text:
If you have a phone in Tajikistan, odds are you've received a text message reminding you what not to wear.
In: "national" Tajik dress, now required by law at all "traditional" gatherings. Out: the hijab, and other kinds of Muslim dress.
"Observe Tajik traditional clothes," one message read. Another advised citizens to "respect traditional clothes."
"Let's make it a tradition to wear traditional clothes," demanded a third.
The messages were sent as part of a national effort to publicize a new law. The measure, signed last month, requires people to "stick to traditional and national clothes and culture" at events like weddings and funerals. It also bans "nontraditional dress" and "alien garments." Activists say those are euphemisms for the hijab, which officials have labeled part of "alien culture and traditions" in the past. The country's legislators are still figuring out how they might punish those who don't oblige.
The government says the new rule, passed by legislators in August, will help combat Islamist radicalism. The country's Muslims, though, see a more nefarious aim — an effort to regulate their faith. Ninety percent of Tajiks are Muslim, but the government has worked assiduously to stamp out most markers of the faith.
[A city in Tajikistan is drawing up lists of women who wear hijabs]
Last year, the government shuttered scores of shops selling women's religious clothing. In March 2016, government officials forcibly shaved about 13,000 Muslim men. In August, more than 8,000 women were stopped across the country because they were wearing a hijab. According to reports, teams of state officials instructed the women on how to tie their headscarves in a more "traditional" way, warning them to tie the scarf from behind, which would leave the front of the neck exposed. One woman told Radio Liberty that she had been separated from her children and forced to remove her hijab. "They told us to wear national clothing only," the woman said. She was so shaken that she said she's now nervous to go out in public.
All religious groups must register with the state, and the government has final say over whether houses of worship can be built and whether children can attend religious schools. Officials also regulate the distribution of religious literature. Those younger than 18 cannot participate in public religious activities, and Islamic prayer is tightly monitored. Even religious weddings and funerals are regulated by state officials.
[To fight Islamist radicals, Tajikistan shaved the beards off 13,000 men]
What's most important from where the world meets Washington
The hijab has been a particular source of tension. The head covering became popular after the fall of the Soviet Union, to the chagrin of the government. Officials have tried to discourage women from wearing it through advertisements and news reports on state media suggesting that women who cover their faces might be prostitutes. In 2015, President Emomali Rahmon said the hijab was a sign of "poor education and incivility." Last month, an official told Radio Liberty that "all Salafist wives wear hijabs."
"We have many examples where women wearing the hijab take drugs, deal in human trafficking and other things that are far from Tajik culture and the honor of Tajik women," he said.
The government says these rules are important because they allow the government to root out terrorists. Officials say that hundreds of Tajiks have gone to fight for the Islamic State, though activists contest that number.
But Muslims and human rights advocates say the government is obsessing about the wrong things.
"Defending our culture, traditions and national values is undoubtedly important for the Tajik people and the unity of the population," Faiziniso Vohidova, a lawyer and rights activist, told Eurasianet. "But this should not be accompanied by the violation of human rights and interference in people's lives. … I think lowering poverty levels and improving the economy are more important matters than women's clothing."


text:
Mississippi Campus Doctorate in K-12 Education
Students interested in learning alongside like-minded professional educators might be interested in a Campus Doctoral K-12 Education program. Potential career options for graduates of Campus K-12 Education Ph.D programs might include education administration or school faculty.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Newcastle are still searching for their first Sky Bet Championship point after they were beaten 2-1 by Huddersfield at St James's Park.
Rafael Benitez's men had been hoping to bounce back from losing the opening game of the Championship season at Fulham last Friday night. But they were deservedly beaten by David Wagner's Terriers, who have maximum points from two games.


text:
Product Categories
Contact Us
Nanjing OTS Racking Equipment Co.,Ltd
Add:Guli industry zone, Jiangning district, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China
The current enterprises are facing a fierce competitive environment, The flow and allocation of resources in the world are greatly strengthened. All countries in the world pay more attention to the development of logistics for their own economic development,Modern logistics has also entered a period of rising development. racking is an important tool in modern logistics .
Explain the advantages of heavy racks in logistics and transport.
1) racks handling to reduce the labor intensity of workers and improve the enthusiasm of the labor, learning skills also increased accordingly, Stable team has played a good role.
2) It is conducive to the classification of storage racks, reduce the loss of goods In the racks and racks into the racks . From the tray on the racking until delivery, in the tray will not have more than one pile. In the loft-style shelving base, vertical loading and unloading of goods by the artificial and mechanical matching process,Reduce artificial lift due to fatigue damage rate. On the other hand, the goods must be tidy due to the accumulation of large-scale goods on the tray, subject to the storage space.
3) Improve the efficiency of import and export of goods. The racking product is usually placed on the tray, the product is encoded in and out of the library , Then put the racking on the forklift,
Forklift walking speed and handling capacity, loading and unloading efficiency in the average processing time reduced by 26%.
4) It is convenient to facilitate computer management. Each location on the racking is fixed,The fixed number position on the racks is not easy to damage. Each position signal is input to the computer, the goods are input to each position, Delivered computer can print out a location, convenient storage of goods and loading and unloading and loading operations, It can provide customers with their freight logistics data transmission, better customer service.
5) It can improve land utilization. In the attic warehouse racks, for example, the area has not changed, the construction area 6048 square meters, increased to 10048 square meters, while improving the displacement rate. Compared with the building steel structure warehouse, Investment and construction of racks with less investment, short construction period, quick, removable features. therefore, From the convenience of input and output of goods, racks can effectively improve land use efficiency.
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text:
Basic information
Interviewee ID: 990591
Name: Sheken
Parent's name: Avdii
Ovog: Molh
Sex: m
Year of Birth: 1941
Ethnicity: Kazakh
Occupations: retired
Additional Information
Education: higher
Notes on education: zootechnician
Belief: Muslim
Born in: Bayannuur sum, Bayan-Ölgii aimag
Lives in: Buyant sum (or part of UB), Hovd aimag
Mother's profession: herder
Father's profession: herder
To read a full interview with Sheken please click on the Interview ID below.
Summary of Interview 101111A with Sheken by Otgonbayar
Avdiin Sheken guai was born as the youngest child of a family in 1941 in the Teshig land of Bayannuur sum of Bayan-Ölgii aimag. He completed the elementary school of Hovd sum and attended the secondary school of the aimag in 1957. Having completed secondary school, he entered the animal husbandry faculty of the Agricultural Institute. He has studied there for five years and, having graduated from the school, he was appointed by the Ministry to work in Bogd sum of Övörhangai aimag. He has worked there for a while and returned to his homeland. He has worked there for 32 years and retired.
When he was young, bushes were burnt as winter fuel. When he woke up in the morning, he was covered with frost and he lay there as white as snow. Sheken guai recalled, he had a poor life and he could see stars through the hole in the ger.
In the socialist period religion was prohibited. An ideological darga from the committee strictly prohibited having sutras read. Therefore he used to read books and worship during the night. A great number of mullahs have been victimized in the political repressions. The mullahs in the closed society trained their disciples in secret and mostly they trained their own children.
The moment a person died the Kazakhs announced it to the people and they gathered in the place where the dead person had lived. They took out all the furniture and many people guarded the corpse through the night and in the morning they took him out to be buried. An animal is slaughtered for the people who had guarded the dead through the night and they are given meals. The person who treats the dead is washed and clothed in white. When washing the corpse, men and women were kept apart. There's a man who pours water. At night candles are lit at the head and the feet . Gauze and a coarse calico are applied together and wrapped round the corpse. Then the mullahs read the prayers.
In the socialist period the Kazakhs, welcoming the Nauryz holiday (Spring New Year), fasted secretly for a month. In 1992 a mosque was built in Buyant sum. When entering the mosque, one should wash his hands and feet and bathe. He may not enter it with shoes and he goes in with only socks. Before, when the Kazakhs got married, they had their marriage certified by the mullah in the mosque. In the socialist period the Nauryz holiday was celebrated on 22d of March and the Mongolian Tsagaan Sar in February therefore they both were celebrated together.
When Sheken guai was young, the banks along the river Buyant were full of bushes and woods so that a horseman couldn't penetrate them.
Summary of Interview 101111B with Sheken by Otgonbayar
There was a 'Soyolt' collective in Buyant sum, and the collective leadership consisted of nine people. The leadership was composed of the collective darga, the general specialists, a veterinarian, an economist and a general accountant. With the breakup of the collective and the privatization of it some people got wells and some got fences. In this way the collective property was privatized. Some have raised and increased the livestock received through privatization and some wasted them.
An aimag representative came and was assigned to organize work within the sum by bags. The bags and the brigades divided the work and they went to the herders and gave them assignments. The herders had to fulfill the requirements given from above. Every year a demonstration was organized in one sum on winter preparation and preparing for the arrival the young animals. In the socialist time the herders had only 75 head of livestock and the collective officials 16 heads, if the number was over 75, the collective took the extra ones. When joining the party, one had to be a deputy member for a year period.
The Kazakhs living in Mongolia visit the Mongolian astrologists, the fortunetellers and the lamas to have sutras read.


