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moldisgoodforyou · 3 years

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james and julia

this is for u james anon :) also let’s hope the tags work this time lmao

___

“What’s up with the boys lately?” Julia asked Sophie after a stall in their conversation over ice cream. The six of them hung out occasionally, mainly when they went out, and Sophie loved the way they all fit together so seamlessly. She easily fit in with the boys and Rafe could hold his own hanging with the girls (probably thanks to his sisters), so it was no surprise that all of them together was always a fun time.

“Hmm. Nothing special, really...oh, James is getting back to dating. I did a complete overhaul of his Tinder the other day.” Sophie told her.

“Back to dating?” Julia cocked her head.

“Yeah, and his girlfriend broke up after three years a few months ago. Something about her not being able to handle long distance anymore, I don’t know. He took it pretty hard. Obviously.”

“Poor guy.” She commented, sitting back in her seat, thinking.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and my idiot boyfriend suggested he needed to get over her by getting laid.”

Julia snorted. “Lovely.”

“Right? Anyways, James went on a date after like a month and I’m pretty sure he came home and was miserable for a straight week, so I’m glad he’s kind of moving on. I don’t think the guys ever really liked her, but you know how stubborn people can be about high school relationships.”

______

After that conversation, Julia swiped through her Tinder that night, more purposeful than ever. It didn’t take long for James’ profile to pop up, and they two matched right away. She sent him a teasing message - funny seeing you here - then immediately cringed at her choice of words. James replied with an equally teasing tone, and the two texted for a while that night - and two nights following.

The group all went out that weekend and there was an awkward tension between Julia and James, but Sophie couldn’t quite place why. Instead of being the class clowns of the group like normal, they were both unusually quiet, not really contributing to conversations. When Sophie leaned over to Rafe, whispering her observation, he furrowed his brow, not having noticed a single thing.

“I’m gonna go get another drink, anyone want something?” Julia asked at the end of the night, raising her empty cup. “Yeah, I’ll come with you.” James stepped up, following her through the crowd to the bar. After they both ordered their drinks, standing shoulder-to-shoulder so they could fit in the tightly packed space, he broke the silence first. “So.”

“So.” Julia echoed, raising her eyebrows.

“Can I take you out?”

“That’s awfully forward of you.” She commented, smirking.

“Sorry, out of practice.” He offered a cheeky grin back. “Dinner tomorrow night? At that Mexican place on ninth, I’ll pick you up.”

“Sophie’s gonna kill me.”

“That’s not an answer.” James nudged her arm with his elbow playfully, sliding cash across the bar to pay for both their drinks. “And Rafe will probably kill me too, but hey, at least we’ll go down together.”

Julia hid her smile in her cup as she took a quick gulp, more for confidence than anything. “Or we could get out of here now. It’d probably take them a while to notice...”

“Now who’s being forward?” He smirked, then glanced over to where their friends were, blissfully unaware. “We’ll have to -”

“Go out the front, I know. Yours or mine?” She grinned, taking another long drink and willing herself not to shudder at the cheap vodka.

“Mine, I’m closer.” He knocked back the rest of his beer, then offered his hand. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” Julia nodded, accepting his hand. “I still want that date though.”

He laughed as he leaned closer, making her shiver as his lips brushed against her ear. “You got it.”

Meanwhile, Rafe and Sophie were starting to get suspicious. “What do you think they’re so held up for?” She asked, pulling out her phone to text both of them separately. Rafe shrugged. “Friday night, we know it’s always packed here.”

“Ahh.” Sophie nodded in recognition, showing the group her phone with individual texts from each of them with a half-assed reply about meeting someone. Allie grinned. “You think it was that guy on Tinder she keeps texting?”

“Maybe. Wait, is this the first time -?”

“Hell yeah it is.” Rafe grinned, high-fiving Colin and Sophie rolled her eyes. “Well, good for him, I guess. Hope it’s a nice girl.”

_____

The next night, both Julia and James were getting ready for their date at their respective houses. Julia had refused to spill any details, claiming ‘a lady doesn’t kiss and tell’ when Sophie begged for the story. Colin and Rafe had snagged a few cupcakes and spare gel icing from the house chef, eloquently writing Congarts on the Sex - misspelling and all - as a present for James. He had laughed and snapped a photo, but didn’t tell much, just that it was a fun night and she left right after.

“Skirt or the jeans?” Julia held up both options with her turtleneck sweater, glancing in her closet for shoe choices.

“Depends on what sweater you’re going to wear.” Sophie stood and started rifling through her closet, shaking her head as she pushed multiple hangers over.

“What do you mean! This sweater is fine!”

“Yeah, for church, not a date with someone who’s already seen you naked!” She retorted, pulling out a v-neck sweater instead and a sleek leather skirt. “You want this, with the white boots. Trust me.”

“You’re the worst.” Julia grumbled, but took the clothes and changed anyways. “Should I curl my hair?”

“Hm...no. Not worth the effort. Are you planning on hooking up with this mystery man again tonight, do I have to go to Rafe’s?” Sophie handed her a lipstick to match the outfit.

“Um - uh, probably not -” Julia stuttered, racking her brain for a solution. “You know, when was the last time you two went out?”

“We went out last night.” She raised her eyebrows. “Are you nervous?”

“Going out with all of us doesn’t count. I meant on a date.” Julia took a breath, pleased with her distraction, and smoothed the color over her lips.

“Um...” Sophie trailed off, thinking. “A couple weeks, I guess, I’ve been busy. Where are you going, Rafe and I will go and stake out the date for you.” She grinned. “We’ll be subtle, I promise.”

“You and Rafe have like half an ounce of subtlety between you two, combined.” Julia snorted. “Make him take you to that new restaurant, the one that was in the student paper.”

Sophie thought it over for a moment, her smile faltering. “It’s kind of expensive.”

“Your ability to forget your boyfriend is rich is impressive.”

“Jules.”

“I’m serious! Plus he gets so excited when he can take you out, it’s kind of adorable.” She pressed. “It’s not like you’re doing anything else tonight.”

“Yeah, he kind of does.” Sophie agreed - Rafe loved spoiling her as often as possible, even though she was still getting used to it. “Can I at least get his name?”

Julia had prepared for this question, at least. “It’s Jack, and no, you don’t know him.”

“Ugh, a J name.” Sophie shuddered jokingly, shooting a text to Rafe.

“Yeah, his only downfall.” Julia laughed, albeit a little forced as she thought of the main reason the two of them were probably doomed.

___

Meanwhile, Rafe was hyping James up for his date, blasting rap music way too loud as he ironed his clothes for him. (“Because no one fucking appreciates a well-pressed pant around here,” Rafe had argued, snatching James’ wrinkled clothes out of his hands.) “You kind of did things backward with all this.”

James shrugged. “Guess so. It was her idea.”

“The date or hooking up?”

James grinned as he accepted his freshly ironed shirt from Rafe. “Hooking up.”

“You should be careful though, you know? I mean, you shouldn’t launch into all this so quickly, take it easy.” Rafe told him a little warily, just wanting the best for his friend.

“I know, I know, it’s casual.” James reassured him.

“So...are you gonna need the room? It’s kind of early for dinner.”

“Uh...I mean, I’m not sure...”

Rafe’s face lit up as he received a text from Sophie and he eagerly shot back a reply. “Never mind, looks like I have a date night tonight too. Where are you taking this girl? If you’re going to that new place, I’ll see you there.”

“No, just the Mexican restaurant on ninth. Not pulling out all the stops.” James laughed, shaking his head at Rafe’s sudden mood switch. “Sophie’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

“I...yeah, probably.” He decided against a rebuttal. “But she’s finally letting me take her out on a nice date, for the first time in ages, so I’ll take it.”

“Didn’t you go to the art museum downtown a couple weeks ago?” James asked, grateful for the conversation topic changing.

“Yeah, and it turned out she had to go for one of her classes and do a few sketches. I swear she can’t go three seconds without being productive.” Rafe shook his head, though he smiled fondly as he talked about her.

“Fucking simp.”

“C’mon, you’re the romantic, you know it’s love.” Rafe grinned and James rolled his eyes as he grabbed his keys and headed out the door. “I’m leaving, have fun.”

“You too! Text me if I have to go to Soph’s!” Rafe called after him.

_____

After Rafe and Sophie’s dinner, Rafe insisted on taking her to a swankier bar downtown by the restaurant instead of their normal college spot. When she paused, calculating in her head and reaching for her phone to check her budget app to see if she could swing expensive cocktails, he grabbed her purse and slung it over his shoulder. “On me, angel.”

“Everything has been on you lately.” She protested, holding her hand out expectantly for her purse.

“Good, so it’s how it should be.” Rafe shot her a grin and took her hand as they walked down the street. “You should have brought the navy purse instead, the black kind of clashes with my outfit.”

Sophie snorted, giving in. “Didn’t think you’d be wearing my accessories tonight, my bad.”

“Ah, but you should never assume.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, glancing in the window as they walked to the door - and did a double-take, spotting James. “Hold on, is that -”

She turned and followed his gaze, seeing Julia opposite James at a dimly-lit back table through the bar. “Holy shit.”

“Do you still want to go in?”

“Yes, we’re going to go interrogate -” She tugged on his hand, pulling him into the bar as Rafe leaned back. “Soph, maybe we shouldn’t -” He hissed, but she ignored him, walking right past the hostess’s stand.

“Ma’am, all our tables are reserved -” The hostess called toward Sophie, but Sophie turned on her heel and shot her a sweet smile. “That’s alright, we’re meeting friends.” She tugged her hand out of Rafe’s and strode over purposefully as he followed quickly behind. Once she made it to their table, she just stopped short of slamming her hands on it, both the drinks rattling a little.

James glanced up with nothing but fear in his eyes. “Oh, Sophie, nice to see you here -”

“What the hell is going on here?” She demanded, shooting glares at both James and Julia. James slunk back a little in his seat, while Julia just winced.

“Actually, yeah, I’d like to know too.” Rafe chimed in, sliding into the booth next to James as Sophie did the same.

“I told you they’re both off limits, James.” Sophie pointed an accusing finger at him. “Did you somehow forget my one rule? Literally just one?”

“To be fair, you don’t speak for me -” Julia started, only for Sophie to whirl on her. “You! You were being so sneaky when you normally spill every detail - I should not know how big every single dude you’ve hooked up with is -”

“Wait, you two hooked up? Julia’s the mystery girl?” Rafe made the connection a moment too late, then threw his hands up in exasperation. “Dude!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” James apologized quickly. “But if we’re pointing fingers, it was her idea -”

“James!” Julia sighed, shaking her head. “Oh my god, I knew this wouldn’t work.”

“You said we could keep it a secret!”

“Not from fucking Sherlock over here!” Julia snapped, jamming her thumb toward Sophie.

“Was it worth it?” Rafe interrupted the argument, stepping on Sophie’s toe gently to hopefully put out some of the flames in her eyes. She only kicked him in the shin in response.

Both James and Julia shared a glance, debating their answers. “Honestly?” She asked.

“Yes, honestly.” Rafe nodded, sending a warning look to Sophie to keep her quiet.

James hesitated, not wanting to hurt Julia’s feelings. “I mean, I think you’re really nice -”

“Yeah, and the sex wasn’t bad -”

“Oh my god, please don’t even start there.” Sophie mumbled, her face twisting at the thought of her friends together like that.

“And I think you’re pretty -” James started again.

“But there’s nothing there.” Julia finished for him, offering him a quick smile. “I think we’re perfectly fine as friends, but that’s it.”

James nodded in agreement, relieved she felt the same. “Yeah, exactly. No hard feelings.”

Sophie let out a slow exhale. “Alright. I mean. You’re sure? Because if there’s really something, I can, like, chill out. Probably.”

Rafe smirked. “I’d say your entrance here contradicts that.”

Julia laughed, breaking the tension. “I’m sure. We were just talking about his ex before you interrupted, so I don’t think anything’s going to happen.”

Rafe shoved James’ arm, shaking his head. “That’s the one topic I told you to avoid.”

“We actually were having a decent conversation, if you two don’t mind? The least I can do is get you another drink, Julia.” James laughed, pushing him back aimlessly.

“...Fine.” Sophie stood, shaking her head. “Just as friends, though.”

“Just as friends.” Julia promised, sending her a grateful smile.

As Rafe and Sophie left, he let out a loud laugh as soon as they exited the bar. “Jesus Christ, Sophie. James looked like he was about to piss himself, he was so scared.”

“Good! She’s off limits! I warned him!” She exclaimed.

“I know, it’s like incest.” Rafe shuddered and slung his arm around her shoulders, walking with her to find another bar. “But hey - you think Allie and Colin might be a good match?”

“Rafe Cameron.”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”

taglist: @whoeveniskendall @kkmaybank @karsinner @outerbanksbro @outerbankspreferences @randomficsandshit @sunshineitsfine44 @jailcalledlife @tovvaa @moniamaybank @illbesafeforyou @dontjinx-it @freddymaybank @jjmaybankzz @g4bster @oopsiedoopsie23

#rafe cameron #outer banks #rafe cameron fanfic #rafe cameron fanfiction #outer banks fanfiction #college rafe #frat rafe #rafe x sophie #mine

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erin-bo-berin · 4 years

Text

Silencio

MASTERLIST

Remember this post? Well the fic I was writing when I posted it is finally here. It’s a tad shorter than most, but it’s kinda meant to be a quickie. Pun intended. Also not gonna lie, the gif was very inspiring too. Happy reading and beware of Spencer Reid feels.

Spencer Reid/Reader

Rating: M (smut)

Word Count: 1,759

Spencer was extremely stressed, that much you could tell.

You had just gotten home from a trip to the grocery store earlier that day when you had gotten a call from your boyfriend.

“Hey, you,” you smiled, happy to hear his voice.

“Hey, Y/N.”

His voice was strained and gruff and you frowned, concerned at the unusual tone of his voice.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s just been a rough day.”

You didn’t have to see him to know he was rubbing one of his eyes and running a hand through his hair, two common gestures he did when he was stressed.

“I’m sorry,” your brow furrowed, your sympathy for him seeping through the phone.

He had a tough job, working in the FBI and catching killers. It definitely wasn’t a job for just anyone.

“I was just wondering if maybe you could come down and have lunch with me? I thought maybe that would help me some.”

“Of course. I’ll pick up takeout for us and be there soon.”

“Thanks babe. See you soon.”

Getting takeout you did.

You’d grabbed both of your favorite dishes from the Mexican restaurant you both loved and headed for Quantico.

Exiting the elevator half an hour later, you walked towards the doors of the BAU, opening them to see a deserted bullpen, which was quite unusual.

“Where is everyone?” you asked, seeing your boyfriend at his desk, hunched over some paperwork.

“They went out for lunch. I thought I could use the peace and quiet.”

You nodded in understanding, holding up the bag of food.

“Where shall we eat?”

He stood from his desk, motioning for you to follow him. It was then you noticed his tie missing from around his neck. With one glance at his desk, you saw it bunched up in the corner. It must have been a bad day.

“I figured we could eat in one of the interview rooms. It’ll be more comfortable than sitting at my desk.”

You followed him out of the unit and down the hall just to the right of the doors. He opened the door, allowing you to walk in first.

You walked in setting the bag on the table in the room. You turned, walking back towards the door.

“They didn’t send any napkins but I can go grab us some from the coffee nook in the bullpen.”

When you returned, Spencer still stood in the same spot of the doorway, holding on to the doorknob, his eyes watching your every movement.

You paused in the doorframe, a questioning look on your face, a small chuckle escaping your lips.

“What?”

His eyes roamed your face, his tongue moving over his lips. In a blink of an eye, he had you pressed against the door jamb, your face in his hands and his lips moving with yours with such fervor it made your knees tremble.

His hand tangled in the back of your hair, gripping it tightly and his body pressed against yours. The other hand was splayed on your side, his thumb moving just shy of the side of your breast.

“Spence,” you mumbled in the mere second his lips parted yours before connecting with them again. Your next few words could only come when he parted for breath again.

“What about lunch?”

“Not hungry,” he answered, his lips still close to yours.

It truly was like a magnetic force pulling your mouth back to his. It was sloppy, it was heated but it didn’t really matter at the moment as you lost yourself to his kisses.

Apparently stressed and horny was not a good combination.

His body rocked into yours slightly as he kissed you like his life depended on it. Not that you were complaining though.

His hips pressed against yours, pressing you even harder against the doorway as his tongue moved with yours. He moaned lowly, clearly having some pent up energy to dispel.

His hands had traveled down your body and were now working their way underneath your shirt. They glided up your skin gently, palming your breasts through your bra. If you weren’t worked up before, you sure were now.

He had just pulled off your shirt, tossed it into the room and was about to kiss you again when you heard voices.

“Spence, we gotta stop,” you warned, moving to retrieve your top.

“Come here,” he murmured, pulling you into the room and shutting the door behind you.

He picked you up and set you on the edge of the table, sliding the bag of food in the opposite direction. The voices were getting closer and you grew panicked, afraid that the team were heading towards this room.

“Man, I can’t believe our favorite restaurant was closed today,” you heard someone say.

You were pretty sure that was Emily.

“Well, we can order pizza,” came another voice.

Matt.

“Pizza again? We’ve had it twice this week,” you heard Penelope groan.

You visibly held your breath as the voices grew in volume, but the door didn’t open. You did however hear them enter the next room over.

“Spencer, they’re right next door,” you whispered, biting your lip as he kissed your neck, sucking on a spot gently before running his tongue over it.

“Then we’ll just have to be quiet,” he murmured.

“Are you serious?!” you whisper yelled, tilting your head back as his lips reached your throat.

“As a coronary thrombosis,” he mumbled against your ear, smirking at your groan.

His hands tugged at the waistband of the sweats you’d thrown on that morning. You lifted your hips as he pulled the sweatpants over them and down towards your ankles. With one yank, your underwear followed.

Your fingers worked to unbutton his dress shirt. If he was gonna get you worked up, you would be delighted to return the favor.

Your palms moved up his stomach and over his chest as you sucked on his jaw, just below his earlobe, a place that he had a weakness for. He groaned lowly, his arousal growing against your leg. He fumbled with unfastening his pants as he kissed you again, your hands working over his.

The excitement of the current endeavor had caused a hot lava sensation in the pit of your stomach and all you wanted was him as close as possible. You throbbed with need, the idea of trying to be quiet making the entire thing even hotter.

Your fingers dipped into the waistband of his underwear, helping him pull them off. You stopped briefly to run your fingers down the length of him, teasingly, making him grit his teeth.

“If you keep that up, I’m going to be anything but quiet,” Spencer warned.

You heard a burst of laughter coming from the room next door and you bit your lip as he slid inside you, trying desperately to quiet the moan that wanted to escape.

“Oh god,” you groaned softly, halfway giving in to the temptation.

“Has anyone seen Reid?” you heard from the next room.

You smirked, gripping his arms.

“He’s a little busy right now,” you mumbled, moving your hips with his.

“Fuck, baby,” he groaned into the crook of your neck.

“Shh,” you half whispered, half moaned.

The only sounds in the room besides the voices from next door were your labored breathing and your bodies moving in sync. He gripped your hips, pulling you closer to the edge of the table, moving faster within you. Your moan came probably a little too loud.

“Spence,” you whimpered.

You were struggling to stay quiet. It was ironic how now that you had to be quiet, it seemed like your body wouldn’t let you be. Your legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as you gripped the edge of the table.

You’d never been very vocal before, but now all you wanted to do was practically scream his name, that’s how wild he was driving you at the moment.

He was struggling as well, his teeth sunk into his bottom lip as he thrust, his own deep moans increasing in volume.

Whether you were getting too loud or he was, you had no idea, but he grabbed your face, kissing you hard, your mutual sounds of pleasure being muffled into the kiss.

His hand moved through your hair, gripping it as he kissed you, your bodies in perfect rhythm with one another.

Your head was pounding and your entire body felt like it was on fire. You broke the kiss, your back arching into his chest, desperate to cry out.

“Oh my god, Spencer,” you groaned, his fingers coming down between your thighs to rub you.

He went tumbling over the edge, head thrown back and lip bit until it almost bleed. Slight whimpers emitted from his throat as he, too, desperately tried to remain as quiet as possible.

You were severely struggling at this point, your nails clawing at his back, your pants and groans becoming more frequent. You couldn’t help it, he just felt so good.

He groaned appreciatively when you told him so.

You were nearing your own edge and his hips and fingers worked hard to bring you tumbling into the abyss.

You buried your face in his shoulder in an attempt to muffle your moans. Your teeth briefly sank into the skin somewhere between his shoulder and neck as your own orgasm hit you. It was the only way you knew how to keep quiet. If it bothered him, he showed no sign. His fingers were gripping your hips hard enough to leave bruises anyway, something you hardly paid attention to in the heat of the moment.

When your intense euphoria had ebbed, you fell away from him, panting, your head falling back. His lips traveled up your chest and throat to your lips where he kissed you softer than previously.

“Thanks for lunch,” he smirked, pulling away from you.

He pulled himself together as you dressed again. He reached into the bag of now cold food, grabbing his lunch.

He kissed your cheek, telling you he needed to get back to work and that he’d see you later.

“Maybe we can have lunch from Tres González more often,” he winked, before walking out.

You chuckled as you gathered your things and your lunch, feeling quite proud that you two had somehow managed to pull it off.

It was only when you were passing the team in the room next door that you heard a comment from Luke.

