#Oyster Shell Ghosts

[zegalba]

Tina Rowe: "Oyster Shell Ghosts" (2019)

Photographer Tina Rowe printed a series of found negatives on discarded oyster shells, breathing new meaning into forgotten items. Each shell is first subbed, to help the emulsion adhere to the surface. They are then coated with multiple layers of customised photographic emulsion.

#Tina Rowe #Oyster Shell Ghosts #photography #negatives #black and white #shells #art #liquid emulsion #emulsion #prints #2019

[cryptotheism]

The business shaman's business suit without a single flaw

His PHD in business ghosts, as well as business law

See him hunt for business seeds oer hill and business dale

Licking ash from cigarettes like business oyster shells

Beneath the burning business stars, he dreams of business things,

of wise and elder business ghosts, of ancient business kings.

So hail the business shaman! May your business berries fruit!

May never loss of profit stain your flawless business suit

[snailspng]

Oyster shell ghost PNGs

(source)

#png #pngs #transparent #polyvore #shoplook #moodboard #artboard #image board #sticker #stickers #oyster ghosts

[generaljenobi]

Ghost story time! 👻 This is the 300 year old grave of a little girl who always wanted to sail with her captain father, but died of disease her first time at sea.

She was put into a rum keg as her father promised her mother she would return home no matter what. They hoped the rum would prevent the spread of any bacteria, and it worked.

She was buried in the keg, and she still lingers in the graveyard at night. Sometimes as an apparition, sometimes as a faint happy humming tune.

People still bring toys to her grave (I bring shells, and if I don't have any I'll just fix up the gifts that have fallen). This time I left her the purplest oyster shell I've ever found 💜

#ghosts #ghost #ghost stories #travel #nature #ocean #beach #photography #graveyard #grave #aesthetic #dark aesthetic #short story #writing #creative writing #story #story time #memes #meme #lol #funny #haha

[beatrixblog]

Abalone Curse AU/HC

Im dying to talk about my au, so here it is.

So after he died, he ended up as a ghost, corrupted both physically and mentally by his own greed. He was forever bounded to the depths of the duskgloom sea, in his own sunken ship. He haunted the sailors who dared try to steal his treasures. Legends say that one can always tell his ghost from its cackling, and the appearance of a brute. Black Pearl could not leave the duskgloom sea in weariness of Abalone’s ghost escaping his confinements, so, she never did. Similar to Black Pearl, he starts sinking ships, but for a different reason. He sinks ships in search for any valuables or treasure, hoarding it in his sunken ship. He starts to loose what little of himself he had left, only remaining to be a hollow shell filled with only greed and rage.

This was supposed to be his punishment, but really, it was quite the opposite for him.

Things remained like that for centuries, a few hundred years even. (depends on when the events of a mermaid tale took place) Until, he was willingly resurrected by the Cookies Of Darkness, after hearing the legends of a brutish pirate captain, feared by all and that still haunted the sea. His physical state went back to normal..but his mental state? Not so much. He’s basically the same as he was before but more vengeful and aggressive. He attacks the Cookies Of Darkness at first, but is eventually stopped and (albeit very harshly) beaten to his senses.

But something with the resurrection spell went wrong. They accidentally resurrected someone else that was in that sunken ship.

Lord Oyster.

Abalone’s first reaction when he sees Lord Oyster is to choke the ever loving shit out of him, obviously wanting revenge. But ultimately, he manages to escape.

After managing to steal a ship from the republic, (without being caught) Abalone as well as a few other cookies of darkness members (most likely Pomegranate and Licorice), to go find and kill LOyster. He knew he had probably fled back to the republic, but he didn’t know where, since its obviously changed a lot since. However, when something goes awry and their compass leads them to becoming lost in the duskgloom sea, they encounter Black Pearl.

Once they encounter her, Abalone can only help but laugh that he is once again face to face with the mermaid that killed him, only this time, he’s got powerful allies behind him.

But, not everything goes as expected.

Black Pearl ‘spares’ Abalone, but instead, drags him under the water where she seemingly intended to trap him, before blasting him right in the chest with abyss magic. (Which obviously sent him flying back onto the ship.) Since the attack seemed to have not done anything, he brushes it off as a simple injury. But Black Pearl knows what she did. She hadn’t actually wanted to trap him, instead to immobilise him long enough that she could inject (or, fire) abyss magic directly into his body.

Now in my headcanon, abyss magic is highly corrosive when outside of a cookie’s body, but when inside, depending on the intent of the attack, it either corrodes their body, or, if they survive that, it curses them. Curses them with a form that reflects on their personality and nature. For some, it can be a blessing. But for some, it is a curse.

In Abalone’s case, he was cursed. And it was FAR from a blessing.

The form reflected his greed and frustration, so, the form took the shape of a massive crab monster. (Strongly resembling his mech.) The curse is usually triggered by greed, anger, or, in rare circumstances, the eclipse, due to the night he died.

And the more greedy he is, the bigger the form is. When in that form, he’ll just start taking whatever that he finds valuable in a fit of greedy pleasure. He’ll only really attack if you try to take something from him. Unless it is triggered due to anger, in which then he’ll just attack anyways.

And ofcourse, it hurts ALOT to transform. Abalone doesn’t understand why he was cursed, but he knows how. And ofcourse, being the selfish bitch he is, he doesn’t actually thinks he deserves it.

But in reality, it is a punishment.

When the curse his triggered, (credit to @bloomycali, she is where i got this headcanon from) he’ll start experiencing random bouts lf uncontrollable greed, aswell as his eyes turning like this.

#cookie run kingdom #cookie run #abalone cookie

[thoughtsandbones]

Doth thy demons dwelleth in the darkness too, my belov'd Reaper?

🚨WARNINGS: Mention of mental health illness mention, profanity, scars, fluff, anxiety, medical inaccuracies, blood, gore and just getting the POV of our friendly neighbourhood masked menace.

I do not consent to any AI or anyone taking my work!

Plot: Doctor Ruhari Hari Kaur (OC is South Asian ☺️) joins the 141 again, but this time as their doctor. After the betrayal of Shepherd and Graves, Task Force 141 begins their hunt on his whereabouts and locating Makarov.

Word count: 6043K

Song inspo: Summer High - AP Dhillon, Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Club, Sinner - The Last Dinner Party, The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Legend soundtrack.

All rights reserved to the rightful owners of Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

spelling and some grammar mistakes as I am bad at times... :/

(FYI: bold sentences... that are like this... are supposed to describe redacted data/info to the plot... ;] .. )

Please do let me know how you all are finding this fanfic! :D

MASTERLIST

PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 15 I, PART 15 II and PART 16

Part 17

The tiny specs of dust floated amongst the surrounding atmosphere, highlighted in the beams of sunlight that penetrated your room. A few settled down on the frame still clutched in your hand, the gold frame sparkled from the light as you tilted it, staring deeper into the image of Simon. That mole on his jugular kept drawing you in, beneath the skin, the vein you thought for the past 13 years had been burnt to ash was actually flowing steadily. The deep crimson blood slithers from his brain back to his heart after all.

Could it honestly be that Ghost is Simon Riley... or Simon is Ghost... One in the same. You thought to yourself, you get up lay down on your bed, the framed photo at the tip of your round nose.

Time stood still for what felt like hours.

It would make total sense, he knew your old name. You recall the day you first met, when he said that name. The inscription of the former shell you shed. That person who you haven't been able to come to terms with. Unable to reclaim the innocence of not knowing the cruelty of mankind. The lust for war over land, oil, weapons or whatever it is people fight for nowadays...Unwilling to let go that guard you have down.

That mole drew you in again, displayed on the only available photo you have of him.

Did everyone else know...? Surely. Perhaps not... A supposed dead man displayed by a skull face was filled with irony. You couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Simon's smug face startling new and old people with this faux relic of his former self.

Checking your watch, you realise you spent perhaps too long wondering about the past. No time like the present to find out the answers to the questions that flushed through your synapses.

Gathering your selected files and papers, placing the gold frame on top, you put the lid back on the box and slide it back to its former spot. Placing the chosen contents in a spare tote bag, swinging it over your shoulder.

Glancing around your room you look at the knick knacks laying in their places. Collecting dust and time. The gemstones you once fiddled with when looking out the window laid dormant.

Heading back down, you meet Clarissa back in her car. Once back in the passenger seat, you feel a lightness overcome you.

If Ghost really is Simon Riley, then it means he had his own reasons to hide. After what brief knowledge you of have of his supposed death, a part of you understood. Yet there was a slight annoyance growing inside of you.

Clarissa noticed you pursing your lips and frowning as you lulled your head side to side with the smooth motion of the car. After contemplating whether or not to tell you about her encounter with Gaz, the cute sleauthe, to fill the quietness.

But she was reminded of your sudden snore coming from your mouth that you were a surgeon who dealt with an extremely serious injury, and then be ridiculed by the moronic Dr Jones.

As Clarissa drove up to the gate of base she called in a favour from a new friend, Kyle Garrick, to help with getting permission to drive up to the rear of building 2 so you could get back with ease to your quarters.

Clarissa was guided back to the emergency back entrance of Building 2, you woke suddenly with the familiar sound of a large tank thundering by. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes and blinked several times, trying to focus them to know your exact location.

"Go get some sleep" Clarissa said as she gazed at you as your rubbed your temple.

"Been a long day" You scoff slightly and then yawn again.

"I'm gonna talk to your Captain about Jones and get something done" Clarissa said

You had heard what she said and nodded, unable to move your jaw to let the words escape.

Exiting the car you to wave Clarissa goodbye and then make your way back up to your room. As your reach your dear you look down the corridor and see the rough outline of Ghost's door...

Taking a deep breath you open your door, the tote bag carrying the gold frame and your documents swung as you strolled into your room. Closing the door behind you, placing the tote bag on one of the hooks and then stripping off your scrubs and crawl back into bed. Gathering the strewn duvet cover from when your were first paged nearly 2 hours ago.

