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starlightstevie · 3 years

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fic recs / may 2021

Happy summer! I know I missed last month’s fic recs so hopefully I’ll make up for it with these brilliant fics. Hope you guys enjoy!

warm water by @xbuchananbarnes Thor x reader: Thor comes home to find his love.

*passionate & burning by @peachyteabuck Thor x reader: You’re busy with working from home, but Thor has other plans for the day.

but i just wanna hear your voice by @blackberrybucky Thor x reader: Thor comes back after they defeat Thanos and tries to make things right with you.

*all there’s left to do is run by spacelabrathor Dothraki!Thor x reader: Horse warlord Thor finds you a captive in a raid of a desert village and gives you a choice. Freedom by a quick death or taking his hand and going with him, to be his. You choose life, and with it, a husband who is wild and fierce and more than you could have ever imagined.

*summoned by @darklydeliciousdesires Old God!Thor x villager!reader: The buffet of offerings, all of which shall placate, appease and satiate every whim and desire of the gods is laid out and ready, you amongst them.

ships in the night by @sugardaddytonystark Pirate King!Thor x Dora Milaje mermaid!reader: When Thor, the infamous Pirate King, lays down anchor in Wakanda, the last thing you expect is for him to ask for aid from your own king. You volunteer your assistance, leaving the home you’ve always known to set sail with King Odinson and his crew.

*cut offs by @milaonthemoon Frank x reader: You get kidnapped and Frank has to get you out.

tired by @castawaybarnes Frank x reader: Keeping yourself awake waiting for Frank was getting easier once you got used to the bitterness of black coffee.

*ash painted lips by @sebbytrash Frank x reader: Frank is your lifeline, protecting you like only he can do but you harbour not-so-secret feelings for him that threaten to shake the foundation of this steady, necessary partnership.

scales of justice weigh the consequence by @inspiresimagine Frank x reader: the world is black and white until you find your soulmate. you’re a single mom in NYC accustomed to life as-is, but apparently, the universe has other plans. namely? frank castle.

*generosity by @pumpkin-stars Frank x reader: AKA: The five (or more) things Frank usually does when he fucks you, and the one time he does something different.

poltergeists for sidekicks by @bubble-tea-bunny Frank x reader: Frank’s lost count of the days he’s come home to you already fast asleep.

*frank + overstimulation by @honeychicana

*frank + rough sex by @sweeterthanthis

*frank + breath play by sweeterthanthis

*frank + doggy style by @honeydulcewrites

*frank + gun play by honeydulcewrites

*frank + gun play (2) by honeydulcewrites

*frank + gun play (3) by honeydulcewrites

*frank + overstimulation by honeydulcewrites

*frank coming home to you by honeydulcewrites

*untitled frank smut by @luciilferss

*playing with frank’s hair by inspiresimagine

frank + praise by inspiresimagine

*frank putting you in a headlock while fucking you by @punani

*nobody else but me by @allaboardthereadingrailroad Shane Walsh x reader: Shane knows exactly what you need.

the comet by @mcubabydotcom Steve x reader: You and Steve witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

*the punishment by ozarkthedog Nomad!Steve x reader: You disobeyed Steve and now you must make it up to him.

*headinthequinjet by xbuchananbarnes Steve x reader: Steve’s having a hard time breathing.

*shotgunning with chris by ozarkthedog

*cockwarming with chris by @buckyssimp

*a teal crushed velvet ride by @ozarkthedog Chris x reader: You love Chris’s Teal Velvet Pants. He notices and decides to indulge you.

*don’t look away by ozarkthedog Chris x reader: Chris fucks you against a mirror.

*keep the heat by ozarkthedog Andy Barber x reader: Andy fucks you in the coat.

*i don’t work jobs (i am a job) by @peachyteabuck Andy x reader: Andy needs to teach you that “staying at home” doesn’t preclude a little thing called “work.”

*worst behaviour by buckyssimp Professor!Bucky x reader: Bucky notices you staring at him during class.

*lipstick stain by @xbuchananbarnes Bucky x reader: Bucky could recognize that laugh anywhere.

bucky takes care of you by @buckyblues

*you better act like this dick belongs to you by buckyblues

*lazy day with bucky by buckyblues

*pegging bucky by buckyblues

*bucky tit fucking you by buckyblues

something new by @mxsamwilson Sam Wilson x Bucky Barnes: Fellas is it gay to receive an intimate haircut from your boy? (ft Bucky being hopelessly in love with Sam but too much of an idiot to tell him).

*the magic word by @whateveriwant Bucky x reader: Bucky agrees to try something you’ve always wanted to do with him, but only under the condition that a certain word be employed if need be.

warm by @revengingbarnes Bucky x reader: “The fire alarm in our building went off and you rushed out without a coat. Wanna share my blanket?”

patterns by @xbuchananbarnes Bucky x reader: Bucky plays with your hair.

pretending to not feel alone by blackberrybucky Bucky x reader: Bucky, hopeless romantic, meets you, committed cynic. What could go wrong?

*bucky’s first time in 70 years by @luciilferss

*fluorescent adolescent by @ohbuckie College!Bucky x reader: Bucky fucks you on his bedroom floor.

*it’s a cruel summer by blackberrybucky Bucky x reader: You and Bucky are friends with benefits, but what happens when you realize you want more?

*sex on legs by @navybrat817 Bucky x reader: Bucky looks good in anything.

ride with me by @jurassicbarnes Detective!Bucky x Biker!reader: When his best friend forces him to third wheel on a road trip, Bucky doesn’t expect for it to become so eventful, let alone find something, or rather someone worth staying for.

*going live by @ritesofreverie Camboy!Bucky x reader: Your new neighbour looks familiar, where had you seen him before?

*stranded by @honeysucklesteve Dad’s best friend!Bucky x reader: When your car breaks down on the side of the road and your dad can’t come rescue you, he sends the next best thing.

if i could fly, i’d be coming right back home to you by blackberrybucky Sam x reader: Exile over, Sam comes home to you.

baby, i still see ya by blackberrybucky Sam x reader: Sam comes home, the future calling to him. He sees you again, and gets a little caught up in the past

*if you ever want to be in love by blackberrybucky Sam x reader: How your relationship with Sam falls apart and comes back together.

taller than me by @kaitsukibakugo Katsuki Bakugo x Izuku Midoriya: Katsuki has found love with someone who years ago he never would have expected. Now Deku is his husband and he’s noticed something else he never thought possible: Deku is taller than him.

*would you like to stay forever? by kaitsukibakugo Pro Hero!Kirishima Eijiro x reader: Sparring with Pro Hero Kirishima Eijiro in his private gym at his home doesn't seem like a bad idea if you don't count the fact that you really, really like him.

how your bnha fave acts when they realize they’re in love by @inthorantine

*bnha love island headcannons by @doinmybesthere

*first time bj headcannons by @shoutogepi

*the best pussy eater of mha by @dearestdynamight

passing the night stars by @hoe-doroki Hitoshi Shinsou x reader: The party was neon and you needed darkness.

*let’s talk about deku’s hands by @rat-suki

*waking up deku by spacelabrathor

*deku comes home after a late shift by doinmybesthere

*slow stroke king izuku by @sems-diarie

*champagne problems by @some-kindofgnome Katsuki Bakugou x reader: You were slipping between Bakugou’s fingers faster than ever now. Instead of letting it happen he clung to you even tighter. Instead of letting you go, instead of accepting that he’d driven this relationship into the fucking ground, he’d promised himself that he could still save it.

*presented by @tteokdoroki Dragon King!Katsuki x reader: On the twenty-first birthday of Katsuki Bakugou, an offering is made in his honour as he becomes chief of the dragons. Clans usually offer up sacrifices of berries or nuts, salts and fresh catches. But for those of Dargon’s blood, their offering is a mate... And that mate is you.

*domina by rat-suki Katsuki x reader: He’s just so hot when you get under his skin. You can’t possibly stop now.

*baby, i’m a haunted house by @ketslketslketsl Yakuza!Katsuki x reader: It’s been a long six months since you last saw him.

i’m a liability, get you wild, make you leave (i’m a little much for everyone) by @willowser Katsuki x reader: There’s no reason for Katsuki to be here. It’s all he can think, bitter, as he stares at the paint peeling from the door, exposing the wood grain underneath its thin coat. Old and distant, this house; too far from the city to make the trek worth it, for your job to make sense; too ancient to be lived in by the number 12 hero in Japan. If he closes his eyes, he can hear Lake Biwa from his position on your porch and the soft sway of the water almost calms down the storm that’s been building in him since he boarded the train, since he nearly snapped his phone in half.

*we are the foxes (and we run) by @spacelabrathor shoyo hinata x reader: After everything, the end of the world and the chaos and destruction that reigned after society fell, it takes a lot to surprise you. And yet, when you come to the edge of the pit, a gasp wrenches from you like someone gripped it in their fist and yanked. Laid out on the bed of leaves at the bottom of the pit is...something. Someone. Or, Hinata falls into reader’s pit trap after the end of the world. This is the story of how she pulls him out, drags him to her bunker, and they grow together.

*dark priest!Obiwan Kenobi by @mandosmimi

you’re the former babysitter of zemo’s son by @helahades

*mando doesn’t realize how big his dick is by @cptnbvcks

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haikyuuhopes · 3 years

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An Emergency Appointment - Miya Atsumu x Reader

Time Skip! Miya Atsumu x Reader

Sakusa had practically, as much as he was capable of doing, begged you to help his teammate. Sakusa Kiyoomi never asked anyone for anything, so you wouldn’t dare refuse your former classmate and friend, but there was only so much frustration you could take - you could feel your teeth clashing in your irritation. Standing by your salon chair and tapping your foot repeatedly, you glared daggers at your phone as your special appointment on your day off was thirty minutes late...and to make matters worse, this was your day off.

Unlocking the screen, you had half the mind to call Sakusa, despite having already sent text messages to him when a loud banging sounded off at the front of the hair salon.

Looking up, you saw a tall man who crushed a bucket hat to his head with the hand he wasn’t making a racket with. Noticing he’d caught your attention, he whipped his arms back and forth as if he were deserted on an island and signaling SOS.

Looking around at the empty shop, you slowly walked to the door but kept your hand on the lock. You were alone in the studio after all.

“We’re closed,” you yelled through the glass, wanting to make sure the gargantuan in front of you was in fact sent by Sakusa.

“Yer kidding! I’ll kill Omi-Omi for having me out of the house like this,” the man yelled before fishing out his phone, “Bastard!” He started dialing as you blinked, did he mean Sakusa?

With a tilted head, you broke through his aggressive texting, “Who is Omi-Omi?”

He looked up from his phone with a hint of a blush on his face as he looked at you through the glass. “Sakusa Kiyoomi said you’d be open,” he grumbled with a pout.

Blinking slightly as you’d only ever heard Sakusa’s cousin refer to him familiarly, but never with a cute nickname. Looking up at the tall man with a childish pout, you wanted to be irritated with his lateness but struggled for a moment with what to do before opening the door. Gesturing him inside, the man quickly jumped through the door as if he was afraid you’d change your mind.

You locked the door behind you before you ushered the tall man to your chair with a sigh, “Sakusa made you an appointment - you were so late, I needed to make sure it was you.”

Sitting down with a huff, the man still had traces of the pout from earlier. “I didn’t realize I was that late - I’m sorry…”

“L/N Y/N,” you offered a hand for him to shake. He quickly stood back up to give you an enthusiastic shake in return, quickly relieved from the pout. You may or may not have noticed how big and warm his calloused hand was as he jostled your arm.

“I’m Miya Atsumu,” He grinned before blushing a little and taking a step closer to you. “Oi! You dating Omi-Omi?” he finished with a questioning lilt to his speech and staring down at you intently.

Your eyes were the size of saucers as you felt your cheeks warm up. Who the hell was this bold in an introduction? And more interestingly… How the hell is this Sakusa’s friend?

You violently shook your head and removed your hand, “Sakusa is my friend and former classmate. I respect him a great deal - enough to wait around to help you on my day off...”

You smiled as you thought of your prickly friend. Sakusa may not say it often, but he cared for you deep down. He at least trusted you enough to trim his curls in the comfort of his own home, albeit he had his own equipment not wanting you to bring yours...

You paused before pursing your lips, Sakusa said it was an emergency…

“Plant it,” you motioned for him to sit back in the chair, figuring he’d be someone you’d need to bluntly tell what was what, or you’d be blown away by the man’s presence.

Returning your shocked look at being told what to do, he looked as if he was going to protest before you shot him a look that made him shiver. After hesitating, he did as you asked before pouting again.

As if gracing him with a reward for good behavior, you smiled brightly, “Now what seems to be the emergency.”

With wide eyes, he leaned down and dramatically held the bucket hat to his head that only showed a dark brown undercut and looked down.

“But I don’t want to show you,” he mumbled making you sigh out in exasperation. If he wasn’t so hot, you’d have thrown him out by now - Sakusa be damned.

“I have to see your hair to fix it, Miya-san,” you huffed, you stepped closer but only got a look at his undercut. “Your undercut looks good, so I’m sure the top isn’t so bad…”

With a frown, he whipped off the bucket hat dramatically and you had to hold back the gasp.

