#World Class Coastal

[rotzaprachim]

a wild flavor of tumblr user is a certain kind of white American self id’d leftist or commie who reblogs and posts things about I just think all liberals and centrists should DIE (*guillotine* meme) and then posts things needing to be nicer to demographics that vote 80% Republican and are very systemically involved in the structural and practical oppression of people of color and the whole US hegemony like brooo I get having a seriously messy relationship with your own cultural background but who are you talking about? Guillotining everyone at mawmaw’s thanksgiving?

[wertyo102]

This post makes me think about a fictional world I was writing based on bio, earth science, and anthropology courses I was taking in university. I was feeling inspired basically every lecture and started writing ideas in the margins of my class notes, leading to the environmental features, species, and cultures in that world all being based around concepts from those classes. It was super detailed and I felt so proud of it but I never came up with a story to use that world for so it's just some random thing I've got notebooks & folders of information on that sits in my room. I guess it could maybe one day be used in an open-world game or something but idk 😅

reminder to worldbuilders: don't get caught up in things that aren't important to the story you're writing, like plot and characters! instead, try to focus on what readers actually care about: detailed plate tectonics

[aristotels]

whenever i eat fish i get so impossibly pissed off because i cant eat it more frequently, than like once in two months when its on sale. and the reason why i get pissed off is because i live in a coastal fisherman town.

but the fish caught here is too expensive for me to purchase because the restaurants (for rich tourists) drive the price up. not only that but i cant even buy fish on the peškarija in my own city because its more expensive than the one from the store.

tourism is a form of neocolonialism. its destructive to the native working class. people cannot find apartments to live in here for the full year because landlords will throw them out in june and take them back in october. im all for travelling the world but please think about what tourism does to the countries affected by it.

[p0orbaby]

How The Other Half Live

summary: a trip and some news

warnings: a smidge o’ angst i’m afraid

a/n: the upper class is back by unpopular demand

word count: 1.3k

-

“A private jet?”

“That’s right”

“Just the two of us?”

“And the staff, of course. But essentially, yes, just us. Is that okay? I assumed you’ve been on a private jet before?”

“Yeah, I have. But with the team. Never for, you know, leisure.”

“Well, consider this like that, just without the team. And solely for leisure”

“Right. Yeah, practically the same thing,” Leah teases and you roll your eyes before grabbing her hand and leading her across the tarmac.

As you step onto the plush interior of the aircraft, Leah’s eyes widen in amazement at the luxury surrounding her. The soft leather seats, polished wood accents, and subtle lighting creating an atmosphere of elegance and comfort that she could only dream of experiencing.

“This is incredible,” Leah murmurs, her voice filled with awe as she takes it all in. “I can’t believe you own this. Mental”

You smile at her wonderment, feeling a sense of pride at being able to provide her with such an experience. “I’m glad you like it,” you reply, guiding her towards the seating area. “I thought it’d be good to dust her off. Have her take us on a little getaway”

Leah’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she settles into the seat beside you. “Thank you,” she says, then kisses the corner of your mouth. “It’s been ages since we had some time to ourselves”

As you make yourselves comfortable, a member of the cabin crew approaches with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. “Would you care for some champagne to start your journey?” she asks with a smile.

You exchange a glance with Leah before nodding in agreement. “That sounds perfect, thank you Julia,” you reply graciously as she pours each of you a glass.

Leah takes a sip of her champagne, savoring the crisp taste as she gazes out of the window at the runway below. “So, are you going to actually tell me where we’re going?” she asks. “Or am I supposed to guess based on what body of water I think we’re flying over?”

You lean back in your seat, adopting an air of casual indifference. “Have you ever been to Santorini?” you ask casually as you take a sip from your own glass.

Leah’s eyes widen in surprise. “Santorini?” she repeats, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Are you serious?”

You shrug nonchalantly, feigning innocence. “Just asking,” you reply with a smirk. “But I suppose I’ll keep that in mind for next time”

“Y/N!,” she says as she kicks you under the table.

“Okay!” You submit, unable to contain your excitement any longer you never were good with surprises. “I thought we could get lost in the Amalfi Coast for a few days,” you explain. “Relax by the beach, explore the coastal towns, eat our body weight in pasta. The basics”

Leah’s eyes light up at the mention of Italy, her mind already racing with visions of sun-drenched days and romantic evenings.

“I’m hoping you being uncharacteristically silent means I’ve done good?”

“I love pasta, so much”

Your heart melts at her innocence. You can’t wait to show her the world. “Come here”

She turns her head to look at you. “I’m right here”

But all you do is pat your thigh, a simple instruction she doesn’t question, before she clambers over the armrest and settles comfortably in your lap.

“Hey” you whisper, your voice quiet as you lean in to brush your lips against hers.

Leah smiles against your kiss, her eyes fluttering closed in contentment. “Hey back”

You cup her cheek, your thumb brushing against her skin tenderly. “I love you,” you say softly, your heart overflowing with emotion.

Leah’s gaze meets yours, her eyes shining with affection. “I love you too”

In that moment, as you sit together in the quiet embrace of the airplane cabin, surrounded by nothing but love and warmth, you know that you have found your home in each other’s arms. And as you hold Leah close, you silently vow to cherish every moment, every kiss, and every whispered ‘I love you’ for eternity.

The gentle hum of the plane’s engines fills the air, lulling you both into a peaceful trance as you bask in each other’s presence. But amidst the tranquility, there’s something weighing on your mind, something you’ve been wanting to share with Leah for a while now.

Taking a deep breath, you gather your courage and speak up. “Leah, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” you say, your voice soft but steady.

Leah looks up at you, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?” she asks, her voice filled with warmth.

“I’ve got to go away. My family has a charity in Africa that requires our attention. Well, my attention”

Leah’s smile fades slightly as she processes your words. “Africa?” she repeats, her voice tinged with surprise. “How long will you be gone?”

You swallow hard, feeling a pang of guilt for not discussing this with her sooner. “About a month,” you admit, your voice heavy with regret. “Maybe less if the schedule allows”

Leah’s brows furrow in concern, her eyes searching yours for reassurance. “A month,” she echoes, her voice barely above a whisper. “That’s quite a long time”

You nod, a knot forming in your stomach at the thought of being away from her for so long. “I know it’s not ideal. But it’s made me realise something”

Leah looks away and you know it’s because she doesn’t want you to see her cry.

“Hey, look at me. Please Leah”

She does and her eyes are frosted with tears.

“You know how much you mean to me, right?” you begin, your heart pounding in your chest. “And how much I love having you around, sharing all these moments together?”

Leah nods despite the wobble of her chin.

“Well I’ve been thinking a lot about our future lately,” you continue, your voice tinged with vulnerability.

Her eyes find yours. A flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.

You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for her reaction. “And I know we’ve both been hesitant to bring it up before, but I can’t imagine my life without you in it,” you confess, your voice filled with sincerity. “Leah, I want us to take the next step and move in together”

Leah’s breath catches in her throat, her eyes searching yours for reassurance. “Move in together?” she repeats, her voice raw.

You nod, reaching out to gently wipe away tray tears. “I know it’s a big step,” you say softly, your heart pounding in your chest. “But I truly believe that we’re ready for it. We already spend so much time together, and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather come home to every day”

“Y/N,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. “I… I don’t know what to say”

You pull her into you, holding her close as you brush away her tears. “You don’t have to say anything right now,” you say softly, your voice filled with love. “Just know that I love you, and I’m here, no matter what”

“I thought you were breaking up with me” she whispers into the cotton of your shirt.

Your heart clenches at her words, the pain evident in her voice breaking through your own turmoil. Carefully, you lift her chin, meeting her gaze with tender reassurance.

“Leah,” you murmur, “I could never. You mean everything to me. I’m sorry if I scared you”

“A month” she repeats again. It’s as if she can’t believe it. You understand.

“Yes, a month,” you confirm, your voice soft and soothing. “But I’ll be back before you even realise I’m gone, baby. I promise”

Leah’s eyes search yours, uncertainty flickering in their depths. “I won’t. It’ll feel like forever,” she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper.

You lean in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Perhaps you’re right, love,” you murmur, your lips lingering against her skin. “But that’s why this trip will be so special. Just me, you and our body weight in pasta, remember?”

“And the staff” she adds, finally showing you that smirk you love to see. The smile that has you falling in love all over again.

You chuckle softly, relieved to see a hint of her usual humor shining through. “And the staff”

[a-d-nox]

pac/pap: message from your future spouse/partner

take what resonates leave what doesn't - nothing is 100% for you because these aren't personalized so please no angry comments or dms about what i am saying not being a good fit for you or that you "don't claim" just keep scrolling if that is the case. be kind, self reflect, and have fun.

last pac/pap: what energy should you bring with you into the new year?

masterlist of pap/pac posts

want a personal reading? click here to check out my reading options and prices!

pile 1

their physicality: emo style, pale, dark hair, tired looking, vitiligo, multicolored hair, highlighted hair, heterochromia, attractive, cute, stylish, possible smoker, and/or nice voice

their personality: impulsive, spontaneous, foreign, traveler, commitment issues, wanderer, needs space/freedom, adventurer, flirty, mesmerizing, agile, easily jealous, charming, irritable, scatter-brained, high-energy, easily distracted, and/or indecisive

where you are likely to meet: outdoors, at an art gallery, decor/antique shop, flower shop, alternative medicine shop, card section of a store, when buying beauty products, somewhere you are meant to dress up, art class, at a metaphysical shop, psych office, at night, the movie theater, night club, new york, naval academy, on a boat/cruise, at the beach, yachting, and/or somewhere coastal

now maybe this person doesn't have the best track record with previous lovers. in fact, it might be a bit chaotic to you when first hear about it. maybe when you meet them they will be freshly out of a recent breakup. they might be the type of person to remains friends with exes. those exes might even be actively involved in their life. that likely stems from their fear of commitment or their fear of being alone. currently, they are still learning that letting endings happen leads to new space for "bigger and better things" and people (like you).

to them, you are like the only star on the darkest night. they will only have eyes for you because you will be their muse. they adore you. you are so incredible in their eyes. they will see you as someone who is immensely strong, faithful, and optimistic. they find you to be a breath of fresh air - when they are with you, they feel like they can dream. they see all the possibilities of what could be and what they could become to transform into someone worthy of you.

