#Cleaning the house + packing luggage today

[lunasilvis]

Gonna make some fresh Maroccan harira for the soul 2nite

[kkukverse]

Put Your Head on My Shoulder

Pair : husband!jk x wife!reader

Genre: marriage au

Warnings: sex scenes nothing too wild

w/c: 10.3 k

“Passports?”

“Check.”

“Your backpack?”

“Check.”

“My wallet? Your wallet?”

“Also check.”

“Oh! Toothbrushes?”

The man didn’t reply as he stares at you in disbelief. “Babe,” he sigh softly. But you’re too busy checking your luggage and your backpack. Not wanting to leave anything important behind.

“Our toothbrushes Kook, do we have them? Oh god don’t tell me you forgot. Remember Krabi? The one where we forgot our toothbrushes?” With frantic hands you unzip the front part of the luggage to check for the said items.

“Mr. Jeon Jungkook?” 

You let out a sigh as you look up to see why your husband didn’t reply to you. Instead of catching him getting as busy as you are, he is actually looking at you with an amused smile on his face. “There we go, finally you’re looking at me.”

With a grunt you stood facing him, eyes rolling and the little lips pout started to form on your face with wrinkles on your forehead. Jungkook leans forward as he puts his hands on your shoulders, “Babe, calm down. We’re not going to the other side of the world for months. It’s your hometown. I have packed our toothbrushes, and so what, if we left them behind? We can buy them.” Jungkook squeezed your shoulders in hopes to loosen up the knotted muscles as you’re too tensed.

You are always on the edge every time the two of you went on a long trip together. But today it seems to get worse. 

You’re used to be the reckless traveler, someone who is hungry with spontaneous adventures and unplanned vacations. But all of that were before marriage, before you had to take care of another human being.

Ever since with Jungkook, you always feel the need to have everything perfectly arranged. You never admitted it but you somehow feel inadequate at attending the need for your husband.

Well, compared to your peers, you, as a wife, is on an 'okay' level. 

Most of your friends who got married earlier than you certainly are on the master level. You love them, really. But there’s a time when you think that they’re being too good to be true.

They’re the perfect housewives, the spot on clean home all year round, birthed beautiful babies, cooking up home cooked meals that would make top chefs cried. They’re the trophy wives.  

You and Jungkook are a working couple. You work on the typical working hours, from 9 to 5. The house? You think the house look perfect because you have such a wonderful husband who loves cleaning and doing the laundry.

Unlike you, Jungkook works around his own schedule hence his working time is more flexible than yours. Plus, he’s working from home most of the time. If it’s up to you, the house would be a mess. For the food part, on weekdays, it’s take outs. 

You are matured enough to understand that people will show things they wanna show. But somehow, somewhere in your heart, it stings when you thought you are not good enough as a wife.

You have no idea how you managed to catch Jungkook as your husband because that man is amazing. He never complains. Not once. Never degrading you for not being the typical wife.

As if the role is reversed in your household. He has been the one that begs you to rest so he could help with the house chores. He sometimes prepared dinner, although claiming he’s not a good cook but if there’s one warm hearty meal on the table after a long day at work waiting for you, you are in no place to complain.

"Well, I'm pretty independent too, you know. Mom and dad were busy and hyung was always studying somewhere. I know how to take care of myself, and now I can take care of you," This is Jungkook's favourite statement.

He really is an endearing human being. You’re still learning to take care of him as well. Which is why you get fidgety because you’re so afraid of screwing everything up.

“I know but we don't have to buy it. Why are we wasting money? Once we're back home, we gonna have extra set of toothbrushes, which we don't even need in the first place.” You yaps under your breath as you double check the snacks in your backpack.

Rummaging the backpack for the nth time. Ointment, mint breath strips, lip balm, protein and choco bars. Jungkook must munch on something, and he needs sugar. That’s the least you can do. Providing him snacks.

“Will you please look at me?” Jungkook hunched down to be on your eye level. He puts his hands on yours as your knuckles grip the luggage trolley. A little smile adorning his face at how his big hands envelope your tiny hands, looking perfectly fit together. He rarely tells you but he absolutely loves it when he gets to wrap your fingers with his palms. Feeling the warmth emitted from you.

But right now your hands are cold, and Jungkook knew that you’re not just anxious. He’s not sure yet, so he’s trying to ease you to tell him. Silently pleading with his cooing and his bambi eyes for you to look at him back. 

He winced a little when your eyes locked on his. Jungkook knows very well from the look of his wife just gave him. Immediately, he cups your face and lean closer.

“Hey, hey what is it? Can you tell me?” he whispered as if you're both are sharing a secret that only the two of you know. In the hectic airport with so many people come and go, Jungkook grounded you by just being close to you.

“It’s just, you don’t have to come with me, you know. I hate dragging you into my family matters. I know you’re busy and the fact that you have to leave everything for a week is just,” you heave a sigh as you put your hands on his chest. “Just not sitting well with me. I can go there all by myself,” you rambles.

“Don’t say it like that,” Jungkook is not gonna lie but your words hurt him.

It hurts when you’re trying to not include him into your personal matter. He is your husband, he admits it was hard to break through the wall you built. It took him enough time to get a glimpse of the side that you always hide.

He wants to be your tree, he wants you lean on him and trust him. Your problem is his problem too. It pains him to see you stress over something and he just wanted you to share it with him. 

You have never been the one who wears their emotions on their sleeves, so Jungkook have to observe you carefully. He learns with the frown on your face, the wavering voice, the way you avoid eye contact. He is still learning because you are like an enigma in an endless maze, he used to be the one who wanted to decode your thoughts, and the one that can walk into the layers of your maze without feeling lost.

But now he just wants to understand you, wants you to know that he accepts all of your quirks and wandering thoughts. 

God, he loves you so much and how could you unconsciously treating him like he is a stranger. 

“Don’t you dare say it like I’m not supposed to be there. Don’t exclude me from your family affairs. They’re my family too,” he emphasis on every word and it softens you.

“Also, I will not allow you to go so far away all by yourself, not when I’m still capable to go everywhere with you. I know, you’re the most amazing and independent woman but I want to be there,” Jungkook gently butts his head on yours, an act of comfort he always do when you’re not listening to him or whenever you feel a little insecure, it’s like saying I’m here and don’t shut me away, his stern yet soft statement makes your view a bit glassy.

He kissed your cheeks before leaving a fluttering peck on your lips. To soothe your nerves.  

It’s true that Jungkook had insisted on coming with you to your hometown, despite his busy work. Piles of unfinished videos and songs in his studio at home were left behind immediately the moment you said you have to go back to your hometown for a family business.

Jungkook knew what family business you’re talking about because it has been your constant topic during dinner. It’s a series of events. It’s started from your aunt is getting a divorce - not that it has anything to do with you but somehow all of your family members had agreed on an urgent meeting.

You figured out from your cousin that they also wanted to gather in remembering your late Grandpapa. 

It was a long overdue event. It kept getting pushed back because somebody got married, someone just gave birth, your cousin is still studying overseas and much more excuses.

Perhaps they realized now is a good time, or perhaps because everyone is coming to support your aunt. You decided that you must come, you missed everyone so dearly.

The other solid reason why you have to be there is because you’re the closest grandchild to your Grandpapa and it has been years since you visited your Grandmama. Even Jungkook hasn’t met her yet.

She couldn’t make it to your wedding since she had fallen ill at that time. The wedding was a small ceremony with only close relatives and friends. And you didn’t stay longer because you and Jungkook have to fly back immediately. 

You missed your Grandmama terribly. Your grandparents practically raised you when your mom and your dad were economically and psychologically struggling in being a parent. Not that you blame them, because now, you're at their age when they become parents for the first time and you started to understand them.

Grandpapa passed away before you met Jungkook, way back when you were in high school, and sometimes it always hits you at how he would love to know the amazing man you called your husband.

Since he loves teasing you when you were little, and you can’t help but think Jungkook and Grandpapa would be close buddies with their teasing antics. 

You told Jungkook some of the memories you had with your grandparents, you also shared with him the moment when you have to move out from their house to live back with your parents. You still remember the sadness looks in your Grandpapa’s wrinkled face like it all happened yesterday. You did visited them occasionally. During the holiday season or when you have a long school break. But, it was not enough.

Honestly, Jungkook is as excited and definitely nervous in meeting your Grandmama. He heard a lot about that amazing lady from you and he’s afraid of her acceptance. What if she didn’t like him? What if she decided that Jungkook is not enough for her granddaughter? From your stories your grandma sounds like a warm person but what if she’s cold to him?

“Thank you Jungkook, for coming with me,” it came out like a whisper in his ear. Squeezing your hand, he pulls you to walk beside him as he push the trolley to the boarding gate.

Although you were reluctant on dragging him along, his presence still brings you peace, and you need him.

“Oh babe, I forgot to show you. Remember yesterday, Taehyung came over with Yuna?” Jungkook is pulling out his phone from his back pocket. Wanting to show you the video of your friend’s baby.

“Of course I remember. They left before I reached home.” Sighing, recalling how you rushed to get home yesterday just to meet Yuna, the little bundle of joy.

She is just at the perfect age when curiosity takes over her and babies are the best at this age. It’s not like you can meet and play with her everyday. First of all Taehyung loves hoarding his daughter all to himself - selfish - and secondly because of your work.

Yuna is going to forget her godmother since she only spent her baby days with Jungkook, her godfather. 

“I’m very sure Yuna misses you just as much as you miss her. Look at this! She’s sleeping so comfortably on our desk.” Jungkook squealed as he keeps playing the video of Yuna in her pink fluffy onesie, (the one that you bought for her) drooling on your desk next to the files. She was sleeping on her stomach and as Taehyung is about to pick her up, she whined.

