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putschki1969 · 1 year

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December 25: Wakana Activities & 「Wakana Classics 2022 ～Christmas Special～」

Note: Okay, I know this is long overdue but I have simply not found the time and motivation to write up a detailed report ever since coming back from Japan. The trip itself was quite exhausting due to a busy schedule and being sick for almost the entire duration of my stay T_T. Then I made the huge mistake of going straight back to work on the 27th so I have just felt utterly drained for the past few weeks. It’s a huge shame because I really didn’t want to wait this long to write down my impressions. I mean, it’s hardly a “first impression” anymore if my thoughts have been marinating in my brain for nearly a month. But hey, better late than never, right? If anyone is interested, here’s a link to my December 17 report. I am definitely planning to write reports of some of my other activities but who knows how long that’s gonna take. Please don’t hold your breath. Without further ado, let’s get to it 〈(•ˇ‿ˇ•)-→

Before the Live

In the morning I went to visit Koishikawa Korakuen with a fellow Kalafina fan (Akuma from Taiwan in case some of you know her). I had already spent all of Saturday doing various Wakana activities with her so it only seemed fitting that we would dedicate the morning of the 25th to a lovely Wakana activity as well. Wakana visited this gorgeous landscape garden back in April 2022 (Source:Wakana Instagram). Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園) is actually one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens so I was excited to check it out. While the late winter scenery is probably the least spectacular, I can still recommend going there if you are ever in Tokyo and want an escape from the hectic city life. It was a gorgeous, sunny day so I got to take some lovely pictures and thankfully, some of the autumn colours still remained. After spending a couple of hours there and basking in the winter sun, I got a little antsy so we decided to head to the venue. In the past, most fans would try to arrive as early as possible to line up for the merch sale. However, lots of things have changed since the pandemic so venues actually discourage people from lining up early in advance. Despite knowing that we wouldn’t be allowed to line up yet, I still wanted to know the venue’s exact location and check whether anyone had arrived yet. When we finally got there, no one was there except us and the door staff told us to come back in two hours XD It was super hard to find a café or restaurant near Kioi Hall so we had to walk all the way back to Yotsuya Station. I felt really sorry for Akuma because I dragged her back and forth, she must have been so exhausted. Guess I can’t help but be one of those annoying people who are low-key control freaks and who won’t leave anything to chance. I’d rather be 2 hours early than even 1 second too late. Anyways, at a tiny shopping mall, we found a small café and had some cake and coffee. We went back to the venue once we saw the first few tweets of other fans starting to line up. Most people got there around the same time so it quickly became quite crowded in front of the venue about 45 minutes before the live. I am glad we ended up being pretty far ahead in the line because I don’t think the people in the back had enough time left to buy anything. It took quite a while for staff members to check our tickets and temperature. Everyone was also taking their sweet time deciding on what merch to get so there were literally only a few minutes left till the live once I had bought everything (I got the shirt/pamphlet set with the postcard, the pink gloves, the little drawstring bag and the keyholder). All items are still available in Wakana’s Official Online Shop so be sure to get them.

General Impressions

Venue: This was my first time at Kioi Hall. It’s located in a nice area near Yotsuya Station. Venue, You have to walk around 10 minutes on Sophia Dori which is a lovely thoroughfare. I hear it’s super pretty during cherry blossom season. After Opera City, this was only my second time in a classical hall in Japan. Not as big as Opera City Hall but equally impressive in terms of acoustics and grandeur. But oh boy, they really could have lowered the temperatures, it was boiling hot inside. I don’t know how people managed to sit there with their winter coats fom beginning to end. I was literally melting and I didn’t even wear a warm winter jacket. Kioi Hall is a rather intimate venue with a capacity of about 800 seats. None of the balcony seats were occupied iirc but we managed to fill out pretty much the entire central ground floor. So yeah, definitely not a sold-out concert but very well attended nonetheless (which obviously made me happy because I still recall her Voice tour where they had picked venues that were way too big for Wakana’s fanbase). Outfit: Her dress didn’t impress me all that much to be honest. The bold red looked lovely on her but the basic A-line was a little too plain for my taste. No lace, no embroidery, no frills, no layers, no sparkles... I am also not a big fan of straps when it comes to evening dresses. Wakana has the most beautiful shoulders, it’s a crime to not show them off. In my opinion, she should always wear something that is off-shoulder, preferably a majestic ball gown. The highlight of the dress was definitely the back (as seen on the image above). Whenever she turned around to have a little sip of her water we were blessed with the most gorgeous sight.*drools* Wakana truly has a beautiful back and it’s rare that we get to see so much of it XD. Ticket System: As you may know, I’ve had a few issues with SKIYAKI but at the end of the day I have to admit that it is an extremely convenient service. All steps were foreigner friendly and I didn’t run into any issues with the app. Still, I can’t recommend it with a clear conscience because of what happened with my credit card T_T As you know, I got a Christmas Special Fan Club ticket and I was pretty lucky with my assigned seat. Row 4, smack in the middle with a perfect view at Wakana. Thankfully no tall people in front of me.Fun fact, right in front of me there was a woman who wore one of Wakana’s dresses, the EXACT same one I had brought to Japan with the intention of wearing it at the concert. However, a few days earlier I had found Wakana’s red checkered pants and ended up buying them so of course I couldn’t help but wear them to the live. Still, I found it funny that someone had the same idea. She also wore Kalafina’s pinky ring so she was clearly a super obsessed fan.I am still wondering what her username is on Twitter. I guess she must be following me if she knows about all this fashion stuff. Arghhh, I wish I had approached her after the live but as always, I was way too socially inept... Cameras: I am pretty sure I mentioned it already but there were a lot of cameras all across the hall. Not just the tiny ones which are used for news reports and such. They had a whole-ass camera crew on-site. No idea what they are planning to do. Either we will be getting a broadcast sponsored by BS Fuji or they will use the footage for a home video release. They might also add the footage (or at least parts of it) as bonus content for Wakana’s 3rd album. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. There’s no way they hired all those cameramen and equipment for nothing. Vocals: For the most part, Wakana was in great shape. It’s such a pleasure to hear her in a classical hall accompanied by strings and piano. And honestly, a couple of these acoustic arrangements were out of this world. So freaking good! I feel like her microphone was maybe a bit too loud at times or the instruments were simply too quiet but it didn’t really take away from my enjoyment. Plus, they can always fix that with a bit of studio magic if they really end up releasing the concert. Nevertheless, I’d really like to have more strings in future concerts, just to add a little more oomph. Maybe I am the only one but I feel like I need at least a string quartet XD Setlist: Overall, I was quite happy with the setlist since it contained all three of her new songs and some of my faves but I probably would have made some changes if the choice had been up to me. Can’t lie but I was hoping and praying for “breathing” as intro. Instead we got “Yakusoku no Yoake” which is always nice, don’t get me wrong, but meh, we already have a performance of it on DVD/BD and let’s be real here, “breathing” is the superior song, at least in my opinion. Am I the only one who is kinda growing tired of “Ai ni Dekiru Koto wa mada aru kai“? I feel like the song doesn’t have a standard ballad structure so it’s quite hard for me to get into it, especially considering its crazy length. Personally, I would have much preferred her to sing “Inochi no Namae” or “Kimi wo Nosete” from her Cover Album. Also had my issues with “Nagareboshi”. I don’t outright dislike this song but it has always been a bit of a snoozer so naturally. I wasn’t overly excited when she announced she would be singing it as her final song. I mean, it kinda works as a wrap-up for the evening but I would have honestly killed to hear an acoustic version of “Ai no Hana”, it’s literally the perfect winter song!! Such a missed opportunity, I feel robbed.T_T Last but not least. let’s talk about her Kalafina song choice. Wakana often manages to pick my least favourite Kala-songs but I realise that I am pretty much alone with that opinion, especially regarding “Kimi no Gin no Niwa” which is obviously a fan-favourite. To her credit, she pulled it off well but ughhh, I cannot stand that song. I am still salivating when I think about her 2018 Symphony Orchestra Concert where she performed “Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaete Iku”. Who do I have to bribe to get something like this on DVD/BD??!!

Song-specific thoughts

M01 約束の夜明け(Yakusoku no Yoake): As mentioned earlier, I was low-key hoping for “breathing” but I really like “Yakusoku no Yoake“ so it’s not like I was disappointed or anything. It might even be one of my favourite tracks from her 1st album. The beginning always blows me away, it’s by far the best part of the song and Wakana knocks it out of the park every single time. However, I think that some sections of the song aren’t particularly flattering to Wakana’s vocals. I know for a fact that she can handle much higher parts but I guess it’s the singing style she keeps using for this song hat makes it sound like she is out of her comfort zone. Oh well, she still does a decent job of powering through those sections. Overall, I quite enjoyed the performance and thought it was a fitting intro.

M02 442: Absolutely blown away by the acoustic arrangement and Wakana’s powerful performance. They better release the video footage soon because I am dying to hear this again. I am telling you, she SLAYED! “442″ is undoubtedly one of her best songs that highlights all of her strengths as a singer so it’s always a joy to listen to it.

M03 オレンジ (Orange): Yet another lovely arrangement. Much better than the studio version if you ask me. I can’t remember any details but I definitely liked it.

M04 夕焼け (Yuuyake): Initially I did not care much for this song but every time I hear it live, I fall more and more in love with it. It’s just so precious.

M05 myself: Oh yes!! Jackpot! This was utterly beautiful. It’s the type of ballad Wakana excels in, when all that tragedy is laid on thick and you are being hit right in the feels. Hearing it in a classical setting makes it even more heart-wrenching.

M06 時には昔の話を（Toki ni ha Mukashi no Hanashi wo): This will never get old. There’s a reason they chose this song to promote Wakana’s cover album and it’s because it’s such a perfect fit for her.

M07 愛にできることはまだあるかい（Ai ni Dekiru Koto wa mada aru kai): I guess I already shared my thoughts about this. I think Wakana really likes the song so I feel kinda bad for not being into it. Maybe it’s because I never watched the film? The lyrics are lovely but the song just doesn’t resonate with me. Or rather, I have to be in the right mood for it to resonate with me. Isolated, I believe it can be quite powerful. Despite its understated nature there is a bit of a build-up after all. But it falls a little flat for me if you place the song right after a bunch of other ballads.

M08 君の銀の庭（Kimi no Gin no Niwa): Well, it was unfortunately the wrong Kalafina-“Kimi~” song for me but hey, what can you do about it? Whatever my thoughts might be about this particular song, I truly appreciate the fact that Wakana still makes a conscious effort to include Kalafina pieces in her setlists because on the one hand, she wants to honour that legacy and on the other hand, she knows that it will make her audience happy. During the MC leading up to the performance she actually explained how picking a Kalafina song is always the most difficult part of putting her setlists together. Overall, it was a solid performance. She did quite well covering the other parts.

M09 Winter Wonderland: I definitely did not think that Wakana would sing this. Maybe it’s because I didn’t grow up with them but I have a bit of an aversion to most Anglo-American Christmas songs (including this one) so when she announced the title of the upcoming song, I felt more than a little disappointed. Especially since I had no idea how it would fit her singing style. However, I am happy to report that I was proven wrong. This far exceeded my expectations and it actually turned out to be a very enjoyable performance. I would say this was only the second song of the night (after “442″) where we got to hear a more fierce and daring approach by Wakana. Still not a fan of the song but damn, Wakana’s version sounds good!

M10 Silent Night: Now we are talking. A Christmas song I actually like. And as expected, Wakana nailed it. I mean, she was literally born to sing songs like this. With everyone always comparing Wakana’s singing to an angel’s voice falling down from the heavens it’s only natural to think that she would do an amazing job with Christmas carols and hymns. A little nitpicking though, I wasn’t fully invested in the arrangement which may or may not have been a bit too pop-ish, I don’t know.

M11 標 (Shirushi): I was really hoping that we would get to hear this brand-new song and I am so glad that my wish came true. Knowing the entire backstory to this and having Wakana share a few bits and pieces again during the concert really made it very hard for me not to cry like a little baby. For those who don’t know yet, this is basically a daughter’s declaration of love to her father (Wakana’s father passed away not too long ago). This song was more or less custom-made for this occasion so it hits a little closer to home than others. While I cannot relate at all to a strong father-daughter relationship, this still hit me right in the feels. I did expect something woeful with heavy strings but it was actually quite understated. Filled with a lot of gratitude and pride. I wish I could say more about it but it’s so hard for me to recall details of a song that I have only listened to once. If I had to compare it, I would probably say it comes closest to “Ato Hitotsu” as far as the overall sound is concerned. It is longer though.

M12 明日を夢見て歌う (Asu wo Yume Mite Utau): I was of course super excited to also finally listen to Wakana’s other new song. This however was a bit of a letdown if I am being honest. It was written by Satoshi Takebe whose collabs with Wakana are always a bit of a hit-and-miss for me. It’s like “Kimi dake no Stage” 2.0. If you enjoy that song you will also like “Asu wo Yume Mite Utau“ I think. The emotion is all there in the lyrics and I can feel what kind of message Wakana is trying to convey to us but meh, the song doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. Fun fact: For the longest time I thought it was “Ashita” in the title but it’s actually “Asu”.

M13 Flag: Another absolutely gorgeous acoustic arrangement that really blew me away. Right up there with “442″ and “Winter Wonderland” in terms of fierceness.

M14 Happy Hello Day: Can’t believe this was the first time hearing the song live at a venue. Experiencing it right there while breathing the same air is so much different than just watching it on a live stream. As much as I appreciate the influx of online broadcasts, nothing beats the euphoria of actually being there at the venue and enjoying a song that makes you feel so incredibly connected with your favourite artist. I truly had a blast during this performance.

EC01 記憶の人 (Kioku no Hito): What a pleasant surprise. I am very much in love with this song and it’s definitely among my favourite Wakana solo songs so I can never get enough of it. Beautiful performance.

EC02 magic moment: A bit on the fence about it. We all know that I am not the biggest fan of the song’s structure, it starts really melodious with its symphonic grandeur but then it somehow become quite messy to my ears. I can’t explain it very well but there is just a lack of flow. However, that doesn’t mean that I cannot appreciate Wakana’s vocal prowess in it. Just thinking back to her performance during the “magic moment” live tour gives me goosebumps (although I obviously only ever experienced it on blu-ray). I would say that performance still remains her best one yet. This one wasn’t quite as epic but maybe that’s just because of the added studio magic in the blu-ray.

Fan Club Exclusive Part

Very happy to see that almost everyone had bought a special Christmas ticket. At the end of the main part of the concert, audience members were asked to leave the hall if they didn’t have a fan club ticket and only a handful of people actually left. Still surprised that they just trusted us to be honest about this. Typical Japanese mindset I guess. I mean, people could have just remained at their seats, no one would have checked their tickets again. However, I think they had most people with regular tickets seated in the back area so it was easier for staff members to figure out who was required to leave. At this point none of us knew what to expect but I had a feeling we would get a special encore. When Wakana and her musicians returned to the stage in their cute Christmas getup I was pleasantly surprised to realise that we would be getting a little talk corner. Mind you, it wasn’t anything super special, just some random small talk among them, they all basically just shared some Christmas anecdotes but hey, it was fun. I vaguely remember Wakana talking about trying to find the perfect colour for a new winter coat but she ended up with a boring grey one XD I had almost given up hope that they would perform another song when their talk just kept going on and on. It was already way past the scheduled time for the live to end so I thought we would run out of time. But then Wakana surprised us all by announcing that they still had a short performance in store for us. Until the very last moment I had hoped that I would get to hear “Ai no Hana” but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. As mentioned earlier, I wasn’t too thrilled about “Nagareboshi” but it was a fitting send-off. I believe everyone thought that this would be it but when we left the hall, we were all given a paper bag containing even more awesome goodies. Our Christmas present from Wakana was made up of a postcard with a handwritten message and signature as well as a pretty glass fitting perfectly into her series of previously released glasses. *weeee* All of this was definitely worth the extra money. If you ever wonder if it’s worth going for pricier tickets, here’s your answer: It absolutely is! You typically get a lot of bang for your buck so always go for the expensive option if you have the means. And I am actually so glad that the Christmas present didn’t turn out to be a fugly t-shirt, I am just not a t-shirt person.

After the Live

One of my Twitter followers had arranged a dinner/after-party with a bunch of fellow Kala-fans. While I am most definitely not very fond of large gatherings like this, it wasn’t too bad. We had some tables reserved at a Chinese restaurant nearby. In celebration of Wakana’s live, we wanted to eat a ton of gyoza and xiao long bao. It was delicious! Sadly I didn’t get to eat all that much because I left quite early (I mean, it felt late to me but who knows how long the others stayed). I was flying back to Vienna the following day so I wanted to get at least a few decent hours of sleep.

#kalafina #wakana #report #Wakana Classics 2022 ～Christmas Special～#wakana christmas special #long text post #I just cannot shut up #this took me a whole month #hope I didn't bore anyone to death

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writella · 3 years

Text

Around and Around and Around

Pairing: Luke Patterson x reader

Requested? Yes! My first finished request! Thank you for the idea anon. Original ask: Could you do a present day... Alive!Luke x reader fic where him and his girlfriend (the reader) are just trying to spend some alone time together at one of Carrie’s parties? (I’m so sorry I didn’t make it Carrie’s party anon, I forgot.)

Summary: It’s a New Years Eve bash! The gangs all there, but the only thing Luke wants to do is spend time with his girlfriend. Unfortunately though, his friends constantly need their help which causes them to lose each other in the crowd. Around and around and around they constantly go... Can Luke meet up with her in time for a New Years Kiss? We shall see, my friends. We shall see.

Word Count: :)

Warnings: Kissing? Two curse words? I don’t think any of that counts. Oh! Over explaining? Neediness? An over use of the same words?

A/N: Hello everyone! IT IS A CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS MIRACLE! I finally finished a new fic. I really hope you enjoy it. I think I did a little too much, but this request just got my head turning and included the whole gang, so I just couldn’t help but give them all their own little moments! I had fun and I hope you do too. I’m taking you on a bit of a rollercoaster here, I will admit, but don’t worry though, I think I gave it a good ending.... You tell me.

“Y/N!”

“Y/N?”

“Luke?”

“Where are you?”

“Luuuke!”

“Luke!

“LUKE, COME LOOK!”

“Y/N, I need you.”

“Her shoe broke!”

“Luke, did you see his dog? It’s so cute! And he even likes pizza!”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to give pizza to a dog, Reg.”

“Well it wasn’t chocolate… Wait where’d he go? Wanna help me find him?”

“Well can she wear yours? Do you have an extra pair?”

“Where are they?”

Hey, Luke?!”

“Y/N?!”

Boom the bedroom door slammed shut, and an out of breath Luke and his girlfriend, Y/N, filed in with a sigh: “Finally,” Luke said, his eyebrows and the corner of his lips rising with excitement. Throughout the hour and forty minus they had spent at the party thus far, they had found corners, almost empty areas, and even tall trees in the backyard, but none were as private as this.

Still standing close to the door, Y/N looked around the walls that glittered with posters of rock bands and athletes. “Do you really think we should be in here? It is the birthday person’s room. Maybe we should be nice and leave it alone.”

“When you throw a party you get what you get,” Luke reasoned, a hint of humor tracing throughout his words. “People travel, and we’re not going to do anything crazy on the kid’s blue basketball sheets if that’s what you’re worried about.” He ended, teasing Nick, the party host.

She softly gave him an ‘alright,’ waiting for him to make his next move. Though they had been thrown around by their friends plenty of times by now tonight, the night was still young, and she knew Luke was adamant on spending time with her. Even more so, it was her first party after living in Los Angeles for almost a year now. (She was a Molina from Julie’s father’s side.) Back home she didn’t have the friend group that she had now, nor did she have someone like Luke specifically in her life as a significant other. After all this time in high school not experiencing these regular social events, a party— especially at this large of a house— seemed daunting, but as always Luke made it seem, as he always does, like it was the most spectacular adventure you couldn’t miss. Apprehension and excitement filled her spirit for what was to come of tonight.

Following his gaze as she watched him survey the room, Luke’s eyes fell most notably on Nick’s guitars. “God, I wish I had this many.”

“He definitely has the collection,” Y/N agreed, still wondering what they were going to do, “but you’ve got like four, right?”

“Half of those were Bobby’s, and the acoustic is the one my parents got me… way back when, so really I only scrounged up enough money once in my life for one electric of my own.”

“So two. Still more than most.” She gave him a sympathetic smile, messing up his hair a little bit while doing so. He rubbed his head into her palm, enjoying the feeling.

There was a wonder in his eyes as he looked at the guitar rack that Y/N found quite charming. “Can’t believe he could spend all his time with these babies and he decides to balance it with sports.”

“I guess we all have our hobbies… but honestly I can’t believe we’re using this moment to ourselves to stare at guitars.” She laughs, “I’m just saying! This is what you wanted!” She corrects herself, “They are beautiful guitars though.”

“Yeah, you’re right. One of them could barge in any minute now,” Luke says, moving closer to Y/N till her back leans against the door. His fingers trace her jaw, then the side of her neck, ending as he swirled one finger around the tips of her hair. “And I could be looking at a much prettier sight.”

“Stop,” she blushed. Y/N was fine with tending to all her friends needs. She enjoyed being the first one Julie, Flynn, and now even Alex or Reggie went to for advice or help. Besides running the jatp social media account and co-running their YouTube page, making her friends feel better was what made her feel needed, but she had to admit, she liked this too.

As they traveled backwards to the door, Luke pecked her lips a few times, then the corners of her mouth, then doing both again making her giggle and move her head to either side his lips fell. Finally, he moved centimeters back, looking in her eyes, ghosting her lips, “Stop doin’ what? Tellin’ the truth?”

The rosy color on her face became more prominent. Her eyes traced between his own emeralds and his smile— his face made her mind fill with wonder. It was so bright, so positive, so warm, so close to her own. She could stay there with him, looking at her so endearingly, forever.

“Y/N?!”

“Ow!” she screeched as Flynn pushed the door open on her leaning stance, bopping her head on the wood.

“Oh my god, sorry!” Flynn gritting her teeth with worry, a fist coming to cover her mouth. “So yeah, ha ha,” the girl tried to build some relief, “Well there you two are!”

Luke grabbed the side of Y/N’s head, placing his hand over her own that covered where the impact landed, “You okay?”

“Yeah…” She sighed, she was more concerned about whatever Flynn had to say.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I need you, like for real this time.” Flynn said, her voice filled with urgency.

“Haven’t you needed her and looked for her ‘like’ everywhere three times tonight already?” Luke argued, a little disgruntled that their first truly private moment got interrupted in the matter of minutes.

“Was I talking to you, Patterson?” Flynn retorted, head tilted with a closed smirk on her face. “No, the answer is no.”

“You didn’t have to say the answer, okay? Got the gist.” His movements became dorkier by the second, his fingers coming to his face. “It was rhetorical- I knew that!”

“Wow, learned that big boy word from your girlfriend?”

“Big boy?! I- That’s not even-“ before Luke went on, Y/N cut in: “Alright,” she lifted her hand, “What happened, Flynn? What do you need?”

“It’s Julie-“

“Don’t tell me she broke another shoe. I don’t have an extra-extra pair.”

“No.” Flynn’s eyes widened, “I actually- I don’t know what it is. She just told me to get you and come to her together.” The girl sighed, “She looked sad.”

“Oh,” Y/N said, a frown coming to her face. A sad Julie is a Julie that should never be in this world. Other than thinking about the absence of her mother, Y/N’s cousin knew how to smile even when things got tough, so if she was feeling down now, and it was evident, it must’ve been important.

“Yeah. So come? Like now?” Flynn grabbed Y/N’s hand and Y/N looked at her own opposite hand that was currently attached to Luke’s, trailing her eyes up to his face.

“Well, I’ll just go too.” He insisted, “I want to help Julie, and,” He spoke directly to Y/N, “I don’t mind.”

“She didn’t ask for you.” Flynn snapped back.

“It’ll be fine.” Y/N decided, “It’s not like we all don’t know her well anyway, right?”

“Yeah, let's go. And then we can just get back, hopefully. I want to spend tonight with you.” Luke said that last part more softly, but apparently not quietly enough.

“Oh god!” Flynn vexed. “Haven’t you spent all week stuck to her mouth?” Through snickers she said, “Let her come up for some air, bruv.” Then, letting go of Y/N's hand as she turns, leading the couple to the staircase, she continued: “And really you should be relaxing all those throat muscles or whatever. I've got you in two open mic night cafes next week and that kids party at the restaurant tomorrow, AND on Sunday Julie said she wanted to record that new song for the YouTube channel.” She slapped the side of her hand to the inside of the other, creating a chopping effect, “We got things to do! I’m trying to make sure you guys stay safe and have fun, but we shouldn’t be here all night.”

Luke rolled his eyes, as much as he loved playing, he hated being bossed around like this. “It's New Year’s Eve!” He complained, yet there was still a hint of playfulness in his voice. “Mind you, this is being said by the girl who agreed to DJ at this party.”

“I didn’t agree! I got reeled into it— Difference, see! This kid comes out of nowhere to bring me onto his home stage— man, he’s rich—- and asks me if I could change the tracks, put something fun on. How am I supposed to say no? It is his birthday and everything that was on before was terrible!”

“That we can agree on,” Luke noted with a laugh.

Y/N added on, after her long silence of listening to the two go back and forth, “You finally got everyone dancing.”

“I did! Thank you!” Flynn appreciated the acknowledgment, especially from Luke, but nonetheless, she persists on her earlier claim, “That being said, I really think we should leave by 10.”

“10?!” Luke repeats with annoyance. “Tomorrow’s gig starts at six. PM. And might I remind you again: it's freakin New Years Eve! We have to stay till the ball drops!”

“We have to practice one last time and we have to get there bef-“

“Alright, alright, boss.” Luke was done arguing (for the time being.) Instead his eyes followed Y/N’s who was no longer listening, bored of her best friend and boyfriend’s little fighting game, as they looked for Julie in the clusters of kids all around the room on the main floor. “Let’s just look for Jules so we can get back. And can we make it to midnight at the least? Please? I mean, come on, there no food at the Molina house to celebrate with and you were having fun up there with those turntables.” He started to smile cheekily at Flynn, “Don’t deny it.”

Flynn took in a sharp breath as she thought. Nick did have access to some sick equipment and has always been so kind enough to share, so it would be fun to play around some more. “We’ll see how I feel at 11. And by the way, we do have things to celebrate with at the garage. I bought stuff specifically so you guys wouldn’t complain when we left,” she went on, the three taking another turn, “We’re going to have some fun here till 10, or 11 I guess, get back to the garage, celebrate New Years— woo-hoo!— and then you guys are settled down by 12:15, 30 the latest. I don’t care if you’re not asleep, just not outside.” Seeing Luke’s face rise up again she defends herself, “It's not my fault you phantoms have terrible time management skills! You guys literally have transportation powers and you’re either late or not present. It’s crazy! I need to make sure you’re there and we get paid. Period.”

