#The Race of a Thousand Camels

[nakamorijuan]

bôa - Duvet Serial Experiments Lain - Opening Theme

[honeybleed]

state of dreaming ⋆ jean kirstein

content & warnings: fem!reader, modern au, unhealthy relationship dynamics, jean and reader are both seniors in high school, alcohol & drug usage, unhealthy relationship dynamics, no smut but suggestive

authors note: for @510hz's how to be a heartbreaker collab!! firstly, a massive thanks to ares @510hz for creating this collab and opportunity!! i love your works and you are awesome 💓

word count: 5.3k

There was one man who sticks out to you amongst your countless lovers. Jean Kirstein.

Your first impression of Jean? You honestly thought he was a loser. The way he was fawning over you was nothing short of pathetic.

He was a blushing, stuttering mess. He couldn't even form a coherent sentence when he took in your appearance.

And you absolutely revelled in that.

It was quite frankly amusing how little it could take to rile him up.

The straw that broke the camel's back soon came around. and jean flipped. You figure it was impending anyways.

He caused such a stint at a nightclub, tackling some man you were grinding on on the dance floor in the VIP section which he shoved dozens of burly security guards for that you both were trending for weeks.

You were a nepotism child, Jean was a little lower on the hierarchy. Still above others but his father worked for yours.

The incident had caused a major rift in Jean and his father's relationship. So much so, his mother had to sit with him and ask about the two of you's relationship.

Jean's parents were generally laidback.

As their son was in his adolescent years, they did their best not to suffocate him.

As long as he didn't get in trouble with the law, knock anybody up, and maintained good grades they didn't see any reason to be in his business.

When his mother first learned of his infatuation with you, she knew it was going to end in a train wreck.

You were a gorgeous girl. Absolutely no denying that.

Her mind went back to the summer evening in June when you and Jean first met and the two of you had somehow managed to slip out of the back when night fell.

Jean crashed blind drunk into the trashcans at dawn, causing such a ruckus, his parents had to plead with their elderly neighbourhood watch member not to call the cops.

At first, he was flat out refusing to attend the dinner party with his parents. To be sat with his father's boss, his wife and his parents sounded like the most boring thing on the planet.

But when he called up his best friend, Marco to hang out, Marco had pointed out that you were the Y/N.

"What? Am I supposed to know her or something?" He responded, harshly.

"Who doesn't know her?" Marco stated. "I’ll send you her account, then you'll rethink bailing on that dinner party."

Jean scoffed.

"Suuuure." He drawled out.

Jean's mouth fell open when he opened the Instagram profile Marco had shared with him.

"Jean, you still there?" Marco questioned as he was met with silence from the other end of the phone line.

Jean suddenly let out a yelp.

As his eyes fixated on the screen, your followers was damn near a hundred thousand. You were verified, but what had blown Jean away was how stunning you were.

In the pinned selfie, your manicured hand cradled your face and your eyes seemed to pierce through him despite it being through the screen. He felt a little ridiculous at the fact his pulse was racing at a mere selfie of all things.

"Jean man, if you go to her place please don't scare the girl. Be normal." Marco said, exasperatedly with a sigh.

"What?! I'm normal!" He exclaimed, Marco winced at the sudden rise in Jean's vocal pitch.

"Whatever. So? You going?-" The phone immediately went dead, cutting Marco off. His lips pursed together in annoyance.

He rubbed his temples.

As much as Marco admired and adored his best friend, he was worried you'd hurt the guy.

Jean had an inflated ego and viewed the world a little differently compared to a person who was in touch with reality.

He tended to take everything at face value, he was prone to outbursts and scathing words when he was humiliated, he talked down to people a lot if he deemed them unworthy compared to him.

With the things Marco had heard about you, your cattiness and his cockiness sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. Like water and oil.

Jean's mother stared at him in disbelief after he rushed to the living room to ask her if he could tag along.

"What?" She questioned, as she narrowed her eyes. "Why would you ask hours before? Honestly, Jean." She tutted, disapprovingly.

"Look, I'm sorry for being so last minute but I want to come along, seriously! I want to take the same career path as Dad so meeting his boss would help a lot." Jean stated, with a grin.

"Firstly, he is not your father's boss. Your father and he are colleagues." His mom corrected.

"Well, who has the bigger house?" Jean muttered under his breath.

"Sounds like somebody doesn't want to come along." She said, haughtily.

"I was just kidding!"

"You can come along under one condition. You will wear the outfit I bought you." She said.

The blood drained out of Jean’s face and his mouth went dry. He was going to be face to face with you in that middle school debate club get up?

Normally a dress shirt and pants seemed suave, but the one his mother had bought for him just made him look like a dork.

"Fine." He responded, clenching his jaw.

"That’s my Jeanbo." She gushed. "You're a real sweetheart.”

Later that evening, the three walked down the bricked pathway as they made their way to the grand estate.

The hedges and shrubs were immaculately kept, the lush green grass seemed to span as far as the eye could see up to the creamy white perimeter walls.

A member of staff, presumably the butler, guided them towards the lavish dining room where the two were sat. Jean visibly wilted when he noticed your absence. He had grovelled for nothing.

The staff guided Jean and his parents towards their seats after the adults all exchanged greetings and pleasantries.

The starter dish was brought to the table and discussions began, Jean eyed the doorway. He could not stand to listen to middle age drivel.

But at that very moment, you strolled in late. In a ridiculously short mini skirt that barely covered your behind and a cropped tank top that left little to the imagination causing him to perk up and stand up straight.

Your father chastised you, and made a comment underneath his breath about how you lived to humiliate him.

You simply rolled your eyes and strode to the table to plop yourself opposite Jean, giving him a vampy smile which Jean responded with a fierce blush upon his cheeks and a timid smile.

"Y/N, that is in no way, shape or form appropriate wear for guests. go get changed now." Your father said through gritted teeth.

You pulled a face and pretended you didn't hear what he said, which only aggravated him even more.

"Oh give her a break, honey." Your mother said, already tipsy from wine even though it was merely the beginning of the dinner. "She has the bod, why can't she flaunt it. You’re just like mommy, aren't you dear?" She cackled, sloshing the drink about. Causing your father to swallow thickly and purse his lips.

"Exactly, just like Mom said." You countered. You turned your attention on Jean once again. The dinner dragged on. The tension in the room was beyond thick, and Jean’s parents wanted nothing more for it to end so they could head home.

Jean hadn't even noticed how uncomfortable his parents were because he was trying everything in his power not to pop a boner at you stroking your foot up and down his calf with the same alluring gaze that reduced him to putty in your hands.

After the aptly named dinner from hell by your father ended, you dragged Jean away from both your parents presence.

As they all began to talk amongst themselves, Jean’s mother could see you coaxing Jean to follow after you in the corner of her eye.

It suddenly clicked, he had been pleading to tag along for you. She let it slide though, as abhorrent as she found your behaviour, she could see Jean was head over heels.

He’d have to learn the hard way.

You brought him to the patio deck of the estate, hand in hand then let him go as you sat on the staircase of the expansive patio. He stood right in front of you, struggling to make eye contact and gnawing on his bottom lip.

"You seem flustered." You said, smiling as you tilted your head.

"Yeah.." He laughed, awkwardly.

"Do you know me or something?" You questioned, cocking a brow.

"Just came across your page earlier.." He muttered as he rubbed his arm.

"You should've followed me!" You exclaimed.

"Oh please, you have thousands of followers! I know you would not have followed me back." He snarked, his nervousness fading away at the absurdity of your comment.

"Oh? You have a bit of a bite. That’s nice, I thought you were a total pushover for a second." You replied with a laugh.

Jean took your appearance in for a moment. He was now up close and personal with the same girl he was acting like a fool over. Your appearance fooled him, he had thought you were gentle but boy was he wrong.

You liked to toy with people, that's for sure.

"You wanna go out?" You asked, stretching your arms and arching your back after you sat up from the brick staircase.

"Huh? Like you wanna be my girlfriend?" He stuttered, eyes blown with alarm.

"No, silly! I wanna go to the club. You wanna come?"

"Oh." Jean faltered. "But I think my parents-"

"Jean, how old are you again?" You cut him off.

"...Eighteen." He responded.

"So why are you acting like you're twelve? If its such an issue I’m sure you can text them. So...are you in?"

"I...don't go clubbing...often." He said, trying to formulate the least embarrassing sentence. He had a feeling that any honesty he shared with you would result in mockery.

"Often? Oh, you're cute when you lie." You sauntered up to him, cupping the side of his face with your soft hand and twirled your forefinger around his small tufts of hair.

"If you don't club its okay, we can go clubbing all the time. Would you like that, Jean?" You asked, softly.

He had no idea why your statement sounded like he was selling his soul to the devil. But he nodded.

He hated how he seemed to lose his composure around you. but who could blame him? You had the sort of beauty that made passersby stop and stare.

"Good boy." you said as you ruffled his hair, then slipped your hand with his, interlacing fingers with his as you dragged him away.

As he followed after you, he came to a conclusion about you.

No didn't exist in your world.

The two of you sat in a cab, after you told the driver the address of a random block. Realisation sunk to Jean that you were probably planning on going clubbing regardless because of your outfit.

You had had no plans on staying in the house, whatsoever.

As the two of you got out of the cab, which was parked slightly away from the destination you had told him you had in mind, his eyebrows pinched together in confusion.

"Are you going to pay..?" He whispered.

"Pfft, no." You responded.

He gave you an incredulous stare.

"What? Why the hell not?!" He hissed.

You shrugged.

"I thought you were."

He attempted to repress his irritation as he fumbled for his wallet in his pockets. He handed the driver a twenty dollar note but the driver squinted at Jean.

"What…?"

"You must be out of your mind if you think i'm going to accept twenty dollars for all these miles." He spat. "Cough up some more."

In the corner of Jean’s eye, he could see you already pushing the car door open.

"Hey!" The driver called out as you yanked Jean by his arm out of the vehicle and rushed away.

"What are you doing?!" He exclaimed at the top of his lungs.

You ignored his yelling and tried to lose the driver amongst the stream of people in the streets.

People groaned and swore at you two for pushing and weaving past them but for you it made it all the more thrilling, whilst Jean was beyond mortified.

You finally arrived to the nightclub, and the queue seemed to wind down blocks. Jean observed all the club-goers who seemed to be in either the most revealing or avant-garde clothing he'd ever seen.

This definitely wasn't his crowd.

Despite the never ending line of people, you with your hand clamped around Jean’s wrist made your way all the way to the front were the bouncer stood.

Jean felt himself shrinking in his dress shoes as angry line standers began to hurl verbal abuse and get pushy.

Regardless you seemed to let it bounce off you and the bouncer immediately granted the both of you entrance.

"How'd you get in?" Jean asked, in astonishment.

"Let’s just say I’m reaaaal familiar with the owner." You snickered.

There was a smoke machine billowing grey clouds as well as lights flashing in all sorts of colours. Music, heavy with bass pulsated throughout as the dancers followed the beat.

You dragged Jean towards the dance floor. You weren't a stranger when it came to clubs, that was clear as day.

Jean was in the midst of a complete sensory overload. His eyes flitted towards you, with your hands in the air just completely lost in the music, Lungs feeling thick, he was suffocating.

He could handle parties, rowdy house parties but for some reason this nightclub was fast becoming his own interpretation of hell.

His stomach was churning, his heartbeat was racing so much so he could've sworn it was about to explode out of his chest.

Everybody seemed to be preoccupied with the music, the drinks, and groping each other on the dance floor, he felt as if he was out of his mind for reacting like this.

He immediately fled the club, pushing past dozens of people for what seemed like the umpteenth time tonight.

Jean used the last of his strength to push open the fire door exit as he stumbled out of the club.

It wouldn't be a task for him at all but the strong spirits he downed caused him to lose his balance and coordination.

He was drenched in sweat, the fabric was clinging to his skin uncomfortably. The dress shoes and shirt his mother had chosen for the dinner party was probably the last thing anybody would wear for a nightclub.

The cool night air was beyond a relief. The crispness seemed to expel his heightened senses.

He had opened the collar button but he was beyond feverish and sticky, he’d opened so much buttons up to his navel.

He knew he looked ridiculous. His head whipped around to the sound of the door opening and there you were, with that hell raiser grin upon your lips.

You looked pretty dishevelled too, but it made you look even more sexier to him.

Unbeknownst to him, you found him attractive in his unkempt state, but you decided with Jean, you were going to be unreadable and coy.

"What the hell was that?!" He stammered, pupils blown wide.

"Fun! It’s fun! What? Was it a little too much for Jeanbo?" You asked as you took two strides towards him, and pinched his cheek, hard.

"What the hell was fun about that?! It was so cramped and gross and-"

He paused from his rant when your scent began to travel up his nostrils. Powdery, floral and creamy, it was intoxicating, to say the least.

But when he took a more thorough glance at you, he could tell you were not there fully.

Pupils dilated, eyes glassed over and beyond twitchy.

His thoughts were cut off when you immediately yanked his collar down to meet your lips, giving him a frenzied kiss. It was sloppy. Teeth clashing and tongues sliding against each other.

He pulled away for air, but stared at you in disbelief. He was so confused at everything but the sensation of having you against him was addicting. His lips tingled and his head spun.

He leaned in again to kiss you but he was caught off guard abruptly when you kicked his shin, with such force he yelped out in pain.

He bent over and clutched his shin as he hissed.

"What the fuck was that for?!"

"I think you're forgetting, Jean. I make the rules. I do what I want, I make the move. You never do unless I say so." You said, an edge to your voice causing him to stare at you in horror.

