#shell builders

[joibittle]

August 2023.

I'm thrilled to be a participant with a Position on Retreat AIR on Vancouver Island next month!

...Looking to the shell-builders and storytellers for clues.

July 27, 2023: The island was once a lagoon-like environment - salt + fresh water close to the shore - that somehow became closed off from the open ocean, trenches formed present day Lake Cowichan. Amphibious whales either died or performed a conscious mass beaching - intentionally moving to land - when the lagoon dried up, something sealed them off from the sea and fresh water flowed in the trench forming the lake. New hybrid segmented creatures took shape and started to thrive on the whale bone yard.

"Fossil Matrix"

(through the chain of craters)

charcoal on paper rolls

2023 ->

[cinamun]

Fast forward | Next

Lot Credit: @jakkkuu

Charlie Ngam (fka #5) by @rhdweauni0 has entered the group chat.

[bunnithechubs]

Personal Save Update:

Record Store - 100% Grocery Store- 70% Cafe- 0% Movie Theater - 15% Diner- 0%

[sparkles-and-trash]

I re-uploaded these builds to the gallery with floorplans included to see if people are interested it that!

Feel free to check them out at the gallery @ EmilieWednesday 🏡

[latteandgames]

We have the cutest Fall/Halloween build challenge going on in our discord server > LovelyLatte & Sims !!!

Come and join us to learn about the delicious story behind this challenge and we can see your artistic side of how you're going to bring this build/renovation to life! Note: The house already exists so you have to learn more about the challenge to see the next step 😉

This is my Sophia and her life buddy Syrus! She is a friend of the environment, loves plants but her dream is to become a novel writer! She is calm and light but loves decorating and celebrating holidays - check out this late afternoon picnic pics we took in the woods:

She has that autumn spirit about her!

I'd love to see all of your participations in this challenge because it's something different from what we are used to seeing in the sims 😊

Can't wait,

Latte

[ofmiceandsims]

This was a shell challenge and is available on the gallery. Same name as here. Part 1

[unknownancientamerica]

Using Available Resources to Keep Cultures Alive

Remnants of Shellmounds can be found in California, Mississippi, Oregon, Florida, and other coastal states. Be aware that their size today is a lot smaller than ancient times. Shellmounds got their name from being made of seashells, oysters, and shellfish since they are conveniently built near oceans. 

Shellmounds were constructed for ceremonies as well as burials. Due to the location being near the water, these mounds were built on top of the land for longevity and stability. They would get destroyed by the water below if built below the ground.

[cashew-dad]

y all how do i get a hot goth boyfriend(im a sufer dude)

[spark-exhibitions-blog]

Why Investing in a Quality Exhibition Stand is Crucial for Your Brand

Investing in a quality exhibition stand is crucial for your brand's success, especially in a competitive market like Dubai. At Spark Innovations, we understand the importance of making a lasting impression. As one of the leading exhibition stand builders in the UAE, we offer comprehensive Booth Printing Services UAE and tailor-made solutions that reflect your brand's identity. Our team, known as one of the best booth builders company in Dubai, ensures that every detail of your stand is meticulously crafted to attract and engage your target audience. Being one of the best exhibition service companies, Spark Innovations provides end-to-end services, from initial concept to final execution, ensuring a seamless experience. A well-designed exhibition stand not only enhances your brand's visibility but also fosters meaningful interactions, making it an invaluable investment. Trust Spark Innovations, a premier Exhibition Service Provider Company, to elevate your brand presence at your next event.

[meanangrydyke]

cities skylines 2 having 33% positive reviews on steam (currently out of 3100+ reviews) is so funny I m so glad it s bad

[farfallasims]

Lot Recommendations | Residential Rentals Edition 🔑

01. Heritage Square Apartments by PixelGlam (30x20) | CC 02. Summit Lane Apartments by AnRheya/Rheya28 (30x30) | CC 03. Ridgeview Apartment by AnRheya/Rheya28 (40x30) | CC 04. Little London (Shell) by GiuliaBuilds (50x40) | No CC

Massive thank you to the builders! @pixelglam @rheya28 @giuliabuilds

[brattyvox]

★ GALLY’S GIRL PT.2 — MxF.

