#springline

[guppygiggles]

A Sure Test 🪶

“Ah, ah, don't get up! Casper, how many times have I told you… you're my guest. Please, let me clear the table.” 

We'd been together for over a year, but nothing, it seemed, could dissuade Avery from doting on me. Back at my apartment I could occasionally convince him to relent, but never in his lighthouse. I smiled sheepishly as he took our plates to the sink, humming as he began to hand-wash them. 

Relaxing in the wooden chair, I turned my attention toward the springline window. As it ascended toward noon, a sweltering summer sun cast a shaft of white light into the kitchen, sending it dancing across wooden cabinetry and ceramic tile, passing translucently through Avery's bare limbs. I watched him quietly; even doing chores, he looked neat and dignified. 

“Hey, Avery?” I spoke over the clattering dishes. 

“Yes, dear.” 

“How can I be more like you?”

“What do you mean, like me?”

“You know… like, fancy, like you. Like, how you always seem put-together, or whatever… a gentleman.” 

He turned the sink off, turning to face me as he dried a plate with a strawberry-print towel. Grinning curiously, he leaned back against the counter. 

“What do you think makes someone a gentleman?” He asked. 

I thought for a moment. 

“Well… I guess, knowing how to dress… knowing what to say, like you always do… like, how you always seem so natural and relaxed…” My eyes traced the gray thinset dividing the pristine floor tiles. 

He set the plate down, standing before me in two Avery-sized steps. 

“Casper… being a gentleman isn't about clothing, demeanor, or even eloquence of speech – it's about integrity, kindness, and a bit of confidence; that's all. And for all that I may seem,” he tilted my chin up with a fingertip, “I am not all of those things, all of the time. Nobody is… Nobody can be. You may not be like me, but in the ways that matter, love… You are a gentleman.” 

I blushed, smiling a bit as I looked away from his pale, gentle eyes. He really did always know just what to say. Avery returned to the counter, resuming drying the dishes and putting them away. After a while, he spoke again. 

“If you're still unsatisfied, though… In terms of being a gentleman, there is a sure test…” 

I looked up, brow furrowed. 

“A test? What kind of test?” 

Avery folded his hands behind his back, a sly spark in his eye that I caught way too late. 

He cleared his throat ceremoniously. 

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

‘Looking for a change they’re not getting’ (Washington Post) The historic inflation that hit the United States and every other advanced nation over the past three years helps explain voters’ ire. But conditions in Erie—a bellwether county that voted in turn for Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden—show how long-term developments also are to blame. The county has fewer jobs and residents today than it did in 2001. Though the 3.9 percent unemployment rate in June was lower than the national 4.1 percent mark, that’s in part because many people have dropped out of the labor force because of age or disability. The poverty rate is higher than the national average; a larger share of people rely on government assistance, including food stamps; and job opportunities for the young are scarce. Almost 1 in 5 Americans live in a “left behind” county like this one, according to the Economic Innovation Group, a nonpartisan research outfit. These roughly 1,000 U.S. counties grew their population and household income less than half as fast as the nation did between 2000 and 2016. “It seems like right now the whole country is looking for a change they’re not getting,” said Joe Sinnott, a Democrat who served three terms as Erie’s mayor and now heads the county’s economic development efforts. “They’re looking for a stability they don’t have and they’re trying these different ways to get it, to get back to the stability of the Clinton years or maybe even going back to the Reagan years.”

The Hotelification of Offices (NYT) Visitors to the Springline complex in Menlo Park, Calif., are surrounded by a sense of comfort and luxury often found at high-end hotels: off-white walls with a Roman clay finish, a gray-and-white marble coffee table and a white leather bench beneath an 8-by-4 resin canvas etched with the words “Hello, tomorrow.” Springline’s signature scent—hints of salty sea air, white water lily, dry musk and honeydew melon—linger in the air. But Springline isn’t a hotel. It’s a “work resort,” meaning that its office space designs have taken a page from boutique hotels. The complex is a 6.4-acre town square steps from the Menlo Park Caltrain station in San Francisco’s Bay Area. It includes two premium office buildings, nine restaurants, outdoor work spaces and terraces where people can mingle and connect, gym facilities, a high-end golf simulator, an upscale Italian grocery store and a 183-unit residential building. And like any good resort, it has a calendar of community events from craft cocktail fairs to silent discos. With an office vacancy rate at about 20 percent in the United States, downtown business districts are trying whatever they can to get workers back—including resort-like work spaces that match or surpass the comfort of their homes.

