#Super Surfboard Cross

[peachlover94]

Scrap Anime Series Idea Stockpile (Collection 1)

Here's something you might have probably not expected of me - ideas for potential new anime series both in long/continuing and short/near-OVA/ONA (Original Video Animation/Original Net Animation) form!

My question to you, is, which of the following has the most potential that would be deserving to be seen on television or online?

Hash it out in the comments below which ideas jump out at you the most and seem like they'd be fun to see.

1) Gaze Upon the Yandere Minds - In this dark josei/seinen story, Institute 47 gathers up in a massive boarding school environment ladies of the yandere type from all over the world and foist upon them one unlucky young unimpressive everyman of the dandere type whom they take an interest in. The administrators' official policy is stated not to encourage any sort of lethal violence between participants, but secretly revel in their carnage that will soon unfold. Whoever lasts the longest will get to keep the everyman named Akira for herself. Not wanting to be any woman's possession or a tool of the crooked system, Akira takes it upon himself to work through each of the ladies and see what makes them the way they are for good or even for evil. Five of these ladies, also not wanting to be pawns of Institute 47's ways, take it upon themselves to protect Akira and bring down Institute 47's wretched program from the inside.

2) Warrior Princess of the Saitamas - In this dark bishojo/josei isekai story about escaping a broken home and finding your own happily ever after, Princess Katerina of Ruritania was able to find her happily ever after with her Prince Karlos of Jerezon. But after the Undead Armies of Vanth laid waste to the two kingdoms, Katerina took it upon herself to take up a sword and shield to avenge those who have been hurt. Trying to undo Vanth's curse, Katerina is cast out of the past and into the unfamiliar future of 21st Century Saitama, Japan. A place now losing all hope and in need of a true hero to bring a happily ever after, Saitama now has on its hands a heroine looking to bring hope even when all seems lost. Starting small and realizing she has Vanth's magic within her, Katerina frees a young effeminate boy Pao Kagashima from a life of abuse and depression with his intolerant family and they try to make sense of a senseless city.

3) Underground Escape - A spotlight is shone on prostitution, human trafficking and therapy by drugs in this dark josei/seinen story about a young woman and her MTF transgender twin sister who have just been released from jail after a month inside on charges of prostitution. Released from jail and knowing they have to sell their bodies in order to support their family and get their father the drugs he needs in order to manage his trauma and psychoses, Mizuho and Natsuka decide to make a deal with a friend of theirs who is one of the last police officers trying to do actual good. The deal is the two will secretly record any interactions the two may have with certain pimps and madams suspected to be engaged in human trafficking as well as toxic drug movements and report them back to police under code names. The two siblings soon uncover a web of darkness and horror as they move to break the cycles of child poverty.

4) Valkyrie Squadron - In this epic bishojo/bishonen magical girl/boy space opera, the Black Empire of Apophis has returned to wreak havoc upon the nine planets of the Solar System as well as the four primary asteroids which are home to numerous colonies of humans, animals, plants, machines and alien life forms. The four effeminate Spartan princes of the asteroids all must leave their kingdoms to join forces with the Valkyrie princesses across the Solar System to create an elite force through which they can stop the Apophis attacks. Disguised as rather effeminate schoolboys; Spartans Ceres, Juno, Pallas and Vesta soon befriend the girls who in truth are Valkyries Helios (Sun), Hermes (Mercury), Aphrodite (Venus), Gaia (Earth), Artemis (Moon), Ares (Mars), Zeus (Jupiter), Cronus (Saturn), Caelus (Uranus), Poseidon (Neptune) and Hades (Pluto). With the powers of their arsenal, they fight back against Emperor Typhon.

5) Lone Vixen Tamaki - In this dark bishojo/bishonen drama, a troubled young trans girl who was born as Tamaki finds limited refuge from her cruel, terminally unhappy family in her few friends at school. When a Yakuza attack kills her parents and leaves her abusive siblings all in uncertain condition, one of the Yakuza agents takes pity on her and bequeaths her his sword, his gun and the money transferred from a raid on corrupt socialites to a credit card. Taking up the sword and gun to escape her destroyed home, Tamaki steals her father's car to evade the Yakuza and police determined to get her into foster families that worship conversion therapy to destroy and reforge her as the ideal man contrary to what she wants. On her journey over the Japanese islands to try and make enough for a one-way ticket out of Japan for Canada, a series of misadventures happens as she takes time to battle corruption and save new friends.

6) Revolutionary Girl Utena Reborn - In a spiritual continuation of Kunihiko Ikuhara's most groundbreaking masterpiece of shoujo, surrealist romance and magical girl drama as we first follow Anthy Himemaya as she scours the world trying to find the girl prince who truly cared about her in Utena Tenjou. On her journey, she meets a young hurting boy named Zenta who feels lost and alone in wanting the eternity of death to end his pain. Having survived her fall and gone into hiding knowing Akio may return to threaten her and Anthy again some time in the future, Utena while on the run comes across a runaway girl named Zuina trying to rescue her brother from his inner demons. Chased by various crooks and psychos wanting to possess either the kids that are tagging along with them or themselves, Anthy and Utena are on their course to reunion as they hope to break the cycle of death and heartbreak that Eternity uses.

7) Kio Kami: The Impossible Girl - The classic story of Sir James Matthew Barrie's children's novel Peter Pan gets multiple twists in this darkly comic, epic bishojo/bishonen fantasy isekai about a never-aging magical girl with extraordinary powers and a tiny dragonfly friend Gyoza Yukari who travels everywhere with her. Noticing several children including a femboy by the name of Doujin Washi in need of an escape from the horrors and humdrum of our own quite modern world, Kio and Gyoza whisk Doujin and some of his friends away to the vast paradise world of Arcadia. But terrors from both our world and Arcadia soon begin to seep across their frequent passageways - among such is the fierce yet voluptuous lady pirate Captain Quartney Sickle and the crew of her ship the Black Death. Kio and Doujin have to match wits and sword with Sickle to protect Earth, Arcadia and their inhabitants from the latter and all her beasts.

8) Recalling A Higher Ideal - In this alternate history epic drama for adult audiences, it is not Japan that joins the Axis Powers of World War II. Instead, the Axis consists of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperialist China. With their own sovereignty threatened by Yuan Shikai the Emperor of China, the Japanese imperial princess beseeches her father to renegotiate and or build trade and military alliances with Taiwan, the Southeast Asian countries and the Korean Republic to stand strong against Chinese aggression in the Pacific. In doing so, a Pan-Pacific Alliance is formed and its military fully integrated on gender and racial lines in order to stand tall. As an anthology, we follow the tests the Imperial Japanese Military must undergo if they are to be strong enough to protect and nurture the ideals they fight for even as they join the Allies of America, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union in battling the forces of tyranny.

9) The Cradles of Civilization - Inspired by disaster films such as The Poseidon Adventure or The Towering Inferno; this riveting disaster thriller for seinen and josei audiences follows the graduating class of a Japanese public high school aboard a vast solid Dyson Sphere built long in the past by Earth colonists around the white dwarf Beta Sirius. But with their star Sirius B now weakening and ready to implode and possibly destroy the Sirius Dyson Sphere, every last student of Yggdrasil Public High School has to gather the survivors of humanity in order for a last-ditch escape into space to begin. Various challenges include profiteering companies now working to undermine relief efforts for their own gain, military and civilians unprepared for a bevy of calamities, and the collapsing Dyson Sphere's natural disasters. Not every soul will be able to escape, but the students of Yggdrasil will try to save the cradles of human civilization.

10) Super Surfboard Cross - In this action-packed yet humorous josei/seinen sports story; as a result of global climate chaos, the World Surfing League (WSL) is established and makes its ultimate move to make the first ever surfboard cross racing events which get the attention of naturalists, scientists and engineers alike to create a sporting experience that will outdo the World Series of Major League Baseball and the Super Bowl of the National Football League in enthusiasm. We follow a group of competitive surfers from all walks of life as they take part in the first World Circuit of Super Surfboard Cross as they all race on many islands in surfing downhill across carefully constructed courses laden with water-bound rails, berms and jumps to perform nigh-improbable tricks and compete for the gold, silver and bronze. But can they come together to foil a psychotic team of corrupt fixers who have their eyes on the victories?

11) God Mars Re: 2999 - In this reboot of the shonen mecha drama from 1981, humanity is part of a galactic civilization in the year 2999. But young Takeru Myoujin AKA. Mars and his few friends discover the former was meant to destroy the Earth that adopted him on orders from the evil Emperor Zuul of the planet Gishin if Zuul is to conquer space. Hoping to stop the evil planet Gishin as well as to save his own life, Takeru and his friends must join the Earth Defense Forces to combine Earth and Gishin technologies to combat the Zuul invasion forces. Whenever Earth is in danger, Takeru (pilot of the robot Gaia) is able to summon the five other secretly created units to combine with Gaia to assemble the titular Six-God Combination God Mars. The five other robots are Sphinx (piloted by Namida Akagi), Uranus (piloted by Naoto Ijuin), Titan (piloted by Rose), Shin (piloted by Mika Hyuuga) and Ra (piloted by Akira Kiso).

12) Song of the Amazons - In this eclectic (both in demographics and genres) story, college-age girls Ayame, Ikumi, Umeko, Erika and Ompu by day form the pop rock band the Amazons wowing swooning fans with power anthems and love ballads to challenge a cutthroat world in which youth and virginity are commodified. By night, however, the Amazons use the magical energy they gained from their audience's enthusiasm as well as five colored diamond rings to generate powered armor out of thin air and become the Amazon Claymores. As the Amazon Claymores, they ride through the mean streets of Tokyo to battle a most fiendish assortment of criminals and monsters with limited assistance from the police. Their battles also can be of a psychological from trying to avoid fame making them entitled and snobby brats by day and by night trying to avoid turning into the absolute monsters threatening all the five fight for.

13) Promise You Won't Forget Me - This dark josei/seinen story opens with the shocking and heartbreaking suicide of one Zenjin Mushou, the classmate and crush of Ichiko Yumori. In her search for answers, Ichiko turns to all the social media presences and materials Zenjin left for her over the 7 CDs he recorded telling why he killed himself including a spherical die through which she is able to venture into the digital worlds and back. Meeting with Zenjin's few online friends and completing the quests he left unfinished, Ichiko pieces together the main reasons for and inciting events leading up to his suicide and the deaths of his social media presences before he could rebuild himself. Both online and in the real world, Ichiko unravels the cultures of abuse, intolerance, assault, and pain that broke her boyfriend's heart. With her friends also getting involved and wanting revenge, Ichiko must remember Zenjin and save someone else.

[jordosprout]

I Need To Know TBB Headcanons (S3 SPOILERS POSSIBLE PLEASE BE WARRY)

What do you think the batch spends their time doing on Pabu? What occupies their time now that they are retired? I have only pieces of ideas but I have been tryna find some other folks thoughts. But to get er' rollin' I'll share my ideas.

Wrecker

• He's definitely a community man from what we saw so

- Maybe he babysits

-Maybe he helps fish like we saw in the past

- Or perhaps he carries heavy equipment for repairs/building

Hunter

- Maybe he helps figure out the best fishing spot for every passing day

- Maybe he builds boats or surfboards? Definitely got old surfer vibes from him at the end of Bad Batch (I am so sorry but I could not get Barbie's dad(?) from that one surfer movie out of my head)

Crosshair

• Cross was the hardest to figure out for me due to how little of what he is skilled at outside of being a soldier. But once I thought about it I couldn't stop LMAO

- I think for a long time he struggles with figuring out what he wants to do now that he's free to be whoever he wants to be. He's used being told what to do, and now that he doesn't have someone controlling him he's having a difficult time adjusting. He probably asks Hunter to give him tasks frequently, and after a while he's given the task of taking care of himself. Learning what he wants.

- I definitely imagine him trying multiple things such as: fishing, farming, all the good stuff

- I see him landing on something creatively driven like tattoos and painting. But I do think it takes a lot of time and soul searching before he gets to that point.

- Probably really distant for awhile, he wants to be around the others but feels he doesn't deserve it

- Reluctant on getting a prosthetic, I can see him choosing not to have one

Omega

• Omega wasn't too difficult for me, seeing what she ends up going off to do at the end of the last episode.

