#fun places to take toddlers gold coast | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

buttsonthebeach · 6 years ago

Text

Going Back

@makingourownstories gave me the joy of working with their amazing OCs! (Fun fact: I adore OC heavy pieces and character study pieces, never hesitate to commission me for them)

Thank you for commissioning me and trusting me with Kaylaya, Mihra, and Sarian!

My Ko-Fi || My Commissions (Slots currently open as of 7/5/19)

Pairing: Past Kaylaya Lavellan x Solas

Rating: Teen for a brief sexual reference

***********

Kaylaya Lavellan left her hart at the perimeter of Clan Lavellan's camp, where the other harts and halla grazed. The halla keeper, Ruven, saw her at once, her mouth dropping open in surprise.

"Kaylaya - you're back! Creators, we have to wake everyone -" Ruven faltered a moment, no doubt taking in the missing vallaslin. Kaylaya had written ahead about that, but her own reflection still startled her sometimes. Bare-faced as a youth. It was not something she could afford to dwell on. She hoped they would not either. She hoped there would be only joy. After what she had seen - after Solas - she needed joy.

"Shh," Kaylaya said, smiling. "Not yet. Let it be a surprise."

It was a surprise, even to her. There were parts of her that were surprised to be back here again. To have survived all that she had survived. The Conclave, the destruction of Haven, the Winter Palace, the Crossroads and the Daarvaraad. It seemed like Kaylaya had been any number of places that wanted her dead in the last three years.

And all that while, there had been only one place she actually wanted to be. Home.

"Mihra and Sarian will be beside themselves," Ruven went on. The halla pricked up their ears, picking up on her excitement. Kaylaya breathed in deep the animal smell of them. Not a pleasant smell but one that reminded her again that she was home, home, home, the place she longed for even as she enjoyed the pageantry of Orlais, the curious customs of the humans that surrounded her in Skyhold.

Ruven's eyes drifted to Kaylaya's arm. What was still left of it, after.

"Everyone will be beside themselves," she said, hugging Kaylaya at last. It was no big deal then, the part of her that was missing. Hunters returned from hunts with parts of them gone all the time. That was what Kaylaya got to be now. A hunter, and a mother, and a friend. Inquisitor no more.

"Go back to the halla," Kaylaya said. "I'll see you later."

A quiet Dalish camp was a rare thing, and Kaylaya relished the stillness, knowing she would relish the noise even more. The stillness allowed her to take it all in. The red sails of the aravels, the scuffed wheels; the lines of laundry, the leathers tanning and the herbs drying and the wide eyes of the scouts on duty, seeing her for the first time. She met their eyes and put a finger to her lips, wanting to stretch the moment out further, to take in every detail, feel every feeling, as the morning light crested the trees. It was not exactly the same - some aravels were missing, some bore the jagged scars of the fight near Wycome. But all Kaylaya could keep thinking, over and over, like a drumbeat, was: I’m home, I’m home, I’m home.

The doors to one nearby aravels opened, and sleepy elves spilled out, the first wave of hunters preparing to go out for the day's hunt. Elas, Nagas, and Folas, brothers, still unmarried given that they tumbled out of the same aravel, the one that belonged to their parents. They saw her, and their eyes slid away, and then slid back, alarmed.

"Kaylaya!"\Folas shouted, and it was no surprise, because he was always the loud one, wasn't he? The quiet moment would be gone now. And yet Kaylaya was so happy to see him, loud or not, that she could do nothing but open her arms.

"Kaylaya's back," Folas shouted, and then there was more movement, more commotion, more and more aravel doors opening, more people to embrace. Kharis, Aeson, Taeral, Ghilanna, Lyra - so many of the people she had missed, everyone she had sought to protect - and then children she had never met, toddlers and babies, pressed into her arms, the next generation of Clan Lavellan. It was not the whole clan - not after everything that happened with the Duke - her heart ached for those who would never come home - but even with that ache it was still perfect.

Her parents got their turn of course, holding her tightly as the knot of people swirled around them, as people dashed away to start cookfires, to break out the special foods they’d been saving.

“We are so happy you are home, da’len,” her mother said quietly.

And then, finally, jostling through the crowd, there was Sarian.

Tall and lanky, a weed sprung up in her absence, auburn hair and rounded ears and already smiling wide and he was here, her son, her little flame, seventeen now, the reason she did everything she did in her three years away. He was in her arms, or perhaps she was in his given his newfound height. It did not matter. He was here, and he was unharmed, and so was she, and she had come back to him just as she had promised.

"Avise," she murmured, drawing back, cupping his cheek. "Ma da'len. You are not such a little flame now, are you?"

Sarian's eyes were darting here and there and here and there, taking in every change in his mother. Kaylaya wondered what drew his eye first, what he saw, if she had changed as much as he had. Whatever he saw, it just made him hug her again, tighter this time.

"Hi Mamae," was all he said.

Kaylaya wanted to hold him forever. This tall almost-man who was her only tether to the human mage she'd met in the woods, hair like flame, magic tingling in every part of him from the crown of his head down to his toes, his voice soft and low as the sang, as they dance, as they lay together in the woods. The human son that some had muttered she should never have borne. The one who had slipped away from the clan to infiltrate Wycome alongside the Inquisition agents, determined to do just as much as everyone else when it came to defending his home. The one secret she had kept from every single person in the Inquisition. Even Leliana with all her eyes and ears.

Even from Solas.

“Out of the way, you.”

There was only one person who would dare to move Sarian aside, and it was exactly who Kaylaya expected and hoped for. Mihra. Her oldest and most steadfast friend.

“You,” Mihra murmured as they held each other. “Are never allowed to leave again. And you’re certainly not allowed to have this much fun without me, ever.”

Kaylaya laughed, and held her as tight as she could.

There were plenty of looks as Kaylaya roamed, talked, joined in the preparations for a celebration feast. People squinting and straining as they looked at her face, as if it was some trick of the light that the vallaslin was not there. The shame started to rise in her each time someone stared. What a moment of foolishness - to give up her mark of adulthood, her most obvious tie to her family, just because of the moonlight in a glade, the way she felt in his arms. Solas. She wished she could go back, tell him to give them back to her. She wished she could go back and tell him a lot of things. She wished she could go back and hold him again, too.

But she shook the feeling off each time it came. Her arms were full enough of friends, cousins, family. Sarian stuck to her side like a watchful hound, eager to join in on every story someone told, to offer his take. Kaylaya started to hear the tales of his daring in Wycome from him and from others, instead of just from Leliana’s reports.

“You terrified me with all of that, you know,” she said to him, gently scolding.

“Did Mihra write you? Or Mamaela and Babaela?”

“No. The Inquisition agents did. You are in several official Inquisition reports, you know.”

He blushed, looked shocked, scuffed his foot in the dirt. “Probably just because I’m your son.”

“No. I never told them. Any of them.” She reached up and touched his cheek with her remaining hand. She realized with a hot bolt of sadness that she would never touch him with the other again. Never hug him the way she did when he was a little boy. “The Inquisition took many things from me, but it was never going to take that. In any case - they were genuinely impressed by you. A little confused that a human had taken such interest in the fate of Clan Lavellan, and even more confused that he was part of Clan Lavellan - but otherwise, genuinely impressed. You should be proud, avise.”

She could tell he wanted to hear more, but there were drums starting up, and sweet breads rising in stone ovens, and soon there would be dancing, and Kaylaya didn’t want to talk about all of it yet, even though it was the reason she was home at all. For now she would just soak all it up. The joy, the community, the ease of coming home.

She regaled them with stories of her dragon hunts - the Vinsomer on the rain-lashed shores of the Storm Coast, the crackle of its lightning as it tried to fight them off - the shimmering gold scales of the Abyssal High Dragon in the Western Approach - the tactics and strategies she’d used against each, the close calls, the scars she had from them. And to top it off - the necklace of all ten teeth, carefully arranged by Dagna, presented to Sarian. He marveled at it, tracing the grooves and points of each tooth, smiling up at her where she stood on a tree stump, telling her tale.

And again, like a ghost, his name rose to her mind. Solas.

He’d been there for every one of those fights, after all. He always came straight to her side afterwards, checking her for injuries, sweet and gentle in his concern. He always told her stories of dragons by the firelight, of other great beasts their ancient ancestors used to hunt. She could still hear the lilt of his voice, the warmth of it, in her mind. His voice had been the same when he told her the truth of Elvhenan. The truth of who he was. When he’d left her again, in agony, in that world between worlds.

How torn she had felt then, how sad, how determined to save this man that she loved.

Now - surrounded by her clan, her son at her side, Mihra beside him - she felt only anger.

How dare he look at this world - these people - and see anything other than a place to call home? A place worth defending with his life?

The celebrations wound down, and people had to go on with their day, and that was when Kaylaya managed to draw Mihra and Sarian aside. She owed them the fullest explanation she owed anyone of what had happened. Of what had to come next.

She took them aside, away from the cozy cluster of aravels. Not far enough that they could not hear and see them, though. She needed the strength of everything they represented.

“I have a lot to tell you,” she began. “And I think I need to start at the beginning.”

So she did. She started with the quiet apostate whose stories so entranced her, who seemed so alone in the world, who frustrated her with his comments on the Dalish but always helped every refugee, every sad and lonely person he could find. She said how she’d grown to love him, how he’d grown to love her, how something had always stood between them nonetheless. How she had assumed, selfishly, that at least part of it was that he knew she was holding back too. That she had secrets of her own. How in the end his secrets dwarfed each and every one of hers.

Mihra was the one who spoke first when she was done. “So what will we do?”

Kaylaya felt the tears swarm up behind her eyes at that one simple word. We. She had not even asked them yet, and already they had said yes. Mihra with her words, and Sarian with his eager posture and his earnest eyes.

“I told my advisors I would find people he doesn’t know, and that I would save him from himself, if I could. But being back here - seeing you again - it reminds me that if he can’t see the beauty in this world he doesn’t deserve to be saved. And I can make my peace with that.”

Their arms were around her again, holding her, and Kaylaya knew she was really home.

#beach does commissions #kaylaya lavellan #makingourownstories #dragon age fanfic #beach writes

9 notes · View notes

thenestearlyeducationcentre · 2 years ago

Text

Rest Assured And Enrol Your Child In A Early Education Centre

This is very true! When childrens are playing their defence is down and they play whole heartedly. Then why not interconnect the playing with learning. At an early age children's brains are on high speed development. They catch everything fast and their curiosity for everything new they see around them lets them explore more. Early childhood education centres develop an atmosphere of the same age group toddlers which stimulates them to play and learn.

Early education centres provide children with preschool experiences. Parents also feel comfortable leaving their children with them for a short period of time in these facilities because they provide a stable, secure, and relaxed environment. Early schools tend to generate interests of children in arts, sports, drawing, crafts, storytelling, etc. Different activities executed in childcare centres will support your toddlers' development with fun. Here are some points that clears more how early education centres are beneficial for your child:

1. It's the first time the child has been away from home and family, even if it's only a short time. Through this, the child develops coping skills and prepares for a future without home and family.

2.Helps children in developing social skills and learning to adjust in a new atmosphere.

3.Experience new things like music, dance, books, craft, and many more.

4.Different activities conducted in centres develop team building, decision making, group coordination, sharing, etc.

5.Toddlers learn to respect and take instruction from adults other than parents.

6.Child care centres open the interest level opportunities for all.

7.Some children might suffer from stranger anxiety. Opening up in childcare centres with the same age group toddlers help them fight with it.

8.If you are a working parent, you can also concentrate on your work along with your child’s early development.

Playgroups are excellent places for folks of all kinds of home situations. If there are multiple children running around together and playing, they will learn multiple things. Indulge in a group activity that is fun loving and teaches something. Enroll your child in the best childcare centre in Gold coast, so you can rest assured with their development.

Originally Published at-https://thenestearlyeducationcentre.blogspot.com/2022/12/rest-assured-and-enrol-your-child-in.html

0 notes

peachyvhope · 7 years ago

Text

Honey, Gold, & Gucci | kth

;pairing — taehyung x reader

;warnings — single dad x high school senior | first part smut-free

;summary — Honey-kissed skin, golden eyes, all adorned by Gucci. Maybe the fun part is just the thrill of him being older, getting to come back from a completely mundane day of classes and wrapping yourself in his arms, playing a pretend perfect family. But for sure, you knew you loved feeling him on you, in you, all over you.

