#anyway i passed and i'm getting out of there and onto new adventures (and challenges)

[disdaidal]

Good news: your girl got a call from her school today, passed all her exams and is getting her high school diploma this spring/summer, so yay.

I’m “only” 34 after all, but what the fuck. I did it.

[sonicasura]

Hey guys, does anyone remember the Sonic storybook games? If you guys don't know, the storybook games are Sonic the Hedgehog titles that embody elements of actual established stories. Examples being Sonic and the Secret Rings which went through the 101 Arabian Nights.

Also Sonic and the Black Knight which centers around the tale of King Arthur.

So, if they make another storybook game, you know what would be a good one to do next? Journey To The West!

This tale being one of the most popular and influential in China. It centers around a Buddhist Monk and his disciples on a journey to India in search for holy scriptures. Of course, people learn about it through one of its more memorable characters, Sun Wukong the Monkey King.

Trust me when I say that a majority of people learn about this story via the Monkey King. I'd being lying if I say I didn't either. 🐒

Anywho back onto the topic at hand, Sonic the Hedgehog videogame with focus on Journey To The West! Now how does our Blue Blur end up in this magical situation?

In the previous games, he was actually summoned to help but in my opinion a different route could be better. Demons tend to mess with powerful magic in search of power or immortality so why not have one stir up trouble using a forbidden magic?

Sonic is accidentally drawn into the book world through this spell along with other things that don't belong. Another issue is that our hedgehog is literally on his own. No alternate book version of his companions or any real allies from his world. It's only him and the Journey To The West crew who end up finding him.

This spell only brings a lot of trouble for the group as now they have to face not only demons or other immortals but things from Sonic's world that's been pulled in as well. Bosses ranging from demon, heavenly, magical and mechanical which stands in their way of stopping the magic mayhem before things escalate further but also get our blue blur back home.

Doesn't help that he looks off as I want a sort of Into the Spiderverse situation for appearances. The entire world looks more similar to Hero is Back or Monkey King Reborn graphic wise.

Gameplay wise, I think it should be a mix of open world platformer with the team mechanics from Sonic Heroes alongside the team attack skills from Sonic Chronicles and maybe some sections being a wild beat em up like in Sonic Unleashed.

Sonic has to work together with the JTTW crew to get through certain areas, bypass obstacles or defeat dangerous bosses that he normally couldn't do on his own. Every member having a unique skill to help out.

Sonic's super speed being able to get pass timed gates or sneak past guard spots. Sun Wukong having a climbing ability but also use his staff to reach far away areas. Tripitaka being able to decipher unreadable texts and using protection sutras to protect against environmental hazards. Sha Wujing (Sandy) being able to explore underwater or flooded areas. Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) sniffing out collectables or hidden items. Even the White Dragon Horse (Bai Long Ma) allows for fast travel and usage of his dragon form for aerial stages.

A new addition can be a Support Conversation system. Our hedgehog hero building bonds with the group boosting the chances of new Team Attacks, Combat Skills, and all kinds of perks.

We can't forget about special powers either. For this, I'm thinking of something similar to the 72 Transformations called Alter Incarnation. A transformation ability allowing Sonic to transform into various creatures or even objects. Some optional transformations can only be unlocked by facing special bosses from Sonic's past adventures in the Mind Palace.

The Mind Palace acting like a challenge mode and a way to upgrade Sonic's abilities or items. Maybe even view cutscenes or different collectibles. It can even act as a menu of sorts.

Anyway, these optional transformations can range from Wisps to even locked forms such as the Werehog or Darkspine Sonic. Of course, you can either go alone or with one ally from the crew. Unique commentary being an extra bonus depending on what boss you choose and ally you bring in to help you.

For possible boss battles in the main game, I think the about various opponents our crew faced on their Journey To The West and some unexpected ones than just new Sonic bosses. Clash against Bull Demon King (or Demon Bull King to those in the west), exorcise the White Bone Spirit, find out the imposter with the Six Eared Macaque and maybe fend off an assault from Erlang Shen.

As area/levels, a blend of places from the JTTW like Mount Huagao (Flower Fruit Mountain), Land of Women, Sea Dragon Palace or even the Celestial Realms, new levels originally from Sonic's world and even areas that are a mixture of both to show the growing threat of this outta control magic.

Rating wise, I say Teen just so Sonic gets a chance to either swear or at least one F bomb. Shadow was able to swear in that edgy ass Shadow the Hedgehog game so why not the Blue Blur? Plus the Monkey King is most likely not to stay PG either. 🐵

That's all I have to say! Until next time folks, I'll see you later! Next part

[ilovebeingcalledawhore]

JULIET | DONGHYUCK

Content: Fluff, Theatre actor au, Suggestive Content

Summary: You’ve been catching feelings for the main lead of the school’s play “Romeo and Juliet” and you sure wished you were Juliet but you didn’t know that it was actually happening!

Note: I do NOT own the story(Romeo & Juliet) but I own this drabble’s plot and the bits taken from the script are from here.

Warning: I use British spelling.

ONE-SHOT

"Lucky her" I pouted, sulking into Lia’s arms, my head resting on her shoulders while I fake sobbed. I stared at the bulletin board with the names of the students who passed the audition for the school's upcoming production, the classic Shakespeare story, Romeo and Juliet.

"She probably paid her way into the role, it would've totally been you" Lia replied and I raised my head to see the scowl on her face. "You're so nice to me" I uttered, plopping my head back onto her shoulder and she sighed. "All I'm saying is, the school is dumb for not seeing your talent"

The pout on my face turned more evident and my hate for the standard-less staff worsened. I knew I deserved that role, I wanted to be the lead for once and Mina just had to ruin it for me, but it wasn't just about the play, there was something more to it, more like, someone. 

Lee Donghyuck, basically the most looked up to in the theatre organisation of our school. He's highly skilled and can turn from an assassin into a whiny girl. I for one, have been extremely impressed by him, except for the time he ran around in his red polka-dotted dress. Somebody remove that image off my mind.

Anyways, coming back to the topic. My goal this year was to star in the production with him, both leading the play and maybe even sharing a kiss at the end but dreams are only dreams. I fake sobbed harder causing Lia to slap me hard on the back.

"Stop being a big baby and get over it" she said, walking away abruptly leaving my head hanging on nothing. The sudden emptiness made me fall down face flat, well...almost. "Ah!" I screamed, expecting the painful hit but instead, two hands pushed my shoulders tightly, reeling me back to stand.

My eyes were still shut and my hands were tightly gripping onto nothing as they rested on my sides. "You can open your eyes now" somebody chuckled but no, this wasn't just somebody. I knew this voice, considering the fact that I loved listening to it.

