#after socking it away for 6 years in expectation of the Perfect Project

[marzipanandminutiae]

The danger is over and everyone is safe, you're allowed to grieve the part of your life you lost. They're just "things" but they're things you had because you loved them, made with your own hands because you felt it was worth it to create and bring you joy in its existence. Every piece you lost is a part of a life you put together for yourself. It's a testament to your existence as the unique individual you are. You don't have to apologize for mourning them

Thank you.

I just. I can begin again, and I will. I'm even a relatively quick seamstress, when properly motivated. It feels like such a herculean task, though, especially for things that can't be gotten easily or cheaply again- colorful silks the discount fabric store no longer carries, my stash of antique and specialty reproduction trims, certain buttons or accessories...

I feel like I'm staring up a mountain I have to somehow climb all over again, after reaching a peak and then falling back to the bottom

[dreamescapeswriting]

Middle Of The Night ~ KTH [Request]

↬↬↬Word Count: 3.5K

↬↬↬Genre: Fluff, college AU, angst, fuck boy!Taehyung, song request [Monsta X - Middle Of The Night]

↬↬↬Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Fem!Reader

↬↬↬A/N: This song is perfect for those late night drives and now I want that, someone take me out (with a gun or long car ride I don’t mind which)

Taehyung was staring down at his phone expecting it to start ringing but there was nothing there, it was normally this time of night that you could call him and ask if he was going to pick you up to hang out. Both of you had an arrangement which had recently been brought to an end, his own fault really and if he'd had known it was going to affect him this much he never would have started it in the first place. He'd had plenty of the same arrangement with girls before you but there was something about you drew him in and brought him back whenever he thought he couldn't be there anymore. His thumb hovered over your name in his phone debating with himself on if he should call you or not when another example of why you weren't like the others came into his head, you had your name and a cute emoji beside it whereas the others all used to have ''Girl #1'' or whatever number they were to him but you took priority. You'd taken over the number one spot and become the only one, it took a while but all of the girls he used to sleep with become nothing but dirty memories to him. All of them ditched and long forgotten as if they never had existed to him, their names were all there in his phone of course and he could have called any of them to keep him company but there was just one problem with that. They weren't you and they were never going to be you.

He came out of the contacts app and went to his photos clicking on yours and switching through everything that was inside, once again you were different. The others used to all be filled with the girl's nudes that they'd send him but you'd never send him anything like that, these were all cute images of you and him together. Something he never would have allowed with anybody else ever no matter the circumstances. All he wanted to do was drive down and see you, he wanted to sit with you in the car and talk to you for hours like you used to. What was he thinking?! He threw his phone down onto the bed and ignored the feelings that were creeping into him. The whole arrangement started so that he wouldn't have to catch feelings for someone, relationships were far too much to hassle and time to waste on but you told him you wouldn't sleep around with him. That you wanted something other than sleeping with him, you didn't want him to just 'hit and quit it' he laughed at the memory of you telling him that. 

He'd invited you out to go for a ''drive'' but by that he meant he took you to a layby, pulled up and expected you to start sucking his dick as though you knew what the invite had been - you didn't you thought it was just an invite to hang out with someone in the same class as you - He was surprised when you didn't just start sucking his dick, he'd assumed you'd hooked up with guys before but you told him you'd only ever been with your ex-boyfriend. 

Sure you'd slept together after a few more meetings together but that was after he stopped seeing the other girls and started taking you seriously and hanging out and getting to know him some more. His nights were no longer spent alone like they used to, he would stay in your dorm room or you would go to his as long as none of your friends was around. It was one of the only rules that you had included in his little arrangement, no telling anybody what you were doing and who you were doing it with.

The alarm clock beside his bed kept blinking the same four numbers at him - 00:00 - trying to torture him and let him know that he'd fucked up. The rest of the universe seemed to be against him for doing what he'd done but it was for the best, wasn't it? Leaving you there and ending things was the better thing for you both, it would have been cruelty dragging it out longer than it had to be. But then again, he'd been with you, doing the same thing for a year now and maybe that was bigger cruelty. Letting you think that there was something going on between you when there truly wasn't, not in his mind at least. But in yours there was. In your mind you had been changing him for the better, getting him out of his fuck boy ways and finally getting through to him that there was a relationship worth pursuing between you both.

"I thought you wanted this!" You yelled at him as he began packing up his clothes into his bag, he'd come over for the week since your roommates were all home for the Christmas holidays. You and Taehyung both stayed back for different reasons, he stayed back because nobody back home wanted him to go home for the holidays and you stayed because you didn't want him to be alone though you didn't tell him that. You told him it was because your mother was going away on some bullshit holiday you'd made up on the spot.

"You thought I wanted this?! Seriously?" He yelled looking at you, you felt a pit in your stomach as you noticed the look in his eyes, it was anger mixed with hurt and you knew Taehyung. He was going to swing it all around so he wouldn't have to feel anything, it was what he did. He projected his emotions onto everybody else so he wouldn't have to feel anything he was going through, he didn't do feelings. He hated feelings they got in the way of anything good in the world. 

"I don't want this! I don't want this kind of lifestyle and I especially, don't. Want. You." His words sank into you like bullets and your bottom lip shook as you realised he meant every word that he was saying to you. Taehyung looked down at his feet knowing this was going to kill you but it was going to be easier for you to hate him than to love him,

"Why do this? Why put on a whole show for a year just to leave me?!" You were crying now but it wasn't going to let it bother him, he couldn't just stop what he was doing because you were crying he had to do this. He'd already convinced himself that he had to leave you. 

"Because I was using you, fucking you was fun." He pushed out the laugh he didn't want to use, it was how he broke up with each girl he slept with. Except with you, he didn't mean it, he never wanted to mean it with you he never wanted to hurt you.

"You were a good fuck but you're getting boring, I'm one guy with a big dream." You stared at him as he continued to go on about how this wasn't what he wanted. All you'd done was put up a tiny Christmas tree and buy him a small present, it was nothing big just something small. A keychain with a photo of you and him on the inside that when you pushed the button it lit up. 

"It was a stupid idea, I take it back. You don't need to keep the chain." You tried to get him to stay but it wasn't going to work, 

"You're right, it was stupid but you can't take it back. You caught feelings and you know what that means. Game over." He was too good at this speech, he'd played it so many times with everyone else but your heart was being held in his hands. He was crushing it ever so slowly and he could tell by the look in your eyes it was killing you more than you were going to show him right now. He had to get out of there before he took it all back and told you he didn't mean it.

"See you around babe," He said as he walked past you and out of the front door of your apartment leaving you. 

He just left you standing there, he looked back at you and you were on the floor crying he remembered it like it was yesterday but it had happened two weeks ago. Since then you hadn't been seen in your classes and your friends would bring in your projects that were due. He'd thought he'd never need you but he needed to see you and he needed to see you now, he missed showing up to class and seeing your smiling face as you were genuinely excited to learn about something. He missed being able to call you at night and talk to you about whatever was on his mind,

"Fuck this," He grunted grabbing his car keys and his phone rushing out of his dorm room, ignoring his roommate's questions as to where he was going when he walked past them and he sprinted down the stairs. He had to get to you before he regretted it even more. 

Taehyung didn't care that it was the middle of the night and he was on his way to your apartment, he knew you'd be awake you couldn't sleep without him next to you, you'd told him that a bunch of times. The red light in front of him seemed to be taking forever to change so he looked around where he was, the motel he'd taken you to for your first night was right there. Motel room number 6, he'd kept the keychain from that night in his sock drawer back at the dorm so that no one could find it and find out how soft for you he truly was for you. He flicked on the radio and a song faded out as a man took over the signal, 

"We're going to slow it down a little for all those on a late-night drive, Middle of the Night by Monsta X." He knew this song, you played it whenever you went for drives together, especially the longer ones. You made a playlist for each of your late-night adventures - you always called them adventures even if it was just a trip to a Mcdonalds or something like that. It was one of the things that Taehyung loved about you. His eyes shot open. Loved. Loved about you. The light turned green and he pushed his accelerator down onto the floor and began driving to you as fast as he could, all of the memories you had in the car seeping back into his brain as if he was in a movie everything running through his head like a black and white movie. Your first kiss together was the most prominent moment in his mind, 

"You could always study by yourself you know," You said as Taehyung kept annoying you. Poking you continuously with his pencil as he tried to get you to give him your notes from your studying. 

"I could, but there's no fun in that." He whispered looking at you. You were both sitting in his car working by torchlight and the street light that was sneaking in through his sunroof. 

"Life isn't always fun you know Tae," You giggled and it was like music to his ears, seeing the way you smiled as you said his nickname sent butterflies to his stomach and he could have grabbed you and kissed you. But you'd already made it clear that you were both just friends until he decided to clear up his act,

"What?" You questioned when you noticed him staring at you, he just shook his head. 

"I'm just realising how beautiful you are under streetlight light," You groaned at how cheesy he was being and you pushed him away from you, 

"You're blocking my light, fat head." You joked and he pretended to be offended turning away from you and pouting out his bottom lip. He shook his head as you tried to get him to talk to you. Poking him in the sides, asking him to talk to you, 

"What will it take for you to talk to me again?" You whined out but he kept his eyes on the street outside his window, 

"If I kiss you will you forgive me?" His head shot around to look at you and you smirked knowing it was something that he wanted and it was something you'd wanted almost as bad as he did. 

"Kiss me." You whispered to him, he didn't need to be told twice. He moved away from the window and put his hand on your cheek soothing your skin as he stared into your eyes, he had to make sure you were sure you wanted him to kiss you. 

