#i’m a few chapters in but definitely enjoyed reading this book in a hammock

[sakizm]

what's more nebraskan than reading a beloved classic under prairie skies on a july afternoon?

[yeehawbrothers]

Wrench. 11th doctor.

Decided to scroll through my notes and found this gem of a prompt, how could I resist?

Prompt: "Is letting someone win at chess sapiosexual bottoming?" "Does anyone in this godforsaken group ever think before they speak?"

Enjoy- A.

A rare silence had fallen over the console room of the TARDIS. 

After the last adventure, Amy and Rory decided to head to bed for awhile.

Which of course was fine, as you and the Doctor understood that humans needed much more rest than timelords.

They had gone to bed a few hours ago, but you and the Doctor remained under the console, working in the mess of wires together.

“Didn’t I tell you before that these needed to be cleaned up a bit!?” You groaned exasperated, as he fell from his sling of sorts after being shocked once again by two wires touching that definitely should not have touched.

He sighed, sitting up and looking towards you with a face of defeat.

His hair was sticking up all around, grease coated his face, and his goggles hung halfway off his head.

You let out a loud laugh before quickly turning away, trying desperately to choke down your laughter.

“Well I’m glad my pain is amusing to you.” He grumbled, standing and wiping his hands on his trousers.

“That’s enough for me today.” He said, taking off his goggles and throwing them across the room.

“You better pick those up.” You said, giving him a look.

He waved his hand in dismissal, “Eh, maybe later. I think i'll go check the TARDIS pantry for something to eat. I’m quite hungry.”

You nodded in understanding. 

He offered you a hand, which you grabbed and stood from your seat. Taking your goggles off and stuffing them into your hammock of sorts.

“I think i'll take a shower, maybe pop down to the library.”

He nodded, his bright eyes shining as he smiled down at you. 

You both turned, walking up the stairs to the doorway. 

“Meet back here later?” He said, turning his head towards you, brown locks of hair falling across his elegant features.

You smiled, brushing them away and softly running your hand through his hair.

“Of course. You could always come join me in the library once you're finished.”

He grabbed your hand from his hair as you spoke, bringing your knuckles to his mouth, kissing them gently. 

“Of course, anything for you."

You felt your face heat up involuntarily.

 No matter how long you’d been with him, he always got you blushing like a school girl.

“Then, until later my love.” You leaned up, tenderly kissing his cheek before turning and walking down one of the many hallways to your room.

He stood for a moment, lost in thought with a dopey smile plastered across his face until you left his line of vision. 

Before turning and heading the opposite way towards the kitchen.

Quite a few hours later, you found your eyes beginning to hurt from the strain of reading for so long.

You had a large stack of books set on the coffee table in-front of you, all ones you had read during that time.

You read a few more chapters before sitting up and stretching, feeling your back crack multiple times in varying places.

Sitting for a moment, you admired the fireplace before you.

The Tardis was kind enough to give you your own personalized section of the library.

A large brick fireplace, with small knick knacks from various planets lining the mantle, was set with two large loveseats. 

A soft circular rug sat beneath them, one you loved to run your feet across when you were sat reading for hours on end.

On one side of the fireplace, was a beautiful alcove.

Large windows overlooking an artificial garden with rays of fabricated sun shining down were framed with light grey curtains.

Many days, if you felt you didn’t need to grasp for the warmth of the fire, you found yourself under a warm blanket, leaning against a soft pillow as you watched the simulated birds fly from one tree to the next.

As you sat, staring into the fire, you realized the doctor had never come to check on you.

‘He probably got distracted, or set the kitchen on fire.’ You thought to yourself, a blissful smile crossing your face at the mere thought of the man.

You figured you’d might as well finish the book you were reading, since you only had a chapter or two left.

Now, non-fiction books were definitely not your first choice, but after losing 7 games in a row to the Doctor you’d decided to do some reading on chess tactics.

After getting through a few more chapters, one of which depicted how to tell if someone was letting you win, a thought occurred to you. Which you just had to get an answer to.

Deciding to just head straight to the console room, assuming that Amy and Rory had probably woken up and decided they were ready for an adventure. 

As you approached the doorway, you heard Amy and the Doctor’s muffled bickering. 

“No! Not that one!”

“Well I don't know! You didn’t specify!”

You laughed quietly to yourself, she must be trying to help him repair something.

As you stood in the doorway, you saw Rory sitting in one of the flight chairs, watching Amy try to hand the Doctor something over the railing without dropping it on his head.

“Hey guys.” You spoke, announcing your presence as you descended down the stairs.

“Oh thank the stars your here! You can help your boyfriend now. He’s driving me insane.” Amy exclaimed, apparently forgetting she was holding a large wrench above the Doctors head. You heard a small clunk before hearing the doctor shout out in pain. 

Amy turned towards you, eyes wide. 

“Sorry.” She said quietly, sparing a glance down at the Doctor.

You walked towards the railing, looking down below. 

“You okay?” You asked, looking down at the Doctor, who was now rubbing his head where you assumed the wrench had hit. 

“Bloody brilliant.” He turned to look up at you, hand still holding his head. 

You smiled down at the child of a man, who held a pout in distain. 

He rubbed his head a moment more before turning back to his work.

“Let me just get this fixed, and we’ll be off. You know I heard of this planet where-“ He began his description, as per usual.

You straightened up and went to sit down on the floor beside the control panel, floors were always better to sit on. 

You had decided that a long time ago after the whole, ‘bee fiasco.’ But that was a story for another time.

Amy, who now sat beside Rory on the flight chair, turned towards you.

“So, where’ve you been? You must’ve been doing something important if the Doctor would rather my help than interrupting you.” 

You looked up from watching the Doctor through the clear flooring, a small smile on your face.

“Oh just reading in the library.” 

She nodded wordlessly, before turning to observe the Doctor as-well.

Silence fell for a moment, before you spoke up, suddenly remembering your question.

“Do you think letting someone win at chess counts as sapiosexual bottoming?”

Amy turned to you, eyes wide, before Rory spoke up in exhaustion.

“Does anyone in this godforsaken group ever think before they speak?”

You laughed loudly before turning to see the Doctor walking up the stairs towards the console.

He headed over to you, looking down at you from where you sat, leaning against the console.

“What would make you ask that?” He asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

“I don't know, I was reading a chess book so I could win a game-“ you spoke,  as you stood up to lean against the console next to him, “-against you but in one of the chapters it spoke about letting you know if someone was allowing you to win a game, one thing led to another and well, got curious I suppose. Anyways- where are we off to today?”

You turned to look at the Doctor, an amused smile on his face. 

“You were reading a book on chess, so you could beat me?” He asked smugly.

“Excuse me, are we just gonna ignore the fact that they just asked about sapiosexual bottoming???”

[thisisarcanereverie]

Something ‘Bout You (Biker Natasha x Reader) Chapter 1

A/N: Hey this is a new series! I’ve been meaning to write something for her for a while now so here ya go enjoy! 

MAIN MASTERLIST

MCU MASTERLIST

NATASHA ROMANOFF MASTERLIST

REQUESTS ARE FREE AND ENCOURAGED 

SUMMARY: After Wanda announces her engagement a familiar face returns into your life. 

“(Y/n)!”

You heard the familiar chime of the doorbell and the familiar excited voice of your friend fill the relatively empty store. You whipped your head to her just in time to see her barrelling toward you and captured you in a bone crushing hug. 

“Whoa there Wands,” You said as you returned the hug, “did something happen or are you just that happy to see me?” 

Wanda quickly released you from her vice grip, “oh nothing much happened,” Wanda paused before holding up her left hand, “except this.” On her left hand on her ring finger sat a beautiful vintage ring. 

