🫐🍋Hi! Call me Cae!🍋🫐 29/She/They fluffy Sergal| Welcome to my weird corner! | I write Peppino x Reader content| 💜Anxiety duo Cae and Peppino here too!💜
🫐Pull up a seat and peruse the crazy and weird content that comes out of my brain! Fic masterlist is linked below!🫐
🧀(Banner by Gabaobab)🧀
💜Icon by Pitzerrias 💜
💫Fanart of Cae or Cae+Peppino or fanart at all is ok with me lol💫
💜As mentioned above I go by Cae! Who is Cae? Good question! She's my lovely sergal lady and self insert. Sometimes she has a human form floating around also!💜
🫐🍋 🍋🫐
💜Come along and appreciate the anxious and angry duo with me! Usually I'll reblog/post my art commissions here💜
🫐There will be content meant specifically as Cae x Peppino fics sprinkled in here sometimes.🍋
Other Info
🍋This account is SFW but sometimes it can be suggestive! The most my easily flustered ass will probably manage writing is PG13🫐
🫐I enjoy writing, but it's very sporadic. Sometimes I can crack out a fic or two in a week, other times a month. Also, the scenarios I come up with are meant for my self indulgence but I change a few details or make them more general so others can enjoy them too🍋
I'm not a Tumblr expert so if stuff comes out formatted weird or something looks off that might be why 😅 I've been here a year and just learned recently I can do a Read More thing so there's not fuck huge walls of texts. So that'll be my next thing to fix up n apply to my fics
All my stories can be found in this Masterlist!
🍋🫐Since I've written more fics than I ever anticipated, let's make my blog more easy to navigate! You'll no longer have to scroll through my
I tag everything:
💜Cae/Caedrhnmar for my S/I, aka "The Lady" (Fluffy sergal!)🥰
💜Anxiety duo #CaePino or Cae x Peppino
💜And #Peppino x Reader for Y/N and Peppino fics. Aka the main stuffs of this blog
#🫐Bladezfics (All my fics) #🫐Bladezart (My art)
#🫐commission not my art (Commissions I've gotten from artists)
#🧀Cae Shorts Some art of Cae has a lil story attached
💀I don't take requests!
DNI List
⛔Standard DNI Criteria/Fuck off my blog if: Terf, Homophobic, Transphobic, Racist, Pedo, Zoo, Anti body autonomy, etc etc, aka don't be shitty. Also if your account mainly has H3lltaker content, or if you create H3lltaker x PT especially, you will be blocked. ⛔
Welp. Google's AI horseshit has arrived. And I'm not complying. They can pry my ID out of my cold dead hands. I will simply go elsewhere. Remember folks, DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR IDs. Do not comply. Resist, fight it, use other browsers or sources beyond youtube and google controlled services. Call them. Email them. Make noise. Fight back.
I've been using Google as my main mail service since 2006, and every single account or service I've ever signed up for was made with that address. For a long time I thought it'd be impossible to divorce myself from Google.
It took less than 5 minutes to switch to a ProtonMail account, less than 2 hours to download and/or offload every byte of data from my Google account, and less than 3 days to change every single account or service I've ever signed up for to the new address.
As of today, the only single one I have that's still tied to it is YouTube. It's the only thing I'd lose access to if I deleted my Google acount entirely.
They really, really want you to believe that it's a hassle to switch to a different email system. But it's not. Most websites and/or services allow you to change the email address associated with it.
I've been using Google for almost 2 decades and it only took a few days to move everything. It's not a painful sacrifice; it's an easy change that, frankly, has absolutely been worth it.
You can and should switch to a free, encrypted Proton email account. You also get all of the below perks. For free. There is no trick. It is paid for by the people with paying plans. I am one of them. The (completely functional) free tier is there to entice you into getting a paid account with even more perks. (It worked on me.) But there's no penalty or pressure for staying with the free account.
Also get your stuff off the google drive and put it on Proton's drive. It is encrypted. Only you with your password can access it. Not even Proton can see what you put in there.
I am slowly making the switch from google and other techs. Slowly switching to proton mail and services, browser to vivaldi, search engine ecosia, f-droid instead of the playstore, element x instead of discord, studying chinese since last year with superchinese, I want to buy a chinese phone without google or de google it somehow, or just buy a dumb phone.
INCREASE the pressure. Do not let these people sleep. Our voices need to resound in the minds of every corporate executive in every payment processing service.
I made sure to highlight SERVICE because what they do is a service
Call them. Email them. If you are a shareholder, attend their meetings and speak up. Do not accept half measures. Either they accept business from sex workers and porn sites and artists and authors and people of color and poor people around the globe, or they watch their business crumble.
Be polite. If you're rude, they'll hang up on you, and if you're rude and abusive, they may take other action.
Speak slowly and carefully, and ask a lot of polite questions, like "how do I effectively protest this decision" and "what department should I contact" and "who made these changes in policy" and "when can I expect changes more in line with public opinion?"
The person you call will have no idea. That doesn't matter. Maybe you get something like answers; maybe you don't. That doesn't matter.
Keep them on the phone - politely - for as long as possible. Most call centers expect most calls to be finished in under 30 seconds. If you can keep them on the line for a full minute, it disrupts their averages. If a hundred people keep them on the line for more than a full minute, it throws their KPIs for the week. Do it for a month or more, and they have to recalculate their time estimates - pay for more call receivers - and they hate that.
Which is how we got into this mess: Someone was willing to call them, over and over, for weeks on end.
KOSA/the kids online safety act has been reintroduced into legislature after it passed Senate last year and then got snubbed. It is not unlike the bill that just passed in the UK a few weeks ago. If you don't want what happened in the UK to happen here, now would be a good time to vocally oppose it.
Here is a petition that can be signed by Americans. Attached to the petition is an easy tool that allows you to call and leave messages for your representatives. I have already done so. You can also email your representatives by searching for their name, most have message submission boards as well. This thing died once, it can die again.
Please sign/share the petition and contact your representatives.