Protesters Are Converging on Chicago. City Leaders Say They’re Prepared. (NYT) As delegates arrived in Chicago on Sunday night ahead of the Democratic National Convention, protesters gathered along Michigan Avenue. On Monday, as the political show begins inside the United Center, demonstrators say they will gather by the thousands outside. And as the convention goes on, activists say, so too will the protests, every single day, showcasing divisions on the left during a week when Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to project Democratic unity and enthusiasm. From the moment the Democrats chose Chicago as the site for their nominating convention, it was a foregone conclusion that protesters would show up in large numbers to protest the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to a war that Gaza health authorities say has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians. The city has a long tradition of left-wing activism, and nominating conventions tend to attract demonstrations.

The Mennonites Making the Amazon Their Home (NYT) Groups of Mennonites, seeking inexpensive land far from modern life, are carving out new colonies in the Amazon. After weeks of living in jungle tents, the handful of Mennonite families trying to make a new home deep in the Peruvian Amazon began to despair. Wasps attacked as they tried to clear forest. Heavy rains turned the road to their camp to mud. Running low on supplies, some wanted to turn back. Instead, they worked harder and eventually carved out an enclave. “There’s a place here where I wanted to live so we came and opened part of it up,” recalled Wilhelm Thiessen, a Mennonite farmer. “That’s what everyone did to have a place to live.” Today, seven years later, the cluster of homesteads is now a thriving colony, Wanderland, home to roughly 150 families, a church—which doubles as a school—and a cheese-processing facility. It is one of a string of Mennonite settlements that have taken root throughout the Amazon, turning forest into thriving farms.

Ukrainian president says the push into Russia’s Kursk region is to create a buffer zone there (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday the daring military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. It was the first time Zelenskyy clearly stated the aim of the operation that began Aug. 6. Previously, he had said the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling. This weekend, Ukraine destroyed a key bridge in the region and struck a second one nearby, disrupting supply lines as it pressed the incursion, officials said.

Lawmakers in Turkey draw blood in brawl during debate on jailed colleague (AP) A brawl broke out among Turkish lawmakers Friday during a heated debate over an opposition delegate currently jailed on what are widely considered to be politically motivated charges. Televised footage showed Ahmet Sik, a representative from the same party as the imprisoned deputy, being approached and attacked by a lawmaker from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party while speaking at the chamber’s podium. Sik had just called members of the ruling party a “terrorist organization.” In a subsequent scuffle involving dozens of deputies, a female lawmaker was struck, leaving drops of blood on steps leading the speaker’s lectern. Another opposition member was also reportedly injured. Physical tussles are not uncommon among Turkey’s lawmakers.

Thailand’s king endorses Paetongtarn Shinawatra as new prime minister (CNN) Thailand’s king endorses new prime minister. King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s new prime minister on Sunday, two days after her election by the country’s parliament. The daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn becomes the youngest Thai prime minister and the third of her family to occupy this position. Her government faces several challenges, including reforms of the economic and universal healthcare systems.

Chinese and Philippine ships collide at Sabina Shoal, a new flash point (Washington Post) Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided early Monday near the Sabina Shoal, according to officials from both countries and security analysts tracking ship movements, opening a new flash point between the countries in their territorial dispute in the South China Sea. While skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine ships have been increasing across the South China Sea, Monday’s incident marks the first time the countries have clashed directly over the Sabina Shoal. China claims the vast majority of the South China Sea as its territory, although it has no legal backing to do so. Its claim includes all of the Spratly Islands archipelago. The Sabina Shoal, 86 miles from the Philippine island of Palawan, is one of the closest maritime features in the Spratlys to the Philippines. It is within the 200 miles that the Philippines considers its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Blinken pushes for cease-fire in his 9th trip to Mideast since war began (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says now is “maybe the last” opportunity to reach a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after 10 months of war in Gaza. Blinken on Monday was on his ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the conflict began. His visit came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism a deal was near. But Hamas has voiced deep dissatisfaction with the latest proposal and Israel has said there were areas it was unwilling to compromise. The trip also comes amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killings of top militant commanders in Lebanon that Iran blamed on Israel.

Kuwait, in grip of desert summer heat, announces power cuts after fuel disruption (AP) Tiny, oil-rich Kuwait on Sunday instituted rolling blackouts in several residential neighborhoods despite high summertime temperatures in the desert emirate. The state-run KUNA news agency blamed “a fuel supply disruption” for the blackouts, which shut down desalination plants and some power stations. The forecast high for Kuwait on Sunday was 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit). Weather forecasters warned it could feel like 53 degrees Celsius (127 degrees Fahrenheit).

