#smitty getting attention and passion

[tai-janai]

i needed to give smitty a sword at least (partially for his quote when you take the blade in Damsel, partially for what is pictured above)

i think conty would want a weapon he could have fun with. he could probably use it more effectively, but whats the fun in that.

I like the idea of all the voices having a weapon, it's a cool headcanon, but screw the fairy tale motif I refuse to accept that skeptic has anything other than a gun

[idahofallslawn]

The Advantages of Outsourcing Lawn Maintenance: Prioritize Your Passions

Maintaining a stunning and well-maintained lawn can demand significant time and effort. For homeowners in Rigby and the surrounding areas, finding the ideal balance between work, family, and leisure can be quite a challenge. That's where Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC, a reliable Rigby lawn care business, comes into play. By delegating your lawn maintenance needs to professionals, you can reclaim your valuable time and focus on the things you love.

Save Time and Energy

Taking care of a lawn requires consistent mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and more. These tasks can quickly pile up and become overwhelming, especially for busy individuals or those without the necessary equipment. Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC understands the importance of your time and spares you the hassle by overseeing all aspects of lawn maintenance in Rigby. From routine mowing to seasonal cleanups, their group of experienced professionals ensures that your lawn remains in top health throughout the year.

Expertise and Knowledge

While DIY lawn care may seem enticing, it's vital to recognize the expertise and knowledge that a professional lawn care company brings to the table. Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC boasts a team of skilled technicians who understand the specific requirements of yards in the Rigby area. They are well-versed in identifying and addressing common lawn challenges such as weed control, pest management, and proper irrigation. By entrusting your lawn maintenance in Rigby to these talented workers, you can rest assured that it will receive the highest level of care and attention it deserves.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

A healthy lawn not only maximizes the beauty of your property but also elevates its curb appeal. This Rigby lawn care business, Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC, takes pride in changing lackluster yards into stunning outdoor spaces. Their comprehensive lawn care services, including landscaping, pruning, and weed control, work harmoniously to make an inviting and stunning landscape. With their help, you can make a positive first impression on visitors and neighbors while simultaneously maximizing the value of your property.

Reclaim Your Leisure Time

By outsourcing your lawn maintenance, you can finally regain your free time and prioritize things that truly bring you joy. Whether it's spending quality time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply unwinding, Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC allows you to focus on what matters most to you. Letting go of the stress and physical exertion of lawn care will grant you the freedom to enjoy your weekends and evenings without the burden of yard projects.

Contact Smitty’s Lawn & Snow LLC

Outsourcing your lawn maintenance to Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC, an experienced lawn care business, offers plenty of benefits. From saving time and energy to accessing expert knowledge and enhancing your property's curb appeal, their expert services cater to all your lawn care requirements. So why spend your precious time grappling with lawn care tasks when you can concentrate on what you truly love? Get in touch with Smitty's Lawn and Snow LLC today and experience the convenience and peace of mind that come with entrusting your lawn maintenance responsibilities to the experts. For further information about this Rigby lawn care business, check out www.smittysllc.com. 

[ladyamber]

Sirenade: Chapter Nineteen

Greetings readers and welcome to Sirenade. I don’t have much to say for this intro but we are slowly moving forward into the story and digging deep into the mystery of the sirens, as well as who they were. This chapter doesn’t have any trigger warnings but I hope you enjoy it and as always Stay Tuned! For next week’s chapter. I know this chapter came out late. Apparently it didn’t post when I hit post or it didn’t finish loading. SO here goes try number two :)

Start: Prologue

Previous: Chapter 18

Next: 11/24/19

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 19

“Your injuries seem better than last week, feeling any sort of pain or soreness?” The gentle brushes along his wound sent a pleasant chill down his spine. He’d already been acting flustered around the doctor and this wasn’t helping in the slightest.

“N-not that I know of.” He clasped onto the hen of his shirt as if his life depended on it. Craig was trying his hardest to relax, he really was, but with Tyler constantly breathing down on him and touching him it felt impossible to do just that. He understood this was a normal routine for Tyler begin a doctor and all, but it seemed like he was doing it on purpose, wanting to unravel Craig right in his office. Well he wasn’t going to give in that easily.

“Still can’t believe those sick bastards did something like this to you. Course I’m- we’re all glad that the three of you escape alive, but still.”

“I don’t think you can escape when dead Tyler then it wouldn’t be considered escaping.” Craig’s heart warmed at the chuckle that followed his mildly dark joke. Tyler has no idea how close to death Craig had actually gotten that day. If it wasn’t for his friends quick actions he might’ve not made it. But he wasn’t able to tell Tyler that, didn’t want to freak him out anymore than he and everyone else was. The incident didn’t help his mental health however for the past month since then he and Tyler had been growing closer and closer to one another seeking more than just a casual doctor’s appointment. They’d spend hours talking about anything they could before Tyler had an emergency or had to take care of another patient. He grew into the routine of coming straight to the local clinic at dawn, greeting Tyler and spending almost all day tidying up the place or help with paperwork. Though he’d never stayed past sunset, after what happened he began taking precautions in order to keep himself and the other safe.