Luke suppressed a grunt as Y/N rubbed his shoulders, laughing a bit at the truth of Flynn’s statement.

Then, to console Luke, she whispered in his ear, “No matter where we are, I’ll be there. Plan still intact.”

“True.” Luke whispered back, rubbing his nose on the side of her head.

Luke liked his freedom. He was used to calling the shots when it came to the band, only taking on co-captain position as Julie challenged him with just as much leadership star power as he contained. This made Flynn appointing herself as band manager not something to be desired exactly, especially when she made decisions like this on their down time. He didn’t quite enjoy being told where to go and when, but on the other hand, he couldn’t help to admit to himself that the tech savvy skills both her and Y/N brought to the table were tremendously helpful. The 90s boy was used to walking around town trying to find the next cafe for the guys to play at that he didn’t know how easy it was in this digital world to find venues he never even heard of through the internet. This made him never forget to say thank you after a gig she or Y/N would find from their endless online searchings. And on Flynn’s end, she never forgot to commend Luke on his writing skills when he happened to be the scribe for one of the band’s songs she happened to enjoy, but other than that, they did not have that much to say to each other.

Despite the natural banter and quips that would suggest they were well acquainted, they were actually still quite awkward. Luke was used to admiring her relationship with Julie and Y/N from afar, and for Flynn, after the boys came back to life she didn’t know exactly how to fit herself into the group. Of course she was a part of it, Y/N made certain of it as she herself had also felt strange about her placement in Julie’s new friend group before Julie formally introduced her to them, not knowing that her cousin could also see ghost like she could, but overall, Flynn felt just the tiniest bit embarrassed that the boys she once called ‘cute ghosts’-- more than twice-- heard her say that and all the other things she’d say not knowing they were around (Julie told her they could sometimes snoop in unbeknownst to even her at times. ‘They don’t know boundaries,’ she would say.) Flynn especially felt this way when one of those ex-ghosts was Luke who knew he was ‘cute,’ as she once said, and would bother her about it endlessly when he was first able to communicate with her.

Were they friends? Or was it simply that Luke was just a friend of her friends and that Flynn was just the friend of his girlfriend and mutual friend. Neither of them knew where their relationship stood. This caused Flynn to use her wit as a defense mechanism or to only begin a conversation with the guy when it was about something band related. ‘You kind of act like siblings,’ Y/N would tell them when they were at it. Both of them gawked at the word. ‘Siblings?!’

Around another corner the three went, passing the open space below the home stage that was being used as a dance floor. They went to the room adjacent to it. It was another rather large area, though this one was filled with more furniture, a lot in fact, perhaps to make space for the makeshift dance area. There was also an unused fireplace which caught the eyes of Y/N who yanked on the connected hand of Luke’s and then Flynn to take notice of who sat on the ledge.

The water bunching up in her eyes sparked white from the room's fluorescent gleaming lights, making her tears look much bigger and shinier. It made the group feel bad they didn’t find her sooner.

“Julie!” They all exclaimed in unison though Luke’s reaction was filled with the most apparent fret: the glow of the lights and his wide eye expression showed clearly how his eyes were growing greener with questions and worry. “What happened?” He tried to ask softly, not knowing how to react to her tears. The attempt at softness then immediately changed into one of starting frustration as he sat down next to his poor bandmate, hand on her knee, looking toward Flynn, “Why didn’t you tell us she was like this?”

“Because she wasn’t like this when I left!” Flynn countered, coming to sit down next to Julie on her left side as Luke had taken the right.

“Why do you always-“

“Enough guys,” Y/N silenced them for the third time that night. She noticed how Julie was shying away from both of their faces, not wanting to show them her tears. Julie was strong; a fighter; she sometimes much rather fake out her friends by smiling through her problems before she was ready to talk about them. Y/N knew all of this, related to it in fact, and could sense the possible embarrassment she must’ve been feeling. Not only did she create a movie moment for herself by being the girl crying at a party, but she was crying in front of her friends, when she was typically the person who tried to inspire hope, for she was the front man of her own band after all.

Y/N could also sense— guessing by the way she mostly was turning her face from Luke— that it was a boy problem. Not that Luke’s jittery expression, or close proximity to her face was helping her open up either.

Luke was trying to work on being more helpful in moments where his friends were in tears, but sometimes he could be a little too aggressive, or ‘extra,’ as Flynn would put it and Alex would agree, adding the new slang term to his vocabulary.

Y/N took a seat in front of her on the ground, rubbing her friend's arm. “It’s okay, Jules. Nobody cares what you look like. You can tell us.”

“I know, it’s just-“ she sucked her teeth, looking up, head still tilted to Flynn’s side. “It’s stupid.”

“No ones going to judge you,” Y/N promised, pointing her head to Luke’s direction for Julie to see.

“Yeah, and I bet it’s not ‘stupid’ anyway.” Flynn added.

“Nothings stupid if it made you cry, Jules.” Luke chimed in, finally agreeing with Flynn on something for the second time this night. “Who was it? I’ll beat them up for you.” He joked.

“Oh my god, no!” Julie tittered just a little while trying to wipe away all her tears. “And please never say something like that again. You sound like a dad.”

“Well he is supposed to be like 40 or something,” Flynn said, making the both of her best friends laugh. Julie specifically shook her head at this moment of Flynn and Luke’s typical banter, it was the first time she was getting a whiff of it tonight. Although she appreciated the entertainment they brought when in a room together, she agreed with Y/N that they were relentless.

Luke let that one go, seeing how it finally brought a smile to the girl’s face, “There she is.”

Julie rolled her eyes at him, sighing as her fit of giggles passed, “Okay,” she started slowly, “Well... it was Nick… and I know it’s stupid-“

“-Not stupid.” Her friends finished.

“But you know, he invited me to this party. Directly! Said he wanted to hang out- to dance. When we came, the party just started so he had to say hi to people, that made sense, and he told me to stay near the main floor, so I waited. And then my shoe broke, and then some girl spilled some of that fondue on the bottom of my dress which I had to get out with bathroom wipes, so that was annoying. Then next thing you know it’s an hour later and all I’ve done is eat pizza and watch Flynn at the turntables…”

Julie went on. She explained that finally Nick showed up again , but as he was walking to her, Carrie had just arrived at the party, stopping him in his tracks. Apparently her gift was too heavy to bring inside, so she wanted to take him to her car to show him right then and there. “He said he’d be five minutes tops. Told me to come here by the fireplace, so again, I waited. Then five minutes turned into fifteen, so I got up.” She sidetracked, “That’s not me. Just sitting there, waiting, waiting, waiting. I felt dumb. That's when I walked to the backyard to see what was going on out there, find something to do after all this time, but funny enough that’s where I found Nick and Carrie, laughing, dancing, having a great time.” She wipes a new stray tear, “I decided to look for you,” she nodded to Y/N, “And it’s no offense Flynn, you know I love you, it’s just that I didn’t want to hear you tell me that ‘he’s not worth it’ at the moment.” She gave herself a pity laugh, “I’m currently feeling a little bad for myself as you can see.”

“I’m so sorry Julie.” Y/N started. “But Flynn only tells you the facts like that because she thinks you’re so worthy of more.”

“So much more,” Flynn added on, moving closer to Julie.

“But I get it, it's not fair.” consoled Y/N. “I try to always consider his actions in those instances with Carrie as him just being a pacifist, but if he said he wanted to be with you and continuously told you he would, then he should’ve been here.”

“Agreed, but also, being a pacifist doesn’t mean to always stay quiet though, you can find a way to keep the peace and still do what’s right.” Luke spoke up. “He shouldn’t let Carrie always take him away like that.”

Y/N gave Luke a smile, “Insightful.”

“Strangely,” Flynn chimed in, “but exactly right. Not to mention how it’s not fair— no matter how nice he is— for him to just let Carrie keep saying whatever the hell she wants without calling her out.”

“I just feel like I shouldn’t be so beat up. It is his birthday after all. He can do what he wants.” Muttered Julie.

“No!” Y/N told her. “You feel like you wasted your time, I get that! It’s his birthday, but your feelings are still important.”

“Also,” Luke started, “Julie, I mean, come on! You could do so much better. So what? He’s like 18 now? Well I’m 18 now too, supposed to be 40 something apparently and I look like this! This! Compared to Nick? Julie… girl!” He stated her name again, smiled wide, “I know Molina’s have better taste than that. Not to say what you didn’t want to hear, but, it’s true: he’s not worth it. Period.” He mimicked Flynn with the last word.

Both Flynn and Julie gagged, “Oh my god,” they said in union. Y/N just put her face in her hands.

“You were actually doing well, and then you just go and screw it up like that?” Flynn sighed.

“Now you went from a dad to sounding like a whole ratty teenage boy.” She rolled her eyes teasingly, trying to conceal her laughter at his conceited remark, “Disgusting.”

“Well as long as I got you to stop crying, that’s all that matters anyway.” He laughed goofily, invading her personal space once again.

“Yeah,” Julie realized with a contented sigh. It seemed all the company she really needed was her friends.

“Well, I think the only thing to do now is make up for all that time wasted, huh?” Y/N spoke with a smirk. “If he doesn’t want to be your dance partner, it looks like you’re going to have to take on three instead.”

“Fuck yeah,” Luke said, jumping up, grabbing Y/N and Julie’s hands and running to the dance floor.

Flynn called to the group, as she parted from them, heading to the stage, “Lemme change the song!”

“OOOH!” Luke roared as the ooos and aahs of Donna and the Dynamos filled the room. “One of the best things to come out of the 2000s!”

Julie and Y/N laughed at the surprisingly grand amount of love Luke had for Mamma Mia!

Luke imitated the hustle, sticking his tongue out, shaking his hips, and making Y/N dance along with him, moving around Julie who looked at them incredulously.

“Come oooon,” he said to Julie’s direction, “Nobody can NOT like this song.” And after that Julie gave in, agreeing that a Mamma Mia and ABBA song was too good not to dance to. Flynn came up right behind her, making the dancing trio into a group of four.

From jumping, to slides and shoulder grooves, and even forming their own little dancing circle the four lived in the song, seeing the last of Julie’s worry wash away as the speakers blasted the words “Dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen,” to which Julie’s friends made sure to spotlight her on as their hands sprinkled up and down spirit fingers as she twirled, enjoying her title that fit perfectly with her age.

“Thanks guys,” Julie smiled sweetly, still jumping to the beat.

“WOOOO!” Luke hollered into the crowd, taking Y/N’s hand, swaying and jumping with her exclusively now.

“WOO!” She yelled back.

“LOUDER, LOUDER!” He yelled in her face, shaking his head, his hair imitating a lion’s mane as he gritted his teeth, getting closer to her face.

“WOOOOO!” She yelled, trying to match her boyfriend’s energy.

“YES, Y/N. WOOO!” They kept jumping and he spun her around, letting her twirl into his grasp. He held her closer, one arm tightly around her waist while the other still held her hand, stepping and swaying side to side in a fast pace in order to keep up with the quick musical tune. Her laughs of surprisement to his actions filled him with pride. She was usually so focused on making her friends smile, she could sometimes forget to just have fun for herself. She dropped anything to tend to their needs, which is why tonight was important. At her first party he was going to make her smile and have fun, and that ended with a New Year’s kiss. Hopefully, he could find a way to hide from Flynn— and his friends for that matter— till that time to make it happen.

Finally the song died down and a rush of endorphins filled the floor as almost everyone in the area, even those who typically didn’t dance joined along to the jumping motion the four started at the beginning of the song. “Should I change it?” Flynn asked Julie as the next song started, noticing how different the vibe of this song was from the last: slower, more romantic.

“No,” Julie told Flynn as she watched Luke take his arms closer into Y/N’s sides, “Let’s let them have their moment.”

Y/N arms went around Luke’s neck, and his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling each other closer while swaying in a circular motion. He connected their foreheads. His eyes fixated on her own. They were so gentle, so sweet, so comforting, he felt safe looking in them. He could stay that way forever.

“Luke?”

Luke sighed, once again just minutes of feeling release ruined. “Yeah, bud?” It was Alex.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but this kid Reginald-“

“Don’t tell me he lost the dog again. I don’t want to look for it.”

“It’s not the dog! Well, not this time. I think he’s finally realized that we can’t take it home with us. It’s-“ Alex started snickering which then turned into great belly laughs he couldn’t stop, “I just- I can’t- I can’t- just please,” he had no control. “Please I need your help!”

“What the hell, Alex?”

“Just-“ Alex put his hand over his mouth, trying to conceal his laughs. He motioned Luke with his other hand, walking away.

Luke kept his hand in Y/N’s, bringing her along with him, “I don’t want to get split up again, like last time with the dog.”

“It’s not the dog!” Alex exclaimed, still laughing.

The three were now on the right side of the house, near the pool door that also stood to the right and in the area sat a couch and pool table. The wall on the left side had a small vent near the floor which is where they found Reggie, hip deep in the square hole.

“HELLO!” Reggie wagged his butt, for his friends to see, “Did you bring Luke?”

“Yeah!” Alex answered “Do you see now? He’s stuck!”

“How and why?!” Y/N asked, now joining in with Alex’s uncontrollable laughter as Reggie kept shaking his butt. Quickly Luke couldn’t help himself either.

“No! Y/N is here?” Reggie asked, “Y/N I’m so sorry you have to see me like this. I haven’t been doing my squats recently. I know I don’t look in the best of shape-“

“I think that’s the last thing I’m worried about, Reg,” Y/N said, still losing her breath along with Alex who yelled an incredulous ‘what?!’ at his words.

“No one cares about your glutes, bro.” Luke shook his head, laughing with the two.

“Well I do!” Reggie fought back. “I don’t wear these skinny jeans for nothing!”

Alex’s laughter from Reggie’s wackiness turned into one of apprehension. “Well there are more important things to worry about! Like my date being almost two hours late and also how I don’t even know what to say to him because I haven’t seen him in like two months and it's New Year’s Eve and yeah, okay, okay- Stop shaking your ass!”

“Okay,” Y/N held his shoulders, still losing her breath, “Willie is going to come, alright? It'll be fine, but-“

“Let’s deal with gluteus minimus first.” Luke finished.

“That’s not even-“

“I don’t care.” Luke finished for Alex this time. “I’ll take the right leg, Alex, take the left. Pull!”

Ow! Ow! Ow!” Reggie yelped.

“PULL!”

“Ow! Stop!”

“It’s going to hurt till we get you out, Reg” Alex explained. “And why isn’t Y/N helping?”

“Oh, sorry,” She was caught up in the hysterics.

“Oh that’s right,” Luke noticed. “Take the right, I’ll hold onto his feet and pull from the back. On three. 1, 2, 3, PULL!”

“WAIT!” Reggie yelled.

“WHAT?” Alex yelled back.

“Luke said on three, but you pulled at ‘pull’, or really after pull, so is it really ‘on three’ or do you want it to be ‘on pull’ or ‘after three’ or ‘after pull’?”

Alex shook his head, “Does it matter?!”

Reggie’s voice cracked, “Just asking!”

“Okay, ON pull!” Luke clarified, “1,2,3, PULL”

“NO! WAIT!”

“WHAT?!” The three pullers yelled.

“I felt a tear in my jacket, I love this jacket.”

“Oh god,” the boys complained.

“I think it’s just going to have to tear for us to get you out,” Y/N told him.

“But you gave it to me!” Y/N heard the sadness in his voice. It was a brown leather jacket with long strands of fringe on either side. She thought it went perfectly with his banjo and love for country music. It also had big inside pockets that could hold all his little treasures, and whatever he had in his pocket today is probably the reason why it was so hard to get him out.

“Maybe Victoria knows a good dry cleaner that can give us a discount,” she reasoned.

“Tía does always have very nicely pressed clothes,” Reggie agreed, as an honorary Molina— self appointed, but appreciated by most— he felt that it was okay to address Victoria as such.

“Yeah,” She laughed at his words, “So are you going to tell me how you got stuck?”

“Well I knew there was going to be a pool table here so I brought my lucky gold eight ball-” Reggie had a lucky every- “And it kind of just fell in here.”

Alex corrected him, “You mean you were getting too cocky at the game and knocked the ball so hard that it fell in there.”

“Potatoes, tomatoes, uh, spaghetti! It doesn't matter now, I got my ball and now I need you guys to help me get out.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Luke nodded, “You ready Reg?”

“...No!”

“You want to make out with the rats? They have diseases.” Alex sarcastically noted.

“They’re misunderstood creatures!” Reggie stated on their behalf. Reggie’s butt buzzed, “Oh that's my phone, that feels weird, “ he laughed.

“Phone!’ Alex's eyes widened, “Where’s my phone?” He dropped Reggie’s leg

“Alex!” Luke exclaimed want to get this over with.

“Willie texted, he said he’ll be here in thirty- thirty minutes!”

“Anything else,” Y/N asked.

“He’s excited to spend the New Years with me” He said softly, unsurely.

“That's great.” Everyone agreed, happy for the boy.

“Are you going to text back?” Y’N asked excitedly, happy with the idea of Alex’s romance coming to life.

“Oh yeah!” Alex’s face faltered, “Shit. It just died.”

“Just get Reggie’s,” Luke shrugged, “But after we get him out!”

After 3 more tries at “ON PULLS,” Alex, Luke, and Y/N were able to get Reggie out, only tearing his jacket on the left side.

“Thanks guys” Reggie said appreciatively.

As Luke patted Reggie back Alex spoke: “Um, hey, Y/N?” He asked quietly, hands in his pocket, “Mind if I steal you for a second?”

“Sure,” she smiled sweetly at him, turning the corner so they could have a little bit of privacy.

“I’m nervous.” He sighed, “ I already spoke to Luke about it before we left for tonight, so he’s already given me all the inspiration he’s got, but I’m still not sure of it all… He took the whole coming back to life hard, but I didn’t think he would take it so hard that he would separate himself from us, from me. ” The boy frowned.

“I think he really liked being a ghost,” Y/N started.

“Yeah and we ruined his whole life,”

“We didn’t ruin his life, we saved it. He’s free, just like you guys. And…” Y/N trailed off trying to find the words, “Hm, well, I think he was just a ghost so long it became a part of his identity, and now that part left him, it must’ve been hard to take in. Should he have been more verbal about needing space? Yes. You deserved that. If you want to tell him that, you should, especially if it’ll help relieve whatever thoughts you’ve got suck up there. I’m sure he will be apologetic if you ask calmly, try to see it from his perspective. And that way he can be empathetic to your perspective as well, you know? On the other hand, you can also take this New Year in stride and just like go to the past and have a good time with him. Or do both!” She put an arm on his shoulder, giving him a warm closed smile.

He nodded taking in her words, trying to remember what she said as she said it.

“You got this, okay? What does Luke say? Step into your greatness?”

“Heh,” he laughed, “Greatness is usually for Julie, awesomeness is mine, not saying that I am awesome though, it’s- it’s just what he says.”

“Well it’s because it’s true. You’re awesome, Alex. Just be open hearted and your awesomeness will shine through.”

“But.. how?”

“Didn’t I- Never mind. Okay, from what I know, Willie already knows you, and likes you, and enjoys talking to you, so there are no awkward first encounters to be made. You’ll see him and all you need to do is be prepared to say hi, that is unless you want to talk to him about the past, and then it will go off from there. I feel it ending up well, I promise. And even if it doesn’t? Show him the food. Everyone loves food.”

“Hi- maybe past- food- got it.” He turned, but Y/N quickly grabbed him.

“Wait, but don’t just think about that. Remember: He’s coming because he wants to see YOU. He wants to spend New Years with YOU. That’s what his message said right?”

“Right.” It seemed Alex forgot.

“So believe it. Live in that message.”

“Okay,” he started to smile lightly, though still a little wearily. “Thanks… He wants to see me, he WANTS to see me, live in it.” He repeated her words.

Alex gave her Reggie’s phone, asking her to message Willie one last time stating that he would be waiting for him by the front of the house by the band’s van. She did so and turned the corner hoping to find both Reggie and Luke, but unfortunately the latter person was not in sight.

“Reg, where’s Luke?”

“Y/N! Meet Amelie Laurent,” Reggie introduced the girl sitting next to him, imitating a French accent as he said her name. “She’s a foreign exchange student from France. She likes my jacket.” He said with a smirk.

Y/N guessed he didn’t hear her question.

“Nice to meet you,” the girl said giggling at Reggie’s antics. “Comment tu t’appelles?” She asked.

“Uh, yes.” Y/N stared blankly, watching the girls face fall, “I’m just kidding, it’s Y/N. I know that much at least.” Both you and the girl laughed.

“Aw look, my girls getting along!”

“Your girl?” Amelie questioned.

“Well maybe not yet,” Reggie winked while wiggling a brow.

“You should get Luke and come hang out with me and Miss Amelie Laurent.” Reggie once again pronounced her name with the most fake sounding French accent he could muster, having fun with how the name rolled off his tongue.

“Speaking of that,” Y/N handed him his phone, “Do you know where he went?”

“Well he didn’t go through the pool door because that’s where my Amelie Laurent came from, so I’m guessing back there,” Reggie pointed his thumb behind him.

“Alright, then I guess I’m going that way. Nice to meet you Miss Amelie.” She giggled, attempting her own French accent.

About 10 minutes had passed. Y/N had walked around to the backyard, upstairs to some rooms, to the dance floor, the kitchen, stopping along the way when Julie and Flynn caught her in their sight till she found herself back by the pool table. Reggie’s banjo and doggy friend was present but not he nor his lady friend, or Luke. Y/N wondered if she should finally try the pool door till she heard a sound, a voice actually. As she walked down the hallway she was just minutes before, she heard his voice.

It was Luke, his tones muffled by the music and talking inside, but she could hear it, it filled her senses, making her heart flutter to hear his singing as it belted a tune much more soulful then the usual pop or rock songs the band sang. He was outside, in the backyard, one of the first places she looked. As she almost reached the back door, she was pushed rather harshly, by someone with wheels, skateboard wheels.

“Whoa! Sorry!” It was Willie. “You’re Y/N right?” He smiled, running his fingers through his hair as he took off his helmet. “I know we’ve never really spoken, but we know of each other.”

“We do,” Y/N said pleasantly.

“I’m glad I finally found one of you, I’m totally lost.”

“Well I think Luke was just outside there, actually.”

“Oh really? God I was going so fast I wasn’t even thinking. Or looking would be correct, right? Anyway, I’m sorry I didn’t see you there, sometimes I still think I’ll just go through people. Can’t believe I have to walk indoors now.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Life of the living,” she tried to joke, “I’m sorry. I know it must be strange.”

“Yeah, better than being under Caleb though.”

“Right,” Y/N nodded.

“Oh, sorry,”

“No don’t be. I’ll never know him like you did. No emotional tie here.”

“Um,” An awkward silence erupted, “So since you’re the only one in the group I’ve found you want to play a game?”

“A game?” She asked, confused.

“Yeah!” He raised his brow.

“And what game would this be?”

“The Where’s Alex game. If you have the answer I’ll love you forever. I already know I’m super late.”

“Oh!” she laughed at the realization, “He’s at the front! You didn’t see him? Or see the text?”

“My phone died,” He pulled out the device as proof, the glass was severely cracked, “I’m not sure how to properly take care of it as you can see. No wonder I make it die so fast.”

“His phone died too, strangely enough. But he’s waiting for you at the front entrance. You didn’t come from that way?”

“No, I didn’t know if someone would stop me if I went that way because I wasn’t actually invited. I never really did this kind of thing in the past. It’s my first time.”

“Really? It’s my first too, but for you? You seem so cool to me to never be invited.”

“Well the actual definition of cool and high schoolers definition of cool is wildly different. We’re obviously a different breed, you and I. Better.” He joked.

“Well thank you.” She could tell why Willie liked him. “Alex is by the white van, it has ghosts painted all over it so you can’t miss it.”

“Thank you!”

“Of course!”

As he was about to walk away, skateboard in hand, he stopped, “Can I be honest?”

“Sure.” She smiled nodding at him to continue.

“I’m a little nervous. I know that’s his thing so I should try to get over it, but I can’t help it. This not being a ghost thing has been hard, you know? Is he mad? I didn’t mean to separate myself…” he faultured. Although Y/N knew Alex’s half of the story, Willie and her were still newly acquainted, it made sense why he felt the need to stop himself from possibly over sharing.

“He can’t wait to see you.” She reassured him, ending the silence. “It’s literally why he decided to stay by the front. He wanted you to find him right away. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“You sure?”

She confirmed, “Absolutely positive.”

“Alright, thanks again. And nice to meet you! You know, not just by me peering through windows and being creepy. Sorry.”

“Ghosts will be ghosts.” Y/N shrugged. She watched as Willie gave her a laugh and started to walk away.

“Y/N,” the sweet voice from the backyard called for her again, this time saying her name.

“Luke,” her eyes brightened, turning around.

“Found you.” He grinned, intertwining their fingers on both sides.

“Well really I would have found you first. I heard your voice, from the backyard, but Willie stopped me before I could go.”

“Ah, you heard my call for you.”

“For me?” He hummed in response.

“I’ll pretend that’s true.”

“Good,” Luke brought one of her hands up to his lips, kissing it softly. “So where have you been in the last twenty?”

“Well I was looking for you. Reggie said you didn’t go through the pool door so-“

“I did.”

You did?”

“I did! He probably didn’t mention it because he was so focused on-

“Miss Amelie Laurent!” You both said in unison, French accents prevalent.

“He said you went back here so I went to the backyard, but you weren’t there, so I went upstairs back to Nick room, and you don’t want to know what I saw in there-”

“Ooo tell me,” his eyes were eager.

“Anyway, I went back down stairs, found Julie near the kitchen— we shared a cupcake— and then she asked me if I would go to the dance floor with her and find someone to talk to so I did that, but then Flynn can said she lost her bracelet so we three had to look for that one, then I came back to the pool table, heard you singing, bumped into Willie, asked me where Alex was, and then I think he needed some advice— he and Alex are literally having the same problem, it’s kind of cute— and then you finally came. That’s my story.”

Luke's mouth was open, eyes going around in a circle as she went on her tangent, hanging onto every word, he thought it was pretty adorable. “Well, my story is much shorter. When I picked Reggi up, you disappeared.”

“Oh, Alex asked me to speak to him, all we did was turn the corner.”

“I didn’t know, but then some guy from the pool came up to me asked me if I could show him some cords from a phantom song and before I could say yes he was pushing me out the door. I helped him, went back inside, met Miss Amelie Laurent, walked to the backyard because Reggie said you went that way, and there I stayed.”

“If only I went back.”

“We’re good now.” Though a smile still ghosted his face he felt a sudden suppression wash over him, “Are you having fun, Y/N/N?”

