#and we've been to canberra a lot of times

[andthebubbles]

before i get too sleepy to form sentences, i just wanted to sayyyy we drove to yass today; or more specifically, i drove to goulburn, had a pretty big break there (lugging my 6kg cat in her cat backpack up and down the main street lol), then to gunning where there was one antique shop still open (but almost closing (and it had lots of interesting stuff! but nothing i wanted to buy)); then i started driving to crookwell because why not, but it got boring, so i turned around and went to yass. and went to the park there because it looked nice. and the cat loved it. and then my mum drove from yass to just before goulburn (because it started to get dark and she couldn’t see anymore (skjgnkfg)) and then i drove from there to home. so BASICALLY i did a lot of driving (197km (35m + 2h-ish), 48km (35m-ish), (9km (7m-ish)), 51km (36m-ish); 199km (google maps says it’s 2h 18m but i think it was more like... 2h...) = 504km, 5ish km, now THAT is pretty satisfying

[wachinyeya]

(lot of big frog wins)

For the first time in five years, northern corroboree frogs have been spotted in Namadgi National Park by ACT government ecologists.

The species is listed as critically endangered and the government has been attempting to restore their population in the park for more than a decade.

Ecologists have been releasing frogs and eggs into the park as part of a breeding program, but they had not been spotted in the wild since 2019.

This year, 16 male frogs were identified at the Ginini Flats Wetlands site and a further 21 frogs were counted at a lower elevation site in the park. "Having not seen these frogs in the wild since 2019, we were beginning to think all hope was lost, and that the species was close to extinction," Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said.

She told ABC Radio Canberra the frogs were under pressure due to many issues including climate change, habitat loss and the invasive chytrid fungus.

That deadly fungus affects the frogs' skin and stops them from being able to take in water and important salts.

Ms Vassarotti said ecologists had been experimenting with the breeding program and releasing frogs in different areas to see if they could make a difference.

"We've been ... releasing eggs in some other areas in Namadgi, where they hadn't previously been seen," she explained.

"These were at slightly lower elevations. And the reason we were doing that is that they were elevations where there wasn't such an impact of this awful fungus."Ms Vassarotti said this was an "exciting" development but acknowledged there was more work to be done through the breeding program.

"Australia is the extinction capital of the world," Ms Vassarotti said in a statement.

"Way too often, climate change and human impact on the environment has resulted in us losing unique species permanently as they become extinct.

"I've been heartbroken to have to continue to list species as close to extinction.

"The identification of new northern corroboree frogs across a range of sites restores my confidence that we can save this incredible frog that is so unique to our region."

[guessillcallitart]

The first rays of sun lit up the ocean before me and the waves my paint brush was creating seemed to leap out of the canvas. The sky turned from light pink to to a perfect shade of bright blue in seconds. I glanced at my brunette friend who had a mischievous smile on her face, take polaroids of the ocean. "Hey, Skai," she blurted. "I dare you to jump." I smirked regarding the foamy ocean below me. I spotted a narrow ledge a bit closer to the waves. "Hey, it was a joke," my friend said hastily. "I wasn't serious." But it was too late. I was already on the ledge. "Hello, Poseidon," I said half joking, half serious. "Please welcome me with open arms." Then bracing myself, my heart racing in my chest, I jumped. A weird thing happened. I fell a few feet and stayed hovering in the air still a long way to go down. "You've loved us so beautifully," a voice like a wind murmurs in my ear. "We won't let you die." I started to sob uncontrollably. "But you don't understand! I didn't fall, I jumped. I was so stupid." A wave washed over me. All of a sudden it sounded like two voices were arguing. Only words I could distinguish were "not yet". Then I begun to fall again.

A dark shadow mateliarizes over me. I blink my heart racing in my chest waiting for something to happen. Could the shadow be the grim reaper? Could he really exist? A woman towers before me. She has empty, obsidian eyes and long, silvery hair. She's wearing burgundy velvet robes. "You've been foolish", a voice like thunder booms all around me and at that moment all the fear inside me evaporates and all that is left are defiance and anger. Yet I'm smart enough to know that perhaps it wouldn't be wise to sass the grim reaper. "What is this place?" I ask. "Nightmare Valley," the voice replies. "Prepare for a wait." My knees buckle and my lungs feel like they're collapsing. Like I'm drowning again. Pressure all around me, until nothing. I don't feel a thing. A wait? "So, I'll just be chilling here. Then what?" I ask but no answer follows. "It's no use," a strange voice next to me says. "I've been here for years."