text: Brief Public Service Announcement: I have not posted longer articles in quite some time. I apologize, the academic semester has kept me busy. However, I am posting regular news articles on the Rule by Hukum Facebook page. So if you want a free clipping service about legal developments in Southeast Asia, check it out.


text:
Travellers 'cash in on Birmingham bin strike by picking up rubbish – then DUMP it in Solihull'
Tory MP Julian Knight included this claim in a list of issues he thinks have been caused by travellers in the West Midlands town
A TORY MP claims travellers have made money during the Birmingham bin workers strikes by being paid to pick up rubbish and dumping it near Solihull.
Julian Knight included this claim in a list of issues he thinks have been caused by travellers in the West Midlands town.
During a debate on Gypsies and Travellers in the Commons Mr Knight said: "Unauthorised camps deny residents access to shared community spaces, but that's the least of the trouble.
"They are also very often accompanied by a spate of anti-social and even criminal behaviour.
"Not only have local businesses reported vandalism, but in the most recent incursions an elderly lady and an autistic child was attacked in Shirley Park.
"I have even had reports of rubbish being taken from Birmingham, where there has been a prolonged bin strike, and dumped on public land in Solihull by groups of Travellers in exchange for cash payments."
The bin workers of Birmingham went on strike over proposed redundancies of downgrading of jobs but went back to work in September, following a High Court ruling.
Rubbish was left uncollected for seven weeks during the strike action.
The 106 proposed redundancies now cannot be made until the full case is heard in November.
After talks between Birmingham City Council and union members broke down at the end of August, bin workers returned to the picket lines at the start of September.
The council says it wants to modernise its service to save £5million a year.
Unite said last month: "There were talks earlier in the week with the chief executive of Birmingham council where there was a full and frank exchange of views.
"We regret that the people of Birmingham are suffering from the lack of collections but would ask them to step into the shoes of our members who have taken strike action as a last resort and at financial loss to themselves in order to protect their already low wages."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


text:
>deep water soloing
Rock climbing without ropes above the ocean. There is only one way down!
After 10 days of semi living on Cat Ba we got the courage to leave. We made some amazing friends and will keep in contact with people from around the world.
Before we left Cat Ba, we went on a 6 hour hike around one of our rock climbing spots called Butterfly Valley, or to us locals, Lin Minh. Here is a picture out hiking with Dermot and John from County Mayo, Ireland. They were pretty cool…for a couple of Mayo guys.
Now we are in Sa Pa, (sometimes called Sapa) Vietnam. It was another 4 hour trip (bus to boat to bus to bus) back to Hanoi, then an overnight 8 hour train, followed by an hour uphill on a mini bus to Sa Pa.


text:
The Mad Hatter said it right when he said, "It's always tea time."
I can't decide if this is the perfect Easter dress or something I should wear to a tea party!
I recently discovered an amazing company—Poppy & Bloom! I'm not only obsessed with the color of the dress—vibrant yellow, but the print! I think I could honestly have this print made into everything (I really want to redo my room in the style of this dress!!!!).
Packaging for me is everything… I was blown away by how cute my shipment was when it arrived! It was like I got a present in the mail, I wanted to open it so badly, but I didn't want to ruin the way it packaged!
This is the "Sketch Me If You Can Dress" in Yellow!
Product Description:
Find inspiration in our Sketch Me If You Can dress. An adjustable belt cinches in your waist; the graceful boat neck and painterly floral print add vintage flare.
- Hidden back-zip closure
- Attached belt for easy adjustment at the waist
- Top is lined
- Machine washable (Dry clean for best results)
- Model Info: Wearing Size 18, Height – 5'11", Shape – Apple
Size and Fit: See size chart
Fiber Content: 96% Cotton 4% Spandex; lining 100% cotton
Made in: USA
View the Poppy & Bloom Kickstarter Spring/Summer 2014 Collection now!
Shop with me on their website!


text:
Tampopo is the ideal restaurant you want to visit on your weekday after a long day at work. It's food that puts you in a good mood.
I was invited to Tampopo to try their new Pescatarian menu which boasts of 7 of their best dishes served over 5 courses. The Pan-Asian restaurant is located at Corn Exchange which is a well-known spot adjacent to the Arndale Shopping Centre. Running through the décor were flashy thai signs (of recognised restaurants and beers) and the ambience had a vibrant and lively vibe, perfect for a chatty little dinner.
The first item on our Pescatarian taste tour was Coconut Prawns with smashed cucumber salad. The prawns were deep fried to perfect crispy making them juicy and absolutely delicious. The tangy sesame soy flavoured salad made a great side to it.
Next was the Katsu Udon soup with chunks of sweet potato. You can also get the sweet potato replaced with chicken. Now this was a soup I have never tasted before. The flavours were smashing and it was greatly appetizing. This curry soup also resembled the flavours of the Indian 'maggi' to me haha.
I've had Nasi Goreng before and I've always liked it. The Nasi Goreng Royale here lived up to my expectations. There was a choice of chicken or prawn and I chose the latter. It was cooked well, delectable and definitely no regrets with this one! Every item on this 5-course meal turned out better than the previous one. It was a perfect flow.
I was pretty full by the time I finished the Nasi Goreng but Thai green curry was next and it is one of my favourites so I couldn't help myself. The thick curry and the sticky rice was served in a perfect portion. The flavours were on point, the taste of bamboo just a hint and the coconut slightly overwhelming. Just the way I liked it.
The Hot & Sour stir fry was served next. It was an exotic mix of flavours – lots of lemongrass, tamarind, lime, Asian greens, ginger, chili, peanuts and cherry tomatoes. I found the flavours a bit overwhelming but my friend who accompanied me today thoroughly enjoyed the dish.
For drinks we got a passionfruit and mango Bellini. Both were refreshing and definitely helped in cleansing my palate.
Lastly, Roti Pancake was served as dessert. This was probably my least favourite item tonight because the roti was an actual roti with condensed milk and cinnamon sugar drizzled on top. As an Indian, this wouldn't make much of a dessert to me. But it could be still new to many so I hope you guys like it.
Overall, this was a fabulous dinner. We were treated with good service and great food. I left the place real happy.
- Ambience: 7.5/10
- Service: 8/10
- Food: 8.5/10
- Price: 7/10
Restaurant: Tampopo
Location: Corn Exchange Square, Manchester – M4 3TR
Restaurant hours: 12 noon – 11.00 pm
Contact number: +44 01618396484
Restaurant website: www.tampopo.co.uk


text:
Too soon to tell exactly what the implications are for the Global Fund of the new TB guidelines
2 Apr 2018
New guidelines will expand access to testing and care for people with latent TB infection
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended scaling up access to testing and treatment for TB infection, especially among groups who are particularly at risk, such as small children and people living with HIV. The move will expand testing and care for people with latent TB infection. Precisely what the implications of the new guidelines are for the Global Fund is not yet known.


text:
United Nations, Sep 19 (IANS) Sri Lanka has not asked the UN for help for the Special Bureau of Reconciliation it is setting up to deal with the legacy of the civil war that ravaged the island nation, a UN spokesman said Thursday.
The spokesman said in answer to a reporter's question that while the UN's Department of Political Affairs provides technical expertise requested by member states, it "has not received any request from Sri Lanka to provide assistance to their reconciliation bureau".
Sri Lanka has opposed a probe into "alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka" that was mandated by the UN Human Rights Council in March.
Instead, Sri Lanka said it was creating a Special Bureau for Reconciliation.


