#miss p + vultures = cool

[teethclatter]

[stuckinthesun]

༝༚༝༚ Tic-Tac-Toe ༝༚༝༚ — Part Two

Part One

Black suit mod!Leon x Fem!Reader

Warnings: nsfw mdni, drunk sex, p in v, semi-public sex, pet names, riding, spanking, fingering, handjob, unprotected sex (please wrap it jfc)

wc: 2.8k

Ashley got dragged away from you again by another group of people just dying to know about her experience. You honestly felt bad for your friend and you would’ve stayed with her, but with how much you’ve drank you couldn’t trust your mouth right now.

So instead you decided to get some air.

The cool night air hit your face the moment you stepped out of the banquet hall, instantly making your head feel clearer.

Well, almost clear.

It seemed no matter how many glasses of champagne you drank, you couldn’t get Leon out of your head. How good he looked in that dark suit, the sound of his laugh, the feeling of his fingers trailing up your thigh.

God, you’re blushing just thinking about it!

Subconsciously you look down at your leg, at the unfinished game of tic-tac-toe still marking your skin. The one X he left on you stands out against all your markings, and you brush your fingers over it.

“Hey, there you are.” A deep voice startled you, making you jump and turn around.

Leon stood there with an easy smile and a half-empty glass of champagne. He looked the same as before, except his tie was loose and his cheeks were tinted pink with alcohol.

So sexy and disheveled, great.

You blink at him for a second as his words sink in, “Were you looking for me?”

The pink on his face deepens, “Well, I wanted to know if you were up for finishing our game of tic-tac-toe. Would hate to leave it unfinished on your leg.”

You look down at your leg again before smiling at him, “Well I hope you brought a pen because I left mine back inside.”

“I have one in my car,” He shrugs, looking out into the parking lot of the hall toward where you assume his car is.

“Mr. Kennedy,” You say dramatically, pretending to be scandalized, “Are you inviting me to your car? Alone? In the middle of a party while we’re both intoxicated?”

Leon lets out a surprised chuckle and you notice the color on his face deepen more, “You’re making it sound like high school.”

That makes you laugh before you shake your head and smile, “Alright well, as long as you don’t plan on driving, then I’d love to join you in your car for some leg tic-tac-toe.”

“I promise I won’t be driving,” Leon smiled back at you before nodding his head in the direction of his car.

“I’m surprised you were able to escape the vultures inside.” You joked as the both of you snuck away toward Leon’s car drunkenly.

The blonde smirked, “I’m damn good at my job, Miss. If I couldn’t escape a bunch of drunk old men, then I wouldn’t have been able to save your friend.”

“I guess you have a point,” You hum, noticing the nice car you’re approaching.

Leon pulls out a set of keys from his dress pants before unlocking the vehicle. Stepping up to the sleek black car, he opens the passenger door for you.

“Thank you,” You blushed slightly before slipping inside, and you made sure your dress was completely in the car before Leon carefully closed the door.

You looked around the interior of the car as Leon jogged around to the driver's side, it was fairly clean. So clean in fact, it made you wonder just how often Leon was away on those scary missions like the one to save your best friend.

The car door slamming shut brings you back to the moment and you look up to see Leon placing his champagne glass in the cup holder, “Oh my god, did you steal that?”

“No? I’ll probably take it back,” He shrugged, opening up the middle console and pulling out a pen, “Besides we know the President, it’ll be fine.”

“This is true,” You nod and shimmy yourself in your seat so you can once again prop your legs up in his lap. The stretch across the console was uncomfortable but you would make it work, “Alright Kennedy, enough chitchat. It’s game time.”

“Oh, suddenly you’re competitive?” Leon raised an eyebrow as he popped the cap off the pen and grabbed your leg.

The awkward angle made it difficult for him to see the game of tic-tac-toe, so you tried to shift yourself again, “I’ve always been competitive, you just didn’t see it before because we were so rudely interrup- huh?!”

You were cut off mid-sentence by Leon, apparently frustrated with the angle of your legs, leaning forward to wrap an arm around your waist, the other around your leg, and pull you to straddle his lap.

“That’s better,” Leon hummed, quickly marking your skin with another X before looking up at you with a smirk, “Your turn.”

You stare at him, completely caught off guard by his actions. He just continues to smirk at you, pushing the pen into your hand as he indicates toward the game of X’s and O’s.

A blush heats your skin as you feel his hands on your thighs, his fingers once again tangling in your tights and making your breath hitch.

“This okay?” Leon asked, voice teasing but you could tell the question was genuine. If you said you were uncomfortable and wanted to get off, you truly believe he would let you without a second thought.

This thought brings you reassurance for some reason and you smirk back at him, “Course, just need to get comfortable.”

Leon doesn’t get to reply before you’re sitting up a little, and pulling the skirt of your dress out from under you. Honestly, it had been uncomfortable, the fabric pulling tightly against your skin since Leon hadn’t bothered to adjust it before moving you. Now the skirt of your dress pools around your waist, and your warm center sits on his lap only covered by your panties and some string.

His grip on your thighs tightens, making his fingers tug at your tights and tearing them ever so slightly. Your smirk just deepens, “That’s better.”

Finally, you take your turn drawing an O right below his, successfully cutting him off. You hand the pen back to him with a triumphant smile.

“Don’t get too excited,” Leon says, quickly drawing an X across from his previous one.

“Why not? I’m obviously going to win.” You quickly take back the pen and make your move.

“Oh you think so, do you?” Leon’s marking your skin again, the drag of the pen almost hurts.

“Yeah, I do!” You cry out as you draw a messy O and look up at Leon who’s already looking at you with something close to wonder.

Then suddenly, he’s kissing you.

Leon’s hands grab the sides of your face and tug you closer, smashing your lips together. You kiss back without a second thought, dropping the pen in your hand to run your fingers through his hair, pulling him into you.

The kiss is desperate, it’s exactly how both of you have felt since the first time you met inside the banquet hall. His tongue runs along your bottom lip and you're quick to give him access, opening your mouth and moaning at the feeling of his tongue against yours.

Leon’s hands slide along your body, feeling every curve of your smooth skin. Your hands slide down his shoulders, pulling his suit jacket with you. Understanding, Leon sits up without breaking the kiss and quickly shrugs out of his coat.

Flinging the article of clothing to the back of the car, Leon leans back into his seat. His hands glide up your back, following along the teeth of the zipper until he finds the handle.

You feel him start to pull on the small piece of metal, exposing your upper back, before he pulls away from the kiss, “Is this okay?”

It’s the same question he asked before, except the teasing tone is replaced by a breathy grunt. Your answer is the same as before too, just instead of answering verbally, you nod frantically as you tug his tie off from around his neck.

You throw the piece of silk into the passenger seat as Leon finishes unzipping your dress, letting it hang loosely off your shoulders as he kisses your neck. A soft sigh passes between your lips and you tilt your head to the side to give him better access.

“Oh fuck,” You moan, rolling your hips down against his and feeling his bulge pressing against your barely concealed center.

“Fuck baby,” Leon groans, his head thumping back against the headrest, “Don’t roll your hips like that till I’m inside you.”

“Then hurry,” You whine, reaching between the two of you to start undoing his belt. The straps of your dress slip from your shoulders as you do so, exposing your bra to Leon.

As you make quick work of pulling the leather strap from the metal buckle, you feel his large hand cup your breast. You whine again and push your chest out so he can get a better feel, and you can’t help but close your eyes when he squeezes.

“God you’re really beautiful,” Leon whispers, leaning forward to press open-mouth kisses against your collarbone as you finally pull his belt free from his dress pants, “I’ve been wanting to do this since I first saw you. When I first brought Ashley back.”

That has you pausing. You open your eyes and lean away from him furrowing your eyebrows, “Really?”

“Yeah.” Leon nodded, looking at you with lust-filled eyes, “I didn’t say anything for obvious reasons.”

“You didn’t even know my name earlier,” You pointed out, frowning even more.

“Like I said before, you never told me your name!”

“Yeah, but why didn’t you ask anyone or I don’t know get your spy people to look it up?”

“First off, I’m not a spy.” Leon said chuckling and you just rolled your eyes, “And second, I wanted you to tell me your name.”

Your eyes widen as your chest fills with a sudden warmth. A line like that shouldn’t be all that romantic, and yet for some reason you’re blushing.

Throwing the belt next to the tie in the passenger seat, you grab the collar of Leon’s shirt and pull him into a kiss. It’s messy and heated, much like the first one, but it doesn’t last as long. You quickly pull back, leaning away from the agent as he tries to chase you for another one, and beg, “Please fuck me.”

Leon stops in his attempt at trying to capture your lips again and smirks, “I will, sweetheart, don’t worry.”

Suddenly your dress is over your head and being thrown into the back of the car. You shiver a little, at both the air on your skin and the feeling of being exposed, before you pull his vest off.

His hands glide along your thighs as he kisses your neck and collarbone, stopping at your ass and squeezing. You moan, unbuttoning his pants and untucking his dress shirt.

You feel his fingers lace in between the wide gaps in your tights, and you barely have a second to realize what he’s going to do before he pulls. A loud ripping sound fills the car as you feel Leon rip the crotch of your fishnets wide open.

“Been thinking about doing that all night.” Leon hums, pushing your panties to the side through the gap he made, exposing your dripping pussy.

You gasp, rolling your hips to push back against his hand and you feel him slip his middle finger inside of you, making you cry out, “Already so wet and I hadn’t even touched you yet.”

“Please Leon,” You beg, rocking back against the digit inside of you.

“Need to get out of these pants first.” Leon mumbles, bucking his hips up as if to remind you that his cock is still tucked inside his pants.

You nod, leaning your forehead against his as you look down and begin unbuttoning his slacks. His finger inside of you begins to thrust, curling up just right and rubbing against your G-spot. You let out a long moan, your fingers stuttering against his zipper, causing Leon to hiss and thrust up.

“Come on honey, pull me out so I can get inside this pussy.” Leon says, pushing another finger inside of you and making you see stars.

Quickly you pull Leon’s cock from his dress pants, him lifting his hips slightly so you can pull both the slacks and his underwear down his thighs a little. Once he was finally free from the restraints of his pants, you spit in your palm before wrapping it around his shaft and pumping.

Leon let out a surprised groan, his grip on your ass tightening and his fingers inside of you suddenly reaching deeper, “S-shit baby. Won’t last long if you keep doing that.”

“Then fucking fuck me,” You huff breathlessly, impatient and so turned on.

A loud smack sound rings out, followed by a burning pain on your right asscheek that makes you cry out in a mix of pain and pleasure.

Leon spanked you. Leon just fucking spanked you and you moaned.

Leon looks at you with amusement, “You’re the one who wrapped your hand around my dick instead of your cunt.”

“I can’t exactly get your dick inside me with your fingers in the way,” You glare at him, squeezing the base of his cock just to see his face pinch in pleasure.

“Fine,” Leon grits, removing his fingers from inside you and pulling your hips to align better with his. Your hand fell away from his cock and you quickly gripped the back of the seat as Leon pushed himself inside of you without warning.

Both of you cried out, you louder than him, as he bottomed out, seating himself fully inside of you. Neither of you moved, you trying to adjust to the size of him, and him trying not to cum instantly at the feeling of your warm, wet cunt wrapped so tightly around him.

“There, that better?” Leon asked after a moment of silence and all you could do was nod. You felt his hands on your thighs again, rubbing up and down, every once in a while pulling at the fishnets and letting them snap back against your skin, “Yeah? Then why don’t you try moving those hips for me like you did earlier.”

Slowly you begin to roll your hips around his cock buried inside of you. Leon’s hands instantly stop to rest on the juncture between your hips and thighs, fingers squeezing into the meat of your skin and encouraging your movements, “Fuck there you go, good girl.”

The stimulation and the praise make you moan and ride him faster, your hands move to grip his shoulders as you begin bouncing a little. Leon curses and thrusts up into you, somehow reaching deeper and pushing against your cervix.

“Holy shit,” You moan when Leon pushes a hand between you and begins rubbing your clit, his other hand cupping the back of your head as he presses kisses to your jaw, “Leon, I’m gonna- fuck I’m gonna cum!”

“Cum baby, cum on my cock. Show me how good I make you feel.” Leon groans against your skin, his fingers moving faster against your clit and his hips thrusting up harder.

With a shout of the agent's name, you came, hard, your body tightening up and shaking from the amount of pleasure you felt. Leon fucked you through it, trying not to cum until he could pull out, but the feeling of your walls clamping around him was too much and he was tipping over the edge right with you.

You felt Leon’s hot cum spill inside of you, filling you up and causing another wave of pleasure to shoot through your body. His arms tightened around you, pulling you closer and the two of you sat there together as you came down from your highs.

