#Surfers Bay

[apixellife]

Night Swim

{Le’La}Yura Beach OutfitCurrently available at the main store. Includes texture HUD with 30 textures and 20 colors for bikini top and bottom, sarong and sandals. Available for Maitreya / Petite, Legacy / Perky, Reborn, Kupra, GenX Classic / Curvy,…

[coolchocolatespreadart]

Drew Noelle in the cover of Imaginal Disk by Magdalena bay because it just makes sense

OG cover for reference:

[saltyabsurdities]

If anyone sees a California Miku can you send her to me I'm curious how she'll look...

[thepastisalreadywritten]

A whale joins a group of surfers catching waves near Byron Bay, Australia. 🐋🌊

📽: Daniel Cook

[yvaine-the-star]

30% into the unhoneymooners and loving it!

[wellingtonnz]

Aftermath of Tuesday's rough weather, Lyall Bay covered in seaweed / kelp today.

24 March 2023

[eyebrow]

“The Happiest Dog”

If you look closely into the center of this photo, you’ll see a dog joyfully leaping into the surf. I was out at sunrise in Half Moon Bay (near where the Mavericks Surf Competition is held), and enjoying photographing the surfers silhouetted against the morning fog and the haze kicked up by the ocean. I made a series of images, and it wasn’t until I was home and editing my photos on the big monitor that I noticed the dog in the shot. This one of course became the keeper from the morning.

This image has always felt so much like California to me, the warm morning tones, the bit of morning fog that you know is going to burn off into a beautiful sunny day, the people out enjoying themselves at the edge of the continent. You can almost taste the great cup of coffee and the farm fresh eggs after the morning beach walk.

[pankomako]

was drawing another side view of ding and i. i realized something

[openvimark]

(vía Camiseta clásica con la obra «Jeffrey's Bay Surf Vibes» de 0penvimark)

Jeffrey's Bay Surf Vibes

Description: Capture the essence of Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, a surfing paradise where waves and adrenaline meet. Perfect for lovers of surfing and the beach lifestyle.

Store/Design.

https://www.redbubble.com/es/shop/ap/166290667

[brohammas]

E.T. Surf

904 Aviation Blvd. Hermosa Beach When I got out of my car there was a shaggy blonde headed guy with a squirt gun hiding behind a trash can apparently waiting for someone to come out the front door. We gave each other a nod as I scooted past in silence. Once inside I could see that there was no one anywhere near the door and for all I know that guy is still there waiting. There was a man behind…

[apixellife]

[QE] @ Flourish

[QE] Ursula Swimsuit NEW and Exclusive to Flourish – Opens July 17th – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Clarity/138/241/2501 NEW: [QE] Ruffled Slides  NEW and Exclusive to Flourish – Opens July 17th – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Clarity/138/241/2501 FLOURISH LOCATION: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Clarity/102/214/2502 FLICKR:…

[runwalk]

Gable Roofing New York Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal brown two-story wood exterior home remodel with a shingle roof

[plaguedocboi]

We all love the beach, right? I sure do. Where the sea meets the land is a magical place. It is the overlap of two very different worlds; our sunny, sandy, beautiful home and the alien waves that beckon you into the inhospitable wilderness of the ocean. When crossing that foam-fringed boundary, one must remember that you are no longer in your world. You are entering the sea, and the sea is vast and dark and dangerous. It is more untamed than the wildest jungle and full of creatures that can kill you in a hundred different gruesome ways. Every wave whispers to you that you do not belong here, you may only visit for a brief time if you want to leave with your life. Hold tight to the warm sunlit sand that fringes the barrier of this place, or you may never see it again. Welcome to the beach. Enter at your own risk.

1. Tamarama beach, Australia

This is know as both the smallest and the most dangerous beach in NSW. There is a permanent rip current that runs along the rocky northern shore, but at any given time there could be more hidden in the surf. Large waves break just a little ways offshore, posing a hazard to swimmers but an attraction for surfers. Although there are rarely deaths here, lifeguards have to rescue multiple people a day. Interestingly, this beach is only around sometimes! Occasionally all the sand will wash away and all that’s left is a rocky outcrop. There’s no way to be certain when the beach will come back or how big it will be or what it might look like. I guess it never gets boring to visit.

