#Wooden sundecks

[hornedadvance]

Horned Advance

Halcyon Episode

This chapter is set during ACT 2 of the main story, but is not necessarily canon. It is recommended that you read through ACT 1 before reading this chapter.

Things had finally settled down for Palo. Her motley crew had finally found a spot of rest, happily putting their minds together to build what had come to be Camp Palo. A humble little fort village, bordered by log palisades and a thick wooden gate. They’d all given their piece to building what they had today, with Kagura doing the heavy lifting and Merry figuring out the logistics and hiring small-time craftsmen with the money she’d worked so hard to gather. The camp was nowhere near perfect, but the rag tag group paid no mind to it. Quinn said it just made it more ‘rustic and homely’, which Palo shrugged off as weird Quinn talk.

The sun was bright, the skies were clear and the breeze cool but to Palo it was just another day. Despite her aloof outlook though, the warmth while being surrounded by her friends comforted her in a way that she’d never felt before. Quinn had decided to make pancakes that morning, the sweet scent making its way to Palo’s nostrils as she laid out on the sundeck of the newly finished cabin they were now staying in. She knew Quinn would call when they were ready though, so Palo simply rested her eyes. For a moment things were peaceful. Then the loud crashing started again…

Recently Kagura had been training on the local forest. Notably on the forest. She’d been snapping trees in half with her fists for hours at a time, saying she was unsatisfied with her punch each time. She said that she was just gathering wood for the camp, but that excuse stopped working when the stockpile of logs started piling up faster than they could be used. In reality it was her fighting spirit motivating her to keep training in comically extreme ways, but the woods wouldn’t miss a few trees at the end of the day, so no one bothered to stop her. It ticked Palo off a little in all honesty, but eventually the noise stopped, leaving Palo to drift off into a warm afternoon nap.

She woke some time later, Quinn shaking her gently to wake her up. “C’mon Paly, it’s getting late. If you don’t get up, they’ll eat all the leftovers,” Said a pancake-scented Quinn. The sun had begun to hang over the western sky, twilight creeping up as the bright blue hue faded into night. Palo got up from her napping spot, satisfied but with a sore neck. She headed into the kitchen where Quinn had been toiling away all day, only to be greeted by the heavenly scent of a fresh bakery, with a spread of breads and sweet treats laid across the smooth stone counter top. “Here, I saved this one for you.” Quinn said with a smile, handing Palo a pancake with a cute cat pattern drawn on it in a trail of syrup. It’d been a while since she started making them, so this was surely made much later than the rest and surely just for Palo despite Quinn’s secrecy. “Thank you, Quinn. I mean it.” Said a bashful Palo, a warm smile set across her face.

After finishing her special pancake and getting ready for bed, Palo did one last circle of the camp, spying Merry in her business quarters, chatting to Grazie. The two were laughing over some exotic looking herbal tea, with Merry hunched over her trade journal and Grazie leaning back in a wooden chair with a smug look on her face. The two had been discussing the logistics of importing medical herbs and various other concoctions for some time, and it seemed like they were deep in the roots of it, Palo daring not to disturb them. They seemed happy, though. She thought it was nice to see.

Some time passed as Palo spoke with the returning Kagura and helped her lay out the logs she’d brought back, or whatever was left of them. The girl seemed proud of her monstrous strength, turning thick oak trees into paste and splinters on a regular basis; better yet, she pestered Palo to come with her to train, as if Palo would ever be on that level of destruction. Something about Kagura’s positivity had begun to rub off on Palo, and though she couldn’t see it herself those around her knew it to be true from the light within her own smile.

Just as Palo headed back to the cabin that housed the rooms of her and her companions, she spotted Io on the roof, gazing to the stars. She quietly climbed the ladder behind the building, setting herself down next to Io. “Say, Palo.” Io mumbled, quickly noticing her presence. “Do you ever feel like a little fish in a big sea? Like we’re just specks of dust on this impossibly massive world?” The girl spoke, an uncertain look in her eyes. “Well… I’ve always been a speck of dust, I think. I think I always will be.” Palo replied nonchalantly. “But that’s ok with me. I don’t want to be anything but dust… Being something bigger comes with responsibility, with debts and ties. I don’t want to be some puppet on someone’s string. I’m just happy to be dust. Dust with you guys… I don’t mind being dust together.” Io smiled, hearing Palo’s unusually earnest response. “Huh… I never thought of it that way. Maybe you’re right… Maybe being a speck isn’t so bad after all.” The two chuckled lightly at the sheer ridiculousness of their dusty conversation, before sitting and staring into the stars together. What Io saw in the stars that night, she never ended up telling anyone. Next to Palo though, she rethought what she saw, and how she’d been looking for it. The two headed off to bed after a bit, and the tranquil day came to a gentle, warm end.

Link to All Chapters

[gharjunction2020]

Kalyan 1 BHK Flat Price

Discover Dream Avalon: Luxury Living by Dream Developers

Dream Avalon, located in the prestigious Godrej Hill, Khadakpada, Kalyan, Maharashtra, redefines luxury with 34 floors of elegance, including expansive 3 BHK apartments with private sundecks and double-height commercial spaces. Registered under Maha RERA No: P51700051015, this modern marvel offers sophisticated urban living.

Exceptional Location & Connectivity

Conveniently located opposite Kalyan’s largest DMart, Dream Avalon provides easy access to top schools, healthcare, and commercial hubs. If you're considering options like Kalyan 1 BHK Flat Price, Dream Avalon offers a premium alternative in this prime location.

Luxury Interiors & Unmatched Amenities

From Italian tiles to wooden flooring in select bedrooms, every detail at Dream Avalon reflects luxury. Enjoy amenities like an infinity pool, air-conditioned gym, banquet hall, mini-theatre, and more, all designed to enhance your lifestyle.

Why Choose Dream Avalon?

With 3 BHK units starting at ₹2.25 Cr* and world-class amenities, Dream Avalon combines comfort, luxury, and convenience. Whether you’re comparing Kalyan 1 BHK Flat Price or seeking an upgrade, Dream Avalon offers the ultimate living experience.

Make Dream Avalon your new home today!

[spotletblogs]

Top Bachelor Party Weekend Getaways near Hyderabad

Plan the Perfect Bachelor Party at Farmhouses Near Hyderabad

The wedding day is fast approaching, and amidst the flurry of preparations, every groom deserves a chance to unwind with his friends before tying the knot. While celebrating in the city might sound convenient, it lacks the privacy and excitement of a countryside escape. A farmhouse near Hyderabad provides the ideal setting for a memorable bachelor party. SpotLet has curated a list of stunning weekend getaway villas that promise a blend of luxury, fun, and tranquility. Here are some top picks for an unforgettable celebration.

Best Farmhouses in Hyderabad for a Bachelor Party

1. STRIK06605

Nestled in Srisailam, this unique farmhouse combines luxury and comfort. The air-conditioned bedrooms, modern interiors, and acres of lush greenery make it a perfect spot for intimate gatherings. The property boasts a spacious lawn, ample setup area for parties, and a premium sofa area adding to the event’s grandeur. A private outdoor pool is available to beat the heat, and bonfire or barbecue arrangements can be made on request. The farmhouse accommodates up to 20 guests and offers on-site parking.

Price: Starting from INR 25,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 20 pax

2. NMRFA46915

Just an hour’s drive from Hyderabad, this farmhouse in Moinabad spans 2500 sq. ft. Ideal for large groups, it features cozy, air-conditioned bedrooms and an expansive lawn perfect for outdoor activities. The rooftop area, with premium wooden decking and a private pool, serves as a fantastic venue for your bachelor party. It also has a gazebo for added decorations. The property can host up to 20 guests, with in-house parking for 6 cars and round-the-clock security.

Price: Starting from INR 20,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 20 pax

3. BATAS10843

Located 40 km from Hyderabad, this charming farmhouse in Batasingaram offers a peaceful retreat. The well-designed rooms, fully equipped kitchen, and outdoor dining area provide all the comforts of home. The private pool is the highlight, offering a relaxing escape. Guests can enjoy low-decibel music and complimentary use of the property’s speaker system. The farmhouse is perfect for small parties and accommodates up to 20 guests.

Price: Starting from INR 22,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 20 pax

4. RICHF06720

This luxurious villa in Tarur resembles a resort with its vast green spaces, private pool, and modern bedrooms. Ideal for larger groups, it offers ample outdoor space for sports like cricket or football. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the scenic pool surrounded by greenery. Meals and power backup are provided for added convenience. This venue is perfect for an Instagram-worthy party and accommodates up to 20 guests.

Price: Starting from INR 2084/person/night

Maximum Occupancy: 20 pax

5. ACASA85860

Located in Shivampet, this farmhouse is a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. Its premium cottages encircle a private pool, creating a resort-like ambiance. The property includes a bonfire area, air-conditioned bedrooms with scenic views, a well-equipped kitchen, and a garden suitable for large events. Guests have access to a 24/7 power supply and Wi-Fi. It accommodates up to 16 guests.

Price: Starting from INR 18,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 16 pax

6. ALMON53887

Situated in Peddamangalaram, this farmhouse offers a rustic yet luxurious experience. It features five air-conditioned bedrooms, an outdoor projector, a rooftop pool, and a well-manicured lawn for sports and outdoor activities. The spacious sundeck is perfect for hosting parties. The property can host up to 16 guests and provides parking for 10 cars.

Price: Starting from INR 20,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 16 pax

7. NEEMT25996

Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, this farmhouse provides a serene countryside retreat. With a well-manicured garden, swimming pool, barbecue, and bonfire facilities, it’s an ideal venue for memorable celebrations. The property spans 10,000 sq. ft. and accommodates up to 16 guests.

Price: Starting from INR 18,000/night

Maximum Occupancy: 16 pax

Conclusion

Choosing the right farmhouse sets the stage for an epic bachelor party. These farmhouses near Hyderabad cater to different preferences and budgets, offering the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and fun. Book in advance to customize your experience and make lasting memories.

For more information and bookings, visit SpotLet.

[mayooramcruises]

Unveiling the Enchanting Backwaters of Kerala: A Journey on a Traditional Houseboat

Embark on a captivating voyage through the verdant labyrinth of Kerala's backwaters aboard a majestic houseboat, a time-honored vessel that embodies the essence of Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

A Legacy Etched in Wood: The Allure of Traditional Houseboats

Glide along tranquil canals fringed by lush greenery, swaying coconut palms, and vibrant paddy fields. Kerala's traditional houseboats, also known as 'Kettuvallams,' are more than mere vessels; they are testaments to the region's craftsmanship and a unique way of life. These intricately carved wooden boats, traditionally built from jackwood and adorned with intricate lacquerwork, were once used for transporting cargo and have now evolved into comfortable abodes for an unforgettable backwater experience.

Stepping into Serenity: The Houseboat Experience

Your houseboat provides a haven of comfort amidst the tranquil beauty of the backwaters. Spacious living areas adorned with regional textiles and handcrafted furniture create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Unwind on the sundeck, soaking up the golden hues of the Kerala sun and the gentle caress of the breeze. Peer into the crystal-clear waters, teeming with colorful fish and the occasional playful otter. As dusk descends, witness the captivating spectacle of the sky ablaze with vibrant colors, a sight that will leave you mesmerized.

A Culinary Voyage: Delectable Delights Await

Aboard your houseboat, embark on a culinary adventure as skilled chefs prepare a symphony of flavors, showcasing the best of Keralan cuisine. Savor the aroma of freshly caught fish simmering in fragrant curries, the gentle heat of spices tingling your taste buds, and the comforting warmth of fluffy rice appams. Inhale the essence of the backwaters with each delectable bite, creating a truly immersive experience.

Beyond the Backwaters: Unveiling Kerala's Treasures

Your houseboat journey isn't confined to the serene canals. Explore charming villages nestled amidst the verdant landscapes, where time seems to stand still. Witness the captivating art of coir weaving, a traditional Keralan craft. Delve into the rich tapestry of Kerala's history at ancient temples adorned with intricate carvings. As dusk approaches, witness the captivating spectacle of fireflies illuminating the night, creating a magical ambiance.

A Journey for the Soul: Unwinding in Paradise

Aboard a traditional houseboat, disconnect from the frenetic pace of everyday life and reconnect with nature's tranquility. Immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of the backwaters, the soothing sounds of lapping water, and the symphony of birdsong. Let the gentle sway of the houseboat lull you into a state of complete relaxation, washing away your worries and leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

Your traditional houseboat experience in Kerala is more than just a vacation; it's a cultural immersion, a culinary adventure, and a journey for the soul. So, set sail on this unforgettable voyage and discover the magic of Kerala's backwaters.

[thailiveabordno1]

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD

The Manta Queen 7 offers the ultimate scuba diving liveaboard experience with 5D/4N trips on the North Andaman Route. Explore world-renowned dive sites: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Boon Sung Wreck.

Join the true scuba diving experience, book your trip aboard The Manta Queen 7 today!

Manta Queen 7 accommodates 22 guests in comfortable air-conditioned Twin bunk bed ensuite cabins, Double bed ensuite cabins,Twin bunk bed non ensuite cabins and 4 bunk bed non ensuite cabin. There is plenty of space to enjoy the time in between dives in the Saloon with HD-TV, the open dining area or on the large Sundeck. This liveaboard vessel is a 23 meters long and 5 meters wide wooden hull built boat that is manned with 6 Dive Staff and 8 Boat Crew. The dinghy on Manta Queen 7 gives you the opportunity to spend some time on the beautiful beaches.

​

Departure & Return Location

Thaplamu pier

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD Gallery

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD Deck Plans

​What to Expect

The Similan Islands and its Whale Sharks! Liveaboard trip in this area is one of the best scuba diving experiences you will find in Thailand. Its huge granite boulders with caverns and arches, lush greenery and white sand beaches ring the nine islands, completing the view from above water. The marine ecology in this area is unparalleled, colourful schools of fish, coral reefs, and endangered species that welcome divers like the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays. Look out for such photogenic little critters as ghost pipefish, sea moths, frogfish, ribbon eels and many different nudibranchs. Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, members of the Similan Island National Park, are visited en-route to Richelieu Rock in the Surin Marine Park, and offer more Pelagics, Napoleon Wrasse and Night Diving for Macro-Critters.

Whatever your scuba diving pleasure might be, the Similan and Surin Marine Parks are the dive destinations that will satisfy your desires and give you the trip of a lifetime.

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD   DETAIL

MANTA QUEEN 7

Liveaboard Information

The Manta Queen 7 offers the ultimate scuba diving liveaboard experience with 5D/4N trips on the North Andaman Route. Explore world-renowned dive sites: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Boon Sung Wreck.

Join the true scuba diving experience, book your trip aboard The Manta Queen 7 today!

