#the first date we went on a little walk (actually up a pretty steep hill in the city xd but with a lovely view) and then coffee

[adore-gregor]

soooo

[wanderella-w]

Three days in the Yorkshire Dales

So.. a full Pennine Way adventure of two more weeks wasn't going to be it for me. Not on my own, and not carrying a slightly too heavy backpack with a two-persons cooking set and tent. But I didn't want to leave the UK without having had at least a peak at one of their famous National Parks, so I decided to do an easy three day's stretch on the Pennine Way in the Yorkshire Dales.

I traveled by train and bus to Skipton and, strangely, I had knee pain after my travel day, something which I had never had on the entire SWCP. I hoped a rest day in Skipton (staying two nights on a campsite) would fix it. I explored the town a bit and it turned out to be quite a nice town, lying next to the Leeds-Liverpool canal with lots of houseboats.

The next morning I took the first of the only two busses per day going to Malham. After recovering from car-sickness on a bench for a little while, I set off with a lot of other tourists towards Malham cove. The cove is quite well-known and indeed impressive, and there were some climbers climbing on it.

Behind the cove, towards Malham tarn, the Pennine Way got much quieter and I even had one little panic moment where all the straw-colored hills around me looked the same and I wished for a coastline to help me orient myself. But soon after, I stumbled upon a waymarker and I figured that I was walking just a few meters to the left of the Pennine Way. After that, wayfinding got easier.

The weather was beautiful but actually my knees still hurt so I wasn't feeling my best. I was planning to wild camp, but the landscape was so open, there were sheep everywhere (I think wild camping with sheep is okay but I wasn't entirely sure?), and I wasn't really feeling so much at home in this new landscape yet, so I decided to skip the steep climb over the Pen-y-ghent hill and go to the small village Horton-in-Ribbelsdale right away, where I would go the campsite that I had spotted on the map.

The Pen-y-ghent:

The campsite was great, it was run by an old man who welcomed me in a reception that gave off a Pirates of the Caribbean-like vibe and who handed me a tent label stamped with today's date after doing his all-paper administration. In the evening I had a nice call with Melli, who I am going to do a one-week hike in Germany with soon.

Because I had skipped a bit, I was now actually only a one-day stretch from my end goal, Hawes, away. My knees felt better the next morning, and as I was already awake before six, I thought I might as well do the whole stretch in one day. I really enjoyed the first bit of the hike behind Horton-in-Ribbelsdale!

After that, it got really windy because I was walking higher up on the hills, and the views weren't so varied anymore. The path was broad and there were some cars and a truck passing me. On a positive note, however, I saw a lot of the type of horned sheep that are typical for the Yorkshire Dales and a medium-sized bird with a long, arched beak.

I arrived in Hawes at around 1:30 and I went to sit into a café with lots of locals. I was glad to be out of the wind. In the café, I read the magazine 'The Yorkshire Dalesman' and found out that the bird I had seen was a 'curlew', a really rare bird that they are pretty proud of here! Sadly, it also said that it is in danger of extinction.

I did groceries in the lovliest little shop before I went to the youth hostel to check in and pitch my tent in the garden.

In the youth hostel I met two guys from Nottingham doing the whole Pennine Way, Jack and Shady. They asked me if I wanted to join them to the pub, and I said yes - I was up for some company actually. They were nice and chatty people, scolding me for having skipped the Pen-y-ghent, but envying me for having seen a curlew. We talked about all the ins and outs of backpacking/hiking and I advised one of them with knee pain to do warming ups and cooling downs (Yes, I'm a hiking nerd now;)). But it was evidence-based advice, as my own knee pain had in the meanwhile completely disappeared.

The next morning I was a bit jealous when they continued their hike on the Pennine Way. Britains oldest national trail is definitely something to come back for!

I'm staying in the hostel for two more nights now, doing some small hikes in the region, like going to two waterfalls.

[clean-bands-dirty-stories]

Limp Noodle ~ S.H.

A/n: I have never once been good at making choices so I’ll be doing both OOF! This request is dirt old but whatever. I’m actually writing requests now look at me go!

Request: “...prompt 20 or 21 Steve Harrington x clumsy male reader” by anon

#20 (here): “I can’t do this without you”

#21: “Guess who broke their nose! Me. It’s me. I broke my nose.”

Word Count: 2000+

MASTERLIST

“Are you SURE that this is a good idea?” The words came from Y/n as Steve parked the car, waving through the windshield window at Jonatan, Nancy, Robin and a new friend, Bianca. They’d all decided on a triple date and like idiots they’d let Steve, Bianca, and Nancy decide so they were now all headed on a hike. Robin was the least athletic of all of them and hated exercise of any kind. Jonathan was the one in the group who hated being outside in the sun and much preferred being inside cuddled on the could other swaddled in bed. Y/n... well Y/n was the single most clumsy person you’ve ever met.

Now, take whatever image that popped in your head when I said that and then make it ten times worse. Then take THAT mental image and multiply by it by ten AGAIN. Y/n was worse. He was absolutely sure he was going to thrip and fall over the side of some steep hill and fully die. He would be lucky to make it out of this trip without a stick going through his eye. Y/n and the outdoors didn’t mix. They never had. He could barely walk, let alone when it was uphill and outside and humid and hard to breathe and everyone was so beautiful and distracting.

Steve didn’t agree with that analysis.

“This is a great idea actually,” Steve decided with complete confidence. “Don’t worry about it okay? You’ll be fine.”

“Incorrect,” Y/n Aries immediately. “We started dating because I tripped seven times and you caught me every single one. I tripped seven times in three days Steve - and that was just the, what, one hour a day you’re with me? In THREE HOURS I TRIPPED SEVEN TIMES!” He was whisper yelling, getting rather heated. “I’m going to knock my head into a tree and bleed out.”

Steve laughed. He reached over, taking his boyfriend’s hands. “Do you trust me?”

Y/n’s shoulders sagged. “That is a cheap trick, Harrington.”

In response Steve only raised his eyebrows. When Y/n refused to answer, Steve sighed. “Y/n. Do you trust me?”

Closing his eyes a second, Y/n held in a sigh. When he opened them again, he managed a small smile. “Yeah. I trust you.” Steve went to get out of the car and Y/n caught his wrist. “Just promise you’re going to stay with me okay? I can’t do this without you. I’m serious.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Come on Drama King.” They both got out and made their way over to the other four.

“Hey guys!” Nancy greeted warmly. She had calmed a lot since Y/n had first met her. Darkened. But she was still pleasant enough, and Y/n tolerated her for Steve. He didn’t know why they were all friends after Nancy’s brutal ripping up Steve’s heart but... he expected it was that trauma bonding things that Steve and Robin refused to ever talk about with Y/n in the room.

“Hey bestie.” Robin winked at Y/n and he felt himself relax. Around her he always felt more comfortable. She got him on a much deeper level than Steve did. She had actually been the one to set them up after failure after failure of Steve’s attempts on girls who came to the ice cream shop they met at originally. It had gone up in flames recently, but they’d snagged a job at a movie store so they still worked together. Y/n was pretty sure neither of them would have it any other way, even if they sometimes pretended to hate each other.

“Hey loser,” Y/n joked back. Robin shoved him and he laughed, accidentally ramming into Jonathan as his feet almost came out underneath him. “Sorry,” Y/n mumbled.

Robin scoffed in amusement. “I always forget you have two backward feet.” This was something she said often, in reference to the popular statement of ‘two left feet’. One day Robin had proclaimed that Y/n was something worse than two left feet, and then being backward had kicked off as an inside joke.

“I’d you have that problem standing still, how do you think you’re going to do on a hike?” It seemed Bianca was trying to get in on the joking, but it hit a hard cord with Y/n.

He wasn’t in the mood to joke. “What can I say? Great day to die.” He put on the fakest smile ever. “Come on everyone!” Then he began to surge ahead, onto the trail, and the others scrambled to catch up.

It didn’t tale long for Nancy and Bianca to hit the head of the trail. Steve dutifully stayed by Y/n, but he watched the girls head with a sort of forlorness. Because Y/n was so slow and Jonathan and Robin lagged even behind him, the two girls in front were racing up and down the steep sides of the path they were on, jumping over logs and hopping up on stumps to make the path harder. They were laughing hard and having a great time. Y/n knew that Steve desperately wanted to join them.

What kind of a boyfriend would Y/n be to stop him? “Go on,” Y/n sighed, nudging Steve forward encouragingly.

Steve looked at Y/n with an expression that tried far too hard at innocence to succeed. It was so obvious he was full of crap that Y/n was rolling his eyes before the brunette even spoke. “What? What do you mean? I’m having a great time with my boyfriend which was the point of this whole thing. Have I bored you already?”

“No, but I’ve bored you. Go and do parkour with the bad ass chicks up there. Go on.” Steve hesitated, but when Y/n shot him a look, he finally did speed ahead to catch up and join in the unnecessary shenanigans that gave Y/n extreme anxiety just imagining himself doing. He sighed watching Nancy and Steve. He knew that things were WAY over between them, but Y/n found a little jealousy in the way they worked together so fluidly. They were perfect for each other - even as friends. She just kept up with him and challenged him in a way that Y/n never could, and Steve thrived.

Slowing down in his moment of annoyance, Robin and Jonathan caught up to him. “Welcome to the world of those who have to sit back and wonder why they’re not still dating,” Jonathan sighed. His voice was as laced with bitterness as Y/n’s thoughts were.

“They’re so complimentary,” Y/n complained.

“You could argue that you guys are the same,” Robin pointed out. “You both hate doing anything outside or away from home. You both love reading and photography. I mean Y/n’s incredible view of the world allows him to be a great writer, but it also connects you two. Writing and photography aren’t far from each other and you prod that every day. Nancy can’t slow down enough to appreciate things like Jonathan does, and we all know Steve is no reader.” She chuckled. “And we’ll never know how awkward and snappy got buff and pretty.”

Jonathan and Y/n smiled at that. “Imagine another world where Nancy and Steve stayed together. Then maybe you and me would have-“ suddenly he lost his words as he tripped, and Jonathan reached out to catch him. The two boys busted up laughing. “That’s the second I have to say both sorry and thank you for your reflexes Mr. Byers.”

“Ah anytime. That’s what friends do. Share interests and talk about alternative world where they’re dating and catch each other when they almost die.”

That made Y/n laugh harder.

Suddenly there was a very unpleasant thump and a scream. The three in the back snapped their attention to the three ahead and saw Nancy and Bianca freeze and look back at Steve, who had landed on the ground. His hands had risen to cover his face, and he slowly turned on his side, curling in on himself. It seemed like he’d misstepped at some point and tripped and fallen.

Perhaps Y/n shouldn’t have been the one they worried about on this trip...

-

When they finally got Steve to the hospital, it was a mess. There had been blood everywhere, and Y/n’s weirdly good driving had saved the day in a pinch once again. They’d gotten there quickly and in one piece without getting pulled over.

Only an hour later they were given news. Steve came out with the skin around his nose already bruised and puffy. “Guess Who broke their nose,” he mocked in a song songey voice.

“Me?” Y/n joked.

“Me!” Steve agreed, pointing at himself. “It’s me. I broke my nose.” He slung an arm over Y/n’s shoulders and the other four covered their mouths to hide laughs. People wouldn’t be forgiving in public if it got out that the two men were dating, so they were trying to be lowkey.

The Doctor came over behind Steve. “He’ll be fine. I’ve given him direction son how to ice it and even given him some pain killers to help with the next few hours. But it is just a broken nose, so nothing too severe.”

“Thanks,” Y/n told the Doctor. They left then, everyone heading home. Y/n designated himself in charge of caring for Steve, and called his parents to let them know that Steve ‘got tired’ after the hike and totally knocked out. They didn’t mind, liking that Steve was actually spending time with other kids again, so it went without too much problem.

As Y/n was tucking Steve into bed, Steve caught his hand to still him. “I love you.”

Y/n’s eyes widened. They hadn’t said that yet but... well, if hypotheticals with Jonathan had taught anything today, it was that Y/n was glad he was in this version of things, even if it was a little more complicated this way. So he meant it when he replied, “I love you too Stevie.”

Steve glared. “Not Jonathan?”

“Jon-“ Y/n’s deep confusion cleared as he realized what had been happening right when Steve had tripped. Jonathan and Y/n had been close. Laughing. Talking. Touching. “Oh my god Harrington did you break your nose because you were being a jealous idiot?”

“Maybe,” Steve grumbled, looking away.

Y/n laughed, gently tugging on his chin so their eyes met again. “Please sweetheart, you can’t get rid of me that easily. Me and my two backward feet are going to plague you for the rest of our lives.”

Steve’s eyes got very soft. “Do you really mean that?”

Getting sincere, Y/n leaned down and kissed Steve’s forehead. “Stephen Harrington, I’ve never meant anything more. I know we can’t get married or anything, or even date publicly, but... I don’t care. And maybe that’s some really forward thinking and we haven’t been dating that long, but I fell... a LOT of times in my life. It only made sense that the first time someone ever caught me, it was you. And it made me realize that I was gifted with my two backward feet so that one day I’d fall for you.”

Steve groaned. “That was painfully cheesy.”

“Okay, okay,” Y/n dismissed, rolling his eyes. The sweet moment was completely ruined.

“No seriously I would break my nose again before hearing that-“

Y/n reached over, turning the light off before climbing into bed with Steve. “Shut up Harrington, or I WILL break your nose again.”

Steve laughed before pulling Y/n close so they could fall asleep curled up with each other. “My cheesy, dumb, clumsy boy,” Steve mused quietly.

That made Y/n scoff. “If either of ya is the dumb in this relationship it’s YOU, Harrington.”

“Shut up,” Steve whispered. It was quiet a while before he finally followed up with, “I’d like that future with you too.”

To hide his smile, Y/n mumbled, “Good night Stevie.”

After a second, Steve replied, “Good night, Y/n.” And for now, that was the end of it.

[sixmapleleafs]

Can you please write 9. “Are you flirting with me?” “You finally noticed?” with Freddie "The Great Dane" Andersen? 😘💕

“Are you flirting with me?” “You finally noticed?”

Sweat clung to your body as the sun beat down on the house you had rented with your friends for a few weeks to kick off the summer. The drinks had been steadily flowing all day and the sun was still floating in the sky, showing no sign of going down any time soon as you all lounged around by the pool. You were lost in a new book by one of your favourite authors when all of a sudden a shadow was cast over the page, something blocking the sunlight from above where you were relaxing on the sun lounger. Looking up in confusion your eyes met Fred’s.

Ah, Freddie. The Great Dane who had stolen your heart ever since you first met him and his teammates at a bar back in Toronto after a big win. Your best friend and (unfortunately) roommate had really hit it off with Auston and they quickly started dating, which meant you were often dragged to games or the bar with them and also meant you got to know a few of the leafs quite well.

Freddie was different though, he was intimidating but sweet, and not to mention a hell of a lot taller than you plus the crush you held on him didn’t exactly help - he made you feel like you were in high school again. You’d be lying if you said your eyes didn’t linger on his shirtless figure through your sunglasses when he would step out of the pool or play basketball with Mitch and Auston, he had you hooked but you would never be able to work up the courage to tell him.

“You mind if I join you?” He asked gesturing to the empty sun lounger beside you, he had an easy smile on his face, one that told you he was relaxed and enjoying himself.

“Of course not” you smiled sweetly feeling your heart begin to beat a little faster and a heat rising to your cheeks. A few minutes went by as he got comfortable and threw a couple of chirps Auston’s way as he and your best friend emerged from the house.

“Hey, you’re coming golfing tomorrow right?” He asked out of nowhere and you turned to make sure he was talking to you and when you met his eyes you nodded, suddenly not being able to find any words. His smile was brighter than you’d ever seen and you heard him mumble “good”.

-

The next morning you got ready with your best friend and Steph before heading out to the golf course.

“This is your chance, good luck babes” your best friend said to you and Steph sent you a wink before the two of them quickly grabbed their boyfriends and headed towards their golf carts.

“What?” You mumbled mostly to yourself, but Freddie’s voice behind you caused you to quickly turn around and that was when you put the pieces together.

“Looks like it’s just us two” he smiled in your direction and you nervously smiled back, internally cursing the girls for putting you in this situation - this had your best friend written all over it.

Spending time with Fred was easy, even though he was intimidating, he was sweet and easy to talk to even when your nerves were clouding your senses. The golf part, however, was not going so well. To put it lightly, you sucked.

“Don’t even” you laughed turning to face Freddie after a particularly bad attempt where you managed to miss the ball entirely. He was desperately trying to contain his laughter but put his hands up in mock surrender at your warning.

“Let me help you” he said moving from where he was leaning against the golf cart. “Can I?” He asked before placing his arms around you over yours when you gave him a nod of permission.

Your heart was beating so fast you thought he might actually be able to hear it as he moved your hands to the correct place and did a few practice swings with you, you really tried to focus and listen to what he was saying but it was hard to focus when the smell of his cologne surrounded you.

“You wanna try on your own?” His question snapped you out of your thoughts and you nodded, taking a deep breath before trying to replicate his movements as closely as possible, and sure enough the ball went flying (in the right direction this time) and you couldn’t help but let out a squeal of excitement and jump a little at your achievement. Your cheeks hurt from how big your smile was and Fred let out a cheer and gave you a mini round of applause upon seeing your excitement. His smile mimicked your own as he brought you in for a celebratory hug and it was only as you were pressed against his chest that you realised just who it was you were hugging. A nervous laugh fell from your lips as you pulled away only slightly awkwardly but Fred didn’t seem to notice.

“You’re the smartest person I know, I told you you would get it” his praise brought a flush to your face and you couldn’t fight the smile on your face.

-

The sun was just as unrelenting as yesterday as you and Fred followed the other couples around the golf course, you were fanning yourself and drinking as much water as possible but nothing was helping the heat.

“You ok?” Fred asked as he drove the golf cart up a particularly steep hill back to the country club main building.

“Yeah, just too hot. I must look awful I’m so sweaty” you laughed.

“Well, I think you still look beautiful” you choked slightly on the gulp of water you were taking, your eyes darting over to his face to make sure that you heard him correctly. He just smirked and pulled up in the cart parking area, stepping out to greet the others.

-

Now you were really confused, there was no way he was flirting with you but those few comments had your head spinning, they were things you just didn’t say to a friend.

