#empty bluffs island

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Spooktober Prompts Masterlist 2023

"They are calling us…" "Don't listen to them. Do you hear me? Don't listen to a word they promise you!"

The cameras show five people enter an elevator, but only four of them leaving it. Those four never remembered a fifth passenger.

"Aww, are you so afraid of the dark that you need me to hold your hand?" "I'm not holding your hand." "Then whose..."

At first, they believe it to be a bad joke, but when more and more graves of people who haven't died yet appear in the graveyard, they start to panic.

The camera she bought at a flea market already has photos on it. Since the people are wearing clothes from centuries ago, they believe them to be from a play. But they soon realize that those photos and events were real.

A child actress turned cult leader feels her power slipping and she needs to gain control over her following again.

When they started building the new school, they had expected to maybe find unexploded WWII bombs, but what they found instead was nothing they could have expected.

She heard footsteps behind her coming closer, but when she turned around, holding her breath, she could only see the dark and empty alley.

"Why did you choose the cemetary as our meeting place for tonight?" "Because only the dead can keep our secrets."

Going to your own funeral and see who would cry - it sounded almost fun. If it wasn’t for the fact that they could hear and see everything, but could not make a sound to stop them from closing up the grave around them.

A medium without a voice of her own, can only speak when a ghost speaks through her.

They had always felt that shadows seemed to beckon to them. But this time, when the shadows beckoned, they wore a sinister grin. (Submitted by: tumblebumblebee-63)

"I'm not haunting a filthy public bathroom, I'm a ghost with class."

A fun survival game TV show on a remote island becomes a reality when one contestant after the other turns up brutally killed. Right in front of hundreds of cameras and millions of watchful eyes.

Waking up to a child that you've never seen before, but that everyone assures you is your own that you've raised for years, is terrifying.

"Did you see that?" "Did I see what?" "That man... he touched the leaves and they immediately blackened and fell off. Please, let us go back before he sees us!" "Too late." The man in the dark cloak suddenly stood right in front of them and slowly reached out his hands to them.

What started as a fun midnight activity suddenly turned into one of them missing and the others running for their lives, trying to escape freaking zombies.

He always dreamed about being in a kdrama. He didn't imagine it to have a horror side plotline that feels way too real.

They said that when you die, you return to earth as your one true self. Why then, when he opened his eyes after being killed, were his teeth long and he hungered for blood? (Submitted by: ouilah)

She didn't think it would come to this point. She felt the cold stone of the gravestone in her back and before her the red glowing eyes of the creature crept slowly closer.

There are perks of being a ghost. Walking through walls was fun. Or haunting annoying people. But nothing was quite as nice as being able to just fade out of a conversation that you didn’t want to be a part of.

"I dare you! Come on, stop being a coward. There is no such thing as ghosts."

Someone wakes up to a text saying 'It's your lucky day!' and it turns out to be the worst day ever.

A family of vampires that lives unidentified in human communities, becomes paranoid and starts to believe all their neighbors are also supernatural creatures.

There are stories and superstitions abound about the seaside bluffs, but that's to be expected in a town of fishermen. One night, from the bluffs' direction, you hear someone singing, softly. (Submitted by: someoneoffthestreet)

Astronauts coming back to earth keep talking about hearing songs from outside the space shuttle. What they don't say, is that those songs followed them home.

Someone stared at her through the window. She had always felt safe in her own home, shutting out the scary, real world. But a window is just glass, and glass… oh it breaks so, so easily…

A plane disappears from the radar and then reappears multiple hours later at the exact same location in the middle of the ocean with no place to land and not enough fuel to just fly around for hours.

"We shouldn't enter! This place was abandoned for a reason!" "Come on, don't be a coward. We will be the only ones here!" "Okay, okay... I'll follow you. You don't have to push me!" "I... I didn't push you..."

A session of reading tea leaves ends in chaos when every single participant reveals a bad omen.

Something tells the home owner that the kids trick-or-treating in front of his house are not wearing costumes - and are not human at all.

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#spooktober #spooky prompts #writeblr #spooktober 2023 #writing prompts #writers on tumblr #creative writing #writers #halloween

[hometoursandotherstuff]

What a gorgeous 1888 Queen Anne Victorian in Council Bluff, IA. 4bds, 6ba, and only $369K. There's already a pending sale.

The meticulously restored entrance hall.

Intricate carving on the newel post and railings, plus a bronze lamp and stained glass window.

The owners put out a little display of the historical plaque.

Reception room with such a delicately carved fireplace mantel. The description says it would make a good business space- jerks. I hope they don't turn it into a law office, that would be a crime against mankind.

Pocket doors close off the sitting room from the reception room. I love this, they actually use their sitting room to watch TV. Love the original light fixture.

There's also a lovely fireplace in the sitting room.

Very nice dining room with fireplace. The owner certainly has a lot of collectables.

Excellent choice of kitchen cabinets and island.

They've incorporated a professional kitchen. If the new owner wants to make a B&B, everything's ready to go.

Beautiful pantry with the original swinging door.

The original pushbutton light switches. My grandmother had a house with them, and they changed them over. (Booooo!)

At the top of the stairs there's a perfect space for a desk.

Nice laundry room with a sink.

Family room that could also be a bedroom. The original lighting is fantastic.

Very nice large bedroom has new hardware on the transoms.

Bedroom #2 has a beautiful sink.

The bath is remodeled and includes a vintage clawfoot tub. I also like the radiator. I think that the beadboard wall is original.

Unused empty bedroom.

Definitely potential in the attic for another room. I bet that ladder goes to roof. I once lived in an old attic apt. and it had a heavy piece of the roof that lifted right off so you could climb out.

Beautiful yard.

Nice back porch, as well as a side porch.

The side porch has a large patio with a canvas-covered sitting area.

And, around the side is a new 2 car garage with a newly paved driveway. The home is on a 10,192 sq ft lot.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/616-S-7th-St-Council-Bluffs-IA-51501/76821282_zpid/?

#queen anne victorian #old house dreams #houses #house tours #home tour #homes under $400K

[holy-puckslibrary]

━ 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲.

──────────── 𝐰𝐜 — 1k 𝐜𝐰 — fanon!rafe on a one-way flight to simp city, some spice but nothing graphic or excessive, mention of drugs/being high (it's rafe, what did you expect?), 'kid' as a pet name bc he is that guy + cliffhanger? 𝐚/𝐧 — this was originally posted on @holy-pucks for my nov 23 slumber party, but i've decided to upload it here because it never showed in the tags. if you've already read this, i would very much appreciate you showing it some love here as well :) thx a mil in advance, besties! ────────────

main masterlist | MDNI

RAFE CAMERON knew the risk. He just couldn't be bothered to give a shit. 

if one of the loud-mouthed busybodies took issue with his behavior, that's their prerogative. they've been at it so long, drunk and overzealous, their flippant chatter is mere static in the background of his life. 

it isn't his fault their stale lives and expired marriages pale in comparison to the pocket of paradise he carved out of figure eight. rafe didn't ask for their attention, nor did he solicit their opinions — and he certainly didn't invite an audience; his girlfriend writhing in his lap will never be a spectator sport.  

it would be too generous to call it sympathy, but rafe can understand how they might get confused. once you catch a glimpse, you're as good as gone. a lost cause, irrevocable, and clear as day. beauty that effortlessly captivating is impossible to tear your eyes away from, and the original kook princess is bathed in excess. 

of all people, he knows the breadth of her magnetism and is just as weak for it, if not more. egotism drains along with reason when they're simply in the same room, his carnal preoccupation more than happy to fill the vacuum of power. 

rafe commands the island and its inhabitants — with one paramount exception. he wields power because she allows for it. she, who is his indisputable sovereign and to whom he pledges his undying allegiance with innate reverence. 

it was his wandering hands, after all, which led the pair to an empty veranda overlooking the bustling midsummer festivities. 

a laurel of fresh blooms became collateral damage soon after, having been unceremoniously knocked to his feet by her fervent desperation to feel his sun-kissed skin against her lips. 

rafe certainly had no objections. 

with a heap of silky fabric rucked up around her waist and her wrists pinned taut to the small of her back, rafe's girlfriend works him over with both teeth and tongue, the affection carefully choreographed to sync up with the sway of her hips. each nip, suck, or kiss accompanies her precise labors, and any marbled evidence left behind he'll wear with pride, much to the island's chagrin and his sisters' disgust. 

rafe previewed the evening's fireworks display as she bore down on his aching bulge, never once ceasing the light nibbling of his earlobe; it's the tell-tale, strained whimper diced by gritted teeth that incited action.

his hips jerk up in search of sweet relief, inadvertently finding her bare heat well beyond wet and wanting. 

rafe commends his past self for confiscating the lace as they neared the valet podium; the garment fares better as a pocket square. 

close proximity amplifies all those delicious, needy sounds, robbed of their potential prematurely; she is not yet immune to gossip.

it doesn't matter, rafe would know if his girl was close donning earplugs and a blindfold. her pathetic attempt at modesty is hardly an issue. much like how there isn't an inch of skin he hasn't traversed; there isn't a bluff of her's he can't immediately see through. no matter how soft or sudden, rafe can feel his girl teetering on the brink. 

the faint wobble of her bottom lip might as well be a formal declaration; she's trying and failing to keep herself from falling over the edge — the polite little thing knows the price of gluttony.

as he reclines in the stately patio chair, he pulls her down with him. in anticipation, rafe tips his mouth and angles his hips while relishing in the spoiled musings of a person who's never wanted for anything.

rafe relents, mercifully rutting into her as his thumb rubs a certain finger. 

"sooner or later, i'm putting a ring on this hand." 

giggling despite herself, she abruptly leans back to inspect his pupils.

"how high are you?" 

the friction of shifting pressure reluctantly betrays a soft spot in his chainmail cloak. the levity of the moment envelops them in warmth. a brilliant rarity peeks through between the velvety curtain of annoyance: contentment. 

even so, rafe doesn't allow the foreign state of mind or the white-hot burn of pleasure to distract him from his prior ambition. 

"kid, if i was high right now, we'd be halfway to the courthouse." 

she simply shakes her head and buries her face back into the crook of his neck.

rafe has an affinity for grandstanding. she hardly, if ever, took him at his word, simultaneously too smart and too skeptical to make his words into something more than he meant. sometimes, he said things because he needed to know how they tasted, and others, her on-again-off-again boyfriend just wanted to hear the sound of his own voice.

he is impulsive and unreliable, and no amount of love will change that.

rafe relinquishes her wrists in favor of her neck. his palm burns the nape as it keeps her a prisoner to his greedy, electric gaze.

the dull throb mounting under his touch cannot hold a candle to the heartbeat palpitating between her thighs. major and minor, the muscles twitch in anticipation as they, too, are overwhelmed by the casual display of dominance. 

he brings her forehead to rest against his. a novel softness in his voice fans across her gently parted lips. "i know you think i'm bullshitting you, but not this time. i'm so fucking serious, kid. the proof's at home in the top right drawer of my desk."

her disbelief persists, manifesting in an uncouth snort. 