Manta Queen 7 accommodates 22 guests in comfortable air-conditioned Twin bunk bed ensuite cabins, Double bed ensuite cabins,Twin bunk bed non ensuite cabins and 4 bunk bed non ensuite cabin. There is plenty of space to enjoy the time in between dives in the Saloon with HD-TV, the open dining area or on the large Sundeck. This liveaboard vessel is a 23 meters long and 5 meters wide wooden hull built boat that is manned with 6 Dive Staff and 8 Boat Crew. The dinghy on Manta Queen 7 gives you the opportunity to spend some time on the beautiful beaches.

​

Diving Equipment

Full set equipment rental - 2,500 THB per trip (BCD, REG, Mask, Snorkel, Full Foot Fins, Shorty wetsuit, Torch)

Dive computer rental - 1,000 THB per trip

.

Drinks On Board

Drinking water, coffee, tea, electrolyte drinks are included. Sodas are 30 – 40 Baht. Beers 70 – 80 Baht.

​

The Food on Board

KSA Liveaboard is proud to offer the best tasting Thai-European Fusion Cuisine, freshly prepared by our onboard chefs on the whole Manta Queen Fleet. Our catering options can be adjusted for vegetarian/vegan divers as well. The use of Monosodium Glutamate is banned on all of our trips. If you are allergic to nuts or other food ingredients, please notify the staff during your check-in. All meals onboard are served freshly cooked from the onboard kitchen. Snacks and fruits are served in between dives.

​

Amenities & Services

Air-Conditioning

Wi-Fi (Free)

Spacious Diving Platform

Food And drinks

Lounge/TV Area

Power Socket Adapters

​

What's Included

All meals onboard

Water, tea, coffee, fresh fruit, soft drinks (limited) and snacks (Good to have own re-useable water bottle on trip)

Towel for shower (Suggest guests bring own towel or sarong for sun deck or to dry off on dive deck after dive)

Wifi on board (normally only at Boonsung wreck)

12-liter tanks for 11 dives - Weight belt/weights

Small group 4-5 divers : 1 dive lead

(When course is booked) PADI course E-manual and E-card Registration Fee

Round trip transfer from Khao lak area - Thaplamu pier

Round trip transfer from Phuket area - Thaplamu pier

7% VAT

Toiletries

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD Accommodation

4 Bed Non Ensuite Cabin

Comfortable air-conditioned cabin with 4 single bunk bed.

Price: 25,000 THB per person

Room Size: 4 m²

Max. Occupancy: 4

Beds: 4 Bunk

Private Bathroom: No

Wifi on board: Yes

Air Conditioning: Yes

Twin Bed Non Ensuite Cabin

Comfortable air-conditioned cabin twin Bed with shared bathroom.

Price: 27,000 THB per person

Room Size: 3 m²

Max. Occupancy: 2

Beds: 2 Bunk

Private Bathroom: No

Wifi on board: Yes

Air Conditioning: Yes

Twin Bed Ensuite Cabin

Air-conditioned twin bunk bed cabin with en-suite bathroom.

Price: 29,000 THB per person

Room Size: 5 m²

Max. Occupancy: 2

Beds: 2 Bunk

Private Bathroom: Yes

Wifi on board: Yes

Air Conditioning: Yes

Double Bed Ensuite Cabin

Air-conditioned double bunk bed cabin with en-suite bathroom.

Price: 29,000 THB per person

Room Size: 6 m²

Max. Occupancy: 2

Beds: 1 Double

Private Bathroom: Yes

Wifi on board: Yes

Air Conditioning: Yes

MANTA QUEEN 7 LIVEABORD ITINERARY

North Andaman : 5D/4 N 15 Dives Similan–Koh Bon–Tachai–Richelieu

 

Day 1    - Night Departure (“General” Trip Check In on Liveaboard runs from 6pm to 8:30pm)

06.00 PM – Start Check-in & Cabin allocation on Liveaboard at Thaplamu Pier – Khao Lak  07.00 PM – General boat briefing.  07.30 PM – Dinner onboard.  08.00 PM – Equipment set up.

​

Day 2

07.00 AM – Wake up call  07.30 AM – Safety/Dive Briefing  07.45 AM – Dive briefing #1 “Similan Islands”  09.00 AM – Breakfast  11.30 AM – Dive briefing #2 “Similan Islands“  01.00 PM – Lunch  03.30 PM – Dive briefing #3 “Similan Islands”  05.00 PM – Snacks  06.15 PM – Dive briefing #4 “Night Dive – Similan Islands”  08.00 PM – Dinner

​

Day 3

06.00 AM – Wake up call  06.30 AM – Dive briefing #5 “Similan Islands”  08.00 AM – Breakfast  10.30 AM – Dive briefing #6 “Similan Islands or Koh Bon, West Ridge”  12.15 PM – Lunch  01.45 PM – Dive briefing #7 “Koh Bon, West Ridge or Tachai Pinnacle”  03.30 PM – Snacks  05.30 PM – Dive briefing #8 “Tachai Pinnacle”  07.30 PM – Dinner

​

Day 4

06.00 AM – Wake up call  06.30 AM – Dive briefing #9 “Tachai Pinnacle”  08.00 AM – Breakfast  10.30 AM – Dive briefing #10 “Richelieu Rock”  12.15 PM – Lunch  01.45 PM – Dive briefing #11 “Richelieu Rock”  03.30 PM – Snacks  05.30 PM – Dive briefing #12 “Richelieu Rock”  07.30 PM – Dinner

​

Day 5

06.00 AM – Wake up call  06.30 AM – Dive briefing #13 “Koh Bon Pinnacle”  08.00 AM – Breakfast  11.15 AM – Dive briefing #14 “Koh Bon”  12.30 PM – Lunch  02.00 PM – Dive briefing #15 “Boon Sung Wreck”  03.15 PM – Departure briefing & Snacks  04.30 PM – Return to the pier  05.00 PM – Transfer to the check out lounge  05.30 PM – Transfer to Your Hotel 

​

Depending on location, you’ll arrive back to your hotel in Phuket at approximately 7pm – 8:30 pm.

MAPS KSA Liveaboard 5D/4N 15Dives Trip Route Similan–Koh Bon–Tachai–Richelieu

[balancedinterior]

What Are The Different Types & Benefits of Professional Upholstery Services?

Statista found that nearly 70% of people who buy wooden furniture and almost 80% of those who buy sofas don't know the quality they're getting. It seems that instead of focusing on quality, they choose based on appearance. Furniture is an investment, and like any investment, it needs proper care to last.

Over time, even the most well-loved pieces can show signs of wear and tear. Frayed seams, faded fabric, and sunken cushions can make your furniture look tired and uninviting. But before you resign yourself to replacing your favorite chair or sofa, consider the magic of professional upholstery services.

These services go beyond simply replacing the fabric on your furniture. They can bring your furniture back to life, often at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Well, in this blog, we will know the different types of these services and the benefits of hiring professionals for these services.

What Are Upholstery Services & Their Different Types?

Upholstery is a well-known job where people fix and make furniture look nice by adding things like stitching, padding, springs, and special foam. Different areas of upholstery work look distinct. We'll explore three popular of these services: domestic, commercial, and marine.

Domestic Upholstery

Domestic upholstery, also known as residential or traditional upholstery, is the process of upgrading furniture typically found in homes. This service is commonly used for three types of furniture: antique, traditional, and contemporary.

Examples of items that can benefit from domestic upholstery include cushions, chairs, sofas, ottomans, outdoor patio furniture, draperies, dining room and kitchen seating, and bench seating.

Commercial Upholstery

Commercial upholstery is used in various types of businesses like gyms, schools, hotels, and government buildings. Just like domestic upholstery, commercial upholstery helps with making new furniture or fixing old ones.

Commercial upholstery services are mainly used for:

Chairs and barstools in restaurants

Booths and benches

Outdoor seating

Furniture in hotel rooms, like headboards and armchairs

Office furniture, such as desk chairs and room dividers

Seats in waiting rooms

Furniture in lobbies and common areas

Marine Upholstery

Last but not least, marine upholstery is specifically designed for the use of furniture for boats and yachts. Marine upholsterers usually handle both the inside and outside marine upholstery, such as:

Cushions for sundecks

Sofas, couches, and chairs

Curtains and blinds

Covers for different uses

Mattresses for boats

Benefits of Using Professional Upholstery Services

Cost-effective: Reupholstering a piece of furniture is often significantly cheaper than buying a new one, especially for high-quality pieces.

Sustainable: When you give your furniture a makeover, you're doing your part to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Improved aesthetics: These services can transform the look of your furniture, making it stand out in your room once again.

Increased Comfort: After repairs and reupholstering, your furniture will be comfier to sit on, giving you the support and relaxation you need.

Preserved Value: Choosing these professional services can help maintain the value of your furniture, particularly if it's an antique or a family heirloom.

Conclusion

Upholstery services offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to breathe new life into your furniture. Whether you want to spruce a cherished heirloom or update a tired-looking piece, professional upholsterers can help you achieve the look you desire.

So why wait? If you want to give your furniture the makeover it deserves and transform your home into a stylish and inviting space, contact Balanced Interiors. We offer many services to transform your simple-looking home into an attractive-looking house.

To know more about our plethora of different services and choose one for your needs, visit our official website now!

[deckinginstallers]

6 Benefits Of Having A Pergola At Your Home In Northern Beaches

Pergolas on northern beaches are excellent add-up for your deck, patio, or backyard and have become one of the most desirable after-luxury outdoor structures in recent years. Furthermore, this trend shows no signs of subsiding, with more diverse pieces being installed on a daily basis.

Pergolas aren't popular by accident; it's all about how they transform backyard spaces. Pergolas have numerous advantages, ranging from practical to aesthetically pleasing. Discover more about why pergolas on northern beaches are so popular — and see the full list of benefits that will attract you to buy one right away!

These are the six most important benefits that one can bring to your backyard:

Various Materials And Appearances

Pergolas on northern beaches are available in a variety of great materials, ranging from clean white vinyl to rustic heavy wooden timbers. Not only do different materials have different practical advantages, but they can also indicate the aesthetic of the space — rustic or classical! One of the answers to the question, "Why are pergolas so popular?" is, without a doubt, the number of possible styles.

As Much Shade As You Need

While a standard pergola will have an open interlayer roof, you can always attach more shade if necessary. Pergolas with retractable sunshades and fully covered roofs are available. Another important advantage of a pergola is the ability to customise the structure to your specific needs.

Elegant, Vertical Pattern 

Adding an attractive vertical flourish to an otherwise flat space is one of the most effective uses of a pergola when designing a backyard space. The tall profile of one of these structures can be used to accessorise a large sundeck. 

A pergola on northern beaches, on the other hand, can serve as a key focal point in a large backyard. Simply put, a pergola is the perfect finishing touch for many large flat spaces.

Vast Size Variety 

Pergolas on northern beaches are so popular that they can fit in almost any space. That's because you'll find a variety of pergola sizes that are sure to complement your design. You can find the right sizes for your necessities and space, whether it's a modest 10'X12' pergola over a grill or a large 12'X20' pergola over an open-air living space.

Potential For Privacy 

Aside from providing shade, an even more functional pergola benefit is that they can give good privacy to your backyard. To achieve this, pergolas are constructed with dedicated privacy pergolas with solid and lattice privacy walls.

Work In Any Space  

The other reason why pergolas on northern beaches are so popular is that they can do almost anything and fit in almost any space. A pergola, for example, is the ideal structure for making your grill feel more like an outdoor kitchen. 

Of course, a pergola can also be used to create a secluded seating area or a luxurious poolside retreat.

Conclusion 

A pergola is a simple yet beautiful structure that can add a lot of elegance to your backyard. You can modify your outdoor space into a living space where you can entertain friends and family or unwind after a long day. Whatever you use it for, you will undoubtedly enjoy owning a pergola!

[italianexotiicbeauty]

[ just sharing some writing from another platform that is for this character ( the metahuman ) there. ]

Earlier that day, Denver Public Library: Central Library. Denver, Colorado.

Books were a wonderful distraction from real life and a public library had thousands of them. They had topics for just about everything - including hobbies, SATs, languages, and … sometimes subjects of a darker matter. Latin wasn’t just a root language, in many cultures it was used for spells - both good and bad. Sometimes those books ended up where they shouldn’t, in a public library where anyone could get their hands on it. At least if they could read and pronounce latin that is, that would be only a handful of people - mostly high school students to college professors to medical professionals. Mostly these days people avoided touching ouija boards because of the horror stories attached to failing to say goodbye, or even avoided whistling at night because Native American culture warned that if you did that? A shapeshifter would take the form of a human to whistle back, and lure them away from safety.

Some random college student had found a heavy book - wooden binding with a metal enclosure, strange symbols on the cover. The student had been randomly browsing the shelves, trying to find something to read out of sheer boredom. Must have stumbled into the occult section, or something relative to that topic - paranormal, preternatural. Whichever. They had chosen a table in the far back amongst the shelves, the book shook the table when it was placed down - it was that heavy. Curious, right? Brows furrowing as hands were placed on either side of the book, fingers unclasped the metal enclosure and the air around the student became cold. Shaking it off, the student brushed their fingertips along the edges of the front cover of the book and attempted to pry it open. Didn’t work though, frustrated now - the student disrespectfully threw the book down the nearest aisle and began cleaning up their things. A janitor found them passed out on the floor a few hours later, when he had started his rounds to clean up just after the library had closed for the night.

The student had no idea what had even happened - everything was spilled all over the carpeted floor, laptop screen cracked from how it had fallen. The book was missing as well, or was it? Hidden out of sight on the top of the shelves and open, emitting a dark purple cloud through the air that wasn’t visible to human eyes. The edges of the wooden binding had traces of blood on it. Like it had been thrown into the student’s head … oh, but it had been thrown. By an unseen force in retaliation for it being disrespectfully discarded across the floor, the blood had unlocked it since it had hit the student in the back of the skull. There were two small bleeding wounds and the janitor noticed them, having the kid sit down on the stairs while calling for emergency services. And just as the fire department showed up with an ambulance, the whole city block went dark - power was out within a hundred miles each way. Along with cell service, the radios were dead as well.

Somewhere within the Colorado Rockies.

Mary had just left her bedroom, dressed in the deep red hero suit and the domino mask was resting on the edge of the counter. Sliding her fingers through the gloves, her fingers flexed and she paused. All four of her dogs were crowding the door that led out onto the sundeck, she gave a soft whistle and the four of them all moved back so she could approach the door. Unlocking it, she stepped outside and looked up into the sky … it was unnaturally dark and the air felt … cold. She wasn’t supposed to be able to FEEL the cold unless it was below thirty-five degrees in the dead of winter. “Stay,” She immediately said as if she could sense the dogs wanting to venture outside. She moved around the side of the cabin towards the fence that surrounded her property, towards a side of the entrance gate for her driveway and opened up a box. Flood lights began to try and break through the darkness as she flipped the switches from timer to manual, and the powerful beams barely penetrated the darkness. “ … That’s what I was afraid of.” Flipping the switches back to their previous position, the flood lights slowly turned off and once more the property was drowned in unnatural darkness and cold. “ … If Rapture from Bioshock was real, this is what it would have felt like AFTER the uprising…” She uttered under her breath and walked back towards the cabin, disappearing back inside and moving to lock the door that led out onto the sundeck only for there to be a soft knock on the front door.