“Oh my god!” You exclaim smiling as you grab her hand to get a closer look at the ring, it was simple in design but it really suited Wanda. ‘When did this happen?!” 

“Last night,” Wanda reveals happily her smile never deterring, “Vis and I were watching reruns of the Dick Van Dyke Show, I told him how Mary’s ring was beautiful and next thing I know he asks ‘is it as beautiful as this ring’ next thing I know he’s down on one knee with the ring in his hand asking me to marry him.” 

“I’m so happy for you and Vis.” You congrat Wanda as you and her continue to talk about her engagement for a few more minutes. 

“Actually Vis and I were planning on going to the city tonight to celebrate, are you busy?” Wanda asks. You take a quick look at your calendar finding nothing but closing the store on the agenda for tonight. 

“Nope,” You respond, “just have to close the store.” 

“Close early and Vis and I will pick you up,” Wanda said, “We’re bringing Pietro, Steve, Bucky, and Monica with us.” 

You hesitate for a bit, but you take one look into Wanda’s pleading eyes, the same eyes that have gotten you into more than your fair share of trouble since highschool, next thing you know you’re nodding your head in agreement.

Wanda lets out a small squeal before enveloping you once again in a small hug before saying goodbye and that Pietro will pick you up by seven. 

As you continue about your day, stacking books and working the register you start to wonder when the last time you actually had a date was. 

During the slow rush you decide to check your calendar again. You flip through each page until finally you land three months prior where you had plans to meet up with the local coffee barista at some bar you can’t remember the name of. What you do remember is that the date ended with you buying a half quart of ice cream and watching reruns of Gilmore Girls. 

You check the clock and check the store to find it empty. You decide now would probably be a good time to close and to start getting ready for the night in the city with Wanda and the rest. 

You turn the sign on the door to ‘closed’ and push all thoughts of dating to the back of your mind. 

---

You had just slipped your shoes on when you heard Pietro knock on your door in the familiar pattern he’s done since high-school. 

You answer the door to reveal Pietro. You always thought he had looked handsome in that mischievous way. But when he wears that white button up and slacks with his hair gelled back he is a special type of handsome. 

“Well damn don’t we look fancy tonight?” You say as Pietro noticeably checks you out in the same appreciation. You did a small turn in your black dress that fell just mid thigh. 

“And you don’t look too bad yourself Princeza,” Pietro said as he offered his arm in an overdramatic gentlemanly style. Which you responded in kind, laughing slightly as you made sure to lock the door behind you before finally heading out.  

---

You were back in your parents backyard, sitting in that hammock with a book in your hands. Nancy Drew had wormed her way into eleven year old you’s heart, with all of her adventures and detective skills. 

Just as you were about to reach the climax of the book you heard a familiar voice. 

“Whatcha reading today?” You look away from the book and spot a familiar blue haired girl the same age. She was the neighbor that moved in about three years ago, Natasha, who quickly became your best friend. 

“Nancy Drew,”

“Again?”

“There’s more than one Natty.” You responded, next thing you know the book is lifted from your hands and Natasha is hovering over you with the book in her hands. 

“Naaat.” You whine as you try to reach for the book only to have her expertly move it away from you. 

“C’mon,” Natasha says as she makes her way to the bushes separating your yard and hers, “adventure awaits.” 

You struggle a little as you make your way out of your hammock and through the lush bushes to Natasha who slips through the crack in between. 

“Nat,” you warn lightly. 

“I promise I’ll give you the book back,” Natasha promises, “but first we go on an adventure! Grab your bike and meet me out front!” 

“Where exactly is this adventure?” 

“Just grab your bike, chatty cathy!” 

You hear her footsteps rush over to her bike as you rush to yours. 

By the time you let your parents know you’ll be riding your bike and get to the front of your house Natasha is already waiting for you. 

Together you both rode your bikes until finally settling on a clearing near the local park. There was this big oak tree and in front of it a huge rock as well covered in green moss. 

For a while both you and Natasha played by either climbing on the rock and proclaiming yourselves rulers of the land, climbing the tree, playing pretend in the most kid way possible. 

However you would catch glimpses sometimes, you didn’t know what, but it made you worry for her. Like how sad she looked, or scared. 

Finally, after being worn out by playing you both lay on the grass beneath you and watch as the fireflies began to dance around the big oak looking like thousands of moving stars. 

You were enjoying the bit of peace and silence when you felt her hand hold yours. You look over and see the blue haired girl still staring at the millions of fireflies with a smile on her lips. 

“Thank you for being my best friend.” She said gently as you looked away from her and continued watching the fireflies dance, until the sun finally set and it was time to go home. 

She never did give that book back. 

---

“Princeza, we're here.” You hear the familiar accented voice say. You slowly open your groggy eyes to see the glittering lights of the city. 

“How long was I out?” 

“An hour.” 

“So the whole car ride,” You say, you could see Pietro nod from the driver's side, “I’m sorry.” 

“What for?” 

“I was asleep the whole car ride, you were probably bored.” 

“No, I wasn’t bored,” Pietro said, “I know you haven’t been sleeping much because of the store.” 

Here it comes. 

“You need to start working less Princeza,” Pietro continued concerned, “you spend all your waking hours at the store, tending to your books, and life is going to pass you by.” 

“Pietro-” 

“I don’t mean to be harsh or rude,” Pietro quickly added, “it’s just I see you all the time at the store and nowhere else lately. I get that the store is demanding, but just try to make some time for yourself. Promise me?” 

You look at him and can’t refuse. 

“I promise.” 

You can start relaxing tonight. 

---

You came to quickly realize that clubbing really wasn’t your thing. 

A pile of random sweaty bodies ground on each other on the dance floor to music that hurt your eardrums. 

It wasn’t that you were judging anyone for liking this atmosphere, it just wasn’t your cup of tea, you preferred to stay on the sidelines and watch your friends dance. 

And the full bar proved that you weren’t the only one. 

You had looked away for a second to order a beer when you spotted someone familiar. 

It was dark save for the flickering lights that illuminated her every once in a while. You couldn’t place where you knew her but you knew that you knew her. It was in the way she walked with a certain grace and her eyes were sharp enough to cut through you and you imagined her tongue was the same way. 

She must have noticed you staring because the next thing you know she’s staring right at you. Your eyes lock and that’s when it hits you. 

You didn’t recognize her without her blue hair. 

Natasha. 

You panic and turn back to the bar to order that beer you were going to order about five minutes ago. You mentally beat yourself up, if you didn’t look like a creep before you definitely did now. 

You were so busy mentally assaulting yourself that you didn’t notice the redhead sauntering her way to you and sit on the empty barstool next to you. 

“Well if it isn’t Nancy Drew.” 

You turn your head and see Natasha there beside you. Her hair was shoulder length and no longer blue. Now her hair was it’s natural elegant red color, her blue eyes sharper than you remember as well as her cheekbones. You noticed hints of tattoos peeking out from the collar and sleeve of her leather coat. 

“You never did return that book.” 

You both couldn’t help the laugh that erupted. Even though it’s been years somehow it almost feels like no time has passed. 

Almost. 

“So what’ve you been up to?” Natasha asked, “still into books?”

“Uh yeah,” You confirm, “I actually own a bookshop back home.” 

You see Natasha smile from ear to ear before taking a sip of what was your beer now it seems to be adopted by Natasha. 

“That’s so you,” Natasha said before taking another sip from the beer bottle. 

“Well what about you?” You ask, “what have you been up to?” 

You could see the hesitancy in Natasha’s face, just as she was about to answer, however you see a light brown haired male come up beside her. 

“Hey Nat, I hate to interrupt but we got a Budapest situation over here.” Natasha swerved her attention to where he pointed at the blonde who was obviously drunk off her ass putting a six foot tall man into a choke hold. Which you had to admire and be impressed at. 