they have some great qualities but ranking highest is their urge to control the chaos in your life for you. they are protective - they don't like to see you overwhelmed or hurt by the world around you, so they willfully step in the path of chaos to protect you. when you are overwhelmed, they are the first to volunteer to take care of anything for you. especially, when it involves them, they want to stay with you at all costs, so they will do whatever it takes to appease you and make you comfortable. they also are very wary and do not believe everything at face value, which, in my opinion, is a good quality. they don't take "i'm fine" as it is; they need to know that you are seriously fine. they don't do insta-love either which is good because, in my experience, those are the connections where the relationship is quick to fizzle out. they search for honesty and truth in all things but even more so with a romantic partner. and you? you are as genuine as they come. one last quality i want to mention before moving on is their stability and reliability. when this person makes up their mind, their mind is unchangeable. when they commit there is no out - they are all in. they are someone very stabilizing, driven, and generous when they decide that you are the one for them. they will no doubt make you their partner in crime. they will want you with them to explore the world and to spoil.

i feel like there will be noticeable tension in your pre-relationship that will bring you guys together. it will make you both feel destabilized and make you wonder if you are doing the right thing. you might feel like you are being vulnerable unnecessarily and that the relationship will amount to nothing but that won't be the case. challenges are momentary and are meant to bring you back to where you are meant to be.

the connection will bring happiness and intense emotions, especially, because you are both willing to confront each other with honest feelings and fears. you are both assertive and focused on your goals to make a future together.

song: "i wanna be yours" by arctic monkeys

pile 2

their physicality: distinctive features, angular features, black/dark hair, chiseled look, strong chin, emotional, seductive, attractive, pale, curvaceous, and/or darker skin tone (olive, easily tans, etc).

their personality: talkative, articulate, dextrous, gossiper, eloquent, influential, spiritual, soulmate, deep, independent, constantly in motion, diplomatic, and/or mediator.

where you are likely to meet: via a friend, someone sets you guys up, at the doctor's office, therapist office, walking a dog, at the veterinarian's, doing charity, while out to eat, at a bar, at the bank, making a donation, a romantic place, and/or at the cardiologist

i sense that they have a good reputation when it comes to love. they are notably nurturing, reliable, sensual, and dependable in a partnership. they go into a connection wanting to build a strong and lasting relationship.

they love that you are always trying to improve yourself. in the past, you may have been codependent on other and you might have relied on others to make you feel happy, but when you meet them, your efforts to do the opposite will be noticeable to them. you won't have unrealistic expectations for them, in fact, when you communicate with them regarding your expectations in the connection, they will find them very doable and will respect you for being upfront with them.

this person has rather unique qualities that makes them an attractive partner. for one they are aware that their emotions and thoughts sometime cloud them from seeing the reality of a situation. they can acknowledge their stress without taking it out on you and those around them. they like to manage their mental health so they can lead a productive life, they aren't afraid of making changes to better accommodate their situation. it is important to them to implement healthy coping strategies such as journalling. journalling and talk therapy likely made them the eloquent individual they are when they meet you. another attractive quality is their humble natural - they aren't haughty people who believe they are better than those around them. in fact, they aren't afraid of questioning themselves and their abilities - they realize that they are not the only one with answers and abilities. they don't do anything impulsively, they think carefully about everything before they actually do anything. lastly, they aren't afraid to admit they need space to take care of themselves - they aren't the type of person who allow others into their space just so they can lash out at them. they are very caring even when they feel depleted. they look within to nourish themselves, so you never have to fear that they will drain your well to refill their own.

you both will be brought together after you both feel more stabilized (emotionally, mentally, monetarily, etc) and are willing to commit. while careful planning isn't the sexiest thing in a connection, the sense of stability you will find with one another after such a long time of waiting to find each other will be well worth it.

this was a match made in the heavens, in my opinion. it was simply meant to be - this is the most important connection of your lifetime and they are your soulmate without a doubt. you both will love and respect each other all your lives. when you lead with love, what else could you expect.

song: "helena" by my chemical romance

pile 3

their physicality: physically fit, bodybuilder, good looking, in shape, attractive, dark/black hair, and/or darker skin tone (olive, tan, etc).

their personality: depressive, unhappy, down, lower self-esteem, pessimist, sickly, talkative, dextrous, gossip, mediator, loyal, devoted, friends first, humble, persistent, trustworthy, dependable, and/or friendly.

where you are likely to meet: somewhere with illegal activity, IT, technology shop, via a plumber, jewelry shop, at an amusement park, on the road, in a courthouse, at a political rally, at a voting booth, a highway, at an art class, at a metaphysical shop, a psych office, at night, at the movie theater, at a night club, and new york.

i sense that they aren't overly experienced with relationships, mainly because they have been working on themselves. they have been looking for someone to build a strong relationship with. someone who matches their enthusiasm, passion, and/or intensity.

they love that you can wait for things they you really desire - you have very good restraint. you aren't afraid of adjusting and refocusing your plans and goals to fit where you are right now. you aren't easily frustrated by a lack of progress - slow and steady wins the race for you, and they adore that you have that level of determination, patience, and passion.

your partner will have some astounding traits that are kinds blowing to me as i read these cards. for one, i sense that this person is very healthy - they don't have any exes waiting in the winds for them and hoping they will come back. their exes know they just won't be back. when they are done, everyone knows that they are indeed done. change is natural and normal to them - they have no problems letting go of things and people that don't help them grow or serve them in the long run. they like things and people that have purpose and are driven. they will do whatever it takes to go into this next chapter in life with you. this person tends to focus on the past however. sometimes it is difficult for them to see the possibilities of what could be as they fear that only bad things surround them and their circumstances. but they do not wait for the world around them to change; they begin the change within. they go through it - they have been through it. they know pain and struggle which has taught them how to be gentle, caring, and how to be content. they know how to find peace and how to be grateful for what they have gained. all of this is to your benefit.

prosperity and generosity are what bring you together. that and, of course, maturity - maybe this is someone you knew earlier and life, and now you are getting a second chance with them. by being forward and clear about your intentions this connection will continue to blossom and grow.

i feel like you will be better off and happier when you keep the relationship private - there are people on both side of your relationship that are gossips and manipulation.

song: "puppet" by tyler, the creator

[herpsandbirds]

Since it's both World Animals Day and Teachers Day, can you give us animals that is the best and also the best teacher in the world?

1. Best Teacher in the World: Doug

"Teaching" is actually rare in the animal kingdom, but it does happen...

Animal Teachers | Psychology Today

Why animal teachers are so rare—and remarkable (nationalgeographic.com)

2. Animals That Is the Best:

Sea Pig (Scotoplanes globosa), family Elpididae, specimens found in the deep sea off of the Pacific Coast of North America

The Sea Pig is a benthic deep-sea sea cucumber (class Holothuroidea) that walks using long tube-like limbs.

Like most sea cucumbers, they feed on detritus.

They have often been see congregating in groups of up to 30 individuals.

The 3 species of Scotoplanes are difficult to tell apart by sight.

photograph via: MBARI

Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis), family Vampyroteuthidae, photographed in the deep sea off the Pacific Coast of North America

Vampire Squids are not actually true squids, but are in their own distinct groups of Cephalopods (most closely related to the Octopuses).

They only grow to a total length of up to 30 cm (~ 1 ft).

They have many light producing photophores on various locations around their body.

They live at depths of 600 to 900 m (2,000 to 3,000 ft) in oceans around the world.

photograph via: MBARI

Turtle Frog (Myobatrachus gouldii), family Myobtrachidae, Hill River, found in southwestern Australia

photograph by Akash Samuel

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), family Sphenodontidae, New Zealand

There were once 2 recognized species of Tuatara, but now they are considered to be just one species.

This is not a lizard.

The only member of the reptile group Rhynchocephalia still around. All other species went extinct millions of years ago.

Tuataras were eradicated by humans and introduced species from the main islands of New Zealand, and now only occur on small islands near the North Island and far north of the South Island.

This is one of my very favorite animals.

photograph by Sid Mosdell

Mexican Mushroomtongue Salamander (Bolitoglossa mexicana), family Plethodontidae, Sierra Caral, Guatemala

photographs by Laura Bok

Greater Siren (Siren lacertina), family Sirenidae, found in freshwater habitats in the coastal plains of the SE United States

This large eel-like aquatic salamander retains its gills. They only have 2 tiny front limbs.

They grow to a length of up to 97 cm (38 in).

photographs by Qualiesin 

Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeater), family Bucorvidae, Kruger National Park, South Africa

photograph by Bernard DUPONT  

Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana), family Strigidae, Cape Coral, Florida, USA

photograph by Cee Z Fotography

[onsunnyside]

.♡ ⃗ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 (𝟏/𝟓)

𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 | best friend!JJ Maybank x reader (College AU)

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 | fluff, friends-to-lovers, college au, non-canon ages, ‘lessons in love & pleasure’ trope, kook!reader, size difference, shy!reader, inexperienced & virgin!reader, clumsy!reader, cute first kisses.

♫ ·ﾟ𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝗪/𝗖 | 3.97K

𝗔/𝗡 | and here we go !! this is my first obx series, so pls wish me luck, also note that this is a college au, meaning all characters are 21+. this will be angst-free, just a fluffy fic about two friends falling in love, starring a charming blond surfer. i'd love to hear your thoughts about this so far. as always, all mistakes are my own. ☼ 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐊𝐨-𝐟𝐢 ☼

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 & 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲: @𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

˗ˏˋ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭ˎˊ˗ ⋰˚ 𝐎𝐁𝐗 (& 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬) 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

The rays of the sun beam down, burning your heated face as you exit the building. Hurriedly stuffing your uniform in your bag, you rush down the stairs and toward the main campus. You weave between students, nearly tripping while anxiously checking the time on your phone. 

A few minutes late wasn’t that bad. You didn’t expect your professor to take the entire period given that it was the last day before spring break. It would’ve been more bearable if you had any friends in that class, but none of them showed. Perhaps you should’ve done the same and got a headstart on break too, or at least a full eight hours of sleep for the first time in months. 

Approaching the common area, the familiar sound of the fountain meets your ears amongst the chatter and laughter from your peers. 

Your eyes fall on a familiar blond, a toothpick between his teeth as he mindlessly scrolls through his cell phone. He stands out amongst the sea of plaid skirts, ties and blazers, wearing a backwards cap, cargo shorts and a tank top, his toned arms as sunkissed as ever. You call his name and break into a skip.

“If it isn’t the smartest gal I know…” You melt in his hold, that signature coastal citrusy scent washing over you like waves on a shore. After one final squeeze, he pulls away, his blue eyes flickering down to your feet. “And she still doesn’t remember to tie her damn shoes.”

“I was already running late, I couldn’t stop!” 

He rolls his eyes and drops to one knee, bringing your foot to the other, “yeah, and what would’ve happened if you tripped? Or got stuck in an escalator? Or tangled in some wild vines?” He asks, quickly tying both your laces. 

