#docksides gif

[thedaveandkimmershow]

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

We're going home today but not until the end of the day so there's time for a day.

Time for more experiences.

So I get up at 6 to pack. 645 I'm at Starbucks downstairs for Kimmer's tall drip dark coffee with oat milk on the side.

Breakfast is leftovers from our restaurant dinners like those crispy fried wings from Bar 17 Bistro, the ones with Korean BBQ, garlic chives, and Fresno peppers. I only had three the other night which left three for breakfast.

Our agenda this morning consists of one item: Universal Studios. We won't be hopping over to Islands. Just Studios today.

With that in mind, we're looking for a greatest hits/bucket list experience. To do again what we loved the most and to do for the first time what we had in mind to do this whole time. Which brings us back to Villain Con for one more round and then to the Jimmy Fallon 4D ride that's remarkably unexpected and fun.

After that, we return to Diagon Alley to indulge more photography. Also on our list of what we haven't done yet that we were always meaning to do: Butterbeer soft serve ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. After we're served up, we retire across the street to those steps next to Gringotts, behind Hagrid's motorbike with side car that's a relentless photo op for family after family after family as children (some dressed in their Hogwarts finery) run over to the bike, jump onto the bike or into the sidecar, while parents frame up the perfect shot and take it.

We're here for awhile, savoring our Butterbeer ice cream and watching the streams of people. When it's time to go, we take our leave back to the Villain Con building near the front of the park to take Oatmeal Bear photos at either end of the building. It's a travel habit we indulge every time we travel. It's a travel habit that goes all the way back to "I do". Oatmeal Bear even has his own Facebook page where these photos inevitably show up. 😊

This is not gonna be a full day at the park. In fact, we leave a little after 11 after three hours of discovery and exploration and peace. Then we're back at the hotel to get serious about leaving. For starters, we're supposed to check out of the hotel at 11 but we managed to move that back to noon. In order to get back into the room after 11, though, we're told we'll need to get an amenities key to not only use the pool for the afternoon but to actually get into our room once our key card's expired.

So now it's after 11. We're back at the hotel to get our amenities key. And, this being the weekend, everybody's trying to check in.

I mean, like, everybody.

The line to guest services snakes through the line set up for it, across the front door, into the lobby. It's long enough to suggest getting anything from guest services in the next hour is a non-starter.

We won't even be to the head if the line in that time. ☹️

Kimmer suggests approaching the Luggage Hold desk. Good thing she does, too, because the attendant there discovers that our room keys are good 'til noon even though we were told they would stop working at 11 which is why we're down here asking for the amenities key.

Ultimately, our room keys are good to go until noon and, with that settled, we continue on to our room, finish packing our stuff, finish our non-alcoholic Coronas, our vanilla yogurt, and the strawberry jam that goes perfectly along with that vanilla yogurt. Then we change into our swim wear and pack a day bag to take with us. Coming up on noon, we move everything into the hall and scour the room for anything we might've dropped or forgotten.

Downstairs, we're back in line with our luggage to check out and, fortunately for us, a staff member, walking along the line asking everyone what services they're in line for, eventually asks us what we're in line for.

Checkout...

We say. To which he says

That's not necessary. Your final hotel bill will be emailed to you.

At this point he sets us up with the amenities key we'll need for the pool area, leaving us free to head over to the Luggage Hold desk where we check our luggage in for the afternoon. Then we're off to the pool area armed with our trusty amenities key. Not long after, we find a pair of beach chairs catching shade under an umbrella and...

Yeah. That's pretty much it.

We basically lounge on those beach chairs under the shade, occasionally sleeping a little, mostly listening to an audio book on Kimmer's phone, and definitely finishing our last two cans of Schöfferhofer as, minute by minute, time causally moves us to our departure.

Our thinking's that since our flight's at five, boarding's at 430, we should get to the airport between 330 and 345 so...

245 change clothes in that bathroom off the main lobby, recover our luggage from the Luggage Hold desk, take a moment at a couch by the front doors to organize ourselves and our luggage, and finally hail an Uber to the airport out front where there seems to be some kind of traffic jam in progress.

By the time we check our bags at the airport and slide into line at the TSA check point, it's a little after 4. Just in time, apparently, to meet a nine-week old puppy named Lucy. So-named by the owner's granddaughter. I don't remember where the owner's from but they flew out to Florida to come get her. I also don't remember what breed Lucy is. I'd also never heard the multi-word breed name before... regardless, Lucy is the sweetest dog ever. Separated from her litter, on her way with a stranger to a faraway land, Lucy is super chill about the whole experience, quietly looking out onto the world from the inside of her plush carrier with her adorable eyes.

Also in line with us, a newlywed couple who got hitched at Disney's Grand Floridian. Kimmer tells them they oughta frame their wedding license, hang it up over their bed. The woman standing next to us comments that she knew a couple who had the exact moment of their first kiss set on a clock that's displayed in their house to this day.

We also met a little girl with a Big Hero 6 stuffed toy in a box that itself is in a bag. She's wondering about the best way to get her toy through TSA.

Adorable.

Once we're through it's Philly Steak Cheese Sandwich time for lunch in the terminal.

Later, at the gate, waiting for B group's turn to get in line, we're waiting next to a young woman from Sacramento who now lives in Denver. Her first time ever flying was flying out to Orlando for a Disney vacation with friends a week ago. Her friends who still live in Sacramento chose flights from Sacramento to Orlando that connect to her same flight from Denver so she wouldn't have to be alone on the flight to Orlando.

Pretty awesome people. Right?

I complimented her on her choice of friends. 😉

Now, she and her boyfriend are both from Sacramento. They moved to Denver for his job. Not a big deal, she says, since she works from home anyway.

Still, she's kind of afraid of flying because this would only be her second time. So Kimmer talks relaxation techniques. I talk how massively capable are pilots and crew.

Eventually, Kimmer mentions how we did a fully Universal vacation this time around, no Disney. On a hunch, I ask the young woman if she's into horror at all.

Massively, it turns out.

So I tell her about Universal Horror Nights and everything the two old dudes told me the other day on the bus.

By the time we take our separate positions in Southwest's B group, she's completely stoked about going with her friends to experience Universal's Horror Nights.

Not your boyfriend? I ask.

No... she says. He's not into horror.

Oh well. Nobody's perfect. 😉

Next to us in line are also a couple young guys who regale us with tales of being stuck in different cities on their way home. They assure us, though, that it's always on second legs this happens.

Thank God.

In Denver, we're joined in the B group line of our connecting flight by the University of Washington's women's soccer team, fresh off a win against Air Force at Cadet Soccer Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

It's a notable experience simply for the fact we've never taken a flight with an entire sports team before. Or any kind of team or group, for that matter.

In the end, our flights home are uneventful which is just how we like 'em. Kimmer works on her doctoral studies while I sort and filter all the photographs from this morning and make more progress on the book I brought with me as these final hours of Day 7 close out our wedding anniversary celebration vacation.

Amen.

😊

[anzuchansims]

Old CC Fix / Update III

第三彈的舊 CC 修正。補破網系列竟然來到第三集了。 一些瑕疵品的重製版。

Sorry for sharing so many flawed CC earlier.

Dress / Shoes（CF / PF）

洋裝的部分減少了點面數，移除了模型的邊緣還有重新綁骨。 整個套組裡面只有鞋子是新的。

Remastered version. For the dress, some polygons have been reduced, model edges have been removed, and bone assignments have been reworked. Within the entire set, only the shoes are new.

01. Merry Sunshine Dress V1 with shoulder bag (CF) 02. Merry Sunshine Dress V2 simple style (CF) 03. Mary Shoes (CF) 04. Merry Sunshine Dress V1 with shoulder bag (PF) 05. Merry Sunshine Dress V2 simple style (PF)

Simple Winter Outfit Set（CM / CU）

原本分享的版本瑕疵實在太多了，決定還是重新做一遍算了。 上衣修復了下擺的白線、縮放大小、調整綁骨、移除模型的邊緣。 褲子新增了新的紋理，推薦使用深灰色或飽和度比較低的藍色或棕色。 鞋子重新調整了厚度，原本的太扁了，腳的形狀也有點奇怪。鞋帶部分也有調整過綁骨。

The top has been modified to fix the white lines at the hem, adjust its size, refine bone assignments, and remove the model's edges.

The jeans have received a new texture and are recommended to be paired with a deep gray, low-saturation blue or brown color.

The shoes have undergone adjustments in thickness, as the original ones were too flat and had a somewhat peculiar shape. Bone assignments for the laces have also been adjusted.

06. V-neck Sweater (CU) 07. Slimcut Pants (CM) 08. Docksides (CU)

[talesfrommedinastation]

My redneck neighbor Doug watches 'The Bad Batch': 'The Harbinger'

Yup, as we all know, Doug unlocked a HUGE character with Asajj Ventress, who is apparently an embittered ex-Navy wife lurking somewhere in the depths of the Florida Panhandle and not a reborn Jedi goth chick.

CW: You will learn more about this poor ex wife of John then you will ever deem fit. Be warned.

All images taken from here: https://www.cap-that.com/starwars/the-bad-batch/309

-----------------------------

Episode 9, “John’s-Ex-Wife: The Revenge”

Daddy Warcrimes does what a daddy in need of a mommy will do, and is going to pick up women by the dockside. Wonder if they take cash or not. 

And here’s Julio to remind him to wrap it before he snaps it, ya know? Good bro, when has Julio done anything wrong, love him. Maybe Julio laid his pipe in Space Louisiana last week, who knows if the mantis had a sister who had bills to pay and Terrebonne Parish don’t have a lot of jobs but has a lot of lonely people and, where were we? 

Why is it all foggy here now? We in Maine now? 

Well, Mutant Jimmers is doing work, as the kids say now, tracking down the junkies hiding out in the caves. I can’t blame Mutant Jimmers or the junkies, they gotta do their smack and doing it in the park ain’t good. I wonder who makes the meth on the island? It ain’t Church Lady, she’s too busy working and having fun in the snow with her beau, Sassy-Park-Ranger*.

