#and we're hiking/camping a lot

[wellenklavier]

oh christ i just realized im actually going on a 9 day roadtrip and ending up on the opposite side of the country. starting tomorrow (21st). hello ...

[capricores]

if you have strong mutable (gemini, sagittarius, pisces, virgo) placements then you NEED to write things down if you don't already. all those thoughts that constantly swirl in your head: the frequent tasks, goals, feelings, aspirations, opinions, etc - WRITE THEM DOWN. this is not only therapeutic & stress-relieving for you but almost necessary, or you're going to burn out and overload your own mind constantly.

when you bottle, or when you let plans, goals, dreams, to-do lists, projects, etc live solely in your head - you'll notice you can't sleep as well, it's harder to rest, your memory gets more foggy than usual, you feel burnt out and unable to connect, etc. specifically:

write down your feelings. this will be your ultimate (free) therapy. start to journal, write a diary. make a private twitter/tumblr where you spill your feelings, frustrations, thoughts. you will feel an immense sense of relief by writing or typing your feelings out - even if no one is reading it but you. mutable moons especially. our feelings tend to change rapidly, but it doesn't make them less valid. don't bottle out of the fear your feelings will change/you'll just "get over it"!! write it down and let it out!!

write! to-do! lists!!!!! these don't have to be for important things. you want to learn digital art? you want to study coding? you want to learn french? you want to re-decorate? you probably have a billion things you want to do, and then you get overwhelmed by the options, and do nothing. write down all the things you want to do. make a to-do list for these things. get them out of your head and somewhere permanent/physical. looking at the options in front of you will feel much easier.

make excel project trackers (you can even make these for to-do list items/goals/etc)! mutable placements have a tendency to start a lot of projects or tasks, and never finish any of them. make a simple tracker for all the projects you start. you won't forget what you're working on, and you'll be less overwhelmed trying to remember what you have going on (example of the one i always use pictured below)

talking out your thoughts and feelings is also very cathartic. make fake (or real, i support u!) youtube vlogs where you spill your feelings and talk about your plans, your day, what you have to do, etc. talk to someone you love and trust, vent to them about how things are; or about what you're getting up to. i find writing has an edge, because you can go back to it for reference (mutables tend to forget things easily) - but as long as you're getting the swirl of your mind somewhere outside of your head, you'll feel so, so much less stressed.

mutable dominants tend to constantly live in go-mode, we're restless and always doing something. we feel uncomfortable and sometimes guilty about staying still. our minds don't ever shut off. it's very important for mutable placements to learn how to rest, be present in the moment, and learn grounding. this can be done in many ways, but i've found personally that writing works best for me. other helpful practices can be: talk therapy, acceptance theory, yoga, meditation, hiking, camping, etc.

i also want to remind mutable signs: we change a lot. we have a lot of ideas. there's so much we want to do. we often feel like we have no path, no big goal; we can struggle with purpose as we don't often aspire for permanent things or "one big goal". this is NOT bad. there is nothing wrong with changing your feelings, your mind, your goals, your life path. you CAN do all the things you want to do! you have your entire life ahead of you! yes, you can learn all those languages. yes, you can have three different careers in your life. yes yes yes! don't listen to negativity from others. don't beat yourself up for not having one big goal like some people around you might. cherish and embrace all the things you want to achieve and complete (both big and small). learn to follow-through with and finish the things that matter to you (writing things down will really help with this, make action plans/steps - break everything down into smaller pieces). take the time to slow down and enjoy the moments as they come. you got this!

[ravengards-rogue]

lucky bastard

john marston x fem!reader

✧ tags : afab + fem!reader, gendered language, established relationship, outdoor sex, lots of dirty talk, john being an idiot, mentions of sex work, all of this is very consensual reader is just shy. 18+

✧ wc : 1k

✧ a/n : this guy makes me insane against my will. everyday of my life.

✧ synopsis : john is full of bad ideas.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖˚☽˚｡⋆

"John Marston," Your voice is stern, harsh as you whisper. Both hands on his shoulders pushing yourself from the grasp he keeps you in so tightly. "Get the hell—"

"Don't be that way angel." His words are sweet but his voice is filled to the brim with snark. Edge to edge. "What? You too good for fuckin' in the woods now? Too much of a lady?"

You smack his shoulder. His response is to keep you exactly where you are - which is in his lap on an open trail, later at night. No blankets, bottoms discarded in a heap besides you since John insisted on getting you skin to skin.

You're not fucking in the woods, you're fucking just outside of them - a place to camp near the trees in the Grizzlies East - near Moonstone Pond.

You're right besides the trail, right where any down and out bastard could trot their horse through and get a clear shot of what's going on. There's better places to do this. Deeper in the trees where there's no chance of of somebody finding you both, for one.

But John seems excited at the idea of getting caught. And when John gets in one these moods, there's no reasoning with him. He gets caught up in his wants as always, foolhardy and crass. Though you mind it less than you're honest about.

His hands find your hips, blunt nails grasping at you for life as he moves you. Doesn't move himself, but rather - moves you, slides you up and down on the hard length of his cock with a smile just short of smug and just past mesmerized.

In the dead of night, it's easy to hear how he makes you feel. What he does to you. The wet lazy sound of thrusts of his dick in you drown all noise of the lonesome evening. You wrap yourself around him in a fit of desperation, hitting your fists weakly on his back. He laughs in the way he always does, presses a kiss to the parts of you he can reach while you throw a fit.

"You're such a rotten, no good, irritating bastard, Marston."

"And you just can't stay away from me, can you sweetheart?" He holds you in place while you bottom out and you can feel him swell when you say it. You almost want to sneer. "It ain't like you to play coy."

"I'm not playing anything. Someone's gonna come out here and see and—"

"And what? Some poor bastards gonna ride through here and see you split open on me and wish he was me? You feel sorry for him? I sure don't."

Your voice catches at the sudden change. The change in pace, the change in tone, the change in demeanor. His hands grip you tighter and he flips you until you're laying in the grass on your back. His dick kisses your cervix at the new angle, legs wrapped around his waist and blinking in surprise from where he looks down on you. More scar than man, all sharp lines and dark hair barely failing away from his face.

He leans down that time. You think to kiss you but instead he hikes you up until your spine arches so slightly and he thrusts that way. Fucks his cock so deep into you, it feels like all the airs been punched out of your lungs. It's more invasive than it's been all night, bigger and thicker - makes it feel like your cunt is being pulled open. The tip dragging on your insides, sticky and sensitive on each motion.

You gasp his name out, hands find his hair - tugging just to have something to hold. "John,"

"In fact, if anything - we're doing 'em a favor. Only time they see a woman at all is when they're paying for her. They could only be so lucky seeing a woman as beautiful as you feeling so good for me for free."

You make a whimpering noise and swallow it down. John laughs, scruff against your shoulder. His teeth tug at your ear lobe as he positions you - hand sliding between your bodies as his thumb finds your clit.

"I'd put a bullet clean between their eyes before they touch you, you know that? But I'm a decent man so," He laughs breathless. "A look is all they're gonna get. Charity, ain't it? In a way.''

You make a face at him, disarmed - weak, purely and plainly in a way that makes his laugh go from smug to charmed, affectionate. He kisses you on the lips that time. Corner of your mouth, your chin and cheek and shoulder. His arm cradling you easy in his grasp as you keep your legs up for him to fuck you.

Fire runs through your nerves as all the sensations settle in at once. The pleasure of having your clit rubbed even clumsily is enough to make you whine out in pleasure, especially in pace with being fucked so hard again and again. Something turns in your belly, honeyed - hot, like pouring sugar over a flame. You feel the warm iron of your own want be shaped by John with every consequential knock and thrust.

You breathe out as his attitude slows to merciful. He gets like this when you get close - gets all softhearted and gentle even as he's fucking you senseless.

You sniffle. "You're such a bastard, Marston."

"Don't I know it," He hums, easy and keeps going. "Getting close for me, angel? Gonna make me a nice little mess to clean up?"

"Shut up,"

He chuckles. "C'mon. You gonna let go for me?"

You swear. "Y-yeah."

"Good girl," He praises. You can't even pretend not to keen when he says it. "Go on then. Show me. Let me see,"

With another unceremonious thrust, you unravel in John's arms like the threaded frayed ends of a piece of twine. Pulled apart, you cum on his cock hard - a tingling sensation spreading through your whole body as your back curls up. Your legs force John to stay bottomed out as you shudder. The overwhelming pleasure doesn't seem to end.

You only breathe after a few minutes. John coaxes some comfort from you with a kiss to your collarbone.

"Still mad at me?"

You roll your eyes and smack his head lightly. "Shut up, Marston."

"Shut up ain't much of an answer." He says, pretending to sigh. "Guess I'll have to make you go one more to earn that forgiveness huh?"

Your lips quirk. Idiot. "Guess we'll just have to see."

.𖥔 ݁ ˖˚☽˚｡⋆

[parmahamlarrie]

Today's theme is Friends to lovers! If you would like a specific theme or trope, let me know! As always, these are all fics I have read and loved, not all the fics out there. You can find more friends with lovers fics here!

Have Faith In Me || @stylinsoncity || 183.4k Age Difference, Fashion Assistant Louis, Baker Harry, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Pining, Light Angst

We’ll Be Seamless Series || @dinosaursmate || 54.5k Tumblr AU, Photography, Nudity, Friends to Lovers

And Now I Date Cate's Brother || @sunflouwerhabit || 46.6k Famous/Non Famous (ish), Pop Punk Louis, Friends to Lovers, Fluff, Long Distance

Chasing, Searching, Dreaming || @parmahamlarrie || 46.1k Soulmate AU, Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers, Kid Fic

Listen To Your Heart || @chloehl10 || 35k Deaf Harry, University AU, Childhood Friends to Lovers

a little, then suddenly || @holdingontochaos || 34k Friends to Lovers, Graysexual Harry, Roommates, Idiots in Love

dream about a summer night || @onlythebravest || 33.6k Omegaverse, Friends to Lovers, Summer Camp AU

Tell Them We’re Like Magnets || @nobodymoves || 31.3k   Girl Direction, College AU, Friends to Lovers, Oblivious Idiots

Welcome to the Traphouse Series || @jaerie || 31k  Youtube Boys, Friends to Lovers, Humor

never been a fan of change, but we're still the same || @onlythebravest || 27.1k Omegaverse, Friends to Lovers, College AU, Hurt/Comfort, Drops, Nesting

kiss and tell (me a lie) || @falsegoodnight || 19.8k  Vampire Harry, Friends/Housemates to Lovers, College AU

Pretty in Pink || lovelarry10 || 18.8k Omegaverse, Alpha Harry. Omega Louis, Feminine Harry, Friends to Lovers

You’ll Be Home For Christmas || @2tiedships2 || 15.2k Omegaverse, Christmas Fic, Heat/Rut, Friends to lovers, Fluff

nothing lasts forever (nothing stays the same) || @beckydoesthings || 14.8k Kidfic, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Mild Angst

