#....the last time i checked out by myself at an american grocery store i was so anxious about it | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

moxpunk · 11 months ago

Text

So, I mentioned I'd write up a trip-report/retrospective of my experience of getting absolutely buried under pies on Saturday, so here it is! Be warned, it's fucking long.

To start off, my friend Dee was very professional about the whole matter: reassured me that I'd be taken care of, helped lighten the mood a bit, and didn't have any massive expectations for someone they just met for the first time in-person who's never done something like this at such a scale. Our styles and how we carried ourselves couldn't be different though, which was extremely funny to me. Them in this very stylish coat and scarf number, while I'm bumming around in my ripped-up Fender shirt and fishnet-tights - extremely visual-metaphor, I know.

Snagging the supplies was a wild experience. I'm just sorta following along while Dee had a total game-plan in their head, bee-lining it towards the baking section and immediately shoving about 12 boxes of cake batter into the cart. I was surprised to see how little frosting they snagged, but that'll be something for next time. The other supply that dominated our cart was store-brand whipped topping for the pies. I figure we had like about a dozen tubs of that as well by the end. During the grocery-run, I told Dee that whenever someone would make a comment when I'd buy stuff for solo-experiences, I just tell them that I'm running a bake-sale or something. People will take it at face-value, and I don't have to explain that "Yes, I'm buying so much dessert-product because it's a kink of mine". But Dee, this asshole (affectionate), gets asked the question while we're checking out and puts on this bright face saying they're "Moxie's happy helper, she's got so much work to be done on her head" and I'm trying not to corpse right then and there while I'm bagging our supplies. I think my face was crimson when we bounced back to my place.

Speaking of my place, I do not live in a large apartment and my bathroom is even smaller with my shower being a one-person standing-job. Thankfully, this also means that laying down tarp to catch the massive amount of spillage was super easy, and Dee had tons of tarp and tape ready to go. Looked like that one scene in American Psycho with a singular chair in the middle surrounded by clear tarp to catch the mess. Absolutely unhinged shit if you saw it out of context.

Then came making everything! Dee had brought a bunch of pudding-cups as filling for the pies as well as some xanthan gum to thicken things. That xanthan gum stuff is wild, they mixed it with water at first, and it had the texture of drool. Great if you're into that stuff and want a body-safe way to get drenched in it! I had baked half of the crusts earlier when we got back, but I totally spaced on poking holes in the crusts so they ended up kinda jank. Thankfully, the pies were just going to be thrown at me instead of eaten. Ha! This is when my back started getting angry at me, standing a whole bunch and moving around the kitchen. Had to take a number of breaks during this, but Dee told me they have infinite energy for this sort of thing and was fine that the fat girl needed a few breaks. Took maybe an hour in total to go from nothing to a dozen pies and three 3-gallon buckets of cake batter, which was wild. I put some makeup on, Dee got the camera and tripod set up, and it was time for us to start!

The anticipation I felt when I was sitting in that chair was wild. Like, I've absolutely pied myself before and even last year I got pied by another person for the first time from my ex. So, I sorta knew what to expect. But, these pies had that gum mixed in to hold their shape better, so I wasn't entirely certain how it was going to go. Dee told me to get ready and…

SPLAT! The first pie nearly knocked the fucking air out of my lungs. It was fucking cold thanks to the topping been in the fridge-section of the grocery store about only an hour ago! It covered my whole face and stuck to my hair that I had pushed to run down the side of my head, and I nearly called for a yellow light to slow down. For a little there, I felt like I couldn't catch my breath properly before two more pies got sandwiched over my head. Dee, for their part, did the expert thing of smearing and twisting the desserts over my head to just turn it into a mask of goop. This is absolutely the point where I could feel all the weight concentrate in my hair and start to weight my whole damn head down. Looking back at the video for reference, my hair is just this curtain of white goop and pie crust.

A few pies in for good measure, and Dee finally grabbed one of the buckets of batter. The dye we snagged wasn't all that potent, sadly. We wanted a bright pink sludge that mimicked the ancient-ass game-show What Would You Do's "Crowning Glory", but we know next time not to get the gel-dye (and also to buy a hand-mixer!). Because it's part of The Kink, of course I looked directly up into the bucket above just before it cascaded over me. In stark contrast to the other pies being cold as hell, Dee used warm water to mix with the batter, so it was heavenly to have that thick warmth poured over my body. It made all the future pies a lot easier to handle, honestly, by having that mucky barrier of off-pink coating me.

Around this time is when I realized "Oh, right, I have a bunch of hair soaking in all this stuff, might as well work it in!" because I'm a dork for my hair getting the slop-salon treatment. Another few pies splatted over my face while I worked my hair like I was in a shampoo commercial, Dee grabs my arm and smears a big blob of marshmallow fluff up my armpit because the bastard knows I'm a pit-fiend. So, you folks out there that enjoy the idea of lapping dessert out of my pit, please hold onto that mental image nice and tight. The banter between me and Dee started flowing at about this point. They were asking me questions while smearing the batter over my body, and ended up zeroing in on my nipple. I'm a sensitive lady, so when I'm trying to give an answer, it came out as "Oh yeah~!" like I'm some actress in a shitty porn because I was goddamn moaning through it. They didn't let me forget that, repeating it back to me whenever I would say "Yeah" to anything. Asshole (affectionate).

Syrup came next, just some cheap-ass brand and not actual maple syrup, and I smelled like breakfast. I smelled like breakfast for like two days afterwards, even through a thorough shower. I am not complaining at all, this is a benefit to this fetish. Honestly, the syrup was the one thing that I was not expecting to enjoy as much as I did. In my head, it's watery and just kinda boring? But, it being emptied out over mess-coated me and a pie that was stuffed into my face, I'm absolutely adding it to the roster of Quick and Easy Shit to Buy When I'm Horny.

Then came The Barrage. So, in this little obsession Dee and I share, the pie-barrage is usually seen as one of the climaxes of a scene. It's taking what, up to this point, is usually singular pies being added to someone in a sensual way that builds up the mess slowly piece-by-piece. A barrage of pies is the person throwing them going absolutely feral and just wanting to see the target inundated with layer upon layer of pie. That's exactly what happened to me! The first pie hit, totally blinding me, and before I had time to react properly, a second and then a third pie was added to the vaguely human-shaped blob of pie and moaning trans woman. Even managed to muffle anything I was trying to say, which was incredible to someone like me that types out muffled syllables in text roleplay. Honestly, Dee got the best photos of me immediately after the barrage, you… can hardly see who I am, let alone what I am. Absolute peak!

When your head is absolutely coated in thick pie-slop, the world fades away in a real way. You can't see past the layers of dessert, it settles over your head so you can't hear anything but your own breathing, and taste and smell have been absolutely tossed out the window to be replaced by sugarsmell. It's like sensory deprivation, because even your sense of touch fades out since you're rocking at least a layer or two of full-body coverage. It's an incredible experience! It's also only halfway through my session!

To speed things up a bit, more pies and more batter-slime was added to the mess. Since this kink began with Nickelodeon shows for the vast majority of the Millennials that have it, it's a bit of a "tradition" when green slime is involved (in our case, green batter because I'm a Dessert Bitch) to say "I don't know" like in You Can't Do That On Television. Say the trigger-phrase, get a bucket of green dumped over you. Dee even tried to put the bucket over my head, but the three-gallon ones are just a bit too small for that. It's a shame, because if we had the five-gallon buckets, I would have absolutely done a bit of head-dunking where I get on my hands and knees before plunging my whole head into that warm goop. Dee even had some chocolate cake batter as well, which reminded me that Valentine's was only a few days previous. Chocolate-covered goblin, anyone? The irony of my most-recent art piece mirroring what was going to happen to me is absolutely not lost on me.

Eventually, we had run out of supplies, and I got to sit there in the chair just enjoying the mess I was in. My hair was so heavy at that point, and the slop had just sorta congealed into a single texture. It made it incredibly easy to just work and play with, with Dee finally realizing that the reason I keep my hair so goddamn long is for moments like this where I get to wear what felt like ten pounds of sludge from the neck up. As is tradition in these shoots, just because we ran out of supplies doesn't mean the Moxie Messing was over, because Dee had put a bucket between my legs to catch as much excess slop as possible before dumping it all over my head in this thick mashed-up mixed-up wave.

After I had run out of steam having fun with myself, it was time to wrap and get me cleaned off. Wringing out my hair was an experience for the both of us. Neither of us had really realized just how much mass my hair could hold. When I went to pull the mess from my hair, it… just kept going. I filled a damned three-gallon bucket with just the stuff in my hair alone, and even then there was more. I soaked myself in the shower for the better part of a half-hour afterwards, to which my back got very upset at me for standing so long on a slippery surface. When I came out of the shower, Dee had completely cleaned the place. Wrapped up the pool of slop in the tarps and slammed it into a contractor bag for dumping. In my past experiences of being really bad at planning, it was never that easy, so I was thoroughly impressed at the foresight. I helped Dee toss it all into the dumpster near my place, and they bounced on off home in their car soon after!

So, to summarize… Holy shit, I wrote a lot, didn't I? Ha! But, yeah, this was an incredible experience and hands-down the best and most-encompassing slop-session I've ever had to this point. Dee said they absolutely want to do another session before they move again, so I'm excited to have more experiences like this! Hopefully this whole thing helps show people that have no idea why the hell I'm so obsessed with being hit by pies why I enjoy it, and shows people that do understand how incredible it was for me to have this. 2023 was a rough year for me, so kicking off 2024 with a session like this is hopefully the start to a far better year. With that, let's call it a wrap!

Love you all, stay messy. 💖

#messy talk #wet and messy

14 notes · View notes

nancypullen · 3 months ago

Text

Back to Reality

I've always been a homebody, a nester. Few things make me happier than a cozy, sweet home and a pot of soup bubbling on the stove. After ten wonderful days in France we flew home (well, that took an extra day) and slipped back into our daily routine. After a good night's sleep I made a grocery run, came home and tossed in travel laundry, then got busy on a pot of vegetable soup. Not gonna' lie, France is better. Denton stinks. One positive note, when we arrived home and turned onto our little cul-de-sac the autumn color was bursting into its glory.

It's like lifting the lid of a treasure chest full of jewels. Oh, I love it! I'm stuffing myself with salads, trying to cleanse my body of all of the gloriously rich French food. There's not one bite I regret. I do regret not bringing home a variety of butters. There are actual butter stores in France where you can buy butters infused with any flavor you can imagine. French butter is already vastly more delicious than our supermarket stuff, but imagine it combined with your favorite herbs, spices, or sweet flavors. They'll vacuum seal it for you if you're traveling. I talked myself out of hauling a suitcase full of butter home, but I'm still thinking about it. Shallot butter, vanilla butter, chili butter, smoked salt butter, citrus butter, truffle butter, I can't even remember the hundreds of flavors.

youtube

Their butter has more fat and less water than our American butter, and I'm sure there's some other magic involved, and I'm convinced that if it was distributed worldwide we would finally have peace. Everyone would be happy. *sigh* That said, now that I am back in the land of instant everything, I am not enjoying a buttery quiche for breakfast. The French would cry if they saw my morning "meal".

Yep, a protein shake with an extra scoop of collagen powder. Reality sucks. I'm just going to mention that life expectancy in the U.S. is 77.5 and in France it's 82.3. Maybe we should eat the butter.

In other news, Mickey has a cold. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated. If he doesn't make it I'll post the funeral info here. I should probably shop for a black dress. I've threatened him with bodily harm if he keeps coughing and breathing on me. Halloween is just days away and I intend to enjoy it with my grandgirl. So there you have it, we're back and everything is normal (ish). The kitties were thrilled to see us and are still in our faces 24/7, reminding us that we abandoned them. The cat sitter babies them, talks to them, lets them choose their own dinner, and they still act as if we left them to waste away. Drama queens. I have a dental check-up tomorrow and I never expect anything good to come of that. I brush and floss constantly, yet they always find enough work in my mouth to send their kids to college. I'm dreading it. After that it's mammogram time. The fun never ends.

I received our Xmas cards in the mail and realized that it's just 63 days until Santa comes. Good grief. Election day is just 13 days away, and that's terrifying. The day after the election I'm flying to Florida to visit my mom. My sister will meet me there and we'll have some girl time. I'm hoping we all feel relieved and not gut punched. Do I dare hope? I'm a silver lining seeker, a lifeboat singer, an eternal optimist - but I have to admit the last couple of years have stomped on that. Hard. I keep begging the universe to show me just how good things can be, trying to manifest the good. It does feel like there's a wave of positive energy, of goodness, sweeping the country - but I felt that once before and we ended up with an orange con man in the Oval Office. He's a liar, a grifter, a narcissist, an adjudicated rapist, a pervert, a 34 times convicted felon, he tried to steal a free and fair election, and there are still idiots who say, "That's my guy!" Even if you can ignore his criminal history and his lies, he's not a smart man. He doesn't even understand how our government operates. He can't grasp basic science. It's absolutely beyond me how anyone thinks he's in any way fit to lead. If you're one of those people, this blog is not for you. Move on. I've always been a promoter of unity, finding our similarities rather than our differences, respecting the beliefs and views of others even if I feel the opposite. Not anymore. This is not remotely about liberal vs conservative or Republican vs Democrat, this is not about policy at all. This is about decency. If, after everything he has done, you're still a Trumper, then I see who you are at your core. You may play nice in public or move through your days doing good acts, but at the end of the day you're okay with racism, misogyny, and cruelty. Deep down you truly think that someone who has a different skin tone, loves a same sex partner, or immigrated here seeking the American dream, is somehow LESS than you. That they deserve fewer rights and unfair treatment, the opposite of what this country is supposed to stand for. I'm so tired of the mean-spirited and ugly rhetoric being paraded around as patriotism. It's the opposite. Okay, okay. Getting off my soap box. I hope that you're making an educated choice in the voting booth. I hope that you're thinking of daughters who have fewer rights than their mothers did, grandparents who rely on Social Security, and what our future will look like if an ignorant wanna-be dictator with selfish, cruel intent regains power.

Think I'm being dramatic? These are photos of women in Iran in the 1970's - studying at university and window shopping, wearing the fashions of the day.

Here's the women of Iran now. In 1979 it became the law that all women must wear the hijab or face arrests and beatings. That was just the beginning.

All it takes is one mad man and his minions. Don't let that happen. From French butter to human rights, that sounds about right for this blog. I sit down at the laptop, crack open my brain, and shake everything out. Take what you want, leave the rest for the crows.

I think I'll sit at my desk and address Xmas cards. I'm cursing myself by getting an early start, aren't I ? Just asking for trouble. Maybe I'll make art instead. I'm in the mood to paint something. I hope that your day is sunny and positive. Treat yourself today, whether that's a cookie or a new nail polish - just a little bit of happy goes a long way. Sending out lots of love, I hope you feel it. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

#Youtube

3 notes · View notes

melmac78 · 2 years ago

Text

I had waited a bit to see if I’d post this, but feel I should.

In case folks have been reading about recent tornadoes in west Texas:

A. I have not been in any of them.

B. I do not know Pottsboro nor have been there.

C. I DO know however about Matador, which was hit Wednesday evening.

••••••

Matador was where my grandfather and great grandparents lived.

They’re all buried there.

The city was used in the last movie Roy Rogers made: “McIntosh and TJ.”

Probably won’t be able to travel there for at least a month, and it may affect some economy as it’s a throughway for trucks. (A key reason the town of about 800 is still around).

•••••

I can tell you many memories, and visiting there recently with Mom to view my granddad’s marker.

It’s TBH one of the few places I feel ties still with my Dad’s family.

But some those places will be gone - hell, they just lost their restaurant and hotel in this, a key business for them with truckers eating there.

One set of the red seat benches was where Dad and I ate one of the last times we went there together. (Oh yes, I do have a bonkers story about that. It isn’t appropriate for this post).

I even remember most of what that coffee cup sign says: it’s basically rules if you’re a coffee drinker.

I do know one location with family ties - Bob’s Oil Well, is standing, but I’m pretty sure the windows were blasted out like the Allsup’s and Hop In (both gas stations had this, but at least one pump intact).

