#core safari

[kaasbolletje]

[maxphotoarchive]

August 29, 2024

[realsafari]

picture me, in highschool, attempting to act normal after getting sudden intrusive thoughts of being railed within an inch of my life in math class

[fun-adventures-travels]

Off the Grid, Into the Wild: The Best-Kept Secret of Mandalpatti

Hidden away in the heart of Coorg, Mandalpatti is a mesmerizing hilltop that offers breathtaking views, lush greenery, and a thrilling off-road adventure. While many visitors explore Coorg’s coffee plantations and waterfalls, few know about this gem that can only be accessed via an adrenaline-pumping Mandalpatti Jeep Safari.

Mandalpatti is one of those offbeat places in India that is a perfect getaway for adventure lovers tired of the crowds at popular tourist destinations. Prepare yourselves to encounter rough terrains, foggy hilltops and one of the best Coorg jeep safaris!

Why is Mandalpatti a Must-Visit?

Mandalpatti, meaning "market of clouds," lives up to its name by offering stunning panoramic views above the clouds. Unlike other hill stations that are easily accessible by car, Mandalpatti requires a 4x4 vehicle to navigate its rough, hilly terrain.

The journey to the top is not just a ride; it’s an adventure in itself! The bumpy trails, narrow paths, and sudden twists add to the excitement, making the Mandalpatti Jeep Safari a unique experience you won’t forget.

The Thrill of the Jeep Safari

If you're wondering how to get to Mandalpatti, forget regular cars – they won’t make it through the rugged Mandalpatti road. This is where the Mandalpatti Jeep Safari comes into play. It is the only way to conquer the steep slopes and reach the viewpoint.

These want you to get close to nature as you move through dense forests, coffee plantations and muddy trails in open jeeps. The rush of wind, the occasional splash of water thrown from a local stream, and the potential for an off-road ride mean this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Mandalpatti Jeep Timings & Best Time to Visit

To experience the beauty of Mandalpatti at its best, it’s essential to know the Mandalpatti Jeep timings. The safari usually starts early in the morning and runs until sunset, with the best time to visit being 05:00 AM and between 9 AM to 3 PM.

For the best experience, visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the sky is clear, and the clouds create a magical view. The best time of year to visit Mandalpatti is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the surroundings are lush green.

How Much Does Safari Cost?

If you’re planning your trip, you might be wondering about the Mandalpatti Jeep Safari price. The cost depends on the number of people in your group and the season. Generally, the safari charges range between ₹2,700 to ₹4,000 per jeep, accommodating up to 6 people.

Considering the adventure, the scenic beauty, and the thrill of navigating the Mandalpatti road, this experience is worth the price!

What to Expect at the Top?

Once you reach Mandalpatti’s peak, be prepared to be amazed. The 360-degree view of rolling hills, valleys, and mist-covered mountains is breathtaking. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Mandalpatti remains peaceful and untouched, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.

You can spend some time soaking in the view, capturing stunning pictures, or simply sitting in silence, enjoying the cool breeze. Watching the sunrise or sunset from Mandalpatti is an unforgettable experience, as the sky bursts into shades of orange and pink, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you embark on this adventure, here are a few things to remember:

Book your Jeep Safari in advance to escape last-minute hassle, particularly in the peak season.

Carry light woolen clothing, wear light woolens, as it can be quite cold on top

Wear comfortable shoes, as you could be walking around rocky terrain.

Follow safety instructions, but also be sure to listen carefully as you want your ride to be smooth and enjoyable!

Avoid traveling in heavy rain, as roads may be slippery and difficult.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Adventure?

If you’re in Coorg and want to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions, the Coorg jeep safari to Mandalpatti is a must-try. It’s not just about reaching the top; the entire journey is an adventure filled with thrill, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories.

So, whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Mandalpatti offers an experience like no other. Book your Mandalpatti Jeep Safari, check the Mandalpatti Jeep timings, and also the Mandalpatti Jeep Safari price.

Get ready for a ride into the wild!

[invinciblelikeu]

he’s so chronically online i love him

[slightly-knot-insane]

Pride and Joy

Monstertober 2024 - day 1 [ Marking the territory ] by @ozzgin

[ lion hybrids x fem!reader ]

You're the only human in the pride. You stumbled upon them during the safari (when you ended up unsupervised and lost) and the females noticed you. They wanted you to be part of their family and offer you to their alpha.

The alpha male lion hybrid was more than eager to let you join, especially seeing his queens so excited about you. Before letting their king mark you (whatever that is), they wanted to get you dolled up. They immediately took you to their baths.

You noticed all the lioness hybrids having oval-shaped stains all over their bodies. At first, you thought those were some kind of tattoos. You asked the lionesses about them, but they just giggled. They surrounded you, undressed you, and pushed you into the bath. They washed your body slowly and thoroughly, making lewd but sweet comments about your body and purring from pleasure. Their hands would disappear into the soapy water and start exploring your thighs, ass, and cunt. They were gentle and skillful. Your nipples became hard above the hot water and you couldn't help but moan. They were very happy to hear you. "You will like our king, sweet regina. He is powerful but obedient. Everyone knows that queens rule the pride."

