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sugarakis-p2 · 2 years

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The Stranger ch3

Awww, we get a glimpse of Shiggy's family. Another sweet threesome and a little background to Drury...who would have thunk it. Shiggy really is a tasty sinnamon roll.

Warning: Fun threesome and references to knotting

LMAO! I can't help myself with Mary, she really is my dream girl. Loves cooking, all soft and thic! Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Shigaraki's heart is fluttering in his chest like his wings. Drury had said she loved him. It was not directly, but it was there.

After Shigaraki's knot softens, he slowly pulls himself out of Drury so as not to disturb her sleep. He is unwilling to tell her what he is or has done until she is thoroughly separated from the nasty humans. Then she will be his. She will smother him in love and affection. Then he can happily say he loves her back. They will have several little grubs. Shigaraki must stop himself. Anytime he gets excited about something, it ends up crumbling in his hands.

Drury and Squishy are tangled, her head laying on the plump one's large soft breast. It is making him jealous. Drury never clung to him like that. He must take a deep breath and remind himself she is only a nest sister, not competition or a threat. They have known each other longer.

My Drury is a kinky little minx, he thinks. He smirks at her pretty sleeping face. He never thought he would be with any female. Then to be deflowering two in the same week. Pretty ones that have different beautiful things to offer. He can't say he hates it. The soft one felt good too. Although he still prefers his Drury. The females are in a deep sleep when he stretches his wings. The full moon is beckoning him to fly.

He really should meet up with the rest of his family. They tend to become unruly and deadly when he's not watching them. Shigaraki hunts for them and brings them giant fish. Dabi, the pyromancer, grumbles how he dislikes fish.

"Where is Toga?" he chitters at the rest of the group. He leaves Dabi somewhat in charge while he is gone. Not that it really helps.

"She's not back yet. Fuck, you reek of sex. Been breeding and tying down that sweet girl you've been simp'in about?" Dabi asks with a sneer. His azure eyes are saying he already knows the answer. Shigaraki can't help himself. He gives Dabi a giant sinister fanged grin while he brags.

"Yes. Drury had me deflower her nest sister at the same time today." Dabi's and Spinner's faces fall into disbelief.

"You lie," Dabi says, trying to convince himself. Shigaraki's grin gets wider. Spinner, his dragon-born brother, snorts in envy and anger. "How the hell did you hide all of that?" Dabi asks, pointing to all of him.

"Carefully," he rasps.

"While you were screwing and eating out virgins, we have been languishing here. Wondering when we will be able to attack," Spinner gripes.

"I'm not preventing you from attacking. All I ask is that you leave the orphanage alone until I have pulled all our new family out."

"In the chaos, how will we be able to distinguish them. No, it's best we wait, I suppose. Are there any females that are as open-minded as your mate?" Spinner asks with some hope.

"I know the ones that are willing to leave have already broken from the Sacred Order mentally. That is a big deal when it comes to an engrained religion. Drury is surprisingly accepting. They are both very naive. The Order has kept them deep in ignorance. I don't know about the others, so we shall see. You shouldn't have eaten those children," he scolds.

"So accepting that you let her see all this, right?" Dabi snarks. Pointing to all of him again. Dabi makes him itchy with this kind of talk. "They attacked us. We shouldn't have let that brat go. He could be warning the sacred Order as we speak. But you had to play the hero," Dabi rants.

"Slow down. Not all of us are fluent in Mothman. All I caught was Shiggy ate two female dogs," Magne says, annoyed.

"I have Toga keeping an eye on things. Drury says they won't risk telling the Sacred Order anything for fear the Order will kill them shortly afterward. I am bringing Squishy here tonight. Be nice to her, and don't mention the children you ate." Shigaraki is annoyed at the thought. It gets hard to meld one family with another when one has already eaten a part of the other.

"Those were their brother and sister. They are touchy about family. I'm sure you can relate. Be on your best behavior around Squishy. She is an exceptional baker and chef. I want her to make our food. Don't make her want to poison us. She has a sweet disposition. A bit food-obsessed. Very huggable and soft. Play your cards right, and she will show you how much fun she can be." Shigaraki smiles at the memories. He's put in enough face time. He should be getting back to the females. Squishy doesn't want to mate, but she seems very open to playing in other ways. Ways that can make his mate ready to take his knot. He practically drools at the thought.

"What that's it? The least you could do is deal us some of the dirty details. We are the ones who helped you get laid," Dabi says while making a rolly. Shigaraki narrows his eyes at Dabi.

"Why, so you can get ideas. Drury is my mate. Let me be clear. I will rip off any appendage that breaches any part of my Drury," Shigaraki snarls. Dabi laughs at this.

"Calm down. I won't touch our new sister without permission," Dabi grins. Shigaraki snorts at Dabi; he turns and flies off. Stretching his wings felt good, but he should not have left Drury alone for so long. No reason other than he wanted to spend every moment with her.

Both are still fast asleep. Shigaraki makes sure the entrance is covered. He wants it pitch black. He can see in the dark the humans can't. He crawls under the furs. The strong scent of females makes him feral and hard. He doesn't know why he left with two females to play with right here. He finds Drury and separates them to drive his face between her legs. She squeals and jerks. Smacking him on the head.

"Shiggy, you frightened me!" she shouts as she thumps him again. He chuckles on her clit. Drury groans, and Mary stirs next to her.

"Mmm, what time is it? What's he doing?" Mary asks.

"What do you think? He's frisky," Drury responds. Shiggy grabs their legs and pushes them to embrace each other face to face. Pressing the top of their crotches together. A sight he will never tire of. Both yelp. Drury doesn't complain. This gives Shigaraki better access to plunge his tongue deeper. But Mary grumbles he's too handsy with her.

"Mmm, too dark. I can't tell what time it is, but I should be heading back. Shiggy, you are insatiable. I would indulge, but I need to get back," Drury moans.

"No, no, stay. Big time, many time. Stay. Kiss, kiss, touch," He states under the furs. Guiding Mary's fingers to Drury's hot wet hole. Mary eagerly starts to play with Drury.

"Shiggy, you stay away from my holes. No mating, please. I'm still very sore," Mary says gently.

"Shiggy no mate Squishy. Just touch. Too much work. Touch Drury," he concedes.

"Mary, I should get going," Drury says, mumbling into Mary's mouth.

"Whaaaat? I like touching and kissing," Mary murmurs sweetly.

"I know. You're an aggressive kisser. I would say smothering if they were not so soft and sweet. You're worse than Shiggy. Come here, we'll play a little bit, but then I have to go," Drury's fingers seek Mary. Shigaraki helps, then takes a delicious handful of Mary's lovely ass. Mary screeches and bats both of them away.

"No touching. I'm uncomfortable with my body. I don't know. After, I just felt weird. Selfconscious. Can't I just touch the both of you?" Mary pouts.

"You're shy all of a sudden, after everything, really? Not very fair," Drury laughs.

"Not fair," Shiggy repeats under the fur. He wasn't going to mate with her but touching her was one of the best things about Squishy. She is so plush and soft.

"See, even Shiggy agrees. We can't see anything, and you feel amazing. . I love holding and feeling you, so soft and tender. I love your body. But I will do whatever you feel comfortable with. Ok, Shiggy?" she asks, lifting the furs.

"Yes, yes, kiss," he agrees. Rising out of the furs to press their faces together. His fingers laced in their lush hair. He loves his females, but they talk too much. He watches them passionately kiss. Watching their tongues entangling, sweet moans, the intoxicating scent of two females coming into heat, made him reckless. Pulling back, he folded their legs on top of each other. Shoving his leaking between the flesh of their touching cunts. Leaning down to join their kiss, he eagerly humped their pressed bodies. Tasting both at once then switching between them. Mary giggles.

"I can tell it's him. His lips are so rough. Is he tickling with feathers?" Mary snickers before Shiggy silences her with his mouth.

"I know. It's that scarf more than anything. It's soft, but he nev...mphf." Shigaraki presses them back together. He was foolishly caressing them with his feelers, and although they had not noticed he briefly used all four arms, he can't have them comparing notes. When the females are distracted with each other again, he sighs in relief. Whimpering when he realizes he has been left out.

"Pretty," he chirps at them. He starts to line himself up when Mary growls at him.

"Wrong person Shigaraki," she says harshly.

"Sorry," he replies. A quick peck on her head in apology.

"Shiggy, really quick, ok. I do need to get back," Drury mutters in between kisses. Dragging the tip of his head across both clits before finding Drury's hot moist hole. He finally feels whole when he fully sheaths himself into his whining Drury. He can feel her tight cunt fluttering around him when he's bottomed out.

They can't see, so he stretches his trembling wings. Shigaraki wants to flap and drive himself deeper. Pound Drury until she can't walk. Until his name is the only one on her tongue. Waiting is the price he must pay to have it all. His thrusts are shallow and quick, with no rhythm. Drury made it clear she was only doing this to please them. Her pleasure is not urgent. Although she feels close already. He will have to have Mary teach what she does with those fingers. He places two fingers near Mary's hole.

"Can I?" he asks. Mary whines and shoves his fingers in. He grinds and fingers forcefully. All of them are panting and grunting. Shigaraki violently pounds them into the furs. "Good. So good," he grunts. His release is building quickly to climax. Mary starts to laugh.

"He's such a poor horny man. Like a bunny," she giggles to Drury. Drury can't answer. She pulls Mary closer to her.

"I'm cuming," She cries. Shigaraki doubles his efforts until both are crying and spasming around him. He's swelling with pride that he managed to make them climax together. He pulls away quickly. Drury can't afford the time to be knotted. Mary feels him pull away and surprises him. Her mouth abruptly drinking him. Her velvety tongue is pulling growls and chirps from him. Eyes are rolling in the back of his head, Fuck he can get used to this, he thinks.

"What are you two doing?" Drury giggles. Mary gropes for her in the dark and thrusts her towards Shigaraki's cock to take her place while she gasps for breath. Drury finishes him as he doubles on her. It takes all his strength to not shove himself knot deep in that sweet mouth. He pulls out of her mouth with a lewd popping sound.

"Good. Good mate. Good sister," he praises, petting them both on the head.

"Ugh, he's so bitter and salty," Drury says to Mary. Mary laughs.

"I don't mind it. I said I wanted to taste everything."

"Then you can drink him from now on," Drury says, wiping her mouth and tongue.

"Now on?" Shigaraki whimpers. He's already fallen hard for Drury. When she says things like that, he sinks a little deeper. Mary laughs.

"We'll see. Shigaraki, can we get some light? We need to get dressed," Mary says business-like. He makes sure he's well cloaked before he lets in any light. The girls are helping each other dress. Mary gives Dru a timid hug goodbye, blushing and shy again. Shigaraki carries Drury back.

She stops him when the orphanage is insight.

"I need to talk to you. There were things I couldn't say in front of Mary. She wouldn't understand."

He sets her down, dreading whatever she has to say. Dabi had told him when females say "we need to talk," it's never good. Drury looks sad and away from him.

"I'm worried you won't like me as much. But I should tell you. I met Not-Ren. I know you are family with some night creatures," Drury starts. Shigaraki begins chittering and babbling in a panic. Trying to explain. To lie in a way that will keep her from breaking up with him. She raises a hand with a slight smile. "Relax. I'm not angry. I understand. Being alone in the woods. I'm sure you found what family you could. We are the same in that way. Mary and Hannah are my family, not by blood, but by something more profound. That said, they will not understand or forgive. Now for the tough part," she takes a deep breath before she tells him her darkest secret.

"I've been told my moral compass is a little skewed. I've killed before and felt emptiness. I'm not proud of it, and I don't like it about myself. That is why I'm the butcher. I believe in a quick and respectful death, but I feel nothing while carrying out the act. I care for my little brothers and sisters, but I can't mourn them. I think something in me broke when I saw my family slaughtered in the great war. I'm worried if I push myself to feel it, I will never stop. So, I will try my best to honor them by saving Harry and as many others as I can. To do that, I will persuade Harry to keep quiet. He's good at keeping secrets. But no one in your family can eat the others or ever mention what happened to Abbey and Ren." She feels her cheeks burning. Ashamed. She knows it sounds terrible. Like she is incapable of loving. But that's not true; she feels intensely. She doesn't allow her emotions to stop her from doing what needs to be done, not anymore. Shigaraki is nodding vigorously. He holds both her hands to his thumping heart.

"Same. We are same. No mad. Sorry, I no stop. I late. Family needs eat. Shigaraki will no eat family." Shigaraki relates in his broken tongue. Drury is crying. He uses his cloak to wipe away her tears. He knows there is no better time than now to show her what he is. He can't. This feels like fate. Drury is his soulmate. He can't risk that when he's so close to ensuring they will be together forever.

"I really try not to be a bad person. Do you think I'm a bad person?" she sniffles.

"No, my mate. Same. Bring family. Love," he kisses her fingers. She gives him a beautiful smile.

"I-I-I believe I love you too. I can't wait until we are together all the time." She kisses him. He picks her up and takes her safely back to the orphanage. He is insanely happy and never felt closer to anyone.

They barely made it before Dawn. Drury has to get to cooking right away. She is cooking up more oats, knowing the grievances will be endless, but she is worn out. Mary and Shigaraki are both tiring. Harry looks like death, and Hannah is a mess. She really hates being in charge. She explained to Harry and Hannah what would be happening. How they will be around Shiggy's family. Hannah was outraged while Harry was resigned. Drury feels awful that she even must ask more of this poor boy.

"Again, Hannah, if you have a better idea, I'm all ears," Drury huffs with hands on hips. Avoiding Hannah's furious glare.

"You're asking Harry to just forget his trauma and live with the monsters that ate Abbey and Ren!" She shouts, pointing at a sickly thin Harry. Drury slumps in shame and guilt.

"Dru is right," Harry rasps. "I won't say anything. I'll never forgive them. But if they will save the others and Mom," He wheezes, looking to Hannah, who looks to be on the edge of tears. "Then I will take the secret to my grave. Which may be soon."

"Don't talk like that. Ok, Dru, anything you say. Get us out of here quick," Hannah goes over to weep over Harry. Drury hugs them both before sneaking away.

"Drury!" Big sister shouts at her. Making her jump out of her skin. Did she just get caught exiting the sick room? Big sister is so damn quiet it's jarring.

"Oh, Big sister. You scared the hell out of me," Big sister gives her a stern look for cussing.

"Really, Dru, you are so jumpy. I need you to make extra food for the Holy Mother," she says, ignoring Drury's indiscretion.

"The Holy mother?"