“Well you’re all set then. If you feel any more pain come to me immediately don’t want you to stress the healing process. Other than that I have nothing else for you.”

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah, you’ve sort most of my paperwork. Cleaned basically every inch of the clinic, you even reorganized my cabinets.”

“Oh. Well then if you need for anything ask around for me.” Craig gathered up his things as he walked towards the door.

“Hold on, I wasn’t finished. I’m off early today we could go have a drink at the Brewery tonight, that is if you’re free too?” Craig hesitated, a few months ago if Tyler had offered this to him he would’ve taken it in a heartbeat, but now he felt unsafe to even glance at the beach after dark. He couldn’t get the images out of his head of being dragged through the rough sand, the hooks digging into his scales and flesh. He couldn’t, but he wanted too.

“I don’t know…”

“If it makes you feel any better I won’t leave your side the whole night. Come on, you deserve a break you’ve been working really hard at my clinic and keeping yourself healthy too.” Tyler was right. One night couldn’t hurt right, it might finally be his chance to tell him everything.

“Ok. I’ll go, you’re right, it might be fun to enjoy a day off.”

“Great! See you at seven then.” Craig smiled at the taller male nodding his head before walking out of the clinic with a warm feeling in his chest and a tingle in his body.

~*~

The smell of fish was nothing new to him, growing up in a town close to the ocean you get use to the scent. Today, however, the stench was extremely powerful, it burned his nostrils as he quickly walked around the docks. A tuff of white hair peeked from a pile of boxes, the figure hummed unaware of his presence. “Jaren?”

A yelp followed by a thud and a curse happened behind the crates of cargo. Out came Smitty from behind them holding a glare and a stern look on his face. “Busy. Go away.”

His command had the slightest tone of venom which John didn’t blame him for, instead of being happy that he was alive he’d felt a swarm of guilt for not being able to protect him. So he ran out on him unable to look him at him properly. Now that he was able to Smitty had grown cold to him and it hurt.

“Come on Smit you’ve been avoiding for the past few weeks. I’m trying to talk to you about the whole dying situation and you won’t even hear me out.” Jaren simply walked away from John as he was talking and towards the edge of the dock.

“You did and said plenty that day. There’s nothing else to talk about. Go home John and forget all about me. About us.” With that Jaren jumped into the ocean leaving behind whatever he’d been doing on the docks. Now John could’ve done what Jaren asked, leave him alone, maybe go to therapist and talk about sirens or why he was crazy. But he’d had enough of this whole walking on eggshells when around Smitty, so without thinking John grabbed a rope and the heaviest object on the dock (which was an anchor) and tied himself to it. Without a second thought he dragged the anchor to the edge of the docks and let it sink into the ocean with him attached to it. With all its force the anchor yanked him into the cold water giving him no time to react to the freezing temperature. As the anchor sat on the bottom of the seafloor John remained floating either able to sink or completely float. He watched the sunlight shine through the sea watching the creature around the docks soak up the rays. Fish swimming or eating around the algae covered pillars while boats in the distance captured their next meals. It was honestly a peaceful site to see, sure the lack of oxygen had begun to take effects but John’s mind didn’t seem to register it yet. Begin too caught up with the beauty from under the sea, that is until a voice disrupted his enchantment.

“JOHN! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!” It was Jaren he had returned to him, but now instead of talking he’d begun to scream at John, which to be fair was appropriate at this time. Jaren attempted to untying the knot John had used to secure the anchor to himself. John simply crossed his arms and looked away from Jaren as he yanked and pulled at the knot. “ARE YOU INSANE?! HELP ME! YOU’RE GONNA DROWN!”

John didn’t budge, he refused to move when the pain in his lungs burned. His vision grew black as he felt his body losing its battle against carbon, yet he didn’t move. He barely even registered when Jaren cutting the rope, pulled him up to the surface, and hiding them underneath the docks. He gasped for air coughing and heaving for oxygen. “God! I promised myself I’d never do that again.”

He yelped in pain as Smitty punched him in his arm, “The fuck was that for?!”

