#Sunshine Coast Transfers

[brisbaneluxurytransfers]

Find Out Right Coast Transfer To Move Safer At All Time

Upon arrival at the airport, both leisure and business visitors are eager to reach their destination without delay. This is where the convenience of shuttle services comes in. Companies offering airport transfers to coast transfers should ideally have a shuttle waiting for customers as they exit the arrival area. This service not only eliminates the hassle of finding a transfer at the airport but also ensures a smooth journey to their hotel.

Safer to travel:

 On the other hand, if there were no shuttle service available, it would be problematic to find one at the airport, where they would almost certainly demand astronomical prices. The majority of hotel accommodation rates do not include airport transfers, and most do not book transfers on behalf of their guests. Therefore, visitors to the Coast transfer, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, will need to make arrangements for airport transfers from the Sunshine Coast transfers to their vacation destination. Therefore, everyone planning to spend their vacation in Queensland, Australia, should be aware of this in order to avoid being forced to pay exorbitant airport transfers when they arrive.

 Conclusion:

 Travellers should look for a reputable firm that offers affordable airport transfers in addition to making hotel reservations unless they are willing to wait for an airport-provided shuttle bus and share a ride with other passengers going to the same place. Hence, it is more convenient to reach the location at the right time.

[noosalux]

Transfers From Sunshine Coast Airport To Noosa

Book your luxury transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa with NOOSA LUX. Enjoy a premium and comfortable ride with our professional and reliable service. For more information, please visit https://noosalux.com/

[roman65]

The Advantage of Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfers

When it comes to travel, convenience is key. And what better way to kick off your trip to the stunning Sunshine Coast than Brisbane Airport Transfers to Sunshine Coast? With their seamless and stylish Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast transfers, you can effortlessly glide from the hustle and bustle of the airport to the laid-back beauty of the Sunshine Coast. 

[airlinktransfers]

Airlink Transfers is the leading company offering private airport transfers sunshine coast. Going to the airport is the crucial part where you need to take maximum care of safety. We provide a private airport transfer service 24 hours a day. Call us when you need a private airport pickup.

[bradshawssugarbaby]

All-American Girl - Bradley Bradshaw x Reader

summary: Bradley's every part the doting dad to your daughter Tatum, but after talking to some of the other wives on base in your mom's group, you're worried he may be hiding his true feelings about fatherhood.

A/N: not me procrastinating and adding to my country music series instead of literally anything else on my list. here's sickeningly sweet bradley as a girl dad fluff based off All-American Girl by Carrie Underwood.

pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x wife!reader

content/warnings: sickeningly sweet fluff, Bradley as a girl dad, mentions of sexism.

word count: 1.4k

Now he's wrapped around her finger, she's the center of his whole world And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect all-American girl

Bradley groaned as he jogged up the front steps, his boots heavy against the brick as he walked up the veranda to the front door. An American flag flapped in the breeze, the pole nestled in the stand attached to the pillar on the front of the house, the mid-afternoon sun striking the front yard, basking over the dozens of plants and greenery that were planted there. Bradley kicked his boots off the moment he crossed the entryway, stacking them neatly by the door. He started unzipping his flight suit, his tanned skin slicked with sweat from the training exercises he’d completed earlier that day. He thought about the list of things he wanted to do before he settled in for the night with you - a shower was the first priority at this point. 

Peeling the olive green suit off his skin, he discarded it in the laundry hamper in the bathroom. His white t-shirt and boxers followed suit, along with the thick, military issued socks. He’d plan on washing those tonight after dinner. He padded along the hallway to the bathroom, his balls of his feet sticking to the cherry wood flooring. The cool water flowing from the shower head was a refreshing comfort compared to how warm he was earlier, he contemplated asking for a transfer to somewhere colder after today - the hot Pacific coast sun was brutal, and despite having lived in California for a few years now, Bradley hadn’t adjusted. Not that Virginia Beach had been much cooler - at least, not in the summer, but it wasn’t as consistently warm as it was on the west coast. 

As Bradley stepped out of the shower, he wrapped a plush, lavender coloured towel around his waist. Shaking his caramel coloured curls dry, he approached the vanity, reaching for the pomade - the same brand he’d been using to tame his hair since he was 14. His mom had taught him that trick - using a styling pomade to keep his curls intact, but less wild than they would be left to their own devices. Part of him wondered if he just never changed brands because it was the one she’d suggested for him, one of the last happy memories of his mother that he had clung to for the last 26 years. 

“Bradley? I’m home!” you called out from the bottom of the stairs, having seen Bradley’s vintage Ford Bronco parked in the driveway. 

“Upstairs, honey!” He yelled back, his deep voice echoing throughout the empty house. 

He quickly pulled on a pair of denim shorts and a fresh, white t-shirt, grabbing his favourite floral print button-down on his way down the stairs. He beamed at you, leaning in to give you a loving peck on the cheek. He knelt down in front of the car seat you’d placed on the floor, smiling softly at his infant daughter as she stretched and yawned, waking up from the nap she’d taken on the car ride home. 

“Good mornin’ sunshine! How’s my girl?”

Bradley held his index finger out to baby Tatum, smiling as she gripped it tightly in her hand. He began unbuckling her harness with his free hand as he spoke to her.

“Did you have a fun day with Mama? What did you do, princess? You and your mama go shopping for some new clothes, baby girl?” 

Tatum let out a happy sigh as Bradley scooped her up in his arms, holding her close to his chest. He leaned his head down to kiss her forehead, his hand moving up and down her back in soft, slow, gentle strokes as he cuddled his baby. He took a seat on the couch, leaning back slightly so Tatum could recline on his chest. He smiled up at you, waiting patiently for you to start showing off the different outfits you’d purchased for Tatum. He’d always sworn that he’d never be the type of father who’d dismiss things he wasn’t interested in - whether it was baby clothes, or ballet, baby and me classes or going for walks around the neighborhood with her - he’d always try his best to be into it. It’s how his mom described his father - always interested in anything to do with Bradley when he was little. 

