#but anyway good luck tonight critters!

[sea-buns]

the things my mind will do to NOT have to face the consequences of a traumatic story arc

"oh so and so died last week? and the new episode is tonight? hmm sounds like it'll be a good one...

.....y'know i've really been meaning to get into [absolute rabbit hole of a fandom]"

[lostinthosebrowneyes]

Pedro Character HCs | Do they believe in ghosts?

Din Djarin

Agnostic would be the best word for Din. He’s about 50/50 skepticism and “well this might as well happen”. His son is a wizard, he’s not about to discount anything. That said, as much as he’d like to see his parents again, he’s not too convinced about the idea of ghosts... At least, not until Luke ever introduces him to his dad and mentors, then Din might start reevaluating some things.

BONUS (Aliens): His son is a little green man from outer space, so... yeah. I think we can safely say he believes in aliens.

Ezra

Ezra is one of those people who will play up believing in ghosts for the entertainment factor but he is a complete skeptic in reality. He tells a great ghost story, sometimes he even manages to fool himself with the noises he’s heard on alien planets, but at the end of the day the dead are just meat. He’d know if it were otherwise; he has accumulated multiple reasons to be haunted over the years.

BONUS (Aliens): Aliens as in a super-intelligent race that abducts and experiments on people, whose existence has never been proven? No. Aliens as in local fauna on alien planets? Sure, he bears witness to those nettlesome little critters all the time.

Frankie Morales

Frankie has seen far too much to be scared of the noncorporeal. He had a healthy sense of fear of the unknown as a kid but after he came back from combat, it all changed. Just because he’s a skeptic doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the thrill. Strangely, supernatural horror almost became... comforting? Nostalgic? Like he missed when the worst thing he saw was bad SFX and somebody floating on strings. It’s not a real danger and that makes it a “safe” scare, like a roller coaster or some other adrenaline high. He loves haunted houses, especially if he goes with Benny who is secretly a believer in the supernatural ever since a young Will fooled him into thinking their attic was haunted.

BONUS (Aliens, Cryptids): I think Frankie is less committal about his feelings on aliens and cryptids. Aliens in the “it’s a big universe, who knows” kind of way, when he’s out camping and gazing at the vastness of the stars above him. Cryptids in the “look, most of it is guys in suits but my cousin’s best friend’s dog was supposedly eaten by a chupacabra” kind of way.

Javier Peña

Javier will never admit to believing in the supernatural. He has seen a lot of bodies and he’s never been haunted -- not supernaturally, anyway. He has superstitious family members so he won’t speak ill of ghosts, but it’s not his personal belief. He’s witnessed a lot of pain and death and he understands the need for the coping mechanism, but that’s all it is. At least, that’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

BONUS (Demons): The thing is, Javi has seen a lot of things over his career. He has seen evil in the hearts of men too many times to deny the concept of it. Javier will tell you to your face that he doesn’t believe in demons, but that doesn’t mean he’s going anywhere near that famous site of a demonic possession. It’s not because he’s scared, it’s because it’s a waste of time. And it’s late. And he has better things to do. Like you. Let’s get home. (Get in the fucking car and let’s gooooo.)

Marcus Moreno

Marcus Moreno isn’t a skeptic, he just doesn’t believe in ghosts. He and Missy would have heard something by now.

BONUS (Everything else): I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if Marcus has fought a demon. If not, he still believes in them. He also believes in mermaids, aliens (hello!), extra-dimensional entities and Bigfoot. Marcus will believe anything until proven false, including but not limited to The Loch Ness Monster. You say they’ve checked the loch top to bottom with cameras and found nothing? Maybe Nessie just can’t be captured by cameras. Marcus is friends with someone named Sharkboy. There are no limits.

Marcus Pike

As I said here, Marcus Pike believes in ghosts. Marcus had ~an experience~ in his college days after he and some friends spent the night in a haunted house on a dare. Ever since he has been convinced there is some form of life after death, even if he doesn’t subscribe to a specific theory of how it all works. He’s not particularly vocal about it, but if you try to make fun of people who believe in ghosts be prepared for him to make the case, “Well you know just because science hasn’t proven it yet-”. In general he’s more into the idea of gentle hauntings than your malevolent poltergeist situation. Ghosts who hold on after death to comfort their loved ones are the kinds of ghost stories that he’s really into.

BONUS (Aliens): As for other supernatural beings, cryptids are all hoaxes and he doesn’t buy the idea of demonic possession. But like Frankie, he thinks it’s not impossible to imagine among all of those stars there might be other worlds with sentient life. Yeah, Marcus believes in aliens, too.

Maxwell Lord

Maxwell is like Marcus Moreno in that he’ll believe almost anything, but like Javier in that he will never admit it. He is incredibly easy to scare but after you get him he will refuse to acknowledge that it happened. If Alistair says he saw a ghost in his closet, Maxwell will not be going to check the closet and show his son everything is fine. He doesn’t want to see a ghost! Alistair can just sleep in his room tonight and they’ll sort it out in the morning. Of course he’ll be telling Alistair how silly he’s being the entire time because ghosts aren’t real obviously! (What was that sound???)

BONUS (Everything Else): Demons, aliens, that’s just another Monday in the DCEU. Of course he believes in those. Magic and gods? Proven fact. Curses? He always keeps a good luck charm on him rather than tempt fate. Cryptids? Well, just because some of those photos have been debunked doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Maybe he should ask his acquaintances the daughter of Zeus and a literal cat lady.

[cadaceus]

C2E123

I’m gonna have to buy myself a T-Shirt that says “I survived Critical Role Campaign 2, Episode 123��� because y’all... that was a lot. I also can’t believe I successfully caught up in time to tune in live tonight--but now I’m scared to do so, because oh god, that was rough! Happy Thursday, critters, let’s hope tonight goes better than 123 did! (Spoilers, of course, abound down below.)

- Using that much diamond dust to try and dispel the eye seems like such a risky gamble, since who knows when they will get more diamonds?  😭

- Wait I forgot, why do they have the point of exhaustion despite the long rest? 

- “I can smell you... I told you I had your scent...” *”beyonce??” meme but instead picture me yelling GELIDON?????*

- FJORD JUST FLYING INTO THE DRAGON’S SPHERE I LOVE MY 7 WISDOM PALADIN LMAOOOOO

- WHAT DO YOU MEAN LUCIEN HAS LEGENDARY ACTIONS WHAT 

- Both of the halflings attempting to hide behind Fjord is so funny fghjkljh 

- The fact that Ashley rolled Double 20s earlier and Double 1s now is so sad but also so funny.... balance has been restored to the universe

- Beau has 17 hit points left...... is she gonna go down here...... if she does and then falls off the dragon..... 😭

- GELIDON ESCAPED AGAIN FDGHJKFLP[FL WILL WE MEET HER AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD??

- Fjord kissing Jester after she heals him is so cute, I really wasn’t expecting that to happen

- Jester covering up her message to Dagen by peeing dghjkdlf please I love her

- I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I would pay good money for a little bound copy/”Jester’s sketchbook” that has all of the illustrations and scribbles she’s jotted down during this campaign so far

- Lucien describing the Mighty Nein as a “bunch of brightened stars in the sky” and then half an hour later, the Wildmother presents Essek as a bright star in the sky.... hold on everyone I’m thinking, just hold on

- “You look down and your bag of holding is missing” THESE LITTLE STINKERS DGCHJKDASJL;JSFHJFKL DID THE TOMB TAKERS JUST CUT AND RUN IM SO MAD

- Jester just take their threshold crest and RUN please

- Beau successfully stunning Cree on the first try!!! I’m so proud!

- Lucien being immune to necrotic damage..... Big Yikes, is that because he’s died before, a bloodhunter thing, or does it have to do with the Eyes of Nine?

