#some of us eat our cavs

[incandescentorrery]

Ianthe Tridentarius and Baru Cormorant are two wildly different people and yet at the first book of their respective series they are in kind of similar positions? Like, they have spent ages meticulously scheming. They're smart and strategic. They've got everyone deceived. They're ready to take decisive action to gain the power they need to achieve their long-term goals. There's a cost to that power and they think they're ready to pay it, hell, they think they have paid it with their life of their cav/field general, but little do they know that the cost is just going to keep coming due in New and Interesting ways until the end of time. Being 22 and gay is just Like That, I guess.

[assbutt-writes]

A Heart Of Iron Chapter 32

Chapter below cut

Tony

Tony is floating in a void that has a faint yellow glow, the same one he's been in every time that he's fallen asleep on the planet. He sees vague shapes, some of which he recognizes, some of which he doesn't. Among them, he sees Loki and Odin, their features blurred out but still recognizable. Every time he looks at them, he feels a wave of hatred crash over him, overwhelming all of his other feelings toward them. He hates these people. They are stuck-up, self-absorbed, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Kosto appears, face clear and easily recognizable, and a wave of trust washes over him. This man is good. He knows what to do, and he is trustworthy. He understands what Tony is going through, and he will help Tony get revenge on the people who hurt him. He's been exactly where Tony is, so he knows exactly what Tony needs to do to feel better.

Every time a part of Tony feels happy toward Loki or uneasy about Kosto, a searing pain shoots through his head, wiping the thought from his mind. He soon figures out that those thoughts are bad and that he shouldn't have them, so he tries his hardest not to. Soon, he's all but forgotten any good memories that he's had with Loki, all of the happiness he had felt while around the other man overwritten with distrust and hatred.

All of his memories with Loki start to appear, him and Loki playing Mario Kart, them watching Star Wars and Supernatural together, Loki showing him his true form, him getting out of the wheelchair and Loki helping him regain his balance after the first time he stumbled, and when they kissed first, but instead of feeling happy or content when he sees them, he feels uneasy, knowing that he can't trust Loki and feeling furious at the other man for toying with him.

After all of the memories are finished, the yellow light starts to dim and be replaced by a red one, still hints of yellow at the edges, and a vision starts up.

Kosto is in the Asgardian palace, wearing Asgardian ceremonial robes with his hair slightly shorter and much neater than it was when Tony saw him in the cave, standing in front of the throne. Odin is smiling down at him, and Kosto is smiling, too. Tony suddenly knows that this is the ceremony where Kosto will become a god and eat one of Idun's apples to grant him immortality. Odin usually would never bestow godhood to a svartalf, but after showing immense bravery and strength, both of the body and the mind, Odin is making an exception.

"I now declare you Kosto, god of wrath and personal battles, the patron god of all those who seek revenge," Odin says motioning for Idun to give Kosto one of her apples.

She does, and as Kosto takes a bite of it, he can feel power surging through his body. He smiles, searching the crowd for Loki, who is watching the ceremony in fond amazement. The ceremony finishes, and Kosto goes to find Loki to celebrate. When he does, he walks over to him and moves to kiss him, but Loki redirects the kiss into a hug.

"I'm sorry," Loki whispers regretfully. "I can't risk Odin seeing, not right now. He could remove both of our godhoods and my claim to the throne."

Kosto's face falls, all of the joy sucked out of the moment. This is supposed to be the best day of his life, and he can't even kiss his boyfriend.

"Yeah. I get it," he says quietly, and Loki squeezes him tighter.

"I love you. You do know that, right?" Loki says, and Kosto puts on a fake smile. He's gotten pretty used to this lately, pretending to be okay with Loki not wanting to tell Odin about them.

"Yeah," Kosto says, but in his head he's screaming "No! You don't! If you loved me, you'd actually consider the fact that I don't want to hide and you would stop this stupid charade!"

"I love you too."

After that, Kosto goes up to his room and cries, the day ruined.

Tony woke up, taking in his surroundings. He was still in the cave, and Kosto was working on the contraption they were making out of the suit that Tony was wearing when he fell. It was supposed to help them harness the power of Tony's pendant using the arc reactor to power the contraption and Tony's connection to it to direct it. At the moment, though, it was just a haphazard pile of wires with the arc reactor in the center, but, slowly but surely, they were making progress.

"You're up!" Kosto said hearing Tony get up off of the path of the ground that they had made into a 'bed'. Tony was the only one who used it, though. Kosto didn't need to sleep, being a svartalf, which Tony knew from his Norse mythology lessons meant that he was essentially a dark elf.

Tony was walking over to the workbench they had made out of a few boulders when a sandstorm started to blow into the cave. Kosto managed to get behind the shelter that he had made, but Tony was too slow and got caught in the sand. Noticing that Tony wasn't there, Kosto ran out to him and dragged him behind the shelter, saving Tony from being buried. Once he got to safety, Tony started to cough out the sand that had gotten down his throat, feeling like he was suffocating.

Kosto went over to the filtration system they had made out of part of Tony's suit and got him some water to help him clear his throat, and, when he gave it to him, Tony practically inhaled it, eager for relief from the pain that the sand was causing. When Tony stopped coughing, they both slumped back against the shelter, Tony filled with a renewed sense of hatred toward Loki. After all, if Loki had been quicker, if he had actually been fighting who he was supposed to, then Tony wouldn't be here, suffocating on sand and sleeping on a bed of rocks. Once he got off this wasteland, Tony was going to get his revenge.

[inkandguns]

It was 11 years ago this year I was deployed and at that time they had done away with group punishment for the most part also. It turns out when you punish an entire troop for one shitbird’s actions, it really lowers morale. It might have worked in training, but when guys have wives to go home to for them weekend it does not work. I saw the unit that led the way with this behavior churn out a few suicides and an unearthly number of field grade article 15’s after we got back home.

The punishments I received at 1-10 Cav Armored Recon (Ready And Forward, Bitches), were PT related and extremely severe. On a few occasions I was smoked the point of vomiting but I deserved it. The best person I knew at doing this was my team leader Swenson. He would smoke the dog shit out of you and then hand you a beer and a cigarette - if you took it like a man and pushed yourself. This kind of thing only works on soldiers that know they fucked up. Get some idiot shitbird in the unit and the best way to get rid of them is to start doing paperwork. Accrue enough of that and they’ll never be promoted.

Before the Big Army my basic training experience was very, “full metal jacket”. I was at Ft Benning getting put through the machine with the very first class of soft skilled soldiers. They did everything in the book except strike you physically. And when given the chance (like in the grenade pit or CBRN chamber), they’d do as much damage as they were allowed. I knew a couple of guys who ASKED the drill sergeants to tackle them in the grenade pit, just for fun. They all came out kinda fucked up, but nothing permanent and giggles were had by all. It was a drastic contrast to our buddies who went to Jackson and Leonard Wood.

You could tell who went to what training just based on their fitness and the neatness of their uniform. And when the M4’s got handed out the first time the Benning Boys scored highest every time. My buddy said he had a gf in basic and they were allowed to talk and eat dessert at training. They had their cell phones all 7 days of the week, where we were allowed to call home once on Sundays for an hour.

At the end of our Benning cycle the drill sergeants wanted to know what we “got away with” during the cycle. The worst infraction was in my locker - a homemade chess board constructed from small pieces of paper and the back of a notebook. No ice cream and gf’s for us.

You can lecture me on over the horizon faggotry and force projection all you want - the purpose of our military is to kill our enemies.

It never ceased to amaze me how much money and effort officers put in to things totally unrelated to combat.

[mayasaura]

ms. maya, you have good opinions & ive been chewing on this question for a while: what do you think rd!gideon would do if cav!harrow died for her? im not so sure that she'd go down the lobotomy route, but i do think shed do something equally insane

bruh. I don't even know. I agree, she'd come up with her own bull-headed solution. Her mind doesn't twist into labyrinths like Harrow's. Building a construct out of her own skull to enforce a self-administered lobotomy was a uniquely Nonagesimus kind of solution.

Harrow Nova absolutely would sacrifice herself for Gideon. She'd do it gladly, if she thought it would save her necromancer's life. She might do it believing this was the reason the universe had suffered her to exist at all; so she could use her ill-gotten life to fuel Gideon's ascension. And Gideon would.....

It depends on the situation, but I think Gideon might say no. To all of it. She would refuse to elevate herself at Harrow's expense, to derive further privilege from Harrow's suffering. She'd find some way to keep Harrow without consuming her at all, and not become a lyctor. Trap Harrow's soul and stuff it in a jar. Hold onto the pieces of her until she can figure out how to fix them and put them back together.

That is, of course, assuming she'd be able to survive without becoming a lyctor. Which I am assuming because the thing Gideon knows, and Harrow mercifully doesn't, is that Cytherea didn't intend to kill Gideon. She says as much before Harrow gets there, right after Palamedes went off.

If she had to take a nibble to survive, and started the process? Fuck, man. She'd wish really, really, hard? We don't know, it might work. Pyrrha survived without any elective surgery, and our Gideon is very very good at not looking into the parts of her brain she doesn't want to see, and not thinking about things she isn't ready to understand. She might end up exactly like the Gideon before her, blacking out and losing time and having no idea why because her secretive bodymate elected not to enlighten her as to her continued existence.

Or, and this is a fun one, she might go 'welp, can't eat her if I'm not here!' and put herself into a coma. My favourite scenario for this is that it yeets her soul right out of her body and into the River before she's even been taught how to do that, and Harrow is left behind in her body to be a broken lyctor who can't necromancy. The more things change...

[dreamingorbeeing]

So I seem to have missed Cavendish day here is a little fanfic (which I hope is readable) to apologize :

Impressions Part 1

"I can't believe that we are more successful cleaning houses in the Renaissance than protecting pistachios " Balthazar Cavendish and Vinnie Dakota were strolling along the Danville park,

reconciling after their recent mission.

" yeah... but it was kinda good we failed? Nut jobber-dominated future and all? "

" I suppose so " cavendish answered still lost in thoughts.

" but still, it's frustrating to fail as of some unpredictable hazzard, forced upon us by murphy's law ."

"yeah, hey let's ask milo but a little crash course on managing murphy's law. Or wait! Maybe he has some relatives in the future who would join us" The Italian joked

cavendish gave a skeptical look ": I don't know, a little briefing by milo is surely advised but a new partner?

I'm rather content, with the two of us. "

"you are?" Dakota crocked, looking up.

"Granted we didn't quite got along at first, which had me rather concerned about our carrier's future and yes there still is room for improvement.

But when the situation calls for it, we make quite a good team. "

Dakota couldn't help but flash a bright smile. Happy at his partner's conclusion.

Since it was still early they decided to stay in the park. They walked by some snack stands, before seating themselves on a nearby bench.

" you know it's amusing actually," cavendish continued after a few minutes of silence, "if you didn't hijack my car that day, we would have never even met ..  "

While cavendish stroked his chin thinking

Dakota relaxed into the bench, feet stretched out in front of him. He chuckled not knowing how he deserved cavendish in such a good mood.

" well what do you know, paid off listening to my gut" the Italian placed one hand on his stomach.

cavendish however seemed more confused by this answer.

"your gut ?"

" well yeah speaking of which. " Dakota said looking around the park until his eyes locked on a food stand. "I could use a little snack"

"We just had breakfast " Cavendish declared with a serious eyeroll.

Dakota shrugged and got up, digging through his pockets for cash.

"My gut says otherwise"

"So that's how you make all your major decisions? By following some random feelings of your gastrointestinal organs. " cavendish had crossed his arms and looked at Dakota with angry eyes.

"Oh come on, you just admitted that that's why we met in the first place " the other one teased

"Oh how lovely to know we're only partners thanks to your gluttonous desires. "

Dakota was starting to get annoyed by his partner.

For Cavendish mood - swings were somewhat normal. And while Dakota could normally ignore him going on about his eating habits, today he had a hard time just shrugging it of. Especially with Cavendish so happy before, it just didn't fit. Dakota had a feeling that this wasn't just about his need for food.

However, his thoughts were interrupted by a still rambling cavendish.

