#legendary sandwich of the deep

[scpresearcharchives]

SCP-3689 "Legendary Sandwich of the Deep" was written by Weryllium and features the voice of Alex Birks, who you can find on Beyond Help when it premiers. Also featuring a promo of ParaScience, a production from @infinitybreak

I heard the breakroom got flooded the other day, this is probably why.

-Archivist Bertran

[these-lovely-monsters]

The Sweetest Nectar

[NSFW | 18+]

Characters: m!mothman x f!reader

Content: aphrodisiac, oral (f!receiver), p in v, mating, claiming

A/N: In classic fashion, this started out as drabble and ended up being waaayyy longer than intended. Oops 🤷‍♀️

#19 Wings from @ozzgin’s Monstertober 2024 prompt list

⋆ ⋅ ☽ ⋆ ☾ ⋅ ● ⋅ ☽ ⋆ ☾ ⋅ ● ⋅ ☽ ⋆ ☾ ⋅ ● ⋅ ☽ ⋆ ☾ ⋅ ⋆

You've been working the graveyard shift at the mall for a few months now. Whenever you're on break, you like to go down to the park nearby and watch the moon and stars twinkling above. The vastness of it all is mesmerizing and you've always wondered what it's like up there in the sky. 

Tonight is no different as you huddle into your coat, trying to stay warm in the cool night air while munching on a sandwich. Just like every other night this week, you spot the pair of glowing red eyes watching you from the darkness of the trees. When you first saw them, you were terrified and your heart nearly stopped. You could just barely make out a massive figure hunched in the darkness and you knew, instinctually, it was a monster of some kind. 

But as you held your breath, waiting for the creature to attack, they never did. They just stayed there, watching from a distance. After a while, you figured they didn’t mean you any harm and decided to let them be. Just because they’re a monster doesn’t mean they’re dangerous. You’ve seen what true monsters look like and it has nothing to do with being inhuman. Soon, you grew to find their watchful presence comforting in the lonely nights.  

Tonight, you’re feeling particularly bold and decide that it’s time to say hi to your silent monster. Setting down your sandwich, you wave to the shadows and call out for them to join you. The bright crimson orbs blink for a moment and then disappear. You wait patiently until they reappear again a minute later.  

“You…want me to come closer?” A deep, hesitant voice emanates from the shadows. The sound is nothing like you’ve ever heard before. It’s inhuman and has a buzzing quality as if it’s coming from a broken stereo. 

“Yeah,” you say, patting the seat next to you. “Come sit with me.” 

The eyes blink again and you see the faint outline of its head cock to the side. Then, ever so slowly, the figure starts to creep forward, easing out of the shadows and into the bright moonlight. 

You gape in awe at the giant masculine creature that stands before you. He has a thick chest with a tapered waist and long spindly legs that bend backwards at the knees, much like a bird’s. He also appears to be covered in a sort of black fuzz that you instantly want to run your hands through. When he cocks his head to the side again, you notice two feather-like antennae bobbing above him.  

Mothman! You think, not entirely surprised that he’s actually real. Even though you’re not afraid of him, a thrill runs through you at being so close to such a legendary cryptid. He’s also so much more beautiful than you thought he would be based on all the depictions you’ve seen. 

When he just stands there staring at you, you hold out your hand, beckoning him closer. You hear a little intake of surprise come from him before he tentatively approaches the picnic table and sits down beside you. You watch in fascination as his wide mouth splits open to reveal several rows of razor sharp teeth in a terrifying smile. 

“So, how long have you been watching me?” You ask, smirking at the way his antennae flatten back on his head as he looks away. 

“A while…” He replies vaguely. 

You smile at his sheepishness. “Hmm, have you now?” He just jerks his shoulder in an awkward shrug, still unable to meet your gaze. Deciding to cut him some slack, you change the subject. “Hey, can you fly?” 

“Of course!” he exclaims, puffing up his chest.  

With a woosh, a pair of massive wings spread out wide behind him as he shows them off. You can’t help but marvel at the gorgeous patterns. There are two sets on each side, one higher than the other. Black and brown rippling lines cover the edges and each wing has an eye-like circle in the middle. When he flutters them, it appears as if the eyes are winking at you. 

You laugh at his antics as you reach out to trace a finger along one of his wings. “What’s it like to fly? To be up there in the sky?” 

He shudders at your touch, staring down at you with an intense look in his eyes. Realizing what you were doing, you quickly pull your hand back and he exhales softly. 

Shaking his head slightly as if remembering your question, he asks, “Would you like me to show you?” 

Gasping in excitement, you nod eagerly. Without hesitation, he scoops you up in his arms, wrapping your legs around his waist as he tucks you into his body. Large, slender hands grip you tight, pinpricks of pain sending shivers down your spine as claw-tipped fingers dig into your skin. You cling to his neck and bury your face into his chest. He’s unbelievably soft and warm and you think you could probably stay here forever if he’d let you. 

“Hold on tight,” is all he says before he leaps into the air, pumping his wings with enormous force and lifting you both into the air. 

Within moments, you’re soaring high up in the sky, the wind whipping your hair as the town below you shrinks in the distance. Your shout of excitement gets lost in the roar of the wind and your cheeks burn from how wide you’re smiling. He looks down at you, a twinkle in his eyes as he soaks in your joy. 

You fly together for what feels like hours as you watch the land below whizzing by, the people and buildings like tiny figurines on a playset. Eventually, you start to shiver from the cold, your clothes growing damp from the moisture in the icy wind. He seems to notice and begins to veer off towards a nearby mountain. 

Wondering where he’s taking you, you hold on tightly and watch as he begins to descend to a small cabin nestled in the mountainside forest. When he lands, he sets you down gently on the porch and then takes your hand, leading you inside. It’s a warm, and cozy space, filled with old wooden furniture and mismatched decor. 

He sets about lighting a fire as you sit shivering on the couch. When the hearth is blazing, he grabs a blanket and places it next to you. Slowly, and with gentle hands, he begins removing your cold, wet clothes. He looks at you, pausing as if waiting for you to push him away. But you have no intention of stopping him, utterly bewitched by this terrifying yet sweet creature and desperately wanting to see what he’ll do. 

Once he has all your clothes off, he drapes the warm blanket over your shoulders. Then he carefully picks you up off the couch and lays you on the plush fur rug in front of the fire. When he leans back as if to move away, you grab his hand, pulling him down until he’s kneeling between your spread legs. 

For a moment, he just stares down at you, watching the firelight flicker across your naked skin. Red and yellow flames illuminate your curves in a mesmerizing dance.  

“Are you sure you want this, little flower?” he asks in a voice that sounds strained. 

“Yes,” you whisper on a breathy moan, “I want you.” And it’s true. From the moment you saw him, you were intrigued. And now your body is buzzing from the thrill of flying, needing an outlet for all that excited energy. 

When he takes a deep breath and exhales it slowly, you gape at him as two long appendages gradually extend from the depths of the fuzz at his hips. They reach out and brush against your inner thighs and your legs twitch at the sensation. They’re covered in soft hairs and it tickles as they swirl around your skin. 

Soon, a tingling sensation spreads along your legs and then the rest of your body, making your muscles relax as warmth spreads through you. The room begins to swim around you and you grab hold of his arm to keep from floating away. The warmth of his body and the softness of his fuzz is like an anchor in the fog. At the sight of Mothman looming over you with lust filling his eyes, your pussy tightens in need and you groan, squirming on the blanket beneath him. 

His mouth opens on a pant as his chest rises and falls rapidly. As the two appendages at his hips begin to retreat into his body, a long, straw-like tongue unfurls from his parted lips and he bends down to drink up the sweat gathering at the hollow of your neck. A groan escapes him and he quickly shuffles downward, gripping your thighs and spreading them wide for his shoulders to fit between your legs.  

Without hesitation his tongue dips into your dripping core, sucking up your juices greedily. “Mmmh,” he growls in that buzzing voice, “you taste like the sweetest nectar.”  

You moan at the vibrations that ripple from his tongue against your entrance. He traces it upwards and begins to twirl the narrow tip around your clit, making you writhe at the intense, concentrated stimulation. The tip flicks at the sensitive bud, pressing and swirling around it with unerring precision. The zaps of pleasure mix with the weightless feeling of your body in a heady cocktail. 

After a few moments of teasing your clit, he moves his slender tongue back inside your pussy, plunging deeper this time until it flicks against your g-spot. You gasp and jerk at the foreign sensation. His tongue isn’t nearly girthy enough to give you the fullness you so desperately crave but the feeling of the probing, sucking tip curling around your inner walls is just as erotic. 

Soon, he moves back to your clit, repeating his earlier ministrations before returning to your pussy once more. He does this over and over, spending just enough time at each spot to bring you close to the brink before he switches back again. Before long you’re completely wound up, gasping and desperate to come. 

Between the warmth of the fire, the tingling along your skin, and his torture on your clit and g-spot, your body feels like a tightly wound coil, ready to explode. When he reaches up to pinch a nipple between two sharp claws, you do just that. Your back arches off the floor as your orgasm crashes into you and you cry out in ecstasy. Waves of pleasure wash over you as he draws the orgasm out as long as he can until you eventually slump to the floor, twitching with aftershocks. 

As you start to come back down, he slows his movements, gently lapping up the wetness that’s coursing down your thighs.  

“Mmm,” he hums against your sensitive core. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get enough of your sweet nectar”. 

Before you’ve fully caught your breath, he’s climbing back over you, nipping and sucking at your stomach, chest, and neck as if wanting to taste your pleasure everywhere. You moan at the sensations on your hot and overstimulated skin. When he leans back to sit on his heels, you gasp at the sight before you. 

Where there was once just fuzz, a massive length protrudes from his groin. It’s sort of like a cock but nothing like a human’s or anything you’ve ever seen before. It’s long and girthy and the shape is gnarled with bumps and whorls along its surface, almost like a dark gray tree branch. Your core clenches in desire as you watch his slender black fingers wrap around the length, stroking up and down a few times until a bead of sap-like precum wells up from a slit in the tip. 

With one hand, he holds your hip steady while the other guides his glistening tip to your entrance. Locking his bright ruby eyes with yours, he slowly pushes inside you, letting you feel every ridge and bump of his unusual cock slide along your walls. His lust-filled groan joins yours as you grip the furs above your head, gasping for air at the feeling of your walls being stretched impossibly wide. 

When he’s fully seated he pauses, letting you both catch your breaths for a moment. He places both forearms on either side of your head and leans down to press his forehead against yours, his warm exhales ghosting against your face.  

“So fucking tight,” he grits out, the strain of holding back evident in his voice. 

When your body begins to adjust to his size, your muscles relax and your pussy begins fluttering around him, clenching in need. 

He snarls at the sensation and quickly pulls out almost to the tip, then slams back in again in one swift motion. Your cries of pleasure echo against the walls as he begins to fuck you roughly into the rug, setting a brutal pace. With every thrust the gnarled bumps on his cock drag against your walls and your eyes roll back in your head. 

The wet sounds of your bodies colliding fill the small space as he takes what he wants from you. Each thrust is so forceful that your body begins to slide up the rug. He sits back on his heels again, lifting your hips up to wrap your legs around his waist. Digging his sharp claws into your ass, he uses the leverage to bury himself even deeper than before. 