“Holy shit, is that a bite mark, Reid?”

Well, shit.

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#spencer reid #spencer reid gifs #Spencer Reid fic #spencer reid smut #dr spencer reid #dr spencer reid fic #dr spencer reid gifs #dr spencer reid smut #Criminal Minds #criminal minds gifs #criminal minds fic #criminal minds smut #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x you

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hoodharlow · 4 years

Note

How is Easter being celebrated in the hood household 🥺

Sorry this was three days late, kinda like Jesus lol, but um I hope you enjoy

Calum woke up confused. Claudia wasn’t in bed. How can she not be tired after what they did last night?

He picked up his sweats from the previous night. After brushing his teeth, he went downstairs to look for her. He spotted her in their kitchen dressed in his USC tank top she gave him for Christmas that she ended up stealing. She was diligently decorating cookies.

“Morning” He said, walking up to her and pecking her lips.

“Hi,” she replied, going back to her cookies. Her hands were tired. She woke up at the crack of dawn to make desserts. Luckily, she was decorating her last batch cookies. Their island was filled with trays of desserts.

Ever since they started dating, they always spent Easter with her parents, but this year they were in Texas because her sister in law gave birth a few weeks ago. Cal's own parents were spending the holiday in Scotland with his dad’s family. Therefore, they decided to host Easter at their house with the boys and their families.

Claudia and Calum have been together for about 8 years. They formally met back in 2018 when him and the boys stopped by a college radio station where she worked. But it wasn’t until a few months after that they started dating.

After making coffee, Calum busied himself with breakfast by whisking the batter for waffles. He sprayed the waffle maker and added the batter. While that cooked, he started on a berry coulis, a recipe he picked from watching baking shows with Claudia.

Duke wandered into the kitchen after smelling the waffles. Calum was taken back when he saw him in a bunny costume. It was those that looked like the bunny was walking on two legs and holding a carrot. He looked at Claudia, who was trying not to laugh, and back tp Duke.

“He let you put it on him?” Calum asked her.

“Obviously.” Claudia said. She got up from her stool and went to the pantry for the goodie bags.

It took everything in Cal, not to make a joke about her limping, but he stayed silent and watched her place a cookie decorated onto each goodie bag.

They were the only couple of the band that didn’t have kids. Between Claudia getting her Master’s and finding a stable teaching job and the boys’ music career, they had decided to wait it out. Now that they had settled down, they began trying.

That was two years ago.

After 18 months of trying and not getting any results, they gave up and started looking for different options. Claudia spent months in a rut. Sometimes she felt left out that she was the only one that didn’t have kids. Especially when her and Calum visited her family. At first she didn’t mind it, but after 8 years of hearing her tias saying que “Ya que tengan uno, si no se van a casar” it got annoying.

Calum poked his head from the fridge and looked at her. “Where’s the whipped cream?”

“Here,” she said, handing him a bowl from her decorating station. “I had to make more because someone used it up last night. You know, I was planning on not washing my hair, but I had to wash it this morning.”

“You weren’t complaining when I was licking it off you here,” He started kissing the love bites he left her down her neck. He pulled her tank top down, exposing her breasts. He playfully nipped them, “and here.”

“Cal,” Claudia groaned. She melted against his touches.

“Guess I'm having my favorite meal for breakfast.” He smiled, pushing her down on the counter.

***

“You said you weren’t going to mark me up!” Claudia chided. She inspected the new hickies Calum left her. It took her ages to cover the ones he gave her last night.

“Sorry,” He said, sheepishly.

Calum had not so subtly pulled her into one of the guest bathrooms. Luckily after years of visiting Calum while he was on tour, Claudia learnt how to be quiet.

In reality Calum had brought her in to check on her. After Ash and Kay announced they were expecting their 4th kid, Calum noticed Claudia looked a bit sad. He knew how much having a kid meant to her. They've gone to fertility specialists in both their native countries and then some, but they all told them they're both fertile and healthy enough to have kids. This only frustrated Claudia more. There have been instances where they both let their frustrations get the best of them and just blow things out of the water.

"You're lucky that I have another week off school." Claudia said.

"You know how I get when you wear dresses with slits." Calum defended himself. He slid his hand through the slit of her dress and gave her ass a rough squeeze. "I like the easy access."

"I'm done with you." She pushed his hand out and fixed her dress. She had smoothed it out earlier, but now it was wrinkled where Calum bunched it up.

"You love me for it."

"I guess."

There was a knock in the door.

"Are you rabbits done? Ashlyn has to pee," Ashton said through the door.

"Wait." Calum semi yelled. He turned to Claudia "Are you good? With them having another kid and all."

"Yeah," She smiled. Calum knew that smile. It was the same one she makes when her family asks her too many questions or makes rude jokes to her, but Calum knew not to push right now.

"All yours," Calum said to Ashton and Ashlyn when they walked out. The little girl pushed past them and closed the door.

"You two couldn't have waited until we all left?" Ashton asked them.

"No, have you seen this ass?" Claudia asked, grabbing a handful of Calum's ass.

"Oi," Calum jumped back.

"You love it. I gotta go check on the pizzas the kids made.” Claudia said, leaving them. Calum watched her walk away.

“So when are you going to ask her?” Ashton asked.

“Later when we do the egg hunt.” Calum said. He was nervous as fuck. Yesterday he facetimed Mali freaking out about what Claudia might say, but Mali set him straight and reassured him that Claudia really loved him. He then called her dad and told him how he was going to propose to her. Her dad laughed at how cheesy it was, but deep down he liked the concept.

***

Calum was playing with Luke’s daughter when he spotted Claudia carrying a tray of drinks. The image brought Calum back to the first time he saw her.

It was well over 10 years ago. They were touring with One Direction. After sound check for their San Diego show, Calum and Luke stopped by a Mexican restaurant, her parents’, to pick up some food. A few fans had followed them without their knowledge. He still remembers how she scolded the fans for disrupting the peace and taking up space for actual customers. Luke then called one of their body guards to come pick them up.

Calum tried talking to her while they waited, but she just brushed him off. In reality, she was upset because she got caught trying to go see One Direction. She had told her parents that she was going to a weekend church retreat, but her twin brother read her messages and told their parents. As a punishment, she had to work at the restaurant to pay off the ticket.

She didn’t realize they were Luke and Calum from 5 Seconds of Summer until the next day when Calum volunteered to pick up their breakfast burritos before driving back to LA. She profusely apologized to him about her bad attitude. As an apology, she gave him chips and salsa on the house. Back then Claudia’s flirting skills were at an all time high and she managed to get a picture with him. It was a poorly lit polaroid where her braces took over, lighting wise, and was inside Calum’s phone screen.

Since then, whenever they have a show in San Diego, the boys would always stop by the restaurant in hopes that Calum sees her. The first time Claudia wasn’t there was in 2018 because she had transferred to Cal State Long Beach. Who would've thought that they were going to run into each other days later when the boys were promoting their album at the radio for the university.

“Daddy, my egg has a ring.” Ashlyn announced from across the yard, making Calum choke on his drink.

The whole yard became silent. The boys knew what Calum had planned out, but it was not going according to plan. Claudia turned to look at Calum who was patting his pants like his life depended on it.

“Shit,” Calum cursed.

“Uh, oh, uncle Cal said a no-no word.” One of Michael’s kids yelled.

“Ashlyn can I see that?” Ashton asked, going up to her. He bent down to where she was and discreetly swapped her egg with one exactly like it but was filled with candy. When he opened it, he showed her. “I think we need to get your eyes checked. This is candy?”

“No way! Maybe it’s a magic egg!” The little girl gasped. She snatched the egg and went back to her siblings and the other kids to show off her magic egg.

“Lose this?” Ashton got up and passed the egg to Calum.

“I owe you.” Calum said.

Claudia stayed frozen, very confused on what just happened. Even more confused when Calum walked up to her.

“Hi.”

“Hey?” She said, unsure of what was going to happen.

“So, this isn’t going how I planned, and I completely forgot this whole speech I was going to say. But, um, do you wanna marry me? I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you the second you told me to fuck off at your dad’s restaurant all those years ago.”

Claudia nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks. She threw herself onto Calum’s arms. She looked up at Cal, who’s eyes brimmed with tears, and kissed him.

“I love you.” She hiccuped.

“I love you.” Calum repeated. His hands were shaking when he tried putting the ring on her finger. Once he got it on, he picked her up in his arms. “She said yes!”

All the adults cheered. The kids were in their own little world stuffing themselves with candy.

***

By the time Claudia and Calum got settled in bed it was well over 1 am. Right after he proposed, they facetimed her parents, where more tears were shared. Her dad nodded and looked away. It was the same face he made on her quinceañera during the father-daughter dance. Around midnight, they facetimed Cal’s parents telling them the news. Joy joked that it was about time Calum proposed.

Calum watched Claudia. She was pretty quiet after the whole proposal thing. There was something on her mind.

“Hey, are you cool with the whole us getting married?” Calum asked her.

“I mean, yeah… but are you? You really wanna marry someone that potentially can’t give you a child? You should be with someone that can give you the family you—”

“No, I want to be with you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Why? Because you’re my family. I want you. We’ll figure that out later—”

“But I’m about to turn 28. Once I hit my 30’s we’re going to struggle even more. I just don’t want you to waste time on me when you can be with someone that can give you what you want.”

“I want you, Claudia. I would be wasting my time with someone else because they’re not you. This is where I want to be. With you.” Calum pulled Claudia to his lap.

“You mean it?” she asked in a quiet voice.

“Yes,” he held out his pinky out, a habit he picked from her. She wrapped hers around his. Calum wiped the tears off her eyes. “Now may I please kiss my fiancé properly?”

“Yes,” she smiled.

Before Calum could do anything, Claudia pulled his neck to her and kissed him. In a matter of seconds, their kiss grew heated. Calum pushed her down and showed her how he made love to his fiance.

***

5 Years Later

“Calum, ya deja Aiden.” Claudia scolded her husband, in a full on bunny costume.

She watched him chase their 4 year old down so they could get a picture with all of their nieces and nephews, and the boys’ kids. Ever since he proposed, they hosted Easter at their place where everyone is invited.

Aiden ran behind her legs, hiding from Calum. Claudia felt his arms wrap around her legs. She picked him up and walked over to Calum. She pulled the bunny head off him.

“Ves, it’s just your dumb papi.” She told her son.

Calum reached over to him, and Aiden hesitantly went to him. That was when Calum took notice of the dress Claudia was wearing. It was the same one she wore a few years back when he proposed. He hasn’t seen her in it a long time. Nonetheless she still looked breathtaking as ever.

After pictures, they started the egg hunt. Calum took advantage of the commotion and snuck into their room with Claudia. They barely made it to the room when Calum kicked off the rest of his costume and pulled down the top part of her dress, exposing her breasts, and had her leg wrapped around his waist.

“Cal,” she managed to say when Calum teased her entrance.

“What? I missed this dress.” He groaned as he slightly shoved himself in. “I like the easy access.”

Sorry this was three days late, kinda like Jesus lol, but um I hope you enjoy

Calum woke up confused. Claudia wasn’t in bed. How can she not be tired after what they did last night?

“Morning” He said, walking up to her and pecking her lips.

“He let you put it on him?” Calum asked her.

“Obviously.” Claudia said. She got up from her stool and went to the pantry for the goodie bags.

It took everything in Cal, not to make a joke about her limping, but he stayed silent and watched her place a cookie decorated onto each goodie bag.

That was two years ago.

Calum poked his head from the fridge and looked at her. “Where’s the whipped cream?”

“Cal,” Claudia groaned. She melted against his touches.

“Guess I'm having my favorite meal for breakfast.” He smiled, pushing her down on the counter.

***

“You said you weren’t going to mark me up!” Claudia chided. She inspected the new hickies Calum left her. It took her ages to cover the ones he gave her last night.

“Sorry,” He said, sheepishly.

Calum had not so subtly pulled her into one of the guest bathrooms. Luckily after years of visiting Calum while he was on tour, Claudia learnt how to be quiet.

"You're lucky that I have another week off school." Claudia said.

"You know how I get when you wear dresses with slits." Calum defended himself. He slid his hand through the slit of her dress and gave her ass a rough squeeze. "I like the easy access."

"I'm done with you." She pushed his hand out and fixed her dress. She had smoothed it out earlier, but now it was wrinkled where Calum bunched it up.

"You love me for it."

"I guess."

There was a knock in the door.

"Are you rabbits done? Ashlyn has to pee," Ashton said through the door.

"Wait." Calum semi yelled. He turned to Claudia "Are you good? With them having another kid and all."

"Yeah," She smiled. Calum knew that smile. It was the same one she makes when her family asks her too many questions or makes rude jokes to her, but Calum knew not to push right now.

"All yours," Calum said to Ashton and Ashlyn when they walked out. The little girl pushed past them and closed the door.

"You two couldn't have waited until we all left?" Ashton asked them.

"No, have you seen this ass?" Claudia asked, grabbing a handful of Calum's ass.

"Oi," Calum jumped back.

"You love it. I gotta go check on the pizzas the kids made.” Claudia said, leaving them. Calum watched her walk away.

“So when are you going to ask her?” Ashton asked.

***

Calum was playing with Luke’s daughter when he spotted Claudia carrying a tray of drinks. The image brought Calum back to the first time he saw her.

“Daddy, my egg has a ring.” Ashlyn announced from across the yard, making Calum choke on his drink.

The whole yard became silent. The boys knew what Calum had planned out, but it was not going according to plan. Claudia turned to look at Calum who was patting his pants like his life depended on it.

“Shit,” Calum cursed.

“Uh, oh, uncle Cal said a no-no word.” One of Michael’s kids yelled.

“No way! Maybe it’s a magic egg!” The little girl gasped. She snatched the egg and went back to her siblings and the other kids to show off her magic egg.

“Lose this?” Ashton got up and passed the egg to Calum.

“I owe you.” Calum said.

Claudia stayed frozen, very confused on what just happened. Even more confused when Calum walked up to her.

“Hi.”

“Hey?” She said, unsure of what was going to happen.

Claudia nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks. She threw herself onto Calum’s arms. She looked up at Cal, who’s eyes brimmed with tears, and kissed him.

“I love you.” She hiccuped.

“I love you.” Calum repeated. His hands were shaking when he tried putting the ring on her finger. Once he got it on, he picked her up in his arms. “She said yes!”

All the adults cheered. The kids were in their own little world stuffing themselves with candy.

***

Calum watched Claudia. She was pretty quiet after the whole proposal thing. There was something on her mind.

“Hey, are you cool with the whole us getting married?” Calum asked her.

“I mean, yeah… but are you? You really wanna marry someone that potentially can’t give you a child? You should be with someone that can give you the family you—”

“No, I want to be with you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Why? Because you’re my family. I want you. We’ll figure that out later—”

“But I’m about to turn 28. Once I hit my 30’s we’re going to struggle even more. I just don’t want you to waste time on me when you can be with someone that can give you what you want.”

“I want you, Claudia. I would be wasting my time with someone else because they’re not you. This is where I want to be. With you.” Calum pulled Claudia to his lap.

“You mean it?” she asked in a quiet voice.

“Yes,” he held out his pinky out, a habit he picked from her. She wrapped hers around his. Calum wiped the tears off her eyes. “Now may I please kiss my fiancé properly?”

“Yes,” she smiled.

Before Calum could do anything, Claudia pulled his neck to her and kissed him. In a matter of seconds, their kiss grew heated. Calum pushed her down and showed her how he made love to his fiance.

*** Three Years Later***

“Calum, ya deja Aiden.” Claudia scolded her husband, in a full on bunny costume.

She watched him chase their almost 3 year old down so they could get a picture with all of their nieces and nephews, and the boys’ kids. Ever since he proposed, they hosted Easter at their place where everyone is invited.

Aiden ran behind her legs, hiding from Calum. Claudia felt his arms wrap around her legs. She picked him up and walked over to Calum. She pulled the bunny head off him.

“Ves, es el cabezon de tu papi.” She told her son.

“Cal,” she managed to say when Calum teased her entrance.

“What? I missed this dress.” He groaned as he slightly shoved himself in. “I like the easy access.”

#calum hood ask #calum hood request #requested #calum hood #calum hood imagine #calum hood blurb #calum hood fanfic #calum hood fanfiction

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justagirlsearchingforamuse · 4 years

Note

For the Sean/Finn ask; I did mean all of them but if there are too many don’t worry about it 💞

A/N: Okay, also just so you know, this is sometime after the Blood Brother’s ending so Sean is 22, and Finn is 24 or 25 years old.

SFW

Who cooks?

Sean mostly does as his cooking just tastes better and he likes learning about a lot of different recipes, Finn loves his cooking especially when he cooks up some great Mexican dishes and one of his favorites has to be Sean’s cheesy empanada’s.

Who’s the messiest? The cleanest?

Finn is hella messy, often leaving his shit all around in their bedroom, and Sean is a bit cleaner than him and has been trying to get Finn to make it a habit to pick up after himself. It’s a tie between him and Daniel is who the messiest, overall Sean is the cleanest out of them both.

Who fixes the vehicle after a breakdown?

Of course, Sean does especially since he knows quite a bit about fixing up cars and stuff, so he’ll be the one to fix up the car to the best of his abilities. But of course, Finn will try to fix it if Sean is having trouble.

Living space has a leak! Who fixes it?

They’ll both try to fix it but Sean more or likely is the fixer up in the house he would try to fix it up and Finn would try to help him once he sees that he’s struggling.

Who buys the groceries?

Both buy groceries together but Finn will often go out when Sean is busy fixing up cars and whatnot, often they eat junk food especially when Finn buys food but Sean always makes sure that Finn isn’t just eating junk and makes sure that he’s eating full meals that will fill him up.

Going out to eat: Who pays? Who orders the most food? And who has dessert?

They both pay half or if Sean had paid before then Finn would pay and the other way around, also they both order an equal amount of food mostly because they don’t want to pay so much money for food. Also, Finn gets dessert most of the time which he only gets if Sean is fine with it which he is if they’re caught up on bills and have a little leftover.

Would they go to the beach?

Of course, they would I mean I believe that they would live by a beach and they go to the beach after a day of work or whenever they just want to relax and maybe swim together. They often go swimming together or just smoke together and talk about shit.

Who knows how to swim? Who doesn’t?

They both know how to swim greatly.

Is someone multilingual? Do they try to teach another language to the other? How does it go?

Of course, Sean is multilingual and knows great Spanish which he does teach Finn when they do make it to Mexico, it at first goes okay, he’s not the greatest at it but after a while, he becomes better and he often speaks Spanish at whatever chance he gets. Even badmouthing some people in Spanish which Sean tells him to stop and he becomes great at it by the time they have their first child and he’s happily teaching their daughter how to swear in Spanish.

Any pets? Or plants?

They do have 2 dogs and the only plants they keep are marijuana plants. The first dog is Daniella’s dog and it’s a small light brown Yorkie who’s named Caramel and they love the Yorkie a lot, well Finn loves Caramel a lot. Their second dog is a bit bigger and he’s a black Doberman who’s named Buffalo.

Baths or showers? Together or separate? Any bubbles or bubble fights?

They both enjoy showers together a lot especially when they don’t have a lot of time to take a bath but they’ll take a bath sometimes when they get the time to. Sometimes they’ll take showers together but it isn’t too often and they enjoy taking bath’s together all the time. If Finn’s in a playful mood, he might add bubbles and there might be a bubble fight between them if he keeps trying to throw bubbles on Sean’s face.

Can they stand silence? Who talks the most? Who talks the least?

They can stand the silence and enjoy it a lot especially when they’re just lying in bed or just smoking together. Also, Finn talks the most, and out of them both, Sean talks a little less.

Who stays up late? Who sleeps the most? Does the other have to force them to sleep/wake up?

They both stay up late sometimes depending on how much work needed to be done that day as well as Sean having a messed up sleeping pattern. Sean definitely sleeps the most and sometimes he has to shake Sean awake to take Daniel to school.

Who is the highest maintenance? Does the other mind?

Neither of them are really high maintenance, I mean Daniel is low-key a bit high maintenance but they both don’t mind unless he tries demanding things.

Vacation ideas: who decides them? Where would they go, if anywhere?

They try to both decide from a list of places that they all want to go to and if they could go anywhere it’d be either Costa Rica or Barbados.

NSFW

How often do they have sex, if at all?

They probably have sex 3 times a week and they go crazy on the weekends especially if Daniel is gone during the weekends, they do it whenever they have the chance to.

Who brings ideas? Who initiates?

Mostly Finn does and he often initiates it, he’ll try and tease Sean, his hands will be just feeling Sean up and he’ll try to hide his blush as well as his grin.

Any kinks they clash on?

Not really, they don’t do any kinks that the other may not like and they’re not gonna clash on something that the other doesn’t like and they just won’t do certain kinks if there’s gonna be a huge fuss about it.

Oddest place they’d have sex?

Either them doing it in Daniel’s bed when their bed was broken or them doing in it in one of their friends car’s whilst their friends were still driving.

Favorite positions?

The cradle sex position which I will link a picture here. Also, they love missionary as well the kneeling fox too. They like a variety of different positions as long as they’re not too hard to do.

Dom/top? Sub/bottom? Any switches?

Most of the time, Finn is on top but sometimes they’ll switch if Sean wants to be on top but most of the time Sean is bottoming. 2 out 5 times, Sean will get on top, the other times Finn will get on top.

Genital headcanons?

