#Menorca Holidays

[useless-catalanfacts]

Now that the touristic season has started again (though, let's be honest, in many places now the tourist season is the whole year and it never stops). I'll translate a part of this article I saw last year about the emergency in Menorca.

The neighbours' association took a drastic decision. What do you think about it?

Binibèquer, reserved right of admission

The association of home owners of the Menorcan town has taken drastic measures against the effects of touristic massification

First, it was some spoken complaints, then a few articles on local newspapers. This summer it was already signs in red letters, in British style, over the white lime walls: "Rude tourists are not welcome". They are so rude, that they walk in houses without asking for permission so that they can take a picture, or they shout, or laugh, or get drunk and party on the street at any hour, or they use any white wall as a bathroom. Some also leave all kinds of litter and dirt on the window sheds, on the doors or on the floor.

This is the truth that hides behind the thousands of photos and selfies that get uploaded to social media with the white houses of Binibèquer Vell in the back. Not of the fisherman's village of Binibèquer Vell. Just the residential area built in the 1970s in Sant Lluís, in the south of Menorca. This scenery, the perfect background for a wedding picture, looses all that makes it idyllic when it stops being a flat image and becomes real life. With cigarettes, bad smells and crowds.

The owners of these 165 little houses have had enough of this invasion that doesn't let them sleep at night, that doesn't let them sit outside nor eat calmly without worrying that some stranger will walk into their living room looking for a new angle of that place they find so "picturesque".

After asking for help to the Sant Lluís city hall, go Menorca's Tourism Agency and the Balearic Islands' Government, the community has taken two drastic measures: surrounding the area in a fence that will only be opened between 10am and 10pm, and registering the brand and image rights so that nobody can make money off their homes. This means that any influencer who wants to take a photo to subtly advertise a t-shirt, a lipstick or a pair of shoes, will have to pay the image rights for using the residential area's image. Or if they go live on Twitch or upload a video on TikTok with the objective of making money. If they don't pay it, the association will sue them to claim the money.

Advertising agencies will also not be able to film their spots or music videos for publicity campaign there if they haven't previously paid the price.

Only authorised tourist guides, who know the history of this residential area, will open the fence. The home owners are sick of hearing guides say in all languages that this was a gift from [fascist dictator] Franco probably to the island's authorities.

It's not a fishermen's village, it's a residential area. It's not. It doesn't matter how much Instagramers and some tourist guides keep repeating it, Binibèquer Vell is not a fishermen's village. It has never been so, regardless of media including it in their list of 10 best places to take a picture in this summer, for example. (...)

They say that Gertrude Stein told Robert Graves "Mallorca is a paradise, if you can resist it.". The owners of Binibèquer, in Menorca, will surround it with a fence to get away from Hell.

[jackbatchelor3]

Flashback Friday to Menorca seven years ago today.

Mi vacación en Menorca, hace siete años hoy.

🏝️🏊‍♂️🛝

[yourbusinessstartups]

🌞🌊 Discover the Hidden Gems of Menorca! 🌊🌞

Ever dreamed of escaping to an island paradise where azure seas kiss secluded beaches, and history whispers through ancient streets? Let's make that dream a reality! 🏝️✨

At Let's Go Menorca, we're passionate about unveiling the lesser-known treasures of Menorca, a place where every cove tells a story and every sunset paints a memory. From breathtaking landscapes to culinary delights, we've curated the ultimate guide to explore Menorca like never before.

Why Visit Menorca with Us?

🗺️ Exclusive Guides: Discover secret spots only locals know about.

🍽️ Culinary Adventures: Taste the authentic flavors of the island.

🏖️ Sustainable Travel: Enjoy beauty without leaving a trace.

📷 Stunning Photography: Get inspired for your next adventure.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, Menorca offers an enchanting escape for everyone. Dive into our website, www.letsgomenorca.com, and start planning your dream vacation today! 🌟

Don’t just travel, experience. Let's Go Menorca!