I opened my lids and there he was in front of me, in his black joggers and oversized hoodie. He looked breath taking, well...not really, I noticed the melted chocolate on the sides of his face. Still hellishly adorable though.

"Congrats on getting the role by the way" I greeted with hesitation, my mind replaying the incident just seconds earlier. He rubbed the nape of his neck with a grin as his eyes landed on his name right at the top of the list, with the words 'Lead:' beside it.

"Thanks" he muttered, giving me a soft glance. I wanted to say something else but I felt the piercing gaze of Lia behind my back, I wouldn't keep her waiting. "Alright, see you around" I said, walking away, linking my arms on Lia's while I puffed my cheeks in excitement.

Holy shit!

You think exams are hard?

Trying my best not to scream in joy was one hell of a challenge. He talked to me! He talked to me! Those words ran around my head like a marathon "Okay lover girl, you need to calm down" Lia chuckled at my red face, calling me out, noticing that we were finally far away from Donghyuck.

"He's so cute" I uttered, an upset pout appearing on my face. It's truly unfair, that's what it is. 

We were quietly walking around the campus, discussing the physics test when we saw Mr. Kim, the English teacher and the nurse running in the hall. The teacher spotted us and called out our names. "Y/n, Lia!" He beckoned and we ran. The worried look on the nurses' face was a sign that it was serious because all throughout the years I've studied here, she’s never frowned.

We abruptly ran into the clinic and the first thing we saw was a girl laid down on the bed, her legs in some type of supporter. She was crying loudly, the cracks in her voice showing how much pain she was in.

That's when I realised who it was, Kang Mina. "Help us carry her," Mr. Kim said and there was a brief moment when me and Lia exchanged looks with each other but we complied. It wasn't that hard to carry her, considering the fact that there were four of us and the emergency medical technicians aka the people from the ambulance met us half way and carried Mina for us.

Minutes later, the teacher and nurse left, leaving me and Mina standing there dumbfounded."If she's gone.....who's going to be Juliet?" I muttered and Lia shrugged. Like it was perfectly timed, my phone dinged and I pulled it out my pocket to see a notification.

It was from Mrs. Choi, the production's administrator. 

Good Afternoon Ms. Y/L/N, 

You and two other girls have been chosen to get a call back for the lead role of Juliet in the upcoming production, "Romeo and Juliet", because of some circumstances, changes have had to be made. The auditions would be tomorrow at lunch time in the hall.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Choi

"Oh my goodness!" I screamed and Lia looked at me like I was crazy. "I might be Juliet!" I whisper-squealed and I saw her face light up. "Hell yeah!" We jumped up and down in the middle of the hallway, ignoring the looks of some students passing by.

_____

"By whose direction foundst thou out this place?" I spoke worriedly like the distraught female from the story. "By love, who first did prompt me to inquire; He lent me counsel and I lent him eyes. I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far, as that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea, I would adventure for such merchandise." He replied.

Yes…’he’ replied! The audition required us to act with Donghyuck to see which of us had the best chemistry with him. "Thank you" Mr. Choi cut us off and we were about to leave the stage when some judges stopped us. "No, stay" they signalled, causing us to go back to the centre.

"We've chosen our new Juliet," Ms. Wang, the art's department's head, proclaimed. The current cast and the two other girls sat there excitedly meanwhile, I stood there my mind blanking because Donghyuck was standing a little too close to me. Enough for me to take in his scent and how warm his sweater was.

"Let's all congratulate Y/n!" and the small crowd in the hall clapped but that didn't matter. What stuck most to me was how excited Donghyuck screamed and took me in his arms like I belonged there.

I am euphoric.

_________

I am frustrated

 I read the lines again and again, memorising every single world, every single coma and period. I wasn’t going to embarrass myself in front of him, I wanted to impress him with my skills. I was going to be the perfect Juliet and he’s going to be Romeo. 

He is my Romeo.

“Don’t stress too much” He stood beside me, nudging my side with his covered elbow. The play was starting in twenty minutes and the seats of the auditorium filled up quickly.  I wore a white gown, a vintage yet fairy tale like gown, with golden linings which added some type of elegant effect to it. Meanwhile, Donghyuck wore a prince-like suit but not too showy. It was navy blue and it had less details than mine did, perfectly portraying Romeo’s character.

He looked dashing and I looked like a disaster. No I didn’t, but if you took a little peek in my mind right now, you’d fly off from the intensity. 

I must do well.

___

“Don’t saints and pilgrims have lips too?” he asked, intertwining our fingers. “Yes, pilgrim, they have lips that they’re supposed to pray with” I replied. “Well then, saint, let lips do what hands do. I'm praying for you to kiss me. Please grant my prayer so my faith doesn’t turn to despair” he winked at me quickly and I had to stop myself from grinning.

“Saints don’t move, even when they grant prayers” I raised my brow. “Then don’t move while I act out my prayer”  Donghyuck slowly walked closer to me and little yelps and sounds of excitement left the audience's mouths. 

He kissed me. His soft lips locked into mine a little harder and deeper than I expected. The director never told us to do it whilst practising to keep the feeling authentic. 

“Now my sin has been taken from my lips to yours” he said as he pulled away but not far.

“Then do my lips now have the sin they took from yours?” I asked, a small smile creeping up my lips as the warm flame and electricity ran down my body.

“Sin from my lips? You encourage crime with your sweetness. Give me my sin back” he said as he pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. The audience cooed once more in excitement as he leaned forward, a grin on his pink lips.

We kissed again, a little longer, a little slower, a little more in love.

He walked into my heart like he belonged there, took down my walls and lit my soul on fire.

-T.M.

[imthepunchlord]

For all the new things, I kinda wished they showed all of this before SwSh was released, now it's a bit more pricey and I feel like it's kinda rushed. Also for the Mystery Dungeon, I'm excited for that bit I really hope that include all the starters and non starters as well in the final.

I wish they went ahead and pushed back SaS so it’d be released 2020, with this expansion back already included, and the new places we go to can be unlocked during our adventure or as postgame. I would’ve fine waiting and would’ve preferred it, especially to give them a chance to do more with the main story which is pretty weak and made little sense, and Rose was a very forced in villain. Also made no sense in the story climax. Watching playthroughs and seeing the climax of SaS I’m just... 

Its also frustrating that you get to hear about things happening and not actually witness or help. Like, its nice having adults acknowledge that you’re a kid, don’t worry about it we’ll handle it, but at the same time, that’s a chunk of story we have a right to see, and we’re kids in this game, we don’t always do what adults say we should follow and see what’s going on. That could’ve been something optional. Go to event to see what’s happening or skip it to go to the next gym. 

And this is turning into a rant so I’m going to put this below. For those that just want to read my comments on Mystery Dungeon, scroll down till you get to the Pikachu gif, I’ll talk about it below. 