NAVIGATION — MASTERLIST // Inbox to be on Taglist!

After your unexpected arrival in the Glade, Gally warms up to you quickly, becoming a bit possessive over you. And spending a night on the watch tower with him, you realized you liked him too.

GENRE ★ Fluff, suggestive content.

PAIRING ★ Fem reader x Gally

WARNINGS ★ Gally is kind of a douche to reader, but like, not intentionally he's just nervous around a girl, you both makeout on the lil watch tower! cuties, lol

Word Count — 2.7k

Adjusting to the glade was much easier than you thought it'd be, with the help of the welcoming group of boys who'd been here longer. Gally had been watching you from afar, his eyes lingering, a frown etched on his face. You hadn't noticed at first, too busy taking in the vast expanse of greenery and the towering maze walls that surrounded you.

After your first genuine conversation with him, where he acted like because you were a girl you couldn't protect yourself, you realized that his tough exterior was just a shell to hide his nerves. He'd never seen a girl before, and you were the first one to be sent up in the elevator. It was all new to him, and he was just trying to make sense of it all. You felt a strange sense of pity for him, mixed with a hint of annoyance. You were tougher than you looked, and you'd proven it back in the real world before you ended up here.

Here you were, tending to the garden when Gally approached, his eyes still filled with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. He didn’t say much at first, but you could feel his gaze burning into the back of your neck as you worked. The air was thick with tension, but you ignored him, focusing on the task at hand.

"Hey, uh, Y/N," Gally finally spoke up, his voice gruff. "Could use an extra hand with my job."

"Huh-?" you turn around, wiping the sweat off your forehead with the back of your hand. "What job?"

"Just- building and stuff," Gally mumbled, averting his eyes as he pointed towards the half-constructed wooden structures nearby. "We're always short on hands."

You glance at the other builders. He had more than enough people to help him, so why was he asking you specifically? Still, you didn't mind the change of pace, so you grabbed your knife and followed him over. The work was hard, the wood unforgiving under the harsh sun, but you didn't complain. You'd done tougher jobs before, and this was a good way to keep your hands busy and your mind off the eerie maze that loomed over your new home.

"Surprised you asked me to help," you said as you swung the hammer, driving a nail into the wood with surprising precision.

"Why is it surprising?"

"You acted like since I'm a girl, I can't do the same stuff you guys do." You shrugged, not looking at him. "But here we are."

Gally's cheeks reddened slightly, a rare sight on his normally stoic face. "Look, I just- I don't know what's going on with you being here, alright? It's not every day we get a… a girl." He paused, his eyes searching yours for understanding. "But if you're going to stay here, you gotta be able to pull your weight."

You nodded, noticing the way his grip tightened around his hammer. He was clearly uncomfortable, but you weren't about to let that stop you from proving yourself. Together, you worked in silence for a while, the rhythmic hammering echoing through the glade. The scent of freshly cut wood filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of the blossoming flowers. Sweat beaded on your brow, and the muscles in your arms protested with every swing, but you pushed through, determined to show him what you were made of.

Every now and then, Gally would steal a glance at you, his eyes lingering on your determined form as you worked. His expression was a mix of admiration and something else, something you couldn't quite put your finger on. It was as if he was seeing you for the first time, really seeing you, not just as the mysterious newcomer, but as a person who could hold her own.

He also just thought you were pretty. But he wasn't about to admit that out loud. Not to you, not to anyone. Gally had always been the tough guy, the one who didn't need anyone, especially not a girl.

"You gonna be at the bonfire?" Gally asked as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the glade. His voice was softer now, the edge of his earlier gruffness worn away by the steady rhythm of work.

"Ummm, probably not? I don't feel exactly…comfortable around a bunch of teenage boys who stare at me like I'm a piece of meat." You replied, trying to keep your voice light despite the knot in your stomach. The last thing you wanted was to cause a scene.

"Right…" Gally murmured, his expression thoughtful. "Well, maybe I'll… I'll come by your hammock later then." He was trying to sound casual, but you could hear the nerves in his voice. "To make sure you're okay."

"I'll probably just be on that watch tower thing." you smile a bit. "Alby gave up trying to stop me from going up there."