"Just kiss me you big idiot," You groaned at him and his lips pressed against yours. It was a soft and slow kiss at first, his thumb rubbing your skin as he softly kissed you in the car, your hands worked their way around the back of his neck to bring him closer to you and it was as if your touch heated up his skin. He could feel himself blushing as you kissed him back, fireworks were exploding around you both as you made out in the front seat of his car.

"And I'll be on the way in the middle of the night, its something in the way you've been running my mind." He slammed the car door as he pulled up outside your apartment after what felt like an eternity in the car alone without you there. Your dorm light was on so he knew you were awake but he could also see that your roommate was awake, he went to reach for a stone to knock on your window with when it hit him. He didn't want to hide it anymore, he walked up to the front door with confidence and began knocking loudly.

Your eyes looked away from the keychain in your hand - you'd been sitting there for who knows how long, turning the small light on and off and staring at the photo - then out of the window out of habit. It was something you'd picked up after being with Tae, he'd either text you to tell you he was there or throw small rocks at the window, you presumed the street would be empty but there it was, the black jeep you'd spent most of the last year in you threw down the sheets from your legs and rushed down the stairs before your roommates came out of their rooms. 

"I've got it." You yelled with a little too much enthusiasm for someone who'd been ''dumped'' by the guy who was at the door. The closer you got to the door the more you began to overthink why he was there though, maybe he was there to rub it in that he had somebody else now but from what you remembered. He'd left the car engine running and his lights were on, your hand held onto the handle of the door questioning on whether or not to open it.

The door opened and Taehyung was walking back to his car with his head hanging low, 

"What are you doing here?" Your voice was music to his ears, he turned around and practically ran over to you, 

"You got me," He panted before grabbing your face and connecting your lips together. It was as if no time had passed, all of the feelings came crashing back to both of you like waves, your hands wrapped around his neck as you stood up on your tiptoes to reach him probably and he licked your bottom lip asking for entrance which you gave him. 

Once reality caught back up to you you both pulled away but he held you close to him, laying his head on your forehead as he stared down into your eyes. He was panting out of breath from the kiss and you could feel his heart racing as you placed the palm of your hand on his chest,

"If you want me to stay for the rest of my life, you got me." You stared at him confused for a second trying to come to terms with everything that was happening. 

"I'm yours. I was an idiot okay, I backed away because I was scared." You were trying to keep up with him as he spoke so fast you thought he was going to pass out. 

"Sit down." You whispered sitting him down on the step in front of your apartment door, you reached up to shut the door so no one would see him this way, you knew it was the last thing he would want right now. 

"I want to be yours, all yours. I said all of those things because I thought it would be easier." 

"Easier for who? Me or you?" You whispered trying to think about everything he'd said two weeks ago. You'd spent the last two weeks locked in your dorm room refusing to do anything or see anybody because of everything he'd said to you, it wasn't just something he could come back from. 

"I thought it would be easier for me, I tried to get out once I saw how much I was starting to care for you...I love you and I'm an idiot...I'm so used to everyone just leaving me that I thought you'd leave me." You stared at him as he admitted all of this to you, you knew he had problems at home with his family. His father left him and his mum, then his mum left him and he was forced to move in with your grandparents and even they didn't want him. He told you everything about his life, he didn't want to at first but everything about you drew him in and made him want to share his life with you. 

"I was scared of loving you, scared of getting close to you so I pushed you away but I'm going out of my mind for you." Your eyes locked together as you realised he was being serious for the first time, he was tearing up as he spoke about everything he'd been dying to tell you for the last two weeks. 

"You love me?" He nodded and this time you cupped his face in your hands, running your thumb under his eyes to remove the tears that were rolling down there. 

"I love you, only you." He whispered repeatedly as he felt your hand on his face, you went to move it away but he stopped you. He put his on top of it not wanting you to leave him just yet but you weren't going to leave him, 

"I love you too Tae," His eyes opened as heard you standing up trying to take your hand back, he stood up with you and you looked at the car. 

"Where are we going? I thought your roommates were home,"

"They are," He answered looking to the car and back to you wondering what you were talking about, 

"Well I can't invite you in, the girls are all home." You whispered but he shook his head rushing to the car and pulling his keys from the engine, 

"So what?" You stared at him with wide eyes, 

"You want them to know?" He nodded coming over to you and wrapping his arms around your waist, your arms went around his neck as you just stood there together enjoying the moment. 

"You got me, I want everyone to know." Your small smile turned into a huge one as you realised you weren't going to have to hide being in love with him anymore,

"Let's go then." You whispered pushing the front door open and walking inside, it looked different to the last time he was there. All of the directions were away. You led him to your bedroom and looked around, 

"I think I have a pair of your shorts here somewhere," He looked around the room as you went into your wardrobe, he went to the side of your bed and found the keychain you'd been playing with right before he came to the door. He smiled as he slid it onto his car keys and began turning the light on and off, looking at the photo of you both. It was one of your dates, he'd taken you to the beach and you took a photo of you kissing his cheek while he ate a doughnut. Now it was going to sit there on his keys and remind him how much he loved you not that he needed reminding when he could feel it in his heart all of the time.

Tagline: 

@writingdreamsnottragedies​ @snowy-meowl​ @lyoongx​ @jooniesdarlingdimples​ @fan-ati--c​ @mitzwinchester​ @callingmyangel​ @rjsmochii​ @btsiguess-kpop​ @kneel-begyourpardon​ @taestannie​

[amee-racle-ofmyown]

His Light

For the @mysme-rbb ​project

This was a collab with _digitxl_ on Instagram who drew an awesome piece to go with this story! It was great working with her and she's an amazing artist! Check out her piece here!

This was a challenge for me to write and really outside of my comfort zone but I'm glad I did it and I definitely had fun with it! I have a lot of love for Saeyoung, so I hope I managed to portray his character well while carrying through some themes from the Secret Endings. Enjoy! Do let me know your thoughts after reading, I'd love the feedback ^^

Rays of warm sunlight shone down, reflecting in the glassy metal of the car. The engine revved as the vehicle sped across the streets, echoes of cheerful conversation and laughter dancing on the gust of wind left in its wake. The windows were opened as they raced toward their destination, letting in a swift breeze that whipped the girl’s long hair.

Mirae closed her eyes and smiled into the sunshine, enjoying the moment; the steady rhythm of the car, the warmth on her face, the air racing past her ears and the voice of the man sitting beside her. His warm, ringing chuckles were bright and alive, and the sound wrapped her heart in a warm, loving embrace.

His laughter spoke of a pure, genuine happiness that he used to think he didn't deserve and would never feel. Hearing it every day made her soul sing.

Saeyoung glanced over to the side and back at the road. His smile widened into a fond expression as he noticed her quietly relishing the sun's gentle caressing.

*

‘You know, you’re so tiny, one of these days I’m going to lose you in a crowd. It’s simply inevitable,’ Saeyoung teased, looping an arm over Mirae’s shoulders.

The girl rolled her eyes, but was used to her boyfriend poking fun at her lack in height and took no offence at this comment.

‘Hey, it’s not my fault I’m short,’ she giggled.

Though she enjoyed the feeling, she slowly removed his arm and opted to link his hand with hers instead, so they were able to walk more comfortably past the bustling storefronts.

It was a lovely day. Saeran had headed out with Achlys to take a walk and make the most of the weather. The two remaining members of the Choi household planned to meet up with them later on to get ice cream and give them a lift home, and the pair decided that they may as well make a day of it. It was so nice outside, after all.

Needless to say, they would likely make several short detours before actually making it to shop for clothes, as they intended.

Mirae abruptly came to a stop and Saeyoung noticed a more focused and curious expression on her face, which soon evolved into an excited one.

Something of interest must have caught her eye, he thought to himself, following her gaze to a cosy-looking bookstore on the street corner. He was right, and she was now promptly tugging his sleeve towards the shop's front entrance.

'Look!' she happily declared once inside, picking up a volume from the shelf that she had somehow spied from the window. 'I've been wanting to read this for a while now.'

She handled the book with care, turning it over in her small hands and skimming the blurb before turning to the first page.

Saeyoung watched her eyes run along the paper, that intrigued, excited glimmer in her eyes.

At times, the realness of the most mundane moments hit him all at once, catching him off guard and fervently squeezing his insides.

This was one of those moments.

The noise of the other customers in the shop seemed to fade into the background as he followed Mirae to the counter. His senses seemed to hyper-focus on her presence; her soft voice as she thanked the cashier, her hands as she took the book, her smile, the starry look in her eyes.

How could an instance so ordinary be so mesmerising? How could it make him so inexplicably and immensely happy?

'Saeyoung?'

Oh, she'd noticed him uncharacteristically quiet. She tends to notice things like that.

Placing the shopping bag over her shoulder, she gently took his hand in one of her own.

This was real. She was right here, with him, and it wasn't a dream or illusion.

He often found himself unable to shake the fear that this happiness would all eventually disappear one day, beautiful but fleeting, like a brilliant flame being snuffed out as quickly as it ignited. Brief, like the bittersweet dance of cherry blossoms on the fickle wind, withering away mere days after the prime of their bloom.

Maybe it was because he still believed he didn't deserve that happiness, no matter how much Mirae assured him that he did. He was afraid, so afraid, that he would lose her. Or that he would lose Saeran once again, his other half, whom he fought so hard to save.

But… the normality of the precious moments they spent together, convinced him that maybe, just maybe, he really could live a normal life and just enjoy the time he had with them both.