Awwww shit it’s not space junkies, it’s worse! It’s JOHN’S-EX-WIFE! Of course she’s hiding her Ford pickup in a cave, the other one got booted outside of Pensacola after she banged the neighborhood granddad and he called the cops after she stole his TV. 

(the last shot John saw before he left for the rig that one time)

God damn, she’s wearing the same outfit you wear to work, Meat Muffin! Do you think she writes papers and yells at people on the phone like you do too?

Well John’s-Ex-Wife hasn’t changed, first thing she starts doing is fighting and bitching at everyone for not paying their bills on time. I hated that damn woman but I’ll say this much, she was organized. But that’s how the Devil is. Not organized to not cheat on John with every sailor in Pensacola and the neighborhood granddad but nobody’s perfect I guess. 

Well, she’s going to test Little Orphan Blondie by making her do yoga on the beach while her brothers watch. Doing dumb shit in public to be different, yup, that’s John’s-Ex-Wife for you. Surprised Daddy Warcrimes hasn’t capped her and her bleached hair yet. 

Oh! Now she sent Little Orphan Blondie on an errand leaving the boys behind in a dark room with her. How much do you wanna bet there’s gonna be a train and Thomas the Tank Engine ain’t involved? God, it was a miracle John never ended up with the clap. His ex wife really was the bike of Escambia County. 

And there’s a fight. Woo! John’s-Ex-Wife’s history as a bartender is coming on through! Girlfriend can handle her own–and here’s the lightsaber! WOAH! I don’t want her to kick my boy’s butts but damn girl, git ‘er done! 

Also why don’t they all just pile on her, why are they waiting, this ain’t ballroom dancing boys! Toaster Strudel and Rex would NEVER.  

Where IS TOASTER STRUDEL AND REX?!?!?!

Well, Little Orphan Blondie’s back and seems to like John’s-Ex-Wife for some reason. God damn it, Little Orphan Blondie, you’re a rube and I ain’t happy about it. At least Church Lady got you sushi and hit on your idiot brother who didn’t deserve her. 

Little Orphan Blondie’s no Jedi, whatever. But nothing brings the family together like deep sea fishing, even more then going off into the snow and punching each other in front of the trailer! 

Off John’s-Ex-Wife and Little Orphan Blondie go while the dads do a lil bit of peepin. Except Daddy Warcrimes who knows a thing or two and keeps a gun tailed her. Yeah, Daddy Warcrimes! 

Oh! What’s this? Ain’t this the shit from Aquaman? Are they gonna get jumped by sea aliens until Aquaman throws flashlights at them?** 

Nope! It’s that thing from Pirates of the Caribbean! Where’s Johnny Depp and his dreadlocks?! They’re firing up the HMS Search Warrant to do a rescue and…woah. Woah. What’s Johns-Ex-Wife doing here? The force? She can do all that shit but she can’t keep her marriage, oh Johns-Ex-Wife.  

Look at Daddy Warcrimes being a gentleman and helping the ladies onto their stolen work truck. Most ladies get upset when a creepy old man with a gun hoists them into a windowless van but not Johns-Ex-Wife. Trust me. 

Johns-Ex-Wife warns them and then flings off, as she is wont to do. Why do I feel the next episode is going to be the DEA raiding Space Florida? I bet she’s a snitch for the government, calling it now!

*=Doug will never get off the Phee/Mayday train. I tried. I failed. I’m sorry, internet. 

**=I THINK Doug means the Trench from the movie. The Trench Scene | Aquaman [4k, IMAX] - YouTube

For my Doug fans! @eyecandyeoz @cdblake1565 @sued134 @megmca @skellymom @yeehawgeek @amalthiaph and anyone else!

[joelswritingmistress]

Oh Captain, My Captain: Chapter 1

Chapter Summary: You're tired of living a life you weren't built for. On your family's annual summer trip on the weekend of your twenty-fourth birthday, you find yourself fantasizing about a local boat captain.

Joel x f!reader

You were bored. From the outside looking in your life might have seemed wonderful. Magnificent even. You had just celebrated your twenty-fourth birthday in the company of your family on Martha's Vineyard.

It was tradition - Fourth of July weekend. Family boat. Expensive dinners. You name it. But the older you got, the less material things mattered to you. You enjoyed the company of genuine people, drawing, painting, the arts. Your family often brushed off your, mostly, inner monologue as you being a silly dreamer. At times you wondered if they were right. That you liked to escape reality with foolish dreams that a girl much younger might have. It was confusing.

"All aboard!" A gruff old man with a friendly row of off-white teeth shouted. He removed a chain from where you and your family, along with another large party, waited on a dock. An oversized boat called The Mist of the Sea sat dockside.

"Go ahead, honey," your mom encouraged, guiding you with a hand on the back through the open chain.

You sighed and smiled, stalking the boat at the edge of the dock. When you arrived a man stood there waiting with one hand extended to help you aboard.

When your hand slipped into his, your eyes met and both of you lingered there for an extra second.

His palm was surprisingly warm and his grasp was firm. He wore a navy blue ball cap with the boat's name etched into it in white writing. His dark eyes held you in place for a moment and in your mind you thought the closely cropped beard suited him.

"Go ahead Y/N," your brother encouraged. "What're you scared all of a sudden?"

Your brother's voice snapped you out of the momentary daze you were in and you hopped aboard, releasing the stranger's hand as your father scolded your younger sibling.

"Up top?" You asked your mother, looking over your shoulder.

"I'd prefer it."

You nodded and took the short ladder to the boat's top platform and found a seat. Your parents, your brother, your sister, two cousins and your aunt and uncle followed your lead.

"Happy hour cocktails, anyone?" Your Uncle Mark asked, half-kidding. It opened the door to engage in conversation with the party that sat across from you.

You placed your elbow on the ledge and looked out into the open ocean beyond the captain's quarters. All you could think about was wanting to paint the gorgeous little marina and the sun going down toward the horizon behind it. The thought brought a little smile to your face.

Your eyes were drawn back to reality when the man who had helped you aboard made his way behind the wheel of the boat and reached for the boat's handheld radio to talk into.

"Good afternoon everyone," he greeted, his voice echoing though the speakers to the left and right. "My name is Joel Miller and I'll be your captain for your forty-five minute cruise around the island."

You were lost in him for a moment. He was beautiful. Hair just a little too long. Skin tanned a golden shade from being out in the sun every day. You could see when he moved a bit that he had a slight farmer's tan where his T-shirt ended.

"The ocean's a little choppy," Joel added with a grin beneath tired eyes. He glanced in your direction. "But we'll be just fine."

You tried to suppress a school girl smile but one spread across your face as he hung up the handheld radio and paid attention to steering the boat.

Along the way he gave little tidbits on the history of the area and rattled off a few famous individuals who had stayed nearby during the summer months.

"On the starboard side you'll see the famous Jaws bridge. If any of you are brave enough, it's a popular spot to take a dive."

Finally something that sounded fun. You didn't know if you were being a complete spoiled brat for not appreciating the lavish life your parents continued to give you or if you simply didn't fit the mold and you were searching for who you really were.

Too deep of a thought, you told yourself.

When the bridge was out of view you had your eyes fixed on Joel again. Another picture perfect painting - the handsome captain with the broad shoulders standing with his back to you, the steering wheel in both hands with the horizon in his sights. Now *that* would be something worth painting.

You subtly removed your phone from your handbag and tried to sneak a photo as a reference for later.

"Did you just take a picture of the captain?" Your brother couldn't help but call you out.

You whipped your arm around a whacked him hard on the knee. All eyes were on you now and your parents both flashed a look of disapproval. There was no way you were going to, "He started it," but that's what you were thinking.

You weren't sure but you thought you heard Joel chuckle to himself. It made your stomach sink with embarrassment and you wanted to smack your brother again. Even at twenty-one he still acted like a freshman in high school.

The rest of the cruise was relatively relaxing; quiet. It was what you liked most about being out on the ocean. The quiet, aside from the crash of the waves against the sea vessel.

"Well we are just about back to shore. You've been an outstanding last crew of the night. I hope you enjoy your stay on the vineyard, whether you're a townie like me, live here just for the summer or if you're on vacation."

The boat eased into the space and you saw two men on the dock begin to secure it.

"Thanks Captain." Your father extended an arm and the two men shook hands. It prompted a laundry list of thank-yous from everyone else on the top deck, leaving you as the last.

"Thank you." You barely let your eyes meet his this time but managed a smile.

"You're welcome." Joel gave a little nod and trailed you to the ladder that led down.

You scrunched your nose, feeling the wind from the ocean fighting the bottom of your dress as you scampered to the lower deck. Thankfully your mom was there to hold it in place the last few steps.

"Alright, where to?" Your brother could be heard asking, to which your cousin rattled off a few names of some bars in the area near the ritzy pair of townhouses you were all renting for the weekend.

"Joel," one of the deckhands approached him behind you. "Want to get a few beers down at the Lamp Post before the crowds really rush in tonight? The two of us are going when we clean up."

You leaned an extra ear. You knew of the bar they were talking about but you'd never gone in. Others called it the Rare Duck. You didn't really know why.

"Sure," he agreed. "I'm just going to take a shower out back and then I'll walk down."

"Are you going to go to dinner with your aunt and uncle and your father and I?" Your mother asked.

You continued to try eavesdropping on your captain's conversation. At the same time you watched your brother and cousin high-fiving as they secured some type of plan for the night.

"Actually, um, do you mind if I hang out with them?" You nodded toward the boys and your parents didn't put up a fight.

"She doesn't want to hang out with the old people, Liz," your uncle said with a laugh. "Go have fun, honey. We'll be in bed before ten."

It was enough of an out and you gave a laugh. You sold it and pretended to go catch up to the others. Meanwhile you began to toy with your Maps app to find the quickest way on foot to the Lamp Post.

NEXT CHAPTER

[obxone]

Vigilante Shit (Chapter Five)

Edited-ish. ~2.5k words

Tag list: @fishingirl12 @gillybear17 @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @gills-lounge @emmafitzzz @redfieldfx @baby19sthings

Masterpage

Kiara looks up at you, eyebrow scrunching from the sun shining in her eyes. “Is Mav coming?”

“Yep, he should be here soon.” You are unable to help the smile that spreads across your face. “Is Sarah?”

