#duff's famous wings

[gunlord500]

Friday, March 8, 2024 pizza logs and fries at duffs!

[steele-soulmate]

Tattooed Wings, CHAPTER 24, Peter Steele & OFC, Soulmate AU

SUMMARY: Mary Claire Bradley meets her soulmate- literally- the famous Peter Steele of metal group Type O Negative. But will obstacles including trauma, stalkers, and toxic family members get in the way of their life?

WARNING: mentions of child rape (nothing graphic) PTSD, milk kink, soft smut, grinding

WORDS: 1463

“Hey there, sweetheart,” Peter murmured as I met him at his car. I only giggled as I slipped my hands into his and leaned into his chest.

“Hi,” I greeted him shyly, pushing my red curls out of my face.

 “Hi,” he breathed, bending down to kiss me. I closed my eyes and leaned into his lips more, whimpering when he pulled away. “You look beautiful tonight.”

 I turned bright pink at his compliment and buried my face into his chest. He only chuckled as he curled his arms around me.

 We stood out in the parking lot like that for a few more minutes before he turned and opened the passenger door for me. He lifted me up and into the seat, holding my hand as I slid my legs around.

 “Is this our first date?” I asked as I clicked the seatbelt on.

 “Do you want it to be our first date?” he asked as he pulled out.

 I shrugged.

 “Kinda,” I said. “Yeah. And I don’t mind any if you tell people that you met your soulmate.”

 “Sweetheart,” Peter cooed as he stopped at a red light and reached across to cup my cheek. I leaned into his touch with a soft coo. “Sweetheart, are you sure? I’m not going to throw you out there- you’ll be mobbed by the press and fans.”

 “Peter,” I smiled at him. “I’m sure. I love you and I’m not ashamed.”

 “Okay,” he beamed before quickly rolling up the sleaves of his shirt, showcasing his colorful soulmarks. I removed my leather jacket as well, making sure that my hair was still held back out of my face.

 Tonight, I was wearing an emerald green rockabilly swing dress, light navy and brown oxfords and my black leather jacket. My makeup was simple- foundation, blush, highlighter, bronzer, and lips. My hair was in a curly bouffant and tied back off my neck and out of my face with a cherry red bandanna print headband. I was relaxed as Peter drove to the venue where Type O Negative would be playing that night in downtown Brooklyn.

 “I already pumped my tits before I left the apartment but they may need to be taken care of at the end of tonight,” I thought out loud.

 “Okay sweetheart,” he hummed. “Not a problem. I can take care of it; you just say the word.”

 “Oh, okay.” I was shocked at his devotion to make me feel comfortable and loved, but I just accepted it.

 “After the concert closes, everyone else will probably hit up Duff’s for dinner,” he informed me. “You’re invited, of course.”

 “Oh.” I pulled out my phone and looking up the bar menu on Google. “It looks like a cool place.”

 “My apartment is literally just down the street some,” he shrugged.

 “Are we going back to your place afterwards?” I wanted to know.

 “I’d prefer it if we didn’t,” he answered. “I don’t live in a safe neighborhood, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

 “Peter, nothing will happen,” I said softly. “Not as long as I have you at my side.”

 “Fuck,” he muttered as he pulled into a parking space and turned to face me. “Sweetheart, I love you, but my answer is no. Do not try to argue with me.”

 “Okay,” I hummed, pulling him in for a kiss. He seemed a little bit surprised at me making the first move but he leaned into me before pulling away.

 “Come on, sweetheart,” he murmured, getting out and circling over to the passenger door to help me out. I got out and was automatically swept under his arm as he speed walked his walk over to the other side of the street. I could hear people screaming his name as he pressed my face into his side.

 When we were inside, he released me and took my hand before ushering me off to a dressing room. He pushed the door open for me and let me enter first, where I was tackled.

 “Oops, sorry,” apologized the man who had mowed me over. “You’re not Peter!”

 “No, my soulmate certainly isn’t me!” Peter snarled, picking the guy off of me and shoving him away before kneeling down next to me. “Sweetheart, my sweetheart, are you okay?” He rested a gentle hand against my popped stomach. “Is little girl okay?”

 He got his answer in the form of a little punch right where his hand was. He sighed in relief, bowing his head to place a kiss to where the baby had just hit me.

 “Good girl,” he murmured softly, kissing my tummy once more before he turned his head to glare at the man who had plowed into me. I peeked through Peter’s fingers and saw that he was wearing a band t-shirt. “Slitzy, you fucking moron- you could’ve seriously hurt Mary Claire and little girl. And- TURUN THAT FUCKING CAMERA OFF!”

 I saw that the man- Slitzy- had a video camera pointed at us, the green recording button blinking happily.

 “Peter, I’m fine,” I cooed softly, cupping his face. “Really, no harm no foul. He doesn’t have x-ray vision otherwise he would’ve given a more civilized greeting.”

 “Oh yes, absolutely!” Slitzy nodded his head, fumbling with the camera as he tried to turn it off quickly.

 “Camera!” Peter snarled, not getting up until Slitzy had turned the camera off. “Come here, sweetheart…” he practically picked me up and carried me over to the couch, where he gently deposited me before heading over to the refrigerator directly behind me.

 “I’m so sor-” Slitzy began to say, taking a step over towards me, but freezing at Peter’s hulking frame.

 “OUT,” Peter snapped before showing me a bottle of lemonade in one hand and a bottle of apple juice in his other hand.

 “Gramercy,” I thanked him, taking the lemonade and twisting the cap off. He only chuckled before falling onto the couch next to me and curled his arms around me.

 “Hey, Pete!” Kenny poked his head into the opened door, a grin on his face. “Do you mind explaining why Slitzy looks like he walked into a horror movie?”

 “He accidently thought that I was Peter and knocked me over while giving a surprise hug,” I explained, resting my head onto my soulmate’s chest. “I don’t fault him any.”

 “Sweetheart, he could’ve seriously hurt you,” Peter said. “Plus, I don’t want to expose you to the ugly side of the music lifestyle just yet.”

 “Ugly side?” I frowned.

 “The fame,” he explained, nosing at the mermaid behind my ear. “The press will tear you up. One of my past girlfriends almost died from an eating disorder after she was repeatedly body shamed by people around me.”

 “Peter.” I dragged him down by the chin so that we were looking into each other’s eyes. “I’m a big girl. I can handle a couple of negative comments flung my way. I don’t read rag mags at all so why would I actively seek out that kind of junk? Besides, everyone knows that they’re just full of lies.”

 Peter only placed a hand on my stomach and began to gently massage his thumb into the baby bump, getting another firm kick.

 “Hey calm down in there, little girl!” I giggled. “She knows it’s you.”

