#ask-the-2012-lifeguard

[cassiaratheslytherpuff]

🍓 🔪 🌿 for the ask game, please :)

Thank you so much for asking! <3

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

I feel like this is an unnecessarily long reply, sorry 😅 I came into writing fic slowly. I started reading fanfic a year or two after the final HP book was published and I realised it was a thing that existed. I started out reading gen fics that aimed to fill in the blanks of canon. Then I discovered slash fics and it was just so life-changing and refreshing to see queer people written and represented as complex human beings who got to get through the angst to something happy. I was a (closeted) queer teen with mental health issues who was secretly in love with my best friend, and I got to see Harry and Ron struggle with their mental health and anxiety over being in love with their friend post war, and then I got to see them being happy. And for the first time something made me believe maybe I could get there too.

I wrote my first fic in 2012, and it was very much a way to externalise my own issues. It was 24k long and took me 2 years of infrequent updates. I didn't write anything for a couple of years after that, but then I picked it back up again in 2016. At first it was (again) purely me needing an outlet for feelings I didn't know what to do with, but I slowly fell in love with writing and I've been doing it ever since.

🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project?

Oh this is a fun question! I tend to research things and then promptly forget I did though, because it's usually for random background information. One of the things I remember I really enjoyed researching was the language of flowers, most recently I remember falling down a rabbit hole of reddit posts on prostate-orgasms.

🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity

Not sure that I'm the right person for advice here, because a lot of the time if I'm low on creativity or motivation to write I just - don't. I try to always keep writing fun, so if I don't want to do it I let myself have a break. When I do want to write, but can't quite manage though there are a couple of things I do:

Set a goal to write badly. If I'm not trying to write something good then the pressure is off.

Write my way into writing. An empty document is my biggest enemy so I will literally start off like "Alright, I want to write a story. Maybe it'll be about Harry. Oh! He could be working as a lifeguard in Australia. But how did he get there? Maybe he..."

Write the fun bits first. For me that's usually dialogue, angst or smut. Then I go back and build the story around it

Join a fest (it's motivating to be working with a deadline and fulfilling a prompt. And there's a community aspect to it that I enjoy)

Discuss headcanons and fic ideas with people. I like letting creativity feed creativity.

Get momentum going by writing drabbles or ficlets, or working on something else if I'm stuck on a fic.

Truth or Dare Ask Game

[conradscrime]

The Murder of Molly Bish & the Connection to Holly Piirainen

August 20, 2024

Molly Bish was born on August 2, 1983 in Warren, Massachusetts. At the time of her death, she was 16 years old and was working as a lifeguard at Comins Pond.

On June 26, 2000, Molly's mother Magi, noticed a mustached man in a white car parked in the lot of the beach where Molly's lifeguard post was. He seemed suspicious at the time, but Molly's mother did not think anything further until after her daughter had disappeared.

The next day, June 27, 2000, Magi drove her daughter Molly near the lifeguard station. Magi reported that she had not seen the strange man there that day, however, another witness reported that he saw a man matching that description in the pond's parking lot just minutes before Molly arrived.

A local worker reportedly saw a similar car parked at a cemetery connected to the pond by a path. Magi was the last known person to see Molly before she disappeared. A few hours later, police contacted Molly's parents to tell them that no lifeguard had been on duty that day and that Molly's belongings had been left unattended at her station.

An extensive search was done, and eventually it became the largest and most expensive search for a missing person ever done in Massachusetts. Molly's case was featured on many tv shows including America's Most Wanted, Unsolved Mysteries, and 48 Hours.

A hunter had seen a blue bathing suit in the woods on Whiskey Hill in Palmer, in the late fall of 2002. In May 2003, this hunter mentioned it and the police were contacted. A search of the area found Molly's body on June 9, 2003, almost three years later.

Molly's body had been found 5 miles from her family home. No cause of death was determined, but investigators believe Molly was murdered and her remains were buried.

There have been a few suspects looked into in relation to Molly's murder. In 2005, a Connecticut man who had been charged with attempted kidnapping in New York was briefly looked into.

Later, in 2009, a man named Rodney Stanger, then residing in Florida, who had been convicted of murdering his girlfriend, had actually lived in Southbridge, MA, a few miles from the town of Warren for more than 20 years.

Rodney had moved to Florida after Molly's murder. Following Rodney's girlfriends murder, Crystal Morrison (the couple had been together for 20 years), Crystal's sister alerted authorities.

Rodney was known to have a similar white car to the one seen the day before Molly disappeared. He was known to also fish in Comins Pond and hunt in the woods where Molly's body had been found. Rodney also matched the description that Magi Bish had reported, however he has not been charged in the case.

While Rodney was being investigated into Molly's murder, he was also questioned about a 1993 murder of a girl named Holly Piirainen. Holly went missing from Sturbridge, and was Molly's age. Molly had actually written a letter of hope to Holly's parents in 1993. Rodney has not been charged in Holly's case either.

In 2012, forensic evidence led authorities to a man named David Pouliot to Holly's case. However, David had died in 2003.

In November 2011, a man named Gerald Battistoni was named a suspect in Molly's death. Gerald had worked as an informant for the Eastern Hampden County Narcotic Task Force. Gerald had spent time in prison for repeatedly raping a teenage girl in the early 90's. He attempted suicide in prison after newspaper articles identified him as a suspect in both Molly and Holly's cases.

Gerald had a criminal record dating back to 1980, had been in the area where Molly's body had been discovered, and resembles the composite sketch of the man Magi saw in the parking lot before her daughter disappeared.

DNA testing was asked to be completed. Gerald died in November 2014. There is no clear answers as to what came of the DNA, but it must not have matched or been completed.

A new person of interest was announced on June 3, 2021, a registered sex offender named Francis P. Sumner Sr. He was found dead inside his home in Spencer, MA, on May 4, 2016. He had a lengthy criminal record but it is unclear why he was connected to the case as a suspect.

On July 9, 1982, Francis was convicted of aggravated rape and kidnapping. He was sentenced to 15-18 years on the rape charge, to be served concurrently with 9-10 years on the kidnapping charges. The earliest he could have been released from prison would have been in 1997. It is unclear how long Francis was incarcerated.

No arrests have been made in Molly Bish's case, however Francis is considered a person of interest. Investigator's have not given up on the case, and encourage the use of familial DNA, hoping that forensic evidence may lead to some answers eventually. Molly's family advocates for child abduction awareness. There is an anonymous tip line that's open for information.

In 2004, Magi and John Bish founded The Molly Bish Center and Foundation in collaboration with Anna Maria College.

Holly Piirainen, the girl who was killed 7 years before Molly, was also found in a wooden area near Hampden County. Police have considered that the two cases could be related. Some of Molly's letter to Holly's family reads,

"I am very sorry. I wish I could make it up to you. Holly is a very pretty girl. She is almost as tall as me. I wish I knew Holly. I hope they found her."

Both cases remain unsolved.

Holly Piirainen's case will be posted tomorrow.

[findafight]

Any thoughts about Stobin's reaction to the 80s masterpiece that was the musical Chess? I have a feeling "Pity the child" would do a number on Stevie boy... "Pity the child who knew his parents; Saw their faults; Saw their love die before his eyes; Pity the child that wise; He never asked "Did I cause your distress?"; Just in case they said yes"

Prefacing this with: You literally asked for this

Listen. Listen. LISTEN. I have been holding back on projecting too much on Steve, specifically with him being a lifeguard with an outdoor pool but also must admit that I have had to hold back on making a poto reference in RASEPSM because it hadn't come out yet. Physical pain from that.

But you came to me, on this blog with my headcanons, with the musical that I have such a clear memory of listening to for the first time in the most Steve Way (cleaning an outdoor pool in the rain with nothing but a bra and short shorts on, no clue what the hell I was getting into with this musical)

Chess is one of those batshit musicals that has a bunch of different versions and reorderings. (More drastic than just moving I Dreamed A Dreamed to after Lovely Ladies in Les mis 2012) so, unlike my OBC (i think? it may have been the west end version. it's been years) first time listening, we are saying Steve got the original concept album in fall of 1984. Not because he'd heard anything about it, but because he's spent two weeks listening to the Voulez-vous album after Nancy and he broke up and the music of Chess is written by the two B's of ABBA. It's a natural transition for a man who has a secret musical theatre stash.

(he doesn't really need to SEE them, he just likes listening to them. figuring out the plots by the songs. Also he's in love with Julie Andrews this is fact [aren't we all, though?])

He likes to listen to musicals while doing water tests and vacuuming the pool, but it's November so he doesn't do that, just. Lies on the floor of the livingroom trying to figure out what the fuck is happening in the musical. It is difficult. (He thinks there's a love triangle between the American grandmaster man, the Soviet grandmaster lady, and her loyalty to her country. Takes YEARS for him to figure out he's wrong. Just like meeee)

He likes the motifs, (Budapest is rising my beloved...) and how dramatic everyone is about this tournament. One Night in Bangkok is a fucking bop and a half. (I love how there's some interpretation of Freddie being ace because of the line "I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine"[objectively iconic ace line in a pretty queer song], versus whatever the fuck Raúl Esparza had going on in 2018 that was. Uh. Not what I'd call an asexual interpretation of the character in that song but my god i doubt anyone was complaining.)

But. Pity The Child hits a bit close to home as he lies on his back on an immaculate carpet in a hollow house. Especially if you consider his mother may have used him to fill the emotional void where his father was supposed to be and put her emotional baggage on him with his father away on business and being unfaithful. (and also if you headcanon Steve as bi because that song is queer. I'm just saying. it is. even without the line "I was a fool and probably queer" but that line is there so. make of that what you will) And the line "I wouldn't call: a crazy thing to do/Just in case she said who?" STEVE LINE STEVE LINE

But also. That entire musical is chock full of people belting their hearts out about struggling to choose what they want. How they're supposed to go, what they're supposed to do. It's not about chess, or the cold war (well. It IS but...) It's also a lot about people wanting to be someone they aren't, and concerned about how they are perceived. Hmmm. HMMM. INTERESTING.