After a moment you pull away from the embrace and look at the man beneath you. Leon’s blue eyes were hazy as he stared at you and puckered his lips, asking for a kiss. You giggled and gave him one, hand sliding up his neck and cupping his cheeks.

“I have a hotel not too far from here if you want to get cleaned up,” Leon mumbled into the kiss.

You smirked, “You have an entire hotel? What exactly do they pay you?”

“I have a hotel room, smart ass.” Leon huffed, rolling his eyes and pulling away from you.

A chuckle escapes you, “Yeah I’ll go to your hotel room with you, on one condition.”

“Oh?” Leon raises an eyebrow, his hands resting on your thighs, “And what’s that?”

“We actually finish this game of tic-tac-toe.”

Taglist : @cassiecasluciluce @ymrai @admirxation @chessysourcandy @cinnamonminni @uriynne @rottenrosethorns

I did it guys I finally finished it!!! Hope it was worth the wait😭

[silverspleen]

Should work on my fic but fuck it break time have Call of Duty wingfic!AU headcanons! core 141 + faralex, beloveds. No Vaqueros I have no thoughts yet, still working through MW2.

---

Price - great crested grebe

silly hair

Gaz - harris's hawk

The most popular falconry hawk in the UK. They hunt in groups, are "quick learners" that are very social and intelligent and "very enjoyable to watch in action." (x) Also a really lovely two toned brown that really works for him.

It should be obvious why. I wanted a falconry bird that was just really good and lucked out with this one after a quick google search and finding blogs like "this is the most popular and best bird and it's so social and cool" and Gaz deserves this. He works hard, people like him. It works.

Ghost - barn owl

Big, quiet, and scary plus heavily associated with bad luck and being creepy.

Works with the whole blonde thing too! His wings skew more towards the blonde side and less towards the brown. Often artificially colors his wings to be darker, he doesn't like how they stand out. Is also completely quiet when he moves his wings due to him having nocturnal predator wings. Even flapping them fully doesn't make noise, and it's startling to people who don't know him.

Soap - eurasian magpie

They have big personalities and are known for things like tool use and being noisy and getting into fights and messing with bigger, badder animals. It works! The birds you see in the "bird is drunk!" or "bird messes with cat!" videos. Emotes more with his wings than the others. This is mostly an unconscious thing.

According to wikipedia "a magpie near the window of the house is said to foretell death" in Scotland. Can't back that up but... Take that as you will. 'One for Sorrow' also works though >:p

The 141 is very close so you know they're all pretty well maintained, wing wise, and all (mostly) comfortable allopreening with each other as a social bonding experience and often use it to decompress after long missions. Soap and Gaz tend to have the dirtiest wings after ops, Soap because he's getting into trouble and fighting and Gaz because he's working hard (and falling out of helicopters). Ghost is significantly more cagey about being preened, he'll participate in the sense that he's there while everything is going on but more prone to just preening himself on the side and making dry humor comments. He will let people allopreen him in more private settings as a one-on-one bonding moment.

------

the OTP

Alex - black vulture

Black vultures have been recorded allopreening birds outside of their species. Specifically the crested caracara. Huh funny that. Ah yes, the importance of strengthening social bonds with people who you are not supposed to form really intense social bonds with. Weird. Weird that I would chose this for him. Anyway. They're also associated with death and have a bad reputation, as does any American hanging out in a country they aren't supposed to be in.

Used to color his wings under his different aliases during CIA things, but stopped after meeting Farah. Always has meticulously shiny, clean, and well put together wings. No one knows how he does it he should not be able to preen to this degree of pretty in what is technically an active warzone. Broke his wing when he lost his leg, it healed properly enough that it doesn't cause him any significant mobility issues but does cause him chronic pain. Uses his wings to counterbalance the missing leg when he doesn't wear the prosthetic.

Farah - crested caracara

A desert bird of prey with a pretty crest and lovely stripes and, per wikipedia, "bold and opportunistic." While they do steal food from other birds, including vultures, they've also been recorded allopreening with them.

Not the greatest at keeping herself preened properly, always looks a little haggard, a combination of not really caring about her appearance outside of practicality (she basically just preens enough that she's not sick or dirty), not having the time, and severe trust issues. Got markedly worse when Hadir betrayed her, as previously they used to preen each other as a sibling bonding thing. Has suspiciously better maintained wings after Alex joins up. He is allopreening her you know he is social bonding with the Commander on the DL.

---

So many thanks to @quillusquillus for enabling me and throwing out the faralex one. It's important to have a friend who's really into birds and fish and dolphins and things so he can enable you when you go "hey wouldn't be funny if I did CoD wingfic stuff and Alex had bald eagle wings? American, am I right?" with "oh there's actually a species of american vulture known heavily for forming bonds outside of it's species, specifically with birds of prey. Just, you know. Food for thought." OH IS THERE??? AND THE BIRD IT COMMONLY ALLOPREENS HAS LOVELY STRIPES ON IT'S FEATHERS YOU SAY????

Sources for my headcanons shut up I googled things ok.

wikipedia (for each bird I read the wiki... ok)

https://www.birdorable.com/blog/bird-term-allopreening

https://www.birdful.org/what-is-the-difference-between-preening-and-allopreening/

https://www.thescottishcountryman.co.uk/blog-posts/harris-hawk-uk

https://www.audubon.org/news/the-silent-flight-owls-explained

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_for_Sorrow_(nursery_rhyme)

[vidkid20ssimblrlair]

Episode 26: The Garden

I hadn't set foot in the backyard since Grace's funeral. I didn't have the heart to. Seeing her grave among the flowers was too much to bear. I could still see her alive and well kneeling over those very flowers she loved so tenderly. Her smile as bright as the sun. Her voice, soothing and encouraging. Omar seemed to be the only brave soul to venture out there regularly to place flowers on her grave. I guess it kept him going. For me, it was easier just to look away and focus on other pressing manners. Gemma for example.

Her sob story had had a profound effect on her standings in the house. Some had soaked it all up like a bunch of saps, but others like me were still on high alert. Madison had also entrusted me to spy on her, so I did just that. For three weeks. Strangely enough, nothing happened. It was both disheartening and frustrating. There was no way she was telling the truth about anything, but somehow she was able to keep up the act of being sickeningly sweet and innocent. It was annoying, but I kept my cool. What really set me off was what I saw in the backyard one fine morning. I went to the window in the hallway to look out and saw someone tending to the flowers. A certain redhead. Gemma!

I immediately made a beeline for the backyard with my katana. DJ lazily sat in a lawn chair keeping watch nearby, but before he could even take notice of me I was right behind Gemma. I aimed my sword at her as she kneeled down over Grace's flower bed. She froze and turned around grinning seemingly unfazed.

"Hi. Mind if you put the sharp pointy weapon down?"

I said nothing. I simply glared at her and DJ sat up in his chair now alert. He gasped. "Whoa! Whoa! Put that down!"

"No! What is she doing here?" I spat.

"Jones said it was ok and Omar, gave me his blessing. So can you please put that thing away?" she continued. "How about you sit down and we have a chat?"

She patted the ground next to her. "Come on. Let's talk. Lassie to Lassie."

"Like the dog?"

"No. Just sit down."

I sat down next to her reluctantly and placed my sword on the ground beside me. DJ relaxed in his lawn chair again. I glared at her as she smiled back. She looked different. She wore clothes suited for the yard now and her hair in a ponytail, but her hair was shinier. Shiner and curlier. Like a glowing red crown.

She caught me looking at it and squealed with excitement. "Oh, you notice my hair? I really got the grit and grime out of it. Then Omar helped me trim it. Didn't you know? He used to be a barber. His dad owned a barbershop. Said he worked there sometimes. He's a wizard with scissors."

"That's...nice," I said unable to hide my displeasure with her.

She sighed. "Omar told me about what happened here. With his wife and all. I know what you must think, but I'm not here to replace her and I'm not up to anything. I just like gardening is all. It takes my mind off things and gives me something to do. Its...calming."

"Calming. Grace used to say that when she was out here. It calmed her."

"You must have been close."

"We were. She was sort of like a mother figure or a grandmother." I said sadly as I glanced over at her grave. "She was like that with everyone though. She always had the right thing to say."

"She sounds like my granny. I still miss that spitfire of a woman. Deep down she was a big softy though. Hugs, cookies, the typical grandma stuff. I really do miss her sometimes. She like to call me Ginny. I was her Ginny."

"Ginny?"

Yeah. I know she's gone, but I like to think she's still out there alive. Alive riding a Harley Davidson and raising hell," she said garnering a small chuckle from me. She smiled. "How about you?"

"What you mean?"

"Do you have family out there somewhere?"

"It's really none of...well yeah. My dad. I know he's alive though. I can feel it."

"How about your mom?"

I flinched. "She died long before this."

"I'm... sorry," she whispered. "Any brothers or sisters?"

"No. I'm an only child."

"Ah. Well, you're lucky. I had three assholes for brothers. I miss those assholes. Maybe there with granny and her Harley."

"Maybe."

"Hey ladies! Sorry to interrupt, but I'm going inside for a second," DJ yelled over to us rising up from his chair again. He stood up. "Audrey, can you keep you an eye on things?"

"Yeah. Go ahead!"

He smiled and nodded. Then he headed up the stairs and disappeared inside. I looked back at Gemma who seemed to focus on planting again. She dug a small hole and placed what look like seeds in it.

"So how about that DJ?"

"What?"

"DJ. I see the way he looks at you," she winked. "Seems like you would make a fine pair."

I scoffed. "If this is your way of bonding with me you're doing a shitty job."

"No. I'm just saying. It might do you some good to pursue that you know."

"I don't have time for that!"

"There's always time for love."

"Don't make me barf!"

"Oh, stop being such a grumpy grump," she laughed. She reached down making another hole. "I sure wish I had a healthy manly distraction right about now. Someone to make you forget this fucked up world."

As she said this, I saw something out the corner of my eye moving in the bushes. The leaves shook as it brushed by them. Then an eerie silence followed.

"Ah. That's the ticket. Can you hand me my basket over there?" she asked. "Gonna plant one more thing and finish up."

I looked over to my right and saw a small wicker basket. As I reached for it, I heard the unmistakable sounds of a zombie. The horrid gasping sound it made. It echoed through the air and then I heard Gemma scream.

I immediately jumped into action. The zombie grabbed Gemma's wrist and it pulled her towards its gaping mouth. I jumped up and grabbed my katana off the ground. 

Then without thinking I stabbed the creature in the head. Right through the top of its skull. It let her go and went limp. Gemma fell backward. She backed away looking terrified. I pulled the sword out its cranium much like pulling the Excalibur out of its stone. Then I came over to Gemma. She stared up at me blankly.

"Are you ok?" I asked genuinely concerned. I bent down next to her. "Did he bite you?"

“No. I don’t think so,” she said. She squinted at me suspiciously. “Why? Why did you save me?”

“Huh?”

She shook her head and mumbled, “I mean Ace would have never saved me, but you did.”

“Ace? What did you say?”

“Oh, did I say Grace? I meant John,” she gasped. She laughed nervously. “I guess Grace is on the brain. That poor woman.”

“No. You said Ace.”

“No. No, I’m pretty sure I said Grace,” she spluttered. “That poor woman. She died following that stupid cat. The rotter nearly tore her to pieces. Her and that cat. White fur everywhere. I guess that rotter coming out of nowhere just put her on my mind you know? Poor woman.”

I eyed her suspiciously. “You sound like you were there.”

“What? No. How could I? I was still out there on the road silly,” she said regaining her train of thought. “Omar told me about it obviously. Now help me up already.”

I glared at her. Her hand extended to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to grab it. She had slipped up as Wade predicted, but I had no idea it would be in this way. Did she have something to do with Grace’s death? Was she there that night? She had described the scene in such detail as if she had seen it herself. Was she and the Vultures involved? And Ace. Ace was said to be their leader. Was he John?

I grabbed the hilt of my sword feeling anger bubbling up inside me. Part of me wanting to strike her and end her loathsome existence. Luckily for her, DJ came out with two cans of soda. He froze as soon as he saw us and placed the cans on the table. He ran over to us looking alarmed.

"What happened? Y'all alright?" he asked.

Gemma smiled and nodded. She pointed at the zombie. "Audrey saved me.”

“Shit! For real?! I swear I clear them out and they keep coming back,” DJ gasped. He smiled at me. “Good looking out.”

“Yep. She’s a real hero,” she said grinning. She leaped up and grabbed me into a hug. I stood there in disgust. 