With the new angle, his cock hits your g-spot perfectly on every thrust and your cries turn into sobs at the overwhelming bliss and you squeeze your eyes shut. Between the bolts of electricity shooting up your spine and the pricks of pain from his claws buried in your skin, you hurtle towards your orgasm.  

Feeling your walls beginning to clamp down, he snarls, “Look at me.” Your eyes flutter open and he pins you with his gaze. “There you are. Such a pretty petal.” 

At his words the dam bursts and you careen over the edge, your screams filling the room as you take him with you. He roars in pleasure and his hips begin to stutter. Your walls ripple, milking him as his hot cum spurts inside you, filling you up until it seeps out around his throbbing cock. Your orgasms drag on for what feels like forever and you get lost in the intoxicating haze of ecstasy. 

When you finally drift back down from your high, he slumps down on top of you, draping his large form over you but taking care not to crush you with his weight. After several moments of contented silence, you almost drift off to sleep from the warmth of his body and the crackling fire. But you’re roused from your half-conscious state when he sits up and gathers you in his arms, tucking you into his lap as he leans back against the foot of the couch. 

With a rustle, his wings unfurl from his back and drape around you, cocooning you in a soft embrace as a plume of powder puffs into the air. You watch as it drifts in the firelight and settles on your skin.  

Running your finger through the powder coating your arm, you turn to look at him in curiosity. “What is this?” 

Sheepishly he replies, “It’s a…mating dust.” He drops your gaze as he looks into the fire. “For creatures like me, wings are very sensitive and intimate and we only allow mates to touch them. The dust is a way of marking you so that others know who you belong to…” 

Mating dust? 

You should balk at the idea of being marked like that but you can’t seem to bring yourself to be annoyed. In fact, you kind of like the idea of belonging to someone. You took comfort in his watchful presence all those lonely nights in the dark. His soft and gentle caresses. The way he looked at you as if you were the most precious thing in the world. The way he fucked you with a wild and desperate need… 

At your silence, his antennae flatten along his head again and he tenses. “I’m sorry, I should have asked but I couldn’t help it—” 

“Don’t be.” You say, placing a hand on his chest as you nuzzle into his warmth. “I just wish I had dust of my own to give you.” 

He relaxes and you look up at him, your heart warming at the grin that spreads wide across his face and the way his antennae flutter in delight. 

“Don’t worry. You’ve given me something far more precious.”  

Pink stains your cheeks as you smile, his words sending a flutter through your stomach. Resting your head against him, you listen to the steady beat of his heart, marveling at this beautiful creature holding you in his arms. Soon, the slow rise and fall of his chest begins to lull you into sleep.  

When a big yawn splits your face, he strokes a hand down your back and whispers in your ear, “Rest now, my sweet blossom.” 

With that, you drift off into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of soaring wings and scarlet eyes. 

Tip Jar :)

[brooklynn3253]

Unspoken Signals

It was a crisp autumn morning when I first felt the flicker of something different inside of me. I chalked it up to the change of seasons, the way the sunlight filtered through the remnants of summer, or perhaps even to the pumpkin spice latte I had sipped on my way to work. But something nagged at the back of my mind, whispering that it was more than just the familiar ebb and flow of life in New York City.

I worked as a graphic designer, immersed in deadlines and coffee breaks, but my mind kept drifting to thoughts of him—Bucky Barnes. His laughter echoed in my ears, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. Seeing him was a privilege, and to be close to the legendary Winter Soldier—the man who had fought epic battles and suffered immeasurable pain—was nothing short of surreal.

Our relationship grew from friendship to something more over time, shaded with the brushstrokes of untold stories and midnight rendezvous. There was an ease when we were together, a safe harbor amidst chaos, but I never imagined it would lead to something as life-altering as… well, this.

I remember that day with clarity. Bucky surprised me with lunch at my office, his deep blue eyes sparkling with mischief. As he sat across from me, stealing bites of my sandwich, I caught the faintest hint of tension in his body language, a cue I instinctively grasped despite my distraction. He was not alone in his thoughts; there was something brewing just beneath the surface.

“Is everything alright?” I asked, my brows knitting together.

“Yeah. Just thinking,” he replied, his smile faltering slightly. I wanted to push further, but the moment passed, replaced by laughter and banter. Still, I felt that something was off, gnawing relentlessly in the back of my mind.

Days turned into weeks, and I found myself enveloped in an unseen torrent of changes. My mornings began with waves of nausea that rendered breakfast impossible, and my body felt more sensitive than usual. I even found myself craving foods I had once loathed. I hadn’t even considered that I might be pregnant. Life was chaotic, and my brain was too occupied to notice the obvious.

Bucky, however, was anything but oblivious. He had always possessed an otherworldly awareness, an attunement to the nuances of the world around him, honed by the super-soldier serum coursing through his veins.

It happened one evening when I was cooking dinner—chopping vegetables, the scent of sautéing garlic filling the air—when I heard the door creak open.

“Hey, Buck!” I called out, hardly able to conceal my delight. He stepped into the kitchen, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

He inhaled deeply, his expression changing almost instantly. A kind of restrained intensity flooded his features, and the jovial vibe vanished.

“Your... scent,” he muttered, a frown pulling at his lips. “It’s different.”

I froze, the knife in my hand tremoring ever so slightly. “Different?”

The silence thickened, crackling between us. He turned sharply, as if battling an enemy I couldn’t see.

“Y/N, I—” he began, his voice trailing off. “I think you might be pregnant.”

I blinked at him, the words landing like pebbles in still water, sending ripples of disbelief coursing through me. “What? How do you know?”

His eyes darkened, and he took a step closer. “Your pheromones... are elevated. The serum gives me an edge when it comes to detecting subtle changes.” He hesitated, searching my face for some sign of understanding. “I—”

The world spun around me as the realization dawned. The food aversions, the nausea, those sudden cravings… Could it be true? A rush of emotions swelled inside me—joy, fear, wonder, and a kind of panic that tangled together in a dizzying ballet.

“What if you’re right?” I whispered, the question heavy in the air.

Bucky took my hands, grounding me with his warmth. “Then we’ll figure it out together. No matter what,” he reassured, his brows furrowing with determination.

I felt the warmth of his touch course through me, and suddenly, all the doubts began to melt away. I had always believed we could weather any storm, together. Perhaps this was our next adventure—a journey into the unknown.

With a surge of courage, I nodded, a determined smile breaking free despite the tumult within. “Let’s go get a test.”

Hours later, standing in the small bathroom, I leaned against the cool tiles, the pregnancy test in my hand. Bucky stood behind me, uncharacteristically quiet, his presence a silent support as I watched the little window fill with color.

“Come on…” I breathed, the seconds stretching into eternity. When the results finally appeared, the world around me faded into a blur. Two lines glared back at me, unwavering, as the surge of realization crashed over me like a tidal wave.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurted, hardly able to believe the words that fled my lips.

Bucky's face broke into the widest smile, a grin that lit up the room. He wrapped his arms around me, lifting me off the ground and spinning me around as though we were dancing in a quiet dream. “This is amazing! We’re going to be parents!”

I laughed, tears of joy spilling over as he set me back down. We stood there, lost in the enormity of it all, his strong hands still resting on my waist, grounding me in the present.

“I never considered this,” I admitted softly, gazing up at his handsome face.

“Neither did I,” he replied, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his bravado. “But it’s also the greatest thing we could have ever hoped for.”

As we stood together in that little bathroom, I realized that while life would never be the same, we were not alone in this journey. With Bucky by my side, I was ready to embrace the future—uncertainties and all—with open arms.

And so, our story continued, one filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a new adventure we never saw coming, yet desperately wanted to cherish. Together, we were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[rorywritesjunk]

Currently I'm at 450 followers and so here's a lil something for Buggy x Reader. PG. Short-ish. Fluff and fun. Mild Buggy feeling bad about himself. GN reader! And a little silly and cringey probably near the end but it's Buggy so it's okay.

I love you all. 🧡

~

"Wait, so you never-"

"No!" A bottle is slammed onto the table, a fist joining it in frustration before the drinker slumped forward, nestling his head into his arms. "Never ever never."

"I mean, that's okay-"

"Is it?" Buggy asked you as he lifted his head up enough to look at you with shining eyes. "'s our first date and-and I just told you my deepest, darkest secret!"

Okay, now the clown was being a little dramatic to the point where you had to pretend to sneeze and cough at the same time to cover up a snort. You didn't think that not having your first kiss was a 'deep, dark secret' as Buggy seemed to think. If anything, you found it kind of amusing and sweet.

"Well, you did drink three bottles before I came to the table, Captain." You reminded him as he sat up to look down the end of the bottle. You stopped him from lifting it over his eye to check, not wanting to risk any of the drink spilling over his face. "I imagine your lips are going to be a little loose for you to spill some secrets."

"Bu-But that one-"

"It's fine. Some people could go their entire life without kissing someone, Captain Buggy." You assured him, pressing down on his arm to get him to lower the bottle. If he was going to share a secret... "I have never been kissed as well."

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the confession. "No, you're lying!"

"It's true! I wanted to wait til I found the right set of lips to smooch." You told him with a laugh. "I'm being very selective."

"Why?!" Maybe you'd want to kiss him? Was his makeup fresh or was it smudged? He tried to remember what he ate last and if he brushed his teeth afterwards. How were you supposed to let someone know you wanted to kiss them? Did his sandwich have onions?

You smiled and shrugged. "Just wanted to be, I guess." You took a sip of your own drink. "Why haven't you?"

Buggy fell silent and you wondered if something was wrong. He looked hesitant, gripping the bottle in his hand as he looked between it and you. Well, you asked, should he tell you that he tried all the time to find someone? That he watched Shanks get his first kiss from some pretty brunette when they were 14 and getting supplies, and that he overheard his friend trying to get the brunette to give Buggy one too? He didn't want his first kiss to be out of pity, nor from someone who made a disgusted face in his direction when it was suggested.

Maybe you were pulling his leg. You were gorgeous, friendly, wonderful, and he couldn't quite believe that you never kissed someone.

"Just haven't found the right person as well!" He exclaimed a little too loudly. "Whoever is the first person to kiss Captain Buggy's luscious lips will be known to the history books!"

"Oh?" You smiled. "Who's writing those history books?"

"Me!" Buggy laughed. "Or I'll hire someone to do it because I'll be too busy hunting for treasure! My name is already legendary, after all!"

"Hm." You took another sip. "Can I get my name written down in those history books of yours, Captain Buggy?"

"Wha- why, I mean, I suppose? Why?"

"To be the one to give the famous Captain Buggy his first kiss." You offered casually with a wink. "I gotta get my name in them some how."

That seemed to stun him into a moment of silence before he looked away from you. You finished off your drink, wondering what he was up to, before he spun back around, leaning on the table, and you thought maybe his makeup looked fresh. Did he carry the stuff around with him?

"Well, how about we make history?" He asked with a big grin. "Pucker up."

Oh, well, in that case...

[serpentinesheldonserpentine]

Rest in peace, Stanley Booth.

I woke up around seven this morning, proofread my final drafts, and hit “submit”. Just in time, too ‘cause all that’s left in my pantry are a few of those salty cheese–n-peanut butter sandwich crackers. Plus, the fridge is as cold and barren as the hearts of dozens of my previous umm, relationship misjudgments. Nary an egg to scramble or fry. Just a jar of kimchi. Good for the stomach they say.