By the time you made it back to the house, plans were being made for dinner and you all decided that a local tapas place sounded good so you showered and changed into a light sundress, perfect for the evening heat. You all piled into the ubers and shortly arrived at the waterfront where the restaurant was located. Your best friend and Auston were walking ahead of you holding hands, Mitch and Steph in front of them looking equally as loved up. Freddie was walking beside you, the two of you choosing not to third wheel either couple but you couldn’t help but be a little sad that you didn’t have a relationship like them, you were elated for both couples but it was still a tough reminder that you still hadn’t found that kind of love yet.

“Everything ok?” Freddie said quietly from beside you, “you look a little lost in space there” he laughed but you could still see the concern written on his face.

“Yeah…sorry you got stuck with me today” you tried to change the subject.

“Don’t be, I got the prettiest golf partner out of everyone there” he smirked in your direction and you stopped dead in your tracks, causing Fred to stop and turn to face you, looking a little worried, like maybe his comment had crossed a line.

“This is going to be really embarrassing if I’m wrong but, are you flirting with me?”

“You finally noticed?”

You’re pretty sure something along the lines of “huh” fell from your lips at his boldness but he approached you before you could say anything.

“I have been since we got here” he laughed now looking nervous himself, he brought a hand up to rub at the back of his neck, “I’m sorry if I crossed a line, it’s just-”

“Don’t apologise” you cut him off, surprising yourself and him. “I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page and I wasn’t overthinking it” you laughed nervously and a smile of relief fell on his face.

“Does this mean I can take you on a proper date tomorrow?”

“Yes, it does” you giggled at his goofy grin and hopeful tone. Before you could register what was happening his hands were cupping your face and his lips were on yours, you fell into his embrace letting your feelings show through the kiss.

“Hey lovebirds!” You heard Mitch shout down the street, “stop making out we’re hungry”. The two of burst into laughter before Fred placed a quick peck to your lips and you slipped your hand in his to continue the short walk to the restaurant.

[fluffymcu]

Letting Loose

Part SEVENTEEN

This series is TICKLE related.

Series Summary:  You’re the little sister of the one and only Captain America. You’re also the youngest girl on the team, so that automatically makes you the avengers’ little princess. And they spoil you as such. They have become your amazing family and you don’t know where you’d be without them. This series will show random adventures and fluffy events in the daily life of the reader and her family, along with an unexpected turn later on as you read.

A/N: I’m so excited to be writing this series! This is my first time writing one and I’m a bit nervous but I hope it all goes well. :)  Hope you enjoy!

Word count: 2,986

This morning you, Peter and Ruby Anne had gotten dressed and ready to go out into the city for some good pizza. The three of you made your way down to the kitchen where a few members of the team were. Bucky, Steve, Bruce, and Tony were there, having breakfast and coffee.

“Hey good morning. Me and the girls are gonna go to the city to get some pizza!” Peter said, you and ruby following behind him. Tony made a weird face and Steve raised an eyebrow at you.

“Pizza for breakfast?” Tony asks. You and Peter shrug before you speak.

“Why not?” Tony just shrugs with both brows raised and waves you off.

“Alright. Go have fun I guess.”

-------

You were at a booth, playing a game on your phone while you waited for Peter and Ruby. They were at the line ordering their mini pizzas and you were securing your seats. Peter ordered what you wanted and now the three of you were sitting at the booth waiting for your pizzas to come out of the pizza oven.

You all made small talk while your drinks came, and made plans to once again stop by the pet shop down the street. It was tradition that every time you went to get pizza, you'd have to stop by the pet shop and look at all the puppies.

“Have you ever been to a pet shop?” You asked Ruby, who was taking a bite out of her pizza. She shook her head as she swallowed her food.

“No, I've never been. I'm not really a dog person.” You gasped at that. You had assumed everyone on earth was a dog person. Who doesn’t love puppies?!

“Really?!”

“Yeah, I guess it’s cause I never had a dog, or met one up close, but I don’t know, they just never caught my attention.” She shrugged. You nodded side to side and hummed.

“Well, now’s your chance to change your mind. Me and Peter have this tradition to stop by the pet shop down the street and look at all the puppies. Peter never lets me go in though, because he thinks that if I go in, I'm walking out with a puppy in my hands.” You say, rolling your eyes. Peter scoffs and rolls his eyes as well.

“I don’t think. I know you will. And then Tony’s gonna blame me for letting you.” He said.

“Whatever. Anyway yeah, so we just look at the animals from the window. But… maybe todayyy can be different!” You say, hope dripping from your voice and you turn to look at Peter with a sly grin. “Since we have Ruby Anne, we have to show her inside! So she can meet a puppy up close and maybe change her mind! Come on, pleaseee? Can we go in, I promise not to adopt anything, I promise!” you plead, pulling out your puppy eyes, knowing he almost always falls for that.

Peter lets out a heavy sigh and rolls his eyes, making your cheer. “Fineee, just because of Ruby Anne.” He says, getting up and waiting for you all to go to the shop.

------

“They’re really cute! And so soft!” Ruby chuckled, walking out of the pet shop with you and Peter on either side of her. She had a really good time looking at all the little puppies and going into the small booths to pet them and snuggle them.

“Right? They’re amazing! Hey, I'm pretty sure now, that if you asked tony for a puppy, he wouldn’t hesitate.” You say with a smug smile of your face as you wiggle your eyebrows at her. She lets out a short laugh. Peter knows exactly why you said that and looks at you while he giggles.

“Dohohon’t even start.”

-----------

You had come home about an hour ago and practiced some ballet as well as training a bit with your brother in the gym. You were now walking in the yard with Ruby Anne, having a nice little girl talk. You were talking to her about Jeremy as you both took a seat on one of the benches in the garden.

“Hmm. Maybe Steve is right.” Ruby chuckled. You shook your head with a smile.

“I used to doubt it but, now I don’t know what to think. But I do know that “we” would never happen.” You scoff. Ruby hums and stares off at the flowers. “What about you? Any crushes you got?” You smirked, nudging her with your elbow. Ruby scoffed and paused for a moment.

She shook her head almost sadly. “Not anymore. It didn’t work out.” She shrugged. You hummed and gave her an apologetic look.

“Well… he's an idiot for not seeing your worth.” You say. Ruby laughs at that and raises her eyebrows as she nods sarcastically.

“Yeah well, its fine. He likes some other girl. She’s so much better for him. They compliment each other very nicely.” She smiles.

“Don’t say that, you are enough. There's no “girl that’s better”. Everyone has something that makes them valuable. You’ll find someone that sees that in you.” You grin, giving her shoulder a comforting pat. She nods and gives you a shy smile.

“Thanks.” She sighs. “So, your turn. You got a crush?” she asks. You take a deep breath and stretch your arms a bit.

“…. I don’t know actually. I mean, I see guys and find them attractive but, I'm not really at the point where I wanna date yet. And I guess that’s what's stopping me. I wanna appreciate and take advantage of my youth. Maybe- I don’t know. I just feel sometimes that when you date at a young age, especially when you both are still growing and immature, you're basically dating for heartbreak.” You shrug. “So I figured I’d just wait, and save myself the pain. I’ll find the right one eventually. But of course, that’s just my take on it.” You chuckle. Ruby nods and smiles.

“Yeah… that’s kinda true I guess.”

-----------

Pietro had brought some Chinese home so everyone gathered to have lunch today. You were having some orange chicken and rice and you couldn’t be happier. After everyone was almost done, Tony spoke.

“So guys I was thinking we should have our movie night outside, what do you think? We set up the yard real nice, weather’s good, we could set up the projector and have our snacks.” He said, smiling when everyone started to agree. You were really excited at the idea and couldn’t wait to set everything up.

That was until now.

After lunch you had taken a shower and a nap. You hadn’t realized its been hours that you were asleep but you were just so tired, you didn’t know why. So when Tony came waltzing into your room to wake you up, your motivation to go help outside was very low.

“Y/nn, wake up…” he sang lightly shaking your shoulder a bit. You groaned loudly, hugging your pillow tighter. “You said you wanted to help with the yard, you’ve been sleeping for a while, its 7:30 and its getting dark. Peter and Ruby are already outside.”

You groaned again, burying your face into the pillow. “mmm. Don’t care.” You mumbled sleepily. Tony smiled softly.

“Aww come on, you don’t wanna get up?” he asked in a very sweet voice. You shook your head no. “You sure? You promised you'd help…” He said, smirking as he lightly started scratching your sides. You began you giggle and kick your feet tiredly, tightening your grip on the pillow.

“Noooohoho. Stohohop.” Your giggles were muffled as you kept your face planted in the pillow. Tony added more pressure, waking you up a bit more and causing you to squirm around. Your laughter became louder and you began to push his hands away as much as you could. “Tohohonyyy!” You yelled, cacklling when his fingers drilled mercilessly into your ribs and you shook him off, giving you enough time to grab the sheets and engulf yourself in them, using the comforter as a shield.

“Come on, get up!” He sang, before smirking. “If you don’t get up, I’ll eat your belly!” He said, poking his head under the covers and hugging your waist to his face, playfully biting and nibbling your stomach. You scream in ticklish agony and flop around as much as possible. His beard was driving you crazy and the noms and noises he was making were not helping at all. “TOHOHOHONY STOHOHOP!” You cry, unable to defend yourself since you were getting tangled up in the covers.

Tony ignored your protests, playfully growling and rubbing his beard all around your torso, occasionally biting your ribs. “I don’t hear a surrender!”

You erupted into loud belly laughter when he began to continuously blow raspberries into your belly. That was the breaking point for you, and you finally decided to give in to make it stop. ”OKAHAHAY ILL GET UHUHUP PLEHEHEHASE!!” You begged, pushing at his head desperately. Tony blew one last raspberry before poking his head out of the covers. He chuckled loosely and helped you untangle yourself from the blankets, giving you a hand to get you out of the bed.

“Glad I was able to convince you. Now come on.” He smiled, leading you out of your room. You whined slightly and lazily walked wherever he led you.

Everyone was out in the backyard, blankets and pillows everywhere, ready to be set up. Steve and Clint were pinning the big white sheet in between 2 close trees and setting the projector up.

When you had gotten to the yard, you went towards Peter, who was helping Thor and Bruce set up the snack and drink table. “Look who finally came out of her coma!” Peter teased, smirking as you rolled your eyes. “Wanna roll down the hill?” he asked, pointing behind him. The backyard had a small hill that the 2 of you liked to roll down off. It wasn’t steep, but it was high enough for it to be fun to roll down. You nodded with a grin.

“Where’s Ruby?” you ask, looking around for her.

“She’s helping Wanda put up the lights. We were practicing cartwheels a bit ago. She’s pretty good!” he said, walking up the hill with you. You smiled at the thought of them playing around.

“Cool! I'm glad she had fun.” You both had your blankets and wrapped yourselves up in them before laying down. “Ready? First one down gets the last pop tart.” You giggle, ready to roll. Peter’s smile faltered as he craned his neck to look at you.

“Wait, what? There's only one left?!” he asked.

“321GO!” You yelled, immediately rolling down, leaving Peter to scramble around and roll down, already too late to win. You were giggling and closing your eyes as you spun and spun until you slowed to a stop. You unraveled yourself and looked up just in time to see Peter roll to a stop. You laughed along with him and both got up, him helping you.

“That was so not fair.” He chuckled.

“I was just kidding about the pop tarts.” You started. Peter sighed in relief. “There’re none left. Thor finished them all.” You tittered, shrugging a shoulder. Peter deflated and groaned, making you laugh.

-------

WHACK!

You and Peter were in the middle of one of your many pillow fights while the rest of the team were finishing up. All that was left was putting the blankets and pillows down. 

You were aiming at Peter and were about to smack him, your arm bent over your head when your pillow was suddenly snatched from behind. You gasped and turned around to see Nat tucking it under her arm.

“Nat!’‘ You cried. She gave you a shrug and half a smirk. 

“What? This is my pillow, I need it.” She said, walking away and leaving you to get quickly knocked to the ground by Peter with the pillow. You could tell he wasn’t done so you quickly got up and and ran, giggling loudly as he chased you. 

You circle around the food table to where Steve is and you run behind him, hugging him for protection. He’s taken aback at first; giving you a weirded out smile, unaware of Peter standing a few feet away, and returning the hug. You beam at him, giving him your brightest smile and looking back over at Peter, who’s glaring at you playfully. You grin and stick your tongue out, watching as he leaves but not before quietly telling you that he’ll be back for you. 

You finally leave your brother’s side once you deem the coast is clear and go help Nat who’s laying the blankets down. 

After helping out a bit, you spot Ruby Anne talking to Peter a little far away. They’re both laughing and you smile to yourself, happy that you’ve been seeing her smile a lot more. You were glad that she actually did what she said she was gonna do and give the team a chance. There was still a lot of progress that she and Tony would have to make, but the more you saw her interact with the other members, you knew things would only get easier from here.

As you’re laying a blanket down, you smirk widely at an unexpecting Bucky, who’s sitting on the ground with his back to you, changing the batteries on some of the battery powered candles. An idea to surprise him slipped in your head and you couldn’t stop yourself. When it came to Bucky, messing with him was your favorite hobby. You didn’t know what made him so fun to prank but he was. 

You grabbed the blanket back and snuck up behind him, careful not to make any noise before throwing the blanket over his head and pulling down/back so that he falls on his back. With a laugh you try to get away but somehow he manages to quickly grab a hold of your ankle before you can run. You scream and protest as he begins to slowly drag you over to him with the blanket still over his head. “Nononononoooohohooo!” You giggle nervously, kicking and rolling around with no avail.

“I wonder who this could be?” He hums, blindly tickling all over you, starting with your thighs, mercilessly tasing them, knowing how that drives you crazy. You’re letting out loud uncontrollable giggles as you pointlessly try to kick your legs out. “Hmm. Feels like... female, mid-teens,” He starts, digging his thumbs into your hips making you convulse with laughter. “About __ lbs., Extremely ticklish, hmm... seems familiar...” He moves his hands to your sides, rapidly squeezing them, smiling at the sound of your laughter. “Apparent poor defense skills,,, very sneaky though; always out to get me...” 

Your stomach was beginning to cramp from all the laughter and teasing. You were begging for him to stop but he only ignored your pleas. 

“God- I know this! I’ve heard that laugh before! It can’t be Peter, it’s gotta be...” Bucky sighed feigning defeat, playing dumb and prolonging the torture for you.  “I feel like this could be y/n but I’m not sure.” He shrugged, shaking his fingers into your ribs. 

“IT’S MEHEHEHEHE!” You cry, throwing your head back as you laughed. Bucky gasped before ripping the blanket off of him and blowing raspberries on your belly. You shriek and arch your back violently, bursting out into hysterics. Your body falls limp as you laugh and accept your fate. 

“I knew it! There’s only one person who’s brave enough to constantly mess with me and think she can get away with it!” He teases, blowing another raspberry and shaking his head into it, chuckling against your skin when you let out a small snort. He sits back briefly only to start leaning down towards your neck. You immediately know what he wants to do and you shrug your shoulder up with a squeal. “Nooohohoho! It’s gonna tihihickle so bahahad!” You cackle. 

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He said. He chuckled loosely and blew the raspberry in the crook of your neck. Your body instantly paralyzed when you screamed, falling into silent laughter . He finally sat back and watched as you we’re just a giggly puddle on the ground. “I wonder when you’re going to learn that pranking me almost never works out for you.” He thought out loud, smiling as you let out residual giggles sprawled out on the floor. 

“Neveheher.” You say, shaking your head tiredly. Bucky snorts at that and shakes his head at you fondly before scooping you up and laying you on his lap. “You gonna sit with me while the movie plays?” He asks, wrapping his arms around you, cuddling you to his chest. You nod firmly with a hum and cover yourself with a blanket since it’s getting chilly out. The yard is all set up and everyone finds their seats and watch the movie as a family. 

It’s about 2am when the movie ends and everyone is having another snack at the food table. Tony had said that it would be better to clean up tomorrow, since it was late, so all they had to do was clean the food table and bring the leftovers in. Since Bucky had gone to help, you were clingily holding onto Steve’s arm since you were so sleepy you couldn’t even stand on your own. 

When everything wrapped up and you all said your goodnights, you raised your arms at Steve, hinting at the fact that you wanted him to carry you inside. He huffed out a laugh and rolled his eyes, but obliged anyway; picking you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck as he carried you inside and up to your room where you quickly fell asleep. 

[jaehyun-eclipsed]

Before I Met You | Nineteen

Next Update: ~December 13, 2020

Pairing: NCT (Jaehyun, Lucas, Mark, Jaemin, Johnny) X Reader/OC

Genre: Romance, Angst, Coming of Age

Summary: Four. There were four people before I fell in love with you… Here are their stories.

Author’s Note: Hello! I’m back with an update! I apologize for not coming up with an update schedule. Things have been very hectic, but I made time to write the next chapter! Next update will be in a month or so.  Thank you to the person who checked in a few weeks ago! Very happy to hear you still thought about this story. 

Warnings: Some suggestive content

Before I Met You Masterlist

Prev | Next

“So you’re telling me that this guy taught you how to play pool, sat with you for three plus hours to help you with physics, made sexual comments, and then told you that he was ‘just being friendly’?” Xiaojun asks in disbelief.

“Yep.”

“What the heck?!” Ten interjects loudly.

“Do you do this when you hit on girls?” I ask Xiaojun.

Xiaojun opens his mouth to respond when Ten cuts in again. “That’s the wrong question, Y/N. He’d have to talk to girls in the first place.”

I try to mask a giggle as Xiaojun punches Ten in the arm. “It’s not like you’re doing any better on Tinder.”

“Excuse me, but I have a boyfriend that I am very much in love with.”

“You guys started dating like two weeks ago.”

“Whatever! Why didn’t you ever ask out Y/N?!”

There’s a deafening silence between all of us. My eyes shoot open and my jaw nearly drops as I look back and forth between the two boys. Xiaojun looks genuinely confused.

“Um, what?” I ask.

“Didn’t you two have a thing last year?” Ten asks us.

Xiaojun and I exchange a look of confusion before turning back to Ten and simultaneously answering with a very forceful, “No.”

“Oh, but I thought… because… I asked if Xiaojun wanted to go get dinner with me, but he was studying with you and I wasn’t invited so I thought that you two were…”

“We were studying for physics,” I say.

“Yeah… and?” Ten asks as if studying physics spontaneously creates romantic attractions. 

Oh, right. That’s because it does in some cases. That was all of my sophomore year. I’m so stupid. How could I forget? 

“You weren’t in physics with us, Ten,” Xiaojun responds.

“Oh, right… I wasn’t.”  

Xiaojun blinks a few times and presses his lips together in a line before speaking again. “Anyway, there’s no way Jaemin didn’t know what he was doing. Guys know what they’re doing. I know when I’m flirting with someone.”

