#tree burl

[darksilvania]

Decided to turn my birch dragon into a full line

PEEKABLINK ["Peek-A-Boo"- Blink] -Dragon/Grass -The Unblinking Pokemon -Ability: Unnerve/Keen Eye - Third Eye(HA)* -Dex: “This pokemon hides behind trees and rocks to watch other pokemons with its large, unblinking eye. Looking into its eye can be dangerous, as people has said that once eye contact has been made with one, breaking aways from its gaze can be very difficult, as if it has some kind of hypnotic power. Sometimes people that go missing on the woods has later been found trapped in a 'staring match' with one of this pokemon, unable to look away.“ -Moveset:     -Branch Poke     -Glare     -Hypnosis     -Mean Look

–>Evolves at lvl.35<–

PEEKABURL ["Peek-A-Boo"- Burl] -Dragon/Grass -The Burl Pokemon -Ability: Unnerve/Keen Eye - Third Eye(HA)* -Dex: “It sits next to large trees where it attaches to their roots, feeding from the tree's nutrients in order to gain enough strenght to evolve, it only moves to search for another tree once it has fed enough from the previous one. Due to its eyes and ears being covered by its wooden shell, this pokemon experiences a form of senssory depravation that its said to help awaken some dormant psychic abilities.“ -Moveset:     -Horn Leach     -Breaking Swipe     -Meditate     -Forest's curse

–>Evolves at lvl.65<–

PEEKABIRCH ["Peek-A-Boo"- Birch] -Dragon/Grass -The Watcher Pokemon -Ability: Unnerve/Keen Eye - Third Eye(HA)* -Dex: “This pokemon hides among the trees completely motionless for hours, watching pokemon and human pass by. They use their heavy tails and short but wide and strong legs to help keep their long necks straight, mimicking tree trunks. By being motionless all day, while watching in a meditative state this pokemon has awakened a certain level of psychic powers in them, they can read the toughts of those who pass near them and what once were mere body markings now can be used to watch and feel their surrounding, this power often shows through a low glow along the markings in its body“ -Moveset:     -Wood Hammer     -Dragon Hammer     -Extrasenssory     -Miracle Eye

*Powers up Psychic-type moves

This pokemon are based on Birch trees and their markings that resemble eyes

PEEKABURL is based on a tree burl, a type of wooden growth on the side of trees

[redrcs]

The breaking of the world.

From the series, Where the Monsters Hide

[wallswildernessaccess]

Doc and I were on a walk and saw this walnut tree that had not one but two burls!

[cainhowlett]

[justatorontoguy]

Burls

[alcnfr]

This tree might have winked at me... (Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) )

[misterlemonzlime]

02-27-25 | misterlemonzlime.tumblr.com/archive

[validwarriorcatsnames]

If you use the word "knot" as a synonym for a burl on a tree, than would Slipknot be a valid warrior name?

I think so. However this also opens a lot of doors for a lot of specific people

[w000ble]

This is now my distracting internet project for the night.

1. More Weird Palms

Started off just googling "oddly shaped palm tree" to see what I'd find. There seem to be plenty squiggly ones— which wasn't what I was looking for, but does set the palm apart from other trees. (Foreshadowing.) Are palm trees just more susceptible to deformation?

That second, near-horizontal tree is so weird it's even somewhat photography-famous. You can find it just by searching "Koh Tao Thailand palm tree."

Some other fun ones

2. But what is going on here?

Since this isn't the type of deformation the one in OP's picture had though, I looked into what that kind of thing is even called (image googled "types of tree knots") and found my way to this cool knobbly Chinese Cypress.

They are called burls! and they can make trees look like they have butts.

Which trees are most susceptible to burls? (Can this happen to a palm tree, or is it just visually similar?)

While burls can occur on any type of tree, there are some species that are more likely to produce them. Some of the most common types of trees that grow burls include maples, oaks, elms, and willows. These trees are all native to North America, but burls can also be found on trees in other parts of the world. [citation1]

The website this quote is from has more information on burls than I ever knew about. It's very interesting! But in short:

Q: Can anyone tell me what causes this on a palm tree? A: That lump is a "burl." It could be caused by many things, including injuries, infections, parasites, changes in weather, and other causes of stress.

"A burl is formed as a last-ditch effort to save the tree’s life after an injury or infection." [citation2] Essentially, the tree panicked.

A cross-section of a burl

And of course, it would be a crime if I didn't include some burl butts.

3. I found out palm trees apparently aren't trees?

Ah yes- they are "large woody herbs" excuse me. Jokes aside it seems to depend on the palm. Some are even considered grass, and I am now too lazy to read this article about the semantics right now but here you go if you're curious: link In this case, I conclude that a "large, woody, shrubby herb" is probably capable of forming burls despite "not technically being a tree."

[themitrich]

Shine bright like a Diamond ❌

Shine bright like a Christmas Tree✅

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

[thesirencult]

Lunar Eclipse In Pisces, Tarot Reading

@thesirencult

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Pile 1

“When a young tree is injured it grows around that injury. As the tree continues to develop, the wound becomes relatively small in proportion to the size of the tree. Gnarly burls and misshapen limbs speak of injuries and obstacles encountered through time and overcome. The way a tree grows around its past contributes to its exquisite individuality, character, and beauty. I certainly don't advocate for traumatization to build character, but since trauma is almost a given at some point in our lives, the image of the tree can be a valuable mirror.”

― Peter A. Levine, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

How Will This Eclipse Change You?