“I guess that’s my cue Nancy Drew,” Natasha said as she took one last sip from the beer bottle before abandoning it. As she was making her way through the crowd but before she got too far you saw her turn around. 

“What was the name of your bookstore again, Nancy Drew?!” She yelled over the crowd. 

“Oh-um- Summertime Stories!” You call out, you catch a glimpse of something in her eyes before it disappears. 

“I’ll see ya soon Nancy Drew!”  

Oh how right she was.

[e-b-reads]

saw the post you reblogged ft. diana wynne jones' enchanted glass and was curious what you thought about its framing of aidan's real parentage, which i found to be... tonally very weird?? [spoilers to follow, in the outside chance you were mentioning the book without having finished it!] like, i'm absolutely not opposed to the depiction of creepy/predatory &c dynamics in fiction, even YA; but the last-minute revelation that andrew's beloved grandfather had sex with, and what's more got pregnant, a troubled teenager a good half-century his junior, who'd been entrusted into his care for 'sorting out,' and then on top of all that failed to disclose his role in this ethical shitshow (as per the letters in chapter twelve) to the girl's parent, whose confidant he remained? pretty seriously jarring imo! and then for the only intradiegetic reaction to be andrew's sputtering “well, i’ll be—!” twice, after which the book promptly ends...? i mean, andrew's admittedly a bit of a buffoon, so it's not out of character that he'd duck away from really engaging with a development like this, but. just struck me as an awfully lead balloon to drop on your readers, particularly young ones, without any real in-text acknowledgment of just how heavy it is! anyway, the casual addition of that twist really colored my overall reaction to the book, so seeing you give it a thumbs-up made me wonder if you had any thoughts on that particular aspect. either way, happy hammocking! :)

First, it is probably safe to assume I’ve finished any DWJ book I blog about b/c I have read all those I can get my hands on! (So there’s a few I haven’t read, but not many.) Which does segue into my general response to this, which is that I guess I just discovered DWJ at the right age (Charmed Life at age 10 was the first) to, idk, imprint on her? in such a way that I go into every book of hers determined to love it, and then kind of deal with any qualms as they come. I don’t expect other ppl to do this! But it is both a nice thing for me—any time I read something new-to-me by her, I know I’ll enjoy it, even if I don’t know quite what I’m getting—and possibly makes me not the best person to rec them to others. (I do rec them to others anyways, but I try to be choosy about it!)

more specific response to the rest of this under the cut b/c it got quite long (and also has Enchanted Glass spoilers)

To be specific about Enchanted Glass, I do really like it, probably partly just because (as has been overstated by now) I like her voice; also I like that the humans (as opposed to “them who can’t use iron”) are themselves a force to be reckoned with (OK, so some can use magic, but they’re still definitely human, and I’ve read a few human-vs-fae books where any humans who don’t have some fae ancestry are just collateral damage); I also like that the sides aren’t actually quite as simple as humans vs. fae. BUT I do kind of need to process that ending every time I read. I do wish there was more there, that the characters spent a little more time w/ the revelation. I think that Andrew’s response is pretty Andrew-y of him; particularly, I think he’s been feeling vaguely guilty about claiming Adrian as a relative when he isn’t much of one, so his first reaction is self-centered relief that this part is true after all. And he does at least wonder briefly about what to tell Adrian, so you know (hope?) there will be more considering/processing. But it does sour me on Jocelyn as a character (to put it mildly), and tbh, skimming over some of the end bits, I’m not sure that’s what DWJ intends. It’s possible the reader is supposed to put the onus on Adrian’s mom and decide she seduced this way older man who just sort of succumbed to her. Which (hopefully obviously) I think is some BS; like if you’re sixty or whatever and a 17-y-o you’re responsible for comes on to you, just don’t sleep w/ her?! I wonder if yr also supposed to assume she slept w/ Mr. Brown too, and Jocelyn assumed the kid really was his (Brown’s) and not Jocelyn’s, so that’s why he never came clean…still not great. (Maybe if DWJ wrote the actual interactions themselves, she’d be able to make me, NOT absolve Jocelyn, but sympathize(?) w/ him more, but I’m not sure. And she didn’t, she wrote a kid’s book.) Which also makes me wonder, b/c I read this book for the first time in…maybe high school, but possibly I was a little older than that. So I have no idea what I wld have thought as a younger kid, and I do agree w/ DWJ (from essays/interviews) that kids can handle stuff in books that adults don’t expect, but also agree w/ you that, at least to close-to-adult me, this was a somewhat jarring tone shift at the end of the book, and it might possibly be a bit much for a young reader.

So yeah, the kinda flippant “it’s weird” in my tag was definitely meant to convey some of all this, but I do still love the book myself (without necessarily expecting others to) b/c of all the other stuff in it. Like I saw your post abt Power of Three a little while ago and…I haven’t read it myself in quite a while (it’s one I don’t own) and I hope I wld have picked up on the squidgyness of the fat phobia myself on my next reread, b/c when I read your post I was like “oh…yeah that does happen and I can see now it’s not great;” but I also expect to read it again someday and still enjoy the parts I enjoyed before. idk. I think part of my reaction to all DWJ books is like…I have friends irl who I don’t always agree w/ about everything, but I still like and respect them and we can still talk about the things we disagree on. Well, published authors aren’t that, they are putting out a polished product for ppl (sometimes children!) to consume, but I spent such a foundational, awkward time in my life “getting to know/spending time w/” DWJ via her books that she is still like my friend in the little juvenile corner of my mind that loves her, and I will always give her books more of a pass than I will other ppl’s.

[mr-and-mr-diaz]

First off, you're an amazing person w/ gr8 blog. Second of all, I hope you don't mind me saying it? If it's weird or creepy, please, disregard. Don't want to make you uncomfortable. Third of all, I came to your tumblr from ao3 and specifically the pirate fic and ma'am (sir? Neither? Wanted to use honorific and "my kind dude tends to not be *that* universal, sadly). It. ROCKS. If by any chance you feel like continuing it, I'd be forever in debt. Also hope you don't mind reviews via anon tumblr? ♥

ANON!! My answer to this ask is so long overdue I literally have no words. When I first recieved this ask in my box I was warmed through--thank you so much for your kind words! I determined to myself I would NOT send an empty response, would only publish this with the chapter in hand!! And then life picked up like crazy and I never seemed to have a spare BREATH to sit down and write this AU well enough that it would be worth reading. AND NOW I FAINLLY HAVE IT!!! Two more chapters for ya, I really hope you enjoy!!

P.S. Also, I refuse to be called ANYTHING except My Kind Dude from now on, that is the best address ever! 

The Damned Disgrace--Buddie Pirate AU, Chapter 2

"Dios mio, you're useless."

Buck looked up from where he'd been struggling to swab the deck and met the glare of Captain Nash's angry first mate--Diaz, and sighed. He'd already been on the ship a fortnight, and while Chimney had fit right in, used to hard work and quickly picking up the vernacular of the other pirates, Buck stuck out like a sore thumb. He wasn't used to manual labor, having spent his life behind books and papers, and had no instinct for it. He tried, oh did he try so hard, but his clumsy hands struggled to complete work that someone else had to repeat later to make sure it was done right. And the pirates who didn't ignore him were usually laughing at him. What few acquaintances he'd made in his past life had been in academic circles. These men had no patience for or interest in unusual trivia about far away lands, or wonderings about what the world would be like if mankind lived under the water and fish lived on land. 

Buck was red with sunburn, blistered all over--on his back, his forearms, and face from sunburn, and his hands, fingers and feet from work. He ached everywhere. 

He looked away from Diaz and went back to stubbornly pushing the mop around the deck.