Making both of you giggle at her cuteness.

“God, how does she sleeps soundly on that hard desk? You know my ass is still sore from that night you pushed me onto it?” Jungkook smirks like a little tease he is, while you’re trying to act like you have no idea what it is that he’s trying to tell.

“No, honey, I don’t know,” of course you know but you’re trying to focus on anything, not the memories of your tangled sweaty bodies, falling files and your stationary box topple over on the floor. 

Sensing that you're getting shy, Jungkook keeps on teasing you. He is relentless.

He leans over the armrest, whispering in your ears, “awe come on. How can you already forgot how hard you pulled my hair, the scratches on my back, babe? Still stings. God, the way you ride me on your desk, ugh you're so hot,” he sighs heavily and you feel the warmth of his breath on your neck, you're sensitive spot.

You snapped your head so fast at your husband’s bold action. You are in an airplane for heaven’s sake! You can feel the warmth blush creeps on your face. You pinched his arm.

“There are hundreds of people on board, and we’re gonna be here for hours! No one wants to hear our bedroom story!” You hissed and Jungkook is silently yelping in pain. He hates the fact that he loves pain especially from you. 

“Okay, okay, okay!! Sorry, baby, I’m sorry. I’ll behave!” He grips on your wrist to stop you from keep abusing his arm.

The grin on Jungkook’s face is as wide as yours but suddenly your face feel in horror as you remembered you rode Jungkook on your desk!

You had sex on the desk of where Yuna fell asleep on! Slept on her stomach! Face down on the spot of Jungkook’s ass! Baby Yuna! Taehyung’s sunshine! On your desk! Did you cleaned it up?!

A loud gasp coming out from you as these thoughts bombarded your mind. You covered your mouth with your hand while the other one is grabbing Jungkook.

“What, baby, why? You wanna vomit?” Jungkook quickly leans forward to grab the paper bag from the pocket seat. You stopped him, half laughing and half crying, you’re trying to explain to him the sin you two had done but it all came out as broken sentences.

Not wanting to disturb other passengers but wanting to scream at the same time is probably the hardest choice you have to make at this moment. With wide eyes, Jungkook look at you in bewilderment.

“What is it? Should I be worried? Want me to get help?” Jungkook is in between laughing along with you or be scared that his wife is losing it. Honestly he has no idea. 

“Shit, babe. We had sex at the desk! Yuna slept on it! What are we gonna tell Taehyung? Should we tell him?” Wiping your tears while you’re mouth is still widely laughing is a confusing sight for Jungkook but once he gets the gist of what you’re trying to tell him, he, too let out a loud laugh.

The seat next to you gave the both of you a weird look and and grunts can be heard. Your husband straighten his back on the chair and clears his throat as he apologize loud enough for the row in front of you to catch it. 

Leaning back to you he grabs your hand and trying to muffle the noise as you both keep on giggling like little kids. You’re still terrified on the inside, thinking of Yuna and how are you supposed to tell her father? Kim Taehyung is going to cut your husband’s dick once he knew.

“Jeon Jungkook, stop laughing! This is not funny,” your attempt to be serious was blown away by your own wheezing.

“In my defense, you’re the impatient one,” he scrunched his nose with his lips jutted towards you. 

“You could’ve carried me to our bed!” you hissed.

Jungkook gives you a betrayed expression as he puts his hand on his chest. As if you’re accusing him of the crime both of you committed.

“Excuse me ma’am, I clearly remember you’re the one who chanted more baby, please I want you in me, now,” he mocked your moaning. Your face is in your palms as you keep shaking your head.

“I did not sound like that. Please, Jungkook at least tell me we did clean the desk.” Banging your head on his shoulder while he snorted. 

“Well, your welcome, because your amazing house-husband did cleaned the desk. You blacked out the moment we got into our bedroom. Meanwhile, your dutiful husband, wiped our crime scene clean with a hand sanitizer. I told you that sanitizer will come in handy.” This is one of the moments you’re so happy to have such a clean freak as your husband.

“Oh god, thank goodness!” You showered his cheek with kisses.

“But do we have to tell Taehyung though?” Biting your lower lip, you secretly wished he is as evil as you. Because you don’t want to freak Taehyung out.

Just as you thought, called it soulmate behavior, because Jungkook just shrug it off and said to not tell him and even if he did, Taehyung would understand anyway.

He had done a lot worse back in his college days and Jungkook have all the receipts as his roommates. 

Laughing softly you shakes your head. “Can’t believe we tainted Yuna like this. What kind of godparents are we? Unbelievable,” your eyes are getting droopy as the airplane breaking the clouds.

Jungkook is taking off his grey hoodie for you because you always catch cold easily, especially when travelling in an airplane. Thankfully he’s wearing a long sleeve shirt inside. 

He did reminded you to wear an extra layer but it seems like you forgot. Snuggling as close as you can, you sleep almost immediately with your head on his shoulder. Jungkook chuckled at the sight. You sleep so easily. Be it on the bed or in a moving car, you are unfazed.

The first time you went on a road trip together, you fell asleep even before Jungkook gets to drive out of the city. The road trip was a lonely one for him because you slept all the way. 

He is relieved, relieved that you laughed. You were fidgety and anxious with going back to your hometown before the flight and he is just really, really, really grateful that you had a good laugh just now.

He managed to take the stress off of your mind. Always.

“Where is she, do you think she forgot, Kook? Do we have to get an Uber? Ugh, why is she not picking up her phone?” Punching your phone with your thumb, you texted your cousin, asking on her whereabouts.

Not that you’re ungrateful for having her coming down to pick you and Jungkook from the airport, but it would be much easier if she told you beforehand if somehow she couldn’t make it. You would’ve requested an Uber and you’re probably would be home by now. 

“Babe, sit down, please. Maybe there’s a heavy traffic or maybe she left her phone or something. It’s not like we’re waiting for hours anyway. It’s not even an hour yet. So, will you please, don’t stressed out over this, hum?” Grabbing your hand, he patted on his lap, telling you to sit on him.

Engulfing his arm on your waist, he took a breath of your natural smell on your neck and leaving a kiss on the skin. For a married guy, Jungkook is still shameless with showing off his affection on you. Grabbing you, leaving kisses on your face, smelling you. To him it’s an announcement that this girl is mine. 

He sneak a peek on your unanswered texts to your cousin. Seeing you used a lot of emojis and silly meme stickers in your previous conversation with her as you’re scrolling down. 

Adorable ice queen. You rarely replied cute emojis with him. He pouts as he placed his chin on your shoulder. Feeling a little jealous with your cousin.

“No reply yet?” The vibrating sound from Jungkook tickles you but since you’re still stressing over the unanswered text, you ignored it.

He’s now feeling the jet lag starting to kick in. Resting his head on your shoulder, shutting his eyes. When he said you don’t even need a comfortable bed to sleep on, well, it is the complete opposite for him. He just needs you. 

A ping was heard indicating a new message on your phone, and you quickly checked it as a soft laugh coming out from your mouth. Laughing at the meme your cousin sent you. She apologized for not getting out of work earlier because now, she has to face the traffic.

As a truce for her mistake she bought you a dozen of your favorite donuts. 

Jungkook flinched and scrunching his eyes as he felt a movement from you.

“Hey. Sorry, baby.” You noticed the flinched and instantly place a kiss on his cheek. As a token of apology for waking him up. By the groggy grunts, you know he’s awake now. Guilt rushed in you because you know he hates jet lag as it always gets the best of him. You’re scratching his scalp as your other hand is still holding your phone.

“She’ll be here in ten. You’re right, she’s caught in a traffic jam.”

Jungkook just hummed at that because all he wanted right now is to lay down next to you and have a good sleep. Smiling at your husband, you keep scratching the back of his head.

A habit you gained from living with Jungkook. He purrs like a kitten full with milk every time you do that. With one hand you replied to your cousin to just step on the gas like a daredevil she is. 

Your cousin, Suri, is only one year older than you. She’s the mature cousin in many senses but it is always you who she runs to when life is being the big bad wolf.

Like the one when she had to tell her mom - your aunt, that she lost her earrings. They weren’t just any earrings, it was inherited by your grandmama. Being the curious rebel, Suri took them from her mom jewelry box and showing them off at school.

What a way to go when she lost them during recess. In panic, she dragged you and both of you spent hours searching for them in the school yard, at the field (she doesn’t even went to the field), at the cafeteria, basically every nook and cranny of your high school. 

Living just a few houses away, you and Suri were practically attached at the hip, always hanging out together after school, so nobody really questioned why you and Suri was late on that day.

The search was fruitless. Finally she decided to come clean at her mom, which was your earliest idea before the both you dipped your heads into the bushes.

Staying by her side, you comforted her by holding her hand. She was scared shitless and as expected she got a ‘good’ earful nagging from your lovely aunt. But you still stayed by her side, only leaving when she fell asleep, with wet pillow because of the tears and snot. 

Just like highschool, right now you feel the need to be by her side in facing the divorce of her parents. She acted like she was fine when you called last week, from her defeated voice, you know. You know her probably better than she knows herself. 

She was the one who found out that her dad is cheating on her mom. She kept it to herself for months. Months!

Not telling a soul because she’s giving her dad a time or a chance to make things right. Her dad, doesn’t even know his daughter knew. Perhaps she was in denial but not until she broke the news to you. You advised her that she should tell her mom.

Well, clearly she did took your advice because now everyone is here to support your aunt and your cousin. 