Sobs shifted his attention away from his anger, “Y-you know *hic* how h-hard its since you left me there. *hic* I felt abandon John why did you leave me? I thought-” John interrupted Jaren’s sobs with rough kiss, wanting to absorb any sadness he’d felt because of him. A fight of fire erupted from one another despite the cold water seeping deeper into their clothing. The goosebumps that spread across them didn’t occur because of the freezing water. John tilted his head slightly in order to increase the heat between the two, releasing for air as Jaren’s lips chased after John’s. He caressed his cheek as they allowed their foreheads to rest against each other.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you there. I didn’t want to either, but seeing you there because of me. I just couldn’t take it.” John and Jaren’s eyes welled with tears, Jaren grabbed John’s free hand bring his lips to it before guiding it to his other cheek. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to protect you.”

“You did what you could to protect me. Even if it was a few seconds you tried to save instead of running away. I don’t hate you for that.” Jaren placed his hands on John’s cheeks too feeling the warmth radiating off them.

“I just don’t wanna lose you again. I love you.”

“I love you too, but next time don’t try and kill yourself for me.” John’s tears grow larger as the smile on his face caused them to fall down into the infinite sea.

“Well then don’t ignore me.” Jaren experienced the same emotions as John, smiles and tears all over his face. “I’m sorry for causing so much unnecessary pain.” “I’m sorry for being a bitch and not letting you talk to me.” John kissed his forehead and rubbed his thumb on his cheek to wipe away any tears or water droplets. “Next time let’s pick a different place to do this. Not under some rotted dock.”

“Just pick a time and a place.” John winked at his now lover only to receive a roll of the eyes and a passionate kiss in return.

[batonrougefashioweek-blog]

Preview: Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week 2017

by Lia Ramirez

When producer Brandon D. Campbell first conceived the idea of a Baton Rouge Fashion Week, he knew he had the opportunity to create something very special. The creator and executive producer of the then-five-years-old Little Rock Fashion Week (LRFW), Campbell had all the tools in his arsenal to deliver a product that – more than a fashion show – would be an avenue for new and emerging talent to connect with one another and grow their brands. All he needed was the support of a community already aching to have a fashion industry of its own. With those thoughts weighing heavily on his heart, Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week (OBRFW) was born in 2013.

Initially a three-show event, OBRFW has grown thanks to Campbell’s relentlessness and the support of the community. The show is now comprised of five events featuring three unique fashion shows, sixty models, and a number of local and regional designers with different stories as well as looks from several local stores. Whilst the support of the community is fundamental to OBRFW, the show supplies an opportunity for the community to experience growth and development in a field vastly unexplored in the South.

Since its birth, OBRFW has provided many Louisiana residents with creative opportunities otherwise inaccessible in the immediate vicinity.  

‘‘It provided an avenue for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, to have them all come together to celebrate each other, to celebrate culture and fashion,” says Campbell.  

For college freshman Rachel Key, OBRFW 2016 was a game changer. The Little Rock native was a freelance model who initially wanted to audition for LRFW. She missed the dates for the auditions so she traveled to Baton Rouge to audition for OBRFW. She was selected as one of the models for that year’s shows. Her big break came when, at just seventeen, she won Model of the Year. The OBRFW Model of the Year Award is given to one model who performs outstandingly and distinguishes herself throughout the week. As OBRRFW 2016’s Model of the Year, Key’s prize package included a contract with Oneofakind Talent, Campbell’s talent agency. Through them, she has had the opportunity to walk in several runway shows as well as do commercial work.  

Key, who is returning to walk the runways for OBRFW 2017, firmly believes that Baton Rouge has the capacity of becoming a frontrunner in the fashion world. She is proud of her southern roots.  

‘‘One of the things I enjoy about modeling in the South is that everyone is very diverse - different builds, different heights – and that’s started to become a little more of what our culture as a society is looking forward to,” said Keys.  

Jonesboro resident Keria Lewis, creator of the nineties-inspired brand oLd FVshUnZ (pronounced Old Fashion), embraces that diversity by making clothing for individuals with different backgrounds. As an African American, she understands the importance of feeling represented in the fashion industry.  

‘‘I have nieces and I feel it’s good for them to see African American models and know it’s okay to have an afro, it’s okay to have braids,” says Lewis.  

Lewis also understands the importance of having opportunities available to pursue your dreams. She faced many obstacles after dropping out of school to pursue her true passion of becoming a designer. Outside of family and friends, she received little to no support.  

‘‘It can be shocking that what inspires my line is not people but movies and nineties TV shows,” Lewis said.  

Her unique designs are based on children’s play clothes with nineties overtones, which challenges the more traditional southern styles. It took a lot of perseverance, but fashion had always provided a way for her to express herself. She knew fashion would provide a way for her to succeed doing something she loved if she believed in herself. Through her hard work and playful design aesthetic, she garnered the support of college-aged students. Her distinctive brand and powerful message eventually attracted OBRFWs attention. Lewis’ designs will be making their premiere walk down the OBRFW runway in this year’s BIG Night on February 18.