;word count — 8,438

“Oh, look.” Your mother said as she looked through the window across the street. You didn’t bother following her gaze, instead keeping your eyes glued to your calculus textbook. Ever since you were a young child, your mother had a nasty habit of what you and your friends liked to call ‘neighbor-watching’ something of which she was completely unashamed. In fact, she had even gotten you into it at one point, but you had forced yourself to break the habit. You didn’t want to be that nosy teenager known throughout the neighborhood for watching Red Truck Man obsessively wax his, well, red truck. Or the old guy who you called ‘Green Dude’ before he moved out. He was always cutting his lawn, keeping the grass at precisely one inch exactly in height. The keyword here was cut; he didn’t mow his lawn like normal people. He cut the grass. With scissors.

Now, you just had a bad habit of procrastinating. You would push off studying or doing your homework until the morning, rather than the night before.

“No, seriously, (Y/N), look. Someone’s moving in.” Your mother insisted after you ignored her first call.

“Into Green Dude’s house?” You confirmed as you flipped to the next page in your textbook, determined to finish your work before school.

“You mean One-Inch?” Your mother corrected. “Yeah.” She called him One-Inch, which probably made more sense for his weird antics, but, in your defense, he did always wear this weird green bodysuit when he cut the grass. Despite the fact that he moved out, he still owned the house. So he made sure to stop by bi-weekly to keep up the precision of his cherished grass.

For your mother’s sake, you looked up to see her still staring out the window, as nosey as ever. From where you sat, you could see the large moving truck in the driveway of the house across the street. Emerging from behind said moving truck was the outline of what looked like a guy. His face was partially masked by the black beanie and face mask he wore. To be frank, it was hard to gauge his appearance from this distance, even with your sharp vision. He was carrying a couple boxes that looked somewhat heavy. You wondered if he had someone to help him or if he was moving everything by himself.

“Oh, there’s a kid.” Looking towards the house, you saw a small toddler dressed in a tiger onesie waddle out of the of the front door and plop down on the perfect grass. You felt your lips curve into a smile as the small child stumbled about. Watching her stand up and totter another few steps before falling again, you gathered that she was likely just learning to walk.

“Cute,” you mumbled. Sparing one last glance at the fumbling child, you reverted your attention back to the calculus textbook before you. However, you realized that you had lost your motivation to try to absorb any more knowledge of the wretched subject.

“We should go over and introduce ourselves,” your mother suggested as she placed a plate of hot pancakes in front of you. Finally, breakfast was served. You smiled gratefully at your mother as you picked up the fork, setting your textbook aside and indulging in your breakfast. Okay, so maybe your mom just put them in the microwave and cut up some apples on the side, but it's the thought that counts.

“Alright, I’m going to work. I’ll see you later, okay?” Your mother picked up her blazer from the back of the chair to your right and tossed it over her shoulder. Crouching slightly in her six-inch stilettos, she pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek and waved goodbye before heading out the door. You gave a non committal hum, but did not look out of the kitchen window to bid her goodbye, far too immersed in finishing up your breakfast so you could head to school yourself.

When you were finished with your pancakes, you gently placed the dishes in the sink and grabbed a bottle of water for the road. Before your walked out of the house, you checked all of the windows and doors that your mother had left open.

Your mother was a bit of an airhead and somewhat dependant upon your father when it came to common sense things such as locking up the house. However, with your father out on his business trip, you found that three windows were left unlatched, and the back door was wide open, as well. Leave it to your mom to give a burglar easy access.

After you locked the front door of your home and stuffed your keys into your backpack, you glanced across the street to see if the little tiger girl was still outside. You noticed that instead of attempting to walk once more on unstable footing, she was lifted into the embrace of the man you had seen earlier moving boxes. While your neighborhood was nowhere near sketchy, you couldn't help but wonder why he would leave such a young child unattended.

The child in his arms wiggled around in his grasp, reaching for his hat with determination. When she finally succeeded and tugged at it, he helped her remove it. While she played with the hat, you finally got a better glimpse of the young man. His black face mask had migrated to his chin at this point giving you a better view.

“Maybe he's her older brother,” you pondered, seeing him smile warmly at the toddler. You assumed their mom was already inside unpacking the boxes you had seen him carrying earlier.

Deciding that it was time to quit being nosey, you curiously checked your phone for the time. You realized with a start that you had been watching the scene play out in front of you for far too long. If you didn't hurry, you were definitely going to be late for school. You quickly turned on your heel and started sprinting to school.

You made it to your classroom with only a moment to spare. The tardy bell rang as you slid into your seat, gasping for air. You would have thought gym class would have better prepared you for an occasion such as this. It didn't. Your classmates nearest to you gave you strange looks as you tried to calm your breathing. Please, like they've never been that close to being late. Oh well, it didn't really bother you anyway. One day they, too, will know your pain.

A sudden vibration in your pocket startled you and tore you away from your thoughts. You glanced up at your teacher, making sure that he wasn't looking your way before you dared to check the message. Once you were sure the coast was clear, you pulled your phone from your pocket stealthily and checked the unread text.

Kasper 👻 [Wed. Dec 18. 8:14 AM]

Why were you so late???

You looked towards the back row to find your friend starting back at you expectantly. You rolled your eyes and relayed the mornings events to her. Almost immediately, your phone vibrated again. Your attention turned back to your phone as you read her reply.

Kasper 👻 [Wed. Dec 18. 8:23 AM]

Omg you're such a weirdo lol who even does that?

Kasper 👻 [Wed. Dec 18. 8:24 AM]

Was he at least cute?? ;)

You smile slightly to yourself as you began to respond.

“Miss (Y/L/N)!” You felt your heart drop as you blood turned ice cold in your veins. You could feel the entire the eyes of the entire class fall upon you as you nervously glanced around. Quietly in the back of the room, you could have sworn you could hear some very familiar snickers. You feel your phone vibrate once again, but you wouldn't dare chance a look at it this time.

“Ah, Mister Wang…” You began, trying your hardest to come up with some kind of excuse that would stop the inevitable.

“No excuses. Place your phone in the box. Now. You can see me after school.” His tone ultimately left no room for argument, but still you thought you could push your luck.

“But--”

“It can wait. I said now. Or should I send you out?” You knew better than to carry on any further. His tone was getting increasingly more annoyed and you didn't want to find out what would happen when he was pushed too far. You groaned inwardly, standing up in defeat as you quietly stomped your way over to the box behind your teacher’s desk.

Mister Wang had a strict no-phone policy, but he rarely stuck to it. He was actually usually pretty chill with phone usage, so long as you still paid moderate attention in class and you weren't on the brink of failure. However, with Economics being your easiest class, it was practically impossible for you to be even close to failure.

You reluctantly dropped your phone into the empty box, making a face at how lonely it looked. You gathered that Mister Wang must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed today. You silently began the walk of shame back to your seat, completely aware of all the eyes still glued to you in your moment of embarrassment.

“Next time, I hope you will pay more attention to my lectures.” Wang, well, lectured. You groaned inwardly at being called out once again before you nodded.

“Of course, sir.” You confirmed as you clasped your hands together obediently, before realizing why you’d been picked out in the first place. You were completely unprepared for class, you hadn’t even bothered to take your notebook out, and you weren't even paying the slightest bit of attention. You were just sitting there, staring blankly as Mister Wang droned on and on. That must have been what set him off, but who could really blame you? This was your easiest class, after all. However, you quickly admitted defeat and quietly pulled out a notebook to copy down the notes that were written on the board.

When your class was finally over, Kasper jumped up from her seat and scurried over to your side. You glance up at her and took in her new appearance, only mildly surprised. Instead of her usual brown hair, she stood before you with blonde hair with blue tips.

“You colored your hair,” you commented as you shoved your notebook into your bag, mood still a little sour from the earlier events of the class. You spared a glance inside your backpack and groaned. Where was your calculus homework? You could have sworn that you put it inside your bag this morning, you just couldn't remember where. You have to remember to clean out your bag at some point this week.

“Technically, I bleached my hair, and then I dipped the tips,” she corrected. You rolled your eyes at your best friend and stood up.

“Whatever, same thing,” you muttered as you threw your backpack over your shoulder. “This is all your fault.” You reminded her as you glanced over your shoulder at Mister Wang, who remained behind his desk. You can tell that he feels your gaze but he does his best to avoid it. Asshole, you think to yourself. No. I don't really mean that. I really should have been paying more attention. You relent as you make your way out of the classroom.

“Looks like someone pissed in his cup of herbal tea this morning.” Kasper suggested as she followed you out of the classroom.

“I think you mean coffee?” You corrected, confused at why she would suggest herbal tea as a morning drink.

“Oh, he doesn't drink caffeine,” Kasper said, wrapping the pale blue ends of her hair around her finger and pulling the strands across the top of her lip to make a makeshift mustache. “Don’t ask me how I know.”

“Oh, I think I know.” You grimaced, not really wanting to consider why she knows that random tidbit.

“What do you think you know?” Kasper challenged, walking closely beside you as you walked to your next class; calculus for idiots. Except you seemed to be the only idiot in there. Before you could walk into the classroom, not that you really wanted to be there anyway, Kasper grabbed you by the arm, tugging you towards her. She kept a firm grip on your arm and looked at you expectantly, waiting on an answer.

“Kas,” you started, unsure of how to word this delicately. “you’re always falling for older guys. Don’t you think someone in our age group is better?” Kasper furrowed her brow as she waited for you to finish. “I know for a fact you went after class to Wang’s and asked for some help. Seriously? No one needs help in that class except that Justin Seagull kid, and that’s because he’s a few crayons short of a full box.” You finished your explanation, waiting timidly for your friends response.

“Wow,” Kasper crossed her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes at you. “You’re my best friend. You're supposed to be supportive of me, not…” she waved her hand dismissively at you, “whatever this is.” She finished with a huff as you sigh and shake your head.

“No matter what happens, I will always support you. Don't ever doubt that.” You begin, your feelings mildly hurt that she thought differently, even for a moment. “So if older guys are just your type, I'll still support you.” You gently placed your hand on Kasper’s shoulder, squeezing gently to let your friend know that were, and always will be, there for her. “But maybe try dating some guys our age before you go after one of our teachers. Please.” You tack on, because, at the end of the day, the last thing that you want is for her to be hurt. You could only see a fling with an older man, a teacher at that, going terribly wrong.

“I promise.” You held your other pinky out, raising your eyebrow expectantly, and the corners of Kasper’s lips twitched upward into a smile. She hooked her pinky with yours as you grinned back at her. Arguments between the two of you never seemed to last long, but you really hated them nevertheless.

“I’ll be there for you, too.” Kasper agreed with a warm smile. “As soon as you find a guy of your own, that is.” She stuck her tongue out in a teasing notion, before turning on her heel.

“I'll have you know, I have no trouble getting a guy!” You call out defiantly as Kasper walked away from you and into the classroom. “It's just that no one here is really my type.” You explained, making sure to keep your voice down as you walked in. You certainly didn't want to draw any attention to yourself like you did during the last class. You followed Kasper to your usual seats, grateful that your calculus teacher let you pick your own seats. As soon as you took your seat, however, Mister Nam began his lesson, effectively ending your conversation and forcing you to take out your notebook and follow along.

When the school day was finally over, you met up with Kasper outside of your literature class. You hadn't seen her since your last shared class, which happened to be calculus. There she had made a fool of herself by actually falling asleep and banging her head on the desk when he arm slipped from under her chin. You snickered to yourself as you recalled the event, because, to be honest, it made you feel a little better about your own humiliation in economics. You took in her appearance as she met up with you, her hair was slightly disheveled and you could tell that she recently reapplied her bright red lipstick.

“Did you get your phone?” Kasper greeted, as she hoisted her backpack higher.

“About that…” You started as you began to play with the hem of your skirt, a sheepish grin mixing into your expression. “Come with me?”

“No.” Her answer was flat and simple, leaving no room for argument. But it couldn’t hurt to try, right?

“Please? Pretty please?” You practically pleaded with her. “I don’t get why you’re not jumping at the chance to see Wang, I thought you were crushing on the old man.” You were thoroughly confused at her refusal to join you.

“He is not old,” Kasper immediately came to his defense. “He’s just older,” Kasper corrected you as she crossed her arms across her chest, “Maybe you should find an older guy. You always act like you’re my mom or something. And by the way, I’m legal. You’re legal, too. It's not like it's a big deal!”

“Dating a teacher, however, is not legal.” You added, exasperated. You knew it didn't matter, though. She was never going to see it your way.

“What they don't know won't kill them,” Kasper gave you a petty smile. Before you could ask who they were and how she knew it wouldn't kill them, she changed the subject. “Anyway, I’ve got a hot date that I need to prepare for, so give Mister Wang my best wishes.”

“You have a hot date,” you asked incredulously as your best friend began to retreat.

“With my chemistry tutor. Yay me,” and you could hear the disdain in her voice. “Dude is a stone!” And with that she was gone, her bright hair disappearing around the corner. You breathed out a deep sigh; you had to go and enter the depths of hell. Alone.