 “You think so?” Peter hummed, stooping down to kiss my eyebrow.

 “Yeah, I do.” I looked up and blushed as he kissed me.

 “Oh, for fuck sake, you two are so fucking disgusting, it’s fucking insane!”

 I just removed my shoe and threw it at Kenny, getting an “Ow!” in response as I hit my target without looking.

 “He’s single, isn’t he?” I asked Peter, falling back into his arms and smiling.

 “Is it that obvious?” he winced, tugging me so that I was halfway on his lap. “Alright, now come here, my woman- I demand cuddles.”

  Gramercy, thank you, Old French?

 TAGLISTS ARE OPEN/ ASK BOX IS OPEN/ REQUESTS ARE OPEN/ PLOT BUNNIES ARE WELCOMED

 If you liked this, then please consider buying me a coffee HERE It only costs $3!!!

  PETER STEELE TAGLIST

@starchild0985​

[jsw029]

Best Traditional Wings in Buffalo [in my expert, professional opinion]. Duff’s Famous Wings [Medium-Hot], French Fries, and Salad When: Lunch Where: @duffs.easternhills Who: Alone Amount Spent: $31.99 Amount Spent YTD: $147.59 #myterriblediet https://www.instagram.com/p/C1-v5OdLt6y/

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 11.24

Beer Birthdays

Elias Daniel Barnitz (1677)

Frederick Miller (1824)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Billy Connolly; Scottish comedian, actor (1942)

Donald "Duck" Dunn; rock bassist (1941)

Scott Joplin; Ragtime composer (1868)

Stephen Merchant; British comedian (1974)

Henri-Toulouse Lautrec; French artist (1864)

Famous Birthdays

Pete Best; rock drummer (1941)

William F. Buckley; writer, right-wing intellectual (1925)

Ted Bundy; serial killer (1946)

Dale Carnegie; writer (1888)

Johnny Carver; pop singer (1940)

Al Cohn; jazz saxophonist (1925)

Denise Crosby; actor (1957)

Candy Darling; actor (1944)

Howard Duff; actor (1913)

William Webb Ellis; Rugby creator (1801)

Rene Enriquez; actor (1933)

Geraldine Fitzgerald; actor (1913)

Cass Gilbert; architect (1859)

Katherine Heigl; actor (1978)

Bat Masterson; gambler, saloon keeper, lawman (1853)

Charles Theodore Pachelbel; German composer (1690)

Arundhati Roy; Indian writer (1961)

Dwight Schultz; actor (1947)

Junipero Serra; missionary (1713)

Benedict "Baruch" Spinoza; Dutch philosopher (1632)

Laurence Sterne; Irish/English writer (1713)

Zachary Taylor; 12th U.S. President (1784)

Teddy Wilson; jazz pianist (1912)

[buffalojoe1]

Things to Do in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, NY is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to its thriving arts and culture scene, there's always something to do in Buffalo. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the top things to do in Buffalo, NY.

Explore the City's History

Buffalo has a rich and fascinating history that's worth exploring. One of the best ways to learn about the city's past is by visiting the Buffalo History Museum. The museum showcases the city's history from its Native American roots to its industrial boom and beyond. You can also take a walking tour of some of the city's historic neighborhoods, such as Allentown, which is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant arts scene, and the Elmwood Village, which boasts a great selection of independent shops and restaurants.

Another must-visit destination for history buffs is the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. This is where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office following the assassination of President William McKinley. The site offers guided tours and exhibits that provide a fascinating glimpse into this pivotal moment in American history.

Check out the Arts and Culture Scene

Buffalo's arts and culture scene is thriving, with a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers, with a collection that includes works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Warhol. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is another great option, with a focus on contemporary art and artists from Western New York.

If you're a fan of theater, be sure to check out the Shea's Performing Arts Center. This historic theater has been beautifully restored and hosts a variety of Broadway shows, concerts, and other events throughout the year.

For music lovers, Buffalo has a thriving music scene with many venues to choose from. The Tralf Music Hall is a great spot to catch live music, with a range of genres represented, from jazz to rock to blues. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is another great option for those who enjoy classical music.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Buffalo is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, which means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a stroll along the Buffalo Harbor State Park, where you can enjoy views of the lake and the city skyline. You can also check out the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which features a variety of plants and flowers from around the world.

If you're looking for something a little more active, head to Delaware Park. This 350-acre park offers walking and biking paths, as well as tennis courts, a golf course, and more. During the winter months, the park is also a popular spot for ice skating.

For those who enjoy hiking and nature, the Niagara Gorge is a must-visit destination. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Buffalo, the Niagara Gorge offers stunning views of the Niagara River and the surrounding area. You can hike along the gorge, take a guided tour, or even go kayaking.

Indulge in the Local Cuisine

No visit to Buffalo would be complete without sampling some of the city's famous cuisine. Buffalo is known for its chicken wings, which were invented in the city in the 1960s. The Anchor Bar is the birthplace of the chicken wing, and is still one of the best places to try them. Other great spots for wings include Duff's Famous Wings and Bar Bill Tavern.

Buffalo is also known for its beef on weck sandwich, which consists of thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a kummelweck roll. Schwabl's and Charlie the Butcher are two of the most popular spots to try this local specialty.

From its rich history to its thriving arts and culture scene and abundance of outdoor activities, Buffalo, NY has something to offer everyone. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, be sure to check out some of the city's top attractions. Explore its history, take in a show or exhibit, or simply enjoy the great outdoors. And don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, which is just as much a part of the city's culture as its history and arts scene. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have a great time in Buffalo.

[primeminiature]

Images (in order):

I went with duffs cause they're the most famous besides anchor bar and I do not like anchor bar no offense

It was weirdly hard to find this image

This was the most appealing image of this dish that still had the meat sauce on it cause u gotta have the meat sauce (even tho in my opion none of these foods should touch like this but to each their own)

I did not realize this was region specific but my dad said it was

I meant to try this when I was Rome but never got to it but I kno its a thing popular there

I could not find an image of it dressed up in a bun that u would be able to distinguish it from a normal hot dog

I'm not from bing so I've never actually had this one so I hope this image does it justice

I don't have anything from north country sorry so I guess that's probs what I'll get yelled at in the tags about xD

[tlovechic]

Super Tasty Wine Slushies while we wait for a table 🍷 @duffswings #friends #wings #food #wineslushies #duffswings #buffalowings #wine (at Duff's Famous Wings of Orchard Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfqMsJtMek2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sullymuzik]