From far you can hear a screeching sound which you don’t have to listen carefully to know that it belongs to Suri. She’s loud. Even Jungkook is wide awake now. Blinking like Bambi with his big eyes, his hands are still on your hips. He looks so adorable you can’t help but planting kisses on his nose and his cheeks.

“I’m sorry you have to wake up now. I promise you will have the most wonderful rest at grandma’s. But for now we have to settle with Suri’s car, yeah?” Whispering softly as if you could break him if you speak too loud.

Jungkook just looks so fragile when woken up from a nap. You’re not sure if he managed to catch all the words you just said because he keeps blinking with a slightly parted mouth. You’re so tempted to kiss him silly when suddenly somebody tap your head from the back. It’s Suri. 

“Damn, did I just cockblocked you from kissing him?” She said with a smirk on her face. Her short hair really does look better in person, she was so unsure during your facetime, feeling it would make her head look big.

Getting up from Jungkook, you give her a tight bear hug.

Feeling ignored, Jungkook grabs the end of his hoodie that you’re still wearing.

“Oh Jungkook, my brother! How are you? Man, look at this healthy long black hair. What did you feed him? He looks more buff now” She patted his shoulder like he is her little brother, looking amused at his hair.

“Keep it longer boy, your wife has a long hair kink.” She sends you a wink as if whatever that she just spilled is normal. 

Jungkook tilt his head to you with a wide grin on his face.

“I know, she just doesn’t want to let go of them, her hair pulling game is getting stronger,” he chuckles. He noticed that you have become a lot more touchy especially on his hair ever since he let it grow, long enough to cover his eyes.

And not to mention how you keep on pulling them like your life is hanging on it during your heated sessions. Suri just clapped in amaze at Jungkook’s reply.

The ride was a peaceful one, perhaps Suri is as tired as you are. It's relatively far from the airport to your grandma’s.

You keep glancing out the window to stare at the view. The street is still so familiar with nothing much has changed. Sitting on the passenger seat, you’re devouring the donut from your favorite bakery like a madman because they’re still taste the same. You save some for Jungkook since he already passed out at the back seat. 

The picture of you sitting next to Suri surely brings back your young adulthood memories. Only now with an additional passenger at the back. 

You turn to check on him from time to time. He looks so adorable, you covered him with his hoodie after you took it off from you and his head leans on the window. Suri noticing you keep glancing back, smiles fondly.

“You can sleep with him at the back.” Suri breaks the serenity that lingered in the car.

“No, it’s fine. He’s fine.” Pulling your left leg closer until your knee reaches your chest. A habit of yours every time you’re in a car.

“Seriously, you keep glancing at him like a mom watching her baby sleeps. Does he really can only sleep with you being near to him though?” 

“Yeah, he told me he was completely fine with sleeping alone before he met me. But he couldn’t anymore now.” Smiling so wide you remembered the night Jungkook confessed that.

Suri cooed and dramatically clenched her fist on her chest. “He’s romantic. You used to despise these hopeless romantics” 

“Keyword, used to.” 

Both of you and Suri let out a small laugh, and the smile on her face faded before she let out a sigh. “I missed you. You have no idea how bad it was for me to deal with this shit all by myself.”

You put your hand on her shoulder to comfort her. You know it won’t bring much difference but what else can you do?

“My dad is so stupid, I’m telling you. He asked me to check for his PayPal account when his mistress is still texting him at that time. Imagine how fucked up it was for me? I had to pretend I saw none of her filthy texts.” Suri speaks in a low voice, sounded defeated. 

“I almost broke up with my boyfriend. I keep thinking his ‘I love you’s is as fake as my dad’s when he used it to my mom.” She rubs the bridge of her nose and you listen to her, letting her venting out all of the frustration that she couldn’t do through a video call.

“My mom acted like she’s fine and all. She told me she saw it coming. But she didn’t say shit because of me. How stupid. It’s not like I am a teenager. Hell, they should’ve part ways when we were in high school. At least I get to hang out with the kids from the ‘divorced parents’ club.” 

“No, you were banned from joining clubs because you made a bad joke to one of them kids." You’re trying to lighten up the mood. But it was an exaggerated statement.

“Fuck, yeah I forgot about that one. Well, ain’t I was a troubled child, the sign of a messed up parenting was already there,”

You laugh at that and as the laughter died down, Suri looks at Jungkook through the rear-view mirror for a few seconds before her soft gaze falls on you.

“I pray he treats you right, I pray that your love will never fade. I don’t think I want to get married, not now at least. Love sucks but seeing you two, Lilo, looking this happy, makes me wanna believe in it again.” 

“Lilo? I haven’t heard that nickname in a long time. You either sappy or drunk to call me that,” you giggles at your cousin. Intentionally ignoring the heavy mood because you hate it when your cousin is sad and brooding. Like she’s giving up.

“See, this is what I meant. You, was never serious about love, you hated it more than I do. I thought you’re pranking me when you told me about him. It was me who was in a long relationship but look who’s wearing the ring now,” she slightly punch your shoulder as the car stopped at the red light. 

Unbeknownst to you, the passenger in the back seat is listening to your conversations. 

Jungkook was half awake after he heard laughters and giggles coming from you and Suri. He wants to fall back to sleep but he decided to listen more when you told Suri he couldn’t sleep without you.

Jungkook blushed under his hoodie that he had to pulled to cover his face. He knows he shouldn’t eavesdrop on your conversations with your cousin. Since it sounded intimate when Suri talked to you in a low tone. 

But then again, he couldn’t bring himself to sleep after Suri called you Lilo. He never heard of that name before, and he made a mental note to ask you about it later.

He’s eager to listen more as you and Suri are talking about him right now. When Suri said she prays he treats you right, he wanted to profusely said yes, yes he always hope he’s treating you right. Always trying to be the right man for you, that’s all he wanna be. 

He couldn’t calm his wild heart when he heard his name coming from you, speaking softly.

“Jungkook, is so endearing. I’m sure he had it rough when he first met me. I was mean to him. I shut him out. But he keeps coming back, keep asking me to let him love me properly. Truthfully, at first I was annoyed. I told him he likes the idea of me, not the real me. I keep telling him that he would hate me at the end of the day,” you sigh, thinking back to the day you left him with a hurtful looks on his face. 

Jungkook is screaming internally. No I would never hate you, I can’t hate you. 

He wants to hold you so bad right now. Scrunching his eyes with a heavy exhale coming out of his nose. Jungkook knows his love story wasn’t the greatest love story ever told but it was the most beautiful journey he ever walked into.

From meeting you, getting to know you, rejected by you, multiple times, to the day you finally let him in. And he is still learning new things with you. His heart breaks a little when you think of it that way, because he never thought he had it rough, he never thought of you being mean to him. 

“But he accepts me, all of me. I have no idea how to love so he asked me to learn it together with him. Saying yes to marrying him probably seems reckless and rushing to some but out of so many unsure things in my life, being with him isn’t one of that. Now he has become my home, my wings, my lover” 

Jungkook teared up at your confession. You rarely are the first one to show affection but he knows. He always does. 

After almost an hour drive, Suri slowed the car on the familiar residency. Pulling up her car in front of the beige house, you straighten up your back as you can see a few cars already parked neatly, along the street to your grandma’s house.

The beige coloured wall looks new yet you still recognize it as the house you used to reside when you were a little girl. You noticed familiar figures. Looks like everyone’s here already.

You glanced back and saw Jungkook stretching his arm as his mouth widely opened with a yawn. Suri is already out of the car hugging your other cousins. You help Jungkook fixing his hair and coming out of the car together, before they practically swarms you and engulf you in a big hug. 

Jungkook can feel the warmth from the interactions he got. He really feels bad for not staying longer after the wedding. Otherwise he will get to know your family a bit better. He was awkward at first, but your uncles and aunts didn’t treat him like a stranger and everything that you’re stressed about for weeks disappeared into thin air.

The unnecessary thoughts you and Jungkook had about meeting your Grandmama also gone too. 

Grandmama loves him, she may be slightly senile as she couldn’t quite remember people but she is so comfortable with Jungkook. Oh your grandma, the wrinkles on her skin, her hearing and eyesight are starting to deteriorate.

The moment you walked into the door, you saw her on her favorite couch, kneeling next to her legs, you put your hands on her knees. Informing her that you have arrived safely. She couldn’t hear you properly so Suri told you to speak a little louder.

She hardly recognize you which breaks your heart but it’s partly your fault. You should’ve visited her often. 

Jungkook who was sitting next to you just looks at you and your grandma. Fondness filled in his eyes when he saw your thumb rubs circle on your Grandmama’s knee. 

An act Jungkook always does to you. You introduced Jungkook to her and ever as polite your husband his, he stretched out his both of his hands to your grandma. She held his hand as Jungkook told her that he is your husband.

“Lilo? Lilo’s husband?” Grandmama asking for a confirmation at Jungkook. Jungkook kneels closer to her because she hasn’t let go of his hand. With as much energy her frail body can give, she squeezes his hand. “Lilo, you happy?” Grandmama turns to you as her other hand patted your head.

“Yes, grandma. Very happy.”

Fighting the tears from rolling down your face. This whole situation is very emotional because it’s like she’s giving your marriage a blessing. You regretted for not coming earlier. Jungkook notices how emotional you’ve become and he gives you a reassuring smile.

“Lilo makes me happy, grandma. I’m sorry for not visiting you sooner,” Jungkook squeezed back your grandma’s hand and your heart swelled at him using your childhood nickname. 

The night went so well after the emotional reunion. 