"Yes, Harry has not gotten better. With the disease spreading in the village, we can not afford to put it off longer. She will be here tonight with five escorts. See to it that they are well fed. I really wish Mary were here. The girl was the best baker we had in years. She could have made some cookies or crackers. Make do with what you can," she instructs as she leaves. When Drury starts her heart again, she is in a panic. Hannah would typically know what to do.

She finds Not-Ren. Asleep in the root cellar.

"Wake up, we have a big problem showing up," She shakes Not-Ren awake. Not-Ren whines about being woken up. It eyes her suspiciously when she gives it a warm smile.

"I'm sorry I had to wake you. Shigaraki told me that you are a part of his family and you need to eat people. Are you some kind of vampire? Are you hungry? Can you drink from a person without turning them? If you can, do you want to drink from me? I really need you in top shape soon," she says, holding out her arm.

"You are really strange. You're not scared?"

"We're family, and family is there for each other. I'm scared, but I don't let it stop me. If Shiggy trusts you, I trust you," she holds out her other arm to Not-Ren. Not-Ren shakes its head no.

"The Holy mother is coming tonight. We should leave immediately. No sense in waiting. How many have you convinced to come with us?"

"Everyone on that list and a few more of the older sisters. I can lead them there after nightfall."

"No, we have to go now. Cover yourself in a blanket. We need to gather our shit in a pile and take care of it. Trust me, we can't screw around with the Scared Order."

"We can. In fact, we are going to destroy them," Not-Ren giggles.

"We have a bunch of children here. I can't. Can you please tell me your real name?"

"Toga Himiko."

"Please, new sibling, Toga. No one understands your loathing of the Order more than me. However, I don't want to risk the lives of our other family. I am begging you to spare the orphanage. Don't tell any of the new family you killed Abbey and Ren. Please don't wear Ren's face when I introduce you. There will be too many questions later," Toga looks her up and down again.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" Toga asks. Drury shrugs noncommittally. Toga sighs. "Fine, I'll talk to Shigaraki and back him up when he gives in to you. I think I love you too. Sister Dru," Toga giggles.

"Awww, I like you too. But I'll fucking kill you if you hurt any more of my brothers and sisters," Drury says with a huge smile.

"Ha, ha, ha, ditto. You break Shigaraki's heart; I'll eat yours for lunch. He's our big brother, and no one fucks with our family."

"Good to know. Change into your natural face and wait for me in the pantry," Drury says cheerfully. Toga gave her the list of her recruits. Drury went and gathered them all. She warned Hannah about the Holy Mother, and Hannah no longer argued with Drury about the night creatures. They agreed to move Harry after the leading group was a distance away to avoid getting sick from Harry.

It was dusk when she was able to get everyone together while avoiding Big sister. When they gathered, Drury introduced them to Toga. Which was a massive surprise for Drury to see a fanged young woman with yellow eyes and two messy blonde buns.

"Hi, I'm Himiko. You can call me sister Toga. Drury has told me so much about you I feel like I already know you." Her smile sets a lot of them on edge and skittish. Drury cringes inside when she talks about already knowing them.

"Don't worry. I'll be escorting us," Drury announces, holding up two of her extra knives. The room became reassured, which made Toga skittish. One of the boys came running up.

"The Holy mother is early! She's here. Most everybody is out front. Gathering wood."

"Fuck! Ok, everybody, run as fast as you can to the tree line. Toga, here! This should protect you from the sunlight." Drury drapes Toga in a thick wool blanket and steps out in the open first. She signals everyone to go. When everyone has made it to the tree line, Drury turns to fetch Harry and Hannah when she hears her name carried on the wind. It was coming from the front.

Drury sighs, trying to decide what to do. She decided she will have to get Harry back to decent health. So, she can get Hannah back and have her deal with all the little annoying decisions. Toga is shouting for her to hurry up. Drury sighs again and makes her way to the front. She said she would help anyone who asked for it.

"What is she doing! We have to go. Tomura will be so upset if she's hurt. He will totally blame me for it. He said he trusted me!"

"Why are you worried about Drury?" The older sister asks.

"Because she's a gentle, helpless human," Toga whines. Several of them exchange looks.

"Drury is not helpless. Don't you know her story? She's the butcher," one says.

"Yeah, I know. She works as the butcher for the kitchen," Toga scoffs and rolls her eyes. They exchange looks again. One of the girls leans in to whisper.

"No, she is THEE butcher of the outer ring. The little ones don't know this. During the great war, Drury has a record for killing sixty-seven enemy soldiers. She took out a whole camp single-handedly when she was eleven."

Toga snorts at the girl for believing an outrageous story. Twice is suddenly there popping out for behind a tree.

"Were you hiding?"

"Yes! No!" he answers.

"Dru is taking off someplace. There's still too much light for me. Tomura trusted us with her."

"I'll protect her! No, I won't," he says, running after her.

Drury peaks around the corner and is shocked by what she sees. The Sacred Order has already started a burning pyre before they have even seen Harry. Big sister is pleading with the Holy mother. An act that Drury has never seen positive results from. Drury doesn't like any of this. She turns to go to her butchering shed.

A man in a black mask is standing in front of her. He clearly is not a part of the Order. Another stranger. She plasters a brilliant smile.

"Hello, I apologize. I am in a big hurry. If you wish to talk, you will have to follow me," Drury beckons, making her way to the shed.

"I don't know what you're doing. Big bro Shiggy trusted us to keep you safe, so..."

"Wonderful!" Drury interrupts. "Do I call you big brother or just brother …. what's your name again?"

"Twice," He says, trailing after her. She enters the shed leaving Twice ranting at the door and then counter-arguing himself.

"Well, big brother Twice, I don't like the look of what's happening out front. Since I only see the Holy mother, that means the others are inside. I am going to try to reason with the Holy mother," she says through the door. Drury put on her butchers' apron, its thick leather carrying her various knives, accompanied with a thick leather mask and gloves. Exiting the shed freaked Twice out a bit.

"You do not look like that sweet, polite girl we've been watching! You're going to talk to her like that?" He jeers.

"Big brother, you should not follow. It is very kind of Shiggy to send me so many guardian angels. But it's not necessary."

"You didn't answer my question," he says exasperated.

"You're a bit more observant than most. This is just in case the conversation doesn't go well. I can't leave with you yet. I need my sister Hannah. She said we are even for Harry, but that's impossible. I'm afraid I can't go without Hannah."

"You are more important than whoever this Hannah is," he frets. It feels wrong putting hands on Drury. She keeps calling him big bro, making him more confused. She stops to look back at him.

"Not to me. Please, make sure our other brothers and sisters are safe."

"I can't let you go alone," he splits into two. One watches Drury as she goes to talk to the holy mother.

"Greetings," she waves happily. This is a younger Holy mother than the last one. Big sister looks extremely upset, and it's worse when Drury walks up. Drury makes note there are two piles of wood.

"Drury now is not a good time," Big sister manages to sputter out.

"Drury?" the holy mother warily eyes her up and down. It's obvious the Holy mother was warned about her.

"I understand. I only have a few questions, and then I will be out of your hair. First: who is the pyre for?" she asks, getting closer to the holy mother. The Holy mother stares at her hard.

"So, you are the butcher of the outer ring?" the Holy mother asks in return. Drury's smile drops.

"I don't like to be called that. That's the past. I only want to look forward to the future. If this is for Harry and Hannah, can I offer an alternative?" to the Holy mother's credit, she stood her ground as Drury loomed.

"The Sacred order is always listening," she says with a cold smirk.

"Allow us to disappear into the forest. You will never see us again," Drury says emotionless.

"I'm afraid that will not do. The disease that has been spreading seems to originate in this area. The Order would live in fear that the source would not perish in the forest with you by their side. For the greater good for the rings, they must be sacrificed." Drury locks eyes with the holy mother and looms closer.

"Yes, we understand," Big sister interjected, stepping between them. "Drury, Harry died an hour ago. I'm sorry you have to hear it like this." Drury's eyes never waver from the holy mother. Holy mother smirks.

"You are a cold one. I'm truly impressed. Why didn't you join the Sacred Order?"

"I prefer to help more than destroy. If Harry is dead, why are there two piles?"

"You know why. The girl was all over the corpse," Holy mother says taking a modest step back.

"Yes, but she has not shown a hint of illness. We can keep her in quarantine," Big sister pleads.

"The risk of this disease spreading is too great. But I can show mercy. Drury, if you are as cold-blooded as they say you are. I will allow you to end the girl's misery quickly if you agree to join the Order. With your help, she doesn't have to suffer a painful death of being burned alive."

Drury narrows her eyes at the holy mother. Drury has spent time with Toga and feels pity for her. Toga is ruled by her nature and impulsively kills because of it. This woman disgusts Drury.

"When I kill animals, it's always quick and with respect," Drury says, unaffected.

"And when you kill a person?" the Holy mother asks with a legitimate interest.

"I've never killed a person."

"Really? You are interesting. Do we have a deal?"

"Please, Drury is a sweet young woman. What you are asking of her is beyond cruel," Big sister cries.

"Don't worry, Big sister. I prefer Hannah be given peace quickly by my hands then by these monsters," she hisses. "I will join the Order."

Chapter 4

#my hero academia shigaraki #shigaraki tomura #moth shigaraki #mothman shigaraki #lemon #smut #tomura smut #motharaki #boku no hero academia tomura #alternate universe fantasy #tomura shiragaki #shigaraki #sinnamon roll #shigaraki x oc

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mudhorn-djarin19 · 3 years

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Camping Trip - Chp 2 (Frankie “Catfish” Morales x f!reader)