“Sure is!” John B flashes a grin at you before nudging JJ. “So… Jay, it’s been a while since we’ve done a sister dump.”

“No!” You point at them, immediately taking a few steps back toward The Wreck. “No, that tradition is dead.”

“No, it’s not,” JJ laughs as he begins to move closer. His eyes scrunch as he looks at you, chin tipping back so he can smile up from his seated position. “If anything, we are two years overdue.”

“JJ Maybank!”

He mocks you in a girly voice. “Y/n Maybank!”

You glare at him. You do not miss Kie or Pope getting to their feet while trying to be stealthy. “Absolute not!” You squeal and take off for the safety of the restaurant.

You are determined to run as far as you can down the dock and dockside bar before any of them catches you. John B reaches out to grab you in his arms, but you barely dodge him.

“John B! No!” You scream, running away from him and further up the dock, away from the water. “I said no!”

“Come here!”

“No! No tossing me into the water!”

JJ laughs, joining in the chase along with Pope and Kiara. It feels like old times, but getting dropped into the water first thing upon arriving at The Wreck is not what you want to happen. You shudder at the thought of the cold water washing over you from head to toe. A gradual easing in would benefit you a lot better if they wanted to swim, and you really hope you can outrun them.

“What the hell did I do to you guys to deserve this?!” You cry, looking back at them in alarm. John B is gaining on you, and you panic, darting past the dockside bar. A yelp escapes you when you feel the brush of John B’s hand on your arm.

“What are you doing?!”

You gasp, “Finally!” Before veering to the right and to the safety of Mav’s arms.

He wraps his arms around your shoulders, while he looks at John B and JJ skidding to a halt a few steps away. Pope and Kie are a few steps back from them. If you could give Mav on your side, you would both be able to push your brothers into the water and maybe even Kie and Pope.

“They are trying to drown me,” you rush out, tightening your arms around his waist. “Please don’t let them.”

He laughs before pressing a gentle kiss to your temple. “These two must be your brothers.”

“Yes!” You grin, hugging his waist as he leans forward to shake their hands. “This is JJ and John B.”

“Hey, man,” John B grins, shaking his hand. “You must be Mav.”

“That is correct,” Mav grins at them before looking down at you. “So, what is going on…?”

“Relaxation day.”

“No, I meant with this,” Mav reiterates before gesturing around you and the other four.

“Torture,” you offer, and JJ laughs with a shake of his head.

Kiara moves closer. “I’m Kie, and we are trying to throw her into the water.”

Mav adjusts his hold so that he can look down at you. “Are you afraid of the water?”

John B and JJ both snort and shake their heads.

“She’s actually a fish,” Pope adds in for you. He waves. “I’m Pope. She surfs better than JJ if you can believe it.”

JJ mocks offense, and you laugh, cheeks burning from the compliment.

“Maybe not now, it’s been a while since I’ve been surfing.”

Mav grins then, and you do not like the look in his eyes. “Well…” he muses before lifting you off your feet in a rush. You gasp, shoving at his chest, but he does not release his hold on you. Instead, his arms tighten around you.

“Mav!”

“I think we can get you back in the water, right guys?”

“Mav!” You squirm, and he laughs, tightening his arms around you even more so you cannot squirm. “I will never forgive you!”

He laughs, but it is too late as he walks back down the docks with you. You gasp, tightening your grip on his neck as the water’s surface comes into view with each step. The pogues cheer loudly as they follow you both down the dock. Pressing yourself against Mav’s chest, you shiver and cling to him. If you go, he is going with you.

“It’s too cold for me.” You whine loudly and see Anna and Mike Carrera step out of the restaurant.

It would not open for another hour or so which meant no guests were being disturbed by this debacle. You do not miss Anna laughing as she shields her eyes from the sun with her hand. Your teeth chatter at the ghost feeling of the cold water surging over you.

“Please, Mav, don’t do this!” You resort to begging, and he laughs.  “No second date for you either Mister.”

He laughs and leans down, pecking your lips. “You’ll warm up once you are in there. And maybe we can go surfing later…”

“You surf?”

“A little.”

You hum, and he takes the distraction of his surfing revelation to step off the dock with you in his arms. You gasp as the water envelopes you. Four more bodies drop into the water around you as you kick to the surface. Mav surfaces a few seconds after you along with the rest of the pogues.

“Never forgiving you,” you mumble, shivering, and he pulls you close to him. His arms wrap tightly around you, and you almost sigh at the feeling of his body heat enveloping you.

He tries to kiss you, but you turn away, and his lips meet your cheek. “Don’t be like that,” he chides playfully, and you pout at him. “I had to win them over, you know.”

“I still don’t like you right now,” you huff, clinging closer to him, but you peck his lips quickly. The pogues groan in annoyance, and you both laugh.

“Okay, let’s dry off and get you warm,” he murmurs, lips brushing your temple. “OR you’ll turn purple in June.”

“I’m cold-natured,” you whisper and nuzzle your face against his shoulder. “You should’ve listened to me.”

“Next time.”

“There is no next time!” You let him go and try to swim away to the dock ladder, but he pulls you back against his chest.

“Promise me that isn’t true.”

You sigh and pat his hand. “It isn’t if you let me go, and I can get a towel to dry off.”

“All right.”

He releases you, and you swim to the ladder with him behind you. Boos and sounds of disappointment follow you, but you ignore them. He follows you up the ladder where Anna and Mike both wait with towels and wide smiles.

“Welcome home, Honey,” she murmurs, rubbing your arms after wrapping the towel around you. You are surprised at her reaction but accept it with a bright smile.

“Thank you!” You brush the towel across your cheek as you huddle underneath it. “Please meet Mav.”

“Hi,” he grins, clutching his towel. “My mom loves your restaurant.”

“Thank you.” Mike grins at him. “Quite the ride outside.”

 “Oh!” Mav grins as he hustles himself closer to you. “Thank you! It was a gift from my parents after winning a tournament last year.”

“Tournament? What do you play?” Anna asks him.

You glance back at the pogues and see JJ pouting that Anna and Mike seem to have taken a liking to the new you. You stick your tongue out at the pogues before leaning back against Mav’s chest.

“Surfing and golf are my two big ones,” he offers, and you tip your head back to look at him. Your eyes narrow at his fib about surfing earlier. “I placed third in nationals with surfing and won the golf tournament.”

“Congratulations!” Mike grins at him along with Anna. “Well, food and drinks will be out in a second, okay?”

“Thanks, you guys,” you smile at them, and they head back to the restaurant, and you turn to Mike. “That was a little weird.”

“What?” He asks, dropping his arms around your waist. “Most parents like me.”

“Most don’t like me.”

He laughs, nudging his lips down to yours. “I don’t believe that.”

“I used to be pure trouble.”

“I don’t believe it.”

JJ interrupts your privacy as he steps onto the dock, dripping water everywhere. “You should. She was a mess.”

“Thanks!” You glare at him, and he laughs before nudging you as he passes with his towel.

“So, those are your brothers huh?” Mav asks, his lips brushing your cheek.

You smile, watching the others follow JJ back down the dock. “Yes, JJ has been trouble since the day he was born too, and John B was the missing link that we managed to find when JJ was in the third grade.”

“Oh! John B is adopted?”

“Sort of. JJ and I were adopted by him and his dad when they were seven and it has been that way ever since.” You smile, tipping your head back to look at him. “He is my brother. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t related by blood.”

Mav presses his lips to the tip of your nose before looking up at the pogues. “And the other three?”

“Three?” You look and smile a little when you spot Sarah and John B huddled together. “Ah. Sarah Cameron.”

“Young love,” he teases.

You shake your head before smiling as you watch JJ, Pope, and Kiara hustle to the food tray Anna has brought out. “Kiara and Pope have been around for a while too. Kie crossed to the dark side for a bit but came back after everything that happened with Big John.”

“Dark side?” He asks, picking your hand up and playing with your fingers. “Who is Big John?”

“Dark side is the kook side,” you giggle and lace your fingers with his. “And Big John is John B’s dad. He disappeared a few months ago.”

“That sucks.”

You nod, frowning a bit. “I’m looking after him, though.”

Mav leans down, his lips brushing yours before he smiles at you. “My girl.”

“Oh?”

His cheeks flame at your surprise. “About that?”

“I’m listening,” you nestle back against his chest.

“Second date? You and me?”

You turn, hooking your arms around his shoulders. “I would love to. Now, what do you say we go eat some amazing food?”

----

After everyone split up for the remainder of the day and Mav went to help his mom with errands you are on a new mission. A mission to put someone back in their place and remind them that secrets are meant to stay buried.

Rafe looks up from working on his motorbike when you clear your throat to catch his attention. “Y/n.”

“Asshole.”

He snorts, dropping the microfiber cloth he had onto the seat of his bike. “What are you doing in Figure 8? Visiting your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend… yet.”

He smirks, leaning against the bike. “Why are you here then?”

You shake your head, arms crossing against your waist. “Wasting my time probably. It’s not like you care enough to stop what you and Top are doing.”

“What are we doing exactly, Maybank?”

“Rehashing old shit. Trying to ruin my restart at life here.”

He smirks, looking down at his hands, his gold signet ring catching the sunlight. “Is that all it was? Old shit?”

You glare at him. “Why do you have to be such a jerk all the time?”

He stands straight and crosses the small space between you. “I don’t give a shit what you think, y/n. And I’m not a jerk. I wasn’t the one that cheated and hooked up with a drug dealer.”

A laugh bubbles up your throat, and you shake your head. “The drug dealer you now use, right?”

He whistles low with a shake of his head before taking a step back from you. “Barry tell you that?”

“Barry and I do not talk,”  you supply, staring at him. “Barry is the reason I had to leave, or did he not tell you that when you two became buddies?”

“He’s not my buddy.”

“Sure, he’s not.” You mutter before starting to walk away from him. This conversation is getting you nowhere. The self-centered Kook is staying true to his nature despite how much he tried to pretend he was not.

“Hey!” He grabs your wrist, hauling you back to him. “I’m not done talking yet.”

