to the giraffe. The giraffe sniffed it, and then dipped its head to take the lettuce from Marinette instead.

Marinette giggled, looking up to scrunch her nose at him. “I think he likes me.” 

“No doubt,” Luka said, offering her his handful of lettuce, and not noticing when a leaf dribbled out of the side of the giraffe’s mouth above him and landed in his hair. “I know I do.” 

Marinette blushed, and gave him another look over her shoulder, reaching up to the giraffe with another section of lettuce. 

“Luka Couffaine, are you hitting on me?” she asked, the quirk of her smile suggesting the idea wasn’t unwelcome.

“I’ve been trying my best,” Luka chuckled, and then grew serious, reaching for her hand to turn her to face him. “You’re really special, Marinette. I know you have pretty much no reason to take me seriously, but believe me, I don’t get this way about just anyone.” Here goes nothing. “I’ve had a crush on you pretty much since you crashed into me on the bus, and it’s getting worse by the minute. I’ve had a great time with you today, and I’m really hoping it doesn’t have to stop.”

For a moment she seemed to glow, and Luka’s breath caught, but then she paused and her face fell. “I’m flying out tomorrow,” she said, dropping her eyes as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Well,” Luka said, leaning in a little. “That still leaves tonight.” Marinette’s eyes blew wide and Luka’s did too as his own words hit his ears. “Dinner! I meant dinner, I didn’t—I mean unless you want to but I—okay forget that I swear I just meant I’d like to take you to dinner.” 

“I’d love for you to take me,” she said quickly, and then her eyes widened. “To dinner! Oh my—dinner. Just dinner. For now. I mean, uh—” 

Luka couldn’t help it. He started laughing, and so did Marinette, hiding her face in his chest, both of them laughing so hard they couldn’t quite stand up straight and collapsed against each other, swaying slightly. After a moment she peeked up at him, still giggling, and said decisively, “I’d love to have dinner with you.” 

Grinning down at her in his arms, Luka’s gaze fell to her lips, remembering that almost kiss, and by the way she pulled that lower lip between her teeth, Marinette did too.

He started to lean toward her but a sudden, hard tug on his hair jerked him backwards, and then he registered something wet and slimy running down the back of his head and along his neck. 

Luka screamed at a pitch he normally only hit during concerts, and lurched forward, knocking into Marinette as he flailed over his head. He made contact with something but it just moved away and there was another tug on his hair. He scrambled blindly, trying to get away from whatever it was, not realizing he was practically climbing his small companion.

“Luka, calm down! It’s just the giraffe!” Marinette said, hooking her hands under his thighs and hiking him up to a more stable position. “I’ve got you, you big baby,” she laughed, and he looked down, fully registering the fact that his legs were wrapped around Marinette’s waist and she was holding him up—awkwardly, since he was so much bigger than her, but securely. 

If he hadn’t been so embarrassed, he might have been turned on, but as he stared down into Marinette’s amused blue eyes twinkling back up at him, he really would have been just as happy if a hole opened up in the ground for her to drop him into. 

Things were going so well, too. Luka twisted around to see behind him, and sure enough there was a giraffe, staring back at him as it chewed placidly. Luka put a hand up to his hair automatically and whined when it came away slimy with giraffe spit. At least it seemed like it was all there. Whatever the giraffe was chewing on, at least it hadn’t taken a chunk of his hair. 

That would just be the icing on the cake. He started to put his hand back on Marinette’s shoulder and then realized his hand was slimy now too. 

Fuck, he really had no idea how to recover from this. 

“What the hell is going on here?” 

Luka closed his eyes and dropped his forehead on the top of Marinette’s head. “Hi, Penny.” 

“Marinette are you all right?” Penny demanded, and Luka could hear the unmistakable sound of Jagged’s raucous laughter soaring over the hysteria of his other bandmates. 

“I’m fine,” Marinette giggled, and looked up at Luka. “Can I put you down now, or do I need to carry you away from the big, scary giraffe first?” 

“Just let it eat me,” Luka muttered, and Marinette laughed, dropping Luka’s feet to the ground. 

“Not a chance,” Marinette sniffed. “Who’s going to buy me dinner tonight if I let you get eaten by the least scary animal in this zoo?” 

“What’s this about dinner?” Jagged asked, perking up, and Luka groaned, slapping his palm over his face. He made a disgusted noise as he realized it was still covered in giraffe spit. He rubbed it off on his shorts and used the tail of his shirt to wipe off his face, sighing. 