Summary: The boys take a couple retreat weekend and Frankie doesn’t want to be the only one going alone. So he invites you his best friend since high school to come along. Will the trip finally push you two who have had crushes on each other for years together? Warnings: mutual pining, language Rating: General. Will change in future chapters. AO3 Link Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 Masterlist Join my taglist via here! ____________________________________________________________ You awake in the morning to sunlight peaking through the window and warmth encompassing you. You groan and try to move but are trapped. Confused you look down and see Frankie’s arm wrapped around your waist. You tilt your head slightly to look back and that’s when you finally feel the warm air of his breath on your neck and see him pressed up against your backside. Your eyes widen and you feel your face go red from how flustered you are. Frankie is cuddling you! Somehow unintentionally in his sleep he seeked you out and is now holding you in his firm grip. You chuckle lightly at the thought, a smile creeping up on your face. You hear a light groan from behind you and hear Frankie awake. You rotate under his grip to face him and poke him on the nose. “Get lonely last night?” You tease. “Huh?” He starts but then notices he is holding you. “Oh… shit. Um I’m sorry!” He says quickly removing his arm from around your waist. You chuckle, placing a hand on his cheek. “It’s okay. It happens. I didn’t mind the extra warmth either.” Frankie sighed and could feel his face is red from how flustered he was, glad you didn’t notice as you had already climbed out of bed. He decided to leave the conversation be as to not dig an even bigger hole. **** Once you both got showered and dressed you made your way down to the living room to meet the rest of the gang. “Mornin’ guys! Sleep well?” Benny asks, discreetly winking at Frankie. “Mornin’. I slept well, thanks.” You reply back, avoiding Frankie’s gaze and not giving any details of how you two awoke this morning. “Shannon’s making some french toast in the kitchen if you guys want some. Fill up cause today’s gonna be a long one. We plan to go hiking if you want to join.” Will says “Sure I’m in. You know I always love a good hike.” Frankie responds and then turns to you. “You down to go?” “Yeah! Sounds like fun.” You smile back. Frankie nods in response and heads into the kitchen to grab some grub before the hike. You followed suit. Once everyone had eaten their fill for breakfast and packed their bags up for the hike you all made your way out to the woods behind the cabin. You all made your way up the path which thankfully for the most part was pretty smooth. It’s been a while since you’ve been hiking so you were hoping it’d be an easy hike and you could keep up with everyone. The boys kept the lead always way ahead of you girls but you didn't mind keeping back and getting to know them. Stopping often to admire the nature around you like squirrels or some pretty flowers. When you had stopped at one point to drop some of your trail mix to a squirrel you didn’t notice Frankie had stopped to watch you as well, a smile growing on his face at the cute interaction. As you made your journey further up the past it started to get more steep and rocky. The boys made it up with ease and helped their girls as needed. You were falling behind and were trying to make it up a steep rock but struggling. Frankie took notice and hopped back down to you. “Need help?” He asked. You look at him a little embarrassed and nod. He grabs your around your waist with one arm and the other goes down to tuck behind your knees, lifting you up bridal style and lifting you up over the incline. Once he knows your feet touch the ground and you have your balance he lets go and jumps back up on the rock himself. “I’ll slow down and stay behind with you for a bit. Help you if needed and chat some. Sorry I’ve kind of left you in the dust with the other girls.” He says. “It’s okay. You’re more accustomed to this stuff.” You smile. “Plus I don’t mind hanging with the girls. They’re nice. But yea… if the path continues to be this rough I may need you.” You blush and look down. He keeps back with you for the rest of the hike up the mountain, helping you up any rocks or steep inclines when needed. Once you all arrived at the top you all were taken back by the beauty before you. Rolling mountains stretched before you for miles, a bright blue and sunny sky to top it off. It was a beautiful sight. You all admire the view and took as many pictures as you wanted for a while. The girls all wanting to take cute couple pictures with their man. Being the best photographer out of the group you opted in to taking them all for you. “Hey.” Frankie nudged your elbow once you finished the last one and were taking some of just the scenery for yourself. “Go over there and turn around.” You went over to where he said and stood facing him with a confused look on your face. “Come on now at least smile for me.” He said, pulling his phone out. “Frankie… come on…” You sigh. He put a hand on his hip and cocked his head at you, pouting at you teasingly. You sighed again and gave into his pout, finally smiling and striking a simple pose. You made him switch off with you so you can do the same for him in return. Taking some pics of just him with the scenery on your phone. He beckoned you back over to home and once next to him he wrapped his hand around your waist to pull your close. He pulls his phone up and takes a few selfies with you both. Some normal and a few silly ones as usual for you two. “Do you guys want me to take one of you guys?” Santiago’s girl asks. “O-oh umm…” You look at Frankie who shrugs. “Sure. Thank you.” She takes Frankies phone as he hands it over, getting you both to pose again and takes a few pics. “You guys are so cute together!” She chuckles, handing Frankie his phone back and heading back over to the group who had found a good clearing and start to set up for lunch which you all had packed. “Uh th-thanks…” You reply and blush. You nudge Frankie who seems to be lost in thought and point over to the group already make themselves comfy and digging out their food. He seems to come back to reality and smiles following you back to the group. Once you find a comfy boulder to sit on his pulls his backpack off his shoulders to sit in front of him now. He digs down into it and pulls out the two sandwiches he prepared for you guys this morning. Handing one to you and taking the other for himself. “I packed water and chips too if you want any of that.” He says. You nod in response and thank him, taking a bit of the sandwich. You all take your time eating, resting up and admiring the view before packing up and making your way back down the path. The trek down the path was just as rough on the way up. Having to hop down the big boulders, careful to not slip and injure yourself. You were doing good for the most part until right as you were to hop down a rock at the very tail end of the rough terrain part of the trail. You lost your balance and fell on your butt, scraping your leg and arm on the way down. “Shit!” Frankie runs over to you. “Are you okay?” He grabs your arm and examines the scrap, then moves to look at the scrap on your leg. It wasn’t too bad but did take some skin and was bleeding some. “I’m okay. Just lost my balance a little is all.” You reply. “Injuries aren’t too bad. I’ll disinfect them and clean them up for you when we get back. You’re bleeding a bit too.” He says as he drops his bag and digs into it to pull out some bandage wraps which he wraps around your wounds to stop the bleeding. He then stands and reaches he hand out to you. “Can you stand?” You nod and take his hand. “Thank you.” You say, feeling embarrassed. “Of course. Sorry I didn’t catch you.” He says. You chuckle. “It’s fine Fish… no one knew I was going to fall. Not even myself.” You smile at him. It doesn’t take you long to get back to the cabin and once back in Frankie pulls you into your shared room and then the ensuite bathroom. “Sit on the edge of the sink for me.” He says. You do as your told and he starts to wipe at your scraps with a cool damp rag, then applies some disinfectant. It stings and makes you whine a bit. “I know I know. It stings I’m sorry but don’t want anything to get infected.” He says. You nod knowingly and let him continue. Once he has both scraps disinfected he rewraps them. “Should heal up rather quickly. They’re minor injuries but still want to be careful with em.” He says patting your thigh. “Let’s go meet the others and help out for dinner.” You nod and follow him into the kitchen. Dinner got put together and ate up rather quickly. Afterwards the group decided since it was a fairly nice evening why not put the hot tub to use. All you girls took it over first as the boys were busy sharing old war stories. You made yourself cozy in the big hot tub chatting with the girls and sipping cocktails you had made. You didn’t know them very well at the beginning of the trip but had gotten to know them fairly well now and really enjoyed their company. You were deep in sharing gossip when you didn’t even notice the boys had changed and came out to join you. “Any room for us ladies?” Santiago asked, as he swung his legs over the side to sit behind his girl. “It’ll be a tight fit but I think we can make do.” Benny’s girl said scooting over a bit for someone to join in. Most of the boys sat behind their ladies on the edge, only Will sitting down into the actual water with you girls. You wondered where Frankie had gotten to when you saw him finally come out from the house. You’d seen Frankie shirtless before but you’ll never get over the sight of him. Sure he might not be the most built out of the group of guys, having a bit softer dad bod look with scars from his army days that littered his body but, you loved it. “Okay I’m here. Couldn’t find my damn trunks.” He said as he swung his legs into the hot tub, sitting on the edge directly behind you. You feel a slight blush come up your neck. You’ve been close to Frankie before but never encased like this. His legs on either side of you. You quickly shake it off and focus back on the conversation the group is having. Taking a sip of your cocktail that was made for you you chime into the conversation that was being had currently. Bad dating stories. You start to share some of the bad ones you had not noticing Frankie rolling his eyes and nodding behind you. He had hated just about every guy you dated. Not just because they weren’t him but because they weren’t good enough for you he felt. Never treated you as you should be treated. You sipped on your drink again listening in now to Santiago share a story, you go to place your drink back when Frankie grabs it from you, taking a sip from it himself. “If we’re sharing dating stories I’m going to need to be a lot less sober for this.” He smirks. The conversation is all in good hearted fun, continuing on and you’re laughing at a story Will just told when you feel Frankie place his chin on your head and drape his arms over your shoulders and around your chest. You look up at him as best as you can, smiling slightly. You place your hands over his where they interlock across your chest, holding him there. Focusing back on the conversation you miss the looks the girls give you both at your current position. The night goes on for a bit longer until you all start to get sleepy and the alcohol already hitting it’s limit. You all fairly buzzed by now, some definitely drunk. You all call it a night and head off into your designated quarters. You’re back in your room and starting to head to the bathroom to change when Frankie’s voice grabs your attention. “You look… really good in that um... swimsuit.” He said. You turned around to face him, a blush creeping up your neck again. “Thank you Fish.” You smile and look him up and down. “You look really good too. I know you’ll deny it but you do” You advert your eyes down away from his gaze. He steps closer to you, grabbing your hips and pulling you closer. “You look good… all the time actually. I just never have the balls to tell you.” You hook your arms around his neck and smile. “Thank you. I hope you know I think the same of you. You’re very handsome Fish.” He smiles and leans in closer to you, tilting his head, his lips just barely an inch from yours. You move in to brush your lips against his, going to finalize the kiss. You’re just about to when you hear a knock on the door that startles you both. You both jump away, you running off to the bathroom. “Fish! You left your phone out here.” You hear Santiago say through the door. You hear Fish open the door and take his phone back. You’re leaning against the bathroom door, breathing heavy. Did you and Frankie almost kiss?! Your head races a million miles a minute while you change and get ready for bed. When you finally emerge from the bathroom to say something to Frankie about what had just happened before Santiago interrupted you see he is already passed out on the bed. You sigh and crawl into bed, pulling the covers over you both. You’ll question him on it in the morning.

#Frankie morales x reader #frankie morales x you #frankie catfish morales x reader #frankie catfish morales x you #catfish x you #catfish x reader #frankie morales #frankie catfish morales #triple frontier #pedro pascal

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algae-soup · 3 years

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Chapter 1

He paused the meditation playlist and turned his eyes to the night. A moment later he heard again through the darkness, Wap pop pop pop pop pop. Wap pop pop pop pop pop. The woods were full of snaps and rustles but this mysterious voice cracked loudly through the near silence. It hooted once more after no reply until a far off rival, who now called back from the distance, hooted wap pop pop pop pop pop!

Gumbo sat up and leaned back into the live oak. “Gotta get to the marina tomorrow if I wanna catch the ferry” he said, hitting play on LoFi birdsong to relax/study to.

“Oh yeah” said the owl, close by but still invisible. “Time to pull the trigger huh?”

“Yeah, gotta see my guy first though. Stock up again” he said, sliding his hand over his pouch even though he just checked the stash ten minutes ago.

“Aw well. Come visit whenever, you can crash in my tree”

“Hell yeah thanks. It’s perfect here, I just want to go home for a bit you know”

“You should consider migrating. I know it’s not your thing but some seasonality might be nice. Not my thing neither but sometimes you need a lil structure. Wap pop pop pop pop pop pop. Should I go beat this stupid freak?”

“I won’t be there forever. Another day or two in the city and I’ll take off. But yeah I’ll be back down someday” Forest covered mountains burst out of the sea in his mind. Pink and orange cliffs glowing in the morning sunlight as the icy prisms clinging to his fur glisten and melt. “Get his ass. I’ll hit you up later”

Wap pop pop pop pop pop pop! The branch creaked and the bird was gone. Gumbo turned off the music and fell asleep looking up at the moon through the sweeping branches.

The nice thing about trees is they’re perfect. Perfection is everywhere in the rhythm and disorder of the coast and the delta. Thousands of islands scoured away by the tide and pulled upward again out of the sea for hundreds of years, the region was locked in continuous transition. It was a place of endless adventure and mystery, and it was cool ending up here for a while. It’ll be nice heading home too. Morning came and Gumbo sat up. You could just see the shore through the brush and where the cotton candy sky met the ocean in between the innumerable islands. After watching the sun rise through the trees, he ate some berries and moss for breakfast before gathering some more and stowing them in his pouch. It was humid and sticky already and he set off toward the beach, brushing the detritus out of his ass fur.

As he turned away from the open ocean more islands appeared. He walked along the beach towards the end, and continued walking into the water until he was nearly submerged. At seven feet tall, he was able to slowly walk his way across several channels paddling with his hands to propel himself. Larger channels were too deep so he swam, long strokes and sometimes on his back. After a while he got the the island where he last stowed the raft. He pulled it from the brush into the water and continued up the creek. The tide rolled him along as he paddled, doing most of the work and often moving him in the correct direction. Schools of fish passed by and flocks of shorebirds bobbed in the wake in the shady coves waiting to poke around for grubs when the tide went out. He smiled and waved at everyone, stopping to wrestle with an alligator pal and he had kelp salad for lunch with an ancient snapping turtle, after giving her a nice shell rub with a handmade oil of his. He veered the raft between mangroves and watched the fish do the same, but more nimbly. It was a perfect morning in the bayou.

He made it to the marina in the afternoon. “Hey Bucky. What do ya know?”

“Leaving in five minutes, I’ll get you a seat. Bark! Bark!” Bucky ran toward the docks.

Gumbo crossed his eyes and mumbled to himself, heartworms, flea bites, fur matted down; give me the mangy tail of a hound. Gumbo crouched down and leaned forward onto his hands. He exhaled deeply and slowly, channeling his focus inward. He felt his haunches shrinking down and his muscles condense into tightly wound springs. His next inhale was through a snout. The cattle dog sat on his hind legs where a bigfoot had just stood and sniffed the sweet salty air. He trotted around on four legs to adjust to his smaller stature and began panting in the heat. Gumbo pissed on a tree and ran off after Bucky.

Gumbo the dog stepped off the ferry into New Orleans. The sun was setting and the evening air hung heavy with moisture and was full of colorful noises from inside the marina and around the docks. There was movement everywhere; fishermen mending nets and preparing for the morning, dockhands swinging around crates, smoking and talking and laughter in every direction. The ocean breeze mingled with the smells of hot fish and exhaust. Gumbo stretched and walked along the river edge and turned down an alley. A midden of clamshells stood at the back door of one shack where plumes of smoke billowed out of the open door. Music was blasting over the clattering and yelling from inside the kitchen as Gumbo approached, and he barked into the thick hot cloud of fumes.

“Whos that! Whatchoo want?” A wrinkly bearded face appeared through the grease fog. “Oh mon amie, como ca va?? Lemme fix you something!” He disappeared into the smoke and rematerialized with a steaming bowl and stepped out into the alley.

He set the bowl at Gumbo’s feet, “Beans n rice, no flavor, just for you” he winked at Gumbo.

“Thanks Francois” Gumbo said before chowing down, “busy night?”

Francois dabbed his forehead with the inside of his apron, “not too bad for a Saturday. Not like you’d know about Saturdays you bum” he laughed.

“Dat’s right baby, every day is Saturday” Gumbo said with jowls full of beans. “jambalaya slaps, thanks”

“Merci beaucoup! It’s even better with the fixings,” Francois said “scallops, shrimp, boudain… you’re missing out. Get me anything special down der?”

Gumbo licked his chops clean and stuck his snout into his pouch, pulling out a mouthful of pearls. Ivory, sapphire, bronze, and one glossy black. Francois crouched down and Gumbo dropped them gently into his open palm.

“Oh mon amie, these are beautiful. Bon chien!” He stood up and flicked his wrist and the pearls were gone. “I’ll save these for something special. You wanna come grab a drink? Powdered pearl milkshake, for vitality! Got a big night ahead of you?”

“No thanks, I’m on my way to see Bordo and then I’m heading up north in a couple days” Gumbo said.

“Way up north to Baton Rouge yeah?”

“Bit farther” Gumbo said, “shooting to get to Acadia by the end of the summer”

“Mmmmm” Francois’ pursed lips turned to a warm smile, “long long ways, bet you’re walking too huh. Well if I don’t see you before you go, I better give you this now” he reached into his pocket and retrieved an antique oyster knife. Steel blade with a walnut handle inlaid with an intricate geometric design, and covered in a thick coat of slime. “Shucked a lot of oysters with this Gumbo, it’ll treat you well. Just point and shoot” he said with another wink.

“Wow this fuckin rocks, thanks man” Gumbo took the knife in his mouth and stashed it into his pouch.

“Keep in touch chouchou! I gotta get back to it. Lotta fish to fry”

“For sure. Bon soir”

Francois returned to the kitchen and Gumbo continued up the alley. It was two miles walking up the greenway and a few city blocks to Temple Cemetery. The city lights dimmed as he entered under the tree canopy, and his eyes glowed yellow, adjusting to the dark. He trotted off down the earthen path.

#dnd #bigfoot #adventure #gumbo #louisiana #acadia

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itsclydebitches · 4 years

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Title: Mightier Than the Sword (Chapter Four)

Fandom: Witcher

Summary: A month after the events of “Rare Species,” Geralt slinks his way into an inn and is faced with the question of how an emotionless man apologies. (TV!canon with some details drawn from the books and Wild Hunt.)

Pairing: Slow burn Geralt and Jaskier

Word Count (This Chapter): 2,486

Where to read it: Below or on AO3

“See?” Jaskier said. “This is why I must... revise our adventures, so to speak. No one would ever believe me if I told them the truth.”

He was gesturing to the two men kneeling in a patch of wet leaves, both heads bent to expose their necks, a common act of submission in these parts of Temeria. The elder of the two snuck out a hand to wrap around the wrist of his companion.

“Please don’t hurt us, Master Witcher,” he said, no longer boasting the confident tone of a man who thought himself king of the wood. “Me and my son were just lookin’ for some supper. That’s it. I swear it to you. We didn’t mean to interrupt you an’ your... ah...”

Jaskier leaned close, his shirt just a hair’s breadth from Geralt’s armor. “Ohhh yes, please finish that sentence. What do you think I am? I’m not his ‘friend’ as I fear we’ve already butted heads like rams over that one. Not his ‘bard’ either as I’m far more than just some tawdry performer. Your ‘companion,’ perhaps? Eh, makes me sound like some sort of escort.”

With a sigh Geralt sheathed his sword, watching the men visibly relax. Rather funny that they thought this made him less dangerous. “He’s my curse.”

“Oh! Curse? Thanks. Thanks ever so much for that. I’ll just toss ‘He’s my curse’ next to ‘Filling-less pie.’ In fact, I should start a list. The many insults of Geralt of Rivia. Provide enough of them and I might just get a song out of it. Go on then. Anything else to add? My quill awaits.”

Geralt didn’t consider himself particularly skilled at reading people. Not unless he sought the signs of murder and betrayal. Yet in that moment he would have bet Roach that Jaskier was... teasing him. Just something about the hands on his hips and the hint of a smile. He knew now that Jaskier went quiet when he was hurt, as Geralt had witnessed just moments before. This performance didn’t compare to the tiny ‘How?’ he’d spoken, head dipped down towards his knees.