Like. Heaven help my heart?? I know him so well?? post s2 broken hearted Steve is called tf out. Basically the entirety of tape 2 of the concept album knocks Steve on his ass. Mentally, he is here:

And ofc Robin finds his little mixtape of sad musical songs is like "steve. why are you obsessed with this musical. I am IN drama and I haven't heard of it. what the fuck. there's russians. we aren't fond of those guys." and steve has to go

"Robin listen. The guys from ABBA wrote the music and it's KINDA queer, and also please listen to this song. you can't even tell who's russian it doesn't matter"

and robin listens which finally makes her realize

"wait. why did you get this to begin with? Just because of the ABBA guys?"

"Robin. I have a collection of possibly every officially released musical from the past twenty years. I just like 'em. Have you heard Colm Wilkinson's voice? Julie Andrews? ABBA guys were a bonus."

and now I'm thinking of Musical Theatre actor Steve but let's not get a head of ourselves but also imagine... steve on broadway and robin in the pit as trumpet... being besties

anyways yeah I think they'd like the musical Chess.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Popular/Successful Fics (6) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five

2009x2015 (ao3) - jayryro

Summary: Dan wakes up to find himself back in 2009 without any explanation or solution. He doesn't know how to get back, so he figures he should spend his time with Phil, like usual. What isn't usual is the sudden lack in age gap and extreme flirtiness of his best friend.

Meanwhile, the Dan that comes from 2009 has to deal with this crush on this older, even hotter Phil.

A Map of My Heart and Mind (ao3) - Cadensaurus

Summary: Dan and Phil get drunk and wake up married in Vegas, the day after Dan's 25th birthday. Dan thinks they could just get it annulled but Dan knows what marriage means to Phil, how important it is, and he wonders if they can just fake it for a year so it's not a total waste and then divorce. Of course, a year is a long time to pretend to be married and things can always change...

All That You Are is All That I'll Ever Need (ao3) - ficslesters (sohmaskyos), starrywrite

Summary: Dan Howell is just ordinary, but his boyfriend Phil is Amazing(Phil from YouTube). Or, AU in which Dan isn’t a YouTuber.

And if anyone asks, you're my best friend. (ao3) - lovekilla

Summary: Dan Howell suppressed how he felt for years. In a drunken stupor, he lets his feelings act before his mind and finds himself in an agreement that he wasn't sure if he completely liked. If it made Phil happy, though, he'd continue on. It got him kissed, got him off, but it didn't get him loved. It stung, but in the heat of the moment, when their lips parted, Dan could only nod as Phil said, "And if anyone asks, you're just my best friend."

or

In which Phil gets a girlfriend, Dan is jealous, then Phil is sexually frustrated, so Dan gets him off.

Back to Normal (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: When Dan joins Phil on a family vacation to Florida, Phil's mother thinks they've finally gotten together, Dan panics and goes along with it...

Birthday Sex (ao3) - danfanciesphil (thejigsawtimess)

Summary: The rules are pretty simple.

Whoever's birthday it is gets whatever they want, no questions asked.

A bi-annual sex treaty.

It's the perfect answer to getting rid of all of that pent up angst, leftover desire and sexual frustration they feel for each other. And seriously, it'll be fine. There's no way anyone can be manipulated or end up with their feelings hurt or anything like that. Granted, friends-with-benefits has a bad rep, but how could this possibly go wrong?

They've got it all planned out.

bruising the sun (ao3) - waveydnp

Summary: the bedsharing friends to lovers roommates au i was always destined to write

But It Takes Someone To Come Around To Show You How (ao3) - Cutaehyung

Summary: Dan is born mute into a world where once in everyone's life your soulmate will say the specific words that are tattooed onto your body, and bring you together. These words will save your life in more ways than imaginable. Whilst Dan resigns himself to the fact he will never have a soulmate, fate has different ideas...

coffee at midnight (ao3) - waveydnp

Summary: A recent trauma has lead Phil to embrace a ‘try new things’ approach to his life. One of those new things is learning how to swim, and Dan is the lifeguard who’s going to teach him.

Daddy Kink (ao3) - danfanciesphil (thejigsawtimess)

Summary: Dan thinks it's hilarious that the phandom thinks he has a Daddy kink. Until he doesn't.

Disturb the Universe (ao3) - iihappydaysii

Summary: Dan and Phil are a successful YouTube duo, best friends and next door neighbors. Phil's married with two kids and Dan's long term boyfriend is like the queen's cousin or something. Their lives are fine--perfectly acceptable--but when two unrelated emergencies land Dan and Phil living together for the first time since 2012, they're forced to examine the choices they've made and confront the feelings they've kept quiet for nearly a decade.

Hearing You (ao3) - centroid

Summary: They were laying on Phil’s couch, watching a movie. Maybe watching was a bad choice of words.

#IPreferDan (ao3) - ellisonavenue

Summary: He never planned on keeping the pill a secret from Phil because he never planned on Phil and him living together so comfortably for over 3 years. He'd banked on a year maybe a year and a half before they went their separate ways. He'd only banked on 2 months max before Phil found out what the pills were for. Dan couldn’t believe it was 2015 and Phil didn’t know yet.

Or the one where Dan was born female and refuses to tell anyone.

If You Don't Love Me, Pretend (ao3) - phantasticworks

Summary: All his life, Dan has wanted to have the chance to be a parent someday. He would be the best parent that ever existed, he was sure of it. Fostering might not be the most traditional way on the road to parenting, but Dan's dead set on doing it anyway. But, well, it would be easier with a co-parent, right?

the bed-sharing, fake relationship, friends-to-lovers, parent fic i was desperate to read; when i shouted into the void and was met with silence, i decided i'd do it myself

Just A Toy (ao3) - blissedoutphil

Summary: He takes whatever Phil gives him, because he loves being treated like nothing more than a toy to be used. And above all, he loves Phil. He’d do anything for Phil.

L'Histoire Française (ao3) - danfanciesphil (thejigsawtimess)

Summary: Since he can remember, Dan has had a bad experience with teachers. When desperate times call for him to take a job as a TA at his local secondary school, he is dreading the experience. Cue Phil Lester: eclectic, vivacious History teacher whom the students and teachers adore for his fantastical, unique methods and sincere passion for his job. Dan was expecting all sorts of drama in his new job, but falling for a member of the faculty was not part of it.

Let Me Be Your Call Boy (ao3) - auroraphilealis (peachrosepetals), embarrassing_myself

Summary: After coming out as gay to his friends on his birthday, the last thing Dan is expecting is to be gifted a call boy as a present, let alone one that’s been paid for for the entire night. Allowing Phil to show him the ropes is his first mistake, paying him to come back every week is his second, and using him to convince his parents he really is gay is his third. As a successful lawyer, the money isn’t the problem - falling in love is.

linger on (ao3) - dizzy, waveydnp

Summary: A recent loss has ground Phil's life to a halt. At 33, he's static in his grief and living in the house he grew up in - until his mother kicks him out.

In a fit of indignation and with nothing to lose, he answers the first listing he finds for a room to rent in London... a listing posted by a guy named Dan.

Love Yourself (ao3) - imnotinclinedtomaturity

Summary: A lot of things about Dan's life are pretty great. He gets to make the music he wants, he's got a great fanbase, and his manager is his best friend. A few things about his life suck a bit more. He's currently lacking inspiration, he's rather lonely, and he's stuck in a rut.

Dan's been going to the same coffee shop for years. It's quiet, it's quaint, it's near his home. Most importantly: none of the employees give a shit that's he a world-famous singer. Things change when he meets the new barista.

meet me at red dragon (ao3) - watergator

Summary: phil lester is a single 31 year old with a wild eight year old, ethan. dan howell is single 27 year old with a quiet five year old, noah.

when they meet at their son's swim lessons, for some reason phil can't get the pretty brown eyed stranger out of his head.

Missing Pieces (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: When an accident occurs in the middle of filming a new video for the gaming channel, Dan finds himself becoming more reliant on Phil than he was comfortable with. Unfortunately, Dan needs the help and can't push Phil away, but he can feel the situation beginning to dredge up feelings that Dan had pushed away years ago and buried deep within himself.

Monochrome (ao3) - intoapuddle

Summary: When you build your life out of fear that your mental illness could worsen, it leaves little room for excitement. Luckily, Dan has found a space online where he feels comfortable.

Nothing Burns Like the Cold (ao3) - worriedpeach (skeletonflowers)

Summary: Phil Lester is ‘special’, having the power to manipulate water with just a flick of his hand. Because of this, he was transferred into the special school, Dahlia Academy, which was built to harbor students with magical abilities. Here, he meets Dan Howell, a cold and distant pyromaniac who doesn’t get close to anyone.

Sacrilegious (ao3) - TheUKAmazingDan

Summary: Dan Howell was a good kid. A Catholic, growing up in Mass and youth group. But, after meeting Phil Lester, his life drastically changed, turning the quiet and meek boy into a wild child.

-or-

The one where Phil fucks Dan like five different times over the course of several days.

Stuck in a Rut (ao3) - phan_anon

Summary: Alpha!Phil is a young member of a noble family, and Omega!Dan is his slave. When the Alpha experiences his first rut, their relationship undergoes a drastic change.

Terrifying Truths And Drunken Dares (ao3) - thejigsawtimess

Summary: It's late, they're both drunk, but there's vodka and each other, and hey - you know what sounds great? Truth or frickin dare.

Testosterone Boys and Harlequin Girls (ao3) - Furud

Summary: So Dan wondered.

It was a slow build, it started like simple curiosity, a random passing thought but it had stacked long enough that sometimes when he couldn’t sleep at night it was almost like he couldn’t think of anything else.