Best Snog Ever || @jacaranda-bloom || 13.2k Friends to Lovers, Colleagues, Australia, Banter

sip it slowly and pay attention || @adoredontour || 12.7k Best Friends to Lovers, Pining, Idiots, English Teacher Louis, Guidance Counselor Harry

Tease You, Please You || @homosociallyyours || 12.5k Girl Direction, Famous/Non Famous, Boss/Employee (kinda), Friends to Lovers

Only You (Blue Always Stays True) || @justanotherghostblr || 11k Omegaverse, Alpha Louis, Omega Harry, Girl Direction, Historical, Regency, Friends to Lovers, Presenting, Age Difference (Slight), Unrequited Love, Letters

edible stars || @solitudeandchaos || 10.7k Friends to Lovers, College AU, Light Dom/Sub

Enter the Rose Garden || @angelichl || 10.3k Omegaverse, Friends to Lovers, Soft Heat, Pining

Half a World Away || @silverstuff50 || 9.8k Omegaverse, Alpha Louis, Omega Harry, Enemies/Friends to Lovers, Heat, Hiking

my heart's against your chest, your lips pressed to my neck (I'm in love now) || @bottomhaztoplou || 8.8k Omegaverse, College AU, Courting, Friends to Lovers, Roommates

Not Another Lonely Christmas || @haztobegood || 8.7k Christmas, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Fake Relationship

I Roll ‘til I Change My Luck || @larry-hiatus || 8.4k Disabled Louis, Service Dog, Friends to Lovers

I’d Walk Through Fire For You (Just Let Me Adore You) || @neondiamond || 8.3k Omegaverse, Friends to Lovers, Firefighter Louis

Can We Start Believing || @fearlesslysweetcreature || 8.1k Omegaverse, Nesting, Friends to Lovers

boy with the kaleidoscope eyes|| @hershelsue || 7.8k Drug Use, Friends to Lovers

Traffic Light || @dinosaursmate || 7.1k College AU, Friends with Benefits

You and Me Got a Whole Lot of Chemistry || @flamboyantommo || 6.9k Friends with Benefits, College AU

Painted On Jeans || @becomeawendybird || 6.8k Girl Direction, Greek Life, Friends to Lovers, Nipple Piercings

Almost Misheard || @tommokat || 6.5k Omegaverse, Friends to Lovers, Idiots to Lovers

vitamin || cabinbythesea || 6.5k Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Fluff and Smut

Young Pup || Black_Bird_Singing || 5k Omegaverse, Loss of Virginity, Arranged Marriage, Friends to Lovers, Royalty

Quiet Afternoon Crush / Violent Overnight Rush || harrys || 4.9k Girl Direction, Friends with Benefits, Halloween, Unresolved Feelings

The Inseminator || ExiledQueenCatalog || 4.9k Wankfest, Friends to Lovers, Humor

All the kids at school (they were wishing they were me that night) || LikeYouAreInLove || 4.4k High School AU, Friends to Lovers, Humor

The Cat that Got the Cream || @suesheroll || 4.2k Omegaverse, Virgin Harry, Friends to Lovers

And I Want More || @comebackassholes || 3.8k Omegaverse, Omega/Omega, Friends to Lovers, Heat

I Can Be Your Vice || @littleroverlouis || 3.1k Vampire Louis, Friends with Benefits

Home for the Holly Days || @londonfoginacup || 2.4k Harry Potter AU, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Professor H&L

whatever you feel like doing in this moment || @evilovesyou || 1.9k Improv, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers

**This post will be updated as I have more fics in this theme to recommend!** You can find more recs in the directory of fic recs on my blog!

[greenwitchfromthewoods]

Hello! Could you possibly write this prompt >“to me, you are perfect.”< for Joel Miller? I was thinking like, it's a established relationship, and Joel's self-esteem is kinda shit because he's noticed a few greys in his hair and he's gotten a pudgy belly after settling in Jackson and he's just very very insecure :( and we're taking care of our man and reassuring him he's perfect and that we ain't leaving his cute little ass anytime soon :). But hey, feel free to ignore everything I just said and just use the prompt lol

Ohh, how could I say no to such a nice request. I hope I will meet your expectations. Thank you, sweetie. ❤️ i'm sorry for all mistakes

warnings : fluff, but with a little bit of smut at the end (+18), one grumpy guy with a lot of insecurities, a few curse words, Ellie mentioned

prompts list here

It started slowly. As it always does. 

Joel became more moody and grumpy. When Ellie said, with a laugh, that the button on his shirt didn't fall off from age, but that his belly had grown, Joel gave you both a gloomy look and left the house.

Then, through the half-open bathroom door, you saw him looking at his hair in the mirror. Okay, he already had some gray hairs, but he also had the impression that there had been more of them lately.

His knees and back were giving him hell sometimes, but he had been complaining about that for years. At least there was one constant here.

Although life in Jackson was much safer than outside of it, Joel had the impression that he was starting to age much faster here. So he was just waiting for you to notice it too, to point out his gray hair, his belly, or whatever. If Ellie noticed it, then you had to pay attention to it too.

"Can we stop for a moment? I'm starving."

Joel turned around and looked at you. He liked going on patrols with you. He preferred it over you doing it with someone else. It reminded him a bit of the not-so-long-ago times when you traveled together, with Ellie too of course.

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea." he mumbled looking around the forest. "Do you have coffee?"

You handed him a thermos and pulled out sandwiches. It was a nice day, and you still had a few hours ahead of you.

"So are you going to tell me what's bothering you so much?" you asked, handing him one of the sandwiches.

"Nothing." he grumbled.

"Oh, right. I've noticed you've become different, even in bed, so you better tell me." You bit into the sandwich and fixed your gaze on Joel.

He didn't seem eager to talk, but at the same time you knew he had to get it all off his chest eventually.

"Don't you miss it when we hiked together?" he asked, taking a bite of the sandwich and chewing it.

"You call our attempt to get to Jackson a hike?" you giggled. "No, not really. What about you?"

"Sometimes."

"Do you miss the lack of warm showers, night guards, the lack of such tasty sandwiches as we have now?"

"That's not what I mean." he grimaced. "I'm talking about something else. We were alone, but together. We were different. In Jackson, we get...lazy."

You analyzed his words for a moment. You had guessed what was bothering him for some time, but you didn't want to confront him with it yet. Joel needed time.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my form." you finally spoke, he raised his eyes to you with hope. "Since I've been getting enough sleep and eating full meals, I guess I've become less attentive.”

"See! That's what I'm talking about."

"Ellie's gained weight, thankfully, since we've been in Jackson. She's still growing, so she needs it."

"Teenagers are always fucking hungry." Joel shook his head in disbelief.

"Mhm..." you took a sip of your coffee. "Lately I feel like there's a lot more young people in Jackson, don't you think?"

Miller nodded, sitting on a fallen tree trunk, clearly lost in thought. "Sometimes I feel like a senior at a sports camp. Not that I can't keep up with them, but..."

"Your knees won't let you forget that." he nodded. "And your back." Joel grimaced and tucked his sandwich away. "You wish you were twenty years younger again, huh?"

He cleared his throat and looked at you uncertainly. "Is that bad?"

You shook your head and tucked your sandwich away too. "I don't think it's a bad thing. Sometimes I envy those young girls too, but..."

"But what?" he frowned, looking at you with concern.

"But the hottest guy in Jackson is still sleeping in my bed." You winked at him, smiling.

Joel rolled his eyes and sighed, "Bullshit! I've seen those younger guys looking at you. If only you wanted to..."

"You think I do?"

You looked at each other in silence.

"None of them are you, Joel." You finally spoke, dark eyes looking at you with hope, "None of them saw me like you do. None of them drive me crazy like you do sometimes."

You stood up from your seat and walked over to him. You spread his knees even more with your legs, standing between them. A soft hand slid into his hair, then went down his cheek. His stubble gently tickled your skin.

"None of them know how to make me moan, and you know so many ways..." you saw him swallow hard, clearly focused on your every word. "None of them have ever had me like you do."

"They could definitely last longer." Joel replied. His low, dark voice hit your most sensitive spots.

A groan of impatience escaped your throat. "I don't fucking care. I'm not trading the best ass in Jackson for some horny brat."

"You make me horny all the time."

"Good." A sly smile appeared on your lips and you suddenly knelt down in front of him. "So let me show you how much I like you, Joel. Because to me, you are perfect." your fingers hungrily began to unbuckle the belt of his jeans. "I love every inch of your body. I love how safe and loved I feel around you. I love how your arms hold me tight. I love... Oh, hello there."

He saw the glint in your eyes as his hard manhood peeked out of his jeans. Joel breathed deeply, dark eyes turning almost black. How on earth did a woman like you find him in this world and want to be with him? He didn't know the answer, but he knew that this was the best thing that had ever happened to him. A quiet sigh escaped his chest as you touched him.

"Let me show you how much I like you, Joel." He closed his eyes.

He let you worship his body, promising himself that as soon as you returned to Jackson, he would do the same for you. He would walk around the city with pride, knowing that you had chosen him. That you loved him no matter what.

"Holy shit!" he groaned as he felt your lips wrap around his cock.

This patrol will probably take you a little longer.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 79

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe: Military School

Words: 5K

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Wednesday, April 13; 1:30 PM - Batlle House

The sun is shining. The weather has been wonderfully beautiful since we arrived here. It's pleasant. My only regret is that half of our time here has already passed. We've made the most of it, especially with hiking. I've never walked so much in just a few days. Lucy loves it, and I must admit, I’ve started to enjoy it too. From where we are, we have a lot of nature around, so I show her everything we can see.

“So, what do you want to do today?” Lucy asks me after putting the last plate in the dishwasher.

We just finished eating. I sent my grandfather to take his nap. He never wants to admit it, but he gives more than he should. He doesn't seem to understand that he's getting old. I'm glad we're here. We've been able to help him with a lot of things.

“Well, I was thinking you could take care of the car this afternoon.”

“Are you sure? You might get really bored.”

“Oh no. I'll play assistant, and I wouldn’t miss a chance to watch you,” I giggle.

She smiles, nodding her head. She kept her promise to my grandfather by checking under the hood on the first day. According to her, some sensors needed to be replaced if he wanted the car to last. Of course, my grandfather agreed and gave us money to get the parts that same day. However, the parts had to be ordered, and they arrived this morning, so we might as well take care of it right away.

“OK, let’s do that then.”

“And maybe after that, we can…”

She turns her head while washing her hands. I swallow hard.

“I think I’m ready.”

She smiles at my words. She turns fully after grabbing a towel to dry her hands.

“OK. We’ll go see him afterward. And if you want, we can spend the evening at the beach again tonight. The full moon will be at its peak, so we shouldn't miss that, right?”

I smile back and go to embrace her. Yes, it was time for me to go see him. Lucy kisses my forehead. She understood well that I wasn’t the most comfortable at first, but now that we’ve spent some days here, I feel more at ease. Her presence has been really reassuring.