2. Isle of Ré, France

This island is not the only place you can go to see square waves, but it is one of the places most famous for this strange phenomenon. This is called a cross sea, and occurs when two opposing wave patterns intersect. Although this is certainly a tourist attraction, it is best to observe from a distance, as cross seas can be very dangerous to both ships and swimmers. Cross seas can cause powerful rip currents and walls of water up to 10 feet high, rolling ships and dragging people underwater. (As a side note, my mother thought I had made up cross seas as a freaky supernatural event in my book. Unfortunately, I did not.)

3. Dumas Beach, India

This is supposedly one of the most haunted places in India. Although this beach is full of tourists during the daytime, no one remains after dark, for fear that they will become the next ghost to wander the sand. Apparently, this beach was once used as a burial ground, and said to be black due to the human ashes mixed in. At night, people report hearing voices and seeing apparitions, and even dogs behave strangely once the sun goes down. There have also been multiple unexplained disappearances and at least one recorded death. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there definitely seems to be something eerie happening on this beach.

4. Morecambe Bay, UK

This is an interesting one, as it’s not technically the water that’s dangerous. The ground is. This estuary features extreme tides, with the water level dropping and rising up to 32 feet twice a day. This exposes an expanse of mud flats and channels which are composed of loose, wet material that can absolutely suck you in and trap you. If this happens when the tide is coming in, it can quickly turn deadly. This has happened many times going back through history, including one incident in 2004 where 23 people died. Yes, all at the same time. No, I don’t want to delve into that incident too deeply in this list as it’s extremely horrifying and tragic. Feel free to research it yourself.

5. Monastery Beach, Oregon

This has earned its nickname “mortuary beach” by being extremely dangerous. Over 30 people have died here, including people who weren’t even in the water. In 2015, a woman walking along the beach was dragged in by a wave and drowned. The beach has multiple factors that make it so deadly, including a steep drop off, unpredictable waves, and strong undertows. This beach isn’t even safe to walk on. I um. Don’t like that.

6. Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii

Despite its beauty, this Hawaiian beach is not recommended for swimming except for expert surfers. During the summer, this beach is a popular place for hiking, sunbathing and sightseeing, but during the winter the sand is washed away and the waves crash against the cliffs directly. Even in the relatively safe summer months, this beach has no barrier reef to break up the strong waves and powerful currents, which leads to a dangerous situation where swimmers can quickly be swept out into the open ocean and drown. At least 30 people have died here, and 15 of the bodies have never been recovered.

7. Lake Michigan. Just, all of it.

Despite all the Great Lakes being somewhat terrifying, Michigan takes the title of the most dangerous lake in the country. Yearly, Lake Michigan has more drownings than all four other Great Lakes combined. The reason that Michigan is especially hazardous is that, well, it’s kind of weirdly shaped. Thanks to its 300+ miles of uninterrupted parallel shorelines running north-south, it forms huge waves and strong riptides and long shore currents. It is also a question of numbers; Lake Michigan has more public beaches and large population centers than the other Great Lakes. All in all, a recipe for disaster.

8. Playa Zipolite, Mexico

This is also called the “beach of the dead”, so it’s inclusion on this list seems pretty self-explanatory. These waters have strong undercurrents that rotate in a circular pattern, either pushing you into shore or pulling you out to sea. There is a pervasive rumor that 50 people drown at this beach a year, although this is… somewhat exaggerated. In fact, very few people drown at this beach these days, as it has actually gotten less dangerous over the years. There used to be a steep drop-off that would catch people by surprise, but due to several severe storms in the early 2000s, the beach has eroded back and now gently slopes down instead. Although very few people die at this beach nowadays, multiple rescues are performed every day due to the dangerous currents.