I won't be useless! I won't go overboard. I'm going to work hard and they'll help me find Maddie and bring her home! and if I get to shoot that thrice-damned Commodore Douglas too, well that would be a boon from God--

"Stop. Just stop."

Buck stopped, his heart sinking. He dared not look Diaz in the eye again, already knowing the derision and anger he would see there.

Sure the other pirates ignored him or laughed at him behind his back. But Diaz? Diaz detested him. This was the first time he'd ever spoken to Buck but definitely not the first time he'd loomed nearby, sneering at Buck's pathetic efforts to work as part of the team and fit in.

"We should've left you back at the port."

"What? No! No, I swear, I'm learning--"

"Learning what? How to smear muck around so someone else has to clean up after you? Again?" Diaz sneered, kicking at the mop. Buck's hands twitched around it, every blister flaring up painfully. Diaz's eyes caught it and he suddenly leaned forward. "Show me your hands."

"What...?"

"Show me!"

Buck carefully placed the mop against the rail of the ship and carefully unfolds his hands, wincing as the skin flares in pain with each motion.

"Dios...! Come with me."

"Wait, but I have to finish the--"

"NOW!"

***

Buck followed Eddie down into the ship, down down, past Buck's sleeping berth with the other sailors. 

Buck looked around in trepidation. Is he taking me to the bilge? To the brig? The bilge was full of seawater, the brig a confined, rat infested cell where only the most unfortunate went.

They kept walking.

"Uh, Diaz, I... I swear, I'll work harder, I just--please don't--"

"You're not working any more today." Diaz replied shortly and threw open a door. "Hen, I've got the cabron for you. Destroyed his hands and he thinks he's magical enough not to get gangrene or something. Can you fix him up?"

The woman inside raised her eyebrows. "You don't usually bring me people, Eddie." She was dressed like the rest of the sailors but her clothes were neater and better kept. 

"They aren't usually this stupid." Eddie growled. 

"I... sorry." Buck mumbled, defeated.

"Don't worry about this one. He's always angry about something." Hen chuckled, and Diaz's scowl deepened. "What's your name?"

"Ah, Buck. Well, Evan Buckley, but... just Buck is okay." He felt another twinge in his heart as he said it. It was Maddie who had named him Buck.

"Buck it is. Come sit and we'll have a look at those hands."

Buck chanced a sideways look at Diaz, who was still standing there, muscled arms crossed. "Is he...?"

"Eddie was just leaving, weren't you, Eddie?" Hen's tone brooked no argument, and to Buck's surprise, Diaz obeyed.

Buck sat and held his hands out. Now that he had a moment to focus on them they hurt even more, and he could feel some of the injuries oozing. "I'm sorry, I tried to-- but--" he stopped abruptly as he felt his throat thicken and his eyes started to wet. You are already the most pathetic creature on this ship, you will not make it worse by whining about it. Silently he held his hands out, head down. 

Hen sucked in a breath. "Eddie was right to bring you here. If you let these wounds get any more infected than they are and gangrene set in I might have to remove one or both of them."

Buck swallowed around a sob. As a teacher and writer, his hands were his life.

"I'll clean and wrap your hands for you." Hen continued softly. "That should be able to prevent it from getting worse, so long as you promise not to use them for the next few days and come down here every day for the next week so I can make sure they don't get worse. Okay?"

Buck nodded silently.

"Buck."

He looked up at Hen. She was wearing a kind smile and that was enough to completely undo him. A single tear slid down his cheek and he reached up a hand to stop it, but Hen wouldn't allow it. "I need to wrap these first." Her eyes and smile were all compassion. After two weeks in a foreign world with no friends on board it was a balm to Buck's soul. He kept his head bowed as she cleaned and wrapped, let the tears fall silently, unchecked. When she was done, she reached out a hand and clasped his shoulder. "The sailors are used to losing people and because you’re greener than most, they're expecting you to die. They don’t want to get close to someone they’re gonna lose. But if you stay alive they'll warm up eventually, don't fret it."

"Then.. why are you...?"

Hen snorted. "I walk to the beat of my own drum on this ship, Buck. Always have. And I've decided I like you, dumbass hand damage and all."

Buck sniffed. "Thanks."

Hen nodded. "Go to the captain and tell him that I've ordered light duty for you--no using your hands except to carry light objects. Errands only for you for the next two weeks."

"But Captain Nash said--if I'm not useful--"

Hen chuckled. "His bark is bigger than his bite. Besides, I'm pretty sure he's taken a liking to you too."

***

"Buckley."

"Uh, Captain. I... Hen, the doctor--" Buck choked off with a derisive snort at himself. Did I really just stop to explain to the captain who his doctor is? "Uh, she said I should tell you that I'm..." He held up his bandaged hands. "Light duty. Errands."

Captain Nash's face clouded and his brow furrowed as he took in the state of Buck's hands.

"But I swear, I'll be useful, I don't--please, don't throw me off the ship--"

"Buckley." One firm word and Buck silenced. "You'll rest today, and starting tomorrow you'll work as an errand boy around the ship. Messages, parcels, meals for sick crew. And anything Hen or I asks you to do, you do without question."

"I--yes. Yes, sir. Captain."

Nash looked up at him, his eyes showing the smallest glint of kindness. "A teacher's hands are his life's blood, Buckley. See to it you take care of them." Nash turned to gaze out the window of his office and sighed. "If you're very lucky, you'll need them sooner than you think."

Buck's pulse heightened. "Are we near Commodore Douglas's ship, sir?"

Captain Nash sighed. "Not as close as I’d like to be." He turned back to Buck. "Dismissed."

Buck nodded and left for his hammock.

Chapter 3

The next day he showed up bright and early at Captain Nash's office only to be sent down to Hen. Hen took one look at him and started loading a crate with various medicines and infusions, talking rapidly. For each bottle, Hen explained what it was, who it was for and why. Buck paid careful attention so he could keep up. Rote memorization and processes? He was back in his comfort zone.

"...garlic and chamomile for Wes, he ate something at port that we're still trying to get out of him. Then cat's claw for Lea, her knuckles are hurting her again. And that's all." Hen hesitated, thinking for a moment. Then she mumbled something under her breath before grabbing a few more vials. "Actually, got a few more. These are to be dropped off outside Eddie's quarters." 

"Diaz? What are they for?"

"Eddie knows what to do with them." No further explanation came and Buck nodded at the dismissal and left, running around the ship to deliver the medicines to each ailing person. When he arrived at last outside Diaz's door, he paused, looking over the bottles. It made no sense to be bringing so much medicine to Diaz’s quarters. Buck had seen him just this morning, looking as healthy as ever, muscles rippling while he hauled canvas with the men. What is this for? Buck shook his head to clear the thoughts--no use risking his newfound equilibrium by prying. He hastily dropped the bottles outside Diaz's door, knocked and departed.

He followed this routine for the next week, deviating at times in the afternoon to run errands for the captain. But every morning started the same--Hen dropping several bottles and vials into a box for him to deliver around the ship and he running around as fast as he could to get it done quickly and efficiently. Each time, he would find himself hesitating outside Diaz's door, awash with curiosity at what the medicine could possibly be for. It wasn't hard to puzzle out the various vials, even though Hen hadn't identified them. Some were the same bottles he delivered elsewhere, others he recognized from his studies. Willow bark, cat's claw and ginger--pain relief.Chamomile, dried cherry, valerian, and peppermint--muscle relaxers. It was a mighty amount of herbs for the average aches of a day's work even as strenuous as the work Diaz did. 

So who is it for? Buck wondered again as he approached Diaz's door to drop off the bottles. He had just turned to leave when he heard a thump on the inside of the office followed by a yelp of pain.