As you cocooned yourself your mind went back to Ghost - or Simon Riley. How 3 hours ago he was shrouded in mystery. But now... You have an idea of who he really could be...

I hope it is you Simon you plead quietly within the emptiness of your room. Your aching bones and flesh beg into sink into the mattress, sleep came quickly this evening as the heaviness of your strung out body shut down.

...

Simon took another deep inhale, his tongue became even more drier as it touched the roof of his dry mouth. Trying to moisten his mouth with saliva, he swallowed the little that came out down. He looked up and realised he had fallen asleep in the shower. The white light of the bathroom pierced his still tired eyes. Simon adjusted his body and sat up straighter, his back bracing the cold white tiles.

With his left hand he touched the now dry bandage and sighed with relief. As he got up, the wound pulsated with pain across his abdomen. Finally, he was feeling the full physical effects of the mission. Simon examined his pale naked body in the mid sized mirror.

Bruises began to appear, especially on his stomach and right shoulder. He could make out the thick red imprint of his gun strap. Brushing his fingers across his shoulder, he felt grains of sand roll against his skin. Simon resorted into having to wash himself with a damp towel and small splashes of water. All in order to avoid the bandage and the wound you stitched together from getting wet.

After feeling far more fresher, Simon wore his comfiest black joggers and socks that had a little German shepherds embroidered on the cuff. Slowly he put on a black vest and then a grey zip up hoodie, but leaving it unzipped. He laid down on his bed and took in the calm silence.

The ringing in his ears came back suddenly; tinnitus. An ever so common issue for soldiers, especially given close contact with flash grenades. Simon tried to forget the images of a bloodied Soap out of his mind, but they, along with the many demons, echoed within his mind.

Suddenly, there was a sharp rapid knock on the door, Simon knew all too well that it was Price. Gently getting up he reached for a clean skull balaclava and put it on and sliding on his trainers.

Ghost opened the door and saw Price, also showered and refreshed, not with his signature boonie.

"Alrigh' Price?" he mumbled, as he leaned against his doorframe.

"Not bad, Soap is awake" Price said, giving a slight grin, which grew as he noticed Ghost's eyes widen.

"How is he?" Ghost says grabbing his keys and moving out of his room, zipping his hoodie as Price moved out the way.

"Alive and well. You can see him, Gaz is there right now" Price said as he watched Ghost lock his door and then turned to face him.

"Let's go"

"Have a good rest?" Price asked

"Somewhat" Ghost gruffed "Can Johnny walk?" He asked

Price chuckled and gave Ghost a light pat on his shoulder

"More than that, he's dishin' out gossip to anyone who would listen" Price huffed

"Really?" Ghost said confused. Hours ago Soap was near the edge of death, and now he is gossipping.

"You have to see it for yourself" Price said

Both Price and Ghost made their way to the ICU where Soap was recovering. And recovering well Ghost assumed as he heard the sergeants laugh fill his body with ease; finally safe and alive.

Ghost approached the edge of the bed, Soap and Gaz finished their conversation before turning their attention to him. Gaz gave him a brief nod.

"Lt! You finally came!" Soap exclaimed his arms reached out, both which had ECG cables coming out him. Ghost saw the biggest grin he had ever seen coming from Soap's bruised and grazed face.

"Johnny.." Ghost mumbled

"Can yer believe that I am alive?!" Soap said, spitting out a laugh, lightly clapping his hands together "For sure thought I was dead" Soap laughed again finally resting his arms from excessive movement on his stomach.

Ghost narrowed his eyes at Soap and crossed his arms. He was acting like he had just had a small tumble and not got shot in the back.

"How's the legs?" Ghost mumbled moving closer over to Soap.

Soap gripped the blue hospital blanket, pulling it up slightly and revealing his wiggling toes. Ghost felt another wave of relief ripple through him.

"Alright Soap, put your stinkers away" Gaz said poking at Soap's feet with his charts that he was looking through earlier.

"Pfft, wanna gimme a sponge bath Gaz?" Soap grinned at Gaz who looked back him disgustingly at the thought.

"Come off it Johnny" Ghost said shaking his head at Soap.

"I was only jokin' Lt!" Soap chuckled

Ghost took in Soap's face and the shared moment of relief and serenity with Price and Gaz. The team was safe, wounded and shocked in places but back in familiar territory.

Gaz sat back down and continued to chat about who would give Soap a sponge bath, asking Price how much or what would it take... Price huffed and said something along the lines of not even if my right leg was blown off.

The conversations between the three faded as Ghost grabbed a chair and sat down, observing his comrades.

"Hey Lt, you hear about Doc?" Soap said, turning his attention to him

"Eh?" Ghost grunted looking up at Johnny with narrowed eyes

"Well, I was laying here, recovering, just woke up from the coma" He starts

'Wasn't a coma mate" Gaz said, Soap ignored him

"I hear a conversation slowly drift into my ears as I lay here recoverin'" Soap continued

"Ah he's telling the long version" Gaz interrupted and quickly went silent as Soap shot him an evil look.

"That Jones fella apparently paged Doc 999 - ICU.. Bless her soul, she must've thought I was dyin' again" Soap said sympathetically towards Ghost, whose eyes were still narrowed at him.

"Runs down here, and Doc notices my intubattery is out"

"Intubation tube" Gaz corrected stifling a laugh with his hand.

"Spit out the short version Johnny, I ain't got all day listenin' to fairy tales" He said sighing

"Pfft thought yer'd be nicer to be me since I am recoverin'" Soap spitted, point to his back.

"Basically, Jones paged Hari on the basis of doing an unauthorised surgery and said to show him her qualifications" Gaz summarised

"Oi, I was tellin' a story here!" Soap shouted, and flung a piece of apple at Gaz from his tray.

"Cut it out Soap" Price said and Soap promptly had a guilty look on his face.

"Wait, what?" Ghost said, straightening up in the chair

"Jones think she committed medical fraud" Price said

"But she saved 'im" Ghost said, throwing his hand out to Johnny

"Aye she did, oh forgot to mention the part Jones said she went psychotic at Foxham"

"Soap.." Price said sternly

"I didn't say anthin'" Soap exclaimed

"You say a lot shit Johnny" Ghost said "What you mean psychotic?" He added

"She apparently had a mental-" Soap started

"Alright, that's enough" Price stepped in "It's all been sorted" he added

"Is she leavin'?" Ghost asked, worry began to tremble through him.

What if you left before he could tell you who he was?

"No, she's staying." Price said

"Good" Ghost said aloud, then realised he said that aloud.

"Takin' a likin' to her ey Lt?" Soap said, giving him a mischievous grin.

Ghost looked away from Soap, he could feel his cheeks and neck getting hot.

"Not the only one" Gaz said, leaning back in his chair looking at Ghost and Soap with a grin. Both looked at eachother.

"I said she was pretty, I'm not in love with her" Soap shouted back at Gaz

As Gaz continued to tease Soap, Ghost got up and put the chair back

"You going?" Price asked

"Yeah" Ghost said moving closer to Price "Might see Doc, see if she's alrigh'?" He added

"She's knocked out at the moment, give her a till tomorrow" Price said and Ghost nodded.

"You goin-" Price started

"Give me 5 days." Ghost said looking straight at Price, who nodded and smiled, he gave him a light pat on the shoulder and let him go.

During the walk back to his room, Ghost made a promise to himself, to you.. 5 days, Ghost checked his watched, it was the 8th of October, 5 days would make it October 13th... He soon realised what day that was; the day The Captain died.

...

Finally after a good sleep, you were feeling slightly better. Yet the inner itch of anxiety trickled down your nerves anytime you heard the words Jones said to you...

"Heard you went psychotic whilst on shift."

Everytime that sentenced pierced your grey matter, your body shuddered, an attempt to rid the thought.

The hot droplets of water scattered across your naked body, taking your bamboo loofah, scrubbing your apple soap, creating a nice lather. You watch the bubbles accumulate as you scrub clean the sweat, the gunk trapped in crevices and bringing new life to the skin.

The fresh apple scent uplifted you, in combination with the hot shower, you felt like you could melt away...

But the oncoming thoughts of the revelation made the previous day flooded your thoughts.

Why would he take so damn long? You thought as you scrubbed over your knee and then down your calf.

But in your mind, you reasoned with yourself.. If you had been betrayed and then supposedly burnt alive you would keep that a secret. Anonymity was literally his name. Ghost

There... But not there really.

Getting out the shower, the cold morning breeze drifted into the bathroom, hitting your fresh skin.

After getting ready you made your way to the mess hall. As you locked the door, you gazed down the corridor to Ghost's room. Checking your watch it was 9:36 am, he would most likely be doing paperwork or something...

Heading down to the mess hall, it was there in the near empty hall you saw Ghost sitting alone on a lunch bench, a cup in front of him. As you both locked eyes, your mouth instantly curved into the biggest grin as you stared at the man hiding beneath the mask.

Your mischievous big grin made Ghost wary of you suddenly as he saw you walk in the mess hall, grabbing breakfast.

Something is up he thought to himself

Watching as you grabbed some breakfast, he kept his eyes on you until you sat right in front of him.

"Morning Lieutenant" You said, trying to not say Simon... Another grin appears.

"Mornin' Doc" He said, puzzled still by your big grin.

He watched as you slowly tilted your head to the side, strands your long brown hair falling too, as if you were analysing his inner workings. Trying to figure him out

"Is it your turn now doin' the starin'?" Ghost huffed, folding his arms

"Hmm perhaps" You replied

Ghost grumbled and looked down at his near empty tea in his mug.

"How's your injury?" You added as he remained silent, now it was his turn to stare at you.

"Fine. Better" He said.

"Good" You said, sucking in some air. You could feel some tension rising between you.

"Heard about Jones" He said, breaking the silence

You look at him, shocked at the bluntness.

"How did you-" You started

"Soap" Ghost said

"Soap?" You questioned "He's awake?!" You exclaimed

"Yeah, he's all good, you did a great job" He said, his eyes softened as he met your curious brown eyes.