The thing about your big family is nobody is left out. It’s loud because everyone get to talk. Even the shy Jungkook is included. Jungkook have no idea kids love him. The only little kids interaction he managed to survive is Yuna, Taehyung’s baby.

Watching from the kitchen window, you can see your cousin’s children are following him like ducklings, the sight is very endearing.

He is good with kids, he just didn’t know that. He has a lot of stamina to match up with the kids’ energetic nature. He had his rest on the way, and now he is walking around while holding an infant.

You instantly think that he would be an amazing dad. 

“Thinking of having one of those?” Suri speaks up from behind you. Her eyes glued on the kids chasing Jungkook at the yard.

Grandmama once told that Grandpapa wants a big yard for kids to run freely. Now it serves its purpose.

“We haven’t fully discuss about it yet, but we did talked ‘bout it” Your feel your stomach doing a back flip because the idea of mini you and Jungkook running around in the house, tiny hands and feet, giggles and gurgles are so, so, so tempting but you’re not sure if Jungkook wants that as much as you do.

Your marriage is still on the early stage. 

As if Suri can read your mind she turns to you to help you stacked up the clean plates. “What’s there to discuss? If you both want kids, then let it happen. I’m pretty sure Jungkook wants them as much as you do.” 

Biting your lower lip, thinking how should you break your desire to Jungkook. “Yea, I guess.” Turning off the faucet, you and Suri walks to the living room.

You and Jungkook decided to stay a night at your grandma’s before spending the rest of the week at your parents’ house. Jungkook feels like he has a lot to catch up with Grandmama. But since it’s already late into the night and Grandmama needs her rest, Jungkook would have to settle down with you and spend the day with her tomorrow. 

Jungkook was given a mini tour of the house before you stopped at your used to be bedroom. It wasn’t big now but it felt huge when you were a little kid. 

You took a shower first before Jungkook because that man takes forever when he’s in the bathroom. Seriously, he could spend an hour doing whatever it is inside it. 

After showering, you sprawl on the cozy bed. Looks like someone been tidying the room, you might have to ask Suri later. You turn around to face Jungkook who is sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Babe, c’mere please, I need you,” you groggily calling him. Jungkook chuckles softly as he crawls hastily to you. Like a dog being offered the bone. This sight could be mistaken as lust but right now, with his bunny grin and and bouncy long hair? He is just so adorable. 

“Okay Lilo, tell me, why am I just found out about Lilo now? Lilo?” Raising his brows as he hovers above you. You let out a soft giggles as you place your hands on his chest, creating a space between you and he pouted at that.

“Truthfully I forgot about that name. Because, only my closest family call me that.” Jungkook hums at that and you can feel the vibration from his chest.

“Back off Kook, you’re suffocating me.”

He whines when you pushed him but he clings back to you like a koala on your side. His legs trapping your legs as his hand sprawled on your stomach. 

“Why Lilo?” He speaks softly.

Confused at your husband sudden ministrations, your turns to face him. “Why are you suddenly so clingy?” You raise one brow to him before he tightens his hold on your stomach. Leaving wet smooches on your neck, your jaw and your cheek.

“Let me love my wife. Come on, you didn’t answer me. Why Lilo? Is it related to Lilo and Stitch?”

You place your hand on his cheek. 

"Yes, it is indeed related to Lilo and Stitch. They call me Lilo because I… Okay promise you won’t laugh first.” You giggle thinking about the silly reason behind your nickname.

“What, babe. Don’t keep me hanging. I won’t laugh.” 

Propping his hand, he grabs you closer. “Stop giggling, tell me.” Jungkook pinches your cheek with his other hand.

“It’s because I used to make voodoos with spoons. Just like Lilo.” You cover your face with your hands. Jungkook lets out the loudest laugh and after realizing that maybe you’re embarrassed by that, he toned it down a little.

“You promised you won’t laugh! Asshole." You smack his arm.

“I said I won’t laugh, I didn't promise anything,” he talks back at you while sticking his tongue out.

“Trying to be a smartass now? Get away from me, I’m sleeping with grandma” You wiggle your body so you could get out from his leg. He laughs even harder as he tightens his hold, not wanting to let you go.

“Awe but why? Tell me more? How did you do it, voodoo queen” 

Jungkook pulls your hands that covered your face, and he kisses the fingers and your palms.

“Kids were mean to me, telling me that my parents doesn’t love me, because I’m living with grandma and grandpa. So, coming home after school, I would grab a spoon and draw a face on it with crayons. Stop snickering Jungkook, it was so hard for me back then.” You pouted at him. 

“Awe I’m sorry, I’m sorry you had a rough childhood. My poor baby,” he patted your hair like he’s coaxing a child. “Who are they? Want me to beat them? I have black belt in taekwondo, let me use my strength.” He said with a serious face. He wouldn’t.

“Jungkook it was a long time ago, and we were kids,” you smile fondly at him, feeling protected though you know he has the softest heart of them all. 

“I forgot their names let alone their faces. Never choose violence, Kook, what if some kids bullied our babies, you're gonna beat them?” You trace your finger on his tensed brows, and they’re soften at your touch.

Actually his whole face softened and lit up simultaneously at your remarks.

“Our babies?" he utter. The words rolling on his tongue so smoothly.

"Say it again, love.” He nuzzles his nose on your neck. Oh, the idea of having a baby with you, drives him wild. 

You on the other hand is giggling at his actions, you’re a bit ticklish on your neck. And when he bites and sucks the sensitive skin, you let out a breathy moan “Our-babies”. Damn Jeon Jungkook.

“Kook,” you speak as softly as you can.

“Hmm,” he lapped on the abused area, purple and dark pink are subtly forming and surely they will be darker marks by tomorrow morning.

Still latching on your neck he pulls himself with one hand holding him up, the other hand is roaming your body. From your arms, to your belly, before settling by the hip. His thumb is caressing your soft skin.

His dark wavy locks is tickling your chin and you had enough, grabbing his face with both hands as you bring him closer. Noses touching and his lips are wet from biting, with hooded eyes but still carrying the fondness in them, his breathing is becoming more labored and so do you.

“We shouldn’t, Grandmama is sleeping next door,” you either telling that to him or to yourself because from the way you’re licking your lower lip, you don’t want him to stop.

Jungkook knows you, you wanted him to convince you that whatever you’re about to do is okay, he will be the bad guy for you.

“Grandmama’s hearing is a bit-” before he can finish you smacked his chest.

“Don’t say it, it’s the age factor. Don’t be so mean!” You whisper harshly.

“Ouch, okay I’m sorry, I shouldn’t put it that way, but she won’t wake up. We’re not gonna bother her." He assumed.

"So, you my darling, have to be quiet,” he smirks as he winks at you. 

“Yeah? Kiss me already,” you pulls him down so his lips crash on yours. It is lustful, it is messy, but Jungkook always takes it slow. He’s a bit sentimental when it comes to making love with you.

You’re so different, you want it hard. Biting his lower lip as you tug it, a silent pleading for him to move faster. He chuckles at your impatience.

“Always rushing, princess. I’m not going anywhere.” His tongue skillfully breaking into your mouth, dominating the kiss. You let him. Your hand which was on his neck now grabbing his hair.

Feeling his soft hair through your fingers before you pulled them. He moaned into your mouth and he pulls away, bearing his neck to you as he lets his head thrown back gravitating to your pull. Eyes closed and he looks like he’s high on ecstasy named you. “Ahhh princess-”

“Shh! Keep it down.” You immediately leaving marks on his neck and noticing the position is making you uncomfortable, you pushed him until he lays on his back. Straddling his lap, you dive back to his neck, continuing the abuse.

Jungkook can’t keep his hands to himself as he quickly pulling up your shirt with struggle as you’re both are chest to chest. He rested his palm on your belly before grabbing your breast. He kneads the soft flesh and it illicit another moan from you. What a sight for Jungkook. You arched your back and gasped at the feeling of his dick poking your ass. Hard. Shakily putting your hands on his chest, you grind on his dick. 

Jungkook almost cum in his pajama pants at this feeling. The view of you getting off on his clothed member, is making him insane. Your hips moving forward and backward making a tasty fraction, it feels good but it is not enough.

You keep biting your lips until it becomes swollen, and he swears he can feel you soaking your panties already with the wet feeling he felt. “Come on baby, cum like this,” He commands with a deep voice.

“Nnggh- Kook, I can’t- need you” You scrunch your eyes and your movements is getting slower. You’re exhausted.

“Yes, you can. Come on baby, come on.” Jungkook gritted his teeth as he can feel your ass snug his dick perfectly. Noticing that your movement is getting faltered, he grips on your hips, and helps you picking up the pace. Surely will leave another bruising marks there. You whimper because the sensation is overwhelming.

Feeling the knot under your stomach is getting tighter and your pussy keeps on clenching on nothing. Only letting out more gush of slick.

"Ahh Kook, close! I’m cumin-” the knot snapped and all you can see is white. Your breathing is getting more erratic before you completely fell down to his chest. He rubs you back lovingly but his hard dick is still poking you.

Jungkook prioritize your desire first before his and he kisses your head softly. With limping hands you got up pressing his chest once again.

“Take it off, take it all off,” your fingers grabbing the hem of his shirt and pull the material off while he frantically pushing down his pants and his boxer. He helps you taking off your bra as well before he starts swirling his lips on your perk nipple.

A tug and you moan deliciously, he moves on to you other nipple, paying as much attention as he did with the first one. He throw off your pants and panties and god knows where they lands in this room. 