Good God, that's a child. There's a child in there!

Horrible images came to the forefront of Buck's mind as he imagined why Diaz might be holding a child prisoner. A child who would require so much pain relief. His skin paled in horror and he dropped the box.

I need to help! But his hands were still tightly bandaged and the door was latched shut from the inside. Buck thumped against it with his shoulders to no avail. The sturdy wood would not give.

If only I could unlatch it from the outside... Then he had an idea. He picked up one of the envelopes he was delivering for Captain Nash. It was thin but strong. Carefully, he eased it between the door and the latch, pressing the envelope between his bandaged hands to keep his grip. 

With a click the latch came free and the door swung open.

Buck braced himself for what he might see and ventured inside, closing the door behind him.The room looked like the captain's, if smaller and simpler. Diaz's bed was neatly made, and soaked in sun from the window. His desk was neat and cleared off. The room was empty.

But I heard a child, I know I did!

Buck started looking around, when he heard a whimper of pain from the direction of the desk. Quickly he hastened over and pulled out the desk chair.

There, curled in the desk well and looking nothing like the skinny, dirty, or abused waif Buck had expected, lay a child. He looked clean and healthy, if in pain. He regarded Buck with large terrified eyes, his hair clean and curling every which way.

He was adorable. And as sure as grass was green, he was Diaz's own child.

So what is he doing hidden away in here?

The child whimpered again, obviously still in pain and Buck lurched away, back toward the bottles and vials he'd brought from Hen. "Here, let me help you, Hen sent me with a bunch of..." He fumbled with the bottles, pulling out the chamomile and the willow bark. "Here, this should help." The child shied away from him, curling deeper into the desk well with awkward jerky movements that only seemed to hurt him more.

"Oh God, please let me help, here, let me..." Buck backed up far away to give the child room and then gently pushed the vials at him. "Here. They're directly from Hen, don't worry. I haven't opened them or anything. See?" The child looked between Buck and the bottles, but didn't say anything.

"And--here, I'm leaving okay? Nothing to be afraid of, I'll leave you so you can climb out of that desk. It looks--God, you look like you're hurting so badly, is there anything I can do to help?"

The child still didn't respond, only regarded Buck with the same terrified eyes and Buck took it as his cue. He hastened to his feet and hurried to the door, away from the room. He was about to step out when he heard the child gasp and whimper again. He froze. 

The child won't let me near him, but I can't leave him like that. 

Diaz! Diaz can help him!

"I'm going to go and get your father, okay?" Buck took another step toward the door.

"Don't!" A small plaintive voice called, and Buck paused again.

"I can't just leave you like this... Wait, did your father do this to you??"

"No, no!" came the small cry. "He's the best papa ever. And..." the child paused then continued in a stronger voice. "He'll kill you if he finds out you know about me."

Buck's body froze in place. "Surely not--" The child cried out again, and Buck hastened back to the desk. The child was panting now, but still wouldn't move. "Oh, for the love of God, please let me help you!"

"Can't... don't... trust... you." Christopher panted in between pained gasps.

"Oh God, please--" Buck's voice broke and he felt himself start to cry. "I can't--you're hurting. You... I was a schoolteacher before I got onto this ship, I love kids, I swear I just want to help, please!" He reached out his bandaged hands toward the child. "Look, see? I couldn’t hurt you even if I wanted to! I--I swear I won't tell anyone about you on this ship, I'll never speak to you again. Just let me help you settle yourself more comfortably, you need to take some herbs for the pain..." He was blubbering now, his view of the child obscured by tears. He tensed as he felt small hands grasp around his bandaged hands.

"Please help." The boy whimpered.

He sobbed in relief and crooked his wrapped hands so they became large hooks to grip the child and carefully, oh so carefully pulled him out of the desk well. By this time he heard the child begin to cry as well, still on the floor. Buck quickly swiped his eyes with his threadbare sleeve to clear them. "There now, that's a bit better, I'm sure. Let's get you settled into the bed and I'll mix some medicine with water to relieve the pain.”

Buck carefully lifted the child, who whimpered at being jostled. Carefully he laid the boy on Diaz's neatly made bed and hastened back to the bottles and vials, pulling corks out with his teeth and pouring a the various powders into a tin cup. He filled the cup the rest of the way with water from a pitcher on the small wash stand and stirred it to mix before offering the cup to the child.

But the boy only shook his head, crying more."Don't want it. It tastes h-horrible." The child's big eyes were red from crying and Buck's heart broke.

"Oh, shh, there there. Yeah, I won't lie to you, it’s going to taste pretty bad. But once you drink it, you'll stop hurting so much and then you can relax and sleep or play." Buck clumsily rested a wrapped hand in the child's hair.  "How's that sound?"

Still the child shook his head.

"Okay, how about this?" Buck took a theatrical sniff and wrinkled his nose. "I'll drink some and then you have to drink the rest, okay?" None of the ingredients were harmful to someone who wasn't in pain. "Deal?"

The boy looked at him, surprised. “Really?” Buck nodded and the boy sighed. "Deal."

Buck grinned, then made a big show of sniffing the contents of the glass. "Ohh blurggh," he shuddered theatrically, and heard the slightest huff from the bed. "Oh boy, here we go." He took a sip then screwed up his face and shook it rapidly back and forth like a dog. "Heaven and earth, but that's awful!" The child giggled and Buck continued with his performance, making gagging noises and funny faces. "You must be the strongest kid I know to drink this every day."

"That's what Papa says, too." The boy smiled.

"Well, he's right. I don't think I can handle any more." Buck made one more funny face and the boy laughed again. "Okay, you ready? I'll count to five, and then you drink it all as fast as you can, okay?"

The child hesitated. "How much is five?"

Buck turned to him, eyes wide. "You don't know...?" Then he paused. No use making the boy feel bad for something that wasn’t his fault. Besides, this was Buck's specialty. "Five is a number, you'll see. I'm going to count a few numbers, and when I say five you drink that down as quickly as you can so you barely taste it, okay?"

The boy nodded. "Okay." 

"One, two, three, four... five, go!"

With Buck's clumsy assistance, the child drank down the mixture, screwing up his face just like Buck did. "Urgh."

Buck laughed. "I think you made a funnier face than I did." The boy reminded Buck of his own students. He missed children, their bright-eyed optimism, their enthusiasm for exploring the world around them. "I hope I don't die for meeting you, kid. You're just about the nicest person on this entire ship."

The child smiled. "Christopher."

Buck returned his grin and held out a bandaged hand. "Nice to meet you Christopher. I'm Buck." Christopher reached out in jerky movements and shook Buck's hand, both of them giggling at how clumsy the exchange was.

"I hope you don't die either, Buck." It seemed that the medicine was starting to work. Christopher was relaxing and his smile wasn't edged with quite so much pain anymore.

"In that case, I should probably run before your father finds me. those big strong hands of his would tear me in half like paper." Buck stood, patting Christopher on the head once more before turning away.

"...Buck?"

"Hm?" He turned back. The boy was starting to fall asleep. 

"Can... Can you come back and visit me again?"

What a terrible idea. "Of course, Christopher." Buck rummaged up a brave smile. "I'd love to see you again." An idea occurred to him suddenly and he straightened his shoulders. "I'll even teach you how to count to five all by yourself if you want?"

The boy's tired eyes lit up. "Yes. Yes please..." His eyes slipped closed and he fell asleep.

Buck smiled, feeling warmed for the first time in weeks. Carefully he gathered the scattered items for the rest of his errands and slipped from the room, latching it behind him.