“When was the last time you even flirted with anyone?” Ten cuts in again. “Ooh, what about that girl from biology last year?”

“Shut up, Ten, this isn’t about me. And if you really must know, I did ask her out and we went to grab coffee, but I found out I wasn’t into her,” Xiaojun replies, annoyance lacing his tone. He turns back to me. “Y/N, would you still go out with him?”

With a heavy sigh, I contemplate for a moment. Though I’m upset about it, I have to admit that I’m still not really over it.

“If he asked, probably.”

“Do you guys still talk?”

“No, not exactly. I run into him around campus all the time though.”

Ten laughs. “What if he’s following you?”

“He’s the one who rejected me! Why would he follow me around?”

“Maybe he feels bad and wants to talk to you again.” Ten waves his hand in the air. “You know what? Forget him. Is there anyone new at your house that’s cute?”

“Um, there are a couple guys I think are kinda cute.”

Ten claps his hands together. “Perfect! Have you talked to them?”

“Once or twice.”

“Y/N! You live with these guys for the entire semester and you’ve only talked to them once or twice?!”

“One of them has a girlfriend!”

“So?! It’s cuffing season! You gotta find someone to cuddle with… and cry with since finals are coming up in a few weeks.”

“I am not interested in home wrecking,” I say firmly.

Ten groans. “You’re never going to find anyone at this rate.”

“Not everyone can be a Tinder fanatic like you, Ten,” Xiaojun says with a roll of his eyes.

Ten clicks his tongue and crosses his arms. “All I’m saying is that you two gotta put yourselves out there! No one’s gonna know you exist if you spend all day inside studying!”

“Speaking of which,” Xiaojun begins, “don’t you have an assignment due at midnight, Ten?”

“Oh shit! Yeah!” Ten pulls his sleeve up to check his watch and then waves his hand down. “It’s fine. It’s only five.”

“Actually, I better get going,” I say. “It’s getting dark.”

“We’ll walk you home,” says Xiaojun.

“Hey, have you guys ever had your feet sucked?” Ten suddenly asks as we walk up the slow steeping hill towards my house.

Xiaojun and I stop mid-step and slowly turn around to face Ten. “What?”

“Okay, guys, hear me out.” Ten puts his hands up defensively. “I’m just saying, but if someone ever offers to do it, you should take them up on that offer.”

Xiaojun and I exchange a look of disgust before turning back to Ten.

“What?” we repeat.

“Yeah!” Ten responds adamantly, his eyes wide.

My mouth is agape as I look at him with great concern. Ten looks perfectly serious about his stance on… whatever this is.

“Xiaojun, why are you roommates with Ten?” I ask, keeping my gaze on Ten who has a very stupid, yet innocent expression on his face.

“Believe me, I ask myself that every day.”

Ten runs up to us and throws his arms around our shoulders. “Aren’t you so glad we sat next to each other in biology last year?”

“I would’ve been fine if it were just Xiaojun, but it sounds like you two come as a package deal that Xiaojun never agreed to.”

“You got that right,” Xiaojun responds.

I wiggle out of Ten’s hold around my shoulders. “So, if I’m hearing you correctly, it sounds like you speak from experience?” I ask.

“Okay, okay, hear me out. It feels really good,” Ten says quickly. “Okay, so there was this guy, Sungho –”

“Sungho?!” Xiaojun interjects in disbelief. “Like our roommate, Sungho?!”

“Uh, yeah…”

Xioajun covers his face with his hands. “Oh my God.”

“Anyway,” Ten continues as if this is nothing out of the ordinary. “Sungho and I got kinda drunk one night and we both came home and I got into bed and noticed that someone was in my bed. It turns out it was Sungho and we were both laying opposite of each other. So his feet were next to my head and my feet were next to his head. So then he grabbed my foot and started sucking on my toes and yeah…”

I turn to look at Xiaojun who is looking at Ten completely horrified.

“I am never borrowing your socks,” Xiaojun says.

“I think the socks are the least of your worries…” I say.

“Hey! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!”

“Pass,” we both say sternly.

“Why can’t I find a boyfriend?!” Jia laments as she slams her head back onto her pillow.

I stare up at the ceiling as Jia props herself up to look over at me from her bed. “How do you find a boyfriend, huh?”

Tilting my head to look up at her, I press my lips together, unsure of an answer to her question. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had one.”

She huffs and falls back onto her pillow again. “I’m nice and smart and can cook. I would take good care of him! How come boys don’t ask me out?”

“Do you even talk to any boys?”

“No.” I chuckle. “That might a problem if you’re trying to find a boyfriend and don’t talk to boys.”

“You have lots of guy friends. How do you do it?”

“I’ve always just gotten along better with guys, but I’m also not trying to date any of the ones I’m friends with.”

“Do you just… go up and talk to them?”

“Sometimes. If I’m in class, some of the ones around me start talking to me.”

“What do you talk to them about?”

“Nothing really. Just things about class or things that have happened. You can just talk to them like you would any of your other friends.”

“I don’t know what to do because when I try to talk to guys, I don’t know what to say. I try to talk to them about school, but they don’t really say anything.” She groans again. “There aren’t any cute boys in my class. And the semester is almost over! 

The semester is almost over and I’m still hung up on some stupid guy. Way to go, Y/N. Feelings are so stupid.

“Do you think I need to do my hair and makeup like you do every day?” she asks.

I frown. “No. That’s something I do because I like to do it. You need to do what you’re comfortable with.”

“You get asked out a lot, right?” Jia queries.

“No, not really.”

“But you always have all of these guys that like you! Like I’m pretty sure that Jaemin from last year liked you.”

There’s a twinge of pain in my chest, like my heart has been rubbed against a cheese grater upon hearing his name unexpectedly. I’ve never actually told Jia that I liked Jaemin, though I’m sure she could tell. And I certainly never told her how I’ve been feeling for the past couple months and why I’m always cooped up in the library or our room.

“Yeah, I don’t know about Jaemin…”

“Did he ever ask you out?”

“No.”

“Did he ever tell you he liked you?”

“No.”

She sighs again. “So what happened?”

“Honestly, I have no idea.”

And I’ve been trying to figure it out for the past couple months to no avail.

“This is so bad!” she exclaims. “If you don’t know what happened with Jaemin, how could I have a chance?!”

“It takes time. If you really wanted to, I guess you could try Tinder or something… Ten found his boyfriend on there.”

“Tinder?” The word rolls off her tongue like she’d eaten something bitter. “But isn’t Tinder mostly for hookups?”

“There are other dating apps out there.”

“Mm, I don’t know,” she responds solemnly before changing the subject. “Are you going to the library again tomorrow?”

“For a little bit and then I’m meeting Suji to get ice cream for the end of the semester.”

The leaves on the trees had mostly fallen to the ground. Orange and brown mosaics filled the black asphalt. The continuous crackling and crunching of the leaves filled the air as students walked and biked over them. November would be coming to a close in a few weeks and I spent the whole semester locking myself in the library as a distraction from my guy problems. I felt pathetic admitting to myself that Jaemin occupied my mind that much. I was known as the callous one in high school that didn’t have any emotions. I shouldn’t be this affected. It was like a repeat of Lucas with an ending that made zero sense. Only this time, I didn’t have a third party to give me any clarity. Jaemin was a situation where I would never have the full story and I would have to learn to live with that.

I sigh. At least coffee ice cream will always be there for me.

Suji and I grab a seat on a bench outside the university café.

“I’m going to miss this,” Suji says.

“College?”

Suji is laughing like I said something absolutely ridiculous. “No, not college, silly. I’ll miss getting strawberry ice cream with you and complaining about life.”

“Oh, of course.” I chuckle lightly. “How silly of me. Ice cream with Suji is definitely one of the main highlights. We have one more semester to enjoy it. And then I guess I’ll have to get ice cream on my own next year and pretend you’re here.”

“You’re graduating early, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, a semester early. I suppose I’ll only have to suffer without you for one semester!” I take another bite of my coffee ice cream. “Have you been applying for jobs?”

She lets out a long and defeated sigh. “Yeah.” There’s a pause as she pushes the pink cream around her cup. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you know what you want to be?” she suddenly asks.

“Like, career-wise? Uh, well, the plan is to go to grad school, get a PhD, and become a researcher. Why?”

“I don’t know what I want to be. I don’t know what I like.”

“Aren’t you like… a triple major?”

“Yeah, public health, public policy, and sociology.”

“Do you like those subjects?”

“I do. I’ve been applying to HR jobs because that’s all I’ve been able to get. I thought about grad school, but because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at the beginning, I took a bunch of random classes that I didn’t do super well in. So my GPA is kinda low to get into any good programs.”

We’re both silent for a moment, watching several students in suits walk up the steps to pose for headshots in front of the library.

“I’m scared,” Suji says quietly.

I turn to look at her as she gnaws on her lip.

“I don’t know what I want. I don’t really know what I like. I’m graduating in a semester and it feels like I’m just going to get a job and be stuck there for the rest of my life.”

I continue to stay quiet, silently encouraging her to continue.

“My older sister is a doctor. She went to med school right after college and has always seemed to know what she wanted. But I don’t and I don’t know how to figure it out.”

“I’m pretty sure she felt the same way you do. You’re only twenty-one. You have plenty of time to figure this out. You have the ability to change jobs, you know? You can choose to go back to school later on. You don’t have to have it all figured out now.”

“It sure feels that way – what with everyone getting big tech firm or consulting jobs.” She lets out another long sigh. “You know what I hate?”

“What?”

“Everyone always says they want to be ‘happy’ and I feel like that’s a cop out answer. Like yeah, I want to be happy, but what is it specifically that’s going to make me happy? What if… what if my sister went to med school and in her last year, she decided she didn’t want to do medicine anymore? Then what do you do?! You’re too far in to quit, but then you’re gonna get stuck doing something you don’t like.”

It’s a scary thought being a senior in college. It’s not the same as being a senior in high school. There’s a genuine and valid worry of needing to figure out what career to pursue and how to take care of yourself. And because of external pressure, there’s this feeling of impending doom that if you don’t become a successful, six-figure salary, VP or CEO or whatever, by the age of twenty-five, that’s it. You’re done. End of story. You’ve failed.

You’re supposed to be constantly working towards something.

“Everyone around me is getting a job or going to grad school and I feel like I’m doing nothing. Look at all the CS majors. They all have these six-figure salary jobs right out of college and I’m just… I don’t even know what I’m doing. I don’t know if I want to go to grad school and if I do, I should probably figure it out soon because I don’t want to be in school when I’m forty!”

It’s a fear of being perceived that you’re wasting time.

“I wish I had an answer for you because I worry about the same thing,” I respond.

Yeah, I had plans to attend grad school and dedicate the next five years of my life to pursuing a career I was fairly sure I liked. But with every day that passed, attending classes I didn’t fully throw myself into, obtaining internships out of obligation rather than actually wanting to do them, and never wanting to engage in conversation about my field of work, I found myself in the same boat as Suji. Pursing a degree in a field I sort of liked because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do either.

There’s a loud fist pounding on the table followed by a triumphant, “Ha! I won!” Hendery, Johnny, Chaeyoung, Shotaro, and Sungchan are playing a card game in the dining room. Their heads turn upon hearing the clacking of my boots on the wood floor of the foyer.

“Hey, Y/N!” Johnny greets. “You want to play with us?”

“What are you playing?” I ask as I walk towards them.

“Exploding Kittens,” says Shotaro.

“I don’t know how to play,” I admit.

“We’ll teach you!” Chaeyoung says.

After a few games, I found out that I was very bad at Exploding Kittens. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t totally invested in actually trying to win, but nevertheless, I lost every game.

The bright side to all of this was that I made new friends. Shotaro and Sungchan were roommates that lived across from me. Both were CS majors. Chaeyoung, a data science major, lived a few doors down from me and she was kind enough to share some chocolate truffles with me. Hendery, a statistics and CS double major, was Johnny’s roommate and he had a tendency to make use of SAT words when something unpleasant happened.

And Johnny… well Johnny was still really cute and funny. He was fun to play with and tried to play nicely since his turn was before mine. He intentionally tried to keep me in the game.  

“I’m going to go make dinner,” Johnny announces before getting up and walking into the kitchen.

“I gotta go upstairs and finish the CS lab,” Hendery says.

Seeing that most of the others are leaving, I go to grab my backpack when I catch Shotaro’s eyes widen as if he wants to say something urgent.

“Y/N, do you want to continue playing?” Shotaro says quickly.

I pause and when I turn to fully look at him, he’s smiling and suddenly that weird feeling I had experienced when I first met Jaemin overcomes me.

Oh no.

“Um… I’m going to go upstairs to put some things away, but I’ll come back down a little later to study…”

While I’m upstairs, I open my laptop and pull up Facebook. To my surprise, there’s already a friend request from Shotaro. I chuckle to myself and accept.  

My next immediate thought went to Johnny.

I think it’s okay to add him on Facebook now. Right? It’s not creepy. I know him. I’ve talked to him a few times. It should be fine. He knows your name.

I bite my bottom lip and hover my cursor over the “Add Friend” button.

Why am I making this so difficult? Shotaro added me already. He obviously didn’t hesitate and his reasoning was probably, “Oh, we’ve played card games together now! We’re friends! Easy, peasy.”

I press the track pad and let out a sigh of relief.

“What were you doing downstairs?” Jia suddenly asks.

“I was playing Exploding Kittens.”

“Oooh. With Johnny?” she asks teasingly.

“Well, yes, Johnny was there. The other people are nice too. I like Chaeyoung.”

“But Johnny has a girlfriend, right?”

I shrug. “I think so. I didn’t ask about it.”

Right then, I receive a notification. Johnny Suh has accepted your friend request.

I’ll admit, there’s a slight excitement in my chest upon seeing the notification, but I make sure to keep my expression neutral.

“I met Shotaro too,” I say, switching the subject.

“Oh yeah, I’ve talked to Shotaro. He’s taking Chinese and tried to talk to me.” She starts snickering to herself. “He’s okay. His accent is a little funny.”

I nod at her comment and when I turn back to my laptop, there’s a blinking chat box on the bottom right of the screen.

Johnny: hi!

Oh?

I stare at the message for a moment. I shouldn’t be overthinking it, but really, who immediately messages someone they just added on Facebook unless it’s for some school or work related thing?

Me: Hi

J: did you have fun playing earlier?

Me: Yeah! I’m not very good, but it was fun

J: I tried to help you too!

Me: I’m sorry! I tried!

J: I won’t go so easy on you next time! 😉

“Who are you talking to?”

My head snaps up. “Hm? Oh I’m talking to Johnny.”

“What? Johnny?!” Jia exclaims. She blinks several times and quirks her eyebrow. “Did he add you or something?”

“Uh, I added him and he accepted my friend request and started messaging me.”

Her forehead creases, almost as if she’s a bit miffed that Johnny didn’t add her and start talking to her instead. A silence overcomes her and her gaze falls to the ground. I turn back to my laptop.

Me: That’s fine! I’ll just have to beat you at a different game instead lol

J: oh yeah?! what game?

Me: I mean, I’m pretty good at archery if you’re still up for that

J: I feel like you’ll cheat

J: or you’ll shoot me so I can’t shoot back

Me: *gasp*

Me: You know, I’m pretty sure that’s a crime…

J: lol

“What are you talking about?” Jia suddenly says. “You’re smiling a lot.”

Shit. I am? Good grief. Why are you even watching me? Aren’t you studying?

“About the card game we were playing earlier.”

She frowns. “Was the game really that funny?”

“It was all right. I was bad at it, but it was fun.”

J: what are you doing?

Me: I’m in my room. Was cleaning up. Might come back downstairs to study

J: oh yeah you should come back down

J: hendery and i are working on a CS project

J: i’ll share my cookies with you

Me: What kind of cookies?

J: chips ahoy chewy

Me: 😮 I might really have to come back down

J: lol ya

J: oh are you busy tomorrow?

Me: Uh, just studying, why?

J: do you want to go grocery shopping with me?

I blink several times. Grocery shopping? He wants to go grocery shopping?

That’s an awfully strange request.

There’s something nudging me in the back of my mind.

It’s whispering, “Psst, doesn’t he have a girlfriend? If he does, why is he doing this? Is this another Jaemin situation?”

I have no idea, but I’m curious.

Me: Sure lol

I’ll bite.

Prev | Next

Before I Met You Masterlist Masterlist

[smolbeandrabbles]

Middle Distance Runner - Vince Kovac x Reader (Tangle)

The Honey / Back on Love / Chaser / Want to Want Me / (Love The Way You Love Me)

@wltz-bby​ @happyskywhale​ one day I swear I’ll remember 

GIF CREDIT: X

Author’s Note: Based on conversation with @crawlingmist​  Thank you so much for this one Joss - I very nearly died mid-conversation but I’m happy to have carried it off! (No pun intended)

I dunno, I just... I really like writing Vince soft but then overlaying his actual personality on that. And as you already know I REALLY love this reader. 

Disclaimer: Tangle characters not mine / lyrics not mine but this is another googling ‘songs to do with...’ thing. But it’s a running love song (sorta...love song) so such things exist! / gif credited as appropriate but not mine Premise: With you having injured yourself running, Vince Kovac decides to treat you to his best hospitality. 

Words: 3326

Warnings: Sexual banter / Injury, but it’s only a sprain / swearing

_______ Well I'm so sad tonight And the words won't come out right It's been a long day on the track And its stamina that I lack So won't you run to me tonight? Tonight could turn but we're just lovers But I'll only ever be a middle distance runner Well my heart is beating hard And I'm off with a shot at the start And my legs tremble from strain But by the finish line I'll drain So won't you run to me tonight? Tonight let's not talk about next summer Cause I'll only ever be a middle distance runner But you'll have to run to me tonight Tonight I will love you forever But I'll only ever be a middle distance runner

---

Today you were going easy on him; a gentle jog down the road path. You wanted to talk, you wanted to flirt, to listen to the sound of his breathing - fluctuating sometimes into a delightful half-pant that gave you just the right kind of shiver: not hard to guess where you recognised that from. You, being the faster of the two, and with the most running stamina, found a gentle jog pretty easy. You’d breathe a little harder than normal, but Vince was the one taking shorter, deeper breaths.

In some places the path narrowed and he’d let you run ahead, always giving this small head flick with a smirk: Go on, after you. And you would simply give one back: I know it’s just so you can look at my ass! And I’m gonna enjoy it-! As he grinned, sometimes even laughed.