What to expect

OBRFW 2017 returns for its fourth year on February 16th with the promise of being the most spectacular one yet. The 2017 OBRFW will feature five staple events, three of which are runway shows: Kickoff Mixer, Community Day, For Kids by Kids Show, BARE Show, and the BIG Night.

The Kickoff Mixer, hosted by Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, will provide the opportunity to preview some of the fashions that will be featured in this year’s shows. It is also an opportunity to connect with the creators and participants of OBRFW4. Attendees can have fun dressing in their most fashion-forward attire. It is the only age-restricted event, requiring attendees to be 18 years or older.

During Community Day, OBRFW4’s staff members, designers, and models will visit the Dufrocq Magnet Elementary School to read to the students. The focus of this event is to inspire and motivate young children who may or may not grow up to be models and designers to read. The students will have the opportunity to interact with the staff, designers, and models. They will also be able to hear OBRFW members’ stories about the fashion and their careers.  

The For Kids by Kids (FKBK) Show is the first runway event of the week. It is a children’s fashion show produced solely by kids. This year’s show will feature looks from GAP, Once Upon A Child, REFinery Kids, B Kids, and children designer Ms Smitty. This show is no child’s play; dress up in your favorite suit and tie or dress.

Perhaps the most unique event, the BARE Fashion Show celebrates the natural beauty and uniqueness of individuals. Models will walk down the runway without makeup and in their natural hairstyles. This show will feature neutral-tone and provocative looks from The Impeccable Pig, Divas & Diamonds, H Kyle and The GAP among others. Dress in your sexiest cocktail attire for this celebration of natural beauty.

All the previous events will lead up to the climactic finale BIG Night, held at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel. Attendees will watch the creations of designers Cupani Fashions, iME, oLD FVshUnZ, On8.16, Richie Clark Clothing, and Rosavrai, debut their spring/summer collections down the OBRFW runway while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary drink, and VIP swag bag. The BIG Night Fashion Show will be hosted by Rachel Spangenthal of NBC 33. Green formalwear attire is requested. This year’s BIG Night Show will be a very heartfelt one as part of the proceeds will benefit OBRFW alumni affected by the August 2016 Historic Flood.  

An ensemble cast of designers, models, and artists will come together this February to deliver what is to be the biggest, boldest, and FRESHEST OBRFW yet. Tickets are already selling for community members wishing to be a part of this one-of-a-kind experience.  

For show-goers wondering what to expect, Campbell teases that, ‘‘this season of Fashion Week is all about freshness – fresh fashion, fresh faces, fresh hosts, and fresh atmosphere. To see what it’s all about, you’ll have to come check it out.’’

Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Show 2017 Information Summary:

Media, Industry & VIP Kickoff Mixer Fundraiser Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar | 7PM | Feb 15, 2017 | Advanced tickets: $10 Preview some of the fashion, meet, greet, and network with the makers of OBRFW 4. Ages 18 and older. Fashion forward attire.

OBRFW Goes to School Dufrocq Magnet Elementary School | 9AM | Feb 16, 2017 OBRFW staff, designers, and models visit school to surprise students and read their favorite children’s books to classes.

For Kids by Kids Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel | 7PM | Feb 16, 2018 | Advanced tickets: $30 A fashion produced solely by kids. Arrive dressed up in your favorite suit and dress.  

BARE Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel | 7PM | Feb 17, 2017 | Advanced tickets: $30 Experience an all ‘‘natural’’ fashion show. Dress in your sexiest cocktail attire.

BIG Night Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel | 7PM | Feb 18, 2017 | Advanced ticket: $50 Witness the creations of designers Cupani Fashions, Divas & Diamonds, iME, oLD FVshUnZ, On8.16, Richie Clark Clothing, and Rosavrai, debut their spring/summer collections down the OBRFW runway while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary drink, and VIP swag bag. Hosted by Rachel Spangenthal of NBC 33. Green Formal Wear Attire. A portion of the proceeds to benefit OBRFW alumni flood victims.

Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week 2017 is made possible by the constant support and involvement of its sponsors: Oneofakind Talent, iME, Belle of Baton Rouge, Visit Baton Rouge, Bin 77 Bistro, Chef Charles Wilfrod Sr Enterprise, Divas & Diamonds, Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge, Fashion United, Fabulous Channyn.

If you are interested in getting involved as a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer contact OBRFW via joinus@batonrougefashionweek.com for more information. For media inquiries and to schedule interviews or appearances, contact Lia Ramirez at pr@batonrougefashionweek.com.

