#camping trips and organizing dance party’s

[an-established-butt-dent]

Art warmup! After working on some digital artworks, it’s good to go back to my roots in traditional media.

And look at this beautiful winter sunrise as a backdrop!

Now first I have to wait for the masking fluid (the blue spots) to dry, before adding the first washes of watercolour. Which gives me plenty of time to make more tea. :)

[authorscurse]

A Little Too Drunk To Remember

[P.J Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist]

Warning: usage of y/n and y/l/n (like 5 times I think), mention of alcohol and being drunk, Annabeth close to murdering Percy, kissing, aged up pjo characters

Pairing: reader x Percy Jackson

W.C: 2k Note: I'm planning on making my Percy Jackson tag list! Comment if you want to be part of it! Also if you want to be part of my overall taglist! Synopsis: After celebrating a bit too much after their win, Percy gets a little too drunk to remember who his girlfriend is.

Camp Half-Blood had just completed another successful game of Capture the Flag on Friday. The blue team emerged as the victors, thanks to the exceptional leadership of the Athena Cabin. To commemorate their win, a celebration was organized in their honor. Once Chiron and Mr. D had retired for the night, the real party began. The Hermes cabin unveiled their covert stash of pilfered alcoholic beverages. Both blue and red team members danced and reveled throughout the night. Percy, being part of the blue team, was not exempt from the festivities.

By midnight, Grover, Annabeth, and a thoroughly intoxicated Percy stumbled onto the front porch of Poseidon's cabin. "Percy, get up! You can't sleep outside here!" whispered Annabeth, attempting to help him rise from his slumber on the chilly cement floor. "Hold him while I open the door," Grover instructed Annabeth, who stared at him with wide eyes. "I swear, I'm getting annoyed," she grumbled, struggling to keep Percy upright. "Come on, Percy. We're almost there," Grover said, taking one of Percy's arms and placing it over his shoulder, guiding him inside the cabin. The three of them attempted to enter the cabin discreetly, but Percy tripped over nothing, causing Grover and Annabeth to stumble along with him.

"Ow! Percy!"

"Seaweed-brain, you're heavy!"

"Shhhhh! Be quiet, both of you!"

"What the hell is going on?" a voice asked, and moments later, the lights flickered on. You stood there, slightly shocked, observing the scene before you. "You guys look like you could use some help," you chuckled, walking towards the group. You assisted Annabeth and Grover in standing up before the three of you carried Percy to one of the beds in the corner of the room. A sigh of relief escaped your lips as you gently laid Percy down on the soft mattress.

"I was this close to leaving him on the ground," Annabeth said, raising her hand to demonstrate the small distance between her thumb and forefinger. You laughed at her playful gesture and glanced at Percy, who lay on the bed completely oblivious to the minor predicament he had caused. "I would have done the same if I were both of you," you shrugged, causing the two of them to laugh.

After some persuasion, you managed to convince Annabeth and Grover to retire for the night instead of trying to assist you with the situation that went by the name of Percy Jackson. You sat down on the bed beside Percy and reached out to touch his curly blonde hair, which had grown longer over the past three months. Rising from your seat, you walked towards the small closet next to the bed and retrieved some fresh, comfortable clothes for him to sleep in. Placing them on the edge of the bed, you attempted to wake Percy. "Perc? Babe, you need to wake up and change," you whispered. He emitted a small grunt, slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes, adjusting to the bright light in the room.

He took the clothes from your hands and was about to lift his shirt when he paused, looking at you. "Miss, you seem nice and all, but could you please look away? I don't think it would be appropriate to change in front of a girl, especially considering I have a girlfriend," Percy's words caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but giggle, causing his eyebrows to furrow in confusion. "Uh, okay. I'll be in the restroom if you need me," you said, trying to stifle your laughter. He nodded, waiting for you to enter the restroom and close the door before changing out of his soiled clothes.

You covered your mouth with your hand, attempting to suppress your laughter. The serious expression on Percy's face as he made his request amused you. It was at that moment you realized that he mistook you for someone else. After a few minutes, you decided to emerge from the restroom. You saw Percy surveying the room as if it were his first time entering it."You okay, Perce?" You asked him out of concern. He had only broken out of his trance when you placed a hand on his shoulder. His blue eyes looked up at you and you were stopping yourself from melting right there and then. "You still need to brush your teeth before bed," You reminded him and he calmly nodded before walking towards the restroom. 

You stared at his stumbling figure as he walked. You were about to walk over to him to help but he raised his hand in front of you, giving you a sign that he's alright. You lay down on your side of the bed, waiting for your boyfriend to come back. You didn't realize you were starting to fall asleep and didn't notice he had already left the restroom. 

You woke up to the sound of shuffling. "Percy?" You groggle reaching out for his side but feel only the cold bedsheets. Eyes lazily opening, you look down from the bed and see Percy lying uncomfortably on the cold tiled floor of his cabin. "Parcy, baby, you can't sleep there," You tried convincing him but he only shook his head. 

"I can't. I don't want to upset y/n," He sleepily said. "Why is that? I'm sure she wouldn't mind," You giggled lightly and hoped it convinced him but it didn't. He shook his head again and turned in the other direction. "I don't want to sleep beside someone who isn't my girlfriend. Goodnight, miss," After that, you realized you wouldn't be able to convince him at all so you just decided to sleep. 

You had a bit of trouble sleeping since you weren't exactly used to sleeping without Percy beside you. Eventually, as the music from outside slowly ceased, your eyes also slowly closed due to sleepiness. It wasn't the best but it would do. 

Hours later, you woke up to the sound of loud music playing. Being a child of Apollo does suck sometimes. The sun god would ride in his amazing chariot in the morning while blaring loud music that only his children would hear. "He does like showing off, even to his children," You mumble as you get out of the bed and walk to the restroom. You spotted Percy still lying on the cold floor, sleeping. You crouched down by his head pushed his hair out his forehead and gave it a gentle kiss. 

You walked to the bathroom and did your business. When you walked out you saw Percy sitting on the floor with his hands on his head. "You okay there babe?" You asked him. You obviously know he wasn't feeling well, you just wanted him to confirm it. "No, my head is throbbing like crazy and why am I sleeping on the floor? My whole body is screaming in pain right now," He said massaging his shoulder. 

"You refused to sleep beside me last night so you just slept on the floor," You said sitting on the bed with a hot cup of coffee in hand. "Why would I do that?" He asked confused. "I swear I couldn't remember a single thing from last night," 

"Well, you got carried here by Grover and Annabeth and when you got in you refused to let me touch you or be near you in fear of your "girlfriend" getting angry," You recall the happenings from last night. He stared at you in confusion while grabbing your hand to let you play with his hair. 

"Why would I do that?" He asks himself while staring off into the distance. "I don't know, baby. You tell me," You shrug while sipping your coffee. You spent a few minutes in silence, your hand never stopping to play with Percy's hair. "OH MY GODS" You suddenly hear him say out loud and you instantly realize he remembered everything from last night. "I did not just say that," He had his face buried in his hands with his ears turning a bright shade of red in embarrassment. You laughed while he continued to whine and complain in embarrassment. 

"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "It's okay baby don't need to say sorry. I found it hilarious last night," You laughed. Percy slowly stood up and wrapped his arms around your frame. He had to bend down a bit because he was taller than your sitting figure. "I'm sorry," His head was burning in between your shoulder and neck, and you felt wet and gentle kisses being placed on your neck. 

"It's fine, baby, I understand," You chuckled lightly and stroked his hair. If you never heard a human purr before, now you do. You and Percy stay silent like that for a few minutes more. It was getting rare for the both of you to have any peace around her now that more campers were starting to enter camp day by day. Damn, those gods be multiplying every day. Percy had to help train some kids while you had to take care of the new Apollo kids that were claimed by your father. Both of you seemed so busy that it's starting to become a rare occurrence for you both to be like this with each other. You just realized now how much you craved your boyfriend's warm and soft embrace. It makes you not want to let him go. 

"My headache is healing," Percy mumbles after a few minutes. You look at your hands and see them glowing golden. "Oops, my bad," You laughed. Percy grabs a hold of your thighs and lifts you. You yelped and held on to him in panic. He laughs at the sound and sets you down on his lap. "I missed you," He says brushing a strand of hair out of your face and behind your ear. "I missed you too," You say while you stared at his blue eyes that greatly reminded you of the ocean. 

"I missed you too, Percy," You smiled. He stared at you a few seconds more before removing the gap between both of you. His lips tasted sweet from the sugary blue candy his mother gave him before he left for camp and a hint of saltiness that reminded you of ocean water. How did he taste like that? You don't even know. His lips felt so soft and pillowy against your own and you just know he was using the lip cream you gave him after you told him how chapped his lips were. 

After a moment you both pull away, breathless. Percy smiles as he stares at your breathless figure. Lips plump, cheeks flushed, and eyes sparkling. That's when he realized how so in love he was with you and you felt the same about him too. The two of you stared at each other with love and so much passion. Not even the gods can deny how much you both were made for each other. 

"Y/n we need yo-" Both you and Percy's heads turn to the door of the cabin. You saw Will and Lee standing by the entrance, cheeks pink after seeing the position you were both in. "Percy are you awa-" Annabeth and Grover arrive behind the two Apollo children and freeze after seeing you both.

"We'll just-" "I think it's better if we-"

"Yeah," The 4 close the door, and you and Percy look at each other and start to laugh loudly. "Did you see Grover's face?" Percy asked in between his laughter. "Poor young Will!" You wheezed. "Jackson you better get out of there in the next 5 minutes!" You both hear Annabeth yell from the outside but none of you paid attention after remembering the way her face turned so red. "Y/L/N we need help out here!" Lee yelled out. 

"You heard them, Jackson, you need to leave," You say to him after the both of you calm down. "You need to as well Y/L/N," He said back with a smirk. He was leaning down to kiss you again before…

"Y/L/N!" "JACKSON!" 

Maybe next time…

[urarart]

Teenage teasing

Ok so- I got lost in the brainworms (hah) and just had to write this. 2k words in an hour and a half is a new record for me, though, and this fic was a pure delight to write.

For any tags and warnings:

Characters: Tav (Eira, she/her, set personality, check my blog for further information and whatnot), Halsin, all six Origin companions, and the tadpoles

Warnings: Absolutele shameless thirsting, and equally shameless teasing. Also probably second hand embarrassment

Relationships: Everybody being friends with each other, and one-sided attraction towards Halsin from Tav

Timeline: A few days after the party, but the setting is still in Act I

It's an uneventful night at camp.

Everyone exhausted of the day before, all camp members were doing their leisure activities in peace.

Lae'zel tending to her weapons, Astarion reading his book, Shadowheart in her own corner a while away, Wyll and Karlach practicing some dance at Karlach's tent, Gale organizing his own items including the food, Eira reading a book they picked up on their travels, and Halsin whittling wood.

It was supposed to be an uneventful night at camp.

// This is so unfair \\

At the sudden sound, Astarion pauses his reading, his ears unconsciously perking up.

He looks up.

Everybody is still focused on their own activities.

// Who told him he can be so cute? \\

He can't locate the source of the noise.

Gale also stops, his hands freezing in mid-air, and turns towards the center of camp.

Astarion raises an eyebrow, a silent question, and Gale shrugs and shakes his head in response.

// How was I supposed to know he'd be this adorable in his down time, making wooden DUCKS??? \\

Lae'zel stops polishing her sword, a scowl on her face.

She shoots a glare at Astarion, and he puts on an offended face.

// Ugh and he has such pretty hair... I just want to kiss him silly and mess it all up \\

At that, Karlach slows down, a smirk on her face.

// And maybe sit on his face as well \\

Wyll trips over.

Karlach wordlessly helps him up, trying her hardest to hold back a laugh.