Without warning, your hand reached out to grab a fistful of his hair and dragged him towards your neck.

"You ever given a hickey before?" You asked, voice hoarse from the rush of the pills you had taken.

He nodded against you as his face was buried into the skin of the juncture of your neck and shoulder.

"If you can make me moan pretty loud, I’ll give you the next move. Deal?"

"...Okay." He mumbled, as he began to gently suckle the warm flesh. His knee wedged between your inner thighs, his chest flush against your own.

Your body began to heat up, you were enjoying him, your eyes half lidded and your nails digging into his skin.

He pulled away, electrified at the sensations, swollen lips wet and parted.

"Well? What’s your next move?" You questioned, demandingly.

"Not in a dingy alley, that's for sure." He responded, voice low as his palm rested on the brick wall.

"You're no fun." You pouted.

"The smell of trash cans is a boner killer." He snorted.

He cleared his throat and buttoned up his shirt.

"Y/N...did you take something?" He asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Well duh. I always do, it enhances the club experience." You giggled. "Why? You want some?"

"No...I already feel sick from the shots." Jean muttered.

"You're adorable." You snorted.

"Dude...you look like shit. What, you barely got sleep?" Marco's voice dragged Jean out from his trance as he nearly dozed off in the diner.

He shot up from his slouching position.

"Huh?"

"What time did you sleep?" Marco questioned, eyebrows pinched together.

"Like seven in the morning."

"What the fuck? You coulda cancelled y'know!"

It was pretty much tradition for Jean and Marco to hang out at the diner every Saturday morning.

"My parents were on my ass after I came home at like 6, drunk as hell. I didn't wanna be in the house after the grilling."

"Well damn, why'd you come home so late? I thought you had dinner with them and Y/N L/N! Is she even hotter in person?" Marco asked, curious.

"That girl...seeing her will make your head spin, she's got a screw loose that's for sure. But it's kinda hot." He chuckled, besides himself.

The bell at the entrance of the diner rang, which made Jean wince slightly.

Jean’s eyes suddenly widened when he saw you make your way to the booth where he and Marco were sat.

You gave a small wave and slid right next to Marco.

"How did you know where I was?" Jean asked, aghast.

"Just phoned home. Hope you didn't tell tall tales about me, Jeanbo. Your mom wasn’t happy in the slightest when she found out who was at the end of the line." You cackled.

Marco stared at you, mouth hanging open.

"How rude of me, I’m-"

"I know who you are." Marco blurted out. "Not in like a creepy way but I know of you-"

Jean shook his head.

"Y/N, Marco. Marco, Y/N. There." He said, with an irritated tone as he made a hand gesture.

"Would you say you're a fan of me, Marco?" You asked with a grin.

Jean’s nose crinkled in disgust. Was this not the same teasing you did to him yesterday? Did you do this with any guy you met?

"Um...to be a fan of you, you'd have to do something so.." Marco trailed off, choosing his words carefully.

"I do things! You wouldn't get it." You huffed. "Maybe I should invite you to come with me and Jean."

"Who says I was coming to anything with you? Last night was my limit." Jean muttered underneath his breath.

"Is he always this cranky?" You asked Marco, causing Jean to pull a face, offended.

"He doesn't shy away from sarcasm I guess." Marco snorted. “But he’s just moody cos he hasn’t slept that’s all.”

"I’m having a birthday party soon, so it'd be cool if you came. I’d put you on the VIP list and everything." You stated.

"Is it gonna be at a nightclub again?" Jean sighed.

"Don't make that face, Jean! Just cos you had one crappy night doesn't mean you need to write off clubbing forever. I’m basically the host and the birthday girl at this one so you can stop your bitching." You said.

Jean side eyed you.

"Fine."

"Yay! I’ll text you the details." You said as you slid out of the leather seating.

"Where are you going?" Jean asked, confused.

"I wanted to see you real quick, you're welcome. It’s very hectic what with the preparations and all." You stated as you flipped your hair and put on your sunglasses. “I’m a busy girl!”

"Y/N wait!" Jean called out as he followed after you out of the diner.

"Jean, I’m flattered but can you wait another time? To say my schedule is jam packed would be an understatement." You replied.

Jean swallowed thickly as he took a step forward to meet your gaze, despite it not working as much as he'd hoped since it was blocked by the tinted lenses.

"Y/N...what are we?" Jean asked, eyes stormy. "I’ve had girlfriends in the past but...this is so confusing."

You patted his head.

"We’re two young people having fun, Jeanbo! No labels, no problems. I thought you boys hate a clingy girl." You remarked.

"But...I don't want that. I want you to be mine."

"Join the queue, Jean." You sighed as you waved a hand in his face and headed towards your taxi, leaving his jaw slack.

Weeks passed.

To the naked eye, you and Jean seemed inseparable. His father dismissed it as young love but his mother noticed things weren't exactly green on the other side for her son.

He just wasn't the same. His time was occupied with you. She viewed you as an energy vampire.

Jean laid on your bed, staring at the ceiling. Under regular circumstances, a guy would be over the moon to be in his "girlfriend's" bedroom.

However, that wasn't the case. Firstly, you and Jean despite regularly engaging in intimate acts weren't a couple at all. And it deeply bothered him.

Maybe it was because it was you calling the shots.

"You’ve barely said a word since you've got here." You snorted as you observed his pensive look. You took a seat on the side of your queen bed and placed your elbow on one of the hot pink cushions. "What's up?"

"What, you expect me to entertain you or something?" He spat, voice laced with venom.

"Jean, if you're going to through a bitch fit over something why would you even come over?" You groaned, moving away.

God, you frustrated him.

"For your information, I’m throwing a bitch fit because now I go to school and everybody thinks i'm some sort of cuck!" He yelled out.

"…What?" You snorted, in disbelief.

He averted his gaze as his bottom lip began to tremble.

"What kind of a man am I if you're just sleeping around with any guy, huh?" He protested.

"What the hell...okay, since when did I place a lock on you? You can sleep with or date anybody else you want to, you know."

"I’ve told you Y/N, time and time again, all I want is you. Why can't you give us a chance?!"

Damn it, you almost felt bad. The way his light brown eyes were glossed over with tears, how defeated his voice was. But you refused to falter.

There was a part of you that enjoyed seeing how desperate he was. You crawled onto the bed and settled beside him.

"Why would they call you cuck unless you were going around claiming me?" You barked. "And why are you getting offended when the only touch most boys in your school receive is from themselves."

He hated how funny you were at times. At this moment.

"What can I do to make you mine? Is there some ritual?" He asked, with a half smile.

"I just...don't wanna commit to anybody! I like things my way." You responded.

He let out a groan.

"There's no getting through to you, is there?" He sighed.

This conversation wasn't going anywhere, so he did the one thing you did respond to. He placed his hand on your bare thigh, and began to trail upwards towards your panties.

He pressed soft kisses across your bare shoulder.

"Oh?" You remarked, with a snicker. "What changed?"

"No use." He muttered.

You wanted to get offended and argue back but it seemed as if Jean accepted what you had tried to drill in his head.

Still massaging your inner thigh, he tilted your head for better access to meet your lips in a slow, chaste kiss.

He pulled away to take a look at you and catch his breath.

"God, you're unreal." He said in a low voice.

It wasn't a groundbreaking, poetic line but it reduced your insides to mush all the same.

You ran your hands to settle on his back, causing him to groan against your mouth and press his hips against your own.

His weight on you and friction against your core made your mind with hazy with lust as your back arched into him and you let out a soft moan of your own.

"Do you know how crazy you drive me?" He whispered.

His hand reached down to hike your leg around his waist and grind into you.

"Why I want you to be mine? I just can't get enough of you."

"...Jean." You said softly.

"Even the way you say my name drives me up the wall."

The two of you are still fully clothed, rutting against each other as your mouths are attached. your tongue sliding against Jean's.

It was a blissful experience.

It should be something so lewd however there was always this gentle lovingness Jean graced you with.

His words, how he would interlace his fingers with your own. how every now and then, he'd pull away to cradle the side of your face and admire your features. your heart would almost burst out.

In your mind, you didn't deserve it at all.

Tonight should be your night.

Surrounded by dozens of people who claim to be your friends, dressed in the most glamorous diamond corset dress that makes you look like a 1950s hollywood starlet, hair past your shoulders.

Yet at this moment in time, you were at your lowest.

People around you were downing all the alcoholic beverages in sight and tucking into the cake that had been crafted by the most sought out baker on the globe and it hadn't moved you.

Mainly because Jean isn't here. and Jean isn't here because ever since that conversation happened about commitment, he'd been distant and cold.

There was no way in hell you were going to beg for a man to come to your party, especially considering that it was the talk of the town.

He could go to hell for all you cared.

But not really.

"I’ve never seen a more depressed birthday girl!" Your friend from school Anita (very liberal use of the term since in reality you despised her and you were sure the feeling was mutual) cried out.

Your eyes slitted at her statement.

"You're a right pill head, y'know. You couldn't wait until a few hours later?" She questioned.

"Do you have my shit or not?" You said, curtly. not in the mood to humor her.

She slipped the small zipper bag into your hand.

"Enjoy, try not to OD and all. I pride myself on customer service." She stated, as she slinked off onto the dance floor.

You headed to the bathroom.

It was depressing that you couldn't exactly enjoy things any longer because of your particular vice.

But if it got rid of the crippling birthday blues, why the hell not?

Once you were finished, you spotted a familiar face looking slightly bewildered.

"Marco, you came!" You cried out happily as you threw your arms around him. He let out a huff at the way you launched yourself onto him but gave you a pat on the back all the same.

"Yeah, I was here earlier but the line was crazy and they seemed to be searching folks." He stated as he rubbed the back of his head and brandished a gift bag.

"Is Jean coming?"

Marco's brows pinched together.

"Coming? He’s been here the entire time? Did he cut n run or what?"

Your eyes widened.

Did Jean see you shamelessly dancing on every and any guy? Was he stood somewhere brooding and giving you evils?

Suddenly, there was a commotion towards the left side of the club with gasps and yelling. People clamouring around to get a good view of what was taking place.

"What the fuck is your problem, man?" Random dude number #5 or #6 who you remember your ass was against bellowed out.

"Why'd you have your hands on her, huh?!" Jean called out. "Thirsty much?"

"Give me a break, if she was your quote on quote girlfriend why is she dancing on anybody like a total slut?!" He barked.

Everybody gasped at the statement.

"What the hell did you just call me?!" You shrieked out. All of a sudden, you could see Jean grabbing a heavy bottle from the ice bucket and swinging it towards the man's head.

"JEAN!" You screeched at the top of your lungs.

It missed, shattering into pieces everywhere and amping up the situation a million times more as everybody began to panic and scream.

Despite the shards of glass, you rushed towards the two.

The security guards shoved people aside to reach and pull the two men away from each other, but the guy had tackled Jean and was punching him relentlessly. blood spurted out of Jean’s nostrils.

The guy had an NFL player's build and it didn't help that Jean was already woozy from drinking. The two were eventually separated, Jean’s head was ringing again.

You crouched down beside Jean to help him up, but he was seeing red. Hs instantly recoiled from your touch and pushed you away causing you to stumble slightly.

"Don't touch me, Y/N. I’m dead serious!" He fumed.

"What?! What the hell did i do?!" You screeched as you stomped your foot.

He stomped off somewhere, leaving your head spinning.

"Jean!" Marco called out, pulling an apologetic look at you and chased after his best friend.

Soon enough the commotion was beginning to die down as the crowds dispersed.

Jean was sat on the kerb side, nursing his swollen left black eye with a makeshift icepack the bartender had created, a putrid smelling rag and ice cubes from the champagne bucket.

His heart was still pumping and his head was dizzy from the altercation. His brows pinched in frustration. he told Marco to go home, which he obliged since he knew his friend needed alone time.

Speak of the devil, you strode towards him pushing through the people and plopped yourself beside him on the kerbside.

Your palms rested on the gravel as if you were lounging in the sun.

He turned to look at you, with his one unaffected eye. you seemed to be smiling gleefully, almost enjoying what had unfolded back there.

A lump formed in his throat, and ached.

You looked so beautiful to him right now, the reds and blues of the sirens illuminating your features, the dazzling smile he'd become accustomed to that would make his heart soar.

But it lacked warmth and compassion.

You didn't care about him. You didn't care about him the way he cared about you.

"We're trending on Twitter." You snickered, breaking his train of thought. "Guess you weren't a match for him."

He knew you meant it as a joke. But it broke him all the same. The lone sentence summed up your relationship. He was never a match to anybody in your eyes.

He said your name, voice beyond defeated.

"Yeah?" You responded.

"I don't want to see you anymore."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" You asked, taken aback.

"This was.." He struggled to find the right words. it was just so hard when he was so broken. "This was a mistake."

He stood up from the kerb as he looked at you.

"And this was never going to work." He stated, walking away.

author’s note again: if you read this far, thank you for reading!! ❤️ also i know marilyn monroe (which the song state of dreaming is about) was said to have been a sweet and kind person but the reader is not. i wrote a LOT so i had to split it into two parts. the first part doesn't seem to match the synopsis however i wanted to lay a foundation for the reader and jean's relationship so i guarantee part two will corroborate with it!! the second part will also have a time skip so jean and the reader will be in their mid twenties once again, thank you for reading! likes, reblogs and comments are always appreciated <3

[sunshinetemptress93]

Welcome to Just This Once: when Harry and Jade reconnect after spending four years and thousands of miles apart on the most special night of their best friends lives.

There is smut of course.