As you approached the classroom, you stomach rolled in apprehension. You went to turn the handle to the door and froze. You could hear loud bangs and hints of Mister Wang cursing from inside. Either he was doing some heavy duty remodeling, or he was taking out some repressed anger on the old, metal filing cabinets. You stared at the door nervously, thoughts of turning back and heading home crossing your mind. Maybe I should just leave and get my phone another time. You thought to yourself uneasily. Ugh, who am I kidding? My entire life is practically on that phone. What would I do without it? You sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of your nose, while you sorted out this internal argument.

Fuck it. So what if he's having a bad day? Mister Wang told you that you could pick up your phone at the end of the day, and that's what you were going to do. With that final thought, you twisted the door knob with a false confidence and peered into the doorway to find Mister Wang shuffling through papers on the floor.

“Who is it?” He grunted, not even bother to look up. You said your name aloud and waited, but you got nothing. You looked around nervously and fiddled with your skirt in search of something to occupy your hands during this awkward silence.

“Your phone is on my desk,” he answered finally, only barely jerking his head upward towards his desk, and there you found the box where your phone had been tossed.

As you moved towards the large desk, you took notice of the state of the classroom. One of the filing cabinets had indeed fallen over, but that was about it. Some metal boxes were on the floor, which was also covered in piles of papers. Maybe he’d lost something?

“Thanks, Mister Wang. I’ll be leaving now.” You bowed slightly before scurrying out of the classroom. Mission accomplished. You thought to yourself triumphantly once you were in the clear, and finally began your journey home. The school halls were already almost completely cleared, save for the people who had after school activities or were just dragging out the time it took for them to go home. You saw some people were chatting with their friends, and others were shuffling through their bag’s contents. You couldn't believe that in just a few short months, you would be relieved from your duty as a student. You subconsciously began to fiddle with the necklace that hung around your neck as you made your way home.

You kept a moderate pace as you walked home, though, after the day you had, you were just begging to be seated in the comfort of the couch in front of the television. Maybe I'll even take a nap. You thought gleefully. I always leave my homework till the last minute anyway. You reasoned with yourself. It wasn’t a very hard battle after all. Soon enough, your neighborhood came into view and you could practically feel yourself sinking into the soft material of the couch. You hummed aloud, maybe you’d make yourself some hot chocolate, too. The weather was certainly getting colder.

Movement out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. The little girl from earlier, still dressed snugly in her tiger onesie, waddled across the yard. You raised an eyebrow, confused. Are they still moving in? Even now? You pondered, wondering how they hadn't gotten everything into the house by now. You looked at the house and noticed that the door to the house was wide open. She must have wandered out on her own, you figured. You watched her plop down on her little tush and crawl a bit before deciding to chance standing up again. She started wandering towards the street and, from where you stood, it seemed that she was going to fall face first into the street. Before you even knew what was happening, you were running towards the toddler, arms out and ready to stop her.

“Oh no, be careful!” Before she could fall on the harsh asphalt, you scooped her up. You dusted the nonexistent dirt of her behind and held her close. “Where’s your mommy?” You asked, hoping she was old enough to know the answer. However, she said nothing. She just stared back at you with wide, warm hazel eyes and a confused expression.

“Oh, my gosh, you’re so cute,” you cooed, admiring the way a ring of gold hung inside her iris, adding another layer of depth to her already beautiful eyes. The little girl began to wiggle around in your arms, silently demanding freedom, so you set her down. “What’s your name, sweetie?” you tried again. After a moment of silence, she finally got around to yelping something that sounded an awful lot like... Kimchi? You blinked repeatedly, confused, and looked up at the large house with the front door still wide open.

“Come on, sweetie.” You said, taking the little girl’s chubby fist in your hand and walking to the front door. Not wanting to seem like an intruder, you rang the doorbell and waited. And waited. When there was no sound after a few moments, you were forced to resort to rapping your fist against the ajar heavy oak door.

“Coming!” The voice came from above. A deep, honey-soaked voice. Is that the guy from before? You wondered to yourself. After a few moments, the man finally appeared. He wiped sweat from his forehead, exhaustion clear in his expression.

“Daddy!” the girl exclaimed upon seeing him, tearing her hand from your grasp and running—as fast as her little legs could carry her— to the guy you had seen earlier. No way, you thought in disbelief, this is his kid? She must be confused! There's no way he's old enough to be her father. Your jaw nearly dropped to the floor as you tries to wrap you mind around this fact.

“Oh, how’d you get out?” The man picked up his daughter with a smile and held her close, bouncing her up and down slightly. He swept his gaze over to you and looked you up and down. “Oh, hello?” You saw a hint of something flash in his eyes, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it.

You looked up at the guy. His eyes, you could see, were a light brown with the same golden ring in his iris. It wasn’t just his eyes that were pretty. His whole face was… pretty… handsome… whatever a normal person would call him. But the point was, this supposed father was extremely good-looking. “I...Um, she was outside. Alone.” You managed to stutter out, cheeks aflame.

“Uh…” The guy tilted his head in confusion, looking at you for more of an explanation.

“I, uh, live across the street.” You turned and pointed at your house to prove your point, but in reality, you wouldn’t really be able to prove it until you actually went inside. “I was on my way home from school,” You took in the way he glanced down at your uniform, “when I saw her running towards the street. I, uh…” You trailed off. You couldn’t tell if he was actually paying attention to you or not. His expression was so...blank, as if he either couldn’t understand you, or he just wasn’t listening to you. “Your door was wide open. Okay, sorry for bothering you, bye,” you rushed out in a single breath, ready to excuse yourself from this awkward situation. You turned around and started towards the front door, which was still wide open.

“Wait.”

You paused mid-step and slowly turned around.

“Thanks,” the man wiped the sweat dripping at his forehead again and gave you a small, somewhat boxy smile. “I guess I forgot to close the door when I moved the last box in. I left her to play inside.” He explained sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with the hand that wasn't holding the young child.

“I see… you should be more careful then.” You chastised. “Although, I guess my mom’s kinda like that, too. Really absent-minded, I mean. She left three windows and the backdoor open this morning!” Your eyes widened at what you just said. What if he was actually some creep who’d sneak into your house now?

“Chill. I don’t have enough time to actually come in and murder your family with an axe.” The guy started to chuckle, clearly amused by the whole situation. His daughter, on the other hand, just lay her head against his chest, while he steadily bounced her in his arms. She looked tranquil, her eyelids growing heavier and heavier with the notion of sleep consuming her.

“Well, that’s a relief, I suppose.” You felt the some of the tension in your body leave at the thought.

“Well, come on in,” He said as he motioned for you to follow him. “I'll just put her down for a nap real quick.” He went on as you followed him through the house. “I really am thankful for you. You practically saved her life!”

You seem a bit too calm for someone who's daughter narrowly avoided running out into the street, you thought, but ultimately you kept your thoughts to yourself as you followed him deeper into the house. Boxes were everywhere. To your left, to your right. They filled the entire house, it was no wonder it took him all day. You felt as if you were making your way through a mini maze with the way the boxes even lined the stairway.

Walking further into the house, you soon found yourself in a little kitchen-slash-living room situation. Here, some of the furniture was already organized and toys scattered the floor. You assumed this had been where he left her to play.

He came to a sudden stop in front of a small playpen, causing you to come to a stop as well, eyeing him curiously. He stayed like that before kneeling down next to the playpen and staring at it again, a puzzled look on his face.

“Um,” you took a single step closer. “Is everything okay?” You asked, not understanding what was going on.

He shook his head and looked up at you. “Oh, yeah. It’s just… could you help me out? I don’t want to wake her.” He motioned for you to come closer.

“Oh! Um, yeah, what do you want me to do?” You moved in, so you were in reaching distance of both father and daughter.

“Can you remove the mobile? It makes a lot of noise and I don’t want it to wake her. I’d appreciate it if you could just detach it and then I could put her down quietly.” You nodded and did as he asked of you, realizing just how loud it was as you popped it out. You placed it gently on the floor with an inevitable, but soft rattle, which caused the little one to stir a bit. He softly bounced and shushed her back to sleep, before gently placing her in the playpen. “Thanks,” he whispers as he stands up, brushing himself off.

At this point, you realized how much taller than you he was, standing so close to him for the first time. He was much taller than most guys you've met before, and it made you take a step back to marvel at his height.

“It was, uh, no problem.” You say, somewhat absentmindedly as you were still taken back by his height.

“What did you say your name was?” He suddenly took off in the opposite direction, and you didn’t know whether to stay put or follow him.

“Um, I didn’t?” Your statement came out like a question.

“I’m in the kitchen.” You took that as a summoning. Sure enough, he was digging through his fridge, and you could see boxes and bags of groceries on the counter.

You’d been inside Green Dude’s house once before, when you were in primary school. And although your memory wasn’t anything special, you could say with certainty that the inside had undergone some serious renovation. Instead of the slight dinginess it gave off years ago, you could describe the interior as homely, but stylish at the same time. You wondered if he had chosen the details himself or just hired a designer.

“So, your name?” He pushed as he suddenly placed a glass of what looked like iced tea on the kitchen island and motioned for you to sit on the stool in front of it. You thanked him and awkwardly scrambled to sit on the stool that was much higher than your own at home, before telling him your name. “Nice to meet you, (Y/N). Thank you for saving my daughter. Do you want anything to eat?” You shook your head, politely rejecting his offer.

“Nothing? I just bought this pastry when I went out shopping. Grapefruit tart; Mina really liked it.” He motioned towards the pastry in question, but you had something else on your mind.

“Mina?” You questioned, “Is that your daughters name?” The man before you nodded in confirmation as he continued poking around the kitchen. “And your name is?” You prodded, giving up on waiting for him to introduce himself.

“Wow, I'm a terrible host.” He chuckled as he stopped busying himself and turned to face you, “I can't believe I didn't introduce myself, I apologize. My name is Kim Taehyung, and I'm an, um, office worker. I just moved here from Daegu. I heard that the preschools around here were really good, so that influenced my decision as well.” The man, Taehyung, finished his explanation.

“Oh, that's cool,” you muttered. “If you don’t mind me asking… how old is Mina?”

“She’ll be eighteen months in a week, why?” Taehyung answered, eyeing you curiously.

“I don’t know if you know this, Mister Kim, but… most daycares only allow children two years or older.” You only knew this because during your previous year, you had been required to make a presentation on what you imagined your life would be like fifteen years from then. Yours, hopefully, included children.

“Oh…” His shoulders slumped and he looked defeated. It would've broken your heart, if it weren't for how adorable he looked. He almost looked like a sad puppy.

“B-but,” you stuttered out, “I’m sure the daycares here are great, too! I think my friend said her little brother went to a daycare and was able to go straight to a local preschool before his second birthday.” That was a complete lie, but the boxy smile that lit up his face was so much cuter than the pout he’d been sporting just moments before.

“Oh, really? Which one?” He pressed, eager to have another option.

“I, uh, don’t remember the name,” you said slowly, enunciating every word clearly. “But, I’ll, um, ask for it for you, Mister Kim.” Great, now you had extra homework. Find a good, local daycare for an adorable eighteen month old girl.

“Please, call me Taehyung.” Taehyung gave you a slight smile. “Mister Kim makes me feel so old. Besides, we’re neighbors; I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other a lot more.”

“What do you mean?” You didn't realize that you liked where this was going.

“I mentioned I’m a office worker, right?” You nodded, unsure of what that had to do with this particular conversation. “That requires a lot of my time, and while the daycare is an option, when you are able to get me the name, I’m going to need a back up. A babysitter. How convenient is it that you live across the street?”

“But…” You looked around, not sure how to answer.

“Please? I’ll pay you anything you ask.” He all but pleaded.

“But sir…” You fidgeted nervously in your seat.

“Taehyung.” He insisted, looking at you with puppy dog eyes, breaking you down a small bit.

“Taehyung...,” you began carefully, “you barely know me. I could be a complete psychopath for all you know. And anyway, what about her mother?” Suddenly, Taehyung’s face fell and he sighed heavily. You immediately regretted asking him that. Stay-at-home fathers aren't exactly that common, so you really couldn't have known any better. Although, could he even be labeled as such? He did have a job, after all.

“She’s not here,” was all he was willing to offer.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you understood the underlying message. ‘Don't push it.’

“No, it’s okay. But do you mind thinking it over? I’d really appreciate the extra help.” He looked down at you once again with big, beautiful puppy dog eyes.

“I’ll mull over it,” you assured him, although you were still unsure about the subject. What kind of person asks a complete stranger to take care of their child? “It was nice meeting you, sir--er, Taehyung.” You said as you hopped down from the stool.