Pulling you up, he leans on the headboard. He instantly plunged two fingers into your hole and you’re clenching so hard, making he whines. It’s starting to get hot and steamy as you two letting out breathy moan. Still straddling him, you blindly grab his dick with your hand, pumping it up and down.

“Enough, just wanna be inside you, now!” Jungkook aligned his member to your hole. Putting your hands on his shoulders, you slowly sinking down on him.

Choking and moan in unison as you both adjust to the position. With head thrown back, you sob because Jungkook is big and no matter how many times you fuck, it still feels like your first time. 

Sensing your discomfort he stays still.

“Kook, why are you so big?” You’re mumbling incoherent words.

“Yeah? I’m big? Taking my cock so well. Fuck, baby, you’re so tight. Come on baby, bounce on my cock” he grunts as your walls keeps on fluttering. His rolling hips and his dirty talks are making you seeing stars. A whining mess and your cunt is clenching him like a vice.

“Stop clenching so hard baby, I might cum soon, we don’t want that, right?” he warns with a bite on your shoulders and he switches the position with you now laying on your back, dick still hard inside you.

He keeps up the pace and moaned so loud as he can see the way his dick pistons in and out of your pussy.

“Creamed so hard on my cock, baby, you’re so wonderful.” His hands on your waist with your heels digging his ass.

“Faster, faster. Please, please, please,” you’re chanting, ignoring that somebody might hear you because Jungkook is hitting it right. 

The squeaking bed and the loud skin slap are echoing in the room.

So much of keeping quiet.

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful. Baby, let’s have kids, huh. Let’s have them,” he spreads his palm on your lower belly. Already thinking you carrying a child, his child, how you would look like with a swollen belly.

Fuck, motherhood would look good you. With that thought he trusts harder and faster. You whine and scratch his back as the pace was intensified. Jungkook hiss on both sensation, the sting on his back and how your walls grip his dick tighter at the mention of having a kid.

“Yes, yes, yes. Let’s have a baby- nnnghh Kook, shit shit” Your body jolted when Jungkook suddenly flicks his thumb at your clit. Pushing you to the edge. And you trashed so wild under him as you feel your bliss is approaching.

“Cumming- Baby I’m cumming nghhh Kook, don’t stop” letting him know before you finally let go. Feeling buzzed as Jungkook keep on trusting in and out of you, dragging your high.

“Gonna cum in so deep, gonna make make you swole with a baby. Mine, mine, all mine” Jungkook chanted as his pace is getting sloppy, chasing his own high. Warm ribbons of cum spurted inside your pussy as you milk him dry. 

The only sounds that you’re hearing right now is a buzzing, and how you two are breathing so heavily. He falls down next to you with his arm snaking around your waist. His breathing is fanning your neck before he left a kiss on your cheek. You're pushing his hair back from his sweaty forehead while he also helps you with your untangled hair.

“I’m serious,” Jungkook grabs your chin to make you look at him. Gone already the lust and the dark in his eyes, now replaced with pools of galaxies.

“About having a baby?" You asked.

"Yeah, me too,” you smile sweetly at him and he grins so wide, if you could list the most beautiful look on Jeon Jungkook’s face, one of it was when you said yes after he proposed. When you walked down the aisle, your first sex with him, and right now.

“Thank you, baby. You have no idea how happy I am right now,” he kisses your whole face.

“I thought you don’t want kids yet, since, well, since we never really discuss about it seriously.” You said softly, putting your head on his chest with finger tracing the skin. In contrast to your heated session, after sex is always soft and calm.

“You silly, of course I want them. I thought you’re the one who is not ready yet, because yea, I never wear condom whenever we made love, but you’re always on the pills, so I assumed you don’t want one, yet, and I also don’t wanna push you,” he whispers softly. You sigh, the way he uses the words “made love” and not sex. Instead of ‘let’s fuck’ it’s ‘let me love you’, and how can you not keep falling for this man. He is disgustingly nerdy and sweet and lovely.

“I will consult my doctor for the pills and we start from there okay?” You glance up, making a promise to him and he nods excitedly like a child.

“Come on up, pee-pee first. Always pee after love making.” Jungkook patted on your bare ass before he got up to carry you to the bathroom. 

Usually you’re woken up everyday to a big pair of warm hands rubbing circles either on your back or on your belly. Some mornings, the same hands just played with your head, the long fingers ran through the hair with a little pressure. Massaging the scalp. Some mornings, the hands get extra playful when they tickled your nose, your neck, your waist, poking the inside of your ears or pinched your cheeks.

These assaults always resulted in the owner of the hands winning. How can you beat the strength of a man with doe eyes, silly bunny grins and his boyish laugh?

His laugh booming in the room like a heavenly sound. But today, you woke up on your own. No hands. No head massage. No tickles.

Where is your husband? Is he showering? There’s no sound of water hitting the tiles. His phone is still charging by the bedside, he never let go of his phone. Strange. 

You freshened up before you leave the room to check on grandmama. But she’s not in her room too, well, considering the time and she’s an early riser, she’s probably somewhere around the house anyway.

Just as you thought you were left alone, you heard a very familiar giggles. They come from the outside of the house, and your feet are following the sounds.

A smile adorns on your face as you can see the backs of the most important people in your life sitting side by side. Both of them are facing the backyard garden.

You come closer and you can clearly see her wrinkled hands on top of his. He pulled his head back and laughing like a little kid, while she held onto his hands lovingly. Her laugh, though soft, can be heard along with his. 

You wanted to soak this moment in your brain so you could remember this for years and years. How the morning sunshine makes everything more picturesque, how his broad shoulders shakes when he laughs, how she leans on a chair, as old as she is.

Her brown chair, bought along with his husband’s big chair. The spot which was left empty ever since he passed away, and you wonder how lonely it is for her to be sitting there alone every morning and every evening.

You stood silently by the sliding door, not wanting to break the moment as so many sentimental memories flooding your mind. 

“Hey, babe? Good morning,” said the man as he turns around to face you. Wide smile on his face, post-laughing puffy cheeks.

“Good morning, Lilo” said another voice as she struggles to turn around. You don’t want her to strain her back so you immediately move to sit next to her legs. Kneeling closer like you always did, like a little girl listening to her favorite stories, you place your palm on her knees.

“Good morning, Grandmama. You had a good sleep?” Still not used to speaking louder to her. Brushing your hair she smiles fondly, “yes, yes”

“Where’s my good morning?” Pouted the man next to her. 

“Yes, Jungkook. Good morning to you too,” you roll your eyes playfully. 

If it’s not Grandmama’s hands holding him, Jungkook would have touched you, peppering you with kisses because it is his morning routine. 

But he woke up early today, because he guessed Grandmama is already up and he wanted to spend time with her. He was right, the moment he stepped out of the room, Grandmama was walking slowly to the chair outside of the house.

The lady who Jungkook assumed as the maid which Suri told you about last night, is plating a tray of toast and tea for her. 

Jungkook moves to help Grandmama settles on her chair before she insisted him to sit next to her. 

“That’s Grandpapa’s chair.” You jutting your chin at him, whispering but he can still hear you.

“Really?” Jungkook flustered because Grandmama really insisted him to sit on it and now knowing that this seat belongs to Grandpapa, he feels even more honored. 

“What are you two laughing about just now?” You glanced up to face your grandma with big eyes. Grandmama just chuckles and you can see your husband is biting his lips trying to hold back his laughter.

“Just, reminiscing old memories, sweetheart,” Grandmama replied. 

“Apparently, someone really hates wearing pants since she was a little girl. Humm, Grandmama did you know she still refuses to wear pants sometimes?” Jungkook leans closer to Grandmama’s ears as if they both are sharing some secrets. Pretending that you’re not even there.

With shocking wide eyes and gaping mouth, you knew exactly who is that little girl. It’s you. Grandmama just told Jungkook about your unhealthy habit, great, now Jeon Jungkook can collect another material into his teasing box.

“Did not!”  You gasp and giving your Grandmama a betrayal look. 

“What was she’s like back then? Running around naked? She’s a wild one isn’t she?” Both of them are ignoring you and Jungkook keep on firing questions to Grandmama.

You’re pretty sure the blush on your cheeks are from controlling the anger you have towards your husband right now. Definitely not because of embarrassing. Nope.

Seeing Grandmama laughing at both of you is making your heart swell. Your eyes land on her hands that has been holding Jungkook’s ever since you saw them. You were worried for nothing, and guilt is starting to creep on you as you were initially do not plan on bringing Jungkook along. 

Because first, you’re worried for him. Jungkook is not used to your family which is again, your fault. You didn’t properly introduce him to your family, not traditionally-proper. It’s not like you’re breaking the norms or rebelling or anything. It’s just you don’t feel that is necessary.

As long as you love each other, that’s all that matters. But you worried nevertheless. Worried they might not include him, what if Jungkook is uncomfortable because, dear god, Jungkook will never let you know if he’s feeling bothered. Very much like you, now taste your own medicine.

Secondly, it’s Grandmama, she has never met Jungkook, and yes, she is lovely but what if she suddenly doesn’t approve of him? That would break his heart. 

Now you realize that you’re worried for nothing, everyone loves him. How can they not? 

“I wanna take a short nap, you two can stay here.” Your Grandmama reaches for her cane as her wobbly legs trying to stand up. The maid rushed out to help her before Jungkook was about to carry her himself.

“You don’t have to carry and old lady like me, just carry your wife,” your Grandmama chuckles as she slowly walks back to her room. 

Jungkook rubs the back of his neck and sigh, he doesn’t mind carrying Grandmama. He once saw his dad carried his grandma on his back and he wanted to do that too. Shifting his gaze back on you who is still staring at him.