“Well, I’m going to find some clothes before we head out,” she announces, kissing my forehead.

“Can I come with you?”

“Yes, of course.”

We head upstairs to my room. I sit on the bed while Lucy rummages through her things. I watch her intently as she changes in front of me. That tease has been toying with me for days. We kiss a lot before sleeping, or to put it another way, we heat things up, only for nothing to happen. I must admit, this little game is starting to get very frustrating. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted someone this much.

“Everything alright, babe?” she teases gently.

“No. You’re such a tease.”

“Oh, really? A tease?” she giggles.

“Yes.”

“And you’re the one saying that?”

“What do you mean by that?”

She narrows her eyes playfully as she approaches me. I lean back on my elbows as she hovers over me.

“I mean it’s harder for me to hold back than you think.”

I give in to her lips when she kisses me. The moment is short-lived as she pulls away. I groan in frustration.

“Babe!”

“Stop complaining,” she laughs. “We’ve got things to do today. Plus, your grandfather is sleeping in the next room.”

“All the more reason to—”

“Do nothing,” she finishes my sentence. “I’m heading down. Do what you want until then.”

She leaves first, and of course, I follow with a sulky look. She’s opened the car hood in the driveway to start the repairs while I watch, sitting on the grass. Buzz is with us. He’s been following us everywhere. Lucy loved bringing him along on our hikes.

“Babe?”

“Hmm?”

“Were you serious about the idea of getting a dog?”

“Well yes, why? We both seem to love them.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner.”

“Oh, you’re not mad about that, are you? They say a dog is man’s best friend.”

“And do you believe that?”

“Well, yeah. I grew up with a dog, so obviously.”

“Really? What was his name?”

“Hercules.”

“Hercules?” I chuckle.

“Hey, don’t mock it. He was very loyal.”

“No, but Hercules, really?”

I burst out laughing, lying on the ground.

“Are you done?” Lucy scolds me.

Her serious demeanor can’t last when she sees me laughing. A smile stretches across her lips, and she drops the parts she was holding. She wipes her hands on a rag. My girlfriend is such a badass. Why do I feel like she doesn’t even realize it?

“Really, it’s not cool. I loved him.”

“Sorry, I just didn’t expect that. Seriously, Hercules... But it’s cute in its own way.”

“Right,” she laughs. “Don’t make fun of me.”

I smile like an idiot. I feel so happy. It’s strange being away from school, but at the same time, I love this life—just being us. I calm down when I see she’s no longer paying attention to me. She leans back against the car just as a voice calls out.

“Ona...?”

I frown. I sit up before turning around. I hesitate for a moment before recognizing the person in front of me, who seems to have recognized me right away.

“Hey,” I greet awkwardly.

“Ona Batlle. I can’t believe it! I never thought I’d see you again.”

I awkwardly get up to greet Nick, my childhood friend. We must have been so small when we met. We literally grew up together before I moved away.

“Hey!”

I giggle as he lifts me up when I thought we were just going to exchange a hug. We look each other up and down. After all, the last time we saw each other, we must have been twelve. Our parents divorced at the same time, and he left to live with his mother, just like I did. He’s grown. He’s even taller than me now, and let’s just say he’s become very handsome. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s an athlete now. He loved football back then. I recognize his short brown hair and his green eyes.

“Wow,” he laughs. “I can’t believe you’re here. And… seeing you like this… you’ve become a beautiful woman. It’s incredible.”

I laugh nervously at his admiration, playfully hitting his shoulder. It’s a bit awkward. We always had a strong bond between us. We went through some of the same struggles. I always loved being adventurous with him. A throat clearing brings me back to reality. We turn to my girlfriend, who’s watching us with a raised eyebrow.

“Sorry, uh. Nick, this is Lucy, my girlfriend. Lucy, this is Nick, a childhood friend.”

He seems taken aback, but his surprise quickly turns into a smile.

“Girlfriend, huh?” he repeats. “A lot has changed, I see... But honestly, I’m not even surprised.”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean? Why does everyone keep saying that?”

He laughs heartily, shrugging his shoulders.

“Oh come on, you were quite the tomboy back then. You hated hanging out with girls your age. You were always tagging along with me and my group of friends.”

“I wasn’t tagging along! You’re the one who always took me with you!” I reply quickly with a little laugh.

I calm down as I feel Lucy’s arms wrap around me. I lean into her, smiling at Nick.

“What are you doing here? I thought you moved away with your mom?”

“Yeah… That was before she passed away from cancer.”

“Nick...”

“No, don’t say anything,” he smiles sadly. “It must be just as hard as losing your father... your grandfather told me everything when I got back.”

I nod. Unlike me, Nick got to leave with the right parent. He was happy to be able to leave the family home.

- When did you come back?

- Two years ago. It was strange at first. I had to find my footing again, and you weren’t there…

We look at each other for a few seconds, and he seems uncomfortable. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say at the moment.

- But anyway, everything's fine now. I’m an athlete at university, I have a girlfriend, and I try to stay busy when I’m not doing anything. Did you know your grandfather can’t be stopped once you start helping him? I’d be careful if I were you, he warns my girlfriend, who giggles.

- Thanks for the warning.

- And you? Are you staying long?

- No, just this week, actually.

- That’s all? So, what about you? Here I am talking about myself, and I haven’t even let you speak. I already know you’ve managed to snag a beautiful woman, so that’s something. Do you live together?

I glance at Lucy, who looks much more relaxed than before. I smile and run my fingers across her cheek when I notice a black smudge.

- Sort of, yeah. In Manchester.

- Manchester? he laughs. Seriously? I thought you hated the cold?

- She still does.

- Stop, you’re exaggerating, I giggle. I’ve gotten used to it.

- And what about your mom?

- She still lives in Barcelona, with Marcus and Joan, my little brother. And she’s getting married next month.

- Wow, all that. I didn’t expect so much. A wedding? And a little brother, really?

- Yeah, well, half-brother technically. He’s going to turn seven.

- Wow. It’s been years. Almost as long as we haven’t spoken.

- Almost, yeah…

We exchange a small smile. I know it’s strange for both of us. Honestly, Nick is someone special to me. He holds my first kiss, which we shared when we each moved away. We were close, undeniably, and it feels a bit strange seeing him again now. Lucy takes the opportunity to slip her arm around my shoulders. I suppress a smile. I know she can’t help herself—it’s crazy. She’s really jealous of anyone.

- Are you still here this weekend? It’s just, I’m throwing a party on Friday night, you know, and I’d love for you to come.

- Uh... I would’ve loved to—

- Oh no, not that line again, he replies, rolling his eyes. Some things never change, it seems.

I laugh, nodding.

- Sorry. We won’t be able to make it.

- When are you leaving?

- Saturday afternoon. We’re heading to Porto to see Lucy’s parents.

- Oh, so you’re Portuguese too? And seeing your parents? Your relationship seems solid.

- It is, I say with a small smile.

- I’m happy for you.

- And you, with your girlfriend?

- It’s not as serious. I mean, it’s been a year now, but we’re not thinking about moving in together or anything like that. We’re taking our time.

- I see. Still commitment issues, huh?

- A bit, yeah. Looks like you’ve managed to get over that, he says, gesturing toward us.

- Let’s just say... you have to find the right person.

- Yeah, he chuckles. I’ll try to remember that. So... we won’t see each other this weekend?

- No, I’m sorry, I say with a small smile.

- A lot has changed, huh?

I nod softly. I can tell he’s changed too. He’s no longer the carefree kid I used to get into trouble with.

- Yeah. It was really great to see you again, though.

- Me too. Maybe we could... I don’t know, exchange numbers? I mean, if Lucy doesn’t mind. It’s just, I think it would be nice to talk to someone who understands me from time to time.

- I don’t mind, she says. It’s not like she can cheat on me between two country.

I smile and accept the kiss Lucy gives me before she lets go. She understands he’s not a threat. At least, I hope so. She goes back to what she was doing while I exchange numbers with Nick.

- Well... I hope it won’t be another eight years before we see each other again.

- We’ll try to avoid that, I say with a small smile. See you soon, and take care of yourself.

- Yeah... You too.

We share one last hug before I sit back down on the grass. Buzz immediately settles between my legs. He hovered around Nick a lot. He must be familiar to him. Still, my grandfather never mentioned him to me. It’s strange.

- So... Nick, huh? Lucy begins. How many more of those do you have up your sleeve?

- What? I giggle.

- I thought it was just Mapi and Feli before me.

I open my mouth to respond, but she cuts me off.

- Careful what you say, baby. You know you’re a terrible liar, and I’m no fool. Do you really want me to lose trust in you over this?

I close my mouth. I hate it when she catches me off guard like that. She turns away, arms crossed. OK, so she’s really serious. I was about to tell a little lie, but I didn’t think it would matter this much.

- Nick was like... I don’t know... my big brother...?

She raises an eyebrow. She doesn’t look convinced. OK... She knows there’s more. And honestly, who wouldn’t? I know there’s a kind of connection with him. We went through a lot together, like our parents’ fights. There was even one day when we ran away... Well, we hid out at my grandparents’ store and went home that night because we were hungry, but still, it was with him. We have memories together, like no one else.

- He was my first kiss...

- First kiss, huh...

My honesty earns a big sigh. I quickly try to recover.

- Don’t make a big deal out of it, please. It wasn’t that great, if you want to know the truth.

- Of course, she says dramatically. You expect me to believe that, given the man he’s become?

She turns back to her tasks, grumpy. I love her jealousy so much. I get up, forcing Buzz to move from his comfy spot between my legs. I apologize with a gentle pat on his head before moving toward my girlfriend. I wrap my arms around her body, which tenses at the contact.

- Come on, baby... Don’t sulk over this. I swear you kiss way better than he does, better than anyone, actually. At least you don’t have acne or braces.

My remark earns a small amused sigh. That’s already a good reaction. I kiss her exposed neck, which makes her straighten up.

- Sorry... she begins, turning around. It’s just that...

She avoids my gaze. I don’t like seeing her so... fragile. I run my hand through her hair.

- I don’t like it.

- You don’t like what? That there were people before you?

- No, she sighs, running her hand through her hair. I know there were others, that’s normal. I don’t know. I just feel vulnerable when you see people who meant something to you. It’s like I feel... like I’m nothing.

- Wow, I chuckle. Are you out of your mind?

I gently make her lift her head. She really does seem vulnerable right now.

- Don’t think that, baby. You’re my everything. How can you even think otherwise?

She sighs, shrugging.

- Will you... will you always love me, even after you really know who I am?

I raise an eyebrow. She seems so worried.

- What do you mean?

- I mean, the girl who left Portugal isn’t the one you see standing in front of you. Well... she is, but not entirely. I’m sure my parents are going to remind you of the clichés I used to be.

Oooh... So, she’s worried about going home. I smile at the realization. It’s really too cute. I thought I was the only one feeling this way, but she hides it well.

- What exactly are you hiding from me?