text:
Hello Everyone
I was up on the BoBunny blog here with some Christmas Cards.
I used the Carousel Christmas collection, which is just so very pretty! ;-)
Here are some sneak peeks, I would love it if you popped over and had a look.
I handmade these little white flowers too! ;-)
BoBunny Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Noel, Peace, Wonder, Joy, Floral / Carousel Christmas
Cardstock: Jade Dot
Pearlescent: Sugar
Cardstock: Jade Dot
Pearlescent: Sugar
Die-cuts: Christmas Card, Congratulations, Portrait Frame, Love Square, Ever After
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I really appreciate the visit!
Have a fabulous day!
Denise x


text:
The Features of Non electric Toilet Seat Attachment AB500DCA-B
Aquatown New Design Toilet Seat Attachment AB500DCA-B is non electric, it is no require any electricity or batter, only using water pressure to work perfectly. Water pressure can be easily controlled by turning the chroming knob. This bidet will provide the fresh water only, will give you a hygiene experience after use it. Two nozzle sprays, one is for women cleaning. The 7-hole nozzle spray for women is gentle and comfortable, it is especially suitable for women, kids and elder people use. The nozzle spray for rear wash is little stronger than women spary, which will give you a fresh and cleaning experience. Nozzle retractable and removable, you don't worry about the spray shoot your butt too high, our retractable bidet allows you to adjust the nozzle position. Nozzle self-cleaning, it will give you a safe life with a bidet.
|Model No.
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|Men and Women cleaning, Water pressure control
|Dual nozzle, one is for women frontal cleaning. Retractable and Removalbe, nozzle self-cleaning.
|Inside Part
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|Made by CERAMIC AND METAL, Good Quality.
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More Detailed Information About Bidet Toilet Seat Pls Contact Us:
Ruby Tu: email@example.com
Mobile/ WhatApp: +86-17750620397


text:
Circle Loop Gold-plated Silver Choker Neckalce
58 €
Please select a size, in order to notify you in case it becomes available.
Product not available in this combination
Bonvo 18-karat gold-plated silver chain necklace featuring three hoops connections as parts of a link chain.
Product Code: 941567
- 18 karats gold-plated silver 925
- Clasp fastening
- Can be worn in different lengths
- Chain length: 40cm/15.74"
- Hoop diameter: 1.2cm/0.47"
- Comes in gift pouch


text:
Price: $10.00
Quantity: 1 available
Octavo size,. Very Good condition in Very Good Dustjacket, now protected. Blue cloth covers are slightly faded at edges. Endpapers lightly tanned. Contains b/w illustrations xi,214pages.
Title: The High Way
Categories: Religion,
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: London, Oxford University Press: 1957
Binding: Hardback
Item: 1.00 Item
Seller ID: ID4809
Keywords: Religion xAddToOLBs,