- After using pieces of the Marauder to fix up her own ship with Phee (and Tech depending on your thoughts on it), I see her convincing Phee (again, and Tech depending on your opinion) to give her flight lessons.

- She practices the Tech Turn often, doing her best to perfect it. (If you think Tech should stay dead then let's say she does this late at night on her own and has gotten in trouble for it a plethora of times. She can never quite do it as he does. But if you're like me and he lives, then of course he'll help teach her.)

- Omega probably sneaks off a lot, wanting to explore her new home

- Then I think she eventually gets into contact with Herra, and that she's the one who convinces her to become a rebel pilot

Tech

• In my perfect Bad Batch, Tech is alive. He will always be here in my mind; even if I'll have to mourn him as a character in canon alive and well.

- Tech spends much of his time recording and noting down the things he learns about the new island he lives on. Likely going off with Omega.

- I think Tech and Phee try a relationship at one point or another, maybe they decide to break up, maybe they're together for the long run. His calm nature mixing with her unpredictable one perhaps. She helps him feel more comfortable with himself, and he reminds her she doesn't need to change her stories to make them enjoyable. I think he'd love hearing about the artifacts she brings to Pabu. But it's possible their personalities don't mix well. We didn't get to see as much of their relationship on screen as I would have liked. (Came to rewrite this a bit. Was worried with how I wrote it didn't come across as I wanted)

- Tech probably has his own repair shop, or maybe he creates his own inventions.

More Group Stuff

- Definitely live together at least for a long while

- I think Hunter would get into a relationship before anyone else, then Wrecker getting into one kinda on accident? He'd be super oblivious and go on dates without realizing that's what they are. I think Cross n Tech would be last if they were to get into relationships (personally I see them on the aromantic spectrum, specifically Tech being demi and Cross being recip-romantic or Grey-romantic)

- They do a lot of stuff together, swimming, getting tattoos from Cross, therapy, family dinner all the lovely stuff

And I Think That's All I Got

Thanks for letting me ramble in your feed :)

[pin-crusher2000]

1 Favorite DC duos (can be both from actual comics and your stuff)

2 Favorite Dc relationships (Once again can be from both comics and your stuff)

3: What are some of the your biggest inspirations for this universe

4: what does each characters swim suit look like

5: Have they ever had a pool party, if so how disastrous did it go (I presume Jake kept doing cannonballs and splashing everyone)

6: If they were all to wear onesies what would each characters look like

7: Whats each characters favorite superhero place (like the watchtower, or themyscera, or fortress of solitude) (This question might not make sense so you can just skip it)

8: do any of the team members have pets, and does the entire team have like a group pet

9: If each character were deserted on a desert island what would the one thing they bring be (I’m fully aware that half the characters could fly/swim/run off it but we’ll ignore that fact)

10: Have any of the characters ever been on other teams?

1: super sons, Wonder Twins (jake and Robert) and timkon, plus Solar Sons (Jake and Jon Kent)

2: Clois (Clark x Lois) dickkory (dick x Kory) Jon Kent x Kathy Branden, speeddemon (Damian x Irey) and Kon x Cassie sandsmark

3: definitely my buddy @paladin-of-nerd-fandom65 who inspired me to create Earth-66, he made me a Jake Grayson fan and a dickkory fan too ;) shout out to you buddy!

4:

Jake: blue swim trunks

Robert: red swim trunks with a star on the front and back

Mar’i: purple or pink one piece

Lian: red one piece

Irey: yellow bikini with lighting bolts

Jai: orange swim trunks with those flowers on em (white)

Cerdian: sky blue trunks with sharks on them.

5: yup lol at the titans tower, pretty solid except:

Jake keep splashing everyone by pushing water and cannonballing

And

Cerdian decide for the sillies to slide down those tube slides you see at water parks on the outside and went over 3-4 bumps crotch first, moaning with each hit and his eyes crossed, and he also peed himself due to that. (Don’t worry he’s ok, just sore XD)

6:

Jake: blue cat

Mar’i: pink cat

Robert: red dinosaur

Lian: yellow cat

Irey: purple cat (canon)

Jai: orange dog

Cerdian: blue shark

7: all of them like the titans tower and the watch tower

The girls love themyscria (plus Robert)

The boys like the batcave

8:

Jake/mar’i: Haley (three legged puppy dick has in comics)

Robert: magical wolf cub name spot (or was it hunters I forget lol)

Cerdian: pet shark name finy

9:

Jake: tent

Mar’i: marshmallows

Robert: surfboard

Lian: a book that’s called: how to build a raft

Irey: soccer ball

Jai: handheld game system XD

Cerdian: trident for fishing

10:

Hmmmm

They are honorable members for (new) Young Justice,

They also team up with their parents and uncles/siblings titans and the justice league when they have to.

Thanks for the questions @ireywestnumber1fan

Let me know if you got more! :D

Next time just do at least 6 if you want each members “answers” lol

[azelleannenavarro]

Summertime Gala’s: Top 3 Beaches in the Philippines to Beat the Heat!

Feeling hot? Feeling like showing your beautiful curves in front of different people? (We’re all for body positivity here!) In this article, we will dive and swim the information of the beautiful beaches here in the Philippines that is budget-friendly as well as hassle-free for first-time travelers. Whether you are a student or a first-time traveler who wants to try exploring this summer, you will never go wrong in this article as we will dive into pure white sand and scenic waterview while being affordable! So grab your iced teas, settle in, and immerse yourself with these beautiful beaches! Isla Verde, Batangas

“Center of the center”. This is how Smithsonian Institute described the place in 2007 because of its rich marine biodiversity. Situated between Batangas and Puerto Galera on Mindoro in the Philippines, Isla Verde Tropical Friendly Resort is situated on a small island in the Verde Island Passage. The travel from Manila to Batangas takes approximately an hour and a half. From there, it's a quick ride to Tabangao where you have to catch a bangka to cross the strait. Many visit this island from all over the world to scuba dive the nearby reefs because of the Verde Island Passage's famous marine life diversity. This resort is conveniently located near the Declared Marine Park's edge, making it simple to snorkel among the fish and corals that are shallower. Sample Itinerary: 04:30 am – ETD Manila 06:30 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal, P157 06:40 am – Tricycle to Tabangao Port, P75 (P300/4pax) 07:20 am – Board MB Super Mario, P10 08:40 am – Boat to Isla Verde, P120 10:00 am – Mahabang Buhangin, early lunch, environmental fee: P30 11:00 am – Island-hopping, P375 (P1500/4pax) 02:00 pm – Boat back to mainland, P625 (P2500/4pax) 03:00 pm – Ride jeepney to Batangas City, P50 04:00 pm – Ride jeepney to Grand Terminal, P12 04:30 pm – Bus back to Manila, P157

Anilao Beaches in Mabini, Batangas

The barangay (small administrative district) of Anilao, located in the Mabini municipality of Batangas, is known as the Philippine birthplace of scuba diving. Due to its colorful underwater environment, it is one of the most well-liked short weekend getaway destinations for tourists, especially diving lovers. It is located roughly 90 kilometers from Manila City. It's regarded by many expert divers as a haven for underwater macro photography and a stunning rainbow of vibrant and unusual  species. Anilao is home to more than 20 recognized diving sites, including Devil's Point, Layag-Layag, Kirby's Rock, Koala, Bethlehem, Arthur's Rock, Twin Rocks, Ligpo Island, and The Cathedral. Additionally, the Verde Island Passage—which is known as the "Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World"—is very close by.

Crystal Beach, San Narciso Zambales

San Narciso, Zambales is home to the Crystal Beach Resort. The village named after San Antonio serves as the starting point for the Anawangin and Nagsasa coves. In addition to camping, bonfires, surfing instruction, and occasionally beach parties during events, the resort also offers surfboard rentals.

[jaredx]

BASICS

Name: Jared Mathéo Taylor

Nicknames: Jar, JT

Gender and Pronouns: Cismale, He/Him

Birthday: 2nd February 1994

Sexual/Romantic Orientation: Bisexual

Occupation: Owner of Surf's Up

Residence: Seabrook Quarter

Family: Brother of @keolalagaaia and @ninaxgray, son of Veronica Taylor and Adrien Moreau.

@aurorabayaesthetic

ABOUT

Jared was the result of a sordid love affair that occured over the summer of 1993. His father had come over to the States on a gap year, and had ended up crossing paths with his mother whilst perusing Aurora Bay as a last stop. It was a crazy romance that ended with his return to Marseille, France, and her pregnant with a baby boy.

Jared didn't grow up knowing much of his father, he'd receive postcards and letters, but Adrien had only ever visited a handful of times. The last being when he was just ten years old. It wasn't until he was older and able to gain his own income, that he was able to seek out his father in France and rekindle their connection. However, it was a long journey to get to that.

Jared wasn't the smartest kid in school, and took on the role as a typical jock. He was more interested in American Football than adding numbers or finding out about history of the world. He had the outlook that he didn't need to know that stuff when he'd be playing in the Super Bowl.

He was considered an 'asshole' in high school, except he had the armor of being one of the school's top athletes for it to be allowed to slide. He never intentionally meant to come across that way, but he was sarcastic in nature and a joker at times, he never wanted to take life too seriously and would openly act frivolous around those stressing about grades and exams, and being unable to relate.

When he was on the field, he'd be often on the hood of his car smoking a joint, or out on the beach, surfing the waves. If he had to pick, his love of the water came before his love of the game. Although, as it was reminded to him by his peers, a surfboard wouldn't get him into college, unless he wanted to become a labelled professional - which, in his eyes, would have taken all the fun out of it for him. He didn't want his escape to become a chore.

At home, Jared always felt overlooked by his mother. Perhaps, it was due to her lifestyle and the excessive amount of children coming and going all the time. But he rarely stayed in the house, unless it was a requirement, to watch his siblings, etcerea. He was very protective of them though, and would often try and act like a second father sometimes, rather than an annoying brother. He'd always look out for them, and make sure their needs were met, and that they were never overlooked.

Somehow, he got through high school (with the help of some more intelligent and driven kids) and was able to earn himself a scholarship to UC, Berkeley to play for the California Golden Bears. There was no way he'd be going anywhere on his just average grades.

He decided to major in the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program, because nothing else even remotely interested him. It was through this that he learned basically that he could make himself a lot of money, with very little effort - if he played the game right.

His dreams of playing in the Super Bowl started to fade, and American Football became more of a past time, as he became invested in learning about what he could business and management-related. Jared Taylor, CEO, had a nice ring to it.

He invited his father to his graduation, but he never attended - neither did his mother, and he likes to believe that perhaps she was busy or simply forgetful, having her hands full with his siblings. Although, he often thinks about how he'd marked it on the family calendar, drawing circles around the date in red biro.

Jared returned to Aurora Bay, and couldn't bare to live back in that overcrowded house with his mother and siblings. He got himself a job through a Graduate scheme over Culver City, California, and saved up enough to be able to buy a rundown house in Seabrook Quarter, Aurora Bay. He slowly started to gut the place and do it up himself, very slowly, with every paycheck going on something new each month for the house.

Eventually, when he was settled, he noticed the old Surf Shack had gone up for sale. He so desperately wanted to get back into his surfing, and wondered if it was time to put his business degree to use. After much deliberation, he purchased the building and rebranded it as Surf's Up.

He's a fairly laid back owner, and he trusts those he hires to do their jobs, but also come to him with any issues. He sees his employees as family and nothing less, he'd fight to the death for them as he would his own siblings.

CONNECTIONS

brother to @keolalagaaia & @ninaxgray

roommate to tba

best friend to @heyits-asher & @luckylewis

mutual annoyance to @lorelailewis

enemy and business rival to @aeris-flores

[vaaaaaiolet]

This summer, you're a swimming instructor. The cute lifeguard that rescued you from drowning in the deep end of the pool last week invites you out for a romp on the beach and you end up getting a little in your head.

