#‘i pay my tab’ is a stretch of the truth considering

[pertinasities]

@frozenambiguity <3’d for a starter!

“Oh, oh dear.” Kaveh pats his pockets, panic rising as he gazes at his tab. He really hadn’t been paying attention, far too busy enjoying Mondstadt’s wine to take note of how much it actually cost.

What a terribly poor impression to leave on his first night in the city - and he quite likes this tavern, he must say. He’d like to come back.

“Might I trouble you?” Kaveh taps the shoulder of a man who seems to have an air of confidence about him - and still seems to be coherent. “My apologies, I am from Sumeru and it is my first time here in Mondstadt. I’m not yet familiar with the culture or traditions…” Kaveh cringes a bit, cheeks coloring in his embarrassment. “At my tavern back home, I tend to settle my tab monthly rather than nightly - but I don’t know if that custom applies here.” A sheepish hand rubs at the back of his neck nervously. “And, um, what is the… norm, so to speak, if you have… not brought appropriate funds to cover your tab if not?”

[amorgansgal]

We Are Made One with What We Touch and See

This was written for the @rdrbigbang​ and I had the great pleasure to work with @merryandrewsworld who has made some gorgeous artwork, and has been a really lovely person to talk to and bounce ideas off :D It was a wonderful experience and I loved writing this piece. You can read it on Ao3 as well.

Summary: Molly finds her life increasingly frustrating. She works most days in the Linden Bar and her love life with Dutch is disappointing at best and toxic at worse. She spends her days angry and alone, until Arthur Morgan and Micah Bell wander into Dutch's bar with a new friend of theirs who captures her attention.

Warnings: Implied sexual content. Alcohol.

Molly slammed the bottles into the small fridge behind the bar. She was clenching her jaw tightly and knew her curly red hair was already escaping the bun she had put it into this morning. She couldn’t believe Dutch had asked her again to open up, even though she had closed the bar the night before. Karen had called in sick, but Molly had a sneaking suspicion that the woman was actually out at one of her precious film auditions.

She straightened up and stretched her back. She wasn’t even sure how she could put on a smile and joke around with the customers, when she felt so sour, tired and pissed off. The other girls who worked at the Linden Bar seemed to think that her dating Dutch meant she was favoured and got to slack off while he was around. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Living and working with him meant he was all too aware of her schedule; she couldn’t pretend to be busy or have plans when he demanded she cover a shift.

She had previously complained to Karen about it, but there hadn’t exactly been any sympathy. ‘Well… they do say don’t shit where you eat.’

The Linden bar was quiet. Unsurprising, it was still early afternoon and the regulars wouldn’t make an appearance until later. She thought about wiping down the leather sofas and chairs. She was meant to do that. But why even bother? Half the time Sean spilt shit on them anyway.

She sighed irritably, cleaning after a bunch of men was hardly what she had envisioned her life would be like. But then she didn’t really have any other plans. She rested on the bar and tried to think about what other jobs she could do. She had never really been one for sitting in an office, but then she couldn’t really say she was a people person or wanted to work behind a bar again if she could help it.

She had won a few writing competitions while at college and her teacher had always said she had a natural gift with words, but apart from ‘No, I’m not serving you’ and ‘You can fuck right off’ she didn’t get much chance to use them! Perhaps she should write again. It didn’t necessarily have to be anything great or Shakespearian, but it could be a good way to express how she felt and what she was thinking.

Then again… maybe not. Last time Dutch had found one of her poems he had been insulted by it. It wasn’t even fucking about him, but of course he had to make it about him. After he had calmed down, she had managed to explain it was about an ex and she had written it while dating the ex. But that seemed to piss him off more and he demanded to know why she wasn’t writing about him! As though everything she did had to involve him to some extent.

The door to the bar swung open and Molly scowled. ‘We’re not open, so you can-!’

But when Arthur stepped into the bar and gave her a quick smile, she rolled her eyes and gestured to the bar seats. ‘Fine. But I’m not serving whiskey at this time.’

‘Wouldn’ expect you to,’ he replied. The dark leather jacket he always wore crinkled as he sat down. ‘’specially with this troublesome lot.’ He gave a quick nod towards the doorway again and Molly audibly sighed as Micah walked in, a mocking smile on his lips. Just behind Micah she could see another person strolling into the room and Molly sucked in her cheeks, she sincerely hoped the rest of the gang was not just going to turn up and make her life harder!

‘Now, darlin’, that ain’t a way to treat a paying customer.’ Micah smirked.

‘Last time you were here Dutch covered your tab, if I remember correctly,’ Molly shot back.

Micah raised his hands defensively. ‘I paid the man back. I know when to pay my dues.’ He sat down next to Arthur and gave the man’s knee a squeeze. Arthur shifted his leg, but the smile on his lips gave him away.

Molly turned her attention to the other person who was with them and found herself somewhat lost for words as she took in the tall, blonde woman who had sat down silently. The woman’s sharp brown eyes were fixed on Molly. Her forehead was pinched in a fierce scowl highlighting a small red scratch above one of her eyebrows.

Molly looked away quickly, somewhat embarrassed that she had been appraising the woman so closely and that the thought of pressing her hand against the woman’s cheek and wiping away her frown had been so appealing.

‘Oh yeah, Molly this is Sadie. Sadie Adler,’ Arthur said, tearing away his gaze from Micah. ‘Sadie, this is Molly.’

‘You don’ piss her off too much sometimes she’ll even serve your drinks with a smile,’ Micah said.

‘You’re lucky I serve you drinks at all, Micah.’ Molly muttered, then turned back to Sadie. ‘Nice to meet you. What you doing running around with these two then?’

‘I’m a bounty hunter,’ Sadie replied coolly, her voice was husky and rough. Molly wondered if it was due to a smoker’s habit or just the way the woman spoke naturally.

‘What can I get you then?’

‘Whiskey?’ Sadie smirked.

Molly reached down to the fridge and pulled out two beers for Micah and Arthur. She wiped her hands on a towel and grinned at Sadie. ‘For you, I’ll make an exception!’

‘Glad to hear it,’ Sadie nodded and accepted the glass of whiskey that Molly had poured for her. Molly tried to look anywhere else as Sadie swallowed back the hard liquor and placed the glass back down on the bar. She barely heard Micah’s griping.

‘Bounty hunting, that must be exciting?’ Molly said as she refilled Sadie’s glass. This time Sadie seemed content to sip it.

‘Mm-hm, can be. Can be dangerous. Can be boring, especially if I’m chasing someone down who’s just skipped on a bill or something. Now bartending, that must be exciting!’ Her eyebrow quirked upwards and Molly snorted.

‘Yeah, I love nothing more than cleaning up after these boys,’ Molly jabbed a thumb towards Arthur and Micah.

Sadie let out a short huff of laughter. ‘Well then, I don’t think our jobs are that different!’

‘Sure, pouring this lot drinks is exactly the same!’

Sadie pulled out some money from a wallet and passed it over to Molly. ‘Buy one for yourself, think I’m going to like talking to you.’

‘Tha’ makes a change,’ Arthur muttered sarcastically, and was treated to an elbow to the ribs from Sadie.

Micah’s eyes lit up as Molly put the money in the till. ‘You know what Dutch says-’

‘What? And you’re going to run off and tell him?’ Molly scowled.

Micah raised his hands. ‘I’m just sayin’, you ain’t meant to-’

‘Well, it’s none of your business whether I do or don’t!’ she shot back. She was so goddamn sick of Dutch controlling everything she did, even when he wasn’t around one of his lackeys was watching her every move.

‘Micah, why don’t you and I head out for a smoke, and leave the ladies to talk?’ Arthur suggested. For a moment it looked like Micah might refuse, but he then got up and sloped off the bar stool.

‘Fine, Morgan.’

Arthur smiled at Molly and gave her a quick wink, before he and Micah disappeared through the back door. Molly poured Sadie another drink, then grabbed a glass of her own and served herself. Sadie raised her glass and Molly carefully tapped it with her own. She threw back the liquor feeling the sharp, hot burn against her throat and smiling as the warmth rushed through her.

‘Guess they’ll be a while smoking.’ Sadie smirked.

‘Surprising how long a cigarette can take.’ Molly found herself grinning at the woman.

Sadie shifted in her seat and a few loose strands of her hair rested on her cheek. That same temptation to brush away the blonde hair almost overwhelmed Molly and she found herself leaning heavily on the bar, as though she would reach over to do so.

She quickly rested her cheek on her hand instead, though realised that may not have been the best idea as Sadie’s eyes drifted down to her chest. Molly thought about getting back up, but found she quite liked how the woman’s dark gaze ran over her body. It had been a long time since anyone had really looked at Molly with anything akin to desire.

‘So, how long you known Arthur?’ Molly asked.

‘Few weeks, he helped me out of a tight spot.’

‘Oh?’

‘Sometimes bounties don’t want to come quietly.’ Sadie grinned and finished off the whiskey in her glass. ‘How long have you known Arthur?’

‘Long enough, he’s been a friend of Dutch’s for… well, think forever. They knew each before I started… started dating Dutch.’

‘Ooh, dating the owner, huh?’

‘Don’t.’ Molly refilled her glass. She wasn’t quite sure if Sadie would be paying for all this whiskey, but considering the woman had made her feel better she was quite happy to empty all the shelves here.

‘So it ain’t going well?’

‘It’s going fine, it’s just…’ Molly fiddled with the cap on the bottle and looked down at the bar, wiping away a few drops of condensation from the dark wood. She looked back up to find Sadie watching her intently. She grabbed the bottle and put it back behind the bar.

‘Well?’ Sadie asked.

‘I… I don’t think I should be talking about that kind of thing right now… I mean, you don’t want to hear about that.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because you probably got better things to do than listen to me complain.’

Sadie’s smirk resumed its place and she got up from the barstool. ‘True, but I think you could also do better things.’

‘Like what?’

‘Come for a ride with me, it’ll clear your head.’

Molly sighed and leaned back. ‘Sure, the best thing I can do is piss off Dutch and leave the bar unattended. Besides, who’s going to let those fools back in?’

Sadie shrugged. ‘They’ll figure it out.’ She leaned over the bar and offered a hand. ‘Come on. Who’s going to visit a bar in the early afternoon?’

‘You’d be surprised,’ Molly muttered.

‘Come on, twenty minutes, they won’t even realise you’re gone.’

‘Why do you want me to go so badly?’

‘Because you look goddamn miserable and because this bar is kind of shitty, I’ll take you to a better one.’

‘I thought you said we would be gone for just twenty minutes.’

‘Why you planning on spending longer with me?’ Sadie grinned.

‘No… I… well… a drink takes longer than twenty minutes.’

‘Does it?’

‘A good one at any rate,’ Molly smiled and looked down at her boots. She glanced back up at Sadie, who reached her hand over to Molly once more. To Molly’s own surprise she found herself placing her hand into Sadie’s and letting herself be guided out of the bar. The blonde-haired woman smiled and wrapped an arm around Molly’s waist. Molly averted her eyes and felt her cheeks warm with a heady blush. ‘Least let me lock up.’

‘Sure, I’ll wait for you outside.’

Even as Molly locked the backdoor, the cash register and back office she found herself wondering what the hell she was doing. How could she be so damn stupid? This woman had barely said two words to her and had already convinced her to leave the bar and run off to God knows where! Hell, she had locked Arthur and Micah out, they would have to scale the fences if they wanted to escape. Even when Arthur would let things slide, Micah seemed to get some malicious enjoyment for tattling on her. But if there had ever been a time for saying ‘Fuck it!’ it was now.

***

The sense of freedom she got with her arms wrapped tightly around Sadie’s waist, her chest pressed against the leather jacket and feeling the sharp, icy cold wind rushing through Molly’s hair was something she hadn’t even realised she wanted until she was on Sadie’s bike.

By the time they finished at a bar on the other side of town, it was late in the evening, and Molly was in no doubt that she probably had a hundred calls and texts from Dutch. But she’d done the wild thing and switched off her phone.

They’d drunk far too much and then Sadie insisted she was starving and took them to a smoky little food truck that apparently sold the best BBQ food. Sadie brought them both ribs and fries covered in cheese, jalapeños and crispy onions.

For a very brief moment Molly looked at the dark crimson nail polish on her fingers and remembered how Dutch hated it when her hands got wrinkled from washing up the glasses. He was always insistent she kept her hands soft and clean. Sadie’s were rough, her nails short and clear of any varnish. When the woman pulled her from the bar, she had grabbed Molly’s hand and held onto it tightly with long, strong fingers.

‘Go on, we have napkins,’ Sadie urged her.

‘Shouldn’t really…’

‘You shouldn’t have drunk all that whiskey with me, yet here we are!’ Sadie smirked and then tore a strip of meat off the barbequed rib.

***

They drove up to the hill that overlooked the town. The only noise they could really hear was the thrumming, distant roar that came from the highway and the quiet chirps of crickets. The moon rose overhead, a thin slither of silver against the dark night sky. Molly breathed out quietly, it was an excited, shaky breath. She hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. When was the last time she felt free, that she felt she could move her body without it being judged or resented?

Sadie’s hand slipped around her waist, pulling her back slightly from the edge of the cliff. Molly turned her head. She wasn’t sure when and how and why it happened, but suddenly Sadie’s mouth was on her own, her breath heavy and desperate, the hand on Molly’s waist pulled her closer to Sadie and the other hand was clenched amongst Molly’s curls. She found herself braver and bolder, nipping at Sadie’s bottom lip until Molly’s tongue slipped into Sadie’s mouth. A fierce taste of mint, it was almost harsher than any gum or mints that Molly had ever tasted, marred with the slight tangy savouriness of the BBQ. Molly moaned into the kiss, wanting more, but a little afraid to ask for it. There wouldn’t be any going back after that. No going back to her old life, no return to Dutch or the Linden Bar.

***

Sadie’s fingers softly stroked along Molly’s back, as though mapping her out. Molly turned her head and smiled as she felt Sadie’s fingers trace the letters of her tattoo.

‘Didn’t see this earlier,’ Sadie muttered.

‘Why would you see my naked back earlier?’

‘You showed me your other one.’

‘That was on my shoulder, Sadie. Course you can see that one.’

‘We are made one with what we touch and see,’ Sadie read the words aloud. ‘Pretty, where’s it from?’

‘It’s a poem by Oscar Wilde.’

Sadie’s hand slid around Molly’s waist and found her right arm again, she ran her fingers over the tattoo that graced Molly’s wrist, a small yellow flower. ‘Think I like this one the best though.’

Molly smiled. ‘It’s a cowslip. I got it when Dutch called me a useless cow.’

‘That you certainly ain’t.’ Sadie dipped her head down and pressed a kiss against Molly’s lips. Sadie’s hands ran down her waist once more and then further down Molly’s thigh. She moaned against Sadie’s lips.

‘We can’t do it again,’ Molly murmured.

‘Why not? You got anywhere else to be?’

‘Hmm.’

Sadie took advantage of her hesitation and kissed her again, before wriggling down to her waist. ‘I think we got plenty of time.’

[btsficsforthehumble]

adj.: 1. Modern, unfamiliar, or different

2. Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed

pairing: reader x ot7

genre: college au; angst, fluff, smut, poly, ot7

Summary: You begin your first year at a prestigious university, set out on achieving your academic goals when a series of men step into your life that change the way you view the definition of love.

A/N: Thank you to the glorious minjoonalist for this banner! Everyone give her some love <3

Part One

Warnings: none in this chapter

Word count: 2k

It’s your first day.

First day entering the world of higher education, on the path to betterment (or whatever the dean said in his boring introductory presentation). To tell the truth, you were pretty zoned out as various speakers talked to the thousands of students that would now become your peers. Those hard ass plastic seats were NOT conducive for attentive listening.

Regardless, you pushed through, and here you are, Monday morning, at 8:45 sharp, sitting in yet another hard ass plastic seat. This time however, you had a small wooden desk in front of you, in line with about a couple dozen others. This was your first class --- Calculus.

You were always good at math compared to the average student, however, being placed with the super smart kids all the time made you self conscience and at worst, made you feel stupid. You were too good at math for the standard curriculum, but felt too dumb for the advanced one. It’s no surprise that math quickly became your least favorite subject.

That hadn’t changed. You were dreading this class, even though you took calculus already in high school --- theoretically, it shouldn’t be that difficult. You knew however, that you had absolutely no willpower when it came to studying math. And considering the fact that you are now attending a prestigious university, one known for their STEM programs, you felt adequately nervous.

You glanced around the classroom, baron except for the desks and the large whiteboard covering the expanse of the front wall. A few other students showed up early as well, mostly looking either as nervous as you felt, or tired like they had just enjoyed their first weekend at college perhaps a little too much.

You yourself hadn’t gone too crazy, going to a single party on Saturday where you only had one drink --- lame even by your own standards. However, you were just getting to know your roommates, and felt it best to remain sober enough to keep an eye out on them or manage any situation this new environment would throw you.

You weren’t close with any of your peers from your high school that also attended your university, and it seemed your roommates were in the same boat. So, naturally, you all decided to go out together as new friends. They all seemed to be nice, and you got along well with everyone so far. You hoped that wouldn’t change.

You sigh gently to yourself while reflecting upon your less than thrilling weekend. You hope that one day you’d let yourself experience the wild college parties that you've heard about. You want to know what it felt like to get properly drunk and dance with a cute stranger without any worries in the back of your head.

Speaking of cute strangers, you take a glance around the classroom, steadily filling up with students. You might as well see if there were any hotties in the class that you knew you’d rather daydream about than pay attention to exponent integrations.

You spotted a boy sitting a ways away from you that caught your attention. His legs were stretched out in front of his desk, in a way that screamed “I don’t care if you trip over me, in fact, I dare you.”

His attention was glued to his phone, as he appeared to be taking snapchats --- probably for some obnoxiously beautiful girls, you thought to yourself, eyes rolling slightly. You had to admit though, he was quite attractive. He had dark brown hair, covering his forehead and slightly swept to the side. His eyes were a dark brown to match, and were quite cute. He had a nice nose and clear skin. His most striking feature was his lips however. He had lips that were larger than the average guy and they looked very kissable. And his frame was decently large, his shoulders wide and masculine, juxtaposing his cute eyes and lips.

You blushed at your own thoughts about the stranger across the room, knowing you were getting entirely carried away in your state of boredom. You still had five minutes until class was supposed to begin. You put away your own phone, which you were holding in your hands as some sort of social protection, in your backpack. You then pulled out your fresh new binder with graph paper, lined paper, tabs, dividers, the whole nine yards. You may not enjoy math, but organization always brought you some level of mental tranquility.

You pull out a pen just as you glance up to see a boy standing in front of you, with the brightest, thousand watt smile on his face. His backpack was slung over one shoulder, his hand in his jeans pocket. He had on a loose tee-shirt that somehow flattered his slim frame. You could tell that he wasn’t a meek first year still finding his bearings. He must be at least a second year. You feel your face heat up as you make eye contact, seeing that he’s looking directly at you.

“Hi there! Is this seat taken?” His eyes widen almost comically as he points to the seat directly in front of you.

“Ah no, no it’s empty.” You cringe internally as you notice your less than relaxed delivery.

He gives you another dazzling smile as he plops in the seat in front of you, pulling out his own simple notebook and pencil.

You rub your forehead trying to get yourself to calm down. You need to not turn red every time a cute boy talks to you, let alone look in your direction. This is so not like you.

You manage to calm yourself down, ready to begin your first class so your attention is off the boy sitting in front of you.

Your professor must have walked in as you were mentally reprimanding yourself, because you hear an authoritative man's voice come from the front of the room when 9 o’clock hits. You immediately began trying to pay attention, writing down all of the information he put on the board even though it’s stuff already in the syllabus. The truth was that you simply needed to throw yourself into a task to keep your mind from straying back onto the boy in front of you.

About seven minutes later, the door to the classroom swings open and another boy walks through, giving the prof a quick salute and grin in apology. You, as well as the rest of the class, had naturally turned your eyes towards the distraction. As soon as it was found to just be a straggler, everyone’s attention quickly shifted back to the professor in front. Your curiosity was piqued by his confident, goofy nature, however.

You couldn’t help but keep your eyes on him a moment longer. He had shaggy dark hair, tanned skin, and a smile that was strikingly unique as it was a little bit of a square shape. He was devastatingly handsome, and you had a feeling he knew it too. Your hypothesis was instantly supported as he made eye contact with you, noticing you looking at him longer than your peers. He flashes a smirk your way that you’re pretty sure could knock anyone’s panties off.

You mentally start screaming and feel yourself turning the color of a freaking fire truck. You quickly jerk your head back down to your notes and refuse to look back up to meet his eyes.

It appears he wasn’t going to give you a break though. You felt the air woosh past you as he walks down your aisle and stops immediately behind you, taking the empty seat.

Great.

Now, you were sandwiched between two guys that you're pretty sure were the most attractive you’d seen in a long while. Not to mention the guy several rows over that you were ogling before they even arrived. You quickly realized that there wasn’t a chance in hell your full attention was going to be on the lecture during this class.

Your entire body sagged with relief when your fifty minute class was up and the professor released everyone. Noticing, the boy behind you leaned forward and huskily whispered, “You’re not a morning person either, huh?”

You froze for half a second at the sound of his voice. It was deep and silky, and my god was it sexy. And he was talking to you.

“You could say that.” You were shocked at his attention but somehow managed to pull out a response that didn’t make you look like an idiot. You didn’t bother turning around to look at him as you answered, deciding not to let him see how pink your cheeks were as you returned your items to your bag.

He let out a little chuckle and stood up.

“I’m Taehyung. And you, my little night owl, are?” He drew out the are waiting for your response.

You too stood up, putting your backpack on.

“I, Taehyung, am off to my next class.” You were annoyed that he seemed to take notice of your attention on him in the beginning of the class and thought that you were a fun little target to flirt with. You knew he wasn’t interested, but merely found it fun to take advantage of his good looks. This allowed you to get over your schoolgirl crush behavior and return to your normal self, which you knew had more of a bite than necessary at times. You had developed a tough edge at a young age and you think that it has protected you a lot already in your short life.

He raised an eyebrow at the sudden appearance of sass and gave you another grin. You simply rolled your eyes and turned on your heel to march yourself out of the classroom, joining the other students that were filtering out. By the time you had turned around, the cute guy with the smile that made your heart melt had already left. You were slightly disappointed to your own chagrin. Why on Earth are you paying attention to boys when you knew you had other priorities? It’s not like anything would come of it anyway.

Throughout high school, you steered away from boys in a romantic sense and they more than happily did the same. You knew you were intimidating, as you had a sharp mouth and quick wit. No one messed with you and you liked it that way. You had kept to yourself, and kept your grades high. You just didn’t have any interest in the boys you’ve known since you were a kid.

As you walked to your next class, you silently cursed yourself for not being cool and collected the entire period. Where was that icy exterior that you had curated for years? How did a simple smile from the boy in front of you turn you into a puddle? How did that annoyingly hot guy behind you manage to blindside you at first?

You nearly stopped in your tracks and groaned when you realized that you had that class every. single. day. It was five credits, so that meant Monday through Friday, you’d be there 9 in the morning, attempting to not think about the cute boys around you.

You were giddy deep, deep down that such cute guys were in your class but the more level headed side of you knew it was in vain. It’s not like they’d go for you or anything. And besides, they would only distract you from the class that you already knew was going to be a struggle.

You pinched your eyes shut when you slid into your seat in your next class.

You had a feeling it was going to be a long semester.

[toxicjayhoe]

Maximum Decibels

Shinsou Hitoshi/Reader (Some description of OC)

Alternate Universe - No Quirks (My Hero Academia)

Concerts

Song fic

Explicit Sexual Content

Some Plot ish?

Alcohol

One night stand

Word count : 3000

Songs in this fic : You'll be fine by Palaye Royale I don't feel quite right by Palaye Royale

If he hadn’t been wearing earplugs, he was sure the noise blaring from the low-quality speakers to his right would have blown out his ear drums. Thankfully, Shinso wasn’t an amateur. He lived for his Friday and Saturday nights out.

Music was a big part of his life, just like most people, he assumed. He wasn’t much of the type of person to go out to big venues and rather preferred to go to see and support local bands that played in small, overcrowded bars.

He had never liked crowds, but they seemed easier to manage emotionally in seedy local venues. Physically, not so much.

Another black clothed mosh pitter was dramatically thrown from the pit and headed his way. It was common courtesy to just push them back in.

As with any show, it was impossible to escape the movements of others, shoulders and elbows bumping him as they swayed to the music or a hand on the back as they made their way to the front of the stage, hoping for a better view.

Shinso didn’t care about the view. He just wanted to stand there, lean against the wall behind him, and let the music wash over him, let it drown out all of his worries and anxieties.

The opener for the night said their thanks as they finished the last song of their set. The crowd hollered and screamed their appreciation before the horde scurried off like cockroaches towards either the bar, the bathroom or outside for a smoke.

A sigh left his lips as his shoulders relaxed before stretching his arms over his head, walking over to sit on the edge on the stage as the next band began setting up their gear.

Purple eyes scanned the darkly lit room, pausing on the small groups that remained on the lower floor, analyzing but not judging.

Everyone looked similar. Dark clothes, bright hair. He wasn’t much different. He stared at his old, dirty black boots. His favorite pair. Despite their age, the steel toes were still in perfect shape. He didn’t trust anything more than these boots.

His black jeans were ripped at the knees and, if they hadn’t been tucked into his boots, you could see the tears at the cuffs. His brow furrowed at the thought. He should probably get a new decent pair to replace them. He probably wouldn’t.

There were a few familiar faces, of course. He was here every weekend, and he wasn’t the only one. He didn’t talk to any of them, really. They had a silent understanding, nodding their greetings and nothing more.

Just the way he liked it.