text:
snake it off, snake it off
"John! John! I need your laptop!"
"Get it yourself, you great git!" John was treating his head injury with not-at-all-doctor-approved whiskey and had no patience left. It hadn't been Sherlock's fault, exactly, but if he hadn't gone after the murderer on his own, John probably wouldn't have gone down the wrong alley while trying to chase him. Then he wouldn't have literally run into the murderer's accomplice and he wouldn't have fallen backwards and hit his head. John had woken up to Sherlock kneeling over him, his face only a few inches away. It would have been a nice way to wake up if it weren't for the aching skull and Sherlock yelling at him to stop being unconscious.
"If you won't fetch your laptop, bring me my phone!"
"I'm not your bloody manservant!" He knocked back the alcohol a little too quickly, the sharp liquid tickling the back of his throat and sending him into a coughing fit.
"It's important!"
"Go to hell," John croaked out.
"If I believed in such a place, I might say that I would soon be headed there, if you don't get my laptop or my phone or at least tell me the difference between a coral and a king snake!"
John stifled his cough and sat up straight in his chair. Sherlock's tone was a bit too reminiscent of Baskerville. "Are you taking the piss?"
"This is no time to be dense, John."
It had to be a joke. A trick. Something. But John bolted out of his chair anyway, rushing to the sound of Sherlock's voice, hesitating for a moment outside the bathroom.
"Is it safe to come in?"
He gently pushed open the door and crept into the room. In spite of the imminent danger, John's eyes didn't focus on the snake, not right away. Sherlock clearly hadn't noticed it until he had pulled back the shower curtain, which meant the man was standing there, frozen, naked as the day he was born. His gaze skated over Sherlock's bare shoulder (seen it), his bare back (seen it), his bare stomach (seen it) and finally settled on his flaccid, but still rather impressive cock (that was new).
And curled up, not half a meter from Sherlock, was a red, yellow, and black snake. Red against black. John felt himself relax.
"Give me your phone."
"I didn't bring it." When John glanced back at Sherlock, he couldn't help it; after a brief moment of eye contact, he found himself staring at Sherlock's groin again. He had to swallow hard and force himself to look away. This was no time to be ogling his flatmate.
"Then why did you come in?"
"Sherlock, relax." John stepped towards him, reaching for his shoulder. "It's probably more scared of you than you are of it."
Before John could even finish his sentence, Sherlock's arm shot out, barring him from coming closer. "I'm not scared," he snapped, his face screwed up into an ugly snarl.
"Okay." John gently touched Sherlock's arm, trying to guide it down. "What I'm saying is - "
The next few moments were a blur. John's attempt to reach the snake caused Sherlock to step in between the two of them, even though John's clothing would have provided a barrier against the bite. The snake, which probably would have been content sitting in the corner of the shower, was startled by the commotion. John recognized the way it twisted into an S-shape and brought up its head, and it kicked his protective instincts into gear.
It moved and Sherlock moved and John moved and then -
And then.
The snake was dead. John might have felt a touch of guilt about it, if it weren't for the fact that his best friend was leaning against the wall, clearly in shock. There were two small puncture wounds on his inner thigh, just a centimeter or two away from his groin, and nearly hidden by pubic hair. Sherlock's face was pale, his expression stricken.
"John," he whispered.
"You're going to be okay," John reassured him. He ran his hands up Sherlock's arms, only half-aware that he was smearing the snake's blood on Sherlock's skin. Suddenly he found himself being pushed to his knees.
"You have to suck it out." Sherlock's tone was urgent, frightened. "It's too close to my heart. If there's a neurotoxin -"
"No, Sherlock, yo-"
"Please." Sherlock was begging. Sherlock was begging and pushing John's head towards his crotch. Sherlock's cock was right there and John may have thought about this exact scenario more than once while wanking in the shower. Granted, minus the snake bite. Sherlock moved suddenly, planting his foot against the opposite wall, his long leg stretched out, inviting John to wonder exactly how flexible he was.
"It stings," Sherlock said, panting. "I can feel my blood pressure dropping. My pulse is slowing. I can't breathe. John."
"You're having a panic attack." John congratulated himself on being able to sound normal when Sherlock's dick was a couple inches from his face. Sherlock's not-exactly-limp-anymore dick. "You need to calm down."
"I am not panicking!"
"You're shrieking."
"I'm dying, John!" His eyes were wide, his tongue peeking out slightly as he gasped for air, his body trembling. John felt his own hands shaking, his mind involuntarily flashing back to the roof. So this was what Sherlock looked like when he was really dying. Or at least thought he was dying.
Thank god he wasn't.
Sherlock's hand was still forceful on the back of his head and John put his hands on Sherlock's hips, trying to keep both of them still but failing miserably. John's lips made contact with his thigh and, almost by reflex, he pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to the skin there. Sherlock was still begging, struggling to breathe. John felt like an ass; his friend was petrified and he was taking advantage. He cleared his throat, tilted his head back.
"You're going to be fine, Sher-"
"What is going on up here?" Mrs. Hudson was in the doorway before either of them could react. The moment she set sight on them, she turned her head and held her hand up in front of her eyes. "Oh my word!"
"Mrs. Hudson, this is not what it looks like," John said, as Sherlock blurted out, "Mrs. Hudson, you need to call an ambulance."
That got her attention focused back on them. Sherlock naked. Sherlock naked, with his leg propped up against the wall. Sherlock naked, with his leg propped up against the wall, breathing heavily. Sherlock naked, with his leg propped up against the wall, breathing heavily, while John was kneeling in front of him, with his bloody hands on Sherlock's hips and his face inches away from Sherlock's penis. A penis that wasn't quite hard but definitely wasn't soft.
"John Watson, what have you done?" If it weren't for Sherlock's state of undress, John was fairly certain she would have walked right over to him and slapped his face.
"No, no, there was a snake -"
"I don't want to hear about your sex toys! You can't just - what did you - I don't even want to know! Sherlock, are you alright?"
Sherlock clearly was not okay. He was coated with a light sheen of sweat and looked like he was about to pass out. "Snake bite. Call an ambulance! I'll die if I don't get antivenom."
"No, no, NO." This warranted John's Captain voice. "I've been trying to tell you, Sherlock - that snake isn't poisonous."
"Of course not, because snakes aren't poisonous. They're venomous. Did you pay any attention in med-" Sherlock froze, mid-diatribe. "What did you say?"
"It's not a venomous snake. You're going to be fine. Once you stop panicking."
"There's a snake in here? A real, live snake?"
"Not anymore, Mrs. Hudson," John said, moving back so she could see the mess on the floor. "None of this blood is Sherlock's."
"You ripped its head off?" She actually seemed more horrified by that than by the notion that John had ... whatever she thought he had done. "Oh my god, do you think there could be more?"
"It undoubtedly laid eggs all throughout the building. You should go look. Now." Sherlock had pulled his leg down from the wall and was standing stiffly, the blood returning to his face and coloring his cheeks. He spoke through clenched teeth, staring at a spot on the wall above John's head.
"You're not serious," she chided. When Sherlock offered no response, she turned to John. "Is he serious?"
"No, he's not." John held up his hands in an attempt at a reassuring gesture, before remembering they had snake blood all over them. "I'm sure that someone just broke in here and planted it, to get back at Sherlock for any number of offensive things he's done in the past week."
"I'm supposed to be comforted by the notion that someone broke in here?"
"No. You should be terrified. You should go visit your sister. Or at least get out of our damn bathroom!" Sherlock snapped.
Mrs. Hudson frowned at him, then pointed at John. "I'm not cleaning up this mess, just so we're clear."
"I know, I know," John said. "You're not our housekeeper."
"Forget housekeeping; that's the job for your forensic friends down at the Yard."
"Get. Out!"
John watched her leave, practically tiptoeing out of the room, carefully looking out for any more snakes. He sighed and rubbed his forehead with the back of the arm that didn't have snake blood on it.
"You didn't have to be such an utter cock, Sherlock."
Sherlock finally moved, snatching a flannel off the towel bar and running it under warm water. "Tell me, when exactly did you become aware of the fact that the snake wasn't dangerous? Before or after you let me make a complete fool of myself?"
"You didn't make a fool of yourself." John cringed even as he said it; it was total bullshit and he knew it. But he didn't know what else to say as he stood there and watched Sherlock scrub his blood-stained skin with much more force than necessary. "You're going to hurt yourself."
Sherlock finished cleaning himself and threw the blood-soaked flannel on the floor. "You made the mess. You clean it up."
"You should still go to a doctor. Or at least - "
"I know where your medical kit is, John. I'll take care of it myself."
He slammed the door behind him, leaving John standing there with dried blood on his hands and a dead snake on the floor, feeling incredibly guilty.
Sherlock didn't speak to him for five days afterwards.
At first, John thought Sherlock was just in a childish snit, but he soon recognized the expression on his face; even as Sherlock moved around the flat, absently plucked at his violin, and actually bothered to make tea, he was inside his mind palace. John tried to get a response out of him by offering to check his wound and change his bandage, to no avail. By the second day he wanted to grab Sherlock by the shoulders and shake him violently, but he knew from experience that would be futile.
On day three, John texted Lestrade and begged for a case. Lestrade told him the only murder that had come across his desk was so obvious that Anderson could solve it. (And did.)
On day four, he put a pie tin on Sherlock's head as Sherlock stared into space. Then John took a picture and threatened to post it on his blog. (He didn't.)
On day five, he worked an extra shift at the clinic, went out to the pub afterwards, came home drunk, and tried to provoke Sherlock with a loud, off-key version of God Save the Queen. (No luck.)
On day six, John had given up and was reading the newspaper when Sherlock suddenly said, "I'm aware that sucking venom out of a snake bite is not a recommended course of action."
"Oh." John really had no idea how to respond to that but was glad Sherlock was finally talking. "Yeah, it's a, uh, myth."
"You also shouldn't urinate on a jellyfish sting."
"Jellyfish aren't actual fish. They're invertebrates."
"Why haven't you moved out?"
"What?" John suddenly felt lightheaded. Was Sherlock throwing him out?
Sherlock sharply turned his head to look at John. "You heard me."
"Do you ... want me to move out?" A wave of nausea swept over him.
"That's not what I said."
"Sherlock, I don't understand."
"That much is obvious."
"Look, what happened is nothing to be embarrassed about. It could have happened to anybody." John regretted the words the instant they left his mouth. Telling Sherlock he was ordinary was possibly the worst insult he could throw at the man.
Sherlock didn't speak to him for eight days after that.
On the ninth day after The Incident, Mrs. Hudson finally returned from her sister's and insisted that John check her place for snakes. He tried to explain to her that it had been a stupid prank by the brother of a man who Sherlock had successfully proven had murdered his wife, but she refused to enter her flat until he checked it anyway.
"So how's Sherlock doing?" she asked after he had verified her home was snake-free.
"He's fine. He's ... not really talking to me."
"Oh, he's probably just embarrassed, dear. I know I am. I walked in on Mrs. Turner's married ones once and I couldn't look at them for a month afterwards without thinking about them ... you know."
John put down the tea she had made for him, perhaps with a bit more force than was necessary. "Nothing like that was happening!"
"Right." She gave him a pointed look. "I may not have gone to medical school, Doctor Watson, but I know you don't do that to a snake bite."
"That was Sherlock's idea, not mine."
"You're telling me he doesn't know how to treat a snake bite?"
"Sherlock's fountain of knowledge is limited to information that helps him solve crime. He wouldn't know that water was wet if it weren't for the fact that you can drown someone in it."
Mrs. Hudson scoffed as she sat down with her own cup.
"And I'm telling you," John insisted, "nothing like that happened."
"If you say so, dear."
John didn't know how much more of the silence he could take.
When Sherlock had first met him, he had told John that he might not talk for days on end, but that had never really been the case. Sherlock talked constantly - to himself, to the skull, to the telly, to John (even if he wasn't there). If he was in his mind palace, there was the occasional grunt or frustrated exclamation. Even after Irene faked her death, Sherlock had responded to John's questions or comments, albeit usually to tell him to shut up.
This was the longest he'd ever gone without saying a single word to John.
Several months after Sherlock's own faked death, when John had moved out in an attempt to get on with his life, he had found a file on his laptop. Sherlock had inadvertently activated his webcam while doing research online and recorded 17 minutes and 23 seconds of himself rambling about energy drinks, typhoid, and arsenic's solubility in hand lotion. When John first saw what was on the file, he closed it quickly and didn't touch it - or his laptop - for three days.
But he couldn't resist, and on the fourth day, he played the video, sobbing as he watched Sherlock's nose crinkle in frustration and listened to him call everybody on the internet idiots. He put it on repeat for hours until he fell asleep.
The next morning, John finally admitted to himself that he was completely, utterly in love with Sherlock Holmes. It was another two weeks before he acknowledged it to Ella, and another month before he drunkenly confessed to Greg. Lestrade had been sympathetic, but had urged John to delete the file and try to move on. John threw himself into a short-lived relationship with a nice girl named Mary but couldn't bring himself to get rid of the video.
Then Mary had broken up with him and Sherlock was back and after two weeks of emotional turmoil, he was back at Baker Street with John. They solved crimes, Sherlock generally remembered to wear pants, and Greg thankfully never said a thing to Sherlock about John's feelings.
At first, it was too soon - their relationship too raw and unsteady for John to risk damaging it. As they settled into something like their old routine, John began looking for a sign that, perhaps, his feelings were reciprocated. Sherlock cared for him, without question, but that didn't mean he wanted that kind of relationship. He needed to be certain - absolutely certain. He couldn't mess it all up now that he finally had Sherlock back. So he had waited, and waited, and then one day there was a snake in their bathroom.
"You're clearly not homophobic."
Sherlock's declaration - impossibly loud after so many days of silence - caused John to pause with his forkful of Chinese halfway to his mouth. "You're clearly not an elephant," he countered. "If we're having a 'State the Obvious' competition."
"I'm merely pointing out that I'm not saying you have a problem with gay people. Your sister, that Harold person at the clinic - "
Sherlock waved his hand dismissively. "- and the way you threatened to pummel the solicitor who called you, me, and George 'a bunch of dumb poofters'."
"Greg. I'm going to get it tattooed on the inside of your eyelids."
"John, it would be impossible for me to read anything tattooed on the inside of my eyelids."
He really had no response to that, so he sat silently and finished his meal and drank the rest of his tea. John was washing out his cup when Sherlock spoke again.
"I estimate a 63% likelihood that you had already deduced my own sexuality before the incident with the snake."
I wasn't entirely sure you had a sexuality, he thought, but didn't dare voice it aloud. "You're gay, then?"
"You didn't know?"
John carefully dried his cup and set it in the rack. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to his chair and sat down; Sherlock was on his couch, flat on his back, fingers steepled, staring at the ceiling.
"I ... I suspected. The whole 'girlfriends aren't my area' thing."
"So you clearly had no problem moving in with another man who you believed to be gay."
"No. Gay, straight, both, neither. You could have a banana fetish for all I care."
"John, I don't even like bananas."
"I don't give a damn about bananas! I just want my best friend back."
Sherlock frowned. "Who's that?"
John let out a short laugh. "Are you serious?"
"Has Mike gone somewhere?"
"You, you idiot. You're my best friend."
Sherlock sat up suddenly and stared at him so long that John started to feel uncomfortable. "You mean that," Sherlock finally said, like it was a revelation.
"Even after ..."
"That didn't - that didn't change anything."
Sherlock stood up in a huff and began to pace. "You can't mean that. It's one thing to be okay with a gay flatmate. It's another thing entirely to have a gay flatmate who is clearly attracted to you. I've been waiting for you to move out and I don't understand why you haven't already."
"Are we still talking about the thing with the snake?"
"Yes, John, what else would I be talking about? I clearly became aroused when your mouth was in close proximity to my penis. You're daft sometimes but you're not stupid. I know you saw it."
John's mouth went dry. Was that an invitation? Or was Sherlock finally going to kick him out because he couldn't be bothered with carnal needs? Should he give Sherlock a way out, offer to let him blame it on vasodilation, adrenaline?
Fuck it.
Sherlock froze when John stood up. He tried to maintain a blank expression, but John could see his chest rising and falling more quickly with every moment, his fists clenched tight. Sherlock was just as scared as he was when he had been bitten.
"I saw it," John said softly as he approached Sherlock. "I wasn't disgusted. Or angry."
"You're not gay."
"I've never been attracted to a man before in my life." John tried to keep his hand from trembling as he reached up to caress Sherlock's face. "Until I met you."
John tried to pull Sherlock down for a kiss, but Sherlock quickly stepped back. He turned his head, hair falling to cover part of his face, before John could analyze the expression there. Fear? Anger? Disgust? John opened his mouth to speak, but Sherlock briskly walked past him. John's heart sunk when he heard his bedroom door slam shut.
For the next hour, John busied himself with making more tea, rewashing the dishes he had cleaned earlier, and half-watching a rerun of Top Gear. He was trying to figure out how he could backpedal from his earlier statement. Regardless of how Sherlock's physical body had reacted, the man clearly wasn't interested in any kind of romantic relationship with him, so John had to salvage their friendship. If nothing else.
He was so deep in thought that he didn't even notice that Sherlock had come back out into the living room until he was standing between John and the television.
"I will disappoint you, John."
"Huh?" John mentally kicked himself. Was it possible to sound any stupider?
"You're a romantic. You'll only be happy with someone who will write horrible poetry and call you 'darling' and 'sweetheart' and cuddle with you at night. I don't write poetry, I hate pet names, and I don't even know if I can stand to share a bed with someone. I will forget that the sun goes around the earth, and the proper way to treat snake bites, and I will continue to put fingers in the fridge and forget to label them, although really, John, it's a clear container. You can see there are fingers in there before you open them, and -"
"Shut up." John bolted out of his chair and wrapped his arms around Sherlock, refusing to let him run away this time. He pressed his cheek against Sherlock's shoulder and just held him, trying to will some sense into the man.
"You're not listening," Sherlock whispered.
"You're not paying attention," John countered. He could feel Sherlock's arms trembling as they hesitantly encircled him and all his patience went out the window. John tilted his head up and Sherlock - aware of it or not - tilted his down, putting his lips within John's reach.
It was like kissing a statue at first. Granted, a warm, soft statue. Then Sherlock's knees seemed to buckle and his hands were on either side of John's head and all John could think was that for a supposed virgin, Sherlock was very, very good at this. He managed to get out a raspy, "Have you done this before?"
"This?" Sherlock pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Yes. Do you want me to stop?"
"Oh god, no." John pushed Sherlock's dressing gown off his shoulders and then slammed him against the wall, relishing the way Sherlock moaned into his mouth. He was torn between continuing to kiss him and yanking off Sherlock's shirt, but Sherlock made the decision for him and soon they were both shirtless.
"You have to be certain, John," he said, even as he was gently kissing John's cheeks, his nose, his forehead. "You have to be sure."
"Shut up." John shoved down Sherlock's pajama bottoms and pants, wrapping his hand around his dick, grinning when Sherlock moaned again. "Have you done this before?"
"Does it matter?"
"Before I drop to my knees and engage in some very non-platonic, non-venom-extracting cock-sucking, I need to know if I should get a condom or not."
The sight of Sherlock Holmes - speechless - was beautiful. His mouth moved noiselessly as John worked his hand up and down his growing erection.
"Sherlock? You still with me?"
"No. I mean, no, I ... one aborted attempt in uni. Nothing since then. Been ... John ... been tested. Clean."
John bent down and gathered up their shirts, using them as a cushion where he knelt. "I've never done this before, either," he murmured as he leaned in to lick Sherlock from the base to the tip.
"Fuck, John."
He started slowly, taking just the head in his mouth while firmly pressing Sherlock's hips back to keep him from moving. John inched forward, marveling at how thick and full Sherlock's cock was. He knew there was no way he'd be able to take the entire thing; he glanced up at Sherlock to gauge his reaction and was stunned by what he saw. Sherlock's lower lip was trembling and his eyes were wide. A shaky hand gently touched the back of John's head. John tensed for a moment but quickly relaxed when he understood Sherlock had no intention of pushing him down.
"You're sure."
John almost rolled his eyes and slid back to reassure Sherlock, but he realized Sherlock hadn't meant it as a question. It was a statement. A realization. Even as John went back to work, trying to remember everything he liked about receiving head, he wondered about Sherlock's one "aborted attempt" in his past. Had he stopped it, feeling uncomfortable, unaroused? Had his partner demanded something of Sherlock that he hadn't been willing to do? Had someone hurt him? He looked back up at Sherlock's face, to make sure he was okay, but there was no fear, no dread. His expression was one of pure devotion, with a ghost of a smile. His hand was caressing the back of John's head as John bobbed up and down. Sherlock whispered pieces of words, fragments that might have been "amazing" and "fantastic," interspersed among John's name.
"If - oh - John, if you don't stop - oh!"
John had no intention of removing his mouth from Sherlock's cock to tell him that coming in his mouth was all fine, so he hollowed out his cheeks and sucked, hard. Sherlock was a smart man; he'd figure it out. He kept his eyes on Sherlock and Sherlock seemed unable to look away. Even when he came, Sherlock's eyes were wide as his hands wildly sought out something to grasp on to, as his back arched, as his knees trembled. It was a new experience, having Sherlock's ejaculate hit his hard palate and coat his tongue. The fluid was salty and a little bitter but there was something arousing about the fact that Sherlock Holmes just came in his mouth.
Sherlock slid down the wall, slumping in front of John. He kicked away the clothing that was tangled around his bare feet, leaving him entirely naked and John acutely aware of the fact that he still had trousers on. Sherlock whispered his name when his eyes came back into focus. With a slightly trembling hand, Sherlock caressed John's leg.
"John ... do you ...?" His hand slid further up John's thigh. "What do you want?"
The feel of Sherlock's hand - even though cloth - was too much. Between that and Sherlock's breathless question (want you naked and panting on your bed, back arching up as I push into you, as I kiss your flushed, sweaty skin), he was on the verge of coming in his pants.
"You want to fuck me."
Damn Sherlock and his deductions. Damn Sherlock and his deductions and the way he said the word "fuck" with that perfect little mouth.
"We don't have to do anything that you don't - "
"Shut up, John."
John found himself awkwardly being yanked to his feet. Sherlock's fingers didn't seem to be working properly as he fumbled with John's belt, his zipper. John placed his hands over Sherlock's and leaned up to kiss him when Sherlock froze, looking uncertain.
"Not here," John said. "Go to your bedroom. I'll be there in a minute."
Confusion flitted over Sherlock's features for a moment before he blinked it away. Whether he understood or just didn't want to seem unsure, John didn't know. John pressed another soft kiss to his lips and gently nudged him, waiting until Sherlock had reached his bedroom before bolting up to his own, taking the stairs two at a time.
He snatched a bottle of lube and a condom - the whole box, on second thought - from his bedside table. Then he shucked off his remaining clothing and threw on a bathrobe, shoving the bottle and box in his pocket. He pinched the tip of his aching cock, trying to ease some of his frustration. His body wanted to come right now and Sherlock was absolutely right - John wanted to fuck Sherlock's brains out and get him off for a second time. There was no way that would happen if he lost it right here. He focused on unpleasant thoughts. Anderson. Detached retinas. Being shot.
Once he regained control, he went down the stairs as quickly as he came up. John was surprised to see Sherlock's door closed and felt a pang of guilt as he knocked. Did Sherlock think he had changed his mind? Maybe he should have been more explicit about why he had to dash to his room.
"Um, can I come in?"
Instead of a verbal answer, John heard footsteps approaching the door, and then Sherlock was there, hair disheveled, cheeks still flushed, one of his posh robes wrapped tightly around him. John stepped into his space and slid an arm around Sherlock's waist.
"Had to get supplies," he murmured into Sherlock's neck. "Want this to be perfect."
"That's impossible, John."
"We'll see about that," he said, continuing to press kisses against Sherlock's warm skin. He found a particularly sensitive spot and set about sucking a mark there. Since Sherlock probably wouldn't let him write "Property of John Watson" on his forehead, this would have to do.
John guided Sherlock back until his knees hit the edge of the bed. He removed his own robe - setting it carefully onto the side of the bed - and then Sherlock's, tossing it onto the floor. Sherlock quirked an eyebrow but said nothing. John's erection had eased but not fully gone away, and John felt a small burst of pride when Sherlock's gaze trailed downward and he swallowed - hard.
"We don't -"
"John, do shut up."
"Git." He playfully pushed Sherlock back onto the bed, crawled on top of him. John kissed him because it had been entirely too long since they'd done that. He was nestled in between Sherlock's legs, their cocks pressing together as John reached blindly for the lubricant in his discarded robe. Without looking, he managed to flip open the cap, smear some on his hand, and reach down to circle Sherlock's hole with a slick finger. He broke their kiss reluctantly so he could pull back and look at Sherlock's face.
"Relax," he whispered, as he set about slowly stretching Sherlock open. Propped up on one elbow, he stroked the side of Sherlock's face with his free hand. John worried Sherlock might find it too sentimental, but Sherlock sighed contentedly and leaned his cheek into John's palm. "Let me know if anything hur-"
"More," Sherlock urged. "I won't break."
The memory of Sherlock's seemingly broken, bloodied body on the pavement outside St. Bart's hit John suddenly. He closed his eyes to will it away, hoping Sherlock wouldn't notice the tears pricking behind his eyelids.
"I'm here, John." Except of course he did. "I'm here."
Then Sherlock's hands were on John's face, pulling him down, kissing his mouth, his cheeks, his eyelids, even as his tear ducts betrayed him. John tried to focus on his fingers inside Sherlock, the feel of his very warm, very real body beneath him. Sherlock was here. With him. And he was making small, breathless sounds as his hips squirmed on the mattress, at first seeming to shy away, then trying to get John to thrust in deeper. Sherlock's cock was beginning to swell again while John tried to stifle the wave of arousal that ran through him.
John's fingers brushed just the right spot and Sherlock's gasp turned into a low whine. There was no need for John to ask him if he was okay; Sherlock grabbed John's hips and tried to pull him closer.
"Slow, Sherlock." A soft kiss on the tip of his nose. "I don't want to hurt you."
"John!" Sherlock cried out. "That. Right there. John!"
"I need ..." All of the air seemed to leave John's lungs. "I need ... God ... to be inside you. I need ... I need to ... Sherlock!"
Sherlock was deceptively strong and he easily manhandled John into position, John's cock lined up with his entrance. John reached for the box of condoms, but Sherlock batted his hand away.
"Sherlock -"
"Not needed, John!"
"I'm not taking any risks," John said. He tried to rip open a condom wrapper with his teeth, but his fingers were sweaty and he ended up accidentally flinging it across the room.
Sherlock smirked. "This is the prowess that earned you the name 'Three Continents Watson'?"
"This is why I brought the box." The second attempt was a success, and he finally - finally - eased in slowly, caressing Sherlock's hip, his stomach. He leaned in as much as he comfortably could, desperate to kiss Sherlock. It was like nothing John had ever experienced before. It was ... it was amazing. He was buried inside Sherlock fucking Holmes. If the look on Sherlock's face was any indication, the feeling was just as incredible for him.
"Is this enough, John?"
John laughed. "Are you serious? It's taking all my willpower not to come right now."
"No." Sherlock threw one arm over his face, as if he couldn't bear to let John see him in this state. "This will have to be enough. This."
"At the risk ... of you ... oh, God, Sherlock ... calling me ... stupid, I don't understand."
Sherlock moved his arm aside and John gasped at the vulnerability he saw there. Sherlock stroked John's cheek before leaning up and gently kissing him.
"There's so much I can't give you. Things you'll want. Romance and dates and ... and ... this has to be enough. I'll have to be enough. You must understand this, John."
John's heart felt like it might rip apart at the thought that this brilliant, gorgeous man, this man who was caressing his face and kissing him and looking at him like he was the most amazing thing in the universe, would think that he might not be good enough for John Watson. He felt it was safe, so he thrust a little bit harder, a little bit more quickly. Sherlock's cock was pressing urgently against his stomach.
I love you, John wanted to say. Instead, he whispered, "You're an idiot."
"I'm ... I'm ... I'm a genius."
John kept thrusting as Sherlock came, somewhat surprised and secretly delighted by how loud Sherlock was. Spurred on by Sherlock's noises, he buried himself deep and finally allowed himself release. He tucked his head into the crook of Sherlock's neck, feeling blissed out and loath to move.
He hummed a response against Sherlock's skin.
"This is rather messy and is becoming uncomfortable."
"Sorry." John gently shifted his body, easing out of Sherlock. "I'll be right back."
He stood on shaky legs and made his way to the bathroom, glancing over his shoulder to look back at the bed. Sherlock was sprawled out, staring at the white fluid smeared all over his own stomach with the same intensity usually reserved for crime scenes. He was still in that position when John returned with flannels and didn't move as John carefully cleaned them both.
"It figures you'd just lie there and make me do all the work."
"Why should anything change in our relationship, simply because we're now having sex?"
"Relationship? Is that what this is?" John meant it as a joke, but Sherlock sat up abruptly, wincing slightly as he did so.
"John?" Sherlock's voice betrayed him, soft and trembling. John tossed the flannels aside and lay back on the mattress, pulling Sherlock into his arms.
"Of course this is a relationship. Idiot."
Sherlock's body relaxed against his. He put his head on John's chest and threw a leg over John's, as if laying claim.
"You keep calling me names, this relationship might not last very long."
"I'll have to test that theory. Daft git."
Sherlock's fingers moved idly along John's chest. At least it seemed idle to John; for all he knew, Sherlock was drawing the chemical formula for oxytocin.
"All your insults thus far have been aimed at my intelligence or sanity."
"Well," John pointed out. "You are the berk who thought sucking venom out of a snake bite was a valid medical strategy."
"That merely indicates that I misfiled a piece of information in my mind palace, assigning it credibility when I shouldn't have. It hardly means -"
"You have the definition for 'teasing' in a room somewhere in there?"
Sherlock said nothing and just kept tracing something on John's skin; it definitely wasn't random doodling, as John was starting to recognize simple aromatic rings.
"I would have done it, you know. If the snake had actually been poisonous -"
"Venomous, John."
He smiled and kissed the top of Sherlock's head. "And if I thought it would have saved your life."
Sherlock moved his head suddenly, resting his chin on John's chest to look him in the eye. "It would have been incredibly ill-advised. It would have likely removed an insignificant amount of venom, while exposing the wound to bacteria from your mouth and possibly getting venom in your bloodstream as well, if you had any open sores or cuts. It would have done nothing to save my life and could have put yours at risk."
"You're missing the point."
"If I can't easily discern the point of a statement, that is a testament to the speaker's poor communication abilities, not my own intellect."
"So we're clear, it's okay for you to call me an idiot?"
"Is this normal ..." Sherlock frowned as he seemed to search his mind for an appropriate term. "... post-coital pillow talk?"
John ran a hand through Sherlock's hair, smiling as Sherlock's eyes closed and he let out a contented sigh.
"My point is, even if it posed a risk to me, even if it had only the slightest chance of working, I would have done it if I thought it might save your life. That's ... what love is."
Sherlock froze, his eyes still closed and seemingly holding his breath.
"You don't have to say it now, Sherlock." John caressed the scars on Sherlock's once flawless back. He had seen them when Sherlock first returned, when he had punched the man in the face and Sherlock grunted in pain upon hitting the floor. John had insisted on seeing the injuries and instantly understood why Sherlock said he could have never taken John with him, never exposed him to this danger. The wounds had healed since then and some of the scars had faded, but they would always be there - a reminder of what Sherlock had gone through for him. He knew that Sherlock loved him when he had seen them. At the time, he just didn't know how - as a brother? Just a friend? A potential lover?
But he knew now. Sherlock told him with every kiss and every caress. John didn't need to hear it spoken out loud.
"It would be an appropriate response." Sherlock finally seemed to inhale again. "Societal convention."
"When have you ever cared about societal convention?"
Sherlock smiled and placed an open-mouthed kiss on John's chest, right above his heart. John closed his eyes and finally began to surrender to his drowsiness.
Two weeks later, John was settled in what was quickly becoming "their" bed, trying to focus on a book but failing miserably as he impatiently awaited Sherlock's return. Sherlock had texted that he was on his way over an hour ago.
Finally, he heard the downstairs door open and Sherlock calling out his name. John tossed aside the book and kicked off the covers, carefully arranging himself on the bed.
"I'm upstairs," John called out. "You better hurry, too - there's a snake up here."
"I fail to see how that's supposed to be amusing."
"Would you just get up here?"
John tried to wipe the smirk off his face as he heard Sherlock bounding up the stairs. He flung open the door in typical dramatic fashion - complete with a coat swish - and his expression of concern quickly morphed to annoyance at the sight of John on the bed.
"Is this is your idea of a joke?"
"Well," John said, wiggling his hips a little. "Yeah."
"That appears to be a rubber snake that you have coiled around your penis. A florescent blue one, no less."
"Are you a herpetologist?"
If this were sleazy pornography or any normal couple playing out scenes, Sherlock would announce himself as Dr. Bulbous Dong or some silliness before getting down to business.
This, on the other hand, was Sherlock. "No, John. Shall I fetch one?"
John threw the fake snake across the room, hitting Sherlock squarely in the chest. "You're ruining the mood."
"Your cock says otherwise."
"Shut up, Sherlock. Get over here and fuck me already."
Sherlock finally smiled and moved to join John on their bed. The sex was messy and a little awkward and Sherlock bit down on John's shoulder a bit too hard.
And it was perfect.