9. Cyclops, Australia

This is a particular type of wave that forms off the coast of Esperance, Australia, as the sea floor rapidly goes from deep, open water to a very very shallow reef. It is… unsettling. The longer I look at it, the weirder it gets. It’s like an ai generated image. I couldn’t even pick one picture of it so I made you a collage.

It is considered one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world, and can only be accessed by boat. To quote pacific surf dot com, “the reason the wave is dangerous is because it does not act like any other wave in the world. It engulfs itself due to the massive change in the ocean floor when the wave rolls up.”

10. Nazare, Portugal

This area of Portugal is home to some of the biggest waves in the world. Just offshore is an underwater canyon, plunging down to 16,000 ft deep. This allows large, fast deep-water waves to move into shore unimpeded, and when they hit the shallows close to shore all the water gets suddenly pushed up, resulting in waves up to 80 ft tall. I think the picture speaks for itself in this case. Probably best to not get in the water if you see that shit.

That was fun, wasn’t it? Before I go, let me end this on a different note than the rest of my lists; some actual advice for if you should you ever decide to visit these beaches (or any beach, really). Rip currents are incredibly strong (believe me, I know) but very narrow currents that run perpendicular to shore. To get out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore. Trying to fight the current will just tire you out and eventually leave you exhausted and way the fuck out in the ocean, which is typically when you die. Swimming parallel to shore will get you out of the current, and once you’re free you can swim back in at your leisure. And, just in general, never fight the sea. The sea will win.

[astonmartinii]

hi!! i really love your blog: i usually stay silent and only like the posts but i thought today should be the day i request something!

would you be open to write a social media au with lando Norris x y/n where the reader is a marine biologist? or a surfer? or something ocean-related lmao

feel free to disregard this request if you don’t like it or don’t have time!! xx

just add water | lando norris social media au

pairing: lando norris x fem reader

first fish ruined his appetite, now they steal his girlfriend?

yourusername

liked by oscarpiastri, landonorris and 103,451 others

tagged: landonorris

yourusername: perks of the job but back on shore i clock in to my full time job of missing lando

view all comments

user1: can we have the hair routine cause miss ma'am is in the sea every damn day and her hair is still healthier than mine

user2: REAL

landonorris: f1 is just my day job, talking about you is my passion and career

yourusername: babe even the whales in monterey bay know about you

landonorris: they better be mclaren fans

yourusername: eh i think i heard super max (whale edition) the other day

maxverstappen1: conquered all of f1 and the seven seas so real of me

landonorris: THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE SAYING THE RISING OCEAN TEMPERATURES ARE FRYING THEIR BRAINS

yourusername: babe don't joke about that :(

landonorris: sorry :(

oscarpiastri: can you please come to the next race i may put my head through a wall if i have to watch this man go through his camera roll again RETELLING me all of the stories

yourusername: didn't realise we were so annoying 🧐

oscarpiastri: don't get me wrong you guys are cute but sometimes i wanna nap after practice in peace and not hear about whale shit

landonorris: i SEE HOW IT IS

alexalbon: no oscar is right i've heard about when had a baby seal on her surfboard about seven billion times

yourusername: HEY that was cute

user3: okay but lando could talk to ME about y/n's adventures

user4: i want to hear ALL of it for real

user5: lando and y/n podcast when?

alexalbon: do not give them ideas they’re already number one and two yappers in the international waffling championship

yourusername: yapper and proud 😤

landonorris: healthy relationship communications and boundaries? no. yappers? yes!

alexalbon: has anyone ever told you guys you’re annoying?

yourusername: yes 😃

user6: they’re so annoying i love them

landonorris

liked by maxverstappen1, yourusername and 1,209,451 others

tagged: yourusername

landonorris: does this girl own a pair of trousers? real question.