" one imagine I decided to bring tea instead of a Lolli.

Maybe I should pin one to our objectives, seeing how it's the one thing to catch your attention. "

The brit finished, arms and legs crossed. He almost looked like a pounding child thought the Italian.

Then it suddenly hit Vinnie.

So that was cavendish's problem. He should have guessed. it seemed that he had misjudged his partner. He was better at hiding his emotions than Vinnie thought.

" Cav if there's something you wanna know you can just ask" the Italian calmly stated seating him next to cavendish again. "you know?" He added looking his partner in the eyes.

Cavendish looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, he turned his head forward to the lake in front of the bench.

"I m afraid I can't follow." was his only response

What has this to do with cav day? will I be able to make a satisfying continuation (I really wrote myself in a corner🙈)

Also, I apologize for grammar issues (especially punctuation marks .)I'm not a native English. If you want you can message me about failures (please send a private message . Don't want too much comments under this with grammar corrections thank you )

part 2:

[kewltie]

The small adventure of deaged!Izuku and Katsuki on the run!

One.

“Deku-kun,” she says, her voice shaking as she reaches toward him, but Izuku quickly dodges it.

He rushes behind Kacchan, clutching his hand tightly. The girl in pink looks absolutely devastated as Kacchan tucks him close. “He doesn’t know you at this age,” Kacchan tells her.

Two.

Since Izuku had woken up in this familiar yet strange world, he’s been hunted and chased like an animal. The only face that he recognizes is Kacchan—older and weathered by time, but it’s Kacchan at seventeen. He knows Kacchan therefore, he knows he’s safe even in this grim future.

Three.

“Kacchan, look,” Izuku says, holding up an All Might hair clip up for him to see.

“No.” He scowls at the small boy in his arms.

Undeterred, Izuku attaches the hair clip to Kacchan’s bangs. “Pretty,” he declares, face bright and full of smile.

Defeated, Kacchan just sighs.

Four.

A tug on his sleeve. “Kacchan.”

“No.” Katsuki’s eyes remain close. “I gave you the bed.”

“But it’s scary sleeping alone,” Izuku says quietly.

Silence, then Katsuki slides over, and a slight weight quickly presses against him, burrowing closer. “Thanks,” the little shit says.

Five.

When the dust of the battle finally settles, what remain are the tired, shocked face of everyone and a tiny, hunched figure where Izuku once stood.

“Deku?” someone asks.

The kid looks up, scared and on the edge of tears. Instinctively, Katsuki steps in, grabs the kid, and runs.

Six.

“You’re bleeding,” Izuku wails.

He snorts. “At least I’m not dead.” Which only makes Izuku cries harder. Katsuki sighs. “C’mere,” he says, hauling the brat into his arms.

He’s in pain, bleeding out, and a crying kid is clinging to him, but somehow this isn’t the worst day ever.

Seven.

“The All Might chicken combo.”

“No,” says Kacchan.

“But you said I can pick anything,” Izuku whines.

“I lied.” He snorts.

Izuku sulks. “Then I just won’t eat.”

“Fine. I don’t care.”

Twenty minutes later, he is happily eating his chicken sandwich as Kacchan glowers at him.

Eight.

Kacchan frowns. “You’re going to get cav-“

Izuku shoves a spoonful of purin in his mouth before he can finish the sentence. “How is it?” he asks excitedly.

Kacchan chews, makes a face, then, “Disgusting,” he declares, but lowers his head to indicate Izuku should feed him more.

Nine.

“Who are they?” Izuku asks.

“Our classmates.” Pause. “Your friends.” “

I have friends?!” He perks up. “Are you my friend too, Kacchan?” he asks fervently. Hopefully.

“No.” The smile falls off of Izuku’s face but then quietly, Kacchan continues, “I haven’t deserved it yet.”

Ten.

Kacchan’s eyes are closed, but he lies awake still, haunted by his nightmares. Izuku can only offer comfort in form a lullaby his mom used to sing.

After a moment, he hears, “Your singing is shit,” Kacchan complains. He shuts his mouth and pouts. “But I didn’t tell you to stop.”

Eleven.

Kids should be kids, he thinks, as he watches Izuku runs in the sandbox, but then Izuku suddenly trips and falls over. Startled, he’s about to rush over but Izuku gingerly picks himself up and yells, “I-I’m okay, Kacchan!”

He sighs. Relieve. Exasperated. And so stupidly fond.

Twelve.

“Get some rest, Bakugou,” Uraraka says. “We can watch over Deku for you.”

They’re back in U.A. but the anxiety doesn’t go away, and there’s inexplicable hollowness in his chest as he watches Izuku being surrounded by their classmates, knowing the kid doesn’t need him anymore.

Thirteen.

“Kacchan?” A sleepy yawn escapes Izuku’s lips. “I thought they gave you your own room.”

He doesn’t say, I can’t sleep without you. Instead, he presses the kid against his chest till he can feel the familiar rhythm of Izuku’s heart against his own. It’s comforting. It’s home.

Fourteen.

“What if I never turn back?” Izuku cries. “I’m useless like this! I can’t help anyone.”

Urgently, he hauls Izuku in his arms. “You’re a fucking kid,” Katsuki asserts, “your only concern should be to sleep, eat, and shit. You’re my responsibility. I don’t care about the rest.”

Fifteen.

“Does Bakugou treat you well?” Uraraka asks.

There’s something in her tone that has him bristling in defense. “Yes, Kacchan been good to me!” Izuku snaps rudely, then immediately catches himself. “S-sorry.” He blushes.

She smiles, awkward but sincere. “It’s okay, I understand.”

Sixteen.

“Where is Deku?!” Katsuki demands, after waking up in bed alone and no familiar green hair in sight.

Trembling, he fights off the rising the panic that threatens to consume him, but then, he hears: “Kacchan, I’m here.” Delicate, small hands suddenly wrap around him. “It’s okay.”

Seventeen.

“We have a family specials right now. Would you be interest?” the server asks.

Katsuki frowns. “What, fuck no—”

“Nii-chan,” Izuku abruptly cuts him off, tugging at his sleeve shyly, “can we please get it?”

So coy and nauseating sweet, Katsuki is repulsed. And utterly defeated.

Eighteen.

Kacchan stops, looking back at him. “Hurry up or I’ll leave you behind,” he says.

With brittle courage, Izuku runs up to him and reaches for Kacchan’s hand. He holds it tightly in his own. “Is this okay?” he asks nervously.

Kacchan squeezes it, and that’s an answer in itself.

Nineteen.

“While I don’t agree with you taking Midoriya out of U.A. but you did a good job taking care of him,” Aizawa says.

“Did I really?” Katsuki murmurs, thinking of their many closed calls.

“He’s breathing and still has four limbs intact.” Aizawa pats his shoulder. “That counts.”

Twenty.

“What is he like?” Izuku asks, eager but unsure.

He sighs, annoyed. “Deku is a reckless fool with a martyr complex,” he explains as Izuku’s frown deepens with each word. Katsuki leans over and pinches his cheek. “But he’s the best of us and you’ll grow up to be him one day.”

[expensivetinfoil]

"What's My Age Again?..."

2022 was a big, messy, mostly incomprehensible year. It feels weird to consider its ending when I have no memory of it ever beginning. But the calendar tells me that it did begin and that in a few hours it will end, so here we are.

I spent half of 2022 running around the city in a five-dollar mylar gold hoodie with my phone flailing out in front of me shooting a movie in an effort not to go insane. While I can make no claims on my sanity, a movie has been shot and I spent the second half of the year—after a needed break��starting to make sense of the footage that was lovingly captured with my friends.

In between the moviemaking, there was a mad flurry of change…

I started working for The Film Foundation and over the past 12 months helped launch the Restoration Screening Room—an online space that screens a TFF restoration for free once a month.

DUELLE published more podcasts and film criticism before Carolyn and I dove headfirst into movie-making, something we are both very excited about. There will be more from us soon about our projects and purpose.

I banned together with my fellow workers at Anthology Film Archives and fought for a better contract via a 1-day strike that brought our community out into the streets in a very inspiring and fun way.

I threw in the towel of my almost 20 years as a vegetarian and adopted a come-what-may diet that doesn’t fit into a box of any kind outside of my making an effort to eat locally and organically whenever possible. I still love vegetables and prioritize them but my god, pepperoni pizza and roasted chicken!

I went to Barclays with Marie and David to see THE CAVS IN A PLAY-IN GAME!! (before this new system they would have simply been in the playoffs but I digress....) Watching this team brought me so much joy this year.

Alongside some beloved friends and very special artists, I presented a few of my films at The Roxy Cinema—it was so great to share our vision of filmmaking with an audience of new faces at a truly fun movie theater.

I visited my dear friend Madeleine in Snow Creek, CA and she took me to Pioneer Town (Roy Rogers! Gene Autry!) and Joshua Tree, helping me to inexplicably usher in a new decade alongside some supportive bunnies. The day after my birthday I awoke at sunset in a yurt outside Joshua Tree and went outside to greet the day and found myself face to face with a coyote and ever since then I’ve been trying to channel that energy.

I left the Upper East Side (Goodbye Donohues!) for Ridgewood (Hello Pizzeria Panina!), majorly downsizing and in turn creating more time in which I can make work and read and walk and cook and see friends.

As soon as I had moved, I was on a plane to Greece, headed back to the Temenos after 10 years away. I ate so much good food and drank so much good wine and saw incredible images and hung out with dear friends who don’t live in NY, spent quality time with NY friends who I don’t see often enough, and met so many amazing people. On my way out of Europe, I rolled through Bologna to see some beautiful films and film-lovers.

I reunited with the beaches of New York City and my soul was (in those moments) at peace.

With Flo and Dan, I helped put together a new NYFF program of Revivals that I was deeply proud of and then was able to share the films with so many wonderful friends that came to town for the festival.

I shot the shit with Paul Schrader for an hour for a NYFF Talk. He complimented my boots and laughed at my jokes and it was perfect.

I watched the Guardians win many games despite no one expecting them to. In particular, I will always remember the final game of the Wild Card series on October 8th, which saw me starting the game in Ridgewood and ending it sitting outside of Lincoln Center next to Dorota and Sofia screaming as we finally got a run in the 15th inning.

We all said goodbye to Jean-Luc Godard and Jean-Marie Straub…. Their passing continues to haunt me and to call into question how we make films, how we love films, and how we live as artists in the world. Also.... cigars <3

Related: I saw an insane amount of great movies! WOW! The programs that were nearest and dearest to me: Imageless Films @ Anthology, Victorin-Hippolyte Jasset @ Il Cinema Ritrovato, NYC’s Movie Renaissance @ Film Forum, Robert Downey @ Anthology, William Klein @ Anthology, Hugo Fregonese @ Il Cinema Ritrovato + MoMA, George Miller @ Anthology, Friedl Kubelka vom Gröller @ Anthology, Kinuyo Tanaka @ FilmLinc, Owen’s programs @ The Roxy + FilmLinc, Essential Cinema @ Anthology, Beth B & Scott B @ MoMA, + Everything @ Light Industry. + a special shout-out to Bradley Eros’s MAYA + COLOUR THEORY.

I took in the written word in a more piecemeal kind of way this year but the books I did actually finish have stuck with me: Sylvia by Leonard Michaels, Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin, Airships by Barry Hannah, What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt, The Other Emily by Dean Koontz, John Huston by Lillian Ross, & The American Cinematographer issue devoted to Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Listening to Harold Budd, Cocteau Twins, Chihei Hatakeyama, Fred Again, Fleetwood Mac, Sinead O’Connor, Cleveland Orchestra, David Bowie, Mitsuko Uchida, Burial, Hercules & Love Affair, Blink 182, Lana Del Ray, Billie Eilish, Joan Baez, Smashing Pumpkins, and more got me through many a day.

I shared so many wonderful meals with wonderful people

I’m thankful to have seen shows featuring the work of Antonio Lopez, William Eggleston, Sharon Lockhart, Wolfgang Tillmans, and more + The American Folk Art Museum’s incredible MULTITUDES show.

