#CAN I WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOW GALE

[avonne-writes]

[ GIFT ] sender gives receiver a present (specify)

Aw I have to request this cause Bucky gift giving is the sweetest thing ever. Happy birthday week ☀️

Thank you so much! ❤️ I decided to write this in my friends with benefits au 🥰

Gale licks the ice cream off his spoon serenely as Bucky fidgets opposite him, sideways in his seat. Bucky's eyes track the motion, so Gale makes sure to drag it out and show how much he enjoys it. Not a hard feat to pull off when one likes it as much as he does. The taste, the thick liquid on his tongue, the spoon pressing down... Bucky's attention is a bonus. It’s nice to have it, especially now that Gale knows he can touch those thick thighs if he plays his cards right.

Bucky drums his fingers on his own forearm, then shifts again. Gale scoops up another spoonful and puts it in his mouth. He draws it out, his eyes on Bucky the whole time. He wonders if Bucky realizes that Gale had him figured out the moment he showed up with his jacket draped over his arm and refused to leave it at Gale’s place even though it's hot and sunny outside.

There’s something in that jacket he’s trying to hide. When he started his telltale restless shifting, Gale’s suspicion became certainty. It’s a gift, and Bucky's thrumming with excitement as he waits for the perfect moment to "surprise" Gale with it. God help him, Gale finds it endlessly endearing. He doesn’t want it to stop. Like good sex, he wants to enjoy it as long as possible even if it means denying himself the climax a little longer.

"Need some help with that?" Bucky jerks his chin towards Gale's melting dessert.

Gale debates his options, but his longing to act like Bucky's boyfriend wins over his desire to drag this out as long as possible. He takes a spoonful of ice cream and holds it out, heart fluttering when Bucky barely falters before leaning forward and letting Gale feed it to him. Thank God that Bucky had a cone instead of a cup, leaving them with only one spoon and just enough willingness to go with the excuse.

"You can leave it if you don’t wanna eat the whole thing." Bucky says, squirming in anticipation again.

Gale scoops more liquid ice cream into his mouth. Heat pools in his stomach when he thinks about the fact that he’s sucking on the spoon that has just been in Bucky's mouth. "What's the rush, you have a date or something?"

"I wish." Bucky sighs wistfully, and, well, that does sting. "I'm just... uh, bored."

It's painful enough that Gale’s appetite, for ice cream or anything else, vanishes as if it never existed. He puts down the spoon and pushes his cup away, then moves to stand. "Didn't they teach you how to sit still in first grade?"

"They gave up on the first day."

Bucky lets their elbows brush together as they start walking towards the exit. He grins wide and bright, and all of Gale's disappointment succumbs to the butterflies in his stomach that set off at the sight. As they leave the café and step into the bright summer sunshine that lights up the green grass of the park, Bucky reaches into the jacket he keeps carrying around and pulls something out.

"Got you something to celebrate your paper."

Gale takes it and turns it around in his hands. It's a mug. Dark as the night sky, a spaceship doodle and a dorky text breaking it up with white lines. 'Forget princess, I want to be an astrophysicist'.

It doesn't even make sense why Bucky wanted to give it to him now and not in the café, but Gale doesn’t mention that. He just runs his thumb over the cool ceramic and tries not to smile like he’s in love. Wouldn’t do them any good if he did. "Thanks."

Bucky throws his arm around Gale's shoulders. "You should give me a best friend of the year award."

I would if I didn’t know that you’ll break my heart, Gale thinks, but he just keeps on walking forward. "Don’t count on it." He says, and Bucky laughs.

[bcolfanfic]

Hiii!!! to take your mind to kinder and softer things: any headcannons on josies first birthday with clegan?? will her uncles and aunts come by with truly threatrical gifts that sends buck and buckys eye twitching? will she demand to be carried around by her uncle croz and never be put down for a second? will there be some godawful birthday games that leaves her uncle curt a trip to the er because a game of pin the tail on the donkey is supremely misunderstood? will there be a quieter celebration during the nights bedtime where bucky brushes back her hair and sings happy birthday softly and buck uncharacteristically plays air guitar bc hes ever so freely playful in front of his two favorite people?

i hope everything goes well for you today and tomorrow!! sending love your way ♥️

she’s just a girl living in wyoming, of course it’s horse themed.

gale and bucky have to put it (in bold) on the invitations they send out to the guys that under no circumstances are they to get her a horse, please.

demarco texts bucky and asks on a scale of 1-10 how mad he’d actually be if someone you know- hypothetically,

an 11. we are renting one that will go back to it’s horse house at the end of the day, so don’t worry about making up for us depriving our child.

this is the first real birthday celebration she’s ever had which makes gale emotional in the lead up when they’re talking about it and she doesn’t really get it.

he gets that- he never really had birthday parties growing up either. getting to do different by his little daughter makes his heart warm.

she has a few little friends from school there but it is mostly the guys and their various families that came into town for the the festivities. and josie kinda ditches her little school friends for them, whoops.

especially her moon and sun and stars uncle crosby.

has a little moment where she gets jealous of the attention he’s giving to his youngest who is just shy of a year old. and matter o-factly informs him it’s not that baby’s birthday, ‘s mine 😾

sweet thing she thinks the baby is cute and all just wants uncle crosby to herself. croz hands the baby off, and josie is quick to park herself in his arms before he can change his mind.

she’s absolutely big enough to walk, but it’s her birthday and she’s cute so uncle crosby does haul her around all day.

rosie rosenthal STUNS with a new talking customized pop up card of himself

he even provides him own replacement batteries this time, and gale tells him they ought to throw them away but he knows they won’t.

the guys spoil that girl rotten, and if it’s with some of the noisiest toys produced in the united states then well, so be it.

kenny is one of the few that doesn’t go the noisy toys route- he gets them a membership at a local children’s museum. and writes bucky his own card that makes him tear up.

because kenny remembers the bucky he saw spiraling overseas and that he spent years and tears so worried about. and now he’s here- and he just wants his buddy to know how proud of him he is.

curt doesn’t wind up in the ER but there is a little bit of a near miss when he gets lost in the haze and whacks his good leg with the piñata stick

sweet josie gets so worried, curt laughing through the pain when he hears her ask if they’re gonna have to cut that one off too (it’s just bruised, but she’s five and doesn’t really understand the one that had to get amputated was a little more injured)

gonna decide that gale plays the guitar in this au because why not. he picked it up after he came home from the war just to learn a new skill.

him sitting on the floor against josie’s bed playing it for her at bedtime while bucky sits in her little princess bed singing to her in his arms.

both guys get a little teary eyed- for more than one reason. because their baby is growing up, they can’t help but wish she was with them for her first four birthdays and because the road to get to where they are now singing their little daughter to sleep was long. especially for bucky.

but they made it to the good life damnit. 🩵

[amorgansgal]

Wrote a little something for me mostly! I get to be indulgent because it's almost my birthday! As Vanya is my beloved, oblivious druid I've always hc that it was actually the whole gang who had to point out she was pregnant before she caught wind of it herself, so with Astarion at the end saying she was glowing and Shadowheart basically said she was fat, my little fanfic heart got excited!

Halsin x Female Tav (Vanya)

CW: Pregnancy, references to signs and symptoms of pregnancy, alcohol consumption

‘So,’ Shadowheart sauntered over to Astarion and leaned her head close to the man. ‘I’ve heard tell you were a little more subtle than I, you said Vanya was glowing!’

‘I did. Why, what did you say?’

‘I may have said she was a little more… solid.’

Astarion almost guffawed with laughter. ‘You called the woman fat! Shadowheart, where is your grace and decorum?’

Shadowheart rolled her eyes and took another sip of the wine from the goblet she was holding. They both watched Vanya excitedly chit chat with everyone, she was currently in animated discussion with Gale and Karlach. Not much had changed and Shadowheart let out a soft, contented sigh. It was nice to see everyone, even if she had rather put her foot in it. Though she was surprised Vanya hadn’t immediately told everyone the good news.

‘Wait…’ she said and Astarion quirked a brow. ‘You don’t think… Do you think she doesn’t know?’

‘She’s a druid, isn’t all natural life sacred and important? Surely, she would be able to tell immediately.’

‘Well… Vanya can be…’ Shadowheart gestured with the wine goblet.

‘Vanya can be Vanya,’ Astarion finished for her and she gave a rueful shrug and half nod. Granted, she was one of the heroes of Baldur's Gate and granted she was a powerful druid, but Vanya could also be blithely unaware at times. Sometimes he wondered how they managed to survive and why they had all seemingly chosen her as their leader, given she had a propensity for charging into situations without forethought and relied often on blind luck and relentless optimism! She had been exhausting at the best of times, but Astarion would be lying if he ever said he wasn’t fond of her.

‘Do you think Halsin knows?’ Shadowheart asked.

‘Oh, surely, he must do! That bear nose of his must be able to tell when she is… most fertile as it were, he must’ve noticed that her courses have stopped. Is Halsin just waiting for her to figure it out or is he just-?’

‘Waiting for who to figure out what?’ Halsin’s warm baritone rumbled behind them, they both jumped and then turned around, looking rather sheepish.

‘Uh… nothing!’ Shadowheart said quickly.

Astarion sighed, she’d been much better at lying when she followed Shar. ‘We were both just commenting on some changes we’ve noted in Vanya,’ he said, waiting to see if the elf would confirm their suspicions or question them further. Halsin’s eyes twinkled in merriment and he looked over their heads at Vanya, as she smiled and gave Karlach a very happy hug.

‘I have noticed changes in her, but I think she has dismissed them. She told me first of a stomach complaint and when I lay my hands there I knew what actually ailed her. She no longer likes the taste of fish - a shame to me, but one I can live with as long as I can still hunt for boar and deer with her - and yes, her scent changes with the waxing and waning of the moon, but she has only missed two courses. I am waiting for her to realise and to tell me the news,’ Halsin said.