Gally's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You're not scared of heights?"

"Nope," you replied with a smirk. "I like the view."

"Huh." Gally nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the tower. "Well, I guess that's your place then."

"You can hangout with me up there." you offer casually, turning your attention back to the wooden beam you've been hammering away at. "If you want to make sure I'm okay, that is."

Gally's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion, and he coughed, trying to cover his surprise. "Yeah, sure. I'll, uh, I'll come by."

And that night, you were leaning against the railing of the tower, carving little doodles into the wood as you'd glance at the bonfire from afar. The laughter and shouts of the Gladers carried through the air, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude you felt up here. Gally had kept his word, finding his way up to the tower after the sun had set. The moon cast a silver glow across the maze, and you could see his silhouette approach, the wooden ladder creaking under his weight.

"Hi," you smile softly as Gally reaches the top, his silhouette outlined by the moonlight. He doesn't say anything at first, just plops down beside you, his legs hanging off the edge of the tower. You can feel the tension in his body as he sits there, unsure of what to do with his hands.

"So, why do you like it up here?" he asks finally, his voice low and gruff.

You look up at the stars, twinkling like a sea of diamonds in the inky sky. "It's peaceful. And I can think without everyone else's voices in my head."

Gally nods slowly, his eyes following your gaze to the heavens. He's never seen the sky from this angle before, not really. It's like he's seeing it for the first time too, like everything is new with you here.

"You know," he says, his voice barely above a whisper, "I used to hate the nights. The quiet, the not knowing… it was all just too much. But now, with you here, it's like I got something to focus on that isn't all doom and gloom."

"You say that as if I'm your #1 priority." You tease, trying to lighten the mood. But there's an undeniable warmth that spreads through you at his words.

"Maybe you are," Gally mumbles, his gaze still on the stars. He shifts closer, his shoulder brushing against yours. It's a simple gesture, but it feels like a confession of something more than friendship.

You bite your lip, unsure of how to respond. The air between you is charged with something new, something that makes your heart race. You feel his eyes on you, and when you turn to meet his gaze, you realize that he's closer than you thought. His eyes are no longer on the stars; they're on you.

"What are you saying, Gally?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper. His hand are fiddling in his lap, and you can see the struggle in his eyes, as if he's fighting an internal battle.

"I'm saying…" He takes a deep breath, his eyes searching yours. "I'm saying that maybe…maybe you make this place feel less like a prison and more like… home."

His words hang in the air, and for a moment, you're frozen. You've never thought of the glade as anything but a terrifying, confusing labyrinth with a bunch of boys you didn't know that you need to escape. But with Gally here, maybe it could be more than that.

"Gally…" You whisper his name, the sound barely carrying over the distant sounds of the boys below yelling and cheering.

His eyes flicker with something unreadable, and before you can say anything else, he leans in, his hand reaching up to gently cup your cheek. His thumb brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. And then, without another word, his lips are on yours, soft and tentative, as if he's afraid you might vanish if he presses too hard. You're surprised, but you don't pull away. Instead, you lean into the kiss, letting yourself get lost in the feeling of his warmth and the gentle way his hand cradles your face.

The world around you seems to melt away as you kiss, the bonfire's glow fading to the background. Gally's hand moves from your cheek to the back of your neck, his grip firm but gentle, as if he's afraid you'll pull away. But you're not going anywhere, not now that you know he feels the same way you do. The kiss deepens, your heart thudding in your chest like a drum, echoing the rhythm of your racing thoughts.

You didn't even know what to do with your hands. You shakily placed one on his thigh and the other on his cheek, feeling the rough skin under your fingertips. The kiss was unlike anything you've ever experienced before. It was like every emotion you've ever felt in your life was condensed into this one moment, a heady mix of fear, excitement, and something else entirely. You'd never kissed anyone before, let alone someone like Gally, the brooding and mysterious boy who'd become a surprisingly comforting presence in this alien world.

You felt his hand tighten around the back of your neck, pulling you closer, and you realized that you liked this feeling of being wanted, of being needed. His other hand found yours, weaving your fingers together, and it felt like a promise, a silent pact between the two of you to face whatever came next together.