I shake myself out of a deep reverie. There's one thing, well many things you should know about me. Let's start with the fact that I was born in 1981 and I died when I was thirteen years old. For a really long time I was in a boring, dark place called the Nightmare Valley. Dedinitely wouldn't recommend. Then one morning I woke up with real memories and fake memories from two lives. The second thing is that I zone out a lot. Usually I daydream about pleasant, splendid things. But this time it was anything but pleasant. See, I still remember my death. My boyfriend, Mike sets a bright yellow coffee mug in front of me. We've only lived together in his flat for a few months after a couple of years waiting for me to graduate. "You okay, sunshine?" he asks. "Well, I am, mostly." I sip my coffee. "But I don't think Hestia is. I have this feeling something bad has happened to her." He tucks a few strands of blonde curls behind my ear absentmindedly. He has the softest, hazel eyes, a fair complexion and curly, shaggy, dark brown hair. "You know, I still could throw my sketchbook at you for staring," I remind him remembering the time we met in Canberra. Great times. Yes, I'm being both sarcastic and sincere. Get used to it. Mike laughs. Damn, he's adorable. I brush my lips against his softly. Just for a second I forget everything else. "Fancy going to the beach today?" he asks once the kiss ends. "We could have a picnic." I smile. "Sounds lovely." I kiss him again and nearly knock over my coffee.

Cover me in sunshine, shower me with good times, tell me that the world's been spinning since the beginning and everything will be alright. Imagine the lovely scene from an extremely aesthetic indie film or a studio ghibli film where the protagonist is sitting in a car weaving through countryside roads in between brilliant lilac lavender and lovely yellow, wild sunflower fields. The ocean glimmers underneath the sun in the distance. I hum the most wonderful and melancholy song under my breath. I crank the window open a few inches and feel the wind and the salty ocean air on my face. Mike pulls over. "Hang on." He presses a kiss on my cheek. In a minute he comes with a single sunflower. "For you." I can't help but cup his face and kiss lips with the biggest smile on my face. The third thing you need to know about me, I romantizise everything about my life. Life is beautiful. You should enjoy it. I should know, I've died once. I watch as the nature morphs slowly from lilac and yellow to splendid hues of azure and viridescent. We stop under a few beech trees. Mike gets out of the car and gestures me to wait. He opens my door for me. "M'lady." He offers me his hand. I take it with a smirk. "Why, thank you. You are such a gentleman." I hop out of the car and proceed perform a mock curtsey which ends up with me almost stumbling and falling on my face. Fourth thing: I'm very clumsy. You'd be surprised if I told you that I used to do ballet a couple of years back. We take our tote back with us and trudge through the sand while holding hands and laughing. We climb on a tall cliff overlooking the foamy ocean. You'd think I didn't like the place because it reminded me of the place I died in but I'm weird. I see a beautiful tragedy here. I sit down near the edge and inhale the lovely ocean air. I sink into the deepest reverie so far or is it actually happening? I find myself standing on the beach with my shoes off and the cool waves slowly drenching my socks. I stare into the waves. They seem to create strange shapes and images. I see a very pale girl with sandy hair with clumps of seaweed stuck in it, lying at the bottom of the ocean. She's staying very still with her chest only slightly rising indicating that she's still breathing. The hues of the ocean create a lighting of jade and emerald all around her. She looks romantically and unnaturally ethereal, like a Victorian child who suffered a tragic death. "I'm coming for you." My voice comes out softly like the first breeze of the spring bringing the sweet scent of darling cherry blossoms. I walk further to the water. A pair of hands wrap around my waist. I turn around. A girl with long, auburn hair like a sunset, and bright, tawny eyes like sunlight pouring through muddy water, is standing in front of me with a frantic expression on her beautiful, delicate, freckled face. I blink and she's gone. Instead I see Mike's hazel eyes filled with tears. He's hugging me tightly. A single tear rolls down his cheek. "I thought I lost you again." I kiss him softly hoping it will express everything I feel for him I lack the vocabulary to describe. "I'm here", I whisper. "I'm here. I'm sorry." We spend a long while just sitting there and watching the waves crashing on the cliff.

The song Skai and Mike are listening in the car:

I'm in love with it🥺

I don't think I've posted Skai's deathscene yet so here it is. My mind really works like "write something really tragic and sad that makes your heart ache" and then "write fluff right now." There's no inbetween.

Also I saw a writing prompt on Pinterest and someone's comment on it that inspired me Skai's death scene. I don't remember who posted the comment. I'd definitely give credit if I could🥺

Here's a moodboard for Skai and Mike🥺 The pictures are from Pinterest and We heart it, the first pic is from a movie called A Summer's Tale by Éric Rohmer and the fourth one is from Alessia Cara's song/music video, Seventeen.

taglist: @char-writes, @athenswrites, @jezifster and @the-void-writes

Let me know if you want to be added✨

[dearerinlovehan]

Dear Erin

I know it's been a while since we've had a chat. I don't mean to leave things for so long. I've decided to write to you here instead of my journal, hand cramps you get it. Plus, I doubt anyone will ever see this.

I miss you so much, Erin. I wish you were still here to give me advice or even just have a shit talk like we used to. I am so lost, a lot of us are since you've gone.