- This background music is so cool and spooky, it reminds me of Stranger Things

- THE THREE NATURAL 1s ON INITIATIVE..... RUH ROH

- Matt: “Beau, you take 69 points of psychic damage” The entire cast, without hesitation: “Nice :(((”

- Wait, Lucien dispelled the night vision goggles??? Uhhhhh uh oh 😱

- WHY ARE THEY ALL GOING FOR BEAU DSHJKHFL GO AWAY GO AWAY

- It’s midnight and I have an 8am class tomorrow but I’m so tempted to finish this episode anyways...........

- ^ THIS IS LITERALLY ALWAYS USED AS THE NEUTRAL EVIL CATCHPHRASE I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN LUCIEN WOULD PULL THIS SHIT DGHJFKLF

- Is Otis like a bloodhunter/rogue/warlock combo then?

- “The arcane symbol burns, like [Fjord] has been branded or marked in some way.” THIS IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS WE GO ALONG

- The fact that Yasha and her wings were on the outskirts of the anti-magic cone and it worked..... :’)

- Okay so I did end up going to sleep at like 1am but man, leaving off in the middle of this stressful fight was rough...

- The actual epitome of “We’re running, it’s bad”

- “Claim the rest, the wizard’s mine.” LITERALLY CINEMA OVER HERE I AM ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

- Wait this triple stacked Counterspell is so funny SASDFGHJK

- Sam: “Remember when I said I didn’t want it to end? I want it to end now.” 

- LMAOOOOOOO THE NEIN ARE BARELY OUT OF RANGE, GET WRECKED LUCIEN

- “I will continue to be a twig in the arms of a barbarian woman” I wish that were me right now

- Does Jester still have the Tomb Takers’ lodestone special thingy? I’m stressed so I’ve forgotten what they’re called

- I FINISHED THE EPISODE!!! I SURVIVED, AND SO DID THEY!!!

- That must have been the longest episode of the campaign, right? That was so stressful (though I admittedly went into it knowing that nobody died.... I couldn’t stand not knowing, so I spoiled myself, I’m sorry!) Even so, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.... I also successfully caught up before tonight’s episode, so we’ll see what happens in the aftermath of this whole mess.... I think we’ll need all the luck in the world tonight y’all  😭

[evathenovice]

Shelter

I has a story here! A gift for @tyraeltheapprentice​ I hopes you like it! Just some soft interaction between Eva and Tyrael. Aand..y-yeah sooo- *Shoves here and hides*

Just my luck, Tyrael huffed. And it was usually her luck; storms and weird weather happened rather often when she traveled. Not even the thick lush of the forest could hold back the rain drops or icy winds that bombarded her. No, there was no traveling in this kind of weather. “We need to find shelter, and fast.” she groaned to her two familiars, who were unseen if any other were to come across her, but their presence was felts. 

Trudging through the woods with both hands to her hood to keep it in place despite the battle with the wind, through the bramble and the bush that was lessening,  seemed to be a small clearing. Normally the opposite of shelter from a storm, the small cottage that was giving off light and smoke made said clearing much more appealing. The woman lowered her head to push through the storm challenges and made her way to the door, banging on the wooden circle since someone had to be home if there was a fire going. 

“Coming!” A lighthearted voice came from the other side as the sound of metal latches and the creak of the wood followed suit. “Hello, this isn’t the best weather to be out in- wait! Tyrael?” 

“Eva?” Her golden eyes widened as she looked down at the redhead at the door. This was the last person I was expecting to find

“Oh my gosh get in here!” Eva’s small hand reached out to grab Ty’s wrist and bring her into her home, “Get in front of the fire, quickly” the shorter woman kept pulling deeper into the home and right to the fire. “You are soaked to the bone!” “I-Uh, yeah. The storm hit pretty hard,” Ty honestly didn’t know how to handle the other woman’s attention. Not that it wasn't appreciated of course, but it was just not the common treatment she expected from the former apprentice of her mentor. Heck they had only met perhaps a handful of times when Eva would come to the shop looking for Asra or drop off something. 

“Wrap up and then have a seat,” The redhead instructed, gesturing to her blanket and chair by the fire before stepping away to another room.

“Oh uh, thanks” Tyrael mumbled, wrapping the blanket around herself before sitting as she was told to. Looking into the fire as she scooted closer for warmth, a small smile touched her face as the salamander rolling around in the embers looked up at her in a brief pause before continuing its play, “hey there little fella.” Perhaps it was how tired she was, or the focus on the little creature in the firepit, but the traveler didn’t expect the warm fluffy towel that was dropped on her head. “W-what are you doing?” Eva’s hands started working the towel through her hair, gently patting and ringing out the water trapped in the strands, “We need to get you dry, or you could catch a cold” The other woman’s tone gave off the feeling that this was the most natural thing for her to do. 

However it was far from what the blue haired sorceress in training would say was natural. Such kindness, and unabashed care…. A small blush formed on her flustered cheeks as she sunk deeper into the cozy chair, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself. “T-Thank you.” she stammered, eyes going back to the little critter in the fireplace. 

“Not at all!” Eva hummed with a smile, patting and gently floofing Ty’s hair. “Hey Sausage, would you be a dear and go heat up the bathtub? I bet our guest could use a nice hot bath to get the cold out of her bones.” 

“Oh, uh, you don’t need to do that,” The guest tried to say, “I’m okay.” “You sure? I don’t want you to get sick, and your face is a bit flush,” Eva knelt down in front of the chair, gently pressing the back of her hand to Ty’s forehead to check for a fever. 

“I guess...That would be nice” Ty’ felt her face heating up even more at the gentle touch. Normally she would say she could tough it out, but the soft doe eyes staring at her.. It was hard to say no to. 

The salamander with a small gurgle of a noise crawled out of the fire, steam coming off its body as it made its way across the stone floor to the bathroom in the back of the hut to do the task. 

The redhead’s smile grew, “There we go. Now, how about something to drink, I was just stirring up some caramel apple cider. Definitely will warm you up from the inside out.”

“Oh uh,” but before the other woman could ask about what exactly *cider* was, Eva had scurried into the kitchen to get them some mugs, as well as a bowl of hot oatmeal for her guest. Ty arched her neck to look over the chair to try and see what was going on in the kitchen, hearing the shuffling of dishes and the hissing of a teapot. “Everything okay in there?” 

“Huh? Oh yes yes, I was just getting something warm for you to eat too. It’s just oatmeal, but I have honey and stuff I can put in if you want.” "Oh you don't need to add that for me. I like it simple.... Do, uh... Do you want to have some too?" She would have felt a bit odd eating alone in another person’s home. Besides, eating together and talking sounded rather nice. 

“Well I think I could have a little.” Eva chuckled, adding an extra spoon to the bowl before bringing it all out on a tray. “It will still be a bit hot, so careful not to burn your tongue, okay” She winked, pulling one of her bean bag pillow cushions to sit beside Ty. 

“I’ll be sure to be careful,” Ty chuckled softly, a soft hum spilling out with her exhale as she took a deep whiff of the cider, enjoying the mix of slight sweetness and spice, as well as the heat that was spreading into her fingers. 

“I gotta say I am so relieved you found my place,” The redhead said between small sips of her drink, “If I found out you were in my neck of the woods and had been out all night in this storm I would have felt so guilty.” 

“It wouldn’t have been your fault though, you didn't make the storm happen,” Ty raised a brow, a rather amused smile on her face at how… well, coddling and doting on her. It was rather confusing to try and comprehend why the girl was doing these things for her, but also it warmed her heart to see how caring and adamant she was, rambling on about how Ty could have gotten sick or lost and so on and on. “Well I didn’t, I am here so we don’t have to worry about that.”