Hope you enjoy!💋

—————————

Thursday June 2nd

I swear to god, if this cab driver gets turned around one more time I'm going to lose my shit. He's been driving in circles for over an hour, completely lost and getting more and more frustrated. I didn't want to be even more late to this gathering than I already am. I called Tatiana and Niall letting them know my driver was a complete dipshit and I'd be there as soon as possible.

The car turns sharply into a parking lot and comes to a halt. Huffing out of my nose, I pipe up. "Um sir. Do you need me to pull up a map?"

"No, no I've got it." I waves me off and reverses the vehicle, turning left back down the way we came. I sigh heavily, and his eyes glance at me in the mirror, so I shrink down in my seat.

I could've walked from the airport and gotten to the resort faster.

After about 15 minutes, the car pulls down a winding dirt drive. The old oak trees creek as a wind gust whips through the area, the mix of freshly fallen rain and salty air hits me and I grin staring out the open window. Tatiana picked the best venue for a weekend away to celebrate her and Niall's big day: an all expenses paid resort with room and board for all of their guests. It was an exciting day, but nerve racking as well. The closer we got to the hotel, the more nervous I became to see him. "We're here. So sorry for the delay! I haven't driven over here much."

Passing him some money for the fair, I shake my head. "Don't sweat it. Thank you!" Of course I was beyond pissed I was an hour late, but I don't have it in me to take it out on him. I'm a bit of a passive person when it comes to confrontation, and quite honestly I didn't have the energy. The trip was long and I was not about to use up the last bit of energy I had on being upset, but in being the best maid of honor for my best friend.

Grabbing my suitcase from the trunk, the driver gives me a nod and sets it down on the cobblestone driveway. I wave politely as he pulls away, still trying to stall some. I turn and make my way up the brick stairs to the front door, heart racing and palms sweating. I knew that I'd see him, especially since he's the best man, but now that this day is here, I was beginning to panic.

But no matter how this reunion goes, I was going to make sure I enjoyed every minute of this trip. I never take time for myself, let alone take an actual vacation. Working as much as I do is how I was even able to afford this trip, so it was going to be amazing regardless.

I bet it'll be fine, right? We don't hate each other, and I mean we're Facebook friends, so maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Following signs that the one and only Tatiana hand made for this weekend, I end up back outside underneath a cabana adjacent to a massive pool.

"Jade!" Her voice sings through the chatter of about 50 people clustered around with drinks in their hands. Dropping the handle of my suit case, I race over to her, colliding into a heart wrenching hug. I could tell that she'd already started crying, which brings my own tears to my eyes. It's been so long since I'd seen Tatiana, a year to be exact. Ever since I'd moved to Northern California for a teaching job, it's been damn near impossible to make time to fly back out east to see her. She opted out of a bachelorette party to save money, understanding 100% that not everyone has the time or finances to disappear for a weekend getting shit faced.

Pulling back, fresh tears in her eyes, she kisses my cheek. "I'm so glad you made it in one piece!"

Taking her in, she looked absolutely breathtaking. She really went all out with the whole bridal vibe, dressed in the most adorable white feather crop top and high waisted trousers to match. I on the other hand had on a camel colored blazer, black body suit, and fucking jeans. "I'm so sorry I'm so late, the driver got lost and I'm fresh off a plane looking like a complete slob."

"Jade, stop it. You look amazing, don't even worry!" Linking her arm with my own, she walks me over to a group of people drinking and talking. I can see Niall cackling at something someone said, eyes crinkled so much you couldn't even see his gorgeous blue eyes. As we approach them, that all too familiar lock of curls comes into view. It's a bit longer now on the sides, and his shoulders looked broader. His shirt was quite colorful, covered in what looks to be food and condiments. Good to see he's still just as silly as ever.

He wasn't the same lanky 23 year old boy anymore, but a full grown man. My heart races the closer we get, so I chew on the inside of my cheek to calm my nerves. "Ni! Look who I finally found!" He turns, forest green locking with gray blue, and visibly stops breathing. I do my best not to stare and look past him, waving at Niall. "Hi loser."

"Jade! Finally!" Niall pushes past Harry and wraps me in a bear hug. "Thought you got murdered."

"Nope, just super lost." Niall pats the top of my head playfully. "Did you give the guy shite directions?"

"Hey!" I scoff. "I offered to help him, but he insisted he had it figured out." Shifting my eyes over, Harry's already fiddling with his rings.

"Well I'm glad you're here, wanna drink?" He asks.

"Mhm. Vodka cranberry?"

"Typical." Niall teases. "Babe, come with me and help." I go to protest, not wanting to be left alone with my ex so early on into this weekend, but Tatiana jumped at the chance. "Yeah! Uh I gotta go say hi to Grammy anyways." Tatiana takes Niall's hand and disappears into the crowd. Exhaling, I decide to go ahead and get this over with and center my body to face Harry for the first time in over four years apart.

"Hey there." He croaks. Harry's gaze does a once over of me, and the tiniest smile twitches at the corner of his lips.

"Hi there." His eyes meet mine again and he takes a step forward. "So do I get a hug or are we going to pretend we hate each other."

The stifled giggle comes out full fledged. "of course you idiot, come here." Wrapped in his embrace, he squeezes me tight. My heart stopped pounding the moment I pressed into his chest.

Harry and I may be exes, but we didn't end on bad terms. We just... wanted different things. He wanted to be married young and pop out a few kids, whereas I wanted adventure and no other responsibilities other than myself. We'd decided after college with him moving back to England to work in finance and I moving to California to teach, we parted ways. It was difficult, but we knew it was best. We were young and needed to figure out life on our own, and trying to force one to conform to what the other wanted would have broken us.

I'll always have love for him and I'd hoped he'd done well for himself over the last four years.

"So," I cleared my throat. "How have you been?"

"Good, good. Great actually." He answers quickly. His voice wavered, indicating he wasn't being truthful. Clearly things weren't good, good great and in typical Harry fashion he masks the truth with a broad dismissive answer.

I arch my brow at him, "Harry," he chews his lip nervously . "What."

I step closer, looking dead in his eyes. "You know I still know all your tells." He stares at me for a beat until his facade finally fades. Groaning, he throws his head back. "God dammit I forgot you can do that."

"Tell me, truthfully, how are you?"

Pushing his hands in his pockets, he sighs. "Well, I moved back about 6 months-"

"Oi! Styles move!" Niall's boisterous voice interrupts our conversation as he reaches around Harry's frame to hand me my vodka cranberry. "There ya go, love!"

Harry shoots daggers at his best friend, but Niall misses it completely. "Follow me, dinners being served." The two of us follow Niall to be seated by waiters dressed in all black suits at a long table overlooking the sunset over the ocean. Centerpieces filled with peonies, roses, gardenias and cosmos decorate the table top. Little tea candles placed in vases filled halfway with water illuminate everything in a soft glow, setting the perfect ambiance of romance and whimsy. Everything was so over the top and glamorous, very much a reflection of Tatiana's character.

To my surprise, I wasn't seated next to Harry. Tatiana always gave me shit for being nervous to see him again and swore up and down she'd have us seated next to one another the whole weekend and yet, I'm sat four seats down from him and on the opposite side.

Maybe she finally came to her senses that this was going to be a very strange weekend for the both of us.

Seeing him now though, all sense of insecurity and angst disappeared. He was my person for so long and breaking up really did do a number on me, but there was zero tension between us right now. Glances were exchanged throughout the meal, and each time the looks lasted longer than the one prior. We ate, we laughed, and told embarrassing stories of our two wonderful friends, it was a perfect night.

Once we'd finished eating, everyone began to disperse and retire to their prospective rooms. Before heading back inside, I catch Niall before he gets too far from me. Tapping his shoulder, he turns quickly. "Hey doll face."

"Hey, um." I looked around hoping no one was within earshot. "Is Harry ok? He said something about moving back?"

Niall's shoulders slump a tad. "Um yeah, he's been staying with us while he saves up for his own place."

My brows pinch, "did something happen?"

Niall stays silent, looking anywhere but my face.

"Did something happen in England?" I press.

"Let him tell you." Shutting down the conversation with that, I concede. "Okay, sorry. Just, he clammed up a bit earlier." I glance over my shoulder and see Harry seated with a few guys from college underneath a tree, laughing and hollering at one another.

"Look, I can tell you this. He's had a rough go, but he's doin' better. Just a delicate topic that's all. Let him come to you, yeah?"

"Ok. I will. See you tomorrow." I hug my dear friend and meander up the steps, glancing back once more and see Harry already watching me. I give him a wave with my fingers, and mouth goodnight and he does the same. The halls were empty and my room was immaculate. With a view of the garden below from the balcony, I couldn't wait to wake up with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise. Trying not to dwell too much, I shower and get ready for bed with a face mask and a poetry book. I wasn't sure how I was going to get Harry to tell me what happened while he was gone, but I just hope he's doing alright.

*****

Friday, June 3rd

With the sun high in the sky, I made myself comfortable on my hot pink beach towel laid out next to Tatiana's white one. Adorned in a wide brimmed straw hat with wifey stitched into it, Tatiana sprays tanning oil onto her already bronze skin. "Don't over do it, Tati. Don't wanna look like a lobster tomorrow for your big day."

Tatiana flips me off and closes the cap. "I'm fine, there's an umbrella."

Laid on my tummy and adjusting the baby blue string bikini top to cover me properly, I flip through my book and roll my eyes at her. "Yeah, for now. But in a few hours when you're three margaritas in, you'll end up out in the water burnt to a crisp."

A flip flop comes flying at me, hitting me in the butt. Rolling over, I see Tatiana leaning back on her hands smirking at me. "Talk shit again and the next one will be aimed at your face." I flick sand at her causing her to shriek. "You know I'm right." I deadpan.

"Fuck off, i know." She utters.

Turning my attention back to my book, I immerse myself into the world of rupi kaur. But it doesn't last long. The men were playing sand volleyball right in front of us so that means it took no time at all for the ball to land right in front of me, sending sand flying into my face. Slamming my book shut, I sit up agitated. Before I can chastise whatever idiot let it get this far from the net, Harry stands before me golden brown and panting. "Sorry, Niall's a fucking idiot who got too drunk before hand." Harry squats down in front of me, bright yellow trunks pulling up over his thighs. My eyes hoan in on his tiger tattoo and my mouth begins to water.

Thankfully I have massive black sunglasses on, so he can't see me salivating over the ink on his skin.

"It's fine." I utter. "I'll sit back to avoid getting hit."

Harry grabs the ball shaking his head, "nah, stay comfortable. I'll make sure to block it next time." With a wink, Harry jogs back towards the rowdy group of boys hooping and hollering, wanting to continue the game.

I couldn't help but watch him the entire time, poetry book long forgotten now. His physique has changed quite a bit since we were together, and I gotta say I'm impressed. He'd spike the ball for a point, dive for a save, or jump serve with every ounce of strength he had, and every muscle contracted and rippled with each move. He just gets sexier with time. It didn't go unnoticed that his attention was half in the game and half on me while I sunbathed. His lips would roll into his mouth when he glanced over at me, especially when I needed to re-apply sunscreen.

Not that I needed to do it as often as I was, but this was a fun little game we were playing. Where's the harm in that, right?

He was doin' something to me too with the way his shorts stayed perfectly hiked up over his tattoo. Fuck head knows how much I loved that one, second to his butterfly on his abdomen. I'd kill to run my hands over it again, and with his newly formed six back it'd feel even-

"Earth to Jaaaade." Tati's voice snaps me out of my daze, "hey stop drooling over your ex and get in the water with me!"

"I wasn't drooling." I lie.

"Yeah, and I'm the queen of England."

"Isn't she dead?" I quip.

"Probably." She tuts. "You know he's single again." Gesturing her chin to Harry, I follow her line of sight to see Harry stretching his arms over his head, exposing his fern tattoos... god I hate him right now.

I sit up and cross my legs, turning to my friend. "Again?"

"Oh yeah." She confirms. "He had some girl back in England he was with for about two years. They got serious super fast, proposed and everything. Then, it all went to shit." Tatiana fans herself with her hat, and continues. "She ran off with some yoga instructor from France. Called off the whole thing."

"Wow, that's fucked." I look back at Harry who's now wrestling with another guy for the ball. He looked like he was living his best life you'd never know he was probably still hurting inside. "Niall said he's staying with you guys."

"Mhm. But he's looking to buy a place in Boston to stay close to us. He really needed his friends." She proclaimed. "Ya know with you coming home, too, he could really use someone to talk to."

My heart drops. "Tati, no one knows about that but you." I scold. "Don't even think about telling-"

"Hey hey!" She raises her hands in defense. "And that's still the case. But if you wanted to tell someone... You've got the prime opportunity here. Now, I'm sweating like a whore in church and need to cool off. Are you coming?"

I place my book in my bag and brush off any excess sand from my body as I stand. "Yeah, yeah ok. I'm coming."

Taking my hand, Tatiana and I race towards the crashing waves, kicking up water with every step. Diving into a wave, I emerge feeling refreshed. The beach has always been my happy place, Tatiana's too. Ever since we were kids we spent as many hours out in the water as possible until our parents had to bribe us with ice cream to get us out.

Like a magnetic force, I feel eyes on me. Turning around facing the shore once more, there stood Harry mid game gawking at me. His tongue darts over his bottom lip until the ball slams right into his chest. Snapping him out of his daydream, he diverts his attention from me to the drunken angry men. "Oi!!! Winning point!" Profanities from his team could be heard over the crash of the waves around me.

"Looks like you just lost the game for him, missy." Tatiana teases.

Well worth it.