Lucky for you, Leon's a dab hand at his job. Especially for you, even if he's off duty.

f / m, fluff, romance, body image issues, banter, tw: eating issues, reader is awkward and body conscious :( but leon is a sweetheart and a TOTAL flirt, slight?? afab nsfw

a/n: title from "my fun" by suki waterhouse! i'm finally reaching the end of my manic writing streak, and since summer's in full swing, you all better know that you look STUNNING no matter what!! your incredible support means the world to me <3

find more drabbles in my collection: sketches for my sweetheart the drunk!

word count: 662 // read on ao3

Can’t do it, nope.

You skitter back under the shade of an umbrella blooming on the beach. The water’s beautiful today. Incessant little waves lap at your feet, coaxing you into the turquoise coast. 

The sinking feeling in your stomach outweighs any of its appeal.

He spots you on his way back from his truck. You’re swaddled in a towel big enough for the both of you, buried in a book that you find super interesting (once you turn it right side up), and just as you get into the nitty gritty of how to win friends and influence people, your reading gets swiped up from right under your nose. “Hey!” 

Leon blinks innocently, twisting his wrist to read the cover, “You’re into this kinda stuff?”

“It’s how I’m so winning,” you cross your arms over your stomach, whatareyousaying?, “and influential. To people.”

“To people.” He repeats.

“Uh huh.”

Way to go. If the cute lifeguard didn’t think you were weird for asking if he knew how to swim, he’s definitely going to think you’re weird now. What kind of swimming instructor doesn’t swim at the beach?

And as you think you’ve screwed it all up with the only cute guy who’s asked you out all summer, Leon just chuckles, hunkering down on the sand next to you. “You’re influential, I’ll give you that. Maybe I’ll put my swimming off until later too.”

So Leon saves you again, like he did at the deep end of the pool last week.

“Toss me something from the cooler?” he asks.

He shucks off his shirt, revealing a set of well-earned abs. Jesus, they ripple, they’re waves. You’d happily take a surfboard to his six-pack. 

Sadly, you settle for handing him a Coke instead.  

“Is something the matter?” he asks after a bit. Leon almost sounds shy, his cheeks a sunkissed pink to match as he sips.

You shake your head no as winningly as possible.

“Are you sick? Cramping?” Oh, he’s a sweetheart, “‘Cause we can go anywhere you want. I just thought since you teach swimming…” His fingers inch towards your towel-covered thigh. 

“Seriously,” you laugh, “it’s not a big deal, you go swim.”

“Really? Cause I’m thinking the pretty girl I finally convinced to go to the beach with me is going to run the other way the minute I turn my back.”

Your face sears with heat as you open your mouth and nothing comes out. 

“Kidding, I swear. Wanna make sure you’re okay.”

You wrap the towel a little tighter around your stomach, and Leon’s brow pinches. “What’s that all about?”

“Just not feeling like I look my best,” you admit, glancing over to the picnic basket you brought along, “It’s just for today, I don’t like how I look and maybe I should go easier on the food-” 

“Absolutely not.” 

The sharp pitch of his voice snaps your eyes back up as he plucks a nectarine out of the basket and slips it into your hand. He won’t take no for an answer – did he see how shaky your legs were at the pool this morning? 

“You spent all day chasing your swimming class around; you need energy to kick my ass at Chicken like you promised, remember?”

“Come on, it’s not that serious. I just missed breakfast.” You’re mumbling now, sounding not at all influential or winning, “I had enough energy for today’s lesson anyway.”

“You’ll lose your boobs.” Leon shrugs, sinking his teeth into another nectarine before you smack him on the shoulder. A scandalized gasp tears out your throat as he laughs.

“That’s a stretch!”

“I don’t make the rules. Eat. Land or water, you’re gorgeous both ways.”

And there he was again, doing what he does best. The sinking feeling lifts with each bite you take of the fruit, and just maybe, you might not have messed this all up.

“Attagirl.”

You meet Leon’s grin with an idiotic one of your own. “Charmer.”

“Pretty girl.”

fun fact: i once got flirted with like leon does to reader at the end but that guy did it much worse and it was a total ick 💀 lowkey i might not keep this up either AHGHG

click for my full drabble collection, and find more of my work here!

comments and reblogs are very much appreciated <3 take care!

[theboardroomsurfshow]

The Legendary 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker: Miki Dora's Iconic ...

SURFBOARD AUCTIONS

"Sneak Peek: 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker - Miki Dora's Legendary Surfboard Up For Auction!"

- Rare 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker surfboard for auction

- Unique collaboration logo between Dean Edwards and Miki Dora

- Miki Dora's surfboard made in 1980s

- Miki Dora's excitement about Jeffrey's Bay and characteristic poses

- Miki Dora was labeled as the angry young man of surfing.

- Miki Dora opposed surfing's commercialism while actively participating in Hollywood surf-themed movies and advertising.

- Miki Dora's mystique grew as he traveled and faced incarceration in the 1980s.

- Rare surfboard linked to Miki Dora

---------------------------------

Detailed Summary for [The Legendary 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker: Miki Dora's Iconic Surfboard](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crgzPHeyi6E) by [Merlin](https://merlin.foyer.work/)

"Sneak Peek: 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker - Miki Dora's Legendary Surfboard Up For Auction!"

Rare 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker surfboard for auction - Hand-shaped by Robbie Dick for Miki Dora at Natural Progression shop - Eight feet 10 inches long, square tail, purple bottom, light blue pin line

Unique collaboration logo between Dean Edwards and Miki Dora - Logo rich with symbolism, representing Dora's life experiences and outlook - Symbolism includes a black cat fleeing from rats and a seemingly endless procession of rats chasing the black cat through space

Miki Dora's surfboard made in 1980s - This surfboard was shaped by Robbie Dick, starting in 1968 during the Wilken days. - The board was likely made at the Natural Progression Santa Monica factory in the 1980s, with a specific code number and signature on the bottom.

Miki Dora's excitement about Jeffrey's Bay and characteristic poses - Dora expressed excitement about Jeffrey's Bay and struck characteristic poses, which was his modus operandi. - The logo for the board was designed by Dean Edwards, and it seemed to channel some of Dora's 50s boards, resembling an 80s version of the Malibu chip.

Miki Dora was labeled as the angry young man of surfing. - Dora left Natural Progression in 1985 to pursue other goals. - He expressed discontent with the influx of inexperienced surfers at Malibu.

Miki Dora opposed surfing's commercialism while actively participating in Hollywood surf-themed movies and advertising. - Dora worked as an extra or stunt double in surf-themed Hollywood movies like Gidget, Beach Party, and Ride the Wild Surf. - He promoted his signature Greg Noll surfboards through full-page magazine ads, including a controversial ad in 1966 and 67 with him crucified on a cross made out of two surfboards.

Miki Dora's mystique grew as he traveled and faced incarceration in the 1980s. - Dora traveled constantly, spending much time in France and South Africa. - He was incarcerated for most of 1982 and featured in a cover story titled 'Endless Summer' in 1983.

Rare surfboard linked to Miki Dora - 1985 Natural Progression Super Tanker surfboard handshaped by Robbie Dick for Miki Dora - Custom logo designed by Miki Dora himself, making it extremely rare and unique

[dream-meister-translations]

DREAM MEISTER & THE RECOLLECTED BLACK FAIRY

ELMA CHARACTER CARD - MOON PATH #1

━

After striking a pose and waiting for a second, the sound of the shutter clicking echoes.

ELMA : This is an impressive camera! It's the latest model straight from Reckord! The photos look so vibrant, don't they? 

EMMA : Yeah, it looks like the shots turned out well. 

ELMA : Alright, next, let's strike a pose like this!

EMMA : Sure! Is there anything else I can do to help?

ELMA : You, Emma? Hmm...I think I've got a good idea.

EMMA : Well, let's hear it! 

ELMA : Hehe~♪ It's simple! Photo-shoot time!

EMMA : Photo-shoot time...? 

ELMA : Yep! You know when someone says, "I got a cute girlfriend or boyfriend thanks to surfing!"? We can put that in the brochure. And it might boost the number of surfers! 

EMMA : You really think so?

ELMA : Absolutely! It's super effective! Plus, it's a sport, so it improves your figure too, right? You can totally get a lover while having fun surfing, it's a win-win situation! 

ELMA : If this encourages people to start surfing, wouldn't that be awesome!? 

EMMA : I see...

EMMA : (He wants to take couples' photos, huh...Well, it could be great for promoting the Passionate Ocean guild.)

ELMA : Okay, let's do it one more time! Put on a killer smile! 

EMMA : Alright. 

ELMA : Ahaha! Come on, Emma. Come closer! We're supposed to be a couple, you know!

EMMA : Yeah...Right.

ELMA : Ooh~ This one's so good too! Haha, these photos are looking awesome! Now, how about we go into the ocean for a shot? I'll get the surfboard and some tea so we can take a break before we start. While I do that, make sure you warm up!

EMMA : Sure, got it! 

Elma leaves with a cheerful grin plastered across his face. His steps full of energy and excitement. I wish I could say I was feeling the same...But my nerves are getting the best of me.

EMMA : (...Maybe after warming up, I should swim a bit to distract myself.)

After finishing my warm-up routine, I take a quick swim in the ocean. It's quickly approaching dusk, and the setting sun is reflected on the water, gleaming beautifully.

EMMA : Ah, this is so nice.

EMMA : (Swimming in the sea like this...I couldn't have imagined doing this before, but it's become natural since getting involved with the Passionate Ocean guild.)

EMMA : (For Elma and the others, I really do need to work hard on this PR campaign.)

As I look back to the beach, I notice that I'm farther from the shore than I realized.

EMMA : (I should head back soon...)

With that thought in mind, I start swimming toward the shore. However...

EMMA : (...Huh?)

EMMA : (I'm not getting any closer to the shore. In fact, I seem to be drifting further and further away!)

Horrifying thoughts crossed my mind. The worst case scenario playing over and over in my head. Panicking, I flail my arms in a desperate attempt to swim faster.

EMMA : Ah...!

A sudden large and powerful wave rushes over my head, plunging me into darkness. Sea water fills my mouth, making it difficult to breathe. All I can do is writhe and gasp for air. As my consciousness fades, in the distance, I thought I heard Elma scream.

[surfing-skating-with-g]

my surf trip to bali.

I left Phuket on the 6th of July to take my flight to Bali, Indonesia for my holiday which took an unexpected turn. I took my flight to Bali Indonesia for my first ever surf trip and as I arrived and left the airport, I was found flabbergasted as the first problem I encountered was the rental car. I was worried that the rental car was not big enough to fit a surfboard in the trunk (the car is a Honda havenza). We made our way to the house we rented at Canggu close to the beach, the house was beautiful mansion with a koi pond at the entrance with stepping stones to cross it as you entered. 

 The first day I was surfing an Almerick short board that I had rented for the day, I had been getting used to it for most of the day but just as sunset hit I clicked in and hit some steezy tricks in the water. After the sun had set, I paddled in towards the shore being super stoked with the session I had just finished. I came into shore and collapsed on the sand exhausted, and I still had to walk home. I stumbled my way into the outdoor bath connected to my room and had a nice long hot bath, it felt superb after beaning in the 19* water for the entire day. I made my way to the dining table and gazed upon the feast I was bound to have, a massive meal prepared by the private chef that came with the villa. He had cooked a big pot of paradelle bolognaise, as I shredded through the plate of food exhausted after my day of surf I finished and made my wat to the bed where I crumbled on impact and was knocked out. 

The next couple of day I surfed at the same spot but after a week and a half I decided to rent another house in Padang Padang just before they held the wsl surfing contest. Having already bought 2 new surfboards I had already taken time to get used to them so as soon as I hit the water and paddled out to the reef, I was confident in my ability to surf these big barrelling waves and as I paddled to catch the first wave. Sonner than I knew it was time for me to catch my flight back to Phuket and I can say that it was a successful three-week trip to Bali. 

[a-edgar-allan-hoe]

The Last Chthonian

Bucky x Reader, Sam x Reader, Zemo x Reader

Part 1

Author’s Note: Had this idea living in my head rent free so hopefully I don’t butcher it.

Summary: Imagine being Hekate, the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, the night and the moon, doorways and crossroads, creatures of the night, and ghosts and necromancy. You stumbled upon Earth many centuries ago and since then have resided on the foreign planet. During the recent years you created an alias for yourself to hide your true identity, and after the war against Thanos you chose to live out your days in the Scottish countryside, until a certain trio appear at your doorstep one day.