“I- Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know… I just know it’s your first party here and I wanted you to have a good time, but at every second someone needs you, or someone needs me, and we’ve been pulled around and around and around,-“ Luke moves his head left to right, a rasp in his voice like a motor engine as he repeated the word for effect, “-that I feel like you’re not letting yourself get into some trouble like everyone else.”

“Trouble?”

“Lack of a better word,” he smiled smugly. “I’m just saying, you’re not Julie and the Phantoms glorified assistant-”

“Neither are you. You’ve done just as much as me tonight.” She reasoned.

“Yeah, but that’s because I was trying to stick with you and lessen the load. You know you do so much for us all the time.”

“I guess I just like you guys too much.” she shrugged, matching his playful tone from before.

“Like just me a little bit more then.” He moved closer, placing his fingers on her jaw, “Hmm?”

He finally kissed her, a real kiss this time. His other hand moved to her neck as her hands moved to his arms. The hand on her jaw lifted her chin higher, deepening the action.

“People are watching,” she said through a breath, eyes alert.

Before going back in he said, “No one's watching,” Then after a peck, “And no one cares.” His hands slid to her waist, head tilting to the other side, he hummed, causing Y/N’s hands to fall to his cheeks, quickly sliding her fingers against his chest; she was lost in the moment.

Slowly Luke’s feet moved backwards, moving one of the hands that was wrapped around his waist to her hip as he motioned her against the wall. “Ow,” Y/N yelped, the black and blue Flynn gave her earlier pulsing again.

Luke’s hand came to her head, cushioning it against the wall. “Sorry, I forgot.”

“So did I,” she laughed.

The both smiled at each other, Luke forehead connecting with hers, he rubbed his nose against her own etching more bits of laughter out of her. He relished in the noises, the closeness, the feeling.

Looking down he noticed their shoes, Y/N’s original chucks in the middle of both vans. He didn’t care what shoes she wore, but he much appreciated how she had to change her footwear for Julie because now they matched… somewhat. The black and white pallets, but different designs; similar, but different; individuals, but connected. He liked it. “Nice shoes, kid.”

“Thanks,” she laughed, “Not what I originally intended, but they work.”

“Work better, in my opinion.” He moved back, extending her arms out as he held her hands. He was surveying how her black dress with white polka dots perfectly matched the color scheme of the converse. “Perfect.”

Once again she blushed, but didn’t respond. Instead she made a remark about his own shoes. “You know, I don’t understand how you wear those everyday, yet they aren’t all dirty like mine.”

“Well I used to be a ghost, when I was walking my feet weren’t actually treading on the Earth.”

“Well that was three months ago.”

“Almost three months ago,” he corrected, for that’s when their official relationship started. Luke always thought she was pretty, right from the moment he saw her, but it wasn’t love at first sight, not even like. She was a little quiet, at least with him and the boys and they all noticed. With Julie and Flynn she smiled brightly and chatted constantly, or that’s what he would hear when he would come to Julie’s room, hearing her voice through the door. It was a sweet voice, empathetic, understanding; he thought it sounded like music, and not only did he wonder how his name would sound on her lips, but he felt connected to it. He understood the desire to make others feel good. Through his singing he tried to make people feel seen, make their problems validated, and he could tell she tried to do that with her words.

For Y/N at first, she wanted Julie to have the band for herself. She thought that this was one of the few things making her feel happy during this dark time of Tía Rose’s passing, so she didn’t want to step in too much, not to mention the realization that she could see ghosts wasn’t exactly the easiest things for her to get her head around the way Julie did. But her elusiveness only made Luke more curious, and when Luke was curious, he was persistent in finding out whatever it was he wanted to know.

First, he would ask Julie to bring Y/N down for their rehearsals and she would, sometimes, but nothing gave. Y/N would most give Julie feedback, shying away from the ghosts gaze, still unsure how to interact. Then, he just started asking Julie about her cousin, little questions here and there till Julie finally got tired and told him to just go talk to her himself. This is where he was at a stand still as he was unsure how to approach her. Finally, after noticing how her room lights would shine quite far into the night, he decided to go up there, telling himself he would just ask her why she sleeps so late, that he only noticed because he likes to take walks at night. It sounded reasonable to him.

This is when he realized how similar Molina’s are: Always trying to be brave for others. After she told him she always had trouble falling asleep unless it was specifically her bed at home, but didn’t want to tell anyone else because it would bother them. She wanted to stay here for Julie and for the friendships she was finally making at Los Feliz, so Luke decided to start a tradition with her: late night bike rides. It was a way to tire her out and a way for him to get some alone time with her. Him taking a bike from the garage, and her using her own she brought from her old home. They rode separately, but together, letting the quiet road open them up to the other. Telling each other stories, discussing interests, consoling each other when they were feeling down. Luke never knew how close you could feel to someone else by just conversation until he had to do it with Y/N. It made him appreciate her in a way he’d never felt before.

They were not friends, they knew that fairly quickly, but they didn’t hurt each other by talking about being more. It was just an unspoken agreement that they hung out with each other exclusively in the way that they did, but they never spoke of romantics. Their rides were special, only for them. That’s why when he became alive the first thing he wanted to do, after celebrating with everyone, was take a ride with her. One bike this time. Her heels on the bars and she heads onto his shoulders, showing her where he used to grow up. That’s what he always wanted to do.

“Not enough time,” Luke said in response to Y/N who mentioned that wearing the same two pairs of shoes for 3 months had to have made them a little messed up, but he was talking about them, thinking about how short of a time ago it was that he got got be with her this way. It was a long year of just knowing her without the sense of touch. He felt lucky. Once again, he dipped his hands on the side of her face, starting to go in till-

“Hey, Y/N! And oh, Luke! Hey man.” It was the New Years Eve birthday boy.

“Oh, hey, Nick,” Y/N said, maintaining a kind disposition although she knew how his actions made Julie feel.

“Um,” he laughed awkwardly at Luke’s stoicism, it was unnatural for his character and even Nick knew that by now, “Well I was wondering if you knew where Julie was. I’ve been looking for her everywhere.”

“Really?” Luke questioned.

“Yeah, I promised her a dance,” he laughed, “or really she promised me one because we all know I suck.”

Y/N laughed kindheartedly at his deprecation. She was still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Carrie does have a dominating attitude, and with someone as tender Nick it would make sense that he got roped into whatever it was even at his own party, but looking at Luke’s face and knowing how she felt earlier, she decided to to be upfront, “Look Nick, you don’t have to say anything, but I think you like Julie, and I don’t know if Julie likes you, but let’s say she does: You’re sending mixed signals. I get you and Carrie have a history and that she can be bossy, but you make your own choices. If you want to hang out with a certain someone, I think you should put your foot down and make it a priority to do that.” She tried to be ambiguous, obviously failing throughout.

Nick sighed, “I know… I have no excuse. But that’s why I’ve been trying to find her. I want to hang out with her, do a- I don’t know-“

“‘I don’t know?’” Luke intervened, restating his words, unsure about the possible actions behind them.

“I mean like... New Year's kiss, I- don’t laugh at me Y/N!”

“No! I think it’s sweet. I'm only laughing because I’ve understood your pain, Nick.”

Nick laughed alongside her albeit he was still mostly laughing at himself. Luke kept his grumpy face, eyebrows twitching. “Well if that’s what you want, go get it before the Carrie snatches you up again”

“But even if she does,” Luke started.

“Put your foot down.” Y/n finished “You know, Stand Tall, like the phantoms song.”

“‘Whatever happens’ he snickered, waving his finger as he said the lyric in hopes to ease the tension with Luke, but he was not amused.

“Exactly,” Y/N smiled, paying her boyfriend's chest.

“Right,” Luke agreed, he was really only saying it for Y/N. “Nice basketball sheets by the way”

“Hey, come on, my dad got those for me. It’s nostalgic, you know? Anyway, so I know you guys were busy and I’m sorry that I interrupted anything, but do you think you could help me find her? I really want to find her.”

“Listen Nick,” Luke started once again, it was getting late and he still had a plan he wanted to maintain.

“Y/N! So there’s this gu- Nick, oh-“

“Julie, I’ve been looking for you!” Nick exclaimed, happy to see her.

“You have?”

“Apparently,” Luke answered.

“Well Nick, actually I-“

“Wait. Julie, wait. I- um, I was also looking for all you phantoms actually. I mean I was going to find you and talk to you first and the ask about this later but hey two out of the four are here so,”

“What are you talking about?” Julie asks, hoping he’d get to the point.

“I was wondering if you could play a song? Just one. I don’t have a bass but I’ve got a drum kit on stage already and I’ve got plenty of electrics. The party’s coming to a close and I thought this would be one last thing to bring it all together to make a great night. I know it’s last minute,”

“Nick-“

“Julie.” He stopped, stumbling with his words, till he finally felt sure of what to say, “I’m beating around the bush. What I really need to say is I’m sorry for leaving you. You’re the only one I wanted to hang out with tonight. Carrie- Carrie’s just lonely. If I’m being honest and I promise I don’t mean this in a rude way, but Kayla is just more of her henchman. I know we used to date so it looks strange, but I think I’m her only friend right now. She bought a really grand present and took me away to show it to me, that’s all. I should have stopped to speak to you first though. That’s on me.”

Julie looked down, nodding, “I appreciate that.”

“You don’t have to sing and you don’t have to give me any more of your time tonight if you don’t want to. I’m just glad you’re here either way.”

“I don’t mind hanging out with you... if you actually stick around this time-“

“I will!”

“But singing? I guess I’ll leave that one to you Luke.” Julie said, noticing his expression, lips scrunched up together.

“I- It’s your choice, Jules. Whatever you want.” He said lessening the intensity that was in his eyes, Nick did do what Y/N said after all.

“Let’s sing then. This party has been a little hectic and I think we all need to get our emotions out. Let the New Year come in with good vibes. Right, buddy?” She said tapping Luke’s cheek. “Y/N, help me find the others?”

“Sure,” she said with a sympathetic smile to Luke who she noticed didn’t seem to enjoy that little buddy comment, nonetheless, she joined in: “See ya soon, buddy,” Y/N laughed, letting the ends of her finger tips brush against his till she was pulled away by Julie.

On stage, Julie and the Phantoms rose, singing Finally Free. It had become quite the party anthem for them. The repetition in the chorus made it such a good song for them to engage with the audience. Every time Julie sang ‘I got a spark in me’ the crowd would sing back, throwing their hands up in the process quite literally making the next lyric, ‘hands up if you’re with me’ come true in the most perfect way.

Y/N wished she brought her camera, instead she opted to take out her phone, taking some iPhone shots of the band, hoping the fans would enjoy these raw candid pictures, but then Luke caught her attention through the screen, he sent her a wink, one that the people in front of her probably thought was for them. As he strummed his guitar he yelled a ‘WOOO’ her way, bouncing with Reggie. Y/N decided to put her phone down. This performance was a New Years special, one to only be viewed in person; in the moment; no thinking of anyone else. Finding Flynn in the crowd who was also trying to catch some snapshots of her own, Y/N passed on the energy Luke had given to her: “Lets just have fun!”

Soon after, the song had ended, and despite not being the ‘hologram band’ anymore the Phantoms vanished from the stage, still giving the audience chills as Julie was the one last standing, thanking everyone for being such a great audience. When the gang realized the guys still had some ghosting abilities, Julie wondered if they should stop the whole disappearing thing, saying it would be harder for people to believe, but honestly, seeing the guys at school, at this party, and still watching them turn to dust when the music and cheering ended still amazed the crowd and made it just that more of a spectacle; no one cared for reason, it was simply that cool to see.

Y/N hoped Luke would pop up alongside her, saving her the hassle of searching for him again, but alas, he did not. It made sense to her though, for she was right in the middle of the dancefloor.

She decided to travel back around to the hallway where Nick and Julie had stopped her and Luke before. Walking down the hall, a hand snaked around her arm, pull her into a small closet under the staircase. “What the-” She stopped herself as she looked up and the light illuminated the small area with a click and a pull. Her eyes traveled slowly from the buttery yellow glow of the small light, the hand which pulled on the silvery chord, the shimmering skin of Luke, whose eyes followed her gaze till she met his own. “Howdy.”

“Hey there, partner” she said softy, small breathy giggles coming out of her. “Nice hat.”

“Why thank you, pretty lady,” he responded with a wink, tipping the brown leathered cowboy hat he’d found.

“So what are we doing in here?” She asked, watching him take off the hat.

“Wanna play seven minutes in heaven?”

“Like in 13 going on 30? Is that the kind of game you played in your 90s parties?”

Luke rolled his eyes at her comment, moving on, “I decided that our friends are not going to leave us alone tonight, so I want just seven minutes. No interruptions, just us.”

“I’d like that.”

Luke took out his phone starting a timer on his phone, “Yeah,” he nodded as he moved closer to her face, “me too.”

Lips on her own, he moved his hand to the back of her head, remembering her black and blue and he softly placed it against the wall of the small space, removing it once there.

As her head leaned eagerly against it, the rest of her body was slanted, legs in between his own, he moved his arms to her waist, hands going up her back, while hands went up to his neck, going in to play with his hair.

“Y/N?”

The sound caused her to jump, banging her head for the third time. “Ow.”

It was Flynn.

“Luke!”

It was Reggie.

Now Julie came over, “Is Y/N and Luke in there? Guys?!” H-“

“No!” Luke yelled.

“Hey!” It was Alex, hand in hand with Willie. “Are they coming out? It’s-“

“Five minutes!” Luke yelled out again. He slid out his phone from underneath the door. “In fact, reset it to seven, give us seven.”

Reggie took phone, “But Luke you didn’t notice the ti-“

Luke bagged on the door, “When it rings, that’s when you can give us your requests.”

Y/N covered her mouth, giggling at his aggressive tone.

“Come here,” he motioned her with his hands on her hips, lips once again reconnected. As they started to move backward again, Luke moved his hands higher, picking her up, motioning her to wrap her legs around her waist, Y/N tried to catch her breath as their lips fell a part in the action, “Not this time,” he whispered in her ear, the vibrations of his voice making her shiver. He crashed his lips onto hers again as his hands went lower on his hips, supporting her on his frame. He swiped his tongue on her lower lip in an attempt to deepen the kiss further. Thereafter, their lips were connected in open mouth kisses, Luke taking control of the action.

“We just wanted to say Happy New Years, it’s 12:03.” Reggie uttered quietly at the bottom of the door, petting Nick’s dog that found him again. Y/N and Luke didn’t answer him, he figured they were too busy engrossed in each other.

“Happy New Years, beautiful.” Luke sang to Y/N, sighing out, admiring the way her eyes looked into his, realizing that he completed his mission after all.

“Happy New Years, Luke.” She breathed out, planting her lips on his once more. One hand on the side of his face as the other went back to his hair, rejoicing in their closeness, finally, uninterrupted.

Thank you for reading!

Tag list: @lolychu @marinettepotterandplagg

#luke patterson #luke patterson imagine #luke patterson x reader #luke jatp #luke jatp fic #luke jatp imagine #julie and the phantoms #julie and the phantoms imagine #julie and the phantoms fic #luke julie and the phantoms

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jokertrap-ran · 3 years

Photo

(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Main Story Chapter 3-3: 海水与火焰 Seawater & Flames Translation

“Secretly snapping shots of me again? What, was last time not enough?"

*Light and Night Master-list *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Join the Light & Night Discord (＾▽＾)~ ♪ *Main story tag will be #For Light and Night

The original plan for Lin Yao’s fitting session was postponed by her agency at the very last minute. After busying for a couple more days, the weekends were here in a blink of an eye.

Following Evan’s suggestion, I’d selected a new apartment that was small, but pretty good in every other aspect, and moved in without a hitch.

It was coincidentally sundown by the time I’d finished decorating my new home. The setting sun was lazily snuggled up high amongst the clouds that touched the building. Guangqi City was dyed in a beautiful pinkish-purple, assimilating into the very glow of the sunset itself.

I was nestled up comfortably on my sofa, admiring the beautiful scenery and enjoying the rare moment of peace.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell rang.

Delivery Man: Hello. Fresh flowers for you.

MC: ?

An’an had sent me a huge bouquet of baby's breath. It had a card attached to it, wishing me a smooth move into my new apartment.

❖☆———————————★❖

An'an: Got the flowers yet?

MC: Yeah! They're especially pretty~

An'an: You're welcome! But, seeing as you've already received them… I have a teeny-tiny request~

MC: Why do I have a bad feeling about this already…?

An'an: Aw, come on, man. Didn't I tell you that I was going to be interviewing my idol's race team next week?

An'an: It’s their test run tomorrow and it’s also a Sunday, so I’m asking you to come and check them out with me!

An'an: Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top? You know I love you best, baby!

MC: ...Fine.

An'an: I’ll send you the location later and see you at their training location at 10 AM tomorrow! Be there, or be square!

❖☆———————————★❖

Hence, I woke up early the next day due to the location being somewhere out in the outskirts of the city.

MC: Turn left at 998 Sunset Street and go straight till the end…

MC: Then you’ll see the Glitter Bullet race team's name… Oh, here it is.

A real race track was much more of a spectacular sight to behold compared to what I’d seen on television.

The long and winding race track was akin to that of a python’s body; so long that it seemed never-ending, surrounding a square plot of grass. The dark red tented fabric canopy bearing the team’s name stood right in the centre of the racetrack like an open umbrella.

❖☆———————————★❖

MC: What a spectacle…

Everything about the racetrack marvelled me, almost as if I’d accidentally stepped into a whole new world.

Training racecars raced past me, roaring as they went. The visceral heat and the deafening roars of the engines as they zipped past were so exciting that they made everyone's heart race.

I walked to the auditorium, finding a shaded area to sit.

Down at the tracks was what was probably a mock competition. The roaring of the racecars that zipped past was sometimes high-pitched, and sometimes low.

❖☆———————————★❖

The one at the head of them all was a red racecar that was both steady and equally speedy. After a couple of laps, it had firmly locked its place as No.1 on the racetrack.

I stared at the skull pattern on it. It looked really familiar…

I whipped out my phone and zoomed in on it using the camera and confirmed it. My eyes weren’t fooling me after all.

MC: The pattern on it looks exactly just like the pendant Osborn wears!

❖☆———————————★❖

Is that his racecar? As the thought flashed past my mind, I was compelled to raise my phone and press the button on the shutter.

Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out in the chaos of noise.

The yellow racecar that had been snapping at the red one’s heels the entire time had suddenly started accelerating, just like a lion that had just woken up, radiating an unstoppable and unrelenting aura as it went. It swerved with astonishing speed and a sharp screech of its tires, perfectly bypassing the bend in the road before swiftly overtaking the red racecar!

It was like a dash of gold light in the middle of a group, making everything in the surroundings lose out in comparison.

In a blink of an eye, that racecar put a huge distance between itself and the others.

MC: The red racecar got overtaken!

Only the last lap remained before this competition was over. I couldn't help gripping tightly to the railings as I silently rooted for the red racecar.

However, it was the yellow racecar that had been first to cross the finish line in the end.

MC: He still lost out…

I sighed, growing increasingly curious about just which godly being was behind the wheel of the yellow racecar.

MC: ...Osborn's so good at this; I wonder who won against him?

A tall and big figure came out of the yellow racecar, removing his helmet and reaching a hand up to somewhat fix his helmet-mussed hair.

MC: ...Osborn!? That red racecar isn't being driven by him!?

❖☆———————————★❖

It was at that moment that my phone vibrated to life.

An'an: I needa tell you something very important… Please don't smack me!

An'an: A last-minute issue cropped up with the latest issue of the magazine I'm on, so I've got to rush back to the publishing company right now...

MC: I'm… already here, though…

An'an: I'm so, so, sorry for making you go there for nothing…

MC: Don't worry about it. I don't have any plans for today anyway. Besides, I just saw their test run.

An'an: For real!? Did you snap any pics of my idol? Can you send them to me!?

MC: Sure thing. I snapped one aplenty…

Suddenly, I recalled the big, horrid, and terrible screw-up that had transpired earlier. My voice had never died that quickly right then and there. Not only did I fail to get a single shot of her idol, but I'd also taken pictures of EVERYTHING but him.

MC: ...Err, I'll snap a couple more and send them all to you later.

An'an: You're really the bestest bestie! Gotta go, the editor-in-chief's after my arse. Bye bye~

After hanging up, I immediately fell into a moment of depression as I stared at the stream of pictures of the red racecar in the gallery. Is there a second mock competition, by any chance? Otherwise, how am I going to explain this to her…?

??: And whose fangirl is this? What are you squatting here for?

MC: !

The sudden voice that came out of nowhere startled me. I shot up immediately only to meet a pair of eyes that had been half-narrowed into a smile.

I didn't know when he came here, but Osborn was now standing by my side. There he stood under the dazzling sunlight with both hands in his pockets, leaning lazily against the railings with his eyebrows raised.

I felt a little light-headed. Perhaps it was because I had my head down for too long and had gotten up way too quickly, but I abruptly stumbled two steps backwards.

He grabbed onto my arm with a small chuckle.

MC: ...Thanks.

Osborn: Secretly snapping shots of me again? What, was last time not enough?

He leaned down, his gaze landing on the camera interface that was still open on my phone, the smile playing at his lips never once falling.

MC: As if! I’m helping my friend take some pictures. She needs to use it for her interviews!

Osborn: Oh? So what did you take?

MC: Uh, well…

MC: I just casually snapped a couple of pictures of things like your racecar and… the red one… and all…

Osborn: Really? Then what do you think of my driving?

MC: Amazing! Never thought that you'd clinch first in the end like that!

MC: You drove fast and furious during the last lap, but you were also very steady at the wheel! And the part where you finally overtook your opponent at the very last moment was also way too brilliant!

Osborn: Then why'd you only take photos of one who came in 2nd?

I froze. That was when it finally hit me that he'd already seen the camera interface that had been on my phone display earlier.

Osborn causally folded his arms, awaiting my answer with a playful look on his face.

I could only look to the side ever so awkwardly, softly muttering in response.

MC: Because they were leading at the start, so I thought…

MC: Plus, the skull pattern that was on it was just like your pendant, so that's why I...

Osborn was stunned for a while before he let out a laugh.

Osborn: That was the pattern for the last season.

Osborn: I never knew that you'd done your research on me that well.

There was an obvious teasing lilt to his voice. I flushed red, immediately snapping in denial.

MC: I only take extra notice when it comes to patterns! I blame my work habits!

MC: Who told you to be so slow at the start…

Utterly amused, Osborn narrowed his eyes into a smile, leaning down towards me.

Osborn: Do you know that you should never say "slow" to a racer?

MC: ……

I subconsciously shook my head. Osborn nodded moments after he'd leaned in closer.

Osborn: Boy, you sure are easy to intimidate.

Moments after he backed away, he casually placed his hands into his pockets, his smile growing bigger.

Osborn: Come on.

MC:

...Where to?

Osborn: Don't you wanna snap some shots? I'll lead the way.

❖☆————— ⊹ For Light & Night⊹ —————★❖

Previous Part: (Chapter 3-1) | Next Part: (Chapter 3-5)

#光与夜之恋 #Light and Night #Otome #Translations #Tencent #萧逸 #Osborn #齐司礼 #Sariel #陆沉 #Evan #查理苏 #Charlie #夏鸣星 #Jesse #For Light and Night

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since-it-must-be-so · 3 years

Text

A Wild Sheep Chase: Chapter 2 of Choujin X!

It's here! I've gushed about the chapter over at my Twitter, but like I said in my previous post, I want to see how the story progresses and keep a log about it. So here it goes!

Background info on Ely Otsuta

So before we delve into Chapter 2 which almost exclusively featured Ely... Let's take note of the new things we learned about Ely:

She's from a rural prefecture. I think she lives in the mountainside specifically since that's where she grows her tomatoes.

She's a greenthumb (we already kinda knew this from the previous chapter but we learn more about her life pre-Choujin X). I understand that even if the soil is infertile, she's able to grow tomatoes so nutritious and plump. So plump, they resemble butts, hence, "bumbums!" It appears she uses advanced equipment for her farming stuff. So yeah, based on these, it's established Ely has a green thumb!

Oh, and it appears that it's clarified that her "Grandpapi" whom she talks about in the 1st chapter is an adoptive grandfather (not biological, hence, maybe in the future we'd know her parents and learn why Ely is special).

It's just me but I get the impression that Ely is being introduced as some sort of "fertility" choujin, since she also dreams of having 9 kids. Haha!

It's kinda weird though why the burning tomato has a face. Was it just from her dream, since after plucking a bumbum - she woke up? Hmm, after some thought, I think the burning tomato with a face is just from her dream.

Ely Wakes Up from Reality

When Ely woke up, she finds herself in the South Yamato prefecture. Okay, so I think this leaning tower of some sort has a significance to the story.

It's featured in every spread with the title "Choujin X" and also in the last chapter. Can you see it? Maybe it has something to do with how the powers are made, like pollution-related or a botched experiment. Dunno. Just my wild speculation.

A Wild Sheep Chase

This is the exciting part. So when Ely wakes up, Chandra Hume offers to "escort" her, but really it appears he wants to kidnap her. And from, *checks the manga* page 10 to 40, we have Ely running away from Chandra until she fell in what looks like a similar area where Tokio and Azuma fought Johnny Kiyoshi Takeyama.

The chase sequence consisting of 30 pages were so fun and I was smiling all the while I was reading! Ely is so cute trying to parkour her way through the buildings (kinda reminds me of Touka?? I miss Touka!). Chandra looks really cool, he seemed to be flying too, using his powers (more on that later)!

But not to be outdone, Ely borrows a "Roller Boy Yay-Yay" which basically is a scooter with something that resembles a driver's wheel. Its literal translation of ローラーBOYイェイ・イェイ -- which, checking Twitter and in Ishida's latest live stream, I think the locals found it hilarious too. Ishida is just unleashing his crazy here, I love it!

After that sequence, we get the tractor and sheep chase. Ah! I love it.. So what happened is that, Chandra and Ely fall off from their Roller Boy Yay-Yay. Ely who just claimed she can outrun Chandra if she were riding a tractor, suddenly found one right in front of her! Then Chandra lands near a gang... or should I say, a flock of sheep-bikers. They're all wearing these Kanji-printed tracksuits and basically look like they're a bunch of delinquents? They even describe themselves as "cryptid bikers"... Cryptid supposedly means mysterious? Idk why the weird choice of words for the translation though.

Funnily, I was just reading Haruki Murakami's A Wild Sheep Chase (羊をめぐる冒険 --- Hitsuji o meguru bōken or literally An Adventure Surrounding Sheep). I wonder if this scene something to do with this book?

Anyway, Chandra entices the sheep to help hip capture Ely by bribing them with a Docomo flip phone. I don't know why a flip phone - could mean the following: (a) the sheep are so poor, a flip phone is cool; (b) maybe flip phones are a status symbol in that universe; (c) maybe the setting is in the 2000s when the flip phones really were all the rage.