She squeezed me and continued her gratitude sounding oddly menacing. “Thank you, Audrey. Thank you.”

Previous Episode

Hope I ironed out the typos. Things are about to ramp up. :P

[mined-and-crafted]

oooh buzzfeed unsolved! I've been working my way through it myself (mostly the supernatural series). the ghost town at vulture mine is a fun one I recommend!

Ey thats cool!

I personally avoid watching their supernatural series cause idk for some reason I have an irrational fear of supernatural documentaries/movies? fictional or not lmao. But Im totally down to watching irl murder, missing persons, suicide docs

Its weird idk :P

[rosewaterboard]

alright, tagged by @lucifgual-lich for a horror thing

Slasher Film: What are some of your favorite scary movies? Poltergeist, Trick R Treat, and Hereditary are p good out of what I’ve seen so far

Jump Scare: What is a fear that you have? Awful phobia of needles. Terrified of losing my life without being happy enough to compensate for bad things.

Haunted House: How much would it cost to get you to stay in a haunted house? I’d do it for free, but I’ll get as much money out of it as I can, unless it’s like a nice place rent free.

666: Do you have a lucky number? I like 13 a lot

Bloodbath: Baths or showers? I sometimes shower w the plug in and hybrid between the two

Found Footage: Have you ever posted a video on YouTube? nah, I’ve done twitch streaming before tho. Watch my shit sometime

Scream Queen: Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? I hope I have money for it this time honestly

Pumpkin Guts: Do you like pumpkin spice lattes? They’re p good

Grave Robber: Have you ever tried to talk to a ghost? I had a meltdown and yelled at my dead mom if that counts. I miss you’s and shit for other people and animals

Claw Marks: If you could own an exotic pet, what would you choose to have? shit uhh. idk, a tibetian mastiff or a lion or some shit probably. a bearded vulture? oh fuck some bats would be cool actually

Cryptid Sighting: What cryptid fascinates you the most? man idk, jersey devil is p cool

Cult Gathering: Are you a part of any organizations? I don’t have a cult themed girl gang yet, but I’m working on it

Friday the 13th: Do you like to go out or stay in on Friday nights? If I’m not working, yeah

Devil Horns: Are you an angel or a devil? Lucifer was an angel

Bloody Mary: Do you have any urban legends specific to where you’re from? There’s a haunted historic preschool or whatever

Spooky Scary Skeletons: What’s your favorite dance craze? Fortnite dance 

Vampire Bite: Have you ever had braces?I wanted them bc i thought they were cute, but i never got them

Butcher Knife: Can you cook? yea

Possessed Doll: Are dolls creepy or cute? depends

Witches’ Brew: What would be put into a potion to summon you? blood, juniper berries, heather, lead, cloves, and fir leaves If mutuals wanna do this, ur enabled, just tag me 

[fandorkofeverything]

The Peter Parker Project: A Million Dreams Chapter One

Summery: Peter Parker was staying in Avengers tower while his Aunt May is in Brooklyn for about a week. No problem, right? Well, when your kind-of-girlfriend, your honorary Uncle, brother and Tony Stark then start to see a change in Peter... Well, that's when things get difficult.

My one-shots have moved to a short story! I don't know how many chapters there will be per se, but there will be more than three. And yes, Pietro is alive because his death is bullshit! ;P

Okay, so the ages, in order, go Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, Jade Wilson, Hope Thorson, Megan Lokison, Maddison Strange, Brooklyn Stark, Peter Parker and Kayleigh Rogers.

Pietro and Wanda- 18

Jade- 17

Hope, Megan and Maddison- 16

Brooklyn and Peter- 15

Kayleigh- 14

INFINITY WAR/ENDGAME SPOILERS IN THIS NEXT PARAGRAPH;

These ages are as-of Spider Man: Homecoming, when it comes to after Endgame, their ages differ. Brooklyn, Peter, Hope, Jade, and Jade will stay the same age, while Pietro, Megan, Maddison and Kayleigh will grow five years older. And I'm not calling it "The Blip" No. just, no. A blip only lasts a few seconds. The events of Infinity War/ Endgame will be called "The Disappearing Act Of 2018" Cool? Okay.

Chapter One: Uncle Bucky Is Resident Uncle

/Peter's P.O.V/

"So, tell me," Brooklyn asked, walking up to me and Pietro. "Why do you really want to transfer to Seaside?"

"You wanna transfer to Seaside?" Pietro asked, turning to face me.

"I don't learn anything. Seaside has a better STEM program. Simple as that." I shrugged my shoulders, letting them know that was that. They cannot know why I really want to transfer. I don't need their pity. Sure, Brooklyn's my kind-of girlfriend, and Pietro's basically my older brother. But they cannot know what goes on at Midtown.

"Petey, we know when you're lying." Brooklyn stated, her shoulder touched mine and I jerked back slightly, her touch feeling like ice. "Come on. You know you can tell us anything."

"I did tell you everything. Not everything needs to be complicated like Ultron attacking Sokovia. Or Hela trying to take over Asgard. Or even The Vulture tracking Spider Man down and trying to kill him because he knows I'm Spider Man."

"Wow. Just, wow." Brooklyn stated, shaking her head. "It's not about great evil, it's about high school!"

"So great evil?" I asked, with a smirk.

"Yes!" Pietro exclaimed, looking at me.

"Pietro, you're not helping." Brooklyn looked over at the blue-eyed speedster, who shrugged at her response and I chuckled slightly. Pietro was essentially my older brother, he and I are very close and let's just say, if anyone, Jade, ever messed with me, they'd be dealing with an angry speedster.

"Miss, may I remind you that school starts in twenty minutes, forty for Mr. Parker." Brooklyn's AI, SKYLA, Stealthy Karma Yearning Luxurious Accomplishments, warned us. Brooklyn loves her acronyms, just like Mr. Stark.

"Thanks, Sky." Brooklyn told her AI, grabbing her bookbag. "Bye Peter!" Brooklyn waved her goodbyes as the rest of the gang joined her and Pietro.

"Bye, kid." Pietro wrapped his arms around me in a hug behind me and I patted his hand as he did so. They left and I sighed. This is another part of why I want to transfer. I'll be with all my friends who really understand me. I mean, Ned and MJ are great. But they just don't understand what really goes on.

"Peter," I looked over to see Bucky, keys in hand. "Let's go. I'm driving you today."

"What? Happy too busy to drive me anymore?" I joked, picking up my backpack.

"No, something happened at the head office, Stark told me to drive you, I didn't argue. Plus, it gives me time to spend time with my favorite nephew." He bumped into my shoulder with his and I chuckled.

"Yeah right, I'm your only nephew."

"Exactly, kiddo."

We got into one of Mr. Stark's cars and he went into the main road.

"Uncle Bucky?" I asked, looking out the window.

"Hmm?" He replied, not taking his eyes off the road.

"What was school like when you were growing up?" I questioned, fully looking at him.

"Well, it was just like any school. There were people who you tolerated, hated, and got along with. And then there were the people you avoided at all costs. Jamison Bennett. I will never forget that name. Made Steve and mines' lives miserable, that boy." I nodded as I listened to him.

"Really? How bad?"

"Really bad. Unfortunately, teachers never listen to kids who are being bullied."

"I hear that."

"You now, I was a lot like you when I was about your age, Peter. I didn't like hanging out in big crowds. I only ever had one best friend. But as I got older, I let new people in. have you tried that?" I sighed at Bucky's question.

"It's not a matter of letting people in, it's the matter of will the new people turn on me." My answer was left alone as Bucky drove up to the front of the school.

"Have a good day, kiddo." Bucky told me, patting my leg.

"Thanks Uncle Bucky." I told him, getting my things and closing the door.

"DO GOOD IN SCHOOL KIDDO, DON'T DO ANYTHING I WOULDN'T DO!" Bucky screamed out the window and I sighed, but I smiled anyways.

"No way, dude! The Winter Solider, Bucky Barnes just dropped you off at school! How cool is that?!" Ned ran up to me, expressing how cool that was.

"Yeah, pretty cool." I chuckled nervously as we walked up to our lockers and got our things for class. Ned left for his class, one of the few classes that we don't have together, and I closed my locker.

"So, Penis Parker! The Bucky Barnes dropped you off today?" I sighed, shaking my head. I really don't need this today.

"Not today, Flash." I told him, trying to walk around him, but he stopped me, grabbing my hoodie and throwing me backwards slightly.

"No, tell me. how could someone who has so little possibly do to make The Winter Soldier drop you off?" I rolled my eyes at that.

"I didn't make him. He offered." I told him, trying to get past him, but he wouldn't let me.

"Did your Aunt leave you like your parents and Uncle? Oh, I wouldn't put it past her." I blood turned to ice during that moment. He can torture me all he wants, but my parents and Uncle are a no-go. Putting together as much courage as I had, I faced Flash.

"You don't know anything about my family! If you don't have your facts straight, don't use 'em!" I growled with as much courage as I could muster, and Flash glared. And I honestly got scared for a moment. I didn't have much time to think before I knew what happened. Flash punched me. hard. I fell down to the floor and he scoffed, probably at my pathetic-self.

"You're weak, Parker. You'll never be good enough for your Aunt. You're not smart enough, you're not strong enough. And you'll never live up to your parents." At that, Flash left, and the warning bell sounded, leaving the kids who had stood by to watch and not doing anything leave to. I got out my phone to check the damage Flash had done. No blood, thankfully. But I hope it doesn't turn into a black eye. Sighing, I picked up my stuff and practically ran to science class, but unfortunately, I was too late.

"Late again, Mr. Parker? I'll talk with you after class. Have a seat." My teacher, Ms. Warren told me, and I sighed, annoyed with myself. Great. I sat down and sighed again. This was turning out to be a great day.

"….. So if D = MC3, it shows the process of the speed of sound." I wrinkled my nose at that. that's wrong.

"That's wrong, Ms. Warren." I told her and she eyed me, so did half the class.

"Excuse me?" She questioned me and I sighed.

"You said that D=MC3 shows the process of the speed of sound. That's wrong. The equation is that if E=MC2 shows the process of the speed of light. Putting it simply, if an object approaches the speed of light, its mass becomes infinite and it is unable to go any faster than light travels. This cosmic speed limit has been a subject of much discussion in physics, and even in science fiction, as people think about how to travel across vast distances. The process was developed by Einstein in 1905." I told her and she glared….. If looks could kill.

"Peter Parker! I think I know how to teach this class! I expect more from you, not only were you late, but you disrespected me! Go to the office! They'll deal with you as they see fit!" She was not happy, to put it bluntly. I'm not good with emotions, but even I could see that. I got my stuff and went to the office.

An hour later, I was still getting yelled at. The Principle then called Aunt May; she didn't answer. She's out of town. He tried Tony and Pepper, neither of them answered.

"Who else can I call, Mr. Parker?" The Principal asked and I sighed.

"Maybe Bucky Barnes? 678…." I gave him his number and he called it. They talked for awhile before he hung up

"Mr. Barnes is coming to pick you up." I sighed and half-rolled my eyes. Great. Just what I needed.

About twenty minutes later, Bucky walked in.

"Hello, Mr. Barnes, it seems that the child—"

"My nephew." Bucky corrected him and I gave a small smile.

"…. Your nephew, disrespected a teacher in class." Bucky eyed me and I slunk down in my seat.

"Is that so? Very well. I'll deal with it." Bucky motioned for me to get up and I followed him. We got in the car and I sighed.

"Sorry I disturbed you today…." I mumbled, not looking Bucky in the eye.

"Kid, you didn't disturb me. So, tell me. Why'd you disrespect your teacher?" He asked, starting the car and getting on the main road.

"She was wrong." I told him and he narrowed his eyebrows.

"I'm sorry?" He questioned, as if he didn't believe me.

"She was wrong. Ms. Warren was wrong about Einstein's Theory of General Relativity." He eyed me again, waiting for more of an explanation. "She said that D=MC3 shows the process of the speed of sound. That's wrong. The equation is that if E=MC2 shows the process of the speed of light. That's the equation and she was wrong." I told him and he nodded, showing he understood what I was saying. And did…. Did he give a small smile?

"I'm proud of you, Pete." He told me and I looked at him, surprised. "You knew the right equation and you spoke out about it, very brave thing for you to do, for anyone. I don't know what your Aunt or Stark will think, but in my mind, it was the right thing for you to do." I smiled at that. Uncle Bucky will always have my back for this sort of thing.

Uncle Bucky pulled into the garage and we got out. He then looked at me and pulled me aside.

"What happened to your eye?" He asked me, extremely worried. Shit. Forgot about that.

"Nothing… I just, fell…" I told him and he scoffed.