Both the women chuckled a little and decided to change the topic of conversation, whilst sharing in the oatmeal, which Eva had thought had cooled down enough, but the sudden huffing and fanning of her mouth proved that wrong. “You okay?” Ty asked, sitting up in concern and reaching a hand to touch Eva’s shoulder. Getting a small thumbs up and a half smile, Ty chuckled a bit with a sigh, “And here you are telling me to be careful of my own tongue. Seems you need to be careful too.” “Hehehe, w-well I thought it was cooled enough for a little nibble” Eva giggled, “Now anywho, I was gonna ask, what were you doing out in this crazy weather anyway? You are a bit of a ways away from the shop, needless to say” The question brought a small frown to the taller woman’s face. Well, not so much the question, but the answer to said question. The memory of the argument, one of many, she had gotten into with Asra before storming off, not caring where she went so long as it was away from him. “Hey” Eva put her hand on top of Ty’s, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have pried. We can talk about something else if you want.” “N-no.. no it isn’t that it is just…”She let out a deep exhale, trying to quell some of the frustration that was growing in her again just by remembering the fight. “Asra. Let’s just say Asra…” “Awe geesh, I could have expected that” Eva rolled her eyes, patting Ty’s hand before leaning back in her bean chair, “That man might know a good collection of spells, but the way he talks to people is not as charming as he thinks it is.” “No kidding,” Ty tsked, but a small smile came back to her face knowing she was sharing her grievances with someone who could relate. 

Their talk went on, Ty sharing the details of her most recent argument with her mentor. Which led to Eva’ sharing her own issues she recalled when being an apprentice. Back and forth the women shared, finishing their bowl of oatmeal and going through two or so refills of warm cider as they laughed, groaned and confided in each other. Their latest bit of chuckles interrupted by a little gurgle of a noise.  

“Hm? Oh Sausage,” Eva reached and collected the salamander, who was now a few shades darker than he previously was to signal he was cooled down a bit. “That is right, your bath must be ready. It would have been painfully hot if you had gone in before, but you better take the chance before it gets too cold.” Eva set the little creature on the hot brick that bordered the hearth, “I can get some kind of pillow bed set up by the fire for you. Well, unless you want to share the bed with me. It is downstairs so it is nice and warm.” 

“Oh, no thanks I am sure out here will be fine” Ty shook her head and let the blanket around her fall off her shoulders.  “You sure? I mean I want to make sure you are comfortable” Eva started collecting various pillow seat cushions she had and a few blankets from a chest, “I don’t mind cuddling and Persephatta actually loves the rain so she won’t be coming in tonight, so it won’t be too cramped.” 

With a soft smile, the tanned woman shook her head again, “Maybe next time, but I feel I will be pretty comfy out here. And maybe Sausage can keep me company.” She looked down at the salamander that was already starting to get a little brighter in color from the hot bricks. 

“Well he does make a very good hot water bottle,” Eva chuckled, “Okay then, I will see to a nice makeshift bed. Should be ready by the time you are done. And feel free to use my robe in there, it should fit you as a nice thing to sleep in for the night while we have our clothes taken care of.” With a small nod, Tyrael found her way to the bathroom, which wasn’t very hard considering the small size of the cottage. Dipping her finger in the water to check the temp one more time, she went about adding a few of the bath salts and herbs that were set on a shelf for cleansing and calming purposes. For a while she let herself soak, sinking down till the water was just past her chin as she closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift. What a crazy day it had been indeed, but not without a happy ending. Her thoughts drifted to Eva’s kind words, and how they made each other smile. 

I could get used to such conversations... this feeling.... I hope we can meet up like this again. okay maybe with a little less storm. 

End?

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

Drake's Diary ch.22 -Things That Go Bump In The Night

The Royal Romance canon from Drake's POV

Drake x MC (Emma)

Words: 3502

Emma confronts the Queen Mother at Madeleine's tea party, Drake takes the group camping

Drake walks into the most extravagant tea party he’s ever seen. This is definitely not where he wants to be. He’s surrounded by pink lace, fancy china teapots and saucers, golden chandeliers, white doilies…the very definition of “not his style.” But he’s not here for himself. He promised Emma he would help her in every way possible, and he didn’t intend to break that promise.

He immediately walked over to the petit fours and started eating. A second later, Kiara was at his side.

“Hello, Drake. Beautiful party, isn’t it? I just love being in Paris.”

He looked at her in surprise. “Oh, hey Kiara…yeah it’s a nice place I guess.”

She smiled seductively at him. “They do call it the city of love. With all the lights, and operas, and scenery, it’s no wonder.”

“Oh, right. You mentioned you gave Savannah French lessons...for months.” Drake said, still a bit annoyed he hadn’t known that.

“Oui, yes. I really enjoyed teaching her. French is my favorite of all the languages that I speak. I’ve always found it to be such a romantic language.”

She trailed her finger along Drake’s muscular arm, lingering near his hand.

What the hell is she doing? Why is she touching me? And why is she looking at me like that? Her touch feels…

“Hey guys”

Drake visibly jumped at the sound of Emma’s voice, jerking his hand away from Kiara.

“Oh, hello, Lady Emma” Kiara said politely.

Drake looked at Emma guiltily. “Hey, Rose”

“Well…Don’t you two look cozy.” Emma was glaring between the two of them, practically shooting daggers from her eyes.

Wow, that’s quite the harsh tone. She’s…jealous. That’s definite jealousy. I’ve thought maybe she’s shown it before but…I’m positive. She’s so jealous…over me.

He felt his heart flutter at the thought of Emma being so possessive over him. That is…incredible.

Kiara blushes “We weren’t…I wasn’t…I’d…better go.” She runs off, and Emma turns her fiery gaze completely on Drake.

“Drake…You know you’re mine, right?”

Unable to stop himself, he grinned from ear to ear.  Yes I am. “Rose…You’re cute when you’re jealous, you know that?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Believe me, if I need to stake my claim on you, I’m not going to by shy about doing it.”

Holy shit, she is so hot right now. In more than one way. Hmm…

“And what would that look like?” He asked.

She sauntered up to him until they were only a breath away from each other. “I’m debating between a very public, very passionate kiss…And shoving Kiara into the petit fours the next time she flirts with you.” She trailed her own finger up his chest and he relished her touch.

Wow. Just wow. She’s getting dangerous right now, people are everywhere, and she doesn’t even care. God, she’s so hot.

Drake cleared his throat. “As much as I’d love to see that, we both know you’ve got nothing to worry about. You’re the only girl for me, Rose…” He trailed off as she broke into a huge smile, her eyes sparkling just for him. He swallowed. Okay. Let’s not carried away. I feel like she’s going to jump me right now, and as much as I’d like that… “Anyway, don’t we have more important things to talk about?”

Her smile turned into a smirk. “Like the fact that you stick out like a sore thumb here?”

“Very funny.”

“Why are you here, anyway? This seems like the kind of event you’d bend over backwards to avoid.”

Seriously? I told her I was in this with her.

He frowned. “Oh. Well. I figured you might need some support today with the…er…mission. Not that I think you need me. But in case you wanted help…I wanted to be here for you.”

“Aw…thanks, Drake.”

He blushed. “So…what’s your plan?” Glancing over, he sees Queen Mother Regina surrounded by noble ladies as she chats with Adelaide.

Emma turned back to him. “We might need some backup. Maybe a diversion to draw most of the nobles away?”

He nodded. “I’ll go find Maxwell.”

“But I thought you and Maxwell…”

“It’s for you. I’m not going to let my personal gripes get in the way.”

She stared at him a moment, biting her lip.

Yes, I want to kiss you right now too.

“…And maybe you can see if Liam is available to help. Meet back here?”

“Roger.” She salutes

Drake goes off to find Maxwell, while taking several deep, calming breaths. He finds Maxwell by the bar.

“Emma needs us, let’s go.”

“Good to see you too, Drake! I’m so happy you’re here! Spending time with all your friends…” Maxwell stopped talking abruptly as Drake grabbed him and dragged him over to where Emma and Liam were standing.

Don’t have time for this.

“I’m here to save the day!” Maxwell announced.

Drake rolled his eyes. “Tone it down, chief.”

“Toning it down!”

“What’s our play here?” Liam asked, ignoring the obvious tension between Maxwell and Drake.