Warnings: language

Part 1 , Part 2

“So, where are we going again?” Bucky asked Sam, confusion written on his face as he leaned back in the front passenger seat of the car.

“You’ll find out. We’ll be there soon.” Sam answered, his eyes glued to the road and hands gripping the wheel.

“But we’ve been driving in the middle of nowhere for an hour now.” Bucky fussed while staring at the never ending green grass that passed by, clearly irritated with Sam’s lack of details.

“I too would like to know where we are going.” Zemo spoke up only to add to Sam’s annoyance.

“YOU don’t get to ask questions.” Sam glared at Zemo through the rear view mirror before staring back at the road. He was starting to get fed up with their questions and lack of patience.

The three men had been driving with their windows down for what felt like hours through the Scottish countryside, watching the green highlands pass by. Though they admired the beauty of the landscape, they were extremely anxious to stretch their legs and get to their unknown destination. Not to mention, they were starting to get a little hungry as well.

“Are we there yet?” Bucky broke the silence after some time.

“We get there when we get there.” Sam snapped, his knuckles turning white from gripping the wheel a bit too hard. He was really looking forward to getting out of the car and away from those two.

After a short while they neared a small seaside village. The place was not that busy, save for the few locals and fishermen going about the cloudy day.

Sam drove on a little further before finally reaching a quaint stone cottage that sat on a hill at the edge of town, overlooking the ocean. He pulled up next to the 60s convertible cream colored Volkswagen Beetle that had a surfboard tied on the roof, parked next to the cottage. Sam took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out, stretching his legs as the others followed suit.

Sam smiled to himself as he walked up the path leading to the front door and glanced upon the flower garden and the decorations out front. He knew for sure this was your place. The other two quietly followed behind while looking around the residence, from the neatly kept garden and the vines that crawled along the house, to the fishing equipment hung up on the side, down to the handmade birdhouses and the wind chimes and sun-catchers that clinked melodically against the ocean breeze, including the collection of garden gnomes. The place reminded the men something straight out of Jane Austen’s novels, not that they’d like to admit they knew such a thing.

Sam stopped at the front door before turning to the others with a pointed finger. “Now whatever you do, don’t stare.”

“Wait what?” Bucky scrunched his nose.

“Just don’t.”

Sam paused for a moment, thinking of how to explain this situation to you before tapping on the wooden door. No answer. Sam could feel Bucky glaring at the back of his head, ready to scold him about how this was a big waste of time. So he knocked again, this time calling out if any one was home.

Before Bucky could open his mouth there was rustling coming from inside and the sound of someone knocking into furniture before a faint “ow” and “fuck” of a woman’s voice made Bucky and Zemo glance questioningly at each other. Where the hell did Sam lead them to?

The locks on the door were fumbled with before opening up to reveal your head poking out from behind.

“Sam?” You breathed out. You were slightly out of breath and your hair was disheveled with strands falling out of your bun at the front from under your silk scarf. The sleeves of your button up blouse were rolled up at your elbows, revealing your dirt covered arms. You were working on your vegetable garden in the back before you were interrupted by your unexpected visitors.

Bucky stood behind Sam and couldn’t help but widen his eyes when he saw you. He only met you a few times during the threat of Thanos and before, but the interactions he had with you were very brief. All he knew was that you were a good friend of the Avengers, especially Thor, Clint, Nat, Wanda, Tony and Steve and now apparently Sam. But after Thanos was defeated you disappeared and nothing was heard of you since.

Zemo glanced out from behind Bucky and tried to remain hidden behind the super soldier once he recognized your face. You weren’t exactly an Avenger and you weren’t on Earth when he tore the Avengers apart, you were helping Thor at the time and little to everyone’s knowledge, you were also defending your planet against an inside threat. But you had heard of him through your friends, and though you hadn’t met him, Zemo knew you would strangle him once you spotted him.

“Hey y/n.” Sam smiled at you, calling you by your alias name. He knew who you were through Steve, but even then, he didn’t know everything about you and about the recent events that took place in your home planet that still devastated you.

“What the hell are you doing here?” You asked with a mixture of surprise and annoyance, wiping your hands on your apron. There was a reason you chose to live all the way out here, and though you gave Sam your new address, you didn’t expect him to bring company.

“I came to see how you were doing?”

“Bullshit.” You scowled, crossing your arms over your chest. “If you wanted to check up on me you wouldn’t have brought someone.”

Sam opened his mouth to speak but decided against it, refused to meet your stern eyes and looking down at the ground instead with his hands in his pockets. He often forgot how well you were able to read people, almost as if you were telepathic. Little to his knowing, you were in fact a telepath but decided against telling him. You’ve known people who became uncomfortable when finding that detail about you and noticed how they tried to avoid you, constantly guarding their thoughts when around. If only they knew you never bothered to do such a thing because you respected their privacy and because you’ve seen things in people’s heads you wished to forget. You’ve only ever used your telepathy when it was absolutely necessary. Straightening up, you finally took a better look at the other man behind him and instantly recognized him as Bucky.

“Barnes?”

“Hi y/n.” Bucky smiled shyly at you as he looked into your eyes. And that’s when he noticed for the first time that your eyes were different from when he last saw you. Your irises were now a shade of purples and blues with flecks of gold that spread out, a reflection of the stars and the universe. So that’s what Sam meant when he said to not stare. But could you have just been wearing contacts? Bucky’s stare was cut short as Sam noticed, glaring at him and clearing his throat before elbowing him in the stomach.

Suddenly, there came the sound of a little girls squeals coming from inside your home, startling the men except for Sam. And before they knew it, a small girl in overalls who looked to be of 6 years of age sprinted through your legs and out the door. “Uncle Sam!”

“Oof! Athena wait!” You gasped against the impact as you tried to reach for her.

“Hey hey little Athena!” Sam smiled as he picked the excited girl up into his arms before setting her on his hip. “How’s my favorite little warrior?”

“I’m helping Mommy with the garden! See!” She squealed in delight before showing off her dirty hands.

“I can see that.” Sam chuckled. “Looks like you’ve been working hard.”

“God, I’m so sorry Sam. She’s covered in dirt.” You tried to apologize with an embarrassed face.

“Hey no worries.” Sam smiled at you. “Some dirt is not gonna kill me.”

“Mommy who’s this?” Athena questioned as she looked at the man next to Sam.

You looked at Bucky and gave him a look that questioned what name he would prefer, to which he nodded and mouthed Bucky to you.

“That’s Bucky sweetie.”

“Hi Bucky! I’m Athena!” She stuck her tiny hand out to for him to shake, a big grin plastered on her face from meeting new people.

“It’s very nice to meet you Athena.” Bucky smiled as he gently shook her hand, making her giggle.

The scene made you smile to yourself as you pushed a strand of your hair behind your ears. Maybe it wasn’t so bad that Sam and Bucky decided to pay a visit.

“Mommy who’s the man in the back?”

The man in the back? You looked to Sam and James with a raised brow before craning your neck to see who the third guest could be, only to tense up and clutch the door frame, forcing yourself to not go over there right now and throw him off a cliff.

“What the hell is he doing here?” You glared daggers at Zemo as he watched you with caution, before you turned to Sam.

“I can explain.” Sam tightened his jaw as he saw your expression.

“Athena, sweetie.” You turned to your daughter with a gentle smile. “I want you to go up to your room and clean up okay?”

“Okay mommy.” Athena looked back at you with a worried look as Sam set her down.

You caressed her head as she walked in, watching her go up the stairs and waiting for the sound of her bedroom door to close and her shower to turn on before shutting the front door behind you.

“Are you out of your goddamn minds?” You glared at the two, trying to not yell, your fists balling up in anger. “What in the three hells is going on?”

“Look y/n. He might be of some use.” Sam tried to explain.

“So you broke him out of prison?!”

“Well technically he got himself out.” Bucky rubbed the back of his neck. He was starting to think that this wasn’t such a good idea and felt guilty for coming here.

“Oh? So what? He magically decides to join your little boy band? The Wakandans are after his ass in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Look I get it. Working with Zemo sounds like a terrible idea and you have every right to be upset. We just need a place to lay low for now. Just...hear us out.” Sam responded with a pleading look.

You stood there with a hand on your hip, squeezing your eyes shut while you pinched the bridge of your nose, not even caring that you still had dirt on your hands.

“Please y/n.” Bucky spoke up, making you look up at him. “Sam wouldn’t come here if he didn’t know what he was doing.”

You looked between the two, rubbing your chin in contemplation as you thought everything over. Bucky was right. Sam would never try to purposely put you in harm’s way.

“Fine.” You breathed out. “You can stay for the night. But you are going to tell me everything. Every last detail.”

“I promise.” Sam looked to you as he placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

“Well come on then. Get in.” You nodded your head towards the door as you opened it, letting Bucky and Sam in before putting yourself in front of Zemo and blocking him with a threatening look while speaking in a cold tone. “I swear to the gods, if you so much as try anything, I will bury you alive in my backyard and use you as fertilizer to grow fungi.”

“Y/n what the fuck.” You heard Sam utter from inside.

Zemo gave you a bewildered look and decided to keep quiet as you stepped aside to let him in, watching him closely as he went in. You stuck your head outside again, looking around for any bystanders and making sure the men were preoccupied before muttering something in Ancient Greek, waving your hand around and moving your fingers in specific gestures as a clear glass like film covered the area around your home for protection. You did another once over before going back in and closing the front door, readying yourself for the conversation you would have with Sam and Bucky.

[collecting-stories]

Hey lovely! I absolutely adored your Lovesick fic! Would you be able to do a prompt with 34, 47 & 85 with like super flirty JJ. And they have only known each other a short while🥰

Partying with tourons wasn’t unheard of. In fact, it wasn’t even unusual. The Outer Banks were swarming with families on vacation from the beginning of May until the bitter end of summer and all those new comers usually blended into the local life, going to parties or on dates or just generally hanging out. That was the category you had fallen into. Here for two weeks, fourteen days. You’d met JJ on your first day, out at the beach with your little sister while your parents went for lunch, trying not to be conspicuous as you openly ogled him.

In your defense, he was incredibly attractive, even more so having just come out of the water, surfboard under his arm as he stopped to talk to a friend. A friend who definitely noticed you watching because they nudged JJ and pointed you out, all while you turned as quickly away from him as humanly possible. Maybe your sister could be convinced to bury you in the sand.

“I saw that,” he called, completely unbothered when other people looked over to see who he was talking to. You didn’t look, too mortified to confirm that he was definitely talking to you. “You just checked me out!”

It didn’t matter that you refused to meet his eyes that day, JJ somehow managed to become a permanent fixture of your temporary vacation. Your time in the Outer Banks was always limited and, while that fact alone kept you from trying anything with JJ, it didn’t stop either of you from flirting.

And tonight, on your last night before packing up to return to your normal life, you had snuck out to a bonfire that the pogues were hosting at the boneyard, spotting JJ in the crowd almost immediately.

“Hey,” you swiped his cup from his hand, taking a long sip of the cheap beer that he and Pope had set up. He was sitting, legs spread, in one of the old camp chairs John B had set up around the fire and you took a seat on his lap without warning, ignoring the girl next to him who had very clearly been flirting when you walked up.

It wasn’t your place to feel territorial but this was your last night before driving home and you weren’t going to miss a golden opportunity because someone else had his attention first.

“Hey yourself,” he greeted, tongue darting out to wet his lips. “Glad you could make it.”

John B had suggested that he just get it over with and hook up with you but JJ liked the game the two of you were playing too much to cut it off. You’d been dropping hints back and forth for two weeks, seeing which one of you would give in first. Would you go home and tell your friends all about the boy from the Outer Banks?

“And miss my last obx party?” You asked.

“Here I thought you came down just to see me.” He replied. JJ wrapped his hand around your wrist, bringing the cup you were still holding up to his lips so he could take a sip without taking it from you.

“A little bit of both.”