"yeah, right." 

rafe scoffs at the sarcasm-dipped quip; the unwavering effort to make his life more difficult at every turn was actually sort of endearing, he hated to admit. 

"i've had it since our graduation... just never found the right moment, i guess," he shrugs, quieter now.

rafe knows a smidge of feigned ambivalence won't detract from the heated, earnest implication beaming behind his irises. 

the claim is substantiated by her quirked-brow baiting, an act that leaves him frantically fishing for his keys.

if they’re lucky, they might make it to the driveway. 

but the stars underestimate the proprietorial hunger of the kook prince, because they get three lights from the club before rafe parks the ford by the roadside. 

────────────

💌 if you liked it, pls lmk! 💌

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#*ೃ༄ by holy-pucks #rafe cameron x kook!reader #kook!reader #rafe cameron x reader #rafe cameron x you #rafe cameron #rafe concepts #fanon!rafe cameron #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron fanfiction #drew starkey x reader #drew starkey #obx x reader #rafe obx #obx fanfiction #obx fic #rafe cameron fluff #rafe outer banks

[acescorazon]

Title: Changes

Chapter: 9/?

Rating: M

Word Count: 2972

Chapter Excerpt:

Okay, yeah, he gets it.

“I’m supposed to be an emperor of the sea,” Buggy giggles, “And that’s my ship? That’s what's supposed to incite fear into the Marines? Okay, even I think that’s kind of funny.” He says and when he turns and looks at Mihawk, he’s silent now and just staring at Buggy as he laughs. Did… did I do something wrong, Buggy instantly thinks, sensing a sudden change in the mood. Was… Was he not supposed to laugh along… or…? “Uh, what’s wrong…?” Buggy asks, instantly forcing himself to stop laughing. Maybe… Maybe Mihawk just doesn’t like the sound of his laugh? Mihawk never likes anything Buggy says or does, so maybe that’s it. Maybe it was all fun and games until Buggy actually started to laugh, and now Mihawk’s annoyed by him again.

Mihawk blinks, looking slightly startled for some reason, “Oh, nothing.” He mutters, turning his head away as he reaches for his wine again, “I was just thinking about something…” Oh… Like how Buggy has an annoying laugh that’s super obnoxious. One that makes him want to punch Buggy in the face and regret that he even asked him to this dinner, right? Those kinds of thoughts, right?

|Ch1|Ch2|Ch3|Ch4|Ch5|Ch6|Ch7|Ch8|

Mihawk’s tent is quiet except for the occasional sound of silverware clanking against metal trays, and Buggy doesn’t think he’s ever had a more awkward dinner before. He sits at the very end of the couch, far away from Mihawk, quietly eating his meal as he continues to wonder why he’s even here. Mihawk greeted him when he first came in, but he’s been completely silent since then. Wasn’t he the one who wanted to talk things out? So, why is he being so quiet now…? Not that Buggy really cares, but still… He thought there’d be a lot more talking going on.

Just as he has that thought, Mihawk clears his throat, “Uh, so how was your day?” He asks, and Buggy glances over at him for a split second before looking away. How was his day…? Who gives a shit? If there’s one thing Buggy hates, it’s a bunch of pointless small talk. Still, he needs to put effort into being Mihawk's friend, whether he likes it or not.

Buggy swallows down a mouthful of his sea king before slowly replying, “...Good…how was yours?” He asks, not saying any more or any less than that.

“....Good.”

They exchange brief glances again, and Buggy cracks first, looking back down at his dinner tray a minute later. He’s unsure of what he should even say. Maybe he can talk about tonight’s dinner, but then again, there’s not much to say about it. It’s decent and that’s putting things nicely. Uh, what else could he talk or ask about…? Buggy takes a moment to think, but any potential conversation he could strike up with Mihawk eludes him, which is weird because Buggy has always been good at running his mouth, especially when it comes to things related to himself.

“The weather is nice this evening,” Mihawk states, and Buggy holds back a groan that’s building in his chest. Ugh, Buggy doesn’t want to talk about the boring old weather like a bunch of boring old men. The weather on Emptee Bluffs Island is always the same, warm and sunny, what’s there to talk about?! Still, Buggy nods, “Yeah, there’s a nice breeze tonight.” He replies, and Mihawk hums in response, and after that, the conversation is effectively dead and buried.

Buggy hates this, he's so bored and uncomfortable.

He looks around Mihawk’s tent, and there’s nothing remarkable about it. Mihawk’s been on the island for a couple of months, but he hasn’t bothered to decorate his new home at all. It’s devoid of all personality and basically looks more or less like something akin to a guest bedroom rather than someone’s actual bedroom that they sleep in. Buggy spots a couple of books stacked on Mihawk’s nightstand and his sword is tucked neatly away in a corner, leaning against his dresser, but other than that, the tent is pretty much spotless and empty with only the bed, the couch, and a few other small pieces of furniture in the room.

Mihawk reaches for his glass of red wine on the coffee table in front of the couch, “I asked Crocodile if he wanted to join us earlier.” He states as he grabs his glass and then takes a sip of his wine. As soon as Buggy hears Crocodile’s name, he tenses up. God, is he coming? No, no, he’d never come because he hates Buggy… But what if he does come… is this a trap? Are they going to beat Buggy u–

Mihawk sighs, shaking his head, “I don’t think he’ll be coming, though.” He says, and as soon as he does, Buggy releases a shaky sigh of relief. Oh, thank god, he thinks. He had a hard enough time trying to gather up the courage just to have dinner with Mihawk, he doesn't know if he'd have it in him to have dinner with Crocodile too. "He and I have been fighting a lot recently,” Mihawk mutters quietly, sitting his wine back down, “He’s just too stubborn for his own good.”

Buggy really doesn’t care about Hawkeye and Crocodile’s relationship. If they have a falling out and then disband Cross Guild then it might be the best thing to happen to Buggy yet, but then again, it could always result in Crocodile cruelly selling Buggy off like he said he would. Who’s to say what would happen if Cross Guild actually disbanded but maybe life would be slightly better regardless if it meant that Buggy was finally able to get away from Mihawk and Crocodile.

There is a part of him that’s curious though, and it’s not like he has anything better to talk about at the moment, so in a tiny voice he asks Mihawk to elaborate, “Why are you guys fighting?” He asks, hoping that Mihawk won’t snap at him and call him nosey or something, and then beat him up, “I’m not trying to be nosey or anything, I’m just curious. You guys seemed to be on really good terms until recently…”

Mihawk is quiet for a moment, and Buggy really starts to think that maybe he unintentionally pissed Mihawk off, until said man turns and looks at him again, “Oh, it’s nothing really.” He insists, “I just don’t like how he’s been acting recently… let’s just leave it at that.”

“Yeah, he’s a dick.” Buggy blurts, and a moment later breaks out into a cold sweat. He did not just say that. He did not just say that out loud. Good, god, he did not just say that out loud. He takes a deep breath and slowly peeks over at Mihawk, trying to gauge his reaction. It’s no use though, Mihawk’s face is completely unreadable. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean to say that, it just slipped out, and I… please don’t be mad at me.” He adds quickly.

“He’s not that bad when you get to know him,” Mihawk says slowly, almost cautiously, “I know he might seem like he’s a horrible person, but he has a good side just like you and I.” Okay, sure, Buggy will believe that when he sees it. He wants to scoff and tell Mihawk he’s full of shit, but he doesn’t for obvious reasons. “Crocodile is just extremely hot-headed, I’m afraid, and he often lets his emotions get the best of him.”

Whatever, Buggy thinks, looking down at his tray. He only has a couple of more bites of food left, and he thinks that he’ll just finish it off and tell Mihawk he’s going to leave because he’s tired or something. Things could be going a lot worse, but he still doesn’t want to be here. “His tantrums are funny at times, actually,” Mihawk adds, chuckling quietly. How could Crocodile’s violent outbursts be considered funny little temper tantrums? They’re horrifying, and Buggy’s been on the receiving end of Crocodile’s fury one too many times, so he doesn’t understand what’s so funny about any of this.

Still, Mihawk continues to chuckle to himself, “Like when he saw that new ship.” He says, “He got so mad and red in the face, and it kind of looked like his head was going to explode.” That… That wasn’t funny. Nothing about that day was funny, actually, and Buggy really thought that Crocodile was going to kill him after he saw their flagship.

Oh, to have the courage and strength Mihawk has.

“Yeah…” Buggy mutters quietly, unsure of how he’s even supposed to go about the very topic that gives him such horrible memories. He just kind of wants to forget that it all happened and change the subject to something random, but then Mihawk speaks up again, “You know, now that I think about it, the clown ship is kind of funny.” Huh? He thinks the ship is funny now? Is he drunk? Didn’t he call it hideous? Didn’t he hate it as much as Crocodile did? Why is it funny all of a sudden?

“The idea of three of the most fearsome pirates in the world traveling around in a boat with a giant clown as its figurehead is so ridiculous, it’s funny.” Mihawk says, and as soon as Buggy pictures it, though he still associates the ship with bad memories, he can’t help but chuckle a little. Yeah, okay, yeah, it is funny. The idea of a notorious group of pirates like Cross Guild traveling from island to island on a boat with circus tents and a clown figurehead that looks just like Buggy is kind of funny, and even funnier when you think about how the Marines will still take them as a serious threat even in their ridiculous ship.

Okay, yeah, he gets it.

“I’m supposed to be an emperor of the sea,” Buggy giggles, “And that’s my ship? That’s what's supposed to incite fear into the Marines? Okay, even I think that’s kind of funny.” He says and when he turns and looks at Mihawk, he’s silent now and just staring at Buggy as he laughs. Did… did I do something wrong, Buggy instantly thinks, sensing a sudden change in the mood. Was… Was he not supposed to laugh along… or…? “Uh, what’s wrong…?” Buggy asks, instantly forcing himself to stop laughing. Maybe… Maybe Mihawk just doesn’t like the sound of his laugh? Mihawk never likes anything Buggy says or does, so maybe that’s it. Maybe it was all fun and games until Buggy actually started to laugh, and now Mihawk’s annoyed by him again.