Pile 1, things will get worse for you, before they can become better. Right now, you have been going through a period of upheaval. You feel as if though you have to watch every step you take. There might be people around you who are praying for your downfall. This to me shows that you are someone who takes charges and like to lead the way, otherwise, these people wouldn't have a reason to be intimidated by you.

This eclipse will shake things up. Expect a confrontation with someone, especially at work. You will find out who is by your side and who isn't. Be careful. Retreat and don't fight back. Tigers don't compete with kittens, for they know their power.

You are someone who has "grown around their traumas". This eclipse prompts you to escape your "in-between" position and show your teeth by setting even higher goals. Take charge, travel if you need to and never lose faith. Become more vigilant but not aggresive.

Kittens can not and will not stop a tiger!

What New Era Is This Eclipse Ushering You Into?

This eclipse is doing all the work for you. If you take a break or travel for a while, expect a different setting when you return to your familiar environment. Justice came out. I don't know why, but I get the impression you are someone who tends to suffer quietly. You don't like to give attention to petty people and small things others may find annoying. Keep doing that, but work through it internally. The Justice card is ushering you into an era of getting paid back your good karma, while those who wronged you are getting served theirs.

Another thing I see, is that in this era you will realize that every action has consequences, be it good or bad. This will offer healing and make you think twice before you do everything. You are a calm, cool and collected individual who may struggle with setting boundaries and taking responsibility because you don't believe you are good enough. Expect things to fall into your lap and getting celebrated for past successes. Get over your "imposter syndrome". You deserve to be rightfully compensated,

Where Is It Asking You To Focus Your Energy?

Focus on raising your risk tolerance and lowering your tolerance for bullsh*t! You have great potential for success, so act accordingly. Any ideas about new ventures you should turn into plans. Find wholeness within and don't wait for external validation, be it about your self worth or plans. Overall, stand on your own and be like a tree that withstands the jarsh conditions by bending with the wind. You are strong enough to let the storm pass.

Pile 2

“Through transformation, the nervous system regains its capacity for self-regulation. Our emotions begin to lift us up rather than bring us down. They propel us into the exhilarating ability to soar and fly, giving us a more complete view of our place in nature. Our perceptions broaden to encompass a receptivity and acceptance of what is, without judgment. We are able to learn from our life experiences. Without trying to forgive, we understand that there is no blame. We often obtain a surer sense of self while becoming more resilient and spontaneous. This new self-assuredness allows us to re-lax, enjoy, and live life more fully. We become more in tune with the passionate and ecstatic dimensions of life.”

― Ann Frederick, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

How Will This Eclipse Change You?

This eclipse will make you sharper, quicker to act and ready to be strategic about your plans. After many trials and errors you have come to the conclusion that you're the only one who can change your life. You are becoming more stoic and pragmatic.

You are getting the bird's eye view, sitting high up in your throne like the queen/king you are.

I'm getting the message that clarity is here, not because of others but because of a change in your mindset that comes down to this: "I'm setting myself free from expectations and expecting. I'm choosing my battles wisely. I see things from a higher perspective."

Wisdom, truth and logic are the tools you are going to use to manifest your dream life.

From now on you will be guarding your heart and letting it rest for a while. Now, it's time for the sensitive heart to give the reigns to the cold head, just for now...

What New Era Is This Eclipse Ushering You Into?

This is perfect! I just saw a carousel on TikTok that talked about the "winter arc" and when it starts (October 1st). I'm getting that this eclipse is ushering you into your villain era/winter arc.

You are a very soft and caring person but you've had enough, haven't you? I'm not getting that in this era of your life you'll turn into a b*tch and go from one extreme to another. I'm getting that you'll simply use radical honesty with yourself, you'll cut out the fluff and use your empathy to empathize with the one who deserves it, YOURSELF.

I want you to know that after this much needed period you will see that only people with the beat intentions approach you. I'm not getting that you will be lonely, I'm getting that you will choose to keep your distance from toxicity. You may meet someone who is going after their goals too and you two become really great pals.

Where Is It Asking You To Focus Your Energy?

Very interesting...

First of all, share your gifts with the world cause this will lead you to material abundance. It's been reaffirmed that you are a generous and empathetic person. The Universe wants you to know that it's clearing out from your life those that are leeching off of your energy and are sticking around just to have a taste from the fruits of your flavour.

Since you will become more logical in this period of your life, you will see that certain people are better to be left in the past.

You need to focus your energy on making money, finding like minded souls who reciprocate your positive energy and also, SERVING karma. Be okay with being the villain in someone else's story. They wronged you first and now they just want to use you. Don't feel bad that you want them to watch you win, because they wanted to watch you lose.

Now, let them watch from the sidelines, while you are running towards success. It's going to be sweeter though, cause you will be so focused on the path ahead of you that you will not care about the bench sitters.

Take care !

Pile 3

“Every trauma provides an opportunity for authentic transformation. Trauma amplifies and evokes the expansion and contraction of psyche, body, and soul. It is how we respond to a traumatic event that determines whether trauma will be a cruel and punishing Medusa turning us into stone, or whether it will be a spiritual teacher taking us along vast and uncharted pathways. In the Greek myth, blood from Medusa’s slain body was taken in two vials; one vial had the power to kill, while the other had the power to resurrect. If we let it, trauma has the power to rob our lives of vitality and destroy it. However, we can also use it for powerful self-renewal and transformation. Trauma, resolved, is a blessing from a greater power.”

― Ann Frederick, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma

How Will This Eclipse Change You?