Halsin looks up at that, and asks him if he's alright.

Wyll takes a second to respond.

“Yeah I'm.. I'm fine. Don't- Don't worry about me.”

He shakes off the grass on his face.

“I think I heard Shadowheart call me.”

And he leaves the scene at that.

Astarion shuts his book closed and sits on the ground- whatever is going on now is way more entertaining.

// Aww, but they were dancing so well... \\

Karlach shines at the compliment.

By now, it's obvious who the source of the daydreaming is. The remaining members- Karlach, Astarion, Gale and Lae'zel- all share a look of various degrees.

Only Eira is not in the know.

// I hope I can dance with Halsin like that someday \\

Ah, young love, Gale thinks.

Which is immediately followed up with-

// And a different kind of dance as well \\

A blush creeps up his neck.

These thoughts are supposed to be private, especially when they're of this degree.

...yet he can't turn away.

Astarion wears a mischievous grin, while Karlach is full on smiling, the gums of her teeth showing.

It's obvious how Eira is not looking at the book anymore, completely enraptured by everything Halsin does.

// How someone that huge can be so cute is BEYOND me \\

Lae'zel scoffs, while Karlach coos.

// He can split me open like a walnut and I wouldn't even complain \\

Gale sputters, while Astarion simply chuckles.

Karlach has less success in keeping in her amusement, if she was trying in the first place, by giggling like a maniac.

Eira is none the wiser, no hint of shame on her face, her thoughts wandering off course all the while.

She doesn't know, does she, Astarion thinks.

Gale sends the three a furious glare, his embarrassment reaching new levels, urging them to do something about this.

Astarion thinks it over once, twice.

Sure, he'll extend an olive branch.

// You know, darling, if you want him to bed you so bad, you can just ask him \\

// Well I can't just walk up to him and ask him to nail me down to the ground like the Oak Father intended! That's rude! \\

Gale bangs his head against his bag, tired of it all.

// Tsk'va, coward. \\

Ah, thanks for the helpful contribution Lae'zel, Gale internally thinks. It seems like they're not intending to make Eira stop, and who knows if she realizes the situation.

// I do have to admit, soldier, I never expected you to have such thoughts \\

THANK YOU KARLACH, Gale screams internally.

// What do you mea- \\

At that point, the stream of constant dialogue stops.

He looks up at Eira, who seems to have frozen up in time, her gaze a thousand miles away.

Slowly, her mouth pulls back, her eyes widen, and a small but rapidly growing yellow blush spreads her face, daring to overtake her natural green skin.

// YOU GUYS COULD HEAR ME THE ENTIRE TIME?????? \\

She looks at their faces, their answer obvious.

She covers her face with her hands, shame shrouding her entire body.

// Oh I'm sorry that was- no I'm- UGH I'm sorry- \\

// Dearest, it's fine, it's fine. If anything, this was a nice shake up of our usual routine- and we learned you're not as frigid as we thought \\

She sends him a glare at that, still yellow in the face.

// I don't even have any words for you, of course you'd enjoy my shame like this \\

She mindlessly combs her hands through her hair, making a mess of it instead.

Gale decides it's time to step in, to remedy the situation.

// If I can say anything, Eira, we don't mind you thinking this, it's a healthy outlet \\

He awkwardly coughs.

// But maybe try not to use the tadpole to... declare your intentions like that. \\

// I didn't even do it on purpose! \\

// This lusting of yours was so strong you used the ghaik powers, you mean? \\

// ...well if you say it like THAT \\

Astarion lets out a laugh so loud it startles them.

“Is staring at the ground mindlessly so entertaining, Astarion?”, Halsin asks.

“Hehe- well. You can say something like that, yes.”

// If you say anything to him I will stake you, don't you DARE \\

// But what's the fun in not doing anything~ \\

“So, Halsin-”

Astarion speaks the next words, but no sound is said.

He stops his question, tries saying something else, but nothing comes out.

He turns to the only suspect.

Eira cast a Silence spell on him, the brat.

“Are you alright? You were asking me something?”

Astarion shoots a glare at Eira, which then transforms into a smirk.

// Well, if I can't speak, then body language works \\

// nO DON'T DON'T DON'T DON'T- \\

Astarion ignores her pleading, and stands up to walk over to Halsin.

He, however, fails to notice the leg Karlach sticks out.

He stumbles forwards, ungraciously, and Karlach takes that moment to sweep his leg under him.

He falls to the ground, hard.

“What he means to say, big bear, is that he had a bit too much blood for tonight, so he's out of his mind right now.“

”You mean he's drunk?“

”Yep yep!“

// Thank you Karlaaaaach \\

Karlach winks at Eira in response.

“So, Halsin, ever had any lovers in the past?”

// KARLACH WHY \\

Astarion looks up, still on the ground, repositioning his body to make it look like he wants to lay there, assuming a comfortable position, with one knee in the air and an arm resting on it.

“Hm. That's a sudden question, but yes.”

Halsin sets down his project, the duck almost finished.

Eira covers her face with the book, her curious eyes peeking over the edge.

Gale sighs.

Even though he's among the youngest, in comparison to elves, he sure feels his energy being drained quicker and quicker by this teenage teasing.

“Ohhhh do say more~”

Halsin chuckles, a bit of a frown on his face.

“I'm not sure why you're suddenly curious for this old elf's past relationships.”

“He's uncomfortable, Karlach, leave him be.”

Astarion turns his head towards Eira so fast, it was almost like it snapped.

// Trying to save him from embarrassment, huh? You might as well be declaring your wanting for him right now, darling \\

“Well- oh I can talk, finally- we were simply curious. It's called bonding, you know?”

He narrows his eyes.

“And besides, why do you care, Eira? You never had any, so why does it matter to you?”

She puts her book down, almost slamming it to the ground, her mouth a thin line, her eyes burning with fury.

“It's called common courtesy, Astarion. Not like you'd know what it means.”

“To answer your question, Karlach- yes, I've had previous lovers, but they never held for long.”

“Hmm, a believer in carnal desire, then?”

“I- well, that's crude wording Lae'zel, but yes. You can call it that.“

Astarion nods in understanding, ignoring the way Halsin doesn't speak about it with pride.

He mindlessly picks up his duck again, continuing the project.

”My heart doesn't stir lightly, so I never had the bliss of calling someone my lover.“

”But you DID have sex, right?“

”Of course.“

Astarion chuckles.

”So, when does your heart shake, or whatever that wording was. What does it take to move the beast?“

Halsin raises an eyebrow in response.

“Why are you so curious?”

“No reason~”, Karlach grins.

Halsin hums, thinking for a second.

“Thinking back, there is no pattern in any of them. Nothing with race, gender, body, or conviction. There were a few that I refused, but the ones I wanted were all good by soul, nothing else.”

“Ah those blessed souls, to have the grace of your company for a single night without putting in the work.“

”Fangs you know you're not any better.“

He only shrugs in response, and then turns to lay on his back, his arms splayed by his head, his shirt falling open just a bit.

He turns towards Eira.

”Any questions you have, my friend? Surely you must be buzzing with them, you never know when to shut up without concerning the others' privacy.”

She only frowns in response.

“If... If I can ask, and do say if it's rude or anything like it.”

“I don't mind, I will answer to the best of my ability.”

“...these... experiences you have. Were they all with humanoids?”

It takes a few seconds before the question is understood, Gale getting the hidden message before any of them.

”What kind of question is that, Eira?!“

”I'm just curious!“

// pfffttTTHAHAHAHA- \\

“Tsk'va, sorcerer, that you'd ask.“

”Oh come on Lae'zel!! I regret asking already. And stop laughing, Astarion!”

She crosses her arms, an annoyed pout on her face.

“...there was this one instance.”

All heads turn to Halsin immediately.

“One day, I was grazing through the forest while my wildshape was a bear-”

“Ugh, seriously? You fucked a bear while you were a bear? That's dirty, even for me, and I've seen some stuff.“ Astarion waves his hand, bored.

”-if you can let me finish my story. But while I was in the forest, I forgot it was the mating season, and a female bear tried to claim me. However, she didn't appreciate my refusal, especially when I turned back into my Elfish form, and that is,“ he holds a hand to his face, touching his scar, ”how I got these marks.”

Karlach and Gale stare at him, stunned. Eira covers her mouth with her loose hair out of shame, and Lae'zel looks mildly interested in the story.

Astarion, well.

“Boooooo, you couldn't go through with it. Cowarddddd.“

”I would never disrupt the cycle of nature like that- and to answer your question, Eira: yes, only with humanoids.“

It's awfully silent on her part.

While Karlach and Astarion continue to talk and joke with Halsin, she remains quiet.

So quiet even Lae'zel gets confused about it.

”Sorcerer, did Gale cast a Silence spell on you? Why are you-“

// HE DIDN'T GET THOSE SCARS FROM FIGHTS AND I NEED TO GIVE HIM NEW ONES \\

The force of the connection stuns Lae'zel halfway, and a little chuckle escapes her.

Eira looks at her, wide blue eyes staring in shock.

Lae'zel only nods in response, her approval granted.

Gale has decided to completely separate himself from the conversation at that point.

They hear a yell from Shadowheart a distance away.

“What was that I heard?”

Halsin looks in her direction, confused.

”Nothing happened, what's wrong?“

”Something about scafjskflj!”

She gets shushed by Wyll before she can finish her sentence.

She slaps his hand away, but he hurriedly talks over her.

“Nothing, we just thought an animal was walking nearby and got spooked!”

He talks in a lower, quiet voice to Shadowheart, too soft for the rest of camp to hear.

“Ah, that's good to hear. Nature lives on as it should.”

“Ugh you bo~ore me with all that nature talk every time. That gossip just now was way more entertaining.”

“Right, of course. Although I'm sure you have more interesting stories in comparison to mine.”

He holds up his wooden duck, looking for faults or anything he can improve.

He's quickly satisfied, however, signified by a small smile.

“Well, this is done.”

“It looks good, very neat and super cute!”

“Yes, yes, that's a nice wooden duck, whatever.”

Astarion turns to Eira at that, his grin so wide his fang pokes through.

“Darling, you like it as well, right? His duck.“

She takes a deep breath in, both frustration and shyness evident in her face.

The insinuation of Astarion's comment was not lost on her.

”Yes.“

Short and sweet.

Seems like I got to her~, Astarion notes.

We're not short on entertainment in this camp for sure.

He grins, sharing a look with Karlach.

She smiles in response, a twinkle in her eyes.

Oh this will be a very interesting time at camp.

[theawkwardterrier]

Year by Year

Steggy Week 2k23, day 1 Prompt: headcanons and meta

Summary: They mark the day with their own particular observance.

Thanks to @steggyfanevents​​ for organizing!

It is not something celebrated with that mild fanfare the way that birthdays and holidays are in their house, nor like their wedding anniversary either — no gifts or dinner out or being allowed to pick the details of activity or company or entertainment for the day.

But it is also not like those other milestones of their past, the ones that crop up even though so much of the war had blurred together or taken place in ways that make memorializing specific events impossible. Still, every so often one of them might realize that this was the date Steve started boot camp and therefore the one on which they saw each other for the first time; that it has been so many years or decades since that day in a SSR lab in Brooklyn; that although they are here in the midst of an ordinary winter now, the two of them once stood on a frigid Russian battlefield on this same day so long ago and saw one another for the first time in months and knew each other to be alive. It is not even like those more easily noted commemorations, Memorial Day or Veterans Day, which are memorialized for them with more solemnity than for many of their neighbors, especially as the decades wear on and war becomes a more remote thing for so many, nor even like the more personal times of remembrance: the day that Bucky fell, and the days, as time wears on, of their friends’ passings, or the day that Steve's plane went down.

