#Children's Museum after nap time so probably not finishing today

[muffinlance]

Writing update: final Scaled Over chapter nearly done! Whether I'll have time to finish it today is entirely up for debate, but I finished some edits that had been holding it back and it should be smooth typing to the end. <3

Isopuppy sewing pattern is also coming along, currently just figuring out Optimal Shell Curvature for Ultimate Good Dog Hugs. Efforts somewhat stymied by toddler putting a leash on it and taking it for walks while his sister crawl-crawl-crawls after. Come back, momma needs to measure...

[jaxsteamblog]

Who dies first?

For weeks, Katara had felt the weakening of his heart. They didn’t discuss it, since Zuko knew the lines of her face so well and had known before even she had realized it. They were both so old, they had even begun to recognize the age of their children. This reality was, of course, inevitable.

Izumi was no longer Fire Lord. Iroh II had ascended the throne years ago and Takara was the Crown Prince, going on adventures with his cousin Yi. 

And so many had already died.

While Zuko went to rest one afternoon, Katara sat in the sitting room of the palace. Azula’s son Dante - Katara’s great-grandson - served her coffee in small, delicate cups. She tried to remember how things were before, when her own children brought her tea. They did not have electric lights back then, or air conditioning or television sets. The electric cars didn’t run so fast and not everything had come with a screen. Katara could go in the kitchen now, where very few servants - no, employees - worked, and she could press a hand to a cool screen. It would read her hand print and serve her favorite dessert without any words spoken. 

It was convenient, sure, but she missed talking to people. 

“Mother.” Katara roused, noting that she had drifted in her thoughts.

“Kya.” Katara said with a desperate warmth. She loved her children so much, and she panicked at seeing their age. Izumi bent down and kissed Katara’s cheek.

“Hello grandmother.” Dante said and lightly hugged Izumi’s thin frame.

“Go and check on the dragons boy. I’ve been waiting for Kyrek to hatch for days now.” Izumi said brusquely and waved Dante away. Dante, ever the long suffering teen, rolled his eyes but darted away. Izumi huffed and sat down, still holding onto the head of her cane.

“He looks so much like his father.” Katara remarked and Izumi made a noise.

“Unfortunate really. But at least Azula settled on the Firebender in the end.” She said.

“There’s nothing wrong with other Benders Kya.” Katara said.

“Other Benders are not the descendants of Avatar Roku and heirs to the Fire Nation throne.” Izumi quipped. Katara laughed but shook her head, drinking some of her coffee. 

They settled into a silence that was only achieved in age. They were both just breathing in the same moment and that was enough.

“Will father wake up today?” Izumi asked suddenly and Katara sighed as she set down her cup.

“I think so. But I don’t know when he won’t.” She said. Izumi, ever stoic, nodded.

“You can go, you know. We’ll all be fine.” She said and Katara patted her daughter’s lap. 

“I know. But your father and I.” Katara stopped and looked around the room. She didn’t even recognize the palace anymore. 

“You’re named after my mother.” Katara said.

“I know.”

“But you’re nothing like her.” Katara added and Izumi laughed.

“I know mother.” She replied. “And Azula is nothing like her namesake, nor Iroh his.”

“So what if we don’t come back?” Katara posited. 

“What do you mean?” Izumi asked.

“I always thought that one day I would come back, and your father and I would have more time. But perhaps only the Avatar comes back, and the rest of us simply fade away.” Katara said. “We love you children, but your father and I just want another day together.”

Izumi was stunned into silence and Katara picked up her coffee again.

“Grandfather is in the spirit world.” Izumi said.

“Zuko has never been able to do that. I could go there, I think, but not your father.” Katara said. “And I won’t go there without him.”

“Mother, I.” Izumi cut herself off and sighed. “I know I am not a warm person.” Katara didn’t respond, but busied herself with her coffee.

“Kya made so many decisions over her short life that were hard. But she met every difficulty with a spine of steel. You’ve been pushed over out of a desire to make people happy, but Kya made every choice that made life better for herself and her family. I think I am more like her than anyone wants to admit.” Izumi finished.

“Well-” Katara started, sounding affronted.

“If either you or father had any ounce of devious ambition, you would have married much earlier than you did.” Izumi interjected and Katara grunted her acceptance. 

“Azula is vainglorious and insecure, and Iroh is about fame and family. By the time we get to the next Zuko, he’ll probably be moody and overly righteous. You’re not even dead yet and Takara is full of confidence and sass.” Izumi continued.

“So you think we come back?” Katara asked.

“Don’t be absurd. This just proves that personality is inherited and neither of you will ever really be gone in the first place.” Izumi retorted and Katara chuckled. 

“But it will never be Zuko and me again.” She said wistfully. Izumi turned a little in her seat and the two women actually looked at each other. 

“Mama, if I know anything, it’s that you and Papa will be together forever.” She said and Katara’s eyes started to water. 

“I love you Kya.” Katara murmured.

“I love you mama.” Izumi said.

Over the past week, they had seen everyone. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, even Korra had stopped by. Perhaps the universe was telling them it was time, and they had all had a sweet farewell with promises to see each other again. So as Katara left the sitting room, she kissed her daughter and told her she would be down later for dinner.

Katara walked down the hall and nodded to the strangers she passed. The government was being handled more and more by the congress and so there were never any ministers hanging around the palace. Servants were long gone and the palace staff changed almost every season. Everyone carried passes with embedded chips, verifying identities and allowing privileged access. People talking to earpieces had to halt suddenly, bowing in respect as they finally caught sight of the old Fire Lady. The respect she garnered was less about her power - which was nonexistent - and more about her status as a relic. 

She missed Iroh; she missed Rin, and Sokka. 

Katara staggered in the hall and braced herself against the wall. A guard stepped out of the shadows, speaking urgently into an earpiece while coming to her.

“Are you alright ma’am?” They asked, gently holding her elbow. Katara looked at them and was almost shocked to see a bare face and not an iron mask. She felt their spirit, and was more shocked to know that they were an Airbender. 

How had things changed so much?

“I’m fine. But would you escort me to my room?” She asked. The guard smiled and nodded.

“Code Blue resolved. Escorting Painted Lady to her room.” They said into their earpiece and then offered their arm. When the guards started to integrate technology into their protocol, Lu Ten had suggested the code name and Katara had found it amusing. Now it seemed like a sad satire, as she tried to imagine herself back in the paint and dress. 

Katara made it to her room without another incident and she closed the door firmly behind her. Zuko was still asleep on their bed and she slowly moved toward it. Their bed had been lowered years ago and Katara easily slid herself up and onto the mattress. As she did, Zuko shifted and rolled over, opening his eyes.

“Hello my love.” He whispered as Katara laid down facing him.

“Did I wake you?” She asked.

“Yes, but you’re always worth the waking.” He said. Katara smiled and leaned in to kiss him. 

“Izumi says we can go now.” She said when they parted and Zuko put a hand to her cheek.

“Well, now that we have her permission...” He quipped and Katara laughed. 

“I think we’ll be okay Zuko.” She said. “I think everything will be okay.”

“I know we will.” He replied and they kissed again. “As long as we’re together.”

“Mmm. You’re warm.”

“All the better for napping.”

“A nap does sound good.”

“Come here.”

“I love you Zuko.”

“I love you Katara.”

The siblings had not been in the same place at the same time in a very, very long time. Izumi had gotten into a fight with the Fire Sages when they attempted to cremate both bodies and Iroh had only managed to pull her off after she had hit the head sage with her cane a good number of times. 

Then Lu Ten and Izumi had fought over what to actually do. The Water Tribes - all four of them - buried their dead, either at sea or under cairns. As the former Fire Lady however, Katara was given the right to be cremated. Lu Ten wanted to take her to the South Pole, while Izumi demanded that their parents be cremated together. 