So they all chase Ely, but Chandra suddenly has a car too. Someone on Twitter said it's a Porsche? But I can't tell, though Chandra said his car is a four-wheel drive... Heh? Idk what to do with this info.

As for Ely, she is really good with the tractor as she said. The hilarity of outrunning motorcycles and what could be a Porsche. That tractor prowess! Later on, Chandra and the other sheep figure into an accident with a "safety-loving" truck (oh the irony, lol). Chandra flew off the car and so did his fancy shoes...

Ely didn't exactly come out unscathed. Ishida allocated 4 double spreads for this epic fall. Some of the sheep definitely should have died from that spectacular accident.

At first, Ely was smug about escaping the sheep. But then, I think she was moved by compassion and I think she hurt herself in order to revive the sheep. I just wonder though, how she learned to do that?

Then we get another awesome double spread of her transformation, similar to Tokio's. Augh Ishida-sensei. These are soooo good!!!!

Because of her transformation, the whole area was engulfed with smoked and I think the sheep were effectively revived. It appears Chandra saw all this (while he was regenerating... so we now know choujins or at least smoke choujins like Chandra has regenerative powers), hence he marveled at Ely's newfound power. It was kinda confirmed that Ely was responsible for keeping the casualties to a minimum. Specifically he said Ely possesses: quick judgment, though resolve, persistence... making her a human with the makings of a choujin... while also kinda noting Ely's silliness.

Here we go again with Chandra's "fancy gentleman" facade... Even the way he talks is fancy ("I am well-acquainted with the roads here") but more than that... he's self-important. I talked about my other views on his character on Reddit. I get the impression he's something of a "Choujin supremacist", you know what I mean? So, he wants to kinda recruit Ely into his organization or whatever.

Ely is righteous

So we see that Ely is further introduced as a good character, standing up against Chandra and rejecting his offer to be his pupil or something. Ely was clearly upset about the grandma getting hurt (did she die? I hope she didn't) and made it clear she would never join him. Chandra takes offense at this rejection, especially when Ely said Chandra is worse than a turd.

As Chandra tries to inflict pain on Ely (something about marking her on the face), she recalls her resolve from Chapter 1: drones for farming, a greenhouse, her grandpappy, a mansion, the big dog, paying back the kid for his roller boy yay-yay, the Goldilocks hubbie, nine kids... But just before we can see if she can fight Chandra off...

The most handsome man of all Sui Ishida's works (haha!)

This buff mysterious man with a bandana reminiscent of the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles seemed to have blown Chandra and Ely (also the cars and motorcycles) away by a mere clap of his hands. It appears even Chandra is afraid of this guy and recognizes him... he leaves the scene using his smoke powers before the guy can do serious damage. I think his power has something to do with wind since there was like a little hint with all the ventilation stuff in the setting.

The guy manages to create a circle of protection around Ely. He tells Ely that Chandra's modus is to target "people with aptitude like Ely". He helpfully mends Ely's punctured hand with his bandana.... And when Ely looks up at his face, what do you know? Haha!

Our girl Ely has a love interest! Haha.

Tokio's Gregor Samsa moment

I've observed from the manga I've read that characters with transformation abilities always, always go through this adjustment period with the power. Gregor Samsa, Peter Parker, our boy Kaneki... Anyway, it seems Tokio doesn't know or can't turn back into a normal-looking person. But the last panel sure is interesting because we have them experiencing this transformation at the same time. Also, since it reminds me of Touka and Ayato's volume cover. I hope they find each other soon though!

Types of Choujins and initial premises on the Power of Choujins

So there are 3 confirmed types so far: Flexi (Johnny), Bestial (our boy Tokio), and Smoke. It seems that pretty boy Hoshi doesn't have a category yet, but like I said I think his has something to do with air or ventilation lol.

We learned that Chandra is a Smoke Choujin, and Ely is now one too and she was may have been somehow infected by Chandra's smoke/fumes. It appears now that there are 2 ways to become a choujin: injection and inhalation. Chandra wonders if Ely was infected with his power... But I'm thinking the infection theory might not be that accurate. After all, it seems Ely has a green thumb.

But, I think as Chandra said, only some people have an aptitude for this. So, Ely and Tokio are examples. I wonder if Azuma also has choujin powers or did it not manifest yet? Is the aptitude inherent or something you can acquire? If so, what does Tokio have that Azuma doesn't, especially since everyone thinks Azuma is "better" than Tokio in all aspects?

We'll find out in Chapter 3 more or less!! I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes! I'd like to hear your thoughts or comments if any :)

#choujinx #choujin x #sui ishida #ishida sui #elyotsuta #tokiokurohara #tokio kurohara #ely otsuta #azumahigashi #azuma higashi #hoshi sandek #chandra hume #chandrahume #chandlerhume #chandlerfume #hoshisandek #超人x

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changingobsessions88 · 4 years

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Chapter 5 - A night to remember

This has been a long time coming, longer than expected actually. Fair warning, this is pretty much smut all the way.

The days gently go by and you are enjoying the resort as well as the downtime with Shawn. It has been such a long time that the two of you have been alone together for this length of time and you are loving having him close to you. The way that you get to stare at him in the mornings is one of your favourite times of day. Shawn usually wakes before you, doing a workout before the sun rises, but you have been wearing him out almost every night, so he has been sleeping later. You wake in the beautiful bedroom, surrounded by white. You gently stretch and move your head on the pillow. Looking over to Shawn, you see he is still asleep. Without waking him, you roll onto your side and simply watch him. The way his curls fan out over his pillow. The way his chest is rising and falling, telling you he is still in a deep sleep. The features of his face, so peaceful while in rest. No stress, no worries, just pure relaxation. You really want to touch him, and you can’t help yourself. You gently run a finger along his forehead, down his cheek and back up his nose. Over and over you perform the pattern, entranced by his features. The slight stubble that has come through overnight, his small scar on his cheek, the smoothness of his skin. He is away most of the year, so you love when you can see him like this. Without a care in the world and all yours. You know it sounds creepy, but you just keep looking at him. Happy that he has come into your life and is willing to stay in it.

You are able to marvel at him for another 10 minutes or so before he starts to stir. You can see the shift in his breathing and know that he is starting to transition into the land of the living. You remove you hand, but continue to watch him wake. He scrunches his nose as he moves his head back and forth. You watch as his eyes flutter open and take a second to adjust. Then he spots you. You watch as a gentle smile crossed his features. A lazy morning smile that only you get to see. One that is full of love and kindness. “mmm, Morning honey”.

“Morning my love. Did you sleep well?” You say as you run your hand along his cheek again. Shawn’s eyes flutter close at the contact. “I did. I must have been tired cause you are never awake before me”. You smile again. “I woke a little earlier and have just been watching you. You are so handsome when you are asleep”. Your cheeks flush as you say it out loud. “I swear I’m not a creep”.

“Don’t worry, you don’t know how many times I have watched you sleep. It is one of my favourite past times”. You look at Shawn with your mouth open. “Seriously? When?”

“Oh, just on days where I wake and don’t want to go to the gym. I just watch you instead. Listen to the both of us - we are perfect for each other. Both of us creeps”.

Shawn pulls you to him as he wraps his arm around your waist. Your head automatically falls into the crook of his neck and he hums in pleasure. His favourite position is like this. You lying on his chest, hand over his heart with your head on his shoulder. There is nothing better in his option. His hand reaches for yours and your fingers entwine. Between the two of you, you can feel his steady heartbeat, gentle just under the skin. You let out a sigh as your eyes flutter closed again. “Let’s have just a couple more minutes, hum?” Shawn slurs, halfway to sleep again. He feels your head move slightly in agreement, and within minutes you are both asleep again. There is no doubt that you have been wearing each other out. Without realising, it is hours before you wake again. As if you are the one being, you wake the same time as Shawn. Knowing that Shawn doesn’t have to be anywhere means he can sleep as long as he likes. Something that he doesn’t get to do all that often. He loves touring, but nothing beats the time he gets to spend with you. Being lazy is something he could get used to.

Once you are both awake, and dressed, you wander into the kitchen for some breakfast. Shawn decides to get a workout in before he has his, as he hates working out on a full stomach. There isn’t any equipment in the villa, but that doesn’t bother Shawn. With being on the road and tour buses, he can make a workout routine out of anything. You potter about in the kitchen cutting fruit as you gaze outside. Shawn has taken his shirt off and is just in his shorts. Barefoot in the grass, he is starting to warm up. Watching his muscles move under his skin as he swings his arms and chest makes you stop. Handling a knife right now is not the smartest thing to do. Knowing yourself, you would probably cut your finger off if you tried to do anything while Shawn was in this state. Instead of risking mortal injury, you jump up on the counter with the fruit that you have finished cutting up. Shawn has started to do push ups and mountain climbs. You can see the muscles in his thighs working hard, as well as his biceps. The tattoos are shifting with every movement. You slowly bring the strawberry to your lips as you see Shawn transition to another exercise. This time it’s a combination of squats and lunges. As Shawn descents, you are left with the perfect peach of an arse in his shorts. Up and down he goes. He never does his workouts by half, and it’s times like this you are really happy about that. You pop the final strawberry in your mouth as Shawn stops for a drink. He stands tall and wipes the sweat from his face. You actually choke on the fruit in your mouth. You can’t hide the noise you make, and Shawn turns to see what is the matter. At that moment Shawn sees you. Perched on the kitchen counter, clearly drooling over him. You face goes bright red as you realise you have been caught. Shawn couldn’t care less and he shows it. His face cracks into a brilliant smile and he beckons you over. You slide off the counter and slowly walk over to him. Once your feet hit the grass, Shawn walks to take your hands and brings you over to his little work out area. “I need your help with this one, honey”, Shawn says as he gets back down on the grass. You look a little confused until you realise what he wants you to do. Shawn has his knees up, flat on his back, waiting for you to stand on his feet. You have done this for him before. He gets ready as you place your feet on top of his to keep him in place. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, there is no way to do proper sit ups without someone keeping your feet down. “Ready?” Shawn asks, making sure you are prepared before he starts his movements. “Go for it” you encourage. Bracing yourself, you lean forward slightly to make sure you have your weight over Shawn as he begins. The first sit up he starts doing shadow boxing at the top. This continues for a while and you make the mistake of looking down. Shawn is covered in sweat, and his abs and chest look spectacular from this angle. He drops the boxing and just goes for a fast set. Up and down he goes, and all you can do is stare at him, like a piece of meat. You are getting flustered as he continues. He knows you are looking at him, but hey, isn’t this why he is working out in the first place.

Shawn stops and rests for a moment. “Honey, are you able to get on your knees and hold my feet with your hands? I think it will feel more secure that way”. Without thinking you drop to your knees and hold hold onto Shawn’s feet again. You look back at Shawn and nod your head, indicating you are ready. He sets off again, but what he does next surprises you. Once at the top of the sit up, he kisses you. He then goes back down like nothing happened. He sets off again, another kiss, and back down. A smile spreads across your lips as he does it for a third time. “Hmm, I could get used to this kind of work out”, Shawn says, kissing you again. “This better be the only partner you do this with”, you say in-between kisses. “Of course honey, it’s only ever you. You are the best motivation I could ever have”. After another set of 10, Shawn collapses on the grass and you go and get his water bottle for him. He is spent, it looked like a good workout, even if he didn’t have the normal equipment. He lies there for a few minutes, getting his breath back and stretching out his muscles. You sit next to him, admiring what he has accomplished with his body. You have watched him change over the years, and you are so proud of what he has turned into. Most of it had to do with growing up anyway, but he puts a lot of effort into keeping what he worked so hard for. Before you can stop yourself, you run your hand along his chest, over his abs and back up again. He is covered in sweat, but you don’t mind. “Have I told you how proud I am of you? The effort you put in over your health?”, you say again, running your hand down his abs again. They contract with your movements. Now it’s Shawn’s turn to blush. You look up at him and see his checks turning pink. “Thank you honey. That means a lot. I like to think I am keeping myself healthy. I have to say that I don’t mind the way you look at me. That is all the motivation I need to keep myself going to the gym. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do this”, as Shawn rolls on top of you and proceeds to do a push up, kissing you at the bottom again. He continues for another couple before rolling off you completely and getting up. You make a little noise of disappointment as he shifts. He looks down at you, lying in the grass, and his heart goes a little larger. He can’t believe that you are his. You picked him, out of everyone. He smiles gently and reaches down to help you up. With another kiss, you both walk into the house, Shawn chugging the last of his water. You walk into the kitchen and proceed to finish breakfast, knowing that you can handle the sharp knife now.

Finishing up the fruit, Shawn walks in behind you and brings his hands around your waist. He is still shirtless and you can feel his chest hair tickling your back. He hums in appreciation as he peppers your shoulders with kisses. You lull your head to one side to give him better access. He gets more persistent with his kisses and starts to suck on the delicate skin of your neck. You know that you are going to have a mark, but at this moment, you don’t care. You start to slowly push you hips back into Shawn, and can feel the excitement in his shorts. His fingers grip you tighter, signalling you to stop, but you don’t. You can’t with what Shawn is doing to you. You turn in his embrace and start to really kiss him. You reach on your toes to gain some extra height as you smash your lips into his. You are worked up and want to show Shawn how much so. Without thinking, you run your hand down his stomach again, landing on the waistband of his shorts. Shawn pulls away from you as you run your finger along the edge. You can see his eyes darken as you push one finger to trace his happy trail. The sensation causes Shawn to roll his eyes in pleasure. You haven’t done anything yet, but you can see the shift in Shawn’s breathing. You continue to insert more fingers into his shorts and look up at him. You can see a smirk forming on Shawn’s lips, as his hand starts to make a similar path down your chest. Skimming over your breasts, your nipples harden under the nightshirt. He pulls your hand away for a moment as he bunches your shirt up your chest - pulling it over your head. Returning to his path, Shawn’s fingers land at the elastic of your panties. Realising what he wants to you, you nod slightly as his fingers draw further down. He rubs over your mound, and slides one finger through your folds.

Your legs buckle slightly, but Shawn has a grip on you and would never let you fall. Wanting to return the favour, you slide your whole hand under his shorts and take hold of his length. He is starting to firm in your hand and you are still fascinated that you have this effect on him. You can hear him intake a sharp breath as you run you fist up his shaft and over his slit. He is wet with pre-cum, and there is nothing more you want to do than taste him. You try and remove Shawn’s hand so you can get on your knees, but Shawn won’t have it. “No honey, we are going to enjoy this together” Shawn says, shifting his hand further into your panties. You look at him, lust in both your eyes as you realise that you are going to do this. Pleasure each other at the same time, in the middle of the kitchen. Before you can overthink it, you tighten your fist over his cock and start to stroke. Shawn’s hips jut forward and his head goes back as he growls at the contact. You aren’t fairing much better. Shawn has two fingers running along your folds with the third running between them, teasing your bud as well as your entrance. You try to keep standing as the pleasure is running through you, making your knees weak. With a flick of Shawn’s wrist, he has 2 fingers inside. Slowly pumping you. You can hear his fingers enter you, showing your arousal. You pump Shawn faster, but you feel a little dry on his skin. You remove your hand from his shorts, and Shawn whimpers and looks why you have lost contact. With your eyes fixed on each other, you lick your right palm, and with your left pull down Shawn’s shorts. You want to see his cock and what you are doing to it. The relief on Shawn’s face when his manhood is released from his shorts is entertaining. Before he can do anything, you return your lubricated hand to him and start to really pump.

“FUCK” Shawn croaks, as the feeling of your wet hand gives him new sensations. He returns to kiss you hard as he starts to push his fingers deeper. He inserts a third, and starts with the come hither motion. Your eyes roll back in your head as a porn like moan leaves your lips. You are overcome with pleasure, and quite frankly you don’t care who can hear you. Shawn is rock hard in your hand, and with the movements of his hips, you know he isn’t too far off. You increase your speed and run your thumb over his slit with every up stroke. At the same time Shawn has increased his speed. You can feel your wetness sliding down your thighs, and it is all over Shawn’s hand. “Honey, FUCK, I’m not going to last much longer” you hear Shawn choke out as you can feel his hips jutting. “Same, oh, don’t stop” you manage to get out as Shawn starts to really push into you. He is going so hard that his palm is smashing against your clit and his fingers are pushing up into you so hard you are taken to your tippy toes each time. There is no pain, just blinding pleasure as you both try and finish each other off. You can feel Shawn ready himself, shifting his legs wider, anchoring himself, indicating he is about to cum. With all the effort in you, you point his cock towards your chest and pump him for all you are worth. Your downstrokes are pushing into his pubic bone and the upstrokes are caressing his head, over and over you go, trying to keep the same rhythm. “Cum for me” you hear Shawn pant into your ear, resting his forehead against yours, looking down at the two of you. His hand is covered in your arousal and your hand with strings of pre-cum. “CUM NOW” Shawn demands. That is it, you ears start ringing as you have a massive orgasm. Your legs would have given way if Shawn didn’t still have his fingers in you. At the same time, you hear a strangled moan come from Shawn, as he pushes his hips forward one more time into your fist and releases all over your chest. Ropes of cum explode from him, 2, 3, 4 shots land on you from your breasts to your mound. He keeps gently rocking into your hand, extending his orgasm.

“Fuck me honey, that was something else” you heard Shawn giggle as he removes his hand from your panties. Looking at you, he places his fingers in his mouth and sucks. “Hmmm, tastes like honey as well. A perfect breakfast to me”. You go bright red - you can’t believe Shawn would say something like that. You look down at your hand still around his cock, softening, and there is a small stream of cum oozing from his slit. You want to taste it, so you do. You look him in the eyes and bring your hand to your mouth. Sucking your fingers covered in his cum, you moan at the taste, your eyes closing. Without warning, Shawn pulls you to him, and removes your fingers, replacing them with his tongue. You can taste yourself on his lips, but he can taste himself on you. He shifts you closer, making sure there is no space between you. With the proximity, Shawn has now rubs all his cum over his chest, transferring it from you to him. He pulls back and you look down, seeing the mess. You want another taste of him, so you lean down and run a strawberry along his abs, collecting his left over cum. He doesn’t have words at the moment, so he just stares at you. “Jesus woman, you are going to be the death of me. Come on, let’s have a shower”.

After you have both has a shower and made yourselves presentable for the day, you decide to take a walk on the beach. The weather is perfect, not too hot so you don’t get burnt, but just warm enough to enjoy. Hand in hand you stroll along the deserted beach, looking out over the water and watching the waves crash. The ocean has always fascinated you. Makes you feel very small when you see the expanse in front of you. Shawn pulls you down to sit in front of him. Legs around you as he pulls you into his chest. He intertwines his fingers with yours and rests them in the cool sand. You sit in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the noice of the surf as well as each other. The steady breathing of Shawn behind you almost sets you to sleep. After a time, you feel Shawn take a larger breath than normal. He tightens his fingers and from behind you hear, “Honey, can we talk about something”. You immediately freeze, thinking the worse. You always do. Shawn feels you stiffen and know he started that sentence the wrong way. “No honey, nothing bad, I just want to have a conversation with you about how you are feeling with everything that we are doing here”. You half turn to him so you can see his face, “What do you mean? Have I done something wrong?”.

Taking your hands to his mouth, Shawn kisses both knuckles. “You haven’t done anything wrong. Quite the opposite actually. You have been doing everything right.” You stare at him and start to blush slightly, remembering what you have done since you arrived here.

“I want to talk to you about how far you have come. I know that you are very shy and reserved when it comes to sex” and right on cue you turn an even darker shade of red. “Case in point”, Shawn chuckled. “But seriously, I wanted to talk to you about what you have been able to achieve. I am so proud of you. I know you don’t have confidence in yourself when it comes to sexual experiences, but you have come so far. The things you have let me do to you, and what you have done to me”, it’s now Shawn’s turn to blush, “have been out of this world. To think what the two of us have done, and how many times we have pleasured each other, I couldn’t think of a more perfect person to share all these experiences with”. You turn fully to Shawn, with tears in your eyes. “Thank you for saying those words. I know that it has been hard for you to only do what I am comfortable with, but I have seen myself grow over this time as well. I can tell you for sure I would never have dipped a strawberry in someone’s jizz before I met you”. Shawn just stares open mouthed at you. “Seriously? How can you be so shy about sex and then something like that comes out of your mouth. You really are going to be the death of me”.

You play with his hands again in the sand, and he can see that you are thinking about something. Considering the conversation topic, Shawn can tell that you want to talk about something, or even ask something, but you don’t have the confidence to do it. “Hey, how about we go back to the villa and watch a movie? Just relax for a while?”. You nod as Shawn helps you up off the sand. Walking back to the villa, Shawn can see you still have something on your mind, but he isn’t going to push you. You will talk when you are ready.

Getting back to the villa, Shawn goes into the kitchen to get some drinks while you set up the tv with netflix. “What have you decided”, Shawn askes, coming back to the couch. He can see that the TV isn’t on. With a look of confusion, Shawn sits on the couch next to you. He doesn’t say anything, but he just waits. He knows that you are going to talk about something very hard for you to discuss, so he waits for you to start. “So, you know how you said that you were proud of how far I had come”, you start while shifting yourself on the couch to look Shawn straight in the eyes. He nods, urging you to continue. “Well, I want to do something for you. Something that you have always wanted to do. I was thinking of our list, and I want to cross something else off it, but I need you to talk me through it first”. With those comments, Shawn takes your hand, “Anything you want. You know that this is never just about me. I need you to want to do any of this as well”. You nod with understanding, loving that Shawn would never pressure you into doing anything you weren’t comfortable with. “I want you to overstimulate me”, you rush out. Cheeks bright red. “I just don’t know exactly what that means”, you say, softer, not being able to look at Shawn. He lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. When he made the list with you, he didn’t even think to ask if anything needs explaining. With another kiss to your knuckles, Shawn smiles softly at you. “Well, I was thinking something along the lines of what we did in the shower, making you cum more than just once.” You slowly nod, while watching Shawn go red. “What is it”, you ask.

You know there is more running around in his head.

“Well, what I would really like to do it make you cum so many times your voice is hoarse and you can’t remember your name. Maybe even make you pass out with pleasure”. A look of shock crosses your face when you hear these words. You start to back away as wild scenarios flash across your mind. Shawn can see that you are getting inside your head, so he pulls you into his lap and holds you tight. He knows this calms you. When he can see your breathing return to normal, Shawn starts talking with a very hushed voice. “It was just one option baby. I would never do anything you didn’t want to do. And to be honest”, you see Shawn rub his hand across the back of his neck, “I don’t even know if it’s possible to pass out from too many orgasms”. This comment makes you giggle, and Shawn knows he hasn’t scared you off. He was worried you would go running for the hills once he told you what he wanted to do to you. Feeling as though you are still open to the concept, Shawn continues. “Is that something you would like me to do to you?” You roll your eyes at him and nod. “Yes Shawn, that is definitely something I would like from you.” Shawn shakes his head slightly, loving this confidence that comes out of you every now and again. “Right, well, when would you like to do this dirty deed?” Shawn wants you to instigate this, as it needs to be on your terms. “Would tonight be OK?”, you ask a little timidly. “I don’t know if I feel comfortable doing something like that while the sun is still in the sky”. At this Shawn lets out a real belly laugh. “That’s fine honey, whatever you are comfortable with. Day or Night, this is going to be the best experience I have ever had”. At that, he pulls you into him and gives you a gentle kiss. One that shows all the passion and proudness that he has in you. “Oh, one more thing”, you say pulling back from him, “I only want a light meal. I know that I am going to need some energy, but I don’t want to feel full”. Without batting an eyelid, Shawn responds - “Honey, it won’t be the food that makes your feel full, that’s my responsibility”. You roll your eyes again as a shit eater grin appears on his face. To be honest, you probably should have seen that coming for him.

For the rest of the day, Shawn is very attentive, afraid that you might be hiding your true feelings and feeling overwhelmed by what you have agreed to do. Over and over you assure him that you aren’t feeling pressured and you aren’t going to change your mind. The more you think about it, the more excited you get. You tell Shawn your feelings and he smiles shyly at you. “I better live up to your expectations then, shouldn’t I?”. You don’t want him to feel any pressure for tonight as well. This is something that you have both agreed on, and there shouldn’t be any performance anxiety from either party. Shawn has a light dinner sent across to the villa. You definitely don’t want to leave to go to one of the restaurants, so Shawn organises them to come to you. He requests a table to be set up in the courtyard, the setting sun drawing shadows across the grass. It is exactly how you pictured. A light chicken dish with a fresh salad and sparkling water to wash it down. You both agreed to have clear heads for this, so you skipped the alcohol for the time being. Shawn was happy to take your lead on this one, after all, you were ultimately in charge of this whole night. After dinner you sat out in the garden for a little while longer, watching the sky get darker and the stars appear. Peaceful silence falls over you. Both contemplating what is about to unfold. Shawn is running through a checklist in his head, and so are you, but a very different checklist. Have you shaved your legs? What should I wear? How should I have my hair? All these things are running through your mind. Shawn’s list is a little different. Do I have everything I need? What if I don’t meet her expectations? What if she doesn’t like it? It’s surprising that you are both having the same doubts, just thinking about it in different ways. Shawn hears a sigh fall from your lips, and he looks over to you. He can see the worry line in the middle of your brow. A telltale sign you are overthinking. Without a seconds hesitation, Shawn stands and pulls your chair out from the table. Kneeling in front of you, he takes his finger and gently runs it over the line, waiting for it to disappear. “What is going on in that pretty head of yours, hmm?” Shawn says, continuing the same motion with his finger. You relay the checklist to him, counting on your fingers the points. The further down the list you go, the wider a smile emerges. “Honey, look at me. There is no right or wrong about this. First, I saw you shaving your legs yesterday, so that is one thing you don’t have to worry about. Second, leave your hair out, you look so beautiful when it fans out on the pillow, plus, I love taking hold of it”. He blushes slightly and dips his chin. “Last but not least, it doesn’t matter what you wear, cause it’s not going to last long. So best to start with nothing”. You look straight into his eyes, seeing that he means every word. You are his whole world tonight, and he just wants you to be comfortable. “Alright, thanks for calming me down. I swear I want to do this, I am just getting into my head a little. I’m nervous. What if I don’t do it right?”

“Oh honey, I am thinking the exact same thing”. You scoff at him but realise that he is being serious. “How are you thinking that? You have so much more experience than me, you can do anything”.

“Baby, I have never done something like this”, Shawn states seriously, taking your hand and placing it over his heart. “Can you feel it? It feels like it is about to explore with how nervous I am to make this good for you. It doesn’t matter what experience I have, it means nothing if it doesn’t make you feel good. That is the only goal I have tonight. Make you feel like you are the most loved person on the planet”. You already know that you are, but Shawn is trying to convey how he wants tonight do go.

“Alright Bub, let’s take this inside”.