“Too late for one of those…” You pull up the hem of your dress, exposing the mismatched bandaids on both your knees. 

“Did you try to walk and chew gum at the same time?”

You huff, “actually, I got it while golfing. The tall grass is really misleading.” 

Your mother had scolded you for the grass stains on your new shoes, yet another pair just victim to your clumsiness, much like everything else you own. 

As expected, JJ’s mood sours at the mention of Figure 8. Years after that kegger incident, JJ was still very bitter towards anything Kook-related. He didn’t want to hear about Rafe and his crew and almost turned red at the mere mention of their names. He tolerated you, Sarah and Kie talking about Midsummers, and was absolutely zero help when you were discussing dresses and crowns. 

“Who was there?”

“Just my dad, Sarah and Mr. Cameron.” 

JJ hums, peering up at you through his lashes. “Anyone else?”

You cross your arms, “Rafe never comes if that’s what you’re asking. He’s too busy working for his dad, and is probably halfway across the world, sipping on Dom Pérignon by the beach.” 

“Yeah, I guess it’s not like he asked you to join him… again.”

A loud sigh falls from your lips, “That was one time! And he didn’t even ask, Mr. Cameron wanted me to check on him and make sure he wasn’t blowing profits on new bikes or drugs.” 

JJ drops it after that, he could say anything he wanted but that wouldn’t impact your relationship with the Camerons. Since your parents owned and operated the Island Club, and rich people liked other rich people. 

Your entire childhood was spent on Figure 8 alongside Sarah and the rest of the Kooks. You were grateful to live so comfortably, never having to worry about bills or losing electricity for days on end, but you’ve always envied the Pogues. Their freedom and exciting adventures were so different from the lonely box you were born in. 

With years of friendship between you and the rest of the Pogues, your mother still referred to them as ‘those kids from The Cut.’ 

Your father, on the other hand, had a soft spot for them—especially JJ because of their shared love for cars and motorbikes. There have been a few times that you’ve caught them messing around in the garage after JJ left for more snacks and drinks, practically abandoning you all by the pool for some grease and engines. 

Although he liked the blond boy, you know your father would disapprove of the many nights he’s sneaked through your window for a little sleepover. You were used to it now, sharing a bed with your best friend was a regular occurrence. It was platonic, even when you’d wake up in each other’s arms, tucked close. 

JJ’s morning voice never failed to make you all fuzzy inside. 

“Hello? Are you gonna get on or does the princess need help?” 

Ignoring his remark, you quickly straddle his bike and wince at the dull pain in your thigh, “I also got a nasty bruise that day—note to self, never try to retrieve golf balls from deceitful tall grass again.” 

He chuckles and twists around, “poor baby, want me to kiss it better?” 

As if the sun had solely focused on you, your whole body heats up, a warmth fluttering in your belly as your mind searches for a response. 

“I-I, uhm…oh, I—”

JJ laughs loud with a dimpled grin, “Why don’t you think about it and tell me later? We’re already running late and you know how Pope is with that.”

The Wreck is busy this time of day, every seat filled with college students and Tourons as waiters zoom from table to table. The delicious smell of seafood clouds the air and loud conversations drown out the radio. Sunshine pours from the windows, bathing the nautical decorations in an orange glow. Fishnets, brass ship wheels, and various hand-painted signs hang on the walls, strung up alongside fairy lights and ceiling fans. 

You and JJ beeline for your designated spot, the booth all the way in the corner of the restaurant. As suspected, everyone is already there apart from Kie, you side in next to Pope and exchange gleeful greetings. 

“And she lives! After that tumble at the golf course, I’m surprised you don’t have a cast or something.” Sarah snorts, the memory of you literally disappearing in the grass replaying in her head. “How’d your mom take it?”

You pout, “She was more concerned with my dirty clothes than my injuries,” and your bruised ego, “can you believe it?” 

You’re met with mumbles of ‘yes’ and ‘of course,’ everyone awfully aware of your mother’s obsession with the picture-perfect image. If she had it her way, she would dress you every day to show off that Kook status, she’d put you in pastel prints, ironed polos, and hand-shined shoes. A part of you knows that the only thing stopping her from dressing you like a doll was your clumsiness, a saving grace disguised as aches and bandaids. 

Her overbearing nature was also to blame for your timid heart, sometimes you were too scared to do any wrong that you wouldn’t do anything at all. Looming fear kept you in that box of solitude, unfulfilled expectations and thrills made you shrink away. As a child, you never had the confidence to speak up and often went with whatever your mother said, but that was until you met the Pogues. They helped you get out of your shell and introduced you to new experiences, they were the most patient and caring people you’ve met, and you wouldn’t trade their friendship for the world. 

Out of the corner of your eye, Sarah and John B exchange a few chaste kisses. You immediately turn away, jumping into a conversation about Kie’s whereabouts with Pope. 

“Her dad needed a hand, hopefully, she’ll be back with our food soon.” He answers and slides a glass in front of you, “she got this for you.” 

It was your favourite smoothie flavour. You don’t waste any time and take a long sip, the sweet berries melting on your tongue, a momentary distraction from feeling so different from your friends. 

Under your mother’s watchful eye, you never dared to step out of line and that has led you to being terribly inexperienced in everything dating-related. While your friends were partying and earning their stripes, you were watching from the sidelines and fumbling every opportunity that came your way. You tried to forget all those people who have pursued you, their texts unanswered and calls ignored. 

You shake away those thoughts, “Did any of you have class today?” 

Sarah flips her blond hair over her shoulder, “All my uniforms were in the wash, so it really wasn’t my fault. If private universities didn’t have mandatory uniforms… I still probably wouldn’t have gone.” 

You and Sarah went to the same campus, but your schedules were far different. You could barely remember your own, let alone keep track of hers too. 

Your gaze slowly shifts from each of their faces, “even you, Pope?”

“In my defence, I’m way ahead in all my courses, I could afford to miss a day.” 

“Hmm… And does your dad know?” You tut, tilting your head. 

He stares back at you, “Does your dad know you let Sarah and John B spend their anniversary in the country club after hours?”

Across the table, Sarah’s jaw drops. “You said you wouldn’t tell anyone!” 

“I didn’t! Only you and he know.” You point to her boyfriend who was blinking owlishly. 

John B raises his hands, going rigid under his girlfriend’s glare. “I only told JJ.”

All eyes land on the blond, a paper crane napkin in his hands. “Hm? Oh yeah, I told Pope and Kie.” 

“No secrets between Pogues.” They both high-five over your head. 

You deflate, covering your face. “Don’t tell anyone else, okay? I don’t want to accidentally start some under-the-table business renting the club… My mom would kill me.” 

JJ coos, rubbing up and down your back. “Hey, it’s no different than Sarah lending Ward’s yacht to Pope when he wanted to impress that Touron…” He shrieks when a hand slaps the back of his head, knocking his hat to the ground.

“Idiot! No one knew about that!”

“I think we can all agree that JJ is just terrible at keeping secrets. Can’t trust him with anything.” 

You giggle and sip on your smoothie, half-listening to John B’s rant about some customers at the surf shop. JJ sticks a straw in your cup and drinks too, cheekily bumping your foreheads together, his pretty blue eyes locked onto yours. 

You find it hard to turn away, your gaze drifting over his face. From his strong nose to his cheekbones carrying a slight sunburn to his defined jaw. He flashes a grin, those stupid dimples making you a little flustered. 

JJ was a natural flirt, he could make anyone swoon, he showered his friends in platonic love and affection—hugs, cuddles, kisses, you name it and he’s done it to each of you. He’s dated around the island but those relationships never lasted long enough to get serious, and they’ve never been introduced to your group either. 

You’ve always wondered what he was like as a boyfriend, if he was as sweet with his partners as he was with all of you, if that tenderness bled into all his actions. He wore his heart on his sleeve in the most admirable of ways, although he was hotheaded and troubled, you’ve always felt safe with him. 

You pull away, squeezing your eyes shut, “agh! Brain freeze!” 

He snorts, bringing you forward for a sloppy kiss on your forehead, his cold lips against your warm skin. “Maybe you shouldn’t drink so quickly, ya dummy.” 

Kie finally joins the rest of you a while later, bringing trays of fresh food and more drinks before sitting beside John B. Her long brown hair is up in a bun, loose strands frame her face, “Just letting you all know, I expect a mighty fine tip today and everyone is helping me clean up after closing.”  

“Might as well take my kidney while you’re at it.” JJ speaks through a mouthful of fries, “we’re supposed to relax today.”

“And I don’t feel like getting elbow-deep in dirty dishes if I’m not being paid for it,” John B adds. 

“These free meals say different. C’mon, my dad promised he’d try not to disturb me this week if we get this place spotless for spring break.” She looks at you, brown eyes pleading, “I’ll get you a smoothie to go.”

“I mean… it’s a small price to pay for a week of freedom, right?”

“Not guaranteed freedom.”

JJ leans towards you, “don’t say yes.” 

“There’s six of us, we could get it done in one hour or even less if we work fast!” 

“I guess that’s true.” You agree, despite JJ’s protests. 

“Sunshine, no—if you stay, I’m gonna have to stay too.” 

Kie calls your name, reaching over to physically turn you towards her. “Don’t look at him. If you stay, he’ll stay, same goes for Sarah and John B, and well… Pope will stay regardless because he doesn’t have a choice.” 

Pope pulls a face, “excuse me?”

Truthfully, you were going to stay anyway, but it does make you a little bashful knowing that JJ wouldn’t leave without you. 

“Okay, I’ll stay.”

“Same here.” Sarah decides, earning a huff from her boyfriend, “And just for your attitudes, the guys have to clean the deep fryers.”

“Including Pope.” 

“I didn’t even say anything!” 

After thoroughly cleaning The Wreck, the night concludes with a movie marathon at the Chateau. Pope keeps his streak of picking the best movies and chooses a trilogy you haven’t seen before. Bowls of snacks and beer cans litter the floor, and a half-finished pizza sits on the coffee table. Sarah and John B share one couch, and Kie and Pope are sprawled on the floor atop cushions and blankets, while you and JJ are tucked into the smallest couch, your legs over his lap. 

As the opening credits roll on the screen, everyone takes the opportunity to do more catching up. Kie talks about cleaning up some beaches with other volunteers and her most recent trip off the island, a small project with a group of marine wildlife rescuers. She even shows a bunch of pictures of her with baby turtles. 

John B and JJ talk about their co-owned surf shop, “We caved and hired extra help.”

“Finally!” Kie exclaims, “If you and JJ were running that shop alone any longer, it would go bankrupt, you’re both so fucking lazy.”