Finn has a dick that is made to be please everyone and anyone, he’s about 6.2 inches and he’s a bit curvy as well and he has a Prince Albert piercing, Sean thinks that he’s the perfect size and was glad that he wasn’t any bigger. He also shaves his pubic hair into an arrow pointing towards his crotch.

Sean is much more girthy and is 5.8 inches and is hella girthy, he never wanted to get anything done down there and he has a small bush down there.

Favorite erogenous zones?

For Finn, it’s his collarbone as well as his nipples, he’s also pretty sensitive on the back of his neck. He loves being kissed on those areas and it’s a surprise if he’s not gonna be a bit horny after Sean kisses him on those areas.

For Sean, he’s really sensitive on his neck as well as his thighs, and his hips, he loves when Finn kisses him on those spots or sucks on those spots, will be guaranteed to make him horny.

Quickest turn-ons? Immediate turn-offs?

For Finn, seeing Sean without a shirt on or being sweaty as hell, anything where he’s sweating or just showing off his chest is the quickest way for Finn to be all over Sean. His biggest turn off is when Sean is drunk or when Sean’s acting out of character, like being hella perverted or him throwing himself on Finn.

Sean’s biggest turn on has to be sweet-talking or Finn just whispering the things that he wants to do to Sean once they get to a bed, or even Finn teasing him like bending over in front of him or biting his lip. What makes it so much hotter is when Finn looks directly into his eyes. His biggest turn off is being Finn is being cocky or when Finn’s being hella prideful, like he just doesn’t like it when Finn gets hella cocky (pun not intended).

First to orgasm? Last to orgasm? Who comes the most? Does someone ever end up unfinished?

Well, Sean is the first to orgasm most of the time and unless Finn was teased a lot during foreplay, he might cum first which he’ll try not to get embarrassed and will still try to continue to make sure that Sean comes. Finn has a bit more experience than Sean and has a higher libido which is one of the reasons he almost always orgasms after him. Also, no, they both want to make sure that they both cum, it’s a must during sex.

Favorite romantic gestures during sex/orgasm?

For Finn, its Sean’s arms wrapped around him or him just sucking on any part of his skin, loves it when he kisses and sucks on his neck during sex as well as Sean’s fingers tugging lightly at his dreadlocks.

For Sean, he loves it when Finn kisses him deeply, or when he kisses him all over his body and or his chest, the boy just loves being kissed the hell out of, lol. He also loves it when he puts love bites all over him.

How are their afterglows?

They most likely kiss deeply after sex before cuddling each other or just lying next to each other and smoking as they either talk to each other or just enjoy the silence whilst smoking and or cuddling in each other’s arms.

Who’s loud? Who’s quiet? Does one try to make the other louder/quieter? How?

Both are equally open about voicing their pleasures but Finn can be a bit louder than Sean sometimes and Finn loves to make Sean just scream his head off in pure pleasure, whilst Sean is the one trying to get Finn to quiet down especially if Daniel’s asleep or if they’re doing it where nearby people are.

Lights on or off? Do they look at each other? Or is someone embarrassed?

They don’t mind but they both like it a lot more when the lights are off and they like looking at each other a lot, they find eye contact to be the sexiest thing ever and often look into each other’s eyes when they can.

Open or closed relationship? Do they sometimes share?

They have a kind of closed relationship, I mean they wouldn’t mind adding someone else to the mix or having threesomes but they aren’t sure about adding someone else to their relationship. I mean they don’t mind having threesomes sometimes but other than that they don’t really share the other.

#life is strange 2 #life is strange sean #lis2 #lis2 headcannons #life is strange headcannons #sean x finn #sean diaz #lis2 sean #lis2 finn #lis2 smut

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pcttrailsidereader · 4 years

Text

Can This Really Be the END?

By Howard Shapiro

In our intermittent series on the high points along the PCT in Washington, we last left off near Rainy Pass. Rainy Pass is where the North Cross Highway (Washington Highway 20) crosses the trail. North of here, a memorable climax awaits the hiker who started months earlier much further south as well as the section hiker who is also heading toward Canada.

Most often northbound hikers, especially thru hikers, arrive here in late August, and through the month of September. This is the sweet spot in time. Most of last winter’s snow has melted and within a few short weeks the snows will return closing the highway not to mention the PCT, for the ��winter’. The general rule of thumb is to try to finish by October 1. After that it is a roll of the ‘weather dice’. If you roll them and lose at best you may find yourself uncomfortable and maybe a little scared. At worse, you could find yourself in a very precarious situation.

Ultra light hiking through this area, depending on when you arrive, can be challenging. Nights can be cold, days can also be cold. Add in some late summer North Cascade rain or snow and you will be happy you packed that rain jacket and an extra layer along with a pair of gloves or mittens. Furthermore, this section traverses some of the most remote wilderness found in the lower 48. If conditions unravel it can add days to your hike just finding your way out. All this being said, August and September can be prime time in northwest Washington. The days are still fairly long and warm. By now, the bugs have usually packed up and left. Despite all the foreboding there is great pleasure to be found here both on the edge of North Cascades National Park and the Pasayten Wilderness. This is a jewel in the crown that is often sadly overlooked simply because people who have been hiking for months just want to be done.

Leaving Highway 20 the trail climbs up to Cutthroat Pass. Here the views are worth the effort. Liberty Bell and Early Winters spire follow your progress as they loom to the south. Beyond here, the trail demonstrates its multiple ‘personalities’. From this high alpine perch the trail begins a traverse through a dry series of rock outcroppings. You may find yourself checking to make sure you are still in Washington and not in some drier place.

The PCT continues the pattern it has established for the previous 2500 or so miles. It climbs and dives at will. After this high traverse the trail eventually finds Harts Pass. This is the home to the highest road in Washington State. Often the wildflowers are splashed everywhere around. There is a fire lookout here and that will be the last of any hint of civilization until you get to Manning Provincial Park in Canada.

Between Harts Pass and Windy Pass provides the hiker with a 5.2 mile traverse through high alpine wonderment. Scattered about are remains of old mining operations. Up here the ‘hits’ just keep on coming. A series of passes meet the hiker going north. The way ahead is a mix of beauty and adrenaline rush. Each moment, each hour, each day brings you closer to the terminus. You may feel that you want to get to Manning but if the weather is in your favor you may walk just a little bit slower to make these miles last just a little longer.

Windy Pass

The remaining passes have names like ‘Windy’, ‘Foggy’, and ‘Frosty’, all by their names suggest potential. There is also ‘Grasshopper’ so it is not all so threatening. The northern terminus beckons. As you approach through a conifer forest it almost appears like a guest at a surprise party. Suddenly, you have arrived, at the border at least. A wide swath made by what appears to be a huge mower marks the border space between the United States and Canada. Near the terminus marker is a hinged mini Washington Monument with a mile marker on it and a trail register under it. For many this is a deeply emotional place.

The trail register records all those that arrived before you and now you can proudly add your name. Since 9/11 getting across requires a permit. Without it a hiker must ‘yo-yo’ back to at least Harts Pass and probably an easier exit at Highway 20, but still 70 miles from the border. Completing the PCT requires a post all unto itself. As fantastic as this section is, it is so befitting of the Pacific Crest Trail. In Bob Dylan’s immortal line, “...oh Momma can this really be the end?” it mostly is. Once you cross the border, there are still about six miles to Manning so if you have your permit best to celebrate and keep moving at least for another few hours. There are those who have yo-yo’d all the way back to the Mexican border all in one season. For most this is the end point. The culmination of an immense amount of logistical planning, physical and mental energy, and a whole lot of grit.

#Rainy Pass #North Cross Highway #Cutthroat Pass #Harts Pass #Manning Provincial Park #Northern Terminus #Windy Pass

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lilliloves · 5 years

Note

Hi could you do 16 or 20 ? Please!

This is pure fluff that will literally NEVER happen in canon but that’s the point of this right? Thanks for the prompt :)

#20 I’ll die without you

“Can you believe she said that?” Beth asks while checking on the roast she’d put in the oven earlier that evening.

Rio hums and chews on the tip of the pen he’s holding. He’s focused intently on the crossword puzzle in front of him and Beth’s jaw drops when she turns and realizes he hasn’t heard a word she’s said.

“Rio.” She says sternly and he looks up when her tone catches his attention.

“Sorry, what?” He asks but he’s distracted, she can tell.

“Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Yeah.” He says, scribbling in an answer to three across. “PTA mom #3 said somethin’ ‘bout you bein’ a divorced mom of four.”

Beth groans because just the thought of her earlier conversation makes her fuming mad again. “She said I must love being divorced because I get paid alimony and child support! As if Dean is supporting me and I’m sitting at home twiddling my thumbs!”

His brows draw together and he frowns as he looks at her. “Who the fuck says twiddling my thumbs?”

“I do!” Beth exclaims indignantly, throwing the pot holder in her hand down violently on the counter. She loosens the apron tie around her neck and yanks it off, tossing it onto the counter. She places both of her hands on the granite top and attempts to calm her racing heart.

“Relax, sweetheart.” He says softly with a small smile but he’s back to reading the puzzle in front of him seemingly unaffected by her outrage.

“I don’t like that people still seem to think I’m depending on Dean.” She’s slightly calmer now but is ready to blow at a moment’s notice.

“Yeah, I don’t particularly like that either.” He says thoughtfully. He drops his pen to stare at her. He’s finally all in on the conversation and of course it’s a comment about Dean that gets him to focus completely.

“I’m a single mother of four and I do a damn fine job supporting myself and my children.” Beth says with a hand on her hip. She takes a sip of the red wine sitting on the counter in front of her and waits for Rio to comment. He’s deep in thought though so when he doesn’t, she continues.

“Just because I can’t exactly go around announcing to the world how I do it doesn’t mean I don’t. Not to mention they know I’m dating someone else.” She’s rambling now but she doesn’t seem to care and Rio doesn’t seem to notice.

“They all know Dean is an asshole. They just like to throw the fact that I’m divorced in my face as if it wasn’t my decision. As if I want to still be married. I hate those women.” She’s pissed again now and it takes her a minute to realize that Rio is looking at her curiously.

“What?” She asks wiping at her mouth in case she has something on her face.

“Maybe we should get married.” He says casually picking up his pen again to resume his puzzle.

Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. She opens and closes her mouth several times but even when she’s finally able to form some kind of response she falls flat on her face. “I- what-“

She stutters over a few other words before he glances up at her with a smirk. “Just a thought. Might get those bitches off your back.”

“Are you serious?” She all but screeches the question and he laughs loudly, shaking his head at her reaction.

“Why would I not be serious?” He asks as if she’s being ridiculous and she can’t understand how they got here. He can’t actually be serious with this proposal. Proposal. Was that what this was????

“You just asked me to marry you.” Beth says clarifying slowly as if maybe the speed at which she speaks might knock some sense into him.

“More of a suggestion really.” He responds with a shrug and she wants to move around to his side of the island and shake him.

“You would want to marry me?” She asks and she’s quiet now. Her voice is shaking and she hasn’t even really processed the fact that this is a conversation they are having. She can honestly say she has never once considered the possibility of marrying Rio but now that he’s thrown the idea out into the universe...

“I ain’t never been married. Could be fun.” He says filling in another spot in his puzzle.

“Could be fun?” She repeats slowly again, this one for her sake. “It’s not a baseball game, Rio. You don’t just marry someone because it could be fun.”

He shrugs and tosses his pen giving up on the puzzle and giving in to the fact that he’d been the one to bring up this conversation.

“Look it’s not like I’ll die without you but we got something good going here. We basically already married anyway.”

“That’s very romantic.” She responds sarcastically but her mouth is dry and butterflies are swarming in her belly. “And we don’t even live together.”

“No but we might as well, yeah? I ain’t seen the inside of my apartment for longer than a few minutes in weeks and Marcus has his own room here.”

“He shares with Danny.” Beth points out unnecessarily because she knows what he’s getting at.

Rio rolls his eyes and pushes his stool out from under him so that he can stand. He leans his elbows onto the island, links his fingers together and looks at her. “My point is I don’t want no one thinkin’ that Dean is takin’ care of you. So I think we should consider it.”

“Consider getting married?” She repeats once again because she’s still not sure she isn’t dreaming.

“Yeah.”

“You and me?” She’s staring at him now, hardly blinking, because she has no idea who the man in front of her even is right now.

“Yeah.”

“Because of Dean?”

He smiles and moves around the counter so that he’s standing in front of her. She turns to him and swallows and this is Rio why does she feel like a school girl with a crush right now? He reaches up to push a piece of hair behind her ear and - will he stop doing that if they get married? Will things stay good for a while and then fall apart like they did with her first marriage? Are they crazy to even think that the two of them could possibly make a long term anything work? Sure they’d made a relationship work and a business partnership but til death do them part?

“You’re thinkin’ too much.” He says roughly stepping closer to her. Their chests touch now and she feels him everywhere just like she always does.

“Things are good the way they are. Why would we mess with that?” She asks seriously because if he’s literally suggesting something as crazy and asinine as this then she’s going to make sure they consider all angles.

But he’s Rio and he doesn’t worry about anything - ever. “You’ll still be you, I’ll still be me. Don’t see how bein’ married will change that.”

She sighs because of course he doesn’t. He’s never been married but she has. She knows what it can do to a relationship. But...maybe that was because Dean was never right for her. He gave her four beautiful, perfect children and at that time in her life Dean was who she should have been with but maybe now it was her and Rio’s turn.

She thinks for a moment before she decides to say what’s really on her mind. “You’ve never even told me you love me.”

Her cheeks are bright red, she can feel them burning, and she tries really hard to hold his gaze but she’s far too vulnerable and she drops her eyes to her feet after only a few seconds. He lifts her chin with his hand and forces her to look him in the eye.

“You don’t actually need me to say it to know, do you?” He asks and she thinks he knows the answer already but there’s a small hint of doubt in his eyes as if maybe all this time he was wrong to assume.

She shakes her head because she doesn’t really. He shows her in different ways all the time these days. In the way that he touches her, in the way that he looks at her, in the way that he just always seems to know what she’s thinking, what she needs, what she wants.

“You never said it to me either you know.” He says it jokingly, his eyes are twinkling and she smiles.

“I did actually.” She says and he narrows his eyes in question. “When I went to the gun range with you last month even though I hate shooting that thing...that was me telling you.”

He opens his mouth to respond but she holds her finger up to his lips to stop him.

“And when I made that enchilada recipe you asked me to try even though I hate Mexican food.”

He nips at the finger she’s holding to his lips but she only presses it to his mouth harder.

“When I took care of you when you had the flu. When I gave you that blow jo-.”

He cuts her off by pushing her finger away and reaches his hand behind her head. He grips her hair in his hand and tugs her to him, meeting her mouth in a forceful kiss.

They stand there, lips pressed together, until she pulls back to look at him.

“You understand that means you’ll have to live with my kids?” She asks because again she’s not sure he’s thinking of actual logistics and going from one kid to five is a logistical nightmare in her opinion.

But obviously he answers with a shrug. “I figured as much, yeah.”

“And you understand that means you’ll be stuck with me for-“ she stops and clears her throat because she’s scared to finish the sentence. Scared to hear his answer. “Forever?”

His mouth tilts up at the corner and he grabs her hips with his hands. “Means I get to fuck you forever too.”

And when he pulls her into the bedroom she lets him and when she wakes up the next morning to the sight of a ring box on her nightstand (with a ring inside that clearly indicates his idea last night was not as spontaneous as she had believed) she accepts.

#ama #beth x rio #my prompts #sick of these yet?#my fic

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ilikecowsnstuff · 4 years

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CHAPTER 10!!!

SUMMARY: UA Hero Course - Third Year. Shigaraki Tomura and Dabi have been classmates and rivals since their very first day at UA. But with new feelings developing how will they cope given their history of fragile and often violent encounters? Their dance begins after a partnered training exam goes wrong, leaving Shigaraki wounded and Dabi feeling guilty. AU.

====================

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====================

CHAPTER TEN - FRIDAY

~ Dabi and Kurogiri, Friday Afternoon ~

The bell ending the school day died down. The series of doors had already slammed open, the stampede in full effect.

Dabi, head and shoulders above a number of students, squeezed in between traffic going both ways, looking for - of all people - Kurogiri. Usually he was easier to spot, but Dabi had to remember Kurogiri could easily disappear in an instant if he wanted to. And being that it was officially the weekend, he probably had somewhere to be in a hurry. Maybe. What did Dabi know? He and Kurogiri were not really friends, actually he knew very little about Shigaraki’s best friend - outside of what he learned from being in classes with him.

He was about to give up on his location mission when, speaking of the devil, Kurogiri was walking towards him, his bored expression turning into one of annoyance in preparation for an unwanted interaction with Dabi no doubt. Dabi naturally had to smirk and if there was a wall present to lean on, he would have lazily leaned in and blocked his way. As it was, he merely stepped directly in front of Kurogiri’s path, pausing for a few seconds before getting to the point. Kurogiri looked like he wanted to hit him. Or worse.

“So… I was thinking.”

“Funny.”

“Yeah. It happens sometimes.”

“Were you concentrating really hard?”

“I was. This is really important, you know.” Before Kurogiri could deflect with more sarcasm, Dabi continued, “So you got the invite to my party?”

“I’m pretty sure the entire school got the invite to your party.”

“Just our year.”

“So almost everyone.”

“Well, I want everyone to come.” Dabi said, emphasis on the word everyone. “Are you going to come?”

‘Why do you care?” Kurogiri asked, head tilting to the side. He wasn’t sure why Dabi was so interested in his RSVP all of a sudden.

Dabi chewed on his lower lip, combing his fingers back through his hair. “Look. I’m just going to be honest with you.” He started, “It might land me in a whole lot of trouble with a certain mutual… friend but…”

“Ah.” Kurogiri interjected, before a Dabi could finish his sentence. “This is about Shigaraki.”

Dabi eyed the other boy. “Yes.”

“Are you two dating or something?”

“What!?” Shocked, Dabi almost choked on his own words.

“No? Just making out then?”

“We’re not…” Dabi stopped himself there. What was the point of denying or lying about it? No, he and Shigaraki were not officially dating but that was the end game. Well, at least for Dabi it was anyway. Kurogiri was bound to find out the truth eventually - once Shigaraki got comfortable and accepted the idea of being in a relationship.

“Is it that obvious?” Dabi asked.

“Depends.” Kurogiri shrugged, “I like to think I know Shigaraki pretty well, so to me, yeah, something is different between you two.” He explained. “And let’s face it, the whole class has noticed you have both been more… amicable with each other these days. It’s not just me.”

“Right.”

“I mean, he hasn��t said anything directly to me, and I didn’t really think you two were... doing whatever it is you’re doing, I’m sure no one does, but I knew something had changed.”

“Regrettably, I am not doing anything with Shigaraki that I couldn’t talk to you about. I won’t go into details of course, because he’d probably kill me, but I could and still manage to keep it PG rated. Mostly.” Dabi explained with a smug grin.

“Please stop. That’s already TMI.”

“Anyways, back to the party.” Dabi began, “He said he would come if you did.”

“That does not sound like something Shigaraki would say.”

“Scouts honor.” Dabi responded, holding two fingers up with sincerity.

“Were you ever in the scouts?”

“Er no. But they’ve got pretty good morals and codes and shit, right?”

Kurogiri looked at him, unimpressed. “He wants me to say no.”

“Yeah, I think he’s counting on it. That’s why I am here politely requesting that you come to the party. I really like him, and I want him there. I need him to be there.”

Kurogiri sighed, resigned to help for God’s knows why. Maybe it was more for Shigaraki’s benefit than it was for Dabi’s. His best friend didn’t trust easily, and he didn’t have many friends, so if Shigaraki was willing to allow Dabi close to him, maybe it was worth fostering that friendship or relationship or whatever it was they had now.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Kurogiri stepped around Dabi and continued down the hall. “No promises though.”

“Hey, thank you! I’ll owe you one.” Dabi couldn’t contain his excitement, fist pumping silently behind Kurogiri’s retreating back.

~ Shigaraki and Kai, Friday Night ~

“Ha Ha! Die Freaks!” Yelled Kai at his screen as he blasted away, shooting anything and everything in sight.

“What the hell are you doing?” Barked Shigaraki, tugging his headset down and peeking over the edge of his laptop at his new friend.

“Killing Mexican Outlaws.”

“We were supposed to keep that one dude alive for the bounty, idiot.”

“Ah fuck. I died.” Kai grumbled, removing his headset and tossing it absently onto the floor. He had hoped to show Shigaraki up by charging in head first but apparently the other boy had already mastered the game. “My bad.”

Shigaraki snickered and shook his head. “That’s what you get for trying to take on the entire Del Lobo Gang by yourself. I was just behind you, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Kai’s scowl grew deeper as Shigaraki smiled triumphantly.

“Are you going to spawn back in or what?”

“Let’s take a break, my eyes are starting to hurt.” Kai sighed, putting his laptop aside. He turned to look back over his shoulder at Shigaraki who was lounged comfortably on his bed, his back against the headboard.

“Amateur.” Shigaraki mumbled, teasing the other boy with a grin.

“You haven't been sitting on the floor for the past two hours. My ass is numb.” He got up to his feet and grabbed his soda before plopping down onto Shigaraki’s bed.

“I’m joking, dick.” Shigaraki said, reaching for his bottle of water. “Pass the Dorito’s.”