I spent a bunch of time with a happy dog named Buddy and a beautiful fatty named Moonshine

I struggled with how to use social media and not go insane. In turn I started this tumblr LOL.

The past three years have, for me, functioned like a snow globe… In March of 2020 everything was uprooted, shaken up, and ever since has, ever-so-slowly, been finding its way back to the ground. If the pieces have finally landed, which it seems they mostly have, everything is still there but nothing is in the same place. It remains disorienting and at times, tbh, kind of like an unending hangover. I did a lot this year, but years are long and in-between the memorable moments above was a tremendous amount of uncertainty and anxiety. I continue to oscillate between excitement at the change and the possibility therein, sadness at the change and all that has been lost, and massive fear of the change, especially in the context of our world. It’s a motley mix that makes for strange times and I’m sure even stranger ones ahead.

But there are a lot of us on this godforsaken journey and even if I’m walking down the street crying, which I often am, I’m so deeply thankful for all the amazing people in my shit show of a life.  

Come and get me 2023!

[obsidiancreates]

The Crossover Nobody Asked For (VenturianTale and Milo Murphy’s Law)

“Oh, this place is horrid,” Cavendish says, looking out the window as the van rolls into town. “This is barely an upgrade from garbage duty.”

“So there’s a lot of damage. Maybe they’ve just a Murphy in town and no budget,” Dakota says with a shrug.

“... I suppose that’s a possibility. But I don’t believe Milo has mentioned any family living in North Carolina. Especially not a place with a name like... ugh.”

“Come on, say it,” Dakota says, already almost laughing.

“... Butts, Little Butts,” Cavendish sighs.

Dakota laughs, slapping the steering wheel.

“Who even named this place?! And who would live here-”

“WHOA!”

Dakota slams on the breaks as someone runs right out in front of the van. 

“It went this way! Come on, Johnny!” a short man in a gray hoodie shouts behind him.

A tall man in a rather fancy outfit jogs into view. “I’m coming, sir! But I-I’ve been stabbed in the leg-”

“IT’S GETTING AWAY- oh, you!”

The short man runs up to the window of Cavendish and Dakota’s van. “Hey! Give us your vehicle!”

Cavendish is slightly taken aback. “Wh- we most certainly shall not!”

“Oh, he’s British! Johnny, come communicate with him in your British tongue!”

“What the devil-”

“Hello, there. I’m Johnny Toast. May we please use you vehicle?”

“More British, Johnny.”

“Oh, right sir, um, tea and crumpets, may we use your vehicle, um, Doctor Who, ah, my grandmother is the Queen of England.”

“... Just drive, Dakota.”

Dakota waves at the two men, and drives away. They hear the short one scream in frustration.

“This town is deplorable,” Cavendish says.

“We’ve only met two people, maybe it’s not so bad,” Dakota points out. “And we haven’t even been to any restaurants yet.”

“Given the state of some of these buildings, I advise against eating anything from here.”

“When has that ever stopped me?” 

“Mmm, true.”

They finally arrive at their destination. A shockingly normal looking house, out in the suburbs. 

“Well, perhaps this won’t be so bad after all.” Cavendish seems hopeful as the van is parked.

“Yeah, see? We just happened to run across two weirdos. Now let’s find that alien signal Mr. Block sent us here for.”

“I’ll grab the scanner, you introduce us,” Cavendish says, opening the back of the van. 

Dakota nod sand heads up to the front door. He rings the doorbell, and waits.

“GERTRUDE! SOMEONE’S AT THE DOOR!”

“I HEARD IT, I’M MAKIN’ DINNER!”

“KIDS!”

Dakota winces. Oh boy, so the people who live here are... loud, to say the least.

“WHERE’RE THE KIDS, GERTRUDE?”

“BILLY IS HIDING FROM MADDIE AND SALLY IS ON A DATE WITH SLENDER! SUE IS SOMEWHERE IN THE MALL!”

Dakota waits a moment, and then rings again.

He hears a heavy sigh. A moment later, the door swings open, and Dakota shouts and stumbles back.

A large man stands in the door, holding a shotgun. With his bald head, beard, and very angry expression, he looks like exactly the type of person you don’t want to bother in the middle of the day. 

“Who the heck ‘re you?” he demands in... some kind of... southern? accent.

“Uh...”

“Dakota, have you- oh, hello, are you the resident who lives here?”

Cavendish is either ignoring the shotgun, or hasn’t noticed it yet, somehow.

“Yeah, this is my house, so what’re you doing here?”

“Well, we’ve been sent by an agency-”

“Are you some more of them P.I.E people?  I told ya to quit comin’ to my house, you only make the problems worse!”

“P.I.E? No, we’re with an agency called P.I.G-”

“Paranormal Investigators Gourmet?! I don’t remember hirin’ you!”

“... Gourmet- no! No, we’re with the Paranormal Investigation Group-”

“How many ghost huntin’ groups are there?!” the man shouts, presumably in frustration, though a slight bit of laugh slips into his voice.

“... We deal with aliens,” Cavendish says, unsure what else to say.

“Aliens? I KNEW IT! GERTRUDE, I TOLD YA! I TOLD YA THAT THING WAS FROM THEM ALIENS!”

“GOOD JOB, HONEY, YOU DID IT!”

“YEAH! I DID IT, I DID IT!Aw, you can come right on in, provin’ me right. You’re a lot less annoyin’ than the P.I.E people, they’re always talkin’ and sayin’ I’m wrong and not to shoot the ghosts, but they shoot ghosts too so I don’t know what they’re talkin’ about-”

“He’s just talking to himself now,” Dakota whispers to Cav as they follow the man into the house.

Cavendish nods. Maybe this won’t go as well as he’d hoped... He clears his throat. “May we ask for you name, my good man?”

The man stops, and turns around. “My name! Is PAPA ACACHALLA!”

Dakota snorts.

“Why’re you laughin? That’s my name! It’s a great name! Means ‘whole dang universe’!”

“No, no, it’s just I never thought we’d find a more made-up sounding name than his,” Dakota says, pointing his thumb at Cavendish. 

“I beg your pardon?!”

“Well, what’s his name?” Acachalla demands, pointing at Cavendish with the shotgun way too casually.

Dakota pushes the barrel of the gun away. “Go ahead, Cav.”

Cav crosses his arms. “Balthazar Cavendish.”

"HA! You British people have the weirdest names! Like that Toast boy! Anyway, the alien thing is out here. Officer Maloney came to look at it, but it isn’t one of his things, and I can’t figure out how to move it! I’ve tried C4, a tractor, Freddie, a nuke-”

“A nuke?!”

“- an’ none of it even dented the thing!”

“Yeah, can we go back to nuke?” Dakota says, eyes wide.

“Too late, we’re here.”

Dakota and Cavendish blink.

Cavendish’s eye twitches “It’s a-”

“It’s a giant metal Kirby,” Dakota finishes. 

“Yeah! I don’t want it in my yard! My daughter says it feels like it’s mockin’ her from when she was a Kirby!”

“What in blazes are you- this is no alien technology! This is some kind of... bad sculpture!” Cavendish shouts.

“It dropped right out of the sky!” Acachalla protests. “Maloney said it was alien, and he would know! He’s a bird!”

“A bir- you said he was a police officer!”

“He is! And he’s a bird! Who can be a person!”

Cavendish is fuming. “Dakota, call Mr. Block and tell him we’ve been lead on a wild goose chase!”

Dakota sighs, and heads inside to make the call (for some reason, he can’t get a signal from the yard).

“There’s no wild goose around here! Not after that nuke test, anyway!”

“There’s no possible way you set off a nuke here! This house is still intact, you’re still alive, and there’s no residual radiation in the area!”

“So?”

“SO?! SO THERE WAS NO NUCLEAR EXPLOSION!”

“I don’t think you know how nukes work!”

“YOU-”

“Cav, calm down, he’s holding a gun,” Dakota says in a hissed whisper.

Cavendish takes a deep breath, and collects himself. “Clearly, Mr. Acachalla-”

“Papa Acachalla. My title is Papa.”

“I steadfastly refuse to refer to you as ‘Papa’. Mr. Acachalla, there’s been some sort of mix-up, and this is not alien in-”

The mouth of the Kirby opens, and a being steps out.

“Excuse me, but our craft was broken, and we just got the doors working,” says the being (that looks... weirdly like a... Pokemon?). 

“I KNEW IT!” Acachalla shouts. He shoots his gun up into the air, and starts ‘dancing’ (to use the term loosely). “I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, PAPA ACACHALLA, I KNEW IT-”

Cavendish stares, dumbfounded. “You- you’re actually an alien?”

The alien nods. “Yup, I am!”

“... You sound remarkably human.”

“Thanks! So do you!”

“... Thank you?”

“Do you happen to know where we can get some materials to repair our ship?”

“Well, I suppose I might. What do you need?”

“Macaroni.”

“... What-”

“Hey, we’ve got that!” Acachalla says, stopping his little song and dance. “Just don’t tell the cops. It’s Johnny Toast brand, too, really strong stuff.”

“... Why would macaroni need to be hidden from the cops?” Cavendish asks weakly, shoulders slumped. This is ridiculous, and he feels... defeated, in a way.

“Uh, ‘cause it’s illegal?” Acachalla says with a laugh. “Duh?”

Acachalla leads the alien inside, and-

“WHY’RE YOU EATIN’ OUR MACARONI?!”

Dakota looks up from his bowl. “Uh, your wife offered me some-”

“GERTRUDE, WHAT’RE YOU THINKIN’?! THAT’S OUR GOOD MACARONI!”

A woman in a green sweater peeks out from the kitchen. “Well, he said he was hungry, and it was either this or your old boot!”

“That boot is high in protein!”

“That’s why I’m savin’ it for the kids!”

Dakota puts down his fork. “I think your macaroni went bad, actually, I don’t feel so good...”

Acachalla rolls his eyes. “Duh, you don’t! Have you ever even had macaroni before?!”

Dakota looks up. “Somethin’s weird here...” he slurs.

“Wh- what have you done to him?!” Cavendish pushes Acachalla aside and rushes to Dakota.

“It’s macaroni! It makes the world all wiggly and weird!” Acachalla says, like that’s at all true and common knowledge.

Dakota laughs a little, reaching up to grab Cavendish’s hat. “You’re way taller th’n I remember,” he says, still slurring.

“That is it! We are leaving!”

Cavendish picks Dakota up bridal-style. Dakota grins, and leans up, giving Cavendish a peck on the lips. “Wow, I can stretch really far...”

Cavendish blushes intensely. “That macaroni has clearly intoxicated my partner! You’ll be hearing from the higher-ups over this!” he says, trying to ignore what just happened.

“I think ‘m flying,” Dakota declares as Cavendish carries him back out to the van.

“Dakota, you’re delirious. Just rest until we get home.”

“I feel fine,” Dakota insists, head lolling. “You’re the one who turned into a tomato when I kissed you. From a leek to a tomato...”

“A leek? Is that because of my suit?”

“You’re a-a leek with fluffy wings.”

Cavendish buckles Dakota in. “What on Earth-”

“Like a vegetable angel.”

Cavendish blushes again. “This is terrible. you have no idea what you’re saying,” he says, trying to affirm that fact in his mind.

“You’re a tomato again. Whoa, my hand is made of fresh fries...”

“No, they’re just yellow because they’re covered in cheese.”

Dakota grins. “Smarty-pants.”

As Cavendish goes to shut the door, Dakota grabs him again and gives him another kiss. A long one. Cavendish is in shock. 

“You don’t taste like a leek,” Dakota says afterwards, apparently incredibly happy about that fact.

Cavendish, blushing more than he thought was possible, gets in the driver’s seat and starts the car. “We’re never returning here,” he mutters to himself.

Dakota waves at the house as they drive away.

[13dead-ends]

Chapter Two Unpacked

Henry Cavill x Named OC

Chapter Two of Blood Bound

Summary: Meeting Henry came with a huge surprise for Nina, but making a huge life change has it’s benefits.

Word Count: 5388

Warnings: SMUT! Sex dream, eating out, dom vibes if you squint, wrist biting/wounds, blood, blood drinking.