The warmth and firmness of her grip, a promise that she would continue to be by his side, almost like a star — constant and unwavering, but never burning out. In the pressing darkness of space that had been his world and that he had been fighting with an artificial torchlight of his own invention, he had found her. Shining through the void but not twinkling. Always present and bright.

He knew she couldn't always be so bright, but as he drew closer he began reflecting her light, and soon he himself was glowing. Maybe he always had been, but she made him feel like he'd never been brighter.

Her light wasn't blinding like the light he'd been shown in his younger years, but warm and comfortable. He knew he would cherish it forever.

He just hadn’t expected to be able to keep it. And now he never wanted to let go.

Between them, they had enough light for the darkest of days, and plenty to share. When he laughed, it felt more sincere than it ever had. There were no more fake smiles, and the darkness receded a little each day. He finally had his brother with him again, not to mention his friends, and her. Things weren’t always perfect, but they were getting better. At last, he felt whole.

*

The main purpose of their shopping trip had devolved into the pair dissolving into quiet fits of giggles at every price tag involving the numbers 6 and 9 consecutively. Each lame or immature joke earned an eye roll from Saeran.

Besides Mirae’s book, the couple’s purchases of that day consisted of matching socks, matching piercings, a palette of makeup that Saeyoung had convinced her to try with him on a promise that he’d take care of applying it, a bag of glow-in-the-dark worms on strings (‘just because’), a cowboy hat each (plus a third which Saeyoung was determined to get his younger brother to wear with them) and probably more stationery than either of them needed because Mirae did not have the self-control to leave that shop without getting something and he found her animated reaction irresistibly adorable (and those cat and spaced themed notebooks and stickers were very cute).

They’d spent some time just walking around, looking at clothes, joking around. Every so often Saeyoung would pick out an item from a railing or shelf that he thought would suit his fiance. They’d taken to trying on different outfits and sporting them in front of the store’s mirrors.

'How can you pull everything off so well?'

'It's a gift, I know,' he playfully replied.

Saeyoung the optimist had hidden in the shadows of his soul for so long, but now he was dancing in the sunshine, the rain and the starlight with her.

[lupinlongbottom]

Who Could Ask For More?

Fred Weasley x Reader

Summary: Christmas is just around the corner! You and Fred are expecting your first child in the coming weeks, making life in the Weasley house more excitable than usual. After doing some light shopping, you find your husband working on a secret project. 

Warnings: Fluff, light swearing, pregnancy

Word Count: 2.4k

A/N: Woo! First time writing for Fred! I’m really happy with how this idea turned out!

__

The air was cold, your feet were swollen and your head was pounding. A typical winter day, to say the least. You had decided to run to the Muggle market to pick up the various odds and ends your kitchen cupboards were lacking for dinner that evening. Of course, with your husband being so busy at his shop, you and your very pregnant body had to trek your way to the store in the cold. You usually didn’t mind the walks, but today was the trifecta of things not going your way. You had smashed your favorite tea mug, resulting in a half hour of hormonal crying, your feet were hurting and were swollen to the size of balloons and your unborn child was having a field day stirring up your insides.

“You better be worth it” Rubbing your free hand on your visible bump, you whispered. You and your husband, Fred, had been trying to get pregnant for a little under a year to no luck. But, almost like magic, you found out you were expecting about 6 months ago. You had told Fred the good news almost immediately after you found out yourself. Naturally, he was over the moon with excitement, as you so desperately hoped he would be.

The two of you often had chats about your future and what possible children that would come into it. Fred never kept it a secret that he yearned to have your first be a girl, something about growing up in a ‘sausage infested home’ that was too traumatizing to bear onto his little one. Usually, you would roll your eyes and continue with his witty banter, but you silently would give a prayer for a little girl as well, wanting to see Fred’s face light up on the actual day of the birth. You knew he’d be happy regardless of gender, but the thought of having a little redheaded baby girl wrapped up in his arms was too priceless to pass up.

Passing by various Muggle storefronts on your way back home, you were checking out the window displays as you went. Christmas was nearing soon and you hadn’t thought of what to get Fred quite just yet. He had told you countless times before, if you asked, that being the mother of his child was quite enough of gift for him. Of course, you melted at his words, but still wanted to get him something physical. The thought about buying some new colorful socks had crossed your mind, as he donned quite the collection over the years, but that had always been your go-to gift. You had to out do yourself this year.

“Maybe I should just listen to Fred,” You mumbled, mostly to yourself. Buying a gift for the man who seemingly had everything he wanted and more was a difficult task. “I’ll think of something before Christmas. We still have a few weeks, don’t we?” Tilting your head down to your stomach, you engaged in one-sided conversation.

The front door to your house was adorned with a beautiful wreath, shimmering with various ornaments. You reach for the door, only to find it was already unlocked. Strange, you’re sure you had locked it before you left. Fred couldn’t have possibly been home, the shop was still open for a few more hours. Cautiously, you entered your home. The sight of Fred’s shoes sitting next to the rug calmed you, knowing that it was just your husband and not some intruder. Though, why was Fred home so early? Surely he still needed to take care of things at the shop with George, right? Slipping off your shoes and setting your bags down, you quietly make your way to the living room, hoping to find Fred.

“Damn! Mum makes this look so easy! Why is it so damn difficult?” You hear Fred mumble to himself. You give a quick peek around the corner, shocked to find various strings of yarn strewn around your furniture. Streaks of yellows and greens hung from your wedding photo to your favorite chair, blues and purples from the mantle to the couch. Fred was sitting dead center of the violet couch, concentrating deeply at his hands.

“Sweetie?” Fred’s head whipped around, eyes meeting yours instantly. His face is dusted in a red tint, his ears matching his hair.

“Darling! I thought you were at the store!” He quickly tried to hide whatever was in his hands, shoving it in his back pocket and pulled out his wand.

“I was, bought everything I needed, now I’m home,” You shrugged, watching Fred wave his wand frantically, cleaning up the yarn. “Though I didn’t suspect you to be home so early Freddie?” The yarn all collected into Fred’s hands, or at least that was the intention. The various colors begun to wrap around his torso and legs, adorning him with different hues.

“Was all done for the day, decided to,” He tried escaping from the constricting colors, only managed to drop his wand straight onto the floor. He groaned. “Come home early, surprise my wife”

“I’m certainly surprised, so, well done love,” Walking over to Fred, whom had started to sweat just a bit from the struggle, you wipe a bead of sweat away. His face was slightly flushed. “Weasley, what’s going on?”

“I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information, you’ll have to ask my secret keeper,” He winked, wriggling some more. You crossed your arms. “Now, darling, would you please hand me my wand?” He tilted his head to the floor, motioning you to look at the pine colored wand near his feet. You shoot him a sly smirk.

“I’m afraid I can’t,” You mimicked his earlier tone. “Pregnant. Can’t bend down worth shit” You move a hand to your belly, rubbing it lovingly. Fred groaned once more.

“(Y/N),” He whined, attempting to kneel down and grab it himself, only to fall flat on the ground. He began to kick his legs, trying to turn himself over, which proved difficult without the use of his arms. You tried stifling a laugh, but you found the scene set before you too humorous to ignore. “Come on (Y/N),” He whined again. “Please, for your wonderful husband?”    

“I supposed I could help” Pulling out your wand, you untangle him successfully and re-roll the yarn back into perfect spheres. You also summoned his wand and handed it back to him. A huge sigh of relief escapes your husband as you set the yarn down on the coffee table.

“Thanks” He pulled you into a side embrace and kissed your temple. He then moved to fall directly back down on the couch, sighing again. He looked terribly exhausted, a sight you had seen more and more recently this past week than any other. You assumed it was the stress of running the shop and worrying about the baby, but had a strong feeling whatever just happened played into that as well.

“Fred, I have to ask,” You sat down next to him. His chocolate eyes meeting yours, only to look away slightly embarrassed. “What the hell was that?”

“Well,” He fidgeted his thumbs, staring directly up at the ceiling. You slumped forward, annoyed with his hesitation. He picked up on this and sighed. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but I guess you woulda found out anyhow” He shifted his weight to his left side, reaching into his back right pocket. At the same time, he flicked his wand and the top drawer of your china cabinet opened up, sending a wrapped gift flying towards you. The package neatly fell into your lap, wrapped in a pastel green paper and tied with a bright red bow.

“Fred, it’s not Christmas yet” You reminded, touching the gift gingerly.

“You would’ve asked me constantly about what you just saw until then, so…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Happy early Christmas” Carefully, you rip the package open to find a violet jumper, or, what looked to be a jumper with a giant gold heart in the center. Holding it up from the wrapping, you notice that it was knitted slightly sloppily, one of the sleeves being slightly longer than the other.

“Did you?”

“My Mum mentioned last Christmas that with all the new grandkids running around she can’t keep up with making the holiday jumpers like she used to,” His face turned a beet red, his freckles disappearing under the color. “I always liked that tradition. It’s a very Weasley thing to do, so I tried my hand at it” You laughed, putting the jumper back in your lap.

“Yes, very Weasley,” You ran your thumb over the soft yarn. “But if you already had mine done, what were you doing just now?”

“You think you’re the only Weasley in this house that needs a holiday jumper?” His voice was laced with accusation. He holds out what looked to be a bundle of red and gold yarn. The sight caused a gasp to leave your chest.

“Fred…” The stinging of oncoming tears hit your eyes. It was the tiniest jumper you had ever seen. It was sloppy, sure, but you could just feel the love emanating off of it. You gently hold it in your hands, examining it from every angle. The sleeves were even, unlike yours. His practice must have paid off.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it,” A tear slid down your cheek. Normally, things like this didn’t make you emotional, but with the hormones and just the pure love that had went into the gift, the tears were flowing. Fred’s hand met your cheek, wiping your stray tear away. “Gryffindor colors?” You sniffled.