💙Written for PTSD Awareness Month and PTSD Awareness Day, June 27th💙
🫐Summary: It's Summer, Peppino grins (not) and bears it for your request to go to the beach. A chain of events leads to how you probably should've stayed home instead.
🍋Contains: Summer, PTSD triggered by heat and humidity, Y/N knows Peppino has PTSD, angst with comfort, mentions of blood and war.
While most people think of fireworks or maybe thunderstorms or *insert loud noise here* that trigger PTSD, there's so many other things that can and do. One example of a less common trigger is heat and humidity. Also it's not just war vets that can get PTSD. Anyone can and you may pass strangers day to day and never know it. As the saying goes, "Not all wounds are visible".
"I-a hate Summer." Peppino grumbled, carrying the cooler filled with water and snacks. Behind you, restless sea waves crashed into the warm sands before retreating once more. You had only stepped out of the car for a few minutes but you already were sweating from the oppressing heat.
"Sure the heat makes you lose your sanity, but we still can find things to do. Like, uh...going to the beach?" You added, albeit unhelpfully.
"Mm." He nodded absently, looping his arm through yours as you both made your way down towards the shore. Seagulls screamed overhead, diving then shooting back into the air. One broke away from the flock only to swing around in a tight loop above it's target.
You both walked down the sandy strip of beach, trying to spot some place to spread your towels out. There was already dots of colored cloth and umbrellas amongst the shore with others milling about for the best spots. Warm air carried hints of grilled meat from a distant bbq that mingled with the sea breeze.
In all fairness, you couldn't say this was your favorite season either. Usually you tried to stay indoors during the hot weather, blasting the air conditioning and judging anyone who'd willingly go outdoors in such unreasonable conditions. Like the Noise couple.
You badgered Peppino to go to the beach with you multiple times last week. He eventually gave in begrudgingly while you insisted this trip wouldn't be that bad. Which -now that you were here- you began second guessing this decision.
It's fine. It was fine. Peppino had said he was ok. You remind yourself, swallowing down the nagging thought in the back of your mind.
The tree nearby provided ample shade and you were far enough away from other beachgoers; them being mere dots in the distance. It seemed this would be a good place as any, you decided.
Towels were laid down beside each other with the cooler placed at your feet. Peppino staked the umbrella into the sand and, once it unfurled, became a vibrant canopy of shade.
Once you finished applying sunscreen your eyes flicked up to meet Peppino's. You offered him a small smile, which he returned although strained. He looked tired. You knew he hadn't been sleeping well since the days began to grow hotter.
"Hey, let's go down into the water for a bit and cool off." You urge, taking his hand. As you rise to your feet Peppino threads his fingers with yours, letting you guide him more than walk with him down to the shore.
The water was refreshingly cool against your skin as you waded into the ocean. You had already wandered out further, looking back at Peppino every so often. You would wave and he would mimick the gesture. Peppino had decided to remain closer to the shore, reclining in the sand instead as the waves sprayed and rippled across him.
A gentle tickle of the sea breeze brushed across your skin, sending pleasant shivers down your spine as the sun warmed your back. You took a deep breath and dove under the crystal clear water, feeling your stress melt away. You hoped he felt the same way.
Peppino wasn't fine. Deep down you knew he didn't want to be here and he just decided to grin and bear it for your sake. Something told you it wasn't that he just didn't like the beach.
When you resurfaced you scanned the horizon, noting a small ship bobbing in the waves. You floated in the water, losing track of time as you simply enjoyed the serenity of the moment.
After a while, you retreat back to the shore, collapsing back onto the towel to catch your breath. You briefly sit up to glance in Peppino's direction, his damp skin glistening in the sunlight. Currently he was still sitting just close enough to where his legs rested in a shallow pool of water.
He'd come back up here soon, you tell yourself, rolling part of the towel under you as a makeshift pillow. While you wait you settled back onto your towel, letting the sound of waves crashing against the shore lull you into a nap.
* * * *
Peppino blinked slowly, coming out of his trance. How long had he been sitting here? He brings a hand up to rub the bleariness from his eyes, wincing as he's reminded his hand was just in salt water. With a grumble he sat up before rising to his feet, searching for the familiarity of your umbrella. There was a sinking feeling in his gut which he pushed down, wiping his palms on his shorts.
Peppino didn't know when his legs started to carry him or even where he was going. The sand crunching under his feet felt sharp and was blazing hot. He shuddered, memories flooding back as a sense of malaise washed over him.
Sweat drenched his face and body, a feeling he became increasingly aware of. The stickiness made his stomach turn. A high pitched buzzing begun to sound, making his breathing to hitch. Peppino tried covering his ears as it grew louder but to no avail.
It felt like his breaths were being violently punched out of him before he could finish taking one in.
His chest was pounding. Then he couldn't fill his lungs.
Gunshots started firing.
Silhouettes formed and begun moving within the smoke in the distance. Peppino couldn't see their uniforms but can tell by their movements that those figures weren't his comrades.
You need to get out of here right now or else. Or else what? He doesn't know. But it's bad. Really bad. Peppino screwed his eyes shut, trying to refocus. When he opened them again his throat dries with dread.
Blood? Why is there blood on the ground?
Darkness was encroaching from all sides in his field of vision. Nothing else exists as the rest of his world melts away, leaving only this overwhelming sense of wrongness. His knuckles became white clutching his pant leg, breath becoming staggered and fearful.
A body crumpled to the ground nearby making Peppino recoil. His gaze lowers to their lifeless eyes. Blood froths from their throat and seeps into the dirt.
Peppino jerks his head up at the screams of the wounded. The land was strewn with dead bodies, bodies of the defeated army. Few survivors.
He needs to get away. Why can't he leave? He's frozen to the spot.
Leave. The buzzing voice repeated. Get out of here. Where is he? His eyes dart back and forth for an escape. Any kind. Was the enemy waiting for them under the cover of the chaos? Were his squadmates killed or taken as hostages?