The party lulled into something more of a lazy hang out, some people moving on but most just hanging around in groups of their own, smoking and drinking, standing around the bonfire to keep warm. You stayed on JJ’s lap for the duration, both of you in a bubble that no one else existed inside of. Whispering to each other, leaned in close, JJ’s arm around your waist and one of yours around his neck. When you’d finished his beer and the cup had inevitably fallen to the ground, you and had taken JJ’s free hand in yours, fingers tangling together as you talked.

It wasn’t until you pulled yourself a little closer to him, bare arm curling under the hood of his jacket, that JJ finally seemed to be aware of anything besides you. The temperature had gone down and the bonfire was slowly dying.

“Stand up,” he urged, shifting his knee just enough to jostle you.

Your grip tightened, “uh why?”

“Just stand up.”

“I’m not moving,” you replied, “your lap is comfortable.”

JJ pulled his hand away from yours, laying his warm hand over your bare thigh, “yeah and you’re turning into a ice pop, stand up.”

“How is standing up going to help me?” You asked, as you reluctantly untangled your body from his, stepping away. You crossed your arms, hunching your shoulders as if you could keep yourself warm that way. JJ, meanwhile, pulled his hoodie over his head, passing it to you.

“Here, take my jacket.” He offered, watching as you took the beloved hoodie from him and pulled it over your head.

You felt like your entire self was being engulfed in JJ. The hoodie smelled like the fire and the weed he always smoked and a little like whatever kind of cologne he had borrowed from Pope. A little minty maybe, you weren’t sure. But it was warm and soft and something comfortable settled in your stomach wishing that every night of every summer could be this way.

“Hey,” you chided gently, noticing his eyes on you, “I saw that, you just checked me out.”

“Yeah, so what if I did?” JJ joked, leaning back in his chair and trying to act nonchalant about it.

You smiled, falling back into his lap and wrapping your arms around his neck, leaning in close to him. “I leave tomorrow after breakfast,” you reminded him, “so...are you gonna do something about it or just check me out all night?”

[inthedayswhenlandswerefew]

Callbacks & Cannoli Cake

Requested by: The wonderful Wignony! (“If I haven't missed the cut off, could I request an imagine with Joe and reader? Something sickeningly sweet and romantic, maybe along the lines of a proposal/ wedding day/ honeymoon?”)

Summary: Joe got good news at work, but tonight you’ll have something even better to celebrate. 

Warnings: Language, literal sugary sweetness, a tiny bit of angst (I’m sorry, you know me, I couldn’t help it! 😂).

Word Count: 1.5k.

You’re reading the text for the fifth time when he walks through the front door. I GOT THE PART!!! See yo fine ass at 6:15 ;)

“Hey, firefly!” Joe calls brightly, racing into the kitchen and linking his arms around your waist from behind, kissing the back of your neck with loud, comedic smacks as you giggle and try not to massacre the icing you’ve been painstakingly smoothing with a spatula. He’s called you that since your first date, a picnic in Grand Hope Park that was supposed to just be lunch and turned into drinks, tapas, dinner, and ice cream for dessert as fireflies crept out of their shelters and freckled the sky with their harmless, inborn lightning.

“Joe, babe, stop, please stop, I’m going to ruin the cake—”

Joe gasps, spying it for the first time. “A cannoli cake? You made me a cannoli cake?!”

You lift up the heavy glass cake plate and gingerly show him, wearing a sheepish smile. “I thought we should celebrate. There’s lasagna in the oven, it’ll be done in twenty minutes.”

“So we get to eat the cake first.”

You laugh, ferrying the cannoli cake to the kitchen table as Joe picks up the spatula and licks it like a lollipop, moaning orgasmicly, mascarpone frosting peppered with miniature chocolate chips dotting his nose and chin. “Tonight, Mr. Mazzello, you get everything you want.”

Today was his third callback for the part, a co-starring role of the protagonist’s best friend in a romantic comedy directed by Richard Curtis. And while you are firmly of the belief that Joe is more than worthy of lead roles—especially in romantic comedies, a genre in which he has been criminally underutilized—you know he’s thrilled to have landed it. Rebel Wilson, Colin Firth, and Zendaya are involved in the project as well, and filming will take place mostly in the gorgeous island paradise of Turks and Caicos. Which means that Joe will soon be jetting off to the Caribbean for months on end, leaving you here in Los Angeles to tend your bakery and catch up on your reading list and snuggle with the cats and try not to grow bitter about the fact that most people don’t have to give up their significant others for vast, volatile stretches of the year, most people don’t constantly feel like they’re battling to keep a surfboard level over waves of impermanence. And that’s what you’re really trying to do tonight: not just celebrate Joe’s accomplishments, not just make him happy, but to make sure he doesn’t notice the sadness around your eyes, the mournful slump in the set of your shoulders.

But as he sits down at the table and cuts two messy, hulking slices of cannoli cake and gives you the bigger one, Joe does notice something. His dark eyes catch on you and narrow. His brow furrows in concern. “What’s up, firefly?”

“Nothing,” you reply, slipping into the chair beside him, running your fingers through his hair and forcing a smile. “I’m so proud of you, Joe. And I know you’ll love it. I just...you know.” You take an unenthusiastic bite of cake and shrug, apologetic, feeling childish and selfish and ridiculous. “I’ll miss you.”

“Aww, I know, firefly. I’ll miss you too. But we’ll talk all the time, we’ll text and call and I’ll comment heart-eyes emojis on all your Instagram posts, and you can take a few long weekends to come visit me...and we can FaceTime so I can say hi to the cats and our beloved apartment!”

“Our apartment,” you murmur; because it doesn’t feel much like both of yours. You’ve only shared it for three months, and Joe has easily been out of town for two of them. And although you have no right at all to be disenchanted with an arrangement that you knowingly signed up for, you can’t help but fear that it all has an inescapable aura of transience, that one day Joe won’t come back home at all, and that the apartment won’t even feel that different without him in it; like he’s a comet that comes with the decades, a passing marvel that you can see but never own.

Joe reaches out and takes your free hand, the one not holding your fork. “Hey,” he says softly. “I know. Believe me, I know.”

“I’m not mad, I’m really not, I want you to have this. I know it’s what brings you happiness, I know it’s what you’re brilliant at, I just...I guess I just wish this all felt a little more permanent.”

That seems to surprise him. “What, like, you and me being permanent?”

“Yeah.” You take another bite of cannoli cake. It’s good. It’s really freaking good, actually. Joe’s massive slice is gone already; he cuts another, peering uncertainly over at you. He still doesn’t appear to get it. “What I mean is that I feel like you’re never here long enough for the apartment to start feeling like ours. You’re more like a guest. Petunia and Iris might think you’re just my hot friend who occasionally sleeps over and takes bubble baths with me.”

“I don’t think cats have a particularly deep understanding of commitment anyway.”

You laugh, mostly to break the gravity. This is the precise opposite of how you wanted this night to go. “Never mind, I’m being dumb. Forget it.” You smile again, as convincingly as you can. The scent of lasagna now fills the small kitchen; the orange-pink light of the sunset pours in through the open windows. “Enjoy Turks and Caicos. Make a hilarious movie. Slurp down your weight in daiquiris served in coconut shells. And try not to get too sunburned, I want to be able to touch you when I fly down to visit. We don’t need a repeat of Miami, lobster boy.”  

Joe sets down his fork, crosses his arms over his chest, and grins at you thoughtfully, craftily.

“Uh oh. What?”

“Well, you see, it’s interesting that you brought up this whole permanence thing.”

You shake your head. “Joe, really, I don’t want to make tonight about me. I just want to celebrate. Can we do that?”

“Oh, we’re still celebrating, firefly. But I have one more thing to tell you about.”

“It better not be another cat. That’s really not the solution to this problem. Is it another cat? Jesus christ, if your mother is trying to get us to adopt another one of her rescue cats, I’m going to fucking scream—”

“It’s not a cat.”

“Then what is it?”

“Well,” Joe begins, grinning broadly now. “I guess it’s less of something I have to tell you and more of something I have to ask you.”

“...Ask me...what...?”

His hand slides into the pocket of his Hawaiian cargo shorts—not his best look, if you’re being totally honest about it—where for the first time you notice the faint outline of a tiny square. He takes out the ring box and sets it down between you on the table. Your fork tumbles out of your grasp and hits the floor, splattering frosting and cake crumbs. An ecstatic gasp rips from between your teeth. Your hands fly up to cover your mouth.

“No way...”

“Yes way.” Joe gestures to the box. “I don’t know what continent I’m going to be on six months from now. I don’t know how often I’ll find myself home in our apartment. I don’t know how great of a cat dad I am. But I know that I want you with me every step of the way. So, if you’re down to make this thing permanent, and to bake me cannoli cakes for the remainder of my earthly existence, I’d like for you to marry me. I’d love for you to marry me, actually. And if you need some time to think it over before giving me an answer, I completely understand—”

You rush out of your chair and into his shocked but welcoming arms, almost knocking him out of his seat as you climb into his lap, laughing, crying, kissing him as tears stream down your cheeks. “I don’t need time. I’m saying yes. Right here, right now, Mr. Mazzello.”

“You don’t even want to see the ring first?” he teases.  

“Nope. I’m in no matter what it looks like. I swear on our neglected feline daughters’ lives.”

“Oh thank god, because my bank account is super sparse until this new gig starts paying and it’s a literal Ring Pop.”

Joe’s joking, of course; he’s joking almost all the time, which is one of the innumerable things you love about him. But you really don’t care what the ring looks like. You care about what it means, about the promise it holds, about the peace it gives you to carry around like armor against all the uncertainties of the world.

And Joe whispers, beaming: “Now, future Mrs. Mazzello, I really do have everything I want.”

[gayger]

"Summer in Konoha was ending and it was ending fast. With the end of that came the beginning of the end of Sakura's journey in high school. While it wasn't too rambunctious or anything of the sort, Sakura did have one regret: a high school sweet-heart. She didn't get to experience that all encompassing adoration being shown in the school halls, being yelled at by teachers for showing pda, or even the awkwardness of a first kiss. A part of her longed for that feeling - for that experience.

Those thoughts penetrated her mind as her eyes bore outside of her window, over at the open water of the ocean. Sighing, she dares to look away for a second and to her journal on her desk.

'Sakura's Dream Book!'

She smiles softly. She definitely got to cross off some of those dreams, though she wasn't sure they were the ones that she found of importance now.

Knock, knock!

"Sakura! Hey, Sakura!"

Sakura sighs, looking over at her window where one of her best friends was waiting outside patiently, perched up on the old oak tree that was beside her bedroom window.

Making her way over to him, she scowls at him slightly. Why couldn't the blond just knock on the front door like a normal person? Opening the window, big and honest blue eyes stared into hers excitedly.

"Did you forget? We're going to the beach today!" He shouts, a grin on his face. Taking in his tan sleeveless top and neon orange swim-trunks, she could only smile good naturedly. She forgot how much he was looking forward to this.

"I didn't forget, you're just early," she says as she shakes her head. "Go back down the tree and I'll get ready." Sakura pauses before she turns away, giving him a serious and dangerous look. "And Naruto?"

He gulps slightly, knowing what she was probably going to say. "Yes, Sakura-chan?"

"Don't even think about peeking or you are dead meat." She smiles sweetly, flexing her knuckles slightly. Naruto nods quickly, repeating a mantra of "Of course, anything for you - not that I was going to peek because that would be creepy!" And other things of that sort.

Eventually he had made his way down and she could hear a few of her other friends yell "Watch it!" and "Don't fall, you idiot!"

She laughs softly before getting ready.

Her highschool life may not have been everything she had hoped or wanted, but at the very least she had gotten through it with some of the best people.

~ ` ~ ` ~

"Mom! I'm heading out with some friends, we're going to the beach!" Sakura shouts, opening the front door and not stepping out until she hears her mothers resounding "Okay, be careful!"

"It's about time, forehead," snarks her other best friend. Sakura's eyebrow twitches, but she ignores the pretty blonde's snarky remark anyway. "Are we all ready to go?" She asks, a smile on her face as she adjusts her bag. It isn't like the walk is very far, it's pretty much just across the street so if they did forget something, her house was just right there. Pretty convenient if she's honest.

As they start walking, Sakura can't help but notice that a little ways down the street there was a movers vehicle in front of a big house.