- We all have a past, Ona...

2

- Hey, are you done? I’m not the kind of person who’s going to push you away for some random reason, OK? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Is this what you’re always scared of when you get in your moods?

She stays silent for a moment before relaxing.

- Yeah, a bit. I feel like I don’t deserve you. Like my old self doesn’t deserve you.

- Don’t talk down about yourself like that. You’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met, and I mean it. I don’t care who you used to be. The only one that matters is the person standing in front of me right now.

She takes a deep breath and nods. I gently stroke her cheek and kiss her tenderly, pressing a bit harder to show her all my passion. I can’t help but smile when she reacts with a soft moan. Naturally, she flips me over to take control.

- You really can’t stand it when I’m in charge, can you? I tease with a laugh.

- Not particularly, she whispers.

- Is that also because of your past? I tease her again.

Instead of answering, she kisses me roughly once more. For some reason, I have a feeling I hit the nail on the head. But I don’t say anything, letting her take the lead. It feels too good to interrupt.

- So, Nick...

I burst into laughter, wrapping my arms around her neck. She’s unbelievable, seriously.

- I was 10, Luce. He didn’t even matter, not even a little.

- Like a big brother, she murmurs.

- Yes, exactly. Like a big brother, I confirm with a small smile.

- Why did you turn down the party? We both know we could’ve gone.

- Why? Well, simply because I want to spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend, you see. That’s why we’re here, after all.

- OK, she whispers. Fine, I’m going to finish fixing up this old bike, and then we can go for a walk in town.

- Hallelujah!

Wednesday, April 13th; 6:00 PM - Cemetery

Here we are. I’m scared. The moment I’ve been dreading is finally happening. I even feel myself trembling in Lucy’s steady hand. I delayed this as much as possible, dragging us all over town this afternoon. But it’s time to go now.

- Do you want me to wait here? Lucy offers.

- No. I need you with me.

- Alright, she whispers.

I don’t move. I’m taking my time to gather the courage. I appreciate Lucy’s patience too. It takes a good ten minutes before I finally lead us inside. I’ve only been here once, but I could find his grave with my eyes closed. Row eleven, grave six. The path is short. We’re there before I’ve even had time to mentally prepare. We stand in silence, but Lucy’s presence reassures me. I’m surprised to see his grave so well-kept. There are even flowers on it. Maybe Grandpa... or Leila. I asked him about her, and he said she still visits town from time to time. I haven’t had the courage to reach out to her. Too many memories would resurface. Yet, I have so many questions for her. Lost in these thoughts, I bend down to place my white rose. Lucy waits a moment before doing the same. She insisted on getting one too, right after we did the shopping for tonight. She didn’t know him, but her gesture touches me deeply. I wait for her to stand back up before nestling into her arms. I take a deep breath as Lucy rubs my back. Her presence is vital to me. It’s hard being here, facing his photo, knowing he’s really six feet under. It’s different from mourning him in Miami. This feels real.

- He would’ve been proud of you, you know?

- I hope so, I murmur. He would’ve adored you.

- Really?

I smile softly. I’m glad I brought her here. She’s trying to take my mind off things, and it’s working.

- Yeah... He accepted everyone in my life as long as they made me happy.

She nods in understanding.

- Did he know about...

- My sexuality? Yeah. For some reason, he figured it out right away. Well... I did talk a lot about Mapi with a dreamy smile on my face.

- And... how did it go?

- I didn’t even have to tell him. We were at the dinner table one night when I came back here. After I rambled on about the things Mapi and I had done, he looked me straight in the eye and said, “Sweetie, is she your girlfriend? Because, you know, I wouldn’t mind if she is.”

I mimic his line, making Lucy laugh. I smile too. I really have nothing to complain about in that area. He accepted me, completely. All he cared about was that I was happy. The only thing that truly mattered to him was that I remembered the importance of family and loved ones. I get that now. That’s why he left me so many promises to keep—like with Mom and Joan...

- He was the only man I knew with such a big heart. So yes... he would’ve adored you, especially knowing how you saved me.

- I think it would’ve been mutual, she whispers.

We stay like that for a while. Normally, I would’ve poured out my heart, but with Lucy here, I don’t. We just enjoy the quiet. Eventually, the night starts to fall, signaling we’ve been here for at least an hour. Lucy really has extraordinary patience.

- Let’s go, I murmur.

- Are you sure? We can stay longer.

- No, it’s alright, I assure you. Thank you for coming with me.

- OK... she breathes. Let’s go then.

I’ll probably come back on my own another time. Lucy loves her morning walks on the beach, so I’ll take advantage of that. Hand in hand, we head back home. We set up a little camp on the beach earlier. We wanted to prepare for tonight with a campfire. We bought barbecue supplies and even marshmallows. It’s shaping up to be a great evening. As we arrive, Buzz runs up to greet us. Lucy says she’ll handle the fire while I gather some blankets. It’s getting chilly, and the last thing we need is to catch a cold...

5

- "Oh no. I'll leave you two alone tonight," my grandfather declines. "The neighbor invited me to dinner anyway."  

- "Really? Nick's dad?" I asked. "I saw him this afternoon, by the way. Why didn’t you tell me he was back?"  

- "Oh, I didn’t want to worry you with that. Did he tell you about his mother?"  

- "Yes," I sighed. "How are things between him and his father?"  

In fact, I had thought a lot about it this afternoon. His father was an alcoholic, which was the main reason his mother filed for divorce. Since he kept the house, I knew he’d gotten sober and even remarried, but I doubt his forced return brought any joy, knowing Nick.  

- "Nick is a good boy," he replied. "He’s struggling with the situation, but he channels his anger in a positive way. He’s rarely home. Actually, he often comes here to help me fix a few things. Or he takes Buzz for a walk."  

- "Yeah, he told me."  

I chuckled, remembering what he had added. Honestly, I think he’s happy to spend time here. It’s like a kind of refuge. I also understand why Buzz loves him so much too.  

- "Will he be with you tonight?" I asked.  

- "No. I think he’s going to his girlfriend’s."  

- "Okay..." I murmured. "Too bad."  

I would have invited him with us if I had known. I think Lucy wouldn’t have minded.  

- "Well, I’m heading out then. Are you sure you don’t want to change your mind?"  

- "Oh, no no. I really meant it when I said you two should enjoy yourselves together."  

- "You’re not a bother if that’s what worries you."  

- "Ona, sweetheart. It’s fine, I promise. Look, I’ve already got the wine to bring to the neighbor’s."  

- "Okay, I won’t insist anymore. You know where to find us if you need anything."  

- "Yes, yes," he laughed.  

I left to join my girlfriend and... Buzz. That dog has completely forgotten about me in favor of my girlfriend. He adores her. Well, she does take him running every morning. He must feel alive again in just a week. Though, not as much after what I just learned.  

- "He didn’t want to come?" my girlfriend asked when she saw me alone.  

- "No. Mister got himself invited by the neighbor," I joked.  

- "Oh. Well, that’s good. At least now you know he still has a social life."  

- "True... when you put it like that," I giggled.  

I spread a blanket on the ground. Lucy set up some kind of tent, or something you could call one. It’s more like a tarp, really, but it’s pretty cool. It shields us from the wind later at night. I smiled as she was already turning sausages over the fire. It’s simply perfect. Plus, the sun was finally setting, giving us a stunning sunset. I really feel like I’m on vacation.  

- "I brought you a sweater if you want," I told her, showing the clothing in my hand.  

- "Thanks."  

She quickly slipped it on over her t-shirt. I didn’t want to grab anything more, even though she was in shorts and flip-flops. She admitted to me that she loved feeling the sand under her feet. As for me, I stole one of her sweatshirts and a pair of bermuda shorts. They’re a bit big, but I feel so comfortable in her clothes. They smell so much like her, it’s delightful.  

- "Come sit," I said, patting the spot next to me after sitting down myself.  

- "Two minutes. Let me finish here first. Hey, check the cooler and get us something to drink."  

I smiled and nodded. To be honest, we bought a bottle of champagne. Who knows why. In any case, I happily popped the cork and poured us two glasses. Meanwhile, Lucy had prepared two plates for us. The evening went on. We talked, we laughed, never losing sight of the waves and the setting sun in front of us. Our legs constantly touched. We rubbed, we caressed each other, until the blanket ended up over our shoulders after we got rid of the plates and empty glasses. If time could stop, I would let it.  

- "Do you... do you think you know everything Feli did to me?"  

My question broke the peaceful silence. I was completely slumped on Lucy, who was supporting both our weights. She didn’t answer right away. The truth is, I need to know. Mapi was right in a way. I can’t hide it from her forever.  

- "I think so, yes," she murmured.  

I turned around at her words to straddle her. I needed to look into her eyes if I was going to tell her. Her hands instinctively rested on my thighs. It’s been a long time since I’ve pulled away from her touch, and it feels good. I feel like I’m coming back to life, able to accept any kind of contact.  

- "You don’t have to tell me, Ona... I’ve understood. You wouldn’t have been so broken otherwise."  

I nodded as a few tears welled up in my eyes. I had never dared to say it out loud. Saying it would mean acknowledging it. Yet here, with her, I just feel at peace.  

- "I-I want her to pay. F-for her violence, her acts, and those r-rapes too. Y-you’re absolutely right. S-she doesn’t deserve to get away with it."  

Lucy nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. With her other hand, she stroked my back, sending shivers down my spine. But my decision was made. I want to take her to court. I’m ready to do it now. I know it’s the last thing I need to do to close this chapter of my life.  

- "It’s going to be hard, you know that, right?"  

I nodded. I felt shaky because I knew many wounds would reopen, but I knew it was the right thing to do. He doesn’t deserve to get away unscathed.  

- "I-I can do it, with you."  

I looked at her pleadingly, but her small smile said it all. She had been waiting for this, for me to free myself from my past. It had been a long time since she wanted to reopen the case my mother had prepared for me back then.  

- "We’ll do it together, I promise you, my love."  

Gently, she laid me down on my back, coming to rest over me. She kissed me tenderly before whispering:  

- "You are the strongest woman I know. I’m so proud of you."  

I let myself be carried away by her soft lips. Everything had changed so much in just a few seconds. Everything became sensual. I clung desperately to her neck as her hand roamed freely over my body. I caught my breath when she started playing with the hem of my bermuda shorts.  

- "Are you kidding?" I whispered, amused.  

I was dying to, after such an emotional moment, but we were out in nature. It wasn’t reasonable.  

- "What? Don’t you like adventure?" she teased between kisses on my neck. "You know I wouldn’t do it in the house."  

- "Someone could see us," I replied, without actually stopping her hand from sliding down.  

The temptation was just too strong.  

- "There’s the tarp," she murmured, still kissing my neck.  

I gasped when she reached my... soaked heart. Yes, that’s the right word.  

- "Dare tell me you don’t want this," she whispered. "Just be discreet this time."  

- "Oh, you’re talking about me?" I managed to say, shivering at her first caresses. "Let’s see who can control themselves better."  