Peppino's eyes snap up to the sky. Fire plumes in the horizon and bullets pepper the sky. A roar ripped across the landscape, a body surged through the air with a rattled yell before slamming back to the ground.
He struggled to move until he realized another explosion was imminent, snapping him out of his daze.
A trench.
Peppino staggered as he instinctively ran, diving for cover. Someone’s hands were on him, pushing him down. The trench walls were ruined as well, boards were broken from gunfire and explosives. Somebody was yelling. Another was screaming.
A man convulsed violently before tumbling into the ditch and going still. Peppino's eyes flash up, wide with horror.
The trench was filled with bodies covering the ground. Curled up, shot, stabbed, and worse. Some slowly writhed in anguish in their last moments.
A bullet strikes the side of another's head and he falls beside his dead counterpart. The smell of metal sends Peppino retching as blood poured from gunshot wounds that pooled at his feet.
Peppino's throat constricts and his legs give out.
* * * * *
A roar of a helicopter overhead forced you to crack your eyes open and tilt your head upwards, seeking it out. You find it, watching the aircraft make a beeline to it's destination. As it becomes a mere dot in the skyline your eyes trail down the shore.
You blink, searching for where Peppino was as you take a sip of water. Unable to find him at first glance you rub at your eyes before scanning through the beach more slowly.
Where did he go?
Growing concern etches your face as he was no where to be seen. Your heart starts to pound and beats faster as you grow frantic, sitting up straighter in your chair.
The gears begin to turn as you became too aware of the choking heat, how poorly he's been sleeping, how-
"...the heat makes you lose your sanity..." the words rattle cruelly in your head.
A cold wave washes over you. Oh fuck. You bolt upright, scrambling to your feet as your head begins to whip in every direction.
Something was off this morning with him, you knew it despite Peppino waving you off. You suggested maybe you do this trip next week or some other time but he insisted against it.
Desperately you search the shoreline.
Not there.
You feel unnaturally heavy but you urge yourself forward, your legs pulling you aimlessly. Once more your eyes cut back through the throngs of people. Not there either.
Peppino had silent responses. Especially today you could immediately sense it in him. You felt it forming within him as the temperatures climbed higher throughout the month.
This was a mistake.
You sensed it the moment you were getting into the car. How he hadn't responded right away -or at all- how his arms were tensed on the steering wheel the entire drive. Despite blasting the A/C in the car his face told of all the stress and anxiety building.
You lost track of how many times you scanned the beach. Each time clinging to the hope he'd be standing somewhere in the distance.
You shouldn't have let Peppino push himself to do this.
Narrowly you avoid running into a tree, veering to the side at the last second. You gasped as your foot twisted awkwardly on a root as your stomach did a flip, and you found yourself face down in the sand.
The sand stings your eyes and you let out a frustrated groan. You sputter, hurriedly wiping your face.
Then you hear labored breathing nearby.
It was by another tree in a shallow ditch that you found Peppino. Curled up, hugging his knees to his chest, eyes wet with unshed tears. His eyes were wide but glazed over, his hands trembling. Your heart was breaking at the mere sight of him.
You approach him and stoop beside Peppino, gently nudging him with your hand. He recoils violently, causing you to as well and fall backwards.
“It’s okay. It’s just me.” You say softly as you regain your bearings and pause, recalling something. "It's me, Y/N. You're on the beach. You're safe".
For a moment a sense of clarity blinks into his eyes. Peppino can't speak over the nausea, instead chosing to squeeze his eyes shut. He can’t open his eyes and face you right now, unable to bear the idea of pity or questions.
Your stomach is tying itself in knots at his inner turmoil. You nudged his hand, pushing the water bottle into it. Suddenly he was thirsty, his throat feeling so dry, and he drank. Letting the cold liquid sooth his tight throat.
“I’m here.” you murmur. Tears welled in Peppino's eyes, betraying the resilience he tried to maintain. Never being able to fully escape that place that made him relive these moments.
You don’t say anything more -just pull him into your arms, holding him close. Instinctively he clung to you, with you muttering "you're okay...you're safe..." repeatedly. His voice was strained and his body trembling as you run a hand down his arm.
Peppino's hand finds yours, lacing your fingers together as he tightening his grip. It was as if he were grounding himself, anchoring to your touch. You sat patiently with him, losing track of how long you remained like this as his breathing gradually evens out.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered.
You shook your head, joining him in looking out at the horizon. “There's nothing to be sorry for. Do you wanna talk about it"?
"It's just...it's a lot".
"Well, start at the beginning? You should probably talk about it. You know you can trust me." You urged, scooting closer to him as you gingerly ran a hand up and down his back.
Peppino's shoulders sagged, knowing you were right. So, he started from the beginning. Keeping his gaze forward.
"The past two weeks have been hot and sunny and everyone is happy, they say 'go outside you'll feel better! The weather is great you'll feel-a great. It can't-a be that bad." Peppino's tone turned dark, "How can this-a beautiful weather *possibly* make you feel bad, right"?
And you listened. You waited through every silence, no matter how long. You stayed, holding yourself close to him.
"I-a feel hot, it's suffocating. When it's humid like this I feel...I feel trapped. It-a reminds me of when..." he trailed off, taking a deep gulp of water. "Just-a the usual, you know. Re-living the service".
Peppino trailed off, eyes downcast. For a moment you assumed he wasn't going to say anything more. Then you hear him sigh quietly and clear his throat.
"I-a get nightmares, sometimes they get-a bad".
“How long have you been having them?” You asked.
He shrugged. “Ever since I got out, I guess. Years. They’re not frequent. Be glad you've not-a dealt with me having one".
“Are they always the same"?
Peppino nodded, "More or-a less".
"When I came back home, from there, I was paranoid. Always watching my back. Clear skies gave me anxiety. They remind me of-a when most air strikes happened. It took years for me to get over that. My Ma kept-a pushing me to take meds or-a talk to a therapist when I first-a got back but I- I didn't".