I've not been at work for the last couple of weeks because of the holiday period. My work didn't pay me right also and they won't fix it until mid Jan and I'm hungry but I have to ration my money because I know I'll need to fill my car up to go back to work.

Courtney and I don't talk anymore. She has deleted me off of everything and honestly, I'm not too mad about it. It sounds shitty but I've been working really hard on myself and me and her at in different growth periods and I think she may be stunted emotionally and we will never be compatible in life. I am grateful for all she's done for me, as I'm sure she is too.

I've been talking to Zach again. I know what you're going to say, WHY?! Although I know that Zach and I probably won't work out, it's nice to have someone that knows me better than I know myself. I don't really have to explain myself in depth, he does understand me for the most part. Zach is a constant reminder that I can be loved in a way that you read about in storybooks and also that sometimes love just isn't enough. He says he'll FaceTime me this weekend, I'm not holding my breath.

I met a guy a few months back, D. It was like the movies, love at first sight - for both of us I think. He lives in Canberra, I went to visit in November and now he's here in Queensland and we've spent a lot of time together. I told him that wanted more, he told me that he has a lot on his plate and that distance was an issue. I can tell he regrets it and I want to beg him to change his mind but my begging to be loved days are behind me. Two months with someone and it felt like forever, I could see forever with him. If we were soulmates, he would want to try and he doesn't. A common trend with the relationships my life.

Love,

Han

[sespestcontrol15]

Rodent Infestation? Here's How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service in Canberra

Are you tired of sharing your home with unwanted furry guests? A rodent infestation can be a nightmare, but choosing the right pest control service in Canberra can help you get rid of these pesky critters once and for all. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the right rodent control canberra service that suits your needs and budget. Say goodbye to rodents and hello to a comfortable, pest-free home!

Introduction to Rodent Infestations in Canberra

If you're like most people, the thought of a mouse or rat running around your home is enough to make your skin crawl. And if you've ever had an infestation, you know how destructive and frustrating these little pests can be.

The good news is that there are plenty of pest control services in Canberra that can help you get rid of your rodent problem for good. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a pest control service for a rodent infestation:

Experience: When it comes to rodents, experience matters. Look for a pest control service that has extensive experience dealing with these types of pests.

Methods: There are a variety of methods that can be used to get rid of rodents, so it's important to find a pest control service that uses the method that's right for your particular situation. For example, if you have pets or small children, you'll want to avoid using poisons or traps that could harm them.

Cost: While you don't want to skimp on quality, it's also important to find a pest control service that fits within your budget. Get quotes from several different companies before making your final decision.

Guarantee: Make sure the pest control service you choose offers some type of guarantee in case the problem persists after they've treated your home.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

If you think you might have a rodent infestation, it's important to act quickly. Rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home and pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Here are some signs that you may have a rodent problem:

You see rodents running around inside your home.

You find droppings in your cupboards or on the floor.

You hear chewing or gnawing sounds coming from inside your walls.

Your food storage areas have been compromised, and you find evidence of rodents eating your food.

You notice damage to furniture or other items in your home caused by rodents.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to call a professional pest control service right away. They will be able to assess the situation and provide you with the best course of action for getting rid of the rodents in your home.

How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service

Choosing the right pest control service in Canberra can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few things you can do to ensure you're choosing the best possible service for your needs.

First, take some time to research different pest control services in the area. Read online reviews and talk to friends or family who have used a particular service in the past. This will help you get a feel for what each company is like and what they offer.

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's time to start making some calls. Ask each company about their experience with rodents and other pests in Canberra. Find out what kind of treatment they recommend and how much it will cost.

Make sure you're comfortable with the company you choose. You should feel confident that they'll be able to solve your problem and that they won't cause any further damage to your home or property.

Different Types of Pest Control Services Available in Canberra

Different types of pest control services are available in Canberra to target different types of pests. The most common type of pest control service is general pest control, which targets a wide range of pests including rodents, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and silverfish. If you have a specific problem with one type of pest, you can also request a targeted pest control service to focus on that particular issue. For example, if you're dealing with a mouse infestation, you would request rodent control services. Other specialized services include bed bug extermination and termite treatment.

Tips on Choosing the Right Pest Control Service in Canberra

When it comes to choosing a pest control service in Canberra, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips on choosing the right pest control service in Canberra:

Make sure the company is experienced and licensed.

Ask for referrals from friends or family.

Get multiple quotes from different companies.

Make sure the company offers a warranty or guarantee on their services.

Read online reviews of the company before making a decision.

DIY vs Professional Pest Control

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether to attempt a DIY approach to rodent control or to hire a professional pest control service. The most important factor is the severity of the infestation. If you have a few mice in your home, you may be able to get rid of them with some basic traps and preventive measures. However, if you have a more serious infestation, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Another factor to consider is your own comfort level. If you're not comfortable setting traps or dealing with dead rodents, then it's probably best to hire a professional. Some people are perfectly fine with taking care of these things themselves, but others would prefer not to deal with it at all.