*****

Saturday June 4th

I'd never been one for weddings. But the entire day devoted to my longest friend and her adorable husband made me realize they were something truly special. Having divorced parents who despised one another made me very anti marriage, but Niall and Tatiana exude pure unconditional love, and the fact that they chose to share that love with us made my heart burst with joy. Watching my best friend make her way down the aisle brought tears to my eyes and I'm not too much of a crier.

She looked radiant.

With a strapless lace dress hugging her body, her golden skin shimmered in the setting sunlight.

Niall was a complete mess which I know none of us will ever let him live down. Watching Harry try and not laugh out loud while his best friend is sobbing was probably the highlight of the ceremony. The officiant spoke of everlasting love and thanked us for joining to witness the union of two people who loved each other so much that "they decided to get the government involved."

That got a good laugh outta everyone.

Tati proceeds with her vows, but I can't focus on anything other than Harry's deep green eyes watching my every move. The majority of the ceremony was spent shooting each other looks and smiles, winks and giggles. I was so worried about things being weird or hard this weekend, and they've been quite the opposite. It was easy to fall into a rhythm with him again. Very friendly, light and easy. After the beach, the wedding party went bowling together, then somehow ended up at a karaoke bar. The longer the night went on, the easier it was to be near him. Almost too easy.

Wrapping up the ceremony, Niall takes Tatiana into his arms and dips her into the sweetest giggle filled kiss.

"Please welcome for the first time, Mr. And Mrs. Niall and Tatiana Horan!"

Lavender seeds go flying from the crowd as the happy couple makes their way back down the aisle. Cheers, tears, and laughter erupt as we follow suit, the rest of the wedding party walk back down the aisle, and of course Harry and I are the first to go. We lead the way, arms linked, and I swear electricity shoots through me. His arm felt firm holding my own as I try and walk in my heels down the grassy path towards the reception hall. Harry glances down at me, smiling. "I wanted to tell you that you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, you clean up well."

"I do alright." Making our way to the bar, Harry orders himself a whiskey neat and me a vodka cranberry.

"So tell me, how's life." He asks leading me to the assigned tables. Glancing down I see his name card placed conveniently next to mine. I guess I'll let Tatiana get a kick outta this one thing.

Pulling out my chair, I take a seat. "Well I've been teaching fifth grade math in California. I really liked it. Worked for a good school district, great time off, the works." Sipping my drink, I knew I'd need liquid courage. "But..."

Leaning forward, Harry listens intently. "But?"

"Umm, my moms not well. So I'd decided to come back east to take care of her." Harry's hand gently holds mine, squeezing it slightly. "Jade, m'so sorry." Soft green glimmered a little less at the news. "It's ok, she's doing ok. But there will come a time she won't, so I decided to come back." The words struggle to come out, but Tatiana was right. I needed to be more open about what's going on in my life. I can find a teaching job anywhere, but I'd never get back any lost time with my mom.

Harry's lashes fluttered at my words, and he exhales. "For how long?"

Rubbing my thumb across his knuckles, I couldn't help but grin. "For good, my friend." Leaning back he toys with his half empty glass. "Friends, huh?" His jaw tightened as he watches me shift in my seat. "Yeah, friends." I confirm. "We always got along, so I think friends is what we are."

Darting his eyes across the room, he chuckles. "Mhm. If I recall, we were very good together."

I smack his knee, "Get your mind outta the gutter, Styles."

"But that's it's favorite place to be, especially when it comes to you, peach."

Chills cover my skin and my breath catches in my throat. His pet name for me slips from his lips like it was just part of his vocabulary. Like he said it every day. Eyes wide and not sure how to respond, I sip on my drink and turn away from him. "Did I unlock a memory?" He quips. Crossing my leg over the other, I ignore him.

We've been toying with one another all weekend, but now we're about to cross over that line that we may not want to cross.

He leans over and whispers in my ear, "doin' ok there? Do I still make you nervous?"

Rolling my lips into my mouth I squint at him. "What do you think? Like you said, we were always good together. In more ways than one."

One single finger grazes my bare knee, making me twitch. "Glad to know I still got it." He teases. His hand finds home on top of my knee, so I take another long sip. The lights dim while people mingle and dance, leaving the two of us alone at the table.

Bad idea.

I take another gulp when his hand travels up my leg further. My skin felt like it was on fire the higher his fingers danced along my skin. He watches my micro reactions to his touch as it traveled underneath my dress. He massaged the fleshy part of my thigh, making me feel like I was going to bust. I did my best to keep my composure, but when his middle finger grazed the front of my underwear, I audibly sigh. the room is dark enough and the tablecloth long enough that no one can tell what's going on underneath it. Steady circles are drawn around my bud, and I shoot him a look.

"Harry."

"Jade."

He didn't even look my way. Just slowed his pace, but continued once I looked away, adding pressure this time. I glance down and realize my drink is now empty and I was definitely going to need more alcohol if this is going to continue.

I gasp when his thumb slides behind the thin material, finally touching me properly. My eyes flutter shut, and I turn my face away to avoid making eye contact with any passerby in the room who has no clue what's happening. The lights now fully dimmed to darkness  aside from the spotlight on a set of double doors.

"Welcome for the first time! The Horans!" The room erupts into cheers and Harry's hand returns to its rightful place, clapping and cheering. Brushing off the newly found flustered feeling, I join in and stand, clapping and tearing up as the two most incredible people enter. The room dies down when their first dance song begins to play and I can't help but tear my eyes away from them and look at the crazy man sitting next to me. Harry shoots me a wink and slides his pointer finger past his lips, shaking me to the core. The action stole any words I had left in me.

Harry pops it out of his mouth and grins. "Mmm, still so sweet."

That was it for me.

I grip his suit jacket and pull him away towards the back door that backs up to the main part of the hotel.

He begins to slow his steps, causing my dramatic exit to halt. Coming to a complete stop, I turn and stare him down. "Harry, you're gonna get us in trouble." I tried to sound stern, but it's kinda hard when he got me all worked up. He steps up to me, tilting my chin with his knuckle. "Thought you liked it."

"I did. That's the problem." I stand firm.

"Didn't really seem like it was one five minutes ago. Come on, peach. You know I can take care of that little problem of yours." His voice was husky and low, only loud enough for me to hear him. I know jumping into bed with him right now is not the smartest idea, but I was aching and he could easily fix that for me, especially since it was his fault.

"Just this once?" I offer.

"Mhm."

Crashing my lips into his, Harry's hands cup my jaw. The kiss was rushed and needy, and exactly as I remembered him. It was a teeth clashing, heaving panting encounter that made my head spin. Pulling apart, we stare intensely at one another, silently contemplating what the fuck we are doing. "Jade. I...."

I let out a shaky breath as I bring my lips to his once more. "Just this once." I whisper.

"Fuck it." He groans.

We race into the hotel, scramble to get the elevator button while devouring one another, and stumble into an elderly couple exiting the doors. We apologize profusely until the metal doors shut and allow us to pick up where we left off.

Thankfully the elevator ride was short, and the hall was empty when we stepped off it. I refuse to let any obstacles interrupt us, and we'd have to make it quick before Tatiana notices we aren't there. Unlocking the door, Harry leads me into his hotel room. I walk around taking a peak at it, trying to calm the nerves. Harry was only a few steps behind me, placing his hand on my lower back and kisses my shoulder. "You sure about this?" I ask.

"Never been more sure of anything."

Unzipping the back of my dress, his lips ghost my sun kissed skin. Once at the nape of my neck, then twice atop my shoulder. His feather-like touch down my spine makes me shiver, and he chuckles. "Nice to know I remember what makes you tick."

"Do you remember how I-" suddenly his grip on my locks tightens and twists around once, then twice, pulling just hard enough where my neck leans back to look into his forest green lust filled eyes, "mmm like a little pain with your pleasure? Of course I do. Never forgot."

The thin straps of my cobalt blue midi dress slouch, exposing the top of my chest. Harry's hands gravitate to them, massaging them as I feel his lips suck the sensitive part right behind my ear. The tiniest of whimpers leave my lips when his thumbs begin to toy with my nipples over the material. He definitely remembers how to make my body do what he wants it to, and I will always remember what makes him tick too.

My hand reaches around his neck, lightly scratching his scalp just before I tug at the unruly locks. Harry gasps and sighs, "fuck, do that again."

Turning in his embrace, body flush with his, I shoot him a sly look. "Only if you say please."

"M'not sayin' please."

"Oh come on, you know you like to beg." My free hand slides down his pants, toying with the button. "I'll let you come in me if you say please."

When I tell you I'd never seen his expression go from sweet and boyish to animalistic and feral in 2.5 seconds, I mean it. Hooded eyes and bottom lip tucked between his bunny teeth, he groans. "Please do that again." Tugging harder this time, Harry's jaw clenched so hard I thought his teeth would crack. Hunger takes over him as his lips engulfs my own, tongues fighting for space in each others mouths. He was always one to dominate, that I knew well, but this time it was my turn.

Maybe something's do change.

Wasting not even a millisecond, his hands grip my hips, tugging my dress all the way up past my belly. I have to break from him to yank it all the way down my body, leaving me in nothing but a nude thong and heels. Harry's knees visibly go weak. "my god," he sits down on the edge of the bed. "You are more beautiful than I remember."

Taking a step towards him I kick off my heels one at a time as he palms himself over his dress pants. I couldn't help but feel powerful seeing him like this, sitting and waiting patiently like a good boy, all for me. I place my hands on his shoulder and dip my lips down to his ear, "Now did I say you could touch yourself?"

Pulling back, shock flashed in his eyes, "N-no, you didn't."

"Then wait." An idea flashes through my mind, so I proceed to unbutton his trousers, pulling them down to his ankles. Now left in a half buttoned dress shirt and black Calvin Klein briefs, I straddle his thigh right atop his tiger tattoo. Harry's arms wrap around my waist, holding me snug against his chest. Open mouth kisses litter my neck and my hips begin to roll back and forth.

He chuckles, "missed it, huh?"

I couldn't help but giggle. "You know it, babe." Panting harder and harder as I chase the high, Harry holds my thong to the side, making it far easier to get off. I know me on top of him like this is torture, but I needed this. All I could think about was his tattoo after we spent the whole day on the beach yesterday. He caught me staring a handful of times, and if I didn't know any better, he made sure to have his swim trunks kept bunched up enough for the tiger to be visible.

Well, fine by me.

"Had me thinkin' about it all fuckin day yesterday, you made sure of that didn't you." I chastised.

"Mhm, it's your weakness." His tone laced with arrogance made my heart jump. I always loved how cocky he was, and he's never been cocky in a disrespectful way, but more self assured. He always knew what he wanted and stood firm on what he brought to the table. And right know, I'm wondering why we never gave long distance a shot. He's carnal in the bedroom, but adoring and sweet all other times. No other man has giving me the best of both worlds, until Harry.

One last roll of my hips and the band in my belly snaps. Pure pleasure courses through my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, and I couldn't have been more satisfied. My moans mixed with happy laughter and tears of joy. I haven't had an orgasm that intense in years. Harry watches me unravel before him, and he looks fond of himself. "Didn't even let me touch you yet and look at ya, makin' a mess." His arms tighten as he picks me up and lays me onto the duvet. " filthy girl tonight."

Blissed out and dizzy, I simply nod.

I lay back with my eyes closed and head spinning when I hear the sound of Harry's pants hitting the hardwood floor.

I could feel the shift of the bed as he climbed over me, hovering inches from my face.

I could smell his tobacco vanille cologne engulf my nose. It smelled so much like home to me.

His lips connect with mine, tasting of red wine and spearmint.

I was in literal heaven once again. 

Soft lips travel down my throat and land on my sternum. Peeling open my eyes I see him nestled between my legs, making himself comfortable gazing longingly at me. "What's on your mind?" I ask.

He shrugs, "nothin'. Just taking this all in."

I couldn't stop the smile that creeped in, "me too." I peck his forehead, then his nose, lifting his chin I plant a kiss with a loud mwah! "Missed you."

"I've missed you, too, peach."

Harry's large hands graze my sides and land on my hips. "You still on the pill?"

"Of course."

"And you're sure you wanna do this?" He asks.

I roll my eyes and wrap my legs around his waist, "yes. Please, I want this."

"Just this once, okay?" He uttered.

"Just this once." I echo.

Discarding his briefs and my thong, we were chest to chest, flesh to flesh, once again after four long excruciating years apart. But it was as if no time had passed when his hips rolled into my slowly, how the familiar groan he makes when he fills me to the hilt rumbles inside his chest. No one has ever come close to him, and they probably never will.

"You ok?" He pants. I nod, "move, please." He pulls further out of me and rolls back in dangerously slow, eliciting quite a long moan out of me. He doesn't stop kissing me for even a second, and neither do I. It's like we wanted to drown in one another, one last time. Hitching my left leg up, Harry pulls back and anchors my ankle atop his shoulder. A devilish smile peers down at me, "Is no one takin' care of you properly?"

Before I could answer, a hard thrust forward knocks the wind out of my chest. He does it again, again, and again, the best combination of pain and pleasure. Feeling his hand grip around my neck, Harry leans over my body, changing the angle, "baby, I asked you a question."

"No, no one has. Not since you!" I cry.

"Tsk tsk. That's a damn shame." He tuts. "Don't you worry, peach, I'll get you there."

Dropping my leg abruptly, he leaves me empty and leans back on his knees. I sit up on my elbows, leering at him annoyed. "Ok, that right there is not-"

"Hush and turn around."

I sit up, wanting to push him a little and fold my arms over my chest. "And what if I didn't wanna turn around?"

Cocking his head to the side, he glares playfully at me. "When did you get so bratty?"