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sometimes she'd wake up in the middle of-a the night and I'd be standing by-a the window. Thinking..." he drew in another shaky breath, "Someone was gonna kill me. She had to persuade me to go back to sleep, reminding me that no one was-a out there, that I was safe".
Peppino briefly ducked his head to the side. You watch as he brings a hand up to wipe at his face with a shuddering breath. When he spoke again it was barely above a whisper. "I've been like this ever since. It's like a part of me will always be trapped back there".
"You're not alone. You know that right?" You ask, looking into his eyes.
Peppino shook his head. "It's-a not something you can help me get over. It's not like a cold. I'll always-a be like this. Have...these moments. There's always gonna be something wrong with me ".
"I might not be able to get rid of them but I can be there for you. Like, when it happens, I can do what I can to help".
Peppino made an incoherent sound as he stared forlornly at the shore. " 'M sorry." He murmured, leaning his head against yours.
Your hand drifts to his, giving his a gentle squeeze, "Don't be".
The sun had dipped below the horizon, the sky now painted in crimsons, purples, and pink. Neither of you said anything, instead you leaned against each other as you wordlessly noted the few stars shining overhead.
"I-a know you wanted to do this-a trip. I don't-a hate the beach. I just...hate everything-a else." Peppino said softly.
You hummed, his hand settling over yours. "What if we come back when it's cooler out? Like in fall?" You purse your lips, "Less crowds, too".
A smile gently spreads across his face, "I would-a like that". His thumb traced slowly over your knuckles.
"I love you." He says, voice barely audible over the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline. You brush the grains of sand from his cheek with your thumb and he leans into the touch.
Before you could respond, Peppino leaned in, catching your lips in a kiss. It was soft, almost tentative.
When he pulled away you rested your forehead against his. “I love you too,” you murmured.
hey uh new type of ao3 spam comment just dropped. (I know it's spam because the fic they left this comment on . doesn't have chapters. lmfao). Report this kinda comment as spam and don't take it personally it is literally recycled bullshit
Also y'all this really ties into how impactful comments are and why it's so encouraged to leave comments and leave NICE ones. If I hadn't known this was spam, and if I'd gotten this on my currently-updating fic, it would've crushed me and likely convinced me to never update again. Adversely, even one nice comment from someone is enough to motivate me to write and share more. If you read a fic you liked, tell the author that! If you're reading an unfinished fic, leave a comment to say you're excited for more, or comment throughout chapters even! It really is so easy and quick to do, and it's not only nice but it can also completely alter a writer's motivation and inspiration
Fanfic writers, please be aware that for some reason having bots spam fics with negative comments is a thing now. Not sure what anyone gets out of spreading misery, but just know it's not anything to do with your fic. I got one that was like, "This fic is a delight ... just kidding, it's unfunny and tedious." It was very clearly unrelated to the content of the fic but for someone else it might have been heartbreaking.
what i've heard about this sort of thing is that fics that have been deleted are harder to prove the provenance of, thus making them easier and safer for AI generators to scrape for their data sets
they're trying to encourage you to delete/orphan your fics so you can no longer prove that they're YOURS
Signal boost for all writers in my network. If the comment mentions no specific details about your fic, assume it's a bot post, delete it, and keep writing your great works. Also tell your friends about this and let's keep our space on AO3 as awesome as it is.
Summary: It's a hot day out. The birds are singing, everyone's sweating. What started as just a BBQ between you, your friends, and your boyfriend turns into Noistte inviting you both for a double date to try new things.
Contains: Hosting a BBQ, Mysterious Glitter Drink: At my cookout? It's more likely than you think, Slice of Life, Fluff, Double date with The Noise and Noisette, Eating Icecream in unsafe places (Is that a reference to- yes. Yes it is.) Camping.
You were seated at the table, head resting in your arms. Your stomach growled once more as the aroma of flame-grilled meat drifted towards you. You can hear it sizzling on the grill and the steak fat dribbling and hissing as it falls onto the grill.
Beyond the grill and table The Noise and Noisette were playing a game of…what ever they were playing, away from the food. It looked like a cross between dodge ball but with a rock and tennis rackets. You had declined to join them earlier, instead offering to help Peppino as the couple found a suitable spot in the backyard.
As you head back inside your home, cooler air greets you briefly while retrieving the potato salad from the fridge and head back outside. You set the bowl on the picnic table along with a serving spoon before dipping back into the house once more.
Noisette oversaw the drinks, volunteering to bring something since Peppino and you invited the couple for this get together. She brought three gallon jugs, each filled with a different mix with Noise insisting that you both try the lemonade she made.
On the other hand, The Noise brought several bags of chips that he unceremoniously dumped onto the kitchen counter. Peppino had inspected a particularly fancy looking bag but before he could ask what it was The Noise cut him off, hitching his chin as he stated those were artisanal.
Burgers were being flash-fried while moisture from the mushroom and onion fizzled on hot charcoal. At this point your mouth was watering with anticipation of salty meat as you return to the table with your homemade BBQ sauce. The pungent and savory scent of chili, vinegar and cayenne peppers assault your senses and you take a seat once again near Peppino while you waited.
He layered the burgers onto a plate before passing it to you. You set the pile of meat near the packs of buns and condiments and the platter of seared zucchini and corn.
"The steaks are almost-a perfect medium rare. Get the plate ready, amour".
You grab the larger platter, standing in place as Peppino heaps the steaks onto it. You fought the urge to draw back as a dot of hot grease splattered onto your arm. "So….what do we do if someone wants a well done steak"?
Peppino glances up to stare at the Noise couple, the corner of his lip twitching into a smirk as the rock collided with Noise's ankle.
"You tell them politely yet-a firmly to leave". Peppino nodded, returning his gaze to yours
You blinked, quirking a brow, "Really"?
"No not-a really! You tell that degenerate to get off-a my property"!
You chuckle but are cut short by a shriek and instead draw your attention back to the couple who had stopped their game. Noisette was currently stooping next to The Noise, inspecting his leg as he whined.