I followed my words by unbuttoning her shorts. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling this night is going to be long... A long night filled with love under a starry sky

[losver07]

i was thinking of the marauders (unexpected i know) & thought "wow peter is sooo boy scout coded" & then realised THEY ALL ARE like hear me out on this

peter: the "noooo i dont wanna wake uuup i dont care if its raininnnng lemme sleeeep", incredibly good with maps ("oh i know this place like the palm of my hand" tho they are in the middle of nowhere), "guys i brought macadamia nuts for snacks :)" (he's the only one who likes them), entered the group later than the others but is very committed

remus: cares a lot about the environment ("EH DO YOU KNOW WHAT A BLOODY TRASH BIN IS?"), "are you gonna eat that? thanks mate", obsessed with wood carving & knives for some reason, always injured but always keeps going ("i am as capable as anyone" but he's trying to hike a mountain with a sprained ankle), starts talking about botanics as if it were band names ("ooooh i fucking love camomile!"), grumpy because "i still don't get why they won't let me have my fucking morning coffee" but also the kind to stop & take breath while very philosophically saying "guys look at the view", crazy about morse code & trail markings

sirius: acts like he doesn't care but shows up early to every reunion, "can i organise this? i love telling children what to do" (kids absolutely love him), sneaks in his phone & cigarettes to camp because if he doesn't smoke he can't sleep (remus smokes with him), is incredibly good at tying knots, has creative ideas and writes the most deep & heartbreaking things but never shares with the rest of the group, his scarf/necker is full of pins & likes to make bracelets with threads or grass, cares a lot about social issues and i mean A LOT

james: has a heart of gold, helps people on the street out of spite ("we're still scouts even when we're not at camp"), "okay guys we HAVE to win this, we are going to be THE BEST TEAM to play capture the flag EVER" (he's mad about capture the flag i am very serious about this), takes a picture with every animal he sees, "wdym it's cold? it's 50°, that's like, a lot", also loves walking & hiking, & always offers to help cooking or organising activities, always the first to start singing while they're walking & then everyone else joins in

[amiserableseriesofevents]

[giving them a panicked hug] "no, no, no, no!" OR "shit, no, that's not what i meant." (if one of them inspires you dear 🥰)

After a week spent hiking, it's their turn! Modern AU, not Such Stuff related 🥰🏔️

John has been acting weird for weeks, and for the life of him Gale can't understand why.

For starters, he personally suggested the location for their holiday, a task that usually Gale takes on; one day he came home to a depliant of a quaint camping site in the mountains, amidst the nature, with suggestions on several hiking trails. It's not the first holiday they've spent hiking, they both like to stay outside and breath fresh air when they're not in the office and they're both in good enough shape to take on even steeper trails if the view is worth it, and it seemed like this particular place meant a lot to John so Gale had agreed to his plan, secretly pleased that he was the one taking the initiative for once.

That was only the first weirdness, though.

Since then, John keeps acting like he's hiding something and he's such a terrible liar that Gale knows something is going on, he just knows it.

He packed his own suitcase without accepting any help from Gale, and he triple checked everything before leaving when he's usually one to shrug and say he'll deal with it even if he forgets to pack something crucial like a clean pair of pants or a toothbrush. If it were winter Gale would think John's hiding his birthday present; but it's fucking July, their anniversary is not coming for two more months, and Gale cannot think about another date worth celebrating.

The strangest thing though happened just this morning, when they were getting ready for the hike and John dressed all in blue – an extremely sober choice for him that usually wears clashing colors like a hot pink tank top with yellow shorts and neon green socks. “Are you feeling alright?” Gale ventured to ask him, genuinely worried.

“Yeah of course Buck, why?” Was John's answer, with a hint of hysterics in his voice, so Gale decided to not push him; whatever is going on with him, sooner or later Bucky will tell him.

The hike he's chosen for today is splendid: a narrow dirt track amongst tall trees whose shadow provide a welcome respite from the summer heat, the air filled with the fragrant smell of resin and dirt. John told him there's a lake waiting for them at the end of the trail, with several bits of sandy shore all around where they can lie their picnic blanket and rest after the long walk.

“It's pear shaped, you know Buck? The lake I mean,” John tells him, his rambling never stopping even when he'd need to save his breath. “It's great, you're gonna love it. The water's a bit cold but no worse than Lake Michigan.”

“You came here with your family, right?”

“Yup, for three summers when I was a kid. I've always wanted to come back and I thought, what better chance to do it than, ah, with you, my love,” John answers, clearly almost giving up his secret. Gale feels his gaze on him, nervous, and he smiles back at him, grabbing his hand. He's not usually the type for PDA, but they're alone in a forest and John seems to be needing it, so Gale weaves their fingers together and they keep walking like that for a while, careful not to jostle each other on the uneven ground.

“I'm happy you decided to bring me here,” Gale says after a while. “Thank you for always sharing these things with me, John. It means a whole lot.”

John pulls him closer for a kiss, then stares seriously in his eyes. “I'll always share everything with you Buck, I promise,” he tells him. Gale hesitates, wondering if that's John way of suggesting him to ask about whatever he's hiding right now, but then John's focus shifts back to the trail and he decides to drop the subject.

After an hour or so they reach the last part of the trail, the hardest one: a steep staircase carved into the side of the mountain, more or less thirty steps to reach the other side before climbing down to the lake's shore.

“Once we're up there we'll be able to see the lake!” John exclaims, his childish enthusiasm making him all the more jittery, a smile on his face wider than any Gale has seen before.

Gale goes first, eager to catch a glimpse on the view. The sun beats down on him, unforgiving, and he feels beads of sweat forming along his hairline, his t-shirt progressively more and more stuck to his back. There are more step than John remembered, bordering on sixty, but once Gale reaches the top he immediately forgives him for his inaccuracy because the view is truly breathtaking: the lake is blue, the deepest blue Gale has ever seen in his life, and the light hits it just right so that parts of its surface look like they're made of shimmering diamonds. All around the shore there are more tall trees, their bright green in contrast with the sapphire hue of the water and the turquoise of the sky, dotted here and there with fluffy white clouds.

Gale leans back against the rock wall, breathless and mesmerized. He hears John reaching the peak after him but doesn't turn too him, too entranced by the view. “John. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen,” he says, voice shaky with wonder.

“I know, right?” John says, and by the mirth in his voice Gale knows that he's looking at him and not at the view. He turns to him, ready to affectionately scold him, and he finds him down on one knee with a small box in hand.

His brain short-circuits.

“No!”

How did he not think about it? Every single one of John's weirdnesses of the past few months suddenly makes sense: he chose a place that meant a lot to him, dressed all nice for Gale, and waited for the best possible moment to propose. He can't believe it. It was so obvious, so-

It's only when he notices that John has gone pale, his eyes wide with confusion and heartbreak, that he realizes he's spoken out loud. John got down on one knee to propose, and he shouted no at him.

“No?" John asks, little more than a whimper.

"Shit, no, that's not what I meant!” Gale says, frantically trying to make up for his mistake. “It was a no to me, not to you! Because I've been trying to understand what was going on with you for weeks and now that I know it was so obvious, I can't believe I couldn't see it!”

“...so?” John asks, still on one knee.

“Ask the question. I promise I'm not gonna say no.”

“You promise?”

Gale nods, and John takes a deep breath. “Buck, my love, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” Gale shouts, louder than the no he spoke before, and throws himself at John when the other rises back on his feet, kissing him with all the passion and joy he can muster.

“Buck, the ring!” John tells him between kisses, and Gale reluctantly lets him go; there are tears on John's face and in his eyes, but Gale hopes they're of happiness just like the ones he feels wet on his cheeks.

The ring is beautiful, a simple silver band with a B engraved on the inside. “It's perfect, John” Gale tells him, beaming.

John gives him a kiss on the tip of the nose. “Never do something like that again,” he half threatens, half pleads. “I was about to throw myself in the lake from here.”

“I promise. I'll make it up to you.”

“Your wedding vows better be fucking fire, Buck.”

[sambuckylibrary]

SamBucky Summer Bingo 2024 Month 1

Thank you all for participating in the SamBucky Summer Bingo 2023 thus far! There were a lot of fun and wonderful pieces in June and we hope you all keep up the fantastic work. Here is the full list of everything made from June 1-30th.

Vacation Fills

| Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...Or Whatever by @siancore | Rated: T | WC: 1.2K | Long, Separate Vacations, Social Media AU, Mixed Media | AO3 |

| All yours to take by @heyitsyav | Rated: E | WC: 12.6K | Cookout, Getting Together, Fluff and Smut | AO3 |

| Beach Day by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: G | WC: 683 | Beach Day, Post-TFATWS, Post-Docter Strange: Multiverse of Madness | AO3 |

| Work It On Out by @glittercake | Rated: E | WC: 13.9K | Long, Separate Vacations, Canon Divergence, Getting Together | AO3 |

| I Can Be Your Damsel in Distress by @siancore | Rated: M | WC: 3.5K | Lifeguard AU, Thirsty Bucky Barnes, Getting Together | AO3 |

| I'm Coming With You by @siancore | Rated: G | WC: 1.2K | Pride Parade, Pre-Slash, Fanfic with Fanart | AO3 |

| Pride Parade by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: N/A | WC: 638 | Pride Parade, Everyone is Gay, Crafts | AO3 |

| The 76th Annual Delacroix Sandcastle Competition by @thatmexisaurusrex | Graphic Edit | Beach Day, Rivals to Lovers | Architects AU |

| not a date. by @thatmexisaurusrex | Graphic Edit | Hiking, Not a Date, Situationship |

| If You Were Eurydice and I Was Orpheus by @thatmexisaurusrex | Rated: T | WC: 1.5K | Stargazing, Getting Together, Domestic Fluff | AO3 |

| Long, Separate Vacations by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: N/A | WC: 1.3K | Long, Separate Vacations, Mutual Pining, Texting | AO3 |

| Long, Separate Vacation, You Say? by @thatmexisaurusrex | Graphics Edit | Long, Separate Vacations, TFATWS Vibes, Sam and Bucky Quotes |

| A Falcon's Guide to Boat Maintenance by @thatmexisaurusrex | Graphics Edit | Meanwhile, on the Boat..., Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Domestic Fluff |

| Meanwhile, On the Boat... by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: N/A | WC: 1.5K | Meanwhile, on the Boat..., Crack Treated Seriously, Grief/Mourning | AO3 |

| Can You Remember? (The Rain) by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: N/A | WC: 1.4K | Free Space, Storms, Anxiety, Past SamRiley | AO3 |

| Avengers Camp! by @thatmexisaurusrex | Graphic Edit | Summer Camp AU, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Crack and Fluff |

| Before the Parade by @thatmexisaurusrex | Rated: T | WC: 1.4K | Pride Parade, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff | AO3 |

| Shop Talk by @six2vii | Rated: E | WC: 2.1K | Free Space, Vacation, Fluff and Smut | AO3 |

| Outside by @questionableratatouille00 | Rated: N/A | WC: 1.1K | Cookout, Summer Camp, Stargazing, Hiking | AO3 |