While Anchor Bar created the Buffalo wing, the locals in town say that Duff’s perfected the Buffalo wing. I had to put that claim to the test. My conclusion is they’re both really good in their own way. I think Duff’s sauce is a little better, but Anchor Bar has a better crispyness to it. I got a little brave & tried the “Death” wing. It was hot 🥵but really flavorful. Either spots are worth the venture if you travel to Buffalo. 🔥🦬🍗🔥 (at Duff's Famous Wings) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfZooIVuy1d/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foodworldlove]

Duff’s Famous Hot Wings - Buffalo, NY

[yourfrankiethings]

Duff's Famous Wings, Buffalo, 9/1/21

Duff’s Famous Wings, Buffalo, 9/1/21

exterior Duff’s Famous Wings starting serving wings in 1969 and by 1985 established that their wings were indeed famous in Buffalo, NY.  Duff’s started in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo in 1946 as a bar.  It is a ‘classic’ in Buffalo with numerous locations.  We tried one in Depew, another suburb, that was close to the airport.  It was a large sterile place with a big parking lot.  Inside was a…

[thewidowsghost]

The Daughter of the Sea - Chapter 9

(Y/n)'s POV

It doesn't take me long to pack. I decide to leave the Minotaur horn in the cabin, which leaves me only an extra change of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me.

The camp store loans me one hundred dollars in mortal money and twenty golden drachmas. The coins are as big as Girl Scout cookies and have images of various Greek Gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ancient mortal drachmas had been silver, Chiron had told us, but Olympins never used less than pure gold. Chiron said the coins might come in for non-mortal transactions - whatever that might mean. He gives Annabeth, Percy, and me canteens of nectar and Ziploc bags full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies, if we were seriously hurt. It is god food, Chiron reminds us. It would cure us of almost any injury, but it is lethal to mortals. Too much of it would make a half-blood very, very feverish. An overdose would burn us up, literally, Fun.

Annabeth is bringing her magic Yankees cap, which she tells me had been a twelfth-birthday present from her mom. She is also bringing a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read when she gets bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve. I'm sure the knife is going to get us busted the first time we go through a metal detector.

Grover is wearing his fake feet and his pants to pass as a human. He wears a green rasta-style cap, because when it rains his curly hair flattened and you can just see the tips of his horns. Grover's bright orange backpack is full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket is a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knows two songs: Mozart's Piano Concerto Number 12 and Hilary Duff's 'So Yesterday,' both of which sound pretty bad on reed pipes.

We wave good-bye to the other campers, take one last look at eh strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hike up the Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, the Daughter of Zeus.

Chiron is waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stands the surfer dude I'd seen when I was recovering in the sick room. According to Grover, the guy is the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he's wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so I can only see the extra eyes on his hands, face, and neck.

"This is Argus," Chiron tells me. "He'll drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

I hear footsteps behind us.

Luke comes running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he pants. "Glad I caught you."

Annabeth blushes, the way she always does when Luke is around.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke tells us. "And I thought . . . um, maybe you could use these."

He hands Percy a pair of sneakers, which look pretty normal.

Then, Luke says, "Maia!"

White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels. The shoes flap around on the ground until the wings fold up and disappear.

"Awesome!" Grover exclaims.

Luke smiles. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turns sad.

Annabeth stomps down the other side of the hill, after arguing with Percy, where a white SUV waits on the shoulder of the road. Argus follows, jingling his car kees.

Percy picks up the flying shoes and then looks up at Chiron. "I won't be able to use these, will I?"

Chiron shakes his head. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air...that would not be wise for you."

I nod, getting an idea, "Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"

His eyes light up. "Me?"

Pretty soon, we'd laced the sneakers over his fake feet, and the world's first flying goat boy is ready for launch.

"Maia!" Grover shouts. He gets off the ground, okay, but then falls over sideways so his backpack drags through the grass. The winged shoes keep bucking up and down like tiny broncos.

"Practice," Chiron calls after him. "You just need practice."

"Aaaaa!" Grover goes flying sideways down the hill like a possessed lawnmower, heading towards the can.

But before I can follow, Chiron catches my arm. "I should have trained you two better, Percy, (Y/n)," he says. "If only I had more time. Hercules, Jason - they all got more training."

"That's okay. I just -" I stop myself.

"What am I thinking?" Chiron cries. "I can't let the two of you get away without these." He pulls two pens out of his coat pocket and hands one to me and one to Percy.

Looking down at it, I see a teal-colored gel pen. Maybe cost thirty cents.

"Gee," Percy says. "Thanks."

"Percy, those are gifts from your father. I've been keeping them for years, not knowing you two were the ones I was waiting for. But the prophecy is clear to me now. You two are the ones."

Instinctively I take off the cap, and the pen grows longer and heavier in my hand. In half a second, I am holding a shimmering bronze sword with a double-edged blade, a teal and silver leather-wrapped grip. This is the first weapon that feels balanced in my hand.

"That sword has a long and tragic history that we need not go into," Chiron tells Percy. "Its name is Anaklusmos."

"Riptide," Percy translates.

"I have never seen anyone use that sword that I'm aware of," Chiron says, turning to me. "Yours is named Τυφώνας."

"Hurricane," I translate, surprised that the Ancient Greek came so easily to me.

"Use them only for emergencies," Chiron says, "and only against monsters. No hero should harm mortals unless absolutely necessary, of course, but neither sword would hurt them in any case."

I look down at the wickedly sharp blade. "What do you mean it wouldn't harm mortals? How could it not?"

"Those swords are celestial bronze. Forged by the Cyclopes, tempered in the heart of Mount Etna, cooled in the River Lethe. It's deadly to monsters, to any creature from the Underworld, provided they don't kill you first. But the blades will pass through morals like an illusion. They simply are not important for the blade to kill. And I should warn you two: as demigods, you can be killed by either celestial or normal weapons. You are twice as vulnerable."

"Good to know," Percy says.

"Now recap the pens," Chiron says.

Percy and I touch the pen cap to the sword tips and instantly Riptide and Hurricane shrink to ballpoint pens again. I tuck it in my pocket, a little nervous because it's pretty easy to lose a pen.

"You can't," Chiron says.

"Can't what?" I ask, slightly confused.

"Lose the pens," he says. "They're enchanted. They'll always reappear in your pockets. Try it."

Warily, I throw the pen as far as I can down the hill and watch it disappear in the grass.

"It may take a few moments," Chiron tells us. "Now check your pocket."

Sure enough, the pen is there.

"Okay, that is extremely cool," I admit.

"But what if a mortal sees one of us pulling out a sword?" Percy asks.

Chiron smiles. "Mist is a powerful thing, Percy."

"Mist?" I ask.