The lights dimmed, announcing the start of the next band. He pushed himself up and walked back over to his wall as everyone started to pour back in.

He closed his eyes, intently listening to the melodies and beats. He wasn’t one to dance, but he lost himself to the music that day, allowing his head to bob to the rhythm.

~~

Fridays were reserved for new bands to make their debut, while Saturdays were a mix of newcomers and the local classics.

He enjoyed getting acquainted with new sounds, but there was just something about recognizing a song with just the first few notes that made life worth living.

Tonight happened to be one of those nights. The bands started earlier and finished later. It was the one night of the week that he would come home exhausted and actually be able to get a full night's worth of sleep.

Saturdays were also the one night he would grab a few drinks of whiskey to accompany the thrum of vibrations coursing through his entire body. The alcohol just seemed to elevate the sensations while also allowing him to relax and enjoy his night more thoroughly.

Earplugs in and glass in hand, he leaned against his usual wall. Everyone was dressed much the same as usual and he was no exception. The only difference? He’d opted on a simple white t-shirt.

He found himself pushing his hair back as he scanned the faces in the crowd, his eyes lidded and his own expression passive. As usual.

A loud laugh caught his attention and his gaze darted to the offender. A flash of red hair, glasses and a crooked grin as the woman continued to laugh at whatever her friends were talking about.

It wasn’t a face he recognized, but it was one that he would remember. He tore his eyes away when he felt the familiar static in the air as the band began their sound check.

~~

The second band had just finished their set and Shinso headed to the bar with the rest of the crowd for another glass of whiskey. He put it on his tab. He’d pay at the end of the night.

He took in his surroundings, much like he always did as he leaned on the bar while he waited for his drink. The place was much busier than usual, which made sense considering the line up. Some of his favorite locals were playing and he felt considerably lucky to experience them all play the same night.

In fact, the last band of the night had become fairly well known over the last few years and they were on tour in their hometown. He smiled at the thought. He remembered their first show.

His cup was placed by his arm and he nodded at the bartender in thanks. People had already begun to pile back in and he quickened his pace to stand in his usual spot.  It was the perfect spot. Close enough to the stage that he wasn’t blinded by the mob jumping and far enough that he wasn’t completely trapped between sweaty bodies.

The familiar buzz of the mics being tested filled the room. Sipping the amber liquid, a small smile painted Shinso’s lips.

He was in for a wild night, he could tell with how rowdy the crowd was, shouting as soon the drummer began beating against the kick drum. Shinso tapped his foot to the rhythm.

As soon as he finished his third whiskey, his eyes caught a flash of yellow in the pit. Shinso dragged his gaze higher, from the hem of the patterned skirt and over a band shirt, red hair bouncing with the force of the woman’s movements.

Shinso stared as she sang with the band, her nose scrunched up and eyes closed, body swaying to the chaotic rhythm. Her every expression was exactly how he felt while listening to music, only he kept it in his heart instead of showing on his sleeve.

The brightness in her eyes when she opened them rivaled that of the sun’s.

He tore his gaze away and pressed his back into the wall.

And if he stole quick glances her way for the remainder of the song, he convinced himself it was just part of his routine; constantly scanning his surroundings. Analyzing and never judging.

~~

Shinso never understood how bars had so few bathrooms. While the line for the boy’s bathroom was nowhere near as long as the girl’s, it still annoyed him.

Honestly, it should be illegal to have people waiting so long for a basic need.

Just as he’d made it to the front of the line, he caught sight of the pretty little redhead exiting the bathroom with her small group of friends. She was covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laugh, her arm linked with her multicolor-haired friend in the leather jacket.

He hadn’t noticed it was his turn for the bathroom until the guy behind him cleared his throat.

~~

For some reason, Shinso had drinken far more than what he was used to. He was feeling rather good and very relaxed, a gentle smile plastered on his face, his eyes even more lidded than his norm.

His fingers tapped to the beat against his leg, eyes concentrated on whatever band they were on now. He couldn’t remember. He’d even left the comfort of his wall to get a better look at the stage. He only regretted it a little as more people bumped into him, a few almost knocking him over.

Shinso couldn’t remember the last time he felt this at ease in a crowd. Most likely never, if his memory served him right.

A more rough and up beat song was currently playing and the crowd was going absolutely wild, more and more people joining the center of the floor to jump and dance and push against the pit.

He changed his stance to have a bit more stability. He was glad he did, his arms instinctively reaching out as a small body collided with his, making him stagger.

Gazing down at the person in his arms, his breath caught in his throat as he hauled her up quickly.

She was even prettier up close.

The grin he received in thanks made his heart flutter, her hand squeezing his arm before she darted off into the pit again, disappearing from sight.

Shinso felt his legs moving of their own accord, towards the pit in an attempt to follow her.

~~

I see it in those eyes

His eyes searched frantically in the horde, sweaty bodies pressing into him, moving him into one direction to the next. Shinso felt like he was in the ocean, the waves dragging him back and forth with a strength he couldn’t begin to comprehend.

You're so damn hypnotized

The lights from above the stage danced across them, illuminating the crowd long enough for him to catch a glimpse of red hair.

You wanted to pretend the voice you hear is not in your head

She was facing one of her friends, the tallest one of the three, the two of them grinning as they screamed the lyrics at each other, jumping in time with the crowd.

You wanted to escape, but you're not that innocent

Shinso couldn’t help but appreciate the fact that she seemed to know all the lyrics by heart, knew exactly when the pauses were and when the band would pick it up again.

Just stay for the show, don't turn around

His heart hammered in his chest.

I'm looking for you out there

He was unmoving, barely registering the bodies colliding with his, eyes still trained onto the group of friends as they bobbed their heads to the beat.

I’m looking for truth inside your stare

She had her back turned to him, but her friend with the dark hair did not. Their eyes locked for a moment before she looked away, quickly connecting the dots.

I’m looking for you outside

He could see her moving her lips, no longer singing the song before she motioned towards him. Ginger hair bounced as the redhead snapped her head his way.

'Cause I mean it, no, I mean it, you'll be fine!

The lights passed over the crowd again, allowing them to both see each other clearly. Recognition crossed her features.

I'm looking for you this way

She whispered something to her friends, and they both gave her exasperated looks, hands up in the air in a confused manner. Like they were arguing.

But you don't hear a word I say

Her eyes met his and he didn’t shy away from the intense gaze. It only pulled him forward.

I'm looking for you this time

Shinso saw as the two friends looked at each other, nodding before shoving the redhead towards him. He caught her in his arms again.

'Cause I mean it, yeah, I mean it, you'll be fine!

She was smiling up at him, heat rising on her cheeks at an alarming rate. He could no longer hear the music, just a faint buzz as everything else faded out.

~~

Shinso had grabbed her by the wrist and gently dragged her to his spot at the wall. He could still hear the music but didn’t pay it much mind. He could still feel the vibrations coursing under his skin.

But nothing compared to the way his heart hammered in his chest, his purple eyes peering into hers. They were like sunbursts surrounded by chocolate brown.

His gaze traced down her face, connecting her freckles with his eyes, pausing when he reached an opal adorned nostril piercing, to the matching septum before he reached her cute pink lips.

His tongue darted out, wetting his own lips. Her eyes followed the movement.

Shinso shifted closer, practically towering over her as she watched him through her lashes. He wasn’t sure when he’d gotten so bold. Perhaps it was still the alcohol running through his veins.

Maybe it was whatever connection they seemed to have urging him on.

A new song came on, her eyes lighting up but never leaving his. He watched as she mouthed the words, sending electricity up his spine, heat coiling inside him.

I don't feel quite right

The curl of her lips.

There's something in the air tonight

The suggestion in the way she stared up at him.

Must be the way she's looking at me

Shinso mouthed them along with her.

Is there something wrong

She took a step forward.

Is there something wrong with me

Her hands on the center of his chest, his own arms circling around her waist.

I don't feel quite right

Their lips collided.

~~

Nothing like this had ever happened to Shinso. He never believed he could go through with anything like this.

In fact, the thought had never really crossed his mind.

He fumbled with his keys when they reached his door, the concert completely forgotten.

It was a blur of deep kisses and hands roaming the other’s body with soft but insistent touches.

Pushing her red hair from her shoulder, Shinso dipped his head to her neck, all lips and tongue against salty skin.

Delicate fingers threaded through his hair, gripping tightly when his fingers slipped under her plaid skirt and up the back of her soft thighs, tracing the edges of her panties.

His hands tightened before he heaved her up, her teeth on his bottom lip and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

A soft gasp escaped her when he dropped her onto his bed.

Shinso didn’t move, just stared down at her with lidded eyes. She looked perfect, hair messy, lips swollen, legs spread apart for him like an invitation.

He gladly accepted, crawling between thick thighs, hands on her knees. He spread her wider.

Agile fingers unbuttoned his pants, pushing them lower on his hips before he took over, discarding them somewhere on the floor.

When his cock collided with her heat, they both moaned, hips grinding into each other.

Any doubt he’d had about his current situation flew out the window as he pressed his fingers to her clothed clit.

Her panties were soaked through.

Slowly, he rubbed her little bundle of nerves with two fingers, a third sneaking under the material to feel just how wet she was.

Shinso released a breath he didn’t know he was even holding, hand sliding completely under the fabric and pressing two fingers into her heat.

A different kind of music filled the room. Breathy moans, small whimpers and the wet sound of his fingers inside her. Shinso’s thumb danced rhythmically at her clit, keeping the pressure gentle yet persistent.

His free hand pushed up her shirt roughly just above her bra, exposing her to his hungry eyes.

Cupping one of her breasts firmly, he squeezed into the soft flesh over and over, loving how she filled his large hand perfectly.

Shinso squeezed her nipple through the material of her bra and was very glad he did as her pussy clenched around his fingers still working inside of her, and juices rushed out of her and all over his forearm.

He’d never experienced anything so hot in his life.

When he removed himself from inside her, he chuckled at the desperate whimper she made.

Shinso wasted no time discarding his boxers, pumping himself slowly and groaning as he stared down at her.

He didn’t even bother removing her panties, just pushed them to the side with his cock before sliding in to the hilt.

A new beat could be heard throughout his appartement as he pounded into her rhythmically, her moans urging him on. Deeper, harder, faster before slowing down again, building up the pressure in the pit of his stomach.

His hands gripped her hips as he lost himself in every sensation. The way she tightened around him, the look of her throwing her head back, the glimpse of lust and pleasure in her eyes sent heat from his chest to his dick.

He felt himself twitch inside her.

Shinso could feel she was approaching her crescendo. His hips rolled over and over, pressing onto her clit with every thrust, tempo increasing until her cunt spasmed around his cock, her back arching off the bed.

Shinso fell forward with his hands on either side of her head, eyes locked as he buried himself into her again and again. The look she gave sent Shinso over the edge as he pulled out, spilling himself all over her pretty little skirt.

The image of her would be locked into his core memories for years to come.

He rolled over and laid on his back as they both tried catching their breaths.

The room became quiet as she drifted off. Only then did he allow himself to glance over at her.

Well, I can see the way she sleeps

He was sure he would wake up to her gone.

Tonight, I find a better peace of mind

It didn’t bother him as much as he thought it would.

In her eyes, oh her eyes, oh her eyes, yeah

Shinso stared at her a little longer, a smile plastered on his face.

In her eyes, lord, her eyes, oh her eyes, yeah!

He never learned her name.

Art by me.

I wrote this fic as a birthday gift to myself but I hope you enjoyed!

[ginnympotter]

I Think He Knows

A/N: Yes, this fanfiction was inspired by the line "I think he knows his hands around a cold glass make me wanna know that body like it's mine" from "I Think He Knows" by Taylor Swift; then it kind of just took on a life of its own. Hope you enjoy :) You can also read it on AO3!

Had she never realized how strong and tan his hands were before?

For the life of her, she could not stop staring at them.

Well, most of the time. Her eyes occasionally flickered to his face. But he was talking to Marlene about strategy or whatnot, and she knew if Marlene caught her staring at his face for too long she would embarrass her. His hands were safe, because for all they knew she could just be zoning out. But, lord, was she zoning in.

His fingers were long and his nails were surprisingly clean considering he had just played a two-hour Quidditch match. She wondered how many blisters and calluses were on his palm. His hands must be twice the size of her own, because her hand barely fits halfway around her glass, while his grasp fully encircled it. She saw droplets from the condensation dripping under his fingers, but he kept his grip firm, so much so that his veins were becoming more and more defined. 

Someone cleared their throat above her.

Before she could will herself to look away and up, they plopped down on the couch next to her.

“You might need some lessons in subtlety, Evans.”

She forced herself to turn to him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Sirius snorted, placing his empty butterbeer bottle on the table. “You were staring, for the seventieth time, the past hour alone. Day by day you are losing tact, my friend.”

“I was zoning out,” she defended herself automatically, trying to maintain eye contact with Sirius without breaking.

“More like daydreaming.” 

“Zoning out, daydreaming, whatever you want to call it-“

“-All right, fantasizing more like it.”

“Excuse me-“

“I was standing here for a solid minute before I made my presence known. You were practically drooling looking at his hands,” he laughed, taking the glass from her and taking a sip for himself. 

“Definitely fantasizing. Wishing that instead of his hand being around that glass it was around your thro-“

Lily clapped her hand over his mouth. “There are people around,” she muttered through gritted teeth as he continued to snicker. She noticed Sirius’s eyes flicker towards James and she allowed herself permission to look momentarily too, and both he and Marlene were giving them a curious glance. 

“Ooh, making him jealous?” Sirius mumbled against her hand, drawing her attention back to him. “Smart, smart. Never knew you were devious though, but you both have been playing at this for months to no avail so I guess desperate times call for desperate measures-“

She removed her hand and used it to punch his arm instead. “Oh, shut it.”

“I won’t say anything to him,” he assured her, not even flinching at her attempts to harm him. "I mean, I don't have to. At this point, your subtlety is so far gone that I think he knows."

“I still have no clue what you’re talking about, Sirius,” she shrugged, failing to be nonchalant. “So, great match today. Saw you hit that bludger right at Rosier. Very satisfying.”

Sirius downed the rest of Lily’s drink before placing it next to his empty butterbeer bottle. “Of course you saw that play.”

Lily raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Of course I saw it, I watched the entire match.”

Sirius smirked as he patted her shoulder sympathetically. “That particular bludger hit was when I saved it from nearly crushing your boyfriend’s skull-“

“He’s not my boyfriend-“

“Not yet, at least,” he retorted, ruffling her hair. “You’re blushing.”

She groaned, closing her eyes and covering her face as she dramatically fell onto her back on the red sofa. “Maybe if I blush enough it’ll match my hair and the couch and then I’ll just blend in and no one will remember I exist, including you.” 

“He won’t forget,” Sirius said quietly, and she could feel him standing up. He patted her knee before she heard him begin to walk away.

“Good, leave me!” she shouted after him. She thought she heard his footsteps dying away, but then she heard more approaching her again. “I thought I just told you-“

She opened her eyes and saw James Potter standing above her, his glasses a bit askew, still holding his drink.

“Oh,” she said, feeling her face heat up again. 

“Huh,” James surveyed her.  “Looks like you could blend in with the couch.”

She attempted a smile, now her entire body heating up. “That was the goal.”

He gazed at her for a moment, smiling back. Lily quickly sat up- perhaps too quickly, as she suddenly became lightheaded, although maybe that was just being so close to James- and made some room for him. “Thanks,” he said quietly and sat so close to her that their legs would be touching if she moved just a centimeter closer. “You enjoy the match?” 

“Of course I did. You were brilliant as always,” she said automatically, and then felt her stomach drop. Sirius was right; she was not subtle at all. 

But maybe James did not notice, because he responded, “It was a team effort, really,” all bashful.

“Pft. James Potter? Being modest?” she laughed, bumping her shoulder against his. “Never thought I’d see the day.” 

He shrugged. “Miracles happen all the time.”

“C’mon, Potter,” she said as she turned to face him properly and folded her legs into a pretzel. “You got more than half of Gryffindor’s goals, and that interception between Regulus and Mulciber? Top-notch.”

He smiled, and oh no, that gleam of confidence sparked in his eye, always a dangerous sign. One that she unwillingly brought back on, but, dear god, was it attractive. “Keeping tabs on me, Evans?” 

“It’s just called paying attention,” she played off, picking at a piece of lint on her trousers. “Something you wouldn’t know anything about.”

“I know a lot about paying attention,” he countered, and Lily could see through her peripherals James leaning back more comfortably into the sofa and stretching his free arm out over the top of it, his hand resting quite close to her shoulder. His other was still gripping his glass, Lily knew, but she continued to pick at any stray lint on her clothing. She could feel him staring at her. “Maybe not in class,” he amended, “but I don’t need to, anyway.” 

“Ah, there he is,” she said, looking back up at him. “We get it, you’re so naturally talented in everything you do, all hail Head Boy Potter, we are not worthy.”

“Can’t argue with the truth,” he sighed. “Although, the Head Girl could give him a run for his money.”

“Hell yeah, I could.”

James laughed, ruffling his hair. “In charms and potions, sure. But Transfiguration? Good luck.” 

Lily scoffed, jabbing one of her feet at the side of his thigh. “That’s only because you have favoritism on your side. You see McGonagall practically crying tears of joy in the stands before? All in the name of Quidditch.”

“Oh, and you don’t have old Sluggy in the palm of your hands? Please-“ 

“But that’s because of my innovative potion-making and my vibrant personality, not because I’m helping Slytherin win the cup-“ 

“It’s not all about Quidditch-“

Lily gasped dramatically. “Not all about Quidditch? Potter…are you alright?”

“Oh, boy. That’s not what I-“

She reached a hand out and put it against his forehead. “You must be ill. Maybe you should go to Pomfrey-“

James’s smile then lit up his face, and as his dimples emerged Lily suddenly felt like the heat from his forehead shot through her hand into her body. She attempted to bring her hand back into her lap, but James moved his arm from the top of the couch and caught it, held her hand firmly in his own, and kept speaking, as if the gesture was nothing at all. “What I meant was,” he said as he interlaced their fingers casually, and dear Lord, his hand was so much bigger than hers. “I have achieved Transfiguration feats that well exceed N.E.W.T. level.”

Lily became momentarily distracted, as she marveled at how utterly natural it felt for them to be holding hands. Why had they never held hands before? She exhaled pleasantly as the warmth from his fingers spread over hers, trying to stop herself from closing her eyes to just revel in it. And then she tuned back in, realizing what James was implying. The only reason she even knew James was an Animagus was because Remus told her last year once she finally admitted to him that she figured out he was a werewolf in fourth year. She cocked her head to the side, giving James an accusatory look. “And illegal,” she whispered. 

“I’m sorry, illegal? You must’ve meant to say admirable. They kind of sound similar, I can see how you might mix them up.”

Lily snorted, despite the fact that she did find it admirable, sickeningly so - and then gulped as James squeezed her hand tighter right before she spoke. “And what was that Sirius said when we talked about it last? Something about if Peter could pull it off anyone could? Which was mean, by the way.”

“I didn’t say it!”

“You agreed!”

“Not everyone is as lucky as Peter to have two transfiguration masters as their best mates, so he had significant help, I’d say.”

“It’s not too tough to chew a leaf, I would think.”

“You are completely oversimplifying the entire process,” James accused her. “And if it’s as easy as that, why don’t you become one?”

“It’s illegal.”

“Not if you register.”

“I have no need for it,” she said and, on a delayed reflex, squeezed his hand back before she could stop herself. “You lot had good reason, I’ll give you that.”

“Admirable reasons, one might say!” he reminded her. “Let’s say you did: what do you think you’d be?”

Lily pondered the question for a moment. “I just thought of something. Aren’t all three of your Animagus forms the same as your corporeal patronuses?”

“Correct,” James confirmed.

“So I guess mine would be a doe, then, wouldn’t it?”

“Not definitely, but probably, yes,” he said, his voice suddenly quiet and raspy. “And mine is a stag, the doe’s mate for life. So we’re a perfect fit in all forms. Fancy that, huh?”

Despite the fact that, yes, she did quite fancy that, she rolled her eyes at him as he raised his glass with his other hand to his smirking lips and took a sip. Lily felt like she was going mad; his hand and his lips in one frame? And the other hand holding hers? Through the glass she could see James eyeing her curiously. He lowered it slowly, surveying her. “You want some?” he offered, holding it out to her.

Maybe Sirius was right; they’d been playing at this for too long. And too often, really. Ever since the Easter holidays in sixth year when she confided in him and he comforted her and they became actual mates and then she found herself disgustingly obsessed. And then ever since they got those badges she’s used every excuse to be near him, and they began waiting for each other every morning in the common room to go down to breakfast together, an unspoken agreement that started about two weeks into term. And they’d spent the majority of the time on their rounds eating food James nicked from the kitchen and talking about the war and family but then eventually laughing so hard they couldn’t breathe, and she valued their friendship so much but man she did not want to do to her friends the things she was imagining doing to him.

She needed some courage, so she took James’s glass out of his stupidly large hand and chugged what was left of it.

“Whoa, there, Evans!” he said, taking the glass from her as she drank the last drop, and then placed it on the table beside them. And then, leaning in a bit, he whispered in a mocking tone, “You’re supposed to be setting an example!”

Lily ignored this as she let the aftertaste of the firewhiskey settle and admired the closeness of James’s face to hers, examining his features. He was looking at her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. “Something you want to say?”

She shook her head, rubbing her thumb gently across the back of his hand. She looked at him determinedly. “The All Powerful Potter can’t master legilimency?” 

“I’m an amateur legilimens,” he joked. “What rank of occlumens are you?” 

“You tell me.” 

“Hm,” he started as he looked at her quizzically. She wanted him to read her mind to save her the embarrassment of actually initiating this thing, and if Sirius’s word meant anything, and if her longing for him was as obvious as it felt, she thought he might already know that she wanted to jump his bones, anyway. He was studying her, and as her eyes strayed from his face back to his hands, one entangled with hers, the other one free on his lap, he followed her gaze. And before she knew it, his hand was on her thigh. He gave it a gentle squeeze, and she looked up at him. The expression on his face was as if he was waiting for an answer, or permission. She nodded and bit her lip, and he chuckled, causing her heart to skip several beats and leap up into her throat. “Not too bad of an occlumens,” he mumbled, still leaning closer. “But I don’t think you’re trying too hard.”

“Nope,” she replied honestly, offering a smile.

He returned a nervous smile to her, breathed in sharply as if trying to restrain himself, and then eventually said, “Let’s get out of here, yeah?”

“Okay,” she said, and without letting go of his hand, released her leg from James’s grasp and stood up. “Where we gonna go?”

James sat there, rooted to the couch cushion for a moment. At first it seemed as if he thought she was joking, but then he gulped, and stood up too, tightening his hold on her hand even more so. His eyes quickly darted from her face towards the boys’ staircase and back. “If that’s ok,” he added when she didn’t respond but instead looked as if she was searching the room intently.

She nodded. “I just want to make sure Sirius is distracted before he catches us and announces our whereabouts to the entire school.”

“Good thinking,” he told her, and began to search as well. He spotted him quickly. He nudged Lily gently, and jerked his head towards the far right corner so that Lily could see Sirius pouring butterbeer down Peter’s throat as Remus sat there shaking his head while rubbing his temples and Marlene and Mary counted loudly. “I think we’re safe.”

Lily found herself torn between giggling and groaning at the sight, but ultimately either option was wasting time she could be using dragging James up the boys’ staircase. So she marched towards it, doing just that. With one final check behind them, they began climbing the stairs until they reached the fourth floor with the door that said Seventh Years. 

James smiled at her nervously as he held the door open, and Lily did not hesitate. She let her eyes scan the beds, and it was easier than she thought. She pointed towards the second bed to the left, completely unmade with 3 pillows and a Puddlemore United poster above the headboard. “That one, innit?”

She heard James make some vague noise of confirmation after he closed the door, although maybe trying to disguise the fact that he also clicked in the lock. She kicked off her trainers and lied down right in the middle. She was smart enough to know it wasn’t the little firewhiskey she had a few minutes before making her do this, but something definitely came over her to the point where she no longer cared what she did or how it was perceived. It could have been the lack of audience, but she preferred not to think too hard about it as she stretched out and inhaled deeply, thoroughly overwhelmed and pleased by James’s scent all over the sheets.

“Make yourself at home, why don’t you?” James said, amused, still standing by the door. 

“I have, thank you,” she replied. “Why don’t you?”

James rolled his eyes and kicked off his own trainers. He walked over to his four-poster and stood by the frame. “How’d you know this one was mine?”

“Easy,” she started. “For one thing, you seem like an unmade-bed type of guy.”

“Should I be insulted?”

“Yes. We’re seventeen, not seven.”

“I mean, what’s the point of making it if I’m just going to go right back under the covers anyway?”

“Two,” she continued, ignoring him, “the Puddlemore United poster was a dead giveaway.”

James crossed his arms, and although she felt temporarily distracted by this, as his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms, she did hear him say, “Peter supports them too. He has two posters.”

“But here’s the thing,” Lily said, and she sat up slowly, pushing herself backward towards the headboard and away from his tempting forearms. “Yours was the only bed with three pillows.”

“I- excuse me?” James looked at her in disbelief. “How did you- huh?”

“Just the other week, the four of you were having such a heated debate about it at lunch, remember?” James’s stare was intense, and she felt as if it was burning through her cheeks. She gestured to the other beds as a means of looking away and regaining her composure, but her voice sounded compromised as she spoke. “Peter and Remus are both normal, so they sleep with two pillows. You went on to call Sirius a madman for only sleeping with one pillow, and then he expanded saying he pushes the pillow away right as he is about to fall asleep, so he practically sleeps with none.”