“Of course,” He laughed. “Gotta prepare our baby for their future house” You laughed as well.

“Think they’ll be in Gryffindor?”

“Being a Weasley? It’s basically a requirement” He chuckled, removing his hand from your face. He swings his arm around your shoulders, pulling you in tightly to his side. You nestle your head closer to him, eyes still glued to the tiny jumper in your hands.  

“How long did it take you?” You hummed, looking up at your husband. His chest rose with a deep breath.

“Been practicing for a few weeks now. I had Mum show me how to start the jumper when we last visited,” You shot him a quizzical look. He laughed. “Waited until you went to sleep, which since the little nugget’s been around it happened pretty quickly”

“Hey!” You nudged his side playfully, causing him to laugh harder.

“She also showed me the basics of knitting. Without sounding cocky, I did make a rather perfect one my first try” Another quizzical look.

“Magic?”

“Magic,” He nodded. “Mum talked me into doing it ‘the Muggle way’,” He said with air quotes. “She said it would be more sentimental”

“She was right,” You hummed, pulling the jumper to your growing belly. “Think it fits?”

“I think we have to wait until they’re born love,” He chuckled, putting his hand atop the jumper. “That’s happening soon, huh?” His face had the look of slight fear painted across it. The baby was due in a few weeks, the thought not really hitting you fully until Fred brought it up.

“Yeah, I guess so,” You placed your hand atop his. “We’re going to be full-fledged parents soon.”

“To a baby. A real human child. A human child that’s half me and half you. Oh Merlin, (Y/N), are we ready?” He looked at you, his eyes full of uncertainty. You can’t help but acknowledge his fears, the thought of taking care of this baby scared the daylights out of you. But, you knew with Fred by your side, this baby has nothing to worry about.

“Of course we are Freddie,” You kissed his cheek. “We’re as ready as we ever could be. Our child is coming into a world where their family, their rather large family I might add, loves them so much I’m not sure they’ll know what to do with all that love,” His body softens, it’s only then you noticed how tense he was before. “Besides, once they’re here, they have a wonderfully warm jumper made by their loving father to wear.”

“A big family, a warm jumper and two parents who love them more than anything in the world?” He asked rhetorically, staring back down at your belly. “Sounds wonderful”

“We’ll be fine” Your head nestled back into it’s spot on Fred. He relaxed his neck, gently placing his head atop of yours. The two of you sat in silence, enjoying each other’s warmth. Realization hits you like a ton of bricks, causing you to groan. “Damnit!”

“What?”

“How am I supposed to top that? The amazing gift, the heartfelt sentiment? Damn,” You groaned. “A pair of socks isn’t going to cut it. You got me this year Weasley” 

“Beating my wife with the skill of heartfelt and loving gifts is one of my favorite pastimes,” He said, planting a kiss on your temple. You scowled for a bit, but Fred’s loving rub up and down your arm calmed you down again. Once more, you both sat in silence. Soon, this image would change, a third member would be added to the mix, probably snuggled into Fred’s arms. But for now, just the two of you together was enough. “I love you (Y/N)” Fred whispered into your hair.

“I love you more” You tilted your head up, pecking his lips softly, feeling his lips curl into a smile.

“That’s probably true”

[yuanfenbd-blog]

YUANFEN FEST ROUND 1: GUESS WHO'S

The long wait is over! After two weeks of posting, our first round is finally wrapping up but before anything else, let's play a little game! Try to guess who among our talented pool of authors wrote which fic! We gathered a diverse collection for this round — from college AUs, to coming-of-age fic, to supernatural themes among many others! But if you read enough fic or know a particular author, surely there must be some whose writing struck a chord or seemed familiar with you.

Can you make enough guesses before we post our reveals? See our master list below!

♡ DAY 1 ♡

Red Sunset Glow by anonymous

T | 35.7k

If someone had told Kyungsoo that all it takes to shut Baekhyun up—and, maybe, get over his fears—is one simple, one scary kiss, maybe he would have tried it sooner. Maybe.

Hop in, I can take you there (Follow the path to my heart) by anonymous

E | 12.2k

Baekhyun, who doesn’t believe in love at the first sight, meets a cute guy called Kyungsoo while visiting his grandmother on the countryside and he thinks that Kyungsoo might be the one. The only obstacle is that Kyungsoo is a cucumber farmer.

Let Me Care, You Deserve So Much Better by anonymous

M | 8.4k

What Kyungsoo sees in the newly acquainted Baekhyun is someone who deserves a lot more. Baekhyun doesn't see it himself, but Kyungsoo is about to change everything he's ever known.

(Oh!) I Can't Stop by anonymous

E | 4.9k

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo are roommates, Baekhyun’s had a big secret crush on Kyungsoo since forever, Chanyeol and Jongdae are questionable friends. Well.

♡ DAY 2 ♡

I Could Be The One To Set You Free by anonymous

M | 20.8k

(fake dating!au) Actor Do Kyungsoo thinks that he is too good at leaving love, but Idol Byun Baekhyun teaches him otherwise because loving someone can be simple.

a cataclysm of minor proportions by anonymous

M | 6.6k

Roommates!AU. Kyungsoo finds a kitty on the streets on his way home and brings it to their apartment to take care of it, but apparently Baekhyun is afraid of cats?

If You Like Me, Say You Like Me by anonymous

M | 3k

It shouldn't be so difficult for Baekhyun to figure out his Kyungsoo problem, not that he has one.

it don't run in our blood by anonymous

M | 14k

When crown prince Kyungsoo learns he's been betrothed to someone since before he was born, he has a hard time trying to adjust to the idea before his fiancé arrives at the palace. It doesn't help that his husband-to-be defies all his expectations - but in the worst or best way?

♡ DAY 3 ♡

Revisions by anonymous

E | 11.3k

It wasn’t as if liking Kyungsoo was a big secret; like it’d be out of character or weird for him. He was out and Professor Do was a fairly liked, and lusted after, instructor on campus. Still there was something unsettling to Baekhyun about making it concrete, even for a moment.

Limes and Coastlines by anonymous

M | 28.3k

Answers submerge when you've faced the eye of the storm—thus, Kyungsoo stood on his toes, nearing the ledge, gazing into the dark, deep end. Close to pulling back, closer to falling in.

Love is Forever (Your Forever is All That I Need) by anonymous

T | 76.8k

"I’ve never felt forever when I kissed someone. Have you?" Baekhyun heard himself whisper, voice as gentle as the first notes of a lullaby meant to tame a child’s fear and lure them into a gentle slumber filled with nothing but sweet melodies to dance around with instead.

Winter Heat by anonymous

E | 23.5k

Kyungsoo and Baekhyun somehow, conveniently, get trapped together in a snowstorm and are forced to survive. Easier said than done since they can't stand each other.

♡ DAY 4 ♡

Engraved in Your Heart by anonymous

E | 28.2k

Highschool!AU where Baekhyun, high school bad boy and leader of a street gang, falls in love with a social outcast, the blind kid, Kyungsoo.

Be Careful What You Wish For by anonymous

M | 7.3k

Baekhyun didn't expect Yixing to suddenly go out of town and ask him to house sit. He also wasn't expecting to find and break a cool looking crystal orb in his attic. He especially wasn't expecting a man named Do Kyungsoo to appear of it and give him a hard time. That's for sure.

redamancy by anonymous

M | 4.5k

Oddly, he feels like he’s on a ‘time out’, the kind that children get from their parents when they do something bad and have to reflect about it in the corner. Except, Baekhyun is a grown up man and Kyungsoo is supposed to be his bandmate-cum-boyfriend.

Pen Me Down by anonymous

M | 7.7k

“I would rather kill a panda.” “You’re terrible. They are endangered!” “That should tell you much I hate the idea of kissing him then.”

♡ DAY 5 ♡

Penny for your Socks by anonymous

M | 5.2k

Baekhyun didn't expect his soulmate to be so unfashionable; Kyungsoo knew his was an asshole.

Another Dream Away by anonymous

T | 15.9k

For years Baekhyun has dreamed of a dragon prince, living out his everyday life within the confines of the dragon realm. What he hadn't realized was that the dragon prince dreamed of him too.

he says hello when he leaves, goodbye when he arrives by anonymous

M | 10k

Who would have thought summoning a fifth level demon to win a singing contest could have such interesting consequences? Certainly not Byun Baekhyun.

Simmer, Sizzle, Savour by anonymous

M | 8.7k

Kyungsoo just doesn't know what to do about his student from hell.

♡ DAY 6 ♡

Sick and Sweet by anonymous

M | 2.3k

Kyungsoo gets sick on a Sunday and Baekhyun’s there to help him get well.

On top of the world, we are together by anonymous

Not Rated | 5.9k

Everything is going right in Kyungsoo’s life. He never thought it can get even better, until Byun Baekhyun came along.

My One and Only by anonymous

E | 19.8k

Hybrid!Baekhyun just loves his human so much, which is why he tries to be happy for Kyungsoo's relationships, even if they make his poor heart hurt so mysteriously much.

You and Me (Equals World War 3) by anonymous

G | 14.3k

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo are rival singers, until their labels decide to debut them as a duo for a project. Cue pranks, awkward meetings and bickering galore. But in the end, could their shared passion for music and the fact that they may have more in common than they thought, be enough to overcome their rivalry?