Former Saudi official alleges Prince Mohammed forged king’s signature on Yemen war decree, BBC says (AP) A former Saudi official alleged in a report that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman forged the signature of his father on the royal decree that launched the kingdom’s yearslong, stalemated war against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the allegations made without supporting evidence by Saad al-Jabri in an interview published Monday by the BBC, though the kingdom has described him as “a discredited former government official.” Al-Jabri, a former Saudi intelligence official who lives in exile in Canada, has been in a yearslong dispute with the kingdom as his two children have been imprisoned in a case he describes as trying to lure him back to Saudi Arabia. The allegation comes as Prince Mohammed now serves as the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, often meeting leaders in place of his father, the 88-year-old King Salman. His assertive behavior, particularly at the start of his ascension to power around the beginning of the Yemen war in 2015, extended to a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule.

Libya’s central bank ‘suspends operations’ after official abducted (Guardian) On Sunday, the Central Bank of Libya announced that it would be “suspending all operations” following the kidnapping of Musab Msallem, the bank’s head of information technology. It’s currently unclear who exactly is behind the kidnapping, but the bank said that Msallem and other executives had been “threatened with abduction” by “unlawful parties,” adding that it would “not resume operations” until he’s released. Last week, a group of armed men besieged the central bank’s headquarters in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, which local media said was an attempt to force the bank’s governor to resign. Currently, the African nation is still split by a power struggle between the NATO-backed official government centered around Tripoli in the west and a rival administration operating out of the east.

Trekking With Grandpa, Scuba Diving With Grandma (NYT) Rick Rhoads, 80, was “training like crazy” last spring, walking six miles a day—“all hills”—to get ready for his summer vacation. Mr. Rhoads, of Orcas Island, Wash., and Lucy Erent, his 15-year-old granddaughter, who lives in Prague, were planning to trek 85 miles in eight days along Scotland’s West Highland Way. Mr. Rhoads wasn’t daunted by the distance, or by the age difference. He said he was looking forward to continuing discussions the pair has had on video calls, on topics as varied as stage drama, cosplay, pandemics and family dynamics. “I’ll get her to do the talking when we’re going up hills,” he joked. When they finally did the trek, in early July, Mr. Rhoads said the adventure was challenging, but he was eager to do another, perhaps a route “that passed by cafes.” Sixty may or may not be the new 40, but it’s clear that many older adults are enjoying longer “healthspans”—the time they are active, fit and healthy. This shift is adding a new dimension to traditional grandparent-grandchild vacations: adventure. Think bike trips instead of cruise ships, wilderness treks instead of bus tours.

[ezeiel]

Sapere Aude - Emily Prentiss x Siobhán Quinn snippet

VIRGINIA 2012. 

EMILY PRENTISS

"… We dahn't know dat yet."

Emily's eyes whizzed over towards the furthest floor-to-ceiling springline window that was in the north-east corner of the room where the redhead she had sought out stood with her back to her, hair unbound in its gloriously fiery tresses in a way that exposed her elegant snowy neck. She watched her carefully, studying the way her brow furrowed as she tried to mentally work through something with whoever she was speaking on the phone with.

Pressed against the furthest wall, Siobhán's hourglass figure was almost illuminated in the fading sun's rays; they had not long returned from Los Angeles, and whilst the rest of the team seemed to show their exhaustion, Siobhán was immaculately pulled together as she had always been - the black-coated denim jeans she wore were close-fitting, her leather belt notched more tightly than it ought to be so they sat higher on her abdomen and her silk v-neck blouse, rich emerald, billowed around her shoulders to caress her torso prettily - she displayed no sign of fatigue or obvious weariness, unlike her counterparts.

Leaning, her deltoid was squeezed against the wall to her right as her hands idly played with the burgundy drapes that teased over the window halfway, tugging it across slightly.

Sensing that she was no longer alone in her office, Siobhán inclined her head in Emily's direction to acknowledge her; their eyes briefly met for a moment and that was enough to make Emily freeze on the spot, the subtle reaction of surprise making Emily feel like she was trespassing somewhere she wasn't wanted.

Letting out a low sigh, Siobhán turned away again so that she was facing the window once more but Emily was still able to catch her words perfectly all the same as she said them: "I've gaht to go, joehst keep in tooehch."

Her brows perked at the words and their ominous meaning... Who was she talking to?

With that, Siobhán ended the call and slid her phone down into her pocket. She watched as she squared her shoulders, composing herself. They had both previously been undercover agents against Doyle's faction but she had always considered Siobhán's as holding much more danger than her own being a daughter to one of the figureheads - her father having strongly believed that she had enrolled into the marines to gain favour before infiltrating SIS on their behalf after she was head-hunted - which hadn't ever been the case.