You delicately sifted through the array of dresses and outfits, each garment infused with your hopes and dreams for little Tatum. With tender affection, you recounted where and when you had acquired each piece, your voice tinged with a blend of excitement and maternal pride. Tatum slumbered peacefully, her soft breaths creating a gentle rhythm against Bradley's shoulder, while you poured your heart into sharing your plans for her future attire.

As the last dress found its place, you sank onto the couch beside Bradley, seeking solace in his comforting presence. Nestling into his side, you felt the warmth of his embrace envelop you, his arm offering both physical and emotional support.

“Are you happy?” you murmured softly, a trace of uncertainty lacing your words as you chewed anxiously at your bottom lip. 

A flicker of confusion danced across Bradley's features before he met your gaze with unwavering reassurance.

“Of course I’m happy, why would you ask that?”

“It’s silly,” you sighed, a moment of vulnerability surfacing before you continued, meeting Bradley’s brown-eyed gaze as you spoke, “It’s just that…you know how I took Tatum to that mommy and me group?”

"Mhmm, every Wednesday," Bradley affirmed, his attention fully focused on you.

“Right! That one. Well…one of the moms was saying how she was so thankful her baby was a boy, because her husband wanted a boy really badly and she didn’t want him to be upset if he didn’t get what he wanted…”

Bradley's brow furrowed with concern as he gently kissed Tatum's forehead, a protective gesture that spoke volumes.

“Babe, he sounds like a dick,” Bradley interjected, shaking his head as he gently kissed Tatum’s forehead again. 

“I’m not finished yet!” You said as you held your hand up. “So anyways, she said that, and a lot of the other moms started talking and saying how their husbands were disappointed when they had girls or relieved when they had sons, and then they said how lucky I was that you were happy with a girl. The one of them said her husband pretended to be, but then he was totally different and genuinely happy when they had a boy next.” 

“And you think I’m doing that?” Bradley queried as he tilted his head to the side, looking at you. 

“Well, no, but…would you tell me if you’d wanted a son instead?”

The corner of Bradley's mouth lifted in a soft smile, his gaze softening as he met your eyes. "No," he replied emphatically, shaking his head. “Because I’ve never wanted a son instead of Tatum. Not once.”

“You haven’t?” You said as relief washed over you, Bradley's words washing away any lingering doubts.

“Not for a second. I’ve wanted Tatum from the minute you told me you were pregnant - I never really gave a shit whether she was a boy or a girl. She’s mine and that’s all I care about. It just happened to turn out that she’s the second Bradshaw girl around here to steal my heart, after her mama.”

“Really?”

“Mhmm, you know that song, the one where she says about how her daddy was praying for a boy, but got a girl instead and she was wrapped around his finger? Then she grows up and  asks her husband one day what he wants, and he says he just wants a sweet, beautiful All-American girl like his wife?”

“Yeah, I know it,” You laugh softly as Bradley begins to hum the tune of the song, singing it softly as he looks down at Tatum.

“That’s exactly how I felt when you told me you were having a girl. I just wanted a beautiful little baby who looked just like you, and that’s exactly what I got. Now I have two beautiful girls who love me more than anything, and I would move mountains for the pair of you. We could have twelve girls for all I care - I’d love every single one of them just as much as I love you.”

[fivelakesinwriting]

Six Little Harringtons (S. Harrington)

Author's Notes: This turned into more than what I had intended - Steve and his wife take the kids on their annual road trip all while taking a (somewhat painful) trip down memory lane.

Warnings: Swearing, sexual references - innuendos, mentions of grief/ death, *contains brief (personal) theories about what might happen in the final season of Stranger Things, parenting/children, pregnancy, fluff!

Requested: Nope!

*My work is not to be transferred, copied, translated or reposted to any other sites without my permission. And you do not have permission. Please see my masterlist for all other works and warnings. Thank you! xoxo

The first Summer was easy. It was just him, the wife and Junior in the station wagon heading down to the coast. A little trailer hitched to the back of the car and away they went. Sunshine, sand, more cassette tapes than anyone knew what to do with and a surfboard no one knew how to use.

Then the twins were born. Three little Harrington's smiled back at him in the rearview mirror that Summer. He was vacuuming Cheerios and Lego pieces out of the backseat until almost Christmas.

Baby number four, the Hellraiser, was a total surprise. They felt like they had finally gotten into a routine with the other three kids and then after a particularly rowdy night out, she came to him one morning and told him she was pregnant again.

Well, fuck.

They swore they were done after number four, because she had been such a handful.

"She's Hell incarnate." Steve muttered late one night after a long battle of trying to get their restless toddler to sleep.

But even as a husband and father, Steve was insatiable with the sex drive of a teenager. Which was why when she told him she was pregnant for a fifth time all he could do was laugh and pull her in for a kiss, while giving himself a silent pat on the back.

That Spring he invested in a Winnebago, cleaned it up and got it ready for the Summer. Then one blazing hot Saturday morning in July he helped load all five kids into the RV. Three boys, two girls and all the comforts of home they required to make it a smooth ride.

"Alright, Harrington's. Are we ready?" Steve smiled as he buckled the last seatbelt on the last baby seat, then ran a hand through his hair.

"Steve! Can you help me, please?" His wife called for him at the bottom of the RV steps.

"Yeah! I'm coming, honey. Stay where you are." Steve replied with a tickle to the bottom of his youngest daughter's foot before he stood up and hurried out of the RV.

"Honey, I would have brought this out. You know you're not supposed to lift anything heavy right now." He uttered as he took the cooler filled with snacks for their brood. He lifted it up into the RV, checked on the kids once more pleased to see them all snoozing peacefully in their seats and gently closed the door.

"Are we stupid for doing this?" His wife asked with her hands on her hips, looking up at him.

"Road trip with five kids? Yeah. But it's tradition." Steve smiled as he placed a soft kiss to her forehead and smoothed a hand on her growing stomach.