[waywardandwestward]

Let Me Be Your Shelter (Chapter Two)

Chapter 2

Gally x OFC

It’s an odd feeling. Knowing that I’m the only girl. Knowing that no matter what I do, I’ll always be an outsider inside these walls. The boys try so hard to make things better, and I love them for it, but sometimes it’s just not enough. I pray every month for another girl to appear out of the box, so maybe I won’t feel so alone, and every month I’m disappointed.

I have to get out of here. But I’m terrified of leaving him behind, and I know he’ll refuse to leave.

A/N: Hello again friends! Chapter 2 is officially up! And just to clarify, this fanfic is primarily based on the films with a few nuggets from the books tossed in here and there. As always constructive criticism is welcome. Enjoy!

Master List

If you prefer to read on Wattpad, here is the link!

Previous Chapter

Day 2

After coming up out of the box, I decided to keep to myself. Being the only girl in a group full of teenage boys had me feeling out of place, not because I was necessarily afraid of them, but because they seemed to be pretty terrified of me. Accept for Gally, who seemed to be the only person treating me like I was a human being, rather than a foreign object. Right before sundown, he had pulled me aside so he could explain to me why I couldn't leave the field, or "The Glade" as he called it.

"A maze?" I questioned. We were sitting several inches a part on a tree trunk that had fallen in the middle of the woods.  Gally had offered to take me somewhere quiet and less overwhelming than the campfire the rest of the boys were holding.

"Yeah," he shook his head. "Do you hear that?" A low rumbling shifted in the air and I could feel it beneath my feet. It was the doors closing; something I had identified the day before. "That happens everyday just before sundown.  Once they close, something...." He paused. "Last night, after they closed, did you hear...sounds? Like... Movement?"

After everything, I couldn't shut my eyes for a second. The sounds of things shifting, and creaking, and breathing had certainly not helped either. "What is it?" I asked hesitantly.

"We're not sure exactly," he replied, his face looking down at the ground. It was odd seeing him that way. Vulnerability was clearly not something he showed often. "We think part of it is the maze changing itself, but there's something living out their too. According to Alby three guys have gone into that maze, and none of them have come out. I witnessed one myself." He paused again, swallowing deeply. "It was pretty obvious by his screams that there's something else out there."

Silence. As it turns out, I wasn't very good with silence. "Aren't you at all curious if there's a way out? There has to be. I mean it's a maze, which means it's a puzzle, right? There has to be-"

"We can't risk losing anyone else," he replied firmly. I had clearly hit a nerve.

I'm not sure where the thought came from and I almost didn't want to pry, but it just slipped out. "The boy you saw go into the maze. You were close, weren't you?"

I had definitely touched a nerve. "I don't talk about it with other gladers."

"I'm not a Glader, I'm a greenie."

He let out out a breath, almost as if he was about to chuckle. There was even the tiniest little sad smile on his face. It was certainly something I hadn't seen from him before. "Maybe another time," he said.

Another awkward silence, but he filled it in this time. "Hey, remind me that I have to show you something, you know, after you remember your name."

I already had. As I laid wide awake the night before, with the shifting of the walls and the cool breeze brushing up against my skin, it came to me. The only reason I hadn't said anything was probably because nobody had asked.

"My name is Josephine. But if it's okay, I'd like to be called Jo."

"Jo," it was as if he was testing how it sounded coming from his own lips. "Okay Jo, then I have something we need to do." He stood up and offered me his hand just like he had the day before. I took it, this time far less hesitant. He helped me stand up and then directed me out of the woods.

"Where is it you're taking me exactly?" I asked, my feet dragging though the grass.

"It's time for your initiation, Jo," he smirked. "Come on, keep up!"

Neither of us made it it much farther, however. "Gally!... uhh... Greenie!" Newt was running up to us from behind.

Gally and I both stopped in our tracks and turned to face him. "Her name is Jo," Gally shouted back it him.

I could see Newt had raised an eyebrow at me, and I just nodded with a smile. "Alright, Gally and Jo," Newt corrected. "Alby's called a meeting."

"Can't it wait ten minutes?" Gally asked. "I was gonna show Jo the wall."

"You can show it to her later," Newt replied. "Right now we have some things we have to work out." Newt then turned around and headed back towards the fire.

"Gee, by things do you think he could have possibly meant me?" I asked rhetorically.

Gally grinned. "Come on."

The moon had officially risen. As Alby settled everyone down, I sat between Gally and Newt. Zart, another glader with striking blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and a square jaw, calmed down the fire.  

When the group finally quieted, I couldn't help but notice that they were all staring at me.

"Look it's no secret that things are different," Alby addressed to the group. "There are seven of us now. That's the most there's ever been. Which means we could start running out of resources."

"The box is still sending up supplies," Mikey, the fifth Glader who was sitting directly across from me replied. He was attractive looking with dark, curly hair and a chiseled face."Do you really think that's our biggest problem right now?" He glanced over at me. The boy was immediately off putting.

"I think what Alby is trying to say is after what happened yesterday, things could be changing," Although he tried to be more discreet, I could see Newt's eyes flicker over at me as well. "Things are changing. And it's better to be prepared for it."

"How do you suggest we do that?" the sixth and final glader, Bach, who sat next to Mikey, responded. Bach was the oldest of the group, or at least he looked the oldest. Much like Gally and Alby his face held a stern glance on nearly all occasions.

"Newt, Gally, and I talked it over last night," Alby said. I turned my head to both of them, almost as if I was trying to read their minds to see what Alby was going to say next.

"Wait, you didn't think to include us in this little conversation?" Mikey folded his arms over his chest. He was clearly angry, and to be honest, I didn't blame him. And given the look on Bach's face he felt the same.

"You were already asleep. And that's why we're talking about it now," Alby defended himself. "The point I've been trying to make, is that I think we all need to take a little more responsibility. Who knows how many more kids are gonna come up in that box. Boys or girls. We need to be able to take care of them, and ourselves."

"Look we already elected you leader," Mikey said aggressively. "What more do you want?"

"It's like Alby said, we need to take more responsibility. We need ground rules," Gally replied. "That way everyone feels safe here."

"They're right," Zart spoke up. "I mean, it would certainly make me feel safer."

"Rule One," Alby stated. "Everyone does their part. No slackers. We can't just sit around all day and do nothing, there's too much at stake."

"We should all take up a job," Zart agreed. "Maybe I could work in the garden. You know, making sure there's enough food for everyone."

Newt raised his hand, "All in favor?" The rest of us raised our hands.

"We need shelter too," Bach said. "The ceiling Mikey built, it's falling apart. We need something better."

"Gally's the strongest," Newt offered. Looking over at him. "And he did make that hammock forest for us to sleep in."

It took a minute for Gally to respond, but eventually he shrugged and said, "I guess I could do that."

"All in favor?" Everyone raised their hand. "Alright, Gally's our builder."

"What about you, Greenie?" Mikey turned to look at me with the cheesiest grin I had ever seen spread across his face.

"Her name is Jo," both Newt and Gally exclaimed almost too proudly.

Slightly embarrassed by their declaration, I simply waved awkwardly. "Yeah, hi."

"Well?" Mikey pressed.

Truth be told, there was only one thing I wanted to do, and I knew at least one of them wouldn't be on board. But, I spoke my truth anyway. "Well, I was thinking, maybe we should have someone go out and map the maze during the-"

"No," Alby's answer was brief and direct.

"Did you pay attention to anything  I said, Greenie?" Gally barked and shook his head in his hands before looking back up at me. He looked me directly in the eye with that same gaze that had me terrified so much on our first meeting. "It's not worth the risk," he gritted through his teeth.

Looks like I'm back to Greenie, I thought bitterly to myself. I wasn't going to let his stare-down faze me. "It's my life. I'll decide if it's worth risking."

Gally's eyebrows lowered. "That's not how this works," Alby said.