The American Legion and City Hall are up, not sure rest of the square.

Their First Baptist Church is at least standing as it’s being used as an emergency shelter, shower and laundry area (latter two are trucks).

They’ve been blessed so much with food, water, etc. they’ve had to request now to stop that and do financial donations to rebuild.

•••••

But these are things. As most know now there were at least 4 deaths and 9 injuries.

The Dollar General was destroyed and my understanding is it was an expanded one with a grocery. (I do not know about Family Dollar on either point: they traditionally do not but do keep some foodstuffs similar to what folks stock up on for hurricanes).

They DO have a second in the square (a Lowe’s) but again, it depends if it was hit or not. (The advantage was it was in the center of a series of businesses, which will help some on protection.)

The two gas stations were more junk food (though Allsup’s usually have a hot bar/grill), so that won’t help, especially on a town where the nearest store (I think it’s Paducah but biggest city is Vernon 60 miles away, then Lubbock at 80).

So basically:

Please pray for these towns hit by the tornadoes and their recoveries, and if you get a request to donate to any of these towns, check to ensure no scam. I’ve caught one myself… for Matador and I can tell you my family there, including the 3-great-grands, would be hopping mad.

Should point out the 3-great-grandfather was a sheriff there and could part a rioting crowd with a cold stare. (True story by the way, the missus also stopped a jailbreak when the folks tried to escape from the second floor of the jail.)

#melmac78 observation #tornadoes stink

6 notes · View notes

pbandjesse · 2 years ago

Text

It was a pretty nice day. I feel tired but in a nice way. Like I accomplished stuff and feel good about it.

I slept okay last night. Waking up was hard. But it's all good. James had gone for a ride before I woke up. And when I got up they were here. They made the bed while I got dressed and ordered us bagels for pick up. And very soon we were off.

We drove to Charles village first to get our bagels. And then off to camp. We got there a little before 930. And it was a beautiful day. A little cold but the sun was out and I was feeling good.

We checked in with Elizabeth and she gave me the key for the supply building. And then we were off.

Me and James went to the lodge first and ran through the programs. Then went and got the supplies. James was lovely and carried the heavy stuff. Love them so much.

We set up smaller versions of three of the programs. We also set up the intro. I don't think I could have done this without James. They ran around getting B roll. They talked me through the script. And kept me from repeating myself. It would have been so much worse without them. And really I was just having fun doing this with them. It was such a nice my morning.

It was hard to film and not feel awkward but I did my best and looking back over what we filmed I think I did a good job. I made James lead the cordage part of the program and be in the games portion with me. It was just fun and I love making them a part of something I really care about. And they know so much so that's also really helpful. Both about Native American history and about filming/directing. They are the best.

We worked for about 3 hours and then went to the office to chat with Heather and Alexi. I brought up the full time stuff and they are like yes let's make a time to have a more formal conversation and talk about how much I should be paid. And I don't know when that is but I am glad they understand that's going to be the big deciding factor. Fingers crossed that what I need is in the budget.

We left there and headed to hunt valley. We went to Michaels so I could get the resin I like. And then walked over to the Wegmans to get groceries.

We wandered around there. James gets uncomfy when they don't know the layout of the grocery store but I like a hunt. It was nice to wander around and find the things on our list. Which we have been pretty successful with sticking it. Proud of us.

We headed back to the city next. The sky was getting cloudy. James was tired but still took me to artist and Craftsman so I could get smooth on mold making mix. I was surprised that Michaels didn't have it but I have a gift card for A&C so it was like getting both things for $20. Excellent.

James's energy was a little off. They weren't themselves. But we would get home. And struggle to get our stuff inside. A bunch of it fell out of the car and then my necklace came off and stuff rolled under the car and we were both frustrated. But we got it together and got it inside.

Where there was a birthday gift for me!! It was the MCR Tshirt Tucker got for me. Amazing. I am thrilled.

But then my blood sugar dropped like crazy and I started shaking and seeing black spots and was desperately trying to open the chocolate raisins and peanut butter pretzels I got at the store. And once I ate I felt a lot better but that's as scary.

I hung out on the couch and tried to get myself together. James would heat us up leftover pizza which was good. Better then it was last night. And once I felt okay again I would go start making my mold.

I didnt realize this was a slow setting version of smooth on. Weird. No idea why you would want that but whatever. I had to mix two sets to fill the container but I am excited to be making molds again. I always loved mold making and resin casting. And I'm excited to do it again!!

I left the mold to set. I'll check it tomorrow. And went to hang out on the couch and drew on my tablet. Which is going super well. Having the solid bear base I can just pluck and draw on over and over is perfect for me. I made a little musuem educator with a BMI apron and an oyster and knife. And then I made a basket of strawberries. It feels nice to have some direction with this project. Maybe I can figure out how to make some of them into enamel pins. We will see!

I got a little cold and moved to the bed. And eventually I fell asleep. When I woke up it was sleeting and raining. James was here and said they were going to make bread and spaghetti for dinner. I asked for some of my leftover salad. And then I went to take a bath while they cooked.

It was a nice little bath. And it was so nice to have dinner together. I love my James so much.

After dinner we went to their room to watch the last of us. I worked on my knitting which I am behind on. But I got 5 rows done during the hour show. It was a really good episode. I am glad Jess and James convinced me to sit down and watch it. Sweetp cuddled up with me and it was so cute when he flopped on me. I love my cat so much.

And now we are in bed. I am tired and it is rainy and windy outside. But I am happy. I hope you are all having a good night and are cozy and warm. I have a busy day at the museum tomorrow!! Wish me luck!!

3 notes · View notes

sympolite · 1 year ago

Text

so i work for a massive corporate thrift store chain. it pays well enough - a lot better than doing art on commission did - but the worst part is how easily my job just bleeds into every spare second i have, even on days off.

every night before a workday, i set up my clothes for the next morning, prepare my lunch, and set my alarm so that, when i hit the hay at 11:30 at night, i wake up at 7:30 the next morning. eight hours of sleep. not as many as i might want to have, or as many as i need to feel healthy, but as many as i need to be functional for eight hours of work.

hopefully i don't have a bout of insomnia. i can't just move everything around so i get eight hours of sleep anyway - i have to take the L and run on, i'unno, four hours of sleep if I do. maybe i should take some meds so i don't waste the next four hours being awake.

it's now 7:30. it's enough time to wake up and eat breakfast. it's the same thing every day - cereal, toaster waffles, and some fruit. this is so i'm not having hunger pangs throughout the day, but more importantly, it's so i'm not late to take a shower.

i set my alarm for my shower. ten minutes, at most, so i'm not late to brush my teeth and dry off. i check the clock again while i'm brushing my teeth. it's almost time to get dressed for the day. i've got everything in its right place, so i don't have to spend precious moments of my life looking for something that might make me late.

i have to be mindful of my drive time. i'm always checking the clock and the traffic in front of me, making sure i'm not late.

so i get there at 10:00, fifteen minutes later. i'm right on time. that's two and a half hours of my day, just waking up, getting ready, and getting there.

i set a timer for my lunch at 2:00pm. by law, it has to be exactly 30 minutes. i never really get to enjoy lunch; i just eat it as quickly as i can so i can earn some time to sit around for fifteen minutes on my lunch. it's big enough to keep me going for four more hours.

it's 2:30. four more hours of work. i'm watching the clock, waiting for it to be 6:30pm, and then it's a fifteen minute drive back home. i budget out the last five hours of my day at 6:45pm. do i have time for errands? can i make myself a nice dinner or is it a microwave meal kind of night? are there any chores that need tending to? how long will this all take, so that i can be on time to pack my lunch, prep my clothes, and be ready for bed at 11:30pm all over again?

now, granted, i was making way less money doing furry art on commission, but i also didn't let some guy in a high-rise have a total dictatorship over every single second of my life. i could spend all day drawing if i wanted to, go out and have a night life, be in bed when the moon was in the west, and wake up when the sun was at its zenith in the sky. if i wanted to wake up to see the sun rise and the mourning doves call and take a day for errands, i could do that. my time belonged to me, and the clock ticked in vain to be regarded.

but now, that's not the case. my boss is watching the clock just as closely as i am.

my boss doesn't have to worry about being late, though; he's salaried in sums that could give every unhoused American a McMansion and a half. he doesn't have to keep track of how many hours he works to make enough money to pay for rent and groceries. he's not watching the clock for his own sake.

if i'm not watching the clock as intently as my boss is, i might be late to punch in. they keep a record of every punch i have. if i'm late enough times, i'm fired, because i'm not there operating the means of production for my boss. as a result, every second i have at and away from work is budgeted around making sure my boss doesn't fucking fire me because the time clock ratted me out.

my time belongs to my boss, and the clock is a cop.

every clock is a cop

#leftism #anarchism #long post #heather hollers #the amount of incredulous replies is baffling tbh #like this is a really easy concept to get if you're paid by the hour #anyways yeah. i keep seeing this and i have some goddamn THOUGHTS

4K notes · View notes

learningnewways · 1 year ago

Text

Week one

Week one has come and gone, and it has been better than I ever could have imagined.

Last year my first week was pretty rough. It thundered almost every night so loudly that it would shake the house, and even with headphones on and music pumping I could still hear it, which was very frightening. Of course, it is ridiculously hot here, so sleeping was already difficult without the added anxiety. At my accommodation, we would experience power outages that lasted days at a time. I also didn’t know anyone, I didn’t know how to get around, and overall it was just an awful first week. It did get better slowly, especially when I met Antonia at church, who had also just arrived and was finding it very hard.

This year, my first week was full of catching up with friends, making new connections and settling into my new accommodation. The heat is still extreme of course, but while the power goes off fairly regularly, it doesn’t stay off for anywhere near as long as my old accommodation, meaning I can sleep much better. The thunder is not as frequent and nowhere near as loud this time! Other than the thunder and extreme heat, the other main thing that had made my time so difficult early on in my stay last year was the isolation. I was staying alone on the compound and the only other person I knew was Marian. As the months went on, connection was still hard, especially when Marian went overseas for a month. There were no small groups at church to join and the only friends I made were other expats like the Swiss family and American family. I love being by myself and having alone time, but I also love having a strong community. When being alone is all you have, it gets very isolating.

Because of this, I had been praying for more connections over here this time. Perhaps a small group to join or some new friends. That’s the main reason I moved accommodation this time, as the place I live now also houses other volunteers from overseas. Well… God is good! And He has definitely provided for me! In the first seven days of being here, I attended four different evening Christian groups. FOUR!! As opposed to the zero I attended last year. I had a Sunday evening Bible study, a Wednesday night prayer service at church, a Thursday night fellowship meeting on my compound, and a Friday night youth and young adults church meeting. It was crazy! Is it a coincidence that these things were all happening the week I arrived? I think not. In fact, three out of these four meetings only began in the last week! Talk about timing! Praise God!

Another amazing thing about where I am living is the people I have met here already on the compound. There are many people living here that come and go, but there is a group of five of us who have connected and plan to hang out and meet for regular Christian fellowship. Amongst this group is a woman also called Kim! Cool name right? She happens to be my neighbour too, how funny! But you know what’s even funnier… Guess where she is from…? Yep, she is from little old New Zealand. Kim and Kimberly from New Zealand, in The Gambia?! What are the chances?! Again, God is definitely at work here and I think He has a sense of humour, given I have only ever met one other person from New Zealand in The Gambia.

Other than attending Christian groups in the evenings and trying to make connections here, I have also been visiting Marian at Samaritana and easing my way back into the work here. After my mild heat-stroke case on Monday, I tried to take it a lot slower for the rest of the week and look after myself. On Tuesday I focused on setting up my room. I shopped for cleaning supplies and basic groceries, cleaned out all the cupboards, unpacked my bags and familiarised myself with the local area. Since I am living in a different area, it will take time to figure out where my new go-to shops will be, so I spent a bit of time wandering around, checking what stores have and their prices.

On Wednesday after spending some time with Marian in the community library, we met with Danielle who had organised for us to have an afternoon prayer time. It was really nice to sit with these two women and spend time with God. It is something that Marian and I didn’t really do much of last year together, so having Danielle here to help lead that is really nice. We planned to meet for prayer regularly, particularly to support Marian in her challenging and demanding role.

On Thursday Marian and I visited the child welfare office to discuss our intentions of visiting the government shelter regularly. This is something that we did last year and even when Marian was away, I continued to visit once a week. The government shelter is where orphaned, abandoned and trafficked children live, and it was my favourite place to be last year. The stories of these children’s lives and how they live now are absolutely heartbreaking, yet I was able to learn so much about God and His love by spending time loving the most vulnerable.

Since I left The Gambia, there has been a change in manager at the shelter, so the new manager does not know us. We had a really good relationship with the previous manager who always warmly welcomed us in, however we now essentially have to start from scratch again with the new manager. When we went to the child welfare office, the person we were looking to talk to was not there, so we got their number off one of the staff and called them. They said we needed to write a letter explaining what we wanted to do, so that afternoon I spent time writing a letter asking for permission for us to visit, explaining all we had done in the past with the shelter.

I delivered the letter on Friday morning, but unfortunately, once again the person I wanted to speak with was not on site. I am really hoping and praying that they accept our request to visit the shelter as soon as possible, as it is the main reason I came back to The Gambia. While I enjoyed most of the work I did last year in The Gambia, once I got home it was the children in the shelter that I could not get out of my mind or heart. Knowing that they were still there while I was back home in New Zealand was devastating. The shelter is supposed to just be temporary, yet some of these kids have been living there their whole lives. So please pray that child welfare approves of our request so I can begin visiting the shelter and supporting the children there.

After my time at the child welfare office, we visited the office of an embassy for a country where many trafficking victims come from, to touch base with them. It is clear that Marian has been working hard to form connections with different organisations. After these meetings, I walked 30 minutes in the heat all the way to… IceLand, my favourite ice cream shop! Wahooooo! Luckily I managed to catch up with Q on the phone while I was walking, so it made the time pass a lot faster, but once I arrived I was a very sweaty mess! Sadly upon arrival, I discovered their ice cream was not ready yet, I had come too early in the day! Apparently people don’t tend to buy ice cream before midday? Uh… Well I do, obviously! Thankfully they had some out back that they could offer me, so I joyfully sat in their air conditioned shop and slowly ate my delicious ice cream. Yum!

On Saturday I walked with Kim, my fellow Kiwi, down to a cafe where we sat and talked for over five hours! Wow! We enjoyed the air conditioning and some yummy fries and I learnt about how she came to be in The Gambia and what ministries her heart is for. I chatted a lot about the challenges and disheartening things I struggle with in the area of sex trafficking and orphaned children, and she also has a heart for this which was amazing. Hopefully I can connect her to Marian as I’m sure they would do amazing things together in this area. Of course, being that it was Saturday, the elections had just happened back home, so we chatted about that too, as well as the rugby. Classic New Zealanders…

Overall, I have found people to be really welcoming, supportive and looking out for me this time, which is so nice. More so than I remember happening last time, but perhaps it is because people know who I am this time or maybe I am more open as I feel more confident? Either way, it is really nice. I don’t like walking alone at night over here as I’m not sure it is safe for me, so every time there has been an evening meeting, someone has kindly offered to walk with me. Often these people are strangers that I don’t even know but have been passed their details by someone at church because they are going to the same event, and they have all been so nice about it. Walking together is good too as it means more time for connection. I’m feeling like people are valuing me being here, even if just for a short amount of time. Thank you Lord!

Another thing I was hoping to find this time was an acoustic guitar, as I love to play and sing. I had looked online but couldn’t seem to find an affordable one anywhere. Well… It turns out that one of the other volunteers on my compound has access to one and is happy for me to borrow it regularly! Whaaaaat?! How cool! I played for an hour or so on Friday afternoon and it felt so wonderful to have a guitar. So awesome! Again, thank you God!

As you can probably tell, I am feeling much more positive after my first week than I was last year, which I am immensely thankful to God for. I think having been here before really helps as I am familiar with my surroundings and can confidently find my way around, but to have everything else go so smoothly, to connect with so many wonderful people… That can only be God!

