#They swim in lakes or in the mountains but never in an actual beach or ocean lmao

[irodimww]

had this idea for a while ueuehfjfggjvb (OKAY HEAR ME OUT LISTEN LISTEN. WHAT IF. WHAT IF MORRO—when he was alive—LIKED BEING IN WATER…)

had the silly idea of ‘omg what if whenever Morro was out swimming he would always grab and catch fish in the water’

[thirsty-4-ghouls]

Me, going through MY OWN photography after playing Skyrim, sees a mountain: woagh. Just like Skyrim from my games

[eros-ghoulette]

Can we do that again?

It's Auroras first summer topside and the lake is finally warm enough to swim in it.

Character: Aurora, Swiss, Dewdrop, Aether, Alpha, Omega, Zephyr (Mountain, Phantom, Ifrit, Rain mentioned) Word count: 1218

It was Aurora's first summer topside, and she was excited, to say the least. The last days had been hot, the sun shining bright, and only a few clouds in the sky. The ghouls and siblings appreciated the old stone walls of the abbey, where barely any heat could penetrate.

Rain and the other water ghouls had been swimming in the lake for weeks already, but Aether and Omega had forbidden the others to do so because the water was still too cold. Swiss thought they worried too much but still listened to them.

“You coming, Rora?” the ghoul asked, and she nodded, grabbing her towel to follow him outside. She was wearing swimming trunks that matched Phantom's. They were black with orange bats printed on them, obviously chosen by the young quint. With that, she wore a simple black top Mist had given her.

When they reached the small beach, she saw the two older quints and Alpha lying in the sun, the fire ghoul obviously more asleep than awake. Dewdrop was standing knee-deep in the water, his tail excitedly tapping the surface, watching Rain floating in the middle of the lake, while Mountain and the others were just swimming around.

Swiss went in and swam over to the others, while Aurora stood next to Dew, a bit unsure now. She knew how to swim but still needed time to adjust to the new situation.

“Do you miss it?” she asked the guitarist suddenly, and Dew turned his head to look at her, a small smile grazing his lips. Aurora had never met him as a water ghoul.

“A bit,” he answered honestly. He had a soft spot for the newest members of the pack, though he wouldn’t admit it. “But I feel better this way. And I don’t need to be a water ghoul to swim, do I?”

She nodded, but Dew saw the hesitation in her eyes and raised an eyebrow.

“You wanna go in together?”

The question was simple, but it was Dewdrop who asked it. He wasn’t the type of ghoul to be all soft and caring on the outside; that was Aether's job. And still, he couldn’t help himself when it came to Aurora. Maybe because she reminded him of himself, he had no idea, to be honest.

“Yeah,” she answered, and Dew nodded, taking a step forward and waiting for her to follow. When he turned his head, he saw Aether's phone pointed at them and shook his head with an eye roll; sappy bastard.

Rora thought the water had a strange sensation. In the pits, the lakes where you could swim had always been warm, but she stopped every few steps now, and it took some time to get used to the temperature, especially at her upper body. But she liked it. And Dewdrop waited with her, not minding the time it took her. He just stood there, his gaze wandering between her and Phantom, who had discovered that he could jump off Mountain's shoulder and seemed to be having the time of his life.

The moment she swam over to the rest, the small fire ghoul swam further out, and everyone knew he was going for Rain.

Swimming was exhausting. That’s what she realized after half an hour. And while the others stayed in, most of them just floating around now, she was also getting cold and decided to get out and dry off. So naturally, she decided to sit down with the retired ghouls, towel wrapped around her shoulders and sandy feet on their blanket. Alpha, who was actually awake now, gave her a threatening stare for that. He was still lying on the ground, front side exposed to the sun, head rested in Omega's lap while watching the others.

Aurora chuckled at the glare, not taking the older ghoul seriously. She had seen Alpha furious and knew he was just joking. The water was still dripping from her hair and legs, the towel already completely damp.

“Ifrit, Zeph,” Omega looked over his shoulder to see the two ghouls coming over to them. They greeted them, and the young multi felt a bit reserved now, even more so when Ifrit handed Zeph his hearing aid and ran off to the water. She hadn’t talked much with the air ghoul yet, and she had high respect for them. That they sat down next to her made her dunk her head a bit lower.

The defensive attitude wasn’t unnoticed, of course, and she found herself face to face with the air ghoul. A smile grazed their lips as they saw the young multi. Swiss had talked much about her the last time they had shown him something, and he had mentioned her uncertainty around people she didn’t know well. So they looked away again but raised their hand. Zephyr loved to play with their element, and they couldn’t hold back the smirk as the sudden wind hit Ifrit in the back, making him fall over.

“Hey!” he protested, turning around, wet hair sticking to his forehead. Next to them, Zeph heard Aurora chuckle, not minding the fire ghoul anymore.

“Do you want me to show you how you can do that?” they asked her then, taking the initiative to get to know her.

Rora looked at the water and then at Zephyr and then at Aether, who nodded at her. So she also nodded.

“Yes.”

“Then come.” The air ghoul stood up, their knee cracking, but they held out their hand for her, and she took it, standing up too. After a short consideration, she decided to leave the towel on the blanket and dropped it there before following the older ghoul to the small pier.

“You know how to use the air, right?” they asked, and she nodded again. Aurora had learned some tricks in the pit and also after her summoning, but she knew that Zephyr was one of the mightiest ghouls in the ministry when it came to controlling their element.

“Okay,” they smiled and stood behind her, one arm stretched out in front, and Rora could feel the surrounding air. She felt how Zeph controlled it, bringing it in front of them to steer it in the right direction.

“Now try to take it over,” they told her. “Concentrate on it.”

It was a weird feeling, like there was no air around her, but it pulled at her hand, so it must be there. Zephyr moved to stand beside her.

“Good. Now I’ll count to three, and you’ll push your hand forward and let go of the air,” the air ghoul said then. Of course, they were controlling most of it, but she was a multi, after all, and had never done something like this before. “One… two… three!”

Zeph barely needed to push their hand, but Aurora did it, and the wind hit the water, making surprisingly big waves.

“Did you see that?” Aurora laughed, the pure joy written on her face. Zephyr was exactly how the others told her they would be; maybe even more fun.

“Aeth! Did you see that?” she asked louder, turning around to look at the quint.

“It was really cool, Rora!” he agreed with a smile.

“Can we do that again?”

Zephyr chuckled but nodded." _____________________

it was really much fun to write Rora and i hope you guys like her

@sister-nyx it's definitely not what i planned to write, but i hope you like it nonetheless

this is the swimming trunk btw

AND REBLOGS ARE REALLY APPRECIATED

[laracrofted]

your back beneath the sun

synopsis: rhett never wears enough sunscreen. luckily, his girlfriend is there to take care of him.

pairings: rhett abbott x fem!reader (no y/n)

warnings: 18+, minors dni, explicit smut (unprotected sex, slight slight overstimulation, oral), swearing, bad sunburns. please wear sunscreen and also condoms. (wc: 1.5K)

note: someone listened to preacher's daughter at the beach and thought about rhett abbott's shoulders all afternoon. i'm someone.

much love to @lewmagoo who fed the rhett abbott on the beach thoughts. and summoning a few people who might like: @theharddeck @bradshawsbitch @rhettabbotts @roosterbruiser

Rhett Abbott is a stubborn man. So damn stubborn.

You’d never understand what Rhett went through with Royal Abbott as a father and Perry Abbott as a brother, always asking him to shoulder the weight of burdens that weren’t his, always asking for more and more and more. You couldn’t fault him if Rhett had come out of the other side more hardened, more guarded.

Especially not when Rhett softened for you, looking at you with those blue eyes that held oceans and streams and all manner of wonderful and beautiful and wild things. You loved him because, not despite.

You could, however, fault him for this. 

“Did you put any sunscreen at all? I mean, Christ, Rhett.” 

Rhett had never been to a beach, not a real beach, not something other than the lake shores that land-locked states sometimes called beaches. He’d grown up with swimming holes and occasionally, hot springs. You’d grown up near beaches; learned to swim in the ocean.

You were so excited to show him your world; same as Rhett had shown you Yellowstone and Grand Teton a few months back.

You drove down to a rented cabin and for a whole week, rode horses and hiked through the wooded mountains in the afternoons and made love in the evenings beneath the biggest and most beautiful blanket of stars you’d ever seen in your whole life. It was surreal. 

And now, Rhett is here with you for a whole week in a beachside bungalow that cost more than a pretty penny. It's well worth it.  

You spent the whole day at the beach, breathing in the salt air; splashing around in the cool ocean waves that lapped at the shore; picking out the prettiest sea shells to bring home with you.

He was beautiful, relaxed beneath the sun, eyes squeezed shut as Rhett napped on the beach, stretched out like a barn cat. 

He didn’t have any worries here. It was only you two. 

You admired him, admired the length of his beautiful back and big arms, strong from hard work. He has a scar on his shoulder, faded and years old now, from when Rhett didn’t dodge a bull fast enough at the Amelia County Rodeo. You pressed your lips against the raised skin and traced the shape of your name between his shoulder blades with a light finger, careful not to wake him. 