[ladyamber]

Sirenade: Chapter Ten

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Sirenade once more. Thank you to everyone who enjoys reading. I’ve enjoyed this fandom and I look forward to writing even after Sirenade is done. This week’s chapter is focusing on our little cliffhanger from

Chapter 7, again there are mentions of death I'm not sure if it classifies as suicide, but like last chapter it just a warning. So hope you enjoy this week’s chapter and as always Stay Tuned!

Start: Prologue

Previous: Chapter 9

Next: Chapter 11

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 10

“Gotcha!” Smitty, completely out of breath has used most of his energy to reach John before he’d been unable to catch him. While using the remaining energy to keep himself and John from plunging into the steep drop down the cliff. Even though the position he had to hold was hurting him, Smitty was going to hold it for as long as he could. “As much as I’d like to hang out this isn’t very uncomfortable. Help me pull you up.”

Smitty tried to pull John up with all his strength without losing his balance and position, but with John not having any way of help pull himself up their efforts were useless. With every movement, Smitty could feel himself being dragged down with John. If he didn’t think of something soon then this wasn’t going to end well. “Smitty stop!”

John’s protest startled Smitty causing him to slightly loosen his grip on John. Immediately he tightened his hold on John before looking down at his best friend. “What do you mean stop I’m pulling you up if it kills me.”

Again Smitty tried to haul and tug John by his arms in an attempt to heave back onto a stable surface, but no matter how determined Smitty was in saving John he physically didn’t have the strength to do it. The more Smitty thought about how severe the situation was. The more Smitty eyes slowly began to fill up with tears, and the weaker his grip became.

“Smit! Stop, please. It’s no use. To think I brought you up here just to-”

“No, I won’t let you give up. Let alone die! We can get help, just don’t do this John.”

Didn’t know what was worse, having his best friend telling him to let him fall and die, or that his usual childlike attitude had been replaced by a distraught weeping creature holding the only witness that had seen this side of him over a cliff.

“I’d rather it be me than you. Besides, what good would it be if we were both dead.” John gave Smitty a heavy-hearted smile followed by a playful yet tearful wink before pressing his dull nails into Smitty’s wrists. The sudden and unexpected action caused Smitty to wince from the pain which released his tight grasp just enough for John to break himself free from it. As quickly as his body was able to react he tried to reach for John again. However, this time he wasn’t fast enough just barely missing his painted fingertips before John fell straight down the cliff only causing a microscopic ripple in the flood tidal waves that crashed into the sediments.

“John!” Smitty’s cry echoed through the forest as half his upper body dangled out from the cliff, his sobs barely heard through the claps of seafoam eroding the surface. Smitty hesitated on his decision on how to save John knowing it wouldn’t take long before the currents would carry him out to sea, but he couldn't outweigh the logical answer from his anxiety. Worried that even after rescuing John, his best friend would reject the idea of monstrous appearance. With his thoughts clouding his main priority, he finally pushed all of his anxiety and logic and picked a worthy option.

Without a second thought, Smitty ran in the direction of the village. Once he felt his distance was acceptable he sprinted towards the overhang of the mountain, pushing off the end with all of his strength, and diving straight into the rising tides. Just as he was about to enter the water Smitty’s legs were replaced with his sapphire and ruby scaled covered appendage. Allowing for his entrance to leave him unharmed. Swiftly he swam through the multi-colored coral trying to spot for any signs of John.

Trapped between the coral and rocks floated John’s lifeless body taking in unhealthy amounts of seawater. Smitty pushed and maneuvered around the obstacles, grabbed John’s unresponsive limbs, dragged him up towards the surface. He wasted no time in hauling himself and John between the rocks to remain hidden and out of sight.

Fuck how do they do this again?!

Smitty placed both of his hands on John's chest and began to press down in attempts to remove the water from his lungs or to get him breathing again. Smitty had learned the maneuver he remembered to be called CPR, but didn’t pay attention to Tyler when teaching him the technique. Something he was regretting right now, and when John still wasn’t moving Smitty quickly settled one hand on the back of John’s head and his other hand closed his nose. Without haste, Smitty planted his lips onto John’s giving amounts of oxygen.

Please let this work

John’s lips twitched under his own, startlingly him when John turned to his side and began to hurl out the large amounts of saltwater trapped his lungs. Smitty sighed in relief seeing John was alive, he wiped away his tears and enveloped in John in a rapid hug.

“I think I just died.” Smitty laughed at his best friend as he too clasped onto Smitty accepting the embrace. “No, I think I did die.”

Smitty gave John a puzzled look about to ask him about his sudden statement but stopped himself when he felt a hand on his scaly limb. He had been so caught up in the situation that he’d forgotten to shift back. “No, this...this is real John.”

“Nuh, prove it. Pinch me.”