[solarioose]

[holidaytots]

Family-friendly holidays in Spain, with the kids, 2023

[design-art-architecture]

Sometimes its hard to believe someone has already built your dreams: Ensamble Studio’s @anton_ensamble C’an Terra transforms an abandoned quarry in Menorca into a singular holiday home. Sandstone volumes were refined, smoothed, and paved back, with concrete poured in selected areas to achieve an even surface, and patches of walls smoothened to mimic beige stone block construction. Tucked somewhere in the back is a private room with a pool dug out of the floor—a refined version of swimming holes often enjoyed in nature. Photos: @iwanbaan

[swiftiethatlovesf1]

Goin on a holiday together during the summer break for Toto Wolff with wife reader fit their son, Jack. Thanks!! :))

Summer break has finally arrived, and this year, your family chose the beautiful island of Menorca for a much-anticipated beach trip. You had been craving the salty air and the gentle waves for a while, and when you suggested it, Jack was on board immediately. Toto, ever supportive and loving, would agree to go anywhere if it made you happy. That's how you found yourself on a luxurious yacht, gently rocking in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

You couldn't ask for anything better. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of your cozy cabin, casting a warm glow over the room. The soothing sounds of the ocean were a perfect backdrop to your perfect morning. Toto's strong arm was draped around you, holding you close.

"Good morning, liebling," Toto's raspy morning voice whispered as he pressed a sweet kiss to your forehead.

"Morning, love," you replied, snuggling closer. "Do you want to get ready or stay like this a little longer?"

"I wish I could stay like this forever, with you in my arms," Toto murmured, his lips trailing soft kisses along your neck, making you smile. Just as his kisses became more insistent, you were interrupted by excited shouts from the other side of the door.

"Mom, Dad! I want to go swimming!" Jack's voice rang out, full of energy.

You sighed with a smile, glancing at Toto. "I guess the cuddling will have to wait," you said, reluctantly leaving the warmth of the bed.

Toto chuckled, stretching before following you out of the room. "We'll continue later," he promised with a wink.

You found Jack practically bouncing with excitement in the living area. "We'll swim in a while, but first, we need to have breakfast and a lot of sunscreens," you said, trying to match his enthusiasm.

"I want pancakes!" Jack declared, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"Then you'll have pancakes," you replied, ruffling his hair. "Let's get cooking."

In the yacht's kitchen, you gathered the ingredients for pancakes. Toto joined you, his presence reassuring and comforting. As you mixed the batter, he stood behind you, his hands resting on your hips, pressing a kiss to your temple.

"Do you need any help, liebling?" he asked, his voice a low rumble in your ear.

"Yes, you can help by keeping me company," you teased, leaning back into him.

Jack's chatter filled the space, his excitement contagious as he talked about the fish he hoped to see later. You couldn't help but smile at his joy, feeling grateful for these precious moments.

When the pancakes were ready, you all sat down to eat. The scent of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air, mingling with the salty sea breeze. Jack dug in and Toto made sure your plate was never empty, his affection evident in every small gesture.

After breakfast, it was time to get ready for swimming. You found Jack's swimsuit and helped him into it, applying a generous amount of sunscreen to his fair skin. "We don't want you getting sunburned, buddy," you said, smiling as he wriggled under the cool touch of the lotion.

Toto, already in his swim trunks, looked effortlessly handsome. He helped you apply sunscreen, his touch gentle and loving. "My turn," he said, taking the bottle from you and smoothing the lotion over your back. You closed your eyes, enjoying the intimacy of the moment.

Once everyone was ready, you headed out to the deck. The water was a stunning shade of blue, inviting and calm. Jack could barely contain his excitement, bouncing on his toes as he waited for the go-ahead to jump in.

"Alright, Jack, go for it!" Toto said, and with a whoop of joy, Jack leaped into the water, creating a big splash.

You and Toto joined him, the cool water a refreshing contrast to the warm sun. Jack's laughter echoed around you as he swam, pointing out the colorful fish darting beneath the surface. "Look, Mom, Dad! There's so many of them!"

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" you replied, smiling as you watched Jack's eyes light up with wonder.