“I need a distraction, so I can talk to Queen Mother Regina away from the crowd of nobles.” Emma told them.

Liam nodded thoughtfully. “So, we must draw a crowd.”

“Dance-off? I’m feeling a dance-off. Drake drop a beat!”

Drake groaned. “Maxwell, we’re at a fancy tea party. Somehow I think that might be too distracting.”

“Right.” Emma agreed. We need something that will get people’s attention, but not something that will stop the party in its tracks. I still need people around, so Regina doesn’t run off or try to kill me or something.”

“I’m not sure we should be putting you in such danger…” Liam began.

Now Emma rolled her eyes. “Well, that might’ve been an exaggeration. What I really mean is…what’s one step down from a dance-off?”

“There is one thing we could do…we haven’t done it since primary school.” Liam looked expectantly at Drake and Maxwell.

Oh god no. That’s not happening. “No.” He said firmly.

“Do you really mean it?” Maxwell asked, surprised.

Emma looked between the three men. “Now I have to know.”

“The three of us were briefly in a singing quartet with Bertrand.” Liam explained.

Her face lit up. “That’s adorable! I can’t think of anything cuter than the four of you singing together as kids!”

“How about the three of us singing together as adults?” Maxwell suggested.

“That’ll be a close second.”

“How about it, then?” Liam asked.

“I’m always in for…pretty much anything, actually.” Maxwell shrugged.

Drake sighed. “Is there no other way? Can’t we light something on fire, or critically wound Maxwell?”

“Remember, we’ve got to do this for Emma.”

Damn it. Does everyone know I’ll do anything for her?

“Oh, fine. Let’s get it over with.” He turns to Emma. “You are not allowed to bring this up ever again.”

“Your request is noted.”

“But not confirmed.” He stated. She shrugged innocently, a mischievous look across her face.

Yep. She’s definitely going to use this against me at some point. Goddamn it, she’s lucky I love her. I literally would not do this for anyone else. Ever.

As Maxwell, Drake, and Liam take the center of the room, she sidles along the edges until she reached the queen.

Liam cleared his throat and addressed the crowd. “Excuse me. If I might have your attention. My friends and I would like to provide a tribute to Cordonia.”

The nobles turn to their King and begin crowding around. Butterflies erupts in Drake’s stomach, he can’t believe he’s about to do this.

Liam nods at Drake and Maxwell as he begins to sing. “Cordonia…”

“Cordonia…” Maxwell joined

Drake frowned. “Cordonia…”

“Land of apples, home of snow…”

“Place where all good things grow…”

“Teach us all we need to know…” This is so stupid.

As the other nobles draw even closer, Adelaide and Regina are hanging back, locked in conversation. He notices that Regina looks mad, but Emma cuts right in. He could help but smirk at her boldness.

 “Cordonia…”

 “My home…”

 “Sweet home…” Everyone breaks into applause as the song comes to an end, then Drake, Liam, and Maxwell approach Emma, who is in the corner. Maxwell waves back at the crowd. “Thank you all, my adoring fans.”

“I’m really glad that’s over.” Drake mumbled

Hana joins the group. “That was a good performance.”

Liam smiles at her. “Thank you, lady Hana. Drake still has some notes in him.”

“And they should stay inside me.”

“Any luck with the Queen Mother, Emma?” Maxwell asked

“I got some information…but I’m not sure what it all adds up to.”

“There’s still the opera tomorrow. You might be able to get more out of her then.” Drake suggested

“I hope so.” She responded warily.

Drake took one look at her defeated face, and knew he had to do something. An idea he’d been toying with popped in his head. Might as well ask.

“Hey, you look like you could use something to take your mind off all this. How about a group camping trip? The leaves are changing, and there’s a spot where we can see all the trees over the valley. Sunset included.”

Emma gasped. “Did you just suggest we do things…with people?”

“I can take it back, if you’d like.” He retorted

“She’s teasing you, Drake.” Liam broke in. “Fortunately, there’s a break in the tour schedule tonight, so I can slip out for the night.”

I know she was teasing Liam. It’s what she does.

Hana looked nervous. “Are we allowed to just leave like that?”

“I only need to notify a few guards, and we’re good to go. Nobody will miss us for a night.” Liam assured

Drake turned to Emma. There’s no way he’s going if she’s not. “How about it, Rose? We can escape for a bit.”

She smiled at him. “I need a reprieve from all this.”

“I think we all do.” Liam agreed

“I hope we see fluffy critters.” Hana said excitedly.

Drake grinned. “Let’s go.”

“Yay, camping!” Maxwell exclaimed.

Drake turned on him, glaring. “Who said you were coming?”

Maxwell paused a moment. “Of course I’m coming…we’re all still friends, right?....Right?”

Still up for debate.

Emma lightly pulled Drake away from him. “Maxwell…We can get along for a whole night of camping. It’ll be a bonding exercise.”

“We’ll stick together like glue!” He said happily

“No.” Drake said sternly

Maxwell nodded vigorously. “Right. Like glue that respects personal boundaries.”

Emma looked at her friends. “Now, let’s hit the road!”

Drake shook his head. “After we pick up some camping gear. Unless you normally carry a tent with you.”

“Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. With a tent, I could live anywhere. Like inside the limo!”

“I don’t think you need a tent for that Maxwell…” Hana started

“It completes the experience”

Drake sighed, running a hand through his hair “There’ll be no camping in the limo. Now let’s go. We’re losing daylight.”

They all pile into the limo. One shopping trip, a few hours of driving, and a long hike later…they arrive at a cliff overlooking the ocean

“It’s…”

“Wow”

“I can get used to this.”

“Hellooooooooooooo!” Maxwell’s voice echoes down the valley. “Wonderful.”

Drake ignores the group as he stacks up wood for a campfire on the rock. Emma walked over to him. “Gee Drake, you should build the entire campsite for us.” There was a note of sarcasm in her voice.

“I’m working on it.” He muttered. Can’t you see that’s what I’m doing?

“We should help.” Hana announced

Maxwell clapped. “Yeah! Let me start the fire! I’m great with fire. And flammable objects in general.”

Oh god…  “No, no I’ve got it. This needs to be done safely.” Drake chided

Maxwell scoffed “What are you implying?”

“Seriously?” Drake rounded on him

Maxwell smiled nervously. “Nah, I’m just kidding. I know I’d probably just set us all on fire if I tried. But in its own way, wouldn’t that be a form of success?”

“No. That would be a medical disaster.”

Liam clapped Maxwell on his shoulder. “This is how he gets when he goes camping. Best to let him have his way.”

Drake nodded. Finally, someone is talking sense around here. “Exactly. This trip was my idea. It’s my responsibility to make sure you all survive out here.”

Maxwell pouted. “Aw, we’d be fine on our own. I’m very resourceful”

Drake rolled his eyes. “You’d be the first to go.”

“Really? Even before Hana?”

“Hey!” Hana laughed

Tuning them out, Drake positions a few more sticks, then lights the fire. “There. It’s ready.”

Everyone sits around the campfire, and Hana lays out snack for everyone.

“Thank you, Hana.” Liam told her

“The trip was short notice, so I could only pack so much.”

Emma raised an eyebrow. “Are you kidding? Brie, sandwiches, and…is that hot chocolate?”

“Like I said, I didn’t have much time, so I just threw some things together…”

Emma chuckled. “Is there anything Hana can’t do?”

Hana blushed. “Aw…you’re too kind.”

Maxwell leaned back on his elbows, relaxed. “This is the life. It’s just food, nature, and friends.”

“Sure.” Drake said. Most of you are friends anyway.

Liam pipes in. “I’m certainly happy to be with everyone. It’s liberating.” He gazes at Emma, and Drake feels a pang of guilt.

Emma smiled softly back at Liam, before meeting Drake’s eyes. “I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else”

Drake felt himself blush and turned his head quickly to look out at the valley.

“Finally taking in that view?” Emma asked.