“Hey, I’m a great employee. I just got employee of the month actually.” JJ defends. 

“You shouldn’t be proud of that if it’s only you two. You literally just vote for each other every month,” Sarah states knowingly. 

You, Sarah and Pope don’t have much to say about your college careers, except for the lack of sleep and dependence on caffeine. It’s not very exciting, but Pope’s story about his professor who only attends class in socks makes you a little thankful for your overly strict school. 

The marathon goes on, and the conversation dies down by the end of the second movie. Someone’s soft snoring flows over the steamy soundtrack and for the umpteenth time tonight, you look away as the two leads share a passionate kiss. At least it wasn’t another sex scene. 

As your best friend, JJ could read you like a book. He knew you from the inside out, he could tell what you were thinking before you even said it, and he knew all of those humiliating secrets that kept you up at night. One of them being your lack of experience. When you confessed that, he told you it wasn’t something to be ashamed of, everyone moves at different paces and lives different lives—but kissing?

“You’ve never been kissed?” 

You cover your face, embarrassment flooding in. “You don’t have to say it like that!” 

“I’m not—I’m not teasing.” His smile says differently. He easily pulls your hands down, holding them in his lap, “it’s just not what I was expecting.” 

He generally knew you weren’t the most experienced in intimacy and relationships, and that’s partly why he was so protective of you. Even at crowded parties and in his drunken state, he’d keep an eye on you, watching out for any creeps. Unbeknownst to you, it was an unspoken rule between the Pogues to treat you a little softer, a little sweeter because they all know how sensitive you were. 

But he figured you’ve kissed someone before. Maybe some lucky kid from Figure 8 or a dude from your private school. 

“I know, I know. You probably find it so funny.” You huff and roll your eyes, “laugh all you want, jerk.”

And to your chagrin, he does but quickly apologizes. “Sorry, sorry. Okay, maybe it’s a little funny. But not in a bad way! It’s actually cute.”

Cute? 

“It’s adorable.” He cups your face, “itty bitty baby hasn’t had her first kiss… not even with that poster in your bedroom?”

Your chest warms as he pinches and pulls both of your cheeks, puckering your lips when you try to speak, “...posh-ers don’t ha’ tongues.” 

“Oh, so you wanna French kiss for your first time? Didn’t think you were that type of girl, sunshine.”

You push him back and try to scoot away, making do with whatever sliver of space you can manage between the two of you, but he doesn’t let you get far. Keeping you in place with his hands on your hips. 

“You’re telling me, aside from no one taking you on a date before, no one has asked to kiss you either?”

“JJ, you know my parents. My mom is so hard to please, I can’t imagine bringing someone home for her approval. And I had opportunities but… I kept getting too nervous.” 

He’s quiet for a moment, his gaze tracing over your face. You hadn’t realized how close he was until now, you could count his every eyelash and his every freckle. 

“I could help you out.” 

A lump appears in your throat, it would silence your words if you could think of any but you can’t. Too caught up in his deep voice as it repeats in your head, again and again like a broken record.

“You trust me, right? You know me, I’m not—I’m not some guy you just met. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you wanted to, uh, kiss someone you just met, go ahead.” He reassures, “but I don’t think you want to do that.” 

JJ was so awfully sentimental when it came to his friendships. His several shoe boxes of polaroids, tickets and trinkets under his bed said enough about his love for nostalgia. He was always one to take a chance, to live in a moment for as long as he could, and to find the positives in any situation, even the worst ones. 

Years down the line, he never leaves the house without the silver zippo that you got him on a trip with your parents. It was easy to find something for each of your friends from your weeks-long stay in Europe: jewelry for Sarah and Kie, a first edition copy of a novel for Pope, and a vintage compass for John B, but you were stumped when it came to JJ. 

You saved his gift for last, long after everyone else had fallen asleep, the mess of your celebratory return littering the backyard in empty beer bottles and confetti. He bugged you all night, eager for his special little something.  

“Don’t open your eyes.” 

“...Mhm, I’m having trouble keeping ‘em open.”

You placed the zippo in his hand and stepped back, “Okay, just feel it.”

He passed it between his hands, dragging his fingers over the cold metal until he popped it open, “a lighter?”

You nearly turned away when your nerves started bubbling and you’re thankful you didn’t, or else you would’ve missed his reaction. To this day, you’ve never seen him smile so wide or his eyes light up that bright at the sight of his initials and P4L ingrained in the silver. 

He’s just JJ, one of your best friends in the entire world. 

Deciding to take this opportunity before it slips away, you nod and his lips meet yours. He starts with little pecks, soft and sweet like cotton candy, and they slowly drag into short kisses. Putting a bit of intensity behind it, his tongue swipes along your bottom lip, but you don’t get the hint until he gently thumbs at your chin, just barely pulling your lips apart. He tastes like beer and a bit of weed, and his lips are softer than they look. 

He’s slow and steady, letting you get used to the feel of him. You exhale in his mouth and shyly follow his lead, hoping he can’t hear your heart hammering in your chest. You don’t know if it’s the sweet rush of his lips against yours, or if this is how it feels to kiss someone for the first time, but you feel like you’ll float away. 

Before you know it, he pulls away and presses his forehead against yours. 

“You can breathe while we kiss.” He chuckles, nudging your nose with his, “don’t want you passing out on me, sunshine.” 

You realize how lightheaded you feel and gasp for air, subconsciously licking your lips to taste him again. In a daze, you breathe in and out, briefly wondering if it felt like this to kiss just anyone. 

One of his hands slips behind your neck and the other falls to your thigh, warm and gentle. “Do you want to stop?” 

You glance at your friends, still passed out on the floor and other couches, the movie playing dully in the background. “No?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

“No.” You repeat, firmer this time. “I don’t want to stop. Pl-Please don’t stop.” 

How could JJ deny you? Especially when you ask so dreamily with that glazed look in your eyes. He fights the urge to pull you into his lap and touch you all over and be the first person to make you into a pretty mess, to feel you in a way no one else has before. He connects your lips again, taking the lead and slipping his tongue into your mouth. 

The unmistakable wet noises cause tingles to course all over your body, from your toes to the tips of your fingers clasped in your lap. They only get stronger when he tilts your head to kiss you deeper.

“You can touch me too,” he murmurs, bringing your hand to the back of his neck. Your digits automatically curl in his blond hair, drawing a low groan from his throat. 

That’s when you go completely dumb and totally thoughtless. All concerns fly out of your mind and join the bluebirds above your head. They’re playing a little song to the beat of your heart, hitting every note and putting you at ease like a lovesick lullaby. You almost assume that’s why you feel lightheaded again.

JJ leans back, his voice raspy, “you keep forgetting to breathe, baby.” 

“I’m sorry,” you exhale heavily, the butterflies in your tummy going wild as he caresses your face. “I’m not good at this yet.”

His rough fingers drag down your cheekbones and trace your jaw, the pad of his thumb gently presses on your bottom lip, almost slipping inside your mouth. His eyes seem darker, the clear blue shaded in something you can’t name. 

His lips trail to your jaw, the movie long forgotten, “It’s okay, we have lots of time to practice. I’m gonna teach you everything I know, sunshine.” 

𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: ahhh I've always wanted to write a sweet fic like this, i'm so excited to dive into a new fandom 🥰🥰 i'm still a lil nervous, but i'm hoping for the best !! feel free to stop by my inbox and let me know what you think of this so far, or request blurbs/drabbles for this au !!

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞! this fic doesn't have an update schedule, but i'll add dates on the masterlist (linked here) if i have a date in mind. also, here's the 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 for this fic !!

As always, I hope you all enjoyed this and I’d love to hear your thoughts/feedback !! <3 — ☼ 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐊𝐨-𝐟𝐢 ☼

I don’t do taglists anymore. ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 & 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲: @𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

[the-cypress-grove]

Worldbuilding Checklist (STILL UPDATING)

This is basically a bunch of worldbuilding checklists crammed together. Use what works for you, leave the rest. This is fantasy orientated and I will continue to update it regularly so reblog or comment something you think should be added.

History:

How far back does recorded history go?

How does history interact with myth and folklore?

How did the current system of governance come into power?

What are some notable figures of history?

Is your world's history broken down into eras?

What events have been twisted and changed as they've been passed down through the generations?

Geography:

What is the climate of this area?

What are the common plants of this area? Are there any fictional plants?

What are the common animals of this area? Are there any fictional animals?

Are there continents? Islands?

How much of this area is inhabited?

What area is known?

Country borders?

What are the major geographical landmarks i.e. rivers, mountains?

Where are the major trade routs?

What are the seasons like in this area?

Magic System:

How is magic practiced? Using wands, staffs, runes, etc?

How is magic learned?

Can magic be taken?

What can't magic do? What are its limitations?

What is the first thing a person learns when learning magic?

How are magic users perceived by others?

What are the laws regarding magic?

How does magic link to religion?

How has magic influenced history?

Politics and Law:

What style of leadership rules the area i.e. theocrasy (ruled by religion), monarchy (ruled by a royal family)?

How are laws created?

What is the process from the conception of a law to the point where it passed?

How is the law enforced?

What is the judicial system of this place?

Is there a death penalty?

Society and Culture:

How many major cultures are there?

What is their global population?

Where are they located geographically within your world?

Is there a social hierarchy / a division between the classes?

What are the major pieces of art in this world?

What does its music sound like? What instruments are used?

Are there well know folk songs?

What food is eaten by each group of society?

What are the treat foods of this area?

What are the foods saved for special occasions?

What holidays / special occasions are there?

Religion:

What are the major religions in this area? Do they get on with each other?

How are these religions viewed by their worshippers? By those who worship other religions? By those who worship no one at all?

How much does religion influence politics and the laws passed?

What do these religions believe in?

Are there divisions within these religions between groups who believe slightly different things?

How old are these religion? Which came first?

Which religion has the biggest influence on the world?

What are their opinions towards the government?

What are their opinions regarding the poor and the rich? Do they differ?

What are their opinions towards magic and technology?

Commerce and Industry:

What is the major industry?

Main imports / exports?

How wealthy is this country / area?

What valuable resources does this country / area have?

What are the common crops / livestock in this area?

Is this area coastal? Is there a fishing / trade industry?

Is this area forested? Logging and timber?

Technology:

What are the transport option available? For the poor? For the rich?

[linguisticdiscovery]

7 undeciphered writing systems

(While reading, remember that it’s possible to decipher a script and still not understand the language that the script represents.)

(Each heading links to that script's respective Wikipedia page.)