Toto pulled you close, his arms wrapping around you as you both floated, watching Jack explore. "This is perfect," he whispered in your ear. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

You turned to look at him, your heart swelling with love. "Me neither," you replied, kissing him softly. The world around you faded away for a moment, leaving only the two of you in your perfect bubble of happiness.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and joy. You and Toto took turns swimming with Jack, helping him find shells and pointing out different kinds of fish. When you got tired, you all floated on your backs, holding hands and feeling the gentle rocking of the waves.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, you all headed back to the yacht. Jack was exhausted but happy, his eyes drooping as you wrapped him in a towel. "I had the best day," he said sleepily.

"So did we," you replied, kissing his forehead.

Once Jack was tucked into bed, you and Toto sat on the deck, watching the stars appear one by one in the night sky. He held you close, his arm around your shoulders. "Thank you for today," he said softly.

"Thank you," you replied, leaning into him. "For everything."

You stayed like that for a long time, savouring the peace and the love that surrounded you. The gentle lapping of the waves against the yacht, the distant sound of the sea, and the warmth of Toto's embrace made you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

[magics-neptunes-things]

One Love (6)

Hi guys :)

This is the new one for my Luna's serie. I hope you will enjoy it, please let me know what you thought about it :)

TW : Injury, blood, surgery.

(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) | (7) | (8)

It was a summer break. Everything is supposed to be fine; Lucy and Ona were supposed to be enjoying her holidays, but there is something bothering Lucy for days now. And it has nothing to do with the surgery she had some days ago for her knee and being able to play at least one more year. She was looking to be able to play at the next World Cup to be honest. Only Ona knew it because she didn’t say anything to someone else.

And Ona was taking so good care of her. She was even more gentle and caring than ever, even if her usual nature makes her be. Lucy has seriously started to ask herself if her girlfriend have the ability to read her mind. Because, sometimes, she just thinks about something and several seconds after, Ona is asking if she wants that precise thing. The first time she thought it was the hazard, but living with it constantly since days now, it’s a little bit scary.

Because of the surgery, she has an impressive amount of kiss, hugs and massages, which she really doesn’t mind. She doesn’t have the right to go swimming for now, but just sitting by the pool with her feet in it while looking at her girlfriend in the water is enough for her happiness.

That’s exactly what she was doing at this moment. Because of the surgery, they didn’t go to Menorca or another place, Lucy needs to rest and it was obvious that Ona wouldn’t let her do something stupid. When she comes to Lucy, Ona doesn’t take support on Lucy’s knees like she usually did. She put her arms on the edge of the swimming pool and let her cheek rest on one of her arms to look at her girlfriend.

“Are you alright?” Ona asks gently.

“I’m fine” Lucy responds, even if her mind was spiraling some seconds ago. “I’m a little hot maybe.”

“You’re always hot” Ona smirks.

Lucy snorts and look at the Spaniard getting out the pool. Coco and Narla are both laying somewhere in the garden in the shadow of a palm tree. It’s hot today, Lucy’s right.

“Where are you going?” Lucy asks while looking at Ona.

“Taking you something to drink. You have to stay hydrate, mi Vida.”

“Don’t go inside with your feet wet, you’re going to make marks on the floor.”

Ona mimics her while getting up, making Lucy laughs slightly. The English woman hit Ona’s thigh with her hand in a playful way in return. Ona could have let things like this, but just when Lucy turns back, the youngest leans over her to wring her long hair, dripping fresh water into Lucy’s back.

Lucy yelps, making jump the two dogs who should definitively be used to these kinds of fights.

“You’re so dead, Batlle.”

Ona giggles, running into the house. She loses time opening the door of the safety gate surrounding the pool, allowing Lucy time to get up. The dark-haired woman chases Ona inside and she’s sure that she almost heard Narla sighs before she lays down again.

“Your feet!” Lucy shout to Ona when the Spaniard reach the inside of the house and she sees footprints on the floor.

Of course, Ona slips. But, by a miracle-like reflex, Lucy managed to catch her before she bumped her head on the ground. The team would have been mad to learn that their player got a concussion while fooling around her house.

“Are you going to torture me with kisses?” Ona asks with a smirk, standing up again.

“No. More like I will torture you not kissing you.”

“What? Lucy you can’t do that!”