‘Oh! Can’t you just tell her now, Karlach would be so thrilled and Gale too, Wyll as well I’m sure…?’ Shadowheart said.

‘Nay, she will realise it in due course and we will have another excuse to meet again and celebrate.’

‘Spoilsport!’ Astarion muttered, but gave Halsin a smile. ‘Congratulations to you both.’

‘Thank you,’ Halsin replied. ‘But don’t forget to look surprised when we tell you again, in a month’s time or so.’

‘Although,’ Shadowheart mused as Gale and Vanya made their way over to the feast laden table. ‘You may wish to say something, given that there are several bottles of plum fizz on the table and Vanya is partial to that.’

‘Ah…’ Halsin said, watching Vanya’s as she eagerly picked up one of the bottles and read the label. ‘A point well made, good evening to you both,’ and with that he quickly strode over to Vanya.

‘I have a feeling we might have a revelation by the end of the evening, if Halsin does tell her. Gods knows Vanya can’t keep something like that to herself!’ Astarion said and Shadowheart laughed softly. It was good to be amongst friends again.

[edits-art-and-roleplay]

:: Warnings!! The following story is only suitable for people over 18 years old!! It includes sexual acts and a wonderful love story between two men! :: :: Please don't copy nor steal my writing. ::

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

'The couch? Seriously?', Gale's mind spoke and his gaze swept across the room, over to the fold-out couch where John could be found sleeping. It could have been much easier. The bed in this hotel room was so big that 4 people could have easily slept in it without getting in the way. Their best friend had been quite generous when he celebrated his big birthday at the fancy hotel, allowing all his friends and family to stay there. Gale and John shared a room, like in the old days when they were roommates. That's exactly how it felt now when Gale took in the distance between them.

His confession a few weeks ago that he had separated from his wife had obviously not changed anything between the two of them. He had confessed to John that he realized why John had kept his distance and it was all the more frightening that he felt exactly the same thing. That was the first time John had admitted that he was in love with Gale either. ‘Then why doesn’t anything change?’, Gale thought and let out a deep, quiet breath. Maybe he needed to make it clearer to John what he wanted.

So Gale slowly and noiselessly pushed himself up off the mattress, slid out of bed and just as noiselessly walked over to the couch. It was so frighteningly quiet that he could clearly hear John's breathing the closer he got. Reaching the edge of the couch, Gale leaned forward and down so he could gently snuggle against John's warm body.

Perhaps it was fate, a premonition or a deep-seated wish on John's part, that he kept the left arm away from the body in such a way that Gale found it comfortable, his right hand resting relaxed on the stomach. John didn't move at first, but looked happy in his sleep and it was definitely three minutes before Gale felt the slight body movement. His best friend was no longer asleep, but wide awake and aware that this was no dream. His head turned to the left, lips touched Gale's smelly and soft hair and a deep breath of contentment was heard. Gale felt it, heard the quiet heartbeat and was quite sure that this was the moment John had been longing for. Still, both of them couldn't stop teasing.

"What are you doing here?", John was heard whispering, lips resting gently against Gale's hair.

"Well, we were at a birthday party and ended up in the hotel room.", Gale smirked even though his Major couldn't see it, but he heard the gentle wheezed laughter.

"I know that. I mean, what are you doing -here-?" He emphasized the last word lovingly and the fingers of his left hand tapped almost tenderly on Gale's hip, which he had grasped from behind and pulled close to him.

"Well - I woke up in that huge and quite comfortable bed over there and couldn't bear to see you here on this rather uncomfortable couch."

"We can swap. - Uuuh ouch.", John added quickly, feeling the playful boxing in the side and that's when his laughter was heard more loudly. To his surprise, he got a kiss on the shoulder joint and grinned happily to himself with his eyes closed.

"Do you feel uncomfortable when I'm lying here?", Gale was heard asking softly and cautiously after a long moment of silence had passed and they just held each other. As if they had never had bad times, never had been separated, never went through a self chosen distance to each other.

"No not at all." The soft and relaxed tone of John's voice encouraged Gale. Not that he didn't have one, but that the closeness between them and in the here and now wasn't a problem gave him the courage to finally say what he wanted to say.

"Then never leave my side again."

"I'm here. I always was."

"But never completely and that's what I want. You by my side, without the limits we have imposed on ourselves, but rather enjoying now that we both love each other." So began a plea of love, which Gale's heart absolutely had to get off his chest. All of that had been building up in him for so long, had had to remain hidden for so long that now as he had spoken the first few sentences, he felt the pressure in his chest really painful. So he sat up, sat on the knees, shoved the slightly trembling hands between his thighs to calm him down and continued to speak with fervor. 

"It took me so long to figure out and realize why you made yourself so rare in our friendship. The worst part was not realizing why you did it, but that I would have had exactly the same reason. Namely, that I love you . And you still love me. So why does it feel like you still like the distance more than being close to me."

"Gale." He heard those whispers very close and looked straight into John's eyes, for he had long since sat up and taken his lover's hands in his own. But Gale's mind still hadn't really realized this.

"No, John. We seriously have to talk about it.", he shook his head, not wanting to interrupt the speech.

"And I want you to stop talking."

"Why? Isn't all that just as important to you anymore?"

"Yes. It is.", John smiled and now Gale finally realized how close they were, because the warm breath carried John's whisper over a very short distance to his lips. Eyes that Gale loved so much couldn't look more directly into his as he then heard. "But I finally want to kiss you."

Such a request had never set Gale's heart pounding so fast. However, when John said those words, his heart pounded so fast against the ribs that the vibration was almost unbearable. Like a newborn that sucked in the first breaths hectically and uncontrollably, his chest moved up and down so quickly and yet it was the most beautiful agony Gale had ever suffered. Their gazes never parted and when John put the warm hands on his cheeks, there was this unspeakably beautiful relief and relaxation on Gale's limbs. That feeling ran down his cheeks, down his jaw, down into his chest where it calmed the excited heart and breathing. But only until the next sensual storm blew up in him.

Magnetically attracted to each other, their faces had moved closer together and when the surfaces of their lips touched, Gale noticed that John had long since closed his eyes. Wanting to enjoy it in the same way, the eyelids drooped, letting the long lashes rest on the silky skin under the eyes, and now the inner explosion felt even more intense. This moment wasn't forced, it wasn't planned or foreseen. No, this moment was simply carried by love and enclosed the two of them like an invisible cage. Not one you were trapped in and wanted to escape as quickly as possible. God no, Gale liked to be trapped in this cage until the end of his life, knowing he was with the man he loved. Knowing he was safe, alive and his love was returned.

But this love was not only reciprocated. That love turned to passion and Gale felt John's body pushing closer and closer against his. He felt the slight twist that pushed him backwards into the pillows, the mattress snuggling up against the back and his front being gently buried beneath John's. However, he also felt the tremor that stirred up the passion and made John's muscles tremble. As soon as he became aware of this, he heard this strained moaning and stopping breathing as if his lover was fighting something.

"Major? What's going on?", Gale whispered, cupping his lover's face in both hands and hoping nothing more than that he would look at him. "Your whole body is shaking."

"I'll be fine in a second.", John muttered haltingly, suppressing the deep groan and everything about him was tense. His forehead rested on Gale's bare chest, next to whose body his hands had gripped the sheets and were tugging at them. And now it dawned on Gale what was going on.

"It's all a bit much at once, isn't it?", he grinned, doing everything he could not hear it. He now knew what was going on in John and how much he fought against lust, because he couldn't do otherwise. Neither of them had been prepared for this explosion of emotions. There was no bootcamp for that.

"A little.", John wheezed laughing, clearing his throat and now having given up the stubbornness not to look at his lover. His head slowly rose, he shifted the body weight slightly to the right forearm and tenderly stroked the side of Gale's face with the left hand. "I've waited for this moment for so long.", he whispered lovingly. "For this moment, for you, for us. Words cannot express how happy I am, Gale."

"We don't need to talk.", he sounded mischievous. "I would be very content to feel you in any sensual way."

He received no verbal reply to this request. Rather, a flood of tender kisses came towards him, which took him by storm again. John's lips were so sensual and beguilingly soft. The flowing movements of his body are so devotedly light, as if small, flat waves were pushing against the shore. It was so easy to let yourself fall into this stream, switch off your head and find relaxation. But Gale wanted more than that. He was overwhelmed with the urge to lose himself completely in John. Not only did he want to be one with him in an act that went with it, no, Gale wanted to disappear body and soul into John. Becoming one with him, sharing the same heart and soul forever.

And that's exactly what happened at that moment. With each caress of the hands, each other removed the last barrier between their bodies. With every kiss that touched the heated skin. With every stroke of the tongue, it tickled errogenic zones and tenderly made you want more. The small flame of passion had long since turned into a firestorm and Gale almost missed the moment, this one important moment, in which he now fully felt John. But John had stopped, forcing him to look at him and realize what was happening. And what happened was the best thing in their lives. Gale was totally relaxed and as they locked eyes, he felt John's hips move closer to his. It was the most beautiful way to be buried under him and to be caught by his waves. Those waves that were no longer small and flat, but that had picked up the storm from far out at sea and whipped against the shore.

Carried away by this storm, Gale's hands were wrapped around John's shoulder blades. Legs had wrapped themselves, like a passionate clamp, around the hips that rocked both their bodies. Why had they waited so long for this? Why had they allowed themselves to stay away from each other, when they really needed each other? Gale didn't know anymore. He didn't want to look back either. He wanted to stay in the here and now. At that moment, when they were finally one and bit by bit the pressure built up in him that he almost got dizzy. And just as that feeling became too aching and strong, Gale could feel their bodies giving in to the need. He could feel John's explosion and just two seconds later his own spreading hotly against their bellies. Gale wanted to scream out loud, but their kisses had muffled any loud gasps and moans before, and still did.