The bright pink strands mixed with splotches of yellow resembled an egregious cheetah print, completely different than what you’d thought…

“Stupid Samu didn’t realize we’re havin’ a photoshoot tomorrow fer promotions…” he whined and started mumbling about food in the fridge. You wanted to laugh but he looked so distraught you didn’t want to hurt him further. He looked pitiful.

You took a sad look at the clock as the rest of your night off would be killed, “We can fix it,” you smiled, stepping forward to touch the monstrous hair that, despite being an awful color, was soft and silky. “You’ll just need to be patient with me.”

Gazing up at you with stars in his eyes, he nodded his head eagerly as if he were a golden retriever.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hours went by as you went through the lengthy process of correcting his hair, but it seemed to flash by.

You never expected an “emergency” appointment to be so fun. Atsumu, who had corrected you many times over the past few hours to use his first name, was as bright as his hair was. He told you stories about “Supid Samu” his unfortunately not-as-attractive twin brother, his other teammates who he also had nicknames for, and even some of his high school friends he still kept in touch with.

You also learned, several times, that he was, in fact, single making your face hot as you tried not to get swept away in his playful flirting and take it too seriously.

But it was hard not to. Atsumu was charming, and it didn’t help that his eyes were trained on you whether in the mirror or at the sink. He made you feel seen as you listened to him while you worked, and that left you all sorts of flustered.

Time had flown by but as you massaged the toner from his scalp in the sink, he’d gone silent for the first time and stared up at you with a slightly flushed face. Wanting to tease him, you took a droplet of water and flicked it at his face and making him sputter indignantly before continuing.

“What’s got you so quiet now?” You asked, helping him sit up and leading his back to your chair sitting turned away from the mirror. The yellow in his hair was golden but a slightly toned-down version from the unfortunate piss color hidden among the pink. You began to comb through his hair before reaching out for the blow dryer when you were stopped.

“Hey, magic fingers, can you trim my hair while we’re here,” he asked, a little quieter than the previous volume that seemed natural to him.

“Magic fingers?” You laughed loudly, before shaking your head and grabbing the scissors, he wouldn’t need a line-up as he apparently saw a talented barber. “Your hair looks good and it looks like you see someone who does a good job.” You laughed when he scoffed, “And magic fingers? I know you like nicknames but come on.”

He smiled at you sheepishly as you trimmed his hair, “Well yer’ magic fingers until you start dating me.” You paused moving the scissors away to openly gape at him as he smiled at you smugly, “I’ll give you a better one then.”

Internally you were screaming but didn’t want to get caught up in your slight crush on the man in your chair who probably flirted with everyone. He just seemed to have a magnetic personality and you weren’t about to get your hopes too quickly. “Stop playing around.”

He opened his mouth indignantly but you got out the blow dryer and drowned out his protests as you styled his hair. You took your time running your brush and then your hands through the strands that were soothingly soft.

With a smile that you tried to make sure wasn’t bitter at being done, you turned him around and he gasped. Jumping up and shaking you by the arms, Atsumu was thrilled that his hair looked better than it had in a long time. He was like a yo-yo directing his attention between the mirror and you in joy.

“Wow - I look better than I did before,” he beamed at his own reflection before blushing down at you, “I’ll be coming around more often because yer’ a miracle worker, magic fingers.”

“Don’t you have a barber?” You questioned with a small smile, happy that he was ecstatic about your work and that it was worth it in the end.

He shook his head violently, “Not anymore - yer’ doing my hair from now on. I’ll be around at least once a week or more.”

“Once a week!” You exclaimed, your eyebrows nearly moved to your hairline. “Just how fast does your hair grow?”

He smirked, “My schedule is a bit hectic with MSBY, but we should probably agree to commit to a date night at least once a week if we’re going to make this work.”

“You were serious?” You asked, flustered more than you’ve ever been in your adult life.

He looked at you shocked as if you’d asked the most absurd question, “I’ve been asking you out for hours! I’m going to need your number though…” he trailed off, with a mischievous glint in his eye before fishing out his wallet from his pocket and giving you more money than you would have charged.

Accepting the money with a smile that turned mischievous, “Alright. Get my number from Sakusa and I’ll let you take me on a date.”

He looked at you shell-shocked for a moment before shaking it off. He was excited for the challenge.

“No problem, Omi-Omi will gladly give it to me tonight.”

Poor Sakusa...

#miya atsumu x reader #miya atsumu imagine #miya atsumu #atsumu miya x reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu imagine #atsumu fluff #atsumu x reader #magic fingers is a horrible nickname that Atsumu would 100% give because it can misinterpreted #my writing #haikyu fluff #my fics

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greenstudies · 3 years

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Movie recommendations

This is a list of movies I’ve seen with scores!. Used to be a part of my To Watch list, but it got too long. If you’re looking for films to watch, welcome!:

Before we start... Movies with rating 9/10 and higher are highlighted. Movies I didn’t finish have 0/10

🎦 Action

Kingsman: Golden circle 2/10

Spy who dumped me 6/10

John Wick 9/10

John Wick 2 8/10

John Wick 3 5/10

Blade Runer 0/10

Central intelligence 6/10

The Hitman’s Bodyguard 7/10

Constantine 9/10

Point Break 9/10

Charlie’s Angels 5/10

Speed 5/10

Mad Max: Fury Road 8/10

Murder on the Orient Express 6/10

The Old Guard 6/10

🎦 Animated

The Fox and the Hound 7/10

Kubo and the two strings 8/10

Sing 8/10

Sinbad 7/10

Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse 10/10

Toy Story 4 8/10

How to Train Your Dragon 3 6/10

Whisper of the Heart 7/10

Castle in the sky 6/10

Ponyo 6/10

Arriety 9/10

From Up on a poppy Hill 5/10

Tales From Earthsea 5/10

Raya and the Last Dragon 7/10

Mitchels and the Machines 7/10

Soul 8/10

Only Yesterday 5/10

Klaus 8/10

🎦 Comedy

Devil wears Prada 5/10

Bad moms 6/10

Clueless 0/10

Ibiza 4/10

Isn’t it romantic 8/10

Crazy Rich Asians 8/10

Dirty 30 couldn’t find it :(

The Perfect Date 5/10

Someone Great 7/10

Unicorn Store 5/10

Tootsie 7/10

Mortdecai 7/10

I Love You Phillip Morris 7/10

Always Be My Maybe 7/10

Knives Out 8/10

9 to 5 7/10

Fried Green Tomatoes 4/10

Love and Monsters 7/10

Bo Burnham: INSIDE 9/10

Little Miss Sunshine 7/10

The Intern 6/10

🎦 Drama

Passengers 6/10

Joy 9/10

Inferno 8/10

Catch me if you can 7/10

Rush 5/10

Leon 7/10

Bohemian Rhapsody 7/10

The Game 8/10

Alpha 3/10

The Breakfast Club 3/10

Burlesque 7/10

The Judge 7/10

The Godfather 5/10

One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest 7/10

To the Bone 8/10

My Own Private Idaho 4/10

Little Women 0/10

1984 6/10

Devil’s Advocate 10/10

Her 5/10

Walk the line 5/10

Lady Bird 4/10

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 0/10

Mindscape 9/10

Seven 10/10

Unbreakable 7/10

Split 7/10

Glass 4/10

Much Ado About Nothing 5/10

47 Ronin 5/10

Bend It Like Beckham 3/10

Brokeback Mountain 8/10

JoJo Rabbit 10/10

The Colour Purple 4/10

Now and Then 5/10

Marriage Story 7/10

The Master 0/10

The Truman Show 9/10

The Yards 0/10

Stay 8/10

The Snowman 4/10

Parasite 7/10

I Care a Lot 4/10

Primal Fear 9/10

🎦 Documentary

Minimalism 6/10

What the Health 0/10

The Social Dilemma 8/10

🎦 Horror

Train to Busan 4/10

The Woman in Black 5/10

Bird Box 7/10

Silent hill 0/10

Doctor Sleep 7/10

Jennifer’s Body 3/10

The Quiet Place 6/10

The Witch 2/10

American Psycho 1/10

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 2/10

🎦 Thriller

Red Sparrow 0/10 (didn’t even finish it, I’m too pure)

Ocean’s 8 7/10

Bad Times at the El Royale 4/10

A Simple Favour 8/10

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch 9/10

Joker 10/10

Chain Reaction 6/10

Widows 0/10

Prisoners 10/10

Zodiac 8/10

Our Kind of Traitor 6/10

The Girl on the Train 6/10

🎦 Fantasy

The Huntsman: Winter’s War 6/10

Beauty and the Beast (life action) 6/10

Red Riding Hood 5/10

Tomb Rider 2/10

Pete’s Dragon 6/10

Upside Down 2/10

Sleepy Hollow 6/10

The House with a Clock in its Walls 7/10

Fantastic Beasts: Grindenwald’s Crimes 8/10

Mary Popins returns 6/10

Big Fish 6/10

Jack the Giant Slayer 5/10

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 8/10

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 7/10

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 8/10

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring 7/10

Christopher Robin 6/10

Into the Woods 3/10

Beetlejuice 6/10

Robin Hood 3/10

Horns 4/10

🎦 Sci-fi

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call 7/10

Fahrenheit 451 0/10

Ex Machina 6/10

Looper 8/10

The X Files: I Want To Believe 4/10

The Island 7/10

The Matrix 6/10

The Butterfly Effect 8/10

Star Wars I: Phantom Menace 7/10

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones 7/10

Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith 7/10

What Happened to Monday 5/10

🎦 Superhero

Ant-Man and Wasp 5/10

Deadpool 2 9/10

Aquaman 8/10

Captain Marvel 8/10

Spiderman: Far from Home 8/10

Iron man 3 7/10

X-Men: Dark Phoenix 7/10

Birds of Prey (And the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 8/10

Venom 8/10

Venom: Let There Be Carnage 6/10

🎦 Romance

How to lose a guy in 10 days 6/10

Love Actually 6/10

The Kissing Booth 4/10

The first time 4/10

Pretty Woman 7/10

Dirty Dancing 9/10

The Notebook 5/10

Just Friends 3/10

Moulin Rouge! 8/10

Call Me By Your Name 6/10

The Lake House 5/10

Carol 7/10

Playing by Heart 2/10

Hope you like some of these!

#the-diary-of-a-failure #studyblr #lifestyle blog #studies #film #movie #movie recommendation #movie list #movie rating #film recommendation #scifi #fantasy #action #drama #romance

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abbysfrenchbraid · 3 years

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Beach Day Imagine

alright I give up on trying to find a header for this one, there are no nice pictures of Abby with short hair.

anonymous said: I have a request for a beach day imagine? It could be after the end of the game, just a nice day on the beach heh :)!

This is set after the end of tlou2, Abby and Lev have arrived at the Firefly base on Catalina Island and the reader has gotten to know them over the last weeks. Today they’re taking the two newly healed outsiders to the beach.

This is the first thing I’ve written in a while so I apologize if I’m not fully back in my best form, feedback is very welcome!

Warnings: light swearing, pushing someone under water playfully, mention of injury by being crushed under something heavy (ask to tag!)

about 5.6k words of pure fluff :)

“Hey, look what I got!”

You looked up from the gas canister you were currently using to fill up a truck’s tank and felt a warm rush of happiness fill your chest. Lev had just entered the garage and was holding out a red backpack.

“The teacher gave it to me so I finally have my own. And it’s even my favorite color!”

You stopped pouring the gasoline and screwed the lid back on the canister.

“Hey, you. So what are you bringing in your new backpack, then?”

The scrawny boy jumped on the back of the truck and crouched down, flipping the bag over and dumping its contents on the platform. With quick fingers, he arranged all the items to lie in a neat line, tapping them as he listed: “Water bottle, sandwich, apple, lighter, knife, towel, swimming trunks. Abby said not to take the bow because it’s a secure area.”

You nodded. “Good job, you’re fully equipped.” Catalina Island was a completely safe zone, the Fireflies had made sure of that. During the last few years, patrol teams had combed through the entire island killing infected and now anyone coming in from the mainland had to spend two days in quarantine to ensure their health. Carrying around a knife or gun at all times was just a habit none of the people who had ever fought infected or other groups would ever let go of.

“Lev? You in here?” Lev had been concentrating on putting all his supplies back into the backpack and you both jerked up when you heard the familiar voice in the corridor. It had been weeks and she still had the same effect on you. The tall blonde stepped through the doorway and your breath caught in your throat. She was wearing green cargo pants and black combat boots as always, but you could see the blue fabric of a swimsuit peeking out at the neckline of her grey t-shirt.

“Oh hey, there you are. Are we ready to go?”

“Your hair!” you exclaimed, in awe at the beautiful freckled face that was looking at you with excitement. Abby smiled and instinctively rubbed the back of her head that was now cut short. When she and Lev had arrived three weeks ago, they had looked horrible, dehydrated and full of bruises and cuts, their faces marked by the sun and the pain they had had to endure. Abby hadn’t said a word about her obviously violently cut hair but Lev had told you that she had always worn it in a long braid before the rattlers captured them. You tried to imagine her with long hair but it just didn’t seem fitting for the woman standing before you.