********

Several hours later, both of them are laying on one lounge chair. To apologize, Ona made Sangria and with some crisps it’s even better. Minding Lucy’s injured knee, Ona is still wrapped around Lucy. Who definitively kissed her several times despite her treats.

“We should make it one for when our parents met what do you think?”

Lucy immediately tenses up when Ona addresses the subject that has worried her terribly since several days. At first, she thought that’s it was great idea, her parents meeting Ona’s parents, her brothers getting along together with her nephew and her niece in the middle of all that. But now she’s scared as hell. What if something goes wrong? They don’t even speak the same language.

“No?”

Ona’s voice takes Lucy back in reality and she looks at her girlfriend with a fake smile.

“Yeah”

“What’s going on?”

Ona frowns slightly. Of course she realizes that something was on her girlfriend’s mind. She just doesn’t know what.

“Nothing, I’m just… What if our family don’t get along?”

Ona seems so surprised that Lucy almost regret having talked about her fears. At least they would have one to be optimistic about this diner.

“Why won’t they get along?” Ona asks.

“At first because they don’t talk the same language? I know that your brother can talk English and that you can translate if something’s needed to, but how the hell are they suppose to talk together?”

Lucy is agitated, Ona can tell. That means that her fears are real and Ona is talking with her most soothing voice when she answers.

“Like you said, our brothers get along well so it’s a pretty good start. I’m sure that your nephew and your niece will be a great entertainment if things are a little tense at first. But I don’t think it will be that way.”

Lucy hums, letting Ona’s stroke on her arm calm her a little bit.

“Plus, their sons get along well, but their daughters get along pretty well too”

Ona said smirking, kissing lovingly Lucy’s neck. It was another attempt to help Lucy to relax, but she feels the English woman’s body tense again.

“Oh my god. Are they like no sex before marriage or something?!”

Ona bursts of laughing this time, pushing a little on her arms to sit down and have a better look at Lucy. Hearing Ona’s high laugh makes Lucy smile and Ona is almost crying laughing when she talks again.

“Do you think they would have let me play football and will still talking to me if they were conservative or something? Have you seen me?” Ona giggles. “You are the first of my girlfriend they have met, but they knew I had others before you.”

Lucy grumbles this time, not really liking to hear about Ona’s past relationship, which she knows is totally hypocritical of her because Ona sees Keira almost every day. Without another word, she takes Ona against her again with authority.

Ona is still smiling about her girlfriend’s concern but put her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder again. She strokes softy Lucy’s bad knee and think a little before saying something else.

“Everything’s gonna be alright mi Vida. As long as your father don’t say that he supports Real Madrid, it’s going to be ok.”

“He better not” Lucy snorts.

********

Ona was right. Their family get along pretty well, their differences of language being erased by Lucy’s dad’s Portuguese and Ona’s mother’s basic English. She almost learn it only earing Lucy and Ona talking together but it was enough to have a great conversation with the Bronze.

“You are lucky to have two grandchildren already” Ona’s mom says at one time during the diner.

Alfred and Alzira were playing with Narla and Coco in the garden after the dessert. Ona and her brother Joan, sitting next to each other, exchange a glance. Lucy almost chock on her sangria, making Jorge smirks at her sister in front of him. Ona spat her girlfriend on her back. They already talked about having kids together, but that’s true that they never talk about it to their relatives.

“Yes, I am” answers Diane Bronze, smiling when the Batlle’s stay silence. “Maybe I’ll have more one day.”

“Oh, so you want a third?” Joan asks Jorge, ready to push her sister under the bus to save his ass.

“Nah, not at all” he laughs. “I love my children, but two is enough. Now that I can sleep at night again, no one will never take that away from me again.

“Two is good” Lucy mumbles, glancing at Ona from the corner of her eyes.

“Joan is older and with his girlfriend for longer” Ona points, not having missed her brother move. “It would make sense if he has kids first.”

Ona smirks when Joan try to crush her foot under the table and miss because she moves on her chair. The shift makes her closer to Lucy, who kind of mistake her girlfriend’s movement, thinking that Ona is looking for some physical touch. The Catalan woman really doesn’t mind when Lucy puts her hand on her lower back though.