"Go ahead and set-a these on the table amour, I'll-a get the plates." Peppino wiped his hands with a nearby washcloth, giving you a peck on the cheek as he walked off.
"Che cazzo stai facendo?! Would-a you both quit with that damn game! I told-a you one day you're going to break-a something!" You hear him snap at Noise. What he had said in reply you weren't entirely sure, but it caused Peppino to roll his eyes as he disappeared in the house.
Noisette's eyes lit up as she caught you looking at her. You grimace as she yanks Noise to his feet, pulling him by the wrist to your table.
"I can't wait to try your sauce Y/N, it's smells amazing!" Noisette babbles, helping herself to another refill from the purple tinged jug. You were about to protest you didn't want the same but a glare from Noise made the words die in your throat.
You looked down at cup Noisette set in front of you with a creeping dread. It sloshed carelessly for a moment before settling again. You tried to fight the urge to make any expression. Dear God why was there glitter in it? Not only that, but you swore the drink had the exact hue as the liquid cough syrup in her medicine cabinet.
Before Noise could pour the drink into your mouth for you, you pick up the cup and take a small sip. A sweetness drenched your mouth with just a hint of tartness as you swallowed the concoction. Your eyes widened, "Holy shit this is amazing! What's in it"?
"Mhm!" Noisette beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "Lemonade with prickly pear syrup and edible purple glitter"!
"You and your-a damn glitter." Peppino scoffed, making you jump as a stack of paper plates were abruptly set on the table. "You have to try this Pino!" You shoved your cup in front of him, urging him to try it.
He shot you a dubious look, squinting down at the liquid. Should he trust you on this? This time, yes. However it wasn't put passed Peppino that Noisette had made equally unpleasant concoctions, ones she had you try, that you wanted to share with him so you both could be mutually disgusted. Instead, Peppino drew in a deep breath, ignoring your expectant gaze. "You first".
"I just had a sip!" You retorted.
Peppino rolled his eyes, "Well do it again so I can-a see".
Your eyelids droop before making a show of putting more of the drink into your mouth before swallowing it. Peppino watched for any hint of disgust that etched onto your features. Finding none, he finally relented.
As he downed the remainder of the liquid Peppino looked once at the drink in surprise, then back to you wordlessly.
"Right?" You reply, helping yourself to another cup before Noisette filled one for him as well.
Once everyone had their drinks, no time was wasted as everyone helped themselves to the assorted meats and side dishes. Conversation flowed in and out between bites of food as everyone savored the flavors.
Noise grumbled something as took his napkin to wipe sweat off the back of his neck. "Heya Italian man, you mind sittin' here? Your ass might cover half th' yard and we won't sweat to death".
"Oh fuck-a you Noise!" Peppino snapped, throwing a bone at him. It bounced off of Noise's head with a satisfying clack followed by him yelping in pain.
While the two began trading insults you cast a sideways glance towards Noisette and pursed your lips. Her sunglasses perched on her nose though you could tell she wore a contemplative look. She'd fallen silent for a while, sipping her drink. You knew that expression. She was observing. Waiting. Planning something.
"We should plan a double date!" Noisette exclaimed, you reel back out of the way as her hand nearly smacked you in the face.
Noise's insult died on his tongue, his mouth hanging slightly open as he turned towards her. Peppino blinked, sighing quietly, thankful The Noise finally shut up. Both now had their eyes drawn to her.
Noise furrowed his eyebrows, "Babe you don't seriously mean-"
She held up her hand to shush her boyfriend. "Well why not? Y/N when did you last go camping"?
"Uh…it's been a while." You twist the napkin in your lap anticipating where she was going with this.
She nodded to Peppino, "And what about you?"
"Uh…years ago?" Peppino replied.
"So what if we all go camping together! Come on it'll be fun"!
"But babe!" Noise whined, newfound indignation in his voice, "We were supposed to go alone and-"
"Theo nothing will change! It's not like Y/N and Peppino are going to be sleeping with us! They'll have their own tent"!
Oh my. You sink low into the chair, looking at Peppino who was making a face as they bickered.
"You guys should come with us!" Noisette smiled, "Do you guys have a tent"?
"Y-yes. In the attic." Peppino replied. You shot him a look that all but conveyed your own silent question of "We do"?
"Great!" Noisette brightened, "We can go get ice cream then go camping!"
"Don't you mean eat ice cream while camping?" You asked.
"No!" She leaned closer to you and whispered "I know a place that all the cool people go to to eat it".
You wonder why exactly you'd care about being cool, you wrinkle your nose at the sweat you wipe from your neck. Unless she literally means cool.
"We'll pick you guys up tomorrow! And now that that's settled…" Noisette helped herself to another bite of her burger, "Someone pass me the BBQ sauce"?
* * * * *
Sunlight shone brightly through the gap in the curtain. When you checked the clock it read ten fifty three. You both had made sure to eat something before this camping trip before the chaotic couple would be by at eleven.
A thud from over your shoulder has you turning your head with a quirked eyebrow. Peppino had, in his arms, a particularly large something he was lugging through the living room.
"What is that?" You ask, hurrying to help him steady the object at it's opposite end.
"It's-a worth it," He wheezed, "Trust me".
Instead of pressing the issue -you narrowly miss hitting the corner of the wall- you help Peppino prop it up against the wall. Only just as soon as he had set that down Peppino retrieved another bag.
"I-a feel like we're going to regret this…" Peppino groaned, setting the last of the camping supplies by the door.
"How bad can it really be?" You reply idly.
You both let out a shriek, shooting upright as a car abruptly starts honking loudly, as if it was right at the front door.
Peppino regained his composure, his eyelids drooping as he gave you a pointed looked. "Do I-a really need to give examples mi amour"?
"Ok so they're a little obnoxious-"
Another round of beeps began again.
Just a little. You tuck your lower lip in while Peppino's lips turned into a fine line as he said nothing. He sucked in a deep breath then let it out slowly.