He stirred, mumbling something unintelligible but unmistakably fond, and rolled over to pull you against his side. You slept the rest of the afternoon away, there in the sun.

You’d been diligent with your sunscreen, but apparently, Rhett hadn’t been so careful. 

“I put… some on,” Rhett grumbles, pulling a shirt on to hide the evidence from your questioning gaze and visibly wincing. He abandons the shirt and sits on the edge of bed, dressed in his unbuttoned jeans. He looks around the room, bottom lip jutted out in an almost pout. 

You think Rhett might be a little embarrassed but can’t actually tell because Rhett is already red all over. His shoulders are the worst. A painful cherry red that is warm to the touch. You press gently, and Rhett lets out a sound that is close to a whimper. 

“Hands’re cold.” Rhett mumbles, pressing his face against your middle, leaning in. You run your fingers through his hair, pulling through the strands in the way that Rhett likes. He hums. “Feels good. I’m so hot.”

He can be such a baby sometimes.

So different from the Hometown Hero Rhett Abbott, from the Abbott Ranch Rhett Abbott. He would never be so open, so vulnerable around anyone else. He is your Rhett here. 

His complaints are almost endearing, begrudgingly so. 

“I think I have some aloe.” 

You put the bottle in the fridge for a few minutes to get it as cool as possible and bring him an Advil. He doesn’t argue, placing the pill on his tongue and swallowing it dry. You retrieve the aloe from the fridge and gently push him down on the bed with a spread palm, running down his chest. 

“Turn over. Get on your stomach.” 

His grin is devilish. “Isn’t that my line, darlin’?” 

You bite back a smile. “Are you in pain or not, cowboy? Turn over.” 

He goes.

You kneel on either side of him, hovering above his back, and Rhett reaches back to run a finger over your bare calf, closing his hand around your ankle in a loose hold, stroking. Not to start anything. 

Rhett just wants to feel you, hold you. 

Affection pinches in your chest.

Aloe is cool on your palms, and Rhett lets out a low moan, near pornographic, at the cold sensation, the soothing press of your hands, always gentle against the warm skin. He sighs into the pillows, stroking the pad of his thumb across your ankle bone. 

You are thorough in your attention and gentle.  

He deserves gentleness. You do too.

You are both working on that together, learning that gentleness doesn’t need to be bought or earned, learning to accept gentleness and love and affection. It is a work in progress, but at least, Rhett will accept this. 

Rhett is so muscular, so solid beneath your hands. You are very thorough.

It is more of a massage now, but Rhett doesn’t seem to mind. 

He moans again, lifting his hips underneath you, pushing down into the mattress in a way that makes you wonder if Rhett is reacting to the aloe anymore or in the absence of the fading pain, is focused on your hands now, running over all of that bare skin and muscle.

He answers your unspoken question, reaching a hand back to grab ahold of your thigh, stroking a thumb under the hem of your dress, all the while humming absentmindedly into the mattress with closed eyes. 

His voice is a low, rasping rumble. A rough repetition. 

“So good, darlin’. Feels so good. So good.” 

You remember the morning, a moment in the quiet pre-dawn blue, and Rhett between your spread thighs, pinning you open with the same shoulders that are now red with sun, rutting down into the mattress. He came at the same time as you, untouched and overwhelmed with your taste and your sounds and – 

So good, Rhett. Feels so good. 

You lean down, brushing your lips across the warm shell of his ear, smoothing your cool hands across his shoulders. He shivers beneath you, between your parted knees. 

“Shame I won’t be able to ride you with your back all burned. Isn’t that your favorite position? Cowgirl?

You’re much less smug when seconds later, Rhett has you on your stomach, bent over a precarious stack of pillows, one large hand resting on the back of your neck and the other splayed across your stomach, guiding you back against him.

His second favorite position. 

“You’re still my pretty little cowgirl like this, right, darling?”

He rasps the words against your shoulder, breath warm, pressing an open mouthed kiss to the spot where your neck and shoulder meet, biting down and sucking on the sensitive skin. His broad, worn palm slides down your stomach, cupping the spot between your legs, holding you there. Nothing to do but close your eyes and – 

“Answer me.” 

You choke out the words. Moan them. 

“Yes, I’m yours, I’m yours.” 

At the end, when Rhett is growing more desperate, more uneven, pulling out and pushing back in at a bruising pace, Rhett pulls you back against him, upright, and murmurs, “Come for me, pretty darlin’. Come for your cowboy.” 

He circles your clit with wet fingers. Bites down on your shoulder again, leaving a half-moon indent that’ll be visible in any sundress or bikini for the rest of the damn vacation. Loud as the words Rhett coaxed from your mouth. 

I’m yours, Rhett, I’m yours. 

You come with a high-pitched keen, muffled by the hand that Rhett puts over your mouth. He is unsatisfied, coaxing one more from you, limp with pleasure against him, unshed tears welling in your eyes, before Rhett follows you over the edge, spilling into you with one last thrust. 

After, Rhett brings you a damp rag and runs it between your thighs, cleaning the stickiness from your skin. He leans down and kisses you there, tongue darting out to taste you both, lavishing. You can’t do anything more than weakly spasm, still sensitive from the morning and now, even more so.

His chuckle vibrates against your core, but Rhett pulls back.

A clean cloth waits on the edge of the mattress, creating a damp spot on the sheets, and Rhett wipes the remnants of the aloe vera from your palms with the cloth. Presses a chaste kiss to each one. 

He crawls over you, pressing a loving kiss to your forehead, damp with sweat, and with a nudge, tips your chin back to give you a gentle but thorough kiss. You are liquid against him, warm and tired from the sun. Content. 

It isn’t long before Rhett dozes off next to you, exhausted from the sunburn. You set an alarm to wake you both for your dinner reservation and curl up against his side. He is warm and solid. 

He might be stubborn, but Rhett is yours. 

end note: posting before i have a chance to be self-conscious. 🤠

[aphrodites-law]

In which college student Lexa meets future Clarke. The AU of the AU.

-

Lexa rubs her eyes for the tenth time that day, only this time it’s not out of brutal disbelief. After walking around the entire day, she finally feels exhaustion settle in. Her heart has stopped racing and her mind has stopped firing questions.

This isn’t a dream.

Somehow, she’s in the future. Things that can’t change overnight have most definitely changed.

She couldn’t walk into the dorms because there was no record of her. Her uncle Gus couldn't speak on the phone because his newborn—her cousin?—was asleep in his arms. Her arms are tattooed and her body is… different. But despite the unraveling of her entire worldview, it’s the damn albums on her phone that have her completely dumbfounded.

It’s the photos of Clarke and her throughout the years, building and enjoying a life together. Dressed in couples costumes for Halloweens. Kissing on beaches, mountains, bridges and park benches. Dancing together at someone’s wedding. Napping on the couch. Packing and unpacking moving boxes into their cozy one-bedroom.

It’s the videos of them baking atrocious cookies like it’s a contest. Swimming in a clear lake. Snoring. Opening presents. Singing at a karaoke bar. Running after each other on a forest trail, making animal noises while the other one laughs hysterically.

And.

Well.

It’s their texts.

The mundane chats, the everyday sweet nothings and the private videos, all of which make one thing very blatant: they’re in love. Lexa hasn’t pressed play on a single one, but she’s seen enough from the pictures that precede most of them. More than she probably should have, but there’s something about Clarke that…

Fuck. Lexa can’t really explain it. Her best friend’s always been gorgeous, but something about her now has her feeling like a tightly coiled spring. Honestly she’s not sure she can actually be in the same room as her. Clarke left in a rush this morning, stunning Lexa with a quick peck on the lips before she mumbled something about her boss killing her.

The hours since have been long and utterly confusing, but Lexa thinks she’s at least made some sense of it all. Understanding her situation is one thing, finding a way out is another. Even if there is an exit, she knows it won’t come to her while sitting in the small park by their apartment building.

It’s then that her phone rings, the screen lighting up with a picture of Clarke wearing a beanie on a snowy trail. It’s almost hard to breathe. Like Lexa is seeing her for the first time. Like suddenly Clarke has turned into someone she’s never met, yet wants to know everything about. She loves her best friend––would take a bullet or hide a body for her––but this feeling, this warmth in her chest, is new.

“Hey, babe, where are you?”

“Uh,” Lexa stutters, taken aback by the nickname. It shouldn't surprise her after a whole day of learning about their relationship, but Clarke’s voice is a little deeper than she’s used to, and no one should be allowed to sound that attractive. “Out.”

“Yeah…? Well I have the takeout. How long do you think you’ll be ‘out’ for?”

Lexa gets up from the bench and tries to find a quick answer, though Clarke’s ‘babe’ still has her head spinning. Of course it’s completely ordinary for a couple, probably so habitual that Clarke says it without thinking, but given everything Lexa now knows about them, it feels like the most significant word she’s ever heard.

“Do we need groceries or something?” she tries to stall. 

“I don’t think so. Are you okay?” Clarke asks, her tone now more serious.

“I’m great. I’m–um, Clarke?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you messing with me?”

Clarke’s breathy laugh makes Lexa’s heart clench. “I thought you were messing with me. You’re not buying presents are you? Because we agreed and I don’t have anything and there’s no way you’re about to make me feel bad about it.”

