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shemarmooresfedora · 3 years

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Rebuilding Family

Summary: Y/N and Spencer were college sweethearts at Cal-Tech but once Spencer got accepted to the FBI Academy, he ended things deciding it was not fair to make Y/N wait for him. When they meet again years later, he discovers something unexpected.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Content/Warnings: pure fluff and a happy ending as promised :)

A/N: the final chapter 😭❤️ see my full note at the end

Masterlist

Chapter 37

“What’s your location? Over,” the walkie talkie on the kitchen counter crackled.

“Dino chicken nuggets are coming out of the oven as we speak. Over,” you replied back.

“Roger that. Over and out,” Jo stated and the walkie talkie went back to static.

Spencer got them as a gift for her and she would constantly have one with her, giving the other to someone before leaving the room so they could talk through it.

You headed out to the back porch and down the steps into the yard with a big plate of nuggets and dipping sauces as well as some juice boxes and applesauce for the twins.

“Coast is clear. Do you copy? Over,” you spoke into the walkie talkie.

“Affirmative. Bring ‘em up,” Jo exited the main part of the treehouse and you saw her on its little porch.

Spencer had built her a little pulley system with a basket and rope so she could lower or raise items up into the treehouse instead of carrying them up the ladder.

You placed the food and drinks inside and then made your way up the wooden ladder.

“Thank you, Mommy,” Jo smiled as she bit into a nugget.

“No problem, Cadet Jo,” you ruffled her hair up a little as she giggled.

You ducked to get through the door of the treehouse and sat down on a cushion on the floor next to Spencer who had both the twins in his lap.

“What are we watching?” you asked as you clipped the twins’ bibs on.

“Cars!” Jo cheered.

“I wanted to watch a subtitled Russian film but I was ‘boo’ed when I made that suggestion,” Spencer grinned as he grabbed the spoon to start feeding the babies.

“Hm I wonder why,” you teased.

Once Jo got the movie playing on the laptop, she took a seat in your lap with the plate of nuggets and took turns eating one, then handing one to you, then Spencer.

Once all the kids were fast asleep in your laps and the credits were rolling, you turned to Spencer.

“You and Derek really did a good job building this treehouse, love,” you complimented him.

“Anything for my family,” he smiled, then leaned over to kiss you.

It was the morning of Jo’s 8th birthday party. You wanted to make it extra special in light of what happened at her 7th birthday party.

Spencer kept reminding you that it wasn’t your fault a psychopath shot you and sent you to the hospital but you just wanted to give Jo the party she deserves.

You rented a bouncy house and an inflatable water slide. Spencer was doing a magic show and Penelope was doing face paintings. You baked a huge stegosaurus-shaped cake from scratch. No kid would be bored and Jo would have an amazing time.

You settled for having it in your backyard instead of the park now that you had plenty of room. The whole team came over earlier to help set up.

Penelope got all her paints organized on the porch table as Spencer set up his mini stage for the performance. Hotch and Derek filled the slide with water while you and Emily carefully brought the massive cake to the table outside.

Jo came running outside already in her swimsuit, eager to get the first splash in the water slide.

“You have to come with me, Uncle Derek,” she insisted.

“Jo, I don’t have my swimsuit on,” he replied.

“You’re in athletic shorts. They’ll dry quick,” Savannah, his girlfriend, yelled from where she was setting up the food table.

Derek looked to Hotch to help him out. Hotch pointed back to Jo who was giving him puppy dog eyes.

“Fine,” he groaned, taking off his shirt which elicited a holler from Penelope.

Jo made her way up the steps with Derek right behind her.

Jo sat down in Derek’s lap and then turned around to face him.

“Okay, ready?” she asked him.

Derek nodded and then pushed off, sending them both down the slippery slide.

“Weee!” Jo exclaimed as they slid down.

“Again,” she demanded, “Where’s Daddy?”

“He went to put his swimsuit on, Baby J, so he can go with you,” you told her as you set Ollie down next to Ophelia in the playpen outside.

“Coming, Princess!” Spencer ran outside and scooped the little girl up in his arms as he trekked up the steps.

“How about we go down like a penguin this time?” he suggested.

Jo nodded enthusiastically as Spencer got onto his belly and Jo laid on top of him and wrapped her hands around his neck.

“1…2…3!” Spencer pushed off and they raced down the slide again, Jo giggling the whole time.

“Again!” Jo said.

“I think we are going to have to buy one of these, love,” Spencer called over to you, laughing and running up the stairs right behind Jo again.

“Please welcome my lovely assistant to the stage,” Spencer spoke in his magician tuxedo.

You waved as the audience clapped. You were wearing a sparkly red sequin dress to compliment Spencer’s bow tie.

“I am going to make my assistant…disappear,” he stated.

The kids in the audience gasped.

Spencer took your hand and guided you to the big black box in the center of the stage.

“Just like we practiced,” he whispered to you as you stepped inside.

You winked and he kissed your hand as he let go and closed the door.

Spencer knocked on the door a few times and wiggled his hands for some showmanship.

“Okay, on the count of 3. We’re all going to yell ‘Abracadabra’,” Spencer explained, “1…2…3!”

“Abracadabra!” all the kids yelled.

Spencer set off a small smoke bomb and quickly opened the door, revealing an empty box.

The kids all screamed in wonder.

“Bring Mommy back!” Jo yelled.

You had to stifle your laughter from behind the fake wall in the box you were hiding behind.

“Your wish is my command, Princess,” Spencer closed the door again.

“To reverse the spell, we need to say the exact same word,” Spencer stated.

“Abracadabra!” the kids yelled once again.

This time, you opened the door and the kids clapped enthusiastically.

“For this next trick, I need a volunteer from the audience,” Spencer smiled.

All the kids’ hands shot up in the air.

“I’m going to have to go with the wonderful birthday girl right in the front row,” you took Jo’s hand and escorted her up onto the stage.

“Jo, I need you to pick a card, any card. Show the audience but not me,” Spencer fanned the cards out in his hands and closed his eyes.

Jo picked the ace of hearts and showed the audience.

“Now, put it back in the pile,” he said.

“Alright,” Spencer opened his eyes and began to shuffle the cards, “Is this your card?” he asked, holding the eight of spades.

“No, Daddy. Try again,” Jo said.

“Is this it?” he questioned, holding the queen of diamonds.

“No, Daddy.”

“Oh,” Spencer smacked his forehead, “I know where I put it,” he pulled off his top hat.

Spencer then proceeded to pull a bouquet of flowers, an endless handkerchief, a rubber chicken, and many other silly things out of his hat that had the kids in tears from laughing.

Finally, he pulled out the ace of hearts, “Is this your card, Princess?”

“Yes, Daddy!” she beamed, hugging him.

Jo’s birthday was a complete success. She was completely worn out by the end of it and slept in late the next morning.

But when she did finally wake, she was eager to try out her gift that you and Spencer had gotten her: a big kid bike with no training wheels. It was purple which was her favorite color with a white basket on the front and a little bell on the handlebars.

You and Spencer were going to teach her how to ride it today. She padded up with some knee pads and elbow pads and her helmet.

You had the twins in their double stroller with mini bucket hats on to protect them from the sun.

“Okay, Jo. Me and Daddy will run with you for a little but then we’re going to let go but you’re going to keep pedaling,” you explained to her.

“I’m scared,” she replied, looking at the street in front of her.

You were practicing in the street in front of your house because it wasn’t very busy and it was flat. Plus, you could leave the twins in the stroller in the driveway.

“It’s okay, Baby J. You’ve got all your padding on so even if you fall, it won’t hurt at all, I promise,” you assured her.

“I believe in you, Princess,” Spencer kissed her helmet-covered head.

“I’m ready,” she nodded, moving her feet to the pedals.

“That’s my girl,” you smiled.

You and Spencer began to jog alongside her as she pedaled.

Spencer looked at you, “Okay, Princess. We’re letting go.”

You and Spencer both removed your hands from her bike and she continued to speed forward.

“Yes, Jo! You’re doing it! ” you encouraged her.

“Princess, can you turn around and come back to me and Mommy?” Spencer asked.

Jo carefully steered her bike and headed back to you both with a massive smile on her face. You and Spencer were loudly cheering her on.

“Okay, try to brake,” you said.

Jo slowly came to a stop right in between you both.

“You’re a pro!” you grinned as you both knelt down to hug her.

Jo had been biking for the past hour and she was still having a blast.

You and Spencer were laying in the front yard with the twins in your laps.

“Mommy, Daddy! Look!” Jo exclaimed as she did donuts on the bike.

“We’re looking, Baby J,” you laughed, “Great job!”

You leaned your head on Spencer’s shoulder.

“Y/N…” Spencer began.

“Yes, Spence?”

“Thank you,” he replied.

“For what?” you looked up at him.

“All this,” he motioned to Jo, the twins, the house, the yard, the chalk drawings on the driveway, the rocking chairs on the front porch, the doormat that said ‘The Reids’, everything he ever dreamed of, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” you kissed him, “I’d give you the world if I could.”

“You already have,” he smiled.

A/N: thank you everyone so so so much for reading, commenting, reblogging, etc.! i love you all so much. i’m probably going to miss this too much and do one-shots of this series in the future. also, this series hit 14,000 on ao3! that’s crazy that that many people read my work. thank you, just thank you! -dory <3

main taglist (just ask to be added/removed!): @samuel-de-champagne-problems @g0lden-cth @spencerreid9 @averyhotchner @coldlilheart @k-k0129 @ickleronniekinsemotionalrange @harrystylesandthegoobs @cmily @jswessie187 @rem-ariiana @hoodpankow @mochionly @spencerreid-187 @babymetaldoll @fics4arainyday @ssavanessa22 @all-tings-diego @idonotexiste @beepbooptoop @tvandfanfic @mggsprettygirl @big-galaxy-chaos @navs-bhat

series taglist: @doctorreiding @reidsfish

#spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid #spencer reid x you #spencer reid fic #dr spencer reid #spencer reid x fem!reader #spencer reid fanfiction #reid x reader #cm fic #cm fanfic #dad!spencer

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kayparker20 · 3 years

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To Honor Sensei - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Dinner at Kurenai’s

FFN | AO3

It’s been a couple years now. Kakashi mostly had the parenting thing down, with his quirks and oddities mixed in of course. Naruto was almost always a happy child, excited to do just about anything. He was good friends with Shikamaru and Choji, and even their friend Ino. Obviously he made friends with all three being as those clans are so close.

At this moment, Kakashi was lounging in his bed, reading one of Jiraiya’s books. He figured since now the profit from them paid for a lot of his life, he might as well read them as a thanks. However, it was never mentioned by Jiraiya that his series was smutty. But it was also witty and humorous, and had a decent plot line aside from the porn. None of that stopped Kurenai from glaring at him when he had them public though.

Naruto had been in his bed, playing with some stuffed fox that Kakashi got him. He couldn’t help getting him fox things, most of them were adorable. Might not be the only reason.

“Kashi!” Naruto called out from his bed.

The white haired nin smiled softly before meandering over to Naruto’s bedside. “What’s up, kiddo?”

He watched Naruto as he beamed in his little fox onesie. The irony wasn’t lost on Kakashi, it was the whole reason he bought it. He was happy when Choza found it just as humorous.

“Hungry.” Naruto stated blunty. “Noodles?”

The toddler bounced on the bed, propelled with his excitement at the mere thought of ramen. He watched Kakashi with big wide eyes that were the colour of the sky.

Kakashi watched him with interest before shaking his head and laughing softly.

He brought home Ichiraku one time, and now no other food exists to his little brother. “Naruto, you do know there is food besides ramen, right?”

Naruto frowned and huffed. “Chouji likes red food.”

“You mean barbeque, right?” Kakashi chuckled once more before swooping him up in his arms. “Besides, your Aunt Kurenai is making dinner and inviting everyone over to eat.”

Naruto’s blue eyes brightened. “Kurkur!”

“Yes, Kurkur. Now let’s get you dressed, huh? Wouldn’t want to be late, now would we?”

As if they weren’t already.

He set the voracious boy down. “Go use the bathroom first, remember? Always go before we leave.”

Naruto toddled into the bathroom and proceeded to use his little kid toilet.

Kakashi gathered up a set of clothes. A yellow shirt with the Uzumaki emblem on the front in red, and the Hatake fields on the back in black. A pair of black pants and sandals. Naruto came out of the bathroom and sat on his bed eagerly.

“Kashi?”

The nin hummed in response at the child’s inquiry as he began redressing him, which was a struggle being as Naruto never wanted to stay still. It had become a silent game(or struggle) the two began to play over the years. “One of these days, very, very soon, you’re gonna learn to dress yourself. He grumbled softly under his breath.

“Choji and Shika be there?”

Kakashi shrugged. “I’m not sure, but maybe.” He slid his shirt over his head and shimmied his pants onto his legs. “Now come on, get your shoes on.”

Naruto gladly put on his shoes and ran for the door. Kakashi silently followed him and down the stairs of the apartment complex. Once they got outside, Naruto stopped and looked up at Kakashi. His eyes were less vibrant now, uncertainty and even fear lying in them.

Seeing those emotions cross his usually cheery little brother always brought a discomfort to him, but he couldn’t do much to stop it besides comforting him.

Kakashi held out his hand and Naruto grabbed it tightly. He stayed close to Kakashi’s leg as they walked through the village. Kakashi hated how as soon as they left home, his enthusiasm seemed to dull. At least until they reach the destination, like Choza’s or Kurenai’s.

Despite the hokage making it clear Naruto was a hero, and should be remembered as such, of course the villagers couldn’t see it that way. As Naruto got old enough, the Hokage put out an order to not talk about the fox attack in relation to Naruto, as well as a young child being the Fourth’s son. It was done to protect Naruto, from inside and outside of the village.

It angered Kakashi, but now it was different. Naruto could see how people kept their distance from them. The glares, the fear, all that judgement. He didn’t understand it, but it hurt him. The words people dared to throw in the direction of a two year old, who literally doesn’t know anything about the why. Who is literally just an innocent, bubbly little kid. Who isn’t at fault for the circumstances he had at his birth.

“Demon!” A trader.

“Stay away from that child, Ayame!” A mother.

“Don’t come near me!” Another trader.

People shamelessly shying away from them, avoiding them blatantly. Glares, looks of disgust, of fear.

It continues.

Kakashi openly scowled at every single person who dared vocalize their judgements. He felt a burning anger in his chest, taking everything in him to not retaliate back with his own thoughts of their character.

“Naruto!” A cheerful tone.

Kakashi looked towards the noise, before raising his eyebrows. He was pretty sure he had never seen someone who had naturally pink hair, and this was a toddler, so it almost had to be natural. He hadn’t recognized her, but he knew the blonde girl holding her hand was none other than Ino Yamanaka. Obviously Naruto knew her from his time at the Akimichi’s house, just like he knew Shikamaru Nara for the same reason.

“Sakura! Ino!” Naruto’s eyes were excited and he instantly let go of Kakashi's hand to run towards the pair of girls.

Kakashi grinned under his mask. Of course the girl with pink hair is named Sakura. It’s almost too cliche. She sported a red bow tied in her hair.

Kakashi followed, easily keeping up with him and waved at Inoichi. “Yo.”

Inoichi nodded with a small smile. “We’re headed to Kurenai’s. Choza said to make sure I brought friends for Naruto.”

Kakashi gave an eye crease towards the clan head. “Of course he did. I’m glad.”

Kakashi watched the three little kids as they talked and chatted as best they could. “Who’s the one with the pink hair?”

Inoichi shrugged. “Ino just met her at the park a couple months ago and they made quick friends.”

The group continued walking on to Kurenai’s.

Kakashi and his friends were all about 15-16 now. Kurenai just got her own place and makes a fuss about her friends coming over every so often. She makes a point to have a little mini family out of their few friends.

“Naruto, you’re goofy!” Sakura giggled and held his hand lightly.

Naruto just smiled and kept walking until he recognized Kurenai’s house. “Kurkur!”

She was standing outside, and knelt down as Naruto ran towards her and she swept him up in her arms. “Hi, Naruto! How are you doing?”

He bounced in her arms and kissed her face before hugging her back tightly. “I’m doing good!” He never once lost hold of him, not only being a ninja, but very accustomed to Naruto’s rambunctious nature.

“That’s good!” She pinched his cheek. She looked at Kakashi, and then to Inoichi with the two girls.

She nodded towards her door. “Choji and Shikamaru are here with Choza-sensei and Shikaku. Plenty of food for everyone!”

Inoichi motioned for the girls to run inside as Kurenai set Naruto down to follow them. Once the kids were out of ear shot, Inoichi looked to Kakashi.

“The villagers. They still don’t accept them, don’t they?”

Kakashi stiffened at the question before Kurenai sighed.

“That explains why you seem to be scowling. What happened?”

The silver haired ninja scoffed. “The usual. Calling him a demon, mothers shuffling their children away. Except now, he understands it. Well, somewhat. Enough for me to see the hurt look on his face.”

Inoichi nodded sadly. “I saw you guys before Sakura spotted you. He clings to you so tightly. At least he has you.”

Kakashi’s expression softened. “He has more than me.” As if on queue, he heard the children squeal with excitement, giggling of all kinds following.

Inoichi smiled as he laughed softly. “I was just dropping the girls off. Ibiki needs me for Intelligence. Choza will take them back home.”

