#he and his buddies just worked for an airline so they could jump on a plane and go wherever for free because the 70s/80s lol | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

insomniamamma · 1 year

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We Came Along This Road: Frankie Morales x f!reader

A/N: This one got angsty and a bit personal. My little boy had colic and my milk mostly dried up at around 6 months, but I had to start supplementing with formula long before that. Colic's a funny thing. It really does sort itself out at around 3 months, but those three months are a fucking eternity. Silver Airways is a real regional airline serving the south eastern United States, the Bahamas and Caribbean. Since Triple Frontier was set in Florida, I figured this in an airline Frankie could fly for. His job would probably involve multiple short-hop flights a day. Written for my year of kisses, as part of @yearofcreation2023, the prompt being a kiss goodbye.

Warnings: Drug and alcohol use, hospitals, pediatrician mention, colicky baby, reader has a new baby. Fuck-ton of angst related to raising a child. Emotions that are all over the fucking place. Jumps around in time. Frankie's a fuck up. Broken relationship. No happy ending.

"Can I?" "No. Don't you dare wake him." Frankie bites at his lower lip, that same bit of flesh you used to suck between your teeth when you kissed him. His entire back would lock up when he felt the graze of your teeth, his breath would draw in sharp.

Gabe is colicky. The pediatrician assured you that he would sort himself out at about three months, but that seems like an eternity from now. Doesn't matter if you nurse him or bottle feed him, the bloating and crying happen anyway. Your milk supply is not what it should be. One more thing to worry over, and you've switched formulas but nothing seems to work. You hate yourself for it. This should be easy. When he nurses those big dark eyes are locked on yours clumsy baby fingers patting at your side, looks at you like you hung the moon and stars, but then he's screaming twenty minutes later, face crumpled up, mouth an endless zero, a black hole and you run through the steps in your head, rock him against your shoulder and pound his back to get him to burp and if that doesn't work, there's the simethicone drops and belly rubs and most times he'll fart and his huge eyes will goggle even wider and you laugh, how can you not? Better out than in, huh, buddy? And most times he'll calm after that, but sometimes he won't. Sometimes the moby wrap is the only thing that works, him tied against your chest in a fabric cocoon while you try to keep up with the dishes and washing out the bottles and trying to keep everything in some sort of order so you don't go insane.

Push everything out of your mind except the here and now. Try not to think about how Gabe's dark puzzled eyes had locked on to Frankie's and how Frankie had smiled so broad and wide, tears running unbidden and ignored down his scruffy cheeks, when he'd cut the cord and they'd tucked Gabe against your chest, the fever heat of him, so small and soft and warm. He felt impossible. The lactation consultant had showed you how to get him to latch, you're a natural she said. And the two of you discharged into the care of a flustered Frankie, I can fly a fuckin Blackhawk but this car seat almost got the best of me. Hey language. He doesn't understand yet. No, but he will. I would very much like his first word to not be fuck. Fair enough babe. Fair enough. Frankie looked at you and you both turned to look at Gabe dressed in a onesie with little foxes on it, already sound asleep. Holy shit. We're parents, he said, and those lovely dark eyes shone with tears that strained not to fall. Take us home, Frank.

You try to hang on to that feeling, now that it's just you. Just you and Gabe. Frankie's staying with the Millers for now. You found out he'd been using again late into your third trimester and he'd dropped down on his knees and swore to you that it was a one time thing. You know how they over-schedule us, Babe, his big warm hands folded around yours, eyes locked on your steady and sure and not sliding to the side when he promises you that he's done. I fucked up, squeezes your hands in his and looks up at you from on the floor, around the ripe curve of your belly, but I'm done. I swear to you.

And you wanted to believe him, feeling your son kick inside of you, press against the prison of your body and what choice do you have in that moment but to trust that he means it? The alternative is too bleak to think about. You can't do this alone. You realized that the second you peed on the stick and cried over the results until you couldn't breathe, he said he'd do right by you and, God, you wanted to believe. This shit? You can't get caught, okay? You can't. You think I don't mean it. I don't care what you mean! It's too fuckin late for that, cradling your distended belly in your hands, the baby's kicking, he never stops kicking, you get caught and you lose your job. You lose your job you lose our insurance. You got an extra 15k laying around? You get caught and we're fucked. I won't get caught. I told you, I'm done. And I'm telling you that you cannot get caught with this shit.

Gabe's finally down after what feels like hours so shushing and rocking and simethicone drops and tummy rubs, held him tucked against your shoulder listening to old country songs, Johnny Cash and Pasty Cline and Loretta Lynn, held him and rocked with him until he went slack against you, fever-warm and drooling into the crook of your neck. Prickling cramp in your tits and you carry him up the stairs, dribbles of milk let down warming and then cooling through your shirt. You'll pump, or try to, once you get Gabe settled, not that you expect much. You know that having to give Gabe formula doesn't make you a bad mom, you know that in your mind, but it's hard to hang on to that when the internet is full of contentedly nursing mothers with babies who sleep through the night and don't scream like the world is ending after every feeding. Settle him in his crib and hover. He stirs, stretches his arms on either side of his head like a cartoon cactus but doesn't wake. His mouth moves like it does when he nurses, tiny Cupid's bow of his lips pursed around nothing, but at least he's asleep.

I know it's hard now, but around three months he'll sort himself out, or so the pediatrician said, but that seems like an eternity from now, a whole different age. And for now Gabe sleeps, cactus arms stretched on either side of his head, but you know he won't stay down for long. You debate the merits of trying to sleep versus trying to tackle the mountain of dishes in the sink, trying to pump even though it's an increasingly fruitless venture, and then the door bell rings. It's not loud, about the volume of a stifled cough but your first reaction is rage.

You are so angry you can't even make words. The form letter from Silver Airways trembles in your hands as you shove it into Frankie's face when he comes in the door, his hands raised, as if that will make things better somehow. Suspension pending review, that phrase stood out when you opened the letter and the rest dissolved into tear-blurred hash, You fuckin told me you were done with this shit!-- Whoa hey Babe-- You got down on your knees and promised me you were done and now you go and get yourself shit-canned? What the fuck were you thinking? I know it sounds bad, Frankie takes a step back from you, hulking large in the door frame, But they've got a program, ok? For first time violations. Other than this my record is spotless. I'll make this right-- You won't, you say and his eyes go dark and hard, Gabe's high, reedy cries rising in the background, You couldn't stay clean for him. You won't stay clean because of what some councilor tells you. What are you trying to say? Tears run hot down your face but inside you are cold as the space between stars, a future stretched before you dark and wide, one that for the first time since you fell pregnant does not involve Francisco Morales. I think you should leave. He reaches to rest a hand on your upper arm, a gesture of comfort, of grounding, a gentle touch you've felt so many times before, but you bristle back as if burned. Are we-- Just go. I'll call, he says, retreating into the dark, M'not gonna ditch you. You don't say anything, just watch his headlights turn on, the rumble of his battered truck backing out of the driveway, crunch of tires on gravel and then the endless bug music and humid night.

I just got him down, you think, pulse hammering in your ears as you descend the narrow stairs, rushing to get there before the bell can ring again, not much louder than a stifled cough but with the struggles you've had getting Gabe to sleep it might as well be a sonic boom. "I'm coming," you call as soon as you think it's safe, something like a stage-whisper, open the door and there's Frankie, filtered through the window screen, hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes shining in the ugly yellow porch-light, little glittering arcs beneath the bill of his hat. "Hey," says Frankie. And that knot clenches in your chest. Anger and grief and want all smeared together. You miss him, looking right at him in the bug-humming glow, soft pink!pink!pink! of moths and junebugs and christ knows what else suiciding into that sizzling orb, nothing you're feeling makes itself into words, you're so tired, so fucking tired, eyes filling up with tears, you cry so fucking easily these days and Frankie's through the door and folding you up in his arms before you can tell him to go to hell, that you don't want to see his face, sink into his familiar warmth, his palm cradling the back of your head, tucking you into the juncture of his neck and shoulder and he smells like laundry soap and beer, faint tang of sweat, warm and solid and despite everything you want to stay there forever, you want to be soothed, to be rocked and held and you are just so goddamn tired, but you extricate yourself and step back from him, scrubbing your wrist across your eyes. "Why are you here?" "I wanted to see Gabe." "He's sleeping. I just got him down." "Something's come up," says Frankie, "I've got a job, and I'm gonna be out of town for a bit." He's smiling, but it doesn't quite hit his eyes. "A bit? How long's a bit?" "Ten days at most. I won't be able to contact you though." "Christ. I thought you were done with this kind of shit." "The money's good," says Frankie, "It's just a quick recce. One and done. Redfly's with us this time." His hands find yours, fiddles absently with the ring you can't quite bear to take off just yet, squeezes your fingers. "It'll be enough to see us through til I complete the program and get my wings back."

You wouldn't let the nurses take him out of the room for tests. And when they tried to appeal to Frankie, all they got back was, you heard the lady. Gabe stays right here unless she decides different. You can do the tests in here. He can sleep right here. So they let him stay, swaddled and tiny, soft, snuffling breaths and you slept with your hand reaching into his crib, plastic box on a cart on wheels, your hand on his tummy, feeling the rise and fall of his breath, Frankie passed out on the narrow couch, hat pulled over his eyes. Gabe's here and he's perfect and he's yours, and you drift off to the rhythmic breathing of the two people you love most in the whole world.

"When do you leave?" "Tomorrow morning," says Frankie, takes his hat off and rubs his hand through his curls before putting it back on, a nervous gesture you've seen many times before. "Can I see Gabe? I've missed you guys so much." "It took me forever to get him down." "I just need to see him, okay?" "This job. This recce. How dangerous is it?" "It'll be fine," says Frankie, "Pope's gathering intel and we're backing him up. Low contact. Everything goes right the mark won't even know we've been there." "Where?" "Better you don't know, babe." "Jesus." "Hey," he curls his hands around your upper arms and gives you a little shake, "I'm not gonna ditch you okay? I'm not ditching him. I'm going to make this right, okay?" The breath that comes out of you is wet, wavering, and you nod, not sure if you believe him or if you just desperately want to, and those big brown eyes meet yours, his gaze sure and steady. You nod. "Yeah. Okay."

You and him stand side by side, peering down at Gabe in the soft greenish light from the swirling stars projected on the ceiling, soft hiss of white noise that he seems to prefer, his tiny hands balled up on either side of his head. Cactus arms. "He's filling out some," says Frankie, voice pitched low. "He is." Gabe's face has lost the newborn scrunch, "He's a little behind growth wise. The colic--" "He's perfect," says Frankie. Fake stars pass over his face, shifting light shining in his eyes. And you feel yourself smile, as tired as you are. "He's gonna be just fine." Frankie reaches into the crib and strokes the pad of his thumb between Gabe's eyes, and you draw a hard inward breath. Gabe's faces screws up and then smooths out, lips purse and suck at nothing. Frankie leans over the crib. "Hey little man, Se bueno con tu mamá, ¿vale? I'll be home soon." Frankie presses two fingers to his lips and kisses them, presses them to your sleeping son's forehead. Gabe stirs but does not wake.

You stand in the ugly light with Frankie, bugs doing their endless, mindless dance in the yellow glow and his hands find yours again, warm and calloused and familiar and gentle, thumbs smoothing over your knuckles. "I'll call. Soon as we're back state-side. We'll figure things out from there." You pull your hands away. "Sure." "Take care of yourself. You won't do Gabe any good if you run yourself into the ground." Turns and walks down the path to the driveway, turns back to you and smiles. "Stay off of those fuckin mommy blogs, okay? Those people are crazy." And you laugh. Frankie fuckin Morales. He can always surprise a laugh out of you. And for a moment it feels like before, before he started using again, before he got busted, before Gabe, just you and Frankie sharing a laugh, his eyes crinkled and warm, that sweet dimple sinking itself into his scruffy cheek, curve of his cheek as he turns from you, boots crunching over the pea-gravel driveway as he retreats into the dark. Dark that swallows him whole beyond the weak circle of porch-light, you can still hear his footsteps, fading into the endless, mindless song of crickets and rising scream of cicadas. You know in a moment you will hear his truck start up, rumble of a muffler that badly needs replacing. You almost call out to him, but you do not.

#year of kisses #frankie morales x f!reader #year of themes 2023 #triple frontier #heed the warnings kids #angst for days

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tomtenadia · 3 years

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A Little Braver - Chapter 10

Evening everyone!

I have a present for you.

This lady here will be off on holiday for a week on Friday, so I thought about landing the new chapter tonight.

This one is a juicy one and I hope you will love it. A bit of fluff before the angst gremlin comes back for a visit.

This chapter comes with a smut warning. Yes, you read correctly. In the future I will be using FTB mostly because I find it difficult to write and keep it non cringy, but for this chapter I wanted to try and add some hotness.

Also, for those who haver read Island Dreams, I am heading to Lewis on my holiday, and i might post some photo of the locations mentioned in the fic.

Well, now i can let you enjoy the chapter

Aelin was at home sitting on the sofa, enjoying the food she had just ordered in, a bottle of beer and hockey. Her favourite team the Stags was playing an away game with the Skull’s Bay Pirates.

The Stags were in the lead in the championship and the Pirates were just in second place, which made that game quite an important one. She was glad she had the night off although they would usually all camp in the communal area of the firehouse and watch the game all together. At least being at home meant she could have a beer.

Ice hockey in Terrasen was a religion. She had been a fan of the Stags since she was a kid and her dad would take her to the games. Then Aedion became her hockey buddy and once she joined the station she started sharing the passion with the rest of the team and they would also go and watch the games all together if possible.

She took a sip of her beer and kneeled on the sofa, the game was getting intense and she could not stand still.

In that instant her phone went off and she let out a curse.

“Oh for crying out loud.”

“What?” She answered while her eyes were glued to the tv.

“Good evening to you as well.” Rowan sounded almost offended by her brisk tone.

“Whitethorn, I am watching the game.”

“Uh?”

Aelin groaned as something happened on the screen and the Pirates almost scored.

“Ice hockey, Whitethorn. You have been in Terrasen enough to know it’s a religion here.”

He replied with a low chuckle. Then she heard him move and then all of a sudden a noise in the background and realised he had his tv on “wonder if they show it here. Wendlyn is not big on ice hockey.”

“You can tell. Their team sucks.” She drank a bit more “I can tell you that we are winning for now against the Pirates.”

“That’s the big match of the season I am gutted I am missing it.”

Aelin got agitated and swore a few times during some actions.

“You are a very scary woman.” She heard him switch off the tv “do you want me to call later?”

“No,” she said softly. She was actually quite happy. Since he had left three days before they had talked quite a lot over the phone at night and she had started to love their ritual. He was the one calling once he was free and she loved that new dynamic of theirs.

“How was your day training?”

“Oh, just wonderful. I spend my days dealing with cocky idiots who think they are gods because they have been admitted to flight school. Then they go ahead, mess up the exercise for everyone, almost get killed and have no respect for rank.”

She let him vent “sounds like you have a bad class.”

Rowan sighed loudly “I have been a flight instructor for six years. I had a few bad apples along the way, but this class is hopeless.”

“Can you do something about it?” She was still following the game but her attention had shifted to him. He sounded quite down.

“I reported them to the academy Commandant. I explained that starting flight school with the wrong foot was not recommended.” Another sigh “In the end it’s their school and they can do whatever they want. I don’t care. Being reckless in a jet is like jumping into a fire in t-shirt and shorts.”

“That would be very bad.”

“I know what the fuck I am doing. I have been doing this for the past 12 years. I have been in combat. Real bloody combat. Those idiots have only seen simulators. What do I need to do to be taken seriously?” He was really mad and Aelin wished she could do something for him.

“Ro, two weeks and a half and you are out. You are back with your team and students that you like.”

“How’s the game going?” He changed the topic, clearly being done talking about it.

“We increased our lead.”

She heard a popping sound “did you just crack open a beer?”

“Oh yes, I need it.”

Aelin smiled “I am having one too. Brullo has this friend who opened a brewery and I bought a few bottles and they are so good.”

“You have such connections and don’t even tell me?”

“I am sorry your highness.”

“You are excused this time. But don’t make it happen again.”

Aelin laughed “what are you going to do? Spank me?” And she froze. She should really need to learn to connect brain and mouth.