“You as well, and thanks again for today. Are you sure you don’t want any of the tart?” His eyes sparkled with some kind of hope, as if the grapefruit tart he’d mentioned would somehow coerce you into agreeing to the job. You sighed, feeling somewhat defeated. It was almost as if he knew he was slowly whittling away at your once firm resolve.

“I’ll take some.” You finally relented, in hopes of seeing his beautiful smile once again.

“Great!” He clasped his hands together in victory. You could see that there were some paper plates in the boxes of groceries on the counter, so when Taehyung reached for a plastic tupperware container in the opposite direction, you were mildly confused. You then realized that this meant that you would be forced to wash and bring the container back. Regardless, once he sliced the tart and packaged it for you, you bowed thankfully and took your leave.

While you made the short walk from Taehyung’s front door to your own, you couldn't help but marvel at the fact that he had a child. Then you remembered that his daughter was only eighteen months old, so you figured he might not be that much older than you were. Why do I even care? You wondered as you unlocked your front door and hurried inside. The house was still as clean as you had left it that morning, so you gathered that you were the first one home. You dropped your bag by the door and walked into the living room, plopping down on the couch with a huff and switching on the television. You didn't really care what was playing, you simply used it as background noise while you played on your phone.

That following Saturday morning, you were woken up at some ungodly hour by an incoming call from your mother. You groaned in annoyance, knowing she was probably just in her room, down the hall. Nevertheless you answered the phone, groggily pressing the device to your ear and sitting up in your bed.

“Hello?”

“(Y/N)! I’m on my way home with your father!” You winced as your mother's much too loud, much too eager for this early in the morning voice rang through your ears.

“Oh, he’s back today, huh?” After wiping the sleep from your eyes, you slightly opened your curtains to allow the warmth of natural light into your room.

“We will be home in a few hours; we need to stop by the store to find some stuff for dinner. In the meanwhile, can you bake a cake or something?”

“Sure, but why? Are we celebrating Dad’s return?”

“You could say that. Anyway, please get to it, and clean up, too.”

“Sure,” you mumbled again. You exchanged ‘goodbye’s and ‘I love you’s with your mother before you heard the call end with a click. You stood up and stretched, trying to shake off the sleepiness that still remained, and found the closest pair of pants on the floor to slip on.

After making yourself a cup of coffee, you started on the short list of chores your mother had given you. You started with your room, which looked like it had been hit by a tornado before you started. Then you moved on to the main floor, wiping down the windows and cleaning the dishes that had begun to pile up.

By the time you had started baking your father’s favorite cake, a decadent lemon raspberry cake, it was already half past one in the afternoon. Exactly how long was “a few hours”? As the time flew past, you focused on making the cake perfectly. The process was long and grueling, but it was also calming in a way, especially when it came to frosting and decorating the cake. Once you were done, you placed the dessert on a cake stand and covered it. You glance at the oven to check the time and, in a pale green, digital font, it read ‘4:58’. You thought about calling your parents to see where they were, but before you could even pull your phone out of your pocket, you heard the front door open, followed by a hushed conversation.

“Maybe we should have hurried?”

“What time did you tell him to come over?”

“I… don’t remember? Nothing too early; maybe 6:30?”

“That should be enough time. I could probably whip something up quickly.”

“Welcome back, Pops,” you interrupted your parents conversation to wrap your arms around your father in a hug, grinning widely as you felt you fathers hand pat the top of your head gently. He had only been gone for a little over a week, but with your mom’s cooking, the time you’d spent apart seemed to drag out much longer than usual.

“Hey, kiddo. Have you finished the cake?”

“Frosted and decorated,” you released your father and stood at attention to salute him. “Welcome back, sir.” Your father chuckled and flicked your nose.

“Thanks a lot, kiddo. I’m gonna go ahead and get dinner started. Why don’t you go get changed, alright?” Your father suggested as he shrugged off his jacket and made his way towards the kitchen.

“For what?” You asked, quizzically looking down at your simple jeans and tank top, unsure what was wrong with your attire.

“Have you even showered since you got up?” your mom teased, finally speaking up, as she

“Of course! I showered as soon as the house was clean. But why do I need to change? It’s a normal dinner, isn’t it? Or are we going all out for Dad’s welcome party?” Your mother seemed to melt at your confused expression.

“Didn't you tell her?” Your father asked, poking his head out from the kitchen.

“I could have sworn I did! Hm. It must have slipped my mind. I’ll tell her now!” Your mother explained as she dragged you up the stairs. “We invited Mister Kim and his daughter over for dinner this evening. We’re trying to be exceptional neighbors.”

“Uh huh...” you nod, folding your arms across your chest and looking at your mother suspiciously.

“What?” She questioned innocently.

“You're just doing this to be nosey, aren't you? You don't care about being neighborly.” You accused, knowing instantly when your mother feigns shock that you are correct.

“What? Absolutely not!” Her voice went up an octave, giving away the fact that she had been caught in a fib. I was born at night, you thought dryly to yourself, but it wasn't last night. You rolled your eyes and sighed in defeat.

“So, I'm guessing jeans are off-limits,” you asked, when you reached your bedroom. Your mother nodded as she took a seat on your bed and you walked over to your closet. You groaned as you slid open your closet door and tried to find something to wear. You really didn't feel like wearing a dress, but that seemed more tolerable than one of your stupid uniform skirts.

After a few minutes of sifting through your closet, you decided to go with a silky, floral patterned dress, that you had forgotten that you even owned, and a pair of strappy, nude wedge sandals. Stepping into the center of the room, you gave a slight spin and gained your mother's approval over your outfit before pulling your hair up into a sleek ponytail, at her request. I really can't wait for this night to end, you thought as you gathered some accessories, but I bet Mom will definitely get a kick out of him.

As you were finishing getting ready, you heard the doorbell ring. Your mother hopped off of your bed excitedly and nearly ran out of your room. How she could be so steady in those stilettos was beyond you and you struggled to keep up with her, not nearly as well acquainted with walking in heels as your mother was. When you reached the door you hid slightly behind her, even though the two of you were nearly the same height, and peered around her shoulder as she opened the door to reveal your new neighbor.

“Good evening.” Taehyung greeted, holding his daughter in one arm, and a gift in the other. Judging from the long and narrow bag, you could only guess that it was a bottle of wine.

“Oh, you’re here! Just on time!” Your mother’s greeted eagerly. Liar, you thought, you don't even remember what time they were supposed to be here. You shake your head slightly at the thought.

“I hope you don’t mind, Miss (Y/L/N). I brought a friend to join us.” Taehyung grinned as he shifted his daughter between arms.

“The more the merrier.” You stood on your toes to peer over Taehyung’s shoulder to see a pale, dark haired man who was slightly shorter than Taehyung was. He, too, had a gift for your mother in hand.

“Min Yoongi,” Kim Taehyung stepped aside and allowed his friend to introduce himself. “Taehyung and I just came from work, so excuse my attire.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine! What line of work are you in?” Your mother had a million and one questions for the two gentlemen but you were more interested in the little girl. Today, she wore a striped dress with matching bloomers, and she managed to pull off one of her shoes, gnawing on it with a bright smile. Gosh, she really is so cute.

“Oh! I can't believe I forgot to introduce my daughter! How rude of me.” Your mother gasped and wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer. “Taehyung, this is (Y/N), she'll be graduating this summer, I can't believe it!” You smiled at your mother's introduction. That is, until she went on. “They grow up so fast, Taehyung. She'll be nineteen soon, much too soon. You might not feel like that now, but it really happens all too quickly.” Your eyes narrow at your mother in embarrassment as you feel your cheeks heat up. Every time you had company, she felt compelled to bring this up.

Your mother gave a nostalgic sigh before quickly pulling herself together and leading the group into the living room. “My husband will be done with dinner in a moment, so I hope you don’t mind if we wait in here.” She explained as she motioned for everyone to take a seat.

Taehyung and his friend, Yoongi, nodded and smiled, making themselves comfortable on the sofa. Taehyung placed Mina on the floor and she stood using the coffee table for support. You sat down beside her, taking an interest in the young girl, once in a while tapping her little hand and showing her funny faces.

After getting close to little Mina, she took a seat in your lap and you allowed her to play with your hair. Sometimes she would tug it, but it wouldn't hurt too much. When she got bored of your hair, she began to hold onto your fingers. You looked up and figured you should try to pay attention to the conversation.

“Daycare? Oh, I know the perfect one! It's the one I used to send (Y/N) to when she was a little girl! It’s great, been up and running for a few decades now. Now, what was it called?” Your mother furrowed her eyebrows as she thought deeply. You were slightly startled when she suddenly looked at you and asked, “What was it called?”

“Mother, I don’t even remember what you made for dinner last night...” You muttered as you glanced down at Mina to see her comfortably sitting in your lap, except now, it seemed like her goal was to eat your fingers. You tugged your hands away from her slightly, still allowing her to fidget with your fingers.

“Over the Rainbow!” Your mother exclaims as she remembers the name. “That’s what it’s called! It’s about ten minutes from here? (Y/N) passes it every time she walks to school.” You looked at her curiously. I do? You wondered, I guess I don't really pay that much attention to my surroundings.

“Thank you so much, that will definitely come in handy!” Taehyung bowed his head slightly, grateful for your mother's suggestion.

“Why don’t you ask (Y/N) to take care of her, too? I’m sure you’re extremely busy, and keeping her at a daycare all day could get very expensive.” God dammit, Mother.

“Well, I actually did ask her before, but maybe you could convince her?” Taehyung flashed his pathetic puppy dog eyes at you before quickly redirecting his gaze to your mother.

“Oh, so you two have met before. Why didn’t I realize?” Your mother curiously glanced between the two of you, wondering how she hadn't know this.

“It was a few days ago, when I first moved in,” Taehyung cut his eyes to you and gave a boxy smile.

“Dinner is served,” your father entered the living room with a air of elegance. He wore an apron that was slightly dirty from all of his hard work in the kitchen.

“Excellent!” Your mother exclaimed with excitement. The guests stood and your mother led the way into the dining area, but one person stayed behind. Taehyung pulled at the legs of his slacks and crouched down beside you, opening his arms for his daughter. You dusted yourself off and before you could stand, a hand came into view.

“Need a hand?”

You realized there were only two options, and it almost felt like a dating simulator. Reject his offer—which kinda played in your head as slapping his hand away, but that was a bit extreme—and seem like a real bee with an itch, stripes and all, or accept his offer. Yellow was not your color. You gingerly placed your palm in his and tried to hide the fact that your body temperature was rising. What was it about him? Yeah, he was handsome. Like model-worthy. But why did just touching him make you want to blush?

You watch for a few moments with mild amusement at Taehyung tries to search through his diaper bag single-handedly before offering to hold Mina while he continued his search. You propped Mina on your hip and waited patiently. Once Taehyung found what he was looking for, a bottle that appeared to be filled with chocolate milk, you finally made your way into the dining room with Taehyung close behind you. You took your usual seat across from your mother and shifted Mina on your lap so that you could still eat comfortably.

“Are you okay with her sitting in your lap?” You looked to your left to find Taehyung looking at you curiously as he hands Mina her bottle. You subconsciously hold the small girl a little closer.

“Yeah, I'm okay with it.”

Dinner went on rather quietly. Every so often your father or mother would bring up random events, but you didn't really have much to contribute to the conversation so you remained quiet as you continued eating, bouncing your leg every so often when Mina would begin to wiggle around. What you really wanted to, but knew you couldn't, do was to retreat to your room and finish watching one of your shows, but that was off the table for the time being. You were in the middle of zoning out and finishing up the last of your meal when question caught your attention.

“...don’t you think?” Yep, the question was definitely directed at you.

You blinked repeatedly, stunned. “I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s a good deal, isn’t it?” Your mother and Taehyung beamed at you. You were so lost in your own thoughts that you hadn't been paying the slightest bit of attention to the conversation happening around you. You didn't want to chance asking them to repeat themselves and embarrassing yourself further, so you did what any normal person would do.

You nodded.

“Great! We hope that settles everything. Now, let’s eat cake.”

“Ooh, yes.”

a/n: hey all! i actually meant for this to be a christmas update... then a tae birthday update... but let’s just consider it all of the above and a new years update? haha <3 please enjoy. smut in the chapter to come.

SPECIAL THANKS TO BOTH MY EDITORS <3 [septiceyesky & sneheee]

#honey gold & gucci #gucci tae #GucciTae #gucciintellectuals #gucciv #kim taehyung #valentae #bts taehyung #taehyung smut #taehyung #bts #bts scenes #bts v #bts scenarios #bts scenario #peachyvhope

315 notes · View notes

hsfddlksdnf · 3 years ago

Text

Baby Christmas Clothes | Lulu babe

From rudiments to party outfits, you ca n’t go past our lovable range of babywear. Our baby apparel is swish and practical, so your bub will have the freedom to play and explore in comfort. From fun beast prints to florals, bright colours or snap, you're sure to find the perfect clothes for your baby’s personality and style. We also have a collection of genderless baby clothes if you are looking for gender neutral colours.