So Geralt attempted... something. Another apology maybe.

“I’m done for now,” he said, trying for the tone that he sometimes heard long-suffering wives using to discuss their husbands. Some of it must have gotten through because Jaskier rolled his eyes heavenward, ‘for now’ muttered on the tip of his tongue.

Meanwhile, the man had gathered courage enough to lift his head. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “You... won’t be attackin’ me an’ my boy?”

No, of course they wouldn’t. Over the remains of yesterday’s breakfast Jaskier, never one to give up an opportunity for storytelling, explained that they’d initially feared them. His dear witcher only drew his sword as a precaution, not a warning, and there had never been a reason to kneel like that, so sorry about your trousers. Funny though it was. Now then, what brings you two this far out for a bit of dinner?

“Game’s scarce nowadays,” Yoven said, tearing into the meat of a small bird. He’d likewise introduced his son, Lin, a quiet boy more interested in his boots than the conversation. He ate his own fill when it was handed to him though and kept one shoulder pressed to his father’s at all times. “Need to keep headin’ deeper. Every fortnight it seems. Don’t know what we’re gonna do when the snows hit.”

Geralt felt the same. He’d wanted something substantial for the two of them, especially with winter on the horizon, but he’d had to settle for those warblers and the occasional grub. Jaskier had expressed his displeasure—quite vocally—at Geralt eating whatever he came across in the soil, but what was taste to a witcher? It was an easy source of protein they couldn’t afford to pass up, not now that the nights were growing longer and the air crisper with each passing breath. Soon all but the monsters would be in hibernation and Geralt didn’t think Jaskier could stomach a Nekker heart if he wasn’t willing to eat a measly worm.

It was a problem he hadn’t thought about when Jaskier had first joined him, not when the weather was kind and the chance of him staying past the next town nothing but a well-hidden fantasy. Now, with Fall nearing its end and this unspoken agreement between them, questions of a practical nature had begun to surface. How would he feed them? Would Jaskier survive the cold? Geralt tried to remember everything he’d learned about human physiology and how it compared to a witcher’s. How long could Jaskier go without fresh water? Surely not the two weeks Geralt could manage. Some night when food was once again scarce and he was weary from battle, would he remember that risom berries were fatal to everyone else, or would Geralt mistakenly offer him a handful of poison? How long could a human travel before exhaustion took hold? If he were injured what salves were safe to use? Would Jaskier even tell him these things, or would he insist it was all fine up until he collapsed? It hadn’t been terribly long since that day at the swamp, but with each passing moment Geralt grew more and more consumed by the same realization: humans were not meant to walk the Path.

Yet here Jaskier sat, creating a mirror to Lin and Yoven. The only difference was the absence of touch and Geralt suddenly had the strong urge to press their shoulders together, completing the picture.

If he were humble, Geralt would lead them to the next prosperous settlement and ask Jaskier to sing. Drum up some of the coin he could clearly earn and share it with him, securing their survival.

If he was smart he’d lead them both to Kaer Morhen for the winter, where food and protection were plenty and he needn’t fear a sudden shift in their host’s hospitality. However, the thought of bringing Jaskier to a witcher’s fortress...

If he were both, Geralt would simply leave the bard behind.

All these thoughts passed through him in a moment, following the tail of Jaskier’s expression as he watched Yoven devour cold, congealing meat. A mere second to assess the situation as he would a battle. Then the conversation continued.

Yoven explained that they were from another small town just three miles from here, one of Temeria’s many. Indistinguishable unless you considered that they specialized in building and exporting wagons as opposed to fish, herbs, nets, weapons, boots--whatever else one might need to continue with a war. Or life. It amounted to much the same. Does your town have a name? Jaskier asked. Not unless you count the profanity with which most referred to it. Are you and your witcher heading somewhere in particular? Not really. Wherever we’re needed, and Jaskier ended his comment with a little laugh. As if the concept of anyone needing him was a joke in and of itself.

Geralt, meanwhile, was watching the boy.

“You’ve something to say,” he announced, startling all three. Indeed, it was an easy enough conclusion, even without Lin’s guilty look. Geralt may not have had Jaskier’s talent for small talk, but he could always tell when someone held something back. His livelihood depended on it.

“Well? You can speak freely. We don’t bite,” and Geralt bared his teeth, ignoring the glare Jaskier shot at him.

“We really don’t,” he insisted.

It was Yoven who opened his mouth though. He must have been at least fifty years old, judging by the white in his beard. A substantial age for a human and, like the confident tone they’d first heard at his approach, Yoven was clearly used to commanding respect among his peers. He was halfway through insisting that no, his boy just had that air about him, when Lin finally looked up from his boots with,

“They can help.”

Three words in a mouse’s voice, but ones Geralt knew well. He leaned forward. Help meant trouble. Trouble meant coin. And coin meant he could give Jaskier something other than the soft bones of a bird to eat.

Yoven scowled. “There’s nothin’ to help with.”

“There is! Talden said—”

“Talden? ‘Don’t know how that mug got broke’ Talden? ‘I swear them chickens just ran off’ Talden? That Talden? You’d believe your own arse grew outta your nose if Talden told you so.”

“Lovely image,” Jaskier murmured.

Hmm. Perhaps a fool’s errand then. Or a case of a child crying werewolf. It wouldn’t be the first time some mischievous youngster had been scoffed at when they reported a sighting, only for folk to find them torn to pieces the next morn’, their lying punished too harshly. Only sure way to know was to get details, so Geralt eased himself off the log and knelt before Lin. No more attempts to frighten. Rather, he pulled in his shoulders to appear smaller than he was, kept his hands where Lin could see them, and allowed white hair to partially curtain his face, hiding a bit of the sallow skin and inhuman eyes. It wasn’t much, but Geralt had learned over the decades that even the smallest bit might help. Lives had been lost and saved on far less.

It was one of the reasons why he didn’t believe in destiny. Or, if she were real, why she must also be cruel. Only someone with ice in their heart would wager so much on whether another thought him decent to look upon.

Or simply thought of him at all.

“Talden,” Geralt said, trying to smooth out the rough edge in his voice. He didn’t succeed. “This a friend of yours?”

Lin nodded.

“He saw something? Something that scared him?”

“Heard it,” Lin said, snaking out a hand to grab hold of his father’s shirt. The older man allowed it with a sigh, gesturing for him to go on. It was only then that Geralt realized the child was far younger than he’d first assumed. Almost too young to be out in these woods. Especially if something stalked them.

Lin took a swallow of the water Jaskier offered before going on. “He heard somethin', Master Witcher. Just a few nights back. See, Laren’s our neighbor. Talden’s neighbor too. We all live close, so we all heard when she came screamin’ in the morn about her sister. She was gone. Vanished during the night. Old Roger said she’d run off with a boy from the town over, but Laren says there was no boy. No runnin’ off then either. And Talden told me he heard things a few hours before dawn. Monster things,” and he went back to chugging the water, whispering that last bit.

Geralt tilted his head. “Did Talden say what kind of ‘monster things’? What sounds precisely?”

“No, Master Witcher sir. I didn’t wanna know. Plugged my ears and kicked his shin for scarin’ me.”

Jaskier snorted. "A well landed blow.”

“It’s as I said.” Yoven picked up the thread. “I didn’ want my boy botherin’ you with this because there’s no ‘this’ to be bothered with. Laren and Sage moved here not a year ago. Real secretive girls. Kept to themselves and expected the rest of us to do the same. Old Roger—one of the elders, y’see. I’m set to take his place in a few years—tried to welcome them, but found both to be a prickly pair. Always goin’ off on their own. Not sayin’ where they went or when they’d return. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sage did have a little tryst going, sneakin’ away if her sis didn’t approve. They’re both young enough for such foolishness. But then comes Talden makin’ wild claims about hearin’ monsters during the night, only after the lass was revealed to be missing, mind. He was after attention, Master Witcher. Nothin’ more.”

But Lin shook his head. “Talden wouldn’t lie.” He withered under his father’s look. “He wouldn’t lie about that. He knows how monsters scare me. I, um... apologized after. For kickin’ him.”

Geralt stood. “And Talden didn’t change his story after your apology?”

“Nuh uh.”

“Anyone look for the woman? Tracks? Speak to the folk in the town over? Surely they’d notice if one of their young men had gone missing around the same time.”

Yoven sucked the last of the marrow from his bird and shrugged. “We’re carpenters, not trackers. If we were I might have better luck findin’ meat for us both. As for the town,” Yoven stuck out a finger and proceeded to swing it in an arc. “Which one? We’ve got any number of small towns in these parts, some more earning of the name than others. But it would take days to travel and talk to ‘em all. No one does that for a woman not wantin’ to be found.”

Geralt cursed.

All of little help then. Which was he to believe, the logic of flighty women and trickster boys, or the witcher's experience that told him sometimes folk really did disappear from their beds? For any other witcher the answer was easy. One look at Yoven's clothes and Lin’s greedy bites told the story of poverty. Even if Geralt returned victorious with a beast’s head in his hands, the chances of receiving any substantial reward were slim. Perhaps enough for one meal, maybe two, but was that worth the trouble it would take to receive them?

Of course, there were benefits to being an abnormal witcher. He needn’t decide things on his own, for one.

“Well?” Geralt said. Jaskier blinked stupidly up at him.

“Huh?”

“Should we look into it?”

“...You’re asking me?”

Yes. He was. Geralt felt the burn on his hand and the bruises in his chest. Day-old words flit across his mind like birds. “I just want your opinion.”

The smile was instantaneous. Blinding too. Jaskier went so far as to slap his knee, bursting into joyous laughter when Geralt rolled his eyes. He had his fun for a moment, then grew somber. A single nod and Geralt was already moving to collect his things.

“Yes. We should at least look into it. I’d never forgive myself if we left some poor maiden in peril. Plus, think of what a story it will make! A tale of intrigue and mystery, clandestine meetings and sibling love. That’s grown quite popular, you know.”

“Then pack up your things, Bard. It will be night soon.”

“Poet, Geralt. Poet.” But Jaskier dutifully bent to collect his papers, pressing each carefully between the pages of his notebook or rolling them up with string. Geralt made sure that none had escaped his notice, then took up Roach’s reins. She stamped a few times, impatient to be off.

Yoven was staring, mouth agape so that the rot on his back teeth showed. “You’re coming?”

“We’re coming,” Geralt confirmed and started off, now three sets of footsteps following behind him.

He only listened for the one.

#witcher #the witcher #twn #gerlion #geralt #jaskier #geralt x jaskier #witcherfic

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fantasyandromancelover · 5 years

Text

The Tale of Tales Chapter 20

"I'm starving!" Natsu complained.

"Then eat something." Lucy suggested.

"I did but there's no more food."

"You ate a loaf of bread, a wheel of cheese, and two apples in just one hour and you're still hungry? Goodness who would have thought that the prince of Alvarez would be such a hopeless glutton."

"Hey a man's gotta eat."

"But there is such a thing as too much food. Anyway I'm afraid if you want to eat something you'll have to eat roots and berries because that's all there is to eat in a forest."

"Not true I know of a pub somewhere. We can stop and eat there."

"A pub? Aren't those things filled with drunks and bandits?"

"Not all just a few. Don't worry I'll protect you if someone starts to look at you funny."

"No way! I'm not going in a pub! I'm not risking my neck!"

"Believe me Lucy there are a lot more dangerous things in this forest other than drunks and bandits."

"Like what?"

"Well take trolls for example. Have you ever seen one?"

"No not really. I don't even know what they actually look like."

"Well let me put it to you this way. They're fat, smelly, stupid, and probably the ugliest things you have ever seen."

"Uh Natsu."

"They got fat heads, thick skulls, they pretty much look like a shaved ape."

"Na-Na-Natsu." Lucy stammered while pointing.

"I mean you can't even imagine how ugly those guys look and...And one of them is standing right behind me isn't it?"

Lucy nodded and Natsu turned around to see several trolls licking their chops while gazing at them with eyes of hunger.

"Uh...Hello gentlemen. I...I...I apologise for the rude words I just spoke. I...I didn't mean it honest."

"Looks like it's dinner time boys." The head troll said. "How'd you liked to be eaten? Baked? Boiled?"

"How-How about free range? Ha, ha." Lucy giggled nervously.

"Listen you don't wanna eat us. We're just skin and bones." Natsu said.

"The one with the pink hair is real plump, I say we eat the scrawny blonde as an appetizer and make the fat one the main course."

"Scrawny?!" Lucy said offended.

"Fat?!" Natsu shouted insulted. "Hey listen buddy I'll have you know that I'm not fat! I have muscle not flab!"

"Tie em up!"

Natsu and Lucy tried to fight back but the trolls had them out numbered so they managed to over power them and tie them both up to a nearby tree. Soon they started heating up a giant stew pot.

"I'm too young to be eaten. There are still things I want to do! Places I still want to see!" Natsu said.

"Alright let's not panic." Lucy said. "I'm sure that if we use our heads we can get out of this in one piece. Now our first step is to find a way to get out of these ropes."

"I've got a knife somewhere in my pocket but I can't reach it."

"Maybe I can."

Lucy started to wiggle her hand around while desperately trying to reach Natsu's pocket. Her fingers had managed to grip his knife and pull it out.

"Okay I've got it."

"Now which one should we eat first?" One of the trolls asked.

"Let's start with the blonde. We are under orders to eat her as soon as possible."

"Wait you can't eat her yet!" Natsu protested.

"And why not?"

"Because... Because... Because you haven't removed the poison sack from her body."

"What?" They said.

"What?" Lucy said.

"Just play along." Natsu said. "Uh yeah! You know how some puffer fish carry a poison sack in them? Well some maidens carry poison sacks in them too and if you eat her before you get it out you'll die."

"Oh come on Natsu no one is stupid enough to believe that." Lucy whispered to him.

"Trust me Lucy trolls are dumbest creatures on the planet."

The trolls looked at Lucy skeptically and then started talking with each other.

"Okay we've come to the conclusion that we can't eat her now. But when we get back with a carving knife we'll be able to cut out this poison sack you speak of and then we can eat her."

With that said the trolls ran off to look for a carving knife giving Lucy enough time to cut the ropes.

"Free at last." Lucy said.

"Let's get out of here before they come back." Natsu said.

They had lost their horses after the trolls jumped them so they had to travel by foot the rest of the way. Before long they came upon a pub.

"Here we are." Natsu said. "Let's go inside and grab a bite."