“JUST A SECOND!” She called out and quickly raced into her bedroom, ditching the hero suit for a pair of active wear leggings and a matching top, tossing the domino mask onto the couch to hide it from whomever was at the door. The dogs came out from the long hallway where their beds were spread out between her room, the guest bedroom and the guest bathroom - tails tentatively wagging as they watched their owner approach the front door. Gazing through the peephole, Mary turned on the porch light that barely illuminated the figure standing outside but she knew that outline. Within seconds she opened the door and stepped back, “Well if it isn’t the great cthulhu potato - Finn Hawkins. Please, come on in!” Once Finn had entered her home, she closed and locked the door behind him. Her four dogs raced over and began sniffing in an investigative manner of their new guest.

She moved towards the couch and retrieved the mask from where it had landed, placing it on the coffee table instead. “What brings you to my neck of the woods, Finn?”

( reference links: Illithid, Mind flayer, Mind flayer 02, & Mind flayer 03 )

[wonyoungandbeautiful]

A soft chuckle escaped Wonyoung's lips as she protected her eyes from the burning sun, watching Danielle's animated expression. With a nod, her gaze drifted across the ocean before settling back on her friend. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant cityscape of Seoul, she found a unique appreciation for the beauty of the Maldives. "I remember you saying you missed the ocean and home, you must be so happy to be here," the brunette mentioned as she walked towards the edge of her sundeck and glanced at the wooden pathway that connected their villas. She contemplated the idea of walking over so she could join Danielle yet she found herself hesitating, not knowing who the intervening space belonged to or if they would mind her traversing through.

At the mention of staying longer, a playful glint appeared in the brunette's eyes. She agreed with her. The warmth and dreamy landscape was addictive. "I was thinking of trying out some water activities, maybe snorkeling or jet-skiing," she said, her excitement evident. "If you want to join, you're welcomed to."

as the sun pushed further and further into the morning sky, danielle briefly wondered why she hadn’t snagged a pair of sunglasses before stepping outside. from where she sat, she could just barely make out wonyoung’s familiar silhouette beyond the blinding light. this type of closeness was precisely what she yearned for most in seoul, and it was one of many things she missed about being back home. big cities were all about the hustle and bustle. everyone always had things to do, or somewhere to be... very rarely did she feel she got a chance to stop and breathe.

“isn’t it just amazing?!” despite having grown up with a somewhat similar (and arguably better, though she might be a bit biased) view, mother nature’s carefully crafted landscapes never ceased to astound her. a week didn't feel like nearly enough time for danielle to soak it all in. perhaps if she did a sufficient amount of pleading, her manager might consider extending her stay for just a teensy bit longer. “i swear, i could stay here forever,” tilting her head to the side with a curious hum, she continued, “what are your plans for today?”

[ich-bin-der-baer]

Reading Practice: Urlaub im Ferienhaus - alles ist möglich!

das Baumhaus -- tree house der Blick -- view das Domizil -- domicile die Düne -- dune das Erdhaus -- earth-sheltered house die Fähre -- ferry das Ferienhaus (pl. die Ferienhäuser) -- holiday home der Fluss (pl. die Flüsse) -- river der Gegenentwurf -- alternative concept die Gemeinschaftsduschen (pl.) -- communal showers die Gewinnmaximierung -- maximisation of profits das Hausboot -- houseboat das Holz -- wood; timber der Holzbalken (pl. die Holzbalken) -- wooden beam die Insel -- island der Kanal (pl. die Kanäle) -- canal der Leuchtturm -- lighthouse die Meeresküste -- coast der Naturstein (pl. die Natursteine) -- natural stone das Refugium -- refuge die Siedlung -- settlement die Sonnenterrasse -- sundeck der Spielplatz -- playground das Sternenzelt -- canopy of stars die Unterkunft -- accommodation der Urlaub -- holiday die Windmühle -- windmill der Wipfel (pl. die Wipfel) -- treetop

bewohnen -- to occupy; to inhabit einchecken -- to check in entschleunigen -- to slow down sich (an etwas) schmiegen -- to nestle (against something) übernachten -- to stay the night übersetzen -- to cross over werben -- to attract; to woo

atemberaubend -- breathtaking beheizbar -- heated denkmalgeschützt -- heritage-listed; listed for preservation geräumig -- roomy ökologisch -- ecological überwiegend -- predominantly; mainly uneingeschränkt -- unrestricted unverhohlen -- openly; undisguisedly

über (etwas) verfügen -- to have (something) reif für (etwas) sein -- to be ready for (something)

[pulchritudism]

so won’t you pull me closer, kiss me faster? | kento nanami x reader [18+] — ch. 9

Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen

Pairing: Kento Nanami X Reader

Tags: Beach AU, CEO Kento Nanami, Vacation, Porn with Plot, Romance, Slow Burn, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: During the last night of your vacation, an escapade alongside the nightlife strip of the resort you’re staying in leads to a drunken encounter with a stranger, but he’s not exactly who you think he is—he’s much more than that.

Word Count: 52,422 [as of chapter 9]

Status: Ongoing

Read on AO3

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— CHAPTER 9 —

“What the hell?” you stare at the small yacht in front of you in awe, “You didn’t tell me about this.”

“I wanted to surprise you,” Nanami walks towards you, footsteps sounding through the wooden dock before he reaches up to squish your cheeks.

“Well, if it weren’t already so obvious, I’m definitely surprised,” you laugh, “So, what? Are we gonna be staying in the middle of the sea for the weekend?”

“Sure,” he responds, taking your suitcase from you and handing it over to one of the boat’s crew members.

“That wasn’t a definitive yes,” you narrow your eyes at him, “You’ve got something else planned, don’t you?”

He glances at you with that deviously vague expression he wears every time he has something up his sleeve, “The sooner you get in, the faster you’ll find out.”

Taking his response as it is, you excitedly make your way up the boarding stairs, trusting him completely given his past surprises. He leads you up another set of stairs headed to the third and top floor of the vessel where the wet bar and sundeck is. The moment you see the view, you gasp and rush over to the railings, marveling at how the sun was shining at such a perfect angle that the ripples of the ocean glistened like diamonds. The water is so clear, you can see the reefs under the water.

“Kento, look!” you exclaim when you spot a school of fish emerge from right under the yacht, turning back to see the person you’re calling out to in the middle of a conversation with the captain.

He glances at you when he notices you’ve been looking at him in anticipation, signaling with apologetic eyes that you’ll have to wait some time before he can get back to you.

You reassure him with a smile, facing back to take in the beauty of the horizon, taking a deep breath of fresh air. Despite the temperature being much warmer than you’re used to, the weather is perfect for basking under the sun.

As you wait for him to settle his business, you pull your sundress over your head to reveal your swimwear, deciding to sprawl comfortably on one of the couches, fishing for the shades in your handbag.

You’re in the middle of applying sunscreen all over your thighs when he comes back with cocktails and a platter of fruit. You watch him saunter towards you, the visual representation of “heart-eyes” all over your expression.

“Sorry, just had to settle something with the captain,” he sets everything down on the table beside you, opening his palm up, “Do you need some help with that?”

“Yes, please,” you hand him the bottle of sunscreen, turning your back to him and brushing your hair aside.

He occupies the space beside you and empties some of the product into his hands before rubbing it on your shoulder blades and back, running his thumbs down your spine. What started off as him helping you apply sunscreen eventually turns into a full-blown massage, which you had hoped for in the first place, knowing the type of person that he is.

His actions paired with the gentle rocking of the boat as it traverses across the ocean calms you down so much, you almost end up falling asleep, not until you suddenly jerk back to full consciousness, catching him off guard and making him take his hands off you.

You prop yourself up and turn to face him, smiling at him to signal your satisfaction, “You want me to do you too?”

“Sure,” he fully unbuttons his short-sleeved shirt, tossing it somewhere beside him.

Rubbing your palms together, you warm up the lotion before pressing them on to his back, returning the favor he so generously bestowed upon you by giving him a massage too. It’s not like he couldn’t do it himself, but you can’t resist applying the sunscreen in places he wouldn’t even have difficulty reaching.

Without shame, your hands caress his biceps and forearms which prompts him to face you, allowing you ease of access. You squeeze some more of the sunscreen into your palms before massaging it into his chest, making your way down to his abs and admiring every groove and curve of his body. It’s so evident with the smile on your face that you’re finding enjoyment in what you’re doing.

“You’ve been going over the same spot for minutes now. Aren’t you satisfied yet?” he teases with a sly smirk.

Caught red-handed, you grin cheekily, “How can you expect me to be when you’re built like a fucking greek god?”

He purses his lips, trying to think of a comeback but he’s at a loss for words. Instead, he rolls his eyes and looks to the side, his cheeks reddening ever so slightly. What a rare sight to see.

You laugh, amused at how adorable he looks when he’s flustered before leaning forward, nipping at his bottom lip and tasting the sweetness of mangoes, “Mm, suddenly I’m craving for that fruit platter.”

Sitting up, you stare at the array of sliced tropical fruits in front of you before you begin to leisurely snack on them.

About an hour passes when a small island materializes within sight. You turn to Nanami to ask him about it but by this point, he'd passed out beside you on the sundeck couch, his hand still loosely entwined around yours. You can’t blame him; the jet lag from all of his business trips has most likely caught up to him. So, you let him rest, delicately combing your fingers through his hair while you revel at the warm breeze and the gentle rocking of the boat.

It takes another 30 minutes or so of maneuvering across the clear blue sea before the yacht is finally docked near the shore, causing him to stir awake ever so slowly.

“Hey, sleepy head. We’re here,” you tell him softly, squeezing his hand.

“Already?” he winces when the sunlight hits his eyes, “Sorry, I fell asleep.”

“No, don’t apologize. Did you have a good nap?”

He groans in affirmation, unhurriedly getting up on his feet before helping you up. When the two of you set foot into the island, the nap he took had taken full effect, recharging him for the day.

As he trudges across the shore, you turn on the balls of your feet, scanning the vicinity. The island seems to be completely uninhabited; there was no other building or structure within sight save for a well-maintained two-story beachfront house surrounded by coconut trees.

“Is this where we’re staying for the weekend?” you eye the structure in front of you, marveling at its modest beauty.

He pulls his shades up his head, “I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, it’s absolutely beautiful. How did you discover this place?”

His expression shifts to enthusiasm, as if he’d been waiting for you to ask that exact question, “I happen to own it actually.”

“Huh,” you blink suspiciously, “Just the house?”

“And the island.”

Of course he did. By now, you should have already been used to him casually dropping bombs like these ones, but still, your mouth hangs open, raking your eyes across the island once more, “Seriously?”

He nods, “We acquired it for a land development project, but I ended up loving the place so much that I wanted to preserve its natural beauty instead of turning it into another resort. I figured having a small house built wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe one day it can serve as a retirement home,” his lips curl upward, seemingly visualizing the thought, “Come on. I’ll show you around.”

He takes your hand and leads you to the front porch where the beginning of the house tour commences. Knowing that the two of you only have the weekend together definitely fuels how you spend the day. The goal was to do as much as you can in the little time you had, and it starts off with him cooking up brunch with your assistance right after he shows you around.

It’s the first time you’ve ever gotten to try something he prepared. You’ve been eating such exquisite and expensive meals whenever you’re with him, but none of them can ever compare to the comfort the pan-seared scallops and truffled fettuccine pasta he cooked gives you.

And so, after indulging in a hearty meal, the two of you take a rest in the living room in order to digest everything and recover from the food coma.

The next hours are then spent with you heading to the beach for a swim, lounging around under the sun, exploring the island by bike, and attempting to pick coconuts with a pole pruner only to fail and have the yacht crew assist you instead. When the sun finally sets, you retreat back home to have a nice candlelit dinner at the rooftop deck.

* * *

The evening sky looks so clear now that you’re free from the polluted air brought about by urbanization. The enduring beauty of the full-moon captivates your eyes and your heart, making you wish that you could live on this island forever without a single worry, free from conformity and the hustle and bustle of every-day work in the city.

With a heavy sigh of relief, you lean against the railing of the master bedroom balcony, staring at the tranquil night sea as you enjoy the last bit of rosé in your wine glass. After a few minutes, you hear the door behind you slide open, the thin curtains fluttering in the wind and brushing against your legs.

“What are you thinking about?” Nanami comes up behind you, snaking his arms around your waist and tugging you flush against his body before he begins to pepper your jawline with kisses, trailing them down.

You set your glass down on the table beside you, giggling when his lips reach the point of your neck where you’re most sensitive, “Just how this whole thing’s been such a whirlwind of events,” you turn to face him, perching your arms on his shoulders, “It feels like I’m dreaming.”

“If it’s a dream, then I don’t think I’d want to wake up,” he responds, tucking loose strands of hair behind your ear.

With a small smile, you tiptoe to brush your nose against his cheek but he quickly turns his head, capturing your lips in his instead. A hand flies up to hold on to the back of your head, pulling you in for an even deeper kiss.

With that feeling of passion rooted deep in your core growing by the second, you break free from him and take his hand, hastily dragging him back inside the bedroom. You make your way to lay your back on the mattress and he wastes no time as he comes up on top of you. His comforting warmth closes in on you and his adventurous hands move to grope your breasts roughly.

“So eager,” you say playfully.

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” his voice is breathy, and you can hear the tone of neediness in it.

You feel the exact same way. Two nights in proximity simply couldn’t make up for the months you were away from each other, but you’re damn sure you’re going to try your best to make it worthwhile.

He pulls your shirt up to cover your eyes, using it as a makeshift blindfold which causes you to nervously writhe under his grasp, your sense of touch heightening at the loss of sight.

“Is this fine with you?” he asks, lapping his tongue across your collarbone, sucking on your flesh.

You nod in response.

“Good, sweetheart. Just tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”

“Okay,” you feel him move away from you momentarily before you hear the bedside table drawer open and shut. Not too long after, he’s back to his original position.

He traces his fingers on your hip bone, the light pressure sending shivers through your body. He toys with the hem of your shorts, curling his finger around it and teasing you at an agonizingly slow pace. Then, his warm touch leaves for longer than you’d like.

“Take it off already,” you whine.

“Relax,” he coos, “Let me have my fun.”

You tense up when you feel him lick a stripe up your abdomen before using his mouth to toy with your breasts. Instinctively, you tug on the roots of his hair, moaning as teases your nipples until they’re hard. Once satisfied, he finally pulls your shorts and panties down, and you’re more than happy to assist him by kicking them off.