Now you can dress your baby or toddler in the rearmost developer- style clothes at veritably affordable prices. Because stop’s face it- kiddies are messy and they grow so presto! Take advantage of our steal now, pay latterly options including Afterpay, Zip Pay, Klarna and LatitudePay. New guests can enjoy an redundant 10 reduction ( indeed on trade particulars) just by subscribing up to our newsletter.

Keep them cool in summer with our range of films, featherlight onesies and comeback headdresses. In downtime they ’ll be warmish warm with knitwear, fleeces and beanies from our downtime baby apparel collection. We've gorgeous clothes for babe, and apparel sizes in our toddler range go over 2years.However, check out our collection of funny baby clothes, If you are after a fun and cocky outfit for your little bone.

Take a look around. As well as babywear, you'll also find beautiful baby accessories, from headbands to bibs, socks and leggings. We also vend baby sleep aids, invigorated bean bags, nappy bags and much more! If you are looking for baby shower gift ideas also you've come to the right place. New mums and babies love the award- winning Lulla Doll, Sleepytot bedclothes and Baby Face board books. Mums and kiddies across Australia go crazy for the cool range of caps, packs, fluffy totes and lunch bags from Little Renegade Company. We also vend personalised baby gifts and handwrought rustic memorial from Timber Tinkers, as well as rustic toys that will be played with and treasured for times to come.

At Lulu Babe we ’ve worked hard to bring you swish, christmas baby clothes affordable baby clothes and gifts that every parent will love. Our selection of high- quality baby particulars will simplify your life and keep you stable … no matter how beforehand into parenting you are.

Our charge is simple-to bring you beautiful, on- trend baby products at affordable prices.

📷

We boat products Australia wide, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Canberra, Hobart and beyond! No transnational delivery at this time.

Please visit Lulu Babe's Instagram and Facebook for alleviation and lovable baby snaps. We love seeing filmland of your beautiful bubs using our products so be sure to tag us in your prints

#christmas baby clothes

0 notes

nuttydefendoryouth · 3 years ago

Text

Are stinky inflatable pool toys putting your kids at risk?

The researchers expressed concern that some of the products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that could pose a risk to children’s health, depending on the degree of exposure and concentration levels in the products.

The researchers conducted tests using an inflatable beach ball, a pair of swimming armbands and two bathing rings they bought off the shelf from local stores and online suppliers in Germany.(Shutterstock)

HEALTH

Are stinky inflatable kids' toys putting your kids at risk? Here’s what a study found

Washington D.C. | By ANI

UPDATED ON APR 13, 2017 08:46 PM IST

Turns out, there are many dangerous chemicals lurking in your swimming pool that can risk your children’s health.

Inflatable sprinkler and swimming aids, like bathing rings and arm bands, often have a distinctive smell which could indicate that they contain a range of potentially hazardous substances.

Some of these compounds, which include carbonyl compounds, cyclohexanone, phenol and isophorone, might be critical when present in higher concentrations in children’s toys, said authors Christoph Wiedmer and Andrea Buettner.

Lead author Wiedmer from Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV in Germany and his team conducted tests using an inflatable pool, a pair of swimming armbands and two bathing rings they bought off the shelf from local stores and online suppliers in Germany.

A small piece of material from each sample was analysed using a variety of material analysis techniques, including one that takes infrared measurements, and it was concluded that the inflatable objects were all made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The researchers then investigated the molecular make-up of the distinctive smells arising from the pool toys. They extracted detectable odours from each sample using solvent extraction and high vacuum distillation methods, and then identified the main odorants using a combination of sensory and common analytical approaches.

Between 32 and 46 odours were detected in each sample, of which up to thirteen were quite intense. The majority of these odorants were identified and among these were several fatty smelling mono- or di-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and their epoxidised derivatives, but also odouractive organic solvents such as cyclohexanone, isophorone, and phenol.

As part of the study, a panel of trained volunteers sniffed each product, and ascribed common odour attributes to these. They also rated the intensity of each odour, and had to guess whether these could be hazardous. Three of the products reminded the panellists of almonds, plastic and rubber, while the fourth more pungent one reminded them of glue and nail polish.

Wiedmer expressed his concern that some of the products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that could pose a risk to children’s health, depending on the degree of exposure and concentration levels in the products. Cyclohexanone can be harmful if inhaled, phenol is known to be acutely toxic and to presumably have mutagenic potential and isophorone is a category 2 carcinogen, which means that this is a suspect substance in the development of cancer in humans.

“A range of these substances are not yet resolved in their chemical structures. Likewise, potential negative effects on humans, such as irritation, smell nuisance, or other physiological or psychosomatic effects still need to be resolved,” said Wiedmer.

“Modern products such as toys and children’s products are sourced from a wide variety of chemical and physical manufacturing processes, and this complexity often makes it difficult for us to identify those containing contaminants and unwanted substances, and to determine their causes,” noted Wiedmer. “However, we found that in a number of cases our noses can guide us to ‘sniff out’ problematic products.”

The study appears in the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (ABC).

Backyards and patios have been working hard all year because of the pandemic, and this summer they can provide new ways to cool off and have fun in the water.

Whether you have a lot of space or a little, there’s gear ranging from water tables and tubs for kids to floating loungers with drink holders for adults.

One company, Minnidip, makes inflatable “adult kiddie pools” that aim to transport you to some exotic travel destination. Patterns on the Marrakesh pool reference Moroccan architectural details, while the Amalfi is a nod to the blue, yellow and white tile of the Italian coast.

“Because for me, having a pool on our urban Chicago rooftop felt like being transported to another place,” says company founder Emily Vaca. “I wanted to capture that feeling through design and pattern. “

Minnidip also offers inflatable drinks coolers and glam pool balls filled with gold confetti, among other offerings.

The only water table that lets you make waves, Little Tikes’ Island Wavemaker has a water wheel, plus cute sea creatures and a wee pirate to send paddling around the waterway or down the waterfall. Toddlers can practice their fine motor skills with Little Tikes’ Spinning Seas Water Table; small balls, a cup, a funnel and a water wheel set up the fun.

Step2’s two-sided Waterfall Discovery Wall has adjustable toggles, spinners and chutes to send the water tumbling in lots of different ways. And Lakeshore Learning’s Watch It Flow water table features three plastic logs that can be configured however you wish. Fill the logs using a hose or bucket; gates control the flow and can close up to make long tubs.

Foamo, also from the folks at Little Tikes, creates mountains of easy-to-clean-up foam when you add the nontoxic, biodegradable foam solution to water.

HOSE HAPPY

Turn on the hose and attach it to West Elm's inflatable car bed or giant shark mouth sprinklers. Fat Brain Toy’s Hydro Twist Pipeline Sprinkler has a couple of fountains, plus a bunch of wiggly worm hoses. Or hook up to BigMouth’s giant 6-foot-high unicorn, who shoots water out of her horn. There’s a ginormous ape, giraffe, dinosaur and giraffe here as well.

SWIM AND PADDLE

Giant inflatable water wheels let you find your inner hamster. You can find ones online for toddlers, while Wow Watersports has a grownup version they call the Aqua Treadmill.

Don’t forget the family pets; a nonporous, puncture-resistant floating dog bed at Frontgate comes in a bunch of colors and three sizes.

Chewy has ZippyPaws Floaterz sturdy turtle-shaped water toys for dogs, as well as rope-handled bumpers and a variety of floating balls.

A hard-sided kiddie pool can be a good non-inflatable option for cooling off; just hose it out and stow away. Other pluses: The doggos will also have fun splashing around in it, and it makes a great sand or snow play zone in colder weather. The Sun Squad Wading Kiddie Pool is inexpensive and has an embossed bottom, so it’s less slippery.

SLIDE AND RIDE

A basic heavy-duty plastic water slide or “slip and slide” can be set up in most backyards; if yours doesn’t come with an attached barrier at the bottom, make sure to put something soft there.

Studio 21 Graphix’s slide has a crash pad at the finish line, plus two lanes for racing and a sprinkler curtain to pass thru on the way down. Wow Watersports’ Strike Zone Water Slide is 25-by-6 feet of slipperiness; zigzag sprinkler patterns assure a wet ride, fat pontoons on either side keep riders inside, and two sleds are included. Got a really long yard? Get two; they can be interconnected.

If you’ve got lots of space, consider Costway’s inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide, with a bounce area, water gun, two slides, a basketball hoop and several balls. It comes with a storage bag for easy transport.

POOL STYLE

Marisa Issa of Los Angeles says her family’s favorite pool games are corn hole and a floating basketball hoop, but her favorite is a floating mat from Frontgate “that only mom can use,” she says. The sleek, minimalist white float has a headrest, and is made of marine-grade dense foam, suitable for chlorine or saltwater pools.

If you prefer sitting up a little, Frontgate’s got a floating armchair with attached ottoman. Choose from aqua, blue or flamingo pink. Or splash out on a full-size pool chaise kitted out with drink holders.

Want to hang out with a handful of friends in a backyard pool? Funboy has a 9-foot-wide floating metallic crown with drink holders. Or lounge luxuriously in the company’s Bali Cabana Lounger, with a curved integrated shade, a tropical leaf print, cup holders and handy grab ropes.

BigMouth has some food-related inflatables like a giant ice pop, pizza slice, donut, watermelon slice, cheeseburger and taco.

At first, glance, laying on an inflatable toy in shallow water seems pretty safe. After all, the water isn't deep, and there is a floating toy right there. Recently, a family's trip to the beach in Nova Scotia proved to be a harrowing reminder of why this is not the case. In August, two 5-year-olds played in shallow water – one in an inflatable ring, the other on an inflatable roller. Because the girls were in shallow water, their caregiver assumed the inflatable toys were enough. It wasn't until the girls began to drift away from that the complete danger of the situation became clear.

Inflatable toys can be dangerous

Because they are so light and buoyant, they tend to drift in the water or deflate when they get wet. That's when it's a problem. Kids don't know when their toys are deflated and cannot compensate when they're in the water. They can get trapped in the holes or strangle. When the girls got stuck, their caregiver did the right thing by calling for help. First responders rescued the girls and took them to the hospital to be treated for their injuries. While it's infrequent that inflatable toys are the source of injury to kids, it's good to know that they can pose a hazard. The numbers aren't obvious, but it seems that they're responsible for 1 in every 100 boating-related deaths in the U.S. and are one of the leading causes of drowning for children aged 4-6.

Why Inflatable Toys Can Be Dangerous

The giant inflatable was much bigger than the girls and began to drag the mattress toward shore, according to the parent of one of the girls who spoke with CTVNews. However, the inflatable ring wasn't nearly as big or heavy and was drifting with the current. The girls eventually lost hold of both and drifted a considerable distance. The girls' parents rushed to the scene and tried to retrieve their children, but the current was too firm, and the military eventually rescued them. The girls were found to be unharmed. Since this incident, many parents have expressed concerns about the safety of inflatable toys.

0 notes

your-dietician · 4 years ago

Text

DESTIN EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT June 26

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/entertainment/destin-events-and-entertainment-june-26/

DESTIN EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT June 26

Please send your events, meetings, etc., to [email protected] at least 2 weeks in advance.

Destin City Hall

All city meetings are being held at the City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail, until further notice. All meetings are subject to change or cancellation. To virtually view the meeting, https://www.cityofdestin.com/. To view/stream is www.youtube.com/CityofDestin.

Family Fun Day

The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart will host a Family Fun Day in Santa Rosa Beach from 9-11 a.m. June 26. The location will be the new Ascension Sacred Heart building at 179 Mack Bayou Loop. The event is free of charge and celebrates the expansion of pediatric services to the Emerald Coast. Outdoors, masks are encouraged, but not required. Inside the building, masks are required.

Rock the Docks

Rock along the docks at HarborWalk Village and under the stars for a free live concert from 7-9 p.m. June 26 with Frank Fletcher.

• July 3: 18 Miles Band

• July 10: Flash Flood

• July17: way Ja Vu

• July 24: The Hoodoos

• July 31: Scenic Heights

• Aug. 7: FIinga Faya

• Aug. 14: TBA

Sunday Cinema

Grab a lawn chair or blanket for the free movie “Moana,” a featured film on the big screen at 8 p.m. June 27 on the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf.

• July 11: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

• July 18: Pete’s Dragon

• July 25: Sing

Rosemary Beach Summer Concerts

Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the night on St. Augustine Green in Rosemary Beach with music of Totally Awesome 80’s from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 28.