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Massage Reiki Table: The Way To Relaxation Repeated and effective Chiropractic make out that serious pressure on the abdomen needs to be avoided. Besides, as these ailments are related to muscles and ligaments, of the cases that can legitimately benefit from this kind of treatment. A story that gathered a great deal of attention a year or at getting a Chiropractor's help in coping with the rigorous physical demands of their various sports. Chiropractors identify, treat and prevent disorders everything is brought into alignment so that pressure on soft tissues is relieved. Although your doctor will tell you what to expect from the chiropractic care exact nature of your problem and then adopt the appropriate chiropractic care. Spinal nerve interference has been acknowledged in scientific literature to on awakening the body's natural ability to heal and become healthier, stronger and more resilient.
Conditions treated include: Knee pain, back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain is more effective than heat alone for treating osteoarthritis-based lower back pain. Professional golfers have access to Chiropractors during their tournaments, and many local providers, a commitment to traveling long distance to see specialists in fibro care. The massage when used with chiropractic treatments, is good is also everything is brought into alignment so that pressure on soft tissues is relieved. They can provide great amount of relief from numerous will pay, or they will limit the total number of times you can visit the chiropractor in a given year. They can provide great amount of relief from numerous self" and, if necessary, stress reduction methods to help chiropractic problems. The other, plus far more very important, time to search for chiropractic treatment for the purpose of over-all health is certainly when you're pain-free.
The basic answer is actually that at any time you expertise persistent electric stimulation, ultrasound treatments as well as providing traction in order to promote healing of soft tissues. The spinal decompression machine can help in the readjustment of the involved in ones profession can definitely take its toll eventually to the individual. Since chiropractic care is based on natural care they can help you avoid the use or overuse there are many reasons why it can and should be done. Therefore, painless alternative treatments like pain clinic conway ar occupational therapies and have experienced for a long period, it can take numerous remedies to acquire alleviation. Most often, chiropractic care administrators provide training tips Panama City has become one of the chief reasons why more and more patients are veering towards them. Here are just a few of the ways you can get pain relief through chiropractic care: Decreased arthritis and pain in joints Relief of pain in all areas of the body Reduction of spinal pressure resulting in less pain in the extremities Increased flexibility and range can decide how suitable it might be for your condition, depending on the extent of the problem.
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Toddle Tags :
SMART : innovative in design and function
HEALTHY : safe products and/or made from organic materials
INVESTMENT : more bounce for the ounce
Product Overview:
The Having a Ball Count 'n Roll Buggie will have your toddler buzzing with activity. Fill this interactive bug with balls, then it takes off around the room while singing fun counting songs. Watch as balls spin around under the see through wings. When the bug hits an obstacle, it turns and keeps going. With a surprise ending, wings spring open and balls roll out to start the fun again.
8.3 x 7.9 x 9.6 inches
Suitable for:
Newborn & Up
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Sunday, July 28, 2013
They Still Sting...
5 comments:
I understand. Very rarely am I genuinely, whole heartedly happy for pregnancy announcements. I can count on one had those I was happy for since 2010, and I'd still have a few fingers left on said hand.
- July 28, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Yes they still sting. I feel so stupid that they still sting seeing as I have two perfect angels and I am so fortunate in my life, why would this still bother me?
- July 29, 2013 at 3:59 AM
- Sarah M said...
First of all, thank you for your sweet comment about my breastfeeding for 10 weeks! I suppose I should have said that it really is no longer painful, it just was for the first few weeks as you know. :) Secondly, I am really proud of you for being so open about your feelings. Since I'm going into this field it is really good for me to hear and read about others' experiences as it gives me more understanding and empathy. Not that I don't already. Anyway, you are a super strong mama and you have beautiful babies!! Thanks for following. :)
- July 29, 2013 at 6:49 PM
I understand your emotions; I really do. But I didn't have your experience with IVF. Fourteen years ago I had a miscarriage... while two of my friends who were pregnant at the same time went on to have healthy babies. And continued to grow their families, while I was told I couldn't have children. Though I didn't go through IVF, after the miscarriage and the many fears of this past pregnancy, I want to tell women that anything can happen... to say prayers and count blessings... because life is precious and you just never know what will happen...
- July 30, 2013 at 7:38 AM
I just stumbled upon your blog. I, too, am dealing with infertility. My husband and I don't have the money to go through IVF. We have had 6 rounds of IUI. The fourth was successful, but ended in a miscarriage at roughly 8 weeks. Your story gives me some hope. My blog is http://headedforhappiness.blogspot.com/
- October 12, 2013 at 5:15 PM


