#or more like the end of sebalie

[phoebenpiperx]

Emotional Support

an HSMTMTS fanfic

Summary: Today of all days, Natalie needs her emotional support hamster.

And the LAST person she needs to help her search is Carlos!!!

(a missing scene from s1, informed by s4...and surprisingly completely canon!)

...

(read it on ao3 instead)

...

Natalie was spiraling! The one time when she desperately NEEDED emotional support, and Elliot was nowhere to be found!

And it was almost time for rehearsal to start! Dammit!

But clearly Elliot wasn’t up here in the theatre anywhere, so she might as well move her search down to the bomb shelter.

Descending the spiral staircase to the rehearsal room, she heard a voice below her discussing dance.

And not just ANY voice!

HIS voice!

The boy responsible for her foul mood!

Though it wasn’t EXACTLY his fault! In fact, she wasn’t sure he was even aware that Seb was falling for him.

Seb certainly hadn’t been—that boy was TOTALLY clueless!—which was why she’d had to take matters into her own hands today.

But she wasn’t exactly happy about it!

In fact, she was quite upset...which was precisely why she needed Elliot!

Her mood must have been obvious because the moment Gina caught sight of her on the stairs, the dancer exclaimed, “Natalie! You okay?”

“No!” she immediately snapped, hurriedly wiping away the tear that had dared escape down her cheek.

However, she waited until she had reached the bottom of the staircase before declaring, “I...I just broke up with my boyfriend!”

The two dancers both gasped and hurried over.

“OMG, Natalie—I’m so sorry,” Gina said, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Carlos reached out to do the same, but Natalie ducked away from his touch, snapping, “Don’t!” The last thing she needed right now was to be comforted by the boy responsible for her break-up!

“Sorry!” Carlos pulled his hand back, clearly offended by her rejection, before declaring, “I didn’t even know you HAD a boyfriend.”

“Seriously?!” The boy was even more clueless than Seb!

And that was saying a lot!

Seb, at least, was a sweetie, the perfect Hufflepuff to her Slytherin. It was why they made such a great couple.

Or at least they had!

“I need to find Elliot!” Natalie practically shouted, giving a frustrated sigh.

“Elliot?” Gina inquired.

Apparently, she was clueless, too.

Dancers! The jocks of the theatre world!

“Elliot!” Natalie snapped, shaking the empty shoebox in their faces for emphasis. “My emotional support hamster?”

Carlos leaned away, making a face. “You have an emotional support hamster?”

“Hello, where have you BEEN, Carlos?! I’ve brought him to like every rehearsal!”

Carlos shrugged. “Where have YOU been?” he asked, raising a shady eyebrow. “You’re hardly ever AT rehearsal.”

“Hey, it’s not MY fault I have a weakened immune system!”

In fact, it was kind of Seb’s.

Because ever since she’d caught mono from him last December, she always seemed to be getting sick!

Why couldn’t he have just given her chocolates for Christmas?

Gina quickly took a mediating step between the two warring factions, suggesting, “Why don’t we just start looking for the hamster? Are you sure he’s in here?”

Natalie shrugged. She really had no clue where he could have gotten to, but the bomb shelter seemed as good a place as any to look.

Voices were suddenly heard out in the hallway, and Natalie and the others turned towards the open door.

There was Seb, walking towards the rehearsal room, cheerfully chatting with Ashlyn. It was weird—he fit in so well with the other drama kids, it was almost as if he’d done shows with them last year!

Gina, however, was already rushing across the rehearsal stage towards the door.

“Sorry, guys,” she told those approaching from the other side, “you can’t come in here right now. We need to help Natalie look for her emotional support hamster, and it’s probably best if we close this door so it doesn’t get out.”

“Do you need—?” Seb’s voice was heard briefly before the closing door shut him off.

Good. The last thing Natalie needed was her ex helping her search while absently giving moony glances towards Carlos...

who apparently was going to be NO help with the search himself because he was nervously staring at the floor and shuffling his feet, clearly afraid Elliot was going to sneak up and bite his toe.