Kozin and Riza stood back, watching as their older siblings started throwing things at each other.

“Mom can’t come back unless she goes to Sedna!” Lu Ten shouted. 

“Their bodies have to stay together!” Izumi shouted back. “I can’t split them up!” Izumi collapsed, sobbing, and Lu Ten rushed to her, cradling her as she wept. 

“Mama and Papa have to stay together!” Izumi cried. Everyone was quiet, awkwardly trying not to look at each other while Izumi’s wails filled the room. Finally Undine, Riza’s daughter, stood from her seat and cleared her throat.

“Okay so, I have kind of a gross idea.” She said.

Izumi looked hollow as they all sat on the jet flying to the South Pole. The box in her lap could have been filled with helium for how tightly she was holding onto it. 

The funeral at the Fire Nation had been massive. Kiyi’s descendants had shown up and stood with the family during the cremation. Korra, Lu Ten, Kozin, Iroh, and Azula did the actual ceremony, keeping the Fire Sages confined to the dais for the rest of the rite. 

The nation entered a month of mourning and the flags in Republic City were lowered to half mast. Black drapes were put over the windows of the Fire Nation and Water Tribe embassies and the South Pole museum was open to the public with free admission for the month. Hira’a set a large bonfire and fireworks went screaming into the night sky almost every day.

Before all of that, however, the family had another rite to attend. Undine had flown back to the South Pole immediately after the cremation and started prepping. When the rest of the family landed in Haida, it was packed with people. 

All of the high ranking people from the Swamp Tribe and the Island Tribe had made it, and the Chief of the North had brought a long a dozen other families. It was a tense political time, since Undine’s daughter was a Firebender and ineligible for the chiefdom, and the North Pole had been suffering a low birth rate for decades. Power had been shifting to the Swamp Tribe since the fracturing of the Earth Kingdom and no one had ever wanted to say anything publicly. 

Now, with the Matriarch of the United Tribes dead, all of the leaders recognized it was the time to address things. 

Izumi didn’t care about any of it. She had rejected this part of her life a long time ago. But the Water Tribe would never let go of her.

Lu Ten held onto her as they stepped down out of the jet and the gathered crowd started to cheer. The prodigal daughter had returned, and she had come to honor the Great Mother herself. 

It was ambiguous if they meant Sedna or Katara in that moment.

The large family of Zuko and Katara were given a clear path to the sleighs. The electric motors were silent and Izumi wondered when they had stopped using polar bear dogs to pull them. She was getting far too old for all of these improvements. 

It took five sleighs to seat all of the family. They were massive vehicles but they slid over the ice and snow with ease. The blades hovered under the sleighs themselves, using magnets to disperse the weight so there was no fear of cracking even the summer ice. Still, Izumi clutched the box like it was liable to fly away. 

It took two hours for everyone to situate themselves at the coast. Korra, Izumi, Riza, and Undine took over for this portion. Korra, Riza, and Undine brought up a pillar of freezing ocean water. The water shifted as they pulled it up and a dragon formed. The crowd gasped in awe, but as Izumi saw the shocked faces of the Benders, she knew this had not been planned. Izumi’s eyes narrowed as she eyed the dragon.

She remembered all too well the last time they had met. 

“Aivilayoq.” Izumi muttered darkly, but the water dragon didn’t respond. Without another word, Izumi walked forward and held out the box in her hands. The dragon lowered its jaw and Izumi placed the box inside the swirling maw. 

“This is for Sedna.” Izumi said loudly. “My parents are being returned to her.” 

The water dragon snapped its jaws shut and swirled over itself, diving back into the ocean. 

It had been a gross idea, and Izumi didn’t want it discussed. While her parents’ hearts had been burned together, their bladders had been surgically removed beforehand and dried. The Polar Tribes believed the bladders held the spirit and that they must be returned to Sedna in order for the spirit to return. 

Now, as was the macabre custom, there was a large festival. Everyone got stinking drunk at the feast and stories were told about the great heroes, including their children. 

As Izumi looked around the room, she was startled to see how right she had been when she had spoken to her mother. Sokka’s face was reflected in fragments among various people. Toph’s laugh was heard from the throat of an over eager Metalbender. Iroh had Zuko’s angular features while Undine had Katara’s round face. Seven people in the hall were Firebenders because of Zuko. A Kyoshi Warrior was part of the royal family. The Avatar herself looked more like Izumi’s grandmother than Izumi did as her namesake. 

Katara and Zuko would indeed live forever. 

[thearrangment-phff]

LVIII. Alexander

April 2018

“Isabella, Kate has given birth to a boy. His Royal Highness Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge.”

“Isn’t Louis, George’s middle name?” asked Isabella.

“Yes, it is.”

“She must really love the name Louis for both her sons to have that name,” replied Isabella.

“What about your names? Have you completed them?” asked Olympia.

“I have, but I want to keep them to myself until Harry comes to visit and we have the boys.”

“Can’t we have at least have a little hint about the name?” asked Olympia.

“We are family,” added Princess Christine, clearly joking around.

“Not everyone in my family knows the genders, let alone the names,” laughed Isabella.

“What about godparents?” asked Countess Gaelle.

“I have a list but it’s not definite. Just like the names,” replied Isabella.

“Well, I must say, you are looking absolutely beautiful being pregnant. You are just glowing,” smiled Charlotte.

“Is there bad news? You don’t usually compliment me like this,” wondered Isabella.

“Just a little bit of bad press from you not doing engagements. The world is wondering what you are but your heavy donation to the Sutherland Highlanders Museum helped. Once you have those babies, your popularity will hit an all-time high,” assured Princess Charlotte.

“I almost forgot to ask. How is Harry’s grandfather?” asked Isabella.

“He has been discharged already from the hip surgery. He is doing fine and is at Windsor Castle,” replied Princess Christine.

“Is there a way for me to spend the rest of the month at Windsor with him. I’ve been here for months and I thought it would be nice for me to go back to London. I’ve missed so many important family events.”

“Your brother's wedding is in less than a month,” stated Olympia.

“A month is enough time to be with family,” replied Isabella.

“I wouldn’t advise it.”

“Are we even planning for me to have my babies in London? It feels like I might have them on foreign soil, which will probably be another first for me.”

“Once Alexander’s wedding is over we will all go back to London for you to have the children,” answered Princess Christine.

“What if I have them late or early. I would ruin his wedding if I had them early,” pouted Isabella.

“Your brother loves you and Laura loves you as well. They would not blame you,” assured Gaelle.

“Oh, I almost forgot! Constantin started texting everyone that Katarina is in the hospital this morning and he’ll have a son by tonight.”

“Constantin texted you?” asked Isabella.

“He said he called you but you weren’t answering your phone. He texted you as well but you didn’t answer him there either, so he tried me,” explained Olympia.

“Three months and four babies. I’m very excited for that,” smiled Isabella.

May 2018

“Why do you think we’re all here?” asked Gabriella.

“Why else would all be called here? Another baby. I’m calling it,” replied Isabella.

“I don’t think so. Alex is going to get married next week and Imre wouldn’t announce another baby that soon to the wedding,” replied Gabriella.

“What else would require the whole family to be in Switzerland?” asked Isabella.

“Maybe they’re getting a divorce,” laughed Henri.

“As if Imre and Kathleen would ever get a divorce. They are the last two people on earth who would get a divorce,” added Christoph.

Imre and Kathleen went to the head of the room with two of the biggest smiles on their face that confirmed Isabella’s guess.

“I called you all here today to announce that Kathleen is having a baby. Baby Hapsburg will be available for cuddles in October!” beamed Imre.