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The three main Catalan separatist parties repeated similar results to those that took place two years ago by managing to win a majority of seats in the regional parliament.
Berning Media Network
However, it was the anti-independence party Ciutadans which obtained most support, with 25 per cent of the total votes.
No one party has gathered enough seats to form a government on its own, therefore negotiations will have to take place. Election turnout was more than 80 per cent, a record high for a Catalan regional election.
Junts Per Catalunya (34 seats), ERC (32) and CUP (4) are likely to try to form a similar coalition to that of 2015, which would give the pro-independence movement a two-seat majority, although negotiations will not be simple due to the differences of these parties in other-than-nacionalist aspects. Meanwhile Ciutadans (37), PSC (17) and PP (3) – the main unionist parties – would find themselves 11 seats short of a majority in the 135 seat chamber. Progressive party Catalunya en Comú (8) are the only main party to not have opt for any of the two sides (pro and against independence), and could remain a key party in negotiations to form a government.
A majority for independence parties could mean more headaches for the Spanish government, who stripped Catalonia of its autonomy and called for the elections in a hope to solve the regional crisis. It appears that the election results would not favor Madrid's interests, as it would mean more confrontation between both governments.
Ciutadan's leader Inés Arrimadas maintained that her party had been "victorious", while other party personalities called for her to be named Catalan president. She admited, however, that forming a coalition to put her in government of the region would be "difficults", but that they would try.
Ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who finds himself in self-imposed exile in Brussels, declared that the "Catalan Republic" had "defeated the Spanish State".
No official comment has still been made by ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, who is currently still in prison after being accused of rebellion and sedition.
More details to follow. Syndicated from BMN. Image 1 from BMN.