“Depends, will you like it?” His reply surprised her so much that she froze with the bottle halfway to her mouth.

“You just have to hang around and see for yourself.”

He moaned “I will need to get back to you on this.”

“Will it help you decide if I tell you that I am wearing a hockey jersey and nothing underneath? I just had a shower…”

“Aelin…”

“What? Are you interested all of a sudden?”

“Obviously.” He groaned.

“I am teasing you, I have clothes on, but good to see where you stand.”

She heard him groan in frustration “you really are a menace and I don’t know why I bother with you.”

“You don’t have to stay on the phone if I irritate you so much. You are the one who called.” She bit back. Why they always end up fighting?

“I did not mean it like that.”

“Well then go and learn how to communicate with people because I am sick and tired of your attitude.” Her tone had grown angrier.

“Aelin, please. I was joking.” His voice was thick with sadness.

“No, I am so fucking tired of this.”

“Why can’t you believe that I was joking? Why do you always believe that I hate you?” He shouted back “I have been quite supportive with you recently. I have flown in to stay beside you after you lost a colleague. You have a problem with my attitude?” He vented “well, yours is not any better either.”

Aelin sighed “Rowan, why do we always end up like this?” She lay down on the sofa, the game completely forgotten “we had a nice conversation and then it always gets ugly between us.”

“I am sorry…” he paused and meant it “I have been looking forward to calling you. I had such a bad day that knowing I was going to phone you kept me going. I didn’t want any of this. I did not want to fight with you.”

“We are both bad at communicating.” She relaxed a bit. She did not want to fight with him either. And he was right, he had been supportive and amazing. Then she had an idea “Ro, I have four days of holidays coming up. I booked them ages ago, I had plans but they went to hell. Would it be crazy if I flew to Wendlyn? I will play tourist when you work and be out of your way, but what do you think?”

“I’d love that. Very much. It really sucks here.”

“It’s for this Friday. I known it’s short notice—” he interrupted her.

“No, it’s perfect. I don’t have a class this Friday, I can pick you up at the airport. Have Saturday and Sunday as tourists and I assume you are flying back on Monday.”

“Yes.” Her heart started racing. It was a crazy plan, but all of a sudden she was excited.”Let me check my roster, because if I finish at a decent time I can fly in Thursday night so we have three full days. Do you think you can manage that?”

“Happily.”

“Ok, stay there Buzzard, I am putting you on speaker phone.”

She ran to the kitchen and had a look at the calendar on her fridge with her roster and cheered loudly.

“Whitethorn,”

“What?”

“I come off shift at four. Now let me check for planes.”

She went to get her laptop and sat back on the sofa, “do you know any good airlines for Wendlyn?”

He laughed “Yes, my own plane.”

“Funny. Us common mortals don’t have that privilege.”

“I have no idea, Fireheart, I haven’t flown commercial in a lifetime.”

“Fine.” Aelin was silent for a few minutes typing away and looking for flight options. “Ok,” she said after a while “I can get one flight that gets me into Doranelle at 10.45pm your time, is it too late?”

“I guess I will postpone my nap.” He joked and she laughed back. He suddenly relaxed. The fight had been verging on vicious and he had not cared for that.

“On Monday I can fly back with a noon flight.”

“That one is perfect. I can drive you back to the airport and be back in time for my class.”

Aelin smiled wickedly “great, give me five minutes while I book it. Go and do grampa stuff in the meantime.”

“I am not a grampa.” Aelin heard him munching on something. Knowing him it was probably a carrot.

“Ok, now I need to find a place where to stay.”

“My flat?” He added shocked that she would think about staying anywhere else “Aelin, I have a flat. It has a second bedroom. And you don’t have to worry about giving me anything because it’s a flat owned by the airforce. It’s not a castle but it’s nice. You are not paying for a hotel.”

“Are you sure? Three days with me 24/7. That’s a lot of fighting.” She asked. She loved the idea, but wasn’t sure yet if they could survive that long in close quarters without killing each other.

“Perhaps we can leave the fighting aside and work on us?”

Aelin was silent for a moment “Us? As in…”

“As in more than two idiots fighting and pining for each other.”

Her heart pounded in her chest “Yeah, that would be intelligent, wouldn’t it?”

“Definitely.”

“But that’s a conversation for when you are here.”

Aelin smiled. She could not believe it was actually happening.

Rowan yawned over the phone “This grampa here would like to go to bed now. It’s quite late here.”

“Okay,” she said softly.

“I am looking forward having you here.”

Aelin hugged the pillow all excited “me too. Good night, Buzzard.”

“Good night, menace.”

Aelin squealed and threw the pillow at the other end of the living room in utter joy.

Thursday had finally arrived. Aelin thought the day would never come and that time had slowed down on purpose just to annoy her.

“Aedion you are in charge while I am away, will you be fine?”

The man was driving her to the airport “I will be. Go and enjoy your break. We will cope.”

“Ok, you know you can always call Dorian. He can come out on a call.” She was nervous. She hadn’t been away from the firehouse on holiday since before Sam died and was worried about her team.

“Stop fussing. We will be fine. You need a holiday. You haven’t been away in a lifetime. You deserve this.”

She breathed out, relaxing at his words. She knew she could trust Aedion and Dorian had given her his blessing too.

“Just tell airforce boy to behave or I’ll scratch his toy plane.”

Aelin laughed. Rowan seemed to have a problem with the army but Aedion’s dislike seemed just as strong. To her it was just hilarious.

They arrived at the airport, she grabbed her duffel bag and backpack from the backseat and went to hug Aedion “thank you for driving me.”

“Let me know when you land on Monday and I will come and pick you up again.” And he hugged her back.

They parted and Aelin walked into the airport with a spring in her step and the biggest smile ever.

Rowan realised he had arrived at the airport a bit too early. He was so eager to see her that he had arrived with an hour to spare. He was a thirty year old man giddy like a child waiting for winter solstice presents. Considering their track record, three days together could go down in flame or be a success. A part of him was definitely anxious at the prospect, but when Aelin had suggested the idea he had no doubts. He wanted to do it.

Bored, he paced the arrivals section when a woman walked past him and her trolley ran onto his feet. He almost shouted at the woman but then decided to ignore it.

He viewed airports as pure madness. Utter chaos and he hated them. The good thing about his job was that if he had to travel for work he could use his jet. And when he used to travel with Lyria they had always driven. Now he remembered why he had avoided those places of pure chaos.

He moved to the big window where he could see the runaway and for a while studied the airplanes. One of his ex squadron mates after retiring from the airforce had become an airline pilot and on plenty of occasion had tried to convince him to join him, but Rowan always declined. There was little enjoyment in flying that way.

While staring at the aircrafts landing and taking off, his hand was tapping on the handrail with excessive energy.

He huffed a puff and and bored kept wandering around the airport. He had alway considered himself a decently patient man, but in that moment he felt as if he could not wait any longer. Had to really tell himself that she was coming and that it was not his imagination playing tricks on him.

Luckily by the time his wandering was over, the arrivals notice board had changed the status of her flight to on approach and he went in front of the arrival section, knowing full well it would still be ages before her entrance.

Forty minutes later he saw her and he was positive he now had the most stupid grin on his face. He recognised her golden mane tied up in a complicated braid. Gods, she was stunning and Rowan did his best not to drool too much.

She was dressed in simple jeans and a hoodie from the Terrasen Fire department and he chuckled. He waved at her and called as well.

Her smile when she spotted him could have lit up the night sky and he was positive his heart had just skipped a beat.

Quickly an eagerly he walked to her, making his way through the crowd that had gathered.

She ran to him, then dropped her bags on the floor and in an instant she was in his arms. He lifted her up and kissed her. Not caring about the consequences. She was there. That’s all he cared about.

She kissed him back and for a while they were the couple that meets again after a long time apart and could not keep away from each other.

“You are here.” He said kissing her again and then brushed her hair in a tender gesture.

She smiled at him and slowly slid down from his arms.

He bent down and grabbed her bags “let’s go. You must be tired.”

Aelin took his hand and he did not pull away “the flight was crap. As soon as we hit the ocean it was bumpy as hell.”

Rowan chuckled “those civilian pilots struggling to handle a bit of wind.”

With her free hand she pinched his side “Meanie.” She told him “and it was bad and scary.”

He kissed her head “be glad that you have never experienced what a really terrifying flight his.” His voice was sad for a moment and Aelin squeezed his hand back.

“My car is over there.” They reached his vehicle and he dumped her stuff in the trunk.

It was fifteen minutes later when they reached his flat.

“I am a bit outside town but I love it. Much easier to go to work as I don’t have to drive through the centre. Saves me so much time.”

They entered the building and Rowan headed for the lift but Aelin stopped “pet peeve of mine. I don’t take lifts. I have saved enough people trapped in them, that now I don’t use them at all.”

“It’s eight floors, Aelin.” He complained.

“It’s good for your butt. Let’s go grampa.” Aelin grabbed the duffel bag and backpack from him and threw them on her shoulder and made her way to the stairs.

He realised that she was used doing stairs. But he was lazy and always used the lift.

“I am taking my chances.”

Aelin grabbed his hand and pulled him away “Don’t be an idiot. Come on.”

He protested but in the end caved.

Aelin relentlessly climbed on for eight floors and Rowan followed a few steps behind cursing that he had chosen to fall for a super fit firefighter.

“I can tell you some horror storie that will put you off forever from using them.” She told him while climbing the steps two at a time.

When they finally reached his floor, Aelin wasn’t even tired, Rowan instead was ready to strangle her.

“Come on grampa, I am sure your butt and your heart are thanking you right now.”

“Move.” She moved aside and let him open the door of his flat.

Once in, he flicked the lights on and Aelin looked around. The living room was spacious, from one door she could see a kitchen but what stunned her were the floor to ceiling windows at the end of the living room and the view. She dumped the bag and walked there and went to the windows.

“This is amazing.” He stopped at her side “Doranelle is called the City of Rivers. It’s not as beautiful as Orynth but it has its charming spots.” He explained with flat voice.

“Well, from up here it’s pretty cool.” Below her lay a sea of lights, then looking more carefully, she noticed the dark areas and assumed those were the rivers. She was looking forward to see that sight during the day.

Rowan pulled her arm “come on, you must be knackered, I’ll show you to your bedroom.”

She followed him into the room and smiled when she saw the bed. It looked so cozy.

She looked at him smiling “Orynth is a few hours behind so I am actually quite fine.” Gently she pinched his arm “you are trying to get rid of me.”

“I was just being considerate. You flew here after your shift.”

In one step she was close to him “I am quite hungry, though.”

Rowan laughed and patted her head “I knew it so I made something that just could go back in the microwave. Give me five minutes.”

“I’ll go and get changed in the meantime.”

It was much later when she was finally full and she and Rowan were now sitting on the sofa watching some tv. She had curled up her legs under her and his hand was absentmindedly tracing up and down the length of her exposed leg. It was much warmer than Orynth so she was wearing shorts and a baggy t-shirt.

She turned to look at him and saw Rowan concentrated on the documentary they had been watching. His face was relaxed, the tension had left his body and the sight of him like that took her breath away. His features always had an hard edge, but in that moment, relaxed, she could not look away.

“Do I have something on my face?” A half smile appeared on his face.

“No.” She shimmied down to his side and leaned her head on his shoulder and he adjusted his position so she could be comfortable.

“You know I am not a pillow, right?”

In challenge, Aelin snuggled closer and her arms went around his waist. Rowan brought one arm around her shoulder and squeezed it almost in a silent gesture to tell her it was okay. He pulled her so close she was almost on his lap and in instant later his lips were on hers in a demanding kiss.

Aelin sighed in delight and melted in the kiss. Rowan’s hands sneaked under the t-shirt touching skin. The kiss turned avid, all teeth and tongue and eventually she found herself straddling him.

Her hips ground against his in a suggestive motion and a wicked smile spread across her lips when she felt him hard against her. Fingers found their target in his hair, and with a gentle tug she angled his neck and her lips began tracing its lines eliciting a loud moan from Rowan.

His strong hands were a steady presence on her sides, pulling her closer with his thumbs brushing timidly the underside of her breasts.

Rowan’s tongue slowly traced the shape of her lips and she opened for him and when he intensified the kiss she began pondering what that tongue of his could do somewhere else. That image was her undoing. Aelin came up for breath and looked at him, his eyes smoky with lust.

She looked at him with the same desire and she was positive he had noticed the need in her stare as well.

Then Aelin stood and removed her t-shirt revealing her bare torso. She moved a step back and without ever removing her gaze from him she wiggled her finger in an invitation, then turned and swayed her hips on her way to his bedroom.

Rowan ran a hand down his face and eventually stood and followed her.

Shit. He was in such deep, unending shit.

It was the middle of the night and both Rowan and Aelin were still awake. They lay naked under the blankets while she was nested in his embrace, her head tucked under his chin, while he traced lazy lines on her back with his fingers.

She looked up at him and noticed his downcast stare. He looked sad and could not understand why. They just had some mind-blowing sex. Three times.

“Hey, what is it?” She asked him, caressing his face.

He shook his head gently “nothing. Just thinking.”

“You are regretting this,” she said in accusation sitting up beside him.

Rowan threw an arm on his face and sighed “No.”

“Liar, that is not the face of someone who is happy after getting laid three times.” She folded her arms at her chest.

He remained silent and Aelin bent over to grab her clothes “don’t worry. I get it. I’ll leave you to it. I’ll find a flight home tomorrow.”

His arm shot out and stopped her, then he sat on the bed and pulled her back “please, no.”

“Then talk to me, damn it.” She threw her clothes back on the floor “I can’t read your mind.” She shouted back frustration rising again.

Rowan’s hands fisted for a brief moment “I am crazy about you,” he whispered, as if terrified by the admission “and there is a part of me that tells me that is wrong. Reminds me that I lost my wife a year and half ago and I should not replace her so quickly, not after I swore forever love at the altar.” he sat at her side but never looked at her, too scared of her reaction “I loved every single of minute we had together tonight but my stupid conscience keeps telling me that is wrong.” He lowered his head “and I know that my guilt will ruin everything, eventually.”

Aelin fully turned to him and cupped his face “Ro, look at me.” He lifted his eyes and stared in the blue depths of her own eyes “for some crazy unexplained reason I fell for you as well. I think I must be crazy,” she chuckled “I know your pain. Sam was not my husband but almost. After I lost him I promised myself I would not commit anymore. The pain of losing him was so bad that I decided I’d rather remain alone than suffer again.” She told him, caressing his cheek with her thumb “then you annoying bastard came along and destroyed all my resolutions. I wanted to hate you, for so many reasons, but the more I tried to do that, the more I failed.” His lips twitched in a faint smile “the way I see it, moving on is not a betrayal on your wife. You will alway love her, as I will always have a space for Sam. We are in our early thirties, what do you want to do? Stay celibate and miserable for the rest of your life? Pass on opportunities just because you want to be faithful to her?” She explained “also, and I do not mean this to be disrespectful, but didn’t she have divorce papers ready and a plan to cut you off from your kid’s life?”

Rowan collapsed back on the bed and sighed heavily. She was right. He had loved Lyria but she had planned to leave him. “what do you want to do?”

She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“About us.”

Aelin leaned against him and snuggled back to his chest “one step at a time, remember?” She looked at him and his wonderful green eyes shone in joy “and if my memory does not fail me, you told me you were all in if I were.”

Rowan nodded gently and kissed her head “I still am.”

“Well, we have covered sex, even if we broke the rules, and we know that in that field we have plenty of chemistry, we just need to learn to talk without shouting and communicate better. We both have lots of baggage. What I suggest is that we spend these three days playing couple and once you come back we’ll just go from there.”

His arms folded around her and pulled her as close as possible, her golden hair in his face and the scent of lavender enveloping his senses “I think I like this plan.”

“Good, now let’s sleep though. It’s the middle of the night.”

Aelin kissed him and not long after fell asleep in his arms.

Rowan woke up the following morning and smiled at the warm body at his side. Aelin was sprawled on him, using his chest like a pillow. The blanket had fallen down to her waist and he realised they had fallen asleep naked. With his fingers he traced gentle lines on her shoulders, then leaned over and deposited a few kisses fully inhaling her scent. She moaned and slowly came to awareness and when she realised where she was she gave him a wonderful smile and he kissed her, fully, avidly.