Cost is always a consideration. Professional pest control services can be expensive, but they will usually get the job done right the first time. DIY methods may be cheaper in the short run, but they may not be as effective and could end up costing more in the long run if the infestation isn't properly taken care of.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control Services

There are many benefits of professional pest control services. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can save you time and money in the long run. If you have a serious infestation, it can be very difficult to get rid of the problem on your own. A professional exterminator will have the tools and knowledge necessary to get rid of the pests quickly and efficiently.

Another benefit of professional pest control services is that they can help to prevent future infestations. If you have a recurring problem with pests, an exterminator can help to identify the source of the problem and put together a plan to prevent it from happening again. This can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the future.

Professional pest control services can provide peace of mind. If you have been dealing with an infestation, you know how stressful it can be. An exterminator can take care of the problem quickly and efficiently so that you can focus on other things.

SES Pest Control offers professional and reliable pest control services to effectively eliminate pests from your home or business. Our experienced team utilizes safe and environmentally-friendly methods to eradicate pests such as rodents, insects, and termites. With our comprehensive pest management solutions, we ensure a pest-free environment and provide long-term prevention strategies. Trust SES Pest Control for efficient and affordable pest control services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to protect your property from unwanted pests.

Conclusion

Finding the right pest control service in Canberra can help you get rid of your rodent infestation quickly and effectively. With our tips, you should be able to find a reliable and reputable service that offers quality services at an affordable price. Do some research on different companies to make sure you get the best deal possible for your rodent problem. Keep in mind that while it may take some time, getting rid of rodents is certainly worth the effort in order to protect yourself and your home from any further damage or health risks they could cause.

[tilerescueclean]

How Often Should You Clean Your Tile? A Guide to Scheduling Your Cleaning Routine

As a homeowner, you probably have a lot of questions about the best ways to clean your tile. This is especially true if this is your first time working with tile. It can be overwhelming to know when and how often you should clean go for tile cleaning in Canberra but don't worry! We've got you covered with our handy guide on how often you should clean your tiles based on where they're located in your house: 

How often you clean your tile depends on the type of tile and where it's located.

The frequency with which you clean your tile depends on the type of tile and where it's located. In general, though:

Bathroom floors should be cleaned once a week or so (depending on how much foot traffic they get). This includes showers, tubs and toilets as well as floors!

Kitchen floors should be cleaned once every two weeks or so (again depending on how much foot traffic they get).

Tile Grout Cleaning Frequency

Grout is porous, so it can trap dirt and bacteria. The frequency of cleaning your grout will depend on the type of grout you have and where it's located.

If your home has tiles as well as marble, granite or other stone surfaces in its bathrooms or kitchens, then you'll want to clean these areas more often than other parts of your home because they're subject to higher levels of foot traffic (and therefore more likely to get dirty).

Pets can cause additional wear-and-tear on floors too; especially dogs with long fur shedding constantly throughout their life span which means additional vacuuming sessions needed just for maintenance purposes alone! In addition: "If pets live inside your home then consider giving up some ground space during routine maintenance tasks like sweeping."

Floor Tile Cleaning Frequency

The frequency with which you should clean your floor tiles depends on the type of tile and where it's located. If you have ceramic tiles in a bathroom or kitchen, they should be cleaned more often than other types of flooring because of their exposure to water and moisture.

In general, ceramic floors need to be scrubbed down at least once every two months. However, if there is a lot of dirt build up on them (for example after moving into a new house), it may be necessary to clean them more often until the grout has been sufficiently worn down by regular use so that it no longer traps dirt as much as before.

A good rule of thumb is to clean your tiles at least once a year.

A good rule of thumb is to go for tile cleaning Canberra at least once a year. This is especially true if you have high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. You should also pay attention to how dirty or dingy the tile looks, as this can be an indicator that it needs cleaning.

If you're unsure whether or not your flooring needs to be cleaned, here are some signs that indicate when it's time:

Dirt stains and grime buildup on the surface of the tile (especially near sinks)

Mold growing on grout lines between pieces of ceramic or porcelain tiles

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you determine how often you should clean your tile. Remember that the most important thing is to keep your tiles clean and well maintained. If you follow these tips and schedule regular cleaning appointments with tile cleaning Canberra services, they can help make sure that your floors look great for years to come! 

Source : https://tilerescuecleanning.blogspot.com/2023/04/how-often-should-you-clean-your-tile.html

[charsau]

Cheap End of Lease Cleaning | chars.com.au

If you're renting a property in Canberra, you're legally required to clean it before handing over the keys. This is known as cheap end of lease cleaning Canberra, and it's important to get your house looking pristine so you can get your bond money back.

It can be a stressful time when you're moving out of your home, but hiring a professional cleaner can help reduce stress and ensure the job is done right. We've rounded up some of the best end of lease cleaning services in Canberra to help you get the job done right.