1 note · View note

kensfoodfind · 1 year ago

Text

Cocozza (the "pop-up")

NOTE: This was originally written for my main blog at KensFoodFind.com during the COVID-19 pandemic when many restaurants, including the Majestic Grille (where Cocozza stood in for) closed. Because it was a huge success, the owners decided to turn the "pop-up" concept into a full-blown restaurant in Harbor Town, Downtown Memphis' secluded community on the northern end of Mud Island. Since then, the restaurant's popularity has grown in Downtown Memphis and beyond. As a result, I went back to the restaurant to see it for myself, resulting in an updated review. The following is what I initially wrote about Cocozza. Enjoy.

_____________________

I learned that today is the last day for Cocozza American Italian, the "pop-up" started by the owners of The Majestic Grille to take the restaurant's place during the coronavirus pandemic. According to the blog I Love Memphis, the inspiration for Cocozza comes mostly from family recipes of co-owner and Italian-American Deni Reilly. Most of the menu is traditional Italian with items like spaghetti, lasagna and Chicken Parmesan. To quote the restaurant's website, it is a "red sauce joint" that is unpretentious in both its menu and how it presents itself. On the night that I visited (December of 2020), I kept it simple in getting the spaghetti and meatballs along with an appetizer (the Majestic… er, Cocozza's popular fried calamari) and a dessert (lemon cheesecake).

From what I remember, everything in the pasta was great. From the meatballs to the thick sauce, this was a well made meal that holds its own with other great restaurants like Bardog Tavern (coincidentally, both Deni and Bardog's owner Aldo Dean are Italian-Americans from New Jersey). I hope the spaghetti and the other Italian dishes will have a future with either the Majestic or as "Cocozza."

As I'm writing this post, this will be Cocozza's last night as a "pop-up" restaurant. With the world on the verge of returning to normal, Deni and her husband (the marvelous Chef Patrick Reilly) will soon resume operations of The Majestic Grille. I'm hopeful that "Cocozza" will continue in some form, such as a catering service or as retail products (prepackaged meals) that are currently selling in grocery stores like Cordelia's Market (aka "Miss Cordelia's") and High Point Grocery. Maybe demand could lead to a permanent "Cocozza" independent of The Majestic Grille, setting up shop in a neighborhood like the South Main Arts District. Regardless of its future, I appreciate the efforts of the Reillys for being innovative in keeping their restaurant going in these rough times. If this is it for Cocozza, it was great while it lasted.

DATE: Recently, the Reillys signed a lease in Harbor Town where they will relaunch Cocozza this Fall (2022). It will be located in 110 Harbor Town Square, next to Cordelia's Market. To learn more details, check out this article in The Commercial Appeal.

Website: EatCocozza.com

#Memphis #Downtown Memphis #Harbor Town #Italian #Pasta #Bruschetta #Commentary #Dessert #Italian American

0 notes

iampikachuhearmeroar · 2 years ago

Note

First of all seriously congrats on getting out of the spiral i understand how flabbergastingly difficult that is.

….that being said.. with as much the love and support I can share….

Please please please please next step- stop checking LI like that at all. Or like at all but ideal worlds etcetc It is not a safe place for anyone social interactions and active use can be a deterrent to potential employers as it shows mental instability and a dependency on social media etc etc businessbullshit

Take care you yourself please pretty please with a cherry and fun shaped sprinkles on top

You. Deserve. To. Rest. God. Damn. It.

Write it down in a notebook or notes app I know it’s hard to find the right Thing just please hang in there No more LI

I know I don’t know your situation you might need to be job hunting everyday to pay for medical bills or for whatever you may need -

just please be careful

And try to be kind to yourself please

hey hey! thanks for the support. I barely ever post on linkedin, only once or twice. I never share posts from other people either on there, either. I will occasionally like posts on there though.

I only had to make a linkedin account years ago in uni, bc the careers department basically bullies you to make one, to con you into thinking that that's the only way you'll be HEADHUNTED OMG!!!!.

but that's literally never happened to me.... and all I actually get on there is marketing emails for LI premium and learning (which is like $90 or something a month here in australia so I've never paid the sub) and scam courses from usually americans about resume writing etc but they want you to cough up $5,000 australian to do them.

I've always been super wary about linkedin in general, anyway. which is why I've barely ever posted on there, except for my uni graduation and when i started at my job last year. making my account for it back in 2016 during uni caused me to have an anxiety attack lmao. it's also why I'm happy I'm not checking it as often as well.

I had a year of rest in 2021 to heal from my surgery.... even though everyone was pushing me to "hurry up and get a job and move out and be an adult NOW!!!" including my surgeon. like guys. I just had some of the most traumatic 3 months of my life in my mid-20s. why the fuck would I want to be instantly back in the workforce????? holy fuck.

and plus, it did hit me while healing back then, a few times, how unwell and fragile I really was. because I bent down in woollies or coles (grocery stores here in aus) and couldn't get off the floor without grabbing onto something to balance myself. and that's when I started listening to the physios more in rehab hospital rather than my surgeon and everyone else, about taking it slow and healing... instead of trying to instantly jump back into casual or part time work in retail at the time; or even office work (since I learnt last year that stationary orders are, in fact, quite heavy when it's just boxes filled with packets and packets of paper; and other general office shit).

as for the medical bills, I don't have any to pay off since my surgery was completely covered by medicare. all I'm trying to avoid now in job hunting, is australia's incredibly punitive employment jobseeker income supplement payment requirements of meeting with a job provider each fortnight; and having to apply for 20 jobs a month or they'll take your payment off of you.... which is incredibly unhelpful when I need to pay my car loan and car insurance. although I'm pretty sure that's been updated but I can't remember how it's changed..... because I didn't need to worry about it last year whilst I was in my cadetship job since it was full time.

but yeah I just need to use LI as a way to look for jobs and maybe very occasionally interact with my old colleagues at my cadetship job (which I just left on the 23rd of march). but I am trying to interact with it less.

1 note · View note

servin-up-surveys · 2 years ago

Text

survey #122

How many friends do you have on Facebook? I just checked, 112.

What was on the last sandwich you ate? I actually had one yesterday, it was black pepper turkey with American cheese and mustard.

Have you ever gotten back together with an ex? Yes; Girt and I dated for like... four months in '17, but I decided to break up because I just didn't like him in the romantic way that I couldn't for the life of me decide if I did. Turns out getting back together a few years later was a fanfuckingtastic decision and proved to me that feelings can change and develop.

What is your favourite Thai dish? I'm quite sure I've never had Thai food before.

How many contacts do you have in your phone? Just counted, there's 16. Most I basically never text or call, though.

When was the last time you made out with somebody? I swear I'm like no older than 12, these questions still make me uncomfortable lmfao yesterday

What month of the year was your mother born? August.

Do you have any friends that seem to know all the hot gossip? lol my friends are adults

What TV show(s) have you been watching currently? Girt and I are almost done with the first season of Dark, which I am HOOKED on, like I want answers and to watch the next episode and the next episode more than I have for ANY show in a very, very, very long time. We stayed up late one night because *I* didn't want to stop watching, and I could not even guess the last show I was like that with. It's also natively a German show so I've had fun reading text that shows up and have even learned grammar stuff I never knew.

How many apps do you have on your phone? Excluding those that I can't remove from my phone/come with it, I have 14. My phone has *INSANELY* low memory, like only one of these apps is even remotely big, and I have to go through hell to keep almost anything updated because there's just not enough space on it. I fucking loathe my phone and desperately want a new one.

What pet names do you use with your significant other? Kinda like, all the basic ones. I know I use "hunny" the most, probably followed by "sweetie."

Do you have to wear a name badge where you work? Still don't have a job... but still looking every single day.

What brand is your toaster, if you have one? We have a toaster oven, but idk what the brand is. I basically never use it.

Can you hear anything right now? Yeah, I'm watching an episode of John Wolfe's Resident Evil 4 Remake LP. I hate that I can't play it myself right now, but at least it's something and is also a game that isn't like, a 100% new experience.

Is there anybody else in the room you’re currently in? No.

What’s the name of the store you usually get your groceries? Walmart. It's the cheapest and also not even two minutes from our house.

Does your house have a porch/balcony? We have an extremely small covered area that I guess does qualify as a "porch" out front, but we have a bigger/more proper one out back. It's actually a meshed-in area that's perfect to just sit and chill at... even though we never do. I've always wanted to sit out there one night with loved ones and like, roast marshmallows or something. I'd also love to hold Venus out there on a nice day, again if I had someone to sit and chat with. That's as close to outside as I'm willing to go with Venus because I have an insanely massive fear of a bird of prey just scooping her up, which CAN happen, but it's so super unlikely around here, but I don't care, I still freak out over the idea.

What’s your favourite type of bread? Pumpernickel.

Do you share a middle name with any of your siblings? Yes, with Nicole.

Have there ever been any bushfires/wildfires in your area? Yeah; funnily enough there was actually an active brushfire yesterday by the beach, something that isn't very uncommon in the hotter months 'round here. On multiple occasions we've even gotten the smoke from distant fires cake the air all the way over here, but I don't think that's happened in many years.

Have you ever taken a ride in an ambulance? No.

When was the last time you took a nap during the day? Well, I guess today, although I hadn't been awake long at all. I'd ended up on the bathroom floor by the toilet putting my entire fucking soul into NOT puking for a while, and we had to cancel my PT and psychiatrist appointments because of how sick I felt. I ended up going back to sleep and apparently sleeping like a boulder because Mom said I was snoring. I don't totally know what was wrong, but I'm blaming my period just being wack as fuck because this has been THE most symptomatic I have EVER been during a period, I think, which kinda scares me because nothing in my life has changed, so this period has just been very, very randomly intense.

What did you have to eat for dinner last night? Bless Girt's heart, he got me Subway bc he overheard Mom say she couldn't do it herself lol. He was a total supportive champ while he was here yesterday and the night before, he knew I was on my period and that this month's was just being fucking VICIOUS and was just being super helpful about it.

What was the last thing you had to drink? I have my flavored carbonated water right now.

Who was the last message you received from and what did they say? Girt tried sending me a picture of Charlie (his dog) being cute and Discord was being reluctant to send it for some reason so he had to complain about it lol

What’s your favourite kind of accent? British.

Have you ever missed a flight? Yes, actually. It was the day I was secretly flying to Illinois to surprise Sara on her birthday, and I was DEVASTATED because I thought the plan was ruined by me missing it, but with her parents' help it worked out and she had zero idea it was happening, even though I obviously got there later than we'd originally planned.

Have you ever seen a lunar eclipse? Yes, a few times.

Do you know your significant other’s passwords? No, I don't feel the need to know that... and there IS no need for me to know any of his passwords as a dating couple that doesn't like, have accounts where we share finances or anything.

What’s your favourite type of salad? Just regular green lettuce with Olive Garden dressing or ranch. Cucumbers are fine, too. And bacon bits if we're using ranch.

Is your house usually too warm or too cold in the winter? Too cold. Mom really hates turning on the heat because of money.

Have you ever been in love with someone much older or younger than you? No.

Would you rather have someone ask to kiss you, or just kiss you? This depends. With my partner now, it'd be extremely weird for him to ask to kiss me, and it would be with any stable romantic partner imo. When Girt and I first dated, he did ask first before he kissed me the first time, which is exactly what I wanted just because of my relationship trauma; I wanted to know it was coming and was okay with it happening. If, god forbid, Girt and I don't last and I end up in a different relationship in the future, I honestly don't know if I'd prefer to be asked or just kissed the first time.

What, if anything, do you substitute for fries? lol if fries are an option, I can basically oath to you that I'm getting fries, haha.

Have you ever been in a building that was on fire? Hell no.

Would you change your partner’s hair color if you could? I know he doesn't like the fact that he's graying early, so I'd fix that for him if I could just snap my fingers and have that happen, but I would never want to pick what he does with HIS hair, so to answer the basic question, no.

Have you ever written a poem for someone? More than once.

Have you been best friends with someone of a different race? Yup, a best friend from my childhood, Quiata, is African American. He wasn't what I'd call a BEST friend, but I was also very close with my childhood neighbor D'Andre, also African American. We hung out and played a whole lot. Oh yeah, and then there was Hannia in high school, but tbh I'm not entirely sure what her exact race was. I feel like the I believe one time I saw her dad, he looked Hispanic, and I know her mother was Asian of some sort.

Who’s the last person who cussed you out in anger? Idk. Maybe Sara, I try to not remember the details of that message.

Have you friended your parents on FB? My mom, yeah. Dad doesn't have one. I also have my stepmother on there, but solely to prevent drama because she posts THE dumbest, most fucking bigoted shit imaginable, like I literally don't even see her posts anymore because I turned that shit off.

What’s the last tourist area you visited? Chicago, I think.

Have you ever been in a submarine? No.

Is there anyone whose grave you visit? No. There are times where I'd like to visit Jason's mom's, just once, but I don't think it would be good for me, and I also have this fear that I'd by some insanely poor odds run into Jason there. I also don't know WHERE she's buried.

Did your mother change her maiden name when/if she got married? Yes, pretty sure both times she got married.

Do you use TikTok? No.

What decorations do you have in your bathroom? In the hall bathroom, there's three little fake plants on the sink.

Do you like Seinfeld? I don't think I have much of an opinion. Funnily enough though Mom had it on the other day, and some scene made me laugh.

What year was your favourite band formed? Ozzy went solo in 1980. Rammstein formed in 1994.

What’s your least favourite pizza topping? Probably mushrooms. I straight-up will not eat it.

What percentage battery is your phone on right now? 82.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Did you like it? No, and I absolutely never plan to, I just do not see the appeal. Definitely not worth cancer, either.

Are you closer to your mother or father? Mom.

Have you ever sent a postcard? Where from? No.

Do you know anyone who speaks Spanish as a first language? I don't think I know anyone anymore, but maybe.

Who was the last person you kissed? Girt.

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree? If so, what in? No.

Do loud noises bother you? Yes.

Do you rent or own the place you live? Rent. And our landlord/family "friend" will never, ever let us forget her great kindness.

Have you ever made yourself as a Sim? No, I've actually never played the Sims, save for the animal ones. It's not the kind of game that I'd have fun with.

What brand is your phone? It's literally a Tracphone.

Have you ever had a friend named Mary? No.

What does the name “Ada” make you think of? Haha actually the Resident Evil franchise character, funny time to mention the name.

Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No.

Did you ever sneak out of your house when you were younger? No.

What is your best friend’s name? Donald Jr., but I've always known him as Girt.

Is anyone in your family an author or poet? My like, 4th or 5th cousin wrote Not Without My Daughter. No one in my very close family, though.

Have you ever dated a guy with a girl’s name? No, but I'm not against it. I don't believe in gendering names, anyway, honestly.

Would you rather be named Fanny or Faye? Faye, by an insane longshot. I love the name Faye, meanwhile Fanny sounds awful to me.

Do you have a godmother? I don't believe so.

Are you someone’s godmother? No.

When was the last time you wrote a poem? Last time I was in the hospital. ... I think? I don't believe I've written something since then.

Do you believe that it’s possible for someone to be resurrected from the dead? Save for experiences where the heart has been inactive for only a short period of time and it was able to be jolted back into activity, no.

What color hair does your current crush (or boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, whatever) have? Black, but as I mentioned earlier it also has gray in it.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you in a theater? [TW: PARENTAL ABUSE] Be triggered by a sudden scene of a father beating his daughter with a belt and having a complete and total, very obvious panic attack that ultimately led to me having to leave the theater.

Have you ever had someone copy you or steal your ideas for something? Yup. Sara used to literally trace my art and I've caught her red-handed stealing both characters and completely original locations from me. Worth mentioning she did this kind of stuff to others, too, all the while having insane paranoia that people have and would steal from her <3333 man was she fun.

Have you ever dated someone behind your parents’ back? Nope.

#survey #surveys #random questions #personal questions

0 notes

peachdoxie · 4 years ago

Text

So I decided to go to Walmart today (my first mistake) because I've absolutely been craving white cheddar cheese rice cakes and both Meijer and Kroger are sold out after I bought them all last week, and of course walking an hour both ways in the relatively cool Ohio summer of 77°F and twice that in humidity is the most logical choice. I check to make sure it's not going to rain on the The Weather Channel app, then grab my unintentionally-diluted gatorade and Cubs hat with the pride flag on it and head out.

