#the wild goose lake

[theberfofficial]

The Wild Goose Lake (2019)

[mydarkapron]

THE WILD GOOSE LAKE | 南方车站的聚会, 2019

Diao Yinan

[baddingtonbitch]

Hu Ge as Zhou Zenong in The Wild Goose Lake (2019)

[cappedinamber]

The Wild Goose Lake (2019)

Directed by Diao Yi'nan

Cinematography by Dong Jinsong

[scooby-doo-exploration]

piperi-gemista

[nightowl-antics]

Look at all those chickens.

[rabbitcruiser]

Alpine Lake

What do you think about my pic?

[sadboygrim]

Scaup ducks

[lymphomalass]

I’ve been missing my friends on social media while helping out with palliative care and a bereavement in the older generation of our little family. But with the funeral having taken place on Monday and the widow doing much better than I feared, I’m going to try and make a little more time for the things I love to do. I actually really love my work, painting and sharing what I do here. So despite the current sadness, I’m actually very lucky!

Anyway, I’m really delighted to show you a painting I created last month. It’s of a greylag goose on the Derwentwater foreshore.

I’m not selling the original, as I used a variety of kitchen supplies and some writing pen ink: Quink ink, turmeric, pickled walnut and red cabbage vinegar, ground coffee left-overs and ground and pure sea salt from Halen Môn in Wales. It was an exercise in seeing how far people with next to no budget for art materials can get. But I just don’t know how these ingredients will stand up over time, so I’m not going to sell anyone something that might fade!

But it is available available in a mix of different types and sizes of prints, and printed on all sorts of lovely things (like accessories, apparel, homewares, gift items, etc), using commercial inks that should endure, at:

… and if you buy from them, I receive 20% of the sales price, before the shipping costs are added.

Thanks!

Sam aka LymphomaLass xx

[devils-little-sistaaa]

In the last Olympian Percy’s says there were 40 demigods that went fighting into battle of manhattan and later on the ares cabin joined so they weren’t even counted in that 40.

And in the end of the book Percy’s says there were only about “20 odd” demigods that survived and made it back to camp.

Roughly half of the whole entire camp perished in battle of manhattan.

And I’ve done the math and figured out who all the veteran characters are. Most of these are all characters mentioned both before and after the battle of manhattan and some of them were introduced in HoO but said to have been at camp since the titan war. These are the only known true survivors of BoM and it adds up to about 20. This is all of them. None of them are unknown. Do with this what you will

All of the battle of manhattan veterans in order of their cabin numbers :

Percy Jackson

Katie Gardiner

Miranda Gardener

Clarrise La Rue

Sherman Yang

Ellis Wakefield

Annabeth Chase

Malcolm Pace

Will Solace

Austin Lake

Kayla Knowles

Jake Mason

Nyssa Barrera

Harley

Drew Tanaka

Lacy

Mitchel

Chris Rodriguez

Travis Stoll

Connor Stoll

Pollux

Nico di Angelo

Butch Walker

Holly Victor

Laurel Victor

Can you imagine them all going back to camp together in only of those Delphi strawberry busses when they came in four busses. All of them together in a tiny bus grieving their lost siblings together.

Percy Annabeth And Nico went on a wild goose chase after Rachel who had just highjacked Black Jack and that’s how they got back to camp they weren’t on the bus.

Malcolm was all alone and might have believed Annabeth died out there in the streets somewhere or in the Empire State Building. (He’s elated to find her alive at camp later. But god that was a scary couple of hours on the bus thinking he’s all alone now)

Malcolm sits with Butch and Pollux because they’re the only other campers on the bus without siblings. Butch just because he happens to be the only known iris kid at camp and Pollux because he lost Castor in battle of the labyrinth.

All the others sit with their siblings. Or what’s left of them. Entire large cabins that used to have 10-20 kids on average now reduced down to 1-3 kids. Some died. Some joined Luke and probably died soon after.

Edit : And since I’ve seen some Titan army hate in these comments for no reason here’s something else I should have said.