Kai grinned in return, shuffling further onto the bed and offering a new unopened bag of Cool Ranch which he had recently learned were Shigaraki’s favourite.

“Thanks for the sweatshirt by the way.” Kai said, crossing his legs and tugging on the end of the material. It was a heavy black hoodie that fit him almost perfectly. They were so similar in size and apparently, they also had the same internal climate control issues. Always cold.

“I want it back before you leave.”

Kai snorted a laugh, “Fine. Black is your colour anyway.”

“Oh, you noticed.” Shigaraki replied, sarcastic

“It’s hard not to notice. Everything is black.”

“Good for hiding blood.”

Kai’s brows popped up.

“I’m joking.” Shigaraki exclaimed.

“True though.”

Shigaraki eyed his new friend before stuffing a handful of chips into his mouth.

“So, are you going to Dabi’s party?” Kai asked breaking off half a Twizzler and chewing the flavoured licorice.

“What?” Shigaraki stammered.

“You got the invite, right? For next weekend.”

“Oh. Yeah.” Heat immediately flooded Shigaraki’s cheeks and he glowered at Kai. “I don’t know if I'll go. Probably not.” He sniffled with disregard and lowered his chin, playing it off like it was nothing, no big deal.

“Really? That’s… surprising.” Kai commented.

“Why is that so surprising?”

“Well, you and Dabi seem pretty close.”

Shigaraki scoffed in contention.

“So, you’re not? Actually, at first I didn’t think you were friends at all but…”

“I just… Parties are not my thing.” Shigaraki interjected before he and Kai went down the complicated friendship rabbit hole. “Too many people, too much noise. No thanks.”

“Hm. I guess I can understand that.” Kai concluded, “We can hang out or something instead. I don’t think I’ll go either.”

“Oh, let me guess, you don’t like parties either?” Shigaraki ventured, thinking Kai was only going along with his weekend plans because he was trying to get into Shigaraki’s good books.

“I like parties fine. But me and Dabi aren’t really friends.” Kai shrugged his shoulders.

“Whatever.” Shigaraki took a deep drink from his water bottle, “Can we get back to the game or are you still being a little bitch?” He taunted, trying to diverge the conversation away from Dabi and his stupid party. He dragged his laptop back in front of him and repositioned his headset.

“Ass.” Kai leaned over the edge of the bed and picked up his own laptop and headset from the floor, resting the gear comfortably on his crossed legs, “Don’t get upset if I accidently shoot you in the back.”

~ Shigaraki, Kai and Kurogiri, Sometime early early Saturday Morning ~

“Are you dead again?”

Kai scowled at the other boy. Truth be told, he just wasn’t as good a gamer as Shigaraki was but that was no reason to rub it in his face. Also, they had been playing for hours, Kai was having trouble focusing.

“Oh c’mon, quit sulking. We’re a team remember? If you die, I lose too.” Shigaraki paused and then tilted his head, like he was pondering something. “If anything, I should be the one brooding. You shoot like a fucking storm trooper. Couldn’t hit a…”

An empty water bottle whooshing past Shigaraki’s head stopped him mid-sentence.

“Shut up.” Kai grumbled.

“Missed again! You just proved my point, idiot.” Shigaraki asserted. And even though he looked ticked off, Kai couldn’t contain his grin, amused by the casual and comfortable banter between him and his new friend.

Pound, pound, pound. Both boys started at the sudden knocking on Shigaraki’s door. “Yeah?” Shigaraki answered, tugging his headset down.

“It’s me.”

Kurogiri.

Shigaraki set his laptop aside and then hopped off his bed to open the door for his best friend.

“You’re up late.”

“Yeah. I can hear everything from my room you know.” Kurogiri was leaning against the door frame, his cell phone in his hand. He looked bored - although perked up a little at the sight of Kai sitting on Shigaraki’s bed.

“You two look comfortable.” He commented, observing the nest of drinks and junk food they had created on the bed. He snickered at Kai, who merely raised his brows.

“Hi.” Kai greeted with a quick wave.

Kurogiri nodded his head in return before strolling into the room. Shigaraki closed the door behind him.

“You want to take over? I am being completely destroyed.” Kai declared.

“Understatement.” Shigaraki mumbled, Kai’s mouth settled into a hard line. Kurogiri snorted a laugh and shook his head.

“I’ll pass.”

“So, what’s up?” Shigaraki asked, folding his arms over his chest.

“You see Dabi’s invite?”

Shigaraki rolled his eyes and quickly returned to his spot on the bed, his head falling back and hitting the wall behind with a loud thud.

“We’re not going.” Kai answered, speaking for both of them. He offered Kurogiri a rope of licorice from his opened bag of Twizzlers. Since he had started at UA, he and Kurogiri hadn’t really spent that much time together, he was hoping they could be friends too. “We already talked about it.”

With an arched brow, Kurogiri accepted the offered candy, “You making decisions together now?”

“No.” Shigaraki hissed, rolling his head back up to look at his friend. “I just said I’m not going.”

“And I want to go. But I don’t really know anyone so if Shigaraki isn’t going then I'm not either.”

“I kind of want to go.” Kurogiri revealed, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

“What?” Shigaraki replied, dismayed. He scowled. “Why?”

“Aren’t you a little interested in seeing the Todoroki Family Home? I mean, Endeavor lives there. How often do you get a chance to see the home of a Pro?”

“I don’t think he’s going to be there.” Kai interjected.

“I know.” Kurogiri countered, “I’m still curious though.”

Shigaraki eyed his best friend suspiciously. Why the interest suddenly? Kurogiri never gave Dabi a second thought, and he definitely wouldn’t have accepted an invitation from him - for anything. What had changed? Not a second later, realization hit him smack in the face and heat flooded his cheeks. Did Kurogiri know something? Had Dabi actually talked to him? And if he had, what did Kurogiri know? What was he hiding?

“Since when do you give a shit about Endeavor?” He questioned. Kai glanced over at Shigaraki before looking back at Kurogiri. He knew he was missing something but didn’t want to seem like a third wheel. It probably didn’t matter.

“I don’t.” He replied confidently, and then added. “But why not go? Could be fun.”

Shigaraki scoffed.

“Kai, you want to go right?” “Ah.” Again, he glanced quickly over at Shigaraki. “Yeah. I’d go. If you both do.”

Shigaraki huffed and drew his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his legs.

“We don’t have to stay long or anything. Drop in and drop out.” Kurogiri reasoned with his best friend, pushing the subject gently and trying to make the idea of going to the party somewhat more appealing. He had to tread lightly and gauge the other boy’s reaction based on the words he was saying. The current outlook was positive, Shigaraki was close to accepting the invitation but one wrong word and it could turn ugly really quick.

He was fine either way, whether they went to the party or not did not matter to Kurogiri. He was doing this only for Shigaraki, and coincidentally, partly for Dabi as well. He said he would try and get his friend to the party, with no promises. He was fulfilling his side of their agreement.

“That’s a good compromise.” Kai agreed, biting back a grin. He didn’t want to seem too keen, but he was kind of looking forward to going to Dabi’s party with Shigaraki. He didn’t care to go by himself.

“So how about it?” Kurogiri asked, hopeful.

“Okay, fine.” Shigaraki finally muttered, “I’ll go to the stupid fucking party. Can we stop talking about it already?”

====================

Chapter One – Accidental Attraction

Chapter Two – After Care

Chapter Three – Dazed and Confused

Chapter Four – I Like You

Chapter Five - Friends and Enemies

Chapter Six - Confrontation!

Chapter Seven - Transfer Student

Chapter Eight - A Period of Learning

Chapter Nine - Work and Play

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keeroo92 · 5 years

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Stab Wound

Day 8 of @whumptober2019 with the prompt of Stab Wound. Decided to try something new here, hope you guys enjoy!

Word count - 1,255

_______

Yeah, I was there. Settle in, this one’s a long story and it deserves every drop of ink on these pages. I guess I’ll start at the beginning, or the end. Depends on your perspective.

I’d seen some crazy shit in my lifetime, but that night was a whole new level of nutty. It wasn’t easy maintaining the calm façade my clients expected, but the cigar helped.

“We’ve known each other a long time…”

I stood alone, or at least unaccompanied. Strangers didn’t count, especially not the religious kooks up ahead. A few mooks in suits and ties were scattered around. I remember one fool still had his briefcase! That damn city had too many gullible idiots in it for my taste. Good for business, though.

“Ya never had this much trouble. You gonna make it through this, Dante?”

I gotta admit, he was one of a kind. No matter what challenge I gave him, he conquered it and came back for more. Most of the jobs I got were pretty straight-forward for the guy, but he never cared. As long as demons were involved, he was happy to join in. Must be a story hidden behind that smirk, but that was none of my business.

None of your business, either, come to think of it.

But hey, if you really need someone to clean up some bullshit, there’s nobody better. His crew ain’t bad either, a pair of ladies with enough skill to match him on any day of the week. In a two against one, at least. That was when Nero started out, too, he got wheels so he could take jobs farther from home. Smart kid. Good for business.

That night’s special kind of madness featured a big ass tower growing right in downtown. Grey and demonic, it was over thirty stories tall and still growing. My intel, along with Dante, told me that Urizen, the Demon King, was in there and Dante’s crew was going to kick his ass. Turned out it was too late to stop his rise, so all they could do was take out the trash. Not sure what the plan was to deal with the tower, but Urizen was the higher priority.

Whatever. Any minute, Dante would come bursting out with a loud whoop and a smirk, covered in blood and stinking to high heaven. It wasn’t a matter of it, but of when. Nothing could beat Dante, not even a king.

I took another puff and made my way through the crowd, listening like I always do. Most folks didn’t have a goddamned clue what was going on, as I suspected. Demon sightings were rare back then. Hell, I was in my forties the first time I saw one in the flesh. I’d wager your average Tim, Dick and Harry went through their whole lives without seeing one.

As I got closer, the muttering shifted into prayer. Made sense, if you were into that kinda thing. Religious folks came to me sometimes, claiming their kid or some dear friend was possessed. They never were, but I played along. Good for business.

My eyes shot to the tower as it exploded. A woman nearby started the Lord’s Prayer and I mumbled a few words, just in case. After the shit I’d seen, it was tough to discount the idea entirely. Might as well cover my bases, you know?

Anyway.

That was about when that pile of rocks landed, my client perched on its shoulder. Nero landed beside him and the two stomped away from the tower without looking back. I had a funny feeling, like I ate some Mexican food. You know what I mean. Even now, just telling the story again, I feel it.

Fear.

I wish I had the right words to make you understand, but I ain’t no writer. This is the most I’ve put on paper in years. You better be right about this.

Anyway, Dante wasn’t with them. Neither were Lady and Trish. I thought they had a plan, maybe they were coming out on the other side, but it shook me. Never imagined Dante losing before that moment. I imagine I didn’t hide my surprise well, something I kicked myself for later on. Bad for business.

Especially with the client headed right for me.

I couldn’t stop the words from coming out. “What happened to Dante? Where’s Dante?”

Those two walked right past me. I could see the truth in their eyes, but I still couldn’t believe it.

“He is buying time, but… it doesn’t look good,” the client said.

I’ll never forget those next ten seconds.

Asphalt crumbled. A woman screamed. So many folks gasped it sounded like a damned gospel choir and I spun around to see the fuss. It had to be Dante. What else could it be?

Short version; it wasn’t Dante.

Long version; freaky demon spikes were popping up outta the ground, wiggling around to shake off the rubble. I counted three or four in the first block alone. They were damned ugly, all black and spiny. I saw some red mixed in, but they moved too fast for my old eyes to spot any more details. I suppose it doesn’t matter now, does it?

The spikes made their move, lunging out at the fools up front and ripping right through ‘em like tissue paper. They never stood a chance. I smelled blood and tasted metal as the crowd started howling, for real this time. People were running and shoving each other, desperate to get away as another set of spikes found their mark.

“This can’t be happening… Dante lost?” I remember thinking I should’ve bit my tongue, really didn’t need to advertise the depth of the bullshit.

Nero, bless his soul, he started going toward the danger. Someday that kid’s gonna get himself killed trying to save a stranger, just you wait and see. That night, my client stopped him in his tracks, blocking his path with that weird-ass cane of his.

“Forget it. There’s nothing we can do. We must go.”

That guy was cold as ice, but he wasn’t wrong. By that point I was already backing away, but even from a dozen feet I heard the kid’s frustrated grunt. Gotta hand it to him, he was the real deal. True blue hero, always ready to save people dumb enough to get themselves in trouble. A rare breed.

He turned and stomped my way, his face all screwed up. I knew better than to try talking to him.

The client wasn’t far behind, and the blankness of his expression still haunts me. Cold. As. Ice.

I took one last look at the poor souls getting strung up and dangled. Closest I can get to describing it is when a kid holds up their scribbles to their parents for approval, except the scribbles were dying people and the kid was a set of demonic spikes. And the parent?

Yeah, I don’t got anything for that.

“Bad for business…”

Everyone knows I’m not the fighting type, more a collector and distributor of information. There wasn’t any good reason for me to stay, so I booked it outta town and didn’t look back. No way was I risking my hide.

Heard what happened a few months later from Trish and Lady, the parts they knew anyway. I still can’t believe Dante’s gone. That asshole still owes me for the electric bill.

That about covers it. I’m gonna go drain a bottle of whiskey. Good luck.

Morrison

#fanfic #whumptober2019 #dmc morrison #no. 8 #stab wound #my writing #dmc5 #dmc nero #dmc v

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life-of-tjackie · 4 years

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In-Depth Breakdown Of Estimating Your Travel Costs

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To be sincere, outside of the capital, there are quite a couple of of the most affordable cities in Europe which might be based mostly within the Czech Republic. Just ensure to do your homework and visit extra regional cities. Airfare, in fact, is dependent upon your origin, vacation spot, and season of travel.

Europe has an insane amount of excellent beer and wine — so you should sample all you can.

Many of the motels on the island had to fully renovate to cope with vital damage.

Of course, there will be further costs like transportation to and from the airport.

What are you able to anticipate from the luxurious all-inclusive right now? Two out of doors swimming swimming pools — one that just about extends the length of the property — and a two-story spa with a free-to-use hydrotherapy circuit. The fabulous all-inclusive package deal covers prime-shelf liquor, lobster, 12 bars, and 10 gourmand eating places serving every little thing from Mexican to French fare.

Gather Inspiration The next thing you’ll need to do is gather inspiration. This means creating a collection of on-line sources you discovered useful or adding the ideas directly into your Bullet Journal (similar to writing out recipes). Use the ability of the web to search for recipes, get together ornament concepts, and even ideas for fun headers and doodles to embellish your Bullet Journal somewhat for the holidays. Adding these further details would possibly help add a contact of fun to the in any other case annoying thing that is planning for the vacations. A traveller’s delight – this metropolis is probably the preferred metropolis to go to in Poland and comes up trumps everytime you search for cities to visit in Poland.

I and my youngsters usually are not a lot, nevertheless, we do some amount of hiking in native national parks through the warm seasons. I suppose Switzerland with Paris and Italy sounds fantastic. If you live within the Philippines, seeing the snow will probably be a pleasant deal with. 🙂 If you want to go to these three locations, I suggest spending 3 days in Paris, three to 4 days (or extra) within the Bernese Oberland/Lucerne space of Switzerland, and 7 days (or more) in Italy.

We do have a guide to finding low cost flights to Europethat will help you get the best deal attainable. Most folks choose to convey a backpack to Europe. We’ve compiled an inventory of our favorite journey backpacksand created a information on how to choose the proper backpack. If you’re on a price range, ask your friends if they have an old backpack or consider buying used.

It lays out every bit of data you may need in your trip so that you're never left looking around looking for an address or a cellphone number. This means you possibly can spend extra time exploring or enjoyable and fewer time attempting to prepare yourself. Do your analysis about destination prices based mostly on your style of traveling. This is going that will help you decide your daily bills and come up with a day by day price range for your trip.

Once you cross the Atlantic, you'll be able to e-book flights from the U. on discount airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair to hop from metropolis to metropolis or buy a Eurail move, a ticket that lets you journey by prepare throughout 33 nations in Europe. Families are reuniting or touring together for the holidays. so –, and you may count on to pay a premium for flights.

It mechanically gathers your journey reservations from Gmail (no forwarding or manual entry required) and organizes them into individual trips, proper right down to day by day plans. at a tap of a button, Google is all too eager to make some recommendations primarily based on what’s close by, with choices to filter in accordance with your interests and available time. For the more business orientated consumer, offline maps can be found by way of the app’s premium service, as well as a sophisticated journey planner.

Or maybe you can get a seven-day cruise for 70% off, a package deal deal to Hawaii for the price of your flight to Paris, or 50% off sailing journeys around Greece. Traveling with somebody means you have someone to help plan the journey with you. It will make researching your itinerary sooner and you’ll have somebody to spend time with on the highway.

But since we’re finances travelers, I’m going to stay with the cheaper choices. Most frugal-minded, hostel-hopping backpackers spend round $70-$105/day in Western Europe and $40-$eighty/day in Eastern Europe.

Breaking vacation preparations down into small steps makes it simpler to celebrate without last-minute stress. Linking every week's area focus with corresponding holiday prep chores--such as inventorying vacation table linens throughout Bed and Bath week--helps hold the plan targeted and sensible. Written by organizing author, Cynthia Ewer, the HHP is a week-by-week roadmap to clean and organize the whole home by December, while making ready for the vacation season in good time. Beginning on Labor Day weekend, the HHP takes you area-by-space through the home, the place you will reduce the clutter, clean and manage with weekly assignments designed to be do-in a position, not overwhelming.

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havemyoldusername · 5 years

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Teen Wolf X American Assassin Inspired Au

Thank you to @hormmm for the awesome idea, full credit for the storyline!

Lack of sleep wasn’t a foreign experience to Stiles. It had been happening since high school, since he had a fox demon take his head and play with it. It had varied in frequency, sometimes he had good nights, but more often than not he didn’t. If it wasn’t the nightmares of smoke demons and flies, it was the sounds of gunshots and the splatter of blood on the walls of hotel rooms that kept him awake.

It wasn’t a good feeling.

He sat on the edge of his bed, hands clasped tightly together as he attempted to stop them from shaking. He couldn’t, obviously, but it didn’t hurt to try. It had been a long week, longer than most. He was put on a job pretty early on Sunday morning, and despite his reluctance, Stiles said, ‘yes’. He had to. It was his job, so he just really couldn’t say no. He was tasked to kill an international arms dealer who operated some country he really hadn’t heard of, so he set out early that morning on a long flight.

The job ended like all the others. Bloody and another piece of Stiles’ innocence and morality gone. It wasn’t a surprise either, and It wasn’t a new feeling, but it was as familiar as that little voice in the back of his head. The one that hadn’t shut up since...since.

His phone buzzed on his nightstand, another call from his father. Another call Stiles lets ring out. The notification went to sit with the rest, missed calls and texts from his friends and father back in his hometown, people he hadn’t really talked to in years.

Against his better judgement, he picked up his phone and scrolled through some messages.

Hey Stiles...I don’t know if you even get these anymore, but I wanted to ask you to be my best man...Malia and I are getting married next summer.

Scott. He always messaged Stiles with quick updates about his life, inviting Stiles to return, but he never did.

I miss you Stiles...It’s hard here without you. I’m trying to make something of myself but I don’t have you behind me.

Lydia. Stiles never had the heart to respond.

Having had enough with the reminiscing, Stiles slammed his phone back on his nightstand and took in a shaky breath, running his hands over his face.

He had no excuse for ignoring them. No reason.

No reason except the fact that they wouldn’t like who he had become. It was as simple as that.

Scott had always disapproved of Stiles’ methods, even when they were 17. Stiles was always the one who suggested a method ending in a casualty first, usually even before Derek, and sometimes before Peter could even get the chance. Scott always found another way, and some days it made Stiles feel like he was wrong for thinking otherwise. Then there were the times where there wasn’t another way, and Stiles took the hard road and made the call that Scott didn’t like. That ended badly too, except it was Stiles who suffered.

It all got worse after that damned demon made a fox sized shape in his head, and left it there.

Stiles wasn’t the same after it happened. Everyone noticed, and everyone kept quiet until the times where it mattered for them to say nothing. His behaviour became more destructive, his morals began to slip even more, and sometimes Stiles thought it wasn’t just the Nogitsune’s fault, that maybe it would have happened regardless.

Sometimes he thinks he’s right in thinking that.

Another cause for more sleepless nights, he supposed.

He tried, he really did, to go straight. He joined the FBI, tried to amend the things he’d done in his past that were so far from legal that he was surprised the FBI didn’t pick anything up in their screening process. It went well until the CIA did recruitments, and they happened to choose Stiles.

He just didn’t know when to say ‘no’ to those sorts of things. Except, these days he didn’t know when it was him making the decisions, or the voice behind his ear, the devil on his shoulder, the demon in his head.

He found out pretty quickly that he made a great member of their team. Under the alias they had given him and the codename of ‘Iron Man’, he was a solid asset, one of the best really. He was proud of that some days, some days he didn’t think about the reality of his job, and those were the best days, but then there were the days where he remembered.

How did it feel?

One word. Good.

He supposed his past led directly to his present. He liked to scoff at that, protest even, but he knew it was true. The kid with more blood on his hands than the entire town combined decided to become an assassin, to get more.

What a fucking surprise.

He picked up the bottle of whiskey sitting beside his feet and just drank, not even caring about the amount, or the consequences. At this point in his miserable existence, he thought he might as well enjoy it while it lasted.