“Remember when I asked you what you wanted from France and you told me to surprise you?” he whispers, breath brushing against your ear. You make a noise of affirmation.

He withdraws from you and kneels on the mattress. Suddenly, a buzzing sound echoes through the room and before you can even register what it was, you’re caught off guard by an overwhelming sensation on your clit as he presses a bullet vibrator against it.

A gasp immediately rips itself out of your chest. Your hand flies up to blindly grab his arm, “Oh, my god—”

With his free hand, he spreads your legs wider, stroking the toy along the entire length of your folds before circling back lightly on your bundle of nerves, “How does this feel?”

“G–Good,” you utter, a pitch higher than normal, unable to resist squirming under his grasp, the unpredictable shift in pressure making you crave for more. This feeling is something you’re not accustomed to, but it’s utterly intoxicating.

“Do you like my gift?”

“Yes,” you gasp, “Fuck yes.”

He focuses on using your mewls as a guide as to what makes you feel the most pleasure, building it up ever so slowly. Then, without mercy, he withdraws his hand.

“More,” you whine.

“What was that?”

“Keep going. Please.”

He takes your hand before he passes over the toy to you, the warmth of his body disappearing as shifts further away.

“If you want more, then do it yourself,” he tells you, cadence shifting, and you can practically see him smirking by the new tone of his voice, “Don’t think you’ve gotten away with what you did during my meeting.”

“What are you talking about?” you ask innocently, trying to visualize behind the blindfold where he could be now.

“That’s not going to work on me this time,” he tells you sternly.

You purse your lips; you should have expected you weren’t always going to get your way in bed sooner or later. Especially not after the handful of times you’ve teased him over the past few months.

To say the least, you’re rather embarrassed having to pleasure yourself while he watches, and it shows with the say you’re shyly hovering the vibrator over you, applying pressure so barely noticeable.

You stifle your sounds with a hand and he easily picks up on how you’re holding yourself back.

“You were so shameless during our call,” he tuts, “What happened, dear? Show me how you touch yourself when you think of me.”

He really knows how to rile you up, doesn’t he? He knows exactly what buttons to press to get a reaction from you, his taunt instigating a deep desire in you like a spark.

Oh, you’ll show him—you’ll give him the best show you can.

With a surge of confidence, you turn the vibrator off and toss it aside for the meantime. You sit up and press your back against the headboard, spreading your legs wide before folding them, baring your entire self to him.

“Don’t you dare take your eyes off me,” you tell him with a smirk, enclosing your lips around your fingers before bringing it down in between your thighs, stroking yourself, your arousal mixing with your saliva as you slip a single finger in you. You begin to thrust, curling them up to hit your g-spot and moaning softly each time.

Your free hand pats the mattress, searching for the vibrator until it’s with you. And, with a press of a button, you switch it back on and stroke it against your clit. You get on your knees, grinding against the toy as if no one else is in the room watching you. Your other hand explores your body, trailing up the length of your abdomen to massage your breasts, fingers pinching and playing with your pebbled nipples before coming back down to plunge into you once more.

You’re right to say you’ve been missing out not having invested in a vibrator earlier on because you never would have imagined you could get so wet just playing with yourself. One finger becomes two, and you manage to slip three fingers in without difficulty, finding sheer bliss in the stretch of each thrust. All the while, the embarrassment you felt earlier is completely eradicated as wanton moans and whimpers erupt throughout the room.

“Is my precious girlfriend enjoying herself?”

You may not be able to see, but your sense of hearing has now intensified, and you can hear him very well. You can hear the sound of fabric hitting the floor and how strained his voice was when he spoke. You can hear his labored breathing, and you have a clear idea as to why.

“Seems to me like you’re enjoying what you’re watching” you bite back playfully, sinking back down onto the mattress, throwing your head deeper into the pillow.

There’s no response, just the feeling of the mattress sinking back down and the sounds of him growing closer. Knowing that he was getting off to watching you pleasure yourself sends your mind into a frenzy. It fuels the spark into a flame, making you quicken the pace of your ministrations. You’re about to lose it.

“Come… Come fuck me before I get off by myself,” you say after several minutes, feeling your abdomen knotting.

When he senses that you’re close by the way you’re gripping on to the sheets and arching your body, he leans forward and takes the toy out of your hand, regaining his control over you, “You can only cum when I say so. Got it?”

You whimper loudly at the loss of friction. By this time, you’re no longer able to hold yourself back. You extend your arms, managing to grip onto his thighs, using them as a guide to find his cock. You close your palm around him, smearing precum dripping from the tip all the way down to the base, “I want you inside me.”

He gently brushes your hold on him away, taking his cock into his own hand. He rubs the tip along the length of your folds before pushing into you ever so slowly, “So wet… I can easily slip it in—” a shared gasp leaves you both the moment he enters you completely, the stretch heavenly as always, “—just like that.”

He starts off unhurriedly, his movements are met with no resistance due to your arousal. You manage to pull his head down, parting your lips. He nibbles at them unassumingly, and just when you're about to tease him for being so gentle, he shoves his tongue down your throat, his mouth molding around yours so perfectly and so aggressively, you’re left out of breath.

Then, when you least expect it, he thrusts into you, hard. Then, he does it again–harder–before speeding up, causing you to throw your head back and grip onto his arms.

You tip your toes against the bed, your legs shaking uncontrollably when you raise your hips. He manages to yank a pillow and place it under you, your body now angled perfectly for him as he continues with his rough movements. Tears are beginning to drench your shirt as you cry out for him to go even harder. Your hands reach out, blindly trying to latch on to something for dear life, but all you can do is gesticulate in the air as he gives in to your pleads.

A loud whimper escapes you when he brings the vibrator back, the added stimulation sending you closer and closer to the edge each second that passes. His other hand wraps around your throat, hips slamming into yours.

He leans close to you, softly moaning your name into your ear, knowing full well how much it turns you on and using that knowledge to his advantage. As a response, you lock your legs around him, nails scratching at his back which only causes him to groan even louder.

All you need is a little push. In fact, perhaps a little tap would have done it but every time–every single fucking time–you feel yourself about to reach your climax, he either slows down, stops, or lightens the pressure of the vibrator, ruining your orgasm completely.

“Fuck, please just—“ you beg him, your hands desperately flying down in between your thighs but he manages to catch them and pin them above your head.

“What did I say earlier?” he reprimands, hand squeezing onto your wrists as a warning.

You’re reduced to a sputtering mess, your mewling is mixed in with a string of profanities and pleads. You’ve never said these words this many times in succession, but holy fucking shit, your mind is unable to rack up anything else; the only thing you’re thinking about is the electrifying pleasure this was all building up to.

He pulls your shirt back down to your neck, seeing your face wet with tears, a thumb coming up to wipe them away, “Aw, sweetheart. So pretty even when you cry.”

You sniffle, your whimpering only growing louder, “P–Please, let me cum. I’m begging, please, let me.”

“Can you hold on a little bit more for me?” he says, gentler this time.

There’s no denying that it’ll be worth it in the end, but he’s been edging you so much that your body physically can no longer handle being denied this long. You’re about to crumble, but maybe you can last a little bit more.

You grit your teeth, nodding weakly.

Without warning, he drops the toy and easily manages to flip you over, gripping your hips before he rams back into you. You grab onto the sheets in front of you, face buried into the pillow, the depth of each thrust causing waves of euphoria to ripple through your entire body.

You’re starting to feel lightheaded. With the rate he’s going, it’s only a matter of time before he finally gives you what you’ve been asking for all this time. Where he knew the perfect pace to go at, you knew the perfect angle to arch your body so that he effortlessly hits your sweet spot.

He bunches your hair up together in one hand, the other one picking the vibrator back up as he pounds you soulless into the mattress with harder thrusts, the sound of moans, buzzing, and flesh slamming against flesh filling up the entire room.

“K–Kento—”you whimper, his name rolling out of your lips so salaciously that he pulls on your hair tighter. You push back against his movements, obscenely bouncing on his cock, “Please, let me cum already, I can’t hold back anymore!”

“Yeah? Me too. Cum for me, sweetheart,” he demands breathlessly.

Hearing those words make your walls clench around him, causing him to groan and involuntarily press the vibrator harder onto you. That was exactly what you needed to be sent over. You cry out, every muscle in your body contracting as the tension of being mercilessly edged all night is finally released.

You feel his warm cum shoot inside of you and fill you up. With a strained groan, he drops the toy one last time, using his hands to stroke against your already incredibly sensitive clit, picking up the pace of his gestures before he sloppily thrusts into you again, fucking you through your orgasm as his cum coats his dick.

“Oh, fuck—Oh, my god!” you exclaim, prying his hand away but he’s quick to bring it back, overstimulating you even further.

A louder shriek erupts from you. Your legs are quivering, teeth sinking down into the pillow as your eyes roll to the back of your head. Tears are staining the sheets and drool is running down the corner of your parted mouth.

You can’t bear it anymore so you grip at his arm, crying out once more in desperation as you wriggle your entire body, “Enough! Please!”

As requested, he slows down before coming to a full stop. Finally, he pulls out, leaning forward to give you tender kisses all over your shoulder and neck, wrapping you in a tight embrace.

He kisses your temple repeatedly, both as praise and as compensation for being so rough on you tonight, “You’re amazing as always, baby.”

You’re spent and breathless. You sniff, turning to face him with a weak smile. He looks at you apologetically, using your shirt to wipe all the remnants of tears away.

“You always fuck me like we’re never going to see each other again,” you mutter softly.

“Hm,” the corner of his lips curl upwards indistinctly, “Someone once told me to fuck them like it’s the last time I’ll see them, and I’ve taken that to heart ever since.”

Your cheeks turn cherry-red, recalling the night when you said those words all too well. You bite down on your lip, hiding your embarrassed smile, “God, you’re unbelievable.”

In other words, you love him to death.

You’ve never–never–in your life experienced an orgasm so intense and bone-shattering that it leaves you involuntarily spasming minutes after reaching it. Your core is pulsating, mind unable to comprehend sensibly the sheer bliss your body just experienced. It leaves you dazed, like you’ve just unlocked some dimension you never could have believed existed.

The ungodly expressions you’ve made just from this night are completely unbridled; you’re just thankful he didn’t see the true extent of the hot mess you were after you came.

Minutes pass as the two of you recuperate while cuddling.

“Are you tired?” you ask after some time, still panting, mischievous eyes glimmering.

“Not yet. Why?” he folds his arm behind his head, “Do you want to go another round?”

“I actually had something different in mind,” you say, sitting up to swing your leg over him and placing your hands on his chest, “But I definitely can’t pass up the proposition.”

“Really? Are you sure you can hold up after that last one?” he teases, holding you by the waist.

“Is that a challenge?” you narrow your eyes, slowly grinding on him to tease him back, feeling his cock twitch under you, “You know I’m not one to back down.”

With your eyes locked on him, you raise your hips, aligning it with his before you take his already growing erection into your hands and lower yourself onto him. He watches you with concupiscence, lips parted as he holds in a breath. You sit still once you’ve taken all of him, bending down and puckering your lips. Your slight movements make him pulsate inside of you, and you feel him starting to grow even harder.

He gives you a tender peck, squeezing your ass cheeks hungrily, “So, what did you have in mind?”

“Stay up with me. I don’t want this night to end yet.”

He smiles against your lips, “Then let’s make it last as long as we can.”

* * *

You can’t deny the exhaustion and aching your entire body felt after going two more rounds with him, which leaves you wondering where in the hell he got such stamina because by the end of it all, it seemed as if he still had enough energy to last the entire night. So, at around three in the morning, you tap out and the both of you decide to spend the rest of the night camping outside to stargaze instead.

Still determined to stay up as long as you can, you sit cross-legged on top of a thick blanket laid on the sand as you look up at the sky, watching the constellations glisten.

“Here,” he says from behind, a fuzzy blanket draped over his shoulders as he hands you a cup of hot tea.

“Thank you,” you say softly, smiling while you watch him sit beside you.

He swings an arm around your shoulder and tugs you close, sheltering you in the warmth of the blanket and his body heat, “Are you sure you’re not sleepy yet?”

You snuggle up against him and take small sips of your piping hot beverage, “I am actually, but I’d rather stay up. How about you?”

He shakes his head, “I’m used to the late nights.”

A pause, a comfortable one.

“Well, less than nine hours to go,” you say dolefully, breaking the silence, “I wish we could stay here forever.”

He emits a breathy chuckle, “Don’t tempt me. I might as well leave everything behind and elope with you.”

“Really? Are you willing to give up everything you’ve built?” you say lightheartedly.

The question was rhetorical more than anything.

“In exchange for peace and happiness like this? If only things were as easy as that, I would have done so a long time ago,” he muses pensively, gazing up at the sky, eyes seemingly searching for a shooting star to grant him his wish.

You weren’t expecting him to answer with such sincerity because for the most part, you figured that his response would have been a straightforward ‘no’—who in the right mind would want to give up such a grand life? But then again, you knew him well enough to understand what truly mattered to him.

Happiness like this. This–you and him–this is what makes him happy. It’s not because of some 300-acre land being developed into a resort, nor some casino in a 5-star hotel; it’s not his collection of silk neckties, his Oxford shoes, nor his bespoke furniture. It’s the simplicity of him holding you in his arms, the certainty of you pressing your ear against his chest, hearing his heartbeat, and knowing that he’s right here with you. This is what he’d give everything up for.

You can’t help but smile in content, your body enveloping you in a profound sense of solace, “Well, whatever you choose to do, you have my heart. I hope you know that.”

“I’ll cherish it forever,” he says as gently as the nighttime breeze, his utterance dancing in the wind like a sacred promise.

“So, when will be the next time I’ll be seeing you?”

He purses his lips, “I have to go back home to Japan for another two months in order to oversee a few projects.”

You trail your eyes to the sand, nodding, “Oh, okay… At least that’s shorter than last time.”

“I suppose,” he sighs.

When you look back at him, you notice the way he’s now absentmindedly staring straight ahead, “You’ve got your thinking face on again. What’s on your mind?”

Another troubled sigh leaves him. He takes a moment to compose his thoughts before he turns to face you once more, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something for quite some time now, but I wanted to do it in person. I thought asking you on your birthday was too soon and maybe too much for you to think about, but I think now is a good time.”

You tap your fingernails against the side of your mug, furrowing your brows at the sudden shift in his tone, “O-Oh… What is it?”

He takes your hand, stopping your gestures of anxiousness, “Our Chief Marketing Officer is retiring next year and our company will be doing a small restructuring. I’ve seen your resumé and it’s extensive in terms of achievements. On top of that, the executives are impressed with the campaigns you’re currently managing and they’re open to having you on board. So with that, I was wondering if you would consider working for my company?”

You blink at him, asking yourself if you correctly heard the words he just told you and convincing yourself that you had just imagined it.