Emily faltered when the redhead finally wheeled around, the exhaustion and desperation alive in her eyes. She could see that for Siobhán, whatever had been discussed on the phone moments before, wasn't just some other elusive unsub or international case she had known before.

"What'd yer want?" Siobhán posed, almost fighting to keep her tone even.

"Can I come in?"

The redhead raised an eyebrow as if to silently ask, haven't you already? "Now really isn't a good time," Siobhán decided instead in an eerily detached voice, choosing her words carefully as she moved leisurely to slump back against the wall, her eyes never leaving Emily.

Emily tilted her head and looked into Siobhán's eyes. "Is everything alright?" she questioned softly, stepping further into the office despite Siobhán having told her mere moments before not to - even if it hadn't been in those exact words.

The redhead didn't move from her place where she stood at the window, her verdant orbs boring into her as she held her gaze firmly. She didn't miss her arms folding neatly across her chest as they came up, a defense mechanism to keep her at arm's length. "Why wooehldn't it be?" Siobhán countered, shrugging.

"Tell me how I can help," Emily pressed softly.

Siobhán rolled her head slowly in a circle to stretch some of the tension that had settled in her neck. "Yer can't."

Check it out:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14182612/1/Sapere-Aude

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44972404/chapters/113159284

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peNFS5YW35M

[newsssc]

Hotelization of offices, with signature aromas and saltwater spas

Visitors to the Springline resort in Menlo Park, California, are surrounded by a sense of comfort and luxury often found in high-end hotels: off-white walls with a Roman clay finish, a gray-and-white marble coffee table, and a white leather bench beneath an 8×4 resin canvas etched with the words “Hello, Morning.” Springline’s signature scent—notes of salty sea air, white water lily, dried musk,…

[liannaandandrei]

Week 206: Saturday, September 16th, Springline's Grand Opening Concert in the Plaza presented by the Guild Theatre, 1300 El Camino Real. We had fun playing giant chess, eating snacks and beer from Barebottle Brewing Company, and listening to a performance by Royal Jelly Jive. Beforehand we had a busy day eating breakfast with Mimi and family, going to Hanna and Jacob's birthday at Nealon Park, and taking Maxim to gymnastics. Afterwards we ate dinner at Farmhouse Kitchen Thai, 1165 Merrill Street, then watched the new Disney live-action The Little Mermaid and drank coastal martinis!

[audiodrama]

Springline Radio Players

[audiofictionuk]

New Fiction Podcasts - 7th August

Akihellfire - Actual Play New Audio RPG! Parties de jeu de rôle enregistrées, pour la plupart jouée en direct à l'origine. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akihellfire RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e692fd60/podcast/rss

Springline Radio Players New Audio Drama! Gripping audio plays created by a passionate team of storytellers, sound designers and voice artists; the Springline Radio Players bring you the power of audio with the magic of storytelling.  We create entertaining comedy, engaging drama and mesmerising fantasy - all designed to capture for our listeners the wonderful escape of tuning into a really good story. https://soundcloud.com/david-hunter-902496450 RSS:https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2224740.rss

Izumi - Ein Crowdlauf über das Meer New Audio Book! Izumi ist eine junge Frau mit einer seltenen Gabe: Sie kann durch die Berührung eines Gegenstandes in dessen Vergangenheit blicken. Dann sieht sie, woher dieser Gegenstand kommt, wie er hierher kam und was genau mit ihm geschehen ist. Als Izumi eine besondere Perle in ihren Händen hält, macht sie sich auf zu einer wundersamen Reise. Sie folgt der Spur der Perle durch die Weltmeere, erlebt spannende Unterwasser-Abenteuer in einer längst vergessenen Zeit und entdeckt ganz nebenbei die kleinen und großen Wunder der Meere. https://letscast.fm/sites/izumi-ein-crowdlauf-ueber-das-meer-0a010d97 RSS:https://letscast.fm/podcasts/izumi-ein-crowdlauf-ueber-das-meer-0a010d97/feed

Galowa Talar - Eine fantastische Viking New Audio Book! In diesem Podcast erscheinen regelmäßig Kurzgeschichten aus dem Land Galowa, einer Jarlschaft hoch im Norden. Die Wikinger und Schildmaiden von Galowa gehen auf große Fahrt, um ihre Heimat zu retten. Lernt die Galoweyn kennen und begelitet sie auf ihrer fantastischen Viking. Galowa liegt in einer Fantasy-Welt, die vom Rollenspielverein Galowa e.V. bespielt wird. https://www.galowa.de RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e2e58f84/podcast/rss