It’d be so very Stiles to die from alcohol poisoning instead of a bullet between the eyes.

That didn’t sound too bad either, if he was honest.

One day.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

He supposed it would depend on how drunk he was.

He laughed as he drowned himself in whiskey.

Fitting.

Being slightly drunk while on a job probably wasn’t the best way to be efficient, but he managed. Barely. His partner was pissed, but that wasn’t new. At least he was getting the job done.

“You okay to go in from the back door?” His partner, Rick Stanley, asked.

“Yeah.” Stiles breathed and pulled his Beretta from his waistband, cocking it at the ready.

“Don’t screw this up.” Stanley hissed before leaving position and moving towards the front.

Their target had evaded them through six countries, right before settling down in a hillside villa in the Mexican countryside, his own damn hometown. He probably figured he was in the clear, but Stiles and his team had been following at a distance.

Stiles entered quietly through the back, right on signal, and silently walked through the halls. He came upon a bedroom that he slipped inside, only to find a young woman, who was most likely naked, sitting in the bed against the wall, blankets pulled up to her shoulders and eyes wide in surprise. Stiles put a finger over his lips and gestured with his gun to the closet. The woman wrapped herself in a sheet before leaving the bed and getting into the closet at Stiles’ request. He figured she’d stay there, she probably knew exactly what her boyfriend - or client if Stiles was being honest - did for a living.

Stiles waiting for a few minutes, eyes looking through a small opening he’d left between the door and the frame, watching the small area within his view.

“Greyhound to Iron man, green light to execute.” Stanley’s voice came over Stiles’ comm set, and without a second to waste, Stiles left the room.

He walked down the hall, his eyes skimming for threats, weapon tight to his chest as he walked so he was prepared if anyone were to jump him. He followed the sound of a television until he came upon an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. A man sat on the couch, watching some cheesy soap opera in Spanish. Stiles wasted no time and aimed his weapon at the man’s head.

“You have some balls, La Parca.” A voice behind Stiles said, and the feeling of cold metal on the back of his neck made his blood run cold. The figure on the cough stood and the man left the room, simply giving a side glance to Stiles.

Stiles turned slowly, his feet stumbling as he did so. Even an assassin had off days. Stiles had more and more of those lately.

“You have some balls pointing a gun at my head.” Stiles frowned as he slurred his words slightly. Damn tequila he had while staking out the house an hour before hand.

The man, Mexican cartel leader Francisco Garcia Hernandez, laughed and pulled down the hammer of his pistol and Stiles heard the click. Stiles didn’t even hesitate as he quickly grabbed the gun and pushed it away from Hernandez the same instant he twisted. Hernandez let out a cry of pain and dropped the gun.

Stiles swept his wobbly leg under Hernandez, used both hands to hold him up just as Stiles sloppily kicked Hernandez. He threw punches, only for Hernandez to finally get his footing and throw a punch to Stiles’ - stupidly - unprotected face. Stiles fell back at the pure force and stumbled against the couch.

“Is that alcohol I smell, La Parca?” Hernandez laughed and threw another punch, then a kick to Stiles’ stomach. Stiles grunted and fell to the floor, dropping his gun in the process.

“Where the fuck are you, Stanley?” Stiles hissed, more to himself than anything, but he hoped Stanley was listening.

Stiles wasn’t that lucky, and pretty soon his stupid drunken brain couldn’t keep up with the attacks Hernandez was throwing on him and he slumped and took them. He couldn’t comprehend it enough to retaliate, and pretty soon he was seeing spots.

Then a particular knock to the head seemed to wake him up, or make him crazier than he already was, but he figured it didn’t matter in the moment.

Stiles pulled his knife from his ankle holster - the same ankle that was currently crumpled against his thigh as his leg contorted in an odd angle that he was sure meant it was broken - and thrust it as quick as he could into the soft spot on Hernandez’s neck, the spot between the collar bones.

Hernandez fell back in shock as blood pooled around the wound. He clasped his hand to it just as Stiles pulled the knife out and within a second, Hernandez was on the floor, gurgling as blood pooled around him from his neck and his mouth.

Stiles slowly stood and limped his way over Hernandez’s spluttering body and over to the kitchen where he pulled a cold beer from Hernandez’s fridge. It was that moment that Stanley rounded the corner, gun up. He saw Hernandez’s body and Stiles’ bloody face and the beer in his hand, and simply put his gun down with a sigh.

“Where the fuck were you?” Stiles slurred as he snapped at his partner.

“There were guards.” Stanley sighed. “You seemed to take care of Hernandez pretty okay.”

“I nearly died, asshat.” Stiles grunted and took another swig of his beer. “There’s a dude walking around somewhere, and a lady in the closet of the guest bedroom down the hall.” Stiles informed Stanley, who only nodded and walked out of the room.

That seemed to be the first time Stiles noticed it. Instead of the familiar guilt plaguing his mind, his nightmares and his nerves, Stiles didn’t really feel anything at all.

Hernandez became a number.

So did the next one, and the one after that.

And the others that came later.

His kills began to add up and soon Stiles was doing jobs like clockwork, almost robotic in nature, and as if it didn’t occur to him before, he was sure his eyes would have been blue if he’d ever gotten bitten by a werewolf. The one good part of his job seemed to be staying away from the supernatural.

It got to a point where Stiles barely even cared when he took out another mark. It became just another talley on his list of achievements in the agency, and another number to his count.

104

135

179

210

267

It all blurred together after a while, and soon he lost count. His routine never broke, and he never payed a lick of attention to the person he was becoming, and a part of him thought he was already there, the agency just allowed him to refine that person.

He was inclined to agree.

His persona outside of work was a simple mask of false confidence and charisma that tended to get him a few distractions on his nights off, distractions that usually ended in an “I'll call you”. The false promises seemed to be his brand, and the distractions were his way to feel somewhat closer to humanity.

His only way of keeping himself human was the alcohol, the false promises and the nights he spent alone at his apartment with a whiskey bottle in hand, and a gun in the other. Some days he just stared at it, other days he played a few rounds of Russian roulette.

It was actually a miracle that he never won.

He supposed it was whatever higher power’s way of getting him back to Beacon Hills the moment he overworked himself too hard and got a broken arm and ankle to prove it.

So his handler sent him home for a ‘much needed vacation’.

Stiles scoffed in her face, but complied anyway.

It was time to face the music, and he was pretty sure the music was too loud.

The ride was long and the driver was silent. Stiles was bored, his overly active brain began to think too much, and with him that wasn’t exactly the best way to spend a few hours without anything to distract him. He distracted himself with his phone for the first half of the trip, but he ran his phone battery down to the last percent, so he was left with his thoughts and a really talkative driver.

He stared out the window and decided to slip into a state of numbness.

Though, he didn’t really think he decided on it, it just happened.

It was better than the alternative.

He only came back to reality the moment they passed the ‘Welcome to Beacon Hills’ sign. Stiles’ nerves began to rise and he actually laughed at the fact. A damn assassin got nervous when visiting his home town.

Go figure.

The driver didn’t even ask where Stiles wanted to go, he just pulled out outside Stiles’ father’s house and said nothing when Stiles asked to go somewhere else. The man wouldn’t leave, so Stiles was forced to get out. When the driver immediately left the street after Stiles collected his bags, Stiles was about to follow on foot, but something drew him back.

Without realising it, Stiles was at the front door, hand in a fist ready to knock. He pulled his hand back, hesitating. He turned back around, ready to leave when the door opened. Stiles froze, his arm that was in a sling tense, and his body wavering slightly at the unbalanced nature of the boot on his foot.

“Can I help you?” The sound of his father’s voice flipped a switch and Stiles turned around slowly.

“I was...I was about to leave.” Stiles said, his voice shaky as he did so. His father seemed to be in shock and he fell to the ground, not with a thud, but with his hand still grasped on the door handle, his legs just seemed to buckle from under him. “Should I leave?”

“No! God No!” Noah exclaimed. He reclaimed his voice and his motor control, and he stood. He wasted no time in bringing Stiles in for a bone crushing hug, that Stiles welcomed regardless of his intentions.

He missed his father.

God, he missed his father.

He didn’t realise it, but five years had passed without contact, and Stiles had never really been that far apart from his father for that long.

“I-I missed you.” Stiles admitted.

“I missed you too, son. I didn’t even know what happened to you!” Noah pulled back and faced his son. “What the hell happened to you? Where were you? Where did you go?” Stiles bit his lip and looked down.

“I can’t say.”

“Why not?” Noah frowned.

“It-It’s classified.” Stiles told him.

In that instant, Noah knew everything. Stiles hadn’t told him a word, but Noah, as the military man he was and having dealt with the police for half his life, knew the kinds of mission that required the answer to enquiries be ‘classified’. He knew the type of things that Stiles would have had to do in a single instant because of a single word, and with that realisation, Stiles collapsed into his father’s arms, exhaustion creeping in.

“I’m tired.” Stiles said. “I think I want to sleep for a while...I haven’t slept for...I don’t know.” Stiles chuckled humourlessly.

“Of course, son.” Noah said softly. Noah grabbed Stiles’ bags and helped his son into the living room and onto the couch, where Stiles settled quickly.

As soon as his head touched the cushion at the end of the couch, Stiles felt the darkness creeping at the edge of his vision, and he welcomed it.

During his sleep, Noah had put a blanket over Stiles as he simply sat next to his son. His son who he couldn’t even believe was next to him.

When Stiles woke up, Noah was in the kitchen.

Stiles was grateful that his father pretended not be bothered by the nightmares.

Noah was worried, but glad that the one thing he loved more than anything in the world was back by his side.

Noah didn’t even have to say a thing and Stiles never had to announce his arrival for the Pack to know he was there. They showed up the next morning, Scott, Malia and Lydia, all asking to see him. Stiles was in the living room, listening, and simply marvelling at the fact that the pack bonds were apparently still strong enough to sense a member of the Pack returning five years later.

Noah let them in and they faced Stiles for the first time in five years.

He didn’t look the same. He was bulkier and scruffier, a little rough around the edges and beaten up physically and mentally.

Scott, Malia and Lydia all looked older. It wasn’t just the wedding rings on Scott and Malia’s fingers that said that, but it was the lines that never used to be there, the subtle changes, the scars.

Lydia looked as exhausted as Stiles, while Scott and Malia looked...content.

Stiles didn’t even pretend that he didn’t notice Lydia’s pained expression when she got closer to him, and it wasn’t because he smelt.

She sensed it all.

He couldn’t hide it from them.

It happened before he could register it. Lydia put her hand on his and immediately her eyes rolled back into her head, her body slumping backwards.

Scott and Malia supported her quickly as they slowly moved her onto the floor.

Lydia, however, was suffering. What she saw...she had never seen that, never felt it with anyone else.

The images that flashed through her head were horrifying, the pleading eyes, the malicious smiles and the glint of a gun. The sound of a gunshot echoed through her head, and then another followed. Soon a deafening, layered sound of hundreds of gunshots caused her to whimper.

“Please! Not me! Please!”

“I’m not the guy you want! It’s him! Kill him! Not me!”

“How about both?”

Lydia gasped and her eyes fluttered open. Scott and Malia were standing over her with worried expressions, while Stiles was staring at her with an ashamed look In his eyes, but the coldness in his expression was clear as day. She gasped and sat up, but before she could get a word out, she let out an involuntary scream that shook the house and had everyone in it cowering on the floor in pain.

When she finished, she watched Stiles slowly pick himself up off the floor and sit back on the couch.

“Why?” She breathed out the question. Scott and Malia gave her questioning looks while Stiles looked to the floor before looking back at her, the shame in his eyes replaced by a determined stare that seemed simultaneously practiced and natural.

“It pays well.” He told her honestly.

Scott looked between them and the exchange. He tried to think of what Lydia saw to get that reaction from Stiles, and every thought he came to was horrible. He didn’t know, didn’t think he wanted to know, but he needed to know.

“What are you talking about?” Scott asked. Malia put her hand on his as if she had already figured it out.

“Old habits die hard.” Stiles told him. “I guess my hands are a little bloodier than the last time you saw me.”

“Stiles-” Scott cut himself off and let out a long breath.

“I guess the Nogitsune was right, you know? Theo too, I guess.” He laughed but the undertone was dark and full of trauma that Scott didn’t even realise Stiles could posses.

“You don’t have to do this.” Scott almost pleaded, having put two and two together.

“Yeah, Scotty, I do.” Stiles barked a laugh and shook his head. “It’s my job.”

The cold look in his eyes was not something Scott would ever forget.

Lydia would always remember those faces, their voices and the images of their heads being pierced by a bullet flying at high speed from a gun in Stiles’ hands.

Stiles? Well, Stiles continued his life, his job, his routine.

Like clockwork.

#teen wolf #teen wolf fanfic #stiles stilinski #Scott mccall #malia tate #noah stilinski #American assassin au #american assassin inspired #teen wolf American assassin #Assassin!Stiles Stilinski #Assassin Stiles Stilinski

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loftec · 5 years

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I was really hoping to update NTW this weekend, but it’s looking less and less likely... so, here’s something else.

I found an alternate season 6/7 thing I started outlining when that whole mess went down, like just ideas for how Ian’s storyline could have worked out after season 5 (I would have included the other characters too, but honestly I don’t know what they’ve been up to since I stopped watching. Fiona bought a building. For some reason. I don’t want to know.).

So I’ve added some stuff for season 8 and 9, and since I’m probably never going to write it I thought I’d just share it for laughs.

May the 4th be with you!

Alt Shameless after season 5

Ian is on his meds and since he broke up with Mickey because he thought he’d be better off alone, he doesn’t go looking for new boyfriends.

He sleeps around a lot though.

He doesn’t have a lot of storyline, because he’s mostly clammed up and moping around, and his family keep assuming that it’s because of his meds.

Maybe four episodes in, something happens at work that makes Ian seek out an LGBT+ group, where he meets Trevor at a charity event. They work together all day and really hit it off, they have some similar interests (interests!), and they end up talking about a lot of things (things!). At the end of the day, Trevor asks him out, and Ian says yes before he’s remembered that he doesn’t do that stuff.

He’s nervous about the date and drinks a couple of beers before Trevor even shows up, he gets piss drunk and wakes up the next day in a strange room.

It’s Trevor’s bedroom, and Trevor comes in with coffee, telling him that Ian was pretty much drunk when he showed up and barely able to stand on his own two legs by the time they left. He doesn’t know where he lives, so he took him home for the night.

Ian tells him about being on meds, and that’s why he got so drunk so fast.

Trevor thinks he could have just told him, and Ian says his mental illness pretty much was the reason his old relationship didn’t work out.

Trevor asks if it was Mickey. Ian wonders what Trevor knows about it.

“You may have mentioned him last night.”

Ian says yeah, and is quick to correct him when Trevor assumes that it was Mickey who left.

“I broke up with him, thought it was the best for the both of us at the time… also don’t think I expected it to last. We usually find our way back.”

“But not this time?”

“He’s in prison. Fifteen years.”

It’s the first time he says it out loud.

Trevor says he’s not interested in starting a relationship with someone who’s clearly still in love with their ex (and Ian kinda smiles, because it’s true and it’s so nice that someone else can see it and accept it and take it seriously). But, he says, you do look like you could use a friend, and not to brag, but I make an excellent friend. He does the cheesy handshake, re-introduction thing (where we find out his last name!) and they agree to be friends.

(Turns out Trevor is estranged from his family, and after maybe a shaky start, he finds a natural spot in the Gallagher clan and becomes part of some of the other plot points throughout the season.)

Ian’s storylines can be about his work, and about stuff happening at the LGBT+ youth center, and they get into hijinks, but nothing super serious (or illegal!!).

Ian at some point has a big moment with Yevgeny, where he comes to terms with no longer being a parent, and maybe even thinking that it’s for the best. (Svetlana and her thrupple storyline can basically be the same, but end differently. With the three of them happy and together, and Yevgeny thinking of Kev as his dad. It’s not ideal, but neither is Yev being sad about his dad being in prison.) Maybe Ian talks to Svetlana about Mickey, maybe finding out for the first time that they aren’t married anymore. We don’t find out what Ian thinks or feels about this.

Throughout the second half of the season. Whenever the Gallaghers gather and Ian isn’t there, they wonder where he is and try to reach him, letting it go when he doesn’t answer.

But after it happens too many times to be a coincidence, they start wondering. Maybe Lip and Fiona talk about it, worrying about Ian having a low, or a high, but not knowing if they should intervene.

Lip talks to Trevor, and tells him more about Ian’s bipolar. Trevor denies having noticed anything going on, and maybe even questions if Lip has any right telling him Ian’s personal stuff.

(Also, I think it would be really nice for Trevor to have a romantic/sexy storyline... so I wouldn’t mind Trevor and Ian starting a friends with benefits relationship, deciding on the terms of it before they start it. Or, Trevor starts a relationship with someone else. Depends on how much drama one wants. Trevor could develop unrequited feelings. If one wants. But personally I think it would be more fun for everyone involved if he was allowed to fall in love with someone else.)

Last episode of the season, they’ve had some big plot point resolved by the Gallaghers getting together and working it out as a goddamned team, and they’re all sitting on the porch steps when a police car stops outside their house.

The officer tells them that Ian is on record as having visited Mickey in prison, and Lip is like, yeah, maybe a couple of times a year ago, what’s that got to do with anything? And the officer says, no, he’s visited once a week for the past six months. And Mickey has escaped. And they have a warrant to search their house.

The Gallaghers sit packed together on the couch watching the news as the officers search through the house, and on the TV we get the whole scoop. There has been a massive prison break and like 40 highly dangerous inmates have escaped, Mickey amongst them.

BOOM. Credits.

Season seven.

Throughout the season, we get like comedic side story lines about the police and the escaped inmates basically roaming the streets. Potentially outrageous and lots of opportunity to oscillate between slapstick comedy and high-stakes drama.

Ian waits for Mickey to contact him, but it doesn’t happen until maybe a couple of episodes in. TENSION.

Ian has other storylines through the season, but mainly it ends up being his secret rendezvous (plural, frequent, in-depth, sexy) with Mickey where they get to spend time together, talk. Bonus if they try to “be friends” for a while, because they don’t talk about the important stuff and they don’t know where they have each other, and they don’t know what’s going to happen. It doesn’t last long, culminating in an explosively passionate love scene.

At some point, Ian is approached by an FBI agent, telling him they have a deal for Mickey if he turns himself in and gives them info on the other escapees. Ian says he’s not in contact with Mickey and even if he was, Mickey would never snitch.

Later on, he talks to Mickey about their future. Mickey explains that the gang he joined in prison are escaping across the border to Mexico, and he has to go with them. Ian says he’ll come with Mickey, but Mickey is firmly against it.

He wants Ian to come with him, of course, but he doesn’t want that life for Ian. No security, a life of crime, on the lam. He kind of gets why Ian broke up with him, now, if this is anything like what he felt at the time, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ian pleads with him, telling him that breaking up is something he’s only ever regretted since he did it.

Yeah, but what other choice have we got?

Ian tells him about the deal, and takes out two gold bands he’s bought from a pawnshop. If they get married, they can be put in the witness protection program together, and start over.

Mickey agrees, to Ian’s great surprise, and they end the season being shipped off to an unknown location as the busload of prisoners get apprehended on the way to Mexico (cartoonish, but with a little bit of work and research, maybe could be an acceptably goofy and almost realistic plot point).

(For Drama, Mickey could be with the prisoners when they’re apprehended, and he’s shot dead by the police. Cut to Ian being in the ambulance that picks him up, and Mickey is still sitting in his body bag, all bloodied, as they suck face and the FBI drive them to their new location.)

Season 8

Ian and Mickey try to start a new life and it turns completely ridiculous (like, imagine a mix between IASIP where Mac and Dennis are in the house with the Mac & Cheese mixed with like, Suburgatory, or Weeds, or whatever. Two gay South Side kids suddenly trying to make a life for themselves in some middle class suburb somewhere, and they hate it and it all goes to shit. But they love each other and get each other through it.)

The hardship they face in their new life doesn’t come from them, (it’s from situations and circumstance, and other people being impossible) and every time something happens it only leads them to break down another barrier by eventually talking about their feelings and hopes for the future, and thoughts about the past. And I want them specifically to talk about Yevgeny, how hard it was for Mickey to feel anything good about him at first, but now he misses him like he’s missing a limb. Them trying to be a wholesome couple in a suburb somewhere is an unmitigated disaster, but it does help them get a lot closer to each other and work through their problems, and their past.

And then through some Shameless™ retcon, something suddenly makes it possible for them to return back home. Or maybe they’re just like, fuck this, is there anyone stopping us from just grabbing our shit and going home?? No. So they do.

Yevgeny is part of the reason why they return. They move in to the apartment above the Alibi at first, and Mickey can work with Svetlana in the bar and cook up semi-illegal side-hustles with Kev.

Everybody they know are on their side, denying everything in true South Side style if anyone asks about them, once again solidifying the core concept of the show; we take care of family.

The whole thing where they’re possibly in danger from the Mexican cartel looking to exact revenge for Mickey snitching (if they ever find out that he’s alive) could be played for laughs and brushed off, until it might come back and create more Drama in a later season, if needed, before being permanently resolved.

Characters thinking they’re invincible and being stupid about stuff like this is fine, I think, if they do it for a good reason.