It wasn't until the last wave of their climax that lips parted, but faces stayed close and hectic breath rushed between mouths. Gale's fingers on John's shoulder blades relaxed again and he hadn't noticed that the fingernails had dug into the skin. Very lightly, but he felt the marks as the fingertips caressed tenderly and John seemed to whimper softly. "I'm sorry.", Gale whispered, lifting his eyelids and looking at his lover's overjoyed face.

"I'm not.", John grinned with the lascivious look and small tears had mixed between the beads of sweat on his face. "I'm not sorry for a single damn second.", he whispered, both still struggling to fill their lungs with fresh oxygen. "I love you, Gale. And I swear to you, I'll never let you go again.", he sealed these words with a heartfelt kiss and the night gave the two enough time to enjoy their togetherness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:: Thank you for taking the time to read my work. If you liked it, please tell me, share the post and/or leave a heart. If you didn't like it and you don't have anything nice to say, I'll be grateful if you don't say anything at all. God bless you all! ::

[austeenbootler]

His Baby Girl Pt 1

WC: 1.1 k

tw: none? (lmk if i missed any 😀) but this is just fluffy and a meet cute?

summary: two babies bringing their dads together and they start to fall in love. yea… enjoy ☺️

~~~~

Each day like clock work, Gale picked up his darling scarlett cleven from school. and each day he was so grateful for her. She always got in the car with a story ready to tell. but today she was off the wall happy. even let out a scream when the door closed, scaring gale a little bit. but he knew it was out of happiness.

“well someone’s happy today. what’s up princess.” He heard her shuffle through her sofia, the first backpack and slipped a bright pink envelope on the middle console. “look daddy look!” Once they reached a stop light he grabbed it and read it. his baby girl had been invited to a birthday party. “Oh my goodness baby!! I'm so happy for you!”

Honestly, Gale was tearing up. scarlett has been through so much at her young age. they had to move around a lot and she never had many friends. so this was big and he was so so happy for her. he then glanced at the details… This was in two days. He had to buy her a new outfit and a gift for this little girl. “Tell me about this little girl honey.”

“oh oh! Her name is violet. and her parents got divorced and then something happened to her mom and then her daddy went bye bye and now she lives with um m-mister egan. but she now calls him daddy! She's so pretty daddy and her favorite color is purple just like her name! And she likes barbie’s just like me daddy!” Gale held back a chuckle. Little kids are amazing. He felt bad for Violet though, losing a parent so young can be traumatizing. He knew what that was like though. “Well ain’t that something… what ya reckon we get her as a present baby?”

“oooh um a barbie with a purple dress daddy! oh or purple crocs. She said her mom couldn’t get her any. says her mom couldn’t get her a lot of stuff cause they didn’t have any money. but mister egan got her a pretty purple dress… but do we have money daddy?”

Gale sighed softly to himself. He approached this carefully knowing someone at her school was gonna hear this answer. “Well baby… daddy does have a decent job and we uh were comfortable.”

“okay. What are we eating for dinner? What is Sadie gonna eat?”

“fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and chicken baby. and Sadie is gonna eat her dog food.”

~~~

Friday morning after gale dropped her off he headed to the target close to the school. He went up and down every toy aisle and there was absolutely nothing Barbie and purple. “ummm okay cool no that’s fine. lego’s.” god this was a time where he wished he could call up his wife but she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. “marge!” He quickly dug his phone out and called her, hoping she was awake. “Gale, are you okay?” He smiled hearing her voice. He missed her so much. “I'm in a toddler crisis. um scarlett has a birthday party to go to tomorrow and i don’t know what to get her. She said the little girl likes purple and barbies. there’s nothing purple left. but she also said she wanted crocs. but there’s these cute little friends lego sets.” he could hear loud cackling through the phone. He should’ve expected that. “oh cleven… I would get the lego’s and the crocs. you could change that little girl's life. crocs are like the new big thing." Gale let out a breath of relief. “thank you so much marge.” “of course honey. give scarlet a hug for me.” “will do, bye.” he grabbed the legos and crocs along with a cute bag. He also remembered to grab a cute little outfit for scarlett. making sure it was trampoline park appropriate.

By the time he had gotten everything it was time to pick up scarlett. it made his head soar when he was met with the same happiness. “Hi princess! are you ready for tomorrow?” “yes yes yes!! and guess what daddy?!” “what?!” “mister egan bought our class cupcakes today since violet's birthday is on a um… no school day!” “the weekend princess. were they yummy?” “yea! I got a vanilla one and it had sprinkles!” “oooh that does sound yummy. Do we still have room for dinner?” “Can I have chicken and rice? please” “of course you can.”

~~~~~

Saturday morning gale could not tame scarlett. He understood though. It was her first birthday party but Gale was already sweating and all he did was just get her dressed. breakfast was a whole different story. he should’ve let her eat first before getting dressed but she woke him up, outfit in hand. but the angels were watching over them as she only got her face dirty and that was a quick fix. “Alright princess, it's time to go.” He had never heard this decibel of screech. He was so surprised that the glasses didn’t break. “daddy daddy let’s go let’s go!!!” she grabbed his arm and tried dragging him along. “wait a minute daddy needs his shoes and keys.” he knew he had five seconds before a slight meltdown but god bless he got it done in three and they were off to the trampoline place.

when they got inside gale was immediately met by screaming happy children and music blaring. he smiled as scarlett got antsy wanting to join the fun. but they had to check in first. “Hi, I'm here for a birthday party for violet.” the girl smiled and directed them to the party room. there were a few parents but gales eyes landed in a tall brunette man with glasses on. he didn’t know what he felt but he was absolutely enamored by him. “Hello little scarlett! i’m so glad you could make it. you must be daddy gale?” gale felt his chest cave in hearing his name come out of his mouth. “y-yea I am. pleasure to meet you… sir.” not sensing her fathers panic scarlett tugged on his pants but before she could even ask he shooed her off before turning his attention back to egan.

his heart stopped beating when he was met with a wide smile making his cheeks redden. “hey where you from gale?” “oh i’m from south dakota.” egan let out a hum. “you look like a friend from wisconsin… buck.” “buck?” “mmhm. you um, gonna stay buck? if not, the party ends at two.” “yea i'll stay. plus i'm sure she’ll be mad if i leave.” egan let out a laugh that made gales' heart skip. he was in deep trouble.

~~~

peace love and joy 🩵

[final-girl96]

My Boyfriend's Back Chapter Fourteen

I twisted myself around and brought my free leg up and kicked. My foot smashing into his face. "Fuck!" Stu yelled. He let go of my ankle and brought his hands up to his face. I jumped to my feet and ran over to help Sidney. Billy had her on the floor, hands wrapped around her neck. I grabbed a lamp off the end stand in the corner of the room and hit him over the head with it.

Sidney pushed him off and got to her feet and we ran. I saw the gun on the floor close to where Randy was and reached down for it. "Fucking bitch! I'm going to kill you both!" Billy roared. He charged towards us and I pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot rang in my ears as I watched him stagger back and fall to the floor. Stu was now standing. He looked at Billy then up at me.

He let out a roar of frustration and anger, jumping over the couch. I pointed the gun at him but hesitated to pull the trigger. I watched as he came crashing down on the floor face first. A hand had wrapped around his ankle and pulled, knocking him off balance. I looked to see the hand belonged to Gale who had crawled from outside. Sidney pulled the gun from my hand and shot him when he tried to stand again.

I fell to the floor just staring at him. He struggled for a few minutes before his chest stopped rising and falling. His body went limp, his head falling to the side towards me. I went to move towards him until a hand landed on my shoulder. I screamed and turned around. "Sorry! Sorry!" I took a shaky breath and looked at Randy. "Randy. I thought you were dead!" I said. He nodded, "so did I. Never thought I'd be happy to be a virgin."

Sidney walked over to Billy. "Careful this is when the supposed dead killer comes back," Randy said. She got closer and kicked him with her foot but he didn't move. She looked over at me and that's when I saw him move. "Sidney!" She turned just in time and shot him between the eyes. "They don't come back in my movie," she said. A crash had us all looking over at the closet. "Dad." Sidney walked over to him and tried to help him up. Gale, can you help me?" Gale walked over to her and helped him up.

Randy stood up and went over to make sure they didn't need anymore help. I sat there looking at Stu and ended up crawling over to him. My hands shook as they hovered over his body. I was in shock. I could process anything that just happened. How could he have done this? Billy of course, I again, understand. His father had an affair with our mother and it ended with his mother leaving him. Blah blah blah. Mommy doesn't love him enough to take him with her.

But Stu…Stu I can't understand besides the fact that he was sensitive when it came to peer pressure. It didn't take much for him to agree to do something. And just seeing those fucking dolls in the attic showed he qas more fucked in the head than anyone could have guessed. He was always an odd ball but people loved him. And when I really sat and thought about it…all the parties he throws and the way he's clingy with people makes more sense. His parents are never home. They weren't even here for his birthday, not even his sister called to wish him a happy birthday.

Is it wrong of me to not hate him for what he did?

Is it wrong to wish he was still alive?

Is it wrong that I still love him and know that I always will?

My hands finally took his face in my hands and a sob bubbled up from deep inside of me and escaped my lips. My body slumped over and I buried my face in the crook of his neck and sobbed. This can't be real—that's all I could think. This had to be a bad dream. Someone started to pull me away, turn me around and wrap their arms around me. "I'm sorry," Randy whispered. "Come on, the police are here." He pulled me up with him, groaning at the pain from his shoulder. And we walked outside with Sidney, Gale and dad.

I sat in the back of an ambulance with dad and Sidney. He had an arm around each of us. I watched as they put Dewey in the back of another ambulance. He was alive but there was no doubt he was going to have to have surgery on his back. Randy was in the same ambulance with him. We were all going to the hospital. Well, besides Gale, who of course just had to be the first to report on this hot show. Wouldn't surprise me if she wrote a book and made herself the hero.