"Good..." You say, taking a sip of coffee "What did he say about Jones?"

"Something happened at your old hospital" Ghost said, studying your face for any reaction.

"Yes..." You whispered, dreading the conversation that will follow.

Ghost took a deep breathe in.

"Tomorrow, we need to resume trainin'. Assume you've been doin' some since we've been away" He said changing the subject.

Shocked that he wasn't going to question you, you smiled briefly at him.

"Yeah, definitely, and yes, been training with the martial arts team on base too" You replied

"We shall see how well you can spar tomorrow" Ghost said.

He picked up his mug and said his goodbyes. He knew not to pressure you into giving him information he desperately wanted to know.

Within your own darkness, you seem to be hidin' your own demons too Ghost thought as he walked out.

...

It had only been a 3 days since Ghost, aka Simon Riley, had his deep wound stitched up, and yet he was persistent on picking back up the training, especially hand to hand combat training.

It was no surprise, the Simon you remember was proficient in unarmed combat. Now added with his Ghost persona, daunting others in his stride.

Each time you greeted each other in front of the training room he booked out, you'd ask him how he was.

"Alrigh'" He gruffed

That was his usual response. You didn't want to annoy him any further so you bit your tongue.

Finally, on the fourth day of training, you pinched a nerve with Ghost when you kept repeatedly asking if he was okay and if his wound be able to handle a beating or two.

"So far, I've overthrown you... 7 out of 8 times past three days" He snapped at you, blue eyes narrowed at you.

"Pretty sure it's 6" You replied bluntly as you recall the time you were jumping repeatedly to try and pull him over.

"7" Ghost retorted crossing his arms and stepping closer to you

"You are twice the mass of any normal combatant" You say rolling your eyes edging over to the mat.

"Well if you could knock me over, then it'd be easier knocking normal people" Ghost said following you onto the mat, and got into his ready position as you did the same.

He watched as your face changed, the fire suddenly lit behind the eyes as you narrowed your eyebrows. Waiting for your move, because he knew you would lunge first with a kick. And you did, he used his right arm to swat it away as if the oncoming kick was a fly. He took in satisfaction from your frustration at his easy block.

"Too predictable" Ghost muttered as he circled you slowly.

Taking a deep inhale you let out a deep sigh

"I don't have the upper body strength to take you down" You hurled back at him

"Just try it" He calmly said

Pulling your arms closer to your chest and face, jolting forward and giving a right punch. Ghost dodges.

Ghost decides to up the game and throws a punch, you duck and attempt to trip him with your legs again. He sighs and raises his leg in an attempt to kick you but you block with your right arm and side of the body, with your left arm you grab his thigh but Ghost quickly uses his upper arm to push you back - you stumble with the amount of force he put with such ease.

"Good attempt" He groaned as he stretched his neck and arms. where the muscles laid too defined under his scarred pale skin.

Meanwhile you were panting for air like anything. Walking off the mats you grab your flask and take a quick swig from it. The water replenishes the dryness of your mouth.

"Ready for another round?" Ghost asks, and you swear you heard a glimmer of laughter

Turning around placing the flask down in its own spot, wiping away droplets of water from the edge of your mouth, walking back up to the mats and face Ghost, getting back in your stance.

Lunging first again, you manage to hit Ghost and block one of his oncoming punches. Using his thigh as a stool, you jump up and twist round to his back and wrap your legs around his shoulders hooking your feet against his lower back, trying to use your core to tip him over, but you just ended spinning yourself to his front, feeling you slip, Ghost instinctively grabbed hold of your waist, keeping you from falling and snapping your neck.

"Ain't ya gonna listen to me and not use your legs?" He said gruffly

A small groan come out from your mouth.

His calloused fingers of his right hand grazed the brown skin beyond the edge of the joggers you wore. His grip around your hips tightened as he felt you relaxing your upper body, yet the grip with your legs over his shoulders remained.

He heard you panting slightly as you hung below him. Your tank top rose, unveiling more of the warm smooth brown skin. Like magnets, his eyes took in the vulnerability of your position as you hung casually.

You're gonna pounce he thought, planting himself and engaging his core, his wound although padded and nearly healed (Ghost thought) throbbed dully.

Yet you lay still. Ghost peered down at you again, his eyes laid on your breasts, between them he quickly looked at your chin and then the edge of your round nose. For a moment, he let himself glance at your breasts and then trailed up from your ribs to the protruding skin, a bronze glow as a beam of light bathed that region... Within his chest a ripple formed that gave him ease. His eyes wandered back up to the legs wrapped around his shoulders.

Taking your vulnerability to his advantage; Ghost grabs you right arm with his left and pulls you up and then over him. He heard you yell in disbelief as you were flung over him.

His right hand was no longer securely on your waist but now grasping your right inner thigh, making you lose grip over his shoulder.

Falling on your back you groaned with growing agitation as he threw you down.

"Was that necessary?" You groaned

"I ain't a damn tree" He snapped back, surveying you as you sat crossed legged down on the mat. The black tank top was perfectly fitted, showing your toned arms as you leant back. Ghost looked away and turned his back slightly

"Built like one" You muttered to yourself quietly and get back up up, rubbing your sore back and shoulder.

"Look, come here" Ghost said, rubbing his the skin underneath his mask, then motioned with his hand.

You came closer, and he took hold of your right arm gently.

"Form a fist" He said still holding your arm as you tightened the muscles lying beneath the skin.

"Good" Ghost said, and you looked up at into eyes blue eyes. Simon's blue eyes. As your eyes meet you feel a sharp zing bolt across you, quickly glancing back down to your fist, the feeling spread down to where he held your arm.

"Now, hit me with your upper arm-" He began and proceeded to move that part closer to your body "close like this" he added, and look down at you, meeting your eyes once again.

"'Kay" You sighed, engaging your core.

"Use your arms this time" Ghost repeated and gave a nod for you to go ahead.

You aim for Ghost's chest, he dodges, you attempt again to hit him with your left hand and you hit his chiseled torso.

"Good" he said "Block and defen' now" he added, and he lunged forward suddenly, delivering quick and sharp punches.

You block two, and then grab his right arm, and attempt to hurl him over, but due to his large size he remained where stood.

Thrusting your backside into him to try and get a bit of momentum, but he stood still.

Ghost felt slightly awkward as you kept getting close to his front, he felt your back, especially your bum, hitting his cock. He took a step back and turned his waist to the side, yet you followed his move in attempt to try and bring him down. With his left hand, he wrapped around your waist and lifted you up over his head.

"Not again!" You yelled as Ghost you mid air. He chuckled slightly as he brought you down but you swung your left leg around the back of his waist to try and swivel yourself out of his hold.

"Stop!" He yelled as he lost his balance and you let go of his waist with your leg, but still held onto his right arm. The sudden change in weight and momentum made Ghost fall right on top of you. Your face slammed into the mat, and lips making contact with the grit on the mat, saliva sputtered out as you groaned with annoyance and tiredness.

Ghost lifted himself off of you, he noticed your bare shoulders, as your tank top had a strap in the middle, exposing the tattoo he saw briefly one time on your left shoulder.

As you panted on the mat, Ghost stood on one knee over you and examined the different four flowers coming out of what looked like a skull. He gazed at the black monochromatic skull; an odd reflection of the skull he wore over his own.

He moved back and up, watching as your back muscles flexing as you pushed yourself up from the mat.

"Last round?" You say, wiping your hands together to get rid of the grit from the mats.

"Until you knock me over then it'll be the last roun'" He said, standing in the centre of the mat. Stretching his arms over his head and gazing back at you.

You meet his blue eyes again. Part of you so badly wanted to run up, jump and take his mask off and be huzzah! But that would be a total invasion of personal space and you figured he'd just toss you back to the ground as soon as you made any move.

Best bet is to keep on the defensive mode... Wait for him to strike

After about a minute of circling one another, Ghost struck first, punches that struck you on the side, yet you began to dodge them, delivering punches in return.

"Finally" Ghost said aloud, as he looked at your delivery of punches, few which he blocked and few a he took. He looked deep into your brown eyes, full of focus and determination.

Throwing more punches, blocking and then attacking.

"Good" Ghost said again and he swung out his right leg, doing a high kick and you block it and try to toss him over. It didn't work. Instead you let go his leg, and he swiveled trying to kick you again, you blocked and then remembered a move... A sudden rush of adrenaline charged through your blood.

With his back turned, it was then with your right leg that as you quickly crouched, hooking it around Ghost's left leg causing him to stumble, allowing you the edge to push his back with your left hand.

As Ghost fell forward he felt your hand grip his right ankle flipping him over like a pancake onto his back. Before he could fight back, you lunged on top of him, pinning his left arm with your right leg and your right hand near his throat. Your left knee was placed just on his hip, just the right amount of pressure to prevent him from getting up.

It was one of his signature moves. The surprise attack he would often use from behind.

How could you.. But then he remembered... Simon...

Him

You learnt it from him.

You kept him pinned down in the same position, forcing your entire weight on the points you held him down by. Boring your eyes into his. You could see the remaining black painting creased as he squinted his eyes at you.

"Gonna get off me?" He growled, hoping that would intimidate you.

Yet you persisted. Keeping the same stern look you stared at him. Tightening the grip you had on his right arm.

Annoyance began to grow in Ghost. But then he figured if you knew, then this was the consequences of his own making.

Your fingers were splayed against his throat covered by his skull balaclava. There was a terrible temptation to how badly you wanted to slide your fingers underneath, revealing the mole on his skin that covered his jugular.

What colour was it?

Smooth and circular or rough like potato. What shape is the mole?

As you thought of the mole, your grip began to tighten slightly on Ghost's throat.

Ghost felt his anxiety building inside as she tightened her grip on his throat.

How could I be so fuckin' stupid Ghost thought to himself, he pushed himself up but you were exerting all your strength into keeping him where he is.

"Do you know?" he croaked

"I know a lot of things, to which are you referring to?" You retorted

"Hmm" Ghost groaned, he shifted again under you, yet you remained.