If they joined Luke but somehow survived they were probably wrongfully murdered by the gods for rebelling or brutally punished somehow like Alabaster Torrington. So many titan army kids perished too. Don’t forget them. They fought for a noble cause. They didn’t die for nothing. They were just kids with dreams of making things less shitty for everyone. They suffered just as much if not more than the camp halfblood kids all at the hands of the gods and the titans and even other demigods that were higher up on the Olympus hierarchy. Nico, Ethan, any kid who’s not a child of the big 12 were not treated as equals at camp back then just because of their parentage or lack of powers or unique or scary powers. A lot of titan army kids were from minor gods who suffered because of the big 12 and their children. Camp halfblood wasn’t so nice to them in fact pretty cruel and rude and mean just because of that stupid hierarchy. Of course they felt hurt and fell into Kronos’s trap of trying to make things better. Of course Luke being their counselor at camp cause Hermes takes in all the minor god kids saw all them suffering and tried his best to help. Of course Luke fell into Krnos’s trap as well. and I refuse to tolerate any hate or misunderstanding of them.

[lost-boy-into-the-upper-heavenly]

St Mary Lake - Wild Goose Island, Montana 🇺🇸

[natures-moments]

Trail to Wild Goose Island, St Mary Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

[wizard-on-whales]

Prey (James Hetfield x Reader)

----------------

✭You and your husband James decided to take a hike on his day off and you got the brilliant idea to run off into the woods. He chased after you like a predator hunting his prey.

Warnings: Smut, hunting, kinda consensual non-consensual?, degrading, mention of murder (no James isn't going to murder you), Cussing, I didn't double-check the grammar

-------------

You and James walked hand in hand down the trail enjoying the view and each other's company. The tour had been going well and he finally got some time off so you decided to spend the day together by going hiking. Somehow your normal conversations of work and friends veered off onto the topic of true crime and murder.

"Y'know... statistically you're the person most likely to murder me." You said, looking up at him.

"Really? That's a little fucked up. I can't imagine doing something like that to you." He gave your hand a small squeeze as if he was reassuring his words.

"But what about all the poor little deer you've killed while hunting? Would that not be the same with me?" You decided to test his judgment as you often did.

"Oh come on, babe, that's not the same thing at all. They're kinda like my prey, you're not." He stopped in the middle of the trail to finally look at you. He noticed the small smirk on your face and the glint of an idea behind your eyes.

"But what if I was," You wrapped your arms around his shoulders bringing him down slightly and giving him a knowing smile. He smirked back gripping your waist.

"And what exactly do you have in mind, Mrs. Hetfield..." Before you could reply, you released yourself from his grasp and took off running into the woods as fast as you could. You knew he'd catch up quickly since he was taller and faster than you, but you sprinted like your life depended on it. You could hear his footsteps following behind you as you weaved in between trees and bushes. Glancing over your shoulder with a smile you saw him quickly approaching so you changed direction and ran off to the side. He called out your name through heavy breathing trying to keep up. Finally, you felt his hands grab your waist and you both tumbled down landing on the leaf-covered forest floor.

"Got you," He breathed out, a smile on his face. He leaned down to kiss your neck but you pushed his face away, squirming underneath him.

"Let me go," You tried to act serious, but a smile made its way to your face.

"Oh, is that how you're gonna play it?" James quickly grabbed your wrists with one hand and pinned them above your head. With his other hand, he pushed your shirt up slightly and kissed your stomach. You used your legs to try to push him away but he pinned them down with his.

"Not fair, you're bigger than me." You pouted, still wiggling under him.

"Sorry, sweetheart." He let go of your wrists and quickly pulled your shirt off but you saw it as your opportunity to get up and run again. He tried grabbing your ankle but failed and called out your name again. You could hear the leaves rustling as he got up and started running after you again. You found a small hill to run down hoping you'd lose him for just a few minutes as you hid behind a tree to catch your breath. You noticed a lake not too far from where you were, so you made your way to it and stood right by the water's edge.

"Nowhere for you to run now, Baby." You heard your husband say from behind you. You turned around and watched as he slowly stepped up to you, truly stalking you like prey. Your shirt hung loosely in his hand as he stopped in front of you, looking over the exposed skin. He dropped your shirt before his hand made its way up your back to unclip your bra and slid it off. 