After deciding you had enough (even though you most certainly did not!), they dress you up in beautiful silk and cotton and present you to their king lion. His eyes light up like a rising sun. You notice his powerful mane and incredible scars... but no strange markings like lionesses.

"Mark our new queen, just like you mark us every sunrise," said one of the lionesses.

With a lustful lick of his tongue, the lion hybrid starts kissing your lips, neck, chest, and shoulders, slowly undressing you with his big hands, and leaving hickeys all over your body. He even kneels in front of you - the king himself! His deep, guttural purring, fingers that locate your erogenous zones as if his fingertips had eyes, and amazing kisses, melt your core. You are sure they can all smell the nectar dripping down your thighs. The king most certainly does. He bites his lower lip before diving between your folds and, like a tidal wave, pleasure washes over you.

Lionesses coax you both, enjoying the view, but they touch neither king nor you, letting you get to know each other. You grab a fistful of lion hybrid's thick mane and cum all over his tongue. Your knees buckle, but your new king quickly picks you up and kisses you again. You are covered in hickeys - the same marks that other lionesses get every morning. "What a wonderful new queen you found for our pride," he beams, and you and he are pounced on by happy lionesses.

[lowkeyrobin]

hi! how are u???

i was wondering if you could do mcyt x reader where they go to an amusement park? i don't realky know the specifics :P

it's totally fine if not!

also, could i please be 🦑 anon?

your writing is so good, btw :3

ooo okay I can try! ; and welcome 🦑! (I'm gonna consistently think this is an umbrella academy fan goodnight 💀) hope you enjoy your stay! ; and thank you, I appreciate it! <3

MCYT ; amusement park

includes ; tommyinnit, badlinu, maxggs, quackity & slimecicle

warnings ; language

disclaimers ; idk anything about amusement parks outside kennywood and disneyworld so probably using references and names here / may be mixed up cause I don't remember all the different places / pretend like it's in Europe for tommy, freddie & max and in america for Charlie & Quackity

masterlist

TOMMYINNIT

he's so fuckin scared of the rides with insane heights that go really fast

he will NOT be going on them unless it's to impress you (shout out university crush)

if there's any water rides he's forcing you on them 🗣🗣

he buys any snacks/food or little souvenirs you want lol

you both go home tired and lowkey sleep on the train and almost miss ur stop

soooo many pictures

you're probably vlogging too

"guys, Tommy's scared of the phantom"

"look at that fuckin thing! I'm not going on that, ill fly out!"

"true, you're a six foot twig"

"I swear to god, y/n..."

FREDDIE BADLINU

he's getting on most rides w you

he loves the swings lmao

you got a handful of pics but you're mostly living in the moment

dippin dots go crazy

you go on the little kids rides for shits and giggles and adults are looking at u like 🤨😒

yk on that Winnie the Pooh ride line there's the screens and it's like honey and u can draw on it temporarily? yall stood there for a solid 10 mins cause the long line drawing dicks and random stuff

ice cream!!!! it's so good

you make a tiktok

"wheres harry potter land??"

"....y/n were at disneyworld"

it's your mission to piss of Disney adults

MAXGGS

literally up for anything

he got you both silly sunglasses and you wore them around all day

you literally go on Kalis River Rapids twice because why not

you SPRINT for Tianas Bayou Adventure (I wanna go so bad to see this omfg)

he makes you re-ride the barnstormer like 5 times (me core)

you immediately go for the fast paced / thrilling rides like space mountain and tower of terror (ik these are different just pretend I can't remember many rides...)

then at the end of the day you do the safari ride / avatar ride / ykwim

so many cute pics and videos 💔 literally spammed ur Instagrams when u got back

ALEX QUACKITY

he does not wanna go on things like space mountain or thunder mountain bro

you make him get on them anyway unless he just genuinley doesn't want to, you'll go with a friend if there is another person with you / alone and he'll wait / vlog from a safe spot

you meet a lot of characters and get pics all day long & they were so nice 💔

"OMG Y/N ITS OLAF"

he nearly vomits after the teacups...

you go on the pirates of the caribbean ride and he tries to speak like sparrow the whole time in line

you get some little leather bracelets with each other's names on them at the end in the little store (I had one but idk where it is anymore I'm so mad)

he keeps saying "I'm not hungry" ans when u stop for food he literallt devours his ice cream and hot dog bro

"I thought u weren't hungry???"

"... I was waiting for u to want food"

CHARLIE SLIMECICLE

literally the funnest ever

he's getting on everything istg

yall chill in the swiss family tree house when u need a break from walking / grab a drink and go to the enchanted tiki room to escape the heat entirely

over food you speculate what they may add for the little villain land they're planning (holy shit so excited for this even tho I'm probably never gonna be able to go again)

haunted mansion went crazy 💀 trust the vlog is funny asf

"woahhh that ghost looks like me!"