Also there could’ve been improvements with the rivals. Marnie is suuuuper intriguing and I love her, Bede I also like though that’s more me missing mean rivals and man, he’s a brat and I say that with affection. But in the grand scheme of things, they felt pointless. More could’ve been done to include them. And Hop. God, Hop. I know people like him, but from what I’ve seen, he seems like the most annoying “friend rival” made to date. He does not know what personal space is. He waits for you in front of gyms. He waits for you on new routes. He has to comment on almost every move you make in your fights with him. 

I don’t even own the games but just from the playthroughs I’ve watched I’m just... go away. Leave the lead alone. Everywhere you turn, he’s there, waiting for you. It also feels like he only got endorsed because he’s Leon’s younger brother. There’s nothing about him that I like. And, I don’t know why he gets the other wolf legendary? What makes him worthy?What makes him want to be a Professor in the future? That’s out of nowhere. 

Something more could’ve been done with Hop, maybe an arc of him resenting you a little because every match you beat him, and he’s the Champion’s younger brother and you just seem to stay ahead. Maybe let us have more scene of him talking with Sonia since he’s going to be her future assistant. If he’s going to be constantly stalking us and waiting for us, then yeah, let’s at least better build up where his character will go. 

Then there’s the issue of pokemon. With it pretty much confirmed they just reused models from gen 7, yeah, there’s no reason to not include more pokemon. If not the National Dex, which wouldn’t bother me too much, then go ahead and add about half. At most, I’d love pokemon included that would make the most sense. Like, lion is a big symbol throughout all of Europe. There should be a lion in Galar, either Litleo or Shinx returning if not a new lion pokemon. And with the expansion packs, yeah, they’re already adding 200 each pack. 

And a lot of this dlc should already be in the game. If 400 pokemon are going to be added in, they should already be there. The new Giga forms should already be there and we should’ve seen the Giga Venusaur and Blastoise the same time as Charizard. 

I’m also salty that there’s no going to Kalos. Maybe it’ll be a future expansion, and that’s a dlc I wouldn’t mind, but those are two very linked countries they’re based on. And Galar truly isn’t a big region. The Wild Area isn’t as big as it could be. Like, it doesn’t have to be BotW big, but it could’ve been bigger than what we got. And if not expanding the Wild Area, we could’ve had Kalos as a new region to go to, and more gyms for us to do. 

ALSO.

I am not a fan of you refacing the gyms and having them act as your “Elite Four”. 

They’ve already been fought. Aside from the first two, you’ve already fought all the star Giga forms they have. Its a really lazy decision. At least, you can have the two first gym leaders come in since you didn’t fight their star Giga forms, and include the other two version exclusive gym leaders as the other two. Just for some freshness in this final challenge. 

I know they’re not big on voice acting, but, they should’ve put some form of VA into these games. Its a little awkward to get animated cutscenes and there’s no voices coming forth. And its at its worst when you get to Piers and you see him singing away, I presume loudly, into his mic and its just awkward cause there’s no voice and you can hear him tapping his foot to the music and its just so off putting to watch cause something is missing: a voice! And you know what’s the kicker? Pokemon has included voice acting before. 

There is no reason to not do something similar, at least for Piers’ intro so its not so awkward to watch. 

And then post game... the official post game... I, I honestly can’t say what is even going on? Those two blonde bimbos, those designs, who agreed to pass them? For sword guy, I don’t know whether I should be laughing or uncomfortable. Its like, an in between especially when his hair flops around. Also, their reasoning, they’re causing chaos in Galar because they didn’t like a book Sonia wrote??? 

The villains in these games are just so dumb.

Like, Rose had a good motive but, he is still forced in. And he activates the climax for no reason. He was promised by Leon that he would help with Eternatus, all he had to do was wait through one match. One match that would’ve been 30 minutes at most, roughly. Yet he couldn’t wait for one match and went ahead and woke up Eternatus, does a video asking for help, and when you arrive, stops you for a battle that doesn’t make sense to have cause he asked for help why is he holding you up with a battle?? 

And Team Yell. Supposed to be like, a 2nd Team Skull and these guys could dream to live up to Team Skull. They can’t. They’re not funny or enjoyable at all. And my friend brought up a good point on the issue of having Team Yell based on punks when they’re supposed to be the “villainous” team. Punks, historically, were rebelling against an unfair system, they were progressive and revolutionary. They stood up for LBGT rights, they stood for having individual freedom, and just wanted to break the restrictions society wanted to place on people, let people express themselves and be who they want to be. 

If you want Team Yell to be a 2nd Skull and play around with punks as their theme, then they should’ve been set up to be red herrings as well. Be wary at first and then later find that they have hearts of gold, and mean well, even if they can be a tad extreme sometimes. And maybe they can help build up the danger of Rose, who in turn wants to paint them in with a bad image since they’re going against him and what’s normal in society. 

Anyway... Sword and Shield honestly should’ve been pushed back. They should’ve been saved for 2020, or even 2021, or however how much time they need. I would’ve been fine waiting. A lot of fans would be. But what we got wasn’t worth the $60 it was being sold at, and definitely not worth the $90 its being sold at with the expansion packs, and as far as I know, these are very, very small areas to explore. Cause as we’ve seen with SaS, they built it up to be big and grand and, well, the Wild Area was smaller than expected and the whole was far shorter than expected. You could beat it in 20 hours roughly. 

I even have mixed feelings on there being no enhanced version, cause these games do have potential, they just needed more time and polish, and then it could’ve worth the $60 price. But also thankful that there’s not another 2nd version and we may be getting a few expansion packs instead. 

Though I do think a lot they’re bringing in should already be in the game. 

Anyway, enough ranting about Sas, onto Mystery Dungeon!

Demo I think could’ve been a little longer, they stop you before you go on the Skarmory mission, I think it could’ve been a better placement to end after the Skarmory mission. 

Anyway, I like the changes so far. I love you can choose a different pokemon if you don’t like what you got from the test. I love that you have an updated move pool, though I feel kinda OP but you also kinda need it for these games cause I remember them being so hard and as a starter that can’t evolve till like, post game, yeah you’re going to need that help. I love that you get to wear a little scarf. Design wise, a little weird at first but it grew on me. Kinda reminds me of Okami. 

By trailer, for sure they’re adding more pokemon in. Lucario is seen in the team, when before, you only saw Lucario as a statue in Red Blue, I believe? Its been a long time. But they only had Gen 1-3 in RB, and Lucario is there so I would think they’d add in a lot more pokemon. 