"Wait until the RV is full of angry teenagers, then we'll see how much you like this tradition." She laughed with a kiss to his chin.

"What are you talking about? I was a dream as a teenager." Steve scoffed before he pat her hips and made his way to the drivers side.

"I know you're lying, Harrington."

..

They only drove for about four hours that first day. Two hours, a break for a picnic and a run around in the park, and then two more hours. They ended up at a beach near their motel, but nowhere near their destination. If having five kids taught Steve anything, he knew to let them run out their energy before bed time. Especially on a road trip.

"When we started dating, did you think we'd end up here?" His wife asked as they sat on the sand and watched the kids laugh and play along the shoreline. Cartwheels, kicking a ball and playing tag. Five little best friends.

"Are you asking if when I found you abandoned on the streets of Hawkins ten years ago if I thought that we'd be married with a bunch of kids? Definitely not. I didn't think we'd make it through the night." Steve laughed softly, the grief and trauma still tangible.

They had met days after Steve returned from the Upside Down, after the loss of Eddie Munson. Hawkins was in flames, the city quickly burning to the ground. Residents were evacuating as quickly as they could, leaving all belongings behind.

Steve was swerving and speeding through the wreckage of the streets when he drove passed her home. Covered in dirt and soot, she sat on the front lawn of what was once her home. He couldn't explain his actions, but he couldn't just drive by her. He slammed on his brakes and yelled for her to get in.

She had been by his side throughout the fall of Hawkins. At first he thought they had been paired by tragedy, but as time went on he realized that life was easier when she was around.

The smell of smoke was overwhelming. Burning buildings, torched cars and inflamed foliage surrounded the once quaint town of Hawkins.

His stomach was in knots and his body was sore, but he had to keep going. He got in his car and drove as fast as the old Volvo would go, the engine rattling under the hood as he pressed the accelerator. He rounded the corner of a familiar street, ignoring a stop sign. The city was in ruins, traffic signs no longer mattered to him.

It was her (once) white denim jacket that caught his eye. A jacket covered in dirt and soot from the fires. She was sat on the front lawn of what he presumed was her home, crying. A girl no older than himself, all alone in a crumbling world.

"Get in! It's not safe here!" Steve yelled through his open window.

She asked no questions. She got up from the front lawn and ran towards the car, climbing into the passenger side.

"I'm Steve." He breathed out as he pressed the accelerator once more.

"Callie."

She had stayed at his side through the remainder of the fall of Hawkins. Held his hand as he watched his friends perish, helped him rebuild his life while they rebuilt the town.

The first boy, while nicknamed Junior due to his uncanny resemblance to Steve, was legally named Edward - Eddie - after the boy who gave his life for Hawkins. He had been born with a full head of dark hair, like Steve, and eyes like his mother. Steve didn't think he could love anyone more than Callie, until he met his son.

They had not planned on naming the rest of the kids after anyone else from the Hawkins Tragedy, but the more they thought about it, the more they wanted their friends to live on in more than just local folklore.

The twins were Ellie, affectionately called El after her namesake, and Will. Both named after the two teens that had sacrificed their lives for their friends and for Hawkins. Callie hadn't know them for as long as Steve had, but her life was equally as enriched for having known them.

The fifth was a boy, Harry, named after Steve's grandfather. Steve admittedly didn't have much of a relationship with his actual parents, but his grandfather had been a major influence in his life and when he saw his fourth child, it was like looking into his grandfather's eyes.

The fourth baby, the Hellraiser, was named Maxine, after the girl who had given Steve the most grief during those early days in Hawkins. The original hellion in his life, and the girl he would have died to protect if he could have. While the girl was still alive, she wasn't able to live her life the way she had before. He had told her he named their child after her, and Max gripped his hand and gave him a smile from her hospital bed.

"Alright, Team Harrington! Time to go to the motel and get some sleep! We've got some driving to do tomorrow." Steve called out to his children as he stood up from his spot on the sand then extended his hands to help up his pregnant wife.

They got all the kids back in their respective car seats and made their way to their motel for the night. After three bedtime stories, one about a girl named El, the kids fell asleep. Little Maxine asleep in the bed with them, her foot in Steve's back.

There once was a girl named El, who was the most powerful girl in the world..

Steve and Callie laid in the bed together facing one another while the kids snored softly in the bed and cribs surrounding the room.

"What are you thinking about?" Callie asked softly as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"You, and all of this." Steve whispered back as he gestured around the room.

"Can you believe that we're going to have our sixth baby?" She laughed.

"Oh, yeah. My plan to have a family band is pretty well complete. Just one more kid to go. She's going to be the tambourine player." Steve smirked as he placed a hand on her belly between them.

"And have you decided on a name for our tambourine player, finally?" Callie asked as she ran her thumb over his hairline.

"I've been thinking about the name Malia." Steve replied as his eyes fluttered shut, feeling her soft fingers on his face.

"I love it. Malia it will be. The last piece of our puzzle." Callie smiled before she placed a soft kiss to his scruffy chin.

"Now if Max would get her foot out of my back, everything would be perfect."

[elizaviento]

Green on the Vine — Strawberry Wine (Part 12 of ?)

(Stardew Valley — Shane/Female Farmer/OC)

This chapter is rated mostly SFW — 3452 words. Just the tiniest bit of dirty talk.

Note: :)

(FYI: Additional chapters of Green on the Vine — Strawberry Wine can be found in the Stardew Valley Fic Masterpost link in my blog description.  Or, you can click the #green on the vine strawberry wine tag in this post, within my blog, to access all additional chapters.)

*****

"Hey, man – your girlfriend just walked in," Sam said, rounding the corner as Shane slashed open the top of a cardboard box with his dulling boxcutter.

"What?" Shane pinched his brow as the younger man emerged through the gloom of the back stockroom.

"Yeah, she's talking to Morris, and she looks, I dunno, kinda pissed?"

Shane sighed, unsure if he wanted to address the girlfriend comment or wonder aloud why Morris would be talking to her. He decided on the former.