Lexa is vaguely aware it’s Valentine’s Day, if only because every storefront she saw during her frantic dash across the city had giant hearts.

“No, I don’t have a present.” All she has to offer is the shock of a lifetime.

“Are you on campus?”

Lexa managed to glean she’s a grad student, studying something she keeps forgetting about. She must’ve worked a few years before grad school, though where she has no idea. Her memory here has been spotty at best. She probably has a class to get to, but that’ll have to wait.

“Just went to the park to think.”  

“Okay, well can I give you something else to think about?”

“Oh?” Lexa dumbly asks.

Clarke chuckles lovingly. “Love you, babe.”

Lexa stares at the screen after Clarke hangs up, not sure she heard her right. It’s only a few seconds later that she receives a text and her heart drops in her stomach. It’s a bathroom mirror shot of Clarke in lingerie that barely contains her tits. Her hair is up in the messiest of buns and her makeup accentuates her eyes even in the dim lighting. The picture does more to Lexa than anything remotely sexual she’s ever lived or seen.

It changes everything.

And suddenly all she can think about is being in the same room after all.

[f0xgl0v3]

The Camp Jupiter Map never ends. It consumes

Gang I’m so like, not put together but I gotta start writing lol. Wish me luck 🫡 something something I’ll like. Actually make an informative post one of these days

Woah! Ominous titles aside lol, I have. Continued my downward spiral into insanity and I present you with,

The map. Not the fully finished map but a version of the map that’s drafted out a bit. This is heavily intwined now to HoO re-imagined RIP to anyone who. Don’t like this lol.

Also like SO much not like, scaled at all. I don’t know how big that lake is or how big anything is comparatively. But I think it’s like the thing with the English Channel were you could swim across it if you were trained and wanted to, but also like. No sir, also something something no idea if that’s fresh or salt water I don’t know I’ll figure that out later.

Also in the spirit of that, all of this could change!! Not necessarily the location (Tennessee trail in golden gate national recreational area because I’ve already written rodeo beach into the story. And Percy can still miss camp to get to rodeo beach and the lagoon via trails and the terrain and that stuff.) but like, if Kleos ever learns what scale is then yeah. Also maybe one day I’ll design New Rome but for the most part it gives me headaches so I won’t 😁😁.

But yeah, uh, map subject to change. Something something. ALSO!! Gotta mention the whole new Mt. Tam situation, mt. Tam is now way closer to camp Jupiter. Honestly just makes the war more fun for me and it’s like, a feature. Camp’s double edged sword because of the natural protection the mountain and its monsters give from other aggressors. But also all the monsters lol.

This also puts Octavian within a very short distance of a Build a Bear and that totally didn’t play into this choice/hj

ALSO ALSO!! Uh, SoN re-imagining will probably drop soon, along with chapter 3 of Octavian girdle quest. I am a like, a shit writer lol so don’t expect that it’s amazing. The whole, first 2 chapters for Octavian girdle quest will be getting a whole like, update re-write but yeah :3 those’ll be a thing soon.

[freeuselandonorris]

do you prefer the beach or the mountains?

hiii MDTA!

i actually haven’t spent all that much time around either yknow. i’ve never been on a beach holiday (i like the idea in theory but i get sunburn within 5 minutes of being in the sun and i can barely swim, so…) and i only recently got fit enough to even consider hill walking in the lake district lmao.

BUT i did spent a lot of time around uk beaches (new !brighton, where my mum’s family grew up, and llandudno and rhyl in north wales) and there’s a really specific kind of deprived, sad beauty to them — they’re generally very poor areas and there’s a bleakness to them but it reminds me of childhood and the excitement of going to the arcade to play on the 2p slot machines and eat chips on an extremely chilly stretch of sand. so, a very specific northern english version of beach, please!

[partyblakerz]

I'll meet you in the evening so we can swim tonight ~

Summary: The DudeHusbands's pool is out of commission, so they go to the lake to cool off.

Rated T for swearing, drinking/drug refs, and a mildly suggestive scene where Adam and Blake check Dersy out in his speedo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sweltering Rancho summer heat was taking a serious toll on Adam, Blake, and Anders.

The ice in Anders's coffee melted in just a minute. Their car became a sweat lodge since they couldn't find a single space in the shade. To top it all off, they had to put up with Alice chewing them out about squirting each other with mist fans in the middle of an office tangled in telephone lines. Especially since said fans were full of beer rather than water. The usual.

Ultimately, it didn't matter if their means of staying cool in the office were confiscated. After all, they knew they could use their pool when they got home.

If it wasn't completely trashed when they got home.

"Uh, what's goin' on here?" Blake asked, alarmed at the scene in front of him.

The pool was occupied by a mountain of debris. The basin was full of tables, soggy pizza boxes, and even an entire log in the hot tub. It looked to be emptied somewhat, and what water was left over was clouded and mucky.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Anders noted, frustrated by what he witnessed. "Of course this has to happen the day we actually need our pool."

Anders continued surveying the damage. The Norwegian man eventually came to a disappointing conclusion.

"Damn. From the looks of this it's gonna take us a whole day to clean this mess. Maybe two if Adam takes his sweet time to use the damn PlayStation all day again." Anders remarked.

"Well that sucks, because now we've got no choice but to smoke some dro and watch our dicks melt into the pavement." Adam griped, crossing his arms.

"Dude, relax. I know a good spot I used to visit to take some post-practice dips. We'll worry about the pool tomorrow." Anders promised.

"Sounds pretty dope." Blake said, giving a thumbs up.

"Well what the hell are you waiting for? S'GO!" Adam crowed, eager to gain some relief from the beating sun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

One quick drive later, the trio arrived at the lake. It was an expansive body of water, located in a quiet and relatively secluded spot lined with tall green trees.

Naturally, Anders immersed himself in the refreshing pond first. He slid his swimming goggles over his eyes and began gliding on the lake's surface, feeling the water graze his skin. He may have missed the satisfying scent of chlorine, but any time he could spend in the water was fine with him.

From a distance Blake sat on the lakeshore, dipping his feet in the cool water and watching Anders mirthfully swimming laps with aplomb. After what seemed like forever, he stood up in the lake's shoal. Bright gold rays shone on his stomach and the pectorals on his chest. Droplets trailed down his shapely legs, which were accentuated by the red speedo he donned. Blake's eyes were affixed, completely unable to even briefly glance at anything else until Adam verbalized exactly what was on his mind.

"Hot daaaaamn! I see you staring Ders down like that and I can't blame you one bit."

"Yeah, I gotta say he's lookin' pretty hot right now. And not just because it is pretty hot right now." Blake replied with a nod.

"And absolutely nobody can resist staring at his tittaaaaaaays! REWR!" Adam shrieked, making claws with his hands.

"Heh, I like everything about the dude, really."

"Oh, he's ridiculously attractive. But don't you dare forget that the pinnacle of sexiness is sitting in front of you right now. That's right! I spent months working on my beach bod and it paid off." Adam began to flex, flaunting his stout physique.

"It suuuure did, braj." Blake softly murmured. His face flushed a soft pink as he continued gazing, this time at both of his partners. He never imagined that he'd have such a handsome boyfriend in his life, let alone two.

"Hey guys!" Anders exclaimed. He climbed out of the drink with a smile and walked closer to his partners, who were watching him in awe. "The water's great. As always. I'm really surprised you haven't come in yet."

"In a minute, Ders! Gotta finish this can first." Adam said, swallowing a whole can of beer.

"Yeah, how deep is that lake? It'd be cool if you could show us how to, y'know, swim better." Blake suggested.

At that moment, Anders realized he had a great opportunity to teach his boyfriends how to swim. Something more substantial than pointers like "HOV" or "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper".

"Then today's the day I finally show you two how it's done."

"Whaaaa?" Adam asked, throwing the empty can in his hand aside.

"In case you haven't known me for 15 years of your life, the water is kind of my deal. If you were on a plane, or a boat, or that chopper you dreamed about riding in last night, and you fell into the sea, you wouldn't last 30 seconds before you sink and die." Anders explained.

"He kinda has a point." Blake stated, nodding.

"And lucky for you guys, you're getting lessons from the 50 yard butterfly practice record holder. The bronze medalist of the 100 yard freestyle at city regionals. The 5th place ribbon holder of the-."

"Well jeez, tell us something we don't know! We saw you workin' your magic out there." Adam interrupted, pointing at the swimmer with a cheeky smile. "You're the best guy who could show us that sorta thing. Behind Ryan Lochte."

"Hey man, I've got nothing but mad respect for him. I'll take that as a compliment of the highest regard." Anders smiled before heading back into the lake, with his boyfriends following closely behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Now, if you want to know how to swim, you'll need to know how to float. All you have to do is lie down and arch your back."

Blake did as he was told, and felt Anders holding onto his back. It felt a bit surreal to be suspended by the water below him, but he felt secure in the clasp of Anders's hands.

"Hey Ders," Blake began, tilting his head back as Anders continued holding onto him. "You're not gonna let go just yet, right?"

"Not until you want me to." Anders assured.

"That's nice, because being left in the middle of this lake where I could die seems kinda freaky." Blake quivered a bit.