They all are saved from this conversation by Narla barking when Coco tries to steel one of her rocks.

Later that night, when Ona’s family is back to Villassar de Mar and Lucy’s is in their room, Ona can’t stop to think about the conversation they had about children. She wants to have children with Lucy, but they both are professionals women footballers, being pregnant mean to have to stop for like nine months at best. Lucy said she wanted to carry a child first after she stops playing, but she wants to be able to play the next World Cup, in 2027. Won’t it be too far from now?

Lucy, who was checking that the doors were closed, fine her girlfriend standing up in front of the bay windows of their bedroom, lost in her thoughts. So lost that she doesn’t hear her coming. Ona jumps when Lucy takes her against her, her front glued against Ona’s back.

“What’s torturing your mind, Beautiful?” Lucy whispers.

“Nothing” Ona answers before turning in Lucy’s arms to cuddle against her. “Today was great.”

“It was” Lucy smiles softly.

Her concerns were useless and she’s very relieved to see that everyone had a great day. But she feels like her girlfriend is hiding something from her and she doesn’t really like it.

“I can hear your brain, Bonita.”

“Yeah? What are you hearing?” Ona smirks.

“That you are hiding heavy thoughts from me.”

“That’s an easy answer.”

Ona is smiling when she looks up at Lucy, who put a strand of Ona’s hair behind her ear. She doesn’t have to ask Ona to talk to her one more time, the Spaniard opening easily to her.

“I was thinking about the conversation from today, about children.”

“What about it?”

“You said that two children are good, were you saying that to stick with your brother or was it more for us?”

“Oh, for both of it” Lucy shrugs. “I think that two is a perfect number honestly. When you are three, I feel like there is always one who is away from the two others, look at my sister. I’m pretty sure that almost no one know that I have a sister.”

Ona nods, following Lucy in their bed when she takes her by the hand. She only has a brother herself and she’s not sure that she would have get along so well with him if she had another. Or a sister.

“Would you rather have boys or girls?” Ona asks with curiosity.

“I don’t really care. All I want is healthy children with the most beautiful girl in the world.”

“And here was I, thinking that you wanted to have children with me” Ona sighs dramatically.

Lucy pinches her ribs, making her squeak and trying to escape Lucy’s arms. But Lucy doesn’t let her, stopping her tickling only when she scared to wake the children up. When she stops, she was on top of Ona, her faces separated by only several centimeters.

“I love you, even if you are an idiot sometimes” Lucy whispers before kissing her.

“I love you too” Ona smiles softly. “But you can stop your kisses now, because there’s now way we are doing anything with your family around.”

“Oh, come on.”

********

Some days after that, the break is over, and the season is starting again. Lucy’s knee seems to be good enough for her to play without having a care to give for now, or at least more things to think about it. It’s a good news for both of them, Lucy being happy to be able to play like this and Ona seeing her girl being happy. With Mapi back from injury, they are almost always starting in the defense every match, unless some of them is being rested.

Their families went to the first game together, before the Bronze had to go back to England. It was noticed by the fans of course, but none of them is bothered by that by now. Ona and Lucy still chose to stay private but not secret, even if the video of them kissing in the crow of a football stadium went viral.

They are playing against Levante today and they went to Valence to play the game. After the training, when they are sitting on their cubby, Ona comes to Lucy before going in the tunnel.

“How’s your knee mi Vida?” Ona asks softly.

“I’m fine Princesa. Stop worrying, you’ll be older than me soon.”

Ona rolls her eyes but help her getting up anyway. They slowly follow the other in the tunnel, talking with Salma and Jana.

The game went great, Ona knows some of the players from the other team, but like always she putted her relationships on the back of her head for the game. It’s not the same after the game though, and the Catalan woman always enjoy catching up a little bit with her friends like this.

It’s ironically one of them who take Ona down, soon after the beginning of the second part. It was one fair challenge, until her opponent casually shoves her crampons into her ankle while walking on her foot.