I shrug and move closer to him, now seated on my knees, eye to eye, soft green and icy blue, "ever since I had to fuck shit men since you. No one knows what I like. And right now, I don't feel like turning around. That ok with you?"  His eyes bounce between my own, mouth agape in surprise. "Anything you want." 

"Then lay back."

Before I knew it, we were at it again with me taking full control. Sinking down with minimal effort, his eyes roll to the back of his head. He did always enjoy me on top, glad that hasn't changed. No other man ever lets me ride them, and it was my favorite position. Harry on the other hand has always been considerate even though he prefers to be more in charge.

His hands guide my hips back and forth when my body becomes sweaty and tired. That all too familiar feeling at the base of my spine was creeping in, and from the flushed look on Harry's face underneath me, he was on the verge of coming undone as well. "Come here."

He orders, so I lean forward allowing him to take over. Every thrust that hits that sweet spot, the bubble expands, until it finally pops. "Fuck Harry, please do stop, I'm-". Words escape me as my body goes rigid, the bliss I felt was un-fucking-imaginable. It was like the never ending orgasm, and he fucked into me to make it last even longer.

"Fuck, Jade I can't hold it." he was breathless, panting uncontrollably as he released everything he had inside of me. Its been four years, and he still gives me the most satisfying orgasms.

His thrusts grow sloppy and ragid, dropping his knees flat. The energy now simmering down, I begin to sit up to get to the bathroom and take care of business. Harry cocks a brow and tightens his arms around me. "And where do you think you're going."

"Gotta take care of that." I gesture with a nod where he's still buried inside me.

"Nuh uh." Pulling out, he flips me over and buries his face between my legs. The sensitivity was so overwhelming it hurt, but I revelled it. Pleasure with pain. I couldn't help but watch intently as Harry devours every last bit of our climax. Almost forgot how good this feels. Eventually I had to push his face back to prevent a third orgasm from happening. I was far too tired for another.  Harry disconnects his lips from me, grinning like the greedy little shit he is. "Always so good."

Harry scurries over to the bathroom and grabs a damp towel, aiding me in the remainder of the cleanup. Once I'd made myself semi decent, I wrap myself in a sheet and pick up my discarded clothing. Looking at the clock, the reception was already halfway over.

Tatiana is going to kill me. I check my phone and see a message from her of nothing but emojis: a heart, a boy, a girl, and an eggplant.

Well, I guess we aren't in trouble after all.

I could feel Harry watching me from the doorway of the bathroom. Glancing up, I see his arms crossed over his broad chest and a saddened look in his eyes. "Hey, you ok?" I ask.

He nods quickly, "mhm."

"It may have been four years baby cakes, but I still know when you're fibbing."

I couldn't stop my eyes from rolling. "It may have been four years baby cakes, but I still know when you're fibbing."

Harry rubs the back of his neck nervously, "well, I don't know if this is appropriate… but. Do you wanna just… stay?" His shoulders looked tense, like he had been holding onto that question all night. Dropping my wadded dress, I walk over to him. I take his arms into my hands, forcing him to unfold them. "Harry, don't feel weird about asking me that. I'd rather stay here with you than sleep alone."

"Really?"

I shrug, "of course." Harry brings my hands to his lips and peppers my knuckles with a million kisses, his scruffy face tickling the sensitive skin. "I'm gonna shower then?" I prompt.

Harry guides me into the en suite, turns on the shower to the hottest possible temperature, and leaves me to do my business. I felt pretty guilty for a moment for running off and boning my ex during my best friend's wedding, but I know Tatiana is going to be dying for details tomorrow, totally overlooking that the best man and maid of honor disappeared before the cake was even cut.

Feeling squeaky clean, I find a t- shirt and pair of shorts folded nicely on the bathroom counter for me. He always takes such good care of me. Once I'd made myself decent, I wandered into the bedroom feeling completely wiped. Harry was nestled in a large armchair, flipping through a book, rubbing his tired eyes. Gravitating to him, I curl up next to him, wrapping myself around his torso. "M'so tired." I mumble. "Read to me?"

"You still love that, huh." He comments, holding me close.

"Of course." I answered. "It was one of my favorite things."

"And tomorrow, if you're lucky" Harry turns to kiss my forehead, "I'll order breakfast in bed, how's that sound?"

I hum and kiss his shoulder, "And maybe you'll wake up with your cock in my mouth, if you're lucky."

"What happened to just this once?" He added.

"We were never very good at following the rules, now where were we?"

[ammg-old2]

Behold Mongolia's Camel Beauty Contest

Humps and hair. That's the scene in Bulgan Soum, a tiny Mongolian town in the middle of the Gobi Desert about 160 miles north of the Chinese border.

Bactrian camels arrive in all directions on foot, bearing bundled-up riders wedged between their two humps. It's early March. While the sky is cloudless, the wind can pick up quickly. Officially called the Thousand Camel Festival, the crowd that arrives for the kickoff appears to consist of 100 camels.

The two-day festival begins with a camel beauty pageant.

"Mostly young people participate in the Beautiful Couple Contest. But we wanted to represent the older generation of herders," says lifelong herder Enkhbaatar Dashnyam. At 59, he and his wife, Dulamsuren Yunden, 47, have been herding all their lives. They rely on their animals as a form of transportation and sell products from their wool and milk.

The judges are looking for earmarks of tradition; contestants who wear herding decorations and utensils will have a better chance of winning. Both members of this husband and wife duo wear leather boots with upturned tips and fur hats. Enkhbaatar's belt is slung with an ornate knife and a silver bowl.

When visiting a herder, it's customary to be offered milk tea. "Since old times," he says holding a silver bowl, "Mongolians would carry their own cup."

Enkhbaatar and Dulamsuren will showcase two of their most gentle camels, Mashan Huren and Hos Yagaan. Translated, that means "floppy brown one" and "double pink." Their Chewbacca-colored hair, which hangs like a beard, is brushed. Their humps are draped in gold fringe. A harness is kept in place with a nose peg.

Bactrian camels were domesticated thousands of years ago to carry goods and people across Asia. Adapted for desert conditions, the camels can perform Olympic-like feats: carry over 400 pounds on long journeys, withstand 100-degree Fahrenheit summers and -20-degree winters and, when nourished, go without eating and drinking for weeks. Their humps act as fat reserves for energy.

The camels kneel down so Enkhbaatar and Dulamsuren can climb atop. They enter the festival grounds, a dusty square cleared of camels with spectators now packing the perimeter. Music swells over the loudspeaker. After a burst of applause, the pageant begins.

When it's their turn, the couple ride proudly across the square. The beards of their camels billow. Everyone is taking their picture, which matters more to the couple than winning. Enkhbaatar wants future generations — his grandchildren included — to have photographic proof of their lifestyle.

"Since no one lives forever, I wanted to leave our pictures behind for future generations and my descendants," he says, "so they can feel proud. That's what we were thinking when we decided to participate in this contest."

The judges don't announce the winners until the following day. But there's plenty to do at the Thousand Camel Festival until then. Herders sell fermented camel milk, alongside camel toys stitched from felt. Sporting events — like the camel polo tournament and camel race — continue into the afternoon. In 2016, the festival broke a mark recognized by the Guinness World Records for largest camel race. Over 1,100 camels crossed the finish line.

Why this regional craze for the two-humped creature? The origin story is intertwined with Mongolia's transition to democracy.

Under socialism, herding was centrally planned. Herders sold their animal products to the state. With the onset of capitalism in 1990, herders faced new pressures within the free-market economy. For some, their camels were worth more dead than alive.

"Camel herders couldn't get a good amount of money selling products from camel milk and wool," says 35-year-old festival organizer Ariunsanaa Narantuya.

Camel milk and wool wouldn't sell, but camel meat would. Some herders began slaughtering their camels. The festival was created a few years later, in 1997, by the newly formed Camel Protection Association — a local nongovernmental organization — to reverse that trend and protect the desert creature.

Bulgan Soum is now distinguished by its love and stewardship of Bactrian camels.

After the pageant, Dulamsuren tells NPR that she and her husband have 200 camels in their herd. The birthing season is coming. While most newborn camels make it, some don't or are stillborn. When that happens, she says, the mother camel will mourn.

"The mother camel literally weeps with tears in their eyes," Dulamsuren says. "The camel has a big body, but they have a very soft heart."

Dulamsuren has a song for moments like these, one herders have used for generations to soothe camels over heartbreak. The full practice of "camel coaxing," to unite mothers with calves, was captured in the 2003 German film, The Story of the Weeping Camel.

This bond — between herder and camel — is hard to put into words. But you know it when you see it, and the judges definitely noticed. The next day, Dulamsuren and her husband were declared the winners of the 2019 Camel Beauty Pageant.

[riarutherealizer]

I adore Bôa, they're one of those bands I can never get enough of. Jasmine's voice captured my heart right from the first track of The Race of a Thousand Camels, which was Fool. I can't really put my finger on it, but the emotions their music evokes in me are truly unique and always bring a smile to my face. I remember listening to Get There on my way to work and feeling so happy that I couldn't stop grinning.

Most of their songs feel like warm colors when I close my eyes and listen to them. It's hard to explain, but that's just how their music makes me feel. Their style reminds me of watching music channels on TV when I was little, and combined with SEL's aesthetic, it's like taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

I was feeling bored and decided to make a video trying to replicate one of those music channels showcasing some of my favorite Bôa tracks. It was a challenge since I find all of their songs to be lovely.

This was made in like an hour.

[amiharana]

Lmao what’s the lore of csmp

me personally i think it would be based off canon botw events with slight changes here and there, and i kinda like the idea of them using something similar to the origins mod from the originsmp? that way it honors their original races in the game, e.g. revali's character would be avian or elytrian, daruk could be blazeborn or shulker maybe, etc

the CSMP server is created when the champions decide to collab after love or host and play minecraft together with the intention of surpassing the dsmp LMFAODKJFHD zelda starts the server and invites everyone and it takes daruk 30 minutes to figure out how to add the server ip to his game and log in LOL. at this time, revali and link are already bickering and have already killed each other twice without weapons and only their fists, urbosa is trying to mediate, mipha has wandered off collecting flowers, and zelda starts building a house that will eventually come to be known as "hyrule castle" >:]

after daruk is able to get in the game, they eventually all deviate from each other building their own houses in different parts of the map that they designate as their own lands, e.g. urbosa finds a desert terrain and calls it the "gerudo desert", mipha lives on the beach near a vast ocean in the "zora's domain", daruk finds a mountain with multiple lava pockets that he calls "mountain of death" because he fell into the lava pockets multiple times, and revali, being the overachiever he is, terraforms an entire lake and adds multiple rock spires because he thinks it looks sick and calls it "rito rock" at first. he eventually adds his own village and brings villagers to it and then it becomes "rito village". link makes a house but he rarely ever comes home because he's already underground finding stacks of diamonds or is in the nether raiding bastions lol

the ender dragon is regarded as the calamity ganon and by default the wither=dark beast ganon? HAHAHAHA and zelda actually is super into making lore for the server (because she plays DND i just know it in her nerdy little heart), and she keeps going on and on about how the ender dragon has plagued the "land of hyrule" for thousands and thousands of years and the descendents of the builders (her and link) are destined to defeat it, with the rest of the champions assisting in the battle. revali does not like this part of the lore because he wants to play a bigger part, but he doesn't wanna beef with zelda because she's a huge streamer so he fights with link instead. revali is constantly challenging link to 1v1s at his rock spire but always taunts him like You don't even have a base to call your own! link usually ignores him though LOL

i'm not completely sure how to integrate the divine beasts into the csmp lore, but (and this is gonna be hashtag cursed if you know what i'm talking about) in the dsmp they had an era called the "pet wars" where everyone was killing each other's pets in the server for whatever reason? i swear to god i wasn't that much of a dsmp watcher i only cared about like. two people's lore max. anyways. i think the champions would tame pets and name them after their respective divine beasts. revali gets a parrot that he names medoh, mipha finds an axolotl that she names ruta, urbosa gets a camel named naboris, and link helps daruk get a fucking strider from the nether to name rudania 😭 zelda gets an allay she names terrako and link gets a wolf he names twilight :] the pets would be called the "divine beasts" and they are cherished very deeply by each champion, and they often threaten to kidnap each other's pets when they're mad at each other especially revali and link. it gets to the point where link and revali end up hitting each other's pets, and to prevent warring, zelda finds some plugin or mod to disable pet deaths, or at least pet resurrection (idk if this exists. it should tho)

each champion's land grows to be larger, they have more villages/villagers (especially zelda like come on castle town!), and the server of hyrule starts to really fill in! link's first home eventually gets blown up by a creeper and he can't be bothered to rebuild it because he doesn't really care about having a base. revali starts bickering with him being like What if you die? Where are you going to respawn? Where will you keep your valuables? (link is the person with the least amount of deaths surprisingly and it's because he keeps all his shit with him and his spawnpoint is at world spawn lol) so link is just like Ok if you're so keen on me having a base, then how about you let me borrow yours? and revali is appalled at the suggestion and they argue a little more until revali eventually gives in and lets link stay at rito village under certain conditions. (all of this is being streamed btw, most of the time so people are absolutely getting converted to revalinkism watching this). link ends up being a great asset for rito village, because he protects the villagers and helps level them up because he trades with them all the time, and absolutely annihilates at pillager raids. he also. makes huge automated farms and storage systems for him and revali, and revali is... impressed. link didn't even ask if he wanted that, he just made it and automatically shared the resources between him and revali like . wow. revalink are gonna get married in minecraft you guys it's part of the lore

i can't think of anymore CSMP other champion shenanigans off of the top of my head rn bc im sleepy now LOL but like. besides revalink lore, i definitely want to see urbosa & daruk shenanigans, zelpha lore, daruk and mipha lore, urbosa and mipha lore, and just all the shenanigans between all of the champions. now imagine champion descendent shenanigans. oh god it would be so chaotic. imagine teba constantly experiencing revali and link bickering and flirting and bantering and just being like 😐🏳️‍🌈❌

if i think of more ideas, i'll post them! i'm just brainempty from work but this au seriously has so much potential i wanna write it now 😭

[karakulialiny]

Phew! I didn’t think I’d make it in time.