"The day we first met.." You started, thinking carefully of the way you were wording your thoughts. Ghost eyes widened, becoming more attentive.

"Go on.." He said

"You said my old name, how did you know?" You asked, eyes narrowing at Ghost, hoping to catch him

"Looked through a file" Ghost lied quickly. Unable to bring himself to tell the truth.

You smirked, eyes narrowing further.

"Nah, pretty sure the Captain redacted my name"

Ghost drew all of his strength, he managed to get his right leg up and with his knee shifted his weight so that you stumbled off of him as he turned over.

"What you gettin' at?" He said getting up off the mat, lending out his right hand to help you up. You take it, and Ghost helps pull you up.

You know.. Ghost thought to himself as he watched you study his face

"I think I know who you are.." You whispered

Ghost felt a cold tinge begin within him, he crossed his arms over his chest, partly to stop his shaking hands being in view.

"Who am I?" He asked, stepping a bit closer to you

You take a deep breath.

"Simon Riley"

At the moment, Ghost's entire body went cold. What felt like an electric shock bolted in his body.

He was lost for words.

"What makes you think that?" He asked

"You have a mole on your neck, and Simon also had a mole" You stated, wanting to be done with the mind games and for him to take his mask off.

"Had?" Simon asked "Must mean he's dead"

"Supposedly dead" You said slyly.

"How'd you know this Simon had a mole?" Ghost asked, fully relishing in the moment of teasing you. He could sense the gears working overtime in your brain.

"I have a photo" You snapped "And I'll show it to you" You said, walking off the mats.

You were tired of the running around the questions. Answers were needed. As you looked behind you, Ghost began to follow your footsteps as you lead the way.

...

Ghost followed you into your room and closed the door behind you.

You pulled out the gold from that had the photo of the five soldiers, staring at it one last time before handing it over to Ghost.

Looking down at the image in the frame, Ghost recognised the Captain, you and a younger version of himself.

There he was. Simon Riley, before the betrayal, before the chaos and when he had a family. When he had a life outside the military.

Ghost looked up at you, your face still had the same stern look, he could tell that you wished it was the same Simon under this mask, the same Simon that was in the framed photo.

Standing in front of Ghost, he was leant back against the wall. The foreboding skull face whose eyes still protruded glared at you. Every now and then those blue eyes blink, replenishing the moisture of his lense covered in black paint ridden skin.

"I thought you were bacon"

"Bacon?" Ghost said in surprise

You tilt your head up, and watch as Ghost - no Simon - cock his head to the side, taking in an inhale as he shifts his weight about.

"Fried to a crisp" You muttered

"That ain't bacon love" He retaliated

You mouth curved when he said love... A cold pleasant feeling rippled through you.

"Is it you?" You ask, voice-breaking slightly, you could feel your eyes beginning ot sting as tears formed.

Ghost sighed, he placed the golden frame upright onto the set of drawers near him. He reached with his slightly trembling fingers, grasping the edge of his mask and took it off.

Your heart skipped a bit, mouth opening wide as the person finally revealed was alive.

"Simon" You murmured, stepping closer to him. It wasn't the same Simon in the photo. His blonde hair was not so blonde, dirtier blond-brown, and was messy and long on the sides. His jaw was covered in stubble, and as you stepped closer your could see scars scattered over his face; one over his nose that ran near his left eye, another across his cheek. His eyes looked tired, but the black paint didn't help.

Taking in every detail, you scan his face. Your mouth curved as you savoured this precious moment. Unable to stop the tears and the tightness in your chest as you got close to him. Simon.

Simon watched as the tears that fell from your eyes finally trickled down your cheek, dropping down to the floor that held them both in this moment of silence. He reached out for your hand and pulled you closer to him.

He took in your sorrow, guilt riddled him like an aching virus. He brought his hands up, his fingers tracing the bronze skin that glowed in the candlelight, trailing his forefinger and thumb against your skin, taking in the softness. Simon sighed and bowed his head slightly, he looked up and saw more tears coming from your eyes, wiping them away with his thumb. The rough palms grasped the nape of your neck, lulling your head back as he weaved his fingers through your brown hair. Simon gazed back, and closed his eyes placing his forehead against yours, his cold sharp nose tip pressing into your round nose.

"Ru" He whispered finally, his eyes still closed, yet he felt your wet lashes flicker against his.

"Simon" You croaked, and sighed deeply into him, Simon felt you relax and pulled in close to him, wrapping his warm strong arms tighter around you. Taking in the comfort as you melted into him.

Each inhale brought in a mix of cinnamon, musk, cigarettes and sweat. A perfect elixir that soothed your melancholy.

"Didn't mean to take so long" Simon gruffed

"I knew something was up" You said, sniffling as you pulled away, wiping the tears away with your wrist. Looking up at Simon, who still held you close to him.

"I just needed time" Simon said, his forehead touched yours has he took another inhale, a weight finally lifted off him.

Reaching around his waist, you wrap your arms tight.

"You took your time, then I took the shot" You said chuckling slightly into him. His grip on you tightened and you could feel him laugh a little too.

As Simon held you in his embrace, thankful that you were not mad, he finally felt his inner demons quell within the darkness that had put a hold on him for far too long.

#modern warfare fanfiction #simon ghost riley #simon ghost riley x doctor #simon ghost riley x medic #cod fanfic #fan fic ideas #angst #cod mw soap #cod price #cod ghost #ghost mw2 #modern warfare #modern warfare ghost #thoughtsandbones #thoughtsandboneswrites

[imsociallyanxiousgetoverit]