Yet it also does fade for them entirely either, blurring into normalcy among the notes on the calendar about appointments with the dentist or the elementary school's spring orchestra concert, conferences in Brussels and a spate of classmates' birthday parties.

Instead, it becomes something contained and particularly theirs. Wherever they might be on the day, whether in their own living room or a rental house on vacation or the tarmac waiting for a SHIELD plane to bring them back from some world-saving venture or the middle of a national park because they somehow foolishly agreed to chaperone the latest Scouts trip or the Stork Club just before it closes for the final time, they will find a few moments and turn to each other, clasp hands and turn in slow, swaying circles. Sometimes they will have music — they keep a turntable on hand at home even as it begins to eventually feature a cassette or CD player alongside, preferring their old 45s of Etta James or Ella Fitzgerald or Harry James — and sometimes they will only have the quiet or the crickets or the wind around them. Pressed together and without speaking, they will think of the time apart and the time together, all that they have gotten to do in the years since, the life they have built and the ways that things might have been different and the parts that they wouldn't change.

"I'm glad you came back," Peggy will say softly after a while.

"I'm glad I could," Steve will say. "I'm glad that you were here for me to come back to."

And, absorbing the feeling of the two of them together, relishing it all the more for the familiarity that they have earned, they will dance as they commemorate another year of return.

[rosesinspirationandreference]

🎈 159 Random Fic/Art Prompts 🎈

A 159 random prompts to hopefully inspire your creativity!

A Game of Baseball

A Geographic Feature

A Great Explorer

A Hurried Look

A Large Dog

A Life of Crime

A Life of Song

A Well-Known Book

Alcohol

Animal Sounds

Anniversaries

Around the House

At the Casino

At the Opticians

At the Racecourse

Athletics

Bags

Baking a Cake

Beach Holiday

Bicycle Trip

Boats

Body Marks

Boiled Sweets

Bring Me a Shrubbery

Camping Tent

Cast Aside

Celebration

Cheese

Chemistry Lesson

Chess

Coins

Colourful

Colourful Horse

Container

Copy That

Counting Up

Definitely Not Clean

Definitely Not Warm

Different Type of Coffee

Doesn’t Really Care

Draw a Diagram

Driving Test

Educator

Exam Time

Family Members

Fast Food

Faultless

Fears and Aversions

Feel Better Soon

Financial Matters

Floral Bouquet

Fluffy Animals

Fully Primed

Game of Cricket

Garden Pond

Gardening

Get It Done

Get Ready for the Day

Getting a New Hat

Give It a Knock

Gone Dancing

Gone Swimming

Good at Something

Grand Prix

Hair Care

Holiday Island

Hotel Stay

In a Month

In the Ocean

Inside Your Head

Internal Organs

Investing

It Goes Bang

It Won’t Happen Again

It’s Just A Table

It’s Only an Overview

Job Application Form

Kitchen Implements

Lacking Courage

Laws of Science

Leisure Time

Logic Puzzle

Looking for a Bargain

Lots of Energy

Martial Arts

Materials

Math’s Hard

Medicine Cabinet

Minerals

Morning Cereal

Mountain Climbing

Moving Around

Needing a Car Part

Newspaper

Not a Good Plan

Not a Secret

Not Everything

Not Feeling Too Good

Not Getting Much Done

Not in the Real World

Not Shutting Up

Not Very Sensible

Noxious Gas

Olympic Sports

On a Diet

On Another Planet

On the Computer

On the Outside of the House

On Top of the World

Out of the Norm

Party Games

Personal Qualities

Pizza Topping

Plant Flowers

Populated Area

Reading Music

Romantic Evening

Rooms

Ruin It All

Second-Hand Account

Second-Hand Item

Security Service

Shades of Green

Shoes

Shopping on the Internet

Sliding Around

Smell a Rat

Snorkelling Trip

Soft Drink

Solving Crimes

Something Funny

Somewhere to Sit

Somewhere to Stay

Stargazing

Styled Furniture

Symbols

Take Flight

Take the Biscuit

Team Sports

Tell Me What You Think

That’s It

The Birds and the Bees

This Kind of Thing

Time for Sleep

Time for Tea

Tittle-Tattle

Total Failure

Travelling by Air

Try to Get Your Own Way

Trying to Sell You Something

Very Rich People

Visit to the Dentist

Visit to the Post Office

Visit to the Theatre

Volcano

Whodunnit?

Windy Outside

Woodwind Instrument

Worn on the Legs

[classictharresort]

Luxury tents in Jaisalmer at Affordable Price Get Upto 30% OFF

Luxury tents in Jaisalmer

Looking for the best budget tents in Jaisalmer for your stay? Visit the Classic Thar Resort. We offer affordable prices and excellent services.

Visit At : https://classictharresort.com/accommodation/best-deluxe-tents/

Welcome

Address - Khasra No. 514/502, Opp. Sam Sand Dunes, Sam Sand Dunes, Sam, Jaisalmer, 345001

Office address - 275 KL Aanchalvancy Colony Bhatia Mukti dham Choraya Jaisalmer 345001

Call

7073262508

8890262508

9587652508

Write

classictharresort@gmail.com

Discover the Enchanting Delight of Jaisalmer's Deluxe Tents

Jaisalmer, famously known as the golden city, is a captivating destination nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India. The city boasts majestic forts, breathtaking sand dunes, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an alluring place to explore. For those seeking an extraordinary experience that perfectly blends luxury with nature, nothing compares to the allure of staying in the best deluxe tents Jaisalmer has to offer.

What are Deluxe Tents?

Deluxe tents are opulent and spacious accommodations that provide guests with all the comforts and amenities one would expect from a high-end hotel while still immersing them in the magic of the desert surroundings. These carefully designed tents offer travelers an unforgettable stay, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Features of Deluxe Tents in Jaisalmer:

Spacious and Luxurious: Unlike regular tents, deluxe tents are generously sized, providing ample space for relaxation and enjoyment. They often include a large bedroom area, a private sitting space, and a modern attached bathroom. Modern Amenities: Despite being located in the heart of the desert, deluxe tents are equipped with modern comforts, such as air conditioning, cozy beds, elegant furniture, and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water facilities. Exquisite Interiors: The interiors of these tents are adorned with traditional Rajasthani decor, showcasing intricate mirror work, colorful textiles, and ornate furnishings, creating an ambiance of opulence and grandeur. Private Outdoor Space: Many deluxe tents offer a private outdoor seating area, allowing guests to unwind while savoring a cup of tea and taking in the mesmerizing views of the sunset or sunrise over the dunes. Cultural Evenings: To enrich the stay further, several deluxe tent camps organize enchanting cultural evenings with folk music, captivating dance performances, and a delectable spread of Rajasthani cuisine served under the twinkling stars.

Planning Your Visit to Jaisalmer:

For those seeking a truly exceptional and luxurious experience, opting for a deluxe tent stay is the ideal choice, and Classic Thar Resort offers some of the best tent in jaisalmer. Embrace the warm hospitality, regal comforts, and the mesmerizing best desert camp in jaisalmer landscape as you create cherished memories. Whether traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, the deluxe tents in Jaisalmer will undoubtedly leave you captivated and spellbound. Visit us for the best resort in Jaisalmer. We will make your trip a truly memorable experience.

Experience the Best of Our Offerings

1 .Tradtional welcome with Aarti &Tikka

2. Wellcome drink water Bottle , tea coffee snacks

3. Night cultural program – Bonfire folk dance Kalbelia dance D.J. party

4. Camel Safari Sunset

5. Traditional buffet dinner.

6. Morning breakfast buffet

7. Best desert safari in jaisalmer

Inclusion:- Non-AC

Welcome drink on arrival.

(Non-alcoholic)

Traditional welcome with Aarti, Tika and Dhol.

1 Night's accommodation for Double sharing.

Evening cultural program with Rajasthani Folk Dance, Music, and Bonfire

DJ Party & Veg. Snacks

Buffet Breakfast & Dinner (Vegetarian Only).

Hi Tea with Snacks during the cultural program.

Classic Thar Resort Camp prides itself in being the best luxury resort in Jaisalmer at an affordable price. Our Jaisalmer Desert safari includes Jaisalmer camel safari tour, Jaisalmer jeep safari tour, Night Safari tour in Jaisalmer.

Contact Info

Sam sand dunes near parking sam, Jaisalmer Rajasthan 345001

7073262508, 8890262508, 9587652508

Email: classictharresort@gmail.com

Camel safaris in Jaisalmer

Jeep safaris in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer tent resort

Best Camp in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer desert Camp

Desert Camp in Jaisalmer

[ireceived-p8250000]

December 22-28, 2013

Sunday, December 22

The sun was already high when we finally stirred from our sleep, the remnants of last night's laughter still lingering in the air. I helped the girls cook a lazy breakfast, the aroma of bacon and eggs filling Djaneng's kitchen, but my mind was already drifting to the tasks ahead. After we ate, I said my goodbyes and headed home, ready to help my parents pack for our trip to Isabela.

When I arrived, the house was a whirlwind of activity. Boxes and suitcases were scattered everywhere, and my parents were bustling around, organizing and double-checking lists. I jumped right in, sorting clothes and packing essentials, my thoughts occasionally drifting to Roxanne. She was heading to Antipolo and needed some extra cash, which I had already given her.

By evening, the house was finally calm. The packing was done, and everything was ready for the trip. I dropped my parents off at the terminal, the night air cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the day's hustle. Roxanne, still with classes to attend, stayed behind, her studies tethering her to the city for a few more days. As I drove back home, the city's lights flickered around me, my mind a mix of anticipation for the holidays and the relief of having everything under control.

Monday, December 30, 2013

The day started like any other exam day. I took my final exams for English 7, my mind racing through essay prompts and literary terms. The relief of finishing my last exam of the semester was palpable, a weight lifted off my shoulders. But the day was far from over.

Allysa invited me to go clubbing tonight at Ampersand. I mentioned it to Mansoor, who frowned at the idea. He didn’t like me drinking or partying too much, but I assured him it wasn’t something I did often. His disapproval lingered in my mind as I got ready, choosing an outfit that struck the right balance between fun and responsible.

The night started innocently enough. We hopped from bar to bar around Leonard Wood, the excitement of freedom mixing with the buzz of alcohol. At each stop, we laughed and danced, the music a backdrop to our celebrations. When we finally made it to the camp, Allysa began snapping photos and quickly uploaded them to Facebook, tagging me in every one. Notifications buzzed on my phone, signaling that the whole world now knew we were out and about.

Needing a break from the noise and the crowd, I stepped outside for a smoke. I hadn’t smoked in a long time, the habit having faded as other concerns took precedence. As I lit up and took a drag, a familiar figure materialized out of the shadows. Sir Apollo. His eyes were reddish and heavy, a telltale sign of too much drinking.

"Ano ginagawa mo dito?" I asked, my voice sharper than intended.

"Why won’t you give me a chance? I like you," he said, his tone a mix of frustration and longing.

"I don’t know," I replied, my mind a whirlpool of conflicting emotions.

"I will walk away if I hear you that you won’t," he said, taking a step back as if to prove his point. He turned to leave, and I felt a surge of panic. My thoughts were a jumble, the angel and devil on my shoulders screaming at each other.

"Sir, wait, don’t do this," I called after him, my voice breaking.

He paused, and I could see the vulnerability in his eyes. "Stop making me so confused. I hate this! People playing with my head," I said, tears threatening to spill.

"I’m not. I really like you," he said, stepping closer.

And then he kissed me. It was a kiss that drowned out the world, a kiss that tasted of cigarettes and longing. I kissed him back, my body moving of its own accord, our lips locked in a passionate embrace. His hands roamed to my behind, and I let out an involuntary moan. I grabbed the lapel of his jackets and latched on to his lips. It was sensual and delicious. He hugged me closer while we continue the indecency of kissing in public.