As far as I can tell, Pile 3 needs to read both this pile and number 2! You are a complex person with lots of layers and reading both piles will help you gain two very distinct perspective on this next cycle taht will transform you COMPLETELY. It's not just about the eclipse, it's about the node change and the overall energy of the next 18-20 months. One of the two piles may not resonate right now, but in a few months or even a year it will be helpful to read it again for guidance.

The eclipse will change your perspective when it comes to your "all or nothing" attitude. Now, this change might have started already but what I see is that you will have a moment in the next month where you will realize that you have the ability to stand still while the world around you is moving. Before, you saw this as your inability to change and evolve but spirit wants you to know that you have the super power and luxury of following your own path. Your timing is way different than taht of others and your ability to move mountains while being still will help you advance in life. You see yourself as a walking contradiction but in reality, energy may manifest in different ways but its substance is the same. Stop beating yourself up and let your energy flow in different ways/wavelengths.

What New Era Is This Eclipse Ushering You Into?

You always get so close to the finish line but refuse to let go of the burdens so you never finish the race. The Universe is asking you to let go of expectations, negative beliefs and fear. Ask and you shall receive. Your options are confusing you, that's why they will fall away one by one. This new era is the era of shedding your new skin and of stripping down to the basics. You can not jump into cold water with clothes on, they won't help you even though they protect you at the shore, in the water they will weigh you down and you'll drown. Different things work at different phases, now it's a new phase and whatever was helpful before it's not working now. Paradigm shift.

Where Is It Asking You To Focus Your Energy?

Know that your life is headed towards a beautiful direction and trust your inner compass to lead you to this destination. Focus on improving your skillset and mindset and let yourself prepare for abundance. This next chapter is all about sharpening up before we climb the mountain. Thinl about it, if you had to climb up Everest wouldn't you want to be as prepared as possible. This last hump on the road is just a preview of the mountains you will climb.

[mutant-distraction]

Danny Arbuckle

"A Weeping Willow of amazing size and age! An incredible 351" circumference(9.3' diameter) and stands at 62'in height. I have seen a lot with big trees but this is the most amazing specimen I have come across. A Weeping Willows natural defense to any kind of injury like broken limbs, bug damage, fungal infections and overall etc are burls. Injury leads to abnormal cell growth that creates the burls. The homeowner was telling me his neighbor down the street, 90 years old told him he use to play in this tree as a kid. That easily dates it at more than 100 years old. Exceptionally rare for Weeping Willows. Located in Grand Ledge Michigan(Eaton County) USA. This is my 2nd largest girth measure. I am sure there are areas on this tree pushing 380-390" circumference."

[germanpostwarmodern]

Le Corbusier’s Casa Curutchet in La Plata, Argentina, is a perfect exemplification of the architect’s “Les cinq points de l'architecture moderne”, the five points of modern architecture consisting of pilotis, a roof terrace, a free plan, ribbon windows and a free facade. Rather unusual for Le Corbusier is the integration of a tree that grows in the house’s courtyard and with which he took a bow to the lush vegetation of Argentina.

The coexistence of modern architecture, its often strict design and the exuberant vegetation of Latin America also spellbound German artist Nico Joana Weber whose project “Monstera deliciosa” explored the former’s checkered relationship. Due to its ease of care the monstera deliciosa is a common plant in German offices, a humorous nod to the presence of a Latin American plant in German office buildings.

The eponymous book, published by Grass Publishers in 2018, takes the reader to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and the Amazon basin, a voyage that quite plainly shows that the rational modernist project with its claim of permanence and an intact, unchanging location is nothing more than an illusion. Instead, the tropical landscape gradually dissolves „…distinctions between inside and outside, nature and architecture, body and mind“ as Weber establishes in her essay to the book. A good example of an active embrace of the conditions is Brazil where, among many others, Robert Burle Marx and Oscar Niemeyer took modernism to a locally adjusted level where the vegetation is integrated rather than sidelined. Weber also notes that in so doing the architects dissented from Claude Lévi-Strauss’ notion that the dichotomy between inside and outside is one of the marks of „our“ civilization, a colonial perspective that resounded also resounded with Max Bill: on a trip to Brazil in 1953 he was shocked by modern Brazilian architecture’s variety of forms and what he regarded as „an awful confusion of different architectural systems…“. But as Nico Joana Weber’s photographs show, the embrace of vegetation and its natural „chaos“ leads to greater permanence as well as humaneness in architecture.

[girl-lostconnection]

Part 1: The Cocoon

Masterlist || Next part

They are a long way from home. 

The road unravelled in front of them like a dark ribbon, sliding up and down, rustling under the wheels of Price's truck. Leading them somewhere. 

Johnny doesn’t know where. Johnny doesn’t know much other than what Ghost has told them. 

And Simon got his insights from the captain. 

So as far as Johnny is concerned, the lieutenant got half of what was there to know. That is if Price felt like having a chat. 

And in turn, he and Garrick got, what? One eighth of what Simon knew, if they were really lucky.

Because a short “need to lie low for a bit” is all he and Gaz are getting before getting the order to pack whatever meager personal belongings they got to have. 

Johnny tries not to drive attention to the way Simon stuffs his bags with what he has definitely smuggled out of base’s armoury.

Or to the way the captain tells them to toss the phones in the bloody bushes when they near the city's edge. 

It’s just that one day Price hauls them in a beat-up truck, grumbles to “put the bloody seatbelts on” and drives them out in the smack of the dab of the gob. 