Get a Quote

If you’re planning on moving out, you’ll need to hire professional end of lease cleaning services to get your property ready for the new tenants. This is especially true if you want to get your bond back.

Getting a quote is the first step in finding the best end of lease cleaner for your needs. You’ll also want to check out their reviews and experience.

You should choose an end of lease cleaning service that’s reliable and takes pride in their work. A good end of lease cleaning service will turn up when they say they will, work efficiently and be available to answer questions promptly.

You can also ask for a money-back guarantee to reassure you that they will deliver a top-quality clean. The best end of lease cleaners will also use high-tech equipment and methods to ensure your premises are sparkling.

Check Reviews

When you are moving out of a rental property, it can be overwhelming. You need to find a new place to live, get rid of your furniture and belongings, change your address on all your bills, and most importantly, clean the property up before you hand the keys over.

When hiring an end of lease cleaner, it’s important to check their ratings and reviews online. A good end of lease cleaner will be able to meet all your requirements and will be easy to work with.

A good end of lease cleaner will also offer a money back guarantee if they don’t clean your property to the standards that you want. This will help you to feel confident that they will give you a quality clean and that your property is going to be ready for inspection.

Having a professional end of lease cleaner come in and do all the cleaning is a great way to free up time for you to take care of other things that need to be done before handing over your home. These include carpet cleaning, pest control, and outdoor cleaning.

Check Insurance

Vacating your house can be a stressful time. It includes searching for a new house, arranging to move out and moving your belongings, as well as cleaning up before handing back the property to your landlord.

There are a few key aspects that can help you find a good cleaner, including checking their insurance and coverage. Check to see whether they’re insured against theft, fire and damage.

Also, check to see if they offer a money-back guarantee in the event that their services don’t meet your expectations. This is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your end of lease cleaning needs.

PTCS is one of the most popular and reputable cleaners in Canberra, having been in business since 2010. They’re known for their eco-friendly cleaning solutions and quality equipment. Plus, they have staff who are police checked and fully insured. Using the latest in cleaning technology, they’ll make your house look as good as new!

Check Experience

There are many cleaning services in Canberra, but it is important to find a reliable and trustworthy cleaner who will get the job done. They should have a high work ethic, be punctual, and pay attention to detail.

They should also have experience in end of lease carpet cleaning Canberra. This is a special type of cleaning that requires a lot more skill and effort than regular house cleaning.

A good cleaner will have several years of experience and be highly skilled at cleaning. They won’t take shortcuts and will be able to identify issues that need attention.

They should also have a money-back guarantee, which is a great way to ensure that you get a quality clean. It is also important to look for a company that offers additional services such as carpet steam cleaning, rubbish removal, and odour management.

[sea-dukes-assistant]

The Crown s.2 e.2 scenes and shit I finally wrote over the weekend. Pretty pleased with it; it covers my first major engagement, and the inevitable interpersonal conflicts.

If you're not here for this, don't fucking read it. It's literally that simple. Let's use our brain cells, shall we?

A Company of Men

We met the HMY Britannia in Mombasa, and sailed on to New Guinea via Ceylon and Malaya.  Never one for ceremony, diplomatic relations were handled with sports and games over dinners and speeches.  It was a refreshing change, but these days I find the latter more my speed, as sports don't quite agree with my leg anymore, making me a less effective team member.  I don't think Sir would have told me "no" if I wanted to participate (in fact, I noticed him giving me looks that seem to indicate he wanted me to), but his competitive nature gets a tight grip on him and me, well, I'm just here for a good time.  I often found myself taking the spectator role, partaking in any food or drink offered, and doing my best to provide moral support, which was admittedly easier to do during a boxing match rather than a game of cricket.  It's hard to say who was more confused during the cricket matches, me or the locals.

Notably, there were also evening entertainment.  This mostly consisted of the locals performing traditional dances and things like that but also...uh...other nighttime activities.  I noticed CDR Parker wander off with a woman on more than one occasion.  I just enjoyed my beverage and kept my mouth shut; not business.  I dislike him more and more though, though, admittedly, it was mostly due to him constantly being around all the time and just...being insufferable.

This also contributed to a more major problem: Sir and I, well, we hadn't done anything.  The interest was there, trust and believe I wanted nothing more than for this to be a pleasure cruise as well as a work trip, but either Mike dragged him off to do "old boy" antics or I was just...too damn tired from putting up with Mike being around damn near 24/7.  As a result, I often took care of things myself, which, after having been with him, got old very quickly and further led to my irritability.

Maybe I had too many expectations.  Maybe I'm jealous.  No, it's not that, because Mike is around a lot back in London, but he eventually goes the fuck home and I don't feel like I'm...well...I don't want to say that because then I'll feel worse, and I know that's not why I was brought along.  It should be noted that Sir made the effort to let me know that wasn't the case; we had meals together and when he wanted to eat in the wardroom, he made sure there was a seat at his table for me.  I appreciated what he could do, given that the nature of the relationship isn't something that could be common knowledge, but overall I felt...lacking...like something was missing.

