#benjamin roberts

[arcticdementor]

Of all the places I’ve traipsed through in either drunken stupor or adrenal ecstasy, Alaska reigns as the most enigmatic and beautiful. Half open-air insane asylum, half God’s country, the far-off territory reels in and keeps the country’s outliers. Its borders act as one great sieve, filtering through the phenomenally bizarre, the shockingly brave, and the aspirationally interesting. My first trip to Alaska took me north of the Arctic Circle. Flying in an eight-seater plane, twisting through storms over the Yukon River – this captured a hint of doing something novel. It was close to what I wanted. The summer was beautiful and largely monastic. But this pastoral isolation hadn’t scratched the itch. I was looking for something rough, something dangerous, something senseless. I wanted the kind of adventure you see in movies and read about in old books, replete with violence and sex. I wanted something heavy.  So, I went back. Unfortunately, the great splendor of journeying to the Last Frontier now mostly consists of being hassled by the airport DMV until you fall asleep with a crooked neck on your connecting flight. Instead of a romantic voyage, I ate mediocre sandwiches throughout my pilgrimage from JFK, to SEATAC, to Anchorage, to Seward.  We skittered into Seward on an old bus driven by an even older man. Resurrection Bay crept over the treeline, and as we finally skipped and rattled out of the thin pines, it exploded in panoramic glory. Black sands, ice-capped mountains, sunbathing sea lions, all of them accentuating the simple shimmer of the sun across the water. In the summer, the sun never goes down. Under that midnight sun, I’d meet many people. I’d encounter the sublime. There, I’d find that heavy ‘something’ I was looking for.

…

The great expansionist drive of our forebears has ceased to exist. Whether our adventurous spirits were strangled out of us, or we put them down ourselves, I’m not sure. I am sure, though, that the Alaska of the past is just that – the past. Those of us that go there chasing that past, chasing adventure, find only a few fragments here and there. The juxtaposition of our collective memories and the reality on the ground is striking, and ultimately, absurd. Every young man, of course, must confront the absurd. On a cosmic scale, this has always been the case. But today especially, when ordinary life seems unfulfilling, there emerges a great desire for adventure, for risk, and for the real.  One desires to give his life up to chance, to place his future firmly in the hands of a fickle and inscrutable master. Adventure is this: embracing chance as the arbiter of fate, as the gatekeeper of the future, as the final word. Whether for a season or a lifetime, wrestling with chance, which may also be called Providence, lets one slip through the fence and into the nettles, to risk grand or meager suffering, often for nothing but the trip itself.  The great adventure I have sought throughout my life always carried within the glinting silver promise of sin. Fever dreams of violence and womanizing, a great lurching phantom bonfire of debauchery. In Alaska, I found all of this. I also found, through the wonderful and dreadful echoing in every glen and mountain hall, a thorn of clarity.

[diioonysus]

objects in art: swords/daggers

[fukutomichi]

Inside The Rings of Power S2, E1 | The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power

[eclairemaire]

Meeting the Missus pt. 5

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x Wife! Reader

Category: Fluff

Summary: The Team finds out Bob is married and wants to meet the missus.

Warnings: Reader is described very similarly to Rhea Ripley, Reader and Bob are very much in love, No mention of Y/N used, Southern Reader (she's like all southern ladies sweet like iced tea, but can knock you on your ass if she has too), Express mentions of reader and Bob's Child, Lemme know if I missed any.

Word Count: 1.2K

Notes: This will be the final part of this series for now. I'm not sure how I want to continue the story. I hope everyone enjoys! If you have any requests, mine are open, and I will try to get to them. Enjoy!!

Everyone had started making their plates for lunch as you and Bob started to sort through what everyone brought. Nat brought hard seltzers and brownies. Payback brought a salad and a variety of dressings, and Sprite. Fanboy brought some homemade salsa and tres leches cake, along with some Mexican Cokes. Coyote brought oven-baked Mac ‘n cheese and fruit salad. Hangman brought ribs, banana pudding, and beer. Maverick, Penny, and Amelia brought a nice bottle of wine and sparkling grape juice for the girls so they wouldn’t feel left out later. Rooster brought sugar cookies from the grocery store and various snack foods.