Mission Fills

| Tell Me You Want Me Too by @siancore | Rated: E | WC: 3K | Madripoor, Undercover, Only One Bed | AO3 |

| Untitled by @funsized-loser | Rated: M | WC: 1.6K | Only One Bed, First Kiss, Getting Together |

| My Whole World by @siancore | Rated: M | WC: 4.4K | Thunderbolts, Bucky Takes Care of Sam, Angst with a Happy Ending | AO3 |

| High Spirits by @siancore | Rated: T | WC: 1.2K | Redwing, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff | AO3 |

| The Science of Things by @siancore | Rated: T | WC: 3.8K | Multiverse, Getting to Know Each Other, Getting Together | AO3 |

| Coming Home to You by @siancore | Rated: T | Hurt/Comfort, Thunderbolts Era, Mixed Media | AO3 |

Loving Fills

| Head Over Heels by @jemgirl86 | Rated: N/A | WC: 4.5K | Angst with a Happy Ending, Thunderbolts Speculation/Pre-Captain America 4, Established Relationship | AO3 |

| Until the Morning, You're Mine by @cobrafantasies | Rated: M | WC: 2.4K | Summer Fling, Partners to Lovers, Getting Together | AO3 |

| Whole Lotta Something Goin’ On by @jemgirl86 | Rated: N/A | WC: 8.1K | And They Were Roommates, Everyone Loves Sam, No Powers AU | AO3 |

| Hello, Goodbye by @jemgirl86 | Rated: N/A | WC: 4.7K | Meet-Cute/Meet-Ugly, Widower Sam Wilson, Reformed Disney Dad Bucky Barnes | AO3 |

We're looking forward to more of your SamBucky Summer Bingo fics!

- The Mods

[tojixz]

Masterlist

Pairing: Jake Sully x Fem!Reader

Notes: First of all I want to thank you for all the affection! Thank you so much for the likes and reblogs, I'm so happy!!! 😭💞💞 And also, I wasn't so happy with this part, I feel like it got kinda shitty, so I'm sorry if it's bad 🥲

Summary: Tuk finally comes into the family, lots of love and affection. I am horrible with summaries????

Warnings: TW!! Labor pain, a lot of anguish on mommy's part, Sully family worried.

Word Count: 3k

Skxawng (n) - Idiot

Sa'nok (n) - Mom Tìyawn (n) - Love

Sempul (n) - Father Yawntu (n) - Loved

Part one | Part two

The sun was high in the sky by now. You were sitting leaning against a tree near the camp, weaving some baskets. After all, it was one of the only activities you were capable of doing right now.

Not wanting to play the victim, which you certainly are not, you were unable to do activities that required much body movement or strength. In the last few weeks you were experiencing many contractions and extreme pain. Your feet were swollen and it felt like you were carrying a Thanator on your back. Honestly, it couldn't get any worse.

Therefore, your only choice was to do simple tasks that were even assigned to children. You felt useless, it really was not a pleasant state.

But what relieved your stress was knowing that your baby will soon arrive. Soon she will be in your arms, babbling something or crying for your attention. You were anxious. Both to get rid of that awful end-of-pregnancy feeling and to finally feel the warmth of your child.

You were quiet, humming songs as you enjoyed the fresh air of your home and the sounds of nature. Definitely a planet blessed by your divinity.

A few seconds later you finished making the last basket of the day. In total there were three, which you considered to be enough so far. Deciding to take your handiwork to the people in the clan who would use it, you got up from the ground to start your way back to the camp. You certainly had a hard time getting up, heavens, your back was killing you, but nothing that a little effort wasn't enough.

That is until you felt a sharp pain in your abdomen and something warm trickle down your thighs.

No. This couldn't be what you thought it was.

A wave of panic began to wash over you as you let out agonized groans from the extreme pain you were feeling.

Why now? Why just now?? Couldn't that have waited a few minutes to happen?!

You had to act fast. You had to go to Mo'at. You had to tell them your baby was coming. But what guarantee was there that you would make it there?

Leaning against the trunk of the tree, you put your hand on your belly and start trying to breathe to calm your heartbeat, but your breath is coming in between cuts. You are losing strength in your legs and the pain is unbearable.

"Hold on baby. Just wait a little longer. We're coming…" Muttering to yourself both as a way to keep calm, and also to keep your focus on the hike, you start walking toward the camp. If you found anyone along the way, that would be good enough. They might be able to help. "Ah Great Mother… I won't make it."

Tears welled up in your eyes. You didn't want to do this alone. You couldn't. You were too afraid of what might happen.

But you also had no strength left in your body. Your legs were shaking, still trying to hold on, and your abdomen was throbbing. It was unbearable. Waves of frustration covered you as your only option was to sit back down on the floor and pray to Eywa that someone would come to help you.

You felt more and more contractions and at this point you could only scream and accept the fact that you would have to deliver the baby yourself.

What an idea of yours to distance yourself from the camp. You could be at home, in your own comfort. But you wanted and needed fresh air.

Jake had become ten times more protective of you, preventing you from going out much, or if you did, was in the company of someone. You understand his concern; you could go into labor at any moment. But it doesn't change that you still missed doing things on your own. Well, that desire of yours led to this situation at the moment.

To make matters worse, you wouldn't have the chance to find your children around, nor your husband. Jake, Neteyam and Lo'ak were out doing their daily training, and Kiri was also studying and learning with her grandmother. They are still children, but it is the best thing to learn at a young age.

With your back resting on the trunk of the tree, you begin to take deep breaths to calm your hiccups and prepare yourself for the next steps. There was no more time, you would have to do it yourself.

That is until you hear footsteps behind you.

It couldn't be a predator. Although you were not exactly in the camp, you were in a nearby location. Wild animals don't go near there because they were aware that there were too many people to deal with. So it is a safe area. But it could also only mean one thing…

It is someone walking there!

And it was just a soul she needed to call for help.

"Grandma told me to get purple seeds, but I've been looking for so long and I can't find anything! Come on…" Kiri was frustrated that she couldn't find the ingredient that her grandmother had charged her to get. But she kept walking.

Until she heard moans of pain and quiet sniffling behind a tree. This startled her a little, but then she thought 'Is anyone hurt?'

Walking cautiously to the spot to check, she came across her mother. She was on the floor looking like she was in pain, sweat covering her entire body as tears streamed from her eyes. It felt like her heart stopped for a second at the sight.

"Sa'nok? What's wrong?!", Kiri crouched down next to her mother, as she started to look around her for apparent injuries. Her eyes fell on her wet legs and her hand resting on her stomach.

"Mom… that's not-"

"Kiri! Oh heavens, thank you. Kiri, my child, go get your grandmother. I need you to get her over here as fast as you can, please!" Her voice was hoarse from crying over the pain, along with the emotion that consumed her that Eywa had listened to her prayers and directed Kiri to you.

"But mother, I can't leave you, not like this-"

"Kiri, it will be all right. I need you to get your grandmother. Now. Hurry!"

Kiri didn't even think straight before her little legs were running towards her grandmother's tent. Even if she gets there quickly, her grandmother won't be able to speed up her steps that much. Seeing her mother in that state terrified her. How long were you there suffering alone? With no one to take away her fear.

Kiri had never run so hard in her life, her lungs were burning for air and her mouth was dry. On the way to the tents, Kiri came across ikrans landing nearby. It was her father and her brothers.

"Hi babygirl, why are you in such a hurry-", Jake was cut off by the pleading voice of Kiri who was gasping for air.

"Sempul! Go to mommy, she needs your help. She's near the tree she usually stands to weave things. Now I need to go to grandma, please take care of mommy!", Kiri didn't even give her father a chance to answer or ask any questions before running back to her grandma. Jake was alarmed by his daughter's tone and her haste. Putting the pieces together, Jake's mind could only think of one thing.

His baby is coming.

Before he could even draw that conclusion, he found himself running frantically to the tree his daughter had said, being followed by his other children. "No, you go back home. Tell Kiri to stay too", Jake shouted over his shoulder, still seeing his children following him.

"We can't stay home, mommy needs help!", Lo'ak tried to argue but only received a warning look from Jake.

"Stay. I'm ordering", Jake spoke in a firmer voice, noticing how his children stopped in their running and just looked at his back. Jake wasn't sure if you would want your children watching your sister deliver her baby and they could only make the situation worse by asking questions. Therefore, he had no choice.

Concentrating on the road ahead, Jake finally arrives at the place informed and is confronted with their pleading and agonized cries. It breaks his heart. If Kiri hadn't found you, what would have happened? Would you have had to go through this alone? He imagines how terrified you must have been.

"Hey, hey, are you all right? I'm here", Jake took your hand and squeezed it gently to convey his support. You didn't have to suffer without anyone anymore.

"I look fine to you-", your speech was cut off by the scream you let out from the sudden contraction you felt. You had forgotten what a hellish pain childbirth was. Even though you had already done it twice, you will definitely never get used to the feeling. "Ah Great Mother… give me strength." More tears rolled down your face as you continued to scream and squeeze Jake's hand.

Jake was never going to get used to this phenomenon either. It was terrifying to say the least to watch the birthing process. He hated to see you suffer, hated that only you had to go through this pain. But he was thrilled at the idea that his baby was finally coming. Jake's heart was starting to soften.

A few minutes had passed with Jake trying to comfort you, his wife, until Mo'at arrived on the scene. When she arrived, she didn't even exchange words properly before going to between your legs and analyzing the situation.

"You are already very dilated. I apologize for not being here sooner, my child. But now I need you to spread your legs wider and push."

You didn't even think long before you pushed it out. You couldn't wait any longer, everything hurt. Your body felt like it was going to break in half. Jake knew you had such strength in your hand at the birth of your first child, but man, he really was always scared. It's amazing that his hand didn't break.

Your throat hurt from screaming so much, and your lower half was numb. Mo'at said that she was already starting to see the child, so she encouraged you to continue.

But how? Frankly, you were running out of strength. This is definitely the most difficult labor of the previous two. You wanted to scream at Eywa and ask her to get it over with, but you could only let out shaky sighs as you continued your labor.

This baby will be a blessing, you will love it as much as the others, you couldn't wait to hold it in your arms. But it's Jake's fault that you're lying there on the floor in pain.

After a lot of sacrifice, a lot of effort, a lot of tears and pain. You were finally able to hear your son's cry. Or rather, daughter.

It was a girl, a beautiful little girl.

You laid your head down on the support Mo'at had placed for you, while you stabilized your breathing. You were exhausted, feeling like you might pass out at any moment. Your body was disgusting and sticky, covered in sweat and blood. It was a little frustrating. But what kept you from exhaustion was the beautiful cry of your daughter. It was one of the most beautiful sounds you had ever heard.

Mo'at handed the baby into Jake's trembling hands as she thanked Eywa for the blessing. There were tears in her eyes and a wide smile on her lips.