You probably noticed I didn’t publish anything on Day 4. The thing is, in order to save time, I’ve decided sometimes to do one drawing for two days. It’s going to happen two more times in this event, I assure you.

So, context: Riju noticed that in the middle of the desert a giant creature like a camel stood up, and then a strong sandstorm rose. Trying to figure out what happened, she learns about the beasts created thousands of years ago, their posession by the malice, and the tears that will help them break free of the curse. Riju immediately goes in search of the necessary tear and meets a guy of her race and about her age, which genuinely surprised the girl. Then, in the course of conversations, it turned out that this guy is none other than Token Black — a boy from another dimension who four years ago (in my AU this is the gap between BotW and TotK) together with his friends tried to illegally enter her town and then saved it from Vah Naboris. Then Riju and Token returned to Gerudo Town where the guy got his turban, mask, goggles and kite board.

This is the direct sequel of my entry for Day 20 of Linktober 2022

{What is Hyrule Park}

{Previous drawing] [Next drawing}

[fantomcomics]

What’s Out This Week? 5/3

Free Comic Book Day is THIS WEEK!! 

The Amazing Camel Toe GN -  Claire Duplan

Constance, a modern, young illustrator, takes revenge for the thousands of attacks suffered daily by women with a comic of her own, titled The Amazing Camel Toe, celebrating the adventures of an anti-macho vigilante in tight, panther leggings: A hero who battles against sexism, harassment, slut-shaming, and unrealistic standards of beauty. A form of release that could materialize in a publishing deal for Constance... But in order for that to happen, the author, often full of doubt, must dare to assert herself more. Luckily, she's supported by her gang of girlfriends, her boyfriend, her favorite band, and not to mention Camel Toe herself: who says this comic-book bombshell can't exist in real life?

Ariel & The Curse Of The Sea Witches HC   

 This new kids graphic novel stars Princess Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid! Princess Ariel joins Prince Eric on his trip to the Arctic to oversee the construction of a new port. But when Ariel discovers that the project is endangering the coral reefs below-and the merfolk who live there-can she convince the team to stop work before the merfolk take matters into their own hands? This hardcover graphic novel contains exciting full-color comic panels, as well as pages taken from the princess's very own journals from their adventures.

The Art Of Haikyu!!: Endings And Beginnings HC -  Haruichi Furudate

The Art of Haikyu!! collects the dynamic and lush color art from the hit manga series, including chapter title pages, illustrations, bonus sketches, and more from creator Haruichi Furudate!

Astrobots #1 (of 5) -  Simon Furman, Hector Trunnec & Phillip Knott

Pathfinders, Pioneers...breaking new ground in the furthest reaches of the galaxy...they are - ASTROBOTS.

The clock is ticking for planet Earth and the race is on to find a new world capable of sustaining human life. New, sophisticated machine lifeforms called Astrobots are dispatched to scout far-flung worlds in the hope of crafting a new home. With food and raw materials running out and climate disasters escalating, the evacuation of the entire human population is the only slender hope remaining. On Colony World 1, a catastrophic power struggle forges a new - all-Astrobot - society, and presiding over this nascent civilization is Atlas, an evolved mech with a futureproof plan. A plan that does not include humankind.

Bandita: A Dominican Superhero GN -  Kayden Phoenix & Ari Navarette 

Bandita is the Dominican gunslinger from New York. When Bandita hears about a Broadway theatre gang taking advantage of the talent, she tryouts for them and lands a job as a custodian. There, she befriends Chyanne, the new lead singer, and learns all about the Cientificos abusive ways. On opening night, Bandita faces off against the boss of the Cientificos, Luna Loca.

Basil & Oregano TP -  Melissa Capriglione

Porta Bella Magiculinary Academy is the finest school for the art of cooking with magic, and Basil Eyres is determined to be the top student. On the first day of her senior year, Arabella Oregano, the daughter of a renowned chef, joins the academy for her senior year as well. The two are instantly smitten with each other, but Basil senses there's something Arabella is hiding from her. Still, the two work together to stand out from the class as the end of year culinary festival approaches. But when Arabella's secret is reveled, Basil is faced with the hardest decision of her life, which has the potential to throw her future aspirations in jeopardy.

Blood Of The Virgin HC -  Sammy Harkham

Set in and around 1971 in Los Angeles, Blood of the Virgin follows an immigrant film editor named Seymour who is desperate to make his own movies. Without money or clout, he has no choice but to spend his days slumming it for the worst and most exploitative production company in town. When Seymour is given the chance to make a film of his own, his unbending principles and relentless drive violently clash with an industry that rewards everything but these traits. As Seymour's blind ambition pushes the movie along, his home life grows increasingly fraught. Using the film's production as a means to spiral out into time and space, Harkham creates an epic novel that explores the intersection of parenthood, 20th-century America, sex, the immigrant experience, and the era of grindhouse movies. Like a kaleidoscope, Blood of the Virgin shifts and evolves with each frame, allowing the reader to zoom out and see that at its core, this book is about the making of a man.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Lost Summer One-Shot -  Casey Gilly, Lauren Knight & Mirka Andolfo

Spike is determined to keep the last copy of his embarrassing poetry from being discovered, sending Buffy and the Scooby Gang on a faux-supernatural goose chase to New Orleans to cover his tracks. At an antiques fair, the group is fascinated by The Casquette Girls' clothes on display. When Dawn utters a wish she most likely should have kept to herself, the gang gains a firsthand account of the sisters' identities... beyond what they could have imagined.

Desegregating Comics: Debating Blackness In The Golden Age Of American Comics -  Qiana Whitted

Some comics fans view the industry's Golden Age (1930s-1950s) as a challenging time when it comes to representations of race, an era when the few black characters appeared as brutal savages, devious witch doctors, or unintelligible minstrels. Desegregating Comics assembles a team of leading scholars to explore how debates about the representation of blackness shaped both the production and reception of Golden Age comics. Some essays showcase rare titles like Negro Romance and consider the formal innovations introduced by black comics creators like Matt Baker and Alvin Hollingsworth, while others examine the treatment of race in the work of such canonical cartoonists as George Herriman and Will Eisner. Golden Age comics artists, writers, editors, distributors, and readers engaged in heated negotiations over how blackness should be portrayed, and the outcomes of those debates continue to shape popular culture today.

Every Day GN -  David Levithan & Dion MBD

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. There's never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that-even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere. It's all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone they want to be with-day in, day out, day after day. But can Rhiannon love someone who is destined to change every day? For the first time on the page, A's epic story will be brought to life as a graphic novel with illustrations by Dion MBD.

Fairest Of All GN -  Serena Valentino & Fiona Marchbank

Disney's New York Times-bestselling Villains series comes to life in this graphic novel adaptation of the book that started it all! The tale of the young princess, Snow White, and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known-the Queen was jealous of the girl's beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen's attempt on the sweet, naive girl's life. But what caused the Queen to become so, well, wicked? Perhaps the Queen hated her stepdaughter for her resemblance to the King's first wife. Perhaps she resented the girl for her beauty. Could the Queen simply have been born that cruel? Or does it have to do with a mysterious mirror, gifted to her upon her wedding and swirling with dark magic? And who is the man in the mirror? Is he the reason for the Queen's downfall?

George’s Run: A Writer’s Journey Through The Twilight Zone GN -  Henry Chamberlain

George Clayton Johnson was an up-and-coming short story writer who broke into Hollywood in a big way when he co-wrote the screenplay for Ocean's Eleven. More legendary works followed, including Logan's Run and classic scripts for shows like The Twilight Zone and Star Trek. Late in life, Johnson befriended comics journalist and artist Henry Chamberlain, and the two had long chats about his amazing life and career. Now Chamberlain pays tribute to his late friend in the graphic novel George's Run, which brings Johnson's creative milieu to life in vividly illustrated color panels. The result feels less like reading a conventional biography and more like sitting in on an intimate conversation between friends as they recollect key moments in pop culture history.

Haunthology GN -  Jeremy Haun

From creatures of the night to even more terrifying creatures of the day, HAUNTHOLOGY is an anxiety-inducing collection of 28 short stories and vignettes from the mind of JEREMY HAUN, the writer and artist behind THE BEAUTY, THE REALM, The Red Mother, The Approach and other nightmarish mindscapes. Whether exploring a claustrophobic old house full of nefarious entities or the heavy thoughts one has during the pending end of the world, this very personal project was written and drawn entirely during the COVID lockdowns.

Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story GN -  Julia Wertz

In her keenly observed graphic memoir, celebrated cartoonist Julia Wertz chronicles her haphazard attempts at sobriety and the relentlessly challenging, surprisingly funny, and occasionally absurd cycle of addiction and recovery. Opening at the culmination of a disastrous trip to Puerto Rico, Julia stands stupefied in the middle of the jungle beside a rental Jeep she's just crashed. From this moment, the story flashes back to the beginning of her five-year journey towards sobriety that includes group therapy sessions, relapses, an ill-fated relationship, terrible dates, and an unceremonious eviction from her New York City apartment. Impossible People portrays the lesser told but more common story of addiction: That the road to recovers is not always linear.

Lo & Behold GN -  Wendy Mass & Gabi Mendez

When you're named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie's family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see. The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad's summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she's suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she's imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first... or is it too late?

Lovely Muco! GN Vol 1 -  Takayuki Mizushina

Lovely Muco! is a story that depicts the lovely everyday life of Komatsu-san, a glassmith, and his pet dog Muco. Shiba breed Muco's wish is that Komatsu-san could become a dog!

Maple Terrace: Tales From One Dirty Tree #1 (of 3) -  Noah Van Sciver

From a multiple-award-winning cartoonist, Noah Van Sciver comes the brand new three-part autobiographical comic series, Maple Terrace. Hilarious and forlorn stories from the author's childhood, surrounded by 90s comics, cartoons, toys, deprivation, and painful nostalgia. Noah was a regular contributor to MAD Magazine and has written and drawn numerous bestselling graphic novels including One Dirty Tree (Uncivilized), the Fante Bukowski: Struggling Writer (Fantagraphics), and Joseph Smith and The Mormons (Abrams).

Monomyth #1 (of 6) -  David Hazan & Cecillia Lo Valvo

Magic is all but extinct. When the last ailing wizard casts a final desperate spell to summon the descendants of ancient bloodlines to a school for magic now in disrepair...those chosen ones find a horror of the likes they've never experienced. They will have to confront the deepest parts of themselves, their tragic pasts, and defeat each other to survive the ordeal.

The Princess & The Grilled Cheese Sandwich GN -  Deya Muniz

Lady Camembert wants to live life on her own terms, without marriage. Well, without marrying a man, that is. But the law of the land is that women cannot inherit. So when her father passes away, she does the only thing she can: She disguises herself as a man and moves to the capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage to start over as Count Camembert. But it's hard to keep a low profile when the beautiful Princess Brie, with her fierce activism and great sense of fashion, catches her attention. Camembert can't resist getting to know the princess, but as the two grow closer, will she be able to keep her secret?

Quality Assurance In Another World GN Vol 1 -  Masamichi Sato

You think you're living a quiet life in the countryside. Then, one day, a dragon shows up, and everything changes-not because of the fire-breathing serpent, but because of Haga, the man who shows up and "debugs" the situation. Can it be that your life is nothing like what you thought? And what, exactly, is "QA?" A thrilling isekai action fantasy from a fresh, new perspective!

Star Signs #1 -  Saladin Ahmed, Megan Levens & Kelly Fitzpatrick The constellations of the zodiac fall to earth, granting twelve ordinary people from very different walks of life the superhuman powers of the Starsigns. But each of them is about to learn that power always comes with a price...  

Survival #1 (of 5) -  Sean Lewis, Bryndon Everett & Tom Coker

When Emma Reed journeyed back to her hometown in Alaska, she was expecting little more than a tense family reunion at the annual military alumni get together. But early that morning, a plane crash landed in the thick woods near the mountain. And the creature within brings an ancient terror to the last American frontier, and will turn this unspoiled wilderness into a killing ground.

The Twilight Man: Rod Sterling & The Birth Of Television HC -  Koren Shadmi

We recognize him as our sharply dressed and charming guide to The Twilight Zone, but the entertainment business Rod Sterling got his start in saw him as something very different. This "angry young man" pushed the boundaries of television through the lens of science fiction stories that explored the nature of humanity while rejecting notions of war, censorship, and racism. But the monsters he crafted for the screen were far from the only ones that inhabited Sterling's life, from PTSD to the struggles of working in the entertainment industry.

Welcome To Demon School, Iruma-Kun! GN Vol 1 -  Osamu Nishi

Iruma Suzuki has always been eager to please, even at the cost of his well-being. Worst yet, he's the son of two selfish parents who end up selling him to a demon. Thanks to their totally irresponsible actions, Iruma has found himself living in the Netherworld, where he must live and attend school as the grandson of an older demon. Luckily, his new, doting grandfather is there to help, but Iruma will have to figure out how to blend in with his demonic classmates or risk getting eaten. All he needs to do is subjugate rival classmates, summon familiars, and do other typical demon things while never revealing that he's human... Piece of cake, right?