A/N: Hello! Smut time! Still some introduction things in there as well. I really hope you like it! The usual shout out to @hellcaster901​ she’s the one reading my fics before anyone else! (Go read her Mando smut. It’s sooo good.) You’re the best girl! Anyways please enjoy :)

           “Henry Cavill,” I said his name out loud, sucking in a breath afterward. Now that was a man. I pictured The Witcher’s bath scene and bit my lip. I blinked at his picture, a dorky one like his Instagram selfies. Which I most definitely do not stare at for long periods of time. He was already this attractive, feeding may be difficult.

           The thing about feeding, giving your blood straight from the vein, it was very sensual. Especially on the human end. Vampires could control the strong emotion they felt, but humans felt it intensely, especially if they were attracted the vampire. I could manage mostly, but I was very attracted to Henry Cavill. I swallowed and finally tore my eyes from his photo to read his information. He was looking for a sugar daddy type arrangement. He wanted to take me out and spoil me. I liked that idea, but I hadn’t ever tried that before. He preferred separate living spaces as well, I liked that. Will fly you out to him when filming in other countries and likes to spoil. One more thing, I would be his first donor, if I accepted.

           I’m surprised he hadn’t had a live donor before, especially when it sounds like he loves being a sugar daddy. I rested my chin on my hand, tapping it with my fingers. I hadn’t even looked at the other files, I honestly didn’t want to. I had an urge to pick Henry, despite the risk of losing it during a feeding, or maybe because of it.

           I turned in the chair to face the phone, my eyes finding Kari’s name and extension right away. It was up to me; I can choose whoever I want. Kari told me today that they can set of trial periods before making anything permanent. If it’s too much or if I don’t like something, I can end it. I was dialing the right numbers and pulling the phone up to my ear. I still hadn’t opened the other files.

           “Nina, Hello! I didn’t expect you to call so fast.”

           “Yeah neither did I, but I think I know who to pick.”

           “Wonderful! Tell me who it is, and we’ll set up a meeting.” I heard keys clicking.

           “Henry Cavill.” I had to push the name out of my mouth. It couldn’t be real. “Did he really request me?”

           “Yes, he sure did. Actually, he was just here this morning! He may be able to get a meeting in before he goes back to London.” My jaw dropped. That meant the meeting would be very soon. “Email sent, you two will discuss terms, and rules. The company requires a full lay out of what’s agreed, signed by the both of you.”

           “Okay,”

           “If things don’t work out now, you’re free to back out. After paperwork is signed, it’s a longer process, but you won’t be obligated to anything until the issue is solved.” She kept typing. “I’m emailing this all to you, so don’t worry about remembering it. Henry will also receive all of this.”

           “Thank you, Kari.”

           “Of course, how does lunch with Mr. Cavill tomorrow sound?”

Kari worked so quick I think I had whiplash. Before I knew it, I was getting ready to talk business with Henry fucking Cavill. Superman for god’s sake. I smoothed down the third dress I had tried on. It was a sweltering heat today; this would be the coolest thing I could wear. It was a spaghetti strap sundress, and I hoped I didn’t look frumpy in it. I jumped when my uber notification dinged, my ride was here, this would have to do.

           I got to the cute café first. It was small and stuffy inside, so I took the liberty of getting an outdoor table. It was hot, a bead of sweat running down my temple, but when the breeze came it was like heaven. I gulped as a dark car pulled up. The umbrella on our table gave me shade, but I still had to squint to see who came out. Henry Cavill stepped out, straightening up as his feet touched the ground. The killed by sunlight thing was a myth vampires themselves created to distract humans. It worked. He wore a simple button up, but still looking effortlessly sexy. I took a deep breath, and with his vampire ears he’d hear it. Who knows, he could be nervous too.

           He walked straight to me, confidence wafting off him in waves, but he wasn’t cocky. He didn’t even hesitate, like you do when you’re meeting someone you’ve only seen in pictures for the first time. He just knew it was me.

           “Nina,” I stood, and he took my hand. Smiling, as he squeezed my hand.

           “Mr. Cav- “

           “Please call me Henry.” I nodded.

           “Henry, thanks for meeting me.”

           “Thank you! I’m glad you saw my file before I left for London.” I could listen to that low strong voice for hours. “I’m sure you have questions for me, I have a few for you.”

           “Yeah, I have some.” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m your first donor, right?” I was curious about that for some reason and anything goes in these meetings.

           “And I’m not your first client.” I shook my head. “I had only been using the labs at Positive, and one day I decided to try something new.”

           “I see,” I wondered what made him switch.

           “And your last client, what happened to them?” I cleared my throat, looking away from him.

           “Let’s just say he went too far one session.” I gulped feeling his eyes on me as I stared at my lap.

           “I see, that’s something I wanted to discuss.” I looked up, and he was staring straight into my eyes, his blue gaze halting. “I know we are laying out boundaries and rules here, but whatever we decide, you’re not obligated to anything.” I couldn’t speak, with him looking right through me like that. “If you’re ever uncomfortable, or just don’t want to do something, just say the word.”

           “Okay, thank you Henry.” Straight to the point. I liked it. A waiter came and took our orders, I got a mimosa, needed the confidence boost.

           “That’s a reason I liked this company so much, they keep you in mind.” He leaned back in his chair. “Can I ask how often you would have your client feed?”

           “Around once or twice a week. He didn’t have to feed often.” Henry nodded.

           “Normally, that’s about how often I need. Around certain times while filming, I’ll need more, but I won’t be starting that for a few months.” I nodded. The waiter was back with our drinks and we ordered our food. I took a drink.

           “It’s been a while since I’ve donated. It was a while before I got hired again.” I fiddled with my napkin. “I just want you to know.”

           “Of course, I wanted to take everything slow anyways. It’s new for me.”

           “The, um, spoiling, as your profile says, I’m not really used to that.” He smirked.

           “Well I hope you do get used to it.” He leaned closer to me. “That’s what I’m excited about.” I felt my heart rate speed up. Could he hear that? I didn’t speak much with my last client. I never questioned the abilities they claim to have, maybe I’d get to ask Henry.

           “I like the taking it slow idea, though. It’s best that way.” He nodded.

           “Do you like LA?” I furrowed my brows at the question.

           “Yeah,” I shrugged. “I’ve been here my whole life.” I was born here and hadn’t left. I took a sip of water.

           “Have you ever wanted to leave?” I pursed my lips.

           “Sure, especially to get out of this heat.” I took a swig. Then it clicked. “Wait, don’t you live in London?” He chuckled.

           “I was getting to that.” He sighed. “This is probably the deal breaker, but I would like it if you moved there. I stared at my mimosa, wanting to chug the rest of it. “It’s a big decision, so I think we need to figure that out before going any further.” I nodded.

           “I-I’m, I guess I hadn’t really thought about this.” He smiled, but his eyes weren’t as bright. I wanted to face palm.

           “It’s up to you, of course. But I think you’re a good fit for me.” I cleared my throat.

           “I don’t know if I can decide now.” I mumbled my brain was going a mile a minute. Moving, to another country. This was crazy, but I had always wanted to go to London. Living there could be amazing. It might be a fresh start after all the mess I had just dealt with.

           “I understand, if you need time, we can finish that conversation later.” I swallowed.

           “Your profile said you preferred separate houses.”

           “Yes, there’s an apartment, I have the lease but if you decide to move, it’s all yours.” I couldn’t believe that he was offering all this.

           “I feel like you’re a good fit for me too, Henry.” I took a deep breath.

           “But?” I shook my head.

           “I’m not sure if there is one.” His eyes brightened up. “I want to go.” His blue eyes brightened.

           “Really? Are you sure?” He was smiling as he spoke.            “Yeah, I think I need a change of scenery.”

           “I’m sure you’ll need some time to get things sorted out. I’ll give you my number before we go, I’m going back to London tonight, but I want to keep in touch.” I blinked.

           “Oh, you’re leaving?” My brows were furrowed. I didn’t like not having a more time with him before moving my whole life.

           “Yes, unfortunately. I have some script readings there coming up, though I would really like to stay and get to know you a little bit better.” He leaned closer to me. “Take you out a few more times too, but I can’t. This time.”

           “This really isn’t what I’m used to.” I cleared my throat.

           “I can tell, but you’re hard to read. What are you thinking?” I flinched back a little at his bluntness.

           “A lot of things. Everything’s flying around my brain right now.” I let out a chuckle. “London holy shit.” I covered my mouth. “Sorry,” Henry laughed loudly, and it made me laugh too.

           “Don’t worry, I can handle a little swearing.” He smiled at me. “I know it’s a lot all at once, so just take your time. Keep in touch with me while you do.”

             “London? London!” Irene squealed. She jumped up and down, and then grabbed my arm. “I can’t believe you’re moving to London.” Her smile fell though. “You’re moving to London.”

           “Oh, Irene,” I hugged her neck. “If you don’t want me to go, say it.” Leaving her behind would be hard.

           “No, I want you to go. I mean I don’t want you to go, ugh. You know what I mean.” She hugged me back. “This’ll be good for you. A new start.”

           “I’m gonna miss you so much.” I mumbled.

           “I’ll miss you too.” I heard her sniffle and then she pulled away. “But this is exciting. A good thing! We’ll have to start packing, I’ll help you.”

           “Once I’m settled and everything. You’ll have to come visit.” I smiled at her. With the pay raise I was about to get I would fly her out by the end of the year.

           “You have to come back for Christmas, or my mom will be pissed.” I laughed thinking about Irene’s mom. She used to yell at us for smoking weed out Irene’s window.

           “I will be there.” I only packed a little bit with Irene, then we got distracted and ended up watching Narcos again. Then we fell asleep.

           Within the next month and a half, I was staring at my empty room. I had decided to keep paying my half of the rent until Irene found a smaller place. I could afford it for a while at least. I had done all the paperwork for the company, and my work visa. Most of my bigger things had been mailed to the apartment and I had a larger suitcase of clothes and things I would need right when I got there. I took a deep breath, and I wanted to chew my fingernails.

           “Nina, are you ready?” Irene called.

           “I think so.” Irene was sending me off, and that is what I was dreading.

           “Come on, we can’t be late.” I rolled my suitcase out and sighed.

           “Bye apartment,” I muttered.

           “You have to send me pictures, and maybe some sneaky ones of Henry.” She winked.

           “You weirdo, but I will.” We laughed and then my eyes welled up. “If you really want me-“

           “No, I want this for you and besides how else am I going to get to see London?” She had tears in her eyes. “Stop crying, you bitch.”

           “You stop!” I hit her shoulder and then we hugged.

           “Be safe and don’t be a shut in.”

           “Okay,”

           “And call me anytime if you need me. And- “

           “Irene, I will.” She let me go.

           “Come on, your Uber is here.” She didn’t want to do the goodbye at the airport. I don’t think she could hold out on letting me go for the ride. When the driver pulled away, leaving her on the sidewalk I had to think about something else to keep from crying.

           The flight was long. I never wanted to see the inside of a plane again, but it was stopped now, I was waiting to get my bag from the overhead and trying to check my phone without elbowing someone. Henry and I had been texting or calling throughout the whole process. He asked about my life quite a bit, and I tried to ask about his but, he never gave away much. The last text I got before my flight boarded, was from him, saying he wouldn’t be able to meet me at the airport anymore. He was sending someone for me though. A very rich person thing to say. He hadn’t sent anything else since that message and I sighed. He was a busy guy and sometimes took a long time to text back, and sometimes that bothered me.

           I could finally get to my bag, so I snagged it and got in line with the rest of the passengers. I was in London. A completely different country. I grinned into my phone. I texted Irene that I was here, and then told Henry. I decided to ignore my phone, so I didn’t trip on my way out of the plane.

           “Henry’s so sorry he couldn’t make it. His schedule gets mixed up sometimes.” The tiny red head smiled at me. Her name was Penny, Henry’s assistant. “But he wanted me to personally come get you.”

           “Thank you so much, Penny.” I gripped the straps of my bag.

           “Of course, dear.” She was vampire too, I wondered how long she and Henry had known each other. “The baggage claim is this way.” We through the motions of getting my bags and she led me out to a black car, the driver came out to help me with my luggage. Penny and I got in. The driver got in and looked over to us.