view all comments

user8: i actually don't think i've ever seen a man this down bad

user9: ALL men should aspire to be this whipped

yourusername: i wish you would join the no trouser revolution, give the girlies something to look at

user10: i agree

yourusername: okay back up babe that ass is all mine

landonorris: it's okay babe you can admire your (my) ass all the time if you come home PLS

yourusername: sorry babe the ocean doesn't sleep and the whales need me

landonorris: but i need you too :(

maxverstappen1: WAH WAH I'M SICK OF YOUR FUCKING WHINING

alexalbon: THANK YOU FINALLY

landonorris: erm why am i being victimised in my own comment section

maxverstappen1: you are doing my fucking nut in mate yeha i get you miss her but kinda your fault for having a cool gf with a cool job

yourusername: omg thanks 😊

landonorris: Y/N???

yourusername: babe no offence but he's a three time world champ i'm gonna take the compliment

landonorris: i guess so :(

user10: just one normal comment section, please that is all i ask for

oscarpiastri: maybe i should get on this whole j.peg business cause my photography is doing some heavy lifting here

yourusername: i didn't take you for a stunt queen miss rookie

landonorris: where is the peace, love and positivity ?? you guys are such haters

oscarpiastri: proudly

yourusername: no cool shells for you mr piastri

oscarpiastri: I TAKE IT BACK

landonorris: you people are such flip flops

yourusername

liked by georgerussell63, landonorris and 112,872 others

yourusername: i promise we do actually do work

view all comments

user14: why am i now considering a marine biology degree for a sick ass instagram feed

user15: and protecting the sanctity of ocean life?

user14: yeah sure throw that in there too?

landonorris: i hope you slapped the FUCK out of that stingray for steve irwin

yourusername: babe we all know violence is not the answer

landonorris: you said you'd break the knee caps of any driver that took me out?

yourusername: i do not recall this

landonorris: steve irwin is a national treasure, you should've done it for oscar

oscarpiastri: i'm sure it wasn't that exact stingray mate

landonorris: you don't know that

danielricciardo: i see you've forgotten about the other aussie you were teammates with ???

yourusername: i wouldn't have that if i were you daniel

landonorris: y/n??? you're meant to be on my side

yourusername: say sorry to larry and maybe i'll gang up on daniel with you

danielricciardo: Y/N???

landonorris: i'm sorry larry ... and daniel i guess ?

danielricciardo: if my hand weren't broken right now...

user16: okay i think lando is having y/n withdrawals

yourusername: his bitchiness is a symptom of separation anxiety

landonorris: sorry not sorry

user17: mclaren pr praying for y/n to come to a race soon

maxverstappen1: p says pretty please can she bagsy the pink shells?

yourusername: most definitely she can !! i'll even be on the look out for more

maxverstappen1: thank you y/n you're my favourite - p

yourusername: that's it i'm coming home rn

landonorris: am i a joke to you?

landonorris

liked by oscarpiastri, yourusername and 1,322,099 others

tagged: yourusername

landonorris: reunited and it feels so good oh and a double podium, pretty sweet

view all comments

user21: obsessed with how lando said that y/n is clearly his lucky charm and the "dumbass" ocean won't be getting his girlfriend back

user22: there's levels to hating and lando's level of hating on the ocean??

user23: his hatred of fish makes so much more sense right now

user24: either he hates anything to do with the ocean or y/n convinced him they deserve to live 😭

landonorris: i'll say it's number one but realistically it's two greatly helped by the fact that it tastes gross anyway

yourusername: I'M SO FUCKING PROUD OF YOU

landonorris: i know hhehehehehehehe

yourusername: i love you stupid

landonorris: i love you too dummy

yourusername: as much as i enjoyed this race i am ready for home time (after karaoke, you promised me karaoke with yuki)

landonorris: AHAHAHAAH TAKE THAT OCEAN Y/N COMING HOME

alexalbon: bro has beef with the ocean 😭

georgerussell63: bro had to share his gf with WATER 😭

maxverstappen1: bro is being ... torn apart here KEEP GOING LOL

oscarpiastri: no keep going cause i just want a nap before debrief and some people are being WAY TOO LOUD

carlossainz55: i think that's probably why you guys are getting away with bullying the little goblin

user25: oscar out here just confirming that lando and y/n are ... for lack of a better word up to no good?