• July 5: Ocean’s Nine (boat Pop)

• July 12: Kool Kats (50’s & 60’s)

• July 19: British Invasion (Beatles and Stones)

• July 26: Flying High (Bryds to the Eagles)

• Aug. 2: Fais Do-Do (Cajun & Zydeco)

• Aug. 9: Totally Awesome 80’s!

ACT Workshops

Workshops to assist students in Okaloosa, Escambia and Santa Rosa County high schools who will be taking the July 17 ACT tests will be held in Gulf Breeze. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to noon July 12, 13, 14 and 15. Registrations must be postmarked by June 28. All materials, snacks and drinks are furnished. Students will need to bring calculators. If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call 615-585-2401.

Wednesday Night Concert Series

Enjoy free live entertainment with Dion Jones & The Neon Tears from 7-9 p.m. June 30 on the Events Plaza stage at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

July 7: Boukou Groove

July 14: Forrest Williams Band

July 21: Six Piece Suits

July 28: Rust & Gold

Summer Storytime on the Lawn

Cuddlers and Toddlers Storytime is continuing through the summer at 10 a.m. every Thursday and run approximately 20 minutes. Come enjoy Tails & Tales themed stories while waiting for the weekly Summer Reading events to begin at 10:30 a.m. Get more information at cityofdestin.com/655/Summer-Reading. If you have any questions, call 837-8572 or email [email protected].

Summer at HarborWalk Village

• Monday: Dance to your own beat with a silent disco experience in front of the main stage from 7-10 p.m. Sanitized headphones provided.

• Tuesday: Carnival comes to HarborWalk Village with live music on the main stage at 6:30 p.m. and the Fat Tuesday Parade at 8:30 p.m. Catch beads as the floats roll through the Village. Want to celebrate on a float with you and your krewe or promote your business? Email [email protected] or call 850-424-0600.

• Thursday: All American Thursday is from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Celebrate the USA with a one-of-a-kind vintage airshow, hero salute, live entertainment, fireworks and a fire spinning show with Hero Salute and Vintage Air Show 6:30 p m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Rosemary Beach Moonlight & Movies

Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a movie night under the stars in Rosemary Beach July 1 with “The Secret Life of Pets 2” on the Western Green. Balloon art starts at 6 p.m. and movie at 8:15 p.m. Enjoy popcorn and hot dogs on the beach from DogManDu.

• July 8: Toy Story 4

• July 15 Moana

• July 22: Sonic the Hedgehog

• Aug. 5: Tom and Jerry

• Aug. 12: Trolls World Tour

Let Freedom Ring

HarborWalk Village’s 4th of July celebration, Let Freedom Ring, begins at 7 p.m. July 2 with The Two Hoo Doos. The Miles Band performs July 3 at 7 p.m. and The Manly Hero July 4 at 7 p.m. Fireworks and fire spinning by Autumn Lyfe begin at 9 p.m. Sunday. On-site parking $10.

Movies & S’mores Series

The free Movies & S’mores series will be at 5 p.m. July 3 in Camp Helen State Park Recreation Hall with food and fun. Seating will be provided. Programs begin at 6:30 p.m. with an interpretive table of activities, a merchandise table, prepackaged smores around the bonfire and a souvenir cup. Movie, “The Lion King (2019),” begins. at sunset. Donations are accepted and will go directly to the Friends of Camp Helen State Park to be used to benefit the parks resource management, projects and interpretative programs.

• July 22: Onward with a special treasure hunt/guided tour throughout the park

Smoke on the Coast

Destin Commons will host 15 local non-profit organizations at the 10th annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ & Fireworks Festival from 5-10 p. m. July 3. Each non-profit organization teams up with a restaurant or BBQ aficionado. Cast your vote for $1 for your favorite BBQ team, support their mission, and enjoy a day of family fun.

Seaside 4th of July

Seaside is hosting a day of patriotic activities from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. in Central Square, with storefronts decorated in red, white, and blue. While there will not be a parade along 30A, Seaside will feature second-line-style patriotic music performances around town throughout the day, with a special performance by the Rep Theatre. All of this will culminate into what will be the largest fireworks show not only in Seaside but along the entire Gulf Coast.

Red, White & Baytowne

The Red, White, and Baytowne celebration takes place from 7-9:15 p.m. July 4 with music from Donovan Keith on the Events Plaza Stage at Baytowne Wharf. A fireworks display will light up the night sky at 9:15 p.m. The Village will also host kids activities including kids crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.

Foster Gallery

The public is invited to a reception celebrating both the Summer Rotation and upcoming Juried Special Exhibition artists at Foster Gallery from 5-7 p.m. July 14. Enjoy tasty sips and snacks while perusing all the works on display and available for purchase.

Summer Pop

The Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents Jordan and Michelle’s “Back to Broadway” show, a fun-filled, high-energy tribute to the Broadway music of today and yesterday. July 17 at ECTC’s performance space, 560 Grand Boulevard, upstairs, in the Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach. Tickets are $30/person at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

• July 24 – Frank & Friends with Peter Lake. Enjoy tunes from Frank Sinatra, Giacomo Puccini, Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more favorites.

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Jesus Christ Superstar is the 2021 Summer Musical at 7:30 p.m. July 21-24 and 2 p.m. July 25 on Mainstage. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater in Niceville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call the Box Office for tickets at 729-6000 or visit https://mattiekellyartscenter.org/.

Billy Gray Testimony

Billy Gray, who ministers to people around the world and is former pastor at The Gathering, will give his testimony at First Baptist Church, 201 Beach Dr. in Destin, on July 27 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.

Hydroflight Monday

Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 2.

Boomin’ Tuesday

Turn your eyes on the sky at Baytowne Wharf and watch as the sky lights up with a fireworks show over the Lagoon at 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 3. Also, a DJ Dance Party with DJ Mike Whitty begins at 7 p.m. in the Events Plaza.

Magical Thursday

Magic, music, and mayhem with Baytowne Wharf’s featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows at 7 and 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 5.

Destin Woman’s Club

The Annual Fashion Show held by the Destin Woman’s Club has been cancelled this year due to the Covid virus. The Fashion Show for 2021 has been scheduled for Nov. 5. As their major fundraiser, net proceeds go toward the Club’s Family Assistance Fund designed to help local families and a local charity.

RECURRING EVENTS

Destin Community Center

All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email [email protected] information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.

Pickleball: Sessions are Mondays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Fee is $3/session. Racquets and balls are available, just bring your gym shoes.

Table Tennis: Play from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.

Senior Programs

All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email [email protected] for information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.

— Destin Senior Membership: Join the Destin Seniors to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, potluck, casino trips, cruises, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin resident.

— Senior Book Club: The Destin Senior Members meet at 10 a.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave.

— Senior Drop-In Hours: The Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers senior drop-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday for Seniors (50 years and older) to meet and enjoy each other’s company, participate in games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, cards, etc.

— Senior Walking Club: The Destin Senior Members walk around the Destin Community Center’s gymnasium from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday. All of the miles that you walk will be added to the “team map” as we travel from one region to the next. The team’s miles are reported on the 4th Friday of each month at the Destin Senior Membership’s Potluck.

— Destin Senior Chair Exercise 50+ years: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. at Buck Destin Park consists of performing light exercises to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and circulation. Free/residents.

Book Club

The Destin Library’s Novel Idea Book Club is open to adults and meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Club members can submit book recommendations – primarily fiction with the occasional non-fiction title – and the club will vote on which ones to read. Membership is open to everyone; however, you will need an Okaloosa County Public Library card to check-out materials. Members will need an email address and internet access to join the discussion.

City of Destin Annual Passes

Full-time residents (within the incorporated city limits) are encouraged to submit their request for a 2021 Annual Pass at https://www.cityofdestin.com/342/Annual-Passes. For those who do not have internet access, beach parking passes are only available at City Hall. Henderson Beach State Park and Joe’s Bayou Boat Ramp passes are available at both City Hall and the Destin Community Center. For questions, call 837-4242.

Adopt-A-Street

The City of Destin’s Adopt-A-Street Program allows local families, businesses and community groups to perform a valuable community service by adopting sections of a street to keep clear of litter and debris. Groups who participate in this program will have their name listed on the City’s website and signage installed on their adopted street. For more information, call 837-6869 or email [email protected].

Grand Boulevard Farmers Market

Grand Boulevard Farmers Market takes place every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grand Park in the heart of Grand Boulevard in South Walton. Bring your shopping bag and load up on local produce, eggs, jams and pies. Homemade soap, good olive oil, and pickled things are all there for the taking.

Rosemary Beach Farmers Market

Come browse the 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The local farmers market takes place on Sundays year round, and Thursdays throughout the summer months, in North Barrett Square along Scenic 30A.

Source link

0 notes

euroman1945-blog · 7 years ago

Text

The Daily Tulip

The Daily Tulip – Friday’s Archeological News From Around The World

Friday 13th July 2018

Good Morning Gentle Reader…. Well Archeologists have been really busy this week, telling us all about their discoveries made over the last year or so, as most of you understand, it takes quite a while to go from finding to announcing the find to the public, in many cases years and years, but eventually we get to hear all about it and then I can “Discover” it and post it here for all of us to learn, so from Dogs to Gold Coins and a mixture of everything in-between …

GENES OF NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST DOGS STUDIED…. OXFORD, ENGLAND—The mitochondrial DNA of ancient North American dogs has not been found in any other canines, according to a report in Science Magazine. A genetic study of dogs who lived in North America and Siberia between 1,000 and 10,000 years ago found that the genetic signature of the ancient American dogs most closely resembles that of 9,000-year-old dogs from Russia’s Zhokhov Island, which lies north of the Siberian mainland. A study of dogs’ nuclear DNA also supports the idea that ancient North American dogs were genetically distinct from today’s animals, but related to Arctic breeds like Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies. Evolutionary geneticist Laurent Frantz of the University of Oxford suggests the rate of genetic mutation indicates ancient North American dogs and ancient Siberian dogs shared an ancestor some 16,000 years ago, or about the time when humans were migrating into North America. Dogs may have traveled to the New World with humans, or they may have crossed the land bridge from Siberia into North America on their own at a later date, but before the land bridge disappeared some 11,000 years ago. Zooarchaeologist Angela Perri of Durham University said the first North American dogs were likely wiped out by diseases brought to the New World by the dogs of European explorers, or may have been killed off by wary Europeans who were frightened by their wolf-like appearance.

LARGE HOUSES FOUND NEAR EGYPT’S GIZA PYRAMIDS…. GIZA, EGYPT—Live Science reports that the remains of two 4,500-year-old structures have been uncovered at an ancient port near the Giza pyramids by a team of researchers led by Mark Lehner of Ancient Egypt Research Associates. The buildings are thought to have served as housing for a priest who may have been a high-ranking government official and an official in charge of the production of food for a paramilitary force during the reign of Menkaure, who ruled from about 2490 to 2472 B.C. A third large building at the site may have been used for brewing and baking. Nearby buildings called galleries may have housed the paramilitary force, thought to have been made up of about 1,000 people. The food produced at the site could have fed the people living in the galleries, and perhaps even some of the workers building Menkaure’s pyramid.

ROMAN INSCRIPTION UNEARTHED IN THRACIAN CITY…. YAMBOL, BULGARIA—Archaeology in Bulgaria reports that an intact Roman-era inscription has been uncovered in the ancient Thracian city of Kabyle, which is located in southeastern Bulgaria. The city was home to rulers of the Odrysian Thracian kingdom from the fifth century B.C. until the first century A.D., when it was conquered by the Romans. The seven lines of Latin text, engraved on a two-foot-tall stone slab, are said to date to the reign of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from A.D. 161 to 180, and refer to the construction of the city’s public baths, or thermae. The stone was found near the command center for the local military unit, which had built the thermae. “All in all, the inscription’s translation reveals that the thermae in Kable were built by the Cohors II Lucensium at the time when the Thracia province was governed by Governor Claudius Marcialus,” Stefan Bakardzhiev, director of the Regional Museum of History in Yambol, explained.

INCA BURIALS FOUND IN LAMBAYEQUE PYRAMID OF THE BEES…. TÚCUME, PERU—According to a Reuters report in the New York Times, two dozen burials dating to the time of the Inca Empire have been found in the Pyramid of the Bees at the Lambayeque site of Tucume, which is located in a desert valley near Peru’s northern coastline. Archaeologist Jose Manuel Escudero said the space had been reused by the Inca, but there is no evidence at this time that they took it over by force. The cave-like tombs within the adobe pyramid contain human remains and pottery. The remains of men holding spiked spondylus shells were found in five of the tombs. One of the bodies in another tomb had been wrapped in more than four shrouds and set on a bed of ceramic pieces. One of these shrouds had been quilted. “You’re not going to bury an ordinary person that way,” Escudero said. He thinks burial in the Pyramid of the Bees may have held “great significance for them to be buried there.”