And trying to stop blushing at the way you just looked at me. “Now that the basics are taken care of? Yeah.”

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” She pressed.

You’re beautiful, especially by this fire.

“Yeah. I’m glad we came out here to see it.” He responded.

Hana quickly points to Maxwell. “Maxwell! There’s a thing on your shirt!”

“Nobody move! I can feel it.” He carefully rubs his shirt, picking off a green lizard. “Hey there, little guy. Did you come join us?”

“Is that…a leash?” Hana tilted her head to the side.

It sure is. A pink one. “I have so many questions right now.”

Emma smirked. “It’s a lizard? Nurture it into a mighty dragon.”

Maxwell’s mouth fell open. “I can’t wrap my mind around how awesome that idea is. How would you like to become an unstoppable dragon, little guy? Together, we will rule the world and demand ice cream as tribute.”

“Is it poisonous?” Hana asked hesitantly.

“It doesn’t look like it.” Liam told her.

“It’s a harmless lizard.” Drake confirmed.

Maxwell extends a finger to stroke the lizard. It bites him. “Oww!”

Emma broke out in laughter. “Sure. Harmless.”

Maxwell narrowed his eyes at his new friend. “Yeah, well, let’s see how you like being bitten” He opens his mouth and bares his teeth. The lizard does nothing. He gasped. “My god, he feels no fear. This must be the bravest lizard throughout the land.”

“Or, possibly, you’re not very scary.” Drake joked.

“Hey, I’m a terrifying menace.”

A menace? “You know…you’re not wrong about that”

Maxwell frowned and turned to Emma. “Emma, do you want to pet him?”

“Drake should do it!” She announced.

Maxwell holds out the lizard to Drake.

“Really?” He grimaced.

“Do it!” Emma pleaded.

“You’ll enjoy it” Liam chuckled.

Drake reluctantly takes the lizard and pets it. “There. Is everyone happy now?” The lizard bites him. “Ow!”

Emma laughed even harder. “Very happy.”

Maxwell takes the lizard back and sits him down on the ground. “Go forth and conquer, little guy.” The lizard scurries into the brush

Drake suddenly notices the sun is almost gone. “Alright, we’re almost out of daylight, so we should set up our tents.”

Hana looked over at hers. “What if we’ve never done that before?”

“I’ll come help anyone who needs it.” He reassured.

 “Let’s do it!” Maxwell jumps up and runs over to his, while everyone else followed suit. Drake oversees as everyone attempts to build their tent.

Several minutes later, Maxwell steps back and looks at his masterpiece. “I knew I was an expert at this.” He said confidently.

Oh my fucking god. It’s a disaster. “No, you don’t put that there.”

“Then what’s this supposed to do?”

“That’s your sleeping bag.” Drake gritted out. Unbelievable.

“But isn’t a tent just one big sleeping bag?” Maxwell questioned.

As Drake begins to redo Maxwell’s so-called ‘masterpiece, he notices Liam asking both Hana and Emma if they need help.

Great. Just great. I’m stuck with fucking Maxwell while Liam plays the hero.

“Need any help, Lady Hana?”

“I’ve got this. It’s kind of like a puzzle, isn’t it? I think I can figure it out.”

“How about you, Emma?”

“With the tent? I’ve got it! I’m practically a tent architect.” She proceeds to build her tent in front of Liam, Drake watching her proudly from the corner of his eye. That’s my girl.

As the last of the light fades away, Drake manages to complete Maxwell’s tent. “There. Its done, despite your ‘help’.

“We make a great team” Maxwell agreed.

“I wouldn’t go that far. Alright everyone. Time to settle in. We head back first thing at dawn tomorrow.”

Darkness falls on the camp ground. Lights flicker from inside everyone’s tents as they settle in for the night.

Drake pulls his shirt and pants off, and starts sliding into the sleeping bag when suddenly Emma opens his tent flap and crawls in.

She freezes when sees him. “Oh…I’m glad I didn’t knock.” She told him, teasingly.

Drake, however, was still in shock. “Rose…what’re you doing here?”

“What does it look like? I’m here to seduce you.” She started towards him.

“What?”

“Isn’t this at least a little romantic?” She gestured around his dimly lit tent, then cuddles up with him nuzzling into his neck. His arms immediately wrap around her, and he feels his erection come to attention through his boxers.

Oh. My. God. She’s in my bed.

He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. “It feels good to be out here, with you.”

She drew lazy circles on his bare chest. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I wasn’t sure.”

“What do you mean?” He murmured.

“You’ve been pretty bossy with everyone since we got out here.”

“Bossy? I’m just trying to keep everyone safe!” he defended.

“Yeah…by giving everyone tons of orders.” She retorted.

Oh no. I took it too far. “I guess my dad always ran a tight ship when we went camping. Maybe too much of that rubbed off on me. Sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin the trip.”

I so hope I didn’t ruin this for her. All of it…it was all for her, just to get her to relax with me.

She paused before speaking. “To be honest, it’s cute.”

…..What?

“Really?” He asked

She chuckled lightly, her breath warm on his skin. “Yeah, in a very Drake sort of way. It’d adorable that you take it so seriously.”

He was glad it was dark, so she couldn’t see his face turning red as his ego took a boost. “I aim to please. Is there anything I can do to make your camping experience more enjoyable, Ms. Rose?”

“There is one thing…you can kiss me.” She said softly

His breath caught. “Rose…” He raises his thumbs to her lips, tracing them lightly. “You know I want to.”

“Then do it.”

Conflict is warring inside him as he searches her eyes. We’re alone in my tent…sharing a sleeping bag…I’m practically naked…she wants this as much as I do…she chose my tent to sneak in to so…

“Aw, hell.” He leans in and kisses her. One of his hands tangles in her hair. His other hand slides down, pulling her waist closer to him, grinding his cock against her, wanting her to feel how hard he was for her. She moaned quietly, and the sound drove him mad. I can’t wait anymore

He began to pull at her clothes, his heart beating wildly that he was finally going to know what it would feel like to be inside her, to love her the way he wanted…When there’s a noise from outside! Drake’s hands froze in place, her shirt almost off.

“Bear! Bear!”

“Hana, it’s just me! I was looking for a snack!” Maxwell’s voice rang out. The two of them started laughing and Drake sighed.

I should have known it was too good to be true.

He straightened out her clothes.  “Next time we go camping, how about we do it without the rest of them.”

“I’m in.” Emma said immediately.

Drake kisses her one last time, and then they curl up together.

He couldn’t stop smiling. She just made future plans with me. I made future plans. We might actually have a future. I cannot believe this woman takes me as I am and wants just me.

 Feeling blissfully happy, they fall asleep in each other’s arms, while the moonlight shines on the campsite as the night passes.

@annekebbphotography @carabeth @gardeningourmet @eileendannie @dancetothestoriesinyoursoul @alesana45 @thequeenofcronuts @zigortega4life @drakewalkerfantasy

 @hrhdes

@drakewalkerisreal

@akrenich

@feartheendlesssummer

@moonlightgem7

@i-miss-trr

  @snyggflicka

@i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction

@crookedslimecreatorpasta

@notoriouscs

@agent-bossypants

@flowerpowell

[darling--michael]

Resting Place Chapter 1(Michael Langdon x Reader)

Plot: Reader is the caretaker of an ancient graveyard. Michael needs some help finding an acquaintance.

Night shift was Y/N’s favorite time of day. As soon as the sun went down, she’d lock the gate for the night. Then she’d get her old flashlights and wander the stones.

This graveyard was the oldest in her small town. Established when one of those old ships landed in America, many of the gravestones had been here for hundreds of years. Y/N carried her satchel close to her. When no one was looking she would rub the old paper against a old stone to find out who was buried beneath the earth.

But you had a different mission first. Some kids had been breaking into the graveyard the past few nights. Many of the graves had been turned over and vandalized. Y/N hoped those kids were disrespected when they were in the ground.