           “To Henry’s, Penny?”  

           “Not today,” She handed him a sticky note. “There’s the address.” She patted my knee. “We’ll get you settled at home today.” I was excited to see the apartment in person, but I was curious to see Henry’s place. The drive was way longer because of the traffic, but we drove past Big Ben and a few other famous places. It distracted me from the crazy driving.

           The car stopped and Penny unbuckled. I followed her as she opened the door and slid out. My feet hit a sidewalk. I looked up and saw an apartment building. It looked older, but it had modern looking steps and doors.

           “This is it. It’s a bit out of the main part of the city, but it’s closer to Henry’s place.” The driver took my suitcase all the way through the lobby and to the elevator. Penny pressed the third-floor button and we went up, the driver staying on the first floor. When the doors opened Penny lead me a few doors down and unlocked one.

           “Here you are, dear.” She showed me around. The living room and kitchen were in one open room, an island separating the spaces. It wasn’t huge, but it was perfect for just me. “Your bedroom and bathroom are down that way,” There was a short hallway with only three doors. “Plus, a closet there.” Henry had most of the place furnished, I got some things myself though. I rolled my suitcase into the bedroom, a bed and desk in there.

           “Thank you, Penny.” I came back to her.

           “Of course! Henry told me that the fridge is stocked up, but I think that’s everything.”

           “It was nice to meet you.”

           “You too, Nina.” She left and shut the door behind her.

           “Holy shit.” I let myself say as I took my own tour of the new place. I went to the kitchen first. Penny said it was full and I was starving. I made myself a sandwich and then went to the living room. There was a smart TV hung on the wall and there was a big comfy couch to sit on. I sunk into it as I fiddled with the remote, figuring out how to play music on TV. Once I did, I went to my bedroom and started filling the small walk in closet with my clothes. I found my bed sheets too and put them on. My blankets still smelled like my old apartment.

I was plopped on my bed, the long flight and time difference catching up with me. I couldn’t sleep yet, it was only three, but my pillow seemed to be calling me. No, that’s my phone vibrating. I pulled it out and saw Henry’s number on screen. I took a breath and answered.

“Hello?”

“Nina, hey, settling in okay?”

“Yeah, I love the apartment. It’s perfect.” I smiled, even though he couldn’t see me.

“Good, I’m glad. I was wondering if you’re up to it tomorrow would like to go to lunch?” I chewed on my lip.

“Yeah sure! Hopefully, jet lag doesn’t make me sleepy.” He chuckled.

“If you feel too tired, we’ll do it another time.” I heard someone in the other end calling out Henry’s name. “I’ve gotta go, actually, I thought I had longer to talk.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow,” I smiled as he hung up. I picked a show to binge after and stayed awake for as long as I could. When I woke up, the sun was just starting to rise. I couldn’t fall asleep so I made some tea, Henry had gotten some of my favorites, we had talked about tea for some reason during one of our conversations during the past month. I smiled into the steaming mug and went over to the armchair, turning it towards the window so I could watch the sun rise. As I finished the last of my drink my phone buzzed.

Hey, how was the first night in London? Your packages should be there today, or yesterday haha! Love you. Call you at 7.”

I smiled at Irene’s message. We had looked up the time differences and decided that 7 o’clock would be the best time for me to call her. I can’t remember what her time was, but I was excited to talk to her. Plus, the rest of my stuff should be here. I got up and put my mug in the sink. At around 8 my packages came, and I started unpacking. I some extra clothes and furniture I wanted to bring with. I was filling the bookcase in my bedroom with all my books when Henry’s number lit up my screen.

“Hello?” I pressed the phone in between my shoulder and ear as I shoved Stephen King’s It on the shelf.

“Hey, you still up for lunch?” Shit. I forgot about lunch. I was still in my PJs and my floor was covered in boxes and items I didn’t have spots for yet.

“Oh, um,” I chewed on my nail.

“If you’re not up to it, I have another proposition.”

“Which is?”  

“I could just pick up something and come over.” I blinked at my messy apartment.

“Well, the rest of my things got here, and my place is a shit show.”

“Perfect, I’ll help you unpack.”

“Oh, you don’t have to,”

“I know, but I’d like to. If you’re okay with it?” I sighed.

“Okay, can you bring Chinese then?” He chuckled.

“Yes, I can.” We picked out our food and hung up. I finished putting my books away and got dressed. I felt like I had barely made a dent in the unpacking when Henry finally knocked on the door. I ran over to get it, excited for food more than anything.

“Hi,” I smiled, grabbing the food from him. “Thank you for this, and sorry about the boxes.” He stepped in and shut the door. I took the bag to the island. His beard had grown out completely He was wearing a tank top and my eyes wouldn’t leave his biceps.

“You’re welcome, love.” I sat down at the island before my weak knees could give away the fact that love affected me so much. “Where should I start?” He looked over the room of boxes. I opened up my food and started eating.

“Um, well, my other bookshelf needs to be built.” I pointed to the wooden pieces I had taken apart at my old place. The one in my bedroom had filled up. I’d put this one out in the living room and display some of my favorites.

“Other bookshelf?” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“The one in my bedroom is full.” I shrugged. He chuckled and went to work. When I finished, I went to a box of photos and wall art. I started picking places for them to hang and snuck glances at Henry as he built up the shelves. At the moment he concentrated on the level of the shelf, brows furrowed at the wood. I chewed on my lip and went back to hanging up a picture of Irene and I at a house party in college.

“Who’s that with you?” I jumped, Henry was behind me, looking over my shoulder.

“My best friend Irene. We were roommates before I moved.” I smiled at the picture. We had dressed up as Velma and Daphne. “It was Halloween our freshman year I think.” He looked at me.

“You look good in glasses.” He stated and walked back to the shelf.

“Thanks,” I cleared my throat, finding another picture and hanging it.

“Okay, I think it’s done.” Henry tapped the bookshelf.

“Yay, thank you.” I found my other box of books and slid it over. He opened it and we pulled out books.

“Ah, Stephen King.” He had The Shining in his left hand and The Gunslinger in the other. He was currently looking at the back of The Gunslinger.

“Yes, my all-time favorite.” I had The Great Gatsby and The Witcher in my hands. I put The Witcher behind my back, pursing my lips.

“What’s that one?”

“The Great Gatsby.” I held it up. “My favorite book.” He shook his head.

“The one you just hid.” I pulled the book back out and showed him the cover. The biggest smirk I had ever seen spread over his face. “You are a fan.” The smirk turned into a full-sized grin. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Yes, I am. I love the show so much.” I smiled. “I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” He looked anything but, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“No, not at all. I’m glad.”

“So now that that’s out of the way, when’s the new season coming?” I laughed and he joined.

“Unfortunately,” He clicked his tongue. “I can’t tell you that.” I pouted.

“Fine. It was worth a shot.” I shrugged. We started putting books up, Henry reached over my head to get the ones on the top shelf for me.

“What are you gonna do if you want to read these?” I handed him the last Game of Thrones books.

“I’m probably not going to read those beasts again,” He chuckled. “But I guess I’ll just have to call you.” I high fived myself in my head. I wasn’t usually that smooth.

“Okay, love.” I shut my eyes; would I ever get used to that. It was a normal thing in the UK but it made my heart skip. We filled it and still had some space to spare. I filled it with some more photos and decorative things. It looked nice.

“Perfect!” I clapped. “Thank you, Henry.”

“Of course, what’s next?” I looked around at what was left of my boxes. Most were already broken down. What was left was a few things I just needed to find a place for or needed to be packed away in back in storage.

“I think it’s pretty much done. I just need go through those boxes.” There were only two thankfully. Henry smiled and I sat on the couch.

“How’s London been so far?” Henry sat down, on the one end. He leaned back, his arm laying on the back, close to my head.

“I haven’t really gone out yet.”

“As soon as I can I’ll take you to see all the sights.” I smiled.

“I’ll make a list.” He smirked but laughed.

“So, what did your friend, Irene, think of you moving?” I pulled my legs up to sit criss cross.

“She was sad but wanted me to go. I miss her though.” Henry nodded, and then it was quiet. I looked over at him and he was staring up at a painting I hung on the wall. He hadn’t taken any blood from me throughout this whole process. “Um, Henry, I was wondering, you haven’t fed,” I cleared my throat. “Yet, and if you need to, just ask.” He took a deep breath and turned his head back to me.

“As long as you’re comfortable enough. I didn’t want to spring it on you our first day together.” I shook my head.

“Thank you for that. But I think I’m good now.” He moved closer to me and our knees touched. I swallowed.  

“If you’re sure, I’ll only take a little today. I wanted to take it slow.” I nodded, then he grabbed my hand. “Is from your wrist okay?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” He held my wrist in his big hands like it was going to break. I gulped and shut my eyes; I don’t think I could watch this man put his mouth on me right now. I leaned back on the couch as he brought his lips to my wrist. He pressed them gently on the inside of my wrist and goosebumps rose on my entire arm. I sucked in a breath when his fangs pierced the skin and the familiar stinging sensation sprouted from his mouth. Then it faded to tingling warmth. The feeling felt good as he drank. I had to focus on my breathing so I wouldn’t focus on other things. The tingles were hitting every inch of me. I took a shaky breath and he let me go. The tingles slowly fading. He let me bring my wrist back and sighed.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I opened my eyes, smiling at him, through the little buzz I was feeling. I stood. “Let me just get a band aid,” I quickly went to the bathroom and shut the door. I leaned against it and tried to calm my heart down. It never felt like that with my last client. Maybe similar, but something was different about that. It was more intense. I grabbed some band aids and stuck it on the small marks now on my wrist. I splashed some hot water on my face and went back out. Henry had gone into the kitchen and was getting a glass out. I sat at the island.

“How about some water?” Henry asked me. I nodded as he filled the glass and set it in front of me.

“Thank you.” I took a drink.

“Thank you. Make sure you drink all of that.” I nodded.

“I will. I’ve done this before, remember.” He nodded.

“But still, drink it and eat a good dinner tonight.” I grinned at him, his instructing me making me feel good.

“I will.” I gave him a firm nod and he laughed. I took another drink.

“I wanted to ask you, how do you feel about dogs?”

“Oh, I love them. You have one right?”

“Yes, Kal’s my best friend.” I smiled.

“You should’ve brought him here!”

“Next time.” He promised. He took a breath to speak, but then his phone rang. He rolled his eyes. “Hang on,” I crossed my arms on the counter and rested my chin on them, watching him as his face changed as whoever it was spoke. “Alright, fine. Are you sure I can’t-“ He hmmed, forehead scrunched. “Okay, give me an hour.” He hung up and I raised my eyebrows. “It was Penny, I’ve got to go to this meeting-“

“For The Witcher?” I chuckled and his forehead relaxed again as he smiled a little. “It’s okay. You helped out a lot already.” He walked over to me and kissed my cheek, squeezing one of my shoulders as he did.

“Thank you, I’ll call you soon.” He walked out and I locked the door behind him. I went back to my water and felt my eyes start to droop. I always got sleepy after feeding. I took a long drink and brought the rest to my bedroom. I got in my blankets and it didn’t take long for me to close my eyes.

 The bright morning sun shined in through my windows, casting a lovely light on Henry’s curls and baby blues as he worked his way down naked torso. I bit my lip, my hands already fisted in the sheets. His beard tickled my stomach and I let out a giggle. He kissed just under my belly button and I whimpered.

           “Please, Henry.” My voice was a pathetic whisper, and he smiled into my skin, dragging his teeth gently over it.

           “We’re using please, now are we? How desperate are you?” I moaned out at his words. His low tone hitting me in my core.

           “Please,” Suddenly his hands came from under my legs, his shoulders pressed against the back of my thighs, head just above where I need him most.