Natalie kind of wished he would!

Luckily, Gina took control, calling across the room, “Natalie, you start searching there by the staircase, I’ll take the far corner, and Carlos, just...get out your phone flashlight and check under the stage.”

Natalie was used to giving the orders, not taking them, but Gina’s plan seemed reasonable. As she turned and started searching the area she’d been assigned, Natalie realized there weren’t many places a hamster could hide in this corner...unless he’d somehow crawled into the camel.

Why did they even HAVE that camel?!

After checking under the piano and bench where Seb would soon be sitting—no doubt sharing shy smiles with Carlos like he did at every rehearsal—Natalie joined Gina across the room, searching under the risers, through the stacks of chairs, and behind the assorted painted flats. It wasn’t until she had looked past the sink and noticed the ventilated storage lockers that she remembered: the last time she’d seen Elliot was at gym!

Of course! She always needed emotional support before P.E.!

So Elliot must be there! Phew!

She was about to open her mouth and announce her sudden epiphany when she noticed that Carlos had reached her end of the room and was now lying on the floor, mere inches away, shining his flashlight underneath the raised stage.

She knew it wasn’t really his fault.

But...

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!”

Ordinarily, the high-pitched scream would’ve given Natalie a migraine, but right now the sound was like music to her ears.

However, she did her best to hide her smile by frantically apologizing, “I’m so sorry, Carlos. I didn’t even see you there.”

That was one thing about Seb—he had never mastered the art of lying.

But she had.

In fact, she was damn good at it!

Because clearly neither Gina nor Carlos suspected a thing.

“Are you okay?” the other girl asked, rushing over to the heartbreaker himself and helping him sit up on the raised platform.

“I’ll be fine,” he whined before sarcastically commenting, “I didn’t need that toe for rehearsal today anyway.”

However, he didn’t even bother taking off his hightop to check it, so Natalie was certain she hadn’t done any real damage.

Too bad!

Gina then turned to the other girl, saying, “I’m sorry, Natalie, I just don’t see where else your hamster could be in here.”

Natalie nodded her head sadly—she may be a techie, but she knew how to act, too.

Which was why they totally bought it when, a moment later, she suddenly gasped, exclaiming, “I just remembered—he must be in my gym locker!”

Gina nodded, giving a relieved sigh. “Then you’d better go check.”

Carlos stood and headed for the door—sadly not even limping—as he informed Natalie, “I think we’ll just go ahead and start rehearsal without you.”

Natalie nodded. That would actually be good.

Because even though she’d been the one to break things off with Seb, she didn’t exactly want to spend the next two hours trapped in a room with him and the boy he liked.

Correction: the boy she’d just stepped on!

As Carlos opened the door for her, Natalie couldn’t help but glance at the others waiting in the hallway, her eyes naturally coming to rest momentarily on the angelic face of her ex. He gave her a hopeful smile and an inquiring look, but she put up her hand to stop him before he spoke, mumbling, “I need a moment,” before scurrying away, heading for the gym.

Her plan was to go straight there to pick up Elliot...and then take her own sweet time coming back to rehearsal.

After all, they could surely survive yet another partial rehearsal without her.

And she could surely survive seeing her ex again...as long as she had Elliot with her for emotional support!

...

THE END

...

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/10-amazing-bali-spas/

10 amazing Bali spas you never knew existed

Every year Bali welcomes holiday-makers seeking escape from their hectic lives, offering visitors refuge in its tranquil beaches, meditation philosophy and its seemingly endless list of impressive spa locations.

No matter what you are looking for from your Indonesian adventure, take time out of your schedule to partake in one of the islands’ best practices. Be it bathing in a tub of flower petals as the sun sets, or indulging in a simple massage with an extraordinary ocean view, Bali has a spa to suit every mood and any budget.