***

On a plane again.  This time to Melbourne, so Sir can open the Olympics.  I've again taken my place across the aisle from him, but facing the opposite way because I like the view it gives me and I have to look at CDR Parker less.

"So depressing, this Suez business," Philip mutters as he glances over the newspaper.

"Well, don't read about it then," Mike chimes in, completely unbothered.

"Can't help myself.  What were they thinking?"

Mike sighs, and drops his planner onto the table.  "Shall we take a look at the schedule?"

"Will that cheer me up?"

"Eh, probably not, no," Mike answers as he places some papers in front of Philip, who is not the last bit happy about any of this.  "I've been stripping things out wherever I can but it's still pretty hectic.  We start with a uranium mine visit in the Northern Territory, agricultural parades at Sidney, then over to a British Empire Service League conference in Canberra, and finally [indecipherable] at Government House."  He paces as he goes over all this, ignoring Sir's rather sarcastic remarks.

He's grumpy today.  I wonder if it's because we've left the ship, or he's not getting laid, or perhaps both.

"But," Mike continues, "I've come up with a nice little stock speech which you can memorize like a mitre(?) bird and deliver each step of the way."  He cheerfully presents a note card with said speech written on it, which Sir takes from him and looks over.  Over in my corner, I can't help but give an approving nod at his efficiency; better than writing a different speech for every stop.

***

It’s hard for me to explain exactly why, but I didn’t get an entirely good vibe from this particular journalist…I expect it had something to do with her having followed us and the look she’d been giving my boss throughout his speech. What I found more unnerving was that LCDR Parker seemed hell-bent on playing “matchmaker,” he himself having no issue with mooring his ship in foreign ports. But being “outranked,” despite my position, by two officers there was little I could say. LCDR Parker had even informed me of that when I expressed I didn’t think this interview would end well. My guess is he seemed to think that since he’d known Sir longer, he was right and I, the newcomer, was automatically wrong. I can assume this was the reason I was discouraged not to be present during this interview.

He’d been in an usually bad mood that night, didn’t say a word to me at dinner, and I never asked. I actually never heard him say anything to me until I was about to go to sleep, and the phone in my stateroom rang. I sigh, slightly annoyed and thinking a crewmember dialed the wrong number again, and answer.

“ET2,” I say as nonchalantly as possible.

“Is that how they trained you to answer the phone in your Navy?” I facepalm; sometimes I hate the fact that he’s an officer.

“No sir,” I reply, unable to help rolling my eyes.

“What are you doing?” Not a question…officers don’t ask for things.

“Um…,” I hesitate, deciding if I really should be a smartass and tell him I’m on the phone because he called me. “Not sleeping,” I answer, more grumpily that I meant to.

“Get in here,” he orders.

“May I ask why, sir?” If this is meant as an apology, I’m hardly impressed.

“Do I need a reason?” He asks, mildly irritated.

“Well, no, but I’ve been so graciously informed that I don’t know what I’m talking about, and my presence didn’t seem to be in demand earlier this afternoon. I fail to see why it’s needed now.” I’m gonna get chewed out for that one.

There’s an uncomfortably long pause before he repeats his order.

“Aye sir,” I sigh. I hang up and reluctantly put a shirt and pajama pants on, muttering under my breath the entire time about “fucking officers” and how nobody ever listens to me, then make my way toward his room, not giving a flying fuck if anyone sees me or my bald eagle pajama pants (‘MERICA!). In proper naval fashion, I knock three times on his door and wait for permission to enter, which comes almost immediately. I take a seat on the couch and eye the decanter of what I think is whiskey, but could be scotch, I don’t honestly know but at this point don’t care. I contemplate pouring myself a glass.

Sir sits down in a chair facing me, and pours himself a drink. “I don’t appreciate the snark, but I understand why,” he says before taking a sip.

To some extent, I wonder if he really does. “My apologies if I was out of line, sir. I understand my place with respect to my rank, but not in regard to my position,” I explain, looking him dead in the eye. “I make an honest effort to walk that thin line but in situations like today I feel I can’t win,” I continue.

“And why is that?” He asks, as if he knows the answer and this question is merely a formality.

“Because, to be blunt, you side with him, always. My hands are tied no matter what. You both outrank me, but he has no respect for my position and I don’t get any backup.”

He says nothing, but takes another sip of his drink.

“I knew that interview was a bad idea. I told him that; he didn’t want to listen. Told me I didn’t know what I was talking about and that my suggestion of being present was unwarranted and I was being a cock-block, which…given the, uh, 'unique’ nature of my duty here is hardly the case. Anyway, I basically was told to fuck off and nothing was said in disagreement to that. And now, here we are,” I make a sweeping, dramatic gesture to emphasize my point.