My lips pierced in concentration waiting for Gally to look away. "So, what? I don't even get a say?"

"Of course you do," I heard Newt's voice behind me. "You get a vote. We can call for one as soon as one of you decides who's won this pissing contest." It was then that Gally and I realized how immature we were being. We both looked down, a bit ashamed of our behavior, "All in favor?"

Bach and I were the only two to raise our hands. I was about to let out a sigh of disappointment, but I chose not to waste my breath. I knew exactly how that vote was going to go down.

"Seriously?" Mikey whispered to Bach.

"The girl's right. The maze is safe during the day, as far as we know. And we all wanna find a way out of here, right? If she wants to risk her life trying to save our asses, I say let her do it."

Zart spoke up as well. "Bach's got a poi-"

Gally immediately cut him off. "We already voted. Majority rules." He looked over at me again probably with a frown, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of looking up. I just stared down at a broken twig on the ground, and then threw it into the fire.

"How about for now, you help Gally as a builder. He's not gonna be able to build an entire homestead on his own," Alby suggested.

I almost laughed at the proposal. I moved my eyes to meet Alby's just so he could see how pissed off I was. "I am not working with that shank." Shank was a term I had heard Zart calling Mikey earlier on that day. I didn't really know what it meant, but I knew it was an insult. Clearly so did Gally. He was about to defend himself, but Alby jumped in before he could.

"Let's move on. We can assign everyone else's roles when we're finished."

"So what's rule number two then?" Zart inquired.

"Never harm another glader, you have to trust each other," Alby stated. "Without trust, we'll start turning on each other, and we'll all be dead within a month."

"I like that," Newt said. "I think it'll make some of us feel a little safer. Right, Jo?"

"That depends, Newt," I replied, my eyes focused on the fire. "What happens if you break the rule?"

"I think we should all get a vote on that too," Mikey jumped in.

"How about we all vote on whether or not they're guilty; you know, whether they should actually be punished or not," Bach suggested. "And then Alby can decide on the punishment."

"I could build a jail," Gally offered up, speaking for the first time since our argument. "We could lock em up for a few days. Maybe without food... If it's really bad we could banish them to the maze." He had merely mumbled the last part of what he had said, but it was clear enough to make everyone in the circle shift in their seat.

"Again, I think maybe we should let Alby decide."

"I'll take that into consideration, Gally," Alby replied. "A jail cell sounds like a pretty good idea though." Gally nodded.

"Are we all in favor of rule number two?" Newt asked. We raised our hands unanimously.

"Two rules seems pretty good," Mikey sighed, clearly growing tired of the conversation. He was just about to get out of his seat, but someone stopped him.

"One more," Gally spoke up again. "Number three: Never go outside the Glade."

There was a silence, a small moment where we all looked around at each other, knowing that this rule, could possibly get us all in trouble one day. "All in favor?" I was the only one who didn't raise their hand. Bach looked at me and shrugged. "Sorry, Greenie," he mouthed.

"These are the rules that we'll live by," Alby said. "We save the right to change them, but the vote must be unanimous. Now, to assigning the rest of your positions..." Alby's voice began to blur. I stood up, overwhelmed once again. I was alone once again.

"Where are you going?" Newt asked quietly.

"I just need a minute." The second I turned around, tears began to fall from my eyes.

Next Chapter

[niall-is-my-dream]

The Bucket List - Chapter Seventeen

Saturday had been busy, after your morning session with Niall you'd repacked your bag ready for your trip. You had no idea still where you were going but you knew you were being picked up at 2pm. Niall had gone back to his place and returned with a freshly packed suitcase and some lunch just before 1pm.

"So you going to tell me where we are going?" You asked, as you tucked into the sandwich he'd brought you.

"No!" He smirked as he sat down at the table beside you.

"Oh go on! I'll give you a little treat before we go if you tell me now." You said winking at him and running your foot up his leg.

"As much as I'd like to find out what that treat might be, I'm going to pass and leave you in suspense a bit longer!"

"You're enjoying this aren't you?!"

"Oh yes! Anyway I thought you liked surprises?"

"I do, I'm just getting impatient now!" You replied. You'd been sure your offer of a treat would work. "Can you at least tell me how long the flight will be?"

"No!"

You gave up then, finishing off your sandwich and tidying up the kitchen. You were making sure you'd got everything in your suitcase and carry on bag ready when the doorbell went. Niall went to get it and he invited Basil in.

"Hi Annie! How are you?" He asked.

"I'm good thanks. You?"

"Not too bad thanks. Niall I've got the car waiting downstairs to take you to the airport. Are you sure you don't want myself or Martin to come with you?"

"No, it'll be fine Basil stop worrying." Niall replied as he patted Basil on the back.

"So where we are going is quiet then if Basil isn't coming with us?" You questioned.

"Ha! Have you not told her where you're going yet?" Laughed Basil.

"No, and she's hating every minute of it!" Laughed Niall.

You arrived in good time apparently, Niall looked up to check the flight time and find your check in desk. He had his cap on to try and hide him a bit, you were worried about not having Basil travel with you. You didn't want to get hounded by press or fans in the airport. 

You headed in the direction of the 4th desk, Greece was the destination.

"Are we going to Santorini?" You asked a massive grin taking over your face.

"Maybe!"

"Ha! Katie will be pleased that was her guess!"

"You two been trying to figure it out then?"

"Yeah, we both said you'd pick somewhere from my bucket list."

"Happy then?"

"Very." You replied putting your arm around his waist and leaning into him as he kissed the top of your head.

You checked in and went through to departures. "Just popping to the loo." You said.

"Ok, I'll be over in the newsagents." He replied.

When you came out of the loo you spotted Niall surrounded by 3 girls, all with their phones out asking for pictures. Niall saw you look over and you discreetly pointed to the shop he said he'd be in. He nodded at you to show he'd understood but it caught the attention of one of the girls who then asked "Is that your girlfriend? Are you off on holiday together?"

"Um, yes and yes! Going to continue my time off for another week before my tour rehearsal starts."

"She's so pretty Niall." You heard one of them say, as you lingered by the doorway. "I hope you have a great holiday with her."

"Thanks very much, right I best be off and get some shopping before my flight."

"Thanks for the photos Niall." One of them shouted as he walked over to you. He turned and waved in acknowledgment.

"Hey!" He said as he joined you in the newsagents. "Hey yourself!" You replied.

The flight was only a few hours and the sun was still up when you arrived. The transfer to the resort was easy to, and the striking white hotels were dotted across the hillside. You couldn't wait to check in and see what your room was like. 

Niall had definitely booked the best room the place had to offer. It had a bedroom with seating and storage with a bathroom off that. The seating area opened out on to a large balcony with Sun loungers, a table and chairs and a hammock. The view was stunning and the sun was setting by now. Niall came behind you wrapping his arms around your waist. 

"This ok for you?" He whispered nudging his nose against your neck. 

You tilted your head and he placed kissed along your collar. "Babe this is perfect." You replied. 

"Fancy getting some room service and taking a dip in that pool?" He asked.

You hadn't even notice the plunge pool, the view had been the only thing to catch your eye. "I'd love to." You replied turning around to kiss him. 

You ate some amazing seafood and drank some wine before changing into your bikini to get in the plunge pool. This place was exactly as you had imagined when you'd added it to your bucket list almost a year and a half ago. The plunge pool was half out on the balcony and half hidden within the cliff. It could be accessed by a little door from the bathroom to. 

Just amazing.

The water was warm when you got in and not too deep. You stood against the edge taking in the view. The sound of the ocean was calming. You were in no way overlooked. This was why he had not brought Basil. You were here for a week of just chilling, which after your hard week of partying with friends was well needed. You heard Niall get in the pool and swim over to you. He wrapped his arms around you and kissed across your shoulders. 