♡ DAY 7 ♡

true blue by anonymous

E | 25k

With things going sharply downhill at the newspaper, Kyungsoo has two options. One: He could lose his job and say goodbye to his journalistic career entirely. Two: He could do his best to ruin Byun Baekhyun's reputation. The choice, in his opinion, is obvious. Or he thought it was, at least.

Trouble at the Sandbox by anonymous

G | 23.7k

Kyungsoo didn't plan on going to the park. He also didn't plan on meeting Baekhyun.

The Janitor's Closet by anonymous

M | 3.2k

“Hey fat ass, do you really have to block the hall?”

“I’m not sure if that’s my problem when there’s enough to go around.”

“Pfft! Says the guy who can’t even hit a basic falsetto note!”

“That literally has nothing to do with this conversation and at least I can sing!”

Jongdae sighs as he closes his locker. Kyungsoo and Baekhyun throwing argument after argument at each other.

“They have to be fucking.” He says. “There’s no way two people that are always this irritated with each other but always together aren’t fucking.”

Chanyeol let’s out a laugh. “No way.” He looks down at Jongdae who looks up at seriously. His face falls. “No way!”

Soul Ink by anonymous

M | 26.6k

Baekhyun’s favourite past time is to pretend to work whilst day dreaming about the new tattoo artist.

♡ DAY 8 ♡

The power of a crush by anonymous

M | 2k

Kyungsoo gets crushed.

Stay By My Side by anonymous

Baekhyun didn't want a bodyguard but Kyungsoo showed up to work anyway. Maybe he doesn't mind it as much as he thinks.

hear my story, set me free by anonymous

M | 9.4k

Kyungsoo just wants to get the job done and go home to his dog, but Baekhyun has other plans. Alternatively, where Baekhyun and Kyungsoo pry open each others' hearts and lay their stories out for display.

Drifting Lights by anonymous

M | 10.6k

Librarian Do Kyungsoo and intern Yixing have gotten quite a number of complaints of damaged books. After a bit of detective work, they found one common clue - they’re all missing page 241.

♡ DAY 9 ♡

Breath of the Forest by anonymous

G | 12.3k

Baekhyun wants to explore the forbidden forest on the edge of town. He leaves Kyungsoo and enters the woods by himself, forcing Kyungsoo to run after him before he gets hurt or in trouble. The only problem: Kyungsoo has asthma.

Tug of War by anonymous

E | 30.2k

Baekhyun feeds off of affection... literally. Without affection and love, he will wither away. Enter Kyungsoo, the last man Baekhyun should fall for, the man that drains the life from everyone he touches.

Words of Fate by anonymous

G | 3.5k

How is Kyungsoo supposed to find his soulmate when his only clue to lead him to them is the word written on his wrist that no one could understand?

say you won't let go by anonymous

E | 3.4k

“What’s the safety word?” Kyungsoo asks. “Dracarys,” Baekhyun replies.

♡ DAY 10 ♡

As Easy as Breathing (In, Out, In, Out, In Out) by anonymous

M | 39.9k

Falling in love with Baekhyun was just like breathing - easy, natural. It was everything else that was hard. (A Howl's Moving Castle AU)

Did someone say cute? by anonymous

M | 2.4k

Baekhyun is crazy for cute things, and Kyungsoo is super cute. He falls head over heels, low-key obsessed and melting inside whenever Kyungsoo does something especially adorable. Kyungsoo refuses to believe he's cute though.

leave me breathless by anonymous

M | 8.4k

If Baekhyun had the chance to call the police on someone so handsome he knocks the air out of his lungs, the perfect time would be now.

kissing the devil by anonymous

M | 10.1k

A cry rings in his ears and all Baekhyun's struck by is the familiarity.

♡ DAY 11 ♡

Count On Me by anonymous

M | 8k

Kyungsoo happened to discover not the El Dorado but a key to deepen his connection with Baekhyun through the latter's secret tumblr dashboard.

under the same sky by anonymous

G | 21.9k

It's what Baekhyun liked to call their story: a love that transcended the summer. Includes but is not limited to: lunchboxes, Thursdays, a wall painting, postcards, and sunrises and sunsets.

Kiss Me, Tell Me by anonymous

T | 9.2k

Kyungsoo never expected to have his ass dragged on a challenge. He had no idea what to do next.

good to love by anonymous

E | 24.8k

Between Beijing and Tokyo, Kyungsoo finds a stranger, and perhaps so much more.

✐ AUTHORS ✐

Agrippa

ambrosiaplease

anon_nim

babychocosoo

baekdsooshi @ AFF

Bbaegi

cabbages

cheesenim

crownjules

Daphnean

dosmilkshake

encoru

endboss

fadetomorrow

foxxlight

heartshapedlips

jkl_401

Junchenny

kissmebaek

kozens

kumo_is_kumo

kynqso

lady-serendipity (jenzz)

lispkid @ tumblr

london9calling

marcel

mochified

quebaek

reihino

sehnsvcht

SmilingTeresa

subduedblue

sunsethue

taegyungie

taeyeons

UNCONQU3R3D

vavole

wisteries

X_yehet_pcy

yibaek

Yifanning

zannen

[mrevaunit42]

Untitled Project

Hello everyone, Mr.E wishing you a fantastic day and week and hope it’s going great for you! 

So first off, happy birthday to @hipster-rapunzel and @xxinfamousxx321 WOOO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY (throws confetti) 

so this is my birthday gift to @hipster-rapunzel who wanted me to write a story about an oc i previously told her about. so i was like alright and here it is.

So this is just a little thing i wrote, it’s okay in terms of writing because I didn’t want to world build too much but the basic premise is a girl is attending a magical school but has been stuck in the remedial class *Which she is the only one student in* for the last 6 years because her magic isn’t strong or even functioning properly. Magic here operates under different styles and is created through a combination of focus and imagination. its a lot to explain.

so that’s really it. I mean if you all like it, maybe i could more into details but for now, this story is just it. So have an amazing week, stay awesome and here we go. You are about to read one of the oldest OCs I ever came up with. I hope you enjoy!

@artgirllullaby @hains-mae

The village was quiet as the sun slowly rose into the sky. People were sleepily making their way out of their houses, tiredly rubbing at their eyes while greeting each other with a lazy wave or grunt.

“Heads up everyone, it's 7:45!” Someone called from the window

Everyone gave a sleepy nod as they shuffled this way and that, hiding in any little nooks and crannies that they could find. Some took shelter behind carts or against walls while the sound of hurried and panicked footsteps against the cobble road filled the air.

“Morning everyone!” a 16 year old girl called out to everyone in the square as she sped her way past.

“Morning Penny” the square replied.

Petunia Allison Maxwell or as she preferred, Penny, was once again late to class though she wasn't too worried. This wasn't the first time and she doubt it'd be the last.

Penny's stormy gray eyes darted back and forth as she made her way through, her hand a frantic blur while she waved hello to every single person she could manage to spot.

“Mr. Turner, Miss Audery, Mister Stevens, Bob.”

“Penny” Bob replied, the massive giant of man gave a slight nod before continuing on his way.

Penny skidded to a stop in front of the bakery, her medium length midnight purple hair swaying back and forth as she took a long deep inhale of the freshly made bread that wafted through the air.

“Late again Penny?” a friendly voice called out as an older man of 40 with black hair and a thick mustache walked out of the backroom carrying the latest batch of pastries, gently placing them on top of the counter.

Penny gave a sheepish smile, shrugging innocently as she approached the register “It's not considered late if it's a daily thing, right Mr. Athos?”

The older man simply shook his head “I'm pretty sure the school won't see it that way. Hey I noticed a lot of students were heading out earlier than usual. Anything special today?”

Penny gave a nervous chuckle “It's PE day.”

“P...E? Like physical education?”

“Oh no no no, it stands for Practical Exam” Penny explained “It's the only way to get into a higher class.”

“Ooooh right, Cyn was tell me about that last night. Didn't explain it as well as you did though. You think this is going to be your year Penny?”

Penny sighed tiredly “I sure hope so. 6 years stuck in the same place isn't exactly great for an up and coming spellcaster you know?”

Mr. Athos gave a reassuring nod “I'm sure you'll be great. Here, one Bear claw for the studious young lady.”

“thanks!” Penny beamed cheerfully

“And one moldy, three old day bread for bribing.” Mr. Athos handed over a carefully wrapped package which Penny took gingerly.

“Awesome, you're the best! Wish me luck! Bye Mr. Athos!”

“Good bye Petunia”

“DON'T CALL ME THAT!” She shouted in response as she ran out of view.

Penny could feel the beads of sweet run down the back of her neck as Merlin's Academy for the Magical Arts came into view.

The school was surrounded by large, intimidating iron bars that seemed to stretch high towards the sky. The buildings ranged from short and squat to towering skyscrapers that leaned a little too dangerously to one side. Each one was painted a different color represent one of the different magical arts and the lessons one could expect to find within their hallowed walls.

Not that Penny actually knew what was inside each of the building....

“Almost there” Penny told herself, huffing and puffing “Almost there!”

Crash.

Penny let out a frustrated groan as she found herself face first against a watery clear surface that appeared out of nowhere. Ripples spread out from where Penny's face made impact.

“Oh come on!” Penny whined, rubbing her aching nose.

“Well” A booming, gruff voice called out as the sounds of stone scrapping pavement became louder and louder “That's what happens when people are late for school.”

“Well....” Penny shrank into herself as a figure waddled out of the security booth.