Kurenai and Kakashi walked into the house to the site of toy ninja warfare. Kakashi’s eyes widened as he saw the little rubber kunai and shuriken being thrown and dodged about the living room. One bounced off Naruto's forehead and landed on the floor, just for him to pick up the now unclaimed piece of rubber.

“Kashi! It’s like yours!” Naruto held up a kunai, beaming with joy before throwing it, horribly incorrect, at Shikamaru.

Shikaku just laughed at his lazy boy who grumbled in response.

“Shika, get up! Play with us!” Ino stamped her foot at the young Nara.

Kakashi watched the little group of children playing together, and how not one of them was told to stay away from Naruto. Not one of them shying away from him. All of them just being kids, well. As much as kids could be such as ninjas. It was only a matter of time before they would be going to the academy, and sometimes he wondered if he should send Naruto.

Gai was next to him before he knew it, distracted by the sight of the children. “Just what you always hoped for Naruto, isn’t it, Kakashi?” He patted him on the back. “He’ll always have you. But he has them now too, he’ll never be alone.” He smiled way too bright in Kakashi’s opinion but he just nodded softly.

Kurenai started getting plates out to start portioning out the rice and chicken she had made. “Put the kids at the table.”

Kakashi helped set the table up for the kids. “Mini nins, food is ready!”

Asuma came inside with a bag in each hand, smelling of smoke before smiling. “I have fresh squeezed lemonade!”

“Cool!” Choji said as he ran up to be the first to sit at the table.

All the kids sat at the table together and blew on their food as they ate. Asuma poured them small glasses of lemonade to give to each kid. “There you go!” He ruffled Naruto’s hair affectionately.

As the kids sat in the kitchen everyone sat in the living room to eat their portion.

Kakashi was brimming with happiness, true and full emotion. Ever since he took in his sensei’s son, he’d felt a little happier. But seeing this, feeling like they were at a family gathering, hearing him giggle and laugh and chatter with other kids, warmed his heart. The thing he thought both he and Naruto had lost the night he was born, it was right here in front of them.

“This… This is what Sensei would have wanted for him.” He said softly as his eyes were glued to the children at the table.

Shikaku and Choza nodded softly. “You’re doing well, Kakashi. We’re proud of you, and he would be too.” The elder Nara said.

He knew it meant something, that Nara didn’t put out compliments and comfort very often. He could be a bit of the rougher kind. He always wanted to think he was doing well, because he did his best to take care of Naruto every single day. Even when the little boy acted like such a brat, he just reminded himself that Minato took care of him. And Kakashi knew he was far from easy.

“Won’t be long before those little ones are at the academy. This upcoming generation is something. Every clan has a kid that will be in the same class, plus a few.” Choza mused.

“You know it’s going to us that will be their sensei.” Kurenai said softly. “Wouldn’t it be funny if they put Naruto on your team?”

Kakashi shrugged. “It’s not like I won’t be training him at home, right?” His exposed eye creased in response. “Speaking of, I need to know where those toys came from.”

Shikaku laughed. “I found them at the weapons district. I thought it was funny but those kids sure love them.”

“Kashi!” Naruto called from the table.

Kakashi looked towards his brother, who had the brightest little smile on his face. He held the fork in his hand, a piece of chicken on the prongs. His eyes were filled with so much joy. It was one of the happiest moments for Kakashi.

“What is it, Naruto?” He inquired from his spot on the floor.

“Dinner is good!” Naruto giggled before turning back to continue eating.

Kurenai smiled and Kakashi just shook his head amiably. “Tell Kurenai that, she cooked it, kiddo.”

Kurenai got up from her spot and placed a kiss on Naruto’s forehead. “I’m glad you like it hon.”

Soon after the kids finished eating and found their way back to the living room.

Another rubber ninja war started between them. Kakashi tried to show Naruto how to handle a kunai correctly, but his little brother just throwing it like a ball. Kakashi shook his head with a small laugh as one of the rubber toys bounced off his head.

“I’m sorry, Kakashi!” Ino squeaked softly.

He ruffled the girls hair. “You’re okay, Ino. It was a decent shot.”

They sat around the floor, all laying against Kakashi. Clearly, it was definitely nap time. He laid on the floor as Naruto nestled into his side. The other followed, all clinging to the copy nin in some form. As soon as their snores started, his own followed not too long after.

Kurenai took a picture, promising Shikamaru and Choza to get copies for them and Inoichi as well. She fetched a blanket to drape over them all and sat on the couch next to Asuma, very pleased.

“It’s just like a little family. If anyone would nap with the children, of course it would be Kakashi, huh?” Asuma shrugged and laughed quietly.

Choza smiled kindly before it turned sad. “It’s a shame that the majority of the village still continues to treat Naruto poorly. He is the very reason we even survived that night.”

Shikaku shook his head. “People will forever judge what they fear, and they fear what they don’t understand.” He looked down, seeing how Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru cuddled on one side of Kakashi, while Naruto and Sakura were on the other. “I’ll bet he’ll be one hell of a ninja, one day, all of them will. Especially with your generation training them.” He grinned.

A knock sounded on the door and Kurenai looked in it’s direction curiously. “I didn’t think anyone else was coming. Maybe it’s Genma?” The chocolate haired women got up from her seat and went to open the door.

A red lined face with a lecherous smile greeted her happily. “The Third told me if Kakashi wasn’t home, it was likely he was here.”

“Jiraiya ,it’s been a long time.” Shikaku spoke from the couch as he heard the familiar voice.

Kurenai smiled and opened the door. “He’s here, currently napping with a clan full of children!”

She led him into her house and into the living room, showcasing the scene of a napping Kakashi with a bunch of toddlers curled up to him.

Jiraiya smiled softly, before shaking his head. “I just wanted to check in on Naruto. He’s gotten so big!”

Kurenai nodded softly. “There’s some chicken and rice in the kitchen if you would like some.”

Jiraiya nodded as he got himself some food. “You know, I have a picture of Minato somewhere napping just like that with his team…” Jiraiya spoke softly. “When he had first got Kakashi, Obito, and Rin. Except Kakashi isn’t exactly cuddling but he refused any sort of physical contact.” The elder nin chuckled softly.

He sat down and ate his serving. “How is Kakashi, himself?”

He turned his gaze towards his friends.

“Kakashi is so much better. He takes Naruto to clean Rin and Obito’s graves. And to the fourth’s grave.” Gai gushed. “It’s terribly saddening to Kakashi that Naruto can’t know the fourth was his father, but he tells Naruto everyday how much his parents love him.” His eyes were tearing up with passion.

Asuma sighed before looking at Jiraiya. “He’s doing pretty good, considering. I’d actually say he shows more emotions now than before,” The young Sarutobi laughed. “He adores Naruto.”

Kurenai nodded in affirmation of the first two’s words. She looked at Choza and Shikaku. “He really started to get better once Naruto got some friends, starting Choji, which obviously led to Ino and Shikamaru as well.”

Jiraiya smiled. “Of course Kakashi started with Choza.” He laughed softly. “You’re probably the least intimidating leader of the clans.”

“Choza-sensei is wonderful and kind hearted, and he would have never turned Naruto away!” Gai proclaimed, causing his sensei to laugh.

Kakashi slowly opened his eyes, and began to carefully extract himself from the future ninjas around him. He rubbed his exposed eye bleary, before seeing Jiraiya. His eyes widened in surprise before he gave an eye crease.

“Yo.” He waved softly before standing up. “Did you know they make rubber kunai toys?”

Jiraiya looked at the teen before shaking his head and laughing obnoxiously. “I did, most ninja families buy them for their kids.”

“Naruto refuses to even try throwing it correctly.” Kakashi sighed.

He looked down at Naruto, or rather all of the children as a warmth filled his heart. “They’re all just so…”

“Innocent.” Shikaku finished with a smile. “They haven’t seen anything cruel this world has to offer, like we have.”

Kakashi sighed softly before looking at Jiraiya. “Is something up? You don’t usually visit without a purpose.”

“Actually, nothing is wrong now. I just wanted to see the kiddo, and check on you.”

Kakashi nodded softly. Looking down at Naruto, made him wish for Minato at this moment. How it should be him and Kushina enjoying moments like this, not him. Jiraiya checks on them, not him. Naruto probably would be at the Uchiha’s clan’s house right now, because Kushina and Mikoto were such good friends. Sometimes he wondered if he should reach out to them, but then he remembered they all have a distrust for him. That some of them think he stole Obito’s eyes…

“What’s with the sudden forlorn look?” Shikaku asked.

Kakashi sighed softly before shaking his head. “Nothing, just… It��s nothing.”

Kakashi gently picked up Naruto. The toddler grumbled softly in his sleep but did not wake up. “It was nice coming over dinner and watching him play with his friends. Thank you, everyone.” He paused before giving an eye crease and walking out of Naruto’s house.

Kurenai paused before sighing softly. “There’s moments like this, where he checks out for a second, and then leaves… They aren’t often, and I think it’s something specific.”

Jiraiya smiled sadly. “I think I know what it is…” He soon followed the young ninja back home.

#teen kakashi #naruto fanfiction #kayparkerwrites #family #kakashi and naruto #kakashi hatake #naruto uzumaki #fanfiction #baby naruto #to honor sensei

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moorehollandplz · 5 years

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Youre It, Holland:-:T.H:-:

Part 3b

Authors Note: Here we go! The second third(and possibly not the last?) part of this mini series, for @definitely-not-black-cat formally known as @summernykole’s 1k Writing Challenge. Hope you all enjoy it!! I got totally carried away here! It just kept going!!! I had to split it into two separate chapters! But it’s all one Part so it’s all getting posted tonight!! Please, reblog if you like what you read. Also, check out my Masterlist.

Summary: An innocent game of tag starts between two best friends when they’re kids… but as they get older can the game stay innocent?

⚠️ Warning: cursing, kissing, SMUT SMUT SMUT!!! Oral sex(male and female receiving)!! Doused in Fluffiness! With a touch of Angst for flavor!!

Word Count: 4,000… I just couldn’t stop‍‍‍‍

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3a | Part 3b

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“This… was… a mistake.” You choked out through shaky breaths. The sight of Toms face falling at your words, made your chest constrict, and you cried harder. “Wait… no… I mean…” You shook your head again to try and clear your thoughts, but it only muddled them further. “I… I’m sorry.” You apologized, and pulled away from him.

[[MORE]]

He didn’t let you get too far as he gripped your arms rubbing slow calming circles on your skin. “Hey… no it’s ok.” His voice was soothing, even with the crackle of uncertainty that laced his words. “I guess… this… this was a… bad idea.”

You nodded looking up at him through tear soaked lashes, and you couldn’t keep the quiver off your bottom lip as you saw his glassy tear filled eyes. You hated that look on his face. Sad and hurt. Shit. You had to tell him. Had to let him know what was going on in your head.

You dared to let out a soft broken laugh. “Yeah… very poorly timed… but…” You took a deep shaky breath, as you stared into his eyes. “I’m… I’m so glad… fuck.. I’m so glad it was you… that you were my first.” You said softly searching his eyes for affirmation.

He smiled down at you, and gave your arms a little squeeze of encouragement. “Same here, darling.” He said rubbing up and down on your arms comfortingly.

You smiled inwardly at the fact that you were his first too. But, you needed more. Needed to hear his answer to your next question. “What was this to you?” You dropped your eyes from his, to the small stretch of bed that laid between you.

You felt Toms body freeze as his fingers tightened their grip on your arms. “Um… what do you… mea…” He said tentatively, sliding his hands down your arms a little to rest at your elbows.

“Was this… just part of the game? Am I just a game to you?” You said more forcefully cutting him off, as you snapped your eyes back up to his. You held his shocked gaze with as much intensity as you could. You let the tears keep falling. Rolling down your cheeks to collect on your chin before dropping to the ruffled bed sheets. “Because… because… I don’t want… that... I… I don’t t want… to be just a game, anymore!” You said between ragged breaths.

A flash of realization hit him, and his face softened. “Oh, darling…” He cupped both your cheeks with his hands, wiping your tears away with his thumbs. “You were never just a game to me.” He leaned forward, looking deep into your eyes, and you could see the indecision inside him being washed away by determination. “I love you.” His voice was a hushed whisper, but in the silence of his room he may as well have been screaming.

Those three little words. Those three little words that held so much power over you.

He had said them to you so many times, and it was always completely platonic. But, this time it felt different. Your chest tightened at the way he said them. Low and soft. And, only for you.

You shook your head to clear those wild thoughts. He’s your best friend. Of course he loves you. And, he wants to comfort you. He wants you to stop crying.

Stop crying.

“I know…” You sniffled as your tears slowly stopped, and you pulled back slightly to get some more distance between you. “We’re best frien…”

“No!” He cut you off pulling your face closer to his. “More than that. More than a friend.” You felt a hot blush explode on your already hot face as he pressed his lips to yours again for probably the millionth time that night. He loved you? Like… Love, loved you? Was he really saying that?

You felt the fire reignite inside you, and you wanted to tell him how you felt. That you loved him. Only him. Since, his sixteenth birthday you’ve dreamed about this. About you being his. And him being yours. You opened your mouth trying to force the words out. “I… I… um…” You hesitated looking up into his deep brown eyes. His eyebrows raised expectantly waiting for you to finish that sentence. “I’m so proud of you, you know that?” You said in a rush, wincing at how you had chickened out.

What the hell was wrong with you? He told you how he felt with such ease. So, why couldn’t you do it too? Were you really that scared of what would happen if you told him? Scared of changing the perfect friendship you had into something more? Something deeper?

Tom didn’t even flinch at your lameness as he let out another breathy laugh. Almost like he knew you weren’t going to tell him what he wanted to hear. You saw the hopeful light dim in his eyes as the disappointment of your non-confession washed over him. “Yeah… I know.” His eyes moved around your face as if he was trying to memorize every single detail of you. Like, he thought this might be over. The end. All because he told you his feelings, and you were being an ass about yours. You hung your head in an attempt to hide from his intense love filled gaze, wiping the remains of your tears from your face. “Fuck…” He muttered as he leaned back against the wall.

“What?” You asked lifting your head to look up at him, and trying to ignore that this whole time the both of you were still very naked.

“I really wish I wasn’t leaving tomorrow.” He stared up at the ceiling. “I feel like we need more time. To figure this out.” He said the words you had been thinking, sighing in defeat, and you felt bad for bringing his mood down. He should be excited about setting off to play the part of a lifetime, not worried about what’s going on between the two of you.

You were being so lame. You needed to fix this. Bring him back up. Give him a reason not to worry. You weren't sure you could tell him how you felt, but maybe you could show him. You were still feeling anxious. Stuck somewhere between staying his best friend, and becoming something more. You were terrified, but the knowledge that he loved you gave you the courage to push forward.

“Me too.” You dipped your head to place a soft kiss on his shoulder. He glanced at you, and you gave him a shy smile. “But…” You swung your leg over Tom's body, straddling his hips as your face hovered above his. His eyes widened momentarily at your sudden movement then softened again as you settled yourself in his lap. “With great power…” His hands landed on your hips, and he smiled up at you as you pecked a kiss on his cheek. “Comes great responsibility.” His smile widened, and his grip on your hips tightened as you kissed his other cheek holding back your laughter. “Isn’t that right, Spider-Man?” You murmured against his lips before closing the distance as you cut off Toms laughter. You deepened the kiss, darting your tongue into his mouth as his hands helped you grind against him. You let out a soft moan against his lips as you felt your arousal deepen.

“Fuck… you’re a nerd.” His words ghosted over your lips, and you smiled against his, squeezing your thighs together on either side of his hips. You wrapped your arms around his neck, your fingers diving into his hair, like so many times before.

“Is that right?” You said sarcastically, smirking down at him, and Tom nodded with a playful smile gracing his face. You rolled your eyes, pressing your lips to his, and felt him relax into you as your mouth moved across his.

You could feel his dick hardening beneath you as you softly and slowly ground your hips down into his. You smiled against his lips as he let out a moan, and his fingertips dug into your hips pulling you down into him as much as he could to feel more of that delicious friction against your still soaking pussy. It didn’t take long for his dick to be rock solid again, and you pulled back to look into his eyes. Your hand slowly slid down his chest, over his abs, until your fingers lightly danced over his dick as you shifted above him. Your eyes flicked to his nightstand, and you reached into the box of condoms pulling one out turning it over in your fingers. You mimicked his actions from earlier by ripping into it with your teeth, and removed the gooey rubber disk, inspecting it, trying to figure out which way was up.

Tom stared up at you in awe as your face lit up when you figured it out, and carefully rolled the condom down his length. His breathing hitched when you shifted again lining the tip of his dick with your entrance, and you kept your eyes on his letting a soft curse passed your lips at the dull ache in your pussy as you slowly slid down on him until he was completely buried to the hilt. You leaned your forehead against his and Tom let out the breath he had been holding as you lowered yourself down onto him, the warm air fanning your face.

“You love me, Tommy?” You asked softly lifting yourself up until your pussy only held the tip of his dick.

“Yes...” Tom’s response was a harsh whisper, and his eyebrows knitted together trying to control himself as you hovered above him. He dug his fingertips into the skin of your hips trying so very hard to keep from thrusting up into you.

“Then say it again.” You spoke barely loud enough for him to hear you. And, you let a soft moan escape as you slowly slid back down onto him.

