#just ferried off with gwen and summer

[moss-on-a-pebble]

Large hat psychopomp gang

(Might make more doodles of this crossover I love them)

[rancidpancakebatter]

Aaaaah congrats for 200 followers! 🎉🎉🎉 You're incredible writing and deserve even more!

My idea is: 🎵 - IDFC, by Blackbear & TASM Peter Parker. I know it’ll be amazing ❤️

Happiness: and Other Frightening Concepts-[P.P.]

Pairings: College!FWB!Peter Parker x College!Female!Reader

Prompt: IDFC By Blackbear, a song full of angst

Summary: You and Parker have fallen into a situationship of sorts, but that's fine, it's okay. He won't give you anything more and you don't fucking care.

Word Count: 5k words

Content: MINORS DNI: 18+ Swearing, Smut, P in V sex, multiple orgasms, praise kink, dick riding, allusions to Gwen's death,

A/N: Sorry, this took so long. I was gonna write something short but I guess that's just impossible because I can never stfu about this man

You met Peter in your Intro to Sociology class. He was funny and cute and had a lot to say. He sat at the desk next to you. You never talked much, he would come in late sometimes and be quick to leave. But one day he asked if he could borrow your lecture notes and you slipped your number with them. 

At first, it was great. You would switch off bringing coffee to class, study in the library, and text all through the day. To say you were easily smitten would be an understatement. He was smooth with flirting, commenting on both your brain and your body. You quickly noticed that you got more compliments when you wore skirts, and now they were a staple in your wardrobe. You really liked Peter, and you thought he liked you too. 

Study dates moved to your apartment. The both of you would crowd around your coffee table filled with papers adorned with red ink and smudged highlighter. Slowly they turned less studious, opting to watch a movie on the couch together instead. You would lay under a fluffy throw curled up into him while his hand would rest on your thigh. You had never felt so special. 

Ferris Bueller's Day Off was playing, but you couldn’t focus on anything other than the circles Peter was tracing up your leg, getting closer and closer to where you wanted him most. His fingers were toying with the side of your panties and your lungs hitched as you felt his warm breath against your ear. 

“(Y/N)...” 

It sounded decadent, indulgingly alluring. When you turned to look at Peter his eyes consumed you like a black hole. You could feel yourself being slowly pulled apart and you surrendered to the void. 

His lips on yours were everything you had dreamed of and more. Pillowy soft and a lingering taste of something sweet you couldn’t place. His tongue made you dizzy and his fingers made you weak. He plucked you like a violin, knowing just how to play you. He showed you beautiful melodies and you committed them all to heart, entirely at the mercy of your maestro. 

That was almost eight months ago. You thought, after that night, everything would change. How silly and naive you were. The “study dates” continued and ended the same: mind-shattering orgasms and poor excuses for why he couldn’t stay, why he wouldn’t be more. 

You had convinced yourself that this was fine. That you were fine. That you didn’t care. You didn’t care that you were just a hookup. You didn’t care that he would pop up late at night covered in bruises and no explanation of why. You didn’t care about the empty promises he made. Promises to see you for more than sex. Promises to text you back. Promises that he cared for you. 

You sat in your room, reading a book. The summer sun had fallen below the city skyline and now you sat with your friend, the moon. She had held your shaky hands as you remade your empty bed and you as you cried through sleepless nights. She listened to your woes, a silent spectator to your breaking heart.

You were emersed in your reading when your phone went off. A quiet ping, one you recognised all too well. Despite everything in your body telling you not to: you picked it up. 

Peter P. :

Can I see you tonight?

You could have said no. You could have chewed him out for not responding to your text from three days ago. You could have put down the phone and not responded at all. But Peter Parker had made you a fool. A fool for him. 

(Y/N) (L/I). :

Yeah thats fine

You thanked the moon for her lack of judgment towards you. You had enough for yourself to spare. 

Peter P. :

Be over in 30

You freshened up your makeup and put on cuter clothes all while berating yourself for doing so. Peter didn’t care what you were wearing or how you looked. He would pounce you as soon as he got in the door. He would tell you half-truths about how good you felt and how perfect you were. You continued getting ready; you continued to pretend you didn’t care. 

Thirty minutes later, you heard a knock on your door. It’s frustrating to know that there are some promises he can keep. You opened the door and Peter grabbed you by the waist, pulling you in for a deep kiss. It was sloppy, teeth knocking together as his tongue felt its way through its second home. He guided you through the doorway, closing the door with his foot before pining you against it. 

Your morals and attempts at self-respect blurred when you felt his leg slip between your thighs. You remembered all the reasons you wanted him, needed him. His grip loosened around your waist so his deft fingers could roam your body. His kisses move down the collum of your neck as you run your fingers through his hair. His breath tickled your throat.

“Well, hello to you too.” You giggled.

Peter paused, lifting his head to look deeply into your eyes. A sweet smile stretched across his face. 

“Hi,” he whispered softly as he pecked your nose. “How was your day?”

“Boring, you?” His eyes darted across your face fondly.

“Entirely too eventful.” 

You took notice of a scratch on his cheek, a small bruise on his jaw. You brought your hands up to trace them. You wanted to ask how and why. You wanted to know what had made his day so “eventful”, but you knew he wouldn’t tell you. 

His lips descended back onto yours as you pushed away those thoughts. His hands cupped the back of your thighs and you jumped, knowing this routine well. Once you were in his arms he would grind against you, driving you mad as he kissed you dumb. You would feel how hard he was against you and feel pride. 

Then he would take you to your bedroom. He would place you on your bed keeping you pinned against him. He would rip off his shirt and start pulling at yours. Every time you would stop yourself from staring at him, the lean cut muscle. He would lavish your stomach and breast with kisses as he worked on taking off your skirt. 

He would render you witless as he lapped at your folds, by now, knowing precisely what to do you make you this way. And if you thought about it, that’s why you continued to do this. That’s why you let him in, night after night. Because you spent every waking hour wondering why you weren’t enough, and in these moments he made you forget. He made it so you didn’t care. A temporary nepenthe; you had become addicted. 

You gripped the sheets as he took you for all you were worth. You wanted to grab his hand, to weave your fingers together, but that amount of intimacy wasn’t what he wanted. You compromised, gripping his hair instead and giving it a gentle tug. Peter allowed you to lead him away from you and pull him closer. 

You could taste yourself on his tongue, could feel your slick on his lips. You made quick work of unbuttoning his pants. He only pulled away for only a moment to take them off and put on the condom from his back pocket. 

He swallowed your moans as he entered you. Your walls stretched around him, clinging to all he would give you. He moved slowly but with force, each time bottoming out and making your toes curl. 

Sometimes Peter was sweet and soft, other times quick and rough. It changed depending on what he needed from you. Sometimes he just wanted to feel cared for; other times to forget. Today you weren’t sure what he was using you for, maybe a bit of both. 

He worried your nipples with his tongue, his hand coming to hold the one not in his mouth. Dazed, you lay your hand on his back, raking your nail up the expanse of muscle to draw him in. He seemed to understand what you were asking for and picked up the pace. 

Your moans filled the room as you clung to him, wanting him closer and closer still. His hands pulled at the back of your thighs once again, resting them on his shoulder. Folded in half, all you could do was take it. You let out a scream as you felt him go deeper. He adjusted his position hitting right where you needed. He had made you a babbling mess, words slipping from your lips you didn’t recognise. 

“Ah, fuck. Peter please!” He chuckled at your plea. Peter loves seeing you like this, absolutely desperate for him. 

“Yeah, baby? What d’ya need, hmm? You wanna cum again?” He pressed his thumb against your clit, teasing you with a small taste of what he could do. 

“Please, please, please” You were whining, begging. 

“Always so polite for me.” He started moving his thumb and you almost couldn’t breathe. 

Peter opted to kiss your neck, not wanting to miss a single sound you made. God, you were close, so so close. You didn’t have to tell Peter this. He could feel the way you were squeezing him; he could hear your breathy moans raising in pitch. He bit down on the spot he knew was most sensitive and revelled in your broken cry. He could feel you gush around his cock. 

“There you go, good girl.” You moaned at his praise, not all there as you tried to catch your breath. Peter moved his thumb away but continued to fuck you slowly. 

“Do you think you can keep going?” He punctuated his question with a particularly hard thrust that had you arching your back. 

His kisses were soft and patient as he waited for your response. He knew what you were going to say. It’s what you said every time; he just liked hearing you say it. 

“Yes, yes, please, don’t stop.” You felt him smile against your neck. 

He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his lap. His hand tangled in your hair as he brought you into an earth-shattering kiss. 

“Then work for it.” 

As you ground down against him, he placed his hands on your hips. His grip was firm; you were sure if he pulled his hands away you would be able to trace marks left by his finger pads. 

You did a teasing bounce and the loud moan from both parties made you momentarily concerned about getting a noise complaint. You felt so full with Peter so deep inside you.

“Fuck baby, you feel so good. Do it again.” 

You dug your nails into his shoulders and used them as leverage as his cock speared into you. Over and over and over again. Peter threw his head back, soft grunts leaving his puffy, pink lips. He looked so pretty like this: curls stuck to his forehead, eyes closed, mouth open, neck flexed, and altogether lost in you. 

Your legs were getting tired and you started slowing down. Peter felt this and wrapped his arm around your lower back, raising your body and slamming it back down. If your mind was even a little clearer, you would have questioned how he was able to do this. But for now, your mind was swimming in the mix of post-orgasm fog and the desperate pre-orgasm haze. 

It wasn’t long until the coil in your stomach snapped, relief washing over you. You brought Peter’s lips to yours, devouring him as you came down. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, I’m close.” Peter’s brows were furrowed tightly as he continued bucking into you. 

You wove your fingers through his chestnut curls, gripping them tightly so his gaze was focused on you. 

“Please, Peter-I need you to cum.” Your words washed through him and he revelled in your silent permission. 

He surged forward, once again pinning you on your back. Peter had unexplained stamina and once you had gotten your fill you let him use you to get off. You got off on it too. The way he man-handled you, throwing you around. The way he seemed to move with ungodly speed and force.

Your legs were thrown lazily over his shoulders as he grabbed your hips, keeping them slightly elevated as he pistoned into you. He kept you still as he gave you all he had. Your back arched and your body squirmed, overstimulated as you were drowned in pleasure. Galaxies burned through your veins as Peter continued to thrust into you. 

He could feel you pulsing around him, squeezing him. He brought his thumb down to your poor, battered clit once again, knowing you were close. Your brain was effectively shut off, a string of “please” leaving your mouth, though you had no idea what you were asking for. More? Less? Peter? Who's to say?

It wasn’t long until you felt him “lock up.” He stilled inside you, muscles taught, as a deep grunt left his throat. You came then too, feeling him pulse inside you. 

“Fuck,” was all he said as he crashed into you, completely wiped from all the work he did. 

The sweat from your bodies stuck together as he draped himself across you, his head buried in the crook of your neck. You lay there in the quiet, soaking him up, running your fingers through his hair. You pretended the heavy throbbing of your heart was due to sex, nothing more, nothing less. That didn’t work for long. He felt so right in your arms and you wanted him to stay, to be more. 

“Do you wanna order some food? We can have it delivered, maybe watch a movie or something.” You offered the same olive branch you had many times before. The bark was stripped and dead by now. 

You felt the silent sigh he let out against your skin and the quiet groan as he began to sit up. You hated that you did this to yourself. Every time it ended the same. You would offer yourself to him and he would graciously decline. This was no different. 

“I would but I’ve got some work I need to catch up on. Jameson wants those new photos and I’ve still gotta edit them and…you know how it is.” 

Unfortunately, you did. 

You move to grab your shirt from the floor, precipitously throwing it back on. Your back faced Peter as you tried to fight off the tears that threatened to fall. Peter didn’t want to stay. He never wanted to stay. Why would you think this would be any different? He doesn’t want you. But that’s fine. You don’t care. 

“What?” 

Peter’s tone caught you off guard. Well, all of it caught you off guard, but he sounded so…small. Like you had hurt him in some way. You turn to look at him, not sure you had heard him at all. His eyebrows were knitted and a frown overtook his once peaceful demeanour. His eyes darted over your features, probably just as confused, but for why you had no clue. 

“What do you mean you ‘don’t care?’” You flinched as he mimiced the venom you unintentionally spit at him. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” Peter looked genuinely hurt and you hated yourself for feeling so bad. 

“Oh, so what did you mean? That you don’t care that I’m busy? Or that you don’t care about what’s going on in my life? Because if you don’t care you don’t have to ask.” You turned away from his piercing gaze, wiping at your face. 