 But you liked that the path had trees to one side - although the bank rolled down and the running path was certainly not something that you’d want to stray from, it was nice for there to be a little bit of nature. In autumn, when the leaves fell, was when you enjoyed this path most - as long as it wasn’t wet - although sometimes when it raining or had just rained it was as fun to dodge rain drops as it was gold and orange leaves. Laughing when someone happened to be hit in the face by one. Sometimes it provided a slightly romantic aesthetic, jogging to a rhythm together with a swirl of colour cascading around you.

  This morning though, it wasn’t autumn but midsummer, and it was early. You would like to point out that you’d leapt out of bed this morning and dragged Vince with you - surprisingly strong considering the height difference - despite his complaining. “Y/N it’s too early. It’s practically the middle of the night!” “You do understand how hot it’s gonna be later, right?! Vin, if we don’t go now you’re gonna get heat stroke-!” “Why am I gonna get heat stroke!? Why can’t you!” “I probably could, but seen as I’m the more “experienced” runner I’m pretty sure you’d succumb first!!”  Anyway, he’d enjoyed watching you get dressed - that had certainly enticed Vince out of bed; hands on your hips, on his knees placing kisses across your stomach and begging you if he could just relieve you of your running gear right now. The answer was an obvious no, but maybe he could beg on his knees for you later, and only if he went running. That had Vince up and moving, and you got to lie on the bed propping your head up as he slipped out of his shirt. Groaning loudly on purpose as he stretched out, watching the movement of his spine and muscles in his back and arms; “Oh... baby...” and the way all he did was turn with a smirk and a wink. “You can have me later.”

 An energy bar for breakfast wasn’t exactly your idea of a good time but you suspected that Vince would want to make you lunch later, or perhaps he’d make you what he would call a proper breakfast. You guessed you’d wait and see, right now you were in the middle of running and the sun was shining as the heat of the day came up. Vince was telling you about the latest building project he was working on (complaining.), and about the day he had planned for going out with his kids. Ally was very good about letting him see them and Romeo & Gigi thought you were cool enough to sometimes come over and hang out. Romeo especially liked seeing his dad. And you liked Vince telling you all his half-baked ideas when he would sweetly ask you for suggestions. He was a good father, if not a little misguided... and you would think that his cheating days were over. Well, if they weren’t, he’d soon find out about it. You’d dated your fair share of assholes; you weren’t about to let him become just another one. And he was working at it, harder than you might have given him credit for.

“I have to earn you” that’s what he’s said, and Vince had. He more than had.

You couldn’t help but be in hysterics at all his contractor stories; he was doing an office block in partnership with another construction firm, in return for sharing a housing contract in a part of Melbourne that his little company really had no business being in. Both were using the other for their own means. But apparently this company’s contractors were fairly useless and, although funny, you were also a little concerned for his project. Vince was assured that things would still go well though, flashing you a beautiful confident smile to prove it. Still, it didn’t abate your concerns and you turned into the conversation. You knew he would have, but you needed to triple check that your boyfriend had vetted their contractors as well as his own.

 Not something you should have done; the path was a little uneven and you staggered, tripping first on the tarmac and then on yourself and Vince. He was a little more solid so hardly budged; even worse Vince slowed and pulled up. If he’d have stayed put you probably would have just knocked into him, he’d have moved about a pace out but you’d be okay. Instead you continued to move forward and found yourself heading over the edge of the path and down that steep hill. Fear and adrenaline immediately spiked; you wouldn’t survive that. People had died tripping down here before and you were already acutely aware of that. You didn’t fancy joining them; the irony of your last conversation being concerns over building safety was not lost on you!!

 Vince reacted quickly; hands shooting out to grab your arm, leaning back into his pull to make sure that the pace of your run didn’t drag him with you. Your body allowed you to let out a small shriek as his tug jarred you, but that was it, all your weight supported on your arm and your precarious balance on the side of the path as it fell away. Vince looped his other arm around your waist; feeling the pulse of your heartbeat, almost way too fast, understandably. That was almost a life or death situation, yet he didn’t allow himself to dwell on it. “It’s okay, you’re okay.” He lifted you back and onto the path gently, “Y/N, you’re okay...” Vince’s voice was soothing, instantly toned that way to calm you down and stop you from freaking out immediately.

Except he was wrong; you could already feel the twinge in your ankle and as he set you down on the path, pain shot through it. You bit your lips together as you complained to stop from crying out. “What? What? Baby what is it?” Vince changed from soothing to concerned as you tried weight on it again, no. No that wouldn’t do. “Shit!” You crouched and then sat, clutching your ankle. You’d had sprains before, and you knew it wouldn’t be long before this one settled in and the best you’d be able to do was hobble, for a week at least. You cradled your leg, making sure that the ankle, nor foot, had to take any pressure. No more running for you today. Vince placed his hands on his hips, looking from you on the floor to up and down the running path. You were miles from anywhere, home was back the direction you’d come, town was ahead of you but still a good distance. It’d take him a while to reach it even at his best pace, and he wasn’t about to leave you alone out here.

“Babe... can you even walk on it?” “I don’t think so...” You didn’t want to end up doing more damage for a start! But sometimes on sprains you’d managed to walk even with a complaint, this one was deciding to set in straight away. There was no way you were walking anywhere on this, not that wouldn’t take you hours. “Are you kidding?! Out here miles from house or car, and you manage to get a sprain?! Only you, Y/N!!” He kept looking about as if something was gonna help him out. “Vince! What’s the first rule of running-?!” It was something you’d always been very specific about, just in case he went alone and ever got into a situation like this himself. “Always take a... phone!!!” He unzipped his track pocked and pulled his out - bars weren’t too good but he’d be able to call you a taxi. “Okay, baby, just... let’s get you off the path and to a lay-by okay?” “Vince, I can’t walk!!” He chuckled “What, you think I’m an idiot!?” Vince dipped one arm under yours and the other under your knees, before lifting you from the ground. “I don’t think you want me to answer that-!” He scoffed “If you weren’t injured, I’d be droppin’ ya for that!!” Vince began walking and handed you the phone, “Call a taxi babe, it’s all gonna be okay...”

 **

 Vince carried you back inside and laid you out on the sofa. You sighed; “God, I feel so pathetic!” “I hate to be dramatic, but it could have been WAY worse.” Vince helped you get comfortable; “You’re lucky I’m a runner too and know what to do here - but just to check, what do you do when you get a sprain?” You chuckled, folding your arms and nudging him with your other foot as he removed your running shoes carefully. “You’re instilling me with SO much confidence, Mr. Kovac.” “Ohhh, I got a Mr?” But Vince smiled, if you were back to calling him sassily by his last name instead of trying to hide the panic in your voice then you were going to be just fine. “Don’t push your luck!” He kissed you, “Ice?” “And ibuprofen...” “I’ll make you something.” “Man, I didn’t even think about food!” You murmured quietly, watching him move your calf gently, so as not to touch your ankle, and grab a few cushions to elevate it. You weren’t about to tell him you were impressed, but he was certainly ticking the boxes. “You think bananas will help? They aid recovery, don’t they?” “You hate banana!” “It’s not for me is it!” He ran his fingertips gently to your foot; “Does it hurt?” “It’s throbbing but it’s not... painful until I put weight onto it.” Vince smiled, glad of that. “Guess I can’t get you of that gear, huh?” You laughed, but indicated to the injury; “Well you can, but it’s going to be considerably less sexy than you want it to be!” His face pulled into a frown, potential disappointment, but he nodded; “I’ll get you a change of clothes too, okay?” He stood and didn’t waste any time exiting the room or coming back with a bundle of comfortable clothing, he eyed your tight running leggings: “You think you need help?” You swatted him away, “Touch the ankle and you’re dead, Kovac!” “Okay-!” He put his hands up and started toward the kitchen, “Just shout if you do need me to get you out of those clothes-!” “At least I know you’re capable-!”  His laugher echoed down the corridor making you smile, “Vin?” “Yeah?” You listened to him opening cupboards and draws and clattering around for a few minutes before answering, “You’re an angel sometimes, you know that?” His laugh this time was considerably more wicked, “You won’t be saying that later.” You chuckled to yourself as you wriggled out of your shirt and carefully took off your leggings - before resetting your leg on his elevated cushions, slipping on a sweatshirt and tracks. Baggy, and comfortable, and warm.

 It wasn’t long before he came back through, changed himself and carrying two plates. “Ohh-! Is that bacon and eggs?” “Mhm...” He handed you a plate and knife and fork, and you noticed that whilst you had pancakes his plate was void of them. “Oh! Are they banana batter!” “They are!” He smiled, “Hence why I’m not eating them, let me get your ice. And a drink-!!” Vince set up water and juice - whilst pointing out the vitamin content - before wrapping your ankle in an ice pack, “Alright, there you are, now come here...” He sat up on the sofa next to you and gently shifted your body so you could nestle your head on his chest - it wasn’t the most practical angle for eating, but it sure was comfortable and you commended him on his cooking effort. Vince was an “only the basics” kinda guy, but you couldn’t fault them. “Ohhhh! I could kiss you right about now!” “Oh god no, you’ll taste like banana!”

When you were finished, he tidied away and put the TV on before sliding his body back beneath yours, cleverly working it to give your ankle a little more elevation. “That good baby?” “Mhm.” You nodded “Good.” And you couldn’t help but beam as Vince pressed a kiss to your forehead, looking up to persuade his lips to find yours - without much difficulty. You lay cuddled up like this for a few hours as he periodically checked your ice pack and made sure you took medicine. “Ibuprofen, huh?” “It’ll take a bit to kick in but at least I’ll be able to walk on it... I’d swear by it.” Looking through your box of tricks he also found an ankle support, which you’d definitely need. But eventually Vince settled back down with you and kept very still, making sure that he didn’t have to move your body yet again. You were fine with him doing so, but Vince said he didn’t want to hinder the healing process and you weren’t about to argue with the look on his face - even though you were more than capable.

 You were both absorbed in the show you were watching before you noticed him shift again, and this time only because his hand was resting on your bare skin, and was dangerously low on your stomach. You eyed it for a few minutes, daring him to move again, it couldn’t even have been an inch from your waistband. And if you weren’t careful your body was going to want to forget about the injury for a little while on account of having that hand a little lower. Instead you narrowed your eyes, and kept your voice firm; “You try anything Kovac and a sprained ankle will be the least of your problems!” Vince chuckled and you looked back to him, his hand didn’t move but he was grinning: “Oh no, baby, we gotta get you to full fitness before you go a round with me.” You scoffed, smirk of your own in play, “I told you before, you’re the one with worse stamina here.” He surprised you, and didn’t try anything; that hand remained flat on your stomach, with only the tiniest movement being brushing his thumb over your skin soothingly. Instead, you moved your own hand and laced your fingers with his, holding him tight. Neither of you said anything, but Vince responded to your affection by pressing kisses into your neck and shoulders. You fluttered your eyes closed against them and just let yourself enjoy the trail of his lips grazing your skin, with a soft hum of content.

 Vince didn’t really stop his trail of soft, soothing kisses - but they did graduate from your shoulders to your temple and ear. The only thing to break him away from this was the occasional stolen kiss from your own lips, and the beep of his phone. At first you were about to jokingly ask what was so much more important than your injury, but then he smiled. You knew that look; it was one Vince only reserved for his kids. “Aww!” His smile grew wider, “The kids both wish you well!” “Ah, you told them!?” You covered your face with your free hand, “No! Vince that’s so embarrassing!!” But he protested, handing his phone over; “NO! No! But look how sweet they are-! Look how well raised my kids are-!” “I think I’ll let Ally take the credit there-!” “Owch!” But you were only teasing, and he knew that. You read them, your smile growing wide and his cry was triumphant: “See!!” You weren’t about to let him win this, either, and as you read you quizzed him on that big day out again; “Figured out where you’re taking them yet?” “Yeah, I think so...” He nodded, confident smile in play that had you nearly swooning - God he was so annoyingly gorgeous sometimes. “Good.” You pulled him back into another kiss; “Just not running-!” He laughed, “Yeah well, I think I’ll learn my lesson about running up on that path the hard way-!”

 As Vince wanted you to keep resting, he scheduled you to stay on the couch for the rest of the day; he knew you’d want to recover fast, not only so you could run again but so you could stay on your feet whilst drawing or prospecting. Your job had you standing far more often than he’d think; but Vince supposed that could be just your preference. He insisted on supporting you - or carrying you - whenever you did need to move, although more than once you told him you could do it alone and pridefully hobbled around the downstairs floor. It was getting late now, and probably a combination of medicine and your body’s need to recover meant you had fallen asleep on him. Vince wasn’t about to complain: despite the fact that the arm trapped underneath you was going numb, and he knew he was in for a bad case of pins and needles soon. He wouldn’t move; your body was resting and Vince knew how important that was, give it a few more hours and he would slide from under you and carry you up to bed, but right now he was fine right here, with the sound of your breathing and your hand still holding desperately onto his (though because of the arm it was getting a little difficult to feel your fingers curled around his).

Vince cuddled you closer with a gentle hum and smiled, how someone like you could somehow become this calm and peaceful he didn’t know. He loved your attitude; that feistiness that wasn’t about to give him up or give up on him - you were the boss no question, even though you still let him have control.  And yeah, he knew you would take it back when you had to, but Vince enjoyed pushing you to see how far he could go. Right now, snuggled in his arms and sleeping, and injured, he couldn’t believe you were the same woman who would sass him constantly, give that look and call him by his last name.

It was the juxtaposition he’d talked about when he’d first proposed the idea of dating to you - a real thing, not a one and done... it was something he craved even now. Vince would never tell you, but he’d never get enough. No matter how much you gave him. You kept him chasing, and he was good at it. He chuckled to himself, brushing your hair back; you stirred, smiling to yourself in your sleep and he smiled back - pressing a single delicate kiss to your forehead. You’d be out there running circles around him again soon, he was sure - you had that determination. And Vince would keep chasing you, as he always did. His only prayer was that you’d never get tired of waiting for him to catch up. I’m coming, you just keep running...

---

Thank you for reading!!! 😁😁💕💕

[skywalkingthegalaxy]

The Binary Stars Chapter 1

So another Mandalorian Fic out of the thousands that are written. Right? So I decided to get on this train because of the obvious. So I hope you all enjoy and here’s hoping that people will have fun reading! If you would like to be tagged please let me know! And I’ll see y’all later! 

Just attach this wire and….

And…

Anytime now please.

Nothing. Hmmm. Maybe just needs a little more aggression? Smacking the panel as the windmill turned back on and began spinning. With technology sometimes a little tap can fix it nicely.

Closing the electric panel to see that the only blurg in her fence was sound asleep. These Blurrgs including the one he’s riding towards the ship. They keep bitting the power lines and if one more does it I’m going to shoot her and make a nice stew.

Speaking of Kuiil he should be back by now from seeing if the ship was here for the bounty. He’s either being friendly or is taking a very long time riding back. Since the sun was setting he probably stopped to watch the sunset for a little bit. I’ll go get the tea ready at least for him when he gets back, and get an extra cup for the possible stranger coming to join us tonight.

Looking out to see Kuiil with a stranger following behind him. Must be another bounty hunter after this client that’s making Kuiil all sorts of upset. He doesn’t enjoy the violence which I don’t blame him for of course. After being enslaved for so long I imagine the taste of freedom is wonderful.

“Annika!” Kuiil yelled as I put my tool bag on my back then began climbing down the windmill. Landing on the ground to wait for them to approach me. That makes...twenty...there was the human with the symbiotic arm..twenty two. That is bounty hunter number twenty two attempting to capture this target. Maybe this time he’ll be able to catch the target and get these raiders off the planet.

“Twenty two. Congratulations your number twenty two on those who’ve attempted the bounty.” Commenting for them to stop right in front of me.

“We will discuss inside.” Kuiil told the bounty hunter as the Blurrg sniffed my hand.  

“Your blurrgs keep chewing through the power lines and eventually it’s going to end up killing one of them.” Commenting as Kuiil got down as the bounty hunter was looking directly at me.

“Welcome to Arvala 7. You’ll be comfortable down here till morning when we head out.” Motioning him to follow me as we began walking inside.

Kuiil was first inside already getting the tea ready for the bounty hunter to join us. I think the spare cot is still up from the last one that came through seeking this target. My gut is telling me that this bounty hunter in particular may actually get the job done.

The bounty hunter sat down at the table as I put down my tool bag next to me then sat down. He’s got some shiny helmet. I'll give him that much. Beskar which makes sense as it’s practically indestructible. Impressive. I’ve been studying my metals and other elemental stuff these past few weeks.

“Annika.” I held up my hand to him but he looked over than back over at Kuiil. Guess he ain’t too friendly.

“He’s a Mandalorian.” Ah. That makes sense with the armor and the stoic personality. Though the few stories Kuiil has told me I truly thought he would have brought more weapons. Not just a rifle and a blaster. Then again. If you’re the greatest warriors in the galaxy then you may not need much to get the job done.

“Many have passed through, they seek the same as you.”

“Did you help them?”

“Yes. They died.”

“Well, then I don’t know if I want your help.” Looking up as I stared directly at him.

“You do.” I commented as Kuiil handed me my cup and then to the mandalorian.

“We can show you the encampment of where it’s being held. And you’re going to need an extra body in order to get the job done.” Taking a sip as the warmth of it made me relax a little.

“What’s your cut then?”

“Half.”

“Half the bounty to guide? And volunteering to help? Seems steep.” Relax there shiny I don’t want payment. This has been sort of keeping my skills up to date so I don’t become weak.

“No. Half of the blurrg you helped capture.”

“The blurrg? You can keep them both.”

“No. You will need one. To ride. The way is impossible to pass without a blurrg mount.”

“I don’t know how to ride blurrg.”

“I have spoken.” He poured himself the tea as the Mandalorian put down his cup. Right. They can’t take off their armor so there’s no way he would drink in front of us.

“It’s not hard. As long as you have some sort of good balance you’ll be able to ride it easily.” Telling him as he sighed.

Nighttime fell over the farm as I turned on the light underneath the canopy. Kuiil is dead asleep inside and rather not work on my weapons with him trying to sleep. My blaster needs some calibration for tomorrow. Rather not go in there with a blaster that can’t fire correctly.

The Mandalorian came out of the hut to start walking over to me, grabbing my poncho to then cover up my upper body.

“Can’t sleep?” Asking as I began taking off the barrel of the gun.

“Not really.” Motioning my head for him to sit on the spare stool.

“Feel free to sit here till you feel like falling asleep.” Telling him as I too off the barrel then continued from there.

“Do you clean your blaster often?” He looked down to put it on the work table.