“I’m sorry?” your eyes widen, chuckling in disbelief, “Did you just ask me to be your next CMO?”

He nods, giving your hand a squeeze, “Essentially, yes.”

Oh. So you didn’t just conjure it up. Wait… What?

You continue to stare at the man in front of you, the realization of what he had just asked you hitting you all at once. In flashes, your mind rapidly visualizes the life you could be living if you were to accept his offer—getting the chance to see him every day, having the opportunity to work with well-respected businesspeople, managing a team, and building your credentials even more. But this could also mean unparalleled stakes, incredible pressure, a frenzy of stress, and a completely different environment you’re used to. It’s all fun and games until you fuck something up and it costs the reputation of his entire business.

“I’m not sure,” you exhale shakily once the thoughts settle, “Listen, this is a really, really great opportunity. Like, I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am that you’re even considering me, but I–I don’t think I’m skilled enough to take on such a huge role.”

The corner of his lips twitches, as if he’s in silent disagreement to what you just said, “Hey, come on. Don’t say that. I think you’re more than capable.”

“I also don’t want you offering me the role just because I’m your girlfriend. There’s probably so  many people more qualified than I am. Maybe… Maybe you should consider them instead,” you mutter, lowering your head in shame.

He’s quick to tip your chin up, making you look him in the eye, “My dear, you have to give yourself more credit. Being my girlfriend and someone who I genuinely believe can handle the work of being an executive don’t have to be mutually exclusive things,” he pauses to give you a smile of assurance, “You have so much potential. I’m sure you’ll be able to learn the ropes of the position quickly.”

There’s sincerity in the way he speaks. He unconditionally believes in you with all his heart, and it breaks yours to know that you couldn’t say ‘yes’ to him right away, even if it meant seeing him more often than you normally do, even if it meant a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’re sure you’re never going to get ever again if you let this one go. But, you also didn’t want to rush into it because you know you deserve to be confident with your decision and he deserved someone who was willing to commit wholeheartedly. And you’re not there just yet.

“It’s just… I don’t know if I can handle taking such a huge risk right now. I have to leave my home and the job I’ve had for years. I have to leave everything I know behind. I’m not even well-versed in your language,” you say in exasperation, exhaling a deep breath afterwards, “I’ll need some time to think about it. Is that alright?”

You were so caught up in the topic that you’re only now realizing how tightly he’s been holding onto your hand.

His tense expression and grip on you softens. He seems to be relieved knowing that you didn’t completely shut down the offer and that you were willing to let the idea simmer in your mind, “Of course it is. I didn’t expect you to give me an answer right now anyway. If the CMO position is too much for you, you can always start off as an associate and step up in the future when you feel like you’re ready. You have more than a year to consider it, and more than a year to learn Japanese,” he chuckles softly, “I’ll respect any decision you make.”

“I don’t think a year is enough to learn it,” you respond, reciprocating his light laughter.

His reassurance alleviates you, any semblance of pressure ceasing the moment he expressed his unyielding and unreserved support for you. It makes you smile at him warmly, sinking your cup of tea into the sand before you throw your arms around his neck and bury your face into his shirt, “Thank you. I’ll have to weigh out my options, but rest assured I’ll take everything into consideration. I—This is really, I mean, this really means so much to me, you have no idea. So… Thank you.”

You echo your appreciation, hoping the cadence of your voice is enough for the sentiment to resonate in the extent you actually meant it.

He binds you in an embrace, placing a light kiss on the top of your head, “You already know how proud I am of you. Whatever you end up choosing, just know that I’ll be here to support you.”

Despite everything you’re unsure of at this point of your life, one thing is certain—the affection you’ve been harboring for him is only becoming more profound. If you have yet to grow enough courage to take the plunge and accept his job offer, at least you have enough to let him know how you feel about him.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you something as well,” you say, unwrapping your arms around him and scooting backwards to get a better view of him.

“Hm?” he raises a curious brow, “Go ahead.”

“Um,” you start, heaving a breath to compose the superfluity of things running in your mind. There’s so much you wanted to tell him, and you can only hope you’re able to get your message across.

“I can’t even begin to put into words how unbelievable my time with you has been. It really does feel like I’m imagining things. I mean—how could someone like you end up with some random, insignificant person like me, right?”

He’s about to retort but you rest your hand on his knee, shaking your head.

“Well, at least that’s what I originally thought,” you continue, “Back then, every time you looked at me, I always questioned whether or not I was making things up, whether or not there was a possibility that you could have actually liked me. I let my idea of you be influenced by my insecurity and by things that people who barely knew you would say, and I’m sure you must have hated that. I know that the day of our argument is long behind us, but I can’t help wondering how it was possible for me to lie to you so recklessly, to be so dishonest with my words and with my feelings. I can't help thinking back to the night we ran to each other again and realizing just how goddamn lucky I was to have gotten the chance to tell you what I truly wanted to say. And, I’m not one to believe in all this fate bullshit, but it can’t just be coincidence, right? How could things have lined up so perfectly?”

You smile in reminiscence. He listens to you intently.

“I don’t know if I’m even making sense,” you chuckle, nervously rubbing the back of your neck, “But I guess what I’m trying to get at is that you've shown me time and time again that there's no reason for me to be insecure about myself. You've helped me understand that our differences are trivial, and I don’t ever want to hide my true feelings for you ever again because I—I love you. I love you so goddamn much, it’s ridiculous."

He says your name. The tone of his voice makes you panic and overcompensate for the adrenaline you’re feeling by speaking once more.

“And it might be too soon for me to say it, but I don’t really care. I just wanted you to hear it and know how much you mean to me. You don’t have to say it back right now, I’ll un—”

He lurches forward, lips crashing into yours, shutting you up from your rambling. You freeze, eyes widened. But once you manage to process what's going on, you surrender to him, eyelids fluttering shut as your hands come up to rest on his chest. The kiss he gives you is different. It's the gentle yet fervent. It burns with the passion of a thousand fires yet is as calming as the color blue. It's as if he's been saving it for this exact moment, and that was all you needed to understand that the sentiment was mutual.

“I really thought you were going to say it when we were on the plane,” he utters when he breaks away, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I almost did,” you bite down on your bottom lip sheepishly.

“I know,” he pulls back, scanning your eyes. It takes him some time to compose his own words, “You’re right. The chances of everything turning out the way it had is rare, but I also can’t just chalk it up to chance encounters and strokes of luck. We might have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run into each other that day, but it was us who chose to forgive each other and start over, right? We chose to be together despite the distance, and I believe that the choices we made given what was thrown to us are far more significant than coincidences. It’s us who made this relationship work, and it will be us to decide whether or not it continues to work out in the future. And I don’t want unspoken feelings to come in between us again, okay? I don’t want you to be afraid of telling me anything, so it makes me so incredibly happy to know that you’re being honest with me. I promise I’ll try my best to do the same and I hope I can continue being someone who’s worthy of your trust.”

His fingers dance around yours before he entwines them together, bringing your hand up to his lips and delicately placing kisses on your knuckles, “I always thought that nothing would make me happier than money and success. I thought that nothing else mattered more than what other people said about me, but I was wrong. When I became too desperate trying to keep my reputation taintless, you came around and showed me that there's so much more to life than that. So, thank you. Thank you for making my life worth living. I love you too, my dear. I’ve loved you ever since.”

The doubts that clouded your mind that week when you first met him have long been buried, now just serving as a reminder of how compassionate time has been to you both. With the options he presented to you tonight, a future where the two of you are together appears to be something within reach. It all comes down to whether or not things align. You’d like to believe with all your heart that it will, and it’s all a matter of choice, as he said—you just hope that you’ll be brave enough to make the right one.

It brings you comfort to know that to him, you’re the sanctuary in the midst of the despair his restless life brings. Whenever he’s with you, there’s a moment of stillness and he knows that though you’ve had your share of ups and downs, you’d never expect him to be any less or more than what he truly is—a mere person.

A person who feels joy, who’s prone to frustration, jealousy, annoyance, and loneliness. A person who has the capacity to protect, to comfort, to uplift, and above all, to love.

He may have all the luxuries in the world: a private plane, a yacht, and even his very own island in the Maldives. He can take you anywhere he wants, give you everything your precious heart desires, but all you could have ever wanted was already right here at this moment. This moment where the two of you wait for fleeting time to pass you by as the astral bodies above watch over you, glistening as if they have given you the universe’s blessing. This moment where love triumphs over opulence, distance, pride, and insecurities. Where love is patient and as certain as the dawn.

[mayooramcruises]

Alleppey: Where Meets Beauty

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a mesmerizing town nestled in the heart of Kerala, India. Renowned for its enchanting backwaters, Alleppey offers a unique experience unlike any other. Here, emerald green waters snake through lush landscapes, creating a haven of tranquility amidst the vibrant tapestry of Kerala.

Unveiling the Enchanting Backwaters:

The Alleppey Backwaters are the crown jewel of the town. A network of tranquil canals, lagoons, and lakes, these backwaters weave their way through villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves, painting a picture of serenity. Glide down these gentle waters on a traditional houseboat, also known as a kettuvallom. These intricately crafted wooden vessels, once used for transporting rice and spices, have been transformed into comfortable abodes for an unforgettable backwater experience. As you cruise along, witness the vibrant life along the backwaters - farmers tending their paddy fields, local fishermen casting their nets, and children playing by the water's edge.

Unveiling the Enchanting Backwaters

A houseboat cruise is not just a journey through stunning landscapes; it's a portal to a slower pace of life. Savor delicious local cuisine prepared onboard, relax on the sundeck and soak in the panoramic views, or simply lose yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. As dusk settles, witness the magical play of colors on the water as the sun dips below the horizon. In the evenings, the gentle lapping of water against the houseboat and the symphony of nocturnal creatures create a truly mesmerizing ambiance.

Beyond the Backwaters: Exploring Alleppey's Treasures

While the backwaters are undoubtedly the star attraction, Alleppey has much more to offer curious explorers.

Beaches: Alleppey boasts pristine beaches like Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach, perfect for a relaxing afternoon under the warm Kerala sun.

Temples and Churches: Alleppey's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous temples and churches. Pay homage at the prominent Krishnankutty Temple, known for its exquisite architecture, or seek serenity at the St. Mary's Forane Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala.

Kuttanad - "The Rice Bowl of Kerala": Explore Kuttanad, a unique region below sea level, famed for its sprawling paddy fields. Witness the traditional farming practices and the serene beauty of this agricultural marvel.

Ayurveda Rejuvenation: Indulge in the ancient Indian healing practice of Ayurveda at one of Alleppey's many renowned Ayurvedic centers. Treat yourself to rejuvenating massages, herbal therapies, and a holistic approach to wellness.

Unveiling the Enchanting Backwaters

Alleppey offers something for everyone, whether you seek tranquility on the backwaters, adventure amidst nature, or a cultural immersion. So, pack your bags, set sail on a houseboat, and discover the magic of Alleppey!

EXPLORE NOW- https://mayooramcruises.tours/

[thailiveabordno1]

MANTA QUEEN 5 LIVEABORD

Manta Queen 5 accommodates 20 guests in comfortable air-conditioned shared twin bunk bed non-ensuite. The liveaboard vessel is 21 meters long and 5 meters wide wooden hull built boat that is manned with 5 dive staff and 7 Boat Crew”. There is plenty of space to enjoy the time in between dives in the sundeck, open dining and relax areas.

​

Departure & Return Location

Thaplamu pier

MANTA QUEEN 5 LIVEABORD gallery

MANTA QUEEN 5 LIVEABORD Deck Plan

What to Expect

Manta Queen 5 skips the Similan Islands and dives only the more advanced northern dive sites. The marine ecology in this northern area is amazing, colourful schools of fish, coral reefs, and endangered species that welcome divers like the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays. Look out for such photogenic little critters as ghost pipefish, sea moths, frogfish, ribbon eels and many different nudibranchs. Koh Bon and Koh Koh Tachai, members of the Similan Marine Park, are first visited en-route to the farthest and world-famous dive site of Richelieu Rock in the Surin National Marine Park.  

Whatever your scuba diving pleasure might be, the Similan and Surin Marine Parks are the dive destinations that will satisfy your desires and give you the trip of a lifetime.

MANTA QUEEN 5 Liveaboard

Information

MANTA QUEEN 5

Liveaboard Information

Manta Queen 5 accommodates 20 guests in comfortable air-conditioned shared twin bunk bed non-ensuite. The liveaboard vessel is 21 meters long and 5 meters wide wooden hull built boat that is manned with 5 dive staff and 7 Boat Crew”. There is plenty of space to enjoy the time in between dives in the sundeck, open dining and relax areas.

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Diving Equipment

Full set equipment rental - 2,500 THB per trip (BCD, REG, Mask, Snorkel, Full Foot Fins, Shorty wetsuit, Torch)

Dive computer rental - 1,000 THB per trip

.

Drinks On Board

Drinking water, coffee, tea, electrolyte drinks are included. Sodas are 30 – 40 Baht. Beers 70 – 80 Baht.

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The Food on Board

KSA Liveaboard is proud to offer the best tasting Thai-European Fusion Cuisine, freshly prepared by our onboard chefs on the whole Manta Queen Fleet. Our catering options can be adjusted for vegetarian/vegan divers as well. The use of Monosodium Glutamate is banned on all of our trips. If you are allergic to nuts or other food ingredients, please notify the staff during your check-in. All meals onboard are served freshly cooked from the onboard kitchen. Snacks and fruits are served in between dives.

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Amenities & Services

Air-Conditioning

Wi-Fi (Free)

Spacious Diving Platform

Food And drinks

Lounge/TV Area

Power Socket Adapters

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What's Included

All meals onboard

Water, tea, coffee, fresh fruit, soft drinks (limited) and snacks (Good to have own re-useable water bottle on trip)

Towel for shower (Suggest guests bring own towel or sarong for sun deck or to dry off on dive deck after dive)

Wifi on board (normally only at Boonsung wreck)

12-liter tanks for 11 dives - Weight belt/weights

Small group 4-5 divers : 1 dive lead

(When course is booked) PADI course E-manual and E-card Registration Fee

Round trip transfer from Khao lak area - Thaplamu pier

Round trip transfer from Phuket area - Thaplamu pier

7% VAT

Toiletries

 

What's Excluded

Full set equipment rental – 1,500 THB per trip (BCD, REG, Mask, Snorkel, Full Foot Fins, Shorty wetsuit, Torch)

Dive computer rental - 1,000 THB per trip

Marine Park Fee (4D3N) –

Thai : 1,100 THB (diver), 300 THB (non diver)

Foreigner : 2,300 THB (diver), 1,500 THB (non diver)

Dive insurance - 800 THB per trip (Coverage 500,000 THB/pax)

Unlimited Nitrox package 2,500 THB per trip

15-liter tanks - 2,500 THB/Trip/11 Dives (can only rent for all dives)

Full length 3mm wetsuit rental - 1,000 THB per trip

Prescription mask rental - 1,000 THB per trip

MANTA QUEEN 5 LIVEABORD Accommodation

Twin Bed Non-ensuite Cabin

Comfortable air-conditioned cabin with 2 single beds.