List of all SDV and SDV:E (Stardew Valley: Expanded) Giftable Items

Horseradish

Daffodil

Leek

Dandelion

Parsnip

Cave Carrot

Coconut

Cactus

Banana

Sap

Large Egg

Egg

Milk

Large Milk

Green Bean

Cauliflower

Potato

Garlic

Kale

Rhubarb

Melon

Tomato

Morsel

Blueberry

Fiddlehead Fern

Hot Pepper

Wheat

Radish

Red Cabbage

Starfruit

Corn

Rice

Eggplant

Artichoke

Pumpkin

Bokchoy

Yam

Chanterelle

Cranberry

Holly

Beets

Ostrich Egg

Salmonberry

Amouranth

Pale Ale

Hops

Void Egg

Mayonnaise

Duck Mayonnaise

Void Mayonnaise

Clay

Copper Bar

Silver Bar

Gold Bar

Iridium Bar

Refined Quartz

Honey

Pickles

Jam

Beer

Wine

Juice

Clam

Poppy

Copper Ore

Silver Ore

Coal

Gold Ore

Iridium Ore

Wood

Stone

Nautilus Shell

Coral

Summer Shell

Spice Berry

Sea Urchin

Grape

Spring Onion

Strawberry

Sweet Pea

Common Mushroom

Wild Plum

Hazelnut

Blackberry

Winter Root

Crystal Fruit

Snow Yam

Sweet Gem Berry

Crocus

Red Mushroom

Sunflower

Purple Mushroom

Cheese

Goat Cheese

Cloth

Truffle

Truffle Oil

Coffee Bean

Goat Milk

Large Goat Milk

Wool

Duck Egg

Duck Feather

Caviar

Lucky Rabbit’s Foot

Aged Roe

Ancient Fruit

Mead

Tulip

Summer Spangle

Fairy Rose

Blue Jazz

Apple

Green Tea

Apricot

Orange

Peach

Pomegranate

Cherry

Bug Meat

Hardwood

Maple Syrup

Oak Resin

Pine Tar

Slime

Bat Wing

Rusty Blade

Swirl Stone

Solar Essence

Void Essence

Void Pebble

Void Shard

Void Soul

Fiber

Battery

Dinosaur Mayonnaise

Roe

Squid Ink

Tea Leaves

Ginger

Taro Root

Pineapple

Mango

Cinder Shard

Magma Cap

Bone Fragment

Radioactive Ore

Radioactive Bar

Ancient Fiber

Bearberry

Conch

Dried Sand Dollar

Ferngill Primrose

Golden Ocean Flower

Goldenrod

Green Mushroom

Four-Leaf Clover

Monster Fruit

Monster Mushroom

Mushroom Colony

Poison Mushroom

Red Baneberry

Salal Berry

Slime Berry

Rafflesia

Sports Drink

Stamina Capsule

Thistle

Void Root

Winter Star Ross

Dewdrop Berry

Aged Blue Moon Wine

Blue Moon Wine

Aegis Elixir

Armor Elixir

Barbarian Elixir

Gravity Elixir

Haste Exilir

Hero Elixir

Lightning Elixir

Pufferfish

Anchovy

Tuna

Sardine

Bream

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Rainbow Trout

Salmon

Walleye

Perch

Carp

Catfish

Pike

Sunfish

Red Snapper

Herring

Eel

Octopus

Red Mullet

Squid

Seaweed

Green Algae

Seacucumber

Super Seacucumber

Ghost Carp

White Algae

Stone Fish

Crimsonfish

Angler

Icepip

Lava Eel

Legend

Sandfish

Scorpion Carp

Flounder

Midnight Carp

Mutant Carp

Sturgeon

Tiger Trout

Bullhead

Tilapia

Chub

Dorado

Albacore

Shad

Lingcod

Halibut

Lobster

Crayfish

Crab

Cockle

Mussel

Shrimp

Snail

Periwinkle

Oyster

Woodskip

Glacierfish

Void Salmon

Slimejack

Midnight Squid

Spookfish

Blobfish

Stingray

Lionfish

Blue Discus

Baby Lunaloo

Bonefish

Bull Trout

Butterfish

Clownfish

Daggerfish

Dulse Seaweed

Frog

Gemfish

Goldenfish

Grass Carp

King Salmon

Kittyfish

Lunaloo

Meteor Carp

Minnow

Puppyfish

Radioactive Bass

Razor Trout

Seahorse

Sea Sponge

Shiny Lunaloo

Snatcher Worm

Starfish

Torpedo Trout

Undeadfish

Void Eel

Water Grub

Dwarf Scroll 1

Dwarf Scroll 2

Dwarf Scroll 3

Dwarf Scroll 4

Chipped Amphora

Arrowhead

Ancient Doll

Elvish Jewelry

Chewing Stick

Ornamental Fan

Dinosaur Egg

Rare Disc

Ancient Sword

Rusty Spoon

Rusty Spur

Rusty Cog

Chicken Statue

Ancient Seed

Prehistoric Tool

Dried Starfish

Anchor

Glass Shards

Bone Flute

Prehistoric Handaxe

Dwarvish Helm

Dwarf Gadget

Ancient Drum

Golden Mask

Golden Relic

Strange Doll

Strange Doll

Prehistoric Scapula

Prehistoric Tibia

Prehistoric Skull

Skeletal Hand

Prehistoric Rib

Prehistoric Vertebrae

Skeletal Tail

Nautilus Shell

Amphibian Fossil

Palm Fossil

Trilobite

Emerald

Aquamarine

Ruby

Amethyst

Topaz

Jade

Diamond

Prismatic Shard

Quartz

Fire Quartz

Frozen Tear

Earth Crystal

Alamite

Bixite

Baryite

Aerinite

Calcite

Dolomite

Esperite

Fluorapatite

Geminite

Helvite

Jamborite

Jagoite

Kyanite

Lunarite

Malachite

Nepunite

Lemon Stone

Nekoite

Orpiment

Petrified Slime

Thunder Egg

Pyrite

Ocean Stone

Ghost Crystal

Tiger’s Eye

Jasper

Opal

Fire Opal

Celestine

Marble

Sandstone

Granite

Basalt

Limestone

Soapstone

Hematite

Mudstone

Obsidian

Slate

Fairy Stone

Star Shards

Fried Egg

Omelet

Salad

Cheese Cauliflower

Baked Fish

Parsnip Soup

Vegetable Medley

Complete Breakfast

Fried Calimari

Strange Bun

Lucky Lunch

Fried Mushrooms

Pizza

Bean Hotpot

Glazed Yams

Carp Surprise

Hashbrowns

Pancakes

Salmon Dinner

Fish Taco

Crispy Bass

Pepper Poppers

Bread

Tom Kha Soup

Trout Soup

Chocolate Cake

Pink Cake

Rhubarb Pie

Cookies

Spaghetti

Spicy Eel

Sashimi

Maki Roll

Tortilla

Red Plate

Eggplant Parmesan

Rice Pudding

Ice Cream

Bluberry Tart

Autumn’s Bounty

Pumpkin Soup

Super Meal

Cranberry Sauce

Stuffing

Farmer’s Lunch

Survival Burger

Dish’O’The Sea

Miner’s Treat

Roots Platter

Triple Shot Espresso

Seafoam Pudding

Algae Soup

Pale Broth

Plum Pudding

Artichoke Dip

Stir Fry

Roasted Hazelnuts

Pumpkin Pie

Radish Salad

Fruit Salad

Blackberry Cobbler

Cranberry Candy

Bruschetta

Coleslaw

Fiddlehead Risotto

Poppyseed Muffin

Chowder

Fish Stew

Escargot

Lobster Bisque

Maple Bar

Crab Cakes

Shrimp Cocktail

Ginger Ale

Banana Pudding

Mango Sticky Rice

Poi

Tropical Curry

Squid Ink Ravioli

Mushroom Berry Rice

Big Bark Burger

Flower Cookie

Frog Legs

Glazed Butterfish

Grampleton Orange Chicken

Mixed Berry Pie

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Void Delight

Void Salmon Sushi

#Mistakes have likely been made and I will not be fixing them so just reply to the post with any corrections #sdv #stardew #stardew valley #sdv:e #sdve #stardew expanded #stardew valley expanded #giftable items #sdv items #sdv gifts #sdv gifting #long post

[skeletal-sam]

- ♱ - About me - ♱ -

─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───

She / Her - He / Him

Minor (13)

Mixed (White / Asian)

Questioning

─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───

My interests and likes!

Edward Scissorhands, Goth Subculture, Music, Japanese culture and history, Electric Guitars, Gothic Lolita, Robots, Vampires, the Undead

Movies!

Edward Scissorhands, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Elvira, Girl Interrupted, Whiplash, Labyrinth, Corpse Bride, Coraline, The Breakfast Club, The Outsiders, Ghost In The Shell etc.

Books!

Girl Interrupted, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and other stories, Dororo, The Outsiders, Tomie, Uzumaki, Tombs etc.

Music!

The Cure, Bauhaus, Malice Mizer, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Christian Death, Lebanon Hanover etc.

─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───

BYI

I have really bad anxiety

I can get very triggered on specific topics so please keep that in mind

I need tone tags because I cannot tell tone easily

I have no dni, I will just block

─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───

[ashtrayfloors]

Acker wrote to fill the void of feminine subjectivity in writing as ‘I’—she also wrote for freedom. To save herself from constrictions of The Self. Kathy Acker mimed and mined literature, ravishing book after book that throughout history has silenced and foreclosed women and feminine writing. She broke them open, subverted the phallic ‘eye’, and re-told these stories, trying to find her ‘I’— an act of piracy. (There is only seeing and, in order to go to see, one must be a pirate.) A lone pirate, aboard a phantom ship, Kathy Acker sought to uncover the stories lost at sea, buried alive under the sand, marooned on piece of driftwood—forever lost. She swam in an ocean of books (the places for transformations), dived down into the depths. She transformed: grew gills, breathed in the water, letting the words fill her. She stole the language of the deep (into which all drown), one that she could only come upon as she disappeared. She learned the language of ghosts—appearing as mirages on the bow. (Ghosts equals pirates.) She pried open an oyster shell, put it to her ear and listened intently to the language of her body: its inner rhythms, embodied knowings, a relational energetic labyrinth of becoming woman. She swallowed the pearl (treasure!).

As a woman, (Born dead), Kathy Acker spent her life climbing out of holes—leather-clad, leopard print bandana, never taking off her rings. Each novel, essay or poem written was Acker climbing up out of various gendered, tabooed, literary, systemic holes. And if she wasn’t climbing out of them she was filling them in—with words, with fingers. 

—Mollie Elizabeth Pyne, from “After After Kathy Acker” (3:AM Magazine, August 2018)

#quotations #mollie elizabeth pyne #kathy acker #after after kathy acker #recently read #writing

[indeliblescarspivotalmarks]

THE SATURN THEORY

PART FOUR

The Bejeweled Edition

This is part 4 of my theory where I suppose that Saturn has an insanely integral part in Taylor Swift's rerecording process, the timings of the re-recording and the dates on which these happen. I believe it is the reason for the Karma Cycle and for the 112 day cycle. You can read the previous parts on my blog, this part specifically cover's the song Bejeweled from the Midnight's album.

part 1

part 2

part 3

3 GEMS

There are only 3 gems mentioned in the entire song that is about being Bejewelled. They are also all featured in the lyric video, emphasising their importance! So of course... I looked into them. And they all somehow link to Saturn, of course they do.

Taylor mentions, Sapphires, Moonstones and Diamonds.

Sapphires are known as the Gem of Saturn. This is the specific gemstone that represents the planet Saturn.

Moonstones are one of June's birthstones. Saturn is the 6th planet and June is the 6th month, so I find easter eggs of 6 particularly important. As well as this, the 112 day cycle supposes that the final rerecording will be released on June 7th, and that the Karma Cycle ends that day

On Saturn, it rains diamonds. This felt insanely particular to reference, as it's something someone researching Saturn (as I believe Taylor did in order to hide easter eggs) would find out relatively easily but it is subtle enough not many people would know!

THE STOPWATCH

Saturn controls all formats of time, this includes stopwatches.

This is the same stopwatch we see in the Mastermind lyric video, which holds it's own easter eggs (look at part 3 to find out more!).

The stopwatch is the shape of an oyster shell, this is where pearls grow. There has been very strong pearl usage within the Midnight's era which I will get into in a future post. Pearls link to Saturn as they are June's birthstone. Saturn = 6th planet = 6 = 6th month = June.

This stopwatch details the fact Exile ends at 02. I believe this is an Easter Egg for reputation TV dropping in February. I believe full exile, once the stopwatch hits 00, ends in June aka 6, due to the oyster shell shape of it.

SERVANT

Whilst looking at the link between the middle finger and Saturn, I found an interesting link saying that The middle finger represents Saturn which is said to be the servant. There is clear servant imagery with Taylor acting as Cinderella at the beginning of the music video - the smirk she gives is just so guilty! And she did in fact say this video was one of the craziest for easter eggs that she had ever ever made...I do believe she would go this far to easter egg yes I do!

PREVIOUS EASTER EGGING

Bejeweled was used as CLEAR easter eggs for both Speak Now and 1989. These corroborated the 112 theory by Speak Now TV coming out 7/7, exactly 112 days after the start of tThe Eras Tour, and then 1989TV coming out 10/27, exactly 112 days after Speak Now TV.

REPUTATION EASTER EGGING

There is LOTS of Reputation Easter Egging within Bejewelled for February, which further amplifies the 112 theory. It is a lot more discreet than both Speak Now and 1989, but Taylor often does this, and likes to plant easter eggs we won't find straight away. I will post ALL of my Bejeweled easter eggs for a February ReputationTV release as this post would be too long, but in short the main ones are:

Usage of February birthdays

Ghosting terminology

Snake references

Usage of two.

LYRIC VIDEO TIMING

Bejewelled was the 13th Midnight's era video we received. I believe this is Taylor telling us to look at the lyrics of this song, which links to my Gems theory. The fact it also received a music video I think it shows it is very important to the re-recording process.

#the saturn theory #taylor swift #swiftie #taylorswift #taylor #ts #taylor swift eras #the eras tour #eras tour #taylornation #easter eggs #swiftie clowning #theories

[bowlingforgerbils]

octonewton 👀 wywutmsequel 👀👀

octonewton is a Pacific Rim fanfic in which Newton is a merperson, but with an octopus lower half instead of a fish. He saves Hermann after a fall on the beach and romance ensues. I unfortunately never got farther than the little flashback scene at the beginning in which Hermann and Newt briefly meet as children. Here's a snippet:

He bends down to examine the pearly underside of a mussel shell. When he straightens, there is a boy in the water, waist-deep.