Mihawk blinks, looking slightly startled for some reason, “Oh, nothing.” He mutters, turning his head away as he reaches for his wine again, “I was just thinking about something…” Oh… Like how Buggy has an annoying laugh that’s super obnoxious. One that makes him want to punch Buggy in the face and regret that he even asked him to this dinner, right? Those kinds of thoughts, right? “Anyways, uh, like i said earlier, your men are really improving in battle. I’m actually…. Proud of them.” Proud… Mihawk is proud of Buggy’s men…?

Buggy’s brain takes a minute to process the… compliment? Yes, that was definitely a compliment, and he struggles to figure out if Mihawk’s telling the truth or not. It just seems too good to be true. How can he go from saying Buggy’s men are useless to saying he’s proud of them in such a short time…? “Do you actually mean that… or…?” Buggy asks in a tight, tiny voice. He holds his breath as he waits for Mihawk’s next words.

Mihawk nods his head, “They’re a handful sometimes, but honestly… Being around your men gives me a sort of nostalgic feeling. They remind me of a pair of rowdy kids i spent a couple of years looking after…” He says, smiling slightly. He chuckles again, “It’s been such a long time since i trained anyone, and, honestly, part of me missed it.” Is…Is he being serious right now? “There’s something so satisfying about taking someone under your wing and watching them improve right before your eyes…I don’t know… I just missed it.”

Buggy remains silent for a long moment, and now he’s the one staring at Mihawk, baffled at everything that Mihawk just said to him. He wants to question if everything that Mihawk is saying is true, but he gets the feeling that Mihawk is genuinely opening up to him for once, and he doesn’t know how to feel about that, at least not right now. “Oh, i see.” Buggy nods, “So, you actually enjoy training my crew…”

“I do.” Mihawk confirms, smiling as he does so, “I find their antics… charming at times, actually.” He says and then proceeds to tell Buggy a couple of stories from their training sessions. Buggy was a little skeptical at first, but the more that Buggy listens to Mihawk, the more he feels like maybe he was wrong.

Mihawk's voice is soft and quiet as he rambles on about Buggy's crew, and for the first time all night, Mihawk is actually talking about something Buggy's passionate about. There are two things Buggy likes to talk about: Himself and his children. So naturally as soon as he realizes that Mihawk's being genuine, he starts putting a little more effort into the conversation, sharing his own stories about his men and all their silly little antics, and Mihawk listens with bright, attentive eyes, leaning closer and looking like he actually cares about what Buggy has to say.

It's…weird… Everything's still so weird, but this one little thing puts Buggy's worried mind at rest for the time being and he finds himself relaxing a little. He finishes his meal, and somewhere at the back of his head he knows he's done eating and that he should wrap things up and go to bed, but instead he… He puts his tray on Mihawk's coffee table, continuing to listen to Mihawk as he talks, now about how Buggy's men asked him if he'd like to join them for dinner sometime.

Buggy's men are so cute… he really does love his crew! Who else would have the courage to ask the world's strongest swordsman to a meal? They know damn well what kind of person Mihawk is but they just don't seem to care! They're so fearless, and it makes Buggy proud. He laughs at the thought of his men grabbing a rather confused Mihawk by the arm and leading him to the cafeteria to eat with them and chat his head off.

Cute. They're just so cute and they bring Buggy so much joy and happiness...

Buggy looks up in the middle of his giggle fit only to find Mihawk staring at him again, no this time it looks like he's staring at Buggy's mouth, and he briefly wonders If he has something on his face like sauce his meal, but when he asks Mihawk about it, he shakes his head, replying in a rather nonchalant matter, "No." He tells him, and afterwards, he locks eyes with Buggy, and Buggy's brain scrambles to process the situation. Buggy can't hold his gaze, so he looks back down at his lap … What is he looking at then? Buggy wonders, and at that moment, he has the weirdest thought, but he quickly pushes that idea down because there’s just no way…

His brain briefly considers the possibility that Mihawk was looking at his lips, but there's no way. He doesn't even know why he had an idea like that, actually. It's so weird, and the idea makes Buggy's skin crawl slightly.

Buggy shifts uncomfortably in his seat and in the process, he brushes his knee against Mihawk's. He pauses for a second, trying to figure out when he and Mihawk got so close to each other, surely Buggy wasn't the one who moved, but… the idea of Mihawk inching closer to Buggy of all people is…stupid… it's ridiculous. Maybe they were a lot closer than Buggy thought they originally were. Yeah.

"Um," Buggy says softly, once again finding himself in the same awkward situation as before. He no longer knows what to say, but the silence feels so weird now. "So, uhm, you're really serious about wanting you, me, and Crocodile to start over…?" He asks.

"Mhm."

"Even though I'm a pathetic, useless coward?"

"You're not so bad," Mihawk replies, "We're a little different, but I think we can get along for the sake of Cross Guild." Huh? Seriously? "It might take a little while, but maybe after spending some time together we'll come to like each other." The idea of Buggy liking Mihawk is such a bizarre concept, he can't imagine any reality where he actually enjoys Mihawk's company and considers him his friend, still for the sake of his own well being he nods slowly, "Yeah…" he mutters, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, "Yeah, that'd be nice… " he mutters, though he's not sure if he fully believes himself.

"Now that we've talked a little… I actually find you quite charming." Mihawk confesses, and Buggy finds himself smiling at the comment.

Wait.

Wait….

In an instant, Buggy grows confused. One, by Mihawk's compliment, and two, by his own reaction. Did Buggy really just… did he really just smile at Mihawk of a people?! Did he really give him a genuine smile and not one of those fake ones he puts on all the time…? Buggy eyes go wide as he tries to figure out what the hell is going on. Oh, this is weirding him out so bad. "Uh, I think I'm going to head back to my room now….uh, I had…fun?" He says, but it sounds more like a question than anything.

"Oh, uh…" Mihawk replies, again looking slightly caught off guard, "Oh. Already?" He asks.

"Uh, yeah…" Buggy nods, "I'm kind of tired…" It's a lie, and not a very good one but that momentarily comfort he felt around Mihawk is gone again, and replaced with a new feeling of confusion and maybe even a hint of embarrassment, but he's not sure why.

"Oh… I understand…" Mihawk chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his head, "Right… it is getting a little late…"

The truth of the matter is, Buggy's pretty sure that it's not even ten o'clock yet, but that doesn't matter. He reaches for his tray on the coffee table, only for Mihawk to stop him, and offer to take it back to the cafeteria for him, and Buggy gives him a sheepish grin, thanking him and then standing up afterward.

Mihawk stands up as soon as Buggy does, "Buggy…" he calls out, and Buggy swears that this is one of the few times Mihawk's actually called him by his name, and he sounds strangely gentle right now, "Uh, let me walk you back to your sleeping quarters."

….huh?....why?

((A/N: Y'ALL MIND IF I SCREAM. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, Thank you. If you squint you can see the exact moment Mihawk starts feeling some type of way about Buggy and OOF.))

#cross guild #changes #my writing #screaming crying throwing up #if only i wasnt destined to ruin buggys happiness

[pictureamoebae]

Threw together a quick little park on the empty lot on Windenburg Island. I love this island and the Bluffs for testing ReShade presets, and wanted my sims to have something to do while I was dragging them out here.

#ts4 #the sims 4 #ts4 screenshots #reshade #srwe #not edited #my pictures

[blackcatrph]

»   ━━  BARBIE  BIG  CITY  BIG  DREAMS  :  LYRIC  STARTERS.

lyrics  taken  from  the  barbie  big  city  big  dreams  animation.  please  alter  any  pronouns  when  sending  if  needed.

“ i love the concrete jungle. ”

“ i’m a beach girl. ”

“ together we’re the best of both possible worlds. ”

“ our duo’s so dynamic. ”

“ like fire and rain, together we can set it off and make a big bang. ”

“ hey universe, look who’s coming at you. ”

“ for the first time i found my perfect match. ”

“ how did we ever survive before us ? ”

“ all i need now in my life is more us. ”

“ it’s like we’re meant to be, like destiny, so right. ”

“ i just go with the flow. ”

“ i plan out every day. ”

“ our master plan will lead us straight to broadway. ”

“ put respect on this groove. ”

“ through thick and thin. ”

“ we’ve got the brightest future. ”

“ where’ve you been? because i wish i’d met you sooner. ”

 “ look and learn. ”

“ feel the burn. ”

“ just try harder. ”

“ this is tough. ”

“ tighten up. ”

“ my spirit is deflating. ”

“ my fear’s inflating. ”

“ this school is calling my bluff. ”

“ hope i have the right stuff. ”

“ remember how to be brave. ”

“ can i get out of my head ? ”

“ grind on my mind. ”

“ work it double time. ”

“ never fall a step behind. ”

“ this is what you wanted. ”

“ don’t be daunted. ”

“ just be patient and relax, cut yourself some slack. ”

“ why am i the only one who keeps scrambling and face planting ? ”

“ this is draining. ”

“ stop complaining. ”

“ i know it’s worth the trouble. ”

“ did everyone see ? ”

“ of course they saw. ”

“ pull yourself together. ”

“ practice until it’s perfect. ”

“ plant your feet. ”

“ use your core. ”

“ keep the beat. ”

“ get off the floor. ”

“ how can you even show your face ? ”

“ i’m losing my mind. ”

“ i flew in on cloud nine. ”

“ made a new best friend. ”

“ there wasn’t a question that everything would work out perfectly. ”

“ spoke too soon. ”

“ worst in the room, like a total crash landing. ”

“ i’m not going to let that keep me down. ”

“ it’s all about those good vibes. ”

“ take a look at me, so on pointe and savvy. ”

“ the whole world at my feet. ”

“ didn’t know what fear meant. ”

“ guess i’m not immune to the laws of gravity. ”

“ crutches won’t be keeping me earthbound. ”

“ is the glass half full or half empty ? ”

“ let the positivity take over. ”

“ como se dice ? let me put it this way. ”

“ chequen esto, chicas, mi visión loca. ”

“ my imagination soars. ”

“ got to spread my wings and get to higher ground. ”

“ back here again, losing a friend. ”

“ i thought i was strong, but i’m reeling. ”

“ this time felt different, our connection was instant. ”

“ that was pure magical thinking. ”

“ just move on from the pain. ”

“ soon it’ll fade like a memory. ”

“ you’ll start over again. ”

“ evolving from this fateful origin story. ”

“ a chariot streaks across the sky so majestically. ”

“ two girls on an odyssey in the city that never sleeps. ”

“ riding high on a merry go round of modern mythology. ”

“ discovered a new part of me in a fated friend. ”

“ i knew finding you would be an epic journey with no end. ”

“ you can’t see shooting stars in the city of marquee lights. ”

“ fate brough us together then tore us apart. ”