Soap wasn’t even sure this place was on the map with how little there is around. 

Just road that gets worse the further they go and trees, towering over their unfortunate team from every side. 

Too much green for his liking – woods too thick and roots burling, hungrily sinking in the wet soil. 

This forest is too old, Johnny thinks. 

Not a place of good luck or people that got nothing to hide. 

The air is humid, leaving a sheen of sweat and moisture on him and Kyle. Only Kyle wipes it off looking like a bloody supermodel and Soap just looks like a wet dog. 

If he felt any better, he'd complain about the injustice of it all, but no one is in the mood to listen to him, and Johnny is not in the mood to waste his breath on something everyone already knows. Not when sun peaks from behind the sky just to stab him with a sunray right in the eye.

Nasty weather that is. Brings no good cooling breeze or proper sun. 

Just a heavy grey of plush clouds above them and heat that slowly cooks them. The greenhouse effect of it makes Soap wish they could finally make a proper stop and freshen up. 

He hates being hot. 

Makes him restless and miserable; salt irritating his skin, thin hairs on his neck standing up and God, he can feel just how much he needs a good shower. 

Summer is nearing its end, tiptoeing the line where it would be finally appropriate to start shedding leaves on the ground and leave everything but fucking pines bare. 

Johnny doesn’t really like the woods. Somehow never did. 

It was always easier with bare hills or with the crispy sharpness of air of the familiar mountains. 

Places of power, he thinks, that’s how Price referred to familiar land in passing. 

Johnny never shares that the towering trees and dark branches for him have always looked like million fingers of thousand hands of the creatures he really doesn’t want to meet in the dark. 

Or alone. 

Trees are growing so close to each other this far away from industrial lumbering and bustling cities. Trees in these parts are old and menacing, trunks creaking and leaves rustling whenever strong enough wind hits them with full force. 

Johnny doesn’t know where exactly they are going, not with how silent the captain has been or how Ghost didn’t let any of them out of the car, snarling to piss in a bottle if they can’t hold it in. Gloomy bastard. 

Though the tension and uncertainty has been getting to them all, nipping in the bud any attempts to lighten up the mood. So, Johnny can take a wild guess, if only based on how far Price tries to get them away. 

As if they are running from something they can’t hunt down this time. As if something is hunting them. 

As if a proud deer Price with his short temper and his heavy punches took a coward’s way out instead of facing whatever was coming head on. 

As if their captain knew something they didn’t and made a choice to save his pack. At the cost of what, Johnny doesn’t really know. Whether he really needs to find out, Johnny doesn’t want to know either. 

It has always been a tricky gambit.

Would he like to know the sins he is committing so he can atone for them later? Or would he prefer to never know his sin and never claim those that are getting hanged on his chest? 

"Click to be saved! Click to be pure! Click to forget and forgive and forget!", shines in his head with neon colours of American mega-church he saw once in a documentary.

Would he like to be saved this time or does he want someone to finally let him take the fall, so guilt stops waking him up at night all clammy and shivering.

Johnny just knows that he doesn’t want to sin altogether.

He’d prefer being good, he’d prefer doing the right thing and knowing for sure what is right and what’s not. And if he can’t get that...then at the very least, at times like that he’d prefer to actually believe that they are in the right. 

Or if he needs to downsize his expectations again, Soap would like to become blissfully unaware that by the ruling of most international laws of war their tight-knit unit are criminals. Please and thank you very very much.

If only it was that easy. 

The car finally pulling to a stop is what snaps him out of it, the left ear of his – dark-furred and with a chunk of it taken out by a stray shrapnel – gives a nervous twitch. Assessing the situation.

"Mother of-", he swallows before Kyle elbows him under the ribs, poking the head out of the window to take a better look. Completely ignoring Simon's grumbling to stop acting like a mutt.

“Big” is the first thing that comes to mind, when the house first comes into view.

Massive cottage with a well-kept garden and a...is that a bloody well? 

If Soap didn’t know any better he would have asked where the captain gets the time to deal with a garden on top of everything and if they can have some of these hours too.

Lads need some time to sleep and to work the stress out in the showers with someone’s rough helping hand, if you know what he is saying.

For a moment none of them move, silently staring at the place with bloodshot eyes and sweaty tired faces. For a moment none of them moves and Johnny has a wretched moment of realisation that the car smells like old leather, cigarette ash and four men in dire need of a shower. That’s when Price finally swings the door open and gets out of the car with a grunt and “fuck me, that aches”.

He stretched his arms, shirt riding up a little, his shoulder joints popping in a way that should be concerning, but captain nowadays sounds like he's one step from crumbling into dust so it really is no big deal. Or so Johnny likes to say to himself, watching the man massage the nape of his neck.

Ghost is the second one to get out of the car. He gives the place a look over and one low impressed whistle before pulling himself out of the passenger seat, finally unfolding long legs of his in full length. 

His spine popping just as concerningly as John's shoulders just did, when lieutenant stretches out, evidently very happy to be out.

His wide shoulders finally uncurling, his whole body arching as he cracks his neck with a quiet “fucking ‘ell”, long tail of his lazily wagging from side to side. 

It’s been a long ride and all of them are tired. Tired, sweaty and aching for a way to work out the knots in their bodies. 

Simon huffs air out through the nose and waits for Soap to get out so he can shamelessly leans on a yawning sergeant. Weight of his probably would have make anyone else fold like a lawn chair, but Soap holds up for the last few years and then some.

Maybe that's how he finally graduated from a chew toy to a favourite chew toy, Kyle thinks.