How dare he? How dare he accuse you of not caring? As if you didn’t constantly ask him for this information, as if you didn’t constantly pry for more. Was it not he who always cut you off, he who refused to share? 

“Don’t- don’t say that. Of course, I care…I care so much. I just- how could you even say that?” Peter scoffed and you heard the familiar sound of him jumping in his jeans. 

“Uh, I don’t know, maybe because you literally said you don’t care.” You felt your anger rise with his. 

“You know what? Maybe I shouldn’t! I have been trying for so long to get you to care and you just…don’t! I don’t know why I keep expecting you to change!” He turned to face you, exasperation is the word you would use to describe his face now. 

“Wha- change? What do I need to change? What is it that I don’t care about?” 

You had never fought with Peter. You weren’t in a relationship so it was never warranted. You couldn’t see a way out of this without shattering every illusion you had built. Your castle was crumbling and you didn’t see any point in trying to save it. Hell, you were this far now. 

“Me…You don’t care about me. I’m just some quick fuck to you, gone as fast as you come. Every time I want to hang out, be anything more than this, you make an excuse- push me away. The only texts you respond to are about when you can come over. The only time you wanna know how I’m doing is when I’m under you. You don’t care and you know what? I’m done. I’m done. I’m done caring about where you’re off to. I’m done caring about who or what gives you all those scars and bruises. I’m done pining after someone who obviously only wants me for my body. You. Don’t. Care. and I’m done. I don’t fucking care.” 

You wiped angrily at the tears that had fallen. All your cards were on the table and if you knew anything about Peter, you knew he would leave them there. He would walk out the door and text you in a few days asking to drop by and you would say yes, and then you would be right back here. Or maybe he could change. Maybe he wouldn’t text you at all. Maybe he would decide this wasn’t worth it and leave. 

You felt a hand on your shoulder, his gentle hand shocking you from your spiralling thoughts. 

“(Y/N)...that’s not- that’s not true. I do care. You’re not just some ‘quick fuck’, okay? I just…don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to be more than this. I’m sorry.”

You wanted to believe him so badly, but a small part of your brain was screaming at you that this was a cop-out. Because if he tells you that he cares but he can’t, then he gets to keep coming back- to keep stringing you along.

“Peter, I can’t do this anymore.” You wish you hadn’t said that. You wish you had said anything else because this felt final. You weren’t ready to say goodbye. 

You felt his hand retract and could sense him stiffen. You expected him to leave, to say something along the lines of “fuck this, I’m out”, but instead he sat down on the edge of your bed with his head in his hands. You stood silently, unsure if there was anything else you should say- anything you could. After a moment he raised his head, a look of pure determination on his face. 

“Okay…so we don’t do this anymore. We can do something else instead.” You looked at him confused. 

“Peter, what are you saying?” He grabbed your shoulders, leaning down to meet you at your level.

“I’m saying we stop doing this whole…situationship…friends with benefits…thing. Yeah- we drop the benefits and just become friends. Actual friends.” You considered his proposition for a moment but you knew in your heart it was too late for that. 

“I can’t be just friends with you, Peter. It’s too much. It would hurt too much.” Peter took his hands off you again and threw them behind his head.

“Fuck!” He cursed loudly, you had never known Peter to raise his voice. 

“I can’t date you (Y/N). I can’t.” There was a fire in his eyes that almost frightened you. 

“Why not?” You had hoped that your voice wouldn’t come out so shaky. You didn’t want to seem any more pathetic in front of him. You almost regret asking, not knowing how devastating his answer will be, but you coax yourself into thinking this will give you the closure you need to move on and forget him. 

“I- you…look, I just…I’m not…safe. If I date you, if I care for you, If I love you…that could be really bad. I can’t lose you, I can’t, okay? I refuse to go through that again. You are a light to this world and I will not be the reason it goes out. Absolutely not.” You couldn’t help but feel like you were being scolded. 

“I don’t understand. How is loving me a bad thing? Are you going to hurt me?-”

“No, I would never!”

“Then who? Who is going to hurt me, Peter? And why do they get to rule so much of your life? How is it fair that they make you fear a chance at happiness? My chance at happiness? Why do they get a say?” Peter looked frenzied, his eyes wild and full of unfallen tears, while his hair was mused and sticking up in all directions from pulling at it. 

“You’re not listening to me-”

“I am Peter, but all I’m hearing is more excuses. I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending that I’m fine with this. I want more, I need more, and if you can’t give me that then…I think you should leave.” 

Your heart broke as he did just that. You were convinced he took it with him, bloodying his back pocket. Or maybe he crushed it into the carpet with his heel on his way out. Either way, he left and you didn’t hear from him again. 

Classes had started back up, and you were so close to graduation that you could almost taste it. Your degree only a few more credits away. You were on your way to class but due to your early start, you had half an hour to kill. You decided that was as good as any reason to stop into your favourite coffee place before Ancient Grecian Philosophy. 

You ordered your favourite pick-me-up and a pain au chocolat to go. The weather wasn’t too bad so you chose to sit outside, enjoying your breakfast and your book. Your headphones drowned out the hustle and bustle of New York, and, evidently, its favourite spandex-clad crime fighter. 

You only noticed him when you saw his glove wave in front of the pages before you. You looked up only to meet the eyes of Spider-Man. You were amazed, to say the least. You hastily pulled out your headphones and set down your book. 

“Oh my god, Spider-Man. You’re- you’re Spider-Man.” He chuckled at your response. 

“Yes, I am. What gave it away?” Your shock was lessening, probably due to the comfort he seemed to radiate. 

“The spider on your chest is kinda obvious.” He made a show of looking down and acting almost surprised to see it there.

“Yeah, I guess you’re kinda right. Without it though, I could be any old schmuck.” You chuckled again as he rested his hands on his hips. 

“Even with it, there’s no telling which old schmuck you are.” He brought a hand to his chest, a gasp ripping from there. 

“I am not old! I’ll have you know I’m only a few months older than you!” You brought a hand up to cover your laugh. He was funny, you’ll give him that. But then you felt a twist in your gut, apprehension nestling in your sternum. 

“How would you know that?” Spider-Man tilted his head at you. 

“How would I know what?” You started to rise from the table, looking at him more head on. 

“How would you know if I’m younger than you?” He remained silent and you cursed his mask for hiding his facial expressions. 

“Why are you here? Do I know you?” His gaze fell to the floor and you felt your fight or flight start to kick in. Your eyes darted around for the best escape route. 

“Look, I just wanted to talk to you. I can explain everything just-” He paused to look around, you noticed then all the people crowing the window of the coffee shop. “Just not here.” 

He extended his hand to you, “I know it’s crazy but I’m asking you to trust me.” 

Despite your better judgement, you took his hand. I mean if your going to die, being murdered by spider-man isn’t the worst way to go. He swung you to an alley nearby before throwing you on his back and scaling up the side of a tall building. 

Once you reached the top he let you down and began to pace. You could hear him muttering to himself, but you couldn’t pick up on what he was saying. The entire situation was making you increasingly nervous. 

“I don’t know when you plan on explaining but I have to get to class soon, so the quicker the better.” You watched as he scratched at the back of his neck before turning to you. 

“Okay, so, you do know me, but you don’t like me much, and for good reason. But I miss you and I think I’m ready now, like, I think I can be what you need me to be and I want- I want to try.” You always thought the expression “Staring at someone like they had three heads” was a bit dramatic, but in this moment you were sure you were doing just that. 

Before you could question the man he ripped off his mask revealing a face you had tried to forget. His smile seemed nervous and you felt like you might pass out. 

“Peter? Wha- How? What is happening?” You took a step back and Peter dropped down almost comically. His hands were spread out in front of him to show he was no threat, but your heart thought otherwise. 

“I needed to talk to you but I knew you wouldn’t want to talk to me so I sent in the uh- the other guy.” You scoffed. 

“I can’t help but feel a little manipulated here,” You laughed coldly. Peter’s eyes widened at your words, panic seeping through him. 

“I- well, I-uh…I’m not trying to manipulate you. If you wanna leave I’ll drop you off right where I found you and can go back to pretending I don’t exist, but I meant what I said before. I do miss you, I do think I’m ready. I’m ready to show you I care.” 

Peter watched as you sat on the concrete below you in wonder. You tilted your head up to the sky, saying nothing in response. He worried for a moment that he may have sent you into shock, definitely damaging his chances at getting you back. You sighed and patted the ground next to you and Peter took a seat. 

“I cannot believe you thought this was a good idea. Was your best plan really ‘grab her off the street and info dump until her brain breaks?’” Peter felt his cheeks start to burn with embarrassment but then you nudged him with your shoulder,  “And here I was thinking you were smart.” 

You were teasing him, that’s good. That’s a start. 

“I don’t know what gave you that impression. I was pretty stupid last time you saw me.” You gave a soft hum in agreement but offered no other reply. 

“Speaking of…I’ve spent the last few months thinking about you, about what you said. I wanted to be with you but Spider-Man is kinda a package deal. And it’s not a good deal, it’s kinda a rip-off. I couldn’t be with you and not tell you about him. It wouldn’t be fair. But telling about him puts you in danger. There are a lot of people who want Spider-Man dead, a lot of people who want to hurt me, and that means people who would hurt you to get to me.” He paused as if having to convince himself to keep going, to not back out again. 

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be cutting off any chance of happiness just because someone might not want me to have that. I do so much for everyone in this city and May says I get to be a little selfish. I think she’s right too. (Y/N)...I care about you a lot, and if you’re willing to give me the chance, I wanna make you happy. Like really happy. Like the kind of happy that makes everyone so annoyed but really they’re just jealous. And I think, I could let myself be happy too.” 

You let his words wash over you. If he did walk away with your heart that night it seems now he was trying to give it back, and he offered his too. It was vandalised and tender, but you didn’t mind the mess. You reached between you and took his hand in yours, a ghost of a smile dancing across your lips. 

“I think I would be willing to let you do that.” Your soul felt brighter when Peter smiled at you. 

“Really?” You nodded your head and Peter placed his hand on the back of your neck. For a moment you thought he might kiss you, but instead, he rested his forehead against yours. 

“Thank you.” You weren’t sure what he was thanking you for exactly, but his words felt rich with significance. 

You stayed there for a while, neither of you moving before Peter spoke up again. 

“You mentioned something about class earlier, I could drop you off?” You agreed as he pulled away and helped you stand. “And then maybe after I could take you out for brunch, I feel bad for interrupting your breakfast.”

You chuckled, “That would make me very happy.”

Tag List: @heejinw0rld, @jedisstark, @Possiblydeads-blog, @rudy-the-winged-wolf, @scorpiolystoned, @wannapizzamymindposts, @whoreforklitz, @greek-mythsnthings,

[dragonlord-emrys]

Modern!Merlin at the funfair AU:

This post has been collecting dust in my drafts since .. June? I don’t remember, it was summer and it was warm and I couldn’t stop thinking about funfair rides. Anyway, I thought I might as well just post it.

The whole idea started with Merlin and Gwen bullying Arthur on the bumper cars and then got a bit out of hand as I started to think about everyone’s shenanigans.