“Better than what I expected. Here.” Handing him a spare pipe cleaner for him to take it. He began taking his gun apart as I began cleaning the barrel.

“How’d you end up all the way out here?” Sticking the barrel pipe down to start moving it up and down to get the gunk out.

“I was on a refugee ship coming out here to drop off people in the outer rim. Kuiil was sitting alone when a group of ass holes thought it would be funny to try to jump him. Beat them up and in return he offered me a home. Make sure you get around the gears.” Telling him as I grabbed my cleaning rag. We sat there in silence for the next few minutes while we continued to clean our weapons.

“What should I be expecting tomorrow?” Asking me as I put down my rag.

“About thirty to forty. One huge turret and an eagerness to keep whatever they have in that compound. The one time I went we made it a good way through but he was killed then they brought out the turret. Can’t exactly take a turret out by myself along with thirty to forty guards.” Telling him which made him stop cleaning and from what I can guess is thinking about strategy.

“Here.” Clearing a space then started moving around the pieces of my rifle to give him a visual layout.

“So according to their layout. This is where the asset is supposedly held in the main building. The rest of the buildings on the side is where these thirty to forty guards will end up coming out. A frontal assault is a horrible idea from a past mistake.” The Mandalorian began looking over the really bad layout of the compound.

“Now the compound is in the middle of the rock hills so there’s a chance for an attack from each side. But you’re the Mandalorian, I'll leave that up to you.”

“Does the main door always stay shut?”

“No. But they will shut it when we attack due to whatever this asset is, it’s worth a lot to whoever is paying the bounty. Can I know who the one is paying for this asset?”

“The Empire. What’s left of them in the universe.” The Empire? I...I didn’t think they were even around anymore. Figured the New Republic would’ve taken care of them by now. The outer rim must not be their top priority and if any planet isn’t Coruscant they don’t matter.

“Well I’ll let you get to thinking Mandalorian. Good night.” Getting up to leave my blaster apart on the work table.

*The Next Morning*

I sat under the canopy again to put together the blaster I left apart. After I finished putting back my blaster together I began working on my armor for the assault that was about to happen at the compound. My left shoulder plate just loves popping off after a few beams hit it. And rather not deal with an open wound in the middle of a firefight.

Putting it back on my shoulder for it to stay nicely on there now. Moving my arm around to see The Mandalorian and Kuiil walking towards the wild Blurrg. Hopefully we can get this done and be home by supper.

Hearing him grunting for my head to turn and see him on the ground. Oof. Who would’ve guessed that he lacked patience. Not that I haven’t ever but still I figured this would’ve been an easy task. It’s just a blurrg.

“Perhaps if you removed your helmet.”

“Perhaps it remembers that I tried to roast him.”

“That is a female. The males are all eaten during mating.” It's really not a pretty site when that happens as well. Yuck.

The Mandalorian got back up to attempt again. He’s rushing it and not giving them the chance to feel a bond. Every sort of animal species requires trust in order to ride and she’s a wild blurrg. Watching him fall off once again made Kuiil shake his head at him.

“I don’t have time for this. Do you have a landspeeder or a Speeder bike that I could hire?”

“You are Mandalorian. Your ancestors rode the great Mythosaur. Surely you can ride this young foal.” He’s not wrong. It’s just an animal that needs to make sure you’re not going to harm them.

See. They just need to make sure you’re not going to kill them! Clapping my hands together as he began riding around on the Blurrg. It just takes a minute to get a good grip and balance on these things. Truth be told I’d rather walk and jump around on the gorges for a little bit. Yet here we are.

Placing my foot on the table to grab my holstered knife into the boot. Next putting on my leg holster as I clipped it together. The Mandalorian came up to stand next to me to make sure he had everything.

“That a amban rifle?” Asking as he turned his head to look at it.

“Impressive.” Getting down on the ground to grab my gun case. Standing back up to see him still looking directly at me.

“Don’t worry I’m not gonna take it.” Assuring him as I opened my gun case to pull out my DC-15LE. Snagged it on that refugee ship that was making its way out here. I imagine the Empire isn’t going to work their way out here to take it back.

“You don’t have to help me if you don’t want to.” He commented as I placed the rifle over my head and snuggled it tight around my chest.

“It’s not a matter of wanting. It’s a matter that you’re going to need my help.” Grabbing my shawl to wrap around my chest.

“Have you always helped the other bounties?” We began walking out and heading towards the Blurrgs.

“Only the last one. Everyone else I just assumed that they failed and were killed. But it’s been upsetting Kuiil with his peace and quiet being disturbed. So now I figured why not help a little to get this land to quiet down.” Walking past him then towards the blurrgs.

“Trust me Mandalorian. If I wanted you dead it would’ve happened already.” Winking as we turned the blurrg to start riding off.  

Passing through the cracks of the planet and into the rocky hills that hid the compound. Pretty decent spot to keep an asset because from the air it looks just too busy. Not to mention who wants to make the effort to climb rocky hills and cliffs just for an asset.

We should be getting close. You can see the remaining blasters and the smell of those who’ve attempted the bounty. The stench of these bodies never goes away, it only gets far worse and I can’t stand the smell. Slowing down the Blurrg for Kuiil to point towards the compound.

“That is where you’ll find your quarry.” The Mandalorian held out a small sack full of credits for Kuiil to decline it.

“Please. You deserve this.” Kuiil looked up into the landscape and sighed.

“Since these ones arrived, this territory has been an endless stream of mercenaries seeking reward and bringing destruction.”

“Then why did you guide me?”

“They do not belong here. Those that live here come to seek peace. There will be no peace until they’re gone.”

“Then why do you help?”

“I have never met a Mandalorian. I’ve only read the stories. If they are true, you will make quick work of it. Then there will again be peace.”

“I have spoken.” Watching Kuiil ride off as we dismounted the Blurrgs.

“The Blurrgs should stay here till we get back. Then we’ll go our separate ways.” The Mandalorian nodded as we began walking towards the edge of the cliff.

We laid down on top of the rocks as he got a closer view on the compound. Last time it was swamped with guards and some huge turret was directly at the entrance of the compound. Pulling out my electrobinoculars to get a good look at the entrance. So far it looks approachable and no heavy artillery in the main entrance.

“They usually have some sort of heavy turret.” Where is it?

“How many do you see?” The Mandalorian asked as I did a quick headcount from what I could see.

“About twenty from what I see. But without that turret it’ll be easier than before and is that a droid?” Double checking with my electrobinoculars to get a closer look.

“Oh no. Bounty droid.” Shaking his head for us to get up from the cliff. Watching the droid going into the compound and taking out the soldiers one by one. Wow this is the first bounty droid I’ve ever seen and it’s sort of impressive.

We began climbing down the cliff as quick as we could to see the droid was making his way through the compound. If he gets to the asset first I’m going to use him for spare parts! Climbing then turned into sliding down the hill and reaching the bottom. He was up first as he offered his hand to help me up. Getting up for us to walk towards the gunfire. Guess the droid is already making his dent in the compound!

“IG unit stand down!” The droid immediately shot him and sent him flying back. It held it’s gun up at me as I immediately pulled out my blaster.

“I’m in the guild!” The Mandalorian held up the tracker. Offering him my hand to help him off the ground.

“You are a Guild member? I thought I was the only one on assignment.”

“You alright?” Asking him for him to nod.

“That makes two of us.” We got behind the pillars waiting for them to come out from the doors.

“So much for the element of surprise.”

“Sadly, I must ask for your fob. I have already issued the writ of seizure. The bounty is mine.” Excuse me? Since when does a droid..what!

“Unless I’m mistaken, you are, as of yet, empty-handed.” Gottem there.

“This is true.” We both kept poking our heads out to see if anymore of the guards coming from the building.

“I have a suggestion.”

“Proceed.”

“We split the reward.”

“This is acceptable.” Thank goodness.

“Great. Now let’s regroup, out of harm's way, and form a plan.” They’re going to come anytime now! I’d like to be kept alive during this whole ordeal!

“I will of course receive the reputation merits associated with the mission.”

“Can we talk about this later gentlemen!” Yelling as they were beginning to take formation.

“I require an answer if I am to proceed.. ALERT ALERT ALERT!” Shit shit shit!

They started firing down on us from the roof of the compounds as more were coming out of the buildings. The bounty droid kept his stance in the middle of the battlefield as more and more were coming out of the buildings. The Mandalorian and I kept ourselves behind the pillars as I grabbed my rifle from my back. Loading and looking down the small scope to start firing back at the men.

“We gotta get to the door.” The Mandalorian yelled as he began moving to the next piller. I followed him as he turned his head up. Looking up to see one of them on the rooftop as I shot him down.

The bounty droid was focusing on every enemy for the two of us to work our way around to the door. This is going to work I think holy shit! The door opened behind me for one of the guards to tackle me. Kicking him in the gut for the Mandalorian to shoot him right in the head. Rolling over to behind the metal barrier to then sit up.

He looked at the tracker as it was still behind the main door. Glad to know that they haven’t evacuated it. I imagine they think they’ll kill us and move on. Not this time! The three of us began moving towards the metal door as the droid stood and began walking right in the middle of the path firing at them. What droid holy crap!

“Wow. I’ve never seen a droid move like that.” Commenting as I looked up to see two were about to fire down on us.

“Up top!” We both yelled as he got behind the opposite pillar.

The firing began to stop to see them beginning to gather up in the center of the compound. Why’d they stop? Is this when the turret is coming out? I’ve gotten this the last time and now it’s just a waiting game!

They began raining fire down on us again as we both kept out heads behind the pillar. Each time we would try to fire back the pillar would be shot to pieces right before we could fight back!

“It appears we are trapped. I will initiate self-destruct sequencing.” SELF WHAT!?

“Whoa you’re what?” We both stopped and were ready to shoot this droid in order to save our asses.

“Don’t you dare blow up!” Yelling at him as we kept trying to get a good shot of one of the guards.

“Manufactures Protocol dictates I cannot be captured. I must self-destruct.”

“If you blow up right now I will use your parts for my toilet!” I yelled as the Mandalorian looked over at the control panel.

“You two cover me!” Nodding as The droid was the first one out to start firing back. Landing a shot into the left one on the roof. They’re too much fire shit! More blasts were going past me than I could fight back!

“Go go go there’s too many!” I stood on the opposite side of the pillar as I was ready to go back out and face them.

“They got us pinned!” He yelled as I landed another target that was standing in the doorway.

“No shit!” Yelling as I ducked back into cover. They began cheering as the firing stopped once again.

“Do not self-destruct! We are shooting our way out!” The Mandalorian ordered as we all stepped out from the pillars.

THERE IT IS!

“Okay.” Is all he said for us to duck back.

“New plan!”

“What plan!” Screw it! I’m using it and if that means trouble brought down on me then screw it! Getting shot at like this is getting infuriating. Even last time wasn’t this bad and there’s three of us! Cracking my neck as I dropped down my rifle and taking off my poncho.

“Mandalorian! Get ready to run for that turret!” Cracking my thumbs and fingers to then step out.

“Papo. I can’t do it!”

“Yes you can.” Holding up my hands as I tried once more.

“The Gods have given you a duty my child. To protect those who can not protect themselves.”

“But it feels like a weapon.”

“Sometimes one must fight to save those who are in need. Concrete Annika. You’re the only one making it difficult.”

“It’s as light as air.” Closing my eyes as I began to concentrate.

As light as air.

As light as air!

Raising my hands to take in a very big breath. Turning my eyes into a bright white My white energy began glowring force field appearing before me as it was taking all the heat from the laser turret. The blast was bouncing all over for the shield to grow big enough for everyone to focus on it. He was staring at me as I looked over at him.

“GO!” Yelling as the droid went running from the other side and was immediately shot into the corner. The Mandalorian went around to then pull the turret towards him. Dissolving the shield as I watched him take out the rest of the compound.

Here it comes.

My breathing began to hurt as my lungs began to tighten up. This tends to happen when I don’t use this ability after a while. It feels like my body just sorts of tightens up for a little bit. Then it leads to the coughing which hurts worse.

“You okay?” The Mandalorian asked as I spat out the blood that came up. Whipping any remaining blood as I caught my breath.

“Give me a second. Sometimes my body doesn’t like it when I do that.” Chuckling at myself as I shook my head. There we go. All better.

“That was impressive you two.” The droid commented as I nodded.

“Thanks.” He nodded as he looked over at the door.

“Well, now we just need to get the door open.” We all starred at the door, then shifted our stance towards the turret. That’ll work.

“You two go in there and get the asset. I’ll stay out here and make sure no more come out to get us.” Ordering as I walked over to the turret and climbed on. I’ve been waiting to shoot this thing since I first saw it.

Flipping the switch for the turret to charge back up. Pulling back the trigger as I began shooting all across the door. It was shaking my entire body as I was super ecstatic at shooting at this door! YEAH!!! WHOOOOAAAA!!!

Now done.

The door fell over as the two of them stood in the doorway. For a few weeks I thought we weren’t going to be able to get rid of these people. All it took was just the three of us and some pure luck.

Now Kuiil can be at peace once again and I go..back to my life. Leaning against the pillar to go into my bag and pulled out my canteen of water. Taking a few sips to close the lid of the canteen. A shot rang out from the inside as I came running in to see the droid with a bullet in it’s head.

A little hand was poking out from the metal egg and was reaching for the Mandalorian. Is that a child?

Taglist: 

@mirkwoodshewolf​

[sebsallowapologist]

Pothos 4.

Hi all- here’s the latest update for Pothos! 

If you would like to read the first three parts you can find them here.

As always please let me know what you think! I live for comments.

“Edward. There is only so much food I can put into my body before I absolutely... explode.” I huff as he tries to get me to eat more of the pasta on his plate. I had already had half of my meal, plus half of his.  “Hm. That’s fair.” He says, putting his fork back down. “We’ll have to get it to go.”

I nod and finish off his glass of wine, mine was already gone on his side of the table. This whole date had been about feeding Bella and asking her loads of questions. It was like we were starting fresh.

The waiter sees our empty glasses and comes over, “May I get you two more wine?” He asks and Edward looks at me, waiting for the answer. I shake my head no, I could barely form complete sentences around him when I was sober, the two glasses of wine would be enough to deal with I didn’t need to be actually drunk in front of him.

Edward flashes the man his beautiful smile, which makes the waiter take a step back. In admiration or fear? I cross my legs under the table and he smiles at me, “Alcohol flush is almost as pretty as your blush, not quite, but a close second.”

“It doesn’t look the same?” I ask and Edward shakes his head. “Your blush is a much deeper red.” I wanted to call bullshit, I had only seen the one basic shade of red but I guess his eyes did see a whole lot more than mine did.

The bill comes and he pays, always the perfect gentleman, before standing up and taking my hand to lead me out of the restaurant. “So what now?” I ask and he hands the ticket over to the valet. “What now?” He repeats and I nod.

“Well I was going to drop you off and walk you to your door.” He smiles and I let go of his hand, snaking my arms around his middle, pulling myself closer to him. “No.”

“No?” He chuckles and I nod, leaning up to kiss his marble cheek as the car comes from around the corner. I let go of him to get into the passenger seat. He walks around the side, looking inquisitive. I think my favorite thing to do in the world was to confuse Edward Cullen.

I didn’t say no to him very often, but when I did I meant it. “So if I’m not taking you home what are we doing?”

“Drive to that next corner and make a right, we’re headed up to Sunset.” I smile and he nods, taking the direction well. “The whole time we’ve... known each other, you have always been the... authority. On everything. You knew so much more than I always have. So I want to show you’ve something you’ve never seen.”

“You’ve shown me plenty that I’ve never seen.” He smiles, looking down at me in the passenger seat. I roll my eyes, that simply wasn’t true. Any experience I’d had, any book I’d read you had already read it, or experienced it. But that comes from living for over a century.

But I was finally on my own home turf, I knew your family had never spent much time in Los Angeles, due to the sun, so I finally knew some things you didn’t.

I remember what it was like, being introduced to this whole magic world seven years ago and the absolute wonder it gave me. I couldn’t do all that but I wanted to give you something. “Take a left on Sunset, when you hit the Pacific Ocean take a right.” I tell you, and you nod. This drive would normally take me about twenty minutes at this time of night, but you’re flying through Beverly Hills, barely missing red light cameras by inches.

I direct him to the outlook in Malibu, the one that had just two parking spots that dropped off to the beach. It was peaceful, beautiful, and most of all quiet. Quiet was hard to come by here.

When I had found the cove a few years ago everything was overgrown. There was no sign directing people to the little beach. If it was private property the owner hadn’t scared me off yet.

I take off my heels and leave them in the car, walking quickly over to the side that ran down to the beach. Edward holds my hand as we walk down the steep path. I could do it myself but I thought it was nice he wanted to help get me to the little safe haven.

“This is my favorite place in LA.” I smile, gesturing to the small beach and he looks around. “It’s beautiful.” He says and I nod, walking over to the water. A wave crashes onto my feet and I see Edward kicking off his shoes behind me.

He walks in the water too and I smile. “You come here often?”

“A few times a week.” I giggle and bend over, grabbing a pretty shell out of the water to inspect it. “This is your meadow.”

I hadn’t thought of that. The cove being my version of his meadow, the place he went to think. I missed that meadow.

“I guess.” I laugh and smile up at him. My heels had really closed the gap in our height difference, so it seemed more dramatic now that I was barefoot. “Have you shown anyone else this?” He asks and I shake my head no. “I don’t want to give it away. People would tell.”

“I promise I won’t tell a soul.” He smiles and I nod, “I know you won’t.”

We stand there, looking at the moon reflecting on the water and I jump a little when I feel his hand sneak around my waist, pulling me to his chest. I lean against him and sigh, I could stand here forever. His stone lips press against my hair, “I didn’t think I’d ever be this happy again.” He sounds like music.

“Me either.”

We took our time at the cove, and I wondered if we’d be able to come back on a sunny day, I didn’t think anyone would be able to see him, and I wanted to see him sparkle again. Once I start shivering he recommended taking me home, and I had to agree.

The ride back to my apartment was quiet and I could tell it was bugging him, but I needed some room in my brain to think. I knew it was supposed to happen after dates. Normally we would be going back to my place and we would hook up, or at least mess around. But I wasn’t dealing with some LA guy in his 20s... I was dealing with a century old vampire. I shudder and Edward flips the heat on. “Are you cold?”

“A little.” I mumble. “We’re almost home. Your dress is... gorgeous but isn’t the most practical for warmth.”  I blush and he chuckles a little. I smile and you pull into the driveway of my place, putting the car in park.