"yeah if you were dead"

"wanna go to mickeys philharmagic after this?"

"that's across the park.."

"we can make it lol"

he's on it with the puns idek how

u want a souvenir of any kind? he's got u trust

[reunitedinterlude]

safari zone core / golf gay

[mythgendered]

heyy its pokemon day right so now's the best time to post some year old art of my pokemon ocs in their various outfits, right?

They're from a pokemon au I've not really talked about here -- with the core idea of being another sequel to the Gen 1/2 eras, seeing the changes the region would have seen by the time of, say, Gen 5. Gyms and Elite 4 members have shuffled, towns and cities have grown -- and that dude from Vermillion City finally finished building that tower with his Machoke.

Character details under the cut -v-

Leah - My main pokeoc and ancient blorbo. Loud, abrasive and confident, Leah wants to be the absolute strongest trainer. Born and raised on the Sevii Islands, Leah's life was changed when, as a young child, her town was raided by a gang of bikers. When they were poised to ruin the small town-- a young trainer in a red hat came in and beat them all, saving the day.

Ever since then, Leah swore she would be the kind of strong trainer who would go around saving people and beating up bullies. As such, she jumped at the opportunity when Professor Oak opened up his most recent round of Kanto Pokemon Survey Work. With Pokedex in hand and her beloved Bulbasaur, Sprout, in her heart, Leah set out and...immediately dove into the League Challenge, giving the barest minimum to the pokedex survey work. Leah is a direct person, toeing the line of tactless, and that translates to her training style. Brutal attacks, leaning into type advantages, and little thought given to strategy. After all, the only stat she wants to impact is HP-- and change it to zero.

Still, she is remarkably in sync with her pokemon, who she loves above all else. Her team are as good as family, and its this care that may credit her battle success despite a disdain for strategy.

She can be kind of a jerk, but all she wants to do is be a hero.

Sean - Leah's rival, and the "player character" to her "loud, annoying rival."

A Saffron City native, Sean has long admired former Gym Leader and current League Champion Sabrina. He wants to follow in her footsteps, gaining power and becoming a top trainer -- before facing his hero in the battle.

Sean is a quiet, serious boy, and is the opposite of Leah in nearly every way-- careful with his training, mindful of his team composition, and at least trying to pay attention to his Pokedex. He finds her annoying, and she finds him condescending. They're both kind of right; Sean can be quietly judgy and a bit of a snob.

Still, he cares deeply for his Pokemon, and despite his frequently shifting team composition, he tends to drift to the same handful as close companions.

He also cares deeply for his boyfriend, who is staying back home and training to be a daycare center operator. The new long distance element to their relationship has been an Adjustment, but its one they work through with lots of phone calls and gifts sent via teleporting Abra.

Alana - Alana is here too!

While Leah and Sean have their intense rivalry, and travel across Kanto and Johto earning badges, making friends and fending off a mysterious villain team -- Alana is the only one of them who's actually doing the job she signed up for.

Alana selected the third of the starters Professor Oak was offering and almost immediately got to work. She's no trainer, and has no badges to her name. She's the embodiment of spinoffs-- she's pokemon snap, she's the safari zone, she's just here to catch and catalogue 'em all.

She's a sweet girl who isn't afraid to get dirty, and in addition to using the pokedex, she has a journal on hand at all times to jot down her own research notes and sketches, delighting in the natural world around her.

She probably spent enough time in Viridian Forest for Leah and Sean both to get their third badges.

[staticair]

[safari zone core]

[danandphilupdates]

safari zone core 🐛

phil insta post

30/6/23

[swanqueenffprompter]

Regina Mills is trapped in a life she never wanted. At 33, she works tirelessly for her mother, Cora, at the family’s powerful company—a position she loathes but feels obligated to uphold. Her relationship with her mother is strained at best, and her thoughts often drift to the father she hasn't seen in 28 years. Henry Mills, her beloved father, disappeared from her life when Cora took her away after their bitter divorce. He left for South Africa, where he built a new life running a safari, and she hasn't heard from him since.

One day, Regina receives an unexpected letter from a South African lawyer. Her father has passed away, leaving her his pride and joy: the safari. The news shakes her to the core. Despite the anger and resentment she feels for being abandoned, something compels her to pack her bags and head to South Africa.

Upon arrival, she is greeted by the wild beauty of the African savannah—a stark contrast to the cold, sterile world she's used to. But as soon as she steps foot on the safari, she clashes with Emma Swan, a fiercely independent and stubborn worker who has been with the safari for years. Emma isn't thrilled about Regina's sudden appearance, and they quickly butt heads over how things should be run.