Reality hit me like a cold splash of water. "I need to get back inside," I said, pulling away.

"Kita tayo bukas," he insisted, pulling out his phone and making me enter my number. He called it immediately to ensure it was real. Then he kissed me again, softer this time. "I’m so happy," he whispered.

I stumbled back inside, my mind reeling from what had just happened. I drank more, trying to drown out the guilt and confusion. I was two-timing. I couldn’t deny it anymore.

I had to break up with Mansoor.

Tuesday

I went home past 4 AM, feeling the remnants of the night’s chaos. Divina and I made a pit stop at 7-11, craving something to cure our hangovers. Instant noodles and hotdogs seemed like the perfect remedy. We sat on the curb, eating in silence, the early morning chill biting at our skin.

Back at home, I collapsed into bed and slept the entire day. When I finally woke, my phone rang. It was him.

We agreed to meet, but discretion was key. We couldn’t be seen in public together, given our teacher-student dynamic. We met in his car, the tension palpable.

"You seem tense. Relax ka lang," he said, trying to soothe me.

"What are we doing?" I asked, my voice wavering.

"Hindi ba tayo na? Wala kang boyfriend, di ba?"

"What if I have?"

"Then you should make a decision."

I pouted at him, my heart a tangled mess of emotions.

"Halika dito," he said, pulling me closer.

We started kissing, our lips melding together in a heated dance. He laid on top of me, his weight comforting yet thrilling. Our tongues swirled, the taste of him intoxicating. I sucked his tongue and he did mine. I explored his mouth with my short tongue. His weight is digging into me whereas I felt hardness of his male appendage. My hands grabbed his thick hair.

His tongue was invading my warm mouth. It's thick and textured. Good thing I had my teeth done.

We had to break apart to get air.

"Ang sarap mo humalik," his eyes are heavy-lidded. His smile faint of euphoria.

"Ikaw yung nag-report sakin, no?" he suddenly asked, breaking the spell. I smiled mischievously.

He smirked, then kissed me again. His lips trailed down, sucking on my neck. "Sir!" I gasped as his hand landed on my breast.

I stopped him immediately. "Virgin ka pa ba?" he began to ask.

"Yes, and hindi pa ako ready," I replied firmly.

He nodded, understanding. "I understand."

He continued kissing me, petting my neck with his lips. I stopped him again, worried about leaving a mark.

Eventually, I said I had to go. "Kailan tayo magkikita ulit?" he asked.

"Next year na siguro," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

He kissed me one last time before I stepped out of his car. Guilt and happiness battled within me. I was terrible, wasn’t I? But I loved it, too. What was I going to do? I needed to tell Sir Apollo the truth.

Later that evening, Mansoor and I talked on the phone. It was Christmas Eve, and I was alone in my house, celebrating Christmas solo again.

Wednesday

It's Christmas. I treated myself to cake and Korean chicken while watching "2 Broke Girls".

Both men were texting me, but I chose to engage with my real boyfriend.

I packed my things for tomorrow.

Thursday

Mansoor and I met up at the GL station in the chilly morning. I didn't enjoy the journey through Halsema Highway; it made my stomach twist and turn. By 2 PM, we arrived in Sagada and stayed at his aunt's lodge, though we had separate rooms. I tried to push aside the guilt and savor the moment. After this trip, I knew I had to make a decision.

We were too exhausted to do much, and plenty of other visitors were there. We cooked for ourselves and later enjoyed a bonfire, which was delightful. Mansoor admitted I was his girlfriend, although his parents didn't know who I was yet—only that he had someone special.

We talked for hours under the starry sky.

Friday

I wasn't keen on visiting that cave, so instead, we hiked Marlboro Hill and Blue Mountain.

The day was eventful. Mansoor's uncle picked us up in his truck, and we lent a hand at the local market. Later, we gathered around another bonfire at night, camping out on the grass under the stars. It was incredibly romantic, and we found ourselves making out passionately. Mansoor showed restraint; if he sensed any hesitation from me, he would stop.

"I love you," he said earnestly.

"I love you too," I replied, mentally chastising myself. I'm a cheater.

Saturday

We traveled to Bontoc, my hometown, and met Nikki, who graciously gave us a tour. Returning to Sagada, we explored the lake and indulged in cafes and pies.

We were set to go home the next day.

We were in the same bed, making out. I gave his neck a mark. We were laughing about it.

[excursionpoint]

Exploring the Dubai Desert Safari Experience: Uncovering Adventure

Introduction:

An classic event, the Dubai Desert Safari takes nature lovers and thrill-seekers on an amazing adventure across the immaculate dunes of the Arabian desert. This article is an all-inclusive guide to going on a Dubai Desert Safari; it highlights the thrilling adventures, fascinating cultural experiences, and stunning scenery that this captivating desert environment has to offer.

Overview of the Desert Safari in Dubai: An overview of the Dubai Desert Safari, a well-liked outdoor adventure destination and tourist attraction. I'm looking forward to an exhilarating ride across the vast Arabian desert.

Kinds of Safari Tours in the Desert: Morning Safari: Sandboarding, camel riding, and dune bashing await you on this dawn excursion. An unforgettable evening safari complete with views of the setting sun, traditional Arabian entertainment, and a delicious barbeque meal. Overnight Safari: An enchanted camping trip under the stars that includes astronomy, cultural performances, and bonfires.

Exciting Things to Do in the Desert: Dune Bashing: thrilling drives in 4x4 cars across the dunes under the direction of skilled drivers. Camel Riding: Enjoy leisurely rides on a camel while taking in the expansive views of the desert.

Sandboarding: Exciting, adrenaline-pumping sandboarding experiences down steep dunes.

Cultural Events and Interactions: Bedouin Camps: Genuine Bedouin-style campgrounds that provide cultural experiences, refreshments, and warm Arabian hospitality. Henna Painting: Masterful henna work including classic Arabian motifs on the hands and feet. Tanoura and belly dancing shows: captivating exhibitions of traditional dance forms performed by gifted artists against the backdrop of the setting sun in the desert.

Gourmet Treats in the Desert: Scrumptious buffet buffets with a range of grilled meats, salads, and traditional Arabian fare are served throughout the barbecue dinner. Free refreshments will be provided, such as Arabic coffee, tea, and cool drinks to slake your thirst in the scorching desert.

Scenic Views and Natural Wonders: Views at Sunset: Stunning panoramas of the desert terrain illuminated by the sun's last rays. Starlit Skies: Unmatched views of stars and constellations during magical nights spent beneath the desert sky.

Safety and Comfort Measures:

Skilled Guides: A safe and pleasurable desert safari trip is guaranteed by knowledgeable guides and drivers. Comfortable Facilities: To enhance the comfort and convenience of tourists, well-equipped campsites and safari vehicles with contemporary amenities are provided.

Organizing a Desert Safari: Some pointers for planning a desert safari journey include using trustworthy tour companies, selecting a package, and making bookings online. When choosing your desert safari vacation, take into account factors like party size, spending limit, and favorite activities.

Get Ready for Your Adventure in the Desert: What to Wear: Lightweight, comfortable clothing appropriate for desert weather is advised. Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, and cameras to record priceless moments should be on your packing list.

Treasured Moments and Enduring Testimonials: Testimonials and firsthand accounts from tourists who have taken a Dubai Desert Safari, sharing their priceless moments and life-changing experiences.

Conclusion:

The Dubai Desert Safari promises visitors an amazing tour through the heart of the Arabian desert with an exciting blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Experience the stunning views, cultural interactions, or heart-pounding activities that will leave you with lifelong memories and a renewed respect for the captivating desert landscape—all of which can be found on a Dubai Desert Safari. For more info:- Dubai Desert Safari

Things to do in dubai

[casspurrjoybell-21]

Pirate Chains - Volume 2 - Against Tides

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 7 - Dance - Part 2

Agenor

When we arrived at the camp, the sun was dipping into the horizon.

The beach was busy and some of the mates were lying here and there, drinking or playing games, while others were gathering wood to start a fire.

Ace walked towards us and greeted me with a nod.

"Captain."

"Was everything okay for the day, Ace?"

"Aye, Captain."

He pushed a sword into Nyx's hands.

Nyx looked at his sword in surprise.

It was the Jian he had left on the Martina. Strangely he just answered with a weak...

"Thank you..."

Ace didn't even reply, he just gave another nod and walked away.

Agenor: 'My God, I swear, Ace is getting less and less talkative each passing day.'

"Boy. I heard you made it to land in one piece. Where have you been all day. Oh... hey, Captain."

Agenor: 'Alright. I'm fine with Baril being all... 'Nyx works for me'... from time to time... but his questioning every time Nyx isn't in the galley was starting to piss me off.'

I didn't spare Baril a look, instead a small nod and a 'hey' and that was generous enough.

"We went to look around Esme Island. It was very beautiful and not as bad as I thought it would be."

"Ha. Of course it's beautiful, have you seen the whores? Expensive but they ride to please."

"Euh... Yes, I saw them. Here let me help you with that."

Nyx paced towards Baril and took the firewood out of his hands.

"Put them by the pile near those fuckers over there. We are going to party hard tonight."

Nyx smiled at him and went over to the herd of pirates to do as Baril had told him.

He was tired by all the walking he had done but still insisted on helping and working for his keep.

I should just command him sit his ass down and rest.

Then again, I should just let him do what he wants.

I look back to see him bite his lit to prevent himself from laughing, while the brothers, Ajax and Yeager, point at Nash, teasing him.

Lou stretches his leg to trip Nyx but he easily avoids it and smiles victoriously at the bully, then went to organize the wood into a pile, like nothing even happened.

Agenor: 'He's happy and he's safe. That's all that matters.'

I turn and go to join the herd of idiots.

Sometime later, we were all sitting around the fire, eating and drinking.

Ace was half-way drunk and obviously still bothered by something.

If I knew him well, I would say it was over something he had almost screwed up but had managed to fix.

Now, all he had to do was come clean and tell me.

To think that all the years we have spent together, he still doesn't know that the best thing to do is to step forward and just spill the truth but if he's so eager to torment himself, so be it.

A pair of blue eyes draws me out of my thinking, when Nyx hands me a skewer of nicely grilled meat.

I nod my thanks to him and bit into the food.

He sits beside me, nipping slowly into a baked sweet potato.

In the distance we could see the torches closing slowly towards us. From the way the silhouettes swayed, I recognized the whores coming to earn some coin.

Of course a commotion started around us as soon as the crew figured out who was heading their way.

"Captain Agenor."

Izel bowed her head at me politely and the flock behind her did the same.

I always applauded the way she kept her hyenas in line.

"Izel."

I took another bite into my skewered meat.

"To what do we owe this late visit."

"My girls wanted to come and please your crew."

As soon as she said that... 'her girls' scattered amongst the wolves, who received them with open arms and groping hands.

The burly guards that came with Izel put some covered boxes on the sand and then joined us by the fire.

She always chose fighters with enough muscle that would make the bandits think twice before laying a hand on her or her girls, unless they paid first, of course.

Izel walked closer, her new girl following close behind her.

She ignored the lustful looks and the vulgar words the men sent her and her eyes traveled to watch her whores being caught and fondled.

She sat beside me and I ignored her colorful dress that fell on my right thigh.

"I expected you to come visit us and spend the evening."

When I didn't answer her she continues...

"I even prepared the girls for your men and a nice room for you, Captain."

"Thank you, Izel but that will be unnecessary. As you can see, these hooligans can enjoy themselves anywhere."

"Of course," she said, sounding disappointed, which was understandable.

These people made a living out of providing whores and rooms to fuck and they do their best to fill those rooms.

"When you didn't show up, Cherri insisted on bringing you a present. Cherri, come here my dear and serve the Captain," she ordered the new girl and Cherri obeyed.