So I was headed to the Stop and Shop (With the radio on) when I learned that the remarkable Stanley Booth died . Dammit.

Stanley didn’t just dip his toe into the deep, mighty river that is American music, he dove in head first. Broke his back doing so, but he told that story better than I ever could.

Some wrote about the fathers of American music from a distance, offering their wisdom after playing a few sides of a record. Stanley befriended them, joining the legendary Furry Lewis as the old man made his rounds sweeping trash on Memphis streets.

I’d inquired about his health a few years back and an intimate of his said “Oh, ole Stanley is okay”, signaling both that he wasn’t and that there was to be no further discussion of the matter.

I’ll be listening to Let It Bleed tonight and rereading his Red Hot and Blue:Fifty Years of Writing About Music, Memphis, and Motherfuckers. The music Stanley celebrated wasn’t written for TikTok, and neither is Booth’s writing. I’ll put the water on for coffee. Pull up a chair.

[kodaloveschris]

VIP Magic at Disneyland

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the entrance of Disneyland as Nick, Matt, and Chris Sturniolo eagerly awaited the start of their VIP tour. They stood near the exclusive entrance, sipping on complimentary beverages and chatting excitedly about the day ahead.

"I can't believe we're here," Matt exclaimed, his eyes scanning the park with anticipation. "VIP treatment at Disneyland? This is a dream come true."

Chris nodded, adjusting his VIP badge with a grin. "Yeah, skipping the lines is going to be epic. Which ride do you guys want to hit first?

Nick chuckled, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Space Mountain, definitely. I heard it's even more intense when you zoom through without waiting."

Just then, Madison Beer and her brother Ryder joined them, both dressed casually but stylishly for their day of adventure. Madison flashed a bright smile at her friends. "Hey guys! Ready to explore Disneyland like VIPs?"

"You bet!" Nick replied with enthusiasm, his excitement matching Madison's. "Thanks for inviting us, Madison. This is going to be legendary."

Their VIP tour guide, a cheerful Disney cast member named Emily, greeted them warmly and led them through the park. As they passed under the iconic Disneyland Railroad bridge, Emily began sharing insider stories and trivia about the park.

"So, first stop is Space Mountain," Emily announced, leading them briskly through the crowds. "We have reserved seats waiting for us. No waiting in line for you today!"

As they entered Tomorrowland, the sight of Space Mountain towering above them sparked a fresh wave of excitement. They breezed through the entrance and boarded their rocket ships, ready for the exhilarating journey through the stars.

"That was insane!" Ryder exclaimed as they exited the ride, his hair slightly disheveled from the speed.

Madison laughed, capturing Ryder's reaction on her phone. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Ryder!"

Ryder grinned sheepishly, shaking his head. "It was wild, okay? I didn't expect it to be that fast!"

Next, they ventured into Adventureland, where they embarked on the Jungle Cruise. Emily narrated the humorous jungle adventure, pointing out the animatronic animals and entertaining them with jokes that had everyone laughing.

"I think Emily's got a future as a stand-up comedian," Chris remarked, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

Madison nodded in agreement, filming Emily's antics. "She's definitely making this tour unforgettable."

After a morning of thrilling rides and magical experiences, they stopped for a VIP lunch at a reserved table on Main Street. They feasted on Mickey-shaped sandwiches and indulgent desserts, reminiscing about their favorite moments of the day so far.

"I still can't believe we're here," Matt said between bites of a Mickey ice cream bar. "This is like a dream come true."

Nick nodded, his expression reflecting awe. "Yeah, it's amazing. Thanks again for setting this up, Madison."

Madison smiled warmly. "I'm just glad we could all do this together. It's been so much fun."

After lunch, they continued their VIP tour with visits to Fantasyland, where they rode classic attractions like the tea cups and Peter Pan's Flight. Each ride brought new excitement and laughter, solidifying the bonds of friendship among the group.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over Sleeping Beauty Castle, they gathered for a private viewing of the fireworks show. They watched in awe as fireworks burst into the night sky, synchronized to classic Disney music that stirred emotions and filled them with a sense of wonder.

"This is magical," Madison whispered, her eyes fixed on the sparkling display.

Nick nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you so much, Madison. This VIP tour has been beyond anything I imagined."

Ryder grinned, his eyes reflecting the colorful lights. "I'm so glad we could all experience this together."

Chris clapped Madison on the shoulder. "You really know how to make a day unforgettable, Madison. This has been one for the books."

As they walked back to the VIP exit, tired but happy, they reflected on the day's adventures. The VIP tour had allowed them to experience Disneyland in a way they had never imagined, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As they bid farewell to Emily and the park, they knew that their day of VIP magic at Disneyland had been more than just rides and attractions—it had been a celebration of friendship, laughter, and the joy of experiencing the magic of Disney together.

[dudduk4992]

A beached surfer, part 1

Caleb sighed, looking out onto the beach. It was a perfect day, with not a cloud in the sky, the brilliant yellow sand was teeming with people, talking, sunbaking, playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and splashing in the water. Everywhere he looked, he saw people enjoying the sun.

The hotel next door teamed with tourists, just like it seemed to do every summer when Caleb’s dad sent him here to work at his uncle’s restaurant, “The Seaside Crab”  where Caleb worked during his summers instead of enjoying it like everyone else. It always seemed worse to think about, but when he got there it wasn’t so bad, especially since his uncle actually paid him properly now, and with all the tourism they were reeling in, Caleb could only imagine what his bank account would be looking like. Caleb sighed again,

"Caleb! Stop mucking about and clear some tables!" Caleb heard his big sailor-looking uncle yell from within the confines of the kitchen at the front of the restaurant. Caleb gulped and quickly zoomed around the restaurant, clearing tables one at a time.

As Caleb cleaned up another table, stacking the dishes and wiping at the stains on the table, he resumed his daydreaming position at the large wooden bar, adjacent to a long, tall wall lined with glass windows. As he stared even longer, his eyes stayed in the same position, looking out the window despite hearing the front of the cafe's door jingle.

A shadow shunted his daydreaming; he noticed a tall, blonde, wide figure standing at the bar in his peripheral vision. It took Caleb a moment or two to realise that the stranger was waiting for him. "Could I get an iced tea, two lemons please?" Caleb heard the hunky surfer say in his deep voice. It was none other than the legendary Kanen Ariki. A local legend around Marina Beach. He was the only surfer to catch some huge waves, not to mention his insane popularity. When he wasn’t surfing or partying, he worked as a lifeguard at the beach.

Kanen was Polynesian and only 21, two years older than Caleb- and was fully ripped. Big, buff and covered head to toe in muscle, he had a massive chest with huge, meaty pecs and pink cherry-sized nipples, his thighs and calves enormous, and his abs well defined. His face was wide and handsome with a strong jawline, his eyes bright brown with a cut through his left eyebrow. He had various rings in both ears, as well as a double piercing through his right eyebrow and belly button.

His hair was cut in short curtains and dyed blonde while the roots remained black. The hunk also had some impressive Polynesian tattoos; several bands around his right arm, wrist and leg, as well as some triangles, reaching up to the bottom of his belly button. He wore a blue faded singlet, black board shorts and no shoes.

"I- uh, ohhhh..." Caleb Stuttered, gazing in awe at the surfer, he completely forgot what he was doing as he watched Kanen take a table number and sit down.... right next to where Caleb was cleaning. Was this really happening!? Caleb couldn't believe it!

"Hey man, not to rush you, but my stomach’s telling me it’s time to eat," Kanen said with a laugh, noticing that Caleb was stuck daydreaming for almost ten minutes.

"Oh! sorry!" Caleb yelped. "What can I get you today? we have some specials on, if you’re interested, I can show you what they are..." Caleb trailed off, gazing at the blond hunk's breathtaking abs.

"Uh yeah, I'll just get a club sandwich, extra meat, extra cheese, and double side pickle, please. And two iced teas while you're at it" Kanen says with a wink, his voice filled with that deep swagger many surfers carried.

“Right... right, is there anything else?” Caleb murmured.

“Nope! You’re good to go…” Kanen squinted at Caleb’s name tag. “Caleb.” Kanen looked up with a grin. “Nice to meet you, Caleb.” It took Caleb everything he had not to melt at the surfer hunk’s words.

“That… that should be ready soon sir.” Caleb piped, turning and hurrying over to the counter. As he did, he quickly scribbled the order on a piece of paper. However, what Caleb didn’t realize was that he had scribbled Kanen's order underneath a previous order that had come and gone, a family meal in fact. Caleb blindly handed his uncle the order without noticing and went back to clearing tables and taking more orders, sneaking glancing at Kanen when he could. Ten minutes passed as Caleb continued to work, occasionally glancing up at Kanen while he did.

Caleb eventually began to zone back into his work, prioritizing his tasks, rather than gazing at Kanen. Caleb was in the middle of clearing a recently emptied table when he heard someone approach him from behind. He turned around and found himself staring at Kanen, who stood there with a smile on his face.

"Hey there again." Kanen greeted him. "Sorry to bother you, Caleb- but I was just wondering if you knew when my food would be ready? It’s been nearly fifteen minutes." Kanen said with an innocent smile.

Caleb felt his eyes widen. He hadn't realized how much time had passed since he took Kanen's order. "Oh- uh, lemme go check for you." Caleb said quickly as he rushed off to the counter, where his uncle was busy cooking.

"Hey, Uncle Finn!" Caleb gasped. "A customer asked when his food would be out, he's been waiting for fifteen minutes."

"Well, I sure as hell won't be able to figure out his meal if you don't tell me what it is!" Uncle Finn grunted back as he chopped the head off a fish.

"Uhh... '1 club sandwich, double pickle and extra everything' plus two ice teas... For Kanen Ariki." Caleb said aloud, feeling a little embarrassed by the situation.

Uncle Finn glanced across the orders above his head and frowned. "Son, I dunno what you did wrong but I don't have that order here." He muttered. "I DO have an order for one Kanen Ariki, and it does have that sandwich and those ice teas, but there's more than what you said."

Before Caleb could say a word, his uncle placed a full tray on the bench, and it was indeed not what Kanen had ordered; 2 extra large burgers and sides of chips, a large panini, a regular garden salad, A T-bone steak, 2 plates of fish and chips, A regular lasagna, a basket of garlic bread- and of course, the two ice teas and the club sandwich to top it all off.

"Oh Caleb..." Uncle Finn leaned on the counter and covered his eyes. "How did you mess this up." he looked up with a tired smile. "You truly are one of a kind, lad."

Caleb felt himself grow pale as he realized he had messed up.

"I- I'm so sorry..." Caleb murmured, and the boy felt his face go from pale to beet red.

Uncle Finn chuckled and placed a hand over his shoulder. "Don't worry about it kid. I know you'll do better next time, you always do. Just apologize and tell the guy there was a mixup and give him the things he ordered- bring the rest back to me so I can bin it."

Caleb nodded silently and took the tray of food, turning on one heel and quickly made his way across the restaurant. As he approached Kanen's table, he found Kanen smiling at him, but his smile quickly turned to confusion as Caleb set the tray down on the table.

"Hey bro... I didn't order all of this?" he said, confused.