“Which is mad!” James interjected, his arms loose and flailing in exasperation. “And he claims it’s better for your back, but that’s bullocks because he complains about his back at least twice a day. At least!”

Lily laughed at James’s indignation. “I didn’t say I necessarily disagree with you. But I don’t disagree with Sirius either about your way. I mean, are three pillows really necessary?”

“Yes, they are, in fact!”

Lily turned her head, made sure the 3 pillows were stacked nicely, fluffled them a bit, then situated herself as she was going to sleep, putting the covers over her legs and laying her head against the pillows. She closed her eyes, lying there for a moment, but it was only moments later that her eyes flew open and she groaned. “This is absolutely awful for your neck, and extremely uncomfortable.”

“You’re just not using them right,” he murmured.

Lily shifted herself forward and to the right side of the bed, took all 3 pillows in her arms, and held them out for James. “So show me.”

He surveyed her, then put a hand through his hair. He sighed. “Alright, Evans. But don’t make fun.”

“Oh, I will.”

He took a few steps forward and plopped down on the vacant side of the bed. Without speaking, he lied down on his side to face Lily. He took the first pillow and put it between his knees. He took the second pillow and put it under his head. The last pillow he held in his own arms, hugging it.

“That’s it?” she asked, her eyebrows raised. “But your head is only on one pillow, anyway! Your criticism towards Sirius is completely hypocritical!”

“But he still pushes his away, basically sleeping with none!” he fought back. “And the other pillows are necessary.”

“How so?”

“Pillow between the knees is good for a bad back,” he explained. 

Lily laughed, grabbing the pillow James was holding from him. “And this one?”

James cleared his throat, his cheeks turned pink. “You really can’t make fun.”

“I already told you I will. So tough. Tell me,” she said, hugging it to her chest.

He nudged his head forward. “For that.”

She raised an eyebrow, looking from his face to the pillow in her arms. “To....cuddle it?”

“Listen, I just hate sleeping alone,” he said quickly, looking away from her, now. “And at home I always have our cat, but Mum and Dad don’t let me bring him here, so I’m forced to use a pillow. Happy?”

Lily tried her best to suppress a giggle, she really did. But it bubbled out, and the pink in James’s face was turning three shades darker as he took the pillow out from between his legs and stacked it on top of the one under his head before turning to lie flat on his back again. “No, it’s sweet, James.”

“You’re laughing.”

“It can be sweet and laughable at the same time,” she told him, and she suddenly realized how close they were, and that they were lying in his bed. You’re a Gryffindor, she reminded herself, it’s now or never.  “But let me ask you something.”

“What?”

“Does Sirius get jealous?” 

He turned his gaze back to her, puzzled. “Of…?”

“Of your cat! I mean, why doesn’t he just transform into a dog and cuddle you at night while you’re here? I’d think when you’re both at the Potter residence there’d be a rivalry, no?”

James laughed heartily. “There is, but believe it or not Sirius likes cats. When he transforms into Padfoot at my house he and my cat have the best time together, it’s mental. And besides, Sirius is not really a physical affection kind of bloke.”

“So all you’ve got is your pillow to hold here, huh.”

“Sadly,” he sighed dramatically.

Lily casually dropped the pillow she was holding in her arms over her shoulder and off the edge of the bed. “That can be remedied, I think.”

And before James could have the time to process her words, she scooted over to him, put her head on his chest, draped a leg over one of his and an arm around his torso, burying her face into his shirt, letting herself do something she so desperately wanted to for ages.

At first it felt like James’s entire body went rigid, but after about three seconds, it relaxed completely, as his legs locked with hers and he brought one arm around her and the other towards her head, his fingers gently combing through her hair. Lily shivered at his touch, moving her face up into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply, as if she was about to run out of air for good. 

After a few still and precious moments, Lily let herself exhale. “Better than the pillows?” she asked meekly.

James’s chest shook as he chuckled lightly. “Much.”

“Good,” she said, satisfied but now paralyzed. This was good. Almost too good. And she didn’t want to risk moving a single limb and losing it all, despite the ache throughout her body pleading for more of him.

Luckily for her, James was a risk taker. He stopped running his fingers through her hair and instead cradled her head, pulling it back so that her face would lift, and she could see him. And he looked excitedly determined, the same way he looked on the Quidditch pitch, a golden sparkle in his hazel eyes behind his spectacles. She suddenly felt the need to say something to him. She didn’t know what, exactly, and he most likely knew whatever she was feeling, but she tried anyway. “James-”

She barely got his full name out before he swooped down, his lips pressing urgently against hers. And all attempts at speaking were suddenly forgotten as she pushed her face upward and threw herself into the kiss. She didn’t even care that she might break his glasses from trying to close any amount of space left between their faces, nor did he. His lips were chapped but they felt electric against hers, and she moved a hand up to cup his face, pressing kiss after kiss to his eager mouth. She felt her heart swell bigger with each one, unable to fully believe that this was actually, finally happening, and she knew it couldn’t be a dream this time, because this was far better than how it felt in her dreams. He shifted under her so that he was back on his side and they were facing each other again. No kiss was ever enough, but after a minute or so the urgency settled down, and James began to kiss her more softly yet firm, one hand still in her hair, the other resting on her hip. He suddenly moved his mouth over her cheek, her jaw, down to her neck, staying there for quite a bit, but Lily still felt like they weren’t close enough. 

James must have been a better legilimens than he let on, because he then moved his lips back to hers, and opened his mouth slightly, as she did too, and their tongues met, and Lily thought that her entire body must have been on fire by now, as she moaned at the feel of him, and James let out a soft moan almost simultaneously. And they both laughed, and then James pulled away to properly laugh. 

“Stop laughing,” she choked out, though she was unsure how she even found words, and she leaned back into him, kissing his laughing mouth. He kissed her back briefly before pulling away again. She groaned. “Would you quit-”

“Just give me a second,” he said gruffly, but she opened her eyes and found him grinning. “Trying to preserve this moment in my brain forever.”

“Well, I’m trying to make new moments over here, if you’d please.”

But that just made James laugh even harder. But now looking at him laughing, well, she supposed he didn’t have to stop yet. His laugh was almost as glorious as his kiss. She smiled, and he looked at her in a way no one had ever looked at her before.

“As you wish,” he responded, flashing a wicked smile back before crushing his mouth back to hers, and she shortly learned how much glory of his kiss was left to be discovered as she parted her lips again and allowed his tongue to enter her mouth, and they both moaned again, all laughs left behind.

As they continued to kiss for the next few minutes, James slowly began to let his hand on her hip wander the small of her back beneath her shirt, and she took that as a green light for her hands to wander too. She put one hand on his chest, and moved the one on his face to his hair instead, allowing herself to feel his hair through her fingers like she’d so often see him do when ruffling his hair to look like he’d just gotten off his broom, or when he did just get off his broom. Her nails lightly grazed his scalp and she felt him shiver as he let out a sound of approval against her. She giggled now, and pulled away briefly to let him in on the secret. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” she whispered triumphantly. 

She opened her eyes again to see an unreadable expression on James’s face. “Not always,” he replied as he exhaled, and then looked at her- really looked at her. And she knew what she wanted to say now.

“James,” she said, gripping the collar of his shirt, trying to regain breath control. “You must know how I…how I feel about you...I mean, I practically dragged you up here to seduce you. I don’t do that with just anyone.”

“I know,” he answered with a hint of a smile. “But it’s hard to just...forget sometimes.”

“Well, it’s not my fault you were a conceited git in fifth year,” she responded, and she did not let herself feel guilty saying it. “Sorry, but that’s just the truth.”

“I know it is,” he muttered, looking a bit ashamed of himself. He looked away from her and past her shoulder, thinking hard. She let the silence sit until he spoke again. “I guess I’m worried that...that perception of me you had- or the memory of who I once was- might always be there.”

“Well, it will be,” she responded bluntly, taking hold of his chin and making him face her again. “But that’s not a bad thing-”

“Sorry,” he interrupted her, rubbing her back. “I didn’t mean to bring this up tonight. I didn’t mean to say this at all ever, actually. I don’t know why I’d remind you of it, anyway-”

She cut him off by pulling his face towards hers and kissing him again, though she forced herself to pull away in order to finish her thought. “Shut up and just listen. I was saying that it’s not a bad thing because some people never change- I mean, we all have the capacity to, but so few actually take a good look at themselves and actually do it, and knowing that you have is....it’s just something special.”

“But there’s still some of those parts of me that haven’t changed, you know?” He sighed, leaning his forehead against hers. “And what if when you see those, you…” he drifted off, threading his fingers through her hair again. 

Lily closed her eyes at the feel of his touch. “But I’ve seen them already,” she told him, letting go of his chin and placing her hand on his shoulder. “Both now and then. I mean...I’m a bit obsessed with you, really.” James snorted, but she kept going. “I didn’t think I’d have to tell you that. I thought you knew.”

“I knew a bit,” he admitted, and though her eyes were closed, she could feel him smiling now. “Sirius said as much, anyway.”

“Of course he did.”

“But it seemed too good to be true,” he almost whispered. “So thanks for telling me.”

Lily opened her eyes and kissed his forehead. “You’re welcome. My point being, I know all the good and the bad. And I still want you. Ergo, the seducing bit.”

James’s smile was positively dazzling at those words. “You sure it’s not just the firewhiskey talking?”

“Don’t be stupid,” she scoffed. “I barely had any.”

“Well, it’s not like you were the only unsubtle one here. I’ve never once bothered hiding it. Couldn’t if I tried. So why didn’t you try the seducing bit before now? ”

She raised her eyebrows at him as the hand on her back moved lower down towards her waist. “I think the real question is why hadn’t you?”

He attempted a frown at her and reminded her, “I mean, I was the one who held your hand tonight first.” The smile quickly returned. “And I initiated the first kiss. And we are here in my bed. Maybe the seduction efforts were equal and we’re giving you too much credit here. I’d like an equal share.”

Lily rolled her eyes, feeling impatient. She wanted answers, too. “Before tonight, then.”

James pulled her closer to him and maneuvered them so that he was on his back again, and she was cradled against him. “I’d been rejected by you many times-“

“I mean this term! Not back then-“

“But as just revealed,” he said. “I am clearly still wounded by those rejections.”

“Boo hoo.”

He chuckled, pinching her side. “I just...wanted to be sure,” he told her. “I guess when I started to feel like you might fancy me, I tried convincing myself that it couldn’t be true… I didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I started making excuses as to why it couldn’t be real, or permanent... maybe it was just the Head Boy badge, or-“

“How can you think that?” she interrupted, looking up at him, exasperated. It made her heart sink ever so slightly at the thought that he’d think her feelings were anything but sincere. 

Noting the hurt in her voice, his hand found hers and he squeezed it tightly. “I didn’t truly think it. Like I said, I just was trying to convince myself of it because I… I just didn’t know how many more rejections I could take.” He smiled softly as he intertwined their fingers. 

Keeping their hands linked, she (mostly) removed herself from James and sat back up. It was easier to think straight and articulate her thoughts when she wasn’t plastered up against James’s person, no matter how badly she wanted to return. James followed her lead, sitting up too and facing her, but keeping a respectable amount of space between their faces. She looked up into his, which was soft and still smiling, but she could see the shadows of doubt and fear still swimming in his eyes. “You weren’t the only one trying to avoid rejection, you know,” she whispered.

James looked at her in utter befuddlement. “What? In what world would I ever reject you?”

Lily did not answer, and instead looked down into her lap. 

He waited a moment, but when she failed to respond he said her name, “Lily,” with such gentleness and fondness that she could not help but look back up at him. “You must know how I feel about you, don’t you?” he echoed her own words back to her from only moments ago. “I’ve been mental over you for ages! Years! Hell, I mean, I’m-“ but he cut himself off abruptly, shaking his head and closing his eyes.

“You’re what?”

He said nothing for a moment, and the silence was heavy, but he eventually opened his eyes and shook his head again. “Nothing. I just can’t believe you’d think that. Explain your logic to me.”

She sighed reluctantly, but supposed he deserved the truth. “It’s like you said,” she started. “You’ve fancied me for ages, and for most of that time, well, you didn’t really know me, you know? Just this idea of me, prefect, top-marks Lily Evans who everyone assumed was perfect, and that her life is wrapped up in a neat bow...but that’s not all I am, that’s not even the half of it. That’s just what people see, or what they think they see...And that’s the version of me you fancied for so long. But really I’m a mess whose sister hates her and who used to be best friends with someone who is probably a Death Eater now and I have deep-rooted self-esteem issues and I’m a picky eater and you’re right, I kind of do suck at Transfiguration, and I’m stubborn and...and what if it ends up being just about the chase? What if, you know, we did date and you finally saw that I wasn’t always what you thought I was?”

He was looking at her very seriously. His eyes looked sad, half hurt, half concerned. “You’re right. You’re not always what I thought you were,” he said very softly.

“W-what?” she responded, her throat suddenly very dry. 

This was a mistake, this whole night. She wanted to run out, but she felt immobile. All she knew was that she couldn’t look at his face anymore or she’d cry. It was only a millisecond after she looked down at her knee that James used his free hand to grab her face and make her look right back at him. “You’re not always what I thought you were,” he repeated. Then he smiled. “You are...so much more.”

“Oh,” Lily exhaled in relief, which made James smile harder. 

“Yeah, oh,” he said back. He lifted up their linked hands and kissed the back of hers, and then let go, so that both of his hands could be on either side of her face. “It’s just like you said about me. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen a lot of those parts of you now. Actually being your friend and getting to really know you, the good and the not-so-good...well, it made me want you even more. Everyday.”

“Me too,” Lily said.

He grazed his thumb gently across her cheek. “And that’s not going to go away. It’s not about the chase. It’s not about this picture-perfect idea of you. It’s about you. I promise you that. So no more doubts, ok?”

“No more doubts,” she agreed, and before she could stop herself she moved forward and kissed him, kissed him with everything she had, trying to convey what she couldn’t quite say. His hands moved into her hair as he kissed her back, taking control of the kiss, slowing it down, making Lily feel much more intoxicated than the firewhiskey could.

She moved herself on top of his lap, and his hands moved to her back as he pulled her closer to him. He deepened the kiss, and just after Lily responded he broke it off, putting his head on her shoulder, breathing heavily. “You alright?” she asked, scratching the back of his neck lightly. 

“Mhm,” he responded, lifting his head up, looking a bit dazed behind his fogged spectacles. He kissed her cheek, then put his chin back on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her, embracing her tightly. She hugged him back, and she felt warm and whole. “I’m just happy,” he whispered.

“Me too.” She closed her eyes and leaned her face against his neck. 

They sat there, holding one another in silence for a while. Lily felt like she was in a trance, until James’s voice pulled her out of it. “Thank you.”

She lifted her head and pulled back a bit, though James’s arms were still firmly around her, but she was able to move just enough to be face-to-face again. “For what?”

And then he smiled brightly, and that boyish look she knew far too well shined through. “For seducing me.”

She laughed, and he laughed too, and the laughter was so infectious that she couldn’t stop, even when James shouted, “I’m serious!” which just made her laugh harder. He removed her from his lap and feigned offense as she lied down on her back, trying to recover. 

“You done?”

“Nearly,” she choked out. “I do have one question, though.”

“And what is that?”

She beckoned him over to her, and he obliged, lying on his side and facing her. She turned to him, and the warmth behind his features lit a fire inside her. “Can I be your girlfriend?”

James stared at her in amazement. “Can you?! Of-”

“Shit, sorry. May I be your girlfriend?” she amended.

There was a brief pause, and then James threw his head back, laughing freely. “You are unbelievable, Evans,” he observed, looking back at her and shaking his head. “Yes, of course you may. As long as I get to be your boyfriend.”

“Reasonable condition,” she said, pretending to think about it for a moment. “Alright, sounds like a deal. Shake on it?”

Letting out a (fake) exasperated sigh, he shook her outstretched hand. 

“I look forward to doing business with you, Potter,” she said in her best impression of a professional, suppressing a giggle. 

James’s smile in return felt almost lyrical; it said so much with so little. He moved in quickly, leaning his forehead against hers. “Why don’t we get started immediately, yeah?”

[buffyversefanfiction]

Twisted Tristan’s Tormented Christmas

Fandoms: Buffy the vampire slayer, Angel, Buffy Dark Horse comics, Buffyverse and A Christmas Carol.

Warnings: I do not own the rights to the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its spin-off series Angel, its dark horse comics continuation series, or any of the characters created by Joss Whedon and others in the Buffyverse.

15 years +, Mild to Strong Violence, Sexual References. F/F, F/M, M/M, Other +

“Have yourself a merry little…” The voice on the television began to sing with a campy Christmas cheer before the song was abruptly ended by Tristan switching off the television in the living room of the apartment, he shared with Faith above their bar Rogue’s. “Christmas is cancelled this year; we are drinking straight through to New Year’s.” A drunken Tristan declared, while wearing just a pair of tight white boxer briefs as he held a half empty bottle of whisky in his hands, before crashing on to the nearby couch. This year had been especially difficult for Tristan Summers, who had went from being a vampire who was possessed by a demon, to being killed, only to come back to life and find himself sucked into a twisted dimension where he and his parents Buffy and Angel worked together to kill the shadow demon that had once possessed him. Being back from the dead should have been reason enough for Tristan to celebrate Christmas, however, despite many pleas from both of his infamous parents he continued to decline, even going as far as convincing Faith to head to Los Angels for Christmas so he would not have anybody to remind him come the day. The earliest Christmases that Tristan could remember with his adoptive parents seemed like a perfect Christmas looking back which were probably heavily influenced by nostalgia and how much he missed them. Heck, even his Christmases spent with vampires Dante and Drusilla were fun for him, of course they were all crazy and there’d usually be humans on the table instead of turkey but it still felt like a family holiday, a deeply disturbed family, but family nonetheless and after so many losses, heartbreaks, and betrayals, Tristan was done with it all, especially Christmas. After everything him, Buffy, and Angel had gone through to get to a place where their relationship was somewhat healthy, or at least healthier than Tristan trying to kill his biological parents, he did feel guilty for rejecting both of their invitations but he just did not feel ready to open himself up to another form of family, especially not on Christmas Day.

As the hours passed, Tristan waited until his bottle of whisky was completely empty before passing out drunk on the couch where he sat but sleep was not something he would get much of on the night of December 22nd as he suddenly found himself being awakened by his old high school friend Mandi Jenkins, startling him to his core, considering Mandi was killed by Drusilla not too long ago. “Mandi,” Tristan mumbled as he rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what stood before him. “How is this possible? Your dead…I saw your body myself after Dru killed you.” “I believe the correct answer would be it’s the magic of Christmas, believe it or not that kind of thing really does exist but to be fair in a world filled with vampires, witches, slayers and sons of slayers is it really that far of a stretch that Christmas really is that special after all.” Mandi replied to her old friend. “Clearly, I am dreaming once again.” Tristan realized, as he stood up from his couch. “There’s only so many twisted dream scenarios one unhinged slayer can handle before he becomes completely and utterly tormented like…” “Drusilla…you were going to say Drusilla, right?” Mandi interrupted the slayer’s son, instantly noticing his guilt over mention the name of her killer to her so casually. “It’s okay Drusilla killed me, biggest surprise was it was not you who killed me…and I use the term loosely considering I am not actually Mandi.” “Are you the first? Please tell me you’re the first and not the shadow demon because I am getting sick of going up against the shadow demon.” Tristan complained. “I am the ghost of Christmas past.” Mandi revealed to him, only to be met by laughs of disbelief from Tristan. “Are we really doing this?” Tristan asked in between laughs.

Exactly one blink later and before his very eyes he was now standing next to Mandi on the snow covered grass of his family home in Riverborn looking into the dining room window to see his adoptive parents playing games, talking and laughing with each other and a six year old version of himself. “They loved Christmas so much, my dad used to dress up as Santa, I guess like most dads did but he really committed to the role either that or I was a really dumb kid because I was shocked when I found it was him.” Tristan admitted to Mandi, with tears in his eyes as he watched a beautiful Christmas memory before his very eyes. “Do you remember how our parents used to meet up on Christmas night and it would be like this big mash up of Christmas? And how you used to spend New Year’s with me every year?” “I know I look like Mandi, but I am not actually her remember,” The ghost of Christmas past reminded him. “I can see why Christmas is so difficult when it serves as a reminder of all you’ve lost but not all of which you have lost is bad…” “What does that mean?” Tristan wondered, before realizing. “Dante and Drusilla…I loved them like family too and the whole time they were the ones who killed my real family, first my parents, then you, well Mandi…” “I know how much Mandi Jenkins meant to you which is why I chose to take this form and I know the guilt you feel for not only her death but your parents’ too but all of that was out of your control.” Mandi of Christmas past explained to the son of the slayer. “Maybe not…but killing Mandi’s boyfriend was definitely all me, killing all those slayers, and all those innocents, that is all on me without any excuses and that is something I can never make up for.” Tristan admitted, never forgetting the horrors he had committed with his own hands. “I could feed you the line and play the role of a person endorsing your shit by saying you were manipulated by two vampires, one whom you were in love with, but the truth is you chose that path and you killed all of those innocents and that is something you should have to live with for the rest of your life without a doubt!” Mandi made clear to Tristan. “However, that does not mean you should resign yourself to the shadows, if you truly want to redeem yourself and be the better person then you need to learn the true differences between the past you, your present and what your future may look like.”

It was December 23rd the eve before Christmas eve and Tristan had all but regulated his experiences the night before as nothing more than a drunken dream as he pulled himself together, showered, washed, and put on some clothes before opening up his and Faith’s bar Rogues which they opened during the day despite the fact most of their customers couldn’t step out in the day, however, one particularly loyal customer only showed up during the day, Miss Anya Christina Emmanuella Jenkins, a former vengeance demon from an alternate world who had found herself annoyingly human and in New York City. “So, you spend a thousand years give or take with the best gig a girl can ask for…minus all the bloody bunnies and then boom some shadow demon gives you an offer you cannot refuse although in hindsight I probably should have…” A drunk Anya Jenkins slurred while drinking her bottle of beer, sat on a stool, at the bar counter, within Rogues bar, which was empty barring her and her bartender Tristan Summers, who stood behind the counter, looking far from amused by his company. “Only to be beat by two humans and the worst part of it all is not only does the world suck a lot more than I hoped for but this world’s version of my boss tells me I have no choice but to stay human because this world’s me was given too many chances…” “You have told me this story every time you come in here in the afternoon, always drunk before the sunsets, forcing me to get you a taxi so you do not wind up some vamp’s dinner…” Tristan complained to her. “You need to get over it already and find yourself some kind of life you do not totally hate living.” “Oh, I am very sorry if my life’s problems bore you!” Anya said with great sarcasm. “It was you lot who did this to me…it’s only fair you have to wallow in my misery with me.” “Hey, do not get uppity with me because you were bested by a broken key and a halfwit.” Tristan mocked the former vengeance demon, and by doing so also mocked Dawn and her boyfriend Xander. “You are almost as bad as Sid for the complaining, but the guy is a freaking puppet who cannot drink…real problems, unlike yours!” “Remind me again why I keep choosing to come back here to a bar which service is severely lacking?” Anya asked, while digging at Tristan at the same time. “Because this is the only place stupid enough to let you have a tab!” Tristan replied. “Which was definitely more Faith’s idea than mine considering I know for a fact you are never going to find a way of paying us back nor do you want to look.” “You make an excellent point,” Anya responded before finishing her beer and placing the empty bottle onto the bar counter. “Where is your fellow slayer anyway?” “Spending Christmas in Los Angeles with everyone including the two humans who brought you down to your knees.” Tristan informed her, all too happily. “If I knew you were this much fun during the holidays I would have told her to take you with them although considering you’re an alternate world version of the girl Xander almost married I do not think Dawn would be too happy…saying that I am not too sure if I care about her not being happy.” “So, you turned down being somewhere for Christmas so you could serve me alcohol all through the holiday and yet I’m the one who needs to get a life?” Anya said blatantly, as she stood up from the barstool and began walking towards the bar door, ready to leave Tristan alone to think about her latest insult.

Later that very same night after he was finished closing up Rogues, the only male slayer Tristan went straight to bed, avoiding any drinks in an attempt to avoid further dreams about Christmas past, but alas the ghost of Christmas past and had come and gone and it was now time for the ghost of Christmas present and who better to represent it than Drusilla, a vampire that Tristan had a lot of history with, history which continued to troubled him right up to this very day, and possibly in the future too. “My boy still looks like an angel when he sleeps but the things, he’s done makes his daddy angel weep and weep.” Drusilla tormented Tristan, as the male slayer awoke from his sleep to find her stood above his bed within his bedroom. “Considering you were not invited into this home this has got to be another dream,” Tristan reassured himself, as he climbed out of bed and stood up on the floor, ready to face the vampire who made him into the monster he once was. “So, are we still on the theme of Christmas or is this just another dream with you in it?” “Yes, I do seem to haunt your dreams on the regular…tell me what is worse for you? The dreams in which I am killing everybody you loved which serve more like flashbacks than dreams, or is it the dreams in which you’re happy, we’re happy, Dante, and Mandi too?” Drusilla, the ghost of Christmas present, questioned the man who once loved her like a mother, knowing the turmoil her mere presence caused him. “I cannot believe I am saying this,” Tristan admitted to both himself and the ghost of Christmas present, eager to avoid anymore talk of his troubling past. “Please tell me this is another Christmas dream…” “Yes,” Drusilla said after a sinister cackle, the Christmas ghost playing their part of the deranged vampire a little to well, before the two found themselves standing outside the front doors of the Hyperion Hotel, within the garden, looking through the front doors to see Tristan’s father Angel reluctantly decorating a large tree within the reception area of the hotel, under close super vision by the all-powerful witch Willow. “Hate to break it to you Dru but if this is what you have to show me then your seriously lacking in the sinister department these days…or this Christmas ghost version of you is way too much Christmas and not enough Halloween.” Tristan scorned Drusilla, as he continued to watch his father Angel decorate a tree with Willow, looking further to find Faith and Spike knocking back drinks at the counter of the reception area, while behind the reception area Giles, his mother’s watcher, was heavy into what looked like a game of scrabble with Dawn and Xander, the watcher looking justifiably frustrated by what Tristan assumed was the others lack of verbal intellect in comparison to Giles. As Tristan continued to search through the festive scenery before his very eyes, taking Drusilla’s silence as a hint to continue examining what lay before him, after a few more moments he found his mother Buffy Summers sat on the stairs playing dolls with her six year old niece, and his cousin, Joyce Harris, and for some reason that he did not want to admit to himself he began to feel a gut in his stomach, jealous not of Joyce or her child play, but broken by the sign of Buffy being motherly to a child, a child that was not him, a child that would never be him. “You are right in thinking she will never be like that with you, for you a neither a child, or remotely innocent…the days of that ever being likely for you are well and truly over.” Drusilla told him. “You are never too old to be somebody’s son but are you too far gone to allow anyone to love you like that?” “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” Tristan questioned the vampire, confused by her often-cryptic ways of putting a sentence together. But before the son of the slayer could get any answers from the ghost of Christmas present he found himself waking back up in his bed in his bedroom, only this time there was no sign of Drusilla to be found.