She walked to my side, holding something in her hands.

I felt Nyx stiffen uncomfortably.

The girl bowed her head a little.

"My name is Cherri. I've been waiting to meet you, Captain."

No matter how much she sweetened her voice it was obviously the result of Izel's training.

I've seen so many whores in my lifetime that I know the difference between a woman who wants to be a whore and a woman who is forced to be one.

Cherri was a bit odd though, she was obviously younger than the other whores, she was well dresses and looked quite clean, unlike most of the whores that wore old shirts and ragged dresses.

I nodded at the girl, who definitely looked new to this.

"If anyone bothers you, feel free to kick their ass and stay away from Britt... he tends to crush the newbies... literally."

Britt, who was sitting a few feet away, with a hand under a whore's skirt and the other hand holding a lamb shank, looked at Cherri and grinned deviously.

Izel laughed in her unique way, soft and composed, while Cherri smiled at me in a seductive way.

I glanced beside my at Nyx, who was looking away, glancing towards the sea.

Cherri approached more, looking at him but when he didn't move away she sat in front of him, now blocking his view of the fire.

She put her hand on my left knee.

"Agenor, I have bought you some very expensive wine. I've saved it just for you, my Captain."

Agenor: 'My Captain? Nyx hardly ever calls me that, usually when he wants something. And when he does say it, it's so fucking sexy.'

She uncovers the jug, then pours some of the red liquid into a cup.

"Here, Agenor. I hope you find my present, delicious.'

I took the cup and smelled the alcohol.

"Cherri is very well mannered. Don't you think, Captain?"

I don't get what the old fox wanted.

Usually she just clapped her hands and the whores gathered around and I would chose one or two for the night.

"You know I hate games, Izel."

She blushed her long finger up my arm.

"On the contrary, Captain. I know you love playing games."

"Not when it feels like I'm the one being played."

She drew away her hand dramatically.

"Oh, I would never dare. Especially not with the most famous and handsome of all the pirate Captains."

I glance her way and she just winks at me.

"Cherri is simply a special gift I've been preparing for you for months and months now. She is very well trained and not touched by many..."

"I though you kept whore, Izel. I didn't know you raised courtesans?"

That must have stung because she when quiet for a while.

Izel used to be a courtesan, a whore only for the very high born.

She seduced a rich Lord spoilt he and made her his favourite.

As soon as he fell ill, the wife tormented her for months, until one day she escaped but not before murdering the Lord and his wife and stealing whatever she could carry and ran to Esme Island.

From that day onward, she was no longer a courtesan but just a cheep whore for anyone to buy.

Izel cleared her throat and continued, despite the hinge of anger in her voice...

"Cherri is beautiful, clean and very obedient. My only wish is to serve you and keep you content. I've noticed that you almost never sleep with the same whore twice. So, I handpicked one that would be to your liking. I have also trained her in the ways of pleasuring men. I'm sure she'll please you, Captain."

[unitywedding]

Bachelor Party

A bachelor party is a celebration of the last days of a man's single life before he gets married. It is usually organized by his best friends or groomsmen, who plan various activities and surprises for him. Some common bachelor party themes are: - A night out in the town, with drinks, dancing, and entertainment at bars, clubs, or casinos. - A weekend getaway to a nearby destination, such as a beach, a lake, or a ski resort, where the group can enjoy outdoor sports, relaxation, and fun. - A camping trip in the wilderness, where the group can bond over nature, fire, and beer. - A sports event, such as a golf tournament, a bowling competition, or a paintball match, where the group can show off their skills and challenge each other. - A themed party at home or a rented venue, such as a poker night, a video game marathon, or a costume party, where the group can indulge in their hobbies and interests. Whatever the theme, the bachelor party is meant to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the groom and his friends. It is also an opportunity to express their friendship, loyalty, and support for each other. However, it is important to respect the groom's wishes and boundaries, and not to do anything that might jeopardize his relationship with his future spouse or cause him any trouble or regret. #WeddingPlanning #WeddingDirectory #WeddingTips #Weddings #unitytheweddingdirectory #unity #weddingdirectory #weddingplanner #weddinginspiration #weddingideas #bachelorparty Read the full article

[rehobothheritage]

Gay-Friendly Guide to South Delaware

Southern Delaware is a thriving destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, welcoming all its gay friends with open arms to have a lot of fun and even meet some amazing fellow queer friends. From beaches to bars, and everything in between, let’s dive into some of the best gay-friendly things to do in Southern Delaware. (Tip: Stay at the Heritage Inn & Suites, Rehoboth Beach when in Rehoboth, to get great deals on your booking)

Delaware Pride Festival

Every year, the largest LGBTQ gathering in Delaware takes place at Dover, Delaware and is a chance for you to to know more about the LGBTQ community and its culture. It's a celebration of love which helps the community gain exposure and recognition, by welcoming people of every sexual orientation. So if you are in South Delaware around that time, be a part of the celebration as the event is free of cost and features local vendors, food and entertainment. You can take part in the day to day events and activities hosted by them like pride bowling and pride meetings.

A Must-Do Beach Day

Southern Delaware has many gay-friendly beaches - plus, you cannot skip the beach when you’re visiting the East Coast! Located near Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Poodle Beach is a widely renowned gay friendly beach where gays can chill with their friends, and even make some new ones. If you are looking to meet fellow lesbians, head to North Shores located on the south of Cape Henlopen State Park. No better plan than to get that perfect summer tan while you socialize with some amazing people and don’t forget to enjoy a captivating Atlantic Coast sunrise or sunset.

Live The Night

While Southern Delaware has many spots where nights come alive, Rehoboth Beach is where the main fun is at. It might be a quaint town but it can do both—have the small town charm by day, and a bustling nightlife by night. Catch some of the best drag shows of the area and sing your heart out at karaoke when you visit the Purple Parrot Grill at Rehoboth Beach. Or, meet some of your fellow queer friends while enjoying a night of drinks, dance and live music at the Diego's Bar Nightclub. Another beautiful place to meet fellow queer and gay friends is the Aqua Grill, and while you are at it, don’t forget to enjoy the fresh seafood from the grill and stunning ocean views from the deck. 

Purple Parrot Grill, Rehoboth Beach. Courtesy: @jeff.hyman

If you are headed to Dewey Beach, make sure to check out North Beach for a night of live entertainment and exclusive club parties. Situated over the Rehoboth Bay is the Rusty Rudder, Dewey Beach where you can enjoy an evening of live music with some amazing food and drinks. Step into the Victorian era with a visit to Heirloom, Lewes and indulge in the in-house cocktails at the cozy bar and delight yourself with a wide variety of delicacies from the menu.

CAMP Rehoboth

A dedicated NPO creating safe spaces around Rehoboth for the whole community. When you are in Rehoboth, make sure to check their calendar to see which of the LGBTQ events are aligning with your trip. Be a part of exclusive workshops, art exhibits, social gatherings and much more that ensure the upliftment and celebration of everyone irrespective of their sexual orientation. 

Nature’s Pick

When it comes to nature, you can surely catch beautiful sunrises and sunsets on your getaway but don’t forget to get your hands on the best of natural produce at Rehoboth Farmers Market every Tuesday, from May to October. You can fill your bags with the best of produce from farmers, bakers, and beekeepers who set up their shops in the Grove Park, near the heart of downtown. Pick some organically sourced strawberries and peaches and spend an afternoon full of flavors and friendly people to meet. 

Clear Space Theater 

While Rehoboth is known for its beaches and bars, the Clear Space Theatre is a place for theater fanatics with many plays and great musicals on a daily basis. Along with passionate actors and actresses, you will also find queer artists on the stage who have mastered their art and will keep you spellbound. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for one of their most popular musicals, Grease, that will have you give the actors a standing ovation for their outstanding performance. They also have themed seasonal musicals and plays that are always worth a watch to get yourself in the spirit. 

Rehoboth Art League

Courtesy: @rehobothartleague on Instagram

Immerse yourself in art exhibits of the Rehoboth Art League! With a number of galleries featuring permanent collections and changing exhibits all around the year, art enthusiasts will love to spend a day interpreting paintings and sculptures here. The art league offers many events like Cottage Tour of Art, Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show. If you want to delve into the world of art, Rehoboth Art League also offers classes for new learners that include drawing, painting, pottery, fiber art, creative writing, mosaic art and much more.  

Shop It Out

Rehoboth is a place to shop anything and everything and one reason is that everything is tax free. Get your favorite brands, tax free at the Tanger Outlets because you pay exactly what you see on the price tag. Local creations like unique clothing, jewelry, and home decor crafted by local artists are also available at downtown Rehoboth. A must visit during the golden hour of Rehoboth is the Penny Lane Mall which is lined with affordable shops and small cafes adorned with homemade food options. Don’t forget to snag some colorful souvenirs to remember your beautiful beach trip.

Explore The Outdoors

A vacay to Rehoboth is incomplete without exploring the beautiful outdoors. Carry your surfing board along and ride the waves of the Atlantic East Coast. Step out and explore the Delaware Seashore State Park that is spread across miles and you go fishing or kayaking in the bay and also take a relaxing sunbath. It's now or never that you can rent a bike and ride one of the many biking routes that South Delaware has to offer like the Gordon's Pond and Georgetown to Lewes Trail. If you are someone who likes to explore on foot, then take a hike at the Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes which sits at the mouth of Delaware Bay with a coastline spanning 6 miles. 

Experience the unforgettable coastal scenery when you take a boat tour with the Cape Water Tours from Rehoboth to Lewes Beach. When you are on the Lewes stroll, Nassau Valley Vineyards is the place to grab a glass of your favorite wine and spend a day among the serenity and peace of the gardens. If you want to know more about the history of the beach town, the Zwaanendael Museum, Lewes and Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover and get know more about those who lived on the eastern coast of Delaware along with American Art respectively. 

The Boardwalk

Courtesy: @ptberry.ph via Instagram

Lastly, a trip to Southern Delaware is incomplete without visiting one of its beach Boardwalks, especially the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Take a stroll at any time of the day and grab a tub of the famous Thrasher’s fries (now available with ketchup) or get a scoop of your favorite ice cream from the Kohr Brothers. Enjoy some of the best sweet treats from Dolle’s Candlyland and enjoy the foot-tapping music during the Summer Concert Series on the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. 

At Heritage Inn & Suites, we believe that love is above everything else and we welcome all our LGBTQ community friends for a comfortable, relaxing and pet-friendly stay. We are located conveniently near all the places that you have on your list to explore, offering spacious and affordable accommodation with complimentary breakfast, gym, high-speed internet, seasonal outdoor pool and free parking. Book your stay with us at the Heritage Inn & Suites, Rehoboth Beach to enjoy an unforgettable stay for yourself and your cute furry travel buddy. Book directly from our site and don’t forget to avail exclusive offers to save more on your stay with us.

[yourloveai]

10 Fun and Creative Date Ideas to Reignite the Spark in Your Relationship

Are you and your significant other stuck in a date night rut? Have you been together for a while and struggling to come up with new and exciting date ideas? Well, fear not! Here are some creative date ideas that are sure to reignite the spark in your relationship.

Try something new: Have you and your partner always wanted to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby? Sign up for a class together! Whether it's cooking, painting, dancing, or pottery-making, trying something new together can be a fun and bonding experience.

Plan a themed night: Take turns planning a themed date night for each other. It could be anything from a classic movie night with homemade popcorn to a "back to high school" night complete with cafeteria food and a dance party.

Get outdoors: If you're feeling adventurous, plan a hiking or camping trip together. Or, if you're looking for something a bit more low-key, take a leisurely stroll through a nearby park or botanical garden.

Have a game night: Unplug from technology and spend the evening playing your favorite board games or card games. For added fun, make it a competition with prizes for the winner.