#shameless us #ian x mickey #alternative season six seven eight and nine thoughts

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angrypixie-sarisa · 5 years

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The tapestry

Piedras Rodantes Pt.7

Okay, so, I wanted to write another fanfic and since nobody pays attention to me on tumblr, the situation it’s just perfect, It’s a Supernatural fic. Now here’s the deal. It’s a polyamorous situation. I know, shush.

Sam x Mexican!Fem!Witch!reader x Dean

Warnings: Throughout the fic there are gonna be lines in Spanish. Nothing to fancy for google traductor, i hope. “Suggestions” of spanish songs i love. Swearing in both spanish and english. And the usual, mentions of blood, violence, smut and other varieties. It’s supernatural, really we don’t expect something else. Spoilers?(if you haven’t watch spn of course, or if you are just getting started with it) Also, SLOWBURN. Also, some chapters are short, some are long, depends on my mood.

Descriptionof the whole fic in general: So, remember when Sam took a break of hunting because he thought he was a danger for everyone? Season 5, i think? That’s where the fic starts. Reader and Sam met at the bar where he worked at, developed a friendship and a crush on one and the other. Then Sam has to leave because of all the shit that goes down throghout the season and the horseman and the fight between the archangels. But promises the reader that somehow, he’ll come back. Then, he goes to hell. That’s when reader meets Dean. And yeah, things aren’t as smooth with them in the begining. Reader befriends Lisa and Ben first, which raises Dean’s suspicions. He just wants to keep them save and all. After some stuff they become friends and the Sam comes back. So yeah…

What to do when feeling down

Things to do to cheer up

How to deal with a bad day

Good movies

Why?????????????

That was what your google research looked like. It had only been two days and you were nowhere near to carry on with your day. This usually didn’t happen to you. Normally you would see the signs and you’d end things before it got worse. But something about Sam just told you to keep going and you never feared where things were headed until it dawn to you. Well, shit. I’m a witch and he’s hunter. What could possibly go wrong? It’s not like you were in a coven or something like that. You weren’t satanic. You never even listened to the taunts of demons. You weren’t even sure if you were a witch. You only were certain that normal you were not. You had powers and gifts and your intuition was better than the others. Yet, these things had always been a part of you. And you knew your family well; they would’ve never dare to give in to the bullshit pact of a demon. Please, your mom would’ve even scolded the demon or threatened it with the, oh, so powerful chancla. Your dad didn’t believe in these things and your grandma always carried her Rosario with her.

Throughout the years, witch always felt the right word to describe you. Nobody had a bad reaction to it in México, so why was it that in the US everyone was ready to burn you alive?

You sighed and shrugged. There was only one thing you hadn’t tried yet. Well, two. And those were getting chocolate ice cream and painting.

Yes, you liked to paint and draw. You liked art in all its glorified representations and interpretations. You took out your supplies, a big white sheet you always intended on converting it in something else, all kinds of color acrylic paintings, a spoon and the ice cream. Brushes? What were those? You needn’t such things when you had fingers, the best brushes of the world.

You looked at your tin can filled with old and new brushes of all kinds. You stared and stared, as if the can itself had eyes and it was contesting against you.

“Fine, I’m sorry. I do love you guys, I just want to paint with my fingers today.” And it seemed that they understood. They always did.

It did the trick, you blasted some music, ate ice cream from the container (staining the spoon just a smidge) and painted the sheet. You had not and specific image. You just ran your fingers through it with blue and then orange and then pink and then green; making a whole beautiful mess of it.

You were almost finished with it when a loud banging at the door disturbed you from your artsy mood.

“Hijo de su pinche madre. ¿Quién toca tan pinche feo?” You whispered out loud. You got up from the floor, pausing the music, and cautiously approached your front door. You looked through the window and saw a far too familiar tall figure standing in front of your door. His eyes caught you staring and he sheepishly waved his hand hi. You rolled your eyes.

As you opened your door, you leant on the door frame, not inviting him to come inside and not telling him to go away either.

“You owe my door an apology.” Sam knitted his eyebrows together and scoffed a laugh.

You raised your eyebrows and your chin. You pursed your lips and stared him down.

“Seriously, you want me to apologize to a door?” You nodded, he sighed.

“I’m sorry, dear Door, it wasn’t intentional. I will never do it again or to any of your door friends.” He looked at you, waiting for your approval. Trying to hide your smile, you bit your lip and only nodded once.

Sam took in the sight of you. Your hair was braided and away from your face. Your yaw had a little bit of blue paint. Your hands were a mess, all the colors seemed to merge in them, frankly it seemed as if that was your actual skin color, spots of pink and red and blue and orange and purple… It felt right, for some reason. You were wearing your “to paint” t-shirt; an oversized white old t-shirt which had hints of your many years painting.

His eyes, then, landed in your bare legs. And he knew, you were only wearing the t-shirt.

Sam cleared his throat and forced his eyes to go back to yours. You weren’t glaring anymore, you would’ve been, but it wasn’t the first time you had caught him looking.

“Hey.” He said softly.

“Hey.” Your eyes followed his hand as he scratched the back of his neck. He’s nervous.

“Can I… May I come in?” You took a deep breath.

“Are you going to capture me and burn me alive?” He shook his head.

“No. I… I want to talk.”

“Did you bring something?” Sam laughed as your eyes traveled towards the brown bag behind him.

“Ice cream, chocolate and red wine, the cheapest red wine.” “As it should be”, he heard you whisper. It was then when the sound of your laugh filled his ears, he had missed it. You took a step inside and opened your arms wide.

“Come in.”

“So…” You said as you took two spoons out of the drawer. You opened the ice cream, but saved the wine for later. If Sam started asking questions, you might need it.

“I… I have questions.” He said. Oh boy, no. You sighed and opened the bottle.

“I figured. Shoot.” You poured yourself some wine and asked him if he wanted. He shook his head.

“Well, for how long?”

“Long as I can remember.” You took a sip and glued your eyes to the table.

“Well, what exactly can you do? Maybe you’re cursed or something similar. You don’t have to be a witch.” You silently laughed.

“Maybe you’re right but Sam you have to understand that I haven’t met someone, something or a whole definition for what I do.”

“Maybe I can help you with that.” He was wearing his worried face, with those puppy eyes looking at you. He wanted to help and correct the situation between you.

“Yeah, we’ll see.” You exhaled dramatically and brushed your hair with your fingers.

“Let’s start big, am, I can teleport, I see the future, I can sense people’s auras and sometimes even read their minds, although the last one’s rare. It only happens when the emotions of the person are very strong.” You looked at him through your glass of wine as you took another sip. He nodded for you to continue.

“I excel at divination, I can talk to animals but it’s the same situation as reading minds. I can heal myself and others in different levels…” Flashbacks started to flood Sam’s head. There was one time where he was preparing a coctel and as he was cutting the lime he had cut his finger. It wasn’t something big. You had already spent some time together and when he went back to talk to you at your place in the bar, you had indeed brushed your fingers lightly to the tips of his. By the time he saw his finger the cut was tinier than a papercut. Of course, when he questioned it out loud, you suggested it been the lime juice, you claimed it had scaring properties.

“You mentioned teleporting.” Sam started. You stopped talking and nodded, emptying the last of your wine in your mouth.

“How can you exactly teleport?”

“Not like demons. I can’t just banish in midair and reappear where I’d like.”

“Then how?” You gave him a small smile. You stood up and as easily as before the whole mess, took his hand in yours. As if it were the first time, he blushed intensely. It surprised him how used to your touch he was and how with only two days of not being around you it felt weird not to hold your hand in his.

You conducted him to the nearest closed door, that been the one of your supplies closet. You opened the door and showed him, well, your closet.

“What am I supposed to see?”

“Ordinary, isn’t it?” He rolled his eyes, but nodded. You closed the door again and when your hand went to touch the handle again, he thought he had seen it shine orange as the sunset. When you opened the door the sight in front of him was different.

It was a sunset in front of his eyes, a beach and a calm waving ocean; so near and real. He had never gone to the beach, ever. In the hunter life there wasn’t much space for vacations, let alone a vacation in a tropical destination.

“What? Is this real?” Sam turned to look at you. A warm feeling spread across your chest. Oh, his stupid face, so adorable and lighted and full of surprise and wonder.

“You want to go? The portal won’t close unless I close it. So we can walk in the beach if we want to.” He scoffed and started taking off his shoes and socks. You did the same.

“How does this work?”

“Well, there’s like a veil between the places. The veil helps the people or animals at the other side not see our side of the portal. They only see what they should be seeing.”

“So, we just have to step through the veil?” You nodded.

Sam took your hand in his. Your heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t often that he took the initiative, however through the past weeks; he seemed as if he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. It was always the small of your back, your elbow, knee, head, shoulder or back of your neck that was in touch of his palm. But when it came to holding hands, you were the one that usually started it.

“Ready?” You asked him. He didn’t answer. He just walked ahead of you, for the doorway wasn’t big enough.

You were already used to it. Being in one place and then being in another. The change of scenery didn’t affect you. Then, you looked at Sam, his eyes were closed. He was walking then stood still as he took in the feeling of soft sand beneath his feet.

He exhaled a shocked breath.

You giggled and contemplated the idea of kissing his cheek, his cheek or lips. A sad smile was drawn in your face. Even after all of this, you might still end up without him.

You gulped the knot in your throat, so your voice will sound smooth again.

“Open your eyes, Sammy.”

He did. If you thought his last expression was priceless, then the one in front of your eyes made the aching in your chest grew bigger. The sort of ache you have when you see something so beautiful it hurts. The sort of ache that you had both experienced at the sight of each other under the orange, golden light of the sunset.

He felt his hand leave yours as his arm slowly snaked his way around your waist. He drew you closer to him, chests pressed together. With his other hand, he cupped your face. You debated yourself whether you wanted to close your eyes or stare into his. Your hands placed themselves on his shoulders, but when he hugged you closer you clasped them at the back of his neck.

“I don’t know what you are Y/N and I don’t care anymore.” Sam whispered. He dipped his head more until you noses touched.

“I could be many things, corazón. But I know evil I am not.” He loved it when you called him that. That little pet name you had for him.

“Y/N, I really want to kiss you, so you better not tease me again.” You giggled and he closed the distance between you.

You both sighed in content. You had waited so long for this kiss. Such a tender yet desperate kiss. A kiss that could last forever and yet slip away. Like time or ether, touch or heartbeats. You both wanted it to last forever, if only your breaths had the same will as your lips.

When your lungs cried for air, you separated and stayed closed. Contradictory but existing.

“How was that tease, pretty boy?”

“You call that teasing?” In his eyes there was a promise, he’ll show you what it truly was teasing.

#sam winchester #sam x reader #dean winchester #dean x reader #supernatural #supernatural fanfiction #supernatural imagine #supernatural x reader #fluff #angst #smut #piedras rodantes

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thesportssoundoff · 5 years

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“No but seriously, he has one eye” The Brawl For All Combatants Ordered Out!

So a few weeks ago, I presented you with a beginning outline of what I'm aiming to do here. A chance to take a long look at the Brawl For All; a concept so insiduous that I imagine even Vince McMahon has aimed to bury it in the deepest recesses of his mind. The first time out we looked at its genesis, the concepts and the back stories beyond the concepts:

http://thesportssoundoff.tumblr.com/post/183395306465/what-happens-when-you-take-a-bad-idea-and-make-it

NOW let's take a long look at who participated, who didn't participate and the fallacy behind the entire project IF rumors are to be believed.

A Hot Take To Lead Us Off

This is something I long theorized but a long look at the people involved in the Brawl For All confirmed it for me. So by and large, the Brawl For All was a stupid dumb concept. Agreed, right? Well what if it could've worked elsewhere? Now again the rules are dumb, the genesis behind it was dumb, everything about it from stem to stern is full of stupidity. Allow me to argue that it COULD have worked; just not in the WWF. When you see the roster the WWF was working with here, it's not going to blow you away on paper and we obviously have a mighty fine idea of how the execution went. What about a different Brawl For All roster? Saaay (in 1998 when this happened):

Rick or Scott Steiner- Decorated All American wrestlers for the University of Michigan Scott Norton- Legitimate tough guy bad ass professional arm wrestler, former bodyguard of Prince Jerry Flynn- Taekwando practitioner, former mixed martial artist Earnest Miller- Three time karate champion Glacier- Professional karate man dude prior to pro wrestling Brian Knobbs/Jerry Saggs- The JBL's of WCW in more ways than one seemingly Meng- All time legendary tough guy and bar room savage Barbarian- Genuine tough guy El Dandy- Jam Up Guy Serious Professional All Around Good Man

Plus the other litany of guys who were noted shooters or tough guys on the undercard. Let's also be fair and note that the South was a touch more receptive to the UFC at this point in time than say the East Coast as well. Perhaps it could've worked with a better roster and perhaps WCW, with its glut of shooters and tough guys respected in the industry, would've been better suited for a Brawl For All.

Or maybe it's just a stupid fucking idea with no merit. That too.

So who DIDN'T participate?

Well let's start with the very beginning and work our way back. Let's talk about some of the guys who just opted NOT to participate. For starters, the big stars were obviously not going to partake in this. Right off the jump you have to assume Undertaker, Austin, DX, The Rock, Kane, Mankind, Vader and the like are not going to be participating. This was about giving a bunch of guys they kind of didn't give a shit about something to do so that meant no sacrificing top stars. It was filler programming and obviously everybody doing important shit was busy doing important shit. Also of note was that the WWF did not want originally the likes of Dan Severn, Steve Blackman and Ken Shamrock in it. Ken apparently wasn't interested and made the argument that it didn't benefit him given the fact that he was a genuine UFC star still to take a pit stop in pro wrestling. At the same time, Dan Severn was asked not to participate at first and then had to be coerced into taking a spot when injuries happened. The same goes for Steve Blackman who was signed up after a few drop outs occurred, primarily due to the promise of Blackman being allowed to throw kicks in the tournament. The dropouts are hard to pinpoint but Tiger Ali Singh is one of the more notorious ones per Bob Holly. I've also read around that Ahmed Johnson was at one point supposed to be in it but I've never been able to confirm that (or remember the shoot interview that it was mentioned in). The point is that on its face, the Brawl For All was going to be a shoot fighting tournament without the two genuine proven shoot fighters in case you're curious about the true idea behind it.

Also as an MMA fan, I can't help but notice the # of "I was a last minute addition" stories these guys have. Lord knows that has to be a common thing said by guys like Sean Shelby and Mick Maynerd to get some of these fights done. I'd imagine that "We need a guy and you're going to help us out!" sweet talk happens to this day. My immediate thought is that they were either a) having a tough time filling spots in the Brawl For All and started telling people they were in need of last minute additions or b) most of these guys regret doing it and figure saying they were last minute replacements helps take the edge off.

So who WAS in?

We got sixteen names so buckle up and pour a drink or two.

8-Ball- Ron Harris aka 1/2 of The Blu Brothers aka Vince Russo's Creative Control. Vince Russo has never been a master of subtlety and so I suppose it's no surprise that one of his top angles was "Gang Warz" pitting an all white stable (The DOA) vs an all Puerto Rican tag team (Los Boricuas) vs a mostly all black tag team (the Nation Of Domination). Needless to say, Vince Russo makes it hard to defend him sometimes. To my knowledge neither Ron nor brother Don have any sort of proven fighting experience and the less said about them (and their tattoos), the better off we'll be. Ron (and Don) were rumored to have threatened Shawn Michaels on their last night in the WWF in the 90s, a rumor that seems to be corroborated by at least a few folks.

Steve Blackman- Most of the dudes who talk about the Brawl For All admit that this guy probably wins it all things being equal. Blackman had a legit karate background with some muay thai and amateur wrestling mixed in. Besides Blackman somehow overcame being bedridden for two years with malaria to become a legitimate pro wrestler so needless to say if it's a "Who wants it more?" shoot type deal, he's going to cover the grit and grind department well. Blackman is also rumored to have once taken down The Big Show and held him down until Show begged him to let him up which is akin to Bob Backlund apparently getting the Iron Sheik down and sitting on him until he either lost interest or was asked to let him up. Steve Blackman is by all intents and purposes a badass.

Bradshaw- Apparently the inspiration behind this atrocity depending upon who you ask. Bradshaw's reputation is marred now with incidents of bullying (real or fabricated), pro wrasslin' racism (goosestepping in Germany to get heat, some other old school heel shenanigans) and borderline dangerous behavior like blindsiding the Blue Meanie and beating the shit out of him when Meanie thought it was a working brawl. At this point though, none of that is really widespread and Bradshaw is just a fake Stan Hansen who looks tough and stiffs the hell out of people. He's about to eventually turn into a mute member of the Undertaker's industry before he comes a heel mercenary for hire before they turn into FUN beer drinking cigar smoking mercenaries for hire before turning into a Wall Street rich Texan chasing Mexicans "at the border" to get heat for a feud with Eddie Guerrero. I suppose you cant say Bradshaw didn't earn it at least.

Brakkus- Wooof. Brakkus was a massive German bodybuilder who apparently didn't quite understand that the Brawl For All wasn't worked. The WWF had big plans for Brakkus (if they send you to Memphis to work for Lawler in the USWA, it probably means they had a long term vision for him) but he sucked and no matter where they sent him, he continued to suck. He was bad in Memphis, was bad in ECW and ultimately this feels like an attempt to just do something with him. Again though, how good you are as a pro wrestler doesn't matter in the Brawl For All. It was about legit fighting----and Brakkus apparently according to Savio Vega had no idea he was in a real fight. Keep that in mind.

Mark Canterbury- I have NO idea why Henry O. Godwinn is listed on wikipedia by his real name but fuck it, here he is! So full blindspot up front, I LOVED Henry O' Godwinn as a kid. He carried around a slop bucket, poured what looked like puke on people, wrestled in overalls which helped him stand out and it sort of gets lost in the fact that he was given a dumb gimmick (In the mid 90s, it felt like the WWE was acknowledging how big of a slide it was in because every human being had a side hustle) that Godwinn could absolutely work. Here's Godwinn vs Bret Hart in a killer match btw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9vihPkNmLM. This was before Vince Russo and company turned them from a fun midcard act into a gross-ish play on Vince McMahon's distaste for southerners. Oh and also! Henry Godwin PROBABLY is doing this with a still kinda broken neck. He broke it in 1997, was told to take three months or more off (Godwinn gives numbers ranging from ten weeks to sixteen weeks) and he just showed back up in less than two months to work through it. Keep that in mind.

Droz- A tragic story all in all which we'll get to eventually. Droz at this point is basically coming out of a dead angle with the LOD where he was written in storyline to be feeding drugs (and whatever else) to Road Warrior Hawk in an attempt to take his place in the Legion Of Doom. If it sounds awful it's because it was and while MAYBE a good writer can make that work, we're talking about the WWF in 1998 trying to soap opera a drug pusher/drug abuse victim angle. It ultimately ended with Droz shoving Road Warrior Hawk off the titantron while Hawk was attempting to commit suicide. Again, it's as bad as you'd believe. Droz had a college football background but that's about it unless I missed some boxing or kickboxing background.

The Godfather- By all accounts the Godfather is a badass. He was hip to MMA before the UFC really caught on, was a freakishly devoted bodybuilder and he just looks like the sort of guy who would take very little shit from anybody. The Godfather is about to become THE Godfather as he's transitioning from Kama Mustafa and the Nation Of Domination's actually good muscle enforcer (Mark Henry is bad around this time and would continue to be such until about 2009 or so) but at this point I'd imagine the writing is on the wall for most of the NOD guys that the Rock is about to leave them in the dust and this group is going to theoretically die a death. The Godfather is about to take a seriously big turn but FIRST, the Brawl For All!

Bart Gunn- At this point, Bart Gunn is doing nothing. Basically nothing. One could even say less than nothing. Bart Gunn is in The New Midnight Express, an angle that Vince Russo has claimed was apparently a way to shut up Jim Cornette and prove to him that old style wrestling couldn't work in 1998. Bart Gunn was apart of the Smoking Gunns and according to him, he had toughman contest experience. Apparently Bart Gunn got brought into the Brawl For All because Kevin Kelly had seen him wear out big guys in Tampa and per Billy Gunn, Bart was the sort of dude who could wipe out a bar room full of people if need be. That said it's not like Bart had any boxing experience or what have you.

Hawk- Another noted tough dude and one of pro wrestling's weirdest mysteries. Every old school dude be it Kevin Sullivan, Jim Cornette or Paul Heyman raves about Hawk as a talent and claims he could've been a major marquee attraction as a singles wrestler. Kevin Sullivan in particular claims that had he had the opportunity to work with Hawk and freshen him up as a singles wrestler, he could've been an Undertaker-esque attraction who drew money across multiple character iterations. Hawk is coming off his personal demons storyline which I mentioned before that sucked. At this point, he and Animal have broken down and are in serious need of repairs from a physical and character standpoint.

Bob Holly- Bradshaw and Bob Holly in the same tournament and somehow they didn't face off? In 2019, I imagine people would be rooting for a double KO (although Bob's image has softened with fans since leaving the WWE) but at this point Bob Holly is just trying to figure shit out in his career. He's teaming with Bart Gunn in the New Midnight Express after sputtering out (HA HA) as a race car driver. Bob Holly is another dude who by in large is just known as a tough guy with a bit of a bully streak tendency behind that reputation. Owner of the wrestling world famous "YOU GOT TWENTY FOUR HOURS TO LEARN HOW TO FIGHT, BITCH!" threat to Rene Dupree before he kicked the shit out of him over parking tickets.