Sir empties his glass and refills it. “I don’t like admitting this, but you’re right…you should have been there. It would have saved me a lot of trouble.”

I cock my head to the side, curious. “In what way?”

“She asked about things I don’t want to discuss,” he answered matter-of-factly, “brought up…things I try not to think about and move on from.” His glass is empty again in one gulp.

Now it made sense…he wanted me with him because he was hurting. He’d never admit that of course, but nerves had been struck. I suddenly didn’t know what to say…well, I did, but “I tried to tell y'all” wasn’t the best choice of words at the moment. Instead I just go for outright honesty, rather than endure more uncomfortable silence.

“I’m not sure what it is I’m here for, if nothing I advise is going to be taken into consideration. I’m aware that’s not exactly my job, nor do I have this extensive knowledge of how ANY of this works, but I’m NOT stupid. Even if I had been in the room, and able to kick her out when she crossed a line, I’d have gotten shit for that too. It is VERY difficult for me to do my job and be effective if I constantly have to counter this 'good ol’ boy’ dynamic going on.” I sigh exasperatedly, surprised at what just came out of my mouth but also very relieved I got it out.

“Rather hypocritical of you, I think.” I can hear the irritation in his tone. A dig, I suppose, at the fact that I hold an unspoken position beyond “staff.”

“No, no it isn’t, because I know EXACTLY where that line is and I do my level best to not cross it in the course of my actual duty. Never once have I acted inappropriately on this tour, or any other time before this. I can’t say the same for a lot of others on this ship.” I stop myself from dropping names.

“And how do you know that?” He asks, somewhat condescendingly.

“Sir the E-4 Mafia is international, and scuttlebutt travels real damn fast.” I feel immensely satisfied with myself. I may have promoted out of The Mafia, but that don’t mean I don’t pay attention. “All I’m trying to explain, is that I don’t think some see this tour as work, but rather a free party boat. Maybe I’m too serious but to me it’s no different than a deployment…I’m just not having to stand watch and sleep in a space with 50 other dudes. There’s work, and then, unless something comes up, there’s not work, which I think we both know what that is, but sometimes involves me getting blackout drunk due to the shit I put up with.”

Sir’s face contorts in contemplation, and I’m pleased to see that he’s giving my grievance some thought. He gets up from the chair, and sits next to me, positing himself slightly sideways.  His elbow rests on the back of the couch, and he rests his chin in his hand.

“How long had you been holding that in?” He asks, concerned.

“Um, since this tour started, honestly,” I try to focus my attention elsewhere, so as to avoid an awkward boner. I know he’s smirking at me though, especially since my ears have gone red, which means he’s succeeded in making me flustered.

I finally pour myself the drink I needed so desperately during that whole debacle. The burn in the back of my throat informs me this is NOT bourbon, and after coughing rather loudly, put my empty glass back down onto the coffee table, and lean back, relieved this mess got sorted out and now I can sleep. Or at least, thought I could sleep.

“I enjoy the attention; I was never going to bed her,” he tells me, his voice unusually quiet.

I turn my head to look at him and attempt to give him my best attempt at sage advice. “Unfortunately that kind of attention breeds speculation. Speculation leads to rumors, rumors get published in the tabloids, and then it becomes fact, which means scandal at worst and a mess to deal with at home at best. My advice is to avoid it. There is, however, a different type of attention that nobody knows about and that I don’t think your wife would mind hearing about.”

Sir cocks his head to the side, smirking slightly. “At what exactly is that?”

“Mine.”

Something clicks, I can see it in his eyes, as if he's suddenly realized that hasn't been happening.

"I've missed you," he admits, his voice barely audible.

It had bee an agonizingly long two weeks.  The culmination is quick yet passionate.

I couldn't focus on anything aside from the feeling.  All the tension, all the negative feelings I'd been struggling with are quickly chased away as I ride him, the faint, rhythmic knock of the headboard against the bulkhead and our breathing provide the only sound in the space.  I move my right hand from the headboard and place it behind his neck as I feel myself getting close.

Sir leans forward slightly, one hand on my back for support, and loosely wraps his hand around my dick, enough to have friction but not inhibit movement.  "Did you think about me?"  he asks, right in my ear, low and sensual.

Holy shit this man is good.  With every nerve in my body already hypersensitive, his voice alone nearly sends me over the edge.  I try to find the words to answer him, but all I can manage is a somewhat breathless "mm-hmm."

His thumb now rubs the head of my dick, and I feel my balls begin to tuck up.  I lean my head back and sigh, trying to concentrate on not finishing.

"Was I in uniform?"

Fuck him, I think, without any animosity at all, fuck him for using that against me.  "Yes," I sigh, my mind wandering to the scene I'd conjured up in my most nights.

"I rather liked it, too," he says, referring to when he indulged that particular kink of mine for the first time.  He quickens the pace of his trusts and nibbles at my ear.  "You're holding back.  Don't; I want to hear every sound you make."