(Or the fic where Phil is a kinky shit and Dan is too nosy for his own good)

What Happened Last Night? (ao3) - duskomybloom

Summary: Things get complicated when Dan wakes up in Phil's bed after a party and he has no idea how he got there.

You can sleep in my bed. (ao3) - clokkerfoot

Summary: Three times Dan and Phil sleep together, and one time they really sleep together.

[askthecuisson-ler]

Weehawken campfire last night

(left to right)

Cuisinière-ler and Cuisson-ler

@lunchladymiru @weenurse @a-devilish-camper and @ask-the-2012-lifeguard 

(( mod: others came but I had already started by the time they came into the chat. if you were there please tag yourselves! ))

[leosgirl82]

MASTER LIST OF ART BY ME

I love to reblog TMNT fan art and fanfics, but that can make it difficult to find the stuff that I've drawn. Here is a quick master list of my art:

Leonardo:

Little Blue Hearts (fan art of "Little Blue Hearts" by @thelaundrybitch)

Leo's Game (fan art of "Leo's Game" by @turtle-babe83)

GoStop Challenge (challenge by @sivy-chan)

Baystyle sketch

Smoldering Intensity

Tactical Leo (illustration of of The Tactical Team Headcanons and 5322 One Shot by @thelaundrybitch )

Liv and Leo (fan art of "Little Blue Hearts" by @thelaundrybitch)

Trick or Kink: Gladiator

2012 Leo & Raph

Raphael:

Alan Ritchson Pose (ask by @raphielover )

Baystyle Sketch

Boys in Briefs

Tactical Raph (illustration of the Tactical Team Headcanons and 5322 One Shot by @thelaundrybitch )

Trick or Kink: Firefighter

2012 Leo and Raph

Michelangelo:

Bayverse Mikey

Baystyle Sketch

Boys in Briefs

Tactical Mike (illustration of The Tactical Team Headcanons and 5322 One Shot by @thelaundrybitch )

Trick or Kink: Lifeguard

Donatello:

Baystyle Sketch

Boys in Briefs

Tactical Don (illustration of The Tactical Team Headcanons and 5322 One Shot by @thelaundrybitch )

Trick or Kink: Greek God

Original Characters (OCs):

Jheanette (created by @thelaundrybitch )

[princessgemma12]

AU List

Okay, so this is just an editable copy of @alternateuniverseotp ‘s A-Z AU List. I’ll probably add to it, and whatever AU I complete will be struck out and a link to the fic post will be added next to it. I’ll put links to older fics that use a listed AU, too, ‘cause I can, but only if/once completed. I’m also gonna add iteration-specific AUs if requested, so, if you wanna see something send me an ask! Anons open.

Also, quick note, unless the iteration is specified otherwise, everything will be defaulted to the 2012 series.

[updated Apr. 10, 2022]

A

Accidental Marriage AU

Actor AU

Alien AU

Amnesia AU

Android AU

Angel/Demon AU

Animal AU

Apocalypse AU

Arranged Marriage AU

Artist AU

Art Student AU

Assassin AU

Athlete AU

Author AU

Avian (Bird People) AU

B

Babysitter AU

Bakery AU

Ballet AU

Band AU

Bartender/Bar AU

Bay!Turtles Crossover AU

Beach AU

Blind AU

Blind Date AU

Bodyguard AU

Book Store AU

Bounty Hunter AU

Brothel AU - WIP 1

C

Caterer AU

Candle Shop AU

Camp Counselor AU

Camping AU

Carnival AU

Castaway AU

Celebrity AU

CEO/Boss AU

Chef AU

Child AU

Choir AU

Circus AU

Clothing Shop AU

Club AU

Coffee Shop AU

College AU

Conductor AU

Choreographer AU

Coworker AU

Criminal AU

Cult AU

Cyborg AU

D

Dancer AU

Dead/Death AU

Deaf AU

Demigod AU

Demon Hunter AU

Detective AU

Dimension Hoping AU

Disney AU

DJ AU

Doctor AU

Domestic AU

Dragon AU

Drama Class AU

E

Enemies AU

Ex AU

F

Fairy AU

Fake Dating/Engagement/Marriage AU

Fashion/Fashion Designer AU

Fire Fighter AU

Foot!Turtle(s) AU

Forbidden Love AU

Fugitive AU

G

Gang AU

Gardener/Gardening AU

Ghost AU

H

Hairstylist AU

Haunted House AU

Hero/Villain AU

High School AU

High School Reunion AU

Historical AU

Horror AU

Hospital AU

Hunger Games AU

I

Immortal AU

J

Judge AU

Jury Duty AU

K

Kidnapper/Kidnapped AU

L

Lawyer AU

Library AU

Lifeguard AU

M

Mafia AU

Maid AU

Magician AU

Magic AU

Marriage AU

Mechanic AU

Medieval AU

Mermaid AU

Military AU

Model AU

Modern AU

Monster/Monster Hunter/Monster Tamer AU

Murder Mystery AU

Musical AU

Musician AU

Mutant-Friendly Society AU (pick a combo!)

Mutant-pocalypse AU

N

Neighbor AU

Non-Ninja AU

Nurse AU

O

Office AU

Officer (Police) AU

O/B/A AU

P

Parallel Universe AU

Parametric AU

Paranormal Investigator AU

Parent AU

Pen Pal AU

Pet Store AU

Photographer AU

Pirate AU

Podcast AU

Porn Star AU

Prisoner AU

Prank War AU

Prostitute AU

Q

—

R

Reality TV Show AU

Reporter AU

Restaurant AU

Resurrection AU

Road Trip AU

Roll Reversal AU

Room Mate AU

ROTTMNT Crossover AU

Rival AU

Royalty AU

S

SAINW AU

Scientist AU

Serial Killer AU

Servant AU

Sick AU

Social Media AU

Soulmate AU

Space AU

Spike Stays AU

Spy AU

Stalker AU

Stranger AU

Street Racing AU

Stripper AU

Student AU

Survival AU

T

Tattoo Shop AU

Teacher AU

Theater AU

Thief AU

Time Travel AU

TMNT 2003 Crossover AU

TMNT 2007 Crossover AU

TMNT 2012 AU Crossover AU (one or more AUs crossover, with another AU or with “canon”)

U

Undead AU (vampire? zombie? pick a combo!)

Undercover Cop AU

V

Vacation AU

Vampire/Vampire Hunter AU

Veterinarian AU

W

Waiter AU

War AU

Wedding Planner AU

Werewolf AU

Wild West AU - WIP 1

Witch AU

Wizard AU

X

—

Y

Yandere AU

Youtuber AU

Z

Zookeeper AU

Zombie AU - “Cadaver of Lust” (NR, TMNT Darkfic, tcest)

[leiakenobi]

On the Rocks

Fandom: Won’t Back Down (2012) Pairing: Michael Perry/GN!Reader Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 656 words Summary: Every morning, you walk out onto the rocks on the beach. The newest lifeguard interrupts the tranquil routine. A/N: Yet again, I’ve been struggling to write, but @autumnleaves1991-blog​‘s Writer Wednesday prompt hit! Thank you as always to Autumn for setting up this weekly challenge and to @clydesducktape​​ for going to the trouble of maintaining the masterlists!

Cross-posted to AO3 here!

——

“Excuse me!”

You couldn’t say for sure how long you’ve been staring out at the water when a voice gets your attention, but it’s been long enough that the shout startles you—with a jolt, you turn toward the shore, and your feet slide slightly over the damp rocks before you manage to catch your balance.

“Whoa,” you blurt as you steady yourself. At once, though, you clear your throat and put up your hands reassuringly; the man who’s interrupted your quiet morning looks quite alarmed, ready to rush from the beach in an instant. “All good. Uh, hi.”

Despite the fact that he’s hardly spoken, you can anticipate the stranger’s next words, because he’s standing before you in a tank top with lifeguard written across the front in large letters. You’ve never seen this man in particular – and frankly, he looks to be about a decade older than the college kids who usually work this beach – but walking these rocks has been part of your morning routine for years. Which means years of having this same argument for the first few weeks of beach season, too.

“Sorry to bother you” – and he actually sounds like maybe he means it – “but we’re about to open up for the morning, and we’re supposed to keep people off these rocks. Apparently the city’s scared about people slipping and hitting their heads.”

Oh, does he think he’s funny? It’s hard to tell with the distance between you, but yeah, you could swear that’s a smirk on his face. “Can’t imagine why,” you reply.

“Mhm. Well, for the sake of not looking like we’re playing favorites…”

He lets the request hang in the air, unfinished, and you’re on the brink of giving your usual response: you always tell those college kids, I’ll clear out in just a few, and they sigh and don’t argue and usually by the end of every summer you’re hanging out on the rocks for a good hour or so after the beach opens.

But maybe it’s something about the way he’s crossed his arms, or how he’s planted his feet in the sand. You get the sense that this one won’t budge until you’re safely on dry land.

“What’s your name, new guy?” you ask.

“I’m Michael.”

You nod thoughtfully, smiling down at your feet for a moment before beginning to take careful strides toward him. “Aren’t you a little old to be lifeguarding, Michael?”

And oh, the way his smile lights up his face when he laughs is wonderful. (Not that you think about it too hard.)

“I’m a teacher.”

He says that like it explains everything, but honestly you’re still a little lost. “Schools are paying that bad these days?”

Michael laughs again, and you think vaguely that you could get used to this—to making Michael the lifeguard laugh. “Not quite. I’m just not a fan of sitting still. You know how it is.”

Something in his tone makes that statement feel not quite rhetorical, and you frown curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Just a guess.” He points back toward the entrance to the beach, where a few early bird families have started to enter. “The two kids on duty with me, they said you’re always out here. They were saying it in a you’re a pain in the ass sort of way--”

You shrug modestly, and this time Michael doesn’t laugh—just rolls his eyes. Which you think maybe you like too.