As the kiss grew more urgent, you lost track of time, the world outside the tower fading away. All that existed was the taste of him, the feel of his breath mingling with yours, the warmth of his body beside yours. But as quickly as it had begun, Gally pulled away, leaving you gasping for air, your eyes searching his for some sort of explanation.

"I've never-" you gulp, trying to find the right words to express the tornado of emotions whirling through you.

"Me neither." Gally murmured, his eyes searching yours in the moonlight, a hint of vulnerability peeking through the cracks in his tough exterior. He looked as stunned by the kiss as you felt, his chest heaving with every breath.

"You wanna…" Gally stammers, his eyes darting to the bonfire and back to you, "You wanna go to the bonfire?" He seems hopeful, like he's trying to change the subject, to ease the sudden intimacy that's thickening the air between you both.

All you did was smile and pull him into another kiss, your hands threading through the little hair he had. It was like you were trying to memorize the way his lips felt against yours. Gally's surprise quickly gave way to passion, his arms wrapping around your waist to hold you closer. You could feel his heart pounding against your chest, matching the erratic beat of your own. The bonfire and the noise of the other gladers might as well have been on another planet.

Accidentally, you knocked him over and had him laying on his back, you hovering over him. You pulled away with a giggle, but it was cut short when Gally's eyes searched yours, and his hand found the back of your neck again, pulling you back down to him. You kissed him harder than before, feeling his body respond, his hands sliding down to your waist, holding you closer.

The heat between you was palpable, the tension of the moment coiling tightly in your stomach. Your hands roamed over his chest, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt, the rapid beat of his heart. Gally's hands moved up your back, his fingertips tracing the line of your spine, sending shivers through your body. It was as if you were two magnets, unable to resist each other's pull.

As the kiss grew more intense, you became aware of the sound of your own breathing, the soft gasps escaping your lips. The tower was your sanctuary, the only place you felt truly safe in the Glade, and now it had become something more, a symbol of the connection forming between you and Gally.

He pulled away, keeping his hand in your hair. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his eyes searching yours for a reaction. "I didn't mean to-"

"I liked it." You murmur, smiling softly as you straddle him. "Don't be sorry, Gally."

The tension in his body eases slightly, and he lets out a shaky laugh. "Okay," he says, his thumb tracing patterns on your cheek. "But we should probably go down before people start wondering where we are."

"Or…" You lean in closer, whispering against his ear. "We could just stay here." Your heart thuds in your chest as you watch the play of emotions on Gally's face. Surprise, confusion, and then something that looked suspiciously like desire.

"Okay just-" he gulps, now grabbing your hips. "C-Could you get up really quick?"

You blink, looking down at him with a mix of confusion and amusement. "Why?"

"I-It's nothing! Just- just move a little," Gally stammers, his cheeks flushing in the moonlight. You feel his hands tighten around your waist as he tries to push you up. Confused but willing to play along, you sit up, allowing him to adjust his position beneath you.

"Why'd you-" you glance down, only to see Gally's eyes wide and slightly horrified as he stammers. You follow his gaze and realize his discomfort isn't from the conversation but rather from the very obvious tent in his shorts.

Your cheeks heat up as you jump to your feet, trying to play it cool. "Oh, uh, sorry!" You laugh awkwardly, brushing off your pants. Gally sits up quickly, his face a deeper shade of red as he tugs at the fabric of his shorts.

"It's not a big deal," you say, trying to diffuse the situation. But the moment has changed. The intimacy of the kiss is now tinged with an awkwardness that you both can't ignore. Gally clears his throat and looks away, focusing on the distant bonfire.

"Gally-"

"It's fine," he clears his throat, keeping his hand on his shorts. "Let's go to the bonfire."

"You wanna go with that?" you giggle a little, pointing at the tent. "It's so obvious. And everyone's gonna think we did something since I'd be behind you!"

Gally's face goes from red to a deeper shade of crimson, and he mumbles something incoherent under his breath. He looks away, his eyes scanning the glade as if searching for an escape route. You can't help but laugh at his embarrassment, the tension between you dissipating into the night air.

"Well, I don't know how to-" he paused mid sentence, mumbling something under his breath.