"Yes. Read The Iliad. It's full of references to the stuff. Whatever divine or monstrous elements mix with the mortal world, they generate Mist, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-blood, but humans will interpret things quite differently. Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go fit things into their version of reality.

I put Hurricane back into my pocket.

For the first time, the quest feels real. I'm leaving Half-Blood Hill. I'm heading west with no adult supervision, no backup plan, not even a cell phone - Chiron said cell phones were traceable by monsters; if we used one, it would be no worse than sending up a flare. I have no weapon stronger than a sword to fight off monsters and reach the Land of the Dead.

"Chiron . . ." Percy says. "When you say the gods are immortal . . . I mean, there was a time before them, right?"

"Four ages before them, actually. The Time of the Titans was the Fourth Age, sometimes called the Golden Age, which is definitely a misnomer. This, the time of Western civilization and the rule of Zeus, is the Fifth Age."

"So what was it like...before the gods?"

Chiron purses his lips. "Even I am not old enough to remember that, child, but I know it was a time of darkness and savagery for mortals. Kronos, the lord of the Titans, called his reign the Golden Age because men lived innocent and free of all knowledge. But that was mere propaganda. The Titan king cared nothing for your kind except as appetizers or a source of cheap entertainment. It was only in the early reign of Lord Zeus, when Prometheus the good Titan brought fire to mankind, that your species began to progress, and even then Prometheus was branded a radical thinker. Zeus punished him severely, as you may recall. Of course, eventually, the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born."

"But the gods can't die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they're alive. So...even if I failed, nothing could happen so bad it would mess up everything, right?" I ask, feeling rather uncertain.

Chiron gives me a melancholy smile. "No one knows how long the Age of the West will last, (Y/n). The gods are immortal, yes. But then, so were the Titans. They still exist, locked away in their various prisons, forced to endure endless pain and punishment, reduced in power, but still very much alive. May the Fates forbid that the gods should ever suffer such a doom, or that we should ever return to the darkness and chaos of the past. All we can do, child, is follow our destiny."

"Our destiny...assuming we know what that is," I say grimly.

"Relax," Chiron tells me. "Keep a clear head. And remember, the two of you may be about to prevent the biggest war in human history."

"Relax," I say. "I'm very relaxed."

When Percy and I get to the bottom of the hill, I look back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron is now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur."

Argus drives us out of the countryside and into western Long Island, It feels weird to be on a highway again, Annabeth and Grover sitting next to me, Percy on the other side of Grover, as if we were normal carpoolers. After two weeks at Half-Blood Hill, the real world seems like a fantasy. I find myself staring at every McDonald's, every kid in the back of his parent's car, every billboard and shopping mall.

"So far so good," Percy tells Annabeth. "Ten miles and not a single monster."

She gives Percy an irritated loo. "It's bad luck to talk that way."

"Remind me again - why do you hate us so much?" Percy asks.

"I don't hate you two."

"Could've fooled me."

Annabeth folds her cap of invisibility. "Look...we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals."

"Why?" Percy asks.

Annabeth sighs. "How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her."

"They must really like olives," Percy comments, and I stifle a snort of laughter.

"Oh, forget it," Annabeth grumbles.

"Now, if she invented pizza - that I could understand," I add, in a slightly teasing tone.

"I said, forget it!" Annabeth says, hitting me lightly on the arm.

In the front seat, Argus smiles. He doesn't say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winks at me.

Traffic slows down in Queens. By the time we get into Manhattan, it is sunset and starting to rain.

Argus drops us at the greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, not far from my mom and Gabe's apartment. Taped to a mailbox is a soggy flyer with mine and Percy's picture on it: Have you seen these children?

Percy rips it down before Annabeth and Grover can notice.

Argus unloads our bags, makes sure we get our bus tickets, then drives away, the eye on the back of his hand opening to watch us as he pulls out of the parking lot.

I think about how close I am to the apartment. On a normal day, Mom would be home from the candy store by now. Smelly Gabe is probably up there right now, playing poker, not even missing her.

Grover shoulders his backpack. He gazes down the street in the direction I am looking. "You want to know why she married him, (Y/n)?"

I stare at him. "Were you reading my mind?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Just your emotions," Grover shrugs. "You were thinking about your mom and your stepdad, right?"

I nod.

"Your mom married Gabe for you and Percy," Grover tells me. "You call him 'Smelly,' but you've got no idea. This guy has this aura . . . Yuck. I can smell him from here. I can smell traces of him o you, and you haven't been near him in a week."

"Thanks," Percy grimaces from Grover's other side. "Where's the nearest shower?"

"You should be grateful, Percy. Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. As soon as I took a whiff inside his Camaro, I knew: Gabe has been covering your scent for years. If you hadn't lived with him every summer, you probably would've been found by monsters a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She was a smart lady. She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better."

I soften, looking down a the ground. I'll see her again, I think. She isn't gone.

You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, the Oracle whispers in my mind. You will fail to save what matters most in the end.

The rain keeps coming down.

We get restless waiting for the bus and decide to play some Hacky Sack with one of Groer's apples. Annabeth was unbelievable at it. She could bounce the apple off her knee, her elbow, her shoulder, whatever. Percy wasn't too bad either, but I found that I wasn't that great at it.

The game ends when I toss the apple towards Grover and it gets too close to his mouth. In one mega goat bite, our Hacky Sack disappears - core, stem, and all.

Grover blushes. He tries to apologize, but Annabeth, Percy, and I are too busy cracking up.

Finally, the bus comes.

I am relieved when we finally get on board and find seats together in the back of the bus, Me and Annabeth in one row, and Percy and Grover across from us. The four of us stow our backpacks.

I glance over at Annabeth beside me, who keeps slapping her Yankees cap nervously against her thigh.

As the last passengers get on, Annabeth claps her hand onto my knee. "Look!"

An old lady had just boarded the bus. She is wearing a crumpled velvet dress, lace gloves, and a shapeless orange-knit hat that shadows her face and she is carrying a big paisley purse. When she tilts her head up, her black eyes glitter.

I see Percy slump down in his seat.

Behind her comes two more old ladies: one in a green hat, one in a purple hat. Otherwise, they look exactly like Mrs. Dodds - same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dress. Triple demon grandmothers.

They sit in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle cross their legs over the walkway, making an X. It is casual enough, but it sends a clear message: Nobody leaves.

The bus pulls out of the station, and we head through the slick streets of Manhattan.

"She didn't stay dead long," Percy says, his voice quavering a little. "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"I said if you're lucky," Annabeth murmurs. "You're obviously not."

"All three of them," Grover whimpers. "Di immortales!"

"It's okay," Annabeth says, obviously thinking hard. "The Furies. The worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the windows."

"They don't open," Grover moans.

"A back exit?" she suggests.