"She's not my girlfriend," he mumbled, retracting the blade of the boxcutter and shoving it in the back pocket of his uniform shorts. And, technically, she wasn't. At least, not yet. Payday loomed ahead, Friday seeming like years away instead of days, and he planned to buy the biggest, dumbest bouquet he could afford.

"Whatever you say, my man," Sam replied with a chuckle. "Anytime she's ever come here, it's to find you, so…" The younger man shrugged, a lopsided grin finishing the sentence for him. "Want me to go see what they're talking about?"

"No," Shane responded, pushing past Sam to crack the stockroom door just enough to catch sight of Kristen and Morris standing next to Claire's register. The cashier, as usual, stood glassy-eyed and nearly nodding off while the tense conversation unfolded mere feet away. Shane knew that Kristen had a hand in the store manager's transfer to Pelican Town several years prior, but the stance they displayed hinted at something a little more complicated.

"Think he's hitting on her?" Sam asked. Shane figured it was a lousy attempt at a joke, but the insinuation caused his hackles to rise, and he flushed, overwhelmed by an emotion he couldn't quite name but recognized as a mixture of protectiveness and jealousy.

"It's questionable if Morris is even human," Shane replied, eyeing the man as he loomed over Kristen. "I doubt he has the capacity to love anything other than Joja."

Sam snickered as he approached Shane and peered through the crack above his head. "I think she can take him. Wanna bet?"

Shane scoffed but couldn't deny that the mental image of the farmer socking his shitty boss in the jaw almost had him standing at half-mast. But just when he was about to turn down that hypothetical bet, his walkie-talkie crackled to life, startling him enough to slam the stockroom door closed as if he and Sam had been caught witnessing something untoward.

"Shane Davis, you're free to go to lunch. Oh, and you have a guest at the front of the store. Best not keep her waiting."

"She ain't your girlfriend, my ass," Sam laughed, clapping the shorter man on the shoulder. "Damn, can't believe Morris is actually letting you go to lunch, too."

"Yeah," Shane agreed. "Can you finish unpacking these while I'm gone?"

"No problemo, pal."

"For real this time," Shane amended, narrowing his eyes. "Morris will blame me if he comes back here and finds they aren't."

Sam nodded, well aware that their manager seemed to harbor some sort of a grudge against his co-worker. "Yeah, man. Promise."

Shane thanked him and cautiously exited the stockroom, peering left and right as if he would be ambushed by Morris or a bothersome customer at any second. Finding the coast clear, he made his way toward the front, hugging the outside wall until he reached the row of cash registers and cut across them toward Kristen from the side.

Stepping out into the noonday sunshine hand in hand with the farmer felt surreal on a level that Shane had never experienced but also more natural than he could have imagined. Despite his protests that he wasn't ashamed of the townsfolk knowing they were involved, he caught himself scanning the immediate vicinity for wandering eyes and whispering voices. Shame still had nothing to do with his misplaced caution. Well, at least not for himself. 

Shifting his eyes to the side as they strolled, Shane attempted to absorb how Kristen's hair shone like fire in the sun and how her freckles darkened ever so slightly. The sway of her hips as she walked, the chiffon of her sundress swishing around her thighs with each step. The red tinge of her lipstick and how it reminded him of lip prints on a shot glass while fat snowflakes coated cobblestones under the moonlight. 

"You look really pretty today," he said, glad that the statement sounded as normal as he rehearsed it in his mind.

"Oh… thank you."

She blushed – actually blushed – and Shane was suddenly teleported back to 7th grade, starry-eyed and cooing over the prettiest girl in class. A girl who would ultimately end up his girlfriend but would break his heart weeks later. A girl who would, despite teenage angst, remain his best friend. A girl who would honor that lifelong friendship by making him the godfather of her beloved daughter only months before she died. 

When Shane opened the door to the Saloon — holding it open for Kristen so she could enter first — he was relieved that Emily's smiling face was the only one staring back at them. This early in the day, traffic was sparse regardless, but the lack of other patrons meant he could pretend they were all alone.

"Gus is pulling your pizza from the oven now!" Emily said, fetching a couple of glasses from below the bar. "Take a seat, and I'll bring it over soon!"

Kristen made way toward their usual spot, but Shane gently tugged her toward the corner booth instead, heart fluttering when she caught his eye and smirked.

"This is cozy," she remarked, settling in on his opposite side. The plastic bag she'd been carrying crinkled as she sat it beside her, and his imagination soared with what could be inside.

"Uh — yeah," he agreed as Emily approached, sat two glasses of water down in front of them, and left without a word. Shane's eyes briefly followed the waitress until she turned and shot him a knowing wink. "Thanks for ordering the food."

The farmer stared at him for several endless seconds before replying, "Thanks for letting me hold your hand on the walk over here." Her own hand landed on his bare knee under the table, inching slightly upward, nails lightly scraping through his leg hair. Shane flinched reflexively, unprepared and never expecting such a bold move in public. "Last night was so sexy."

Shane's eyes darted toward the bar and then around the remainder of the deserted Saloon, paranoia creeping up his spine like a slithering swamp creature no human had ever laid eyes on. When he found Emily casually slicing their pizza and loading a tray with the pan and plates, he relaxed, if only slightly.

"Kriss."

"Sorry," she said, retreating her hand. Shane found himself regretting such a prudish response when the warm print of her palm cooled almost instantly. He suppressed a shiver even as he noticed the burn again spreading across her cheeks. "I guess something about you makes me feral."

The confession shot a lightning bolt straight to Shane's dick, and he felt it twitch like the fingers of a reanimated corpse in a bad zombie flick. He was momentarily speechless, still astounded that a woman like her could find anything sexy about a guy like him.

"Babe, I'm barely keeping my shit together here," he said, attempting to soothe her silly insecurities. "I'm grateful for the pizza, but uh —" he took another cursory glance at their surroundings, calculating he had just enough time to utter the filth sitting on the tip of his tongue before Emily was in earshot, "— I'd be just as happy eating your pussy for lunch."