Before the medic could close the doors the Sheriff stopped him. "I need a minute." The medic nodded and walked off. "Sheriff, what's the matter?" Dad asked. Sheriff Burke looked directly at me. I could feel my heart jump in my chest. "Stu Macher isn't in the house, he's gone."

Stu

The heart wrenching sob I heard from yn and then her burying her face in my neck and feeling the tears on my skin almost made me wrap my arms around her. Almost made me pull her close and tell her I was sorry and I was right here but I couldn't do that. Sidney had the gun. I heard the thud when Billy fell back to the floor. I knew he was dead and I knew she would end up doing the same to me. Either that or I would go to fucking prison.

I felt yn body pull away from mine then I heard fucking Randy consoling her. The pit of jealousy deep in my gut started to bubble. I stayed as still as I could, trying to keep my breathing shallow. I heard the sirens and once I was certain nobody was left in the house I opened my eyes slightly to make sure.

When I didn't see anyone I bit back the pain and stood up then quickly made my way out the door in the kitchen. I stumbled towards the woods and disappeared into them. I had to find a place to hold up. Some place they wouldn't find me. Then once shit calmed down I would come back for her. I had a buddy I could call that would help me disappear for a little.

[periwinckles]

Please tell me you have a middle name - Epilogue

Epilogue 

(Prim)

I wake up with the sweet scent of cinnamon in the air. That’s Peeta’s doing. He knows how much I love cinnamon rolls, and always has them ready for me for breakfast on my birthday, even though he has to juggle it with all his morning work. 

The cinnamon buns will have to wait.

I cross the hall to Peeta and Katniss’ room, to recruit her for my inspection, but she’s not back from the woods yet. Living above the bakery is a lot more convenient for Peeta, and more comfortable for us, but a lot further from the fence, making her excursions longer.

I ended up moving in with them last year. Now that Rye works with Madge on the Justice building, Peeta and Katniss need help to keep the bakery running. Between schoolwork, helping out my mother and getting ready for my college admission in district four, I can still work a couple of hours on the bakery’s counter every week. They’ll definitely need to hire someone once I’m gone. 

I enter the bathroom and inspect myself in the mirror. Nothing out of the ordinary. I don’t even feel eighteen. I inspect every inch of my body, top to bottom and find nothing. 

What if I don’t have a soulmate?

Gale doesn’t have one and he’s totally fine with it. He even found himself a steady girlfriend in district 7, though I’m not quite sure on the terms of their arrangement because they spend months apart every year. 

But that’s not what I want for myself is it? Aren’t soulmarks supposed to reflect your heart's desire?

I’m about to give up when I lift my foot and catch it. Beneath my toe. A simple and unembellished R. 

Rory Hawthorne? 

Please no, the last thing I need is for my soulmate to turn out to be an ex boyfriend. 

Why, oh why? What have I done to deserve this? I’m a nice person, Universe! I do volunteer work in the community home once a week, I let Peeta think I’m the one pilfering the chocolate chips and I never go beyond the fence even though that’s technically legal ever since the rebellion two years ago!

I put on socks and silently hope Peeta doesn’t ask anything about it. Katniss surely won’t ask, unless I tell her. 

At least I have cinnamon rolls for breakfast. 

“… doing here? I specifically told you 7:30, it’s 7:05!”

Peeta has company in the kitchen’s bakery, and I tread with caution with my sock covered feet on the staircase. 

“She wakes up at 6:30, I know she does! I just want to know if Katniss gave her the letters already…”

“Katniss isn’t back yet, once she is…”

Both of them freeze when I finally appear on the bottom stair. 

“‘Morning Peeta! Reese!” 

“Prim! Happy birthday!” Reese greets me with an awkward smile. He’s acting strange though I can’t guess why. Being Peeta’s best friend makes him a regular visitor here. And Katniss adores him. Whenever he has dinner with us she smothers him with questions. I barely have the chance to talk to the guy. 

“You too!” I tell him. “I dropped by the sweet shop yesterday to wish you one, but you weren’t there.” 

“You must have missed me, I had to run some errands.” He says with a shrug. “I’ll be back later…” he adds. I’m not sure if it’s for Peeta’s benefit or mine. 

“If you don’t, I'll save you a slice of cake!” I call out after him, before he closes the door. 

Peeta extends me a cinnamon roll as he kisses my cheek affectionately. 

“Happy birthday, little sis.” 

“Oh, you’re the best brother I could hope for!” I tell him as I inhale the sweet scent. “You should make these every week.” 

“You’d be sick of them if I did.”

“Never!” 

I pop one in my mouth as I start collecting the fresh out of the oven pastries and rolls, to bring them to the front.

“You don’t have to work on your birthday.” Peeta tells me as he takes the trays from my hands. “You have a big day ahead.”

“How will you two manage the bakery and the Hob stand?” I ask with a doubtful raise of my eyebrows.

“We’ll manage.” Katniss says entering through the backdoor. “Happy birthday, little duck.” 

She opens her arms and I hug her as tight as I can. If there is one person who was a constant in my life, it was her. Every day of my life, she was always there.  “Thank you, Katniss.”

When we break apart I notice the unshed tears in her eyes. “Are you crying? Seriously? Over a birthday? What will happen when I go to district four in the fall?”

“Let’s not think about that, shall we?” Peeta says with a chuckle. 

Between the three of us we carry everything to the front. Just a few more minutes until opening time. 

“I have something for you. Here.”

My sister is holding a few envelopes in her hand. When I take them I notice they are all addressed to me. The handwriting seems familiar, though I can’t exactly pinpoint it. It’s not Katniss’ and surely not Peeta’s. 

“Read them in order.”

Without another word the both of them escape to the front, to finally open and deal with the morning rush, as I sit in a kitchen stool, with my cinnamon buns and a cup of tea. 

May 20, 2076

Primrose

Today I got my soulmark. It’s a small P, under my big toe. I have no idea if there’s someone with a matching one across the district, but I sure hope not. Because I’m hoping… oh I am hoping it’s you. 

If you were older I’d be at your doorstep in a heartbeat. But you’re not, so I've made up my mind to wait until you're ready. Please don’t be mad at me if I backpedal on our friendship. It’s the only way I’ll be able to keep myself accountable for the next three years. 

Hopefully yours

Reese Donner.

(You want to read the rest o Reese's letters? You know the drill. AO3 link)

[winderlylandchime]

I cannot believe that everyone can tell that my brother is dumb enough to actually think about making Randy his therapist. Even my neighbor when I told her went ‘oh he would totally be his client if he lived close by.’

Honestly I still can’t believe he is retiring. I’m very happy for him that he is doing something with his life that he believes will bring him joy and stability but fuck does it hurt a little. I think the trouble I’m having is because I’ve seen him on the show/interviews and now podcast so it’s very strange to imagine him being all serious and professional. Hopefully this doesn’t mean we will never see him again. But i hope he has a successful career and that he enjoys it while also helping people.

I feel like Gale probably has to do some normal-ish type of jobs but I feel like he would maybe go for theatre and either teach it or something to do with that. I mean i don’t even know what part of the country the guy lives in so I think that probably has a lot of say in what he’s doing with his career. I did tell my brother that IF anybody were to give us a proof of life for him it will probably be Robert for birthday posts.. Hopefully Robert gets my message from the universe and delivers us some proof of life.

And as for my brothers collection of purses: it’s not a very big collection, he only uses it for “special occasions” like two weeks ago when he went to a mechanic for his car or a doctor check up but i think he has like 5. Two of them i know are small sized black ones (enough only for a wallet/keys/phone) because he made me buy him one for his bday. And I know one of them is a screaming yellow color because ‘sometimes you need a pop of color’. But the reason he actually started using them was because 12-15ish years ago, his friends and him were going to Pride and none of them decided on an outfit that had pockets. So one day he was at a mall and he found a purse with a rainbow on it (i teased him that it was pride merch but he swears it was a sign from the universe) so he bought it for Pride so that him and his friends could put their wallets/keys inside. I wish i was joking when I say that the hetero himbos who went to pride just to accompany me, treated this accessory as if he was the biggest genius they ever met. My brother actually said to my mom ‘yooo why didn’t you tell me about this luxury? There’s so much space for stuff in here! I can even put snacks in here.’

As for the qaf dvds, one of our cousins actually does have them but he forgot about that and tbh I think she is waiting to tell him because she knows he would try to steal them. But I wouldn’t put it past him to actually succeed in finding them on ebay or something, he is stubborn enough.

The funny thing is, dear sweet anon, Randy would kind of be the perfect therapist for your brother since all his angst right now is about QAF and one of the few people with actual answers is Randy.

My biggest fear about Randy as a therapist is less than people have seen him naked and having very realistic simulated sex on Showtime and more that on the podcast he gave his opinions about pop culture and he's such a snob! I don't want my therapist to think less of me because I have brain rot for a TV show or I like a musical that's not (gasp!) Sondheim... and he totally gives that vibe on the pod.

I do think Gale lives in LA. Or at least that's what I last heard. Which means there's a million ways to make money that's entertainment industry adjacent.

I love that your brother and his hetero himbos accompanied you to Pride and brought a communal purse and then marveled at it. Without for a moment considering why their outfits didn't have pockets and why most women's clothing doesn't have pockets. And why purses are necessary at all. (TBH I carry a big mom bag because I have anxiety and what if I need... water, advil, a bandaid, a hairbrush, a protein bar, a change of clothes, etc while I'm out?)

I think the DVDs are definitely available on eBay! They might just cost an arm and a leg. Just typing that I feel like I'm dooming your brother to an accident involving his arm and/or leg. Tell him to be careful!