“Would you like to come in?” I ask and he nods, turning the car off. He follows me to my door and I smile, digging for my keys out of my purse as he waits patiently behind me. I open up the door and he follows me in, shutting it behind us. “Bella, could you please tell me what you’re thinking?”

I could tell it had been bothering him, and he was trying not to bring it up but he’d finally broken. I put my purse down and bite my lip for a second, getting the courage to make the move.

I step forward and press my soft lips to his stone ones, letting my hand rest on his chest. It was even more electric than I’d remembered. Had my memory fogged over the memories I spent years trying to forget? I was so stupid in High School, I didn’t know what a bad kiss was so I never even got to appreciate how good Edward’s kisses were. “Bella.” He says and press body against his, wanting to be even closer. He breaks our lips apart and I look up at him.

There was a fire in his eyes. “Did you forget?”

“Forget what?” I ask and keep my body close to his. “Bella you have to be careful.” he breathes and helps me take a few steps back. “Oh yeah.” I did forget- how could I forget, he was attracted to something much more powerful than my looks. The animalistic need I felt, he felt something else.

“Sorry.” I blush and step back, putting some unwanted (on my part) space between us. I sigh and bite my lip. He closes the gap between us and runs his fingers through my hair. “Are you tired, love?” He asks and I glance at the stove, the time reading after midnight. “Not really.” I mumble and he smiles, “What would you like to do then.”

We can’t do what I want to do.

“I wish I could describe to you how horrible it is to not be able to read your mind. I would give up reading anyone else’s mind if I could just understand yours.” He smiles and walks me to my own bedroom. “You are not missing much.” I lie and he gives a low chuckle. “I sincerely doubt that.”

The room settles and he finally clears his throat, “It’s late.”

“It’s not that late.” I argue back. I’d been up later. “Wouldn’t you like to go to sleep?” He asks and I shake my head no again. “What if I stayed with you?”

I felt like he was a father trying to get his toddler down for the night. He had always seemed more mature than I was, and I guess the time had closed the gap a bit, but not enough. “I think that’s a fair compromise.” I tell him and take his hand, bringing him through my apartment to my bedroom. I drop his hand as I walk over to my closet, grabbing some clothes to sleep in. “Will you get my dress?” I ask and move my hair off of my back so he could access the zipper. “Of course.”

His cool hands grasp the small zipper and slide it all the way down, when his hands disappear I turn around and he’s looking out the window on the other side of the food, letting me keep some modesty. I roll my eyes and grab some sleep shorts and a shirt. “I’m decent.” I smile and walk over to my bathroom, keeping the door open. He follows me in there as I wash my face, and as soon as I’m done with a product he picks it up and turns it in his hand.

“You didn’t wear face cream seven years ago.” He observes and I roll my eyes. “Because I was 17 and didn’t know I should be taking care of my skin. And back then I thought I would be 17 forever, why did skin care matter when I was going to look beautiful without care for the rest of my life?

I brush my teeth and hair and when I’m finally done Edward looks at me intently. “What?”

“You look so much more like my Bella without the make up.” He sighs and kisses my forehead. “Well I like the  make up.” I laugh, “Makes me feel fancy.”

“Alice would be over the moon to hear you say that.” I missed Alice.

I walk into my bedroom and he runs ahead of me, peeling back the blankets on my bed. I get in and he quickly tucks me in before joining me on the other side, taking off his jacket and tie before doing so.

“Am I what you thought older Bella would be like?” I ask, because I’m too afraid to ask if he still liked me.

“Better.” He sighs and pats his chest, signaling that I was allowed to rest my head there, which I do. His arm goes around my side and props me up so I’m tightly tucked under his arm, and despite the fact that he feels like stone,  it’s the most comfortable I’ve been in seven years.

I want to stay up and talk forever, I want to make sure he doesn’t leave, but as I’m falling asleep I just have the energy to mumble, don’t go. Under my breath.

***

When I wake up the next morning it’s not from my alarm, it’s a Sunday Morning, I’m woken up by the crack of thunder that echoes through my house. What they don’t tell you about Los Angeles, is that sure... it’s sunny most days. But when southern California gets weather it doesn’t mess around.

I reach forward for Edward, my hand running along the sheets of my bed, but my hand touches nothing. “Edward?” I call, sleep coating my voice. I clear my throat so that I can be a little more clear. “EDWARD?” I call again, even though I knew he would have been able to hear me the first time.

I get no response and my heart jumps into my throat.

[thehikingnerd]

Day 139 (10/3).

Today I woke up and was on a mission for 30 miles. These short days kept pushing back our finish date, and it was getting dangerously close to interfering with me getting home before Halloween. After getting packed up and ready a little earlier than Butt'rs, I popped two ibuprofen and made a big pot of very very strong instant coffee... and we were off! It was a beautiful day and we were making good time right from the start. We saw bear prints everywhere in the snow as we made our first climb of the day, along with coyote and deer prints as well. The bright red huckleberries in the valleys were beautiful and we stopped for lunch at the peak of the first big climb in the snow. I cooked two ramen with some textured vegetable protein, olive oil, a few other things and then made more extra strong coffee. I needed entertainment and fuel, like I said I was on a mission and was feeling good, like 30 was possible that day if we pushed and could make up for the last 4 days being sub 20-mile days. Man... that second round of coffee must have done it... I was a hiking machine after that. I was rolling down the backside of the mountain! Butt'rs and I saw another bear and I tried to get around the bend quickly to see if I could find him and watch him run away down the mountain but I lost him. I stopped at a lake for just a minute because it was so pretty and because the water looked so nice and clear blue I wanted to try out filming under water with my phone being waterproof and hadn't tried that out yet. But then the race was back on. We made our way down into a beautiful valley and then a couple of fighter jets spaced out rolled through the valley... one came though just before our next big climb started and was low enough to hurt my hears and was pretty intense. This downhill seemed to go on forever and we could see the switchbacks up the other mountain and it was obvious that this was going to be one of the worst cases of PUDs (pointless ups and downs) on the whole trail and it certainly was! Mile and miles of steep downhill and we were just rolling at near-jogging pace.  Finally, after crossing a bridge over a stream at the bottom, the trail went down another half mile or so before turning around and heading straight back up. They really should take you around the mountainside and cut off some of this pointless up and down. Normally I wouldn't complain, but this one is 3000ft down to a random point and then right back up 3000ft. It was just killer and uncalled for. But also, I was so jacked on caffeine and had the 30 mile goal in my head, so I just kept on rolling. I was a fair bit out in front of Butt'rs and I was only just starting the big uphill when I saw a hiker going SOBO. I said hey and stopped to chat for a bit. He said he had run into several NOBO hikers today... Will (the 19yr old from TX we had met at the trail angel's place a couple of days ago) I knew he was way ahead of us... he said he had seen him that morning so I guessed that put Will at least 15 maybe 20 miles out ahead of us and that he had just walked to Butt'rs! I was like Butt'rs?! Butt'rs is behind me I'm about 99% sure, but he insisted he had just talked to Butt'rs and then complained about how cold the last two nights have been. It was possible to have crossed the stream earlier on and taken a short cut that would have saved him more than a mile of down and up. Hmm... so it looked at this point as though one of two things was going on... either there was a second guy with the trailname "Butters" ahead (which was possible) or that Butt'rs had cut a corner and was now out ahead of me. With Butt'rs and I both being purists, however, I didn't think he would cut a big corner like that, and as weird as it sounded the notion of a second Butters seemed like the more likely of these two scenerios. This SOBO guy's name was Savage, and after just a brief chat I was on my way. Now I was really driven to go faster up this climb, which I usually go slower than Butt'rs on the climbs, but I wanted to either catch up to him or catch up to the other Butters. I was in a Butter sandwich, A Tale of Two Butt'rs, I can't believe it's not Butt'rs, lol, we're all silly things that came to mind when thinking of this situation. Unfortunately this side of the hill was facing south and had dried out enough that I couldn't make out any clear shoe prints the whole way up. I would have been able to recognize Butt'rs' New Balances and could have known whether he was really ahead of me or not. I did think it was odd that we had been following a set of tracks for two days or so now from a hiker who had passed us the morning we let the sun dry our tents out and I had been following these Altra prints for a while now and I figured this must be the person savage had just talked to, but I still hoped to catch him and see if his name really was Butters/Butt'rs. Finally, after a grueling 3000 ft climb I made it to the snow line and could see clearly that Butt'rs was indeed still behind me and had not taken the shortcut and gotten out ahead of me. I had told him that I wasn't going to take a break until I reached the top, but since it was snowy I thought I would just go a little further or maybe stop of the opposite side of the flat top area before the final descent of the day. About half way across the top flat part I saw another much smaller bear who was sitting and eating huckleberries on a hillside near a small tree (for some reason I knew I was about to see one before I saw him, had this weird feeling he was there before actually seeing him). He sat there and hesitated for a second but then ran away too; it's wild how these bears just get out of dodge when a human is near. But in looking down I saw tons of nice huckleberries and decided to wait for Butt'rs while eating as many of these berries as I could. I had eaten a good number of these when Butt'rs finally rolled up and we discussed the whole situation with Savage. It was weird, but Butt'rs thinks he was tripping on acid and must have gotten confused hearing me say Butt'rs and just kept saying the wrong name of the guy ahead of us. I wasn't paying that close attention to him personally to notice if he was tripping or not, but anyway it was all figured out that at least Butt'rs was indeed behind me and we took off down the mountain. We had gotten cold sitting up at the high elevation while eating the berries. I was once again feeling driven and got out ahead of Butt'rs and I was hoping to keep pushing even after we reached the bottom and try to make it to a campsite a few miles further away. But while going downhill, I was reading through the Guthooks app and saw that the town of Stehekin had already reduced their shuttle service down to twice a day rather than the normal four times during peak season... thus meaning that even if we pushed on we would really have to haul ass to get there by 3pm on October 4th if I wanted to get into the resort/town in order to call Angie on Mid-Autumn Festival... but we would also have agree to hike into the night tonight and probably wake up at 4am or so to make it, and even still would run the chance of just not making it in time (and to be honest, I knew he had little incentive to push like that personally). I sat down on the trail disappointed knowing we wouldn't be able to make it and that I wouldn't be able to call Angie on this holiday, it would be the first I hadn't been able to swing something from the trail on a special day and the first time to not talk with her on this particular holiday. So I just sat there and waited on Butt'rs while resting and looking at all the comments on the app so I'd know what to expect whenever we would eventually make it into Stehekin. Finally, Butt'rs came and said he was beat. I told him I would have wanted to push on, but since it was impossible to make it by tomorrow night's last shuttle that there was no point in killing ourselves, and we camped at a site beside a silty river after a 24-mile day with an estimated 9,000 ft of elevation gain throughout the day! It had been a rough-@ss day, and we were both beat and hurting all over. So at Mile 2532.6 we set up camp, ate, threw out decoy thrash for mice, and went to sleep.

[lindoig7]

Saturday-Monday, 29-31 August

Saturday

We spent nearly all day around the van.  We had a few business things to do, sorting papers, analysing our costs to date, planning some more excursions, looking at and editing photos, blogging and so on.

A few days ago, I had been foolish enough to use the Vicroads site to try to renew the car registration.  It offers a method of paying your registration ‘now’ but has to be the most misleading and confusing site ever.  When I had gone through the process of ticking a few boxes, I got no feedback of any sort and no indication that my ticks had been recorded.  Had I paid it or not? – nobody knows!  The site said I had to wait 3 days to find out if my bank had processed the payment (without indicating if a transaction was in the wind or not!!) and that was today.  I checked and found that the ‘now’ payment had been scheduled for 4 days hence – and there is no way I can change that.  The van rego was also due in a couple of weeks, so I paid that and tried to bring the car payment forward, but it is somehow locked in place and all I can hope is that it actually happens – but there will never be any form of receipt to prove I have paid it.  I would most strongly advise anyone NOT to try to use this absurd process.

We went out for a walk during the afternoon, mainly just a somewhat extended lap around the circuit across the creek behind us. The sun was gorgeous, and the crowds had largely taken the arvo off, but the birds were there, and it was a delightful hour or so in the local area.

Sunday

Amazing!  We were on the road before 9am – definitely our earliest start this trip (maybe ever!). We weren’t going all that far, just to Moe, 30 clicks away.  We went to the Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve, a seemingly small, unremarkable and unadvertised reserve that we stumbled on almost by accident and that I found quite delightful.  There are numerous trails around the Reserve and we walked about 5 km, traversing a range of beautiful habitats and sometimes quaint bridges and archways, through lovely forest walks.  I must just have been in the right mood because I enjoyed it so much.  One of the Trustees of the Reserve buttonholed Heather for an extended period (and tried to draw me in a little later too) but apart from that, we were able to roam at will and enjoy a wonderful couple of hours communing with nature.  I enjoyed the birds, both big and little, and there were more than enough plants and fungi to keep us both enthralled for hours.

We ate our lunch in the car and then drove through a delightful winding road to Narracan and on to Thorpdale, Trafalgar and thence to Woolworths in Warragul. We had to buy a few essentials, but as usual got trapped into some great seafood bargains and came away with unexpected ingredients and a resolve to eat Paella again for dinner.

An interesting little statistic……  Warragul is supposedly 84 km from home and when we parked for the night, the trip meter showed 6084.0 km – so we have driven exactly 6000 clicks in our exploration of central and west Gippsland during the past 2 months.  (With more to come!)

We had a Zoom meeting with the family – 14 of us participated and we had a great hour and a half enjoying each other’s company. The wind picked up as the session started and the rain started about the time we all signed off, but it was great to have the time with everyone, even if only virtually.

Would you belive it?  The paella was spectacular - absolutely wonderful!

Monday

And so, as winter sinks slowly in the west…..  Last day of winter and it was a good one.  A few very light and transient sprinkles early in the day, but mostly sunny for much of the day.

We went back to Phillip Island to do some more of the walks and we did two, each of about 4 km: just over 8 clicks between them.

The first one we did started at the same place we started from when we did the Conservation Hill walk a couple of weeks ago – but we went in the opposite direction, north towards the Rhyll Inlet and Westernport Bay.  Some of it was on a Boardwalk with mangroves on one side and a grassy hill and scrubby trees on the other, but it was quite varied.  In some places, we were in open country with sheep and cattle grazing in the rich green paddocks and at other times in thick coastal paperbark forest. We climbed up onto an escarpment overlooking the Inlet and Westernport Bay with French Island in the middle distance and rocky outcrops and mangroves in the foreground.  It was all quite pretty and for once, we saw a few birds – at least it was a little easier to see them when they were about.  I spent some time chasing a Grey Shrike-thrush but could never see it in an open enough place to get a decent photo.  I did get a few others and will post some of them but the Shrike-thrush is a bit of a favourite and sounds quite wonderful in the bush.  That walk was not a loop – we just walked to the end, ate our lunch and walked back to the car.  There were about a dozen or fifteen Masked Lapwings near the end of the walk and one pair were guarding their 3 half-grown chicks, but when a Swamp Harrier flew across looking for its lunch, the whole flock of Lapwings joined together to chase it away – definitely Herd Immunity in action.  Ten minutes later, the Harrier was back and the whole episode was repeated.  The only ones not visibly panicking were the mother and her 3 chicks.

The second walk was at the Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve – the one I explored briefly after our big Cape Wollomai walk a few weeks ago.  That also took us out to a couple of lookouts on Westernport Bay, but the highlight was probably our encounter with an echidna.  I saw it as it waddled across a path into some dense grass and it thought it was hiding from us but it was only hiding its head.  We waited patiently taking lots of photos and in due course it backed out far enough to check us out and vice versa – allowing us to get a few more pics including its head.  It seemed to realise that we were not a threat and accepted us being so close without too much concern.  It was certainly the best view we have had of an echidna in the wild and it seemed so cute.

We have travelled many of the roads in the south Gippsland area numerous times recently, but we found a bit of a variation via Kongwak and Archie’s Creek to Dalyston on the way to Phillip Island and came home through Bena and Ranceby. That was a really beautiful winding road, but I am not sure I could repeat it.  I suspect we may have done a few random meanders on the way through because the map indicates it is only about 25 km but I reckon it took us well over half an hour.  Not complaining though because it was a lovely drive with delightful deep steep valleys disappearing into the gloom as the sun left them for the day.

Dinner was another spectacular masterpiece: a gluttonous variation on the seafood/vongole repast of last week.  A really wonderful satisfying day all up, topped off by falling asleep before the end of our Seven Years in Tibet – not really our 7 years – it is a movie on DVD that we purchased a week ago.

[serendipitous-magic]

Upcoming Byeler Fic Sneak Peek: Roll for Strength - Emmett Snippet

So, you may or may not remember the fic I’ve been slowly developing in which Will is shocked to discover that Mike is secretly dating a guy. (This is to explore the idea of, what if Mike was the “first to the queer scene,” instead of Will as we usually see in fanon? I’ve made a post about that here.)

I posted a sneak peek from Will’s POV a while ago, but now that I’m nearing the end of The Unmarked Mixtape, I’m starting to get going on this new project. And for anyone interested, I have another little tidbit - this time from someone else’s POV (you’ll never guess who lol). Enjoy.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_- _-_-_-_- _-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-

Emmett misses Seattle.

He misses the city, he misses the inlets, he misses the streets - the hills so steep that the houses seemed to sit at a forty five degree angle to the sidewalk. He misses the rain. He misses sitting in the bus and watching the misty horizon roll by. He misses his room in his old apartment - the one on the 3rd floor that looked out on one of those steep streets, where, in-between the buildings, he could see the tiniest sliver of ocean if he craned his neck right. He misses the bookshops, and his old school, and the cherry trees, and most of all he misses his band. His friends. Hell, he even misses his ex. He misses catching the bus home with the gang after school. Hoofing it the five blocks from the bus stop to the Brady’s expensive house in the suburbs at the edge of the city. Setting up in the garage. He misses C.J. scribbling lyrics in red pen and messing around on the synthesizer, driving everyone nuts. He misses Warren tapping compulsively away on drums, Tom on the keyboard, Manda at the mic. Manda Panda. Manda at the Mic. And Danny, always showing him up on lead guitar, the obnoxious bastard. Yeah. He misses Danny.