Now, when I planned to leave it was mostly cloudy and I thought that would be fine, but the sun decided to show its sexy face and I spent most of the 2.6 mile walk limping in the sunshine since my right foot decided it was going to yell at me for putting weight on it, but I persevered and made it to Wallyworld in more or less one piece, albeit exhausted and with a headache building. I get half way to the grocery section before remembering I need a cart (I also want to buy flour) and wander my way to the front, then back to the grocery aisles. I eventually find the location where ideally there should be dozens of bags of white cheddar cheese rice cakes for me to purchase, but, alas—they have all the flavors but white cheddar cheese, and so I have to settle for white cheddar cheese poppéd cörn triangles instead. With my disappointing spoils of war, I hobble to the self-checkout and legally purchase my corn triangles and flour.

At this point I'm really feeling like crap and am totally dreading heading back out in the heat, so I plunk myself and my mostly-empty cart down at the Walmart Sbubby (eet freesh) and play around on my phone, hoping that taking a break off my feet in the aircon will help me stop feeling like crap. After sitting for a bit, I get up, push my cart to the exit, stare outside with a mounting sense of dread, return the cart, and then walk back inside to the Sbubby, wondering how long I can loiter before they kick me out, when my body finally decides to inform me that holy shit you need some more calories girl. Hmm, I think. Maybe this is why I feel like crap.

The problem is that I don't really want Subway—I've mostly forgotten/ignored there's an entire Walmart behind me, as any sane person should—because it's Subway, and also because I was hoping to stop by the Italian restaurant on the way home and get some spaghetti, since eating a Subway sandwich will make me not hungry for the very excellent spaghetti that I don't get the chance to eat since I only go to this area of town when I can justify walking an hour for something, which apparently includes white cheddar cheese rice cakes but not spaghetti. I'm wondering how much the Subway Sandwich Artist™ will judge me if I just get a six inch with nothing but cheese on it when my eyes fall upon what I instantly know will be my savior: a soft pretzel covered in butter and salt.

"One salted pretzel," I say, somehow coherent, "and a regular fountain drink" because I'd also like some soda because why not. The Subway Sandwich Artist™ obligingly gives me my pretzel, which I legally purchase along with the soda. I sit down with my ambrosia and nectar and immediately regret my decision: Hellworld's attempt to cool its firey pits is super loud and I am quickly descending into the sensory overload layer of hell. Luckily, this Subway has a back area where it is 2% quieter into which I can retreat. I do, I wipe off half the salt because I'm not a masochist, and begin consuming the pretzel.

While this is happening, I'm updating my friends on discord as to my situation, and I recall the time my sister passed out while on a hike in Albania because she got overheated and threw off her salt balance, and I think, hmm, this is probably what's happening to me. And sure enough, after eating the pretzel and downing the soda has made me feel better! Yay! I mean, I still feel like crap, but crap that can at least attempt to make the walk home. It's like an hour after I arrived to Walmart at this point and 45 minutes of that has been me in this Subway. I throw out my trash, pack up my things, and head to the exit.

It is now pouring down rain.

Curse you, The Weather Channel! I shake my fist at the sky. Curse you for lying to me! I trusted you! My tears rival the rain.

I am now faced with walking home in the pouring down rain, thus missing out on my spaghetti, or remaining in the Walmart Subway for even more time, despite my health bar being rapidly drained by proximity to the megacorporation's holy temple. I check the The Weather Channel app to see what they say, knowing they are untrustworthy, and see that it's supposed to rain for the next few hours.

Fuck it. I'm going to go buy a rain poncho to protect my flour and just sacrifice my shoes to the puddle gods since the sidewalks here range from "flat" to "expert mountain climbers only" and I know my feet will be soaked within five seconds of leaving the building. First, though, I want to use the toilet, but the one at the front is being cleaned, so I head to the back. Granted, I had to go there anyway since I figured the sporting goods area is the most likely to have a rain poncho.

I cannot find the rain poncho. I've been in this Walmart for over an hour and a half at this point.

I go back to the front in the off chance the seasonal picnic aisles might have one, cringe at the bountiful supply of American Patriotic Equipment, and eventually give up and ask the greeter lady where I can find a rain poncho. Aisle L24, aka one of the camping aisles in the back of the store. I've already searched there but apparently cannot read, because I find them this time, begrudgingly grab the blue since they don't make pink in the adult size, and return, once more, to the front of the store, where I legally purchase the poncho.

In the ten minutes it took me to decide to find the rain poncho and buy it, it's stopped raining and the sun is shining because of course it is.

#anecdotes by peachdoxie #at least i got my spaghetti #now i only have two miles to walk back to my apartment #where i will promptly collapse on the couch

35 notes · View notes

keanureevesisbae · 4 years ago

Text

Protection - Chapter 1

Summary: Mia Makaruku meets her new neighbor, but he isn’t at all what she expected him to be.

August Walker x Mia Makaruku (ofc)

Wordcount: 3.2k

Warnings: Mentions of a car accident.

Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter

My muscles scream bloody murder, as I trudge through the hallways. Did coach Riley have to be so gruesome today? Goodness me, I don’t even know if I’m gonna make it back to my car. However, when I see the coach standing further down the hall, I quickly straighten my back and ignore the slight dulling pain I feel in my ankle and the rest of my leg muscles. ‘Mia,’ coach Riley says in a stern tone as I come closer to her.

Oh no, I think to myself. I did something terribly wrong. If she uses that tone after the first training of the week, it can only mean I’m in severe trouble. ‘Yes coach?’ I hesitantly ask.

Coach Riley’s looks indicate she is strict. Her blonde hairs are pulled back in a tight knot, a pair of glasses with a thick black frame rests on her nose and the eyeliner that hardens her eyes. While the indication is absolutely one hundred percent correct, you eventually find out she is a sweetheart deep underneath that hard exterior.

When I first arrived in Chicago five years ago, I had no idea what Thanksgiving entailed and I was ready to spend it alone in my apartment. She invited—correction: forced—me to spend time with her family, because she did not want me to sit alone in my apartment on Thanksgiving.

With my last foster family being everything but a great success, it felt good to be welcomed with open arms into a family. I’ve had my fair share of families and while they were all sweet, the last one was a total nightmare. Being slightly traumatized by the experience, it was good to be hugged by a grandma I had never seen before.

Hugs from grandma’s do wonders.

‘You did good today,’ coach says.

Great, now I know for sure I have severely fucked up. If coach Riley starts with a compliment, she is going to break some pretty bad news within a few seconds. I have trained with her for a little over five years. I know her and her odd and slightly crude way of communicating.

‘Okay?’ I say, waiting for the bomb to drop.

‘However, I want you to take it easy, so next training you’re going to train with Tristan on the side of the field.’

‘Come on, coach,’ I whine. ‘Why?’

‘Upcoming Saturday it’s the second to last game of the year. I need you top fit then.’

‘But I am top fit. Honestly!’

Coach Riley isn’t impressed, but to be honest: when is she ever? If this woman has made a decision, she’ll simply power through, no discussion possible. ‘You take it easy during tomorrows training and you listen carefully to Tristan. I noticed a limp on the field just now.’

‘There wasn’t a limp,’ I say. ‘I swear, it’s nothing to worry ab— Okay, I’ll take it easy tomorrow,’ I quickly say when I see her cocked eyebrow that does not bode well.

She finally smiles. ‘Good. Now scocch, I don’t want to look at your face any longer.’

Just when you think she is finally a little bit approachable and kind, she thankfully does this, because her smile was nearly creeping me out. I can’t stop my chuckle. ‘See you tomorrow, coach,’ I say, holding up my hand as I continue to walk through the hallways.

The closer I get to the exit, the colder it becomes. When I’m training, I somehow forget about the ice cold temperatures. However, when I’m not training, which is the majority of the day, I remember we are nearing the winterbreak and that handling these types of temperatures, is not one of my strengths.

I tense up when I step outside and if my ankle wasn’t slightly bothering me, I’d run to my car. When I reached the vehicle, I quickly step in and start to heat it up. My car, unfortunately, isn’t the most advanced and it takes quite some time before it’s even remotely warm. I shiver in the drivers seat. My phone peeps in my pocket and I pull it out, to check the notification that popped up on my screen.

Reminder to yourself: YOU NEED TO DO SOME GROCERIES. GET YOUR FAT ASS CAT SOMETHING TO EAT.

No, no, no, I forgot. I totally forgot. I curse morning-me for sleeping in today. If I had just done groceries this morning before practice, I could’ve go home now. Why was I lazy and chose an extra hour of sleep over doing something actually productive?

I drive off the parking lot, wave to some of my teammates and go to the nearest grocery store. If I have a clear idea of what I want before I go into the store, I can actually manage to do this pretty swiftly and then go home, so I can curl up on the couch to watch yet another cheesy Christmas movie. I desperately need to buy some food for my cat, some eggs and chocolate and… Do I need more?

This is why one makes shopping lists.

‘You idiot,’ I mumble to myself, as I park the car in front of the store. I get out and walk to the entrance. While I’m strolling through the aisles, to at least get the eggs, cat food and chocolate I do know I need, I hear some girls giggling behind me.

I look over my shoulder to my right and see two young girls standing at the produce section. When they look away, I see a glimpse of their red cheeks and notice they are both wearing Chicago Red Star jerseys. I can’t—and won’t—stop my smile. ‘Hi,’ I say to them, causing them to carefully wave at me.

They shyly wave back. ‘Are you Mia Makaruku?’ one girl asks when she finally found the courage to do so.

I nod. ‘The one and only.’

They look at each other and exchange some excited looks. ‘Can we get a picture?’

This has been my favorite part of the job so far. I mean, sure, I love soccer with all my life, however seeing girls this age cheering me on during the competitions and hearing about how they watch clips of me, so they can learn from my techniques, makes me realize I love that even more. They call me their role model and with the status I have, I can actually be one for them. It’s a job I should take seriously and I do.

When kids tell me they are going to try and watch the European Championship for Women’s Soccer, because I am on the Dutch National Team, I try even harder to be the best player of the competition and be a model for them to look up to. Be someone for them I wished I had when I was younger.

I nod again at the girls. ‘Of course. I love your shirts. Tell me: whose name do you have on the back?’

They start to laugh and turn around, showing the backs of their shirts. ‘Yours of course!’

◎ ◎ ◎

Life hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows for me. I just barely think about it nowadays, since it only leaves me with more questions than answers and I’d rather not wander in the dark like that. It’s weird to think about the things I do remember and don’t.

I do remember the second we skidded off the road. I don’t remember I had a mother or father or three brothers with me in the car. I do remember eventually taking the officer’s hand and despite repeating my name like mantra, kept asking him if he had heard my name correctly. I don’t remember any bodies on the scene, because there weren’t any and I also don’t know how their bodies disappeared.

It’s hard sometimes, knowing there is a memory inside my head that I simply can’t reach, but also not knowing what I’m missing in life. Did my parents love me? Did I have a good bond with my brothers? Was there a specific reason I wasn’t in the system? Why weren’t there other people with the same last name in the Netherlands who recognized me?

I moved from foster family to foster family, while trying to regain my memories by visiting multiple specialists. I went to a lot of places. To England, Ireland, France and Luxembourg, but no one could help me out. At the age of twelve, they simply stopped trying, because it was no use anyways and there was one family back in the Netherlands who insisted on me staying in one place for a change.

Thankfully they did, however I only stayed with them for four years, before I moved to my final family, that was a hell to put it mildly.

Finally, for the first time in yearsI wasn’t going from one specialist to another and there was one place where I was always—despite the family—welcome: my soccer team. In all those years of me visiting specialists, there was always one thing I looked for: a ball to kick around. Soccer was my love, my passion and the only thing I started to care about.

And now I have managed to not only make a name for myself in the USA, but also worldwide. When I was nineteen, I debuted in the Dutch National Team during the European Championship and my performance there was what caught the attention of the Chicago Red Stars. I could leave the small SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands behind and go to the USA. I had seen the American National Team. They were exceptionally good and now I got to play alongside some of them.

My first World Championship was when I was twenty one and the Dutch team was in the finals against the USA. Despite my two goals, the USA was too good and beat us with 4-2. Sure, I was disappointed, but still I was very pleased with the fact that the Netherlands became second and it was such a highlight in my seemingly short professional soccer career thus far.

I managed to overcome all these things and still be the person I am today. Since I can’t remember my past, I made it my mission in life to make the most of my future.

Don’t ask me how, but I managed to come back from the store with three full bags. Apparently, if you wander through the aisles long enough, you’ll find tons of excuses to buy crap you didn’t even need in the first place.

I’m finally back at my apartment building and the automatic doors slide open as I reach them. I walk towards the reception and I say with a smile: ‘Hello Harold, how are you today?'

Harold, the clerk behind the reception who is nearing his pension, greets me with his signature smile and I see the two familiar dimples form in his cheeks. ‘Hello, miss Mia, I’m doing splendid this Monday. How was your training today?’

I simply shrug. ‘It was okay, but I have to take it easy now.’ I can’t help but to roll my eyes. ‘According to my coach, I was “slightly limping” and she needs me top fit this Saturday.’

He scrunches up his nose. ‘But my dear, I think you are incapable of taking things easy. Isn’t your coach aware of that?’

I can’t help but laugh. I always like to talk to Harold, it’s so easy to strike up a conversation with him. ‘I think she just wants to bully me. Is there by the way any mail for me?’

‘There certainly is. Three envelopes for you. Almost makes you seem like a very important lady.’ He sends me a playful wink. ‘Oh, before I forget: I told you about the apartment next to you being sold, right?’

I nod. ‘Does this mean Mystery Person is finally moving in?’ I ask.

Harold nods. ‘He moved in today.’

‘Ah, it’s a man. Is he hot?’

He shrugs. ‘He is pretty stuffy and a bit authoritarian looking. I was hoping for someone as radiant as you. I think we need more people like you around here, not a copy of miss Thornhill.’

I throw my long brown hair over my shoulder. ‘Well, what can I say?’ I chuckle. ‘Not everyone is a ray of sunshine like yours truly. Is there mail for him as well? I can bring it to him.’

‘An envelope did arrive, indeed. I don’t think he will go down here to pick it up. We barely made eye contact today. I hardly even know if he is aware there is a reception, let alone that I’m the clerk.’ He hands me the other yellow envelope and says: ‘Are you sure you want to do this, miss?’

‘Absolutely positive. It might be nice to get to know my next door neighbor. Let’s hope he is not a gigolo. I really can’t use sleepless nights anymore. I have two important games coming up, I need my rest.’

‘Mister Toriello was quite the man,’ Harold laughs. ‘Thank you, my dear, for doing this.’

‘No problem, Harold. See you later!’ I walk to the elevator and hold my card in front of the scanner. The doors slide open and when I get in, I press button number nine. I look at the name on the envelope. It’s actually addressed with a sticker, no handwriting, which I find so impersonal.

A. Walker

A. Walker is probably the most generic name I’ve ever heard. This man could be anybody. Would he be bald, have a beer belly and burps all the time or would he be young, attractive and actually a chance for me to leave my forever alone status behind?

While that would be nice, Harold did say that the man was quite stuffy and authoritarian looking.

As someone with barely any date experience (none at all, actually), I’d say stuffy and authoritarian looking isn’t really my type, but never say never right?

The doors open and I step out on my own floor. I walk through the broad hallways and stop in front of apartment number 943. From behind the door, I can hear someone dragging furniture around the apartment and an occasional male grunt. I knock on the door and just hope that he can hear me. I don’t want to start banging on the door like an idiot.

Thankfully, he did hear me, because footsteps approach the door and when it swings open, my eyes widen.