“I got it done today, Mario is a saint. Do you like it?”

Lev squinted at her for a moment, then he solemnly said: “It suits you very well.”

She had apparently finally gotten around to visiting your colleague, another mechanic who also worked at a barber on the side. Most men and some women just pragmatically shaved their heads themselves, but there were always a few people who wanted something more complicated. When Mario had visited you at the medical station after your accident and gotten to know your two new roommates, he had immediately offered his services if they ever wanted a haircut. Lev had declined, explaining that he always shaved his head himself, but Abby had thanked him and promised to come around when she was allowed to leave medical.

You smiled at her and before you could stop yourself you blurted out “You look hot.”

The blonde laughed and even though you felt yourself blushing, you knew you had said the right thing. She really did look hot. Mario had shaved her sides short and fluffed up the top, letting a few strands fall into her face. You wanted to reach out and gently brush them back, but you stopped yourself and snapped out of your daydream.

“Okay, my bag’s already in the front. You all set?”

Abby nodded and put her backpack on the back of the truck, positioning herself to jump on.

“Wait, can I sit in the back? I’ll be careful, I promise. I’d just really like to see what it feels like,” Lev pleaded. You looked at Abby who just rolled her eyes and grinned.

“Alright, kid. But no standing up, and if it gets bumpy you hold on tight!”

She squeezed the boy’s shoulder and grabbed her bag, circling around the back of the car to get into the passenger seat. Lev gracefully jumped in the back and closed the hatch, looking at you with a glint in his eye you had never seen on him before. For the first time since the two had arrived here, he seemed genuinely happy and excited.

You sat down in the driver’s seat and started the truck, maneuvering out of the parked cars around you and giving the porter a signal to open the garage door. Your hand still felt weak and fragile as you switched gears and drove through the two front gates or the base, absentmindedly clenching your fist and stretching out your fingers to get rid of the sensation.

In the corner of your eye, you could see Abby giving you a slightly worried look.

“You okay there? I can drive, too, if you want me to.”

You bit your lip in frustration and shook your head.

“Thanks, Abby. I just need to get used to using this stupid hand again.”

The blonde rolled down her window and let in the salty breeze, leaning her head against the frame and closing her eyes as the sun kissed her face.

“Alright. Just let me know.”

Turning onto the road down to the beach, you sighed and tried to let go of all of your anger and discontent with one long exhale. It would get you nowhere.

You had been lying underneath a car to fix some spots that had rusted through when your lifting jacks had made a weird noise. Even though you had been quick to try and slip out from under the car, you hadn’t been fast enough. The wheels had been taken off to change the tires and as the jacks collapsed, the side of the vehicle crushed your arm, your ribs and left you with internal bleeding.

It had been no one's fault, just a terrible misfortune. After undergoing several surgeries and spending four weeks in a hospital bed, two battered strangers had been carried in and kept you company for the next few days.

The WLF soldier also had a few broken ribs, several cuts and stab wounds. Other than a few bruises, dehydration and the extreme sunburn they had both suffered, the small Seraphite was surprisingly well off, and while you two older women had been laying around in your own misery, he had started trying to cheer you up, help your recovery and motivate you to look forward to the days to come.

Both of you had started carefully training your injured limbs again and encouraged each other on the tiresome, difficult journey back to health while Lev had explored the base, made some friends and working with a trainer to teach others how to shoot with a bow and arrow. Now that you were finally out of the medical wing and able to move without being in excruciating pain, you had decided to take the two out for a deserved day off.

You rolled your window down and inhaled the fresh sea breeze, immediately smelling the salt and hot sand, the earthy aroma of the bushes lining the road and the sun warming up the air and promising you a wonderful day. Without thinking, you let out a scream of joy and laughed into the wind that pulled on your hair and invited you to play. You turned to beam at Abby, who looked amused and a little surprised. Before you could say anything, you heard an attempted wolf howl from the back of the truck and looked in the rearview mirror. Lev was kneeling in the middle of the platform, his head thrown back and his hands at his mouth to amplify his cries. He took a big breath and howled a second time, laughing afterward and stretching out his arms to the side.

A small noise drew your attention back to your passenger. Abby was looking out of the window and her torso was shaking slightly. For a split second, you thought she was crying, but then her little chuckle grew into loud laughter and she whooped, also stretching out her arm and making wave motions with her hand.

“Jesus, Y/N, you’re amazing! This is amazing!”

She looked at you, eyes wide with excitement and a grin stretching across her entire face. You felt like your heart was going to explode. This really was amazing. You took another turn and there it was: the sea. Blue and wild, sparkling like millions of diamonds and dancing in the sun, calling out for you and inviting you to jump into the waves and join the celebration.

You decided to just drive down all the way onto the sand; the truck was made for the terrain and there was no reason to walk if you could just drive up to the perfect spot.

“Lev,” you yelled, “wanna choose a good spot?”

“Yes,” he screamed back, “over there by the palm tree?”

“Got it, boss!” You geared down and drove onto the sand, carefully testing the terrain. The car seemed to have no problem with the ground and you pressed down the gas, whirling up the sand behind you and making Lev scream with excitement. You came to a halt next to a sturdy palm tree and the boy had jumped off the back before you had stopped the engine.

He had taken off his shoes and immediately started hopping to the patch of shade, cursing about the hot sand and letting himself fall onto the cool safe haven provided by the tree. Abby laughed and got out herself, opening her backpack and throwing him a big blanket.

“Here, make yourself useful.”

Lev jumped up and started stretching out the fabric to make room for everyone, then he unpacked his towel and swimming trunks. You grabbed your bag and went over to the two of them, putting your towel down and stopping in your tracks when Abby suddenly pulled her shirt over her head, revealing a sporty blue bikini top. Her abs had practically exploded in only a week; the last time you had seen her stomach had been when she had gotten rid of the hospital gown and announced she was going back to training. Her skin was ivory, a ton of freckles spreading over her shoulders and arms. There were still a few bruises on her ribcage, already yellow and almost completely faded, and her upper arm was marked with a fresh, pink scar.

“What are you staring at? Don’t you wanna go swimming with us?”

Abby laughed at you and hopped around as she tried to take off her tight pants without falling over. You shook your head to get your brain running again and side-eyed her, trying to hide a grin.

“Sorry. You’ve already built so much muscle, it’s amazing.”

The blonde looked down and lightly slapped her stomach.

“Thanks, must be the food here. I’m getting back on track.”

You had already slid out of your pants and quickly took off your shirt now, a little shy about your black bathing suit. But there was no need to worry, now it was Abby’s turn to stare. Her mouth was slightly ajar as she looked you up and down, her hand hovering about her abs as if she had frozen for a second. Finally, she snapped out of her admiration and raised an eyebrow.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, without the bandages and all.”

While you two had been busy drooling over each other, Lev had already changed into his swimming trunks and now seemed to be calculating how many steps it would take to get to the water and cool his burnt feet.

Abby stepped closer to you.

“You ready, Lev? Bet I can beat you both to the water.”

The boy didn’t hesitate one second. He started like lightning, his red pants blown up by the wind as he yelled “ouch, fuck, ow,” trying to lengthen his jumps. Abby winked at you, then she started sprinting after him.

“Come on, Y/N!”

You quickly took off your socks and ran after them, loosening your ponytail and enjoying the feeling of the warm, soft hair dancing on your skin. Lev had beat Abby and was squealing as he jumped into the waves. The ex-WLF reached him a few seconds later, running into the sea and immediately diving under just to come up again with a scream of joy. She opened her arms as you came running towards her, cursing the hot sand and ready to tackle the blonde with full force.

She turned to the side and dodged your blow at the last second, letting you crash into the waves and jumping on top of you, pushing you under the surface for a second before pulling you up and blowing a mouthful of water into your face. You gasped for air as the two laughed at you, already plotting your revenge.

You slapped Abby’s shoulder but her rock-hard muscles easily took the hit. She raised her eyebrows at you and gave your shoulder a seemingly light push that made you topple back into the water. How was she so fucking strong?! You let yourself float on your back for a second, then you dove under and grabbed the surprised soldier by the ankles, digging your fingernails into her skin and pulling her feet out from under her. Pushing off the sand with your feet, you dragged her legs with you so she was pulled underwater. She managed to free herself and you both came up at the same time, laughing and coughing.

“That’s what you get, shark,” you grinned at her.

“Wait, are there sharks here?” A half-panicky, half-excited voice from further out told you that Lev had swum quite a bit and was now suddenly overcome by the realization that you three weren’t the only ones in the sea.

“Yeah, big ones,” Abby yelled, “you better watch out.”

She winked at you, then she took a deep breath and dove in Lev’s direction, who was facing the opposite direction and didn’t notice the big figure swimming towards him. As expected, he suddenly shrieked, started flailing his arms and fought with something that was pulling him under. When he realized what was going on, he couldn’t stop himself from laughing as he yelled Abby’s name over and over, trying to get her off. Her head broke the surface next to him and she shook her head, water spraying in all directions as her hair danced in the sun.

She was roaring with laughter and held out an arm for Lev to hold on to while he caught his breath.

“Believe me, kid, as much as you love them, you don’t wanna meet sharks face to face.”

He sighed and turned to look at the open water.

“I know. Maybe we can drive out with a boat sometime and try to see them.”

Abby rubbed his shaved head.

“You are unbelievably okay with danger, young man.”

He smiled at her with so much love and admiration in his eyes it made your heart feel like it was going to explode. These two had found each other. You slowly swam towards them and turned on your back again to float, Lev immediately copying you and looking at Abby to do the same.

“We shouldn’t be in the sun for too long, you two are still not fully healed.”

Abby groaned and splashed some water in your direction.

“Let me just have this for a moment, please.”

You felt a twist in your stomach. She had just been having fun for the first time in forever and you had to ruin it by reminding her of what she had been through. Why couldn’t you just shut up and let her be? You turned to look at her and were surprised to see her smiling at you, nothing but warmth and appreciation in her face.

“You’re right, Y/N, I know that. Thank you for taking us here and worrying about us.”

Lev had his eyes closed, but he nodded and mumbled something in approval.

“Come on.” Abby lightly tapped your arm and nodded in the direction of the beach.

“Let’s head back.”

“Can I stay here a little longer?” Lev sounded far away, completely at peace as he soaked up the sun and the salty air.

“Of course, but make sure you don’t swim further out, okay?”

The boy just hummed happily. Both of you didn’t say a word as you and Abby swam back, your mind spinning faster again as she took her last steps out of the water in front of you. Droplets were running down the back of her neck, the curves of her back muscles, butt, and thighs highlighted by the reflections of sunlight on the wet skin.

She turned around and absentmindedly slicked her dripping hair back, showing off her biceps and abs as she stretched and waited for you to come out of the water.

“You think the sand is gonna be less painful under wet feet?”

You stumbled out of the waves with little elegance but managed to stay standing up as a wave crashed around your calves.

“I don’t know, I think we should make a run for it.”

“Fair,” she nodded and held out her hand. “You ready?”

Ignoring the jump in your chest, you took her hand and she held yours tight, encasing it completely with her cool fingers.

“Let’s go!” Both of you started running, squealing and laughing as the sand burned your soles once more. You almost fell several times but Abby’s steel grip caught and held you up every time. Slightly out of breath, both of you reached the shade of the palm tree and let yourselves fall on the towels. Abby still hadn’t let go of your hand and you tried to hold your fingers completely still so she wouldn’t notice and let go.

You were both lying on your backs next to each other, panting and looking up at the green branches above you dancing gently in the sea breeze. Watching Abby out of the corner of your eye, you promised yourself you would always remember this moment. The heat of the sun peeking through the branches, the last drops of saltwater running down your torso, the stickiness of your skin as it dried and left behind tiny salt crystals, the rushing of the waves and the cries of the seagulls. The beautiful blonde next to you, her chest moving with every breath, the little specks of sunlight on her face and her mouth, slightly open as she looked at the sky, deep in thought.

It felt like this was the first day of your life, like you had been somewhere else every day before, somewhere grey and bitter and hard with little joy and too many worries. You never knew life could feel like this, like riding a wave, like soaring through the summer air, easy laughter, and warm touches. You were free.

You suddenly noticed that Abby had turned her head to face you, her eyes burning into your skin like the salt that was prickling your cheek with tiny needles. Holding your breath, you slowly turned towards her and were immediately pulled in by her gaze.

This woman had been by your side almost constantly for three weeks and you had known for a while. What you felt for her was deeper than any connection you had ever had with anyone. She understood you without words and she was never too much for you, as others often were. The blonde made your heart skip beats and your brain often stopped working when she was around, but you still wanted to be by her side every possible second. Through all the pain and trauma and all the terrible things that had happened, you two always found something to laugh about and a way to forget everything for a while, just enjoying each other’s company.

As you finally released the air from your lungs, you could hear the shakiness in your breath and the rush of your own blood in your ears. It was so loud that you were sure Abby could hear it, too. Your fingers twitched slightly and she immediately tightened her fingers around yours. Slowly, her eyes wandered to your lips and now it was you that could hear her breath catch up in her throat. The distance between your faces was small, maybe a hand’s width, but it felt like miles. It was the feeling before doing a handstand or jumping off a high platform, a move you had seen others do countless times but felt impossible to you, like an invisible wall in your chest stopping your breath and movement at the same time.