user26: y/n didn't lie when she called him a stunt queen

landonorris: i can't hear y'all LALALALALALA

yourusername: they hate us because they ain't us

landonorris: period 💅

user27: i hate (love) them your honour

yourusername

liked by danielricciardo, landonorris and 419,034 others

tagged: landonorris

yourusername: so he had the whole proposal planned out but got a bit too excited at suzuka ... if anyone asks we got engaged on a boat in the mediterranean not in his driver's room. aside from that, HOLY FUCK I AM ENGAGED TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE I LOVE YOU LANDO I CAN'T WAIT FOR FOREVER

view all comments

user30: HOLY 😭 FUCKING 😭 SHIT 😭

landonorris: can we agree on no more like three month placements pretty please?

yourusername: baby the whales need me

landonorris: i need you more FIANCE :(

yourusername: gosh you are convincing, no more retreats for more than a month

landonorris: yay !!

yourusername: you need to put up more shelves for our shells though

landonorris: on it, i love you (i'm calling my dad to do it)

yourusername: i love you too baby

danielricciardo: enchante tease on the engagement post and for free ??? love you two

yourusername: at least you have the prettiest model ever for it

landonorris: I'M BLUSHING

danielricciardo: i'll deal with this because i'm happy for you two

mclarenf1: double podium and an engagement, suzuka really delivered this year

oscarpiastri: i guess i take back my comments about being loud in the drivers room... i'm so happy for you guys you deserve it

landonorris: ahaha i knew you were a softy really pastry boy

yourusername: i always knew you loved us really oscar, you're just sassy and we respect that

landonorris: .... sure

maxverstappen1: did he propose at sea in one final power move over his arch nemesis the ocean?

yourusername: have you considered he did it at sea because i'm a marine biologist and i love it out there and he loves me?

maxverstappen1: well now i look like an asshole

landonorris: the sea 0 - 1 lando

yourusername: lando 😭

user31: well this has all been a rollercoaster

fin.

note: i've been kinda mia on here and i'm super sorry this request has taken so long lol. wanted to get this out now though cause lando had a horrid day today but i'm glad he's okay !! enjoy, i'm in my second week of a job so might get less busy xx

[argisthebulwark]

You'll Always Get The Best Of Me

summary: testing out some modern au ideas! gn reader, no gendered pronouns or y/n used. feat: Vilkas, Brynjolf, Farkas warnings: vague allusion to violence in Bryn's, sexually suggestive but not explicit a/n: mafia Bryn 110% inspired by @skyrim-forever <3<3 masterlist

"Is this step absolutely necessary?" Vilkas mutters, the defiant tone of his voice utterly betrayed by the patient way he sits beneath you. Large hands steady your hips when you lean closer, carefully applying the perfect smear of eyeliner over his lid. "Yes." You insist, running a careful thumb along his lash line until it matches his other eye. Your back already aches from being cramped into the tight car but he'd gotten off work late and doors open at 6 so there wasn't time to apply makeup at home. "Finished?" "Nearly." Making a few last minute checks over your own makeup, you clamber off his lap and out of the car. You're a bit taken aback when Vilkas stands at your side, stretching his arms above his head just enough to allow a glimpse of his lower stomach. "You're staring." He comments, adjusting the black shirt to cover his happy trail. He's always been attractive but gods, you had no clue what you were getting yourself into dressing him up for a hardcore concert. Dark jeans show off his muscled legs, chains dangling over an ass usually hidden under thick work pants. One of your favorite band shirts is hardly big enough for his torso and scuffed shoes look far comfier than his hefty boots. When Vilkas offers you his hand, black paint already chipping off nails you'd painted only a few nights before you're eager to grab for it. With his build and a few well placed sidesteps it's fairly easy to get to the barricade. Vilkas' arms rest easily around you when the crowd mills about during opening bands, checking merch or ordering drinks but you're locked in. You've been to enough concerts, you've learned the hard way that getting to the front as soon as possible is your only chance of staying there. He only leaves your side for a few minutes to fetch a drink, easily finding his way back as soon as the line slows down. Vilkas' strong arms steady you against the barricade, bodies swaying and shifting as crowd surfers make their way toward the stage. Somewhere far off you see a hole open in the crowd - a pit's opening up as the main band kicks off their second song but Vilkas keeps it all at bay. His muscled chest rests against your back, deep brown eyes shimmering in the reflective stage lights as he marvels at the musicians. "It's loud." He smirks, lips pressed to your ear. His voice sends shivers down your spine when he hugs you close, one arm raised to keep a crowd surfer from landing on her ass. When he kisses you he tastes like cheap beer and sweat. Your heart thrums in time with the frantic drums resonating throughout the shitty venue. Familiar lyrics fall from your tongue until your voice is thrashed, evening sinking into night as band after band appears on stage. Vilkas' strong arms steady you when it's finally time to file out of the venue. Overhead lights reveal smudged eyeliner and flushed cheeks when he draws you close, easing a bit of pressure from your sore feet. His voice is a little too loud when he tells you he loves you, sharp teeth exposed in a rare smile.