But pup’s hand immediately snakes under Ghost’s jacket and around the wide waist, and in a rare spirit of enabling his affectionate antics the lieutenant just sighs and says nothing. More interested in giving the place another good look, appraising the wide sturdy porch and tufts of small white flowers here and there, sweet, honeyed scent of them wafting in the air. 

That’s a beauty alright, though who would have thought that Johnathan Price had this kind of money.

“Didn’t peg you for a lord, capt’n”, Garrick murmurs half joking as he looks around, doe ears of his upright when Johnny steps on a dry twig that crunches under his foot, startling them both. 

Talk about nerves with them being this jumpy.

Kyle can’t help, but listen in on the smallest sound, everything in him singing at the sight of John’s home. 

The woods around them are old and thick, impossibly green in a way that makes something in his chest flutter. 

That’s a good place to live. To raise kids too.

Who would’ve thought that captain Price has a hidden slice of primordial heaven with its gardens. “And its snakes, mate”, voice in Kyle’s head chuckles, snapping him out of delirium. “Don't you go just yet dropping your drawers.”

The place is secured from all sides, tucked away in a place no one would try looking because they wouldn’t be able to fucking find the thing in the first place. And, Kyle suspects, no one knew about it. Not even them until this very moment.

Part of Kyle understands why. 

Trust this big has to be earned, you can’t just get it handed to you. Not from a man like John Price, anyway. Bastard probably has more secrets than all of them combined. 

“Trust this big has even tighter strings”, his inner voice chimes in again, critically assessing the massive doorframe and seemingly heavy as sin door. “Or one singular string, mate. Just a really chunky one. Good enough to hang yourself on it if the trust proves to become too bothersome.”

The notion doesn’t do much to calm him down, not when he was jittery from the get-go, muscles whining under his skin to move and sprint, ducking in the underbush. Tasting the mist and the soil. 

And probably the blood from the gunshot wound Johnathan will make sure to adorn him with if Kyle decides to make a mad dash straight after seeing captain’s house. Probably will get buried somewhere around here too to save energy. 

No one knows where Kyle is anyway, his phone got left in the underbush on the side of a broken down road – gutted and dead, innards of it – memory card and SIM ripped out by Johnny’s dexterous fingers. 

“Gutted and dead, huh?”, his brain chuckles at the irony of it and Kyle cringes, pulling his gaze off Price’s porch. Steps of it wooden and sanded-down, aligned in a way that makes it seem like no nails were used whatsoever. Tight and efficient work. 

Animal part – doe part – of him can’t help, but look at (John) captain a little differently now. 

This place doesn’t look like a bachelor’s den or faceless bare flat in the middle of nowhere, that he sometimes imagined to himself while thinking about Price’s possible place of residence.

No, this one is well-lived in. It is big, built to last and persevere. Built perfect. 

A secret home where no one would come knocking unexpectedly. 

A perfect place where children could grow up – running in the woods, snacking on rosehips straight off the bush, getting their hands dirty and palms sticky. 

For a moment the image of John’s (probably) non-existent, but lovely and quick-footed kids is so vivid Kyle makes himself turn to the other side and busy himself with something. Anything really. Just so he doesn’t ask what colour are the walls in the captain's bedroom and if he can please introduce Garrick to each one.

Preferably by pressing him into them one by one. 

It’s a dangerous thing to think about. Price has always been so far out of reach that even on good days Kyle felt like that’s the bridge he can’t burn. Not when it’s the only thing that still covers the yawning chasm between them. Not when a stone bridge can’t really burn, not in a way that matters. And it’s on itself is an even more dangerous thought to have. 

“You still can cross it, you know. Just a lick, mate, come on, just a quick fling. Could get it out of your system, especially since there isn't anyone around. Who’s gonna judge?”, voice in his head drawls out and Kyle has half a mind to stick fingers in his ears and hum a tune to drown it out. 

Fucking hell. He needs a shower and a snack and another shower. 

Because he just knows that the first one will end with him rutting in his fist until the water gets cold. Or maybe he is just hungry? 

The thought is so hopeful it almost sounds like Johnny’s voice in his head, forcing him to look at the sergeant shamelessly wrapping himself around yawning Simon who absent-mindedly pats the lad between the ears. Dog on dog communication or whatever these two have together, Kyle thinks to himself, watching two wolves lazily leaning on each other. The easy familiarity and closeness of it is almost uncomfortable with how unusual it is to look at.

Kyle never asked what exactly they have and usually chatty Johnny never volunteered any details and never pried himself why sergeant Garrick seems to find so many evenings to spend some time with working Price so that was it. 

Kyle looks the other way again, pointedly averting his eyes from (his(?)) the captain. Cause if he looks at John there is a very real possibility his eyes would slide from a wide expanse of captain’s shoulders to the strong back of his to the fluffed up deer tail. 

And then he’d spend a straight minute or so simply eyeing his captain’s ass which he can never live down if someone notices. Again. 

Because, fuck, someone always notices. 

Like that one time Soap had to elbow him to snap him out of the dreamy haze. Or the other one when Ghost caught him staring down Sanderson just because another sergeant was touching Price’s arm entirely too often. 

(Doesn’t matter that kid was just trying to get a hang of things and requested some clarifications regarding paperwork. Doesn’t matter that Gary is 20 years younger than John is.) 

Does it matter that so is Kyle? 

Simon huffed out air back then, lightly tapping Kyle’s ass to snap him out of it and have some of that scalding attention on himself. 