Finding Naborhi New Audio Drama! One missing child. Two siblings. Three days. You're following John Adams - a devoted single father from a small town. No one has answers for John when Naborhi disappears, so it's up to him (and his sister Jess) to find out what happened to his daughter before it's too late. Finding Naborhi is an intimate, but surprisingly hilarious journey that’s full of heart; it’s a ride you don't want to miss. https://sisanf.com/podcast RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e5efbec0/podcast/rss

[greekpara]

Reposted from @kcgreekpicnic The yard gets FINEr✨ #ProbateSZN Welcome to #Greekdom @xibetazpb we can’t wait to see you at #KCGP2020 - @denikaa.xx @zer0show @deasia.allyese @_thatgirltresha_ @simply_odyssey_ @issaa.beautyy #zetaphibeta #zphib2020 #zphib #zphib1920 #finerwomanhood #Fine #zetaphibetasororityinc #zetabaddiez #greekunity #KCGP #greekunity #springline #zetaphibeta💙 (at Lineupgreek) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_bawP1H7b2/?igshid=ha1s8thbn2tf

[cocoblackdiamonds]

Everyday I fall short...so thankful I have God grace to bring me back!🤗☀️🌼 . . . . . . #godsgrace #christianjewelry #proudtobeachristian #druzies #godisgood #springjewelry #springline #faithjewelry #sparkle #glowing #lovewhatyoudo #boutiquefashion #bling #designerinspired #asotv #designerjewelry #fashionjewelry #styleblogger #handmadeisbetter #styleguide #fashionista #makersgottamake #creativelifehappylife #wholesalejewelry #lovewhatyoudo #handmadeisbetter #stylediaries #madeintheusa (at The Vintage Locket) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvwvoY6hnN7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y6bmhamyiuta

[aqatelier]

Showcasing on weekend is my test shoe from @a.meccariello to refine the fit for my final shoe. After many months of wearing them, there are some minor adjustment to be made. Feedback have been made to the maestro and hopefully the final shoe will be perfect in fit. P.S although they are test shoe, they are actually a pair of working shoe and finishing is good. I am merely enhancing them 😁😉 #meccariello #antoniomeccariello #testshoe #aeris #bespoke #pin #LodgeofStrangeAfeminates #menswear #menstyle #menshoe #sartorial #shoeporn #shoeaddict #shoegazing #shoegazingblog #nofilter #springline https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq1FRtbnK1R/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9gewuy0xzd2

[itzelektrik]

Today is the 2022 Spring Line Launch for my new company, ItzOnSight. Now in Official Collaboration with @adidas X @champion ! 💫 Click the link and sign up now for specials/deals. Check out all new products now with Superior DTG Print and Embroidery. Bringing you the best of best quality and designs straight outta Jersey. Thank you for ALL your continued support💯. Tap in right now and see whats on 🔥for yourself 👁 #itzOnSight #NewMerch #SpringLine #Explore #HighFashion #FridayDeals FOLLOW the Official New IG Page And Drop Some Vision 👁 @itz.on.sight 👈🏿 (at The World) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYLWOquFu6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[guppygiggles]

Hidden Depths

What: Exposition with a dash of hurt/comfort.

Word count: ~3k

Universe: Sea & Sky AU

Who: Avery, Casper, Finnegan

Description: Finnegan finally opens up about where he's from. There is a lot of crying, cuddling, and emotional tenderness in this. Brief mention of illness. No tickling, sorry, but I will probably follow this up with some tickling in the near future.

I knocked gently on the bathroom door. 

“Finn, are you in there?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Can I come in?” 

“Why?” 

“Because I have to pee, and we only have one bathroom, dude.” 

“...Okay, fine.” 

I opened the bathroom door. Finnegan was in the bathtub, anchor-print curtain drawn closed. Beyond the curtain, an open springline window filled the tiny room with morning sunlight and fresh air that carried the promise of fall. It was still too warm for Finnegan to swim in the ocean, so a cool, daily bath was necessary to keep his scales moistened and gills healthy. I was used to hearing him splashing and enjoying himself, but today he was quiet. Only the curtain separated us as I sat down on the toilet seat. 

The faucet dripped.

My toes flexed against the bath mat. 

A seagull squawked as it passed the window. 

I sighed, craning my arm to turn the sink on and drown out the silence. Finally, relief. I finished up quickly, not wanting to invade Finn's privacy any further, but a small voice stopped me as my hand touched the doorknob. 

“Casper?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you stay with me…?” 

I paused. Turning around, I could barely make out Finn's silhouette through the thin curtain; he was sitting with his arms and tail wrapped around his legs, head lowered to his knees.

“Yeah, I can stay... Are you alright?” 