Tjampuhan Spa

Tjampuhan Spa Bali. Image: www.tjampuhan-bali.com

With a beautiful forest backdrop and an international reputation, the spa hotel of Tjampuhan is hard to beat. This majestic retreat in the hills of Ubud has been accommodating elite visitors since 1928. Priding itself on representing true Balinese hospitality, Tjampuhan boasts an impressive landscape that has been captured by countless artists over the decades.

If you head downhill from the hotel you will find the spa. Traditional, semi-private massage chalets line the edge of the river that flows through the valley here. If that is not enough to get you packing your suitcase, then the hot pools just might be. Its spring water Jacuzzi sits inside a breath-taking basin, built into the rock face. Featuring strange statues and flowers laid into the stone, the pool alone should be enough to encourage you to book. Half a day here will set you back as little as IDR960,000 (US$72), while the Tjampuhan Dewi Package, which includes a Balinese Massage and Facial, is only IDR600,000 (US$45), making it not only spectacular, but highly affordable.

Jl. Raya Tjampuhan PO Box 198, Ubud 80571, Bali, Indonesia https://www.tjampuhan-bali.com/ +62-361-975368 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotelTjampuhanSpa Opening Hours: Daily from morning until late

Permata Ayung Private Estate Spa

Permata Ayung Private Estate. Image: www.printerest.com

Taking beautiful views to a whole new level, the Permata Ayung Private Estate Spa really is a once in a lifetime experience. On the upper end of the price scale, the retreat covers five hectares of land and was designed by world-famous bamboo architect, Elora Hardy. The remarkable surrounding scenery and impressive natural architecture makes Permata Ayung a treat for the eyes as well as the body.

The true gems of this spa can be found outside. Settle yourself in one of its private hammocks, which hang in a line along the edge of the property, suspended above the estates’ forest, or book yourself a massage on the outdoor veranda, with views of the rice fields below. If you only do one thing during your time here though, make it an hour floating above the river, in the bamboo treatment sphere, a giant wicker ball suspended in mid-air over the water.

The only way to gain access to this impressive facility is by staying the night on the estate. An evening here will cost you between IDR6,618,750 (US$497) and IDR20,320,000 (US$1526), and although expensive, the price includes spa treatments, a champagne reception and access to the outdoor hot tubs. With only 25 guests on-site at any one time, this retreat always retains its exclusive, tranquil feel.

Banjar Tohpati, Desa Bongkasa, Abiansemal, Bongkasa, Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80352 +62 361 8494220 http://permataayung.com Opening Hours: Daily from 10am until 10pm

Spring Spa

Spring Spa Bali. Image: www.springspa.com

On the more affordable side of the scale you will find Spring Spa, a rooftop facility overlooking Seminyak Village that puts an emphasis on simplicity, with an ultra-modern finish and a modest treatment menu.

Here, traditional spa formalities are non-existent. Spring offers relaxation in a fun, social environment that feels slightly more like a friends’ rather lavish house party than anything else. Enjoy cocktails, DJ sets and watch the sun set over the island while you enjoy Spring’s Sunset Package, which includes a 30-minute Foot Massage, 15-minute Neck and Shoulder Massage and drinks, for only IDR215,000 (US$16). With three locations across the island, Spring is the perfect spot for anyone looking for their first spa experience.

The Village Mall, Rooftop Level, Seminyak Village, Jl. Kayu Jati Basangkasa, Seminyak, Bali 80361 http://www.springspa.com/locations/bali/seminyak-village +62 813 38627222 seminyakvillage@springspa.com Opening Hours: Daily from 9am until 9pm

See website for other locations.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spring_spa/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Spring.Face.Body.Nail/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/springfootspa

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay – Healing Village Spa

The Healing Village Spa Four Seasons Resort Bali. Image: www.asiansparetreat.com

Taking inspiration from the ocean that laps ashore mere meters from its treatment rooms, the Healing Village Spa at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Resort is another of the Bali’s more luxurious offerings with impressive ocean views.