Price: 22,000 THB per person

Room Size: 3 m²

Max. Occupancy: 2

Beds: 2 Bunk

Private Bathroom: No

Wifi on board: Yes

Air Conditioning: Yes

MANTA QUEEN 5 4D/3N 11 Dives Similan-Koh Bon-Tachai-Richelieu Rock NORTH ANDAMAN ITINERARY 

North Andaman : 4D/3N 11 Dives

Koh - Bon Koh - Tachai - Richelieu - Boon Sung Wreck

 

Day 1 - Night Departure (“General” Trip Check In on Liveaboard runs from 6pm to 8:30pm)

06.00 PM – Start Check-in & Cabin allocation on Liveaboard at Thaplamu Pier – Khao Lak  07.00 PM – General boat briefing.  07.30 PM – Dinner onboard.  08.00 PM – Equipment set up.

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Day 2

07.00 AM – Wake up call  07.30 AM – Dive/Safety briefing  07.45 AM – Dive briefing #1 “Koh Bon, West Ridge”  09.00 AM – Breakfast  11.30 AM – Dive briefing #2 “Koh Bon, West Ridge”  01.00 PM – Lunch  03.30 PM – Dive briefing #3 “Tachai Pinnacle”  05.00 PM – Snacks  06.15 PM – Dive briefing #4 “Tachai Beach”  08.00 PM – Dinner

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Day 3

06.00 AM – Wake up call  06.30 AM – Dive briefing #5 “Tachai The Dome”  08.00 AM – Breakfast  10.30 AM – Dive briefing #6 “Richelieu Rock”  12.15 PM – Lunch  01.45 PM – Dive briefing #7 “Richelieu Rock”  03.30 PM – Snacks  05.30 PM – Dive briefing #8 “Richelieu Rock”  07.30 PM – Dinner

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Day 4

06.00 AM – Wake up call 06.30 AM – Dive briefing #9 “Koh Bon Pinnacle”  08.00 AM – Breakfast 11.15 AM – Dive briefing #10 “Koh Bon” 12.30 PM – Lunch 02.00 PM – Dive briefing #11 “Boon Sung Wreck”  03.15 PM – Departure briefing & Snacks  04.30 PM – Return to the pier 05.00 PM – Transfer to the check out lounge  05.30 PM – Transfer To Your Hotel 

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Depending on location, you’ll arrive back to your hotel in Phuket at approximately 7pm – 8:30 pm.

Map KSA Liveaboard 4D/3N 11Dives Trip Route Similan–Koh Bon–Tachai–Richelieu

[bestresortinmaldives]

Reasons why Hondaafushi Island Resort is a Top-notch stay option within the budget

Hondaafusshi Island Resort is an extremely elegant tourist destination with breathtaking views and fun-filled experiences. The resort is a 50-minute seaplane ride along with a 15-minute speedboat ride away from Male International airport. There are so many things to do at this Maldivian resort which is located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. But today I’m going to list down some of the best things about Hondaafushi Island Resort that make it a top-notch stay option.

Sophisticated Accommodation

Superior Beach Bungalow

The is a beautifully designed Bungalow overlooking the beachfront with classy interior work and wooden flooring. The room features a king-size bed or twin beds based on the requirement. It also has a private sundeck with an outdoor day bed and semi-open-air bathrooms. You can even ask for interconnecting rooms if you’re traveling as a family or a group.

Deluxe Beach Bungalow

These are standalone bungalows located alongside the beach with all the amenities of a Superior Beach Bungalow but are much more spacious. There are a total of 24 Deluxe Beach Bungalows in Hondaafushi Island Resort. 

Best dining options

The main restaurant

There are two dining options in Hondaafushi Island Resort. The main restaurant with a very spacious outdoor pavilion that has a buffet menu from all around the world, cooked by the best chefs in the Maldives. The beachfront setting makes the whole dining experience wholesome and a lot more refreshing.  

Thila Bar

This is another dining option with an amazing view of the sunset and turquoise lagoon. It is located at the tip of the island letting you relish the scene while enjoying your drink. The bar offers several drink options from cocktails, mocktails, to a variety of juices. You can experience this beauty from the shady pavilion or from the adjacent pool.

Recreational experiences

Sports center

Hondaafushi Island Resort has a well-functioning sports center that is equipped with all the facilities for you to enjoy games like beach volleyball, table tennis, billiards, and board games. The resort also has an air-conditioned gym so that you can continue your fitness routine even while on vacation.

Excursions

There are special packages offering excursion options that include morning and sunset fishing, deep-sea fishing, island hopping, dolphin watching, and snorkeling. Island hopping is my personal favorite among all the excursions as it lets you explore the local places and get to know about the Maldivian culture. You would be visiting the local mosque, school, village, and many more as part of the excursion.

Watersports

These are a set of really fun activities like banana rides, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, private speedboat riding, standup paddling, water skiing, wakeboarding, inflatable fun ride, fun tubes, and many more. Water sports is probably the most thrilling and enjoyable part of all the activities offered by Hondaafushi Island Resort.

The resort also offers spa facilities, private dining, special packages for honeymoon couples, personalized wedding ceremonies, private birthday parties, event organization, and many more. Hondaafushi Island Resort is surely a must-visit resort that provides the best hospitality and services to make your vacation a memorable one. 

For more information and booking, visit https://hondaafushiisland.com/

[secretlittlerandezvous]

Babymoon - Charlie McAvoy

Summary: Charlie and his pregnant girlfriend enjoy a nice babymoon in St Lucia. Charlie’s a little impatient to meet their little one while the reader would like to stay forever and raise their child in the nature, by the ocean and away from the city.

Words: 1666

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.” - Pablo Picasso

Charlie and Y/n arrived to the villa when the sun began to rise and the second she got out of the car and took a deep breath of the fresh air a wide smile appeared on her face. Charlie glanced over at her and smiled to himself, not because he was excited to be finally there (although he of course was) but because seeing her happy and excited meant everything to him. Charlie made sure to rent a villa with the best views and a nice spacious balcony and sundeck because he knew how much she loved to spend early mornings or late evenings on the balcony to enjoy the scenery. Hand in hand they checked in at the reception and rushed to their room to get a little bit of rest before heading out.

“This place is absolutely gorgeous,” Y/n said with a very noticeable excitement in her voice. “Look at this,” she said to Charlie and led him to the balcony so he could see it for himself.

And she was right. C'est La Vie villa was a magical place and Charlie felt relieved she loved it because although they both agreed on going to St Lucia he picked and booked the villa by himself as a surprise for her.

Y/n headed to the front of the veranda to feel sunshine fall on her face. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the fresh air and listened to the sound of waves and birds that were flying around the garden that was underneath her. She then looked around the whole property. There was a table on the veranda right by the infinity pool where breakfast would be served in an hour overlooking the endless green landscape highlighted by bright pink, red, yellow and orange flowers. A waterfall by the pool in the garden and a daybed and private bar added to the charm. The inside was decorated with antique wooden furniture, big windows with long white curtains, each bedroom had a private veranda and bathroom. A short pathway through the garden led to their private beach. Y/n felt like she was in a dream and happily rubbed her belly feeling the baby kick and move. She was, without doubt, happier than she could ever imagine herself be. She was blessed with a great man, loving family and friends and now with a pregnancy she longed for.

Charlie changed into his swim shorts and went to the sundeck to rest by the infinity pool while he waited for his girl. Now that they were finally on the babymoon, he finally realized that everything was real and truly happening. He was in disbelief ever since Y/n announced the pregnancy to him and he was so happy that his brain couldn’t process it until now. 18 weeks after she told him.

At the beginning of her pregnancy her morning sickness was so bad she couldn’t get out of the bed and Charlie stayed with her whenever he could and took care of her. Held her hair when she was throwing up, made tea for her and what she appreciated the most was when he got into the bed with her, wrapped his arms around her and whispered comforting words to her until she fell asleep or felt better. He got her everything she needed and wanted, helped with everything and never complained or questioned anything she said or asked for. He was the one who bought the first piece of clothing and the first toy for their baby, long before they found out the gender and started thinking of names and nursery themes and he felt like there was no way he could wait so many months without going crazy - he was so impatient. Back then when she was only six weeks it seemed like they would have to wait forever. When she turned 20 weeks a fear of not being a good dad and of not knowing how to take care of his own child took over him but not for too long because Y/n immediately assured him he was going to be the best dad in the world. He cried from happiness when he found out he was going to have a daughter and immediately called his family to tell them the news. Charlie’s hands were on her growing belly most of the time and he enjoyed every kick and movement even though he knew it was uncomfortable for Y/n from time to time. He was more in love than ever before.

Y/n appeared on the sundeck a few minutes later dressed in white knitted shorts, white biking top, and long white see-through kimono. Her long wavy hair fell onto her belly and her tanned skin together with her beautiful face glowed in the sunlight. She looked like a beautiful fairy you would see in your dreams and he couldn’t believe such beauty stood next to him and that he got to call her his. Charlie looked at her with pure adoration and love. The happiness she felt inside showed perfectly on her face as she was always glowing, her eyes were bright and smile was permanent on her lips.

She lay down on the lounger next to him, stroked her belly and with closed eyes reached for Charlie’s and placed it on her stomach so he could feel the baby’s movements as well. “She loves the sun already,” she said with a proud smile.

“I keep telling you she’ll be just like you,” Charlie chuckled. Having a healthy daughter with a happy, positive and kind personality just like her mom’s was all he wished for. “Can’t wait to have her here, to hold her and see her grow.” Charlie sighed, he was getting impatient again.

“A few more weeks love,” she reminded him. “I think it’s going quite fast, she’ll be there before we even realize it.”

Charlie grinned at her, dimples appeared on both sides of his face and walked over to her so he could kiss her before he rested his head on her belly. He kissed the belly a few times before he pulled away and stared at the belly for a while trying to sort out his thoughts. “You have no idea how much daddy loves you, baby girl,” he said softly. It was a common thing for Charlie to speak to their baby girl, pretty much every morning and night before they went to sleep. He found telling Y/n how much he loved her and how beautiful he was important and so it made sense for him to tell his daughter how much he loved her already as well. “I’m gonna make sure you and your mommy have everything you ask for. I promise.” He said as he rubbed the soft skin of Y/n’s stomach and kissed it again.

“We should stay here and never come back,” Y/n whispered. “Imagine rising a child in this paradise. In nature, by the ocean and away from the rush of the city.”

Charlie let out a quiet sigh. He knew Y/n didn’t enjoy living in the city and always dreamed of living in a warm place with beautiful nature and if it was only a bit possible, he wouldn’t hesitate and move with her to anywhere in the world just to make her happy. He could imagine raising their daughter here, in privacy and on the fresh clear air. Spend days on the beach, discover new places and eat fresh fruit every day. He saw their little one running around with a wide smile and laughing loudly while playing with her mommy in the garden.

“Charlie is everything okay?” Y/n voice disturbed Charlie’s thoughts and he looked up at her confused at first and then he shook his head to let her know everything was fine.

“I was just thinking,” Charlie mumbled looking around the place. “You know that if it was possible, I would move away immediately right?”

“Oh Charlie,” she gasped and quickly wrapped her hands around his neck. “I was just thinking out loud that’s all. I didn’t want to make you feel bad. I can’t move away just as you can’t.” She chuckled and pulled away from him, she looked him in the eyes for a few seconds and then she kissed him deeply.

“I know,” he nodded.

“Charlie look, we have so many blessings. I don’t even know if I deserve everything I currently have. There’s no reason to stress about this okay?”

“Have I told you how much I love you?” Charlie asked.

“About five times since we landed,” she laughed.

“You’re gonna be the best mom in the world,” Charlie announced randomly and loudly with a smile and red cheeks. Every day she gave him a new reason to love her and a new proof that she was going to be the best mom. “I knew it even before you got pregnant and you just keep confirming it.” Charlie truly knew it long before Y/n got pregnant. He realized it when he saw her with her friend’s baby and then again when they babysat Torey’s daughter together.

“Charles stop it, or I won’t stop blushing for the rest of the day,” she laughed and covered her face with her hands. She never got used to his compliments and even after gout year of being with him, she was still just as shy as she was in the beginning. Her cheeks never stopped turning red and her heart still bested faster whenever he expressed his love to her. “Our little lady is so lucky to have you as a dad; do you realize that?”

“And I’m one lucky man to have such gorgeous ladies in my life.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek and jumped to the pool hearing Y/n laugh in the background.

[nam-nam-joon]

by the sea

Pairing: jeon heejin/reader; kim seokjin/reader

Genre: inspired by this post by @kurara-black-blog​ ; selkie! AU

Wordcount: 6.7k

Warnings: someone opens a door in only underwear (partial nudity); implied consumption of alcohol (this does start in a bar)

Summary: the night is dark and the tiny town by the sea storm-swept when you make your way into the local bar; to meet Heejin and catch up. who could've guessed a chance encounter could extend your horizon far beyond what you thought was normal - real?

Thunder clapped overhead as you shut the pub’s door behind you.

It wasn’t the first summer storm that raged high above the little town by the sea, but it was among the more vicious ones, and you were glad to even have found the bar in this downpour.

The coat rack by the door was overflowing with oilgear in all shades of black, grey and yellow; depending on the age of the garment. In the dim orange light they mostly looked the same anyways.

Not wanting to lug the drenched coat around with yourself you dove between the jackets, arm outstretched to feel if there was a hook under the mountain of cloth that could still hold one more – your knuckles brushed surfaces both smooth and rough, canvas and wax, and then, fur.

It was very soft but came so unexpected you froze, until you remembered someone probably left their heirloom mink or something. The hook next to it wasn’t blocked yet, and with great difficulty, you managed to wedge the loop of your coat over it. The fur brushed your hand again, and then the previously unseen garment landed in a soft heap in front of the worn Blundstone’s on your feet.

It wasn’t mink, as you’d thought, and it didn’t look like your run of the mill fur coat either. It was a vest with applications of some sort; The fur only on the inside for insulating purposes, probably. What it was doing here in the middle of summer was beyond you; you hadn’t seen anyone wear anything heavy like this the days you’d spent here over the summer. The chance to dwell on the matter longer was taken from you when-

“Hi.”

You turned, vest still in hands. You couldn’t make out much of the stranger, but he was very tall and had wet eyes.

“Hi!” You spoke back, over the backdrop of the noisy bar. “Sorry – Is this yours?” You held the vest up. A glass smashed and cheers erupted somewhere deeper into the room, and the stranger twitched, shoulders sagging down.

“Um, ye-“

“I’m so sorry I dropped it!” You had to shout now, as claps and more cheers arose. “I hope it’s not dirty!”