"Hey! Someones moving into old man Madara's house!" Shouted Naruto, apparently spotting the same thing that she did. "Yeah, I guess so," Sakura hums out. She wonders if they were family members of Madara's or if it was simply sold. He passed away about a year or so ago, so it has been vacant for awhile now. Whoever it was, she hoped that they enjoyed living there. It was a beautiful house, Sakura had to admit.

While she was gawking at the house, her other best friend, Ino, let out a squeal.

Plugging one ear with her finger, Sakura gives her a look. "What the hell, Ino-pig?"

"Oh, come on. You aren't telling me that that super perceptive eye of yours didn't notice the really cute guy over there?" Ino swoons, "I hope he's single." Sakura rolls her eyes, but decides to take a look at who she could only assume Ino is talking about. It was just her luck that when she did, he decided to look over in their direction as well.

Her heart pounds and her cheeks flush slightly when he smirks at her and winks. "Ino, oh my god.. He saw me look - I'm screwed!" Sakura whispers quickly, pointedly looking away. The blonde could only laugh at her friend's predicament. It was just like Sakura to be put in a situation like that.

"I don't understand what the big deal is," Naruto says with a confused look. "I mean, he's super pale and his hair looks like a duck's ass."

"Nice one, Naruto," Kiba snorts, high-fiving him.

Feeling pretty embarrassed, Sakura just quickly starts walking towards the beach again - to their usual spot. Ino gave one last look in the mysterious and handsome boys direction before following her. "Hey, wait up!"

The two boys were left to follow once they were done laughing.

"So, why couldn't Hinata come?" Sakura asks as she lays out her beach towel next to Ino's. The blonde sat down, digging through her bag while answering, "Her father said that they were having family coming into town. She probably won't be able to hang out with us for awhile, from the sound of it."

Sakura juts out her lip slightly, "That sucks. She's really good at keeping Naruto calm."

"Yeah, I know - but, hey," Ino grins, "You've got me. I'm sure we can handle these two morons on our own for awhile." Both teens laugh, stretching their legs out as they applied sunscreen.

Off in the distance, Sakura noticed Naruto and Kiba going ahead into the water with no hint of sunscreen at all. She shakes her head, willing herself to not think about the atrocious sunburn both boys would be sporting later on today.

"Can you believe we are going to be seniors this year?" Ino says off-handedly, moving her blonde bangs away and behind her ear. "I feel like it was just yesterday that we were in middle school fawning over the band Akatsuki."

Sakura nods in agreement, "I know. It's honestly crazy but.." She trails off, a troubled look on her face as she recalls her journal. "I feel like it all went too fast. I didn't cover nearly all of the bases that I wanted to."

"You mean from your journal?" Ino questioned, looking at Sakura in interest. "What was left unchecked? I'm pretty sure you made it your mission to have everything done and dealt with. I mean, you have been the top of our class and our student body leader practically every year."

Sakura's cheeks turn slightly red as she looks away from Ino, hurriedly standing up. "It's.. Just stupid stuff, you wouldn't understand!" She says quickly, trying to exit the question. She practically runs to the water, Ino following after her trying to protest the abrupt end to their conversation.

As soon as the cool water reached across her feet, Sakura let out a soft sigh. She slowly walks out deeper until she's about knee deep, letting her head fall back as she relishes in the feeling of the cool water. Sakura loves the ocean. It was her calm, it was her escape. She can't count how many times she came out here just to wade in the water whenever she was troubled.

Off in the distance, Sakura could see Naruto on his surfboard riding the waves. The guy was a total goofball, but she had to admit that he was one of the best surfers at their high school. He genuinely enjoyed it. It was the only thing (other than the lovely Hinata) that he would give 100% his focus.

"Hey, Forehead. You can't just take off like that," Ino shouts with a scowl on her face as she finished tying her long hair into a bun on top. "Why wouldn't I understand anyway? We've had many of the same experiences, I don't think there is much that I have done that you haven't."

"You would be surprised, but even so.." Sakura sticks out her tongue at her, "You will never know."

"Fine!" Ino pouts, "Be like that."

Sakura laughs, shaking her head and Ino joins in. She really was her best friend.

~ ` ~ ` ~

A few hours later, the four teens are all sprawled out on their beach towels laughing.

"I can't believe you wiped out just right after you were boasting about how you are the best," Kiba howls.

Naruto scowls, shaking his fist at Kiba in protest. "Hey! It happens - you wiped out way more than I did today, anyway dog-breath!" But even with the name calling, he too cracked a grin.

Sakura only watched with a fond smile on her lips. She looks up at the sky, noting that it would be dinner time soon.

"We should probably get going soon," She hums out. She lived just across the road, but she knew that Ino lived quite a walk away and she didn't want her walking in the dark. She knows that Naruto lives a block away from her and would walk her home if it did get dark, but Sakura would rather be safe than sorry.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm beat!" Ino yawns, covering her mouth in the process. Despite all of the sunscreen she plastered on, the blonde was still beyond burnt. Sakura could only imagine the horrified look on her friend's face when she looked in the mirror later.

"But, but-" Naruto pouts, hanging his head. "We've barely seen each other the last few days."

"Hey, Naruto, look at me." Sakura sighed, shaking her head fondly. "How about we all have a sleepover tomorrow night, okay? Then we can all spend plenty of time together."

He immediately perked up, but Kiba rubbed at his hair some in thought. "I wish I could, but Akamaru is going to the vet tomorrow. He's going to need me all night." Naruto gives him a disbelieving look but Kiba quickly waves his hands. "Don't give me that look! You know how much of a baby he is."

"Well, whatever the case may be.. I will be there and I'm sure Shikamaru and Ten Ten would be down to go, too. Ten Ten especially, she was really upset that she hasn't been able to spend so much time with us because of college and her job."

"Sounds like a plan, then." Sakura says, clapping her hands.

Heading towards the sidewalk, Sakura slings her bag over her shoulder. She's chatting away with Ino when she hears him.

"Hey."

Ino nudges her slightly, shutting the pinkette up for a moment and pointing in the direction of the voice. "Is he talking to me or you?" She asks, softly, before putting on a big and flirtatious smile.

"Hey yourself, I'm Ino," she introduces herself while holding out her hand.

The black eyes of the boy from down the street doesn't even spare Ino a glance, instead focusing on Sakura's own emerald orbs.

"I was hoping I'd catch you, I'm Sasuke." He introduces himself, giving her a small smirk and offering up his hand. Ino huffs but looks Sakura over and notices her red face. Sighing, she nudges her in the small of her back trying to get the pink haired teen back on track from her short circuit.

"I'm, uh, Sakura." She finally says, lamely, while holding out her hand. He takes it and she goes to shake, but instead he bows down and brings her knuckles up.. And he presses a small, light kiss.

Sakura could have fainted and Ino picked the worst time to pat her on the shoulder, "Well Saks, I'm gonna go ahead and head home. Text me, okay?" Before the blonde bounds off, waving cheerily.

Sakura retracts her hand, trying to regain focus, not even registering that her friend left her.

"Well," Sasuke pauses watching her face as he spoke, "I was hoping that I could maybe get your number and perhaps an agreement to meet me tomorrow?" Sakura couldn't believe her ears. For once, in her life, a cute guy was asking her and not Ino or hell, even her asking him.

"Uh, um.. Sure," she says as she pulls out her phone. She fumbles with it slightly nearly dropping it which draws a laugh from him as he effortlessly pulls his own phone from his pocket. She was starting to feel bad for all of the times Hinata has gotten nervous or messed up in front of Naruto or anyone, really. "Here," she says as she hands him her phone and his in return. They place their numbers in and once done, he gives her a cool smile.

"Alright then, I will talk to you later, Sa-ku-ra."

"R..Right," she says softly as she waves bye and he turns to leave. After he's long gone, she just stands there kind of dumbly. She couldn't believe that really happened but her mother opened the door to their house and shouted "Sakura, stop standing there like a dumbass and get inside!"

Snapping out of it, she immediately crosses the street to enter the house.

"Why were you just standing out there?" Her mother asks, shutting the door behind her. Sakura smiled sheepishly, tightening her hold on her bag.

"I was talking to someone and I was just lost in thought. No biggie, really."

"Talking to someone?" Her mother questions and Sakura nods, starting to head up the stairs.

"Yeah! But it was no one important, honest!"

Mrs. Haruno was unconvinced but let her go up the stairs. She was sure she would be able to get some information from Ino if needed.

Plopping down on her bed, her bag on the floor, she lets out a sigh. That really just happened. Pulling her phone up to her face, she notices that she has two messages. One from Ino and the other… from him.

Her face slightly pink, she opens up the one from her friend first.

From: Miss Piggy

Subject: Duckbutt

To: Billboard

Girl, you better tell me all of

the deets! Not a single bit of

information left out (6 p.m.)

Sakura snorts at the subject line. She figured that the comment Naruto made will not be forgotten anytime soon - especially since he was right, to a degree. Quickly, she writes out a response before opening the message from Sasuke.

From: Sasuke Uchiha

Subject: Meeting

To: Sakura

How about tomorrow at the ice

-cream parlor up the street at 1?

(6:10 p.m.)

Sakura thinks to herself quietly, trying to map out a time-line for tomorrow. She knows tomorrow that it is the sleepover which means most of them will be coming around 4 or 5, but she also knows that Ino likes to get a head start above everyone else which means she could pop in at any time.. This was tricky, but maybe she could time it just right. Besides, it's just for ice cream. It's not like they are going to be there for hours.

Quickly, she types out "Sure! Sounds great :)".

She deletes the smiley face a couple of times, but at some point she accidentally sent the message while it was on there. Innerly she cursed herself, but what could she do? It already sent.

"Honey?" Sakura's father knocks on the door, opening it up. He was finally home and Sakura couldn't help but smile as she stood up from her bed. "Dinner is ready, come eat."

"Coming!" Sakura says cheerily, meeting her father to walk down the stairs.

Her father worked in the oil field, so he was only home one or two weeks out of a month. So family dinners were precious to her heart. She just wished he was home more, but she understood why he chose that field. While it wasn't reliable, it paid pretty decently. It paid the bills and allowed them some luxuries. One of those being Sakura's growing college fund. It is because of this that Sakura felt a little more pressured to make sure she succeeded and did something worthwhile. She didn't want all of his hard earned money to go to waste.

She just hoped it wouldn't be for nothing.

~ ` ~ ` ~

Sakura knew what she was expecting to see when she woke up in the morning. The very same view that greets her every morning: her ceiling with her stars and solar system stickers. Instead, she got bright blue eyes staring her in her soul and a cage made from blonde hair. Accompanied by a headache, of course, because why would Ino do anything quietly?

"Get your lazy ass up, forehead!" Ino yells, hands on her hips as she pulls back from her face.

Sakura groans, rolling around onto her side and stuffing her pillow onto her head. "Go away."

Ino tsks and the only thing running through Sakura's head is shit. Ino grabs a hold of her foot and yanks as hard as she could, dumping Sakura on the floor by her bed. Sakura glares up at the blonde, scowling. She was having a good dream.

"Damn, it is never this hard to get you up. You're usually up before sunrise to watch it," Ino mumbles out. Sakura blushes, shaking her head. Ino didn't need to know that she stayed up practically all night with anxiety as an obnoxious bubble in her chest.

"Sorry," Sakura mumbles nonchalantly while her eyes look for her clock. Her eyes widen when she realizes it says 12 p.m. Hurriedly, she scrambles up, panic clear on her face.

"Woah there, what has got you so eager to get up all of a sudden?" Ino questions, eyebrow raised as she watches the pinkette hurry to her closet and pull out outfit after outfit. Then it clicked. "Oh. My. God!" She squeals before enveloping Sakura into a tight hug. "You're going to meet him aren't you?! That's why you were acting all weird last night when I was trying to see when I could come over!"

Sakura's face is bright red and she taps her arms to get her to let go. "Fine, yes. We are supposed to meet at the ice cream parlor at 1."

"Then there is no time to waste! Here, let me help!"

~ ` ~ ` ~

It took a matter of 30 minutes, but Sakura was well on her way down to the ice cream parlor. She didn't want to run because she could just hear Ino griping in her head about how her 'perfect' work would be absolutely ruined. Nervously, Sakura tucks a loose strand behind her ear. The parlor comes into view and she quickens her steps, grateful that she opted for simple sandals that fit her comfortably instead of Ino's bright idea which was heels. Her feet would be killing her, she is not like Ino who could dead-sprint in stilettos.