"No you didn't." Caleb confirmed, avoiding eye contact. "I- uh… there was a mixup in the kitchen... and your order got put down with a previous order- but here."

Caleb picked up the plate with the gigantic club sandwich on top. Uncle Finn had used an entire loaf of bread, sliced through the half, and put all of the fixings inside to create the biggest sandwich both Caleb and Kanen had ever seen in their lives.

"W-woah dude... I said club sandwich, not a surfboard panini!" Kanen practically yelped, grinning from ear to ear. "Guess I'm getting my money's worth!" The tanned surfer laughed, a hand resting on his exposed belly. "Seriously dude... thanks for this... you're awesome!" He said. "But I wanted to ask, what's gonna happen to all of this?"

"Uh, I'll probably have to dump it." Caleb replied. "I can't give it to other customers who ordered the same thing. Health code, you know?"

Kanen looked down at the food with a frown. "You can't throw this all away. There's enough food here for a whole family..." he said, gesturing with his hands at the large amount of food in front of him.

"I know." Caleb felt awful, but he really didn't know what else could be done.

"Here, just leave it with me and I'll eat as much of it as I can." Kanen replied with a shrug.

Caleb blinked. "What?"

"It's either that or the garbage disposal, and I hate it when good food is wasted." Kanen grinned. "So yeah, leave it with me."

"Uh... okay, are you sure?" Caleb murmured, placing it all on the table, including the drinks, before picking the empty tray up.

"Yeah man, no worries, I'll see how much I can polish off. Thanks again!" Kanen smiled.

Caleb nodded and left it at that and hurried back to his uncle to give him the tray. When he got to the counter, Uncle Finn was watching Kanen closely. "So he decided to keep all that food huh? Better than chucking it in the bin I say." Uncle Finn said with a chuckle. "He's got one big ass feed ahead of him!"

"Uhh yeah..." Caleb murmured, still blushing as he glanced back to the surfer boy and his massive meal.

***

Kanen wasn't sure if he would even be able to eat this much food. Here, he had arrived for a simple sandwich, and now he had a family-sized feast on top of that. Kanen worked on his original order first, drilling through the club sandwich at a steady pace. The mix of meat, cheese, pickle and lettuce made an explosion of flavour in his mouth as the young stud savoured every bite of the huge sandwich. He ate slowly, enjoying each and every morsel. As he neared the end of his sandwich, Kanen noted that he felt full, his stomach holding its regular curve after a simple meal like this- but his meal was far from over.

"Wow, that was amazing..." Kanen murmured to himself as he took a long sip from his first iced tea, before sighing and wiping his mouth with a napkin. He already felt kinda stuffed though, he thought looking down at his bulging gut.

But there was no time to waste, the food was there, and it needed to be eaten. After he finished the sandwich, Kanen dug into his burger with gusto. The paddy was juicy and fresh, stuck to a slice of melted cheese and accompanied by fresh crisp lettuce, tangy sauce, onions, bacon and tomato. It tasted incredible as he ate it, savouring every bite. With one burger done, the second followed in no time at all. With both now in his steadily growing belly, the young stud took a moment to finish the rest of his first iced tea, sucking down the sweet peach juice like water after a run.

"*BUARRP!*" Kanen belched and blushed as two customers close by glanced at him, Kanen ran a hand over his developing stomach under his singlet, before working on his two sides of chips, each slice of fried potato cooked to perfection as he drowned them in tomato sauce and tore into them ravenously.

The young surfer felt like he could take on the world, his gut was slowly expanding and so full of good food that it felt like he had swallowed a small soccer ball. He had never eaten this much in one sitting before, but he had to admit that he felt great. His muscles were well-fed, and his mind was clear, he felt good, and he was ready to tackle anything that came his way.

With that thought in mind, Kanen worked on his last side of chips and began eating slowly as he watched the people around him. After a few minutes, Kanen moved on his panini. The crust was crisp and the fillings were warm and delicious. The beef was tender and the cheese gooey, the flavors mixing together perfectly. Even though he already felt overly stuffed, Kanen devoured the panini in only a few bites, pausing to take sips from his second iced tea until both the tea and panini were gone.

Kanen burped again, this time not feeling as embarrassed, largely because of how stuffed the surfer stud felt. His slightly bloated muscle gut had expanded substantially, stretching his singlet even further than before as his underbelly dug into the hem of his boardshorts. Kanen knew he wasn't going to be able to fit into his pants for a while.

Now Kanen sat there, stuffed to bursting, yet content. He stared at the remains of his meal; the salad, Steak, double order of fish and chips, basket of garlic bread, and large lasagna, and wondered if he should just leave it there. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. If he did, then he would feel guilty for wasting such a large amount of food, and besides- something about this whole situation he had ended up in felt... good?

In a way eating all this food made Kanen feel amazing. The very idea of pushing the limits of his stomach, even though he was stuffed to the brim made Kanen's body tingle, and the thought of how big his gut would become made him more excited. Kanen took a deep breath and made his decision, he was going to finish every last piece of this food, and then he was going to enjoy a good long rest.

Eager now, Kanen filled a glass of water and downed it in one gulp before he started with the garden salad and garlic bread; The salad was light and refreshing, while the Garlic bread was hot and gooey and crispy. By the time he was done, the surfer was sweating and moaning, his belly was distended so much that it now jutted off of his body a good few inches. He could feel it stretching his singlet further, his gut pushing against the fabric as it grew. it had even begun to slide up due to the great volume of his gut, revealing a slither of his hairless belly.

Steadily running out of steam, Kanen turned his attention to the large steak. Kanen cut the steak into bite sized pieces and began going to work; the meat was tender and juicy, he found after the first mouthful, the juices running down his chin and dropping onto the singlet straining itself around his enormous gut. The steak was served with a side of fries and salad, both of which the hunk was able to finish off with relative ease. Kanen pulled at his boardshorts, which were unbelievably tight now. Kanen burped again, feeling up his tank of a belly, enjoying the fullness and tightness it caused.

He had no doubt that many of the customers in the restaurant were staring at him, especially the ones who had been here since the start and had seen how much food he had consumed. After finishing off the Steak, Kanen felt his gut throbbing now, his abs and stomach muscles burning tight as his belly begged him to stop eating, and that only made him want to eat more.

Kanen realized that if he was gonna get through the remains of the food, he was gonna need more drinks. By some streak of luck, the waiter boy Caleb passed by to clear a table, although Kanen could see that Caleb was also using this opportunity to stare at the surfer's impressive belly.

"Hey... *URP* Caleb?" Kanen spoke up with a long breath.

Caleb turned right around to face him, his cheeks flushed red. Caleb couldn’t belive how huge he had grown!

"Y-Yeah?" Caleb asked nervously, his eyes darting between Kanen's bulging gut and the huge amount of food that was still piled on the table.

"Do you *HIC* think you could grab me two more of those *BUUARP* iced teas?" Kanen asked, resting his hands on his belly.

"Uh... yeah of course," Caleb replied, his voice shaking as he quickly walked over to the kitchen, returning five minutes later with two bottles of iced tea.

"Thanks," Kanen replied with a shy smile.

"No problem... just let me know if you need anything else," Caleb said,  his face growing redder by the second. "I- need to go clear more tables." Caleb rushed off and Kanen couldn't help but laugh to himself. The poor guy looked so flustered, but he didn't blame him. Kanen could only imagine what a sight his gut must be for everyone else.

The fish and chips were by far the hardest to eat, although the battered Cod and chips were crunchy and tasty, they were both dry, and Kanen found himself gulping down a whole iced tea between the two servings. As he polished off the seafood, Kanen felt his belly grow tighter and tighter, it was beginning to push against his waistband as his gut now took up a good portion of his lap. It seemed like he might have to pull down his board shorts if it continued to get any larger.

Kanen had to stop himself from laughing as he marveled at how big his stomach had gotten, he had never been this big before. "Holy shit..." Kanen muttered, looking down at his stomach, which groaned and growled as it struggled to digest the mass amount of food inside. After another glass of water to wash down his throat, the young surfer made his way to his final course, the lasagna.

As he cut into the lasagna, he was surprised to find that it was still warm; the cheese, mince, sauce and pasta sheets melting as he placed the first forkful into his mouth. Kanen had to stifle back a moan as he ate, the taste was incredible. Even though he felt on the brink of bursting point, Kanen devoured the dish with relish, watching his obscenely huge muscle gut creep forward a bit with each delicious, gooey mouthful.

Part of Kanen knew he had eaten past his limit, and yet somehow he was still pushing on, the engorged stud stuffing himself with every ounce of willpower he had. It felt like an eternity before the plate was empty, his gut bloated and stretched beyond its limits, the weight of his belly pressing on his thighs as he sat there. When he was done, Kanen felt like a new man. His belly was stretched to its maximum capacity, obscenely huge and distended, making him look 9 months pregnant. But Kanen was happy with the blissful fullness that came with eating so much food. The weight of everything he had eaten, the pressure in his gut, the strain of his abs and the heat of digestion made him feel so tired.

"Ahhhhhhh!" Kanen moaned loudly as he threw back his head and let loose another deep, manly belch, the sound echoing throughout the restaurant. He closed his eyes, trying to hold in the next one but failing miserably. "Bwuaaarrrp!" Another loud belch escaped the surfer's lips as he looked at the large stack of empty plates in front of him. Something about it made Kanen feel proud, like he was some sort of gluttonous beast who was being rewarded for his excesses.

And so, Kanen struggled to stand up from his seat, his belly was so heavy and his abs stretched to the absolute limit, his legs felt like jelly as it took the stud a moment to adjust to his newfound weight. His singlet had ridden up so much that it only encompassed half of his overgorged belly. Kanen felt all eyes on him as he swaggered over to the counter slowly, holding his gut in both hands like a newborn as he tried not to burp loudly again.

Up at the counter, Kanen found Caleb waiting; a look of complete awe on his face as he gazed upon the young surfer's huge stomach.

"I believe I... *HIC* have a *BUUARRPP* meal to pay for..." Kanen chuckled, patting his belly proudly.

"Oh my God," Caleb gasped. "I can't believe you ate all that." Caleb began to grin from ear to ear. "That was incredible man... I've never seen someone pack away that much food!"

"Thank you *BWARP* Caleb..." Kanen laughed slowly. "I think I've *HIC* had my fill..." Kanen chuckled, his stomach wobbling slightly as he let out another burp, handing the young waiter his credit card, but Caleb shook his head.

"It’s on the house man." Caleb smiled. "You earned it."

***

Kanen lay sprawled out on the hood of his car as he watched the late afternoon sun dwindle on the horizon, the sky turning orange as the evening approached. The young stud had one arm behind his head, and the other wrapped around his gargantuan gut, releasing satisfied burps as he sighed contently. He felt so full... so fucking full... but so good too. The tightness, the weight, the size of his belly all felt incredible.

Kanen let out a long sigh as he brought his hand from his swollen belly down to hard manhood, stroking himself idly as he basked in the glow of his accomplishment. This had been quite possibly the most fun he'd ever had in his life. Eating so much food had left him completely exhausted and drained, his muscles ached and his mind was fuzzy from all the food he had forced into his system, but despite all that, Kanen wanted to see what other places did with order mix-ups.

This summer was going to be fun with people like Caleb around.