As the days pass, Regina begins to uncover secrets about her father and herself that she never imagined. Meanwhile, despite their initial animosity, the chemistry between Regina and Emma becomes undeniable. Sparks fly, and beneath the tension, an unexpected bond forms.

But with Cora trying to pull Regina back into the corporate world and Emma wrestling with her own past, they’ll need to navigate more than just the wild terrain to find a path forward—both for the safari and for themselves. Will they give in to the passion growing between them, or will their differences tear them apart before they even begin?

[notasapleasure]

tag games

tagged by @colleybri in a couple of these, so firing this off before I get eaten by my starving dogs! Thanks, colley!

In turn no-pressure tagging @stripedroseandsketchpads @boatcats @batri-jopa @weirdsociology @elwenyere and anyone else who wants!

Last song: Beyoncé – Bodyguard. Having been tipped off by colley to @winterwyrd’s brassian rec (Radical Face – Always Gold) I’m on the collaborative agonies playlist curated by me and @distressednoise today. This was one of my adds, I thought it was a good ‘hot season in Ferrix’ vibe when writing the last chapter of Counting on You: ‘They couldn't have me / And they never will / And sometimes I hold you closer / Just to know you're real / Wheels in the gravel / Davis in my bones / Sometimes I take the day off / Just to turn you on’.

Favorite colour: shades of green, mossy, forest, grass, etc.

Last book: Look I could have finished Olive Murray Chapman’s ‘Across Lapland’ any day in ten minutes I just…haven’t (writing agonies have taken priority). Last one I finished was The Snow Leopard by Matthiessen, but I need a break from travelogues and have some James Baldwin essays up next.

Last movie: Still John Wick tbh? Though I did also watch about two thirds of The Heat. The former was great, the latter less fun than it should have been.

Last tv show: Poker Face rewatch (so goooood, when is season 2 already??). Also watching the Great British Pottery Throw Down, No Taste Like Home, UndeadUnluck, Leverage, and planning to start Moon Knight.

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: I’ve much more of a savoury tooth than a sweet tooth. Spice is good.

Last thing I searched online: bibliographic info for work. People always forget to include the series titles of books they cite.

Current Obsession: ahhh….the rock garden I’ve been building. Also the current WIPs.

Looking forward to: new season of Gardener’s World! Spring! Andor S2! The last two weeks of the Six Nations!

WIP last line game:

From at standstill and overwhelm (title from one of the tracks on Patrick Wolf’s Night Safari EP, which is the writing soundtrack), a horrible little gremlin of a mission fic daily growing out of hand.

It’s brassian still though, of course. Here is a misleadingly wholesome extract from the most recent chapter I’ve been working on. Yes, the fact that Brasso doesn't feature by name in it is a clue if you want it to be:

There's a deep-space encrypted comm aerial buried in here, and after a few minutes waiting, listening to the air recycler and three sets of lungs breathing shallow and deep, Cassian reaches past Baze to toggle it on and call Kay.

"Cassian! You should know that General Draven is monitoring encrypted channels from the Imperial core and is concerned things have gone off mission."

Cassian has to smile - it's always a relief to hear that arch voice. "Kay, don't tell him anything. I'll make it work in the report. I'm bringing home some old...some friends. But we're going to need to lie low before we can get out of here."

The line is silent for a minute, and Cassian can picture Kay's photoreceptors pulsing as he considers this. "You have instructed me on 4737 separate occasions that you don't have 'friends'. The most common reason you give is that they are a liability."

Baze arches a brow. Cassian arches one back.

"Well, they are, but I'm bringing some home now anyway."

"I will schedule a head trauma assessment for your return," Kay says snippily.

"Yeah. You do that."

When the crackly connections goes dead, Baze grunts and leans his head back against the wall of the little room. "So how long do we have to stay here? Only I don't want to be facing him when he wakes up."

"They're scanning from the speeders, they'll have gone past now. I want to get us off this station and hole up somewhere quiet until things cool off."

[pinof]

safari zone core 🐛

[fun-adventures-travels]

Packing Guide: What to Carry for the Mandalpatti Jeep Safari?

The Mandalpatti Jeep Safari can be thrilling—a complete fun package. But at the same time, we need certain packing essentials, don’t we?

Now, the question arises: why do we need these essentials? Well, here's a clear answer: Packing the right items ensures that you're fully prepared to enjoy the safari to the fullest. The unpredictable terrain, changing weather, and long hours of travel mean you need to stay comfortable, hydrated, and protected from the elements. Whether it's wearing the right clothes, applying sunscreen, or carrying water and snacks, these essentials help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the adventure, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than distractions.

So, if you are traveling in a group or with family, here's a guide for the perfect safari experience:

1. Comfortable Clothing

The Mandalpatti Jeep Safari Price includes the ride and the experience. But it can’t control the unpredictable weather, right? 