Whatcha picking up this week, Fantom Fam? 

[boaband]

25 years since the race of a thousand camels 🥳

[thefloatingindex]

1. LIKELY MINE, Gelare Khoshgozaran (2020) 2. The Camel Race, Isabelle Carbonell (2019) 3. One Thousand and One Attempts to Be an Ocean, Yuyan Wang (2021) 4. Nike X and My Dead Hand, Nina Sarnelle (2019) 5. Ornette: Made in America, Shirley Clarke (1985) 6. Chameleon Street, Wendell B. Harris, Jr. (1989) 7. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, Elio Petri  (1970) 8. La vie des morts, Arnaud Desplechin (1991) 9. Կոմիտաս (Komitas), Don Askarian (1989) 10. Les mains négatives (Negative Hands), Marguerite Duras (1978)

[basicsofislam]

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)’s BIOGRAPHY : The Expedition of Tabuk.Part1

(The month of Rajab, 9th year of the Migration / AD 630)

The 9th year of the Migration is the year when Islam spread in the Arabian Peninsula with all of its grandeur. On the one hand, people came to Madinah in large groups to become Muslims and to pay allegiance to the Messenger of God; on the other hand, he sent officials and governors to arrange the religious and administrative affairs of the tribes that became Muslims. To sum up, Islam experienced its most magnificent and splendid period in the 9th year of the Migration.

However, there were some states that could not put up with the magnificence of this bright sun. One of them was the Byzantine Empire, which was one of the strongest states of that time. Heraclius was the Byzantine Emperor then. He was preparing a big army as a result of the provocations of the Christian Arabs living around in order to eliminate the religion of Islam and its followers. The tribes of Juzam, Lahm, Amila, Ghassan and others decided to join the army of Heraclius.[ Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, Vol. 2, p. 165. ]They planned to attack Madinah like a flood and to destroy Muslims.

The Messenger of God was informed about the situation and started to make prepartions.

When the Prophet set off for an expedition, he did not use to tell people about his purpose; he used to act and talk as if he was going somewhere else.

This time, he did not do so. He told people about the distance of the place, he told the mujahids clearly that it was a period of famine and scarcity and that the number of the enemy was very big.[ Ibn Hisham, Sirah, Vol. 4, p. 159; Ibn Sa’d, ibid, Vol. 2, p. 165. ]

When the preparations for the war started in Madinah, the Prophet sent some Companions to the Muslim tribes around and asked them to send mujahids for the war.[Ibn Sa’d, ibid, Vol. 2, p. 165.]

The Help of the Rich

There was drought and famine everywhere. Most of the mujahids that would take part in the war had no money to buy weapons and to spend on war preparations.

The Messenger of God asked the rich Muslims to help for war preparations and equipment.

The rich Muslims answered this call immediately.

Hazrat Umar’s Help

Hazrat Umar was one of the first people to answer the call of the Messenger of God. He said to himself, “I will surpass Abu Bakr today.” He brought half of his property to the Prophet.

The Messenger of God asked, “O Umar! What did you leave to your family?”

He said, “As much as I brought to you.”[ Tirmidhi, Sunan, Vol. 5, p. 615. ]

Hazrat Abu Bakr’s Help

Hazrat Abu Bakr brought all of his property, which amounted to four thousand dirhams[ One dirham is three grams. ]of silver to the Prophet.

Hazrat Umar wanted to find out what he brought.

The Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr! What did you leave to your family?”

He said, “I left God and His Messenger to them.”[ Tirmidhi, ibid, Vol. 5, p. 615. ]

Upon this sacrifice, Hazrat Umaru’l-Faruq started to cry and said, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Abu Bakr! You always surpass me in all of the races of goodness. I have now realized that I will never be able to surpass you.”[ Tirmidhi, ibid, Vol. 5, p. 615; Ibn Athir, Usdu’l Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 327. ]

Hazrat Uthman’s Help

Hazrat Uthman, who was called Dhun-Nurayn (the Possessor of two Lights), had prepared a trade caravan to send to Damascus. When he heard the call of the Prophet, he gave up sending the caravan to Damascus and gave the three hundred camels with the goods on them to the Messenger of God. He also gave fifty horses and one thousand coins of gold.

Upon this sacrifice of Hazrat Uthman b. Affan, the Messenger of God said, “O God! I am pleased with Uthman; You be pleased with him, too.”[ Ibn Hisham, ibid, Vol. 4, p. 161. ]

Abdurrahman b. Awf’s help

Abdurrahman b. Awf joined the help campaign of the Messenger of God with four thousand dirhams.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I am giving you four thousand dirhams; I have left four thousand for my family.”

The Messenger of God said, “May what you brought here and left for your family be abundant.”[ Tabari, Tafsir, Vol. 10, p. 197. ]

Due to the effect of the prayer of the Messenger of God, when Abdurrahman b. Awf died, each one of his four wives received eighteen thousand mithqals of gold as inheritance.[ Ibn Athir, ibid, Vol. 3, p. 315-316. ]

Many Muslims did their best to join the help campaign. Some of them brought dates; some brought their camels for the service of the army. None of them avoided help; nobody paid attention to the size and amount of what they brought. Some brought a lot of things; others brought few things.  .

The Person who Brought One Sa’ of Dates

Abu Aqil came to the presence of the Messenger of God with one sa’ of dates in his hand.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I carried water all night in return for two sa’s of dates. I left one sa’ for my family and brought one sa’ to you in order to attain my Lord’s consent.”

The Messenger of God was affected by this incident and said, “May God make what you brought here and left for your family abundant.” He ordered the dates to be put into the dates of sadaqah.[ Tabari, ibid, Vol. 10, p. 194-195. ]

Ulba b. Zayd, who was a very poor Muslim, wanted to join the help campaign but he had almost nothing to give. He prayed God: “O God! You ordered us to make jihad. However, you did not give me an animal to make jihad on.” Then, he brought some things that he used at home to the Messenger of God.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I have nothing that I can give as sadaqah. I am giving the things that I am using. If anyone distresses me, says bad things about me or says, ‘Can this thing be given as sadaqah?’, I will forgive him.”[ Ibn Hajar, al-Isaba, Vol. 2, p. 500. ]

The Prophet said, “May God accept your sadaqah.”

The following day, the Prophet asked his Companions, “Where is the person who gave sadaqah last night?”

Nobody moved.

This time, the Prophet said, “Let the person who gave sadaqah last night stand up.”

Ulba stood up.

The Messenger of God said, “I accepted your sadaqah. Good news for you! I swear by God, in whose hand is the existence of Muhammad that you were recorded in the registry of those whose sadaqahs were accepted.”[ Ibn Kathir, Sirah, Vol. 4, p. 9. ]

Ulba became very glad when he heard this.

[ilinkturkey]

Family-Friendly Activities in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: This sprawling theme park is a paradise for adrenaline junkies and automotive enthusiasts alike. It boasts an array of exhilarating rides, including the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which accelerates to speeds of up to 240 km/h in just a few seconds. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences that delve into the history and engineering behind the iconic Ferrari brand. From racing simulators to thrilling attractions like the Flying Aces roller coaster and the Karting Academy, there's something here for every member of the family to enjoy.

Emirates Park Zoo: Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo is a haven for animal lovers of all ages. Home to over 1,400 animals spanning more than 250 species, the zoo offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with creatures from around the world. From majestic big cats and playful primates to exotic birds and reptiles, there's no shortage of fascinating creatures to discover. The zoo also features interactive experiences such as feeding sessions, animal encounters, and educational presentations, making it both entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi: Step into the magical world of Warner Bros. at this indoor theme park, where beloved characters and iconic stories come to life. Divided into six immersive zones, each themed after a different Warner Bros. franchise, the park offers a mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and interactive attractions. From exploring Gotham City with Batman to embarking on a cartoon caper with the Looney Tunes, there's no shortage of fun-filled adventures to be had. Highlights include rides like the Batman: Knight Flight flying coaster, the Scooby-Doo: The Museum of Mysteries dark ride, and the Tom and Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin family coaster.

The National Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the ocean at The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi's premier aquatic attraction. Home to thousands of marine creatures from across the globe, the aquarium offers visitors the chance to explore diverse underwater ecosystems and learn about the importance of marine conservation. From colorful coral reefs and tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful rays, there's a wealth of marine life to discover here. The aquarium also features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for families.

Yas Waterworld: Beat the heat and make a splash at Yas Waterworld, one of the largest water parks in the Middle East. With over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, there's no shortage of aquatic adventures to be had here. Whether you're zooming down high-speed slides, floating along lazy rivers, or braving the waves in the world's largest surfable sheet wave, there's something here to thrill visitors of all ages. The park is also home to themed zones inspired by Emirati culture and folklore, adding an extra layer of excitement and immersion to the experience.

Desert Safari: Experience the beauty and serenity of the Arabian Desert with a thrilling desert safari adventure. Led by experienced guides, these excursions take visitors on a journey into the heart of the desert, where they can marvel at towering sand dunes, spot native wildlife, and experience traditional Bedouin culture. Highlights of a desert safari may include dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, camel riding, sandboarding, and enjoying a traditional Arabian feast under the stars. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, a desert safari offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Heritage Village: Step back in time and experience the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates at Heritage Village. Located along the picturesque Abu Dhabi Corniche, this open-air museum offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Emirati life through recreated village scenes, historic buildings, and authentic demonstrations. Visitors can explore traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving, watch artisans at work, and learn about traditional Emirati customs and traditions. The village also hosts cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the region's history and heritage, making it a fascinating destination for visitors of all ages.

Saadiyat Public Beach: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind on the pristine shores of Saadiyat Public Beach. With its crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, this idyllic beach offers the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and recreation. Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters, soak up the sun on the sandy shore, or enjoy a variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. The beach is also equipped with facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and beachfront cafes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families.

Sir Bani Yas Island: Embark on a journey of adventure and discovery at Sir Bani Yas Island, a natural paradise located off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Arabian oryx, cheetahs, and giraffes, the island offers visitors the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The island is also home to luxurious resorts and eco-friendly lodges, making it an ideal destination for a family getaway or romantic retreat.

Jebel Hafit Desert Park: Explore the rugged beauty of the Arabian Desert at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, a protected area located near the city of Al Ain. Home to the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Hafit, as well as a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, the park offers visitors the chance to experience the desert landscape up close. Highlights include hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, ancient archaeological sites, and natural rock formations. Visitors can also learn about the region's rich history and heritage at the park's visitor center, which features interactive exhibits and displays. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Jebel Hafit Desert Park has something to offer for visitors of all ages.

These family-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi offer a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling theme parks and aquatic adventures to cultural immersion and outdoor exploration. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, educational experiences, or simply a day of relaxation and fun in the sun, Abu Dhabi has something to offer for every member of the family.

[tour-guide-in-egypt]

Hurghada to Cairo in a Flash: Your Pyramid-Packed Day Trip Awaits

Get ready to swap the serene blues of Hurghada for the historic hues of Cairo in a journey that's as thrilling as a ride on a camel racing through the desert. Our Hurghada to Cairo day trip is not just a travel plan; it's a time machine designed to whisk you away to an era where pharaohs ruled and pyramids stood as the tallest structures on Earth. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour that brings you face-to-face with wonders both ancient and awe-inspiring.

Hurghada to Cairo and Back Again: Your Day Trip Cheat Sheet

Embark on an adventure that begins with the first light of dawn. As you journey across the desert, watch the landscape shift, preparing you for the wonders that await. We'll provide you with all the tips and tricks for navigating this epic day: from the best times to beat the crowds at the pyramids to selecting the perfect spot for a panoramic selfie that'll make your friends back home green with envy. Learn the ins and outs of a smooth transition from the Red Sea to the River Nile, ensuring your experience is as seamless as the blend of old and new in Cairo's bustling streets.

Pyramids & Panoramas: Witnessing Wonders on Your Hurghada to Cairo Dash

Nothing says "I've been to Egypt" quite like a snapshot with the Great Pyramids. But there's so much more to this experience than just photos. Feel the weight of history as you stand at the foot of these ancient wonders, built millennia ago yet standing strong against the test of time. Dive into the stories of their construction, the mysteries that lie within, and the panoramic views that stretch out over the Giza Plateau. This section isn't just a tour; it's a tribute to humanity's ability to create the unimaginable.

Pharaohs & Pharaoh-Fancy Lunch: A Taste of History

By now, your appetite for adventure will be matched only by your hunger for delicious Egyptian cuisine. We guide you to the best spots where the view of the Sphinx rivals the taste of sumptuous local dishes. From traditional falafel to the more exotic camel meat, this is where history meets culinary delight, ensuring every bite is as filled with flavor as the day is with adventure.

Beyond the Pyramids: Unveiling the Gems of the Egyptian Museum

Just when you think you've peaked, Cairo opens another door to the past. The Egyptian Museum is not just a building; it's a treasure chest brimming with the richest tales of yesteryear. From Tutankhamun's golden mask to the everyday items that tell tales of ancient Egyptian life, this section of your trip is a deep dive into the culture that shaped history. With our tips, you'll navigate the vast halls like a pro, ensuring you don't miss the hidden gems among the thousands of artifacts.

Back to the Beach, Bronzed and Bewitched by Cairo's Magic

As the day fades and you find yourself back in Hurghada, the magic of Cairo lingers like the desert's mirage. This isn't just a return to the starting point; it's a journey back from history, bringing with it stories, experiences, and a new understanding of a civilization that has fascinated the world for centuries. Reflect on the day's adventure as the sun sets over the Red Sea, your soul enriched and your heart full.