           “I do love a girl with manners.” The palms of his hands pressed my stomach down so I couldn’t move. Then his open mouth landed on my pussy. I squirmed and moaned at the sensation. His lips, his tongue. I could barely keep track of what they were doing it felt so good. My breaths were ragged when I wasn’t moaning. My hands tangled into his hair and his beard tickled my thighs. “So, good, baby.” He mumbled and the air sent chills through my body. He looked up at me, his blue eyes dark. He pressed the flat of his tongue on my slit and dragged it up and I gasped, squirming under his grip. I could hear his mouth on me and the sounds only added to the pleasure. God, it felt like I was coming undone.

           “Oh god, Henry.” I could feel it coming, I was close. I shut my eyes. “I’m gonna-“

           I shot up in my bed, but it wasn’t morning, the sun was going down. There wasn’t a large blue eyed man under my sheets either. I slumped over, the back of my neck sweaty and my breathing was hard. I pressed a hand to my forehead, eyes wide. One feeding and he was already in my dreams?

           “Fuck.”

[healingreceding-gums-blog]

Healing Receding Gums

Over one-half of Americans possess some type of gum disease (additionally called gum disease). The good news is, if you catch your gum disease early enough you may cease the progress as well as turn around damages.

Gum disease is hard to treat and turn around without correct information and a lot of what the majority of people have actually been actually said to actually does additional damage than really good. For more info about Can You Heal Receding Gums?

It is actually time to prepare the file directly.

You can only cease the progression of gum disease along with a mix method consisting of three essential elements:

A gum disease dealing with diet regimen Qualified care Suitable oral hygiene

How To Heal Receding Gums At Home?

These are provided in order of importance in the long-term.

The complication with addressing gum disease is actually that there is actually a considerable amount of misinformation available on how to effectively avoid as well as reverse it. A a large number of the false impressions relate to dental health, so I'll for a while touch on those.

Initially, are sure you actually have good oral health habits as well as aren't inadvertently causing your gums any sort of danger. Inspect the listed here-- some may startle you.

You ARE using added soft bristles You ARE swapping out your tooth brush every three months (Rages hone as time go on). You aren't brushing too tough (This is actually a huge one-- I usually suggest that my clients brush with their opposite non-dominant hand to prevent this). You may not be making use of Listerine or solid antibacterial mouthwash.

While dental care is crucial in fighting gum disease, diet regimen is actually a lot more effective as well as must be priority primary.

If you may not be obtaining the correct nutrients to sustain a robust body immune system you can have excellent dental habits and also still end up along with gum disease. Meals should be thought about medication and also its impact on gum disease is no exception.

Ways To Heal Receding Gums

Hippocrates claimed it over 2400 years earlier, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy meals.". Trick nutrients for combating gum disease.

A well-balanced body system typically combats gum disease. There are actually nonetheless some nutrients that are actually particularly helpful. The trick is actually to consume foods items that nourish your oral microbiome. To make sure you possess the appropriate nutrient building blocks within your diet, see to it you adhere to the standards below.

Goal to consume foods items that are higher in:.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)-- CoQ10 is actually an antioxidant located throughout the body as well as needed to have for proper cell functionality. Researches have located that folks with adequate CoQ10 are actually much less likely to possess gum disease. Actually, if you have sufficient of this antioxidant and you likewise have gum disease, your CoQ10 levels in your gums will certainly increase in concentration. This can decrease the development of periodontal inflammation. Collagen-- When you have gum disease, your gums are going to restructure the tissue makeup to cope with the irritation-- this leads to bovine collagen degeneration. To fight this, you'll require to consume foods along with lots of bovine collagen.

Can I Heal Receding Gums?

Catechins-- These are disease fighting phenols as well as antioxidants. Catechins have shown to become successful in managing gum disease via inhibiting harmful bacteria and preventing gum swelling. Vitamin C-- Studies have found that gum disease is associated with low Vitamin C levels. By enhancing your Vitamin C consumption, you can easily enhance your body immune system so it can battle the disease triggering microorganisms and also aid reproduce your gums. Additionally, you need to have Vitamin C for bovine collagen maturation, which assists maintain the periodontal ligament and other cells well-balanced. Beta Carotene-- Studies have actually found eating meals higher in beta-carotene support those along with gum disease cure better. Beta carotene is actually a provitamin your body system turns into Vitamin A, which reduces inflammation. Omega-3s-- Omega-3s are actually recognized for their anti-inflammatory residential properties and also our physical body's need them for a well-balanced body immune system. One research located that omega-3 intake was vice versa linked with gum disease.

You require to enhance your consumption of each of these important nutrients if you desire to tackle your gum disease head-on. On the contrary, you'll sustain your oral microbiome much more successfully if you consume much less damaging meals.

Natural Ways To Heal Receding Gums

To lessen the effect of gum disease you'll wish to starve the poor microorganisms through doing away with:.

Sweets (negative bacteria likes sweets). Honed carbs.

Now that you know the very best factors to invest your body system for dealing with gum disease, listed here is actually a more detailed consider the leading 12 meals that contain these essential components. The 12 Best Foods to Eat if You Have Gum Disease.

1. Almonds and also seeds high in omega Sixes.

These feature macadamia almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds. Omega-3s are actually essential to a versatile, nutrient-dense diet. Omega-3s are excellent for you considering that they are anti-inflammatory yet likewise have an inverse partnership with gum disease. These nuts are terrific sources of nutrients also.

2. Salmon or various other fatty fish.

Oily fish such a salmon, herring, as well as mackerel are actually terrific resources of nutrients as well as are high in omega-3s. As a result of their oil material, they have anti-inflammatory results on the physical body as well as are fantastic for the immune system.

3. Grass-fed meat.

Since our company do not eat organ chickens like our ascendants carried out, we require to be diligent about our bovine collagen consumption. Grass-fed meat has collagen, which is terrific for battling gum disease.

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It's likewise higher in omega-3s, which is just one of the factors plenty of health masters point out the feed of the cow. Grain fed beef is actually loaded with omega-6s, antibiotics, and also various other inflamed, disease resulting in components. It is actually merely ineffective to consume grain-fed meat anymore.

4. Chick.

Chick includes CoQ10 and bovine collagen, which are actually each great in the match versus gum disease. Don't miss the skin either. Lots of people discard consuming the chicken skin since it is actually high in fat deposits, but chicken skin layer is actually packed with collagen.

5. Bone brew.

We don't eat the whole creature like our team when carried out, which implies our experts're losing out on essential nutrients like collagen. Yet you can easily get additional of this nutrient in your diet plan with bone broth. Bone tissue brew is actually obtaining level of popularity as a health superfood given that it is actually a delicious way for our company to acquire even more of the nutrients our team lose out on in the present day globe.

6. Shiitake mushrooms.

Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which is actually a carbohydrate merely discovered in this particular type of mushroom. Lentinan attacks the dangerous gum disease triggering bacteria while leaving various other bacteria alone. Shiitake mushrooms are actually likewise strongly anti-inflammatory as well as have been actually observed in research studies to lessen numerous inflammatory pens.

7. Cabbage.

Cabbage is stuffed with Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant in the physical body. Vitamin C has been actually vice versa linked with gum disease. Cabbage likewise delivers tons of other nutrients. Broccoli contains Vitamin B1, magnesium mineral, iron, calcium, niacin, as well as selenium. Any sort of nutrient heavy diet regimen ought to contain broccoli.

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8. Reddish as well as environment-friendly bell peppers.

Higher in Vitamin C, red and also green alarm peppers are a wonderful add-on to a gum disease fighting diet. One cup of red bell peppers contains over 300% of your everyday highly recommended allotment of Vitamin C. While environment-friendly alarm peppers contain over 200% of the Vitamin C you require in a day. In fact, both reddish as well as environment-friendly alarm peppers have extra Vitamin C than an orange. Incorporate more alarm peppers to your diet for an effortless and delectable boost in Vitamin C.

9. Sweet whites potato.

Pleasant whites potato are an exceptional resource of lots of nutrients but they created this checklist particularly for their beta carotene web content. Beta carotene is actually a necessary nutrient in the fight versus gum disease. It lessens irritation as well as delivers your physical body with the aspects it needs to have to develop Vitamin A. Sweet whites potato additionally contain high degrees of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Manganese.

10. Environment-friendly herbal tea.

Environment-friendly herbal tea is higher in catechins. Always remember catechins? Those was just one of the crucial gum disease fighting nutrients provided above.

Certainly not merely is environment-friendly tea higher in catechins, but it's also been found to possess an inverted partnership along with periodontal disease. One research study that examined 940 men located there was an inverted affiliation in between green herbal tea usage and also gum disease. Indicating those that consume alcohol more environment-friendly tea have a lesser odds of cultivating gum disease.

Is There A Way To Heal Receding Gums?

11. Cacao.

Cacao is likewise higher in disease-fighting catechins, which aid stop gum disease. Cacao is actually terrific for your teeth generally due to the fact that it battles cavities, plaque, and also dental cavity. Materials in cacao are actually a lot more reliable at battling dental cavity than fluoride. Cacao likewise includes a compound referred to as CBH, which sets your polish.

To eat cacao that's in fact great for you as well as certainly not loaded along with sweets, opt for a raw dark chocolate that is 70 percent or even additional. Try to find a reduced sugar material too. Cacao and also cacao differ in handling. Cacao have not been exposed to high heat energy, is actually still uncooked, as well as still has it is actually 300+ compounds, a lot of which are actually good for your health.

12. Probiotic consisting of foods items.

These feature kefir, cabbage, as well as kimchi. Probiotics sustain the really good micro-organisms in your mouth and also decrease gingivitis and also plaque buildup. Fermented foods items are additionally thought to restrain the development of oral pathogens.

One study located those who drank fermented dairy products benefited from protective impacts against gum disease-- though it wasn't crystal clear whether it was due to the boost calcium or the probiotics (or each!). Quit gum disease in its paths.

How To Heal Receding Gums?

The most ideal item versus gum disease is proper knowledge of just how it operates and also what could be carried out to prevent it. Now that you understand what to eat and how to handle your teeth as well as gums-- the right way-- I hope you feel a lot better outfitted to stop gum disease in its own paths. Whether you're trying to eliminate gum disease or even only avoid it, the advise in this write-up will be beneficial to you.

Allotment this short article along with a buddy or loved one that's still observing old dental cleanliness suggestions. Our team currently recognize that diet is actually the 1st line of self defense against gum disease and also it's important to spread the word!

[back-and-totheleft]

Patriots

I was totally anonymous, just a guy who didn't talk too much and tried to learn things as fast as I could. They didn't know your fucking first name. I was just 'Stone.' They were pissed off, angry people. I tried to stay out of trouble cause it was pretty heavy and I was a rookie. You're a replacement troop in a demoralized unit and everybody's counting days to get back home. I tried not to get too noticed. Just did my job and shut up. Don't get picked on. I was pretty good at that because some of the other new guys were really irritating to them and believe me, when you were a new guy they'd kill you. They don't really care about you, because you're an FNG [fucking new guy]. They'd put you up on point all the time. If you don't know what you're doing you're dead. And if they really wanted to fuck with you, they'd put you on an LP [listening post], which is spooky as hell because you're only two people outside the perimeter. 

The whole fucking thrust of the American media was I Corps - the marines, the Rockpile, the DMZ, Khe Sanh, all that glamour shit. You never heard about the 25th [Infantry Division] or the 1st [Cavalry Division] down at the Cambodian border. I don't remember seeing one fucking journalist in the 25th Infantry, ever. It was such an unglamorous fucking job. III Corps, where I was, was supposed to be the second front, but it was the first front. I Corps - that's the jab. The real punch - the right hook - was coming from the Ho Chi Minh Trail to III Corps aimed at Saigon, which is the head. That's the knockout punch. You cut the fucking head, the snake dies. All their tunnels, all their complexes, all the spies, most everything they had that was heavyweight was based around Saigon. 

They were a very capable enemy. Would not miss a detail. When they hit us on Firebase Burt on January 1, 1968, we found on the dead bodies the next day exact drawings of our perimeter, the spaces between our foxholes, and practically every piece of equipment that we had. They knew what they were doing. They're like fucking warrior ants. The Firebase Burt firefight was the one I put at the end of Platoon. They put RPGs [rocket propelled grenades] all over us. The only thing that saved my ass is that my company started out on the inner perimeter. If I'd been in C company I'd probably be dead. They were completely overrun down there. They were fighting with entrenching tools. I got a beehive up my ass that night. Beehives [artillery rounds filled with hundreds of small metal darts] were wicked things. Our guys were firing them from howitzers on the tanks point blank across the perimeter at the gooks and they didn't care if you were in the way. The beehive lifted me up and carried me about thirty yards and put me down somewhere. I didn't know what happened for about an hour. 