“ i wish i could go back and restart. ”

“ i’ll race across the sky to a work where dreams and friendships aren’t destined to collide. ”

“ stranded on this lonely island. ”

“ great beginnings don’t get happy endings. ”

“ glorious mythologies can slip out of your reach. ”

“ in reality, best friends leave. ”

“ you’re my fiercest competition. ”

“ we’re best friends, no contradiction. ”

“ never let jealousy get in our way. ”

“ help each other up. ”

“ you set the bar, i’ll raise it. ”

“ you won’t catch me holding back. ”

“ why should our drive divide us ? ”

“ let’s let our strength unite us. ”

“ i’ve still got your back. ”

“ see you at the finish line. ”

“ when you need the strength to clear it, i’m gonna be there cheering. ”

“ i’m never leaving you behind. ”

“ if you stumble, just keep your fight on. ”

“ follow my voice to my arms. ”

“ we’re going hard and we’re going together. ”

“ we know what we want. ”

“ we’re giving up never. ”

“ we were born to show the world just who the boss is. ”

“ stopping more traffic than midtown rush hour. ”

“ you know we’re doing it right. ”

“ lean on my shoulder. ”

“ we’ve got each other, that’s the way it’ll always be. ”

“ bank on our future, it’s gold. ”

“ we’ll wake up with our names in lights. ”

#ask meme #rp ask prompts #rp meme #rp prompt #rp memes #rp ask memes #rp starter meme #starter meme #rp meme starter #rp sentence starters #barbie rp meme #rp lyric meme #lyric rp meme #lyrical meme #help this is so fruity

[myemuisemo]

Suddenly, Letters from Watson dumps us in the middle of the Great American Desert (part 1 of "On the Great Alkali Plain," 2/7/24). This is not anywhere I expected to be transported from London, and the contrast makes the Mountain West feel exotic for a minute.

The Great American Desert -- stretching from about Grand Island, Nebraska to the Sierras and pretty much the entire north-south length of the U.S. -- had become a thing of legend since explorers' accounts in the 1820s. When Dad and I drove across it in 2022, we talked about how incredibly daunting it must have been for emigrants seeking their land of milk and honey on the Pacific coast.

The way we went, out I-80, Nebraska shifts from green to gray as it rises toward the Rockies. After a while, the wind picks up as you go uphill into Wyoming. There's a lot of Wyoming, and after Cheyenne and Laramie (both of which would be small towns in most states), it's very, very empty. When we finally started the descent toward Salt Lake City, and the little valleys beside the road turned green with running water, it was truly like entering paradise.

Of course, in 1847, Salt Lake City was just barely being settled, as Brigham Young led his Latter Day Saints west from Council Bluffs, and its location wasn't part of the U.S. yet.

The Mexican-American war had started the prior year, 1846, and was still going. Spring-summer of 1846 saw the Bear Flag Revolt in California, followed by the U.S. just annexing the state. Gold wouldn't be discovered at Sutter's Mill until 1849, so while emigration to California happened -- the Donner Party made their ill-fated trip in 1846-47 -- it wasn't anything like the scope of movement along the Oregon Trail.

As far as I can tell, "Sierra Blanco" is not a real place. There's a Sierra Blanca in New Mexico -- which would fit with all the specific landscape, plus White Sands National Park in New Mexico specifically has alkali flats. Last time I drove through New Mexico on I-40, in late 2018, it was delightfully desolate, so I can buy that in 1847, it seemed completely empty, with even the native peoples avoiding some stretches.

Why anyone would be crossing New Mexico is a mystery, since neither Arizona nor southern California were much settled by Americans. There was some sort of wagon route across New Mexico used by U.S. soldiers during the Mexican-American War, so if I'd expect anyone to be about, it'd be the U.S. Army.

Utah, now, is downright famous for its salt flat, but that's west of the site of Salt Lake City.

Regardless, parties screwing up their trip to the west by taking an imprudent shortcut or mistaking the route was definitely both a thing that happened and, thanks to the Donner Party, a trope. Our haggard and starving traveler sounds about right.

Then he reveals a Plucky Innocent Victorian Child.

That "pretty little girl of about five years of age" is the absolute ideal of Victorian childhood, being perfectly behaved, utterly imperturbable, determined to see the best in all things, sweet, trusting, and looking forward to being reunited with her mother in heaven.

This kind of child is why Louisa May Alcott was seen as innovative for writing Little Woman about girls who worked on their character flaws. (This is also the ideal the March girls were being aimed at. Polly in An Old-Fashioned Girl comes closer, but even Polly would have been upset about being hopelessly lost in the desert with no water.) Contrast this with the street urchins that Holmes employs in his investigation, who are good enough sorts but scrappy, resourceful, and street smart.

Ordinarily, a Victorian child who was utterly sweet and pious would be a cinnamon roll, literally too good, too pure for this world, and thus would die beautifully but tragically before long. Being lost in the desert seems ideal for this, but --

She turns to prayer, and since someone must survive in order for this scene to be relevant,

Yes, darn it, I am on the edge of my seat to know what happens. I'm also grateful that crossing the Great American Desert in 2022 was a quicker process. I've been reading Carey Williams' old-but-interesting California: The Great Exception, which has a lot to say about how 19th century isolation shaped California's economy and power structure, not always for good. But that's neither here nor there -- I don't think we're headed to California.

#letters from watson #sherlock holmes

[tsukinobherzhoka12]

Whitebeard is Crocodile’s biological father AU is so funny during Egghead arc. Imagine Weevil being captured by the Marines and Bakkin puts a bounty on the Marine who captured him. Then Bakkin went to Cross Guild with Marco who leads her to empty bluffs island. Then Bakkin deals with Crocodile and then told him that she will put the bounty on the Marine that captures Weevil, Whitebeard’s son. Crocodile is sceptical and calls Bakkin a liar because first, Whitebeard will not leave an inheritance because he spend it all to rebuild his hometown so she can’t pay the bounty needed. Bakkin sneered that how would he know about it since he had a grudge on Whitebeard. Marco who is silent this whole time, answered that Crocodile would know because biologically, He is Edward Newgate’s only son.

#one piece #crocodile #sircrocodile #marco one piece #whitebeard pirates #op marco #one piece au #whitebeard and crocodile had a complex father-son relationship

[bullet-prooflove]

Donna’s Wednesday Radio Show Prompt List #21

It’s that time again! The Wednesday Radio prompt list!

I have an empty Ask Box so let's fill it!

Please check the updated character list on my pinned post to see who I am writing for before submitting a prompt!

Also do not forget to put the entire prompt into your ask!

And there's no one in here living Gonna make it out alive

How can I trust you after what I've been through?

Toying somewhere between love and abuse

Show me all your tatt's, not just the ones that's on your hands

I want this more than life

And the moon is out and the stars are bright

Why I can't move on

And so I came to see him, and listen for a while

The sun on your face

Can we take this off and get naked?

show up at your door

she sets the world on fire Just to watch the sucker burn

I could tell when you locked the door just what was going on

There must be a good reason that you're gone

he'd found my letters and read each one out loud

I don't need your sympathy

She's the angel of small death and the codeine scene

She said she never envisioned him the type of person capable of such deceit

I just like it when you grab my hips

Well, why, why did you mess it up?

I just heard you found the one you've been looking for

Baby, you're so anxious, you can't take it

We could take it to the kitchen I'll be on the island, come and eat,

You've had your chance, and now you want more

Touch me, baby

Boy, can we take off all our clothes?

Boy, you deserve a show

After we fuck, I'ma wanna cuddle

And I've been a fool and I've been blind 

Come on, baby, I can call your bluff

I love you, but I love me more

I don't wanna play no more, leave everything on the floor

Here to relive your darkest moments

Now it's safe to finish what we started

It's bloody and raw, but I swear it is sweet

Regrets collect like old friends

You can leave open windows, don't care who see me out my clothes,

Singing my life with his words

Heels on, waiting at your door

Would you stay if she promised you heaven?

Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision

And every demon wants his pound of flesh

Clue number one was when you knocked on my door

I like to keep my issues drawn

Light up your wildest dreams

I can never leave the past behind

Be something greater Go make a legacy

Now he hurt you and you hurt me

But I like to keep some things to myself

And I am done with my graceless heart

Kind of dress you're wearing tonight

Well, she moves like lightning

I really don't think you're strong enough

I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style

don't give up, it's a little complicated

Say my name

First impression of you is you really like to party

Rewrite your history

So save your breath and Walk away

Everybody got a breakin' point kid

You try to tell me that we're so deep in love, Well, if we were, then why did we fuck it up?

Don't come back knockin' at my door

I am not the one To sit around, and be played

Do you expect me to believe that you've changed?

Told you before that love isn't enough

Strumming my pain with his fingers 

There's nothing you can say or do for me

You'll never see me cry

I overdosed

And that's when I knew, it was a pretty good sign That something was wrong 

I wish I would have known that wasn't me

Well it may be wrong but baby it sure feels right

Where did you sleep last night?

Cause I've had time to think it through And maybe I'm too good for you

Was she worth it?

Cause tonight you will be mine,

There's no talking to you

You'll never change for no one

he's holding onto you so tight The way I did before

And there ain't no place that I'd rather be

We don't talk anymore

Now put your hands up, this is a heist

Getaway car for two young lovers

It's so sad that you're leaving

Me and the girl straight out of town

You better throw a party on the day that I die

And we can't go back but you're here with me

Yeah, she's a genius (genius), watch and learn

#bottles mayans #bobby goren #frank castle #roy kent #sam abrams #joe velasco #terry bruno #mike duarte #nick amaro #mike duarte x terry bruno x reader #mike duarte x joe velasco x reader #chibs telford #tig trager #herman kozik #nero padilla #neron vargas #hank loza #bishop losa #angel reyes #michael riz ariza #nestor oceteva #marcus alvarez #ez reyes #les packer #jimmy lanik #crockett marcel #frankie morales #benny miller #rodrigo sanchez #donovan rocker

[liodain]

drip down the bluff

The Forsaken and the Forsworn | Bad Years era Hugo/Gabriel | 3.3k words | Explicit | !! CNTW !!

T4T, Ex Sex, Violence, Hatefucking, Power Plays, V V V V Dubcon, Watersports lets gooo

Hugo shakes his hands, droplets spattering over the lake's bright surface. He's tempted to piss directly into it, since the thought of Gabriel drinking it unawares while he refuses to let Hugo dip his cup is about as poetic as such a thing can be.

The sunlight slants low through the trees as evening draws closer, syrupy light dripping through the rustling fronds and pooling dappled shade over the beaten trail towards the oasis. It might hold a certain idyllic appeal, if Hugo cared beyond the relief that the sun is turning its incinerating gaze elsewhere, and that the encroaching evening means that Gabriel has set his campfire.