"What?" You giggle, leaning in closer to him. "I don't know how to make it go away either, but it's okay." You playfully poke his cheek, making him squint slightly. "It's not like it's the end of the world."

Gally lets out a relieved sigh, the tension draining from his body as he smiles back at you. "I guess."

"Come on," you say, taking his hand and leading him back to the ladder. "Let's go enjoy the bonfire."

[recalled11]

I decided to do some redesigns for the various non-human races for Recalled! I'll include my final designs, some sketches, as well as my general headcanons for each race!

Gorons-

Gorons are large reptiles that prefer to inhabit mountains, due to the rich minerals there

Gorons are omnivorous, eating whatever they feel like. They're called 'Rock-eaters', due to the fact that they seek out mineral deposits to eat.

They need to eat large amounts of minerals in order to grow their scales and shells

They reproduce asexually

Only one gender: Goron

master builders. They develop earthquake-proof buildings due to living on volcanos

Rito-

Rito have no sexual dimorphism. Rito genders are 'Warrior', 'Pilgrim', and 'Nester', and genders aren't determined by who can lay eggs and who can't.

Nester plumage is far more colorful, vibrant, and soft than Warrior plumage. Pilgrim plumage is the most dull/earth toned, and the most weather proof.

Rito plumage changes based on which gender they've assumed, and it's pretty common for Rito to flip between genders a lot throughout their lives

Rito have the best senses of sight and hearing out of any other race, though their night vision is non-existent

Rito are the best at archery/bow making, and weaving

Zora-

Zora have three genders, Male, Female, and Royal

Royals are the largest of the Zora. Any Zora can become a Royal, if they are chosen by the current Royal. If they become a Royal, they grow much larger, and their head fins grow longer.

Their Fins can retract, protecting them while they're on land and preventing them from drying out.

their large fins are used for swimming up waterfalls/through powerful currents.

Zora breathe through both gills, and absorbing oxygen into their skin. This limits their ability to travel, as they need to stay near bodies of water to prevent drying out.

Fins and spots are bioluminescent, and Zora use these lights, mixed with signing to communicate while under water.

Zora have the best stone/silver work out of all the races. due to their long lives, they take their time learning to perfect whatever craft they chose

Zonai-

Zonai are descendants of the Minish that returned to the sky

due to having lived in the Sacred Realm for so long, they are the most in-tune with magic out of any other race

most Zonai are born with general magic abilities (Ascend, Ultrahand, Fuse) but others are born with elemental magic, which then influences their coloration and horn growth.

they specialize in creative and scholarly crafts as well as alchemy and diplomacy

during the 200 years between when they descended from the heavens and the time of King Rauru, their race was slowly ravaged by diseases and plagues, due to them having little to no immune system(there's no illnesses in the Sacred Realm)

[alienpossession]

The Shell: The Landing Part 2

Part 1

"Come on dude, you've been helping us tremendously, at least grab a beer or something," insisted Colin as he tried to persuade the Forest Ranger to take a sip of the cold beer

"Heh, sure, not like my boss is around or something," said the Forest Ranger as he loosened himself up and grab the tempting cold beer from Colin's hands. Colin grinned with malice as the first sip of the beer instantly froze the ranger, the bottle shattered to the forest ground as venom already spread all over his system. Colin then easily opened the Ranger's mouth and then the alien starts to climb out from his throat and then traveled upwards to enter the ranger's nose. When it finished wrapping itself around the ranger's brain and then absorbed the memories, it oozes out from the ranger's ear and then flopped to the forest ground where it started to expand itself as the shell's creation process started. Minutes later, the perfect replica of the ranger, albeit naked, stand up with a smug grin next to the ranger.

"Guess I need to take what's mine, Ranger," said the replica with an eerie smile plastered on his face as he started to undress the real Ranger from his uniform. The boots with the lengthy, damp black socks, the pants that framed the ranger's hairy muscle ass so well alongside the sweaty white briefs, the wifebeater underneath the worn out uniform shirt and jacket and at last the musky hat that once adorned the Ranger head is now in the possession of the shell that wears it with pride and smugness that's never been seen before from the usually stoic and stern Ranger

"Ranger Stephen Henderson at your service. Ohhh......I love how knowledgeable he is about this forest. Lots of delicious bodies for our pack scattered in places I, as the Ranger, fully aware of if you want to explore the woods now. What do you think, Colin? Should we tell Ryle about this?"