For starters, I’m hopeful that beating the game, if you replay, you’ll get more options for the starters to play as and have as your partner. I’d loooove to have a chance to play as Popplio. Mega Evolution is confirmed, I wonder if regional forms would also be playable, like if we could evolve into Alolan Marowak or be one of the other two regional Meowths. Otherwise, everyone you could be in the old game is there, with no gender restriction! You can be a female Cubone! A male Eevee! A female Cyndaquil! I’m so happy about that since as a kid, I wanted to play Cyndaquil but never got it in the test and had to look it up and was bummed that it was male only and I wanted to be a girl. 

My biggest hope though is that with this, we’ll have a chance to play two player, since you have a team of two usually, and your friend or sibling or SO can play your partner. 

I am pleasantly surprised with it so far, though I will be holding off when its released in a few months, just going to listen to all reviews once they beat the game and if its very positive, cause SaS had a strong start and then went down hill with Gamefreak rushing it and cutting corners. I’m hopeful for this remake but cautious still. 

[honeybeesintheimpala]

Title: An Angel's Lullaby

Pairing: DeanCas, Destiel

Rating: Explicit

Words: 93,662

Status: Complete

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7984306/chapters/18268822

Chapter One - The Man with the Ocean Eyes

"Excuse me," a gravelly voice suddenly fills the room and Dean's pen nearly goes flying, heart pumping. It's been at least two days since anyone's even walked through those doors and being alone with his thoughts isn't exactly a new thing but for that long, it gets to be a surprise when someone says something. He keeps it under control though, doesn't look up except a quick glance at a nice pair of khakis and a deep purple jumper.

He goes back to scribbling on the piece of paper where he's supposed to be filling out a request for another truck to come and take away a few boxes of older books, bring them to a charity or a foster house somewhere. 

"What can I help you with," he says, surprised that his own voice is bored considering his heart is pounding out a Jamaican beat and he's pretty sure he almost pissed his pants.

"I was just wondering if there are any books that you might recommend? I'm in the mood for reading, but not really sure what to look for," the man speaks at a low volume, as if there's anyone here to be disturbed.

Dean's intrigue is piqued though, so he pauses his doodles, knits his eyebrows together and looks up.

His eyes trace up the outline of his jumper, which wraps nicely around a narrow waist and a great chest, then leads into a white collared shirt, tan neck, a scruffy jaw that can't decide between chiseled and soft, some full lips that look like they might be chapped bit also look incredibly kissable, a straight-edge nose, and finally, two unfathomable blue eyes, shining bright as the Caribbean ocean that Dean is entirely too sure they are made of. His hair is a messy looking, bed-head-esque mop of dark chocolate brown and he smiles down at Dean as if he isn't the most attractive person Dean's ever encountered.

He's actually blown away by the fact that this man is inside a nearly failing library right now instead of out modeling a white pinstripe suit and blue tie from Men's Warehouse somewhere.

This time, Dean thinks he may actually piss his pants, but he refrains from any sort of urination onto cloth, as a mind-blowingly handsome man with some captivating blue eyes that seem to have stolen the sea is standing in front of his desk, asking about books.

He also refrains from exhibiting all of these passing thoughts on his face, because it feels like it's been a few minutes since he asked the question and the guy's probably starting to think Dean's some weirdo who can't speak under pressure.

"Library's a dying business, sir," he sits back in his chair and sets the pen down slowly. "Yeah, all the kids got their...electronic readers and...there are bookstores that sell books. Never out of stock of a specific book. Sometimes we get that; not having a specific book because all the copies got checked out...or we used to have that..."

The man stares down at him with such focus and intent, nodding along and knitting his brows together. Who is this guy?

"Nah, I mean, it's amazing that...someone wants a book so badly and loves it so much that they gotta buy it and have it forever," Dean continues, then leans forward again, grabbing a book to his left and wiggling it in the air. "Not so awesome for the library."

"That's so...intriguing...that you respect those other industries so much..." He replies, squinting, head tilting in a puppy dog manner.

Dean chuckles, setting the book down. Stares at the black cover as his smile slowly fades.

"Not much else I can do," he shrugs, shuffling through several books to find the one with the light yellow-beige cover, red outline and text reading Oliver Twist glaring up at him, and a small, square, painted picture of a boy in a hat playing at the edge of a wood sitting just above the title. "Once these places shut down, I'll inevitably drift into a bookstore, sign up to be a clerk or a stocker. 'Cause I mean," he flips the book over and opens the back page. Pulls out the name card from the pocket glued to the inside of the cover and examines it. "Yeah, a book ain't been checked out from here in three months."

He laughs and throws the book to his right, watches it skid across the table and come to a stop beside the red canvas hardcover with shiny blue letters indenting the words Of Mice and Men.

"Wow...so...I mean, how do you guys stay in business?" The guy is leaning ever forward, hands gripping the edge of the desk and arms stick straight as he balances himself over the books.

Dean smirks up at him.

"Ah," he scrubs at the back of his neck, cheeks hot, and looks away into the corner of the main entrance. "Well, charities? Mostly...and, uh, you know, school fundraisers, donations from the coffee shop down the street." He squints up at the giant skylight making up about ninety percent of the roof, thinking. "Oh, uh...this one guy. Some sorta bookwrite. Author of...damn, what are those things called...gaaahh...oh! An Angel's Lullaby!" Recognition passes over the man's face in clear abundance. "Guy's name, I'm still drawin' a blank on--"

"Chuck Shurley," the guy cuts him off but Dean is impressed. It's such an obscure book but he obviously knows it well.

"Yeah!" He points at the guy. "Yeah, yeah. You know him? I mean, his work?"

"Yeah...too well...why?"

"Ah, no...I'm just...just surprised, you know? Not a real popular selection," Dean thinks for a moment and it falls silent once more. Then: "You met him? He did a book signing here once. Not many people came, but..."

"Oh, yeah I've met him..." He doesn't elaborate, but Dean suspects it's because he just explained it for the guy, and it seems like it's making him a little uncomfortable anyway.

"Uh," he looks for something that might change the subject. "Well, to answer your first question..." He opens his mouth to continue but ends up chuckling and shaking his head. "Look, man, there's just too many books and not enough time. I've been coming to this library my entire life, probably read every single book by now. I mean, I can point you to some of my favourites, I guess, but really the only one off the top of my head and without me getting up is An Angel's Lullaby."

"Are you religious?" He asks suddenly and Dean's bewildered by the inquiry until he realises how obsessed he must seem with the book.

"Oh..." He breathes out a laugh. "Nah, that's...I'm an atheist, actually. I'm just...really into angels. Religions and...gods and deities are my thing. To be honest, I could probably list thirty Christian angels off the top of my head."

"Really," he seems impressed and Dean blushes harder. "How about...the three main archangels and...the Angel of Thursday."

Specific...and strange. But okay, he'll play along. For the sake of flirting.