"Oh, fuck off," she giggled, covering her face as Emily slid the tray between them.

"One supreme pizza with extra cheese and peppers!" the waitress announced, shattering the sexual tension like she was wielding a sledgehammer. 

The remainder of their time in the Saloon was spent with leisurely conversation not unlike what they'd usually shared, interspersed with Kristen bumping his foot under the table playfully, her hand finding its way back to his knee, and the occasional sexually suggestive remark that had Shane feeling slightly delirious. He couldn't recall the last time the buds of a full-fledged relationship had begun to bloom, petals unfurling slowly and then all at once, displaying proudly for all to see. Even while serotonin spiked his brain and giddiness bubbled in his chest, he knew he could just as easily fuck it all up – crush the sprouting bud under his heel and grind it into the dirt without even realizing, akin to stepping on an ant unfortunate enough to cross his path on his routine stroll to work.

"Hmm, you ready to go back?" Kristen asked. Her hand had finally sought his under the table, their fingers interlocked, merged in the invisible void between them.

"Not really. But I'm sure Morris will call me soon if I don't."

"You still coming over after?" she asked, peeking at him from below her lashes. Shane thought she looked so heart-achingly beautiful just then and wondered how he had ever managed to contain himself since he'd laid eyes on her in this very Saloon over two years ago.

"Yeah, babe." He felt breathless, as if his chest would cave in at any second, lungs deflated. He hated wondering what label to assign to her now. Hated wondering what label she'd assigned to him. They were two grown adults; it shouldn't be this complicated, right? All he knew for sure was that if he couldn't latch his mouth to the soft expanse of her inner thighs again soon, he'd implode. "Want me to bring anything?"

"Just yourself," she replied, releasing his hand so she could root around in a hidden pocket of her sundress. Shane scrambled when she tossed a wad of crinkled bills on the table, attempting to pull his worn leather wallet from the back of his shorts pocket. "Don't! I told you this was my treat. If you're up for it, you can take me out for a real date this Friday."

"Huh?" He was acutely aware of how moronic he sounded as the word left his mouth, still flustered from feeling like a freeloader.

"Harvey got me an appointment with that surgeon in Zuzu on Friday afternoon. Wanna come with? I'd rather someone drive me than take the bus."

"I have to work, Kriss," he answered, rubbing the back of his neck. For some reason, he felt ashamed. A deadbeat stock boy doesn't usually get days off when he has a little mouth to feed.

"You've been full-time at Joja for what, 3 years now? More? You have paid time off, Shane. Knowing Morris, he probably tries to guilt you into never taking it."

"Uh —" he floundered, realizing she was absolutely right and feeling even more imbecilic because of it.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you get this Friday off."

"Kriss, you can't just run in and start fighting my battles," he said, harsher than he'd intended. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes squinted the way they did when she was about to challenge him. "I'll ask him. Whatever you said earlier might still have him ruffled enough to agree."

Her gaze pitched to the side as she wrapped her fingers around a loose curl that had escaped the braid flowing down her back. Unease blanketed Shane like a shroud, all too familiar with her visual cues of distress. 

"Fine," she relented, albeit reluctantly. "But if he gives you shit, let me know, Okay? I mean it."

"Morris always gives me shit. Why are you so concerned about it now?"

His tone had shifted to sharp and accusatory while questions swirled in his mind. Why had she left Joja? And what the fuck was up with this sudden feud with Morris? She continuously dodged the subject, and Shane never felt the need to press because it wasn't his business. But now that she insisted on inserting herself in such an invasive manner, he felt he was owed an explanation. 

"I'm sorry, you're right," she yielded with a dispirited sigh. "I'm just feeling protective of you, I guess. I don't like the way he treats you."

Shane sucked a ragged breath between his teeth, the hostility slithering between his ribs swarmed away by a kaleidoscope of butterflies pummeling their tissue paper wings against his rapidly beating heart.

"It's alright." He shuffled in the booth, fidgeting while his mind scrambled to come up with something more substantial to say. "I'll put in the time and let you know."

Figuring that was an acceptable middle ground, he stood and motioned for her to follow, boldly taking her hand as soon as she was by his side despite a smattering of townsfolk who had also wandered in for lunch. He was planning to formally ask her to be his on Friday anyway, so fuck it.

❦❧🍓❦❧

"Shane, we have a truck delivery scheduled on Friday. You can't request time off at the last minute," Morris chided as Shane stood on the opposite side of his desk with a PTO request slip in hand.

"I already asked Sam if he'll cover, and he said yes. What's the problem?"

Rolling his eyes, Morris snatched the slip from Shane's hand and scanned it quickly. "You didn't provide a reason for requesting time off. That's required per Joja policy."

"Uh. A friend needs a ride to the city for an appointment. She can't drive right now," Shane answered. Morris' obvious obstinance for the sake of it was already wearing on his patience. 

"Ah, I see. Mrs. Jarret?"

"Who?" Shane asked. He was quickly transitioning from irritated to agitated.

"Oh," Morris scoffed, a smug expression replacing stern disappointment. "I guess you don't know your friend so well, after all, hmm? I meant Ms. Wynand."

"Okay…" Shane hedged, wondering where this little display was leading.

"I knew her rather well prior to my transfer. Perhaps she can tell you the tale sometime. Perhaps on Friday. Your time off request has been approved." With an exaggerated flourish, Morris signed his name to the slip, ripped off the carbon copy on the back, and handed it to Shane, a crooked grin splitting his face nearly in two. "Now get back to work."

The remainder of Shane's shift was spent scowling at cans of artificial green beans and bottles of yellow sports drink suspiciously resembling piss. One by one, he shoved them on the shelves, hardly aware of Sam skirting by occasionally with rock music blaring so loud through his headphones that he could be heard from a mile away. By 5 pm, Shane's jaw ached, and his head throbbed from grinding his teeth for hours on end, stewing over the cryptic bullshit hanging between Morris and his would-be girlfriend like a stationary pendulum. One tap and it would swing to and fro, shattering the illusion he'd caught himself in like shards of mirrored glass.