"Oh we definitely should, Ranger Henderson. I know Ryle will be elated if you can show us where to find the next bodies,"

"Well, what if we bring one more body to him? There's this jogger watching us as we're speaking now looking all horrified right there," the Ranger pointed out to the person around 300 meters behind Colin that has witnessed everything

The jogger tried his best to outrun the youthful Colin and the street-smart (or forest-smart) Ranger Henderson, but he eventually succumbed to the same fate as the real Ranger and the real Colin when this alien replica of himself eventually snapped his neck in the final act of taking over his identity

"Let's head back to meet Ryle and strategize which folks we should convert before we head back to the city," advised the Ranger to both Colin and the recently-added Marco, the town's bartender that just wanted to get some fresh air but unfortunately took his final drag of fresh air witnessing an impostor stealing his identity and life

With the help of the Ranger's knowledge of the forest, the takeover turned out to be even much more efficient and rewarding as the Ranger directed them to the more fit and powerful human to be disposed of and cloned as shell into. As it stands, the pack led by Ryle Adams leave the forest in three differing cars, the first one filled by Ryle, Colin and the two local college jocks named Austin and Wes

Then, the second car, a huge pickup truck is filled by Ranger Henderson, Marco the bartender, Paulie the town cabin-builder and the owner of the truck alongside his buddy and recently turned in-law as their kids married each other, Sheriff Jeff Wilcox.

The final car, and quite an unexpected yet very much welcomed outcome, filled by 4 soldiers from the military base in the opposite town of the other 8 shells. The soldiers were on a quick unathourized trip out from the base to enjoy the pristine wildlife outside of their base. They managed to do so because the most senior one among them is the nephew of the Major and while the trip has been fun and stress-relieving for them, they certainly would never expect that it would be their last trip, ever. When the Ranger came out to the soldiers camping ground asking for help, they walked into a trap without knowing as they found themselves paralyzed from head to toe all in a sudden. They did not realize that they stepped on aliens on the forest ground that soon slithered themselves stealthily to numb their bodies to the point of paralysis. Then, the ranger wickedly shoved four slithering alien right to their ear canals and soon, they experienced what could only be described as progressive amnesia as their memories absorbed by the alien presence in their brain. As soon as they sucked the memories dry, the alien slithered out with pink-ish glow from the soldiers ear and flopped to the ground where it started to replicate the soldiers and that's when the soldiers also encountered their final fate soon after the replica reached its full state of replication, resembling perfectly the 4 unfortunate soldiers not only physically, but also mentally

So, while the 8 shells will get back to the town and inform the motherships of the town exact coordinate for a more precise landing of the next batches, it will also inform of another coordinates which is the military base that didn't even appear in the mothership detection. One reckless trip of the 4 soldiers will become a heavy price to pay by humanity as when the landing reached its full-scale, that entire base will be turned upside down and will become the base of the invading enemy without anyone knowing

[psychoticfemmm]

family tides

pairing: dad!john b x mom!reader

summary: Life with Ivy, your lively three-year-old, is full of love, laughter, and chaos, with the Pogues always in on the fun

Life at the Chateau was never boring, especially with a three-year-old running around. Ivy, your daughter with John B, was the heart and soul of the Pogues. At just three years old, she had already mastered the art of sarcasm—thanks in large part to JJ—and was a constant source of laughter for the group.

This morning, chaos erupted when Ivy woke up before everyone else and decided to paint JJ’s face with your makeup.

“Why does it smell like lavender in here?” John B asked groggily, stumbling into the living room to find Ivy perched on JJ’s lap with a lipstick in her hand.

JJ glared at him. “Your daughter is a menace.”

“She’s an artist,” Ivy corrected, holding up a makeup brush. “Uncle JJ needed to be fancy.”

John B burst out laughing, leaning against the doorway for support. “You look… beautiful, man.”

“Don’t,” JJ warned, pointing a finger at him. “I’m doing this for her self-esteem.”