The boy smiles at him and waves. He doesn’t look any older than Hermann. “Hi!” He calls out. “What’s your name?”

“Hermann,” the boy on shore answers automatically. He doesn’t think to ask the same question.

The boy smiles wider. “That’s a funny name. I like it. Are you collecting shells?”

Hermann looks at his little bucket and hugs it to himself protectively. He has to share nearly everything with his brother, and the shells are his alone. But the boy is far away, and it isn’t nice to lie, so Hermann finally nods. Yes, he is.

“What’s your favorite kind?” the boy in the water asks.

Hermann loosens his grip on the bucket slightly. “Sea snail.”

“They don’t taste as good as oysters,” the boy in the water says.

 Hermann wrinkles his nose. “I don’t want to eat them, I just like the shells. They follow the golden ratio. That makes them prettier than oysters.”

Even from the shore, Hermann can see the boy roll his eyes. “Well, oysters are cooler because they look like rocks but they’re alive.”

“What’s so cool about a rock?” Hermann demands, but the boy just sticks out his tongue.

Then he dives under the water and disappears.

Hermann frowns to himself and listlessly sorts through his shells. He didn’t mean to pick a fight with the other boy, and now he wishes that he hadn’t. 

wywutmsequel is the sequel to When You Wish Upon the Moon, a sequel that I have been plotting for ages and writing draft after draft and throwing each one away. I don't know what my problem is, probably I have put too much expectations on myself. Anyway, here's a snippet that is just as likely to be thrown out as every other iteration I have written, so don't get too attached:

They had been wandering the Gettysburg Battlefield, a site purportedly haunted by its many fallen soldiers. Pitch loved visiting “spooky” places and watching the humans make fools of themselves trying to get proof of ghosts with their phones and cameras. Sometimes Pitch would give a paranormal enthusiast a jolt of fear, and Sandy never protested because they were adults, not children, and it was admittedly a little funny to watch someone jump in the air and scream.

But on this particular night, Pitch had been more pensive than mischievous, his gaze wandering over the monuments, shadows trailing behind him. He paused to look over a statue of a man on horseback, his wide brow creasing in thought. “Sandy… when you were a star pilot… did you ever meet him? The General?”

Sandy blinked and read the monument’s plaque in confusion. <i>Winfield Scott Hancock?</i>

“No,” Pitch hissed, before recomposing himself. “No, I meant me. Him.” He looked away, as if embarrassed. “Kozmotis Pitchiner.”

Oh! <i>Only once</i>, Sandy replied quickly, turning his attention to Pitch. <i>I was a cadet out on patrol when I spotted a large fearling. I tried to take it down but it was too big for my ship and likely would have destroyed me if it weren’t for General Pitchiner. He swooped in and saved the day.</i> Sandy gave a little smile at the memory before adding sheepishly, <i>He chewed me out afterwards for being reckless and taking on more than I could handle.</i>

Pitch snorted. “Sounds familiar,” he murmured, half to himself, but his smile didn’t quite meet his eyes. 

<i>He also told me that I had some of the best moves he’d ever seen for such a young star pilot. I was so starstruck that I could barely thank him afterwards. We helped one another out a few times over the years in battle, but that was the only time he ever spoke to me.”

“I see…” Pitch turned away, as if disappointed, and added acerbically, “Must have been devastating to lose such a heroic figure…”

Sandy floated up so that Pitch could see his sand writing. <i>It was. But as much as I admired him, I didn’t know him. He wasn’t my friend.</i>

Something warm and vulnerable flickered in those tarnished silver eyes before something past Sandy’s shoulder caught the dark spirit’s attention. “I can’t believe it. That idiot over there brought a <i>ouija board</i>.” Pitch’s mouth curved up into a nasty grin. “A moment, Sandy, while I give him a little lesson in spirit etiquette.”

And that was that. Pitch never brought up the General again.

#use your words #newmann #pacific rim #blacksand #rotg #pitch black #sanderson mansnoozie

[lumenfall]

VERSES .

✤ verse — of girlhood and grandeur

canon . Heavy the mantle of expectation lies. Young Maria proves athletic and fearless, rejecting opulence, refusing to be tempered by more leisurely and feminine pursuits. As her limbs lengthen and she hovers on the cusp of womanhood, her visage is oil-painted in shades of oyster shell and duck down, her miniature portraits shared with potential suitors. Make no mistake, an only child of noble birth is an asset. The walls of Cainhurst Castle loom tall and suffocating, her dream of knighthood far out of reach.

✤ verse — the love of nature is a kind of religion

canon . Stall tactics and a desire to learn bring Maria to Byrgenwerth.  Curiosity, too – not only for her subject of botany, not only for those whose blood is not considered vile, but for the former groundskeeper.  The first of his kind, he of humble beginnings and a grand cause.  Maria distances herself from Cainhurst and takes her place at the beast-hunter Gehrman’s side.

✤ verse — every version of the story ends with you being slaughtered

canon . Oh, but Maria thrives under Gehrman’s tutelage.  Although not the gilt-edged knighthood she imagined in the days of her youth, it is beautiful and horrifying and righteous.  Blood is in her veins, in her hair, in the treads of her boots; it drips from her leather clad form and she is unshackled.  Until the illusion shatters, until the hunt morphs into a massacre and it becomes clear that the means do not justify the end.

✤ verse — the sea slides back / the mirrors are sheeted

canon . After the butchery in the fishing hamlet, Maria retires from the hunt.  A ghost of her former self, she withdraws from those she loves by degrees, and seeks redemption in the echoing chambers of the Research Hall.  Comfort is all she has to offer the world.  In the end, comfort is not enough, and there is one final beast she must slay – but self-destruction does not expunge the stain on her soul.

✤ verse — i like to call myself wound / but i will answer to knife

canon . Condemned to the Hunter’s Nightmare, Maria resides in the Astral Clocktower.  She shows no sign of beasthood or blood sickness, her only disfigurement are those self-inflicted wounds that ended her life.  The weight of her sins is clear to her, and now she guards the fishing hamlet, the body of Kos and her orphan.  Gentle, violent, determined.

✤ verse — when i die let the wolves enjoy my bones

ancient greece . A verse inspired by but not limited to Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.  Maria is a member of the Daughters of Artemis, a tribal society of female warriors who worship the goddess of the hunt.

#✤ verses

[stillgrows]

get to know the mun

what made you pick up the current muse(s) you have? oh, goodness. there are so many and they are so varied. they're all muses i've picked up over the years who have spoken to me; in some ways, it's funny to look back and see what my "type" was at the time (see: huey laforet and johannes cabal being from things i was into around the same time, and then luxord and kariya being from similar times for me as well; looking @ my new gnshn additions is funny because yeah, you're into the fake people lately, aren't you).

is there anything you don’t like to write? while i love shipping, i dislike relationships where there is no... challenge? not even challenge in a butting heads way, but they have to be able to provide something to the other. they have to enable growth in the other. so i guess completely 100% fluffy cute happy ships without any substance (and the substance does not have to be negative in any way... it just has to actually be there).

is there anything you really enjoy writing? i love parallels and foils in narration. i also do love writing smut, i shall not lie; it's a good way to look into the dynamics of a character with themself and their own body as well as of a relationship. in general though i enjoy anything that really pries open a character and lets me examine them in different ways.

do you write in silence or do you play music? depends! i have character playlists i will usually use, but sometimes the vocals are a detriment and i'll just write in silence (or with music on in the living room so it's Noise but i'm not Listening)

do you plan your replies or wing them? yes? it really depends. sometimes i'll reply instantly and in that case i'm winging it, but i've usually had inspiration occur to me which counts as vague planning even if instantaneous? with replies being so short it's difficult to say, vs writing a novel where i know the ending and am winging the middle.

do you enjoy shipping? forgot this question was coming and kind of answered it already... so, yes. a lot. but it has to give something to the characters. i don't just ship just to ship. i'm not rewriting my above answer so y'all get the same thing twice.

what’s your alias/name? syd, or plant (although i've had several additional ones over the years) age? 27 birthday? 18 july favorite color? burnt orange favorite song? currently my top song on my on repeat playlist is over & over by rio romeo but i think axolotl by cosmo sheldrake may be my actual current favorite. this changes very often. last movie you watched? uh. it may have been my ghost in the shell rewatch a while ago? last show you watched? a murder at the end of the world last song you listened to? currently listening to brain damage by joywave favorite food? oh, um. hm. raw oysters with a good mignonette. favorite season? late summer/early fall do you have a tumblr best friend? does my girlfriend count?

tagged by: stole from @kkriitters tagging: you

#ooc // dash games #sorry koy if i do the drink one i'll send it to you sjdfhs #i don't really do character-specific dash games and post them. but keep an eye out for that tomorrow hehe

[hadeschan]

item # K20A15

RARE Pra Somdej Gru Wat Khlang Klong Khoi, Pim Pra Prataan, Nua Pong. A Buddha amulet with figure of the Temple Principle Buddha Statue, made from mainly holy powder blended with Pong Viset Ha Pragaan (5 kinds of holy powder) of Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh of Wat Rakhang, blended with holy water and tabby made from seashells. The legend has it that Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh Phrommarangsi (Somdej Toh) was on his pilgrimage to Wat Khlang Klong Khoi in BE 2375 (CE 1832), and stayed there for years, and made this Batch of amulets. This Batch of amulets was discovered hidden in the area of Wat Khlang Klong Khoi, Ratchaburi Provnce in BE 2490 (CE 1947), BE 2500 (CE 1957), and BE 2516 (CE 1973).