"Y'know...I thought this would just be a nice relaxing walk...Didn't know I'd be going on a wild goose chase through the woods after you," His voice was low and sultry. His rough, calloused fingers traced down your spine before reaching the waistband of your jeans. His fingers found their way into your belt loops before roughly pulling you against him. You let out a small whimper as the sensitive skin on your chest brushed the fabric of his shirt.

"I'm sorry," You played along, your hands pressed firmly against his chest.

"Then I guess you'll have to show me how sorry you really are." With one hand still keeping you tight against him, his other unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down just enough for him to slide his already throbbing cock out. Placing one hand on each of your shoulders, he pushed you down onto your knees. 

You looked up at him through your lashes before kissing his tip and wrapping one hand around the base of his member. James let out a small groan and you pump him, squeezing slightly. He gripped your hair, making it into a makeshift ponytail

“Open your mouth,” You did as he told you and opened your mouth, immediately taking him in. You swirled your tongue around his tip tasting the saltiness from his precum and sweat. He pushed your head down roughly, his cock hitting the back of your throat, causing you to gag. Tears welled up in your eyes as your head bobbed up and down taking his full length in. James moaned each time your nose brushed against his pelvis.

“God look at you.” He grunted as he watched you suck him off, “Taking all of me like the slut you are.” You continued to taste him, tears running down your face probably smearing your makeup. Suddenly James pulled your head back.

“I don’t wanna cum before I've had my fun with you.” James knelt right in front of you and pulled his shirt off, laying it on the ground behind you. He pushed you down onto it before unbuttoning your pants and sliding them down your legs, “Jesus, baby, I can see how soaked you are through those slutty little panties.” He ran his finger over the wet fabric making you whimper. 

“What do you want, huh?” He teased, leaning over you and kissing your neck. 

“I want you,” You replied quietly, your voice horse from taking him in. 

“Gotta beg for it, darling. What do you want,” He pushed your panties to the side, feeling your slick as he rubbed small circles on your clit. You let out a small moan.

“God, James. I want you in me please!” You felt your walls contract around nothing as his fingers continued to tease your clit. 

“Yeah? Like this baby? Is this what you want?” He roughly pushed a digit into you making you arch your back. 

“I want your cock, please, James!” He smirked and kissed your bare collarbone, making sure to suck slightly and leave a mark. 

“All you had to do was say so,” James pulled his finger out before lining himself up with your entrance and pushing in. You both let out a moan as your cunt sucked him in. He didn't give you any time to adjust to the stretch before he started thrusting into you. You wrapped your legs around his waist, keeping him close as his hips smacked against yours. The noises between your legs became more obscene as he found his rhythm. You reached up to wrap your arms around his shoulders but he grabbed them and pinned them above your head, using the leverage to push deeper and harder into you. You squealed at the added pressure, throwing your head back in pleasure. You felt the familiar knot build in your abdomen as your moans got higher. James could feel you were getting close as your walls squeezed him tightly. Just before your release, he pulled out. 

“James,” You whined, giving him a pout. 

“You dont get to cum that easy,” He grabbed your waist firmly before flipping you onto your stomach and pulling your ass right against his cock. His large frame leaned over you as he kissed your shoulder and slid back into your slick cunt. You moaned again as he did, waiting for him to start thrusting but he didn't, “C’mon you gotta work for it, doll” 

James sat up on his knees, keeping your ass elevated in the air as he ran his hands over your body. You pushed your hips back against his, making him groan, “That's it” You found your own, quick pace as you grinded against him. His hands grabbed your thighs, helping you push against him. You looked over your shoulder to see James' head dropped back in pleasure, a small smile on his face. Seeing his pleasure made you contract around him making him let out a low moan. You felt him twitch inside you, knowing he wouldn't last much longer. Your thrusts got sloppier as you desperately clutched onto the ground in front of you. 