"Look, I know it's scary. But when it comes to staying afloat the key is to relax. I got you, Blazer."

Blake nodded and closed his eyes. He let his mind wander until he almost completely forgot about his apprehension. All that was on his mind was the man who stood behind him, watching him, instructing him, protecting him.

"I think I'm ready now, Dersy."

Blake felt his boyfriend gradually lower his hands until they no longer touched his back. To his surprise, he didn't sink. He instead found hiself buoyantly lying atop the placid water. A relaxed smile graced his face, and he settled into the liquid's grasp peacefully.

Anders was elated. He couldn't think of anything better than watching the man he loved learning more about the activity he loved with such enthusiasm. He cupped his hands around Blake's head, feeling his lengthy, saturated hair brush the back of his hands. Leaning forward, he left a soft peck on his forehead. Blake's denim blue eyes shot open after recieving the affectionate gesture.

"Whoa. Ders..." Blake smiled. He stood back on his feet in the shallows and blushed.

"It's nothing, really. Just a little something to take your mind off the fear of it all." Anders stated with a slight smile.

“Well it worked like a freaking charm!” Blake replied. "Come to think of it, I could stay here all day. Just let all my fucks melt away into this pond."

Blake laid back onto the top of the lake, letting its water carry him. Meanwhile, Adam paced around the dock. He was supposed to be observing Anders and Blake, but in true Demamp fashion, he just couldn't stay put.

"WHAAAOOOO!"

Adam hopped off the wooden planks and crashed into the lake. Right near Blake. As he hit the water, the force of his jump knocked the floating man over, and they both sank into the green deluge. Within seconds Anders pulled them back up and he glanced at his two sputtering boyfriends with a look of befuddlement and concern.

"Hey! The fuck are you doing?" Anders asked.

"Calm down, I was just practicing some extreme dock jumping. It's a whole regimen. Might put it in the next installment of Demamp Camp. DEMAMP CAMP VOLUME 3: 3 DEMAMP 3 CAMP!" Adam roared, enthusiastic about his endeavor.

"Look, just try to be more careful, okay? I love you guys too much to have any of you drowning on my watch." Anders scolded protectively.

"FINE, Ders-el Hasselhoff." Adam muttered sheepishly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the events that transpired before, Anders declared that a lesson in treading water was in order.

"Alright guys, egg beater kicks! Move those legs like you're peddling at the X-Games! I know you have it in you." Anders encouraged, watching Adam and Blake doing the same motions he was demonstrating.

"I'm! Doing it! Anders!" Adam panted, barely keeping himself afloat as his head bobbed in the lake. "X-GAAAMES!"

When he declared that they had mastered water treading, Anders had them practice their kicks more as they held onto the edge of the lake.

"Excellent frog kick, Blazer." Anders complimented.

"Thanks, braj."

Anders swam over to check on Adam, who managed to pull off skillful kicks as well. Forceful kicks, but kicks nonetheless.

Eventually the two of them were beginning to make their way through the lake. As he watched over them, Anders began telling his partners yet another anecdote about his favorite sport and all-encompassing interest.

"So there I was. It was my yearlong stint as the alternate captain of the varsity swim team. Our main captain was out and I had to do 15 laps of underwaters on the spot." Anders began.

"And I really pushed myself. I emerged from the pool coughing every time. It was hard work but man, it felt great standing on that podium on competition day. Sure, I'm proud of that accomplishment, but I still don't understand why they never called me the reigning king of underwa-Ders."

Adam and Blake both chuckled at their boyfriend's cheesy pun. Suddenly, Adam made a proposal.

"Hey Ders, you think you could show us how to do some underwaters? Maaaaybe?"

Anders paused. He was reluctant to do so, knowing that Adam knew nothing more than a mere doggy paddle. And then an idea materialized in his head.

"You know what? I think we could try it. Just stay close and follow my lead."

Adam and Anders took in deep breaths and the two of them plunged beneath the lake. Adam let himself sink, surrounded by an abundance of bubbles and green hues. The shorter man paddled towards Anders, who was standing on the sediment with his lengthy, robust wingspan.

With several awkward movements, Adam clawed his way through the water and tightly clutched his partner. He let his hands crawl slowly up Anders's back until they reached his shoulders and he affectionately moved his head closer to his chest. The taller man reciprocated, taking him into his own arms and pressing his lips onto his. Something about that peaceful embrace made Adam's usual untiring self want to pause, and remain in that stillness for as long as his long as his lungs would possibly let him.

Moments later Blake descended, his long flowy hair swaying like the scattered plants sprinkled along the subaqueous landscape. He wrapped his arms around his two loves, laying his head down on Anders's back. The three of them were suspended in the lake, completely intertwined.

After half a minute passed they broke away. They remained immersed for a while, glancing at each other with adoring smiles until a cloud of bubbles surged from Adam's nostrils. Subsequently the boyfriends swam up together hand in hand, breaking the surface with exhausted gasps.

"So... How's that for some underwaters?" Anders asked with a grin.

"If that's what underwaters are, then underwaters are freaking epic." Adam gushed.

"There’s more to them than that, but I'll have to explain more about them in depth later." Anders remarked.

"Oh I see what you did there! 'In depth.'" Blake giggled, pointing at Anders.

"That was actually completely unintentional, but I love your spirit, Blazer."

"Y'know, it's cool that we don't have to worry about ending up in a watery grave as much." Blake commented. He looked over his shoulder and was a bit alarmed to see that Adam had disappeared.

"And hey! You're learning. Obviously we'll have to practice more once the pool's cleaned out but-" Anders continued, before getting abruptly cut off.

"SURPRISE, BIATCH!!!"

Adam popped out of the water and pushed his arms forward, ambushing his boyfriend with a large tsunami of lake water.

"Adam!?!"

"Didn't see that coming did you, Ders?"

"Alright, you thought that sneak attack was so clever, but you're about to think twice about crossing the seasoned master of Sharks and Minnows." Anders taunted, before splashing Adam back. To his surprise, his target swiftly dodged the crossfire. Adam erupted into raucous laughter until he was interrupted by a surge of water.

"Hyah!" Blake exclaimed, giggling at his sopping wet partner.

"Oh it is so on." Adam declared, sporting that mischevious grin.

The trio spent the rest of their time in the water splashing each other playfully, laughing and enjoying the refreshing pond together.

Before the three men knew it, the sky became drenched in warm yellows and oranges as the bright sphere in the sky dipped below the horizon. The three men climbed out of the water and sat under the shade of trees, ensconced in their soft towels.

"You know, this isn't a bad way to spend the summer. Just us, some cold ones, and peace." Blake proclaimed, sipping a can of beer. As he sat on the grass, the dappled light shining through the leaves illuminated his soggy curls.

"Wouldn't have it any other way, my DudeHubby." Adam replied, placing his hand on Blake's shoulder.

“I’m just so damn proud of you guys. Watching you in that lake... it felt so great, man.” Anders beamed.

After another hour the light had finally disappeared, usurped by the moon's cooling shade. As the night arrived, they finally piled into their car, ready for another sweltering, yet satisfying day.

[ladespeinada]

Tagged by @postmodernau to share an excerpt for WIP Wednesday 🌟

Technically, my only WIP at the moment is my Tina / The Bear fic, Before The Next Teardrop Falls, so the excerpt beneath the cut is from that. I have various bits & bobs for other The Bear fics that I’ve taken a step back from for the time being, happy to share snippets if people are interested (and because I kind of want to share what exists but also don’t want to finish anything just yet, lol). 

Marcus & Luca, Long-Haul Truckers AU (thank you, Orville Peck)

Only You, Darling sequel 

Sydcarmy “divorce” fic

Sydcarmy canon divergence where they meet in NY during Syd’s food tour 

Won’t tag anyone explicitly but if you’re working on something and you want to share a snippet, please feel free to use this post as an excuse! 👀

“Hey, Chef, is there like, a family shelf or something?”

“Shelf?” 

“Si, como, la comida extra para usar para comida familiar,” Sydney asked kindly.  

“Ah, si, la comida familiar. Fuck off,” Tina spat before stalking off. 

Sydney looked all of 15. Tall and slender, with her braids pulled back with a bandana. She moved through the kitchen with only the barest hint of hesitation. She loomed over Tina, both in stature and in stance. Her voice in Spanish was soft and girlish and that was the final straw. Tina hated her already.

Tina knew she was being unfair, but her self-awareness wasn’t going to get in the way of her annoyance. Carmy and Sydney were glaring reminders that Mikey was well and truly gone, and never coming back, and she couldn’t forgive them for it. 

She had fooled herself for months, as the weather turned warmer and spring erupted in flowers and rain, that he was just on vacation. Maybe moved, temporarily. Just taking a break from The Beef, and he’d be back, eventually. 

She imagined him near water, having traded the shores of Lake Michigan for an actual beach. Maybe Hawai’i, maybe California, taking up surfing and eating fresh fish every day instead of the mountains of beef they went through. Maybe the coast of Italy, swimming in the Mediterranean, the prodigal son returning to his ancient home to fucking finally learn Italian. 

But there was no longer space for Tina to fool herself, not with two new bodies flowing through the ragged system of the kitchen, not with every seat taken during family with no space left for Michael Berzatto. He was gone, and he would stay gone, and nothing, no one, could ever, ever change that. 