Abby softly ran her thumb over yours, her hazel-green eyes piercing yours. Your racing thoughts came to a halt. You could count every freckle on her face, every tiny salt crystal on her lashes, the faded scars from past battles. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Just as she lifted her head ever so slightly to move even closer, there were distant thumps on the sand and you could hear Lev crying out in a mix of joy and pain. You expected Abby to snap back and let go of your hand, but instead she just smiled, sat up and yelled: “Come here, quickly! You don’t want me to have roasted children’s feet for dinner, do you?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Lev speeding up towards you.

“I’m not a child, Abby!”

He came to a halt in front of Abby, quickly glancing at your intertwined fingers before frowning at her. She patted the towel next to her.

“Alright then, sir. Come sit with us, we’re currently being hypnotized by the palm branches.”

“What’s hypnotized?” he asked as he let himself flop on the towel.

“Lay down and you’ll see,” Abby said as she lifted her free arm and rested her head on her hand, staring up at the sky again.

“It’s the feeling of watching something - or someone - and completely getting lost in what you see. Your head gets all quiet and you’re willing to do anything the person hypnotizing you says.”

Her thumb was drawing circles on the back of your hand.

Lev let out a big breath as he solemnly folded his hands over his stomach and looked up at the leaves waving back and forth.

You all lay there for a while, not speaking, just soaking in each other’s presence and the untainted beauty of the world in this very moment. Abby’s touch sent electrical waves through your arm right into your heart, filling your chest with liquid gold and having you fight down an ecstatic squeal of happiness. Did this mean she actually felt the same way?

In the midst of all the joy you felt in that moment, there was a tiny voice in your head telling you that this was just an exceptional situation and things would go back to the way they were once you returned. Abby liked you, that much you were sure of, but was she really willing to go a step further and open up to you like that? Trust someone with that kind of vulnerability?

You swallowed hard, trying to fight down the tiny storm of panic brewing in your throat. There was absolutely no reason to ruin this moment for yourself. You let go of Abby’s hand to prop yourself up on your elbow, turning your body towards her.

There was confusion in her eyes and a slightly worried look.

“Everything okay?” she whispered.

Looking up over her shoulder, you saw that Lev had fallen asleep. He looked like a little vampire, pale from the lack of sunlight on his newly recovered skin over the last weeks, lying stone still in a perfectly straight line with his hands still folded.

You lay back down just a little bit closer to Abby than before, this time facing her completely. You could feel her breath on your lips and couldn’t stop yourself from raising a hand to push a strand of hair out of her face. She closed her eyes for a second at your touch, then she leaned into your hand. You cupped her cheek, drawing your thumb over her cheek and her bottom lip.

“More than okay,” you breathed as you ran your fingers through her hair and down the back of her neck, making her shiver despite the heat.

Slowly this time, you sat up and whispered “Come with me.”

Both of you stood up and now it was you that held out a hand. The Firefly took it and you both hurried towards the water again, trying not to be too loud and wake up the boy in your care.

Finally on wet sand, you sat down and pulled Abby down with you as the water lapped at your ankles.

You took a deep breath, glancing at the blonde’s questioning look and quickly looking down at your feet.

“I’m so glad we finally got out of the base and came out here. You guys haven’t even seen all the beautiful places on Catalina. We could do this more often, I know my way around the Island.”

Abby drew circles in the sand, the tracks of her fingers immediately washed away by every new wave. Squinting against the sun, she softly said: “Yes, I’d like that. It really is beautiful here.”

Your heart was pounding again. What were you thinking, taking her away alone without even knowing what to say? She was obviously waiting for you to tell her something Lev shouldn’t hear. You wanted so badly just to tell her how you felt, but your head was just completely devoid of words.

She had mercy with you. “Where else would you like to take me?”

Her? Alone? You bit your lip, trying frantically to come up with something good.

“There is a bay called Little Harbor, the water is bright turquoise and it’s on the west coast, so you get some amazing sunsets there. There’s a hunting cabin there, too, back from when we hadn’t fully secured the island yet. I could get a friend in admin to give us a check-up mission, let us check the electricity and stock up the hut. Only if you’d want to, of course.”

Abby nodded. “That sounds amazing. I’m cleared for missions starting next Monday, I need to start doing my part anyways. We could go whenever it fits your schedule.”

You smiled at her. “Great. I’ll let my friend know.”

“Are we going to stay there overnight, then?”

You could hear the amusement in her voice. She knew she was making you all flustered and nervous and was just teasing you now so you elbowed her, stifling a laugh.

“It could be arranged.”

She placed her hand on your knee, looking at you to catch your reaction. You couldn’t help but blush and pressed your lips together, trying to hold it together.

“Y/N.”

Her face was now directly next to yours, her breath warm on your cheek again. It took everything in your power to turn your head and look her directly in the eye. Well, you tried to, but her eyes were on your lips again, her tongue quickly running over her bottom lip only to disappear again.

And finally, after weeks of uncertainty, of pining and yearning and trying to get her out of your head, she grabbed the back of your neck and gently pulled you in. Her lips were incredibly soft, cushioning your movement as you pressed your mouth on hers, desperately trying to stay in this moment forever. She tasted like the sea, but her warm skin still smelled like the forest. It always did.

You leaned into her, deepening the kiss as she put her arm around your shoulders and ran her hand over your thigh. Nothing had ever felt better than this.

The blonde pulled away slightly, peeking at you through long eyelashes and licking her lips again.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” she confessed, never releasing your gaze.

“Me too,” was all you got out under your shaky breath before she kissed you again, sweet and smiling, placing tiny kisses on your cheeks and jawline before moving up to graze her lips over your nose and forehead.

“I’m so lucky,” she mumbled against your temple. “After everything Lev and I have been through and of all the places in the world…”

She wasn’t the type to speak much about her feelings and this was probably the most you would get from her for now, but it was more than enough for you to understand. You rested your head on her shoulder as you both stared out to the open water.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve never felt like this with anyone before.” It felt like a weight had been lifted off your chest. You knew this was a lot to reveal, but you trusted Abby to not get scared away easily.

“You know, Lev is going to be so relieved.” Abby snorted and turned around to see if there was any movement in your little camp, but the little Seraphite seemed to still be enjoying his afternoon nap.

Your brows almost hit your hairline. “You’re gonna tell him right away?”

She laughed and slapped your thigh before tightening her grip around it.

“Sure, he’s been listening to me debating my next step for the last week. He was so excited for today because he thought you’d make a move.” You couldn’t believe what you were hearing.

“He has zero faith in me, you know. He knows I easily face any kind of danger and I always win my fights, but he thought I didn’t have the guts to kiss you.”

You rolled your eyes. “Okay, Miss Warrior, you’re the toughest. I remember Lev telling me something about crane bridges?”

She acted shocked. “I trust him with all my secrets and he just goes and tells you about them? What a little brat.”

You both had to laugh; it was clear that no one loved Lev more than Abby and no one could ever really be angry with him.

“No seriously, I tell him everything. He’s all I got left.” She looked down and smiled to herself, no bitterness or sadness in her voice but a deep appreciation and nothing but love for her partner through thick and thin.

Her last sentence stung a little, but you knew it was going to be a while before Abby would know just how much she could count on you to be there for her. Trust had to be earned.

You spent the rest of your day in the shade with Lev, eating the fruit you had brought, playing cards, reading, and stealing kisses while the boy went for another swim in the ocean. Lev was sad you couldn’t light a bonfire as it got dark, but you had to get back in time for dinner.

Both you and Abby promised him another beach day with stick bread at the campfire as soon as you both found the time again. Meanwhile, he could try to find some friends to come along.

As you packed up your things, the sun was setting behind the green hills of the island and painting the sky pink, orange and purple, delivering a spectacle almost as wonderful as the one going on inside you.

Lev jumped on the back of the truck without asking this time and both of you got in the front. The drive was quiet, all of you deep in thought, reminiscing about the day you had had.

“Thanks again for doing this,” Abby said, playing with a strand of your hair. The windows were rolled down and the cool evening air was dancing through the cabin, filling your lungs and clearing your mind.

“You’re very welcome.”

“I can’t wait for our cabin trip. A sunset just for the two of us,” she remarked, looking at you from the side.

Finally back on the main road, you placed your hand on her thigh. You had wanted this for so long and now you would do everything in your power to win Abby’s heart entirely.

“When do I see you again?” you asked, scared to hear the answer.

“Tomorrow morning? You could pick me up from the gym for breakfast if you want. I’d offer to train with you but I think your doctors would feed me to the sharks.”

You laughed at the thought; it had taken forever to convince the medical staff to let you go today. It was going to be a few more weeks of physiotherapy to get your body back on track.

“Okay. I’m pretty sure they’re making pancakes tomorrow. A commander’s birthday, I think. Pick you up at 8?”

She placed her hand on top of yours and squeezed it.

“I’ll be waiting.”

#abby anderson #abby anderson fic #abby tlou #abby tlou2 #abby fluff #abby anderson fanfiction #tlou2 fanfiction #tlou2 #lev tlou2 #catalina island #abby anderson x reader

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sweater-daddiesdumbdork · 3 years

Text

Home Sweet Home: Jody Says...

Summary- 3.6k Andy Barber x You. You and Andy almost have it all, married and with a jointed family consisting of Andy’s teenage son Jacob, as well as your two younger children John and Cassidy. Looking to add another member, your family is in need of a bigger house, a forever home. You find just the place, 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville Long Island. Home Sweet Home

Written for @optimistic-dinosaur-nacho Spooky Scary Stories challenge. Divider by @firefly-graphics

Warnings- A teenager mentions sex, uses drugs. Scene involving a finger getting stuck in a wound.

A/N- I chose Amityville Horror for the challenge because its one of my favorite Spook Stories growing up. When reading you will find a lot of similarities to the 2005 Movie, some of the scenarios and dialogue are specifically from that film. Other parts of it are from the book itself. The family name was changed for my own personal reasons. Happy Haunting! 🎃

Chapter 3 / Masterlist

Weeks past, holidays started and it was just after thanksgiving when things started to settle down from the move. Nothing major happened, you and Andy seemed to be on the right track. Andy was getting busier with his clients. The house on Ocean Avenue now felt like home. The only thing that wasn't changing was Andy always being cold and his cough that you could hear booming from the basement. He was constantly bundled up, shivering, hiding cold hands against your back. “Andy Barber, god damn, go put some gloves on or something. Also it's been well over a month, you need to go see someone about that cough.”

He would groan against your shoulder and move to wrap his hands around his mug of coffee. “This house is always cold. But I will... Mother.” He teased with an arched brow, sipping from his mug. “It's nothing, I just can't get the tickle from my throat. But I will make an appointment today.”

“It's just you.” You respond while going back to your computer, and moving to sit while you go back to your project. “None of us are cold at all. And I am a mother, and I'm worried about it now.”

“I know you are, I admit I never had something like this happen to me.” Andy shook his head as he sipped from his coffee, glancing outside to see it snowing out. “And it is cold, It’s snowing.”

You're quick to get up and cuddle up to him, looking outside. “It's beautiful, maybe we will have a white Christmas. Which… speaking of Christmas. Come look at this.” You tugged Andy around to your laptop and had a local shelter page pulled up. “Look at this dog Andy. The kids have been asking for one since before we even got married. He's older, all trained, and he needs a home. What do you think?” You looked up at him and bit your lips excitedly, Andy leaned over your shoulder, scrolling through the page to read the description they gave.

“Baby, you know we're going to have to take care of it. Walks, feeding, vet visits.” He pointed out and you shrugged.

“That's fine, I always had one growing up so I know what to prepare for. It will be a good chore for John, give him some responsibilities.” you pointed out and Andy straightened.

“You really want him, then you have to agree to one thing.” Andy straightened from behind you and looked down at you, once more letting a chilly hand rest on the back of your neck, but this time in a loving manner, not a teasing play.

You twisted in your seat to arch a brow in question, looking at him.

“You have to go to dinner with me tonight, let Jacob watch the little's.” He smiled and you got up, wrapping your arms around his waist and winked.

“I think that can be arranged Andy.” Leaning up to kiss him, the rest of the afternoon was going to visit the dog named Buster in the shelter and filled out the paperwork to bring him home. Andy of course was won right over as soon as the dog sat before him and wagged the tip of his tail, tongue lolling out. “Okay… I gotta admit you're pretty cute Buster.” Andy chuckled while kneeling in front of the dog, petting him and ruffling his ears. After leaving the shelter with the promise to be in contact soon, you and Andy went to pick up the kids, letting them know your evening plans.

The evening was you trying to get dressed and into some makeup for the first time that felt like forever, Andy was in the closet picking through his suits. Cassidy kept coming in the bathroom to help you with your makeup, which you finally set her on the counter. While you were doing your lipstick, you gave her some chapstick. Then onto your eyes, she tugged on your sleeve. “My eyes to?” she asked, and you grasped her chin, tilting it up and sweeping the brush once on each eyelid. You then took a bit of blush and brushed it along her upper cheeks. Cassidy turned to look in the mirror, her eyes glancing up to the corner once in a while and giggling. “Mommy, Jody says I look pretty.”