“Sure you are,” Kiara chimed in as she strolled into the room. “Let me grab my phone. This is going on the wall of fame.”

“No!” JJ protested, but it was too late.

You emerged from the kitchen, mug of tea in hand, shaking your head at the scene. “What did I miss?”

“Oh, nothing,” John B said, grinning. “Just JJ’s makeover.”

Your eyes fell on Ivy’s handiwork, and you couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, Ivy, I think Uncle JJ would look even fancier with some glitter.”

JJ groaned. “Don’t encourage her!”

“She’s got talent,” you replied, smirking as you kissed the top of Ivy’s head. “Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before teaching her how to ‘prank.’”

John B wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you close. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“Oh, absolutely,” you said, leaning into him. “This is parenting gold.”

Later in the day, everyone piled into the van for a trip to the beach. You sat in the passenger seat, Ivy on your lap as John B drove.

“Mommy, can I wear Daddy’s hat?” Ivy asked, reaching for John B’s cap.

“It’s too big for you, kiddo,” he said, adjusting the rearview mirror.

“I don’t care,” Ivy replied, pouting.

“She’s definitely your kid,” you teased, nudging John B.

“Hey, I don’t pout,” he argued.

“Yeah, okay,” you said with a smirk, earning an eye roll from him. He reached over to squeeze your thigh playfully, his grin widening when you swatted his hand away with a laugh.

At the beach, Ivy wasted no time declaring herself “Queen of the Sandcastle” and assigning everyone roles. “Uncle Pope, you get the shells!” she commanded, pointing to the shoreline. “Auntie Kie, you do the decorations!”

“What about me?” JJ asked, crouching next to her.

“You dig the moat,” Ivy said matter-of-factly.

“And me?” John B asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re my helper, Daddy.”

“What about Mommy?”

Ivy thought for a moment. “Mommy gets to watch.”

You laughed, sitting back in your chair. “Finally, someone appreciates me.”

The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter and sand. The Pogues built an elaborate sandcastle that Ivy promptly destroyed, claiming it was “time for a big wave.”

“Kid’s got a Godzilla streak,” JJ said, shaking his head as Ivy stomped on the remains of their work.

“She gets it from you,” Kiara teased.

“Excuse me?” JJ replied, mock-offended. “I’m a builder, not a destroyer.”

“Sure you are,” Cleo said, smirking.

By the time the sun began to set, everyone was gathered around a bonfire. Ivy sat in John B’s lap, her eyelids drooping as she tried to stay awake.

“Tell me a story, Daddy,” she mumbled, her head resting against his chest.

“Alright,” he said, brushing her curls out of her face. “Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Ivy who was the bravest and smartest kid in the whole world.”

“That’s me!” she said sleepily, making everyone laugh.

“Yep, that’s you,” John B said softly, kissing her forehead.

You couldn’t help but watch the scene with a full heart. John B caught your gaze and smiled, tilting his head slightly. “What?”

“Nothing,” you said, shaking your head. “Just… I love you.”

His smile deepened as he reached out to take your hand, threading his fingers through yours. “I love you too.”

When you got back to the Chateau, Ivy was already asleep. John B carried her to bed, tucking her in with her favorite stuffed bunny while you cleaned up the sand-covered bags.

As he came back into the living room, you were curled up on the couch, scrolling through your phone. He flopped down next to you, resting his head on your shoulder.

“She’s got everyone wrapped around her little finger,” he said with a chuckle.

“She’s got you wrapped the most,” you teased, nudging him playfully.

“Yeah, well,” he said, grinning as he pressed a kiss to your cheek. “I’m okay with that.”

You turned to face him, your hands finding their way to his chest. “You’re a good dad, you know that?”

He shrugged, his expression softening. “I try. But I’ve got you, so that makes it easier.”

You leaned in, your lips brushing against his. “We’re a pretty good team, huh?”

“The best,” he murmured, pulling you closer.

The sound of waves crashing in the distance filled the room as he kissed you again, slow and warm. Life with Ivy and the Pogues wasn’t always easy, but it was always full of love. And that was all you needed.

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅

sorry I haven't been active in a while but thank you all so much for the loveeeeeee please feel free to request stories!!!