It was a massive creature made out of stone. Its face was smooth and life-like despite being made of rock. Two large carved teeth protruded out of its lower jaw, its eyes were smooth and pupil-less though she could feel its stare on her. Two stubby, short horns fit neatly under his little blue cap, its body was muscular under the pale blue uniform and obviously the one feature the artist went to great lengths to perfect. Penny gulped anxiously as its two bat-like wings basked her in their shadow as the creature scooted  forward on its circular base.  

“Why are we late today Petunia?” The gargoyle asked in an exhausted tone.

“It's Penny Bart” the teen answered with a finger raised high “And my alarm clock broke.”

The creature nodded in disbelief “I thought you fixed that yesterday.”

“A hydra destroyed my bathroom.”

“Those hydras are quite troublesome...and don't live in the village.”

“Would you believe that I'm just lazy?”

“Oh definitely” Bart agreed “You know every time you lie, you get another freckle on your face?”

“Don't say that I have too many already! Come on Bart, let me through! It's PE day and I need to get to Miss Hart's class before she decides just to flunk me.”

Bart let out a bellowing chuckle “You're late Penny, those are the rules.”

Penny sighed dramatically “I guess I'll just take this moldy bread and feed it to one of the river statues. They love the treats I bring them.”

Bart smacked his lips hungrily “I mean....it would be a shame if you were to forced to stay in the remedial class just because you couldn't take the exam.”

“thank you!” Penny beamed as she tossed the disgusting treat high into the air and taking a step back.

Without warning, Bart unfurled his wings and took off high into the sky, spiraling after the snack before munching down on it with a mighty crunch.

The world shook violently as Bart crashed back to earth with a deep thud, embedding himself a good foot into the ground.

“Okay Penny” Bart sighed contently “You may pass....after the checklist.”

“Yes yes, I am wearing my standard issue uniform” She gestured to her long white sleeved collared shirt, light blue vest, black skirt with black socks and loafers “And I have my pencil and my insurance card.”

“Check and check” Bart nodded “Okay, good luck Penny.”

“Thanks!” Penny replied, her face shining brightly before falling into panic once again “I'm totally going to fail....”

Penny's mad dash resumed as she passed by the beautiful, 2 story red building of the alchemical laboratory and made her way to a little tiny shack far off to the side away from any sort of civilization, its paint peeling and revealing an earth brown color scheme that would've never worked in any sort of environment.

She was nearly at the door when she noticed a familiar person awkwardly shuffling towards the same location.

Penny dug her heels in as hard as she could and nearly tumbled forward from her sudden stop. She could feel her heart beating loudly in her chest as the person turned around slowly.

It was a boy about her age with messy black hair and the coolest shades ever covering his eyes. He wore the dark brown version of the school's blazer/dress pants instead of the unoriginal black with a reddish brown tie.

He tilted his head back and forth almost like he was trying to hear for something though his gaze never fell on the unmoving Penny.

“Phil?” the boy called “Phil, is someone here?”

A squawk replied from the boy's shoulder as a pudgy, stout but beautiful gold and crimson colored bird cried out in response “AH somebody's here, somebody's here!”

Penny glared deeply at the bird, putting a finger on her lips in an attempt to silence the bird but there was an evil twinkle in Phil's gold iris

“It's Petuniaaaaa”

Penny clenched her fist angrily as a chuckle escaped the boy's mouth.

“Penny, is that you?”

“Heeeeey Fredrick!” Penny nervously answered, already feeling her cheeks burn brightly “How are you doing good old buddy old pal?

“Haha I'm good. Heading to class” Fredrick gestured to thin air on his left rather than the building on his right “And you? Late as always.”

“W-well I...personally wouldn't say...late...per....say”

“So late it is.” Fredrick grinned mischievously

Penny sighed in response “Yeeeeeeah Fredrick. Today's PE day and I...just couldn't sleep”

“Well, Petunia, I'm sure you'll do fine”

“It's Penny Fredrick”

“No” Fredrick scratched his chin thoughtfully “I think it's Petunia. It's easy to get confused since you keep calling me Fredrick.”

Penny's flush worsen “I...”

“So I'll call you Penny and you call me Fred, deal?”

“Deal” Penny mumbled.

Phil snickered at Penny's discomfort.

Penny bit her lip, taking a slow, deep breath. She couldn't strangle Phil despite the syrupy urge to. Seeing eye birds were expensive and she didn't want Fred to wander the halls helplessly.

“So, since we're late” Fred spoke up “I think we should get going. See you around Penny.”

“Bye Fredr...Fred!” Penny corrected herself before giving him the most enthusiastic wave she could muster.

Fred chuckled once more as he groped for the door's handle and disappeared down the hall within.

Penny smacked herself “He's blind! Why did I wave at him?! Ugh I'm going to kill that stupid bird. After the test.”

Penny sighed and pulled open the front door only to find herself staring at an empty classroom and a very displeased Miss Hart waiting for her. The older woman was in her late 20s with reddish brown hair, piercing green eyes and a scar that ran down her chin.

“Miss Maxwell.” Miss Hart spoke soft but firmly “I believe you are late.”

“Hee...” Penny timidly chuckled “Well you see I...”

“take your seat.”

Penny gulped “Yes ma'am.”

Penny played with the tiny miniature sword she had created while Miss Hart was talking about the necessary safe precautions about taking the Practical Examination.

“Miss Maxwell”

Penny shot up quickly but flinched as the minuscule weapon slid out of her fingers and landed on the floor with a barely heard thunk.

“Y-es Miss Hart?”

The older woman's gaze narrowed “Are you ready for the Practical Examination?”

“Umm....yes?” Penny replied, unsure what the correct answer was “I mean I've taken it 6 times so I'm very familiar with the whole process....”

“Then all students prepare for the examination.”

Penny looked to her left, her right and behind and as usual, found empty pews and tables in the remedial classroom.

“I'm ready ma'am!” Penny nodded excitedly

Miss Hart rolled her eyes as gestured to Penny's desk and swiped with her hand.

The desk was flung sideways without warning and broke into dozens of splinters.

“Umm Miss Hart?” Penny asked in an anxious, quizzical tone “Shouldn't we move this out of the classroom? I mean Practical Examinations aren't really supposed to be conducted within the...”

“I want to get this over with” Miss Hart interrupted, gesturing Penny with a finger.

The air surrounding the teen began heating up rapidly

Penny dropped to her knees as flames sparked into existence, swirling for a moment before being promptly extinguished

“Miss Hart!” Penny cried out as she rose to her feet “I really don't think...”

“Are you going to sling spells or just sit there?” Miss Hart answered, swiping the air in front of her.

Penny gulped as 3 massive broadswords impaled themselves into the floor just inches in front of her face.

“I guess we're not doing this by regulations” Penny murmured to herself, pointing directly to the approaching teacher.

The air sparked and crackled with fiery embers. Penny bit her lip in concentration, willing the air to catch ablaze but despite her best efforts, the sparks did not burst into flames.

Miss Hart shook her head, unsurprised by the result of Penny's spellcasting.

“Look Penny, if you want to do magic, you need to feel it!”

“I AM FEELING IT!” Penny shouted, unable to keep the desperation out of her voice.

“Remember the four fundamental styles of magic.” Miss Hart yelled back, closing her open hand into a fist “Alteration.”

Penny gasped, stumbling backwards while the wooden panel flooring sprouted vines that snaked towards her feet almost like they were alive.

“Manipulation!”

Penny covered her face as a fierce wind raged inside the classroom, scattering papers every and nearly knocking her off her feet.

“Transformation!”

Penny gasped, falling backwards and barely managing to scurry away from the broadswords that fell over, transforming mid-swing into large, imposing battle axes that sunk into the floor just in front of her

Penny could feel the tears well in her eyes. She was failing once again. 6 years of being stuck in the remedial class. 6 years of trying everything she could, studying and willing her magic to grow, to become more powerful and nothing. Nothing to show for it and another year of being stuck in the same class, a class that only existed because her magic was so sub par! This wasn't fair, this wasn't fair!

Miss Hart slowly approached the fallen student, her eyes cold and distant.

“And of course the most powerful, rarest of all....” she spoke slowly as she lifted her hand “Cre...”

Penny let out a horrible scream, one laced with all her failure, all her anger, all her despair and shot up to her feet.

Miss Hart's eyes widen as Penny's gray pupils shifted, becoming an icy white as her hair transformed from purple to a shimmering gold.

Penny's stare was empty and lifeless but before Miss Hart could react, she simply gestured to her teacher.

Penny fell to her knees, coughing wildly as she struggled to figure out what happened.

The last thing she remembered was Miss Hart preparing a creation spell and now she was on all fours, coughing her brains out and her mouth having a very unpleasant ashy taste.

Penny coughed as strains of golden hair intermixed with the sea of purple hung freely in front of her

gold? She didn't remember getting highlights.

Penny shook her head. Maybe she was just tired and imaging things.

“Miss Hart” Penny weakly called out, brushing her hair out of her face “I don't know what spell you used but you need to restrain yourself a bit.”

Penny looked upwards and felt her heart drop.

Miss Hart's simply stared at her, her jaw clenched tightly. She was surrounded by large, circular stone pillars that seemed have formed out of nowhere and if Penny didn't know any better, she would've said they almost looked like a hand reaching out for her teacher.

“Well...” Penny spoke quietly “I..guess...I passed?”

Miss Hart's eyes flared angrily “You failed.”

Penny scoffed “Failed? I like to point out that I clearly obviously evidently performed a creation spell and made...stone...fingers....or something! My magic is getting better and I shouldn't be stuck in the...”

“You failed” Miss Hart repeated coldly “Now get out of here.”

Penny felt a cold icy feeling spread through her body as Miss Hart's words echoed dully in her head.