So, this part is on us!  Opt for lightweight, breathable clothes, as the Jeep ride can get dusty and bumpy. Cotton T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and lightweight pants are ideal. Avoid wearing shorts, as you may encounter brush or thorny plants along the way. A light jacket or sweater will be useful in the cooler weather, especially if you're going early in the morning or in the evening.

2. Sturdy Footwear

Since the Jeep safari can lead you through uneven and muddy trails, wearing comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential. Choose closed-toe shoes or hiking boots with good grip to ensure you don't slip on the rough paths. Make sure they are comfortable for walking, as you might stop along the way for short treks to viewpoints or to explore scenic spots. 

3. Sunscreen and Sunglasses

Mandalpatti Jeep Safari timings lie in the daytime (early morning or noon shifts), which exposes you to the sun for an extended period. It’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you’re going on safari during the day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to shield yourself from sunburns. Sunglasses are also a must to protect your eyes from glare and UV rays. Consider polarized sunglasses for better visibility and comfort while riding.

4. Insect Repellent

Being in the midst of nature means encountering bugs. Mosquitoes, especially, can be a nuisance. It’s wise to carry an insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Applying repellent before the trip and carrying a small bottle for reapplication will help you enjoy the safari without itching or discomfort.

5. Water Bottle

A Jeep safari can be physically demanding, and staying hydrated is essential. Carry a refillable water bottle to ensure you have access to water throughout the trip. Coorg’s weather can vary, and it’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling in the sun. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the journey to stay refreshed.

6. Camera and Binoculars

Mandalpatti Peak offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, valleys, and coffee plantations, making it a perfect spot for photography. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery. If you’re a nature enthusiast, binoculars can help you spot distant wildlife or birds in the area. Be sure to keep your camera protected from dust and moisture, especially during the Jeep ride.

7. Snack and Light Food

The Jeep safari might take a few hours, and while food may not be readily available along the route, it’s a good idea to pack some light snacks. Granola bars, dry fruits, nuts, or energy bars are excellent options that can keep your energy levels up during the trip. Avoid heavy meals that may cause discomfort while bouncing along the bumpy roads.

8. Personal Medications and First Aid Kit

If you have any personal medications, be sure to carry them in your backpack. It’s also helpful to bring a basic first aid kit containing band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic cream, and any other essentials you may need in case of minor injuries or discomfort. Motion sickness tablets can also come in handy if you’re prone to car sickness during bumpy rides.

9. Rain Gear

While the weather is usually pleasant in Coorg, it can rain unexpectedly. To be prepared for a sudden downpour, carry a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. A waterproof bag or cover for your belongings can also help protect your items from getting wet.

Conclusion

The jeep safari in Coorg is an adventure that immerses you in its natural beauty. Packing thoughtfully ensures that your trip is comfortable and enjoyable. From suitable clothing and sturdy footwear to essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and water, being prepared for the safari will enhance your experience. 

By bringing the right gear, you can focus on enjoying the spectacular views and the thrilling ride through this scenic region. Buckle Up for the Ride of a Lifetime!

[hannahmanderr]

For @scarletsaphire's ask in response to this ask game. Prompt was #19 for Gray Ghost.

important blob ghost context here lol

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Danny, I swear there’d better be a good answer to why you brought me to the freaking dumpster behind the Nasty Burger at two in the morning.”

He turned back to look at her with a sheepish grin. “Aw, come on Val, I know how to show a girl a good time.” 

That earned him a thwack on the back of his head.

“Ow! Okay, okay, lesson learned,” he grumbled, rubbing where she’d hit him. 

“I’m still serious about having a good answer,” she said. She hugged herself tightly. “And thanks for warning me to bring a jacket by the way. Why can’t I put my suit on again?”

“You’ll scare them off.”

Valerie stopped in her tracks. “Them? Oh my God, do not tell me you brought me here to a dumpster to see ghosts!”

“Hey, you already established the dumpster thing!” he said, still wearing his goofy grin. “And I won’t tell you I brought you here to see ghosts, ‘cause I brought you here to meet ghosts.”

“... You are about three seconds away from getting shoved into your own thermos, ghost boy. Human or not.”

He finally dropped the grin. “Right. Sorry. Serious mode. But, uh, I am being serious about meeting a few ghosts.”

She frowned. “I thought we talked about this.”

“I know, I know. And I promise I’m not trying to change your mind or anything, I just… wanted to show you.”

He watched her carefully, trying to read her poker face. He hoped she believed him about not wanting to try and influence her. She’d made him promise, after all, and he didn’t break his promises.

Especially to someone like her.

Even if she was so close, yet still so far.

When she didn’t respond, he ventured further. “Think of it like evidence or something. Or - or when you go into a safari and you just watch animals do their thing in their natural habitat.”

“Isn’t their natural habitat the Ghost Zone?”

“Eh, sort of? There’s enough ambient ectoplasm around Amity for them to sustain themselves, I think. Plus I kinda get the feeling I’m like a magnet for the stuff, and since I’m always here…”

He tried not to shy away under her piercing gaze, as pretty as it was.