“I knew it!” laughed Isabella.

May 19 had been chosen as the wedding date of Alexander and Maria Laura. Because of the ties to Belgium, Brussels had been the clear location.  

“Do you think the pastel green dress would be a better fit?” asked Isabella.

“The pastel pink would be beautiful on you,” smiled Christine.

“I feel like if I wear pink the public would assume I’m having a girl. If I wear blue they’ll assume I'm having a boy. I don’t want to cause of scene of anything.”

“Then wear something blue and pink,” suggest Charlotte.

“I don’t have anything with patterns or print. I just have solid colors,” replied Isabella showing the women her rack of 10 different dresses.

“I think you should wear the blue one. It doesn’t matter what you're going to me. What matters is that you look beautiful in it.”

“Thank you Olympia.”

“I aim to please,” smiled Olympia.

“So are we all in agreement with blue?” asked Isabella.

“Yes.”

“Good. Then I’m going with the pink,” smiled Isabella. She had picked the pink dress of the rack and walked into the other room to get dressed.

“What is she, a rebellious child again?” asked Charlotte.

“Let her be. She needs to feel like she is in control of her life again,” said Christine.

Isabella went back into the room, “Could someone zip me up please?”

“I’ll do it,” smiled Olympia.

“Am I the last to get dressed?” asked Isabella as she looked around the room.

“Well you did take forever to get out of bed this morning,” replied Olympia.

“It wasn't long,” laughed Isabella.

“You still need your hair and makeup done.”

“I think I’m just going to go with the headband and go without makeup today. It’s a very laid-back wedding so I don’t think anyone would have a problem with that, right?”

“There will still be press,” added Charlotte.

“I am a 25-year-old woman, not someone who almost 40. I have great skin, what is the problem?”

“Nothing is the problem. You will look beautiful any day,” smiled Gaelle.

“Will someone help me with my shoes? I don’t think I can even see down there.”

It took several minutes for Isabella to finish getting ready. Harry was with Alexander acting as one of his supporters. Alexander had gone overboard and chosen 5 men, all relatives, as his supporters. Luisa had a bridal party of 20 with her maid of honor being Princess Maria Laura of Belgium, her elder sister.

There was an abundance of Bourbon and Habsburgs attending the wedding. Just about the same amount that went to Isabella and Harry’s wedding almost a year before. There were more Italian and German nobles than Isabella had because of Luisa Maria’s relations. Since Harry was acting as Alexander’s best man, Isabella was going to be escorted by her cousin Prince Louis of Luxembourg.

He was not escorting anyone since he no longer had a wife and Isabella’s mother, Marie Astrid, had asked Louis with such kindness he couldn’t refuse his aunt. Isabella needed to be escorted, but more importantly, she needed someone to support her and make sure that she did not fall. Isabella had been on bed rest for the past couple of months and her brother wedding was going to be her first public event since the pregnancy announcement.

The press was larger than Isabella had imagined. Charlotte had told her it was because she and Harry were going to the wedding was the reason. They followed Harry everywhere and they cared about Isabella because no one had seen her in weeks. Photographers grew bolder as everyone thought that Isabella’s family would be with her. Imre, Christoph, Marie Astrid, and Alexander had been followed daily by dozens of photographers hoping to catch a glimpse of Isabella and they never did.  

Louis was kind enough to go at Isabella’s pace but he wanted to get her into a seat as fast as possible and she wanted to get away from all the eyes who always went down to her stomach. With the help of Louis’ brother Sebastien and sister Alexandra, Isabella was helped into the church and one foot in she felt this pain.

“Belle, what’s wrong?”

Isabella was grinding her teeth hoping to not make a scene, “I read about these. They're like contractions but it’s just the body preparing.”

“Like Braxton Hicks contractions?”

Isabella gave him a weird look, “How do you know about those?”

“I do have two sons,” laughed Louis.

“Oh right. I just think of them a teenager by now since they’re as tall as me. I forget that they were babies once. It seems likes so long ago.”

“Do you want to sit down? We’re kind of blocking the entrance.”

“Yes. I think they’re just false contractions. Everyone keeps telling me about them so let’s just go sit down. I don’t want to be late to the ceremony,” joked Isabella at the end.

Louis left Isabella with her family in one row and returned to his in the row behind Isabella. They had been there about an hour before Luisa Maria had walked down the aisle with a beautiful Belgian lace dress. Alexander and everyone else was in tears by the time the vows came. Though the marriage wasn’t exactly arranged it was heavily implied that Alexander and Luisa Maria would be the first Habsburg-Habsburg marriage in a long time and work well together.  

Alexander and Luisa were happy together. It was obvious that Alexander was head over heels for Luisa and the feeling was mutual. There was actual emotion behind this wedding. More real than her wedding to Harry.

“Are you alright?”

Isabella turned to her mother shaking her head. Whether it be the pain she was feeling about the pregnancy or something else, Isabella was not feeling well, “I don’t think I’ll make it to the reception.”

“Kathleen won’t be going to the reception. The morning sickness has been hitting her hard during this pregnancy so she’s going back to her rooms later, you should join her. Your grandmother thinks Kathleen might be having a boy because of the sickness.”

“I will just go to my room. I’ll honestly take a nap after this and just pop in to see how everyone is later on tonight,” replied Isabella.

“You look sick. Do you want to go to the washroom?” asked Marie Astrid.

“It’s nothing. I can make it through the ceremony I know I can.”

[svt-bts-text-au]

Working The Late Shift

MASTERLIST   REQUESTS ARE OPEN   GFX&AUDIO

Pairing : Wonwoo X Reader 

Type     :  Fluff

Words   : ~1,500

Follow my main blog @outro–her​

Synopsis: You and Wonwoo work at a fro-yo shop and together. 

“Wonwoo, we’re out of chocolate chips, can you go to the back and a grab some more?”

Wonwoo simply nodded and saluted you before he went into the storage room. You and Wonwoo had been working together at Franks’s Fro-Yo for almost a year now. For most of the day, the shop was pretty empty since most people in town preferred the frozen dairy confectionery at night. Of course, once the sun started to set, the place would swarm with people trying to get a cup. Luckily, you and Wownoo usually worked the morning shift and always had plenty of time to yourselves.

Wonwoo reappeared with a sack of miniature chocolate chips and wordlessly laid them down on the counter.

“Thanks, soldier.”

“Sir, my payment?”

“Ah, that’s right,” you dipped a hand into the chocolate chips and handed some to your coworker. “Don’t go spending it all in one place now.”

“You can’t tell me what to do!” Wonwoo chucked a chip at you and somehow you were able to catch it with your mouth. The two of you stared at each other in awe.

“Maybe you can tell me what to do,” Wonwoo muttered. Suddenly, the two of you went back to working silently.

The dynamic you had with Wonwoo while at work was a little odd. You guys would be super playful one minute, then quickly shift to stern and serious. This kind of emotional turbulence would give most people whiplash, but not the two of you. The flipping of vibes was a common thing for you.

Even though the shop was as dead as a corpse, the lack of conversation never made either of you uncomfortable. Not having to force conversation made the times you did speak really effortless and easy. That’s probably what you liked most about working with Wonwoo: he was the best company.

“So, what are you doing after work?” Wonwoo abruptly asked.

“I’m probably going to grab my sketchbook and head to the museum. I need more practice with portraits and a certain someone won’t sit still for a sketch.”

“I can’t help it. I get uncomfortable when you stare at me like that.” You continued to restock the spoon dispenser as you replied.

“It’s my concentration face, Won. I can’t help it. Pass me the yogurt cups, please.” Wonwoo obliged.

“Anyway’s, what’re you up to this fine Friday night?”

“Mingyu is setting me up on a blind date.”