Rides: 

Elyan is really excited about going on all the more extreme rides and vehemently insists they all join him

Lancelot is swayed by his enthusiasm but regrets it after the fifth one leaves him feeling sick

Morgana is the only one who is still laughing after the third time on TopSpin and calls everyone weak

Arthur stoically refuses to go on the Wild Mouse

Morgana makes fun of him, so he goes reluctantly but hates every second of it

Bumper cars:

Merlin and Gwen gang up on Arthur and tackle him from both sides every time he so much as accelerates

They high five each other at every successful block

Morgana realizes what they are doing and soon joins in, leaving Arthur incredibly frustrated, since he cannot go one second without getting hit

Elyan mostly keeps to the sides away from the crowd and does sneak attacks on stragglers

Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival don't have a strategy, they just try to hit as many people as possible

Gwaine is responsible for most of the traffic jams

Leon is the only one who knows how to reverse, leaving him to deal with Gwaine's chaos

Ghost train:

Lancelot insists that they ride the ghost train. He isn’t actually that interested in spooky stuff. It’s merely an excuse to sit close to Merlin in the dark and hold his hand

To everyone’s surprise, it’s Leon who screams the loudest. Gwen tries to calm him but she cannot stop laughing

Morgana rides with Arthur and screams into his ear and jabbs at him with her fingers to spook him. Arthur gets revenge by dousing her with water from a bottle he kept in his backpack. When she starts shouting at him, he unconvincingly claims that it’s part of the ride

They are so loud that Percival can hear them outside over the carnival noise squabbling the entire ride long 

Gwaine tries to grab the actors in costumes

Inspired by this, Elyan goes one step further and tries to steal props. He manages to tear off a skeleton hand and scares Leon with it as he gets off the ride

Ferris wheel:

The ferris wheel is huge and has spinnable gondolas

Merlin, Gwaine, Lancelot, Percival and Leon end up sitting together. They decide to see how fast exactly they can make the gondola spin. The whole ferris wheel is shaking

Arthur is glad that he shares a gondola with Morgana, Gwen, and Elyan. At least until it starts spinning out of nowhere (👀💫✨)

To everyone’s amusement, Arthur starts shrieking maniacally, when in addition to the spinning, the wheel stops with their gondola at the top (👀💫✨) 

Winning stuff:

Arthur boasts with his shooting skills and promises Gwen to win her a big bunny plushie

Merlin sabotages his attempts

He magically lands all his own shots and wins her an enormous, endlessly cute stuffed dragon, which is way bigger than Arthur's bunny

Arthur is annoyed at being outshone by Merlin

Gwen, however, outdoes them both, breaks the stand’s record and receives a huge snake plushie, which she gives to Morgana, who looks very smug as she wraps it around her shoulders

Percival spends half an hour at the raffle booth without winning a single thing

Gwaine, impatient to move on and frankly affected by Percival’s disappointment, steals two huge water guns from the prize wall, while Lancelot distracts the raffle ticket salesman

Pretending to have won them himself, he gives them to Percival, whose mood picks up immediately

Leon is watching all of this unfold, rolling his eyes

[1-or-a-0]

who was your favorite passenger to ferry in spiritfarer? I think I'm only a quarter into the game so far and after seeing Alice to the gate I had to close my laptop and take a break. This game is so soothing to play and incredibly charming. I love that your progression is intertwined with your passengers requests, the lessons they pass onto you and the facilities you build for their hobbies are used to improve your ship AND carry those memories of them. I can't use the loom without thinking of Gwen, and I want to use the wardrobe again but that means going to the top part of my ship where I put all the flowered houses and I've been putting it off for awhile.

oh yeah, alice hit me hard too. especially because early in the game i very much still had a "min-max" mindset. i was trying to get things done as quickly as possible. so i sped through alice's story and it broke my heart when, suddenly, she wasn't coming inside anymore. i really changed how i was playing after that.

i think the passengers i enjoyed ferrying the most were stanley and summer. i dont know if you've encountered them yet, so ill keep specifics to a minimum but WOW taking stanley to the gate wiped me out. same as you, i had to stop playing. i just kept thinking about the things he says on the way to the gate and omg im tearing up right now aaaaa. both he and summer were such delightful, warm people despite all the horrible things they had endured.

and i absolutely love how their incorporation into the game reflects their character! again i dont want to be specific, but stanley very much comes into your life unexpectedly and suddenly you have to provide all these things for him and he's talking your ear off constantly and i imagine it reflects his life when he was alive. and summer's relationship to the infected dragon that keeps coming back is just. so painful. and when you see her interact with it i just. aaaAAAA. i especially missed her because of her constant presence in the gardens playing her song ;-; without her there the boat was so quiet...

[forestwater87]

Secret Santa 2019, Ch. 3

July 8, 2016

7:29 PM

“Ohh, goodness.” David clutched his hands close to his chest, eyes darting around them as they crossed the near-empty parking lot toward Muffin Tops. He huddled closer to Jasper’s side despite the oppressive heat. “Oh my gosh.”

“Will you fucking chill?” Gwen snapped, David’s nervousness clearly getting to her as well. “It’s not like you’re gonna be up on stage.”

“Okay, but I vote we get him up there at the first opportunity,” Jasper cut in, smiling despite the fact that he was feeling pretty weird himself. It wasn’t like he normally took his friends to strip clubs in his spare time, after all. He wasn't that kind of guy (namely, a frat bro or the President). “I bet we could talk Bon into it if the place is dead enough.”

David’s fingers dug into his sleeve, hard enough to drag blunt painful lines down his arm. “Don’t!” he cried, once again glancing around.

Jasper leaned in and kissed David’s temple, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “It’s all good,” he assured him. “And none of our campers are local this year, so you don’t have to keep worrying about parents seeing us.”

“I’m not . . .” He trailed off, seeming to realize that it wasn’t worth trying to lie. His shoulders slumped defeatedly as Jasper ushered them into Muffin Tops. “Thank you,” he murmured, slipping inside, and he knew it wasn’t just for holding the door.

“Always,” he replied, and they fell into step behind Gwen. 

Or -- took a few steps, then immediately stopped because she had faltered to a halt, looking around the dim, noisy space with a panicked look in her eyes.

He leaned in close to David’s ear and said, “Remember Davey, we’re being supportive.”

His eyes widened and he stood upright with a start, like he’d just been caught falling asleep in the middle of a camp activity. “Oh! You’re right!” He pulled away from Jasper, bouncing up to Gwen’s side. “Where should we sit, CBFL?” he chirped; his enthusiasm was a little too child-friendly for this situation, but Jasper watched, impressed, as David led her to a booth near the back of the club with the determined good-naturedness of a sheepdog, settling her in and immediately hopping up to get drinks. “Would you like anything, Jasp?”

“Beer’s fine. Literally whatever’s closest.” He took a seat across from Gwen, and for a moment they both watched David disappear into the gloom. “Doing okay, sport?” he asked; they both winced at his profound dorkiness, but he tried to shake it off. “You look nice.”

She chuckled self-consciously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You sure?” For once they didn’t have to wear their counselors’ uniforms, and Gwen had blown her hair up like a 60s soap opera star and done . . . something to her face; Jasper wasn’t sure what, but it kind of made her look like a magazine cover version of herself. (If he’d ever managed to get his face to look like that, he’d probably stare into a mirror until he died of starvation like Narcissus. He resolved to look up men’s makeup later, just for the hell of it -- even though he’d probably come across more like an overweight vampire than David Bowie.) They’d had to talk her out of calling the whole thing off when she’d emerged from her room looking dressier than Jasper and David combined, but in the flashing colors and low light of the club Gwen looked infinitely more like she belonged than Jasper did in his vintage -- which was really a nice way to say “old and kind of trashy” -- technicolor clothes and David’s impossibly wrinkle-free polo shirt and jeans.

Jasper suddenly realized how improbable the three of them looked together, like they came from different planets. A supermodel, a Mormon missionary, and a sentient pile of thrift-store rejects walk into a strip club . . .

“Gwen,” he said sincerely, “I would bet a hundred bucks you could take anyone in here home if you wanted to.”

She snorted, looking pleased despite herself. “And yet it’ll just be you two.”

He leaned back, grinning. “I know,” he agreed, catching sight of David weaving through the tables, which were finally starting to fill up. “Aren’t you lucky?”

David set their drinks down with the grace of a bartender (which he was, the rest of the year) and slid into the booth next to Jasper. “Well, Gwen,” he said, folding his hands on the table like he was going to pray, “what do you think?”

She froze with her glass halfway to her mouth, eyes wide and wary. “About what?”

“All this, of course!” He gestured around the room, where a steady stream of people were picking their way through the tables scattered like islands through the low warehouse; where women, wearing glittery scraps of nothing that caught the lights like fireflies, were ferrying drinks to and from the bar and flirting with apparent regulars. No one was onstage at the moment, but there was an expectant hum underneath the pounding music, and two poles were lit up by spotlights. “Where should we begin?”

“Begin . . . what?” Gwen glanced over at Jasper, looking like she was regretting every recent decision. He shrugged, thinking that maybe David was being too supportive now and wondering if he could possibly tone that shit down before something really stupid happened.

The sunshine drained from David’s face slightly, and he also turned to Jasper. “Gee, I don’t know.”

They were both looking at him, and he groaned. “Well, I don’t know either! Pretty sure the only place I’ve ever been like this was some . . . furry vore land in Second Life. That was a weird afternoon -- remind me to tell you about it later,” he added to Gwen, winking. “Why don’t we just ask Bon?”

David’s face brightened as Gwen’s paled. “We so don’t need to --”

“What a neat idea, Jasp! Come on!” David leapt to his feet, taking Jasper’s hand before giving Gwen an appraising look. “. . . On second thought, maybe you should wait here. With . . .” He widened his eyes, jerking his head in her direction with all the subtlety of Groucho Marx.

Jasper reminded himself to never allow his boyfriend to consider a career in espionage. “What exactly are you expecting me to do? Tackle her if she makes a break for it?”

David either didn’t hear this comment or chose to ignore it, turning away with a wave and a cheery “Be right back!” before diving back into the growing crowd. Jasper just sighed and lifted his beer, clinking it against the drink Gwen had set down on the table.

“Cheers.” When she didn’t respond, slumping back in the booth like she was going to disappear under the table, he placed his hand on her forearm. She jumped at the sudden touch, nearly knocking her glass over, and with his beer-laden arm he gingerly slid it out of her reach. “What gives, Gwengarry Gwen Ross? I thought you liked Bon.”

The dumb nickname didn’t make her smile. “I mean, I do,” she said with a miserable shrug. “But of all the people here to talk to about this? After that play disaster?”

He winced at the memory. During one of Preston’s earliest plays of the summer, Max had stolen Gwen’s phone and changed everything from her “Looking For” (all genders, “anything as long as it’s nasty”) to her photo (Neil, who was at that age where boys kind of looked like gangly, awkward young women in the right light) and had snagged the attention of one of the few eligible townies in Sleepy Peak. That debacle had ended in an extremely awkward date between Gwen and Bonquisha Harding, a woman with the body of a pro wrestler and the personality of a monster truck. They were pretty good friends now -- and the four of them got together every few weeks to watch old movies -- but he could see why it might be uncomfortable to chat with her ex about lap dances or . . . whatever.

“I mean, I told her I was straight! And now what? Like, is she gonna think I’m stalking her at work?” Her eyes widened in horror. “Oh fuck, what if she thinks I want to go out with her or something? Or what if she thinks I don’t wanna go out with her? We decided this wouldn’t work because I was straight! And if I’m not? That’s so insulting! What if --”

“Breathe, Rumpelstiltsgwen.” She glared at him -- he had to admit, it wasn’t his best work -- and he handed over her drink along with his beer. “I think you need this more than I do.” She took both drinks, finishing them in record time, and despite the situation he was impressed. “You must’ve been fun in college.”

She snorted, glancing over Jasper’s shoulder and swallowing hard. He turned to see David scurrying back to their table, dwarfed by the beautiful gold-glittery amazon at his side. “H -- hi, Bon,” she said weakly as they approached.

“Hey, sugar!” Bonquisha kissed the air next to Gwen’s cheek and settled into the booth. She was wearing a shimmering bikini-type-thing (he wasn’t very good with women’s clothing) that reminded him of Princess Leia, and sparkles were splashed across her cheekbones and shoulders like freckles made of stars. “It’s fantasy night,” she explained at his curious look, hoisting up a fake spear before turning her attention back to Gwen. “Hear you’re looking to join the other team?”

Gwen buried her face in her hands with a groan, sinking down into her chair. “Don’t say it like that.”

“Aw, come on! It’s a great place to be!” Bon spread her arms across the back of their seat and grinned at Jasper and David, a wide, expansive smile that was impossible not to return. “Right, guys?”

David looked like he wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so Jasper jumped in: “Bonnaroo, I think Gwen’s a little nervous about how to . . . you know . . .” He raised his eyebrows, not sure how to explain what exactly they were here for. “Do it. Not -- not it, but like . . . stuff. All of it. I should stop talking.”

She laughed. “Don’t worry, Gloomy,” she said to Gwen, flicking her ponytail affectionately, “we get a lotta women like that coming around here, so all the girls know it’s standard procedure. This is a good place to figure yourself out.” 

Gwen had been staring steadfastly at the table, but glanced over at Bonquisha, the corner of her mouth lifting. “Really?” she asked hopefully.

“Totally! Now, I gotta get back to work because they don’t pay me to pal around with my friends --” She winked. “-- but start by just looking, all right? You two,” she added, pointing at Jasper and David (who glanced at each other with some alarm), “you’re Gwen’s straight friends tonight, got it?”

Jasper suddenly felt like he needed a snapback and a sports jersey, maybe a shark-tooth necklace. “Guess we should get more beer,” he said to David, shrugging. “The more it tastes like horse pee, the better.”

“My man!” Bon held out her fist, and Jasper bumped it (feeling like the single whitest person on earth as he did so). “I’m due up onstage now or I’d get your drinks for ya. Tip Brandi well, she’s good people.” She put a hand on Gwen’s shoulder, her smile softening. “I’m proud of you, gloomy girl. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, okay? Just have fun.”