After finishing sorting the rest of the food and drinks, Bob goes to help Riley make her plate, and you move to turn music on, the first song being Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ from the Dark Side of the Moon album. Before moving back into the kitchen to make you a plate, grab some ribs, smoked sausage, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, chips, and ranch dip before heading out to the back patio.

Everyone had lots of food on their plates and had started eating before you had sat down. “This is some bomb food, Mrs. Floyd. I mean, I knew the food you made was good from how Bob’s always melting into his seat at lunch, but this is on a whole other level.” Fanboy said as he took a bite out of his burger.

“Thank you, Mickey,” you say as you start to eat food off your plate.

“So, I know everyone wants to know, how did you two meet?” Hangman asked as he looked between you and Bob.

“Well, it's kind of silly.” You say, making eye contact with Bob as you move to take a sip of your drink.

“It was back when I still rode broncos in rodeos. After I graduated from high school and before I enlisted in the Navy.” He said, picking at his food.

“Wait, you actually rode broncos?” Coyote asked, his face showing his disbelief.

“Hell yes he did, damn good at it too.” You exclaim as you scoop up some mac and cheese onto your fork. “That rodeo buckle I wore the first night at the hard deck was the one he got the night we met.” 

Hangman looked so surprised, “You won at a rodeo? I’ve been to many a rodeo; those broncos are brutal.” 

“I’d been riding my whole life, I was raised on a ranch, you know,” Bob said, turning to wipe some food off Riley’s face.

“Wait, what were you doing at the rodeo?” Maverick asked as he looked at you.

“I was there looking for work. I needed a job after high school, and I’d been going to and from ranches for as long as I could remember, so it was almost a no-brainer to try and get a job that dealt with livestock.” Turning to look at Bob, you continue to speak. “My grandparents had horses when my mama was growing up; she had always ridden, and even though we didn’t live in a rural area. I was taught when I was younger, and often spent time in the barns tending the animals.”

“I saw her when she was riding one of the mechanical bulls there -” “I’d never ridden a real bull, mind you.” You interjected as Bob mentioned the mechanical bull.

“Anyway, she was the only one who could stay on longer than anybody else. She was intimidating as shit back then.”

“Back then?” Nat asked incredulously, “She’s intimidating now.”

“NO, well, yes, you are still very intimidating,” Bob fumbled as he looked from Phoenix to you. He smiled at you before continuing with the story.

“I’d never seen anybody like her before. All the women in my life, while very strong in their own ways, were always soft in comparison to my wife. None of the girls I went to school with wanted to deal with hard labour, they would rather watcha movie, paint their nails, or do their hair and makeup.” He said, looking at you with adoration.

“Granted, I didn’t want to do that forever, example A, my life now,” You say, gesturing around you to your house and towards Riley.

“She was beautiful, and as she mentioned, looking for work. My dad hired her to help out on the ranch. We met her first day when I walked up on her changing into her work clothes behind our barn.” He huffed a laugh at the memory.

“We worked together for months before I worked up the nerve to ask her out. Then I enlisted in the Navy, and she went back to her hometown for college,” he said before shoveling some food into his mouth.

“We wrote letters to each other like total dorks and met up frequently while he was on leave. When we found out I was pregnant with Riley, we got married, and he took a few months off to help me with Riley after she was born, and then he got stationed at Lemoore, and we lived out there until we came here for the special detachment.” You say, looking around at everyone, and then your gaze landed on Riley. 

“Wait, so Bob, did you marry your first love?” Payback asked.

“No, I’d dated other people during high school,” Bob answered like that was obvious.

“What about you, Mrs. Floyd?” Penny asked as she spoke up.

“Me? No, actually, when we first met,” you start pointing between yourself and Bob, “I was at that rodeo with my girlfriend. We broke up shortly after I started working at the Floyd family ranch.” You say with a deadpan expression on your face. A few members of the squad looked shocked at your mentioning of a girlfriend, namely Payback and Coyote.

Rooster just huffed out through his nose, “I knew you were fruity somehow.” He said, pointing at you.