No. Bad Fenton. Friend.

Finally, she sighed heavily. “Alright. Show me what you got. But only because you already dragged me out here in the middle of the night, okay? This isn’t gonna be a regular thing.”

“Yes!” he said with a fist pump. He realized how stupid he probably looked, but he was too excited to care.

He turned toward the dumpster, trying to ignore the odor drifting out from the one opened side. Taking a deep breath, he put his fingers to his mouth, and with a little bit of energy from his core fused into his breath, he whistled soundlessly.

Soundlessly to humans, anyway.

Valerie tilted her head. “... What the heck are you doing?”

He shot her a grin. “Consider it the dinner bell.”

The first one faded into visibility right in front of Valerie’s face. She squeaked in very uncharacteristic surprise, and Danny didn’t miss how her hand twitched up to her bag, where he knew she stowed a spare blaster or two. To his relief, she didn’t move her hand any further and instead let the ghost drift towards him with a wary glare.

The little blob ghost was round, bright green and about the size of a grapefruit. Actually a pretty decent size for a blob ghost like this. Its core glimmered brightly from within its fluid body.

It floated towards him with curiosity brimming in its red, beady eyes. “Brrrp?” it ‘said’ as it bumped against Danny’s cheek. The sound could only be described as the perfect midpoint between a chirp and a purr.

He smiled widely and used one finger to scratch the underside of the blob. “Heya Jeff,” he said, making sure to pour as much affection as he could into his voice. In return, Jeff chirped again and nuzzled against his neck contentedly.

Valerie seemed to be frozen in place, not sure whether to be upset, disturbed, or endeared. Her eyes flicked back and forth between the blob sitting on Danny’s shoulder and Danny himself. “... You named a blob ghost Jeff?”

“Not me. Uh, Kat I think her name is. The cashier? In the year above us?”

Her eyebrows lifted at the name. “That’s who she’s been going on and on about? I thought she was talking about a puppy or something!”

“Mmm, nope. Probably this Jeff. I’m assuming anyway.” He scratched Jeff again. “Where’s everyone else?” he murmured, this time in ghost speak.

He didn’t really like having to speak ghost in front of Valerie, especially as she was still getting used to all his weirdness, but the blob ghosts didn’t really understand much beyond the common ghost language. Through some trial and error, he and Tucker and Sam had found that they seemed to understand human languages if there was enough emotion behind whatever was being said, but it had to be a pretty strong emotion, and even then it was hit or miss. They still always responded to Danny best, anyway.

Blob ghost communication aside, he couldn’t help but wince just slightly when he saw her troubled reaction to the ghost speak. Her face exploded with surprise before melting back into a guarded caution.

Jeff chirped a response before floating off his shoulder and zooming inside the dumpster. “Where’s he going?” Valerie asked quietly.

“Getting the rest of his family.”

Sure enough, a few seconds later, Jeff emerged from the open dumpster lid, followed closely by a dozen or so more blob ghosts, each of varying size and transparency, but all sharing the same green color. They all swarmed Danny, rubbing up against his face and shoulders and arms and brrrping happily.

He laughed at the ticklish sensation. “Alright, alright, cut it out guys!”

They in fact did not cut it out. If anything, they just cuddled up to him more. Excitement radiated from their tiny little auras.

Even through the bombardment of affection, he managed to catch a glimpse of Valerie’s face soften into slight amusement, even trying to stifle a laugh herself.

That alone made his heart and core soar far higher than any attention the blob ghosts could give him.

“Red, I’d like to formally introduce you to the Nasty clan,” he said proudly, attempting (and somehow failing) to gesture to the ghosts around him.

She pulled a bit of a face, but Danny didn’t sense any increase in hostility or wariness. “That’s not very nice.”

“I mean that’s what everyone calls them.”

“... Everyone?” Her eyes followed a particularly excited blob, only about the size of a grape, zipping around Danny’s head. 

“Yeah. A bunch of employees kind of took up naming them all, since they’re always hanging around here.” He glanced at her. “Honestly, I thought you would’ve known about them by now. Especially with your trackers and all.”

She scowled. “Daddy made me promise to keep them off during shifts after I got written up for ditching to help stop that one ghost who was tearing up the boardwalk.”

“Oh yeah, I remember that guy! You should’ve seen me trying to get off the Tilt-a-Whirl after they emergency stopped it so I could find a place to change. I just kept crashing into things.”

“Isn’t that what you normally do anyway?” she teased, a genuine laugh bursting from her lips. It sent Danny blushing deep red for more reasons than one.

Sticking out his lip in a pretend pout, he plopped down right onto the cement and folded his legs underneath him. “You hear that?” he asked the blobs, not caring that they probably didn’t understand a word of what either of them were saying. “She’s being mean to me.”