[discover-underground-bands]

i think you have submissions turned off bc it won’t let me use that, so i will use the asks instead! this is one of my fav bands ever and i actually got to see them at a bar last week—four people stayed for their set, and it was me and the three people i brought. people don’t know what they’re missing out on!!

from their spotify:

Pageant is a blues-influenced, glam rock band, based in High Point, NC. With Roxxi Dirt on bass and vocals, Dylan Dynasty on drums, Cam Duke on rhythm guitar, and Dezzy Foxx on lead guitar, Pageant strives to shine a new light on the classic sound of rock n' roll. Their music is inspired by rock legends such as Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and Cinderella, while also having a deep love for every genre of music. Pageant's unique sound aspires to contribute to the new generation of rock and create a sound that is unique, yet familiar. They pride themselves on providing a listening experience that’s exciting, raw, and exhilarating.

Pageant was formed online in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. Like many other musicians during quarantine, they made use of time at home by writing songs over the phone. Recorded in a makeshift home studio, their first songs were written and released as demos on YouTube in September 2020. After lots of time, reformation, and dedication, they traveled to Durham, NC in late 2022 to record their first official album with producer Scotty Sandwich which was released in August of this year. After conquering legendary venues across the country, spending countless hours together writing music, and a long journey to get where they are right now, we hope their next stop is being played as loud as possible through your speakers.

spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6L7cjRNr6BTSK4FSyAZGgc?si=rD6F5H2ERESKfhGN-jFDLw

+ bonus a pic from when i saw them!

huh, that’s weird, i got a few submissions not 30 minutes ago(at time of answering, i run on the queue system)

spotify / youtube

the are touring!

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

🎵 Bookstore

5. "There is another Entity, more malignant, pulling the strings in Martinaise. Perhaps in my travels I will cross paths with it."

PLAISANCE - "A *third order* presence, yes..." She lets go of the pendant.

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - A great, dark relief washes over her.

PLAISANCE - "I've heard of these *tri-actors*. In certain occult literature that's too dark to dwell on for too long -- and definitely not in the presence of my daughter." She gestures for you to be silent.

"I understand everything, sir. Thank you for descending into the maelström. I will keep fort up here -- strengthen the wards, do my best. And if you happen upon the Third Entity in your travels…"

Task complete: Investigate the Doomed Commercial Area

+70 XP

Level up!

PLAISANCE - "May the Lord be with you." She performs an x-shaped cross on her chest.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Well, this has been absolutely *educational*. If we happen on the *Third Presence* in our travels we will certainly come back to tell you."

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - Yes, the venture continues. In other waters. Darker waters.

KIM KITSURAGI - He turns to you. "Should we get out of here -- before the *vortex* collapses?"

SHIVERS [Challenging: Success] - The shop around you feels ancient suddenly, damp and saturated by the coastal air. The books are rotting, a great cold lives here. And there, too -- 1200 metres away, on the urban coast. The dark shape of a church is reflected on the water, calling.

3. "Farewell for now, book peddler!" [Leave.]

Let's take care of a few *small* tasks while we're still in Martinaise. We're not going to do anything that will take a significant amount of time, like painting the wall. Mostly I want to reattempt some checks so we have things to spend levels on.

We're going to start by checking in with Gaston and René.

Or... just Gaston?

GASTON MARTIN - "Officer..." The jolliness is gone from Gaston's face. "Care to play a game with a lonely old man?"

"Actually never mind... Wouldn't be the same..."

"Hey, Gaston, I found you a new *boule*." (Hold out the ball.)

"Where is René?"

"I wanted to ask you about the Union again."

[Rhetoric - Legendary 14] Convince Gaston to relinquish his sandwich.

"Bye for now." [Leave.]

GASTON MARTIN - "The prick is gone," he replies, trying to smile. "I... I can barely believe it, but he's really gone."

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] - He is trying to retain his jolly façade, but the underlying sadness casts a deep shadow over his wrinkled face.

"Gone? Gone where?"

"Do you know what happened to his medals?"

"May René rest in peace." (Conclude.)

GASTON MARTIN - Gaston sighs and mumbles, more to himself than you: "Hell, most likely. He was an absolute cunt..."

🎵 Live With Me

"How did he die exactly?"

"Was he really that bad?"

"Do you know what happened to his medals?"

"I offer my sincere condolences." (Conclude.)

"Old people die, you better get ready too." (Conclude.)

GASTON MARTIN - "His angry little heart finally gave out." He sighs. "The dockworkers found him in the guard booth this morning. Wasn't even supposed to be working for another week, but he just had to prove how tough he is..."

REACTION SPEED [Medium: Success] - Wait... did he push himself to prove he can pull his weight and doesn't need hand-outs?

GASTON MARTIN - "Guess he was about to head home, 'cause when the dockworkers found him he was wearing civilian clothes and not the cockatoo uniform I saw him in all the time."

"Sometimes I thought he was wearing it just to piss me off." Gaston smiles a sad smile. "Now the joke's on him, 'cause he's gonna be buried without it."

REACTION SPEED [Medium: Success] - That means the uniform could still be in the guard booth -- something to keep in mind if you *really* plan to give yourself to Revachol.

"Do you think our conversation about his job pushed him to go out there?"

"The irony isn't lost on me, but I wanted to ask about something else."

GASTON MARTIN - "No," he replies quickly. "René was the most stubborn man in Revachol. Nothing you or I could say would ever *push* him to do anything. The man was completely immovable."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - He has doubts, but right now he just wants to move on and not think about it.

2. "Was he really that bad?"

GASTON MARTIN - "I repeat -- an *absolute* cunt." He turns to look at the crater. "Even his old army buddies didn't want him around. He was like an old viper."

"The only people who could stand to be around him were Jeannie and me…" He pauses. "She saw something in him when we were just kids, and…"

His voice trembles. "...a-and she never lost sight of it. And I thought if the most beautiful being in the world can love him, then there must be something worth holding on to..."

3. "Did you love him?"

GASTON MARTIN - "We've hated each other our entire lives. So much in fact that..." He falls silent and looks at you, eyes filling up with tears.

"Yes. I... I loved that angry prick. He didn't deserve it, but I did." He wipes his eyes with a sleeve. "You know what his last words to me were?"

"Something mean?"

"That he's sorry?"

"Some right-wing royalist slogan?"

"Something forgettable, like 'See you tomorrow' probably?"

"Tell me."

GASTON MARTIN - "'In Guillaume's time you'd have been shot without a trial'. That's what he said to me." The old man gathers himself and wipes his eyes again. "He lived a cunt and he died a cunt. Let's leave it at that."

4. "Do you know what happened to his medals?"

GASTON MARTIN - He looks at you for a moment and then speaks quietly. "I took them for myself. Took them to remember that old cunt. Nobody knew him better than I did, and I want to remember that old cunt by something."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - Strange how *old cunt* sounds almost gentle when he says it now.

We're not going to be able to convince René we're a war hero now.

5. "Here, something to remember your friend by…" (Give him the photograph of René and the girl.)

Item lost: Photo of a Happy Couple

GASTON MARTIN - "Let me see..." Gaston takes the photo, hands trembling. "This was 60 years ago! We all went to that parade. Young René looks so happy and Jeannie..." Eyes blurry with tears, he has to stop.

"I'm sorry, officer, I just..." He dries his eyes. "Thank you, *thank you* for this little memorabilia. It really means the world to me."

+5 XP

KIM KITSURAGI - "That was nice," the lieutenant smiles. "A small thing for us, but invaluable to him. He probably didn't even know René had the photo."

+1 Reputation

6. "Old people die, you better get ready too." (Conclude.)

GASTON MARTIN - "Yes..." A strange expression runs across his wrinkled face, then vanishes without trace.

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - He finds comfort in the thought.

GASTON MARTIN - "We all got to go some time, officer. Everyone I love is already there. Probably waiting for me." He smiles faintly. "I'm not afraid to die. It's been a good run and I really miss my friends..."

KIM KITSURAGI - "We are both very sorry for your loss," the lieutenant bows his head. "Death of a friend is a terrible thing."

GASTON MARTIN - "It is what it is... part of life," he mumbles, only half-listening to you. "But to know someone for 79 years, then one day they're just *gone*..."

"I just don't know anymore... about anything really." He slowly shakes his head, then remembers your presence. "But you... you must need something?"

"Too bad René's gone, I was hoping to ask him about May bells..." (Hold out the flower.)

GASTON MARTIN - The old man stares at the flower, then sighs and says: "René wasn't really what you'd call a botanist, officer. And believe me, he didn't like Insulindian Lilies."

"Wait, Insulindian Lillies?"

"Why didn't he like them?"

GASTON MARTIN - "Mhmh," he replies with a slight nod. "That's their old name, dating back to the time of kings and crests and all that other stuff he loved so much."

"Why didn't he like them?"

GASTON MARTIN - "There were many reasons, but mostly it was the communards. They called them 'The Bells of Revolution'." A sad smile passes his face.

"I guess in the end the Insulindian Lillies were just another piece of the Old Insulinde, the royalists had to surrender to the Mazovian insurgents. It doesn't really matter anymore."

INLAND EMPIRE [Medium: Success] - But you feel the dried flower in your hand somehow still *does* matter. Although not to this sad old man.

"Hey, Gaston, I found you a new *boule*." (Hold out the ball.)

GASTON MARTIN - Gaston glumly stares at the shot put ball. Several seconds pass. Then he speaks: "It's too late now, officer... you got back too late. René is gone."

"The prick survived all the bullets, swords and explosions just to die of a heart attack..." He sighs deeply. "Ironic, isn't it -- even his own bitter little heart couldn't stand him."

"Keep it, it's not even a real *boule*." He waves you away. "Besides, it doesn't really matter now. I've never seen anyone else play pétanque in Martinaise."

Task complete: Replace lost boule

+10 XP

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - He will never play pétanque again.

3. "Bye for now." [Leave.]

Now that we know this, we also lose the option to try and take Gaston's sandwich. It just wouldn't be right.

The next check we need to retry is...

KNICK-KNACKS STAND - You see rows of toy soldiers guarding the rest of the trinkets displayed on the table: some on horseback, others in rags, others yet in bright blue uniforms. All are stern and unyielding in their duty.

4. [Interfacing - Medium 10] Dig up a truly *cool* figurine in the box under the table.

INTERFACING [Medium: Success] - Why, what's this? A headless man riding a horse? A headless man wearing futuristic track suit trousers that say FALN!

"What is this?" (Show it to the shopkeep.)

BIRD'S NEST ROY - "Oh, that's the Headless FALN Rider."

"*Who*?"

"Of course." (Nod knowingly.)

BIRD'S NEST ROY - "There's been a lot of *interest* in that particular figurine. I had to hide it so it wouldn't fall into the wrong hands."

RHETORIC [Easy: Success] - He doesn't elaborate on these 'wrong hands' -- it's unlikely that he ever will.

KIM KITSURAGI - The lieutenant studies the tiny figurine in your hand. "I've heard about it," he says with amusement, "I've heard the Headless FALN Rider rides a headless bull."

BIRD'S NEST ROY - "Yes, there are several competing versions of the story, but I believe this figurine is a more canonical representation."

(Look at Kim, then back at Roy.) "Sorry, what are we talking about again?"