“...I.....yes Miss...Hart.”

Penny could feel the tears building but refused to let them fall in the presence of her teacher. She didn't want to give her the satisfaction

Penny gathered her scattered belongings and bolted out the door, barely able to keep herself in check as she raced home.

Ripley Hart let out a tense, nervous sigh she had been holding. That was too close. Far too close for her liking.

She stared at the stone fingers that appeared from nowhere, running her hand over their smooth surface.

“....these are perfectly cut” She muttered to herself “Expertly crafted with an impressive detail.”

“It's bad isn't it?” a new voice asked carefully.

Ripley turned to find an elderly old man sitting patiently in a nearby seat. His beard was thick and bushy, probably to make up for the lack of hair on his skull. His sliver eyes peered thoughtfully towards Missy Hart as he waited for an answer.

Ripley nodded in agreement “It's really bad. Sir.....I think he's waking up.”

“....Well shit” the old man answered.

[imagining-supernatural]

Avenging Angel: Part 10

Summary: You’ve spent the last five years on a dangerous mission to solve the crime that wrongly imprisoned your father. When the Winchesters find you half-frozen on the side of a mountain, they make it their own mission to save your life and make sure you stay alive. But after five years of uncovering horribly dark secrets, you’ve learned not to trust anyone. Especially people who seem like they have good intentions.

Word Count: 1585

Warnings: None

Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6 – Part 7 – Part 8 -- Part 9

“I know this is bad timing, but I just need a few days off.”

“We’re on a deadline, Y/N,” your manager replied through the phone.

“I understand that. And I’d be willing to work online while I’m gone. I’ll work overtime when I get back. I’ll even take on more projects if I can get these three days off right now.” You were already packing. If they wouldn’t let you go, then you would threaten to quit.

There was a beat of silence as you threw some socks into your suitcase. Braxton walked in and raised an eyebrow, but you were too hinged on your phone call to explain it to him.

“I suppose you can work distance. You are one of the most adept computer analysts we’ve had for a long time. But we still need you to put in at least seven hours a day while you’re gone for the next three days.”

“Thank you so much. I promise I’ll get the work done that I need to.” After wrapping up your conversation, you prepared yourself to face Braxton.

“Don’t tell me that you’re leaving me,” he teased lightly. There was no note of seriousness in his voice. “You just moved in a month ago.”

“My dad was attacked. I’m just going to visit him while he’s in the hospital.” Normally you waited for Braxton to initiate any type of physical contact, but at this moment, you just really needed a hug. So you walked over and wrapped your arms around his waist, burying your face in his chest. “I got three days kinda-off from work, but I’ll be back.”

“Is he okay?” His concern sounded so real.

You nodded. “Just a few broken bones and he’ll have some nice scars.”

Braxton kissed the top of your head. “I’m glad he’ll be alright. Why don’t you take the jet?”

“No. No, no, no. Thank you, but no. Taking a private jet to visit my dad in prison just seems wrong. Besides, I’m not really a private jet kind of girl.”

“But you’re my girl,” Braxton pointed out, brushing his thumb over your lips.

You gave him a soft smile. “I know. And I love being your girl. But this isn’t about us. This is about me and my dad.”

“Alright,” he nodded thoughtfully. “Compromise, then. First class. On me.”

Your first instinct was to reject the offer. You’d always flown coach. But it would be nice to have the extra room. And if the ticket was on the Covington bill, you would probably get in-flight wifi so you could work. “Fine. Compromise.”

“Perfect. I’ll book two tickets right away.” He started to walk away before you could fully process what he’d said.

“Um, two?”

Braxton turned around with a smile. “Yeah. I’m coming with.”

“Oh. Really now?” This wasn’t good. “Well I hope you’re not expecting me to introduce you to my father.”

“Why not? We’ve been dating for five months. We live together now. You’ve met my parents.”

“But your parents aren’t in a hospital, handcuffed to a bed, while hooked up to a lot of machines and undergoing a few surgeries. And they haven’t been sitting in a prison for the last four years, worried that their only daughter is throwing her life away by traveling around and not keeping a steady job.”

All were very valid and true statements.

“Trust me on this one: this isn’t the right time to tell him that I moved in with a guy that I’m not married to. Or that I’m dating someone that he’ll see as way out of my league. He’ll think you’re using me, or that I’m using you, and in the state he’s in right now, I won’t be able to explain otherwise.”

“You’ve thought about what will happen when you introduce us a lot, haven’t you?”

More like what he’ll think when he finds out, since you were never planning on introducing your father to your boyfriend. “He’s my dad, and I love him. And I love you too. But I don’t think you two would get along too well at the moment.”

Braxton raised his hands in surrender. “Okay then. I won’t go to the hospital with you. But I’m still coming with you. I want to be there for you. Is that a crime?”

“No, that’s actually kind of sweet.” Well, it would be if he was actually coming with just for you. But you had a feeling that he just wanted to sniff around and find whatever it was that he thought he could get from you.

*****

*****

“You were hunting a yeti? Those are real?”

“We’ve never heard of one in America before. They live in the Himalayas, mostly,” Sam supplied as he flipped through boxes of your father’s research.

Dean seemed more interested in the science paraphernalia laying around, and the few things you brought in to make the storage unit seem more like home. “But yeah, we were hunting a yeti. That’s why we were on the mountain.”

The oldest Winchester looked your way and you saw his grin from the corner of your eye, though you were mostly focused on the screen in front of you. “You look a little shocked.”

“There are… so many monsters.” Sam’s laptop was on your cot in front of you and you were scrolling through the digitized Men of Letters files he had. “What the hell is a rugaru?” You opened the file on rugarus and cringed at the pictures before quickly closing the laptop. That was enough bump-in-the-dark monsters for the day. “Nevermind. I don’t wanna know.”

“So you lived in here?”

“Yep.” After setting the laptop on the ground, you stretched and tried to loosen some of your muscles. “I found my dad’s storage unit about six months after he was sentenced. But it was a small, cramped space, so I rented my own.”

“Credit card tracing?” Sam asked.

“Fake business bank account. No ties to me whatsoever. I disabled a few of the video cameras that could see me coming in. And I know that the Covingtons don’t know about this place, because everything in here is exactly what they’re looking for. If they knew about it, everything in here would be cleared out.”

You stifled a yawn, determined to stay awake all day. You absolutely loathed feeling this weak and helpless. Sure, you nearly froze to death. And yeah, maybe you’ve had a really emotional roller coaster the last few months. But that was no excuse.

“You and Dean could head out and find a hotel room if you want to—“

“I’m fine,” you said quickly. Stay awake. Anything to stay awake. “Is it weird that I want ice cream? I know that ice cream’s boring cousin almost killed me, but I’m just really craving some rocky road.”

“Ice cream’s boring cousin?” Sam raised an eyebrow at you, amusement tickling the corners of his mouth.

“Yeah. Snow is boring. It’s flavorless.”

“Except for the yellow snow,” Dean pointed out.

You pointed at him. “True.”

Another yawn snuck up on you and the boys exchanged a look that you couldn’t miss. They were going to team up and try to convince you to go to a hotel and take a nap.

“I’m not leaving,” you stated resolutely.

“Fine,” Dean relented. It was suspicious how quickly he agreed. “Just lay down in your sleeping bag then. I’ll be your heater and Sam can do his nerdy thing. You don’t have to go to sleep.”

“You sound like my babysitter when I was younger,” you mumbled. But still, you let Dean pull you into the sleeping bag with him. It took a minute, but eventually you two got comfortable on the skinny cot.

“I just really want an excuse to take a nap,” he whispered in your ear.

“You’re an adult, you don’t need an excuse to take a nap,” you whispered back.

“Hey, Y/N? Who is Charles Haverton?” Sam cut in, nose buried in one of your father’s files. “He helped with a lot of these.”

“Charles Haverton,” you sighed. “Is a dead end. I tried talking to him, but he just insists that even though my dad is a good man, people will surprise you when they are put in impossible situations. He was the first person I talked to about my dad. He used to be his partner until something happened and they called it quits. I still don’t know why.”

“And I saw the name Victoria a lo—“

“That’s my mom,” you cut in curtly. “You know that she left when I was six. And I still don’t know why about her either. There’s a lot I still don’t know.”

Sam fell silent as he flipped through a few files, and your eyelids grew heavy. Maybe an hour or two napping would help clear your mind. After all, it had been a long drive.

Then you felt it. That shift in the air when someone finds out something that they don’t want to share. That low buzz of every atom in the room that comes with a newfound secret.

“What is it?” you asked cautiously.

“What is what?” Sam replied, just as carefully.

“You found something.” You sat up and Dean grumbled, but he followed your lead and looked at Sam. “What is it?”

Stalling, Sam looked back at the file he was holding and flipped through a few pages. “Uh, I think your mom is a werewolf.”

Part 11 of Avenging Angel

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Essential hiking tips for beginners

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do. If you’ve dreamed of hiking, but have yet to try it, it’s time to get out there. Just follow these steps:

1. Find a hiking partner 2. Choose a hike 3. Gear up

Find a Hiking Partner

If you have friends who hike, ask them to take you on a trek. Most people are happy to share their expertise, let you borrow gear and introduce newbies to their favorite trails.

If you don’t know any hikers, many cities and towns have hiking clubs that regularly plan outings. You can find hiking classes, outings and events through REI Outdoor School. Online groups, such as MeetUp, are also a great way to find hiking buddies. Related Articles : https://www.hikingbay.com

Hiking alone: Experiencing the outdoors by yourself can give you a sense of freedom and adventure that are hard to find elsewhere. But it can also be intimidating and lonely at times. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend finding a companion to keep you company. That person will also be there to lend a hand if you happen to get hurt. If going alone really is your only option, then start out with short trips to popular hiking destinations and make sure someone always knows where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.