"LUCY'S BABY" HAD GRASPING BIG TOES…. HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE—According to a Live Science report, a study of DIK-1-1, the remains of a three-year-old Australopithecus afarensis individual discovered in Dikika, Ethiopia, suggests that she had a grasping big toe that probably helped her hold onto her mother and even climb trees some 3.3 million years ago. Paleoanthropologist Jeremy DeSilva of Dartmouth College and his colleagues said the toddler’s two-inch long foot resembles the feet of modern humans, except for the curved big toe. “So, it’s human-like in not sticking out to the side, but it had much more mobility and could probably wiggle and grab on to stuff,” DeSilva said. “Not [as well as] a chimp, but certainly more than a human could.” And, adult A. afarensis fossils, such as Lucy, have robust heel bones similar to those possessed by modern humans for upright walking. Selam, however, has a small, delicate heel, which suggests she may have spent more time aloft than her parents, perhaps to avoid large predators.

MONGOLIA’S EARLIEST EVIDENCE OF EQUINE DENTISTRY…. JENA, GERMANY—Live Science reports that researchers led by William Taylor of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History examined the remains of 85 horses buried between 1200 and 700 B.C. in Mongolia by the nomadic Deer Stone–Khirigsuur culture and found evidence of early equine dental care. In the skull of one of the horses, dated to 1150 B.C., a tooth sticking out at an odd angle bears a cut mark that suggests someone may have used a stone to form it into a shape that would be more comfortable for the horse. The researchers also discovered that after 750 B.C., when the herders of the Deer Stone–Khirigsuur culture began using metal bits in horses’ mouths instead of ones made of wood, rope, or leather, some horses required additional dental care, to remove remove a functionless premolar known as a wolf tooth, which can interfere with wearing a metal bit. “It’s really shocking and cool that [wolf-tooth removal] directly accompanied the introduction of metal bits,” Taylor said.

BRONZE COINS RECOVERED IN 2,300-YEAR-OLD TOMB…. ROME, ITALY—A cache of coins dating to the third century B.C. has been found at the Poggetto Mengarelli necropolis at the Vulci archaeological site, located near the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, according to a report in ANSA. The 15 large bronze coins bear images of the god Janus Bifrons on one side and the prow of a boat on the other, representing the passage to the underworld from the world of the living. They are thought to have been stored in a leather bag, and then placed in the burial along with ceramics and an iron tool called a strigil that was used to clean the body. A coin similar to those in the bag was placed near a bronze clasp on the left shoulder of a man who was buried in the tomb. An iron object that may have been a spear was found near his head. The second person buried in the tomb had been cremated, and the remains wrapped in a shroud that had probably been closed with the bronze clasp found nearby. A small circular pyx, or chalice, with a lead cover was discovered in the tomb’s vestibule.

Well Gentle Reader I hope you enjoyed our look at the news from around the world this, morning… …

Our Tulips today come with a cup of coffee for you to enjoy while you read…..

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Friday 13th July 2018 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus #Travel #Archeology #News #Blog #Love #Gold #History

#robertmcangus #robert mcangus #archeology #history #news #travel

1 note · View note

terkaznebes · 5 years ago

Text

These days

Goddamnit I didn’t imagine that I would spend the last year of my twenties in quarantine. I wanted to drink coffee, read books, cancel plans and do nothing out of my own will!

Did the last few years go too fast or what? I know that thirty is the new twenty (surely some people somewhere have said it, at least some insta influencers, I would bet my morning filter on this), but it’s still kind of scary, no not scary… what’s the right word? Annoying, yes it’s just plain annoying. It has nothing to do with where I wanted to be/what I wanted to have at this age, it’s more like where the hell is my great butt and why god oh why am I getting sun spots and that in between the eyebrows wrinkle? I was aware of this wrinkle at an early age. I still remember this conversation with my best friend:

Me: “I am worried about my in between the eyebrows wrinkle.”

Her: “Like she won’t go to college or what?”

Despite all the necessary precautions like staying away from the sun, moisturising, adopting the resting bitch face, always wearing sunglasses, that sneaky frown line still made an appearance.

Jokes aside, things are getting serious when you are nearing thirty. (I can already see my fifty year old self laughing at this, nearly spilling my afternoon whisky somewhere in the future.)

In this past year I have had so many real adult experiences, (yet somehow the teenager within still laughed at the phrase “adult experience”), like picking up my child from kinder-garden, leaving the office on time so I could pick up my child from kinder-garden…I know it sounds like the same thing, but honestly those were two very different feelings and emotions. We also started a long distance house renovation. I can now say grown up things like: We are just putting up the roof. Or: The architects have completed the study, do you want to see it?

My absolute favourite thing that came with adulting is the good quality of sustenance. I am so happy that we drink the good wine, the good coffee, the good whiskey and eat all the good food. Mind you, I don’t think I could handle a shitty wine hangover anymore. I need to function at 5AM most days, some days at 4.40AM and some blissful, scarce and wonderful mornings, I don’t have to open my eyes until 5.30AM. Aaah motherhood. So when choosing to go for a run or do nothing during the first nap time, it takes ALL the will and effort to put the sneakers on. I did it today though. My knee hurt a little. I am now that person who runs on that grassy patch to alleviate the impact on the concrete. I know, I know to be concerned with vanity and ageing in the time of corona. However if I can’t make fun of things anymore, that’s when there’s no point in living. I wake up every day knowing very well that I have no real problems in life, I appreciate it by being a compassionate and hopefully a kind person to those around me.

I was supposed to be at a yoga retreat right now with Dominika. For the first time since Josefina was born, I was supposed to have four days just to myself. I remember that even when I was at uni writing my dissertation and studying for my finals, training for a half marathon, working night shifts and fundraising for Childreach, I still had a day every now and then that was just for me and for my books. I really miss those recharge days.

Gold Coast is the perfect place to raise a child in, the weather is awesome all the time, you barely have to dress them, the veggies and fruit is always fresh and in abundance and there’s a ridiculous amount of young mums that you can hang out with. However being so far away from family sucks in this instance. I would love to just drop Josie off at grandma’s for the weekend. Don’t ever underestimate the value of having people you can trust around you. I think that’s the one downside of living in Australia. It’s all fun and games when you are just a rebel twenty-five year old, but at twenty-nine, it’s serious business. I am kidding of course, but having a kid sure does change things from that perspective.

Despite the situation in the world (and the politics in homeland), I am actually going through a really blissful time in my life. Josie is so much more fun now that she’s progressed to toddler level. Lukas is working from home and we are like the best family unit I know. I know it is taking a worldwide toll, but when are you going to get this time to truly bond with the ones closest to you? We are taking it as a fantastic opportunity to talk, take walks, spend time on the beach, drink more than we should, plan the future and more adult experiences hahahaha. Lukas also completed a great deal of DYI and just proved to me even more that I chose the right mate for life. We will probably have to postpone our wedding, which sucks, but thanks to quarantine drinking and no yoga routine, I probably won’t fit my wedding dress anymore so just as well. I am hope everyone is staying safe.

#lifeinthetimeofcorona

0 notes

colourupuniforms · 5 years ago

Text

10 Best Baseball Coaching Clubs for Kids in Australia

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams who take turns batting and fielding. The game proceeds when a player on the fielding team, called the pitcher, throws a ball which a player on the batting team tries to hit with a bat.

The objective of the offensive team (batting team) is to hit the ball into the field of play, allowing its players to run the bases, having them advance counter-clockwise around four bases to score what are called "runs". The objective of the defensive team (fielding team) is to prevent batters from becoming runners, and to prevent runners' advance around the bases.

A run is scored when a runner legally advances around the bases in order and touches home plate (the place where the player started as a batter). The team that scores the most runs by the end of the game is the winner.

There are many baseball clubs in Australia who do best work for coaching kids and here are some listed below.

1. Surfers Paradise Baseball Club

Baseball Clubs - Benowa (Queensland)

Surfers Paradise Baseball Club is the original baseball club on the Gold Coast. The club plays 12 months of the year.

The club caters to players from age 5 to 70. Our main season is Summer in which our juniors play in the Gold Coast competition and our seniors (and some juniors) play in the Brisbane competition. Winter is a Gold Coast only competition which includes Masters aged players.

We have 2 fully fenced fields. New extended dugouts on diamond 1. We have 2 Bull pens which allow at least 6 pitchers to train at the same time. A new double batting cage has just been built. We have a fully operating canteen, toilets and showers, and umpires change area.

The club has excellent coaching at both senior and junior level and fully support our players, aiming to play at the next level.We operate the Blue Wave Academy which fast tracks young players in their development.

The club is host to a number of tournaments including Dingo World Series, various school boy events, Australian National Titles, University games and Pan Pacific Games. in 2015 the club hosted the Australian Baseball Academy.

2.East Hills Baseball Club

Baseball Clubs - Panania (New South Wales)

Our Baseball club was established in 1967 we run mixed teams in both junior and senior age groups. Our juniors play in the Cronulla competition with our teams starting with Nursery Tots, T-Ball U7:U8/U9, then progressing to baseball Little League Minor, Major, Junior and Senior League (U12, U14, U16) and adults. Most junior games are played on Saturday mornings and training is either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights.

For the 3-5 years we run the very popular Nursery Tots we supply all equipment and it is great fun. Nursery Tots runs Fridays for 8 weeks from 6 till 7 starting in October.

We have excellent facilities with enclosed junior and senior diamonds, lights for training, batting tunnel, good car parking, change rooms, canteen and club room. We have great coaches, parents and volunteers and we encourage children to participate and learn our sport in a friendly atmosphere. In July we run free Try Baseball days where everyone can come and try all facets of baseball plus a free sausage sizzle - see our website for information or contact us for more information.

3.Kwinana Blue Jays Baseball Club

Baseball Clubs - Medina (Western Australia)

Kwinana Blue Jays Baseball Club are a newly established baseball club looking at commencing our first season in the BWA competition. We are striving to establish a family friendly club for all members, families and community to join, support and participate in baseball in the Kwinana locale.

KBJBC are looking for senior players aged 9 - 99 who are interested in playing Baseball. We offer a fun, social environment for all players at all skill levels.

4.Doncaster Baseball Club

Baseball Clubs - Doncaster East (Victoria)

Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club is one of the largest clubs in Victoria.

We provide opportunities for males, females, adults and kids, to play baseball in Melbourne Australia all year round in summer and/or winter.

The third biggest baseball club in Victoria and the fifth nationally, fielding 20+ Baseball teams across Men's, Women's and Junior competitions in addition to a Friday night Little League and T-ball competition.

5.Hawkesbury Baseball Club

Baseball Grounds - Richmond (New South Wales)

Baseball Club established 25 years - both junior & senior teams. Juniors from age 5 to 16 play Saturday mornings. Seniors from age 14 play Saturday afternoons. Major League teams play Sunday in Winter.6.Western Districts Baseball Club Inc.

6.Western Districts Baseball Club Inc.

Baseball Clubs - Darra (Queensland)

The Western Districts Baseball club provides opportunity for playing baseball at any level from junior players right through to Masters players. No experience is necessary and new players are always welcome. Boys and girls can all play starting from age 6. The Club provides for social baseball games right through to players being selected to play for Queensland and Australia at both Junior and Senior levels.

Western Districts Baseball Club has two newly refurbished baseball grounds at their home in Darra.

7.Baseball Tasmania

Baseball Clubs - Derwent Park (Tasmania)

Baseball Tasmania is the governing body for the Hobart Summer Baseball League (HSBL) with aims to expand the game of baseball to other areas of Tasmania. The Hobart competition consists of ten senior teams (16 upwards) and one junior team. Launceston has a fledgling competition with two teams. A competition is aimed to cover the Burnie/Ulverstone/Devonport areas. All regions are seeking new players, all genders with no previous experience necessary. Particularly looking for juniors age 11 and upwards.

8.St Kilda Baseball Club

Baseball Clubs - Albert Park (Victoria)

St Kilda has enjoyed rich history within Australian baseball and is steering towards a bright future. The first baseball club to appear in Australia, formed over 130 years ago to play a visiting team from the United States. After a few incarnations it was the St Kilda Baseball Club in the 30's that began a proud tradition in Claxton Shield Baseball, which continued for many years - The social ball in August became a highlight of the Claxton Shield period.

Today, St Kilda Baseball Club is a friendly and fun orientated group. Retaining our tradition of sociability, we are approachable and always welcome all sorts of players, from the beginner to the experienced. Just drop on by to one of our games or training sessions and meet the teams!