Jake held his daughter in his arms with the greatest care in the world. Tears ran down his cheeks as he talked to the baby to calm her down. "She's so… beautiful."

You let out a weak laugh, more tears filling your eyes. You were thrilled to see Jake's infectious smile, to see your beautiful baby standing there. "Thank you, Big Mom. Thank you."

Jake brought the baby close to you and gently placed her on your chest. She was fussy, crying, but the moment she felt your mother's warmth, she calmed down. Jake helped you support the baby, since you didn't have much strength to hold her. He laughed at the way a small smile settled on the baby's mouth, resulting in an even bigger one from you.

"What's it going to be named, yawntu?", Jake asked, depositing a delicate kiss on your forehead. It was so soft that you thought you had imagined it.

Analyzing the little face of your daughter, you mentally thanked Eywa once again for blessing you with another pure little being in your life. You were very happy.

"Tuk. Tuktirey. That is the name of our new star."

"Mom, can I hold her?" Lo'ak was on his side, just looking at his little sister sleeping on the cloth that was pinned to his chest.

He was not one to admit or call others cute. But in this case it was inevitable. His new baby sister was so cute and cuddly! Her little hands clasped tightly near her mouth to bite, which looked disgusting since she had no teeth.

"If you hold it, you'll knock her over, skxawng", not even looking at her brother, Kiri said with her usual debauched tone. She couldn't take her eyes off her little sister either, her chubby body being too cute to look away.

Neteyam, like his brothers, was inside the small circle they formed around you, who were preparing dinner that day. As an older brother, he was thrilled to gain another sister. He would not speak aloud, but he was afraid that it was another boy, Lo'ak was already enough to handle. Anyway, he was also itching to hold her, but he didn't have the courage to ask like Lo'ak. But not only that, he was also afraid of knocking over or hurting his precious Tuk, so just looking at her was enough. Neteyam already loved her as much as his other brothers did.

"I know you all want to pick up and play with your sister, but she is sleeping now. When she wakes up, you guys can talk to Tuk all you want", you said looking fondly at each of your little ones, noticing the almost nil disappointment in their eyes. You let out a giggle at that.

Jake silently snuck up behind you, slipping his big arms around your waist and resting his chin on your shoulder, depositing a lingering kiss on your neck in the process. "Yes. And anyway, only I can hold the TukTuk."

You rolled your eyes at the comment. The children frowned at their father and then said 'That's unfair!'. Jake loved to tease them.

"Sure, sure, Jake Sully", you turned your head to look into his face and deposited a gentle kiss on his lips. "Now go play! You're getting in the way of my food preparation. You too Ma'Jake."

Lo'ak didn't want to leave Tuk's side, she was stronger than he was. But Neteyam dragged him to the other corner of the hut, Kiri saying goodbye to her little sister and following right behind.

Jake and his stubborn spirit, on the other hand, remained motionless in the same place. You sighed and just continued to season the meat to put on the fire to roast later. "And the big baby, will you unglue?"

"I know you don't want me far away", he came closer to you, if it was possible, and began depositing kisses and kisses all over your neck and shoulder. That got you a few gasps and a tickle.

"Pff, how proud you are, huh."

A comfortable silence settled between you, only listening to the screams of the children, probably fighting among themselves over some toy. Neteyam seemed a little lost in the middle not knowing whether to indulge his desire to also fight, or to separate his siblings.

You were more than happy to have this family. You couldn't want anything else in your life. Eywa blessed you with everything beautiful.

Your younger self would never imagine or even think about the possibility of having a family. Your own family. And you're not sure what your former self would think. But your younger self is definitely very happy now. You can only thank Great Mother, and Jake, for coming into your life.

With each moment your heart was filled with more and more affection. So much love that it overflowed and you didn't know what to spend it on; Jake and you have surely raised the most beautiful and sweetest children in all of Pandora.

"We could have one more."

And then silence. Your movements simply stopped and you turned your face to look at him in shock.

"Jake, are you kidding? We just had another baby!"

"What? We can always do more, right?", Jake sank his face into the curve of your neck, inhaling your sweet scent as he listened to your incredulous laugh. "I can always fill you up with more."

"You are unbelievable sometimes, Jake Sully." You didn't know how to react to your husband's comment. He says that, but when your kids get ready, the first thing he says is 'No more kids!'

You removed Jake's arms from around you, turned around and put your hands on his face, then murmured, "Maybe on our next date night."

There wasn't even time for the man to react before you added to your previous sentence, "Now help me with dinner. I need to finish for you before Tuk wakes up."

Jake pulled himself together and let out a loud laugh before giving you a hug, taking care of the baby on his chest. You were startled, but couldn't stop the smile that was forming on your lips as you heard him whisper, "Thank you, for everything, my love."

"I who thank you, tìyawn."

I believe this is the last part of this story, which at the beginning I didn't even think there would be more 😭 thanks a lot for everything!!! If you want to send suggestions of what I can write or extra scenarios for this story anyway, feel free!

｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡🍓｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡🍒

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Foraging has become a REALLY hot topic over the past few years. We even saw a surge of interest at the start of the pandemic fueled both by the shutdown, and by concerns about food security due to grocery shortages. My foraging classes are consistently the most popular ones I offer, and the Facebook groups I'm on are absolutely teeming with new people interested in getting started.

But as with any extractive activity, foraging has its downsides. The more people out in the woods and fields looking for edible mushrooms (and plants), the more strain that puts on local ecosystems. In my classes I advocate for only taking 25% of a given species in an area (unless you find, like, three chanterelles, in which case just pick the three chanterelles.) A lot of people have less restraint, and of course you have commercial mushroom hunters who will clean out every single marketable mushroom they find, leaving nothing for anyone else.

This is a topic that I don't feel gets enough attention in the foraging world, but we desperately need to be talking about it more. Most of us who forage do not rely on it as a primary form of food security, and have other reasonable options for acquiring food. Yes, it can be fun to go out looking for mushrooms and berries and such when we're out hiking and camping, and I am a big fan of what I call "incidental foraging"--picking things you find while you're doing something else. It's good to know how to identify edible and it's a nice treat when I run across something. But unless my situation changes to where my food security is seriously threatened, I do not personally feel the need to be one of those foragers where 90% of what they eat is something they foraged, especially when I am financially secure enough to be able to go to the grocery store whenever I want. I think most foragers these days are in a similar situation, though there are always going to be people for whom foraging is a necessary and vital part of food security.

So yes, I am strongly in favor of bag limits for non-indigenous people, hardship permits for those in financial need (and don't make the application process too much of a hurdle), and curbs on widespread commercial mushroom harvest. It's not just to save something for other people, but to reduce wear and tear on the land. Those mushrooms need to be spreading spores for the next generation, and I worry that overharvesting is going to have deleterious effects both on the mushroom species being harvested, and the health of the ecosystems they are a part of.

[lokh]

Okay, I won't lie NSW is more than slightly outside of my area of expertise when it comes to camping but the basics are the same anywhere. You said you have a tent and bag and some gear so we're not starting out at baby beginnings.

Step one, check the forecast. If its gonna be a heat wave or a cold snap or pissing rain wouldn't it be nice to know that before you're sitting miserable in a tent in the middle of nowhere? Plan accordingly, pack accordingly and you will be amazed how much you can deal with if you're prepared for it. Personally I have a nice rainshell with me at all times because it acts as a windbreak, water barrier, and exposure layer. I have taken a rainshell into the mojave desert where it never rains and I was right to do so because the wind got cold. I have occasionally been the overprepared dork, but I have more often been the only one not getting hypothermia.

Step two, know where you're going. As in, what to expect not just physically where it is. Are there restrooms? Water? Animals? Poisonous/stabby plants? Poisonous/stabby bugs? Other campers? Poisonous/stabby campers? Hazards? Cell service? Emergency services? Gas stations? Can you safely have a fire? Can you toast/grill your food or are you having cold dinner?

Step three, pack the most obscenely overdone toiletries kit you can imagine. Yes, this is actually important. My god, human bodies are messy. All your basic overnight goodies and then add sunscreen, bug dope, wet wipes or something similar, your own toilet paper and something to dig with if you're going out past available restrooms, and a small first aid kit. The kit doesn't have to be a full triage supply, tweezers, bandaids, antiseptic and maybe some gauze if you're clumsy. If you are gonna be doing a lot of walking/hiking I also recommend moleskin for blisters. Put the moleskin on BEFORE the blister pops.

Step four, look at the forecast again, assume it's wrong and pack for the worst weather possible. You need a dry pair of socks and undies. You need long sleeves and a spare shirt. Even if it doesn't feel like it, you will sweat through the day and get damp and if you sleep in the same thing you've been wearing you will get chilled. This is why every one says no cotton for camping, no matter where you are. I have a full change of clothes for sleeping so my day clothes can air and dry overnight.

Step five is food and its really each to his own for this one. If you're hiking out you will be more limited as far as weight/refrigeration, but thats somewhat of a trial and error thing. Freeze dried meals have their place but there is no reason it has to be your go to. Remember your water and remember that if you sweat and replace it with nothing but water you will be hurting. Powdered drink mix is your friend. If you're car camping and tenting next to the car I just bring a 5 gallon jug of water that stays in the car and refill waterbottles as needed. (Note: Senshi from dungeon meshi isn't actually an unattainable fantasy, you can cook a full scale meal in the backcountry if you really want to. It is several magnitudes more difficult than you would think if you are used to cooking in a kitchen, but it is possible.)

Step six is assessing your gadgets. If you want your phone you probably need a power pack to charge it. You will want a flashlight for the dark, not your phone, not glowsticks. If you want a camera you have to figure out how to carry that with you. You also need to figure out if you have cell service and a way to call for help. The more intense you get into this, the more you should look at getting a GPS or inreach/spot device, especially if you want to go alone. This is also a good time to come to grips with the falliblity of technology and get a paper map.

Step seven is for sleeping arrangements, which you seem to have covered. My rip is to set up sleeping stuff as soon as you get to where your making camp, so that way your bag has a chance to loft and your aren't fiddling with stuff sacks in the dark when your tired. And drunk if you're party camping. Open the sleeping bag before the tequila. Also a sleeping pad will protect your bag and also your joints so you don't wake up feeling like Rip van Winkle.

Have fun, be safe, don't be a dick and clean up after your self at your campsite. Sleeping in the dirt is a great time and I hope you enjoy your trip.

thank you so much!!!! i had a great trip but it wouldve been better if id followed your advice more carefully LMAO

[olderthannetfic]

Every now and again a comment comes along and makes me ascend to a higher plane in order to scream into the void. I have just been informed by a reader that I'm "trying too hard" to make a queer character "too normie and respectable". He's too hetero (he's bi and has dated women, ew icky), he "dresses painfully normal, like he's obsessed with passing as straight" (he grew up in deep poverty and canonically dresses nice to try to project the image of someone who definitely didn't grow up poor), and he "does stuff no actual queer people do" like hiking, camping, off-roading and fishing. He remains in fic the same polite guy who will plot to destroy you if you ever hurt his loved ones he was in canon, instead of "acting like a real queer man", whatever that means. He's the same dude we got in canon, just with some crushes on guys growing up and a romance in college, and I guess that's me "trying too hard"? Real queer men can't like certain things and wear blazers and prefer quietly planning how to decimate your personal life to punching dudes in the face and liking and wearing whatever the fuck this person thinks are the "correct" queer things to like/wear?