"Uh-uh! I'm not going in there!" Lucy declared.

"Suit yourself. You can just stay out here and watch out for wolves or more trolls."

"You mean you want me to stay out here alone?"

"Yeah."

"Umm...Natsu we won't stay long right?"

"Just long enough for me to have some grub and then we'll leave. I promise."

"Okay."

Inside the pub was loaded with plenty of men drinking, cursing, eating, and causing trouble left and right. Lucy clung to Natsu's arm nervously as they walked toward an empty table and she tightened her grip when a lot of the customers began staring at her.

"Natsu they're all looking at me." She whispered.

"Just ignore them. They probably can't remember the last time they saw a young woman that's all."

"That's not really reassuring."

They sat down at an empty table.

"You wait here while I get us some drinks."

Lucy didn't want to be left alone in this place but Natsu was already gone before she could stop him. She closed her eyes immediately tried to think of things that made her happy to calm herself down because right now she was scared out of her wits. Then suddenly the air was filled with music. Cetlic music. Opening her eyes she saw a group of musicians performing to entertain the customers and unknowingly calming her nerves. You see for as long as she could remember Lucy had always possessed a love of music and dance and she was a very gifted dancer.

She closed her eyes again and let the music fill her thoughts and emotions. It took over her body and while acting on instinct alone, she started dancing in the middle of the pub. At first everyone who saw her we're confused by her actions but she danced in such a passionate and elegant way that their confusion was forgotten and they found themselves unable to stop watching and enjoying her performance.

Lucy was in her own private little world at the moment and was completely oblivious to her audience. She jumped and danced on top of tables, twirling, leaping, and soaring through the air as if she could fly. Natsu had just gotten them some drinks when he finally noticed her. He was amazed. He had no idea that Lucy was such a talented dancer. Every movement she made seemed to express some sort of emotion perfectly and she never messed up on any of her moves. She was like a fairy, a fairy he could always dance to perfection no matter what. Natsu had only seen one other person dance like that.

It wasn't until she heard the sound of applause that Lucy opened her eyes and realized what had just happened. Everyone was clapping, cheering, and whistling in awe of her dancing. Feeling embarrassed, Lucy blushed and stepped down from the table she had been dancing on and went to meet Natsu.

"I...I...I left the table. Sorry." She said.

"That's okay and may I just say wow! That was amazing!"

"What was?"

"You! The way you danced up there! Where did you learn that?"

"Oh um well my mother was a really good dancer and I guess that I just inherited it from her."

"Well I gotta tell you that was the best dancing that I have ever seen in my life."

"Really?"

"Yeah. There's only one other person I saw dance like that."

"Who?"

"The girl I met at the ball."

"Oh..." Lucy started to get nervous again. "Did she really dance like that?"

"Yes albeit it was a different style because it was to a different kind of music but the way she moved and the way you move are very similar."

"Oh how nice but I'm sure she was ten times better than me. Heh, heh, oh hey look our food is almost ready. I'm going to go wash up before I eat."

She then hurried off somewhere to was her hands leaving Natsu feeling very suspicious.

"No...No it couldn't be." He thought.

Lucy couldn't possibly be the girl he had danced with at the ball the other night. Could she? She danced an awful lot like the girl from the ball but if Lucy was the one he was seeking wouldn't she have told him that she was the one? After all she knew how important it was to him to find her so why would she keep it a secret if she was the one? He came to the conclusion that though they danced the sane way, Lucy was not the girl he had met at the ball.

#fairy tail #fairy tail au #fairy tales #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #natsu x lucy #fairy tail nalu #nalu #brothers grimm #cinderella #fanfic #fanfiction

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commandernochill · 6 years

Text

Oric’s Culinary Chronicles

Entry 1: My First Mission

Unlocked Recipe: Croaker in Brown Sauce Location: The first journal entry can be found on a small table at the Saxham Outpost farm south of Coernix Station - Cauthess, on the southern end of the farm by the large grain silo.

Some first assignment. I've looked up, down, and all around, but I'm loster than lost. (Nothing I ain't used to.) Walking down a road to nowhere while it's coming down cats and dogs. Stomach started growling something fierce, so I fed it a frog. That shut it up good-- and the croaker didn't taste too bad going down, either. Fine dining aside, the hunter life ain't all it's cracked up to be.

Entry 2: An Egg Can Dream

Unlocked Recipe: Fried Rookie on Rice Location: This entry is found on a small checkered table in Lestallum, in front of the building across the street from the Cup Noodles truck, at the entrance to the city itself.

Made it back to HQ hat in hand. Got a pat on the back, and boss bought dinner to celebrate my success. Said the fried egg represented me-- "a hatchling hunter," he said. Here I was, feeling down and out, thinking I didn't bag my bounty, when it turns out I ate the critter. Maybe I'm cut out for this hunting gig after all. Hell, I could be the next big thing to come out of Keycatrich since the Wise King! (Or at least his tomb, that is.)

Entry 3: New Friends

Unlocked Recipe: Meat-and-Beet Bouillon Location: Look for the journal located at the Prairie Outpost in upper Leide, found on a box behind the Weapons Truck.

Just as I think I'm getting the hang of hunting, they send me up here to some mountain in Cleigne to find some lost fella from Lestallum, and I get half-lost myself. No ordinary mountain, neither -- this here's a fire-spewing volcano! Climbed up and crawled through every inch of this rocky hell to finally find what I came for: a little fella curled up next to a big pool of liquid-hot magma. Said he'd been up here for two whole days. Doesn't look like he'll be making it down the mountain under his own power...

Entry 4: Partners

Unlocked Recipe: Fishsticks on Sticks Location: This journal entry is located in Galdin Quay, in Southern Leide, found on a small bench not far from the Weapons truck on the North side of the parking lot.

The fella I helped down the mountain and I are on our way back to Lestallum -- least I think that's where we're headed. Should only be a little further, but I feel like we're just going around in circles. Fella said we oughta take the road less travelled and follow the river, that the fish'll keep our stomachs filled. Sharp as a tack, this one. Said he wants to be a journalist, but I reckon I oughta make him my partner.

Entry 5: Homeward Bound

Unlocked Recipe: Tomalley-Filled Dumplings Location: Found in Old Lestallum, on the edge of a bench opposite the Crow's Nest, on the West side of town.

Been ten days since this fella and I set out for Lestallum, and we still ain't made it back. Cooked up that river crawler he and I cracked open. We won't be starving any time soon, but we won't be stuffing ourselves, neither. Fella looks gaunt as a sabertusk; just lucky he don't eat like one. Still, it's slim pickings out here, so I'm looking forward to feasting at the food stalls once we get back.

Entry 6: Moving Out

Unlocked Recipe: Paella de Pollo Location: This journal entry is found up at the top of Cleigne at the Vesperpool, located on a broken stone at the entrance to the Steyliff Grove dungeon, just south of where you meet Ardyn in Chapter 7: Party of Three.

Got back to base camp, and first thing they tell me is I'm being reassigned to patrolling some outpost in Duscae. Probably better I stay in one place -- can't get lost that way. And who knows? If I make good use of the land, I might go down in the books as a pioneer in my own right. My partner cooked me up some local Cleigne grub as a send-off. Now that's a meal I won't soon forget.

Entry 7: Fishing and Forgaing

Unlocked Recipe: Salmon-in-a-Suit Location: This journal is located at the Telghey Haven camp (on the southern portion of the camp platform that is at the bottom of the Malmalam Thicket dungeon, and near the Malmalam Parking Lot.

Another fella left the outpost today. Can't blame him, what with all the daemons roaming around. Feels pretty lonely, though. I've been fishing down by the reservoir when I get the chance, but there's nothing to catch but carp. Makes a man miss the taste of that Wennath Salmon. HQ said I could leave my post whenever I'd like, but ain't much point in leaving now. Far as I'm concerned, this is home-- for better or worse.

Entry 8: The Hero of Saxham

Unlocked Recipe: Longwythe's Peak Location: After beating the game, return to Longwythe Peak and head to the Three Valleys Parking Lot and travel west to find an abandoned shack (where you first encountered Dave) that now holds the journal.

Sounds like my ex-partner's doing pretty well for himself. Don't even need to subscribe to his magazine since he keeps sending me copies. Ain't so bad, though. The missus loves his recipes, and the little sprat keeps begging me to read him one of those fairy tales at bed time. Can't say why, but all those stories remind me of Leide. Oughta take the family back home and show them old Longwythe. It'll have to wait 'til tomorrow, though; still got a few bussemands to bust up before dawn.

#final fantasy xv #oric's culinary chronicles #that's it! i've come up with a new recipeh #everything related to saxham outpost makes me sad #wait until i post the bussemands...#'there's nothing to catch but carp'#yeah no shit #and the bastards don't bite #pickiest goddamned fish in all of lucis #we hates them precious #we hates them so #the bane of 100% completion

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funniesandboxes · 7 years

Note

Nick/Judy. Judy is pregnant with Nick's kit, and she is experiencing predatory cravings in public and gets unnerved by it, Nick tries to console her in the only way he knows how, hustling her.

Alright…

—-

Rabbit do not normally eat meat. They can. In the same way a car can make every restaurant a drive through. But just because it can, doesn’t mean it should.

Eating meat can cause stomach issues among some other heath related things for a rabbit. Because well they don’t eat it.

Except Judy is craving it.

Like craving it.

In the middle of the afternoon. In the middle of a shopping mall.

It’s not something rabbit did. Then again most rabbits didn’t have a hybrid child growing inside them that needed certain proteins to develop.

And Judy knew she should really care about craving a Big Bug Burger, or sushi, or a fish stew. Or even eating it in public. She was at that point in her pregnancy where she didn’t really care what she looked like. Because her ankles hurt, and the kit just loves kicking her insides around for sport. Not to mention the hormones.

But the last time she ate something like that in public, everyone stared. Like full on started like there was something seriously wrong with her for getting withing an inch of proteins.

Really made her not want to ignore the craving.

But then the baby…

“Judy relax,” Nick said calmly beside her. “The doctor said not to get too stressed out, and your thumping like crazy.”

“Sorry,” Judy said with a weak grin. “I’m just hungry, Nick.”

“So eat,” The fox said easily. Judy turned to look at him and frowned. “Ah,” The fox sounded, instantly understanding. “I’ll grab us a snack than.”

“Nick, it’s fine…” Judy started, but the fox walked out of range.

Judy sighed as the fox disappeared into the crowd of mammals at the food court. She grumbled to herself as she moved to sit down at a near by table. She easily propped her feet up on of the the chairs and started up at the ceiling.

Nick is too good sometimes. He’s more than willing to go out and order or cook whatever Judy wants, at whatever times she wants it. And as a fox, and a natural omnivore, no mammal bats an eye at him ordering anything. But it still doesn’t help the fact that Judy has to eat whatever he orders for in public. Where ever mammal will make a point to stare…and no doubt whisper.

It took a few moments for Nick to return, with two containers for something in his paws. He set them down on the table, sliding one on the table towards her.

“One Tofu noddle bowl for the lovely lady.” Nick stated.

Judy frowned slightly at the bowl. The word tofu scribbled on the top. While the one Nick still had had Grubs written on it. It wasn’t what she wanted, but it would probably curve the craving enough for to wait till she got home and could hunger down with a bag of barbecue cricked legs.

“Thanks,” She said softly as she peeled off the top, stabbed her fork into the noodles.

She raised the food to her mouth and a pleasant crunch surprised her. Along with the taste of bugs she had been craving. Her eyes brightened instantly, as she glanced at her husband. The fox grinning at her knowingly as he munched on a forkful of tofu and noddles.

“Clever, clever fox.” Judy stated gleefully as she dove in for another bite.

“It’s called a hustle sweetheart.” He stated so easily.

Judy rolled her eyes as she hummed happily at him.

—-

AN: I don’t know. But this is totally something I could see Nick doing. Ordering foods that look similar for protiens and veggie eaters, then switching them for Judy.

#zootopia #wildehopps #nick wilde #judy hopps #ask fic #ask prompt #fanfiction #Judy is pregnant #I'm so happy there was only one pregnant!Judy fic this time #not proofed #bite me #yay

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samsuelu · 7 years

Text

I recently took a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas to the lovely Bermuda. I thought I would give a little review of my experience on the high seas. I’ve been on several cruises, one of which was on this very same ship, so I thought my perspective may be helpful to some. Or maybe it won’t be, but I’m going to do it anyway!

I went on the Grandeur of the Seas a loooong time ago. I was still in high school it was at least ten years ago. I remember the experience being amazing, so much so that I was depressed when it was time to disembark. Seriously, I was ready to chain myself to a railing or something so I wouldn’t have to leave. Unfortunately I did not have the same experience this time. Bermuda was amazing, I’ve been there before and it’s one of my favorite places on planet Earth. I have no complaints about the Bermuda experience and would gladly go there a thousand more times. Or a million. Or I could move there. The actual cruise ship experience itself proved to be a bit disappointing. This is crazy to me and not what I expected at all. I’ve never felt “disappointed” with any cruise, which is why I decided to write this. It wasn’t entirely negative, not at all. It just did not live up to the cruises I’ve taken in the past. When you take into consideration how much money you spend, they should all be incredible.

One of the things that bothered me the most was how most of the activities seemed to be a ploy to get you to spend more money. I’ve already spent a ton of money to get on here, I don’t want to pay for a bunch of stuff that should have been included. When you think of a cruise, you think all inclusive for the most part, right? Me too. And that has pretty much been my experience in the past. Now let’s clarify, I’m not talking about shore excursions and soda and things like that. This isn’t my first rodeo. I knew those would be extra. I’m talking about activities like jewelry making. You would think that could be included, right? You’d be wrong. Cost extra. Making your own sushi? Cost extra. It goes on and on. Though the group that went to the make your own sushi class did say it was tons of fun and the staff teaching it were fab.

The stuff that was free was often geared towards getting you to buy something, like spa treatments or fitness consultations. I just wanted to do something without being accosted for more money. Oh, and if you book a spa treatment you better be sure you actually want it. My sister found out the hard way that if you make an appointment and cancel less than 24 hours ahead of time then you still have to pay half of the cost. This was not communicated to her at any point when she booked. She also booked the appointment on the first day for that same night, so how she was supposed to cancel 24 hours ahead of time I don’t know. She went to the salon (connected to the spa) to get her hair done later in the trip for formal night and said she saw a small, out of the way sign posted about this policy. Seems a little fishy to me.

Four of us actually ended up getting our hair done at the salon for fancy night and let me tell you, it was really nice. The people working in the salon were super sweet and personable and we were all pleased with the finished product. My sister and I both have mega thick hair that can be hard to work with but they were total pros.