You felt Tom shudder as you moved painfully slow, and his hand came up to cup your cheek pushing your face back so he could properly look you in the eyes. “I love you, Y/n.” He was so confident as he looked up at you with sincerity in his dark lust filled eyes.

You smiled down at him as he tantalizingly swiped his thumb across your bottom lip, and you sucked it into your mouth. You swirled your tongue around his thumb until Toms breathing became ragged, and you felt his hips buck slightly into yours. You released his thumb with a smile as you rocked your hips against his, leaning forward to brush your lips over his. “Ditto...” It wasn’t quite the confession you wished you could give him, but it was as close as you were going to get at the moment.

Toms eyes widened for a brief moment, clearly not expecting you to reciprocate his feelings tonight even through a cop out like ‘ditto.’ You gave him a bashful smile as the heat rose to your cheeks. He leaned up into you, and slammed his lips to yours. You moaned into the kiss as you rocked your hips back and forth. Tom leaned back against the wall, planting his feet on the bed, and pushed his hips up into yours. He flashed you a prideful smile at the sounds he was able to get you to make. Every soft moan and whimper egging him on to thrust harder, faster, deeper. Every curse and whisper of his name making it harder for him to control himself.

“Fuck… Tom…” You gasped as he relentlessly thrust into you. “Please… ahh… shit… I can’t…” Your body was not cooperating with you as you tried to match his pace. Your legs felt like jelly as he made you feel overwhelmed with unbelievable pleasure, the pressure coil inside you winding tighter and tighter all over again with every thrust. You almost screamed when Toms hands gripped your hips a little harder as he assisted your movements, lifting you up almost completely off his dick then slamming you back down into his lap. The slick walls of your pussy tightening around his dick, pulling a deep grunt from him each time he repeated those motions.

“Come on, darling…” Tom rasped encouragement into your ear. “Keep going… you’re doing so well.” You let out a soft whimper at his words your head falling onto his shoulder as you tried to keep moving. “Are… you close?” You nodded furiously, Tom kissing your neck as he spoke leaving a wet trail from just under your ear down over your shoulder. Each opened mouth kiss sending a frenzied pleasure down your spine.

“Tom…” You gasped into his neck, your hands tightening into his hair. “I... mmm… don’t stop… I’m… almost...” You pleaded as your movements slowed, even with his hands on your hips, you couldn’t keep up. “Please…” You threw your head back, squeezing his hips with your thighs, and your walls tightened around his dick as your arousal climbed to its peak just begging to tumble over. “Ohhh… fuck… so close….” You felt tears prick your eyes as he slammed up into you. Fuck, this felt good. He felt good. Moving in and out of you. Over and over. Deliciously stretching you out for him. Only him. And, all you could think was ‘why didn’t we do this sooner?’ “Ahh… shit…” you gasped rolling your head forward to rest against his shoulder again as Tom took your nipple into his mouth, sucking and flicking the little bud with his tongue. Each pass of his tongue sent a shock of pleasure through you, causing your pussy to flutter around his dick. You were teetering on the edge of oblivion when you felt Toms hips stutter against you.

“Ohh… fuuuuuck….” He mumbled against your chest. “I… I can’t… I’m gonna cum…”

You wanted to help him get there. You needed it. You leaned back a little, sliding your hands back to his shoulders for leverage, and began bouncing faster and harder on his dick. “Ohhh… my god!” You almost yelled as you moved up and down on him as quickly as you could. Your every bounce meeting his every thrust perfectly to hit that pleasure center inside you. “Oooh…. fuckfuckfuckfuck….TOM!” The coil suddenly snapped harder than ever before, and you practically screamed his name as that white hot euphoria flooded your senses again.

“Oh… oh fuck!... I… I’m... Y/N!!” Tom shouted gripping your hips even tighter, and giving you two more deep thrusts before his own orgasm ripped through him. Neither of you cared who woke up anymore. You threw your arms around his neck, and your hips stalled against his as wave after wave of the most intense climax you had ever felt crashed through you, your body spasming around him, harshly clenching and unclenching your walls, milking every last drop from him. You rocked your hips back and forth until only soft shudders of your orgasm remained. Tom groaned as the last of his orgasm fizzled out.

“Holy shit…” Tom breathed against your neck his breaths coming out in heavy pants. “Oh my… fuck...” His hands pulled your hips as close to his as he could, and held you there stilling your movements against him. His chest meeting yours as your lungs expanded and retracted in unison with every ragged breath. His breathing started evening out, and he turned his head to place a chaste kiss on your neck.

“Yeah… that was…” You took a few deep breaths trying to come down from the clouds so you could form coherent thoughts again. “Crazy Intense.” You pulled back looking down at him with a wide smile as you took in the way he looked at this moment. His hair sticking up in all directions due to your wandering fingers, his eyes glittering in the dim light of his room and still darkened by lust, his lips swollen by your needy love filled kisses, and his cheeks red from exertion.

He was beautiful.

He was yours.

And, he deserved more than ‘ditto.’

You had to tell him how you felt. Properly. “I love you, Tommy.” You said softly into the quiet afterglow. Tom’s whole face lit up at your words, and his beautiful Holland smile stretched across his face. You couldn’t stop yourself. You kept talking. “I’ve… been… in love with you… since we were sixteen.” You said as you placed sweet kisses on his cheeks, chin, nose, and finally his lips. “I… I’m…”

Your words died on your tongue, and were replaced with a high pitched squeaking ‘yelp’ as Tom flipped you over. Your back was pressed into his mattress, and he was hovering over you. “That… that’s awesome!” He said as he leaned down to kiss you again and again, moving to pepper kisses all over your face. “That’s… so… awesome!”

You giggled at his relentless kisses and tried to push him back. “Tom!... ok… ok… stop…” You said between breathless laughter.

“Can’t…” Kiss. “Busy…” Kiss Kiss. “And…” Kiss. “Don’t wanna.” Kiss Kiss Kiss.

You laughed harder as his fingers started tickling your sides, and you pushed against his shoulders. “Tommmm... mmmyy!!.... please… stop!! I c… can’t… breathe!!” You gasped for air as Tom stopped his assault on your face and sides, his lips hovering just above yours, a gorgeous smile on his face.

“Say it again.” He whispered, staring down at you with his golden brown eyes glittering. You felt the heat climbing onto your face as you suddenly felt slightly embarrassed under his intense gaze. You shook your head trying to cover your face with your hands, but he caught your wrists holding them to the bed on either side of your head. “Aw… why not?” He moped as his smile fell into a pout, his bottom lip sticking out and all you could think about was pulling it between your teeth to nibble on it.

“It’s… embarrassing…” You stammered, eyes completely focused on his lips.

“Come on...” His mouth turned up at the corners as a small smirk returned to his face. He knew what you wanted. He knew you wanted him to kiss you. He leaned in ever so slowly, until his lips were almost touching yours. “Please?” He brushed his nose against yours, and you felt all your embarrassment dissipate as you felt his warm breath fanning your face.

You let out an exasperated sigh. You couldn’t deny him. He was just so intoxicating. “I love you.” Your voice was soft just barely above a whisper. His smile returned with full force, and he dipped his head forward closing the distance between you. He let your tongue dance through his mouth, exploring and tasting him, before his tongue joined in.

He broke the kiss, bringing his hand up to caress your cheek. “I’m so in love with you. Have been… since we were eleven… maybe even longer than that.” His voice was so gentle, so sincere, and you were shocked at his confession.

“Really? That long?” You pulled back, studying his face with wide eyes.

“Why do you think I started this game in the first place?” He asked tucking loose strands of your messy post sex hair behind your ear.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” You asked running your hands through his hair trying to smooth the wild curls, that were totally your fault.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Scared, I guess. Didn’t think I could handle losing you.” He rolled onto his back, quickly disposing of the used condom, and pulled you close to his side his arm wrapped firmly around your waist.

You leaned up to place a reassuring kiss on his cheek. “Ok, but same.” You heard his small laugh at your words as you settled your head on his shoulder.

A warm comfortable silence fell between you as you smiled up at his profile, and you couldn’t help but think how lucky you were to have him. Also, how you just loved him so much, and now you knew he loved you too.

Everything was perfect.

Except, he was leaving tomorrow… oh shit… today. Your eyes glanced at the clock on his nightstand and you had to stifle a laugh. “Oops…” you giggled out.

“What?” He asked looking down at you with bright amused eyes.

“It’s three thirty…” You said pointing to the clock, and his eyes widened his head whipping around to see the clock for himself. “Don’t you have to be up in like two hours?”

“Fuck…. yeah… uuugh…” He groaned and brought his up to cover his face. “Oh well… I’ll just sleep on the plane.” He let out a long breath, and you knew he was on the verge of passing out.

“Tom?” He asked into the quiet room. Tom hummed in response, barely awake. “What happens now?” You asked still worried about how this was going to work.

Tom must have sensed your nerves, because his arm tightened around you. “What… um… what do you want to happen?” He responded, asking you what you wanted to let you know that he was leaving this whole thing in your hands. Whatever you wanted, he’d be okay with it.

“I… I want you.” You mumbled against his chest. “I want to be your… um…” You couldn't say it as your anxiety flared.

“My girlfriend?” He finished for you, and you nodded against him. He let out a relieved sigh and kissed the top of your head. “As you wish, darling.”

You smiled, pushing yourself up to plant a kiss on his cheek. “Tom Holland… is my boyfriend.” You said it out loud just so you could hear it. “That’s gonna take some getting used to.” You laughed, and Toms eyes fluttered closed as a lazy smile took over his face.

“Yeah… I’ve only been dreaming about it for eight years!” He quipped laughing with you, and you placed a chaste kiss to his lips.

“Should’ve said something… we could’ve been doing this a lot sooner!” You joked almost shrieking when his fingers tickled your side again. You jumped away from him giggling. “Okay… I could’ve said something too.” You admitted, and Tom put his hands up in truce. “I think we should get dressed.” You said, shifting to the edge of the bed. “Because… knowing us, we’ll over sleep, and I kinda don’t want your mom to walk in, and see… well… all this…” You motioned to both of your naked bodies.

“Yeah…” Tom chuckled as he slowly lifted himself up. “That’d be hard to explain.”

You both stood, slowly grabbing articles of clothing to wear to bed. Tom opted for a pair of joggers and no shirt, since that’s how he slept all the time. Even, when you platonically shared his bed all those other times when you took afternoon naps. You grabbed a pair of his sweatpants, and put your shirt on from earlier. Hopefully, no one would wise up to what took place in this room last night.

“Oh…” Tom said gaining your attention as finished pushing your arms through the sleeves of your shirt.

“Hm?” You hummed a single eyebrow cocked in question.

He took two steps toward you and you turned to face him. His hands gripped your hips, pulling your body flush against his. He dipped his head down, capturing your lips once again. This wasn’t like the other kisses all needy, desperate, and full of lust. This kiss was soft, slow, and full of love. After a moment he pulled back resting his forehead against yours. “You’re it, Y/n.” He said softly as a small smile tugged at his lips.

“Whatever…” you playfully rolled your eyes at him, and you weren’t able to keep the smile from your face. “You win.”

Tom gazed down at you his eyes full of amusement, and he smirked victoriously. “Oh yes! I definitely did!” He placed one more small kiss on your lips before, climbing back into bed. You scurried in after him, cuddling into him, as he pulled the blanket over both your bodies. You leaned your back against his chest, and pushed your bum against his pelvis as he wrapped his arm firmly around your waist, pulling you as close to him as he could.

Tom let out a long yawn as he started to drift off to sleep. “I can’t wait… to come.. home…” He mumbled into your hair, and you heard his soft snores as he finally succumbed to sleep.

You giggled softly at how fast he passed out. “Neither, can I.” You whispered to yourself, as you felt yourself being lulled to sleep by his steady breathing.

Tag List: add yourself here

@madmadmilk @starksparker @starsholland @gab-spidey @peterparker-imagines @peeterparkr @mrs-hollandstan @dibs-on-holland @starksmile @star-holland @spiderboytotherescue @cabbagebag @lovestrucktom @magic-marvel @spider-bitten @spideykisses @tomhollandasf @hollands-poppet @curlyboyholland @infamous-webhead @hoefortomhoelland @sheismental @falalaholland @thepenisparker @h-osterfield @thelazypangolin @wazzupmrstark @starkravingparker @thedaydreamingwriter @badsext @kindparker @hotsterfield @hollandroos @slytherinrising @tragicluver @curlyhairedparker @peterplanet @parkerpeterholland @parrkerspeters @keepingupwiththeparkers @marvellousparkerpeter @papayapapya1 @agirlwithpointlessideas @imarypayne

#tom holland smut #Summers1kwc #tom holland x reader #tom holland #tom holland imagine #tom holland imagines #tom holland series #tom holland fanfic #tom holland fluff #tom holland angst #tom holland fanfiction

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heavenly-hero-mourningstar · 4 years

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Bonus Round 3: UA Adventures

Vai had never been great in social situations. They knew where it came from; knew why they flinched when their classmates traded well-meaning jibes, knew why the sight of people whispering made their skin crawl and the hairs on the back of their neck stand at attention.

That didn’t make it any easier.

And how sad it is to know that they had felt calmer standing ten feet from actual fucking villains, burns dripping down their right side and barely able to stand, than they do now, surrounded by their peers as they make popcorn and collect blankets for a sleepover of all things. Their heart races as Hotaru approaches, a small, tired-looking smile drawn across her face.

“Hey, Bondage-san,” she says. “do you want to help us with the pillow fort?”

Vai blinks.

“Uh, sure. What can I do?”

“Well, we should have enough pillows if you want to start stacking them while I grab a couple chairs.”

“Yeah, that sounds, uh- sounds good.”

Giving the taller girl a weak smile, Vai begins laying out blankets where they assume the movie is going to be played as Hotaru makes leaves to procure more chairs. Soon enough, the walls are starting to take shape as other students notice and join in. It’s nice, and Vai feels themself calming with each pillow stacked and every blanket hung. By the time Hotaru returns, the students have used up almost half their not insignificant pillow reserves. She grins.

“Wow, that’s looking good!”

“The left wall looks a little unstable, though,” Ozen says, following close behind her. Both carry a set of folding chairs, Ozen in either arm, and have since changed into their UA-issued PJs.

Popi must have been busy, if the mess of braids pulled through Ozen’s turquoise locks are any indication. Loose strands still fall around her scowling face, messy and soft in a way Ozen herself never was.

FWOOM

Feathers rain down over the fort, a twisted pillow carcass squeezed between Vai’s hands the clear culprit.

Shit.

“Um, I’ll get a um- I’ll go get… Broom. Yes.”

Vai gets to their feet, ducking their head to hide the bright red flush of their cheeks as they sprint from the dorm and the pitying eyes of their classmates.

–––

Tucked between the roots of an old tree at the edge of the campus, Vai pulls out their phone. In the dark, curled around the meager light of the small screen, they feel like something fragile.

Like shards of glass and fraying wires, a stupid child with an impossible dream.

Their finger hovers over the call button. It would be so easy to just press it, to ask for comfort and safety and–

“Hey, Kid.”

Vai startles, looking up to see a tall man in dark clothing squatting in front of the tree. Most of his face is hidden behind a long, heavy-looking scarf and matte black mask but Vai would recognize those tired eyes and gravity defying hair anywhere.

“MasterMind*,” they breathe, equal parts awe and horror. “You’re my idol…”

The hero simply raises a brow and says, “Well, that’s a new one. Have we met?”

Vai pales. “Well, n-no, I just- I did a report on the new Anti-Quirk Discrimination law in elementary school and I saw how hard you worked to help get it passed and then I noticed your scarf and I realized you probably learned from Eraserhead before he took over and I checked and he only had one student who matched your description and then I watched your fights from the Sports Festivals and you were really cool so I’ve sort of been following your career since then but I swear I’m not a stalker, I–”

The sound of MasterMind honest to god laughing startles them out of their ramblings. “Oh my god, you’re a Mini-Midoriya. Wow, never thought I’d have fans…”

“I’m sorry, I just–”

“Don’t be. It makes me kinda happy, actually,” and even though they can’t see it, Vai thinks the man might actually be smiling beneath that mask. They made MasterMind, their absolute favorite hero and role model since the fourth grade smile! “So what are you doing out here? I thought all the Taiyuu kids were doing a sleepover?”

All at once, the nervous energy burns away and Vai is left staring down at their phone, three black letters staring back. Their skin burns cold as they suddenly remember what drove them out here in the first place. It must be obvious, too, because MasterMind slowly puts his hand over the phone, guiding it down until the screen goes black. He sits, arranging himself into the roots beside Vai and gazing through the overhanging foliage to the stars above.

“You know, when I went to school here, I used to eat lunch under this tree everyday. It’s so far from the cafeteria, I never had to worry about anyone seeing me or trying to talk to me. I’d been the outcast for so long, it honestly didn’t occur to me that I didn’t have to be. Then I got transferred to the Hero Course and started making friends…

“It was terrifying. I thought the tiniest slip up and I’d be back at square one. Everyone would see that I didn’t belong there and I’d go back to being that weak, angry kid that everyone avoided.”

Vai glances up, seeing the sad, distant quality the heroes’ eyes have taken on, and tugs at the edge of their borrowed track jacket.

“How did you get through it?”

He shrugs.

“I became a hero. I realized I was feeling powerless because I wasn’t giving myself any power. So when I messed up, I tried again. When I felt scared and useless, I helped someone else. It reminded me that I could change things, even if I couldn’t control them.”