“Hey, the girl who hates pants,” Jungkook smirks cheekily. Here comes your Jungkook. “Wow I have no idea you hate pants. No wonder you don’t wanna wear one all the time. Oh wow,” he faked gasp at the fact. Mocking you.

“I will burn all of your pants the moment we got back, Kook,” words are seething through your teeth as you faked threatening him. 

“I don’t mind that, we can be pant-less together,” Jungkook leans back to the chair as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath of the morning air. 

You're sitting next to him, only managed to stare at his beauty.

“Stop staring and come closer, please. I’m yours, you can touch me.” He said. Of course he caught you staring at him.

“I didn’t stare!” You blush.

“Put your head on my shoulder. Let me bask in this glory morning with my wife,” Jungkook speaks softly as he pulls your head closer to his shoulder. And you let him.

Feeling his steady breathing, cold cups of tea, half eaten toast, his humming of an unknown song, his hands on top of yours, a kiss on your head, and you really deeply seriously madly in love with this man. 

“By the way, Grandmama heard us last night, she said good job and she wants to see great-grandchildren real soon,” Jungkook said in a monotonous voice as if it’s nothing. 

Well, shit.

[girl-of-many-fandoms]

Pleasant Surprise

Pairing: Louis Tomlinson x Y/N

Summary: After a trip abroad, Louis returns home to his girl.

Warnings: nothing but fluff :)

My first time writing for any of my darlings from 1D. It’s been a rough month, spent the past couple days listening to all their music both individually and in the band which birthed the idea of writing a fic, so here you are.

Ps. I haven’t had the motivation to write anything for almost a year but the boys gave me a little push.

---------

Y/n sighed for what felt like the millionth time today as she kept flipping through the channels on the tv in search of something to entertain herself. When nothing piqued her interest, she gave up. She took a look around her surroundings and decided that she should do some tidying up. It’s been a couple days she’s been in a slum and the pile of clean laundry has been staring at her on the other sofa begging to be folded and put away.  

Throwing the covers off of her, she opened up Spotify to play some music while she started working on the living room. The intro to best song ever filled the room as she pulled her hair up into a messy bun and got up to her feet.  

Excellent choice Spotify, she thought, with a smile on her plump lips. 

Her boyfriend, Louis hadn’t been in the country for almost a month as he went to L.A. to spend time with Freddie during his school break. She missed him dearly but she knows and understands that the little lad was Louis’ world and the last thing she ever wants to do is come between them. For the past couple weeks, she managed to get through her hospital shifts, using it as a distraction from the fact that an empty house waited on her at the end of her twelve-hour shift.  

Louis loved spending time with his son in L.A., they had made the most out of their time together by going to beach, ice-cream runs, playing football together, basically whatever Freddie wanted to do, they did. Amidst all the fun, Louis was desperately missing his girl waiting back home for him. Sometimes he’d feel guilty for having to be away from her but she continuously reminded him that Freddie came first and reassured him that it’s okay for not being around.  

That’s one of the many things he loved about her, her understanding. 

With the laundry all sorted, y/n finished cleaning up the living room by dumping all the accumulating water bottles and empty snack packs that only grew as the days went by. Little black dress came on and she began belting out the lyrics without a care in the world because who was there to judge her? Definitely not her sassy boyfriend. The last time Louis had heard her singing one of Niall’s songs, he teased her about it by saying that Donkey from Shrek had more talent than her. Of course, y/n locked him out the bedroom that night.  

With the area tidied, she moved to the kitchen. The song continued on and she couldn’t help but fully give into the music and started swaying her hips to the sound of Louis’ voice that’s belting through the speakers. She was totally engrossed in the music; she didn’t hear the sound of a car pulling into the driveway nor the sound of the front door being opened and shut.  

Louis lips broke out into a cheeky smile at the song flooding the house mixed with his girl’s voice upon entry. Abandoning his luggage at the door, Louis followed her voice to the kitchen and paused in the doorway. Y/N was oblivious to his presence behind her, too focused on wiping down kitchen island. She had on her oversized black t-shirt that he loved seeing her in, she was in her element and Louis loved seeing her like this. Happy and carefree. 

I like to see the way you move for me baby! 

Louis watched her intently as she swayed her hips and dipped to the floor, his eyes focused on her bum the entire time. When she stood up to her full height, he snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. He felt her stiffen at first but quickly relaxed when she realized that it was her Lou. His scent that she loved so much, invaded all her senses. 

“What a way to be welcomed home, love.” He inhaled the scent of her shampoo and kissed the exposed skin of her neck, immediately raising goosebumps on her skin. Her cheeks flushed out of embarrassment. 

“You’re early.” Lou gently turned her around in his arms and wasted no times kissing those lips he’s missed all that time apart. Lou nipped at her lips a couple times before breaking apart to get some much-needed air.  

“It’s called a surprise love and from now on I’ll keep changing my flights home if it means I get to come home to your poor singing and tempting dancing.” Y/N rolled her eyes at his comment, he should be the last person talking. 

“You shouldn’t be talking Mr. Oohhh it’s whatcha do to meeeee.” Louis gasped at her impression of his dreadful X-Factor audition. 

“Ha ha ha, funny. You’re gonna regret that.” She couldn’t hold in her laugh as he hoisted her up on the countertop. She cupped his face and pulled him in for another kiss, this time more needy and sloppy. 

The pair were happy to be reunited after their time apart, neither one of them couldn’t wait to have each other to themselves. 

[bts-hyperfixation]

Outside of the Fox

Chapter 31 of 35

2750 words

Y/N longs for a new life when the one she’d been living comes to an abrupt stop. Without much thought to those she is leaving behind, the little fox packs a backpack and disappears. She stumbles across the shelter and makes an interim home for herself while she works out exactly what she wants from her second chance.

Last

You unfurl your legs as everyone around you clambers from the back of the taxi. Seokjin extends a hand out for you, and you take it gladly, using his leverage to climb free. You stumble a little as you free yourself, and he takes the opportunity to catch you in his arms and hold you close, making you giggle as you wriggle to free yourself and help unpack the luggage.

"Aish... hold still, let me enjoy one more cuddle before I have to return to my own empty home," Jin complains.

You do as you're told. You cease your movement and instead encircle your arms around his waist. He gives a satisfied hum as he stretches his neck to rest his chin on your head. 

"Maybe you should just stick around doc," Taehyung suggests wiggling his brows.

"Yeah, that's what we did," Hoseok laughs, "The invite to move in really is just a formality, not a necessity here..."

The taxi drives away after Namjoon finishes paying, and the others gather up the bags from the driveway to lug back inside the house. 

Jungkook is the first to the door, excited to be back in his own home again. Unfortunately, that means he is also the first to see the brunt of the water damage. 

The rabbit whimpers and drops his bags on the porch, running into the living room and digging through the sodden scrap to try and find some of the things he deemed valuable. Namjoon and Yoongi sprint in behind him. Yoongi dives for the utility to turn off the water and electrics, while Namjoon pulls Jungkook to his feet away from the wreckage. The leader coddles Jungkook to his chest and assesses the damage.

"Looks like it hasn't been broken for too long," Yoongi says, "Maybe a couple of hours? Lucky really," He sighs.

"It's definitely going to be expensive though," Namjoon grumbles.

"We will have to get someone in to see if the damage goes into the studs or not," Hoseok points out as he walks through the door, "I know a guy,"

"Call him," Yoongi agrees "Jimin-ah can you help me get the valuables and see what we can salvage from this mess."

"What can we do?" Jin asks as you and he enter the room.

"Can you try and get some of the water out? It isn't too deep, maybe an inch or two? a mop, bucket, and lots of time should do," Yoongi suggests.

You and Jin nod and get to work. He opens all the windows as you open the cleaning cupboard. 

The cold winter air wraps around you as you go about gathering buckets of water, a far cry from the tropical paradise you had all just returned from. You would’ve thought March would bring some spring warmth but apparently not today. Jin works faster than you, scooping up less at a time for sake of urgency. Namjoon returns to the living room, having taken jungkook upstairs and in to his bedroom. None of you seemed to be addressing the fact that Jungkook’s room was downstairs and therefore likely flooded too.

The door to his room was shut and you were planning to keep it that way until you clear as much water out of this room as you could. You just had to remain hopeful that the door staved off most of the damage. 

The bear drapes a coat around each of your shoulders before taking hold of a mop to help you clean out the water. It takes just under an hour of the three of you going back and forth to chuck water out of the door and wring out the mops. Looking at the floor, you are suddenly very grateful for the lack of carpeting. The rug was easy to roll up and throw out into the garden. The wooden laminate had warped in some places, but was usable for now.

Hoseok’s guy said he could be round later in the afternoon, and Yoongi had spent sometime calming Jungkook down by showing him all of the valuables were okay. He even helped to dry them all off with Jimin.

Luckily it seemed Jungkook’s room was mostly unscathed. A little bit of water had started to wear at the door but it was a snug enough fit to only allow minuscule cracks. 

You all huddle into the master bedroom, lounging around to talk about your current situation.

For the time being though the plumber had suggested over the phone that you stay in a hotel or something until he could work out the extent of the leak. 

Taehyung had happily offered to pay for a place for you all to stay as well as the repairs necessary, but the vein in Namjoon’s neck had almost ruptured at the thought. A holiday was one thing (that he still wasn’t thrilled about), but necessities were something he was unwilling to let others take care of. Namjoon really couldn’t afford for 7 of you to stay in a hotel until repairs were complete

Hoseok asked if his old landlord had found a new lodger yet, he’d had a good rent deal that would’ve been cramped but doable. Regrettably the landlord had already signed a new lease.