Volunteer together: Giving back to your community can be a rewarding experience, and doing it together can strengthen your relationship. Find a local charity or organization that you both feel passionate about and volunteer your time and skills.

Take a road trip: Pack a bag and hit the road for a weekend adventure. Explore a nearby city, go wine tasting, or simply enjoy the scenery on a scenic drive.

Go on a food tour: If you're foodies, plan a food tour of your city or town. Try out new restaurants or visit some hidden gems that you haven't tried before.

Have a spa day: Pamper yourselves with a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at a spa. Get massages, facials, or other treatments and enjoy some quality time together.

Attend a concert or show: Check out your local theater or music venue and see if there are any shows or concerts coming up that you're both interested in. Dress up and make a night of it!

Cook a meal together: Spend an evening at home cooking a romantic dinner together. Choose a new recipe or stick to a classic favorite, and enjoy a bottle of wine and some good conversation while you cook.

No matter what date idea you choose, remember that the most important thing is spending quality time together and enjoying each other's company. So, get out of your comfort zone and try something new - you may just discover a new favorite activity to enjoy together!

date ideas #relationship #creative #fun #couples #bonding #adventure #volunteering #food tour #spa day #concert #cooking #YouTube

[sebilpov]

120 Solo Date Ideas

HOME EDITION

1. Write a love letter to yourself

2. Try out a new recipe

3. Have a dance party

4. Give yourself a pep talk

5. Redecorate your room

6. Watch your favorite movies

7. Cook yourself a fancy meal

8. Read an interesting book

9. Bake a Heart Pizza

10. Sign up for an online class

11. Organize your closet

12. Try new outfits

13. Listen to motivational TED Talks

14. Write a poem or short story

15. Learn a new language

16. Meditate on your dream life

17. Write a letter to someone

18. Make yourself a fancy cocktail

19. Make a list of goals

20. Watch a movie in a new language

21. Clean & declutter your home

22. Write your own life story

23. Teach yourself a new craft

24. Learn a new instrument

25. Journal your thoughts

26. Sketch or paint a picture

27. Write a letter to your future self

28. Play a video game

29. Write a song

30. Play a board game with yourself

31. Give yourself a makeover

32. Start writing a novel

33. Listen to a nice podcast

34. Declutter your phone or computer

35. Do a puzzle

36. Scrapbook your favorite memories

37. Create a bucketlist

38. Start a youtube channel

39. Do a deep dive on an interesting subject

40. Make a gratitude list

NATURE EDITION

41. Take a forest walk

42. Go swimming in a lake

43. Take a boat trip

44. Go stargazing

45. Feed birds in the park

46. Go wildflower picking

47. Explore a new park

48. Watch the sunrise or sunset

49. Take a rain walk

50. Take a bike ride

51. Plan a solo camping trip

52. Go Kayaking or paddleboarding

53. Watch the clouds

54. Lay under the sun

55. Road trip to a national park

56. Go on a hike

57. Do some outdoor-yoga

58. Journal in a local park

59. Go bird watching

60. Stay in a cabin in the woods

ART & CULTURE EDITION

61. Visit a concert

62. Attend a pottery workshop

63. Go to a museum

64. Visit a planetarium

65. Hit up a new bookstore

66. Visit a theatre

67. Sign up for an art class

68. Go to the opera

69. Hang out in a library

70. Improve your photography

71. Go to a musical

72. Go to an art exhibition

73. Visit a local winery

74. Go to the movies

75. Attend a local festival

76. Go to old buildings

77. Dance in a jazz bar

78. Head to a comedy show

79. Go to a drive-in

80. Volunteer at a charity

FUN EDITION

81. Buy yourself flowers

82. Have a solo photoshoot

83. Go thrift shopping

84. Book a solo trip

85. Read in a coffee shop

86. Do a sky-dive or bungee jump

87. Go to an amusement park

88. Explore a new neigbourhood

89. Get a tattoo

91. Go to a climbing park

92. Play tourist in your town

90. Go for a long drive

93. Go ice skating

94. Visit a local viewpoint

95. Get a piercing

96. Read a book outside

97. Take dance lessons

98. Create a,,white space" day

99. Book a night at a hotel

100. Take a late night walk

WELLNESS EDITION

101. Give yourself a massage

102. Have a spa night

103. Book a facial

104. Take a bubble bath

105. Visit a salt cave

106. Book a spa day

107. Get a mani & pedi

108. Visit a sauna

109. Book a massage

110. Attend a yoga or fitness class

FOOD EDITION

111. Go to a farmer's market

112. Take yourself to dinner out

113. Take a cooking class

114. Go for brunch

115. Bake cookies

116. Go seasonal fruit picking

117. Make yourself a three-course meal

118. Have a picnic

119. Visit your favorite bakery

120. Go berry picking

[madphantom]

Anyway the year is coming to its end and it was probably the most bewildering year of my life so here's a summary of some of the more random events

The year began with finally being able to reach my best friend who had ghosted me a few weeks prior, asking why she left and getting told I was too boring for her.

Desperate for human interaction I went to a lecture on feminism in a bar, started talking to the organizers because I had never attended events they'd hosted before, traded numbers and now we're best friends and I'm part of their organization and we're planning weekend trips together.

Also I got an issue of a feminist magazine at said lecture and was amazed by it, and recently I wrote an article for it myself after the girl running it personally requested it.

I graduated school with an average of 2.3 which is insanely good, considering I didn't study the slightest bit for my finals and didn't do my homework in three years.

I went to a graduation party, met a guy I seemingly grooved with and we ended up drinking an entire bottle of white wine and making out on the town square as the entire crowd cheered for us. That evening we went to a club together, started dancing and talking and then I found out he was transphobic and ended the relationship the next day.

I saw MCR live and I was in the third row and Mikey Way winked at me, and that's like one of my biggest flexes now.

I went to pride in our neighbouring town. Then I went to pride in our town a few weeks later and made out with a very attractive trans guy and a very pretty lesbian, both of which I lost touch with. Luke, if you're out there and you're single again, I'm still available.

I went to a fun fair with a guy I'd briefly met at pride and all his friends which I'd never seen before and at some point that evening I was driven to my hometown in the back of a black van with tinted windows belonging to a guy I didn't know and basically just hoped I wouldn't get murdered later.

I went to an antifascist summer camp for three days, got a crash course in krav maga and tried to defend the camp with a rock when I thought we were being attacked (it was fine, they were just fireworks in the valley)

I went on a cross country train trip with a guy that I later found out was a serial rapist, and miraculously nothing happened to me.

I went to the first party in my life that lasted all night, a very hot band member with immaculate eyeliner danced with me and bought me a drink and at some point in the morning like four of us were sitting in an empty bar eating breakfast, drinking Berliner Luft and watching the sunrise.

I held my first ever self written speech at a protest.

I started bartending at a communist bar, which has the worst reputation in the entire city and is known and feared as Incredibly Shady™

I enrolled in university and started studying film and media.

I got wasted and randomly decided it would be fun to be a board member of the university film club so I texted the current board leader that I volunteer and now I'm a board member of the university film club despite being in my first semester and completely inexperienced.

I got drugged at the Christmas market.

I confessed a crush on someone, got rejected and miraculously we stayed friends instead of never speaking to each other again.

I spontaneously performed a vent poem about my crush as a punk song at a jam and now I'm being offered to be the frontman of a band by multiple people.

I became Tumblr famous with a Goncharov movie and my follower count rose from 1200 to over 6000 within a month.

[astrolovecosmos]

IC, Childhood and “Home”

The IC marks the beginning of the 4th House. It tells of your past, roots, programming, and childhood. Other notable places to look for childhood descriptions and associations are the 3rd house (early development) and the Rising/1st House. Some astrologers believe the younger you are the more you are attune to your Rising and 1st House environment. Some also believe as you age you get more in tune to the Rising. Maybe we lose it as we grow up and have to find ourselves again? 

Aries IC: Not coming home until the streetlights pop on. Late nights - never sleeping. Scrapes and bruises. Spicy, sassy, spunky moments. Competitive tyke. Center of attention. Brain freeze. Feels at home with satire, excitement, change, and room to breathe and make decisions.

Taurus IC: Finger painting, night lights, slime time. 🧸 Bright, colorful spring and summer days. Birthday parties and gifting holidays are everything. Taking their time - maybe a late bloomer. Camping or nature walks. Never letting go of a hand in a grocery store. Material needs highly met or under met. Feels at home with routine, boundaries, is safe, wealthy either metaphorically or literally, patient or slow moving.

Gemini IC: Climbing the walls. Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. Schoolyard drama. That new book smell. Questioning everything. Imaginary friend. Speaking up or in the zone. Impactful friendships. Jumping on the bed. Tree houses. Home should feel talkative and sharing. It feels lively, always a new adventure, filled with wonder, a safe place to learn.

Cancer IC: Days and nights at the grandparents. Mamma’s boy or girl. Arts and crafts. Plenty of baking or sweets offered. Hugs and kisses. Family stories and heirlooms. Shyness or timid. Playing house, playing mermaid. Digging or wrapping up in warm laundry. Playing in the rain, mud, lake, creek. Blanket forts. Sticky fingers. Needs a home that feels safe, encouraging, stable, nostalgic, emotionally close, such deep bonds.

Leo IC: Playing dress up. Center of attention. Sore loser. No watered down juice. Sunny, special. Dancing and running. Sand castles. Art on the fridge. Always talked about in the family. Warm summer nights. At every sleep over. Roasting marshmallows. Playing with fire. Home is a place that lets them express themselves. Home should feel empowering, validating, and adoring. 

Virgo IC: Weekends at the library or YMCA. Girl/boy scouts. Hayrides. Adventures in the closet. Learning from the garden. Camps and summer school. Don’t mess with their routine. Understands the rules. Picky eater. The best patient or terrified of doctors. Playing doctor, playing vet, playing teacher. Chores and bedtimes. Feels at home with structure, caring, being prepared, busy or productive. It needs to feel organized, clean, or healthy and that can be literal or metaphorical. 

Libra IC: Well behaved. Never forgetting to give a classmate a valentine or party invite. Paper fortune teller. Tic-tac-toe. Secretly exploring attics, basements, offices, or closets. Spoiled or lack of discipline. Solving or hiding from parental arguments. Feeding the ducks or pigeons. Passing notes. Messing with parents’ jewelry, makeup, ties, clothes. Wants a home that feels peaceful, balanced, loving, and filled with feelings of fellowship and cooperation. 

Scorpio IC: Highly sensitive. Taking in everything. Reading or scrolling on an iPad under the covers in the middle of the night. Monsters under the bed and in the closet. Playing spy or detective. Solving puzzles. Eavesdropping on adults. Making potions. Hiding their diary/journal. Facing childish fears. Getting lost in fantasy. Always talking about their favorite subject. Master hide and seeker. Feels at home with sarcasm or honest humor, stimulating challenges, a place where they have control, reassuring.

Sagittarius IC: Nature or animal lover. Pillow, snowball, water balloon fights. Mischievous, prankster. Never ending questions. Giggly. Field trips and summer vacations. Book fair love. Tomboy. Horse girl. Sports star. Class clown. Playgrounds and the smell of wood chips. Acting out. Daredevil. Roller coasters. Water slides. Pen pals. Home should feel happy, exuberant, hopeful, filled with meaning.

Capricorn IC: Taking care of siblings. Expectations. Lemonade stands and homemade bird houses. Precious summer break and snow days. Little pleasures of crunching fall leaves or poking holes in erasers. Growing up fast. Mimicking adults. Feels at home with discipline, stability, possibly authority or hierarchy, privacy, when they have control, and material comforts.