Made up of seven villages, this spa utilises Mother Nature and Jimbaran customs to power its treatments. Incorporating water and traditional Balinese sounds, rituals and ointments into their experiences, guests are invited to explore their inner selves in a thoroughly Indonesian way.

The Agni Akasa massage is a specialty here. Using martial arts as stimulus, this ceremony aligns and invigorates both body and mind. Physical moments like stretching and breathing are followed by hot bamboo rods being rolled over the muscles, in time with Sanskrit mantra chanting. This unusual and one-of-a-kind treatment will set you back the tidy sum of IDR3,000,000 (US$225), but will leave you with a fantastic memory and a cleansed body and mind!

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Bali, 80361 +62 (361) 701010 http://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/spa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsResortsBali Twitter: https://twitter.com/FSBali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsbali/ Opening Hours: Daily between 6am and 9pm

Chapung Se Bali Resort and Spa

Chapung Se Bali Resort and Spa. Image: www.pbs.twimg.com

Situated high above the Osh Valley, with impressive views of the river, forest and rice fields of Ubud, Chapung Spa offers signature massages and hot stone therapies in a beautiful and tranquil garden environment. If you require a truly personal experience, the spa’s expert staff will design a bespoke treatment course to meet your individual needs.

Chapung Spa’s signature product, the Revitalising Program, is a six-hour session featuring a hair treatment, hour-long massage, relaxing herbal bath and manicure and pedicure, followed by lunch (IDR1,800,000IDR/US$135). Or for a more affordable option, guests can enjoy mini therapies like a 30-minute Recovery Massage for as little as IDR150,000 (US$11.26), or a 60-minute Head and Shoulder Massage for only IDR350,000 (US$26.28).With beautiful views, an eclectic treatment menu and one of Indonesia’s best swimming pools, Chapung Spa is a great destination for individuals and couples.

Jalan Raya Sebali, Desa Keliki, Kelusa, Ubud, Gianyar, Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia http://www.chapung.com/ +62 361 8989102 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChapungSeBaliResortAndSpa Twitter: https://twitter.com/chapung_sebali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapungsebaliresort/ Opening Hours: Daily from 10am until 10pm

Karsa Spa

Karsa Spa Bali. Image: www.thetravelersblog.com

Another salon making the most of its impressive surroundings, Karsa Spa sits in Bangkiang Sidem village in the heart of Ubud, next to the Campuhan Ridge. Offering a thoroughly unique experience, Karsa uses the healing powers of Reiki, a stress-reducing energy technique, to promote deeper relaxation from those that partake. Falling asleep at the table is all but encouraged!

Karsa Spa’s Reiki Chakra Balance session offers a 30-minute exploration of the body’s “Chakras”, our inner energy centres. Taking each of the seven chakras one by one, and cleansing each individually with Reiki and crystals, this treatment promotes inner calm and positivity, and for only IDR100,000 (US$7.50) is an affordable way to seek solace from every day stresses. Just 40 minutes from central Ubud, guests can walk along the stunning ridge to make their way to this impressive spa facility.

Bangkiang Sidem, Campuhan Ridge, Ubud 80571, Indonesia http://www.karsaspa.com/ +62 813-5339-2013 Email: karsaspa@gmail.com Opening Hours: Daily from 9am until 7pm

Hanging Gardens of Bali

The Hanging Gardens of Bali. Image: www.facebook.com

Set aside the Ayung River amongst the jungle of Ubud is one of Asia’s most spectacular retreats, the Hanging Gardens of Bali. The resort is famed for its incredible infinity pool that is suspended over the forest. Built at a 45 degree angle in two dramatic stages, it sits at the centre of the resort, both physically and spiritually. It is the most photographed pool of all time and was crowned the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveller and TripAdvisor.

The Hanging Gardens of Bali was built in 2005, designed to bring magic and drama to the Balinese jungle, meeting Feng Shui ideals and combining natural and local ingredients with ancient spa methods. Sessions here are fairly pricey, but offer something far superior to your standard spa experience.