"Mmm this place is gorgeous Niall, thank you."

"You're welcome." He whispered in between kisses.

"I love you." You whispered.

"I love you to Annie." 

You'd spent the week sunbathing, listening to music, reading, chatting, sleeping and making love. It was perfect, even Mr fidget pants himself enjoyed the chilling out. He'd got a few weeks of rehearsals before his tour was starting and then his album was being released. This would be his last time off until Christmas in 4 months time. You were dreading being away from him but you knew that you'd be able to travel with him sometimes.

The week was almost over, you spent your last night eating loads of food, drinking wine and lying in the hammock. 

"Petal, I literally could lie here forever." He said. 

"You'd get bored. You cannot sit still." You replied.

"Ha! Maybe! As long as I'm with you I'll be just fine." He said kissing the top of your head. 

Chapter Eighteen

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/168677322508/the-bucket-list-chapter-eighteen

[fic-dreamin]

A Great Companion To The Movie ! As soon as I got it I went out in the yard , got into my hammock under the corkscrew willow tree and spent the whole day reading . Go to Amazon

I love it. Like most people that buy this, I am a huge fan of the movie and I thought this would be a great collector's item to go with the movie. I'm so glad I bought it since it is everything I thought it would be. I especially like the notes and illustrations as the story was being worked on and gives an isight to the movie that I wouldn't have known. Go to Amazon

A Novelization That's Just As Great As The Film I've been a major fan of Labyrinth ever since I was little. A few years ago I went looking for a novelization without success, and I just happened to stumble upon this. A lot of novelizations tend to be bland copies of the films...but this one is not!! It gives a lot more detail than the movie--such as backgrounds on Sarah and Jareth--and the character development is amazing. There are even some parts in there that weren't in the movie! The formatting is nice too: an easy-to-read, non-cramped font that's not too small or hard on the eyes. Go to Amazon

I have loved the Labyrinth since I first watched it back in ... I have loved the Labyrinth since I first watched it back in the 80s as a little girl. I have always wanted to read the book version. I was ecstatic when I saw that they had made one and republished it recently. I snatched it up. It was like reading the movie with only slight changes. I was hoping for some more insight and depth into the characters. But overall it was a good read. my only complaint was the cover. I would have loved it in paperback with a beautifully illustrated cover. I know that seems petty, but the cover is a big part of my desire to buy a book. I see gorgeous artwork on the cover with promises of fantasy and adventure which inspires me to pick it up or buy it. The cover is very dull and uninspiring. I would have thought they would have tons of fantastic artwork from the artist that designed the goblins and the Labyrinth Universe. So that was a little disappointing. But as a fan I am happy to have it. Go to Amazon

simple for the most part and then unnecessarily complicated in others The technique in this novel is, frankly, simple for the most part and then unnecessarily complicated in others. Inconsistent is a good word for the writing style here. If you're a big fan of the movie I would definitely recommend it because if nothing else it gives a greater insight to the inner thoughts of both Sarah and Jareth. It brings a depth to the story that the movie could not possibly have done. Some of the novel deviates from the movie but it definitely adds a more interesting layer that makes the story seem more complex than the slightly watered down version in the film. (Obviously that's because Labyrinth is ultimately a children's "coming of age" story and sadly more adult themes and concepts needed to be subdued for the target audience.) Go to Amazon

Nostalgia This is not a work of great literary merit, but it is not trying to be. If you, like me, were slightly warped as a child by watching the original movie (also on the lovable psychological damage list: The Dark Crystal and The Last Unicorn) and wish to recapture your baffled acceptance of the weirdness of the Henson creative team, then this book is a good quality way to do it. It is also excellent as a chapter book to read to a child piece-by-piece at bedtime as a way to interactively pass the quirky damage on to the next generation. Be warned: After exposure you may crave Renaissance festivals, '80s hair, and turquoise eye shadow. Go to Amazon

Very Expanded As a story by itself, I give it 3 stars. As an entirely new opening for Labyrinth philosophy contemplation, I give it five. Most reviews I read on this book say that it follows the story very closely, but there are a surprising amount of smaller differences (i.e. Goblin King introducing himself as Jareth to Sarah). Apart from that, it follows the same path as the movie, but includes aspects that were left out of the movies final result. I don't want to spoil it, but if you're like me and love discovering and exploring each layer that this incredible story has to offer, you most certainly need to add this to your book to your cart. Fantastic conceptual art by Brian Froud and personal notes from Jim Henson are included. The notes alone deserve a thorough investigation of their own :) Go to Amazon

Classic story made better. Beautiful book. Wonderful story that made me immediately go back and watch the film again. I particularly enjoyed seeing Jim Henson's notes in the back and seeing the illustrations for the characters. Go to Amazon

It might not be a first edition like how I wanted Wonderful book, a must have any Labyrinth fan Great job Labyrinth for life-this is awesome! She loved it. very good! Five Stars good book STUNNING! Gives PLENTY of detail It's a short read but it's pretty amazing. Still captures the movie with a bit ...

[humanoid-lovers]

Excellent stories with great recipes Reading But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria was so fun, I decided to write my first Amazon book review. Julia Reed’s easy, humorous style keeps the pages turning. She’s definitely had a lot of fun in her life and has great tales to tell. If I had spent a weekend drinking champagne in Paris with Andre Leon Talley or learned to drink champagne at Joe and Susan Mary Alsop’s house, I would write about it all the time. The book inspired me to read further about several topics she mentions. I loved the chapter about bourbon and I made a copy of the Sixth Circuit case on Maker’s Mark which I plan to read today. I went strolling through the Internet to read more about the Delta Region and its association with hot tamales and found a great website called Southern Foodways Alliance. Thanks Ms. Reed, I may even subscribe to Garden and Gun just to keep reading your wonderful tales. Go to Amazon

Julia Reed Does It Again! Julia is such a kick and honestly, the recipes are unique and really delicious - and that's coming from a cookbook collector and avid cook! Go to Amazon

What's Not to Love? I'm a southern woman. Go to Amazon

A cross between cookbook & memoir Somewhere between cookbook and memoir is Reed 's latest offering. She reminds me a little of Rick Bragg, minus the masculinity and melancholy of course. A fun reminiscence for any gal who has grown up south of the Mason Dixon line. I bookmarked several of her recipes to try. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Now if only I can get invited to one if her parties!!! Go to Amazon

A true adventure in making merry past and present Received today and have spent most of day reading and plotting to cook all the recipes when I get out of the hammock. Julia Reeds life experiences, friends, personalities she has crossed paths with ...... parties past and present are memorable and entertaining. References to travels also interesting and bring back how it was before sequester, weighing passengers and luggage and other such nuances. Go to Amazon

Here we go again! Another delightful read, full of interesting anecdotes and girth-expanding recipes. I am going to try Judy's Coleslaw soon; it will be perfect with some barbeque pork. Go to Amazon

Oh My Goodness! Julia, you say the very things I'm thinking! True Southerners will enjoy the memories this book brings back and Northerners will have, yet another, way to read how the other half think. As I read, I know these other people, in fact, I think we're distantly kin. Go to Amazon

Love Julia Reed, but... I wish she'd do something a little different now. This book is simply another one of essays and recipes. The first few were great (I particularly loved the one about the house in the garden district and Katrina), but I'd like to see her do something a bit more expansive now. She's a great writer, and I'm a huge fan, so I trust she will continue to give us great eating entertainment. Go to Amazon

Four Stars Five Stars Love the stories with the recipes The Incomparable Julia Reed "...and I STEPPED ON the ping-pawng ball!" I didn't know how good Sangria could be Two Stars Julia Reed is the best! Five Stars delicious