Ona’s cry of pain is audible in all the stadium. Alexia is at her level when Ona grabs her foot in pain and the blonde saw Lucy coming straight for them. It was what Alexia thought, until Lucy passes right next to them and go right for the girl who hurt Ona.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” she shouts, pushing her hard.

Ona gets distracted from her bleeding ankle by the scene.

“Stop her, please” Ona whispers to Mariona, crouched beside her.

The Majorcan sights softly before getting up to stop the scene before Lucy get carted with red. It would already be a miracle if she doesn’t have a yellow.

“Lucy come on, breath” Mariona says a little harsher than Aitana who were actually trying to stop Lucy.

The English woman glares at Mariona, but she doesn’t seem impressed by it.

“She could have broken her ankle!”

“I know but she doesn’t. Your girlfriend is currently getting treated, so maybe you want to check on her before the game starts again no?”

Lucy sighs, rolls her eyes to the referee when she shows her a yellow card but jog to find her girlfriend. Ona’s sock is red with blood and Lucy grimaces when she saw that the team needed to cut it with a scissor to take it off.

Alexia sends her a disapproval look when she crouched next to Ona. The Spaniard is laying on her back, one arm on her face while one of them team medic is currently stitching her wounds.

“Hey” Lucy says softy, removing Ona’s arm from her face. “You’re ok?”

“Yeah” Ona answers, without loosening her jaw. “Did you get a yellow or a red?”

“Yellow” Lucy answers absent-mindedly, looking at her girlfriend’s injury. “Will you be able to play after that?”

“She won’t” one nurse answers for her.

Ona pouts and Lucy squeeze her hand. Thanks god, even if she has several stitches, it doesn’t seem to be a bad injury. Lucy looks up when she hears her name being called. The game is about to start again. And, even if she doesn’t want to, Lucy has to be back.

Not being subbed until the end of the game, Lucy had to watch Ona getting out of her view to received other care and maybe painkiller. She doesn’t reappear until the 92nd minute, some seconds before the referee whistles the end of the game.

When Ona came back on the pitch with crutches, Lucy feels her heart tightens a little bit. She made her way to Ona, passing a protective arm around her shoulder.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. I got six stitches though.”

“If Mariona didn’t stop me, she will have got six stitches too” Lucy grumbles.

“Even if it was hot, I’m glad she stops you. I was the one sending her, to be honest.”

Lucy pouts but doesn’t have time to answer anything, other people coming to check on Ona. Staying next to her like a bodyguard, Lucy glares so hard to the girl who hurts Ona that she didn’t come to excuse herself one more time. At some point, she passes her arm around Ona waist to help her staying up. And when it was time to go to the changing room, Lucy doesn’t hesitate one second to take her girlfriend in her arms to carry her inside, in a bride style.

Ona took good care of her during the summer, it’s her turn now.

[leoni-thekingteam]

I don’t know what possibility I’d find funnier. Marc and Alex being too codependent at the grand ages of 28 and 31 to seperate even for a vacation, so them making their girlfriends go on a couples holiday all together. Or Alex tagging on to Marc and Gemma to Menorca by himself… brothers™️

[allthegeopolitics]

Thousands took to the streets in the Balearic Islands to protest against mass tourism and overcrowding this weekend. Demonstrators marched through Menorca and Mallorca on Saturday (Jun 8) in the latest protests over tourist "massification" across Spain's island regions. While tourism accounts for around 45% of the Balearic Islands' gross domestic product, according to data from industry organisation Exceltur, demonstrators say holiday rentals are pricing locals out.

Continue Reading

[menorca-sir20]

Punta de Talis

by sir20 for menorca-sir20

[useless-catalanfacts]

This sweet bread is called coca de Reis or coca de confits. It’s a brioche whose main ingredient is butter, and decorated with little colourful sweets made of sugar flavoured with anise.

In Menorca (Balearic Islands), on the night of the Three Wise Men (from 5th to 6th of January), it’s traditional that families leave 4 coques: one for each one of the Three Kings and one for the page boy.

On the morning of Three Wise Men’s Day (6th of January), children eat coca dipping it in hot chocolate for breakfast.

Photos by foodiesonmenorca.com (1, 2).