"That's-a it, I'm-a bringing my-a migraine pills." he said, stalking off towards the bathroom. A few containers rustled followed a cabinet squeak and click shut.
The relentless serenade to you finally stopped as you swung the front door open. The vehicle was been backed into the driveway, trunk already open, with Noisette standing beside it beaming as you and Peppino stepped outside. You both grimaced as you crossed the threshold from a perfectly reasonable temperature to irrational heat.
"Hi Y/N! Mr. Peppino! I don't know if it's Summer or we woke up in hell!" She cackled.
"Please tell me you have the bug spray." You reply, tugging your luggage down the steps.
"Uh huh!" Noisette hummed, helping you hoist your belongings into the car. "I brought store bought, lemon eucalyptus, and a flamethrower"!
Your eyes widened as you nearly drop your bag. "What was that last one"?
"Lemon eucalyptus?" She smiles sweetly at you.
"Hey!" Noise shouted, ducking his head out of the car window, "Less talking we're burning daylight"!
* * * * *
Noisette chattered excitedly as Noise exited your driveway and was turning out onto the main road. In hindsight you wondered if it would've been better if the Noise couple and you and Peppino took seperate vehicles.
The car lurched forward, knocking you into a backward slide. Peppino wrapped is arm around your shoulder glaring at Noise's reflection in the rear view mirror. In the next moment Peppino shot you a look that could only convey "I hope we don't regret this".
"Just don't tell anyone! Me and Theo go there all the time"!
"Noisette, really, who would we tell?" You reply dryly.
She hitched her chin. "People".
The light changed green and Noise pressed down on the gas pedal, turning you onto the highway entrance. Buildings and scenery blurred by. To pass the time Noisette opted to have everyone take turns listing off their favorite food or drink before switching to "I spy".
In the distance you read obnoxiously flashing lights with the words "NTV", drawing nearer as Noise shifted into the turn lane for the building. The car slowed to a halt, Noise shifting it into park before cutting off the engine. "We have arrived!" He proudly announces, unbuckling the seatbelt. You shoot him a questioning look, watching Noisette and him begin getting out of the car. "Why are we at your job"?
"Tch. Because we're getting ice cream, remember?" Noise retorts tapping his temple as if making total sense. "Now come on, slackers".
As you and Peppino both get out of the car, Noise guides you through the building into an elevator. You watch as he presses the button to the top floor, feeling the elevator leap upwards.
A cool rush of air greets your face as the doors slide open, with Noise continuing to motion you both to follow him to the opposite, dimmer part of the hallway.
It was roped off with multiple signs saying “Under Construction,” “Do not enter.”, and “Hard hat zone.” Noise simply lifted one of the tape lines up, stooping into a mock bow with a flourish of his hand. “Ladies first".
Noisette hummed happily and ducked under the rope, disappearing into the darkness. You and Peppino pause with a frown at Noise. "Where are we going anyway?” Peppino asked.
Noise chuckled, “Me and 'ette do this all the time, quit worrying and start climbin' ".
Noisette poked her head back out from the door, "Come on! You guys are so slow!" before disappearing once again. A creaking sound echoed, steadily traveling upwards and growing fainter.
Your shoulders sagged as you resigned to this fate. Pushing the door open the rest of the way revealed nothing of what lay beyond, just complete darkness.
With tentative steps you duck under ropes and tape. The air smelt stale and had a heaviness to it you immediately noticed as you crossed the threshold. Beyond that however the room was abandoned and dim. As it turned out it wasn't completely pitch black in here. There seemed to be very faint sunlight coming from somewhere up above along with overhead skylights that cast a pale light over the area.
Old floor tiles were ripped up in some places while others had patches of newer, fancier tiling. Wooden planks were stacked high against one wall and dusty tarps were strewn about.
Behind you, you felt Peppino's hand brush against yours as he followed close behind. Your stomach lurched uneasily.
Noise tossed his head to the side, gesturing towards the stairs. Without another word he strides passed you, beginning his own ascent. Without much left to do, you take a tiny step forward only to gasp as you feel a hand on your shoulder, pulling you back. "Let-a me go first." Peppino whispers.
He cautiously stepped on each board before putting his weight on them. "This seems unsafe. Though I shouldn't be surprised since this is-a your idea." Peppino grumbles at Noise's back.
Noise snorted, “You’re fine, trust me!” He then suddenly spun on his heel to lean over Peppino, bringing them practically nose to nose, one corner of his lips twitching up into a manic grin, “You do trust me, right"?
You swallow a yelp as you stagger at the abrupt stop, nearly missing your footing.
Peppino shot him a dull look, "Honestly? No. I-a don't".
As if on cue, Noisette shouted something from above. An object blurred past you and clattering from below could be heard a heartbeat later. You guessed it was most likely broken shards of a step that had just crumbled under her not seconds ago.
Peppino trained a glare at Noise. "You're going to get us-a killed." He hissed.
"Quit. Worrying. We've been doin' this for months. We know where not to step. What ever that was, was not a step." He replied matter of factly, hitching his chin.
Right.
You glanced over the railing towards the floors beneath that you already climbed. It may as well have been a gaping black void, with the complete absence of light down below.
"So…" you drawl, avoiding a foot sized hole in the next step, "You said you've been doing this for months. How long has this been under construction? And what is this supposed to be when it's done"?
Noise glanced down -over Peppino- at you briefly. "About eight months now." He replied, annoyance evident in his tone. "We haven't seen the construction crew for a while since their paperwork and licenses are on hold". He scoffed, "It's supposed to be- " Noise shook his head, turning to the side to cough, "You know what? Until it's built, you'll just have to wait n' see for yourself".
Finally you had made it to the top of the stairwell where a door leading outside lay at the end of the hall. Noisette was bouncing on the balls of her heels excitedly as you came into view. "Finally! You guys took forever!" A mock exasperated sigh escaped her lips.
As you all gathered at the door you wondered what mess awaited beyond. With a click and a tug of the handle you threw your hands up over your eyes.