“Someone looks happy,” she joked brushing his short hair.

“Nope, just trying to get back my side of the bed.”

She gently patted his shoulder but Rowan rolled on top of her and gave her a deep kiss “good morning, you.”

She stretched luxuriously in his arms then she kissed him back pulling her body close to his.

“Mmmm,” she moaned “morning wood or are you just happy to have me with you?”

He kissed her, then his head dipped in the hollow of her neck and his tongue traced the length of it “both.”

“We should definitely tend to it.” She teased and a moment later she straddled him “I do like being in charge, just so you know.” She leaned forward and kissed him, then disappeared under the blankets and Rowan cursed as soon as her mouth was on him.

Rowan stood and still naked went to make breakfast. They had remained in bed much longer that he had planned but it had been totally worth it. Their chemistry in the sheets was definitely perfect. Aelin followed him and she leaned, naked as well, against the counter. He bent forward and kissed her “we definitely need coffee.” She turned and Rowan looked at her, her long blond hair unbound and reaching her lower back. Along ragged breath escaped from him, then he went back to preparing breakfast. Staring at her naked form could lead to more dillydallying and he wanted to take her out to explore.

She walked back to him with two mugs of coffee while he finished to prepare French toast.

“Take the strawberries out the fridge, please.”

“I usually put maple syrup on.”

Rowan rolled his eyes “well, I am making them so we follow my rules.”

She pinched his butt “brute.”

Five minutes later they were sitting on the sofa, enjoying their breakfast. She brushed his hair with her hand. “Thank you for this. It was so lovely.” She placed her empty mug on the coffee table together with her plate and she turned to him fully and went for a kiss. Now that they had crossed that line she could not keep her hands off him. He pushed her down on the sofa, laying on her back and he kneeled between her legs. She propped herself on her elbows opening more for him and bit her lower lip at his lustful glance “you are so cute like this…” his voice rough with need.

Without ever averting her gaze she brought a finger to her mouth and slowly sucked it in a suggestive gesture, then her hand trailed down along her abdomen.

“Touch yourself.” At the same time his hand went around himself and started moving up and down while watching Aelin. Her fingers circled around her sensitive spot and he saw her threw her head backward and close her eyes. Her mouth slightly open. He leaned forward and kissed her, his tongue brushing her lips before clashing with hers. Her fingers buried inside her and Rowan lost it. He pushed her all the way down “I can’t fucking resist you.”

She looked up at him and smiled wickedly “then bury your dick inside me, captain.”

Rowan lifted her and walked back to the bedroom in a quick motion.

His mouth landed on her breasts and Aelin’s hands kept him there, while he sucked and teased with his teeth. A moment later he moved away and went for the drawer grabbing a tie and Aelin lifted her arms above her head as soon as she realised his intentions.

“This is very interesting, captain…”

Rowan very gently tied her hands to the boards of the head of the bed and then sat on his haunches to stare at her naked form in adoration.

“You are stunning,” he said while slowly caressing her belly. Keeping her hips in place he bent forward and his face disappeared between her legs which then quickly propped on his shoulders.

A savage moan left Aelin’s lips as his tongue found its target on her bundle of nerves and when he teased her with a finger she was all ready to combust.

“Fuck Ro— ” he cut her words with a second finger inside her. Those long digits that curled inside her, causing her legs to jerk while she felt the pressure build inside her. The orgasm creeping up quickly.

“I need you….” She told him breathlessly.

Rowan smiled, undid her ties and turned her around and then tied her again. He grabbed her butt and propped it up and his mouth was on her in an instant “you are so wet and ready for me.”

He went up on his knees and aligned himself with her entrance. His first thrust was gentle and enough to allow her to get used to him, he pulled back just a little and slammed into her to the hilt.

“More…” Cried Aelin grabbing the pillow and fisting her hands in it.

“More…” she begged him again.

His speed increased and Aelin felt her core tighten.

Rowan reached with his finger and teased her clit at the same time. Aelin moaned in the pillow as his ministration grew in intensity, until she could not hold it any longer and pleasure exploded in her making her crash over the edge. And while she was about to collapse into oblivion, she realised that Rowan hadn’t joined her in his release.

The grip on her hips grew stronger and she knew she was going to carry some marks. She met his thrusts and when his pace became frenzied she knew he was close as well.

“Aelin, I am— ” he groaned loudly as he spilled into her and then collapsed exhausted on her back. He deposited gentle kisses on her back then collapsing exhausted at her side.

Rowan untied her then he took her hand and brought it to his chest “you are a wicked woman.”

Aelin chuckled “I had no idea I had it in me. I never… I mean Sam and I we never… this way, tied hands and all..…” Rowan brought her hand to his lips “Lyria and I did it, at the very beginning. Then it stopped and we calmed down until it became mechanical just because we were married. Once she found out she was pregnant she did not allow me to touch her at all.” He rolled over, facing her and his hand caressed her face “I thought it was because she was not well but…” he sighed “I haven’t told this to anyone but I suspected she was cheating on me.” He confessed and felt lighter. He had kept that to himself for a very long time “and to make things worse, I have a very, very strong feeling that the child was not mine. I think she lied to me on how far along she was.” He closed his eyes for a moment in a pained expression “I know she had stopped being happy about our life for a while. Whatever I did was not enough. She wanted me to retire and give up my job.”

Aelin extended her hand and brushed his cheek with the top of her hand “but she knew from the beginning what you were and what you job entailed?”

“Yes, I was clear from the start. Explained that my job took me away from months on end and all the dangers involved in it as well.” He closed his eyes enjoying the touch of her hand on his face “I think she hoped I would drop my career after we got married.”

“I loved her. I did all I could to show her that I was doing my best to keep the promise I made her at the altar.” He covered her hand with his “I failed her.”

“No,”Aelin whispered, this was conversation was giving her an insight into him and she realised she had no idea of how much pain and regret he was keeping bottled in him.

“I can’t fail you as well.” And she heard his voice break and snuggled closer to him “Ro, look at me.” She pulled his chin down to her “I am all in. I want to be all in. I am terrified, but I run into fires as a job, I know how to control my fears.”

He kissed her in a heartbreaking sweet kiss “I don’t deserve you.” His voice soft.

Aelin cackled “No one does, I am amazing that way. But you come pretty close to being worthy.” She joked and he kissed her back.

Rowan pulled away from her and then pushed her off the bed “come on, time to explore.”

Her blonde head emerged from the side of the bed “shower is mine.” And she bolted for the bathroom, he ran as well but once he got there she slammed the door in his face.

“Don’t spend half an hour in it.” He shouted. Then the door cracked open a little and her hand darted out “there is space for two…”

Rowan laughed and followed her inside.

The shower took much longer than expected and when they finally left the flat it was much later that he had planned. The whole morning had been totally worth it though, they had talked and he had a feeling it had helped move their complicated relationship in the right direction. He had even confessed her things he had never mentioned to anyone. He felt like he could trust her. She knew loss and darkness like he did.

They had lunch at one of the street vendors he had grown to love and now they were walking hand in hand along one of the the rivers and off toward the palace. Aelin walked silent at his side, taking in the city. “That’s the old royal palace.” He pointed at the stunning building they could see in the distance. “There was a monarchy once… and then the people rebelled and it got ugly and it went down and a government similar to what we have in Orynth was created.”

“The palace looks stunning.”

“I think they do tours to go inside. It’s where the government resides now but some areas are open to the public.”

“It’s fine I’d rather walk around and see the city. We can just see the palace from the outside.”

“As you wish,” his arm went around her shoulder and the feeling was incredible.

They walked to the palace and Rowan guided her behind it. When they arrived she was speechless. “It really is the city of rivers.”

Eight of them joined just behind the palace to form a gigantic basin with isles in the middle full of trees. In some parts the rivers went down a wall forming a waterfall.

“This is… gorgeous…” then she looked over and the spray of the waterfall had formed a beautiful rainbow “look,” she said to him pointing ahead.

He pulled her closer and kissed her temple “It’s quite an amazing corner this one.”

Aelin disentangled from him and walked around the area for a while and Rowan took photos of her. She was wearing an amazing green dress with a flowy skirt and he could not keep his eyes off her.

“Come here you.” He did as he was told and joined her. “Hold me from behind.”

His arms went around her waist and they both gave their back to the basin. Aelin moved her phone so they both could be in the picture together with the magnificent background.

When she was about to click he kissed her temple.

Aelin looked at the photo “I am gorgeous.”

Rowan scoffed “I think you are the one who should move in with ego, although I think that in your case he needs a house on his own.”

She ignored him while she changed the picture as her phone background.

“I am pretending you never said anything.” And walked away from him.

Rowan laughed and a moment later he grabbed her arm and pulled her in for a kiss “Indeed you are stunning, captain.”

Aelin offered him her hand “shall we continue our tour?”

He took the hand she offered and they continued their exploration. They made their way to the area that was known as the historical one. The houses were built in stone of different colours and it looked very charming “here there are a lot of lovely small shops and some very cozy restaurants. It’s probably the most beautiful part of Doranelle.”

They continued walking until they reached a very colourful area “this is so pretty,” said Aelin pulling him toward the built up area.

Aelin dropped his hand and started walking toward all the small shops. She noticed a bakery and she walked in and Rowan followed in silence. Once inside he noticed she was busy chatting with the owner about their delicacies. Five minutes later she joined him with a bag in her hands.

“Did you buy the entire shop?”

She inclined her head and gave him a smile “almost.”

They reached the main square and discovered there was a market on and the place was full of stalls and food vendors. The air smelled of spices and food and Aelin stopped at every food stall enjoying some samples of the local food and buying some as well. Rowan followed her in silence and enjoyed seeing her relaxed.

“Are you going to spend you entire salary on food?” He joked, placing a hand on her lower back.

She turned and looked at him “I am on holiday Whitethorn, shush.”

They reached the end of the road and Aelin stopped in front of a clothes shop. In the window they had the most stunning black dress she had ever seen. She took Rowan’s hand and dragged him in.

“Hi, I saw the black dress in the window, is it possible for me to try it on? It’s stunning.”

“Of course,” said the shop owner “I make all the dresses myself.” She passed it to Aelin and pointed to the changing room.

Rowan sat on a chair and waited for her while his mind tried to picture her in the dress. When she finally emerged again he realised he had no idea how to picture her in such a dress. He swallowed hard as she walked to him.

“What do you think?” She turned to give him a full picture. The back of the dress dropped in a curve halfway down her back. It hugged her curves spectacularly and it had a cut up to above her knee. He was close to a heart attack.

“You… it’s…” he actually had no words “you are perfect.”

She smiled at him and for a brief second Rowan wished they were back in his room because he wanted to show her in another way what he really thought about it.

“Good, I am taking it. I will find an occasion to wear it.”

Once they were outside Aelin looked at him “did you really like the dress?”

Rowan wound his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, his mouth close to her ear “I had so much fun imagining all the possible ways for me to peel that dress off you.”

“That’s the type of dress I would wear completely naked underneath by the way…”

He pulled her to his chest and bowed down for a kiss “I really hate that we are in public right now.”

She kissed him back. She was loving this side of him. One she had not expected him to have. He always appeared so composed and impossible to fluster. But under the captain’s mask she was discovering him to be quite a very interesting man.

“You can ravish me tonight.” She added smiling against his lips and then walked away, leaving him alone and dumbstruck.

Yes, they could make it work.

She really wanted to.

TAGS

@rowaelinismyotp

@jlinez

@swankii-art-teacher

@courtofjurdan

@whimsicallyreading

@tillyrubes10

#rowan whitethorn #aelin galythinius #rowan x aelin #rowaelin #Throne of Glass series

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cha-melodius · 2 years

Note

Procrastinating, I somehow ended up watching real-pilot-reacts-to-plane-stuff-in-movies videos, so: how about an AU where Illya, Napoleon and Gaby are airline pilots? Bonus points if either Napoleon or Illya (or both?) used to be army pilots originally.

Ooh, this is interesting! I always love an unusual AU idea, and although I've seen a lot of flight attendant/traveler AUs, I don't think I've ever seen a they're-all-pilots AU.

I wish I knew more about airline pilots' lives, lol, but I love the idea that Napoleon and Illya are both former military. I imagine it would make itself known in different ways; like, for Napoleon, he'd take every opportunity to resist the strict, regimented life (to the extent that it's possible, obviously he'd still have plenty of regulations to follow, but it wouldn't be as strict as the military), but Illya would still be very disciplined and have little tolerance for what he sees as Napoleon's frivolity. I like the idea that Napoleon is extremely competent and professional, but he appears otherwise (as in canon), and so Illya immediately dislikes him for that. I'd say Gaby would be a younger pilot, maybe in need of flight hours as a co-pilot? (Lol I don't know how this works exactly. Obvs there would need to be research.) Maybe she works with both Napoleon and Illya at different times, getting experience on different routes and with different pilots!

They first meet when one or both of them take a new job with a new airline (UNCLE air, anyone, lol?), but I'd set it up as them constantly running into each other in staff lounges or airport hotel lobbies around the world, when they both happen to fly in to the same location. Initially, there's a lot of friction and they don't really get along, but over time they start growing on each other. They end up talking about their respective military service. They play chess games. They argue. Napoleon flirts, and Illya rebuffs him, though he ends up enjoying it a little too much. As they both fall helplessly for each other, they both think something more could never work, because all they get are these stolen moments together.

Putting the rest of this below a cut because it's a little spicier lol. I would 100% write this as a friends-with-benefits storyline. The opportunities to have them fucking in all kinds of odd, inappropriate places and situations? Absolute gold. Plus, it's perfect as starting off as very transactional: we both find each other very physically attractive, and when we happen to end up at the same place at the same time, it's easier to get a bit of a release together rather than trying to pick up strangers at the airport hotel bar. Plus, since they only see each other infrequently and don't work directly together, there's never any chance of it getting awkward, which sets you up for the most exquisite mutual pining while fucking situation. Gaby, of course, knows (more than she wants to), and initially she's like fine, whatever, it's your business, but eventually she starts wishing they'd just get their heads out of their asses and admit what they mean to each other.

One storyline I'd never be able to resist is: Illya needs to hitch a ride on one of Napoleon's flights in the jump seat to another airport to meet his next plane/crew. Make it a long-haul flight, for sure. Half the time, he's back there making little pointed comments about Napoleon's piloting, not anything outright critical, but you know. Just saying. Oh, you do that? Normally this would be definitely Not Done but they're friends/fuck-buddies at this point. Illya thinks it'll just mean he's wound up when they land and they'll have some really scorching sex, but then Napoleon corners him on the plane (Gaby's flying it, don't worry, lol) and they join the mile high club. So unprofessional. So exceptionally awesome. After that, Illya's got nothing to say for the rest of the flight. 😂

Well, I have to say I'm surprised by how much I ended up plotting out about this one, lol. So thanks for sending this in anon!

#tmfu aus #napollya #napoleon x illya #tmfu #the man from u.n.c.l.e.#the man from uncle #headcanons and aus #napoleon solo #illya kuryakin #plot bunnies #asks and answers

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 4 years

Text

Thunderstorms

Thanks to @pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles for letting me run away with this idea. It’s not quite what we discussed but we all know I’m a soft ass bitch.

Michael’s definitely the dad that got his quirks. He’s chill about somethings and apprehensive about others. And though a beach day turns in early, it’s a good reminder Michael’s always there for his family.

Reader Insert. No specific race.

Enjoy my masterlist.

You can support me on kofi.

__________________________

It’s a bit of a gamble, attempting to head east during the summer. But it has been a while since you saw your family and the kids are dying to see their GrandPops and Gma as your parents were affectionately dubbed. Both you and Michael figured it is safer to go early in the summer months, the chances of storms or hurricanes wasn’t zero, but it is significantly lower than waiting until August or so. So that leads you here, in late June that holds just on the horizon cookouts and BBQ’s that are famous in your family.

Until a strong breeze comes through, bringing with it dark clouds. You look out to the sea, the breeze whipping sand up and the edges of your towel are fluttering too. “We should get home,” you warn Michael quietly.

He’s sitting next to you, arms folded behind his head as he lounges in the foldable chair You decided to help the baby, Orion, put the last touches on her sandcastle. It’s not much of a castle at all, but it makes her content and there’s no way you’re going to fight that. Michael doesn’t respond, chest still rising and falling.