The man standing in the doorway, does not match the generic sounding A. Walker name at all. He is tall, with broad shoulders and the shortsleeved shirt he is wearing, totally accentuates his muscled biceps. I mean, the body is a total A+ (I don’t think I have ever seen someone this buff, while still being proportionate), his face on the other hand… I mean, he does have a beautifully sculpted face and it looks rather perfect, don’t get me wrong, but he looks so angry with that deep frown between his brows and the mustache isn’t really my thing either. Kinda ruins his entire face, if I’m being honest. ‘Who are you?’ he asks, his voice monotone and already bored.

That is not a good start.

‘I’m Mia,’ I introduce myself with a smile, because smiles make people comfortable and this man does not look comfortable. ‘I live next door, in apartment 944. I brought you your mail.’ I extend my arm, so I can hand him the yellow envelope. ‘Thought it would be nice, since we’re neighbors after all.’

He rips the envelope out of my hand and is actually inspecting the seal on it. I am deeply offended. Why on earth would he think that low of me? As if I would snoop through other people’s mail.

After his thorough inspection, he looks at me again. His eyes take me in and leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest. The shirt has a slight v neck and is that a tiny bit of chest hair I detect?

I’m almost expecting something condescending leaving his lips (he seems like the type), but A. Walker doesn’t say a word. He simply stares at me and now I kinda regret bringing his mail with me.

He looks and acts like an utter asshole.

‘What’s your name?’ I carefully ask him. Despite him looking like an absolute dick, I do think this is a man you might want to have on your good side. After all, he is my neighbor, I don’t want him to hate me, especially since from the looks of it this man can break me in half with just his pinky, which is intimidating on its own.

‘August Walker,’ he says, tilting his head, as he seems to scan my entire face. ‘Aren’t you that soccer player?’

Before I can even stop it, a smile breaks out on my face. I always like it when people acknowledge the fact that I’m a soccer player. I worked really hard to get where I am now and when people recognize me as that soccer player, it makes me happy. ‘I am,’ I say with an even brighter smile.

Maybe he isn’t so bad after all…

‘I hate women’s soccer.’

I’m dumbfounded. Why on earth does he have to be so rude? What on earth did I do to him to deserve this? What a fucking dickhead. I can’t believe I was actually trying to make a good impression on him. Maybe I don’t want him to be on my good side. Maybe I sort of miss mister Toriello now, with his late night adventures with very noisy female customers. At least he was nice enough to bring me cookies every now and then, to apologize for the noise.

I highly doubt August Walker knows how to bake cookies, let alone buy some of them to apologize for the inconvenience, whatever that may be.

‘Why?’ I ask, as my expression falters.

‘It’s stupid,’ he simply states. To make it even worse, he adds a shrug, as if it’s a well known fact and not just some stupid opinion. ‘Not as advanced as male soccer.’

I frown, as I try to cover up the fact I’m deeply hurt. ‘Well, that’s okay. To each their own,’ I say to him. ‘If we are being frank here: I think your mustache is pretty stupid.’

He simply raises his eyebrows, while his eyes still look bored and annoyed. ‘You do?’ he asks me. ‘Why is that?’

‘I don’t know. It makes you look like a pedophile, really. Have a good day, mister Walker.’ I walk towards my own door and barge inside.

Who gave mister August Walker the right to be this rude to me, someone who he barely knows? What a piece of shit.

My big orange cat Bobo walks up to me and he starts to meow, pulling me out of my racing thoughts.

The hairy companion makes me instantly forget about my new neighbor. ‘Hi, Bobo,’ I say with a chuckle. ‘I missed you too, little fella.’ I place the bags on the floor, before I lift him up, to press tons of kisses on his head. He purrs in my ear. ‘I bought you some food, so that means you can finally stop putting your head in my bowl and be a decent cat from now on.’

‘Meow.’

‘That’s what I thought.’

#henry cavill #henry cavill x ofc #henry cavill x oc #henry cavill x asian ofc #henry cavill x soccer player #henry cavill x mia makaruku #henry cavill fandom #henry cavill fanfic #august walker x ofc #august walker #august walker x asian ofc #august walker x oc #august walker x mia makaruku #mia makaruku #asian ofc

83 notes · View notes

marvelsdc22 · 4 years ago

Text

Falling For The Coach

Intro: Hello, lovelies!! I hope you guys are having a good day/night!! I literally just wrote two over 7k fics in three days, oops?(Also, thank you to my girlfriend @x-danvers-x for helping me decide who to write this for ❤) Enjoy~

Note: Y/N is a single mother, she’s looking for a fresh start with her daughter Skye, a chance, well multiple chance run-in’s with the one and only Carol Danvers makes her question some things. Will sparks fly?

Word Count: 8k(New record!)

“Skye, come on” you told your daughter, walking with her towards the grocery store and grabbing a cart on your way in, picking her up and setting her in the cart, her only being four so she still enjoyed riding in the car, plus it was easier than letting her walk since she liked to wander when your back was turned “What all do we need?” You asked, looking at her as you set your small purse beside her “Cookies!” She declared, kicking her feet while you chuckled “We’ll see, okay?” You told her, ruffling her hair and pressing a kiss to her head before you pushed the cart down the produce section.

As you were looking at the cans of beans, you weren’t really watching where you were going until you suddenly ran into something, well someone “I am so sorry” you immediately apologized, looking at the woman who just smiled at you “It’s no problem, I shouldn’t of been standing in the middle of the aisle… And who are you?” She asked, turning to your daughter who grinned at the woman “Skye” she said, looking at the woman “Nice to meet you, I’m Carol… How old are you, Skye?” Carol asked, looking at her and watching as she held up three fingers but said “Four!” you not able to stop the smile forming on your face as you watched their interaction.

“And who might you be?” Carol asked, giving you a gentle smile and you blinking for a moment before you realized she was talking to you “Oh, Y/N… We just moved here about a month ago” you said, holding your hand out and shaking Carol’s hand “That would be why we haven’t met yet” she said, smiling at you and checking her phone when it vibrated “I have to get going, but it was nice to meet you both… Hopefully I’ll see you around?” She asked, looking at you and giving you a hopeful look.

Nodding, you watched as Carol’s smile grew before she said a goodbye to Skye and headed towards the checkout, you not able to keep your eyes off of her as she walked down the aisle, not knowing why but you were drawn towards her “Mommy?” Skye asked, interrupting your thoughts and making you turn your attention to her “Yes, sweetheart?” You asked, looking at her “Cookies?” She asked, making you laugh and shake your head “Cookies”.

~~~~~

A few days later, you were working on getting your porch set up, you having gotten some chairs and a table for it from your parents “Dammit” you muttered when you accidentally dropped a chair trying to carry three from the back of your SUV, turning around when you heard a car pull up and smiled when you saw it was your brother, James “Hey James” you said, watching as he came over and grabbed the dropped chair before he helped you carry everything to the porch “How are you, little sis?” He asked, setting the chair down on the porch and looking around “Where’s squirt?” he asked, not seeing Skye anywhere.

“She’s napping, I decided to try to get some decorating done before she woke up and I’m okay” you said, knowing he had been worried about you since your ex left you when Skye was one “Need some help?” He asked, him not going to push the topic of how you were since he knew it was a rough topic for you “You would help even if I said no” you chuckled, heading back to your car and grabbing the last chair while James grabbed the table “You know me too well” he teased, setting the table down on the porch and looking at the screen door to your house when he heard a small voice call his name before small footsteps quickly ran towards him, Skye opening the screen door before jumping into James arms.

“Uncle James!” She squealed, hugging him as tight as her little arms could hug him while he laughed and picked her up “Hey squirt, have a nice nap?” He asked, looking at her when she pulled back and nodded “Are you staying for dinner?” She asked, looking at him with hopeful eyes as he looked at you “Up to you” you chuckled, looking at him and smiling at the two of them “Looks like I am” he said, poking her stomach and making her giggle “Let James help me finish up here then he can play with you, alright? Why don’t you go play with your toys?” You asked, looking at Skye who nodded and gave James one last hug before he set her down and she headed back inside.

James waited until he saw her go into her room before he looked at you “How are you guys settling in?” He asked, helping you move the furniture where you wanted them “I think we’re doing okay, Skye wants to play t-ball, so I signed her up for the little league here” you said, giving him a small smile “And the job hunt?” He asked, knowing you had been struggling “Nothing yet, I’ll probably try the diner down the road for now” you said, knowing it wasn’t much but it’d give you an income since you only had so much left in your savings “Y/N-“ “Don’t, I don’t want to talk about it” you said, knowing what he was going to ask but you didn’t want to talk about it “Okay” he said, going back to helping you put everything where you wanted it.

~~~~~

The next morning, you woke up and went into the kitchen after you got ready for the day, seeing James sitting at the table with a cup of coffee “There’s more if you want it” he said, looking at you and you smiled gratefully at him before pouring yourself a cup, joining him at the table and taking a sip of it, sighing some before you looked at him “Mind watching Skye for a bit while I head up to that diner?” You asked, wanting to try and get a job as soon as possible.

James nodded and smiled “Of course, I don’t have to head back for New York for another few hours” he said, him having come to check up on you in Louisiana to make sure you and Skye were okay “Thank you” you said, taking another drink of your coffee and leaning back in your chair “How are you and Taylor?” You asked, looking at him and watching as he squirmed in his seat a bit which made you raise an eyebrow.

“We’re good, great actually… I’m thinking of proposing soon” he admitted, causing you to gasp and grab his hand “Seriously?” You asked, looking at him and grinning at him when he nodded “If she says yes, you know Skye is going to be on your ass to be flower girl” you said, watching as he laughed and nodded “There’s no one else I’d rather have” he said, giving your hand a small squeeze as you finished your coffee and sighed “I should go to the diner, call me if you need me” you said, standing up and kissing his cheek before you went to pull your shoes on “We’ll be fine, don’t you worry” he assured, looking at you and watching as you nodded before you headed out, grabbing your keys on the way out.

~~~~~

Getting to the diner, you looked around a bit before the waitress caught your attention “Anything I can do for you, sweetheart?” The kind African American woman asked from behind the counter, you nodding and heading over to the counter “I was hoping to see if you guys were hiring” you said, standing in front of the counter and giving her a small smile “My daughter and I just moved here a month ago and finding a job-“ Is rough around here” she finished for you, seeming to understand and looking you over a bit “Have you ever waitressed before?” She asked, setting the rag in her hand down on the counter as she rummaged for some paper behind the counter.

“When I was in high school, but it should come back to me pretty quickly” you said, knowing you hadn’t been a waitress since you finished high school three years ago “It’s like riding a bike… Fill this out and I’ll give it to boss man, he should call you in a few days” she said, handing you the paper and a pen from her apron “Thank you… Rhonda” you said, reading her nametag and watching as her smile grew a small bit “My pleasure” she said before going to help a customer that had just come in.

Once you finished the paper, you set it on the counter along with the pen, waiting until Rhonda turned your direction and gesturing to where you had set the paper and pen “Have a good day now!” She called, giving you a smile as you nodded and thanked her once more before heading out, sighing as you got into your car and leaned back in your seat, looking at your phone when it vibrated in your pocket and sighing when you saw ‘Mom’ flash across the screen, ignoring it before pocketing your phone once more and starting your car up, deciding to look around town for a bit before you went back home since it had been a while since James got to spend time with Skye, so you knew they probably wanted to spend some time together.

~~~~~

After a bit of mindless driving, you found yourself at the local greenhouse Might as well find something to bring color to the house you thought to yourself, getting out of your car and heading inside, looking at all the succulents that were placed at the front and not paying attention to where you were going until you bumped into someone “We have got to stop meeting like this” Carol teased, holding a bag of fertilizer and smiling at you “We really do” you said, giving a small laugh and smiling at her.

“What brings you here?” She asked, readjusting the bag and gesturing for you to keep walking “Well, I just kinda found myself here, my brother’s watching Skye so I’m free for a bit and I want something that’ll bring some color to my home” you told her, looking at her and watching her nod “What about you?” You asked, watching as she shrugged “I just like to come and carry the fertilizer, it’s a great workout, you should try it sometime” she joked, causing you to laugh which made her smile since that was her goal “No, I’m here helping-“ “Aunt Carol!” A girl not much older than Skye shouted, running up to Carol, who smiled at her “What’s going on, Lieutenant Trouble?” She asked, looking at the little girl.

“Mom said she needs your help” she said, looking up at Carol who nodded before giving you a guilty look “Duty calls, I’ll see you around though, yeah?” She asked, waiting until you nodded before she told you goodbye then followed the little girl to a gorgeous looking woman and you couldn’t help but feel your heart sink when you saw them together, but you weren’t sure why, you didn’t swing that way… Did you? Shaking the thought away, you went back to looking for flowers and ended up walking out with a few purple hanging baskets along with some roses that would go perfectly in front of your house, looking over when you heard a laugh and saw Carol laughing as she helped the other woman and the little girl load their haul into the back of a truck before you got into your car and drove back home.

~~~~~

A few days later, you were trying your best to plant the roses you had gotten, managing to prick yourself more than anything as you did, looking up when Skye ran out holding her outfit and in her underwear “Mommy mommy! It’s almost time for practice!” She said excitedly, you laughing and standing up, dusting yourself off “Go back inside and I’ll help you change” you said, watching as she nodded before quickly running back inside, not worried of anyone seeing your practically naked daughter since your neighbors were far enough away that no one would see anything.

Washing yourself off a bit before you helped her change into her t-ball outfit before getting her drink and snacks and taking her to the car “Excited about your first practice?” You asked, Rhonda being kind enough to take your shift for the day so you could attend the first practice “Yeah!” Skye said excitedly, bouncing in her seat some as you drove to the park, smiling at her in the rear-view mirror before you focused on the road in front of you.

When you guys got there, you barely got two words out of your mouth before your daughter had unbuckled herself and got out of the car, running towards the group of kids by the small softball field while you told her to slow down, but it fell on deaf ears “Someone’s excited” you heard someone say as you grabbed Skye’s bag from the backseat, turning around and seeing the woman and little girl you saw Carol with a few days ago “Oh yeah, this is the first time she gets to meet kids her own age here” you smiled, closing your back door and locking your car before walking with the woman, the little girl having taken off while you were talking.

“You guys just move here?” The woman asked, looking at you as the two of you walked towards the field “Yeah, just over a month ago” you said, giving her a small smile before you held your hand out “Y/N Y/L/N” you introduced, shaking her hand when she took yours “Maria Rambeau” she said, giving you a smile then gesturing to her daughter who was talking enthusiastically with yours “My daughter’s Monica” she said, setting the bag in her hand down by the benches before you both sat down “Mine is Skye” you said, giving her a smile as you sat down beside her, the two of you falling into conversation until you heard a whistle and a voice “Alright everyone, gather around!” The woman shouted, you turning your head and seeing Carol standing there “My name’s Coach Danvers, I will be coaching you guys this summer!” She said loud enough for everyone to hear “Let’s get started!”.

When the practice ended, Skye and Monica ran up to you and Maria “Mommy, can we stay here so I can play with Monica?” Skye asked, Monica asking Maria the same and you laughed but nodded “Sure honey, just get a drink and eat something first” you said, knowing the practice probably took a lot out of her and watching as she grabbed a juice and a package of snack sticks before Carol walked up to the two of you “I see you two have finally met” Carol said, smiling at you two and watching as the girls finished their snacks before running over to the playground “Yes, it’s nice to put a face to a name, Carol hasn’t shut up about you” Maria said, earning a kick to the shin to which she returned and you couldn’t help but duck your head slightly “Oh?” You asked, looking at Carol who seemed to be blushing “Ignore her” she said, clearing her throat and looking at you “But, I have to get back to work” “What do you do?” You asked, looking at her and knowing she looked very fit “Pilot for the Air Force” she said with a grin, checking the time once more “I really have to go, but can I get your number? For emergency reasons” she added quickly, handing you her phone when you nodded “Of course, emergency reasons” you said, watching as a grin threatened to appear on her face when you gave her the phone back before she said her goodbyes and headed off.

“How long have you two known each other?” You asked, looking at Maria after Carol vanished in her car “We met in our early training days for the Air Force, been best friends ever since” Maria said, looking at you and then looking over at the girls when she heard them laugh “So you guys are really close” you said, looking at her and watching her nod before she looked at you and snorted “If you think me and Carol are together, we’re not, she’s living with me until she’s able to get a place of her own, she moved around a lot and hasn’t had much time to focus on permanent” she said, you now feeling embarrassed by assuming “I see” you said, the two of you going silent for a bit before Maria changed the topic, pulling you guys into a less tense conversation.