Byblos Syllabary

The Byblos syllabary is attested in 10 inscriptions found in Byblos, a coastal city in Lebanon. It likely represents a Semitic language, but despite a handful of attempts at decipherment, there still isn’t a consensus as to what sound each character represents.

Cypro-Minoan Syllabary

The Cypro-Minoan syllabary appears on ~250 objects—especially clay balls and cylinders that were used for recording economic transactions—on the island of Cyprus.

The script suddenly disappears in 950 BCE and was replaced by the Cypriot syllabary, which was used to write Greek, and based on Cypro-Minoan. This evolution allows us to infer the sounds of some of the signs in Cypro-Minoan, but we still don’t know what language it represented—probably either Minoan or Eteocypriot.

There are only ~2,500 total instances of signs for Cypro-Minoan, which is significantly less than Linear B when it was deciphered (~30,000).

Indus Valley Script

The Indus Valley script is known from ~4,000 objects with very short inscriptions found in and around the Indus Valley, and represents the Harappan language (the unknown language of the Indus Valley civilization).

It has about 400 distinct signs, which is too many for each sign to represent a single sound or syllable, but too few for each sign to represent a word. Scholars thus think the system is logo-syllabic (basically a mix of the two).

Linear A

Linear A: Everybody’s favorite mysterious undeciphered script. Linear A was used by the Minoans on the island of Crete, and is called “linear” because the script is written by cutting lines into clay, rather than pressing wedges into clay like cuneiform.

Linear A was adapted to write Mycenean Greek and became Linear B (deciphered in the 1950s), and because of this we can infer many of the sound values of symbols in Linear A. However, 80% of Linear A’s signs are unique, not shared with Linear B.

Linear A itself probably developed from the earlier Cretan hieroglyphs, which are also undeciphered.

Phaistos Disk

The Phaistos Disk. Also from the Minoan civilization on Crete, yet seemingly unrelated to Linear A. This disk is the only certain attestation of this (assumed) script, spiraling around both sides. There are 242 tokens comprising 45 distinct signs.

The Phaistos Disk also happens to be an early example of moving type printing, since each character was made by pressing seals into clay.

Proto-Elamite

The Proto-Elamite script developed alongside Proto-Cuneiform, and was used for similar functions and in similar ways until it was replaced by cuneiform. Proto-Elamite, like cuneiform, began as a system of marking tokens and spheres with details of economic transactions.

Rongorongo

Rongorongo is a system of glyphs used on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), found only on about two dozen wooden objects. According to oral history, the tablets were considered sacred, and only a small elite class could read them. Unfortunately, that tradition was wiped out after slaving raids and epidemics caused the collapse of Rapa Nui society.

Though the glyphs, if they are writing, undoubtedly represent the Rapa Nui language, little is known about it because modern Rapa Nui has had heavy influence from Tahitian.

---

Want to learn more about the world’s writing systems and their history? Check out my curated list of books on Writing & Writing Systems!

[fafnir19]

Sibling love

Lou shuffled into the dimly lit pub, the familiar scent of stale beer and chatter welcoming him. He greeted his friends with hearty slaps on the back, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses. As Lou settled into a worn barstool, nursing a pint of amber liquid, his thoughts drifted to his sister, Shenia.

Her boyfriend, Pierson, was a constant thorn in his side. Lou couldn't fathom what Shenia saw in the pompous man with his perfectly coiffed hair and refined airs. "Oi, Lou, what's got you looking like someone spat in your pint?" Mick, one of Lou's mates, nudged him with a grin. Lou shook his head, a scowl tugging at his lips. "It's that berk, Pierson. Can't stand the sight of him." "Just ignore the posh git, mate. Another round?" Mick gestured to the bartender. As the night wore on, Lou's discontent simmered beneath the surface. He couldn't understand Shenia's fascination with the upper-class lifestyle that Pierson embodied.

To Lou, the simple pleasures of a rowdy football match and a few pints with friends held more appeal than the refined world Pierson inhabited.

Some weeks later …

The salty tang of the ocean breeze mingled with the laughter and chatter of vacationers as Lou strolled down the bustling promenade of the small coastal town with his sister, Shenia. She walked beside him, her fashion-forward presence contrasting with Lou's casual attire. In the distance, Pierson strolled confidently, his curly hair catching the golden light. "I can't believe we're spending a week of vacation with that posh git," Lou muttered under his breath, kicking a pebble in frustration.

Shenia shot him a warning glance. "Be nice, Lou. Pierson is great, and this vacation will be fun." Lou rolled his eyes. "Fun for you, maybe. I'd rather be back at the pub with my mates, not playing third wheel to you two lovebirds." Pierson, overhearing the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem, old chap?" Lou clenched his jaw, barely concealing his disdain. "No problem, just not a fan of being stuck with a pompous investment banker for the week." Pierson's lips curled into a smug smile. "Ah, I see. Can't handle the sophistication, can you?"

Before Lou could retort, Shenia chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension. "Come on, guys, let's not ruin the vacation before it even starts. We're here to relax and have a good time."

Shenia's eyes lit up as she spotted a quaint lingery shop, her excitement palpable. "Ooh, I have to check out this store, guys. Meet you in a bit," Shenia said before disappearing into the shop. Lou let out a grunt, rolling his eyes. Pierson, ever the gentleman, chuckled quietly, his distinguished aura contrasting with Lou's more rugged appearance. As the two men wandered further down the street, they stumbled upon a mysterious curiosity shop, its windows filled with eclectic oddities. Lou's curiosity piqued, he pushed the creaky door open, Pierson following suit with a raised eyebrow. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of ancient relics and forgotten memories. Lou's eyes darted around the cluttered shelves, his fingers itching to touch the intriguing objects.

Pierson, always poised, observed with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. But as inevitable as the tide, an argument erupted between the two. Lou's frustration bubbled over, and he made a move to push Pierson, who sidestepped gracefully. The collision sent Lou stumbling backward, crashing into a shelf of delicate artifacts. The sound of shattered glass shattered the tense silence.

Pierson's face flushed with embarrassment as he surveyed the broken displays. "I'll pay for the damage, I promise," he offered, genuine contrition coloring his voice. The shopkeeper, Jenkins, a mysterious figure with a twinkle in his eye, intervened swiftly. "No need for monetary compensation," he said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "You two gentlemen need more than just a lesson in manners." With a flick of his wrist, Jenkins tossed a small glass bottle at their feet, the impact shattering it into a cloud of swirling smoke that enveloped Lou and Pierson in a surreal haze. Amidst the eerie mist, their voices echoed in confusion, blending into a cacophony of disbelief. Lou's rough, incredulous scream clashed with Pierson's cultured gasp. When the haze cleared, the reality of their situation dawned on them. Lou stared in horror at the reflection of Pierson's well-groomed appearance in the mirror, while Pierson's eyes widened in shock at the sight of Lou's younger but rough-hewn features. Jenkins' voice cut through the stunned silence, his words dripping with mystery. "You two now inhabit each other's bodies," he explained cryptically. "For a week, you must live each other's lives. But remember, you cannot reveal this switch to anyone." Lou’s voice trembled with disbelief as he struggled to process the bizarre twist of fate. "This can't be happening," he moaned, his fists clenched in frustration. Pierson's refined laughter, coming from Lou’s mouth, tinkled like a melody in the dusty air of the curiosity shop, a mix of uncertainty and bemusement coloring his tone. "Well, it seems we're in quite a peculiar predicament, old chap," he remarked, a touch of irony lacing his words. As the realization of their predicament sank in, Lou and Pierson braced themselves for a week of navigating each other's vastly different worlds, their lives intertwined in a dizzying dance of fate.

Lou's mind raced as he struggled to adjust to inhabiting Pierson's body. The tailored clothes felt suffocating, and the weight of his upscale upbringing pressed down on him like a heavy burden. The next days he pretended to have a cold, using it as a shield against Shenia's unsettling advances.

The charade of embodying his sister's pompous boyfriend had been a challenging task all week long but Lou managed it rather well and he was relieved that he only need to survive another night. On the final night of the bizarre body swap Lou and Shenia striding back to the hotel room from a lackluster dinner. Shenia's sultry gaze bore into Pierson's body -unaware that Lou was inside-, her usual advances met with indifference and disgust behind Pierson's facade.

Lou began to unbutton his shirt, ready to retire for the night, only to be jolted by a sudden push that sent him tumbling onto the plush bed. Before he could grasp the situation, Shenia, with a predatory gleam in her eyes, swiftly tied his limbs to the bedposts, straddling him with a provocative smirk playing on her lips. "Pierson, rejecting me all week...You know how to make me horny," Shenia purred, her voice laced with desire as she pressed her body against Lou's, a shiver running down his spine at the unnerving intimacy of the moment.

"I...this isn't right, Shenia," Lou stuttered, his voice betraying his inner turmoil. But his feeble protests only seemed to stoke the fire burning in Shenia's eyes. With a devilish grin, she mounted Pierson's body, unknowingly concealing Lou within, like a predator ready to pounce. "I'll ride you like the stallion you are," Shenia purred, her movements fluid and intoxicating. Despite his internal screams of protest, Lou found himself, or rather Pierson’s body, succumbing to the sensations coursing through him, his sister's actions pushing him past the point of no return. "Don't fight it, Pierson. Let yourself go," Shenia whispered, her breath hot against his neck. As Shenia's movements grew more urgent, Lou's attempts to resist became futile. The rhythmic rocking of their bodies set a pace that his traitorous form responded to, despite his best efforts to maintain control. The sensations coursing through him were overwhelming, a tidal wave of conflicting emotions that threatened to consume him whole.  His body moved of its own accord, syncing with hers in a dance of forbidden passion that defied all logic and reason. Pleasure mixed with guilt, desire mingling with shame in a maelstrom of sensations that left him reeling. The dam broke and Lou gave in  to the primal urges with a stifled cry.  A  torrent release of satisfaction washed over him in waves of ecstasy and remorse as he shoot his load into his sister. Exhausted and spent, Lou lay there in the aftermath, his chest heaving with the weight of what had transpired.

Shame and regret hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the room as he drifted into a fitful sleep, haunted by the echoes of a moment that could never be undone.

As the sun slowly peeked through the curtains, Lou jolted awake in his own bed. Confusion swirled through his mind like a whirlpool of chaos as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. Curls that were foreign to him now adorned his head, giving him an air of sophistication he had never known. Combined with the angular features that stared back at him, he bore a striking resemblance to Pierson.