Aquarius IC: Making up their own rules and games. Cherishing unique treasures or toys. Surprising everyone. Standing out in the family or classroom. Secret experiments. Sharing what they learned in school. Clubs and block parties. Ghost stories and prank calls. Wishing wells. Home to them is where they can truly be themselves.

Pisces IC: Vivid dreams or nightmares. Otherworldly sensitivity. 🌈Imagination 🦄. Fantastical adventures. Handle with care. All types of friends or unlikely friendships. Playing alone. Tears, laughter, smiles. Bubble baths. Making/finding their own toys. Fish or hamsters that mysteriously keep looking a little different every few years. Remembering everything or lost memories. From the mouths of babes. Training wheels and floaties. Besties with every animal they meet. Lack of rules or discipline. Home should feel connected, harmonious, completely free of judgment or harshness, compassionate. 

[perfectpaperbluebirds]

Pretty Girls and Starting Conversations

Fandom/OCs: CottageVersity AU

Words: 4720

Inspiration: Camping Snzarios Pt 1 and Pt 2. 

Prompts from this prompt list from @oh-no-my-hand-slipped used: 1) Sniffles Over Coffee, 2) Seasonal Candle Allergy, 3) Sick After Midterms, 4) Flu Season, 8) Bonfire Smoke, 9) Sweaters, 15) FREE [A Sickfic Meet-cute!], 17) Spices, 23) In The Leaves, and 27) Pollen/Plants

Author’s comments: My plan was to write standalone fics for all three of the CottageVersity couples before Sicktember, and that definitely didn’t happen. This was supposed to predate the Thalia/Padma fic from Sicktember, but oh well. I liked having a little more time to work on it. As soon as I saw the camping snzarios, I knew I had to write a fic about it, and Thalia and Padma were the perfect targets. Have a sickfic meet-cute with my favorite lesbians, y’all!

The serenity of sitting around the fire on the first night of a long camping trip is an atmosphere that is not easily replicable, and a group of college students in the prime of their life are the sort that are best suited to enjoy it. Thalia Tenbusch looked around at the nine faces surrounding hers, lit only by the fire’s flickering orange glow, and couldn’t help but smile. Some of these people she had known most of her life, and some she had just met a few hours ago, but they were all here with one goal: to relax and enjoy this autumn, and the knowledge of this unity in purpose made her feel warm and fuzzy toward them all. 

The week before, when she had expressed her excitement about the trip to Jared who had organized it all, he had let it slip that she almost hadn't been invited. 

"You were one of the first people I thought of," he'd quickly corrected when she glared at him. "No one can party like you, Lee. But like… you're so fancy. Your makeup and hair and clothes are always so perfect. I didn't think camping would be your thing."

She'd almost smacked him for that. True, she loved to look hot and wear great clothes, but she knew her way around a camp stove and wasn't afraid to get dirty. Jared should have known that, too. His older brothers and her older brothers were best friends. Thankfully it had all worked out, though. She desperately needed a break, and this week-long camping trip had come at the perfect time, suiting her tastes exactly. 

Thalia's gaze kept dancing over to the beautiful, petite Indian woman sitting two chairs away from her. They hadn't been introduced yet, but she'd heard the others calling her Padma. The name Padma, she knew, meant lotus. It suited this woman– delicate and serene. She also seemed to be very reserved, for she wouldn't meet anyone's eyes and had hardly said a word all evening. She didn't seem frightened, however. She was simply watching and listening in silence.

Jared, always one for pomp and circumstance, felt the need to make a speech once they were all settled around the fire with their drinks. 

"Welcome to the first annual camping trip of the Thanksgiving Orphans," he said grandly. "We will be henceforth known simply as the Orphans for all intents and purposes."

A few people cheered half-heartedly and raised their glasses. Thalia rolled her eyes, smiling. 

"After all, who needs big family gatherings and Thanksgiving dinner when we have fresh air and the great outdoors?"

That earned a few more cheers and nods and smiles. 

"Let's make this the best Thanksgiving ever, guys. Let's drink to us, the Orphans!"

This earned the loudest cheer as everyone toasted each other, laughing and smiling.

It was a perfect fall evening, or it would have been, except that Thalia couldn't escape the bonfire smoke. She had moved her chair twice already, but it continued to follow her. More annoying still, it wasn't only making her eyes burn– it was making her sneeze, a side effect she'd never had from smoke before. Today her nose was determinedly itchy, though, and the smoke was the perfect accelerant to make her sneeze excessively, at least by her standards. Her fellow campers found this hilarious and even she couldn't help but laugh after the first half-dozen times it happened. It was still infuriating, though, and she quickly grew tired of her eyes watering and nose dripping, especially with the beautiful stranger so close beside her. 

Most of them were drinking of course, but Thalia had only had two beers, and no one else was very drunk either. It wasn't that kind of night. Later in the week she was sure they would party, but they all seemed to sense that this first night was better suited for relaxation and stargazing and conversation. In this peaceful atmosphere, and with her eyes and nose bothering her so much, Thalia was one of the first to go to bed, along with her tent mates, the twins Mackenzie and Melanie. Thalia cast a last furtive look at the Indian woman Padma as they headed toward their tent, only to see Padma looking at her just as furtively. They both looked away immediately, smiling. 

Thalia and the twins had been friends since their preschool days and had shared plenty of small sleeping spaces over the years, so the ten-person tent felt roomy, even with three air mattresses. They were all tired after a week of classes, the long drive, and setting up camp, so there was minimal conversation before they all dropped off to sleep. Thalia was the last to fall unconscious, though, due to her eyes and nose bothering her and the resulting headache, and she sniffled for what felt like a long time before she could relax enough to sleep. 

The next morning, Thalia was up with the sun, though since it was November, this was relatively late in the morning. She was the late riser within her immediate family, but amongst a group of adolescents, she was usually among the first to wake, and it seemed today would be no exception judging by the silence in the camp. She tried to savor the sensation of waking slowly, though the effect was rather ruined by the squeaky air mattress and her still-dripping nose. Eventually she gave up and rolled (or bounced) out of bed with a sigh and began to dress, trying to keep her sniffles to a minimum. The twins didn't stir the whole time, even when she crept out of the tent into the chilly morning air. 

She was slightly startled to find someone already sitting at one of the picnic tables, especially since that someone was Padma. The two exchanged a silent smile as Thalia made her way to the food tent for coffee. 

It was quite the process to find and plug in the coffee pot, and then find coffee grounds amongst all the bins of food everyone had brought and thrown together in this makeshift kitchen, so by the time the coffee was brewing at last, Thalia was grumbling in irritation in addition to the sniffling. Still, she was happy at the chance to get to know this lovely stranger on her own, so once her much-needed coffee was in hand, she headed straight for Padma's table, sitting down with a huff and sniffle. 

"Does my nose look red to you?" Thalia said right away. "I feel like it's probably red. I haven't looked in a mirror yet today."

Padma looked startled to be addressed so abruptly, but obediently examined Thalia's nose. "I think it might be. But it's maybe from the cold air, no?"

"Maybe. Let's hope so. But you heard me sneezing last night." Thalia leaned her head on her hand, sighing dejectedly. "Anyway, we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Thalia."

She held out her cold hand, and Padma grasped it with her own equally cold hand to shake. "Padma. Pleased to meet you."

"So how did you end up going camping over Thanksgiving break with the rest of us weirdos?"

Padma laughed softly. "Ashley is my roommate and I was going to see her family with her for the holiday. But Dane asked her if she would go camping instead, and she said yes. I think she invited me so I wouldn't be alone."

"I see. So you're an honorary Orphan, then."

"Something like that," Padma laughed again. "But I am happy to be here. This is something I've never done before."

"Me neither. So something new for both of us, then. Where does your family live?"

"Hyderabad. In India. Well, my older brother lives in Washington D.C. and I will move there with him when I graduate and get a job, but it is too far to go just for a short holiday. The rest of my family is still in India."

"Do you like being in the US?"

"I do. I should, right? My family saved for years to send me here. I like it, though. I have been here three years now."

"What's your favorite part about being in this country?"

"Hmm… I think all the choices for everything. Like food and clothes. You can always get exactly what you like."

Thalia couldn't help but glance at the other woman's attire when she mentioned clothes and had to laugh out loud when she did. "We're wearing the same sweater, did you notice that? In different colors, but it's the same shirt!"

Padma looked down as well, and also laughed. "I guess we are. I love Francesca's. Everything there is so cute. Especially the sweaters."

"Definitely," Thalia agreed, still grinning as she scrubbed at her nose. The coffee was making it drip even more, and she was sniffling constantly now. Still, it was better than being cold. "Would you like some coffee? It's not great but at least it's hot. I can see you shivering."

"I would try some," Padma nodded. "Half a cup, please. I also like the caffeine. But I should make tea too, for after."

Thalia glanced at her watch. "Actually, I'm getting pretty hungry. What do you say I make some breakfast? I feel like eggs and pancakes and bacon. Maybe the smell will get the others up, too." She stood, stretching.

"It's a good plan," Padma nodded. "I would be happy to help." She also stood, willingly following Thalia to the food tent. 

The pair spent a pleasant hour or so cooking breakfast for the group and getting to know one another better, talking about school and career plans and friends. Meanwhile, Thalia taught Padma the finer points of cooking an American campsite breakfast and found a willing student. Padma had some knowledge to give too, though, and happily shared her blend of spices and assortment of teas, and showed her which was best to help ward off congestion, which Thalia found to be a great relief. 

The smell of the cooking bacon had the exact effect Thalia had hoped, and one by one their fellow campers emerged in varying states of wakefulness. The cooks wished them all a Happy Thanksgiving, serving heaping platefuls of food. Thalia's cinnamon pancakes were a huge hit, and by the end of the meal everyone was talking and laughing, spurred on by the booze that began to liberally flow right away. 

Jared clearly had a plan for the day, so once he was finished eating, he cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for us to go for a Thanksgiving swim."

The ladies gasped or squealed as one. 

"Oh HELL no. It's fifty degrees! And the lake is probably forty! Are you insane?" Thalia said.

Jared scoffed, waving a hand. "The air'll get up to sixty-five soon. And we're camping! It's practically illegal to go camping by a lake without going swimming."

"No. No no nope nope nope," Mackenzie said adamantly. "You are crazy. We're not going anywhere near that water." 

"Yeah, no way," Ashley agreed, looking at Karley, who also nodded. 

Jared scoffed again, turning to the guys. "C'mon men, back me up. We're going swimming, right?"

Brian, never one to deny Jared, shrugged, though he looked a bit nervous. "Sure. Why not? You only live once, right?"

Jared high-fived him, then looked to the other two. 

Adam sighed. "I mean I don't… have my trunks or anything…"

"So wear normal shorts, I know you brought those. C'mon, man up."

A frown flickered across Adam's face. "This is the stupidest thing we've ever done, I hope you realize that. But fine. Only for you, Jared."

Jared pumped his fist. "Awesome." He then looked at Dane expectantly. 

The tall man rolled his eyes. "F*ck it, whatever. Let's do it. Since I know you won't let it go."

Jared whooped. "That's what I'm talking about!" He darted to his tent and reappeared in record time, having donned his swimsuit, all his exposed skin immediately reddening in the cold and breaking out in gooseflesh. With sighs and groans the other three males made to follow his lead. 

"You're just asking to get sick, you know," Ashley said to Jared as he hopped around and rubbed his arms, trying to keep warm. "You're gonna regret this. It'll be so cold."

"The bath house water is plenty hot. We can warm up right after. And I never get sick," he said.

"Never get sick, huh? Because I seem to remember you were super sick after midterms like a month ago. You called us begging for soup and medicine because you could barely get out of bed, remember?" Melanie said.

"Oh yeah, you were super gross and flu-y," Mackenzie giggled. "We had to rescue you with Chef Boyardee."

Jared flushed. "That was one time. I don't usually get sick."