It was an eerie quiet night. Y/N used to love this kind of silence, only having the animals and wind to tickle her ears. But this quiet was different. It was like they were waiting for something to happen.

A branch snapped behind her. Spinning around, she swung her flashlight. Nothing in her sight but old graves. Lowering her arm, Y/N rolled her eyes. “Nothing but the wind.”

She turned back to her destination.

Y/N screamed with all her might.

A boy stood before Y/N, a calm smile on his face. He wore a dark red dinner jacket and flashy black pants. He stared her down as she tried to stop her racing heart.

“Dammit dude.” Y/N rested her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. “You made my soul jump out of my body.”

The boy smirked, tilting his heard. “I’m sure that would’ve been a sight to see.”

Y/N flashed her light in his eyes. He covered them, backing away from Y/N.

“Who are you anyway? Graveyard opens at sunrise.” Y/N was already tired and not in the mood to deal with crazies.

The boy straighten up. You watched as he brushed his long blonde curls behind his ears. “My name is Michael Langdon and I’m looking for a friend.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, gesturing around her. “Unless your friend is six feet under, you won’t have much luck.”

Michael laughed, stepping closer to Y/N. You hadn’t realized there was a chill in the air until his warmth stood so close. “My acquaintance has been dead for some time. Martha Hopps. I think you’ve heard of her.”

Of course she had heard of her. She was the first woman hanged in your town, the colony barely a year old. Martha had been accused of being a witch and sacrificing the towns cattle to the devil. Legend said she was caught with a knife held over a pregnant woman’s belly, willing to sacrifice a newborn to her master.

Her hanging was infamous. The sky hailed and wind pounded from all directions. It is said she swung from her rope for over an hour before she finally ran out of breathe. In her last words, she vowed to come back.

Now you had to do hourly rounds of her grave. Her body had been buried on hangman’s hill but nearly a century ago archeologists had found it. Now her grave was constantly vandalized by teenagers and witches alike. Halloween was the worst time of year.

Y/N rubbed her neck. “Listen dude, if I show you the grave will you promise not to sacrifice any small critters. I’m not in the mood for burying rabbits tonight.”

Michael nodded and you lead him in the right direction. The previous caregivers had tried to make the grave as normal looking as possible but Y/N knew the path like the back of her hand. She plopped down on the bench across from it, watching as Michael circled the grave.

Michael smiled at the Y/N, resting his hands behind his back. “I think I’ll be good from here.”

Y/N knew that this guy was going to do something weird to the grave. But she had other duties to do that night. Y/N rose to her feet, her boots nearly slipping in the mud. “Yell if any ghosts come after you.”

The night was getting long. Y/N had spent many rounds making sure the night was quiet. She avoided Mary Hoppins grave. She had made the mistake and found many men and women pleasuring themselves at the grave.

She was sitting in the office right next to the graveyard. The TV was playing an old murder mystery when she heard pounding on the door. Y/N creaked the door open seeing a smiling Michael before her. His hair was disheveled and his clothes filled with mud and a sticky red substance. A young girl stood behind him, her eyes staring into the lit room. Y/N didn’t want to know what they did at the grave.

“Ready to go?” Y/N asked, the keys to the gate in her hands. She stepped outside and opened the gate. It creaked open. Michael looked at her, his eyes full of wonder.

“Will you be here tomorrow night?”

You nodded, trying to get the two weirdos out. “I’d rather not let you and your girlfriend get freaky in the graves again.”

Michael rested a hand against the gate, stopping her from closing it. “She’s not my girlfriend.” He closed the creaking gate behind him, waving away. “Until tomorrow.”

It was only as you watched them walk away that you realized the girl was dressed like a puritan.

Weirdos.

[kusunogatari]

[ ObiRyū October | Day Twenty-Six: Monster Under the Bed ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū, Suigin Reiji, Hyūga Hinata ] [ Verse: White Hands of Healing ] [ Previous || Next ]

The night starts innocently enough. Curled up in bed, little Reiji is fast asleep when a faint noise rouses him. Bleary greys drag open, sitting up with a soft, “...huh?”

Rubbing an eye, he looks in the relative dark of his room. Some soft moonlight comes in through the window, but isn’t quite enough to see by. What woke him up…?

For a while, he sits and listens, breathing quietly but...hearing nothing. Maybe it was something outside...a cat, or maybe someone going home late from a mission. Too tired to worry about it, he starts adjusting his blankets to lay back down when...he hears it again.

A faint, but very obvious knock.

...it sounded like...it came from under his bed…?

Dark brows furrow, and he shifts to lay on his belly, hanging his head off the edge of his mattress. Mismatched hair hanging as he goes upside down, he squints in the shadows. He doesn’t keep anything under his bed, and doesn’t see anything now, but...well, it is pretty dark.

“...hullo?” he calls, tone still sleepy.

...no answer.

Hauling himself back up, he sits on his knees and considers his options. There’s a flashlight in his closet, but...he’ll have to cross the room to get it. If there is something under his bed...he’ll be vulnerable! And he doesn’t want to wake his parents unless he knows something is the matter.

But before he can mull it over any longer, there’s another knock - this time, far louder and far closer.

With a yip, he hops off the bed and scurries across the room, opening his door and fleeing down the hall. But at the other bedroom’s door, he pauses, looking back.

...he doesn’t hear anything following him.

Swallowing nervously, he carefully opens the door, peeking in and finding things still and quiet. Two mom- and dad-sized lumps are in the bed, and Reiji approaches one side, worrying his hands together. One then spares to gently nudge.

“T...tōchan…?” he whispers, not wanting to wake his mother, too.

With a groan, Obito manages to wake, sheets rustling as he rolls over. “...Reiji? What’s wrong?”

Expression distressed, he murmurs, “There’s...there’s something under my bed…!”

“Something under your…? Like what?”

“I dunno...but it knocked real loud, three times! I looked but I didn’t see anything...can you check?”

A hand wipes groggily at the Uchiha’s face. “...yeah, sure thing, bud.” Swinging legs out from under the covers, he pulls at the sleeves of his shirt and yawns, following his son back out into the hallway. Reiji, all the while, clings to one of his father’s hands and stares unblinkingly at his door.

“So you heard something knocking, huh?”

“Yeah...under my bed.”

“Mm…”

“It’s not a monster, is it?”

“No such thing as monsters,” Obito reflexively replies. The only real monster he knows of was sealed away almost a decade ago, now. And he doubts anything like that could get under his son’s bed.

Warily pushing the door open with his free hand, Reiji peers in carefully before turning on the light. His room looks much the same as it did before he went to bed.

“...see anything?”

“...nuh uh.” Nonetheless, Reiji drags Obito further in, pointing to his mattress. “Under there.”

“All right, all right…” Shuffling to his knees, Obito leans over and looks under the bed frame, finding...absolutely nothing. “Looks empty to me. Are you sure you heard it here…?”

“It s-sounded like it was right under my bed…!”

Sitting back on his knees, Obito hums in thought. “...well, I dunno about you, but...I’m a little tired to be hunting spooks tonight. You wanna just come sleep in our bed and we’ll look tomorrow?”

“...okay…” Letting his father lead him out of the room, he climbs under the covers and settles between his parents.

By then, the sounds and movement have woken Ryū, who rolls over and frowns. “...Reiji?”

“He thinks there’s something in his room, so...he’s gonna camp out in here,” Obito summarizes, settling against the mattress with a sigh.

“I see...well, you’re safe here, dear,” she murmurs, snuggling up to her son as her husband does the same. “You know nothing can get you when we’re around…”

More than happy with the attention, Reiji beams as he’s turned into a sandwich. “...yeah…” Warm and safe, it takes only a few minutes for him to be completely under.

By morning, he wakes to find he’s only got one parent left in the bed. Ryū, with yet another hospital shift, has gotten up and left for work. But Obito is still asleep, a bit slacked-jawed and snoring.

“Ne, tōchan...tōchan!”