"Okay...well there's Michael, the eldest son of God who was set to the task of casting Lucifer, second oldest, into hell because he claimed he could not love humanity as he loved his father. Gabriel, protector of humanity, present at the birth of Jesus Christ and the deliverer of the Holy news. And then...actually, my favourite, if I'm honest-" he looks up and watches the man's lips part, a blush crawling up his neck too, and he briefly wonders why, "-Castiel. Angel of Thursday, keeper of prayers said on that day." He smirks for a second before adding, "Always heard he was a real looker."

The man seems flustered, tugging at his jumper, pulling the v-neck away from his chest and adjusting his collar.

"Me too," he chokes out and Dean thinks it's entirely unfair how cute this man looks with a scarlet flush painting his cheeks and his hands not able to find a resting placing.

"I..." Dean starts, gazing down at his hand fiddling with the edge of a hardcover, nail scraping against the canvas. "I think I remember a few more books. Not real sure what you would like, but, uh..." He tears a corner off of the paper he was drawing on and scribbles down the titles and respective authors, then continues as he hands the list to the man. "Most of 'em are...classics...Little Women, Gone With the Wind, A Wrinkle in Time, Wuthering Heights...the original and best...version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

The man smiles down at the list and then down at Dean, and Dean's heart leaps into his throat.

"Thank you," he says quietly and Dean's eyes flit down, small smile of modest pride lifting his lips.

"Don't mention it," he whispers back, gaze meeting the man's once more. Then he leans forward and takes up the pen again, waggling it between two fingers. He leans on his bent arm and says, "So, you plannin' on checkin' anything out today, sir?"

And, without blinking or missing a beat, the man replies with the most unexpected answer, letting the words drip from his lips like fuckin' honey when he replies, "Just you."

Dean is astonished at this guy's guts, but a brazen vocabulary and a cocky attitude is exactly the kind of thing that gets him going.

He opens his mouth in a shocked kind of smile, and shakes his head as if he's offended at the nerve of those words.

"I...don't even know your name," Dean says slowly, eyes twitching from the man's leg to his chest to his mouth to his eyes. When they meet, the man tilts his head with another squint, this one more challenging than curious. Amazing how he can squint in the same manner with just the slightest differences and change the entire composure of the movement.

But Dean doesn't let himself get too distracted by this ability, and soon encounters a moment of realisation.

The blushing, fidgeting, stumbling words when he talked about Castiel...

"Your name is Castiel," he whispers, astounded. "And you have three brothers." Then more realisation. "And you haven't met Chuck Shurley, you used to live with him."

Castiel pushes his lips out and looks down, scratches through the stubble on the edge of his jaw, nods.

"And I assume," Castiel says, squinting at the wooden triangle at the corner of Dean's desk and smiling, then continuing, "your name is Dean Winchester and you work as a librarian."

"Hey, I am not...a librarian," he protests playfully, grin growing on his teeth. "I am...a book obsessed...checker...outer."

Castiel laughs and Dean gives him a look for a moment before bursting out into his own fit of laughter at how utterly ridiculous that title sounds.

"I'm guessing that sounded better in your head?"

"It did," Dean nods and chucks the pen at one of the books, sitting back in his chair again and kicking his legs up onto his desk. He cranes his neck and reaches behind him, grips the back of another rolling chair, and rolls it over so it's facing him. Pats the seat and jerks his head. "Come on around." Castiel looks uncertain, sliding the torn paper into his pocket and pursing his lips, slight squint of his eyes. Dean chuckles. "Come on. I don't bite."

"Isn't that against the rules or something?" Castiel asks as he makes his way around the right side of the desk and through the opening in the side, in spite of his words.

"'Eah, mostly," Dean shrugs and pushes his lips out, then smiles. "But no one else is around, don't have any cameras, and-" he holds out a hand, "-I'm a rebel."

Castiel laughs wholeheartedly at this, grin huge and gummy - the most enchanting thing Dean's ever seen - and his head tilted back, crinkles at the corners of his eyes. Dean notices a slight dimple in his left cheek and stores that information in the back of his mind for later, when he's having a rough day.

"What," he says, though he knows Castiel is laughing at his insanely stupid joking around.

"Nothing, you're just...really...interesting--"

"Interesting meaning...lame?" He squints and adds, "Dumbass, weirdo, bad amusement--"

"Hey, I genuinely laughed at that," Castiel points a finger at him, not hiding his grin.

Dean shakes his head, looks away, licks his lips. Things settle for a moment.

Dean plays with the hem of his black t-shirt, scratches his nails over the faded denim of his jeans, examines the familiar dark splotch of oil on the knee. He would dress nicer for work, but the last time anyone even walked through the doors was 48 hours ago, and he wasn't expecting any company today, either.

"Can't believe I'm flirting with the son of my favourite author," he mutters, reaching back over the back of his chair to snatch up another pen.

Castiel scoffs playfully, and Dean catches the smirk on his face when he turns back around.

"You call that flirting," Castiel quips, unbuttoning the wrists if his collared shirt and rolling the sleeves of both the shirt and jumper up.

Dean lets his brows drop and pushes his lips out in confusion. "Well...yeah..." Dean watches Castiel stifle a smile and glance down and away. "Why, what do you call it."

Castiel peeks up through mischievous, dark lashes and swimming eyes, lips parting in a secretive smirk.

"Honestly?" He starts, shifting in his seat and sitting back, settling his hands together in his lap. "A sad but sweet attempt to impress me."

"Oh, is that so?"

Castiel nods, grin growing across his cheeks. 

"And what would you consider flirting, mr. big-shot-I-know-exactly-how-to-woo-the-ladies?"

"Well, first of all," Castiel leans forward, rests an elbow against his knee, uses the armrest to balance himself, and points at Dean with raised brows, as if he's about to teach a lesson. "Sir. There's a difference between being laid back and being downright cocky. And you-" the corner of his lips twitches up very briefly, and his cyan blue eyes turn dark "-are neither."

"So what, exactly," Dean whispers, fingers a bit too loosely woven around the pen, teeth digging into his lip. "Do you propose I do about it?"

Castiel's gummy smile is printed into his teeth again and he shrugs a shoulder, bringing his lips down in an impressed bow.

"Well, that's the first step. Ask what you are instead of asking what to change. When you know, even if it's not true, even if it's only what another person sees, you can accept it."

Dean squints, leaning further back into his chair, pressing his index finger into the ballpoint, black ink tip of the pen and the other to the textured top of the cap wrapped around the end, pushing his tongue into his cheek and pursing his lips.

"Alright, fine. What am I?" Dean imposes, then grips the tip of the pen between his thumb and finger and adds, "To you. Smartass."

This earns him a short chuckle and an approving nod.