Vai nods softly, carving the words into their heart as if the whole encounter would fade away if they didn’t. The silence stretched on, but tucked between the roots of an old tree at the edge of the campus, they no longer felt quite so alone.

–––

Returning to the dorms, Vai finds most of their peers sitting in the completed pillow fort as a comedy they’ve never seen plays on the TV. Hotaru appears to have fallen asleep at some point, slumped across a 1B student’s lap with a bit of steaming drool dribbling down her chin. There are several vaguely-humanoid lumps as well, one with a bit of purple hair visible from above and another with two colorful socks sticking out the bottom**. What catches their eye, however, is the sight of a quiet bunny-eared girl staring blankly at the wall below the TV.

Vai takes a deep breath, steeling themself, and quietly crawls over to Ameko.

“Um, Ameko-chan, would you, uh, maybe want to, um, help me? In the kitchen, I mean. I thought, we could make dinner for everyone? Maybe that honey chicken dish you mentioned?”

Ameko perks up instantly and as they head into the kitchen together, Vai can’t help but grin.

This is what they’d been looking for all along.

BONUS:

*The Next Day*

Vai crawls across the roots of the old tree, uniform stained with grass and hands raw and muddy.

“Where the fuck did I leave my phone??”

BONUS BONUS BONUS:

“So, what’s your quirk?”

Vai looks around for something to demonstrate on, before just taking off their shoe and focusing. Soon enough, a small rubber cat is rubbing at MasterMind’s leg, begging for attention. He stares down at it, not moving for several seconds.

“It’s stupid- I mean, I can make bigger things, I just–“

“I love him.”

“W-what?”

MasterMind stands, taking the rubber cat with him.

“I’ve only had him for half a minute, but if anything happened to him, I would kill everyone in this city and then myself.”

He begins walking away, Vai awkwardly calling after, “B-but, my shoe!”

* MasterMind is a better name than MindJack and you can’t change my mind.

** Tamashi and Popi

(Sorry this is late- I meant to post it Saturday but then it was my birthday and we had to rush my dog to vet and by the time we got home I really wasn’t feeling up to it)

#taiyuu oct #Grigori Vai #fuji hotaru #fujinuma ozen #Tokachi Ameko #shinsō hitoshi

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letsgoperuu · 5 years

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Iquitos - Welcome to the Jungle...

Arrival:

Even though I am very afraid of spiders, I thought I couldn't miss the chance to visit the jungle. With a total of 14 other international students we started at a cold 15 degrees in Lima and 1.45h later we landed at more than 30 degrees and a humidity of about 80 percent in Iquitos. During the landing approach we could already see the rain forest and Amazonas from above. The dimensions are almost impossible to imagine: 60% of the surface of Peru is covered with rainforest and with 6992 km the Amazon belongs to one of the two largest rivers on earth. Whether Nile or Amazon are really longer, the spirits divide.

At the airport we were already expected and with a typical Peruvian bus it went direction port. At a gas station we made a stop and stocked up again with everything that could be important for the next 4 days, because you can't shop big in the jungle. In a mini motor boat we drove about 1h over the Amazon to the lodge 30km away. On the crossing we actually saw the said pink dolphins that prefer to live in the Amazon. The last part we had to walk. In order to cross the marshland we had to walk over tree trunks and woods lying in the water. With all our luggage it was a bigger balancing act than we thought. Once we arrived at the lodge, we moved into our huts and checked whether they were insect-free.

Food:

All meals were included in our booked tour. If I had to summarize the food in one word then it would be: rice. There really was rice with every meal. The guides even ate it for breakfast. Apart from the rice, there were also fish, meat, potatoes, noodles and lots of salad and bananas, which really grow here at every corner. For dinner one of many chickens living in the lodge was slaughtered. For me it takes some getting used to, but that's the way it is in the jungle.

Excursions:

In the program of the tour we were promised a lot in advance and it almost sounded too good to be true. The first 1.5 days we spent almost only with extensive hikes through the jungle. Many plants were introduced to us and their medical effects explained. Sometimes it became really adventurous when we had to cross long mud fields and got stuck in the dirt with our rubber boots or when we passed a tree trunk over a river partly balancing, partly sitting. The joy was great when we discovered the first monkeys in the trees after some time.

One afternoon we went by boat to a place in the Amazon where the current is not so strong and where there are supposedly no dangerous animals in the water. With a somewhat queasy feeling we went swimming in the brown broth called Amazonas. The water was really surprisingly warm and after some time it was really fun and a mud battle started.

The next morning we left for a reserve. We were told that the animals living there were rescued by the police, for example, and could recover and strengthen themselves there. The reserve is quite a large area where the animals simply move freely. We had the opportunity to see monkeys, sloths, parrots and other birds, as well as snakes up close. My absolute favourite was the baby monkey. After some free time in the reserve we were introduced to some jungle medicine. But I would rather call it a schnapps tasting, because there was a lot of alcohol in every liquid. In the afternoon we went fishing for our dinner or rather: we tried it. It turned out to be harder than we thought, because the fish always wanted to eat our bait, but not to bite it. Thank God we had some talented fishermen among us who caught sardines, piranhas and even a catfish. We spontaneously decided to enjoy the sunset bathing in the Amazon.

On the last day we visited a local village and we were a bit sceptical if it was just a tourist attraction. Unfortunately our fears were confirmed. We were greeted by typically dressed locals and invited to dance. Afterwards there was the possibility to buy souvenirs and after a short time we left this place again. Somehow I did not feel very comfortable during this visit and everything came over very well.

At night in the jungle:

Already in the run-up my favourite program was the night hike to see tarantulas and snakes. After some thinking I decided to go with the others. It didn't take long and we were shown the first tarantulas. With plenty of safety distance and closed eyes I passed the trees that were contaminated. We also found a very poisonous little snake, which was not visible at first sight. Then we realized again that the jungle has some dangerous surprises in store and especially at night.

Our guide suggested that we spend the last evening in a disco. Yes, apparently there really is a disco in the middle of the jungle. After an almost one hour walk through the jungle at night we reached a village and in a hut there was a bar where you can buy drinks and the most necessary things like in a mini supermarket. We were pretty much the only guests and after typical Peruvian music came first, we asked the owner to look for English music on her countless CD's and so we celebrated the whole night to English 80's and 90's music in the middle of the jungle.

Conclusion:

I am really glad that I made this trip. There were so many once in a lifetime experiences that I will remember for a long time. But I was also happy to come back to Lima. It was just too hot in the long run and v. A. In the long clothes the climate was very exhausting. I was very much looking forward to my shower, clean clothes and a bed without a mosquito net and the constant fear that an insect or a spider could be lurking in every corner.

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feitanswife · 5 years

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How to kinda sorta feel like an adult/exist without someone doing everything for you

*learned entirely from experience and tested by a real person

1. Buy a bundle/container of spinach (high in iron and fiber, the two things I, an otherwise healthy 20 y/o have had random health problems with due to my parents never feeding me anything healthy) put it on/in everything. Breakfast sandwiches, savory dishes, get creative it adds no taste! This goes hand in hand with #2 and 3

2. Buy a blender, learn to love smoothies. Smoothies lie to you about their contents. The one I had this morning? If I hadn’t made it myself I’d have no idea it was 50% spinach leaves and chia seeds. You can’t taste them, it’s trendy for the instagrams, and my digestive system has never been more grateful

3. Half-cook. Buy instant food and put more shit in it. You don’t need to know how to make pasta sauce from scratch, just buy the box, put some chopped up leftover chicken and green stuff in it halfway through the cooking time, suddenly you’ve made an actual meal in 10 minutes. Instant ramen + bag of frozen veggies + random leftover meat cut into chunks = better than my moms homemade soup tbh

4. If you have a dishwasher, small things like tongs, forks, cups that aren’t really that dirty, anything that doesn’t need to pre-soak... never hits the sink. Never. Do not pass go, do not collect 200$, go STRAIGHT to the dishwasher.

5. Ready your coffee maker the night before. After you drink your fill and won’t be using it for the day, fill it up with grounds and water. When you wake up all you have to do is press a single button, no more half-asleep fumbling.

6. Having a candle lit and any music playing in the background will make you feel like 150% more grown up and sophisticated I promise

7. Target’s Opalhouse brand candles are only 7.99 for a pretty big one and they’ve got the most scent payoff of any candle that price I’ve ever seen. I can smell my “island nectar” one across a table, unlit, with the lid on. Red Shed has really good ones too but I have no idea where those ones are sold and they’re a little more expensive.

8. Cauliflower is just dollar store broccoli, it has all the same nutrients just... less of them. But you can mash it up and make discount mashed potatoes which is neat.

9. LAUNDRY!!! Read your laundry labels, write down notable things on a board/paper and put it up by your washer! Mine says things like “hand wash yellow leggings and rose print skirt, suede and velvet things turn inside out before washing, do not under any circumstances wash the wool pencil skirt mom I’m not losing another one YES I’m still mad about the patchwork mini from 10th grade!”

hand washing isn’t hard. You know how you’re supposed to fill the cap of the soap and pour it in the washer? You only need like 1/2 that much soap usually. Take the cap and don’t rinse it if you need to hand wash something, the excess on the lid is usually the perfect amount to wash bras or a skirt in the sink. And FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T PUT BRAS IN THE DRYER THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A CRIME! AND DONT HANG UP KNITTED THINGS IT MAKES THEM STRETCH!

10. Everybody and their brother has said this but cake mix: milk/milk sub instead of water (yes I’ve tried, almond milk makes a difference too, esp almond coffee creamer, that’s what I get since it lasts longer in the fridge and I really only use it in smoothies/coffee) melted butter instead of oil (or just really nice olive oil if you’re not for the dairy) and an extra egg if you’re feeling fancy

11. Invest on a basic cheap set of piping tips and bags if you ever think you’re going to make cupcakes for any reason. Frosting cupcakes to an acceptable level is literally one of the easiest things to do with the right equipment and people act like you’re Picasso for squeezing a bag of sugar goo over a tiny cake!

12. Get a small, easy to care for plant to put in your windowsill. Rosemary is always a good bet cause then you can make rosemary chicken which is delicious, but a succulent or two works if you, like me, kill everything you touch. It makes you look and feel responsible even though all you do is dump water on it like once a week.

13. You always need tape, AA batteries, rubber bands, and a small screwdriver. The moment you don’t have one is when you need it. Do yourself a favor and get a battery tester.

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wickxdwxtch-moved · 5 years

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HEADCANONS

basics

NAME: malachai ‘kai’ parker NICKNAME: sociopathic ryan reynolds, pork-rind munching freak, abomination ( cause lbr, joshua parker called him that not only as an insult, but as his own twisted little nickname; ) AGE: verse dependent, 22-24 ( 40-42 ) || then obvs while still staying stuck in his early 20′s physically, mentally his age on the legacies timeline would be 15 years older SPECIES: heretic

personal

MORALITY: chaotic evil RELIGION: is biased about religion since, he has been to hell but, heaven? he’s still a little peeved he wasn’t up there reeking havoc instead. SINS: greed / gluttony / sloth / lust / pride / envy / wrath VIRTUES: chastity / charity / diligence / humility / kindness / patience / justice KNOWN LANGUAGES: english & latin

physical

BUILD: scrawny / bony / slender / fit / athletic / curvy / herculean / pudgy / average HEIGHT: 6′0 SCARS / BIRTHMARKS: he has one scar along the length of his backside, it’s fairly faint but, it’s due to a childhood injury that involved his father. he doesn’t talk about it much, and tends to hide it from those that have seen him shirtless but, it’s a memory that he’s tried his hardest to block out. ABILITIES / POWERS: is able to siphon magic from his vampirism, is able to cloak himself, is able to sense power/magic in others if he is close enough to touch to said being ( siphon verse only; ), can transports himself/others to different areas to a degree, heals quickly ( heretic/main verse; ), has most abilities that a vampire would have, as well as the same abilities he processed when he was nothing more than a heretic. RESTRICTIONS: vervain ( heretic/main verse; ), fire ( though he does tend to still use it; ), more to be added within time.

favorites

FOOD: pizza, pork rinds, gummy bears, and any dish made with chicken, preferably fried. PIZZA TOPPING: pepperoni, and occasionally green peppers and black olives, depending on mood COLOR: black, crimson red, royal blue, grey MUSIC GENRE: grunge, alt rock, emo ( but, only mcr cause it makes him feel a certain way; ) MOVIE GENRE: eighties movies ( mostly horror ), and thrillers. CURSE WORD: bastard, fucker, bitch ( and only words that he will probably never say out loud. ) SCENTS: blood, sulfur, burnt rubber, firewood, pine

fun stuff

BOTTOM OR TOP: both? i could see him always wanting to be in control to a certain degree but, there are times ( depending on partner; ) that he would be okay with being on the bottom. SINGS IN THE SHOWER: yes. ( he totally has little mini concerts in the shower; ) LIKES PUNS: he only likes puns that HE likes, and that EVERYONE else hates

tagged by: @turnwell & @ofthcrnedrcses

tagging; @stonedgilbert, @ask-alicelockwood, @martyrbcrn, @mvreteeth, @rcnawaysister & whomever else!!!

#♚;; liking yourself is the most important thing; ( headcanon; )

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gipsytrips · 5 years

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Around the world with my baby daughter.

Article for traveling parents.

Finally I got just a little bit of free time and maybe I could write several posts about traveling with my baby daughter. Right now we are in Dominican Republic, Thaissia is sleeping and I’m using this bit of time to share our experiences and how we are managing.

From her very early days Thaissia was already traveling around France, and I did write a couple articles devoted to those trips. When she turned 2.5 months, we left France for Saint Petersburg, Russia and then took a train over to Moscow to visit family. Later when she was almost 5 months, we took off to California. At the age of 8 months we were in Dominican Republic and we are still here spending the winter and traveling around a bit more seriously.

As for flying in airplanes, Thaissia does it like a grown up. She doesn’t cry, sleeps in my arms, eats, plays with me and sometimes wants me to carry her around the cabin so she can look and smile at people. During the flights we never used any baby gear (like infant airplane seat from amazon) except for sling or baby carrier. Her habits and the ability to fly easy can of course change in the future, she might become more capricious and demanding… For now she is fine and it is great.

Lets talk about everyday life on the go and baby travel gadgets. In France and Russia Thaissia was still a little baby and everything was rather simple – elastic (Je porte mon bebe) or cotton sling wrap– Amazonas brand (and no stroller), foldable travel bed-bag (and no separate crib), car seat, baby bath tub with seat or hammock, medicine and first-aid kit, diaper backpack for long walks (I just adapted my regular day backpack for baby needs), blanket on the floor with some toys hanging over it (baby gym). In Petersburg we also had a baby chaise longue at the balcony. Our most important accessory has always been a sling wrap and starting from the age of 6 months we replaced it with baby carrier Ergobaby 360. This thing is vital and super useful for traveling and everyday life. But not all parents got their backs ready, so train yourselves in advance.

When Thaissia learned how crawl, in the States I had to get her some more baby gear… Besides a couple different baby gyms from Ikea, we got a huge blanket on the floor, that would cover almost the entire room, and later I had to buy a spacious 6-panel baby gate (Summer Infant), which I was using as a gate only in order to separate that part of the room where I didn’t want my little one to crawl to… I purchased all kind of baby safety things, but we only used outlet plug covers and mini night light. We have a bunch of other safety gadgets (like cabinet and toilet seat locks, silicone corner protectors), but because of constant traveling and moving from one house to another, we still didn’t have a chance to try all that stuff out. For our beach days I bought a baby tent, but we used it for only about a month, then my baby didn’t want to lie in one place anymore… Also at home we had a fit ball, a great thing for exercises with your baby!

I breast feed, its healthy, pleasant and comfortable, never have to worry about any bottles or formula. In California I started giving Thaissia additional food, so I got a mini blender (380 ml) that can be USB-charged. We used it for 3 months, while I needed to make puree. Now I just use a fork to mash some food in a plate as my baby got 8 teeth.

Sleeping question. We have been co-sleeping from the very beginning. Whatever people may say, it works for us perfectly. So we never had a separate baby bed. Just the first five months Thaissia was sleeping in a foldable baby bed-bag that was standing next to me in a big bed. When we travelled this bed was easily transformed into a diaper bag. Later when my baby grew out of this magic bed, I got a long braided bumper pillow and used it to delimit her space from mine. When we went traveling I didn’t take this pillow with us of course and now I just use rolled towels to separate us in bed. We can sleep without those towels of course but then Thaissia will take the whole bed leaving me on the edge. Also important (if possible) that bed would be a low one and would stand next to a wall on one side and on the other side its good to have a carpet, a blanket or a small mattress, so in case of falling, there would be something soft on the floor.

Here in Dominican Republic Thaissia learnt to sit and stand up practically all at the same time, and looks like soon she will start walking… Also she really loves bathing in the ocean with me! Maybe soon she will also start swimming? J An inflatable sit up bath tub, that I got specially for this trip, only served us for a short time. Now I can take my baby with me in the shower and she can stand there while I wash us (a bit harder to wash her head though). If she needs just a quick rinse, I can do that in the sink. One of my most needed travel gadgets is the pocket waterproof beach blanket with stakes (its super thin and light). We don’t care about wind or sand anymore! Speaking of two main tropical problems – sun and mosquitoes – yes, you do need all kinds of creams and sprays and have to rent a place with nets on windows or at least a mosquito net over the bed. If there is no shade at all where you are walking, you might want to get a small SPF 50 umbrella and/or a pareo to cover up hand and legs of your little one while you carry him or her around. Fast drying wide brim hat and long sleeve rash guard SPF 50 are also a must, as for baby sun glasses you might not be lucky, because your little one might refuse to wear them.