I got two wounds in the 25th, which meant I could take a noncombat assignment in the rear. So I went to Saigon with an auxiliary military police unit. It was the most boring fucking job, but you can't go to sleep or some sapper will come out on the fucking street and blow you away so it was really nerve-wracking. You go crazy after a while. Anyway, I got busted for the usual stuff. There was always fighting between the REMFs [rear-echelon motherfuckers] and the frontline troops because we'd come back and some asshole would always say, "Shine your shoes, blouse your pants, shave." My attitude was, kiss my ass. I had contempt for them because most of them had not been in the field. They were just cowards making money in the rear selling PX shit. I hated their fucking guys cause kids were dying out there. 

They were going to file charges against me for insubordination so I made a deal. I said, "Send me back to a combat unit. You get rid of me and I'd rather be there than here anyway." They sent me to the long range recon patrol in the First Cav, but I ended up being busted out of the Lurps, too, and I went across the road to the 1st of the 9th where I spent the last four or five months doing infantry. That was the unit the "Barnes" character [from Platoon] was in. He was a hell of a sergeant. He could kill and he knew how to get them. I remember one time we snuck up on 'em as they were eating breakfast. It's rare to sneak up on the VC, but he smelled the fish heads. We got them at dawn. The guy just loved killing. He really hated them, hated their fucking guts. He had scars on his face and he lived to kill. He was like a real Ahab. 

I was in the 1st of the 9th when I got a bronze star. It was a purely military action. I mean I don't think there was any doubt about what I did. It was a potentially disastrous situation. We were under fire, taking casualties, and there was a lot of confusion. People didn't know where they were going, units were crossing each other. It was just a jugfuck in a village about six klicks from the beach. We were on tracks that day and I remember the [scout] dog getting killed. Then the goddamn lieutenant and the sergeant got killed. A lot of snipers were popping up everywhere. So this one guy pops up in the middle of about fifty people and starts firing. He didn't hit anybody but you knew it was gonna happen. We were all spread out around his spider hole so there was no way you could shoot at this guy without hitting one of our own men. It was a complete fuck-up. I just reacted and my baseball arm cam through. I got the grenade right in the hole, first throw. If I'd missed the hole the fucking grenade would have rolled right into my own men. It was pretty dicey, but I felt good cause I saved some men, I think. I also saved men all along the line. I saved men from drowning. And I saved villages from being killed when I could, or raped. 

I don't like it when veterans say, "Well, it's a war, you can do anything you want. It's such a fuck-up you civilians would never understand it." I don't buy that bullshit for one fucking second. It's so tiring to hear those clunkheads say you can blow anybody away in a war. Even though war brings out the worst behavior in every man, there is a moral place. We were destined to lost because this war had no moral purpose and it was fought without any moral integrity.

-Oliver Stone quoted in Patriots: The Vietnam War Remembered from All Sides by Christian G Appy (2003)

[rjhet]

A New Coat of Paint

Thanks to some very generous donations from the Nicholaid’s household ((OOC: Cavero is the mastermind behind this! Thank you Cav!)), the Ruby Wing has been remodeled and made like new! The cafe itself is now upstairs, which allows folks to come an’ go easier. We also have outdoor dinin’ as well fer folks that want some fresh air. Havin’ long admired the stories of knights, Ah’m lovin’ the stone work on our interiors. Considerin’ our old turrets broke down an’ we don’t have a good enough engineer ta fix ‘em, this is a much better defense for us.

The downstairs has become our new lounge/library. It’s very warm an’ cozy; an excellent place to relax after a long day with a few rounds of Triple Triad. If any folk order a “Talon Knight” we’ll invite them down here.

Jus’ behind the lounge is our official meetin’ room. Everyone has a seat where they can see the map behind me when Ah give our mission briefings, an’ just behind that room is our armory, changin’ rooms, an’ emergency escape route tha’ leads out into the Goblet. Ah’m lovin’ this new set up. We even are makin’ full use of our garden ta make sure any chocobo’s stabled with us have good food to eat ((and get new colors if new members want free fruits!)). This is lookin’ like a new golden age fer us. Here’s hopin’ things work out.

[thisisluxurytravel]

Review: Is Yasawa Island the Best Honeymoon Destination in Fiji?

Yasawa Island Resort - Blue Lagoon cav

Located on one of Fiji's secluded and natural islands is the Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is fiji most romantic hotel and perfect for a honeymoon.  Yasawa resort offers lucent waters to swim in, ten private beaches  to delve into and an opportunity to explore its underwater caves connect with an ancient culture. Read on for an honest Yasawa island resort review and the the top 5 things to do at Yasawa

1. Getting there

Taking over 33 hours to get to Nadi if coming from Europe, Fiji is definitely not an easy place to get to. The commonest routes in getting to Fiji is through Los Angeles, Australia, Singapore or Korea.

We spent the night at the Radisson Blu in Denarau. Denarau is a man-made island which is becoming Fiji’s main destination. I still don't understand why anyone would take a long flight all in pursuit of a week vacation in Denarau with its underwhelming beaches. Definitely not my type of travel. Fortunately, we were there only for 1 night.

Tip: If you can time your flight to arrive early enough and catch the charter flight to Yasawa, it is probably best connecting directly

We then took the morning charter fight organised by the Yasawa Island Resort. It costs about 1200 Fiji Dollars per person and is in a private plane. We shared the plane with another couple and a few locals from Yasawa. The plane ride was quite choppy but the views were wonderful. Especially the landing into Yasawa Island.

Tip: Try and get a seat on the first row as those have the best view

Yasawa island Resort - the plane to get to the island

Yasawa Resort - View from the plane

2. Checking in

My Yasawa island resort review has to start with the chek-in. Following an exquisite view while landing, a homely welcome was in place on the landing strip. There was traditional singing, drinks and fresh fruits. We were quickly taken to the resort and a nice lunch was in order before we were showed to our room.

3. The rooms

The deluxe Bure we had booked was well spacious and comfy, it had an indoor and an outdoor shower, few terraces with a delightful view of the pristine sea.  The room also offered us with quite a lot of privacy.

Tips: The Bure Suite are a bit smaller than the Deluxe Bure. They are 2 Bure Suites in each Bure so they offer a little less privacy than the Deluxe Bure. So, if you ware on honeymoon and wants privacy, it is probably worth paying a little bit extra for a Deluxe Bure. This is one of the reason why Yasawa Island resort is the most romantic hotel in Fiji.

Yasawa Resort - the Deluxe Bure

Yasawa Resort - the bathroom with an outdoor shower

4. The food

Having checked out the reviews on TripAdvisor before our trip, some of which stated that the food was horrible, I was quite worried about it.

But it turned out that the food was good considering the type of resort it is. No, it's not a Michelin star type cuisine, but more of a varied and fresh cuisine

The restaurant behind the pool with an amazing view of the sea served as a dining area for our 3-course meals, both for lunch and dinner. The evening meal would often be preceded by a cocktail or a cultural activity which provided opportunities to meet other travellers.

I have dietary restrictions and the chef was very accommodating, making sure I got what I could eat every day. We probably expected a bit more seafood and fresh fruits than we got.

The food and all non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price. So enjoy!

5. The resort

The Yasawa island resort has beautiful buildings, Pool, Bures, Day Spa and even the gardens which are large and well kept. The resort provides enough activities to keep you busy and entertained (see top 5 things to do at Yasawa beach resort below), it also offers serenity and privacy - courtesy of the largeness and spread out nature of the resort.

Walking on the beach around sunset was another activity we greatly enjoyed.

Tip: A 30 minutes’ walk can get you on the view point higher on the hill that offers you a great view during sunset. By the way, make sure you cover yourself properly with mosquito repellent because of the many mosquitoes and flies there.

The reception area had Wi-Fi service though it was slow. We had no Wi-Fi in our room.

Tip: If you absolutely need Wi-Fi, then ask for the room nearest the reception - it has Wi-Fi coverage.

Though the service provided there was really different from that at Four Seasons Nam Hai or the Six Senses Con Dao, it was very good. The service was friendly and welcoming but a few times, it wasn't the most efficient service wanted. Proactivity level varied widely, response to requests were at times very slow and some requests even got lost. However, every single member of the staff was always smiling and that adds to the laid-back vibe of Yasawa Beach Resort.

The laid-back vibe is also seen in the type of guests the resort attracts. The guests are easy going and unlikely to come with their designer clothes. During our stay, the resort was home to some honeymoon couples from China, some Europeans, Americans and a family from New Zealand.

Yasawa Resort - Sunset by the pool

5. Top 5 things to do while at Yasawa Beach resort

In this Yasawa Island resort review, we are highligting the top five activities for a romantic hotel stay and a great honeymoon. With those activities, you can see why the Yasawa island resort is the most romantic hotel in Fiji

Private picnics

The Private picnic is definitely one activity not to be missed while at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa.

You get an entire beach all to yourself and we all know only a few places in the world will do that. The very thought of you and the love of your life having a private picnic as an escape from the harsh reality of the everyday life in a tropical island Paradise is a dream come true. Yasawa Island is surrounded with 11 wonderful secluded beaches with names like Lovers' Beach, Paradise Beach and our favourite being Champagne Beach. The beautiful nature of the beaches had us so awed that we went on picnic almost every day reliving the idyllic feeling too.

We chose delicious picnic options from the daily selection, ordered beers or a bottle of champagne and this was delivered to us on the beach.

We were dropped off by boat at our chosen beach by the staff with cushions and an umbrella and before leaving, they would ask us when we wanted to be picked up. Yet they happened to always be 30-40 minutes late every time. So when mentioning your pick up time, factor in the 30-40 minutes tardiness.

Private beach picnics are included in the tariff.

Yasawa resort - picnic on your own private beach

Yasawa resort - picnic on another private beach

The Blue Lagoon Caves

The Blue Lagoon caves are hidden under the volcanic peak at the southern end of Yasawa Island. The caves we're used as one of the settings for the 1980 movie which starred Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins. Getting there requires travelling the picturesque length of the Island and it is one of their amazing water-based activity.

The lagoon has hidden Chambers that are connected to the sea by underwater passages. Swimming here is absolutely a delight. The snorkelling outside the cave is superb, so you might want to check it out after your cave tour. Come with a little cash because there are amazing souvenirs being sold by the locals that will interest you. The Cave tour is also included in the tariff.

Yasawa Island Resort - Blue Lagoon cave

Snorkelling (or Scuba diving)

The Yasawa Island is made up of rugged volcanic rock with sheer cliffs which create the most awesome limestone coral formations and drops off when they fall into the sea. Uncharted reefs submerged in turquoise and Jade green seas make up the surroundings of the Island.

The snorkelling trips did not provide anything out of the ordinary. But they were definitely enjoyable the few times they were organized with all the fine corals and large amount of fishes.

For outstanding diving, I prefer destinations in Indonesia like Komodo, East Timor Atarau, Alor or Maumere.

Cultural Activities

We also visited the village of Bukama after receiving the chief's permission. We attended church service there and don't say you weren't warned, you might be asked to do a little talking during the mass. The mass was quite long but the choir was beautiful. The choir also came to the hotel on Sunday night and sang before diner

The village locals offered us the opportunity to partake in a lovo (Fijian feast), we tried the Kava too, the local drink which we really liked. The evening ended with us in a relaxed state of mind, all thanks to drinking too much Kava.

Yasawa Resort - Cava ceremony

The Spa

The Yasawa spa fell short of the high standards that the Asian spas have exposed us to so we felt slightly underwhelmed by the spa. If a good spa is one of the reasons you are going for a vacation, the Yasawa resort is just not the best place for you. If all you require is an occasional massage, then they will do just fine. The spa is on the beach at the end of the resort and offers a charming atmosphere.