I get that I'm not from the US so maybe all of these things are off-limits to queers there but as someone from a country where being queer is illegal, who saw a lot of myself in this character's little moments of maybe-a-crush-maybe-a-bromance with another and with him being so, in his own words, boring, it's really discouraging. I guess I'm an incorrect queer, too. I guess I'm trying too hard, I'm too normie, if I was a good queer I would be interested in other things and dress differently and not be /gestures to self/ like this. Good queers don't act a certain way, we all need to be a distinct separate flavor of Not Like The Straights or we're living our lives wrong and into respectability culture.

I know this makes me drunk on respectability politics and a bad queer but maybe sometimes you don't have to choose between your interests, personality and likes and being queer. Maybe a guy can just be boring (with some canonical murder, as a treat) and queer. Maybe it's okay to just be mid.

--

*snickering*

God, if I had a nickel for every time someone pulled this nonsense.

Even among US stereotypes of queer men, there are multiple.

[brandwhorestarscream]

I read the newest post on the cybermorph au and this. THIS IS THE SHIT I’M TALKING ABOUT! Bro Trion just LEFT the YOUNG MECH WHO GIVING BIRTH! Not gonna lie, if someone I loved left me during childbirth (not by choice but still) -I’ll straight up become a super villain. Fuck it. this is D-16’s canon event.

Love your work, hope you can continue with pregnant D-16 part 4 and the cybermorph au!

In Alpha Trion's defense, they know next to nothing about cybermorphs. As far as they know, chestbursters are always fatal (they're not, but we can get into that later). The best thing to do if you're faced with cybermorph eggs is to run. Don't try to be a hero, just put as much space between yourself and them as fast as you can. He made an executive decision to protect three vulnerable children from a grisly fate, in his mind: he's not the bad guy in this

But we can talk about that later: for now, poor D-16 all alone 🥺 When he wakes up he's having rapid ocontractions and the next egg is already on its way. Normally it wouldn't be a problem, but these eggs have been trapped inside for months and are huge compared to the usual morphling pods. He's all by himself in labor, and all he can do is strain and push and wrap his arms around himself. Pathetically attempting to hug himself, he rocks back and forth in a desperate attempt to self soothe, crying harder than he ever has as he delivers egg after egg after egg. Laying in a puddle of bloodied mud, he calls helplessly for Orion, for anyone to help him, but his voice echoes endlessly in the cave without answer

He has no idea where they've gone, he had passed out and was unconscious when Alpha Trion evacuated them all. He doesn't know what happened. Disoriented from pain and too weak from labor, once all five of the eggs are out he faints again. He's lost a lot of energon, and was already sick when they arrived. Tbh, the only reason he doesn't die is because of his morph code. Cybermorphs are damn near unkillable, and his body enters a form of suspended stasis in an attempt to regenerate and preserve his spark. At some point during the birth his whole body had transformed, so the frail, unmistakable form of an infant cybermorph queen lays comatose amongst the deceased Primes, five large ovomorphs nestled together nearby.

They could be there for hours, days, weeks, months, years. The queen will remain in a coma til his body can refuel, and the eggs will remain in stasis until an incubator becomes available

Thankfully though, neither will have to wait long 🤭 Alpha Trion has evacuated the younglings elsewhere, and tells them what he knows--about Sentinel, about the quintessons, and about D-16. That he's dangerous, all of morphkind are dangerous, and they absolutely cannot go back for him. They would all die. "I am sorry, little ones. I know this is distressing."

Knowing they're can't outrun the old mech, nor escape the strength of his hold, Orion waits until nightfall and they're all asleep to run away from their camp.

...followed by Elita, cuz she knew his dumb ass was gonna try something.

........followed by B-127, because he wants to be included.

They hike back toward the cave (they still have the map, after all). Bee asks if they're sure this is a good idea, cuz, y'know, Alpha Trion said they'd die.

"I don't care what he thinks," is Orion's response, frowning. "Dee's not a monster. He'd never hurt us. And right now he's hurt, and he's sick, and he needs us!"

It takes them quite awhile to get there, but it's still dark when they duck into the original cave entrance. The stars are beginning to slowly blink, promising the delivery of morning sun shortly, when they make their way inside. It's still incredibly dark in the Grave, and even with their mining headlights it's hard to see.

"DEE!" Orion cups both hands around his mouth to yell as they stumble through the darkness. "Dee, we're back! Are you alright? Where are you?"

He can't remember exactly where Alpha Trion had laid him down. The cavern is spacious and they spread out, trying to find their friend, calling his name repeatedly.

Suddenly, something splashes under Orion's pede, cold and slimy. He backpadels with a yelp of surprise, kicking his leg in disgust. "Ok, gross, I stepped in something-"

He hears a soft crinkling noise and looks down, scanning the ground with his little beam of light. There's... a weird oblong thing on the ground. Silver in color, and sitting in a puddle of what looks like crusted mud, dirt wetted with energon. The round silver thing looks rubbery, outside smooth and springy, and the top is blooming open like the petals of the weird invasive plants they'd by now become well acquainted with.

"Huh..." He kneels down to investigate. "Hey, guys, were these here before?"

Elita's voice echoes from the darkness, somewhere to his left. "Was what here before?"

"These rubber things!" He reaches out and pokes it with one finger. It jiggles, and pulses softly with pink light, almost reminiscent of the energon veins. Another crinkling noise, and he glances to his right. There's another one, nearly identical to the first, opening up it's petals. He glances upwards, and sure enough, there's a tiny bit of light beginning to bleed in from the cave ceiling. They must be reacting to the sunlight! "I think they're more of the 'nature' stuff-"

There's a flash of movement from the corner of his optic and something flies out at him from the darkness with terrifying precision. It impacts his face, his denta, with such force it sends him crashing backwards onto the cave floor, screaming. Its too dark, he can't see, there's something cold and wet and slimy attacking him. He tries to claw at it but it's slippery, and he gags as the long, wet little creature forces it's way into his mouth and dives down his throat. He gags grandly around it, whole body flailing as he tries to pull it out, but its too fast, slithering with speed like a darting pipe-viper down his intake. He feels it slither over his glossa and the tip of it's long, wormy body disappears past his lips--and then everything goes black.

...

Press F for Orion 😔 cybermorph survival guide rule #1: never poke at alien eggs!

For anyone wondering why they're not facehuggers, its because these are morphling eggs. Morphlings are cybermorph sparklings: they can only be created through sexual fertilization of an egg, and hatch from their eggs in larva stage. They still require an incubator, and while inside, they undergo rapid metamorphosis then pop out as actual sparklings later. Drone eggs, which are asexually produced by a queen, follow the more traditional xenomorph life cycle, being deposited by a facehugger parasite and then chestbursting as the traditional worm-like larva. Hope you enjoyed

[changingplumbob]

Glenn Sutherland

Reworked for @cawthorntales's bachelor challenge. More below!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hey there, I'm Glenn. If I was to describe myself in one word it would be garden. I love getting into nature and getting my hands dirty. I have a wonderful garden with plants grown from clippings that have been in my family for generations. The neighbours like to say I practice witchcraft with how well my garden survives over winter. Rumors like that have done enough damage to my family tree over the years, all I have left is my grandfather. Any abilities I have are between me and the watcher, and hopefully Grayson.

Why did you apply?

Who doesn't want love? The world is full of beautiful people, me included. What good is a perfect flower if you have no one to give it to? I'm ready to branch out to new horizons and open my heart.

Outfits for my bisexual guy

What do you enjoy apart from gardening?

If I'm outside I like hiking, fishing, camping under the stars. At home I love to be in the kitchen. I cook up meals all the time. Cooking allows for a lot of experimentation with flavours, no magic required, although it can give it a nice kick... I have to exercise to balance out all the good food I eat, so sue for being proud of looking good. I do like to curl up on the couch to check out a movie, especially if the weather is bad. If we're watching a series together, don't be skipping ahead without me!

What are you looking forward to?

Meeting Grayson! He sounds like an interesting guy. What can I say? I like a guy with muscles. And they told me he has a dog! My grandfather and I had a German Shepherd called Doc Brown, you know after the inventor in Back to the Future. I miss that dog.

What are you dreading?

I have been told by some before that I'm an acquired taste. I'm really not looking forward to having to prove myself alongside a bunch of other contestants. People can assume I'm full of myself but I have the skills to back up my ego.

Do you have a message for Grayson?

Hey handsome, I heard you're looking for a special someone? If you like being showered in flowers then I'm your man. Give me a chance and I promise I'll treat you and Olive right. Lets make our own epic love story.

CC info ... Download (SFS)

@pralinesims: Skin detail lashes Temza, Left eyebrow studs, Earrings back in time

@nucrests: Bayside Shirt

@frenchiesimgirl: Jeans, Tattoo (whimsical flowers)

@helgatisha: Formal suit Recolour Vest Victorian

EA Content: My First Pet Stuff, Cottage Living

[labelleizzy]

Man, depression SUCKS

So I'm working my checklist. This is one of em:

Took a (much needed) shower 🚿 for my poor grody body. Not gonna say how many days it's been, I do want to start tracking how often I DO shower so I can try and figure out how to do it more often.

Got my tea and morning meds in. Only missed one dose this week.

Am drinking water. (Black cherry seltzer)

Had breakfast. Now I've made lunch (quesadilla with a bit of salsa and a bit of lunch meat, and a sliced apple). We're out of bread.

Am eating to make sure I can last the whole of this shopping trip. (Going out with spouse to find cutlery for the camper van and try out a couple of camping things at REI. Lightweight camp chairs is one goal, and I wanna look at their hiking and walking boots and shoes.)

My body hurts less than yesterday , I think thanks to the long hot shower and a bit of stretching. I'm behind on my workouts and will work out some accountability or rewards to encourage myself.

I have stuff to do to get the rest of the way ready for Halloween,

and other stuff to be prepared for working the elections. I did finish writing my postcards for the GOTV in Georgia (and mailed them on time!) Next Monday is gonna suck because of the time change.

Speaking of, I need to finish researching and marking my ballot. I don't know enough about my local races or the state propositions.

I miss my friend GrlPurple. She used to host Proposition Parties. Lots of good food, and each person picked or got assigned one proposition to research and talk about so everyone could feel reasonably well informed without having to look EVERYTHING up themselves.

Thanks for listening 🎧😊 bleeding off a couple hundred words always helps make the world less bleak.

And in case nobody told you today: I love you, you're fabulous, your ass looks fantastic, and you can! Do the thing!