[jackbatchelor3]

Throwback Thursday to Menorca seven years ago today.

Mi vacación en Menorca, hace siete años hoy.

🏝️⛱️⛵️

[heartstopper-tword]

Prompt #33 for N & C ler/lee please

A/N: hi anon! ty for the prompt :) hope you enjoy!

if you want to send me prompts to my inbox you can find the list here!

Prompt #33: "Oh? You want me to tickle you that badly?"

Missing You Making Me Laugh

Two weeks away from each other was enough.

Charlie had known Nick was going on holiday with his family well in advance. Nick had told him about his family's tradition of traveling to Menorca every year to get together with the rest of his extended family, and how one day he wanted to take Charlie with him. Even a few hours apart from one another at school was agonizing for the both of them in general, so two weeks in different countries was absolute hell.

Luckily, Nick had kept his promise of calling Charlie every night to talk to him, checking in on his mental health back home and updating him about his cousins' antics around the vacation house. He'd send him pictures of the dogs together, him and other relatives, and so on, but Charlie still felt lonely without the older boy next to him.

He wasn't afraid to let his boyfriend know how he felt when he'd call, and every time Nick would answer with, "I know, I miss you too. It's only a few more days and I'll be back." Then he'd give him that classic, charming Nick Nelson smile that always stole Charlie's heart.

It wasn't just Nick's company Charlie was missing. It was something else. Something that made Charlie blush whenever he thought about it, giddiness and nerves overtaking him on the inside.

Charlie was known by his friends to be extremely ticklish. He, Tao, Elle, and Isaac had had their fair share of tickle fights and ambushes, and for as long as he could remember, Charlie very nearly was always being ganged up on. He couldn't help it, of course. He'd always been a walking tickle spot since he was little, Tori taking advantage of it as her duty of being the older sibling. It was something he'd tried and obviously had failed at hiding from Nick once they began dating, more out of embarrassment than anything.

When Nick had figured out Charlie's ticklishness, he'd gushed about how adorable he found it and that it just added to one of the things he loved best about him.

Charlie had been extremely embarrassed at first, but slowly became comfortable with the fact that Nick wasn't weirded out by him. In fact, Nick tickled him at almost every chance he got, almost anywhere they were. It made Charlie feel overjoyed by the fact that someone wasn't afraid to be physically affectionate with him, even if it meant being at the receiving end of it all.

But now, Charlie almost felt starved by this absence. He didn't have Nick whispering teases into his ear as he held him close against his chest. He didn't have him chasing him around his house and cornering him before tickling him into hysterics. He missed Nick's goofy self whenever he got into his moods, and he wanted it more than anything. And he needed that now.

He was currently sitting at his desk in his bedroom, on one of his daily calls with his boyfriend. The sun was setting through the window, and Charlie knew he didn't have much time until he needed to get ready to head off to bed. He could hear Nick talking about his afternoon, helping to babysit the younger of his cousins, but he wasn't truly listening. His thoughts kept going to that one specific thing he had on his mind all day.

"Charlie?" On the screen, Nick's face was filled with concern, his head tilted slightly. "What's wrong? You look all flushed."

Charlie cleared his throat, "I-I'm fine." Then as an afterthought, "Sorry."

"No," Nick shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "No S-words from you, sir. I thought we banned that word for good."

Charlie bit his lip, his heart racing in his chest. "Oh yeah, I forgot. Sorry."

Nick wasn't oblivious. He could see the beginning of that cheeky smirk even through the screen of his phone.

"Charles Francis Spring," He said slowly, causing Charlie to shiver in his chair, "Are you purposely trying to rile me up right now?"

Charlie felt like his whole being was on fire from how hard he was blushing. Even through the phone screen he couldn't look Nick in the eye.

"Talk to me. What are you thinking in that pretty little head of yours?"

"I-I-" the younger swallowed, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He knew Nick had caught on to what he wanted. Of course he had. Nick could read Charlie like an open book. It felt like he was right there in his bedroom with him.

"Is there something you want from me?" Nick couldn't help his own smirk from appearing on his face, raising an eyebrow at his boyfriend teasingly.