He makes his way cautiously along the trail, rapier pommel under one palm and irritation buzzing around his head in much the way that insects did not on this unearthly, gods-cursed isle. One would think that it was sizable enough for two men to coexist, if not peacefully, then with at least some small sum of privacy. 

Then again, Gabriel never was much for respect, or boundaries, or decency. 

It's far less charming these days.

His stomach is empty, his mouth parched, and now that wisps of smoke are rising from the far side of the island, Hugo will take his shot at the fresh water. Gods willing, he won't have to contend with his former first mate cross-armed and barring the way with his imposing bulk, nor the infuriating assertion that he's staked full claim to the oasis, so if Hugo wants to slake his thirst on more than leaf dew and what he wrings out of his coat of a morning, then tough shit.

Finders keepers, indeed.

At the lake, Hugo finds the surroundings empty of hard-headed holy terrors, and so allows himself to relax an inch. As he crouches at the bank to scoop a double palmful of the muddy-smelling water, his belt digs into his abdomen, and another pressing matter arises instead.

He's ignored it for as long as he can for a variety of reasons—foremost being the risk of Gabriel catching him literally with his pants down—but as he gulps a handful of water, cool droplets rolling over his chin and down his neck, his bladder makes its fullness known with a dull ache.

Hugo shakes his hands, droplets spattering over the lake's bright surface. He's tempted to piss directly into it, since the thought of Gabriel drinking it unawares while he refuses to let Hugo dip his cup is about as poetic as such a thing can be.

The idea amuses him the more he thinks about it, and if that's how he's going to play things then it stands to reason he should satisfy his own thirst first. He makes a ladle of his hands and brings them to his mouth—and hears a sound, almost lost in the trickle of the water through his fingers. A recalcitrant stomping in the undergrowth.

Wonderful.

"And what the hells do you think you're doing?" Gabriel emerges from the foliage with sweaty belligerence, his imposing frame backlit by the lowering sun. Dark ink writhes over his biceps as he folds his arms across his chest.

Hugo clenches his back teeth and lets out a long, tired breath. "What does it look like I'm doing."

"What it looks like is that you're helping yourself to something that don't belong to you, Commodore. But that can't be right, 'cause I'm pretty sure you forsook your thievin' ways when you turned your back on me and the rest of the fold."

Hugo rises to his feet with a scoff. "Proclaiming the oasis yours doesn't make it so."

"Anything saltwater touches belongs to Xeheia, and what's hers is mine. Ain't a place on this island that you can't hear the ocean so you're lucky I'm letting you stay on dry land at all."

Hugo opens his mouth to point out that the fresh water is clearly not touched by salt, as that is, in fact, what makes it fresh water, but spies the twitch at the corner of Gabriel's mouth and narrowly saves himself from being baited into a particularly idiotic argument.

"Whatever, I ain't here to get into a pissing contest," Gabriel says when denied the rise he was angling for, and Hugo barks a laugh before he can stop himself. "Yeah? What's so bleedin' funny?"

"Very little at present." Hugo subtly shifts his weight onto his other foot. Things have gotten somewhat urgent since he decided to relieve himself and was immediately stymied, and yet he can't resist needling Gabriel now that he's here. "I notice you were as quick on my heels as a whelp starved for scraps. You must have been watching for me."

"Yeah, I was," Gabriel says easily. "Not like there's anything better to do around here. May as well amuse myself how I can."

"Well, if you're done being entertained..." Hugo rests one hand on the hilt of his rapier and sweeps disdainfully with the other: go away.

Gabriel laughs, a low rumble of mirth precisely calibrated to make Hugo bristle, as is his decision to invade Hugo's personal space instead of leaving like a reasonable person might. His folded arms press against Hugo's chest; he leans in close enough to kiss. Waves of hair that have escaped from his braid brush Hugo's face. 

"C'mon, Hugo. How do you think this is gonna go? You ain't caught me slack in the stays this time, and we both know you need to get the jump on me to stand a chance."

"Hm, how do I think this will go." Hugo drums his fingers on his sword hilt as though giving it some contemplation. "I think that your soul's so rinsed with blood and brine that whatever shred of decency you had is long since sluiced away. I think you will resort to unrepentant bloodshed before you'll afford a man enough grace to take a drink and wash his face. I think, Berthelot, that you are so consumed by the Fury's zeal that you believe such petty malice to be a righteous act. But mostly what I think is that you're only starting another gods-bedamned fight because you're that desperate to get down in the dirt with me again."

As gratifying as it is to watch Gabriel's smug grin melt into a black look, Hugo knows this is a course charted in crimson. But his only other option is retreat, and his pride demands that he tolerate neither going thirsty nor Gabriel's self-satisfied crowing.

"Bold words coming from a man who sold himself out to the navy. You scrub the sin out of your own miserable soul with your watered-down rum ration?"

"Unfortunately, no. So you should have known that things would go like this."

Hugo swiftly draws his rapier along the length of his body, belting Gabriel in the nose with the pommel. He was aiming for the underside of his jaw, but it lands with a satisfactory crunch nevertheless. 

Gabriel staggers back with a bellow of pain, hands flying to his face. Blood streams from between his fingers and patters onto the slope of his chest as he glares at Hugo, wide-eyed with wrath.

"Godsdamn rotten son of a—" he manages, before Hugo charges into him shoulder-first, hitting low and hard with all his strength, moved by a blistering anger he's become fast reacquainted with on this island sojourn. Triumph flares in him as Gabriel loses his footing and lands hard in the gritty sand, even if he pulls Hugo down with him. 

What follows is little more than an undignified scuffle. Hugo scrambles astride Gabriel, taking an elbow to the jaw that fills his mouth with the tang of blood. He spits while he rides out a round of enraged bucking. They roll, his sword tumbling out of reach, and for a delirious moment he's crushed under Gabriel's weight, shark's grin filling his vision and sweat dripping onto his face. 

A vicious knee to his gut and a shove with the strength in his thighs rights them again. He fends off Gabriel's grasping hands as he tears at his coat and mashes his face, managing to pin one to the sandy ground. The other he restrains under his knee to a fresh chorus of fuck-yous.

"Don't worry," Hugo says, panting as he unfastens his belt buckle one-handed. If he has any hope of getting away from here unmangled, he will need a head start. "A broken nose always suited you." 

He whips his belt from its loops. It brings dangerous relief and further urgency to the situation. 

Gabriel eyes the belt wildly, blood trickling from his nose and soaking his beard, a hectic flush to his cheeks. A slow, insidious heat coils in Hugo's gut. Just like on the beach, the sight brings a long-steeped desire surging back, black water brimming up and only the finest tension preventing its spill.

"This again already? Didn't get enough last time you tied me up, huh?" There's a curl to Gabriel's lip, but his attempts to unseat Hugo have become noticeably half-hearted. Enough that he manages to cuff one wrist without much difficulty, pulling it tight enough that the belt leather indents Gabriel's skin. "Pathetic."

"I'm not the one who's angling for another fuck. I know you missed me, but it's a little embarrassing." Hugo lifts off Gabriel enough to turn him onto his front, shoving his head down and kneeing him in the kidney when he acts up, then twists his arms behind his back, lashing his wrists together while he thrashes and curses about it.

"Drown in an inch of piss, asshole," he spits. "I'll sheath my blade in your guts. I'll skin you alive."

"You always know just what to say." Hugo yanks the buckle tight, and satisfied that Gabriel's restrained enough for the time being, releases his white-knuckled grip and springs back. 

Gabriel rolls over to glare up at him, powerful shoulders flexing as he tests his bonds. Given an hour or so he could probably loosen things enough to free himself, but his immediate response is to try and get up.

Hugo shoves him back down with a foot to the sternum.

Gabriel flashes his teeth at him, huge hairy bare chest heaving under his sole, nipple piercings glinting in the retreating daylight. "Come on then," he says. "I already know the navy didn't teach you any new tricks, so how about you just shove your Imperial-issue cunt in my face and get it over with."

Tempting as that is, there's an ache between Hugo's thighs that he can only partially put down to arousal. Abruptly he knows how this is going to go, an idea that tugs in his belly like a fish hook embedded.

If what Gabriel craves is some novel debasement, then he can have it. 

Dry mouthed, he lets his unbelted breeches drop, kicks them away and plants his feet either side of Gabriel's thick waist. Gabriel's blood-smeared face is a picture of puzzlement, until Hugo shoves down his underwear and spreads himself with the v of his fingers.

Then he figures it out.

"Oh, nah, you—"

It's delicious to let go. Physical relief, and a compelling transgression as well. Hugo is no stranger to urges that both repel and allure, though the navy's gimlet eye and his own efforts at reform have left him scarce leeway to tread that line in recent years. There's wild satisfaction in the way his water arcs from between his spread legs and rains down onto Gabriel's chest, how it streams over the swell of his breasts, his chest hair slicked in the direction of the flow. It drips off his body to soak into the sandy loam around him, its acrid scent dominating the air. 

The last of the sun makes it glimmer, drenching him in liquid gold, but for once Gabriel doesn't appreciate his share of the wealth.

"—filthy godsdamn dog!"

Rage and desperation and rage again, fury in him always, Gabriel sputters in wordless apoplexy. He flattens his feet to the ground and twists, halfway managing to turn over, then obviously realises that exposing his bondmark will only get it pissed on and so throws himself onto his back again, snarling.

His furious humiliation is real, but so is the dark eclipse of his eyes, the hitch of his breathing. Turned on, despite his vehement objections, but then he's used to being covered in Hugo's fluids. There was always more than blood spilled between them.

A rivulet of piss streaks down Gabriel's stomach, soaking the soft hair beneath his navel. He glowers like a thunderhead as a wet blossom spreads into his sash. In a fit of spite, Hugo drags his fingers so his stream hits the crotch of Gabriel's slops instead, drenching the loose fabric until it grows heavy and clings to the telltale jut of his cock. 

Not that Gabriel has anything to say about this particular development besides blasting more vitriol in his general direction. "I'll pull out your innards and strangle you with 'em! You son of a bitch, I'll crush your bones and pick my teeth with the splinters!"

Hugo smiles thinly. "You've been failing at something of the sort for years. It's not the threat you think it is."

"Eat," Gabriel says, "shit."

He's lucky that Hugo is almost through or he'd rinse his mouth out for him. As it is, his flow's ebbed to a trickle and arousal has surged to the fore in a hot wave. He dips his fingers to his cunt lips, gathers the different kind of wetness there and idly rubs his clit, scattering the last few droplets where they may land. 