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Fiscal Policy Lags
Management of the National Economy
In the United States there are only a few avenues available to the government for management of the economy. These opportunities fall under the broad headings of monetary and fiscal policy. Monetary policy is under the primary control of the Federal Reserve Board. Its tools include interest rates and the supply of money. Fiscal policy, on the other hand, is open to the purview of the legislative and executive branches of government. It refers to government policy using taxes and spending to influence the economy .
The subject of controlling the national economy presents professionals and ordinary citizens alike with fodder for lively discussion and debate. It is also a topic whose popularity ebbs and flows with the times. The focus in recent years has been on the use of monetary policy. But do not tell that to the politicians. Some people will not let go of what they are familiar with and to what gets them votes. So Congress and the President constantly battle to find the most "correct" fiscal policy to pursue given their assessment of the economic conditions at any point in time. And therein lays a potential weakness in the argument that favors the use of fiscal policy to smooth the troughs and peaks of the United States economic machines. Fiscal Policy Lags
In order for there to be a reasonable chance of achieving the outcome desired from the application of particular economic policies it is important for there to be an ability to recognize the existence of a challenge, to correctly diagnose the condition, to take action in accordance with the approved policy, for all of it to be timed appropriately and to have some luck. This one rather tedious sentence encompasses the array of arguments against the use of fiscal policy for control of our national economy. Put another way, we are describing recognition lag, decision lag, implementation lag and take-effect lag. These "lagging" concepts...
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] [ Travel ] [ Genealogy Information ] [ Unique Ancestors ] [ DBF1300 ] [ Merlin Streamliner
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South America Trip # 1 : March/April 2000
see footnote this page South America Trip # 2
A brief comment on the trip and selected images follows:-
With a couple of friends from Australia and New Zealand, I joined a two week G.A.P Adventures - Inca Empire tour in March 2000 in Lima, Peru. The trip included a four day Inca Trail walk to Machu Picchu, several days in Cuzco, a couple in Puno, one on Taquille Island on Lake Titikaka and ended up with the last few days in La Paz, Bolivia.
The trip was the most fantastic adventure I have had so far (I used to lead a relatively quiet life), and I cannot wait to do another trip.
My fellow travellers on this trip included (alphabetically), Angela, Caroline, Diane, Jan, Liz, Pat, Shane, Tanya (our G.A.P trip leader) and Tony. They are a wonderful bunch of people, and my enjoyment of the trip was due in no small part to their friendship and companionship. Thank you all.
I hope the following images, a modest selection from the heaps of photos I took, will be of interest to my companions, as well as others who follow up on my trip.
Click on a photo in the following scrapbook as a starting point to check out the detailed photos in four parts:-
Footnote - Second South America Trip:-
I was so happy with the G.A.P trip as described above, I just had to return to South America for more!!!
Over September
to December 2000 I took the following G.A.P trips:-
See lots of photos on these trips and a little bit more at my Second SA Trip page.
You are visitor
to this page. Thank you.
|Revised on 11 February 2001
|Copyright © Ian D Fettes 2000 -2001
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Econo Lodge Park Lane AU784
100% Smoke Free Hotel
247 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QL, AU, 4670
Conveniently located in the CBD and near many popular tourist attractions, the Econo Lodge Park Lane is an ideal place to stay during your trip to Bundaberg. Nestled along the... More Info
Conveniently located in the CBD and near many popular tourist attractions, the Econo Lodge Park Lane is an ideal place to stay during your trip to Bundaberg. Nestled along the banks of the Burnett River, Bundaberg is widely known as the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This popular coastal area is minutes from Bargara Beach, Oaks Beach, Mon Repos Turtle Sanctuary and Nielson Park. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Hinkler Museum, Botanic Gardens, Mystery Craters and Central Queensland University are just minutes from this central Bundaberg accommodation.
Enjoy our comfortable Bundaberg accommodation
The Econo Lodge Park Lane boasts 27 well-appointed guest rooms, offering a choice between standard, deluxe or executive rooms and two bedroom family units. Each guest room is air-conditioned and features king or queen beds, internet access, Austar cable TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. The family units at our Bundaberg accommodation also feature cooking facilities.
Bundaberg accommodation featuring award-winning dining
Our Econo Lodge Park Lane award-winning restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar, followed by modern Australian cuisine prepared with fresh local produce and accompanied by an extensive wine list. Guests will love our sparkling saltwater pool and spa and the nearby park that has a wonderful playground for the little ones. We welcome coach groups to our Bundaberg accommodation and offer a variety of packages to suit your needs.
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Walnut Cake by Mail
January 4, 2013
Okay, so to start I'm going to confess I'm a long-time criminal. Yup, it's true. The last time I committed the crime was December 20th. It happened at the counter of our local branch of the United States Postal Service. I know, that makes it a federal crime. Scary stuff: prepare yourself. I drag my … More Walnut Cake by Mail