“Oh. Pardon me.” Sarcasm drips from your tone, and you yank your wrist back from his grip. “Please continue to enlighten me about your friendship with Barry.”

He rolls his eyes.

“I really love hearing about two of my ex-boyfriends becoming the bestest of friends. A real Disney channel moment,” you muse while glaring at him.

He shakes his head. “Why are you so angry?”

“I am angry because of my father, because of you, because of fucking Barry.” You snap at him. “I hold grudges better than most people now. It’s my comfort, it is the only thing that holds my hand at night when the demons come to play.”

“So, Mav isn’t holding your hand then?”

“Fuck you, Cameron!” You snap at him. “Why do you care that I was on a date the other night?” You glare at him, hands fisted by your sides. “You could have walked by without saying anything, and you could’ve kept your mouth shut to Topper about who I really am.”

“Just leave, y/n. I’m not talking to you when you are looking for a fight.” Rafe moves to walk past you. “I know old habits die hard…”

“No! Tell me. Why is it so bad that I went on a date with Mav?” You block him from leaving. His hands land on your hips, and your cheeks flush at the feel of his skin on yours even if it is just his fingertips.

His eyes blaze as he stares at you. “Because it wasn’t with me. You come back to this place, and you pretend I am nothing to you. I wasn’t perfect, I know that, but I wasn’t a dick to you despite what you have convinced yourself to believe.”

Your eyes turn painful, and you step away from his touch. “Why do you care, hmm? Why do you care what I think about you?” You push him further into anger. “Why do you care so much that you want to ruin my restart? Because you never loved me, you only used me, Rafe.”

His eyes darken, but then a voice cuts through the tense moment. “Y/n?”

You spin to see Sarah coming from the house. A confused look on her face. You move closer to her, and she studies over you and then Rafe. Concern and confusion clash in her features.

“What is going on?”

“Rafe is telling me all about his new friendship with Barry…” You murmur, cocking your head to the side as you stare at your ex-boyfriend. “You know Barry, right Sarah?”

“Unfortunately.”

You hum before turning your attention back to Rafe. Your eyebrows raise in a challenge. But he shakes his head.

“Go away, Maybank.”

“With pleasure.”

(Chapter Six)

Feedback is welcomed, just remember to be kind. Please feel free to like, reblog, comment, or send an ask if you want. Happy Reading.

Let me know if you want to be added to a tag list.

[somethingwittyandweird]

Swordtember 2023 Final Collage

Here's the final results for this year's Swordtember! As always it's been a delight to do. When I first saw the prompt was based around owners/wielders (something I knew I wouldn't be drawing) I wasn't sure if I'd like it as well as previous lists. But I'm proud nonetheless of where the ideas have taken me. Huge thanks to all my friends for supporting me and having nice things to say! Until next time.

Here's a link to the master list of every individual post.

Blurbs for all the swords are under the cut.

Witch- This sword belongs to the sole occupant of an eerie wooden hovel on the far edge of a bog. The runes traced on its blade glow unnervingly, and it reeks of indistinguishable concoctions. Though it isn’t wielded by a trained warrior or a paragon of physical strength, this weapon should be respected and feared by anyone who wants to retain their non-frogified form.

Wizard- This sword belongs to a wizard known by many names-  Olórin, Mithrandir, Grey Pilgrim, the Grey, the White, servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor, or simply Gandalf. A relic of the First Age of Middle-Earth, its blue-tinged bladed bears its name in runes: Glamdring, the Foe-Hammer.

Rogue- This sword belongs to a marine mercenary who frequents the disreputable dockside taverns of a port town to ply his trade. For the right price, his services cover everything from larceny to bodyguarding to assassination. His techniques may not be the most refined, but the damage inflicted by the wicked hook of his blade is evidence enough that they are brutally effective.

Dragonslayer- This sword belongs to a reclusive warrior of countless years. Long ago were the days when dragons roamed the sky in great number. This warrior is among the few survivors of the band who came together to drive the dragons into parts unknown. The jade of this sword hums with the energy needed to pierce through any dragon’s magical resistance.

Spymaster- This sword belongs to a royal spymaster and never leaves their side. Though its wielder operates as much in light as they do in shadow, this sword still conceals a few tricks- namely, the hidden compartment in the hilt used to subtly transport written plans or occasionally crucial devices. The symbol on the hilt is used as an identifying sign by their agents.

Knight Errant- This sword belongs to a paragon of the chivalric age. Wandering the lands without castle or title, this knight seeks only to live by the ideals of the code, providing for the unfortunate and thwarting the wicked. It’s rumored that once the knight has wandered long enough to purge their past misdeeds completely, they may at long last witness the incomparable relic they once sought so fervently- none other than the Holy Grail.

Oracle- This sword belongs to a priestess who dwells in an ancient temple. Archaic in appearance, temperament, and vocabulary, she speaks the words of the visions that come to her- not always to the pleasure of those who came seeking them. The sword is her defense against any pilgrim that might unwisely choose to violently object to the sights she sees. In more normal circumstances, the sword itself is used to channel oracular magic through the lens inset in the blade.

Jester- This sword contains the essence of Marx, an innocuous-seeming jester who once schemed to gain ultimate power over the world of Popstar with a wish. Revealed in his true form, his glittering wings reflected prismatically, and the stars of the Milky Way swirled behind him. He was defeated by Kirby, who returned triumphantly home and proceeded to take a nap.

Royal Hunt Leader- This sword belongs to a well respected huntmaster, proud owner of several breeds of hunting hounds. The leather wrapping on its horn hilt matches the leather collars in place on the dog heads carved at either end of the crosspiece. It’s said that between her dogs’ uncanny tracking and her own keen intuition, there’s no place in the royal lands she doesn’t know. 

Healer- This sword belongs to a pragmatic and dependable cleric of a sun deity. The runes on its crosspiece allow them to channel divine magic through the weapon- but, if that well of power is overdrawn, the bandages and spare flask of potion are helpful as backups for tight situations.

Queen- This sword is one of a pair. A more offensively balanced blade, its wielder prefers to make the first move.

King- This sword is one of a pair. A defensively balanced blade, its wielder prefers to let enemies come to them.

Royal Heir- This sword has been passed down from ancient times, but the ages have not dulled its blade or its shine. The gemstone inset in its crosspiece holds a magic that can only be awoken by a member of the Laputian royal bloodline.

Royal Guard- This sword is a hypothetical fusion of the Royal Guard’s Sword and the Master Sword. A sufficiently skilled smith may well have been able to fashion a replica of the latter in the style of the former, if calamity had not struck.

Enchanter- This sword was commissioned from a master weaponsmith and enchanter, who was instructed to provide as many sockets for magic gems as possible. This blade boasts a whopping 16 available sockets, well above the count that would normally be advisable. The fact that the weapon still remains as stable as it does is a testament to the enchanter’s craft.

River-spirit- Infused with the energy of a whitewater river, this sword surges fiercely in its holder’s grasp, and churning spray constantly emanates from it. Whoever would hope to wield this blade must possess sufficient strength to keep the rapids’ coursing power in line.

Forest Spirit- This sword belongs to an elusive guardian of the forest who shows no mercy to trespassers or those with ill intent. Though some believe her to be a human living among the wilds, others are convinced she must be a spirit- no mortal could move as quickly, travel as unerringly, and vanish away so entirely. No encounter with her has lasted long enough to produce a certain answer.

Bard- This sword belongs to Red, previously a lauded singer before her voice was stolen in a botched altercation. She wields this weapon, the Transistor, in an effort to strike back against those who took that from her. A familiar voice speaks from within the blade to to guide her.

Alchemist- This sword belongs to an enterprising alchemist who spends a good deal of time away from their facilities. Rather than carry pre-brewed potions, they've installed an apparatus that can draw from flasks of certain base essentia to synthesize any needed brews on the fly.

Summoner- This sword belongs to a mage tasked with defending a kingdom by calling upon allies from distant worlds. It has historically taken many forms, but has appeared in this day and age as a sword. Its centerpiece forms a socket for the focus the mage uses to summon.

Mermaid- This sword appears to have been assembled using a shattered bowsprit from a shipwreck. It washed ashore and sparked debate on whether it was a prank or if a real mermaid could have made it. If so, the question is: just how big was that mermaid?

Vampire- This sword belongs to a particularly vain vampire noble, who takes every opportunity to show it off. The markings on the blade are enchanted to glow according to the phase of the moon. 

Vampire Hunter- This sword belongs to a well-traveled warrior who has sworn an oath to use the power of the sun to vanquish the creatures of the night. Monsters and dark creatures alike recoil at the sight of this whip-like blade.

Barbarian- This sword belongs to a brash, impatient barbarian who wields it with reckless abandon. Thanks to a combination of heavy use and unwillingness to bother with whetstones, its owner has dulled many blades in the past. He was finally convinced to take up a weapon that could still be effective while unsharpened. 

Inquisitor- This sword is issued to the heavily armored Inquisitors of an unnamed sect. Though their rank is Inquisitor, they actually do very little questioning themselves- instead their role is largely to impose, intimidate, and where necessary, put their heavy blades to use in rooting out dissension.

Artificer- This sword belongs to a tinkerer with an incessant desire for improvement. Its modular design allows it to change forms between longsword and greatsword as the situation calls for it. In its larger form, its crystalline power source is visible.

Assassin- This sword belongs to a lethal covert operative. Its ethereal blade can be summoned or dispelled at will, and makes short work of even heavy armor- the blade passes through it as if it weren't even there.

Druid- This sword was recovered from the remnants of a standing stone circle. Its weathered shape is covered with signs of age, faded mystic carvings, and mossy patches. Its original owner is lost to time, but the one who wields it now gives new life to the ancient druidic lineage.

Paladin- This blade belongs to a zealous warrior who has sworn an oath to bring light to the dark places of the world. Radiant power infuses this blade at all times, causing it to emit a constant glow and a holy aura.

Necromancer- This sword, in the shape of a looming, leering skull, is carried by a wicked practitioner of dark magic. The bite of this blade isn't to be feared, but the withering curse it inflicts on its victims most certainly is.