[artilaz]

First of all, Happy Birthday!!! 🎁 🎂 🎉

Now, in keeping with that theme—I’d love to hear your thoughts on what Tristan would do for Gale on his birthday? And, of course, what Gale “my grand gestures can never be grand enough” Dekarios would do for Tristan?

Ough I'm so late with this, thanks for the ask!! ✨

Alright, in the last one I mentioned what kind of present Tristan would give Gale, but of course he wouldn't leave it at that.

Over the course of roughly the week leading up to Gale's birthday, Tristan would pay close attention to his mood, and depending whether he was more in the mood for something lowkey and calm, or a big party, he'd surprise him with one of two options:

A romantic dinner, just the two of them, either in Gale's tower, or some beautiful, semi-remote location outdoors. Since I headcanon Gale to be an autumn child, he'd make the final decision dependent on the weather. If it was raining or storming too heavily, he'd keep it inside, but if the weather was nice, he'd absolutely make it a picnic. Candlelight, enchanted instruments to play Gale's favourite music, and a lovingly cooked meal, ideally under a canopy of stars. Slow dancing, intimate conversations, and most definitely another lesson in magic, because Tristan loves nothing more than to see how Gale's eyes lighten up when he gets to teach him some of the craft he loves so much.

An evening of merrymaking at the Yawning Portal with as many of Gale's friends as Tristan could possibly gather. Laughing, drinking, dancing - inevitably also on the tables as the night progresses - and just forgetting about the seriousness of life for a while. There'd be great food there too, and Gale would get the chance to gush and brag about all the adventures they'd experienced together. Tristan would consider it a successful evening if he had to carry home a passed out wizard in the middle of the night.

Now, what would Gale do for Tristan's birthday?

We all agree that he'd want to absolutely impress his partner, and he'd most definitely use his magic to do so. But especially for an occasion like a birthday, he wouldn't just put on some random show, but tailor the experience to his lover's wishes entirely.

In Tristan's case, the solution isn't too hard to find out. The thing he loves the most - except Gale - is the ocean. Ever since he was a kid, it's been his favourite fantasy to visit the underwater kingdoms he's heard and read about in fairytales, and it always made him sad to know that it'd never be possible. But now he has a magnificently magical lover, and he'll immediately make plans to make this very fantasy a reality. Not an illusion this time, no, only the real experience will be good enough for the love of Gale's life. He'll spend weeks, maybe even months, planning how exactly he wants to do it, and researching and practicing the spells he'll need for it.

Once the day is there, he'll take him to the beach, and just as Tristan thinks they'll simply spend a lovely day enjoying the sun and the sea and each other, Gale casts a spell on the both of them, turning their legs into beautiful fish tails, and granting them the ability to breathe underwater.

"I can't promise you kingdoms," he tells him, "But I hope this will be a journey you'll never forget."

[itsybitsylemonsqueezy]

Good morning and happy new year Tumblrinas!

Okay, let's take stock of where we are...

I'm playing Baldur's Gate 3, it's pretty nice. Meant to romance Karlach out the gate but tripped and fell into Gale's lap, whoops. What can I say, the man's a soft touch and I'm into it. Gnome paladin was a great choice, I look hysterical with a greatsword. Just swing me like a catapult at that point.

Starting another save in Pokemon Violet on Switch, just for the lulz. Shouldn't take me too long to run through it. Probably got a craving from having played through around this time last year.

Trying maybe for a second masters. It sucks being in a job you're bored at, so thinking of switching industries. I should enroll in classes for Spring and Summer. I forgot how much work a degree is. But my first class went very well.

Trying very hard to get pregnant, well, my wife is anyway. Please, please let us baby. We'd like a baby. And then it will be my turn to become pregnant. Not, like, immediately, but soon. We'd like a few kids.

In the process of redoing my whole closet. I have a lot of old, worn out things, stuff that doesn't fit anymore, and I asked for gift cards for Christmas, so maybe I can put together a whole new wardrobe. New wardrobe, new me.

Did change my haircut, no more two block situation, now more of a traditional pixie cut. Looks kinda cute c: We'll see how that goes. I haven't had symmetrical hair in awhile. I'm so silver these days 8C

Cooking better all the time. Can't wait to see what new recipes I master this year. I attempted steak last year and it's gone pretty well! Wish lamb was more available in this country, I love lamb so much. I'd cook with it all the time if I could. I really want to make moussaka one of these days, it's so tasty and, I think, achievable.

Utterly haunted by the basil ice cream we had on my birthday though. God. Fuck. It sounds odd but it was... rewrote my brain.

Maybe we'll get to move soon! Now that we've paid for all that fucking sperm, we can save up to move into an actual house! How neat! The housing market here is garbage, big surprise, but I've found a few nice, newer houses closer to my current work that are in a pretty decent school district. I may be seduced.

And just think, then I could get a Costco membership 83 The only thing stopping me now is I have literally nowhere to put all the bulk items I'd be buying. But soon... soon, precious. My wife has never been to Costco, she does not know its cornucopia of treasures. Ugh, I can't wait!

Don't know what I'll write next. I've been toying with trying to do some original work, but I've realized that in my long years of fanfic, my character creation muscles have completely atrophied. How do you all just make little guys? Like, you have to believe in them and care about them, and I'm always 'It has red hair and green eyes... I don't even know what it likes yet!' And then I panic and give up. I just need more practice, I'm sure.

And I've started reading Homestuck.

Well, that's probably about enough to be going on with. Thanks for the listen!

[count-lero]

Good morning, day, evening or night to you, honourable ladies and gentlemen! 🌹

Now that’s a “long time no see”… 👋

Due to overall exhaustion I’ve stoped sharing pretty pretty much anything here on Tumblr, including pieces of information on the matter I’ve grown so fond of - Austrian affairs during the age of Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Almost a year ago I’ve started this blog with a particular idea in mind and I’m still quite passionate about the whole subject! It brings me joy and gets combined naturally with an irresistible urge to depict historical characters who played fairly active roles during that fascinating period of time.

That’s why I’d love to slowly get back on track with a spontaneous artwork I finished last month (well, it’s just that his Birthday is on the 5th of September…)!

It features one of the major figures in the Napoleonic war history - erzherzog Karl von Österreich-Teschen, younger brother of emperor Franz, a capable military commander and responsible administrator who put into practice many essential reforms of the Imperial military apparatus. Later they played an important role in getting Habsburg’s monarchy through the upcoming age of many gales and trials. 🌪️

Unfortunately, the War of 1809 by and large ended his career in the army. Still for a long time he remained one of the key figures in Habsburg’s imperial court, enjoyed a relatively happy life… and got much more opportunities to face omnipresent chancellor Metternich! Naturally. 😅

All in all, one more wholesome historical character to go! 🤲🇦🇹

And since I brought a picture I’m really proud of, I also want to put an informative cherry on top of an illustrative cake - to share a local comical situation featuring the archduke himself. I discovered it while getting familiar with the documents of another prominent Austrian military man…

You can probably guess what’s his name is!

.

.

.

Yep, it’s a fragment from the field-marshal Schwarzenberg’s letter (however, he was only field-marshal lieutenant at the time) written in the summer of 1806, when he had traveled from his precious Bohemian Worlik-estate to Vienna due to some personal matters and the capital greeted him with… a “tempting” proposal that he personally despised. 😬

"I came yesterday before noon, having made a favorable journey without unfortunate complications. I immediately informed the Archduke [Karl] of my arrival, who told me that I should expect a promotion that would be offered to me by the order of the emperor; then I described to him in the most expressive colors the disgust that this fatal post (the post of the Kaiser’s general-adjutant) causes in me. However, he [the Archduke] insisted rather coldly as the emperor himself wished this appointment. Therefore, I had no choice but to explain myself to His Majesty.

This morning I had gone to an audience, where I was received with extreme courtesy, beyond what I could count on. The Emperor took kindly all my reasons and found beyond doubt complete and inevitable demarche of my health. By doing so, he [Emperor Franz] made me hope that he would eventually come into my terms. And at this moment I returned from the Archduke, who told me that the emperor had spoken of me with great praise in his presence and was going to please me with a handwritten notice sent from Baden [a small resort town located not far from Vienna, favoured by those who served in the capital]. It (this very document) is the evidence of my incredible luck.

Tomorrow I expect to go to Baden, where I’ll meet Fanny, as well as Count Wrbna - to discuss all the pressing matters..."

And that’s how prince Karl spared himself from all the additional court routine that would have undoubtedly come with such post. 💦

Perhaps, his graceful allures sown the first seeds of emperor Franz’ animosity towards him that took roots in following years… But at that time Schwarzenberg certainly was the happiest man alive who could get back to his lovely family as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention as always! 🌺

Vielen Dank~

[avonne-writes]

A quick birthday drabble for @swifty-fox 🩷🎂 Happy birthday, dear!

Here's Chick Harding's POV, picking up from the end of my latest HS AU chapter. It’s Gale's 18th birthday 😊

When Georgia said she was going to go get the birthday cake they ordered for Gale, Neil thought she'd be back in half an hour. But it's been two hours and there's still no sign of her. As he predicted, the boys didn’t really need any distraction at first, but when he hears the sound of them coming down from upstairs, he knows that time's up. He’s gonna have to cover for Georgia or spoil the surprise. From his seat in the old armchair, he increases the volume of the soccer game he’s watching and pretends to be engrossed in it. He hopes that it catches their attention instead of the empty driveway.

As they approach, he hears them rib each other about one of those video games they play online with their friends, then Bucky throws himself down on one end of the sofa, Gale on the other. Bucky stretches his lanky limbs wide and yawns.

"Chelsea-Arsenal?" He says before he has even closed his mouth. "Ugh, that was one shitty game. Look at that corner. Did he wanna shoot a pigeon or something?"