Wonwoo had your full attention. You stopped restocking to turn to your friend.

“Another one? Didn’t you go on one last week with, uh,” you paused, racking your brain for Wonwoo’s latest-attempt-at-love’s name, “Jennie, was it?”

Wonwoo shrugged. “Yeah. I indulge him too much.” Wonwoo moved from the counter and seated himself at one of the fluorescent tables nearby. “She was sweet. All the girls I’ve gone out with are usually pretty nice, it’s just-“ Wonwoo paused. “There’s just something that isn’t there for me.”

You stepped away from the cup holders and sat across from your coworker.

“Maybe you’re too concerned with what you’re not feeling with them and end up ignoring what you actually do feel when you’re on these dates. At the same time, don’t try and force a connection that isn’t there.” Wonwoo rose from his chair and grabbed a bottle of disinfectant and a small towel before he replied

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” You lightly punched Wonwoo on the shoulder.  

“Maybe? Here I am thinking I’m omniscient and know everything.”

“Whatever,” Wonwoo rolled his eyes and you and quickly flashed you his playful smile. Wonwoo had the best smile.

“So, where are you taking this one?”

“Bowling, maybe?” Wonwoo began wiping down the tables as you returned to refilling the spoon dispenser.

You jested, “Aren’t you terrible at bowling?”

“That doesn’t make it any less fun, Y/N. Besides,” Wonwoo added,” you keep knitting me scarves for Christmas even though you’re an awful knitter.”

You played hurt and jokingly laid a hand over your heart. “If that’s the way you feel about my handmade gifts then I won’t make you anything at all!”

Just like that, the conversation had ended and the two of you were back to working in silent.

The shift continued. You and Wonwoo found things to keep yourselves occupied after you finished the morning prep. You took a twenty minute power nap under the toppings table, the two of you made bets on who could balance a miniature marshmallow on their nose the longest, and while Wonwoo was reading behind the cash register, he sat still just long enough for you to sketch both his eyes and half of his nose in your notebook.

Towards the end of your shift, a very frantic manager called the store and begged you to cover for them. Apparently, three people for that late shift bailed so they could go to some beach party. You and Wonwoo were the only ones the manager could rely on, especially on such short notice, too. Since Wonwoo had his date, you were the only one between the both of you that was free to work that night.

“Guess I’m not going to the museum after all,” you complained.

“I’m going to cancel my date. I’d feel bad if you had to work a double shift while I’m out having fun.”

“Oh, no you don’t. You’re going to go on that date and give that girl a shot. What if she’s the one? The universe works in mysterious ways, you know. This could be one of those life-altering decisions. She could be the mother of your children, Won. Think of the children!”

“Alright, I get it. I’ll go if you promise me to stop rambling.”

You were given just enough time in between shifts to go home, shower, and eat something before you had to be back at the shop for round two. A large group of obnoxious guys came in and annoyingly flirted with you all night. You texted Wonwoo throughout the harassment.

This guy just pointed finger guns at me and called me babe. I think I’m gonna barf

I have no idea why, but these dude are sticking spoons in their noses

I should’ve gone to the museum instead

                                                                                                Delivered

You found it a little odd that Wonwoo wasn’t answering your texts. Even on a blind date, Wonwoo always answers. You figured he just must be hitting it off with this chick.

About ten minutes later, in the middle of you counting ceiling tiles out of boredom, you thought you heard someone call your name. You looked around and spotted your coworker and best friend standing on the other side of the counter.

“Wonwoo, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be making a fool of yourself in the bowling alley right now?”

“Do you have five minutes? I really need to talk to you.”

You looked over at the obnoxious groups of boys occupying the store. Most of them seemed like the types to grab extra toppings or pour fro-yo into their mouths, straight from the machine. One of them, however, seemed to be some sort of voice of reason in their little gang.

“You have exactly five minutes.” You were afraid the storefront would be in a state of complete chaos if you left for too long.

Wonwoo took your hand and led you to the storage room in the back.

“Earlier today we were talking about how I always feel like something is missing when I go out on those blind dates.”

You nodded, waiting for him to continue.

“The reason why I never want to go out on another date is because of you.”

You blinked at Wonwoo, dumbfounded. “I don’t understand.”

Wonwoo, exasperated, explained. “I’m always comparing them to you. I keep thinking, ‘If Y/N was here, she’d think this was hilarious,’ or ‘Her perfume isn’t as nice as the one Y/N wears.’”

He stepped closer to you now and lightly held your hands in his own. You stared at him with your mouth a tad agape and your head tilted to slightly to one side, a look of confusion on your face.

“I don’t want to go on anymore blind dates. I want to go on a date with you.”

“Wonwoo-“ he interrupted you.

“You don’t have to confirm whether you reciprocate my feelings or not at this exact moment in time. I am asking you to let me take you on a date tomorrow night, just me and you. We can suck at bowling together or go to the museum and check out the Monét exhibit I know you’ve been dying to see. Just let me take you out, at least once.”

Normally, you’d ask if a confession such as sudden as this was a joke or not. Knowing Wonwoo, seeing the look in his eyes and hearing the desperation in his voice, you knew he was genuine. Your gaze softened and you held his hands firmly, trying to express the love you felt for him with the small gesture.

“It’s date,” you beamed.

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[latchingontoallofyou]

Together - Valenna

When they walked through the front door of Val’s apartment, they both dropped their things right inside the door. Jenna made a beeline right to the couch and collapsed. Val made his way to the kitchen, grabs some snacks and water, and then joins Jenna on the couch. They had had a nonstop day and are so ready for a day off tomorrow. A day off with nothing planned.

As much as they love what they do, they are so looking forward to having a day to just sit and not have to keep checking the clock to make sure they aren’t late for the next thing. They both come to almost despise the clock.

Jenna is laying down with her head in Val’s lap and he is feeding her some popcorn he had grabbed. Neither one has their phone out. Neither one is talking. No music is playing and the TV isn’t on. It silent in the house, just what they needed. As Val feeds Jenna the popcorn, while she is half asleep, he alternates between feeding himself and playing with her hair.

With the popcorn now finished, they both start falling asleep on the couch. He wanted to head upstairs, not wanting to spend the night on the couch but he couldn’t quite find the energy or strength to get up. That was until Val’s phone goes off from inside his pocket that he moves. He grunts, hating the breaking of the silence and calmness. He knows he has to at least check to see who the message is from. It’s Maks.

M- Hey bro, what’s your day look like tomorrow?

V- Laying around all day with Jenna. It’s our day off

M- How would you feel about an extra person to lay around with you?

V- You are not joining us, not now and not tomorrow. Whatever you did, apologies.

M- I’m not in trouble. Peta and I just would like to go out tomorrow

“Baby?”

“No, let’s just stay right here.”

“That’s fine but that’s not what I was going to say. How would you feel about babysitting tomorrow?”

“Who?”

“Shai. Maks and Peta want to go out.”

“Oh.”

“I know we planned to have a day off and we were just going to lay around here but…”

“We can lay around with Shai.”

“You can’t really lie around with a baby around, Jenna. We wouldn’t really have a schedule to follow. Well maybe just a nap schedule but…”

“It’s ok. Let’s do it.”

“Are you sure? It definitely won’t be as relaxing as we planned” Val says concerned.

“But it will be more fun, cuter, purposeful.”

“Wow, you make it sound like we are the most boring, plain people.”

“Oh, come on. That isn’t what I meant and you know it.”

“You’re right. Sorry. What do you think?”

“Call them. Let’s see what they need. I’d love to watch him with you.”

“Great” Val says and calls Maks. As he waits for Maks to answer, her runs his fingers through Jenna’s hair again. She moves her head so it’s resting against his belly still in his lap.