“You don’t get to call anybody fruity while you and Hangman dance around each other the way you have been, for as long as I’ve heard about you.” You point your fork at him with an eyebrow raised. Rooster raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Whoa, what did I do? I haven’t said anything.” Hangman asked, giving a brief glare in Rooster's direction, for somehow bringing the attention to their situation. You just gave him a pointed look.

“Mama?” Riley came to stand in front of you. “Can I have some dessert? And can Amelia and I go play games in the living room after?” She asks, her eyes were big, and she was giving you that look that you cannot deny.

“Sure, Bug, what do you want?” You ask as you stand and pick her up as you walk into the house. Yours and hers conversation fades out as you go inside.

Amelia went inside briefly after you and Riley. She had a vague idea as to what the team was going to start pestering Bob about and didn’t feel inclined to listen.

“So you got her pregnant before you married her?” Fanboy wiggled his eyebrows at Bob as he asked what everyone was thinking.

“Okay, do not say it like that, we were planning on having a kid, and we were both prepared for everything that could happen, plus it’s not like we had her when we were teenagers. We just so happened to have her before we got married.” Bob explained after sighing like his friends were his kids instead of his child, who was with you getting dessert inside. 

tags: @7dreambaby

[valar-did-me-wrong]

TROP fandom rn:

Part: 76/?

[luzriels]

🍂 ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🍃✧˚.💚⋆ Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

[letthefairyinyoufly]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER S2E8 "Shadow and Flame"

[poindexterpng]

updated top 10 marvel characters tier list

can you tell i watched thunderbolts and they’ve all become my absolute favourites

[nickeverdeen]

Calling Top Gun Maverick characters “wife/husband” instead of “girlfriend/boyfriend” while being on the phone with someone

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell

Maverick would give you a subtle, knowing smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement

He’d raise an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by your choice of words

Once you’re off the phone, Maverick might tease you lightly, “Husband, huh? You sure you’re ready for that?”

He’d give you a gentle nudge or a squeeze of the hand, clearly pleased

You’d catch him smiling warmly, clearly touched by the unexpected title

Maverick wouldn’t say much but would give you a look that says he’s very okay with it

He might add it to your banter, occasionally calling you his “husband” or “wife” in return

Penny Benjamin

Penny would immediately flash you a cheeky grin, loving the new title

She’d give you a playful wink, clearly enjoying the unexpected upgrade

Once you’re off the phone, Penny might tease you with, “I like the sound of that”

She’d laugh softly to herself, obviously delighted by your words

Penny would reach out to touch your arm or hand, appreciating the sentiment

She’d respond with a playful flirt, something like, “Does that mean we’re planning a wedding now?”

Penny would likely pull you in for a quick kiss, happy and amused by the title

Jake “Hangman” Seresin

Hangman would immediately react with a wide, cocky grin, loving every second of it

He’d throw a quick, witty retort your way, “I knew I was husband material.”

Hangman would puff up his chest a little, clearly proud of the title

Once you’re off the phone, he’d tease you relentlessly, “So when’s the ceremony?”

He’d respond with a flirtatious comment, something like, “I’ll give you a great husband.”

Hangman would give you a charming wink, fully embracing the term

He might make a sly comment about you having good taste in husbands

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw

Rooster would get a bit flustered, not quite sure how to react at first

He’d break into a surprised but happy smile, loving the unexpected term

Rooster would chuckle nervously to himself, a little embarrassed but clearly pleased

He might blush slightly, especially if you’re in front of others, but he’d still love it

Once you’re off the phone, he might say softly, “Husband, huh? I like that.”

Rooster might gently tease you about it later, “So, how long have we been married now?”

He’d give you a long, affectionate look, clearly touched by the sentiment

Natasha “Pheonix” Trace

Phoenix would immediately laugh, clearly amused and delighted by your words

She might give you a light, playful punch on the arm, “Wife? I like the sound of that.”

Phoenix might feign surprise, “Wow, didn’t know we were that official.”

She’d grin at you teasingly, loving the playful nature of the title

Once you’re off the phone, she’d quickly retort with, “Guess that makes you my wife/husband, huh?”