Neil chuckles. He loves that Bucky has no filter whatsoever when he's comfortable, and it fills him with warmth that they are close enough now to share mundane moments like this. It feels like belonging. He feels blessed that he took his chance and asked Georgia out that hazy summer day one and a half years ago. Every day with her and her family has been a gift so far. Even the hard ones.

At the thought, he glances over at Gale, who's staring out the window instead of watching the game. His legs are curled up under him. On the opposite end, Bucky swings his own up on the cushions to sprawl sideways on the couch. He’s too long to fit, but instead of settling down with his knees pulled up, he starts kneading at Gale’s thigh with his feet. Gale ignores him. How, Neil can’t fathom, but the boy looks like he’s so used to that kind of behaviour that it doesn't even register to him.

"Where's Georgia?" He asks Neil after a moment.

There’s an edge to his voice that Neil can’t place, something anxious. Always so hard to read. Neil wishes he could just comfort him with a hug, a friendly clap on the back or a terrible soccer game rerun, but Gale continues to be unreceptive to him. It makes sense, he thinks, stomping down on the anger rising in his chest as he thinks of Gale's father. Gale doesn’t know, but he and Neil had an altercation after they moved Gale out. But Neil can be intimidating if he wants to be. He doubts that the alcoholic bastard is going to cause them trouble again.

"Getting some groceries." Neil lies smoothly.

Bucky groans. "What groceries? Fridge is chock full already, there's nowhere to put it."

"Damned if I know, boy." Neil spreads his hands, faking indifference. It works seamlessly on Bucky, but a hint of sadness appears on Gale’s blank face.

"I would've gone with her if I'd known."

No wonder that Georgia asked Neil to cover for her. She must have known that Gale would want to spend time with her today and to help out wherever he can.

Neil opens his mouth to say something but Bucky beats him to it. "I can take you to Walmart if you want."

Amusement tugs Gale's lips into a smile. "Walmart?"

"Anywhere you want." Bucky straightens his legs to plop them on Gale’s lap. He scratches his chest. "See? Chivalry isn’t dead."

Gale's smile widens, digging into the apples of his cheeks. He shoves Bucky's legs off.

To Neil's relief, the sound of tires rolling on the driveway and a purring engine interrupt the conversation. Finally! She's back, and Neil hasn't fucked up and ruined the surprise yet. He pushes himself up from his seat and stretches, cracking his spine. Bucky yawns again, then gets up to walk off towards the front door with resignation, expecting bag upon bag of food that he’ll have to haul in from the car. Neil is about to follow him when he hears Gale's tentative voice.

"Neil?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

He can count the number of times Gale addressed him directly on one hand. He turns to look at him curiously. Gale is taller than him, but he looks small as he smooths a hand over his long hair in discomfort.

"I was wondering..." Gale clears his throat, then stands up straight and looks Neil in the eye. "...if you knew any part-time jobs you could recommend. Maybe at a garage? Or something. I can learn anything."

Neil hums, impressed. "I'm sure we can find something." An idea occurs to him. "You’re good with spreadsheets, aren't you?"

When Gale nods, he grins. "I think I have just the thing for you."

That draws a smile to Gale's lips too.

The front door opens, and first Bucky, then Georgia walks in, twin grins on their faces, eyes squinting in their joy. Her auburn hair looks windswept, tumbling over her knitted green scarf, and her cheeks are flushed from the cold. Neil wants to sweep her into his arms and kiss her skin warm again, wants to hear her laugh against his chest.

But he’s not the one getting hugs and kisses today. It's not his day, and he doesn’t mind it one bit, because he gets to see Gale's expression shift from curiosity to surprise, then joy as he spots the box Georgia carries carefully to the kitchen. She sets it down on the table and opens the carton to reveal Gale's cake. It’s covered in fondant decorations shaped like his favourite things, and cursive letters wish him a happy birthday in the middle of it.

"Oh." He says when he sees it, then looks up at her.

Neil can’t see his expression but he sees hers crumple for a moment as she pulls him into a hug and kisses the side of his face. She closes her eyes as she holds him close.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart."

Gale mumbles a thank you into her shoulder.

After a moment, Bucky steps closer too and wraps his long arms around them both. That makes them all laugh. For a second, Neil feels out of place, but they pull back from the embrace, and the next thing Georgia does is drawing Neil into one too. She smells like the sweetest flowers and fresh winter air, like Christmas and home. To Neil, she's all that and more.

She gives him a sheepish smile when she steps back. "How did you know I was going to get groceries too?"

[eprelthoughts]

Hi eprelthoughts!

It's been awhile, I just want to remember this moment for a long long while. As you know I'm always always a huge fan of Volleyball. Watching it makes me so happy despite not being able to play it anymore. I've been following RJN's respective clubs, early months I'm watching Ran and Yuki in Italy. Sleepless nights just to support my boys. For weekends I randomly watch games for Vleague and I've been following Masa's team as it was Jade's favorite player. As I watched their 1st game, against WD Nagoya the setter really left me in awe for his height, WHAT A TALL SETTER 😳 His power in net defense is hands down one of the best. That's when I started looking him up, Eiro Motoki. I wasn't so invested but then I usually bumped into his stories and lives, I tried my best not following but Jade just kept on sending it to me. One day I JUST GAVE IN and followed his games. I rooted for his team and seriously called them as my "Home Team"

Earlier this year he had an ankle injury, a serious one that kept him on sideline. The team's performance went downhill. You can see Eiro on the side getting frustrated. He worked hard and did lives so he can send comfort. I met my closest friends because of him. We started exchanging interaction, him greeting me a happy birthday twice this year. He's so lovely and appreciative that rooting for him became so special.

I rooted for his healing and first few games without bandage/crutches he had limited time in the court. I was so so frustrated but Motoki's not. He's so patient that he dedicated extra time after the game to get back on his usual shape. Even his team mates stayed with him on his process. Supporting him, cause he's that man who never gave up.

When he came back fully as front line, you can still see shaky performance from him. He can't catch up the ball, he cant set or block in the net aggressively as usual and that's fine. Oya was outsmarting him in Sunto games. Showing him veteran kind of confidence but again he's Motoki, the ever patient and hard working boy. I know how much he studied this game, again and again til he come back to today's stage.

And for today's game this is my take away

Grabe kasi if papanuoren mo ulit and if sinundan mo talaga sila you'll see what Wolfdogs worked on coming to this Finals.

1. More aggressive locals (Kenta - Aki).

• Eiro started distributing the sets more on locals in their Pana game. Motoki kept on gambling especially to Kenta to bring back his confidence that was challenged the past few games especially against Sunto. Kenta was targeted and disheartened by Sunbi that his reception, services and attack became shaky. Kenta made that worth every cent

2. Solid blockings, both Denda and Wang really gave Alain and Papi Fujinaka a hard time. Usually kasi either of the two lang nag wowork

• And as if on Cue, Denda deserves the Best 6 award.

3. Less service errors. You'll see how lethal Kenta's services right now. He used to have a lot of service errors.

4. Eiro's floor defense. Mahal na mahal ko si Motoki but his FD is usually meh lalo na if back row sya, definitely you'll see in this game how much he worked on his FD.

5. Them reversing Sunto's usual routine of disheartening Kenta, binaliktad nila and gave Papi Fujinaka the pressure. They kept on targetting him ng serves sa una mapapaisip ka "BAKET EH ANG GALING NIYA" pero makikita mo how he slowly started getting shaky receives, even shaky attacks. So so smart tactic na naisip nila.

6. FLOOR DEFENSE!! Nung mid season medyo nawala to talaga sakanila, nandun pero hindi kasing top tier ng usual FD nila. But this game grabe you'll see Ogawa throwing his body kahit sa impossible nang masalo na spike. Everyone's catching up the balls, even the MBs were running for it. Sobrang sipag.

----

Motoki, look at you from crying for not winning it to crying for WINNING IT

I just want to remember today cause you were a part of my birthday wish. Congratulations to the love of my life Eiro Motoki-kun 🖤 My home team Wolfdogs Nagoya. I enjoyed the past 7 months together 🥳🥇

[heysarsii]

Chiquitita

Happy birthday, Nay!

This is your 2nd birthday that we're celebrating without you. We still kept the tradition of setting up our year end party on your birthday.

I miss you so much.

I miss our petty discussions whenever I'd ask you early on what you want to prepare for your birthday. I miss your cooking. Since you left they are all looking up to me as if you've shared with me your recipes when I just enjoyed them everytime and I never paid attention. I tried cooking your Caldereta but it's not the same. Tita Aylene confirmed that it tasted good but it is different from how you used to cook it. "Anak ka nga ng nanay mo, galing magluto. May sariling style. Iba ito sa lasa na gawa ni nanay mo pero masarap", was what she said when she tasted it today. I wish you could taste it too so I can get validation if you liked my cooking. Because I loved how you were so proud and happy when I cooked you paella negra and peri-peri chicken before.

I miss how we'd look for places to stay during the holiday. I miss how you'd always pressure me to file my leaves early on so we can schedule it immediately. We skipped that this year. It's just gonna be Tatay and I during the holidays so we'll just drive and eat out.

We still sang you a happy birthday song but instead of you crying, most of us were holding back our tears earlier. You've touched the lives of so many people that they are still affected even after a year. It's just not the same since you were gone.

I wonder how you'll react or what you'll do when you see us now. Will you get mad but get worried when you get to see me not function after some time? Will you be proud but hide it from me (and tell others about it) because of the progress that I am making? Will you get annoyed but get kilig with Tatay because he keeps on tearing up whenever we eat something that you like. He always cooks the food that you love. "Paborito to ng nanay mo. Madami siguro yun makakain kung sakali".

I still play Abba songs and all of your other CDs every Sundays. I want to believe that that is how we bond just like when I was a kid. You are not the clingy or touchy mom but you have a different love language. You would always play Dancing Queen or Chiquitita whenever I get sad or cook me my favorite meals.