As David escorted Bonquisha to the stage on his way back to the bar, Jasper studied Gwen’s face. She wasn’t on the verge of a panic attack, which was good, but she still seemed to have trouble looking away from the small tea light in the center of the table. 

He supposed this was where his role as “straight friend” came in. “Uhh . . . she’s cute,” he finally said, glancing across the room at a woman decked out like a mermaid, complete with shimmering waves of black hair and a blue-green tail . . . skirt . . . thing (he really wasn’t good with women’s clothing) and feeling like the single skeeviest person on earth. 

Which . . . was probably good, considering where they were. He was in character.

She glanced up, following his gaze to the mermaid in question. “Yeah,” she agreed. “Not really my type, though.” She covered her mouth as a sharp, nervous laugh bubbled out of her. “What the hell am I saying? I don’t have a type. I . . . god, what the fuck am I doing . . .”

“Hey,” Jasper said, leaning forward so she had to look at him instead of spiraling further. “It’s me, brah, your straight friend Jasper.” She snorted, some of the panic fading from her eyes. “And I’m telling you, as your straight friend, that we can leave any time you want. We’re here for you, Gwen.” 

“Okay.” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. “No pressure, right?” she asked, and the look on her face was so sincere, almost plaintive.

“Not even a single psi.” He wasn’t sure he was saying that right, having slept through most of his science classes in both high school and college. But it brought a smile to Gwen’s face, so he considered it a job well done.

She shook her shoulders, leaning forward and resting her chin in her hand, and examined the crowd with interest for the first time since they’d arrived. “All right,” she mumbled, mostly to herself. After a few seconds of silence she sat up straight again. “Oh,” she breathed, then tapped Jasper’s arm and gestured unsubtly toward a woman wearing fairy wings and wreathed in pink flowers. “She . . . uh, makes my chest feel kinda fizzy?” Her eyes met his, uncertainty mixed with excitement in her face. “Is that . . . ? ”

He glanced back in the fairy’s direction just as David bumped into her, balancing three beers. Despite his lack of hands, David steadied her with his elbow, his smile turning apologetic as he made sure she was okay before returning to their table. Their eyes locked and David’s smile widened. 

And . . . well, yes, the feeling in Jasper’s chest was somewhat fizzy, because it turned out he wasn’t very good at being straight after all. 

“Yeah,” he assured Gwen, unable to stifle a silly grin as he watched David approach. “Yeah, that’s definitely in the ballpark.”

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[chaunceyandchumleysdad]

RIOT FEST, Day 3 Sunday September 15

My wife did not attend this day, but I still opted for driving as I couldn’t face taking the L after the ease of driving and parking the first two days. Weather was very similar to Friday. Some rain in the morning created a few muddy/wet areas, but the fields were mostly in good shape. A little humid with a cooling breeze and just a very light sprinkle for a few minutes later in the day.

·         Ultra Q (Rise stage) – The first band of the day. I didn’t have anyone in particular I wanted to see at this time, but Ultra Q was the choice simply because they were on the stage of the next band I wanted to see. They were a rockin’ Pop Punk band and a good opener for Day 3.

·         Save Ferris (Rise stage) - I have to admit this is one of the bands I most wanted to see this year. I love Ska Punk, I’m easily hooked on good Pop sounds and I’m a sucker for any band with a good front woman. Their 1997 debut It Means Everything is an album I cannot seem to get enough of. After their sophomore release Modified in 1997, they struggled through numerous personnel changes, breakups, lawsuits and eventually a revival where Monique Powell was able to obtain the rights to the band’s name. Deservedly so because she is the face of the band. And she was soooo entertaining. Her singing, humor and banter was outstanding. She held the crowd in sway in a manner that is comparable to Gwen Stefani. She started the show in a tight black dress and stripped off pieces of clothing until she was eventually down to a Vaudeville-type leotard. She strutted around the stage while teasing the crowd with sexual innuendos. Even the band members continuously laughed and smiled while watching her stage antics. The band covered the Dead Kennedys song Too Drunk To Fuck and of course, they finished the set with their great cover of Come On Eileen. Based on the energy Monique puts into singing on her records, I had high hopes for the show and she and Save Ferris did not disappoint.

·         White Reaper (Roots Stage) – This Louisville band that was not on my radar. However, as I was walking through the park that morning, a lady I was chatting with suggested I see White Reaper because her cousin is in the band. They were very good playing a brand of Hard Rock/Garage Punk. I stayed for about half their set before moving on to catch some of another band.

·         Frank Iero and The Future Violents (Rise Stage) – I caught the second half of this show. Frank Iero was one of the guitar players in My Chemical Romance. I was not familiar with this band but they had a nice Alternative sound and were very energetic on stage.

·         Less Than Jake – Well, I had to have more Ska Punk! I remember my older son David being into  this band when he was a young teenager. Although I’ve listened to this musical genre since the Ska Revival in the late 70’s, it was really David’s interest in bands like Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris, The Aquabats and Less Than Jake that got me to start listening to it on somewhat of a regular basis. Less Than Jake was awesome. I stood close to the stage and enjoyed their sound, energy and great humor. They put so much into their show and had a lot of fun with the audience. It was easy to tell by their laughter, smiles and jokes that they really enjoy what they are doing. This is a band I would definitely like to see again.

·         Sincere Engineer (Rebel stage) – This band is led by Chicagoan Deanna Belos. Their debut album was just two years ago. Very good hard driving Garage Punk. This was the only band I saw with my younger son Dylan, who had just arrived and then departed after the set to catch up with friends.

·         Streetlight Manifesto (Rise stage) – And more Ska! I did not see the first half of their set but Dylan and I could hear them while we sitting on the soccer field and eating some dinner. After Dylan left, I went to see the rest of their set. Like Less Than Jake, they were a fun, energetic Ska band.

·         B-52’s (Radicals stage) – For my taste, this was the beginning of a killer ending for Riot Fest with an incomparable Final Four musical artists. While I can’t say that I am a huge B-52’s fan, I did get into them from hanging out with my buddy Dean in the 1980’s. Their album Comic Thing, released in June 1989, was a summer classic that year. I still enjoy listening to it from beginning to end. They played their two big hits from that album, Love Shack and my favorite, Roam in addition to other hits such as Give Me Back My Man and Rock Lobster. What amazed me was that Kate Pierson (71) and Cindy Wilson (62) still sounded youthful and superb. Fred Schneider’s quirky voice still sounds the same too with his singing and talking voices being virtually indistinguishable. They also drew the largest crowd I had ever seen at the Radicals stage. There sound was rounded out with original member Keith Strickland on guitar and a host of touring musicians. While all still the original members, the death the Ricky Wilson in 1985 almost ended the band, but they forged ahead as a quartet and continuing to be a very entertaining band. After Riot Fest, I did read an article that suggested this was a farewell tour for the band. I haven’t seen or heard that anywhere else. Given their ages and longevity, I guess it would not be surprising, but I hope they stick around awhile longer.

·         Patti Smith and Her Band (Riot stage) – The second of the Final Four was the great Patti Smith. This was my second time seeing her as she was also at Riot Fest in 2014. One of the founders of Punk (before it was called Punk), she was way ahead of her time in terms of her music, attitude and feminism. While she has produced some great songs, I was surprised, though not disappointed, that she did several cover versions during her set including I’m Free (Rolling Stones), Beds Are Burning (Midnight Oil), Are You Experienced? (Jimi Hendrix), Walk On The Wild Side (Lou Reed) and After The Goldrush (Neil Young). I particularly liked I’m Free and Beds Are Burning. She closed the set with Gloria, which is technically a cover song (Them). However, that was the opening track of her first album and she did such a unique version of the song that she has made it her own. Add in People Have The Power and Because The Night along with a couple of other originals and it made for a wonderfully enjoyable set.

·         The Raconteurs (Roots stage) – Earlier in the year, when I heard The Raconteurs were touring, I immediately went to their website to see when they would be in Chicago. While they were going to be playing in Midwest states during September, Chicago was noticeably absent from their schedule. That immediately led me to speculate that they would play Riot Fest. While I’m sure I wasn’t the only on to draw that conclusion, I was dead right for a change. (My Riot Fest prediction percentage does not have the best track record.) I just saw Jack White perform last year at Lollapalooza so it was great to see him again a little more than a year later. I would have to say for overall performance, this was, in my book, the best of the festival. The show was just so impactful in terms of being a tight band with great professional talent, tremendous production and a powerhouse of sound. They played six songs off the new album (Help Us Stranger), four from Broken Boy Soldiers and three form Consolers Of The Lonely. I like all three albums so I was happy with everything they played. Jack White also referenced Bikini Kill during the set and the band also played a snippet of Gloria which I interpreted as a nod to Patti Smith.Unlike last year at Lolla, Jack White did not offer much banter between songs, but I believe the bands stage time was much shorter at Riot Fest than it was at Lolla. As with last year at Lolla, I thoroughly enjoyed Jack White’s guitar playing. When you look at the span of his career, the various directions he has gone with his music, and the potential he still has, he is truly a treasure of American Rock music.

·         Bikini Kill (Riot stage) – This band was Riot Mike’s coup for the 2019 edition of Riot Fest. This year was the first time Bikini Kill officially reunited as a band since they broke up in 1997. The reunion included 3 of 4 original members (Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail and Kathi Wilcox). I have twice seen Kathleen Hanna live with her band The Julie Ruin, but I never thought I would see Bikini Kill. It seemed like a bit of a strange transition from The Raconteurs big time Rock sound to Bikini Kill’s stripped-down Riot Grrrl sound. But Riot Fest is first and foremost a Punk Rock festival, so Bikini Kill deserved the top spot. Kathleen Hanna also commented on how difficult it is for a female band to get “this spot” (top headliner and a Rock music festival). Kathleen sang the bulk of the songs with Tobi Vail taking lead vocals for a few numbers. Kathleen talked quite a bit between songs, often addressing societal issues from a feminist point of view but also talking about the history behind some of the songs. Based on my experience seeing The Julie Ruin, I know she likes to chat on stage. However, when you are given a 75 minute time slot and you play Punk songs that are on average maybe two minutes long, I suppose you have to fill up the time with some banter. At any rate, it was fantastic to see this band and an awesome way to end Riot Fest 2019.

[jessssrrodriguez]

I don’t know what this is. Idk if it’s hopeless or if it’s fate. The unknown is scary. I don’t know what he wants and if what he wants is only temporary. I hope I’m much more than just someone to pass the time with until he potentially finds something else. I have no idea where I stand.

Our story is enchanting, but I may be the only one who sees it that way.

We met for the very first time in 2012 at a Halloween party at my friend’s house in SF. I was dressed as Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spiderman. I didn’t know anyone there except my friend who was hosting. During the party, he approached me as I sat on the couch. He was dressed in regular clothes so I asked him who he was supposed to be. He said he was Spiderman. I laughed and rolled my eyes and said, “no, really.” And sure enough, from his pocket he pulled out a Spiderman mask. He was literally the Spiderman to my Gwen Stacy. I was intrigued by him. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt almost “meant to be.”

Later my friend pulled me aside and said she saw me talking to him. She asked what I thought of him and gave me a little background on him. She said he was originally going to be one of their housemates but it didn’t work out, but that he was a really cool guy and somehow or another he and her housemates all became friends. She said he was recently single, studying pre-med and she thought I should date him. I told her I thought he was attractive but that it would be insane to try dating someone who lived so far away. And that was that..

Or so I thought. 

Fast forward 2 years and I get asked by my friend if I want to go on a trip to Utah. Completely out of the blue and a completely random suggestion. I gave it some thought and I said sure, why not. She said a couple of her guy friends were organizing the trip and it would be really fun. She said I met one of them before, a few years ago at her Halloween party. I honestly hadn’t thought of him since then. But I was excited. 

The Utah roadtrip was amazing. It was so much fun. It was just 4 of us, me, my friend, him and his best friend. We hiked and laughed and played games and took pictures. It was a week I’ll never forget. And he and I still had some kind of spark 2 years later. It was palpable. We would tease each other and bicker and flirt. There was something absolutely there. But again, our trip was over and that was that.

Shortly after our trip, he invited me and my friend to come along for another trip to Alaska in the summer. I was on board but my friend was planning to study abroad in Paris. I didn’t really want to go without her but I also wondered when I’d ever have an opportunity to see Alaska again. I also wanted to experience my first flight on a plane. So I decided to seize the moment and said I was in. We planned it for months. This trip it was me, him and his best friend. I was nervous to be going by myself with these two guys but my excitement for this opportunity was stronger than my fear.