At this point I'm not sure what's coming out of my mouth, but I'm sure none of it is decipherable, except maybe some four letter words.  I could only concentrate on the feeling of him, it felt as though I could feel him everywhere, and a part of me didn't want to stop touching him for fear I'd wake up and this would be a dream.

"You're so good for me, so good," he tells me.  No idea if that's work related or not, but regardless, it the unexpected trigger.

"Fuck, Sir, it's..."

My breathing hitches and my release is sudden and powerful...and loud.  He's done as well, and I can't help but smile at the warm sensation the evidence gives me.  My nerves feel like they're on fire; everything is tingling, especially my spine.

After we've both caught our breath, he gives me a deep, lingering kiss, which is an apology in itself.  With hesitation, I break it and place both hands on either side of his head.

"I need you to trust me," I tell him, my eyes nearly boring into his.

He clears his throat, a trademark of his when he's not sure what to say.  I don't demand an answer, taking that simple gesture for what it's worth and knowing him well enough to know that's as close to acknowledgement as I'm going to get.  "How's your leg?"

Oh shit, that's right; suddenly I become aware of the stiffness in my knee.  "I gotta stretch it, but otherwise it's alright.  Mind helping me up?"

He smiles at me.  "Of course not."

***

"Written it yet?"  Mike asks, curious.

"No.  I'm waiting for inspiration to strike."

"Might I suggest some gung-ho platitudes about Christmas in the Commonwealth."

"That's what they want me to say.  I mean what I want to say."

Mike nods.  "Right," he says simply, before leaving.

Philip spins his pen on the desk, clearly not wanting any part of this.  "Devin, you're good with words, fancy writing a speech for me?"  He looks at me with that mischievous smirk he's known for.

"Sir I'm neither a Commonwealth subject nor married," I reply, with an air of wisdom for dramatic effect, "best I can do is edit it for you."  I take a drink of my beer and smile.

***

He wasn't himself after hearing his wife's Christmas speech.  I don't know what she said, but he seemed a bit...melancholy, a mood I hadn't ever seen him exhibit.  I let him be until around bedtime, thinking if he wanted to tell me, he would.  He hadn't yet, and the unsettled vibe I was picking up was starting to bother me.

"Do you want to talk about it?"  I calmly ask, taking off my shirt.

"About what?"

"What ever has you in this...uh, what's got you upset."

"I'm not upset," he says, matter-of-factly.

"Sir, respectfully, you're avoiding looking at me and you're re-arranging your dresser.  That's a clear indication of anxiety.  I know that because I also 'anxious tidy' so don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."  Honestly, if anyone knows anxiety, it's me.  I get anxious over everything and nothing at all.

Sir stops, but says nothing, nor does he turn around.

"Although, we don't have to," I tell him, "we could just...I don't know...whatever you feel like doing.  I could even fuck off."  I prepare to put my shirt back on, should he want me to leave.  It's an odd turn of events, and I'm not quite sure how to handle him like this, but I make sure not to pressure him.  I don't always want to talk about my weird brain problems and moods, but having been through trauma myself, the least I could do was offer.  It was oddly empowering, being the "strong one" for a change.  Part of me was hoping he wanted me to stay, because I cared and wanted to do what I could to help him feel better.  Maybe, also, I might be kinda loved him, in some sense I can't quite describe.

Sir proceeded to get ready for bed, probably trying to make a decision in the process.  Feeling silly just standing there holding my shirt, I put it back on and sit on the sofa, helping myself to a glass of whatever devil juice is in the decanter while I wait.  As I work on my drink, it occurs to me he's been though a lot, not just in his life but on this tour.  Perhaps it's just catching up with him.  Inevitably, my brain start conjuring up all the ways in which I could the problem.  I feel my heartbeat quicken and I drink a bit faster than I should.

After a painfully long moment of silence, he asks why I'm still dressed.  I take that as his answer to my unasked question, and place my empty glass back beside the decanter before undressing.  Once I'm down to my boxers, I move to get in bed, when he suddenly reminds me that even those have to go.  After removing those, too, I get in bed and lay on my back, relieved that so far there's no indication of my previous worry.  I watch as he joins me, still silent, and turns off his bedside lamp.  I do the same, though now the silence is uncomfortable, but I do my best not to break it.

"You've done nothing wrong," he says, so suddenly and matter-of-factly that it makes me jump a little.

I sigh heavily in relief, and I feel him roll onto his side to face me.

"Come here."  His voice is quiet, but that's an order nonetheless.  Normally, I'd just press my back against him, as he refuses to ever be the little spoon, but this time i turn onto my side, so that we're facing each other, and get closer to him.  Sir grabs my arms and places it around his waist, knowing that I am too chicken shit to make the first move, and puts his around me, though due to the height difference, he's got me more around my chest than anything.

Whatever negative aura I was picking up vanishes, and sleep comes easy.