~~~~~~

The next day, you came in for your shift at the diner and had Skye sit in her usual seat “Morning, Rhonda” you said, setting your stuff in the back before putting on your apron “Morning, sweetheart” Rhonda said, giving you a smile as she passed by with a plate of chocolate chip pancakes and a chocolate milk “Good morning, sweetpea” she said, smiling at Skye who smiled back as Rhonda set the plate and milk down in front of her “Good morning, Miss Rhonda” Skye said, setting her crayon down and grabbing the fork Rhonda handed her “Honey, what do you say?” You asked as you grabbed the coffee pot “Thank you” Skye told Rhonda through a mouthful of pancakes “You are very welcome” she said, giving her a smile before she went to get ready to leave.

“You okay to hold down the fort for a few hours? I have to take my son to practice” Rhonda said, looking at you and you nodded “Of course, I don’t mind… how much do I owe for the pancakes?” You asked, looking at her and sighing when she shook her head “George says it’s on the house” she said, giving you a wink before she headed out, you mouthing a thank you to George who smiled at you from the little window before you went to take customer’s orders.

Rushing over to the little window, you grabbed the next set of orders when you heard the door chime “Have a seat wherever, I’ll be with you shortly!” You said, going and setting the plates in front of the customers “Need anything else?” You asked, smiling when they shook their heads “Let me know if you need anything, enjoy” you said before turning and trying to locate who had just walked in, locking your eyes on the blonde now sitting by your daughter and watching as she colored, noting how she looked dead on her feet but still gave her full attention to Skye.

Going over to the counter, you grabbed a mug and the coffee pot before you headed over to the table, setting the mug in front of Carol and catching her attention when you poured the coffee into the mug “You look like you need it” you said when she raised an eyebrow at you “Thank you” Carol said before taking a sip and sighing gratefully “Long night?” You asked, setting the coffee pot on the table and pulling out your pen and pad “The longest… Can I just get a burger and some fries? Chicken nuggets for the kid” she said, nodding her head towards Skye “You don’t-“ “I want to” she interrupted you, giving you a smile which you returned before writing it all down “It’ll be up shortly” you promised, grabbing the coffee pot before returning to the counter.

“That is a very pretty picture” Carol said once you were out of earshot and focused on work once more, watching as Skye doodled what looked like a house and two people “It’s me and my mommy at our house” Skye said, glancing at Carol then setting her crayon down so she could get a drink of her water “Do you like my mommy?” Skye asked, shocking Carol at the very abrupt question “Well, yes she’s a good friend” she said, looking at her and watching as she shook her head “No like like” she said again, looking at Carol before turning back to her paper “Because she really likes you” she said, focusing back on her drawing while Carol looked over at you as you ran back and forth from the counter to the table “Does she now…”

~~~~~

Later that afternoon, you were cleaning up after your shift, Sherly coming in any minute to relieve you, Carol having left after she finished eating to go take a nap and you having moved Skye to the back who had konked out not long ago for a nap herself “Hey, sorry I’m late” Sherly said when she rushed in, you giving her a small smile “It’s alright, I don’t mind” you said, finishing cleaning up the counter before you went to the back, taking your apron off and stuffing whatever tips you had in your purse before clocking out “Can you watch her for a second?” You asked George, who was getting ready to leave himself, you having too many things to be able to carry her and your stuff “Sure” he said, giving you a smile and just slowing down getting ready to go so he wasn’t just standing there.

Going out to the car, you loaded the back with some of the stuff that Rhonda had brought you “To spruce your house up a bit” she had told you and who were you to say no to her? “Need some help?” You heard someone ask you, causing you to turn around and seeing Carol standing there with her hands in her pockets, looking much more rested than she did earlier “Can you load this while I get Skye?” You asked, not going to turn down help, especially if it got you home faster so you could put Skye down for a proper nap “Sure” she said, loading the boxes into the car while you went back inside.

After a bit, you came back out carrying a sleeping Skye who was wrapped in your jacket, Carol opened the backseat for you and watched as you hooked Skye into her carseat before moving so Carol could shut the door “Thank you” you said, crossing your arms and trying to not shiver since it got cold at night “Of course… Here” Carol said, pulling her jacket off before wrapping it around you and ignoring your protests “You look cute in that” she commented, smiling at you as you felt your face burn at the compliment and looking at her with a nervous smile “Would you like to go to dinner with me this weekend?” She asked, shocking you and you jaw dropped, you watching as she quickly averted her gaze “Sorry, I thought-“ “Yes” you said when your voice returned, looking at her and watching as she smiled “Saturday?” She asked, watching you nod “It’s a date, I’ll text you my address… James will be in town, so he can watch Skye” you said, knowing he had made it a point to come see you more “See you then… Have a good night, Y/N” she said, giving you a smile as she opened your door for you and shut it once you got situated “You too, Carol” you said before she shut the door, watching her wave before she retreated to her car “Lets get home” you said before starting your car and pulling out of the parking lot.

~~~~~

By the time Saturday night rolled around, you were running around your small house like a chicken with its head cut off, only stopping when you heard Skye speak up “Why’s mommy running around like that?” She asked, causing your brother to laugh “She’s stressed out, it’s just a date, Y/N/N” James said, watching as you looked at them and took a deep breath “I know… I’m just… Nervous, I’ve never gone out with a girl before” you said, looking at him and hearing James sigh “I’m sure it’s not much different than any other date” he said, watching as you went into the bathroom to finish your makeup, not putting on too much but enough to not look terrible, tensing when you heard the doorbell ring “I got it!” Skye called, you hearing her little feet run towards the door “Walk, Skye!” You scolded before taking one last look at yourself in the mirror, you in comfortable yet nice jeans and a nice shirt since she had told you to dress casually.

“Hey squirt” you heard Carol say, hearing Skye squeal as Carol picked her up in a hug “Where’s your mom?” “In the bathroom” Skye said, looking at Carol and her looking over just as you stepped out of the bathroom “Hey” you said, seeing her in some nice jeans and a shirt that fit her just right, showing her off in all the right places “Hey” she said, smiling at you as she set Skye down “Oh, Carol this is my brother James, James this is Carol” you introduced, watching as they shook hands and greeted each other “Now, you two out, Skye and I have big plans” James said, scooping Skye up and hearing her giggle as he held her “Big plans, huh?” You asked, quirking an eyebrow as you put your phone in your purse along with your wallet “Huge” he said, giving you a wink then looking at Carol “Treat her right and have her home by ten” “James” you said, rolling your eyes as you smacked his arm “Fine, 10:30!” He called before you shut the door behind you.

“You look… Really good by the way” Carol said, walking you out to her truck that you had seen the day at the greenhouse “You don’t look too bad yourself” you said, nudging her gently with your shoulder and smiling at her when she opened the door open for you again “Thank you” you said, getting into the truck and buckling up when she shut the door “So, gonna tell me where we’re going?” You asked, looking at her and pouting when she shook her head “Nope, it’s a surprise” she said, starting the truck and resting her arm on the back of the front seat since it was just one seat, carefully backing out of your driveway and driving down the road.

~~~~~

When you guys pulled up to the small bar, you raised an eyebrow at her “Trust me, you’ll have fun” she promised, getting out of the truck and rushing to the other side, opening the door for you before you could even touch the handle and offering you her hand which you took, her helping you down before shutting the door but not releasing your hand as she walked with you up to the bar.

Getting inside, you saw that the bar wasn’t as bad as you thought it’d be and it wasn’t as crowded as it seemed, but you still kept ahold of Carol’s hand as the two of you walked up to the bar “What’ll you have?” She asked, smiling at you and you looked at what they had to offer before looking at her “Uh a Y/F/D” you said, watching her smile and nod before ordering your drinks “So tell me, where did you live before here?” Carol asked, looking at you after she got the drinks ordered “New York, I finished college last year and I just needed a change of scenery” you said, looking at her and watching her nod “Mind if I ask why?” She asked, looking at you and placing a hand on your leg when you looked conflicted “You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready” she said, giving your leg a small squeeze as you gave her a small smile “Thank you” you said, saying it once more when the bartender gave you your drinks.

“So, Air Force, huh?” You asked, taking a sip of your drink and watching as she smiled “Yup! Although, this is my last year, I love flying and protecting the country, but I’d like to be in one spot longer than a few weeks” she said, looking at you and you nodded in understanding “What are you going to do when you’re out?” You asked, resting against the bar top “Work with Maria on planes, she has her own shop, works on planes, cars, pretty much any vehicle she works on” she said, laughing some and you smiled at her “Sounds like you’re pretty settled” you said, resting your hand on hers that was still on your leg “Somewhat, but I’m getting there” she said, giving your leg a squeeze before smiling at you “Finish that drink, I want to dance”.

~~~~~

After a long night of dancing, singing, and drinking, you and Carol decided to take a short drive to a cliff to stargaze, getting there, Carol shut her truck off and reached behind the seat, grabbing a blanket that was stuffed back there “A lot of late nights” she said when you raised an eyebrow, the two of you getting out of the truck and Carol lowering the back before she climbed up and laid the blanket out before she offered you a hand and pulled you up as well, the two of you laying down on the blanket and staring up at the sky.

After a moment, Carol wrapped an arm around you and pulled you closer to her “You were shivering” she said when you looked at her, her looking at you when you didn’t stop looking at her “Do I have something on my face?” She asked, raising a brow before you pressed your lips to hers, relishing in the gasp she let out since she wasn’t expecting it but she quickly returned the kiss, it quickly becoming more and more heated until Carol rolled over on top of you, her pulling back to look at you “Are you sure about this?” She asked, wanting to make sure before she did anything “Yes” you breathed, reaching up and pulling her back down by the back of her neck and capturing her lips once more as she started to strip you down, the cold no longer bothering you the farther you guys went.

~~~~~

Getting back to your house a few hours later, Carol walked you up to the door and rested a hand on your back as you unlocked the front door before you turned to face her “Thank you for the amazing night” you said, smiling at her as she returned it and wrapped her arms loosely around your waist, pulling you close “Thank you for agreeing to join me” she said, leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to your lips which you returned “Text me when you get home?” You asked, smiling when she nodded and unwillingly released you “Of course, goodnight, Y/N” she said, smiling at you as you opened the front door “Goodnight Carol… Drive safe” you said, making sure she made it back to her truck before you closed the front door.

Quietly, you pulled off your shoes and tried to quietly make your way to your room when the lamp in the living room turned on and James looked at you with a smirk “Dammit James, were you trying to give me a heart attack?” You asked, placing a hand on your chest as you let out a sigh “No, but it seemed you and Carol got along… Quite well” he said, taking in your disheveled appearance “Shut up” you said, throwing one of your shoes at him while he laughed and caught the shoe “Violence” he chuckled, looking at you as you rolled your eyes and set your purse on the table before you locked the front door again.

“How was Skye? Did she give you much trouble?” You asked him, going and sitting down next to him on the couch “She was good, we watched some movies” he said, looking at you and sighing “I’m glad you’re finally moving on, you look… Happy” he said, looking at you and giving you a small smile which you returned “I am… Now, we should get some sleep, Skye has her first game tomorrow afternoon” you said, patting his leg before you stood up “Oh I know, she told me allllll about it” he chuckled, stretching some before he laid back down on the couch “Goodnight, Y/N/N” “Goodnight, James” you said before escaping to your bedroom.

~~~~~

The following afternoon, you were helping Skye get ready for the game while James packed up the drinks and snacks into a small cooler “Ready?” You asked, putting the hat on Skye’s head and watching her give an enthusiastic nod before you followed her out of her room “Hurry, Uncle James! I don’t wanna be late!” She shouted, looking at James who laughed as he closed the cooler “I’m hurrying” he assured, looking at her then pulling his phone out of his pocket “I need to take this, I’ll meet you in the car” he said, looking at you and you nodded before you grabbed the cooler, taking Skye out to the car and putting the cooler in the back before helping her get situated in her seat.

“Everything okay?” You asked, looking at James who looked solemn as he walked back and him glancing at Skye “Okay” you said, knowing he’d tell you wants she was out of earshot and starting up the car once he was situated “Lets go, mommy!” Skye said, looking out the window as you backed out of the driveway “I’m going I’m going” you chuckled, shaking your head as you drove towards the park.

When you guys got there, you handed Skye her bag since you knew she was going to take off towards the field with or without you, so it was better to have her ready “Have you talked to mom recently?” James asked, looking at you once Skye was far enough away “No, I feel like she’s still upset with my choice” you said, looking at him and watching him nod “Why? What’s wrong?” You asked, thinking it was something to do with your mother “She was at the doctors the other day… It’s cancer” he said softly, looking at you and seeing all the emotions pass across your face before you collapsed, James wrapping his arms around you at the last possible moment and pulling you to him, telling you how it was going to be alright.

Carol smiled when she saw Skye run up to the rest of the team “Looking good, Skye!” She said, smiling at her then looking around at the benches “Where’s your mom at?” She asked, looking at her and Skye glanced at her as she made her way towards Monica “Car” she said, going over to Monica as Carol looked over towards where you were, seeing you collapse “Watch them” she told Maria before she ran off to where you were with James.

“What happened?” Carol asked, sounding a little breathless since she had ran the whole way up and placing a hand on your shoulder, fearing something was wrong with you physically and when she realized you were practically sobbing, she looked at James who carefully handed you over to her “We just got some news about our mom… She has cancer… Terminal” he said, tearing up himself and hearing you let out another sob to which Carol held onto you a little tighter “I’m so sorry, baby” she said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head and glancing back at the field when Maria called her name “I got her” James promised, looking at Carol who nodded and gave you another squeeze and kiss to the head before passing you back to James, really not wanting to leave you like this but she had a team to coach.

About halfway through the game, you and James finally sat down to watch, your eyes red and your nose stuffy, but you didn’t care as you watched Skye hit the ball “Go, baby! Go!” You shouted, not feeling 100% yourself but you weren’t going to let that stop you from cheering on your daughter, watching as Carol, who was at first base, offered her hand out for a high five which Skye happily gave “She’s a good one” James said, looking at you and nodding towards Carol when you raised an eyebrow, smiling a little bit and nodding “She is” you agreed, waving at Carol when she met your eyes, her waving back and glad that you were feeling a bit better.

~~~~~

Later that night, you had told Skye the best way you could about her grandmother being sick and you had even called her and let Skye talk with her for a while “Yeah mom, we’re okay… Love you too” you said before hanging up, looking over at the couch where Carol and Skye were watching some Disney movie Skye had chosen, hanging up before coming in with a bowl of popcorn “Mommy?” “Yes sweetheart?” You asked, handing Carol the bowl of popcorn since she was in the middle “Do you and Carol like each other?” She asked, taking a small handful of popcorn and stuffing most of it into her mouth, the rest falling into her lap “We do, is that okay?” You asked, looking at Carol before looking at Skye who nodded enthusiastically “I have another mommy!” She said excitedly, causing you to choke on the popcorn you had just put in your mouth while Carol laughed and wrapped an arm around you when your coughing stopped “You do” she said before you could say anything else.

Once the movie was over, you stretched and looked over, seeing that Skye had fallen asleep with her feet in Carol’s lap and you stood up, going to pick her up when Carol stopped you “I got her” she promised, gently lifting her feet off her lap before she stood up and carefully picked her up “Pick out a good one for us” she said, leaning over and kissing you gently before she escaped back to Skye’s room, you sitting down and scrolling through Netflix to choose a movie, looking at your phone when it vibrated, it being a text from your ex

I want to see you – Scott

You sighed as you stared at your phone, debating on it you should answer him or not “Everything okay?” Carol asked, causing you to jump and quickly lock your phone before you set it on the coffee table “Yeah! Mom just messaged me” you said, waving the question off as Carol sat down beside you again and pulled you towards her once more “If you’re sure” Carol said, pressing a kiss to your head as you snuggled against her “Did you mean what you said?” You asked softly, looking at her and watching her furrow her brows “What you told Skye, about the two mom’s thing… You know she took that seriously” you said, looking at her and you watched as Carol sat up some and looked at you “Of course I did, even if we don’t work out, I want to be in Skye’s life” she said, her loving Skye already and knowing she should’ve talked to you about it first, but she really felt that way towards Skye.

“Okay” you said after a beat, snuggling back against her before opting for laying your head in her lap and closing your eyes when she ran her fingers gently through your hair “You asked me on our date the other day why we moved here” you said, keeping your eyes closed as Carol just hummed but you felt her eyes on you “My ex… Scott, he left me when Skye was one and I was still struggling to get through school… I pushed through the remainder of school and got my diploma, but I couldn’t live there anymore after working in New York for a year, everything reminded me of him and I needed to get away” you said, opening your eyes when you felt Carol’s hand still on your head.

After a moment, Carol looked down at you and laced her fingers with yours “I’m so sorry that happened, know that I will be here as long as you’ll have me” she said, looking at you and leaning down, capturing your lips with hers “And I’ll be here as long as you’ll have me” you whispered, pulling her back down again before smiling as she sat back up and the two of you went back to watching the movie, you falling asleep to he fingers threading gently through your hair.