“I’ll do you one better.” Smitty proceeds to punch John in the arm. The older male flinched and rubbed the spot Smitty hit. John’s eyes widened with confusion then shifted to curiosity the more he inspected Smitty. Even though Smitty was overjoyed that John hadn’t drowned he couldn’t shake off the overwhelming anxiety as neither proceeded to speak.

“It’s pretty.”

“W-what?” Smitty felt his embarrassment as John continued to inspect him. Still, waiting for the rejection as his heart raced with emotions, yet John didn't seem like he was afraid of Smitty. Quite the opposite his emotions reflected excitement and interest, not rage and fear.

“Is this what you’ve been hiding from me?” Smitty nodded.

“Why?”

“I thought you’d hate me…. I don’t know. I didn’t know what to expect. The only thing I knew was that I didn’t want you to hate me for being this.” Smitty felt his tears return as the thought about the possibilities of John refusing to laugh with him, to talk to him, to look at him.

“Smit you could never do that. I care about you too much, you’ve made this town feel like home again.” John offered Smitty a small loving smile which he returned. “And I feel something else for you too…”

Smitty cocked his eyebrow as watched John’s eyes flicker to his lips. His gaze reconnected with Smitty’s baffled look. His face drew closer slowly eliminating the space between them. Smitty’s cheek burned as John closed the gap between them, their lips brushed each other before connecting. Sparks of passion, lust, and comfort filled the atmosphere as their lips captured every moment together. Even as they broke away from each other Smitty found himself chasing after John in a desire to keep their fire lit. John’s forehead rested onto Smitty’s “Love.”

His breaths were rapid as he attempted to recover from their endearment, heat trailed throughout his body as John’s words sunk in. “I-”

“Well well well what do we ‘ave ‘ere?”

Both individuals jumped at the new voice and turned in the direction it came from. There above the rocks stood a middle-aged man holding a large net. Just his presence sent shivers throughout Smitty’s body he grasped onto John for safety ready to escape into the ocean.

“I guess I got lucky today Ah've managed to find a real siren.” As Smitty pulled John towards the ocean the man jumped from where he stood and ran straight towards John punching him right under his jaw. The impact was so callous John fell to the ground unconscious before Smitty could reach John the older man punched Smitty on the side of his head. Knocking him to the ground as well and as he faded in and out of consciousness he tried to cry out for John, but couldn’t find his voice due to the impact. The man threw him into the large net even with Smitty fighting with every possible fiber in his body. It was no use though the man began to drag the net away from John and the ocean. With the little strength, Smitty had he wiped away the tears that streamed down his eyes, panicking as the man had pulled them away from what he loved most and what he needed most.

~*~

“Man the festival never gets old.” Nogla cheerfully exclaimed as Craig followed in behind him and Lui. Both proceed into the back area of Panda’s brewery before Lui came out with a glass and bottle for him.

“How’d you like the festival Mini?” Craig shrugged as he opened the bottle and filled his glass to the brim. “It’s like every year, but I like it.”

“Like how you like Tyler.” Lui casually said, and as blunt as his comment was it spoke the truth about Craig’s emotions. He attempted to form a sentence unable to due to his flustered behavior. He hardly noticed that someone had entered the brewery, or that he’d almost knocked his glass off the table, or that certain someone who sat next to him was Tyler and he had caught the glass before it split any of its contents.

“I do not like him!”

“Who?” Craig froze up at the voice he knew exactly who that voice belonged to. He only prayed he hadn’t heard Lui’s statement.

“N-No one!” Craig shoot up grabbing the glass from Tyler’s hands and drinking half of it without stopping. He placed his glass back on to the wooden bar, adjusting his glasses before turning back to Tyler who had a puzzled yet relaxed look. Craig smiled back at him hoping he hid his pink tint well enough for Tyler to not notice.

Can he get any hotter?

“Oh hey, Tyler how was your night?” Nogla walked out from the back with a bottle of whiskey and three shot glasses.

“Great, Watching you two dance around the town square. You don’t know how to dance, do you?" Tyler’s laugh echoed through the empty brewery. Eventually dying down as he grabbed the drank the shot.

“Like you’re any better?” Lui shouted from the back area. Nogla chuckled as he remembered the night’s events. What an evening they had enjoyed.

“I think I did pretty good.”

“Well, why don’t you ask your partner?” Tyler turned towards Craig awaiting his response. The younger male shot Lui a glare before speaking up.

“You were fantastic.” Craig could have sworn Tyler's face glowed red, but it could have been his eyes playing tricks on him.

“See?” Tyler drank another shot.

“No, but my night was pretty great. I even got this chick’s number. Might give her a call later.” Those words shattered Mini’s heart. He didn’t want to hear the rest of the conversation. He wanted to leave, but he couldn’t move. He felt Lui and Noglas’ eyes on him maybe even Tyler noticed how he tensed up at his sentence. As Tyler continued to talk to Nogla about this person Lui talked to Craig in a low tone trying to avoid drawing Tyler’s attention.