[fireismine]

ARYA STARK APPRECIATION MONTH 2022

Day 13: Friendships

"The best whores are at the Happy Port, down by where the mummers' Ship is moored." She pointed. Some of the dockside whores were vicious, and sailors fresh from the sea never knew which ones. S'vrone was the worst. Everyone said she had robbed and killed a dozen men, rolling the bodies into the canals to feed the eels. The Drunken Daughter could be sweet when sober, but not with wine in her. And Canker Jeyne was really a man. "Ask for Merry. Meralyn is her true name, but everyone calls her Merry, and she is." Merry bought a dozen oysters every time Cat came by the brothel and shared them with her girls. She had a good heart, everyone agreed. "That, and the biggest pair of teats in all of Braavos," Merry herself was fond of boasting. Her girls were nice as well; Blushing Bethany and the Sailor's Wife, one-eyed Yna who could tell your fortune from a drop of blood, pretty little Lanna, even Assadora, the Ibbenese woman with the mustache. They might not be beautiful, but they were kind to her. "The Happy Port is where all the porters go," Cat assured the men of the Brazen Monkey. "'The boys unload the ships,' Merry says, 'and my girls unload the lads who sail them.'" - Cat of the Canals, A Feast for Crows

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

AFFC: Cersei IX (Chapter 39)

Pycelle's mouth opened and closed. "Your Grace must know, I did all that could be done for the poor man [Gyles Rosby]."

"As you did for Joffrey? And his father, my own beloved husband? Robert was as strong as any man in the Seven Kingdoms, yet you lost him to a boar. Oh, and let us not forget Jon Arryn. No doubt you would have killed Ned Stark as well, if I had let you keep him longer. Tell me, maester, was it at the Citadel that you learned to wring your hands and make excuses?"

Her voice made the old man flinch. "No man could have done more, Your Grace. I . . . I have always given leal service."

"When you counseled King Aerys to open his gates as my father's host approached, was that your notion of leal service?"

The audacity of this woman.

I have to respect it.

+.+.+

"You have been much in Lady Margaery's company of late."

"Yes. Yes, I . . . Queen Margaery has been most distraught about Ser Loras. I provide Her Grace with sleeping draughts and . . . other sorts of potions."

[...]

"I know who she is. What I want to know is why she has need of you. Is my good-daughter unwell?"

"Unwell?" The old man plucked at the thing he called a beard, that patched growth of thin white hair sprouting from the loose pink wattles under his chin. "N-not unwell, Your Grace, not as such. My oaths forbid me to divulge . . ."

"Your oaths will be of small comfort in the black cells," she warned him. "I'll hear the truth, or you'll wear chains."

Pycelle collapsed to his knees. "I beg you . . . I was your lord father's man, and a friend to you in the matter of Lord Arryn. I could not survive the dungeons, not again . . ."

"Why does Margaery send for you?"

"She desires . . . she . . . she . . ."

"Say it!"

He cringed. "Moon tea," he whispered. "Moon tea, for . . ."

"I know what moon tea is for." There it is.

For . . . her cousin, Cersei.

If I had to guess who, I would say Megga Tyrell. Elinor is the oldest cousin, and loves to flirt, but she's betrothed to Alyn Ambrose. Alla is notably shy and innocent.

Megga couldn't sing, but she was mad to be kissed. - Sansa II, ASOS

x

"King Joffrey has such beautiful lips," Megga gushed, oblivious - Sansa II, ASOS

x

Others come to pay court to her cousins. Elinor is promised to the Ambrose boy, but loves to flirt, and Megga has a new suitor every fortnight. Once she kissed a potboy in the kitchen. I have heard talk of her marrying Lady Bulwer's brother, but if Megga were to choose for herself, she would sooner have Mark Mullendore, I am certain. - Cersei VI, AFFC

You might recall, Mark Mullendore participated in the wager for Lady Brienne's maidenhead.

x

"Damn them, then," said Margaery. "Damn them all to seven hells. Alla is gentle and shy, how can they do this to her? And Megga . . . she laughs as loud as a dockside whore, I know, but inside she's still just a little girl. - Cersei X, AFFC

And Megga . . . dot, dot, dot.

In ASOS we learned Megga is Sansa's age, and not yet flowered, but I assume that status has changed. She's a child, but George has young girls doing all sorts of salacious things once they've bloomed.

+.+.+

"As to Lord Gyles, no doubt our Father Above will judge him justly. He left no children?"

"No children of his body, but there is a ward . . ."

". . . not of his blood." Cersei dismissed that annoyance with a flick of her hand. "Gyles knew of our dire need for gold. No doubt he told you of his wish to leave all his lands and wealth to Tommen." Rosby's gold would help refresh their coffers, and Rosby's lands and castle could be bestowed upon one of her own as a reward for leal service. Lord Waters, perhaps. Aurane had been hinting at his need for a seat; his lordship was only an empty honor without one. He had his eye on Dragonstone, Cersei knew, but there he aimed too high. Rosby would be more suitable to his birth and station.

"Lord Gyles loved His Grace with all his heart," Pycelle was saying, "but . . . his ward . . ."

Another mystery! Who is the Rosby ward?

He refused House Stokeworth hospitality.

"Uncomfortable," complained Falyse. "It rained most of the day. We thought to spend the night at Rosby, but that young ward of Lord Gyles refused us hospitality." - Cersei V, AFFC

He's ill-born.

She sniffed. "Mark my word, when Gyles dies that ill-born wretch will make off with his gold. He may even try and claim the lands and lordship, though by rights Rosby should come to us when Gyles passes. My lady mother was aunt to his second wife, third cousin to Gyles himself." - Cersei V, AFFC

He's not Gyles Rosby's blood.

"No children of his body, but there is a ward . . ."

". . . not of his blood." - Cersei IX, AFFC

Many have speculated it's Robb's former devoted squire, Olyvar Frey. Olyvar Frey is the brother of Roslin and Perwyn, The Good Freys.

Arguments supporting this:

Olyvar is related to Gyles Rosby through his mother, Bethany Rosby. Nobles are often fostered by the houses their mothers belonged to.

Olyvar was sent away on duty before the Red Wedding, in part because he remained extremely loyal to Robb. A Stark loyalist might not be too welcoming to a family that serves House Lannister.

"Ill-born wretch" doesn't necessary mean lowborn. It could mean Frey.

Counter-arguments:

Cersei states the ward isn't of Gyles Rosby's blood. (The ward might still have Rosby blood without being a direct descendent of Gyles Rosby. It's not clear.)

I have no opinion on this. If you have any thoughts or theories, I'd love to hear them.

+.+.+

Lady Merryweather closed the door behind him. "Moon tea," she said, as she turned back to the queen. "How foolish of her. Why would she do such a thing, take such a risk?"

She didn't, you fools.

+.+.+

"I'll do it," offered Osmund Kettleblack, with an easy grin. "Margaery's got a pretty little neck. A good sharp sword will go right through it."

"It would," said Taena, "but there is a Tyrell army at Storm's End and another at Maidenpool. They have sharp swords as well."

What do you mean another one at Maidenpool? That's Randyll Tarly's army!

Don't make this harder than it needs to be, George.

+.+.+

Kettleblack chewed on one end of his mustache. "We need to catch them during the deed."

"How? Qyburn has eyes on her day and night. Her serving men take my coin, but bring us only trifles. Yet no one has seen this lover. The ears outside her door hear singing, laughter, gossip, nothing of any use."

"Margaery is too shrewd to be caught so easily," said Lady Merryweather. "Her women are her castle walls. They sleep with her, dress her, pray with her, read with her, sew with her. When she is not hawking or riding she is playing come-into-my-castle with little Alysanne Bulwer. Whenever men are about, her septa will be with her, or her cousins."

What if - I know this sounds crazy, but hear me out - what if there's no lover, and that's why you have nothing despite all your efforts?

+.+.+

Lady Taena savored every bite. Not so Orton Merryweather, whose round face remained blotched and pale from broth to cheese. He drank heavily and kept stealing glances at the singer.

What is this about? Is he nervous because he knows what will happen to the singer?

Holy god, I'm as paranoid as Cersei.

+.+.+

"You have no other name?"

A hint of pink suffused his cheeks. "As a boy, I was called Wat. A fine name for a plowboy, less fitting for a singer."

Someone forgot to tell Whitesmile that.

Our aunt brought Whitesmile Wat from Lannisport, if you can believe it, so Ryman had to have a singer too. - Jaime V, AFFC

+.+.+

The Blue Bard's eyes were the same color as Robert's. For that alone, she hated him. "It is easy to see why you are Lady Margaery's favorite."

"Her Grace is kind. She says I give her pleasure."

"Oh, I'm certain of it. Might I see your lute?"

Lmao.

+.+.+

"Sweet and sad as love. Tell me, Wat . . . the first time you took Margaery to bed, was that before she wed my son, or after?"

For a moment he did not seem to understand. When he did, his eyes grew large. "Your Grace has been misinformed. I swear to you, I never—"

"Liar!" Cersei smashed the lute across the singer's face so hard the painted wood exploded into shards and splinters. "Lord Orton, summon my guards and take this creature to the dungeons."

We need visuals!

+.+.+

Even in the black cells, all they got from him were denials, prayers, and pleas for mercy. Before long, blood was streaming down his chin from all his broken teeth, and he wet his dark blue breeches three times over, yet still the man persisted in his lies. "Is it possible we have the wrong singer?" Cersei asked.

Noo, ya think?

+.+.+

Lord Qyburn ran a hand up the Blue Bard's chest. "Does she take your nipples in her mouth during your love play?" He took one between his thumb and forefinger, and twisted. "Some men enjoy that. Their nipples are as sensitive as a woman's." The razor flashed, the singer shrieked. On his chest a wet red eye wept blood. Cersei felt ill. Part of her wanted to close her eyes, to turn away, to make it stop. But she was the queen and this was treason. Lord Tywin would not have turned away.

At least she's not enjoying this?

Looking for some positives.

+.+.+

Cersei blamed Margaery Tyrell for this. If not for her, Wat might have lived a long and fruitful life, singing his little songs and bedding pig girls and crofter's daughters. Her scheming forced this on me. She has soiled me with her treachery.