And you brushed it off half-heartedly and held it out to the other.

Around the stranger’s side you could spot Heejin close enough to the bar that the many many candles burning on it illuminated her face.

“Alright, sorry, got to go. Sorry about dropping it, again!” You patted the stranger’s lower arm, smiled up at the wide eyes and made a beeline for the small table Heejin was sitting at.

“Heyy!” She greeted you, lifting her bottle and looking visibly relieved. “Thought you’d drowned in the storm! What took you so long?”

“Haha!” You huffed, not really angry. “The streets are swimming, I had to make sure I didn’t accidentally walk off a cliff!” That seemed to settle her, and she took a swig of her drink.

The air inside the bar was warm and filled with noise by the people inside it – likely most of the tiny town’s residents. It would’ve been stuffy, too, if it weren’t for the windows that were all propped open the smallest bit to let the breeze smelling like sweet rain and salty sea be blown in.

“What’s with the candles?”

Heejin leaned in close to hear you before nodding.

“Power went out. They really need to fix the lines and the generator, this is the second time it’s happening during storm. The salt gets to the lines, you know.”

You nodded and caught the eye of the bartender. She nodded and, pleased with your work, you settled back into the crummy chair.

Around three the storm calmed down, and it was around that time you and Heejin decided to head home, too. Leaving before the barkeeper kicked you out was always a good thing and meant you knew your limits which automatically put you on the good list of any respectable bartender, and besides, it wasn’t like Heejin and you didn’t have something to go home to.

Dawn was far beyond the horizon, especially with those thick clouds still covering the sky. Not even gulls were awake yet as you and Heejin walked with your arms around the other’s back, breathing in the fresh scent of the town scrubbed clean.

“You should come by more often.” She sighed, putting her head on your shoulder. You smiled.

“I would, but I do have a degree to finish and some kind of job that’s waiting for me out in the world. But I promise I’ll always come back to you.”

She huffed, seemingly not entirely satisfied.

“Hey, I’m spending every second weekend of summer here, do you know how many hours that are on public transport? Not to speak of-“

“Alright, alright!” She laughed, touching her free hand to your shoulder, grinning. “I rest my case, don’t worry. It’d just be nice to have you around more. Even more.”

You shook your head and fished out the key from the bottom of your shorts’ pocket as you approached the salt and sun bleached wooden gate leading into the weathered garden surrounding Heejin’s house.

It was small, had been Heejin’s Grandmother’s before the old woman had passed away unexpectedly years ago. Unsure of her future in the city, with her family placing the weight of responsibility for the business on her older brother’s shoulders, Heejin had leapt at the chance to escape it all and settle for slow life on the border of the ocean.

You’d asked her, during one of your many visits, lounging on a sundeck chair in the garden that couldn’t have won many prizes for its beauty if it’d tried. You’d asked her, if she regretted it – dropping out of Uni, coming here.

Putting a screeching halt on the modern life of decadence and decent luxury she’d had in the city.

“It’s scary, a bit.” Heejin had said, swirling the virgin tequila sunrise in her glass – an old mason jar. “Everything’s so different, you know? But I like it. I feel like I can do good here.”

And that had been enough for her, and by extension, for you.

What had been her Grandmother’s study slash miniscule library had turned into a sort-of guest room with a bed and some other necessities. It couldn’t really be called a guest room, as it was only you who ever slept there, and you and Heejin had a queerplatonic relationship going on and to call yourself a ‘guest’ under those circumstances didn’t fit very well.

“Where’d you leave my toothbrush!” She yelled from the bath while you were still busy hanging her and your own coat properly so all the dampness would be gone in the morning.

“I don’t know, I didn’t touch it!” You shouted back, hopping on one foot after pulling your shoes off with your feet and almost losing your balance. The underside of your sock stuck to your sole after you stepped in a puddle of water and you caught yourself on the door frame to the bath, face showing the sheer disgust you were experiencing right now as you briefly caught your reflection in the mirror.

Heejin, having found her toothbrush and already scrubbing away, couldn’t contain a laugh at your misery and sprayed your face and shirt with a fine mist of white bubbles.

“Thanks.” You deadpanned, sidling up to her and wiping at the spots visible in the mirror.

“Sorry.” She said around her brush. “What happened?”

“Stepped into... fucking water, is what happened.” Putting your own brush into your mouth, you sat back on the closed lid of the toilet and tugged at the wet sock until it came off and you could wriggle your toes in the air.

Heejin laughed again, and you could still hear her giggling as you laid down on the comfortable bed, surrounded by the smell of books and faintly, the sea.

“Shut up woman!” You shouted, grinning yourself. She cackled loudly but still wished you a good night, which you gladly returned.

The sun wasn’t out when you woke, but that might’ve been because of the clouds still hanging around. Or maybe Heejin had drawn the blinds yesterday and not told you; but either way, when she touched her hand to your shoulder and said she’d go see what the bakery had that’d make a good breakfast, you only hummed in agreement.

She pressed a loving kiss to your temple and you had made the effort of squeezing her hand, and then she’d left again.

You had half the mind of asking her if she had taken her keys but by the time the thought process had reached the point in your brain responsible for signalling your mouth to talk, the front door had shut and all attempts had been voided.

Whatever.

You really weren’t used to such long nights anymore, you thought to yourself, and sighed and rolled onto the other side, tugging the blanket around you a little tighter.

How great it was it was Saturday, and you didn’t have to be anywhere but here.

It felt like five minutes later, at most, when you were roused from sleep again.

You lifted your head.

The house was silent.

What?

Then came knocking on the front door, and not the gentle knuckles on wood kind most everyone did here, but the loud one from the old fashioned metal knocker, almost eaten by the rust.

Grumbling, you sat up.

Did Heejin think this was funny? Knocking this loudly? Did she really think you were sleeping so deeply!

Not bothering with any more than what you were already wearing – underwear – you haphazardly made your way down the crooked stairs, eyes not even fully open when you reached the door.

The knocking came again, loud, so loud, pounding in your ears that were filled with the sound of rushing blood and-

“Heejin I swear to the good lord, wh-“

Where Heejin’s head would have been was someone’s chest.

Blinking against the brilliant white of the even clouds, you lifted your eyes.

“Ha- Hello.” Soft cheeks and windswept hair, and dark eyes that looked at you far too intently for such an early hour. Was it? Still early?

He bit on his lips and had his shoulders squared, but only when you took note of the soft leather and the stitching on it did you make the connection.

“Oh! Oh, my god! The fur vest! It’s you! Hi.” A breeze curled into the small hallway, and the last of the bed’s warmth stripped from your skin. Shivering, you felt a bit indecent. Almost exposed, as it was – still the guy’s eyes did not waver or drop from your face, which was a stellar behaviour.

“Can I help you? Did I get dirt on your vest, I’m really sorry-“

He smiled, releasing his full lips for the first time, and softly shook his head, effectively shutting you up. He’d reached out with his hands, as if to gesticulate, but settled on clasping his wrists.

“No, it’s nothing like- Please, can I come in?”

“Uh- This is my friend’s house, so I don’t-“

“It really is urgent.”

Something about the way he talked seemed a bit off. You stared at the flat stone acting as the doorstep for a moment.

“I’m sorry, who were you again?”

His lips widened into a full smile – still somewhat shy, though. He puffed his chest a little.

“Kim Seokjin. If it helps, I’m friends with Heejin?”

It was like he tried to sound the most proper way he could, like he was putting special emphasis on pronouncing every syllable correctly.

You were too tired for any of this. Had Heejin ever mentioned him?

“Um... Sure, just- Here, head down through the door into the living room, I’ll grab... some clothes and- be there in a minute, alright?”

You opened the door wider to allow him in, and he leaned down to quickly hug and press a short kiss to your cheek before continuing to where you’d pointed him.

You stood stock-still, the door handle still in your palm, utterly confused.

What had happened?

Head still void of thoughts you took the stairs two steps at a time, dove into Heejin’s room, grabbed one of her spare blankets from where she kept them folded over the old box by her bed, and then hastened back down, silently wishing for her to come back soon.

Wrapped in the soft knitted sheet, you stopped to breathe deeply, and collect yourself a little. Everything would be fine. Of course it would.

“Would you like something to drink?”

Kim Seokjin turned away from the small shelve with Heejin’s favourite books and little keepsakes, looking a little like you’d caught him doing something he wasn’t supposed to. Your gaze zeroed in on the framed picture of you and Heejin, a candid a friend of yours had snapped of you sitting on campus. He tried to push it back in its place and you looked up into his eyes again.

“Wh-what,” He weakly asked, ears a fierce red.

“Would you... like tea? Coffee? A glass of water?”

“I’m, I’m fine thank you.”

You left the door, came towards the couch.

“Actually, just a glass of water would be lovely, if... you don’t... mind?”

His voice got quieter towards the end, but you managed a smile and soon returned with two glasses, a water carafe and a bottle of orange juice on a small tray.

“If you’re looking for Heejin, she’ll be back soon.” You lowered yourself on the couch, and Kim Seokjin did the same in the small armchair across. Folded into it, he looked even larger than in the pub yesterday night. He nodded, and then he shook his head, opened his mouth but didn’t bring any words out.

He downed almost half of his water, and then his fingers wouldn’t let go of the glass. After seeing his knuckles turn pale, you swallowed the juice in your mouth and decided to try again.

“So... What’re you here for, again?”

That seemed to sober him up. He leaned forward and put the glass on the table, and then sat at the edge of his seat, with his palms pressed between his knees.

“So, you see,” He began, his eyes flickering from here to there until they finally landed on you and stayed on you. It seemed like his body let out a huge sigh. “I figured-“ He reached into his pants’ pocket and produced something small he hid in his hand. “This is for you.” And held it out to you.

You didn’t move, staring between his hand and his face.

“What?”

He came around the couch table, nervously sitting closer to you, and you let him take one of your hands off the glass and put a small bag of rough fabric in your palm.

A small, shimmering pearl came tumbling out of the pouch. Understanding less and less, you furrowed your eyebrows at the visitor.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have a ring just yet- Everything went so fast and the shops aren’t open that early, so I figured- I mean, after all, it would only be proper for us to get married by human standards as well, so please accept this as my wedding gift, until I can give you the ring later.”

You stared into those big, brown eyes.

“I’m sorry, I think you’re confusing me with someone else.” You put the pearl back into its pouch and wound the string around the end to keep it securely inside, but when you tried to hand it back, he wouldn’t have it.

“No, no it’s yours, you can’t give it back! –That wouldn’t be proper.”

“Okay? Okay.” You put the satchel down next to your glass and rubbed your hands over your face. Heejin would be back any second, and she’d surely help you get this lunatic out. She’d be back any minute. “Okay, first of all... We’re not getting married, I have no idea who you are, and? What...”

He smiled, wider than seemed acceptable at the moment. Giggled, even.

“Oh, you don’t want the ceremony? That’s okay, more time for us, then. There’s so much I want to know about you, and you have to simply tell me everything! Le-“

“He-Hey hold on, wait, a minute? Ceremony? What? What are you talking about?”

“You gave me my pelt back, I figured you’d want the proper human ceremony, to make it official on your side, too.”

“You... are human too, you know that, right.”

This time he really laughed, once, dropping his head. When he looked up again his eyes sparkled with mirth.

“Oh, funny, you’re funny, I like that. We’ll do well together, I’m sure of it.”

“You-“ He’d inched closer on the couch, and you stood up to bring some distance between you. “We are not getting married, I have no idea who the hell you are, and please, leave now. I’m not even sure Heejin really knows you, she never mentioned you and as crazy as you sound, that’s a huge thing. So, please, if you could just-“

All humour dropped off his face, but it didn’t turn bitter or blank either.

“O-oh, you... You want me to leave you alone so soon, ah... Okay, well.”

He rose, and though he towered above you, looked very small. It appealed to a thin sliver of you, those heartfelt, sad eyes and the hunched over posture, but you fought it down, unwilling to cut this maniac some slack.

“Hurry up, would you?” You huffed as his steps towards the front door came almost in slow-motion.

By the coat rack he turned to look back over his shoulder, bottom lip sucked into his mouth again, the corners turned down.

You looked away as you noticed a tear roll over his cheek. What the hell was going on?

“I suppose...” He faltered in front of the jackets, running his palms over his vest and grabbing its edges. His voice had lost all of the cheery brightness from before, was now solemn and downtrodden. “I suppose you’ll want to keep this, then.”

And he began to shrug out of it, until you stepped closer, put a hand to his arm, looked up at him through bewilderment.

“Why would I want that? It’s your vest, why would I-?”

He froze mid-taking it off, sniffled and blinked and by now there were thin trails of wetness running down his cheeks, and his ears were still red and his nose began to colour too and even though you’d never really met him before yesterday he still looked so lost and sad that it tugged on your heart.

“Listen-“ You began, at the same time he was starting to say “You-“, and both of you were interrupted when the front door opened and Heejin stood there, panting, with a paper bag in her hand and a rolled up newspaper under her arm. Her hair curled a little and with the thrown open door the wind came blowing in, carrying a few drops of rain inside before she shut the opening. Obviously having run from the rain, she pushed her hair back, the elated smile on her face twisting into confusion as she took in the two of you.

“Seokjinnie, I didn’t know you wanted to stop by-”

Her eyes landed on your hand on his arm, her eyebrows lifted. The smile returned to her face. “Oh, you two know each other?! _______, why didn’t you say anything, ever, we could’ve-“

“They don’t.” Kim Seokjin said, his voice coated. The smile trickled off Heejin’s face again. A bit embarrassed you took your hand back, and he pulled his vest back on all the way. “Heejin, if you could-“

Her eyes left him for you, and you tried to convey just how helpless and confused you felt. Something settled on her face, and she nodded, but it hadn’t been directed at you.

“Do you want to stay?” She asked, directed at the tall male. He cleared his throat.

“I guess that’s easier.”

“Come on then, both of you. Time to sit down.”

She pushed between you and tugged you forward, with Kim Seokjin trailing after you.

Since the couch wasn’t that big that it could’ve comfortably housed all three of you, Heejin took one for the team and sat on the couch table between you, looking as serious as she could. It was a little unsettling.

“What’s going on.”

Kim Seokjin took a breath, got choked up, and broke off. Seeing him struggle and desperate to get this off your chest and Heejin on your side, you jumped at the opportunity to explain yourself.

“He showed up here this morning, saying stuff about a marriage and ceremonies and he kissed my cheek? I’ve never met him before but he said you were his friend? You never mentioned him? Or am I losing my marbles here? I mean I never met him before yesterday night, at the bar, but-“

“I was about to head home,” He said, voice laced with tears and his fingers interlocked in his lap. “I was about to go, and then they- My pelt fell off the rack, and they-“ He swallowed and looked at you, causing Heejin to turn her head, too. At the centre of attention, you focused on your own knuckles.