“--but I get the appeal, I think.”

Finally, you step off the last rock onto the sand. You give him a once-over now that you’re only a few feet apart, smiling just a little over his soft eyes. Over his curls and his smile and his toned arms and legs. “What’s the appeal?”

And Michael looks you up and down too, slow and intentional, before turning away to head back toward the lifeguard stand. “Maybe I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

——

interested in my other fics or my taglist form? you can find them on my masterlist here

taglist: @aellynera​ @alwritey-aphrodite​ @amneris21​ @bdavishiddlesbatch​ @be-the-spark-flyboy​ @brandyllyn​ @bud-cooper​ @dailyreverie​ @fantasmicbelle6y6​ @foxilayde​ @hayley-the-comet​ @huxdameron​ @hyperfixatingmenever​ @jitterbugs927​ @knivesareout​ @lachicapequena​ @leto-duke​ @lostgirlheather​ @louderrthanthunderr​ @marvelousmermaid​ @poedameronloverx​ @princessxkenobi​ @reenadreams​ @rosiefridayrogersunday​ @santiagogarcia​ @starryeyedstories​ @yourbucky084​ @zoriis​

[polizwrites]

WIP Update - 8 Jun 2022

A rather concentrated writing week  – I touched 3 fics (2 WIPs & 1 new work) for a total of  2352 words, nearly 1900 of which were on one fic.  @psychiccatpanda   and I posted the fourth chapter of our WinterIronHawk ‘accidental demon summoning’ collab fic.  I also posted my first  @steverogersbingo​ fill - a crossover ficlet with last Friday @flashfictionfridayofficial​  prompt.

I’m sitting at 10 active WIPs  (with a couple of maybe TBCs)  with my current   deadlines being the Steve/Tony/Bucky bingo, which wraps up the end of this month, as well as my A Warm Light ‘zine fic.     I did sign up for the @starkbucksbingo​ - which is open for signups thru 22 June and the  @tonystarkbingo​  which is open for signups through the end of June.  (Yes - I like collecting bingo cards!)

On the crafting side, I have two Stuffed With Character commission slots open for July at the moment - am pretty busy with requests & prepping for a con!

See below cut for the WIPs  (arranged more or less by bingos/challenges/etc) I am working on  -   feel free to send me prompts or plot bunnies as well as asks regarding any of these projects   (or any other WIPs I’ve got out there) – they really help feed the Muse and keep me motivated!

The Devil Is in the Details (Sign on the Dotted Line)

This is the  WinterIronHawk ‘accidental demon summoning’ fic  @psychiccatpanda and I had So Much Fun with!  We ended up with seven chapters of Tony  and Clint and Bucky shenanigans - kicking off with Ty as an Awful Boyfriend  before bringing in a couple more members of the gang! Chapter 4  posted last Friday and we’ve got 3 more coming - so stay tuned through the end of June!

WinterHawk Bingo - Round 3 [WHB_R3] (Runs thru 31 May 2022)

Sixteen fills completed - I got my Row 1 and Column I bingos and I was satisfied with that -  I don’t usually do as well with pairing bingoes as I do with single characters.   Link to Masterpost, if you’re interested.

Stucky Bingo - Round 3 [SB R3] (Runs thru 31 May 2022)

Thanks in large part to the Round Robin fics from the Discord bingo parties,  I got a technical blackout plus  with 27  fills (24 original squares and three  adopted squares). Link to Masterpost, if you’re interested.  

A Warm Light Zine - Due 1 July

I got accepted as a writer for  A Warm Light Zine - dedicated to 2012 Avenger era Stony and coming hopefully sometime this autumn!  I was assigned the 2012 canon-compliant category for a 2-5k fic.  While I can’t share much about it here, I do want to at least keep track of my word count.  I pushed hard on this over the last week and made good progress - currently sitting at 2288 words, with one big scene left to go.  I am hitting several of the 2012 Avengers tropes along the way - hope it’s reasonably well-received.

Steve | Tony | Bucky Bingo Round 2 [STBB R2]  (Runs thru 30 Jun 2022)

Ten fills, and two WIPs.  Taking advantage of the One Fill, One Bingo opportunity, and might get a Column G  bingo as well.  Will have to lean hard into this now that I’ve made good progress on AWL. 

* B4 - Working Out -  this came from a Bucky Barnes Bingo server party:   Binging Avengers Exercises -   the team posts their workouts online and modern!Bucky spends entirely too much time watching the channel - especially Captain America and Iron Man.

*  N2 - AU: Western  - possible crossover with MWAPB  Next Door Neighbors  – I have a decent idea for this one  (semi-inspired by a recent re-read of  Laura Ingalls Wilder A Long Winter)   and jotted down about 225 words’ worth of notes/VERY rough draft.  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to combine this with the TSB, since it doesn’t start til July 1 - unless I go multi-chapter, which I am honestly trying to avoid  😐

* O4 - Lazy Sunday Morning  -  have a smutty WinterIron idea for this one; need to get it jotted   down - will most likely cross over with my BBB  KINK: Edging square.

Poked just a bit at my  One Fill, One Bingo badge fic - combining    B5 - “Aliens, again?”, I5 - Lifeguard,  N5 - Barbeque,  G5 - River Rafting, O5 - Wakanda.    Avengers + Guardians in a partying mood = a huge headache for T’Challa.   It’s currently sitting at 430 words. Current Last Line:  She gestured for him to follow him back inside.     .

Avengers Bingo [AvB] (Runs thru 24 Dec)

Two  fills posted and 0 WIPs - I decided to further challenge myself by pairing up each square with a unique combo of 2 original MCU Avengers! With the help of the STB Enthusiasts Discord folks - I’ve got all 16 squares   planned out, at least in terms of who to write about, and half of them have some sort of idea or crossover square to go along with them. Feel free to toss other plot  bunnies my way…  

* A2 - On the Run  - Natasha & Steve - crossover with  MWAPB - Farmer’s Market?   post CA:CW Wakanda ?

*  A4 - Mutual Pining  - Steve/Thor - crossover with  MWAPB - Thor.

* A3 - Reunited  -   Clint & Natasha  -  Endgame Ronin scene?

* B1 - Death - possible crossover with  MWAP Crying square – post Snap Bruce & Steve  mourning?

*  B3 - Road Trip  -  Bruce & Thor  - Post Grandmaster, pre-Thanos  space shenanigans

*  C1 - Opposites Attract - Clint/Thor  - there was a fun Tumblr  headcanon going around about a Bumbling Foreigner whose ignorance of  local customs  results in him flirting with/proposing to the prince -  this seems like a perfect matchup!  

* C3 - Reincarnation AU  -  Natasha & Tony  - post-Endgame

* C4 - Bodyguard AU  -  Thor/Tony  -  young!Tony - crush on Cap plays into attraction  (obvious title - Thunderstruck)  - holding on this til next round of TSB.  

* D1 - Friends w/ Benefits  - Clint/Steve - crossover with MWAPB Hawkeye/Clint Barton.

D2 - Romeo & Juliet AU  -  basic idea:  Steve (jock) & Tony  (geek) trying out for title roles in R&J - despite their respective  friend groups thinking it’s a terrible idea.  Both cliques end up  becoming friends.  

*  D3 - Bed Sharing  -  Bruce/Natasha - AoU compliant.

Man With a Plan (Steve Rogers) Bingo [MWAPB] (Runs thru 31 Dec)

Four fills, 1 WIPs and several Vague Ideas/potential cross fills with other bingos.  Prompts cheerfully accepted!  

* B2 - Next Door Neighbors  - see  STBB   AU: Western  above

* B3 - Farmer’s Market  - see  AvB On the Run above

* B4 - Powerless AU  - if Sunqueen and I decide to continue   Wrong Number, Right Call ,  this would be a good fit.  

* B5 - “I don’t really want to wake up just yet.”  - this would probably be a good fit with Chapter 5 of   Takin’ What They’re Givin’ (‘Cause I’m Workin’ for a Livin’)

* I1 - Steve is here for TFAtWS  - this might go well with my BBB  “Oh, hell no"  square - Steve trolling  Bucky & Sam by sending the old man in with his shield?  (moodboard & ficlet?)

* I2 - Found Family  - see STBB One Fill, One Bingo above.

* I3 - Thor  - see AvB Mutual Pining above

* I5 - Dogsitting - possible crossover with  BBB “Run”  square - Steve & Bucky dogsitting for Lucky?  (moodboard + ficlet)

* N1 - School AU/Teacher AU  - if I decide to continue on with Technicalities (see Stucky Bingo  College AU above)  - I could fill this square  :: ponders::

* N3 - Online shopping - this might be fun as a crossover with BBB Thighs …?  (even tho lingerie is a “nah” for me) Steve and Tony buying a new wardrobe for Bucky  that show off his ass-ets?

* G4 - Canon Divergence post CA:TWS - possible  crossover with BBB  Kill List Bucky wreaking havoc on Hydra bases and  Steve & Sam catch up with him

* O1 - Crying - see AvB Death square above

*  O2 - Sex Pollen  -  Teenage Groot pollen =  aphrodisiac  hi-jinks. Quill & Gamora  warn the  couple (stucky)/throuple (Stuckony)  ahead of time, so no  dub-con.

* O3 - Hawkeye/Clint Barton  -  see AvB - Friends w/ Benefits  above.

Bucky Barnes Bingo - Round 4 [BBB_R4] (Runs thru 7 Jan 2023)

Seven fills and  three WIPs -  looks like I’m already in good shape to start with  a Row 4 and/or Column K bingo!