You're doing it again. You're trying to sabotage something good by assuming the worst. It's not like they fucked or something.

Determined not to let his sour mood ruin the rest of his evening, he clocked out, avoiding his co-workers, and briefly considered a stop at the Saloon for one beer. Maybe two.

You really want her to taste alcohol on your tongue when you kiss her? he thought, even as his feet itched to take the familiar path toward the Stardrop. Or would you rather get whiskey dick instead? Yeah, that'll be real fucking smooth…

Admitting to himself that he was, indeed, planning to take Kristen to bed as soon as he walked through the door, he recalculated his trajectory — a straight shot from the footbridge, through town, past the bus stop, and right into her arms.

Having something else to focus on, his previous doomsday broodings fell by the wayside, replaced by an old song he'd mainly heard through the crackling of FM radio as a teenager. The lyrics looped in his mind while visions of a girl with mocha skin and glossy raven hair pressed record on her tape deck, imprinting the song on a cassette tape that Shane would wear out over the years. A memory of that same girl donning a wedding dress, dancing to those lyrics with a handsome man on her arm and Shane smiling from the sidelines. Sometimes… sometimes, it didn't hurt to see them again, if only in his memories. Sometimes remembering them felt like coming home.

Uncharacteristically unburdened when he knocked on the farmer's front door, Shane inserted the key into the knob directly after. He figured Kristen would always chide him for knocking when he could enter at any moment, but that simply felt intrusive.

"Hi," she said, catching him off guard. She was standing just far enough from the door that it didn't smack her in the face when he opened it. He first noticed that she looked deathly pale, almost as pale as when he and Harvey had found her semi-unconscious in the kitchen just 4 days prior. Next was that both of her hands were tucked behind her back as if she were hiding something.

"Hey," he replied. Kristen took a measured step back, just enough to allow him room to close the door behind him and stand eye to eye, approximately a foot apart. "What's uh — is everything okay? You look sick."

Her eyes widened in response, her expression resembling a mix of panic-stricken and terrified, and Shane felt as if he were suddenly doused in pure adrenaline, fight or flight gripping him by the balls. Naturally, he was a fighter.

"Well, I do feel like I'm about to barf, so…" She trailed off into a giggle that sounded forced, as if someone were holding a loaded gun to her temple.

"Kriss, what the —"

Before he could finish, she flung one of her arms forward from behind her back, the soft crinkle of tissue paper reminding him of when Marnie stuffed gift baskets and bags with the useless garnish. Only now, it was delicately wrapped around a gigantic bouquet of flowers and thrust inches from his nose.

"I know this tradition is dumb and outdated," she began, voice wavering. Shane gently pressed the back of one hand against the bundle and slowly pushed it to the side so he could see her face, now splotched with red patches as a blush attempted to force its way to the surface. "But, I don't know. I think it's kind of sweet and romantic. I asked Pierre to bring his nicest one, but I didn't realize it would be so big. Sorry. But it's beautiful!"

She stopped babbling then, her eyes locked with his, still holding the bouquet toward him. Shane opened his mouth to reply but only gaped like a fish, literally stupefied.

"What's wrong? Do you hate it?" she asked, face crumpling the way Jas' did when she was two seconds from sobbing. "Oh god, it's too much, isn't it? This is pathetic."

Shane shook his head, still unable to articulate the barrage of emotions beating him senseless. He wanted to say so many things. He wanted to tell her that she was on the fringes of every thought that occupied his mind, no matter how fleeting. He wanted to tell her he never thought he could find true friendship again until she came crashing through his life like a wrecking ball. He wanted to tell her that the mere notion of losing her now or ever made his throat constrict like he'd swallowed a handful of wasps. But instead, he plucked the bouquet from her hand, tossed it on the tea table next to the door, and pulled her into a kiss. Tender yet yearning, his fingers tangled in her hair, pulling it loose from the braid as strands slipped between each digit. The farmer responded in kind, cupping the back of his neck with her good hand while the other settled on his hip. 

"Does this mean you'll be my boyfriend?" she asked teasingly when the pair finally parted. The color had returned to her face, filling in between the dusting of freckles that he loved so much, relief softening her features until her eyes appeared almost doe-like.

Boyfriend.

Instead of recoiling from the juvenile term for a romantic partner, he rolled it around in his mouth like a piece of hard candy, allowing the sweetness to coat his tongue. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all. 

"Yeah, babe," he answered, regarding her with adoration in his eyes. "I'll never understand why you chose me, but I'll be your boyfriend. I'll be whatever you want."

***** End Note: (:

[sunshinecoastprivatetransfers]

Sunshine Coast Private Transfers & Airport Transfers to Noosa

Sunshine Coast Private Transfers: Your trusted choice for reliable, pre-booked private transfers to public terminals and special events. Experience certainty and superior service. Book now or call us at +61450590281.

[pleistocene-pride]

Melanoplus bivittatus better known as the two-striped grasshopper or yellow-striped grasshopper, is a poikilothermic species of grasshopper belonging to the genus Melanoplus which is native throughout North America from southern Canada to northern mexico and from the atlantic coast to the pacific coast. They tend to inhabit grasslands, wetlands, open forest understory, crop fields, parks, lawns, and basically anywhere with fields of vegetation on which they can easily feed. Two-striped Grasshoppers are active in the daytime and perch at the top of crops and vegetation at night to rest. Once the warm sunshine raises their body temperatures, they descend and either continues feeding or move on to new plants. Nymphs and adults can move in large migratory groups to new patches of vegetation. These swarms can been seen flying high above the ground.Two striped grasshoppers are themselves eaten by spiders, mantids, other invertebrates, and various reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Reaching some 30 to 55 mm in length, two stripped grasshoppers are so named due to there pair of pale yellow stripes running along the top of the body from above the eyes to the hind tip of the wings. They also have a yellowish green coloration throughout its body due to chromoprotein and carotenoid.The rest of the body looks similar to that of most grasshopper species, with enlarged hind legs for jumping and two pairs of wings, with one set overlapping the other. Mating can last up to 10 hours as males transfer both food and sperm to the females. Said females lay around 450 eggs in the soil before winter, and nymphs hatch in the spring when temperatures begin to rise. It takes around 40 days for nymphs to reach the adult stage. Under ideal conditions a two stripped grasshopper may live upwards of 2 years.