"Fell since two hours ago? I doubt it. You're more care than that, Spider Man." He told me and I avoided eye-contact. "Seriously, though; what happened?" He asked, trying to get a better looked and I shoved him away, my senses being a bit more active than usual.

"Nothing! I'm fine, Uncle Bucky." I told him and started walking the other way. "I'm gonna go do homework." I told him, got in the elevator and went into my room in the tower and collapsed on my bed. I was staying here until my Aunt comes home from some hospital in Brooklyn; she won't be back for about a week. I'm kind of glad too, 'cause she would find out about Flash. But I'd find a way to hide it. And that's what I intend to do with Pietro, Brooklyn, Bucky and Mr. Stark. They'll never know.

I heard a knock on my door, and someone came in; it was Tony.

"Hey, kid. I heard you got kicked out of school today." He sat by my bed and sighed. "First time?" He asked with a smirk and I rolled my eyes but nodded.

"Alright. You wanna tell me what that's about?" He asked and I basically told him what I told Uncle Bucky.

"Wow. She kicked you out simply for the reason that you're the smartest in the room." Mr. Stark mumbled and shook his head.

"Mr. Stark, I'm sor—"

"Don't even finish that sentence. You should never have to apologize for being the smartest in the room." Mr. Stark moved my leg and he sat next to me.

"That's why I want to transfer to Seaside! They have a better academic program, including STEM!" I told him and he nodded, patting my leg.

"Alright. I'll pick up an application." He told me, standing up.

"Really?!" I exclaimed, seriously happy for once.

"Yep. You're too smart for them, Parker. You need a new environment. And Seaside's gonna give it to you." He started to walk out of the room, but he smiled at me. "You're too good for this world, you know, Pete." He told me and I smiled. "Lunch is in two hours."

"Thank you…. Tony." I told him and he smiled warmly at me, then walked out of the room.

No sooner did he leave did I jump into the air.

"YES! Karen, play my jam!"

"Certainly, Peter."

A familiar tune filled my soundproof room as I jammed out, singing along to it. I cannot believe that I'm finally going to Seaside! Wait until I tell Brooklyn and Pietro!

I'll let you decide what song he was listening to at the end; also, I love IronDad and SpiderSon. That's everything! And Bucky is the kid's uncle. Nobody can change my mind on that.

Anyways, I hope you guys liked it!

[poorvioletdraws]

Tom vs. The Underworld

Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10

Chapter 2: Santeria, Part 1

I had been moping at home in our kingdom for two days before I decided to leave. No matter how many video games, or ping-pong matches, or the numerous times I hurled pear grenades at Petey as we played dodgeball, I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I left Star on the day we should’ve left for our trip together. My parents were away discussing business matters with the Pigeon Kingdom so that ruled out me talking to anyone about my problems. Brian’s expertise was anger management, and I wasn’t particularly angry over anything that counting backwards from ten would resolve. And Petey is loyal and all, but he doesn’t quite get it. So I decided to just go wherever the road led me and my skeleton horse-drawn carriage.

I picked up my “Alphonse the Worthy’s Atlas of the Multiverse” and started turning its pages. The titular sea captain had documented many dimensions throughout the universe that I thought would be a great starting point for Star and I to choose where to visit on our first getaway. All she had to do was pick one--any one. But she didn’t circle anything. And there were SO many dimensions we could have seen together. There’s the Underwater Dimension, Pixtopia, and even the Plains of Time where Father Time literally maintains time! There’s the Desert Dimension, home of the universe’s best hot dog, the Goblin Dog—I’ve always wanted to try one. There is even the Crystal Dimension where all the renowned, most evilest of beings are imprisoned; sounds pretty metal if you ask me! 

I let out a sigh and closed the book. I sat it down on the table next to the throne chair I had been slumped in and rubbed my fingers to my temple irritated. Was none of those worlds just not interesting to her, or was she hiding the fact that she already had been there before… with Marco?

I pulled myself up and decided to brood over by the window of my carriage for a change. My skeleton horse trotted along a mountainous volcanic region of the Underworld, towing my caravan behind it. I had been travelling for two days now and I didn’t really know where I was headed, I just knew I wanted to get away and go anywhere at this point. I wanted to clear my mind and give Star space. I wanted to see something new. Star and I both would be seeing something new right now if it all worked out. But now I’m travelling through my homeland, the same old Underworld where I have lived all my life. 

Granted, this was a region I had barely been in. My family would travel by portals to get to Lava Lake so we wouldn’t have to waste time travelling the hard way. This area was a divider between the lake and Prickly Plains, where the demon city of my common people resided. I don’t know why I decided to take the long trek through, it just felt like something I had to do. Plus, the change of scenery was not too bad. There were mountains of all sizes and volcanoes oozing out its molten rock like blood from a wound. The path I was on was decorated with charred skulls and skeletons, probably of tourists who foolishly came to the Underworld without a firesuit or any other form of protection from the burst of flames that would emit from the earth spontaneously. But no matter how cool the sight was, I couldn’t stop thinking about Star.

I wanted Star to be with me right now. I wanted her to finally start having fun and enjoy being a teenager for once. She no longer had any obligations to the Butterfly throne. She was done with being a princess and wanted to be free. But I can’t help to think that maybe she wanted to be free from everything that pertained to that aspiration. And since I am a prince, that included me being apart of what held her back as well. 

“Ugh! What does she want me to do? It may be easy for her to just give it all up, but not for me.” I groaned as I rested my chin in the palm of my hand and leaned on the windowsill with my elbow. The Lucitor throne is what I’ve always known to be mine one day. I was proud of it--being a prince. It is my path and something I accept for myself. But I should accept what she wants for herself too. I finally got a second chance for Star and I to be together and I don’t want it to end over me being upset or letting my emotions get in the way again.

Without warning, my skeleton horse halted its pace abruptly and I shifted about on my feet. “Why have we stopped?” I said aloud.

I opened the door of my carriage and stepped out to see where I had ended up. I first noticed a humongous mountain a mile or so before me with bats and vultures dotting the sky around it. It was the tallest point in the Underworld--The Mountain of Boom. And seated within the mountain’s col was what looked to be a small town. There were a few buildings and residences built in to the mountain range as other structures came to the center of its valley. A crowd of demons bustling around a busy marketplace was the forefront of the town that lay ahead. It actually was a wicked sight to behold. The perfect place to get distracted.

I looked up to read the large entrance sign in the shape of a traditional Japanese shrine gateway that I was standing under. “Yomi Town”. Never heard of it. There were a lot of civilians around for it being in a remote location so it must have some interesting secrets behind it.

“Guess I’ll have a look around, not much else to do.” I said while placing my hands in my pockets and walking through the torii. “Get comfortable, skeleton horse.”

“Yes, Master Tom.” My horse uttered from behind me.

I strolled through the town’s marketplace engrossed in fascination. Not only was it loud, but it was crazy busy. Demons and monsters littered the streets haggling over shop items or enjoying the many varieties of food selections to be had. There were handcrafted weapons laid out on embroidered mats and decorative wares such as plates, bowls, clothes, and jewelry all being presented by its sellers to their intrigued buyers. I saw street performers dancing with basilisk boas while others blew fire from their mighty jaws to create authentic glass art. Customers were entering and exiting restaurants, ordering at side carts, or walking around eating their delicacies in order to not miss anything the market had to offer. There was even cute little cerberus puppies on display in the window of a pet store. I just had to check those out!

The little monstrous pups with three heads were tumbling and pawing at each other without a care in the world. I pressed my hands up against the window to admire their adorableness further. There were five of them altogether and they were practically identical. Their jet black fur was smooth and their red eyes shone brightly as they tussled with their siblings. One of the multi-headed canines finally noticed me and came up to the window. It looked up at me with its six big eyes and gave me a tiny fanged smile, wagging its tail playfully. It was so cute!

However, despite all of the excitement, my hand idly returned to its previous location in my pocket and held on to my compact phone. I began to wonder what Star was up to right now. Not being able to text her nonstop was one of the hardest things about this time away. She hadn’t called me since I left, come to think of it. Did she even care where I went? I wonder where she ended up going to… Probably Earth, I bet… Who am I kidding, I know she did…

I closed my eyes and pulled my other hand away from the glass and back into the adjacent pocket of my leather jacket. I sighed as I felt the depression returning. Even though I’m far away from her, I still can’t forget about Star...

“P-Prince Tom?” I heard a feathery voice float through the noise of the multitude of monsters and rest upon my ears. Her voice was familiar and inviting, I knew I heard it some time before. And although it was soft, it was as if everything around us seemed to hush for the female demon that stood a few feet from me.

She was a teenager like me, an assumption I gathered from her appearance. She had gray skin with patches of what resembled small rocklike fragments dotting portions of the parts of her body that was shown. Her golden eyes mirrored the sunlight and her somewhat disheveled scarlet hair spread out like a bird’s wing. But only the right side of her tresses were visible as the left side was concealed by the hood of her black sleeveless sweatshirt she had on under her shoulderless jean jacket. Her dark blue denim shorts were high-waisted and her white knee-high combat-style boots were scuffed from extensive use perhaps. 

I remembered her. She was the delivery girl for that store on Lava Lake that would bring our order every few weeks. I answered the door for her once. She was clumsy and a bit high-strung, but she seemed friendly. Her name was…

… nice to meet you, Raya. Well, see-ya around …

That’s right. It came back to me. 

“Hey there, Raya.” I greeted her by taking my hands out of my pockets and waved at her, my phone being forgotten at the moment.

She looked surprised and said, “You remembered… someone like me?” She began to blush and smiled to herself. “Thank you, Prince Tom…” 

“Hey, I told you last time. No need for the formalities. Just Tom is fine.” I told her.

“Oh, no I couldn’t.” Raya tightened her grip on the bag she was holding. “My parents would be very upset if they knew I spoke to you in such a casual way... I’m sorry, Prince Tom.” She sounded very sorrowful over the thought of the idea.

“Well it’s fine, I guess…” Feeling defeated, I rubbed the back of my head not knowing what to say next. I fixated on the bag in her hands and became interested by its contents being a rather large flat square. “Hey, what’s that?” I asked.

“Oh, just a vinyl record.” Raya reached in and pulled it out. I recognized the band on the front and got a little excited.

“Are you for real?! Love Sentence! I love them! I’m like their number one fan.” I didn’t notice I had grabbed on to it during my fit of fangirling. I continued to gush over them, “What the!! This album is hard to find and contains all of their songs from when they first started out, like before they even were famous! There’s even a lot of never before released stuff on here! So you’re a huge fan too?!” 

She said without hesitation. “No, never heard of them.”

If this were a cartoon, this is the part where I would face fault.

“What?! Then why did you buy such a widely-sought-after-by-fans album such as that?” I exclaimed dumbfounded.

“Oh is it that rare?” Raya looked it over perplexed.

“Yes, of course, have you not been listening to what I’ve been saying!” I was astonished by her naivety over such a remarkable boy band such as Love Sentence. 

“... So that’s why it was the last one.” She said nonchalantly.

“WHAT?!” I felt fire explode from me as I yelled in disbelief. Keep it together now, keep it together. 

I quickly calmed myself down and pleaded with Raya, “You have to let me buy that from you.”

Raya put the record back in the back and looked at me worriedly. “Oh… I’m sorry, Prince Tom, I can’t do that…”

“Why not? I’ll pay double what you paid, anything actually! Please!” I had grabbed on to her shoulders and begged for the album.

“I can’t because it’s a gift…” Raya said meekly, the gray on her cheeks were turning pink.

“Oh.” I squeaked out. Well that was a definite open mouth insert foot moment. I dropped down from 10 to 0 on the freak-out scale and could now think with a clear head again. I quickly released my grasp on her shoulders and it was my turn to blush due to the awkwardness that I had caused. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have touched you like that. And I shouldn’t have tried to pay for something that is a gift of yours…”

Raya smiled at me and said happily, “Actually, Prince Tom, it’s kind of nice seeing how passionate you are about music. I’m the same way really.” 

“Yea… Still that was a jerk move on my part. I still have a lot to learn about boundaries obviously… So I’m sorry.” I apologized as I was still kicking myself for how I acted.

“Thank you.” She gave me another sincere smile and accepted my apology.

I didn’t want to pry but I still wanted to know why she bought that record. So I asked, “So… you buying that for a brother, or a sister, or a boyfriend maybe?”

Raya shook her head and said, “Every year my family comes here on vacation and there is always some one-of-a-kind finds out here. I try to buy one souvenir for each of my friends back home since they don’t get the opportunity to leave our hometown very often…My friend Blair loves this band so I had to get it.”