From the timeless allure of the pyramids to the enchanting corridors of the Egyptian Museum, your Hurghada to Cairo day trip is more than just a journey; it's a leap across epochs. And as the stars rise over the Red Sea, know that this day will remain etched in your memory, a testament to the enduring legacy of Egypt's wonders.

Ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure? Book your Hurghada to Cairo day trip with Luxor day tour agency and dive into the heart of Egypt's magic. Let us be your guide to a past that's as vibrant today as it was thousands of years ago. Your pyramid-packed day awaits!

[mapmydestination]

Pushkar Carnival: Rajasthan's Vibrant Festival & Cultural Celebration

Introduction:

Cuddled in the heart of the vibrant desert state of Rajasthan, the Pushkar Carnival stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions that define this region. If you're planning a visit, consider convenient outstation cab booking services to ensure a comfortable journey.

Every year, this small town of Pushkar transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and festivities during the much-awaited Pushkar Carnival. For hassle-free travel, explore the option of a one-way taxi service for a seamless arrival at this enchanting destination. Car enthusiasts can also opt for car booking for outstation, allowing them to revel in the beauty of Rajasthan with ease.

The scenery displays a multitude of vibrant colours, teeming with vitality, stunning and radiant—an explosion of disorder amid a vast expanse of sand and Prosopis. For the best travel experience, consider choosing the best outstation cab service to navigate through the mesmerizing surroundings.

A Historical Prelude:

Pushkar, often referred to as the 'Rose Garden of Rajasthan,' is renowned for its sacred Pushkar Lake and the only Brahma Temple in the world. Planning your journey? Look for the best one-way taxi or opt for a one-side taxi service for a stress-free exploration of the historical sites and cultural wonders Pushkar has to offer. Conveniently book a taxi for outstation to ensure a seamless transition from your starting point to this ancient town.

The carnival has its roots deeply embedded in history, dating back to ancient times when local farmers and traders gathered during the holy Kartik Purnima festival. Considering an outstation cab or booking an outstation taxi online options can make your pilgrimage to Pushkar more convenient and enjoyable.

Modern-Day Extravaganza:

In contemporary times, the Pushkar Carnival has evolved into a grand celebration that showcases the rich tapestry of Rajasthan's culture, arts, and traditions. The carnival typically spans five days, with each day bringing a unique set of events and activities that leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Key Highlights:

Camel Fair:

The Pushkar Carnival is renowned for hosting one of the largest camel fairs in the world. Thousands of camels, adorned with vibrant textiles and intricate jewelry, create a mesmerizing sight against the arid desert backdrop. Explore the festivities with ease by considering outstation cab booking services for hassle-free transportation. Camel trading, camel races, and even a 'Mr. and Mrs. Camel' contest add to the festivities. Each November, during the full moon of the Hindu month Kartik, the town comes alive with the sound of camel bells.

Folk Performances:

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring folk performances that grace the carnival stages. From traditional Rajasthani dance forms like Ghoomar to captivating puppet shows and lively music performances, the carnival provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.

Hot Air Balloon Rides:

The carnival offers hot air balloon rides for those seeking a bird's eye view of the picturesque landscape. Soaring above the vibrant chaos, participants can witness the kaleidoscope of colours that make Pushkar truly magical. As the unforgivably hot sun beats down on our heads, we make our way into the Pushkar Mela, India’s largest traditional mela or fair.

Mela Ground Attractions:

The Pushkar Carnival's Mela Ground hosts a myriad of activities and attractions, including a bustling marketplace, where artisans and traders display their wares. From traditional handicrafts to exquisite jewellery, the Mela Ground is a treasure trove for those eager to take a piece of Rajasthan's heritage home.

Spiritual Essence:

Pushkar Lake plays a central role during the carnival. Pilgrims take part in rituals, and the ghats come alive with the rhythmic chanting of prayers and the mesmerizing glow of floating diyas during the evening aarti. After braving the hordes of pilgrims at the Brahma Temple, we headed to Pushkar Lake and its many bathing ghats.

Cultural and Historical Interlude:

Pushkar's religious significance for both Sikhs and Hindus adds a deeper layer to the carnival experience. The town, well known for its gurdwaras built to commemorate the visits of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, finds mention in the Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana. The historical impact of Aurangzeb’s reign and the subsequent reconstruction of temples after the collapse of the Mughal Empire resonate through the ages.

Marketplace and Local Delights:

Next, we took a stroll through the busy markets, where the bustling activity mirrored the vibrancy of the carnival. The market sold everything from sweets prepared in thick ghee to saddles and bridles for camels and horses. Children ran between us, holding bunches of gaudy flowers and pencils to sell to the milling tourists. Various stalls showcased elaborate Rajput swords and shields, remnants of a bygone warrior era.

Marwari Horses and Camel Safari:

The fair is also famous for its Marwari horses, a rare breed from Jodhpur, known for its ear tips that turn inwards. According to legend, the Rathores, who governed Marwar, were renowned as the customary breeders of horses. Today, visitors can ride these horses for a unique view of the Pushkar Mela. An essential experience in Pushkar involves taking a camel safari, where you perch on one of those notoriously ill-tempered creatures and trot across the golden-brown sand.

Conclusion:

Exploring Pushkar deepened my understanding of the illustrious history of Rajasthan and the deep sense of pride its inhabitants hold for their traditions and heritage. For a seamless return journey, consider convenient outstation cab booking services offered by MapMyDestination | 2MD, a trusted traveling agency. You can easily book an outstation taxi online to enhance your overall experience. From the bedecked camels to the pure-bred horses, from the swords that gleamed in the sunlight to the glittery chaniya-cholis worn by the women, Pushkar Mela was a melee of color and festivity, a glimpse of the true heart of rural India that is hard to find in our increasingly urbanized world today. To make your travel more convenient, remember to book a one-side taxi for a hassle-free return trip. As the sky seemed endless above the swirling sand, the Pushkar Carnival proved to be a timeless celebration that not only captured the spirit of Rajasthan but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience its magic.

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): The Battle of Tabuk and Afterwards

The Expedition of Tabuk

(The month of Rajab, 9th year of the Migration / AD 630)

The 9th year of the Migration is the year when Islam spread in the Arabian Peninsula with all of its grandeur. On the one hand, people came to Madinah in large groups to become Muslims and to pay allegiance to the Messenger of God; on the other hand, he sent officials and governors to arrange the religious and administrative affairs of the tribes that became Muslims. To sum up, Islam experienced its most magnificent and splendid period in the 9th year of the Migration.

However, there were some states that could not put up with the magnificence of this bright sun. One of them was the Byzantine Empire, which was one of the strongest states of that time. Heraclius was the Byzantine Emperor then. He was preparing a big army as a result of the provocations of the Christian Arabs living around in order to eliminate the religion of Islam and its followers. The tribes of Juzam, Lahm, Amila, Ghassan and others decided to join the army of Heraclius. They planned to attack Madinah like a flood and to destroy Muslims.

The Messenger of God was informed about the situation and started to make prepartions.

When the Prophet set off for an expedition, he did not use to tell people about his purpose; he used to act and talk as if he was going somewhere else.

This time, he did not do so. He told people about the distance of the place, he told the mujahids clearly that it was a period of famine and scarcity and that the number of the enemy was very big.

When the preparations for the war started in Madinah, the Prophet sent some Companions to the Muslim tribes around and asked them to send mujahids for the war.

The Help of the Rich

There was drought and famine everywhere. Most of the mujahids that would take part in the war had no money to buy weapons and to spend on war preparations.

The Messenger of God asked the rich Muslims to help for war preparations and equipment.

The rich Muslims answered this call immediately.

Hazrat Umar’s Help

Hazrat Umar was one of the first people to answer the call of the Messenger of God. He said to himself, “I will surpass Abu Bakr today.” He brought half of his property to the Prophet.

The Messenger of God asked, “O Umar! What did you leave to your family?”

He said, “As much as I brought to you.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr’s Help

Hazrat Abu Bakr brought all of his property, which amounted to four thousand dirhams of silver to the Prophet.

Hazrat Umar wanted to find out what he brought.

The Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr! What did you leave to your family?”

He said, “I left God and His Messenger to them.”

Upon this sacrifice, Hazrat Umaru’l-Faruq started to cry and said, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Abu Bakr! You always surpass me in all of the races of goodness. I have now realized that I will never be able to surpass you.”

Hazrat Uthman’s Help

Hazrat Uthman, who was called Dhun-Nurayn (the Possessor of two Lights), had prepared a trade caravan to send to Damascus. When he heard the call of the Prophet, he gave up sending the caravan to Damascus and gave the three hundred camels with the goods on them to the Messenger of God. He also gave fifty horses and one thousand coins of gold.

Upon this sacrifice of Hazrat Uthman b. Affan, the Messenger of God said, “O God! I am pleased with Uthman; You be pleased with him, too.”

Abdurrahman b. Awf’s help

Abdurrahman b. Awf joined the help campaign of the Messenger of God with four thousand dirhams.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I am giving you four thousand dirhams; I have left four thousand for my family.”

The Messenger of God said, “May what you brought here and left for your family be abundant.”

Due to the effect of the prayer of the Messenger of God, when Abdurrahman b. Awf died, each one of his four wives received eighteen thousand mithqals of gold as inheritance.

Many Muslims did their best to join the help campaign. Some of them brought dates; some brought their camels for the service of the army. None of them avoided help; nobody paid attention to the size and amount of what they brought. Some brought a lot of things; others brought few things.  .

The Person who Brought One Sa’ of Dates

Abu Aqil came to the presence of the Messenger of God with one sa’ of dates in his hand.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I carried water all night in return for two sa’s of dates. I left one sa’ for my family and brought one sa’ to you in order to attain my Lord’s consent.”

The Messenger of God was affected by this incident and said, “May God make what you brought here and left for your family abundant.” He ordered the dates to be put into the dates of sadaqah.

Ulba b. Zayd, who was a very poor Muslim, wanted to join the help campaign but he had almost nothing to give. He prayed God: “O God! You ordered us to make jihad. However, you did not give me an animal to make jihad on.” Then, he brought some things that he used at home to the Messenger of God.

He said, “O Messenger of God! I have nothing that I can give as sadaqah. I am giving the things that I am using. If anyone distresses me, says bad things about me or says, ‘Can this thing be given as sadaqah?’, I will forgive him.”

The Prophet said, “May God accept your sadaqah.”

The following day, the Prophet asked his Companions, “Where is the person who gave sadaqah last night?”

Nobody moved.

This time, the Prophet said, “Let the person who gave sadaqah last night stand up.”

Ulba stood up.

The Messenger of God said, “I accepted your sadaqah. Good news for you! I swear by God, in whose hand is the existence of Muhammad that you were recorded in the registry of those whose sadaqahs were accepted.”

Ulba became very glad when he heard this.

Sacrifices of the Muslim Women

The sacrifices made by the Muslim women were also commendable. Without any hesitation, they gave all of their jewels around their necks, hands and ears to the Messenger of God for the war preparation of the army that would make jihad.

Umm Sinan of the tribe of Aslam says,

“I saw a cloth laid on the ground in front of the Messenger of God in the house of Aisha. There were ivory bracelets, arm-bands, rings, anklets, ear-rings, belts to tie the feet of camels and things that could be used in making preparations for the war sent by the women.”

Thanks to those contributions, many Muslims who had difficulty in taking part in the war due to famine, drought and poverty were provided with weapons and equipment; thus, they got ready for the expedition.

[yug-blogs]

Exploring Pushkar: Discovering a Serene City with Relaxed Ambiance

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Pushkar offers travelers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of India's bustling cities. This hidden gem is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, spiritual significance, and vibrant cultural heritage. As you wander through the winding streets lined with colorful buildings and ancient temples, you'll find yourself captivated by the easy-going vibe that permeates this charming city.

Pushkar is perhaps best known for its sacred lake, which is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, according to Hindu mythology. Pilgrims from across the country flock to the ghats (steps) surrounding the lake to take a dip in its holy waters, believing it will cleanse them of their sins and bring them closer to spiritual enlightenment. The atmosphere around the lake is peaceful and contemplative, providing the perfect setting for quiet reflection and meditation.

Aside from its spiritual significance, Pushkar is also famous for its annual camel fair, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. During this colorful event, the desert sands come alive with a bustling marketplace, cultural performances, and camel races. It's a unique opportunity to experience Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage and witness the traditional way of life in the desert.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience in Pushkar, Atithi Camp stands out as one of the best Pushkar tent resort. Situated amidst the tranquil desert landscape, Atithi Camp offers guests a luxurious retreat where they can relax and unwind in style. The resort features spacious tents equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and stunning views of the surrounding sand dunes.

What sets Atithi Camp apart is its commitment to providing guests with a truly authentic Rajasthani experience. From traditional music and dance performances to camel safaris and desert excursions, the resort offers a range of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and heritage. Whether you're sipping chai under the starlit sky or enjoying a delicious meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients, every moment at Atithi Camp is designed to showcase the best of Pushkar's hospitality.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and cultural experiences, Atithi Camp also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The resort employs solar power, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems to minimize its environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of the desert landscape. Guests can rest assured knowing that their stay at Atithi Camp is not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible.

Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or simply a traveler in search of peace and tranquility, Pushkar offers something for everyone. With its serene atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it's no wonder that this hidden city has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. And for those looking to experience the best that Pushkar has to offer, Atithi Camp provides the perfect oasis of luxury and relaxation in the heart of the desert.