There were some fun, legitimately free things to do. The movies they played on the top deck were awesome. It was a cool atmosphere to kick back, have a fancy drink, and watch relatively new movies. They even played the second Guardians of the Galaxy! The rock wall was super cool but it was only open for about two hours a day, if at all. They had shows every night but I never made it to any of them, for one reason or another. Most of the time the reason was that the shows were at 7:00pm so if you wanted to go you would have to eat crazy early or crazy late because dinner in the dining room took quite a while (but was totally worth it). They had a really fun dance party with a DJ at the club on board. It may have been all the alcohol in my system but I thought the fella played a great mix of music and everyone seemed pretty hyped. My sister participated in a cute “Finish the Lyric” game put on by the Cruise Director which had the whole audience into it (see my upcoming vlog for this). We missed the Newlywed Game when they did it but it was recorded and played on the TVs in our rooms. Watching cruise guests play this classic made for fun viewing!

You could also turn to the pools for some free fun. The issue was that they were very often filled to the brim with kids and the adults only pool was rarely open. They did all this advertising for this adults only oasis, that was legitimately beautiful, but it was a real crap shoot to catch the pool open. Kids weren’t supposed to be allowed in the hot tubs anywhere on the ship either, but the lifeguards didn’t enforce this. My aunt had to ask lifeguards twice to say something because the hot tubs were full of kiddos. On one of these occasions, the lifeguard’s first response was to ask what she wanted him to do about it. Um…your job, perhaps?

The bar situation proved to be a challenge at times, as well. Listen, I like to drink sometimes and I feel like it’s not unreasonable to want a buzz from time to time on vacation. I think many people are of that mindset. But jeez, the bars frequently closed at like 10:00pm or 11:00pm. When you want to let loose on your vacay and are at the mercy of the bar staff on the ship, this presents a problem. Then there were the drink packages. My Aunt and Mom usually get some kind of wine package for the trip so they can save a bit. They planned to do the same on this trip until they found out that the wine package only provided like three options for wine. It also felt like the only advertised packages were the ones they wanted you to get. I found out about a package on like the second to last day of the trip, ten drinks for $80, that I would have totally purchased if I had known about it earlier on. Yet they were still advertising drinks out of pineapples when they were out of pineapples at all the bars. That’s right folks, all the bars. It’s okay though, the dining room staff saved the day by giving us a pineapple to physically walk to a bar to get that drink.

The night we docked overnight in Bermuda, my group boarded the ship after spending some time on the island and we were looking for something to do. It wasn’t that late but the bars on the ship were closed, of course. There were staff cleaning in a lot of places, which I totally get needs to happen, but some of them acted as if we were in the way as we tried to navigate around the ship. That’s a bit problematic when we effectively live on the boat, are on vacation, and it’s like 11:00pm.

Let’s talk about something positive. That food! So amazing! The dining room service was on point. I definitely recommend doing the formal dining room and not the stuff on the top deck. I feel like this is where most of us were able to get our money’s worth. We ate like kings and queens every night. The menu included a wide selection of dishes from beef, to chicken, to fish, to vegetarian. The dining room staff worked so hard and tried to give us everything we wanted. Want two entrees? No problem. Three appetizers? They didn’t even bat an eyelash. Here I found that incredible customer service I had grown to expect from cruise vacations. Lunch in the dining room was fantastic as well. That salad bar they had, I dream about it. We also ordered room service for breakfast one morning and the person who brought us the food was so sweet that it added some positivity to an early morning.

There were a few things here and there that were a bit questionable. For instance, there was a crab dish one night that had some imitation crab meat in it. It didn’t bother me so much, I had two, but for the money we all spent I can see where that would be a problem. There was also no bar staff allowed in the dining room for some reason, so if we wanted a drink at dinner we had to bother our already busy wait staff with it. No fellas carrying around drinks of the day or shooters for us. I would have also loved to go a day without being hounded about making a reservation at a special restaurant that, of course, cost extra. I’ll stick with the mountains of free food, thanks.

I felt like the dress code wasn’t enforced enough in the dining room. Now I realize this makes me sound like a snob, but they have a classy vibe going on in there. I don’t particularly like to dress up myself but I do it because it’s what’s appropriate and it’s kind of nice for vacation. If most of us can follow the rules and look presentable, why can’t you? I get the first night when everyone’s luggage might not have been delivered on time or maybe you’re new to cruising and didn’t know. After that, I feel like it’s disrespectful to come into the dining room in your cutoff shorts and tank tops.

Our second day docked on the island, the dining room was closed for lunch. Everyone had to be back aboard about midday as we were pulling out. This meant we all went to the top deck to eat at the same time and it was miserable. We had to awkwardly hover and monitor tables so we could pounce when someone got up. The lines for the buffet style food were insane and slow moving. I just feel like this was something they should have anticipated and prepared for. I don’t understand why the dining room was closed when reason would say there would be a flood of people looking to get their grub on all at the same time.

Our room attendant was great, especially having to deal with how messy our room was. I have no complaints about the room situation. I knew it was going to be small and cramped. Like I said, I’ve done this before. I actually felt like there was a good amount of storage space for how small it was. The other folks in our group also told me they had good experiences with the room attendant and that he was very attentive.

We had a very helpful and informative shopping expert who did seminars and information sessions on the shopping on Bermuda. She had lots of good info on where to go and lots of deals for money off or free stuff when you got there. She was frequently in the stores on the island and was very present around the ship. The stores on board the ship also had a great selection of stuff. They did free alcohol tastings and there ain’t nothing wrong with some duty free shopping.

We all enjoyed our shore excursions, mostly because we were in Bermuda (duh). There was a good range of excursions to choose from by activity and by price. I always feel safer when I’m doing something that’s affiliated with the cruise line and I don’t have to worry about getting lost or being late to the ship. I felt especially good about this when we went to book our excursion the first day and they told us the one we had chosen had been removed as it no longer met their standards. Whether it was a safety thing or an issue with it not being worth the money being charged, I appreciated that the activities were scrutinized in this way.

A lot of the problems we had came from little things that kind of added up. I just feel like every time I’ve been on a cruise the level of customer service has been impeccable. On this trip I often felt like I was a bother or that things were just falling through the cracks. For instance, we paid $80 for birthday decorations and cake for my cousin in our room. Though I had chosen chocolate cake for her, they brought vanilla. I know that’s not a huge deal but dang, that setup was expensive so to get it wrong is a bit frustrating. There was also stuff like cups, plates, trash, etc. being left all over the ship without being picked up. Now keep in mind that there aren’t trash cans anywhere that guests can get to so we can’t throw stuff away ourselves. It seemed to just sit around and accumulate. One night a gentleman was cleaning the top deck by hosing it down, sending the cups and garbage flying all over the place. Super swank.

I certainly don’t want to give the impression that I had no fun at all. That’s simply not true. We all definitely enjoyed ourselves. I’ve just never been on a cruise before where I felt the customer service was so lacking in certain areas and that they were after my wallet so hard. I wonder if maybe the Grandeur is a training ship now or if Royal Caribbean is putting more money and effort into their newer, megaships. Maybe they were short staffed or something. My previous trip on the Grandeur went so differently that I have to wonder what changed. I personally feel that the experience shouldn’t suffer because I can’t afford to cruise on one of their floating cities.

At the end of the day, I believe a lot of the experience will be what you make it. My family, friends, and I had tons of fun despite these issues and it hasn’t changed my outlook on cruising. What is has done is taught me to do research and read recent reviews before booking.

Keep your eyes out for my cruise vlog and pics, they’re coming soon! Also, check out my previous blog post where I talk about 10 things you absolutely need to pack for a cruise vacation (“Essentials to Pack on a Cruise”).

Thanks for visiting! Don’t forget to subscribe!

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Getting ready to board

Docked in Bermuda!

That waterrr!

Cruise Review: Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas to Bermuda I recently took a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas to the lovely Bermuda. I thought I would give a little review of my experience on the high seas.

#bermuda #cruise #cruiseline #cruiselinereview #cruisereview #cruisetips #grandeuroftheseas #royalcaribbean #royalcaribbeancruiseline #royalcaribbeanreview #vacation

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themadamelibrarian · 5 years

Text

Backseat?

Written By: @themadamelibrarian & @helvonasche Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Donna Hanscum/Dean Winchester Characters: Dean Winchester, Donna Hanscum, Sam Winchester Additional Tags: Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Hair-pulling, Penis In Vagina Sex, Impala Sex, unprotected sex, light biting Summary: Donna has been promoted, lost some weight, is feeling pretty good about herself. There are some weird deaths and she knows what she has to do, but struggles. She finally calls Sam and tells him what’s going on, the boys decide to look into it. Donna has developed feelings for Dean, but doesn’t think he’d ever be interested. Dean picks up on this and after the hunt decides to show her a good time.

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Tagging: @copperseraphim; @thenanahunter; @lucibae-is-dancing-in-hell; @idabbleincrazy; @truxblooded;

LINK TO AO3

Donna waited impatiently by her office phone, tapping her nails by the receiver as she waited for the Winchesters to call. Waiting for the news that everything was taken care of with whatever had been killing campers in the woods up north. Looking up at the clock, she saw that it was nearly time for her to head out for the night. Sighing she turned off her computer and set her phone to re-route to Dispatch in case of emergencies. She had already changed out of her uniform into her new jeans and a blue button-up, leaving her hair in a ponytail.

As she closed her briefcase and slung it over her shoulder, her cell phone rang. Dropping her bag and fishing her phone out of her pocket, Donna put it to her ear and hoped that her voice sounded normal, “Sheriff Hanscum.”

“Hey, it’s Dean.”

“Oh! How’s it goin’ Dean? Were you able to take care of that thingie?”

“Yeah, wendigo, it wasn’t easy but Sammy and I took care of it.”

“That’s great! Well-”

“Wanna grab some food?”

“Oh no, that’s okay. I don’t want to intrude. After hunting a wen-dee-go, you guys must be tuckered out.”

“You wouldn’t be intruding, Sammy says he’s beat and it’s my turn to pick up some grub, do you want to go with just me? We’ll get something to-go.”

“Um... I suppose, but I’ll pay.”

“Alright, I’ll be there in ten.”

“You don’t have-” Donna hadn’t been able to refuse his offer to pick her up because Dean had hung up.

She had spent the last few years getting nervous and flustered the few times that Dean and Sam had come into her neck of the woods. Sam was tall, smart, and handsome, but he wasn’t anything like his brother. Dean was like a man out of an old movie, like James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. But Donna was no Natalie Wood. Even with her recent weight-loss and promotion, Donna still felt like the cheery weirdo that would never end up with anyone, again.

Sighing deeply and grabbing her briefcase again, Donna walked to the entrance and pushed the door open, locking the station behind her. Leaning against the doors, Donna waited for Dean and what was surely going to be an uncomfortable meal.

The roar of a ‘Big Block’ engine echoed down the street as the headlights came into view. With a sigh, Donna pushed herself away from the doors and made her way down the steps to the curb just as the Impala pulled up. Dean threw his black beauty into park and leaned across the bench seat to open the passenger door. Smile gleaming, Dean let out a soft whistle. “Heya Sheriff, lookin’ good.”

Donna blushed faintly and shyly looked down at herself before sliding into the seat next to him, “Thank you. It took a lot of Cross-fit and avoiding the donut box.”

“It shows,” Dean said with a smile as he put the car into gear and they set off.

.oOo.

Pulling into the motel parking lot that Dean and Sam were staying, he turned to Donna while grabbing one bag of food, “Wait here, I’ll run this in and we can find somewhere quiet to eat.”

Feeling the blush returning to her cheeks, Donna nodded as she watched Dean jog to the door and hand off the food to his brother. Not knowing why she had the urge but running with it, Donna unbuttoned a few buttons of her shirt. Donna didn’t think she had a chance, but couldn’t help herself. She watched them exchange words before Dean waved Sam off and made his way back to the Impala.

Twenty minutes later and they were parked at the edge of Carey Lake, the water reflecting the crescent moon and stars in the gentle ripples that broke across the surface. Switching off the engine, he leaves the battery running and turns the radio down low.

Turning to face Donna and grabbing the box of tapes, riffling through them until he found the tape he was looking for and putting it in the cassette player. The gentle strains of Foreigner’s ‘Waiting for a Girl Like You’ drifted from the speakers.

Digging through the bags, Dean handed Donna her salad and water and then he pulled out his burger. Donna picked at her salad, she had eaten earlier and didn’t want to ruin all her hard work by overeating, but she didn’t want to be rude and refuse him. Even though she would deny it if anyone ever asked, she wanted to spend time with him in any capacity.

The situation she currently found herself in was less friendly and more romantic than she had initially thought, but she wasn’t complaining. Donna knew better than to delude herself into thinking that Dean Winchester thought of her in that way.

Dean worked his way through his burger while watching Donna pick at her salad out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t understand why she wasn’t eating but continued covertly watching her.

His mind wandered as he ate, thinking about what her skin would feel like, the soft mewls she’d make as he gripped her ponytail and guided her head back to lick and nibble at the tender spots of her elegantly lined throat. Dean thought back to the first time he’d seen her and there was something about the way she had wrapped her lips around that powdered donut that made his dick twitch in anticipation.

Dean always appreciated a woman with an appetite that matched his own. Donna seemed to meet this particular quirk, but at the moment she was still picking at her salad without really eating. Swallowing a mouthful of burger and fries, Dean asked, “Not hungry?”

Chuckling nervously, Donna rambled, “Already ate. Don’t worry about it, I’m in no hurry and I’ll take it home for tomorrow.”

Setting the remains of his meal on the dash, Dean turned in his seat, “How have you been lately?”

“Pretty good, yourself?” Donna said as she mimicked Dean and placed the to-go container on the dash and twisted slightly to face him.

Dean shrugged, “Same monsters, different day. We’re alive and kickin’ so that’s what counts.”

Donna giggled at his glibness, “I suppose if it was my job, hunting monsters wouldn’t be the most exci-”

She was cut off by Dean’s soft lips pressing into hers, his hands finding her waist and neck as he pulled her closer. He had waited too long to kiss her but was shocked when he felt her hands pushing at his chest.

“Wh-wh-what was that?” Donna stammered, thrown by his sudden forwardness.

Dean leans back slightly, still invading her personal space with a hint of an amused smile. “A kiss. I could demonstrate for you again if you like.”

Unsure where to look or what to do with her hands, Donna gulped before nodding slightly. Dean grinned and moved in again, returning his hands to her neck and waist, he gently kissed her and felt her finally return the kiss.