He’s not super jazzed about Hawkins, to be perfectly honest. It’s so flat, and hot, and so brown. There’s so little green. So little rain. The trees are sharp and scraggly, and the dirt is coarse. Everything feels so bare, so suffocating with empty space. Back home there was always the city all around - glass spires reaching up into the clouds, people on every side, the constant hum and glow of city life. You could always find someplace open, at any hour, if you needed caffeine or food or even just the next book in a series. Here it’s like... there’s nothing. Everything closes at 9 or 10pm. The houses feel about a mile apart. In the city there’s always somebody nearby. In Hawkins, Emmett feels like he’s living in a ghost town. You might go out and not see a single other soul in a mile of walking - or two miles. And the house doesn’t help. It’s his aunt’s house, really. It’s on the scraggly edge of the suburbs, a couple streets from Hawkins’ pitiful shopping district. It’s small. Two stories, but narrow, and worn-down. And it was cramped before he and his mom moved in. And the new school... well. Hawkins is... not progressive, let’s put it that way. Back home Emmett was fairly comfortable about being gay. He didn’t usually go around shouting about it, but he didn’t feel like he was gonna get beat up if he said something with the wrong inflection or wore something too brightly pink. Here it’s another story.

No, Emmett isn’t super jazzed about Hawkins. But there are a few bright spots. O’Reilly’s New and Used Books, that cozy little bookstore he discovered a week after moving in. His dad is thousands of miles away. That’s a huge plus.

And then there’s Mike.

Emmett misses the ocean, but Mike makes him a little more fond of these sharp, sparse woods that at first seemed so unfriendly. Mike’s eyes are like deep, rich soil, or damp bark, or - when the light is dim and Mike’s eyes are wide and hungry - like the night sky, dark and bottomless. (Nothing like Danny’s piercing silver eyes, which were like rain clouds.) Emmett misses the ocean, but Mike is all forest - and he thinks that maybe he could acquire a taste for it. Mike smells the way that Emmett thinks a log cabin should smell - not like pine, but like resin and clove and spice, and something lighter, something more sunny. Cherry chapstick, as he discovers, and the fresh-linen scent that comes from Karen Wheeler’s way of doing the laundry.

Yeah, he could definitely acquire a taste for Mike. For the way that Mike is enthusiastic and maybe a tad obnoxious (like Danny), and how he has dark, wavy-curly hair (darker and curlier than Danny’s) and how he had never done so much as kiss a boy, before Emmett (nothing like Danny). He’s a quick and enthusiastic learner. Always eager to please. Always a little afraid he’s not doing it right. Ever keen to prove that he can be good - that he can be worthy.

Mike seemed like such a godsend, really, when Emmett arrived in this little town and faced all the hostile expressions in the school hallways. The whispers. Look at his hair. Look at his nails. Is that nail polish? Look at his piercings. What a homo. And then there was this Mike Wheeler guy. Open, and instantly caring, and spilling emotions out all over his face. Giddy and grumpy to an artless degree. Sweet and curious and loud and a little abrasive sometimes. Mike never shot Emmett a dirty look in the hallway, never muttered something about him to a group of sniggering friends. And when they ended up as lab partners in Biology, well, that was the nail in the coffin. Emmett liked him.

Mike had fantasy paperbacks in his backpack, instead of science fiction, and he was in drama and AV club instead of a band, and his eyes were dark brown instead of bright silver, and he didn’t smoke. He never had scabs healing on his knuckles or a ripening bruise on his cheekbone from throwing himself into fights. He wasn’t arrogant like Danny. He didn’t chew cinnamon gum like Danny. But certain parts of Mike - just little edges and corners of him - reminded Emmett of the ex he left behind in the evergreen state. And when Mike started mirroring Emmett’s subtle flirtations back at him - when he started leaning closer instead of away, and glancing every so often down at the piercing at the left corner of Emmett’s mouth - well, Emmett thought, maybe he could pretend.

And the thing was, he could. If he really wanted to, he could have sealed his mouth against those shy lips and buried his hands in that dark hair and he could have pictured Danny. But - and this is the funny thing - he didn’t want to. Because once he had Mike cornered in the lab storage room, while they were supposed to be working on a lab, Emmett took the dive with his heart in his throat. He pressed one hand to Mike’s hip and leaned in. And Mike - well, Mike froze up for a moment, and Emmett thought, uh-oh. But then he pressed back. Slowly. Cautiously. Like he was afraid the whole thing would shatter like glass if he moved too suddenly. Like he was testing it out.

The door handle scraped, starting to turn, and Mike shot out of his reach so fast that Emmett almost fell over. They went about their business with faces burning, silent and awkward as a blonde girl in heels entered and began gathering lab supplies. But later, after school, Mike appeared at Emmett’s locker. They walked home side-by-side. Emmett kissed him again, after that, and realized that - no. He didn’t want to imagine Danny in Mike’s place. Because Mike was observant, and he cared about things - so much, and wore it on his sleeve - and he was actually pretty adorable, and attractive in that awkward, dorky way, and interesting, and kind, and... and, well, Emmett needed somebody. He knew no one here. He had no one. And it was about time he moved on from his ex, anyway. So he chased it. One thing led to another. They exchanged numbers. They went out to the movies. Mike was a nervous wreck the whole time, which Emmett found a little endearing. They talked. About movies and music and anime (Emmett) and D&D (Mike), and favorite foods and school and Hawkins and Seattle. They talked for hours - never about the deep stuff. Neither of them really wanted to veer into that territory. Emmett never brought up the grittier details of his dad, his old home, his past heartbreaks and miseries. Mike clearly had a few secrets of his own that he kept to himself, and Emmett didn’t pry. But they talked late into the night, and it was around 2am that Emmett finally ventured the question.

And that’s how, about a month into the semester, they became boyfriends.

(It’s about three weeks after this that Will starts noticing the hickeys.)

[andimthedad]

Road Trip: Eastward Day 4: Rocks, Rushmore, Badlands, Dignity, and more

This summer, the kids and I embarked on a 10,000-mile cross-country road trip from Washington to Maine and back. Along the way, we got a brief taste of America through landmarks and sights that represent our nation, for better or worse.

Read notes from every day of the trip:

Eastward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Westward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

And various posts from the FAQ.

--

Ken's Minerals & Trading Post, Custer, South Dakota

If you collect rock specimens, shops like Ken’s are irresistible. We hadn’t planned on stopping here, but the massive piles of rose quartz outside caught our attention, especially at a dollar a pound. Inside was a huge variety of specimens, fossils, and locally-made jewelry.

For example, here are a couple of selenite specimens we bought: first, as a sheet; second, as desert roses.

An older man was staffing the counter, knowledgeable about the rocks in the store and around the area. I asked if he was Ken. He chuckled. “No,” he said. “Ken has been gone for a long time. His sons run the store now. I just work here.” And he told us the store’s origin story.

Back in 1926, Ken and his wife were in facing some tough times financially, so the wife set up a little stand at their house to sell vegetables. With all the natural attractions in the area, a number of tourists stopped by. But instead of buying vegetables, the tourists wanted to buy the rocks that the couple had for lawn decor.  So Ken and his wife followed the money: instead of selling vegetables, they sold rocks.  And thus Ken’s Minerals & Trading Post was born.

We probably bought too many rocks.  But, it’s a really nice rock shop.

--

Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is pretty straightforward: the faces of four major American presidents carved into the side of a mountain. Despite their grand 60-foot-tall visages, they kind of look bored instead of thoughtful.

The four presidents were chosen by the artist, Gutzon Borglum, to represent four stages of American history: George Washington for the birth of America; Thomas Jefferson for its growth; Theodore Roosevelt for its development; and Abraham Lincoln for the preservation of the country. Sculpting began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.

Allegedly, Mount Rushmore was named after a lawyer for a mining company, Charles Edward Rushmore, who spent time in the area with mining prospectors. He asked the prospectors the name of the mountain, and they said it had no name, so they named it after him. Here is how it looked in the late 1800s:

Photo from the National Park Service.

It’s an interesting memorial, but it’s hard to imagine going often.

--

Wall Drug, Wall, South Dakota

This is one of those self-made landmarks: a huge, sprawling maze of rooms to buy all kinds of souvenirs and other stuff. It’s like a strangely-designed mall, except all the stores are owned by Wall Drug. You can also eat there. And you know this before arriving because Wall Drug has a zillion billboards along the highway for hundreds of miles in advance, advertising water and coffee and food and whatnots. They’ll probably be the first landmark to have billboards in space, if they don’t already.

Wall Drug started in 1931 by Ted Hustead, a Catholic pharmacist who wanted to work in a town where he could attend mass. As Hustead described it, business was terrible for the first few years, but then his wife Dorothy had the bright idea to offer free ice water to tourists driving past Wall on their way to other tourist sites. Immediately their business saw an upswing. 

Today the ice water is still free and the coffee is still 5¢. Still, we didn’t buy anything, or eat anything, or drink anything — we were already well hydrated. But we did wander around boggling at all the trinkets until we found bathrooms. I doubt anyone sells a shirt that says, “I went to Wall Drug and all I did was pee.”

--

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Not far from Wall is the entrance to the Badlands National Park: nearly 250,000 acres of remarkably striking landscapes and natural beauty. We didn’t have much time, but we did drive the 30-mile Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) to see the northern part of the park.

“I really wonder what the first humans thought when they saw this,” wondered Luke, age 14, in amazement.

“It’s almost like some kind of ancient war zone,” I said, “if the ancients had nuclear weapons.”

“If I didn’t know about modern science and religion,” agreed Luke, “I might wonder if the gods had a battle here.”

“Who won?” I asked. “Who lost?”

--

Prairie Homestead, Philip, South Dakota

You can’t exit northeast out of the Badlands without passing by the Prairie Homestead. It is a century-old relic of a pioneer family from 1909. Dug into the side of a hill and supported with a wood frame, the house’s walls are dirt bricks and its roof is covered in thick sod. 

“Can you imagine trekking out here from the East Coast, digging a house out of the ground, and living in it all alone for a long time?” I asked as we stood inside the sod house, looking at the old walls papered with old newsprint.

Beth, age 11, shook her head. “It’s amazing the human race has survived.”

I thought the admission price was steep, but it is a unique artifact of history. Unusually, there are white prarie dogs everywhere.

--

Dignity Statue, Chamberlain, South Dakota

At 50 feet tall, this statue of a peaceful, thoughtful Native American woman is impressive, especially since you can walk right up to it and sit at its feet (or on its feet, if you choose; they're big enough).

The artist, Dale Lamphere, said,

“Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota. My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future.”

Dignity can be found at the highway rest area in Chamberlain, South Dakota — a sentence that would not make sense in any other context. But she really is striking. The reflective blue tiles in her shawl turn and twinkle in the wind.  I’ve read that there are lights on the tiles at night, but we were there during a sunny day.

--

World’s Only Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota

Before the trip, I was amazed at the number of people who insisted we had to visit the World’s Only Corn Palace.

Dating back to 1892, the Corn Palace features enormous, mostly monochromatic brownish murals made entirely of corn cobs, using a dozen different varieties of corn to achieve variation in tone and color. They slice the cobs in half lengthwise, then nail them to the wall, updating the murals annually based on designs by local artists. They claim that it “is known around the world as a folk-art wonder on the prairie of South Dakota.”

There are several murals on the exterior of the building.  The building is also a civic center with a large auditorium and a basketball court, so there are plenty more murals around the perimeter of the staging area inside.  Apparently, USA Today named the Corn Palace one of the top 10 places in America for high school basketball, a factoid which baller Luke, age 14, has trouble believing. "This is just weird," he remarked, but he still tried on a corn cob hat for sale.

On the day we arrived, it appeared the front murals were in the process of being taken down.  And with no impending events, the basketball court was turned into a souvenir shop.

--

Spirit Lake, Iowa

We drove out of the east side of South Dakota and briefly into Minnesota, then dipped south across the state line to Iowa for the night.

I’ll be honest: this stop was primarily a convenient way to check another state off the list. We did not see any actual sights there. Sorry, Iowa.

—

Unless noted otherwise, all photos are taken by the kids and I, and are shared under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.

[lyricalafrica2]

Technology and survival tactics.

Well, what a whirlwind month. I'm now solely trying to write my blog from my phone. I'm also having trouble accessing photos downloaded from my camera, so I may have to do that separately. After allowing someone to look through photos on my ipad and having dropped it on concrete, it's never been the same. The screen flickers faster than a humming birds wings. To say I'm upset is a bit of an understatement. When you're so far away from home and it's been a reliable means of working and keeping up to date with everything, it is a huge loss!

I will try to update you with some visuals in due course!

So here I find myself in Zimbabwe. After a few days turned into a week at Vic Falls. Extended as I was really at a loss of what to do. I'd spent so long just hanging around, waiting for people to make decisions, I thought perhaps I was due a little time to just please myself and so I set off.

The falls were spectacular as I remembered them. Such magnificence and such force behind them, it's hard not to be affected by the energy.

It took me two whole days to actually get to the national park, after deciding to have a lie in on the first day after a long 7 hours on the bus from Lusaka. I opted to do an afternoon walking safari with the rhinos. A good decision as far as I was concerned. The experience wasn't busy with copious amounts of tourists and to encounter the whole herd at the one time, with a 14 day old calf, was just something so incredible! Again, a little teary eyed. I will never tire of seeing such animals. They're obviously under 24/7 protection with armed rangers who keep track of them and ensure that they are kept safe and well within the park.

The trek wasn't so long, but the guide was pretty keen to educate us on anything we came across, from impala middens to mopani trees and the pumbas that eyed us from a distance.

I was in my element. I do just feel utter peace when I'm around animals. Whether they're cats and dogs or lions and elephants. Respect them, give them their space and don't underestimate them.

I stayed at the same backpackers as last time Livingstone backpackers. A lively establishment, pretty much unchanged from the previous time where I met my lovely bunch of Norwegian Friends. I pretty much had the dorm to myself, until a German girl Lucy checked in. We got along and so hit the falls together the following day. It was a relief to have a bit of company by that point. Cliques and groups had formed through the volunteer scheme there and being a bit of an introvert around newbies, I'd say hello, but inevitably end up doing my own things.

To spend long in Livingstone, you need money. The activities don't come cheaply, so I chose wisely. I chose the rhinos over the devils pool. At $105 to go and perch on the edge, which I have already done, came literally rather steep. If money was no object then fair enough, but I'm very happy I chose the rhinos, why wouldn't I!?

I ended up going to the falls twice after realising that during full moon there was going to be a lunar rainbow. Slightly anticlimatic even for the locals this time. It has been known to shine much brighter and be more vibrant, but still it was there, if not in all it's glory. Wet and cold, I returned with a small group I'd become acquainted with at the backpackers, eager for the warmth of a hot chocolate.

It was around this point I met Jesus, hailing from Wolverhampton. Even more appropriate was that the couple who I got talking to, who had just booked into the lodge, swore by him. Sorry, I'm not taking the pee, but I had to laugh at the irony. They were very sweet and seemingly took me under their wing for a day or two until I fled the nest that was the backpackers. Sending me on my way with a bar of chocolate and a few other treats for my onward journey. I had made the decision to follow Jesus (or Matt the bearded, named Jesus because this is what the locals called to him as he walked the streets 😏) to Zimbabwe. I figured rather than lounging around the backpackers waiting for things to transpire, I'd take matters into my own hands. Jesus seemed clued up as far as the whole travel thing went. He'd already done the whole west side of Africa including the Congo and Nigeria, and the tip of the continent in S.A. Now he

was venturing back up through central africa, having covered namibia, botswana, a little of southern Zambia and next stop Zimbabwe. Our stories tallied in the fact that we were both overworked, unfulfilled in some way back on home turf and drawn back to Africa, just not in the fact that I could grow a beard of such magnitude.

I arrived in Livingstone Zimbabwe, a day after Matt, on my way across the bridge over the National park (the one where people dice with the health and safety of Zambia, at the end of some stretchy umbilical chord, holding them onto life) I took the usual pictures and selfies. Stopping only momentarily, so locals wouldn't think I was an opportune customer for their wares. I made it through the boarder unscathed with a smile and a cheery greeting and onwards to the meeting point.

My luggage as little as it was, was heavy and I was feeling it through my shoulders and neck. But with the backpackers apparently being five minutes away, it seemed unnecessary to give into a taxi, especially as I'd made it this far.

Well, that was in my head, until a friendly local who had just returned from Zurich to see his family, insisted he give me a lift up the hill. When I walk like that, I'm usually on a mission and I guess it showed! Once I got there, I was pleased he had stopped me. We had a short, but friendly exchange in the five minute ride.

Next piece of the jigsaw was to fathom out the currency of Zim. So for those of you living blindly to the affairs of Zim, apart from the leaders of said country, Zim doesn't exactly have a straightforward currency.

They have blackmarket bond, US dollars and ecocash. Eco cash is a fairly new way of doing things in that, you can buy a simcard for your phone with a company called econet. You buy airtime to concert to data or calls etc, then you can also load it with bond, bought with US dollars. So depending upon the current rate, the deal can be better or worse. If your bought eco rate is better that that of the shop rate, you use your phone to purchase through ecocash. If the eco cash rate is higher that the rate you bought the ecocash for, it's often better to buy with dollars.

If you go to the cash machine in the unlikely event that your foreign card works, you will receive bond, but be charged by you bank in dollars. You can buy bond with dollars if you wish from random floating around the street, but their rate rarely seems to budge above 9.5, even if the official rate is higher. It's to put it crudely, a bit of a headfk. Coupled with the regular load shedding or power cuts due to the low water of Kariba dam, it can make life taxing for citizens of the country. It's true, their country is in a wee bit of a mess and once you get past the ones who make untimely assumptions about you as a foreigner, people are generally lovely and very helpful.

I had a chat with a girl who insisted I take her back to the uk as she loved the "chilly weather". She loved the idea of swimming in the sea. Hmm I thought. I wonder how you'd feel on New Years day? She asked for my necklace. I told her it was a birthday present from my mum. She seemed to understand the significance. We had a brief light hearted conversation before I caught back up with the others.

I'm saying others, I've gotten way ahead of myself....

I've failed to tell you about Man Biscuit arriving later on the same day as us. The first class overnight train to Bulawayo 🤔 the fact that the basin looked initially like a fold down bedpan and that's where I thought the smell was coming from. The buffet dinner that we served ourselves carrot sticks dipped in.. yup more peanut butter. It's all part of the journey so to speak. At times you don't think you can take anymore and then something happens, good or not so and you still come out the other end and hopefully smiling!

So Matt (Jesus) and I decided to go exploring once we'd freshened up from the long journey. We found a lovely cafe with a beautiful garden that did good coffee (always appreciated!) and cake and from there, we worked our way around the inner city blocks until we got to the National Gallery. Big tick from me, that this was a mutually agreed must see. The natural history museum was also on Matt's list, but by the end of the day, we bypassed that in favour of food.