You walk hand in hand through the villa and into the bedroom. Shawn has set everything up. The lights are low, but not too low that you can’t see. Shawn needs to see your face at all times tonight. That is the only way he is going to be able to make sure you are OK. The bed has been pulled down to ensure that the sheets don’t get in the way. Shawn leads you over through the room and you both sit on the bed. “How do we start this?”, you ask, trying to keep your voice steady. “Well, I think a kiss would be in order”, Shawn states as he leans in towards you and kisses you deeply. “Now, go get changed and I will get everything ready here”. Shawn gently pushes you towards the bathroom as he gets the supplies ready. “Remember, best to start with nothing”. You nod as you walk into the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, you start to remove your clothes to freshen up. Looking at yourself, you are pleased with what you see. Breasts full and waiting to be touched. Nipples pebbled with excitement. Flat stomach and your bare mound. You are really happy that you did that, as the sensation is unbelievable and you can’t wait for Shawn to touch you. Giving yourself a quick wipe over, you nod to yourself one more time and come out. Shawn looks up when he hears movement and stops in his tracks. There you are, stark naked, standing in the doorway. Every curve exposed. This is definitely one of those times he can’t believe you are his. He smiles warmly at you and raises his hand to you. You take it and he kisses your knuckles, a loving gesture. Leading you over to the bed, you can see that he has prepared himself as well. There are two bathrobe ties at the end of the bed, and a silk tie lying on the bed. Your eyes widen and Shawn sees the apprehension. “If it’s OK with you, I was going to tie you up, just so you didn’t hurt yourself, or try and close your legs” he adds smirking, “would that be OK?” You weren’t prepared to be tied up, but the more you thought about it, the more turned on you were. Being helpless and not able to move seemed to trigger something inside you. “Yes, that’s OK”, you whisper back to Shawn, breath starting to pick up. Without saying anything, Shawn brings you to sit at the end of the bed. He kneels in front of you and runs his hand from your knee to your ankle. Taking hold of your leg wrapping his fingers around your ankle, he stretches it out to the left. He gets one of the bathrobe ties and wraps it around your ankle and the bedpost. You watch him intently as he ties the knot and gives it a little tug for strength. Happy with the result, he runs his hand up your tied leg, ghosts over your mound, and repeats the motion to your right leg. Finishing up on the second tie, Shawn walks back to the middle of the bed. You are spread eagle on the bed, open and ready to be taken. His breath inhales as he watches your bare lips glisten. He can see your pussy lips flush and drip with desire. He licks his lips in anticipation. Wandering his eyes up your body, he meets yours. There is no fear evident, just pure lust, from both sides. Shawn gives you a loving smile as he crawls up over your body. Shifting you up the bed as he goes, he ensures your legs are out straight, but not too taut to inflict any pain. “How are you going honey, nothing digging in or anything?” You wiggle your toes and smile at Shawn. “So far so good”. Shawn pulls your hands in front of you. Taking them in one hand, he grabs the silk tie next to your head. Wrapping it around a few times, he ties it around your wrists. You give a little tug to see the movement you can do, but there isn’t much. Now, with a final look into your eyes, Shawn pulls your arms over your head and ties the end onto the middle of the bedhead. Low near the pillows so you weren’t stretched high.

Now you are completely immobile, Shawn leans back on his knees to look at his handy work. You are stretched out taut, hands above your head. Hair splayed out on the pillow, breath coming quickly. Shawn reaches out and cups your cheek, your eyes close at the sensation. He rubs his thumb over your lips and pulls away. Inspecting you, he roams his eyes further down. Breasts full and on display, Shawn takes a nipple in his mouth. You moan and try to arch further into his touch. With a pop, he releases your tit and continues his inspection. He places both his hands on your waist as he shuffles off the bed. Standing at the foot, he takes a moment to really look at you. Your eyes are blown with lust and your breathing is harsh and shallow. You look at him with so much love and lust. He knows that you are ready. “Before I start anything, I need to tell you some rules”. You nod your head, letting him know he can continue. “First, you must use your words, honey. I need to know how you are feeling, and if I am doing something that you aren’t comfortable with. Just saw the word and I will stop everything”. You nod again, sure of that fact that Shawn would stop in an instant if you asked. “Second, we are going to have a safe word. Something that will tell me you need to stop. I think you are going to say stop to me a few times tonight, so we need something that you would not normally say”. You look at him - you can see that he is serious about this conversation and is making everything quite formal with you. “OK - something I wouldn’t say, what about Spectre, keeping with the Bond theme”. Shawn giggles to himself. Glad that you are able to make light of the situation. You are the one tied to the bed after all. “Spectre it is. Remember, if anything becomes too much, say your safe word and I will stop everything. I mean it. It may not look like it, but you are in control here. Everything I do will be dictated by you. You alway have the power over me”. With your precautions in place, Shawn takes a deep breath. “Ready to have some fun?” You take a breath to match his, “Ruin me Shawn”.

With those last words, Shawn drops to his knees, directly in line with your pussy. He licks his lips as he gives you a final look. Keeping eye contact with you, he moves slowly to you. Placing a large hand on each hip, he licks you from your hole to clit with a flat tongue. “Shawn, yes” you pant, happy to finally feel him on you. “Music to my ears”, you hear Shawn say as he pulls away from you. You whimper in need, but Shawn has other plans. He gives your clit one tiny kiss before replacing his lips with his finger. His calloused fingers rub over your sensitive clit and you squeak in surprise. Shawn can see how wet you are, so you don’t need any lubrication. He rubs his finger, over and over, spreading your juices around your exposed lips. The build up for tonight has you close to your edge earlier than usual. Without warning, Shawn pushes 2 of his fingers inside you. Immediately he finds your spongy spot and taps. Your eyes roll back in your head at the immense pleasure. “Shawn, fuck, don’t stop”.

“I’ve only just begun, you better hold on”. Shawn places his hand on your lower stomach and pushes slightly. With his fingers inside you pushing up, and his hand on your stomach pushing down, the pressure causes you to cum unexpectedly. You stutter out sounds as Shawn feels you pulse around his fingers. You body goes rigid for a second and relaxes. “Hmmm, that was amazing. Sorry it was so quick”, you softly say. Shawn looks up at you, face turned red with embarrassment. “Baby, that is only one of many. You can cum as many times as you like. In fact, I want to do that over and over. It feels so fucking good when you squeeze my fingers. It feels like a vice, I can’t wait to get my cock in you”. You giggle at Shawn, it isn’t often that he speaks like that, but you love it when he gets a bit vulgar. “hmm, I think I want a taste now”, Shawn says as he dives back in. You are always sensitive after an orgasm, and Shawn knows it. He immediately runs his lips up each side of your pussy, loving the feeling of you being bare and spread open for him. The sensitivity is growing as your try and shift your legs, but it’s no use. You are spread open for him and at his mercy. “Shawn, please”, you don’t know what you are pleading for, more or less, but you need something. Shawn goes back to your clit and starts sucking, hard. The breath leaves you as you arch from the bed. “FUCK”. The pleasure that Shawn is giving you is making it hard to think.

“Going OK up there honey?” All you can do is moan as he pulls away from you. Looking at your blown pupils and the slight sheen of sweat covering your chest, Shawn knows you are feeling good. Returning to his favourite place in the world, he starts to really eat you out. He grazes his teeth over your clit and gently bites your lips. Your previous orgasm has made you so wet and Shawn enjoys the feeling of it all over his chin. Remembering your love of his new facial hair, he brings his head up and rubs his chin over you. As your legs are spread open, you are on full display for him. The sounds coming from your would put a porn star to shame. “Shawn”, you stutter, “Fuck that feels so good”. He smiles at you and resumes his work. Knowing how he wants you to cum next, he doubles his efforts on your clit. Drawing it into his mouth, he can feel it engorge as he sucks. He alternates between sucking and flicking your nub with his tongue. You can feel yourself starting to reach another peak. Shawn can too. You are dripping onto the sheets and Shawn can feel your legs and stomach start to stiffen. “I’m cumming Shawn, fuck, I’m cumming” At that, Shawn feels you release. Stronger than your first orgasm, you feel your pussy contracting around nothing. Shawn continues to kitten lap at you to bring you down.

You are more sensitive than ever before. Without giving you time to adjust, Shawn has crawled up on to the bed. You can see his cock, pulsing red and dripping with precum, waiting to be sheathed in you. He tugs himself once and groans at the feeling. He positions himself slightly under your spread legs, pulling you up his thighs so your hips are off the bed. “Fuck I have been waiting to do this all night”, you hear Shawn through your haze as he spears himself into your waiting pussy. One steady push to the hilt and he is in you. He grips your hips and throws his head back in pleasure. You are dripping wet, he has never felt you so wet. You are still having mini shocks, so you are contracting around his cock. Seated in warmth, Shawn is home. “Honey, fuck I can’t put words together”. Shawn gently rubs his thumbs along your hip bones. He shifts slightly and you scream. He stills immediately, but he can feel you pulse around him. “Sweetheart, did you just cum?”.

“Fuck, your pubic hair just rubbed along my clit and, Jesus Shawn”. He lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “I thought I had hurt you. I’m sorry, are you OK?”

“Just give me a second”. Shawn continues to rub his thumbs over you, waiting for you to give him the OK to continue. Looking at his face, you nod, giving Shawn permission to continue. “Remember, say the word if it gets too much”.

“I really want to do this for you. Plus, it wouldn’t be a bad way to go, would it. Death by excessive cumming”. Shawn growls at you and pulls slowly out of you, leaving his head just within you. He slowly pushes into you again, your eyes rolling back in your head with the pressure he is putting on your pussy. You can feel every ridge and vein on his cock. Thick and heavy, it always fits you perfectly, even though he is the largest you have ever seen. He pulls out one more time and holds your pussy lips open to watch himself penetrate you. “Fuck that is the best sight in the world” he stutters, trying to hold himself back. He’s young yes, but he doesn’t want this night to be over anytime soon, which means he can’t cum yet. He sets a punishing pace, sliding you up his thighs, smirking when his pubic bone and hair rub against your clit. You start to thrash against your bindings as he pushes deeper inside you. You try and close your legs to gain some leverage, but there is nothing to be done. The only thing you can do it open and close your fists as the feeling of exploding becomes stronger.

“Shawn, I can’t, it’s too much”, you shake your head from side to side. “I’ll be the judge of that honey.” Shawn can tell that you are still within your limits and is happy to continue bringing you ultimate pleasure. You are just experiencing so much pleasure at once. Grabbing your hips, he continues to slide you up and down his thighs, he can feel your juices flowing out of you. His pubic hair matted with your essence. “Come on honey, give me a big one”, Shawn grunts as he continues his rhythm of pushing in and pulling out. You make another noise, somewhere between pleasure and pain and let go. “There you go honey, that was a good one”, Shawn coos at you, watching you twitch as you regain your breathing. He pulls out of you and you see he is rock hard, harder than you have ever seen before. “Shawn”, you croak, throat dry, “you didn’t”. Shawn looks down at himself and smiles as he starts to untie your left leg then your right. “This time honey, fuck, this time it’s all yours”. You tilt your head at him, not understanding his words. Without warning, Shawn flips you onto your stomach and pulls you to your knees.

He has thought ahead, ensuring your hands were tied in a way that could make this manoeuvre possible. Running his hands over your exposed arse and opening your cheeks, he slams into you. Screaming out in pleasure, Shawn stills again to make sure you are ready to accommodate him. “More”, you whisper, as Shawn takes hold of your hips. You know bruises are going to form, but you don’t care. All your want is more. Shawn looks down at you, arse in the air, back arched from the position and can’t think of anywhere else he would want to be. He takes control of the tempo, a little slower than usual, but with more force. He is methodical in his process. In and out, feeling you squeezing around him. “Fuck, fuck, fuck”, you hear Shawn pant with every thrust. “This time honey, fuck” you can’t say a word, just small noises escaping you with every movement of Shawn. You can feel him start to falter, his thrusts becoming erratic. To ensure you are with him, like he always does, Shawn pushes down on your back, shifting your hips down and opening you up further for him. He snakes a hand around you to find your clit and starts to rub in small circles. Your arms give out as you fall to the bed, taking Shawn’s cock over and over. With one last grunt and hard push from Shawn, you both cum. Hard.

Your ears are ringing as you feel Shawn’s cum fill you. He releases a noise of sheer relief as he empties inside you. You collapse further onto the bed, unable to move, as you feel Shawn’s cock fall from your pussy. You let out a slight noise of discomfort as Shawn falls from you, but only because you miss being full. Shawn is panting, trying to regain his breath as he slowly crawls up the bed to release your hands from their bindings. He gently rubs the red marks that have formed from your thrashing. “Fuck, that was the best thing I have ever felt. God you cum hard. I swear it feels like you are going to snap my cock straight off”. You giggle and then make a face. The pressure from laughing has caused a trickle of Shawn’s cum to leak from you. You shift slightly and Shawn can see what you are looking at. His eyes grow dark again as he comes up with a plan of what he is going to do next.

He leans over you and kisses you deeply. Realising that he hasn’t kissed you much during your sexcapade . Deepening his kiss and gently running his tongue over your bottom lip, you give him permission as he moulds his tongue with yours. As he is doing this, he snakes his hand down your body, feeling the sweat that has formed. Stopping at your breast, he squeezed it and pulls on your nipple. You moan into his mouth as your body betrays you with the pleasure you are feeling. Further south his hand travels until he lands upon your mound. Smooth and wet from your orgasms. Shawn ends the kiss and looks directly into your eyes. With one hand he holds your head “You are the most perfect person I have ever met. You know that don’t you? There is no one I would want to experience this with”. As Shawn finishes his sentence, he slides two fingers into you. Your eyes widen as you stare at him. Cooing you, he runs his hand through your hair but continues to enter you. He can feel his cum around his fingers, mixed with your own climax. There is something primal about that. He wants to push his cum further inside you. He doesn’t want it to escape.

With this thought, he pushes his fingers deep inside you. Pushing his cum back up into you. The noises are purely pornographic, but it turns you on even more. Shawn places his palm over your clit as he pulls inside you. You can hear squelching coming from between your legs, but don’t have the energy to be embarrassed. The noises turn Shawn on even further and he starts to rub against your clit as well as within you. You are too sensitive for the intimate connection and you grab Shawn’s wrist to try and stop him. “Stop Shawn, it’s too much”. It doesn’t do anything but spur him on. He wants it to be quick, as he can see you are losing focus. “Look at me honey”, Shawn says, running his hand along your cheek. “You are such a good girl, I love you so much”. Looking directly in his eyes, your mouth forms an O, as he rips another orgasm from you. This one is silent. Tears form in your eyes at the sheer force of it. You release your hold on Shawn’s wrist as you lay limp on the bed. You can feel his cum dripping out of you, leaving a wet patch on the bed.

Your eyes are glassy as Shawn continues to run his fingers through your hair. He leans over to the bedside table and grabs a bottle of Gatorade. He brings it to your mouth, giving you small sips. “You still with me honey?” “hmm, yep, still here”. You look down at yourself - you are covered in a sheen of sweat and you are pretty sure you have cum all over your thighs. Looking over at Shawn, he is in a similar situation. His hair is stuck to his forehead and you can see little beads of sweat running down his chest. Further down, you can see his cock, again standing proud and ready for action. You look back at his face and roll your eyes. “How, just how” you mutter as Shawn rolls over you again, nestling himself in-between your legs. “It’s all you honey. I can do this all night, and I plan on it”. You groan as you feel Shawn roll his hips into you. Even though you are pretty much spent, as soon as Shawn’s cock is near your entrance, you start to feel your arousal leak out of you. “Again, take me again. And ruin me this time”. You want Shawn to unleash on you. You want him to really take you, pound you, ruin you. “I won’t break Shawn, please, I can take everything you want to give me.” Shawn groans at your words. “Alright, I’ll take you, but please tell me if I’m being too hard. I couldn’t take hurting you”.

“Shawn, eventually I will be pushing a baby out of here”, for effect you roll your hips into him, “I’m sure I can take a pounding from your cock”. With that being said, Shawn can’t wait to start. He take hold of your hands and entwines his fingers, pushing them into the bed on either side of your head. Shawn was so hard he didn’t need any help in entering you. He rubbed his cock along our folds a couple of times to ensure he was wet enough to enter you. Looking into your eyes to watch, he pierced you, hard and to the hilt. You roll your eyes in pleasure and return them to Shawn. You shift your hips wider to accommodate his hard thrust. With a nod to let him know you are ready, Shawn retreats and enters you again, harder this time. He actually shifts you up the bed slightly with the force. With every thrust, you can feel the air escape your lungs. “Hold on honey, now comes the fun part”. With those words Shawn lets go of your hands and brings them down to your knees.

Almost effortlessly, Shawn positions both of your legs over his shoulders. He leans back down to kiss you, and you are practically bend in half. This position feels incredible. Shawn looks down at you as he starts to pound into you. He snaps his hips, angling his cock into the depths of your channel. You grunt and moan loudly. It’s the only thing you can do. Your brain can’t form words at the moment. Taking your legs again, Shawn removes them from his shoulder and pulls them further apart and to the bed. Now you are bend in half and spread open. You can feel your orgasm building again. It feels like electricity is running through you. Every nerve ending is tingling as Shawn unleashes. You can hear his balls slapping against your arse and his thighs slapping against yours. With every thrust you can feel his balls smash against you as your juices are pushed out of you with the force of Shawn. The noises coming from your joined bodies cause you both to moan. “Sha, Shawn, it’s too much, please stop, I can’t” You have a strange feeling starting to wash over you. “Ungh, yes you can, honey. You can do it, one more big one. I can feel you pulsing. CUM”, Shawn screams as you feel him release, head thrown back in sheer pleasure. At the same time, you feel yourself squeeze his cock so hard he makes a noice of slight pain, then you gush hard. The pressure of your orgasm hitting you actually pushes Shawn’s cock out of you, and you squirt all over the bed as well as him. The force is overpowering, feeling your pussy pulse and your legs start shaking uncontrollably. You look at Shawn’s surprised face, then everything goes black.

You actually passed out. Shawn had done it, he had actually fucked you until you passed out. It was only a couple of seconds, but Shawn was worried all the same. Shawn is gently running his fingers through your hair, calling your name lightly. You scrunch your nose and slowly open your eyes. The first thing you see if Shawn, smiling down at you. “Mission accomplished”. You don’t say anything but tilt your head again. Your brain feels like mush. “I guess we know that someone is able to pass out from too many orgasms”. Shawn is smiling like a Cheshire cat. So pleased with himself that he was able to make you cum 7 times. “I don’t think I can feel anything from the neck down” you slur, almost sounding drunk. Shawn continues to run his fingers along your hairline.

“Seriously, was that OK? I wasn’t too hard was I? I was worried there for a moment. You looked at me then just went limp. I didn’t know what had happened”. You can see that Shawn was waiting for validation. Wanting to know that you enjoyed yourself as well.

“Shawn”, you croak lightly, trying to wet your dry throat. “that was the best night of my life. I know I don’t have much to compare it to, but I don’t think that I will ever let anyone do that to me. You actually fucked me silly. I mean it when I say that I can’t feel anything. You made me feel special the whole time. Checking on me and making sure I was OK with everything. I didn’t even need my safe word, did it?” Shawn nods, running his hand down your neck and gently resting on your breast. He can see the sweat that is covering you, as well as the drying cum on your leg. “Do you think you can make it to the bathroom, I want to get you cleaned up”. Shaking your head, you look down at yourself. You make a face and Shawn just laughs.

Getting off the bed, you watch your adonis walk around the bed and into the bathroom. “Let me get a bath ready and we can get you cleaned up. Let me love on you a bit”. You hear the water running in the tub and you close your eyes. You can barely keep yourself awake waiting for Shawn to come back. With gentle movements, you feel Shawn move you into his arms. You are a little disappointed that you didn’t get to watch him come back into the room. Seeing him in his naked glory is something you never get sick of. Shawn looks down at you, kissing you on your nose as he walks you into the bathroom. He has filled the tub with bubbles, it smells divine. Knowing you will be a little wobbly on your legs, Shawn places you down, but holds you tight, just in case. Holding your hand, he encourages you to step into the tub. Once you have both feet in, Shawn comes in behind you. He sits first, slowly lowering you into the warm water. You flinch as the water touches your incredibly sensitive pussy and clit but you continue until you are encased in warm water, with Shawn’s hard chest behind you. Shawn is running his hands along your arms, in and out of the water. It is so relaxing you feel your eyes drop again. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to my life. Thank you for tonight and thank you for everything”. Shawn is providing you with the aftercare he knows you would need after what you have just been through. Soft touches, soft voice, nothing harsh or loud. He knows it is going to take some time for you to come back to yourself fully. He loves being your protector, there is nothing else he wants to do right now. With that, he continues to run his hands along you, calming you and your mind.

#shawn mendes #shawn mendes smut #shawn smut #bond girl #shawn mendes fanfiction #goldeneye #holiday smut

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dansnaturepictures · 3 years

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My Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker first sighting anniversaries: Updated

Celebrating 10 years today since I saw my first ever Cuckoo and 7 years today since I saw my first ever Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

I wanted to do a special post to celebrate once more one of my favourite days in the year 12th April due to among other memories on this date two of my greatest ever birdwatching moments in the New Forest in the early part of last decade on this date. I wanted to a post following a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sighting a few weeks ago and the fact which I can’t believe that its been a whole decade since I first saw a Cuckoo that’s gone so fast. But with me working from home and talking photos and doing posts every day still and weekend mornings quite busy as a bit of a knock on from that and other things I don’t have the most time to be able to do special posts so ones different to my daily blog. So what I have done is rewrite this post https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/159498448669/my-cuckoo-and-lesser-spotted-woodpecker which I did on 12th April 2017 which was a rewrite of this one on the anniversary on 2015 https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/116192400602/my-cuckoo-and-lesser-spotted-woodpecker, I have pasted the same text below adapting how many years its been when I mention it and other small bits but just before the end I have added some updates of things that have happened with these two of my favourite birds since 2017. On my social media I like marking anniversaries but never mark every anniversary every year, however this double anniversary is so special the date is etched in my memory so I just can’t seem to not do something to mark it every year so this is this year’s post which I may basically re-post for years to come as I did every year on Twitter since I believe with the 2017 one.

Ten years ago today I saw my first ever Cuckoo at Acres Down in the New Forest, which became one of my favourite birds, and seven years ago today I saw for the first time a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Pig Bush in the New Forest. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is another of my favourite birds, and one I had dreamed about seeing up until this moment. As this post explores and I have mentioned before this is not just two separate anniversaries sharing a date but the sightings of these two special birds are intertwined for me. This is not just a tale about two of my favourite birds, but about two of my favourite places in the New Forest and the world and these moments being big parts of my connections with them.

On this day in 2011 we headed out on a sunny day for what I thought was a dog walk and landscape photography trip to Acres Down in the New Forest. At this stage I’d heard Cuckoos on 2 separate occasions, but never seen one thought I longed to. I particularly remember a day of near agony at Blashford Lakes nature reserve where we heard one calling the whole time pretty much but just could not see it this before we managed to see a Cuckoo. However when we arrived at Acres Down one of our top New Forest spots where we went on Saturday, and climbed the hill to look over the beautiful landscape I heard one again. It enchanted the landscape, and sounded very close. To my delight a scan of some nearby trees revealed a Cuckoo sitting in one and I was very happy. We literally heard Cuckoos (we believe there to have been 2 calling that day) the whole walk to Millyford Bridge and back from that point on. That two week Easter Holidays as I was still at school back then we went to many more parts of the New Forest, and heard Cuckoos at all but one or two of them and went onto see two more Cuckoos that spring which was extraordinary. So to go from being a bird I had never seen to one I was hearing on a regular basis and had a few sightings of was a really rewarding experience and just a time I’ll never forget. Thankfully my first Cuckoo encounter that Easter Holidays led to my first sighting of one, otherwise if we’d have got even two or three of those other places where I heard Cuckoos in before the sighting I may have been a little frustrated whilst you are always extremely lucky to just hear a Cuckoo their amazing and iconic call and its great when nature can tease and temp you and keep you so wonderfully addicted.

As I’ve mentioned a lot before the heath land and ancient woodland of the New Forest national park is a great area for Cuckoos, and it’s so nice to be able to see them with their numbers declining across the country. Acres Down was a fitting and beautiful spot to see my first, it is one of my favourite parts of the New Forest and I only discovered it due to birdwatching namely Goshawk and Honey Buzzard species we went there to see, seeing our first ever Tree Pipit that day in 2009 too then after it became a very regular walking spot for us exploring so much the Cuckoo moment was the next big one here in terms of birdwatching. This began my love affair with the Cuckoo through seeing and hearing many more in the New Forest, and after less than a year of that day then years ago I proudly added it to my list of favourite birds.

One of those other places where I heard a Cuckoo in the spring of 2011 in the New Forest was Pig Bush, one of my very favourite parts of the national park because I am captivated by its amazing landscape, it’s brilliant for wildlife and have spent many happy moments there I always say for me this is the best birdwatching spot in the New Forest exuding dedicated nature reserves perhaps for variety and quality of what can be seen there and its brilliant for all wildlife with many a day where we’ve seen an unbelievable list of species and very high quality species on a walk. Since 2011 Pig Bush has identified itself as the best place to see and hear Cuckoos in the New Forest in my opinion, over the last decade we have tended to hear one there most springs as it enchants it’s woodland and heath beautifully and some of my best Cuckoo sightings since 2011 have come at Pig Bush. So it’s fitting that my first Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sightings share a date, because it was a Cuckoo that led me to our first Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sighting at Pig Bush seven years ago today.

The trip seven years ago started out similarly to that of ten years ago today. We had just returned from Gloucestershire visiting Slimbridge and the International Centre for Birds of Prey and was a week away from going to Pembrokeshire and Skomer Island etc. for my Mum’s birthday so I expected a dog walk and a landscape photography day, but what I got was arguably my best ever birdwatching moment. I had always dreamed of seeing a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker due to my love of green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and had heard they could be seen in Hampshire so wanted to kind of complete the set.

The endless search and unattainable quality had made me crave a sighting even more. Seven years ago today my wait ended in spectacular fashion. My Mum and her partner were looking at Redstarts in the wood at Pig Bush, but having seen these for the first time in 2014 a few days before at Ashley Walk in the New Forest I was more interested in the Cuckoo I could hear calling. So I walked in a little bit further in the opposite direction and scanned in my binoculars to see if I might catch the all-important glimpse of the Cuckoo, when I saw a woodpecker like bird flying with a black and white striped back. It was too small for a Great Spotted and clearly not a Treecreeper. So I confidently proclaimed “I think I’ve just seen a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker”. I wasn’t instantly believed but we walked a bit further towards the area anyway, when I managed to see the Cuckoo briefly sitting in a tree before flying off. I think I did know definitely I had seen the Lesser by this point it was just a case of seeing if my Mum and her partner could see it and get a glorious second look so this was an amazing few moments seeing two incredible birds for the first time in that year as well as one for the first time ever. Then soon afterwards the small bird flew back and went on a tree before setting off again, and we were all able to see beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker! I had seen the bird I had dreamed about and I spotted it too which I loved and gave me a great bit of clout in our small birding group for a bit, it instantly became a favourite of mine and it was another favourite the Cuckoo that had led me to it. At this moment I don’t think I’d felt more lucky in birdwatching, and I was on top of the world! What was also wonderful was that a place so precious to me had been the place where I’d seen the bird I treasure so much and I didn’t expect it at all. Looking back both the first Cuckoo and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker had the same impact for me of knowing in nature and bird watching you just can’t rule anything out because neither of these sightings were expected and in a way that made them and the memory of them all the moor sweet.