Mostly over Gabriel's face. Some of it trickles down his nose and into the corner of his eye, and he attains glorious incandescence. 

Hugo's ready for the vicious kick Gabriel aims at his cunt, though barely; he was more expecting him to go for a knee. Always practical in his violence, but occasionally overambitious. 

"Craven-ass bastard... if you ain't got the guts to untie me, least admit you only want one thing here. Like you only ever wanted one godsdamn thing from me."

Hugo's stomach twists like a nest of eels. He should wash himself down, retrieve his breeches and make himself scarce, but he already knows he won't. It's been so long, and Gabriel is... so very Gabriel.

That he's not going to leave things here is bad enough. Even worse that he's going to prove Gabriel right, in his eyes, but it's not as though amends are on the table.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Gabriel's temper blunts as Hugo comes to a kneel above his face, bitterness cooling its glowing edge. His eyes are dark as Hugo courses his fingers through the waves of his hair, grips a handful and pulls his head back. "Same old fuckin' view."

Of course, sometimes Gabriel has the general effect of a tropical malaise, sapping Hugo's energy and making him desperate for a way to keep him quiet. He hovers over him, bearing down and pressing the heel of his hand to his lower belly, finding a last reserve in his bladder. It patters over Gabriel's bloodied chin and beard, running over his lips and his bared teeth, amber dewing him.

Hugo doesn't give him time to complain. He straddles Gabriel's mouth, cunt pulsing at the coarse scratch of his beard against his inner thighs and the sharp prick of his focus beads, the muffled indignation that vibrates against his lips. Then comes more furious bucking, as predictable as the rising tide. Hugo clenches his thighs to keep from being ousted. 

"Done?" Hugo asks once he's exhausted this latest outburst. "The sooner you let me finish, the sooner you can wash yourself off. Give me your mouth or lie here reeking in the dirt, your choice."

Gabriel's breath comes in hot gusts through his nose, glaring up at him red-faced, animosity glittering in his eyes like precious gems. He growls deep in his throat, a rumble of distant thunder, but doesn't relent. Hugo yanks his hair, yanks again, yanks until angry tears bead at the corners of his eyes, until finally the heat of Gabriel's mouth engulfs him, the flat of his tongue questing along Hugo's soaked folds, heedless of why they are so wet.

It's no surrender, but it's an improvement. Hugo shifts, leaning forward to roll his hips into Gabriel's face, grinding down hard. It used to be that he'd never accept anything less than worship from his first mate, and even here, fucking in the ashes of their relationship, Gabriel's presence flensed from his soul, that hasn't changed. 

Not when Gabriel still fights him for it. Not when he still yields with such animal hunger. 

He ignores the collapsing emotion that strains inside his ribs, the slow crush of a wreck under a hundred fathoms of ocean water, and shifts so that Gabriel can distract him with a roll of his tongue against his clit. It makes his thighs jolt, portent to the lightning that shears down his spine when Gabriel flicks it, then widens his mouth to envelop Hugo's mound, damp curls of hair and all, and sucks fiercely. Hugo's back snaps into an arch without his say-so, sensation mounting too swiftly for him to fend it off, and with a guttural exhale he comes all at once, hot pleasure pouring through him with bone-shaking force. 

Seems he has a drop more to spend; he releases in a flood over Gabriel's mouth and chin. He feels Gabriel's throat spasm as he struggles to breathe, his panting exhales bubbling against his overheated flesh, and lifts off him enough to see his shining lips, the moisture darkening his beard.

Gabriel licks his lips, wrinkles his nose, and with a defiant scowl, spits onto Hugo's cunt. Hot saliva lands on his folds and slides off them in a slow viscous drip.

It takes every ounce of his willpower for Hugo to get up instead of smothering him, or worse, grabbing his chin to delve his tongue into his vulgar mouth, but does manage to leave him snarling while he kneels at the lake. 

He splashes water into his face, then cups a series of handfuls to sluice his thighs and belly, and a handful more to quench the raw heat between his legs.

"If you don't untie me, Melançon," Gabriel says, "I swear on the Fury's—"

"Swear on whatever part of her you like, it makes no odds to me." Hugo cradles a palmful of water to his mouth and drinks. "I'll think about untying you once I'm done with your precious lake. Was it worth all your posturing? Did you get what you wanted?"

"What I wanted?" Gabriel's voice is hoarse with affront. "You markin' me like I'm your godsdamned property after you gave me up... where the hells do you get off?" A vast shuddering breath. "Let me free!"

The goading was easier to deflect. Hugo lets his handful of water drop back into the lake.

The sun has pitched below the horizon. It's darker here than on the beach, thick foliage blotting out the light of the moon. Stray stars scatter the lake's surface, but their cold spark is barely enough to see by. His breeches are a ghostly crime in the sand. They cling accusingly to his skin when he pulls them on. Every inch of him feels humid with use. 

He loosens Gabriel's bonds with the kind of caution he'd reserve for freeing prickly, poisonous sea life from a fishing net, and retreats to the beaten path while he struggles to get the rest of the way untied. 

"I hate you!" Gabriel hurls the words after him with all the heated passion of a love confession, halfway twisted in the damp sand, the curve of his shoulder gleaming wet.

"So I hear," Hugo replies, but doesn't say it back.

#the forsaken and the forsworn #hugo melançon #gabriel berthelot #hubriel #my writing #it's always kinktober in this house #anyway don't @ me #deep queue sea

[shallowseeker]

On your season 8 comments, wdym about the cupid scene with the paired versus not paired couples?

So, firstly. I'm sorry my commentary turned into me skipping through season 8 and rambling like a wildman.

(It will happen again.)

What I meant when I talked about that scene, is that we see Dean's TV scene, it’s narratively solitary. Then, it's followed by the happy couple's TV scene showing them paired up. (I'll zoom in on it below.)

I'd seen the symbolism of Cupid discussed before, and even the arrows in Dean's trunk, but I hadn't seen the mated TV Dwight-Rod scene pointed out in comparison to Dean's "empty, incomplete" TV scene.

Soooo…. I thought it could be fun!

Dean drinks and looks surly. Then, he gets visually "shot" by Love. Cas enters.

DEAN SCENE: Aim. Fire. Boom. Straight at Dean, who looks to Cas as he enters the room. It's not that Dean was "hit" by Cupid and is being controlled by Heaven...it's symbolic of the situation. It's Dean's own free will.

He loves Cas. He clung to him in Purgatory and tried to tell him in the Crypt.

DEAN: "Anything? You've been gone long enough." CAS: "No. Anything here?"

Cas tells Dean he might die. They stare at one another, regretful but choosing to hold onto their respective duties and familial obligations. (It's how they tick. They know this about each other. They like this about each other, just as much as it frustrates them.)

When Dean asks Cas if he's sure about leaving, Cas gives him a sad, watery little smile. Dean was hopeful, but now he's trying to accept their fate to be apart. "So this is it?" Dean says, then pivots to an E.T. joke in the midst of his emotional pain.

///

DWIGHT & ROD CUPID SCENE:

I tried to zoom in, but it's still hard -> On the TV scene, we get this on the screen, a red-shirted "Rod" image and the tan-shirted "Dwight" image.

This is what Dean's TV scene lacks, symbolizing that Dean feels alone--that he and Cas are not on the same page about their Big Feelings.

//

The Cupid enters. When Dwight asks where the usual deliveryman Ed is, she says, "Flu. I'm Gail." (Dean has been telling everything that Sam has the flu, btw, to explain away the Hell Trial symptoms. While Ed is away, Gail strikes. And while Sam is away..."Joy" strikes.) Rod ("island of reeds, phallic symbol;" also, his hat has blue wings "American Natural Freight & Transport") and Dwight ("white, smile, laughter;" giver of beer and safe harbor) are both enamored by the weapon on TV.

The TV scene is in a forested area, not unlike the wooded nightmare of Purgatory, where Dean realized his commitment to Cas and extended his hand. He told Cas that he wanted him to "come home." Cas and Dean have the same issue with suicidality/worthlessness /duty, but narratively, they're trying to escape together. (That's a comrade theme in SPN; trying to heal over that looming feeling of suicidality.)

Below the TV is a small oval frame of a twin waterfall/bluff, meeting and overflowing. It's reminiscent of the cliff near where Cas let go of Dean's hand, in Purgatory.

///

Anyway, Rod and Dwight have a traditionally masculine interest in common here, like how Dean and Cas are both warriors, and they like that about each other. The screen shows the two men, walking side by side in camaraderie, and then it changes to a firing bow. The music emphasizes that, not only do they fall in love, but they like each other first. As friends. Weird quirks n' all.

[GAIL places a hand each man’s shoulders and smiles.] GAIL: I'll be seeing you both. [GAIL smiles and gathers her clip board and begins to leave.] Thanks for the help. DWIGHT: No problem. [GAIL leaves the bar and DEAN stares at the scene confused thinking GAIL was going to be the person DWIGHT was to have a match with. DWIGHT and ROD stare at the hunter on TV as he displays the use of his bow.] BOTH MEN [at the same time]: Damn, that's sweet. [After the men say the same thing at the same time, they stare into each other’s eyes and music plays.] ♪ Oh, it's so nice to be with you ♪ I love all the things you say and do ♪ DWIGHT: How about the next one's on me? ♪ And it's so nice to hear you say ♪ you're gonna please me in every way ♪

///

"My love is violence."

CAS CUPID SCENE:

Castiel's cupid scene is darker. This is the bookend mate to Dean's scene, the bow is now aimed at Cas, who stands in close proximity to Dean, on the precipice of decision. An open palm is extended to Cas, representing love freely given...and forgiveness.

Dean forgave him for taking the souls, something that led to Bobby's death, and for breaking Sam's wall. Dean looked for him, then told him, "Hang on!" and clung to his hand in Purgatory. In the crypt, Dean said he loved needed him.

Now, Cas cuts off the bow, just like how he threw off Dean's hand in Purgatory. Cas rejects love. And Supernatural is about love...and love. Tremendous familial love and fidelity...and this. We see his blade come up in response to being symbolically "hit" by romantic love. It's ominous.

(Perhaps, he doesn't know how to respond? He's been a soldier for bajillions of years.)

The next scene shows his rejection, as Cas walks with the cut-off heart of the Nephilim in place of his kitchen stores, and Dean's hand is out of shot (he's on the phone).

But visually, Dean's hand is "cut off," just like Cupid's was. Season 8 is all about Cas rejecting love due to the heavy weight of shame and guilt. He may not recognize it, or he may not feel deserving. To deserve it, he has to do penance, and he has to "fix" things first. It's a fatal mistake.