It was now December 24th, officially the eve before Christmas, and it felt to Tristan like this particular Christmas was on steroids, as Christmases tended to feel like during times people were far from feeling the festive spirit, and it seemed to Mr. Summers that he could not turn on a television, stream a song, or listen to the radio, without the message of Christmas being shoved down his throat, but as he opened up his bar for another day to night shift, he began to look forward to the distraction of Anya Jenkins, knowing she would be the last person to feel the festive cheer, or at least that is what he thought. As Anya strolled into Rogue’s dressed as a literal elf, holding a hot, sexy, and barely dressed, male Santa in her arms looking happier than she had ever looked before, Tristan could not believe his eyes, believing instantly some sinister magic was to blame for this ungodly sight before him. “I thought you hated elves why the hell are you dressed up like one?” Tristan asked Anya, as she sat down at the bar with her festive suitor. “It’s bunnies, it’s always been bunnies, bloody bunnies!” Anya corrected the male slayer, unnerved by mentioning the creatures she feared the most. “So, you hate Easter but not Christmas then?” Tristan wondered, before turning to examine the sexy Santa, failing to not notice his amazingly chiseled and seemingly oiled hairless chest. “Or do you just have a kink for Santa’s…which judging by this one makes a whole lot of sense.” “I like money, and lots of it, and I got myself as an elf at some shopping mall…can you believe shopping malls are still a thing on this world? In my world we enslaved all designers forcing them to make their designs exclusive to us which definitely wound up backfiring when they started stitching terribly and we got all angry and killed them all.” Anya revealed to Tristan, with a sense of fondness. “Now those were the days…” “Did you just say this world…as in you’re from another planet or something? Because that is super cool, everyone meets vampires and demons these days, but I never hear stories about aliens.” A clearly confused sexy Santa asked Anya, all too excited by the potential of her being an alien. “I knew by Xander that dumb was your type but at least this one’s hot.” Tristan told Anya, mocking both Xander and the sexy Santa without care. “Well aliens are from another planet and I am from another universe so yes, I’m technically an alien to this world anyways.” Anya replied to Tristan, before going on to say. “Also, I am not the Anya who almost married that lump I am the Anya that has only had the misfortune to meet him once.” “So, Santa what do you want to drink?” Tristan asked the man, eager to change from the topic of aliens. “Oh, I do not drink, I respect what goes into my body.” The sexy Santa, instantly losing all appeal to both Anya and Tristan within that one instant. “I’m cool with the whole not drinking thing but respecting your body? Is that really a thing when there is literally a fast-food joint on every corner? I mean I am all for self-love and stuff but keep your greens and I will keep my fats.” Tristan responded to the man dressed as Santa. “Tristan your bitterness over no Christmas date is starting to show, maybe you should hitch a ride to L.A. before it’s too late and spend Christmas with that god-awful family of yours.” Anya suggested to the male slayer. “I’d gladly tend to the bar for you…if I’m payed Christmas wages of course.” “No thank you,” Tristan scoffed, not willing to trust Anya, nor willing to go anywhere, especially not on Christmas. “I mean I know this place is just a dive bar and everything, but I would not trust you to take care of my stakes never mind my bar, and everything’s a stake if it’s wooden and you get creative…”

After spending his day shift watching Anya making out with the sexy Santa she brought to Rogues, and the night shift serving demon after demon, creature after creature, and the odd human who were very odd indeed, Tristan shut down the bar for another night before putting himself to bed once again, falling into a deep sleep, hoping the future was further away than what it would be…as before long he found himself awakening on the cold hard ground of his own grave. “Well this is definitely a little too much melancholy for even me…” He mumbled to himself as he stood up from the ground and walked off his grave, looking around the San Francisco cemetery, confused by how he got there. “Down here big guy!” Sid instructed the slayer, forcing Tristan to look below to find the living puppet stood in front of him. “In case you’ve not quite caught up on all of this, yet I am your ghost of Christmas future.” “I figured that much but why take to me to where Buffy buried me before the whole coming back to life via some powers that be meddling?” Tristan replied to the puppet man, made of wood. “Well where else were they going to stick your lifeless body the next time around?” Sid answered him. “They never got round to getting rid of the grave, not that they needed too considering you wound up back in it before long.” “What did I die of a severe lack of Christmas cheer?” Tristan joked, unaffected so far by this spiritual visit. “Or maybe a vampire staked me with a candy cane, the amount I’ve staked seems kind of poetic actually…” “Nope, after you went back to the bad way of life much to no-one’s surprise your mum Buffy stepped up and killed you…if memory serves right you were stabbed to death with way too many wounds for it not to be a little…you know…fun for her.” Sid revealed to the slayer. “But after all the work they put in saving you just for you to go back to being a bastard who would blame her…” “So, I go back evil? I wouldn’t do that…not after everything…” Tristan dismissed his claims, all while fearing Sid was telling the truth. “Yep, that’s what you thought too but after continuously pushing away the parents, then Faith, and even Anya got sick of you…well after all that you had nobody and before long you were back budding it up with Drusilla acting as if you did not know she and Dante killed your parents…or maybe you just really did not care anymore.” Sid continued to explain to a stunned Tristan. “I mean how are you supposed to be human when you haven’t bonded with any since you started playing with monsters.” “That’s not true!” Tristan snapped at the ghost of Christmas future. “I care about Faith she has never given up on me, and I care about Buffy and Angel, I mean sure the parents thing is a little complicated but I do care about them…and I cared about Mandi, Lucas, and the parents that raised me.” “If you really care about all these people, the ones who aren’t dead yet then why are you treating them like they are already gone?” Sid asked Tristan, already knowing the slayer’s answer. “Because you fear one day you might end up caring too much and losing them which will happen as nobody lives forever, thing is…if you don’t care, lose, get hurt, and let your heart break, then you’re not really human as much as it sucks, we got to feel the bad as well as the good because nothing is more dangerous than becoming numb to it all.” Tristan wanted to argue back with the man trapped within the dummy, wanting to prove him wrong, but Sid’s words were wiser than Tristan would like to admit, and even if he was not a fan of Christmas itself he was certainly a fan of those who did care about it, those who wanted to spend it with him and before long he started to realize that he had made a huge mistake by trying to skip Christmas….

As Tristan woke up in his bed within his room on Christmas Day, he was immediately met with guilt as he realized he had missed out on a chance to bond with his friends, his family, and potential loved ones. He was not suddenly a fan of Christmas itself, that would take some time, but he began to remember its message and how important it was for people, how important it once was for him, and as he climbed out of his bed, rising onto his feet, and walked over to his window to see the back alleyway, in between his building and several others, was covered in snow, as snow continued to fall from the sky, and for a moment, just a moment, he even considered opening that window and yelling Merry Christmas. Instead, he chose to get changed and then call up those who would answer to him, so he could wish them a Merry Christmas and admit to his regrets of not being with them on this special occasion but after he had got changed, and walked into the living room of his apartment, he quickly realized he had no calls to make as his living room was decked to the halls with Christmas decorations, including a fully decorated tree, as his mother Buffy Summers, his father Angel, his aunt Dawn, her man Xander, and their daughter Joyce, stood beside his friend Faith, the vampire Spike, his mother’s best friend Willow and the retired watcher Giles…all of them ready to spend Christmas with him whether he wanted to or not…but luckily for him he was more than ready to celebrate Christmas with them all.

Have a truly twisted Christmas that only torments you in the more joyous ways and a happy new year, a year which will hopefully be less chaotic than 2020, keep slaying slayerettes.

[harrys-reverie]

Dog Years // Harry Styles O.U.

Part 3: The Bookstore

a/n: hey everyone! welcome to part 3 of dog years. sorry it took so long on the update -- i just got back to college. i hope you enjoy this chapter!!! i personally consider it harry’s very subtle way of opening up to people (how i’d imagine it) as always like, SHARE, COMMENTS, feedback, all appreciated!!! xoo

STORY PAGE I PART ONE I PART TWO

To be fair I didn’t hear from Jeff or Harry for two whole days. I was starting to feel like they lowkey didn’t want me to be part of their ‘team’ anymore. I couldn’t be bothered even if they didn’t, because at the end of the day I worked for Eve, not them. But at the same time all I could do was sit and recollect about my night with all of them. Everything seemed to go so well, and i really thought they liked me. I liked them.

So since Eve figured my pay was now around the clock, if I wasn’t doing anything that I needed to do be doing something. It was just a bunch of menial tasks like picking up  garbage around the premises, scooping up vile dog shit and what not. Honestly, it kind of sucked. I rather be fetching candles and dropping them off to Harry.

But finally it was Sunday and it was my day off. A part of me wanted to go back to my nans house, stop in and say hi. Then I remembered Sunday’s were her brunch and bingo days and she went out with all her cute old lady friends. I was starting to feel extremely lonely.

So I was left to myself in my little cottage. It was pretty relaxing, but all the time cooped up in here was becoming boring and repetitive. And to think I had 4 months left of this. Just sitting in my bed scrolling through shopping sites putting tons of clothes in a cart I’d never get around to purchasing. Even being payed around the clock wasn’t enough to buy a whole new wardrobe.

So yes, I was starting to get a little antsy that I heard nothing from Harry or Jeff. I sneakily biked by Harry’s cottage multiple times to see if he was still there throughout the two days, and his car was still parked in the driveway each time. I hadn’t seen him even around the premises at all doing anything. Or anyone from his group for that matter. I tried to tell myself by the end of the first day that they were all just super hungover. I knew that was a stretch but it eased my mind. Then yesterday rolled around and I had no comforting excuses for why I hadn’t heard from them.

I expressed my worry to Eve and she insisted that they were probably just getting settled. Okay, I’ll take that. That’s got to be it, right?

As I continued to worry in my head about what may have gone wrong I reached for my phone. Nope, no messages. Fuck. This was quickly becoming a bad habit, constantly checking my phone. Bravely I pressed Jeff’s contact, hovering my thumb over the call option. Should I try to reach out? Eh. Sighing, I locked the phone and tossed it to my side. If they needed me, they would act on it. I didn’t want to be a nuisance and bother any of them.

Focusing my attention back on my laptop I popped open a new tab on my Safari browser. I began typing his name, enter and then search.

Instantly an endless amount of brand new and just days old articles displayed across my screen. Harry Styles this, Harry Styles that. There was one recurring theme throughout all of these article titles though, a girls name - Camille.

“Camille Rowe, ex lover of musician Harry Styles states that he’s ‘overly jealous and begged her to stay when they broke up!’ Oh no, poor H. Read more here.”

“Apparently Harry Styles is a Freak in the Sheets! Ex Girlfriend Camille Rowe recollects on her sex life with the pop star in her new book ’Truth Be Told.’”

“Feeling bad about getting cheated on? Don’t feel bad,Harry Styles has been in your shoes too...his ex girlfriend opens up about the mistakes she made that ultimately led to the lyrics of Harry’s sophomore album, Fine Line.”

I couldn’t help but let out a gasp, all this couldn’t be true, could it? I exited out of the tab quickly, afraid to go on and read more of those terrible headlines. I honestly felt bad if all that was true, and if Harry’s ex girlfriend really did that, then I could only imagine how he might be feeling.

I could tell Harry really valued his privacy, why else would he be out here in the middle of nowhere in complete hiding? I thought back to him telling me how he had a disdain for California, I was now beginning to think she had some sort of connection to it. Poor Harry. Almost instantly I was feeling guilty, like I invaded Harry’s privacy by seeing all of those headlines. Imagining what the whole world most think and know of him right now is extremely unsettling. To bring up how he has sex and his most vulnerable moments and just like everyone know about it, it’s beyond fucked up.

Ting.

The world has a funny way of working making connections sometimes. Deep down in my gut I had a feeling it’d be Harry or Jeff who left me a text, it just had to be. Before I even reached my phone I saw the capital H, I knew it was Harry. Of course, he was texting me now, after I saw all that and felt so fucking bad. If he was any other person I’d ask if he wanted to have a nice chat, bring over some ice cream and wine and help him relax.

I wasn’t slow to swipe up on the message and see what he wrote.

‘Hiiiii Colette. Hope you’re well, it’s Harry. Have a huge favor to ask you whenever you get the chance. X”

Hah, he’s acting me for a favor as if I’m not getting paid to help him with whatever he needs. He’s too nice. I didn’t hesitate to start typing back.

‘Hi, Harry! How are you? I’ve been just well! As for the favor...sure anything :)”

Not even five seconds later my phone was vibrating and ringing at the same time, Harry’s name flashing across the screen. Ah, so he’s one of those people who have to make phone calls for everything. My hands felt like jelly as I went to accept the call. Even though we had a great night, him not talking to me for a couple days made me rethink how great that night might’ve actually been. Maybe I was just super tipsy and thought it was amazing when it was just subpar.

“Hello?” I chimed, placing the phone to my ear.

His deep Americanized-British accent greeted me, “Morning Colette!” He sounded extra chirpy this morning.

“Harry! Haven’t heard from you in a while..” I replied nervously.

There was a small pause. “Sorry ‘bout that just keeping busy and what not. I meant to text but, I was so preoccupied I forgot. ‘M sorry, won’t pull something like that again.”

My heart felt like it was being squeezed, my intention was never to make him feel bad but I could sense that I did. I wondered how stressful it was on him always being so kind to everyone, literally everyone. At all times of the day.  I had a feeling that most of the time he was putting on an act when deep down he was just having real human problems that he had to keep tucked away.

“Don’t apologize,” I rushed. “It’s fine, seriously. What’s up?”

“A little bit of this, a little bit of that,” He joked. I could hear his soft chuckle from the other line. “Sunday’s.”

“The most relaxing day,” I noted, it was true.

“Relaxing enough where I feel like I should take some time and start a book.”

Oh, fuck. There wasn’t much enthusiasm in his voice anymore. I had a feeling I knew where all of this was heading, and I didn’t like it.

“Any day is a great day to start a book,” I suggested trying to hide my nerves. The universe really was one giant head fuck.

“Actually the favor I was going to ask you,” Harry drawled, a slight tinge of hesitation is his voice. “I really want this specific book.”

Yep, this was his heading right where I thought it would.

“Ooo which one?” I questioned excitedly, like I didn’t know. I was really hoping he’d take me by surprise and say that new Twilight book or something.

“It’s called Truth Be Told. Actually, bet it’s sold out everywhere. Can’t even Amazon fuckin’ Prime it.” He laughed. Maybe he was taking this a lot lighter than I thought...?

“Y’ know what. I don’t need it. Um, do you have any book recs?” Harry rushed.

“If you want that book I’ll go out in town and look for it, but if not I do have some recommendations,” I offered.

“Okay, how ‘bout this? I’ll lend you my car and could you get me that uh, Truth book or whatever and also, get me a book you recommend for me and I have one I recommend for you.”

“You trust me in your car? I just only started to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road,” I admitted with a smile, not like he could see it.

“If ya crash my car, I wouldn’t even try coming back...avoid the wrath of Harry Styles at all costs,” He countered.

“Uh-oh I’m scared,” I fake gasped.

“Hm, should be. I’m not like the papers say, ‘m actually a real diva.”

I was starting to really like this conversation.

“A lot of work, huh?”

“You think you can handle it?”

It’s like I could hear his smirk through the phone. This conversation went really, might I say flirtatious, really fast. I knew it was just his personality and I shouldn’t over think it. But if there is one thing I loved in life, it was a good flirt. And Harry, he was good at it.

I must have been zoned out for a moment because I heard Harry awkwardly clear his throat when I didn’t reply back to his flirtatious line.

“So ‘m gonna pick you up actually. We’ll go back to mine and then you can head off to get those books? Sound good?” He spoke into the line.

“Oh yeah, sure.”

“See ya soon.”

With a click, the call was finished. As much as I wanted to sit back and recollect on what the fuck went down in that call I knew I needed to get out of bed and make myself presentable. He didn’t give me an ETA so I assumed I didn’t have much time on the clock.

I ran to my overflowing duffle, with all the time on my hands I really needed to get around to unpacking it. Was it bad that I wanted to try to look a little more dressed up than just jeans and a tee?

Yep, it was probably bad because I shouldn’t care how I look in front of him.

“Ugh!” I exclaimed, rummaging through all the wrinkled clothing. I settled on black jeans and a black blouse. It looked a bit funeral-esque, I’m hoping it came off as chic. I’d look like a rag doll next to him anyway, the least I could do was try.

He really wanted to go and get his ex girlfriend’s book, huh? I don’t know why he’d want to do that to himself, either way I was going to play dumb as rocks when he gave me the list of the name and author of the book. It’s not entirely an act though, I just read a few headlines. Correction, I just google searched his name and scrolled throw a bunch of headlines about how you have sex and cry — how terrible that would sound if he knew it was true. I will be taking that one to the grave with me.

I swore not even 5 minutes had passed by and the purring of Harry’s engine was already echoing through my house. He was only up the hill after all, but he gave me absolutely zero time to fix myself up. I just had to suck it up and go out there with my frizzy hair and oily skin and tough it out.

But that wasn’t even my biggest concern, my biggest concern was the fact I, a shit driver in the first place, was now being trusted to drive Harry’s extremely fancy Range Rover to a book store of some sorts somewhere. As soon as we traded off the car my plan was to start Google mapping a place and praying that it was close. The quicker I’m in and out of that vehicle, the better.

My phone pinged.

Harry.

“Should’ve gone to the bathroom before I left. Can I come in for a quick wee? X”

I just couldn’t get a break, my bathroom was cluttered with skincare products and dirty clothes piling on the side. I ran to the bathroom swiping up the dirty clothes and tossing them in an empty drawer in the dresser. He’ll just have to excuse all my beauty products, I didn’t want to keep him waiting too long.

“Come in!!!” I texted him back.

The sound of a car door slam was almost instantly followed by a polite knock at my door. Although the cottages were spread far apart I rushed over to the door, not wanting him to stay outside too long, afraid he might get noticed.

I peered through the peephole and was blessed by the handsome looks of Harry. He was tapping his foot against the cobblestone, the hood of his Nike rain jacket pulled over his head completely, while his hair was covered by a black beanie. Even being so covered up he was still so good looking. I opened the door for him, allowing him inside.

“Hi there,” He grinned as I welcomed him in. I’d love to chat but ‘m actually bout to wee my pants. Give me a moment please.”

Harry then fast walked his way over to the bathroom, obviously familiar with the floor plan. He must’ve stayed in one of the smaller cottages before. The smell of his heavenly cologne suffocated the room instantly. I knew I’d still be smelling it lingering in the air even later on tonight.

All the rushing to get ready and let him in, I wasn’t even focused on my stomach which was knotting like crazy. It felt like it could explode from nerves at just any minute. I don’t remember ever feeling this nervous when I had to see him. Granted I’ve only seen him those two times, but I played it off so cool then. I think I was just working myself up over nothing right now.

I heard the sound of running water and momentarily the steps of his shoes making their way back over to me.

“Can we redo the greeting?” He questioned with a big smile.

“Ok..”

“No, ‘m actually just going to pop outside, knock again and everything,” Harry insisted seriously.

“I’ll pretend like you didn’t just rush to the bathroom like a toddler who hasn’t gone to the bathroom all day,” I agreed, going along with his little act.

“Great.”

Harry popped open the front door, shutting it behind him and going back into the hazy morning air, doing a quick spin before making contact with the door once again.

Knock.

I couldn’t help but giggle as I opened up the door for him the second time.

“Morning Colette, how are ya doing on this fine September morning?” Harry asked me extra cheerily, creeping in for a hug. I embraced him back, the scent of his cologne engulfing my senses once again.

“Doing just fine Mr. Styles. Could I offer you some tea?” I asked in a proper tone, putting on my best imitation of a British accent.

Harry rolled his eyes, breaking the act...”That’s the best you got? You’ve only bloody been staying in England for a whole month.”

“Is it that bad?” I asked appalled.

“Terrible.”

“Better luck next time.” I sighed jokingly.

“Don’t even try. I like your voice just how it is naturally, anyway,” He spoke honestly. The second it left his mouth he too looked taken aback at the compliment he had just thrown at me.

“Want to go get those books?” I suggested awkwardly, dismissing his compliment and changing the topic. Back to business.

Harry seemed surprised by how I brushed it off and maybe even a little embarrassed, his finger began fiddling with his bottom lip. I was starting to pick up that was a little thing he did when he was nervous.

“The books. How could I forget,” He replied dully.

“If i’m being honest I don’t even know where a book store is around here,” I huffed.

“I do,” He smirked.

“Well that’s no help considering I’m going by myself,” I rolled my eyes back at him playfully.

Harry was leaning his body weight on the wooden table by the entrance, a huge smirk painted on his face.

“Guess you’re outta luck then.”

“Would it be bad if I asked for you to come with and guide me?” I asked bravely. I was taking myself by surprise with how upfront I was being towards him. It was just so hard not to be when he was just so normal.

His face dropped a little. I couldn’t tell what sort of reaction he was feeling towards my question but he looked upset. I instantly regretted it because I know my request was about to be rejected.

“As much as I’d love to...” Harry began. “I can’t.”

“Stupid of me to ask,” I replied casually brushing it off. I wanted to change the topic.

“No, it’s not. Maybe I’m better off ordering books online, anyways.”

“I mean, I could still, go get it for you. Something to do.”

Harry brushed it off, shoving his hands in his sweat pockets. “Nope, don’t want you to anymore..the ratings weren’t even that good.”

Oh wow, Harry has some pettiness in him. I couldn’t blame him though. I think anybody else would feel the same way. I wanted to just reach out and tell him I knew why he wanted that book, and that it’s not even worth a bother. I really felt for him. I too had a bad ex, as we typically all do. I can’t say it was as bad as Harry’s past relationship, but mine was bad in it’s own unique way.

“Fuck it.” He mumbled before turning his gaze back towards me. “Let’s go get them books.”

I was surprised, “Really?”

“I hate to do this and act like a macho pop star  but ‘m really gonna have to go incognito. Can’t even step out the car with ya unfortunately, but I’ll drive us.”

My heart warmed at his offer, I knew he was probably going against what his strict hiding rules were in order to go through with this. If he was just driving a heavily tinted car though, was there still a way for paparazzi to notice him? I was excited, I think he could tell because he let out a small giggle, shaking his head.

“Let’s hit the road then!” I exclaimed.

“After you,” He grinned, holding the door open in front of me and leading me to his car.

_________________

The ride with Harry was going well. He had a incognito get up of sunglasses, a beanie and his hood up, making sure there was no way someone could detect it was him. His car smelled like fresh leather and mint, there was an abundance of chewing gum packets stashed in the front compartment of his car along with miscellaneous receipts. Lucky for the both of us, the roads were almost completely clear and there was no traffic heading into town.

Harry was just as attractive looking while driving as I thought he would be. To be fair there was something so enticing about having any guy drive all manly and taking control. But especially Harry driving was a beautiful sight to see. The background music of the radio was humming in the background as the two of us chatted along casually.

“How are you going to recommend me a book if you can’t even come in?” I questioned him.

He turned to me, “Who said I’m not coming in?”

“You did!”

“Might just be your lucky day then,” He smirked. “Do you have a good recommendation in mind for me? Shall we surprise one another?”

I nodded my head, “Sounds like a plan.”

“No soppy romantic books, please,” He scoffed.

“But those are my favorites!”

“Don’t care. I’ve probably read all the best of them anyways,” Harry argued back, a huge smirk painted on his face.

Deep down I knew already which book I was going to pick out for him if it was there. I didn’t care if it was a romantic one or not because I had a feeling he hadn’t read it yet and I had an ever greater feeling that he’d fall in love with it.

The two of us went back and forth chatting to each other another until we began to reach a cobblestone path that led to a small selection of shops. The plaza was secluded and had just a few small buildings overgrown with ivy unevenly placed amongst one another. I’d say there was a max of 5 or 6 cars in the whole parking lot. To be fair, we were pretty far out of town I’d say we had been driving for at least 20 minutes.

“You ready?” He questioned. I could tell there was a hint of nerves in his voice. He was awkwardly fiddling with his wallet and pushing his hood down. He was now just left with his oversized black beanies and sunglasses as his ‘disguise.’

“Are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to,” I insisted earnestly. I didn’t want to push him to be in a situation that could get messy really quick.

“I’ll be fine here,” Harry reasoned, turning his gaze to the entrance of a little shop by the name of ‘Greg’s Books and More.’

“If anything goes bad, it wasn’t my fault!”