You turn your gaze back to the kids. Orion latches onto Treyvon’s arm, attempting to get him over to look at her castle. He packs down the sand in his own bucket. “I’m coming, Ri,” he returns. Treyvon’s the oldest at 8 and Orion’s just behind him at 6. They trot back over to you and you turn back to Michael, tapping at his calf. “Michael, baby,” you say a bit louder to wake him.

He groans, head snapping over to you. “Yeah, what’s up?”

Even though he’s wearing sunglasses, you see how tired he is. Last week he had some trouble sleeping and then Orion was sick. While Michael and Treyvon were thick as thieves, there is a soft spot in Michael’s heart for his little girl. There is nothing that she can’t get from Michael. All she has to blink her eyelashes and candy, toys, clothes, extra helpings of ice cream, first dibs on which section of the cornbread she wants is all hers.

Michael spent most of the nights up nursing Orion, checking that her fever broke, that she drank plenty of fluids, nursing the tummy aches, giving her the extra snuggles that eased her into slumber. You were tempted to rebook the airline tickets for later. Orion didn’t get sick often, so you figured it had to be something serious. However by about Tuesday night, she was on the up and up. Though Michael kept a close eye on her throughout the rest of the week.

You rub your hand over his knee, nodding out to the sea. More families are packing up from the beach. “Storm’s coming in.”

Michael looks over the water and sees the dark clouds on the horizon too. “How long have I been asleep?”

“Don’t know. I’ve been in the hardhat zone over here for a while,” you tease. Michael chuckles, falling back into the scratchy material of the seat. “You’re going to get the tour next.”

It’s a quiet warning and no sooner than it leaves your mouth, Orion comes kicking up sand, hand reaching out for Michael’s. “Look, Papa,” she grins. Though she’s dropped the “Bear” right now, you know the grin that takes over Michael’s face.

You started the trend, calling him Papa Bear when the kids were young, even before then. With Treyvon, you’d tease to Michael that he was a cuddly bear and therefore a Papa Bear, like in the book “Hop on Pop.” However, Michael demanded that no one actually hop on him. The demand was short lived once the babies got big enough to jump on the beds. Occasionally a spleen would take a foot coming down in all the excitement.

Michael groans as he pushes up from the chair and follows Orion over to her two part sandcastle. You’re sure to snap a photo as Michael settles into the sand, listening intently as she explains the shells as windows and the twig on top as the flag. “It’s truly a masterpiece, sweetpea,” he offers, pulling her into a hug and kissing her temple. “So who’s the queen of this castle? You?”

“Mama!” Orion smiles up at you. “She’s the queen. One day I will too.”

“That’s right,” you and Michael echo. Orion’s greeted with a kiss on the forehead from you and a kiss on the cheek from Michael. Her giggles are soft. She’s a bit shy like Michael, would rather not be the center of attention except if it’s her birthday or if she’s with Michael. Then all bets are off.

“We gotta head back to GrandPops and Gma’s,” Michael announces, throwing a glance over his shoulder to spy Treyvon turning over a bucket of dense sand. “You’re too far buddy. Stay closer to us.”

“But my castle, Dad.”

“I know. But you’re still too far from me. Just making sure you’re safe, bud.”

Trey’s pout is evident and you stop packing the bag. “I’ll stay with him if you finish packing the bag. I’ll snap a photo of it once you’re done too, Trey. But then we gotta head back. Storm’s coming in fast.”

Trey nods eagerly, running back down the shore and you follow behind with Orion’s spare bucket with her permission. She sticks close to Michael, but offers the left over of her shells for Trey’s castle too. You and Trey make quick work to fill the buckets. “What’s that?” Trey asks, taking his shovel and poking at something in the sand.

It takes a moment for you to spy it in the wet sand, but when Trey pokes it again, it jiggles slightly. The clear body camouflaging itself in the sand. “Jellyfish,” you say, taking hold of his wrist to pull him back. “Those stings hurt. Be careful.”

“It looks dead, Mama.”

“Doesn’t mean it is dead, though. Come on my side and finish filling your bucket, okay?”

“Ma,” Trey groans but when he sees the stern gaze and hard set lines he nods and takes your spot. It does look dead. But you can already see the sight if Trey gets stung. Your parents will have a fit. Michael will panic and wil not sleep for the rest of the vacation, worried about his little man. You get it, to be honest. You’ll be right up with Michael. But if you can avoid that, you will. You will do whatever it takes to avoid that.

It’s only another minute or so before Trey’s finished and the two of you come back with more sand, packed in tightly. ON the count, you flip them over, but only after getting Treyvon’s specific instructions. He’s particular and neat. Won’t leave anything a mess. Once the pieces are mostly standing, he hands you some shells and you decorate the tiny dumes you’ve created. Michael already had most of the beach gear packed up.

“What do you think?” you ask Trey taking a step back to admire the four tower castle.

“Wish I had time for like the moat, but it looks pretty good.” You make sure to take a picture, Trey standing behind the masterpiece and quickly finish up packing away the tools. The rinse off is quick, mostly brushing over the kids with the spare towels and making sure all sand is gone from toes, legs and backs.

“What’s for dinner?” Trey asks from the backseat.

You stop at the redlight, still peering up into the skies. “I think Gma is insisting on a taco night.”

“Tacos sound good,” Orion interjects. “I like tacos.”

“Can I put hot sauce on mine?” Trey asks. He’s taken a strong liking to spicy food and though Michael’s always worried that something bad will happen, you always sneak in a few daps of spicy sauces when you can.

“I don’t know, bub. Could mess up your stomach,” Michael responds, turning in the passenger seat to look to his son.

Trey knows the secret though. He looks into the mirror in the middle of the car and you catch his eye with a wink. “Okay, maybe next time.”

“I hear some stinky monsters,” your dad jokes, peeking his head out from the kitchen at the sound of you opening the door.

The kids charge down the hallway, varying degrees of volume to their roar or scream. You know your mother’s going to drop them a little snack but they can’t go too much longer without a bath. South and Moose click their paws on the hardwood floors racing their way to you guys. Your parents dognapped them to take them out and you were halfway expecting Moose to have too much energy and your parents calling that they’ll be dropping her off with you guys at the beach. Even though she had gotten older over the years, she still had her spirit of her puppyhood. But that fear never came to fruition.

South climbs into Michael’s arms, curling up into the familiar embrace. “Oh, it wasn’t that bad, was it Southy?”

As the dogs settle back down, you know the kids should be done with their snack. So you’re quick to corral them. “Up the stairs. There we go. Up and attem. We shall not be stinky monsters any more.”

“I quite like being stinky,” Trey returns. His ascent is paused to deliver the line and Michael is quick to haul him up and over his shoulder. Trey laughs. “I take it back. I don’t like being stinky.”

“Oh, no, no, no, too late now.” Their laughter echoes long after Michael draws the bath for Trey in the guest bathroom and you take Orion into your parents bathroom.

“Can I wear my owl pj’s?” Orion asks wrapped in her towel. “I like the owls better.”

“You can wear them, sure.” After you unearth them from the suitcase, you lay them out of the bed and shut the door for her to get dressed. She takes great pride in doing it herself, though sometimes you have to catch the backwards t-shirt before she waltz outside the house.

“Uh oh, looks like you’re locked out for a few minutes bud.” Michael’s holding the mass of Trey’s swimming trunks and towel. Trey’s dressed already which is good. But if he wanted to grab anything, like a book, or a toy, he is out of luck for a bit.

“That’s okay. I’m gonna go help Gma.” Trey’s descendant down to the main floor is more nosey that you would normally like, but there’s not too much to say.

“I started a pile in my parent’s bathroom, which I’ll have to get up soon, if you just wanted to dump those for now and then shower yourself,” you offer, hands out for the dirty clothes.

“All my stuff is still in the bedroom. So, I’m locked out too. But I’ll grab her stuff and start a load of laundry.”

“If you want, but we still have our clothes and towels too.”

“Good thing laundry is free,” he teases, disappearing down the hallway. When he returns, he has Orion’s bathing suit and towel as well.

Over the years, coming back home feels like never leaving. Your mother is all too happy to be loads of laundry though, she refuses to fold a damn thing. That’s the job for everyone else and no one complains. Food is always plentiful, though you do sneak cash into your mother’s purse to cover the extra expense in grocery. Your father always has to the one to say he put it there so no fights ensue. Though, you know your mother knows it’s you. But visiting wouldn’t be the same if the cycle didn’t occur.

Visiting your parents isn’t always ideal, though it had its perks. Specifically because of the sleeping situation and only because of the sleeping situation. There’s one only one spare room fit for housing guests The second bedroom was converted into a study, where you can remember spending too many nights up and staring out of the windows, or sneaking out of them.

The guest room was originally your old room, but your mother couldn’t stop her decorative itch once you moved out. The room worked, even when there was only a limited number of bathrooms as well. The bed was big enough that the kids could sleep on it even with the way Orion fitfully slept. Michael always told you to sleep on the bed with the kids. He could fit on the mattress, that wasn’t a problem, but he knew that it was cramped sometimes. So Michael sleeps on the floor at the foot of the bed. It never lasted long that he was there by himself because you always slinked down from the bed.

At first you’d lay with your head at the foot of the bed, with one arm dangling and he always reaches up to capture your fingers with his. And then you ask him to join you on the bed. Sometimes he gives in. Sometimes he doesn’t. And when he doesn’t you crawl down, thankful for the carpet that your parents hadn’t ripped up yet. The beauty of it all is that you made it work. And you hoped maybe they kids would always remember that it might’ve been a little cramped at times but you always made it work.

The door creaks open and Orion smiles before taking her more quiet escape back downstairs. “Aha, there’s my daughter. I went looking for you,” Michael laughs.

“Ya found me! Now shower, Papa Bear. You stink too.”

“On it,” he giggles with a salute and continues on up the stairs. There’s a rumble, as Michael pulls out his clothes. His ears pick up on the distant but not too far away rumble of thunder. He didn’t think the storm was that close. But when you mentioned getting back to your parents back, he knew he shouldn’t wait on it.

The steam’s already billowing when Michael cracks open the door. Your pile of clothes on the sink counter. Your humming settles into Michael’s chest as he peels himself out of the trunks and sweaty t-shirt. It’s not clear if it’s a song or just content humming, but he enjoys the sound either way.

“Got space for one more?” He asks.

You peek out from the curtain and grin. “Of course I do.”

You step away from the water, letting Michael in front as you lather soap over your chest and arms. It shouldn’t be this much of a shock. He shouldn’t be in such awe watching you. But he is. That’s just the plain truth of it. It doesn’t feel like it’s been nearly 12 years together. It doesn’t feel like it took you two years to have your first kid. It doesn’t feel like you’ve been there for three albums, three insane tours, two kids, a couple foster kittens, the two dogs, some nasty scandals. No, you’ve just been there for the blink of an eye. You’ve been there late in the nights when Michael couldn’t sleep, when that song wouldn’t let him go. You peeled him away from the video games, and though he’s been slowly introducing Trey and Orion into his hobby, you brought him into a realm of reality that he didn’t feel like he had to constantly escape.

“Is there something on my face?” you ask, watching the way Michael’s been standing under the sprinkle of the shower staring at you.

“Yeah, you look a lot like my spouse. And I still can’t believe it.”

“That’s funny. You look a lot like my husband. But I swear, it’s been like twelve years since I’ve seen him.”

His fingers are wet, but they’re soft cupping your chin. “I hope I’m a good stand in.”

You shake your head, one of your sudsy hand cupping the back of his neck. “Not a good stand in. Because you’re the best original I’ve ever had.”

The tender confession warms on his entire body. His chest squeezes for a moment and all there is to do is kiss you, pull you in close by your hip and melt into your touch. Michael’s grateful it’s you that he’s spent this last decade with. Anyone else and he’s sure it would’ve gone poorly. But not with you, with you it’s easy--sure there are issues here and there, but you’ve never once wanted to go to bed mad at each other. You haven’t once, even in all the tears and justified anger, felt like the only choice for you was to run. You dug your heels even deeper when the seas got rocky and said over and over with your actions that you weren’t going to leave.

And sure, there was a couple times that leaving did seem like a more viable option, when rumors kept churning the mill and when it seemed like Michael would never come back home to you. But you stuck it out. You figured out a way to make it work and Michael can’t be more grateful that it's been you. “I love you,” he breathes as the water runs down his back. It’s starting to lose its heat. But he’s warm with you close.

“I love you. Even if you ‘tink,” you tease, using the variation of stink that you used to coo at the kids when they were babies.

He laughs, a bit of a squeak leaving his throat. “I do not ‘tink!”

“Hmm, I’d beg to differ.”

You steal Michael’s sweatshirt, fresh from your shower and before he can object your mother is calling. “Dinner’s ready!” Her shout is greeted by another rumble of thunder.

“I’m only letting this thievery go because of food,” Michael says to you.

“Yeah, yeah, sure. It’s not because I’m sexier in your clothes.”

Michael shrugs, a slight noise of agreement leaving his throat. “Potentially.” He stops you right at the top of the stairs, kissing your forehead, down the bridge of your nose and across your cheeks.

Your giggles are high pitched and you’re clutching at his t-shirt trying to curl up and duck away from the affection. “I’m hungry,” you pout, the smell of the tacos floating up from the kitchen now.

“Oh, dear, let’s get you to some food, stat.”

The dinner is an array of shells, soft or hard, meat, and toppings--ranging from sour cream to hot sauce. You help assemble Treyvon’s plate, only to sneak a couple dabs of the hot sauce for him and he kisses your cheeks. “Thanks,” he whispers.

“Anytime, bub.”

Your parents asks about the beach with Trey and Orion are more than happy to recount. They list off who won footraces and how many laps they did in the water. Trey talks about the jellyfish he countered and Orion talks about the shells she collected. Your parents listen carefully, no doubt having heard of all these adventures already.

“But we had to leave early because the storm,” Orion concludes. The thunder’s been rumbling steadily. You’re not sure if lightning is going to accompany this storm. The windows that are drawn are showing just how dark the skies are and how fast the clouds are rolling in. The rain hasn’t fallen yet, but it’s going to be soon.

“Blanket fort?” you ask as the kids drop their plates off near the sink.

“We need cookies,” Trey counters. You can only laugh but have to agree. “Blanket forts require cookies.”

“Let’s clean up first. One mess at a time.”

“One mess at a time,” Trey echoes and takes up the dishrag ready to dry all the utensils that come down from the washing rack. The kitchen assembly line works effectively. You wash as Trey dries. Orion helps put some dishes up where she can reach and Michael floats, drying the larger pots and pans and putting them up for Orion as well.

Your parents, after the kitchen is cleaned, head up to their room but you take over preheating the oven and figuring which cookies the kids want. Orion takes charge on placing them on the cookie sheet, making sure her sugar cookies are delicately spaced. A loud rumble echoes outside the house and the rain isn’t slow to fail either. It cascades down in sheets and you think it’s definitely a good time to build a blanket fort in the living room. The darkness isn’t thick itself--there’s still an undercurrent of blue in the gray that’s taken over the sky. The rain blurs the outside world, as if your eyes are out of focus.

Michael’s chuckles alert you that he’s already getting started on rearranging the living room. Orion hugs onto your leg and lower waist as you both look out to the storm. “I want to run in the storm.”

You rub your hand over her back. “You’d get your favorite pj’s all wet and then you’d have to shower again.”

“I know. But that’s okay.” There’s a harsh strike of lightning and Orion shakes her head. “On second thought, maybe not.”

“Oh maybe not,” you laugh and turn your attention to the living room. The fort is coming together. Though the dogs are doing their best to attack the sheets and blankets. And for the moment, you’re not at your parents house anymore. You’re not standing in your childhood kitchen. You’re at home. You’re laughing at your husband’s attempts at building a blanket fort being thwarted by your own dogs.

“We need a movie!” Trey shouts, popping out from the inside of the fort, one pillow still clutched in his grasp.

“Yes!” Orion agrees.

You hadn’t necessarily planned on a movie night. But thankfully, you’re better with passwords than your husband and you know from having to troubleshoot with your parents over FaceTime that their TV does have the Netflix app already downloaded. You’re not sure if they’ve logged in or not. “Thank goodness for technology,” you laugh but nod at the request.