Your eyes lifted to where she was looking and you gave a smile to her while moving behind her to brush her hair and give it a braid for the night. “Baby, can you tell me about Jody? Does Jody live here?”

“Yea, Jody has lived here a long time. Jody is happy we're living here now. Said that it was lonely here and wants us to stay forever. Sometimes they look so sad Mommy whenever they think we might leave.”

You nod as you split her braid in sections. Your fingers nimble as you work your lip a bit in thought. “Well we are staying for a long time because this is home baby. What does Jody look like? A pretty little girl like you, or maybe someone more like John or Jacob?”

Cassidy pursed her lips like she was blowing herself a kiss. “No mommy, like forever forever. Never ever leave. We can just play all day. Jody said “You, Andy, Jacob and John can stay too.”

That made you pause a bit, before continuing. “And what does Jody look like Baby? ”

Cassidy shook her head and started. “Jody doesn’t want-” Andy stepped in, straightening his tie with his blue suit, looking at you in your little black dress and sleek high heels, Cassidy in her unicorn pajamas with the little bit of makeup on.

“Well don’t my girls look so nice.” He complimented as you finished tying off Cassidy's braid. She turned quickly to face him, batting her eyelashes with a grin to show off her eyeshadow. “Ahh, very nice Princess.” He lifted Cassidy off the counter and whispered in her ear. “How about you go show Jacob how nice you look?”

“Okay!” she said excitedly and sprinted away while you picked up a diamond stud off the counter and fitted it to your earlobe.

“She’s going to be over the moon you called her Princess.” you chuckled as you twisted the earring and took the other one to put on.

“Well she looked like one.” He smiled and slid a hand down your back and you turned once you were finished, smoothing your hands over his suit with an appreciative sigh. “I always loved you in this one.”

“I hope you love me without it too.” his hands slipped along your hips, looking you up and down. “You look beautiful Y/N. The diamonds fit nicely.” He complimented, and you couldn't help the shy smile on your face.

“Someone very special gave them to me after we were married.” You leaned up to peck a kiss on his lips. “Later I will give you a proper one. I don't want to smudge my makeup yet.”

He glanced at the watch on his wrist. “Plus we're gonna be late with our reservations, we gotta go.” he urged, and you collected your bag and draped a shawl over your shoulders.

Escorting you down the stairs, Andy paused going over the rules with the kids right quick with Jacob. “Dad, I got it. It's a few hours and I have watched them before.” Ushering out the door, Jacob waved goodbye from the porch and waited to see the car pull out the drive and was sure it was not turning back. He pulled out his phone and sent a text message to a friend. Smirking as he pocketed it, he turned to see Cassidy and John staring up at him.

“What do you want rugrats? Food?” He asked with his hands falling to his hips looking at the two of them. They both nodded and he laughed. “Alright let's go see what your mom left for us tonight.” When they went in and opened the fridge, there was a pan of mac and cheese, labeled for the cooking directions. Within a few minutes, Jacob had the kids settle in front of the tv to Disney Plus, their food was cooking, and he got a text ~I’m here.

~Come in through the back so the kids don't know you're here. Jacob sent back. “I'm gonna go get your mac and cheese, be back in a moment.” which they barely acknowledged him and he went to see someone standing at the door. Opening it, he ushered her in. She giggled, wrapping an arm around Jacob and pressed up against him with a playful kiss.

“I can't believe you live here. Which room is yours upstairs?” she wiggled brows and Jacob covered her mouth, looking over his shoulder.

“Sammy, you gotta be quiet. My dad will kill me if he knows I snuck a girl in here.” he dropped his hand and nipped her lips, whispering. “Third door on the left, as soon as I get these two in bed I will be in.”

Samantha nodded and winked. “I know the room, I used to come here to play with the Deffor kids all the time.” Jacob shrugged and motioned for her to be quiet once more. He snuck her through, ushering her upstairs when Cassidy looked over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing at the wall beyond the banister.

“Jody says she shouldn't be here Jacob.”

The teenage boy scoffed and ruffled Cassidy's hair. “There ain't nobody here but us.” Whistling as he went back into the kitchen, Cassidy watched the shadow glide up the stairs, and she shrugged, going back to the movie.

Finally Jacob wrangled them into their beds, checking his phone to see the time. His dad and you should still be out about an hour, maybe two. You typically messaged him a couple times during the night, and always when they were headed home. It would be easy to sneak Samantha back out. Knocking on his door, he went in his room to find her sprawled on his bed, a joint pressed against her lips and taking a deep inhale, giggling while watching the smoke spiral above her head. “I didn't think you were ever gonna quit playing babysitter downstairs.”

Jacob collapsed on the bed next to her, and took the offered joint. “Finally was able to get them to bed. Sorry about the wait.” He leaned over and pressed his lips to hers, and she pushed her fingers through his longer locks, hissing against his lips.

“Mmhh, I cant believe I’m going to have sex in the Amityville Horror House.” she giggled and Jacob pulled away, leaning on his elbow to take another drag of the joint before handing it over to her.

“Amityville Horror House? Is that what it's actually called?” He questioned and Samantha nodded while sitting up and moving cross legged.

“Come on, you don't know about what happened here?” Her jaw dropped and she laughed, Jacob shook his head.

“No idea, come on… Tell me Sammy.” He nudged at her and she dropped some ashes in a nearby soda can.

“Okay, let me tell you all about it.” she handed the joint back over and rubbed her hands gleefully. “So there was a family here called the Deffor's. Mom, dad, older son Ronnie and like a few other kids. Happy picture perfect family right?” Jacob nodded, and she snorted. “So one night Ronnie takes a rifle, bang bang bang. Shoots his parents in their bed. Goes to his brothers room and shoots them both too. His little sister, she runs to hide in the bathroom. He finds her and bangs, shoots her too. Someone finally called the cops, like a while later complaining about gunshots. Police get here, and find Ronnie down in the basement, crying about how they made him do it. Someone named Judy, Jody? I can't remember the name. Arrested him on the spot, threw him in prison for life.”

“Holy shit… that's crazy.” Jacob’s eyes widened and Samantha nodded. “I mean this house is always weird as fuck, but damn.”

“You should google it. Later.” Samantha smirked as she got up. “I'm going to freshen up, and will see you back here in a few minutes.” Winking, she slipped from the room and headed towards the bathroom.

Jacob made himself comfy, lowered the light at his bed stand and pulled out a couple condoms from his nightstand, moving to lay down on the bed to wait.

Samantha gave the bathroom a quick look around before she looked in the mirror, checking her makeup when the lights in the bathroom flickered. Lifting her eyes up to look at the bulbs, she backed up a bit worried. “What the-”

“Hey Sammy, remember me?” a little voice spoke and she twisted around, to see a girl tilting her head with a playful smile. She recognized her, Ruby the sister Ronnie shot that night. Samantha shook her head with a whimper.

“No… no, you're dead Ruby.” she told the little girl.

“I know, Sammy, look what Ronnie did to me! Isn't it pretty!?” She moved her bangs aside and Samantha reared back in horror at the gaping hole in her forehead. Samantha backed up towards the sink, the small of her back hitting against it as the little girl kept coming. She looked towards the door about to bolt when hands curled into claws dug into her face from behind, holding her in place like she was in a vice while the girl reached for her hand, giggling. Samantha broke out screaming while the clawed fingers dug into her cheeks, and Ruby’s hand that was closed around her wrist were cold and clammy, wrenching her finger till she had the one she wanted. “Catch ‘em…” whatever was behind her whispered hoarsely in her ear, a slick feeling like a snakes tongue against Sam’s ear made her try to wrench out of its hold, and the girl started to push her finger into the wound on her forehead. “Kill ‘em, right Jody?”

Samantha screamed again, putting all her strength into rearing back and she happened to slip, bashing her head off the sink and falling into a heap on the ground.

Jacob heard the scream and rushed into the bathroom to find Samantha bleeding on the floor. “Oh shit!” He dropped to his knees to help her, and she scrambled to cling against him, sobbing in terror.

“She was here, she was here.” she cried as Jacob touched the back of her head and came back sticky with blood.

“Shit, Sammy I gotta call the ambulance.” He dug for his phone, shakily dialing 9-1-1 while holding her close.

John and Cassidy who also heard the commotion ran to the bathroom, and Jacob told them to stay back. Cassidy just shook her head slowly. “Jody said she shouldn't be here.” When Samantha heard the name Jody, she started to panic again and Jacob screamed at them to go back to their rooms.

Andy pulled up the driveway to see flashing lights of an ambulance in their driveway, and you gasped. “Oh my god Andy, the kids.” You ripped out of the car and ran towards the house, Andy not far behind to see a teenage girl being wheeled out on a stretcher and they bypassed her into the house to see Jacob talking to an EMT, as well as John and Cassidy sitting on the stairs, hugging there stuffed animals and looking shocked. You let your hand rest on Jacobs back a moment to make sure he was okay, then past him to the two younger children. Andy watched as you checked them, and paused by Jacob.

“What is going on here?” Andy demanded to know, and Jacob turned shakily to Andy.

“I had a friend come over, something happened in our bathroom and she bashed her head against the sink, splitting her head open.” Andy could see how shaken up his son was and pulled Jacob into his arms in a hug, patting his back.

“Okay, good. I'm glad you got emergency services.”

The EMT nodded, looking at Jacob when father and son split apart. “Always call us right away. When we took her out, she said something like “She’s dead.” Do you know what that is about?”

Jacob hesitated and shook his head, Andy shrugged. “Sorry Sir, my wife and I were to dinner, so I'm just hearing about all this.”

The EMT nodded and excused himself. Within a few minutes the rest of the house cleared up, and Jacob watched the ambulance leave. He whipped around and folded his arms. “So what, were you never going to tell me what this place was?”

Andy rubbed at his temple a moment, feeling the beginning of a headache. “Jake not tonight, we will talk in the morning.”

“The Amityville Horror House, Fucking seriously?” Jacob ignored his father while you started to usher the protesting kids up the stairs. “Some guy went through and just shot his whole family!”

“Jake, shut up!” Andy snapped while the two kids peeked around you, and John wailed.

“Someone got shot here! Mommy I don't want to sleep here.” The boy looked up, panicked and you shushed him.

“Come on, upstairs.” You tried to urge him up but now they were all worked up again, and Andy could feel his barely there control snapping, turning towards the three of you on the stairs. “Cut the shit and get upstairs, now!”

You pause and the two children race up the stairs, making Andy grate his teeth at the way they thumped up. Now you're pissed and he could see it on your face.

“Andy Barber, don't you ever talk to them like that again.” You hissed and then turned your back to go up. Andy snapped his attention back to his son.

“And what the fuck were you doing with a girl here up in your room?”

“Doesn't matter Dad, what matters is we are living here. This place is messed up. No wonder why our lives have been going to shit since we moved here! Sammy didn't just fucking hit her head, something scared her shitless. You, you fucking changed, Cass has that weird imaginary friend shes always talking to, plus you cant deny just the weird crap that happens in this house. Am I not the only one who sees all this going on?”

“Jacob, will you listen to yourself? There is nothing wrong with this fucking house. Something bad here happened years ago and it's over. Bad shit happens sometimes.” Andy snapped and Jacob rolled his eyes at his father.

“Whatever Dad, you should have still told me so I could have had the option to move in with mom.”

“You want to move in with your Mom?” Andy paused a moment, his own arms mimicking his sons and crossing his chest.

“Maybe, would have been nice to consider instead of living in this fucking place.” Jacob hissed in anger, moving past his father to start up the stairs.

“Fine.” Andy threw up his hands in defeat. “Move in with her, I'm not stopping you, nor have I ever. But you listen to me Jake, no more bringing fucking girls up to your room. None of this sneaking them the fuck around. This is my house, and I expect you to follow these rules.”

Jacob turned his back on Andy and continued up the stairs, slamming his door. Andy's head was pounding now, and all he wanted was a drink. In particular the bourbon he had in his desk down in the basement. Without waiting to see how you were dealing, he made his way down the stairs. Not even bothering to flip on the lights till he got to his desk and sat down, reaching to turn on the lamp on the desk. Finding his bottle and glass, he started to drink.

You came down later, and started turning off lights around the house, and when you went in the kitchen, you could see a little bit of light coming from the stairs. Making your way down, you knew you would find Andy brooding, which was accurate. Sure enough he sat slouched in his seat, twirling the tumbler slightly while staring at it.

“Hey, everyone is down. Do you wanna come up to bed Andy?” You stop in front of his desk, and it just looks eerie around him. The light on the desk seemed to be so weak compared to the dark shadows behind him, and they seemed to be yawning around him, ready to suck him from you forever.

“No.” he simply said and set his glass down to pour in more. “I have work to do.”

You huffed a bit, scowling. “What? Before we even got home, we were talking about what we were going to do tonight in bed.”

He gave a roll of a shoulder then, glaring at you. “Not in the fucking mood anymore, m’kay Y/N.”