I didn’t want to be responsible for anything that might ensue, after all Harry was the one who insisted to walk in the shop with me. I had a good feeling that we’d be set though, there was literally nobody around and we were far from any major city with large amounts of people.

The two of us hopped out simultaneously shutting the car doors together. Walking side by side with him in the bright daylight made me more aware of the height difference between us, one I had barely ever noticed before. His single strides were equivalent to almost double mine and his shoulders were just a slight amount higher than my eye level.

“Good morning!” A sweet old man, short and stout greeted us from behind a counter of the shop. Harry and I both waved back.

“Morning sir, how are ya doing today?” Harry asked kindly, stopping short to stand and talk to the man.

“Just having a cuppa, enjoying the Sunday,” The man replied. “Let me know if you two kids have any questions.”

I shot the man another small smile before turning to Harry. “May the best book picker win?” I joked.

“You’ve got 10 minutes.”

“1...2..” I began counting down, but before I could even reach the number three, Harry was already rushing to the rows of books, an agenda already on his mind. He seemed so confident in what he was going to pick that I soon began to re think what I was going to choose for his book.

I hurriedly rushed to the other side of the bookstore, scanning the shelves with my eyes. The shop was small and I could hear Harry rummaging through shelves on the opppsite side. I had 10 minutes to find the book I had in mind, something I loved that I wanted to pass on to Harry.

The thought of trading off books to someone who a very intimate gesture, an invitation to be apart of another’s brain. I still couldn’t believe I was here right now with Harry Styles, a now friend, spending my Sunday out and about the town. I knew it was my day off but I knew when I arrived back to my cottage I’d want to inform Eve.

As my eyes panned over the endless covers and names of authors and titles a familiar bright blue and green cover popped up. Ah, I knew what this was. Before I had even fully removed it from the shelf, the yellow cursive script was already showing.

Love is a Mix Tape.

Given his career in music I knew right away this would be the perfect book for him. I had read it months ago, but the impact it left on me remained the same. A story not specifically circled around romance, but hints at the struggles of love and loss. It was funny and a joy to read.

I looked over the book making sure there were no imperfections, torn pages or bent covers. Luckily there was none, I angled it to my side hiding it just in case he’d pop out of of nowhere.

Walking up to the cash register there was no sign of him, he was probably still amongst the jungle of books so I took this as my invitation to check out.

“Hi,” I chirped to the old man who sat behind the desk, his glasses almost falling off his face as he read through the book in front of him.

“Hello there love, you all set?” He asked, walking over to the vintage-like cash register.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I put the book down between us already beginning to reach in my purse for my wallet. I really hoped Harry hasn’t read this one yet.

“Can I just give you money to cover both my book and the other customers? Like, pass it on..” I spoke handing the man almost triple the amount of my single book. He looked at me inquisitively and then began to smile.

“I’m sure that young man will appreciate it,” He smiles, a glimmer of knowingness in his eyes.  I knew the gesture was small and i knew money was not a problem for him but I had such an urge to just do it anyways.

I thanked the man as he wrapped up the book and placed it in a brown paper bag, graciously taking it from him. Harry was still amongst the jungle of shelves and I didn’t want to prowl or cause attention so I decided to wait outside the store. The air was fresh and crisp, the sound of chirping birds and whistling trees engulfed my senses. I’m almost sure Harry had reached his 10 minute mark, but I wasn’t going to rush him. I had a feeling it was a rare occurrence for him to be able to aimlessly shop around, crowd free.

“Ya ready?” His voice erupted behind me, the bell of the door pinging in the quiet air. I turned to face him, his paper bag tucked underneath his arm.

“Not really,” I joked, it wasn’t a complete lie though. I wouldn’t mind shopping around with him in little hideaways all day. Harry caught up to me and we began the short walk back to his car in quiet. As my hand began to reach the handle he quickly swooped in front of me, opening it himself. I looked at him with a stupid look on my face, in awe of a gentleman.

“Oh thanks,” I spoke sheepishly.

“My pleasure.”

I hopped in and moments later Harry was back in the drivers seat beside me pressing the car on and pumping up the heat.

“Thanks, by the way.” He gestured to the paper bag.

“Oh, not a problem at all! Random acts of kindness or whatever,” I brushed it off.

“Not used to someone covering the bill,” He admitted. “Not like that type of stuff matters to me.”

“Well don’t even worry about it.”

“I’ll get you back next time,” He noted.

Next time. So there’s going to be a next time? A next time of us going to the book store? A next time of us hanging out? A next time of what?

“Should we swap these books or what?” I questioned, changing the topic once again.

“So eager, huh?” Harry laughed.

“Well we’re just sitting here in a empty parking lot, you have any other suggestions?”

“You’re right,” He quipped. “Here you are then.”

The two of us exchanged the bags. He lifted it to his ear, shaking it as if it was a surprise gift and he was trying to guess what it could be.

“Just get on with it!” I exclaimed.

“Hush, hush.” He began opening it, very carefully, soon revealing the book I had chosen for him.

“Lucky for you, I’ve never read this. Thank you,” He seemed very grateful as he looked over the front cover, going back and forth between the pages quickly. “I’m excited.”

“Thank God,” I huffed. “I was nervous you’d have read it before.”

“Nope, never. You did good,” Harry compliments, his eyes falling back to my unopened bag in my hands. “Now it’s your turn.”

Oh, yeah.

“I hate when people watch me open stuff,” I admitted. My hand was toying with the bag as I looked at him nervously. I didn’t like people watching me because I was afraid that I wouldn’t give off the right reaction to whatever they may have given me. It was too much pressure, and especially Harry watching me so intently it made me nervous.

“Want me to turn away?” He offered earnestly. “I know people like that, my sister.”

“Maybe just like causally look out the car or whatever.”

Immediately he began fiddling with his windshield wipers, intently focusing on them as if they were some sort of puzzle. I wanted to tell him not to use them when it wasn’t raining and it’d damage the car, but I’m sure he knew that. I took that as my queue to quickly unpack-age the book, afraid he might cause damage.

When I opened it up it revealed not one but two books. The one on top made my heart sink, I recognized the title right away. It was his ex girlfriends book. Why would he give this one to me? Should I act like I know what it is and what it’s about? No. Play dumb. Underneath it though, was a book by the name of ‘Betting On The Muse’ by Charles Bakowski. Ah, poetry.

“You done yet slowpoke?” Harry interrupted  my thoughts, the two books sat between my lap.

“You can look,” I complied. “Are they both for me?”

“Yes,” He replied simply. “But, I have some stipulations.”

“This wasn’t a part of the deal.”

“I would like if you read the Bukowski book first. It’s poems, I want you to read them and guess which one is my favorite when you’re finished,” He instructed sweetly. Although there was direction in his tone, it came off so kind. “As for the other one..” He paused and then let out a huff.

“I don’t even want you to touch it,” He continued. “Don’t look it up, reviews, synopsis...anything.”

“Okay,” I agreed. I was confused but I didn’t want to let that on.

“One day, if I give you the ‘ok’ I want you to read it. If you want. You don’t have to listen to me by any means, but yeah,” He finished awkwardly.

“So just hold onto it?” I asked, holding up the Truth Be Told book. His eyes glimpsed down to it before quickly shooting back up to meet my gaze. The cover was what I was assuming to be her, his ex. Her hair was messy, lips full, topless with her arms covering her breasts in shades of black and white.

“Yeah, just hold on to it,” He stated.

“You’ve got my word,” I smiled. I could feel the tension in the car and I didn’t want it anymore. This was supposed to be a lighthearted excursion and I wanted to keep it that way.

“Great, well thank you for the books. I’ll start mine right away,” Harry began as he started the car once again. “You ready to take back off?”

I nodded watching him look over the book I had gotten him one last time. He smiled at it before turning to smile towards me. I smiled back. He then brought his hand to the radio, clicked a few things on his iPhone and then turned the notch up loudly. As he began to pull out of the cobblestone parking lot, the beautiful sound of his voice filled the car. This time it was in song.

[printableresumes1]

10 Powerful Resume Composing Rules

At the point when I completed school, I never needed to make a resume (educational program vitae or CV) as the organization where I went for connection was after my aptitudes. I never needed to search for an employment at this stage. I basically strolled into my first occupation without applying for it. I needed to get familiar with a quick method of making a powerful resume while under tension when a position emerged with a global combination 200 miles out of the capital. When I saw the promotion for the work, I had in a real sense 3 days to make a resume and application letter and quickly get it under the control of enrollment staff. I glance back at that resume (which I have saved for such countless years) and I ask myself "What in the world was I imparting, and why they recruited me?" The resume leaves a great deal to be wanted. Of the 5 positions I have had, I was just met once. The rest were a consequence of individuals understanding what I can convey and essentially snatching me. I might not have composed that numerous resumes yet I have perused various experiences with them as a business and departmental head. Note that your resume is the main contact that a potential boss has with you. Your resume is your minister that praises you in all the associations you might be pursuing.

1. You don't have to lie about what you have or don't have - Trustworthiness is measure upon the arrival of the meeting and the vast majority disregard what they would have lied about. Meetings just get some information about the substance or data they experienced and particularly the data they shortlisted you dependent on. Tragically individuals who lie a ton will in general fail to remember what they lied about and thus they are up to speed in their own plans. You don't need to tailor your resume to suit the ad. On the off chance that you generally need to do that, at that point chances are that you are not the individual they are searching for. In the event that it isn't on your unique resume, at that point please overlook that work and leave it to more genuine and appropriate individuals. Your own possibility will come. Card sharks or examiners are treated accordingly, their resumes are just retired or destroyed.

2. The more limited the resume the better - Individuals are not intrigued by long stories, when they need such they visit the closest library to acquire story books. Be with regards direct as conceivable in your resume. Attempt by all way to feature what you have in 3 pages all things considered. Know the things that "sell" about you and make features of those in more limited sentences. You can leave the elaboration for the day of the meeting. You won't be chosen because of your being over expound. Here and there individuals wind up having 6 to 8 page booklets with a wide range of enhancements and colorful language. Truly, picture is significant yet more critically is the thing that you have than what you are indicating to have.

3. Realize what to put accentuation on - Most bosses are not all that enthused about private matters like the number of youngsters you have, sensitivities to explicit nourishments, interests and so on Try not to squander space chipping in close to home data which is of no utilization to the possible business. Your resume should have the option to convey the basic data which is your abilities, encounters and instruction foundation. Some data that you put on the resume may neutralize you. In the event that you put down such pastimes as riding the web, conversing with companions, mingling, playing PC games and so on then enrollment specialists will get stressed that you won't work yet appear at login to the web and begin talking. Organizations have lost enough income thusly and when you feature such data, you have precluded yourself positively.

4. Lucidity is significant - It isn't accurate that you will be chosen dependent on the number of huge words you utilize yet dependent on how much the potential business becomes acquainted with about you through your resume. Large words should be left for secondary school public talking challenges. Utilize Fundamental English which is clear. Some of the time individuals who select you for a meeting are not even as specialized as you are consequently they need to determine what you are about without enlisting for your first degree to decipher your resume. List items bring clearness than sections of text. Number your headings and subheadings. Leave spaces between headings. Try not to be enticed to simply crush everything in one page when in established truth you are basically being over expand.

5. Arranging has the effect - Use textual styles that are anything but difficult to peruse. Cursive composing is to be evaded. You would prefer not to strain your possible boss. You need them to think about you in the most brief conceivable time. Resumes with textual styles that strain individuals' eyes are generally retired for "some other time" investigation or destroying. Continuously use Tab to adjust your work pleasantly than utilize the space bar. Data that isn't very much organized imparts that you don't focus on detail, you are messy and sluggish. Such perspectives can be found from the manner in which you design your archive. You can't have a resume in ALL Covers and with everything striking. Strong the subheadings and the content underneath must simply be plain content. On the off chance that you are not PC sharp (which you should be in this each propelling current culture), at that point I prescribe that you enlist a typist to type and design your resume.

6. May there be structure on your resume - Follow a coherent arrangement. As referenced before individuals are truly inspired by your abilities, perspectives, experience and instruction data more than individual issues. The succession I suggest as powerful is one that has your name on cover, straight into your aptitudes profile, at that point insight, the instructive/proficient profile, your own information and in conclusion your recognizable references. You are free to revise this as you see fit. There are various resume formats accessible on the web. Various nations endorse distinctive resume organizing procedures thus you should be touchy and significant by following the rules from the particular nation.

7. How refreshed is your resume - Consistently print a new duplicate of your resume which shows every little thing about you to date. It is irritating for questioners to then discover that you in reality went home a half year prior but your resume imparts that you are as yet utilized. It is equivalent to your resume being named as a bogus record. Continuously check with your refs in the event that they are as yet on similar numbers and email tends to you have. All the new courses joined in, all the outcomes as of late gathered, etc, should be on the resume. Keep an electronic duplicate which you can add, correct and print on interest than print many "destined to be out of date" resumes.

8. References add believability to your declarations - You references should be individuals who know you and ideally the individuals who were your bosses in the different associations. This is the motivation behind why you should leave associations appropriately and not escape like a criminal. I continue accepting calls from expected managers of my previous representatives from everywhere the world. Now and then I get messages and in a lion's share of cases I get calls. A few managers pay attention to references. They need to know why you left and what sort of individual you are. Kindly advise your references about it so they are prepared to respond to questions when reached. Try not to shock individuals by basically citing their names and not illuminating them. It is really impolite and a few references may wind up giving you an off-base proposal dependent on the disturbance they face. They may not recall you subsequently the motivation to advise them. click for more info Printable Resume Templates

9. Make snares that catch the crowd - You could have a passage which shows that sort of individual you are with books on it. Feature major or outstanding accomplishment, guarantee that you feel that they truly are or, more than likely essentially notice them as accomplishments. Under each sub heading likewise make snares by feature or summing up central questions under a similar point. Feature your differentiations where material. Two individuals who have done likewise degree with a similar degree of mastery will vary on the number of snares they decide to utilize or on the off chance that they actually will utilize them by any stretch of the imagination.

10. Innovativeness makes you stick out - By inventive I am not alluding to the way that you need a visual creator for your resume. You need to zest up the introduction through terms that you use and methods of conveying the resume. Rather than utilizing regular terms like Training, you could change that to Capabilities PROFILE similarly for instance. The most well-known methods of sending a resume are through printed design or through messages. Some inventive ways that individuals are utilizing increasingly more are: making an intelligent Cd where the business takes a visit through the representative's life and work through visuals and at times workers have sites with their resumes. While this is a chance, consistently give the alternative for a printable variant of your resume as some may even now be customary in methodology. The upside of an intelligent Cd and site is that you can "show" and not just "tell" individuals what you have done. You can catch your significant accomplishments and narrative them in a self overseeing slideshow (with an auto run office).

[braveryinblue]

"Hector, my man!" He's nowhere near tall enough to reach the other man's shoulders and so settles for thumping him on the back instead. "Happy birthday, you! Come on; I know this amazing meat-house in town; you *gotta* see this--"

(In which Caspar takes Hector to a medieval steakhouse... and proceeds to at least try to pay for his tab.))

His head lifts in surprise at the call of his name. Brows lift even higher at the at the mention of a birthday - specifically, his birthday. That time of year already...? He’d forgotten, truth be told. Caspar had caught him in the midst of brooding over some letter or other from home (he’s forgotten its contents by now, all too happy for the distraction).

“Hah, thanks!” He gives Caspar a thump in return, alongside a hearty laugh. His good mood had returned in a heartbeat. “A meat-house, you say!” He’s inclined to agree with his newest sparring partner - he’d never replace Eliwood, of course, but variety is the spice of life, or so they say. And Hector is not one to turn down a challenge... the likes of which, during the Battle of Eagle and Lion, Caspar has already proven to be.

“If it’s as good as you say, consider me pumped up! Hah, lead the way!”

And it is as good as Caspar says, in the end. Not that Hector’s particularly difficult to please when it comes to food, not by any stretch of the imagination, but even he can appreciate a damn good meal.

By the end, he feels as though he’s eaten enough to satisfy a small army.

When Caspar tries to pay for his tab, Hector laughs and waves him aside - not a chance in hell.

Inevitably... it prompts a new duel. Winner pays for the both of them.

(Regardless of the outcome though, Hector is grateful. Good food and good laughs - can’t really get much better than that!)

[fanfictionlover333]

Bloody Complicated

 The Legends had decided to take a vacation. So, everyone went their separate ways agreeing to meet back at The Waverider in a week. Instead of going to the Bahamas Mick changed things up by making a trip to L.A.  He called Lisa so they could hang out maybe even rob a bank. Unfortunately, she would not be able to get a flight until the next day. That meant he was on his own for the night. Which lead him on a search for a good time.

His hunt for fun lead him to a club called Lux.  He walked in with a trouble-making smirk looking around at beautiful people he wanted to try his luck and see if one of them would check into a hotel room for the night with him.  However, it was important to keep his priorities straight so first things first it was time for a drink or five.

Mick sat at the bar for an hour flirting with some of the customers but after striking out several times he decided it was time to pay his tab thereby calling it a night. Then he heard someone scream. Mick knew that if he got involved things would get messy but it wasn't like he had plans. So, he went to investigate the situation.

Linda was walking back to her car feeling quite pleased with herself after having an enjoyable night that she had earned a difficult week. That pleasure was vanquished when she heard the click of a gun behind her head. Linda’s blood turned to ice in her veins and the only thing she could do was yell. Her mind was completely overwhelmed it was as if everything was moving in slow motion while she stood there helpless.

“Shut up and hand over your purse.” The stranger hissed like a feral animal before pressing the barrel of their hand gun to her head. “Hurry up bitch!”

Mick walked up behind a little toothpick of a man who was in the process of robbing a terrified lady. The crook clearly felt like a tough guy when he had all of the power. He silently watched for another second or two trying not to laugh at the sloppy thief. When he had seen enough Mick cleared his throat loudly. Thereby causing the runt to fumble and drop the gun.

“Why don't you pick on someone your own size?” Mick launched spinning the cowardly criminal around with one hand and with his heat gun in the other. Much to his disappointment the little worm scurried away before he could put his weapon of choice to good use. Oh well, there is always next time. At least nobody got hurt... He allowed himself to say inwardly though he would admit that out loud to anyone that he cared about another person.

Linda had withdrawn into her mind and everything billions of miles in the distance. The next thing she knew after the theft was halted by a large intimidating man she was holding her knees to her chest. She was watching the taller frightening looking man turning to leave when she heard herself stammered out a meek, “t-t-thank y-y-you.”

“Don't thank me,” Mick scoffed with his back to her. “Just get home safe,” He added under his breath.

The next morning after Linda called Lucifer to inform him about the debacle he doubled the security of the club. The next issue that had to be dealt with was repaying his debt to the unusual man. In order to accomplish that task he needed Maze to track him down but she had other more violent priorities.

“I’m going to kill the bastard who was stupid enough to put a gun to Linda's head. Maze seethed her words just as sharp as the knives she undoubtedly planned to slice and dice the human who harmed her friend. “I'll roast him alive like a pig. Then I'll  pull off his ears and pluck his eyes.” She raved stomping back and forth as if Lucifer weren't in the room.

As much as he delighted in observing her dark vengeful creativity run wild he needed her to concentrate. “Maze,” he breathed with a grin crossing his arms stepping in front of her to get her attention. “The good for nothing scoundrel is in jail like a sitting duck. Whereas, Linda’s rescuer has fallen off the face of the earth.”

“Whatever,” grunted Maze, “I’ll find Mr. Invisible and then torture the rodent who scared Linda half to death.”

“Thinking like that is one of the many reasons why you are my favorite demon,” Lucifer chuckled.

Around midnight the same day Maze contacted Lucifer to tell him she was at Lux with the guy. It goes without saying Lucifer arrived in the blink of an eye thanks to his wings. In hindsight using them in front of a mortal was a bad idea but he didn’t want to waste any time. “Well,well it is a pleasure to meet you.” Lucifer said with a smile and an out stretched hand.

Mick was taking inventory of his present condition and what events brought him there. One short hour ago he was passed out from drinking in a cheap motel room when there was a thunderous bang bringing a disquieting end to his dead sleep. His eyes shot open to discover a gorgeous woman standing over him with eyes like daggers that could kill. She already obtained his heat gun. So he acquiesced acknowledging putting up a fight would be futile.

Now he was standing in the middle of a closed night club in front of a man who had materialized out of the blue. Mick did not shake the hand that was offered to him. “Whatever is going on I don’t want trouble. I’m on vacation so let’s get this over with.” He mumbled tripping over his own feet while walking to a bar stool.

Lucifer gave his best charismatic smile “Trust me I can sympathize with the desire to be left alone on vacation. So how about we cut to the chase hmm?”

“Let’s get this over with...” Mick sighed thoroughly convinced the man with the sexy British accent sitting beside him was a touch crazy.

“Right then,” Lucifer clapped with satisfaction. “I just wanted to ask you a question, what is your deepest desire?”

Mick could feel a warmth filling his stomach. It was like someone was pouring sunlight inside him. All of the tension stress and irritation that wrapped around his mind like ivy retreated begrudgingly. He could feel the truth clawing at his lips like a dog pleading to be set loose from its cage. The fire lover found himself combating his own legs while attempting to stand. Mick’s feet defied his passionate orders to run. “Len... It doesn’t matter he’s dead” He reluctantly spat through gritted teeth. “The worst part it’s my fault.”

Lucifer sat speechless out of the things he was expecting to hear that wasn’t on his list. Seconds after the emotional admission Mick face planted on the bar with a thud followed by snoring. Lucifer considered it a tiny silver lining because it gave him time recalculate. “This just got complicated... bloody complicated...” He sighed in exasperation.

“As if it wasn’t already.” Maze snorted looking at him with something akin to pity.

[thequeenofcronuts]

Justify My Love - Chapter 5 - Never Forget You, Power Over Me

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Book: The Royal Romance

Word Count: 3,270-ish

Pairing: Maxwell x MC (Kristina Hampshire), Hana, Drake, OCs

Warnings - Language

A/N In this TRR Series (Where books 2 and 3 are thrown to the wind): Kristina (MC) decides she cannot stay in Cordonia after the events of the Coronation Ball. Not so much caring about her own reputation, but caring for the life of the man she has been falling for, which is not the prince. She returns to New York and is faced with her heartbreak and regret while Maxwell is left in Cordonia struggling to understand the truth behind his feelings. Will they let each other go?

**All characters and named places are owned by Pixelberry Studios. Rights to the songs lyrics and  titles in this series belong to:

Justify My Love (Madonna) - Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Reach Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management

Never Forget You (MNEK and Zara Larsson) - Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Power Over Me (Dermot Kennedy) - Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Series Tags @littleblossom357 @alj4890 @cosigottahavefaith

——————————

Kristina’s POV

- Never Forget You -

“Atlantic City look out because we have arrived, and you’ll never be the same after us.” Stephen proclaims as he stretches before helping Daniel with the bags. “I, Lisa, am your leader for this excursion. Follow me to check in and we will drop our stuff off into our rooms. We leave in twenty minutes on the dot. We’ve got Steel Pier to conquer! Now march!” Daniel narrows his eyes while he looks to Kristina. “This itinerary planning and leading the group has gone to Lisa’s head and I completely blame you.” As Lisa overhears the comment she just shrugs, “Keep up, don't wander from the group, and don't get lost.” Kristina lets out a small laugh, “Heh, like Maxwell would totally do.”

The three stop in their tracks and whip around to face Kristina. “Maxwell, eh? Oh, do tell.” Daniel smirks with his comment. Shit, I just fucking said that. Out loud. And I meant to. What the hell is wrong with me? Gotta change the subject, fast. “People wander off all the time. More importantly I have been promised greasy boardwalk food and funnel cakes.” Stephen turns around to walk into the hotel lobby as he brushes off Kristina's attempt to change the subject. “I’m letting you off the hook Kris, for now since since you're actually going out with us, but we will circle back to this, Maxwell guy.” If he drinks enough, we won't remember to.

After check in Kristina and Lisa change into bikinis and short jean shorts. “I can't believe I let you pack for me, Lisa.” “Technically you didn't let me, I had to handle it while you were fruitlessly throwing out all of your silly protest. Consider this as a sort of punishment. Oh, and wait until you see what I packed for you to wear tonight as we hit the clubs.” No, oh god no. Absolutely no intervention by entertainment. “You know Lisa, I won't be able to go tonight. I’ll have to wash my hair.” Lisa cackles “Bahahaha! This isn't the 1940s Kris. Although you do get points for pulling out the reference.” Kristina put her hand on her hip obviously looking for another excuse. She smirks, “I’ll probably have a headache.” Lisa guffaws. “Kris, we both know what that excuse is for and it most certainly is not for going out clubbing.” “Fine, just drag me out on your ridiculous waste of my time. The sooner we leave the sooner we can be back here.” After an eye roll from both girls, they meet the guys and head to the boardwalk.

“Looking nice ladies.” Kristina glares at Stephen. “Compliment your wife, but don't try and butter me up for this foolish frivolity.” Oh my god, I sound like Bertrand. If their is a higher power up there some where, please help me! “Where first, Lisa? This reminds me of Coney Island, and I can't remember the last time I was there.” “Why Daniel, you don't look too excited.” Lisa lets out sarcastically. “And you, Kris, don't either. So I guess with you two grouches and Lisa and I we balance the group out.” Stephen snorts as he ruffles Kristina's hair and puts his arm around her shoulder like a big brother would. She immediately crosses her arms, tightening her lips into a thin line. That's only for Maxwell…“Don't ever do that again, seriously. Never.” and she storms off to the nearest restroom. “What the hell was that?” Lisa and Stephen watch while Daniel asks out loud with confusion written all over his face. He continues, “This is what I’m talking about guys. The most mundane things just set her off. I never know what to say or do anymore.” 