She could see him outside of the parlor, leaning against the wall. His eyes catch hers and her heartbeat quickens as her cheeks flush. Sakura stops in front of him and he gives her a small smile.

"Hey," he says and Sakura's genius murmurs a quiet, "Hi."

Sakura looks anywhere but him for the simple reason she felt very self conscious, but it all stopped momentarily when he offers her his hand and he leads her inside the parlor.

"What kind of icecream do you like?" He asks her as they approach the cashier to order. Sakura hums, thinking, and she smiles before answering: "chocolate as of right now."

Sasuke laughs quietly, "As of right now?" He questions and looks at her amusedly.

"It changes," she supplies before looking up at him, "How about yours?"

"Strawberry."

They didn't stay at the parlor long, instead they found themselves at the beach. They walked along the waves, Sakura's sandals in one hand and the other hand locked with his. The sunlight against their skin was refreshing and added to the warmth of the situation, the wind carrying her laughter as they talked.

"So.." Sakura trails off, her eyes slowly looking up towards his, "What brought you and your family here?"

"My great uncle left it to my brother Itachi in his will, but it's a big house and he wanted to share it with the rest of us." Sakura hums, watching the brief coldness flash in his eyes when he mentioned his brother. She didn't question it, this date… Was that what it was? This date was going well and she didn't want to ruin it by prying into his family life.

"I had no idea he had any relatives, if I'm honest," Sakura says thoughtfully and smiles. "But, I'm happy to find that he did. My friends and I made it a habit to drop gifts and say hi during holidays." Sakura rambles, leaving out the 'because he seemed so lonely' due to her not wanting to offend him.

"Yeah.. He wasn't much for big family gatherings."Sasuke shrugs and then looks down at her, taking in the way the sun brought out the many different shades of greens and spots of blue in her eyes.

"You have very pretty eyes."

She blushes, looking away. "Thank you," she says softly and can feel her chin being lifted up by him. His gaze was heavy and the world stopped around her, nothing but their breathing and her heart beating ferociously could be heard with the gentle lullaby of waves.

"Don't look away from me, Sa-ku-ra." His thumb gently rubs against her cheek and she half expects him to kiss her but instead, he drops his hand and re-takes her hand in his.

"Shall I walk you home?"

Her mind is blank and it takes a minute for what he said to process. A little bit of disappointment bubbles in her, a fear that maybe she said something wrong. "Oh, uh, sure," she says softly and she guides him to her home which is across the street.

Once they arrive, she lets go of his hand and fidgets, unsure of what to do now. Sighing, she looks down at her feet before slowly looking up at him. "Look, I'm sorry if I said something wrong-" Her words die on her tongue because he does something so unexpected and peculiar.

He poked her forehead with his index and middle finger, effectively catching her off guard.

"I had fun, Sa-ku-ra," he removes his fingers and Sakura watches, dumbfounded. "Let's do it again sometime."

"Okay," she replies and a pretty blush forms on her cheeks, she shyly watches him leave with a small smile on her face.

She turns around and briefly catches blue eyes peeking through the blinds of the living room window and she sighs, shaking her head. Of course she would get no privacy.

Stepping inside the house, she is greeted by her mother and Ino laughing obnoxiously on the couch. Not at all suspicious. Sakura places her hand on her hip, looking at them expectantly.

"Did you guys sate your curiosity looking outside the window?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," her mother states innocently before her expression turns devilish. "Buuuutttt, since you're here. Mind sharing the details?"

Sighing, Sakura gives in and decides to tell them about everything - with the exception of what happened near her front door. That, she had decided, would stay secret for her sake. Or as secret as it could, considering she was being watched the entire time they were out there."

- "A Proclivity for Love" chapter one.

Want to read more?

You can find it on AO3 and Fanfiction,net. There are 23 chapters!

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13822288/1/A-Proclivity-for-Love

[13uswntimagines]

It’s called Drowning- Not Surfing (Bino!Child x USWNT)

Request: Sequel (prequel) to You’re in Wubble Now detailing what happened with Tobin. Tobin takes reader Surfing and the little Daredevil gets a little more than she bargained for, while Tobin is just trying to be a responsible babysitter. 

You sat on the beach, halfheartedly running the sand through your fingers, pouting up at your three favorite aunts (not that you would tell the others that). It was an off day at camp, and Kelley, Tobin, and Ashlyn had all decided to go to the beach. You begged your mom enough to convince her that you would be fine to go along, and the cool crew was always happy to have you. 

What you didn’t realize was that they were going to spend the day surfing and that they had no intention of allowing you to join them in the waves. That and their girlfriends were going shopping so you had no one to hang out with you and knock a ball around on the beach with. Sure you were kinda tiny for 10, but you weren’t a wimp. You were capable of extreme sports. 

“Come on Aunt Toby, I wanna be able to hang out with you and Aunt Kelley and Aunt Ash without being left alone on the beach,” you whined for the millionth time, giving the woman your best pout, fluttering your eyelashes at her. 

“We always leave someone with you,” She groaned, wishing more than anything that Christen was here. Chris was always better at denying you things than she was. That dam pout was too powerful. How your mom denied you of anything, was far beyond her. 

“I can do it guys, please?” You changed tactics, targeting Kelley instead. She was always the easiest to convince that you weren’t too small or too young to do something. She understood what it was like to be underestimated, and your enthusiasm always seemed to convince her to at least let you try. She threw her head back with a groan, unable to withstand the full power of your pout. Your moms were going to kill them for this. 

“I mean she can snowboard and wakeboard. This isn’t that much different,” Kelley shrugged, ignoring Ashlyn’s raised eyebrows. Ash was well aware of your propensity for extreme sports and how you never really thought your death-defying acts through. She also knew how overprotective your parents were. If Megan found out that you had gone surfing without her explicit permission, it would probably be worse than the time they let you skateboard through the mall. 

“I believe her mother said no death-defying stunts after you and Emily took her cliff diving in Hawaii,” Tobin rolled her eyes at you, crossing her arms firmly over her chest, adamantly looking away from you. You hadn’t told your mom that Emily was taking you cliff diving, and the sight of you diving off the tallest perch you could into the water had nearly given them a heart attack. Emily was just lucky that Lindsey was there to save her when Mama Pino got to her. 

“You might be blowing this a little out of proportion, the waves are super small,” Ashlyn scoffed, patting Tobin on the back. You were an extremely athletic kid, and the waves were decidedly tiny. This was probably the least dangerous thing you could have asked to do, plus with the three women watching you, there would be no reason for Megan to flip out. You would be returned to her in perfect condition and hopefully, this would help your rambunctious self sleep tonight. 

“Please, Aunt Toby?” You asked, your bottom lip trembling, your eyes wide and innocent. 

“Fine, but if the waves get bigger, you’re coming back in,” Tobin huffed, rubbing the back of her neck, tightly closing her eyes. Megan was going to kill her if this didn’t turn out alright, and Alex and Christen would never let her live down her inability to say no to you. 

“Yay!!” You squeezed, grabbing your child-sized board and rushing towards the water. Only to be stopped by Ashlyn’s warm hand on your arm. 

“Whoa there scampi, let’s get some of the basics down on dry land first,” Kelley snorted, grabbing your other arm, so you couldn’t escape to the water with out the proper instruction. You sighed, your shoulders dropping. You didn’t wanna learn on land, you wanted to get into the water and just… surf. 

“Fine,” You mumbled, making the women laugh. Tobin ruffled your hair as she led you towards a flat area near the water. You were going to be the death of them. 

*****

Your head popped back up above the water, and you clutched onto the surfboard as you took big gulping breaths, a large smile etched on your face. You had just ridden a wave, well almost ridden. When you attempted to stand, your board flew out from beneath you, but you almost made it. The feeling of the ocean propelling you forward was intoxicating and you couldn’t wait to do it again. 

“You ok kid?” Tobin questioned as she paddled up beside you, worriedly looking at you as you climbed back onto your board. 

“Yeah, why did I fall?” You laughed, whipping your wet hair out of your face. 

Tobin sighed. She knew one fall wouldn’t discourage you enough to quit, and one look of the determined face you were making told her that she was quite right. In fact, this may spur you on way more than anyone wanted it to. You had a habit of trying 10 times harder when something didn’t work out the first time. You were as stubborn as Sue and Megan combined. 

“Your hands were too close together when you tried to push up, make them and your feet wider and you’ll be good to go,” She said, worriedly watching you as you paddled off towards Kelley. You had just flown off your board and you were already up and ready to go again. Tobin shook her head. Your parents were going to kill her. 

***** 

You sat farther out in the water, stat tilting your board, your hand playing with the surface, watching for waves with Kelley. Things had seemed to calm down for a bit, but you could feel the big one coming. It began to build in the distance, and you glanced at Kelley to see if this was the one. She smiled, reaching over to pat your leg. 

“This one is a little big, I’m gonna take it and you wait for the next one alright?” She asked, turning around and getting into position. it was a set of three, and the first one was a monster that no beginner should even attempt, but the two behind it looked much more promising for you. 

You huffed but nodded anyway. You would never get away with your plan if you didn’t placate her first. The wave looked sick and you would be dammed if you missed it. You waited for Kelley to start paddocking first, making sure that none of her attention was on you before you took off after her. 

You felt the pulse of the wave pick you up, and you paddled even harder, waiting for just the right moment before standing on your board. Everything was perfect, you were perched atop a wave with the power of the ocean behind you. It was an addictive feeling of bliss, that was until it wasn’t. You let out an elated giggle, moving your arms like all the stereotypical surfers you had seen in movies do. 

One second you were standing on your board, and the next you were in the water with no idea of what happened. You didn’t know which way was up or which way was down, all you knew was that you were being tossed around like a sock during the spin cycle. 

You opened your eyes to try and get your bearings, but all you saw was bubbles. Before you knew it, you were shoved against something hard and dragged along it by the force of the water. The wave slammed you against the bottom over and over again without mercy. You needed to get off the bottom and back to the surface, and you needed to do it now. You were running out of air and the thought of never seeing your mom and mama again was terrifying. But it gave you the strength you needed to get moving.

Your lungs screamed in protest as you fought to get your feet underneath you, and launched yourself towards the surface. 

*****

Tobin let out a breath when she saw your head break the surface. She saw you take a wave that was way to big for you, and she saw you crash out on said wave, and was paddocking the area when you didn’t immediately reappear above the water's surface. She shook her head, Megan wasn’t going to be happy when they told her you had almost drowned to death. 

She quickly maneuvered towards your floating form and easily scooped you up and onto her board. You cling to her, water spraying from your nose as you coughed and tried to get enough air. 

“Shh kid, your alright,” She murmured into your ear, rubbing your back with one hand and trying to get back to shore with the other. 

You made it back to the beach with Ashlyn’s assistance, all three women looking at you worriedly when you didn’t unattach yourself from Tobin. 

“Kell, get a towel,” Tobin gestured towards the bags as she finally got a good look at your shivering form. Your normally tan skin was pale, your eyes bloodshot. Kelley nodded, hesitating as she held up the requested material. 

“I’m afraid to touch her back, sand in those cuts will hurt like a bitch,” She said, taking in the deep gashes along your spine. The reef was deep, so she never even thought about the possibility of you getting dragged along it, she also didn’t think that you’d try and take on a giant wave by yourself. 

Ashlyn bit her lip, slipping her jacket off and wrapping it carefully around your shaking form, rubbing the back of your head in a comforting fashion. How she wished Ali was here, she was always good at comforting you. She let out a breath, they were totally going to be in trouble with your mom and their significant others when they caught a glimpse of your back. 

“What the fuck is going on,” Megan’s voice sounded from behind them as she rushed towards you. She and the girls decided to surprise you and keep you company while the others surfed. They hadn’t expected to walk up on a rescue mission. 

“Mama?” You asked, finally lifting your head from Tobin’s shoulder. 

“Shit,” Tobing huffed as Christen shot her a “seriously” look. She had one job that she consistently failed miserably at, and that was preventing you from danger. 