“Wow… that’s pretty cool of you.” I praised her kindness. There is also more to this place than I thought and since her and her family come here enough to know about it, I had a great idea come to mind. “Hey, how about I help you shop for your friends as a way to make up for how I acted?”

Raya grew nervous again and said, “Oh no, I don’t want to take up your own time here that you could be spending with your family or… your girlfriend?”

Upon hearing her rebuttal, my heart skipped a beat. I started thinking about Star again. If only you knew, Raya. You won’t be taking up any time that I would have been spending with her because she didn’t even want to come with me anywhere… 

I shook the thought away and tried keeping my composure as I told her, “Nah, it’s cool. I’m travelling alone actually. This is my first time here...” I began itching the back of my head, unsure of how she would handle such a proposal, but I continued anyway. “I was thinking… Since your family comes here more than I ever have, do you think you could also show me around?”

Raya put her hand to her chin and was actually considering what I had asked of her. “Well, if Your Highness… I mean, If you insist, Prince Tom. It would be rude if I turned down your request.” She began fiddling with her fingers. 

“Awesome, let’s go then!” I was ecstatic. This was a great chance to get distracted. I started strutting forward but then froze in my steps. I looked back at her and said, “Uh… Where to first?”

She giggled and we walked down the main street together.

There was so much to see and so many novelty stores that I never would have expected from a town so deep in the mountains. This section of Yomi Town containing the marketplace and shopping center was known as the Tsukiyomi District. It was the social hub for practically everything. Raya showed me the music store where she had bought the vinyl record. What made it stand out from many others was the signed instruments it had from popular bands and infamous singers--I even saw one of Eclipsa’s skeleton guitars on display. While there earlier, Raya was debating on whether she should buy “The Box of Applause” for one of her friends and after a second opinion by me, she did (seemed different, but cool). Raya scored some gourmet coffee beans from an espresso stand as a gift and I pointed out a seller closeby with all sorts of exotic crystals she bought as another one. We finally picked out chocolate scorpions from a dessert store for the last friend on her mental list--it being a banned delicacy back in Prickly Plains--and we tried a few for ourselves.

In between our search for souvenirs we were also able to do some of the recreational activities Yomi Town had to offer--we went ziplining through the fiery caverns, played a few games of flamethrower tag at an arcade, and we caught a local band performing at Yomi Town’s cemetery event center while passing by. I even tried extreme hot air balloon racing with the speed being controlled by miniature dragon flames; now how sweet is that! I let Raya beat me though, I swear. I was actually quite impressed with how this day was turning out.

Raya knew a lot about Yomi Town too. She told me about the Mountain of Boom being the largest volcano in the Underworld and that when it erupts its vibration is felt throughout all of Mewni. It’s lava empties into crevasses around the mountain, kind of like a fondue fountain. There’s a hot spring at its base where her family is staying that has water with temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degrees due to the lava flowing underneath.

It was towards the end of our adventurous day where I slipped up. We had made it to a clothing store where we were trying on outrageous fashion styles and having so much fun laughing over the choices we showcased in front of a set of full-length mirrors. 

Raya and I both were making vogue faces while wearing matching spider hats and spiderweb shades when I mindlessly said, “Haha! Oh wait, let me take a selfie so I can send it to--” 

I stopped myself before I could finish but I was already holding my compact phone up as a reflex to snap a photo. Send it to Star? What was I thinking. Why would I say that? Would Star even care anyway?

Raya didn’t notice I had cut my sentence short and she agreed with a simple “Sure.”

I went ahead and took the picture for the sake of not alerting the demon girl of my sudden switch in emotion; but I didn’t send it. I was somewhat happy, from what my forced expression on the photo suggested, but deep down I was still bothered by my situation with Star. After all this, still?!

I removed the hat and shades and sat them back on the display rack. I’m sure it was written all over my face how I was feeling right now. I didn’t want to bother Raya with my problems so it would probably be best if I stepped aside for a moment.

“Hey, I’m going to get some fresh air, ‘kay?” I mumbled. Without waiting for a response from her, I walked out of the store and wandered over to a courtyard that was in proximity to the marketplace but away from all of the hustle and bustle. I stood under a large black tree with bare branches and frowned wistfully at it.

I can’t believe myself sometimes. After everything I’ve done today I still can’t get Star out of my head. She was probably having her own fun right now, with Marco. Not giving me a second thought… Seriously, what is wrong with me, why am I not good enough...

“Is everything alright, Prince Tom.” I heard Raya’s amiable voice as she carefully stepped up from behind me. So she did follow me outside...

I didn’t want to lie to her and I didn’t want to hide the reason for me ending up in this town. But these were my own problems and after she dedicated her time to me (to keep me distracted) she didn’t deserve my drama or baggage. She could’ve been doing anything she wanted, but she hung out with me. She wasted her time for me to show me around a place that she has been coming to for years. Yet I was the one being a downer? It seemed she had fun today, but did she really?

“Prince Tom?” She repeated with some worry in her tone after I forgot to answer her the first time.

“Sorry, I just… started thinking about my girlfriend…” I confessed with my back still turned on her.

“Oh! Is she okay?” Raya inquired concerned. 

“Yea… I think she is. I’m just… We’re having a…” I was struggling with what to say. This was my business and I needed to handle it on my own. “Hey, t-thanks for today.” I choked out trying to deflect from my growing depression. Why did I feel I were on the verge of tears.

“Prince Tom?” 

I heard her lightly step forward as my eyes welled up further. I croaked out, “You know, I don’t have a lot of friends… And it seems the ones I do have, the ones who are supposed to be my best friends, would rather spend time together than with me. And you have been SO kind to me today for me to just start acting like this. All I wanted was to relax and have a great time while I’m away. I just wish it were always like this when I’m with her... I’m sorry you had to put up with me and do things you’ve probably done a million times. You probably had more important stuff to do and I selfishly took you away from that. I can be such a buzzkill so I understand if you’re ready to just go--”

“Prince Tom, don’t say something like that.” Raya objected. Although her voice was still very sweet-sounding, it had invoked a formidable presence that rendered me speechless to what she had to say next. I turned to face her to see she too appeared to be holding back tears. She walked closer to me and put both of my hands in hers and said, “There will never be anything more important than showing you, our Prince, around a place that has been apart of me for years. You even helped me immensely with gift shopping, which I am so grateful to you for. I’m glad I was able to share with you the fun things I like doing. And for you to be happy, well, it makes me happy witnessing that…”

I still couldn’t find my words, “Raya… I…”

Within an instant, she had released her grasp and stepped back from me. Her voice became genial once again as she coaxed me further, “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll listen. Your friends are probably just occupied with issues of their own, so it may seem like they don’t have time for you. Just try not to take it too personally, and most of all, try not to let it ruin your time away from what is upsetting you.”

I felt my anxiety beginning to fade from what she said. Over the past few days I felt so empty. I felt that no one understood or even cared. I was trying to feel that void of not being acknowledged or not being wanted. But then I came here. This place and Raya was starting to help me feel whole again. And for only knowing her for a short time, I was glad I had found a friend like her.

“Raya, thank you so much for that.” I expressed my gratitude toward the demon girl.

As if on cue with my words, an ominous bell began to toll in the distance.

“What’s that?” I asked as I scanned the area for the origin of the ringing.

“Oh, that’s just the temple where they do all the rituals and sacrifices and tortures, you know, stuff like that.” Raya spoke as if it was just some ordinary, everyday occurrence.

“Okay I gotta see that.” I said. Well, for the Underworld, it is kind of the norm.

“Alright, I’ll show you.” Raya went to pick up the bags of gifts that had been sitting on the ground by her feet.

“Here, let me get that.” I volunteered. 

Raya became flustered and said, “Oh, you don’t have to do that, Prince Tom. I don’t want to burden you with having to carry my gifts.” 

“Nah, it’s cool.” I held my hand up and the bags began to effortlessly float into the air the same way the packages did when Raya came to our lake house. “‘Kay, ready?”

Raya was amazed by my telekinesis. “That’s amazing you can do something like that. Thank you!”

“Yea, I guess it is.” I couldn’t help but grin over her compliment. 

The two of us began to walk away from the courtyard, not noticing two gray figures that had been crouching behind some bushes hop up and take off in the opposite direction.

Raya and I rounded the corner as the gigantic bell recessed in its tower ceased its powerful resonance. I was expecting to see an ancient temple erected with stone pillars or something basic along those lines, but instead, what my eyes discovered was truly magnificent. It was an enormous cathedral designed in the style of perfect Gothic architecture. It was made of black stone that glimmered from the surrounding fire that spewed from the ground steadily. And the craftsmanship was superior. There was a significant amount of excruciating detail no matter where your eyes wandered, right down to the last arch. I was mesmerized.

“It’s… It’s…” I stuttered as I couldn’t quite think of a word to describe it.

“Wicked, isn’t it?” Raya stared proudly at the building. She asked if I wanted to go inside but I think she already knew the answer from how bewitched I was already in the temple’s beauty. 

We walked under a series of flying buttresses that outlined the foyer of the temple. And I just couldn’t stop gawking at the sight of the art on the walls. There was depictions of torture and agony brought on by fire-breathing demonic figures and satanic language etched in its borders. Any Mewman would cower and flee but to us demons, it was glorious.

I stopped marveling long enough to declare to her that this is probably the coolest thing I’ve seen all day but she had started walking through a great passageway. I quickly followed behind her to enter a room even more darkly majestic. We walked into the grand hall that was dimly lit by floor-length candelabras positioned systematically near the walls and toward the center. There were rows of benches facing an altar made of a numerous amount of skulls with what appeared to be blood dripping down from it.

“Darn, seems like we missed them harvest the blood from the unicorn.” Raya mumbled to herself.

“Hey what’s that?” I pointed over to two large statues that faced away from each other behind the altar. We walked over to them and I saw a table with small wooden boxes filled with beads and rope used for making what seemed to be necklaces. I stepped up and started examining each one. There were beads shaped like eyes, fangs, bats, teeth, and skulls. Upon further investigation, I could see that in the hands of the statues were finished necklaces hanging from them.

“These are the founders of Yomi Town, Izanami and Izanagi.” Raya explained as she came to my side. “They were demon lords from long ago that originated from this region and became known as the Underworld’s greatest fighters of that time. My mother always told me stories about them during bedtime when I was little. I’m sure your own mother did the same…”

I intently watched Raya as she spoke. She really did know a lot about this town--No, the Underworld’s history. More than I did, that’s for sure. My parents and advisors focused my rearing on what my duties as a prince are and what they will be as a king. Although I may be the prince, I have never been to Yomi Town; a place of great importance to my people and home to two legends. I’ve never even been to Prickly Plains either, come to think of it. And that’s the home of my subjects. Raya’s home... My people don’t even know who I am or what I’m like. I mean, when I first met Raya she was afraid I would harm her. Am I really that out of touch with my own people and their lives? Have I been too preoccupied with what has been going on in Star’s life that I’ve neglected my own? If I’m to rule this world one day, I need to understand it and be more involved in it than I have been. 

“Please, tell me more.” I implored her. 

Raya continued, “Alright, Prince Tom... Well, Izanami and Izanagi were close companions and fought alongside each other during many battles. Their most famous--and final legacy--was what had transpired from the war against the demons and Mewmans. Izanami was captured during an ambush on the battlefield and held prisoner by the Mewman army. When Izanagi tried to save her, he was too late. They burned her as a show of force to the demon army, her necklace being the only thing he could recover from her ashes. And although he fought fiercely for her revenge, he wasn’t the same without her by his side. When his army retreated, he kept fighting until he died in battle… alone.” 

“Tragic…” I murmured as I studied the statues.

“So as a tribute to them, this temple was built. Other events and activities take place here but this ceremony is the main highlight of the temple. The giving of the necklace.” Raya pointed at the hands of the statues. “Because Izanami and Izanagi were separated, tragedy ensued and created the key factor for our species losing the war. And even after the treaty was signed between the Mewmans and demons, many still do not trust them and fear they will try to separate us from those close to us again. Izanami and Izanagi were strong because of their unity. The necklaces solidifies a union by two people who come before the statues--which are the sacred presence of the demon lords--and seek their blessing to never have their own companionship separated.”

Upon hearing the end of Raya’s retelling of the two demon lords’ story, an idea popped into my head.

“Hey, you know what? We should make one together.” I suggested.

“W-h-what?!” Raya stammered.

“Yea.” I responded unabashedly as I started picking through the boxes of beads. “To symbolize our friendship.” 

“Oh. Okay…” Raya said with flushed cheeks as she started helping me choose what should go on our necklace.

Within a few short minutes, it was complete and I held it up to show it to her. “Look, it’s finished! Do you like it?” I said exultantly.