"But you can't say never, now," Karley said snidely. 

"Whatever," he mumbled, staring at his feet.

Eventually the other three were ready, and with much ado the guys made their shivering way to the lake. The girls tagged along for the show, bundling up against the bitter wind even as the guys stripped down. The incorrigible Jared didn't hesitate and dashed onto the dock as soon as they arrived, leaping into the water with a whoop and a splash. He resurfaced in record time with a gasp, teeth chattering. 

"C-come on in, g-guys! The w-water's g-great!"

The other three groaned as the girls laughed. Giving into the peer pressure, one by one they all took similar running leaps off the dock only to emerge gasping or shivering or cussing. Jared was having none of their bad attitudes however, and paddled around them splashing and teasing until they were all more or less smiling in spite of the shivering. Still, even Jared couldn't stay in for too long, so they all swam out to the swim buoys and back, then called it quits. They emerged blue with cold and desperately huddled into their towels for warmth, running back up to the campsite to shower and change without hesitation. The girls watched all of this with much laughter and teasing. 

"They're all gonna be sick before the end of the week, just watch," Ashley said as the girls also made their way back to the campsite. "They just had to go and be idiots during flu season."

"As long as they don't get us sick, they deserve what they get," Mackenzie replied.

After showering, though, the guys seemed healthy as ever, aside from being bundled into multiple layers, and they immediately coerced the ladies into several games of cards and dominoes.

 And so the first full day passed. The morning became afternoon, and between a leisurely lunch, naps, games, drinking, and campfire time, a lovely time was had by all. Best of all, Thalia caught Padma staring at her surreptitiously more than once, and both flushed with pleasure each time they caught one another's eye. 

This pleasing distraction came second to a less pleasant one though: the sniffles and sneezes that Thalia had desperately attributed to the smoke last night and cold air this morning were getting worse, not better, and her throat and ears were starting to ache. The single travel pack of tissues she'd packed had proven to be woefully inadequate, and she had been forced to resort to using toilet paper from the bath house on her poor nose. She was sneaking over there more often than she needed to just to blow her nose in privacy, returning with wads of TP stuffed in her pockets. The scratchy, single-ply garbage was already torture on the reddened skin around her nostrils, and she was trying not to think about how her face would feel after a few days after this abuse. She tried not to think about her health at all, really, forcing herself to enjoy the day.

That evening, the guys decided to go fishing while the girls opted for a walk in the woods surrounding the campground. Everyone was pleasantly buzzed or drunk, and the prospect of some exercise and new scenery appealed to them all. In due time, the guys made their way down to the lake, fishing tackle in hand (and fully clothed this time), while the gals set off on the nearest trail, heading into the woods.

Naturally there was no foliage to enjoy in November, but one can't help but feel a bit more alive walking in the forest in the brisk fall air, and the ladies had a marvelous time drinking and talking and walking. Right about the time the were ready to turn around and head back, though, an irresistible temptation presented itself: An individual with property abutting the national forest had apparently put off raking leaves until the last minute, because at the back of their property, in clear view of the trail, was a massive pile of recently raked leaves, easily big enough to fit multiple adults. Two rakes were leaning against the fence nearby, but no one else was in sight. 

Thalia's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but grin. She hadn't jumped into a leaf pile in years. She cast a daring look at her companions. "Anyone care to join me?" she asked, gesturing at the mound.

The others looked at each other hesitantly, and she sensed a protest coming, so before anyone could say a word she took off running, vaulting over the fence with a laugh. 

"Last one in is a rotten egg!" she yelled. In three huge steps she had reached the leaf pile, and with a flying leap she landed right in the center of it. 

For a few breaths the loud rustling of the leaves and the lovely, earthy scent drowned out the world. There was only red and gold and brown. She realized she was still grinning as she swam through the pile. 

As she started to resurface, she wondered if anyone would be brave enough to join her. They would miss out if they didn't– this truly was a perfect leaf pile. Just as she thought this, she heard a whoop and the crunch of another body entering the pile, and her grin widened. She turned to see who it was, and a pair of deep brown eyes met hers, grinning from ear to ear. Padma had joined her in the leaves. 

The pair shared a breathless moment, their eyes locked together, then both began to laugh, swimming around happily. One by one their friends joined them, and they took turns jumping in and letting the leaves catch them. Once they had their fun, the ladies made sure to rake the leaves they had displaced back into the heap, then turned around to head back to their campsite. Thalia and Padma were now walking side by side, so close their hands nearly touched, and kept shooting smiles at one another. 

 To her chagrin, though, Thalia's nose was running worse than ever. She had long since used up her stash of toilet paper and had to resort to sneezing into the sleeve of her sweatshirt. 

"Jeez, bless you again," Ashley said after a particularly harsh fit. "Did the pollen and plants in that pile get to you or something?"

"Something," Thalia sighed, feeling gross and trying not to look at Padma as she wiped her nose again. 

The Orphans' Thanksgiving dinner did not involve turkey of any kind, a rule agreed upon by the party as the trip was planned. Even deli turkey was forbidden. Instead, all ten of them had agreed to bring their favorite pie, so Thanksgiving dinner consisted of hot dogs, burgers, and veggie burgers on the grill and an all-you-can-eat pie buffet, which was a smashing success. Then, as they sat and digested Adam brought out his guitar, and they began to have a sing-along to top off the evening. 

None of them had had a Thanksgiving quite like it, and everyone kept saying it was the best ever. A miserably sniffling Thalia didn't disagree, because everything was perfect except for her health, and the last thing she wanted was to have the others suspect something was amiss with her. 

The evening came to a peaceful close, and the group began to head for bed one by one. Thalia was one of the first to turn in, not wanting to disturb the twins with her gross nose situation late in the evening. Also, she was cold and worn out and just wanted to spend several hours wrapped in her insulated sleeping bag. She dropped off quickly to the quiet sounds of merriment outside, the guitar lulling her into a deep sleep. 

The next morning seemed even colder and darker than the previous. Thalia woke shivering and sniffling worse than ever. Today her only desire was a pot of scalding hot coffee, so she made her sluggish way out of bed and dressed in several layers. She was in a foul mood and found herself cursing her decision to come on this trip in the first place. More than anything, she wished she was home in bed. Or in bed anywhere besides a tent. 

Padma was again awake and sitting at the picnic table when Thalia emerged, and had evidently been waiting for her, because she jumped up and danced over, grinning. Even the sight of her crush wasn't enough to improve Thalia's mood much. Still, she attempted a smile in return, which she was sure was anemic at best. 

"Good morning! I hope you slept well. I made the coffee already a few minutes ago," Padma bubbled eagerly. "It should be ready for you."

"I thought I smelled it brewing. That is amazing, thank you so much," Thalia croaked earnestly. "I'll go get some right now." She made her shivering way to the food tent with Padma close behind. 

As soon as Thalia entered the camp kitchen, she let out a pair of messy, violent sneezes. She hardly drew a breath before a second pair also exploded out of her. Pinching a wad of paper over her nose, she looked around for the source of irritation even as her breath started to hitch again and her eyes streamed. She caught sight of a pumpkin spice scented candle sitting open on one of the bins. With a yelp she dashed over to snap the lid on, sneezing again as she did so. 

"What the hell? Why is there a scented candle in here?" Thalia coughed, trying to scrub away the tickle in her sinuses. 

"Oh I think Ashley put it there. She didn't like the smell of the fish they caught yesterday," said Padma.

"Ugh! I'm allergic to scented candles," Thalia groaned, shoving the offending item into a nearby bag.

"Oh no! Well then let's make sure it doesn't get lit again!"

"No kidding," Thalia sighed, pulling out her coffee mug, still holding the paper to her itching nose. 

Thalia's throat hurt, so she didn't feel like talking any more than she had to, and Padma wasn't the type to fill silence with pointless chatter, so the tent was quiet as Thalia poured her coffee and added the cream and sugar. When the drink was prepared, she left the heavily scented tent as quickly as possible, with Padma close behind. They returned to their seats at the picnic table, where Thalia at last forced herself to meet Padma's eyes, which were full of concern.

"Are you well? You seem very tired today. Your eyes have circles under them," the Indian woman said worriedly. 

"I'm okay. Just cold and tired," Thalia sighed, sipping her coffee. "It's hard to sleep well on an air mattress."

"That's true," Padma nodded. "Should we put wood on the fire and go sit there to warm up?"

"That would be great, actually," Thalia croaked, scrubbing at her nose with the hand not holding the mug. They stood, this time with Padma leading the way, and as Thalia found a seat near the fire pit, Padma found wood and stirred up the fire to get it going again. Luckily there were some hot embers still remaining, so it didn't take long to get a blaze going. This task done, Thalia got a little thrill when the other woman sat down right beside her, so close their elbows brushed together. 

The coffee was perfect, and she felt herself starting to thaw out and wake up a bit. She turned to Padma with another attempt at a smile. "How have you been sleeping? Are you enjoying this trip so far?"

"Oh yes, very much! My sleep has been fine. But I am still worried about you. You look sick."

"I'll be okay. I'm really just tired."

"Are you just tired or are you catching cold?"

Thalia had been avoiding thinking that word even to herself, but she deflated upon hearing Padma say it. "I guess maybe I am." To her chagrin, Thalia felt tears pricking her eyes. 

Perceptive Padma noticed this immediately and suddenly her tiny hand was on Thalia's arm, her eyebrows furrowed. "Oh, you poor thing, are you feeling really bad?"

"It's not that," Thalia sniffled, scraping a hand across her face before the tears could flow. "I just… Jared almost didn't invite me on this trip in the first place. Being sick feels like proof that I shouldn't have come. No one will want me around like this. And I don't really want to be around them either… I don't want to get anyone else sick with me." 

Thalia felt herself getting even more panicky as she spoke, every muscle tightening. Now that she was verbalizing the thoughts that had been flitting around her mind for days, the tide of anxiety was rising progressively. Thalia hated being sick and always had, and she hated it even more when she was out of her comfort zone. Even as she sat there, she let herself start to wonder if she should find a ride home, already planning the details of her escape.

Padma gently squeezed her arm, bringing her back to the present. "I am glad you came, and I will still want to be around you if you're sick. I believe the others will feel the same."

The gentle touch and gentle voice, not speaking empty consolations ("it'll be okay") but simple truths was exactly the thing to stop Thalia's anxiety spiral before it really began. Everything stilled, unclenched. She took a deep breath, then another, then finally met Padma's gaze with her own annoyingly teary one, and laughed half-heartedly, sniffling and coughing. 

"You'd really put up with me being gross and sick like this?"

Padma laughed too. "I think someone getting sick on this trip was meant to happen, or probably everyone getting sick. Didn't we say the men were in for trouble after going swimming yesterday? So I'm sure no one will mind much. I won't, anyway."

The truth of this was unavoidable, and Thalia's smile widened. "Thank you. I really needed to hear that, and it means a lot that it was you who said it. I was thinking I might go home but… you just convinced me to stay."

"Oh I'm so glad. It wouldn't be the same without you," Padma said fervently.

"I have to ask though… could you show me that blend of spices you used yesterday in the tea? I'll really need some tea after this coffee."

"It would be my pleasure!"

"Thank you so much," Thalia said with a blush and a smile. "If I'm staying, though, I'll make sure to wash my hands and use lots of sanitizer. I really don't want to get anyone else sick." She looked away in embarrassment as she spoke.

"Well that's fine but don't be stressed about it. You came here to relax and you should. What is meant to happen will happen."

"Even if that means everyone gets sick?"

"Yes," Padma nodded, her eyes twinkling. "But maybe no one else will."

At that moment, the sound of a loud, wet sneeze from inside the guys' tent startled them both. However, when a second person inside the same tent sneezed not a moment later, Padma and Thalia could only look at one another and laugh.