[mikimeiko]

To the East! Day 1&2 - from Milan to Puglia

It's time to go visit the easternmost train station in Italy, the last one!

Since Italy is really slanted the easternmost station is also pretty far south, so I decided to leave immediately after work, go as far south as I could in one afternoon, and then cover the rest of the distance on Saturday. I'm once again using regional trains with the 3 days train pass, so it's gonna take a lot of trains and a lot of time, but it's also gonna be pretty cheap.

So first train is Milano>Bologna (pretty chill, not too crowded; kind of a boring line that I've traveled a thousand times but it's a windy sunny day and you can see the mountains near lake Garda from Parma which is... impressive).

So many people in Bologna station! I don't have enough time to find something to eat ;_;

Train 2: Bologna>Ancona is packed (I thought the train started from Bologna but it actually came from Piacenza), I had to stand for about the first hour D: When the train gets to the coast is already dark, and I'm a little sad that I can't see the sea (the rail is SO CLOSE to the sea in this part!)

My hotel is literally on the other side of the road from the station XD very nice since it's kinda late and I'm very tired.

(view of the station from the entrance of my hotel that I took the next morning)

~~~

The train I'm supposed to take from Ancona leaves at 11:45, but checkout from the hotel is at 10:00, so I get on an earlier train shares the first half of the line with the one with Pescara, and stop somewhere along the line (Ancona is a big city, and the city center is quite far from the station - also I visited it last summer, and I might as well take a look at somewhere else!).

So train 3: Ancona>Ascoli Piceno (but not really).

(See what I meant? The sea is JUST THERE)

I decided to stop in Grottammare, mostly because I've never been there and the station is pretty close to the sea. The old town is up the hill and it looks very pretty, but I don't have much time so I just stay in the seaside area.

(It's almost November and I wish I brought a short sleeved t-shirt. Most things are closed because the season is over but actually it feels like mid September and the effect is jarring)

Train 4: Grottammare>Pescara is a bit fuller, and I end up in a backward facing seat with only half a window. It doesn't look that different than when I did this route in August, but it is a little greener, and the beaches that were covered in beach umbrellas are now properly visible.

I have a very short time in Pescara to change trains, no time at all to visit anything, but honestly I didn't like it that much last time so that's fine by me. From here I'm basically tracing back the journey I made on the first day of my third leg of the Grand Tour of Italy last summer: same stops, same trains, very different time of day.

Train 5: Pescara>Termoli. The sun is on the other side of the train now, and the sea is SO blue.

I have about an hour in Termoli before the next train, so I get something to eat later and go looking for an ice-cream in the center. In the entire corso there was not one gelateria open. I get that it's the end of October but... Really? No ice cream?

Train 6: Termoli>Foggia. The Molisan coast south of Termoli is one of the wildest, least "developed" in the entire Adriatic coast. Lots of pines, just very long stretches with no building in sight. Beautiful and interesting, compared to everything else (or maybe I should say - compared to what's north of it. Because now that I think about it Puglia also has similar coastlines I think).

And yes, it is not summer and it's SO CLEAR! All the green intermingled with the dark terrain it's just amazingly beautiful. If you want to visit Puglia autumn might be the best season (not if you want to swim in the sea though XD)

All I know about Foggia is that it's been mostly destroyed during WWII and rebuilt hastily, and it's considered one of the ugliest cities kn Puglia. Sadly the train station is quite far from the city center proper and I don't have a lot of time, so I only see the entrance of the Villa (the biggest municipal park) and a bit of a promenade.

Train 7: Foggia to Bari. I'm starting to feel the travel fatigue. I'm ready to be at my destination, but I won't be there for at least another 3 hours probably more. Also it's dark, and the train is older and not very comfortable so meh. Train 7 morphs into train 8 when we get to Bari central station (of course the least comfortable train would be the one that I have to take twice XD). Just an hour, plus 10 minutes waiting for the bus, plus ten minutes on the bus and I'm finally at my uncle's house. It's been A Day. Can't wait to go to sleep XD

[your-local-fools-treasury]

For the non-american ask set...

All of them pls >:)

Suffer <3

hold on- I fell asleep

uh

not gonna give too many explanations cuz that would take WAAAY too long

so

1. dripstone cave of Aggtelek

2. if by holidays the list meant like Christmas, then at home, if it meant summer break then I'm okay with whatever

3. nope, it did before 1920 but not anymore

4. Gulash soup

5. almost any/every older song, like "Petroleum lámpa"

6. I don't really like newer songs, they make me feel weird in a bad way

7. Megszentségteleníthetetlenkedéseitekért, (uhhhh ←stopped remembering words) lángos, cinege

8. not really, or at least never happened

9. haven't been to too many but Romania (more specifically Transylvania) is pretty cool and I guess I know about I a little more than other neighbouring countries

10. well that's though.. I don't swear soo uhh.. giving you a fun one that has no actual swear words hehe: Hogy a villamos szabja rád a rövidnadrágot!

11. uhhh... I don't have one... so I'll just.. got with basic answer of Sándor Petöfi

12. never seen any, the only time I encounter poems is in literature class

13. Name day, definitely name days. also pulling each others ears when it's their name day or their birthday (that one is only done in my family I think)

14. I think older cartoons were pretty good, don't think there's any new made here actually

15. the "lopásvédő törölköző" when on a beach is the main thing we can recognize each other in neighbouring countries lol

16. apparently people think we ride horses everywhere (???) which is just plain stupid and not true (multiple sources said this stereotype) — I do somewhat agree with us liking to drink. Like if someone is here as a guest for longer than an hour (and we rarely see the person) you can bet your life on someone asking them if they want some Pálinka

17. eh.. not really. I guess maybe like the very begging of it. Like how we got here and all

18. lol yeah. There's even a wikipedia article on the dialect. (szigetköz dialect)

19. I think it's fine, I mean... I may or may not had my room painted red, white and green for a while so I got no say in this... The emblem is near and I only hate the national anthem because I had to memorize the whole thing for class in middle school

20. I'm pretty sure either it's soccer or basketball

21. hmmm... túró rudi and Pálinka I guess

22. that our language is still alive somehow?? Like damn. I am ashamed of the fact that we're incredibly hateful and stubborn

23. Pálinka, next question

24. we hate on Belgium but that's a collective European thing. So I'd say uhh neighbouring countries..? + Russia perhaps..???

25. nah, in the end of the day I like it here

26. Fun fact! many times they shoot parts of movies here because it's way cheaper than others, yet architecturely it's still pretty nice I guess. It's always fun when parts of Budapest is in big movies lol

27. I don't have any

28. a near by city is literally dubbed as the "the city of rivers" so I guess. There's two major lakes but you can only go swim in lake Balaton (and lots of smaller lakes scattered all around). There are some mountains, but there are more plains than them. No favorite place

29. Not to my knowledge, no

30. from my moms mom side German, from her (my moms) dad's side Székely (no clue of the eng translation). And from my dads side, only guessing by our surname, we probably have ancestry from Slavic people (not sure if this is what the question was asking..

anyways, this took waaay too long and I'm not built for knowing stuff about this wretched place

(had to edit, forgot the 20th question)

[engbergeurovacay23]

A Saturday Hike in the Austrian Alps, in Ramsau am Dachstein

So, I am sure you've heard or seen the stereotypes of Austrian alpine people (such as in the famous Price Is Right "Cliffhanger" game--though I think that is actually depicting a Swiss Alps fellow, climbing): they are good at hiking, they live in scenic surroundings, and they care for sheep and cows who wear bells as they graze in gorgeous alpine meadows. Well, I can tell you, these things all appear to be true ;) We went on a "kinder" hike, with tons of signage and interactive curiosities along the trail and huge alligator statues (the mascot for this area, confusingly) and instructions that you can take your baby buggy on the trail -- but, let me mention, the trail was still pretty hard-core! We went 3.2 miles and there were all manner of people on the trail, many with hiking poles, but of all ages and sizes. Taking a stroller on the trail I just cannot imagine, since it was a steep ascent, with lots of stones and tree roots. But, maybe for the average Austrian family, this kind of hike is just de rigueur.

We had a nice morning hike, though. We did get to a "false peak," I guess you'd say, with a lookout platform where the panorama was beautiful. But, then from there, you continue going up and looping back the other way. We went around the route I think the "wrong" way, but we did see some families who came up the via feratta. Do you know what this is? I did not, until my cousin Nick mentioned it a few months ago. This page is in German, but has some images that show people via ferrata-ing in this area. This was not something I was planning on trying. But, it seems like a popular activity around here!

Once we got back to our car after our hike, Rowan had a terrible headache. It was very worrying because the boy never gets headaches and his energy meter like descended epicly. I mean, you all know Rowan: he is a bundle of boundless energy. But all he wanted to do was sit and be still. So, we did go to the Ramsau Beach, because Rowan said that was fine with him as long as he could lay in a loungechair. We rented one, and an umbrella, and Eric and Cece proceeded to go into the small lake, which was rather empty at first, but after a while, there were lots of people in it. I gathered that it was a bit cold. So, after seeing Cece swimming and having tons of fun, Rowan decided he wanted to, too. And you know what? It helped his headache! He felt a whole lot better after -- enough to be ready to do some other adventuring at Rittisburg, which is where the beach was and where there was also a "canopy" tour, in harnesses, a zipline, an alpine coaster, a harnessed ropes course, lots of hiking, a gondola up to the top where there was a magical playground, and lots more for your summertime frolicking.