“Hey Val, everything alright? Took you a while there.”

“It hasn’t been that long. We were just talking it over. Don’t badger me or we’ll change our answer.”

“Does that mean your answer is yes?”

“Yes.”

“Dude, you rock. We so need this.”

“And we could use some Shai time. Do you want us to come to your place or…”?

“Yea, here would probably be better. All of his things are here. I mean, you guys could take him out if you want or just stay here but I think having him here would be the best. Are you ok with that?”

“Yea, wait. Jenna you’re ok to go to their house, right?” Val asks looking down at Jenna, almost asleep in his lap.

“Mhmm.”

“Ok. What time do you want us tomorrow? Please, nothing too early. It is our day off.”

“How early is too early?”

“No earlier than at least 8:30.”

“How about we say 9 then.”

“Sounds perfect. Now I’ve got a sleeping girlfriend that I need to get up to bed so I don’t have to spend the night on this couch. We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Take care of her Valentin.”

“I am.”

~

“What are we going to do with Shai today?” Jenna asks as Val drives to Maks and Peta’s house the next morning.

“What do you want to do? Maks said we can go out if we want.”

“I don’t know. What’s there to do?”

“You’re kidding right. How long have we lived here now? You don’t know what there is to do?”

“No, I mean like with a baby. We know what there is for us but what’s kid friendly that would also be enjoyable for us?”

“How far are we will to drive?” Val asks.

“I don’t know. Does he do well in the car?”

“I don’t know.”

“Guess we’ve got questions for Peta.”

“I’m thinking maybe the zoo or the aquarium or maybe a children’s museum.”

“I think he’s still way too young to enjoy a children’s museum so let’s scratch that off the list” Jenna says. “How hot is it going to get today?”

“It’s actually going to be pretty cool. A great day to be outside.”

“So maybe the zoo. That’s a bit closer than the aquarium. Although we should ask Peta first. You know, make sure she’s ok with that.”

“You’re right Jen” he says pulling into the driveway and parks the car. “You ready for this?”

“Of course, I am. I love that little guy!”

“Me too. Come on. Let’s head in.”

They both get out of the car, meeting at the front of the car and walking towards the front door hand in hand. When they walk in, they hear Shai squealing happily. They look at each other, smiling, but a little worried what they’re getting themselves into for today. After taking a deep breath, they head towards the kitchen where they are guessing everyone is.

“Hey, there you two are. Someone is very excited that you are here” Peta says as she feeds Shai some baby food.

 “Hi Bublik” Val says kissing Shai’s head. Jenna does the same.

“He’s having a great morning. Ready to have some fun.”

“Great! So are we” Jenna says taking a seat on the barstool next to Peta. “We were thinking of maybe heading to the zoo today. Would you be ok with that?”

“Yea, that sounds like a great time. He loves animals. Maks, pull the stroller out for them. Oh, and the car seat. Hook the base into their car.”

“You got it.”

Val heads out with him, claiming he wants to learn how to put the seat in. Jenna takes the spoon from Peta, telling her to go and finish getting ready. She happily agrees and heads out of the kitchen.

“Hi Shai. Ready to have a great day with me and Uncle Val? We’re really excited to have a day with you. We’re going to go to the zoo. See some lion, giraffes, oh, the elephants. I love the flamingos. Uncle Val, he loves the cheetahs. He says it’s because they are the fastest, the best. We were both raised to be the best, well, be our best. You’ll learn that too, I’m sure of it.”

After Shai has finished his food, Jenna wipes him off and picks him up out of the high chair. She sits him on his hip while she cleans off his seat. She then washes out the bowl as Shai plays with her necklace.

“Bublik, don’t break that please. That’s from your amazing Uncle.”

“You know, that gated area over there is a great place to put him if you need to get something done with two hands” Maks laughs as he comes back into the kitchen with Val following behind him.

“I’m just fine holding him.”

“You ladies like to be superheroes. Peta says that all the time. Where is she?”

“Getting ready. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. Where is his diaper bag? I want to load it…”

“I’ve already done that” they hear Peta says as she comes joins them in the kitchen again.

“Thanks Pete.”

“You ready Maks?” Peta asks.

“Yes” he says holding his hand out to his wife.

“Have fun you two. Stay out as late as you want. Don’t worry about this not so little guy. We’ve got him” Jenna laughs.

“I know you do. There are plenty of bottles in the fridge. There are baby food pouches in the diaper bag and in the pantry. You know where the diapers are. His loveys are in his crib. You might want one for the zoo. I can go…”

“Get in the car” Val interrupts. “We’ve got this Peta. Go enjoy your day.”

“Thank you” she smiles and allows Maks to lead her out of the house.

“Now that they are gone…” Val starts to say.

“You can change his diaper while I pick out a cute outfit for him so we can get going.”

“Oh, you get the easy part. I see how it is. Come on stinker. Let’s go change you” Val says taking his nephew from Jenna’s arms with a smile.

The three of them head up to the nursery. Val lays Shai on the changer and starts to change his diaper while Jenna digs through his clothes. She tosses Val a black onesie to put on him until she finds the rest of the outfit.

“Ok, I’ve got it from here. Go pack some snacks and some bottles. Make sure the bottles go into a cooler.”

Val doesn’t say anything but heads downstairs. Jenna slips Shai into white joggers with black bears and triangles on them. She also found a red hoodie with dinosaur spikes down the hood and back that are black.

“Could you be any cuter Bublik?” she says and kisses all over his face as he giggles. The two of them head downstairs and find Val coming back in from outside.

“Ready?”

“We are” she says and lays Shai in his car seat. She has just picked up the seat when she remembers something.

“We forgot a lovey!”

“I’ll go grab one.”

“Does the diaper bag have extra clothes?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. We’ll meet you in the car.”

~

“Are you ready for this?” Val asks as they pull into the zoo’s parking lot.

“Yes. What could go wrong?”

“Oh baby” he laughs.

“Don’t laugh at me. He’ll be just fine.”

“Ok babe” he smiles and pulls into a parking space.

Val goes out to get the stroller while Jenna gets Shai out. He’s sleeping peacefully in his car seat so she is struggling to move his seat, not wanting to wake him. Thankfully when she finally does move his seat, he doesn’t wake. She places the seat on the stroller and pulls down the cover so the sun is off of him. She then grabs all of the bags and things and puts it under the seat of the stroller. Val is holding on to the stroller but Jenna pushes his hands away, wanting to push it herself.

They walk side by side as they make their way to the entrance. Val buys their tickets with Jenna and Shai close by, wanting to make sure they are safe. There are so many people crowding the entrance that he’s freaking out. Jenna could tell so she puts her hand on his lower back as a sign that they are there and just fine.

When they are finally through, Val lets out a deep breath. She lets out a laugh and throws back her head with a big smile. He shakes his head, slightly embarrassed.

“What are you going to be like when the baby in the stroller is ours?” Jenna asks, trying really hard not to laugh again.

“I’ll probably be even more of a mess.”

“No doubt.”

“What do you want to go see first, my love?”

“Can’t we just walk all the way around? I don’t want to jump all around.”

“Alright. Let me get a map and then we’ll head around.”

“Ok.”

When Val goes over to get a map, Jenna peaks under the car seat cover and is greeted by a smiling Shai. She pulls back the cover all the way and moves some hair off his face. He smiles and coos at her.

“Hi Bublik. I’m so glad you are up now. Now you’ll get to see more animals.”

“Hey, look who’s up!” Val says leaning over Jenna’s shoulder.

“Val, you push the stroller. I want to hold him. He’ll be able to see better.”

“I knew we should have brought that other stroller but Maks said we wouldn’t use it. Come on. You ready?” He asks as she settles Shai on her hip.