“Oh, fuck, I'm gonna cum.” He announced, gripping you tightly and matching your thrusts. You felt your own release build up at his words. Just as the knot in your stomach released, you felt James’ hot seed soak your walls. Both of you continued to thrust, making sure you milked every last drop out of his cock. James’ body relaxed over you and he pulled out before collapsing next to you. You turned back over onto your back and glanced over at him. He was just as much of a mess as you were. His long strands of hair stuck to the sweat on his forehead, his chest moving up and down as he breathed heavily. He looked your way, giving you a small smile before reaching over to you and pulling you closer. 

“Talk about deer, you're giving me those pretty little doe eyes.” He said before kissing you gently. You smiled at him, wiping the hair out of his face.

“I guess I should run away from you more often,” He let out a small laugh, looking over your exposed body which was covered in dirt, just like his.

“Maybe next time we should bring a blanket though.”

----------------

[yaekiss]

hi so [holds head in hands] no pressure to fulfill this request of course but like. heizou, kazuha, and the wanderer (separate) going down on you lol,, haha,, bonus points if it’s their first time doing anything with you,, or anyone, for that matter,,, (afab mc preferred ^^)

oh and since you’re not familiar with heizou’s character yet, i have some ideas … i know a lot of people make him out to be super experienced and like yeah. no shame to that. that’s epic. but god. look. listen… there’s untapped potential here [shakes you aggressively] heizou, aware of his own flirty reputation and also wanting to impress you, pretends to know what he’s doing and acts all confident like yeah. i got this bbg. i fucked around already. mhm. totally. i’m gonna give you the time of your life fr. yet he just… mentally bluescreens when it actually gets to the real deal. his face heats up, his mouth goes slack, and he stares like an idiot. internal monologue is probably: what do i do. what do i DO. i do not want to fuck this up HOLY FUCKKKKKKKKKK. eventually you get sick of his virgin act and decide to help him out by sitting on his face and riding the fuck out of him. yeah

— 🌻 nonnie (i hope you’re well!)

𝑯𝒐𝒕 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆?

꩜ Room Content: Dom! GN! Reader! x Sub! Heizou, Sub! Kazuha, Sub! Wanderer (separate), terms "pussy" "folds" & "clit" used to refer to reader's anatomy, terms "cunt" & "folds" used to describe Wanderer's anatomy, cunnilingus (reader receiving in all 3 parts, implied giving in Wanderer's part), you ride their faces 😼, all 3 of them are inexperienced, lmk if I missed out anything ! ꩜ A/N: Thank you for waiting 🌻 anon!!! Ran out of steam after Heizou's part so Kazuha's and Wanderer's parts are in bulleted points orz... Anyways, here's ur order of the an3mo boys eating you out ♡ Hope you enjoy hehe !!

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟎𝟕𝟐𝟒: 𝑺. 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒛𝒐𝒖

After countless weeks (weeks!) of chasing each other around, Heizou’s cryptic riddles and your vague replies for him to unravel, he finally has you where he wants you! (Or do you have him right where you want him?)

Though, you need to give him credit where credit is due. Everything in the room has been set up to your liking and the thought of how much effort he put into this has your heart fluttering a bit.

“Well? Impressed?” There’s a cocky smirk on Heizou’s face and you scoff, rolling your eyes at him. You’re aware of the reputation he’s amassed on the streets, rumours of how he’s a casanova unlike no other, how he can charm anyone into his arms. Frankly, you couldn’t really see the supposed suave flirtatious persona in him. Like, are we talking about the same Heizou? The man who made you go on a wild goose chase through the town, only to reach a scenic lake and have the moment ruined by him falling into the water while he’s excitedly waving to you from afar. (Though his shirt got soaked through and you got to see his cute nipples… Hmm, maybe the rumours have some truth to them after all.) But you’re not one to back down without a fight.

“I’ll give you my answer in the morning so you better make tonight count, detective.” Slowly shedding your clothes, you eye him with a brimming anticipation as he watches, his own eyes glued to your mesmerising figure. 

After you lay back on the bed, Heizou wastes no time in diving between your legs, trailing featherlight kisses up from your calf to your inner thighs. He slowly inches his way up towards your core before, all of a sudden, all his previous actions stop. You can feel his hands on you falter a bit as the bed shifts and dips as he sits back on his knees. Puzzled by the change in the mood, you sit up to check on Heizou but the sight you see is not one you were exactly expecting. 