Turns out the kids are still too small to do the proper zip line at Rittisburg, but they could do the "flyline," which was harnessed tour through the treetops, in the canopy. We all did it, and it was so fun! Next, Rowan and I did the mountain coaster. I mean, I historically love roller coasters (my dad and I love them; I will never forget his antics as we would ascend to the top before we'd drop down in the super-rapid, scream-inducing descent!). But, this mountain coaster was not what I was expecting, and I really begged Eric to switch places with me because I had to operate a level that accelerated the sled and applied the brake! Eric would not trade with me, he said with a chuckle ;) So, Rowan and I made it through and it was fun . . . but Rowan would have been pleased if I'd applied the brake less ;)

Then, we took the gondola up. The views from there, you're wondering about? Well, shucks . . . I am not even sure what to say! Imagine that you're at the top of Sandia Peak, but all of the large mountains in New Mexico are also right next to Sandia Peak. So, this analogy only goes so far, because these mountains have farms and green, dandelion-speckled fields going quite a ways up (and, of course, New Mexico is a high desert--and this is not). Some of the green swaths are ski runs, but some are pasture or just greenspace. It is the craziest thing. We decided to walk down the ski area, rather than take the gondola down. And on the trail down, we kept encountering raspberry bushes! The raspberries are about ten days, I'd say, from their peak, but there were some that were bright red! And eat them we did! Cece and I took a while to get down the trail because of all of our raspberry-eating. We also went down the final bit of elevation on a trail that was a "brand-new" fairy-tale trail, with wooden cutouts of fairy-tale characters scattered through the forest. It was also puzzling and bit jaw-dropping to read the sign at the bottom. You were not allowed to take your stroller up the trail, but they recommended you go up on the gondola and push it down with you on the trail. Eric was like, "WHAT?" "Do that if you don't want to keep your baby in the stroller!" I mean, there is no way you'd be able to keep control of a stroller with a descent grade like the fairy-tale trail's.

Back to Rowan's headache, briefly: I have concluded that it is related to his congestion. He has been stuffy and blowing his nose incessantly for like four days. This is the best theory I have.

In the evening, we went to basically a quickie-mart, because it was the only grocery store open on a Saturday evening. And we went as a massive thunderstorm was rolling in. The kids and I shopped while Eric drove a little farther to put a bit of charge in the Tesla. When he came back to get us, it was like an epic, torrential downpour. It did not last too long, but it lasted our whole brief ride home and our mad-dash back into our place. After that, I made dinner, we ate it, and the kids got to bed at a reasonable hour! Hooray for us! Gold-star parenting!

The next day (today!), we had reservations for the Dachstein Gondola and planned to visit the glacier, so I will write all about that in my next post. Our hosts at the Airbnb got us all "Summercards," which many of the lodging places and hosts provide for their guests. These cards get you into many things in the region for free or with a discount! Our visit to the beach was free and our glacier-gondola ride would be free!

Rowan wants to be sure I tell you all about the, in the kids' opinion, "great" candy they were given massive handfuls (well, 9 candies each) of at the top of the gondola in the glacier-top restaurant. I can tell you, it was actually gross, which is why I surmise the host gave it out in such quantities with such a smile on his face. It tasted like a Halls cough-drop combined with a pineapple Lifesaver. Like, you think it might be sweet and good, but that gnarly, medicinal Halls taste just slaps you in the face. I love candy, but this "candy" was so gross I spit it out. Anyway, the kids ate all of theirs.

More tomorrow!

[wizteamincil]

Spend a Day Swimming at our Local Lake Zurich, IL

Lake Zurich is a beautiful place to spend the day. With so many things to do, it's no wonder that so many people flock here every year. Whether you're looking for something active or relaxing, there's something for everyone!

Swim

There are many reasons to swim, but one of the main ones is that it's a great way to stay fit and healthy. Swimming is an incredibly low-impact exercise that will help improve your cardiovascular system, reduce body fat and build muscle tone. Swimming also helps improve flexibility, circulation and posture – not to mention it's an excellent form of stress relief!

Hike with a view

If you've never hiked before, you might be surprised at how easy it is to get started. All you need is a pair of sturdy shoes, some water and snacks for the trail, and your own two feet. The trickiest part of the experience will be choosing which trail or path to take! There are so many options that it can be hard to narrow down your choices. To help guide you along the way, here are some suggestions of great places where Chicagoans like yourself can go hiking:

Hike up a waterfall

Hike up onto a ridge

Hike up onto a hilltop

Hike up into mountain territory

Climb over boulders near waterfalls or streams on this hike; don't worry about getting dirty!

Bring a blanket & soak up the sun

Bring a blanket. If you're more of a sun-worshiper than an actual swimmer, bring an extra-large beach towel and settle in for the day.

Bring a book. A good read is always appreciated on a hot summer day—and if you're lucky enough to have friends who'd rather read than play in the water, you'll be able to keep each other company while doing both things at once!

Bring a picnic. There are plenty of spots around Lake Zurich where you can set up your own little table for two, or even just spread out your blanket on sand (or grass) and enjoy lunch al fresco style! Pack snacks that don't require refrigeration or heating so they won't spoil if it gets too warm later on in the afternoon/evening when people start packing up their belongings after getting burned by sun exposure (see: sunscreen). Some ideas include sandwiches with peanut butter & jelly; fruit salad with yogurt drizzled over top; granola bar treats wrapped individually so they remain fresh!

Boat tour of Lake Zurich

It's a gentle boat ride, with only slight waves that make it feel like you're on the water. It's also a great way to see wildlife in the area. During our tour, we saw turtles, fish and even an alligator!

If you're looking for something more educational or historical, there are tours available on Saturdays that focus on the lake's history or its wildlife. If you want to venture out onto your own but don't have access to a boat (or if you don't know how to use one), then there are also kayaking tours available at different times throughout the week.

Sail

If you don't have a boat, don't worry. There are many great places to rent one in Lake Zurich, IL. You can rent a motorboat or sailboat at almost any marina on the lake. Rental boats are also available for large groups and families with kids.

Rentals are usually cheaper than charters, and they allow you to explore all of Lake Zurich's hidden coves and bays—which is why we recommend them!

Grill out, picnic

Pat yourself on the back for getting so much done in a short amount of time, then reward yourself with a picnic!

Bring your grill, some food and drinks for everyone, and a blanket to sit on. Don't forget to bring along some sunscreen and bug spray too—this is Illinois, after all.

Grill up burgers or hot dogs for everyone to enjoy while you chat about how great it is being outdoors together. Maybe someone will bring their dog along too! It'll be fun watching him run around in circles at the excitement of being outside near water again.

Fire pit & star gazing, camping out at night

Setting up a fire pit is easy, but it's also important to be smart when you're doing it. Don't just set up anywhere; make sure you're far enough away from trees or other flammable objects. Bring plenty of water and matches in case of an emergency (like when your lighter breaks).

Watch the sunset from the pier or boat deck

After a day of swimming and sunbathing, there's nothing better than relaxing on the lakefront with friends. Watching the sunset from one of our many piers or boat decks is a great way to end your day. It's an especially excellent way to spend an evening if you're planning on making it a whole-day event—you can bring picnic food and drinks, set up blankets or chairs under a tree, and just relax while watching boats go by (or just take in the beauty of nature).

There are great opportunities to get out and have fun on Lake Zurich.

Lake Zurich is a great place to relax and get some exercise. There are many opportunities to enjoy the lake and its facilities. If you want to go out with friends, the lake is a good place for boating and fishing. If you want to go out with your family, there are plenty of beaches and parks on which you can spend time together. The lake also has many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or snack while watching the water pass by.

If relaxation is more your style, Lake Zurich has an impressive number of beaches where sunbathing will be at its best!

The Wiz Team Inc is a professional carpet cleaning company serving Lake Zurich IL and surrounding areas. We use environmentally safe green products and pressure-washing technology to clean your carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Our process will remove even the toughest stains and odors from your carpet.

Wiz Team Inc.

490 Telser Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

(847) 526-6060

[runnersnz]

“I ‘spose I’ve always run, but mostly for fitness for other sports. Sport has been a constant throughout my life. I started out as a swimmer at the ripe old age of nine, and swam competitively till I was 16 when I left school. I also played rugby in the winters and did a couple of years road cycling too while at school. My first running ‘race’ was the Wellington City Biathlon when I was about 12. That involved a run around Oriental Parade then up the back of Mt Vic and back down to the beach next to Freyberg Pool where we had to do a 500m (or something) swim in the sea. I remember doing pretty well.

I was in the Army for three years where I ran, but only when I was told to! I wanted to be a PTI (Personal Training Instructor) so staying fit was pretty important, and running was convenient. After the Army I worked as a gym instructor and got into multisport – more running. At 23 I moved to London for my OE, which was a little longer than anticipated... seven years actually. I continued to run there, even doing a couple of ‘adventure races’ and a KIMM (a two day mountain rogaine) but all in the name of staying fit, not because I was a runner.