I lowered the wooden toilet lid and sat down on it. Finn took a while to answer. 

“I dunno.” His voice carried an uncharacteristic distance. 

“Do you want to talk about it…?” 

“I don't know right now.”

“Ah… Well, that's okay, you don't have to. Do you want me to just chill in here? It's my day off, so I can stay as long as you want.” 

“Yeah. I just don't wanna be alone.”

At least this was normal. Contrary to Avery and I, Finnegan didn't even like to do solo activities by himself; everything for him was improved with company… Apparently, even bathing. I had a feeling that he did want to talk about what was bothering him, but I wasn't going to push. I pulled out my phone. Quietly enjoying someone's company was normally a non-issue for me, but, well… it was a bit different in the bathroom. 

“Do you want me to put some music on?” 

“Yeah. Can you play that one song I like?”

I opened my music app. Finnegan's playlist was pinned to the top of my feed – I played the first song, then opened Pokemon Go. 

As Caribbean Blue by Enya filled the tiny bathroom, I heard water sloshing as Finn readjusted, laying back in the tub and resting his head on the sloped side. He was quiet. Swirling a pokeball in a circle with my finger, I tried in vain to catch a Shelder. 

“Are there video games where you're from, Finn?” 

“Not really. We had games but not electronic stuff.” 

“What did you do for fun?” 

He was quiet again, for a long time. I wondered if he'd heard me. I looked over at his silhouette again; still and somber, head tilted down. I could've sworn I heard a wet sniff, but I wasn't certain. 

“Finny…?”

“I didn't have a lot of fun there.” 

I winced. In my effort to make smalltalk, I'd forgotten that Finn usually avoided talking about his life before he met us. 

“Oh… I'm sorry.” 

“It's okay.” 

The next song on Finn's list played – Pacific Ave by Pearl and the Oysters. The breezy, poppy track contrasted harshly with the tone of our conversation… or lack thereof. I tried to focus on catching Pokemon. I wished Finn would just talk to me; what was he so worried about? 

An answer came sooner than I expected. 

“I lied to you.”

“What…?”

“I lied to you and Avery about what really happened. When you found me, I told you that I was traveling and I got lost during that hurricane… that’s kinda true… but it's not the whole truth.” He exhaled deeply. Water moved in the tub as he shifted again, his tail peeking through the curtain as he turned away from me. 

I waited with bated breath for him to go on. 

Finn had been living with us for six months. When he’d washed up on the rocky shore of Avery's lighthouse, he was in bad shape; cuts and bruises all over, barely conscious, and sick with an illness Avery had called “septicemia.” He'd made a cloud bed for Finn right next to ours, tending to him around the clock for over a week before he finally came to. At first, he was shy and exceedingly polite… but as he grew more comfortable and we grew closer, an inquisitive and playful side emerged. He said he didn't have anywhere to return to, so we said he could stay as long as he liked; we set up the spare bedroom for him. He spent most of his time diving for treasure and catching fish, and I had to admit… between mine and Avery's busy schedules, the extra income and fresh seafood were both more than welcome in our home. I could concede to being a little naïve at times, but dishonesty was not something I expected from someone like Finn. 

He continued, “I'm from Merrobridge.” 

My eyebrows raised in recognition. I didn't know a lot about merfolk – they were not a populous race, and what was known about them tended to be shrouded in mystery given that the majority of their civilization existed deep underwater – but Merrobridge was a vast coastal hub, partially on land and partially beneath the sea, where nearly all merfolk trade took place. I hadn't considered it before, but it made sense that rainbow trout like Finn would make their home there, considering they were an amphidromous* species. 

“I didn't tell you ‘cause I was afraid you would make me go back.” 

My brows furrowed. 

“I mean… why would we make you go back? You're an adult, you can decide if you want to live there or not.” 

Another deep sigh from the other side of the curtain, followed by more silence. I paused the music. 

“Finnegan… listen. I'm not mad that you lied to me, okay? Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. Like… I'm not forcing you to tell me, but if you're going to tell me… I need you to tell me everything.” 

A tiny whimper from the other side of the curtain wrenched my heart; he was definitely starting to cry. I was tempted to pull it back, but my respect for his privacy stayed my hand… and in this state, I wasn't sure how he'd react. I'd never seen him like this before.

He spoke so quietly, then, I strained to hear him. “The two empresses who live in Merrobridge and rule over the entire merfolk kingdom… They're my moms.” 

My heart skipped a beat. Stunlocked on the toilet lid, my fingers rose to my lips as realization crept through my veins like frost. 