The timer for the cookie’s finally chimes and you pull them out of the oven. They’re perfectly golden, filling the whole kitchen with the smell of baked vanilla and sugar. Orion gets a plate of cookies as does Trey. The rain is still falling in sheets, hitting the panes and side of the house and coating the background in a white noise, a constant and steady sound. Michael’s turned out of the main lights to the living room, leaving on the soft table lamp that can’t fully bleed due to the sheets, but it cuts through just enough.

You and Michael settle towards the back of the fort, the kids laying on their pillows as you pull up the app. It takes a few minutes to settle onto a movie. Michael jokingly suggests a scary movie but Orion’s adamant against it through Trey looks intrigued. Michael winks at him, noticing the twinkle in his eye. Orion no doubt won’t make it past the first movie and when she falls asleep, Michael knows you’ll put it up to a pure vote. Trey nods at his dad and let’s the choice for the animated Spiderverse movie be the family friendly win of the night.

Michael’s hold around your waist is reassuring and you rest more weight into him. “Look, I’m voting no on a scary movie. But if something happens after I’m asleep and Trey has nightmares, it’s on you.”

“There’s nothing that gets past you, huh?”

“Of course not. I see,” a yawn interrupts your thought, “everything.”

“Can’t see nothing with your eyes closed.”

“I can see perfectly fine with my eyes closed,” you retort. Michael doesn’t say anything when you snuggle deeper into his side, arms winding around his torso. The kids giggle, even dance along to some of the songs in the soundtrack. Michael watches them, a smile on his face. These are his kids. They can sometimes butt head in ways he hadn’t ever imagined kids could do, he’s happy that they’re his. Orion acts out Doc Oc’s big reveal scene and Trey’s laughter keeps him from acting seriously.

The dogs catch onto the ruckus and start to investigate but when neither Orion or Trey given in too seriously they settle back down. And it’s just his kiddos, being the absolute joy that they are, acting alongside a film they’ve seen way too many times. But no matter how many times they beg for it, or agree on it, they love it all the same. There’s still the same wonder and awe like the first time they saw it.

“Let me guess,” you start, eyes still closed. “Orion’s Doc Oc. Trey’s Miles, you’re Peter Parker and I’m just the old person in the corner half asleep.”

“Close. I’m the old man in the corner with his spouse, so you know, two old folks today.”

“Damn,” you giggle, slowly opening your eyes. “I’ll get it next time.”

He nods, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Definitely next time.”

It’s only in the silence of the credits fully rolled that, Michael notices that the storm’s mostly passed. It’s still dark, and there’s still a soft patter of rain, but it seems the brunt of it has come and gone. Orion’s crawled up into your lap and you’ve turned, curling up around her. It won’t be long before the two of you fall back into sleep.

Trey grins, but follows behind Michael as they take the plates and place them into the sink to be washed from the sugary goodness. “Thanks,” Michael grins taking the plate Trey’s carrying.

“You’re welcome, Dad. How scary are we gonna get?”

“How scared do you wanna be?”

“I ain’t scared.”

Michael can’t help the laughter that shakes his shoulder, watching Trey puff out his chest. “Well, we’ll definitely see about that.”

Trey nods defiantly at his father. He can handle scary things. It’s not even real in the end. Once the dishes are done, they slide back into the blanket fort and Trey lays across his pillow again as Michael browses the horror section. If you were awake, you would’ve snatched the remote by now and landed him with stern glare. He knows that you sneak the hot sauce. And he’s sure you know he sneaks things too. What would be the point of it all if their kids didn’t feel safe and understood? Sure, it probably doesn’t make sense to sneak like this and the two of you could have an adult conversation. But sometimes it’s nice. It’s just a thing that him and Trey have. Because they kids need that. They need a thing that they have just with one parent, so that they always know that they’re going to be there.

They eventually settle on a movie. It’s not too scary, but the introduction definitely pushes the boundaries on the amount of gore that Michael would normally let slide. As it progress, the blood volume reduces. It’s mostly jumpscares that the movie relies on, but one or two even get Michael. Trey sits up and without much thought Michael leans forward. Not to swoop in just yet but hovering close by, just in case. There’s a lull in the plot, and Trey seems to relax.

“Want to call it quits?” Michael asks.

“Like ten more minutes,” Treyvon offers. It’s not too bad, but it does scare him just a little bit. And it’s mostly that beginning. He’s used to movies that start a little slower on the whole gore thing and this one started right out of the gate. He’s not sure if ten more minutes is the smartest idea. But the end has to be coming up soon. He can hold out for just a little bit longer. Though, as it progress, that uneasy feeling creeps back up. Trey turns and finds his father’s hand already stretched out.

“Done?”

Treyvon shakes his head. It’s a small comfort to settle into his dad’s lap. “How much more time is left?”

With a quick pause, Michael reveals they still have half an hour left. “Still a good chunk of time left.”

“Can we take a break?”

“Yeah of course.” Michael exits the movie completely letting the Netflix homepage fill the screen of the TV. Treyvon exhales, burying his face into Michael’s chest. “I’m sorry. Didn’t seem so bad.”

“Not your fault,” Trey mumbles.

Michael runs his hand over Trey’s back, holding him tight and secure to his body. “You’re safe. I’m here. And there’s Southy and Moose to protect you too.”

“Dad, I love them. But they’re old,” Trey laughs.

“Oh, Moose,” Michael pauses on the thought. “No, come to think of it, she’d roll over for pets in a heart beat.”

“See!” Treyvon giggles.

“Palette cleanse. Let’s watch some cartoons.”

“Maybe we can finish that movie in the morning?”

“If you’re up for it,” Michael agrees. Michael won’t bring it up unless Treyvon does; it was kind of intense from the start and it’s no fault of Treyvon if he doesn’t want to finish it now or in the morning. They watch another hour of cartoons before Michael can tell Treyvon’s fallen asleep. He could wake you, carry both kids to the bed and properly sleep through the night. Or Michael can let one more episode pass of the show and then turn it off, leaving on the soft lamp and letting himself fall asleep too, just slide down to the floor and bring a pillow up for Treyvon while he keeps close by.

“Not going upstairs?” you ask softly into Michael’s ear.

“You feel like carrying either child upstairs?”

With a soft giggle, you kiss his cheek. “Absolutely not.” You settle behind Michael, back pressed into his as you keep an eye on Orion curled up on her pillow and find one the spare sheets to drape over her.

Michael knows someone’s staring at him. He can feel the fire behind the gaze even if he’s eyes are still closed. If it were one of the kids, they’d be poking at his face or arms, or stomach. Instead it’s just a stare, just the hairs along his neck standing up on end. “If I’m in trouble, can I have a cup of coffee first?”

“A scary movie? Michael, really?”

It’s right on the tip of his tongue to make a joke that the omission of the nickname babe is much too severe for one scary movie. But if he says that, it’s going to reveal the whole secret. “We did a palette cleanse. I was up the entire time.” Michael blinks open his eyes to see you, kneeling next to him. The kids are missing from the fort. The clink of forks alerts him that they’re probably eating breakfast.

“He’s been quiet the whole morning. Which is not like Trey at all. You say no to hot sauce but yes to a fucking horror film.” Your voice is firm but a whisper.

“You say yes to hot sauce and no to horror films.”

While Michael’s right, and you don’t want him to be, you know you don’t have a full leg to stand on. Sighing you fall to your butt, hugging your knees to your chest. “Fix it. I don’t care how. Don’t care if it’s ice cream at every meal. But I need my son back and you agreed to the horror film.”

It’s a fair call and Michael nods, finally sitting up from the floor. “On it. Also, good morning.”

You huff, and swat at his butt as he crawls out from the fort. “Good morning to you too, angel.”

He giggles at the sickly sweet sarcasm but pads into the kitchen. Both kids sit, eating at their waffles and bacon. “Morning, Papa Bear!” Orion greets with a bright grin. Michael kisses the top of her head and squeezes Treyvon’s shoulder.

The boy is slow to meet the gaze and mumble out a greeting. Michael knows it’s bad. He probably should’ve turned the movie off after the first fifteen minutes. Orion’s finished first and gets excused from the table. The thud of Michael’s coffee cup echoes for a moment. “How’d you sleep?” Michael asks.

“Okay.” There’s a pause and Trey looks up from his plate. “Movie was a little scarier than I thought,” he whispers, glancing into the living room, trying to keep the secret from you.

“It’s okay. It scared me a little too at times.”

“I think Mom knows something. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Michael ruffles Treyvon’s hair. “Bud, the only one getting into trouble might be me. But not you. You got my permission to watch the movie, so it wasn’t like you disobeyed anyone and you didn’t break a rule. I just picked not the best film for us to watch. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you that badly with the film.”

There’s not a rule against scary movies. Most of your objection is just Trey’s age and wanting to wait until he’s a bit older. However, Michael knows that sometimes a good scare isn’t that bad. Besides, the movies normally get vetted by him first. Michael looks through them to see which ones are too violent or not appropriate for kids. And last night, on a slightly last minute decision, Michael made a call and it was just the wrong one. That’s his mistake not Trey’s.

Treyvon nods at Michael’s apology. “I-I don’t want to finish it. I wanted to look strong, but,” he shakes his head. “I don’t--”

Michael nods. “No problem. We can watch more cartoons, get some ice cream at lunch.”

“Mint chocolate?”

“With all the sprinkles your tummy can handle it,” Michael grins.

“Add gummy bears and it’s a deal.”

Michael thinks for a second, running a hand over his beard. It’s an instant yes. But he pretends for just a moment. “Alright, you drive a hard bargain. Gummy bears too.”

Treyvon’s quick to finish his breakfast. “Thanks, Dad. For like understanding and everything about the movie. And, I know you didn’t mean to pick such a scary movie. I’m-I’m just glad you were there.”

“I’m always going to be there, Treyvon. Always. I’m your dad. I’m always going to be there.”

Trey slips down from the chair and hugs Michael. “Thanks.”

“Of course. You’re welcome.”

#michael clifford #michael clifford fanfic #michael clifford fic #michael clifford imagine #michael clifford blurb #dad!michael #h writes #5sos #5sos fanfic #5sos imagine #5sos fic #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fanfic #5 seconds of summer fic #5 seconds of summer imagine #michael clifford x reader insert #dad!michael blurb

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mytwilightimagines13 · 5 years

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Size doesn’t matter, buddy (Felix Volturi) part 1

Word count: 1370 Requested by: https://hiddlebatchship.tumblr.com/

You were waiting in the car for Alice and Bella, the engine turned on. You and Bella never really agreed with each other but none the less, you wouldn’t let her kill herself over your brother leaving her. You sat as still as a statue, listening for any disruptions. You could hear the whole conversation inside the house, thanks to your enhanced hearing. "It was Edward." The words were just a choked whisper, coming from Alice. "He thinks you're dead." "Rosalie told him I killed myself, didn't she?" Bella said, sighing. "Yes," Alice admitted. "In her defence, she did believe it. They rely on my sight far too much for something that works so imperfectly. But for her to track him down to tell him this! Didn't she realize, or care?" Her voice faded away in horror. "And when Edward called here, he thought Jacob meant my funeral," Bella realized. "You're not upset," Alice whispered. "Well, it's really rotten timing, but it will all get straightened out. The next time he calls, someone will tell him what really." Bella trailed off. Your eyes grew wide. “God damn it!” you cursed, realizing fully well what Alice meant. Your brother had a feeling for drama and your quick mind worked it out faster than Bella’s slower human mind. "Bella," Alice whispered. "Edward won't call again. He believed her." "I. Don't. Understand." Bella said. "He's going to Italy." It was quiet for a short while, probably Bella trying to comprehend what Alice meant. "NO!" The half-shrieked denial was so loud after the whispered words, it made even you jump up. "No! No, no, no! He can't! He can't do that!" Bella shouted. "He made up his mind as soon as your friend confirmed that it was too late to save you." Alice explained. "But he, he left! He didn't want me anymore! What difference does it make now? He knew I would die sometime!" Bella shouted once more, pain in her voice. "I don't think he ever planned to outlive you by long," Alice said quietly. "How dare he!" Bella screamed. "Oh, get out of the way, Jacob!" Bella said, earning her a chuckle from you. "What do we do?" Bella begged Alice. "Can't we call him? Can Carlisle?" You assumed Alice shook her head before answering Bella. "That was the first thing I tried. He left his phone in a trash can in Rio, someone answered it" she whispered. "You said before we had to hurry. Hurry how? Let's do it, whatever it is!" Bella pleaded "Bella, I don't think I can ask you to…" She trailed off in indecision. "Ask me!" Bella commanded. "We may already be too late. I saw him going to the Volturi, and asking to die." You cringed at Alice’s words. "It all depends on what they choose. I can't see that till they make a decision.” "But if they say no, and they might, Aro is fond of Carlisle, and wouldn't want to offend him. Edward has a backup plan. They're very protective of their city. If Edward does something to upset the peace, he thinks they'll act to stop him. And he's right. They will." Alice said. You cursed even more, ready to drag both Alice and Bella’s butts into the car and speed off towards Italy. "So if they agree to grant his favour, we're too late. If they say no, and he comes up with a plan to offend them quickly enough, we're too late. If he gives into his more theatrical tendencies we might have time." Alice explained. "Let's go!" Bella chanted. "Listen, Bella! Whether we are in time or not, we will be in the heart of the Volturi city. (Y/N) and I will be considered his accomplice if he is successful. You will be a human who not only knows too much, but also smells too good. There's a very good chance that they will eliminate us all though in your case it won't be punishment so much as dinnertime." Alice said. “Wait, (Y/N) is here as well? I thought she disliked me?” Bella asked. “No she doesn’t. She is just very protective over our family, and once again a human knowing about us is dangerous. She is waiting in the car, she didn’t want to frighten you or anything. She only wants to protect our brother.” Alice explained. "But, your fear is what's keeping us here?" Bella asked in disbelief, returning her attention to the topic. "I'll go alone if you're afraid.” "I'm only afraid of getting you killed." Alice said, trying to reason with Bella. Bella snorted in disgust, earning her a growl from you. "I almost get myself killed on a daily basis! Tell me what I need to do!" "You write a note to Charlie. I'll call the airlines." Alice said, knowing there was no way to convince Bella to stay. "Charlie," Bella gasped. "I'm not going to let anything happen to Charlie." Jacob's low voice was gruff and angry. "Screw the treaty." You rolled your eyes. The treaty was only set into place for the wolves at the time. "Hurry, Bella," Alice interrupted urgently. "Don't go," Jacob whispered. "Please, please, please take care of Charlie," Bella said. Alice was waiting in the doorway with a bag over her shoulder. "Get your wallet you'll need ID. Please tell me you have a passport. I don't have time to forge one." Bella nodded and then raced up the stairs. You watched Jacob with a close eyes as he and Alice were locked in some kind of confrontation in front of the open door, standing so far apart you. Neither one seemed to notice Bella’s noisy reappearance. "You might control yourself on occasion, but these leeches you're taking her to" Jacob was furiously accusing her. "Yes. You're right, dog." Alice was snarling, too. You were ready to step out of the car, to give this dog a piece of your mind, but Alice held her hand up slightly, signalling for you to stay put. "The Volturi are the very essence of our kind, they're the reason your hair stands on end when you smell me. They are the substance of your nightmares, the dread behind your instincts. I'm not unaware of that." Alice hissed between her teeth. "And you take her to them like a bottle of wine for a party!" he shouted. "You think she'd be better off if I left her here alone, with Victoria stalking her?" "We can handle the redhead." "Then why is she still hunting?" Jacob growled, and a shudder rippled through his torso. "Stop that!" Bella shouted at them both, wild with impatience. "Argue when we get back, let's go!" Alice turned for the car, disappearing in her haste. Bella hurried after her, pausing automatically to turn and lock the door. Jacob caught her arm with a shivering hand. "Please, Bella. I'm begging." His dark eyes were glistening with tears. "Jake, I have to." "You don't, though. You really don't. You could stay here with me. You could stay alive. For Charlie. For me." The engine of Carlisle's Mercedes purred; the rhythm of the thrumming spiked when you revved it impatiently. Bella shook her head, tears spattering from her eyes with the sharp motion. She pulled her arm free, and he didn't fight her. "Don't die, Bella," he choked out. "Don't go. Don't." A sob broke out from her chest. She threw her arms around his waist and hugged for one too-short moment, burying her tear-wet face against his chest. He put his big hand on the back of her hair, as if to hold her there. "Bye, Jake." she pulled his hand from her hair, and kissed his palm. "Sorry," she whispered before spinning and raced for the car. The door on the back seat side was open and waiting. Bella threw her backpack on the back seat next to her and slid in, slamming the door behind her. "Take care of Charlie!" she turned to shout out the window, but Jacob was nowhere in sight. You stomped on the gas and with the tires screeching like human screams spun the car around to face the road, speeding towards the aiport.