“You really still want to have dinner after that?” he grumbled mournfully, fully expecting Marinette to back out. When she didn’t answer he peeked out from behind his shirt. 

Marinette was staring at his exposed abs. Luka grinned, and dropped his shirt. Marinette’s eyes snapped back up to his face. “I’m gonna find a restroom and clean up,” he told her, chucking her under the chin (with his clean hand) to close her open mouth. “Think about what you want to eat tonight.” He winked and she made a strangled noise. 

***

Luka’s foot tapped restlessly as the plane rolled up to the jetbridge (not the gangway, as Jagged had repeatedly corrected him during the first few months on tour). They were a little late, and Luka was tired and hungry and very eager to see his no-longer-so-long-distance girlfriend.

It was torture waiting for the crowd to deplane, and Luka breathed a sigh of relief as he finally made it to the airport corridor and started making his way eagerly toward the baggage claim. He was very much looking forward to being in the same city as Marinette for at least a few months. Their relationship had grown amazingly well, considering they were limited to texting and video calls, except for one week in New York, when Jagged had flown Marinette out for another fashion emergency, and one blissful, heavenly week in London last month when Marinette had taken the train out just to see him, and they had spent the whole week avoiding the overenthusiastic rock star, Luka’s stupid bandmates, and the terrible weather in the very private hotel room Luka had spared no expense for. Even the thought of it made him bite his lip and walk faster. 

He was even more motivated because Juleka was supposed to be meeting him here too, and he wasn’t at all sure it was a good idea to leave his sister and his girlfriend alone together for too long in what was bound to be a slightly awkward first meeting. 

When he first spotted the girls, he only had eyes for Marinette, and only after he had swept her up in his arms and nearly crushed her, did he have enough attention to notice the giant giraffe balloon his sister was holding. The damn thing was nearly as big as Juleka, and the shit-eating grin his normally reserved sister was wearing was enough to assure him that it wasn’t a coincidence.

Luka groaned and let Marinette slide to the floor. “I can’t believe you told her.” 

Marinette giggled and shrugged. “We had to kill the awkward somehow,” she shrugged. “She just got this manic grin and ran off to the nearest gift shop.”

“And it was so worth it for the look on your face,” Juleka snickered.

Luka snorted. Really it was a miracle it had taken this long; he’d had to threaten to quit to keep Jagged from plastering the band’s social media with pictures of Luka hanging off Marinette, a terrified look on his face and his hair sticking straight up and coated in giraffe drool. 

Still. “Just for that,” he muttered, and grabbed Marinette’s hand to pull her close, cradling the back of her head in his hand as he kissed her. He meant it to be a simple kiss, just sloppy enough to embarrass his sister, but Marinette put her arms around his neck and pressed up into him, and he forgot Juleka was even there for at least a full minute. 

Even the sound of his sister gagging couldn’t wipe the grin off his face when Marinette’s lips finally slipped away from his. “I am so glad to be back,” he growled, and felt Marinette shiver in his arms. “I’m taking you out tomorrow, jet lag or no. You just say when and where.” 

“I was thinking maybe we could go to the zoo,” Marinette said innocently, and Juleka cackled as Luka sighed and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. 

“I like her,” Juleka said, shoving Luka’s arm. “Don’t mess it up. Although,” she began to snicker, “if you could recover from a beginning like that, maybe I shouldn’t worry.” 

Luka opened his mouth to tell her where she could shove her opinion, but Marinette grabbed his collar and jerked him down into another kiss. “Be nice,” she murmured, and then shoved him back, giggling along with Juleka at the blissful look on his face. 

So just because I constantly live in fear of people calling me on my BS, I’m gonna warn you now I’ve never been to Australia Zoo and while I did some research and studied the map well...try not to laugh at me too hard if you’ve been. It’s just background so I didn’t try that hard to differentiate it from other zoos. But Knit loves giraffes so I needed a zoo and Australia Zoo seemed like the easiest one to get Jagged to, so here we are. Happy Birthday, Knit!

Fiction Master Post | AO3 

[onomonopetabread]

Declawing the Cat - Chapter 3

(Sorry it took so long guys, between testing and homework and executive functioning, I could NOT get this done. Anyways,

“Father, do I have to go?” Adrien asked for the hundredth time.