“Finn…”

“I couldn't live that life, Casper!” He cried, his small voice reedy and choked, “I knew the hurricane was coming… I planned for weeks. I left a note saying for them not to look for me, that I'd come back one day, you know? I didn't want them to think I died or anything… I just wanted the hurricane to make it hard for them to follow me… but I timed it wrong, and got caught in it. I thought I was going to die!” 

Then, he really cried; Finnegan cried like someone who'd been waiting months to cry, like someone who'd forgotten how. 

I couldn't stand it any longer. The curtain rod screeched as I pushed the fabric back. As he cried into his hands, I put my arms around Finnegan's trembling, wet shoulders. 

“Oh, god… Finny…” God dammit, I was starting to cry, too. I did my best to keep my voice steady so he wouldn't hear. “Finn, honey, it'll be okay. We'll figure this out, okay?” 

“I miss my moms - choke - and my s-sister! Wh- what if they think I'm d-dead?!” 

I couldn't refute this concern; it was a real possibility, given how long he'd been gone. I didn't know his family or the dynamics of normal relationships among merfolk, though, so I couldn't say. Any human mother would be worried to bits… well. Not mine, but I wasn't going down that road right then. 

“Can we call them? Or send them a letter or something, just so they know you're okay?” I offered, rubbing his back. 

“I can't be e-emperor! I can't sit there and study and work and read and talk to people all day like they want me to, I'm just… I can't!” He wailed, deep sobs echoing off the white and blue tiled walls. 

“Shhh, shhh…” He was too hysterical to listen to me; I would have to wait until he calmed down. I had no idea how we would even get in touch with his family – I was aware of the existence of land-sea communication stations, but I had no idea how they worked, or even where to find one. 

There was a soft knock on the door. 

“Casper? Finnegan? Is everything okay in there…?” Avery’s gentle, concerned voice asked from the other side.

I wanted to shout back “no!”, but I figured that would only freak Finn out more. 

“Can Avery come in?” I whispered, tucking a few strands of wet hair behind his finned ear. 

“I-I guess…”

“Come in!” 

Even with the window open, I hadn't realized how stuffy the bathroom had become until Avery opened the door – the cool draft on my face, much like his presence, was a massive relief. 

“Oh, goodness… what's going on in here?” Avery asked, standing over me as I knelt at the side of the tub, arms still around Finn... who turned away from Avery, hiding his face. The lighthouse bathroom was definitely not built to be occupied by three people at once; I couldn't blame Finn for feeling crowded and self conscious. 

“Um, well… Actually, Avery, why don't you and I talk in the living room? Finny, do you want to meet us there when you're ready?”

He nodded, sniffling. I kissed the top of his head, then closed the curtain.

+++

“He's… a prince?” 

Avery sat on the edge of his reading chair, leaning forward with his elbows braced on his knees, fingers laced together. His brow creased as he chewed his lip with his delicate teeth, something he typically did when working on complex research. 

I flopped onto the oversized sectional, propping my bare feet on the armrest. My back hurt from leaning over the tub. “Yeah, basically. He said his moms are the two empresses of the merfolk kingdom. He has a sister, too.”

“Why did he leave…?” 

“He didn't really say. He pretty much just said he couldn't live that life, and like… I mean, you've met him. Can you imagine Finn as an emperor? I can't really blame him, either, that sounds exhausting.”  

Avery sighed and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. In that moment, his posture and contemplative expression were reminiscent of the way I imagined Atticus Finch. It was a long while until he spoke again. 

“What does he want to do?” 

I sighed, lifting my hands in a shrug. “I don't know. He says he misses them, but he doesn't want to go back. I think he's mostly just worried they think he's dead.” 

The sound of Finn's heavy tail thumping down the stairs brought our conversation to a halt. He appeared on the landing wearing black gym shorts and my favorite navy t-shirt, which featured a great white shark biting a surfboard made of binary data in half, underlined by jagged font proudly summarizing the scene: “Mega Byte.” His eyes were puffy from crying, and his cheeks and fins were flushed a deep green. I normally would have teased him for stealing my clothes, but I decided to save it. 

“Awww, Finny… come here.” I patted my chest. 

Finn sauntered over and collapsed onto me, nuzzling under my chin as his wet hair seeped into the collar of my shirt. Though he was shorter than me by a couple of inches, Finn was heavier, mostly due to his thick tail which spilled over the edge of the couch. The pressure of his warm body against mine was pleasant. I rubbed his back as he turned his head to face the couch. It seemed that he still didn't want to look at Avery – perhaps he was still embarrassed. 

“Finny… why don't you want to go back home? Are you not allowed to say you don't want to be emperor one day?” 