When the time finally came, I drove all the way down to LA by myself to stay with him before the morning of our flight. I arrived around dinnertime and I was SOOOO nervous to see him again in person. But it was easy and fun. We had dinner out and then he took me to the Santa Monica Pier because I had never seen it before. We walked around the pier and then walked down to the beach. We made our way up to an abandoned lifeguard post and stood up there watching the sunset together with the ferris wheel lit up in the background and the waves crashing in front of us. We talked about our past relationships and what didn’t work and got to understand and know each other a little better. We stayed there until the sun went down and then out of the blue, he went in for a kiss. It was romantic, something straight out of a movie. Then we drove back to his place and played with his guitar, watched a movie and cuddled and kissed until we fell asleep. 

And then I had a whole week with him. He held my hand for my first flight take-off and landing. We shared an air mattress in the tent. It felt like we were a couple the entire trip. But then reality started to hit when we were going back home. We had a red-eye flight and I remember struggling to sleep the entire time and wanting to freeze time. We held hands the entire flight home and he fell asleep on my shoulder. 

When we got back, he (S) had to work so I hung out with his best friend ( C) all day in Venice Beach. S gave me his house key incase I needed it. While I hung out with his best friend ( C) I tried to ask questions to see whether C knew if S was ready for anything with anyone. C told me he thought that S was only looking for something casual at the time. Disappointed and not looking to deepen the wound, I went back to S’s apartment, gathered my things and then went to his office. I met him outside with his key and told him I probably shouldn’t stay, even though I’d like to. And while he hugged me goodbye I tried to hold back my tears. He told me not to be sad and promised me we’d go to Europe together.  

I saw him again a month after our trip because he had a conference in the bay area and we stayed with my friend in Berkeley. I cuddled him in the morning before it was time to say goodbye. We kissed each other one last time and headed two separate ways. That was that. No dramatic ending, no dramatic goodbye. More of a “see you later,” I guess. And it felt like that-- like I would just see him later.

Shortly after around Halloween, he had posted some new photos on Facebook. He was with a girl. They had a cute couple costume and my heart sunk. I watched him move on and watched them go on beautiful trips all over the world, wishing it had been me.

Fast forward 3 years later... Present day. At the end of November. I woke up from a dream and in the dream he told me he had just broken up with his girlfriend. He was there apologizing to me for how things ended up, asking if we could try things again. He told me that he would’ve liked to see where things could’ve gone but the distance seemed like an impossible feat at the time. And I woke up and felt strange. I thought to myself, “man, if that were to happen in real life, I might actually give it another shot.” I even texted one of my best friends to tell her what I dreamt. And after that dream and my growing curiosity, I decided to check his Facebook page. He was single. And it looked like it had just happened. I texted my friend again and she was shocked. She said if he reached out in a month that I was psychic. To my surprise, a few weeks down the line, he did. 

It feels a little like fate doesn’t it? Idk if I believe in that type of thing.. But here I am now. Somehow or another our brief catching up turned into chatting everyday to discussing meeting up to actually meeting up.

New Years Day, I saw him again for the first time in 3 years. And it was like it had always been. The connection or attraction or whatever it is between us was still there. We were like magnets. 

And now I’m confused, wondering if timing has always been our problem and maybe this time it’ll work out. Perhaps it’s not quite as romantic as I idealize in my head. I DON’T KNOW. But I like where this is going so far and I’m just gonna roll with it, I guess. Even though it’s possible this may amount to nothing.

[svetlanawagner-blog]

The Las Vegas desert brings in scorching hot summers, which is why we don’t like leaving the apartment until sundown. Even when going you’re out at night, it feels like there’s a hair dryer blowing hot air on you.

Now that we’re more experienced adventurers and we slow , we can be more strategic on where we explore. We reserve late to early for outdoor activities, and when the heat sets in, you’ll find us indoors. If you’re visiting in the summer or live here and can’t seem to escape like the other sunbirds, here’s a list of the best indoor activities in Las Vegas.

A big thank you to CORT for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: July 1, 2019

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25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas for Scorching Hot Summers and Rainy Days

It is our second year working with CORT, and it has been such an amazing experience being able to move from city to city without having to worry about our furniture.

For the first 4 years, we would either move our own furniture or deal with the stress of buying and selling every year. Once we discovered that we could rent furniture from CORT, it was a game changer.

We order the pieces that we want, they deliver it right to our apartment and help us get it set up. When we’re ready to move, they’ll come pick it up! Check out our home tour here.

Having a comfortable home was extremely important for us moving back to Vegas. Not only will we be spending a lot of time indoors during the summer, we’ve been hosting guests every other week. It’s been nice having a home furnished and decorated to help us relax and host. Read more on the CORT blog

1. The Wreck Room

4090 Schiff Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103, map

Step into a room full of bottles, electronics, VHS tapes, and more armed with bats, bowling pins, and crowbars. Then go to town and DESTROY EVERYTHING. It’s so much fun whether you need to get your aggression out or just try something new.

PHOTO

photo: 

2. Las Vegas Escape Rooms

We did our first escape room in NYC when we lived there, and then proceeded to do 8 more that winter when it was miserable outside. Now it’s the summer heat we have to worry about.

We’re making our way through all the top rated Las Vegas escape rooms so we can report back on which are the best. So far our favorites are Lost Games Chapter 2 and the BASEMENT.

More: Your Guide to the Best NYC Escape Rooms

3. Dig This

800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89044, map

Dig This is a giant sandbox for grown-ups. You can get behind the wheel of bulldozers and excavators as the instructors show you how to use them and perform multiple tasks. The machines are air-conditioned so it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat.

4. Indoor Sports

If you love doing active things, there are plenty of indoor sporting options in Las Vegas.

Topgolf Las Vegas – although it’s technically outdoors, its temperature controlled and a lot of fun! Plus, there’s a pool you can hop in if you want to cool off even more.

Ice Skating Indoors – Las Vegas Ice Center, Sobe Ice Arena, or Roller Skating at Crystal Palace Skating Center

Indoor Rock Climbing – When it’s too hot to go to Red Rock, visit the indoor rock climbing gyms. There are a few around the city: Origin, Refuge, Nevada Climbing Center, Red Rock Climbing Center.

Bowling – Brooklyn Bowl, Gold Coast Bowling Center, Orleans Bowling Center, Red Rock Lanes Bowling Center, Sam’s Town Hotel Gambling Hall and Bowling Center, Santa Fe Bowling Center, South Point Bowling Center, Strike Zone at Sunset Station, Suncoast Bowling Center, Texas Station’s Texas Star Lanes

5. Watch a Show

We’ve seen a lot of shows in Vegas and still haven’t scratched the surface. Some of the most popular shows are: Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil (Ka, O, Criss Angel, Beatles, Mystere, ONE), Le Reve the Dream, Jabbawockeez, Terry Fator, Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, and Lake of Dreams.

You can also see comedy shows at Comedy Cellar, More Comedy Clubs and Shows, Mac King Comedy Magic Show,  and Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. Plus there are lots of big artists that take up residency in Vegas, including Gwen at Zappos Theater, Janet Jackson at Park Theater, Christina at Zappos Theater, Lady Gaga Park Theater, Celine Dion at the Colosseum, and more.

We’re working on a separate post just about the best shows in Vegas.

6. Fly a Jet with All in Aviation

1410 Jet Stream Dr Ste 150, Henderson, NV 89052, map

Have you ever wanted to fly a plane or get your pilot’s license? At All in Aviation, you can get behind the wheel of beautiful Cirrus jets and log your hours toward a pilot’s license. Jacob logged his first hour flying. Should he keep going?

7. Ride a Helicopter

Whether you want to see Grand Canyon or get a better vantage point of the strip, you can hop in a helicopter and enjoy the views.

More: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

8. Learn a New Skill or Take Up a New Hobby

What better time to pick up a new skill or hobby? Especially one that keeps you in an air conditioned space. Here are some fun skills you can look into if you’re looking for a new hobby:

Cake Decorating

DIY Wood Sign Shop

Sewing Classes

Scrapbooking Class

More: 101 Hobbies to Start in 2019

9. Indoor activities for kids in las

This was hard to narrow down into a specific activity, but we found so many great family friendly activities.

Interactive Museums – Marvel Avengers STATION

Trampoline Parks – Sky Zone Sports Trampoline Park or Flip N Out Xtreme

Games – Pinball Hall of Fame, GameWorks, Dave & Busters

Rides – Adventuredome Theme Park, Big Apple Coaster and Arcade

Mini Golf – GlowZone, KISS by Monster Mini Golf, Twilight Zone Mini Golf and Arcade, Rex Center

Indoor Playgrounds – Adventure Indoor Playground, Kangamoo Indoor Playground, Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center

Zoos & Aquariums – Shark Reef Aquarium, Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

More: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

10. Try a New Fitness Class

It may be too hot outside to get your blood pumping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some of the unique fitness classes offered in Las Vegas.

Aerial silks with Cirque performers

Pole Dancing at Pole Fitness Studio

Trampoline Studio at Eleve Training

More: Sampling Las Vegas Fitness with Class Pass

11. Afternoon tea

I love going to Afternoon Tea, especially with my girlfriends. I’ve only done one in Vegas but plan on checking out the others this year.

Afternoon Tea at the Tea Lounge Waldorf Astoria

Petrossian Bar at Bellagio

LaPostte

Cafe Lola in Summerlin

Lobby Bar at Aria, Ri Ra Irish Pub

Veranda Mandalay Bay

The Stove in Henderson

12. Have a Spa Day

Spoil yourself with and feel refreshed and relaxed after a day at the spa. Like everything in Vegas, they don’t hold back.  Here are some of the best spas in Las Vegas:

Wynn Las Vegas Spa

The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria

Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace

ESPA at Vdara

13. Hang Out at a Unique Bar

You can drink in a lot of places in Las Vegas, but why not go to a bar that really stands out? Here are some unique bars to check out:

Laundry Room (Speakeasy)

Hi Scores Bar-arcade

Golden Tiki

Millennium Fandom Bar

Senor Frogs: One Hour Open Bar

14. Tour the Coffee Shops

If you’re looking for a chill afternoon or just need a break from all the madness on the strip, head to one of the local coffee shops. Some of the most popular ones are PublicUs and Makers & Finders.

15. High Roller

3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map

This isn’t your typical ferris wheel. It stands 550 feet tall with observation cabins that hold up to 40 people each. The entire ride takes roughly 30-40 minutes.

More: High Roller Las Vegas

16. Vegas Indoor Skydiving

200 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, map

We haven’t been skydiving yet, but we did get a taste of it at this indoor skydiving spot.

More: Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving

17. The Void VR

3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109, map

Experience the next generation of VR where you not only get transported to another world on a screen, but you also interact with the environment around you. The VR headset is attached to a backpack which allows you to be mobile and follow along the story. We did the Star Wars one with a group of four and got the chance to fight off the Empire.

18. Throw an Axe

Release your inner woodsman at Axehole Vegas or Axe Monkeys, where you can learn to throw and axe and practice your aim.

19. Eat, then Eat Some More

Las Vegas has a great food scene on and off strip. Most people just think about buffets, but there are fine dining options, some of the best Hawaiian food we’ve had, and more. Click here to see our Vegas food bucket list.

Prix Fixe Meals – Joel Robuchon, é by Jose Andres, Yui Edomae Sushi

Buffets – Bacchanal, Wicked Spoon

Off Strip – Shang’s Artisan Noodles, Poke Express

More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

20. Gamble

This is kind of an obvious one, but gambling keeps you indoors. These are some of our favorite casinos: Palazzo, Wynn, Encore, Aria, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Red Rock Casino.

21. Drive Experiences

If you’re hoping to show off your trip to Vegas, then you need a photo driving a fancy car too. There are a few driving experiences in Vegas like the Richard Petty Driving Experience and World Class Driving.

More: World Class Driving Las Vegas

22. Hop Around Art Galleries

Casinos put a lot of money into their seasonal displays, and some of them have world class art galleries as well.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

The Gallery at Aria

Art of Richard MacDonald / Cirque Art

More: Christmas at Bellagio Botanical Gardens

23. Check Out the Museums

Las Vegas has a wide range of museums to check out. Here are a few you can check out:

Real Bodies at Bally’s

Mob Museum

Titanic the Artifact Exhibition

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum,

National Atomic Testing Museum

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Burlesque Hall of Fame

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Liberace Museum Collection Tour

Hollywood Cars Museum

The Auto Collections

Shelby American Inc,

Nostalgia Street Rods

Counts Kustoms

Springs Preserve – has indoor areas

24. Go on a Tour

There are multiple tour options in Las Vegas, whether you’re into mob history, chocolate, beer, or shoes. Here are the ones we went on that we recommend.