Finding courage she never had around men, let alone someone like Dean, she reached out with trembling fingers. Teasing the hair on the back of his head, which was softer than she had imagined. As her fingers met his skin, Dean moaned into the kiss. Bolstered by his reaction, Donna turned completely and lifted a knee.

Dean, not missing a beat, found his spot between her legs with his hip pushing between her thighs as he lifted her other leg onto his lap. As he moved his hand up her side he felt her breathing shallowly and felt her grind into him as his hand palmed her breast through the shirt.

Donna mewled at his pawing, she was beside herself. She was sitting in the Impala, making out with Dean friggin’ Winchester, and his hands were all over her. She felt like a teenager again and also like a wanton hussy, but in the best possible way. Like the first time she had parked with Doug, but this was so much better.

The ache radiating from her long-neglected womanhood was almost painful. She felt it spike as his hand drifted down from her chest to the hem of her shirt, his fingers teasing their way up and under the offending article.

Dean and Donna, acting on the same urge, tried to lift her shirt simultaneously. Donna arching her back and reaching to open her shirt, while Dean pulled her shirt up and ducked, their foreheads smacked together painfully.

Sitting up and rubbing his forehead, Dean grinned, “You okay?”

“Yeah, but that sure does smart,” she said as she squinted through the pain.

Dean came back to himself and suggested, “Backseat?”

“Really?” Donna blurted.

“I’m gonna be in the backseat taking my pants off, you can join me or you can watch,” he replied as he pulled away from her and opened his door.

Watching him open the rear driver’s side door, Donna scrambled for a moment before reminding herself that she wasn’t some teenager, she was a grown woman and grown women didn’t fumble around like this. Straightening her shirt, Donna joined Dean in the backseat.

Dean pulled her to his chest as she closed the door, his hands both at her chest as he began to unbutton her shirt. He leaned in as his fingers worked and began to lick and kiss her neck and jaw. When he got the shirt halfway undone, he grabbed the hem and pulled it over her head revealing the creamy white swell of her breasts.

Pushing him back, Donna grabbed the hem of his t-shirt but before she could get it higher than his rib cage Dean brushed her hands aside and pulled his shirt over his head. Dean sat back and began unzipping his jeans, “You on the pill?”

Donna reached behind her to unclasp her bra as she answered, “No, I have the implant.” She removed her bra and pointed to a spot on her arm where the skin was slightly raised. “You’re clean?”

“As a whistle,” Dean said with a cocky grin as he sat facing the front seat and pulled off his boots, then pushed his jeans and boxers down around his ankles.

“Me too.” Shimmying out of her pants, Donna sat up and pushed Dean back into his seat when he moved to come back to her. Biting her bottom lip nervously, she straddled his lap and smoothed her hands down his chest. “Oh jeez, I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“I can’t believe we took this long,” Dean said as he ran his hands along her sides.

Donna was taken aback by his words, “What?”

Dean smiled at her bewilderment, “You never seemed interested,” he said biting his lip.

“Oh, I’m interested,” Donna said with a coy smile as she leaned in to kiss him.

The new angle had his length pressed tightly against her mound. Dean groaned at the contact, which provoked Donna to cant her hips slightly. His hands dropped to her hips as he bucked in response. He could feel her wetness trickling along his shaft and he needed to be inside her.

Lifting her to line himself up, Donna reached between them and took hold of his cock as she sank down onto him. Feeling the stretch of Dean’s thick cock, Donna gripped his shoulder as she pushed herself further until she was fully seated.

Dean always enjoyed a woman in control, but he needed more tonight. The hunt had taken a lot out of him and he wanted to feel like he used to; young, strong, and like he was the best lay in the fucking world. Focusing on what he was doing, Dean squeezed her hips, “You ready, Sheriff?”

“Are you?” Donna asked, raising an eyebrow.

Grinning widely Dean began to fuck up into her, slow powerful thrusts that had her begging for more. Encouraged by her cries, Dean picked up the pace, pounding into her. Soon the only sound that she could make were breathy grunts and pants that matched his own.

Her fingernails were raking down his chest leaving bright red scratches, as she felt her inner walls tighten with each of his thrusts. Donna knew what was coming and wasn’t sure if she should warn him, but found she wasn’t able to form the words; she was too far gone.

Dean was fixated on making her cum, he needed to feel it and he wouldn’t stop pumping his cock into her until she did. Without warning, he could feel her cunt clamp down onto his length, while Donna began to keen as she redoubled her hold on his shoulders. As her pussy gripped him tight, Dean was shocked to feel liquid gushing over his length and around his hips.

He saw fear flicker across her face and knew that if he stopped she would pull away. Dean needed to feel her do that as many times as possible, and before she could protest or apologize he continued working his cock into her. The wet sounds of their bodies meeting filled the Impala as Donna silently gaped at Dean as he pushed her further than Doug had ever dared.

“You gonna do that again?” Dean asked between pants. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he wasn’t going to stop to ask her.

Unable to form words, Donna nodded. Dean slowed his thrusts and began to push her hips back and forth. She began to swivel her hips in small circles, and she felt his cock nudge at that spot inside her. Donna had only found this particular spot a few times on her own, Doug never understood how any of her lady parts worked. But Dean was able to find it and was now letting her take what she needed.

The squelching sounds of their coupling became louder and Donna found her voice as she met Dean’s brilliant green eyes, “Race ya,” she said cockily with a wink.

Setting his jaw, Dean reached between them and began to rub her clit back and forth. With his other hand, Dean grabbed her ponytail, wrapping it around his fist tightly as he pulled her close to kiss her again. He felt her walls contract around him, causing his balls to draw up close and tight against him. He just needed to feel her cum dripping down his thighs to set off his orgasm.

Donna knew that she was close but his thumb on her clit sent her over the edge. The second orgasm, something Doug had never experienced, was always stronger than the first.

The intensity of her orgasm overpowered her as she curled in on herself toward Dean. Gasping as her cunt milked his cock, another flood of slick gushing once more over his hips and her inner thighs, thoroughly wetting them both.

Dean growled as he throbbed inside her. The way her body rhythmically clutched his manhood and the surge of fluid, he let go. He came hard, releasing his seed deep inside of her spasming cunt.

Breathing heavily, Dean and Donna smiled at each other before collapsing into a sweaty embrace.

“Damn, Kitten. Didn’t know you had claws,” Dean chuckled as he nuzzled into her neck.

Reaching up, Donna grabbed the hair on top of Dean’s head and pulled his head back and grinned, “I’m not a kitten, Winchester.”

#Madamelibrarian writing with friends #My Writing #Supernatural #Fanfiction #spn fanfic #donna hanscum/dean winchester #dean winchester #Donna Hanscum #Dean/Donna #Deonna

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for-a-flower · 5 years

Text

Grillby’s

As Frisk entered a dark cave system, his pace slowed as he observed the area. Walls were moist and stalactites hung from the ceiling. He spotted that scaled, yellow monster kid again. He was standing by a waterfall that flowed into a dark abyss to the right of the path. The young monster noticed Frisk enter the cave and rushed toward him with a big smile. "Yo! Are you sneaking out to see her too?" he asked Frisk.

"Uh . . ." Frisk glanced to the left. There was another wooden station here and it was currently occupied by Sans. Frisk wasn’t sure who the monster kid was talking about but decided to agree anyway. "Yeah," he said.

The creature smiled. "Awesome! She's the coolest, right?!"

"Wait . . . are you talking about Undyne?"

He nodded. "Yeah! I wanna be just like her when I grow up!" The dinosaur creature inched closer to Frisk and whispered something with a nervous look on his face. "Hey, don't tell my parents I'm here, haha.”

“I won’t,” said Frisk.

The monster’s face lit up with a smile again. “Cool! Thanks!” He returned to the ledge along the right of the path and continued to stare into darkness below. Frisk stepped closer to get a look as well. It was unclear how far down this drop was.

As Frisk stood there looking over the shoulder of the young monster, a soft voice whispered in his ear from behind. “Push him.” Frisk stepped away from the edge, spinning around to look behind him. No one was there. He was sure that wasn’t his imagination. For a second he had felt a presence, however briefly . . . but a presence nonetheless. Fear and confusion was setting in again. Even though he was sure this hadn’t been a reflection of his own thoughts, he had killed Toriel and he hadn’t thought he was capable of that either. The child backed away from the young monster, trembling. He backed into the rock wall behind him, nearly bumping a tall blue flower that had grown here. Heart racing, he lowered his head and covered his face.

"Hey kid," said a calm voice to the right. Frisk jumped, lifting his head suddenly. Sans stood behind his station, smiling back as usual. Still recovering from the fright of the whisper, Frisk stared at the short skeleton. "You okay?" said Sans. Frisk continued to stare. Sans eyed him carefully then shrugged. "What? Haven't you seen a guy with two jobs before?"

"Uh, no . . . not really," Frisk said. His voice had escaped shaky and weak.

Sans glanced away. "Fortunately, two jobs means twice as many legally-required breaks." He laughed a little, directing his attention back to Frisk. "I'm going to Grillby's. Wanna come?"

Frisk smirked and nodded. "Sure. I'm pretty hungry," he said.

"Well, if you insist . . . I'll pry myself away from my work." Sans stood then stepped from behind the stand.

"But . . . this was your idea,” said Frisk

Sans shrugged. "Yeah?" He motioned Frisk to follow him deeper into the tunnel ahead. "Over here. I know a shortcut." Frisk followed him into the shadows. It was pitch black but he continued by following the sound of Sans' footsteps. He heard the sound of a door opening which suddenly revealed the warm light of Grillby's restaurant. Frisk looked down. He and Sans were standing only a couple steps inside the front door. Frisk spun around to look behind them. The door was closed. Outside snow fluttered silently by the window. The human's mouth dropped open. He glanced back at Sans. "Fast shortcut, huh?" Sans said.

"How did you . . ."

Sans turned around without answering the question. He walked passed tables as he led Frisk toward a counter at the back. "Hey, everyone," he said. The monsters inside looked up from their plates of food. There were several dogs, a rabbit creature, and something else with a lot of teeth.

"Hey, Sans!" barked one of the dogs.

"Hi, Sans," said another.

"Hiya, Sansy!" the rabbit said. Sans reached the back shortly before Frisk. The skeleton glanced at a strange fish creature, who leaned on the left side of the counter.

The old fish monster greeted him. "Hey Sans, weren't you just here for breakfast a few minutes ago?" Frisk kept his distance from this other monster. There was an odd, fishy smell emanating from his location.

Sans shook his head. "Nah, I haven't had breakfast in at least half an hour. You must be thinking of brunch," he said. Following this comment, nearly everyone present laughed or chuckled. Frisk smirked. Sans glanced at the child, directing his attention toward two empty stools at the counter. "Here, get comfy." Frisk and Sans approached the chairs to take a seat. Frisk’s posture stiffened when the sound of a whoopee cushion was heard beneath him. He glanced to the right at Sans, eyes narrowed. The skeleton chuckled. "Whoops. Watch where you sit," he said. "Sometimes weirdos put whoopee cushions on the seats."

Frisk slipped off the stool and picked up the whoopee cushion. He tossed it to Sans, who caught it in his left hand. "Did you just call yourself a weirdo?" Frisk asked as he took a seat again.

Sans held up a hand. “Whoa, now. Who said I put that there?”

“You’re the only one close enough and it wasn’t there two seconds ago,” Frisk said. “Also, that’s the same one you shook my hand with earlier.”

Sans laughed as he slipped the object into a pocket of his coat. "In that case . . . I guess I did just call myself a weirdo." Frisk smiled and shook his head. "Anyway, let's order," said Sans. He waved at a fire monster in a suit, who stood behind the counter. "Whaddya want, kid? Fries or a burger?"

"A burger sounds good," said Frisk.

"Hm . . . it does." Sans glanced at the fire monster. "Grillby, we'll take a double order of burgers." Grillby nodded then promptly disappeared through a door at the back to prepare the food. An awkward silence followed as Sans scratched his head. Several seconds passed before he said anything more. "So, uh . . . what do you think of my brother?" said Sans.

"He's cool. A very . . . interesting person," said Frisk.

Sans nodded. "Glad ya think so. You'd be cool too if you wore that outfit every day. He'd only take that thing off if he absolutely had to." The skeleton shrugged. "Oh well. At least he washes it." He snickered. "And by that I mean, he wears it in the shower." Frisk smirked at the thought. Grillby entered and approached the counter with two plates of food. "Here comes the grub," said Sans. Grillby set the burgers in front of them. Frisk took a moment to observe the food, lifting the top bun of the burger. It was literally just a bun and meat, no lettuce or cheese, or sauce. Sans lifted a bottle of ketchup and offered it to the child. "Want some ketchup?" he asked.

"Sure." Frisk took the bottle.

Sans winked. "Bone-appetit."

Frisk tipped the bottle upside down and squeezed. To his dismay, the cap popped off and ketchup poured uncontrollably onto his food. Frisk stared as the entire content of the bottle was emptied onto his burger. He sighed then dropped the empty bottle on the counter. "That went well," he said.

"Whoops," said Sans.

Frisk glanced over. The skeleton had a nervous sort of look on his face. Frisk gave an annoyed glare. "This doesn't have anything to do with you, does it?"

Sans shrugged. "Eh, forget about it. You can have mine." He scooted his plate closer to Frisk. "I'm not hungry anyway," he said.

Frisk accepted the burger. "Thanks." He picked it up and took a bite. It was surprisingly good even without toppings.

Sans was silent for several seconds more. Frisk could tell something was bothering him and he wasn’t looking forward to finding out what. "Anyway," Sans said. "Cool or not, you have to agree Papyrus tries really hard."

Frisk nodded and responded with his mouth full. "He does."

"Like how he keeps trying to be part of the Royal Guard. One day, he went to the house of the head of the Royal Guard and begged her to let him be in it."

Frisk swallowed. "What happened?" He took another bite of the burger as he listened to Sans' reply.

"Of course, she shut the door on him because it was midnight. But the next day, she woke up and saw him still waiting there. Seeing his dedication, she decided to give him warrior training. It's, uh, still a work in progress," said Sans. He looked away again. Another awkward pause accompanied the next few minutes while Frisk ate.

While peering straight ahead, Sans finally broke the silence with a more serious tone of voice. "Oh yeah. I wanted to ask you something," he said. Frisk froze, burger still in his hand. He felt panic slowly creeping in. He dreaded to hear what Sans was going to say. Had he found out about Toriel somehow? Sans leaned closer to Frisk. "Have you ever heard of a talking flower?" he asked.