He shifted uncomfortably and sniffled. I was worried he would start crying again, but thankfully he kept it together. 

“My moms raised me to be prepared for this… I'm the oldest, so I'm supposed to inherit the throne, but that life isn't for me. Luney would be much better at it… she's serious and smart and she even likes studying and meeting with all those stuffy ambassadors and going to events and stuff. I just want to swim and fish and look for treasure! And I want cuddles, too,” his arms tightened around me, hands clutching my shirt, “merfolk don't cuddle… touching is frowned on, especially in public.” 

I stroked my fingers through his wet hair, listening. Avery listened, too, watching quietly behind his folded hands. I guessed he could relate to this, in a sense; cloud people did cuddle, but it wasn't like human touch, which he obviously enjoyed. 

Finnegan didn't say it, but we all knew there was another reason; we were close. As he rested against my body and we discussed the prospect of him going back home, my stomach was tying in knots – that was the last thing I wanted, but ultimately, I couldn't allow myself to be motivated by self-interest. If I could truly say I loved him, I had to do what was best for him. My throat tightened as I wondered if this might be the last time I cuddled on the couch with him – I quickly compartmentalized that thought. 

“Did you tell your parents you felt this way, Finn?” Avery asked. 

“I tried… but when I did, they just dismissed it or acted like I was being ridiculous. I know they love me, but I don't think they knew how serious I was about not being emperor… it's supposed to be my duty, but… I should be able to choose how I live, it's my life! I didn't ask to be born royalty…” 

A thought occurred to me, then, that made my stomach drop. My chest felt tight; I was almost afraid to ask the question.  

“I know you said you left a note, but… do you think your parents would try to bring you back? A prince disappearing is something I would expect to see in the news, or whatever… I mean, are Avery and I in danger…?” 

I glanced at Avery, and the look on his face told me he was already considering this. Finn finally turned to meet Avery's gaze.

“Merfolk are secretive, especially the higher classes… the last thing they would want to do is alarm anyone, or show incompetence by telling the world their prince is missing, even if it makes it harder to find me. The citizens probably just think I'm away on business, meeting with dignitaries and establishing relationships with other countries or something… I did have to do that, sometimes… but Jelly and Mina probably sent a private search party for me.” 

Incompetence. Dignitaries. Establishing. These were not words that Finn used in normal conversation, and I blushed a little at my surprise that he knew them. I’d never believed him to be stupid, but he'd clearly had a more advanced education than he let on. It also struck me to hear the illustrious empresses Nigella and Wilhelmina referred to as “Jelly and Mina,” but I supposed if you had two moms, it would be important to differentiate them somehow. 

What a revealing few hours it had been; I was starting to feel overwhelmed, and as he opened his mouth in a sharp, toothy yawn, I could tell that Finn was, too. He must have been exhausted from all that crying. 

Avery was not the reactive type; his method of working through problems, no matter how pressing or emotional for those around him, was to absorb information and ask questions when appropriate. He was great at comforting, too, but Finn seemed more receptive to that from me at the moment. I surmised he was afraid of disappointing Avery; not that Avery had ever shown disappointment in him. I wondered if this spoke to Finn's upbringing, too. 

As the elemental spoke again, I knew that the information-gathering phase of his process had reached its conclusion. 

“I think we should send a letter to your parents, Finn… Just so they know you're alright. It may help if I write one, too, so they can be reassured that you're in the care of a doctor. I have some research to finish today, but I can help you with it tomorrow. Besides, I want you to rest after that confession.” He stood up, walking over to where the two of us laid together on the couch and kneeling beside us. His cool, soft hand cupped Finn's warm cheek, his thumb rubbing gently along his scales. “That was very brave of you, Finnegan, thank you for telling us. I know it's hard, but we'll get through this together, okay? I'm so proud of you.” 

Finn's lips warbled, his hand raising to hide his fresh tears. Avery smiled gently, leaning down to place a tender kiss on my lips. 

“I have to get back to my research, now… will you two be alright?” 

“We'll be just peachy. I'll make sure he takes a nap… I think we both need one, honestly.” 

The tall elemental straightened, then, taking a blanket from the back of the couch and draping it over us. As he started up the stairs, I called after him – quietly, as I could already feel Finn's breath falling into a sleepy rhythm, “Don't work yourself to death, cloudman… there are people who love you, y’know.” 

His bashful chuckle echoed down the stairwell, and I drifted off slowly to the memory of his laugh. 

+++

*An amphidromous fish is a type of diadromous fish which migrates between fresh and saltwater.  Unlike anadromous and catadromous fish, which migrate explicitly for the purposes of breeding, amphidromous fish migrate for other purposes. Source

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