A warm breeze greeted you as you stepped into the patch of daylight streaming in through the opening. You pause for a second to squint against the brightness that blinded you as you passed over the threshold.
Through the brightness you felt a hand find yours and gently guide you onto the outer walkway. You knew it was Peppino without needing to see, recognizing the shape and roughness of his hand. Now that your eyes had adjusted you could make out his silhouette against the sun. Beyond him however, the sight made your eyes widen slightly.
You can see everything for miles and miles. Peppino squeezed your hand gently in reassurance -though you were unsure if it was for him, you, or for you both- as he followed closely behind The Noise and Noisette. The woosh of air from this height was forceful enough that you pressed into the stony wall for extra security. For a moment a wave of vertigo washed over you as you peered below, causing you to inch even further back from the ledge.
As you and Peppino eased down to take a seat close to the ledge you both looked to the couple still standing. Seemingly pleased with this, you watch as the pair head back towards the exit.
"Alright both of you sit tight, we'll be right back." Noise called over his shoulder as he made a grab to open the door.
"Wait where are you going?" You call after him, to which Noise shoots you look, quirking an eyebrow. "To get the ice cream. The reason we're up here". With that, the door swung shut after the couple.
As you wait for their return you make yourself comfortable, opting to avoid letting your legs dangle over the precipice. Barring the fact one wrong move would have you free falling into an early grave, the view from up here was nice.
Down below you watched in fascination at all the cars and people milling about in all directions. Further beyond lay the expanse of parking lots, brimming with cars that shimmered under the afternoon sun.
Peppino draped an arm around your shoulder before pulling you closer. You leant your head against as you take in the clouds hovering overhead just out of reach.
"I-a still can't believe he talked-a us into being up here." Peppino mumbled, keeping as far away from the ledge as possible.
You let out a small laugh. He slowly pulls away from you and the two of you stare at each other, taking in each others features. Peppino smiles softly at you, reaching his hand out to cup your face. In response you move to rest your hand on top of his.
"What-a crazy bastard actually comes up here?" Peppino said but was cut short by the sound of the door.
"You're looking at 'em!" Noise crowed, proudly hitching his thumb to his chest. Noisette was following close behind him, multiple plastic wrappers in hand and nodding enthusiastically at his statement. You pull away from your boyfriend with a roll of your eyes. Crazy didn't begin to describe the pair.
"We brought the goods!" Noisette sang, holding out two popsicles for you each to take.
Peppino tore open the wrapper first, tentatively popping the treat into his mouth. You watch him make a face as he inspected the aqua colored popsicle. "Why is it just-a salty"?
"It's salty and sweet!" Noisette retorted. You quirk a brow, following suit as you shoved the wrapper into your pocket. The flavor at first made you balk but once you got used to the saltiness there were faint hints of vanilla.
"Yeah this isn't my preferred flavor either." You agree, "What ever this is".
Noisette eased down to sit on ledge as well beside The Noise, crossing her dangling legs at the ankles.
"Be grateful Noisette didn't make Pepto-Popsicles." Noise replied, taking a bite out of the frozen treat.
"They'd be great for an upset stomach!" Noisette snapped.
"With all the fucked up shit you make, yeah probably." Noise mumbled. Although not quietly enough as Noisette narrowed her eyes and shoved his shoulder. "Theo I will push you off this ledge"!
You nearly lose the popsicle over the precipice, but managed to get it back in your grip once more. The couple's bickering became background noise as the breeze whistled past your ears.
A warm breeze picked up. You close your eyes, simply basking in the light. Every so often you'd tilt your head, joining in the conversation with the couple or with Peppino. The time was lost on you, your only measure of it being from how the sun was now on it's slow descent. If you gave it another half hour it would be dipping behind tallest building in front of you.
Ignoring the looming danger of falling you could see yourself doing this again. Another stronger breeze sent you backwards this time, a cold spike lurched into your stomach as you -thankfully- were shoved opposite of the ledge.
Actually, no, scratch that, you shake your head. Once was enough. You'd didn't quite have a wish to become pavement paste.
"Alright enough of this. Let's get going, no way in hell I'm setting up a tent in the dark." Noise interrupted, slowing getting to his feet and stretching.
* * * * *
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, dappling the forest floor with patches of warmth. The chirping of birds and the gentle babbling of a nearby river formed a symphony that echoed throughout the woods.
You muttered to yourself as you dragged your feet on the muddied forest path. It rained overnight, so the terrain was more difficult to walk through than usual. As you ventured deeper into the dense forest, your shoes sank into the soft earth, releasing the earthy aroma of moss and decaying leaves.
Peppino insisted on carrying all of your shared belongings to where ever the couple was leading you. You tried arguing that you were perfectly capable of carrying at least one of the bags, especially when his hands were plenty full. Peppino waved you off, but relented a few steps from the car, handing you two of the cases.
The Noise was acting the same, shooting you a cheeky smile, as you watched him plainly struggle with carrying everything. “Can’t have the girlfriend exerting herself,” he replied through gritted teeth, huffing after taking a step.
The sun beat down on the unshaded bit of earth in front of you while you already feel the tickle of sweat forming on your skin. The trail may have been winding but it was thankfully flat and on a slight downward slope.
As you arrive at "The place", as Noise proudly announced, you watch as he dumps all of the supplies onto the ground with a relieved groan. Nearby a stream gurgled as it's crystal clear water lazily flowed. The clearing itself was relatively flat where only the strongest sunlight beat down on the middle of the site and along the river bank.
The Noise wasted no time finding a spot for his tent, scrambling to claim one end of the campsite. You remember Noisette's comment from yesterday, choosing instead to set up your own tent opposite and far away from theirs.
Peppino set the stakes into the ground while you stooped beside him idly. Unsure of what to help with you shrug and decide you'll be the moral support. The birds above sing freely, harmonzing perfectly with the laps of water from the river just a few feet away. It was then you became aware of the sticky heat clinging to you. You glance off to the side to see Noisette had begun to form a fire pit, pursing your lips.