Cas holds a bag containing bloody, innocent human-angel remains, and the cut-off hand of human love.

#asks #sorry #i'm incapable of being short-winded #so i mostly repeated myself again #the cas rejected dean agenda #cas said go! #that phrase is repeated in the side stories this season in an episode i will not name #he shut me out #GO! #and putting passions before the community

[seabreeze2022]

2023 Bahamas Cruise, Part 3, Mar. 9

This is the Harbor Master Tessie Rolle selling some of her home grown produce to Nancy. The two of them discussed the growing of Key Limes, Jack Fruit, and Wax Jambu. Tessie has received a grant and planted 150 Key Lime trees. They are due to start producing next year. We bought green tomatoes and green bell peppers. Tessie was true of farmers everywhere and Bahamians in particular, she threw in some free plantains.

Nancy took Tessie a bag of store bought dried Key Lime slices, found at Publix in the States. Key Limes don’t have a very good shelf life. So maybe Tessie can dry and package them prior to shipping.

We had watched the mailboat come in early in the morning, The inner harbor is very small but they turn the freighter around in there and then back up to a small concrete ramp. Then the fun begins. Things that are on board that have been bought and shipped from Nassau, are off loaded. Everything found on the island has been brought in by ship. Andros is one of the biggest islands and has plenty of fresh water and more soil than most of the Bahamas. So they grow several crops.

We had watched a youtube documentary of Bahamas agriculture recently. There is a group of Mennonites nearby who have a large farm. Several of the cruisers had goon there and bought fresh vegetables the day or two prior.

Here are two of the Mennonites picking up their orders, as well as shipping out Persian limes.

There was one freighter docked at the outer harbor wall strictly taking empty pallets off the island.

This small skiff is tied up next to the mailboat. I had watched them come to Morgans Bluff in heavy seas earlier. They pulled over just outside the inner Harbor entrance, and prepared to dive in 6 ft. of water. I thought it was a bit strange since there are no conch grazing in the outer harbor.

As you can see they are cleaning some conch to sell to the people waiting on the mailboat. The interesting thing about conch is, it will live several days out of the water tucked in its shell. So the guys gather 5 conch and punch a hole in the lip. Then they take a piece of string and tie all five together. Once they are tied up and can’t escape they are placed back in the water till needed.

We found several groups of conch tied up below our boat. For whatever reason, they were left there and eventually died.

Thinking back to the guys who sold us conch at the back of the boat. They warned us of large sharks in the harbor. It is all making sense now. This is where they deposit conch for the Thursday Mailboat. And they didn’t want us poking about.

The guys in the skiff I saw that morning picked up their deposit of conch then went into the harbor to sell them. Someone is shipping out a pallet of live conch. If you look closely you can see they used 5 pallets to make the box above.

This little white truck is loaded down with large bags of frozen crawfish tails.

Pallets of supplies are dropped here there and everywhere. Women keep track of whats happening. Men are the stevedores.

With this many people in one spot the entrepreneurs show up. Two different food shacks feed the hungry. The Bahama telephone business Aliv, brings in a truck to top off your monthly phone minutes.

We walked up the hill looking for the highest spot on the Island, Morgans Bluff. You can just imagine the Pirate Capt. Henry Morgan posting a lookout on the bluff to see if there was a ship to plunder. Or should they run from attackers themselves. We never found the bluff just a small housing settlement. I certainly thought about their slogan when we sailed away the next day.

Our freezer is working better this year. I spent a month changing out the foam in the freezer and adding a fan to the evaporator. Nancy found that she needs to “shuffle” the frozen food every couple of days. Then she scrapes the frost off of the coils, rearranging the food when she puts it back in. In the past we waited too long and had to spray water on the coils. This only made the bags of meat freeze to the inside of the freezer. Which then took longer to get out of the freezer on the next “shuffle”. A vicious cycle for sure.

To help cool the compressor I prop open the nearest hatch above it with a pool noodle (see the red item on the right of the photo”. All of these things help us keep the meat in the freezer better.

You can see our solar shower bag hanging at the swim platform. So nice to hose off with warm water after a dip.

So ends March 9th. Dinghy is secured to the davits, Life Jackets and tethers are ready, alarm is set for 0500. We set sail over the horizon before daybreak tomorrow.

As the sign said, “ You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”. S/V Sea Breeze, Morgans Bluff, Andros, Bahamas.

#Seabreeze2023 #Exuma

[needleworkreve]

TS2 in TS4 Megahood: Windenburg Map

Is there a world in TS4 more in need of a good builder than Windenburg? (don't answer that) I wanted Windenburg to feel like it's got a heritage, but also that it was evolving. So inspired by pictures I've seen of European cities with their mix of architectural styles, I got to work. (Of note, I didn't touch The Ruins, The Bluffs, or the sassy ghost house)

Starting with the neighborhood marked with the blue windmill, we have The Capp Family. They live in Tudor and Tudor Revival style houses. Consort and Contessa live in Capp manor with their three grandchildren Hermia, Juliet, and Tybalt. It is a Gothic Tudor Revival mansion with extensive gardens, a private cemetery, a basketball court, pool, and pool house. Goneril and Albany live in a large family house up the road with their four kids. It's a fun kind of chaos. Kent lives with his sister Reagan and her husband Cornwall in an adorable cottage. Rounding out the neighborhood are pub, The Gay Goose, an empty starter, and an empty lot.

All of the Monte family lives on the island in the center. There's no real overarching style for this neighborhood. Isabella and Patrizio live in a neoclassical mansion on a fortified cliff with formal terraced gardens, a gazebo, and a greenhouse. Bianca has a little A-frame cabin right on the beach. Antonio and the twins live in a maritime family house that can withstand any storm. There's a wooded lot and a house meant to be a lighthouse.

In the neighborhood with the red marker, we've got a delightful mix of old and new. Three families live here and there's an empty house for a fourth. The Summerdreams live in an eclectic converted warehouse that they are still working on. Tara Kat and her three felines live in a dull starter that's one step up from a trailer. The Kim Family have bought an ultra-modern house right in town. I added the Willow Creek Library shelves to the library here and I weatherized the café. The construction of Club Lateral has divided the town. Detractors say that it was built just to be provocative and call it an eyesore. Others think it's a breath of fresh air.

The last neighborhood, feels the most modern and urban and in my head has huge apartment buildings off-screen. This area contains a gym, an Eco Life Community Space, a playground, a café, and a wedding venue. Lykke Piers is huge and based off of Chelsea Piers in NYC. It has a large ice rink, basketball, rock climbing, yoga, martial arts, treadmills, and a weight room. The Community Space is an old warehouse the city came into possession of. I'm not sure how, but it got set to Marketplace. I also built up the other three sub-types. Urban Playground is a small park with mostly play structures. I weatherized the café in this neighborhood too. The wedding venue is done in the brutalist style and has a sculpture garden outside for picture taking.

#ts4 custom save #TS4 Uberhood #custom save #ts2 in ts4

[storytella-bella]

The Joy of Life Challenge - #38 FINALE

Aspen's room is officially empty and packed-up for college!!

His parents will be taking him off to Uni the next morning. As for today, it's his birthday!

Aspen bought his mom a bouqet and turkish delights, and his step dad beer and turkish delights. He just wanted to say thank you for looking after him and raising him so well, and saving up for him to persue his dreams!

Next on Aspen's list of duties before heading off to college was unfortunately... breaking up with Sophia. He was completely honest, stating that he cannot provide investment in their relationship due to him moving away for college.

She did NOT take it well... yikes.

She did not want to break up, so she was pretty hurt about it. And to be honest, so was Aspen. Although he wanted to, it still kinda sucks ending your first ever relationship.

She then THREW A DRINK AT HIM! 😂 She clearly despises being the dump-ee and not the dump-er...

Anywho, April and Casper decided to take Aspen and Noelle out for some ice-cream, since it's gonna be their last night living all together!

They talked, laughed, and had delicious ice-cream before heading home so Aspen can celebrate his birthday with a cake!

That night, Aspen's friends arranged a meetup back at the Island Bluffs, just to celebrate them being friends and to say 'goodbye' and 'good luck' to their life after high school!!

The next morning, the family ate breakfast together before it was time for Aspen to officially enroll at UBrite and move into his student housing!

Aspen not only got all 4 scholarships he applied for, but also a fifth one 'Merit', meaning he is a full ride student!! After moving him out, all of his scholarships left him with §9,555 simoleons!!!

The family arrived at UBrite, and officially sent him off to start his University adventures! 🥰

I'm so excited for this period of Aspen's life!!! Stay tuned, because Season 2 is coming real soon!

#ts4 #the sims 4 #ts4 gameplay #ts4 legacy #sims4gameplay #sims4legacy #the sims 4 gameplay #the sims 4 legacy #thesims4 #ts4 challenge

[rygoespop]

Thomas and Friends: Tales from Sodor (Story 2): Molly Helps Out

Narrator: Molly Helps Out

Molly puffs on her way to Knapford

Narrator: Molly is a Yellow Tender Engine, she is shy, when she first arrived to the island, Emily teased her about having empty cars

Scene flashbacks to Molly's Special Special

Molly: I better not be late

She puffs fast to Knapford Station, as the scene transitions to Knapford Yards, where Sir Topham Hatt, was in Winston, telling his Engines

Sir Topham Hatt: So remember, we all have a busy day ahead of us soon

Molly puffed in the yard and braked, but she bumped into Winston, knocking Sir Topham Hatt

Sir Topham Hatt: Whoa! *his Top Hat flies and lands on his pants*

Molly: Hello sir, and sorry sir!

Thomas: *surprised* Molly!? Your back!

Molly: Hello Thomas

Edward: It's good to see you again, how are you?

Molly: I'm doing fine, Edward

Sir Topham Hatt: *getting back up and sees Molly* Ah Molly! Hello! I see your here, well I was telling the Engines that we all have a busy day ahead of us!