“Yes. I see some sea animals up ahead. Let’s go see them.

Val leads the way, pushing the stroller while Jenna and Shai follow along at his side. Shai is content as can be in her arms, still seeming to be waking up a bit. Jenna cuddles him close.

At the first exhibit, they see seals and penguins and polar bears and more. As they stand by the glass looking in the crystal-clear water, Val slips his arm around Jenna, pulling her a bit closer so she and Shai are against his chest. Shai giggles as he tickles his nephew’s side. Jenna smiles and rests her head against Shai’s. All of a sudden, a polar bear jumps into the water and swims near the glass. Shai startles a little but is quickly mesmerized by the big bear. He keeps reaching out like he wants to pet it. Jenna leans closer so he can touch the glass. He squeals in excitement again.

“You like those polar bears huh?” Val laughs.

“I picked the right pants I guess” Jenna smiles.

“Turn around. Let me get a picture to send to Peta. She’ll want to see this. Oh, hurry, her comes the bear.”

Jenna turns around but Shai fusses and turns around to see the polar bear swimming by again. Jenna turns so they can see better so Val just moves to the side and takes a picture as the two of them smile at the polar bear.

Soon the polar bear swims away and Jenna and Val decide to move on to the next thing. Jenna shifts Shai to her other hip and Val offers to take him but she tells him she’s fine. They pass by the flamingos, taking pictures as they walk. They reach the reptile house and Val stops them. He’s a bit unsure.

“Don’t you want to go in babe?” Jenna says with a smile. She knows how he feels about reptiles. They certainly aren’t his favorite things. She loves snakes especially and is always gung-ho about holding them and he’s never so sure about it.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?”

“He’ll be just fine. It’s not like he can get to any to squeeze them to death or anything like that. He’ll be just fine. Will you be?”

“What are you talking about? I’ll be fine.”

“You hate reptiles, especially snakes.”

“No I don’t.”

“You’re such a liar. You’re always freaking out internally whenever we are around snakes. You try to hide it but I can always tell. I just know you too well.”

Shai starts to fuss and she’s tired of standing still so she heads towards the reptile house, willing to put Val’s ‘fine-ness’ to the test. She can tell he is close behind him but doesn’t look back even as she walks through the doors of the exhibit with Shai finally starting to calm. The air conditioning feels a bit too cool thanks to the cool weather outside so he cradles Shai a bit closer.

They arrive at the frogs first. They are so cute. Shai doesn’t seem too interested in them and she knows Val is just fine around them. As she points some out that are her favorites but they move on quickly, getting closer and closer to the snakes. They start with the smaller snakes Val’s trying to act like he’s enjoying this but Jenna could tell he isn’t. She’s trying to point out all of the colors to Shai but like his Uncle, he keeps looking away. She figures they are just too small to interest him.

As they move down further and further towards the bigger snakes, Jenna tries harder and harder to get Shai to show interest in the snakes but he just keeps turning away and becoming more and more fussy.

“Jenna, let me take him.”

“No. I’ve got him. He likes this.”

“Baby, I know you are trying but he does not like this. He won’t even look at them and is really fussy. Let me just take him out of here. We’ll wait for you outside.”

“No, I’m coming. Let’s get out of here.”

“But you like this.”

“I know but he’s not enjoying this so let’s move on” she says and then moves quickly towards the exit of the building.

Shai is still fussing so Jenna has Val pull out the snacks out of the diaper bag and lets Shai snack as they walk. Jenna keeps shifting him around, her arms starting to feel tired.

“Switch” Val says letting go of the stroller and holds his arms out for Shai.

“No, I want to hold him.”

“You need to give your arms a break. Either you let me hold him or put him in the stroller but you need to put him down for a while. He’ll be fine.”

“But he won’t be able to see.”

“Then let me hold him. I’m very capable.”

“I know that. I just… I love him. I love this. I love…”

“I know you do. Just give me some time to enjoy it too, please. You can take all the pictures you want.”

“Fine” she says and passes Shai over to him.

~

“Val, let’s stop for lunch. Shai needs to eat and I could certainly eat.”

“I can always eat. Come on.” He pushes the stroller over towards a café that has outdoor seating. He puts the stroller next to the table and sits down. Jenna had taken Shai back from Val a bit ago. She sits down and gets out a bottle to feed it to him.

“What can I get for you?”

“I don’t care. Whatever you think I might like.”

“Alright. I’ll be back. Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yes. Go.”

Jenna stares down at Shai as he drinks his bottle. His eyes look heavy and he’s very still in her arms. She can tell he’s exhausted. Shai stares right back at him as he drinks the bottle, his blinking becoming less frequently until his eyes stay shut, signaling he’s asleep. She gives him a bit before taking the bottle from his mouth. She runs her free hand across his forehead and then across his soft hair. It’s the most blissful feeling in the world, holding a sleeping baby. It’s like she can’t take her eyes off of him, not because of fear but because of the love she feels for him. She doesn’t even hear Val come back to the table. It takes seeing his hand waving at her, just in front of her face, till she notices he’s back and sitting at the table.

“Oh, hi babe. Sorry, I didn’t realize you were back.”

“I know. I was holding a whole conversation with myself before I realized you were totally zoned out. How about you put him in the stroller now so you can eat.”

“I’m fine. I can eat one handed.”

“I’m sure you can but there is no need. He’ll be just fine. He’s sleeping.”

“I know but…”

“Jenna.”

“I know. Ok, fine” she says and stands up before carefully laying Shai in the stroller. After laying him down, Jenna stays standing for a minute, making certain that Shai will stay asleep, before sitting back down and starts to eat her lunch.

“You want one?”

“No, this is good” Jenna says taking another bite.

“What?”

“I don’t want any fries. I’m good.”

“First, since when do you ever turn down fries? Second, that wasn’t what I was inquiring about.”

“Oh, I um, just don’t want any fries today. And what did you mean then.”

“We’ll come back to the whole fries’ thing later. What I meant is a baby. You want a baby don’t you.”

“Oh, um…”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that but…”

“No, I um, yes. I do want one. I’d love to have a baby. Not right now. Not when I’m back on Dancing. Not when we aren’t married. But yes, I want one, eventually. Do you?”

“Oh God yes. Especially your, well our baby. Whenever you are ready, I’m ready.”

“Really?”

“Duh!”

“Like I know you’ve always wanted to have children. We’ve talked about that before but I just, I wasn’t sure you were ready. Like really ready to have children. Like any time.”

“Well I am. I mean, I’m not saying we have to focus on it now but when it’s time, I’m ready.”

“What do you mean, when it’s time?”

“Like when you said not until we are married, you mean that right?” he asks a bit uncertain.

“I mean, that would be ideal but, no I’d really rather wait until we are married.”

“Does that mean you want to get married?”

“I’d love to marry you, you know that.”

“I know that but you said you weren’t ready quite yet” he says as he takes his last bite of his food.

“I know but I can change my mind, can’t I?”

“Is that your way or saying you have changed your mind?”

“Maybe” she says with a smirking smile.

“I’m going to need something better than a maybe. I need to know so I can…”

“Not today but yes.”

“Ok” he says with a big smile as he shakes his head.

~

“Little man, I know you took a nap but Aunt Jenna and I are exhausted now” Val says as he walks a fussy Shai around the first floor of Maks and Peta’s house. Jenna is preparing dinner. He had been doing it but when Shai started becoming a handful, clearly hungry and just wanting to be held, he took Shai from Jenna, letting her take over.

“He’s tired too Val.”

“How can you be tired buddy? You slept so long at the zoo.”

“He really didn’t Val. Then he was crawling around like a mad man after we got back. Now he’s tired and ready to eat.”