~~~~~

About a month later, you were getting ready for Skye’s last t-ball game of the summer when you heard a knock at the door “Carol, you know you don’t have to knock-Scott” you said, freezing when you saw him standing there “Who’s Carol?” He asked, looking at you with an eyebrow raised and you about to say something when Skye came into the room “Daddy?” She asked, looking at him and watching as he smiled at her “Hey sweetheart” he said, kneeling down and holding his arms out, only for him to drop them when she hid behind you “What are you doing here, Scott?” You asked, looking at him as he stood up and resting a hand on Skye’s head.

“I wanted to see you, to talk to you” Scott said, stepping inside before you could do anything “I want to be a family again” he said, taking a step closer to you and you took a step back “You lost that chance when you walked out on us or did you forget about that?” You snapped, glaring at him and wishing you would’ve told Carol to come here before the game like she had wanted to “We have to go” you said, going to walk past him when he grabbed your arm rather harshly “No, we are talking!” He shouted, tightening his grip on you when you tried to fight him and looking at the table when your phone vibrated since you guys were now late for the game, having been running late in the first place.

You looked at Skye and nodded your head to the phone “No, don’t you dare” Scott said, pointing a finger at her and you looked at him “If no one answers that phone then they will come looking” you said, looking at him and watching as he debated before he walked over and grabbed the phone, handing it to you “Answer it” he said, shoving it into your hand and you saw it was Carol “Hey” you answered, knowing you had to do something to let her know something was off “Where are you guys?” Carol asked, the game starting in a few minutes and you guys were never late, at least not with a call ahead of time first “Something came up, we have to head out and help Maria with something” you said, hoping she understood your meaning “What? Oh, okay that’s fine, we’ll be alright, hope it goes well” she said, the two of you saying your goodbyes before you hung up.

~~~~~

“Maria, I need you to take charge for a bit” Carol said, looking at her and not giving her much of an explanation before she rushed to her car and peeled out of the parking lot “Come on come on” she muttered, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel “Please be okay, please be okay” she said, you and Skye having been through a lot in the past two weeks alone, first your mother’s death and now whatever this was.

After a bit, she pulled into your driveway and saw a vehicle she had never seen before, her making her way around the house and peeking through Skye’s window, seeing Skye sitting on her bed so she gently knocked on the window and gestured for Skye to open it, her carefully climbing inside and pulling Skye to her “Daddy has mommy” she said softly, burying her face in Carol’s chest and Carol giving her a squeeze before she handed her her phone “You know how to call 911, right?” She asked, looking at her and smiling when she nodded before Carol carefully helped her out the window “You call and stay right there, okay?” She said, looking at her and watching her nod before Carol poked her head out into the hallway, seeing you sitting at a table with a man she didn’t know.

“We’re fine here, we have a new life here, we’re better off without you” you said, standing abruptly only for him to grab your already bruising wrist once more and forcing you back down “We’re a family, Y/N” he said, looking at you and his head snapping in Carol’s direction when she spoke up “Some shitty family member you are, let her go” she said, looking at him and glancing at you when he fully turned towards her “Carol…” You said softly, looking at her and wincing when Scott tightened his grip on you “This your new bitch?” He asked, looking at you and forcing you to look at him when you didn’t say anything “She’s not a bitch, she’s my girlfriend and treats me better than you ever did!” You snapped, letting out a gasp when he slapped you and shoved you back, you immediately holding your face where he had just slapped you.

Carol growled when she saw him slap you but she couldn’t do anything, not without risking your safety with it “Touch her again and see what happens” she said, glaring at him and watching as he just laughed “What are you going to do about it?” He asked, stepping up to her and shoving her, only for her to grab his arm and force it painfully behind his back, kicking the back of his legs and effectively knocking him to the ground, slamming his head down against the hardwood floor and knocking him out “That” she breathed, making sure he was out before she rushed to you.

“Are you okay?” She asked, cupping your face gently before pulling you into a hug after you nodded “Never again am I leaving you two out of my sight” she said, kissing your head and just holding onto you “I love you” she admitted, that making you pull back with a look of shock on your face before you smiled and cupped her face “I love you too” you said, pulling her in for a kiss just as sirens rang in the distance.

~~~~~

A few weeks later, you looked up when the door opened and Carol walked in with some bags of groceries, her having moved in a few days after the incident “You are a lifesaver” you said, you having run out of some ingredients for the bbq “Of course I am” she chuckled, holding the bag out of your reach until you kissed her “Where’s squirt?” She asked, taking a carrot off the veggie tray and biting into it “Outside with Monica while Maria, James, Rhonda, and George talk at the table” you said, pulling the bbq sauce out “We need a bigger table” Carol chuckled, smiling at you as she watched you get the last bit ready “We do, but for now, help me carry this outside? We have hungry people” you said, giving her a smile as you guys carried the remainder of the food outside, you all falling into conversation as you all got your food and got comfortable, you glad that you had found yourself a nice little family in this small town.

Permanent Taglist: @rianncreates / @natasha-danvers / @youngandwildx7 / @stewie-castle / @hopingforbarnes

End Note: I hope you guys enjoyed!! If you’d like to be added to a Taglist, shoot me an ask and it’ll be answered when I return!! Have a good day/night!! :)

Requests Closed

#carol danvers x reader #carol danvers x fem!reader #carol x reader #carol danvers imagine #marvel x reader #marvel

141 notes · View notes

eleanorbloom · 4 years ago

Text

Love Actually Is... (Bryce x MC)

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x f! MC (Eleanor Bloom)

Word Count: 5k

Warnings: Fluff and some curse words. Rated T.

Summary: Eleanor is feeling down and Bryce has a very particular way to cheer her up.

Taglist @utterlyinevitable @choicesficwriterscreations @starrystarrytrouble @lahellacute @lucy-268 @cinnamonspongecake @romewritingshop @bratzlahela @freckles-spangledvampire @mercury84choices @curiousconch @openheartfanfics

_________

“

4 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS.

“Bryce, love, what are you doing?” I shouted from the couch in the living room toward our room. My voice was husky and nasal because I had been crying for the past hour, and I was drying my puffy and reddened eyes for the umpteenth time that evening. I was frustrated, sad, and angry, but I was doing my best to move on, “We have to decide what are we gonna do on Christmas Eve. I’ll go to the grocery store tomorrow.”

No response. For a moment I thought he was in the bathroom, or sleeping, but then I heard some rummaging in the room, so I knew for sure he should’ve heard me.

"Goldie, what are you up to?" I insisted as Bryce didn't respond to me nor approached the living room in the next minute. I was about to get up from my seat when I saw him coming out of our bedroom with a smirk on his face and some strange clothes on. He was wearing a white buttoned shirt and black cotton pants, very different from the dark jeans and green Henley he was wearing ten minutes ago.

I frowned.

“Love, why are you wearing that? You have a wedding I wasn’t aware of?” I asked, watching him come to the living room.

“Wait and see.” He simply replied as he was scrolling through his phone, and then walked to the big windows of the living room.

Outside there was the reason for my disappointment, of my anger. It was dark, stormy, and really, really cold. The glass of the window was completely frosted, so the streetlights barely could percolate through the thick layer of snow in the glass.

One more click and a few notes started playing in the home sound system. Bryce, giving me his back, started swaying his hips.

I knew those notes. My mind was racing, trying to decipher where I had listened to them. “Is this…?”

Your eyes tell me how you want me

“Oh my god.”

I can feel it in your heart beat

Then Bryce took slow steps backward and turned her face to wink at me, all seductive and teasing while he was singing along with The Pointer Sisters. Then he pointed a finger to me while his hips started rocking toward my way.

I started laughing instantly, of course. The way he was looking at me and how smooth his movements were would never stop to amaze me. But it was also a mix of fun and tenderness, because he was acting like a character from my favorite Christmas movie, Love Actually, only to cheer me up, so even if I was laughing my ass off, I was pretty emotional too.

He kept moving and singing until he reached the center of the living room, and then changed his steps. Now he was moving to the sides with open arms and legs, moving his head to the beat. The whole step was hilarious, but he was doing it even funnier with his confident smirk and his expert motions, exceeding the very well presentation Hugh Grant did in the movie. It was like he was born to do that scene.

“I’ll take you down, I’ll take you doooown, where no one’s ever gone before”

“Love, oh my god!” I said wiping the tears off my eyes, as was crying again, but this time for a very pleasant reason.

We were so immersed in the dance that none of us heard the sound of keys in the lock, and the door cracking open. Just when the door slammed shut, we realized Keiki was there, staring at Bryce with a puzzled look and biting her lips to not burst out of laugh.

“What the hell are you doing, weirdo?”

“Jump in and feel my touch! Jum if you want to taste my kisses!” He said dancing towards her, rocking his hips teasingly, and Keiki gave him a horrified look as he saw him dancing around her. “Hi Keiks, welcome home.”

“No! I’m leaving! I should’ve never come back! Nikka, take me with youuu!!" She screamed as she pretended she was asking her best friend to rescue her.

Then she turned to me, as I was cackling louder than ever, “Ella, are you okay with this?” she asked me with a mix of disappointment and amusement, taking a seat beside me.

“Keiki, it’s hilarious.”

“Jump! You want to taste my kisses in the night then”—Suddenly Bryce jumped to the empty space beside me and started dancing over, moving his butt over me. “Jump, jump for my love!”

“Eeewww Bryce!” Keiki squealed, covering her eyes with both hands. “Honestly, I don’t know how you can live with this weirdo, share a bed with this clown, Ella.” Her cheeks were flushed, partly because of the embarrassment but mostly because she was trying so hard not to laugh.

“Well, I mean, you live with him too, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but you consciously chose him. And I bet you already knew how ridiculous he was before agreeing to be his girlfriend. I literally had no choice.”

Bryce jumped to the floor again and then squeezed to sit in the middle of me and Keiki.

“Oh, come on little sistah, don't be such spoilsport," He said “Are you thirsty? Can I offer you a glass of wotah? Or maybe a cup of tea?”

“Oh my god, Ella what the hell did you give him? Did he smoke anything?”

“Dear lord! Where are your modals, Keiki? Your Governess would be ashamed of how rude you are behaving with your beloved older brother.”

“Okay, I’m going to my room now.”She said as she was trying to stand up from the couch but Bryce stopped her.

“But darling, tell me first how was your day? The mall was too crowded?”

“A living hell, but now I realize it was better than this hell.”

“Oh, and what will be my Christmas present? Did you found that lovely china cups I’ve been dreaming about so much these past months?”

“Will you ever stop talking like you’re auditioning for Downton Abbey. Ella, please talk some sense into him.” She looked at me, pleading, and I couldn’t help but tease her even more.

"Keiki, darling, wot is wrong with ya? Why are you speaking this strange accent? One way to the shopping mall and you’re all American? The Queen would be ashamed of you!”

“I can’t believe this, you of all people, Eleanor?” She was disappointed, but I could tell she was enjoying the whole exchange.

“Stop complaining, you stupid sandwich!” Bryce shouted in his best Gordon Ramsay personification. “It’s almost Christmas, laugh a little, child!”

“Sandwich? Did I hear Sandwich?” I asked with a mischievous smirk on my face.

That was our intern joke. Whenever or wherever we would say the word sandwich…

“Noooooo, sandwich nooooo, dam….n…”

We would sandwich the last person to react. So Bryce and I wrapped Keiki into a tight hug, sandwiching her.

"SANDWICH!" We squealed happily.

“Please, help me, god." She pleaded, feigning annoyance. “I can’t believe you are 29 and behave like 10 years old kids. Worse, like you were 5!"

“Don’t play the dumb, Keiks, you like being sandwiched.” Bryce defied. After a moment, she surrendered and gave him broad smile.

"Only because I have no other option but to accept your weird ways of showing love."

"We have more adult ways, but you don't like them either." I added, then Bryce and I squeezed her a bit more, to finally release her from our grip, "Aaaand you’re free”

“Thank god” She sighed loudly. “Why all this fuss, though? You two were watching Love Actually again? Or is this your normal mode before Christmas?”

“No, I was just trying to cheer Elle on.”

“Why? What happened?”

“They canceled the flights due to the snowstorm for the next two days so… we’re not going to Chile.”

“Oh, no.” She whispered. I could see the disappointment in her eyes. We have been waiting for this trip for weeks, maybe even months. “I’m so sorry, Ella. I know this was important to you. I was really looking forward to traveling to Chile too.”

“I know... That’s what has me so sad and angry…” I shook my head, trying to shake off the bad emotions. “So, well, you know your brother, he likes to ridicule himself to make me laugh, so he was doing just that.”

“Ridicule myself, excuse me? That’s was a terrific presentation, it was divine! The Queen would be so pleased! So would Hugh Grant!”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, bro.” She rolled her eyes “So, what are we gonna do?”

“Well, have Christmas Eve dinner here and maybe join our friends on Christmas Day? If you’re okay with that, of course.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” She smiled. “Whatever helps me not spend the whole day with you two, weirdos”

I chucked.

“Excellent, I let them know we’ll joining them on Friday”

After we discussed the menu and we came up with a complete grocery store list, Keiki finally stood up from the couch. “Well, now that we are ready with that, I’m gonna laid down a bit. You two are exhausting, you know that? I only hope you’re not this impossible on Christmas Eve.”

Bryce and I watched Keiki walking to her room with two bags in hand at a light pace.

“That was Keiki or is Ethan ventriloquizing Keiks somewhere?” Bryce asked once his sister got into her room.

“She’s a teenager, love. I bet you were that grinch too.”

“Well, yeah, but not that grinch.”

“Maybe she’s right and we really are impossible.”

“Yeah, but she cannot know.” We both laughed. “Let's behave until New Year's Day."

“Deal.”

2 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS.

As I wasn’t going to be out of town for the next days before Christmas, I went to work so I could have those free days in the future.

I was checking on a patient when my pager went off. “MEETING IN 10 MINUTES.”

After updating the chart and checking one more patient, I walked toward the Diagnostic Team Office. When I entered, ready to sit in my usual spot between Ethan and Baz, I was surprised as I found Baz sitting in my spot and Ethan on Baz's. The rest of the spots were full of papers, so the only option was sitting in Ethan's spot, next to the whiteboard and facing the glass wall.

"Have a seat, Eleanor," Ethan said as he noticed my worry.

“Ooookay. So, what’s the matter?”

“Cleveland Clinic called to report a new symptom, and I think this might be our cue to provide some alternatives to their Diagnostic Team.”

“Oh, okay.”

Ethan was explaining the new symptoms when something behind the glass walls caught my attention. Two blinds were partially closed while the other two were opened, revealing everything outside the hallway.

A figure in a red turtleneck sweater with a snowman in the middle, a red Santa hat, and something white on his arms.

Then I realized it was Bryce and what he was grabbing with his arms were big white cards.

When he realized I recognized him, he winked at me, giving me his usual dashing smile.