The Floating Sensation package allows guests to take a dip in the world famous pool, while enjoying champagne and canapes that are served on a floating boat, a whopping IDR28,329,56 (US$212) for two people. The Riverside Rejuvenation package is a 90-minute treatment for IDR83,117,86 (US$622) where guests can enjoy a body cocoon or massage, champagne and chocolates. Then for true indulgence, the Royal Day Spa package is a staggering IDR271,536,16 (US$2,032) per person, featuring a body scrub, flower petal massage, refreshments and time in the world’s famous swimming pool. This breath-taking and life altering destination may seem extravagant, but provides guests with a fully immersive and memorable experience.

Desa Buahan, Payangan, Bali 80571, Indonesia https://hanginggardensofbali.com/spa-collection/ +62-361 982 700 spa@hanginggardensofbali.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanginggardensofbali Twitter: https://twitter.com/hanginggardens5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanginggardensubudhotel/?fref=ts Opening Hours: Daily from 10am until 10pm

Taksu Healing Haven and Spa

Taksu Healing Haven and Spa. Image: www.taksuhealinghaven.com

The Taksu Healing Haven and Spa is yet another centre boasting jungle scenery and river views. Yet Taksu stands out from its many competitors because of its combination of traditional treatments and rare outdoor workshops. Offering everything from Balinese Boreh Hot Spice Ritual Body Wraps (IDR180,000/ US$13.50) to Past Life Regression sessions, Taksu Spa is an eclectic space looking to facilitate healing in many different ways.

The Ozone steam sauna (IDR450,000/US$34) draws in the crowds, while the Watsu Saltwater Pool is used for water-based treatments, including massages, shiatsu and dancing, to transport its guests into a meditative, soothing state. So, if you are looking for something entirely different then Taksu Spa is the best spot for you.

Jl. Goutama Selatan, Ubud 80571, Indonesia http://www.taksuspa.com/ http://www.taksuhealinghaven.com/ +62 623 61971490 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaksuUbudBali/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taksuspa/ Opening Hours: Daily from 9am until 10pm

Febri’s Spa

Febri’s Spa Bali. Image: www.febrishotelspabali.com

Regarded as one of the finest hotel spas in Bali, Febri’s is located near South Kuta Beach, downstream from Seminyak, and boasts beautiful waterfall views, a private walled garden and stunning accommodation villas, complete with outdoor hot tubs.

Yet this spa is also known for its use of food in its treatments, utilising everything from thyme to salt and even chocolate, making decadent natural ingredients even more appealing. The Choco Exotica treatment is a four hour experience where guests are invited to enjoy the healing properties of cocoa for as little as IDR560,000 (US$42). A truly memorable and unique spa option, Febri’s has a menu to suit all tastes and budgets.

Jl. Kartika Plaza, Opposite Hotel Anvaya, Kuta 80361, Indonesia http://www.febrishotelspabali.com/spa/ +62 361 754575 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/febrishotelspabali Opening Hours: Daily from 9am until 9pm

Young Spa Bali

Young Spa Bali. Image: www.facebook.com

Be transported to a Moroccan bazar with a trip to Young Spa Bali. A colourful tiled floor and intricate central fountain will greet you, while beautiful dimmed lighting, courtesy of low hanging glass shades, will immediately relax you.

Here, an open-plan lay out of deep velvet chairs and foot stood lining the walls allows customers to be treated simultaneously in a hassle-free environment. A more traditional and modest spa experience, Young Spa Bali offers inexpensive treatments in a less overwhelming manner, making it an ideal spot for first-timer spa goers, or a quick, reviving treatment. Offering everything from a 60-minute Balinese Olive Oli Massage (IDR125,000/US$9.39) to Leg Scrubs and Foot Reflexology packages for only (IDR250,000/US$18.77), Young Spa Bali will leave your body refreshed and your wallet intact.

Jl. Pantai Kuta no. 1, Kuta 80361, Indonesia +62 361 754074 youngspabali@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngspabali/ Opening Hours: Daily from 11am until midnight