“And they gave me back my pelt. No questions asked. Just like that.” He whispered the last sentence, and you forcefully relaxed your feet. Wouldn’t bring anyone any good to get a cramp now.

Heejin sighed, but it didn’t sound condescending.

“I understand.” She stated. You looked back to her.

“You do?”

She nodded.

“Great! Then can you please explain him-“

“_______, Seokjin is a selkie. Do you know what that means?”

You blinked. “The... The Seal Spirits? But they’re...” Your gaze found his, and the words ‘not real’ died in your throat. You closed your mouth and swallowed.

The silver fur on his vest suddenly seemed a lot brighter than before.

“But...” You tried again, mind blanking at what to do next.

“To give a selkie their coat back means as good as marrying them, in their tradition. That’s why he came here this morning, to make it ‘official’ from your side, too. Did you accept his gift?”

“I didn’t-“

Seokjin nodded silently, pointed at the little pouch still next to your glass with juice.

“They don’t want me.” He said then, voice wobbling and tears collecting under his chin. “I w-waited so long and now-“

“Can you give us a minute? I’ll come see you upstairs, okay?”

Thoughts flurrying, all you could do was nod. “-Sure. Yeah, I’ll... I’ll wait, yeah. Okay.”

And you collected the blanket around you and left for the stairs.

Seokjin’s pressed sob was the last thing you heard before closing the door and climbing the stairs.

By the time Heejin softly knocked on your door you had freshened up, got dressed and combed your hair. She closed the door behind herself and crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the wood.

“Can you please help me because I am... Extremely lost right now.” You confessed, sat on the wooden, revolving chair in front of the old, creaky bureau.

Heejin sighed again, and now she did sound tired.

“Yeah. You got yourself in quite the pickle this time, not going to lie...”

You stayed silent, hoping she might elaborate. After another intake of air, she did.

“So, dear Seokjinnie is a selkie, and you happened to give him back his coat, and without conditions, too, so yesterday, when you did, it was like... Like a dream come true for him. You gave him his pelt back without any demands, basically saying ‘I’ll take you as you are and we are one now’, and Jin, not knowing you had no idea, came to see how you would proceed, and now we’re here.”

“But I didn’t- If I’d known he’d think that I wouldn’t have given him his coat! I mean hand it to him. Gosh, what- And now? What now? Can’t he understand this was a mistake? A, a, an accident? –Does he think I own him now?” Panic seeped into your words, and Heejin was quick to shake her head and reach out her hands placatingly.

“No, no no, they have their traditions but they’re aware that people don’t-“ She sighed again. “No, I explained to him you had no idea what he was and what that action might cause, and he understands that, it’s just... He’s a huge romantic, you know? Has always spouted about how when he finds someone that’ll be it, he’ll be that person’s, faithful to one and only one, ever. And all the soulmate stuff and fated one and all that in the books didn’t do much good, with how Selkie’s treat their history and- Can you... Follow me? Where I’m going with this?”

“I think... Maybe? I think I can, yeah... Can’t I just- Break off this marriage? Or... engagement? Whatever that is between us?”

“Technically yes, as you already ‘gave him back’ his pelt and he is as such free to go, but... This is very complicated. If you’d be okay with it, we could go downstairs and sit in the living room and talk while Seokjin is there? He’ll know better answers to all of the specific questions, I promise.”

Still feeling a little light-headed, you nodded. Before Heejin could open the door, you held her back.

“How long have you known? That he’s selkie? That they... exist?”

She pulled back from the door, covered your hand.

“I came to know after my Grandma’s funeral. She was somewhat of a... A warden or, a keeper of peace between the merfolk and the town. A bit like a mediator, because there’s a lot of Selkie’s living amongst humans these days, and all that. Seokjin was among the small group that approached me, to ask if I knew anything of my Grandma’s heritage or if I’d follow her footsteps.”

“So that’s the whole ‘doing good here’ was about.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you more, I really am-“

You shook your head, squeezed her hands.

“No, don’t apologize. You kept their secret, that’s- That’s important. Don’t worry, okay?”

“Thank you for understanding.” She smiled at you, and you dared to smile back.

Kim Seokjin was a heap on the couch when you came back in the room.

The skin around his eyes and nose was red and a bit puffy, but the tears had dried and he blinked against letting any more escape.

Even though you understood who he was a little better now, it still felt weird to think of him as your husband when you took your seat next to him once more.

It was too soon for any of that.

Heejin resumed her position on the couch table – fully embracing her role as mediator, evidently – and looked from him to you.

You turned to the Selkie, fully turning your torso so you really did face him.

“I’d like to apologize. I had no idea about any of this, and- I’m sorry for doing this to you. All of... This.”

He swallowed and nodded slowly.

“I know- I know basically nothing about Selkies other than the thing with their coat; when you hide it, they can’t go back to the ocean, and so on. But I don’t- I’d never do that. And I will never do that. And I, I was wondering, if there was- Any way of... not doing this? Marrying and all of that, I mean.” He blinked, and Heejin shifted, and hastily you continued. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re really pretty-“ He turned his eyes away and dropped his head a little, as if ashamed. “-and I’m sure you’re a really sweet guy, but I barely know you and wouldn’t it be better for you to marry out of love and not because... Because some dumb person accidentally proposed to you in a manner they didn’t even know about?”

“But it happened.” He said, voice small. “You did, if you meant to or not, and if you want to, you can have me. I’m ready to live with you. Unless... Unless you don’t-“

Heejin reached out and rubbed his knee comfortingly, and he collected himself.

“Unless you reject me, and tell me to go back to the sea. I would do that for you, too, live as a seal again. But, if I may, I would-“ He held eye-contact with Heejin, even though his head was turned towards you. “I would like for us to give this a try, before y- we, break apart.”

It seemed like he’d practiced saying it, for when he finished and his eyes glanced at you, his shoulders sagged down a little.

You leaned forward.

“This is all a lot.” You stared between Heejin’s socked feet. “Like, a lot. Can I- May I think about this? About... you, and me? Just-“ Your eyes found the clock on the old piano, focused on the pointers. “Until six pm? Give me time to think this over until then?”

You caught Heejin giving him an understanding, but still questioning look, thumb still rubbing over his knee.

He looked from her to you.

“Yes,” He agreed, swallowing bravely. “Okay. Six pm.”

Heejin invited the Selkie for breakfast, as she’d bought way too much, and even though you’d been reluctant to agree at first, it turned out to be nice.

He’d taken a glass of homemade marmalade that Heejin’s Gran had made, weighted it in his hand and Heejin, apparently knowing what was coming, had been barely able to contain her giggles before Seokjin had said “This is my jam!”. It had eased the way into chatting with him, about his visits to town, his friendship with Heejin, among other things.

He was funny, you had to admit that, and could also eat a lot. After munching through three rolls with various toppings he finally leaned back, satisfied at last.

Even though food coma must’ve been upon him, he helped in clearing off the table and putting everything back in the fridge, wiped the surface and then even stuck around long enough to help with the dishes.

The sun finally broke through the clouds as the hour neared two, and Heejin packed a bag for the beach.

It was warm again, summer having come back in full force after the cool down of the storm last night.

Clouds gathered over the horizon, far out over the water, but the sky spanning above you was clear and blue.

Baking in the sunlight and listening to the waves and the gulls crying out it was almost easy to forget the decision you had to make by the time the early evening came.

Seokjin had excused himself for now, going about his own business, and so you were left alone with Heejin and your thoughts.

“You really don’t have to do it, you know.”

You cracked an eye open and saw her lying next to you on her stomach, open book in the sand. It was a new softcover, otherwise her Grandmother would’ve likely been turning in her grave.

You sighed. “I know this is probably weird but-“

She glared at you. You hurried to backpedal.

“I mean, I guess in the big picture it’s not that weird, but I kind of... He really is cute, isn’t he?”

That got her laughing.

“He is. And he can dance, and sing, and loves to cook, and it’s a miracle nobody from this tiny village has dated him yet.”

The waves were light blue where they rolled on the shore.

“This affects you, too, though. I mean, I was with you first, doesn’t this- Isn’t this like marrying your side hoe? Or something?”

She laughed again and closed her book to turn her sun warmed face to you.

“I mean technically, yes, but under these circumstances I’d be willing to let you have your side hoe. We could still see each other? And...” She trailed off, squinting over the water.

“What?”

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself. Forget it.” A small smile played around her lips.

“What.” You poked her arm.

“I was just thinking-“ She slapped your fingers away. “-Hypothetically, if you do accept him, and you go off to have your thing, it would be nice if you moved in with him. Like a shared house. Preferably somewhere by the ocean, like... here.”

Her smile simmered down, and she looked at you again. “It would be nice to have you around again, you know?”

It wasn’t the first time she said that, and it wasn’t the first time you toyed with the thought what moving here permanently might be like.

“But if I move here I won’t be able to attend my lectures. And I really want that degree, I worked so long for it-“

“You could always do online classes.” Heejin dragged a finger through the soft sand, sneaking glances at you.

“Half the houses here don’t even have WiFi, and the internet café would cost a fortune if I stay holed up here for eight hours a day.” You shot back. Heejin pouted, still drawing swirls into the sand. You’d had this argument before.

“There’s new houses being built uphill, they have WiFi there. Or will have, when they’re done.”

That was new.

“Those would be too high of a price range for me.” Both of you had lost your playful snark. Before she could answer to that you shook your head, huffing.

“Look at us, debating on where I should stay with the strange Selkie I’m married to. Life is crazy.”

“So you will?” Nothing on her face let you know if she really did sound hopeful of if that was just your imagination.

You sighed.

“Honestly... I mean, I can try. We’ll see about the whole married-in-human-terms, but for now... He can’t be so bad. Is he?”

She shook her head so hard you got dizzy just by watching.

“He is not.” She confirmed.

You shrugged and rolled on your back, blinking against the bright sun.

“I guess, I could try. If he’s as nice to be around like at breakfast, and like you said... It feels a bit like cheating though, you know?” She looked at you, raised a brow with interest. “I mean, everyone else dates and breaks up and then there’s me, having been with you for the last years, and now suddenly I have a husband.” You turned your tongue over after saying that, feeling all sorts of strange at using that word. “Husband. How that sounds, too.” You shook your head. “It seems so crazy.”

“You do!” Kim Seokjin echoed, after you’d repeated the words to him at shortly past six, with Heejin rumbling in the kitchen and preparing to cook an early dinner. “You really do? You want to try?”

“Yes.” You said, carefully reaching out across the gap between you two on the couch and covered his balled up hands with yours.

His eyes were swimming again when you shyly looked up into them.

“Can I,” He cleared his throat, never losing eye-contact. “Can I please hug you? Oh me, I’m so-“

You nodded, and he lurched forward, wrapped you up in his arms and then you were flush against his chest with your cheek against the soft skin of his pelt.

“-happy.” He finished, mumbling the words in your hair and tightening his hold.

And it felt nice.

You still had no idea who he really was, apart from all which you did know, but that was what the next weeks would be for, you supposed.

“So, you’ll stay.” Heejin said over a spoon full of broth. You nodded, with a lot more collected Kim Seokjin on the other side of the kitchen table.

“That’s good, ‘cause you see...” She blew on the broth and then dropped the spoon back down, erasing her progress. It didn’t seem to matter, her eyes were glistening and her hands clasped under her chin. “I kind of got my mother to invest in the houses being build uphill, and as such you can pick one for yourself! A branch of my family’s business will rent them out to whoever wants, but you’ll be able to live there as long as you want. For only a small rent, of course.”

You dropped your spoon.

“Heejin-“

She lifted a finger.

“I’m not saying I planned this, because I didn’t, but I had the hope that if I had a little more to offer than a creaky bed in my makeshift library, I might be able to persuade you to come out here more often, and maybe get you to stay longer, too. And now... Now it might work out, after all!”

Kim Seokjin’s eyes switched from your friend to you.

“I know you don’t live in town, but where do you usually live? The truckstop a few kilometres from here? Or on the other side of the forest?”

You looked from him to Heejin, and then back.

“Um, Kim Seokjin-“

“Seokjin. Or Jin. Or, anything, really, is fine.”

“Seokjin, I- live a little further than just the stop or the forest.”

“That’s okay.” He said quickly, stirring his soup in its bowl. “I haven’t really... I mean, I never really left town much. On the occasion of walking around.”

You nodded, and suddenly felt a bit bad again.

“_______ will be back second next week. They always visit every second weekend.”

“So long.” Seokjin mumbled, and you quietly reached out your hand to tap it to his.

“I’ll just- I’ll need time to sort things out a bit, and transfer all my stuff online, but- As soon as the house is finished, I’ll probably be able to come and live here.”

“Speaking of which,” Heejin clapped her hands and startled both of you. “We can go look at them if you want?”

“What, now?” Seokjin’s eyes were wide as he desperately looked down on his bowl.

“Maybe tomorrow.” She added, faced with his distress. “It’s Sunday anyways, so nobody will be around. It’s the perfect time!”

She was right concerning that.

The houses were sprinkled over a plateau halfway up the hill, visible from the town but not so that they had really caught your eye before.

There was one, furthest out from the gravel road that had been put down already, with its balcony positioned just right so you could see both sunrise and –set.

Only the walls and the stairs were built, and a roof, but the balcony was there already. Seokjin came out to where you were standing with your hands in the pockets of your shorts, well away from the handrail-lacking edge. You turned your head and observed him, how he let his eyes roam from the horizon to the town nestled about a half-hour walk down the hill.

Even before he focused on you and shyly reached out his hand, asking for you to hold it without words and then smiled, you knew he had made a decision.

“I like this one.” You said, rubbing a thumb over the back of his hand. It felt very nice to do so.

“Me too.” He mumbled, eyes not letting go of your gaze as he answered your touch and tightened his fingers briefly.

“You wanna choose this one?”

He nodded, buzzing with energy now that the decision had been made.

“Heejin?”

You leaned around the opening that would one day hold the door, and found her with her phone out.

“I think we’ll take this one.”

Besides you Seokjin’s smile widened. He tugged on your hands a little, and even though he refrained from leaning his head against yours, you could see the happiness radiate from his action.

“Thank you.” He whispered, not for the first time.

“Who knows, maybe I’m a terrible flatmate and you’ll really regret moving in with me... Maybe I leave dirty clothes everywhere... Maybe I never shower... Maybe-”

He wrinkled his nose.

“I’ll lo- I mean, I will like you either way.” He spoke bravely, but still searched your face for a response. You grinned, and he did, too.

“Yah, are you two done?” Heejin yelled from below.

Neither of you had noticed her going down.

It still felt very new and like you shouldn’t be able to do it, but you disentangled your hands and wrapped the freed arm around his waist. He hummed, smiling, eyes sparkling.

AN.: you can also find this and everything else i’ve written on my ao3 runningfaucet

if you enjoyed reading this, please let me know what you liked best in the comments :)