His face is glowing with how red and blushy he’s gotten, hidden behind his hands as he tries to hide the expression he’s making. Clearing his throat and turning away from your gaze, he gulps audibly.

“Just… just give me a second to c-compose myself…” An odd awkwardness filters through the air and you can’t help but quirk an eyebrow up at this (not so) unforeseen turn of events.

“Why, is my little casanova scared? Where did your previous bravado go?” Teasing him further, you crawl seductively towards him, taking full amusement in watching him squirm nervously, peeking at you through the gaps of his fingers. 

“I’m not… scared… what are you talking about? Ahahaha…” His strained laughter trails off at the end and it’s the last straw for you. Annoyance taking hold of you, you grab onto his shoulders and push him down so that he’s lying on the bed, olive eyes wild and bewildered as they stare up at you. For the first time in a while, he has no idea what to expect and frankly, he didn’t think he’d be so turned on by it.

Before he can register what’s happening, mind hazy with lust and desire, you’ve planted yourself on his face. Tongue instinctively darting out, he tastes your slick and the mix of a whine and a groan escapes him. The sensation sends a jolt of pleasure through you, making you grind down on his face harder to chase your own climax. 

Heizou’s pussy eating skills are honestly pitiful but he almost makes up for it through his sheer enthusiasm alone. Messy slurps and moans fill the room as he clumsily laps up at your folds, drenching his mouth and chin. Your thighs clamp down on either side of his head but he shows no signs of slowing down or even stopping for air.

“I-it’s all… hahh… bark and no bite with- ah! -you isn’t it, Heizou?” All you get in return is a pathetic whine as he shifts so his nose nudges up against your clit. And that’s what it takes for you to cum. You ride out your high, your pace slowing down while you try to catch your breath. As your gaze refocuses, you catch a glimpse of the damp patch growing at the crotch area of Heizou’s pants and you laugh at his dazed drunken expression when you get off of him. 

Looks like you weren’t the only one who came.

“I’m impressed with your performance for now, detective. But for higher accuracy, what say we go for a few more rounds?”

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟗: 𝑲. 𝑲𝒂𝒛𝒖𝒉𝒂

He’s probably the one who brings it up after overhearing one of the many raunchy conversations between Captain Beidou and the Tianquan (someone please buy him noise-cancelling earplugs)

The more he thinks about it, the more the idea seems viable. Besides, if it doesn’t work out in the end, the two of you would have learnt more about your tastes and preferences!

But seriously, he needs to pick a better time to spring his suggestions on you. While dining at a food stall, he nonchalantly asks you, “Would you mind if I… went down on you… the next time we make love?”

You almost did a spit take at his words

Internally cursing Beidou (how dare she unknowingly corrupt your adorable Kazuha before you can!!), you swallow your beverage before replying

“If it’s what you want, I’m not opposed to it darling”

The smile he flashes you is blinding and the moment would’ve been more tender if it weren’t for the previous lascivious question 

Sigh, still, how could you say no to such a cute lover

He’s another inexperienced one, years of drifting around and never really settling down with anyone means that he’s physically exposed to a lot of things for the first time with you

But he’s open minded, always open to trying out new experiences and kinks while making sure the both of you are comfortable

While he eats you out, he gets a little intoxicated by you, enjoying how you feel against his tongue, savouring every inch of you

Nothing else in the world matters right now expect pleasing you and making you cum on his face

Although you’re the one riding on him, somehow he’s the louder one????

He lets out muffled breathy puffs and moans, whining and squirming under you as he licks and indulges in you, occasionally calling out your name interspersed with, “More!” or “I love you!”

Feeling your orgasm building up, you gyrate your hips downwards to drive his tongue deeper in you

You cream on his face and he doesn’t hesitate to clean you up, not wasting a single drop (he’s really such a dear!)