Just so he can deliver another horrendous pun. 

“What’s deer’s least favourite sandwich, sergeant?”, tall wolf leaned in, very conveniently obscuring the view of the captain with his shoulder, tail with long blond fur wagging. The big bad was in a good mood, which meant he didn’t mind spoiling someone else’s. 

“What, sir?”, Gaz glanced up at the lieutenant, deep-seated urge to bolt already simmering under the back of his head, fine hairs standing up.

Doe part of him never liked being around a wolf this massive. This dangerous. 

“A sour-doe”, Ghost murmurs, clipped tone contrasting with dark laughing eyes. Big bad and ugly wolf, petty part of Kyle thinks.

“Fuckin’ prime, sir”, instead melts on his tongue like a cigarette burn, spine straightening out when Ghost’s eyes harden, head giving a heavy tilt to the side. Vertebrae popping quietly. 

The human part of Kyle liked the ever-changing attitude of his lieutenant even less, finding no ease in heavy silences or heavy gazes, shivering off the stray pats and claps to the back. 

Ghost has always been a dead man walking, Ghost was the big bad wolf and Ghost saw right through him even when no one else did. Or so Kyle liked thinking. 

So in all truth, it was no wonder that the lieutenant got on with Soap so well, tail wagging whenever he’d notice the atrocious mohawk. 

After all, what storm doesn’t like a good whirlwind? 

The chain of thought breaks when Johnny uncharacteristically quietly tugs on Kyle’s sleeve, yanking it harder when Garrick doesn’t move fast enough for his tastes.

“Tav, i swear to god–”, dies in Kyle’s throat, everything in him screaming to move, to back off, to get in the truck and buckle himself in. 

Now. Now-now-now-now-now. 

Doe part of him whining and tugging him to step behind Ghost’s back so he can get a spare sidearm in man’s jeans. 

The human part of him thinks that Soap probably already has a finger on that trigger so he is left with a knife strapped to his ankle and a Glock he still has in the duffel bag. 

Duffel bag he stupidly left in the car. 

Duffel bag that now feels not 10 feet but a lifetime away.

“Cap’t–”, Ghost quietly starts, tugging air in, shifting the weight, slowly uncurling from around Soap. 

Because on the edge of the tree line is the biggest hybrid(?) they have seen – big and broad-shouldered. Taller than Simon. Quiet enough that they have noticed them only now.

Kyle’s eyes flicker to the massive crate that rests on their hip, a bored voice in his head estimating that they are probably strong enough to break his neck with one hand. 

Not good. Not good at all. 

And instead of moving or giving an order like usually their bloody captain drops down his things and practically trots up to the stranger, his face younger with relief. His shoulders relaxing as if the mere sight of this someone siphons the tension out. 

Acting like he is finally home.

Kyle doesn’t like it one bit. 

“Mother–”, Johnny gapes because the stranger steps out in the light, gorgeous crown of antlers spreading out wide with each step they take. This thing must be beyond heavy.

Stunned silence hangs in the air because the stranger lets John jog up to them, before tilting their head to the side when Price starts speaking. Their face is full of adoration so profound it feels uncomfortable to watch. 

Doesn’t get any better or any easier when they lean down and pull John into a fucking kiss, their fingers holding Price’s nape like that’s something they just do. 

“Are they a moose? Jesus Christ, that’s a moose?”, Soap breathes out and the only thing Kyle can do is to give him a quiet nod, eyes glued to the fact that a stranger spends a good half a minute slowly devouring the face of their captain. 

Moose in question smiles at something John says, their hand gliding down the captain's back. Sending a visible bloody shiver through Price. 

As if they are capable of undoing him with nothing more but a single touch. As if they know him that well. 

Johnny audibly chokes on air because the wide palm of a…are they a partner? a spouse? slides down the waistband of the captain's pants and after a moment of shuffling gets a hold of something. Shameless fucking behaviour. 

Kyle thinks at first that they are groping Price’s ass, but Simon leans in with renewed interest when John shivers (again) and realisation hits their whole team like a tsunami wave, their eyes now trailing down to captain’s bottom too.

They got the captain Johnathan Price by his fucking tail. Fondling the damn thing in broad daylight.

Proud deer, top-of-the-food-chain and always a step away from snapping their necks Johnathan Price lets a massive bloody moose fondle all of his soft parts. Out in the open. In front of the whole team. 

The audacity leaves Kyle temporarily astounded, something hot and bitter already scalding the insides of his cheeks. Throat bobbs, working, his chest tight with anger he has no right to and he mindlessly takes a step forward. 

The creaking of the pinecone under the sole of his boot is enough to make a big stranger raise their crowned head. And take Kyle’s breath the fuck away.

Stranger has the most beautiful eyes Kyle has ever seen and lips wet after the kiss they shared with his captain. 

Stranger has antlers so big it almost feels like they are part of the forest itself – woods branching out if their head – heavy and dangerous. 

Lesser one would have already snapped under the weight of such pride. But the moose doesn’t seem inconvenienced at all if only mildly surprised to see someone else in the territory that is so clearly theirs. 

With John who also seems so clearly theirs. 

“So…no tour of the bedroom, eh, mate?”, voice in his head meekly bleats out and Gaz thinks again before taking a step back. And away from their captain. Crowned stranger huffs air out, watching him like they can’t imagine what someone like him is even doing in their home and their woods. 

Yeah, definitely no tour. Not unless he would like the moose hybrid with half-lidded stare of a primordial horror to nail his bloody head right at the entrance to it.