Phoenix would likely continue the banter, throwing in some flirtatious remarks

She’d clearly be happy with the title, maybe bringing it up later with a smile

Robert “Bob” Floyd

Bob would be stunned into silence for a moment, not quite sure how to react

His face would turn bright red, clearly flustered but pleased by the title

Bob would give you a shy, sweet smile, loving the idea but too shy to say much

He’d let out a nervous laugh, trying to play it cool but clearly a bit overwhelmed

Once you’re off the phone, Bob might say timidly, “Husband? I, um, didn’t know we were there yet.”

He’d give you a grateful, affectionate look, touched by the unexpected upgrade

Bob might make a soft comment about how much he likes the sound of it

Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia

Fanboy would instantly get excited, his eyes lighting up at the word “husband.”

He’d immediately start playfully joking, “So when are we booking the honeymoon?”

Fanboy would break into a big grin, clearly loving the idea

Once you’re off the phone, he’d be full of energy, “Husband! I knew it! We’re that good!”

He might go over-the-top with his reaction, acting like you’ve just proposed

Fanboy would be laughing joyfully, clearly thrilled with the new title

He’d constantly tease you about it afterward, bringing it up at every opportunity

[corneliarose14]

High King Gil-galad and his herald Elrond 👑 📜

[vaile-elenya]

ROBERT ARAMAYO AS ELROND PEREDHEL, MORFYDD CLARK AS GALADRIEL, BENJAMIN WALKER AS GIL-GALAD| LORD OF THE RINGS: RINGS OF POWER SEASON 2

[arcticdementor]

In reality, White identity has been playing a major role in modern politics since the Civil Rights Movement. A vast amount of the 20th Century GOP’s platform consisted of thinly veiled White grievances. White flight, busing, the War on Drugs, welfare reform, affirmative action, etc. – these are all racial issues which were articulated in the language of law and order, parental rights, meritocracy, or economic pragmatism. At the end of the day, these problems were the natural outgrowth of White discomfort in a newly non-White America. Even the Democrats of old played this game. Bill Clinton promised to “end welfare as we know it,” and passed one of the toughest crime bills in recent memory. In doing so, he was essentially cozying up to White concerns at a time when it was politically expedient. Similar to Trumpism, the conservative approach to these issues wasn’t articulated in explicitly racial terms, but the effect was more or less the same.

—Benjamin Roberts

[djarinvettel]

the small whimper elrond did when the orcs were about to execute gil galad, in this essay i will-

[fukutomichi]

Inside The Rings of Power S2, E8 | The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power

[eclairemaire]

Meeting the Missus pt. 4

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x Wife! Reader

Category: Fluff

Summary: The Team finds out Bob is married and wants to meet the missus.

Warnings: Reader is described very similarly to Rhea Ripley, Reader and Bob are very much in love, No mention of Y/N used, Southern Reader (she's like all southern ladies sweet like iced tea, but can knock you on your ass if she has too), Express mentions of reader and Bob's Child, Lemme know if I missed any.

Word Count: 1.8K

Notes: Finally, we get to the cookout, YIPPEE!!! I'm so thankful for all the support shown, and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the story!

p.s At the bottom of the post is the floorplan that I mentioned in my last post for everyone who needs a visual. (I'm not an architect or contractor by anymeans so it's not proffessional but it is what I imagined for the floorplan of the home.)

The day of the much-awaited cookout has finally arrived, and the Floyd household is buzzing with anticipation and subdued chaos as the final touches are being made throughout the home.

“BOB, please make sure everything is ready in the back!” You yell out to your husband as you put the last of the food onto the island in the kitchen. “Riley, sweety, can you please make sure all the board games are in the living room?” You say, turning to your daughter.

“Sure thing, Mama!” She chirps brightly before skipping that way.

“Okay, so I have humus, ranch dip, crackers, veggies for the dip, grilled veg for burgers, buns, cheese, charcuterie board, corn on the cob, condiments, and the burgers are out by the grill, along with the hot dogs and sausages, ok,” mumbling to yourself as you go through the mental checklist of food, “What am I missing?” you mutter looking at the spread before you.