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BEST FOR: Má-laeng wan mai dai gin lêuuat in Thai means flies never land on your blood which refers to one who wears amulet made by Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh his/her drops of blood will never be falling to the ground.“You will NEVER die screaming” Thai people believe that “One will never die screaming and one will die without any suffering at end of life if one is wearing an amulet made by Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh.” This amulet brings endless food with wealth & prosperity. Anything you wish for, and it could change your life for the better, Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth / wealth fetching), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back. Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sa-niat jan-rai Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse, accursedness, black magic, misfortune, doom, and poisonous animals). And this amulet helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

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The Batch of Pra Somdej Gru Wat Klang Khlong Khoi

Wat Klang Khlong Khoi, Photharam, Ratchaburi Province on the Mae Klong River Bank was built in the late Kingdom of Ayutthaya (BE 2231 to BE 2310, CE 1688 to CE 1767). The legend has it that in the year BE 2375 (CE 1832), Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh or Toh Phrommarangsi (1788-1872; B.E. 2331-2415) of Wat Rakhang, Bangkok was on his pilgrimage, and stayed there for practicing Vipassana Meditation for years. It is believed that where Somdej Toh stayed, Somdej Toh would built a “Pra Pang Um Baat”, a standing Buddha statue holding an alms bowl, it was a Buddha gesture of the day Somdej Toh was born, the Wednesday night. The Batch of Pra Somdej Gru Wat Klang Khlong Khoi was first discovered buried under the ground behind Luang Phor Toh Standing Buddha Statue in BE 2490 (CE 1947), and later found buried under the Bodhi Tree, and behind the temple building in BE 2500 (CE 1957), and BE 2016 (CE 1973) hidden at the old temple building of Wat Klang Khlong Khoi. And the materials and the styles of the amulets found are similar to Pra Somdej Wat Rakhang, and Pra Somdej Bang Khun Phrom Buddha amulets made by Somdej Toh.

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Pong Viset Ha Pragaan (5 kinds of Holy Powder)

A Pra Somdej amulet MUST contain Pong Viset Ha Pragaan (5 kinds of Holy Powder), and the Pong Viset Ha Pragaan is the COMPONENTS of the following 18 sacred materials:-

1)Din Sor Pong, marly limestone powder.

2)Poon Pleuak hoi, tabby is a type of concrete made by burning oyster shells to create lime, then mixing it with water, sand, ash and broken oyster shells.

3)Din Jet Phong, earth taken from 7 forests where deposit of salts and other minerals are. A mineral lick (also known as a salt lick) is a place where animals can go to lick essential mineral nutrients from a deposit of salts and other minerals. Din Jet Phong is believed to have the force of temptation and distraction.

4)Din Jet Ta, earth taken from 7 bus/boat/railways destination terminals. Thais believe that these areas filled with lovers’ mind power while waiting for one their love one to come homes.

5)Din Lak Muang Jet Lak, earth taken from 7 Holy City Pillars at Holy Pillar Shrines in Thailand that guarded by angels and devas. City Pillars are believed to accumulate the power/energy of protection, prosperity and abundance.

6)Kee Thoop Sai Tain Bucha Pra, joss stick ashes, and candle wicks after offering to Holy Buddha Statues.

7)Dok Galong, powder crushed from sundried snowy orchid tree flowers. The snowy orchid tree flower is believed to have the force of passion.

8)Yod Sawas, powder crushed from sundried young leaves of Guilandina bonduc, commonly known as grey nicker, nicker bean, fever nut or knicker nut. Yod Sawas is believed to have the force of passion and temptation.

9)Yod Ruck Son, powder crushed from sundried double crown flowers. Yod Ruck Son is believed to have the force of love and care.

10)Kee Klai Say-ma, powder crushed from stains, sundried mosses and lichens taken from important temple boundary marking stones. Kee Klai Say-ma is believed to accumulate energy of guarding angles.

11)Kee Klai Pratuu Wang, powder crushed from stains, sundried mosses and lichens taken from gates of the ancient Royal Palaces. Kee Klai Pratuu Wang is believed to accumulate energy of guarding angles.

12)Kee Klai Sao Ta-lung Chang-peuuak, powder crushed from stains, sundried mosses and lichens taken from Royal white elephant hitching Posts. Kee Klai Sao Ta-lung Chang-peuuak is believed to accumulate energy of Devas.

13)Ton Rat-cha-preuk, saw dust of Golden Shower Tree is believed to have force of auspicious omens.

14)Ton Chaiya Preuk, saw dust of Cassia javanica Tree, also known as Java cassia, pink shower, apple blossom tree and rainbow shower tree,  is believed to have force of auspicious omens.

15)Phu Ruam Jai, powder crushed from sundried Betel Vine leaves, those leaves were taken from engagement tray presented during a wedding ceremony to the bride’s parents. Phu Ruam Jai is believed to have power of family unity, support, relationship and happiness.

16)Phu Song Hang, powder crushed from sundried Wild Betel leaves that have double tips. Phu Song Hang is believed to have power of Metta Maha Niyom (gaining loving, caring, kindness and compassion from people all around).

17)Bor Nam Jet Ros, water taken from 7 wells, and water in each well has a taste and not all 7 wells taste the same. Taste is subjective and influenced by the water source, and minerals in them. Bor Nam Jet Ros is believed to have power of Pra Mae Kongka, the mythical Goddess of Water and Rivers.

18)Din Sor Viset or Sila Thikhun, powder of calcite stone, calcite is believed having the ability to amplify and cleanse energy, as well as clear and balance the chakras. It can also absorb and transform negative energy. Calcite is a crystal that calms the mind and enhances mental clarity, and it also connects the emotions with the intellect.

THE FIRST PROCESS (Sang Pong / the preparation of holy materials)

After 18 materials are crushed in fine powder, and then added holy powder, water from 7 wells, and plaster cement as binder. The resultant putty was then rolled into cylinders or slender sticks and dried. During the mixing process of these holy materials, the rituals were performed, the offerings were presented to Buddha, Holy Guru Monks, Devas, Masters (teachers), and holy spirits. The ceremonies were held in the temple buildings in front of the Principle Buddha Statue, and monks were saying sermons to invite Buddha, Holy Guru Monks, Devas, Masters (teachers), and holy spirits to bless on the holy powders. And the ritual of spirit possession is performed, a monk who roll the putty into cylinders or slender sticks his body will be controlled by holy spirits, ghosts of departed master or guru monk or devas.

THE SECOND PROCESS (Kiang Pong Lop Pong / drawing formulas of holy cabalistic writings, and then erase them).

After the sticks of powder are dried, then process of making Pong Viset Ha Pragaan begins. The monk will draw formulas of holy cabalistic writings on a chalkboard made of a sheet of mudstone. The formulas are written accordingly to the ancient scriptures, and while drawing them, the monk must say sermons and prayers to invite the power of Buddha, Devas, and holy ghosts of departed master or guru monk to accumulate their power in the molecule of the powder. At the end of each writing, monk will then erase the formulas of cabalistic writings, and keep the chalk dust in a container for further making Buddha amulets.

The Pong Viset Ha Pragaan must be made orderly, beginning with 1)Pong Pattamang, 2)Pong Itthijay, 3)Pong Maharaj, 4)Pong Buddhakhun, and 5)Pong Tri Nisinghe.

The first holy powder or the precursor to make Pong Viset Ha Pragaan is Pong Pattamang Holy Powder by drawing the formulas of Pattamang cabalistic writings with sermons and prayers. After the completion of Pong Pattamang Holy Powder, it will be divided into 2 parts, one as “Pong Pattamang”, and another one is for making of the next Pong Itthijay Holy Powder. Then returning to the first process of making the chalk sticks and then follow the second process to drawn Itthijay cabalistic writings with sermons and prayers, and keep repeating the processes for the next 3 holy powders.

THE POWER OF PONG VISET HA PRAGAAN (5 kinds of Holy Powders)

1)Pong Pattamang Holy Powder is believed to have magic power of Kongkraphan Chatrie (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Kambang Longhon Hai-tua (it makes you invisible in the eyes of the enemies), and Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse and black magic, and poisonous animals).

2)Pong Itthijay Holy Powder, it was made from Pong Pattamang believed to have magic power of Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), and curing and preventing all diseases.

3)Pong Maharaj Holy Powder, it was made from Pong Itthijay believed to have magic power of Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), and Ponggan Kunsai Mondam (it keeps you away from bad spell, curse and black magic).

4)Pong Buddhakhun Holy Powder, it was made from Pong Maharaj believed to have magic power of Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Kambang Longhon Hai-tua (it makes you invisible in the eyes of the enemies), and Sador (it helps unlock all bad spells, and lift the curses).

5)Pong Tri Nisinghe Holy Powder, it was made from Pong Buddhakhun believed to have magic power of Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse and black magic, and poisonous animals). Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), and curing and preventing all diseases.

WRITTEN BY HADES CHAN / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / h a d e s c h a n H K

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Pra Long Gru or Pra Gru

Pra “Long Gru” or “Pra Gru”  means amulet that was stored in the chamber of a chedi/stupa or in a container buried under the ground for many of years, and later found by someone.

According to the prophecy in Pali Canon that Buddha’s Dispensation (Buddhism), and Dharma (Buddha’s teaching) would exist and follow 5,000 years after the Buddha passed away or entered nirvana. The “Long Gru” is a Thai traditional practice to preserve Buddha amulets with figure of Buddha in them in the case that after the decline of indigenous religious practices of Buddhism, the future generations would learn that Buddhism ever to have existed on earth.

The Pra Long Gru, Thais believe that after long period of time that the Buddha amulets were kept, the power that was accumulated in each and every amulet would break apart the chamber (in Thai called Gru Takk) that amulets were hidden.

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SOMDEJ PRA BUDDHACHAN TOH / SOMDEJ TOH

Somdej Toh (1788-1872; B.E. 2331-2415), known formally as Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh (Toh Phrommarangsi), was one of the most famous Buddhist monks during Thailand’s Rattanakosin Period and continues to be the most widely known monk in Thailand. He is widely revered in Thailand as a monk who is said that he possessed magical powers and his amulets are widely sought after. His images and statues are some of the most widespread religious icons in Bangkok.