"Well...I think...you're reserved. You act like you're king shit and like you know exactly who you are, like you don't give two flying fucks about where you're headed in life, or maybe like you've already accepted it. You act comfortable with yourself, but what nerd is ever actually satisfied with their existence?" He's leaning ever-forward and Dean's cocksure smile is ever-fading, eyes becoming wide with marvel as the man-who-knows-too-much continues. "I think you're unsure. You're scared and you...you hide things that you think no one cares about. You're upset and self-deprecating. Eyes of a guilty conscience."

Dean drops his gaze, first to the floor, then to the pen, still grasped tightly by his fingers which have fallen into his lap and which fiddle vapidly with the object, nail scraping at the black polycarbonate and over the white indents that spell out the company name.

"But," Castiel starts up again, voice soft and lilting. Dean swallows hard. "I think you have a lot to give. I think you have...maybe too much to give. Too much forgiveness, too much love, too much doubt, too much strength and care. I think you are the embodiment of generosity, but you don't take what you really need in return. And I think that can get dangerous, but I also think that nothing is ever really too much." Dean's eyes flit back up in time to catch Castiel's angling downward, past Dean's chair, through the desk, through the floor, staring wistfully at something intangible. "People are greedy. And you're too willing to give."

Dean searches the man's face for any sign that this is all some sort of joke, that he's being filmed or some shit, but all he finds is truth and wisdom and knowledge, and possibly a glimmer, just a glimpse in those blue eyes, of a bittersweet past, an origin for where these words came from.

"I was right!" He exclaims as he sits back in the chair, shoulders trembling with a silent laugh. "You like to cover up your pain with gay jokes and stupid references."

"Now, that, I can't deny," Dean nods and everything falls silent. He rocks his chair gently, side to side, left to right, fingers still fidgeting with the tips of the pen, his head tilted in thought. Castiel's mouth is pulled up into a ginger smile, his eyes faraway and swimming in themselves, in the past, in glistening memories and soft-edged, slow-motion, sunny-fielded dreams. "What about you?" He asks suddenly, voice crackling and ripping through the still air as a quiet question. Castiel eyes don't move but his smile grows slightly. "I mean...what do you think of yourself."

"Not much," he replies, head lolling to the side and back, eyes catching on the impotent, pathetic little piles of books scattered about Dean's desk. "I like books. Reading. Writing. Time-consuming, arbitrary activities which include my eyes scanning words on a piece of pressed wood?" He furrows his brows and Dean throws his head back in a genuine, full laughter that he hasn't experienced in a long time.

"I can tell you write. What do you write about? Like, schmoopy romance novels? Sci-fi thrillers? Action adventure futurism?"

"And I can tell you do a lot of librarian...ing..." Castiel squints and presses his lips together in the contrite afterthought but continues, nevertheless. "I write what my dad would call 'a bunch of gay shit'." Dean cocks a brow. "Get your head out of the gutter, it's not as sexy as it sounds. For the most part. Bottom line, I'm gay, I hang out with gay people, and I wanted to dedicate my life to writing about it, about that experience. But my dad has never approved much."

"You don't say."

"Yeah...he's...more into theology. I think the one book he's ever written that really ventures into the realm of fiction, or at least dips it's toes past the line, is An Angel's Lullaby."

"Which parts are real?" Dean scratches the pen across the bumpy plastic chair arm and watches the black ink run in splotches over the grey of the polyvinyl.

"Our names, obviously," Castiel shifts again, bringing his leg down from across his knee and kicking off from the floor so he spins in a circle. Dean watches with a strangely adoring smile. "It's funny that that's the part most people think is fiction. But, no. Mom was a Jesus nut and Dad is too passive to care, so we ended up with angelic names and weird looks from sane people. The only parts that aren't completely true are the things like our address, the colours they painted our rooms, some of the dialogue that he added or got rid of in order to make the conversations more interesting or sensible - you know, just these really inane things..."

He trails off and he's staring at Dean with expectant brows, and Dean realises he's staring too, realises Castiel probably stopped because it's weird how attentive he is.

"Sorry. You're fun to listen to."

Castiel's cheeks paint themselves a thick fuchsia and his eyes drop to his empty palms resting uselessly in his lap, the lines becoming suddenly very interesting. Then they catch on his watch and widen and his head whips up.

"Well, if I'm so interesting to listen to," he leans forward, snatches the pen from Dean's hand, then takes the other hand and begins a careful scrawl across the back of it as he continues, "why don't you call me. And we can figure out a time to meet at the-" he recaps the pen and gently replaces it in Dean's hand "-coffee place down the street. But, right now, I have to go. College...and shit. Studying for a major in English takes a lot of time away from socialising."

"Sorry to keep you, I didn't--"

"No no no! It was..." His blush deepens and he stands, head down. "It was incredible to meet you. I really hope I can see you again."

"O-Of course," Dean's voice comes out stammered and soft, crackling with hope and fear and adoration, and Castiel smiles broadly.

"Great," he whispers back, then he's rushing around the side of the desk and out the front door and Dean is left to wonder if the entire exchange was even real or if his lonely, empty mind is just playing games. 

When he looks at the neat, black little numbers on his hand, he realises just how real right now is.

[uglypastels]

✏ My fact is that I have an obsession with Lisa Frank stickers and art even though I'm almost 17. The title I have for you is; "Eyes as bright as the stars and heart as big as the sun" sorry if it's to long, I can send a different one instead.

I did switch up the title. Hope you don’t mind. I was really inspired by it, so I didn’t want something else. 

It turned out to be a bit longer than a “short” story. Hope you Enjoy!! 

The Sun, the Stars and the Moon // Tom Holland

Tom stirred in his sleep. Frustrating images flashed before his eyes before he jumped up, waking himself up. His hand reached up to his heart, while the other for the hand of (Y/N). She didn’t even budge, her chest rising and falling slowly as she breathed calmly in her sleep. The opposite of Tom. He had to close his eyes and count to ten before his breathing stabilized. The hand clutching on to his heart stopped shaking. His skin felt clammy and cold.

(Y/N) turned, still sleeping. Tom let go of her hand so she could fall to her side more comfortably. He loved watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful and sweet. Her hair falling around her face perfectly, enveloping the pillow her head was resting on.

With his face in his hands, Tom fell back into his own pillow. He exhaled deeply. There was no need to worry. Everything was great. He was still in bed, the love of his life right next to him. It was just a stupid night terror. Just like the ones he used to have when he was younger. He had to just shake it off and go back to sleep.

Only he couldn’t. Half an hour later, and Tom was still wide awake. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to the cute snores of his girlfriend. It wasn’t even that bad, he thought. The problem now was that after the long period of just laying, not doing anything, his mouth had gotten incredibly dry. He needed a drink.