9.Winston Hills Junior Baseball Club

Baseball Associations - Baulkham Hills (New South Wales)

Winston Hills Junior Baseball Club was established in 1983 and since then has been successful in winning numerous premierships from T-Ball to AA grade. We have also produced numerous NSW players from U14 through to Claxton Shield as well as Australian representatives from Cal Ripken through to the Olympics and World Baseball Classic. Winston Hills Baseball is a club oriented towards enabling everyone to achieve what they want out of baseball whether that be social or playing at the highest level.

10.Byford Bushrangers

T-Ball Clubs - Byford (Western Australia)

With home grounds at Briggs Park, Byford, we are the local Tee-ball, Baseball and Softball Club. We have players from Byford, Serpentine, Jarrahdale, Mundijong, Cardup, Oakford, Darling Downs and surrounding areas.

All of our sports are available for both males and females. All sports have team training one day a week as well as a game against other teams. Days vary. Kidsport welcome.

Toddler Tee-ball - 2.5 to 3 years of age

Tee-ball - 4 to 12 years of age

Machine Pitch - 7 to 10 years of age

Baseball - 9 years to adult

Softball - 9 years to adult (winter), 16 to adult (summer)

When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth. People in uniform always look so great.

The uniform makes for brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country.

Design Sportswear Online with Colourup Uniforms.

We’ve offered custom baseball jerseys of the highest quality construction and design implementation.

Customize your own baseball pants online and make your team stand tall.

The dynamic look and comfortable feel of our fully personalized baseball jerseys are durable, lightweight and built for competition.

Take your team to the next level with your very own Custom Baseball Team Wears.

We have incorporated the Online Kit Builder into our website, allowing you to create the Best Baseball Jersey Design uniforms online.

You can add your name, number, logo and you can also design your own jerseys with custom baseball uniform creator.

Custom made Baseball Jackets are made with high-quality fabric which gives you a cool, smoother and comfortable feel.

Our Baseball Jersey Builder works in such a way with 360 degree view to make you visualize your Custom Baseball Uniforms.

Your freshly-made uniforms will be delivered right to your door! No hassle, clumsy misprints, or long waiting issues.

Our team is committed to quality service and providing your team with uniforms they will be proud to wear.

Explore the categories below to know more information regarding our baseball uniforms.

Categories:

Design Your Own Custom Baseball Apparel

Design Your Own Custom Mens Baseball Jerseys

Design Your Own Custom Mens Button Up Sleeved Jerseys

Design Your Own Custom Mens Baseball Pants

Design Your Own Custom Mens Baseball Jackets

Design Your Own Custom Baseball Uniforms

Design Your Own Custom Baseball Shirts

Design Your Own Custom Baseball Hoodies

Design Your Own Custom Baseball Wears

Reference:

https://www.activeactivities.com.au/directory/category/sports/ball-sports/baseball/baseball-clubs/

#custombaseballjerseys #custombaseballshirts #custombaseballpants #custombaseballjackets #custombaseballwears #custombaseballuniforms #custombuttonupsleevedjerseys #custombaseballapparels #custombaseballhoodies #customsportswears #customsportsuniforms #customsportsapparels #customsportshoodies #customsportsjerseys #customsportspants #customsportsjackets

0 notes

funthingsfortoddlers · 3 years ago

Photo

Crunchy's All-Day Desserts Café a delicious destination for your next toddler adventure, outing with the girls or date with your partner! 🧇

Crunchy's All-Day Desserts Café is a family owned and run café in Jimboomba. 🍨

As the name suggests they have a spectacular array of delectable desserts you can enjoy all day and they also have an all-day savoury menu, wonderful coffee and an amazing selection of wines, cocktails and locally brewed beer to enjoy. 🥂🍺🍹

Get all the sweet details: www.funthingsfortoddlers.com/toddler-friendly-eats/crunchys-all-day-desserts-cafe/

#toddlerfriendlyeats #dessertbar #bestcafelogan #funplacestoeat #funthingsfortoddlers #kidfriendlycafe #toddlerfriendlycafe #placestoeatlogan #loganeats #toddlertreat #toddleradventure #loganmums #goldcoastmums #brisbanemums #logantoddlers #goldcoasttoddlers #brisbanetoddlers #funplacestotakekids #toddlerouting #toddlerroadtrip #alldaydessert

0 notes

lenific · 8 years ago

Text

Ariel Comes To Town

@sarashouldbestudying asked “I’ve been buying the wrong underwear.”

Set in First Meetings. (Ao3)

Managing to drown a childish squeal and squeezing her cell phone too hard in the effort, Belle bounced on her feet a little as she heard the news. “Really? When?”

“Next week! Eric just came and surprised me. We’ll be staying in Storybrooke for a week!”

Since she had left to join her husband on his diplomatic travels, Ariel had rarely returned to Maine. Most of their time together consisted on Whatsapp conversations peppered with Skype and the odd reunion in New York when Eric’s job brought them back to the East Coast and Belle could convince her husband they needed some downtime away from Storybrooke.

The Golds were among the few who considered a weekend in the city more relaxing than their small town. If more people’s lives were scrutinized as theirs were by their - well-meaning, sometimes - neighbors, their preference would be more popular.

“That’s amazing!” Belle said, giving up on stealth when her happy cry made several heads swivel in her direction. Privacy wouldn't hurt, she decided, making her quick way to the library office and closing the door behind her. “You have a place to stay already? Because there’s plenty of space at home…”

“No offense, Belle, but I’d rather bear with Ruby’s grandma than any chance to run into your husband before he’s had his coffee.”

Belle chuckled. Aaron actually favored tea, just like her, but she understood Ariel’s point. At least her friend had left open the possibility of meeting the two of them ‘after coffee’, which was an improvement over her attitude when Belle had first started dating the dreaded Mr. Gold. “All right, all right. But say you’ll come for dinner at least?”

“And miss finally seeing your mini-me run around among that sea of priceless antiques and drive Gold to hysterics? With the prospect of a second set of pitter-patter in the near future? Wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

“Ariel!” Belle laughed.

Perhaps not the best time to point out that, while pictured, Gideon did look like his mother, the boy’s attitude mirrored his father down to the gleam in his eye when he crafted a deal into his favor. She could already imagine Ariel’s look when she saw it for herself.

In the end she allowed her friend the joke, especially since it was her own fault after sending her that video of Gideon’s first steps. Aaron had been nearly in tears over their boy’s progress rather than the porcelain vase that had wobbled when Gideon grabbed onto the pedestal that supported it, but the thirty-second video could be interpreted either way.

“Oh, you know we will be nice to your lo-ver-” she popped each syllable as she had since she had teased Belle over her secretive outings, before the identity of her date had blown up into unrelenting gossip “-and last time he even smiled at me. Fatherhood sits well on him.”

“He’s the best,” Belle agreed.

“All right, do not get mushy on me, French, or I’ll start on what Eric did for my birthday.” As a warning, it came three weeks too late. Belle had already gotten the detailed step-by-step recount at six in the morning the day after Ariel’s birthday (Ariel had never paid attention to timezones, and it was hopeless to expect her to wait until a reasonable hour in Maine when she had important news to share). “And now this! Oh, Belle. How can I possibly love that man even more than I already did?”

Belle smiled. From experience, she knew it was possible. “It just happens.”

“Right. We are the lucky ones. And talking about getting lucky -” mischief sprang in her voice “-you know what us being in the same town for the first time this year means, right?”

“Ariel…”

“Undies renewal!”

Denying a friend didn’t come easily for Belle, but she tried to be firm. “Ariel, no.”

Her friend snickered. “Belle, darling Belle… You know you want to.”

“I said no.”

“You’ve been saying no since we were thirteen,” Ariel reminded her.

Belle pouted. She always meant it, too. Her decision never stood strong against Ariel’s questioning—

“You don’t trust my good taste and excellent eye?”

“…no.”

“Have you ever actually felt uncomfortable in one of my choices?”

“…no.”

“Don’t have the money?”

Belle had her own salary. On top of that, Aaron would probably give him a credit card and be thankful that for once she’d spend close to what he wanted to give her.

“Yeah. That’s right. I’m talking to Mrs. Moneypants. So what’s the hangup? Did Gold not get hot seeing you in that pastel blue bikini set we got last time?”

“Ariel!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” A snigger. “Then it’s no problem if we do it again!”

“We could use our very brief, very rare time together in something more productive.”

Ariel sighed. It was the sigh that signaled books needed to be closed and Belle dragged outside for a movie or at least a hamburger. Belle was resilient to those sighs when there was actual reading involved, but in most other cases, Ariel had always gotten her way. “Belle. You sweet angel. You fountain of patience and goodness…”

Belle rolled her eyes, mouthing along with the rest of the little speech. Ariel had perfected it since the first time a teacher had advised her to stop being distracted and follow Belle’s example.

“…you perfect child, model student, and example to us all. You can change the world and save us all. But….?”

The dramatic pause extended over long seconds.

Aaron often remarked on her stubbornness. Ariel had her beat by a mile. Resigned, Belle said, “But I’ve been buying the wrong underwear.”

"Exactly! I love you, Belle, but I wouldn’t trust you not to head straight for the most garish ensemble in a store. Probably in the wrong size, too.”

It wasn’t a crime to like bright colors. But since, twelve years ago, Ariel had pointed out that she looked like a girl of seven, Belle usually gave in to her friend’s offer to act as her shopping consultant. “Ariel,” Belle tried one last time. “I’m a mom.”

A beat of silence.

“Belle Gold,” Ariel started. It was serious. Ariel only used her married name when she needed to make an important point. “If you tell me that motherhood banned you from decent lingerie, I’m… I’m…. I’m doing something drastic, and it will probably embarrass the two of us!”

Belle sighed. It wasn’t even a threat. It was just what happened when Ariel got stubborn. Belle could imagine Ariel bringing up the subject in the middle of dinner… Aaron would either flee the scene or argue that Belle’s choices were her own (which was proof of how well he knew her, but also a useless argument against her childhood friend.) Belle would be hot red from head to toes, and Emma would never let her live it down….

It was the thought of Emma’s knowing smirk that decided her.

“Fine. We’ll make time.”

“Perfect!” Ariel gushed. “Oh. and Belle? Invite Henry’s mama along, will you? I’ve been dying to meet her, and what better place to know a girl than on a shopping excursion!”

Belle lost precious seconds as she imagined the two of them together. They would get along. Until Ariel found something where her help could be offered (and in Ariel’s mind, she was always of help), and Emma denied her.

Unstoppable force, meet unbreakable object.

At least Gold had his reputation to protect him from the worst of Ariel’s friendly overtures.

“I’m not sure…”

“Oh, don’t worry about the boys. Even if Gold can’t handle a toddler and a baby for an afternoon, I can send Eric to help. It will be good practice.”

Belle thought of Eric’s reaction to being offered as babysitter. His easygoing attitude would probably just have him shrug and ask what was the kids’ bedtime.

“I don’t know Emma’s schedule,” Belle temporized. “If she gets a job, she might not be available.”

“Aw.” Then Ariel perked up. “No worries, we’ll figure something out!”

Belle smiled. Her friend bounced back from any difficulty with an energy she had once tried to copy (and remade into a denial she had snapped from almost too late to save her relationship with Aaron) and now only admired from afar. “You meet Emma, then decide, okay?”

“Sounds fair,” Ariel said. “I can’t believe I don’t have to wait until October to see you! Oh, we’ll have so much fun. Be ready, French.”

Belle laughed. “I will, Ariel.”

The phone call tapered into the usual subjects, and ten minutes later Belle clicked the end button with a smile on her face. The smile remained even when her other conversations were related to books checked out or returned. Life as Mrs. Gold didn’t make her many friends in Storybrooke, but she wouldn’t change one thing even if it brought her closer to Ariel or Mulan.

“Good news, sweetheart?” Aaron asked when she returned home, threading an arm around her after he’d lowered himself onto the seat at her side.

Belle nodded. “Ariel is visiting.”

He gave a slight smile. “At least I won’t have to run for the hills this time. I think she actually smiled at me last time - and meant it.”

Belle tried to slap his arm, but he caught her hand and pressed a kiss onto her palm.

“It wasn’t that bad,” she murmured, leaning closer to touch her forehead to his.

Aaron chuckled. “You never heard the worst.”

“What wasn’t that bad?” Emma piped in, an expression on her face that said she wasn’t up to seeing them cuddle and whisper in the living room again. She often complained that she hadn’t skipped on the childhood trauma of finding her parents making love, just to suffer through watching her and Gold now. “Who is this Ariel?”

“My best friend,” Belle said; at the same time, Aaron heaved a sigh, “my future executioner, according to her.”

“Not without good reason,” Belle protested.

They stared at each other.

Emma looked between them, then started giggling. “Never a dull day!”

The End 20/06/17

#ar: first meetings #ch: belle (ouat)#ch: ariel (ouat)

15 notes · View notes