* B3 - Sam Wilson|Falcon - this would be a good candidate for a continuation of After One Or Two False Starts

* U2 - AU: Roommate  - see WHB Huddling for Warmth above

* U3 - Steve Rogers - slating for  Chapter 5 of  Never More to Go Astray (Stuckony Star Wars AU) Looks like this will be at least 6 chapters to get through two rounds of POVs.  Huge thanks to RudeArrow, who  is doing an AMAZING job of brainstorming and beta’ing with me!!  Chapter 5 (Bucky POV)  is in first draft form sitting at 1066 words. Current Last Line:   “Shards,” Djems cursed under his breath.

* U4 - AU: Arranged Marriage - will probably pick Lady Natasha’s Consort and Lord Steve’s Companion  back up for this one.  

* U5 - Kill List -  see MWAP  - G4 - Canon Divergence.  Post CA:TWS above

* C2 - “Oh, hell no” - possible crossover with MWAP I1 - Steve is here for TFaWS

* C4 - KINK: Aftercare -  probably holding onto this until the TSB bingo 😁

* K1 - Thighs - possible crossover with MWAP: N3 - Online Shopping.  

* K2 - Comics - sew the  Stuffed Marvel Classic Comics Bucky Barnes I drew up last month.  

* K3 - KINK: Edging  - see STB Lazy Sunday Morning above.

* Y1 - “Do you trust me?” -  Using this for Chapter 5 of Takin’ What They’re Givin’ (‘Cause I’m Workin’ for a Livin’) - Mission Four: Pour Some Sugar: Part 2.   Chapter 5 picks up mid-sexytimes with Steve and Bucky and is currently sitting at 705 words. Current Last Line:  “Breathe for me, sweetheart.”      

* Y2 - Never the fall that kills you -  this might be the title for the remix I want to do of   Seeds of Love  (by the super-talented @hddnone) Holding off on this til I get my TSB card, as I wanted to carry over my Secret Admirer  square for this as well.  

* Y3 - “Run”  -  see MWAP I5 - Dogsitting above.

* ADOPTED1 - Peggy Carter - possible crossover with with MWAP - G3 - USO Tour (Peggy regaling Bucky with stories of Steve’s exploits while touring the US) or  N4 - Soulmates  (WW3some shenanigans!)

Steve Rogers Bingo - Round 2  (SGRB_R2) - Ends 31 Jan

Got my card on the first and already have one fill!   Still looking at crossover possibilities and I did request 3 square swaps, so not a whole lot sketched out yet. 

* B5 - 2012!Steve  - Combined this with last week’s   Flash Fiction Friday prompt  [#FFF155 Out of Containment]  for Not the Right Date -  a Steve POV retelling of the last scene of CA:TFA. It came in at 378 words and got posted to Ao3 this morning.

————

On other creative fronts:  I have a Buster and  Creature from the Haunted Sea, in progress with Argoman, Una/Number One and Snoopy and Woodstock in the works I currently have 2 July slots available.  Am also gearing up for a classic monster/horror con in October and a  superhero con in March - so need to build up stock for both. 

if  you’re looking for one of a kind gifts (for a friend or something for yourself!)  you can plan ahead for  the next holiday season and check   out Stuffed With Character    over on Facebook for a full list of my designs (now over 80!).   They’re  mostly Marvel and monsters, but I have some Star Wars, Star   Trek, DC   and Disney figures as well. Plus I love to take custom design  requests  for any fandom!

[rabbitcruiser]

National Learn to Swim Day

Maybe humans can’t fly like birds (yet!), but that doesn’t mean that walking is the only we can get around—with just a little patience and a little work, we can learn to swim like fish, too. Of course, you could live without ever knowing how to swim, but who would want to?

Swimming offers so many benefits that it’s impossible to say that your life would be just as good without it—it builds muscle strength and endurance, improves circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight, alleviates stress and improves both coordination and flexibility, to name but a few.

Not to mention that knowing how to swim can easily save your life or allow you a person to save someone’s life! Learn to Swim Day was created to encourage people all over the world who don’t know how to swim, regardless of age, to finally acquire this incredibly beneficial skill or simply improve on their existing skills.

The History of Learn to Swim Day

This little holiday was created in 2012 by ‘Swimways’, now known as ‘Teach Me To Swim’. Its main goal was to provide the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of water safety as well as teach both children and adults how to swim.

At first, it was just a small event, but soon people began to realize just how important it was to have such a day, especially during the month when many swimming pools open for the summer all over the U.S.A.

Soon, corporations such as Target and Toys”R”Us joined Swimways in celebrating this day by offering promotions on swimwear and learn to swim items, as well as helping to raise awareness about Learn to Swim Day. Nowadays, it seems that more people take part every year, resulting in thousands of people finally mastering this extremely useful skill.

How to Celebrate Learn to Swim Day

As you may well have guessed, the best way to celebrate Learn to Swim day would be to learn to swim. It is estimated that in about half of all Americans can’t swim, so if you happen to be a part of this group, this day is the perfect time to change your life for the better!

Don’t be shy, no matter how old you are, there and millions of other people your age who can’t swim, either. So get a bathing suit you feel comfortable in, and make your way down to your nearest pool, and take a few lessons. Learning the basics of swimming is generally considered quite easy for most people.

If you don’t want to take a class from an instructor, you could always ask a friend or relative who swims well to teach you. However, it is extremely important to exercise caution at all times, and take your time practicing in shallow, relatively still water for quite some time before venturing out into less safe territory.

And even when you do learn to swim well enough to feel comfortable in the water, you should never take unnecessary risks, like swimming in areas not monitored by lifeguards, disregarding warning signs, swimming under the influence of alcohol, or diving without first checking the water is at least 9-10 feet deep. You could also host a pool party or make a deal with your children that you will find the time to go swimming together at least once a week.

Source

[oscars-wifeyyy]

Chapter 4 (The Innocent)

Masterlist

Halloween finally came around and traditional shut in was happening at Ruby’s, like usual, and the crew was there, sans Cesar. Monse, Jamal, and Elizabeth were in costume while Olivia was getting into hers inside her room. Monse was a lifeguard, Jamal was a hospital patient, Elizabeth was Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad, and Ruby was a vampire.

“Eighty-six the chat and focus,” Ruby interrupted the talking, “this is gonna be our best shut in ever. But we have to follow protocol,”

“Dude, we know the drill,” Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

“This year’s gonna be different. It’s not about our survival. It’s about Olivia. There was magic in our first dance,” Ruby sighed.

“Have you guys been to Brentwood?” Jamal asked from the dining table.

“I haven’t, J,” Elizabeth turned to face him.

“My parents are out so I set up touch control LED lighting,” Ruby turned the lights on, “Bordello Red. Nightmare on Elm Street us gonna get Olivia scared…” Ruby sat on the couch, “a little lappy,”

“You know that’s creepy, right?” Monse asked.

“One step ahead of you,” Ruby grabbed the blanket over the couch, “little cover in case of wood,”

“Speaking of wood, Brentwood sounds kind of fun,” Jamal tried to get his ideas on the table.

Elizabeth looked around at the couches, “where is Cesar sitting?”

“In Oscar’s Impala,” Ruby replied.

“He’s not coming? Why? It’s tradition,” Monse rushed out.

“Who cares?” Ruby shrugged.

The door busted open and Cesar walked into the house, “shut in!”

“B-but I thought you were with Oscar?” Ruby stuttered, looking horrified at the sight of his best friend in the house.

“Good to see you too,” Cesar smiled sarcastically.

“Nice costume, Julius,” Elizabeth chuckled as the two did their own handshake.

“No, it’s fine. It’s just…”Ruby sighed, “take a seat, any seat,” Cesar moved to sit on the loveseat, but Ruby quickly shoved him away, “not the loveseat and don’t block my scented candle,”

Olivia walked out of her room with her costume on, “What do you think?”

Ruby looked stunned and grabbed the blanket, “that looks nice,”

“When are we going out?” the new girl asked the group.

“Never. Trick or treating in Freeridge is a no go,” Ruby said.

“Why?”

“You might wanna sit down. I’ll be brief,” Ruby sat down on the loveseat with Olivia, “In 2012, Prohets rolled up on us. Glocks to our head and snatched our bags. 2013, we were kissing pavement all night. Caught in a drive-by. That night we lost our candy and perhaps out innocence,”

“Can we talk?” Monse asked Cesar.

“I’m good,” Cesar responded.

Elizabeth grabbed both of their arms and pulled them to the hallway, “listen here, estupidos. Y’all are going to talk and chop it up. Bye, I need to piss,”

By the time she got back, she realized that they were going to Brentwood for Halloween, but she wasn’t complaining because they gave out big candy bars. Abuelita came in and ushered the kids inside her car so she could drive them to Brentwood. After the hour drive, they arrived at sun down and the kids were exiting.

“Buena suerte,” Abuelita smiled at the kids.

“We don’t need luck,” Ruby chuckled, “It’s Brentwood. Nothing bad happens here,”

“How about OJ?” Cesar brought up, “no offense, Jamal,”

“Oh, I’m good. We don’t claim him,”

“So, we should be ready around ten,” Ruby leaned in the window.

“Good for you, but I have plans,” Abuelita said, driving off.

The six turned towards the neighborhood, “we are not in Freeride anymore,”

“We have lots of ground to cover, so to maximize candy efficiency, let’s divide and conquer then split our booty,” Jamal faced the crew.

“Great idea. Olivia and I will go this way. Meet back here at 10?” Ruby dragged Olivia in one direction.

“Jamal,” Cesar and Monse said together.

“On second thought, I’ll go with Eli,” Cesar walked to Elizabeth.

The crew split ways and once Elizabeth and Cesar were out of earshot from the crew she started asking Cesar questions, “wassup with you and Monse?”

“The night of homecoming, Monse said that I wasn’t safe,” Cesar sighed, “it sucks because it’s true,”

“Salad, I know it hurt when she said that, but give her time,” Elizabeth wrapped an arm around him, “after all you are a new Santo and she never dated one either,”

“You’re probably right,” Cesar smiled, “What’s up with you and my brother?”