There isn't one. Even if there had been, it wouldn't have helped. By that time, we are on Ninth Avenue heading for the Lincoln Tunnel.

"They won't attack us with witnesses around," I say. "Will they?"

"Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth reminds me. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist."

"They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?" Percy asks.

She thinks about it. "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof . . . ?"

We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus goes dark except for the running lights down teh aisle. It is eerily quiet without the sound of the rain.

"I need to use the rest-room."

"So do I."

"So do I."

All three demons start coming down the aisle.

"I've got it," Annabeth says. "Percy, take my hat."

"What?" he says with disbelief.

"You're the one they want. You killed one of them. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away."

"But you guys -"

"There's an outside chance they might not notice us," Annabeth says as she glances over at me. "You're a son of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering."

"I can't just leave you," Percy says, looking desperately at me.

"Go," I say, frowning and Annabeth hands him the cap.

The old ladies are not old ladies anymore. Their faces are still the same - I guessed they couldn't get any uglier - but their bodies had shriveled into leathery brown hag bodies with bat's wings and hands and feet like gargoyle claws; their handbags had turned into fiery whips.

The Furies surround me, Grover, and Annabeth, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?"

The other people on the bus are screaming, cowering in their seats. They see something, all right.

"He's not here!" Annabeth yells. "He's gone!"

The Furies raise their whips.

Annabeth draws her bronze knife. Grover grabs a tin can from his snack bag and prepares to throw it.

Word Count: 3222 words

[gunlord500]

On Tuesday, January 28, 2020, I had pizza logs and fries at Duff’s.

[kookie-doughs]

Y/N L/N AND THE HALFBLOODS

Percy Jackson X Reader -Y/N L/N met Percy Jackson and everything was now ruined.

CHAPTER 10: The Wheels On The Bus Goes Skrt Skrt Skrt

It didn't take me long to pack. I didn't have anything at all, which left me only an extra change of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me and Percy. Both having nothing to carry we decided to share a bag. The camp store loaned us one hundred dollars in mortal money and twenty golden drachmas. These coins were as big as Girl Scout cookies and had images of various Greek gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ancient mortal drachmas had been silver, Chiron told us, but Olympians never used less than pure gold. Chiron said the coins might come in handy for non-mortal transactions—whatever that meant. He gave Annabeth, Percy and I each a canteen of nectar and a Ziploc bag full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies, if we were seriously hurt. It was god food, Chiron reminded us. It would cure us of almost any injury, but it was lethal to mortals. Too much of it would make a half-blood very, very feverish. An overdose would burn us up, literally. Annabeth was bringing her magic Yankees cap, which she told us had been a twelfth-birthday present from her mom. She carried a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read when she got bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve. I was sure the knife would get us busted the first time we went through a metal detector. Grover wore his fake feet and his pants to pass as human. He wore a green rasta-style cap, because when it rained his curly hair flattened and you could just see the tips of his horns. His bright orange backpack was full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket was a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knew two songs: Mozart's Piano Concerto no. 12 and Hilary Duff's "So Yesterday," both of which sounded pretty bad on reed pipes. We waved good-bye to the other campees, took one last look at the strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hiked up Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus. Chiron was waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stood a surfer looking dude. According to Grover, the guy was the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he was wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so I could only see extra peepers on his hands, face and neck. "This is Argus," Chiron told us. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things." I heard footsteps behind us. Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he panted. "Glad I caught you." Annabeth blushed, the way she always did when Luke was around. I looked at him with a frown. "Don't look at me like that. I had to find out from the others you're going on a quest." he glared. "So much for the option you won't die at." "I would've told you if you were at the cabin when I got back. Now what's with the shoes?" "Just wanted to say good luck," Luke told Percy. "And I thought... um, maybe you could use these." He handed him the sneakers, which looked pretty normal. They even smelled kind of normal. Luke said, "Maia!" White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels, startling me so much, Percy dropped them. The shoes flapped around on the ground until the wings folded up and disappeared. "Awesome!" Grover said. Luke smiled. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turned sad. I didn't know what to say. It was cool enough that Luke had come to say good-bye. But here he was giving Percy a magic gift.... It made me a bit jealous. "Hey, man," Percy said. "Thanks." "Listen, Percy..." Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just... kill some monsters for me, okay?" They shook hands. Luke patted Grover's head between his horns, then gave a good-bye hug to Annabeth, who looked like she might pass out. The three went to Chiron about stuffs while Luke and I had a staring contest. "So Percy got a present and I only get an I don't know... a hug? Here I thought I was your favorite." "What made you think you are?" He laughed and ruffled my hair. "And no you don't get a hug." "Suddenly I'm not coming back." He smiled and from his back he pulled out a sheathed knife. "I meant to say you won't get only a hug. I noticed you're not a fan of swords. So, I made this my self. I am no Hephaestus child but hey..." He handed me the knife. The sheath was plain colored with a metal chap and locket, it had chains attached to the locket where I could probably put it on something to make sure I bring it with me. Pulling the knife out of the sheath, its knife was around 15 inches. On the blade, Ancient Greek was engraved on it. I think it's my name and the other side is his. "What is this?" I grinned. "I don't know. I ran out of good ideas! I swear I looked up some of Plato and Socrates for that." "And you settled for that?" I laughed. "I am going to take that back now." "Hey, that doesn't mean I don't like it. Thanks." "It's celestial bronze... Half of it at least." "Half?" "I'm sure Chiron won't appreciate it. It will harm both us and humans." "So... It'll hurt both side?" "Yup. And I'm not sure but according to a Hephaestus kid but it's supposed to glow when its near something." "Its not glowing now." "We never said no backsies. I'd like it back now." "I'll take good care of..." I stopped to think of a name and almost immediately remembered a perfect one, "Sting." "I would ask but I already know." Luke shook his head. "Be careful with Sting. It---" "He. Sting is a he, thank you very much." "HE, is lethal. He it can kill us, others close to our kind and normal humans." "Oops I accidentally stabbed myself." With a worried look he pulled me in a hug, "And whatever happens. Put your safety above all. No need to be the hero. If you die in this quest I will get the lord of the dead revive you or kill me." "Ew how sentimental." "Be careful... okay? All of you. Promise me that." "Fine, I promise. On the knife, I'll come back not dead, with everyone." After Luke was gone, I placed the knife on my waist. I went back to Percy. "Okay, that's extremely cool," I heard him say. "What's cool?" I grinned standing behind Percy overlooking his shoulder. "My new pen." He showed me his pen and uncapped it only to show a sword. "I can't loose it no matter what! Its called Riptide." "But what if a mortal sees you pulling out a sword?" Chiron smiled. "Mist is a powerful thing, Y/N." "Mist?" "I just keep hearing that over and over can someone finally explain?" "Yes. Read The Iliad. It's full of references to the stuff. Whenever divine or monstrous elements mix with the mortal world, they generate Mist, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-blood, but humans will interpret things quite differently. Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go to fit things into their version of reality." Percy put Riptide back in his pocket. For the first time, the quest felt real. We was actually leaving Half-Blood Hill. We was heading west with no adult supervision, no backup plan, not even a cell phone. (Chiron said cell phones were traceable by monsters; if we used one, it would be worse than sending up a flare.) I had no weapon stronger than a knife to fight off monsters and reach the Land of the Dead. "Chiron..." I said. "When you say the gods are immortal... I mean, there was a time before them, right?" "Four ages before them, actually. The Time of the Titans was the Fourth Age, sometimes called the Golden Age, which is definitely a misnomer. This, the time of Western civilization and the rule of Zeus, is the Fifth Age." "So what was it like... before the gods?" Chiron pursed his lips. "Even I am not old enough to remember that, child, but I know it was a time of darkness and savagery for mortals. Kronos, the lord of the Titans, called his reign the Golden Age because men lived innocent and free of all knowledge. But that was mere propaganda. The Titan king cared nothing for your kind except as appetizers or a source of cheap entertainment. It was only in the early reign of Lord Zeus, when Prometheus the good Titan brought fire to mankind, that your species began to progress, and even then Prometheus was branded a radical thinker. Zeus punished him severely, as you may recall. Of course, eventually the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born." "But the gods can't die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they're alive. So... even if I failed, nothing could happen so bad it would mess up everything, right?" Chiron gave us a melancholy smile. "No one knows how long the Age of the West will last, Percy. The gods are immortal, yes. But then, so were the Titans. They still exist, locked away in their various prisons, forced to endure endless pain and punishment, reduced in power, but still very much alive. May the Fates forbid that the gods should ever suffer such a doom, or that we should ever return to the darkness and chaos of the past. All we can do, child, is follow our destiny." "Our destiny... assuming we know what that is." "Relax," Chiron told me. "Keep a clear head. And remember, you may be about to prevent the biggest war in human history." "Relax," Percy said. "I'm very relaxed." When we got to the bottom of the hill, I looked back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron was now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur. I took Percy's hand and we gave each other a reassuring nod. I wish us luck. Talking whilst at camp drained me. I apologize if I won't be much help. You have stamina? So you aren't a bigshot all powerful god? Without you and I as one. I am nothing. I have given you my everything.