Choose a Hiking Route

There are several easy ways to find a hiking trail that will meet your needs: • Guidebooks and websites are great resources because you can get all the stats you need: trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, directions, water sources, trail features and whether dogs are allowed. Websites often display recent trip reports that may give you a sense for what current trail conditions are like.

Hiking Project

For trail suggestions near you, check out the Hiking Project. It gives you access to more than 83,000 miles of trails and includes maps, high-res photos and detailed descriptions.

• Word of mouth: If you have friends who like to hike, ask them to suggest some locations for you. • Talk to locals: Contact a local hiking organization or call a ranger station in the area where you want to hike. Rangers typically have up-to-date trail conditions and are skilled at suggesting hikes for all skill levels. Keto Hiking Food For A Multi-Day Hike https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

Tips for Choosing a Hiking Route

Before you start your search for the perfect hike, it’s helpful to think through a few things, such as: • How much time you have: Do you have a couple hours or a full day? The amount of time you have can determine where you go. Don’t forget to factor in how long it takes to get to and from the trailhead. • Your fitness level: Honestly assess what kind of shape you’re in. You want to have an enjoyable time out there rather than suffering through a long, strenuous hike that you’re not prepared for. If you’re not in the shape of your life, don’t be dismayed: There are hikes for everyone. • Distance: Think about how many miles and hours you’re comfortable hiking. An average walking pace is about 3 mph, but your hiking pace may be slower than that depending on terrain, elevation gain and how much weight you’re carrying on your back. • Elevation gain: The amount of elevation gain on a hike is one factor that determines the difficulty. With a little experience, you’ll come to know how much elevation gain you can comfortably handle and what is too much. For a point of reference, if a trail gains 1,000 feet in one mile, that is considered quite steep. Also, a general recommendation is that for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, add one hour to your trip. • Time of year and weather: Some trails won’t be accessible in early spring because they’re covered in snow. If it’s fall and the sun is setting earlier, plan accordingly so you’re not caught out after dark unexpectedly. Always check the weather forecast before heading out so you can dress and pack appropriately. • Logistics: Certain hikes require a bit more planning. For instance, if you end up doing a hike that starts and finishes at different places, you’ll need to shuttle cars to your start and end points.

Choose Your Hiking Gear

One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don’t need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to head into the wilderness. Hiking Food for Diabetics https://www.hikingbay.com/hiking-food-for-diabetics-meal-ideas-trail-mix-and-food-guidelines-to-follow

The Ten Essentials

Start by making sure you’re carrying the Ten Essentials. This is a collection of gear and clothing that all hikers should carry whenever they step onto the trail. The collection includes items for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repairs, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter. Learn more in our article about the Ten Essentials.

Hiking Footwear

Footwear is one of the most important items you need to choose, and it’s a very personal choice. Some hikers prefer supportive over-the-ankle boots, while others enjoy lightweight trail-running shoes. The terrain you’ll be walking on can also affect your decision. Lightweight, low-cut shoes may be fine on well-maintained trails without a lot of obstacles, whereas sturdy boots may serve you better on a rugged trail with rocks, roots and streams.

Whatever you choose, make sure the boots or shoes are well broken-in and comfortable for long distances. And wear wool or synthetic socks, not cotton.

Learn more:

• Hiking Boots: How to Choose • Trail-Running Shoes: How to Choose • Hiking Socks: How to Choose

What to Wear Hiking

Choose clothing made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics, such as wool or polyester. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry when wet. You can think of clothing as separate systems: • Next-to-skin base layers: Made of wool or polyester, these are most important in cool to cold temperatures. • Hiking layers: These include nylon and/or polyester pants, T-shirt, sun shirt, sun hat. • Insulation: Depending on the weather, you may need a puffy vest or jacket, lightweight fleece pullover, warm hat and gloves. • Rainwear: It’s wise to carry a waterproof jacket no matter the weather forecast. If you’re expecting wet weather, bring the rain pants along, too.

Hiking Backpack

Of course, you need a pack to carry your Ten Essentials and any extra gear.

For short treks on trails that are close to home and on days with pleasant weather, a daypack with a capacity of about 15–20 liters provides enough space for water, a few snacks and a lightweight clothing layer.

When you venture farther into the wilderness, you’ll need to carry more gear, clothing, water and food. A pack with a capacity of about 30 liters is a good choice for these journeys. Learn more:

• Daypacks: How to Choose

Food and water

As a beginner hiker, it can be tough to know how much food and water you need, A good general recommendation for how much to eat is 200–300 calories per hour. For water intake, about a half liter per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures is a good starting place. These amounts depend heavily on several factors, such as the intensity of your hike, the weather, your age, your sweat rate and your body type. As you gain more experience, you’ll get a better sense for just how much you need.

It’s always a good idea to carry a little extra food and water in case your trip takes longer than anticipated.

• Hydration Basics • Energy Food and Drinks: How to Choose

Water treatment: Many hikers carry all the water they will need for a day hike. However, if you anticipate needing more than about 3 liters, that can be quite heavy. By filtering and treating water from backcountry streams and lakes, you refill your bottles or hydration reservoir and reduce your load.

• How to Treat Water in the Backcountry • How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier

Additional Hiking Considerations

Personal Health and Safety

First aid: You don’t need to be a medical pro to take a hike, but it’s wise to know some basic first aid. Always carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. The farther afield you go, the more important it can be to have medical training.

REI Outdoor School: Wilderness First-Aid

Take a class to be better prepared to respond to medical emergencies in the outdoors.

Going to the bathroom: Going to the bathroom in the woods is a concern of many novice hikers. But rest assured, it’s something countless people have learned to do, and so can you.

If you just have to pee, simply find a place that’s well away from the trail and at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water sources. For women, you can “shake dry” or you can bring a couple wads of toilet paper and a small zip-top plastic bag. Put the used toilet paper in the bag and dump the paper in your toilet when you get home. Another option is to use a bandana as a “pee rag” that you can tie to the outside of your pack to dry out.

Most day hikers take care of their other business before they head out. But if the urge strikes midhike, again make sure you’re off the trail and 200 feet from water. Then, dig a hole about 4 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep to bury your poop (a camp trowel can help with the digging). Experienced hikers might wipe with natural objects, such as large leaves (make sure they’re not poisonous), smooth stones and even snowballs, but you can also use toilet paper and bury it in the hole. In some areas, you’ll be required to pack out your used toilet paper (and even if it’s not required, it’s still best practice for lowering your impact on the land). Some high-elevation, sensitive or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. If you’re going to one of these areas, bring human waste disposal bags. After you’re done going to the bathroom, use some hand sanitizer to “wash” your hands.

Learn more tips in our Backcountry Bathroom Basics article. Hiking with your period: If you’re hiking with your period, you’ll want to bring along menstrual supplies and know how to manage them efficiently. And if you’re hiking alone, there are some good tips that other backpacking women have shared to help you feel confident and prepared.

• How to Backpack with Your Period • Backpacking Tips for Women Safety: Always leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you (just don’t leave the note in plain view for trailhead thieves to see).

If you’re traveling solo or to very remote locations, you might consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) that allows you to send an SOS if something serious happens.

• PLBs and Satellite Messengers: How to Choose

Trail Etiquette

Whether you’ve been hiking for years or you’re gearing up for your first trek, it’s valuable to know some basic trail etiquette. Right of Way: Following these rules of the trail can help everyone get along:

• Hikers vs. Hikers: Hikers going uphill have the right of way. You may see uphill hikers let others come downhill while they take a breather, but remember that’s the uphill hiker’s decision. • Hikers vs. Bikers: Mountain bikers are generally expected to yield to hikers. However, because mountain bikers are usually moving faster than hikers, it can be easier for hikers to step aside and yield the right of way. • Hikers vs. Horses: Horses get the right of way. If you’re sharing the trail with equestrians, give them a wide berth when you’re passing each other and don’t make abrupt movements. It’s generally recommended to step off the trail to the downhill side while yielding to a horse.

Leave No Trace: While most of us don’t intend to harm our natural surroundings, we may not know how to preserve them, or we’re simply overlooking a few important behaviors. Leave No Trace provides seven principles that provide guidance for enjoying the outdoors in a sustainable way that avoids human impacts. The seven principles are: • Plan ahead and prepare • Travel and camp on durable surfaces • Dispose of waste properly • Leave what you find • Minimize campfire impacts • Respect wildlife • Be considerate of other visitors

• Leave No Trace Principles what to wear on a hike and still look cute https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Kids: Sharing the wonder and beauty of the outdoors with children is a special experience. Kids of almost any age can go hiking, from infants in baby carriers to grade-schoolers who hike on their own two feet. Tips: • Keep kids dry, warm and fed • Choose a short hike and stop often to look at plants, rocks, animals, etc.

• Hiking with Infants, Toddlers and Kids Dogs: If you have a four-legged friend that you’re comfortable hiking with, the first step is to find out if dogs are allowed where you’re going. Most U.S. national parks, for example, do not allow even a leashed dog to share the trail. Many national forests, as well as state and local parks, do allow dogs, though rules vary. Leashes are mandatory almost everywhere.

Tips:

• Have your dog carry its own food and water in a dog pack • Stop often for snacks and water • Always pack out filled poop bags. Also, while you’re hiking, it’s poor form to leave a poop bag on the side of the trail for later pickup.