“We are...getting closer,” Elizabeth cheesed really hard, “I told him about my dad and he took me to a pretty special place.

“You told him about tu papa?” Cesar asked, shocked with the fact that she opened up to Oscar that much, “well I hope you guys work,”

“Yeah, but I don’t know how to do these things, like relationships and whatnot,” Elizabeth stressed, “I’ve never done this, but I’m starting it with this big bad gang leader,”

“I would tell you, but obviously mine isn’t going so great,” Cesar laughed.

“Headass,” Elizabeth laughed and caught sight of a familiar boy and girl, “ain’t that Ruby and Olivia?”

Cesar turned and saw the two, “yeah. Let’s go catch up,”

When the two finally caught up, they caught sight of the party across the street.

“You know what would be crazy cool?” Olivia asked Ruby, “if we crash that party,” she pointed at the house across the street.

“I don’t know. They look like the’re at capacity. We don’t wanna create a fire hazard,” Ruby stared at the house.

Elizabeth face palmed, but went to the two, “what’s up, guys! Olivia, if you could excuse us a second? Thank you,” “Compa,” Cesar looked at the short friend, “you need to not be you,”

“Me? What’s wrong with me?” Ruby looked at the two of them confused.

Cesar pointed to Elizabeth who started talking in a weird voice, “‘I don’t know. They look like the’re at capacity. We don’t wanna create a fire hazard,’ dude, be outside Ruben,”

“Take her to the party,” Cesar walked back to Olivia.

Ruby followed, “New plan. Let’s tear that party up!”

Ten minutes later into the party, Ruby was coming back to the group with a plate full of food and an excited expression on his face. He went to the couch where most of the crew was sitting at, “everyone here is so friendly. I told someone I was from Freeridge and got major props. Hood must be trending,” Ruby held out the plate out to Olivia, “here’s some napkins and lemon wedges,”

“You’re so thoughtful and always such a gentleman,” Olivia smiled.

“Gentleman, scholar, and a damn good swimmer too,” Cesar tried to hype Ruby up, but was going above and beyond.

Olivia handed the plate to Cesar, “Excuse me, it’s time for my adventure to find the restroom and wait in a long line,”

“I’ll come with,” Elizabeth smiled at the new girl.

“Awesome! Let’s go,” the two walked to find the restroom, “so, anyone special?”

Elizabeth chuckled, “maybe. I don’t know, we’re kinda just taking it slow,”

“Is it Cesar? You guys seem close,” Olivia looked down.

Elizabeth couldn’t help, but laugh, “definitely not. He’s just a friend, nothing more! However, this person that I’m taking it slow with is close with Cesar,”

The two finally arrived at the bathroom and paused the conversation until after Olivia was done using the restroom. After a few minutes, she emerged from the restroom and the two decided to go find something to drink and arrived in the kitchen, looking through the fridge, while Elizabeth settled with a soda in a bin.

“Is he in the group?” Olivia smiled big.

“Nope,” Elizabeth smirked, “you’re not gonna know, but I feel like you’re gonna end up finding out soon so I guess just wait,”

The two laughed when they made their way back to the boys, but saw a group of white boys talking to them. Elizabeth sat next to Cesar while Olivia stood next to her.

“Hey,” Olivia smiled.

The white boy dressed as a cholo saw the juice in her hand, “Where’d you get that?”

“From the fridge,” 

“That’s my mom’s pressed juice,”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Olivia started.

“She’s on a cleanse,” the white boy stressed, “she knows exactly how many bottles there are,”

“I had no idea. I just wanted a drink and I just assumed…” Olivia got cut off.

“What? That you could just go in and take it? There are drinks everywhere. There’s a whole bin of soda right there. You should have been smart like your… very sexy friend here,” white boy winked at Elizabeth who rolled her eyes, “why were you in the fridge?”

“I was thirsty. It’s just juice. It’s not a big deal,” Olivia shuffled her feet.

“Don’t tell me what’s a big deal, ok? Do people go into your house and take stuff out of your fridge?” The white boy asked the underprivileged kids.

“Yes,” the group said.

“What the hell is wrong with you people?” the white boy chuckled.

“Hold up,” Elizabeth stood up and towards the white boy, “you people?”

“Hey, just let it go,” Cesar held Elizabeth’s arm, but she shook it off.

“No, I’m not letting shit go. This white boy wants to be a little racist shit,” Elizabeth glared at the boy in front of her.

“Don’t you have any respect?” the white boy glared

“Dice que el gringo se viste como un cholo,” Elizabeth stood her ground.

“Excuse me, hoe? Excuse me?” the white boy stepped closer to Elizabeth.

“We don’t want any problems,” Cesar stood and moved to stand next to the hot headed girl.

“Exactly,” Ruby interfered, “I got her. How much is the juice?” Ruby started pulling out his wallet.

“Ok,” the white boy nodded, “fifty two dollars a bottle and twenty dollars each for all the food and drinks you had,”

“We don’t have that kind of money on us,” Olivia said.

“Of course you don’t,” The white boy said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Olivia glared.

“Just stating the obvious,” the white boy sarcastically smiled at Olivia then turned to Elizabeth, “how about you stay and I can show you a real man?”

“Now you’re just being a dick,” Olivia seethed.

“Dude, control your bitch,” white boy said to Ruby.

“You better apologize,” Cesar stood up to the white boy.

“Nah, he doesn’t have to apologize,” Elizabeth winked at Elizabeth.

“Exactly, gorgeous. How are we gonna settle up?” the white boy smirked.

“Like this,” Olivia said, opening the bottle and spilling it all over the floor.

The four soon ran as a person came up to them and handed the white boy and his group eggs. Eggs started being thrown and hit the four people as they ran farther away from the house with the group following. They ran into Jamal and Monse so they quickly told them to run, but it was too late when eggs were thrown at them as well. After a few more minutes of running, the crew stopped running and started trying to figure out how they were gonna get back, but Elizabeth caught sight of Cesar focused on his phone.

“Whatcha doing, compa?” Elizabeth asked Cesar.

“Askin’ your novio to come and handle it,” Cesar turned to the group, “don’t get a Lyft. It’s handled,” everyone except Monse looked confused, “it’s handled,”

Ten minutes later, Cesar and Elizabeth walked up to the house party and towards the white boy cholo. They met at the top step of the lawn and faced off.

“You want some more?” The white boy asked Cesar, but he didn’t respond, “you think you’re hard, ok. As for you, gorgeous, you come back to let me show you a man?”

“No I didn’t, gringo,” Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

“I’m not, but he is,” Cesar looked back as the familiar Impala stopped in front of the house.

Oscar got out of the car and towards them as the music stopped and everyone looked scared. The Santo walked up to Elizabeth and held her chin to inspect her face and looked down to check out her body, “haces daño, bebé? Nice costume, too,”

“Yo estoy muy bien. simplemente hacer lo que tienes que hacer y vamos a ir,” Elizabeth crossed her arm as yolk ran down her cheek.

Oscar kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and wiped off the yolk before walking up to the white boy. He looked at his face before licking his thumb, wiping off the tear tattoo, and copied the action on his own, but his didn’t come off.

“This shit’s real,” Oscar glared.

“What do you want?” The white boy whimpered.

Oscar looked at Cesar who responded, “all of your pressed juices, candy, and an apology to Elizabeth,”

Those words caught Oscar’s attention, “what did you do to my girl, cabron?”

“Nothing, man,” the white boy stuttered, “boys, get what they asked already!”

“Boy, if you don’t stop lying,” Elizabeth glared at the boy, “didn’t you call me a hoe? Don’t back up now when an actual man steps up. You say you could show me a real man, right? Where is he now?”

“I-I-I’m s-sorry,”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but nodded before throwing her fist at his face and watched as he fell back on his butt with a mouthful of blood. His group walked back out with all the stuff and quickly shoved it into their awaiting arms.

Oscar laughed at the boy silently crying at the punch before leaning down, “so where is the real man? I’m curious to see how you could handle a baddie like her pero we ain’t gonna know,”

The group was now piling into the back of Oscar’s Impala with their own arms full of the things that were given while Cesar sat in the front with Elizabeth in between them.

“Where to, hermanito?” Oscar asked Cesar.

“Ruby’s” Cesar said.

The ride was quiet and after tonight’s events, Elizabeth was tired as she yawned and felt her eyes close when she felt something touch her left thigh, but she didn’t mind, knowing it was Oscar who laid his hand on it. She slowly drifted off as her head lolled to Oscar’s shoulder after a right turn and soft snores filled the air with the music playing softly in the background.

“Aye, anyone of you, grab the flannel that’s there somewhere and give it to Cesar,” the freshmen in the back shuffled fast and quickly handed it to Cesar, “Cesar, lay it on her pero don’t wake her up,”

Half an hour later, they were in front of Ruby’s house and Elizabeth felt the stop so she opened her eyes with a groan. Her eyes caught sight of Ruby’s house and saw the position she was in causing her cheeks to grow ablaze and quickly got out of the car to let the crew out while Oscar smirked at the girl, but saw the red on her knuckles. Monse left shortly after leaving the crew to go inside and Elizabeth was about to make her way inside, but Oscar called out to her.

“Eli! Get back inside. I’m gonna take you home,”

Elizabeth shrugged and went back inside the car. They drove in silence and arrived at Oscar’s house, but Elizabeth was confused.

“What are we doing here?” Elizabeth asked the man.

“I gotta patch you up, mamita,” Oscar grabbed her bruised hand and held it up, “now get your ass inside,”

“Bossy much?” Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but a smile emerged onto her lips.

The two got inside and Oscar led her into the bathroom, lifting her up so she could sit on the counter. He shuffled through the cabinet to get the first aid kit as Elizabeth sat patiently while swinging her legs back and forth. Finally, Oscar got the kit and took her hand after he doused a cotton pad with alcohol to clean her knuckles before wrapping it in gauze to prevent infections. Elizabeth smiled at his gentle touch, but it didn’t get past Oscar when he looked up.