Food theme is particularly interesting when traveling. In California, where we stayed for 3 months in the same place, and I was routinely making porridges and boiled veggies without salt and oil/butter. Now here in Dominican Republic apart from those homemade breakfast porridges I feed Thaissia whatever I have in my plate for dinner (fish, chicken, beef, bread, veggies and of course lots of different fruit!). Sometimes we are still using hard food feeder, but less and less now. An important question is where to sit your baby at home (on the go) and in the restaurant? At home I still use car seat which I got here for everyday use indoors. Here in the house we are renting we happen to have a good size stable kids chair in the kitchen. She can’t still sit in it all by herself of course, but I was able to secure her in it with baby seat strap that I bought on Amazon for this trip. It’s not going to fit every possible chair, but it’s cheap, takes almost no space in your luggage, so you can purchase a couple different models and experiment. How do we eat out?... However we can, we are very creative… If there is a high chair (which is rare) – that’s great, if there isn’t – fine, we will deal with it… We can make our own “baby chair” from several chairs and pillows, and even better if we can eat on some sofa (we do not promise it will be clean afterwards) or at the worst case scenario I can ask restaurant personnel to hold my baby while I quickly devoir food after a long walk… Sometimes it’s a lot more comfortable to eat while standing at the bar and your baby is attached to you in a carrier…

As for baby play yard while traveling, you can make it from whatever stuff you find around – flipped tables and chairs, boxes, pillows, mattresses, suitcase and other barriers… But you little one might learn how to crawl over all that stuff… It’s perfect if while traveling you can rent a one bedroom or a little house (not just a studio), where besides the bedroom, you will also have a living room and separate kitchen. So when you put your baby to sleep, you can sneak out of the room and just sit on the couch in that nice little living room and… write a story in your blog or crochet a new toy.

Toys… A whole separate topic! I crochet toys, and half of our suitcase is taken by toys – crocheted, wooden, rubber (just not plastic), developmental and just funny… You don’t need lots of toys all at once, you need to change them… So we still had to pack quite a lot of toys with us and change them from time to time.

Clothing… I though we could travel with just minimum of clothing. Not really. I think there has to be a good amount of baby clothing so that you would let you little one to get dirty as much as he or she wants. And you can avoid every day washing.

Of course it’s a thousand times easier to travel in three when Thaissia’s dad comes to visit us some place. Here in Dominican Republic, when three of us traveled around, I had a real holiday! But the two of us, me and my daughter, we can do just fine as well. Yes, I don’t get much time to relax and have to think one step ahead always. Our regular routine day without flying in airplanes, moving to a new place, without equipping the new house with all the necessary things and a baby zone, without going shopping for food and water, without traveling somewhere on local transport (which can be quite authentic, depending on where in the world we are at the moment), without visiting some nice faraway place, like a secluded beach or a national park, etc, etc., can never be dull and boring by definition. Make breakfast (fruits, porridge), and while Thaissia is still eating wash the dishes (or ants and some other tropical insects would come to feast), take everything needed on the beach or on the walk, not forget to put on sunscreen, put up a beach blanket in a good shady spot, sticking in stakes and taking away all rubbish (or whatever is on the ground) so the baby doesn’t eat it, prevent my little one from eating too much sand, find her a company to play with (she is super social and playing with other kids is essential), give her some water, give her a banana or an avocado or something else, give her water again, ouch she fell dooooown…., fold up the blanket and unfold it again in shade, walk a couple kilometers or more with Thaissia in the carrier and then walk back, bathe with her in the ocean (favourite activity!), laugh, “fly’, play while sitting down, “walk”, sing and dance, take a nap at home for a couple hours (while Thaissia is sleeping, if she is in her deep sleep, I can maybe do some stuff on internet, sweep the floor, make a salad, wash my hair, crochet a toy, buy some airlines tickets… etc), feed my baby many times during the day and change her diaper just as many times, take some photos, have a coffee with something sweet, not forget to have dinner and not let Thaissia eat everything from my plate, wash my baby and take a shower myself, wash beach clothing and hang it to dry, read some books with Thaissia and play with her, finally put her to bed and fall asleep myself (or not.. while she is asleep, make some porridge or chicken for tomorrow, do some stuff at the computer, work on pictures from the camera or crochet)… and so on and so forth in different variations, it’s fun.

Is it easy for me? No, absolutely not. But I’m not complaining and not going to talk about those days when it’s super hard, when I have to solve all kinds of problems, when I don’t know where we are going to stay or when am I finally going to get some sleep, for example. Of course it is not like that when we are traveling, but more so when I’m working and Thaissia has to stay with a babysitter (but this is a whole different story)…

I am indeed very very happy and I do everything possible to make Thaissia smile and surprise her all the time. I love her so much and want to show her the whole world! Even though she is so little and doesn’t understand a lot of things (or she understands them in her own way, not like I do), she enjoys the sun and the warm weather, she loves to splash in the ocean and play in the sand, she is curious to see animals and colourful flowers, she adores new tasty foods and really likes to meet people and smile at them! Thaissia is happy when I am happy, and backwards. My baby absorbs everything that is around her and every day she is more and more curious about the world. Also daily she hears all the five languages that I speak.

Finally I would like to note that before I was traveling with an 11-13 kg backpack, now I also got a big suitcase, BUT my daughter and me don’t really need at least one half of this suitcase, and we can kind of do without the second half as well if we try… But in order to be able to travel this light with a baby you have to train. I promise myself that next time our suitcase will be smaller!

So this was a little introduction guide (with lyrical digressions) about everyday life when traveling and baby gadgets for trips. Attaching some photos from California and Dominican Republic. Next posts will be about actual travels around Dominican Republic.

01-2019. Las Terrenas, Republica Dominicana.

#baby travels

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suckitsurveys · 4 years

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Does anyone know your bank pin number other than you? Who? Mark does.

Have you ever had a boyfriend/girlfriend who was depressed? Yup.

Would you be able to climb out your bedroom window to sneak out? Yeah, but I wouldn’t need to sneak out.

What would you do if you found out the last person you called was pregnant/got someone pregnant? I mean, the last people I called were my coworkers for a meeting this morning, so. Most of them are old white dudes who hate their wives so good luck, buddies.

Can you taste the difference between brand name food and store brand food? With certain foods, yes.

Would you be embarrassed to buy pads/tampons/condoms? Which one more? Why are condoms lumped with pads and tampons? Anyway, no. If a stranger went in your bedroom, would they be able to tell what gender you are from just looking at it? First off, get the hell out of my room. Second off, get the hell out of here with your gender questions. Third off, my husband and I share a bedroom, so.

Are your parents gullible? Definitely not. My dad invented sarcasm and can spot it from 10 miles away, and he never believes anything he doesn’t know to be true.

Do you still own a VCR? There is still one at my dad’s house.

About how much money have you spent on food in the past two weeks? I’m not sure. A lot? We stock up on groceries every two weeks now. If you were in a car accident would the last person you kissed care? Yes.

If you were looking for a new pair of shoes where would you go? Depends.

How much was the last pair of shoes you bought? They were about $40, I believe. It was just a pair of black low top Converse.

What color is the computer/laptop you’re on? Did you buy it yourself? It’s black. It was actually my mom’s. I did buy my own several years ago but it broke and after my mom passed I just kind of inherited this one. But I definitely need a new one.

Do you have a second home? My dad’s house, aka my childhood home.

Would you be surprised if you saw the last person you texted smoking? I’d be upset. He does vape, but

Does the smell of cigarettes, weed and beer repulse you? I can tolerate all of them. Cigarettes remind me of my mom, which sounds bad, but that’s what comes to mind when I smell them. But I don’t go seeking out that smell because it’s gross in general. And weed I don’t mind at all, it just makes me want some, haha. And beer reminds me of Cubs games and summer, so I don’t hate it either.

Was the last person you kissed younger or older than you? Older.

Do you think people have any misconceptions about you? I’m sure there are TONS.

Have you ever purchased Girl Scout cookies? Yup, my nieces is a GS.

Do you like waffles? LOVE waffles. Especially chicken and waffles.

Do you watch birthing videos on a day-to-day basis? ...why would I do that?

Do you find piercings/tattoos attractive? I don’t find them unattractive.

Would you talk to someone you don’t know on the internet? Of course.

How often do you drink Monster? Never.

Have you ever made totally pointless videos with your friends? Yeah.

Do you like to buy those Warped Tour compilations? I’ve never bought one.

Do you like sitting on the inside or outside of a restaurant booth? Inside.

Do you own a nightgown? No.

Have you ever made a house out of a giant cardboard box? Yup. Also, in kindergarten, our teacher build us this really elaborate playhouse out of boxes and it was the coolest thing ever.

Have you ever made a tent out of sheets in your bedroom? Yeah.

Do your grandparents know how to operate a cell phone? Barely.

Have you ever had sex or something like it? Yes.

Have you ever read a George Orwell book? Did I? I wanna say we did in high school?

Have you ever worn fishnets? Yeah.

How many piercings and tattoos do you have? Five piercings, nine tattoos.

Is someone in your family affected by Asperger’s? I don’t believe so.

In a hotel do you always nose through all the drawers and cupboards? Nah.

Would you rather go out to eat or be eaten out? Both are nice, but right now we’re not allowed to do one so, ;).

Do you always wear your seat belt? Always. Ya’ll better wear yours, too.

Have you ever liked someone much older than you? Uh huh.

Have you ever been in a play? Yes, a couple in school.

Do you have any secrets that nobody knows about? No.

Is there ice cream in your freezer? Nope.

Have you ever started to laugh but played it off as a cough successfully? Maybe.

Have you ever liked the lyrics of a band but hated the music? Probably but if I didn’t like the music I probably wouldn’t listen to it long enough to hear the lyrics.

Does your bathroom have a window? Yes.

Do you go somewhere to get your eyebrows done? Nope.

When you were younger did you read the A Series Of Unfortunate Events books? No.

Who was the last band you saw live? Vampire Weekend.

Do you believe prayer really works? No.

Are you a fan of the band Gym Class Heroes? Eh.

Frosted flakes or frosted mini wheats? Mini wheats.

Have you been on a date in the park? Yeah.

Ever dated someone you were best friends with first? Not best friends, no.

Are there any diseases/health problems that run in your family? Yes.

Do you have asthma? No. Are tongue piercings slutty? WTF get out of here.

Is there anybody you think is hot over the age of 40? Will Arnett. Paul Rudd.

Last person to take off your pants, besides you? I mean, even when things are getting hot and heavy, I still take my pants off myself? I guess Mark has a few times now that I think about it. Do you remember those cool highlighters that smelled like popcorn? No? I recall scented markers, but not a popcorn smelling highlighter.

Might you enjoy hanging out in the woods for day or two? Yes please.

Have you ever written something on a bathroom stall? I think so.

Least favorite alcoholic drink? Malort.

Have you ever kissed someone named Paul or Luke? Nope.

How did you meet the last male you texted? On 4Chan, hahaha.

Have you ever had an embarrassing email address? clayperson69, hahaha.

Do you put shampoo in your left or right hand? Left. Do you have a bull ring through your nose? No. I do have a nostril pierced though.

Do you and your dad get along? Yes, very well. I miss going to eat with him :(.

Can you see your purse right now? I can. It’s on the ottoman in our coat cubby and has been for almost two months. I took my wallet out of it and have just been taking that when I go grocery shopping so I don’t have to sanitize my whole purse.

Are you wearing any perfume? What kind? No.

Are there products in your hair? Is grease a product? I need to shower.

When you get colds, do you use nasal spray to help get your nose unstuffy? No.

Do you actually like sneezing? No. I hate my sneeze. It also almost always makes cough afterwards so that sucks.

Have you taken a shower yet today? Not yet, but like I said, I definitely need to.

Do you have one best friend who is always there for you? Mark. Do you wear skirts a lot? Never. They don’t sit right on me.

Do you wear sweatpants a lot? No.

How many pairs of jeans do you think you have? 3. And 5 pairs of jean shorts.

Do you like hoodies? I love hoodies.

Big ones or the form fitting kind? Bigger ones.

Do you wear polo shirts a lot? I don’t wear polo shirts ever.

Did you ever actually have a rubber duck? Yes.

Are you one of those people who claim to live with no regrets? I am. I think of certain things that were cringey or that I wish i handled different, but I don’t call those “regrets” because it doesn’t consume my life thinking about them.

Do you love your computer? No. I need a new one so bad.

Do you drink coffee? Lattes.

Do you basically like all of your clothes? Sure.

Do you shop mostly with your parents, your friends, or by yourself? Mostly myself.

#surveys #quarantine

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writerzmagazine · 4 years

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37 Essential RV Kitchen Accessories (Space Savers)

RV kitchen accessories are important as they don’t take too much space and yet they provide so much cooking and dining ease. In a small RV, space is an extremely important thing, especially in the kitchen area where there is an oven, fridge, and cooktop. You have very little space left. So, what to do? Cook and dine smart! Yes, you can save more space and in a convenient way if you have the right kitchen accessories for the job. All of these take less space, would do its job and are built for multi-purpose use. Let’s cook smart! But, before that, there is an important message. Note- This article contains affiliate links so when you purchase a product through these links we get a small commission, without any extra cost to you, (the money is used to run this site and to give salaries to the team) But, this did not affect my reviewing decision. I have selected what is best in the market to help you out selecting the best product.

1. Collapsible Strainer

Picture of Collapsible Strainer Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: QIMH This is the first kitchen essential in my list. Made from environmentally friendly plastic and rubber, with no smell or toxic elements. It will make cooking very easy as it has non-slip handles. The strainer has a large capacity of handling 6 quarts of food such as pasta, veggies, and berries. It is a multi-use thing as you can use it over the sink or freestanding on a counter or table. Storing it is no problem as it can collapse from 4.72 inches to 1.6 inches high only by one push. It can be easily stored in a kitchen drawer, cabinet or drying tray without taking much space. One thing you must remember is that you must not use it with a temperature exceeding 302 Fahrenheit. This thing is also very easy to clean.

2. Stackable Mixing Bowls and Measuring Cups

Stackable Mixing Bowls and Measuring Cups Photo Credit-Amazon

Brand: Vremi Another space-saving thing you will like. As everything in the set can be stored inside the large bowl. You can stack each bowl, measuring cups and spoons together. It comes in vibrant colors for a great look, it also makes it easy to identify the right bowl. The large bowl has a capacity of 16.5 cups or 4 quarts and the small mixing bowl has a capacity of 2.4 cups or 0.5 quarts. There is also a colander and strainer in the set. So what you get in the set: 2 mixer bowl 1colander with a handle 1 mesh strainer sifter 4 measuring cups 5 measuring spoons All these things are made up of BPA free plastic which is durable and non-toxic. You can clean the set in a dishwasher.

3. Collapsible Measuring Cups

Collapsible Measuring Cups Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: ingeniuso You can measure all liquids and solids with four cups and spoons. It can measure 1 cup/250ml, ½ cup/125 ml, 1/3 cup/80 ml, ¼ cup/60 ml with the cups and by spoons you can accurately measure 1 tbsp/15ml, 1tsp/5ml, ½ tsp/2.5ml, and ¼ tsp/1.25ml. It is made from BPA-free food-grade silicone making it non-toxic, durable, high heat resistant and safe. All you have to do is to unfold, measure, pour and clean. It is made up of non-porous silicone that washes great with soap and even hot water. It is a colorful, comfortable and lightweight space saver.

4. Electric Can Opener

Electric Can Opener Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Dr.me It is an automatic electric can opener that is designed with a high-quality ABS material and stainless steel cutting knives. It is easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic and safe. The blade is embedded inside the device to help prevent accidental cuts of fingers while you search it in the drawer. It is useful for people with arthritis or hand pain and does not require manual labor. It will open the can at the touch of a button. The lid is held by a magnet after it is removed from the can. The lid is opened with a rounded edge to avoid any chance of injury.

5. Dish Tub

Dish Tub Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: UST This dish tub is made from a flexible thermoplastic rubber (TPR). It is strong, durable and collapsible for saving space. The dish tub has dual carrying handles so it can be also used to carry firewood, water, gear, and other items. It can also be used for shower purposes. A plastic rim is attached to it to give additional structural strength to last long. It has a capacity of 5.5 liters or 2.25 gallons. Measuring 15 x 11.4 c 5. Inches when fully expanded and weighing only 1.23 pounds. While some customers complaint about the crack that developed around the folds. So, use it carefully.