We got a second view of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker maybe the same one in the exact same spot in the back of those woods at Pig Bush in the New Forest in March 2017! This was an equally as incredible and moving moment for me and the one tiny regret I had from the 2014 experience was not getting a picture of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so I was determined to leave those woods with one that March as it gave us a longer display. I remember that day my Mum said “oh look there’s a Redwing” and Iooked up hoping for what might be one of my last sightings that winter of this migrant thrush but it had flown when I looked up. But a small bird then flew onto a branch and I knew instantly before I looked at it that it was going to see a lesser I think and I was ecstatic when I saw this bird again it was so powerful and phenomenal. I remember getting a safety shot with my normal lens then time stood still and my eyes did not leave the woodpecker for a second as I put my backpack on the ground and changed to my longer zoom lens. I managed the seventh picture in this photoset of this stunning bird that day.

I am very pleased to say that we did have Lesser Spotted Woodpecker round 3 at the same place in recent weeks. After seeing one in 2014 and 2017 here, 2020 I wondered if we might see one there and it might be an every three years thing we did go to Pig Bush a few weeks before the first Coronavirus lockdown but it wasn’t to be. I genuinely assume the 2014 and 2017 bird, my Mum did see it in 2015 too but I wasn’t fast enough to see it, was the same bird but you never know what was around seven years on from the original sighting its a fanciful thought but maybe it was the same one. 2021 built on 2014 and 2017 in that gloriously it was a very much longer view. We spotted it on a branch and watched it weave and dance between the branches and even trees and really take in the splendour of this very special bird seeing its elegant and fantastic black and white striped back and cute appearance. We were on cloud 9 when seeing this sensational bird again. What’s more on this day it was one of our most extraordinary days ever for wildlife watching as minutes before we had seen the other bird I associate with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, another favourite bird of mine I dreamt of seeing in the same vein as the woodpecker for so long since I was a child and it was interesting that I for the first time in 2014 just a couple of months before the Tawny Owl so they were always connected that an extraordinary view and bird to see on its own. We saw a ridiculous amount of other amazing species that day too such as Hawfinch, Woodlark, displaying Lapwing, Stock Dove, Fallow Deers running across a heath, an unusual for this location Canada Goose and more. Just like in 2017 I predicted the sighting a bit just seeming to know that like 2014 the magic was in the woods that day to allow us to see this which felt amazing personally with me for this bird once more. An epic moment which I’ve been proud to have this year and it may well define it. I took the record shots the final three pictures in this photoset of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that day this year.

Cuckoo wise since 2017, after drawing a blank and not seeing one in 2016 the only year I did that in the last decade so far I did hear them that year though notably at Pig Bush, I have seen wondrous springs of the ilk of 2011 whereby we heard and saw or heard so many times at multiple locations and went on to see Cuckoos stitching together brilliant runs within years. This happened in the New Forest so much of course, Eyeworth Pond and Fritham rivaled Pig Bush and other strong area Deadman/Turf Hill for seeing Cuckoos. I took the first two pictures in this photoset of a Cuckoo still and flying at Fritham in 2019 a glorious early summer walk with so much seen that day too, I saw my first Cuckoos of 2020 there too. I also took the fifth and sixth pictures in this photoset of record shots of one in the Eyeworth Pond/Telegraph Hill area walk in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

The brilliant Cuckoo run expanded to places outside of the New Forest too, notably Martin Down which is one of our very favourite places for the biodiversity of nature and views anyway where I personally might not have ever seen one there but I’ve heard plenty really allowing you to focus on the phenomenal experience that just hearing them is. One particular time hearing them was on the second May bank holiday in 2018 extraordinarily two days before the Eyeworth Pond sighting so that was some weekend when there we heard a couple including one calling very loudly in a bush right beside us! An exceptional nature moment in a year and in a group of years I have been lucky to have so many.

But another top nature reserve, Thursley Common in Surrey, like it has done since we first went in 2017 for my whole hobby really (no pun intended for another of the key species there) has for Cuckoos added a new dimension to my journey with them. This is because we have twice got to see the famous “Colin” the Cuckoo who is a celebrity bird and people flock to the one bird laden field at Thursley in spring to see this legend. We saw him in 2018 briefly flying, but 2019 it went a stage further with him and another calling so well in the woods that day we saw him at the top of a tree staying there what felt like all afternoon and calling and we got crippling views of this Cuckoo when walking in the woods the other side of the trees from the field we were in some of my best ever views of a Cuckoo for sure and I took the third and fourth pictures in this photoset of him really standing out in my Cuckoo pictures over the last ten years for still shots of the bird. Over the last four years as I have done over the last ten I have been so pleased to hear the iconic call to sum up any spring, and feel how surreal and dreamlike it is when you get to purely hear a Cuckoo up close.

The anniversary post from 2017 linked above has a picture I took of my first Cuckoo we ever saw a decade ago attached.

It still excites me now to think of the call of the Cuckoo and the look of the striped back of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker when these two monumental moments for me and my hobby happened, these are moments that will always stay with me, two of my greatest since I began birdwatching in 2006/2007 and what an honour its been to relive it with the species down the years.

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dakotacrisis · 5 years

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Transferred (10)

When I plotted this story out it was only meant to be 10 chapters...not the case now.

There is a fox in the bakery today.

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“Quinn, you can no longer claim that you are not that bad when you are sick. I hope you realize that.” Nanette teased as the girls and Quinn walked into class the following week after everyone’s flu had disappeared.

“The whole Flu-demic thing doesn’t count.” Quinn objected. “I was sick and so not in my right mind.”

“Marinette was sick and she didn’t get akumatised.” Kagami pointed out.

“This is victim blaming!” Quinn dropped into their seat, “I’m not talking to you bullies.”

“We’re only teasing, Quinn.” Marinette assured them, “We know it wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m still interested in that new Ladybug that showed up halfway through the fight.” Nanette said, “No one seems to know what happened there. Not even Chat Noir seemed to understand what was going on.”

Marinette looked over at Kagami who was keeping a stoic face in front of the others. After Marinette had gotten her miraculous back and few good hours of sleep she checked the Ladyblog to see if there was any footage of Kagami as Ladybug. It was so weird seeing someone else do her job. But Marinette knew Kagami was clever and strong enough to do it. Maybe she could be her unofficial backup in case Marinette ever got sick or injured again.

Class started and Kagami and Marinette went to their seats in the back. Mr. Babineaux started his lecture on Shakespeare and talking about the different plays they would be reading and discussing in class.

“Marinette,” Kagami whispered, “Now that you’re feeling better I have a request for you.”

“And what is this request?” Marinette whispered back. She was trying to keep notes while also listening to Kagami.

“Do you know about the Next Big Night Fundraiser?” Kagami asked.

“Of course. It’s only the biggest arts fundraiser in France. Adrien told me the both of you were attending.”

“Yes. Adrien invited me as his plus one to the event and Mr. Agreste kindly invited my mother to join as well.”

“That’s so cool you get to go.” Marinette only ever got to watch it on TV. One day she’d make it there to support all the classic as well as the up and coming artists, designers, musicians, writers, and actors. So much talent in one room!

“It is. But I need to find something appropriate to wear to the event. I have nice dresses and outfits in my closet but I need something new for this night.”

“You want me to help you pick out an outfit? Go dress shopping?”

“No. I was actually hoping you would design a dress for me.”

“Design you a dress?” Marinette tried not to squeal, “That’s an awfully big responsibility. It can’t be just any ordinary dress either. You’re sure you want me to be the one to make it?”

“Absolutely. There’s no one I trust more to make me a spectacular dress.” Kagami smiled at her. “When I mentioned it to my mother I was expecting her to rebuke me. That I shouldn’t get my dress made by, for lack of a better word, a novice. But she seemed rather open to it. I’d say almost encouraging.”

Marinette recalled the talk she had with Mrs. Tsurugi when Kagami was acting as Ladybug. Had she actually taken her advice?

“That’s great. It will take some time so we should start as soon as possible. When are you free?”

“Mlles. Dupain-Cheng and Tsurugi,” Mr. Babineaux was tapping his foot, “Is my class getting in the way of your conversation?”

“Sorry, sir,” Marinette apologized, “Won’t happen again.”

The rest of class Marinette couldn’t bring herself to focus on the lecture. She kept imagining different dresses to put Kagami in for the fundraiser. She hadn’t had a chance to make anything formal that would actually get any use. Sure there was the ballgown she had created that Lila ruined by taking away her credit but it was more of a passion project. This was actually going to be seen by critics and other designers. It had to be perfect.

“Marinette!” Nanette shouted finally tearing Marinette’s attention from her sketchbook.

“Huh? What happened?” Marinette looked around. When did she end up in the library?

A dozen other students were shushing them but Nanette didn’t care. “What are you doing? You haven’t looked up from that sketchbook in like an hour.”

“Sorry.” Marinette closed it, “Kagami wants me to help her design a dress for a fundraiser she’s attending and I got a little carried away with ideas.”

“I don’t mean to sound like the mom friend but you should be focusing on your maths homework.” Nanette edged the textbook towards her, “You’re still behind from being sick.”

“I know,” Marinette opened the textbook and got to work.

After finally finishing the last of her homework the trio departed for home. Marinette was flipping through her sketchbook again looking at all the quick designs she had created during class. So invested in her work she didn’t register that someone was waiting outside the bakery for her.

“Hey, Marinette,” Marinette looked up to see Alya standing next to the shop door, “I don’t know if you’re busy or even want to see me but I was hoping we could talk.”

“Oh…uh sure. I guess.” Marinette didn’t know what to make of this. She had let go of her grudge against the class long ago. It was too much effort to keep mad at people that didn’t mean anything significant to her anymore.

The girls walked upstairs to the living area and sat down on the couch.

Several moments passed of them sitting there not quite looking at each other. Tikki bumped around in Marinette’s purse to get her attention. Someone needs to break the ice.

“So,” Marinette hated that it had to be her, “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Right,” Alya sighed, “It’s um...well I...sorry. I do have something to say I’m just panicking.”

“That is a fat mood.” Marinette mumbled under her breath. Alya must have heard her cause she snorted softly.

“I wanted to come by and say that I’ve been thinking a lot lately.” Alya said, “Mainly about your departure from the school and your allegations against Lila.”

“Have you now?”

“Yes.” Alya met her eyes with determination, “I was wrong. I was wrong about you and I was wrong about Lila. She’s not at all who she claims to be.”

“Is that so? How’d you come to that conclusion?” Marinette couldn’t help the sarcasm. It was the only way to disguise the glimmer of hope blossoming in her chest.

“The day that you and Lila got into that whole fight and it looked like you stole everyone’s stuff I thought I had a pretty clear picture. It wasn’t anything pretty and I didn’t want to believe it but the facts as they were presented led me to an assumption. Then when you actually left the school I started to rethink some things. Cause I know you. You’re strong and brave. You are not one to back down from a fight and I don’t know you to intentionally start them for something as petty as jealousy.” Alya was fidgeting with a curl in her hair.

“So you’ve changed your mind?” Marinette pried.

“I did my research.” Alya’s voice had taken an edge, “I started having my doubts about Lila when you left and then not two weeks after you were gone she was still saying stuff about you. Trying to spread rumors that I just didn’t buy. Like, she tried to say you used cheat codes during the gaming tournament a couple months back? I’ve played against you. You do not cheat. You got steamed when you noticed I used one once. Then there was some crap about you stealing your derby hat design from a sketch she did and I knew she had to be lying. One, because I know your signature style. Two, I’ve seen your sketchbook with the design in it. And three, she wasn’t even here! She was still living abroad when all this happened.”

“I think Adrien told me about those lies too. I figured that everyone would just believe them like they believed all her other outlandish claims.”

“Oh, yes, I debunked the heck out of all those.” Alya tapped her phone. “Did some research and I was able to prove half of the things she had told us were untrue in ten minutes of searching. I honestly can’t believe anyone ever believed it. Including me.”

Alya’s hands shook and she looked at Marinette with tear filled eyes, “I should have listened to you. I should have believed in my best friend but when the time came for me to have your back I didn’t. I let Lila drive you out of school with her lies and her manipulation of our class and I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am. I should have never doubted you and I sure as heck shouldn’t have got in your face about it.”

“Alya--”

“No. Let me finish. You need to hear this.” Alya took a deep breath and wiped away her tears, “I am so sorry, Marinette. You’re my best friend and I treated you like a misbehaving child. Even if you don’t forgive me or want anything to do with me after today I’ll understand. I just wanted to let you know that you mean so much to me and I’m sorry I let someone else come between our friendship.”

“Alya,” Marinette reached for her hand, “I forgive you. I think I forgave you a long time ago. Also, if we’re doing apologies then I suppose I should say sorry for smashing a muffin on your head. It was the frustration lashing out and I shouldn’t have done something so stupidly boorish.”

“Girl, do not even try to apologize for that. If the positions were reversed I probably would have done the same if not something even more barbaric. I had it coming with how I acted anyways.” Alya laughed dryly.

“Doesn’t mean I don’t still feel guilty about it.” Marinette sighed. “Does this mean that we’re okay now? You still want to be friends with me?”

“I should be the one asking you that.” Alya said, “Can you still want to be friends with the world’s crappiest best friend?”

“No. I want to be friends with the girl who loves me enough to swallow her pride and take the time to rethink her ways and ask for forgiveness. That girl is pretty awesome.”

“I’m gonna cry again.” Alya took off her glasses and pressed her eyes into her hands, “I freaking love you, Marinette.”

“I love you too,” Marinette hugged her best friend. “You can make up for the emotional distress by letting me whip your butt at Ultimate Mecha Strike.”

“Deal.”

After a few more minutes of tears and assurances that everything was better between them again they moved onto video games. Alya filled her in on all that was going on at the school and ranting about the lies Lila was telling. She was pretty sure that Lila’s lies were losing their credibility with every new fib. She would be shocked if anyone in class was believing in her anymore. Not that anyone had the guts to call her out. That little liar would probably just pile on even more to confuse them.

“I am so tired, Marinette,” Alya dramatically dropped her head into Marinette’s lap.

“Tired of getting beat?” Marinette smirked.

“Not that. I’m tired of the emotional strain that has become my life. With you gone things at school and at home have been bleak and boring and too annoying to even care about anymore. Everyone has been in a haze for weeks and it is really starting to take its toll.”

“It’ll get better eventually.” Marinette patted her head, “How about we go downstairs and grab some emotional support macarons from the bakery?”

“Yes! Please! I’ve been too awkward to come here since you left and I am dying for those macarons.”

“Your cravings shall not go unsated anymore. Salted caramel, right?”

“You know it.”

Marinette stepped out of the living room and into the stairwell. Once she closed the door she started doing a little giddy dance. Alya believed her! Alya knows the truth! Alya and Marinette are friends again! Yes! Yes! Best! Day! Ever!

“I’m glad you and Alya are friends again, Marinette.” Tikki zipped into the air, “It looks like you are too.”

“I missed her so much, Tikki. I didn’t realize just how much until today. Even more I’m just glad she knows the truth now. I feel like this weight has been lifted off my shoulders having her with me again.”

“That’s great! You deserve it.” Tikki nestled her head against Marinette’s cheek, “Now how about you sneak me one of those macarons too?”

“Sure, Tikki,” Marinette grabbed an assortment of macarons from the shop and excitedly told her parents about how she and Alya were friends again. They were happy to hear it. They had missed having Alya around too. Not that they didn’t adore her new friends but they knew that there would truly only be one Alya in Marinette’s life.

---

“ALYA AND I MADE UP!” Adrien almost fell off the couch as Marinette’s delighted shrieks blasted over the phone.

“That’s great.” He righted himself, “What happened?”

“She came over and we talked and she said that she believed me about Lila and--I am just really happy right now!” He could practically hear her happy little bounces through the phone.

“Is that Dupain-Cheng?” Chloe asked him.

“Yes,” he tried to push Chloe away politely, “Her and Alya made up.”

“Gimme that.” Chloe pulled the phone from his hands. “Dupain-Cheng, what did she say to you? It’s Chloe, who else? What did Alya say to you? Did she mention anything about exposing Lila? Okay. Good. That’s none of your concern. Goodbye.”

She hung up.

“Chloe!” Adrien took his phone back, “Why did you highjack my phone call?”

“Shh, working,” Chloe was on her phone and dialing someone. “Hey, listen closely because I--do not hang up on me, Cesaire! Do you want to expose Lila or not? Yes I know she’s a liar, please try to keep up. I think we could help one another. My place, tomorrow, bring your research and don’t breathe a word of this to anyone. Bye.”

“What was that?”

“Insurance that all my work doesn’t go down the drain with one stupid blog post.” Chloe sighed as she leaned back on the couch, “Come here, I wanna post a selfie of us.”

“I am still highly confused as to what just happened. I thought we weren’t going to focus on the project tonight.” Adrien scooted closer so they could both fit their faces into the screen. “Oh wow, we look like clouds.”

“I love these Korean face masks,” Chloe took a couple photos before posting one on her Instagram. “Spa night with @adrienagrestebrand #weareclouds #treatmyself”

“I needed this.” Adrien relaxed as they hit play on Haunted Cabin III: The Cursed Lake. “I can’t remember our last spa/movie night.”

It was a monthly thing for Adrien and Chloe dating back to when they were little kids. They would have a relaxing spa treatment, pig out on the couch, and riff bad horror movies all night before crashing at four AM. It was one of the only times Adrien could get his father’s permission for a sleepover.

“I still think you should have done more than just a clear coat on your mani-pedi. I got actual gold flakes in my manicure.” Chloe flashed her sparkly nails. “We could have matched.”

“You know my father doesn’t like it when I wear nail polish. Last time I came home with painted nails he had Nathalie read me the riot act because it didn’t look professional.” Adrien sighed, “Also, we already have matching robes, face masks, headbands, and slippers. Do we really need more?”

“You forgot the foot massagers.” Chloe kicked off her slippers and stuck her feet in the quietly rumbling machine. “And the answer is always yes.”

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(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (11)

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(tagged)

@immatureidiot101 @ladylb @lady-flora-of-slytherin @zazzlejazzle @lamestplaceontheinternet

#miraculous ladybug #marinette dupain cheng #kagami tsurugi #ocs #alya cesaire #adrien agreste #chloe bourgeois #transferred au #salt fic #writing

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sparrowsabre7 · 4 years

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Just noticed that another codec tune is the start of "rockabye baby".

Anyway, didn't bother writing up my last few trips as not much eventful happened, still trudging around the mountain at this point.

Back at Heartman's room, giving the BT model a hearty tap for the lulz.

Heartman's telling me about how Mama's body has high concentrations of midicholorians, sorry, Chiral matter, more than is usual for the average human. All this serious expo talk being delivered with a birds eye view down the corpse's cleavage. Stay classy Hideo!

Weird, Heartman's about to go down but he just said he restarted a second ago... oh shit son! He modified the network timers to have no record of the conversation, this is some serious conspiracy shit! He says the BT that went to grab the BT baby was Mama's sould, still somehow tethered to her body by the umbilical cord. Deadman's being patched in and throwing more shade on Die-Hardman. The umbilical cord I delivered was Bridget's, she apparently had it outside of her body, with no necrotisation, just like Mama. Meaning the cord was somehow connected to the beach. My guess is she maybe had a BT baby or somehow the first BB was born from her rather than a braindead mother.

Heartboi now goes on to say chiralium has been found at all major extinction events and theorises that the death stranding is merely the latest in a long line of earth's contact with a beach and thus were are in the middle of a new extinction era. He's saying that some archaeological and paleontological discoveries may not have been frozen in the sense of ice but frozen in time as though on the beach. He links this argument with evidence of several remains having the same umbilical cord but not for childbirth, as o e is found on a dinosaur, but as a strand to the beach, just like the BTs have cords.

So these corded beings are not just connected to the beach but potentially also the "extinction entity" that caused a death stranding, implying Bridget was one too.

Assuming Bridget was an EE then Amelie may also be one, hence Higgs' interest.

*pause to catch breath*

Ok, right. Better... do... stuff then.

Got to link up the Chiral station then cross the tar. Fuck me this is an arduous journey, made more so by the fact there's no private room to figuratively and literally recharge my batteries at Heartman's. Ok here I go, using some randos bike as long as I ca- oh BT town. Great. This is horrible, I'm having to build a generator in the middle of this shithole because I can't fight back without a power skeleton as I'm carrying too much. Ah a private room up ahead, thank god.

Are you FUCKING joking!? It's not even built, why put it on the map. Selfish twat.

Finally out of the mountains; grass! A bike! Yes, now we're talking! Hope I don't run into any more trouble, he said sarcastically hoping that in doing so he would prevent trouble.

Ah of course. The "BT here sign" was a red herring. It's actually terrorists. Fuck's sake. Literally just driven right into their camp.I am so unprepared.

"That looks shallow" he thought, stupidly, as he crashed directly into a stream and was flung unceremoniously off the trike. Guess I'm legging it the last *checks notes* 852 metres. That's not so bad I suppose.

Just going to sit on this rock and then stand in the river to recover stamina and canteen respectively.

Jesus Christ nearly lost all cargo after misjudging my stamina in the river. Luckily it all washed up next to me but by god this has been a tough trek.

Thank god, just about made it. Please let me rest now.

Nope, gotta cross the tar. Ok. Fine. Looks like the method is to get caught by a BT according to the emails, which seem to have replaced "Colonel tells you" as the modus operandi for giving hints.

Literally nowhere nearby for me to properly rest so just got to sleep out exposed for a while until I hopefully regain some stamina.

Not much but let's see. Oh ok, got my stamina 100% refilled just for this sequence. Nice! Another spectacular set piece, running across the tar supermerged buildings, like a gloopy Inception. Amelie was stood in the tar at the end like an oily jesus but it ended up triggering a cutscene where I got dragged down and sent to the beach, where Amelie is singing London bridge is falling down. Just a thought, how come Amelie has clothes but Sam doesn't? It was the same when we saw Heartman's beach: he and all its inhabitants were fully clothed.

Anyway, Sam wakes up and Higgs is there to be creepy and monologue about masks. I feel like I wasn't paying proper attention or missed something because I thought Higgs already had Amelie but he's saying once the Chiral networks online he will be able to track her location. He then puts his gold skull mask on Sam which burns him but leaves no mark and seems to have no other effect so fuck knows what that was about. Oh and he licks Sam; which I am actually happy about because it retroactively makes it a little less weird that he licked Fragile, he's just a guy who licks people.

Die-Hardman says the last stage is here so just need to connect the distro and then Edge Knot; "take your time, and do it right." Not 10 seconds later he's calling to say "Sam, what's the hold up? Get that centre online." Prick.

I take a nap and Amelie is now teleporting around my room like Higgs being vague about secrets and that her real name is Amerigo after the first man to discover America. "Sam says what about Columbus?" and Amelie says, "it's a lie, America is all a lie".

*Deep breath* ok, now I am all here for Columbus erasure, and sure maybe Amerigo did see America first or whatever, but ultimately it's still horseshit because a) the vikings got there way earlier and b) PEOPLE ALREADY LIVED THERE. Like, fuck, the "it's built on a lie" thing still rings true but definitely coming at it from the wrong angle. It's like Kojima did a BIT of research to try and get an "a ha!" moment over the audience, perhaps not considering that most people no longer actually give a shit about the "discovery" of America and generally agree Columbus is a turd anyway.

Back to the game, she confirms she is an extinction entity and thus we need to get to her before Higgs. She also drops in that she was born on a beach, so she must have been connected to the umbilical cord Bridget had.

In any case, I'm getting the feeling that Higgs is gearing up for a boss fight and given nothing else is on this rock that seems a fairly solid theory. It's amazing given how underpopulated the rest of the game is, that this area somehow still manages to feel more lonely than the rest of the game. Maybe because it's one of the few city escapes and there's no landscape around. It's like Henry David Thoreau said, we are never truly alone in nature.

#games #death stranding #sparrowsabre7 plays death stranding

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aoibaratraveler · 5 years

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UK Road Trip Week 3

Ahhh late post was initially meaning to post every Monday but what can you do when you're on the road with limited signal sometimes and always wanting to look out the window and the pretty sights.

Day 15:

Woke up early and was finally able to put in our big bag of laundry into the wash. We weren't really able to do the things we thought about doing like going for a hike or a bike ride because we wanted to wait for our laundry so instead we took it easy and watched the last episode of izombie and once V was done with her skype interview we went grocery shopping for dinner supplies since we were going to cook ratatouille. We got back to the house and prepped all the vegetables and V made vegan chocolate pudding for dessert. Once everything was prepped and ready we decided to go kayaking for a little while before everyone would be back for dinner. Since there were 3 of us and only 2 kayaks, the bf and I decided to share one but boy was that a mistake because the bf sat in front with me in the back (so he was sitting in between my legs) and I'm not sure how but all his weight was on me and when I tried to position myself to paddle, it put so much strain on my abs and was the most painful thing so it was a struggle but at least we had a laugh and got to see a cool cave and some beautiful waves; got pretty drenched though. On the way back the bf and V switched and she and I sat together which made the paddle back much easier because she's lighter and I sat in front this time for good measure. When we got back, we quickly whipped up the rest of dinner (which was delicious) and chowed down. We then drove V's parents to an evening event and then the bf had a go at driving "Marvin", a classic 70's Volkswagen beetle that was gifted to V and her sister by their parents when they were 17. We got back and played games until midnight and V's parents returned just before we were to call it a night. V's dad decided out of the blue though that he wanted to show us the strangest card trick which involved being able to manipulate two rows of cards to be completely black and completely red even though we were the ones dealing it. Afterward, V showed us a curious card trick as well before we finally hit the hay.

Day 16:

Had a nice long catch up with V this morning before saying goodbye so much so that we didn't leave her house until 12:30...when we were expecting a 7 hour drive ahead of us...on the plus side when I mentioned to her parents that lately it's been cold while camping, her mom went and got us a duvet to take with us that she was planning to donate anyway. The drive was lovely and scenic but I was feeling a bit ill because of my indigestion so couldn't fully take it in. We were short on time since we didn't want to set up the tent when it was too dark and we only made one stop on the drive in a place just outside of Land's End called St. Just. It was a cliffside surrounded by lush green rolling hills and fields that was just gorgeous and gave such an atmosphere with the overcast. The rocky cliffs partially covered in grass and flowers were wonderful as they overlooked the clear blue-green ocean water. We sat there for a while and just took it in but I was sure that I could just sit there all day and still want more. It was most definitely my favourite stop by far. Afterward, we continued our drive from Cornwall to St. Clears which is just outside of Carmarthen in Wales and arrived at about 9:30 and were able to set up the tent even though it was already quite dark and managed to finish before the rain really poured down.