“My place it is then!” Jin announced to the room.

“We can’t ask that of you.” Namjoon sighed.

“Then what exactly do you think you’re going to do? Live in this sodden house until you finally have the funds to fix it, in like what? Six months? A year?” Jin levels Namjoon with his most sarcastic look.

He is right of course. They didn’t know the extent of damage yet but it wasn’t going to come cheap. If Namjoon accepted all of your help it would take maybe a couple of weeks. On his already tight salary alone? It would be almost impossible. 

Namjoon looks a mixture of insulted and just plain sad as he processes the true extent of what he is going to have to overcome.

“Come on Joonie, let us help you.” Jin says, a lot softer this time, “Stay at my place and we can talk about the financials of it all at a later date.”

You all nod and Namjoon relents, agreeing that it really is your best and only option. You set about unpacking your summer clothes and packing your essentials instead. Yoongi remembers to grab the airbed from the airing closet too, between that and Jin’s bed you should all have a place to sleep, even if it’s a tight squeeze.

________________

Jin’s house is gorgeously decorated, clearly a professional had been in. There were random artworks dotted around, decorative rugs that pulled the room together, and actual coffee table books on the coffee table. It looked straight out of a beautiful home catalogue. What it didn’t look like, though, was lived in. 

Even the touches that were clearly Seokjin’s were so perfectly put away that it may as well have been a show home. Shoes were all in a neat row and coats were hung and pressed.

“Make yourselves at home,” Jin says, ushering you all through the apartment. 

“Someone should,” Yoongi mumbles, glancing around at the pristine surroundings. 

“Are you okay with us moving the furniture around to fit the blow up bed in?” Namjoon asks.

“Absolutely, change whatever you like. I’m not fussed. I’m barely here anyway,” Jin shrugs. 

That makes sense, he had told you as much when you’d been to the hospital with Jimin. It didn’t make it seem any less sad when you thought of him coming home to somewhere so devoid of that familiar warmth of a messy house. Even in your husbands house you both had personal touches scattered through his expensive estate, in fact, he encouraged you to decorate to prevent you from getting too bored cooped up their. 

You place your suitcase in a corner under the window and the others follow suit getting them out of the way. Hoseok helps Yoongi to move the sofa backwards while Namjoon and Taehyung displace the coffee table leaving a space large enough for the air mattress to fit. It’s reminiscent of when you came home to the nest Jungkook had helped Jimin to construct after your first date with Yoongi. As they squabble about directions and beddings, Jin’s house already starts to have a more homey feeling. Even Jungkook is visibly starting to unwind, his shoulders rolling down back into place.

“Can I sleep where you sleep?” The rabbit asks, sidling up to you. 

He bends so his chin is lay on your shoulder. You tilt your neck so that you can rest your head on top of his. 

“Don’t you want to sleep with Yoongi and Namjoon in this new place?” 

He shakes his head, tickling you in the process. 

“I want to sleep in the blow up bed with my blankets, and you, and Jimin… and Taehyung.” He says the last bit quietly.

“I’m sure that should be fine. Although Jin better have a big bed to fit his shoulders, Namjoon’s arms, and deal with how much Hobi wriggles in his sleep. Yoongi could be in for a long night on the floor,” you chuckle.

Yoongi overhears and groans but makes no moves to protest the arrangements Jungkook has requested. The jackal just gathers his and Hobi’s luggage, taking it in to the bedroom. Jin follows behind him with his and Namjoon’s luggage. 

In the meantime Namjoon has gone from looking sad to looking downright miserable, the weight of the world seemingly forcing his shoulders down.

“What time is the plumber coming?” You ask Hoseok.

“Someone should head back to the house to meet him with in the next hour or so, I would say,” he responds.

“ Great, come on then Joonie, I’ll drive.” 

You take the sullen man’s hand and grab a set of keys.

____________________

Namjoon sulks the entire way to the cottage. Every time you try to talk to him, he grunts in response, eventually you give up and focus on the road. Hobi sent you a text to tell you the plumber was going to be a little later than planned but should still be with you before it got dark. 

In the meantime it gave you plenty of time to try and improve Namjoon’s disposition.

“Do you want to hang around upstairs until he gets here? Or shall we get some lunch?” You ask cheerily.

“Whatever,” he grumbles in response.

You sigh and roll your eyes at the man. He has the wear-with-all to look at least a little bit guilty about his behaviour but it doesn’t seem like he plans to correct it any time soon either.

“Namjoon, you are going to have to get over this,” you huff.

You walk away from him, leaving him alone in the driveway staring up at his home as you storm inside. You don’t wait to see if he is following you.

 You march up the stairs and into your room/the office and slam the door. You’ve long since had enough of Namjoon shutting down every time something upsets him, and it wasn’t your job to baby the man. A man that wanted to lead a pack should be far less petulant about it anyway.

You shiver as you finally notice the chill that has settled through the hovel. Having left all the windows open, and with no electricity, the outside air had made it freezing inside. You crawl onto your futon and wrap the covers around yourself although it did very little to shield you when you had very little body heat to assist in warming the blanket in the first place.

 You wriggle and writhe trying to warm the air around you but it only succeeds in making you see just how uncomfortable your temporary turned permanent mattress was. The lumps and bumps stick out a lot more than you remembered. Your mood soured further the longer you sat but you refused to venture out and deal with Namjoon.

A short while later, there is a soft knock on the door and a sheepish bear poked his head in.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

You take one look at him and remember how warm he always is and decide to forgive him instantly for his attitude. You open up the duvet wide enough to invite him in and he takes the chance immediately, diving into the empty space beside you. He swings his arms around your shoulders and pulls you into his lap. He still seems unwilling to have a conversation but it’s an improvement. And you get to be warm.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but we really need to,” you start.

Namjoon buries his face into your shoulder and doesn’t respond, so you continue.

“I don’t understand why you are so opposed to everyone actually contributing to the household now. There are seven people that live in this house, potentially soon to be eight if the others get what they are going for… We cannot live on your author salary alone, it’s not feasible.” You comfortingly stroke at the arms he has wrapped around you. 

He sighs deeply into your shoulder. His arms tighten around you and he breathes you in.

“None of us are even pack animals Joonie, this desire of yours to be so in control makes no sense. You’re just going to work yourself to death for no reason,”

Finally he unburies his nose and speaks.

“Did you know my father is a wolf… my mum is a bear, it’s where my features come from. But dad left a much bigger impression on my instincts. It causes me to need to provide, I can’t really control it.”

So many things about him finally click into place with his admission. Wolves were known to be overprotective, to an almost aggressive degree. As with most scientific or technological advancements the hybrid experiment was originally  an act of war. So when hybrids first came into being wolves had been mixed into the DNA a lot to try and make loyal and fearsome soldiers. As hybrids became more common place, wolves became less common because their instincts were too strong, although obviously those that already existed were breeding.

So all of Namjoon’s possessive quirks and aggressive reactions suddenly made a lot more sense.

“I understand on an intellectual level that we would be far better off if I let you all chip in. Taehyung’s like a millionaire or something for fuck sake!”

He pushes you away a little as he becomes annoyed again. You shuffle on to the futon and face him. He buries his face in his hands to not look at you.

“I hate this part of myself, it’s why I get so angry. I’m never angry with you guys… unless it’s about Jungkook, but that’s a separate issue.”

You put a hand on each of his knees, drawing slow circles to try and comfort him. 

He goes on to explain how his father had drilled into him that he should always be in charge, that he needed to provide, that he would one day be an alpha of his own pack. His father would be disappointed whenever Namjoon displayed less than what he thought of as perfect alpha behaviour. A disappointment that left clear marks on his subconscious 

He still won’t look up.

You reach up and pull him into your lap. He allows it, laying his head on your thigh. You stroke his hair and shush him gently.

“Maybe we should talk about getting a therapist for you too…” you suggest.

He doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t pull away either.

“And I really think you should let me, Taehyung, and Jin handle this emergency.”

“You? Y/N you’re a secretary. You shouldn’t be using your little salary for stuff like this, it should be used on nice stuff for yourself,” he complained.

“Joon… I’m the widow of a very very rich man, I’m also worth a fortune,” You point out.

“Then why did you move in to the shelter? Or with 4 almost perfect strangers for that matter?” He stares up at you confused. 

“I wanted to see if I could make it on my own… and I guess I failed miserably,” you shrug “but I’m much happier where I am.”

“I’m so glad you stayed with us.” He says. 

He twists in your lap and pushes up your shirt, kissing your stomach and making you giggle.

Next

Masterlist

Send me asks - doesn’t have to be fic related. Can be smutty, thirsty, fluffy, angsty, whatever you’re feeling regarding BTS. Can be literally anything doesn’t have to be BTS

[angelosearch]

Last year, a friend of mine shared with me her family's New Years' tradition and it stuck with me. She said that it was important that the New Year found you where you wanted to be - it's like manifesting what you want in the future. So, for example, if you wanted to travel in 2024, at midnight you would run out the door with packed luggage. If you wanted to have a clean house throughout the year, you might deeply clean your home and finish by midnight.

I really like this idea of "letting the moment find you." So today I am going to embody things I want for next year:

I've already read FFVIII fanfiction today and in the wee hours I wrote an essay about FFVIII and Celine Dion. I am absolutely manifesting more connection with my favorite videogame and the FFVIII community in 2024.

I am going to dress up in shiny, brightly colored things and do my hair and makeup. Next year I want to feel comfortable expressing myself and like the way I look.