I returned to New Zealand in 1998 chomping at the bit to get into some proper sport again. I jumped straight back into multisport and triathlon, doing Ironman and Coast to Coast and that led to some standalone running races. I even joined Christchurch Avon running club for a couple of years, but the short harrier type races weren’t my bag. I longed for longer distances. I started trail running then, doing lots of the Nelson Striders events. I loved the Loop the Lake so much I did it seven years in a row.

My Kepler @keplerchallengeofficial journey started way back in 1991 when I drove a mate down to Te Anau from Christchurch for him to run the Kepler. I returned in 1999 (again to drive) when my brother Ross was racing the Kepler. I ran the Luxmore Grunt that year. It took another 22 years for me to return again and finally run the Kepler myself.

In January this year all I wanted to do was beat Ross’s Kepler time of 7.18, but a combination of a very late entry, and a touch of arrogance, saw me blow my foo-foo and only manage 7.20. That fired me up, so when I got an entry into the 2022 event I was pretty focused to finally nab the family record. However this years race wasn’t looking like I’d get the record again when I was 10 minutes slower to Iris Burn, but that clearly didn’t tell the whole story. I managed to knock about 22 minutes off my January time and sneak in under 7 hours – job done. Ross was the first one to text congratulating me on taking the record!

Funny really as I had never considered myself a ‘runner’ until a few years ago. I think I will probably keep running now, I like it.”

Scott @multisportscott (Te Anau/Christchurch) - Portraits of Runners + their stories @RunnersNZ

[peakyblinders1919]

Heat Wave

“It’s hotter in here than a Devil’s tits in church.” She fanned herself with a sigh, the curled ends of her new flapper cut sticking to her apple cheeks. Her skin was glistening in sickly sweet sweat. Even she felt like she was showing too much skin for a flapper; her blue frock the lasted summer fashion from Chanel that was a runway season ahead because it was too damn hot to wear the sleeved spring designs.

But there was at least one person in the room who liked what they saw. Michael Gray; the dark-haired, green-eyed mysterious gangster from London who was making a name and reputation for himself in New York, just like the southern belle trying to fit into the flapper world of life in the city. 

She could feel his eyes on her every once in a while, watching how she fanned herself, chin pointed up towards the fan, beads of sweat trickling down her neck towards her bosom.

She wasn’t blameless either, her eyes glued to him across the room, watching as he looked for relief in his glass of whiskey. She watched his lips curve around the glass, her thoughts beginning to wander, her cheeks growing hotter at her thoughts...

“Oh, you and your euphemisms...” one of their friends tutted. It was a normal Tuesday afternoon. The young elite of New York were spending it like they would have, an extended lunch break filled with gossip, jazz music, bottomless drinks of imported alcohol in crystal glasses. 

“I’m sorry that it’s hotter than hell and half of Georgia, I can’t help it.”

“Also known as a heat wave love,” Michael said with a shrug, eyes on her as she stretched along the chaise to get more air wafting over her from the fan.

“Well heat wave or not, if it gets any hotter, I'll have to take off stuff I really ought to keep on.”

“Doesn’t sound like a bad option to me; if it’ll cool you down that is...”

“I’m sure you would like that.”

“I would.”

Just like that it seemed ten degrees hotter in the room, unbearable really as she undid just the topmost button and fished an ice cube out of the bowl in front of the fan and pressed it to her neck until it dripped into her skin. And her he still watched her closely, licking hips lips, dying of thirst.

“What did you used to do down in those southern heat waves?”

“Southern heat waves were just normal summer days; we lived at the beach.”

“I’ve never been to the beach...”

“Never? Do they not have beaches in England?” She was surprised to say the least when there actually weren’t many. “What would you do at a beach anyway? Sweat in your suit?” She couldn’t imagine him in swimming pants wading into the water, but she could picture it really, her mind wandering.

“Why don’t you take me to one and you’ll find out...”

She was expecting that, reaching forward to get a cool glass of water and cool herself down again. “Well... it seems like you’ve forgotten we’re in the heart of the city, no beaches around here Mr. Gray. Unless you can conjure one up with all that money of yours.”

“While it can’t do that, it could definitely conjure up a private jet to one of those beaches you were talking about...”

“Might as well sweep us off to Antarctica at this rate.” Fanning herself again she felt momentary relief, smiling under his stare as it now felt like it was only the two of them in the room. “You ever been swimming?”

“Have I ever been swimming?” He scoffed. “Course I have.”

“I’d like to see that. Imagine you flipping around like a fish,” she giggled.”

“I’ll have you know I do not flop around like a fish, I look like an Olympic swimmer out there on the water.”

“You’ll have to show me.”

“Let’s go right now.”

“Where? The closest thing we have is the Manhattan River. It’s practically the backdrop for every sci-fi movie about mutant fish monsters.”

“What would you say to a proper first date up in the country?”

“Gangster’s whose tie is tied a little too tight say what?”

“What?”

“Are you serious?”

“Come and find out.”

She had seen a lot of impressive houses in her life but nothing like this; this was a cabin on steroids. The exterior made from real logs, towering over watch of a secluded lake in the upper mountains of New York in a place she could barely pronounce. This would be one she told stories about.

“You really think you can drive that Gray?”

He was waiting in the most summer outfit he would ever wear; a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and slacks. He was in a little rowboat owned by the property, holding his hand out for her to join, which she did reluctantly but the second their hands touched it was like fireworks.

She was in a new summer frock with her bathing suit underwear, sitting like a true southern belle at the haul of their mighty ship with a lacy parasol blocking out the sun.

“It can’t be that different from a car.”

“Watch where you go,” she said skeptically as the boat rocked back and forth. Her plans were sweating as she gripped the sides while the boat rocked. She’d never been so close to him. It was still hot in this part of New York too, watching the beads of sweat that appeared on his forward, watching closely as his veins seemed to ooo under the golden sun as he rowed them further from the dock.

“So, what do you think?”

“I think the city life is better suited to you.”

“Really? Hm, I’ll have to show you otherwise.” With a smirk he rowed harder, the boat moving faster until it all happened so fast and he lost balance and control of the ship. Before she even knew what had happened she was left along with the paddle as Michael was overboard, the small splash a real relief to her in the moment.

“Michael! Are you alright?” Concerned she checked over the haul and he seemed to be staying sing just fine.

“Yeah, yeah I’m alright, help me?” She couldn’t refuse those puppy dog eyes of his and offered a hand to help.

It was a blonde side.

Rather than helping him back into the ship he had a hand in killing her into the lake beside him, laughing  at her shocked reaction until she came up from the water, hands fighting against his chest.

“Michael Gray! You did that on purpose.”

His hands found home in the small of her back. “And so what if I did?”

“A lady should never go swimming with a man, it’s too risqué.”

“But you’re not a lady anymore, are you?” He pulled her close.

This is exactly what she had needed; relief. The cool water around her, his *hands* around her.

“And what if I said I wasn’t?”

“Then I would do this.” He kissed her quickly but deeply. So deeply it made the heat rise in her cheeks, starting at her core and slowly, slowly, climbing up. 

“I could spend every day at the lake with you Gray, if they’re like this.”

And just like that she liked lakes better than beaches, heatwaves better than continental days, and Michael more than her heart would admit.

Hope you like it! Leave comments please, they’d be really appreciated! A small ship and fic for the person who can correctly guess where the inspo for the first part of this came from!??!

Happy Easter y’all 🐣💐🐣

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Demon Brothers + Diavolo Doing Dance Workouts With S/O

Okay, so!  On my journey on getting slimmer, healthier and fitter, I’ve been doing Chloe Ting’s workout programs, all free, all really nice to get yourself started and feel a sense of accomplishment. However, I randomly found some pretty neat dance workouts, especially Pamela Reif’s, and I’m in love with the songs she uses, going as far as to make one with only 80s songs, and she included a-Ha’s Take me on, and ahhhh, resonates with my heart so much! Hope you’ll like this little piece of crack and cutesy stuff <3

Lucifer

Lucifer, while yes, he has an amazing body, he seems rather insecure about it, going as far as to use a spell so nobody in his own family would remember how he looked at the beach, so it’s nothing shocking to know that he doesn’t like to exercise when others are around.

However, when he saw how excited you were finding an interesting routine that combined the fun of dancing with workout, he couldn’t refuse you, despite his fear of embarrassing himself or looking less than proper.

Seeing how much fun you’re having, not caring that your face is red, you’re sweating like crazy, and you’re dying of exhaustion, the fact that the songs are good and the workout is pretty refreshing, he feels himself unable to resist smiling at you, and little by little, allowing himself to let loose a bit.

He is a great dancer, we all know it, so he goes all in with all the moves, no matter how sexy or silly, and he LIVES for the way you cheer for him and say how amazing he his.

Poor Luci is going to blush, unable to contain how much you’re boosting his ego and self-confidence.

Clearly, he won’t do any of that around any of his brothers, and will be extra careful so that nobody, especially Diavolo, catched him while he’s dance-working out with you, in fear of them using it as black-mail, posting it on DevilGram or just keeping the content for the future.

Mammon

Mammon frequently workouts because he wants to make sure his body looks good ( he is highly insecure about himself, so he thinks that at least his body should be good, if not him as a person, poor baby ), and he definitely loves having fun at the club, so if you can combine the two things he loves so much, he’s down for anything!