Day 17:

Today we experienced a downpour for most of the morning and day with the sun really only coming out at 5. We decided to leave early so we could drive through Swansea and then Cardiff. The clouds and rain didn't help the run-down atmosphere that Swansea was giving off with numerous shops that we drove by being closed down. When we got to Cardiff we decided to head straight for Tim Hortons which was nice since I was feeling a bit homesick although it obviously wasn't as good as what I've had in Canada. Afterward, we walked to the Millennium center which was the location for many Doctor Who episodes. After that, we watched the Liverpool game at an Australian sports bar and then headed to Caerphilly Castle which is the largest castle in Wales and had a nice little stroll before heading back for the night since we were still pretty tired from the previous day's drive.

Day 18:

As soon as we woke up today we attempted to put away our tent but struggled because of the periodic downpour that seemed to come down very hard every 10 minutes or so. We felt a bit bad though because the tent next to us was huge and the guy who was taking it down was on his own and seemed completely unfazed by the rain. We set off as soon as we could and drove along the Welsh coast/Pembrokeshire coast and again saw some gorgeous coastal views from St. David's to Trefin to Fishguard. It was especially lovely because the rain had cleared up. The cove in Trefin beach that is part of the Pembrokeshire coast national park was my favourite part of the drive and just beautiful. When we arrived in Aberystwyth we walked around the beach for a while and the bf showed me where he used to live. We even got pizza for dinner from a place called Hollywood pizza where he used to go most nights after drinking. Super cheesy with a buttery and crispy crust. We then continued our stroll and hiked up Constitution hill for some gorgeous views of the city. After a few minutes at the top, the bf was too cold so we walked down and caught a bit of the sunset on the before heading back.

Day 19:

The bf disagrees but I found the bed at this Airbnb that we booked for our stay in Aberystwyth super comfy and the pillows super fluffy and to be completely honest, it made me dread the thought of camping again but only a little bit. We got up and went to eat at "Sophie's", a breakfast cafe that the bf was a regular at during his uni days. It was super yummy there and the veggie sausages were on point. It was a rather humid day but again the weather couldn't decide whether it wanted to be Sunny or have a downpour. After breakfast, we headed to a place called "Devil's Bridge". It had loads of beautiful waterfalls and cool bridges. We stupidly parked in a spot that required us to pay even though the car park for the Devil's Bridge was free. The walk around the bridge and waterfall area took about 45 mins. There was a steep staircase there that, not gonna lie, terrified me at first. My fear of heights picks and chooses its moments and it had a pretty big one then. I'm totally fine with hiking up steep areas but hiking down is different so needed the bf's help then. The hike/walk back up the stairs of the place was certainly steep so my legs were shaking by the end of it. From the Devil's Bridge, we headed to Morrisons for some supplies and then back to the Airbnb to chill for a bit and watch Doctor Who. The bf and I both agree that the Matt Smith portion of the show is our favourite and that he's our favourite Doctor because he's wise but also daft and loveable. We concluded the night by having another stroll along the beach and grabbing some McDonald's...oh and since this Airbnb is working like a legitimate BnB, the room next to us was also taken so the night was really ended by us trying to drown out the sound of the couple in the next room having sex...lovely. 🙃

Day 20:

Today was the day that we were meant to hike Snowden so I got up at 8 packed my stuff, finished my chapter of HP that I was on and uploaded week 2 of my blog! By the time we got to the car though we realized it would be foolish to try and get to Snowden this late in the morning and hike it. Instead, we dawdled for a bit and then had lunch at a fusion place in Aberystwyth that I'd been wanting to try; really yummy fried chicken there. We then drove to the university that the bf used to attend and he showed me around the campus and the student housing in which he lived in during first year and recalled stories from that time. We then headed to Snowdonia National park since the bf's friend, T, lives and works there. She works in this quaint little book shop in a small town that had a such a laid back feel to it called Porth Madog. It was my first time meeting her but she was really nice and informative about what we could do in the area, she also reminded me immensely of another friend that the bf and I both know because of their mannerisms and colour of hair that they have both dyed the same colour. After chatting with her for a bit, we headed to the bay area near the town which was so lovely and serene and we sat there and read for a bit. When it became a bit cold we decided to head to Aldi for some snacks. All throughout the day I was feeling really sluggish and sleepy and no amount of coffee or energy drink seemed to help (only had one of each lol). The bf felt the same but he more so was just dreading our impending plans of wild camping but I was as well since we both had never done it before and didn't really want to deal with waiting for dusk to put up the tent and then to wake up at the crack of dawn to take it down. We agreed we didn't want to bother with the hassle, at least not that night since we were both tired and so we drove near the base of Snowden, parked in a lay by, reorganized the car and then slept.

Day 21:

Woke up at roughly 7 am and so did the bf and we both had the resolve to quickly get ready and start the hike up Snowden as soon as we could. Luckily there was a washroom at the base car park so we could freshen up. We then began the walk from where we parked the car (15 mins walk from the base) at about 8:45 am. I have already seen some quite spectacular coastal views in the UK but this was by far the best inland views I'd seen yet and my first time seeing proper mountainous views here. Such beauty, I'd never done this kind of hike before in my life.

I know I'm from Vancouver and I'm sure there are gorgeous hikes there but I never had my own car to get to them. I've hiked up Grouse Mountain and even though the views from the chalet are beautiful, it's just not as scenic a hike. My photos can't even begin to bring it justice. I was also surprised that it really didn't feel that difficult so I suppose I'm in better shape than I thought, I even seemed to be having an easier time at it than the bf. We walked along beautiful streams and what seemed like endless ridges and countless sheep just minding their own business. I might be a bit bias, but the bf is really just the best hiking buddy. He's always calm, reassuring, and well prepared and I felt the hike was that much more fun because I could share the experience with him. I honestly wish I could have filmed the whole hike to really capture what an amazing experience it was but I didn't have the equipment. Near the summit, there is a portion of the hike that is truly a scramble. I felt like a monkey as I crawled up the edge of the mountain; what an adrenaline rush but also thoroughly exhausting. It took us just under 4 hours to reach the summit. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the hike up, especially so with the lovely weather, the summit was appalling. It was absolutely crowded with tourists, many of whom were inappropriately dressed for such a strenuous hike AND who were also drinking and smoking! At the top of a mountain!? Ugh. The summit was really small and there was nothing to do but maybe go to the unnecessary pub that is there and look at the gorgeous view. So after about 30 minutes, we decided to head back down a different way. The walk down was much harder on my feet and at times very painful but I persevered because if I were to stop and rest for too long then we would have gotten caught up in an obnoxious camp group that was on our tail. It took us 2 and a half hours to get back down to the base of the mountain although it felt shorter (so did the hike up) and the total time was about 7 and a half hours from the car and back. We walked about 31 000 steps and I just felt so proud of myself to have been able to accomplish that hike at all, I was happy for the rest of the day but that also could have been because of the endorphins. We had a snack at a nearby cafe after leaving Snowden and then drove to Betws y Coed and set up in a nearby lay by again feeling fully destroyed and ready for sleep.

#ukroadtrip2019 #ukexploring #ukroadtrip #uk #wales #welshnature #snowden #snowdonia #travel blog #blog post #blog #roadtrip #mountains #naturelovers #camping #hiking #travel #travellover

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clarion-call-of-football · 5 years

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Instructions to Live a Luxurious Life on a Not-So-Luxury Budget

Like Coco Chanel, I cherish extravagance. My heart does palpitations when I stroll by the boutiques in Paris. A three-star Michelin café brings out groans and moans. Also, a spectacular tote and an inn staff that is always saying "My pleasure" at my every solicitation makes me grin.

I even built up an extravagance brains program where I have the pleasure of coaching an astonishing gathering of ladies while we travel to probably the richest places on the planet, for example, Aspen and Monaco. I believe it's significant that ladies figure out how to inject their organizations, lives, and spirits with extravagance. (Coincidentally, that pic is of us at our sleep party with a private cook at the Ritz.)

Call me vain, materialistic or whatever word you have for individuals like me. I couldn't care less. Actually, I get it. I use to feel the equivalent about individuals carrying on with "easy street," and, guess what? It wasn't on the grounds that I thought they were terrible individuals. Where it counts, I was simply envious, in light of the fact that I needed it as well.

This is what may not think about me. I haven't generally lived such a sumptuous way of life. Truth be told, I've been dead destitute. I'm talking about eating Ramen noodles, living in a twofold wide, pursuing down the K-bazaar blue light unique and putting 25 pennies worth of gas in my vehicle broke.

I'm likewise not a cash mentor, which means I don't show you how to get more cash-flow. I show you how to take advantage of your wants, make wellbeing, pursue your interests and live full out. Cash just appears to pursue such a lady.

What I've found is that you should initially figure out how to be a sumptuous individual to draw in a lavish life, which is the thing that "French Kissing Life" is about - filling every day with joie de vivre, energy and want - which can all be accomplished with minimal expenditure in the bank. Indeed, this strategy, not some cash the executives' framework, is actually how I pulled in the richest life.

I need to tell you the best way to do likewise, on the grounds that I realize where it counts, you'd most likely appreciate a decent container of wine or a night at the Ritz Carlton. What's more, there's nothing at all amiss with you for needing it. Actually, I state, "Pull out all the stops sista!"

Making it Obtainable

Not very many individuals are blessed enough to turn out to be medium-term tycoons, however, in the event that you need to carry on with a lavish life, you should adjust your vitality to extravagance. Anyway, what is a young lady to do?

All things considered, you may need to reclassify extravagance to make it realistic now, in such a case that your present definition is fine yachts and you drive a Pinto, prepare to have your mind blown. You're in a bad way.

Along these lines, we should consider extravagance this: quality individuals, encounters and things.

At the point when I chose numerous years back that I was tired of the poop in my life, I began looking for quality. I was finished with the low-quality nourishments, crying individuals and plastics made in China. I needed more for myself, yet I couldn't bear the cost of Chanel at the time (and in spite of the fact that I expound on her like we're closest companions now, despite everything I don't claim a piece.) I needed to begin indicating appreciation for the extravagances I needed to draw in a greater amount of it into my life, and trust me, in case you're understanding this, you have a PC. That is an extravagance.

Extravagance is about quality and in some cases the most quality encounters are free. I can't consider much else sumptuous than spending time with my girl on the couch viewing a great motion picture or my morning mug of espresso on my back deck.

Rather than me giving you some charm law of fascination direct on vitality arrangement to pull in more cash, I am going to share my genuine instances of how I started to encounter extravagance sometime before my first Ritz-Carlton remains (BTW, j'adore the Ritz). At the point when I began accomplishing the accompanying things, the universe of extravagance opened its enormous arms and grasped me:

1. I quit spending time with griping individuals who were continually discussing how broke they were. Significant extravagance repellent.

2. I searched out quality associations with individuals who were no aliens to extravagance. I needed to figure out how to think like them.

3. I invested more energy in nature. There's nothing as extravagant as strolling shoeless in the grass on a mid-year evening or a decent climb in the forested areas.

4. Extravagance despises scramble, so I backed off and delighted in cups of espressos discussions with companions.

5. I quit spending my cash on the poo 2 for $20 shirts and set aside to purchase the pleasant $100 one. Extravagance isn't about amount; the quality issues.

6. I hung out in the anterooms of fine lodgings and simply encountered the universe of extravagance. They don't charge you for anteroom space.

7. I drove a garbage vehicle so I could spend lavishly on great nourishment. Despite everything I drive a not exactly sumptuous vehicle, however, my life has not endured one piece.

8. I pursued my energy and went to sommelier school. The $500 starting speculation opened me up to an entire diverse degree of extravagance where I had the option to taste a $1000 jug of wine and state something extravagant like, "Hhhmm...I think it needs to breathe for some time." Major extravagance minute. (Coincidentally, by following my craving to study the universe of wine, I was approached to compose café surveys for a provincial magazine and make a wine program at a nation club, which prompted increasingly lavish encounters that paid me. How cool is that?)

9. I dressed and strolled like a lady of extravagance, which means I didn't leave my home in loose pants and a T-shirt with my shoulders drooped.

10. I turned into an understudy of extravagance, perusing quality writing, watching exemplary movies and understanding Town and Country and Vogue.

11. I quit tuning in to my musings that made statements like, "Young lady, you experienced childhood in a trailer. Who do you think you are?" It's simply unnecessary prattle.

12. I began completely captivating with my reality and the individuals in it, posing inquiries, looking for answers and always putting myself out there.

13. I put new blossoms in my home.

14. I visited my folks more. They generally make me feel like a Princess, in any event, when we lived in a twofold wide.

15. I searched out quality discussions that talked about the significant stuff, similar to death, life, religion, style and nourishment and wine. All things considered, at any rate, those things are imperative to me.

16. I went to extravagant occasions, for example, a direction for ladies at Duke's School of Business. Remember, I was filling in as full-time nurture and had never been doing business. These occasions likewise didn't cost me a dime other than the gas to arrive.

17. I began strolling through Saks as though I had a place, dislike some oddity whose eyes were going to fly out of my attachments when I saw the cost of a Louis sack. No, only a shoulder shrug like it wasn't the sack for me.

18. I ended up aware of what I put into my body and how I traveled through the world. Indeed, this implies eating well and working out.

19. I cleaned (and keep on cleaning) my universe of low-quality individuals, things and encounters. Extravagance doesn't coincide with mayhem, show, and mess.

20. I trusted I merited a lavish life. This is the most significant of all. Numerous ladies are strolling around feeling regretful on the off chance that they put $20 dollars in themselves. On the off chance that that is you, hear me out. You are not doing yourself or the universe of support by preventing yourself from claiming a lavish life. The most giving individuals I know enjoy a quality lifestyle, which is the manner by which they can help such a significant number of others. You must tidy this idea up to give extravagance access.

Reward: I recollected this one after I completed the article, so allows simply to consider it a reward. Something I began doing was favoring the individuals who carried on with an extravagant way of life, rather than judging and covertly loathing them. By saying, "You go young lady" each time I saw a lady shaking out her Prada dress, leaving the back rub parlor or sashaying into the Four Seasons, I was opening my heart to the Universe and saying, "Expedite it. I'm prepared!"

Tonya Leigh Williams is a mentor, speaker, and essayist. She is devoted to enabling ladies to make astounding lives and bodies without slimming down, hardship and show. Her enthusiasm is helping ladies discover opportunities from self-perception, weight, and nourishment issues. Tonya shows the insider facts of normally thin individuals, mentors ladies on ordinary eating without hardship, and tells ladies the best way to at the same time change their bodies while additionally living settled inside them. She has helped ladies get thinner, gain clearness and reason, and venture into another life free of battle. On the off chance that you are keen on getting familiar with training with Tonya Leigh.

#luxury #luxury lifestyle #strategies & tips

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redefiningthirtysomething · 5 years

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I’m going going, back back to AZ AZ

2 years ago we were living in Phoenix, Arizona. It was the best decision we made for our family and we thought things would be amazing. I am born and raised in Los Angeles, CA but life in LA was too busy, always working, Bella was growing up and life was just to expensive. I was looking for something else, something slower. I was tired of trying to keep up with work, my friends, family,... it all was very overwhelming.

We packed up our SUV and put our LA life away and drove 8 hours with our baby girl (she was 7).

We arrived so excited, ready for our new life, full of expectations. We planned this months in advance, we saved money, we prepared our friends and jobs. We had going away parties and tears. We arrived to our home, a 3 bedroom, hard wood floor, made for us house. We celebrated over drinks on our first night and experienced our first monsoon in our first week, It was spectacular. I had never seen anything like it. After settling in and introducing ourselves to the neighborhood I landed a job at a local hospice and Eli resumed his stay-at-home-dad job during the day and a night job he got at a local facility. I worked 3 days on, 4 days off 12 hour shifts. Bella was going to a great school right across the park, we would literally walk her over, drop her off and have a morning workout, followed by our breakfast, some morning sex and Eli then was off to sleep to be ready for his night job. We were living in a beautiful big home in a quiet neighborhood with a nice yard for Bella, fireplace, we had a cat and a Kitchen island I absolutely loved. My Master bedroom was bigger than the size of our entire LA apartment and my closet space, sigh... why did we ever leave? ... well, here's what happened.

We made plans to live there for life, but we only lasted six months. I got a job a few weeks after we moved in, we were living off of our savings and we were planning our next career moves. The Job I got was good, but it paid very low and yes, I know that is expected in AZ the wages are less than in CA, what I made in CA was an unreasonable wage in AZ and they clearly told me this during my interview. But I thought, well ok I can figure this out as we go. The bills or the first month were a little outrageous. We moved to AZ in August ... need I say more? It was HOT AF so we had the AC unit on all day and all night long at a cool 71. Although some locals told us how to maintain a low electricity bill during the summer, we had NO IDEA how serious they were and didn't quite listen to their advice! It cant be that bad right ? wow, $600 for a month? A MONTH? That's not even including any of the other bills. that was the electricity ALONE! It knocked me out of my shoes. Ok, so the bills became an issue but we got a handle on it the best we could, but we were definitely in a strict budget.

A few months after we moved in my sister and her GF were having a hard time in LA and we agreed to help them out and let them live with us in AZ, we had an extra room and it would help us with the bills, plus it would be nice to have family around since we still hadn't made any new friends. It was good for a while but turned ugly really quick. I don't like to talk shit about people, but the GF has a nasty attitude and she's just an overall toxic person, I kind of see her as a bully who cried wolf. Awful, awful. Unfortunately my sister doesn't see it and they always think it's everyone else. I mean if she's happy with that, it's on her but like I've said before, leave us out of your negativity. Anyway, things got heated one night, she yelled at my daughter and insulted Eli, and I had to defend my family. After a screaming match, and an almost full on throw down in my kitchen I kicked them out. They moved to Tempe and my sister and I stopped talking. Cause of course, we attacked her, so they say. I have never in my life been in a fight and i'm so non confrontational... but apparently that night big bad me was in attack mode. Such silliness.

At this point, we're broke AF, we have no friends and my sister lives 20 miles away and doesn't talk to us. Ugh, Great start. Seriously the only good part for us about AZ was the happiness Bella had. She made so many friends on our street, she ruled that street basically. This girl was never home, she was always outside riding her bike or her scooter, or playing in someones yard, at the park ... she loved it. Sleep overs at out house, she had her room which we decorated to her style, her own bathroom...she loved it. I cant even begin to explain how good we had it. Bella was in her happy place. Isn't this what we moved for? We completely lost sight of it. Eli and I were arguing a little bit, we were kind of just annoyed at life and we took it out on each other. Bella was getting stressed out because she hates to see us bicker, she tried to help us make up a few times. We don't like to put that on her, so we would make up, but a week later we were both back to not giving AF. We made things work, but there was a tension.

A little after Christmas we found out I was pregnant, 2 weeks pregnant to be exact and that very same day I found out I was pregnant I received a call from my boss at my old job in LA that they needed me to come back and that they would give me a raise. We looked at each other and it was like a weight lifted off our shoulders, we didn't even think about it before saying yes. We packed our shit and were gone by the weekend. We dipped out SO fast, we like ran back to LA ... what we thought was the best decision. Boy... were we wrong.

We moved in with Eli's parents, we were broke and didn't have money or time to find a new place. I started back at work that upcoming Monday and we had to get situated ASAP. work, yes, work was great. I went back and they started me at a great rate and It was like I never left. I still had my status of 10 years and accumulated my PTO, benefits as if I never left. So grateful that they thought well enough of me to ask me back. Bella went back to her old elementary school and things went back to Normal. Months went by and I'm super pregnant. We decided to stay at his parents house during the pregnancy because I didn't want to add anymore stress. I have come to realize that I don't like living with other people other than Eli and my girls. People have something to say about something and always give opinions. whatever, I stay at work or in my room most of the time anyway. But, that's not how I wanted to live. Soon after I had Olivia, Elijah went to work so that I can spend time with the baby and bond. 4 weeks in a was stir crazy and made him quit his job and I went back to work. That's his family we live with and I am not comfortable, I don't feel like I can just go make breakfast and lounge around, not that I cant but it's a me thing. I don't like having to tell people where I am going if I'm leaving the house. I have always been very independent and I am easily annoyed when I don't have my freedom. plus, hey we pay rent ... I don't really have to explain my life ... but I cant be rude you know, so I bite my tongue.

We live in a trendy area of LA filled with hipsters, bars and restaurants .... and also very high rent. A 1 bedroom small apartment on the low end will cost you somewhere along 1900 month. jeez. We haven't been able to move out or find a decent price. We almost decided to buy a home but they're at 1 million for a little house. Bella has her room, a small room ... literally half the size of her AZ bedroom and she cant play outside , we live on a busy street and with the mentally ill/homeless that hang around the area doesn't make it safe. So she spends most of here time inside unless we go somewhere. Olive sleeps with us, we co-sleep, we did with Bella too, but soon I am going to have to transition her to her own room, plus she's about ready to crawl but we don't have space! Another thing is things have changed here. I don't see any of my friends, they don't have kids so they're out traveling and brunching. Things that I can't do right now. I haven't seen them at all to be honest, maybe once since I've been back from AZ. Olivia is 8 months now. Management at work changed, we have a new director and things are so different from the company I once knew. My sister eventually moved back to LA and I made peace with them, I wanted to have my sister in my life and things were good until recently. The GF strikes again, but with my mom! that's another story for another day. so, yet again my sister thinks its everyone else, except her GF. Also, I don't have a relationship with my little sister, but we will get into her in another blog.

I am a total mom and my focus is 100% on my kids and my family. I didn't know this until I had them.. obviously. I used to be all about me, going out, working and living my life. everything changed. everything. I live for my kids, I love them so much and my ultimate goal in my life is to make sure they are taken care of. why the fuck did we leave Arizona? Because we had no friends? I want to slap myself sometimes. were we bored? who fucking cares? Bella was happy! We could have made it work. We could have but we ran and took the easy way out. Eli and I sat down one day and we were trying to figure out our next move. we need to grow and make changes to better us as a family. We asked ourselves where is our happy place? where are our kids going to be happy?

The move back to AZ is in July. YES! we are so excited and thrilled. This time we see things differently. this time we know what to expect , we know the summers are harsh and we know the job market, we know that we only have each other out there... and that's OK! I am going to start an online business which I am currently working on. Eli will be the one working and I will stay home with bebe. It's NOT about us anymore. The house is set and ready for us we just gotta pack and go. By the way, we have a family house in AZ. It's my moms and she rents it out, but she lets us (her daughters, family) stay there and it's currently without renters. She knew I would go back. She knows that we have to make sacrifices for our kids sometimes. I don't feel that I am sacrificing this time.

I have faith and we love adventure.

#arizona #moving #familymove #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #familyblog #parentingblog #parenting #momlife #dadlife

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kizakuza-blog1 · 5 years

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DKs Van Life Take 1: The test

Last year, two weeks before Drew, my partner, and I were ready to set off on our first official overseas trip together, I was admitted to hospital for a week and then told I couldn’t fly.

That feeling of being trapped set in about a month later, when my condition was being managed and I realised I had been told I couldn’t do the one thing I live for – exploring the world.

So what does one do when they are grounded from flying? Camper Van it!! Drew was in love with the idea instantly and we started planning. Wondering whether buy a van straight up or should we hire first? We decided to do a test trip before we buy and here we are.

The Test. 10 Days going South of Sydney heading to the Great Ocean Road and back through the Barossa Valley. 3,548kms will be travelled in total.

Our hot tips for a van life. Season vanlifers, I’m sure already know these, though for any newbies out there we highly recommend making note:

1. Baby wipe baths. When you have no idea where you’ll be setting up camp or where the next shower is, baby wipe baths is one way to stay fresh.

2. Head torches. Even when you have light in the van, it’s never quite enough. When you’re parked in a remote area or if you want to go for some night exploring. These babies are your best friends.

3. Bucket Toilet. Now when this was first suggested to me I was like, umm really!! But ladies I assure you, in the middle of the night when you’ve parked your van in the most beautiful spot you can find, but there are no facilities, the bucket toilet is your saviour. Whether you make your own or do what we did and invest in one from your local camping store. I promise you’ll be most grateful you did.

Day 1: Heading to our first stay. We chose Tumut, a cute little place with a free camp site, nestled between the mountains and a trout filled river. It was a little in-land as day two takes us to the Milawa Cheese Company before heading down to the Mornington Peninsular.

Here we are, head touches on, setting up the van for the first time. It’s about 8pm, the roof is popped and I start transferring our things up in the top storage section in preparation to make up the bed. Drew starts prepping to cook up a storm on our little Webber......Then it hit me..….we forgot the doona/quilt/duvet!! Basically we had sheets and a blanket to keep us warm on our first night….Snuggle time!!

For anyone vanning down the east coast of OZ looking for a free camp site. No facilities, however plenty of wood to make a little camp fire, simply put ‘The Tumut Wetlands’ into your GPS. It’ll take you approx. 4hrs 25 mins South of Sydney.

Day 2: After a chilli night, we wake up to a crisp morning and the sounds of the running river. We pack up and head into town for a coffee and to buy a doona. Next stop The Milawa Cheese Company, approx. 3hrs away. We highly recommend stopping in and tasting their cheese. They do sampling between 9am and 4pm and I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Our Favourite, the King River Gold.

From there we start our hardcore drive to Barwon Heads to meet up for a few drinks with. Just over 6hrs drive away.

We had planned to get an unpowered site at the caravan park situated right on the water, but we arrived to late, they were already closed. Good news though, there is a long car park that runs behind it, better view and another score for a free place to set up. As an added bonus it’s a 2 minute stroll to the local pub.

If you’re heading down that way the street name is Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads.

Day 3: Bells Beach Australia!! Even if you’re not a surfer, everyone has seen the movie and knows about the Classic Bells Beach and the 50 year storm – even though the movie wasn’t filmed at the real Bells Beach, it’s still a destination to visit. Just a short 8 minute drive out of Torquay’s town center.

This beautiful beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro surf comp every Easter bringing professional surfers from all over the world. Unfortunately, it’s not a Van friendly town, so you need to be strategic when selecting where you set up for the night. There are many breath-taking places, you’ll be right.

Day 4: We consider this our real first day on our little trip, as neither of us have been past this point. We decided to have no real plan, to just take each moment as it comes. For me who is a massive planner, this was the first time ever I was just going with it. And I am loving every minute.

Drew is a massive coffee drinker, can’t start his day without one and recommends popping into the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery before heading on to your next destination.