“Hey, you asked for it, bringing me out here in the middle of the night.” She knelt in front of him, nearly touching her knees to his. His heart skipped a beat as he realized how close she was.

No! We’re not doing this! Think of something else!

“They have a real name too,” he blurted in a desperate attempt to immediately derail this train, abort, abort -

“A real name?”

He cleared his throat as Jeff settled into his lap. His hands instinctively wrapped around him gently and began petting. “Well, like, an actual name. A ghost name.”

She watched as Jeff began to purr contentedly and flatten himself against Danny’s legs. “Will you tell me?” she asked quietly, refusing to meet his eyes.

Crap. Of course he didn’t think this through. Of course. “I - well, um, the thing is, there’s - there’s not exactly an English equivalent…”

“... Tell me anyway.”

His eyes jerked up to see her staring intently, a complete contrast to how she’d just been moments ago. The light of the blob ghosts’ glows cast a glimmer in her gorgeous green eyes, making him swallow thickly.

“Vakrot,” he whispered in ghost speech. “I… it kind of means ‘potato’? But not exactly? Ancients, I don’t know how to explain this…”

“Potato,” she repeated with a smile of disbelief. She shook her head. “Figures. They’re kind of shaped like potatoes anyway.”

He tried to calm his heart as another blob - this one nicknamed Pepsi, for some reason - nestled into his hair. They were way too tuned into emotions, and agitating them wasn’t going to do any favors. “I guess I never thought of that. I always assumed it’s because they like french fries so much? But now that I think about it, it’s not like there’s exactly a ghost equivalent of french fries - well, I did have these things one time at this little stand out past the Carnivorous Canyon, and they tasted a lot like fries, but they were in little balls, and Tucker -”

He blushed again when she held up a hand to stop his babbling. “Is that why you had me bring these?” she asked, pulling a paper bag out of her own.

He grinned. “Yeah. I thought you might like to try and feed them.”

“Feed them?” She raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t that kind of go against the idea of it just being observation?”

Two of the blob ghosts were trying to squeeze themselves into the bag already. He snatched it away and held it shut tightly. Those things could be slippery when they wanted to be. “It’s fiiine,” he said with a drawl. “People do it all the time. It’s like feeding the ducks at the park or something.”

“You know that’s bad for the ducks, right? And wildlife experts are always having to tell people to quit feeding animals.”

He dropped his hands into his lap, bag and all, nearly squishing Jeff. “Killjoy.”

Now it was Valerie’s turn to grin sheepishly, though hers seemed far more timid. “Look, someone’s gotta keep you in check, Fenton. You may be trying to babysit Amity Park, but you need a babysitter of your own half the time.”

Hmm. He did not know how he should feel about her calling herself his babysitter.

Trying to shove those thoughts away too, he offered the bag out to her. “Come on,” he said, as if he were coaxing a puppy. “You know you want to.”

She stared at the bag, then at him. Then at the bag again. His heart thrummed faster despite himself.

After nearly a minute of contemplation, she slowly took the bag and opened it. The blob ghosts immediately caught a whiff of its greasy contents and drifted over, chirping and purring. Danny noticed how her muscles tensed ever so slightly, and he gulped.

He was worried for the blob ghosts, thank you very much. He was absolutely not thinking about how well-defined her arms looked in the pale glow.

Nope.

Valerie, with a look of trepidation, took a single fry from the bag and held it out gingerly towards the tiny grape ghost that had been racing around Danny’s head. It didn’t need any more invitation before it simply stuck the end of the fry through its body, nearly running into its teeny core. 

Danny couldn’t help but grin wildly as Valerie’s face morphed into one of fascination. The best thing about blob ghosts was their translucent exterior, which gave them a perfect view of how the little ghost - Pipp, if he remembered correctly - swam its ectoplasm around the portion of fry it had absorbed. The little portion of fry dissolved away and funneled into its core, causing it to glow the slightest bit brighter.

His felt like his face was going to split open as her wide eyes found his. “Cool, right?” he asked eagerly.

She was already holding the fry out to Pipp again. “I… I never knew they could eat,” she whispered. “I never knew it could be so beautiful.”

If only you knew how beautiful you really are.

His stomach started doing somersaults. 

He was so, absolutely, 100 percent screwed.

He forced himself to swallow and grab a fry for himself, offering it to Jeff, who immediately absorbed the entire thing in one go. Much like Pipp’s, Jeff’s glow radiated stronger.

“These guys are the best kind of ghosts for converting stuff into ectoplasmic energy,” he explained. Was his voice really shaking that badly, or was it just his anxiety talking? “That’s why there’s so many of them. They can keep themselves going on practically anything. And then they like to kind of put themselves right around ambient ectoplasm and help feed back into it.”

“Like a weird, unalive version of a tree.” Her voice was breathy. “A tree that likes french fries.”

He couldn’t help but giggle. “That’s… surprisingly accurate?” he said as he made a grab for a few more fries.