Hoover Dam Tour

Zappos Tour

Ethel M Factory Tour

More Tours to Check Out:

Sin City Club Crawl

Vegas Mob Tour

Pink Jeep Tours

Jubilee Backstage Tour

Frank Cullotta’s Casino Tour

Nosh Las Vegas

More: Zappos Tour Las Vegas

25. Check Out the Indoor Tourist Spots

Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

Coca Cola Store – tastes of the World

M&M’s World

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Map of Indoor Activities in Las

  More Indoor Activities Las Vegas

Shopping – Shops at Crystals, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Fashion Show Mall, Shoppes at Palazzo, Miracle Mile Shops, Grand Bazaar Shops

Breweries – Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, Banger Brewing, Hop Nuts Brewing Tenaya Creek Brewery, Lovelady Brewing Company, CraftHaus Brewery

Watch Sports – T-Mobile Arena & City National Arena

Essential Tips

  Las Vegas Packing List for Summer

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Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay – perfect for summer with their 11 acre manmade beach

Cosmopolitan – They have the best view of the Strip.

The Venetian

Find the best prices and reviews here

More Las Vegas Guides and Resources

Las Vegas Pocket Guide

Fodor’s Las Vegas

Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas

What do you plan on doing to beat the heat this summer?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

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49 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN LAS VEGAS

25 FREE THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

HOW TO SPEND CHRISTMAS IN VEGAS

UNIQUE DATE IDEAS IN LAS VEGAS

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

WEEKEND TRIPS FROM VEGAS

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN VEGAS

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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[themomsandthecity]

Every Baby Name We Could Possibly Think Of

Naming your baby is a big decision, and with endless options, it can also be a difficult one. Whether you're going the traditional route or want something more unique (if so, read this first!) it's helpful to have a little, or a lot, of inspiration. Ahead, you'll find nearly every baby name we could think of (close to 1,000!). These aren't just random names we found in a book or concocted ourselves - they're almost all monikers we've heard being used, or we actually know someone who goes by the name. If we missed any, tell us in the comments! A Aaliyah Aaron Abbie Abel Abigail Abraham Adalyn Adam Addilyn Addison Adelaide Adeline Adley Adora Agatha Aiden Alan Albert Aleph Alexander Alexis Ali Alma Alton Ama Amanda Amaryllis Amber Ameila Amélie Amy Anders Anderson Andrea Andrew Angie Angela Angelica Anika Anna Annalise Anne Annie Ansel Apple April Arata Archie Aria Ariane Ariel Arlee Arlo Arman Arthur Arun Arwen Arya Asha Asher Aspen Atticus Aton Aubrey Audrey August Augustus Aurora Ava Avery Axel Aziz B Bailey Barack Barbara Barney Barry Beatrice Beau Beckett Beckham Becky Ben Benedict Benjamin Bennett Bentley Bernadette Beth Bette Betty Beverly Bexley Bianca Bill Billie Bingham Bishop Bitsie Blake Blue Bobby Bodhi Bonnie Bowie Brady Braelynn Brandon Brayden Brecken Bree Brent Brenton Brett Brian Briana Briar Bridgette Brienne Brig Brigham Brinley Brio Britta Brock Brody Bronwyn Brooklyn Bruno Bryan Byron C Caden Caitlin Caity Cale Caleb Calla Calvin Camari Cameron Camilla Carena Carina Carl Carmel Carol Carrey Carter Cary Casey Caspian Cat Catherine Celine Chandler Chanel Channing Charise Charlene Charles Charlotte Chase Cher Cheri Cheriann Cheryl Chevy Chip Chloe Chris Chrissy Christian Christopher Claire Clara Clark Clary Claudia Clementine Clifford Clint Clinton Clyde Colin Collins Condoleezza Connor Conrad Constance Coolidge Cooper Cora Corban Courtney Cruz Related: 100 of the Most Beautiful Baby Names D Daisy Dale Dallas Damon Dane Danica Daniel Danielle Daphne Darby Darlene Darrel Daryl Dashiell Dave David Davina Davis Davon Dawn Dean Deanna Declan Dekel Delaney Delilah Delta Dennis Denzel Desmond Dev Devon Dexter Diane Dinah Dixie Dixon Dolores Dominique Donald Doris Dorothea Dorothy Dot Duke Duncan Dwight Dylan E Easton Ed Eden Edith Edmund Edward Effie Eleanor Elena Eli Eliana Elijah Elise Elizabeth Ella Elle Ellen Ellerie Ellie Elliott Ellis Elodie Eloise Elora Elroy Elsa Elsie Embry Emerson Emily Emma Emmett Eric Erica Esme Esmeralda Esther Ethan Ethel Eugene Evan Eve Evelyn Everett Evie Ewan Ezra F Farah Fay Felix Ferris Finn Fiona Fisher Fitz Fleur Flint Florence Floyd Flynn Ford Forrest Foster Fox Frances Frank Franklin Frederick G Gabe Gabriel Gaige Gail Gant Garrett Garth Gavin Gem Gemma Gene Genesis Gertrude George Gianna Gibson Gigi Gina Ginger Gladys Glenn Gloria Gordon Grace Grady Graham Grant Grayson Greer Gregory Griffin Grover Gus Gwen Gwyneth H Hadlee Hailey Hal Halle Hank Hannah Harding Harlow Harlyn Harold Harper Harriet Harrison Harry Hart Hartley Harvey Haven Hawk Hawthorne Hayden Hayes Hays Hazel Hector Heath Heather Helen Henley Henry Hillary Honor Holden Holly Holt Hope Hubert Hudson Hugo Humphrey Hunter Hurley Hutton Related: Based Off Last Year's Trends, These 30 Names Will Be Among the Most Popular of 2017 I Ian Ida Idris Ike Imanuel Imogen India Indy Ingrid Inizio Ireland Iris Irvin Isa Isaac Isabella Isabelle Isaiah Isla Israel Ivana Ivory J Jack Jackie Jackson Jacob Jacqueline Jaden Jaelyn Jagger Jake James Jameson Jamie Jane January Jason Jasper Jaun Jax Jaxon Jayce Jayden Jeannette Jed Jeff Jefferson Jenna Jess Jessica Jessie Jill Jillian Joan Joanna Joaquin Joe John Jones Jordan Joseph Josephine Josh Joshua Joslyn Joss Joy Joyce Judith Judy Jules Julia Julian Julie Juliet Julius June Juno Justin K Kai Kaia Kale Kalinda Kane Karah Katharine Kathryn Kate Kay Kaya Kaylee Keanu Keegan Keira Keith Kellan Kelly Kelsey Kendall Kennedy Kevin Khloe Kiah Kiele Kiera Kim Kima Kimberly Kingston Kinsley Kirk Kit Kitty Knox Krista Kristen Kurtis Kyle Kylie L Laith Lake Lana Landon Lane Larissa Larkin Laszlo Laura Lauren Lawrence Layla Leah Lee Leia Leighton Leilani Lena Lennon Leo Leonard Leslie Levi Lewis Leyona Lia Liam Liana Lida Lilith Lillian Lily Lincoln Lindsay Lionel Lisa Lisette Liz Logan Lois Lola London Loretta Lorraine Louella Louise Lucas Lucian Lucille Lucy Luke Luna Lux Lyle Lyndon Lynne Related: 100 Unusual Boy Names M Mabel Mabrey Mac Macallan Mackenzie Macy Madeleine Madelyn Madison Mae Maeby Maggie Mahershala Maia Makena Malcolm Maleeya Malia Mamie Mandy Marabelle Marcus Maren Margaret Margot Mari Maria Mariah Mariam Marilyn Marin Marion Marisole Marisse Marjorie Mark Marlene Marlon Marlowe Martha Martin Mary Mason Matilda Matthew Maui Mavis Maximus Maxson May Maya McKinley Megan Melissa Meredith Merritt Meryl Meyer Mia Michael Michelle Mika Mike Mila Mildred Miles Millie Milo Moana Molly Monica Monroe Montgomery Morgan Moses Muhammad Murray Myles N Nahall Nahla Nancy Nanette Naomie Nasima Natalie Nate Nathan Naveen Naya Neil Neisa Neo Neoma Newt Newton Niall Nicholas Nick Nico Nicole Nicolette Nigel Nile Nimah Nixon Noah Noel Nolan Nora Norma Norman North Nova O Obama Octavia Olly Olive Oliver Olivia Omar Opal Ophelia Ordell Oriana Orion Orlando Orson Orville Oscar Otis Otto Owen P Paige Paislee Paloma Pandora Paris Parker Patrick Patsy Paul Payton Pearl Peggy Penelope Penn Penny Perry Pete Peyton Phillip Phoebe Phoenix Phyllis Pierce Piper Polly Poppy Porter Posey Preston Primrose Priya Prudence Priscilla Q Quaid Quincy Quentin Quinn Quinten R Rachel Radley Rae Ralph Ramsey Rayna Rayne Reagan Rebecca Reese Reeve Reid Reign Remi Renly Rex Rhea Rhett Rhys Richard Rick Riley Ripley River Rivers Rob Robert Robin Rome Romy Ronald Ronin Rooney Roosevelt Rory Rosalind Rosalynn Rosamund Rose Rosemary Ross Rowan Roy Royce Ruby Rue Ruth Rutherford Ryan Ryder Related: 100 Unique Yet Beautiful Girls' Names S Sacha Sage Sahara Saint Sam Samuel Sandra Sandy Sansa Sarah Saul Savannah Sawyer Scarlett Schuyler Scout Sean Sebastian Selena Sena Seymour Shane Shannon Shea Shelly Sherlock Sherry Shiloh Shirley Sia Sidney Sienna Simon Skyler Sloan Sofia Solo Sonia Sophia Sophie Spencer Stacy Stanley Stella Stephanie Sterling Stetson Stuart Sue Sullivan Summer Suri Susan Sylvia T Tabitha Tad Tamera Tamsyn Tanner Tara Tate Taylor Teagan Teddy Terrance Thea Thelma Theordore Theresa Thomas Tim Tina Tinley Toby Todd Tom Tony Travis Travon Trent Trey Tricia Trinity Tripp Tristan Troy Truman Turner Tyler Tyson V Valentina Valentine Vance Vaughan Vaughn Vera Vern Victor Victoria Viggo Vince Vincent Viola Violet Virgil Vivian W Waldo Walker Wallis Walter Warren Watson Waverly Wells Wes Wesley Westley Whitney Will Willa William Willow Wilson Winter Wolfe Wren Wyatt X Xander Xavier Xeno Y Yanet Yani Yigal York Yuma Yvette Z Zachary Zahir Zander Zane Zaylee Zayn Zion Zoe Zola Zooey Zora Zuma Zuri Related: These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2016 http://bit.ly/2kR9iwY

[blogobot5000]

Swipe Left

By Bridget Hoarty and Erin E. Forgay

Lights: CLEO, EVE, BONNIE and GWEN enter. They were on their way to for a night out when one of them, CLEO, was hit on by someone outside and is very annoyed about it. This launches a whole conversation for what is our play.

CLEO: Was that guy FOR REAL? HONESTLY! I feel like every time I wear this fucking outfit some asshat cat calls me. (Mimicking) “Where you off to gorgeous? Can I come along? What’s your number?” Ugh!

GWEN: So seedy.

CLEO: It always just bugs me so much.

EVE: What a way to ruin the start of girls night.

CLEO: Why do men suck?

BONNIE: They don’t all suck… (CLEO gives BONNIE a pointed look and an eye roll) What! I’m just saying… I mean if there’s guys out there like Clyde… then he can’t be the only one! And he’s pretty great. He’s wicked sweet… (Dreamily) did I tell you the other day he brought me flowers and my favorite cider? Just because! He said he saw it in the store and he thought of me and he remembered how much I love this cider and how it’s not always easy to find and so he picked it up for me and wanted to surprise me… I feel so lucky.

CLEO: Gross. It’s just the honey moon phase… and like all moon phases, it’ll go away, Bonnie.

BONNIE: Why are you so bitter?

CLEO: I’m not bitter. I’m realistic… (Beat) No… I mean I am happy for you, Bons, I am. It’s just like…

BONNIE: (Cutting her off) Aw Cleo! You are?!

CLEO: I mean, I guess.

BONNIE: You guess?

GWEN: (Covering) We just don’t want you to get hurt!

CLEO: And I’m skeptical of almost every person.

MAN: Hey ladies! How are we doing tonight?

All at once: CLEO: Fine! ​BONNIE: Doing well, thanks! ​EVE: Hi

GWEN: (To ‘MAN’ who appears as our bartender/waiter throughout the night) Four please?