“Y-yes.” she mumbled while still blushing nervously.

I turned toward the statue and said, “Now, let's hang it on--”

“EEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHH!!”

A blood curdling shriek came from the hallway and caused the necklace to drop from my hands in an instant. The frightening screech carried on as the commencement of chanting voices were now heard as well.

“Oh! They’re about to torture someone!” Raya exclaimed.

“What?! We have to see this!” I said excitedly. “Come on!”

I ran out of the room toward the screaming. It took Raya a moment to follow me as she looked back at the altar once more.

After spending some time in the temple, we finally headed on our way. We had been walking down by some of the shops again while talking about our favorite torture devices and how it would feel to be the victim in a situation like that. 

I was on a jovial high as I told her, “That was the best part about today for sure!”

“Well I hope just not the torture.” She remarked.

“No way! The whole temple itself was freakin’ awesome! I’m so glad you showed it to me!” I clarified punched my fists up into the air triumphantly .

Raya halted in her tracks and fixated on me as a smile began to tug , “I’m glad you liked it, Prince Tom… It is my favorite place about this town…”

“Really?”

Raya nodded as her cheeks reddened once again. “Every year that’s usually where I spend most of my time… Something about it is just so calming to me. When you walk in everything that troubles you seems to go away, at least for a little while. So I hope it had the same effect on you…”

I gazed over at Raya and felt something I couldn't really explain. This whole time I was too busy thinking of being distracted when I failed to recognize something else. Raya wanted me to enjoy myself. She didn’t really know me but genuinely she wanted me to still experience what this town could do for me. Had she known all along that I came here for this sort of retreat? Or could she just sense that I needed this? It was true that I felt some relief but once she had put it back in perspective, I tried my hardest not to think of what I was trying to forget. Fortunately for me, there was something, or should I say someone, lying in wait for the opportunity to help me further.

“Raya!” A powerful and intimidating bellow came from behind me, causing me to almost jump out of my skin.

I turned around hesitantly to see a tall looming figure with a muscular build and dark gray skin. He wasn’t anywhere near the height of my Mom, maybe half her size at least. He had long, sharp horns like a springbok and wild crimson hair. His glowing yellow eyes were in a glare as his fangs shown. Although he was very menacing-looking, he was wearing a baby pink tank that read “Gneiss Guy”.

“Hi Dad…” Raya darted her head down as she greeted him. 

Oh it’s her Dad. I relaxed a bit.

“So who’s your friend? This BOY!” He growled as he placed emphasis on the gender portion of his statement, the ground beneath him cracking.

I tightened up a bit and could feel the sweat break out over my face.

“Oh!” She perked up and held her right hand out toward me as if she were presenting me. “This is Prince Tom Lucitor.”

“H-Hi…” I replied shakily.

Raya’s father’s eyes shot towards me as they sparked even more, I felt my heart stop. He was silent and still snarling. But then all of a sudden, the killing intent that was emitting from the great Stone Demon did a complete 180. His face grew soft as he gave me the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. “Ah, Your Highness. It’s been some time since I’ve seen you. You were barely able to peek over your crib if my memory serves me correctly. My apologies for not recognizing you, our Young Prince. I am Albion, head of the Belmonte Family.” 

He bowed. I sighed in relief.

“Raya!” His loud roar was directed at his daughter now but still caused me to jump again. “It was Piers and Peter who alerted me of your whereabouts and that you were hanging out with a BOY, only to come and find that it is His Majesty’s son! Why didn’t you come get the rest of your family to greet the Young Prince? Unforgivable!”

It was Raya’s turn to stiffen up in nervousness.

“No, no, It’s alright. We just met. Well actually, we met before. But--” I pleaded for her.

“Your Highness, will you please do our family, the Belmontes, the honor of courting you!” He proclaimed, though it seemed to be more like a demand than a request as he knelt to the ground with his head touching it. I faintly remembered that Raya put her body in the same position when she first met me.

“... C-courting? I do--” I stuttered, a bit confused by his word choice.

“Thank you, Your Highness!” He cried out happily as he scooped me up and took me away with Raya trailing behind us.

[crow--teeth]

what are your favourite blogs m8? my dash is dead.

i gotchu

@whatoatmeal - good friend of mine, posts memes and stuff

@compulsive - pretty cool grunge-ish aesthetic blog, frequent posting

@aestheticallypleasingleah - another good friend, more memes, cool stuff

@emo-church - a good blog for if u miss ur emo/scene days, nails the aesthetic of it 

@caninecranium - bones and aesthetics and cool stuff, definitely worth a look if ur into vulture culturey stuff 

@all-bark-all-bite - really good blog for the type of content i tend to reblog, not sure what activity is like tho

thats all i can think of off the top of my head but theyre some p rad blogs if u like that sorta stuff. 

[zombfear-blog]

B A S I C

name: Brian Yu age: 21?  gender: male  pronouns: he/him  height: 6′4 date of birth: [ REDACTED ] was reanimated on FEBRUARY 20TH zodiac: Pisces  sexuality: Pansexual Panromantic  hometown: [ REDACTED ] awoke outside MESA ARIZONA species: Zombie ? 

P E R S O N A L 

personality: Brian is incredibly monotone at times, almost like he’s in a constant state of being asleep or about to fall asleep. His humour is dry- sarcastic even and he seems to uncaring to some. He usually gets his energy from the people around him, the more excited they are, the more he feeds off their energy and seems more active than he normally would be.Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that he sometimes wonders how he even has friends, since his general sense of self worth is rather low. he tries to keep it mostly to himself, not wanting the people he speaks to, to know about it as he feels they might pity him- or try to tell him that he has nothing to really be self conscious about. Things like that often go in one ear, and out the other. Much to his dismay. But doesn’t everyone have their secrets?  likes: dogs, bloody meats ( such as blue rare steak ), sleeping, joking around, bad puns, ambient or chiller music, warm blankets, being cuddled while he sleeps, alcohol, a little weed now and again, lacrosse, drumming. dislikes: too much perfume or heavy scents, dirty people / people who don’t really take care of themselves, most classes at school, track n field, the Wolfpack, The interdimensional prince, winter, summer, total silence  habits: running and messing up his hair- he can’t control it, he has to mess his hair up often, biting onto his tongue, chewing his lip or nails, biting pen caps, tapping his fingers on his thumbs, staring off.  hobbies: playing the drums, working out, sewing  fears: Being alone, being forgotten, utter silence, worms, maggots, centipedes, vultures 

A P P E A R A N C E  

hair: dark green ( dyed ), though originally black. It’s short and loose, often messy from his constant messing it up,  eye: silver white with black scleras- almost almond in shape and drooping with dark circles around them skin: green- with patches of his neck, head, face missing. Along with slight stitches along his neck, arm and leg. On his back, his spine seems to protrude.  face: More of a square jawline, clean shaved and sharp.  body: Mesomorphic and fit- he tries to take as much care as he can. He does have some abs, and back muscles for sure. His thighs and ass are certainly defined as well  scars: Plenty along his sides, face and back.  piercings: none  tattoos: Three. One on his shoulder of yellow flowers, one along his right side of the Vitruvian man and one on his thigh of a solid line dragon. 

B A C K S T O R Y:

before he turned: [ REDACTED— FILE CORRUPT ] backstory: Brian first came to conciousness outside Mesa, Arizona- finding himself to already be dead. The part missing from his neck seemed to be fresh, as he was currently very sloppily patched up. Confused, he could only wander blindly into the town, unsure of where he was or... who he was really. He had no idea what his name was, all memories he had up until waking up were gone. He noticed something might possibly be wrong when he noticed people seemed to run in fear from him, or commented on what a cool costume he had— but halloween was months away. Brian’s first attempt was to head to the hospital- being stopped by a couple who offered to give him a lift. When they asked what his name was, he tried to tell them, glancing around until he saw a place with the name ‘BRIAN’ on it. Hesitantly saying that was his name before looking to the couple. They just seemed to laugh off his off behaviour as him really needing medical attention.    The group got into the car, but the female of the party seemed to hurt her finger reaching into her bag. Having a knife on her just in case, and accidentally slicing her finder. That was the downfall of the niceties. Unaware of what he was doing right away, the scent of blood hit him and that’s when he realized he was starving. Everything became a haze. He could remember screaming, cursing until soon the car crashed and he ended up flying through the window. Covered in blood from the lady he just tore open like a back of chips. He knew he couldn’t really go back- so he fled. Covered in blood, his mind fading in and out of control as he did. The last thing he remembered was tripping, falling and .... waking up a little later in a white room.         Some monster had found Brian’s body, seeing him crawl out of a ditch making sickly and groaning noises. The monster was one of the few with dignity and called an ambulance to get brian to the hospital and looked at. Filed under JOHN DOE until he woke up. Confused and going by the name Brian again. He explained to the police and a doctor what happened, and how he had nowhere to go really. Which seemed to be a common thing, which is how he ended in the care of Jan. A female werebear who took him in, and because he was old enough to pay rent, told him that as soon as he got a job, it would be 150 a month. Not terrible, but it could be worse.         However, because he was fairly young looking when he turned, he was sent to Spooky High, which is where he attends now. 

E X T R A 

family: [ REDACTED ] he does not remember them  pets: he doesn’t have one- but he would adore having a dog  favourite food/drink/season/time of day: blue rare steak/whiskey/fall/dusk headcanons: tba

[lokidiabolus]

Husbands - part 4

Last part, ayyy!

Ao3 version.

Thomas would have expected it if he wasn’t so with his head in the clouds. But his rational part knew his family was going to be perched in the living room like vultures expecting a prey, so when he entered from seeing Newt out, their expectant looks didn’t really come as a surprise.

“What?” he stopped in between the door and Ava raised a glass with white wine towards him and smiled. “Nothing happened.”

“It better not,” she flashed him faked glare. “I believe today’s kitchen fiasco taught you well.”

“I wouldn’t really call it a fiasco,” he mumbled and finally forced his body to move from the entrance. He was already missing Newt in a weird, expectant way, and he wasn’t sure if it was the physical aspect his body craved, apparently, or if only his presence would help. His head was hazy now anyway and he didn’t know what to think about it – except that he liked Newt touching him and he wouldn’t mind to continue.

It probably didn’t make him an admirable person though.

Teresa looked like she wanted to ask him something as well, but he just took his phone from the couch and retreated to his room without giving them a reason, except of a vague wave in their direction.

What exactly he wanted from Newt? What did it make him when he asked for a kiss without even trying to remember why? Was it an instinct from his sub consciousness that wanted to be close?

Thomas [21:31] What would you think of me if I told you I already miss you?

Newt [21:32] How sweet. Did Ava give you an earful again?

Thomas [21:33] Not really. I’m miserable all by myself.

Newt [21:34] Get some wine, it helps :)

Thomas [21:35] Come get some wine with me then.

Newt [21:36] Hoo boy, one kiss and you’re already like this? You’re breaking a record here.

Thomas [21:37] Was I not like this before?

Newt [21:38] Not right away, not really.

Thomas [21:39] So how long did it take?

Newt [21:41] Hmm. Few months?

“Few months,” Thomas repeated, reading the text while curled in his bed. He wondered how it went – was it Thomas who pursued Newt or the other way around? Where was their first date? First kiss? What was the sex like? Who proposed? No matter how hard he was trying to concentrate, nothing really came.

Except of the kiss today. The kiss and then the place on Newt’s neck – which Thomas knew, he knew it was the weak spot, that Newt liked it. It wasn’t a blind shot and it felt familiar – the whole thing about him was familiar, the closeness, the warmth, how his lips felt and how nice kissing him was. And somehow it wasn’t enough and Thomas couldn’t tell if it meant he just wanted sex or if he wanted a lot more and it connected to the memories locked somewhere deep in his brain.

Thomas [21:47] What are you doing rn?

Newt [21:48] Just got home. Listening to messages on the voice machine and making tea. Is this supposed to be sexting?

Thomas [21:49] You want it to be?

Newt [21:51] Not really :P I prefer the real thing.

Thomas [21:52] I prefer the real thing too.

Newt [21:53] Oh cool, we have so much in common.

“Sassy,” he chuckled and browsed into the photo gallery once more, sweeping through happy couple photos like it could give him an answer. What was Newt doing home alone? Was he breaking the mugs when got too sad? Too lonely? Was it difficult for him? It must have been, judging from the conversations they had.

Thomas didn’t look through the whole flat before. Did they have one bed? Was it big or small? How they usually slept? Was Newt a cuddly type? He looked like one. Thomas could almost tell how his body would fit in his arms, how spooning would go, how he would kiss the back of Newt’s neck before burying his face there, breathing deeply, falling asleep.