“Mama, can I have some pretzels?” Riley asks, appearing at your side, both Nuggs and Beans with her.

“That's it! Chips.” Turning to Riley, you pick her up as you place a kiss on her cheek. “Yes, you may, my dear.” Opening the pantry door, you set her down and reach for the pretzels to give her, before facing the chip collection on the shelf. You grab almost every chip bag from the pantry, having no idea what the team might want.

Phoenix was the first to arrive, which wasn’t surprising, seeing as she had babysat for you and Bob before, she came right in as you finished putting the chips on the counter.

“Auntie Nat!” Riley squealed as she saw Phoenix enter the kitchen. Phoenix was holding a bag, and she put it on the counter before squatting down to hug Riley.

“Hey mini Floyd,” she said, hugging her close before standing up with her in her arms. “Man, you’re getting big, soon I won’t be able to call you mini Floyd,” she remarked while feigning a stagger from Riley’s weight.

“I’ve grown 2 ½ inches!” Riley exclaimed to Phoenix while she beamed at her.

“Hey, Mama Floyd, there’s some dessert and some seltzers in there for later,” Phoenix said as she nodded towards the bag she placed on the counter. “Where’s Bobby boy at?” she asks as she swivels around. As though he were summoned, Bob entered the kitchen at that moment.

“Ah, there he is.”

“Huh, what?” He looked up from his phone, hearing Phoenix’s voice. “Hey Nat,” He smiled as he walked over to sit on one of the stools at the island. “Hangman just texted to let us know he’s gonna be here soon, as well as Coyote, Payback, and Fanboy. I think Rooster is coming with Mav and them.” He says as he dips a chip into the ranch dip. “Hey, Hun, you forgot the pickles.” 

You turn around from where you were putting seltzers into the fridge “Oh shit,” you say, turning back to the fridge and grabbing the jar from door “There we go. Anything else?”

Bob looks at the clock on the oven. “No, but I think you might want to start grilling the meat soon.” He said, putting another chip in his mouth. You look at your watch and then start heading to the back door.

“You need any help?” Phoenix asks.

“Yeah, that’d be great. Bob, you’re on door greater duty.” You say, pointing at him as you back away. “No pouting!” You shout after stepping outside. Phoenix rises to follow you, taking Riley with her. Bob just stares at the space you both were occupying just a moment before.

~

Hangman wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he imagined you and Bob’s house, but it wasn’t a 2 story, almost cookie-cutter house, with a pickup in the driveway. He could see Phoenix’s car parked next to the truck in the driveway. There were plants all over the front porch, along with a porch swing and some rocking chairs. Walking up to the front door, he could see into what appeared to be a living room through a window, which looked significantly cozier than the exterior of the home. Just as he was about to knock, he heard some chattering behind him. 

“Hey Hangman,” Coyote called as he jogged to catch up with him at the door. Behind him, Payback and Fanboy were talking while walking up, their hands full of stuff.

“Wassup, guys!” Fanboy said once they reached the door. Before anyone could respond, they all jumped as barking was heard from within the house, followed by some light scolding as the barking died down and the front door opened.

“Welcome, everyone,” Bob said as he opened the door wider to let everyone in, and saw two dogs go through a dog door at the end of the hallway. The entryway had a bench pushed along the edge of the stairs that had Bob’s workbag and dog leashes, and harnesses on it. Under the bench were several pairs of shoes, including what appeared to be 3 sets of cowboy boots. The coat rack was full, filled with jackets and coats alike, as well as a few ball caps. Next to it was a cowboy hat rack on which was Bob’s black hat, followed by a chocolate colored one, and then at the bottom was Riley's pink one covered in rhinestones and pink feathers.

Looking further into the home, they could see that the walls were covered with frames and full of many different paintings. Going through the living room toward the kitchen, they passed the well-loved sectional couch on the right, which was covered in throw pillows and had a basket next to it that was full of blankets. Across from the couch was the TV and media center, filled with movies, games, and game consoles. There were two dog beds placed in front of the windows that looked out into the front yard. The wall with the doorway to the kitchen had a large bookcase pushed against it, almost spanning the whole wall, which was filled with books, model planes and cars, as well as a few Lego sets here and there.