BIRD'S NEST ROY - "The Headless FALN Rider. It's an urban legend -- about a man who rides the streets of Revachol sporting a FALN tracksuit. As you can see, he's missing his head." He points at the decapitated figurine.

"Fifty cents. Bargain-priced! I'll throw in the tiny cap too -- I think he's looking for it, or something. That part of the story has many interpretations."

LOGIC [Medium: Success] - He lost his cap when he lost his head. Perhaps he's looking for the *head*?

4. Purchase the Headless FALN Rider and his cap.

BIRD'S NEST ROY - "Did I mention that this figurine is supposed to be lucky? Always carry it with you." He grins.

SUGGESTION [Easy: Success] - That was a very smooth salesman's grin that almost comes off as earnest. You should learn from him.

4. Step away from the table. [Leave.]

FIGURINE SET "HEADLESS FALN RIDER"

The plastic Headless FALN Rider sits atop his equally plastic bull, his posture indicating either desperation or pride. Comes as a set with the infamous FALN cap for which he lost his head. (The head is not included.)

🎵 Martinaise, Terminal B

NIGHTWATCHMAN'S BOOTH - This is the nightwatchman's booth. The name on the door reads *René Arnoux*. René left his uniform neatly folded on the table.

AUTHORITY [Easy: Success] - Generally speaking, it would be *dishonourable* to take it. But then... it looks like a military uniform! And wearing that is very honourable. So, a conflict of honour. It's up to you.

Take the uniform.

[Leave.]

Item gained: Royal Carabineer Jacket

Item gained: Royal Carabineer Pants

Let's just not let Gaston know we have these.

KIM KITSURAGI - "I suppose René is not going to be needing it anymore." He studies the uniform. "It's a bit too colourful for my taste, though."

"It's, uhm, needed for work and all that."

"This is gonna take my shit to the next level."

"I'm done here."

+1 Superstar Cop

KIM KITSURAGI - "Fantastic. Try not to wear it with other similarly colourful clothes, okay?"

ROYAL CARABINEER JACKET

+1 to Revacholian Nationhood: Proud nationalist

The beautifully adorned jacket of the Royal Carabineers has three stars on its shoulders and the word Capitaine written on the chest. Neatly patched here-and-there, it's impossible not to feel love for the Fatherland when you wear it.

Maybe we shouldn't have taken these at all, actually.

ROYAL CARABINEER PANTS

+1 Reaction Speed: Vigilance!

These pants are made from synthetic lightweight fiber and designed to let the carabineer's legs and groin breathe. Red stripes are there to inspire courage, while the golden stripe symbolizes the patriotic flame in the wearer's heart.

CARGO CONTAINER DOOR - You're back before the cargo container. Its draw has not lessened since you were last here. If anything, it seems to have grown slightly.

3. [Rhetoric - Impossible 18] Persuade the door to open.

+1 Erratic, yet thorough. +1 Been in the world for two days. +1 Been in the world for many days. +1 Precarious world. +1 One more door. +1 Icosahedral Dice Set "Sirens"

RHETORIC [Impossible: Failure] - Aaaaand as it's always been -- it's impossible to open a container with rhetoric. Maybe you're losing your mind?

*Still* not enough, despite having almost every bonus to this check it's possible for us to get. The only way for us to open this door is going to be to put more points into Rehtoric.

Ok, that's all the things I wanted to take care of. Let's move on.

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss

Even though it's just getting started for the most part ...

ALONGSIDE THE SHORES OF CLEAR LAKE PROPER IN CLEAR LAKE, IOWA: Though it's a little early to make any judgments or prognostications on how things will turn out (in fact, it's mostly setup for the carnival area and concessions for Clear Lake's 4th of July celebrations as I prepare this), Huckleberry Hound as much as yours truly couldn't help but get the welcome ready for many of our fellow characters--as well as stumble on a few such along Main Avenue, the main drag of Clear Lake, in contact with many of the early visitors and carnival workers.

Enough so that the Cattanooga Cats "themselves" did an a capella rendition of "Country Carnival" for a few of the ride operators and others engaged in setting up the carnival area. And it certainly lasted quite a few minutes, enough so that one mechanic handed all the band members some throat drops to deal against the risk of scratchy voices.

Not to be outdone, those Skatebirds came over from points west and pulled off some trick inline skate moves as were certain to impress some of the early evening crowd along Main Avenue close to a rather cheesy-looking T-shirt place not unlike any such common to tourist communities, Knock-Knock and Satchel buying tank tops. As did a couple of Peter Potamus' dive crew.

Speaking of Peter: Over a typically Iowan breaded pork tenderloin sandwich on a slightly undersized bun, Huck and I chatted a bit about diving and the diving experience--not to mention a little offer:

"Once these festivities are over," Peter Potamus remarked, "how about you two joining me, Breezly Bruin and Squiddly Diddly for a couple days' diving in Clear Lake?"

Between sips of lemon-infused Coke, yours truly, not the sort to disappoint a fellow Funtastic, expressed interest. So did Huck, for his part. "Soooo," Peter added, "we'll meet up again, perhaps informally, to discuss things a little further ... oh, and might it surprise you to know that Clear Lake, on average, is about 10-12 feet deep, making such especially inviting for snorkelling as much as SCUBA?!"

"I never knew as much until now," Huckleberry Hound remarked. "And would you mind bringing my cousin Hector along?"

"Now that would make things fascinating for the kid!"

"Glad you concur," Huck responded.

Whereupon that master of canine detective bombast known otherwise as Scrappy-Doo entered, and managed to order himself quite a substantial steak burger with fries and malted. Ourselves, we had to wonder how Uncle Scooby would react to the sight ... but all we noticed from Scooby was quite the show of laughter at the sight of his nephew chowing down on a late supper. Which was not to say that Scooby-Doo "himself" was rather surprised at our presence.

"Rucklererry Round? Raggleruss?"

(That's Scooby for you. But at least it's not Snorky from The Banana Splits, whose honking in the Harpo Marx vein is such as requires bandmate Drooper to translate, as it were.)

Yet considering the vegetarian tendencies of his handler, "Shaggy" Rogers, the pair were able to order up a soy-based burger or two and manage not to feel depraved gastronomically, considering their legendary appetites. Which is how things can get to be interesting when you're of the Hanna-Barberian mindset.

@warnerbrosentertainment @moonrock1973 @indigo-corvus @jellystone-enjoyer @kuni-dreamer @zodiacfan32 @archive-archives @themineralyoucrave @hanna-barbera-land @thylordshipofbutts @screamingtoosoftly @hanna-barberians @thebigdingle @warnerbros-blog1 @artistic-octopus @iheartgod175 @theweekenddigest @ultrakeencollectionbreadfan @xdiver71 @warnerbrosent-blog

[lonewolflink]

It’s my birthday today… yk what would be a great birthday gift…

Happy birthday!!! How about...a preview of Ch. 3 of WSC?

:)

Ryujin walked down the hallway until she reached the last door on the right. Just like Chaeryeong had said, it was hard to miss.

The beautiful dark wood of the door was marred by a series of gaudy, diamond shaped pearl inlays running all around its border. In the center, emblazoned with what seemed to be genuine gold foil, was the name of the legendary goaltender who backstopped the nation’s Olympic women’s ice hockey team to gold in 2002: Jessi Ho.

The ostentatious detailing clashed with the simple wood of the door much the same way the door itself didn’t quite fit with the sterile aesthetic of the practice facility offices. It was a strange combination. Ryujin took a moment to admire it before steeling herself and knocking on the door.

“Come in!”

The door was lighter than Ryujin thought it would be as she pushed it open. The office was decently sized, she observed, but felt small because of the enormous and ornate wooden desk taking up half its space. Behind the desk, looking down at some documents in an open manila folder, was Jessi, who waved Ryujin in and motioned for her to sit down on the small chair across from her.

“Solid stats for a sophomore with limited ice time,” Jessi began, still looking at the documents on her desk, “and strong stick control. Speedy for an undersized center. Sneaky finesse when the opposition least expects it.”

She looked up from the folder containing Ryujin’s profile to examine the player with her own eyes.

“You were set to compete for second or even first line center this year at YGU.”

Ryujin stayed quiet. She didn’t want to react before knowing where this conversation was going and risk starting off on the wrong foot with her new coach.

“It’s been nagging at me. Why would a center with an opportunity for a first line role on the best team in the Northern Conference transfer to a school whose roster was already three lines deep at center with a settled top six?” Jessi asked.

A fair question, Ryujin thought. Jessi looked like she had more to say, though, so Ryujin remained quiet.

“I called Taeyang,” Jessi started, looking for a response. It was faint, but she got one; Ryujin’s face turned a bit more serious, her cool façade cracking slightly at the mention of her former coach.

“I thought there might be a locker room issue. But apparently you were well-liked among your teammates, though on the ice you, and I quote, ‘curse like a sailor and once chirped an opposing player so hard she took three penalties in one shift’.”

Ryujin cracked a smile at the memory. It was a defenseman on another team who went ballistic on her, taking a roughing, crosschecking, and instigator penalty in response to one of Ryujin’s dumber quips: damn bud, if you were any more inbred you’d be a sandwich.

“So I have to ask: why are you here, Ryujin?”

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Hey BPP 💜

Army shooters have been really facing a lot of realties this year because a lot of BTS’ achievements are being slowly broken starting with New Jeans’ breaking Dynamite’s PAK last year up to 17&skz’s album preorders and maybe even FiftyFifty breaking Dynamite’s Hot 100 record of most weeks in the chart. they may even be nominated in Grammy! I am praying that this reality will urge these shooters to either live the fandom or shift priorities towards focusing more on music and the other goodies instead of baiting or being baited by other fandoms. I am also hoping that other Armys realize that this kind of thing is inevitable especially with kpop landscape and learn that clinging to those achievements isn’t doing the fandom any good. And it doesn’t change the fact that BTS is already Legendary and are trailblazers.

In short, i just want a collective peace in the fandom. Plus, im getting tired of blocking both armys and antis fighting over stupid stuff 😭😭😭😭😭

***

You and me both, Anon.

The problem with shooters though, is that they rope in the rest of the fandom into their mess leaving us to clean it up. Many of them are solo stans and shippers too, and so it's not like a bite of reality sandwich will give them indigestion. They're already kinda twisted and in too deep. Shooters either become antis of BTS or they get more erratic and find ways to antagonize people more. They're a headache lol, so if you come across one I suggest you report and block on sight.

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Is It Really That Bad?

The hand of fate is moving, and the finger points to you, Nicolas Cage.

The Wicker Man is a classic folk horror film known for its unique tone, musical numbers, Christopher Lee, and its iconic titular structure. Movies like Midsommar owe a lot to this film; it’s certainly not a film I love, as I’m not big on movies about cults, but I can appreciate it at least.

Now, as with any classic horror film, it was inevitable it would get remade, and if there’s one genre where remakes actually have a real shot at being great, it’s the horror genre. The Thing, The Fly, The Blob, all of these films managed to take a terrifying story told once before and twist and recontextualize it for a new audience, and all three of those films are classics in their own right. So you’d think remaking a film in which an intolerant but well-meaning cop is led to his death as his ignorance is preyed upon by a charismatic cult of pagans would go well, right? There has to be some biting social commentary or some unique elements to this film, especially seeing as the setting was updated to America! Setting the film in New England or the deep South, places rife for the sort of horror the original played with…

Oh, wait, it’s set on a weird fictional island? And the cult is some matriarchy that’s meant to show a reverse patriarchy…? And it’s not a musical?