The next day, Beidou gives him a firm slap on his back, chuckling about how she’s “glad that he’s getting some, but please keep it down, the other crewmates are trying to sleep”

Kazuha is understandably mortified and downright embarrassed at her words

He looks in your direction for some help but all you do is just laugh and think to yourself:

How can you make him scream your name next time?

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟎𝟏𝟎𝟑: 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓

Granted, you were a little tipsy after a night out of drinking with Kaveh but you just had to bring it up to Wanderer as he’s hauling your drunk ass back home

“Hey… how about… hic!... you eat me out next time…? Hmm?”

He’s so thankful that you passed out in his arms before you could see his face explode into a shade of crimson at your words

“Seriously, how are you so shameless?”

When you wake up the next morning and go about your day, you can’t help but notice that your sweetheart has been staring at you nonstop (from across the room, sitting opposite you at the dining table, you name it)

However, whenever you try to ask him about it, he scoffs and hastily brushes you off, tilting his hat to avert your eyes while he rushes off (before inevitably coming back to continue staring at you 🙄)

Sick and tired of his antics, you manage to corner him and interrogate (read: bully) an answer out of the man

After he spills the beans on how he's been fantasising about what you said last night, you turn your gaze downwards and true to his words, he’s already drenched in his shorts

“To think the high and mighty Wanderer would be so affected by a passing comment, how lewd!”

Things progress quickly and the two of you find your way into the bedroom, lips locked in a heated kiss with hands roaming each other’s body

As you break from the kiss, he lays back and prepares for you to ride his face, resolve steeled even if he’s never done this before

You hover over his face since you’re worried about potentially suffocating him but he clicks his tongue and straight up says, “Are you looking down on me? I obviously have no need for air unlike you mortals do. Sit. On. My. Face.”

Hands grabbing your thighs, he plants you down on his face and goes to town

He eats you out with a feverish devotion, spurred on by the moans and praises that slip past your lips as if they’re the most divine hymns he’s ever heard

(If you’re his god, then he’s more than happy to be your throne!)

His eyes roll back when you tug on his hair as you cum, the pain mixed with pleasure muddies his senses but it doesn’t stop him from slurping up your release

Shakily pulling yourself off of his face, you think you hear a whine from him, violet eyes teary and pupils blown wide

You push his legs apart and settle yourself in front of his wet cunt, your hot breath fans across his sensitive folds and he has to stop himself from rolling his hips down to meet your face

“You were so good for me sweetheart, now let me return the favour yeah?”

Thanks for reading! Consider supporting me on kofi if you enjoyed this or check out my other works hehe ♡

[tgmsunmontue]

Get your motor runnin' - 1/6

Bradley, a bit of a (very talented) grease monkey and Jake, who has been sent to see him because he's apparently the best mechanic Maverick knows.

A longer fleshed out fic at the request of @poetryandpickles based on their idea in this post. Likely going to be 3-4 parts and likely an excuse for lots of smut. Just as an FYI.

PART ONE

                It’s been a busy week but he’s managed to clear the bulk of the work, ordered parts actually arriving early or on time like some damned miracle. He’s managed to get people’s vehicles back to them before they expected, which always makes for happy customers. He has a loyal base, and he knows they recommend him wider afield. It keeps him busy and the bills paid. He likes it, positioned in the small area of Oak Hills. Close enough to both China Lake and North Island to enable visiting if he feels like it but not close enough that anyone can just pop in. Not that that stops Mav, but he suspects he could live in another country and Mav would still find a way of turning up unannounced.

                He hadn’t intended to become a mechanic, but he had sort of fallen into it. Time tinkering on cars with Mav and his struggle to remain focussed in the classroom had meant when he’d raised the idea of entering an apprenticeship with a diesel mechanic Mav had been incredibly supportive. After insisting he get his GED. That had been the incentive he’d needed to act, and then he’d finished up and entered his first year. He’d worked hard, and it had paid off, his boss involving him in more and more challenging jobs and Bradley grew into someone that could often tell what was wrong just by listening to the engine.