I miss you every time. I haven't cried that much anymore cause I feel you now more than ever. You are with me in the smallest of things, in the places I go, in the people I meet and love. You'll always be the person I look up to.

Mahal kita palagi.x

[theartofdreaming1]

Slightly paraphrased, but Peeta talking about that moment he developed his crush on Katniss is just too sweet 😊

As usual, my thoughts regarding this week’s prompts and random thoughts on chapters 22-24 are below the cut (sprinkled in some psychology thoughts again).

heart

Honestly, I think the people in Panem would perceive the whole everlark storyline the same way we perceive and react to our ships on tv (desperately wanting to reach through the screen, shoving the characters forcefully together, screaming “And now, kiss!”); especially the Capitolites who barely recognize the tributes (or people in the districts, in general) as people. The people in the districts would definitely view the whole thing more under a “reality tv” kind of lens, questioning how much of the relationship is real or not (we know that Finnick certainly thought that the entire thing was just a spiel, until Peeta hit that forcefield). The time spent in the cave must have been pretty convincing, though.

mind

I think that Katniss is still torn here - On the one hand, she kind of wants to believe that Peeta is actually into her (remember the happiness she felt when Peeta told her how his crush on her began, and it all added up and seemed so real), but on the other hand she’s terrified of that possibility because A) lingering trauma from her mom’s depression in response the Mr. Everdeen’s death, B) Katniss never even considered falling in love, so that’s a sudden unexpected thing to deal with, and C) maybe it’s just for the sake of the Games; and wouldn’t that hurt, getting your hopes up only to learn it was only for show? (How about we ask Peeta about that?)

soul

Yeah, that quote about Peeta only eating stale bread also struck me as quite sad. It just further adds to his understanding how there should be more to life than just survival, though. (One day, I’ll make that post about Peeta, Katniss, and Maslow’s pyramid of needs, I swear! I’ve already gathered some research material)

Chapter 22

My mother’s hand strokes my cheek and I don’t push it away as I would in wakefulness, never wanting her to know how much I crave that gentle touch. How much I miss her even though I still don’t trust her. - Ugh, I can’t... Katniss misses her mom, misses being cared for😢 I’m so glad we’re going to see her patch up her relationship with her mom in CF... On a different note, Katniss craving that gentle touch just perfectly illustrates why she’s so drawn to Peeta, who is generally such a gentle soul (I mean, he’s literally the person stroking her cheek here 😊)

He [Peeta] doesn’t seem angry about my tricking him, drugging him, and running off to the feast. Maybe I’m just too beat-up and I’ll hear about it later when I’m stronger. But for the moment, he’s all gentleness. - As I was saying... 😉

“I’ll go hunting soon,” I say. “Not too soon, all right?” he says. “You just let me take care of you for a while.” - I love them so much😊🥰 And then Peeta makes sure she’s well-fed and hydrated, he rubs her cold feet and tucks her into the sleeping back... and she let’s him! 💗

“He [Thresh] let you go because he didn’t want to owe you anything?” asks Peeta in disbelief. “Yes. I don’t expect you to understand it. You’ve always had enough. But if you’d lived in the Seam, I wouldn’t have to explain,” I say. “And don’t try. Obviously I’m too dim to get it,” he says. - Oof. This exchange here is interesting in many ways: 1) it highlights their different experiences, tied to their different socioeconomic backgrounds, basically, and 2)  that Katniss is very much aware of this difference, but we also see hints of her own ignorance here - because Peeta didn’t have to starve in his childhood, she thinks that he can’t possibly understand this level of hardship; but there are other ways in which one can suffer/lack fundamental needs, which brings us to 3) Peeta’s response about being “obviously too dim to get it”; I think this is a clue to his mom being also verbally abusive towards him: she called him “stupid creature” when he burnt those loaves of bread for Katniss and when he’s losing it in the attic of the Justice Building in D11 in CF he is mad that Katniss and Haymitch keep things from him “like [he’s] too inconsequential or stupid or weak to handle them”, which - to me - sounds like he’s tired of being treated that way (i.e. the way his mother treats him)

“I want to go home, Peeta,” I say plaintively, like a a small child. - God, this is a teenager in a murder-arena who feels like wanting to go home is a childish notion instead of a totally legitimate wish for anyone in that situation, regardless of age 😢

It’s not that Peeta’s soft exactly, and he’s proved he’s not a coward. But there are things you don’t question too much, I guess, when your home always smells like baking bread, whereas Gale questions everything. What would Peeta think of the irreverent banter that passes between us as we break the law each day? Would it shock him? The things we say about Panem? Gale’s tirades against the Capitol? - Geez, Katniss, give Peeta some credit here! A) It’s not like Peeta can walk around District 12 talking publicly about the injustices happening there - she and Peeta hadn’t even talked with each other before the reaping, whereas Gale is her best friend who rants to her while they are outside the confines of D12 and B) Peeta is literally the one who introduced the whole “not a piece in their Games”-idea to her; why would he be clutching his pearls over Katniss and Gale’s irreverent banter?! Just because Peeta didn’t live on the brink of starvation (she again brings up how his house smells like bread and - at this point - still thinks that the family running the bakery actually gets to eat what they produce just like that), doesn’t mean he doesn’t see how shitty life in D12 is - he can still want better conditions for those who are worse off than him!

“I did do the right thing,” I say. “No! Just don’t, Katniss!” His grip tightens, hurting my hand, and there’s real anger in his voice. “Don’t die for me. You won’t be doing me any favors. All right?” - Well, we’ll see this song and dance again in CF...

And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don’t want him to die. [...] And it’s not about what will happen back home. And it’s not just that I don’t want to be alone. It’s him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” - I wish CF Katniss would remember this moment when she is questioning her motives about saving Peeta’s life in the arena - You. Care. For. This. Boy! You. Value. Him. For. Who. He. Is!!!

This is the first kiss that we’re both fully aware of. [...] This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another. - Whoo! Is it hot in here or is it just me? 😉

I’m struck by his immediacy now. As we settle in, he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rests protectively over me even when he goes to sleep. No one has held me like this in such a long time. Since my father died and I stopped trusting my mother, no one else’s arms have made me feel this safe. - He makes her feel safe in a murder-arena!!! 😭 This is the kind of stuff that makes everlark just a top tier romance, tbh

Peeta telling Katniss about his crush starting on their first day of school 🥰😭 - and her reaction to it... For a moment, I’m almost foolishly happy - yes, because you have a crush on him, too! - and then confusion sweeps over me. Because we’re supposed to be making up this stuff [...] So, if those details are true... could it all be true? - YESSSSSSSS!!!

“You have a... remarkable memory, “ I say haltingly. - as a severely socially awkward person... I felt that lame response in my bones 😅

“You don’t have much competition anywhere.” And this time, it’s me who leans in. - God, this would be such an amazing moment if it didn’t get tainted by that immediate sponsor gift, which just serves to muddle Katniss’s feelings with her sense of survival, further complicating her relationship with Peeta... *sigh* 

Chapter 23

“What was that you were saying just before the food arrived? Something about me... no competition... best thing that ever happened to you...” “I don’t remember that last part,” I say, hoping it’s too dim in here for the cameras to pick up my blush. “Oh, that’s right. That’s what I was thinking,” he says. - Peeta is the master of being a cheeky little shit and adorable flirt at the same time

“So, since we were five, you never even noticed any other girls?” I ask him. “No, I noticed just about every girl, but none of them made a lasting impression but you,” he says. - I appreciate that while Peeta has had a crush on Katniss forever, he clearly didn’t spend the entire time pining after her, oblivious to the rest of the world - he has a life outside of Katniss Everdeen, but ultimately, it all lead back to her

A disturbing thought hits me. “But then, our only neighbor will be Haymitch!” “Ah, that’ll be nice,” says Peeta, tightening his arms around me. “You and me and Haymitch. Very cozy. Picnics, birthdays, long winter nights around the fire retelling old Hunger Games tales.” “I told you, he hates me!” I say, but I can’t help laughing at the image of Haymitch becoming my new pal. - Laugh all you want, this is going to end up being your future anyway 😄

He [Haymitch]’s at something of a disadvantage because most mentors have a partner, another victor to help them whereas Haymitch has to bready to go into action at any moment. Kind of like me when I was alone in the arena. I wonder how he’s holding up, with the drinking, the attention, and the stress of tring to keep us alive. - Katniss is already worrying about her “new pal”, I see ;)

Maybe he [Haymitch] wasn’t always a drunk. Maybe, in the beginning, he tried to help the tributes. But then it got unbearable. It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch them die. - Honestly, that sounds absolutely awful...

Poor, Katniss, when she learns of Thresh’s death :( - But no one will understand my sorrow at Thresh’s murder. - It’s horrible how compassion and basic human decency gets construed as ‘weakness’ in the world of Hunger Games (esp. the Capitol)

Then I escape into sleep, comforted by a full belly and the steady warmth of Peeta beside me. - Honestly, I think a word analysis of THG-series could be interesting; how often does Katniss mention “warmth”, “steady/steadiness” “safe/safety/security” in connection with “Peeta”?