+.+.+

By dawn the singer's high blue boots were full of blood, and he had told them how Margaery would fondle herself as she watched her cousins pleasuring him with their mouths. At other times he would sing for her whilst she sated her lusts with other lovers. "Who were they?" the queen demanded, and the wretched Wat named Ser Tallad the Tall, Lambert Turnberry, Jalabhar Xho, the Redwyne twins, Osney Kettleblack, Hugh Clifton, and the Knight of Flowers.

That displeased her. She dare not besmirch the name of the hero of Dragonstone. Besides, no one who knew Ser Loras would ever believe it. The Redwynes could not be a part of it either. Without the Arbor and its fleet, the realm could never hope to rid itself of this Euron Crow's Eye and his accursed ironmen.

[...]

"I might have . . . misremembered."

"Horas and Hobber had no part of this, did they?"

"No," he admitted. "Not them."

"As for Ser Loras, I am certain Margaery took pains to hide what she was doing from her brother."

"She did. I remember now. Once I had to hide under the bed when Ser Loras came to see her. He must never know, she said."

Yeah, this guy's story is totally going to hold up during a trial.

The plan is coming together perfectly.

+.+.+

Qyburn dropped the bloody razor into a pail of vinegar. "Margaery may wonder where her bard has gone."

"Singers come and go, they are infamous for it."

That depends, is George R. R. Martin writing the story?

+.+.+

"If it please you. That is all that I desire."

Liar. She knew what Taena desired. So be it. If the woman was besotted with her, that would help ensure that she and her husband remained loyal. In a world so full of treachery, that was worth a few kisses. She is no worse than most men. At least there is no danger of her ever getting me with child.

I have no doubt in my mind that Jaime will be the father of Cersei's next child, but that line set alarm bells ringing.

+.+.+

The two of them shared the bath together, with Cersei lying back in Taena's arms. 

Who says George isn't a romantic?

+.+.+

"Tommen must be spared the worst of this," she told the Myrish woman. "Margaery still takes him to the sept every day, so they can ask the gods to heal her brother." Ser Loras still clung to life, annoyingly. 

There's zero percent chance this won't turn into a big problem.

+.+.+

She even said a prayer before she crawled beneath her coverlet, beseeching the Mother for sweet dreams.

It proved a waste of breath; as ever, the gods were deaf. Cersei dreamt that she was down in the black cells once again, only this time it was her chained to the wall in place of the singer. She was naked, and blood dripped from the tips of her breasts where the Imp had torn off her nipples with his teeth. "Please," she begged, "please, not my children, do not harm my children." Tyrion only leered at her. He was naked too, covered with coarse hair that made him look more like a monkey than a man. "You shall see them crowned," he said, "and you shall see them die." Then he took her bleeding breast into his mouth and began to suck, and pain sawed through her like a hot knife.

In all fairness to Cersei, if I was having dreams like this, I'd be crazy too.

+.+.+

"The maegi." The words came tumbling out of her. She could still hear Melara Hetherspoon insisting that if they never spoke about the prophecies, they would not come true. She was not so silent in the well, though. She screamed and shouted. "Tyrion is the valonqar," she said. "Do you use that word in Myr? It's High Valyrian, it means little brother." She had asked Septa Saranella about the word, after Melara drowned.

Taena took her hand and stroked it. "This was a hateful woman, old and sick and ugly. You were young and beautiful, full of life and pride. She lived in Lannisport, you said, so she would have known of the dwarf and how he killed your lady mother. This creature dared not strike you, because of who you were, so she sought to wound you with her viper's tongue."

There it is. Kudos to @agentrouka-blog.

Cersei was young(er) and (more) beautiful.

+.+.+

"One son," said Lady Merryweather, "but you have another, sweet and strong, and no harm will ever come to him."

"Never, whilst I live."

That's the second time she's said something like this. Am I missing some sort of double meaning here?

As she watched the cats frolic about his feet, Cersei felt a little better. No harm will ever come to Tommen whilst I still live. - Cersei VIII, AFFC

+.+.+

The mother in her wanted only to protect him; the queen in her knew he must grow harder, or the Iron Throne was certain to devour him.

Wrong spikes.

+.+.+

She smoothed his hair back, the soft golden curls that reminded her so much of Joff. "Will you be spending the afternoon with your wife and her cousins?"

"Not today. She has to fast and purify herself, she said."

Fast and purify . . . oh, for Maiden's Day. It had been years since Cersei had been required to observe that particular holy day. Thrice wed, yet she still would have us believe she is a maid. Demure in white, the little queen would lead her hens to Baelor's Sept to light tall white candles at the Maiden's feet and hang parchment garlands about her holy neck. A few of her hens, at least. On Maiden's Day widows, mothers, and whores alike were barred from the septs, along with men, lest they profane the sacred songs of innocence. Only virgin maids could . . .

How has this never come up in a Sansa chapter?

+.+.+

"Shame?" Osney sounded baffled. "I told Osmund, Margaery just teases. She never lets me do any more than . . ."

"It is chivalrous of you to protect her," Cersei broke in, "but you are too good a knight to go on living with your crime. No, you must take yourself to the Great Sept of Baelor this very night and speak with the High Septon. When a man's sins are so black, only His High Holiness himself can save him from hell's torments. Tell him how you bedded Margaery and her cousins."

Osney blinked. "What, the cousins too?"

"Megga and Elinor," she decided, "never Alla." That little detail would make the whole story more plausible. 

Brilliant. You're playing 4D chess now.

+.+.+

The queen was taken aback. The last thing she expected was piety from a Kettleblack. "Are you refusing to obey me?"

"No." Osney touched her golden hair. "The thing is, the best lies have some truth in 'em . . . to give 'em flavor, as it were. And you want me to go tell how I fucked a queen . . ."

[...]

"We waited long enough." He thrust his fingers inside the bodice of her gown and yanked, and the silk parted with a ripping sound so loud that Cersei was afraid that half of the Red Keep must have heard it. "Take off the rest before I tear that too," he said. "You can keep the crown on. I like you in the crown."

I doubt that's a coincidence.

<- Jaime VI, AFFC

On her head a circlet of hammered bronze sat askew, graven with runes and ringed with small black swords.

[...]

She gave a shake of her ample hips. "I'm the queen o' whores."

No, Jaime thought, my sweet sister holds that title too.

Final thoughts:

I'm convinced a dude with a guitar stole George's girl once.

-> return to menu <-

[slocum-dodson]

I miss my husband, look at how smiley he is.

I hate Bar Harbor and I barely want to put Slocum's Joes here. For all I know these monsters will let them go to ruin like their shitty dockside town.

Terrible fucking place.

[boliv-jenta]

Arthur Morgan x ofc. Pero Tovar x ofc.

Follow on from this.

Warnings: Death, smut, blood drinking.

The Heart of the Ring of Blood.

A beast crawled up inside her, it's jaws latched on to the weeping gash on his wrist. It drank down everything that he gave her, the viscose fluid coated her throat with a sweet copper tang. It washed away who she used to be anointing the monster in her place.

The low light glow of lamp light blurred and burnt behind her eyes. The silence of the night buzzed in her ears. The cold caresses of the season burned her skin. It was all too much. She was new and fragile, reborn in every way.

Hunger gnawed at her stomach and deep in her cunt. It twisted her insides until it was painful. She cried out, anguished at first until her throat was raw and it was reduced to whimpers.

"I know. I know." He held her close, the icy caress of his hand at her cheek.

The scent of her customer hung in the air. With a new level of awareness, it held much more to her than just the sweet musk that lingered on her skin. It held his arousal, his trepidation, notes of his dockside lodgings and the horse that brought him here from colder climes. It invaded her until it was all she knew, it drove her forward into the night, until a strong hand held her back.

"Let's fix you up, Darlin'." He wiped her mouth and neck as clean as he could. He rearranged the ties of her dress, displaying an ample amount of the flesh of her unbeating chest. "Go." Was all the instruction he gave.

The pull of her hungers lead her along to the small two story building. She could hear him before she saw him. His heartbeat slow and steady, no doubt relaxed from his earlier release. His breaths were deep and drawn in, probably the source of the tobacco smoke she could smell. He was surprised at her sudden appearance, she felt the lust stir in his blood. She longed to rip out his long, muscular neck, to drink down every drop that flowed freely from it.

Without a word, she stepped into his space. Burying her nose in the crux of his neck, she inhaled. The scent memory of her mother baking as child came to her, a similar craving fir something warm and sweet now awoken. She felt warm and safe, innocent, a far cry from what she was now. Parting her lips, she felt a burn as two sharp fangs desended from her upper jaw. Pushing her tongue through them, she ran the tip of it up his neck. A shuddering gasp eminented from him. Grasping her hips he pulled her flush to him, pressing his growing need against her for relief.

"I don't have any more money." He muttered as his hands frantically skimmed wherever they could. As if to get his fill before she rejected him.

"I don't want your money." She whispered in his ear while palming him through his pants.

A beautiful grin spread across his face as turned to lead her inside, his fingers laced with hers. "Let's stay here. Mi Amor." She echoed his earlier words.

In the darkness she could feel the man who freed her from the world watching. His approval sang out to her from the shadows.

Balancing on the windowsill she gathered her skirt. Lifting it completely around her waist presenting her bare, dripping core to her would be lover. He practically fell between her legs, as soon as his erection was free he buried it deep within her. The first few thrusts set to satiate one of her appetites only to stoke the other. The rhythm of his heartbeat climbing high, pumping the blood through his veins, sang to her. Just like her body had been a sirens song in the night to him, his was now crying out a melody to her. As her orgasm build so did the new strength within her. As if he weighted a fraction of what he did, she switched their positions. Landing on the windowsill with a bemused gasp, his motions stilled. Bracing her hands on the sides of the window's frame, she rose up off him before sinking down. She rode him violently. The sharp bounce of her hips driving him closer to his climax. Pressing his forehead to hers he muttered in his own language. His words were foreign but his actions were not. Holding the ample flesh of her ass his hips met her jagged rhythm. It was enough to throw her into a new realm of pleasure. Her pussy gripped him as the thirst gripped her.