Careful not to made any harsh noises to wake (Y/N) up, Tom pulled off the sheets from his body and got up. The warm summer air felt tight around him. Quickly, but quietly, Tom walked towards the door and opened it hoping it wouldn’t crack this time. He only turned on the light in the hallway after he had closed the door. His eyes had to take a moment to get used to the brightness. Once they did though, he walked to the kitchen, still as quiet as he possibly could.

When he finally reached the kitchen Tom didn’t bother turning on the lights in there. He knew his way around that part of the house perfectly and, anyway, there was still some light shining through from the corridor. He could see just fine.

That was proved wrong by the first step he took. When he stubbed his leg against a chair. It took everything in his body not to scream out in pain. He had to think of (Y/N). He didn’t want to wake her up at… Tom turned to look at the clock on the oven… At 12:49 am. This was going to be a long night. He knew it.

Ignoring the pain, Tom walked to the fridge. He opened it just to stare at it blankly, forgetting what he wanted to get in the first place. He closed it, a bit too hard. The loud smack made him cringe but also remember what he came to do. Drink, he needed something to drink. Tea? That’s what people drank when they couldn’t sleep, right?

The cupboard above his head flew open as Tom pulled at the handle. The smell of various sorts of tea that (Y/N) had bought over the months filled his nostrils. Not really thinking much about it, he picked one of her favorites. He got a mug and then poured some water in the boiler. Then, it was just a matter of a few minutes. A few minutes that Tom gladly took as an opportunity to search for a late night snack. He knew that they had some biscuits stashed somewhere.

Too busy looking for the sweets, he had almost missed the point where the water boiled to its max. The boiler whistled and Tom had to practically run from the other side of the kitchen to take it off its heater to make the noise stop. Why did kitchen appliances always have to be so loud?

Tom had to get over the fact now that there was a high chance that he woke up his lovely girlfriend. He poured the boiling water into the Spider-Man mug (a present she had given him for his birthday as a joke. But the joke really was on (Y/N), as it was definitely one of Tom’s favorite cups).

When the tea had brewed until it was dark brown, almost black, Tom poured some honey and lemon juice into it. Another thing he had caught up since living with (Y/N). he remembered the first time she had made tea for him and the new taste had definitely left an impression. Even with the lemon in it, the drink was still sweet and in a way that didn’t feel artificial at all.

“Besides, it’s really good for your throat.” she had said and then nudged him to drink the whole thing. Oh yeah, he had been feeling sick that day. He remembered.

With the tea ready, Tom leaned against a counter and took small sips, aware of the temperature of the beverage. It was silent. His body was warming up, but at the same time cooling down, everytime the tea would enter his mouth. Tom felt good. Completely forgetting the reason he had woken up in the first place.

There were soft footsteps in the hallway, and Tom’s muscles tensed. So, he did wake her up after all. (Y/N) turned the corner. Only wearing one of his shirts, barely covering anything really. He saw that before she went out to find him, she had put her hair up in a loose ponytail. She rubbed her eyes lazily and even through a big yawn, Tom managed to make out her words: “Babe? What are you doing?”   

“Nothing, just getting a drink. Go back to sleep.” He nodded off into the direction of their shared bedroom. (Y/N) shook her head in response and did the opposite of what he had suggested. The pitter patter of her bare feet against the hardwood floor announcing that she was walking over to him.

“No, it’s cold in there without you.” she wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning her chin on his chest so she could look up into his eyes. He gave her a light kiss and she hummed into it. “Hmmm, you taste like honey.” she smiled.

“Do I now?” Tom laughed. She nodded happily, pouting her lips slightly so he would kiss her again. And that is exactly what he did. Their lips brushed against each other with that passion that only two people who deeply loved each other shared. Tom could feel his heart beat faster when she smiled into the kiss. He put down the cup, hoping that he actually did it on the counter and not in mid-air. Now he could cup her face with both his hands.

(Y/N) squealed at his touch. He pulled away and looked worried into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re hand,” she giggled, “It’s hot.” There was a joke he wanted to make about being hot, but (Y/N)’s lips were on his again, silencing him for good. With every second they shared together, Tom fell in love with a bit more. He didn’t think it was possible to love someone this much, but he truly did. To both of their dismay, he pulled away from her once again. With a spark in his eyes, he said: “Let’s go for a ride.”

“Now? It’s 1 in the morning.” her laugh was mesmerizing. Together with her touch and her beautiful eyes right in front of him, his legs were like jelly.

“So? C’mon let’s go on an adventure.” He gave her a playful Inuit-kiss.

“Okay, fine. Where do you wanna go?” Before Tom could answer she did it for him, “Ooh, I know, let’s go to an empty field!”

“Oh, how romantic of you,” Tom said sarcastically. “What do you plan on doing there? Killing me?”

“For your information, Thomas, if I would ever murder you, it would be the most romantic murder in the history of… murders.” Tom laughed at her comment. “And yeah, I do think that my idea could be rather romantic, actually.” She let go of his waist to cross her arms.

“An empty field? Please enlighten me how that is romantic.” He mirrored her actions. She smirked, accepting the challenge.

“It’s August, shooting star season! We can go to a dark field and watch the stars. Who knows, maybe we will see something.” It annoyed Tom how good she was. This did sound romantic. He hated how she was always right.

“Okay, yeah. That sounds nice. Let’s go.” he took her hand, pulling her back into the bedroom to get dressed, leaving the cup of tea completely forgotten.

________________________________________

After a half hour of driving through some little roads away from the city, they finally arrived at a deserted field. Not a sign of human life around. It was pitch black. The only real source of light was the white moon above their heads. The clear summer sky was perfect for a night of stargazing.

They got out of the car and lay down on the bonnet. They lay there, hand in hand, her head resting against his shoulder, looking up at the stars, waiting for the comets to fly by. They lay in silence. A pleasant one. Because they didn’t need to talk for the other person to know that they loved them.

It didn’t even take that long before the first star passed their eyes. It was big, leaving a light blue tail behind in the sky.

“What did you wish for?” she asked, still looking up at the stars, not seeing that Tom was looking at her, pouring all the love he had for her out right there.

“It won’t come true if I tell you that,” he answered. Even in the darkness, he could see her roll her eyes.

“Fine, do you think it will come true, though?”

“Well, let’s see, shall we?” he slid down the hood of the car onto the ground. (Y/N) sat up. Not that she could see him any better if she did. Tom still appreciated it. It gave him the possibility to stand in between her legs. She put her arms around his neck. They shared one long kiss before she let him speak his mind.

“Alright, here it goes. Honestly, I had a whole different thing planned for this, but when you kissed me - back home in the kitchen - I couldn’t wait for a second longer. Every moment that I am with you, I fall in love all over again. With your smile, your quirky little habits, your lips, your body, your personality… everything. You are everything to me and I love you.”