Argus drove us out of the countryside and into western Long Island. It felt weird to be on a highway again, Annabeth and Percy was sitting next to me as if we were normal carpoolers. After two weeks at Half-Blood Hill, the real world seemed like a fantasy. I found myself staring at every McDonald's, every kid in the back of his parents' car, every billboard and shopping mall. "So far so good," Percy said. "Ten miles and not a single monster." She gave him an irritated look. "It's bad luck to talk that way, seaweed brain." "Remind me again—why do you hate me so much?" "I don't hate you." "Could've fooled me." She folded her cap of invisibility. "Look... we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals." "Why?" She sighed. "How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her." "They must really like olives." I interjected. "Not you too! You know what? Forget it." "Now, if she'd invented pizza—that I could understand." "I said, forget it!" In the front seat, Argus smiled. He didn't say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winked at me. Traffic slowed us down in Queens. By the time we got into Manhattan it was sunset and starting to rain. Argus dropped us at the Greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, Percy and I didn't let go. Taped to a mailbox was a soggy flyer with Percy's picture on it: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BOY? He ripped it down before Annabeth and Grover could notice. "They could've at least gotten a better picture." I smirked which caused him to roll his eyes. Argus unloaded our bags, made sure we got our bus tickets, then drove away, the eye on the back of his hand opening to watch us as he pulled out of the parking lot. Grover shouldered his backpack. He gazed down the street in the direction Percy was looking. "You want to know why she married him, Percy?" I stared at Percy then at Grover. "Were you reading my mind or something?" "Just your emotions." He shrugged. "Guess I forgot to tell you satyrs can do that. You were thinking about your mom and your stepdad, right?" Percy nodded. I missed my parents of course, but I had Luke and Grover to talk to which made me less lonely. Percy became an outcast when we got to camp and had no one to talk to. I squeezed his hand and gave him a smile. "Your mom married Gabe for you," Grover told him. "You call him 'Smelly,' but you've got no idea. The guy has this aura.... Yuck. I can smell him from here. I can smell traces of him on you, and you haven't been near him for a week." "Thanks," Percy said. "Where's the nearest shower?" "You should be grateful, Percy. Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. As soon as I took a whiff inside his Camaro, I knew: Gabe has been covering your scent for years. If you hadn't lived with him every summer, you probably would've been found by monsters a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She was a smart lady. She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better." I knew what Percy was thinking. He was thinking of the fact we'll get his mom and my parents. How we'll save them all. We got restless waiting for the bus and decided to play some Hacky Sack with one of Grover's apples. Annabeth was unbelievable. She could bounce the apple off her knee, her elbow, her shoulder, whatever. I wasn't too bad myself. The game ended when I tossed the apple toward Grover and it got too close to his mouth. In one mega goat bite, our Hacky Sack disappeared—core, stem, and all. Grover blushed. He tried to apologize, but we were too busy cracking up. Percy pulled me to a corner, after excusing ourselves for a bathroom break. "You finally going to tell me about this quest?" "The truth is," He started. "I don't care about retrieving Zeus's lightning bolt, or saving the world, or even helping my father out of trouble." I gave him a look that reassured him to continue. "The more I thought about it, I resented my father for never visiting me, never helping my mom, never even sending a lousy child-support check. He'd only claimed me because he needed a job done. All I cared about was you and my mom. The underworld god had taken her unfairly, and he is going to give her back." "Percy, we don't even know what's going on. Yeah, he might have her. But what is there's another reason? We don't exactly know anything. I don't even think my parents are with him." "Well, no matter where they are. We will get them back. The least I could do is get them back." He rested his head on my shoulder. "Don't "You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend," "What?" I froze. "Percy... I would never---" "You will fail to save what matters most in the end." "What are you talking about?" The rain kept coming down. "The rest of the prophecy. Y/N, I don't want you to betray me. Please... don't." I could hear his voice breaking. "Of course I won't. We'll get this quest done. We won't loose anyone and we'll get our parents. Don't worry." I hugged him. "I will stay with you. I won't leave and I won't betray you." "Hey Bonnie and Clyde, we need to go." Finally the bus came. As we stood in line to board, Grover started looking around, sniffing the air. "What is it?" I asked. "I don't know," he said tensely. "Maybe it's nothing." But I could tell it wasn't nothing. I took Percy's hand and started looking over my shoulder, too. I was relieved when we finally got on board and found seats together in the back of the bus. We stowed our backpacks. Annabeth kept slapping her Yankees cap nervously against her thigh. As the last passengers got on, I immediately clamped my hand onto Percy's knee. "Percy." It was Mrs. Dodds. Older, more withered, but definitely the same evil face. I scrunched down in my seat. Behind her came two more old ladies: one in a green hat, one in a purple hat. Otherwise they looked exactly like Mrs. Dodds—same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dresses. Triplet demon grandmothers. And I was now sure, Mrs. Rudolph was one of them. They sat in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle crossed their legs over the walkway, making an X. It was casual enough, but it sent a clear message: nobody leaves. The bus pulled out of the station, and we headed through the slick streets of Manhattan. "She didn't stay dead long," Percy said, "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime." "I said if you're lucky," Annabeth said. "You're obviously not." "All three of them," Grover whimpered. "Di immortales!" "Who knows maybe they just want to play?" I said nervously. Annabeth gave me a look of irritation, "Not now," she said, obviously thinking hard. "The Furies. The three worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the windows." "They don't open," Grover moaned. "A back exit?" she suggested. There wasn't one. Even if there had been, it wouldn't have helped. By that time, we were on Ninth Avenue, heading for the Lincoln Tunnel. "Maybe a nice chat would help?" "They won't attack us with witnesses around," Percy said. "Will they?" "Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth reminded him. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist." "They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?" She thought about it. "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof... ?" We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus went dark except for the running lights down the aisle. It was eerily quiet without the sound of the rain. Mrs. Dodds got up. In a flat voice, as if she'd rehearsed it, she announced to the whole bus: "I need to use the rest-room." "So do I," said the second sister. "So do I," said the third sister. They all started coming down the aisle. "I've got it," Annabeth said. "Percy, take my hat." "What?" "You're the one they want. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away." "But you guys—" "There's an outside chance they might not notice us," Annabeth said. "You're a son of one of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering." "I can't just leave Y-- you guys!" "Don't worry about us," I assured him. "Go!" His hands were trembling. But I took the Yankees cap and put it on. And he simply vanished. Mrs. Dodds stopped, sniffing, and looked straight at a spot. My heart was pounding. Apparently she didn't see anything. She and her sisters kept going. "Maybe if they approach us, I could try talking? I really was Mrs. Rudolph's favorite..." I stammered. "Yeah stage is yours." Annabeth answered. The old ladies were not old ladies anymore. Their faces were still the same—I guess those couldn't get any uglier— but their bodies had shriveled into leathery brown hag bodies with bat's wings and hands and feet like gargoyle claws. Their handbags had turned into fiery whips. The Furies surrounded us, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?" The other people on the bus were screaming, cowering in their seats. They saw something, all right. "He's not here!" Annabeth yelled. "He's gone!" The Furies raised their whips. "Don't!" I stepped in front of them shaking. "H-Hi Mrs. Rudolph. W-What could you need?" Annabeth drew her bronze knife. Grover grabbed a tin can from his snack bag and prepared to throw it. To our surprise the bus jerked to the right. Everybody howled as we were thrown to the right, and I heard what I hoped was the sound of three Furies smashing against the windows. "Hey!" the driver yelled. "Hey—whoa!" The bus slammed against the side of the tunnel, grinding metal, throwing sparks a mile behind us. We careened out of the Lincoln Tunnel and back into the rainstorm, people and monsters tossed around the bus, cars plowed aside like bowling pins. Somehow the driver found an exit. We shot off the highway, through half a dozen traffic lights, and ended up barreling down one of those New Jersey rural roads where you can't believe there's so much nothing right across the river from New York. There were woods to our left, the Hudson River to our right, and the driver seemed to be veering toward the river. The bus wailed, spun a full circle on the wet asphalt, and crashed into the trees. The emergency lights came on. The door flew open. The bus driver was the first one out, the passengers yelling as they stampeded after him. The Furies regained their balance. They lashed their whips at Annabeth while she waved her knife and yelled in Ancient Greek, telling them to back off. Grover threw tin cans. It was as if I didn't exist which was kinda offensive. "Hey! I'm also here!" I yelled pulling out my now glowing knife and helped Grover. "Hey!" A voice from the door way echoed. "Percy you idiot! Run!" I yelled. The Furies turned, baring their yellow fangs at him. Mrs. Dodds stalked up the aisle. Every time she flicked her whip, red flames danced along the barbed leather. Her two ugly sisters hopped on top of the seats on either side of her and crawled toward him like huge nasty lizards. I don't know how but I managed to parkour my way to avoid them and get to Percy in no trouble. I raised my knife and stood in between of them. "Perseus Jackson," Mrs. Dodds said, in an accent that was definitely from somewhere farther south than Georgia. "You have offended the gods. You shall die. I suggest you step away from him Y/N L/N." "I liked you better as a math teacher," he told her. She growled. Annabeth and Grover moved up behind the Furies cautiously, looking for an opening. Percy took the ballpoint pen out of his pocket and uncapped it. Riptide elongated into a shimmering double-edged sword. The Furies hesitated. Mrs. Dodds had felt Riptide's blade before. She obviously didn't like seeing it again. "Submit now," she hissed. "And you will not suffer eternal torment." "Nice try," I told her. "Percy, look out!" Annabeth cried. Mrs. Dodds lashed her whip around my sword hand while the Furies on the either side lunged at him. I managed to keep one of them and parried with her using my knife., which turned out to be Mrs. Rudolph. "I hate to admit it but you were my favorite teacher. Why go mean now?!" I struck with the hilt of my knife against her, sending her toppling backward into a seat. I turned to see Percy had sliced the Fury on his right. As soon as the blade connected with her neck, she screamed and exploded into dust. Annabeth got Mrs. Dodds in a wrestler's hold and yanked her backward while Grover ripped the whip out of her hands. "Ow!" he yelled. "Ow! Hot! Hot!" Mrs. Rudolph came at me again, talons ready, but I dove in and got in range to swing Sting at her and she broke open like a piñata. Mrs. Dodds was trying to get Annabeth off her back. She kicked, clawed, hissed and bit, but Annabeth held on while Grover got Mrs. Dodds's legs tied up in her own whip. Finally they both shoved her backward into the aisle. Mrs. Dodds tried to get up, but she didn't have room to flap her bat wings, so she kept falling down. "Zeus will destroy you!" she promised. "Hades will have your soul!" "Braccas meas vescimini!" Percy yelled. I wasn't sure where the Latin came from. I think it meant "Eat my pants!" Thunder shook the bus. The hair rose on the back of my neck. "Get out!" Annabeth yelled at us. "Now!" I didn't need any encouragement. Taking Percy's hand, we rushed outside and found the other passengers wandering around in a daze, arguing with the driver, or running around in circles yelling, "We're going to die!" A Hawaiian-shirted tourist with a camera snapped my photograph before I could recap my sword. "Our bags!" Grover realized. "We left our—" BOOOOOM! The windows of the bus exploded as the passengers ran for cover. Lightning shredded a huge crater in the roof, but an angry wail from inside told me Mrs. Dodds was not yet dead. "Run!" Annabeth said. "She's calling for reinforcements! We have to get out of here!" We plunged into the woods as the rain poured down, the bus in flames behind us, and nothing but darkness ahead.