Marc Mero- The story of Marc Mero is a rough one with a happy ending. Marc Mero was really over in WCW as Johnny B. Badd, a Little Richard knock off with a Badd Blaster that shot confetti. Johnny B. Badd was so over that Vince paid him big money to be Johnny B. Badd----only for someone to smarten him up that Johnny B. Badd was a WCW trademark so he had paid for a guy who was trained from jump to do ONE role his whole career. Marc Mero was pretty over and underrated as a wrestler (I SWEAR BY THIS) before his knees gave in. Making matters worse for him was that his wife, Rena, was the women's face of the Attitude Era as Sable. According to Jim Cornette, Marc Mero was trying to be a good husband and help get his super over wife even MORE over---so he took a powerbomb from her on TV. Mero's future big money opponent was Stone Cold who happened to be watching the show at the time from home. Apparently Austin called up Vince McMahon and immediately asked who he would be working with on next week's Raw since he wasn't going to do any business with Mero after eating a powerbomb on TV from his wife. I don't know if this was before or after the Brawl For All though so take that for what it's worth. Either way, Mero is doing a boxing gimmick now (he is apparently a reputable legit golden gloves champion) and so it makes sense he'd be in the Brawl For All.

Pierre- This is a real shootfight tournament. Actual punches are being thrown and takedowns are implemented. This is, again, a legitimate shoot fight----and so of course one of the dudes involved in the shoot fight is missing an eye. Quebeccer Pierre/Pierre Carl Oulette/Jon Pierre Lefitte is missing an eye and was competing in a shoot tournament WITH one eye. We're not talking Michael Bisping fighting with a damaged eye for years on end, we're talking about an actual lack of an eye. This happened, people. We'll talk more about Pierre (and his amazing story in 2019) but right now in 1998, he's JAG who is bouncing between WCW and WWF looking for something to do. He's also at this point known as the guy who refused to put Kevin Nash over in 1995 despite Nash being the face of the company. PCO is the original Bret Hart, refusing to job in Canada.

Scorpio- I gotta admit I have no idea what Scorpio is doing here. I bet he doesn't know either if we're being truthful. Scorpio is one of those guys who was ahead of his time but seemed incapable of staying on the right path (whatever that means in wrestling) to get what he was due. He had come into the WWF in 1997 as Flash Funk and so I imagine Flash Funk was over and he's just killing time until the Job Squad angle. Scorpio is apparently a legit tough guy (or madman depending on who you ask) and held a 1-0 unofficial record over Hawk after he beat the shit out of him in WCW.

Dan Severn- Dan Severn was told he wouldn't even be allowed to participate and then was told the day OF the taping that he was needed to take a spot. Severn is not too far removed from being a UFC everything (champion, tournament winner etc etc) and so he's for the most part a prospective favorite. That's probably why he wasn't asked to compete at first I'd imagine since the plan was PERHAPS to get somebody else over. Another rumor is that Severn is such a boring plain dude with a boring plain style (Severn admits his plan was to never throw a punch and just grapple people) that if he had won, there would've been no payoff in it.

Savio Vega- I have NO idea if Savio Vegas has a professional sports background or what the deal was. Apparently Savio Vegas asked to be in it and was also the unofficial official matchmaker (he drew the names out of a hat) and he's Puerto Rican so he's got my rooting interest right away. I think Los Boricuas at this point were in full swing and Savio was obviously the head of said stable. Gang Warz was dumb as hell.

Steve Williams- And we reach the FINAL name. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. Steve Williams was a former football player at the University of Oklahoma and one of the more decorated wrestlers in Oklahoma history. He had carved out a niche in Japan by this point after establishing himself as a star in Mid South with the occasional stop off in the NWA/Jim Crockett Promotions/various regional feds and start ups. Williams didn't have any official fighting background but he was a crazy good wrestler and by all accounts a ridiculous bad ass. Jim Cornette tells stories of Dr. Death fighting fans and laying bodies to waste with little to no effort. He was also extremely popular with people in the WWF office, namely Jim Ross and Jim Cornette. Bruce Prichard doesn't QUITE say that the WWF thought Dr. Death would win the Brawl For All but he does a damn good enough impression of Jim Ross advocating for Steve Williams that I have to believe it. Vince Russo has spoken in the past about Steve Williams being Jim Ross' "boy" and how this was basically his way of seeing whether Jim Ross was right. Bob Holly has said that they were already doing vignettes with Barry Switzer and interviews as if Dr. Death won the Brawl For All. Dr. Death claims that the Triple H push of 1999 was the one Vince had promised him before the Brawl For All.

All of this brings me to my final point.....

Dr. Death was never going to be a big star in the WWF

I truly hate to speak ill of the dead and I'm trying hard no to either. Let's just speak from a more realistic pragmatic grounded stance. The kind of talent that was getting over in 1999 falls into three distinct categories. The first were talkers, guys and gals who could rap so to speak and had tremendous presence. Promo guys could carry the day and even IF you gave Dr. Death a Jim Ross to do the talking for him, let's not forget that by 1998 at this point in July there's basically just one manager actually doing anything as a talker and that's Paul Bearer. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams was not a talker and even if he was, he's certainly not the kind of talker who would fit in Vince McMahon's WWF. The second were guys who were big with "the look" according to Vince McMahon. Pull up a picture of every top star in 1998 for the WWF and then slide Dr. Death in there and ask if he fits the mold. He's unique for sure and there's the Mick Foley outlier----but imagine how long it took Mick Foley to be seen as legitimate by Vince McMahon. Even if Dr. Death is the definition of a Jim Ross style Hoss, he looks woefully out of date by 1998 standards. He in many ways, like a lot of guys who frequently toured Japan and basically were behind on the times, looked like he had been left in 1988. Lastly there were the gimmick guys; the Undertaker, Kane, The Rock, DX, Austin etc etc. Dr. Death's gimmick was that he was an ass kicker which is great but AGAIN we are to believe every human being in the WWF at this time is an ass kicker. Maybe Vince and company would've found a way to get something out of him but the chances are that Dr. Death would've never been a big star. Could he have feuded with Stone Cold? Surely! A big money draw? A multi million dollar hit? I just don't see it. Can't imagine it. Also let's be fair here, how toned down would his style have been for the WWF at the time as well? Is he going to suplex Steve Austin around after Stone Cold broke his neck? I'm not quite buying that either.

So there's your sixteen. You got a few amateur wrestlers ten years beyond their competitive days, a boxer or two, a toughman contest guy, a few dudes who dabbled in kickboxing and a man with legitimately one eye. You've got the guy who the company thinks SHOULD win it. So who won the fuckin' thing? How did they win it?

That's for next time.

#WWF #WWE #Brawl For All #Scorpio #Dr. Death #Steve Williams #Bart Gunn #Bob Holly

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howrv · 5 years

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Fargo's Museum Ranch: Chapter 4

Visually, the ranch was pristine but weathered, much like Fargo. They both have withstood storms, and it showed. The twisting winds are brutal coming off the nearby Chiricahua Mountains. At one moment you see a sand storm in the distance, swirling tornados, ejecting white plumes high in the air. Then in seconds, the swirl overtakes you. There is no light. It is like someone ripped the sun from the sky and you are being blasted and tossed by sand at 40 to 60 mph. You are blinded. Becky and I have experienced such a storm driving our bus on I-10 in the New Mexican desert. The most terrifying 30 seconds of my life.

But the Museum Ranch stands as it has for decades, everything in its place choreographed by a master set director. There are a dozen or so sheltered gathering spaces (sitting areas) around the ranch. Each unique and all displaying memorabilia and photos of movie stars with their arms draped on the shoulder of a younger Fargo. These gathering spots are in the corner of barns, under carriage sheds, by fire pits, attached to a hen house or upstairs over a storage shed. In each one, there are places and porches to sit and talk. Some have a few chairs and benches, while others have a few metal milk crates turned on end, or maybe a log for us to straddle. But most notably, in every space there was a single armed chair with a padded seat were Fargo would hold court to a captive audience of us.

There was always music playing in the background. Radio set to a Mexican station or a phonograph player softly emitting vocals of Patsy Cline, Hank Snow, Rex Allen, and Ernest Tubb. Signature cowboy songs. A perfect underscore to match our cinematic imaginations, while Fargo told stories of the old west.

While Becky and Fargo were chatting, I was admiring a Stetson hat and removed it from a hook on a post. Barton was quick to tell me that I should "replace it like I found it" because if it were 1/8 inch off, or rehung askew Fargo would notice.

Fargo and his ranch hands each had a few trucks. Quattro even had a Cadillac. But all vehicles were stashed behind a grove of mesquite or under the back side of a shed, not distracting from the perception that we were back in the late 1800's. An electric golf cart was the only hardware that belied the visual genera. Fargo needed it's assistance to get around and check on things. He would fatigue quickly and often pulled out an inhaler from his jeans to allay coughing and breathlessness. But at 89, he was still leaner and keener than most of our friends just reaching retirement age.

We climbed aboard the electric cart and set out to see the ranch. He rode us to where stagecoaches and chuck wagons were stored. The one carriage with a large frame, Jonny Cash liked best. Quartto pointed out the chuck wagon used by Lee Marvin and Brian Keith in The Quest and Monty Walsh. There was the stagecoach Maureen O'Hare while swishing her petticoats climbed in and rode off, in Big Jake. He pointed out items used in McClintock, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, wagons from the Little House pilot, saddles and spurs from Three Amigos and yokes and harnesses that accompanied the mule teams in Bonanza. Most, he said, he had sold or left back in Old Tuscon where we visited last year. But he still had an amazing collection of important antiquities from the silver screen.

He called our attention to an old blacksmith's anvil. "That thing weighs 350 pounds," he said with half grin half grimace. "You know how I know?" To which I gave a shrug. "Arnold Schwarzenegger picked the damn thing up and told me," Fargo grinned, adding emphasis by raising his eyebrows up and down three or four times making his hat bob on his head.

Homing pigeons moved in and out of their roosts. Fargo explained how intelligent they were and their dependable characteristics. He supplied Old Tuscon with birds for many movies. So if you are watching an old John Ford western and you see birds a flight, they were probably trained by our friend Fargo to fly on cue.

Once he was commissioned to provide deer for a scene of the animals running through prairie. The scene was to be shot from above from a helicopter. However, the producers were prohibited from herding or using live game in a shoot. So Ole' Fargo rigged antlers on his goats, placed them at one end of a canyon and put Barton at the other end of the canyon with the pappa goat to call the "deer herd." The helicopter lifted off and the scene was captured in one take.

We headed down a fence line on the safe side of longhorn steer and bulls to a wood-hewn building with a cross on the front. Quattro hobbled in with us as we entered the chapel.

At the front, centered between two wood beams was a large print of the last supper, the one depicting the servant in the foreground. On the right was a pulpit draped in a colorful sarape blanket with two wooden slats tied in a cross on the front. Behind the pulpit was a statue of The Madonna and another cross above it. On the walls were Indian ceremonial feathers and bells, a menorah, a yarmulke, and plastic flower arrangements. Beside the pulpit was a photo of Mother Teresa and The Pope.

On the left side of the chapel was a firebrick altar with a leaded glass backdrop. A brass cross leaned against a wood mantle and two tin cups dangled below. Fargo retrieved a now extinct, Blue Diamond self-striking match from a Ball Jar, scratched it across the brick, and began lighting several candles. I was about to cross myself or genuflect when Fargo broke my reverence and uttered, "Yeah, I've got all kinds of religious shit in here. I've got Protestant shit, Catholic shit, Jewish shit, Indian shit, and we've even had a few weddings. Quattro there's a minister, and he officiates," gesturing to Quattro who was now standing behind the podium gripping both sides firmly.

Quattro, the minister, told us a little of his story while standing behind the pulpit. He had originated in Pensylvania and came out to Arizona to visit his brother at UofA in Tucson. He met Fargo on set at Old Tucson, fell in love with the west and never went back. He helped Fargo with the animals, worked as a bronc rider and stuntman, and fit into the movie business as Fargo's sidekick.

After blowing out the candles on the altar, we left the church and headed down the lane, opening and closing gates behind us. We drove onto open range where fifty miles of sagebrush, tumbleweed, and sand lay in front of the jagged Chiricahua mountains where we hiked just days before. We arrived at a clump of mesquite trees that shaded seven grave sites. We sat on benches and listened as Fargo told us stories about each ranch hand who was buried there. His words were kind with a deep appreciation for their service.

We carted back to the coffee pot area. It was 2 pm. Fargo moved his chair from in front of the padlocked door and opened it. The door swung inward to reveal a saloon right out of the movies. Four stools, a swinging door, and a bar lined with bottles of whiskey, bourbon, and tequila in front of mirrored glass. Hanging behind the bar were cowboy hats, Indian headress, scores of photographs, lanterns, spurs, feathers, beads and oh yes, an Indian scalp. I wasn't too surprised when he pointed out the spur marks in the oak bar top.

We looked through his stacks of 12-inch long-play records. An impressive collection. Becky chose Hank Snow and we enjoyed a few cold ones while Fargo told more stories of movies and the stars he knew.

We had spent the entire day with three of the most interesting men I've ever met. We learned more about animals, birds, Indians, history and movies, than I had in a lifetime. But this was just the first day of three. The next day we were to bring our forty-foot Allegro Bus (our Home On Wheels) and park right in the middle of The Museum Ranch, 12 miles and a hundred years from town.

#homeonwheels #howrv #jonandbecky #homeiswhereyouparkit #retireontheroad #fargo

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aiwannadrawit · 6 years

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Friendly Vacation

Time: June 29th

Place: Josh’s home in Mexico

Between: Desmond & Josh

Plot: Desmond spends some time with Josh and his family for the summer.

Josh was excited about this trip. Not only because he had missed his family but because he had the chance to invite a friend over. He only hoped Desmond enjoyed the city as much as he did. When they were finally out of the customs, Josh made sure to guide the taller man around the halls, “It’s a huge airport and quite busy as you can see. Fridays are always crazy here in the city,” his voice sounding happy and excited to be back. “My cousin is waiting for us near door 7. Are you hungry?” he asked already knowing that his Abuela was probably waiting for them with a traditional dish to welcome them.

Desmond had been a bit antsy during the flight over. He wasn't afraid of flying or anything like that, he was just kind of anxious, leaving the country and meeting a whole bunch of new people. He stayed close to Josh as they went through the airport; he didn't want to get lost. "Uh...sure, I could eat something." He had been doing a better with his eating over the months. He needed to make sure he kept up the pace.

Josh turned to look at Desmond, offering a reassuring smile, “Great! I think my Abuela probably prepared something for us. Especially because she’s excited to meet one of my school friends as she calls them,” Josh explained with a soft chortle. “I must warn you, she doesn’t speak English, but I can help with the translations,” he promised, hoping this piece of information wouldn’t make Desmond more nervous.

Desmond smiled back at him and slipped his hands into his pockets. "Okay, cool...I'm excited to taste it." At the mention of a possible language, barrier Desmond chewed on the inside of his cheek. "Well I know...a teeny-tiny bit of Spanish so...maybe I'll learn something."

Josh beamed at the positive response on the photographer’s part, “Excellent! I did ask her not to make something spicy since I am not sure how well you deal with it,” he assured. “That’s great! You will surely learn a thing or two, even if some are bad words,” Josh joked and his face was bright with another smile when he spot his cousin, “There’s Raul, come on,” he added as he walked towards the young man who was slightly shorter than Josh, giving him a hug and started to talk a little fast in Spanish, only to be interrupted by Josh, “Primo, we have a visitor and his Spanish is not 100% fluent, we should switch to English,” he invited his cousin, “This is my friend Desmond, he studies in the same Institute I do,” Josh introduce them, having the cousin shaking Desmond’s hand and introducing himself with a similar cheerful tone as Josh’s.

Desmond nodded, "Okay thanks." He wasn't too sure how well he did with certain foods. So...he should try to take it slow for the most part. He chuckled softly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah...I sure hope I do." He moved with Josh and gave his cousin a smile. "Hey," he said and shook Raul's hand. "Nice to meet you."

Josh‘s cousin was welcoming of Desmond, talking to him a little about the city and asking what was his major. “I should apologize in advance for the traffic. It’s quite messy sometimes,” Josh said as they walked to the car and helped Desmond put his baggage on the trunk. This time Josh had traveled light because he had enough clothes and personal items at his grandparents. “Is there some touristic place you would like to visit while we’re here or would you prefer to do some exploring?” Desmond glanced around as Raul talked and he tried to take in all of the information. "I'm uh...a film student," he said with a shrug. "I'm doing so well in it to be honest but I'm trying. I used to be in animation and painting and stuff." He looked back over at Josh, "I don't mind traffic really. Um...no, I don't really know much about this place, to be honest. So wherever you want to go we can go."

Josh looked at Desmond, making sure Raul wasn’t making him uncomfortable but the other guy seemed relaxed as he answered. “Things are going well with your new professors and classmates?” Josh asked this time. “People say that all the time until they realize how bad it gets here,” he chuckled. “Okay, that might be a good thing because I can take you to the most iconic places, like the pyramids. Do you like museums?”

Desmond hummed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Um, well...I'm not too sure. My finals weren't the best..." he admitted. Desmond chuckled, "Well I guess I'll just have to wait and see." Desmond smiled, "Oh yeah? Sounds nice. And yeah, I like Museums."

Josh offered a sympathetic smile, “I suppose it’s quite understandable because you started the classes all over with a completely different focus,” he said in an understanding voice. “You will see! I think it would be best to move around in public transportation. Is easier and takes less time than in a car.” Josh nodded at the answer, “You will love it there and we have a lot of great museums to visit. Depending on what kind of things you want to see. There’s the Anthropology one. A botanic one. The Frida Kahlo one. We even have a Chocolate museum!”

Desmond nodded, "Yeah, I should have just...waited until the year was over." He sighed. "I just feel like I'm gonna be in school forever." Desmond smiled a bit, feeling more excited about the trip. "Really? A chocolate museum? Just of...chocolate from around the world?"

Josh reached to pat Desmond’s hand, “I am sure you are going to do better next semester. Getting used to takes some time.” Raul looked at Josh and elbowed him, making him remember he had gone through something similar than Desmond, “I know the feeling. Before Mousai I had studied here for a year, but I had to start over there because not all classes were equivalent, so it was easier to start over,” was the small explanation he offer to the other guy, hoping It would give him another perspective so he didn’t feel alone in his college situation. Josh nodded eagerly, “Yes! It’s a very amazing and delicious one. It include Mexican, European and Asian pieces from the XVII century to the XX century.”

Desmond smiled a bit, "Thanks...I really appriciate it," he said. It was good that someone else that Josh could relate to him in that way. He smiled, "Wow, really? Huh, that's...that's pretty cool. Can't wait to see it."

Josh grinned “You’re very welcome, Desmond,” he said in a kind tone. Raul smiled and started to explain more about the museum, causing Josh to laugh at the excitement of his cousin, “Raul loves chocolate so he probably will want to join us the day we go to that museum.”

Desmond focused back in on Raul as they talked more about the museum and smiled. "I think that'll be fun," he said with a smile. "Though...all this talk of sweets is making me hungry."

Josh was happy to see Desmond and Raul talking. He was hoping his family would make his schoolmate feel comfortable and welcomed. “It will be! And there are a couple of funny museums close to that one.” The mention of food cause Josh to offer a brighter smile, “Don’t worry, there will be food as soon as we get to the house.”

Desmond hummed, "Well, we could make a day of it...or go over the course of the vacation. Whichever is easiest for you all." Desmond relaxed and licked his lips. "Yeah, I can't wait to be honest."

Josh nodded “We can do that. In all honesty, I didn’t have a specific plan for my time here, so it is a very refreshing to try something new with you here.” Josh and his cousin laughed a little, “-if you say that to our Abuela she’s going to try to feed you the whole day. I learned that when I moved to live here.”

Desmond smiled, "Sounds pretty relaxing to me. I'm gonna let you guys take the lead on this one since this is your town and all." Desmond gave Josh a light look of concern. They were better with food and everything but the thought of being fed all day wasn't...appealing. "I'll keep that in mind."

Josh nodded “We will take good care of you,” he promised. “Don’t worry, I will remind my Abuela not everyone is used to eat as much as she expects us to. When I first moved here, she insisted that I was not eating enough because we are used to a different kind of food in the States,” Josh explained, assuming Desmond was worried about the spicy food.

Desmond relaxed a little bit and couldn't help the small smile at Josh trying to ease his mind. "I see...well, I'll uh...try to do my best with whatever she feeds me." He promised to try at the very least.

Josh nodded, “That’s more than enough, Desmond. And please, don’t worry about not wanting to offend anyone by saying no to something. We would prefer you to be comfortable and enjoy your time here and not to force yourself to do or try something you prefer not to.” He was very aware of how Mexican people could be quite overwhelming but he hoped he could buffer it so Desmond wouldn’t run for the hills.

Desmond nodded and felt himself relax even more. He was glad Josh was...well he was glad that Josh was working hard to keep him comfortable. He hoped he didn't drag the mood down too much during the vacation. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind."

Desmond hummed, "Um...well," he shrugged. "Yeah...I don't do it often, but I like going out well enough. It could be fun."