In conclusion

The Yasawa Island is easy to fall in love with considering the fact that they have some of the world's most beautiful beaches. If you desire a true experience, privacy and friendly welcome and not luxurious pampering, then this resort is for you. They have many repeat customers and it is easy to see why. My Yasawa Island resort reviews says it is a beautiful place and beautiful people…

Rates starting at US$900. Compare the best rates and book your stay on Hotel Combined.  For a romantic honeymoon in a different style, also check out my hotel reviews of The Four Seasons Nam Hai and the newly opened Ayana Komodo resort  amongst my other hotels' reviews

[softness-and-shattering]

I think that’s the point. We, similarly to John, have come to be invested in the high stakes fast-moving large-scale plot. We want to know what big, universe-shaking things are happening. 

John fucked up when he was so focused on his Goals that he forgot about the everyday people. Instead of saving the everyday people he did everything he could do destroy the handful abandoning everyone in their big quest to get off earth. And in the end he didnt save everyone, he killed everyone and ate them and spawned a necromantic empire. I think Muir is making that same point to us readers with the pacing of this book. She’s saying, the Great Man idea of history, of stories, is one thing. But all the everyday, ‘irrelevant, little’ people are just as important. Let’s spend some time with them. Let’s hang out with the band of kids nobody much cares about except the teacher and the Angel. You know what, this traumatised teenager who named herself after her favourite food is going to teach the earth itself about forgiveness. This six legged dog and the littles at school are going to teach her how to look after others. This band of kids are going to teach her about camaraderie and responsibility and looking out for each other. All the small human lessons she didnt get from John or any of the other Important people because they were so busy doing Great things and so swallowed in their grief that they never got around to just being human to each other, to teaching Alecto how to be human. And now, I believe, our perspective has changed, going into Alecto. Maybe the point isnt to kill/depose one Great Man in favour of another, maybe John isn’t important at all. Maybe all the big plot things that are going to happen next book arent about lofty ideals that fall so far out of touch with reality. Maybe what’s important is building a new world were kids like Hot Sauce and Born In the Morning and Kevin and Isaac and Jeannemary and Gideon and Harrow can grow up safely, like regular kids, without war and imperialism and resettlements and Resurrection Beasts looming overhead, and without sacrificing them to create a new world either. No more dramatic self sacrifices from Gideon, Harrow, Cristabel, Alfred, Nona, none of it, no more eating cavs to gain power, no more swallowing up people into greater goals.   Nona The Ninth is a bit weird and a bit slow and a bit out of touch with larger events, and the entire point.  

This isn't a criticism, just me being impatient, but there is something interesting about the slow, casual pacing of Nona the Ninth.

Unlike GtN and HtN, we the reader finally know more than Nona. There is new info, sure, but Nona is more clueless than we are.

There are so many things that come up that make me go I know that! What's happening there?? Let's focus on it, please. But Nona doesn't focus on that, she spends two paragraphs putting paw mittens on a dog.

And it makes me feel guilty as a reader, wanting to push Nona through the story when she's just trying to savor her simple life. She knows it's going to end, we know it's going to end. Nona almost tempts the reader to slow down and just relish ignorance for a moment. She doesn't have to die yet.

[yesevictor]

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Another factor to consider when looking for the best rewards credit card is the annual fee. You can find plenty of rewarding credit cards that won't charge you for the privilege of carrying them.

What Is the Smartest Way to Use a Credit Card that Offers Rewards?

Unfortunately, because different people have different financial situations and needs, there is no universally amazing rewards credit card. That said, there are some generally solid rules of thumb to get the most out of your rewards card.

Use frequently, pay off frequently: Your card shouldn’t dramatically change your spending habits. But if you can get rewards for spending that you would ordinarily do, it only makes sense to charge it to your card. The important thing is to pay off the credit as soon as possible. Interest charged on your balance will quickly wipe out any advantage the rewards can provide.

The right card for the right place and time: So long as you’re not facing huge fees or penalties, there’s often little reason not to have multiple cards open, in the interest of maximizing your rewards. For example, use the card that gives the best cash back for groceries while you’re at the grocery store, and the card that is better for gas at the gas station.

Know what you’re getting: There are often hidden bonuses that cards have that they don’t advertise as readily. Research what you’re entitled to, and don’t forget that payment networks (e.g. Visa and Mastercard) also have bonuses and perks beyond what the card issuer offers.

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Applying for a credit card is typically straightforward. Indeed, if your financial activity makes it look like you’re in the market, you may have financial service providers beating down your door with pre-approved offers for cards. Find the rewards card with the bonuses that you desire (such as extra points in the categories of your choice, or double cash back from certain vendors such as team pro shops). The most common way to apply for rewards credit cards today is through the financial service provider’s website, though some also offer application options via phone or through their apps.

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[themurphyzone]

Explorers of Chaos Ch 2

I’m styling these chapter titles after the Japanese method of titling anime episodes, you know, lots of exclamation points and stuff. 

Ch 2: Mysterious Happenings! Cavendish and Dakota Explain!  

“-that ridiculous cat. It’s been years and he still can’t figure out how to avoid clawing up bark while gathering moss.”

Milo blinked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “Whas going on?” he yawned. Suddenly his head was tilted up, and he found himself staring at a large, gray mustache at the base of a beak. 

“Good, you’re awake. The Pecha Berry must’ve taken care of the toxins already,” Cavendish said, nodding in approval. He dropped a yellow berry into Milo’s lap. “Now, eat that and recover your strength.” 

Milo obeyed, tearing the berry in half and popping one piece into his mouth. It was strange swallowing it whole rather than chewing it into smaller pieces. As soon as it landed in his stomach, he felt a jolt of energy that left him more energized than before. 

The remaining half didn’t last thirty seconds. 

“Thanks for the food!” Milo exclaimed. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” Cavendish snapped, gathering a bundle of firewood into his wings. One large stick fell loose from the rest of the pile and dropped on his foot. He grimaced in pain. “Setting up a fire would be much simpler if Dakota would stop dawdling. He always insists on getting moss himself for some reason. And has the nerve to laugh at me when I tell him he was too careless retrieving it.” 

He rubbed two sticks together, sparks flying out between them. A fire sprung to life, and Cavendish turned to Milo. “How are you feeling?” 

“Great!” Milo chirped. “Even if I have no idea what’s going on....” 

“When Dakota gets back, we’ll try to answer your questions as best as we can,” Cavendish said. 

Milo nodded, his eyes following a spark which landed on Cavendish’s tail, setting the tip ablaze. “Your tail’s on fire!” he yelped, rushing over to help him put it out. 

“I beg your pardon? My tail is perfectly-” Cavendish caught sight of his tail, and shouted in surprise. Unfortunately, running around the clearing while squawking about being on fire didn’t help much. 

Milo ran after him, feeling a liquid build up in the back of his throat. He opened his mouth to release it, a huge jet of water rushing out and hitting Cavendish in the back. 

The force sent Cavendish flying several feet before he landed on his stomach in a crumpled heap. Fortunately, the fire was gone, leaving behind charred and wet green feathers.

Milo ran up to him. “Did you see that? I didn’t know I could do shoot water that far!” 

Cavendish groaned, rolling over on his back. “Next time, apply less pain to your Water Gun.” 

“Is that what you call it?” Milo asked. 

Cavendish stared at him blankly. “It’s a basic attack for any Water Pokemon that isn’t a Magikarp or Feebas. You really aren’t from around here, are you?” 

Milo shook his head. “I just woke up in a canyon today. I don’t know how I got there. All I remember was getting a warning from a-Mandibuzz, I think she called herself-and being washed away by the rapids.” 

“Interesting,” Cavendish muttered to himself. “I wonder....” 

“Wonder what?” Milo asked as they settled near the fire. Cavendish took care that his tail was far from the flames. 

“Ah, nothing!” Cavendish flapped his wings as he evaded the question. 

A rustling sounded from behind them, and Dakota appeared from the bushes, carrying a large bundle of moss. “I know, Cav,” he said, dropping the material far away from the fire. “I know how to handle moss.”

In an instant, Cavendish was inspecting the moss. He pulled out a stray leaf. “Clearly, you don’t,” he snapped. “I’ll take over the moss gathering from here.” 

“You don’t have to,” Dakota said quickly. “I don’t mind doing it. Besides, I like forests at night. There’s, uh, lots of Silcoon here.” 

“Dakota, this forest is Cascoon territory,” Cavendish said, eyeing him oddly. 

“Right, that’s what I said! Cascoon territory! And it’s better for just one of us to go out cause I hear they’ll go after anyone who’s attacked them once they evolve,” Dakota responded. 

Dakota’s paws were clasped behind his back, and his long tail swished from side to side. He was acting strangely, and Milo didn’t know why. Cavendish and Dakota were friends, right? 

At least, that was the impression he got. 

After a long silence, Cavendish sighed. “I’ll drop it for now. More importantly, Totodile has recovered from the poison.” 

“Really?” Dakota grinned, exposing his sharp fangs. “That’s great!” 

“My name’s not Totodile. It’s Milo,” Milo said. 

“Cool name,” Dakota held out his fist, and Milo bumped it eagerly. “I didn’t know the Feraligatr Tribe did the whole naming thing to tell their members apart.” 

There was that name again. 

“What’s the Feraligatr Tribe? And what’s a Pokemon?” Milo asked. “Sorry, everyone’s just tossing a bunch of names that I don’t understand.” 

Cavendish glanced at the campfire, the flames casting an eerie glow on his feathers. “The Feraligatr Tribe,” he said slowly. “They used to live by Lazuli Lake. A bit brutish, perhaps. But they were friendly enough. Everyone in their village was destroyed by an unknown power months ago. We have our suspicions, but....” 

He suddenly trailed off, pulling on the vines on his neck to partially close his hood. 

Dakota gently patted his back, picking up the story. “Nobody can settle there anymore. It’s too dangerous. I’m assuming you aren’t a survivor from the Tribe?” 

He shook his head. The Feraligatr Tribe must’ve been a happy community. Then they were gone in the blink of an eye. Milo tried to think back to where he’d come from. Had something similar happened to wherever he came from? 

“And a Pokemon is what we call everyone who lives around here,” Dakota continued. “Totodile is just your species name.” 

He wished someone had explained that to him earlier. It would’ve simplified things so much. 

Cavendish’s hood finally opened, but he was still avoiding eye contact. “In the morning, we’ll take you over to Principal Milder. She runs quite the school in this region. They’d be able to teach you skills you can use in the field.” 

Dakota nodded. “Our job in the Ultra Wormhole Investigative Unit is dangerous for a kid. You need to be able to defend yourself. And maybe you could form a team with some friends, who knows?” 

“The Ultra Wormhole Investigative Unit?” Milo asked. 

He was growing tired of all the names. 

“An organization dedicated to researching phenomena called Ultra Wormholes. They’re gateways into different worlds,” Cavendish explained. “They’ve been acting up for a while, but nobody knows why. There have been rumors of mysterious creatures entering our world and wreaking havoc. But eyewitness accounts have proven entirely unreliable, so nobody has been able to pinpoint what they look like.” 

“We think an Ultra Wormhole was the cause of the Feraligatr Tribe’s destruction,” Dakota added quietly. 

He really had nowhere else to go. As much as he wanted to stay with his rescuers, part of him thought going to Principal Milder’s school would be the better option. If he wanted to regain his memories, first he would need to learn how this strange world worked. 

“When Savannah and Brick found me, they said something about detecting a strange energy,” Milo said. 

“Your amnesia and the Ultra Wormholes may have a connection,” Cavendish said. “Dakota and I will look further into the matter. We finally have a lead. I never thought this day would come.” 

They sat in silence for a while, until it was punctuated by several yawns.

Dakota stretched his back, then flopped over. “Getting late. We’d better catch some z’s. Get some rest, kid. First day of school’s tomorrow.” 

Cavendish rolled his eyes, spreading his moss to form a nest around him. 

Milo’s eyes drooped shut, and he crawled over to the nearest warm body. 

“Night, kid,” Dakota whispered, allowing him to curl up by his side.