“Huh, wha…?” Snorting a bit as he comes to, Obito blinks blearily. “...oh...morning.”

“Morning. Can we have breakfast…?”

“Sure, sure…” Getting up for good this time, he yawns as Reiji scampers into the kitchen. As usual, Ryū pre-made enough for them both, which Obito warms as Reiji hums happily at the table. “So...sleep okay?”

“Yeah! Can’t I just...stay with you and kāchan…?”

“Mm, not forever...big kids have to sleep in their own beds, Reiji.”

“But the knocking…!”

“I have an idea about that. For now, let’s just have a good day, hm? We’ve got chores to do while your mother is at work.”

“Okay!”

The pair eat side by side at the table, Obito not stopping Reiji from slipping bits of his fish to Tenebris, who begs pitifully beside the boy: an easy target. Once they finish and Reiji helps dry the cleaned dishes, they change into day clothes and head out to run errands. The weather is rather crisp, both of them donning heavy coats. Reiji practically drowns in his, zipped up to his nose.

Obito follows a list left by Ryū, nabbing the groceries they’ll need for the coming week. Reiji dutifully helps pack what he can. Which isn’t much, but it’s the thought that counts. Once they’re done, they unload their goodies before Obito puts hands on his hips.

“All right…I think I might know what was knocking under your bed, Reiji.”

“Really…?” The boy blinks wide eyes. “Is it a ghost…?”

“Probably not. But we’re going to have to do a little digging to find out.”

“...digging?”

Rather than explain, Obito gestures for Reiji to follow, a hammer and pry bar in hand. The tools beget a slight sinking feeling in the boy’s gut. Up to his room they go, Obito sliding his bed across the floor. Beneath, the floorboards are bared.

“All right...let’s see what’s lurking under here eh?” Sticking in the bar, Obito starts gently lifting a board, the nails creaking a bit before letting go. A few more join it before he shines a light into the space beneath.

Curious, Reiji peers in, too.

Mostly it’s just empty space between the support beams, but...there! Perking up, Reiji reaches and plucks up...an acorn?

“Hm…thought so.”

He looks to his father in question. “Huh?”

“I think you’ve got a friend living under your floor, Reiji. The knocking was probably a squirrel stashing food for the Winter!”

Greys go round. “...a squirrel…?”

“Or maybe a pack rat...something that was knocking that acorn around. I could put some poison down…”

“No!”

Obito gives his son a glance. “If we’re not careful, they might chew the wires, or cause some other mess.”

“But...do we have to hurt them…?”

After a pause, the Uchiha sighs, rubbing at his neck. “...well...I’ll have to find where it’s getting in, and seal it up. But it could be anywhere…” Thinking for a moment, Obito then brightens. “...I have an idea.”

A brief letter via Fubuki later, Obito hears a knock at the door, opening it to reveal a semi-familiar face. “Ah, hello…”

Hinata gives a small bow. “I got your message, Obito-san. How can I help?”

Grateful for his wife’s friendship with the Hyūga, Obito explains their dilemma. “Reiji doesn’t want to hurt the thing, so...I thought maybe you could find where it’s getting in with your Byakugan…?”

After a blink, she laughs into a sleeve. “No one’s asked me to do that before! But yes, I should be able to.” Letting chakra build to her eyes, Hinata quietly scans the house. “...all right, this way.”

For half an hour, she leads Obito and Reiji around to different spots where a little critter could get in, Obito patching them with spare pieces of wood and some nails. Only once she declares them all closed does she let her kekkei genkai fade.

“Thanks aunty ‘nata!” Reiji praises, beaming.

“You’re welcome,” is her smiling reply.

“So, uh...what do I owe you?” Obito then asks, looking a bit sheepish.

“Nothing at all. But maybe Ryū-senpai can make me some cinnamon buns and we’ll call it even,” she laughs. “I was happy to help, Obito-san. Good luck!”

“Thanks.” The pair wave her off, father then turning to son. “Well...we better fix your floor before your mother gets home, eh?”

“Mm!”

They head back upstairs, Obito having a few new nails with which to reattached the boards. “Well...that should be the last you hear of the knocking,” he offers, kneeling back by the hole.

“Thanks, tōchan. I’m glad we didn’t hafta hurt the squirrel!”

“Well...I guess the holes needed patching anyway,” he agrees. “Now, let’s put these b-”

Reaching for a board, Obito cuts off into a holler as a blur shoots up out of the hole! It slams into his chest, skittering up and leaping off his shoulder, bolting for the door.

“SQUIRREL!” Reiji shouts, running after it as Obito flails on the floor in lingering shock.

“W-wait, Reiji!” Scrambling to his feet, he takes off after his son.

The panicked mammal is dashing through the house, looking for a way out and climbing on everything: curtains, furniture, even Obito’s leg (which earns another cry of surprise).

Fubuki, on her perch, gives a shriek of disapproval as Reiji chases the rodent, bubbling with laughter as his father tries to catch him.

“Reiji, no! It might have a disease! Don’t touch it!”

“What on earth -?!” Stepping in through the front door, Ryū comes to a shocked stop as she takes in the chaos. Thankfully, her reflexes are quick, and as the little brown furry blur shoots across the sitting room floor, she manages to build a barrier around it, eyes wide.

“Yeah, you caught him!” Reiji exclaims, Obito scooping him up as he finally catches him.

“...how did this get in here?” Ryū asks, looking to the pair incredulously.

“He was in my floor! Tōchan got him out!”

“In your…?” Understanding brightens her face. “...I see! Well, I...better take him outside, poor thing.”

“Can I help?”

“...why don’t you go with your father and make sure nothing else comes out of the floor, ne?” Ryū replies, unable fight a grin. Carefully, she closes the barrier around the critter and picks it up, intending to take him far, far from here.

“I could make short work of it,” Fubuki offers, earning a look from her summoner.

“I think we’ll let this one have his second chance. Maybe the next one.”

Going back upstairs for the last time, the boys finally patch up the hole, Reiji’s bed back in place by the time Ryū returns. Reiji then tells the tale, gesturing excitedly with each revelation.

“Good thinking with Hinata and the Byakugan,” she praises. “I guess now we know what was really hiding under your bed, ne?”

“Yeah!”

“Think you can sleep on your own tonight, then?”

Pausing, Reiji looks back to his father, who shrugs. “...yeah. I’m a big kid, right kāchan?”

She gives soft laugh, ruffling his hair. “Yes...you are a big kid, who fears no monsters under his bed.”

     THIS IS SO STINKIN' CUTE KJHFDGJHFG - Reiji screaming SQUIRREL is my new favorite thing x''D      ANYWAY...famjam fluff. Which is best fluff. Which is best. Not much else to say about it except that Obito got owned by a squirrel. Lee would be proud. Of the squirrel.      ...I'm tired and rambling xD Thanks for reading!