Molly: I'd be happy to help out sir

Edward: Then come along Molly, you'll be happy to know we got a spot at Tidmouth Sheds if you would like to sleep there

Molly: *happy* Well, I'm happy to take the offer, Edward *she blew her whistle and headed to Tidmouth Sheds*

Scene transitions to Night, as Molly puffed into her Berth at Tidmouth Sheds

Narrator: That night, Molly arrived at Tidmouth Sheds, she was happy to see a lot of changes have been made while she was gone

Molly: Wow.. I'm surprised Tidmouth Sheds got 2 more berths *sees Gordon* Oh, hello Gordon

Gordon: *coldly* Oooh, the indignity

Scene transitions to Wellsworth Sheds, as BoCo was sleeping, Philip raced backwards and bumped into the Buffers, waking BoCo up

Narrator: When Molly came back, she learned that BoCo has taken residency at Wellsworth Sheds with Philip

Scene transitions to Vicarstown Sheds, as Murdoch and Charlie puffed into their new home

Narrator: Evenly Sir Topham Hatt made a decision to move Murdoch and Charlie to Vicarstown Sheds

Scene transitions back to Tidmouth Sheds, as Molly smiled, even if it's a shy one

Narrator: Molly was excited to have a busy day tomorrow

Scene transitions to the Next Morning, and Sir Topham Hatt arrived

Narrator: The Next morning, Sir Topham Hatt arrived

Sir Topham Hatt: Good morning everyone, we have a busy day ahead of us! So, Gordon and Henry, you two will deliver Passengers and Goods from Knapford to Vicarstown

Gordon and Henry: *both whistle and head to Knapford*

Sir Topham Hatt: Percy, you are required to help Toby and Mavis at the Quarry while Arry and Bert are at the Dieselworks

Percy: *whistles and heads to Ffarquhar Quarry*

Sir Topham Hatt: James and Emily, I need you two to take some holiday makers from Knapford to Bluff's Cove

James and Emily: *whistle as they race to Knapford*

Sir Topham Hatt: Thomas and Rosie, I need you two to run the Branchline Passenger Run

Thomas and Rosie: *whistle as they race off to fetch Annie and Clarabel and some Branchline Coaches*

Sir Topham Hatt: And Edward, I want you to show Molly around your Branchline

Edward: Right away sir! Come along Molly *he whistles*

Molly: Right *she whistles as she follows*

Scene transitions to Edward and Molly puffing to Wellsworth

Narrator: That day, Edward showed Molly his Branchline as they arrive at Whistle

Edward: Morning BoCo!

BoCo: Ah, good morning Edward! *sees Molly* And you must be Molly

Molly: Yes, and you must be BoCo, Edward has told me about you

BoCo: I see

Philip: *rolled up to Edward* Morning Edward! *sees Molly* Oh, who are you?!

Edward: Philip, this is Molly! I'm showing her my Branchline!

Philip: Oh, that's nice!

Edward: Come along Molly, next up is Brendam Docks! *he puffs to Brendam Docks*

Molly: Coming Edward *she follows*

Scene transitions to Brendam Docks as Edward and Molly arrived

Narrator: Later, Edward and Molly arrive at Brendam Docks

Salty: Ahoy Edward!

Porter: Hey Edward!

Edward: Salty, you remember Molly

Salty: Ah yes, the shy one

Edward: And Molly, this is Porter

Porter: Hello there

Molly: Hi Porter

Cranky: Well, I'll be! Molly, your back!

Molly: Hello Cranky, I see you got 2 more cranes helping you

Cranky: Yes! Meet Carly, and Big Mickey!

Carly: Hey up Molly

Big Mickey: Hello Molly

Molly: *shy* Hello

Just then, a horn was heard

Bulstrode: Land ho! Another delivery has arrived!

Cranky: Ah right! Thanks Bulstrode!

Molly: Bulstrode? Didn't you work on Thomas's Branchline?

Bulstrode: Well I did, but following an accident, I was put onto the beach, but I was given a second chance by Sir Topham Hatt

Molly: Oh, I see

Edward: Come along Molly, there's one more location in my Branchline *he whistles as he puffs to the Clay Pits, as Molly follows him*

Scene transitions to the Clay Pits, as Edward and Molly arrive

Narrator: Later that day, Edward and Molly arrive at the Clay Pits

Edward: And this Molly, this is the Clay Pits

Molly: *surprised* Wow... *she stops as she sees Derek, pulling some Clay Cars* Derek?

Derek: Well I'll be, Molly! Your back!

Molly: How are your Double Teething Problems?

Derek: Oh that? I got it fixed

Molly: Oh *sees what appears to be Bill* Oh? I see a Troublemaker *she puffs off to catch Bill* Hello Bill

Ben: Bill?! I'm not Bill! I'm Ben!

Molly: Huh?!

Bill emerges from behind

Bill and Ben: *laughing* Oh we got her good!

Molly: You troublemakers!

Edward: Be careful with these two, Molly! They are known for playing tricks with other engines, they evenly played one on BoCo

Molly: Ah

Ben: You know Molly, there's a line of Clay Cars waiting for you

Molly: *smiling* Oh, thank you Ben *she puffs off and couples up to the Clay Cars, and she pulls them, not knowing there's someone else*

Timothy: *alerted* Oh no! Not again! Stop you silly cars!

Molly: Huh? Who said that?!

Bill and Ben: *laughing* We got you good Molly, you were pulling those cars, with Timothy! *They race off*

Molly: Timothy?!

Timothy: *puffs up* Oh, hello? You must be Molly

Molly: And you must be Timothy

Timothy: Those two never stopped their tricks, I heard of it from BoCo

Molly: Yes

Edward: *puffs up to Molly* Well Molly, I'm off to shunt freight cars of scrap for Reg to crush, and help Trevor at the orchard *he puffs off* Bye Molly!

Molly: Bye Edward

Scenes transitions to Molly, working along with Derek, Timothy, and Marion, shunting cars of Clay to the sidings and placing for other engines to take

Narrator: Later that day, Molly helped out at the Clay Pits with Derek, Timothy, and Marion, the dusty she gets, she didn't mind getting dirty

Molly: I'm having quite a time here!

Marion: I'm surprised your enjoying it Molly

Molly: *giggled* After this, I'm gonna enjoy a nice wash down

Derek: I hope so too

Scene transitions to Molly puffing to fetch more Clay Cars, but she stopped after seeing a Workman with a Red Flag

Narrator: Later, Molly came across a workman, he was waving a red flag

Molly: What's the matter?

Workman: Bill and Ben are stuck, they ran out of coal, and there could be a landslide

Molly: Well, I better check on them *she puffs off to find them*

Scene transitions to Molly, seeing Bill and Ben, both stuck since they ran out of Coal

Narrator: When Molly arrived, she was surprised to see Bill and Ben, stranded next to the cliffs, as heavy rain made the cliffs dangerous for landslides, but the twins were out of coal

Bill: Oh dear

Ben: Oh my!

Suddenly, a Rock slipped down and toppled, alarming the twins

Bill: That looks like a-

Ben: Landslide!!!

Narrator: The landslide suddenly started to happen

Molly: Not today! *she puffs forward and pushes Bill and Ben to safety*

Molly shunted the Twins to safety and getting herself out of the Landslide, just in the time

Bill: Thank you Molly

Ben: Your a brave Engine..

Molly: I.. I am Brave

Derek: Well done Molly! *he honks his horn*

Timothy: Well done Molly! *he blew his whistle*

Marion: Molly is the hero!

Molly smiled, she was a hero that saved Bill and Ben

Molly: I am brave *she smiled*

Scene transitions to Night, as Molly puffed back to Tidmouth Sheds, workmen and the other engines (Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Emily, and Rosie) were cheering her about the recent events

Narrator: That night, the other engines were very happy to see Molly indeed

Thomas: Well done Molly!

Rosie: You saved the day!

Emily: You are very useful!

Henry: Your a credit to the Steam Team

Edward: You are the best!

Percy: Welcome to the Steam Team!

Toby: Welcome to the team, cousin!

James: That was terrific!

Narrator: Evenly Gordon was impressed

Gordon: Not bad

Sir Topham Hatt: Really useful I would say! You Molly, have proven yourself to be very useful, and for that, I'm making you part of Edward's Branchline, to run both Passengers and Goods!

Molly: Ooooh, Thank you sir!

Scene cuts to the next day, Molly was pulling 3 Red Branchline Coaches as she puffs to Wellsworth Station

Narrator: The Next day, Molly has started her new life working on Edward's Branchline, working along with Edward

Edward: *pulling 2 Red Branchline Coaches, and he sees Molly in excitement* Molly!

Molly: Hello, Edward! Isn't this exciting, I'm finally part of the Steam Team and your Branchline Line

Edward: Yes Molly, you are part of my Branchline, you get to help me, along with BoCo, Philip, Salty, Porter, Bill, Ben, Timothy, Marion, and Derek with anything

Molly: *giggling* Oooh, Edward! Your such a charmer!

Edward: Yes, yes I am!

Edward and Molly both puff together with their coaches, as Steam Clouds rolled in

Story End

#thomas and friends

[kelliestes]

The Beach at Night

It’s a perfect, warm, tropical night and I’m lying on a lounge chair staring at the stars. The constant roar and shush of waves hitting the beach and drawing back are lulling me into a trance. The sweet scent of pikake flowers mingles with the tang of kerosene from tiki torches on the bluff. When the breeze shifts, it carries delicious aromas from the restaurant, but I’ve already eaten. I could happily sit here until morning.

It is dark on the beach and the stars are brilliant in the sky overhead. I stare at them, looking for familiar constellations, noticing how they disappear into the ocean at the horizon.

But then, movement in the corner of my eye catches my attention. I turn to look that direction. Nothing is there. I turn back to face the sea.

Just as I’m starting to feel sleepy, it happens again. I don’t see anything moving, so I shift my gaze to the side a bit, knowing that peripheral vision is sharpest in the dark.

The sand moves.

I sit up, study the patch of beach. Nothing. I must be imagining it. I’m seeing things that aren’t there. I go back to staring at the sky.

But then, it happens again. Movement on the beach. I sit up and stare into the shadows. There it is again.

I get up from the lounge chair, cell phone flashlight in hand, and move closer. What is it?

When I see movement again, I shine the light and find a crab about the size of my hand scurrying sideways down to the water. Nearby is an empty hole.

That’s when I realize the beach is full of holes and scurrying crabs. And, I am barefoot.

On the heels of that realization is the knowledge that the crabs are always here under the sand, even during the day when my kids are digging deep holes, their tasty little fingers invading the crabs’ homes.

I squirm with this new knowledge.

I return to my lounge chair and tuck my feet up, safely out of reach.

But then, I remember. We are the visitors here. This is crab territory and, so far, they haven’t pinched my toes or tasted my boys’ fingers. Maybe we do okay sharing the beach.

And, maybe…no, probably. Yes, for certain. I should go home and leave the crabs to their nightly work. I can always come back tomorrow when they are burrowed deep inside their sandy homes. Maybe I’ll leave the shovels behind, though.

I stand up. The beach is all yours, little guys. I slip on my flip flops, and walk carefully away.

*From my Hawaii Collection (Big Island). February 21, 2019.

#Moments #shortnonfiction #travel #travelmoments #Hawaii #BigIslandHawaii #TalesofHawaii #nonfiction #beach #crabs #sand