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UwU Haha this is what the knife looks like since I'm not sure if I describe it that well... Omg I just realized my brother changed the chapter title lmao -kookie-doughs

Just imagine it has your name on the blade.

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @the-natureofme @booknerd-3000

[jsw029]

Been craving wings for about a week. More specifically, I’ve been craving Wingnutz and Duff’s. Tonight, I satisfied that craving. Duff’s Famous Wings [x10, Medium Hot] and @thinmanbrewery Bliss Double IPA When: Dinner Where: @duffs.easternhills Who: Alone Amount Spent: $42.62 Amount Spent YTD: $4,721.52 #myterriblediet https://www.instagram.com/p/CuvXg2uO8Ml/

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 11.24

Beer Birthdays

Elias Daniel Barnitz (1677)

Frederick Miller (1824)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Billy Connolly; Scottish comedian, actor (1942)

Donald "Duck" Dunn; rock bassist (1941)

Scott Joplin; Ragtime composer (1868)

Stephen Merchant; British comedian (1974)

Henri-Toulouse Lautrec; French artist (1864)

Famous Birthdays

Pete Best; rock drummer (1941)

William F. Buckley; writer, right-wing intellectual (1925)

Ted Bundy; serial killer (1946)

Dale Carnegie; writer (1888)

Johnny Carver; pop singer (1940)

Al Cohn; jazz saxophonist (1925)

Denise Crosby; actor (1957)

Candy Darling; actor (1944)

Howard Duff; actor (1913)

William Webb Ellis; Rugby creator (1801)

Rene Enriquez; actor (1933)

Geraldine Fitzgerald; actor (1913)

Cass Gilbert; architect (1859)

Katherine Heigl; actor (1978)

Bat Masterson; gambler, saloon keeper, lawman (1853)

Charles Theodore Pachelbel; German composer (1690)

Arundhati Roy; Indian writer (1961)

Dwight Schultz; actor (1947)

Junipero Serra; missionary (1713)

Benedict "Baruch" Spinoza; Dutch philosopher (1632)

Laurence Sterne; Irish/English writer (1713)

Zachary Taylor; 12th U.S. President (1784)

Teddy Wilson; jazz pianist (1912)

[sodalitefully]

I was hit with a Pirate!AU for Slash and Duff but my brain gave me no further details so yeah...... pirate!sluff. That's it

Well damn, if there’s one thing I’m good at it’s AU details!

Pirate Slash isn’t too fancy, he wears a lot of those billowy linen shirts (if he wears a shirt at all) and his pants are really ragged and worn. He’s in it for the adventure, not the money, but honestly he is a bit of a magpie: he likes shiny trinkets, he wears a lot of jewelry, and his cabin is crammed with interesting things (and creatures) he’s found in his travels.  When not pillaging and raiding, he’s a cheerful drunk, not so scary at first glance, but his reputation precedes him. The price on his head is insane so he tends to stick to the sea, never staying in any port for longer than necessary. There’s all kinds of nasty rumors going around about how he got the name ‘Slash.’

Duff wears a bandana and a big coat – combined with his height, the broad shoulders on the coat make him look deceptively imposing. He started as a stowaway, but it's a good thing the pirate crew decided not to kill him when he was discovered because Duff got very good very fast, climbing the ranks at a young age.  He's easy to get along with, but clearly not to be messed with.  As far as pirates go, he's got a good moral compass, but he also has a reputation for going out of his way to piss off the navy or any other kind of authority.

I also have a bunch of plot ideas for you!

Axl is a pirate captain (because lbr he dresses like one) and Slash is his first mate. Duff is a lost sailor who ends up rescued by a pirate ship. Slash thinks he’s cute, he’s all “can we keep him? 🥺🥺” and Axl reluctantly agrees just like he does every time Slash tries to bring a new exotic pet on board. So Slash gets a very grateful cabin boy (Duff was afraid that he’d get tossed overboard when the pirates realized he wasn’t worth a ransom) and everyone else is jealous when they realize that Duff is great at cooking and cleaning (not to mention his ‘other talents’...) but Slash isn’t sharing.

Duff is a pirate and Slash is a mermaid ;))

Slash is a traveling musician, he’s just trying to travel to the new world but the ship gets attacked by pirates. The pirates find out he can play guitar and kidnap him for entertainment. Duff is the cook onboard the pirate ship, he thinks Slash is really talented and beautiful. Slash is understandably pissed off about being kidnapped but Duff tries to help him adjust and eventually they run away together.

Slash's worst nightmare comes true when his crew mutinies and abandons him on a deserted island.  He's a survivor, but he's half-mad from boredom and isolation by the time Duff comes along, searching for legendary treasure.  Slash is dangerous and doesn't trust easily, but Duff manages to persuade him to let him help.  While nursing Slash back to health, Duff realizes that his new acquaintance is actually a famous pirate captain who mysteriously disappeared decades ago.  Duff has heard stories about him, but never gave them much credit until he found himself face to face with the myth himself.  Together, with the help of Duff's puzzling treasure map, the two realize that unnatural forces are afoot on this strange island and they begin to unravel the mysteries that have haunted Slash for years and kept the treasure hidden for centuries.

Also, any kind of age difference AU could be fun... Cabin boy Duff is in over his head, gets taken under the wing of veteran pirate captain Slash.  Or somebody tries to get in pirate captain Duff's good graces by bribing him with their best whore, but you can never trust a gift from a pirate because Slash is actually just a pretty young man who was unfortunate enough to get caught up in a pirate raid, and now Duff is responsible for some kid who knows nothing about life on a pirate ship – it's a good thing Slash is a quick learner.  OR naval officer Duff arrests pirate brat Slash, but some kind of disaster forces them to rely on each other to survive, coming to understand each other better along the way.

Thoughts? Suggestions??