"Let's get this over with," Brynjolf sighs, kneeling before the poor sap struggling against his restraints. You're enraptured, watching Brynjolf's rings glimmer in the white light filtering in through cracked blinds as he knots back his messy hair. "Wait - you don't have to do this, I swear I won't say a word." "I'm not an unreasonable man." The smoothness of his voice betrays what you know lies beneath, a rage simmering dangerously close to the surface. "I heard those filthy things you were sayin' to my partner, no point in lyin' now." "I didn't know." The man pants, pleading eyes finding you. As if you have an ounce of mercy to offer him. "Please, you've gotta believe me - I had no clue who you were." "Eyes on me, lad." Brynjolf shifts, one hand lowering to pluck at his sleeves. Your heart catches when he begins to roll up his sleeves, exposing the deliciously scarred skin of his forearms. The man's eyes bug out of his head though you doubt he's having the same response you are. "You came onto my turf, make advances on my partner, and insult my family in the process?" "No -" "What exactly did he say to you, my love?" "'You're hot enough to do better than those sewer rats'." You quote, enjoying the way his face blanches. His lips flop open uselessly, panicked eyes whirling back to Brynjolf. "Sewer rats." Brynjolf sighs, standing to his full height. You know the black outfit is to fit in with the rest of the Guild, one of the many methods he employs to intimidate anyone daring to go up against the powerful group he's cobbled together, but goddamn it makes him look good. Leather straps bearing holsters for his assortment of weapons are strapped tight, creating a beautiful silhouette at his waist. "What an awful thing to say about my family." Brynjolf's voice is velvety soft, dripping with faux melancholy when he draws a dagger from his side. Skilled fingers flip the blade to and fro, allowing you to enjoy this offensive man's fearful eyes as they track it. "I'm not one to get my hands dirty." He sighs, deep green eyes finding you amongst the shadows. "Lovely, do you mind?" Featherlight fingers pressing a blade into your hand and a swift kiss falling to your cheek. Brynjolf's rings are chilly when his hand curves around your waist and draws you into his side. Brynjolf is the face of the Guild - he's the one making deals and handling recruits, so it's easy enough to let everyone think he's the only Guild Master. Most folks don't know about your shared office or the long hours you spend negotiating deals, that you are the one lurking in the shadows while he acts. The public doesn't need to know about you - his partner in crime, his love, his everything.

3 New Messages from: Farkas💕💪 Your phone nearly vibrates off the nightstand. Half awake and scrambling for the device you swipe furiously at the mess of your hair. With blankets twisted around your waist you force your eyes to focus on the too bright screen, trying to decipher his messages.