“Of course Adrien. I refuse to go on a business trip as important as this one without you. You’re my son.”

Felix rolled his eyes. He and his mother were visiting the two bachelors (against his actual will, obviously). Everyone in the room knew the real reason why Adrien had to go; he was the face of the brand, and it was common fashion knowledge that to go to such a high-ranking event without your leading model would get you shunned and cancelled. ‘You’re my son’ EVERYONE’S arse.

It was obvious that Adrien was all too aware of this fact, because he couldn’t seem to run out of excuses for why he couldn’t go.

Well, he could also not wish to go because of how brain-numbingly boring the whole affair is, and honestly, who could blame him? This year’s Annual Pre-Junior’s Fashion Competition Assembly was being held in Sydney, and all of the biggest names in the industry were going to attend. The assembly takes place over the course of two. Entire. Months. For what, not even the attendees know. Felix swears, these designers were as mad as a bag of ferrets.

I mean, if you’re into that sort of thing, like Miss I’m-all-that Ginger Breadhouse, you’d probably be in Seventh Heaven there, but if you were, how do you say, normal, you’d sell your soul to be another else. In fact, Felix could almost bet Chat Noir’s Miraculous that Adrien would sign that demonic contract in a heartbeat if that were an option.

“But Father, what about school? I’ll miss so much instruction-”

“Natalie will tutor you, just like she did before you attended that … institution.”

“And my fencing practice? Surely, you wouldn’t want me to miss out on those.”

“Adrien, are you suggesting that they don’t have fencing areas in Sydney?”

“No, I’m just saying that fencing without Kagami wouldn’t be the same…”

“Well, you aren’t going to be fencing with her forever, so think of this as a sample for the future. Now, no more of this arguing, Adrien. You are going to the Assembly and that’s final. Have I made myself clear?”

Adrien’s shoulders slumped in defeat and for a heartbeat, Felix felt sympathetic. “Yes, Father.”

“Good, now go pack some clothes you will need for the weeks. We won’t be at the events the entire time, so I will permit you to bring some of your own wardrobe. Please remember we will be there for a long time, so pack accordingly.”

And with that, they were all dismissed. Adrien trugged upstairs looking particularly peeved. He invited Felix to come with him, and Felix agreed, but only to keep up appearances. If he knew any better, Felix would have sworn that he heard him talking to someone on the way up, but he decided to ignore it; he couldn’t be bothered to guess what weird habits his wanker of a cousin had.

Once they got to Adrien’s room, Felix sat himself down at the piano while Adrien took out a suitcase from his closet and started choosing some informal clothing for when they were just doing day-to-day activities.

“Can you believe that he’s making me go, Felix?”

“Yes, I can believe it.”

“AND we have to leave tomorrow! I won’t even get the chance to say goodbye to our friends.

“Not to worry, cousin dearest. I’ll tell them for you. Anyways, don’t look at this trip as a burden, look at it as a new opportunity. You can gather information and resources for your friend Marinette.”

Adrien’s face brightened at the mention of his friend and Felix rolled his eyes when his back was turned. He swears, all it takes to cheer him up was to be reminded that Pigtails was alive and well somewhere on the planet.

“You’re right, Felix! This way I can help her pursue her dreams! I can’t wait until we get back to tell her everything I’ve learned about the industry.”

“...Can’t you just text or call her?”

“You mean with my phone?”

“No Adrien, I mean with a plastic banana you can buy at the baby store. Yes I mean your phone!”

Adrien paused in the middle of folding a t-shirt and packing it into a suitcase. “I didn’t tell you? Father confiscated it for ‘my own good’. He thinks I spend too much time around my friends and not enough time focusing on my studies, so it’s with him for the time being.”

Well, there goes Felix’s plan to pull a quick cell prank before Adrien leaves. “Adrien Bartholomew Agreste, is that resent I hear in your voice?”

“Yes, it is. I’m tired of responsibilities and having people depend on me every second that I breathe. That’s why I wanted to go to school in the first place; it gives me eight hours of non-Agreste related freedom.”

Felix narrowed his eyes. What did this boy know about responsibilities? All he had to do was play a keyboard, wave a stick around, and look pretty for pictures. Felix couldn’t understand how a job like that could burden someone so badly.

“Goodness, Adrien. You make it sound as though Uncle asks you to carry the weight of the entire ever-loving world on your shoulders.”