Heading down the Great Ocean Road we were both craving a hot shower. Baby wipe baths are great and all, however as we all know, nothing beats a nice hot shower. If you’re driving through Lorne Victoria. Lorne Sea Baths. $10.50 entry, if you have some extra time you can have fun in their pool, relax in the spa and steam room. Although if you’re like us and just in need of a hot shower, this is the place to stop.

Although Lorne provided a great spot to stop for a shower, we decided to move on to Apollo Bay.

The road to Apollo Bay is striking. Winding up and down on the side of the high cliffs, before making your way down to the humble little town on the other side.

Another town that isn’t camper van friendly, however we were lucky to get a hot tip from a local that told us about a little spot, right next to the beach, where we could set up for the night. And we’re going to share the secret... As you’re driving into the town, with Lorne behind you, take the first left into a little tree covered car park, just before the Big4 Caravan park up on the right.

We love Apollo Bay, it reminds us of the North Shore in Hawaii with stunning mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, the perfect balance of earth and water living side by side.

Day 5: There are many sites to see around Apollo Bay. If you’re into Hiking and seeing the ancient trees and waterfalls, make sure you give yourself time to explore. We took a little 30 minute forest walk through Maits Rest, getting a shameless tourist picture in the famous tree belly, before heading off down the Great Ocean Road to see the remaining 12 Apostles.

It’s wondrous how some eroded rocks being shaped by the battering sea, can attract so many people to see them. As we turn into the first look out, at Castle Cove, we are marvelled, just as the others before us. Mesmerised, watching the sea crash into the bottom of the rocks we start to understand why these awe-inspiring natural structures draw such big crowds every day.

Stopping at every look out to take photos we finished the day at the little community town Port Campbell. We are delighted to hear they had a bush style camping ground for both powered and unpowered sites. Full outside kitchen and hot showers. Unpowered sites are only $10pp. Powered sites $20pp with all proceeds going towards the community. You can also hire fire barrels for $20 deposit and $25 for a bag of wood. Just punch in Port Campbell Recreation Reserve into your GPS. It’s close to town so if you want to eat out, it’s just a 5 minute, easy walk in. After you’ve showered and picked your camp spot for the night.

Don’t forget your head torches. Although the sky is filled with stars, it’s a dark walk back.

Day 6: As we make our way to the Coonawarra down the remaining Great Ocean Road, we are breath-taken by the structures on the other side of the 12 Apostles. It’s strange no one talks as much about this side of the Great Ocean Road, we think this spectacular coastline, with more sea battered structures are equally, if not better than the reaming 12 Apostles. We highly recommend stopping at every look out to take a peak and many photos. All except the Grotto, you won’t miss anything if you skip that one.

Another place you can skip is ‘Cheese World’. Don’t get excited. It is the smallest world of cheese we’ve ever come across, and really not worth the stop, unless you’re busting for the bathroom.

We pull into the Coonawarra, the town is actually called Penola, punch this into your GPS, not the Coonawarra wine region. We arrived a few minutes before the information center closed and was please to be told there is another bush style camping ground just up the road. This one was nestled amongst the vineyards. It has tepee style tents and one of those igloo ones. $10pp for unpowered sites. $25pp for powered/glamping sites.

Day 7: To the Barossa, after doing a little wine tasting along the Coonawarra strip. More Drew tasting, but a tiny sip was had by myself and with great delight I discovered my new favorite winery. Penley Estate. They have the most exquisite glasses, which are available for purchase. We bought four. Best impulse stop ever.

We decided to stay at the Murray Bridge, before the Barossa. We had set off later than expected and we were in no rush.

Day 8: The Barossa is about 3 hours from the Coonawarra and there’s not too much along the way. So crank that stereo and sing your way through it.

The town was full of people. There was some festival on, it was crazy. We find a side street to park in and walk through the streets towards the sounds of an auction. They were auctioning weird stuff, like a sacks of potatoes at the bargain price of $50. Anyway!! We made our way to find were we had booked a delightful degustation dinner at Appellation. I was so excited, this would be our first degustation. Drew’s more into the hardy meaty meals so the moment he suggested finding a great place for dinner, I was onto it.

Little did I know, he had a plan. I can’t believe I had no idea.

We found where we were going to set up for the night, close the restaurant. We discovered one of my favorite mid week wines ‘The running with the Bulls’, was made by Yalumba so we headed out to their vineyard to see if we could snap a good cellar door price. Unfortunately, no, the price was pretty much the same as I can get at home. Lets go to lunch and find a hot shower. We found a hot shower and got ready for our amazing dinner.

The Restaurant had a bar which overlooked the thousands of grape vines scattered amongst the small hills below. As we sipped out first drink, Drew noticed they had a life size chess set. He loves a competition and we had some time to kill before our reservation. As the sun started to set Drew says he needs his sunnies and went out to the car. I stood there sipping beautiful wine out of a gorgeous Ridel stemless glass, freezing my ass off. Drew comes make, makes a move and then goes in to get more drinks. By this time I was wondering why he wasn’t concentrating on the game and trying to win.

He urged me to abandon the game and come for a walk in the vines to watch the sun set. And the next thing I know Drew pulls a ring box from his pocket and is down on one knee. I said yes.

Wearing my sparkly new ring I couldn’t stop staring at it as we were seated for dinner. The waitress picked up on it and congratulated us with a glass of Champagne. We choose the 4 course degustation menu and were delighted to know that you don’t have to have all four sections. This was perfect for us as we don’t eat dessert. So we worked out how we could try most of the menu in the four courses. The flavour combinations and presentation was spectacular and the absolute perfect place to celebrate our engagement.

Day 9: The trek back home begins. There’s not a lot to see today. There’s a whole lot of nothing over the dry plains except for sheep, the odd emu and kangaroo. After 7 hrs of solid driving, we decided to stay at another bush style camp ground at Hay. $10pp, nice hot showers and our last dinner in the van.

Day 10: It’s time to hand Johnno back. Up bright and early to detail him then back to Sydney we go. We had stopped into Robertson to have dinner with Drew’s mom and celebrate our engagement with his sister and cute little niece and nephew. What an amazing journey. The test score was in…..we will be buying a van.

Thanks for coming on the ride with us on our first van life adventure. Follow our other travel adventures @kizakuza on Instagram.

#dksvanlife

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putschki1969 · 6 years

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Japan ~ Summer 2018 #1 🎌🗻

Quick introduction: Hello my lovlies!! As most of you might already know, I went to Japan this summer. It was a rather spontaneous decision based on the fact that both Hikaru and Wakana had announced their solo lives. At that point I was suffering from a serious case of Kalafina withdrawal so I felt like I had no choice but to go. I just needed to see them. Also, it was my 30th birthday so I thought I would treat myself. You only turn 30 once, right? On a side note, the timing finally gave me the opportunity to do something I had wanted to do for a few years now. Climb Mount Fuji. o(〃＾▽＾〃)o So yeah, that’s the backstory of my trip. I stayed in Japan from July 30 till August 14 and pretty much my entire trip was dedicated to Kalafina Pilgrimage. Let me tell you this, it was by far the best summer vacation of my life, worth each and every penny! And believe me, there were a LOT of pennies involved XD

Notes: Once again this is coming pretty late but not as late as my previous travel report so that’s a good thing. It took some time to gather my thoughts and put them all into words. This report will be a bit different from the last one since I thought it would be nice to include some travel tips here and there. I guess you could see this as some sort of travel/Kala-guide. Many of my followers have never been to Japan so I guess some general info would be useful to make things easier for you if you ever decide to travel to Japan.

Please note that this is Part 1 of my report. The other parts will follow in the near future (hopefully).

Without further ado, let’s get to it 〈(•ˇ‿ˇ•)-→

July 29 (Sun) ~ July 30 (Mon)

My flight to Japan was scheduled for Sunday July 29. Finally a direct flight again. I HATE layovers with a passion. As always I couldn’t sleep on the plane so I watched all kinds of movies (Blade Runner 2049, The Greatest Showman, Love Simon, Red Sparrow and La La Land - I really don’t get the love for La La Land o.O). 11 hours later I landed at Narita Airport (8 am the next day JST). The second I stepped out of the plane and walked through that tube thingy that connects planes to the airport I thought I was gonna die, it felt like I had just opened an oven and a blast of heat and steam washed over me. To say it felt like a sauna is an understatement. Thank God the tube was rather short and I was soon insiden the airconditioned Narita Airport. I took my time there since I knew I wouldn’t be able to check into my hotel before 14:00. Got my luggage, got my wi-fi sim card, got my JR Pass, charged my Suica, got some instant Chai from Starbucks (the one that Hikaru had just recommended in a blog post XD), bought some fancy looking writing paper (for my letters to Hikaru and Wakana). So yeah, I basically chilled and caught up on all the stuff that I had missed while I didn’t have internet. Around noon I took the Narita Express to Tokyo. I always take the N’EX because it’s super convenient and fast. The fare is high but it’s covered by the JR Pass. From there it’s just one station on the Yamanote Line to my hotel. When I am in Tokyo I always stay at a business hotel in Kanda. Cheap and convenient. Ugh, the short walk to my hotel was hell. Carrying a backpack, shoving my luggage ahead of me, all of that in the middle of the day with the sun blasting down on me. Thankfully two locals took pity on me (I must have looked like I was about to die XD). They helped me with my luggage and brought me to my hotel. All the way I kept apologising because I honestly didn’t expect them to carry my stuff. I was like, “no, no, don’t do it, I will carry it myself!!” But nope, they were pretty stubborn about it. Ahhhh, everyone is so kind, it always makes me happy to be back in Japan. I guess those are the perks of looking like a small girl, everyone feels the need to help you XD Anyways, I checked in, freshened up and then I did a bit of shopping in Akihabara. Nothing extraordinary, mostly I just looked for second hand Kalafina stuff XD (as I always do) During this trip I didn’t buy a lot though. A couple of singles (One Light and Blaze), the LEs for “After Eden” and “far on the water”, that’s about it. I came across re/oblivious but meh, it was too expensive for my taste, that CD isn’t too high on my priority list at the moment if I am being honest. Anyways, I didn’t do much else that day since I was pretty exhausted from my flight and I definitely needed to rest considering all the things that were lying ahead of me. Before I headed to bed I wrote my letter for Hikaru (thank God I bought a bunch of stationary because I screwed up so often and had to start on a new paper XD) and that’s a wrap for my first day in Tokyo.

❗ Some tips ❗

Try not to travel to Japan in the summer time! Flights are crazy expensive, there are lots of typhoons, most places are brimming over with people (Japanese and tourists alike) and the awful humidity makes you want to kill yourself.

Get a JR Pass if you plan to travel a lot by train/shinkansen (long distance trips). Believe me, it pays off to have one even though the price might seem a bit scary. I like to get to places fast, don’t wanna waste my time by using slow trains or buses. That’s why for me the JR Pass is perfect but it might be different for some of you.

Get a Suica. While the JR Pass is quite convenient, it doesn’t cover any of the metros and other stuff. In most cases you will be able to get around using just JR lines but sometimes it will be much easier to just take the metro or a bus and in these cases a Suica comes in quite handy. You simply charge your card and off you can go.

Get a rental sim card or a portable pocket wi-fi. The first time I went to Japan back in 2014 I didn’t have either of the two and man, I still don’t know how I survived, having no internet sucks. Wi-fi is super important, you can use google maps for orientation, you can always stay in contact with other people. You really shouldn’t travel without it. I recommend sim cards (if your device is unlocked) because the coverage is just much better. Some pocket wi-fis don’t work well in rural areas or underground. Definitely pre-order and don’t get it at the airport (so over-priced there!). I always have my rental delivered to the airport post office. In the past I have used the CDJapan service because it’s super reliable but there are other (cheaper) options I think.

I’d recommend you stay in the Kanda area or close to it: This only goes for people who want to stay in a hotel, if you are wiling to stay in hostels/shared housing the Asakusa area is probably better suited for you. Anyways, this area has a lot of so called business hotels. The rooms are small and basic but really, it’s all you need. And it’s not too expensive. While there are business hotels in other areas, Kanda is just a super convenient location in my opinion. Just one JR station away from Tokyo (down)/Akihabara (up). There’s a direct JR express connection to Shinjuku. Last but not least you have the Metro Ginza Line which connects you to the fancy-schmancy area of Tokyo.

July 31 (Tue) ~ Hikaru Birthday Event

I already posted a pretty extensive report about this day (☞^o^) ☞ HERE! Be sure to check it out if you haven’t already (I have edited it a lot ever since I first posted it). However, there are still a couple of things I didn’t mention there. That day I got my package from Fril with the Keiko Lily Brown blouse and Wakana Candy Stripper sweater I had wanted for a super long time. Too bad it was too hot to wear either of those. Aside from the two clothing items, I also finally got my Harmony magazine and my Hyakka Ryouran key pendants. And of course all the Hikaru merch. Ahhhh! It was a truly glorious Kala-day and I felt like I was being showered with all kinds of Kala-stuff. This was also the start of my Kalafina Pilgrimage (as I like to call it XD). As I have mentioned in my report, my friend Sai and I went to La Maison Kioi. I had already been there during my January trip but it’s such a lovely place that I didn’t mind going again. Still haven’t been to the private room though T_T Such a shame. But it’s on my to-do list. One day I will be in that private room!!! Then we went to Afternoon Tea - Tearoom. It’s the place where Hikaru bought her calpis lassi. We went to the shop in Shibuya Mark City in case any of you wanna go there too. The lassi was okay, nothing spectacular but not too bad. I guess you need to like the taste of calpis. After the live when I got home I immediately had to look for Hi-chan’s blouse. And YAY, I managed to find it super quickly. The price shocked me to be honest. It was almost 100 bucks even though it was already 50% off. At that time I didn’t really wanna buy it because I thought it was too expensive but oh well, I changed my mind XD (but more on that in a later post...)

❗ Some tips ❗

Try using pages like Fril or Zozoused to find old Kalafina fashion items. On my twitter account you can find all my detective discoveries (there’s pretty much nothing else there). You can make awesome deals on those sites. Kala-clothes are super expensive as we all know but when you buy them used, they are MUCH cheaper. The Japanese take a lot of care of their clothes so even their used items will be in great condition.

Try to get to the venue of a Kalafina live as early as possible if you want to buy all the merch. Yes, I know it’s rough and it feels like a waste of time to stand in line for hours on end but believe me, it’s worth it. I have seen many people underestimate the whole lining-up thing. As a reference, we were there at 10 am, the sale started at around 1 pm iirc. It was a small event on a weekday but still, by the time we arrived at the venue there were already around 25 people lining up and afterwards there came a ton more.

Try to bring little souvenirs from your country when you plan to meet up with fellow Kala-fans. Doesn’t have to be much, maybe some small chocolates or something. Everyone will appreciate the gesture and you won’t feel so bad when you receive a ton of stuff from the people around you.

Aug 1 (Wed) ~ Aug 2 (Thu) a.k.a. Mount Fuji Climb

The toughest two days of my trip (my entire life if I am being honest). Ever since 2016 (when Keiko first voiced her wish to climb Mount Fuji) I have had this idea stuck in my head. You know me, I am a crazy-Keiko-fan, she is my idol, my inspiration, literally the love of my life (♥ω♥ ) ~♪ When she said that she wanted to do it I KNEW I had to give it a try too. However, for the longest time I didn’t know if I would ever be able to do it. For one I am basically the least active person on this planet and two, summer is the official climbing season and I had never actually planned to travel to Japan in the summer time. But then all of a sudden the stars aligned and everything fell into place. When I decided to travel to Japan this summer I also decided that I would use the opportunity to climb Mount Fuji. There was no way around it. Plus, I thought it would be a great challenge for my 30th birthday (which was on Aug 2). In preparation I did a lot of cardio and leg strengthening, I also tried to walk AT LEAST 5 km every day for about two months. I met up with Sai at 11 am on Aug 1 (I am so glad I convinced her to come with me - she is a fellow crazy-Keiko-fan XD). We had some lunch at Shinjuku Station (I went for pizza because I thought I could use a lot of energy - and yup, I was right!). Then we took a direct bus to the 5th Station on Mount Fuji where we ate even more food (some overpriced curry). After acclimating for a while we started our hike at around 6 pm. We tried to be all inconspicuous and pretended to be part of a group led by two tour guides. These tours usually cost a lot of money and you can’t just take part in them but I think the tour guides took pity on us because we were all by ourselves (and we are both small so we probably looked like little girls). Or I don’t know, maybe they thought we were annoying gaijins but at any rate, they didn’t tell us to get lost so I guess that’s a good thing. The pace of the group was SUPER slow (which was good because it helped save a lot of energy). I had my issues walking in the group because I can’t stand crowds but it was probably for the best. After about an hour it started to get dark (thank God we all had our head lights because the darkness up there is unbelievably black, you don’t see anything). Soon after it also became freezing. You didn’t notice it when you were walking but whenever we took a break, you could feel the coldness creeping up on you (especially with all the sweat on your body). The entire climb took about 10 hours I would say (much longer than most reports had suggested). Obviously we took some breaks in between but for the most part all we did was climb (at a very slow pace though). Half of the hike we walked together with the group but then they stopped at a hut to rest there. We hadn’t booked a hut so we continued by ourselves but at that point there were so many people on the mountain that you were never alone.

Here comes the embarrassing part. Half-way up I had a full on panic attack. Like literally, I was hyperventilating, I was crying, believe me when I tell you, it wasn’t pretty, I was a mess. Some of the people around us thought I had seriously hurt myself or something but really, it was just me having a meltdown. Quick backstory: I suffer from a serious case of vertigo, I mean sometimes I can’t even walk stairs without getting dizzy. Now for the most part the climb wasn’t too bad. At least until we reached the 7th Station. It was exhausting of course but we had chosen the easiest trail (Yoshida), I was trying my best to always face the mountainside, I never looked down and I had my friend walk between myself and the hillside. But between the 7th and 8th Station the terrain was HORRIBLE: There are lots of steep, jagged-edged rocks. It’s very dangerous (or at least it FELT very dangerous to me). I was frightened to death. I had to use my hands and because I am so small I often had to hoist myself up the HUGE rocks. I was pretty much on my hands and knees for who knows how long. I tried to find the small rocks but sometimes there just wasn’t a way around a big one. The path got narrower as we continued along and there were sections where the ledge of the mountain was barely half a metre away from us! Can you imagine??! HALF A FREAKING METRE! That’s nothing. (*/ω＼*) Sometimes there wasn’t even a rope! Not that a tiny rope would have saved me from falling down (but you get my point!). You couldn’t really see anything, you just saw the blackness next to you. I tried to focus on myself and the person in front of me. And I held onto the mountain as best as I could. This is where being in a group came in handy. Because I was surrounded by people, I was literally FORCED to continue, I couldn’t just stop. This was honestly the scariest and most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. And then when we were taking a short break at one of the huts, I was having my crazy breakdown. I don’t know why it happened at that point, maybe because I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Or maybe I was scared of what would still happen. No idea, but I was close to giving up. I am so grateful to Sai for being by my side, she provided so much support and comforted me. I tried to think of Keiko and how I was doing this because of HER. Somehow, it helped a lot, keeping her in mind provided me with lots of strength. I am not a religious person but I guess this comes close to what people feel when they ask for a little aid from God...(sorry, this might sound blasphemous to religious people but I think it really was like that. It was like having a comforting presence around me that guided me ahead). Oh well, slowly but surely I managed to calm down and then the tour guide said that these had been the scariest parts and the rest of the hike wouldn’t be as bad. What a relief!! Soon after the group took shelter in a hut while we continued onwards. I really wanted to see the sunrise. The final parts were tough, I am not gonna lie. There were so many people that the trail got congested, the terrain was steep again and the summit felt like an eternity away. Then FINALLY at around 3 or 4 am (I don’t reallly know anymore) we reached the top. Sai and I fell into each other’s arms. We cried, we celebrated. We had done it!! ( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧ All thanks to Keiko!!! BANZAI!! We found ourselves a nice place and waited for the sun to rise. At this point we were freezing and exhausted so the sunrise didn’t feel as epic as I had expected (or maybe my expectations were too high). It also started to get a bit cloudy so the clouds obstructed the view. But still, mind-blowing experience.

We warmed ourselves up a bit in one of the huts, had some breakfast (or at least Sai did, I just had a coffee - was still feeling a bit off due to my panic attack) and checked out the crater. Then it was time to make our way down. Thankfully you are taking a different trail than the one up. The way down is basically the trail the bulldozers use to transport stuff up and down the mountain. The road is slightly steep but nowhere near as steep as the way up. It’s also not as narrow so you don’t feel like you are falling off the mountain any second. What makes it difficult though is the slippery gravel. You have to be really careful not to slip. Walking downhill is also really hard on the knees and feet so we were in quite some pain. Once again it took longer than expected. I think we walked for about five hours in total until we reached the 5th Station. We took a lot of breaks though and listened to Kalafina. It felt amazing and eased our pain. The further we went down the hotter it got. [I am really surprised I didn’t get sick after the whole thing, so many temperature changes, so much freezing, so much sweating, so much physical exertion and sleep deprivation...I am really proud my body made it through all of that XD] Unfortunately we missed the bus we had reserved for 11 am but thankfully that wasn’t a huge issue because we managed to get seats on a later bus at around 1 pm I think. At around 3 pm we arrived at Shinjuku Bus Terminal and were hit by the Tokyo humidity. The air was so nice and crisp up on the mountain (even on the 5th Station)!! It was a huge shock to be back in the oven that is Tokyo. The plan was to go back to my hotel to freshen up a little and then have some celebratory dinner together. That’s when I had my second breakdown. The hotel staff wouldn’t let Sai come up to my room. I mean, I know the rules, single bedrooms don’t allow visitors but hell, we looked like shit and we hadn’t slept and we were dirty and sweaty and we really just wanted to freshen up a little. I thought they would understand...but they didn’t ...I felt horrible about that because things weren’t going according to plan. I didn’t know what to do, I certainly wasn’t going to leave Sai waiting in the lobby while I freshened up. So yeah, I was just sad and frustrated and exhausted which led to a ton of crying. Once again Sai was the one to provide comfort. We eventually decided to just go have dinner in our current attire. To hell with dirt and sweat. We went to Akihabara, found ourselves a nice Shabushabu place and stuffed ourselves with a ton of meat XD Too bad I forgot to take pictures, it truly was a wonderful meal! We really needed all that meat to recharge our batteries. Then we parted ways and I went back to my hotel. After getting all the dirt and sweat off me I called my family because everyone wanted to talk to me, it was my birthday after all. Then I fell into bed and had a nice refreshing sleep. All in all it was an “interesting” and eye-opening experience, probably the most scary yet exciting thing I ever did. I feel proud of what we achieved during these two days and I will forever treasure the memories. Kalafina has influenced my life like nothing else. They have made me become a better person, a stronger person. This experience has made that very apparent. Without my love for Keiko I wouldn’t have been able to do this. She really inspires me every day and I felt so incredibly close to her while I was up on that mountain. Combined with my nail appointment the next day, this was probably the closest I ever felt to her. It was like a soothing balm after not having heard anything from Keiko in such a long time. Last but not least, I gained an amazing friend. Sharing this experience with Sai felt special, it’s almost like there is a bond between us now.

❗ Some tips ❗

Take Mount Fuji seriously! I think I really did, I prepared myself thoroughly but still, I wasn’t 100% prepared for the experience. So yeah, do not underestimate the climb! People often say it’s an easy climb but that’s not true. It’s certainly not the Everest but it IS a challenge. At some point or another the altitude WILL get to you and the temperature changes are not to be taken lightly. Plus, you have to be in good physical shape.

Good shoes are key.

Bring lots of clothes. It gets VERY cold at night (the temperatures can drop below 0°C). Ski wear is often recommened. Definitely some layers. A hat, a scarf, some gloves and of course a head light. Also, some oxygen in case you suffer from altitude sickness (it’s sold on the huts).

Hydration is actually overrated. If you walk at a slow place (like we did) you won’t need a lot of water. At least we didn’t. So it’s best not to burden yourself with unnecessary weight. I would say a small bottle is enough, no need to bring 3 litres or whatever. It might be different if you walk during the day since you are constantly under the sun.

Even on the easiest trail (Yoshida) there are very dangerous parts so be careful and take things slowly. And be mindful of people behind you!

Decide whether you want to climb at night or during daytime (or both). We decided on a night climb without staying at a hut. This is physically demanding and not many people recommend it but you save a lot of money and time. Hiking during the day and taking shelter at a hut during the night might sound like a good idea but there are downsides to it. First of all, you are constantly under the sun. Secondly, the night at the hut will cost you A LOT and it will make your entire trip a lot longer. Plus, it is most likely not as re-energising as you might think because you will not get proper rest due to all the people around you. Lastly, there are still a couple of hours of night climbing left if you want to see the sunrise. So yeah, that’s why I decided against a day climb.

Expect to pay around 10 bucks to be able to hike up Mount Fuji. It’s some sort of mandatory donation. Also bring lots of 100 yen coins with you because you will need those to use the various bathrooms (which are quite horrible and have no running water so you better mentally prepare yourself for that).

Reserve your bus seats in advance but give yourself PLENTY of time. A one-way bus ticket costs around 20 bucks.

Aug 3 (Fri) ~ Nail appointment at ROI Salon

I didn’t do anything that day except go to my nail appointment (I was still exhausted but surprisingly not in a lot of pain. YAY!). (☞^o^) ☞ HERE’s my thorough report of my experience. Be sure to check it out. I fangirl a lot and I have since edited it quite a bit XD As I have mentioned above, my climb and this appointment have made me feel super close to Keiko. I don’t know how to explain it but I felt a connection. Plus, hearing that Keiko is doing fine, that she is finally getting some well deserved rest, it made me happy. I never had my doubts that Keiko was doing fine but to actually hear it felt nice. So yeah, the first few days of my trip were filled with Kalafina Love. During the Birthday Event I felt like an intimate connection was formed between Hikaru and myself and even though I didn’t actually get to meet or see Keiko, I DID feel close to her. （´・｀）♡ So many wonderful experiences in such a short little time! Absolute PERFECTION.

❗ Some tips ❗

A reservation HAS to be made in advance! You can do it online!

In your reservation you should mention that you are a Kalafina fan (just so both Keiko and Megumi get the option to change their appointments if they want to - in case Keiko’s appointment aligns with yours)

Be reserved and respectful, DO NOT PRY for information! If information is shared willingly with you that’s totally fine but don’t be the one to initiate anything. Don’t be that creepy stalker fan

All right, that’s it for Part 1...Thanks to everyone who made it to the very end of this post!! (*＾▽＾)／ I know it was a lot. In Part 2 I will talk about my Hikaru Pilgrimage in Toyama.

#kalafina #personal #travel guide #japan summer 2018 #mount fuji #japan #tokyo #wakana #keiko #hikaru #hikaru birthday event #long post #long text post #picture heavy #keiko nails #part 1

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