“Hey babe,” Stephen pipes in, “maybe you should go check on her?” Lisa takes a moment to contemplate her husband’s words. “I think she needs a little space, but if she's not out in ten to fifteen minutes I’ll head in there.” But about ten minutes later Kristina emerges from the bathroom, her eyes a little red and puffy. Too much. This is all...Too much.

“Ok,” Lisa goes on as if nothing happened. “I got how this all works. Tickets for the attractions are a dollar each, and then most attractions require anywhere from one to five tickets.” “Actually,” Kristina interjects. “That's affordable.” “I know right, Kris?” But Daniel shakes his head, “We haven't talked food yet. There's the money pit.” “Oh Daniel hush. There is no room for negativity in my painstakingly perfectly planed itinerary.” Lisa retorts with a smile and playfully smacking him on the shoulder.

The group spends the afternoon riding the attractions, shopping all the touristy shops, and getting that funnel cake Kristina was promised. Slowly Kristina's mood switches from a tad bit of enjoyment, then back to melancholy quickly. No one can see if there's pattern, but the three are watching her trying to figure the out puzzle. The piece of the puzzle they don't know is when they do things that make her think of Maxwell, she immediately falls back into her pit.

They end up having a late lunch early dinner at the Landshark Bar and Grill, taking a table outside. Just a few minutes after they arrive their waiter, Tony, is at the table. He takes their drink order first, Kristina orders a Tranquil Waters. It's Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and mango pieces. The three friends, notice how Tony listens intently only to her order with a huge smile on his face.

“Oh my god Kris, he’s totally into you!” Lisa squees. Kristina looks at Stephen and Daniel with wide eyes. “Yep, Kris. Lisa is right.” Lisa cracks a smile at Daniel. “Thanks, Daniel, I know I am. But I don't hear that often.” She nudges Stephen’s foot under the tab. “No footies you two married or not, and he is absolutely NOT into me.” “Riiiiight. Lets test it Kris. We’ll pay close attention for the rest of the meal and give you the verdict.” “Whatever. If it amuses you all so much, I could care less Stephen.

Tony returns with their drinks, placing Kristina's down last as he leans in and asks her if it's looks okay. She takes a sip and tells him it's perfect. He leans back as he comments to her, “I’m so happy it's perfect for you” with same smile as before. He looks at Kristina first to take her order, and of course tells her it's an excellent choice. After all them order he up the menus while he just glances at the other three and turns to go put the order in, Lisa can't help but let out a giggle. “Seeeee” “Oh come guys, he’s just flirting for a tip. Oldest trick in the book.” “Well the way I see this is, we have two guys at this table,” Stephen points to himself and Daniel, “and two ladies. Would he so obviously flirt with just you if it was only for a tip? How would he know if myself or Daniel are your boyfriend and we’d rip him a new asshole for flirting our girl?” “Would you all just let it fucking go for gods sake. It's not like that.” Everyone is quite until their food is served, and no mentioning of Tony’s still obvious flirtations. Daniel goes to pick up a fork when Kristina points out, “That's a salad fork, not for your meal.” Oh shit, really Kristina? “Fork etiquette Kris?” Daniel gives her an incredulous look. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend?” “Can't a girl just like to have manners?” They all eye her with suspicion.

Tony comes back to pick up the plates and ask how to spilt the checks. He is clearly enthusiastic when Kristina says she is on her bill. Once he's gone she shoots the three a focused and frigid stare warning them to not say a word. Tony returns with the completed receipts and gives Kristina a wink while he hands her the little portfolio it is in. As she pulls it out she groans. ‘Call me’ and his number is written on it. Stephen quickly grabs the receipt from her hands and shows a shit faced grin. “We win! Man, we should have gone for a bet.” She grabs back the receipt back and storms out of the restaurant. As soon as they're all are outside she rips it up and throws it away. Stephen and Daniel each let out a long heavy ‘that's cold’ whistles at the same time. “Guess poor Tony just got a ‘no’”. And Daniel just shakes his head.

Lisa looks at her friend and hooks her arm though Kristina's as she bounces along the path. “Don't pay any attention to tweedle dee and tweedle dum over there. Let's head back to the room and get ready for the club. Dance,Dance, Dance!!” Why? What have I done in my life to be so tortured? Oh Maxwell! It's going to suck without you.

Kristina looks in the mirror as Lisa finishes getting ready. The outfit Lisa packed for her is way more sexy than she wants to appear tonight. It's a little, definitely little, tight black dress with a plunging neck line which is covered with see through black mesh over lace. The thin black straps connect the front of the dress to the V shaped bare back, which comes to a point barely above her ass. The dress has a short skirt with a slit allowing just enough for club dancing moves.

Her makeup is demure with the exception of the fiery red lipstick gracing her perfectly cupid’s bow plump lips, and a beautiful shade of blue eyeliner setting off the shape of her deep blue eyes. Lisa has fastened Kristina's long wavy light brunette locks in low, lose chignon with a slight twis instead of a plain style.

As Kristina examines herself in the bathroom mirror she gives a deep exhale. For the first time in months she is going out after that sudden withdrawal out of Cordonia. As she turns to leave the ensuite she is feels a bit of a sour stomach. Leaving the room to meet the guys in the hall she stops dead in her tracks as she realizes what she is about to do. A split second later she has slumped down the wall to the ground sobbing until she can barely breath.

——————————

Maxwell's POV

Power Over Me -

Hana and Drake knock on Maxwell's hotel room door, but there's no answer. He and Hanna wait a minute with no sounds of stirring in the room. Drake knocks louder, still nothing. Finally letting his anger begin to get to him he pulls back his hand to pound on the door. Before he can connect his fist Hana puts a hand on his arm and shakes her head no. “Drake, do you really want to wake up the entire floor? It is rather early” “Ugh, why are always you so reasonable, Hana? Maxwell knew what time we were heading out. How can he not be ready? This is kind of important. So where the hell is he?” Hana pulls out her cellphone and swiftly taps out a message. Right away it buzzes back. “Well Drake, he’s already down in the lobby and has eaten breakfast. So I think he is on the same page as us in the importance of all this, plus I think you need to start giving him more credit.” “Well, I’m kinda feeling like an ass right this second. Hana, I’ll apologize to you for me expecting the worst of him, but I’m not changing my opinion of Maxwell.”

Hana sighs sweetly as they walk towards the elevators. “The three of us want Kristina back, Drake. Each one of us just as much as the other, so can we please stay positive and work together?” Drake treats it as a rhetorical question as they get on the elevator. Hana presses the lobby button and on the way down Drake keeps his hands in his pockets and lets out a stream of air. “Yeah, for Hampshire, and you, I can manage dealing with him. Although I presume there will be whiskey along the way.” Hana places a hand on his shoulder with a slight laugh. “This is for Maxwell and Kristina too. If he can make her happy don't you want that for her?” Drake looks over to Hana, “Hana stop being so right all the time. It's obnoxious.” He smirks and she giggles. “And,” she goes on, “Maxwell has been your friend for a long time. You two may have a … unique… dynamic, but don't you want him to be happy too. You know he would do the same for you, for any of us.” Letting out another sigh and taking a hand from his pocket to rub the back of neck and says in a bit of a playful tone, “Ok Hana, you win. Again, just stop being so damn reasonable all the time.”

The elevator door slides open and there is Maxwell in the lobby bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet wearing a massive smile. “Good morning kids! Do you need breakfast before we head out on this first leg of our adventure?” Hana can't help but smile at Maxwell's returned enthusiasm, even Drake has a lopsided tiny smirk while he looks on. “I could use some coffee and maybe a bagel.” Hana tells him with an affirmative nod. “Really easy to get that Hanna. They've a grab and go section here in the hotel. Drake?” Maxwell is still bouncing, but now alternating from foot to foot. “Just coffee.” Maxwell smiles wider. “You're orders are too easy my friends. Let's go grab what you want and head out.” Maxwell turns and bolts towards little foot mart. “Wait a second, Maxwell,” “What Drake?” “How much caffeine have you consumed already today?” “One cup of coffee.” Drake quirks a quizzical eyebrow. “Just one cup of coffee. Seriously Maxwell?” “Yep my man, this is me on just one cup, a colossal amount adrenaline, and both are mixed with excitement. So let's get this show on the road.” Maxwell slides from foot to foot to his own rhythm as they walk.

Drake calls for the car and in a few minutes a black Cadillac Escalade pulls up to the drop off/pick up line outside the hotel’s entrance. The car barely stops before Maxwell hops in calling far a window seat. Hana follows knowing sitting by Maxwell may very well keep Drake from any rash movements. “Riding in style, I see. Lets get some music pumping.” He pulls out his phone looking for the road trip playlist he created last night. “So how have we scored this ride?” He asking over his music. “Let me explain, “pipes up Hana trying to speak over his music. “but first please stop your tapping your feet so hard. Your making the floor shake.” “But it's the perfect rhythm of the music. Feel the music Hana.” It's nice see him a coming a little back to himself. “Okay Maxwell, I feel the music.” He jovially gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Hana begins to explain to Maxwell, “ First I flew in from Cordonia on a separate flight from you and Drake so if anyone happened to notice us leaving court it hopefully wouldn't appear remiss,” Drake cuts in, “Not like anyone will actually notice you and me not being around. You've locked yourself up in your estate and I’m me.” Hana tries to comfort Drake, but also with a bit of sarcasm. “You’ll be missed. People can't resist your signature brand of grumpiness for too long.” Maxwell claps, “Good one Hana!!” “Ok you two, no more comments from the peanut gallery. At any rate, Liam wants to help us as much as he can without raising questions or suspicions from the press and court. He and Kiara are newlyweds and even though she doesn't mind Kristina’s return, obviously the crown can't be seen directly helping in her name being cleared or her return. But if her best friends find Tariq and Kristina it would seem perfectly normal.”

Hana tries to continue but Maxwell begins to get lost in the beat of the music’s baseline. He taps the rhythm on his thighs while he is still tapping his feet. “Focus Maxwell. So Liam let Bastien work with us in locating Tariq’s last three locations after he came to LA. That actually was a bit easier than expected. You know Bastien has his … ways of getting information, of well information of a personal nature. We were able to just follow the money from his accounts. He stopped in a few different states, but ultimately settled in LA. At least for now he is still here. So that's why we got here as fast as we could.” Maxwell stops the tapping and looks pensive. “I can see it. A perfectly rich area with amazing designer clothing. Really a perfect place for him.” “True” Hana agreed and went on, “Liam is paying for the investigation and our trip.”

“ Bastien has everything set to get Tariq back to Cordonia once we find him. He also has everything set to get him back to Cordonia and make his statement. At the same time Tariq is traveling we'll on our way to New York.” “Assuming we can get him to help clear Kristina’s name.” Drake states and sighs. “But I do believe we have numerous ways to convince him to.” Maxwell's mouth drops. “Geez Maxwell, nothing illegal. Calm down.” “Ok, it now all  makes sense to me. Oooohhhh, I wanted to ask, can we eat at an ‘In-N-Out Buger’ while we're here? I researched food places last night, and apparently it's a must do!” “Maxwell, this isn't a vacation. We aren't tourists.” “I know Drake, but adventures need sustenance! Aaaaannndddd also how much longer to the first stop, Hana? Are we close yet?” She looks at the direction app on her phone. “Well, in LA traffic, your guess is as good as mine.”

Maxwell felt like they were driving for a million years when he spots the beacon of culinary hope. A sign for an ‘In-N-Out Burger’ is ahead of them. His eyes light up an he begins to ask, “ Ohhhh, pleas, please, please. It's one of the meccas of what they call fast food here. Come on, when will ever be back here? Pleeeeeaaaaassssseeeee?!?!?” Hana's laugh chimes while Drake complains. “You sound like a whinny kid begging to open his gifts two days early before Christmas. But, if it will shut you up, lets go.” Drake caves in. “Yes!!! Sweet! And Drake, I won't tell anyone that you let your half American side take you over and that you really want this American greasy goodness for yourself, and not just shut me up. Ha!”

Maxwell insists on the entire experience and he leaps out of the car turning around to hurry along to yell at Hana and Drake to move faster. “Come on guys!! You're so slow!” And he proceeds to moonwalk through the parking lot. As he enters the restaurant it smells like an American heaven, or at least what he thinks an American heaven, should smell like. Unlike the cronut experience during the Social Season he stops, gets in line, and looks at the menu. With wide eyes he can't even begin to decide. According to what he read online, this is a momentous occasion, and he doesn't want to screw it up.

He goes with (whatever a “Combo #2” means)  which is a cheeseburger, fries, and a drink. Then he adds a hamburger, and 2 milkshakes, because he couldn't decide between the chocolate or the strawberry. After having to make two trips to get all of his prizes to the table he finally sits down and rubs his hands together. With a maniacal laugh he looks at the bounty before him. “You, my tasty adversaries, are no match for Lord Beaumont’s gastrointestinal fortitude!” Back in the car he falls asleep after the ‘In-N-Out’ defeat of his war with lunch. “Hana,” Drake whispers, “if this all we have to do to keep him unconscious, I say we eat at every fast food joint from here to New York.”

[warcraftingfox-archived-blog]

An Exile’s Home part 1

@felsight for heavy mentions of his ocs. Part two.

It’s on Ao3 too! Warnings: Angst. Just... angst. All of it. Nothing is good and no one is happy. And also BfA spoilers. Edit: deleted the ending.

-

A gunshot rams into the tree to the left of Jasculs, only about an inch or two from his head. The hit part of the trunk splinters, making needle-sized pieces of bark rain over Jasculs and Sæunn. Some dig into his skin, though he is too busy steering himself and his gryphon out of shield, hammer, bullet, and knife range.

The distance between each tree in the woods widens, and, finally, it’s safe for Sæunn to take off. Jasculs tabs her flank with his foot, and she spreads her wings and jumps up.

A striped, blue saber with a red mane jumps out from between the darkness of the trees, front paws stretched out. Its claws dig into Sæunn’s right side and Sæunn screams. She flaps and twirls and kicks to get the assaulter off, but to no avail.

Jasculs turns around on Sæunn’s back and, as he kicks and wields his glaives, he holds on and keeps his balance with his tail. His heart is racing and his face is reddening as they ascend, Sæunn’s screams in his ears and the saber refusing to let go. They’re several tenths of feet up, and the fall will surely kill the saber if it would just let go-

The saber bares its teeth and Jasculs successfully kick it in the mouth. It lets out a screech-like scream, its grip loosening. Jasculs kicks it again, and it falls.

Taking no moment to watch the saber, Jasculs inspects Sæunn’s wounds. Blood gushes out from eight deep and long claw marks, down Sæunn’s flank and thigh. He runs a gentle finger across one of the wounds and, behind him, Sæunn whines in pain.

She’ll never run again, he thinks.

Turning around, Jasculs scratches Sæunn’s head. Then, he takes a moment to look around at their surroundings. The woods are way behind them, still moving away, below is nothing but a grey, green, and blue, and in front is miles and miles of broken stone ground, river running in the cleaves, with mountains to the right and the coast and Teldrassil in front. They have nowhere to go in front, so they will have to get to Sol and Kina at camp. But that way are the assaulters, and they will just injure Sæunn more-

Sæunn whines, pulling Jasculs out of his thoughts. Her blue feathers are bathing in a yellow-golden glow.

Jasculs looks back just in time to see the wrath bolt slam into Sæunn’s wing. Then, he feels a blow to his right, the wind changing direction, and such an incredible headache all sense is eliminated from his body for a few seconds.

A few seconds too much, as the next thing he feels is a giant bat taking his arms into its claws. He writhes and kicks weakly, his vision and hearing still recovering.

First, his hearing sets in. Somewhere close yet also far away a gryphon is screaming, and it takes his brain a moment to recognize it as Sæunn. Jasculs writhes again, stronger this time, a whine and what would have been a plea had he been able to speak escaping his lips. The harsh winds take away all sound he makes, however.

Second, his vision. They’re diving towards the ground and a frantic ball of blue feathers and rust-brown fur.

One last time, Jasculs writhes and begins to swing. The bat’s flying staggers and something much alike words come from it, although Jasculs pays it no mind. He keeps swinging until his arms twist around in the bat’s grip. Suddenly, he’s upside down, booted feet against the bat’s chest. The bat screeches in surprise and attempts to tighten its grip, but too late- Jasculs is too determined and too well-positioned to be stopped.

Using his legs to take off, away from the bat and down towards Sæunn, Jasculs feels the grip on his arms disappear. Spreading his wings, he flaps as hard and fast as he can.

Behind him, Jasculs hears distressed screeching - or is it cursing? - from the bat, though it’s as if he hears it through water. All his focus is on Sæunn and the distance between them; it’s lessening, but enough? Will he actually reach her in time? No, he will, he will, he won’t let Sæunn hit the ground and die, won’t let her body grumble and explode under the pressure of the crash, won’t let her innards be exposed for vultures to-

Grunting harshly so a small spurt of hot green - Jasculs would tell you it’s fel - is spat out of his nose. He can’t let his mind run off now. Not when Sæunn is so close he can almost touch her.

With two last beats of his wings, Jasculs is able to get his arms beneath Sæunn’s body. She stills at his touch, although still whining loudly.

Jasculs knows she’s heavy, but he also knows he can somewhat carry her. Yes, he rides her but they play-fight like equals, and he’s picked her up a couple of times. Never been able to carry her for much longer than a few minutes, but he doesn’t have minutes now. He has seconds and he needs to slow the fall enough to make it survivable. He can do that. At least, that’s what Jasculs tells himself.

He’s absolutely right. Their landing is almost soft.

With utmost care, Jasculs sets Sæunn down to inspect her wing. It’s burned, several feathers gone. But that looks to be all the visible injury there is.

A gentle touch of the wing makes Sæunn whine. She hides her face in Jasculs’ chest and squaks unhappily, and, instinctively, he holds her head close. But that’s all the movement he can muster; even his heart seems to stop for a moment.

He touched the wing where the wing-bone is.

Closing his eyes, Jasculs takes a deep breath in an attempt to steady his breathing and heartbeat. It doesn’t work and only succeeds in making him cry. It’s a soft cry, and a choked one; one he attempts to cover with his hand and swallow back down as tears swell his eyes and wet his blindfold.

Suddenly, Jasculs can hear the sound of flapping wings again. He’s immediately on his feet, glaives- glaives gone, he must have dropped them when he was flung off of Sæunn’s back. As he raises his fists, ready to defend and throw a punch, his mind is screaming.

The bat lands on the ground and changes form. In its place stands a purple Troll at about his own height, bright orange hair in a mohawk on their head. They’re clad in greens and blues and browns, pauldrons bearing the symbol the druid. Tufts of fur and feathers are bound to their staff, which, without taking their eyes off of Jasculs, they throw away. It’s not an aimed throw, but rather an “I don’t want to hurt you and am laying down my weapon to prove it”-throw.

Jasculs eyes the staff, then the Troll. Their expression remains unreadable.

He doesn’t let down his guard.

The Troll sighs before they speak with a heavy accent and an up-giving tone. “Ah kno’ Ah hurt ya and ye gryphon- in truth, Ah was only amin’ fe ya, but ye gryphon is faster dan Ah thought it-”

“She,” Jasculs interrupts.

“Wat?”

“She,” he repeats, “she’s a she and her name is Sæunn. Fucking respect that when you almost got her killed.”

For a moment, the Troll doesn’t answer. They simply watch Jasculs, eyes constantly moving. Then, they sigh before nodding.

“Of course,” they simply say at first. “She be a very skilled flyer. No wonder ya have escaped so many bounty hunters.”

“If you want my head, piss off. I’m not giving it up for a price,” he retorts, muscles tensing.

“Ah do not want ye head. Well, not anymore. T’was why we initially attacked ya, but…” The Troll shakes their head and, for the first time since they landed, looks away from Jasculs. “Ah don’t have de heart fe it anymore. Ya don’t deserve t’ be killed, or even t’ have a bounty on ye head,” they explain. Their voice wavers, but only with emotion, not with hesitation or an improvised lie. What emotion, however, Jasculs cannot tell.

Finally, Jasculs relaxes. He drops heavily to the ground next to Sæunn, his hand once again finding way to the top of her head. His own head is supported by his other hand, placed on his cheek, while his tail flops and wags around in distress.

“May Ah take a look at Se- Sæunn?” asks the Troll.

Jasculs doesn’t lift his head as he mumbles his reply, “Only if I get your name.”

“Mo’hir,” replies the Troll without hesitation.

Jasculs furrows his brows. During his travels he’s learned some about Trolls, but not nearly enough to take a guess at what gender that name is usually assigned to. For all he knows, this Troll could be the only one with that name.

“And your pronouns are…?”

At first, Mo’hir laughs. Jasculs moves his head to properly have them in his vision as they move closer. Sæunn hisses, and Jasculs gives a little more energy to scratching her head.

Mo’hir lets Sæunn smell them, then makes a plant grow out of the earth. Within minutes it blossoms, and neither Jasculs or Sæunn can help to stare. A small smile adorns Jasculs’ lips; the kind that can only be described as nostalgic. As the flowers fall off the plant and are replaced by berries, the smile only grows. Sæunn immediately starts plucking off the berries and eating them.

“I’m a woman, mon,” says Mo’hir finally, and Jasculs nods.

A distant beat reaches Jasculs’ ears, which twitch. Mo’hir obviously hears it, too, as she backtracks her crouch to look in the direction of the woods. Jasculs directs his gaze that way as well, where he spots a horse with person he considers small on top. The two sets of pointy ears - one pair where they normally are on the head, and another pair barely sticking above their shoulders - is a dead give-away to Jasculs. He sighs in relief and, despite the situation, laughs.

“Ye know ‘em?”

“Yeah. That’s my boyfriend and pum- daughter. Though she’s not technically my daughter, I just sort of act as her self-proclaimed guardian and body-guard and dad, y’know?” Jasculs replies, voice light and words rushing out of his mouth like a happy little river.

Mo’hir is silent for a while. When she speaks, her voice is croaked - “Right.” - though Jasculs doesn’t hear it. A thought has hit him, and it’s making him wonder in the way that makes his brows knit together.

“Where’s the rest of your group? You were more than just you, right?”

Mo’hir hums a yes-sound. “They be waitin’ about ten feet away from ‘ere in de direction we came from. Ye have jus’ been too busy starin’ at de ground t’ notice ‘em,” snickers Mo’hir, though, as she speaks, she makes less and less effort to hide her laugh. Jasculs simply face-palms his forehead, which only makes Mo’hir laugh even harder.

At first, Jasculs simply grumbles before wincing at the stinging he just caused his forehead and palm. Then, he groans and has to close his eyes as his vision gets blurry and head throbs, and as every single one of his muscle tenses up, he feels dizzy and sick. He sways and feels something poking his side and then something else gripping onto his shoulder. There is noise, too, something that might have been a voice, but yet again it’s as if he’s hearing everything through water.

The only way he can describe the pain that follows is being in an explosion while at the same time being an explosion. Every part of him screams as it burns and feels like is torn apart, and Jasculs knows he’s screaming, he knows he is, but he can’t hear it. He can’t see either or feel or smell - the only thing his nerves are absorbing is the pain.

He doesn’t know how long it goes on for - any sense of knowing that isn’t pain has left his mind. But it doesn’t disappear until something sings its song to him.

His vision comes back, and so does the feeling in his body and his hearing. Five people are bent over him, most shocked, one angry, two crying - and he’s on the ground, still next to Sæunn, who is whining and screaming just as much as Kina is crying and Sol’alore is desperately yelling Jasculs’ name and asking what’s going on.

The three other people don’t say anything - a vastly familiar Sin’dorei and a Mulgore Tauren, along with Mo’hir. Not until Mo’hir speaks, though it sounds distant, she’s not moving her mouth or even her body - which is placed in a meditating position, Jasculs suddenly notices - and he is obviously the only one who can hear her. Her voice is carried by the singing, yet she is not the one singing.

“Get a move on, mon. Da tree needs ya,” she urges, and Jasculs immediately knows what she means.

Somehow, in his state, he gets up- and before he knows it, Jasculs is in the air, wings beating strongly and giving off a green tint. They carry him a long way with each beat, and he doesn’t tire at all, despite the old injury at the base of his left wing. His heart clenching at the sight of smoke flowing out of the world tree like heavy, dirty rivers that go up into the sky is more than enough motivation.

Jasculs doesn’t stop before he has flown through the pink portal -  which is more red than pink and purple as it usually is - outside of Teldrassil and into Darnassus.

A branch falls into the lake and sends a wave of burning hot water over Jasculs. He makes a run for the bridge, and he almost makes it. His tail and heel get burned, but nothing else, and it’s better than anything he had imagined. Rushing into a gigantic, burning tree just to be flooded and killed by scalding water… wouldn’t that have been ironic?

Jasculs takes a look around. Everything is on fire; houses, plants, people, animals, clothes, all of it. There’s a desperate, frantic, angry, horrified, and so many other kinds of screaming Jasculs cannot name. His whole body shakes at the sight, thoughts of anxiety, of destruction and death and people he knows fill his mind, and his imagination kicks in. Nythlora’s dead body, burned beyond recognition, Nali’s shop crushed and her in it, J’aaris pierced by a fallen branch, and oh Light Malassarian-

Lunging himself forward and into the air to stop his mind before it gets way too far, Jasculs heads towards Malassarian and J’aaris’ home. On the way, he leads a group of stranded Kaldorei to safety, lifts a fallen tree so a family of Draenei can get out and away, and cools several people down with beats of his wings.

When Jasculs gets the, his heart is in his throat, and the sight of the house’s state does not help. It has been crushed by a gigantic branch, and the image of J’aaris speared once again crosses his mind.

With shaking arms and legs, Jasculs pushes down doors and walls to look through every room. There’s nobody or their remains there, and Jasculs lets himself breathe a sigh of relief.