“You ok?” Craig nodded. How could he not? Sure he was happy Tyler had found someone, but why did it hurt so much?

“If it hurts this much then you should tell him Mini.”

“It’s better this way. I couldn’t do that to him. Not to Kelly.” Lui’s eyes saddened as he spoke of her. They both looked at Tyler as he laughed with Nogla about the evening’s events. Either noticing Craig’s disappearance from the bar or that he’d left the brewery.

If I told him the only thing I’d feel is guilt.

Craig walked towards the docks and onto the beach. He breathed in trying to forget what Tyler had said, placing his focus on their evening together. Dancing and enjoying the festival together, how happy it made him feel, but that was just a memory in the distance. After all, how could Tyler love someone like him? He’d been avoiding the truth for so long it felt he’s been lying to him.

He shook his head to retreat the thoughts back into his mind. He slowly entered the shallow water and dove into the ocean. Exchanging his legs for an apricot-colored tail shining brightly through the sea as he swam past the coral and rocks sitting peacefully on the sand. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something else that shone in the sea. With curiosity on his mind rather than caution, he drifted closer to the object. Slowly he picked it up and inspected the metal, then all of a sudden a net buried in the sand swallowed him. In a panic he dropped the hook only for it to be jerked by the captor, causing it to sink into Craig’s appendage. He let out a cry calling out to anyone or anything that was out there.

But no one came.

His captor pulled harder and harder as Craig struggled against him, but with the hook creating more and more agony. It made his attempts weaker and weaker. Eventually, the one who caught him pulled him up onto a boat. They hoisted him onto the boat making his pain even more gruesome. After successfully throwing him on the boat his head banged the bottom of the boat causing his captor to let out a heavy laugh.

“What a catch!” Craig couldn’t even look at his subduer as he fell into an unconscious state. The boat rowed onto the shore, and the man dragged prize right into the forest

[ladyamber]

Sirenade: Chapter Eleven

Happy Sunday everyone and Welcome to another chapter of Sirenade this week’s been a rough ride with school starting up again and me always getting sick thanks to the reintroduction of germs. So sorry I’m not super active my throat feels like I haven’t seen water in like 50 years (the first few days was that it kind of hurt to breathe mostly to swallow, but now I just have the sniffles than a bothered throat) but that won’t stop me from working so I hope you enjoy this week’s chapter and as always Stay Tuned!

Start: Prologue

Previous: Chapter 10

Next: Chapter 12

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Chapter 11

Most of the way back to shore remained silent only the roaring sea echoed through the reef was heard as they creep back onto the beach out of sight. Every step, every glance was taken with caution as they quickly and quietly retreated towards Delirious’s home. Brock’s mind couldn’t stop returning to the events that happened tonight. Granted when he finally told Brian everything his chest felt a hundred times lighter, but what those men did to them was unforgivable. Flashbacks of Brian watching in horror as they’d beat him, watching him sink deeper into the blue void, and he had to stop himself from crying to help free Brian. His heart wept as he watched for any movements kind of struggle from Brian, but it seemed at that moment his best friend had given up.

“Moo, are you okay?” Without realizing it Brock had started to lag behind his friends from how buried in thought he had become, as Brian slowed down giving him the chance to catch up. He slightly paused to wipe away the small tears that had formed before picking up the pace to reach Brian.

“Yeah, just...thinking.” Brian nodded understanding Brock had no intention of expanding his answer. Continuing walking in silence as a familiar blue roof peered through the tops of the green foliole, and without haste, all four rushed into the small home slamming the door shut.

“We weren’t followed right?”

“No, I would’ve noticed.” Evan peeked out the window, quickly rolled down the shutters and flopped down on the sofa next to Jonathan placing his arms over his eyes. “Gods this is a disaster.”

“I’m sorry. This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for me. I screwed everything up.”

“Brock it’s not your fault. You couldn’t have known. None of us could’ve.” Evan mumbled as Brian rubbed Brock’s knuckles soon intertwining their fingers. “But we need to make sure the others are ok. Who knows who they’ll target next.”

“We could use my phone to call up Panda,” Jonathan suggested, but Brock shook his head as he stood up and released his hand from Brian’s soothing grasp.

“No, I should be the one to gather the others.”

Brian quickly shoot up enveloping Brock into a firm hug restricting any movement. “No way! After what happened, forget it.”

Brock shifted and struggled to turn in Brian’s iron death grip, finally, he was able to loosen Brian’s hold and face him. “But I know where they are, plus I’m harder to spot than you are. Please let me do this I’ll make it up to you I promise.”