His cock pumped his release inside her, as his heart pumped blood down her throat. The light faded in his eyes, until the shining burnt umber dulled. The empty husk of him fell to the floor. A thought itched at the back of her mind like she had forgotten something. Looking down at him for a while she realised what she had forgotten, she had forgotten how to care. She didn't care that gorgeous man who sort her company on his way through town would never leave this place. She didn't care that she'd snatched him away from loved ones waiting in far off lands. She felt the confusion wash over her.

Arthur saw it spread over her face as he appeared from the shadows. "I know. It don't feel right. Even when I killed folk that deserved it, I used to feel bad about it. Now I feel...nothing." He pulled her close, her body slotting perfectly against his. Before his lips captured hers in a kiss he whispered against them. "That's why I chose you. I want to feel something."

Tags @kirsteng42 @babydarkstar @prolix-yuy @thegreenkid @hquinzelle @fangirl-316 @gracie7209 @jedifarmerr @doommommy @scorpio-marionette @sturkillerbase @harriedandharassed @aynsleywalker @mswarriorbabe80 @quica-quica-quica @rise-my-angel @adancedivasmom @graciexmarvel @kinda-nobody @misspearly1

[just-onyx]

Is she actually happy in her current life?

"Actually yes. I would love to maybe make one or two friends and have them come chill for coffee or booze. Maybe not in that order. Booze then coffee. I just like being out of the noise of the world." "The fact I simply dislike most of the world does make it hard to make those friends. I can be happy in MY own little world. If I find a person to vibe within it great, if not? That is awesome too." "Cannot beat an apartment by the dockside, stormy weather, and all the great vibes of waking up anytime I want."

Thanks @turning-through-the-never

[claudia1829things]

"AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS" Season One (2021) Episodes Ranking

Below is my ranking of the Season One episodes of the adventure series, "AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS". Based on Jules Verne's 1973 novel and created by Ashley Pharoah and Caleb Ranson, the series stars David Tennant, Ibrahim Koma and Leonie Benesch:

"AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS" SEASON ONE (2021) EPISODES RANKING

1. (1.03) "Episode 1.3" - Stuck on Yemen's west coast, gentleman traveler Phineas Fogg decides on a dangerous desert crossing with his valet Jean Passepartout, leaving news reporter and traveling companion Abigail Fortescue aka Fix in a place where even a fellow Englishwoman proves hostile. Lindsay Duncan and Faical Elkihel guest starred.

2. 1.05) "Episode 1.5" - Passepartout's knowledge of the Hong Kong colony proves useful when Fogg's finances are blocked by his London bank and Scotland Yard. Abigail's latest article threatens to humiliate Phileas at a party held in his honor at the Govenor's estate. Victoria Smurfit, Patrick Kennedy and Thomas Chaanhing guest starred.

3. (1.04) "Episode 1.4" - The traveling trio are stranded at a village in British India, where a wedding is about to take place and the groom, a deserter from the British Army has been arrested. Shivaani Ghai, Kiroshan Naidoo and Charlie Hamblett guest starred.

4. (1.07) "Episode 1.7" - While Fogg and his companions travel through the Rockies in a chartered stagecoah, he unwillingly lets famous lawman Bass Reeves and the latter's prisoner share the stagecoach, unaware the captive's cronies are in hot pursuit. John Light and Gary Beadle guest starred.

5. (1.08) "Episode 1.8" - In the season finale, Fogg's reunion with an old love, deadly dockside danger and red tape in New York City might spell failure for Fogg's "around the world" bet. Dolly Wells guest starred.

6. (1.01) "Episode 1.1" - In the series opener, Fogg is goaded by corrupt fellow Reform Club member Nyle Bellamy into a bet that he can circle the globe in just 80 days, despite never having been abroad before. He is accompanied by Passepartout and Abigail, who wants to record his journey. Their first major stop is Paris, where Fogg inadvertently foils an assassination attempt on the President of France, Adolphe Thiers, by rebels led by Passepartout's brother. Loic Djani, Richard Wilson and Masali Baduza guest starred.

7. (1.02) "Episode 1.2" - Fogg's self-respect is threatened by ridicule from Italian industrialist and widower Niccolo Moretti during a train journey to Brindisi, Italy; worrying Abigail and Passepartout before a disaster strikes. Giovanni Scifoni guest starred.

8. (1.06) "Episode 1.6" - Thanks to Bellamy's henchman Thomas Kneedling; Fogg, Abigail and Passepartout find themselves stranded on a desert island in the East China Sea. With the clock ticking, the trio must learn to forgive and work together to escape the island and resume their journey.

[jojo0039]

*Treasure and Secrets* Homecoming Part 2

Everyone runs to the chateau to change their clothes and get showers.

Once everyone was dressed and showered, they get back in the boat and head to the store to buy beer.

Jo and JJ jump out as they run into the small dockside store to buy some beer.

Jo throws the cashier an extra fifty-dollar bill to let them walk out.

Jo carries a case of bush light and JJ has a case of natural light.

They hop back in the boat.

They ride back to the chateau and jump in the hot tub as they crack open the beers.

JJ rolls a couple of blunts.

Jo is in charge of the music as she picks a Pogue playlist on the speaker.

JJ passes out beers and everyone shotguns the beer.

"Whoo!" John B shouts.

Jo pulls Sarah up and they dance in the middle of the hot tub.

John B and JJ dance over to them.

JJ wraps his arm around Jo's waist and pulls her back against him.

He passes her a blunt.

Jo sits between his legs as Pope decides to rap.

Jo nudges Kie in the leg when she catches her staring at Pope.

JJ challenges Pope to wrestle.

Pope finally manages to pin him.

"When did you start wrestling?" John B asks.

"I'm out!" Pope shouts as he walks down to the dock.

Kie stands up from her seat and follows Pope.

"Really?!" Sarah laughs.

"Whoo get it girl!" Jo shouts.

"Way to be discreet!" JJ shouts.

"I leave and this is what happens"

John B shakes his head in false disappointment.

"Are you blaming me?" JJ asks.

"I'm blaming both of you." John B points between Jo and JJ.

Jo laughs and sits back against JJ's chest.

"You guys had one job." Sarah teases.

"No Pogue on Pogue macking. You two were the first ones to break that seal." Sarah teases.

JJ gets up and follows John B over to the beer cooler that is right in front of the tree that they carved up.

Jo watches John B and JJ huh each other.

She has a small smile on her face.

"We missed you guys. Like a lot." Jo confesses to Sarah.

"We missed you too." Sarah says.

"Are you okay? I sense that something is wrong. You can tell me." Sarah says.

Jo turns to Sarah.

"I kissed Rafe." she whispers.

"What? When?" Sarah harshly whispers back.

"He was at my house with his dad, he cornered me and kissed me. But I kissed him back and I feel so guilty about it." she confesses.

"Does JJ know?" Sarah asks.

"No, I haven't decided if I'm gonna tell him or not."

The boys come back over cutting off their conversation.

They turn when they hear the Pogue startup.

"Oh alright! Have fun!" Sarah shouts to Pope and Kie.

"Use protection! We don’t need no Pogue babies!" Jo shouts.

"You're one to talk about Pogue babies." John B turns to Jo.

"Hey now, I'm on birth control thank you very much." Jo argues.

"There he goes. He jacked your boat dude." JJ laughs.

"Pope is poking on the Pogue." John B states.

They laugh.

"Pope is poking a Pogue on the Pogue." Jo jokes.

She turns to head to the house.

"Where you going?" JJ asks her.

"I have to pee is that okay with you?" she shouts back as she walks into the house.

                                           ****************************

Jo is in the bathroom finishing up when she hears glass breaking and the sound of things being thrown around.

She steps out of the bathroom and walks into the living room.

"Okay, who is throwing the-"

She stops as Barry walks out of the bedroom with a gun pointing at her.

"Shit!" She instantly freezes.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here."

Barry grabs her arm and pushes her towards the door.

"There's someone out here that is gonna wanna say hi." he comments.

Barry pushes her out the door and she comes face to face with Rafe.

"Look who I found Country Club!"

Barry pushes her towards Rafe.

"There's no need to push me." Jo sasses.

"Where is John B at Joanna?" Rafe asks as he grabs her arms.

"How the hell should I know?! He's supposed to be lost at sea!" Jo answers.

"You're lying to me! We have never lied to each other! They were obviously just here based on the smoke!"

Rafe points to the firepit that has smoke rolling out of it.

"Yea great observation boy scout!" Barry retorts.

"I just put that out before I went inside." Jo tells him.

Rafe shakes his head.

He grabs her and pulls her closer to him.

"You forget that I know you. And I know when you're lying to me. Now tell me where they are!" Rafe shouts at her.

"Maybe she needs to be roughed up a little bit. That always makes people talk."

Barry steps closer to Jo.

Rafe instantly pushes him away from her.

He points his gun at Barry.

"You don't lay another hand on her. If it needs to be done I will be the one to do it." Rafe threatens.

"Bro you're tripping! You're losing your goddamn mind." Barry yells at him.

Rafe turns his attention back to Jo.

"I need you to be honest with me right now. I know John B and my sister are alive alright. I saw them in the Bahamas with my own eyes. I shot Sarah. That is why I called you the other night. So don't lie to me and say you don't know where they're at."

She backs away from Rafe slowly.

She shakes her head.

"Even if I know they're alive, they're clearly not here. So get out of my face!" Jo pushes him away.

"That's funny because Kelce saw you guys buying beer at Gullies."

Rafe scoffs and slaps his hands on his head.

He turns and spots the artwork that the pogues had done to the tree.

He starts laughing hysterically.

"P4L." Barry reads out loud with a scoff.

"Well shit!" Rafe continues to laugh.

"Look at what hanging out with Pogues does to you. You have lied a lot to me tonight baby. Plus you lied to them about what happened with Kiara. You need away from them and back with me. I'm gonna be the one to do it." Rafe threatens as he fires the gun at the tree.

"Rafe stop!"

"Chill out dawg!"

Both Barry and Jo grab onto Rafe to get him to stop.

"You're gonna get us busted for sure. Chill the fuck out dude!" Barry lectures.

"You need to stop Rafe! What do you want from me?" Jo feels tears in her eyes.

Rafe tries to grab her face, but she moves away.