“Que?” Oscar raised an eyebrow.

“Nada,” Elizabeth shrugged, “it’s just Spooky got a soft touch for a gang leader,”

“Callate, pendeja,” Oscar scoffed, “it’s only ‘cause it’s you,”

“Oh my God,” Elizabeth put her uninjured hand on her chest, above her heart, “the Spooky is becoming soft because of me,”

The two just stared before laughing at the impersonation of the hormonal women that were afraid of him, but still swooned over his beauty. After they were done, Cesar walked in looking stressed, but Elizabeth pushed it aside, thinking it was over Monse. Oscar was staring at the girl that was in front of him when her eyes closed due to the events from that night.

“Are your parents gonna be home tonight?” Oscar asked.

Elizabeth shook her head, “my mom picked up double shifts,”

Oscar nodded, picking the small girl up causing her to wrap her legs around him so she didn’t fall on her ass. He walked the two of them into his room and plopped her onto the bed before taking off his tank top before laying down next to her. The two laid next to each other in complete silence until they let their eyes closed and their bodies give way to the sleepy feeling.

@lostgirl219​  @love-me-91393​

[carversourcebe]

Who’s Max Carver ?

Birth name : Robert Maxwell Martensen Jr Birth date : August 1, 1988 Birth place : San Francisco, California Current residency : Los Angeles, California Size : 6' (1,83 m)

Early Life

Max was born on August 1st, 1988 in San Francisco California. His father is Robert Martensen and his mother is Anne Carver. He has a twin brother, Charlie, and also an older sister and an older brother. Max went to St. Paul’s Boarding School in Concord, New Hampshire, from which he graduated in 2007. He moved to Los Angeles to attended the University of Southern California. In 2012, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. In 2013, his father passed away.

Career

He started acting with Charlie in Desperate Housewives. He played Preston Scavo from 2008 to 2012. He also made apparitions in some TV shows such as The Office, Good Luck Charlie, Best Friends Forever or Victorious. He played Jordan in the move The Cheating Pact in 2012. In 2013 and 2014, Max played Aiden in the 3rd season of Teen Wolf. Charlie was playing Ethan in the same serie. He returns in the serie for the first episode of season 5.

In 2014, the twins were casted for the first season of The Leftovers as Adam and Scott Frost. He played Rory in Ask Me Anything the same year. In 2015, Max has the role of Lifeguard Joe in the movie Mantervention. He also was in the show Filthy Preppy Teen$.

In 2017, he was in the movie Fist Fight with his brother Charlie. They also played together in 2018 in the film In The Cloud.

In 2022, Max and Charlie had a small role in The Batman movie, based on the DC Comics, alongside with Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz.

Filmography :

Television

2008 - 2012 : Desperate Housewives - Preston Scavo (season 5 to season 8)

2009 : The Office - Eric (season 6, episode 1)

2010 : Good Luck Charlie - Brad (season 1, episode 4)

2012 : G.I.A. - Matt (season 1, episode 1)

2012 : Best Friends Forever - Corey (season 1, episode 4)

2012 : Victorious - Evan Smith (season 3, episode 12)

2012 : NTSF:SD:SUV - Thad (season 2, episode 1)

2012 : Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn - Cadmon Lasky

2013 - 2015 : Teen Wolf - Aiden (season 3 & season 5, episode 1)

2014 : The Leftovers - Adam Frost (season 1)

2015 : The Following - Reggie (season 3, episode 4)

2015 : Filthy Preppy Teen$ - Chaad Bishop

Films

2013 : Dean Slater: Resident Advisor - pissed off guy

2014 : Ask Me Anything - Rory

2014 : Mantervention - Lifeguard Joe

2017 : A Midsummer Night's Dream - Snout

2018 : In The Cloud - Caden

2022 : The Batman - The Twin

TV movies

2013 : The Cheating Pact - Jordan Coleman

2014 : Grand Theft Auto: Give Me Liberty - Claude

Producer 

2017 : Simularity

Music videos

2016 : Rough Sweat - White China Gold

2016 : #WHERESTHELOVE (Feat. The World) - The Black Eyed Peas

Nominations

2008 : Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Desperate Housewives

[imagine-organization-xiii]

Do you have any beach headcanons?

Xemnas

Best beach bod winner from 2012-2019. Looks the best in a bathing suit and without his shirt if you can manage to bring him from your hotel or rented beach house and to the beach.

Grumbles a lot but he usually ends up enjoying himself even though he’ll never admit it. Will never take off his sunglasses and doesn’t really go in the water, though he’ll lounge seductively on a towel and tan.

You’d think he’d get hit on by tons of people, but no. No one actually has the courage to approach him and speak to him, so they all prefer to admire from afar.

Xigbar

Does Xigbar want to play pranks at the beach? Obviously. Is it a good idea to pour a bucket of freezing water over Larxene and Marluxia while they tan and doze in the sand? No. Is he going to do it anyway? Absolutely.

Got the shit beat out of him because he secretly bought a fake shark fin to strap to his back. Scared the hell out of Roxas and Xion, who refused to get in the water for the rest of the day, but Lexaeus and Xaldin gave him a black eye when they realized what he was doing. Definitely banned from the water for the rest of the day, so ends up pouting under the umbrella with Vexen.

Xaldin

Loves the beach, but hates seagulls. The little bastards are fearless and always ready to dive-bomb him if he’s carrying food.

Definitely rents a jet ski from a nearby stand and spends most of the day perfecting his jet ski technique. The others get jealous, so he makes sure to give most of them a turn. Xigbar and Demyx are not allowed to borrow the jet ski.

Pulls a small barbecue pit out of nowhere and makes all kinds of food to make sure that the others are eating something other than junk. Also has to make sure that they wait a bit before they get back in the water. Makes a little bit of everything, but the most popular thing happens to be hot dogs (though Axel won’t eat them unless he has it with a hot dog bun and not just regular bread.)

Vexen

Arguably has the worst time out of anyone. So pale - never tans, always burns. Hates the sand because it gets in weird places and you still find it months after leaving the beach. Hates the water because he doesn’t like the fish rubbing up against him and having seaweed rub against his legs.

Will probably spend the entire time under a beach umbrella with a laptop and files so he can do work while everyone else enjoys themselves.

Honestly hates the beach and has made it well known to everyone that it’s not his ideal location for a vacation, but they make him go. But it’s okay because he vows that he’ll be the one to plan the next group vacation.

Lexaeus

I am unashamed to say that I think that Lexaeus has a sexy DILF beach bod. Fight me. Ya boy wears a tank top and his board shorts and is a beefcake with a bod that just won’t quit.

Burns pretty badly but it almost always fades into a tan. Mothers the others about putting on sunscreen, especially the paler ones - like Zexion, Vexen, and Luxord - but almost always forgets to put sunscreen on himself. He’s also the one who packed up snacks and drinks because everyone else definitely would have forgotten.

Prefers to sit out in the sand than actually go out in the water. Will spend some of his time taking a small, relaxing jog in the sand with Xaldin or will sit and nap under the beach umbrella while Vexen reads next to him.

Zexion

Not even gonna lie, Zexion hates the beach. He can deal with the sand and he’ll join in on a volleyball game, and he likes sitting under the beach umbrella or on a towel as he reads a book, but he will not get in the water. He’s terrified of it. He doesn’t like how wide and open it is - it sort of gives him an existential crisis.

He can easily be convinced to make a sandcastle and ends up doing most of the detailed work because he’s a perfectionist.

Saix

Favorite part of beach days is the fact that he doesn’t have to put on sunscreen because he never actually burns. He’ll never admit that he’s looking forward to the same thing as Demyx, but he also likes swimming at night and building a bonfire.

Likes surfing and he will definitely make sure that his surfboard is the first thing he packs into the car. He’s awesome at it, too, and no one can really understand how he can possibly be so patient as to wait for each wave on his board.

Axel

Will fall asleep somewhere at some point. Roxas and Xion will be keeping an eye on when he falls asleep so they can write random words across his body in sunscreen. Axel would never tell him, but he thinks it’s kind of funny. Nap time usually happens after he eats because he tends to get sleepy after he stuffs his face.

Starts an epic game of frisbee that turns way too competitive. Saix is usually the one who wins, but Larxene always gives him a run for his money.

Beach day is a perfect day for ice cream, so he recruits Saix to help him carry a a bunch of cones from the pier and back to the rest of the organization members on the beach.

Demyx

Prefers swimming at night, if only for the novelty. He loves the beach at night, especially if he can convince the rest of the gang to help him build a bonfire. They’ll all sit around the fire chatting, relaxing, and Demyx will play his sitar.

Demyx absolutely loves the water. Doesn’t matter that he can barely see past his own hand when he goes underwater, he’ll grab a snorkel and some goggles and explore the undersea life as much as he can.

Allows the others to bury him under the sand as long as they give him a beautiful mermaid tail. He has a picture of it framed next to his bed with Axel and Roxas dabbing on either side of him.

Luxord

He likes the beach, but his delicate English skin isn’t used to sunny weather. Will spend a lot of time applying and reapplying sunblock before he goes out into the sun.

You’d think that Lexaeus would be the one who’d want to photograph and save the moment, but no. That would be Luxord. He’ll bring a camera and take pictures of everything, whether it’s just an artsy picture of the waves crashing against the shore or Xion tackling Xigbar to the ground. He’ll want to document the moment as best as he can.

Brings a kite because he found out that Xion and Roxas have never flown a kite before and was personally insulted.

Marluxia

Drinks on beach days but it really isn’t his fault. He’ll be sitting under a beach umbrella or tanning on a towel in the sand and he’ll blink and a cocktail will literally just appear next to him. Having a mixed drink has become a thing for him when he goes to the beach.