“Hey baby, I’m here,” You mama said softly, rubbing the back of your neck and gathering you up into her arms. You wobbled during the transfer from Tobin’s arms to your mom’s, whimpering when her comforting hands pressed too hard on the cuts on your back. Your mom’s eyebrows furrowed when you flinched, and then grabbed you head from the dizziness. 

“You didn’t hit your head on the bottom right?” Kelley asked with wide eyes. They were extremely lucky that you hadn’t been knocked out. 

“Excuse me, the bottom? Please tell me that you didn’t let her go surfing in that,” Megan gave the women her best mama glare, gesturing towards the monster set that was crashing on the shore. 

“Was smaller,” You groaned, her raised voice only intensifying your headache. Your chest was burning, your back was stinging and all you wanted was to cuddle up with your mama and let her and Roary take away your pain. 

 “let’s go get you checked out by the doc on baby? I think you might have a concussion,” Megan’s voice softened, as she ran worried hands through your hair. You were a little daredevil, something that she always hoped you would grow out of, and now you could have gotten seriously hurt. She knew that you were frightened just by the way you were clinging to her. They needed to get you checked out and into some comfier clothing. She didn’t like the way you were shivering.

****

“Hey Babes, you doing ok?” Your mom grinned through the phone, smiling at how cute you looked cuddled up with her wife on one side and your famed stuffed triceratops on the other. You forced your eyelids open, blinking slowly at your mama. The painkillers the doctors had given you were making you very tired. 

“We’re doing better, aren't we little one?” Megan answered, nudging your side, mindful of the gauze that covered most of your back. Sue’s eyebrows furrowed. She hated that she wasn’t there to help Megan comfort you. 

“Much better,” You added sleepily, rubbing Roary’s soft fur on your nose. You shifted slightly, giving Sue a great view of the bruises that covered the tops of your shoulders. 

“I’m going to kill Tobin, Ash, and Kelley when I see them,” Sue growled, her fist clenching around the phone so tight she was afraid it would break. How had they let you get so hurt? How had they not known that they were teaching a beginner above a fucking reef?

“Wasn’t their fault, though I could take the wave,” You grumbled, your voice muffled by your stuffed animal. 

“They should have been watching you better,” Sue said sternly, shooting a look your way, making it clear that she thought that both you and them were at fault for this incident. They would be having another talk with you about safety, and she was sure they were each getting an earful from their respective significant others. 

“We’re never letting you go with them alone again,” Megan nodded. There had been too many accidents for them to be considered good babysitters. Too many problems and incidents of you getting hurt. 

“You can’t keep me locked up in my room all day,” You rolled your eyes. 

“Wanna bet,” Sue raised her eyebrows at you. Perhaps that was a better solution. At least you couldn’t almost drowned if you were stuck in your room, though knowing you, you’d find an inventive way to “have fun” as you put it. 

“You guys are overprotective,” You huffed, sticking your tongue out at the women before retreating behind Roary’s protective form. He would keep you safe from their wrath. 

“Well you almost drowned to death today, I think we’re entitled,” Sue said sternly, and you sighed. You were 10, not 2. 

“And we only do it because we love you,” Megan pulled you closer to her, and you melted into her embrace. You supposed that they had a good reason to be a little protective right now. You guessed you could give in at least until the scratches on your back healed. 

“I love you too,”

[pandjseetheworld]

Santa Catalina

Let me start out by saying Santa Catalina is a two Road Town. There are two little mini markets, one fruit stand, two beaches, some coffee shops, a limited amount of restaurants, limited to no transportation and some interesting accommodation. This town was hit hard during COVID for the past two years and is just now starting to pick back up. If you live in this town, you know your neighbor vs a traveler in an instant but that being said the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming because they are hurting for tourists. This town is only on the map for two reasons and two reasons alone: surfing and scuba diving. Other than that, there’s no point to come here. So we made a point to do both!

Our first day we were recommended to walk to “big beach” which was roughly a twenty minute walk down one of the two roads. The road led across an ocean inlet so you had to time your walk with the ocean. At low tide you could easily walk but during high tide you were up to your chest walking with your bag over your head (it was pretty funny). Thankfully we’re both tall! When you cross the inlet you are welcomed to a hotel/restaurant called “Oasis Surf Camp”. It’s a cool spot right in the “big beach” with bungalows and beach front access. I rented a surfboard for the day for $10 and headed out to the water. Sadly, Pearce had a mid-day work call so I went on my own and when we was done he was going to meet me out there. With only two roads, it’s impossible to get lost and Pearce doesn’t enjoy surfing very much so this plan worked out nicely. I surfed for about an hour before heading in for a rest and water break. The beach had a sandy bottom and the waves were long and good for the foam board. It was the best international surfing I’ve done thus far and now I can say I’ve surfed Panama! After my snack/break I headed back into the water and about 30 minutes later Pearce was on the beach! It was a super hot day so convincing Pearce to join me in the water was easy and I even got him to surf a little!! It was awesome!

When lunch time came we ate at the Oasis Restaurant. We had some delicious clams and sauce! Oooo man! The seafood out here is on point and super fresh!

Next on our list was to pool hop. We were going to head back towards our hotel stopping at different pools along the way. The first one we passed was called Pescado and had a gorgeous infinity pool. We were anticipating getting a beer but since no one came over we just sat there tanning, listening and watching the ocean, and relaxing! It was so freaking nice we stayed for a while and didn’t go to any other pools! Why should we? We had the perfect seats, water, snacks, and no one was bothering us!

The real question was, which of the 5 restaurants were we going to eat at?! Since we knew we were diving the next day, we didn’t want to chance eating anything questionable so we went with pizza. A funny thing about this town is there are a ton of Italians. Oasis surf camp was run by Italians, which is why their clams were so yummy! This Pizzaria is also run by Italians and was so good! It was thin crust, true brick oven pizza! Steve would have been stoked at the quality and Elle would have gobbled it up! And to top things off, next to the pizzaria is a cute little ice cream shop, of course owned by Italians. The ice cream is made fresh everyday and there are new flavors daily too! I mean, whattt! I had ricotta, honey, and walnut ice cream that was delicious!!! Italians in this little town was quite the surprise I wasn’t expecting BUT I was very grateful for!!

(Sorry I don’t have many photos, I left my phone in the room most of the day!)

[bregee13]

My DTL4 Wish List

Idk why I'm making this, as this won't really do much of anything, but I want to make a wish list of stuff I would want for DtL4. (And maybe for remakes too!) Also, I haven't played TR so everything mentioning it is all from what I've heard. Please get TR if you haven't yet!)

Before I start my wish list, I want to say that some of y'all need to calm down about TR being a "horrible game". It's not that bad, it's just kinda disappointing. It has pacing issues, replayability issues, glitches, gameplay issues, doesn't have much drawing, as well as other things. BUT! I feel like some people need to remember that this game is pretty much the devs way of taking a step back into the DtL scene, seeing how interested people are in it. It's not exactly meant to be an "outstanding game of the year", but rather it's a quick test. Because they want to get back into this series! And if this small 5/10 dollar game (which, may I add is also very obvious sequel fodder) manages to get enough attention and success, they'll have good reason to make more (and better) DtL content!!! ALSO!!! If you think TR isn't worth getting due to it's issues, remember that (unlike the old games) it will get updated and patched a bunch! So while it may never be the best dtl game, it will get better over time! I swear! (Also, switch touchscreen support will be added in the future so... *cough* *cough* get Drawn to Life: Two Realms *cough*) So dear anybody that thinks harassing the devs is a good idea, THEY PUT THEIR HEARTS INTO IT AND WANT TO MAKE MORE DTL! SO SHUT IT!!!

...Anyway, I'm going to start with my wish list now.

1) A nice story that continues off of TR. I don't have many exact demands for plot. Basically, I just want an awesome story! Maybe one that's even better than all the others combined!

2) Return to the old level format! (...kinda) While the concept of these puzzle platforming levels is cool, it doesn't seem to work in execution. For the most part, I'd like levels much like the ones in TNC. Short enough to go through in a breeze, as well as being unique and replayable enough to not get tired of all the levels. But there's some additional things I'd like for levels. Like a few more branching paths to encourage exploration. 

3) Keep a few puzzle elements! As much as the entire game being puzzle levels wasn't exactly the best idea, I would personally enjoy having the occasional puzzle in some levels! The first two games don't really have many puzzles in levels, and I think a bunch of the ones that do really stand out! In fact, if you really want to add a handful of TR-ish levels along side regular levels, that might work! (As long as any TR-ish levels are more polished)

4) BRING BACK COLLECTIBLES! The first game had so many collectibles (most of them weren't optional though...)! The second game not as much. And TR isn't necessarily a collectathon. I'm not asking for a million collectibles required to beat the game, but rather a bunch of optional (and a handful of required) collectibles in the game! Maybe you can have a bunch in different levels, and some in the overworld! Either way, I want to be encouraged (but not forced) to explore!! 

5) SIDEQUESTS!!!! OH MY GOSH, SIDEQUESTS PLEASE!!! Having little levels for a bunch of side characters is a nice start, and it's super cool, but I want MORE! You know how the Wii game had a bunch of characters that gave you sidequests to do? (defeat x number of a certain enemy, getting certain collectibles, beat the level under a certain time, etc.) That was pretty neat! I want that! AND THEN SOME! I also want to complete more specific quests for certain characters! You know how TNC has a bunch of cool Raposa that don't do anything story-wise? I want to do quests for them! (For example, Iolani can't use the bathroom because she misplaced a certain form. I always wanted to be able to go into a level to fetch that form for her!) Oh! And maybe a fetch quest or two? There's so many ideas you can implement with these sidequests. And I want these sidequests to have mini stories too! When I complete them, I want some kind of award! Perhaps a collectible? Even if I don't get anything, I still want acknowledgement from the characters that I helped them! What can I say? I like the dialogue!

6) DRAWING PLATFORMS! I would LOVE to be able to draw platforms again! It's DRAWN to Life after all! Though I wouldn't want to be forced to draw too many in a row. 

7) Optional Drawings! I LOVE the idea of having optional drawings! The ones in TR are nice, though I'd like them more if the characters reacted to my drawings. Like the village creations in TNC! Those were great! (And maybe we could get awards for doing them!) Optional creations in levels are a nice idea too! The Wii game did those, and it was a nice touch. However, it often saturated each level with unnecessary drawing time. Not only because there was a lot of them, but because it was hard to tell what creations were required and which ones were cosmetic. So if cosmetic creations in levels would be a thing, I'd want a way to tell them apart from ones I need to do.

8) Bosses! I would LOVE to fight a couple of bosses again!!! PLEASE 505 GAMES! DIGITAL CONTINUE! GIVE ME SOME CREATIVE BOSSES!!! And honestly? I just really want to beat Aldark to a pulp. 

9) Toys and Enemies? I honestly think toys (as a mechanic) is super neat! Being able to place enemies and tools in a level is cool as heck! Though I wouldn't want every level to rely on that mechanic. Also, here's an idea. What if we go back to calling the little enemy/toy creatures "enemies", and call all the non-living stuff "toys"! ...Unless we're calling them all toys for some plot reason??? 👀

10) MULTIPLAYER?!? Idk how it would work, but it would be cool!

11) Sharing your creations!!! What if we could share our creations in a way that let other people use them? Kinda like animal crossing??

12) MINIGAMES!! MINIGAMES, PLEASE!!! I want to be able to waste my time playing a bunch of different minigames!! Maybe they'll be like an arcade, and require a handful of rapocoins to play (so you have something to use them for after buying everything)? As for minigame ideas, I would be happy with the ones from the old games, plus some! (The snowball fight, the rocket shooter game, the surfboard game) You can even introduce the minigames that were cut from the first game!

13) Developers Grove?!? Not a necessity, but I really miss it. 

14) A level builder?! The idea of building and sharing levels is super neat!! Though it's not my priority.

15) I know I said I wasn't going to focus on story stuff, but I want to be able to get to know all the characters! The main ones AND the side ones! Whether it's by having them all in the main plot, or giving side characters well deserved mini plots! 

That's all I can think of for now, but let me know what y'all think! And maybe add anything that comes to mind?