#felix volturi #demetri volturi #cullen #Marcus Volturi #twilight #twilight imagine #aro volturi #Caius Volturi #jacob black #jane volturi #alec volturi #alice cullen #bella swan #volturi #volturi imagine

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hockeyisreligion · 6 years

Text

Trades

Authors note: this was posted on my hockey fan fiction website : captaincrosbyy

Sighing, I run my hands through my hair slightly pulling for what seems like the hundredth time in the past hour. The past couple months at work have been very hard on me and the troubles with my relationship have not helped. I have been dating Dallas Stars defence man Jordie Benn for the past three years and we have one dog together, Juice. Lately, Jordie and I have been under a lot of stress, the team has been underachieving HARD and I recently started in a higher position at work. This has been putting a massive strain on our relationship now that I barely ever see Jordie and when I do we are either fighting or not even talking. We fight mostly about me never being home when he is because of my work schedule or we fight about me saying the wrong thing about the team that sends Jordie off in a huff. Earlier I would have ran after him when he went downstairs to fix things but now I am so tired of fighting that I will just sit in the nook looking out the window wondering where things went wrong and praying that we would be able to fix this.

If you had asked me 4 months ago if Jordie were to propose would I say yes, and I would have told you in a heart beat. But after these past months of constant fighting and then the silent treatment, I don’t know if I could tell you I would have the same answer. I believe Jordie is it for me, and is the love of my life but I value myself too much to let Jordie treat me like shit and not do anything about it. Since Jordie and I started dating, my job had always been a touchy subject for him. I work at a book publishing company mainly reading manuscripts and meeting with authors to finalize their work. This requires A LOT of my time and that cut into the time I had with Jordie. During my time in the WAG’s room at the Stars games I noticed not many of the wives or girlfriends have careers and I think Jordie wanted that for me too. Well it was the opposite of what I wanted, I love my job and it brings me so much happiness and enjoyment with my adult life that I feel like I would go crazy not having it. Jordie wanted me to go to every single home game, be there to make him pre game dinners before every game, be able to take off on quick vacations when the team get time off, and spend his off days laying in bed. But that was not the case with me, I was focused on my job and furthering my career to see that was what Jordie wanted. I guess this was his breaking point and I was too tired to fight for us.

My assistant drops 5 more manuscripts off to my desk and informs me that they need to be read and briefed all for tomorrow’s meetings. I smile politely and she leaves my office closing the door behind her. “This is seriously what I need right now” I mutter to myself. Eyeing the clock on my desktop I see that it is 5:17 and remember that I promised Jordie that I would go to his game tonight. I was trying but as time was running out and I still had 3 manuscripts left I soon realized I have left Jordie down and once again picked work over him. Its 7:10 when I leave the office still having 2 more manuscripts to look over before tomorrow, figuring I will do it after the game and head to my car to race to American Airlines Centre to try and get to see some of the first period.

I check my phone for what seems to be all day to see 12 missed calls and 7 missed texts. 2 from Jordie, 4 from Jamie, and 1 from Katie (Jamie’s girlfriend). I panic thinking that Jordie was hurt during the game and quickly look at the Jordie texts.

I got traded. Now this is when my world flipped upside down and I stare at the three words that make me want to vomit.

I have to leave for Montreal tonite, call me when u get this. Jordie sent me that at 2:30 THIS AFTERNOON. I can’t breathe while I dial Jordie’s number hoping he hasn’t left yet.

“Hi you have reached Jordie, I can’t get to answering your call right now, but if you leave a message I will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.” FUCK I scream tears brimming my eyes.

I open Jamie’s texts next.

I’m so sorry Ellie, call me

Jordie will need u

I know things haven’t been good lately, but he will need u

Jordie flies out at 7. Was the last text I received from the Benn brother. I don’t bother looking at Katie’s text I just head in the direction of Jordie and I’s house. Speeding, tears streaming down my face I get to my house in record time. Jordie’s truck is gone, lights off, the house looks dead, abandoned and I don’t get out of my jeep right away. Hoping and praying that Jordie for some reason is still here and not on a plane moving away from me, to a different country.

I can’t bring myself to open the door of my jeep I just sit there crying, wondering why this happened to Jordie and I. Finally after what seemed like 10 minutes, I slowly get out of my car and head to the front door. I can hear Juice whining from behind the door already so when I open the door he runs circles through my legs.

“Hey buddy.” I reach down to pet him and he ends up jumping up to give me a kiss. All the lights are turned off in the house except one over top of the sink in the kitchen. It illuminates the paper left out on the counter and I feel myself being pulled toward the kitchen. I take a deep breathe when I see Jordie’s terribly, scribbled handwriting filling the page.

My hands tremble as I go out to grab it and slide down the counter, my bum hitting the floor and immediately being swarmed by Juice before he figures out I am okay and sits beside me.

Dear Ellie,

I can not imagine whats going through your head right now. (Same here Jordie I think) By the sounds of it, your phone was turned off all day at work and you were heading to the arena to find out that I have been traded. Or you worked late and are now shocked to find this. Either way I hope you come to terms with what happened because I don’t know when I will. I’m looking around at the life I have in Dallas and in the matter of a phone call it has all been taken away from me. The past couple months have been rough on both of us and I take full responsibility for that El. I resented you because you had something that was other then me. I only have hockey and you and for one of my things to almost be taken away from me was a hard pill to swallow. Yes I wish you worked less but I will have to get over that if I want to be with you.

I wish I knew what you were thinking Ellie so I could help you cope in a way. I know your job is super important to you, mine is too. But you are the most important thing in my life and it took me being traded to figure that out. I cannot ask you to give up your job because as much as I love you, I don’t know if I would be able to do the same for you. Yes that is very hypocritical, yes I just said you were the most important thing in my life and then said I would choose my job over you. But this is where I am at right now. I want the best for you in life and if that means us separating ways I will have to deal with that. I want to be selfish and ask you to give up your job and everything in Dallas to come with me but what kind of person would I be if I did that? A terrible one? YES.

I know I am all over the place in this note but well I can’t even seem to think straight. I am somewhat hoping that this is all a dream or I am being punked but Ashton Kutcher hasn’t came out yet and my flight leaves way too soon.

But I leave you with this. Montreal could be a city for us where we could both start over. In Montreal, I am not Jamie Benn’s brother or the bearded Benn brother. In Montreal, I will be Jordie Benn, defence man for the Montreal Canadiens. I will be writing my own story with one of the most historic franchises ever. We could start over, leave all the shit of the past months behind us in Dallas and sell that house because to me it was never a home. We could find a real HOME in Montreal, one that we love and we build together and Juice could run around in. We could start our family there and you could find a job there that is better then the one in Dallas. Hell baby you could start your own publishing company, I will help you. Give us another chance and I will PROMISE until the day I die that I will show you and tell you how much I truly love you everyday and that our love is worth so much more then what we have been going through.

I also need to tell you this. Stay in Dallas, keep Juice, keep the apartment, I don’t care and live out your dream with this job. You worked so hard to get there and I don’t resent you for a second for choosing your job over me. If this is what your leaning towards, please do not let me slow you down or hold you back from your dreams and the endless potential you have. I’m sure you will find someone that will give you all of your dreams that I couldn’t. I know there is someone out there that can do this for you Ellie. I KNOW because I thought I was that person, but if the last few months were any indicator I realized I am not. I am the most selfish person when it comes to my life and you are the complete opposite. I treated you like shit the past months and I am forever sorry about that and I completely understand if this is the end of the road for us.

I love you more then you know.

Don’t ever be a stranger,

Jordie.

#hockey imagines #nhl imagines #go habs go #canadiens #jordie benn

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newstfionline · 3 years

Text

Saturday, May 15, 2021

A very Canadian criminal (CP) Mounties in east-central Saskatchewan have cracked what they are calling an “extremely Canadian case.” RCMP officers from the Porcupine Plain detachment were called to a rural area on Friday to investigate a theft of posts that had been piled on a property for fencing. The thief was soon revealed to have sharp teeth, fur, and a broad tail. Const. Conrad Rickards says the posts were found in a nearby waterway and it appears a beaver helped himself to the lumber to build a dam—perhaps with the help of some buddies. Rickards says there was no sign of the culprit. He says no charges will be laid.

Desperate for workers, US restaurants and stores raise pay (AP) U.S. restaurants and stores are rapidly raising pay in an urgent effort to attract more applicants and keep up with a flood of customers as the pandemic eases. McDonald’s, Sheetz and Chipotle are just some of the latest companies to follow Amazon, Walmart and Costco in boosting wages, in some cases to $15 an hour or higher. States and cities are easing business restrictions as COVID-19 deaths and cases plummet, and in places like Florida, Nevada, and Texas, restaurant traffic is above or near pre-pandemic levels, according to OpenTable, a software provider to the industry. Many companies say they are struggling to find workers. “Customers are coming back faster than restaurants can staff up,” said Josh Bivens, research director at the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute. “By raising pay, they are able to get more workers in the door.”

Blackouts Threaten Entire U.S. West This Summer as Heat Awaits (Bloomberg) First they struck California, then Texas. Now blackouts are threatening the entire U.S. West as nearly a dozen states head into summer with too little electricity. From New Mexico to Washington, power grids are being strained by forces years in the making—some of them fueled by climate change, others by the fight against it. If a heat wave strikes the whole region at once, the rolling outages that darkened Southern California and Silicon Valley last August will have been previews, not flukes. Extreme weather fueled by climate change is exposing cracks in society’s move away from fossil fuels, even as that shift is supposed to rein in the worst of global warming. States shuttering coal and gas-fired power plants simply aren’t replacing them fast enough to keep pace with the vagaries of an unstable climate, and the region’s existing power infrastructure is woefully vulnerable to wildfires (which threaten transmission lines), drought (which saps once-abundant hydropower resources) and heat waves (which play havoc with demand).

Colonial Pipeline Paid Roughly $5 Million in Ransom to Hackers (NYT) The operator of a critical fuel pipeline on the East Coast paid extortionists roughly 75 Bitcoin—or nearly $5 million—to recover its stolen data, according to people briefed on the transaction, clearing the way for gas to begin flowing again but complicating President Biden’s efforts to deter future attacks. Colonial Pipeline made the ransom payment to the hacking group DarkSide after the cybercriminals last week held up the company’s business networks with ransomware, a form of malware that encrypts data until the victim pays, and threatened to release it online. The company pre-emptively shut down its pipeline, which stretches from Texas to New Jersey and delivers nearly half of the transport fuels for the Atlantic Coast, setting off a cascading crisis that forced some airlines to make fuel stops on long-haul flights and led to emergency meetings at the White House, a jump in gas prices and panic buying at gas pumps.

Greece joins Mediterranean race to win back tourists (AP) Greece launched its tourism season Friday amid a competitive scramble across the Mediterranean to lure vacationers emerging from lockdowns. The European Union has yet to roll out its cellphone-friendly travel pass system. But southern member-states, driven deeper into debt by the pandemic and highly dependent on tourism revenues, are not waiting. Croatia has already reopened, as has Cyprus, joined Friday by Greece where residents were allowed to leave home without an electronic permit for the first time in six months. Greece is hoping to claw back half the 2019 visitor level. It’s vowed to finish vaccinating its entire island population over the next six weeks and will even waive test requirements for tourists who have received vaccines made in Russia and China that are not approved for use domestically. Other Mediterranean countries are also looking for an edge. Malta is promising visitors vouchers to go diving and cash rebates to high-end hotel customers. In Turkey, visitors from abroad have been exempt from stay-at-home orders applying to Turks, thus enjoying an empty Istanbul, and little-populated beach resorts.

Russia deems U.S., Czech Republic 'unfriendly', limits embassy hires (Reuters) The Russian government said on Friday it had officially deemed the United States and the Czech Republic "unfriendly" states, and that U.S. diplomatic missions could no longer employ local staff while Czech missions could employ a maximum of 19. Relations between Russia and the Czechs were badly hit last month when the Czechs accused Russian military intelligence of being behind a 2014 blast at an ammunition depot, and expelled dozens of Russian diplomats. Russia rejected the allegations and retaliated by expelling Czech diplomats, and also ordered the Czechs to let go the majority of their local employees in Moscow, many of whom have staffed a Czech hospitality and business centre in the city.

Lines, tokens and money brokers: Myanmar’s crumbling economy runs low on cash (Reuters) If you need cash in Myanmar, you have to get up early. Queues start forming outside banks at 4 a.m., where the first 15 or 30 customers are given a plastic token that will allow them to enter the bank when it opens at 9:30 a.m. and withdraw cash, according to more than a dozen people who spoke to Reuters. If you do not get a token, you either have to queue for hours for the few functioning cash dispensing machines outside or go to black-market brokers who charge big commissions. The cash crisis is one of the most pressing problems for the people of Myanmar after the Feb. 1 military coup. The central bank, now run by a junta appointee, has not returned some of the reserves it holds for private banks, without giving any reason, leaving the banks short of cash. The banks themselves have been closed or open only intermittently as many staff have gone on strike to protest against the coup. Meanwhile, internet outages make online transactions difficult and international transfers have largely stopped working.

When Covid Hit, China Was Ready to Tell Its Version of the Story (NYT) In the fall of 2019, just before global borders closed, an international journalists’ association decided to canvass its members about a subject that kept coming up in informal conversations: What is China doing? What it found was astonishing in its scope. Journalists from countries as tiny as Guinea-Bissau had been invited to sign agreements with their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese government was distributing versions of its propaganda newspaper China Daily in English—and also Serbian. A Filipino journalist estimated that more than half of the stories on a Philippines newswire came from the Chinese state agency Xinhua. A South African media group raised money from Chinese investors, then fired a columnist who wrote about China’s suppression of its Uyghur minority. Journalists in Peru faced intense social media criticism from combative Chinese government officials. What seemed, in each country, like an odd local anomaly looked, all told, like a vast, if patchwork, strategy to create an alternative to a global news media dominated by outlets like the BBC and CNN, and to insert Chinese money, power and perspective into the media in almost every country in the world. China’s media strategy is no secret, and the Chinese government says its campaign is no different from what powerful global players have done for more than a century. “The accusation on China is what the U.S. has been doing all along,” a deputy director general of the Information Department at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, told me in a WeChat message.

Israeli forces hit Hamas tunnels in Gaza as all-out war looms (Washington Post) Israel continued to press its air campaign against the Gaza Strip on Friday after a devastating overnight assault by artillery and warplanes aimed at destroying an extensive system of tunnels built by the militant Hamas group to move fighters, rockets and other weapons. Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket attacks on Israel both raged into Friday evening with no sign of abating. The reciprocal bombardment has resulted in the deaths of 126 in Gaza and nine in Israel, health and emergency officials say, with hundreds more injured over five days of fighting. Violence between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel also continued in cities across the country, while new clashes erupted in the occupied West Bank, which had been relatively calm in recent days, with skirmishes in Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarem and other cities. Eleven Palestinians were killed in West Bank confrontations with security forces, according to health officials. By sunset, unrest flared in several Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, where Palestinians throwing stones and firebombs battled police wielding stun grenades and tear gas, and protesters set cars and trees afire. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reported that Israeli settlers had set fire to swaths of Palestinian farmland in the West Bank.