Adrien sighed. “That’s just how I feel, sometimes. Anyways, I think these are all of the casual clothing Father will let me take with me. Maybe if I’m lucky, he might not see the video game I hid under them all.”

The next day was a Saturday, so Felix the delivery boy was going to have to give the mega-twits the message at a later time. Today, it was all about acting as emotional as he could for the departure of his Cousin & Co. gabriel thought it would be a good idea for Felix and his mother to stop by the mansion every once in a while to make sure everything was all right, accounted for, and in the case of the house plants, watered. This was news to Felix. He doubted his uncle was even a living being, let alone the type of person to have plants in his home. Right now, they were standing next to the family limo. Natalie and gabriel were talking to Ape Man about transportation in Australia.

“Oh, darling Adrien, I’m so sad to see you go. We only just now got here, and you’re leaving. Why must the fates keep up apart?”

“It’s alright, Aunt Amilie. We’ll be back before you even realize we’re gone.”

“We? Oh, I wasn’t talking about your father, dear. I wouldn’t mind some time away from him. Anyways, I hope you have the best time in Australia. Bring something back for me, will you? I’ve always wanted to get a real boomerang, ever since I was a young girl.”

“I’ll be sure to get you the best boomerang in the country, Aunt A. What about you Felix? Do you want me to get you anything?”

Felix, who was standing some ways behind the others, pretended to ponder it over. “Bring me a friendship bracelet.”

“...A friendship bracelet?”

“If you can’t find one it’s okay I really don’t mind-”

“No, I’ll get you a bracelet. I was only surprised because you aren’t really the type to want one.”

He’s right- there was no way on Good Green Earth would he want some dingly little arts and crafts project. There also wasn’t any way that maybe he wanted his cousin thinking about him during his trip, that he wanted to envision Adrien getting something for him. Don’t even think about considering that Felix felt bad for him, dealing with the devil himself in a new place and wanting to give him something to do. Nope. Not a chance. Felix simply thought that Adrien would look hilarious running around Australia looking for beads and twine.

“...Just make sure you make me a good one, alright?”

Adrien smiled as though he could read right into Felix’s mind, and of course he had to look completely handsome in doing so. Stupid model. They practically had the same face and somehow Felix ended up looking like the off-brand knockoff.

“Adrien, we have to go now. The plane leaves in five hours,” gabriel said, entering the car.

“Why do we need to leave so soon?”

“So that I can buy fabrics with threads, gather all of my designs, double check with Natalie that the suite is still booked for us-”

“Alright, Father. I understand. Well, bye Felix. I’ll miss you.”

With that, he entered the limousine and the four of them drove away.

“Come Felix. Let’s go check the house for anything they might have accidentally left behind. We wouldn’t want them to leave something important,” said Amilie, still a little teary-eyed over the loss of her precious little baby nephew. She couldn’t stand the idea of being away from him for so long, even though his look-alike (her own bloody son) was right in front of her. Of course, Felix wasn’t bitter! Why wouldn’t ever say such a thing?

“Yes, Mother. Would you like me to check Adrien’s room?”

“Please, dear. Oh, look at you, watching over your cousin! And to think you said you wouldn’t like him!”

It was as though his mother never met him. Couldn’t she see that he was just trying to gain some sort of upper hand against Mr. Perfect or to uncover a secret of his? On the sunny side, at least he knows his facade is effective. He was beginning to worry that someone other than Blue-Eyed Phoenix Wright would figure him out.

Felix pushed open the door of Adrien’s room and immediately began to look around and turn things over. He was being extremely careful to make sure that everything he touched was put back in the place he got it from. After looking through his closet and library, however, he was disappointed to find that Adrien was actually as innocent as he seemed (and acted). In fact, the worst thing he could find was a disturbing amount of Ladybug memoria. It was a pity, really. Felix hadn’t blackmailed anyone in a long time, and he was beginning to get antsy. He turned around and headed out.

“Adrien, is that you? I thought you said you weren’t going to come back for another two months.”

Felix did a complete 180 and faced the source of the voice, which seemed to be some sort of floating cat-thing. It looked like a deer in headlights.

“You aren’t Adrien. Wait, are you okay, you seem to be swaying-?”

The thing was right; he was feeling woozy, and it didn’t take him that long to hit the floor, having fainted. The last thing he heard was the talking cat muttering,

“Shit.”

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