“We make a goat cheese and apple tart at the bakery,” he says. “Bet that’s expensive,” I say. “Too expensive for my family to eat. Unless it’s gone very stale. Of course, practically everything we eat is stale,” says Peeta [...] Huh. I always assumed the shopkeepers live a soft life. And it’s true, Peeta has always had enough to eat. But there’s something kind of depressing about living your life on stale bread - Katniss is starting to realize that the lives of the merchants isn’t a cushy as she thought; also, in a way, we see a “prettier” version of how Panem treats the districts overall -> feeding the districts just enough that they can do their work (plus/minus a couple of people who’ll die of starvation, but at a small, for Capitolites insignificant margin), but not so much that they are in good shape to rebel; here, the merchants of D12 have just enough that they can live a “decent” life (they know it could be worse -> the Seam), but they don’t have enough to live a free, comfortable, self-determined life either. This also just further drives a wedge between the inhabitants of D12 (the merchants won’t want to rebel because they don’t want to get ‘demoted’ in their lifestyle, starving like the people from the Seam, and the Seam folk feel resentful towards the merchant people, while also not having the resources to rebel, due to their awful socioeconomic conditions)

What would be my life like on a daily basis? Most of it has been consumed with the acquisition of food. Take that away and I’m not really sure who I am, what my identity is. - It’s so sad who Katniss has been so consumed with ensuring that her most base needs are fulfilled that she barely has had the time to really figure out who she is and what she wants from life (If we’re talking Maslow’s pyramid of needs, Katniss would primarily be stuck on the lowest tier 😢)

At least, we’ll be friends, I think. Nothing will change the fact that we’ve saved each other’s lives in here. And beyond that, he will always be the boy with the bread. Good friends. - Honestly, Katniss counting on being good friends with Peeta after the Games is the highest honor she can bestow on him at that moment (she’s so into him, lol); of course, knowing that their relationship is going to be a bit rocky once they’ve come back makes this thought a little sad... but we also know they’ll make up (and out ;) in the future

Peeta licking his plate and blowing a kiss out to Effie is such an adorable goofball-moment 😊

I cover his mouth with my hand, but I’m laughing. “Stop! Cato could be right outside our cave.” He grabs my hand away. “What do I care? I’ve got you to protect me now,” says Peeta, pulling me to him. - This moment would be so cute (also, Peeta’s so confident in Katniss’s skills to protect him, which is adorable - toxic masculinity who?) but... Ugh, he’s just so giddy here, it kind of breaks my heart for when he learns later that (at least some) of Katniss’s reactions were just for show

“If we want food, we better head back up to my old hunting grounds,” I say. “Your call, Just tell me what you need me to do,” Peeta says. - Love how Peeta’s always ready to follow Katniss’s lead :)

Ideally, I’d dump Peeta now with some simple root-gathering chore and go hunt [...] “Katniss,” he says. “We need to split up. I know I’m chasing away the game.” [...] “Show me some plants to gather and that way we’ll both be useful.” - Teamwork! If it weren’t for Katniss worrying for Peeta’s safety, they’d be on the same page here

“What if you climbed up in a tree and acted as a lookout while I haunted?” I say, trying to make it sound like very important work. “What if you show me what’s edible around here and go get us some meat?” he says, mimicking my tone. - I really like how Peeta’s challenges Katniss here; he doesn’t just go along with everything she says, while still being quite reasonable

I feel like I’m eleven, again, tethered not to the safety of the fence but to Peeta, allowing myself twenty, maybe thirty yards of hunting space. [...] I allow myself to drift farther away, and soon have two rabbits and a fat squirrel to show for it. - I don’t know, but Katniss feeling tethered to Peeta makes me think of Mary Ainsworth’s attachment theory, according to which children with a secure attachment to their primary caregiver use  their “attachment figure as a safe base to explore the environment”... Of course, Ainsworth’s Strange Situation was conducted with young children, but attachment styles are supposed to influence the relationships we form with people in our later lives as well (including romantic relationships)... I dunno, just a random association that popped into my brain 😅

Chapter 24

Peeta’s a whiz with fires, coaxing a blaze out of the damp wood. - Heh, Peeta sure knows how to handle fire, huh, Katniss (or should I say: Girl on Fire?) 😏

I order him into the sleeping bag and set aside the rest of his food for him when he wakes. He drops off immediately. I pull the sleeping bag up to his chin and kiss his forehead, not for the audience, but for me. Because I’m so greateful that he’s still here, not dead by the stream as I’d thought.  - Aww, this is so sweet (and domestic)!

It’s funny. I feel almost as if it’s the first day of the Games again. That I’m in the same position. [...] But no, there’s the boy waiting beside me. I feel his arms wrap around me. - They are a team! Katniss doesn’t have to face the horrors of the Games alone anymore! It keeps boiling down to this.

[dis--parity]

humility.

Summary: Alex begins to see the bigger picture.

Word count: idk I wrote this in like an hour lol

Author’s notes: Happy birthday to Alex! I wanted to make a very quick piece with these two developing in the background to commemorate the occasion!

“Hey- hey, c’mon, no-... I thought you were trained better than this! You can’t have my drink, d- don’t be all... j- just, don’t be like this, buddy--”

That pitbull sure are rowdy today; maybe they just knew I’d be here, spending time with their owner. One of them, at least - he didn’t text me to say that he wouldn’t be in until later that day. Sure, it’s about twenty minutes away, he’ll probably arrive in five, and I’ve got Bernard here to accompany me until then, but... even that comes with the knowledge that Theo is probably skulking around in the back. I guess this will do, though. A dog’s a dog, I can’t control who his owner is, or what he’s like.

I’m more than happy to sit here with my hot chocolate, gently letting him down so that he doesn’t end up poisoning himself. It’s crossed my mind once or twice, in brief moments of anger - but I think that’s just the Gale in me being a little extreme. Like I said, a dog’s a dog. And, hey, he’s a cute little pitbull, too. At least he likes me.

In the same instant my free hand reaches out towards him - the prosthetic one, I should note, which is probably a bad call on my part, but I just can’t get enough of the warmth of the mug on my hand - he seems to plod away, distracted. What could be more interesting right now? There’s only one other person here, do they have a chew toy or somethi-

... oh. Right.

I realise the moment he steps out and enters my field of view from behind the counter; that ostentatious red letterman of his with those black jeans gently dusted with flour. His white shirt hides those stains better, for sure. Of course he’s the only other person that dog would defer to - brushing past his hand for a gentle pet to his head. 

I swear, the sigh I feel myself let out is heavier than a black hole; at least I’m used to the words we share being just as crushing to our patience.

“What do you want, Theo?”

No reply - not at first. If he wanted to get my attention, he’s got it; what on this good green earth could get a loudmouth like him choked up? I push myself a bit past my comfort zone, just out of the curiosity it brings. His face looks... well, there’s one expression I do know. His lip is puckered, his single visible brow furrowed in uncertainty. He sucks in a deep breath - drawing a hand from behind his back, and from it...

A new plate - donning a thick slice of cake. I can smell the sweetness of it from here; white chocolate, and strawberries. He’s even put little white chocolate shavings on top, alongside the fresh strawberries.

“Uh...” I can’t help but be lost for words; what’s he trying to do? Does he think he can just gift his way to forgiveness? If that’s the case, I’d be glad to let him keep on giving - I’m not gonna be swayed by that superficial bullshit. I blink, raise my brows - not out of confusion, but as though to ask; you really thought this would make things better?

“Just... wanted to wish you a happy birthday.” he says at last. “You’re twenty-four now?”

“... yeah.” I don’t make any move to reach for his offering; my fingers, freed from the mug I was so gently holding before, drum against the table top.

I hear him sigh the moment I look away - watch him step a bit closer in my peripheral vision. My eyes stay away from him, utterly fixated on the gentle sway of the liquid in my cup.

“Look,” he huffs. “I know this isn’t the day to bring up shit. I just-... wish this happened less.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” I reply. “But I guess I’m not gonna catch a break from you.”

“I don’t mean that,” he rushes to clarify his own semantics. “I just... I know I can’t take back what I did to you. Same goes for you.” On a worse scale, I admit to myself, but go on. “But I also know that I don’t wanna be your enemy for as long as we’re around each other.”

“And what?” I scoff - finally turning to face him in that one eye that stares me down so intently. “I already know you can’t forgive me. And... I- I’ve made peace with that. And- and you know I can’t forgive you for-”

“Forgiveness isn’t the point,” he cuts me off - for once, I can only hear pain lacing his assertion. “It’s just... we’re not kids, Alex. I just wish we’d stop acting like them.”

Is he trying to insult me now?! Trying to insinuate that, despite everything I’ve been through, I’m still the same kid I was before? Everything we’ve put each other through, everything I’ve been through that he wasn’t there to see–

... everything he’s been through, that I wasn’t there to see.

Oh, God, is this what he means?

“Listen,” he speaks through my pause. “I know I can say sorry as much as I want and it won’t mean shit. We’re past that, I know. But... we both know Souji’s sick of this. Somethin’ tells me, just... sooner or later, both of us are gonna be, too. Shit’s gonna turn into a fuckin’... Motague and Capulet situation, you feel me?”

He always did like his theatre. I wonder if he feels good about himself for drawing comparisons to it, scholar that he is.

“Maybe,” I huff, eyes still staring into that hot chocolate. “But... look. You were right about one thing. This isn’t the day to bring this up. I’m... I’m not in the mood for this. I’m in a good mood... and I wanna keep it that way. So, if you don’t mind...”

There’s probably a million more harsh ways I could tell him to leave me alone on my birthday, to tell him that I don’t have to - don’t want to put up with this from him today of all days. My eyes just end up drifting away again, back to the hot chocolate waiting patiently for me to meet it again.

“Well, uh... I’ve said what I wanted to say.” he concedes. “Uh-... and I made that cake special for ya. The hot chocolate, too.”

... wait, really?

“But, uh... yeah. I guess we’ll... save that for some other time.” He stands up again, taking his steps past the counter - pausing for one last comment. “Happy birthday, Alex. Have a good one.”

Well, that was... weirdly candid of him. I can’t help but feel like he’s just mellowing out because of what day it is; any other day, we’d be wasting no time just pretending the other’s not here, but... he actually approached me this time.

... maybe I am just a child. Maybe I’ve overestimated my own growth. Maybe things aren’t as far-gone as I imagined they’ve always been. Maybe one of these years, I’m due to change.

... come on, Souji. Don’t leave me alone with that stewing in my head too long, will you?