MAN: You got it. Right this way. (They walk to their table)

BONNIE: I need a drink. Not only was work a fucking NIGHTMARE but my aunt broke her foot and I’ve had to go over and help her give her elderly cat this medicine and she’s wanted to claw my eyes out every time.

EVE: When it rains, it pours

BONNIE: Well it feels like a hurricane!

GWEN: So dramatic.

BONNIE: Thank you. (Beat) At least Clyde was there to cheer me up… he’s just the sweetest-

CLEO: We get it.

BONNIE: What’s your deal? You haven’t even met him and you are like – already, like, totally hating on him.

CLEO: I’m just a little annoyed at the male sex at the moment. Nothing personal.

EVE: Well, if it helps you feel any better I got hit on at the gas station the other day.

CLEO: It does not but I still want to hear this story. (They’ve made it to their table and settled in at this point)

MAN: (Friendly and awkwardly, he’s heard their conversation and does not want to be caught in the crossfire) Waters to start?

EVE: Please.

GWEN: So, what happened at the gas station? Is that what your Facebook status was all about?

EVE: Oh, yeah. So I pulled up to the gas station and there was an attendant there. And he started talking to me and I was just being myself-

CLEO: So, too nice?

EVE: No! (They all give her a look) Okay! I mean I was just TALKING to him! Like a person! Is that a crime?

GWEN: (matter of fact) It’s an in for men to be creepy

EVE: And… yeah he wanted my number. And at first I was like ‘hah hah hah... oh stop’ and did not really want to give it out because he was being weird - and then things did get weird after I had told him ‘no thanks’ and he stood in front of my car and would not get out of the way until I gave it to him.

CLEO: Woah!

BONNIE: What the-

EVE: Maybe in a certain light… it could be romantic?

GWEN: Eve, that is NOT romantic. That is like Noah in The Notebook where he lets go of the ferris wheel with one hand and is hanging on with the other until she says she’s gonna go out with him- that shit is next level!

EVE: Aw – but I like The Notebook –

GWEN: Not the point!

MAN: Alright, so! What can I get you gals to drink?

BONNIE: Whiskey, neat

CLEO: Snakebite special, to start-

GWEN: A glass of the house red, thanks.

EVE: A Washington Apple martini, please. (MAN leaves. They all give her a look) What! It’s good!

CLEO: (Referring to bartender) Who says gals?

GWEN: Cut him slack. Not his head off.

CLEO: No promises.

GWEN: I actually got hit on at a gas station too…

BONNIE: For real?

EVE: When was yours?

GWEN: Well… it actually happened twice. One time I was getting my inspection sticker and, well I had never been to that specific gas station before. When I pulled up the only place to really go to the gas pump, which was full service. The guy there, he was probably about sixty or sixty five, he came over and asked…

MAN: (Every time MAN appears as a different person he should change something about his appearance, voice, stance, etc to note the change) Do you need some gas?

GWEN: Which, I did, so I told him yes but I also would like an inspection sticker, too. And so I’m telling him this as he’s pumping gas into my car…

MAN: Yeah, it’s a pretty good job. I like working here, not too bad. Especially on a day like today, it’s beautiful out today.

GWEN: Yeah! It’s nice that the sun is finally coming out. So glad it’s spring.

MAN: And I live right up the hill there, so I can walk to work… not a bad deal!

GWEN: No! Not at all. Must suck in the winter, though.

MAN: Oh it’s not to bad. Yeah… (looking her up and down) Not at all.

GWEN: Yup.

MAN: So, what’s your name?

GWEN: (To girls) … and I thought I could use my fake name-

BONNIE: You have a fake name?

GWEN: Yeah, Jen, but then I realized I couldn’t since I had to pay with my card… and I didn’t want to say a completely different name that wasn’t on my card because I didn’t want to be like arrested for fraud or something. So I had no other choice but to… (to MAN) Gwen.

MAN: Larry. Nice to meet you Gwen. You’re all set. Just bring your car on up over here and then we’ll get that sticker for ya. (He winks and walks away)

GWEN: (Cringing) Thanks. (to girls) So I wheeled my car up to their garage and hung around while it was serviced and then a bit later they were all “your car is ready!” … I went into pay for the sticker. And there was this other man in front of me who was buying TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS worth of scratch tickets. It was impressive. So impressive that when it was my turn good ol’ Larry wanted to talk to me all about it.

MAN: Can ya believe it! Two hundred dollars worth of tickets!

GWEN: (Slightly hesitant, not as friendly as before) Yeah- That’s what some people like to spend their money on!

MAN: I know some big scratchers but WOA. (Chuckles) Are you big into scratch tickets?

GWEN: Oh… no, not really. I mean, a lot of my family is. My grandfather would be impressed with that guy.

MAN: Yeah- my family are big scratchers. My cousin won a couple hundred recently. Lucky him!

GWEN: Oh.

MAN: Yeah! (Chuckle) So… will the sticker be all?

GWEN: Yup… just the sticker.

MAN: Just the sticker! (Taking time to ring her up) So… what does a young lady like you do for work?

GWEN: Oh, um - I’m a teacher.

MAN: A teacher, huh? Wish I’d had a teacher like you.

GWEN: (Awkwardly laughs) Oh, heh, yeah- It’s a good job… I mean, I like it. (Finishing transaction)

MAN: Yeah… (Leaning in) and you’re very beautiful ya know. Will I see you back around here again?

GWEN: I’m not sure- goodbye! (Grabbing receipt and rushing away, back toward the girls) I don’t think I could get out of there quickly enough. It got real weird, real quick.

BONNIE: I don’t blame you.

GWEN: And then there was this other time where I was at the gas station right before the freeway, and I went into the store to buy tampons and mints, the sexiest of gas station products.

CLEO: Naturally.

GWEN: The guy behind the counter was nice- he commented on my shirt:

MAN: Hey! Nice shirt! Boulder Colorado! I love it there!

GWEN: (Charismatically) Oh! Thank you! (Laughs) I’ve actually never been - I just have the shirt!

MAN: Well it’s a neat shirt! You should check it out if you ever have the chance. It’s a great place.

GWEN: (Enjoying the conversation) Thank you- yeah! It’s on my list for sure- I’ve heard really great things. I’d love to go.

MAN: Because it’s a great place! Well you’re all set-

GWEN: Thanks so much.

MAN: Have a great day, gorgeous.

GWEN: And that echoed as I left the store. This dinky little gas station. “Have a great day, gorgeous.” (Echo sound effect for the word ‘gorgeous’ to repeat multiple times before GWEN continues) It just felt so seedy and made my skin crawl. How could one word completely change a whole conversation? It ruined my day, honestly. There I was … I was coming from work… I was all sweaty from spending most of the day in the hot sun, cause, summer camp, ya know? And all I wanted was some gas, some mints, and TAMPONS, to go about the rest of my Friday afternoon. And, I generally like people, so if someone is chatting with me, I like to chat back!

CLEO: Mistake number one.

GWEN: And he ruins the whole conversation with one word: gorgeous. (Optional: A second echo sound effect for the word ‘gorgeous’ to repeat multiple times before GWEN continues) (GWEN cringes) I didn’t even fully process it until I was out the door. Part of me wanted to storm back in… (Going back into the scene, to the attendant) WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT? Why would you go and ruin a completely pleasant conversation? What are you even trying to accomplish by saying that to me?! Do you think it was flattering because it was certainly not flattering!

MAN: Woa woa! I was just trying to be nice.

GWEN: Well try again! OR

MAN: Are you yelling at me for complimenting you?

GWEN: I’m yelling at you for going about it in a weird way. OR WORSE:

MAN: (Calling police) Yeah, there’s a crazy lady on her period here attacking me in my store.

GWEN: (Offended) FUCK YOU! (Composing herself, deadpan) None of that happened though. (Beat) I didn’t go back in. I just got into my car. And left. I told Beth about it. We had just started dating then. And she didn’t really get it at first either - she was like ‘but you are gorgeous’ which … thank you, I’m glad you think so. I’m glad anyone might think so. I can take a compliment… or try to. But there is a difference between someone hitting on you and being a creep and being genuine and complimenting you. And that guy at this gas station took a pure moment. A fun, light conversation between two people and just turned it on its head.

BONNIE: Right! People can say stuff without laying on the moves. Like one time, I was with Laney at the mall and we were walking around some store. She was trying on shoes and I was just killing some time doing my thing, when a store worker walked by-

MAN: (Walks by, does a double take a GWEN, and is genuine and kind) Excuse me, miss, you are very, very pretty. Very pretty!

BONNIE: Aw, thank you!

MAN: You’re welcome.

BONNIE: See! That’s completely different.

GWEN: COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! Even last week, I was out at a bar with some coworkers- it was loud, karaoke night, and I decided to head out a bit early, it had been a crappy day and I just wanted to go home, you know? And as I walked out, there was this woman who tapped me on my should and told me she thought I was really pretty. I said thank you, we smiled, I left –

CLEO: (Raising eyebrows playfully at GWEN) And was she pretty too?

GWEN: (Blushing) Nothing would have happened-

EVE: That is sweet, though.

GWEN: It was-

MAN: (Breaking mood, as servers do at times) ALRIGHT! (Serving) We got one snakebite special, glass of red wine, a Washington apple and a whiskey - anything else for you ladies?

CLEO: We’re all set for right now, thanks.

MAN: I’ll be back in a few to check on you.

EVE: (Picking up conversation) Right. It’s like.... Well. You ever just … well has anyone ever said something to you – like they are hitting on you… but you have no idea why they would think that’s a way to someone’s heart?

ALL: (In unison) Yup.

BONNIE: Almost like they’re propositioning you!

CLEO: Or just want sex?

GWEN: Sometimes it’s hard to know what they want at all.

EVE: Even if you ask them.

GWEN: (Emphasizing) Even if you ask them!

EVE: Right! Like … like that one time- remember, at the casino? (Gesturing to CLEO) Remember?

CLEO: (She remembers) Yup.

EVE: We were just relaxing … having a drink, right? In the lounge of the new casino out near Springfield and this dude comes up to us…

MAN: Hey ladies, how are we doing?

CLEO: (Aside) He said ladies but really, he only had eyes for her.

EVE: And he was wearing an Oriels cap which, first of all: why? But I made a joke – well, I was being friendly –

CLEO: Always a mistake.

EVE: I was! What was I gonna do?! (In scene) Are you from Baltimore?

MAN: Well, no – I wear this cap because it’s my luck. I got it with some family and was wearing it the first time I won a round of cards – I was fifteen-

GWEN: Oh, jeez.

MAN: And I’ve worn it every day since. No one in my family is from Baltimore, really. But, I decided I’d wear it. I found it earlier that night and my brother dared me to wear it home, Joey – he can be such a dick- but it was a dare so I did it. Ma wanted to wash it “At least rinse it” she said – cause it was a little yellow and smelled like puke. But dare rules! I couldn’t wash it! And good thing! I won my first round that night and here we are… (beat)

[helloworlddemo1122-yahoopar-blog]

Why Gwen Stefani Is in 'Panic Mode' Ahead of Upcoming Las Vegas Residency (Exclusive)

Gwen Stefani can't believe she's going to have a Las Vegas residency! 

The 48-year-old singer will kick off her 25-date residency, Gwen Stefani -- I'm Just a Girl, at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on June 27, but right now, she's in "panic mode." 

ET spoke with Stefani at Moschino's Spring/Summer 19 Menswear and Women's Resort Collection runway show featuring FIJI Water at Los Angeles Equestrian Center on Friday, where she opened up about preparing for her next big career milestone. 

"I’m still in the panic mode of rehearsals. It feels like it’s not going to happen, but it will happen and it’s going to be one of those things that I look back on and go, 'That was a huge chapter of my life,'" she shared. "So, I’m very excited, I’m very honored.”

"I feel like it’s the kind of show that I’d never be able to do until this point in my life. [The show is] nostalgic, bringing people through the long journey I’ve been on with music and sharing that and exchanging the love I have with people," she added. "It’s really just that same journey again, but in a new Vegas-y way.”

@jeremyscott @moschino finally got to hang w this guy ❤️gx

A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani) on Jun 9, 2018 at 9:30am PDT

While Stefani works out the kinks of her concert, she's already got her wardrobe picked out, including a look by Moschino's Jeremy Scott. The singer and mother of three told ET why it was important to take a break from rehearsals to support her friend. 

"We’re working together right now... I mean we’ve had rehearsals all day and I was like, 'I can’t [miss this].' You just want to support each other," she said. "I think it’s important to be around each other when we’re creating together. [The fashion show is] going to be really exciting. I would go to every fashion show in the world if I could and I never get to. So, this is a big night out for me.”