Heart pounding, Lou wasted no time in rushing to the Curiosity Shop, his mind ablaze with questions. The bell above the door tinkled as he entered, and there stood Jenkins, the enigmatic shop owner, his gaze piercing through Lou like a sharp dagger.  "Please, explain this madness to me," Lou demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and disbelief. Jenkins' eyes bore into Lou's, a somber expression clouding his face. "You have crossed a line that was never meant to be breached," he intoned gravely. "What you did, or rather, with Pierson's body, is forbidden by the ancient magic that governs our world." Lou's breath caught in his throat as he braced himself for whatever revelation was to come. "What do you mean?" he managed to choke out. Jenkins let out a weary sigh, his eyes betraying a hint of sorrow. "The bond of blood runs deep, and the magic cannot abide the mixing of such ties. Your liaison with Shenia, even if through Pierson's vessel, has altered your destiny irrevocably." A wave of realization crashed over Lou, the weight of his actions settling heavily upon his shoulders. "So, what now?" he whispered, a sense of unease creeping into his being. Jenkins' voice was soft yet firm as he spoke, each word carrying the weight of an ancient decree. "You are no longer Lou, the brother of Shenia. You are now Logan, the brother of Pierson." The weight of Jenkins' words crashed down on Logan like a ton of bricks, his mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of Jenkins' words. "But...but how is this possible? How can I become Pierson's brother just because of one night's mistake?" he cried out, his voice laced with a sense of desperation. Jenkins placed a comforting hand on Logan's shoulder, his touch surprisingly warm despite the gravity of the situation. "The magic works in mysterious ways, young Logan. It seeks to right the wrongs and prevent the gravest of sins. Incest is a taboo that cannot be breached, even in the guise of another's body. And so, you have been reborn as Logan, the brother of Pierson, forever tied to his fate." Tears welled up in Logan's eyes, the weight of his actions crashing down upon him with a force he had never known. "So, I'm stuck like this? As Pierson's brother, forever condemned to bear his features and his disgusting posh locks?" Logan's voice wavered, his eyes pleading for a glimmer of hope. "Embrace this new path, young Logan," Jenkins murmured in a voice that was void of any hope. With a heavy heart, Logan turned to leave the Curiosity Shop.

And so Logan, once Lou, once Shenia's brother, now walked an unknown path. The echoes of his past echoed in the chambers of his heart, reminding him of the price he had paid for a night of forbidden passion.

The old brick facade of St. Montgomery's Boarding School loomed imposingly as Logan made his way through the gates, his footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. His attire had shifted from Lou's casual jeans and t-shirts to Pierson's tailored suits and polished brogues, a stark reflection of the transformation he'd undergone and his newfound identity as Pierson's brother. He navigated the halls of the prestigious boarding school with an air of sophistication that mirrored his brother Pierson.

Logan's transformation from a middle-class lad to a distinguished young man was as perplexing as it was enlightening. Among the polished corridors and echoes of privilege, Logan found solace in embracing his newfound identity. The once familiar faces of his friends seemed to slide away like shadows under a sunlit canopy, replaced by the eager smiles of his new acquaintances. They chatted animatedly about field hockey matches, regattas, and upcoming operatic performances, topics that were foreign to the former Lou but now resonated with Logan.

Walking with a confident stride, Logan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was drifting further away from his roots. The boy who once relished in the thrill of a football match now found solace in the refined elegance of water sports and the exhilaration of a well-played hockey game.

As he adjusted his blazer, a subtle touch of arrogance seeped into his demeanor, mirroring the polished exterior of Pierson. One day, as he sat in the campus library engrossed in his studies, the image of Shenia, his former sister, crept into his mind. His thoughts lingered on her, and for a moment, he compared her to the elegant ladies of the elite circles he now frequented. A flicker of disdain crossed his features as he thought of her simplicity, her lack of refinement compared to the refined women he now socialized with. Realizing the direction his thoughts were taking, Logan shook his head, banishing the comparison between Shenia and his newfound acquaintances. Despite the changes that had consumed him, Shenia, in her essence, was still his sister. He couldn't allow himself to view her through the jaded lens of privilege and sophistication that now colored his world.

The summer holidays came and Logan traveled to the small coastal town like the previous year. As he wandered through the quaint streets of the seaside town, an unsettling feeling gnawed at the depths of his consciousness. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something felt off, as if a vital piece of himself had been spirited away by the mischievous shopkeeper. Lost in his swirling thoughts, Logan meandered through the cobblestone alleys until he stumbled upon the very curiosity shop that had launched him into this bewildering journey. Hesitant but resolute, he pushed open the creaking door, the bell above tinkling faintly in welcome. Jenkins, the enigmatic shopkeeper, regarded him with a sly smile, his eyes twinkling with a knowing glint. "Back again, I see. My, my, haven't you settled into your new self quite splendidly, Logan," Jenkins crooned with an air of satisfaction, thoroughly reveling in the disconcerting turn of events.

Logan squared his shoulders, a glimmer of defiance flickering within him. "This isn't who I am! I'm still Lou, deep down," he protested, his brows furrowing in desperation. The shopkeeper's condescending laughter echoed through the dimly lit store. "Oh, it's easy to fix that," he stated, unperturbed. With a snap of his fingers, an eerie energy filled the air, sending shivers down Logan's spine. He felt a sensation rush through him, making his member throb and stiff. "Whwhat...what are you doing?" Logan stammered, panic creeping into his voice.

His eyes widened in horror as the shopkeeper revealed his cruel ultimatum. "All you need to do is to cum, bask in the sweet release of your desires, and poof! Goodbye, Lou, farewell to the memories that tether you to your former life," Jenkins cooed, his voice an unsettling blend of persuasion and menace. Panic gripped Logan's chest, his heart pounding in his ears as he struggled against the insidious command. The shop owner took a step closer, his demeanor exuding an unsettling mix of authority and insidious glee. Without warning, his hand delved into Logan's pants, closing around his stiffening member. "Come on, Logan," the shopkeeper coaxed, his tone laced with manipulation. "Be a good boy and cum in my hand." Logan's eyes widened in horror as he grappled with a tidal wave of conflicting emotions. No matter how hard he fought, he found himself losing control, succumbing to the overpowering force of the shopkeeper's manipulative touch. With a breathless gasp, Logan relinquished his will, spilling his cum into the shopkeeper's waiting palm. As the last droplets disappeared, his memories of Lou faded into an abyss of oblivion, leaving behind a void where his former self had once resided. Exhaling a freed sigh, Logan staggered from the shop and a pleasant emptiness seeping into his fractured psyche.

Unbeknownst to him, Jenkins bottled the milky essence of memories and thrust them onto an inconspicuous shelf, murmuring a sinister monologue to the quiescent air. "I could never stand that chav Lou," Jenkins mused, reveling in his sinister triumph. "But preserved within this vessel, his essence remains, a testament to the power I wield. A tantalizing prospect, for with Lou's residual memories, who knows the potent transformations I could orchestrate. Perhaps, someday, with Lou's lingering shades, I shall shape someone into the very embodiment of a chav. Oh, the possibilities..."

Logan brushed his hand over his forehead as a disorienting fog clouded his mind. He wandered through the seaside town and his thoughts started to coalesced around one singular idea. He harbored a fervent desire to persuade his beloved brother and role model, Pierson, to dump the vulgar Shenia. Meanwhile the lingering traces of Lou's essence danced silently in the confines of a miniature vial, and Logan was supposed to be lost in the beckoning posh world of sophistication and arrogance.

[clowncontroldev]

Field Report: Raptorian - Supplemental

Raptorians Overview

This is a supplemental document from Dr. Doppler's Field Report. Mature researchers only.

What can be said about Raptorians that hasn’t been said in works such as Mimicry and Me: So Your Voice Has Been Stolen?, Out of this World Fashion and the controversial One Flew Over The Raptorian’s Nest? Hailing from Raptoria, they entered the galactic fold a decade after the establishment of NOX and the end of the Military Age, citing “We weren’t sure about all the war, but if you’re going to relax now we’ll talk.”

While some might call the general disposition of raptorians “cocky” and “vain,” they prefer “proud” and “worth it.” Xenosapients that are easily overwhelmed by colors and loud sounds should stay clear of Raptorian territory. If that doesn’t describe you, however, it is highly recommended to visit during any of their festivals and celebrations for a rich sensory experience. As long as it isn’t Ovumtide. 

Homeworld - Raptoria

Called the gem of the Garuda system, Raptoria is a temperate planet that orbits an A-class star. Dominated by oceans, waterways, and marshes, its extreme habitats are limited to its polar ice caps and deep ocean trenches.

The planet’s rings are important to the raptorian people, not just as an awe-inspiring skymark that makes afternoon walks more pleasant, but religiously too. The predominant religion believes that the rings are remnants of the Egg Mother when she hatched from her own shell. We now know it to be the leftovers of what used to be Raptoria’s only moon. 

Colony - Raptova

Called the diamond in the rough of the Phoenix system, Raptova by contrast is an arid mono-continental planet that orbits a similar blue main sequence star as Raptoria. It’s shared with the Scorpian people who live in the inland deserts. The settlement was brokered by NOX, to allow separatist Raptorians a safe place to self-govern.

Biology

Raptorians are warm-blooded, feathered bipeds. On top of their heads are erectile feathers that act as a way to focus in on sound, like a satellite dish. Their limbs end with black scaly webbed claws, the webbing having receded as they evolved to inland life. In their thick necks is an incredibly developed syrinx that allows unparalleled mimicry. 

A selection of different raptorian phenotypes.

It’s believed that raptorians originated as coastal predators, before gradually moving inland. They retained the slight webbing between their claws and their waterproof feathers, which doubled as an important way to retain heat during the cold months, which were extreme. 

Ancient Raptoria’s weather wasn’t the only cycle that shaped raptorian evolution. An aspect that’s unique to Raptorians are their estrous cycles. While xenos that go into heat will have these cycles last a week or three, Raptorians let loose for only one night of the year. The short window to breed causes Raptorians to endure a massive influx of hormones. While not as bad as the Kovlins, who go into self-described “sex madness” when in heat, Raptorians are on the lower end of the spectrum of lucidity during their cycle. 

But why go about breeding like this? If we look at the daily life of an ancient raptorian, it becomes clearer. Half of the year an ancient raptorian had to stay clear of cyclones and lightning, and the other half blizzards and hail.  The hostile weather conditions of the past only allowed for a very narrow time of the year in which looking for mates wasn’t a death sentence. For the rest of the year they only had a limited amount of time during the day where they could safely hunt. 

But raptorians weren’t the only ones hunting. Other environmental factors such as ancient predators trying to off any competition in gathering scarce resources could have had an impact on when ancient Raptorians felt it was safe to breed. 