[vazpower1]

Effortless Relocation with Vaz Power: Your Trusted Brisbane Removalists

Moving can often feel overwhelming. The process of packing, transporting, and setting up your new space comes with logistical challenges that can be stressful to manage alone. That’s where Vaz Power comes in—a team of professional removalists in Brisbane dedicated to making your move as smooth as possible. Known for our attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and reliability, Vaz Power is equipped to handle every aspect of your relocation, whether it's a local move or a complex interstate transfer.

Our removalist services cover a broad range of needs. We offer comprehensive packing options, so you can choose the level of support that suits you best. For those who prefer to leave it all to the experts, our full-service packing solution ensures that every item, from furniture to fragile valuables, is securely packed and transported. Vaz Power uses top-quality packing materials to safeguard your belongings, providing peace of mind that they’ll arrive at your new location in the same condition they left. If you’re tackling a move on your own but need a hand with packing supplies, we can also provide high-quality boxes and other essentials.

For clients who need temporary storage, Vaz Power offers safe and secure storage solutions. This is especially helpful for those making a phased move, downsizing, or temporarily relocating. We understand that storage needs can vary, so we provide flexible options that fit both short-term and long-term requirements. Our facilities are climate-controlled and monitored, ensuring the safety of your possessions while they’re under our care.

From furniture removal to customized moving solutions, Vaz Power is your reliable partner for a hassle-free move. Call us today at 1300 875 197 for a personalized quote and discover how simple moving can be with Vaz Power.

Vaz Power Removals & Storage offers reliable removalists in Brisbane, Caboolture, and West End. Our expert team specializes in interstate moves, ensuring smooth transitions from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. We provide comprehensive packing services to safeguard your belongings during transport. Whether you need residential or office removalists, we tailor our services to meet your needs. With secure removals storage options, you can rest assured that your items are safe while you settle in. Choose Vaz Power Removals & Storage for a stress-free moving experience, backed by professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction.

[noosalux]

Noosa Shuttle Sunshine Coast Airport

For convenient and reliable shuttle services from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa Lux, contact 0422 222 991. Book your transfer today!

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Something blue

by julliardskywalker For Percy, moving to Blüdhaven was supposed to be a duty—an ordeal, at best. Transferred by the Coast Guard to the city’s coastal unit, she found herself on polluted shores and grimy streets overruned with crime. The distance from her family only made things worse. But then she crossed paths with a certain police officer. Dick Grayson was committed to saving Blüdhaven. It was a lonely job. Until one day, he met a green-eyed Coast Guard officer who sparked something he’d long buried within him. A powerful threat lurks in the city’s shadows. Percy and Dick discover that sometimes the darkest places hold the greatest potential for light—and love. Words: 2317, Chapters: 1/20, Language: English Fandoms: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan, Batman - All Media Types, DCU (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: F/M Characters: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson), Nico di Angelo, Sally Jackson (Percy Jackson), Paul Blofis, Will Solace, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Jason Grace, Leo Valdez, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake (DCU), Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Jonathan Kent, Poseidon (Percy Jackson), Amphitrite (Percy Jackson), Triton (Percy Jackson), Estelle Blofis Relationships: Dick Grayson/Percy Jackson, Dick Grayson & Percy Jackson, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Clark Kent Additional Tags: Female Percy Jackson, Good Parent Poseidon (Percy Jackson), Protective Poseidon (Percy Jackson), Batfamily (DCU), Seafam!, Percy Jackson is a Mess, Percy Jackson is a Little Shit, Dick Grayson is a Ray of Sunshine, Post-Tartarus (Percy Jackson), Dick Grayson is So Done, Dick Grayson in Love, Slow Burn, Idiots in Love, no beta we die like jason via https://ift.tt/CMbJaYB

[brisbaneairporttransfers1]

Brisbane Airport Transfers

Sunshine Coast Luxury Transfers offers premium airport transfer services between Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast, providing a comfortable, reliable, and luxurious travel experience for both locals and visitors. Specialising in private, door-to-door transfers, the company ensures a smooth and relaxing journey with professional chauffeurs who prioritise punctuality, safety, and personalised service. With a fleet of high-end vehicles, Sunshine Coast Luxury Transfers accommodates a range of needs, from individual travelers to groups, making it an ideal choice for airport pickups, corporate travel, and special occasions.

Contact Details

Sunshine Coast Luxury Transfers 4 Robert St, Kunda Park QLD 4556 0451501978 Glenn Chivers

https://sunshinecoastluxurytransfers.com.au/brisbane-airport-transfers/

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[zacamadio]

Looking for a hassle-free way to get your roadworthy certificate? Our mobile inspection service comes to you!

Whether you're at home, work, or any other location, our licensed inspectors provide quick and reliable vehicle inspections on the spot.

We ensure your car meets all safety standards required by law, so you can sell, transfer, or re-register with ease. Book your Mobile Roadworthy Sunshine Coast certificate today for a seamless experience.

[obrienpainters]

Sunshine Coast's Top Painting Contractors: Why Choose O'Brien?

When it comes to transforming your home or business on the Sunshine Coast, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. Choosing the right painting contractors in Sunshine Coast is essential to ensure a high-quality finish and a smooth experience. In this blog post, we'll explore why O'Brien Painting Contractors stand out as the top choice for all your painting services in Sunshine Coast.

Why Choose O'Brien Painting Contractors?