Yeah, no, this movie didn’t exactly do much to win people over. Quite a few actors from the original were highly critical of it, particularly Christopher Lee and Ingrid Pitt, and the original director Robin Hardy had his name removed from the credits out of disgust at the state of the film. Edward Woodward, the original film’s star, turned down an opportunity for a cameo, which speaks volumes about what he thought. Nicolas Cage has been pretty open about thinking the film was absurd, and critics basically laughed the film right into bombing. It’s safe to say Universal, who had been trying for years to get this remake off the ground, were likely regretting ever allowing the project to come to fruition. All in all, the whole thing is a monumental travesty notable only for some meme-worthy content within.

But is that really all this misguided remake has going for it? Is its legendary badness overexaggerated, or is it truly like watching the world exploding every single night? Well, I’m here to answer that for you as I determine whether or not The Wicker Man is really that bad after all.

THE GOOD

This movie’s saving grace, and what you most likely know it best for, is just how batshit insane it is, to the point of it being one of the funniest unintentional comedies this side of The Happening. Of course, there’s the infamous line about the bees, but if you’ve actually sat down and watched the movie you’ll know that line (which only appears near the very end of the extended cut) is merely the tip of the iceberg. You have schoolgirls chanting “Phallic symbol,” you have hallucinated girls getting run over by trucks on boats, and you have Nicolas Cage kung fu fighting angry women which culminates with him dressing in a bear suit, sprinting across a field, and sucker punching someone. It’s just an insane ride.

Of course, all of this is carried by Nicolas Cage. He realized what this movie was when making it, and in true Cage fashion brought the ham and cheese to make a perfect B-movie sandwich. His delivery of lines such as when he’s asking if two women have a shark in a bag or demanding to know how something got burned really are something else, and it all builds to that beautiful delivery of “NOT THE BEES,” the crown jewel of an utterly bonkers Cage performance. It became a meme for a reason, even if it isn’t notably crazier than many of the other lines.

If you can give this movie credit for anything, it’s for not being a straight up remake. Like yes, the basic premise—a detective goes to investigate an island and ends up sacrificed by a cult—is the same, and it doesn’t take advantage of being set in New England like it should, but this is a wildly different take with a different cult and different situations than the original film. It’s more akin to a remake like The Thing or The Fly than Van Sant’s Psycho, for what that’s worth. Though, on the other hand, this will be the only time this movie is ever mentioned positively in the same sentence as the former two movies because...

THE BAD

So, you know how I said it was good this movie decided to go in its own direction? That’s all well and good, obviously, but it would seriously help if that direction didn’t suck. This is a remake that just completely and utterly misses the point of why people like the original. There’s no musical numbers, the plot is dumbed down to extreme levels, the new additions and characterizations are just not really built into anything interesting… Sure, Nicolas Cage is a far more likable protagonist than the original guy (which is a low bar to clear considering what a judgmental douche the original’s protag was), but they don’t really do much interesting. They took a cult classic notable for its musical numbers, expert use of folk horror, and Christopher Lee and turned it into a bargain bin B-movie.

And that’s not even getting into the… questionable political message. Neil LaBute made the decision to turn the cult into a matriarchal society to show what would happen when patriarchal power dynamics were reversed, and the end result is exactly as problematic as you might imagine. With how divorced from reality any aspect of the cult is from a patriarchal society (I don’t see women having their tongues literally cut out or being sacrificed in pagan rituals very often), the entire film comes off as the anti-feminist version of Save the Pearls. Like maybe this idea could have been executed better, but it feels like the idea only someone who really hates women would want to even try and attempt. Like what point are we trying to get to, anyway? That everyone sucks? Do you really want to sit through a movie with a foregone conclusion where that’s the message? I get wanting to mix things up, but this was not a good direction to take the cult.

And of course there is the most damning element at play here: This movie is not even remotely scary. It has weird, surreal imagery, and as a horror remake it’s trying to be tense and unnerving, but between the idiotic anti-feminist angle and Cage hamming it up the whole thing comes off like a giant farce.

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD?

As a horror film? Yes, this movie is pretty bad. But as a comedy? This film is a classic.

I’ve always believed that if a film fails at its main goal but still manages to be funny, it’s not a worthless film. But that’s the thing: This film still failed. It tried to be a folk horror film that wanted to make you feel suspense and mystery, and instead gave a screwy comedy where Nicolas Cage punches women and overacts. That 3.7 on IMDB might even be a bit generous if I’m being honest. This film is firmly in the “so bad it’s good” category.

Still, if you’re a Nicolas Cage film buff, this movie is absolutely a must-see; it’s one of his greatest batshit insane performances ever. And like I said, it’s a bad film with a lot of value. This isn’t complete trash, and cinema is honestly better for this film existing. Most horror remakes of the 2000s through the early 2010s ended up merely being forgettable garbage that no one talks about a few years after it drops. Does anyone even care about that A Nightmare on Elm Street reboot or the remake of House of Wax? Does anyone even know they remade The Wizard of Gore? But this baffling remake no one asked for and that no one wanted of one of the greatest horror films ever made has not only endured, it has become a progenitor of memes. I’ll take unforgettable garbage over run-of-the-mill cookie cutter trash any day of the week.

[joinmetoexploretexas]

Move Over Ribs, Texas BBQ Brisket Bites Are What Your New Year’s Eve Needs

"SOS" - Sauce on the side!

👉Book Your Flight and New Year’s Package Now.

Howdy, y’all! As the clock ticks down to 2025, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a plate of authentic Texas BBQ brisket. Forget the ribs this year — brisket bites, lovingly smoked and seasoned to perfection, are the real star of Texas Hill Country. If you’re a traveler with a taste for Texas tradition and flavor, here are the top 5 places serving the best BBQ brisket in Texas Hill Country. Let’s dig in!

1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin): Known nationwide for its legendary brisket and the art of slow-smoked perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a deep, smoky flavor balanced with a perfect crust.

Traveler’s Tip: Arrive early! The lines are long, but the brisket is worth the wait. Pair it with their sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for an exceptional taste.

2. Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood): Nestled in the heart of Hill Country, Salt Lick BBQ serves brisket with a smoky char and a touch of sweetness. Their open-pit cooking method adds a rustic charm to the dining experience.

Traveler’s Tip: Enjoy your brisket family-style under the twinkling lights of their outdoor seating area. Don’t skip their potato salad — it’s the perfect sidekick to the brisket.

3. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (Llano) : Cooper’s is all about letting the brisket speak for itself. With its bold, smoky flavor and fall-apart tenderness, it’s Hill Country barbecue at its best.

Traveler’s Tip: Order the brisket right off the pit for the freshest experience. Add their jalapeño mac and cheese for a spicy twist.

4. Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart) : As the oldest BBQ joint in Texas still owned by the same family, Black’s Barbecue delivers history and flavor in every bite. Their brisket is slow-cooked to perfection with a smoky crust and tender center.

Traveler’s Tip: Try their brisket sandwich for a portable treat. It’s perfect for enjoying as you explore Lockhart, the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”

5. Kreuz Market (Lockhart) : Known for its no-frills, old-school approach, Kreuz Market serves up brisket that’s juicy, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. No sauce needed — the brisket shines on its own.

Traveler’s Tip: Pair your brisket with Kreuz’s homemade sausages for a true Texan BBQ treat. Their pecan pie makes a sweet ending to the meal.

These top five spots are must-visits for anyone craving the real taste of Texas.

Texas BBQ brisket is craftsmanship, patience, and the rich culinary heritage of the Lone Star State. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or fellow travelers, and Guess What? … Brisket is just perfect kickstart your 2025 New Year’s Eve.

Ready to plan your Texas BBQ adventure?

👉Book Your Flight and New Year’s Package Now.

Let us help you start your 2025 with a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Hill Country.

Limited deals are available.

Don’t wait — we are firing up the pit, y’all!

Beautifully Yours,

I’m Salma, the blogger behind Y’ALL TEXAS. Join me to explore Texas — travel, BBQ, ranch life, weekends, and local gems with Texan pride!

[messyhelvetica]

Portsmouth Shadows (snippet)

Raindrops pelted against the attic window as dark clouds hovered over the grand mansion. If Claire didn't know any better, she would have thought it was perfect weather for a somber funeral. The chilling and dreary atmosphere seemed to fit perfectly with the town of Portmouth, where death and despair were pervasive. Claire let out a sigh as she descended the creaky wooden stairs in her black dress and high heels. The sound of her shoes echoed through the old house, its floors worn down by time and previous owners' footsteps. Claire's blonde curls bounced gently as she made her way towards what felt like her own demise.

Labeling it as her doom may have been a bit dramatic, but how else could one describe the mandatory tea parties at Portmouth Hall? While the rest of the town saw it as a pleasant afternoon of tea and biscuits for the upper class, Claire knew that these parties were far from joyous. In fact, they felt almost like a strange ritual. Every detail was meticulously planned, from the clockwise or counterclockwise stirring of teaspoons to the exact type of cucumber sandwiches and sweet biscuits served. Claire had experienced one of these parties at a young age and learned firsthand just how rigid and structured they truly were.

A line of twenty women, all dressed in black like Claire, stood stoically in front of her. Each one holding a dagger tightly in their hands. Before Claire could react, they had all simultaneously slit their own throats. She ran back to her room, tears streaming down her face, and locked the door behind her. But a few moments later, her aunt Amelia entered and comforted her with cryptic words: “It's normal for us to reject the bond, my dear. It's not permanent, so don't be afraid.” At the time, Claire couldn't make sense of what her aunt meant, but now she understood. Every Halloween at Portmouth Hall, girls who were invited to the gathering would receive the mark of the bond and then die that very night. This was an attempt to prevent the dark lord from finding the one who would reject The Severing. After a mysterious amount of time, the wounds would heal and the girls would rise as if nothing had happened. But Claire knew it was only a matter of time before one girl woke up with the mark while all her friends' marks faded away. And every October 31st, she watched as another group of twenty girls went through The Severing ritual - slitting their throats and then waking up later with no memory of it. During this event, the other attendees were solemn and subdued - no tea or biscuits were enjoyed and there was no chatter among the women.

Nineteen other women stood with Claire in front of the fireplace, surrounded by crackling flames that devoured the logs. Claire couldn't help but stare at the mesmerizing display as she took a deep breath and turned to face the room. Soft murmurs filled the air, coming from the people seated at round tables draped in pale pink cloths. This year, Claire was one of the twenty chosen girls. She had been adopted into this family after her parents tragically died in a car crash. Her aunt Amelia, who always spoke of the legendary event known as The Severing, had taken her in. Many believed that Claire would be the one to reject The Severing and summon the dark lord.

The identity of the dark lord was unknown to her, and she couldn't comprehend why they would have to sacrifice themselves only to be brought back to life. Claire had never paid much attention to that aspect of the legend. What captured her imagination was the part where the dark lord emerged from the shadows and claimed his queen - a queen who ruled over both spring and winter. She often daydreamed about being swept away by him and spending eternity as his bride and queen.