However, none of this explains why multiple partners are encouraged during ovumtide. Were they promiscuous? And why is their fertility rate so low? Were they shooting blanks? The answer to both of those may lie in a retrovirus that seemed to have plagued Raptorians at the time. Whatever mutations it introduced were combated by this new way of breeding and raptorian researchers believe genetic variety was the only thing that could ensure the safety of their species, and mating annually.  

And as one can expect from a species only able to have sex once a year, they party like their lives depend on it. Multiple partners are expected in what most of the galaxy calls “the largest communal orgy in the Milky Way.” The Raptorians named that night Ovumtide, and it remains their most important spiritual and social event. 

Other than the pomp and circumstance, Ovumtide has the usual mating ritual aspects, such as decorating your breeding grounds and flaunting your assets, but also includes something Raptorians hold dear even today; pageantry. 

A flume dressed for Ovumtide

Pigmentation and feather patterns can be drastically different after centuries of intercontinental movement and different habitats. Raptorians are able to change the color of their feathers either with topical dyes, or a diet focused on certain compounds, such as the carotenoids in their seafood heavy diets. Blue and pink shrimps are popular choices for their wide range of hues, and due to the effort of committing to a diet for an entire year, are considered the classier choice. For the raptorian that wants to impress a mate during Ovumtide, a concentrated effort must be put into eating a singular natural pigment, so that their coat can coordinate with their Ovumtide outfit.

And like last year's fashion, they molt their feathers once Ovumtide ends, to begin styling for next year’s festivities.

Gender

Raptorians have two genders, flume and auct, which roughly translates to egg layer and soul giver respectively. However, despite the etymology, sex has been decoupled from gender for most of Raptorian history. Sapients that hail from cultures with a male/female gender binary often make the mistake of assuming aucts are men and flumes are women, mostly due to universal translators giving them masculine and feminine pronouns. Rather, it relates to their relationship with community and society at large.

Put simply: aucts top, and flumes bottom.

A typical auct.

Raptorian society is heavily influenced by dyads. The shell and the yolk, the feather and the talon, and so on. Balance between flumes and aucts is a crucial aspect to a functioning raptorian community. 

Work is divided by “talon” and “nest” and is defined by what is being manipulated. If a physical object is manipulated then its “talon” work, like moving cargo, crafting incubators, or repairing power lines. If what’s being manipulated isn’t real, like keeping ledgers, coding programs, or reading the voltage outputs on factory machines, then it’s “nest” work. The balance of this work is meticulously maintained, and if there aren’t enough flumes, aucts will change to better help the group in nest work. Likewise, if there aren’t enough aucts, flumes will do more heavy lifting. These expectations aren’t just societal, but biological as well. 

In a form of phenotypic plasticity, a lack of aucts or flumes will cause some from the majority to undergo hormonal changes. Muscle mass is gained when filling the role of an auct, while pattern recognition and eyesight improves for those that become flumes. What triggers these changes isn’t well known, but well documented. In one case study a group of aucts were sent to a research outpost in the polar ammonia lakes.  Due to unforeseen events, the all-auct team was forced to bunker down at the outpost for a year. Half of them lost 40% of muscle mass without a negative impact on their health, and gained improved hand eye coordination. During ovumtide they were accommodating. 

Another instance of this phenomenon occurred in a production town that specialized in leather and steel crafts. The assignment computer glitched out and filled the town with primarily flumes. In a short amount of time nearly half of them traded their stored fat for a high amount of muscle bulk in their arms and chest. Ovumtide wasn’t an issue for the town residents thanks to production tool crafting access. 

Because of this biological phenomenon, Raptoria’s governments and religions believe in what the body says rather than the mind piloting it. This became the cause for the mass exodus to Raptova—the belief that gender shouldn’t exist for the purposes of society, but rather the individual. 

The separatists believed that just because someone was physically an auct didn’t mean they wanted to do manual labor all day, or fill someone during ovumtide. Some were physically flumes, but spiritually aucts, and even without the added muscle mass could help their community like any ‘Talon Man’.

An ovumarch. They have went through the muscle loss of an auct turning into a flume.

On the separatist colony world of Raptova, a third unnamed gender arose. It was reserved for the Ovumarch, the leaders and guides of this new world. They act as both auct and flume as a way to say all forms of identity were welcome, as well as a way to see from the perspective of both sides. Physically, their bodies will still undergo the changes that will occur naturally. 

WARNING: AUTHORIZATION STATUS [18+]

If you have clearance with the above security check, you can learn more about Raptorians in Dr. Doppler’s Field Report.

[luxeacademia]

Brindleton Bay Taylor's Version Pt. 03: Daylight Gym & Spa

I am excited to share my latest Sims 4 build, Daylight Gym & Spa, set on the idyllic island of Brindleton Bay. Drawing inspiration from the calm of the coastal Hamptons, this spot is a luxury haven for your Sims. They can enjoy a vibrant cafe and juice bar, dive into fitness with a state-of-the-art exercise room, or join yoga and cycling classes. The spa offers indulgent pedicures, and there’s a pool with lounges and a massage area for ultimate relaxation. I crafted Daylight Gym & Spa to be a peaceful retreat where your Sims can unwind and recharge. Can’t wait for you to visit and find your Zen!

Lot Details:

Name: Daylight Gym & Spa

Value: §350,638

Type: Spa

Size: 30x30

World: Brindleton Bay

Location: Deadgrass Discoveries

Other Info.:

Thank you to all CC creators!

Enable BB.MoveObjects before placing

Please do not reupload or claim as your own

Feel free to tag me if you use it. I would love to see it!

CC list:

Anye: Coffeeshop | 

Bbygyal123:  Appliance Collection | Aesthetics Collection| Simley Cup | Balance Collection 

Cowbuild: Elite Living | Luxury Manor | Into Summer 

DSCO: Hunter Fitness 

Felixandre:  Chateau Part. VI. | Paris Part III.

Harrie: Coastal Part I. | Coastal Part II. | Coastal Part III. | Coastal Part IV. | Coastal Part VII. | Coastal Part VIII. | Spoons Part I. | Spoons Part II.| Brownstone 

Joyce:  Hamptons Bar Counter | Simple Live Part II. | Summer Garden Part II. 

Peacemaker: Seema Living | Elsie | Hamptons Getaway | Hamptons Hideaway | Splendid Narrow Paneling | Quinton Kitchen | Moroccan Cement Tiels | Creta Kitchen | Clapboard Siding 

Pierisim: David's Apartment | Coffeeshop Part III.  

Plush Pixels: Hamptons 

Ravasheen: Sauer Light 

Sims4Luxury: The Hamptons Collection

SimRealist: FlowFit 

Simplistic:  RH Shade | RH Barstool | Magnolia Rug 

Sooky: Hydrangea

Somik&Severinka: Functional Champagne | Drink Tray | Blender 

SYB:  Ballet | Crossfit Reborn | Euphoria | Fitness | Plouf | Paradis |

Tuds: Cross | CAVE 

Ruby Red: Romantic Gazebo | Glam Bathroom

Enjoy ♡

Download here!

[wander-in-the-city]

Exploring San Clemente, California: A Coastal Gem

San Clemente is a coastal town situated in Southern California and is rich in history, beautiful beaches, and a downtown area. San Clemente is an ideal location for a beach vacation full of relaxation and plenty of activities. 

San Clemente Beaches:

San Clemente is most famous for its picturesque beaches. The San Clemente pier is a must visit and has been there since 1928. It has been rebuilt twice, once in 1939 and 1983, due to heavy storms. The pier is an amazing spot to go for a walk, watch surfers catch waves, or take in the beautiful scenery. Moreover, during the Christmas season, the city puts a decorated tree at the end of the pier to show off the town’s holiday spirit. For those that are wanting to relax by the sand and catch their own waves, Riviera and T-Street beach are the perfect family friendly place. In San Clemente there are two state parks, Calafia and San Onofre. Both of these state parks are great to either explore for only a day with a day pass or go camping overnight. San Onofre state park can only be accessed with a vehicle, while Califia state park can be accessed by the public if you plan on committing to a long walk. If you are feeling adventurous, rent out a surfboard and surf San Onofre’s world class waves that are perfect for beginners. 

Downtown San Clemente: 

For those that are wanting to do a bit of shopping, Downtown Del Mar is the perfect place. Del Mar is lined with a variety of boutiques, children’s stores, surf shops, jewelry stores, and local eateries. Additionally, Del Mar has a multitude of restaurants with different cuisines so there is something that caters for everyone. If you're in the mood for a pastry, coffee, or brunch, Chaupain Bakery is the place. If you’re in the mood for seafood and fish tacos, plan on going to Seasurf Fish Co. There is something for everyone at Downtown Del Mar. 

San Clemente Outlets:

Additionally, for those that are wanting to do more shopping or catch a movie, the San Clemente Outlets should be at the top of your list. The outlets consist of over 60 stores, such as Nike, H&M, Lululemon, Levis, and Pandora. After a successful shopping spree, there are plenty of quick bites or sit down restaurants. Head over to Asada Cantina and Kitchen for happy hour or for margaritas and dinner. The San Clemente outlet is also known for its weekly Cars and Coffee event that is held every Saturday from 9am to 11am, where thousands of vintage, classic, supercar, exotics, pickups, and supercars are open to spectators. This is an absolute must see, especially for those that love admiring cars.

[sugudoe]

matchmake me bestie 😭

-I work with behavioral needs children, mainly in schools, dealing with tantrums from pre-school to grade school, from small tantrums to full blown, classroom destroying meltdowns (I love it)

-I love horror movies, animals, naps, audiobooks, and video games

-I am confident and I do *not* accept nonsense when people come at me or mine

-I have #anxiety

-I like to cook, I’m okay at it

-uh, idk what else to say. I am a person who is trying to survive in this world that is constantly trying to make it harder to survive 😭

hii bestie!! i was so anxious to make yours, and you are so cool, mwahh! also, you reminded me so much of my reader from “when i kissed the teacher” so i got inspired by it. 🤍 ps: sorry for only one pairing, i’ll be doing this from time to time unless i get confused on pairings — i have other works to post and the matchmakings are for fun, hope u guys understand.

✶ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: nanami kento

One can only take much before crumbling down. You left the Jujutsu world behind, locking away your cursed technique, devotion the attention you gave to curses and evil leaders to something more bright and better — Nanami Kento envied you, but he was also the one who was proud the most.

The male thought of you with high regards, good memories of an old life, sighing contempt coming back from a difficult mission, thanking the universe that you weren’t there. In this world of lives in danger and deep wounds, your presence was being required in a school, with crying babies and ripped shirts from tiny fists.