Thomas [22:01] I want to see you.

Newt [22:02] You just saw me.

Thomas [22:03] I want to see you again.

Newt [22:05] Just get some sleep, Tommy. I put too much pressure on you, I’m sorry.

Thomas [22:07] You didn’t. But I still miss you and it’s a little scary.

Newt [22:11] I’m sorry. Get some sleep, okay?

Thomas closed his eyes and thought that maybe it was time not to be scared anymore.

***

“Oh no.”

“Well, that’s not how I pictured you greeting me, but okay, I can work with that,” Thomas decided to keep a neutral expression even though Newt was standing between the doors with wide eyes and in Black Sabbath shirt and bare legs, and there wasn’t much oh man, happy to see you around as he hoped it would. It was almost midnight and Thomas was pretty sure his family was going to freak out once they find out he sneaked out in the middle of the night, but he couldn’t stop himself once the thought planted and took root in his head.

“What are you doing here?” Newt still stared, his hair sticking in all directions and Thomas felt rather bad for apparently waking him up.

“Well.”

“Come in, jesus,” a pull on his wrist dragged him inside of the flat, despite the unwelcomed guest label he got, and this time there were no shards on the floor and it looked relatively tidy too. “It’s midnight!”

“Not yet,” Thomas opposed lamely, pointing out those 4 minutes that kept on ticking. Newt looked unimpressed and okay, this was probably bad idea. “Oh man. Sorry, I didn’t really think you’d be angry about it. I even woke you up-,”

“Yeah, don’t fret about it,” Newt stopped him with a deep sigh and rubbed his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“I told you.”

“You told me what?”

“That I wanted to see you,” Thomas supplied and cleared his throat when Newt’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry.”

“You’re really testing me right now,” the blond grumbled, although it looked like it was more to him than to Thomas. He didn’t even look sleepy anymore, just dishevelled and kind of frantic, and when he started pacing, Thomas had a revelation.

“It’s my shirt,” he blurted out, stopping any movement from Newt’s side.

“What?”

“The shirt you have,” he pointed at the Black Sabbath logo. “It’s mine.”

Newt looked taken back for a second, almost guilty, but seriously, there was no reason for it. Thomas knew – he remembered buying the shirt in England in a small music shop when he was there for a visit. A visit… was he there to see Newt? That part was still blurry.

“It is yours,” Newt finally replied, gently touching a hem of it. It was kind of old now, the black wasn’t really black anymore but really dark grey, but Thomas still felt attached to it. And now Newt wore it and it was making him feel things he never felt before. “It makes me feel better to wear your shirts to sleep… I guess.”

“Which is fine,” Thomas quickly added because Newt’s face looked sad again, and apologetic and Thomas didn’t want him to feel bad about absolutely normal and kind of sweet thing to do. “I like it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, like a boyfriend shirt kind of thing,” he pointed out with an embarrassed laugh, because it was so stupid to think this possessively about a piece of cloth and a lover in it, but he still really, really fancied it.

“Well, husband, more like,” Newt chuckled and his tenseness eased away again, slowly melting into oblivion. Thomas wanted to hug him so much, but it was midnight, he came here uninvited and it probably breached some borders Newt had.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call before, or something,” he fidgeted awkwardly on the spot. “I didn’t really think what I was doing.”

He expected an earful, but Newt smiled sweetly instead and Thomas thought it brightened the whole room. When the blond started walking towards him, he had to take deep breath to keep calm, until Newt reached him and they clicked together in a perfect whole body hug, which he accepted with a relieved sigh.

“That’s pretty much what you always do,” Newt whispered to his ear. “You hot-headed husband of mine.”        

Thomas squeezed him tighter and kissed the top of his head. He still didn’t really remember all the important things, but he was so damn satisfied now he didn’t really care.

***

“It was in college. We had several classes together. You were dating this one girl for the first year.”

“What girl?” Thomas asked sleepily, his arms curled around Newt’s midsection as they faced each other in bed. Their bed. Not even that big for two people, yet they apparently preferred it that way. At least Thomas surely did now. They were lying next to each other, holding hands with intertwined fingers, and in the dim light of the street lights it was almost like deja vu.

“I don’t remember her name,” Newt yawned, his eyes half-lidded. “You broke up at some point. Then we started talking more. You asked me out.”

“Oh, so I did?” Thomas smiled softly and Newt chuckled. He looked comfortable and happy there, and Thomas decided coming here at midnight was good idea in the end.

“Yeah. We met few times like that, then started dating,” another yawn that interrupted Newt’s reminiscing. “Then we finished college. Got jobs. Decided to live together here. And then we got married.”

“Well, I like that,” Thomas commented and pulled Newt a little closer to his body. It felt natural like breathing and Newt went without hesitation. “And I like you.”

“You bloody should,” he heard Newt mumble into his shirt, his words almost slurred together. “We’re married.”

“Yeah,” Thomas petted him gently and stopped talking. Soft, evened breathing followed mere seconds after as Newt fell asleep, his face burrowed in Thomas’ shirt. Thomas took a deep breath and his chest ached sweetly, almost unbearably so. “And I love that too.”

***

It was warm and pleasant and it smelled like home, like Newt curled in his arms on lazy Saturday morning. Thomas breathed out the familiarity and without opening his eyes planted a gentle kiss on the back of Newt’s neck. Blond hair tickled him, but he didn’t care and snuggled closer while pampering the naked skin with small pecks as far as he could reach without moving.

“Mmm,” he felt Newt stir and Thomas’ hand immediately found the waistband of Newt’s underwear, slipping under it. Newt raised his hips, let Thomas pull the garment down and then pushed his body back to him, drawing soft moan out of him by the motion.

“Lively in the morning, huh,” he heard Newt saying in a low, sleepy tone, and it made him smile and finally open his eyes, appreciating the sweet contour of Newt’s body, his graceful neck and the line of his shoulder, down to his arm and delicate waist. He rose on an elbow and gently nudged Newt to turn towards him so he could kiss his neck some more and continue on the collarbones. There he stopped abruptly, blinked and sat up with wide eyes. Newt stared back at him with similar expression, but probably with more questions, until Thomas barked out a laugh and dived back in, plopping over his husband without grace.

“What!” Newt squeaked under the weight, but he always did, because Thomas had no borders, and he never had them and never will have and everything was wonderful. He started pushing the shirt out of the way, his damn shirt he bought in the music shop because Newt liked it on him, because he liked Newt liked it and because he was there visiting him in England to meet his parents, and there was nothing more magical than remembering all of that.

“Tommy!” There were squeaks of protest coming from the blond, but he managed to strip him anyway and then kiss him fully on the lips like starving, and Newt went completely boneless in his arms, because he liked kissing – he loved it so much Thomas used it as a bribing tactics or please don’t be mad at me anymore tactics.

“You’re amazing,” he said between kisses, not letting Newt to speak, even though the blond really tried. “Amazing and so strong.” Another deep kiss that made Newt moan into it and his hips bucked up, and yes, yes, it was exactly the right kind of morning they needed both. “So damn strong, Newt, love of my life.”

There was a shudder and Newt was panting, his eyes glazed when they parted and Thomas could die happy at that moment, because this was the best way to go.

“What the-,” the blond gasped, his body was still trembling slightly. “I-,”

“Just for the record, you asked me out,” Thomas grinned at that lovable, flushed face. “Thought you could trick me, huh.”

When Newt finally caught his breath, tears rolled out of his eyes before he could even get out the first words, a sob followed and then Thomas was crushed in a tight embrace.

***

“So like… you banged and that made you remember?”

“No, are you an idiot?” Thomas glared at Aris over the table filled with pastries and his brother only shrugged. “We banged after.”

“Dude,” Aris rolled his eyes and Teresa next to them snorted she almost spilled her coffee. It was almost surprising Ava didn’t give him a speech for it, but Thomas considered it her goodwill of him regaining the last part of his memories, even though she freaked out first because he sneaked out of the house in the middle of the night, as he thought she would. Even more so when she called him in the morning and he didn’t pick up because he was kind of busy with Newt anyway.

“Did he cry?” Teresa asked next, because naturally she would ask that to have some embarrassing ammo if anything.

“Well, he cried my name several times-,”

“Thomas,” Ava finally snapped at him and when he opened his mouth, she stuffed a muffin in to shut him up. He thought her celebration breakfast was ridiculous, since nothing that great happened, but he had to admit being able to remember Newt properly again was pretty much the only thing on his mind now anyway, so maybe they all deserved a small treat for handling him during the dark times.

No matter how yummy it was, he couldn’t wait to get home and feed Newt the whipped cream though. Preferably naked and having his husband all for himself. 

[jones-iii]

Prime numbers heaux

2. What would I name my future kids?I honestly don't know. I'm bad with names yo3. Do you miss anyone?Ugh, yeah. It fucking hurts.5. Is there someone who can always make you smile?Andy and @murmaider. Andy because she's so sweet and the actual best. And Jean because everytime I get a message from her it's usually one of my sons and I always appreciate it~7. What was your life like last year?Lololololol a mess.11. Are you listening to music right now?Heck yee. Tho ngl, I'm always listening to something in the background.13. How do you feel right now?Fucked up. I took my meds late cause I couldn't force myself out of bed and my entire day has been a mess because everything just /hurts/ and I can't pinpoint why.17. Opinion on insecurities?Like on having them? Idk, its fucking sucks.19. Have you ever been to New York?Nope. Never left Australia.23. Fear(s)?Lol so many. Heights, large bodies of water, being thrown away, forgetting things, the list goes on.29. Favourite film(s)?Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Nice Guys, Kingsman, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, and a bunch of others.31. Three random facts:Vultures shit on their legs to cool themselves down.There is a such thing as too much caffeine.All animals are good animals.37. Favoutire actor/actress?Idk, I don't really have any faves.41. Relationship status?I have a dog.43. Favourite song ever?The songs from Anastasia will always have a place in my heart.47. Turn ons?Dirty talk, roughhousing, neck kisses, having my hair pulled. Also one time a girl kissed me hard enough that she bruised my lip and managed to split it and I'm p sure I came right there.53. Five things that make me happy:Art museums, Andy, good books, a nice playlist, and naps with other people.59. Why I joined tumblr?So I could follow lgbtlaughs

[lil-loucifer]

All youtube personas

Antisepticeye - Have you ever seen and/or been part of a puppet show? 

No, actually ;-;

The Author - What’s your favourite book/series? 

I don’t exactly have one, but I’m a pretty avid reader sooo I’ll probably read anything lmao

Bim Trimmer - What’s your favourite food? 

Fucking

Chocolate

Bingiplier - Are you more on the confident side or shy side? 

I’m shy as fuck, honestly

BlankGameplays - Do you have any nicknames? 

Lou, Lou-Lou, Blue and Lua 

Chase Brody - Do you have any party tricks (small talents)? 

I’m absurdly good at twirling things. Like, pens, pencils, batons, canes, umbrellas. Whatever pole-shaped object I get my hands on, I can and will inevitably attempt to twirl it at some point. 

Colonel William - What are your favourite hobbies? 

I do video games and I make stories

Darkiplier - What would you change about your past (if anything)? 

Um

Everything???

Dr. Iplier - Do you miss anyone?  

Pretty much everyone I used to be friends with lmao

I remember you

Dr. Schneeplestein - Have you ever been admitted to a hospital overnight?

Nope.

Ed Edgar - Do you have a most prized possession? If so, what is it? 

Uhhh not really?? I mean, I’ve got a pair of arnis sticks but I misuse them almost daily

Family Friendly Felix - Do you swear often?

About every five seconds

Googleplier - Apple or Android? 

I’m used to Apple, unfortunately

The Host - Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones? 

Not really v.v

Infelix - What colour are you most associated with (if any)? 

Blue and black, on account of my hair and clothing. 

Jackieboy Man - Would you rather be a hero or a villain? 

Nondescript bystander? 

Okay so, I’d probably go with villainy, but only discrete, under-the-radar type stuff that doesn’t draw attention. Like say, the Vulture from Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Jameson Jackson - Would you rather be deaf or blind? 

Hard choice since I rely on both equally, but I... think I’ll go with deaf?? 

Jim - What’s your favourite TV series? 

The Defenders, probably

King of the Squirrels - What’s your favourite animal? 

Dogs??

Kinkiplier - What’s your sexual orientation? 

It’s kind of a grey area at the moment

Logan Sanders - What’s your favourite school subject? 

Somewhere between choir and english

Marvin the Magician - Can you do any magic tricks? 

I’ve been told I could be good at sleight of hand, but that’s only because I hide some ridiculous things behind my back in a surprisingly unnoticeable manner

Mayor Damien - What’s your dream job? 