Radical rabbi’s followers rise in Israel amid new violence (AP) In the 1980s, Rabbi Meir Kahane’s violent anti-Arab ideology was considered so repugnant that Israel banned him from parliament and the U.S. listed his party as a terrorist group. Today, his disciples march through the streets by the hundreds, chanting “Death to Arabs” and assaulting any they come across. This week, they took part in a wave of communal violence in Jerusalem and mixed cities across Israel in which Arabs and Jews viciously attacked people and torched cars. Israelis shocked by the violence have cast the right-wing extremism as a nasty aberration or a reaction to Palestinian violence. But to Arab citizens, who make up 20% of Israel’s population, the heirs of Kahane are a natural outgrowth of a discriminatory system—normalized by some mainstream leaders who largely share their views. Their resurgence has injected another element of volatility to the conflict. It’s also part of a broader shift to the right in Israel, where Kahane’s disciples are hardly alone in adopting a hard line toward the Palestinians and trafficking in anti-Arab rhetoric.

Beset by virus, Gaza’s hospitals now struggle with wounded (AP) Just weeks ago, the Gaza Strip’s feeble health system was struggling with a runaway surge of coronavirus cases. Authorities cleared out hospital operating rooms, suspended nonessential care and redeployed doctors to patients having difficulty breathing. Then, the bombs began to fall. This week’s violence between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers has killed 103 Palestinians, including 27 children, and wounded 530 people in the impoverished territory. Israeli airstrikes have pounded apartments, blown up cars and toppled buildings. Doctors across the crowded coastal enclave are now reallocating intensive care unit beds and scrambling to keep up with a very different health crisis: treating blast and shrapnel wounds, bandaging cuts and performing amputations.

South Sudan, nearing 10 years old, struggles for stability (AP) As South Sudan approaches 10 years of being an independent country, many challenges remain for the world’s youngest state. A 2018 peace deal ending a five-year civil war has faced delays in implementation. A government of national unity was formed only last year. Millions of people remain in need of humanitarian assistance ahead of the anniversary of independence in July. One major problem has been the formation of a unified security force, which has been hampered by lack of funding and political will. More than 25,000 trainees have yet to graduate from centers across South Sudan, many struggling without regular meals, medical care or even a curriculum. Many trainees have abandoned the centers.

#headlines #news

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olympianpandback · 3 years

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May 10

We headed to Crater Lake fairly early because it is a 3 hour drive. It is always a scenic drive On the Volcano Scenic Byway. We parked behind an RV from Alaska and the lady who was in that RV came up to talk to us about our RV. She has friends who are looking for a leisure travel Van. We head a nice long chat and went over to look at Crater Lake. It's impossible to really describe and I am sure the pictures won't do justice for the sights we saw. There is still up to 8' of snow around the buildings. We found a campground along a river that was nice and quiet until after we went to bed. We had no idea about any train tracks somewhere near us, at least 4 trains rumbled through that were not very loud, except for the train whistle. We met our neighbors who are from Beaverton. He is a retired financial guy and his wife Faye finally retired from part time work at the church so they could travel. He was in the army from 59 through 61 and extended for a year because of the Berlin wall and the Cuban missile crisis. He was supposed to go to Germany but got a fever 3 days before the unit shipped out and the shipped unit out without him and 2 of his buddies. He never worked in his MOS (military occupation specialty), in artillery again. He spent 2 years in the active reserves and 2 years in the inactive reserves and got called back to active duty again. What a “lucky” guy. His wife worked as a ground crew member for American Airlines for 10 years then took a leave of absence for 5 years so she got credit for 15. They flew a lot to Europe mostly to France and travelled as much as they could on her D1 pass. The campground owner Steve has Scottish Highland cattle on his 140 acres because they eat the BlackBerry bushes and all the other brambles that no normal cattle will eat. He doesn't even have to feed them during the wintertime because they just disappear into the BlackBerry bushes and stay healthy during the weather. If he gets a male cow, they eat it. On the way to this campground South of Roseburg Oregon. we saw a great deal of devastation from recent for fires. It actually looks like it happened in the last year not later than 2 years. There is a lot of cleanup and trying to salvage usable lumber. We rounded one curve and there was the stump of a tree lying across the guardrail that was at least 2' in diameter that had just been cut out of the road not long ago from the looks of the cut. I can't imagine how long the delay had been before they got a crew out with the right equipment to move that log off the highway. Just another trip of discovery for us seeing such beautiful scenery and meeting so many nice people it's hard to describe in words or pictures.

May 11

We left mid-morning after another good conversation with Rich and Kay. We headed for the coast and got here midafternoon after stopping to get some to die for Apple walnut fritters at a local bakery. On the way here, we saw a spot that is called the Dean Creek Elk viewing area. Supposedly up to a 140 elk use this area as grazing ground. We didn't see any when we stopped on the way to the next campground. The campground is nice, but the bathrooms are closed and it's only private campgrounds that are having their bathrooms closed according to the host. We found out later that was probably a cop out to keep from cleaning them. This is an RV resort that people stay at year-round a lot of time. After dinner we went back to the elk viewing area Around 7:15 and saw about 40 or more cows grazing in the field. We hung around for about 20 more minutes hoping to see a bull, but none showed up. At least we can say we have seen elks and cross that off our list of wild animals. Tomorrow we head north a couple of hours to depot Bay. We hope to see some whales from the shore and will definitely take the 1 and 1/2 hour whale watching Tour, if we can book one.

May 12

On our way out of town we decided to go by the viewing place one more time period There were 40 or 50 cows out there but again no male elk. We headed North to Depoe Bay to try to do a whale watching cruise. We had checked with a campground just North of there who said their bathrooms were open. It was one of campgrounds in our group for big discounts. We drove there and found out that they had no cell phone signal. Even though I don't keep up with the blog as much as I would like to, we still need cell phone signal. We came back to town to another campground. Their bathrooms are open and it was a nice campground. They didn't offer a discount for veterans and I started to leave but Elizabeth wanted to stay there so we signed in. Marilyn gave us a 10% discount because I was such a nice man. Her words not mine. She also suggested a whale watching tour with a marine biologist area We were going to book a 12 o'clock tour, but we would have been on the boat for an hour and a 1/2 without anything to eat so we pushed it forward to the 10 o'clock tour. We got a text later saying that the 10 o'clock tour had been pushed up to 9:30 because they expected heavy seas that afternoon.

May 13 Whale watching trip

We were worried about a place to park the RV so we got there very early and parked in front of the jump off point. The leader was a very nice marine biologist who was passionate about her work we got a 15 minute lecture on whales before we went down to get on the boats . We got on the big boat which is a navy seal assault boat that had been retired. They asked who wanted to sit up front and we volunteered. It was a raw day and going to be cold and windy no matter where you were sitting. There are a group of whales come North from Mexico and hang around Depoe Bay while others continue on to the Alaskan water for feeding in the summer.ie Carry the biologist had named all the whales who stay around the area. It was foggy and around 46 degrees when we left. Sees were chopping but not too bad at first. We went buoy that had some sea lions on it. Then we meandered around following the other boat and listening for spotters looking for spouts. Carrie had also trained a dog that she rescued to smell the whale spouts which smell like the worst fart you've ever smelled and the dog Coda had been trained to detect those smells from an early age. Coda ran all around the boat from side to side and front to back sniffing the air, but we never saw a whale. We saw a lot of kelp and birds. The marine biologist says if we come back in August-September, the whales will be swimming up next to shore and we heard the same from locals later. So much for good timing. The Internet said whales should be here now! We will head north trying to find some more whales because they only move at 4 miles per hour and we can overtake them. As we came back into the dock area we saw a mama seal and her baby seal who just been born that morning. On the way back to ,the dock Carrie asked if we were ready for some bumpy rides. We had no choice but to say yes and she opened up that seal boat with its twin 200 (I guessed at the size) HP Evinrude engines. We were hitting the bottom of some waves and riding over the top of many of them. It was a very fun ride for me and Elizabeth enjoyed it somewhat. We decided to eat in town and got to a restaurant just dead opened so we didn't have to wait area I had a seriously good clam chowder Elizabeth had a beer-based Tillamook cheese soup. It was in a brewery so we had craft pilsner for lunch. Everything was very good and I took a nap we got back to the camp after setting the RV up. I spoke to our neighbor to our South who is a retired Air Force avionics technician, meeting his children here for the weekend into two other RVs. We had a nice chat about the military, his travels around Europe and working on F-15s and 16s. He also gave me some insights into the Olympia peninsula where he and his wife had lived for many years. Our neighbor to the North is a retired civil servant, mechanical engineer who helped build the submarine base in San Diego and worked there most of his career. We briefly discussed COVID and his wife who is a nurse says they were waiting to get the Johnson and Johnson shot because it doesn't use MRNA to send signals to your body to protect yourself from the virus but actually uses a strain of the virus to make you immune to it like a flu shot. He said it wasn't really worried because it only affects a minor percentage of the population who have comorbidity issues most of the time. He and his wife have been full timers for several years in their 5th wheel. Again, you meet some of the most interesting people just by casual conversations. You know how shy I am so it's hard to meet strangers.

May 14

We drove north to the Washington border and found refuge at a National Guard base with an electric only hook-up for one night $15. It’s clean, quiet and near the “latrine”. Elizabeth prefers bathhouse/restrooms.

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countessofsnark · 7 years

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Snarky Recap - Thunderbirds Are Go: ‘Brains vs Brawn’

The One Where International Rescue Answers The Call... To Play A Game of TAG.

The episode starts out on a very Star Wars-esque note - or maybe that’s just my imagination? A person on a hover bike of sorts, wearing what could be scavenging gear, zooming across a desert?

No? Anyone?

Anyway, never mind, that giant hole sure doesn’t look like a mini Sarlacc pit, eh? Also, that’s one big ass satellite.

IMMA FIRING MY LAZAR. (sorry not sorry) Imagine the Mechanic using this as a high tech toy to fool his cat. ‘Catch the laser, Fluffy, go on.’

Look at this Fearless Noodle jumping out of his bird to save a life. *fans self*

'John, where am I exactly?’ Uhm isn’t that something you’re supposed to ask before you jump down a giant hole in the Sahara?

Scott follows his life sign tracker to a door that suddenly opens to reveal... the Hood. Talk about a mystery shopper you didn’t hope would ever show up.

HELLO AND WELCOME TO MY HIGH TECH SEX DUNGEON SEKRIT UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT.

Cue a series of gasps. And Scott’s temper growing hotter than the Mechanic’s space laser.

The Hood: ‘International Rescue, my life is in your hands.’ Oh boy he’s going to regret that statement in a few moments. *grins*

‘Oh this is gonna be fun.’ Depends on who you’re asking.

Brains explaining to Alan why flying Thunderbird 3 up to the laser would be a terrible idea. It would require a small craft and a highly trained engineer to get the job done. Cue Grandma: ‘Now who does that sound like?’

LOL. The look on Brains’s face is priceless. Looks like you’ll have to suit up, bespectacled buddy.

The game of Hood TAG is taken from the ocean floor back up to FAB 1. MAGNETS, HOW DO THEY WORK.

Brains manages to sneak past the satellite’s auto defence systems and enters the craft. So far, so good. Because surely nobody’s home. Right?

OOPSIE-DAISY.

Get ready for a round of awkward interrogation.

‘What are you doing here?’

‘I asked first?’

‘It’s my satellite.’

‘Good point.’

Brains: the awkward gift that keeps on giving.

And so it is revealed that the Mechanic is not as purely evil as he is made out to be. Turns out the Hood really is in charge and the Mechanic simply wants peace and quiet.

However, the means by which he aims to get that are not really that pure or mature for that matter... The Mechanic: throwing more tantrums than Kylo Ren.

Thank you for choosing Tracy Airlines. Sorry we couldn’t get you the luxury velvet-coated edition, please buckle up and enjoy the ride. Also, we may experience some turbulence and oh yes, we’ve run out of barf bags.

Brains finally shuts down the laser’s firing controls. But he forgot to disable the laser itself. Oh dear.

‘You’re coming with me!’

‘You want to arrest me that much?’

‘I’m not arresting you. I’m saving you.’

I AM NOT CRYING.

Brains hands over the Mechanic to the GDF. He willingly boards their ship as Brains promises they’ll keep in touch. Oh my I really do feel sorry for the Mechanic right now. I hope he may prove to be a future ally of IR rather than a fearsome foe.

Also:

The Hood capsule has landed. Please remain seated while we take you to a GDF prison. On a scale of 0 - 10, how would you rate your in-flight experience?

Looks like the Tracy brothers might get some good ol’ rescues from now on. And how’s that for some fourth wall insertion, eh? Yeah, we also like some good ol’ fashioned rescues, Scott. We sure do.

Aww look at this gang of brave souls and nerds. Too precious - as they all line up and mention their favourite kind of rescues. *squish* Not included here: John’s rescue preferences. (Though they may include space and fellow astronauts. Or maybe one particular astronaut - hush)

Meanwhile, on one of the GDF ships... Well guess we really shouldn’t have trusted the Hood’s little charade after all. Good to know season 2 won’t be entirely devoted to good old rescues then...

Aaaand that’s it for season 2. Although I did enjoy this episode, I do believe the previous season finale was a lot more intense. Then again, I suppose we’re due for many more Hood misadventures and I’m sure season 3 will give us just that and more. But until then... you’ve got ONE more recap to look forward to. Prepare for a Boxing Day gift in the shape of that long-awaited Inferno snark. *rubs hands and cackles*

#snarky recap #thunderbirds are go #brains vs brawn

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raindrenchedstories · 7 years

Text

Forever home 13

Thanks for waiting guys.

“Richter! You’re being ridiculous!” Bear scoured the kitchen counter. Why oh why did he put the little bugger there? As sweet as the little fellow was, he had a stubborn streak a mile wide.

There was no response. He folded his arms huffing. “Oh come on!” He moved a few knickknacks, a can of coffee and the napkin dispenser.

Bear grumbled, folding his arms. “Richter, you’re a grown ass man. Could you at LEAST come out and talk to me?” He drummed his fingers on the counter.

“I’ll talk, but I’m NOT coming out!” He didn’t need to. The sound of the humans voice led the giant right to him. But out of respect for the little guy, Bear didn’t bother to pursue further.

“Fine. Whatever. Now! What’s all this about? I thought you wanted to get out more often.” The Bear sunk into the stone counter top with a groan. Now that Richter was able to speak, he had grown~ More opinionated.

It wasn’t by any means a bad thing. But it made things a little more difficult when it came to new situations. Like this. “Alright. I’m okay with THAT but give me one good reason I can’t ride in your pocket or something!”

The bearded man sighed. Straightening. That turned out to be a bad idea however, as tiny footsteps scampered off in some new direction. “Because I don’t feel like it’s a safe option. It’s raining out. I don’t want you to be trapped in damp fabric.”

There was a long pause. Then, finally. “Where are we going?”

“We’re stopping by Archibalds. Neil’s over his cold so-”

“I’m here! I’m here! Let’s go!” Richter burst out from behind the newly moved napkin dispenser with three times as much enthusiasm than normal. Heading directly for the little carrier he’d come home in.

Bear couldn’t help but laugh, reaching into the enclosure a moment to pick up a few things. “Any clothes you want?”

“What? Are we staying the night?” Richter’s shock was a little hard to read, especially from this distance. But Bear could hear it, at least.

“You will be staying two nights. Yes.” He answered plainly, placing a few blankets in the carrier.

Making the mistake of leaving his hand next to the little guy apparently. A good swift kick to his pinkie finger was his reply. “What?! You just decided this without asking!?” Fury only carried so far in the humans voice. It was kind of cute.

“Sorry. Didn’t have a choice this time.” He tried to look as apologetic as possible. Holding back any laughter he had.

“You don’t look sorry.” Richter grumbled. “Okay so WHY do you need me out of the house?” He ran a hand through his hair.

Bear folded his arms, bringing himself down to Richters level. “Remember we were talking about installing stairs and ladders for you?” Richter nodded.

“Good. Now, in order to DO that, I have to kick up a lot of possibly harmful dust. For me, it’s fine. I’m a big guy, I can handle a little schmutz in my lungs. You? I don’t know. And I don’t want to risk it.” He could see the human ease up a little. Shoulders dropping back to their resting position.

“That AND I’m a little paranoid. With you on the ground more often, I’m scared you could get hurt. So Arch has kindly agreed to place some protection spells on you while you’re over.” Bear kicked at the floor. Living with small people was a learned thing, and could not be taken lightly.

One wrong step and… He shuddered a bit. It wouldn’t happen to Richter. Not under his watch. “Alright. But maybe leave the garden the way it is? I kind of like it.” Richter sat himself down, waiting to be placed back in the carrier.