“You were just fine till you came down here Andy.” You took a deep breath and started again. “Come on Baby, we can still salvage the night. Everyone is okay, and maybe next time we will get a babysitter.” you smiled and Andy scowled at you.

“How many god damn times do I have to tell you not to treat me like one of your kids? Baby? That fucking sweet talk is annoying as hell.”

Hearing him, your gut dropped and your anger flared. “Fuck you Andy.” You turned back to go up the stairs, and he chuckled while saying to you’re retreating back.

“Not tonight sweetheart.” Andy said darkly with a sneer to his tone.

“Don’t bother coming to bed.” you snapped back at him while slamming the basement door shut, and leaving the kitchen. “Fucking asshole of a husband.”

Downstairs Andy leaned back, shivering but at this point he was used to it. Shooting back the last of his bourbon, he threw the glass to the side and took the bottle. Behind him red eyes glowered and the audible hiss filled the room. Catch ‘em, Kill ‘em. He glanced at the picture on his desk and rage filled him seeing those faces, his family. He reached over and slammed it down hard, hard enough he heard the glass shatter. Going back to his liquor, a shadow separated, gliding across the floor and up the back of his chair till it settled on his shoulders, steadily feeding that anger and rage till Andy started to think of all the way’s to murder someone.

The shadow started to continue growing solid, whispering into Andy’s ear.

Catch ‘em Kill ‘em

#DinoScaryStories2020 #home sweet home #andy barber x reader #andy barber x you #andy barber #amber writes #sweater writes #amityville horror #halloween #halloween 2020

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alightinthelantern · 3 years

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SS Commonwealth, Fall River Line.

Launched in 1907, and sailing on its maiden voyage the following year, the Commonwealth was the last and largest of the Fall River Line steamers, which traveled nightly between NYC and Fall River, MA, providing connecting service with trains to Boston. At 456 feet long, 96 feet total width, and weighing 5,980 gross tons, she was the largest paddlewheel steamer in the world at launch, and remains one of the largest paddle steamers in history. Although paddlewheels had mostly faded as a relevant form of marine propulsion by the dawn of the 20th century, the various steamship companies operating on Long Island Sound and on the Hudson and East Rivers maintained the style out of tradition, and the Commonwealth, with its steel hull, sophisticated triple-expansion inclined engines, and ability to maintain 20 knots speed, was considered by some to be the ultimate in the evolution of paddle steamers in coastal waters. The Commonwealth glittered with electricity rather than the gas-lighting of olden days—especially at night, when she moved through the dark like a fairytale palace—though her boilers were still coal-fired, a hot, dirty, and unenviable job.

Nicknamed “The Giantess of the Sound”, the enormous vessel was also lavishly decorated inside, and boasted three full passenger decks, with 425 staterooms set around a vaulted, two-storey grand saloon in Venetian Gothic style which stretched around 350 feet along on the lower two decks, and a dining room and adjoining grill room on its top deck, both replete with ornate woodcarving and plasterwork. Additional amenities included a smoking lounge, writing room, barber shop, and amble deck space to stroll along, as well as a live orchestra to accompany dances in the evenings. Although berths varied in size and comfort, there were no separate “classes” aboard, allowing all who sailed aboard the Fall River Line’s giant, palatial steamships to enjoy the luxury of a noble manor house for a night. As such, the company became exceedingly popular with working-class people from New York and southern New England as a way to spend their honeymoon, or a rare vacation, as a round-trip of two passages might cost $10, an otherwise impossibly cheap price for two nights of luxury in the early 1900s, even adjusting for a century of inflation. The Commonwealth, which had perhaps a feeling of oversize for its passengers and was not quite as popular as its smaller fleetmates with a more intimate ambience, was nevertheless beloved by many of the travelling public, as were all Fall River Line vessels, and there was genuine mourning from many in the New York, Long Island, and New England regions when the company folded in 1937 amidst the depression.

Photos, in order:

Commonwealth en route to NYC, ca. 1925.

Main dining room between settings, demonstrating the elaborate string of domes nestled among its ceiling moldings.

Main dining room just before dinner, with waiters ready to serve incoming passengers.

The adjoining Grill Room, which continues the dining room’s decorative scheme, in between settings.

A waiter in the Grill Room preparing for later service.

The grand, two-story main Lounge late in the Commonwealth’s career, furnished with the overstuffed chairs and settees in fashion in the 1930s.

Commonwealth entering the harbor of Newport, RI, with the Goat Island lighthouse visible right behind it. Sometime prior to November 9, 1921, when the keeper’s house was damaged in a submarine collision, and thereafter torn down.

Commonwealth docked at the Fall River Line docks in Newport, RI.

Commonwealth being towed in a gale off Point Judith, RI, ~10 miles south of Newport, date unknown.

The pilot house, from which the Commonwealth was steered.

Commonwealth again being towed in same gale off Point Judith, with Rhode Island coast visible in distance.

Commonwealth in unknown New England port. This close up one can see the replete panelling which adorned the exterior of the wooden upper decks.

#PS Commonwealth #Commonwealth #SS Commonwealth #Fall River Line #New England #vintage New England #Long Island Sound #20th century #historical #retro #vintage #New York City #steamships #steamboats #paddle steamers #sidewheelers

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nenuials · 3 years

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A day in the life of Lothrin

How does a day in the life of Lothrin, Lady of Twilight, Sage of Annúminas and aid to the Dúnedain look like? More uneventful that one would expect. In order to better paint a picture of her daily schedule, I shall be using LOTRO canon, thus using the geography and settlements presented therein. Secondly, this schedule is applicable between the years of TA 2500 and TA 3019.

Lothrin’s usual residence and where she might be found most of the time is the keep of Tinnudir, in the heart of Evendim. Though depending on the season, she may move to the encampment at High King’s Crossing, the farms in Barandalf or the camp in the heart of Annúminas. More often than not, when not in Evendim, Lothrin can be found in Sarn Ford, Esteldin, Falathlorn or Imladris.

Mornings

If residing in Tinnudir, Lothrin is usually the first to stir awake, way before dawn. Elves sleep but a couple hours a night, usually about two to four, and can go entire days without rest. Early in the morning, she will rise and make a start on the chores of the day. Tinnudir, a keep of such size and the surrounding land are always in need of hands to tend to them.

She will quickly leave the keep and make her way to the animal pens. While LOTRO doesn’t show this detail to us, I strongly believe there were animals raised on the island. She will release the chickens and ducks from their coops, collect the eggs, feed the cows, goats, sheep, horses, and pigs and if time allows milk the cows and goats, then clean their spaces. If she is not present or otherwise occupied, someone else will take care of these duties.

With a big chunk of the early morning gone, she will either help in the kitchens to prepare the meals of the day, or simply eat and be on her way. Depending on the season and food situation, in the morning or noon she may either go alone or take some company to cross the lake and hunt in the hills of Evendim. Evendim is home to a big population of bears, so bear meat is plenty available to make stew or rugs from.

Afternoons

With the time-sensitive chores out of the way and still plenty of daytime left, when in Tinnudir and not otherwise occupied with administrative duties, Lothrin’s hands would ever be busy with spinning thread or sewing clothing, as tailoring is one of her hobbies. In medieval societies aside from food, the two most important resources people needed were thread for cloth-making and wax for candle-making. The process involved in cloth-making is long and laborious, so everyone was urged to give a hand: from picking the plants, to dying the thread, to spinning it, to sewing the cloth itself and more. Making even one piece of a garment may take anywhere up to three hundred hours, depending on the complexity of the piece.

If the weather is otherwise not foul, Lothrin will join the dúnedain in the small gardens surrounding Tinnudir and tend to the vegetable plantations. What gardening needs to be done wholly depends on whether it is planting or harvesting season, but she loves the harvest best and all the work that comes with the season. One may always find her carrying entire baskets of vegetables, and helping with the making of jams, sauces, pickled vegetables and more. If strong arms are needed, she will help with woodworking and the upkeep of the various buildings, mainly repairing rooftops, as the dúnedain do not possess her elven agility and ease of movement. On more than one occasion messengers would find her high atop a roof, hammering nails.

Evenings

One regular activity she pursues in the evenings is patrolling the roads up to the King’s Crossroad, for any signs of trouble. If all the other sentries are away on errands, she will gladly take their posts and stand guard the whole night. If present in Tinnudir, she will help with serving dinner to the whole encampment of roughly fifty people, then either tell a story or leave for her study and pursue various scholarly duties in candlelight. As she is the sage of Evendim, every couple of years she rewrites her various notes on the life of the northern dúnedain. She has kept meticulous notes that date back to the inception of Arnor, detailing genealogies, customs, lineages and more. Her various manuscripts have been a treasure to the modern-day dúnedain, mainly with helping them remember their customs and their lineages.

Tinnudir is a keep with various floors. The ground floor is home to a small library, a study, a storage room, the kitchens, and some sleeping quarters placed around the inner pool. The upper floors are accessible through an inner stairway and are home to more sleeping-quarters and storage rooms. On the third floor rests the Study of Lothrin, a room filled to the brim with treasures of ages long past, scrolls and books, weapons, armour and in the middle of it all sits a desk, where Lothrin does her scholarly work. The room though cramped, is luminous.

If the evenings are calm and quiet, she will delight in teaching the dúnedain children their history, with as much detail as she can muster. She will speak of the marble columns of the throne-room of Elendil, of the beautiful gardens at the heart of Annúminas, of the various gatherings the nobles of Evendim used to have, of all the kind and brave working-people who fought so fiercely for their kingdom.

Deviations

The schedule presented above may suffer alterations depending on a myriad of factors. If orcs have been spotted in the area, Lothrin will join patrols and guard the borders. If the harvests have been lacking, she will hunt more and gather whatever plants and roots available for eating. If the coffers are emptying, she will join in the making of various products to try and trade them in Bree or the Shire. If the day allows and no pressing matters are ahead of her, she will often train herself, then train some of the younger dúnedain in close, then ranged combat. She is a strict but fair teacher.

Seasonal Work

If the summer weather is especially kind, she would often be found at the farms in Barandalf, in south Evendim. The farms are the main source of food for the dúnedain of Evendim, so tending to them is of utmost importance. The farms, though small, are close to hobbit lands, so trade often occurs. If the farms are otherwise staffed, and the sentries are away on various errands, she will stand guard at the bridge of High King’s Crossing, inquiring the business of any travellers that wish to pass into the heart of Evendim. If the day is particularly slow, she may talk to the others and try and tend to the bridge, although she is no stoneworker or architect.

Although, she has long pled to the dúnedain that maintaining Annúminas is of utmost importance, the dúnedian are simply too few and too far spread to tend to a city the size of Annúminas. If present within the white-city, when not reminiscing about the past, Lothrin will help the sentries stationed there to maintain a road throughout the city, free of rubble. If otherwise unoccupied, she will scout the various half-flooded buildings for any objects of importance. If at Sarn Ford, she will act as a sentry and report to the on-field commander. Though her visits to Esteldin are rare, she will more often than not come for administrative business or high-councils, thus partake less in the day-by-day chores.

One of the big advantages elves possess is that they live for thousands of years. The lifespan of Lothrin, as of the War of the Ring is equal to that of fifty to a hundred human lives. In modern terms, in takes one human one lifetime to become an absolute expert in whatever domain they choose, can you imagine what we could do with fifty lifetimes? Lothrin, as an elf, had millennia of time to hone her skills, and thus can lend a hand to whatever needs doing.

She will do anything that needs doing from more household oriented activities like sewing, cooking, baking, soap-making, wine and beer-making, house repairs, cloth beating/washing, childcare, makeshift barbering, to more scholarly pursuits like candle making, writing, chronicling, teaching, book-binding, sending messages, to more administrative pursuits like tax-keeping, act as a clerk, act as a judge, act as a baliff, hold council, to more agricultural pursuits like bee-keeping, cattle-raising, farm-management, hunting, animal-skinning, bird-plucking, to more military pursuits like commanding guerrilla troops, maintaining armour and military strategy. Though it is worth mentioning that just because she can do something, it does not mean she can do it as well as someone whose job is only that specific thing like a full-time farmer or woodworker.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and that this small essay shed some light on my character.

#tolkien oc #of lothrin #i really hope people enjoy reading this!#i really think it fleshes her out a little and sheds light on her character

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ibibli · 7 months

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Exploring the Wonders of Cosmetology

The art and science of enhancing and embellishing hair, skin, and nails is known as cosmetology. It is the study and use of cosmetic procedures to make people appear good as its goal. It has various branches for face, hair, body, and general health care and beauty therapy. Let us explore the branches and programs of cosmetology in this blog.

What are the Programs Involved in Cosmetology?

Hairstyling Program

Hair is the most essential accessory that can be donned according to the occasion you are involved in. It can make or mar the personality, thus, is an important part of cosmetology. Training in cutting techniques, scalp and hair care, the most recent haircut trends, and many other skills related to professional hairstyling are all covered in the hairstyling program.