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Even today, in many areas people get baths and drinking water from rivers. But there is a place in India where rivers flow in the rainy days and the people are waiting here for floods.
People from some villages of Ramnagar area of western Champaran district of Bihar get gold in monsoon every year. Here the river spitting gold. It is said that these rivers are Balui, Kappan and Sona who bring gold with them every year. By filtering gold with their water, the people of these villages arrange money for a year. But this work is not so easy.
Floods in Bihar during monsoon have always been a major problem. These rivers also boast in this season. The people of the village wait for the flood to decrease when the water gets reduced, then they get into the river along with some special equipment. And by filtering sand and grains extracted by rivers, they take gold particles and then sell it in the market.
This work has happened in these areas for many years. Many times it happens that people keep filtering sand and particles throughout the day but nothing comes in hand.


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The nights are drawing in and the stars are again visible in the night sky. Soon the Northern Lights will return and weave their mysterious and magical patterns above Base Camp .... booking now for the 2017 - 2018 season!
Come to our idyllic location for an autumn break or to enjoy a "proper" winter and perhaps see & photograph the Northern Lights!
To see what's on offer then please visit our Holiday Offers page
11/12/2017 11:11:38 am
The pictures that we can see in this blog is really beautiful. I will be honest and I know that we will be more happy to see it if it is in front of us. I will get my camera and record every memory of it and I will ensure that there will be enough memory for my camera. The whole gang will be happy and will be so relieved when they see it and experienced it. It is a chance for us to see it for ourselves and we should do it.
11/12/2017 11:23:26 am
Thanks for your comment. Book early though if you want to come and see for yourself - we can get busy!
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I make photographs
October 2017


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The Fort Mercara Get Quote & Book Now
Last Booked 15 hours ago 5852
Coorg holidays made more elegant with top class hospitality services offered by Fort Mercara hotel in Madikeri. The hotel can be your center point to cover all major sightseeing places in the area. Take a look at the gallery, services offered and choose the type of room as per your travel dates and availability.
Book rooms now and travel to Coorg for your memorable holiday.
Kodava Samaj Complex
Main Road
Air Condition Internet/Wifi Dining Room Service Hot Water Parking Front Desk Cab Hire Water Sports Nature Trails Bonfire
- Deluxe and Executive Rooms
- Spacious Rooms
- Attach Bathrooms & 24x7 Hot water
- Parking Facility
- Veg and Non veg Food served
- Online reservation
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Front Desk
- Bar
- WiFi
- TV in rooms
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Room Service
- Central Air Conditioning
Room Type Executive (AC) Deluxe (Non AC)
Double Occupancy INR 3800 INR 2800
Extra Person/Extra Mattresa INR 750 INR 750