Talks shit about other beach-goers with Larxene. He’s a judgmental little shit and he doesn’t care about who knows it. Doesn’t talk about the other organization members, though, because he’s the one who helped them pick out all of their swimsuits because he refused to let them pick something that would make them look stupid.

Gathers a few plants that grow near the sand or near the water for experimentation in his own garden.

Larxene

Starts an epic beach volleyball game with some of the members. The others argue about who gets to be on her team because she always wins. She used to play volleyball a lot as a kid, so she still remembers how it felt to play against others.

Likes to relax and tan with Marluxia and makes him put sunscreen on her back because she can’t reach. She always manages to get a perfect tan and no one know how she does it.

Takes some time away from everyone else to go flirt with the nearest lifeguard. Marluxia will turn away for two seconds and she’ll have disappeared to halfway down the beach.

Roxas

“Oh my gosh, the water is too cold!“ Then goes out to the sand. “THE SAND IS TOO HOT“ Goes out to the water. “THE WATER IS TOO COLD AND SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED MY LEG.“ Goes to the sand. This will happen for about three hours until Roxas figures out what he actually wants to do.

Just excited to be there! Will convince the others to play chicken with him at some point. He’ll get on Axel’s shoulders and Xion will get on Demyx’s shoulders and it will just be an all-out knock-down battle. Roxas, more often than not, lets Xion win because he likes seeing the bright grin on her face when she manages to knock him into the water.

His favorite beach thing to do is go to all the awesome stands at the pier. Gets himself a cotton candy and ends up winning himself a giant stuffed animal from one of the supposedly rigged games.

Xion

Has the best time at the beach! Convinces almost everyone to do something with her and no one really has the heart to say no when she asks.

Xaldin and Lexaeus build sandcastles with her. Demyx and Axel allow her to bury them in the sand. She and Roxas stroll up and down the beach looking for a bunch of seashells that she can collect and take back home to the castle.

Definitely passes out in the car on the way home. Lexaeus or Xaldin usually have to carry her to bed because she’s almost always exhausted by the time the day is over.

[yeats-infection]

5 (only bc the vintage looks you write abt sound so killer), 8, 19, 42?

thank you! so i just answered 5 and 42... 

8. What’s a job that you’ve had that people might be surprised to find out you’ve had?

i worked at a toy store for two years in seattle, which actually was a really good job, for a retail job. i think everybody should work in retail or food service for at least two years. my coworkers were great and my boss for most of the time i worked there was a really inspiring woman that i learned a lot from. i also was a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor, and a junior page at a library... and my first job ever i was maybe 12-13 and was paid cash under the table to help my mom’s friends who were reiki healers package herbs and stuff that they sold on their website... 

19. That book you were forced to read for class but actually ended up enjoying?

i LOVED catcher in the rye. love love loved it. i even had a very tenth grade existential crisis about it. 

i also was assigned to read the day of the locust for a class in college... it’s still one of my favorite books, and, i think, a novel that really prefigures our current political nightmare scenario in a really scary way, as it was published in 1939. but of all the late-30s “fascism could happen here” literature that i’ve read, west’s is the most american-feeling, the most realistic and the most real... anyway, i will still wholeheartedly recommend that if you want everything to make sense to you, you should read the day of the locust. the movie adaptation by john schlesinger is also great and truly Shook me when i watched it with some of my class at my professor’s house in spring semester 2012... the book and film take a lot of inspiration from one of my favorite paintings of all time, which is in los angeles for some reason, james ensor’s “christ’s entry into brussels in 1889,” painted in 1888... 

--

send me a quarantine ask! 

[rebornghostgirl]

13. have you ever had an irl ghost experience?

Oiiii... I have almost... If it counts.

1. Summer Camp, Millstone 4-H camp, Ellerbe, NC Uhhh I think... 2012-ish?

Any who if you go down there you may hear the story of Millie Millstone. A girl who is, or was, the daughter of the founder of the camp. She was said to have died when one of the huuuuuge wooden doors of the mess hall entrance crushed her mid-construction.

So during my time there people were talking about Millie, and me being an aspiring know at all science kid was skeptic. I looked on the door for blood. Asked around for stories, and concluded she was just made up.

But that night my counselor snuck out to smoke with a friend. She ran back in terrified, shaking, and scared. She said that while smoking near the mess hall she saw headlights that glowed as bright as a truck. So her and her friend hid. Then once it didn't go away. They look up to see two glowing eyes glaring at them. They then book it back to their cabins.

So I kept trying to say how it must be fake or not real or anything, but no one believed me and then they grabbed their sleeping bags and slept in the counselor's side of the room.

Then... I heard a thump.

The girls in the cabin squealed. So I shimmed out of my bed. Grabbed my blanket. And climbed on top of the extra bunk bed in the counselor's room.

2. College.

So my school ECU is NOTORIOUS for ghost stories. There are a lot and Im sure I heard them all. And I like to download a emp meter and wander around the 'haunted spots'. I even debunked one, I would love to make a post if anyone asked.

Cotton Hall has a ghost who scared my friend to the point where she spent the night at my dorm room. I'll ask her for her story but the usual ghost stuff happened. Rotten smell, flickering lights, and stuff dropping. I think she mentioned she felt something grab her.

Ok so... There's the story of the ghost girl at the old christenbury gym. She was the daughter of a Chancellor and it was said she loved to swim and ended drowning while a lifeguard wasn't on duty one night. Think it was the 1950s. After that. It was said that she would try to drown you when you swam. Scratch you, try to trip you, or just try anything to kill you in general. You heard crying or maniacal laughter. Depending on the story teller.

So as mentioned before I like to sleuth. So I looked around for it. The Christenbury gym is repurposed for ROTC students. I looked it up online and the swimming pool is actually blocked off. Like even the door to the blocked off door is locked!!! I walked up to see it myself. Can access it. So... You got a refurbished everywhere else of the old gym, but a blocked off old pool? Mmmm... Fishy fishy...

Look between the windows of the gym between the gym and Brewster. Yeah you'll see the pool. Broken, decayed, and abandoned. It scared me to hell. Also... You got some WINDOWS OPENED THAT WAS NEVER OPENED. YEAH NO...

So on Halloween of freshman year before the halloween bash... I walked down with an emp. It was ticking and normal showing no activity. It suspiciously ticked over the mall, rumored to be an old confederate burial ground. It ticked while walking past Cotten Hall, rumored to have been a place where a girl offed herself due to a broken heart. (I have that dorm next semester so if corona doesn't keep me from going back. I'll sleuth around to let you know.)

Then all was well till I got near the gym. I walked between Brewster and walked up the steps. All of a sudden the ticks began to tick rapidly and the meter turned red. So... Since I had plans to make the halloween havoc event as a fake zombie and NOT A REAL ONE. I highed tailed it back to the dorm.

Told almost no one. I felt like I needed more proof. But I didn't try to attempt it again last year. I couldn't find a friend brave enough to come with...

Here's the picture of the gym. The pool is locked. You can see the open window.

This is close. Its not very eventful and im still skeptical... But... Its a story...

[oldfolksineurope]

View of Bahia from across the River Chone, on the road to Canoa.

Gringos

Steve here. We are gringos, that is the word around town, used by whites and Ecuadorians as well. We are a fairly small group, gringos, consisting of Americans, Canadians, Germans and a few others. There are of course tourists, of which we are two, and then there are ex-pats. Our Atlanta condo owner asked an ex-pat, named Pat unfortunately, to meet us at the apartment and help us settle in. Pat is a 74 year old American who grew up in Southern California and starting surfing as a kid on Huntington Beach, Surf City. He knows all the surfing stars from that age and surfed the big waves on the North Shore of Hawaii with all the surfing legends of that era. A quiet, gentle unassuming guy, Pat is a Vietnam vet, quickly lost hearing in one ear during the conflict and spent the last year as a lifeguard on the infamous South China Beach. Had surfboards shipped in from Hawaii. Pat has surfed the world over, Hawaii maybe forty times, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nicaragua. He moved to Ecuador in 2012 after traveling the world looking for the perfect place to live and surf. He lives in the building where we are staying and he has renovated his apartment twice, first on moving in, then after the 2016 earthquake. He was not here for the quake.

Pat has on old rebuilt Toyota Land Cruiser with over 400,000 kilometers on it. He has a son but we don’t know more than that, and an Ecuadorian girlfriend who lives in Salinas, about 200 kilometers away. Last night he drove us across the bridge and up to Canoa, a hippie, backpacker kind of beach town with good surfing and a hilarious beachside collection of open air bars, restaurants and of course, hostels. He then drove us out to a ‘German’ restaurant that was down a long muddy trail of a deserted highway. Once again, nowhere. Unfortunately, Stephen, the owner was busy renovating the amazing open air kitchen and the two large outdoor ovens were cold. He was apologetic and encouraged us to return. We then cruised along to the Canoa Beach Hotel. If you want a unique place to surf or just disappear from the world, look up this spot. Nothing near it, it is a resort destination, beach with big surf, winding pool with waterfalls, great restaurant all owned by a Kentucky character born in, where else, Dayton Ohio, my own birthplace. Glen arrived in Ecuador in 2005 and to hear him tell it, was making $4 a day working here in Bahia. Glen is in his mid fifties, burly gregarious guy who just woke up from a nap when we met him. Shortly thereafter, he got a straight margarita from the bar, told a few stories in his Kentucky accent then excused himself to entertain some Kentuckian ladies who were playing board games near us. We had a delicious dinner, but Pat is on a low carb diet and had a burger, no bread, some salad, and a low cal beer, his second of the year, both with us. The drive home was mildly spooky with vehicles on the road with no lights at all and a brief stop by the cops, who excused us as tourists and the gringos that we are. Pat jogs, plays tennis regularly, bike rides and surfs. Oh, and he plays golf on a course a few hours away. Said we would go there. Sorry to be so lengthy, but there will be other stories from this small ex-pat world.