“I love you too.” he knew she was smiling. He didn’t have to see it to know. He heard it in her whisper.

“I love how your eyes are brighter than any star that is above us and how your heart is bigger and warmer than the sun. You are the kindest, funniest, sweetest person I have ever met.” He put his hands on her hips so he could pick her up from the car. She swung her legs around him and started giggling. With a turn to the left, so they were parallel to the car, he put her down.

“I’ve already said it before and hopefully you will let me say it till the end of our lives because that is how long I want to be with you. For always and forever. (Y/F/N), will you make me the luckiest man alive and be my wife?” He waited for an answer. It seemed like an eternity. His eyes had gotten pretty used to the darkness so he could make out the shape of her face and the faint features of it. He tried to look for an expression. Any sign of feelings.

But before she could respond, there was a flash of bright light. So pure that it almost blinded him. Everything turned white in front of him. His head hit something. But it wasn’t hard. In fact, it was as soft as a pillow. Simply because it was.

He opened his eyes just to be greeted with Harry's. “Finally, you’re awake. Been trying to get you up for the last twenty minutes. Gotta go get ready for set.” He walked away, leaving Tom extremely confused. Where was (Y/N)? Where was he? What happened to the field they were on?

Only when he looked out the window did he realize what was going on.

The New York skyline greeted him, the rising sun breaking through the steel jungle of buildings. Yes, now he remembered, he was in America, shooting his upcoming movie. Of course, everything that happened was just a dream. He had said goodbye to his best friend, (Y/N), a week ago in Venice, when she flew back home to London. Still not knowing anything about Tom’s true feelings for her.

The End 

> my follower celebration 

> masterlist 

[garyringrose]

Bali and New Zealand Day 37

Well as I put in the short post yesterday I decided to have a go at Mount Taranaki/Egmont (Maori/modern name) in respect for my high school geography teacher who I've stayed in touch with and who enjoys all my adventures but who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago.

I've seen pictures of this peak known as the Mount Fiji of New Zealand and it looks so impressive and dominates the Taranaki area of North Island.

Whenever I see it, it's so stunning.

Now I've never been up anything as high as this connected to Earth before and this area had a larger than average snowfall this year so that's another issue, snow and ice on 40 degree slopes! It's also a vertical height gain of a mile.

We did the right thing and contacted a guiding company that my friend Claire Roigard put me onto. They in turn put me in touch with Dave Bolger who currently is the only Alpine 2 guide in the area and therefore the only guide that can take people up in winter conditions.

We talked through my fitness and past achievements , my clothing and boots and also my ice/snow/ice axe & crampon experience (0, none, Nader).

It was decided that my clothing was ace but my boots were not suitable for the conditions or attaching crampons. Fortunately they were able to loan me boots, crampons and an ice axe (yeah, always want one of these Everytime I go in an outdoor shop, you know, just in case!).

I was advised that as I'd no alpine, snow, ice, axe or crampon experience a summit was no guarantee and although I may think I'm fairly fit a 1600m height gain is no mean feat. Its also very weather dependent and conditions change rapidly as the mountain stands solo and has lots of coastline where weather can roll in from.

We basically have a go, Dave holds all the cards and assess how I am. If not good enough, we don't summit but we learn and practice snow skills lower down.

I'm totally good with all that, don't want summit fever (where summit is all that matters at all costs), great if happens but all new to me so all learning.

Well I was picked up at 0630, driven to the carpark which is at 900m. It was then about an hour's hike to the hut at base camp @ 1400m. Most of this section was ok but their is a section called the puffer and it is a pretty steep hill! This first section is a service track to the hut, mobile phone mast and for emergency vehicles. We then had a coffee and sorted our clothing layers in the hut and put on helmets and gloves.

The next section to @ 1900m was a mixture of hillside grass and tussock, a set of stairs and scree. Cloud cover drifted in and out and the summit appeared and disappeared. From here on in it was being roped to Dave, crampons and ice axe. We talked technique, ABC contact points and tested our avalanche personal locaters (different from plbs), kitted up and we're off.

I basically concentrated pretty hard and did as I was told! We ascended by walking up and across the snow and then turning to face opposite direction and repeating. In essence hiking up the 40 degree face in a zig zag as opposed to straight up as that's much less energy efficient. I did ok and Dave was pleased. The section just before the crater is pretty steep and is the Crux if the climb. I did feel it a bit just before we got their but got their we did. Dave was impressed and said we're on for the last pitch and the summit. I was delighted. The last pitch looked and is pretty damn steep but we seemed to get up it in no time. Must have been the adrenaline!

The top was beautiful, clear skies above the clouds and sunshine. The blues in the snow cap we're beautiful. We we're on top for a good five mins alone. We then dropped back down about 20 metres to a sheltered area for lunch. Three others that had been up had just had lunch and we're off back down. I took my sunglasses off for a split second, it was like the sun was on the end of my nose. The brightness off the snow was mental, snow blindness must be horrific.

It was then time to go back down. It was explained that roles reverse and I go first on the way down. That way Dave can see me and if I slip can react/hopefully save me! The other thing about going down is that you don't zig zag you go forward straight down and trust your axe and crampons and walk with a squat wide stance like a Gorilla (apparently). Initially this looked horrific as you had to go over the lip then head down a bloody long slope that if you were solo and slipped, you might not stop!

Trust in your guide and equipment though and it was fine. I was informed your quads can burn like mad on the way down but I was ok, maybe cycling helped their.

We returned to the hut to loose layers and kit and gave another coffee. We met three others that started later than us but they must have got a little tired and also cloud would white out for longer periods and they had to turn back. They had a good day though and like I said the mountain/summit ain't going anywhere, they live local so always another day. They totally agreed and had a great skills session anyway ,as I could of aswell if fitness/conditions an issue. Look for the positives.

The hardest part for me was the puffer on the way down as was hard on the knees and I had no walking poles .

Safely back down, returned to accommodation and one of the best experience of my life that I'll never forget. I took the poem Mr Townsend gave me with me in my pocket and thought of him whilst climbing and also all the forces involved in world wars as I was climbing on 11 hour of 11th day of 11th month and they had much harder challenges than my day.

The evening was topped off with a lovely meal cooked by our host Theresa who's originally from Borneo and her Kiwi husband Colin. Fantastic day and evening with great people, lots of interesting chat and Colin gave us a suggestion for the next days onward journey route. Theresa's rice wine was really nice, Colin gave us a fruit tasting session from his garden too. It was lovely until two fruits, one a lemon and one they call lemonade fruit as naturally tastes like lemonade. You can tell the difference in fruit by the skin smell. We couldn't tell from skin smell so taste it was. Our faces screwed up like prunes, that's a lemon then!! 😎