“Thought we agreed on that already?” There was a bit of a smile tugging at the corners of Bear’s mouth. The enclosure was a little sanctuary for Richter. Over the last three days, Richter had been out and about with Bear for most the day.

When things got overwhelming however, he’d ask to be taken back for an hour. And that was fine. Bear couldn’t expect him to transition so easily that there was no problem whatsoever. “That said. I actually DO need to make one little change. But I think you’ll like it.”

“What did I JUST say?” Richter dropped his shoulders laughing. A hand was offered in his direction, and he crawled up. Bear tried to stay as steady as possible. Slowly transferring his friend into the little box on hand. It felt… Wrong.

Richter being a person just made the act of carrying him in a crate all the more gut wrenching. Especially knowing he didn’t care for it. But it was safer then letting him get drenched out there. Or practically waterboarding him within a pocket. THAT scared him.

Richter found a good spot, and piled the few pillows and blankets that were packed within the crate into it. Flopping back on the squishy surfaces. The ‘box’ still smelled like lavender, though it was faint now. He tucked his knees up and lay flat on his back. Staring at the little air holes in the side.

He had half the mind to climb up on said air holes again, just to see where they were headed. Slowly he got himself up. Climbing the holes and propping his foot and knee against two, while dangling off his hand holds.

The trail was wet, muddy and miserable. Bear’s steady gate eased them over the muddy terrain however. Very little slowed him. From his vantage, he could see the midway point of most the pine trees along the journey.

Judging from the droplets of rain that tapped his fingers, Richter was thankful he wasn’t out there, perhaps the carrier wasn’t so bad. “Can you still hear me?” There was not response.

Apparently Bear had his ears covered. Good. It was freezing. Even in his carrier. Richter slipped back down and bundled into his blankets. The sounds of the rain beating on the carrier, the smell of lavender and fresh water, it soothed him considerably.

Though, he was a little surprised he was taking this so well. From day one, even the thought of the carrier brought back everything relating to the shelter, including the day he was taken in by Bear. It was funny just how well things ended up.

Richter leaned further back into his pillows and blankets, smiling. Why was he so frightened back then any how? Now that things were looking up, Richter couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Only to promptly jump with the great rapping of Bears knuckles against Archibalds door.

He listened a moment, scrambling out of the blankets to get closer. “Will! Oh goddess why didn’t you bring a coat?” Bear jerked forward, sending Richter tumbling in his carrier. He would have to request some padding later.

The carrier bumped oddly along, in a new way. Richter scrambled up to the air holes and stared out once more. Letting off a funny little squeak. The floor was just… Gone. From his vantage point, it looked as though Bear was walking on nothing. And taking HIM along.

“So Rick? How’d the journey go?” Archibald called casually.

“Oh fine… If you think of it like a personal airline, or multi directional elevator, it’s not so bad!” Richter beamed. Yes. Conversation. He needed that right now.

“W-Richter I can hear you. But not well. Are you feeling alright?” Archibald glanced over to the carrier.

“He’s got a faulty translation spell. Elf work. You know how it is.” Bear shrugged, sending Richter flipping backwards.

Padding, and some lessons in steady handling. Apparently. Richter scrambled back to his feet. “Ah, right. I guess the inhibitors would mess with any form of magic. Well, it’s easy enough to fix.” They evened out in their travels, as they entered what Richter guessed was the main room.

His carrier was set on the table, and almost instantly, he could see Neils face through the air holes. The top cover was opened, letting a soft light through. Archibalds hand dipped in carefully, and Richter climbed up. “Half expected to see a cat...Nah. You’re more of a dog. Too happy for your own good.”

“Hardy-har; what’s that make you then? Oh wait. I got it. You’re and Ass!” Richters perch jostled a moment. A quick reminder to be polite. Neil on the other hand burst into laughter. Welcoming Richter with a warm arm over the shoulder the moment he was set on the table. Even if it meant the shorter man had to stand on his toes.

Richter bent a little to make things easier on the man, smirking. “Yeah alright. But even asses can be caring creatures.” The two humans glanced up towards the giants. Oddly, their conversation had...Changed. Richter squinted, trying to decipher what they were saying.

“Dude, stop trying. Translations spells don’t work if the other person doesn’t WANT to be understood.” Neil patted his shoulder, smiling kindly.

“How does that work?” Richter blinked, following. He regretted asking. Neil had launched into an exited tirade about magic in very little time. Richter propped his elbow on his knee, sitting cross legged. Cheek rested in his propped up arm.

A slight tap to his back caused him to jump slightly. Bear leaned down. Taking a similar position as Archibald prattled on. “Did you get roped into this too?”

“I think we should separate these two immediately. For the good of man kind.” Richter chuckled, glancing back at his bearded buddy. “Please don’t leave me with these two. I’m afraid it’s catching.”

“Fear not. I scheduled you a ‘quiet time’ for that reason.” In response, Richter lightly bumped his fist against Bears knuckle. Causing the giant great confusion.

Archibald just laughed, causing Richter to jump a little. “Neil explained that one to me. It’s kind of like a- Well you know how orcs just headbutt one another in celebration? It’s like that. They also tend to slap one another’s hands. It’s amazing!”

“Yeah. Explaining every little thing humans do is actually pretty tiring after a while. But fun.” Neil leaned back, a smile on his face. “And don’t worry buddy. I won’t disturb your ‘quiet time’.”

“Asshole.” Richter just laughed.

It was a bit later in the day, when Bear actually left. Richter sat himself down, heaving a soft sight. Neils arm passed over his shoulders. “So, I know new situations are hard on you. How’re you doing with this whole thing?”

“I-I just want things to stay normal. For like, a month. Please?” Richter sighed. His shoulders fell back, and he flopped onto his back staring at the ceiling.

“Yeah. All that petting must be REAL awkward now.” Neil snickered. Richter just half halfheartedly batted his shoulder.

“Probably not as bad as being taken to be seen by a vet. How was that thermometer for you?” Richters shoulders dropped. Banter. Banter with a long time friend, after the stressful year he’d been having. This was so badly needed.

Neil just sighed, joining him in watching the crystals lining Archibalds ceiling. “Cold. And fuck you.” He laughed. “Seriously though. If she...He… If they took my temperature. I don’t remember it.”

“Well… Small blessings. So. How’re you holding up?” They almost didn’t notice Archibald pass by, carrying several books and notes. As well as Richters journal. Well. The one Bear kept about him. He tried not to think about it.

“Fine. I guess. Being sick for so long made things easier I guess.” He shut his eyes taking deep breaths. “Archibald took that time, taught me about magic. It’s actually kind of interesting.”

“Instead of explaining it. Why don’t I show him instead.” Archibald loomed over their vision. Richter flattened himself against the table while Neil sat up with a huff. The giant scooped Richter into a loose hold. Enclosing him in a safe little hand cave.

Soft, golden light covered his form and TICKLED. The man flopped and squirmed, laughing maniacally. Archibald closed off the cave a little more, hands twitching. He took his time before setting Richter back on the table. Safely in a cushion.

Richter took a few minutes to let the ticklish feeling fade. Letting himself recover. Soon after he slid from the plush surface. Eyeing Archibald. The giant just smiled back, motioning to him. Prompting him to speak. “I really hope that was necessary.”

“It was if you don’t want to-um. Now Neil, you had a wonderful expression for this. What was it?” Archibald popped his head up, attention fixating on Neil.

“Take fall damage.”

“Right! And your translation spell should be more functional now too.” Archibalds eyes flicked over Richter examining him for...something. Richter just leaned back.

“Yeah. Look Avery did just fine.” Richter reeled back.

“Wh-”

“He didn’t do too bad with the translation spell.” His hands were shaking. Either from the ticklish spells or~ Something else.

“I...Never said he did a bad job. He did amazing for an elf.” Archibald smiled kindly.

“You keep saying ‘for an elf’ And ‘elf work’ Are elves less magical than giants or something.” Neil placed a hand, holding Richter back somewhat.

“Dude? What’s gotten into you?” His eyes narrowed. Archibald separated them with a relaxed hand prying the two apart.

He sighed, making his arm into a wall between Richter and Neil. A patient smile crossed his features. “I know it’s upsetting hearing us talk like this. But to answer your question; Yes, giants typically hold more magic than many other species. Only rivaled by dragons. We’re both more connected to the gods than most.”

“Gods? They’re a thing?” Richter leaned back. Surprisingly Archibalds eyes grew wide, he clapped a thumb over Richters mouth.

“SH! Yes. And do NOT anger them. Technically they can’t kill you. Unless Death himself is there. But BOY can they make you wish you were dead.” Archibald cleared his throat. “But we’re talking about WHY elf magic is weaker. More so now than ever.”

Neil climbed over Archibalds hand and sat excitedly next to Richter. Who also plopped himself down. Archibald Inhaled. “Given the actions of the elves. Well. No one wanted them to simply walk free. After a defeat like that, they’d want revenge. And elves live a long time.”

He shrugged. “So when the responsibility act was put into place, the elves were included. The less intelligent races took to it well, but not them. We...” He took a shaky breath. “We found that they were making attempts on their keepers lives. As a punishment, they were given magic dampeners.”

Richter straightened a little. “So they’re- Can’t they take them off?”

“Sadly no. It’s tattooed into their skin. It-It’s still a sickly mark on my people.” Archibald heaved a long sigh. With a small smile, he reached a hand down. Lifting the two men. “So~ With all that in place, the fact that Avery could preform a translation spell that well, it’s a testament to his ability.”

“Any how, who’s up for a night of stories and hot drinks?” Carrying the two men carefully, Archibald set up a cup of some strange drink. Offering two human sized cups to the two smaller beings. Neil dove for the larger cup and scooped his fill while Richter hesitantly followed.

They were placed back in Neils little...House? It was a stone construct, but other than a few windows, it was exactly like the houses of old times. Kitchen working and all. “So. This is NOT what I was expecting your place to look like.”

“Well~ It USED to be a labyrinth. But Arch and I had a talk about it. Now I have a luxury home! Just the way I wanted it.” Archibald passed by, and it was almost comical how he just casually walked past the window.

“Huh. Well then.” Richter followed after, watching Neil work with his kitchen, cutting raw materials into smaller pieces. Cooking. Richters stomach flared to life. Neils cooking may as well have been legendary and it was exiting to see what he’d do with giant food.

“So. You still living in that plastic fish bowl?” Neil turned, motioning for Richter to stay well away. Probably in order to surprise Richter with the meal.

“Yes. But I actually don’t mind. It’s just life for me now.” He gave a short shrug. Honestly, Richter hadn’t thought about changing his surroundings. Not even the plastic house. “Really, I thought it was just normal for a while.”

“You take to domestication like a duck to water.” Neil snickered. Plating the food and sitting down with Richter. It was so normal. Like the old days when Richter was just a kid. “But, I can’t blame you. You’ve been through so much already. You’re entitled to letting someone else take charge for a bit.”

Richter just nodded. Staring at one of the bigger scars on his arm. Bear hadn’t said anything about them. But Richter was pretty sure he knew about them now. Something caught his eye, however. “Holy shit. Neil, is that?”

“Figured you were sick of being on a vegetarian diet. But if you want, I can cook something meatless for-”

“Fuck that! I miss my meat.” Richter dug into the food without much ceremony. Neil just snickered.

“Oh. So YOU had a vet trip too? No wonder you’re so docile.” He took another bite himself. Humming a moment, then nudging a small shaker of salt towards Richter. He ignored it however. Food was food. Well prepared food was even better.

However, Richter brain came to a screeching halt after he realized what Neil was saying. “...You mother- You know damn well that isn’t what I meant.”

“Eh. It got a rise out of you.” Neil smirked, tapping his fork to his plate as a prompt for Richter to continue eating.

“So. You seam interested in magic.” Richter took another bite. Neil perked up smiling brighter.

“Dude. Have you seen what it can DO? Fuck yeah, I’m interested in magic. Arch says that regardless of how things go as to whether or not humans fall under the responsibility act, he’s going to take me on as a Familiar.” Neils eyes practically shone with excitement.

“But. Aren’t familiars-”

“I know! I thought the same. But so long as they’re a living thing, anything can be a Familiar. Non-magical beings also get to tap into their wizards magic! It’s SO COOL!” It was a long time since Richter had seen Neil so exited. He leaned on his arm listening, eating slower now.

He let out a long breath. Wondering what was happening back home. Debating on asking to call Bear and check in.

* The easy part was done. Now Bear had to remove one of the rooms from Richters enclosure. Carefully unhooking the wiring and pulling IT from a bag of goodies. This, this would change EVERYTHING for Richter. Even though it was small. IT was a much needed thing. Something to give Richter all the autonomy he’d probably wanted this whole time.

#G/t #Fluff #pet tiny #SFW

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rjptalk · 4 years

Text

Liebster Award Nomination

AUGUST 7, 2020 / LYNCRAIN

I don’t usually do these because they WERE intended for new bloggers to help boost their readership. I’ve been blogging daily — unless I was in the hospital — for eight years with nearly 15,000 followers and just under 11,000 posts. No one could call me a new blogger. But the intent is kindly. and I won’t name anyone. But if you like the questions, please feel free to jump in with your own answers. And if you are a new or newish blogger, grab this nomination and run with it! I did when I was starting out.

And the 11 questions for the nominees are:

1. What’s your reading preference? A physical book or on Kindle?

Actually, it’s audiobooks. I have trouble focusing on print on any page. If my only choice is to read it, I will choose a Kindle where I can at least make the type bigger. Also, Kindles are lighter than books and I don’t need a light because they are backlit.

2. If books could talk what would they say about your reading choices?

That they are magical, or maybe excessively long. Too historical. Or too spacey. I am extremely fond of history, mystery, and wizardry. I get more than enough reality during our news breaks. These days, there is way too much reality lurking around me. I want to get through whatever this thing is that we are going through and then somehow manage to live for a few years that are a little bit more fun. Magical years.

3. Cat or Dog lover? Or some other creature?

Cats, dogs, birds, horses and anything else that lives and breathes, minus insects of which i am sincerely NOT fond. I don’t mind lizards and non-poisonous snakes, but I freak out at spiders. I can’t help it. It’s irrational.

4. What’s your favorite comfort food? Is there a story behind it?

Sushi and Tempura. I love Japanese food. Fortunately, Garry loves it too. Unfortunately, there were two really good Japanese restaurants in the area. One has already closed down since the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know about the other one. I hope it will still be around when this mess is over. I think it’s possible that other than fast food joints, this town no long has any functional restaurants. We didn’t have much to begin with and now, we have nothing.

The story behind it is that when i came back from 9-1/2 years in Israel, my son and ex-husband said they were taking me out for sushi. i said I didn’t know if i would like it. Raw fish? But they took me out for sushi and it has been my favorite food ever since. Good thing Garry was already a fan.

5. What’s your preference for travel… planes, trains, boats, or automobile?

I love boats, but going out on one isn’t really travel. It’s a fun day sail with friends. i loathe airports and airplanes. There was a time, when I was much younger, that flying was a luxury. Now, it’s a nightmare unless you have enough money for first class and even then, I always get sick when I fly. It’s all that recycled air. All you need is one sneezer or cougher to get their germs into the recycling machinery and voila. Now, with COVID? I’d have to be nuts to fly.

But we do drive. Not very far because I’m afraid of restaurants and public toilets. I’m beginning to sound like my mother.

6. Married or single or in a relationship or non-applicable?

Married, married, and married again. I was married at 18 the first time. Divorced at 30. Remarried at 32. Divorced at 41. Remarried at 43 and still married till the end of time at 73. Thirty years. And we COULD have done it thirty years ago but the husband was so deeply involved in his work, he didn’t have time to be a husband. Then one day, he realized that something was missing. Me. He says he was too immature to marry me and save me that miserable middle marriage. Hrrrumph.

7. What was your favorite activity as a child?

Reading.

8. If you had to pick one , would it be a blog entry or a poem for your epitaph, which one would it be?

I really don’t care. Dead is dead. I don’t even care if I have an epitaph, but I hope they have a nice party for me and everyone laughs a lot.

9. Favorite song? Why?

youtube

We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel

Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio

Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom Brando, “The King and I” and “The Catcher in the Rye”

Eisenhower, vaccine, England’s got a new queen Marciano, Liberace, Santayana goodbye