I dunno, something that I could enjoy, I guess?

Natemare - Do you enjoy singing and/or dancing? 

Yeah, until I hear/see myself doing it

Patton Sanders - Do you make dad jokes often? 

No

Peevils - Do you believe in aliens? 

I mean

Yeah, I guess?

Phantom - What song would you choose as your theme song?

That song that plays when you meet someone from Team Skull

You know the one

Roman Sanders - Are you a theatre kid? (If so, which part of theatre?) 

No???

Septiplier - What’s your favourite YouTube ship? 

People do that?? 

Shawn Flynn - Have you ever voice acted for something before? 

Nope! I have a shitty voice lmao

Virgil Sanders - What’s your biggest fear? 

Being all alone :p

Virus Cry - Do you enjoy scary stories? 

Depends on how late at night it is

Wiggles the Clown - What makes you laugh? 

Pretty much anything, tbh. Tumblr has ground my sense of humor to shit

Wilford Warfstache - Do you have a certain thing you’re known for?

Somehow being both edgy and cool 

Yanderiplier - Who’s your YouTube crush? 

Uh, do you count?? Because I don’t really have any......

[missbelonging]

Lots of things get my goat, to be sure, but there’s a special inferno in my sensibilities for Facebook Town Criers of Death.  I’ve written about this elsewhere before.  But, there’s hardly a worse way to hear the news of a death than from a dimwitted simpleton.. or several... garishly writing “R.I. P. (insert name)” in what appears to be an attempt to simply beat everyone else to it.  Like there’s some prize in being the first to post horrible news the stupidest, most disconnected, careless, and unfeeling way possible, as fast as possible.  So infuriating to me. 

So, when I saw the usual “R.I.P Tom Petty” splattered on my Facebook homepage by the usual suspects as my first wind of such news, like always, I was pissed at how I found out.  But, when I found out that the rushers weren’t right, that Tom Petty was still alive, I wanted to smite each and every person from whom I read those godawful memento morii, and embarrass the Christchurch right out of them.  Effing vultures, could you not miss a few fucking beats and wait until his temperature starts dropping before just blurting shit out?  You’re not the news.  You don’t have a way of putting things or breaking things in even a tactful way, let alone gently.  No lead up, just a jackhammer up the rectum straight from the off. And, now, you’re wrong.  You’re fucking wrong.  Tom Petty isn’t dead, bitches, and you should feel crazily embarrassed!  This is what you get for being a crudfart of a human when it comes to celeb deaths, so don’t you dare take your dumbass WRONG posts down!  Let your ignorance shimmer and gleam all over your wall as punishment, and hang your head in shame.  SHAME!!!

As I say, I hate this shit.

...And, I’m melodramatic.

But, maybe this time, this one actually DOESN’T die.  OK, there’s really not much possibility of this, considering the state he was in when he was found.  But, people CAN recover from these things, sometimes!  We’re just not used to that, lately.  Over the past few years, there have been an upsurge of surprising sudden and untimely celebrity (greatest of talents among them, too) deaths.  We’re not used to seeing a celebrity coming out of grave conditions, but people do and have.  It’d be nice to see that reflected on the grander scale, such as would please.  Yeah, that’s right, I’m hoping that God makes an example out of Tom Petty and lets us dimwitted humans, all, pause in awe of seeing the odds win out for once.  And, maybe teach the town criers to pull back the reins a little, before butt-blasting their social media with news of death faster than jackrabbits fuck. 

Plus, Tom Petty’s cool, supercool, and no one wants to say good bye to a talent who still isn’t even close to running out of solid material. Not one more one of this kind of death! I know it won’t happen, but it’d be nice if it did.  World could use a cheering.  :/

[fedyavoidart]

Could you recommend any songs or bands?

i know a shitton of different bands and cool stuff but you gotta be more specific. what genre are you lookin for

well, heres an (incomplete) list of some of my favourite music anyways:

Music for when u angery:

Sabaton (!!!!1!!11  mostly about war stuff and no theyre not nazis what the fuck. also all of it is historically correct. this band is how i aced my history class. especially good songs: ‘resist and bite’, ‘inmate 4859′, ‘Wolfpack’, ‘Price of a mile’, ‘ghost division’ and ‘white death’)

Papa Roach

Rammstein (german. really fucked up shit, handle with care. rlly good for punching things but the lyrics are so disgusting and fucked up. DO NOT LISTEN TO IF U R EASILY TRIGGERED BY VIOLENCE, MENTIONS OF ABUSE, AND RAPE because I can guarantee u u’ll probably throw up. I know i did. i dont even fuckin know why i listen to this shit. its wrong on so many levels)

Slipknot

System Of A Down

Blue Stahli (rlly fuckin good, check out at all cost. theres not one song i dont fuckin love)

Mindless Self Indulgence (if that redhead from the butler anime were music, he would be this. esp good: ‘shut me up’, ‘lights out’, ‘straight to video’)

Music for when u gotta get ur chill on/are high as a kite:

Major Lazer (especially ‘Powerful’ that song is just like floating on water)

Seeed (german/english mix mostly. good songs: ‘Dickes B’, ‘Oceans 11′, ‘ding’, ‘dancehall caballeros’, ‘Aufstehn’, ‘Waterpumpee’. check out their music vids, they are super diverse and p awesome. i know the lyrics to these by heart)

Cazzette (especially ‘She wants me dead’)

Nirvana (all of it is fuckin amazing, but ‘lake of fire’, ‘verse chorus verse’, ‘the man who sold the world’ and ‘plateau’ are my all time faves)

Drum’n’Base/ Progressive House:

Pendulum (great for long gaming sessions, really awesome, highly recommend ‘the island pt1′, ‘Bloodsugar’, ‘the vulture’, ‘fasten your seatbelts’ and ‘tarantula’ are especially great)

Matduke (a few pretty awesome songs, especially ‘Bloodlip’)

Feint (especially ‘Time Bomb’, best fuckin song)

Project 46 (especially ‘Reasons’, holy shit)

Musical Soundtracks:

Tanz der Vampire (transl: ‘Dance Of The Vampires’ iunno if it exists in english )

Lion King

Wicked

Random other cool stuff:

21 pilots (though everyone and their brother know them so i guess u do too)

Billy Talent (careful, this shit is mother fuckin addictive. my faves are ‘burn the evidence’, ‘fallen leaves’, ‘red flag’, ‘devil in a midnight mass’, ‘covered in cowardice’, ‘rusted from the rain’ and ‘the dead cant testify’)

Panic!At the Disco (also rlly famous but hot damn that voice gives me a metaphorical boner. Best fkin songs: ‘crazy=genius’, ‘emperors new clothes’, ‘miss jackson’, ‘don’t threaten me w a good time’, ‘ballad of mona lisa’)

Bring Me The Horizon (sometimes weird screamy shit but still really fuckin great. especially ‘throne’)

Creature Feature (fucked up creepy shit. Awesome, all of it)

Hollywood Undead (rap/melodic mix, some of it is amazing, some sucks ass. i like ‘up in smoke’, ‘medicine’, ‘been to hell’, ‘no.5′, ‘bottle and a gun’, ‘apologize’, ‘levitate’, ‘dove and grenade’ and ‘lion’ . perfect for boarding )

KIZ (rlly dumb german shit. crude 4th grade humor but occassionally fun)

...And Phobos Falls (my roommate's band. very small but they got some hella rad stuff. Mostly screamy sort of metal, a little like BMTH. Their soundcloud: soundcloud.com/andphobosfalls)

I think i wouldve made a great punk rocker if I hadn’t ended up as a fuckin nerd hehe

[worldfootprints]

The route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas may be a heavily traveled highway, but it’s still a long strip of road through the desert of the American Southwest. As such, it offers plenty of the weird and wacky roadside stops that characterize this part of the world. Whether you’re going to Las Vegas for fun or to Los Angeles for business, be sure to make the most of this drive. If you keep both your eyes and your itinerary open, you can make memories and get awesome photos before you ever arrive at your destination. Here are a few of my favorite stops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Breakfast and Archery

The first thing you should do as you head out of Los Angeles is to eat breakfast at Riley’s Farm. This stop is a small detour from the main route, especially if you are leaving from northern LA. If you have time to spare, this working u-pick farm that offers guests a Colonial-era experience is definitely worth it. The fact that it is on the West Coast makes it a delightfully unexpected excursion. When I visited, I enjoyed the world’s best omelets at the Hog’s Head Tavern, tried some archery, and made my own hand-dipped candle.

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Unless you plan to hike in Angeles National Forest, your next interesting stop will be Barstow. This is one of those little towns that appears bland at first glance, but actually offers fun and unique experiences. On my trip, I didn’t make it two of Barstow’s well-known sites, the original Del Taco restaurant or the Route 66 Museum, which is only open on weekends, but I did eat at the train station McDonald’s. Even if you hate McDonald’s on principle, you should at least grab a salad here. You order inside a historic train station and enjoy your meal in a refurbished train car.

Photo of author’s family with Ronald McDonald

A Giant Ice Cream Sundae

After staring at Joshua trees and barren hills for a while, you can stop for gas at Eddie World. You will know you’ve found Eddie World when you see a gigantic ice cream sundae on the side of the road. Although you can’t go inside the sundae, you can go inside the massive convenience store and check out the ice cream, coffee, and mounds of brightly-colored candy. I spent way too much time here.

If you have kids, be sure to take a break at Calico Ghost Town. History buffs will have fun at this 1880s silver mining town. I was disappointed to find out that they charge admission to walk through the old community, but it was cool to see the rickety buildings and abandoned mine shaft.

Spooky Sites

Don’t miss the chance to explore Zzyzx Road. This bizarre stop was my favorite part of the Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip. I first heard about Zzyzx Road in Michael Connelly’s murder mystery The Narrows. In the novel, Zzyzx Road led to the place where Connelly’s villain killed and buried his victims. My curiosity was piqued when I drove past the infamous road. Perhaps it was a bit morbid to take the exit and see where it led, but I wasn’t disappointed. At the end of Zzyzx Road, I found Soda Springs, a ghostly 1940s health spa that was built by a quack doctor who claimed to have found the Fountain of Youth. The whole sordid story is quite fascinating… almost as fascinating as the lonely buildings that overlook a moon-like lakebed devoid of vegetation.

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Once you’re back on the highway, you’ll see a lot of small communities trying to grab your attention (and your business.) Every little town seems to have a “World’s Biggest” claim, but the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker, CA is worth a stop. This is especially true if you visit in summer, and you can get a selfie with the temperature to wow your friends with the heat you’re currently enduring. Stop by the attached gift shop to visit Buzz the Vulture and buy a postcard. If you want to send the card from the store, they’ll mail it for free. Tag Buzz Therm in your social media posts, and maybe you’ll get your shots featured on their Instagram or Facebook page.

Take a short break from the highway to drive along the dusty frontage road to Seven Magic Mountains. Rumor has it that this roadside art installation is disappearing soon, so hurry if you want to see the seven, three-story towers, made of brightly painted boulders. This stop offers the perfect opportunity to get artsy travel photos or trendy selfies.

Seven Magic Mountains. Photo of author Breana Johnson

World’s Tallest Thermometer. Photo: Breana Johnson

Internet and Roller Coasters

Once you cross the California-Nevada border, you’ll find yourself in Primm. While this is not the place to take a break for dinner or get gas if you’re on a budget, this charmingly garish town was put on the map thanks to bootlegger Whiskey Pete, and now offers gambling, entertainment, and free internet to travelers. The castles and music might not be as impressive as the Strip’s shimmering neon, but does the Strip have a gigantic roller coaster? I don’t think so.

Just outside of Las Vegas, you can get in touch with nature at Red Rock Canyon National Park. If you get to Vegas before Freemont Street’s canopy lights up for the night, Red Rock offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and catch the last rays of sunshine before your night out (or your night snuggled up in bed, if you’re like me.) You can hike deep into the wilderness, or just enjoy a stroll in the shadow of the breathtaking amber hills. Here’s a tip: if you’re planning to hit Lake Mead, Mojave National Park, Death Valley, or the Grand Canyon, it is probably worth it to purchase a National Parks Pass before your trip. This can save you a lot of money if you’ll be visiting more than a couple of national parks in the next 12 months. Just be sure to order early, because they take a while to arrive.

Whew! You’ve finally made it! If you stopped at all these places, you probably turned a four-hour drive into an all-day road trip. But it was more than worth it for the adventure. Now it’s time to unwind and enjoy the glitz and glamour of Sin City.

Roadside Stops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas The route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas may be a heavily traveled highway, but it’s still a long strip of road through the desert of the American Southwest.