6. Knives With Covers

Knives With Covers Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Cuisinart A knife is so much useful during camping but it is at the same time dangerous and should be kept away from the children. Here I was looking for something safer and I got this. A set of 6 knives with covers. It is made up of high-quality steel slades. One feature which makes it long-lasting is the ceramic non-stick coating which makes slicing easier and keeps the sharpness for a longer period. Another good thing about these knives is that color coding is used to reduces the risk of cross-contamination during food preparation and the handles are ergonomic. So, what is included in the set: 8 inches chef knife 8 inches slicing knife 7 inches Santoku knife 8 inches serrated bread knife 5 inches utility knife 5 inches paring knife It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

7. Rollable, Foldable Dish Drying Rack

Rollable, Foldable Dish Drying Rack Photo Credit-Amazon

Brand: UpGood A rollable, foldable and space saver sink drying rack. Made with premium-grade stainless steel and durable black silicone that can withstand high temperatures. You need space when you wash fruits or veggies, just place this roll-up dish drainer over your sink. It is a multipurpose product you can use it for: Defrosting frozen things To extend the counter space Rinse fruits and vegetables To use it as a trivet for cooling hot foods The air flows freely for faster drying. But there are some precautions from the manufacturers that should be followed like you should not insert things between the rods. It can hold up to 25 lbs of weight easily and you can fold it into half to dry smaller things such as cutlery. This thing is lightweight as it weighs only 1.1 pounds. The dimension of this product is 20.2 x 15.5 x0.2 inches. It can be used with a dishwasher and comes with a lifetime warranty.

8. Portable Propane Grill

Portable Propane Grill Photo Credit-Amazon

Brand: Cuisinart This is a portable grill that is large enough to cook a family meal. This product is from the company Cuisinart. This stainless steel petite tabletop grill is durable and strong enough. Do not go on its small size because it has a 145 square inch grilling area where you can cook 8 burgers, 6 to 10 chicken breast or 4-pound fish. It has a powerful 5,500 BTU stainless steel burner and an even heating enameled grate. Standing on aluminum legs which can be set up by its stabilizing feet. Carrying it is easy because of a briefcase-style carrying handles. It has a weight of 13.5 pounds. Due to its compact size, it keeps the heat near the cooking surface making it energy efficient. The small and compact size makes it travel-friendly. You can wash the removable grate in the dishwasher. Depending upon your taste and style you have three colors to choose from. The product dimension is 16 x 16.5 x 13 inches.

9. Grilling Utensils

Grilling Utensils Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Home-Complete This thing is essential with a compact grill. It has all the things which you will need for cooking. You get: Basting brush for seasoning steaks Spatula and tongs for flipping hot dogs Corn holder Skewers for grilling Cleaning brush Swiss knife All these things are packed inside an aluminum case for easy carrying and storage. It keeps things organized. The utensils are made up of high-quality stainless steel which keeps rusting away and is long-lasting. The handles are made from heat safe material. The cool thing about it is that the spatula has a built-in bottle opener. You can wash them in a dishwasher. The entire weight of this product is 4.3 pounds and the dimension is 17 x 7 x 3 inches.

10. Height Adjustable Folding Table

Height Adjustable Folding Table Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Lifetime This height-adjustable table is best for your outdoor settings. You get three height settings for different and various needs. The table has a stain-resistant surface for easy cleaning. It is made up of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic with a honeycombed tack-off design for extra rigidity and powdered coated steel. It is a durable, stain-resistant and scratch-resistant table that requires very little maintenance.

Height Adjustable Folding Table 2 Photo Credit- Amazon Let's see its feature: You can adjust the height to 24 inches or (61cm), 29 inches or (74cm) and 36 inches or (91cm) It has a convenient carry handle For indoor and outdoor use Rust-resistant, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant UV protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) top surface Lightweight design You can fold it in half for easy transport and storage The frame of the table is made of a tube of 25mm. The product dimension is 48 x 24 x 29 inches and its weight is 19.2 pounds.

11. Mini Pop-Up Utility Container

Mini Pop-Up Utility Container Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Camco This mini pop-up utility container comes handy in storing things. It measures 9.5 inches x 13 inches when completely opened. There is a built-in storage strap and the base has a hook and loop tape to keep things in its place. You can collapse it to 2.5 inches for easy storage. Its weight is 7.2 ounces.

12. Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

Picture of Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Ajmyonsp It has a 32 inch extra long extendable design which is enough to keep you safely away from the campfire. An interesting thing about this roasting sticks is that the fork can rotate 360 degrees in your fingers. It is there to allow you to spin the marshmallows without rotating the whole skewer which prevents uneven cooking. The handle is large enough and has a good grip. They are heat resistant, comes in 5 different colors for easy identification. The tip of the stick is very sharp so it easily pierces the sausages and marshmallows. Two things that you have to remember is that while using these sticks keep it far away from the fire so that the protecting cap on the handle does not melt due to overheating. Do not handle the prongs in a rough way to avoid broken prongs. The handles are made up of wood for a better grip. It also includes a canvas bag for easy storage. You can clean the sticks with the water by dipping the tips of the sticks in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Its weight is 8.2 ounces.

13. Spice Rack

Picture of Spice Rack Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: ZICOTO Do you waste time finding the spices in the cabinet? Now no more hide and seek! Here is a wall-mounted spice rack organizer with 4 single-tiered racks. You get ample space for keeping the spices with 2.5 inches depth, 2.5 inches height and 11.5 inches length. You have some pretty much flexibility while installing it. As you can: You can choose how much space you need between the racks, keeping it closer or far apart is your choice. Do you want on a spice rack or all 4? You can mount them anywhere depending upon available space and need. Some space where it will adjust is the inside cabinet, over stove spice rack, on the closet door or keep it wall mounted. It is made of durable, premium quality material. The chrome finish makes it fit for nearly every kitchen. You need a half or one-inch screw to fit it anywhere. The weight of the rack is 2.2 pounds.

14. Non-Adhesive Non-Slip Shelf & Drawer Liner

Picture of Non-Adhesive Non-Slip Shelf & Drawer Liner Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: CCS Next in a line is a shelf and drawer liner. It is easy to cut and use the thing. It protects the surface and also makes a base for a cushion. Due to the non-slip surface, things do not leave their place so easily. You can easily clean it with even a sponge. You can use it to keep electronic items over it, small appliances, inside shelves, coasters, and placemats. Its weight is 1.26 pounds and its dimension is 12 x 5 x 5 inches.

15. Refrigerator Tension Rods

Picture of Refrigerator Tension Rods Photo Credit-Amazon

Brand: Camco It is from the brand Camco, these extendable rods keep things in their place while moving. It extends from 10 inches to 17 inches in length. These things are spring-loaded to keep things in their place. Item weight is 6.6 ounces and the dimensions are 14.4 x 0.4 x 0.7 inches.

16. Over The Door Pantry Organizer Rack

Picture of Over The Door Pantry Organizer Rack Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Smart Design A smart design, large, over the door, 6 tier wire steel organizer. It will hang over the door with hooks or can mount to the wall with screws. It is made of steel which is rustproof and durable. The adjustable basket shelving is great to customize the items according to the need. Its dimension is 7 inches x 17 inches x 58.5 inches and weight is 6.83 pounds. It has 6 rows in which you can store jars, cans and pantry items. It is easy to set up with screws or hooks.

17. Mop Broom Holder or Utility Tools Rack Storage

Picture of Mop Broom Holder or Utility Tools Rack Storage Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Piyl It is a great organizing rack, it can be used for kitchen utensils, washroom, or for storing mops and brooms. The product saves space because you can screw it on the wall. It is made up of heavy-duty stainless steel which is corrosion-resistant, durable and can be recycled. One set comes with 3 unit clamps, 4 utility hooks, a total of 7 positions for mops, brooms, rags, wet jet or snow shovels. You can set it with 3M adhesive tape or by screws. It comes with a lifetime warranty. The product dimension is 14.5 x 2 x 2 inches and weight is 15.8 ounces.

18. Rubber Bar Service Mat

Picture of Rubber Bar Service Mat Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: BONBON This thing can be used in the kitchen as a serving mat, bar side mat or even drying mugs, cups, and dishes. This mat is made up of thermoplastic rubber that’s why even wet glasses are held in their place. Its porous design helps to dry the things quicker and more efficiently. It comes in a pack of two. The item dimension is 17.7 x 11. X 0.4 inches and its weight is 3.04 pounds.

19. Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

Picture of Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: MIRA BRANDS A product for coffee lovers! You can make coffee like professionals with this French press. It is made from high grade 18/8 stainless steel that is durable and does not break, rusts or retain flavors. Its double-walled insulation keeps the drinks hotter for a long time. The fine mesh filters make the richest and smoothest coffee. Other things which you can make from it are hot chocolate and loose leaf tea. All you have to do is to measure coffee grounds, heat water, steep for 5 minutes, plunge the press and here is your coffee. So, why it tastes so better, the reason for that is the ultra-fine mesh filter that perfectly filters coffee grounds and teas to reduce acids and it also eliminates the taste of paper filter. You can wash it in the dishwasher or you can easily clean it by your hands. Its compact size is convenient to pack. The sturdy ergonomic handle keeps the handle cools still when the French press is filled with hot coffee. The weight of this French press is 2.1 pounds and the dimension is 6.9 x 4.5 x 8.7inches. There are no plastic parts in this product.

20. Manual Coffee Grinder

Picture of Manual Coffee Grinder Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Javapresse Built with over 15 settings so that you can have whatever you want from Espresso to French Press. You do not need any wire, batteries or power to grind coffee. It works on a Hank crank mechanism which eliminates over 90% of the noise that is generally made with electric grinders. It has a ceramic burr assembly locking mechanism for enhanced consistency. So, why the manual is better than electricity? Manual grinders are small, durable, low price, less noise, lightweight and efficient. Every Java Presse Coffee Grinder comes with a unique code to redeem a free bag of coffee worth $21.99. The coffee grinder weight is 9.4 ounces and its dimension is 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches.

21. Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Container

Picture of Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Container Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: SuperDee Corp A set of 4 silicone food storage container with 4 different sizes: 1. Extra large (43 oz) 2. Large (26 oz) 3. Medium (18 oz) 4. Small (10.5 oz) It can be used for leftovers and to store food. You can keep cereal, fruits, baby foods in it. The containers are made up of BPA free food-grade silicone that is safe, non-toxic, tasteless, odorless, nonsticky and easy to clean. These containers are heat resistant and can be used in microwave, freezer and even dishwasher. The cool thing about it is that they are collapsible to 1/3 of their original size. Its nesting design gives a maximum organization. The lids tightly fit over the containers making them stackable and save 60% more space. The lids have air vent for easy microwave heating. The vacuum created is the reason for a long-lasting fresh food.

22. Mesh Wine/Liquor Bottle Protective Sleeves

Picture of Mesh Wine, Liquor Bottle Protective Sleeves Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: MT Products Another cool stuff, this mesh protects the wine and liquor bottles while traveling. They are made up of thin polypropylene mesh which is made from recycled and biodegradable plastic. Put it over the wine bottle to protect it from breaking. Cool! Its weight is 4.5 ounces and the dimension is 7.5 x 5.5 x 3 inches.

23. Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler with Lid

Pictures of Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler with Lid Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Maars Drinkware Vacuum insulated, spill-proof and travel-friendly wine tumbler is ideal for a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Its special feature is the extra copper lining between the double walls allowed for even better heat retention. It is best to keep the hot beverages hot for over 3 hours and keeps the cold drinks cold for over 8 hours. It is made up of the highest quality food grade 18/8 stainless steel that won't leave any flavors or tastes. You can wash it in the dishwasher. You can choose from the colors: 1. matte black 2. aqua 3. midnight blue 4. fuchsia 5. peach 6. mint 7. lavender 8. white 9. seafoam 10. carnation pink 11. matcha green 12. coral There is a rubber gasket sip lid that reduces splashing. Durable powder-coated finish to prevent fading and chipping. You get a two-pack set. The weight of this item is 15.2 ounces and the dimension is 7.5 x 3.8 x 5 inches.

24. Camco Pop-A-Plate

Picture of Camco Pop-A-Plate Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Camco Yes, a space saver product but with an awkward name. This is again from the brand Camco, it is very easy to install and refill the plates. You can mount it under the cabinet or shelf and just take plates when needed. It can hold 125 8-3/4” – 9” paper plates inside it. The item weight is 8 ounces and the dimension is 10.2 x 10.2 x 2.8 inches.

25. Adhesive Hooks

Picture of Adhesive Hooks Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: AUSTOR This product will be helpful in many places. Adhesive hooks which can bear up to 22 pounds or 10 kgs. It is made from heavy-duty high-quality PVC material base and premium adhesive. The hooks are supported by a 7.2 x 7.2 cm adhesive base for a stronger grip. It can stick on wood, glass, frosted glass, glass grid, ceramic tiles, metal, acrylic, non-paint walls, and other hard surfaces. The base of this product is transparent so it won’t affect the beauty or color of the wall, door or ceiling. When you want it to use, simply peel off the back cover and stick it on the surface. One thing to remember is that clear the surface where you are going to stick it. There are 16 pieces of adhesive hooks in 1 pack.

26. Magnetic Hooks

Picture of Magnetic Hooks Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Neosmuk Another amazing product is magnetic hooks which are very strong. They are made from high-grade exquisite quality Neodymium magnet and steel. It does not rust and the three layers of nickel coats on the magnetic hooks greatly reinforce corrosion resistance. It does not scratch the surface where it is used due to the smooth base. You can use it for hanging small things in the kitchen, bathroom, living room and anywhere you get iron, steel, nickel, and any other ferromagnetic material. Its magnetism would last forever.

Picture of Magnetic Hooks 2 Photo Credit- Amazon To get the maximum magnetism you have to use it over at least 0.08 inches thicker steel plates. The maximum weight that it can bear is 22 lbs.

27. Magnetic Spice Tins

Picture of Magnetic Spice Tins Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Hanindy If you love an organized space then you will love the next product. It will increase the style and decoration of your kitchen. These are 16 magnetic spice tins for storing spices and condiments. These spice tins are designed with a magnetic back so that it can stick to any metal surface leaving your kitchen tidy and space free. Due to the magnetic base, you will eliminate the chance of accidentally spilling the spice all over. It also has a transparent lid so that you can easily find the right spice. These lids also have a twist feature with a sift holes and pouring slot. The tin is of food-grade stainless steel that will not leave a metallic taste in your spices. The magnets will not lose their magnetism over time. The volume inside these tins is 3 oz with a dimension of 2 inches x 2.5 inches. You also get 4 stainless steel measuring spoons and 160 pre-printed common spice names and 40 blanks labels. Through, you cannot clean these tins in the dishwasher.

28. Magnetic Black Wire Mesh Storage Baskets Organizer

Picture of Magnetic Black Wire Mesh Storage Baskets Organizer Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: EASEPRES Another magnetic organizer for saving space and getting a tidy place. These magnetic baskets are good for holding pens, markers, notepads, cards, coupons, receipts, etc. It can be used in the bathroom, kitchen or in the living area. The tray is equipped with 5 heavy-duty magnets and can carry a good amount of weight. The dimension of these trays are 5.7 x 2.3 x 2.1

29. Tray Bin Pack Multi-Purpose Storage

Picture of Tray Bin Pack Multi-Purpose Storage Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: madesmart These are 3 multipurpose storage bins. Made up of high-quality durable plastic with soft grip lining (protects items) and nonslip (prevents sliding in drawers) rubber feet to keep things in its place. It has a rounded corner for a good look and effective cleaning. One solution for organizing a messy drawer. It has 6 compartments tray good enough to fit into any kitchen for organizing utensils and silverware. You can even keep your knives safe and sharp.

30. Cutting Mat Set

Picture of Cutting Mat Set Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Imperial Kitchen Collection Colorful, modern, flexible, non-stick surface cutting mat. These cutting mats are 15 inches x 12 inches enough area for a standard size cutting mat. It is very easy to clean them. You get a set of 4 mats in 1 pack.

31. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector

Picture of Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Kidde This is an extremely useful and important item to use in the RV. It shows the peak CO level that was recorded by the alarm since it was last reset or unplugged. There is a test button that you can use to see if it is functioning properly or not. It can measure CO levels between 30 and 999PPM.

32. Microwave Food Cover

Picture of Microwave Food Cover Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Tovolo This product will help to keep food moist and also keeps it inside so that the food does not spill. The holes in the food cover allow steam to release evenly, it prevents condensation. It is a collapsible thing so you can easily keep it in your storing space. It is 10.5 inches so fits mostly all types of plates. You can lift it easy via finger grip.

33. Sink Dish Drainer

Picture of Sink Dish Drainer Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: PREPWORKS This collapsible dish drainer can extend from 16- 1/2” to 26- ¾” inches. The dish rack can hold 8 plates up to 10 inches in diameter. It can collapse to a third of its full size so you can store it easily. The product dimension is 16.5 x 12.4 x 1.8 inches and its weight is 2.08 pounds. It is strong enough to stand on its base.

34. Sink Caddy Holder

Picture of Sink Caddy Holder Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Star Element Another organizing item for your kitchen. It has a self drainer design so the excess water drains in the sink. It is a lightweight and durable product available in vibrant colors. You can keep sponge, soap, strainer, and other accessories in the holder. It sticks to any flat surface by its two suction cups. You can remove the drip tray to clean it. It can also be washed in a dishwasher.

35. Mini Ovenware

Picture of Mini Ovenware Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: Nordic Ware The next product is for your oven, its pan is made from aluminum and its covers are made from BPA free plastic. You can use them over camping stoves. The nonstick finish will leave the food easily and will also get clean easily. You will get a set of 8.5 x 6.5 x 1.63-inch pan with a lid, 8.5 x 6.5 x 0.625-inch broiler with a rack and six 2 inch muffin pan. This is not dishwasher safe as it can shorten the life of non-stick coating on the pan. Do not use metal, scouring pads and abrasive cleaners on it.