O'Brien Painting Contractors have been serving the Sunshine Coast community for many years, building a reputation for excellence in their field. Here's why they are the preferred choice for painting services in Sunshine Coast:

Unmatched Expertise and Experience: With a team of highly skilled and experienced painters, O'Brien brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. As leading painting contractors in Sunshine Coast, they have a deep understanding of various painting techniques, surface preparation, and color selection, ensuring a flawless finish.

Comprehensive Range of Services: O'Brien offers a comprehensive range of painting services in Sunshine Coast to cater to your specific needs. Whether you require interior painting, exterior painting, commercial painting, or specialized finishes like decorative painting or wallpapering, they have the expertise to deliver exceptional results.

Commitment to Quality: O'Brien is dedicated to providing the highest quality painting services in Sunshine Coast. They use premium-grade paints and materials, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish. Their attention to detail and meticulous preparation guarantee a flawless result that will enhance the beauty and value of your property.

Customer Satisfaction: O'Brien prioritizes customer satisfaction and strives to exceed expectations. As one of the top painting contractors in Sunshine Coast, they work closely with clients to understand their vision and preferences, ensuring that the final result perfectly reflects their desired aesthetic. Their commitment to excellent customer service has earned them a loyal following on the Sunshine Coast.

Reliable and Efficient Service: O'Brien is known for their reliability and efficiency. They adhere to strict timelines, ensuring that your painting services in the Sunshine Coast project are completed on time and within budget. Their team of professionals works diligently to minimize disruption and complete the job with minimal inconvenience to you.

The Benefits of Professional Painting Services

Investing in professional painting services in Sunshine Coast can offer numerous benefits for your home or business. Here are some of the advantages:

Enhanced Property Value: A fresh coat of paint can significantly increase the value of your property. Well-maintained paintwork creates a positive impression and attracts potential buyers or tenants.

Improved Aesthetics: Professional painting can transform the appearance of your space, creating a more inviting and visually appealing environment.

Protection Against the Elements: High-quality paint acts as a protective barrier against the harsh elements, preserving the integrity of your property and preventing damage.

Increased Energy Efficiency: Certain types of paint can improve your home's energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat transfer.

Reduced Maintenance Costs: Regular painting can help prevent costly repairs and maintenance issues in the long run.

Choosing the Right Painting Contractors

When selecting painting contractors in Sunshine Coast, consider the following factors:

Experience and Reputation: Look for contractors with a proven track record and positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that the contractors are licensed and insured to protect you from any potential liabilities.

Quality of Workmanship: Request references or view samples of their previous work to assess the quality of their craftsmanship.

Customer Service: Choose a company that values customer satisfaction and is responsive to your needs.

Competitive Pricing: Obtain quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing and services.

Conclusion

If you're looking for top-notch painting contractors in Sunshine Coast, O'Brien Painting Contractors is the ideal choice. Their expertise, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service make them the preferred option for both residential and commercial projects. By choosing O'Brien, you can be confident that your property will receive a beautiful and long-lasting finish with the best painting services in Sunshine Coast.

[portugalinvestmentproperties]

Second Home in Portugal: Your Gateway to European Tranquility

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for those seeking a second home. With its beautiful landscapes, favorable climate, rich culture, and attractive real estate options, many international buyers are looking to Portugal for their dream retreat. Whether you are considering a vacation property or a long-term investment, buying a second home in Portugal can offer numerous benefits.

Why Choose Portugal for a Second Home?

Portugal is a country that offers a combination of charm, affordability, and quality of life that is hard to beat. From its stunning coastal areas to its historic cities and welcoming atmosphere, Portugal provides an exceptional environment for those seeking a second residence.

Mild Climate: Portugal enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it perfect for those wanting to escape harsh winters.

Beautiful Landscapes: The country's coastline, rolling hills, and vineyards offer breathtaking views for a second home.

Safe and Stable: Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a high standard of living.

Accessibility: Direct flights from many major cities make Portugal easily reachable for both short and long stays.

Popular Regions for a Second Home in Portugal

When considering a second home in Portugal, several regions stand out for their appeal and unique characteristics. Each offers something different depending on what you’re looking for:

Lisbon: Portugal’s vibrant capital offers a mix of urban excitement, history, and culture. It’s ideal for those who want access to world-class restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Algarve: Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and relaxed lifestyle, Algarve is a top destination for those seeking a coastal escape.

Porto: A northern city with a rich history and beautiful architecture, Porto is perfect for lovers of wine and culture.

Silver Coast: Less crowded than the Algarve, the Silver Coast offers tranquil beaches and traditional towns for a peaceful second home experience.

Benefits of Owning a Second Home in Portugal

Owning a second home in Portugal comes with multiple advantages:

Golden Visa Program: Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers residency to non-EU citizens who invest in property, providing the opportunity to travel within the Schengen Area and, after five years, apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Rental Income: If you don’t plan to live in your second home year-round, renting out the property can provide a steady income stream.

Affordability: Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal’s property market is still relatively affordable, making it an attractive investment.

Quality of Life: Portugal offers excellent healthcare, a low cost of living, and a slower pace of life, ideal for retirees or anyone looking for a serene getaway.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Before purchasing a second home in Portugal, it’s important to be aware of the legal and financial factors involved.

Property Taxes: When buying a home, you will need to pay property transfer tax (IMT) and annual property taxes (IMI). The rates can vary depending on the value of the property and its location.

Legal Representation: It is advisable to hire a local lawyer to assist with the purchase process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Financing Options: Many banks in Portugal offer mortgage options to foreign buyers. Interest rates are typically low, making it easier to finance a second home.

Insurance: Home insurance is a necessary investment, covering potential damages and giving peace of mind.

Conclusion: Making the Move

Buying a second home in Portugal is a smart decision for those looking for a blend of lifestyle, investment, and accessibility. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Lisbon, the laid-back coastal life in Algarve, or the historic charm of Porto, Portugal has something for everyone. With its favorable property market, tax incentives, and Golden Visa program, now is the perfect time to consider a second home in this picturesque country.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Portugal Investment Properties is here to guide you through the process, offering expert advice and support as you find your ideal home in Portugal.