Aunt Amelia straightened up, a perfectly coiffed bun holding her black hair securely in place. She wore a stunning emerald green dress that trailed behind her gracefully. As she approached Claire, her only niece, she smiled knowingly, aware of what was about to happen. Claire returned the smile, knowing that her aunt couldn't show any favoritism tonight, but feeling a sense of shared understanding. Turning to face the assembled guests, Amelia spoke with confidence and poise: "Welcome to Portmouth Hall for yet another year of celebration. Tonight, we honor the tradition passed down by our ancestors – The Severing!"

As the audience clapped enthusiastically, Claire could hear a few "hear hear" cheers adding to the applause.

Amelia's voice carried on, "As we are all aware, there can be no interference or interruptions during The Severing. These courageous women, standing behind me, will be breaking their bond with our enemy. After they emerge once more, we can all indulge in the mouth-watering cuisine and truly honor our Mother. But first, these women will descend into the Void before rising up again, renewed and rejuvenated!”

Again, the crowd applauded.

Claire's stomach twisted in knots as she watched a man, dressed as a butler, approach with a red velvet pillow. On the pillow rested twenty golden daggers, and one by one, each girl took one. When the butler came to Claire, she swallowed hard before reaching out her shaking hand to take a dagger. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as fear rooted her to the spot; she wanted nothing more than to run away. She never wanted any of this. Amelia stood with open arms and commanded, "Sever!"

As she walked out of view, the girls all pantomimed slitting their throats in a macabre display. Claire hesitated, unsure of what to do. Amelia's expression was one of worry and panic rather than malice. The crowd began to whisper as Claire closed her eyes and mimicked the motion, "slitting" her throat as well.

As she hit the ground, life drained from her body. She wished she could glance over at Amelia and plead for it all to be a bad dream. But if she opened her eyes now, the ritual would be doomed. Tears streamed down her face as darkness consumed her, and Claire waited.

At first, nothing happened. Then, a figure appeared before her - a man with dark hair and flowing robes. He approached Claire and studied her intently. "Year after year, you have managed to evade me. Hide from me. Do you think I am a monster? That I enjoy causing pain?"

Claire felt a twinge of guilt for the man's suffering. "I'm sorry. I never wanted any of this." The man's expression softened in surprise. "This is a first..."

Claire cursed as she realized she was supposed to say something different, feeling flustered and caught off guard. The man before her smiled, remarking, "You're not like the rest." She averted her gaze to the floor, but he gently raised her chin and whispered her name, causing her heart to skip a beat.

A surge of energy yanked Claire out of the darkness, and she found herself in the grand ballroom of Portmouth Hall. She gasped for air and sat up, scanning her surroundings. The other girls had already reunited with their families, still drenched in blood. Amelia approached Claire, concern etched on her face. "You were gone for far too long," she said gravely. "What happened?" Claire furrowed her brow. "Nothing."

Amelia rolled up Claire's dress sleeve and exclaimed, "This can't be!"

The crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on Amelia and Claire. On Claire's lower arm was a golden tattoo, swirling in intricate patterns as if painted by a skilled artist. Claire tentatively touched it and turned to her aunt, asking, "What is this?"

Amelia released a soft cry and turned to face the assembled group, her voice trembling as she announced, "We have a Rejection."

Audible gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Claire rose to her feet, turning her gaze from her new tattoo to the onlookers.

Without warning, the candles flickered and went out as if a gust of wind had swept through the ballroom. Some of the women whimpered while others let out screams. Only the light from the fireplace remained, casting eerie shadows across the room. Claire's heart raced as she realized something was terribly amiss. In the dimness, she could make out the figure of a man - his golden eyes burning like fire. As he approached her, she felt an inexplicable force pulling at her soul. Trying to back away, Claire found herself trapped in his embrace as he whispered, "Don't be afraid, Claire."

Amelia took a seat, her face etched with fear and anxiety. In contrast, Claire began to ease into the man's embrace, feeling more at ease in his presence. It was the same man she had encountered during her time in the Void - the darkness. Her hand tentatively reached out to touch his cheek, a warm smile spreading across her lips. She couldn't explain it, but she felt a sense of trust towards him that washed away all the worries of the past few weeks. She now knew that the man before her was Hades.

Hades shifted his gaze towards Claire, still holding her tightly in his arms. "You have failed me this year," he declared. "I will take my leave with my new bride. Anyone who tries to stop us will meet their end."

Claire flinched at the final word and Hades gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they stepped into the darkness. As she wondered if this was all there was, the shadows receded and revealed a looming mansion. It was not quite a castle, but definitely more than just a regular house. It bore all the markings of a grand estate: a true mansion.

Without much thought, she quickly recognized her surroundings. It was the very place that her aunt Amelia had often spoken of in her stories. She had always felt drawn to this place, even though she knew it would be years before she would end up here after living a full life. Claire had arrived in Tartarus, the home of Hades and his infamous three-headed dog Cerberus. However, only one head was present on the dog that towered over Hades himself. The massive beast playfully nudged its head against Hades' side, causing him to burst into laughter. Excusing herself from their embrace, Claire made her way towards the fountain at the center of the courtyard. "So this is Tartarus?" she asked aloud to no one in particular.

Hades looked at her, “No, this is home.” 

[globetrottergurus]

Eat Your Heart Out: America's Hidden Foodie Paradises You Must Add To Your Bucket List!

If you’re passionate about exploring new flavors and sampling unique dishes, then a culinary road trip through the US might be just the adventure you’re craving. From coastal seafood to Southern barbecue, every region has its own specialties that highlight local ingredients and cultural influences. Here are some of the best US destinations for food lovers—places where you can dive into authentic flavors, discover local traditions, and leave with a happy (and very full) stomach!

1. New Orleans, Louisiana – Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food

New Orleans is a mecca for food lovers, thanks to its vibrant blend of Creole, Cajun, and French-inspired cuisine. Start with a classic beignet and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, then try gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée at local favorites like Commander’s Palace or Coop’s Place. Po'boys and muffulettas are essential, and if you’re a seafood fan, charbroiled oysters are a must! New Orleans' food scene is soulful and indulgent, with live jazz as a bonus.

2. Austin, Texas – Barbecue and Tex-Mex Paradise

Austin’s food scene is all about big flavors and smoky, savory goodness. For barbecue enthusiasts, Franklin Barbecue is legendary, but you’ll find outstanding smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage at plenty of places across town. Food trucks are everywhere in Austin, serving everything from street tacos to fusion dishes, so be sure to try some creative Tex-Mex. For a unique twist, head to Torchy’s Tacos and order the “Trailer Park” taco—“trashified” with queso for an extra indulgent experience!

3. Charleston, South Carolina – Lowcountry Delicacies

Charleston’s historic charm is matched only by its Lowcountry cuisine, which emphasizes fresh seafood, rice dishes, and rich flavors. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes are Charleston staples you don’t want to miss. Head to Husk for a refined take on Southern flavors, or go casual at places like Leon’s Oyster Shop for fresh oysters and fried chicken. The city’s food culture is a celebration of Southern comfort with a touch of elegance.

4. San Francisco, California – Fresh Seafood and International Fusion

San Francisco’s coastal location and diverse population make it a treasure trove for food lovers. Start with a classic sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder from Boudin Bakery, then make your way to Chinatown for dim sum or North Beach for Italian classics. Fisherman’s Wharf offers iconic Dungeness crab and fresh seafood dishes. For adventurous palates, Mission District taquerias and fusion restaurants offer an array of bold flavors that reflect the city’s multicultural vibe.

5. Chicago, Illinois – Deep-Dish Pizza and Much More

Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, which you can find at iconic spots like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s. But there’s more to Chicago’s food scene than pizza—Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and classic steakhouses round out the city’s culinary repertoire. Head to the West Loop for a diverse selection of fine dining and trendy restaurants. Whether you’re into comfort food or upscale dining, Chicago is a city that knows how to feed its visitors well.

6. New York City, New York – Endless International Flavors

New York City is the ultimate destination for food lovers who want a little bit of everything. You can have authentic bagels and lox in the morning, grab a slice of classic New York pizza for lunch, and sample upscale or street food from almost any culture in the world for dinner. Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown, and other neighborhoods offer the flavors of their homelands. Don’t miss classic delis like Katz’s for a pastrami on rye, and save room for a visit to Chelsea Market to sample a little bit of everything.

7. Portland, Oregon – Farm-to-Table and Food Trucks

Portland is a hub for food trucks, craft brews, and innovative farm-to-table cuisine. You’ll find food carts serving everything from Korean tacos to Belgian waffles, and the restaurant scene focuses on seasonal, local ingredients. Head to Pine State Biscuits for some of the best biscuits and gravy around, or try the eclectic flavors of Pok Pok for Thai food with a twist. Portland’s food scene is laid-back but high-quality, with a big emphasis on sustainability.

8. Savannah, Georgia – Classic Southern Comfort Food

Savannah’s food scene is all about classic Southern comfort. Fried chicken, collard greens, and pimento cheese are staples here, and The Olde Pink House and Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room offer iconic takes on these flavors. Savannah also has a growing craft cocktail scene, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink as you stroll through the historic squares. For dessert, don’t miss Leopold’s Ice Cream, a local institution since 1919, for a sweet, nostalgic treat.

9. Nashville, Tennessee – Hot Chicken and Southern Specialties

Nashville’s famous hot chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves a little spice. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B’s serve up some of the best. But Nashville’s food scene is more than just heat—biscuits, barbecue, and meat-and-three diners are beloved staples here too. The city’s food scene has evolved with trendy spots that add twists to Southern classics, making Nashville an exciting place to eat and explore.

10. Santa Fe, New Mexico – Southwestern Flavors with a Kick

Santa Fe is the place to go for Southwestern flavors with New Mexican green and red chile at the forefront. You’ll find it in everything from enchiladas to burgers. The Shed and Café Pasqual’s are beloved for their traditional dishes, while the Santa Fe Farmers Market is the perfect place to sample local ingredients. The city’s cuisine is vibrant and packed with flavor, reflecting the unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences in the area.

11. Boulder, Colorado – Health-Conscious and Farm-Fresh

For food lovers who enjoy fresh, local ingredients, Boulder’s dining scene is all about organic, health-conscious options. Many restaurants here work directly with local farmers and use seasonal ingredients. Stop by the Boulder Farmers Market, and then head to The Kitchen or Blackbelly for a fresh, flavorful meal. Boulder is known for its healthy yet delicious food culture, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well.

12. Miami, Florida – Latin Flavors and Fresh Seafood

Miami’s food scene is vibrant and tropical, with influences from Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, and other Latin American cultures. Start with a Cuban sandwich or a classic mojito in Little Havana, then explore fresh seafood options across the city. Visit Joe’s Stone Crab for a taste of Florida’s famous stone crabs (when in season), or sample Caribbean-style ceviche. Miami’s warm climate and Latin influence make it a fantastic destination for bold and fresh flavors.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure!

Each of these cities offers its own unique culinary experience, reflecting local history, culture, and ingredients. Whether you’re on a mission to try new flavors or looking to savor familiar favorites, these destinations are perfect for a food-filled road trip. Pack your appetite, bring a spirit of adventure, and get ready to sample some of the best flavors the US has to offer. Safe travels and happy eating!