“Should I give him a bottle?”

“No. He doesn’t get one now.”

“A little bit of something?”

“No. Why don’t you just feed him his dinner now. It’s probably for the better so then we can eat when it’s done. It’s right there on the counter.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. He might sleep after eating.”

“It won’t be too early?”

“To eat? No.”

“No, I mean to sleep. It’s like 6:15. I can’t imagine it will take him that long to eat and…”

“Peta says he usually goes down between 7 and 7:30 so he’ll be fine. I can try to stretch it until 7.”

“But we have to eat too.”

“It can wait. It will still be hot or we can heat it up.”

“I guess” he says sounding kind of defeated.

“Listen baby. Right now, everything revolves around Shai. He dictates the schedule. We are on his turf now and not the other way around. That’s what it will be like when we have a kid so you need to figure out if…”

“I get it. I really do. It’s just a lot to take in at once.”

“I understand. That’s why we are doing this together.”

“I couldn’t do it without you baby” he says with a smile.

He sits Shai in his high chair, making him fuss even more until he brings over the baby food and starts to feed it to him. Shai settles with the first spoonful.

“Babe” Val says seeing the mess Shai is becoming.

“Already on the counter behind you.”

“How did you know?”

“I just did.”

Val rolls his eyes with a laugh and grabs the bib off the counter and putting it around Shai’s neck before continuing to feed him. As Jenna finishes the last of the food, she turns and watches Val feed Shai. It’s the sweetest sight to see. Both are content as can be. Shai is smiling and even slightly giggling. Val is telling him all kinds of stories in Russian that she can’t understand. She picks up little bits but not enough to make out a whole story. She secretly videos him on Instagram, labeling it ‘The sweetest <3’

~

“Val, why don’t you make up the plates. I’m going to go put him down.”

“Why do you have a bottle? I thought you said he doesn’t get one now.”

“He doesn’t get it when he’s eating dinner. Just when he goes to bed. We kept him awake late enough so he should take it all before he goes down. I won’t be long” she says and turns to head out of the room.

“Wait, I want to help.”

“There isn’t really anything to help with.”

“Ok, then I just want to be there with you. We’re doing this together. You said we are doing this together.”

“I know but…”

“Even if I’m just sitting there with you, please, let me come with you.”

“Alright. Come on.”

Val just up from his seat and follows Jenna and Shai up the stairs to the nursery. After changing his diaper and putting his pajamas on him. Jenna sits down in the rocker and feeds Shai his bottle while staring down at his sleepy eyes just like earlier. Val starts to speak Russian again but this time she knows just what he’s saying. It’s his favorite Russian fairytale that he likes to tell her when they are just laying around on a lazy morning, when she’s not feeling well, or just can’t seem to fall asleep. She loves it.

Shai happily takes the bottle while Val tells the story and Jenna just rocks, happy as can be. When the bottle is done, she doesn’t move, continuing to rock while staring down at the sweet boy in her arms. She watches as he tries to fight sleep, most likely wanting to hear more of Val’s story, but eventually gives in to sleep. Val doesn’t stop until the end knowing how much she loves it. Only when it’s over does Jenna get up and carefully lay Shai in his crib.

Jenna and Val quietly makes their way out of the nursery and head back downstairs, heading right for the kitchen table to eat their dinner. Making quick work of it, they wash up the dishes together and then settle onto the couch to watch some TV until Maks and Peta come back. Not even 15 minutes after they’ve settled onto the couch, do they come home.

“Hey love birds, how’d today go?” Peta asks with a smile at the sight of Jenna and Val cuddled up together on the couch.

“Great. He was so good.”

“Good I’m so glad. Wouldn’t want him chasing away great babysitters.”

“He could never!” Jenna laughs.

“I bet you’re exhausted.”

“Maybe just a little” Jenna smiles.

“More than a little” Val says with a smirk.

“I was so worth it though. Thanks for letting us watch him.”

“No, thank you for spending your day off watching the little man. We really appreciate it. We’ll repay you one day when you just need a break too.”

“Hmm, we’ll keep that in mind.”

“You guys are welcome to hang around if you want but I think we…”

“We’re heading out” Val cuts Maks off saying. “We’re beat and have to get up early tomorrow for a busy day.”

“Of course. No problem. Thanks again.”

“Any time” Jenna and Val say in unison as they head out hand in hand.

This was based on a babysitting Shai request from @amykinz13 Sorry it took so long!

[albagubrath19]

Alba Gu Brath

Today was our last day in Scotland, which was bittersweet because I never ever ever want to leave, but we were all pretty much getting to the ends of our ropes and it was probably time to stop hanging out with each other 24/7 lol.

The first stop of the day was the Surgeons Hall Museums, which was quite a bit of a walk from our apartments. I'm not exactly sure how far we walked, but I know that it was a doozy. We got to Surgeons Hall a little while before they opened, which meant that we got to sit out in the sunshine until they officially opened for the day. When we entered the museums, it was very surreal because we'd seen all of them in pictures and videos from class and it was cool to be standing right there.

Predictably, the first museum that everyone went to was the History of Surgery Museum. My favorite parts of that museum were:

1)      There was a smelling exhibit where they had different types of herbs that would have been used in medicines back in the day, which you had to smell and guess which herb it was

2)      I also enjoyed the presentation that they had with the mannequin where they projected the surgery on top of it and the head surgeon or whoever talked to us about the different dissections that were done on the body over the course of 5 days

3)      They have an entire corner basically dedicated to Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle and Joseph Bell (who Arthur Conan Doyle based Sherlock off of)

The Royal College of Surgeons had a motto: “From here, health”. I think that it's kind of poetic in its simplicity, because here you are, in a place of medicine, surrounded by people who are learning to become lifesavers. The only possible outcome is that they go out and spread good health.

The museum can get to be a bit too much because it’s completely filled with all these specimens of humans and human body parts that have gone wrong. There’s just so many of them that even a person with the strongest constitution would have an issue stomaching it. In light of this, we all decided that it was time to take a little break to separate ourselves, so we went to get lunch at a cafe that was attached to the museums.

The next stop was the National Museum of Scotland, which I was very excited for because that's where Dolly the cloned sheep is. None of us really wanted to stay in the museum for much longer than taking pictures of Dolly, so we left without really seeing anything.

We were close to the Royal Mile, which means that there's a lot of touristy shops and things where you can get souvenirs at. After walking around a little bit, we decided to go to Build-a-Bear, which was a plan that we had thought up months before the trip. I was super excited for it because I hadn't been to Build-a-Bear and actually built a bear and many many years. I was also thinking that they may have nice country-specific animals or accessories that could be used as a more specific souvenir.

So, we took an Uber to Leith, where the build-a-bear was. It was in the Ocean Terminal which is actually a pretty well-known mall because it’s so big. We got our respective stuffed animals, which was a really sweet process that got kind of ruined by the fact that there were many children running around. I got a bunny and I named her Alba, which is the Gaelic word for Scotland.

We took an Uber back to the hotel, where we all kind of unexpectedly took nice long naps, after deciding that we were going to go to the Mad Hatter pub (It has such affordable prices!) From there, we just decided to go home, finish with our packing, and chill out. Mainly just bask in the knowledge that we were in Scotland for just a few more hours.

Day 9, complete.