[pbandjesse]

First day of the craft fair is done! I have a half a head ache and I’m really looking forward to going to sleep. But today was fun. Hot. But fun. Honestly it’s not going to be terribly interesting to write about honestly. But let’s go anyway. I woke up around 8 and I did not!!! Want to be up. But I knew I needed to be. I could hear people starting to set up over at the park. And I needed to meet up with Don to get the table and stuff. So I got up. I bought potato wedges that would take a half hour to bake so I did that right away. Fed Sweetp and then took a shower. I got dressed and went to make an omelet. I really timed it well because everything was done at the same time. And it was very tasty. I had about a half hour to just chill and that was nice. But I was a bit anxious about getting everything ready in time. So I biked over to Mcad and got there at about 945. Don was there thankfully and we drove the table and chair and my bike over. He’s the sweetest man. Honestly I appreciate him so much. He carried the table and set it up for me, wished me luck, and then he left. I ran back over to my apartment and got the last few things I needed. My water And lunch box. A notebook and pens. I had put all the stuff I needed in my grandma cart and headed over. It took me about 15 minutes to set up. And then realize I messed up the table cloth so I had to start over. So I took everything down and started over. I was happy with my table. And I was right by the music so I had a nice show all day. It was pretty lonely being by myself. And I couldn’t really look around cause I couldn’t leave my table. But before the thing opened I looked around the tent a bit. Some really cool stuff. But I didn’t want to buy anything until I make a profit. I would be willing to trade with someone but that’s it. It was incredibly hot. But we still had a good turn out in the morning. The first musicician was a Frank Sinatra singer and he was fabulous. Just a pleasure to listen to. A little dorky but that voice. Honestly there wasn’t a bad band in the group. I had my favorites. There was this girl got up who i loved but their equipment kept malfunctioning because it was getting over heated in the sun. And another group was from New Jersey which I thought was so neat. Their lead singer/guitarist climb up on a piller and played from there. Wild child. I was nervous about selling enough to cover my table costs. I sold something in the first hour. And then knocked over my water. Great. But still. Sold stuff. I spent most of the day reading. And using up all my phone and fan batteries. Trying to charge them but my powerpack can only do so much. It didnt help that it was a million degrees out. And just wicked humid. But I read and the story is so good so it wasn’t so bad sitting in the park all day. I sold mostly my clay critters. Which made me a bit concerned because I want originally going to bring them. So dang I’m glad I did. I sold 10 critters and one ring. Got a lot of compliments on my dioramas. Felt good hearing people call my stuff cute all day. I wish more rings had sold. Lots of people tried them on and they look so good on people. But only one sold. Maybe tomorrow. A few of my students from Brad and Don’s classes came over to say hi. And a former mfa student. She bought a bunny figure. And Jonathan and his family came and that was nice. They got balloon swords form the clown that was walking around. It was nice seeing familiar faces. But i was running real low on water and it was so hot. Michaela came to my rescue though! She brought me 2 big bottles of water and shared some banana chips with me. Ahes the best. I made my table cost by 3. And made a few more sales after that. Suyao and her husband came and said hi and it was really nice to see them. I’m so proud of her and her glove business. It’s really happening and that’s just so cool. A few minutes before 6 everyone started packing up. I didn’t know what I was going to do with my table cause I couldn’t pick it up easily. But they are having the police stay at the park to watch everything tonight so I just packed up my things and headed home. I was so so hot and miserable. But I had things I needed to do. So I made myself a little plan. I would take a bath. Wash my hair and cool down. Then I would make a bunch of new clay animals to sell tomorrow. While they were baking I would eat dinner. Then paint everything. That all went great until I had to paint. I cannot find my acylic paints. I googled if you could use watercolor. So I tried that and I liked how that turned out. I am finishing those up now and getting ready to sleep. I hope tomorrow is a good day too. And it’s not supposed to be so hot. Wish me luck.

[the-wandering-ginger]

Don't be jealous but...

Last time I wrote, I was lying in the aisle of a bus. Now I am hiding under my sheet, choking on the fumes from my Jungle Formula bug spray, questioning my decisions. We are currently staying in a lodge on the coast in Panama. Getting here involved a boat ride and a trek up a hill through a swamp, in the midday heat, with 30kg of luggage attached to me. In the day it is paradise - with an open restaurant surrounded by sand, a bar overlooking the ocean, palm trees, etc etc. But when night comes, and the dorm (question mark over whether it would even qualify as one) beckons, the story changes slightly.

It’s like Yosemite all over again. Except instead of it being minus 4, it’s 30 degrees and my fear of frostbite has been traded in for a fear of Panamanian critters.

There are also lush private tents but the budget didn’t stretch to that (although frankly, budgeting has gone out the window after paying $7 for a couple of salad leaves with a scoop of houmous, and $9 for three undercooked prawns on a skewer).

So anyway, we were going to flip a coin for who got the good bed, but I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone so scared of bugs in my whole life as Lola so I have taken the top bunk for tonight with the possibility of switching for night two. It didn’t help that just before bed she found a spider’s web and earwig in her locker. So here I am, being fumigated by my own mosquito repellant, whilst LT is below me, sheltered on all sides by scarves and clothing draped from the bed frame, away from the tin roof full of unknown animals.

Highlights of the accommodation situation:

- The mesh that covers the side of the room has some significant holes in. Big enough for me to escape in the event that I should ever not want to use the door, and thus plenty big enough for scorpions/spiders/mosquitos to make their way in. - A tin roof - obviously ideal in the rain. Not even rain in fact. More like a tropical thunderstorm downpour. Also, I’m the mug on the top bunk so my face is about six inches from the roof (and whatever lives in its cracks and shadows). - Intermittent electricity. Let me just turn the light on to get this thing out of my bag, oh hang on it’s now pitch black, ok I will just sleep in my swimming costume. - Locking toilets and showers. You have to use your room key to get INTO the toilet cubicles. Even better, the toilets are 20-30m away, through the jungle, in the rain. And the showers are cold rain water. -Menu selection. We have managed to come on the day that the kitchen is being renovated so the menu only has three dinner choices on it. If it involves any preparation, no you can’t have it. It’s meant to be pancakes for breakfast but it’s apparently going to be cornflakes. Diet starts now. - Humidity. It’s so muggy that my hair, outfit and bedsheets are damp/wet. - Oh yeah, and someone was murdered just along the beach from us four weeks ago.

It’s character building, I know that. But I swear down, if something falls on my face during the night, I will be at reception at the crack of dawn to check out and get a boat back to the mainland.

Wish me luck.

[kelsandchrisdosea]

August 19

Today we woke up had our quick hostel breakfast and made our way down to the pier to catch a Longtail boat to the Pak ou caves. The ride along the Mekong was awesome (probably the highlight of the excursion) seeing the Laos jungle along the river.

We stopped at a village along the way, commonly known as the Whiskey Village as they make the Lao Lao Whiskey. Chris had a taste and likened it to hooch, but neat nonetheless. They had lots of bottles that had the alcohol plus some sort of critter - either a snake, a scorpion or spider. Not sure if it helps the taste or just makes it a better souvenir for the tourists! In the village we also saw women weaving scarves on a loom.

Atfter about 2 hours cruising the Mekong we arrived at the caves - there were 2 main caves , the main and upper. Both sets were full of Buddah statues that people had brought to the caves as an offering. The upper caves was a 5 minute walk up a set of steep stairs. The caves were pitch black so glad I brought my headlamp! Again they were full of Buddah statues in every nook on cranny.

The boat ride back was a little shorter as we went with the current. There were only 7 of us on the Longtail boat (tickets 65000 for the boat and 20000 for cave entrance fee). The seats on the boat were hilarious - either kitchen chairs or what looked to be bucket swats taken from an old car just propped along the side…not bolted down! We lucked out and had the car seats which were quite comfortable for the journey! [Side note: the speed boat passed us that goes all along the Mekong from Norther Thailand….this is the one that the Lonely Planet said “deaths are not uncommon”. Anyways, it zoomed passed us at an alarming rate and the people in it were wearing motocycle helmets!! It looked absolutely terrifying and so uncomfortable!].

After the caves we had a nice lunch at a restaurant /stall that overlooked the Meekong river. Then we made our way to the Royal Palace Museum for a bit of a history lesson. There was, of course, a separate entrance for the males and females to enter, and Chris could wear shorts but I had to cover up….. the museum itself was inside the palace which was still being used up until the 1960s.

After a quick water stop we climbed more stairs to the top of Mount Phou Si to get a good view of Luang Prabang and hopefully catch a sunset. Just our luck there wasn’t really a sunset again, but the view was really lovely!

Tonight we had an awesome dinner at the market - grilled whole fish and a buffet of other delights (noodles, spring rolls, curry, etc). The best part was dessert! I got a huge tray (probably a pineapple and half worth) of fresh pineapple for just over a dollar all cut up with skewers. So juicy! I’ve missed this street food delight since we left Thailand!

Our bed is super hard and the pillows stink but we got a bit of sleep!!