He missed you, could never not miss you, your lack of presence was sensed by every creature in the world — your CT was the ability to manipulate emotions, but it could affect you as well. Sometimes, you would go numb for days, and the high ups would dig themselves into you to achieve terrible missions anyone would deny. Nanami was the one to put his fist down, to get you away during those moments.

It was also his care and warm presence that brought your true self back.

You missed him as well, like sunflowers without the sun to kiss their faces, you missed his constant warm. It was a normal situation to find yourself with his number on dial, but never pressing the buttons, not knowing that on Tokyo, hours away from you, his actions were the same. Like a tangled red thread, you move and he moves the same way.

One day, one folds. You call him, happiness increasing in your aura when he says “Hello, angel.” with that sweet voice, you know he is smiling as large as you.

It’s months of cellphone calls, everyday updating each other of your lives. You tell him of your lovely and difficult students, who remind you a lot of Gojo. He tells you of the new students you haven’t met yet, nor do you ever will, both of you think.

Your voices is what keeps the other happy for the day, the last thing before falling to sleep.

One day, Nanami calls you before the designed time, before a mission, in Shibuya. He tells you he feels weird, maybe scared, but he refuses for you to come, even when you beg. Kento says he will call later, and that he loves you.

It feels like a goodbye, but the granted love of the universe falls for the two of you — he survives, and he does not want this life anymore. So with a quick goodbye to those he cares the most, Nanami moves to your city, in a coastal area, little house by the sea. Going to sleep with his arms around you and waves crashing in the distance, life finally becomes peaceful.

Nanami opens a little bakery, he often stops by your classes to drop some of his most tasteful breads and grant them to your students as well, they all love him very much. The two of you adopt a canine and feline companion, naming them after your friends from high school. They always cuddle at your feet on your large couch, while the two of you are watching movies, specially scary movies. Nanami loves to have you flinched from a jumpscare and crawling into lis lap.

Life with Nanami is very much simple, there is no need to control emotions or repress them, when you are daily showered with devotion and love and can reciprocate without feeling the dread that comes next. The world is not so hard to survive anymore, and when the anxiety can get too much, and thoughts spiral shaping into hurricanes, his arms can carry you back home, to the safety of his heart.

──── ✎ ° ⋆ FUN FACTS.

◛ ₊· Nanami does not disagree that you are a good cooker, but he much rather be the one making your meals, as a way of showing love and letting you rest.

◛ ₊· He loves to listen to audiobooks with you as well, while you both are on a road trip to the mountains or other beaches, you listen to it together. But, if asked, he would much rather hear your voice reading to him.

◛ ₊· Nanami loves how good and caring you are with the children, your patience as well. Anytime he catches you with your students or hears you’re talking about them, he doesn’t contain his smile. Secretly, he can’t wait to have some of your own.

[the-trinket-witch]

The City of Altus

(Lore post! YAY!)

In the Age of the Gods, there were tales of a city -a civilization- of people who had harnessed and controlled a mineral that emitted its own magic. They used these crystals to build machines and vehicles beyond the scope of their peers. It was said, as well, that their discovery and advancement was an affront to the gods. For it, they were banished to the bottom of the sea.

Altus is a coastal island sitting not far East of Pyroxene. Most that live on the mainland tout that the island just 'sprang up' out of the sea about 300 years ago. The island itself consisted of packed spires and temples, along with tiered swaths of land once the ocean fell away. Along with them, the inhabitants of the island had brought impressive technology saved from a bygone era. It was noted that the resource powering their machines was finite; their exile below the waves seemed to make the new neighbors keen to how their influence might affect the world at large.

The leaders of this island, a native royal and scholar supposedly from the Queendom of Roses, still wanted to share their knowledge with the world. So in a bid to open commerce, they began to build. They built boats to fish, homes to house, and opened their arms to the rest of the world. Altus, as it began to call itself, thanked the Queendom of Roses for their outreach and assistance as they gathered materials to make good on their promises.

News of mechanical testing intrigued minds across Twisted Wonderland. Many flocked both to observe the pristine time capsule of an island, with just as many finding themselves rising to the challenge of reverse-engineering this crystalline technology. What Twisted Wonderland's greatest minds found most effective was wind and steam power.

Surrounded by ocean, they had an endless supply of pressure. Salt accumulated from machine filters would go back into the economy or an early form of Reverse Electrodialysis, and steam would continue the water cycle. As for the heat to build said steam: algae biofuel and hiring fire fairies. The fire fairies are compensated appropriately, and the algae is almost never outpaced in its growth vs harvest. And with how blustery the island could get, wind energy was never difficult to come by for more stationary purposes. This is all to say, Steam power and magic made this once ancient technology accessible to the rest of the world.

Modern Day Aspects of Altus:

The outermost ring consists of the train system, delivering people and cargo from one side of the island to the other. The circuit halos the ports, which frame the innermost residential and urban areas.

The largest building is actually the central hilltop that most Airborne Afternoon's festivities take place. It sits protected by the soil, and serves as a community center, city hall, and disaster shelter.

Flying above the urban areas is the one remaining dirigible of Altus' early air fleet: the S.A.S Admiral. It currently serves as the city museum, accepting and letting loose tourists with each lap around the island. You'll hear locals call it 'Old Admiral Boom', namely for the decommissioned front cannons still mounted on it.

The further towards the east end of the island -facing out to open sea- houses a large population of merfolk. Altus hosts one of the few 'Land Camps' offered across the world for mero to integrate towards land living. Schools, in turn, offer language classes in the more common forms of the mero language. (This is how Albert learned Azul had asked the Twins to keep an eye on him)

Whatever forces of nature allow it, Altus finds itself with an almost consistent schedule of their most windy day. That couple of days has so far been predicted with accuracy, so scheduling Airborne Afternoon has not ever been very short notice. Many theorize that its the literal Winds of Change blowing summer away to usher in autumn.

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[klbwriting]

Adventures In Atlantean-Sitting

Chapter 1

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: violence

Summary: Atlanteans have attacked a coastal surface city, framing Orm for the attack. In a bid to keep Orm secret and the council off his back Arthur gets the help of YN, a metahuman with tracking abilities, to track Orm and let him stay with her while they figure out the real attacker. Orm is not too pleased about having a babysitter.

Notes: here is the second fic! I hope you enjoy! This will be posted in the evenings (for me at least), comments/critiques are appreciated

Traveling the US had become almost fun to Orm after the last year. He had explored national park, lakes, even got all the way to Alaska to see the northern lights. Anything that the country had to offer in nature he had done. Now he was ready to try maybe giving the less natural world a shot. That's what first led him to Coast City, shining on the California coast and one of the nicer cities in the country if the magazine Orm had read was correct. Being here he believed it. It was big, but not overwhelming, there was good food, the people were decent, and he even found a cheap place to sleep while he visited, something he didn't always have. For the first few days it was wonderful.

Then the attack happened.

Orm hadn't been exactly where it happened but he had seen the emergency vehicles, saw a green metahuman flying that way. So Orm went the opposite way. He had to keep his head down and out of trouble or else get sent back to Atlantis and that sandy prison he spent four years in. No thank you. Instead, he went back to his room, sat down and watched the news on the television. He had held no great love of the surface but seeing the destruction that was happening did not sit well with him now. Then he saw the attackers clearly. He was sure no one without enhanced eye sight would be seeing this clearly, thank Poseidon, but there were at least three Atlantean highborns with energy rays shooting randomly at buildings, creating as much smoke as they could. It was a confusing strategy. Why just make a mess? Was this some kind of warning? He knew Arthur wasn't the brightest man in the world...or even in a kindergarten class...but he had better sense than to do this. This was rogues, someone sending a message. Orm just couldn't fathom what it could be. He got up, going to the adjoined bathroom to get a drink and noticing the cup he had this morning was gone. Strange, they must replace them daily. How wasteful. He shrugged some and went back to the main room, turning off the TV and deciding on a nap instead.

"You found what at the attack site?" Arthur asked the council, looking at the documentation of evidence. Green Lantern had reported an Atlantean weapon found in some rubble, but the DNA that was on it couldn't be possible.

"The tyrant king Orm Marius's DNA was used to activate the weapon," councilwoman Yavon spoke. She looked pained at the statement. "It appears that he not only escaped his prison, but he also survived the attack against you with the Black Trident." Arthur sighed. This made no sense. Orm was in Coast City, Arthur knew that, but he had spent a year just walking around the country, being completely nonthreatening. He even seemed happy sometimes. What had changed? Arthur frowned more.

"How is his DNA even able to activate these weapons still?" he asked. The council shifted nervously, like they had hoped he wouldn't be smart enough to ask. People underestimating his intelligence would never not be annoying.

"It seems that some of the weapons' caches in that part of the ocean had not been updated to remove his ability to use them," council Horath spoke, sounding bored. Arthur glared at him.

"Are we keeping you from something councilman?" the king asked, wrapping his fingers around Atlan's trident. The councilman sat up a little straighter.

"No, your majesty, I am just glad that finally the escapee slipped up. I have been warning this council that the former king has been living, traveling the North American continent for a year now and everyone ignored my warnings. Well here you are, plan as day, seeing that he is in fact alive and now has found weapons to attack the surface with," he said. Arthur sighed. He couldn't hold off Horvath any longer. This was too much to argue with.

"Yes councilman, I see that we have gravely mistaken your warnings, what we thought was paranoia was insight into a criminal who was cunning enough to hide in plain sight. We will not make that mistake again," Arthur said. Horvath seemed satisfied, a haughty grin on his face. Another councilman, Orlan, stood up.

"Let me send my son after the king, he is a general with the battalion in that part of the ocean, Orvex will be able to find him and bring him to justice," he said. Of all the council member Orlan was the worst. He was constantly trying to undermine Arthur or wrestle just a little more power away from someone else. It was aggravating and unnerving and Arthur knew he had to be careful with the handling of this situation..

"Let us not jump to such things just yet. Sending a general to the surface with a small army may concern the people there. They might take it as an act of war and we don't need them trying to find Atlantis and drop a nuke on us Independence Day style," Arthur said, drawing blank looks from the others. God he missed his wife, Mera at least was starting to understand his references. "I know a metahuman on the surface. She has incredible power, she will be able to track down Orm and even subdue him, all without get the military involved. She lives around where the attack occurred and I'm sure she knows the area enough to know where he might be hiding. I just need the DNA evidence to take to her. She will use that to find and captured my brother." He could see Orlan seething at his son's big moment being taken away but Arthur needed to make sure that Orm didn't do this. If he did Arthur would cart his tantrum having ass back himself, but if he didn't he needed to warn his brother that someone knew he was alive. And was trying to use him to start a war with the surface.