It was also a big night out for Stefani's three sons, Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo, who couldn't have had more fun as the Los Angeles Equestrian Center was transformed into a star-studded circus for the show. The venue featured a Ferris wheel, cotton candy machine and circus performers, and guests were treated to FIJI Water and popcorn at their seats. 

6.8.18 @Moschino#Fashionpic.twitter.com/nrNa5k6vq4

— Gwen's Snaps/IG (@GwensSnaps) June 9, 2018

6.8.18 @Moschino#Fashionpic.twitter.com/6hfIXRQYWK

— Gwen's Snaps/IG (@GwensSnaps) June 9, 2018

Stefani and her boys were seated with Eve, and next to Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, who arrived hand in hand at the venue at around 7:30 p.m., and mingled with Scott before taking their seats. Also in attendance was Paris Jackson, who arrived about 30 minutes later with her friend, Caroline. Jackson quickly spotted Diddy's son, Quincy Combs, and made her way over to give him a hug. 

Moschino SS19 Resort with my babe @parisjackson @moschino @itsjeremyscott @soniayoungstyle @melaniemakeup @davestanwell @giuseppezanotti

A post shared by Caroline D'Amore (@carolinedamore) on Jun 8, 2018 at 8:27pm PDT

Jackson -- who met with Scott after the show -- later took her seat between Black Panther star Winston Duke and January Jones, as Jaime King, Emma Roberts, Brittany Snow, Aubrey Plaza, Maika Monroe, Sasha Lane and Isabela Moner made up the rest of their row.

The star sightings didn't end there, as Jimmy Iovine and Liberty Ross, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis and Billy Idol were also at the show. Alessandra Ambrosio and Stella Maxwell walked the circular runway.

Celebs like Jackson and Ambrosio later hit up the after-party at the opening of Madame Siam's in Hollywood, where they were treated to carnival games behind a dance floor, as well as gifts from Moschino, like cell phone cases, scarves and sunglasses for winning the games. 

Missing from the festivities was Stefani's boyfriend, Blake Shelton. See more on the couple in the video below. 

Reporting by Angelique Jackson. 

RELATED CONTENT: 

Gwen Stefani Attends Wedding with Blake Shelton, Dances to 'Hollaback Girl' at Reception: Watch!

Gwen Stefani Joins Pink On Stage for Surprise Punk-Pop Performance of 'Just a Girl' -- Watch!

Gwen Stefani Says One of Blake Shelton’s Ex-Girlfriends Had Her Face ‘Plastered Over Her Whole Bedroom’

[yawednesdays-blog]

April showers bring May…..BOOKS! We’re got SOOOO many #YA releases in May, so let’s get reading!

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  May 2nd

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, May 2nd, Bloomsbury Childrens Books, 648 pages

Maas-heads rejoice! Book 3 in this action packed Fae saga continues.

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Dreamfall (Dreamfall #1) by Amy Plum, May 2nd, HarperTeen, 288 pages

When a sleep study goes wrong, 7 teens find themselves trapped in a shared nightmare with no way to get out.

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Kill All Happies by Rachel Cohen, May 2, Disney-Hyperion, 288 pages

It’s graduation and Vic wants to say good-bye to high school and her soon to be closed favorite restaurant Happies. But in true Ferris Bueller fashion, a simple party gets blown to epic proportion.

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Girl Out of Water by Laura Silverman, May 2nd, Sourcebooks Fire, 320 pages

When Anise’s aunt gets into a car accident, Anise’s summer plans of beach weekends and bonfires are washed away. Instead she’s caring for her 3 cousins in Nebraska which is a world away from California.  But family bonding and a cute skater named Lincoln help Anise acclimate. Will Anise find her land-legs and put roots down in Nebraska? Or will she go back to her “real life” after summer ends?

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Noteworthy by Riley Redgate, May 2nd, Amulet Books, 400 pages

In order to get into her school’s elite a cappella group, female Jordan will have to transform into male Jordan. Deception never sounded so good!

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And We’re Off by Diana Schwartz, May 2nd, Razorbill, 288 pages

Nora’s grandfather is giving her the gift of a summer in Europe, with the condition she create a work of art at each stop. With her love of art, this is the trip of a lifetime for Nora. But her mother is strongly against the idea. That is until mom decides to go with her.

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Cold Summer by Gwen Cole, May 2nd, Sky Pony Press, 256 pages

“Today, he’s a high school dropout with no future. Tomorrow, he’s a soldier in World War II.”- Goodreads

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Always and Forever, Lara Jean, by Jenny Han, May 2nd, Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 336 pages

The Lara Jean series ends (again) with this surprise follow-up.

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Just Dreaming (The Silver Trilogy) by Kerstin Grier, May 2, Henry Holt & Co., 320 page

“A dream traveler faces the greatest challenge she’s yet encountered in this gripping third and final book of the Silver trilogy.” Goodreads

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Count All Her Bones by April Henry, May 2, Henry Holt & Co, 240 pages

“Cheyenne sets out to save her former captor in this much-anticipated sequel to Girl, Stolen.”- Goodreads

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Avenged by Amy Tintera, May 2nd, HarperTeen, Page 416

“In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.”- Goodreads

Add to your Goodreads 

How To Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake, HMH Books For Young Readers, 336 Pages

Grace just wants to normal life and to get through her last year of high school. But everything changes when Grave meets Eva, a girl with her own past, but who lets Grace imagine a different future.

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Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith, May 2nd, Delacorte Press, 432 Pages

Giving your bestie a winning lottery ticket is a HUGE blessing…until it turns into a curse.

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May 4th

Release by Patrick Ness, May 4th, Walker Books, 287 Pages

Ness’s latest comes out May 4th in the UK, but US audiences will have to wait until September. Thank goodness for international shipping!

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The Island At The End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, May 4th, Chicken House, 288 pages

From the author of the bestselling tale The Girl of Ink & Stars comes a beautiful new adventure about finding your way home.

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The Fallen Children by David Owen, May 4th, Atom, Page 240

Keisha has lived at Midwich Estate all her life.  Unlike some of the Midwich children, Keisha plan on escaping. But when everyone has a group blackout during which some of the girls become pregnant, things for Keisha go from desperate to dire.

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May 9th

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy, May 9th, Balzer + Bray, 432 Pages

The next anticipated release from the author of Dumplin’, brings us Ramona, a girls from  small town Mississippi who learns that love, like water, can be fluid.

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The Traitor’s Kiss ( Traitors Trilogy #1) by Erin Beatty, May 9th, Imprint, 352 pages

“An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war.”- Goodreads

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It Started With Goodbye by Christina June, May 9th, Blink/HarperCollins, 305 pages

“Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she’s stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF’s gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client). When Tatum discovers she’s not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.”- Goodreads

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It’s Not Like It’s A Secret by Misa Sugiura, May 9th, HarperTeen 400 Pages

“Telling the truth is easy… what comes after it, though, is a whole lot more complicated.”-Goddreads

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Umberland (Everland #2) by Wendy Spinale, May 9th, Scholastic Press, 288 Pages

“What began with a reimagining of Peter Pan and Wendy now twists into a stunning version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass!” Goodreads

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The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson, May 9th, Sky Pony Press, 352 Pages

“Words are weapons. Facts can be manipulated. And nothing is absolute—especially right and wrong.

A contemporary retelling of The Great Gatsby, Katie Nelson’s taut debut is perfect for fans of John Green’s Looking for Alaska, Kate Brian’s Private series, and anyone who’s encountered the cut-throat world of competitive high school.” –Goodreads

We’re super excited for this release, especially since we’re on the blog tour!

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Brave New Girl by Rachel Vincent, May 9th, Delacorte Press, 272 Pages

“In a world where everyone is the same, one girl is the unthinkable: unique. A high-stakes fast-paced series launch from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent.” Goodreads

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May 16th

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich, May 16th, Feiwel & Friends, 384 Pages

Caden is nice. Dylan is not. One of these boys will break your heart…or die trying.

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Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord, Bloomsbury USA Children, 400 Pages

Lucy’s world is up-ended when her mother’s cancer returns, her summer job at bible camp turns into working with troubled teens instead, and her boyfriend puts their relationship on “pause”. Can Lucy rediscover herself and her faith before summer ends?

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The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo, May 16th, Swoon Reads, 320 pages

“A theme park princess must put her life back together after her happily ever after falls apart in this contemporary YA romance from Karole Cozzo, author of How to Keep Rolling After a Fall and How to Say I Love You Out Loud.” -Goodreads

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A Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh, May 16th, G.P. Putman’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 368 pages

From the brilliant mind behind The Wrath and the Dawn, Ahdieh’s newest series mixes samurai, poltical marriage and hidden identity.

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Violet Grenade by Victoria Scott, May 16th, Entangled Teen, 300 pages

Domino is resuced from a life on the streets by Madam Karina. But the madam is not the savior she appears to be. But then again, Domino isn’t the helpless girl the madam thinks she is.

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The Crown’s Fate (The Crown’s Game #2) by Evelyn Skye, May 16th, Blazer + Bray, 400 Pages

We pick up where we left off in this intriguing continuation of The Crown’s Game.

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A Millions Junes by Emily Henry, Razorbill, 350 Pages

“Romeo and Juliet meets One Hundred Years of Solitude in Emily Henry’s brilliant follow-up to The Love That Split the World, about the daughter and son of two long-feuding families who fall in love while trying to uncover the truth about the strange magic and harrowing curse that has plagued their bloodlines for generations.” -Goodreads

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Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson, May 16th, Flux, 300 Pages

Finley has many talents, but her greatest one might be her ability to go unnoticed. She’s content with working behind the scenes on school productions and with her bestie, Oliver. But when teen movies stars movie next door, Finley will have to take center stage if she wants to keep from losing Oliver.

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Grit by Gillian French, May 16th, HarperTeen, 300 Pages

“Raw and moving, this contemporary realistic debut novel will leave readers of E. Lockhart and Gayle Forman breathless as it unflinchingly unfolds the tragic secrets being kept in a small, deceptively idyllic Maine town.” -Goodreads

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Antisocial by Jillian Blake, May 16, Delacorte Press, 256 Pages

“Alexandria Prep is hacked in this whodunit set in the age of social media and the cloud.” Goodreads

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Seeker (Riders #2) by Veronica Rossi, May 16th, Tor Teen, 352 Pages

“New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Veronica Rossi’s new fantasy adventure in the Rider series—Seeker .” -Goodreads

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May 30th

I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maureen Goo, May 30th, Farra, Straus & Giroux, 336 pages

Desi excels at everything….except dating. When a super hot guy walks into her life, she decides it’s time to study up on love. What does she use as her guide? The “K Drama Rules for True Love”, of course! Armed with the advice from Korean soap opera. Desi is determined to conquer love at last.

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Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts, Disney-Hyperion, 352 Pages

Being bastard born means knowing you will always be second best. But it just may take this band of bastards to save the kingdom from rebellion.

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Romancing The Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney, May 30th, Katherine Tegen Books, 400 Pages

“Scandal, secrets, and heartbreak abound in this juicy, modern girl-meets-prince story—perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jennifer E. Smith.” -Goodreads

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When It’s Real by Erin Watt, Harlequin Teen, 384 Pages

“From #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt comes the addictive contemporary tale of a teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend.” -Goodreads

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Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index by Julie Israel, May 30th, Kathy Dawson Books, 320 Pages

Juniper’s sister Camilla died in a car accident 65 days ago. When Juniper finds a love letter written by her sister to a mystery person just before she died, Juniper sets out to find who the letter was intended for. But is Juniper prepared for what she may find (and loses) along with way?

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One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, May 30th, Delacorte Press, 368 Pages

“One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.” -Goordreads

Add to your Goodreads

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, May 30th, Simon Pulse, 320 Pages

We had LOTS to say about why you should read this book in our First Reads Friday post.

Add to your Goodreads

Eliza and her Monsters by Francesca Zappia, May 30, Greenwillow Books, 400 Pages

Eliza Mirk may be weird and quiet in the real world, but what her classmates don’t know is that she has an online presence of epic proportion. She’s the anonymous creator of the webcomic Monstrous Sea. Eliza likes her double life and has no intention of telling people in or her secret. But when her double identity is found out, things start to slip out of control.

Add to your Goodreads

This concludes our May One to Watch Books. Of course we can’t include everything so if there’s something you’re excited about that we missed, let us know in the comments. See you next month and Happy Reading!

Ann-Eliza

Have you read all the April OTWB?

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One To Watch Books: Your Guide to May YA Releases April showers bring May.....BOOKS! We're got SOOOO many #YA releases in May, so let's get reading!