36. Cabinet Door Stainless Steel Paper Towel Roll Holder

Picture of Cabinet Door Stainless Steel Paper Towel Roll Holder Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: YouCopia Keep the paper towels at your fingertips. Very useful in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. It will fit over a standard cabinet door measuring ¾ inches thick. The product is made from stainless steel and can be cleaned by a cloth. It does not take much time to set it up and is strong enough. It has non-slip padding for added protection. No mounting and installation needed.

37. Pan and Pot Protectors

Picture of Pan and Pot Protectors Photo Credit- Amazon

Brand: StackStorePlusMore This product is very efficient in protecting the kitchenware. There are 6 durable, thick pan and pot protectors. They are 16 inches wide to fit any type of kitchenware. You have to place the pan protector in between the kitchenware. It extends the life of your kitchenware. The protectors can avoid locking and chipping of glassware and ceramic. It can be used for cookware, glassware, stoneware, skillets, pots, pans, bakeware, glass, ceramic, skillets, bowls, plates and others. It is made up of premium polyester felt with a non-slip texture for maximum stability when stacking or nesting. If You Think Your Friends/Network Would Find This Useful, Please Share It With Them Or You Can Give Us 5 Stars Down Below – We’d Really Appreciate It- Thanks! Read the full article

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trippingonroads-blog1 · 5 years

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Teotihuacan

The final day: Los piramides de Teotihuacan. We booked a tour through TripAdvisor and set it on our last day based on the recommendation from one of Lindsay’s friends who said it’s a pretty exhausting half day that can have lingering effects on the creaky and weak like us.

We left the Airbnb a little before 6 AM to walk to the tour bus pickup spot at a hotel about 15 minutes away. Every city puts its funniest hats on before dawn and Mexico City is no exception. Mini rush hour, although the rush better described the pace of the vehicles on the road, not the amount. A few early-rising street vendors setting up their tents and starting to boil hot water for coffee and lay out the day’s ingredients. Finely dressed people stumbling from their cars to their apartments, truly inexplicable to us on a Monday morning.

There were a few people sitting outside the hotel when we arrived, a massive relief for Lindsay who had read a couple of reviews that said the bus had failed to show up in the past. Sure enough, at 6:20 on the nose it pulled up and 40 or so of us piled on in an early morning bilingual daze.

Leaving Mexico City isn’t easy and by the time the bus pulled onto the freeway, the sun had come up and the neighborhoods began to look a whole lot more like what we usually see in American media. One of our guides, Gerson, a boisterous, cheery performer with a squeaking rubber chicken in his shirt pocket, explained with glee that 12 million people lived in these neighborhoods and the favelas we were soon to pass on the highway. Million! Almost double the population of the state of Massachusetts in an area about 20 square kilometers.

“No es Roma Norte, La Condesa… eso es el Mexico verdad!”

He joked that the favelas of Mexico aren’t the favelas of Brazil, where you can sit and have a coffee, eat some street food, and admire the poverty. In Mexico, the favelas are dangerous as hell. My only knowledge of Brazilian favelas comes from the movie “City of God” and they sure look pretty dangerous to me but I don’t know enough to comment one way or the other. Gerson seemed almost proud of that danger and as we traveled away from the last vestiges of urban Mexico City, he told us to get our cameras ready. While the favelas of Mexico City are rough, Gerson energetically hyped the destitution of the upcoming ones on the outskirts, lining the mountains along the highway, like a seal handler at Sea World.

“Cameras! Cameras!” He insisted we document the poverty. Grim, but to be fair, destitution’s beauty is a shocking, photogenic irony.

The mountains outside the city are doused in a favela collage of teal, pink, yellow, blue, and grey while the fittest green emerges near the peaks, resiliently staying the hand of human advance. Wide avenues span up and down like ski slopes between the stucco cracks. Beyond the roads, it’s nearly impossible to tell where one wall ends and another begins, turning the hillside into an elaborate canvas. You tend not to wonder who’s inside the buildings in paintings; you wonder less in reality. I wondered where the grocery stores were.

About 45 minutes later, we pulled into a red dirt parking lot at Teotihuacan and split into English and Spanish tour groups. Our English group, surprisingly, was mostly comprised of non-Americans. Danish, Scottish, Israeli, Canadian, Australian, Italian… only five Americans out of 17 people. Kevin, our more-straightlaced-than-Gerson tour guide, spoke the most English of anyone we’d met all week and, dangit, the man knew his stuff.

I’ll hold off on trying to describe the city of Teotihuacan too much because, like the Grand Canyon, it’s really too magnificent to explain. The preserved area that you can see today is only about one-seventh the size of the original city at its peak around 800 AD, and it’s still mind-boggling to consider how an ancient civilization could construct such an enormous, sophisticated city with only stone tools.

The city features three primary pyramids, built at the head of vast public spaces that had varying uses over time. The Pyramid of Quetzacoatl stands on one end of the park, the Pyramid of the Moon stands at the other, connected by a 3-kilometer-long pathway dotted by sunken public spaces and surrounded by the ruins of family homes and workshops. The Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest pyramids in North America at 64 meters tall, stands about 30 meters from that pathway, called the Avenue of the Dead.

The pyramids, as you could probably surmise, were built to honor kings and originally held temples at the top, where royalty and nobility would confer with the gods and demonstrate their hegemony over the public. In the middle of the squares sat elevated platforms where shamans performed human sacrifices of war prisoners and children (because they’re pure) to appease the gods. Once upon a time, the squares and pyramids were painted red and constructed with gargoyle-esque symbols and the faces of gods and animals. They’re imposing and beautiful now; they’d definitely make you believe in the celestial more than one thousand years ago.

Contrary to what you might think, Teotihuacan was not built by the Aztecs. It was built by a people called Teotihuacanos, about whom not a whole lot is definitively known. Mayans and Aztecs both lived in Teotihuacan at different times but they mostly pillaged the city of all of its riches years after the Teotihuacanos evacuated it under mysterious circumstances. Some archaeologists think the San Juan River dried up, depriving them of a primary water source and their main sewage outlet. (Yes, they built a subterranean sewage system in the 6th fucking century.) Some say a civil war purged the population and the varying tribes moved in separate directions.

What is known is that the pyramids we see today are the final product of a series of escalating pettiness. After a new king took over, he’d build pyramids on top of the existing ones just to show he was bigger and badder than the previous guy. As such, the Pyramid of the Sun contains six smaller pyramids within it. Unlike the Egyptians, Teotihuacanos didn’t use pyramids as tombs. They were built to become closer to the gods and display a king’s power. In some, the innermost pyramid was used as a vault for riches. Of course, by the time archaeologists excavated these vaults, they had been picked over by the Aztecs who only left behind the stuff they didn’t want. Hence why it’s hard to know much about the Teohituacanos: A bunch of assholes pillaged their history. Sound familiar?

Another thing we learned is that Teotihuacanos ate turkeys. Extension: There are turkeys in Mexico! I had no idea. On the walk between pyramids, I asked Kevin about the Teotihuacano diet and what the marketplace might have looked like and he gave me an extensive answer that attracted a few of the solo travelers to gather around as we walked.

One, an older American woman we had seen throughout the day trying to talk to anyone who would listen to her, caught on to the turkey bit. Turns out, this lady despises turkeys. According to her, they’ve become a scourge in Northern California (I called that this lady was from the Bay Area the second I heard her speak) and are “taking over.” Lindsay nor I had ever heard of turkeys in California so when this was happening, we bowed out of the conversation to look at each other and say “what the f is she talking about?” Googling later, turkeys have apparently become one of the most prominent non-native species in California over the last decade or so. Who knew!

Anyway, we didn’t know that at the time, which is why it was exceedingly difficult to keep from laughing while this lady exhorted her vitriolic fucking hatred for turkeys.

“They’re constantly in my yard, they’re everywhere. One of them scratched my son and he’s got a scar down his forearm. I had to put up a six-foot fence just to keep them off my property!”

I imagined a spiked wood fence, painted red in the blood of foolhardy turkeys, the points adorned with freshly decapitated turkey heads and a sign outside that read in red “Gobble gobble gob gob gobble dee goo” with English translation in Helvetica beneath: “Turkeys who cross pay the ultimate price.”

But then she said you aren’t allowed to shoot them. Nobody is listening to her at this point as she exclaims what an outrage it is that you can’t kill them on your own property. Lindsay and I drop jaws at one another in amusement as I realize, “Holy shit, I was just doing an imagination joke but this lady has definitely fantasized about turning her home into a turkey slaughterhouse.” But the God damn guvrnmint say she cain’t shoot what been trispassin’ on her pro’pty! (Based on my subsequent eavesdropping, she lives in Marin County, is married to a 76 year-old Mexican man, is the self-proclaimed most adventurous member of her family, has bad knees because she played soccer in college forty years ago, and was on this trip to “discover her husband’s heritage” which baldly means she’s bored by her own Western European heritage and needs to have some more culturally interesting things to say about herself at the next garden party. There is no doubt in my mind that she’s a bleeding heart liberal and would never bluntly denounce government overreach but I couldn’t help giving her a pissed off Southern accent.)

Nobody else on the tour was quite so interesting as to have a vendetta against a species of bird but we did meet two nice Canadians (duh) at the tequila tasting and buffet lunch after the tour. They were sisters, doing a catch-up vaca together, and were heading to Los Angeles after their stay in Mexico City. We gave them a few recommendations and when I was at the buffet for seconds, Lindsay discovered that their Airbnb was in our same building. I told you it was all Airbnbs! We walked home with them from the hotel drop-off.

Yes, we made it to the top of all the pyramids if you were wondering, so we were pretty beat when we got back to the apartment. However, my friend Kira lives in Mexico City now and she reached out to see if we wanted to get dinner. We did but it took some effort.

All for the best, though, as Kira picked the place — Taquitos Frontera — and we had yet another amazing taco night. Kira’s been in CDMX for two years, teaching some of the country’s wealthiest, most spoiled middle schoolers at an American school. She had some high school Spanish under her belt when she moved but she’s been pretty much learning on the job and kicking ass living abroad. I hadn’t seen her in five years and it was very cool to see how much she was loving being in the midst of this incredibly bold life decision.

After dinner, we got consuelitos — ice cream sandwiches made with cookies and cream ice cream and mini circular churros — and then caught an Uber home. We were asleep by 9:30.

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demi-angel-novel · 7 years

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Prolouge

In a forest on a full moon night a woman is trying to escape a creature cloaked in darkness, with its only visible features being it’s menacing reptilian eyes. The area around them shakes from the pounding thunder sounding overhead. The woman appears to be in her late 20’s maybe early 30’s,

she has a brown skin tone with disheveled wavy black hair that reaches the middle of her back. In her hands she holds a bundle of white and gold cloth, housing a baby boy. She continues to run with her body crying out in pain from the intense exertion, but to protect her little angel, she would soldier on no matter what happens. The chase continues with the creature narrowly missing her with its jagged claws, inevitably, the monster closed the gap and spears through her with its claws, but barely hitting the child, and causing her to collapse with a searing pain ripping through her. The creature, obviously pleased with its work, grew a thin grotesque smile as it stalks its beaten prey slowly, only to increase their suffering, the once white cloth was now stained red with the woman’s blood.

The child begins crying as if sensing the coming death of him and his mother. The creature finally went to finish off them both but a bright light envelops the area and incinerates the creature.

“Begone demon”. A masculine voice says.

“You damn angel, grr know this when this child reaches his 15th year I shall return!”

The only sound left was the pelting rain. The light subsided revealing a man in a white and gold robe with giant white wings. Shakingly,the woman says R…Ramiel “Elizabeth, I’m so sorry,” his voice was deep and rich that seemed to bring hope to any who’d hear it l. With the angel speaking the child calmed himself.

“I should have been here for you and our son.”

“Don’t be, “cough”, please take our son and take him somewhere safe … were he can grow up, please hand me Thomas so I can speak my final words to him.“ He nodded and scooped up Thomas and handed him over to her.

"T-Thomas I want you to grow to be a good man and know that me, your father, and the Lord shall always be with you.”

She kissed his forehead “goodbye my son”, she whispered as Ramiel grabbed Thomas again.

“Goodbye my Elizabeth”, with saying his last respects he flew off.

“Ti Amo tanto.” ( I love you both ) she whispers as she waits for death to take her. But it never comes as an unknown figure drags her away. The child in this story is the child of an angel and a human his name is Thomas Di Angelo and he is a Demi-Angel. Ramiel leaves him at the door of an orphanage, “I am sorry my son I cannot raise you. I hope you will find happiness here.” He knocked on the door and disappears. “Goodbye my son” echoes behind him as a woman with greying black hair and a pair of glasses that rest on her hooked nose walks out and sees the child “a baby?"sigh."come let’s get you cleaned and warmed up”.

8~years later. Thomas has grown to be 8 years old he now has brown skin with messy black and grey hair with storm grey eyes and a faded raggedy oversized grey shirt and old black pants with a patch on his right knee, and right now he is getting chewed out by the same caretaker from earlier.

“I can’t believe this we take you in out of the kindness of our hearts and this is how you repay us with this foolishness! Do you have any excuses, hm,

“like I told you he made fun of my parents and stole my book,

“and that’s it!” “But he attacked first.“

"Still it doesn’t mean you fight and your parents they were deadbeats who left a baby on a doorstep. They were probably addicts or murderers,”

“no, no you're wrong,” I muttered

“what was that?” She asked with her voice becoming deadly quiet. I said your wrong. My parents’-

“ your parents didn’t love you, they left a baby alone on a doorstep and this book I don’t know why you try your gonna become nothing and accomplish nothing bad if I ever see you do this kind of foolishness again there will be severe punishments. Now do I make myself clear?!” I grew a smile

“sure you old hag.” Her face immediately showed pure rage.

“I see so that’s how it is well, time for a punishment”

she grabbed my wrist and tore off my shirt and grabbed a whip and struck my back agh “are you crazy?!” She struck my back again my cries echoed across the whole orphanage with each strike I looked in her eyes and I swear I saw a flash of red reptile eyes. After 3 minutes of being whipped, she said

“now think about what you’ve done and I expect no further disturbances.”

She says as she exits. I feel warm liquid on my back as it screams out in pain with a metallic scent filling the air. I felt a liquid roll down my cheek,

"I’ll promise you this old hag I’ll prove you wrong no matter what. Just you wait.”

2 years later~ “ so you guys ready?” He said to the two people beside him one of them being a girl and the other a boy. “Alright let’s go Thomas runs to the bell labeled EMERGENCY ONLY!!! The others are prepared with a sack and a bucket, with a strange liquid spread on the floor in front of the door John Indica

"you both ready?” They both gave him a thumbs up signal. Ok, he mouths as he rings the bell “HURRY HURRY FIRE FIRE!!!”

The caretakers burst out the door and rush down the hall slipping and sliding John acts first and splatters them in glue. After this, India throws the sack as a mass of feather exit out and cover them as they finally crash into a wall in front of the rest of the kids who immediately laugh them, the three kids meet up. “Good job ! You guys,”

“ heh, we should thank you, Thomas.” John says.“

"Yeah your the one who came up with it”. Indica said.

“ true but it was a team effort now let’s see how’re the chickens!”

the head caretaker was so furious she could make a red chili pepper be jealous by how red her face was. Through a strained voice, she says,

” who did, this? Someone fess up now or you will receive punishment.“

Every child’s face paled,

” Thomas, what do we do? I don’t want to be punished. “ John said shakingly,mhm Indica agreed.

"Go I’ll handle it.”

“But Thomas, you’ve been whipped more than any of us!”

I winced.

“We can’t let you do it alone.”

"Listen you two, I’ll be fine Just go, I promise.”

“We’ll be praying for you,”Indica said,

“heh thanks”.

"Well speak!”

the caretaker said still fuming

"wow, I didn’t know chickens could talk,”

“YOU!” She cried. “ did you do this, hm? You heard me! "Oh, I’m sorry I don’t speak chicken.”

“Di Angelo!”

“Anyone hear what it’s squawking about cause all I hear is bawk bacawk bawk!”

I say as I imitate a chicken though that’s probably an insult to chickens everywhere for me to compare her to them.

“You..oh I’ll give you one hell of a punishment.” I gave a cocky smirk.

“Bring it on chicken witch.” She whipped me until night. I walked up to my bed and sat down. “Thomas your back” John said.

“Yep. What happened? Did it hurt? ” no it was a tickle fight what do you think I thought

“nope” that’s a straight lie, my back feels like the devil just burned my back with the flames of hell. John still looked worried. “Listen I’m fine. Go to sleep John, alright?”

“Night Thomas”. The next day~.

“Hey Thomas John said”

“hey I said without looking up from my book

"how come I always see you reading during free time?”

One I love reading. And two it’s tied to a promise. What’s the promise? "It’s involved in a promise I made a few years ago about how I would become something of myself and prove that witch wrong about me. That I would rise up and become something great.”

“Heh, when you do , promise you won’t forget about us.” Heh I laughed, I promise, and I’ll tell you this, I never break my promises.“

"Can I get back to my book now?”