[tkuhnhackl]

1-70

i can’t tell if i love you or hate you rn but i really don’t want to do anymore work on this placement nonsense so we’ll go with the former, thanks

i’m stupid enough to actually do all these but i will put them under a read more to spare y’all

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents? yeah, i’m really close to both of them. we’re all a little nuts in the family, but in the best way.02: Who did you last say “I love you” to? my mom, when talking to her on the phone on the way back from work today (well, technically i said “love ya, shorty” because my family is not good at sentimentality without a little bit of roasting but close enough, i suppose)03: Do you regret anything? I already answered this!04: Are you insecure? I guess? It’s weird - I’m very comfortable with who I am, that sort of stuff, but things that have happened in the past have made me insecure about aspects of myself - so I suppose my answer is that i’ve become fairly good at disguising my insecurities over time05: What is your relationship status? single af06: How do you want to die? quickly, fairly painlessly, in a blaze of glory - there’s one Brian Jacques novel where the Long Patrol hares mount a final charge to stall the enemy and 8 year old me was absolutely ready to go out wielding a longsword in one hand and a sgian dubh in the other and tbh i’m still lowkey up for it07: What did you last eat? i had tacos for dinner with homemade barbacoa beef (i froze half of it when i made it back in february so i am finally treating myself to the rest of it)08: Played any sports? baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, and soccer/football. i also did field hockey briefly and ran track and field (primarily hurdles) for a year; i wanted to do short track speed skating but my parents were too worried about my safety09: Do you bite your nails? yup, i’ve tried for years to break the habit but every time i get stressed, it happens again10: When was your last physical fight? i’ve never been in a full-on fight; probably high school was the last time that anything even came close to that level and it was still not particularly close11: Do you like someone? already answered this one too!12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours? once? usually i end up taking a nap, even if just for an hour, so it rarely ends up being 48 consecutive hours13: Do you hate anyone at the moment? i mean, on an impersonal level, there are famous people i despise. in my own personal life, there are a handful of people that i dislike enough to perhaps call hate but i also don’t believe in wasting my time being angry with them if they’re not even in my life anymore14: Do you miss someone? answered this one as well!15: Have any pets? the loves of my life, my dog Flora and my parents’ dog Liam. also the spider who lives in the corner of my room because sometimes it’s nice to pretend that counts as having company16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment? tired, overwhelmed, ready for another vacation, helpless, frustrated, but also hopeful because i’ve got three potential job leads that came up this week (but can’t be followed up on until I return home in Sept)17: Ever made out in the bathroom? nope18: Are you scared of spiders? no, i love spiders as long as they don’t encroach on my personal space19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? as an art history person, absolutely. there are a lot of questions that i had to leave unanswered in my research papers and i’d love to just be able to ask the artists in person (and maybe punch picasso and jackson pollock and tell bierstadt to calm down a bit with the entire congress incident because no one cares about those pictures anymore)20: Where was the last place you snogged someone? a dorm room (idk if it counts as a snog but we’re counting it nonetheless)21: What are your plans for this weekend? finish getting my portfolio done for this placement and hopefully book another trip for next weekend22: Do you want to have kids? How many? i definitely do not want to birth any children, but i’d certainly be open to adopting later in my life should my life lead me in a direction where i feel ready, able, and willing to open my heart and home to a kid. probably only one, definitely no more than 2.23: Do you have piercings? How many? two ear piercings, i used to have my nose pierced but that ripped out in a very painful moment and i’m waiting for it to heal completely before i get it repierced24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)? i was a fucking nerd in high school; i think the only subject i struggled a bit in was physics and that’s just because i don’t like theory - in uni, i took classes in a bunch of different departments, but my best ones were art history and anthropology25: Do you miss anyone from your past? answered this as well!26: What are you craving right now? poutine from the Yard, good Knights hockey, a brain that functions in a healthier way, and an end to my writing block27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? i don’t think so? i mean, i feel like it’s highly unlikely28: Have you ever been cheated on? can’t happen if you’re not even in the game 😏29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? see above answer30: What’s irritating you right now? my flatmates, the other work placement who won’t shut up and insists on using the library computer with the cataloging software despite me reserving it, my professors’ general incompetence, international politics31: Does somebody love you? romantically, no, unless the cheesemonger’s really committed to our non-existent relationship. but i’d like to think my close friends and family do (otherwise the love you’s we exchange at the end of conversations are awkward now)32: What is your favourite color? russets and other earth tones33: Do you have trust issues? hahahahahaha yes34: Who/what was your last dream about? i don’t actually remember? i know i woke up disoriented a few nights ago because it was something realistic but idk what i actually dreamed about35: Who was the last person you cried in front of? i cried in front of my mom on skype recently; in person, also probably my mother when she visited a few months ago (moral of the story is that i refuse to cry in front of anyone that’s not family)36: Do you give out second chances too easily? depending on what happened, i really don’t do second chances at all. i’m an expert at putting things in my past and, while i don’t often burn bridges, i’m more than happy to let them fall into ruin on their own 37: Is it easier to forgive or forget? to forgive is easy (depending on what was done), but forgetting is much, much harder38: Is this year the best year of your life? depending on my paper grades and this dissertation and whether or not someone wants to hire me, it could well be, but it sure as hell does not feel like it39: How old were you when you had your first kiss? 1840: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? no way in hell51: Favourite food? beans and rice52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? not really - i do believe that every experience is one that can be learned from and every one has some sort of value, but i believe that the “happens for a reason” idea ascribes more sentience to the universe than i like53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? did my daily duolingo requirements so that the owl didn’t show up in my bedroom and murder me54: Is cheating ever okay? no, i don’t think there can be any sort of justification for betraying someone’s trust55: Are you mean? not particularly, i can be if i need to be but i prefer not to (i prefer to go for the ‘asian mom threatening glare’ that i have inherited from my mother)56: How many people have you fist fought? zero; for all its portrayals on tv and movies, my experience in american public school had absolutely no physical fights57: Do you believe in true love? no, i find that the concept can be so limiting and people feel pressure to find some ideal that may not really exist (i’m not a romantic in any way, shape, or form whoops)58: Favourite weather? spring, when it’s right on the edge of summer, so it’s warm enough that you can wear absolutely anything and still be comfortable, and the birds are nesting and the flowers are blooming, and the world just feels so alive59: Do you like the snow? yes, but my sad frostbitten toes can no longer handle the cold so i must now limit my time in the snow so i don’t lose them completely60: Do you wanna get married? i wouldn’t say i want to get married; if i find someone and we end up getting married, great. if i stay single the rest of my life, also great. it’s one of those things that i don’t feel is a necessity to make my life complete, but i’m not necessarily opposed to it either if it happens. I have so many things on my bucket list for life, but romance has never been on it.61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? i will accept “babe” but will not accept baby unless it’s followed by giraffe. 62: What makes you happy? dogs that wag their tail a little faster when they see you, the way puffins fly and land, the sound and sight of sea birds reuniting with their partners after spending the last year apart, lilies of the valley beginning to peek out as the seasons change, fruits and veg picked straight from my garden, good food, excel spreadsheets, being the only one in a gallery in a museum and getting to be alone with the art, sharks that challenge our perspectives on what sharks are supposed to be and do, my sports teams winning63: Would you change your name? no. for a long time, i did because it’s always getting mispronounced and, when you go to a predominantly white school district, it’s always hard to be the one kid with an obviously non-white name. but also my last name means ‘king of snakes’ and fuck if anyone’s taking that away from me64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? nope, she remains very dear to me65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? run screaming for the hills, catch me sailing out to shetland on the next ferry because that’s a conversation i don’t want to have66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? yeah, i don’t really believe in having close friends that i cannot act my complete self around, regardless of gender67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? my dad? non-family, the regimental representative at the museum i work at, who’s basically my work dad (who i cook for because i worry about his health)68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? i avoid all deep emotional conversations, so it’d probably be my parents (specifically my mother because my dad is like me). but i did have a deep conversation about politics and race with a girl i met on my trip this weekend up north69: Do you believe in soulmates? answered this as well70: Is there anyone you would die for? absolutely