There was another knock on the door as they all reached the kitchen. “You guys can set your stuff on the counter, and anything that needs to stay cold, you can go ahead and put into the fridge. The girls are all out back,” Bob says, walking backwards and pointing from the fridge to the back door, just through a hallway off to the right, past the dining table. 

“Hey, Mav, Penny, Rooster. And you must be Amelia. My wife is looking forward to meeting you, so is my daughter.” Bob said as he started to lead them the same way to the kitchen to set their stuff on the island. Then Riley came barreling around the corner from the back door into the kitchen.

“Daddy, Mama needs another tray for the rest of the meat.” She hollered, running right up to Bob and grappling straight to his leg. Completely oblivious to all the other people in the room. All of the guys looked at her in astonishment, that Bob did in fact have a child. She looked like Bob and you, having Bob’s facial structure, his dark blue eyes, and his height, but had your nose and lips and that same lightly tanned skin, her hair a mixture of both of you, with his color, and your curls. 

“Okay, Bug. Can you say ‘Hi’ to everyone for me?” He asks, running his fingers through her hair as he starts to turn to where you stored the baking trays. Riley looked up and saw all the new people in the room and tried to follow Bob and hide behind his legs, once she realised they were all looking at her. “It’s ok, Bug, none of them bite.” He lightly nudged her out from behind himself as he made to go out the back door to give you the tray.

“Hi,” she said very softly. She gave everyone a little hesitant wave as she looked at them all again. 

Maverick was the first one to introduce himself, lowering himself to be on the same level as Riley so as not to intimidate her more. “ Hello, Riley. I’m Captain Pete Mitchell, callsign Maverick.” He put his hand out for her to shake, looking at him, and then to his hand, she took it gingerly, hers significantly smaller, and gave it a light shake. 

After that, her confidence went up a bit. “Hello, Captain Mitchell, I’m Riley Floyd.” She stated, some of her mom’s southern charm was coming through with how polite she was. She then turned to Penny and Amelia, Rooster had moved over to the rest of the guys and was watching from beside the fridge.

“Hi Riley, I’m Penny, and this is my daughter Amelia.” Penny also crouched down and pointed to Amelia, who was behind her and had sat down in front of the dinner table. Amelia waved from where she was and gave Riley a small smile. She shook Penny’s hand in the same fashion as Maverick, and did the same with Amelia before turning to face the boys.

Deciding to be very brave, Riley walked over to one of the stools by the island where they were all congregated and got up onto one and stood up on it. Upon seeing her approach, all of them grew hushed as she tried to reach their height by standing on the stool.

“You better be careful there, Little Lady,” Hangman said as he approached with his arms braced so that if she fell, he could catch her easily. “You’re parents wouldn’t be happy if we let you fall now, would they?” He asked once he was fully in front of her.

“Lt. Jake Seresin, callsign Hangman." He put one hand forward to shake, and she looked at him, then at his hand. Promptly, she slapped it as hard as she could, which was significantly harder than any of the guys would have thought.

“I don’t like you, Bagman,” She said in a very serious tone as she glared at him. All the guys behind him were snickering and smacking each other as they didn’t even try to hold it together as they watched Hangman get snubbed by Bob’s daughter. Hangman looked at his hand and then at Riley with a look of slight disbelief as though he couldn’t comprehend what had just happened, and backed away slowly. Rooster was the next to approach her, and she eyed him critically.

“Lt. Bradley Bradshaw, ma’am, callsign Rooster," he gave her the utmost respect he could muster without cooing at her. Riley’s look lightened as he also put out his hand for her to shake. 

“Hello, Lieutenant Bradshaw, I’m Riley Floyd.” She squeezed his hand as hard as he could and gave it a firm shake. The rest of the boys followed Rooster's example, and right after Fanboy finished his introduction, you came in with trays of patties, hot dogs, and sausages, with  Phoenix and Bob right behind you also carrying food, and freshly grilled corn on the cob.

“Alright, Everybody, lunch is served!!” You said as you started to place trays on the counter.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5

First Floor ⤵

Second Floor ⤵

[pinkbumblebees]