"Stooop," Charlie whined, covering his face with his hands, a nervous giggle escaping his lips.

"I'm just asking a question!" Nick laughed, and Charlie shook his head, still hiding his face. After a moment of silence, Nick leaned in a little. "Charlieee..."

"Do I have to say it?" Charlie asked, finally peaking through his fingers at his boyfriend and trying not to combust.

"I'd love to hear it."

They kept their eyes locked with one another, both of them grinning like idiots. Finally, Charlie let out a long sigh, looking down at his hands.

"I- I want you to..." His voice was barely audible, and Nick chuckled as he trailed off. "What? I'm sorry, you want me to...?"

"You know what." Charlie said playfully exasperated, and Nick crossed his arms over his chest, remaining silent.

Charlie's leg was bouncing under his desk, and he let out another sigh, squirming in his seat. "Iwantyoutotickleme."

"Again?"

He rolled his eyes. "I want you to... tickle me."

"And it finally comes out." Nick leaned back again in his chair, looking at his boyfriend smugly.

"Shut up."

"Oh? You want me to tickle you that badly? You miss me teasing you and playing with you? You miss me making you laugh so hard you can barely breathe? You miss me making you all flustered to the point you can't speak in complete sentences?"

"Shut up!" Charlie squealed, closing his eyes as nervous giggles began pouring out of his mouth. He could almost feel the sensation of Nick poking at him playfully, and it was driving him nuts.

"Oh Char, just you wait until I get back. Because I miss it too. I've nearly gone insane without hearing your adorable laughter. I miss seeing you squirm underneath me. So as soon as I get home, you better be ready. We'll have to make sure my mum isn't home. She'll think I'm murdering you."

"Nicholas, I will hang up on you." Charlie threatened, though by the tone of his voice, Nick knew he wasn't serious. However, he decided to egg him on once more. "Go ahead. That'll just seal your fate even more."

"Ugh, stop!" Charlie grabbed his phone, both boys laughing at this point. "You're impossible!"

"Okay, okay." Nick raised his hands, finally relenting. "You're just too cute to not tease you."

Charlie scoffed, moving to his bed and falling onto his back, his phone raised above him. "You're a menace, you know that?"

"Oh, I know." Nick winked, and Charlie felt his heart flutter in his chest. "Anyways, I have to get going. My family's going to be eating dinner soon. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Okay." Charlie felt slightly disappointed. He always hated hanging up with Nick at the end of a call.

Nick must've sensed his change of moods, and his expression softened. "Only a few more days, mon amour." He whispered, and Charlie nodded.

"Only a few more days."

[thistlecatfics]

Dog Star in the Sun (200 words, wolfstar, G)

Two years after the war, Remus and Sirius go on holiday. It feels good.

Written on vacation as a challenge to write fluff <3

Read on ao3 or below the cut

The Azkaban chill never fully left him, but, with the sun shining on the Menorca beach, Sirius pretends otherwise. Tomorrow, Remus will rub the aloe-mugwort salve on his body to undo the damage, but today the hot Mediterranean sun burns the prison out of Sirius’s bones. 

A child’s happy yelp down the beach interrupts the steady alterations of rumbling waves and the hiss of water pulling away from sand, called by the moon away from the shore. The scent of cigar smoke intermixes with salt spray and sunscreen. 

Here, the Black surname means nothing except to mark him as another British tourist, skinny and pale, though one who has even less sense of the conversion of pounds to pesetas and the introducing euro than most. Sirius is on the younger side of forty, but his weary bones could pass for a handsome fifty.

His moon-scarred lover lies asleep next to him, a paperback covering his face, ribs rising and falling. 

Remus stretches; his sandy toe brushes Sirius’s burnt calf with every breath, an insistent scratch against sensitive skin. It would be painful if it didn’t feel like love. 

Shoulders loosened. An exhale in the new millennium. Sirius lets himself rest.

[wosobronze]

Literally, they need to put a ring on it. I love their idea of a holiday together is just chill and fun. Kayaking in Menorca, cooking classes in Cuba

me too but they’re basically married already i don’t even think they need a ring at this point