This time, when he spreads his wings, he gets lightheaded. His heartbeat is racing and so is his pulse, too fast to properly let his body consume the oxygen in his blood. Even then, with the amount of smoke in the air and how quickly he is breathing, it may as well be for the best.

Jasculs ventures deeper into Teldrassil, to the edge of Darnassus, where he knows Nali’s blacksmith is. His vision is distorted and everything looks oddly small, but he manages, despite the loss of orientation and sense of direction. It is not helped by the fact he cannot see anything; Jasculs has had to land from overly shaky and uncontrollable wings and is now running down the streets. The smoke is thinner down here, but seeing things from above gave him a nice sense of control, a feeling he has now completely lost. He’s running around, completely having forgotten which way is what, and at one point he runs around in circles. Something in the back of his mind thanks Elune no living soul is here to see him like this.

Running down a street littered with fallen, burning branches, every house on each side in an inferno, Jasculs hears a voice yell in anger. The voice curses and spits and growls, and it feels familiar from a distant time and place.

Following the voice leads him to the remains of a house. It’s one of the more whole houses, he has to admit; the far wall is still intact, and so is most of the staircase and floor. The roof and closest wall to him, however, have fallen, and beneath the ruins lie a Draenei with the wildest curly hair able to still look soft.

Jasculs recognizes her immediately and doesn’t say anything before walking over and lifting up the remains of what he thinks what was once her roof. She glances up at him momentarily before crawling out, although rather slowly. He doesn’t blame her though; it must really be difficult crawling when you are missing most of your left leg. Mindlessly, he scratches his left leg, as if to make sure it’s still there. Then, he helps the Draenei up.

“How many times are you gonna save my ass, Mateth?” she comments unhappily, something almost like a pout on her face. A small smile is brought to his lips and eyes at that, and, for the first time since he entered Darnassus, his ears twitch in that weirdly happy-proud way they tend to do.

“As many times as you and the world will let me, Nali. I don’t mind securing your safety… that was an awkward sentence,” he replies.

“You’re awkward.”

Jasculs can only snort before he crouches down to let Nali know he will be picking her up. Grumbling and sighing overdramatically, she lets him. She immediately lets out several harsh coughs when he stands back up, and Jasculs, too, lets out a cough of his own. They have to hurry.

Starting back towards the portal on foot, Nali’s arm locked around his neck, Jasculs’ mind starts racing again. Branches are falling quicker and the fire is even more intense than before. Just within the first street, he has to dodge four branches.

“Hold tight,” he warns Nali before taking off into the smoking air above the buildings.

Within seconds, Jasculs can see the portal. He informs Nali of this, though she only gives a grunt in return. He attempts to swallow a lump at that but continues to fly.

A shadow suddenly darkens the ground beneath and around them, and Jasculs knows a big- a very, very big branch is above them. He darts to the side, and the branch brushes past them, and Jasculs feels relief soothing his muscles. Then, a crushing sound of a bridge giving way and the boom! of a spell being disrupted by unnatural causes.

Jasculs feels like the bridge. Crushed and without hope. The branch lay there, pieces of the structure that used to hold up the portal beneath it, and his breath hitches and he coughs and he’s shaking and oh Elune what should he do, what can he do, someone help him-

Nali groans in question, mumbling something about Jasculs’ heart. For a moment, Jasculs freezes, and they hover to the ground.

His heart is racing, adrenaline pumping, and Nali feels like nothing at all in his arms. She even looks smaller. Even smaller than his full metamorphosis usually makes her, which still is more than enough to make her grumpy. Not that she already isn’t grumpy all the time, but grumpy at him.

Distant voices come to Jasculs’ attention, and he perks his head up from looking at Nali. There, in front of the end of the fallen branch, stands J’aaris with Malassian hunched over his shoulder. Again, Jasculs’ breathing hitches and heart picks up the pace.

“J’a… J’aaris!” Jasculs yells, voice hoarse and desperate. The terror and anxiety in his voice make even the inferno itself pale in strength.

As Jasculs runs towards them, Nali perked up on one arm, J’aaris turns around. The Lightforged Draenei’s eyes widen in shock, then wonder, then relief, then horror. Then, something akin to accept crosses his face.

“No, we’re not dying in here. If anyone’s dying, it’s gonna be outside, with our families, so they can say their fucking goodbyes,” Jasculs hisses without a second thought.

“But how?” questions J’aaris.

Jasculs eyes the remains of the portal.

“The hippogryphs flew out of Teldrassil somehow, and it was not through the portal,” he informs, voice wavering but sure. Not confident, but sure that there is another way, that they will find it, and that he will get them out.

However, J’aaris shakes his head. “Mal can’t walk, and neither can she. You may be big and strong, but… I just- what are you doing?”

Jasculs is moving to put Nali down. Blowing her in the face, she instantly opens her eyes, and he sets her on the ground. She looks confusedly at Jasculs, then as J’aaris, then Malassarian , and then back to Jasculs.

“J’aaris, get onto my back. You can sit between the spikes and use them to hold on. When you’re up, help Nali get up there, too. She’s tried it before and I’m positive she can hold on. I’ll carry Mal- and, yes, I will carry him with utmost carefulness. I promise,” Jasculs explains quickly with coughs between a couple of words.

J’aaris nods and does as instructed, while Jasculs lays Malassarian in his arms. Severely broken leg, slow heart, and pulse, smoke intoxication-

Jasculs clenches his eyes shut.

Shut up. No time for death imaginations now.

Once J’aaris and Nali confirm they are ready, Jasculs immediately takes off. He flies across the branch, heading for the direction he knows the hippogryph route is and-

There’s a squak, and Jasculs looks down. There, by the edge of the portal island, a hippogryph is trotting around, making whatever noises it can muster. It’s wearing sentinel armor, and Jasculs figures its rider must have died and it had no idea what to do or where to go, and now everything is chaos so it’s panicking.

Jasculs flies over to it, shifting Malassarian, who grunts, carefully as he does so, and lays a hand on the hippogryph. It immediately looks up and into where Jasculs’ eyes are beneath the ashen blindfold with wild eyes. As it looks, it seems to calm down, though.

“Can you show us the way out?” asks Jasculs, as if he is talking to another Kaldorei.

The hippogryph takes off and flies across the boiling lake, across buildings and branches and scorching fire, and Jasculs follow. Until they reach a part of the inner bark, and the animal squaks unhappily.

“Here?”

The hippogryph squaks again, as if it’s answering. Jasculs takes it as a yes and spits at the trunk, which immediately begins to seeth beneath his spit. Then, huge fel flames are fired from his eyes, burning through the trunk before causing an explosion. Jasculs blows away the smoke, revealing a clear pathway, big enough to fit them. As they fly through, Jasculs momentarily think how odd it is he felt like he was filling out the entire pathway, yet the hippogryph barely filled any space at all, but he pays no attention to it. He can’t, not as fresh air rushes across his face and he has to breathe it in, and he does, and it feels amazing, and he hears both Draenei on his back do the same. Even Malassarian , who is still very much passed out, seems to relax.

Not realizing he had closed his eyes while inhaling, Jasculs opens them and looks across the sea. The shore, what used to be Lor’danel, is gone. Burned to nothing but ashes. Jasculs isn’t really surprised, he did see some of it when he came to the tree, after all, but it still hurts. It still makes him huff in anger and his heart speed up.

The hippogryph squaks questioning.

“I don’t know,” Jasculs immediately replies, as if he understood what the animal said, “But I think the safest bet would be heading for a neutral city. What’s it called, Gadgetzhan? No, no, that’s in Tanaris… Ratchet!”

The hippogryph seems to recognize the name and begins flying in on direction, then another. It can’t fly its usual route, with Darkshore taken over like this, so, instead, it sticks to the ocean.

Only a minute or two of silence pass by before Nali yells in warning and tucks on Jasculs’ right horn, a sign that “means look to the right!”. He does so and immediately panics.

Jasculs rolls over, throwing both J’aaris and Nali off of him, dropping them into the ocean. He yells something even he himself doesn’t understand at the hippogryph before throwing Malassarian to it. It catches him, squaks in concern and something that, to Jasculs, feels like promise, and flies away.

That’s all he sees before the flaming catapult boulder smashes into him and everything instantly goes black.

[thewrittenpost]

AU Tuesday: Flower Shop

Here’s a thing for AU Tuesday! I did a thing! Yay!

“I’m telling you, he wants something.”

“Yes Lettie. Flowers. This is a flower shop after all.” Gwendolyn tied the bouquet efficiently, laying it gently on the counter to rest. “He’s a good customer, so try not to be rude and chase him away.”

“A rich boy doesn’t come to a florist’s himself; he makes and order online and forgets about it.” Scarlet amused herself twirling a rose, hopping onto the nearest stool. “He especially doesn’t come once a week for flowers.”

“His mother. Girlfriend’s birthday. Apology present. Sister’s wedding present. His mother. He has plenty of reasons to shop for flowers.” Gwendolyn didn’t bother to hide her amusement; Scarlet would know she wasn’t annoyed anyway. “Don’t judge Lettie. After all, you hang around a florist’s and don’t even buy anything.”

“Only because my best friend let herself get roped into working all summer. Who is going to be my wing-man if you’re always here?”

“I’m sure you can land a date just fine without my help,” Gwendolyn laughed at the look on Scarlet’s face, leaning slightly against the counter. “How’s it going with the girl from your math class? I thought you were going out with her this weekend.”

“She hasn’t texted me back about it, so who knows?” Scarlet shrugged,  not bothered by the idea of being stood up or rejected. It was just a part of dating to get past. She would just move onto the next interesting person who caught her eye if things didn’t go well.

Gwendolyn envied Scarlet’s easy approach to dating when it came down to it. It seemed so much better than worrying all the time.

“Well, I’m out of commission for now, unless you somehow drag my sister back home from her boyfriend’s place.”

“Sugar daddy,” Scarlet corrected immediately. “Your sister has a sugar daddy, not a boyfriend.”

“Lettie...”

“Alright, alright, I’ll drop it. Oh look, your stalker’s here.”

“He is not... welcome!” Gwendolyn smiled, looking over as the door chimed. “Did you need help looking today Theodore, or do you know what you need?”

“I... ah.” Theodore caught sight of Scarlet sitting there, obviously listening in, and immediately clammed up, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“She was just leaving.” Gwendolyn reassured him, fixing a glare at Scarlet until the other girl sighed, hopping off her stool.

“I’m dragging you out of here on Friday!” Scarlet picked out a wilting sunflower on her way out, waving cheerfully.

“Shouldn’t she...”

“She’s got a tab.” Gwendolyn waved off the concern. Scarlet never paid for flowers, not unless they were for someone else. “Don’t worry about it; trust me, you’ll be better off.”

Theodore didn’t look convinced, so Gwendolyn waved him over, her eyes narrowing in concern. He had been a regular at the shop for months now, and she’d never seen him acting like this, even in his worst times. “What’s wrong? Is everything alright with your family?”

Considering how they’d never met, Gwendolyn was quite fond of his family. She’d heard enough from Theodore to like them, and the fond messages and little gifts she had received from his mother had been very kind... and his mother’s undying desire for lilies was always appreciated.

“Huh? No, everyone’s fine. Why?”

“You seemed upset and I thought... never mind.” Theodore was a boy. Boys were weird. It was just an acceptable thing that Theodore would also be weird. “What can I do for you today Theodore?”

“I need a bouquet... for Victoria.”

The girlfriend. Gwendolyn referenced her mental notes, reaching for an order sheet absently. “Red roses again? Or is it a special occasion?”

“No, I need... you know flower meanings.”

It wasn’t a question, but Gwendolyn answered anyway. “...Yes...”

“How do I say ‘we’re over because you’re a lying, cheating-”

“Okay!” Gwendolyn cut him off with a swift wave of her hand, a sheepish smile replacing the professional one. “I got it. Really. Say no more. Please.”

“...Right. So, uh...”

Gwendolyn sighed, stretching her arms in front of her. “Okay... so, crazy question. Why are you buying flowers for a girl who cheated on you?”

“My dad says you have to end things civilly; flowers seemed suitable. But my mother would insist on something personal and less...” Theodore struggled to find the word, tossing a hand in the air carelessly as if it didn’t matter.

“Less civil?” Gwendolyn supplied, quickly going through the shop’s inventory in her head. “Okay, I think I can help, but it’s not going to be cheap.”

The smirk on his face, so self-satisfied and proud, was frightening to consider. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Alright... so, this is butterfly weed; it means ‘leave me’, so there’s that.” Gwendolyn darted through the store, not once having to think of where she was going. She didn’t even notice how closely she was being watched as she moved. “Yellow carnations for rejection and disdain... orange lilies for hatred and more disdain. And some red garden anemone... let’s just say they aren’t the nicest meaning flowers and leave it at that.”

The finished pile of flowers ended up on the counter, Theodore examining them closely. He picked up a few, set them down... and frowned to himself. “They’re... pretty?”

“Yes... they’re nice enough for a gift, and have more than enough of a personal meaning to feel good about.” Gwendolyn relaxed enough to grin, leaning over the counter towards Theodore. “And they'll be a stunning reminder of how dumb she was to lose you.”

Theodore hesitated before he grinned back, lifting a nearby daffodil absently. “Is that your new sales technique? Flattery?”

Oh, that smile is dangerous. “I don’t deal in flattery. Just the truth.” Sensing the sale, Gwendolyn tied the flowers together, keeping her eyes down. “It is the truth you know. You’d have to be an idiot to turn down a guy like you.”

“...You barely know me.”

“I know you buy your mom her favorite flowers all the time, and your sister gets flowers when she needs a pick-me-up. And you go out of your way to do it in person every week instead of just ordering them online.” Gwendolyn scribbled the order down for their records quickly, glancing up at Theodore as he watched silently. “You’re a good guy Theodore. Don’t let this get you down, okay?”

For what seemed like forever, Gwendolyn kept eye contact with Theodore, both of them slipping into a comfortable silence. Finally, she broke the spell they were under, clearing her throat loudly. “The bill.”

“Right.” Theodore reached for his wallet carelessly, pulling out the first card in the pile. “How much do I owe you?”

“Let’s say... fifty bucks.”

“That’s cheaper than I expected. Especially after you said it wouldn’t be cheap.” Theodore’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, eyeing the bouquet as if it was about to burst into flames.

“We’ll call it the dejected boy discount.” Gwendolyn took and swiped his card quickly, offering him the pad to sign before he could think too hard about it. “Only available for a one time use, at the cashier’s discretion.”

Gwendolyn offered Theodore a bright grin, tucking her hair behind her ear absently. “So no more sob stories in here or you’ll end up having to pay full price for fancy meaningful bouquets.”

Theodore stared for a moment until his own smile grew, picking up the bouquet he’d just paid for. “They’re worth it. ..Thanks. For the help.”

“Any time.” Gwendolyn leaned against the counter, waving as Theodore walked towards the door. She blinked owlishly when he suddenly turned, one hand keeping the door open.

“I’ll see you next week?” Theodore waited for the answer, watching the girl behind the counter closely.

“I’ll be here.” He seemed content with that answer, nodding silently before he slipped out the store, the door chiming with his exit.

Finally alone, Gwendolyn allowed herself to take a break, sneaking into the backroom for a quick snack. She’d wonder about this conversation with Theodore later, probably obsessively and embarrassingly so, but for now, she’d allow herself just to enjoy the memory of the comfortable silence they’d shared.

[suppersanchez]

Norway Between The Reality And Thoughts

I get up toward the beginning of the https://moneymofo.com/ day of one day on phones chime, I got my telephone to talk and it was bizarre number yet immediately I perceived the voice, truly I was so cheerful when I heard it since it was the voice of my Norwegian closest companion Mr, Lief, he is senior than me however he is so overall quite clever person I loved him so much, we cooperated for a very long time before in Germany in so celebrated café in Berlin, I functioned as a supervisor food and refreshments, he worked there as a culinary expert, he returned home and got a new line of work in large inn in Oslo that is on the grounds that I was toward the finish of the term of the agreement in Germany, I proposed not to recharge it again on the grounds that I was not totally fulfilled for the compensation

So that in the last calling with Mr, Lief, I needed to search for an occupation for me in Norway, he guaranteed he will do it.

After a period and on that day he got back to me to tell about finding a new line of work for me and he requested to come to Norway at the earliest opportunity for a meeting. obviously, it was an extraordinary news to find such a line of work particularly I have never been in Norway likewise I like to move to new nations and get new adventuer work, I expressed gratitude toward him a great deal for his kindness.

I chatted with my family about this new position, they consented to move with me there and truly it was so extraordinary too so we began to gather our gear, search for a flying tickets and on the grounds that I am European I can move with my family quick and effectively to all nations in Europe.

Do you know? I began my outing to Norway and went there likewise I landed my position, yet initially, I lived with an inquiry in my psyche it made me in confounding, before we caught wind of Norway, the pay of the ordinary individual is so high and it is so costly nation and it was so interisting for me to see and realize how those Norwegian live in such exclusive expectation level of the life, inquired as to whether Norwegian live in this elevated level that is on the grounds that they live in their nation and it is rich nation yet shouldn't something be said about foriegners there how they live?

It was interisting to discover answer for this inquiry so that at work I blended in with foriegners and asked how they live in Norway? It was a major astonishment!! at the point when I understood from them that life is so natural and not costly by any stretch of the imagination.

The truth that I found in Norway, everything individuals can live without a major financial plan not as I envisioned previously, living there isn't costly in any way!

WHAT IS IT MEAN LIVING IS NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL?

#Not Expensive For Food And Meals.

In Norway they live around 1 million foriegners and from various ethnicities pay of such individuals is extraordinary so spending plan for every one likewise is unique so when you go inside the Super Market for purchasing food you find there various items are costly and another modest, there they have two organizations one of them it is named FIRST PRICE they sell all items so modest from bread till meat they sell it in modest costs for instance you can discover cost of bread it costs about 40.00 KOR it is about $4.00 you can discover bread by those organizations with 7.00 KOR under $1 and they do likewise with all items.

By the manner in which KORON is the name of the neighborhood cash in Norway and about 10.00 KOR equivalent $1.00.

Likewise on the off chance that you needed to purchase Hamburger from Macdonalds as an inexpensive food dinner, one it costs under $1.00.

#Not Expensive For Buying Cloths& shoes.

In Norway in the public spots in every city or town you should discover shopping center or mall and it is brimming with various shops for cloths&shoes and there you can discover everything in so high caliber with brands and in modest costs additionally occasionally can take stroll there and find large limits all over the place so you can purchase three pices of any sort of garments, for example, jeans or T-shirts purchase three and pay just for two pices and get the third for nothing. such limits in the entire year in winter, in summer and in all urban communities around Norway.

#Not Expensive For Getting Puplic Transportations.

In Norway the typical cost of bus,subway,trams ticket is 50.00 KOR it is about $5.00 for one ticket

what's more, there on the off chance that you purchased a ticket from transport you can likewise utilize it when you get a metro or cable car, yet you possess restricted energy for around 30 minutes you can utilize it following 30 minutes it will be lapsed.

Every now and then you can get a great deal of limits of such tickets and modest proposals for instance in summer you can purchase card transport for the entire summer in so modest cost and the term of summer there is around 3 months likewise the drivers of transport can give you modest offers when you purchase a ticket they can offer week after week ticket so modest, you can purchase and utilize it for the entire week, obviously you will set aside your cash.

Coincidentally, I am informing here concerning the cost of transport inside every city no one but you can pay 50.00 KOR for getting a ticket and occasionally they have offers for travelers as I mintioned previously. In any case, on the off chance that you needed to move to another city possibly you will go there via train or by transport it has another fixed costs not modest and without limits, for instance in the event that you needed to venture out from Oslo to Sandfjord via train or by transport it has similar costs the ticket costs around 300 KOR.

My recommendation don't think to dial a TAXI there on the grounds that truly it is so costly.

Dial just with public transportations it is least expensive than Taxi and consistently have offers and limits spare a great deal for you.

On the off chance that you needed to have a vehicle there, amm, to purchase a vehicle in Norway additionally it is modest, in the event that you needed to purchase utilized vehicle till model 2005 it is modest after that it will be more costly as per vehicles condition.

By all methods in the event that it isn't essential pruchase a vehicle in Norway it is a serious mix-up why?

1-They have a ton of duties in addition to protection of the vehicle you should pay it consistently and this framework in all Europe not just in Norway.

2-They have the streets there not free, when you drive in every city you locate a few spots have an entryways with cameras to snap a picture for your vehicles number, in each time you drive to go in the city you should take care of by tabs go to your place of residence after a period however it is free when you go out by your vehicle, yet it is so awful I didn't care for that additionally I never observed this framework in Germany, Romania, Poland or even Sweden, so if the vehicle isn't fundamental for you, I mean in the event that you don't utilize it for your work there or in the event that you live alone without family it is smarter to get a public transportations this is my psyche, just purchase and utilize a vehicle for your family or work on the grounds that in such case you can cover all costs that it requires.

3-Maybe you get some information about benzene there yes it is so costly yet I think likewise the benzene costs is high in everywhere on the world so this explanation it doesn't make a difference for getting or not getting a vehicle in Norway.

Incidentally, in Norway can get least expensive cost of benzene just on Sundays you can go to any benzene station to purchase in less cost.

4-Notice that fixing of vehicles there it is so expensive additionally for save parts so be product and consider that before getting an acar.

#Not Expensive When You Hire Flat or House.

In Norway in the event that you needed to employ a level the cost of typical level isn't so high likewise it has no huge distinction in costs from city to another costs in Oslo Like another city so the cost is about $750 month to month + Electric and water, incidentally, you should put store one month or perhaps additionally as indicated by your concurrence with the proprietor of the level, all pads they are in extravagance level way of living. huge pads, ocuppied with all you require it just get the key of the level, go purchase your items, placed it in the ice chest or in the kitchen, switch on TV or rest.

However, perhaps when you take a gander at the cost $750 you tell gracious! it is such a great amount, there individuals from eastern Europe go to work they go as a gatherings from 3 to 4 people to lease a level and live in together so they partition the cost of leasing month to month between one another and afterward they additionally live in extravagance style level with so modest cost.

A few people can peruse this article and inform that solitary I composed regarding living in Norway however for them they will go just as sightseers so does this article tell something valuable for them?

Truly on the grounds that we have a few coordinating focuses we previously discussed it, for example, food, fabrics, transportations, taxi and by all methods this data can help vacationer too.

Just traveler he won't go to live in level or house since arrangement of leasing in Norway doesn't permit to lease level for one or tow weeks and in the event that he discovered it will be so expensive cash for this period, the lease framework there is yearly and now and again can do conracts for a very long time so I figure the vacationer he will never go to live in level and without a doubt he will have beforehand reserving lodging before movement.

About the lodging costs in Norway somewhat costly however I think if the traveler chose to go to Norway for touring visit he will have the option to locate an appropriate booking inn and can think about the costs from web and pick the best for his financial plan.

The author of this article lived and worked in Norway over 3 years learned Norwegian language talk and compose it fluidly, moved for work to numerous urban communities at parts of the lodging in all over Norway, in Oslo,Tonsberg and Sandfjord. For family conditions he needed to temporay finish his work and return home.

[theamazinguchihabruhs]

In The Closet

“Mom, Moommmm~” Naruto slipped, but just managed to regain his balance when he ran inside the living room. “My jacket, the black and orange one, where is it?”

“Honey, you have to be way more specific than that” Kushina responded, her eyes glued on the TV. Naruto pouted as he ran his hand through his hair, “My lucky one!”.

“Hnn...I haven’t seen that one in the laundry basket, perhaps you forgot it in your locker-?” Naruto stopped listening as he thought back to the last time he had worn his favourite jacket. His eyes narrowed as he hit his forehead with the palm of his hand.

“Sasuke!” he exclaimed.

“Is that the new ‘damn it’?“ Kushina asked in a state of confusion.

“No...wait...could be...anyway! I remember!” Naruto grabbed his phone from his pocket, “I totally forgot I borrowed it to him”

“When did that happen?”

“About a week ago, yeah, the fire alarm went off and we all had to stand in the cold…don’t give me those eyes, dattebayo!”

“I am not saying anything, dattebane...” Kushina hummed, though her suspicious eyebrows really did all the talking.

“He was shaking and his teeth were clattering, he looked very pale...but that could have been just his skin tone...anyway-” Naruto stopped talking after seeing the expression on his mother’s face. Completely unconvinced.  “Alright, the truth is that he wore a white shirt and his nipples were hard and very noticeable, I was being nice!”

“Right...” Kushina replied, shaking her head as the small smile remained on her lips. Naruto ignored her and since his friend wasn’t reacting on any messages; he decided to try and call him, but as there was no answer he put his phone in his pocket.

“I am going to go and get it” he stated.

“Are you going to be home before midnight or are you going to spend the night there?”

“It would make sense to spend the night with him, the fields are closer to his house than…NO NOT THAT WAY, MOM YOU PERVERT!” Naruto pointed an accusing finger at his mother before grabbing his keys, “Don’t wait up!” And with those words, Naruto shut the front door behind him, but not before hearing his mother respond with “Be safe..in bed”

His mother was known for being quite the tease towards him, it was also one of the things Naruto liked about his mother, but embarrassed him on occasion.

Oxoxoxoxoxoxox

“Really? a family of 6 and nobody is home?” Naruto questioned to himself, looking through the window and seeing all the lights turned off. He sighed and reached for his pocket to see if he still had some sort of hair pin he could use to open the door, but unfortunately, for the moment his days of breaking locks was over. The blond rolled his eyes in an annoyed manner, taking a couple of steps back while he put his hands behind his neck. He looked at the front of the house and narrowed his eyes upon seeing Sasuke’s window open, as usual.