                Then he’d been encouraged to undertake further study, which he’d balked at, because study. But then learning about auto electrical work tied in so nicely with what he was already doing it didn’t even seem like study, simply common sense and he’d become the best damned mechanic Robbie had working for him, a fact he’d been proud of. Then he’d decided to start up his own business, sat down with Mav and Ice and talked about his parents’ house and life insurance and then they’d agreed. Robbie had a friend that was selling up and now he’s been here four years, and he thinks the locals might actually start calling him a local too soon. Any day now.

…            …            …

                Jake’s not sure why he’s driven all the way out here, he’s driven past three other mechanics on the way to this garage and it’s only because Maverick had recommended this place that he’d kept the address in his GPS and followed it out here. For nearly two fucking hours. Who drives a dodgy car two hours to get to the mechanic? He’s hot and tired, the air conditioning unit in his car broken, well, not broken but it’s leaking something Jake doesn’t want to look too closely at but which he hopes is water. The trunk of his car now fills up with water when it rains, which had been an incredibly unpleasant surprise to find when he returned from his most recent deployment. He likes water, but he doesn’t need or want it in his car.

                He pulls down a dusty road and looks around, a little worried suddenly that Maverick has sent him on a wild goose chase and he’s going to end up the next victim of a mass murderer. But no, there it is, a large shed with four roller doors, all open in deference to the summer heat. There’s two different types of tow trucks parked up out front, one looking large enough to tow a truck, and there’s also large earth moving equipment parked up and he wonders if he’s in the right place. Then he spies it, the sign declaring it as Bradshaw’s, and that’s who Mav had sent him to see. The best mechanic he knew, apparently, which Jake considers high praise coming from someone like Maverick Mitchell. He parks up and gets out, leaves the door open just in case he needs to run and make a fast get away; heads inside toward where he can music coming from a radio, Meat Loaf singing about love.

                “Hello?”

                He can see a body under an old van and he walks closer, repeats his greeting and hopes the guy isn’t too old. He doesn’t want to give him a heart attack or something. Then the creeper is coming from out beneath the beaten-up van and it’s legs legs legs and for fucks sake, who needs legs that long? This guy apparently, and the legs are clothed in grease-stained coveralls, but they’re tied around the guy’s waist, which is now appearing, and he’s wearing a threadbare white tank, and it’s damp with sweat, so damp Jake can see fucking nipples. He’s seen porn that starts like this.

                He swallows roughly, takes in the broad chest, arms, muscles and shoulders all appearing like he’s watching in slow motion and okay, the long legs make more sense now if they have to carry all that around. He thought that he might cause a heart attack but now he’s starting to wonder if he’s going to have one instead. He wasn’t expecting this. He’d been expecting someone Maverick’s age, or older. Jesus. He thinks the heat might be getting to him, because it suddenly feels much hotter than it was a few minutes ago.

                “Can I help you?” the guy asks, and he’s just lying there looking up at Jake, not even bothering to stand although he has raised his head a little and Jake can see his abdominal muscles and he was not prepared for this.

                “I’m,” he coughs to clear his throat, which is of course as dry as the desert. “I’m looking for Bradshaw?”

                “You found him. How can I help?” the apparent Bradshaw repeats, and he’s bracing and rolling off the creeper, coming to a stand in front of Jake, wiping his hands on a cloth pulled from his back pocket and Jake doesn’t know if it’s helped remove anything or just smeared it around some more.

                “I, uh. My car’s got some issues. My CO, uh, commanding officer, he said you were the best mechanic he knew.”

                “Of course he did.”

                “Do you know him?”

                “Maverick? Yeah, you could say that.”

                Jake is surprised he guesses right, then again he supposes some people would consider knowing Maverick a bad thing, and this man looks a little resigned and he wonders exactly what this guy has done to earn Maverick’s high level of admiration, because he’s never met a man harder to please.

                “So he sent you here, without calling first to check to see if I had time to work on it. Do you have another ride, or a place to stay?”

                “Uh…” Jake blinks. He hadn’t thought of any of that, and he’s two hours away from his base accommodation in North Island. “Shit.”

                “Let me take a look. Might be able to get her fixed up straight away and get you back on the road.”

                If he can do that, then he really is the best mechanic.

PART TWO