“Sure”

5 years later~ I had a dream right before my 15th birthday. I was in a clear grassy field with a storm raging overhead. Out of the storm cloud an eagle and a hawk flew towards me, and flew in circles around me like they were chasing each other. Between them was a string of electricity. Suddenly, the field caught ablaze and through the flames I saw a figure rise with a dark laughter that sent shivers through my whole body. I felt my head a distant memory, I hid, along time ago. The flames dashed towards me, and I woke up in cold sweat and I felt uneasy like something is about to change greatly.

I’m now 15 my hair has grown longer my hair became wavy but just As disheveled as always I think I’m about 5,10 my grey eyes now have hints of blue in them. Now I wear a baggy black shirt with baggy blue jeans and a pair of hand me down sneakers.

“John,wake up” I shook him.

“Hm, huh? What?”

“Get up, Indica you too. She grumbled and threw a pillow in my face.”

“ what, Thomas?” She said groggily.

“Today’s the day for a fifth level. They both instantly woke.

"What!” They yelled in unison.

“Shhhh.” I said as I held my ears “I’ll tell you the details now”.

“Thomas are you sure about this John warned” John is also 15 he has brown hair that’s combed to the side, with pale skin and green eyes with 4 freckles on his cheeks he’s wearing a button-up shirt with brown suspenders with brown pants.

“Yes, i am. No need to worry,”

“he’s right Tom,” Indica said. She now has long blonde hair with blue eyes with fair skin and a blue shirt with a black skirt.

“This could really get you kicked out this time.” “I know, trust me, okay?” “We trust you”

“good now let’s get to work”. I held up my fingers, “ready?” They nodded. “3…2…1… go!”

They rang the bell the caretaker ran out but I set a trip wire this sent her down the stairs in the path of a clown costume then on the next flight make up and a wig on the last flight was a hat and a red rubber nose but that’s not the end. After that, there’s a stopping device that launches her to a mini tricycle that crashes her into a wall, then after that as she tries to lift herself up I t releases paint that paints the whole place in poka dots, and finally she turns around to see everyone with a cream pie.

“Fire!” I call out and so they relentlessly threw hordes of pies at her. And to deliver the final insult I walk towards her and personally push a pie in her face with happy birthday on it. As the pie falls off her face.

“This is my best work, thank you being my willing volunteer. ”

“you,” she grabbed me by the collar, so you like jokes do you? Then be a jester away from me.“

She drags me to the door and literally throws me out of the orphanage I fall on my butt, ow, for an old hag she sure can kick I hear the door slam shut. Oh crap, i thought.

"Hey old hag can’t you take a joke? I at least gave you breakfast, that had to count for something! Come on let me back in!"She stuck her head out her face was obviously furious her now fully gray hair was covered in a rainbow Afro the many wrinkles on her face were covered in clown makeup with a big bright red smile but her face was scowling. Her hooked nose now had a red rubber nose on it.

"After this? No way in hell”.

“Oh before you close the door can I tell you something?”

“WHAT!” I grabbed her nose and squeezed it.

“Honk! Honk!“

She instantly slammed it in my face and I heard a click after it. Heh, I might have went overboard. Well. I dusted myself off I might as well visit the baker. I think they’ll let me stay a little. I said to my self as I started walking. Unbeknownst to the boy there are two people watching him a girl on the roof and a demon in the shadows Chapter 1 FIRE! FIRE! (Yes I’m serious this time)

#demi angels #novel #prologue #Thomas Di Angelo #orphan #orphanage #angels #demon #fantasy

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shortsrifle7-blog · 5 years

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The Captivating Charm of Cape Kudu, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

*Unspoilt

not spoiled, in particular (of a place) not marred by development. "unspoiled countryside" synonyms: immaculate, perfect, pristine, virgin, unimpaired, unblemished, unharmed, unflawed, undamaged, untouched, unmarked, untainted, as good as new/before;*

Like stepping back in time, the sleepy, rustic, friendly island of Koi Yao Noi, half an hour from the bustling city of Phuket seems from another time. Rush hour is passing half a dozen motorbikes and the main road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other.

There's a sleepy mellowness to this fascinating island that seems to be resisting development as much as it can. But that doesn't mean that they aren't welcoming of visitors. Some say that the friendliest people in all of Thailand are found on Koh Yao Noi and I'm inclined to agree.

It's amazing how much things can change just in a 30 minute speed boat ride. Koh Yao Noi literally means "island long small" (it's sister island Koh Yao Yai means island long big). Koh Yai Noi's mostly Muslim population make their living through the sea, agriculture (rubber, rice and coconuts) and eco tourism.

We are greeted at the pier by a staff member of Cape Kudu, the island's latest hotel development. The government has tried to keep hotel development limited to preserve the island's unique culture. I can't help but extend an outstretched hand to feel the breeze and I crane my neck to see the views from the open vehicle.

All I can see are simple homes, a lush jungle setting and the occasional person. Navigating around the 30km island is easy as one road circles the island. We pass the beach where there are massages offered on open air beds laid with colourful cloth. Big news was the island getting a 7/11.

Our driver turns left into Cape Kudu. Open for 1.5 years it is a stunning resort beautifully decorated in seafoam blue and whites. Welcome drinks are proffered along with cold towels and I dab at my décolletage with it trying to undo the seasickness from the speedboat ride.

We are offered a seat with ocean views while we check in and my nose twitches. I smell...cookies? Yes there are three types of freshly baked cookies on offer during check-in. I'm tempted, sorely so, but having eaten a substantial breakfast, I mentally note that come 3pm I shall come creeping back, quiet as a mouse, and slip some on a plate to nibble on.

We are shown to our room. There are 50 rooms and Cape Kudu is part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection along with Hua Hin's Cape Nidra. Our room #1108 is a pool villa, a private sanctuary from the popular main pool and it is decorated in the resort's signature blues and whites.

It's as soothing for the eyes as it is for the soul. There's a work desk area with speaker, mirror and phone. Behind this is the very comfortable king bed. There is a large, thick pillow as well as a smaller one and I order some pillows from the pillow menu.

To the right is the lounge area with a comfortable sofa, side chair and television. The mini bar is behind this. Behind the blue door is the bathroom with tub, separate shower, sink and toiletries by Erb. The tiles feel wonderful underfoot.

And if you slide open the balcony door you can glide straight into the square plunge pool or take advantage of the sun on the day bed. There is also complimentary wifi.

Keen to explore the rest of the resort we head to the cool reading room where there are refreshments, fresh fruit and some of those freshly baked cookies. We play a game of pool and read while everyone else sun bathes.

The clock swings around to 4pm and we join everyone near the pool for happy hour cocktails. There's a very good Pina Colada and a "Nanny says No" non alcoholic cocktail strong in maraschino cherry.

We take a seat under the rotunda and watch scooters putter past and geckoes climb walls. Nobody, including the lizarding folk seem to be in a hurry.

Day turns into night and it's time for dinner. The Hornbill restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area. The weather is pleasantly warm but not oppressively so (Koh Yao Noi has an ideal tropical climate that is less humid and hot than the rest of Thailand) and we pick a corner table with large comfortable seats.

The menu is comprehensive and includes an all day breakfast (those three words fill my heart with joy) as well as Western dishes like grilled steak, cioppino seafood stew and lamb shanks as well as Thai specialties. It's also on-trend with fresh juices including a cold pressed pineapple and lemongrass juice as well as beet juice with beetroot, apple, carrot and mint.

We hone in on the Thai dishes particularly the Southern Thai ones. We also went with a lot of the chef's recommendations as indicated on the menu (spicy, vegan and vegetarian dishes are also marked). There is no pork served at the resort to respect the Muslim population and there is also no foie gras or shark's fins at any Cape and Kantary properties for ethical reasons.

Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup 320THB

With a name like "Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup", we were very curious to try the soup. The broth is clear, slightly sweet and served with slices of boudin blanc sausage and a minced chicken stuffed squid and vegetables. It's a mild but comforting soup.

Tom Yum Kung "Eggstraordinary" 220THB

The menu has some twists on dishes or modern interpretations. This is a omelette version of tom yum soup with plenty of lemongrass and chilli served over a bed of rice. Over this is an omelette layer. I don't think they quite believed me when I said I liked spicy so I need to order some more chillies.

Thai Chicken in Gravy and Rice 210THB

I've had something very similar to this at a Shanghai restaurant but made with chicken and tofu. This is made with chicken and mushrooms. There's a rich, comforting gravy made flavoured with Shaoxing cooking wine and chicken thigh on a bed of jasmine rice with a fantastic chicken chorizo sausage, a sunny side up egg and pickled jalapenos. Heaven. I actually ordered a side of sticky rice and I really enjoyed the sticky rice with the sausage.

Southern Crab Curry 360THB

Southern crab curry is fast becoming my favourite Thai curry. The crab is already shelled for those who don't like dealing with cracking crabs and comes with flavours like kaffir lime leaves with a plate of fine vermicelli noodles that you dip in the curry sauce.

And when we go back to our room, turndown has been performed and there are delicious chocolate coated macadamias on our pillows as a welcome amenity. A long soak and catching up on the book is all there is on the agenda tonight.

The next day is spent exploring Koh Yao Noi by scooter but before we do that, we make our way to the Hornbill restaurant for breakfast. There is an a la carte menu selection which is extra but the included buffet is plentiful and tempting so we go for that. There's a fresh fruit cart with a good selection of fruit. There is also a roti cart making fresh banana, egg or Nutella roti.

We take a seat inside and there's a range of pastries and breads including fat pretzels and danishes. There's a continental selection of cheeses and meats as well as an egg station making omelettes, French toast, waffles and pancakes. There is beef bacon, beef sausages, stir fries, curry and congee as well.

I ask for a crispy roti topped with sugar and condensed milk. Every day the selection changes slightly-one day it may include crispy coconut cakes, the next "wild eggs" with chilli in a banana leaf, sticky rice desserts and Kanom jeen soup noodles. One of my favourite drinks is the smoked coconut which is an intensely naturally sweet coconut water. Every morning I would spring out of bed, do a workout and wander down to breakfast like a hungry bear.

There is also a hot Thai selection on a separate table that changes daily. It's also my favourite stop at the breakfast buffet-one day it is the Muslim yellow rice curry which I absolutely adore (recipe coming up for this!) and the next it is fried chicken with sticky rice. It's all we need to set us up for a day of exploring and because breakfast finishes at 11am we find that we are happy eating this and then eating dinner at the end of the day bypassing lunch if we were too busy exploring the island.

While getting around in Phuket is not that easy and expensive, getting around KNY is easy by scooter or bike. No license is needed to rent a scooter and there is a vendor literally right outside the hotel that rents scooters for 300THB per 24 hours.

We get the low down on the best hidden gems from Olivier the guest relations manager and all round wizard who makes things happen. He gives us great tips for things that you can't find on tripadvisor with a real local focus.

We discover wonderful local cafes, delicious roti, incredible seafood restaurants, look out points, and the island's best food (I'll share these in a separate post). We return each day in a buoyant mood after a full day exploring.

One of the in-house activities I enjoyed the most was the Cape Kudu Thai cooking class. There are plenty of Thai cooking classes but all of these classes tend to offer similar dishes like green curry and tom yum goong which are delicious but I wanted to learn a bit more about Southern Thai and Muslim cuisine.

And when I mention that I'd love to learn how to make that Muslim yellow rice and chicken and the chicken with gravy sauce and the Southern crab curry to Olivier he says that they can show me how to make those which makes me ridiculously happy.

We have the cooking class in the Hornbill restaurant where they have set up three stations: one for chef Chan and one for me and one for Mr NQN while front of house staff Annie interprets. There are traditional golden pots called Thong Leang or the ancient version of a wok. These pots are interesting to cook with as they heat up very quickly but also lose heat very quickly.

We start with spicing the chicken which is best left marinating in the spices for 2 hours. We mix it with yogurt and butter and you can use chicken on the bone or off-we are using chicken thighs. We also spice the rice, add it to a rice cooker with chicken stock and the chicken on top and leave this to cook.

Then we move onto the chicken with gravy sauce, a Thai Chinese dish that is so simple but wonderfully comforting. They serve this with a chicken chorizo sausage that tastes like lup cheong except isn't made using pork. This comes together very easily too with just a few ingredients.

And lastly we make the southern crab curry with a rich curry sauce. You can also use prawns or fish or any other meat in place of crab. They serve this with rice vermicelli noodles instead of rice and it is served in a clay pot called a mor din that sits above a tea light. There's an abundance of food but it's so good that we can't stop eating it.

Another day we spend exploring around the island and watching day to day life. We watch as a man carries his bird in a cage while we watch another gentleman grooming himself on the side of the road in his scooter mirror.

Families look on as the father brings in a catch of the day's fish - most of the industry on KYN is based around the sea with many fishermen.

A group of four boys wave eagerly as they go off in search for new adventures. There's one area of the island that we haven't explored so we go off in search of it and follow a sign up a steep hill to the Hideout hotel where we stop for a look at a view, a lie back on the hammock and a drink.

There are more stops to run errands and get ready for our impending trip home. I have a massage and then it's time for a late lunch. The fulsome breakfasts mean that we aren't even hungry until 3 or 4pm. We make our way to Cafe Kantary, Cape Kudu's photogenic cafe and popular spot for photos and selfies. The decor is all whites and blues and it is a self service cafe with plenty of cakes, breakfast and lunch as well as pizza and burgers.

I order a matcha red bean cream drink as well as a Mocha Chocachip frappe topped with cream and an Oreo. You wait at the counter for the drinks but they will bring the food to you. There are three indoor tables but plenty of outdoor ones which are the pick.

Mac and Cheese Burger 340THB

The mac and cheese burger comes with a thick beef patty, slices of white onion, lettuce, tomato, melted cheese and mac and cheese. I spread some tomato sauce on it. It also comes with a generous side of fries.

Kaikrata 180THB

The Kaikrata is a smoked salmon omelette served in the pan it is cooked in. There's also chicken ham, croutons, salmon roe, kaiware srpouts and mozzarella and is strong in salmon flavour.

And then there's dessert-the bannoffee pie is a tower of banana and a chocolate topped biscuit base with cream. They use fresh cream but they treat it so that it has a bit more staying power in the heat. I would have loved a bit more caramel in this.

But the item I had been looking at every day when I got my matcha latte is the matcha toast with lashings of white chocolate sauce, cream and ice cream as well as matcha syrup. There are three slices of toast each buttered with a slightly sweet matcha butter. And to top it off, some chocolate sticks and a matcha macaron!

The whole time I had been here we were so busy. So much for the do nothing holiday but we loved the freedom of being able to easily explore things ourselves and looked forward to an adventure every day. But it soon came to the last full day here and I realised that I hadn't even been in the plunge pool yet!

We go for our final dinner at a local restaurant called Kaya which is a 10 minute scooter ride away. The all female team that run Kaya are so welcoming and sweet that we realise that we are going to miss the island a lot when we have to leave in the morning.

We feast on massaman beef curry, sticky rice and green curry and follow it with banana simmered in coconut milk. They wave us goodbye while genuine smiles.

The next morning as we check out we are given a parting gift-a box of macarons from Cafe Kantary. It's with a sense of sadness that we have to leave (although this is coupled by the fact that I know that I will return). The staff and locals are so friendly and their smiles aren't predicated on a potential purchase. As I get off the speedboat to be whizzed off to Phuket airport, a local woman sees my hesitation at walking across the other boats and gently takes my hand and guides me across with a kind smile before waving me goodbye.

So tell me Dear Reader, which country or place do you think has the friendliest people? Have you ever heard of Koh Yao Noi? Do you prefer relaxing or exploring holidays?

NQN and Mr NQN stayed as guests of Cape Kudu but all opinions remain her own.

Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand Phone: +66 76 592 600 capekuduhotel.com/

Source: http://www.notquitenigella.com/2018/12/14/cape-kudu-koh-yao-noi/

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signbrake9-blog · 5 years

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The Captivating Charm of Cape Kudu, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

*Unspoilt

And if you slide open the balcony door you can glide straight into the square plunge pool or take advantage of the sun on the day bed. There is also complimentary wifi.

The clock swings around to 4pm and we join everyone near the pool for happy hour cocktails. There's a very good Pina Colada and a "Nanny says No" non alcoholic cocktail strong in maraschino cherry.

We take a seat under the rotunda and watch scooters putter past and geckoes climb walls. Nobody, including the lizarding folk seem to be in a hurry.

Suspiciously Delicious Squid Soup 320THB

Tom Yum Kung "Eggstraordinary" 220THB

Thai Chicken in Gravy and Rice 210THB

Southern Crab Curry 360THB

Families look on as the father brings in a catch of the day's fish - most of the industry on KYN is based around the sea with many fishermen.

Mac and Cheese Burger 340THB

Kaikrata 180THB

The Kaikrata is a smoked salmon omelette served in the pan it is cooked in. There's also chicken ham, croutons, salmon roe, kaiware srpouts and mozzarella and is strong in salmon flavour.

We feast on massaman beef curry, sticky rice and green curry and follow it with banana simmered in coconut milk. They wave us goodbye while genuine smiles.

So tell me Dear Reader, which country or place do you think has the friendliest people? Have you ever heard of Koh Yao Noi? Do you prefer relaxing or exploring holidays?

NQN and Mr NQN stayed as guests of Cape Kudu but all opinions remain her own.

Tambon Ko Yao Noi, Chang Wat, Phang Nga, Thailand Phone: +66 76 592 600 capekuduhotel.com/

Source: http://www.notquitenigella.com/2018/12/14/cape-kudu-koh-yao-noi/

0 notes