The mental image of them “nailing” him to the wall suddenly springs to life and Gaz can feel heat spreading under his skin when their eyes meet his, scandalised “get it together, mate” from Soap earning him another surprisingly vivid image. Oh, this isn’t good. This is so much worse than he could have anticipated.

Him and them aren’t so different. Shouldn’t be, at the very least, Kyle thinks with stubborn defiance. Same family, both of their animal halves coming from Cervidae, both of them technically deer. 

“And only one of you is moose, mate.”, the voice in his head reminds and Kyle works his jaw, watching the stranger with an almost manic stare. Yeah, they share maybe one thing in common. Two, if he’d feel like being petty. 

But stranger their lips to John’s temple, practically slotting their side against his. Possessive, highly territorial and bigger than life. 

Their eyes looking straight into Kyle’s when they mold themselves around Price. Like they can hear his thoughts. 

“Yeah, no, they aren’t sharing shit with you, mate”, the voice in Kyle’s head announces and his mood slides even lower. As if he didn’t notice. 

 “Pleasure to meet all of you.”, the gentle melodicity of a stranger's voice catches them all off guard and makes Johnny lean in, captivated. 

Carelessly stepping forward with Simon in tow, wanting to get close and not give out how much it itches under his skin.

The animal part of theirs – wolf part – thrilled to finally meet a prey in their size. 

The human part of them is eager to dig in and pull the gentle moose apart, separating skin from muscle and cracking the pelvic bones so the stranger can’t run and can’t buck. So they can take their sweet time pulling meat off the bone and lapping at the bleeding pounding heart. 

“You must be 141. I apologise for my appearance, I did not expect anyone other than John today.”, they smile with lips only. Warm and inviting. 

A mother welcoming you home, a hearth with steaming dinner, a sunray shining through the leaves. 

“We saw the garden, here comes the snake”, Kyle’s inner voice notes, something unfurling in his gut like a flayed cloth that is being dragged by the wind.

The steps that the moose takes to their lot makes the smell of soil even heavier in the air, a heavy-looking crate still on their hip, Soap’s nose twitching. 

Rotting leaves and fertiliser. Potatoes and zucchini. 

“Well, come on in. We will get the dinner started.”, moose muses, perfectly friendly and open-faced. 

Strained just a bit, tiny smidge across otherwise perfect painting. 

Like the three of them are guests that the moose would rather not have unannounced. Like they are intruding here, but the friendly stranger is too polite to show them the narrow trail back to the highway and close the gates behind them on their way out. 

Pines groan, the trees around the clearing creaking when the picking up wind hits them harder. 

Kyle’s ears catch it before the brain processes, doe part of him taking reigns for a single moment. Forcing him to flinch away.

Stranger just smiles warmer. 

Like they understand. 

”It’s so natural.”, drips like a cold raindrop off of their unspoken words, slides behind Kyle’s collar and slides down his spine – ice-cold phantom of it uncomfortably moist – touch of the drowned would probably feel more comforting. Kyle blinks it off, looking away, something in him itching to rub his face before he takes a better look at them, his skin rattling with anxious goosebumps.

He is just tired. It’s just been a long road here. He just needs a meal and a long shower. 

“Come on”, moose urges them again, Price weirdly silent next to them – standing right there like one gentle doe that he is not. “Wouldn’t want my husband’s teammates to starve on me”, they add casually, matter-of-factly and Kyle has to smack a palm over Johnny’s mouth.

Trying not to bristle when the lieutenant gets them both by the napes like two unruly pups under his patronage. 

Wood of the trees around them groans again and Simon tugs air in to breathe the world around one more time before he hauls both sergeants in the house, grumbling thanks to the captain's spouse that holds open the heavy wooden doors for them.

Insides of their house dark, dry air of it not carrying any rot or mold that he half-heartedly expected. 

Simon knows his lads a little too well and only because of that he gives them a quiet “stop” when they start bickering about something in hushed tone. 

Garrick scowls and crosses his arms, trying to pretend Ghost is not holding his neck in hand, less than gently choking the resistance out. 

Doe part of him still can’t bring itself to embrace the big wolf. 

The human part of him for now is a little stumped on the topic of the fact none of them were aware of until a few moments ago.

Captain Johnathan Price is married. 

Proud deer John has been hiding from them the only person that managed to have him by his bloody tail. 

[charlesslut16]

-mistletoe kisses-

summary : you and oscar kiss under the mistletoe....

PAIRINGS : oscar piastri x fem!reader

WARNINGS : none

note : I hope you like this and have many kisses under the mistletoe❄️

masterlist ; DECEMBER MASTERLIST 24’ 

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

The soft glow of the Christmas lights twinkled in the distance, casting a warm, festive ambiance over the house. The smell of cinnamon and pine filled the air, a fragrant reminder that the holidays were in full swing.

You stood in the living room of your shared apartment, looking around at the cozy decor that Oscar had insisted on. He had a way of making everything feel perfect—always thinking ahead, always considerate, even when you didn’t realize it.

You stretched your arms above your head, finally completing the last of the decorations. The small artificial tree stood proudly in the corner, covered in twinkling fairy lights and ornaments you’d collected over the years.

There were stockings hanging by the fireplace, and in the kitchen, you could hear the faint sound of the oven warming up, preparing for a Christmas dinner you were going to share later with a small group of friends.

As you set the final ornament in place, you felt a soft pair of hands wrap around your waist from behind. You leaned into the embrace instinctively, knowing exactly who it was.