Brock gave him a look of guilt knowing how hard it would be to defy his request. Unable to look away from Brock’s pleading eyes Brian sighed as he released him deliver him one last caress before freeing him from his lock. Just as he let Brock go he pulled Brian’s hand to whisper in his ear even he became flushed from his own words. “I’ll make it a night you’ll never forget.”

Brock leaned away from Brian he paced towards the door to try and hide his glow, but before he could leave a warm hand guided his head towards their own, crashing their lips together completely ignoring Evan or Jon’s presence. The kiss was nothing like the one at the rocks this time it packed fire and passion, though it didn’t have a gagging person behind them Brock enjoyed every moment of it. Lips refusing to break away from one another even when oxygen was desperately needed, but eventually, they did part Brian’s lips grazed Brock’s as he muttered against them. “I’ll be waiting for that promise.”

As Brock grabbed the doorknob, opened it, turned towards his friends waving goodbye sending them a reassuring smile while he slowly closed the door. The night breeze welcomed Brock with a chilly touch leaving him behind to play with tree branches that extended out on the path of the dirt trail. The small pebbles of sediments crunched under Brock’s shoes with every step he took carefully and quietly. At that point, Brock could see the number of trees decreasing and the rocky path now being gradually replaced with concrete. He quickly made his way towards his first stop, Panda’s brewery knowing Marcel or Ryan would be here around this hour of the night. Those two seemed to enjoy the nightly hours of the town rather than the active hours, maybe for a good reason. Approaching the bar Brock slipped in hoping to run into anyone he knew, “Brock?” 

Lui’s voice was easily recognizable, but right now he didn’t want the small talk or questions. “What are you doing here? It’s kind of odd to see you here especially tonight-...What happened to you?!”

Brock covered Lui’s mouth to avoid attracting any more attention from any ears listening. “I need to talk to Anthony.”

Lui nodded understanding the urgency of the matter, quickly pulling into the back area of the bar. There at the end of a hallway stood a dark stained door labeled Management. “He should be in his office I think he’s talking with Marcel, but I’m not a hundred percent sure. Granted I didn’t see him leave then again I was a bit preoccupied.”

“Actually, I need to talk to you and David too. It won’t take long, but it’s really important.”

“Give me one second.” Lui threw his slightly stained rag over his shoulder as he disappeared through the wooden door. Brock patiently waited for Lui who came right back with Nogla in hand. “I bought us some time, right now I’ve got Tyler watching the bar for us.”

All three walked right up to the door knocking on the smooth cold wood. Some shuffling comes from behind the door, but soon a familiar bearded face popped out the door. “Moo? What happened to you?”

“We need to talk. Is Marcel with you?” Anthony nodded allowing the three to enter the room with Marcel quietly in a chair. His facial expression changed from confused to angry.

“Who did this?”

“Siren hunters…” Brock explained everything to them not leaving a single detail out of his explanation. He summarized most of the events to keep it short knowing he still needed to find Ohm, Mini, and Smitty.

“That’s terrible. I don’t get why people find your species so evil.”

“It’s the stories humans have told each other for centuries victimizing themselves over and over again.” Marcel said gesturing with his hands.”The soon we get to Jon’s house the better. We need to be sure no one else gets hurt or worse...caught.”

“If one of the others comes into the bar we’ll let them know to meet at Jon’s house,” Nogla suggested as they all quickly scampered out of the cramped room.

“You should over there too Marcel they’re waiting for you.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve gotta go find the others, but I’ll meet you there.” Brock proceed to leave the brewery making his way towards his next stop John’s apartment. He had hardly walked out of the bar when he ran into another person. “Oh, I’m so sorry I-. Ohm!”

“Hey…”

“You ok? You don’t look so good.”

“I had to make some tough choices tonight. So you could say I’m not doing too hot.” Ryan placed his hand on the back of his neck.

“As much as I want to mother you I need you to head to Jon’s house immediately we’ve got some seriously dangerous Siren hunters in Evernor.” Brock was glad he could mentally scratch-off Ohm’s name from the list. The only ones left were Smitty and Mini. “The others will explain everything to you, but right now I’m looking for-”

“Smitty’s probably with John and Craig might be at the cavern. You sure you don’t want help?”

“It’ll be faster if I do it. Now go on.”

Ohm waved Brock farewell as they went their separate ways. Ryan towards the worn-down path leading to the Northwest side of the town and Brock towards his previous destination.

The only problem was Ryan or anyone at all was too far to hear Brock’s muffled screams, for he had been captured by the oldest and biggest brother of the Cutter Boys. Smith. Brock struggled so much so that his capture grew tired of his movements, and just like in the boat he’d knocked him out cold by pinning Brock to the alleyway’s brick wall with all his might.