They spent the next few minutes slowly feeding fries to the blob ghost clan, laughing as one named Bingus (God, that name cracked him up) nearly absorbed Pepsi in a rush to get to a fry first, cooing with pity at the ones who got left out, and chatting back and forth about ectoplasm and ghost biology.

That last one made his core sing with just how genuinely fascinated she was with the science of it all.

Soon enough, they were surrounded by brightly glowing blob ghosts, lighting up the area like tiny green fairy lights. Pepsi had nestled herself back into Danny’s hair again, and Bingus perched on Valerie’s shoulder. Each of them held a blob in their lap, and other than one that had randomly decided to stick itself to Danny’s elbow, the rest drifted around the two of them in a lazy, post-french fry bliss.

Danny offered his last fry to Pepsi as he watched Valerie gently stroke Jeff in her lap. His stomach was still doing somersaults, and the urge to say something - anything - to her was becoming impossible to resist.

“Hey,” he said quietly. Thank the Ancients he could do without a little less oxygen, because he was pretty sure he was breathing way too shallowly. “I… I’m sorry.”

She looked up at him in confusion. “For what?”

Breathe in, Fenton. “I promised you I wouldn’t try and push you. Back when we - when I finally told you the truth.” Breathe out. “You said you wanted time to figure things out for yourself, and you didn’t want to be rushed. And - and then I go and do something like this…”

She didn’t break her gaze on him. “I’m guessing… this isn’t just about the ghosts, is it?” she said with a quiver in her own voice.

He didn’t know how it happened. He couldn’t feel his own limbs. All he knew was he felt himself lean forward and she leaned forward just a split second later and her lips were on his and his lips were on hers and they were sharing the most tender, soft kiss he’d ever experienced under the warm glow of all the little blob ghosts.

He wanted to leap. He wanted to fly. He wanted to dive to the ground and pull himself up at the last second and laugh at the thrill it left in his stomach.

None of it would compare to the thrill he felt kissing her.

And yet…

Something in the back of his mind desperately tried to pull on the reins. This isn’t right. 

You’re still pushing her.

You’re taking advantage of her.

That had him crashing back down to Earth.

Shaking, his heart and core aching, Danny opened his eyes and pulled back just far enough to take his lips off hers. Valerie’s eyes flew open as she felt his warm kiss disappear.

Their foreheads were still close enough to touch. Desperately trying not to break down, he rested his against hers and gently grabbed one of her hands. 

“I… I don’t…” he whispered, struggling to find the words through the haze of his panging heart. “Are you… do you… really want to do this?”

He had to ask.

Even if the answer broke his heart.

For a few impossibly long seconds, her green eyes bore into his blue, and another pang rippled through him as he drank in the tiny galaxies he could see behind her gaze.

And then she had her hands on his cheeks and her lips on his again, kissing him with an insatiable fervor. He found himself too stunned to do anything at first, and as soon as he could comprehend the situation, he was reciprocating just as longingly, holding her waist as if his half-life depended on it.

If he had been flying before, he had shot beyond the stars now.

Something flickered behind his closed eyelids, but it was the farthest thing from his mind. This moment, right here right now, this was the only thing that mattered. The only thing that existed. The only thing he could ever want and need, filling his heart and core with a love he couldn’t put into words.

And if her kiss was any indication of how she felt, if the emotion radiating from her entire being was true, then she felt the exact same love in that moment.

This time when the kiss broke, it was mutual. They stayed there on their knees, foreheads pressed to one another, both catching their breath and trying to calm their fluttering hearts.

He kept his eyes closed. He wanted to savor this. Memorize every detail. Memorize the feeling of her mouth on his. Memorize each feeling soaring through him at top speed.

“Um, Danny?”

His eyes popped open. “Wha- oh.”

So that’s what the flicker had been.

The blob ghosts hadn’t moved, but now instead of their normal green, their cores shone in a glittery gold, piercing through their translucent skin and casting the two in a soft, golden glow.

He lifted his head as he stared at them in wonder. “Oh Ancients, of course.”

“What? What happened to them?” she asked. A distant part in the back of his mind trilled happily at how concern for the little ghosts filled her voice.

He grinned shyly. “Okay, so um… you know how I said blob ghosts can take like, almost anything and turn it into energy?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Yeah…?”

“I think, um… I think they might’ve felt our emotion? Since it was so strong? And converted it into energy?”

Red tinged her cheeks. “And what the heck did we do that made it turn gold?”

Well.

He was pretty sure he knew the answer. If the pull in his heart was anything to go by.

Instead, he let his grin widen. She was so going to hate him for this. “I mean, those fries came from McDonald’s right? The golden arches?”

As expected, her fist landed right on his bicep, forceful enough to startle the blob ghost latched onto his elbow but not strong enough to hurt. “Okay, yeah, I deserved that.”

Valerie shook her head with a blinding smile. “You’re such an idiot.”

She laughed and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him again in the light of the warm, gold glow.