Ethan kept talking, ignoring that I was kind of unfocused. I couldn’t help but give glances to the wall behind him, wondering what was happening out there.

Then Bryce put the cards in position.

“PRETEND IT’S A BEE”

My eyes widened but I tried to dissimulate. Ethan kept talking.

“I KNOW YOU’RE STILL DOWN”

I smiled sadly.

“I GUESS MY SEXY DANCING WASN’T ENOUGH”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, so Ethan noticed and looked at me confused. Then he looked where I was looking, so Baz did.

"For the love of God," Ethan said pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Please ignore him.”

Bryce continued.

“SO HERE I AM, TRYING AGAIN”

I shook my head and bit my lower lip, resisting the laugh.

“I KNOW WE’RE AT WORK, BUT LET ME SAY”

“WITHOUT HOPE OR AGENDA”

“JUST BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS”

“AND IN CHRISTMAS YOU TELL THE TRUTH”

“TO ME, YOU’RE PERFECT”

“Awww” I heard Baz squeal. I couldn’t help but chuckle at his reaction.

“AND MY WASTED HEART WILL LOVE YOU”

“UNTIL YOU LOOK LIKE THIS”

And in the next card, there was a photo of me, sleeping, with my open mouth and all, completely oblivious that someone was taking me a picture.

Baz laughed again and even Ethan chuckled.

"Oh my god," I covered my face with both hands in embarrassment.

“SORRY, THAT WAS LAST NIGHT.”

“Son of a…”

“BUT I DO LOVE YOU EVEN IF YOU LOOK LIKE THAT”

“OR LIKE THIS”

This time it was a photo of me, sick, about three months ago. The three in the office laughed. Even Ethan was enjoying the spectacle.

“AND I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL YOU LOOK LIKE THIS”

“(I SWEAR THIS TIME IS TRUE)”

And there was a picture of ashes.

“OR MAYBE UNTIL YOU LOOK LIKE THIS”

There was a picture of a koala.

“WHETHER YOU BECOME ASHES OR REENCARNATE IN A KOALA”

“OR IF YOU LIVE SEVEN OR TEN LIFES”

“I’LL FIND MY WAY TO YOU”

“AND I’LL KEEP LOVING YOU AND CHEERING YOU UP ALL YOUR LIVES.”

“MERRY CHRISTMAS KOALITA.”

“YOUR GOLDIE THAT LOVES YOU VERY MUCH.”

By then there were tears all over my face. I was sobbing. Without thinking too much, I stood up from my chair and ran outside where he was leaning the cards against the wall.

“Hmpf!” He said when I crushed against him. I pressed my face to his chest and sobbed. He stroked my hair softly. “Hey… I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you cry” He muttered softly. I shook my head. “I wanted to cheer you on, baby koala”

A few seconds later, I parted from him. His sweater was stained with my tears, and my face was a complete mess. “It’s fine, it’s just… I thought you wouldn't notice. I didn't want you to notice."

“Love, of course I’d notice, and I’d feel horrible if I didn’t, honestly. It’s okay if you’re still angry and sad. You can rant with me, you know that, right?”

“I know, it’s just that… I didn’t want to bore you with my emotional mess. I know this is something out of my hands and I should just accept it… but I’d been months waiting for this.”

“I know baby, I’d been too, and I’m really sorry we couldn’t make it, but you don’t have to pretend, not with me. If you’re feeling sad, I wanna be there for you, alright?”

“Okay, love. You’re right. It’s just… Ahhh!” I grunted in frustration and I buried my face deeper in his chest for a moment “I really want you to meet my abuela. And my tata. And cousins and… Just everyone. And I want them to meet you.”

“We’ll make it, gorgeous. We’ll find the perfect time to travel, I promise. In the meantime, I'll try to cheer you on while you're sad, okay?”

I nodded and he kissed me on my forehead.

"Thank you, my love."

Just then, Baz went out of the office.

“You know I’m team Zines” He stated, and then shook his head “But you two make it really difficult to maintain my position."

I chuckled.

“It’s your brother after all, I get it.”

"Just know that you're in second place in my hashtag relationship goals." I nodded. “And you, mate” He added, looking directly at Bryce “I don't know why you're still alive. With those pictures...”

I gave a stony glare to Bryce.

“Oh, yeah, don’t think I’ve forgotten, Bryce Lahela! When we get home…!”

“Ooof, I better go," Baz announced.

“But the meeting?”

Baz snorted and kept walking. I turned around and Ethan was leaned against the window looking at us, serious. “I thought you couldn’t be cheesier, Lahela, but here you are, always proving me wrong.”

"And I pretend to keep proving you wrong,"

Ethan rolled his eyes.

“Wait… Ethan, you knew about this?”

“Obviously. Do you think this jackass would dare to interrupt me? In a meeting?”

“Well, yeah?”

“Eleanor Andrea Bloom how dare you!” Bryce scowled at me.

“You should know better than me that he’s wiser than it seems, Eleanor.”

“Well… actually yes, it makes sense, but I also know that you would never agree to this.”

“Maybe I was feeling generous just because it’s Christmas.”

"Thanks, buddy, I owe you one."

“By this time, like a hundred. And I'm not your buddy. How many times do I have to tell you?"

“Thank you, Ethan, really.”

“Don’t thank me. Just don’t ask me something like this never again.”

And he started walking toward the elevator, leaving us alone in the hallway.

Bryce took the cards and we went inside the office.

"Now… explain to me when the fucking hell did you take that photo?"

“Ooooof Keiki is waiting for me at home, gotta go, babe…”

I took his wrist. “Bryce. Explain. Now.”

"I always take random pics of you, I thought you knew. Reading, sleeping, cooking… At work… This one… I might have taken it like two months ago? When you had 24 hours shift and a bear could've fallen over you and you wouldn't have felt it."

I giggled. “I can’t even be mad at you for embarrass me in front of my colleagues.”

“I know, my charms are irresistible, mad-proof.”

“Don’t tempt fate, darling.”

“Is that a threat?”

Bryce leaned towards me, just a breath away. His warm breath, smoky with coffee and sweet with cream and sugar made me thirsty. I really wanted to resist, but it was hard. Besides, what was the point? I wasn't even mad at him. If all, just melted. Of course, he knew that, he knew he could advantage of that, like he knew I would forgive him for such embarrassment just because he was cute and handsome. I mean, I don't even have to explain to you what effect he has on me, you have seen him in action a couple of times by now. So I just gulped as I was looking into his lips quirking in a smug smile, trying so hard to resist…

“Maybe not now but-” I try to retort but he silenced me with a kiss. I could’ve moved my face, push him away… But I’m weak around him. He knows it perfectly well.

“You talk too much, babe.”

“How da…”? He silenced me again with another kiss. Marvelous and breathtaking. He smiled against my lips.

I can’t resist him. I’m weak. I can be strong for a lot of things, I can set my mind for a lot of things, but when it comes to him… I’m so weak. But at that moment it felt so right to give in. Because the whole surprise and the way he was there to soothe me really helped me heighten my spirits, he helped me accept that I couldn't travel but everything would be alright because he was with me, and he would be right by my side in case things turn dark again.

CHRISTMAS DAY.

Despite the sadness that we were feeling, especially me, for not being able to travel to Chile, we had a great dinner, and we behave like adults for Keiki’s sake.

And the dinner was especially delicious because it was made by the three of us. Sometimes it’s concerted, sometimes it’s improvised, but when the three of us are in the kitchen, the meal is always more gratifying. For the collaborative work and for the bond. For the memories. Cooking together will always remember us of the night Keiki came into our lives. The night I met her and the night Bryce saw her again after ten years. So every time we do it, it reminds us of how far we have come.

How far Bryce and Keiki have come after struggling for his ten-year absence for months after she came back into his life.

How far Keiki and me we have come after she finally accepted me in her life, because she came to Boston to have his brother back, and instead, and she won a new sister too, even if at some point it didn’t seem like she was happy with that.

How far we have come Bryce and me, as partners, as roommates.

How far we have come the three of us as a family.

It makes us proud of ourselves and the way we congratulate each other is by sharing something we as a family prepared.

When I woke up that morning, Bryce was already up, making breakfast in the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas babe," He said, kissing me on the lips, before slicing a berries pie I had bought for Christmas morning.

“Feliz Navidad, amor," I said giving him a mischievous smirk. He loves when I speak in Spanish, if you know what I mean.

Just then, Keiki appeared in the living room.

"Merry Christmas! Can we open our presents now?"

“Oooh, looks who woke up with lots of energy and cheerfulness!”

“Don’t ruin it, Bryce!” I said, nudging his shoulder.

"Thank you, Ella."

I sprinted towards her and hugged her. "Merry Christmas, Keiks!”

“SANDWICH!” I heard from the kitchen.

“Sandwich!” Keiki shouted instantly, and the next thing I knew is that Bryce was hugging me from behind. It was my turn to be sandwiched by the Lahela siblings. “Why I feel like I’m being sandwiched even if I’m supposed to be the bread? You’re so invasive, Bryce.”

After a few seconds, they let me go, so we all approached the Christmas tree and started distributing the presents. First, we gave Keiki her presents, then Bryce’s, and then it was my turn to receive presents.

We normally give hints the month before of what things we need or want and this time I honestly didn’t want too much. Just a new gloves for the cold (which Keiki gave me), maybe some new book and a supersonic hairdryer. I had been hallucinating with it for the past month because the reviews say that it cuts the hair drying time in more than half, so it was really looking forward to having five minutes more of sleep each morning because now it wouldn't take me that much dry my hair. Plus, it leaves the hair shinier than normal hairdryers.

I talked about it three or four times the past weeks, and Bryce catches everything. Sometimes there are times when Bryce notices first than me when I’m pissed off about something, so it was impossible that he wouldn’t know what I wanted for Christmas.

And what I received as a Christmas present instead? A box full of pens and sticky notes and cute notebooks.

"Oh, this is cute," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Oh, and it has a puppy! A goldie like you!”

“Yeah, that’s why I picked that one, I know you would love it," Bryce said, smirking at me.

“Thank you, this is very useful!”

Then we went to have breakfast on the kitchen island. After a few minutes, the disappointment dispersed but still. Pens, sticky notes, and notebooks. What the fuck? That would’ve fitted Keiki better than me. A teenager me, maybe even a Med School student me, but not an in-half-a-year-I’ll-be-attending me! I couldn’t believe it.

When we were done, I got up to put the dishes in the dishwasher, but Keiki stopped me.

“Don’t worry, I’ll do this.” She said, grabbing the mugs before I could reach them.

“Let’s have some sleep before we go to see the guys, babe” Bryce took my hand and led me to our room.

I sat in the bed and when I leaned to place my head on the pillow, I felt something hard under it.

I furrowed. Bryce was staring at me, biting his lip. I moved the pillow and I found a box wrapped in snowy gift paper with a red ribbon. When I opened it… there it was, the freaking supersonic hairdryer.

“Oh my god! This is… This is what I wanted!”

"I know," He said, smiling.

“You did it on purpose?”

I heard a laugh at the entry of the room where Keiki was walking towards us with her phone on hand, recording.

“I bet Joni Mitchell was playing in your head the whole breakfast, am I right? I’ve looked at clouds from both sides nooooow”

“You…”

At that moment it hit me.

"Okay, so now I'm the crying wife? You made the fool of me as Harry did with Karen?" I said throwing the pillow at him. “And you helped him, Keiki!”

"Hey, in my defense, it was a joke, I didn't buy this hair dryer for my secretary or something."

“Oh, so I should thank you that you’re not cheating on me? You made my breakfast bitter! Sticky notes! What the hell!”

By this time, Keiki was sitting at the edge of the bed, still laughing but looking at me cautiously in case I would throw her another pillow.

“Hey, I had planned to do this in Chile, which means… you would’ve opened the gift at midnight and not until the next morning you would’ve found out what was your real gift.”

I shook my head.

“You really got me.”

“I know. It was painful seeing your disappointment, but totally worth it after seeing your reaction with the real gift.”

“And now we can watch it every night before sleeping if we want” Keiki teased.

I scowled at her, but then I just chuckled as I felt a sentiment of thankfulness and joy invading me. Bryce, and Keiki too, had been doing tons of things to cheer me up the last few days, and even if at that moment I still wished I was here, I felt so complete, because despite all, there we were, laughing, boding, teasing each other, in our natural selves. Just as families do and I was thankful for the family I had. The family I chose.

“Thank you, both of you, for cheering me up these last few days while I was so gloomy and weepy."

“That’s what family is for. They stick with you no matter what.” He kissed my cheek. “And to prank you even when you’re down”

”

“Oh dear, I can’t stop laughing, he really got you!” Ofelia giggled, wiping a tear off her cheek.

Eleanor stared at her grandmother by her side and followed suit, releasing a hearted laugh. "Yeah, and I couldn't believe it. I mean, I’m always very grateful for whatever he gives me… But a box of sticky notes, lela? I was so sure he knew what I wanted... But it was all a prank in the end. The last scene of a very Love Actually Christmas."

“You never have a dull time with him, do you?"

"Never. He always finds a way to make a difference, and even on normal days, when we are tired and bored and none of us have the energy for anything else than lie down on the bed… even like that, he somehow makes it feel special."

"Mmmm yes, he does have a way to bring out the best in people and the best in any situation."

"Yup, that's definitely him." Eleanor smiled fondly, watching as Bryce was cheerily speaking with her grandfather at the other side of the table, sharing tips about how to make the perfect barbecue. Bryce didn't know a thing about barbecues, but he was learning the Chilean way.

They had arrived two days ago in company of Keiki and had planned to spend a couple of days there, getting to know the family and then they would take a tour around the south of the country, especially Chiloé and Torres del Paine for a week or so, and then they would return to her grandparents house for the proper farawell before getting back to Boston.

A few moments later Bryce turned his head and winked at her.

Eleanor couldn't help but smile goofily at him.

"It's so rare what you've found here, dear, and in such short time" Ofelia continued, after noticing the exchange between the couple. Eleanor gave her a puzzled glare "What do you mean?"

"The devotion you two have for each other. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes people get married without having it, but you already have it. And it's so hard to find, Ellie, because you can kiss and sleep with anyone thinking it's love, you can even get married and have kids without even love the other person, or just believing it's love when sometimes is just comfort or an illusion. But you two…" She gave a quick glance to Bryce and then to Eleanor "You don't even have to tell me to know you're in love because the way you look at each other, the way you care about each other speak volumes."

"You really think so, lela?" Her eyes shined with hope.

"I do. The way he cares about you and brings out the best of you, the way you admire him and push him to be a better brother, a better friend, a better partner. That's what love actually is, making each other better and be happy with the simpler things in life, and you two have it, without a doubt. And you know what? That's the kind of relationship everyone should aspire to have for the rest their lives and you two are lucky to have it.”

Eleanor stared at the resolution with whom her grandmom was speaking and she knew it was all honesty. She felt relieved because there was someone outside her that thought that too. Sometimes she used to think it was too soon, but now was realizing that maybe it was alright. It was all real.

She had known it since she realized she was in love with Bryce, and it became more clear when they moved together, but now the truth was undeniable and more palpable than ever: Bryce was the man she will spend her whole life with.

Bryce was the man she was going to marry.

_____

A/N: Merry Christmas everyone and happy holidays! I hope you all enjoyed the day (or the days) despite the sad circumstances.

Special thanks to Conch @curiousconch for helping me with the initial ideas of this fic, I think without your support and ideas, I don’t think this fic would’ve turned out the way it did without our brainstorming session, so thank you so much!

And thanks to Ruby @starrystarrytrouble for encouranging me and sending me motivation to keep writing it despite my blocks and being out of ideas, thank you dear, I hope you enjoyed this!

Thank you all for reading!

I hope you all have an amazing week, and my best wishes to each and every one of you in the year that’s about to start soon.

A big hug!

#bryce lahela #Bryce x MC #Bryce Lahela x MC #Open Heart #Open Heart Choices #Playchoices #Pixelberry #Choices #Choices Stories You Play #Open Heart Fanfic #Open Heart Fanfiction

36 notes · View notes