Nail Care Program

All types of diseases are most observed through the nails. It serves as a biological function indicator. A few steps are implemented to maintain healthy nails, such as avoiding nail-biting, cutting nails straight across with only a slight rounding at the tip, using a fine-textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags, and keeping nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nails. The nail care programme in cosmetology includes in-depth lessons on all these steps in protecting nail health.

Wig Care Program

For many of us, wigs are an essential component of existence. By keeping all the insecurities hidden, confidence is boosted through wigs. Whether you have chosen a synthetic or real human hair wig, you'll need to clean it frequently with shampoo and conditioner made specifically for wigs. Your human hair wig needs regular maintenance to stay tidy, lustrous, and in good shape. Although wigs are identical to your hair in some ways, you must take certain additional procedures to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and continues to look beautiful. Therefore, this topic is covered in cosmetology classes where students are taught how to properly care for wigs, which are generally more delicate than genuine hair.

Makeup Artistry Program

Makeup is indeed a crucial part of everybody's life. It hides all our insecurities and works to enhance our confidence. Makeup is an art that can only be mastered through pure creativity and devotion. It is not a knack. This is why this part of the beauty industry is highly sought after when pursuing cosmetology. Most of the Beauty School Long Island train their students to get hands-on experience and enhance their skills.

Conclusion

Besides these skills, cosmetology students learn sales techniques, which are very helpful in generating more business and raising awareness among those considering cosmetic processes. Additionally, these students receive comprehensive guidance regarding health and safety regulations. These health and safety regulations are vital in educating aspiring cosmetologists about the dangers of handling delicate body parts, including skin, hair, and nails. Many of the mistakes in these procedures can damage the patient's health and destroy their self-confidence and appearance. If you are looking for Cosmetology Schools Long Island, opt for IBBI cosmetology programs, as they are a comprehensive design of all the beauty industry-related programs concerning hair, skin, and nails.

#barber training long island #barber training program near me #cosmetology schools near long island #infection control course long island #best cosmetology schools long island #barbering refresher course long island

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laceymorganwrites · 4 years

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Hell´s Bells: A concept

A/N: Long post ahead

Disclaimer: EVERYTHING IN THIS IS MY OWN HEADCANON; THIS REGARDS THE ISLAND; MY OCS AND THE PLOT AND RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS OF THE CANON STORYLINE

So, for a Long time I´ve had this idea in mind, About this Island in the OP world, where pirates come together to stuck up on supplies or work or live or just enjoy themselves. It´s Kind of like Beehive Island but not exactly in the vile sense.

See, Beehive Island is where the wretched reside, on Hell´s Bells however that´s different. Everyone Comes there, from Rayleigh over Whitebeard to Shanks and Mihawk, the Strawhats, the Supernovas, everyone.

The Island is in the New World and I imagine it Looks a bit like this: (I took all the pics from Pinterest and yes it does resemble Port Royal which is the Inspiration for Hell´s Bells)

On this Islands there are bars, a library, a Hospital, a weapon´s shop, Shops for Carpenters, Shops for scrap, for mechanics, Food markets, a Tattoo parlor and barber shop, candy shop, a shop with Maps and Navigation Utensils and anything else a pirate Needs.

In the most popular bar, the Kraken, legends meet up. Oftentimes Rayleigh, Scopper and other remnants of the Roger pirates reminisce and have a drink, Whitebeard´s Crew joins sometimes too. This bar is mostly a memorial for Roger and also decorated like this, with his wanted Posters on the walls and his favorite items on the menu.

Then there´s another bar, the Bloodfest, it sounds filthier than it is, Scarlet runs this bar. Here all Kind of Business is discussed. Kidd and Shanks first met in this bar and ever since meet there to discuss their alliance. Law meets up with the Strawhats there too for their alliance. But the revolutionaries are often there too. The Bloodfest has a wall for Jobs like a Guild, so travelers or citizens can go there to earn some extra Money (Though most of ist Content is from the citizens searching for a mechanic or Carpenter).

Of Course those aren´t the only bars where People meet up, in all of the other bars Friends meet to talk and have Drinks, but they don´t really differ from bars from other Islands.

The last bar I want to Mention though is the bar where Kidd´s band Stale Rose Play frequently, it´s the Rust. Despite ist Name it´s quite big, well, big enough for a small stage. The interior is very rustical, this is where the Music Scene (well, the rock and metal Scene) come to see concerts.

The Island has a local newspaper, the Hell´s Bells daily as well as magazines such as the Hell´s Belles (equivalent to those sexy women magazines), the Hell´s Boys (sexy men Magazine), infozines About all the important pirates old and new and gossip newspapers (the most popular being the Hell´s rumors).

The sexy magazines interior is Chosen and voted by anyone who reads the magazines. It changes Monthly and the Readers can create the poll of contenders as well as choose from it. That means not only pirates are in there, but also citizens (that hot shopowner with the huge tits, or that handsome mechanic with a godly behind), the marine (because yes, they were About to Arrest us but goddamn were they hot doing it) and the revolutionaries (because some People really wanna ride that Dragon).

Those are available in the library which is why the Building is so popular. Robin, Law, Nami and others interested in reading go to a quiet bar for that.

The Hospital like those in the real world are terribly understaffed, so doctors like Law, Chopper, Marco etc. help out on their stay.

And there a citizens on this Island too, just normal People Living there and pirates too can stay there longer and settle down when they want.

So the pirates who anchor on this Island can make Money too, for example Franky and Kidd go around Fixing the stuff of the citizens.

Now onto my OCs and the plot of this mess:

First up, my first OC ever: Ayumi.

Ayumi is the sister of Mihawk, she´s very Tiny (barely 5 feet) but badass. Like her brother she uses a Sword, she is even more intimidating than him and a lesbian. Her backstory summarized is: she wanted to Train with the Sword, her parents didn´t want that so her mother scarred her back as a lesson and she was thought dead, but her brother saved her by pushing her into the Ocean. From then on she travelled alone until she met Zoro (that was when he still was a Bounty hunter). They are like brother and sister and have a very close bond, she joined the Strawhats.

Ayumi is on Hell´s Bells whenever the Crew lands there, but they make sure it´s often since they all get to meet their Friends and Family there. Ayumi met her girlfriend there.

Scarlet:

Scarlet is a revolutinary and works as a barmaid on the Island. She is also the girlfriend of Ayumi. She has hiplong blonde hair and red eyes, hence the Name. She is rather tall for a Woman, 5´8 that is.

Evelyn:

Renowed pirate captain from the Old Generation. She settled down on the Island. She ran away from home at a Young age and tagged along with pirates like Roger and Whitebeard, srubbing their decks to make herself useful. In her time on those ships the crewmembers taught her how to fight and defend herself and they shared stories and became Friends.

Now the plots of Hell´s Bells:

Basically I want to write one oneshot of Ayumi x Scarlet, their first Meeting and such. Then I want to write one About ZoLaw (also their first Meeting) and one About Shanks x Mihawk.

Now I have a Reader insert in mind, it´s Kidd x Reader and you´re Scopper Gaban´s child, running a weapon´s shop on the Island

I would really love Feedback on this idea and if you like the idea after reading this or later the oneshots if I post them, I would like to hear your opinions. If you like this idea you can also request Things set on this Island.

#one piece #one piece imagine #one piece headcanon #op headcanon #one piece ocs #ocs #orignial character #op imagine #op #op hc #one piece hc #op ocs

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overlookedwwiimedia · 4 years

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Destination Tokyo (1943)

Basic Story: Based on a story by submariner Steve Fisher, the USS Copperfin picks up a meteorologist in the Aleutian Islands then heads to Tokyo Bay to gather weather information to aid the Doolittle Raid.

Fan Thoughts: Destination Tokyo is based on an original story by submariner Steve Fisher, following the fictional top-secret mission of the USS Copperfin to Tokyo Bay prior to the Dolittle Raid. The crew, led by Captain Cassidy (Cary Grant), departs on Christmas Eve from San Francisco to the Aleutian Islands to pick up meteorologist Lieutenant Raymond (John Ridgely). During the pick-up, the surfaced submarine is attacked by two Japanese planes, both are shot down but one pilot bails out. While attempting to pull him from the water, Mike Conners (Tom Tully) is stabbed by the pilot before Tommy Adams (Robert Hutton) can react. The language used when talking about the Japanese Army is very much a reflection of the times and something that would not be (and is not) acceptable today; in fact there is an entire scene dedicated to talking about how Japanese children are given knives and trained to be warriors at five years old. This is not entirely unexpected from a film made in 1943; heavily propagandized films about the war were just getting started during that time. Indeed the entire plot of the film is more or less an impossible mission yet at no point was I worried that they wouldn’t succeed. Leaving the Aleutian Islands behind, the USS Copperfin heads to Tokyo Bay to deploy a landing party to collect weather data to assist the Doolittle Raid. They sneak into the Bay by following a Japanese ship, unfortunately the shots using a model to show this make it appear as though Tokyo Bay is only about 100 ft deep which only emphasizes that a model is being used. This same issue reappears when they are under attack on their way home and dozens of depth charges are being dropped all around them. While most likely intended to make the audience think the sub was in danger, the small amount of damage done to the ship and the length of the scene makes it more monotonous than anything else. As a comparison, Das Boot (1981), uses fewer depth charges combined with a higher degree of damage and long stretches of silence to create real tension for the audience. While the action sequences could be better, there is an amount of humor in this that was unexpected but appreciated. Used as a way to get to know the crew, there’s a scene with a fake broadcast to prank Wolf (John Garfield), and another where ‘Cookie’ Wainwright (Alan Hale) is getting a haircut and keeps leaning away every time the barber goes to take a snip. With some good and some bad points, the film evens out to a decent watch from an early period of World War II.

Warnings: language regarding Japanese people

Available On: Amazon Prime, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube

#wwii #wwii movies #overlookedwwiimovies

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balisultans-blog · 4 years

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Why Men Don’t Dress Good?

Let’s face it. Most men are horrible at dressing themselves.

Most women on the other hand, have an intuitive sense of what looks good and are more open to trying different combinations to find the perfect outfit.

Why so many men have basically no style or dress sense remains a mystery. It’s a phenomena that could be explored in great depth, but perhaps not right now.

Instead, here are five simple tips for men to improve their style and dress sense.

Find Your Colours

Men often overlook the importance of colour when choosing clothes. It’s important to wear colours that compliment your skin, eyes and hair.

If you are unsure what colours suit you then a good place to start is with black and white. Generally black and white will suit anyone and everyone.

There is a process to find out what colours suit you. Although it does require a little bit of experimentation and intuition… and possibly a woman.

The Process

Find some material or a garment and hold it up to your face. Look in the mirror. Take a long look, how do you feel? Does it look “right”? Are you confused?

Repeat this process with multiple colours. If in doubt, call that woman that we talked about earlier, she will help you (yes, it can be your mum).

Eventually you will have a consensus. You will have a list of colours that work and a list of colours that don’t.

Now that you have found your colours it’s time to try them out with your black and white clothes. At first, introduce just one colour, perhaps a t-shirt?

See how it goes. What reactions do you get? How do you feel in this colour? Does it work with your other clothes?

By doing this experiment, you will train your mind to be more considerate about the colours that you introduce into your wardrobe. Your clothes will suit you better too.

Get Good at Combo’s

What the heck is a combo?

What I mean is, choosing clothes that compliment each other, with the goal of creating “A Look”.

We can either combine garments that match or garments that contrast.

For example

A black t-shirt and white trousers is a colour contrast combo.

Or we can take it a step further. A slim fit black t-shirt with baggy white trousers. This combo introduces a double contrast with fit and colour.

Likewise we could eliminate the first contrast and have a slim fit white t-shirt with baggy white trousers (a fit contrast with a colour match).

If you have a bright colour, try combining it with a dark colour or white. Black would be the obvious choice to combo a bright garment.

Really, it’s about being creative and judging for yourself whether a combo works. If in doubt always ask a woman, she will know.

Experiment with colours, patterns, fits, fabrics and whatever else you can think of.

Combo-ing patterns

The general rule is not to double combo patterns. It becomes “too much”. I mean imagine wearing polka dots and zig zags at the same time. A bit much…? Unless you want to be too much, that’s up to you.

You have to think about whether what you are buying will “go” with your other clothes.

If you always buy clothes that combo with your other clothes then you will have an exponential choice when it comes to what to wear and you will not have to worry too much about whether it “works” or not.

Shoes

Shoes are important apparently. Personally I like wearing flip flops most of the time but that’s because I live on a tropical island.

If you live in the real world then you will need to consider what shoes you wear with your outfits. Shoes can make or break an outfit so if you want to complete the look then put some thought in.

Clear Out Your Wardrobe

I would put money down that you have some clothes that you hate. You definitely have some clothes that you have outgrown and don’t even wear anymore.

Allow yourself to be consumed by hatred and cast out the perpetrators of your loathing.

If you want to dress well consistently then you will need to have a majority of quality clothes to choose from. It’s time to make more effort with the choice of clothes that you own.

The ideal scenario would be to have a wardrobe of clothes that you love and that all work well together. If that makes sense?

You want to love every garment and have every garment work with every other garment where possible.

Start by getting all of your clothes out. Pile them on the bed or floor. We are going to check every piece. Don’t worry this process will be fun. If you are not finding it fun. Call a woman to help you (Maybe not your mum this time?).