When you told him about your wish to start working out, while doing something fun, because the past routines became a little boring, he asked if you wanted to workout with him.

He was very shy and sweet about asking you that, because he knows that if you used to be sedentary and suddenly decided to workout, he believed it had something to do with insecurities, and he knew very well how anxious and nervous one could be when someone else is in the room with you.

When you accept the idea, he is over the moon with glee, and will find the most fun and cool workouts that the both of you can do together.

You will get tons of cheers and encouragements from Mammon, since he genuinely wants you to be the best version of yourself and learn how to love yourself and who you are, and if working out is going to do the trick, he is going to be a dancing clown for you without a single doubt.

The fact that you’re vibing so much, smiling, despite how difficult and tiring dancing could be, makes his heart melt, because you are so beautiful when you are happy, and he’s just...SO thrilled that he can help you in your journey of self-love.

Leviathan

It’s pretty canon that Levi doesn’t really do anything physically exhausting, only working out when he feels like it, over DevilTube videos, but nothing too exhausting.

Well, unless he wants to learn a new idol or anime dance routine, which is where he goes all in with no regret, not giving a damn about how he can barely stand on his feet, or that he’s sweating a lake.

One day, Levi was playing video games on the console, and you were searching random videos on his Laptop’s DT, and you found some pretty fun dance-workout routines that you wanted to try out.

Realising that they were already viewed, and that Levi was playing a single-player game, you crawled over to him, telling him to stop the game for a second and asking him about them, then suggesting doing some together.

When he heard about you finding about about you wanting to workout out with him, he started blushing furiously, thinking of the worst, until he realised that it meant you would basically learnt he same idol dances he knows, and you could do fun cosplay skits and karaoke, and you would actually know what he’s ranting about, he was in his working out clothes in a beat!

He was so excited and eager to teach you everything he knows, imagining how awesome you would be as a performing duo on a stage, dressed up super flashy and having so much fun while the crowd was cheering wildly.

Levi did ask in the end, albeit veeeery timidly, if you wanted to perform an idol routine with him in his own room, as he has all the best high-tech stuff to make his room look like an idol concert club, and he has the cosplay-making skills, so when you accept, he’s gonna faint from happiness.

Satan

He’s not too shy about working out - He knows he has to balance a working out, eating and studying to have a healthy life-style, so he does at least the bare minimum to keep himself fit.

Satan isn’t the type to tell you what to do, but somehow, the more you stay with him, the more his habits stick to you, so out of the blue, you find yourself doing random, low-maintenance exercises with him...Sometimes while he’s still reading, and you still can’t tell how he can do that.

From the many people he’s acquainted with, he hears about some succubi doing dance-workouts that are pretty entertaining and give you good vibes, so he asked you if you wanted to check out some routines, and choosing the songs you like together, you start doing dance-routines.

Surprise, surprise, it’s actually super fun, and the succubi are great dance teachers, so you and Satan try to sing some of the lyrics, when you’re not too exhausted and panting, or when the song is just too good.

It’s always been obvious that Satan is the domestic type, loving to do any sort of activity with you by your side, or just staying in the same room, or cuddling, doing completely separate things, and enjoying each other’s presence, so dancing together with you was real fun with him, especially because he didn’t have to be proper in any way or put appearances, as he does when outside of his room.

Satan would definitely ask to do more fun activities with you, including maybe supervised mountain climbing, horse-riding, swimming, painting, taking care of animals at the shelters and many other things you’re both into, or want to try new experiences.

Asmodeus

I already believe that Asmo does some kind of yoga and pilates daily - Not for a long time, but just what’s necessary - to keep himself healthy and in a great, lean shape, because having a healthy lifestyle means your skin is going to be beautiful and have that natural glow, so of course he’s gonna do anything to keep that up with minimum sweat required.

If he has a gig up, like modeling on a catwalk, a photoshoot, or some kind of important event, he’s going to do a shit ton of Aerobics and Zumba, maybe even Kangoo Jump for as little as a week and as long as a month or so, because he has to be perfect - As if he isn’t already, but still!

Since we already know he’s the kind to love going to the club and dancing, when you go to him, telling him about the new workout routine you started, since you were a bit bored of Asmo’s chill yoga routines, he was excited to see you trying out new things out of your own volition.

He will try to fish for all your favourite songs and get some succubi to come up with lit dance workout videos so you could both to them together and have fun, because obviously, he wants you to enjoy your favourite songs, and will do anything in his power to make that happen!

Of course, before you start working out, he will drag you to all the best sports shops and try out tons of outfits, and you’ll get matching ones - Comfy and Practical, but make it Fashion!

I’m pretty sure he won’t take it 100% seriously, and he’ll be all party and fun, singing the song out loud, taking your hands and doing random moves that aren’t in the routine, like spinning you or dipping you low, and of course, the occasional kiss-steals won’t be lost in the party, and you’re too adorable to resist.

Beelzebub

Well, this guy does heavy workouts, including weight-lifting and practices for his club activities, like Fangol, which is similar to American Football, which is very...Very Beel, to say the least.

He never pushes you to workout with him, but he did mention that if you ever want to use the gym and be alone, he will make sure nobody bothers you, but if you are in need of an instructor, he would volunteer to help you, despite going softer on you and giving you so many breaks, because you are a cute, little, frail human who doesn’t eat enough.

One day, he heard from Asmo about this super fun and accessible dance workouts, and he thought it would be nice to recommend to you, so he will ask all the details, along with some DevilTube links to such videos, and when you are next together, alone, he will tell you all about it.

As soon as he sees how enthusiastic you are about it, and you even asked him to join you, he will agree without a second thought.

Until he realises that he is so big and bulky that he basically has the grace of a wooden nightstand.

It doesn’t stop him from having fun and enjoying his time of bonding with you, obviously! He will do anything you want, as long as you’re having fun and smiling the way you’re doing now.

Not to mention, it’s pretty refreshing seeing you dance with no inhibitions, just throwing around your limbs and shaking your body like you’re free as a bird.

This is the type of life he wants to live - Fun, happy and chill with his loved ones.

Belphie

No matter how much of a damn sloth he is, you just CAN’T tell me this guy doesn’t do something like Yoga, Pilates or freaking Ballet, considering the moves his busts during does damned dance battles!

He clearly won’t ever ask you to dance or workout with him, because he has a reputation to uphold, he is the Avatar of Sloth, after all, and he can sleep everywhere, as long as he has that fluffy cow-patterned pillow to sleep on.

But one day, you barge into his room, all excited to tell him the newest gossip...Only to see him with music at max volume and following some random choreography, and you just look at him with that meme pikachu shocked face.

Belphie glared at you as bad as the day he killed you, while also blushing like crazy, because damn it, only Beel was supposed to know his secret!

You then grin at him mischievously, hugging his neck and asking if he wants to do dance-workout routines together, and he refuses at first...And second and third and hundredth, but in the end, he will give in, and you will dance together.

Sometimes, he will suggest the dance workouts with a partner, just so he could have a reason to be closer to you, lazily peck your lips, cheeks or forehead, while also being able to do romantic moves...Even if the song is romantic or has seductive moves or not.

It could be some weird country song about how cute horses and cows are, and he would still do something super cute.

And of course, after a well-deserved shower, a loooong cuddle and sleep session together, in his bed, is going to happen.

Diavolo

This is a bit of a spoiler for the lessons 26-29, but I believe Diavolo is feeling pretty lonely and cast out from the group, and he’s like a sad golden retriever who wants some attention and affection, so as soon as you realise that, you start going to him to talk about random things, send him cute messages, stickers, gossips, selfies, pics with things you found awesome or cool, and he super appreciates it, he’s so happy!

This made you start bonding and go out, spending time together, so you then explain to him about human habits, memes, vines, TikToks, fandoms, trends, fandoms, ideas and all the ape shit things you could come up with, like a grandpa trying to be hip with his grandkids, but he ends up so cringe and overly exaggerated that he’s super adorable.

And that includes the dabs and Egyptian dance moves he pulls in the dance battles.

Now, you don’t get those damned arms, abs and pecs (man boobs) without some effort, he clearly works out quite a lot, as often as he can, so one day, when he was searching around random things on YouTube, on his new human laptop, and he finds some women doing some super entertaining dancing workout routines, and he is so enthusiastic about it, that he called you over and showed you those vids.

Grinning at how excited and curious he is about your world, and since you already knew about them and did some in the past, you see that his eyes were wide and expecting, wanting to try it together...So you suggested it, and he was so cheerful!

Dia has Barbatos get you both some super cute matching workout outfits, and together, you start jamming in his huge room, not before you reminded him that this is more for fun, and he should just enjoy it and not take it too seriously, and he was over the moon, especially since you were there to share his enthusiasm.

Needless to say, neither of you had your cheerfulness and grins wiped from your faces for a long time, and Dia got to find out some lit human songs! 

Yay!