The surprise came when after having a good look around the gallery, I went to see the artists who had studios. They are set off a little garden/courtyard in the center of the building. They are on two levels, and there are probably around ten studios in all. There were only maybe 3/4 studios open that day, though I only made it into two. After opening my mouth and saying how I wished I had a studio, the lady artist, asked if I was also an artist. I said I was and that I really missed my practice. She said that she could put me in touch with someone who I could chat to about it. Uh oh, what have I done? She seemed keen, not just to give me a number, but to find the person for a face to face conversation. Well we did, we talked and at the end of the conversation we were taking about a residency! My only thing was finding suitable, safe and financially agreeable accommodation. Even at the backpackers, it chews into your money quickly. I've always been a one for buying more into experiences than things, (she says this as she watches her ipad have a meltdown and wishes she could be writing her blog on it, rather than thumb typing on her phone...)

And so, why would I pass up on a opportunity to do a residency at the National Gallery? I submitted all I was asked, so I waited for the official, "everything is cleared" and obviously to find a room. It was that evening, when we got back to the backpackers in my semi stunned state, that Man Biscuit arrived or Johannes, from Germany. He had also been on the road for a while and so two became three.

Our little jaunt out the next day saw the three of us hiring a car to take in Matopos National Park, it is a large, rather dramatic park. I liken it in some ways to Yellowstone, for it's large rocky outcrops and almost fosilised trees. The park contains many points of interest, including 360degree views from apex points, cave paintings and war memorials. There are also white rhino and giraffe in this park. The game park another 21 kms down the road has more, but come the end of the day and our mileage limitations with the car hire company, we decided against a trip there too. We'd seen impala by the time we got back to the exit. Lovely, but slightly disappointing, given the promise of rhino. We were starting to think they'd been hidden in some unreachable corner of the park, unaccessible to out little fiat. Only tar roads was our mantra for the day. As a last gasp, we managed to talk a ranger into taking us to see them, having spent most of our dollars on park entry another 60 was going to be a hefty chunk. There were other guests eager to see them from another lodge, so we basically just tagged along, after they'd stalked the bush for an hour trying to locate them. Amongst these guests was an impressive young irishman, cycling across the continent on his own. As lean and lythe as serious cyclists are. It reminded me of my considerations of doing the same one day.

Once we got word, we trekked maybe around a kilometre to the site where a mother and her 14 month old calf stood in the bushes, just grazing away and minding their own. Again, just one of those life defining moments. The mother had her horn removed and her ears were tagged. It's an expensive business to do that and the process takes around 2 hours to complete. It's sad that it has come to not allowing an animal to retain what is rightly theirs, in an attempt to keep them alive. In some cases they're killed anyway by poachers, if they've been following scent trails for days, only to find a hornless rhino, what use is that? And so to reduce their chances of wasting their time again.... well you get the picture, its tragic! I hope though this mother and calf at least get to see out their years. They truly are magical beasts!

And as the sun dipped lower in the sky, and the golden glow lit up the landscape, they backed off further into the bushes.

Their eyesight typically isn't so good, but every now and again, the rangers would give a certain pitched whistle, if they started to look at all unsettled or got too close. Apparently, they think its a bird and this distracts their attention away from their visitors. It was over all to soon and as we made our way back though the bush, catching our legs on thorns and having rogue branches snap back on our shins, your mind turns to the fact that this is someone elses norm. This is their life. 0600 till 1800, six days a week. Trekking through the bush, being near these beautiful beings, taking in this visceral life.

We gave the rangers a lift back through the park, before heading for town. We needed food! We pulled up in a darkened street next to an oxfam truck. We decided to move on from the dubious area after a couple of guys scoped out the trunk as we opened it to grab our wallets. I didn't feel easy, a gut wrenching, not happy came over me, even before we parked up. And there it is, after previous experiences, sometimes you just have to listen. That feeling, this dis-ease it's usually there for a reason.

Again, so much more has happened since that point in time. I have found a new abode with a beautiful family, I am fully immersed in gallery life with opportunities literally pouring out of the woodwork. I still miss my people and I've done a public talk as an artist 😱 been disgustingly ill, found the yoga retreat from heaven where I regularly hang upsidedown like a bat..... and so much more.... but, I think for now, I've given you enough to mull over!

Whatever next? Answers on a postcard, the most imaginative wins... I've sure as hell stopped trying to plan or predict!

[bighandslittlefeet]

Hello Everyone!

So we left Sydney in Val the Van and have been on the road for six days now! It's been marvellous. We’re not sad to see the back of Sydney, serving coffees and running escape rooms can only hold your interest for so long, and I think we packed in all of the good touristy stuff in the first two weeks, so by the end of two months we were definitely hankering for something new! We’re sad to say goodbye to our friends and new work colleagues of course, but the open road beckoned, and on Sunday we set off in a freshly packed Val. We made a short stop for coffee at Four Brothers for Espresso and had a cheeky egg and bacon sarnie and then began the journey properly.

We headed south to go north, hitting up Jervis bay as we had been told by numerous folk that it was truly unmissable. It took us a good five hours to get down, owing to bad traffic on the main highway, it looked to us in passing that a lorry driver had had a serious near miss and was on the side of the road shedding tears to a police officer, meanwhile, we were all diverted down into the valley and onto the b roads. A lot of traffic wound its way through two very picturesque, but very small, seaside towns. Eventually though we made our way out of Sydney and further and further south.

Jervis bay is a nature reserve park with stunning beaches known for their high silica content which keeps them cool and makes them brilliantly white to look at. As we arrived at the park boundary we decided to buy a two day pass, after talking with a really nice park keeper who was sure that the campsites inside the park were a rip off and we’d do much better commuting in and out. So we drove in, the road becoming less and less sealed, further and further, the bush growing more and more tangled and dense. We came to the end of the road. The far end of the peninsula. The furthest beach. We did the obligatory suncreaming and made for the nearest beach. The view was stunning. A sweeping bay with white sands as far as could be seen interspersed with pockets of green and rocky outcroppings encroaching on the shore. We soon realised that this particular edge had quite a lot of rocks and weeds in the amazingly clear water and made our way back to Val, and proceeded to the other side of the headland. This beach, similar in beauty, was replete with a smattering of folks, swimming, eating, sunbathing, and so we felt more comfortable getting out togs off and jumping in. Val came with a full face mask snorkelling kit and two other normal snorkel masks and mouthpieces, so we took the opportunity, as recommended gain by friends, to do a bit of snorkelling. It was chilly water, but gloriously clear. We could see small silvery fish about a handspan in length, and a few jellies here and there. The sand quickly dropped away into the bay and we stuck to the shallows. Later, reading a pamphlet on the beach we would find that we were meant to always face the sea, as sharks were regular guests of the bays! Luckily we were spared any sightings that day!

After a short nap on the sand and a dry off in the early afternoon sunshine we made our way back out of the park. We drove to Hyams beach, another stunner, but the sun was beginning to get low on the horizon and we were starting to get peckish. We made our way to a shop to pick up foodie stuff, the plan was to make a bit of a mexican feast, poached chicken, smoky pepper mole, quac, salsa, blackened corn, and warmed mini tacos. We then made our way over to another site we had identified at bream beach. We couldn’t have done any better, well priced, on the edge of a lake and the people who greeted us were so super friendly. And the kangaroos. They lived on the site. 15 of them, just out of season, so there were some very small young ones! Very cute and very friendly. We watched the sunset with a glass of wine and had leftovers as it was too late to cook.

The next day we headed back into the park. We headed to steamer’s bay, a secluded beach a bit of a hike from the nearest parking spot. It was recommended no swimming, and as we crested the hill we could see why, the beach ran long and shallow and must have had quite a significant drop off as the swell was immense, waves taller than our heads relentlessly crashed onto the beach. We descended the steep staircase into the bay and walked the beaches length and breadth before turning back to the staircase and the walk back to Val. That night we made the feast and ate very well indeed. The next morning we set our sights on hunter valley, a location renowned for its wine and more importantly north of Sydney. We set off and broke the journey for a coffee and a bite in Wollongong, a small seaside town just south of Sydney. A lovely cafe playing Paolo Nutini, served great coffee and a bacon and egg roll - scrambled this time, not fried, and with a nice tomato relish. The BNE as they are called here, seems to the staple of cafes rather than the BLT, as in the UK. I think it is rather excellent. The time in Wollongong was rounded off with a walk up to a lighthouse and along the coast for a little stretch before once again we headed back towards Val. Some of you may know that Becca and I have a collaborative Google map on which we have been bookmarking places to see and go on this trip and we actually had one marked for this town. As we walked back through town to the car park, we passed Chicko’s a fried chicken hut - we couldn’t remember for the life of us why we had tagged it but it looked like it was doing roaring trade. We would have had some had it not been for the lovely food we had just had! And also, fried chicken mid morning seemed a little odd!

Back on the road we blasted the tunes until we climbed the foothills, into the mountains, and finally the valley. An uncanny sense of deja vu took over as it seemed we were transported into the South of France, vineyards and gateways with no fences, lined the route sporadically. Until we hit the towns which were a strange american cultural mix, I could have been in France, although driving on the wrong side of the road! We pulled into the campsite we had booked and set up camp, the temperature was cooler here, and so we shrugged on some jackets and walked across the way to a brewery. We got a tasting platter of local brewed beers, reasoning that tomorrow we could do the wines. We sat and chatted as the sun gto lower and lower in the sky and decided to have a bite to eat at the brewery. A very satisfactory fish and chips and chicken parmo later, and we were contentedly strolling back to camp for a deep sleep.

The next day we did our first campsite wash. The temperature was up so the clothes hung in the sun and were dry in no time. We were soon picked up by our tour which we had booked in Sydney a few weeks ago as a sort of early Christmas treat to ourselves. When in Rome… The tour had been recommended by a friend and was run by a winery/restaurant known as Two Fat Blokes. Julie, our van driver came picked us up at the gates of our site and warned us that today we would be drinking around a bottle and a half of wine each and so had plenty of water on hand - we rubbed our hands with glee. The other couples on the bus were Swiss and American and we picked up a trio of Irish women before making our first wine stop at Leogate. The nine of us sat at a long table outside under a shaded canopy and we were served a flight of 10 or so wines of varying styles and ages. They were all young and fruity and really quite nice. My old world sensibilities have definitely been eroded by this experience. We barreled back into the van, after a few obligatory photos of the vines with the mountains in the background, and began the drive to the next cellar door. Conversation was much more lubricated, thanks I am sure in no small part to the copious quantities of wine just imbibed on near empty stomachs, and we began to chat with the Americans, who turned out to be an Australian and an American who had been dating long distance and were here during their week together. I was asked who my team was, which I had no reply to, until Becca told me he was enquiring about football - at which point I was at even more of a loss. Grasping at straws I related how many people in the UK seemed to be interested in the NFL now, and I myself had picked up a t-shirt at a charity shop which I had been reliably informed was to do with an american sports team, but which I had bought because of its florid tie-dyed aesthetic.

The bus rounded the corner and we were suddenly in a spanish villa. An uncanny sense of deja vu washed over me again, as were were ushered through large oak doors into a high vaulted room. The dude who lead our tasting this time had a very nice pair of DMs on and was a pretty chilled and nice guy. Another flight of wines and we were soon in the van on our way to the two fat blokes pop up restaurant where we had been promised not only nine more wines to taste but also a flight of tasty cheeses to accompany them. The cheese was phenomenal. I’m proud to say the best of the cheese was imported from good ole europe! It was stunning. A real range, and all of them worked very well together on the palate. A new cheese, which I had not had before - a labna, was incredibly creamy and flavoured with a light floral tang. The smoky, the creamy, all went together with the light, the fruity, the well bodied, the red, the white, the rose, and the liqueurs that were placed before us. Placed by, frankly, our alcoholic guide, who admitted to always having at least ten of such and such a bottle on standby, and could happy put away a bottle or two of x and y wines by herself! Much respect. The tasting was made all the more hilarious by the bunch of Irish lasses who had the most amazingly over the top reactions to every cheese we had, it was either ‘the best fucking cheese I have ever tasted, oh my god, Sairosie, have you actually tried this cheese, it's incredible’ to ‘it literally tastes like, and you’ll forgive me for saying this - bird shite’. It was a hoot.

We were the first to be dropped off by the van and we settled into the van quite merrily, making our pre-planned ham and cheese toasties as our designated drunk food. But! These were no ordinary ham and cheese toasties!! As I set about making the roux to form the basis of the cheese sauce, Becca sliced the sourdough breads and began buttering every side. Soon we could begin construction. A doorstop slice of bread, a smear of the cheese sauce, a slice of edam, a few slices of chunky deli ham, a slice of edam, another smear of the mustardy cheese sauce, and finally another double buttered sourdough slice to complete the architectural marvel. Straight to a hot pan, toasted to a golden crisp on both sides, the innards, steaming and goopy. A triumph if we don’t mind saying so ourselves.

The next day we took to the road, bidding goodbye to our strange little campsite in the rolling vines of Hunter Valley. We made a stop at the two wineries we had visited prior to the two fat blokes stop and bought a couple of bottles for Christmas. We then made our way over to Nelson Bay. We spent some time durdling around on a very lovely beach and then made our way up to the headland lighthouse which had stunning views of the bay. We had a spider - an australian coke float, and shared some scones and cream. A questionable variant on the British Cream tea, to be sure. That night we found ourselves in a lovely beachside campsite next to the beach. We tried for another walk but the wind was so strong that it was like being sandblasted. We quickly gave up and turned in as the sun set. That night we found the joys of staying in a powered site, the next day all of our gear was fully charged and the fridge was lovely and cold, now flashing error signs for us as the second battery contended with watery first morning light falling on the solar panel. We set off towards Seal rocks, our next stop, having been recommended a campsite there known as Treachery Camp, by a colleague of Becca’s in Sydney. En route we decided to have lunch at the Rick stein signature restaurant. We hadn’t had any fresh fish yet and we had been looking forward to it down here. So we opted for a fancy meal to treat ourselves. We drank sparkling water on the balcony and ate spiced crab and wonderfully fried fresh fish, and bbq’d king prawns. It was fab!

Soon again we were on the road, barreling along the edge of lakes, and through winding twilight forests. Before we knew what hit us we hit the unsealed road and poor Valerie began to bounce and scream like no-ones business! We slowed to a five km/h crawl and still felt like we were sat on a giant washing machine. After a three kilometre stretch we hit the campsite and found ourselves in the midst of the remains of a festival type hangover. To top it off we were told that they didn’t assign sites we just had to find a spot ourselves. We were a little stressed and found ourselves between some trees - which we soon found out dappled our solar panel! We set out for the beach which was desolate, windy and beautiful. But alas we had no signal and had not expected being without it so couldn’t contact family to let them know we’d be off grid for two days. We didn’t feel like decamping either - only wanting to put Val through that dirt track once more when we left. We made some cracking food though, a very tasty cassoulet, and soon the rabble rousing crowd left and it became a much more young family beach vibe place. We grew more comfortable and relaxed.

We rattled our way back down the unsealed road two mornings later and were soon back on the road towards Port Macquarie. And I’ll leave you with this little tidbit of the next installment - koalas, friends and drinking - oh my.

With Love, Hugs, Spotty Signal and Low Battery Level Power Packs,

Sam and Becca

X

[dknuth]

Exodus - Republic of Georgia Part 1

We crossed the border into Georgia on foot and were met by Nino, our new guide for the Georgia portion of the trip.  We climbed into our Georgian bus and drove to Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia.  

Central Tbilisi is visually very pleasing.  It sits in a pretty steep valley with the old town and public parks along the river in the valley floor and rising up the sides.  Above the old town is the Narikala Fortress dating back to the 4th Century and restored, rebuilt, and modified many times over the years with  most of the visible structure dating from the 16th and 17th century.  

One expansion was in about 1100 by King David The Builder, and he seems to have been a builder since his name seemed to come up in relation to construction or reconstruction every church, monastery, and town we saw in the country.  I started telling the rest of the group that he was clearly an ancestor of our Bob the Builder.  

In any case we headed out to see the town the first evening and they make good use of the setting, lighting up the fortress and churches on the hilltops, the façades of the old town buildings on the sides of the hills and the Bridge of Peace across the river.  

The bridge is a modern pedestrian bridge connecting the old town to the parks across the river and is a really spectacular structure.  The pedestrian walkway is suspended from a space frame curved in three dimension and beautifully lit with LED lights, including arrays of LEDs embedded in the glass panels of the railing.  The LEDs in the glass are just the tiny elements and almost invisible wires so that in the daytime they are all but invisible, but are very visible at night.  They are also computer controlled so that the lights in the overhead structure and in the railing can change in moving patterns, making it all the more striking.  In all its a great piece of engineering and architecture as a visual centerpiece for the city.  

The old town has many restaurants lining the narrow pedestrian streets, most with outdoor seating.  It was pleasant weather while we were there and they were very busy in the evenings.  

So, maybe you can tell, but my spirits were lifted by a pleasant, attractive city with a bustling street scene and some good food.  That plus a couple of relatively churchless days with a lot of free time, and I was feeling much better about the trip.  

Nino was pretty good as a guide, with decent English, but she had a real tendency to repeat herself.  When most conversations start with “As I have told you before…” it’s not good and as time went on  and she had already told us more and more things, I tended to drift off at the utterance of that phrase at least mentally, if I’m trapped and can’t leave physically.  

We did a walking tour of the old town, which did include a couple of churches, but the Georgian Orthodox churches have a lot more decoration that the Armenian ones, so are a little more interesting visually.  

The first few in a new country aren’t too bad, but I did notice that more and more of the group would take a quick look inside and head back out to the fresh air. This was especially true where the local legends about the founding of places in the 4th century started being explained as if they were the absolute truth.

I try not to contradict guides, although it can be trying.  We stopped at a building described to us as a 15th century caravansai which was clearly an early 20th century building with cast iron columns, iron beams and concrete floors and glass skylights. There may have been a caravansai there at some point, but it was long gone.  

One of the tourist sights in the old town is the clock tower, which is actually a modern construction by a local artist who has a puppet theater.  It’s a great attraction to get visitors to the front of the theater, which is apparently an interesting place doing puppet production for adults, but there were no performances on any of the 5 nights we were in Tbilisi, only movies about the artist.  

Tbilisi was founded at the site of hot sulphur springs and there are a whole series of baths at that location.  Sitting in hot sulphur water didn’t sound all that appealing to us, so we skipped the opportunity for a local hot springs bath.

Once again our favorite part of the time in Tbilisi was when we were exploring on our own.  So I think we learned our lesson about group tours; we aren’t ready yet, and hopefully may never be.