8:49 - morning, sleepyhead 9:12 - at the gym, be home by 11 9:13 - One image attachment

Before noon and he's already blessing you with gym pics? Without thinking you're opening the picture, scrubbing at your eyes to get a clear look at him. Occasionally you'll go to the gym with Farkas but you'd been stuck at work until past midnight last night cleaning up someone else's mess - there was no way you'd be doing cardio so early. Gods, you could just eat him up. Farkas' grin is barely in frame of the picture he's sent you, shirt tossed over the bench behind him. The familiar scars and tattoos all look too good in the picture, muscles glistening with sweat. One arm is raised in a stereotypical flex and his sweatpants hang dangerously low on those hips you love so much. Just as you're trying to form a response another image comes through. He's shameless - which is perfect since you're hopelessly addicted to seeing him in this state. One hand holds the pretty pink phone case you'd picked out for him and the other combs back his messy hair. His head is angled back just enough to give you a generous view of his throat and chest, sweat shimmering across his stomach where he reclines against the bench.

10:16 - are u tryign to kill me?

You're struggling to type, too busy staring and the godlike images he's sent you. He has to know how hot he is, right? Flopping back into bed you save them to the ever increasing folder of gym pics he's sent over the years, a happy sigh escaping you.

10: 17 - nope💕 10: 17 - wouldn't mind a second workout when i get home, tho

[siancore]

Summary: Rick is a surf instructor and Michonne is his student. There is an instant attraction between the pair even though they have only just met. 

A/N: Written for the @richonneevents Summer Vibes Bingo 2024.

Square Fill: Surfer AU

“I guess it’s now or never,” said Michonne as she planted her surfboard in the sand and waited.

“You got this,” said Rick as he stopped next to her. “And if you don’t, I’ll give you a full refund, I promise.”

He was charming, handsome, and funny, and Michonne could not help but laugh. The soft breeze coming off the water was the only thing that muted the heat of the late afternoon. The sounds of waves rolling to the shore almost drowned out the easy conversation of the pair standing at the water’s edge. Michonne squinted as she looked out across the bay, her hand shielding her eyes; Rick squinted as he watched her. 

No matter how many summers he had spent teaching surfing lessons in that beautiful part of the world, he was certain, at that moment, he had never seen anything more stunning than Michonne’s profile awash in the warm hues of the fading sunlight. 

“I’m not about to drown or make a huge fool of myself right now, am I?” she asked as a sliver of doubt crept into her mind.

“You ain’t about to do either,” said Rick, steadfastly. “You’ll be fine.”

She watched the waves for a moment before taking a deep, steadying breath. 

“You think I can really do this?” she asked, turning her attention back to the handsome instructor.

“I know you can, Michonne.”

His southern drawl washed over her causing her skin to prickle in the most delightful way. Michonne bit her lip, dipped her head, and glanced up at Rick through her long lashes. 

“You’re not just saying that because I’m your favorite student?” she asked in a flirtatious manner.  

He let out a little laugh and said, “Nah, that wouldn’t be fair on you and your skills.”

Michonne laughed and placed her hand to Rick’s upper arm; both were fully aware of the feeling of her skin against his. She cleared her throat and removed her hand before clasping it to the other and letting out a sigh. 

“You sound pretty sure for someone who has yet to see if I have any actual skill,” said Michonne, playing it off as a joke even though she could feel the electricity between them. She noticed it the first day she showed up to Rick’s beginner surfer classes the week before. Felt it then during their one-on-one session. 

“I am sure,” he replied as he tilted his head to the side and took in her expression. His gaze felt hotter than the afternoon sun. “I believe in you.”

Michonne’s chest felt full at the sincerity of Rick’s words. They had only just met, and she was not certain what the attraction between them meant, but she trusted what he said and did. She trusted him. 

“You mean that?” she asked, softly and suddenly coy.

Rick’s lips turned up at the corners and his eyes softened as he replied, “Yeah, I do. I believe you can do anything.”

Michonne smiled as Rick continued speaking. 

“You came into my life and made me believe I could feel again. I don’t know what it is, Michonne, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. Like I’ve known you forever.”

“Yeah,” she said, breathless. “I feel the same about you.”