Josh nodded “Okay, we can go to a couple of places if you want. I have friend who is bartender in a good club. I used to party a lot when I lived here,” he said in a shyer voice. A couple of minutes later, Raul parked and clapped “We’re here!” the cousin announced as Josh grinned and looked at Desmond, “Welcome to the Aragón household!” he added in an excited voice as he got out of the car to help the photographer with his baggage.

Josh was nervous but very excited. He had missed his grandparents more than he would show. “You’re going to like it in there,” he said as they crossed the outer door, showing a big enough patio with the house a few meters forwards. Josh’s grandmother was already walking towards them and he didn’t lose a second to wrap his arms around the older woman who looked nothing like him. Josh wasn’t sure if Desmond knew he was adopted by this family and that was why he stuck up like a sore thumb between the dark haired and darker skin family “Abuela!” he finally said as the woman talked fast in Spanish, “Si, si, este es mi amigo, Desmond,” he said as he guided his grandmother to the tall guy, “Desmond, this is my Abuela, Carolina Aragón,” he introduced them.

Desmond looked around as they walked up toward the house, it looked like a decent place to live. Watching Josh and his grandma was sweet, it was super cute. It kind of made Desmond wish he had that kind of relationship with his own family. He smiled when Josh introduced him. "Hi...um...h-hola. It's nice to meet you."

Josh let out a soft laugh when Desmond tried some Spanish to greet his Abuela and as he expected, she pulled the taller man in for a hug instead of taking his hands, “I’m sorry, she is very touchy,” Josh explained with a smile as his grandmother patted Desmond’s arm talking to him still in Spanish, “She said she is happy to meet you and that you are welcome to her home whenever you want to visit.” It was not surprise for Josh the welcome Desmond was having since it was how his family treated him when he first arrived a long time ago. “She’s asking if you would rather to see your room first or if you’re hungry,” Josh translated again as they all walked towards the house.

Desmond nearly stumbled when Josh's grandmother pulled him into a hug. He blinked a couple of times as she threw a bunch of Spanish at him. He looked over at Josh and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Wow...that's very nice. I appreciate it." He looked to Josh again. "Um...well I think my room first so I can put my bags down and stuff."

Josh nodded and translated to his grandma what Desmond had said, “No problem at all. Come on, I’ll show you your room and give you some time to adjust and then we can come down to eat something and so you can meet everyone,” he explained as he guided the taller guy upstairs. “This will be your room,” he opened the second door in the hall, there’s a bathroom through that door. My room is there,” he pointed to the door across the hall, “If you need anything, please, just let me know.”

Desmond nodded and followed Josh through the house up toward his room. He wondered how many people he'll end up meeting today. "Okay," he said as he looked around to where Josh was directing him. "Thanks," they said and set his bag down. "I'll put my stuff away and then...we can go meet everyone."

Desmond nodded and went on to put all of his things away. Once things all settled he sat down on the bed for a few minutes. He knew he had been invited but a part of him still felt kind of...like he was intruding or something. Of course, this was only the first day so maybe that feeling will go away soon enough. Desmond rubbed his face and then headed out into the hallway to wait for Josh.

Desmond nodded, "Yeah, I guess I am. I mean...I didn't come out here to stay in my room the whole time." He smiled at him. "Okay, I hope I make a good impression on them. Let's go say 'hi'."

Josh smiled, trying to reassure his friend, “Don’t worry, I’m sure you will.” He guided Desmond downstairs and to the living room where his family was waiting. His abuelo was sitting on his rocking chair and smiled, getting up to great his grandson with a hug. “Familia, él es mi amigo Desmond, va a estar con nosotros durante las vacaciones,” Josh said and then translated it to Desmond, “This is my grandpa, my aunt and uncle and you already met my cousin Raúl, this is her sister Adriana and their younger brother Gabriel.”

Desmond smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, let’s go.” He followed Josh down and smiled when he saw all the people downstairs. He nodded his head a bit and give everyone a small ‘hola’. “It’s nice to meet you all. And uh, thanks for having me. I’m excited to be here and see the city...and stuff.”

Josh smiled when all his family welcomed Desmond, some in English and other in Spanish, so Josh translated what his grandparents had said, “They said that you are very welcome and to make yourself at home and don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything,” his voice kind and excited. “Are you still hungry?”

Desmond smiled, feeling better that everyone was so friendly and open. He was still a bit anxious, but it was the first day, and with how nice everyone was he doubted he would stay that way. He nodded, "Yeah...I could eat."

Desmond followed Josh into the dining room and looked over all the options he had to choose from. He hummed, looking over all the food and chewed on his bottom lip. He didn't know if Josh was aware of the struggles he had been going through and even though he had been getting a lot better, he still stumbled from time to time. "Um...I think I'd like a tostada."

Josh nodded and guided Desmond to the table, “I think you will like those. And if you don’t and prefer something else, just let me know. I wouldn’t mind making something else,” he said in a kind tone, remembering his first visits and how it took him a while to adjust trying food he was not used to.

Desmond smiled and sat down at the table. He nodded, "Thanks...I'm glad to hear it." Desmond settled down a bit. "Um...if you ever need help cooking I can help. I've been picking some stuff while I was away."

Josh sat next to Desmond and smiled, “You are very welcome.” The offer was one that Josh appreciated, “That sounds great. I didn’t know you were into cooking. We can try to cook something at some point. I can give you some pointers and you could give me some too,” he was quite excited about the idea. Josh reached to offer a plate and the tostadas for Desmond to get one as he described how they usually prepared them; putting the meat over the tostada and then the lettuce, cream and cheese and salsa if he wanted to try it but he suggested Desmond not to if he was too sensitive to spices.

Desmond rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. "I wouldn't say I'm like cooking...but I learned some stuff while I was away." He smiled. "Thanks, I don't know what I can offer a cooking student but if I can think of anything I'll let you know." He hummed looking over the food and shrugged. "I'll try it the usual way and then if I don't like it then I'll do something different."

Josh nodded, “Oh, I see. That is nice, though, learning some cook related things. Everyone can offer some advice. Everyone cooks differently, and everyone has a different sense of taste and smell. My Abuela taught me that, so even if I’m a cooking student, I am confident I could learn something from you,” he assured. “Okay, then I recommend the green salsa, is the best one for my taste.”

Desmond hummed and nodded, "Okay...well, that's a good way to think about it I guess." Desmond didn't know it would actually go but he was sure it would be fun. "The green one," he mumbled as the gathered up his food to taste it. Desmond hummed at the taste and texture of the food. "This is...this is pretty good."

Josh smiled, “My abuela gives some good advices most of the times. She has a very special way to see the world and always looks for the good side on everything,” he explained. He watched Desmond prepare himself a tostada with an excited expression, hoping he would like them. When his friend said that indeed he liked the food he clapped, “I’m so glad to hear so! I will tell my abuela you liked them,” he said as he reached to serve himself a pambazo and started eating.

Desmond nodded, "I see, well I think that just means that she has a good head on her shoulders." He smiled and bit into his food again. Once he swallowed and wiped his mouth. "Thanks, it's been really nice so far."

Josh nodded, "I think so too. She is a kind woman," his voice showing how proud he was of his abuela. "I am glad to hear so. We wanted to make you feel at home."

Desmond smiled, glad to see how close Josh and his family seemed to be. "Thanks, I feel very welcomed," Desmond said. "So...I know you had mentioned taking me around to take pictures. Is there anywhere in particular we're gonna be heading?"

Desmond grinned a little bit and rubbed the back of his neck. "Good, I'm glad." Desmond hummed as he finished up his food. "I see..." he thought about it for a while. "Um...well...i think a museum would be fun. Maybe one that's about Modern Art...or maybe one where they're about Mexican culture. I think that would be fun."

Josh nodded happily, “There are a lot of museums we could visit. There are both one of modern art and one about Mexican culture. We can visit both if you want,” he offered happily.

Desmond smiled broadly, "Great, let's go to both. I'm sure they'll be amazing to walk through." Desmond really couldn't wait to walk through them and see what they had to offer. "Can't wait."

Josh nodded, “Excellent, we will go to both. They are, I am sure you will enjoy it!” Once they had finished with the food, Josh excused them to leave the table. “Do you feel with the energy to visit one of the museums now?”

Desmond helped cleaned up his plate and things and smiled at Josh. "Um, yeah...yeah, let's go. Am I allowed to take pictures in the museums or...soemthing?"

Once things were all cleaned up Desmond smiled knowing he could bring his camera with him. "Great, that's good to know." After Josh told everyone what the plan was Desmond shook his head. "No, I don't mind. Just let me grab my camera."

Desmond nodded, "Okay." He headed upstairs and into the room he was staying in and grabbed his camera and a jacket. After checking to make sure he had everything he needed he headed back downstairs to meet up with Josh. "Alright, let's get going."

Josh smiled and nodded when Desmond came back, "Excellent! I think we could make it to two museums today and depending on how tired you are we can visit other places in the city tomorrow," he said as he led his friend outside. "If you want to visit the pyramids we would have to leave very early because the archeological place is just outside the city."

Desmond followed Josh out of the house, "Yeah? I'm sure I can handle two museums today." Desmond's face lite up a bit at the mention of the pyramids. "Yeah, okay, I'd love that."

Desmond nodded, "Yeah I mean...why wouldn't I be excited? It's not every day a person gets to see pyramids close up." Desmond took a breath and shrugged. "I don't mind walking. I just need a lot of water."

Desmond glanced around as Raul talked and he tried to take in all of the information. "I'm uh...a film student," he said with a shrug. "I'm doing so well in it to be honest but I'm trying. I used to be in animation and painting and stuff." He looked back over at Josh, "I don't mind traffic really. Um...no, I don't really know much about this place, to be honest. So wherever you want to go we can go."

Desmond focused back in on Raul as they talked more about the museum and smiled. "I think that'll be fun," he said with a smile. "Though...all this talk of sweets is making me hungry."

Desmond hummed, "Well, we could make a day of it...or go over the course of the vacation. Whichever is easiest for you all." Desmond relaxed and licked his lips. "Yeah, I can't wait to be honest."

Josh offered another smile, “Please do.” He kept quiet for a little moment and then turned to look at Desmond again, “Do you like partying? Because we can do that too. I know good places here we can go.” Desmond hummed, "Um...well," he shrugged. "Yeah...I don't do it often, but I like going out well enough. It could be fun." Josh nodded “Okay, we can go to a couple of places if you want. I have friend who is bartender in a good club. I used to party a lot when I lived here,” he said in a shyer voice. A couple of minutes later, Raul parked and clapped “We’re here!” the cousin announced as Josh grinned and looked at Desmond, “Welcome to the Aragón household!” he added in an excited voice as he got out of the car to help the photographer with his baggage.

Desmond nodded again and his eyes looked out of the window as they pulled up to the house. "Looks good," he said. He headed out of the car to grab his bags, "Really though, I can't wait to be shown around. I'm...excited." Josh was nervous but very excited. He had missed his grandparents more than he would show. “You’re going to like it in there,” he said as they crossed the outer door, showing a big enough patio with the house a few meters forwards. Josh’s grandmother was already walking towards them and he didn’t lose a second to wrap his arms around the older woman who looked nothing like him. Josh wasn’t sure if Desmond knew he was adopted by this family and that was why he stuck up like a sore thumb between the dark haired and darker skin family “Abuela!” he finally said as the woman talked fast in Spanish, “Si, si, este es mi amigo, Desmond,” he said as he guided his grandmother to the tall guy, “Desmond, this is my Abuela, Carolina Aragón,” he introduced them. Desmond looked around as they walked up toward the house, it looked like a decent place to live. Watching Josh and his grandma was sweet, it was super cute. It kind of made Desmond wish he had that kind of relationship with his own family. He smiled when Josh introduced him. "Hi...um...h-hola. It's nice to meet you." Josh let out a soft laugh when Desmond tried some Spanish to greet his Abuela and as he expected, she pulled the taller man in for a hug instead of taking his hands, “I’m sorry, she is very touchy,” Josh explained with a smile as his grandmother patted Desmond’s arm talking to him still in Spanish, “She said she is happy to meet you and that you are welcome to her home whenever you want to visit.” It was not surprise for Josh the welcome Desmond was having since it was how his family treated him when he first arrived a long time ago. “She’s asking if you would rather to see your room first or if you’re hungry,” Josh translated again as they all walked towards the house. Desmond nearly stumbled when Josh's grandmother pulled him into a hug. He blinked a couple of times as she threw a bunch of Spanish at him. He looked over at Josh and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Wow...that's very nice. I appreciate it." He looked to Josh again. "Um...well I think my room first so I can put my bags down and stuff."

Josh nodded. “Sure, take your time. I will go check on my room and to see if my clothes there still fit,” he smiled and left the room to move to his own. So far, Desmond didn’t seem uncomfortable and he hoped things kept on like that when he got to meet some of his family who lived there with his grandparents. Josh lain on his bed and waited for a few minutes, giving his friend some time. Desmond nodded and went on to put all of his things away. Once things all settled he sat down on the bed for a few minutes. He knew he had been invited but a part of him still felt kind of...like he was intruding or something. Of course, this was only the first day so maybe that feeling will go away soon enough. Desmond rubbed his face and then headed out into the hallway to wait for Josh.

Josh washed his face and hands before getting out of his room, smiling when he found Desmond in the hall, “Hey! Are you ready to go downstairs?” he asked, hoping the other man wasn’t too nervous. “One of my aunts and her family live here with my grandparents so it will be them the one you would meet,” Josh explained. Desmond nodded, "Yeah, I guess I am. I mean...I didn't come out here to stay in my room the whole time." He smiled at him. "Okay, I hope I make a good impression on them. Let's go say 'hi'." Josh smiled, trying to reassure his friend, “Don’t worry, I’m sure you will.” He guided Desmond downstairs and to the living room where his family was waiting. His abuelo was sitting on his rocking chair and smiled, getting up to great his grandson with a hug. “Familia, él es mi amigo Desmond, va a estar con nosotros durante las vacaciones,” Josh said and then translated it to Desmond, “This is my grandpa, my aunt and uncle and you already met my cousin Raúl, this is her sister Adriana and their younger brother Gabriel.” Desmond smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, let’s go.” He followed Josh down and smiled when he saw all the people downstairs. He nodded his head a bit and give everyone a small ‘hola’. “It’s nice to meet you all. And uh, thanks for having me. I’m excited to be here and see the city...and stuff.”

Josh nodded “Excellent! Come on,” he invited as the rest of his family moved to the dinning room. “My abuela made three different options, so you could try a bit of each or just the one that sounds more appealing to you. She made Pambazos, Pozole and Tostadas de tinga,” and then he proceeded to explain each of them. “Pambazos is a kind of sandwich that has fried potatoes on the inside, lettuce, cream, cheese and guacamole. Pozole is a kind of corn soup with meat or vegetables, lettuce, radish, oregano and a kind of pepper that is not spicy. And tostadas de tinga is a fried tortilla with chicken, cream, cheese and lettuce.” Desmond followed Josh into the dining room and looked over all the options he had to choose from. He hummed, looking over all the food and chewed on his bottom lip. He didn't know if Josh was aware of the struggles he had been going through and even though he had been getting a lot better, he still stumbled from time to time. "Um...I think I'd like a tostada." Josh nodded and guided Desmond to the table, “I think you will like those. And if you don’t and prefer something else, just let me know. I wouldn’t mind making something else,” he said in a kind tone, remembering his first visits and how it took him a while to adjust trying food he was not used to. Desmond smiled and sat down at the table. He nodded, "Thanks...I'm glad to hear it." Desmond settled down a bit. "Um...if you ever need help cooking I can help. I've been picking some stuff while I was away." Josh sat next to Desmond and smiled, “You are very welcome.” The offer was one that Josh appreciated, “That sounds great. I didn’t know you were into cooking. We can try to cook something at some point. I can give you some pointers and you could give me some too,” he was quite excited about the idea. Josh reached to offer a plate and the tostadas for Desmond to get one as he described how they usually prepared them; putting the meat over the tostada and then the lettuce, cream and cheese and salsa if he wanted to try it but he suggested Desmond not to if he was too sensitive to spices. Desmond rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. "I wouldn't say I'm like

cooking...but I learned some stuff while I was away." He smiled. "Thanks, I don't know what I can offer a cooking student but if I can think of anything I'll let you know." He hummed looking over the food and shrugged. "I'll try it the usual way and then if I don't like it then I'll do something different." Josh nodded, “Oh, I see. That is nice, though, learning some cook related things. Everyone can offer some advice. Everyone cooks differently, and everyone has a different sense of taste and smell. My Abuela taught me that, so even if I’m a cooking student, I am confident I could learn something from you,” he assured. “Okay, then I recommend the green salsa, is the best one for my taste.” Desmond hummed and nodded, "Okay...well, that's a good way to think about it I guess." Desmond didn't know it would actually go but he was sure it would be fun. "The green one," he mumbled as the gathered up his food to taste it. Desmond hummed at the taste and texture of the food. "This is...this is pretty good." Josh smiled, “My abuela gives some good advices most of the times. She has a very special way to see the world and always looks for the good side on everything,” he explained. He watched Desmond prepare himself a tostada with an excited expression, hoping he would like them. When his friend said that indeed he liked the food he clapped, “I’m so glad to hear so! I will tell my abuela you liked them,” he said as he reached to serve himself a pambazo and started eating. Desmond nodded, "I see, well I think that just means that she has a good head on her shoulders." He smiled and bit into his food again. Once he swallowed and wiped his mouth. "Thanks, it's been really nice so far." Josh nodded, "I think so too. She is a kind woman," his voice showing how proud he was of his abuela. "I am glad to hear so. We wanted to make you feel at home." Desmond smiled, glad to see how close Josh and his family seemed to be. "Thanks, I feel very welcomed," Desmond said. "So...I know you had mentioned taking me around to take pictures. Is there anywhere in particular we're gonna be heading?"

Josh beamed at the answer, “That makes me happy. And I’m sure it will make them happy too.” The mentions of the sightseeing were something that excited him. He loved showing people the best places around the city he had learned to love when he was younger. “There are a lot places we could visit. I suppose it depends on what you want to see first. We could go to archeology ruins, museums, downtown, there’s a zoo and a botanic garden. Everything is in the city or very close to it, so there wouldn’t be a problem with whichever place you want to see first.” Desmond grinned a little bit and rubbed the back of his neck. "Good, I'm glad." Desmond hummed as he finished up his food. "I see..." he thought about it for a while. "Um...well...i think a museum would be fun. Maybe one that's about Modern Art...or maybe one where they're about Mexican culture. I think that would be fun." Josh nodded happily, “There are a lot of museums we could visit. There are both one of modern art and one about Mexican culture. We can visit both if you want,” he offered happily. Desmond smiled broadly, "Great, let's go to both. I'm sure they'll be amazing to walk through." Desmond really couldn't wait to walk through them and see what they had to offer. "Can't wait." Josh nodded, “Excellent, we will go to both. They are, I am sure you will enjoy it!” Once they had finished with the food, Josh excused them to leave the table. “Do you feel with the energy to visit one of the museums now?” Desmond helped cleaned up his plate and things and smiled at Josh. "Um, yeah...yeah, let's go. Am I allowed to take pictures in the museums or...soemthing?"

Josh smiled, thankful of the help Desmond offered to clean his plate and nodded at the question. “Excellent! Yes, yes you can. The only rule is that you cannot use the flash of the camera,” he explained as he talked to his family to let them know about the plans. “Do you mind if we move around in public transportation? With the traffic here, it’s easier to use the subway and buses than the car.” Once things were all cleaned up Desmond smiled knowing he could bring his camera with him. "Great, that's good to know." After Josh told everyone what the plan was Desmond shook his head. "No, I don't mind. Just let me grab my camera."

Josh smiled, “Perfect! I recommend you getting a light jacket. Our weather changes unexpectedly in the evenings,” he explained as he walked with Desmond on the direction of the stairs. “I’ll wait for you here and then we are ready to go,” Josh assured. Desmond nodded, "Okay." He headed upstairs and into the room he was staying in and grabbed his camera and a jacket. After checking to make sure he had everything he needed he headed back downstairs to meet up with Josh. "Alright, let's get going." Josh smiled and nodded when Desmond came back, "Excellent! I think we could make it to two museums today and depending on how tired you are we can visit other places in the city tomorrow," he said as he led his friend outside. "If you want to visit the pyramids we would have to leave very early because the archeological place is just outside the city." Desmond followed Josh out of the house, "Yeah? I'm sure I can handle two museums today." Desmond's face lite up a bit at the mention of the pyramids. "Yeah, okay, I'd love that."

Josh offered another smile when he noticed Desmond so excited about the pyramids, “I think you will have fun in the museums and for your expression, you are certainly going to love the pyramids,” his voice showing he was excited too. “I hope you like walking because we are going to do that a lot!” Desmond nodded, "Yeah I mean...why wouldn't I be excited? It's not every day a person gets to see pyramids close up." Desmond took a breath and shrugged. "I don't mind walking. I just need a lot of water."

Josh smiled “And you’re in luck because we will be allowed to climb them as well and look at the whole city from the top of the biggest one,” he explained. “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure to have enough water.”

Desmond felt his eyes go wide slightly. "Oh really? That's cool, are people not allowed to climb it all the time?" Desmond grinned a bit and nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

Josh smiled “In other states where there are pyramids they don’t let you climb them. Here they do, but I believe they will stop allowing it at some point because of the damage it’s caused to them,” he explained.

#chatzy para #joshskitchen

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