Frisk was somewhat relieved to hear this question. He set down the burger and nodded. "Yes," he said. "One tried to kill me when I woke up in the underground."

Sans narrowed his eyes in suspicion. " . . . yeah. Anyway . . . I'm talking about the Echo Flower. They're all over the marsh. Say something to them, and they'll repeat it over and over."

"Uh . . . why are you telling me this?"

"Well, Papyrus told me something interesting the other day. Sometimes . . . when no one else is around . . . a flower appears and whispers things to him. Flattery . . . advice . . . encouragement . . . predictions. Weird, huh?" asked Sans. Frisk nodded slowly. "Someone must be using an Echo Flower to play a trick on him. Keep an eye out, okay?"

"I will," said Frisk.

"Thanks." Frisk reached for his burger again when Sans added something in a much lower and darker tone of voice. "The little yellow one . . . he can't be trusted."

Frisk paused to glance at Sans. "I know."

"Okay, kid. Just warning ya," said Sans. He stood from the chair and stepped back. "Welp. That was a long break. I can't believe I let ya pull me away from work for that long."

Frisk turned around to face him. "What? You wanted to."

"Oh, by the way. I'm flat broke. Can you foot the bill? It's just ten thousand gold," said Sans.

Frisk stared. "No?"

Sans laughed. "Just kidding." He glanced passed Frisk. "Put it on my tab, Grillby." Grillby nodded. Sans started toward the door but paused to look back at Frisk. "By the way . . . I was going to say something, but I forgot." Sans winked then stepped out into the snow, shutting the door behind him. Frisk sighed and continued eating his burger. He really wanted to know what else Sans had meant to tell him now. If Sans knew Flowey couldn’t be trusted, maybe he knew more about him than he let on. It was odd though. Both Sans and Flowey had said the other couldn’t be trusted. Surely only one of them was telling the truth . . . right?

Full Chapter List

#undertale #fan fiction #grillby's #snowdin town #sans #frisk #part three #frisky business #foraflower au #frisk is getting tired of pranks #long one again

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bogleech · 7 years

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Favorite Florida “Bugs:”

Many additions to my Florida post are like "don't forget the BUGS!!!!!" but of course outside the all-consuming ants and mosquitoes, they were the only thing I loved there! Here are my top ten:

Burying Beetle (photo: http://majikphil.blogspot.com/2011/10/burying-beetle.html)

These live throughout the states, but I never met one until Florida. They're the single most Halloween animal that has ever evolved, with an orange and black color scheme that sometimes even looks like a scary face (the markings are rather randomized by individual!) and amazing mating habits, where the male and female actually physically bury an entire dead bird or rodent together. The female gets buried alive with it and raises the babies in the "grave" until she dies, while the male stays above ground guarding the site from other insects.

Two Striped Walking Stick (image: http://bugguide.net/node/view/242810)

This is one of the few and the largest walking sticks or Phasmids found in the United States. The females are HUGE, like five or six inches in length, while the tiny mails ride around on their backs mating with them for days straight. They eat only a few species of leaves and were difficult to keep alive in captivity, but always delightful to encounter. If angry enough however they can spray acid from their tails that you do not want to get in your eyes.

Skunk Roaches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_woods_cockroach)

Like most roaches, these have no interest in living in human homes. In fact Florida is home to over SEVENTY species of wild, non-pest roach which include some spectacularly huge and exotic species in select locales, though these skunk roaches were the most I ever really found. They're reasonably big and fat, they look jet black to cherry red under different lighting, and they're so named for their defensive stink when irritated. To me, the stink smelled identical to cherry cough syrup and a lot of people thought it smelled pleasant.

I had a colony of these going on a terrarium for the longest time, until tiny ants, the size of grains of pepper, found their way into it and ate every last roach.

Grizzled Mantis (http://jpgmag.com/photos/3198737)

This is a species of "bark mantis," excellently camouflaged when it actually hangs out on trees of course, and very different from the mantises you may be used to. Those tend to be patient ambush predators, while the grizzled mantis, like other "bark mantises," is an active runner! It just plain chases after and grabs other insects more like a wolf or a cheetah.

Eastern Toe Biter (http://bugguide.net/node/view/115901/bgpage)

These are also found up and down the Eastern U.S. and probably elsewhere, but growing up in Maryland, I only ever saw one. In Central Florida, I saw more like one thousand. On certain nights around August they would leave the water to mate in massive swarms, and I'd find them scuttling all over parking lots. I actually caught about 40 of them once and sold them for $100 to a college that was doing an insect zoo! I caught them by picking them up behind the head, which they're helpless to fight against, though if you were to grab one from the front it has a bite that feels like a hornet sting. They’re large enough to prey on fish!

Sea Spider (http://suzanmeldonian.photoshelter.com/image/I0000QFErOnVWGkw)

Yeah we ACTUALLY FOR REAL encountered a SEA SPIDER once when we visited Sebastian Inlet, the only Florida ocean place we enjoyed due to its wildlife...though Sebastian Inlet also kept giving us infections in our hands and feet so that's fun I guess.

Lubber Grasshopper (http://bugguide.net/node/view/35426/bgimage)

These are America's largest grasshoppers, they're incredibly fat, heavy, slow and docile to the point you can often just pick them right up without them trying to jump away, though adults might angrily flash their beautiful wings to try and startle you!

Tree Asp (http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=245914)

I was so excited to see some of these in person for the first time in my life, all over a particular park that probably could have used a warning sign. They look like crawling toupees and are just completely adorable, but they're VERY VENOMOUS caterpillars with needles hidden all throughout the fluff. Touching one is said to cause incredible pain and an ongoing rash.

I kept three of them, they all spun cocoons.....and instead of moths, only parasitic flies hatched out, which was pretty fascinating! Even more fun than moths! They looked almost identical to regular houseflies but would have been some sort of tachinid. There were about two flies per caterpillar host.

Fiery Searcher (http://www.bugmuseum.com/live-searchers.html)

America's largest ground beetle, and also called a "caterpillar hunter" because its diet consists primarily of caterpillars, grubs and other soft-bodied insect larvae, though if you ever catch one, they'll also eat feeder crickets!

Cow Killer

If one interesting thing can be said of Florida, it's that there's certainly a diverse patchwork of ecosystems. On one side of the house was all pine trees and on the other side was all sand. The sandy empty lot was the only place I ever see these velvet ants, actually wingless, female wasps and completely adorable. When angry enough they make a squeaking sound, and they can jump! They are however called "cow killers" because their sting is said to feel just that painful. It only just struck me how many things on my list are venomous. There really aren't that many venomous insects in this country, but they do seem to enjoy Florida. I guess when it comes to wildlife, Florida is America's Australia, though in all my years there I was never hurt by any of these great animals

#biology #insects #florida

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abiteofnat · 7 years

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NYC? NYFEEDME...

Because if there’s one thing NYC is good at, it’s making sure my bottomless pit of a stomach is consistently full of something tastyyy. As well as beautiful. They are the epitome of making food into an art and waste no time or money with creative executions of something as simple as “cookie dough” (more on that later). A couple weeks ago I went to NYC as a part of a) finding a smart-kid college for my smart-kid sister and b) due to a standing family vacation reservation that fit in nicely to part “a” so after my donut-filled Syracuse excursion we bopped on down to Midtown! There was the glitz n’ fake glamour of NYC just blocks away in Times Square, but we tucked away in the 1 Hotel on 6th which has become a second home of sorts. While it’s strangely organic and it all smells like wood and hemp, it’s a literal oasis from the trashbag-lined streets and taxis honking and honking (and honking). Do NOT get me wrong, I ADORE New York. I live for the salty street pretzels and the iced coffee at every deli and the need to just live it up there constantly. But I’m a Chicago girl, midwestern to the bone and Jesus I thought I might have a better fate in store but it appears I’m baseball and cheese fries until I die.

Give me ten days in that wild city though and I will make them my bitch! Since I’d only ever spent 48 hours at a time in NYC many times a year in the past few years, and still managed to consume most of the island I was concerned as to how I would fare. I’d say thankfully we as a family eat pretty healthy and my one friend I stayed with is a ~vegan~ and the other one is a marathon runner with a taste for really really good carbs, so damage was light. I’ve rounded up my tippity-top spots for grub worth taking one to one million photos of and I hope you get to go try them all, because I’m a creature of habit and rarely wine n dine somewhere once so I’ll see you around!

1. BLUESTONE LANE!

This cafe was one of my sister’s finds, and still one of my favorites to look back on! Elise isn’t usually one to choose where we dine, but we all needed coffee and a breakfast that wasn’t bagels on bagels (which would be my choice if it was my turn to choose breakfast) and she pointed us to a little funky-chic cafe called Bluestone Lane, an Australian chain dotted across NYC. The location we went to was on 5th Ave (2 E 90th ST for the exact address) and was attached to a gorgeous old church, the seating within some of the re-done structure with tables spilling out onto the scenic sidewalk. Bluestone offers a “reasonably” priced, health-oriented menu that’s somewhat Cali and somewhat NYC-foodie-on-a-mission-for-THE-PIC. I was beyond thrilled to get to shoot this food- we ate at a table right inside the doors between the beautiful stone walls which meant natural, warm light and perfect people watching.

What we ate: the BIRCHER MUESLI STOLE THE SHOW. With creamy oats, crisp apples, quinoa for texture and health benefits, and seasonal berries + fruits it was a killer combo of filling and still light in the stomach. The homemade banana bread (gluten free!) with ricotta and fruit is a great sharing plate which is exactly what we did, and added something sweet and heavier to everyone’s meals. The avocado smash was beautifully composed “On Balthazar toast with tahini, heirloom cherry tomatoes, feta, sunflower sprouts & e.v.o.o” (from website) and could have been the full meal if we came an hour later. For a breakfast/brunch/lunch date, this is the place. You want to sip their scrumptious espresso and fragrant, rich chai over the colorful food and chat forever in these walls. And guess what? The Guggenheim Museum is right next door, which is exactly where we went after this meal. How perfect is that?

2. DOUGH!

So my mom loves donuts. As in donuts are worth twenty minutes to find parking for, legit anger if they are sold out, real old school donut appreciation level of love. This is something I love deeply about her and why I can always count on a “yes” upon a donut excursion request, and while in NYC it’s a m u s t to go to Dough. These big ole fluffy fuckers are too good to skip, and given there’s plenty of flashy, over-the-top donuts to be found on Instagram I can’t praise Dough enough. These are bigger than your hand but weigh less than a baby bunny, and the flavors do nothing but enhance the sweet, airy dough you can watch being hand-fried in the back baking room through a glass wall. My favorite one to date is the Blood Orange donut coated in the prettiest pink glaze and donning a dried orange slice, and it’s tangy and flavorful and citrusy without being sickeningly sweet.

The other front runners are the chocolate-hazelnut and the lemon poppyseed which tastes like a much less buttery version of lemon poppyseed pound cake and instead would make a lovely breakfast pastry. While Dough is small and there isn’t much open seating since it’s ~always~ full of people eating a donut with fork and knife, my family grouped up by the window and shared donuts with chocolaty fingers and smiles galore. Can’t frown when you’re eating a donut unless you’re a miserable person!

There she is, the Blood Orange baddie calling my name. I’ll be back, my sweet.

3. TOBY’S ESTATE COFFEE

What’s a family vacation in my family without copious coffee??? Seeing as donuts and 3 p.m. always call for caffeine, we wandered around the Flatiron District where Dough is located and found this little coffee shop that’s Brooklyn originated and very very cute. They take coffee seriously so don’t expect grande sizes, but do expect major taste. Bonus? It’s attached to a boutique bookstore so you can sip and shop (but do NOT SPILL). I got a mocha and it was rich, delicious, and also very expensive. That’s what good espresso (cough cough not Starbucks) will cost you.

4. DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections

That’s right, another “dough”! There’s a theme here of trendy sweet treats and this one certainly takes the... dough. Made famous through social media and the 2017 “need” for colorful and unique foodie experiences, DŌ offers a variety of cookie dough flavors all entirely safe to eat either in a cup or a cone quite like an ice cream store! I turned 22 during our trip and this was my pick for birthday breakfast because what adult doesn’t want to turn 22 while eating a scoop of oatmeal and M&M cookie dough that comes in a PINK CONE?!?!? I may be getting old and gross, but my stomach is still a dessert-driven child. I literally only eat my vegetables so we can get to the real stuff.

We came at a great time- given the fact it’s such a destination spot there can be up to a 2+ hour wait (!!!) so we got there bright n’ early at 10 a.m. and there were enough people to feel cool but not too many people that I was like weneedtoleaverightnowfuckthedough. Mom got the chocolate chip dough on a chocolate chip cone, Elise got the plain ole sugar cookie, and my dad nibbled on a little of it all which was impressive since his sweet tooth is nonexistent. I guess when you don’t have a birthday cake there are no candles, right? NAH. THIS PLACE HAS IT ALL. We got some candles and stuck em right in there.

And the fact we had leftovers to eat during intermission at “Kinky Boots” on Broadway that night when we were taking a break from salivating over Brendan Urie? PERFECTO. Brendan and DŌ. A winning combo and making me feel real good about 22 so far.

5. SANCTUARY T!

HA as if the birthday eating ended there. I planned weeks and weeks ahead to have dinner at Sanctuary T on my birthday, as it’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world, and my mom dragged her heels for a while asking if I was “entirely sure I did not want to try somewhere NEW and FRESH” and I stayed strong because Sanc T is my bliss. She regretted that resistance when we sat down in the fucking cute Free People photoshoot setting of this place and got a rose on happy hour, and when the food was brought to the table I pondered how is this place not on every foodie list because it’s all just so GOOD. The truffle-Caesar kale salad is incredible, as the kale is crunchy and earthy which plays off the strong smooth linger of the truffle dressing, and the fish tacos are fried to perfection and topped with pickled root veggies. The fries (also on happy hour!) come with -surprise- truffle aioli, and they are the best fries in NYC. I’m just going to go ahead and make that claim. The burrata was thick but silky and on homemade bread with some olive oil it was straight s-e-x. Slippery and salty and best with an alcoholic drink in arm’s reach.

There’s nothing bad on this menu. Nothing. So go H A M and eat it allllllll up. It’s in SoHo so it’s a great area to walk around before or after dinner, with amazing classic New York architecture and picturesque streets. Make sure to hit up the Brandy Melville nearby and scoot over to MarieBelle for after-dinner hot chocolate and sweets.

That will do it for part one of “Natalie Eats NYC”, part two will be up in a couple days!!! While I can write forever, I don’t think y’all want to read forever. So I’ve chunked it up.

Until next time, Happy Eating!

-Natalie

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