BIOGRAPHY

Somdej Toh was born in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, it was believed that he was an illegitimate son of King Rama II. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pāli Canon with several Buddhist masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV’s reign Somdej Toh was given the ceremonial name Somdej Pra Buddhachan (Toh Phrommarangsi), the Buddhachan means teacher of Buddhism, given by the King and used to be one of his trusted advisers, having left a lot of teaching stories around him and the King.

He was noted for the skill of his preaching and his use of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism, and for making amulets called Pra Somdej. The amulets were blessed by himself and other respected monks in Thailand. He also appears in many versions of the story of the ghost Mae Nak Phra Khanong, and he is said to be the one to finally subdue her. Somdej Toh also wrote the Pra Khata Chinnabanchon, a protective magical sermon which is widely chant and use among Thais.

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DIMENSION: 3.50 cm high / 2.40 cm wide / 0.50 cm thick

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item # K20A15

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us [email protected]

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE.

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

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[penaltybox14]

Craig Brice and Bob Bellingham.  Bonding.  Sort of.

...

Folks are friendly, out west.  They smile broadly, they clap you on the back, they ask you, where you from, kid? 

You set the table and they ask you: where'd you pick that up?  Because you put the spoon to the right of the knife and the spoon and the knife on the right of the plate and the fork on the left, because that's how it goes, that's how it's always gone.  No one ever asked that, before, he just set the table.  He was never good at anything past the salad fork, he said, one day when Jack Bailey asked, and Jack said what's the difference, it's just a fork, isn't it? 

So he didn't say anything about the soup spoon and the tea spoon or the oyster fork or where the water and the wine glasses went, or how long an evening dinner could be to a boy doing his best not to get his shirt dirty and come up with something sensible to say, should a grown-up ask him.  He never seemed to get it right.  He shrugged off Jack Bailey's questioning eye.  Went back to his reading. 

Thinks back to a chair too tall for his legs, and straining for a break in the conversation to be excused.  Perhaps at a moment when his father or an uncle laughed, or his mother smiled into the back of her hand.  His mother liked things neat and tidy.  She was not too loud, too brash.  He seldom saw her hair down, but when it did, it cascaded like her afternoon laugh, a peal like churchbells. 

California people think that New York people are cold, and New York people think of California people as hot, like an August afternoon in Grand Central, smoggy, sticky, something you can't quite rid yourself of.  Craig tells himself they are just being friendly.  That's just how people are.

Craig knows Bob: by reputation if nothing else.  Big, slovenly, slobby Bobby, the Animal, one great roving garbage heap of a mess.  He asked how Bob had become a paramedic, if he was so clumsy, so awful.  Jack Bailey said: oh he's a great medic, he's just a shit housekeeper.  Craig was none too certain the two states could co-exist.  Even after getting a dressing-down from DeSoto, and taking into consideration that to be a paramedic was, at least in part, a con-game, there was order even to that.  The man on the boardwalk running the shell game knows exactly where the coin is, after all, even when the mark doesn't.  An acrobat knows the balance of his plates exactly, it's how he keeps them spinning, with a wink to the breathless audience.  Craig wants his kit just-so he could reach into it, in the boiling freeway dark, and pull out exactly what he needs blind in the backseat dark and deaf from a stuck horn.

Bob cannot keep his shirts tucked in for nothing but he does keep three spares including one *in* the squad and shrugs, by way of explanation, he's never been real good at avoiding a disaster so he might as well keep prepared.

Craig likes that.  He accepts that.  He nods.

Bob asks him: why're you checking that box again?

(Because it soothes his mind, and steadies his hands) He tells Bob he likes to be *prepared*, and the ghost of something like a smile passes over his face and he nods.  "I like that," he says.  "I like the way you're thinking."

Bob doesn't ask him much about where he's from or what he likes to do or where he goes dancing, or if he has a girl, or where he goes when he goes home, or where home is when it's not the little apartment on the second floor with the balcony that looks over the pool, that seems to wink late at night under the sodium lights, like a threat.  Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death among children under the age of four.  He mentioned that once, to his California neighbor who had twin toddlers, and her face closed up like it had been sutured, and she didn't speak with him after that, even when she saw him in the daytime.

In the small hours, in the secret hours, a gang of teenagers roll their car on the tight, foggy curves of the freeway.  They might've been laughing about something.  The bottles in the backseat chortled around their feet, and the cans up front were bird-bones under his knees.  They rolled and rolled and the glass sparkled like pixie dust across the asphalt, a babbling brook all the way down the embankment, and the fog lights on the engine didn't do much but curdle the fog, and the reds just turned the mist into red silk, unfurling through the weeds and old tires and what was left of the guardrail. 

The police find a girl in the brush.  A boy makes it up to the roadside.  He is weeping in a squad car.  The other girl is so still and so pale he thinks he might be dead until she opens her eyes and her teeth, red and wet, catch on the lamps and she gags and vomits, upside-down, whiskey and bits of things you buy from push-carts at the beach.  The other boy, pinched by the steering wheel and the promises of Detroit iron, breathes shallowly, desperately, like a sickly baby in its cradle. 

He and Bob, they hardly spoke, but it was a holy silence like church after the pastor leaves his pulpit but before everyone shuffles to their feet.  He and Bob, they had the IV kit on one side and the drug box on the other and the biophone between them, and the only hiccup between the extrication and the transport is that the slender, tawny boy in the blue trunks and flip flops needs a shot in the arm of haldol when he finally looks up and sees the shroud on the roadside.  He is still when the officer needs him to be.  Someone puts a seatbelt around him, and shuts the door. 

In the morning - the real morning, when real people wake to their newspapers and their fresh coffee and their radios - Lou Preston, coming in, cracks wise - "Hey Bobby, how you manage doing calls with Brice keeping that box catalog-perfect?"

Bob, low on coffee, low on patience, drops his voice a half a tired octave.  "Louie, lemme tell you - and you tell every other medic on this department - if Craig didn't keep that box the way he does we wouldn't have even brought one of those kids out of the ravine last night.  The fog lights didn't do shit.  Nothing but fog and brush and metal.  And I knew where every single med and cath was, didn't even have to ask.  Get off my partner's back, Louie."

Cap is stuck in the doorway with his coffee burning his mustache.  Their engineer breaks the tension with a *motherfucker* as he pours hot coffee on his pants instead of into his mug. 

At the lockers, Craig says: "Bob." It's the first time he's called his partner by his first name.  It feels odd.  "Bob - thank you.  For what you said."

"Don't mention it," Bob says, shucking off his shirt and stuffing it into an old army duffle.  "I meant it.  Look, I might give you shit for it, but you keep that box just the way you wanna keep it, and I'll back you up.  Ok?"

"...okay." He feels small.  When Bob says that.  As if he hasn't said enough before now.  That he appreciates Bob's steadiness.  His patience.  That he says what's necessary, and not much more.  That he doesn't pry.  That he's there, at all.  That he stays there, by his side.  "Thank you," he says again.  It doesn't seem enough but it's what you're supposed to say so he does. 

Bob smiles.  Cuffs him on the arm.  And heads for the parking lot.

#craig brice #bob bellingham #e!fic #Emergency! #emergency!fic

[lowcountry-gothic]

“endless summer” but not in a california surfer way but instead in a south carolina lowcountry way where it’s so humid you don’t want to move, you just sit under live oaks and wait for a breeze to trace your brow as it plays in trails of spanish moss hanging overhead, pale little ghosts of plants that tell you what you already knew, that this place is haunted. you cross the many bridges to the barrier islands where the ocean waits, offering the promise of cool sea air and the soothing drone of waves. you hunt for shells as you wade in the foamy surf, the laughing of gulls ringing in your ears, their eerie voices calling as if from endless distances. tiny crabs skitter across your path. you taste salt on your lips for hours after, and your car is lined with sand you trailed in, though honestly that could be from anywhere since even the soil here is sandy. on the way home you find a seafood shack at the side of a two-lane road and order fried shrimp, greens, and red rice, and a sweet tea. maybe tomorrow you’ll go for a walk in the woods on pine-needled paths, cooler from the shade and the nearness of tidal creeks, but mosquito-ridden, too. you go anyway. it feels like a prehistoric world, wandering amidst palms and dwarf palmettos and vines hanging from every other tree, the ever-present spanish moss dripping from branches like the tangled wet hair of an old woman lost at sea. when you come to the creek you pull out a piece of twine and scraps of chicken and use them to fish for blue crabs, knowing you need no hook as they do not let go once they grab on. you step closer to the marsh, trying not to step too heavily in the pluff mud, lest your feet sink or you step on the blade of an oyster shell. you don’t mind the pungent smell of the mud; you even savor it. nor do you see the pure white form of an egret stalking fish around the creek bend till it bursts into flight, a sudden blinding flame, and you look up suddenly, watch it vanish over the green infinity of spartina grass that rolls away toward the horizon, tracing the line of the rivers till they spill into the sea. come friday night you will drive downtown; it’s an art walk night. you will stroll from gallery to gallery, sipping free wine, admiring paintings, pretending to be rich in your frayed jeans. outside palmetto leaves will clatter in the evening wind, the day’s last mockingbird chattering from a perch among the high fronds. the sidewalks will be littered with tiny white or pink or purple petals of crepe myrtles whose smooth-barked branches look like darkly-tanned arms. you will breathe the heavy perfume of star jasmine climbing up ironwork fences, and as you cross the street you will hear the audible skittering of palmetto bugs, those giant flying cockroaches, as they flee from you, finding dark places in the cracks of stuccoed walls or centuries-old cobblestones. at nights you read on the screened-in back porch, serenaded by frogs with alien-sounding voices, snacking on benne wafers till you’re sick from the sweetness. you know the heat will linger at least till november, so the days strech on as if neverending, and life seems very very nice. 

(after @welcometohighwater’s post)

#text #mine #inspired by welcometohighwater's post #welcometohighwater #summer #lowcountry #southern #probably a bit too long but oh well #writers on tumblr #south carolina