“Everything’s perfect,” Oscar whispered against your ear, his voice a soothing sound that made your heart skip.

You smiled, turning around to face him. His dark hair was a bit tousled, and his eyes sparkled with excitement as they took in the surrounding decorations, both. His lips curved into a playful grin.

“Thanks to you, Mr. Perfectionist,” you teased, nudging him lightly.

Oscar chuckled, his arms pulling you closer. “I just want everything to be perfect for us. For our first Christmas together, especially.”

You melted at his words. There was something about Oscar—the way he made even the simplest moments feel meaningful. He had a gift for making you feel like you were the only person in the world that mattered. And with the holiday season in full swing, that feeling was amplified tenfold.

“So,” he began, his voice teasing but soft, “are we going to stand here all night admiring our tree or…?”

You laughed, but before you could respond, Oscar stepped back with a mischievous grin on his face. “I think you know what comes next,” he said, winking playfully.

You tilted your head in confusion, but before you could process what he meant, he stepped aside and pointed above your head.

A sprig of mistletoe hung from the ceiling, barely visible in the warm light of the room. It swayed gently, as if it had been placed there just for the two of you.

You blinked in surprise, eyes widening. “You didn’t!”

Oscar laughed, clearly amused at your reaction. “I did. And I’m not letting you off the hook.”

Your heart raced as Oscar stepped closer, his smile turning tender. He was always charming, but something about the way he was looking at you now made your stomach flutter. You could feel the warmth of the moment, the way his hands reached up to gently cradle your face.

“Under the mistletoe, we have to kiss,” he said softly, his thumb brushing along your cheek as his lips hovered just above yours.

You chuckled, a nervous but happy laugh escaping. “I’m not a fan of tradition,” you teased, trying to play it cool. “But... I suppose I’ll make an exception.”

Oscar’s eyes darkened slightly with affection, and before you could say another word, he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t rushed or forceful—it was warm, gentle, full of love. It felt like everything at that moment was right. The world outside didn’t matter, the season didn’t matter. The only thing that existed was the two of you.

As you pulled away, Oscar rested his forehead against yours, his hands still holding you close. You could feel his breath on your skin, warm and comforting.

“Mistletoe kisses are always the best,” Oscar murmured, his voice low and full of affection.

You smiled, your heart full. “You always know how to make me feel special.”

“Well, it’s not hard when I’ve got someone as amazing as you to spoil,” he replied, his eyes full of sincerity.

For a moment, you just stood there, taking in the simple joy of being with Oscar. There was something magical about being in each other’s presence—about having this moment to yourself, in the middle of all the holiday chaos.

“Want to go for a walk?” you asked, your voice soft, the idea of stepping out into the crisp night air suddenly appealing.

Oscar raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his lips. “You just want to get more mistletoe kisses.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, nudging him with your shoulder. “Maybe I do.”

Oscar chuckled, his arm slipping around your waist. “Alright, let’s go for a walk then. But I’m holding you to that second kiss.”

You laughed again as he led you out of the apartment, into the chilly evening air. The streets were quiet, and the glow of the holiday lights made everything feel peaceful and serene.

The world seemed to slow down as you walked together, hand in hand, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. The stars twinkled above you, the crisp air biting at your cheeks, but it only made everything feel more magical.

As you walked through the snow-dusted streets, you and Oscar talked about everything—your plans for the holidays, how you both wanted to spend the New Year, your dreams for the future.

But it wasn’t just the big things you discussed. It was the small, silly things, too—the little jokes, the teasing glances, the moments of warmth shared between the two of you.

You felt like the luckiest person in the world. There was no one else you’d rather be with.

As you passed a small park, you both stopped, your feet crunching on the snow beneath you. Oscar turned to you with a playful glint in his eyes.

“Alright, I think this is the perfect spot for the second kiss,” he said, his voice a mix of teasing and sincerity.

You raised an eyebrow, fighting back a smile. “You’re not going to let me off easy, are you?”

“Nope,” he replied, stepping closer to you. “You’re mine, remember? And I’ll take every kiss I can get.”

With that, he leaned in again, his lips brushing softly against yours. This kiss was sweeter, slower, like he was savoring the moment. It was everything you wanted, everything you needed—gentle, loving, and full of warmth.

When you pulled away this time, you both couldn’t help but laugh, the sound of your shared joy echoing in the quiet of the night.

“Okay,” you said, your heart racing from the closeness, “I think I’ve officially had my fill of mistletoe kisses for the night.”

Oscar chuckled, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you close. “I think I could live with that. But just know… I’ll be expecting more of them.”

You smiled, pressing your forehead against his. “I think that’s a fair trade.”

As you stood there, wrapped in his sstrong arms, the world felt still. The snow gently fell around you, blanketing everything in a soft, peaceful layer.

At this moment, you realized just how much you loved him—not just for the way he made you feel, but for how he made you feel seen, cherished, and safe.

Oscar pulled you in for one more quick kiss before stepping back, taking your hand in his. “Let’s get back home before you freeze.”

You nodded, smiling brightly, as the two of you walked back toward your apartment, the night air crisp and cold but your heart warm and full.

“I can’t wait for all the Christmas moments we’ll share,” you said, your voice soft but full of hope.

Oscar squeezed your hand gently. “And there will be so many more mistletoe kisses, I promise.”

As you both made your way back to the warmth of your home, the promise of a lifetime of love and kisses, of laughter and memories, felt like the best gift of all.

And at that moment, you knew that no matter where life would take you both, you would always have these moments—together.