Now check each garment. Perhaps try it on, see if you love it. If you do then put it in the “keep” pile. If you don’t put it in the “charity” pile.

Yes! We are going to give your clothes to charity. You might have some clothes you want to sell or give to a friend too so you can obviously you can do that instead if you want.

You can also up-cycle your clothes by customising them or turning them into something completely new if you want. It’s totally up to you.

Now, you can put the clothes you are giving away in a bag. Then look at whats left, this is the beginning of your “new” clothes collection. Just the best stuff!

You may find that you now have hardly any clothes. I know when I did this the first time 80% of my clothes went out. It was worth it though I felt better knowing I love all my clothes.

Now you have more space to fill with some quality clothes that will take your style to the next level.

Get the Right Fit

Deciding on the fit of your clothes may seem like a strange concept. I mean surely it either fits or it doesn’t, right? Well… not quite.

Let’s say there are three main “fits” for clothing.

Tight

Regular

Loose

Maybe these are not the official terms but who cares? What’s important is getting a concept into your mind.

Tighter fitting clothes will show the shape of your body and can come across as confident and sexy; depending on your body shape.

Looser clothes can be seen as cool and casual and they can also be very comfortable.

The safest place to start is the regular fit clothes. This is an ideal middle ground where the clothes are not too tight and not too loose, they fit just right.

I would recommend buying some quality clothes that fit your physique perfectly. Then experiment with looser fit and slim fit clothes and see how you get on.

When it comes to the fit of clothes, it is a personal preference. I mean, do you want to show off your body or hide it? Looser fitting clothes will hide the shape of your body which may be what you want?

Experiment!

Have a Purpose

If you are painting your lounge then you aren’t going to be wearing your best clothes. Likewise, if you are attending your sisters wedding you aren’t going to be wearing your comfy’s.

Planning your new stylish clothing collection means being organised. Think about your lifestyle. Where do you go? Who do you spend time with? Who needs to be impressed?

Every garment you buy should fit a purpose. Keep this in mind. What is it for? When will you wear it?

I recommend you start by getting some classic essentials. This will become the core of your ensemble. You will be able to wear these in many scenarios.

You will need a few smart casual shirts and bottoms. Perhaps a couple of pairs of shoes. The goal is versatility.

You will need some casual clothes too so look into T-shirts and casual shirts that compliment your body.

Always have some smarter clothes too, for events and business. Focus on quality over quantity.

You will no doubt need a new suit at some point, so that needs to be considered too. Think about every scenario that might come along and then plan a suitable outfit for it.

For inspiration take a look at magazines and take note of what other men or celebrities are wearing. It will give you a clue as to what is trending. Consider following men’s fashion instagram pages.

Make a list of clothes that you like the look of. Over time you will amass a hypothetical collection. Then eventually you can make this into a reality.

Final Thoughts

The clothes you wear are not everything. Merely a part of a whole. There are other factors that are equally as important.

Remember to look after yourself. This is just as important as your clothes.

Always be clean, take a shower, avoid heavy perfumes, use fresh aftershave lotion or find a nice clean smelling perfume that suits your skin.

Look after your hair and beard (if you have one). Use a proper barber and find a haircut that suits your face. Keep your nails short and clean.

Look after your body. Have a work out routine. Eat healthy. Be humble. Smile in confidence. Walk tall.

In the end it all comes together. If you do all of these things you will be sure to leave a great impression.

Unfortunately people will judge the book by its cover. If you’re going on a first date or a job interview then having a clean and stylish look will help to win you a second round. The rest is up to you.

#styleinspiration #fashion style #tips and tricks #fashion #ethicalbrand #men style #men fashion #design #branding #mens wear #men stuff #mensfashion

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newstfionline · 4 years

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Headlines

Optimism fades that jobs lost to virus will return (AP) Nearly half of Americans whose families experienced a layoff during the coronavirus pandemic now believe those jobs are lost forever, a new poll shows, as temporary cutbacks give way to shuttered businesses, bankruptcies and lasting payroll cuts. It’s a sharp change after initial optimism the jobs would return. In April, 78% of those in households with a job loss thought they’d be temporary. Now, 47% think that lost job is definitely or probably not coming back, according to the latest poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That translates into roughly 10 million workers who will need to find a new employer, if not a new occupation. The poll is the latest sign the solid hiring of May and June, as some states lifted stay-at-home orders and the economy began to recover, may wane as the year goes on. Adding to the challenge: many students will begin the school-year online, making it harder for parents to take jobs outside their homes.

Watchdog to review conduct of federal agents in Portland, DC (AP) The Justice Department inspector general said Thursday that it will conduct a review of the conduct of federal agents who responded to unrest in Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C., following concerns from members of Congress and the public. The watchdog investigation will examine use-of-force allegations in Portland, where the city’s top federal prosecutor and mayor have publicly complained. In Washington, investigators will look at the training and instruction provided to the federal agents who responded to protest activity at Lafayette Square, near the White House. Among the questions being studied are whether the agents followed Justice Department guidelines, including on identification requirements and in the deployment of chemical agents and use of force. The investigation was announced amid ongoing chaos in Portland, where Mayor Ted Wheeler was tear-gassed by federal agents as he stood outside the courthouse there. Local authorities in both cities have complained that the presence of federal agents have exacerbated tensions on the streets, while residents have accused the government of violating their constitutional rights.

FBI interviewing Chinese visa holders across U.S. about possible military ties: Justice Department (Reuters) The FBI has interviewed visa holders it believes to secretly be members of the Chinese military in more than two dozen U.S. cities, the Justice Department said on Thursday. The department said it has arrested three Chinese nationals for visa fraud, while a fourth remains a fugitive staying at China’s consulate in San Francisco. The United States believes the four were members of China’s military posing as researchers. “In interviews with members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in over 25 cities across the U.S., the FBI uncovered a concerted effort to hide their true affiliation to take advantage of the United States and the American people,” John Brown, executive assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s national security branch, said in a statement.

The coming plastic-covered beach (Bloomberg) The annual flow of plastics into our oceans is on a trajectory to triple over the next 20 years, which could add up to 110 pounds of plastic trash for every meter of coastline worldwide, a new report finds. That path is not inevitable, however. The volume could be cut by 80%, the analysis found, by taking actions to reduce the growth of virgin plastic production, improve waste collection systems across the globe, and invest in the creation of plastic materials that are easier to recycle.

New York street partying fuels fears of coronavirus resurgence (The Guardian) Motorcycles revved, waiters served drinks, and food in busy outdoor street seating areas and, on the pavement, people gathered to sip to-go drinks. On Saturday night in Astoria, in Queens, it was almost as if coronavirus had never hit New York City. In April, the city was the center of the global coronavirus pandemic, with the daily death toll reaching almost 800 people at its height. But as cases of Covid-19 have steadied and lockdown restrictions have eased, this stretch of Steinway Street has emerged as an unofficial party street. But standing on the other side of the road from Mehmood in Astoria, outside a barber shop, Omar Melendez, 39, who has a newborn at home, said he was “living in fear”.

Thousands in Puerto Rico still without housing since Maria (AP) Nearly three years after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, tens of thousands of homes remain badly damaged, many people face a hurricane season under fading blue tarp roofs and the island’s first major program to repair and rebuild houses hasn’t completed a single one. Maria hit more than 786,000 homes on Sept. 20, 2017, causing minor damage to some homes and sweeping others from their foundations. A federally funded program administered by local officials carried out relatively small repairs to some 108,000 homes the next year, while churches and nonprofits patched up thousands with private funds. A Puerto Rican government program known as R3 is the first major effort by the U.S. territory to carry out major repairs and rebuilding of damaged and destroyed housing. Nearly 27,000 homeowners have applied. But nearly 1 1/2 years after federal funding was released to local officials, not a single repair or rebuilding job has been completed. For many Puerto Ricans, the program’s slow progress has become a symbol of their government’s inability to address the long-term effects of the disaster. “They talk about billions of dollars, but we’re not seeing it,” said Sergio Torres, mayor of the northern mountain town of Corozal. His municipality still has 60 homes with blue tarps as roofs and two families still living in school shelters. “It’s a way of life here.”

Latin America’s beach towns isolate themselves to keep the coronavirus out (Miami Herald) Before the pandemic, thousands of people left the capital city of Santiago, Chile, every weekend to head to Los Molles. They filled the hotels and bars run by the town’s 648 permanent residents. It was a reliable and amicable relationship: The tourists came for the beaches and laid-back fishing village vibes, and their spending fed the Los Molles economy. When coronavirus quarantine measures were announced, Santiago residents fled to their beach vacation homes midweek, hoping to escape a claustrophobic quarantine in the capital and relax in Los Molles. But they found flaming barricades made of wood and tires, billowing tar-thick smoke and blocking the highway entrances leading into town. If the flaming barricades didn’t get the message across, the volunteer guards let anyone who wasn’t a permanent resident know this wasn’t the time for a beach vacation and sent them away. Los Molles is among a handful of small tourist towns in Latin America that have decided on isolation to protect themselves against the coronavirus pandemic. Remote beach towns in Mexico have used the same strategy. Residents of these small communities say the measures have worked. Los Molles residents said that with community organizing they have avoided any infections as of late July despite being two hours outside Santiago, which is now a global COVID-19 hot spot.

Bolivia election delayed to October as pandemic bites (Reuters) Bolivia’s general election will be pushed back until Oct. 18 as the pandemic grips the South American nation, a move that could fan tensions between the interim conservative government and the socialist party of former President Evo Morales. The head of the electoral tribunal said on Thursday that the vote would be postponed from the previously scheduled Sept. 6 date to ensure the safety of voters, with hospitals and cemeteries straining under the impact of the virus. The vote is key to the political future of the Andean nation of 11.5 million people after a fraught election last year sparked widespread protests and led to the resignation of the country’s long-term leftist leader Morales.

Brazil reports record infections as coronavirus spreads to all regions (Washington Post) There was a time, weeks ago, when Carlos Renan dos Santos Evaldt allowed himself to hope. Much of Brazil was in varying states of chaos as the novel coronavirus devastated the country’s largest cities. But it had largely spared the wealthier, more developed south. But after a surge in cases and deaths, his city is considering imposing a lockdown. The pockets of Brazil that had been largely unscathed by the virus—the south, the vast central states—have been engulfed by it. The sheer relentlessness of the surge here underscores Brazil’s failure to quell the world’s second-worst coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday, Latin America’s largest country posted a record 67,860 new cases, bringing the total infected to 2.2 million, with nearly 83,000 dead. Both counts are second only to the United States.

Thailand protest movement puts country’s youth on collision course with military-backed establishment (CNN) Thailand’s student movement has reignited, as young people across the country defy threats from the military-backed government to take to the streets and call for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. In what was the biggest demonstration since the pandemic began, about 3,000 people gathered at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument on Saturday, according to organizers. They called for the dissolution of parliament, for the constitution to be rewritten, and for authorities to stop intimidating activists. Similar demands were made at smaller protests that sprang up in towns and cities across the country every day this week, with more planned for the coming days. The protests come after years of political upheaval marked by a military coup in 2014, followed by failed promises to restore democracy, and what activists say is a repression of civil rights and freedoms.

Iranian Civilian Jet Swerves to Avoid American Warplane in Syria (NYT) An Iranian passenger plane en route from Iran to Beirut swerved and dropped abruptly on Thursday to avoid a nearby American fighter jet, injuring several passengers before landing in Beirut. Videos broadcast by Iranian and pro-Iran Lebanese media, which said the footage was taken by passengers, showed a fighter jet flying alongside the passenger plane, operated by Mahan Air, a privately owned Iranian airline. Passengers then screamed as sudden turbulence seized the plane. In the aftermath, one video showed a passenger with his face and head bloodied, as well as a man lying down, apparently unconscious, while someone tended to him. Oxygen masks dangled overhead. Capt. Bill Urban, a spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, said in a statement later Thursday that an Air Force F-15 on “a routine air mission” near a small American military base in southern Syria had conducted “a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner.”

Israeli police use water cannons on protesters, arrest 55 (AP) Israeli police used water cannons to disperse protesters in central Jerusalem and arrested at least 55 of them as clashes broke out overnight after thousands staged a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israelis have held a series of demonstrations in recent weeks calling on Netanyahu to resign, citing his trial on corruption charges and his fractious unity government’s poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cut off from world, and virus, Gaza prepares for Eid like nowhere else (Reuters) Gazans are thronging beaches and crowding markets filled with holiday sweets and clothes as they prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha largely free of the coronavirus restrictions affecting the Muslim festival elsewhere. The 360 sq. km. coastal strip has had little access to the outside world for years due to an Israeli-led blockade which many Palestinians say is like living in permanent lockdown. No cases have been recorded in the towns and refugee camps where its two million Palestinian population live. The result is that Gazans are preparing much as normal ahead of Eid, which begins at the end of July, with few people wearing masks in shopping centers that are packed after sunset. “God protected us from the virus,” said Malkeya Abdallah, 62, as she relaxed on the beach near Gaza City.

#headlines #news

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