Seeing as Peppino didn't need your help at this exact moment you rise to your feet, making your way to the water. After taking your shoes and socks off the cold water flowed up over your toes and ankles as you gingerly dip your them into the water. As the sun beat down on you the stream provided a welcome respite. With your pants rolled to your shins, you sink your legs deeper into the stream where your feet sink into the mud.
You remained at the bank, enjoying the gentle breeze. Occasionally you stole a glance at campsite progress. Noisette had built a small fire and was currently rifling through a bag, pulling out various snacks. Further away The Noise had set down a blanket with what looked like playing cards.
Peppino on the other hand, you were surprised to see he had already set up the tent and was currently busying himself with rigging up a hammock. Now that got your attention as you realized what the heavy wrapped object had been.
Peppino glanced up as you approached, almost dropping one of the cords he was holding.
You tilt your head, stooping to pick up and hold one end. "Why did you bring that"?
"I-a thought later we could-a stargaze?" He replied sheepishly. Peppino tilted his head upward with you mirroring the gesture. Overhead the sun no longer beat down on the clearing, instead disappearing behind the trees. When night fell it promised a full view of the sky without anything in the way.
By the time everyone established their tents and the campground the sun had settled. Light gradually disappeared beyond the horizon and birdsong was replaced by the crackling of fire and crickets.
The campfire crackled and hissed, sending tendrils of orange and yellow flames dancing into the night sky, casting an inviting glow on the campsite. As you sit by the fire, the aroma of roasted marshmallows fills the air, creating an irresistible temptation.
At one point Noise and Noisette disappeared inside their tent grab more marshmallows, leaving you and Peppino alone by the fire. One hand absently fell on top of his. He tilted his head at you and smiled, his eyes reflecting the fire's light.
"Who's up for cards?" Noise shouted, waving the deck in the air. You both shrug and nod at the suggestion. Noisette humming as she returned with a clipboard.
“What are we playing?”
“Blackjack.” Noise replied, adjusting the blanket to make more space for the game. Noisette looked over at him, offering a grin which he returned genuinely as Noise handed her the cards.
Several rounds go by with Noisette staying out of the game to keep score and shuffle the deck each round.
"Alright. So far we have 5 for Theo, 7 for Peppino, and 4 for Y/N!" Noisette nodded, popping another marshmallow into her mouth. "Ok my turn! Who wants to switch"?
You raise your hand tentatively. Noisette hands you the paper and pencil which you set aside for now while taking the deck of cards.
Multiple rounds followed, having finished the latest round had you mumbling over the score, pencil scribbling away. You drew back, taking a sip of your water.
"Alright, let's see, in total, Noisette and Noise have 14 points, and Peppino and I have 13 points. For now".
Expecting one of them to switch with you, you stare at the couple blankly as Noisette leaned over to The Noise whispering something.
“Welp, that’s game!” Noise declared with a clap. Rising from the ground he pulled Noisette up with him, attempting to drag her off as he hastily added, “Had fun guys, but we’re gonna call it a night".
You purse your lips, watching them duck and disappear into the tent. "Uhm…" In your peripheral Peppino was making a face. He blinked once, then tilting his head to you, he held out his hand for you to take.
He helped you to your feet, you stretch your legs until the tingling subsided. Peppino took a step, tugged your hand and urging you to follow. The bonfire glowing illuminated your path towards the your side of the campsite. You walked past your tent nearer towards the river.
The forest was illuminated by the moon while the faint scent of pine needles mingled with the smoke of the campfire. A silvery glow was cast over the water, the surface shimmering and reflecting the starlit sky.
You climb into the hammock with Peppino following suit, staring up into the cloudless sky. The night sky stretched endlessly above like an indigo canvas dotted with with countless stars. Here and there you spotted a few constellations you recognized as they sparkled like scattered diamonds.
“Wow…” you whispered, unable to tear your eyes away from the sky. “It’s beautiful”.
Peppino settled in to the hammock, leaning back to rest his arms under his head, looking up at the stars contentedly. “I-a told you it’d be worth it,” he replied softly, tilting his head towards you.
He gently runs his fingers down your face before tipping your chin up so he can give you a kiss as you both settle in for the night. Comfortable silence envelops you, the only sound being their gentle breaths. Peppino smiled, watching as your chest rises and falls in steady rhythm.
As you let out a yawn Peppino pulls you on top of him, holding you tightly to his chest as he rolled the both of you over, tucking his face against your neck. The water lulls you to sleep, in your half asleep stupor you feel Peppino wrap his arms around you and kiss the top of your head before settling in for the night himself.
"Goodnight mi tesoro".
After a while, his breathing slowed, though his arms stayed tight around you.
THE ENTIRE WEST IS BEING PUT UP FOR SALE AND I AM BEGGING YOU TO CALL YOUR SENATORS
Trump’s budget bill has many, many things in it, but buried amongst it is the MILLIONS OF ACRES OF PUBLIC LAND FOR SALE.
This is the entirety of the Arizona state forests, the entire Cascades mountain range. Swathes of pristine desert around the national parks in Utah. On the doorstep of Jackson Hole.
THIS BILL IS BIG, BUT IT CAN BE AMENDED AND ABSOLUTELY MUST NOT PASS AS IS please.
If you have ever enjoyed the wilderness, we stand to lose it all forever.
CALLING your senators - NOT JUST IN THE WEST. ALL SENATORS, is CRUCIAL.
Outdoor alliance has a great resource for reaching out.
The Senate’s spending package could offer up nearly 300 million acres of public lands for sale—a vast area that includes nearly 100,000 mile
I don’t have a huge following but please, everywhere I have ever loved, the forests I grew up playing in, the land I got married on, is all at risk and I am begging.
If these lands get sold, know that they will most likely be sold to people who support Trump, and that those people will in turn support any deforestation and environmental destruction for the sake of Trump and his administration's interests. There will also be more pollution, as the land purchased will no doubt be plundered for resources.