"I just want you." he tells her.

She shakes her head.

"This isn't the way. And you know that." she tells him.

"Yo, we gotta bounce. You can figure out your love life later bro. Let's go!"

Barry grabs onto Rafe and drags him.

"Let's go!"

Barry shouts as Rafe finally breaks eye contact with Jo and follows Barry.

Jo finally lets out a shaken breath that she was holding.

She grabs her chest as she tries to get control of her breathing.

John B jumps down from the tree scaring Jo.

"Oh shit!" Her voice cracks.

"Are you okay? Come here." John B pulls her into a hug.

"You're okay now. Theyre gone." John B tries to assure her.

JJ climbs down from the tree and helps Sarah down.

"Jo, I am so sorry. Are you okay?" Sarah pulls her into a hug.

She nods her head.

"I'm okay. That just really scared me." She locks eyes with JJ.

She can tell by the look on his face, he heard everything.

He pulls her from Sarah and wraps his arms tightly around her.

"I'm right here. You're safe now." he coos in her ear.

She holds onto him tightly.

"I was so scared." she tells him.

"I know. I'm sorry I couldn't get to you."

He grabs her face and pulls her into a kiss.

                                        *************************

The next morning, the spot Pope and Kie driving the boat towards the dock.

They grab their bags and quickly run down the dock to meet them.

Jo and John B are holding onto Sarah as they quickly follow behind.

"Guys don't tie up!" JJ shouts to them.

"Why?" Pope asks.

"Were dipping." JJ tells them.

"What are you talking about?" Kie asks.

"Where the hell were you guys?" Jo asks out of breath.

"We slept on the break." Pope tells them confused.

"Yea sure just slept." JJ teases as he pats Pope on the back.

"We were up all night too." JJ says.

"We gotta get out of here." John B informs them.

"Rafe and Barry know we're here." Sarah tells them.

"Yea they really scared the hell outta me." Jo comments.

John B and Jo help Sarah get in the boat.

"I know a place where we can go." JJ informs them as he drives the boat away from the dock.

JJ drives them to a secluded field and they sit far back in the trees so they won't get spotted.

"Look, if Rafe and Barry know, it's only a matter of time before everyone else finds out." Sarah speaks.

"I told you, we should have just headed south. But no one listens to me!" JJ argues.

"Just stop it okay! I get it I do. I understand." John B argues back.

"Guys it doesn't help to be yelling at each other."

Jo pushes her way between the two of them.

"I have an idea." Sarah states catching everyone's attention.

"With me back, my dad is gonna have to choose between me and Rafe."

Jo makes a face that shows she doesn't believe that will work.

"Sarah-" John B starts.

"He's gonna choose me!" she argues.

"I don't think he will this time Sarah." Jo softly speaks.

"He's a liar! He has lied to you about so much." John B argues.

"I know but I at least have to try. He's my dad and I know him and I know he loves me." she argues.

They watch as she stands up and John B follows her over to the boat.

"We need to talk." JJ whispers in Jo's ear.

She nods her head and follows him away from the others.

"What was Rafe talking about last night?" he asks her.

She takes a deep breath and nods her head.

She fights the tears that pool in her eyes.

"When- when Kie was in the sewer, I ran into Rafe and Barry. Rafe is the one who flooded the sewer." she confesses to him.

JJ scoffs and gives her a look of betrayal.

"Why didn't you say anything? Why are you protecting Rafe?" JJ demands to know.

"I don't know. Okay I don't know why I did it. It was stupid and it's been eating me up since then." She starts to cry softly.

"What else haven't you told me?" JJ asks hesitantly.

"Rafe kissed me. And I kissed him back." Jo avoids looking at JJ.

JJ has a look of betrayal.

"Do you still have feelings for him?" he asks her.

She finally looks up at him.

"I don't know."

She steps toward him and grabs his hand.

"But it doesn't change how I feel about you." she tells him desperately.

He scoffs at her and pulls his hand away from her.

"But it changes how I feel." JJ tells her.

Her eyes widen.

"JJ-"

She gets cut off by the sound of the boat.

She quickly wipes her eyes.

JJ gives her one last look before he leaves her standing there.

                                        *****************************

Jo walks over to the group as Sarah jumps down from the boat.

"You guys were right. It didn't work." Sarah informs them.

"Well that settles it then. Y'all need to load up in the paddy wagon and get the heck out of dodge right now." JJ tells them.

"He's right. You're gonna need supplies and you have to split as soon as possible before anyone else finds out you're here." Jo states.

"Guys I think it's too late." Kie tells them as she points towards the police boats heading their way.

"They followed you here."

"Must have been your father."

"We need to find another way out of here."

They start backing up slowly.

"Stay on the beach with your hands in the air!"

They heard through the speaker.

"Go!"

They run across the beach and run into the trees.

"We gotta outrun them!"

They run through the trees and bushes towards the canal of water.

They jump in and swim across to the other side.

"Behind the tree!"

They all pile behind the big tree.

They instantly get surrounded by cops.

Cop trucks pull up on the other side.

"We're surrounded. What do we do?"

"Freeze!"

"There's no getting out of this. We have to make a stand."

JJ loads and cocks the gun.

Jo glances at him with wide eyes.

"Jay! Don't be an idiot!" she hisses at him.

John B grabs the gun from him and drops it.

"It's gonna be alright." he tells them.

"There's nowhere to go!"

"You're not going anywhere!"

More cop cars pull up.

They watch as John B puts his hands up and walks towards the police.

"John B! Step out of the clearing!" Shoupe shouts.

"I'm surrendering!" John B exclaims.

"Get down! Do not move!"

"The rest of you, stay right where you are. Keep your hands where we can see them." Shoupe shouts to the group.

Jo stands beside Sarah as she puts her hands up.

Everyone else listens and does the same.

"Listen, Shoupe, I wanna testify!" John B shouts.

Shoupe rushes over to John B with his gun pointed at him.

"Its about time. Get down. Do not move a muscle. Everybody else, don't move." Shoupe demands.

John B gets down on his knees and put his hands behind his head.

"Don't move. Keep your hands where I can see them." Plum commands the group.

Jo sends her a glare.

They watch as Thomas beats Shoupe to John B and grabs him up roughly.

"Stop!" Jo shouts.

They watch as Thomas slams him to the ground.

"Are you seriously letting this happen?!" JJ shouts.

"Thomas stop!" Shoupe commands.

"Stop! No!" The girls shout out.

They watch in horror as Thomas starts kicking and punching John B.

"Stop! He didn't do anything!" Jo shouts as tears roll down her face.

"What is that Shoupe? You just gonna let that happen?" Pope holds onto JJ.

Thomas pulls John B up.

"This is for Peterkin."

He slams his big fist into John B's face sending him flying to the ground.

"No!"

Everyone watches in horror as their best friend who is innocent get beat up and arrested.

[midnightsaboteur]

@toxiclittlethoughts​

Writers and journalists always had their favoured places to work. Some preferred a quiet study whilst others thrived on the buzz of an open plan office. Elias had always shirked both options however, his preferred haunt being a back booth within Ryan’s Bar, a long-time staple of the dockside nightlife in the city. No matter what changes had hit Elias’ life across the previous decade and a half, Ryan’s Bar had remained one of the enduring constants. 

Indeed, it wasn’t just a place for Elias to work, it was also a place for him to unwind too. On that day he’d come to do both, meaning that a well-worn novel rested on the table alongside his laptop, notepads and glass of Jameson’s. In amongst taking notes and scribbling a first draft of his latest story, Elias paused to sip from the sharp whiskey and scroll through a few pages of the book. It was a story that he’d read before but he always liked revisiting the favourites. 

In fact, Elias was so consumed by his work or his relaxation that he wasn’t really paying attention to anyone else in the bar at all. He knew there were other patrons and that he was in a position where he could easily be seen, but for his part he was entirely unconcerned with scanning around to see who else was there. Instead, his focus was upon his pages and hard liquor. 

[myyachtmanagement-blog]

How Important is Dockside Care?

In the maritime realm, where the call of the open sea meets the responsibilities of ownership, the importance of yacht care emerges as a guiding principle for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. As a seasoned yacht care specialist, I've come to appreciate the pivotal role that meticulous care plays in ensuring not only the longevity and performance of a yacht but also the safety of those who navigate the vast blue expanse.

At the heart of yacht care lies the preservation of a substantial investment. Yachts, with their intricate systems and sophisticated machinery, demand regular attention to stave off wear and tear. Routine maintenance, including engine checks, hull inspections, and electrical system reviews, acts as a preventative measure, averting potential breakdowns that could not only be costly to repair but also jeopardize the safety of the vessel and its occupants.

Safety is a paramount concern for any responsible yacht owner, and meticulous care is the bedrock upon which maritime security stands. From ensuring that safety equipment is up to code to verifying the integrity of the hull, each aspect of yacht care contributes to creating a secure environment for both crew and passengers. Regular inspections become a preemptive strike against unforeseen issues, fostering peace of mind during every voyage.

Beyond financial and safety considerations, yacht care is a testament to environmental responsibility. Well-maintained engines operate more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing emissions that can impact the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Eco-friendly practices, such as the use of biodegradable cleaning agents and antifouling paints, further underscore the importance of conscientious yacht care in preserving the beauty of our oceans.

Yacht care is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it's a tailored approach that recognizes the unique needs of each vessel. Whether it's a meticulous engine overhaul, regular hull cleanings, or electrical system upgrades, the care bestowed upon a yacht reflects the commitment of its owner to uphold the highest standards of maritime excellence.

In conclusion, the importance of dockside care extends far beyond the glossy veneer of a well-maintained vessel. It is a holistic commitment to responsible ownership, encompassing financial prudence, safety assurance, and environmental stewardship. As a yacht care repair specialist, I advocate for the recognition of yacht care as a cornerstone of maritime responsibility—a pledge to sail the seas with both passion and a profound sense of duty.

[darklydeliciousdesires]

dickhead

Oh wow. That's the internet equivalent of throwing a cornflake at the back of my head and expecting it to hurt.

Everyone! Look at the loser! Look at them!

^Me right now. Thanks for the laugh, though!