“Dattebayo” Naruto looked at the rain pipe and back towards Sasuke’s window. It was worth a shot. He jumped up and wrapped his arms around the pipe, pulling himself up until he was right next to the window. He stretched his arm up, maybe if he was able to just reach it...but his fingers barely touched it. “Guy has to do what a guy has to do” Naruto muttered as he jumped, worse case scenario he would break a leg or an arm. Speaking of paying an arm and a leg...

The blond managed to grab onto the veranda before pulling himself up, going through the window and land right on the Uchiha’s desk. He heard something fall and he looked at the plastic vase with a sunflower on it.

“The wind did that!” Naruto justified to himself. He looked around the room, it was tidy except for the clothes piled onto the chair.

“So, this place hasn’t changed a bit” Naruto chuckled to himself, Naruto saw the laptop on the bed and at that very moment he swore a devil and an angel appeared on each of his shoulders.

“Owh! One small peak in his laptop won’t do nobody any harm!”

“But it is his privacy and we practically snuck in his room, it is wrong”

Naruto looked around the room and remained quiet; the house was deserted, he was alone, nobody would ever know. Drawn to the itching temptation, Naruto sat on Sasuke’s bed and pulled the laptop closer. He opened it and frowned seeing there was a password needed to access it

“Uhm...his birthday? No...too obvious” Naruto muttered; Naruto tried Sasuke’s surname, name of all his brothers and even his cat, but all were denied. The blond sighed in almost-defeat before running his hand through his hair. He looked at the desk, there was some water spilled there and on the floor was the plastic vase with the sunflower in it.

“Sun...flower...sunflower…” Naruto typed the word but the password got denied, he made a frustrated sound. Maybe Sasuke was one of those people who left a clue somewhere. He pressed at the ‘help me remember’ option only seeing there an “S N” written in capitals.

“Perhaps it is...‘SuNflower’ Naruto wrote, this time using a capital S and N. He put his hands in the air as he finally got access in Sasuke’s laptop. He had even all these tabs open.

“I am a genius, I should be a professional hacker, dattebayo!” Naruto laughed before he suddenly realised the nature of the passwords. “Wait a second….sunflower...S and N in capital...damn it! I thought the crush on professor Sunray was gone! Damn it, Sasuke, you bastard” Naruto muttered and pressed on the word document.

“Why is he writing an essay? I thought he had already handed in his-” Naruto stopped talking as his eyes directly caught on to some words that were so not ‘essay’ appropriate. His scrolled more up, his cheeks turning blood red.

“How dare he judge me on watching porn, he could write scripts” Naruto scoffed, his eyes looked surprised. He swallowed loudly. “For a certain genre I guess…” Naruto took his eyes from the screen and stared at the wall next to the bed. “He still has that body pillow, huh…” He looked back at the screen and opened chrome. A few tabs were left open. Such as youtube on a paused video on ‘Five awesome magic tricks’.

“Look at that, he is one of those Tumblr hipsters...no, he is probably in some fandom” Naruto was about to click on it, but he suddenly heard a door shut. He closed the laptop and put it back in place before sitting quietly on the bed. The moment he heard footsteps walking up the stairs, the panic arose. If it was either Izuna and Shisui, Naruto could have explained himself, but if it was anyone else...This was going to end badly. He didn’t take the risk and hid under the bed as fast as he cold, covering his mouth and nose due the dust. He couldn’t complain, God knows how many dead things were under his own bed.

The door opened and closed right away. It was odd, but how many people could identify their friend by their feet? Not that it was hard...Sasuke’s cat socks were quite...recognisable.

“That too? You gotta be kidding me” Naruto saw the cat socks wearing feet walk towards the plastic vase, picking it up and putting it back on the desk. “At last gravity works, that is more than I can say about this piece of shit” Sasuke grabbed the charger and plugged his phone while he sat on the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, but it resulted into pulling his hair thanks to the clips on the left that kept his left bangs away. He pulled them out and threw them on the ground. He laid down and Naruto couldn’t believe how bad his luck was. If Sasuke turned his head to him, then his life was not guaranteed at all.

“97 messages from three people...right...ignore” Sasuke said out loud, but the moment he stated that, the phone slipped passed his fingers right on his face. The Uchiha cursed, holding his face with two hands before moving to his side. Naruto looked relieved now that Sasuke’s back was facing him, and yet he had a hard time keeping his laughter to himself. After what seemed like minutes, Sasuke rolled back on his back and just stared at the ceiling.

“God...did I fuck your waifu in a previous life? Why are you doing this to me?” The words sounded too sincere to just be considered ‘sarcastic’. He grabbed his phone again, but decided to keep it an arm length away from him.

“Call Itachi.” Sasuke said.

“I'm sorry, I couldn't find 'bitchy' in your phonebook” The female voice responded.

“I’m sure that is a synonym to his name” Sasuke muttered as he sat up and put the phone on speaker. It ringed a few times before going to voicemail.

“Aniki, hey...it's me again, so, uhm…I have waited for two hours at the restaurant and I texted you, and left two other voicemails, but...uhm...I didn’t hear anything from you, plus my mobile battery died from all the games I was playing on it...so...I just went home and...y’know...guess we can grab dinner another time“ Sasuke turned the phone off and turned his face to the mirror and rolled his eyes.

“Otouto, wear something appropriate, you can’t appear in sweatpants” Sasuke mimicked Itachi’s voice, “At least I appear” He moved his bangs away before shaking his head. “I get less judgemental eyes eating alone at the fastfood restaurant than there, tch” Sasuke unbuttoned his waistcoat and threw it on the chair before loosening the tie and opening the first buttons of his blouse. The phone on the desk vibrated and Sasuke rolled his eyes before he reached for it.

“So you are not lying in a ditch somewhere in an ally, I am so relieved.” Well, that was his sarcastic voice. He left the phone on speaker again.

“Princess, I know you love me” The person on the other line chuckled and Naruto had a rough time recognising the person over the phone. “So why did you call, need some saving?”

“Called, you mean the one of three hours ago or the one five hours ago?” Sasuke looked at the mirror at the red spots on his neck, he let his finger slide over them. Naruto looked confused, where did that come from! Who was this guy on the phone? Could it be Nardo! Or Utakata!?

“Point being?” The voice asked.

“The one five hours ago, I wondered if you went passed the pharmacy and the one three hours ago was me hoping you could indeed save me from internal boredom and judgement-”

“You did say yes to Itachi?” The man on the other end did not seem surprised.

“How could I have said no? He tried so hard getting the reservations and…I figured he would really make it this time”

“I am not sure if I should say this...but...Itachi got those reservations from a shareholder, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t sincere into making it-”

“Owh shut up, Shisui!” Sasuke hissed, “I really thought he...he...owh, fuck it!”

“I am sorry, princess. Should I come home?”

“No stay at your lame party, I know you are drunk” Sasuke hung up and laid down on the bed making an annoyed sound. There was a small moment of silence, small, because soon the vase with the sunflower got thrown against the wall.

“Fuck you, aniki...fuuccckk yoouuu~” Sasuke stood up from the bed and walked out of the room. He could see Sasuke walk towards the bathroom and not even a minute or two later the shower was on.

The blond took his chance and got up to search for his jacket. He opened the closet, looking through it before turning his head to the chair. He looked through it, throwing the waistcoat, shirt, tie on the ground. He looked slightly surprised holding up a pair of boxers with the big red words ‘Naughty’ spelled on the bag. He looked at the chair and saw his orange jacket. He grabbed it, causing the others pile of cloths to fall. There was dead silence for a second, not even the sound of the shower was hearable.

“The shower!” Naruto thought and looked around him. He quickly pulled the closet open and hid inside it just in time. Sasuke entered the room and towel wrapped around his waist. Naruto swallowed being able to see Sasuke from the small gaps. He could see the Uchiha walk in his room, completely naked, except the towel wrapped around his shoulders. Naruto had to wrap his hand around his mouth as he wanted to look away, but yet his eyes were glued on the Uchiha. It should be a crime to wear baggy clothes with a body like that.

“It was ought to fall” Sasuke muttered, bending over to pick the clothes up and throw them in the laundry basket. He cocked his head and turned his head to the mirror before raising an eyebrow. He reached somewhere, though Naruto couldn’t tell since the Uchiha’s ass was getting 88% of the Uzumaki’s attention. He threw a shoe box on the bed and opened it, he held up a black lingerie and held it in front of him, examining it thoroughly. He then raised his shoulder in a ‘what the heck’ manner, causing the blond -that was doomed inside the closet-  to cursed loudly in his head. If he was capable of punching anything, he would have done so. He bit down his lip and looked through the gap to see Sasuke look at this direction. Naruto froze…

Sasuke got up and took a few steps towards the closet. Naruto’s heart was pounding, until Sasuke turned his head towards the window and closed the curtains.

“Well, about fucking time he learnt how to close the curtains” Naruto thought as he exhaled softly. All this adrenaline and stress, it really made miss being able to just walk to the loo without fearing for his life. He closed his eyes, trying to get his heart rate down. He turned his head and his heart rate went right up seeing Sasuke wearing the lingerie and looking at the mirror with a frown on his face.  

“Ugh!” Sasuke made an annoyed noise as he dropped himself in his bed. “Being ugly is cruel!”

“This is cruel…” Naruto whispered under his breath. He saw Sasuke sit up and throw a few items from the box on the ground. Some pretty tempting items were getting thrown around. He stopped a few times, changed in another one of these sexy outfits, before dropping himself on the bed and cursing. That happened about three times.

“Mwah...this is alright...” Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the mirror. He ran his hand through his hair that was half dry.  “Who am I kidding…?” He sighed and wanted to pick up the clothes he threw on the ground, but then the door opened and there was this moment of mere silence that lasted at the very least 12 seconds. “O..Touto…” Itachi was the first to talk, but before he could even finish Sasuke threw the underwear he wanted to pick up to the door and shouted for Itachi to “fucking knock”. Itachi took a step back, which gave Sasuke the opportunity to shut the door and lean his back against it. His face was as red as a tomato. The blond had a hard time keeping his laughter to himself.

“Owh come on, otouto~” Itachi knocked twice, “It is normal what you are undergoing, it is all part of growing up-”

“SHUT UP!” Sasuke shouted, covering his face with both his hands.

“Otoutooo~” The mocking was pretty obvious in Itachi’s voice.

“Do what you are best at, and get lost!” Sasuke shouted and a short silence followed. The door got shoved opened, shoving Sasuke with it (not that it seemed he was trying to push back). Itachi stuck his head in the room and looked at Sasuke who looked at his brother from the corner of his eyes.

“Want to talk about it?” Itachi asked.

“I am thinking white is more my colour.” Sasuke joked, referring to his lingerie.

“When Obito bought that...I thought you threw it out”  Itachi walked in the room and sat down on the bed.

“It’s rude to throw presents out” Sasuke argued. He picked the clothings items up and put them back in the box before taking the one off he had on and throwing in the box.

“The rash is gone.” Itachi noted, pointing at Sasuke’s crotch.

“The dermatologist is good” Sasuke as he reaching in the basket and grabbing a big grey shirt out of it. He smelled it before making a not caring gesture. He crawled in his bed and laid down, right behind Itachi.

“I am sorry about tonight” Itachi said as he allowed his hand to stroke Sasuke’s side.

“What is your excuse this time? Was there another emergency?”

“To be honest, I forgot our plans, I had no sense of time, I knew I was late, but I thought..half an hour or so...but ...turns several hours had passed” Itachi was honest.

“You smell like sweat and fatigue” Sasuke commented as he placed his head on Itachi’s lap.

“I will take a shower-”

“No stay.” Sasuke quickly interrupted Itachi, pulling him closer.

“I take that as you aren’t mad anymore?” Itachi allowed his body to get dragged in a lying position.

“I am used to it” Sasuke said, his head on Itachi’s chest.

“You make me sound like a bad person” Itachi sighed.

“I am not making sound like one, you are one” Sasuke smiled as Itachi lifted his head to look at Sasuke. “I have to admit, I did feel abandoned”

“It was stupid of me and it is my fault, but you know what? Tomorrow I am off, it is saturday, we will do whatever you want” Itachi turned to his side. “Promise” he placed a kiss on Sasuke’s forehead.

“I did feel like going to Seaworld, but if you are going to lecture me about sharks...I am going to throw you in their tank”

“You may, they won’t do-”

“It has already started” Sasuke yawned. The two talked for a while, though their responses become slower and soon both were quiet. They probably fell asleep.

Naruto took a deep breath, this was his chance. He slowly opened the closet door before crawling out. He looked at the bed before he stood up. His stepped on a creaking part of the floor, causing Itachi to turn his head. He looked right into Naruto’s eyes and the blond’s eyes widened. He was dead...he was so dead.

Itachi remained quiet, his eyes were half lid, it appeared he was half-asleep.

“Are you the dead body coming alive for vengeance or the ghost?” Itachi asked, his voice barely a whisper.  Naruto pressed his finger on Itachi’s lips, indicating him to be quiet.

“I am the dead body…” Naruto whispered. “Whatever reason you killed me, I am OK with it”

“Good...now stay the fuck away from my little brother” Itachi turned his back at Naruto and the blond felt an imaginary brick fall on his head.

“You are a crappy brother…” Naruto whispered before pulling the blanket over the both of them.

“Still better than you” Itachi whispered, hugging Sasuke sightly.

“Savage…” Naruto slowly tiptoes towards the window and crawled  through the rainpipe back down. He sighed in relieved once his feet hit the ground.  

“Gosh, that was close!” Naruto stretched his body, “I sure am sore, dattebayo” He turned around to walk to the bus stop, but the yelped seeing Obito standing right in front of him.

“What...are you...?” Obito looked up from Sasuke’s window to Naruto.

“Uhm...I was...uhm...doing homework?” Naruto scratched his cheek.

“I am not an idiot...it is okay...you both are old enough...you two had some chemistry going on for a while, it is all part of life.” Obito said, “But I have to ask you one thing...you did...use...protection?” He asked. Naruto froze...Did Obito really though he snug in Sasuke’s room to fuck him and sneak back out? ...Whatever made him shut up!

“Yes! Yes, of course!” Naruto said.

“So...is this a relationship...or-”

“It is” Naruto said, slowly backing away, “But uhm..don’t talk about it with Sasuke..he is shy…”  The blond smiled, then turned around and ran for it.

Oxoxoxoxox

*the next morning*

“So you made it very late” Kushina entered her son’s room as she picked up the dirty laundry. Naruto yawned, turning his back towards his mother.

“Yeah, yeah, dattebayo” Naruto yawned, but kept his head in his pillow.

“You got your lucky sweater” Kushina said and picked it up from the ground so she could put it on the desk chair. Something black fell from it on the ground. Kushina frowned and picked it up, holding it in front of her.

“This is not yours.” She commented with a teasing tone in her voice. Naruto turned his head around confused before seeing the black boxers with ‘naughty’ written on it.

“W-What?! It is mine!” Naruto quickly said as he got up and grabbed it. “Yes, yes mine!”

“I wash your dirty underwear, I know which ones you own” Kushina had a small, smug smile on her face as she titled her shoulders before leaving the room. “Ask Sasuke if I should wash it for him or if he is going to put it in the laundry at home”

“It is mine, not Sasuke’s at all-”

“Check the label, sweetie” Naruto froze by his mother words as he did was she told. He looked at the label: For: Sasuke From:U BRU Mesg: H. 17th B-day

Under it was a name of a site mentioned where it was probably ordered or maybe even designed. Naruto looked up and looked at the door, seeing his mother look at him.

“I...borrowed...it” Well, what he said wasn’t a complete lie.

Oxoxoxoxox

Sasuke yawned loudly as he walked towards the kitchen. He saw Obito on the table, eating cereal while Madara and Shisui were watching the news.

“Good morning” Obito said, looking up to see his youngest brother stretch his arms.

“Tch, there is nothing good about the morning, I am sore all over” Obito coughed, causing everybody to look at him.

“Are you alright?” Sasuke asked.

“Yes,yess~” Obito said, drinking his orange juice.

“I swear to God Sasuke, if you are not wearing any underwear-”

“Sush Shisui, you are only going to be more disappointed-”  Obito swallowed loudly.

“There is something odd going on with him” Shisui said, pointing at Obito.

“Nah it is normal, he has always been an idiot” Madara commented.

“Hey, where did you guys leave the grapefruit?”

“Why? I thought you didn’t like grapefruit as breakfast” Shisui commented.

“It is for niisan, he slept in my room, poor niisan was so tired-”

Obito spit out the orange juice.

“ITACHI IS INVOLVED IN THIS TOO?!” He shouted shocked.

“Uhm...yeah...it is fucking seaworld?” Sasuke looked confused.

“SO THIS IS A REGULAR THING!?” Obito looked shocked,”I need to get going! “ he stood up and grabbed his jacket while muttering, “I knew this family had thin boundaries, this shouldn’t be surprising at all, I am freaking out, this is weird, what happened to this generation…”

“You think he is alright?” Sasuke asked.

“I am afraid his idiot syndrome is getting worse” Madara muttered, “Also, can I tag along to seaworld?”

“Sure, didn’t know you-”

“I want to point at every ugly fish I see and name it ‘Sasuke’.” Madara pointed at Sasuke, “ Look, I will name it Sasuke”

“Fucking funny” Sasuke grabbed his phone and raised an eyebrow reading the messages Naruto had send him last night.

“Hey...wasn’t Naruto’s jacket on my desk chair…?”

“Yes, yesterday it was there, you told me not to throw it in the laundry” Shisui said.

“Stalker alert, what did you wanna do? Smell it?” Madara got ignored by Sasuke.

“It was on the chair last night...so why is he texting me if I have his jacket and then after midnight he texts me that he already has it...do I have alzheimer?”

“I doubt he snuck in the house to grab one jacket back” Shisui said.

“Then it would be a perfect relationship, two weirdos”  Madara commented.

“Strange…”  Sasuke muttered.  

oxoxox special thanks to @failureoftheyear xoxoxox

[randallvangundy]

Noz2Noz Sof-Krate 3-Door Soft-Sided Dog Crate Review

Only very few pet owners are committed enough to bring their dogs with them wherever they go. I am proud to be one of those people. I bring my pooch to the park at least once a week and even travel with it to my parents’ home every weekend. I consider my furry friend as part of the family, which is why I do not leave him behind. Having said that, I do not blame those pet owners who do not take their dogs with them when traveling; after all, it can be a bit overwhelming. The truth is that I used to hate doing it, too. The one thing that prompted me to give it a try was when I came across the Noz2Noz Sof-Krate 3-Door Soft-Sided Dog Crate after looking at several dog crates for travel. My dog’s veterinarian talked about it a lot, so I had to give it a try. This is why I decided to write this Noz2Noz Sof-Krate 3-Door Soft-Sided Dog Crate Review.

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How To Choose A Dog Crate

A dog crate is a valuable instrument to have if you own a dog and you go out a lot. As much as you want to leave your pet behind, there are times when it is impossible to do so. The crate serves as your dog’s safe confinement when you need to drive your car and travel beyond state lines. It is also what you need the most if you plan to do some air travel with the animal. Perhaps you already know that airline companies do not allow dogs onboard without a pre-approved crate or carrier.

Choosing a carrier is not as forthright as you may think. You will realize this once you go to a pet store and see the bevy of productions. Not all dog carriers are suited for travel, while some varieties favor comfort over durability. Your choice depends on a few factors, including:

Size

Size is the chief factor to consider when you buy a dog crate for the first time. Be reminded that purchasing the wrong size does not entitle you to a replacement. In other words, you first must measure your dog, i.e. height, weight, and length to guarantee that you are spending your money on the right product. The crate should have sufficient space for the animal to turn around, stretch out, and curl up without issues. If you decide to go for a soft-side dog crate, be sure to add at least three inches to your pet’s shoulder height. A crate made from hard material must ideally have four inches of allowance.

Use

Aside from the size of the pet carrier or crate, you should also consider the intended use. If you must travel with your pooch more often than most people, then choose a lightweight and portable model. Find one with a design for easy carrying. If you plan to fly with your dog, get something that comes with airline-approved dimensions and features. If you have a destructive dog with a propensity to bite, chew, or scratch on anything, then you are better off with a dog crate made from hard plastic. If comfort is your focus, soft-sided varieties are the best option.

Style

Dog travel crates come in a handful of forms and styles, but I do not pay attention to those that are equipped with useless features. When you buy a crate or carrier for your dog for the first time, you should narrow down your list of choices to a soft-sided carrier, hard-sided crate, and a wearable/portable type. The soft-sided type is the best option when you are transporting a small breed of dog, plus you get to carry it with ease. A hard-sided model emphasizes rugged construction and durability, which means it is best used for a destructive dog. Meanwhile, a wearable type works like a baby carrier where you can carry your small pooch for short trips like a stroll in the park or visit to the veterinarian.

Noz2Noz Sof-Krate 3-Door Soft-Sided Dog Crate Review

Do not leave Fido alone at home ever again. Even if you think it is difficult and overwhelming to bring a dog to an extended or long trip, the Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor/Outdoor Crate will convince you that its portable and lightweight design will make you reconsider. It folds down in seconds, and you can bet it is sturdy enough to keep your dog safe on the entire trip.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

Lightweight and portable design

Easy setup mechanism

Water-resistant base

Removable and washable cover

What’s Bad

Not ideal for an inherently destructive pooch

May not pass most airline travel standards

Soft-sides may wear out over time

Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Dog Carrier Features and Highlights

I chose to buy the Noz2Noz soft-krater indoor/outdoor dog crate because it comes with the best set of features that I thought would address my needs for a dog crate. I am ecstatic to share with you the highlights of this product.

Quick Setup

One thing that made me purchase the Noz2Noz soft-sided dog crate is its ingenious design. The push-button tabs and reinforced couplers are conveniently mounted in the steel frame tubes. This means that you can quickly get the unit up or collapse it in a minute or so. Setting up this dog crate is a breeze, thanks to the unique yet effective design. You can even store it flat, suggesting that there is no need for ample space for storage purposes.

Lightweight Design

Since this is a soft-side dog crate, you do not have hard plastic material that will add to the burden of carrying it. This one has a lightweight design that makes it comfortable and appropriate to carry in places and situations where you plan to bring your dog with you.

Safe Retreat

The product is built with the dog in mind. Some pet crates and carriers out there are only meant to help the owner have an easy time handling their dogs when traveling. The Noz2Noz Soft-Krate dog crate begs to differ because it ensures the animal’s well-being while inside. I hate to call it a type of restraint; it is more of a safe retreat for my dog whenever we find ourselves stuck somewhere during extended trips.

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Effortless Cleaning and Maintenance

This dog crate has gone through high standards of quality control procedures for it to be fit for travel. One of its distinctive qualities is its water-resistant base that allows for convenient cleaning and maintenance. You can use a stain and odor remover to get rid of waste and simply allow it to dry. Furthermore, the cover is made from washable material, giving you the liberty to remove and clean it as needed.

Well-Ventilated

The crate comes equipped with three large windows and reinforced mesh covering. This ensures that your dog will be comfortable and calm even during long trips since it will get enough air and visibility. I found this feature very helpful because my dog doesn’t like being in confined and tight spaces. The first crate I bought was made of hard plastic with little ventilation. My pooch did not like it, so I had to ditch that model. Now I know how crucial ventilation is in choosing a dog travel crate.

Steel Frame for Stability

The Noz2Noz soft-sided dog travel crate can accommodate a dog that weighs up to 70lbs. I did not believe it at first, but when I realized that a steel frame reinforces the mesh fabric material, I immediately changed my perspective. I think the manufacturer had to include the steel frame to guarantee that the crate is sturdy enough and can provide the needed support for the added weight.

What Others Say About The Noz2Noz Sof-Krate 3-Door Collapsible Dog Crate

I tried to be a responsible consumer by reading user reviews from fellow dog owners who decided to go with the Noz2Noz Soft-Krater travel carrier. These are the highlights:

Sylvia S. may have been apprehensive at first, but eventually decided to go for it. Seeing her dog getting comfy with it says a lot about the product.

Keith loves this crate so much for his small dogs. It is not every day that you see a product that possesses “durable” and “soft” qualities at the same time.

I agree with CLC’s advice to avoid this dog travel crate if your dog loves to bite or chew on something when it is uncomfortable or stressed.

Alternatives To The Noz2Noz Sof-Krate Pet Carrier

The Noz2Noz soft-sided dog crate may have piqued my interest, but not all pet owners feel the same about it. If you are one of those people who want to test the waters first before making a purchase, then here are the three competitors that I can think of:

Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier

This dog crate is what I consider as the complete opposite of the Noz2Noz carrier. It is made from hard plastic, bulky, and on the heavier side. You choose this crate if you want to ensure that you get your dog admitted for air travel since it meets most airline standards. To know more about the Aspen Pet Porter, go to this link.

2PET Foldable Dog Crate

This pet carrier has a bevy of similar features to the Noz2Noz dog crate, most notably the indoor/outdoor design. It is also made from soft material and comes with sufficient ventilation. You can learn more about the 2PET Foldable carrier for dogs here.

Petmate Sky Kennel

The strongest suit of this crate for dogs is its security features, making it an ideal travel instrument. It is equipped with a four-way vault door that prevents the likelihood of sliding and shifting. Like the Aspen pet carrier, this is made from hard plastic. Check out more details on the Petmate Sky Kennel here.

Our Final Thoughts

Leaving your dog at home for several days causes unnecessary anxiety to the animal. These pets need companionship like no other animals. So, when you need to travel for extended periods, you no longer are compelled to leave your pooch behind if you have the Noz2Noz soft-sided dog travel crate. The product solved my problems, and I believe it can help you, too.

Click here to check current pricing on Amazon for the Noz2Noz Sof-Krate Dog Carrier >>

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