I am going to do some art and/or journaling because I want to get into grad school for Art Therapy, and art and reflection are essential parts of that.

New Years' Eve I will spend at Karaoke because the energy I feel on the dance floor and behind the mic is something I'd like to carry with me always.

I'll listen to the songs of artists I'd like to see live next year (in a perfect world. Dream big if you're manifesting, right?)

I'll got have coffee on the porch and breathe in the winter air. I'd like to spend more time outside next year.

Finally, at midnight, I will stand beside "my Rinoa" and friends and hope that I am blessed enough to contine to have so much love in my life going into the future.

(... And then, on New Years' Day, my husband and I will make lasagna from scratch (like we make the cheeses and sausage and noodles and everything) as we have for the last couple of years. Manifesting more good food I guess?)

Here's to a hopefully successful and fun 2024! I hope it is everything you wish it to be. Happy New Year!

[pbandjesse]

We are at the airport!!! I am very excited but also very nervous!!

Today was a lot of that. Nerves. Excitement. Not sure what to do with my hands. It was a good day. I slept okay. Had bizarre dreams but nothing that upset me. James had work for a few hours in the morning so I woke up alone.

I made the bed and then came up with a plan. I would dye my hair and take a shower. I would go to target and grab some last minute things. Snacks. New chapstick (I lost mine at the festival yesterday). Kitty litter so we could leave with a completely clean box. I wanted to make sure the house was nice for when Callie came to take care of the animals, so I also made sure that all the tanks were full and everything was in place.

I really should have gone to target first. But I started putting dye in my hair and there wasn't any going back from that. I would put dye on my hair and walk around the house double checking things. I also went through my luggage again and made sure everything was charging so it would be good for the flight.

Eventually I would run the dishwasher and go and start the shower. And for some reason that has worked getting the shower hotter faster (the dishwasher is probably using the water faster? Something like that anyway.) and I washed my hair and scrubbed and scrubbed to feel as clean as possible.

My hair actually would dry really nicely. I did not wait for it to be dry before I left for target though. Just put it in a clip and was off.

According to the cashier everyone was waking up and coming from church. Because while it wasn't busy when I first got there it was very busy by the time I was leaving.

I stuck to my list though. I got new chapstick, and a solid cuticle oil. My finger tips have been splitting and are really painful. I got cleaning spray for our bathtub and two bags of kitty litter. I got snacks. Various ones. Sweets and savories. I got hot honey cashews which seemed intriguing. I will probably save those for the layover because I don't want to accidently make anyone with nut allergies to have a reaction in a closed space. But I got rice Krispies and a chocolate bar and mini tates cookies, and some mints. A good variety.

My last thing was to try James over the ear headphones. The ones they ordered weeks ago never shipped. Stuck in limbo. The selection at target for until $100 ones was pretty abysmal but they had one that was made for kids and I thought would work (and thankfully they did fit!). The nice man who worked electronics had to unlock the case for me and he was very busy and pulled in all directions. But he stopped and helped me and then offered to check out all of my order so I didn't have to wait in the very long line at the front. I appreciate him greatly for that.

He called security so they would know I was coming from the other side of the store with my purchases and they wouldn't stop me. And I went home.

James has arrived home from work right after I had left. They had spent the time I was gone putting stuff away and tidying up. Getting the last of the stuff in their bags together. And I would jump on that too.

I sat upstairs figuring out how to fit all my snacks in my backpack. Double checking I had everything I wanted in cabin in that bag. I moved some stuff around and tried to make sure everything was good to go. My hair was mostly dry and the dye took really well. I will probably wash it two more times before the wedding on Saturday so it should fade just a little and will look really good, fingers crossed.

On the day of travel I like to only use products and things that I am bringing with me. So I know I will be okay with what I packed and not wishing I had something else. So my hair only has conditioner and hair oil and that is what I will have to live with. Being in a different climate I am hoping it stays looking nice.

We decided we would go to the diner for a late lunch to have our "last American meal" (outside the airport). And we left to go do that before 2.

I would get French toast and french fries. James got a patty melt. We spent most of the meal on our phones researching. I read the Wikipedia for Uganda. We double checked about bag sizes. And we realized our bags were probably to heavy to be carry ons. They were the right dimensions but we're probably to heavy. We would figure that out once we got to the airport.

We ended up leaving an hour earlier then planned. When we got back we had measured the bags and I would lay down. My allergies were really bad. Sweetp was a little distressed that we were leaving. Which makes him puff up and makes my allergies very bad. But I enjoyed just laying in bed and feeling cozy.

But at 430 we decided to go. And that ended duo being perfect. We had no stress.

As we were leaving our other neighbors we're coming home so we stopped to let them know we were going to be out of the country. And then James forgot their cost and had to go back for in it. But then we were off and on the road.

It's an hour and a half to the airport. This is the Dulles airport in Virginia so a little far but not bad. And we got here without much trouble. When we arrived at 6 we realized our parking checking in was for 7 and got nervous but it still let us scan in and we got a very good spot. We were both sweaty nervous but it ended up being super easy.

First we went and used the bathrooms and I had a very weird experience. It was a very large bathroom. Lots of stalls. No one else was in there. I go in and a lady comes in on my heels and goes to the stall next to me. Makes a ton of noise spinning the toilet paper. I was quick. And as soon as I came out she followed me on my heels again. Doesn't flush I don't think she actually used the bathroom. She almost crashed into me at the sink. I took my time to see if she would leave first. She doesn't. She waits until I'm walking out to finish drying her hands. Almost walks into me again but walks away when I get back to James. It was absolute weirdo behavior. Jess thinks she was trying to pickpocket me but Jane's had my bags and phone and it just made me feel weird.

But we moved in and went to the ticket counter to get our seats changed. Which is when they also weighed our bags and they decided they were to heavy to be carry ons. And honestly it's for the best. we can be much more hands free. And she was just really nice. Made us feel like everything was going to be good.

I wasn't sure what kind of tsa they would have. But they had us take nothing from the bags and we made it through super easy. Though my boobie set off the machine? Hilarious.

My little sewing scissors did make it through too! I will be able to embroider on the flight. I also have my bracelet making stuff. I am ready for the long haul.

Besides crafts I also have a ton of YouTube videos and music and podcasts and books and audio books. Way more then I need but it will be really nice to have the variety.

Once we got through TSA we could be a little calmer. It was the first big test. We will still have the layover and then customs but the first hurtle is done and we did great.

We would walk to the train car to the terminal. And we were laughing and having fun and it has been a really nice time. This is a nicer airport then I remember from when we flew into it from our honeymoon.

We would get dinner. James got a corn dog and I got a pizza that I would share with James. And we have been sitting at our gate for a bit now. It will be time to board soon.

No one else from our party is here yet but they are at the airport somewhere. Hopefully through TSA soon.

I am nervous and excited. The first leg is 10 hours. And we will arrive in Turkey at 3pm tomorrow. I will probably wait to do tomorrow's post until the second flight and post it when we land. Which if my math is right will be 11pm Monday home time. Let's hope that works !!

Send us good vibes. Especially to James who is so nervous about the flight. But it is going to be amazing and this time on the plane will be a fun part of the adventure. Wish us luck! I love you all. Until next time!!

[thelittolpinkstudent]

hello, hello! apologies for being a bit mia this week, but i honestly haven’t had that much to do in the past few days leading up to break! today marks the beginning, and it’s a beautiful early spring day to start our break off.

what i’ve done this week

✅ (minimal) studying for german, but i believe my quiz went well

✅ german homework

✅ ballet discussion board and responses

✅ packing for spring break

✅ club meetings and bingo

today, i did finish up all of my homework, and while i wait for my parents, i need to finish shutting down my room. i already made a to do list, and it looks a bit like this:

⬜️ dishes

⬜️ vacuum

✅ wipe down surfaces

⬜️ unplug anything and switch off power strips (excluding fridge and microwave)

⬜️ turn off fans

⬜️ take out trash and recycling

✅ clean out fridge and perishable foods

the dorms officially close in a few hours, so i have my work cut out for me. i also will need help getting my luggage downstairs by myself, as my parents aren’t coming until after housing closes… however, we’ve made it to spring break!

i might post over spring break, but i might not, so until my next post, have a great week! 💕

[jow99]

Off to Barcelona

An early start Tuesday as there was much to do. But first a nice breakfast of local pastries. Packing and cleaning were the order of the day and all hands were on deck.

We did manage a break to go out for lunch (easier than making more mess to clean up). At 3pm a van cab came to pick us and our mountain of luggage up for the trip to Barcelona. It was a relief to be on the way, now it is what it is.

The trip to Barcelona passed quickly but then we had a slightly fraught time getting into our accommodation. We had quite a long wait for the key with us and our luggage on the sidewalk.

Finally in the apartment (10 stairs to get to the elevator that was advertised 😬) and all was good again. It’s a spacious, airy apartment once you manage to get inside and has a lovely sunny terrace.

We left the Mums with a sherry and a few nibbles and went off to find the supermarket and explore the neighbourhood.

For dinner we went to a restaurant we had scouted on our way to the supermarket. It was a good evening, nice food and wine (and home made truffles with Jack Daniels 😋) and everyone in a good mood.

Wednesday we set out in search of some of the Gaudi houses and to do some last shopping. A successful day on both counts. We also made it to La Rambla and the Mercado La Boqueria. The Mums had a great day and after a glass of rose beside the market we caught a cab home. Mum was very impressed with how far she’d walked today.

The weather for the most part was really nice, though a cold wind picked up around lunchtime.

Late afternoon back at the apartment was chilling out and nanna nap time (and a load of washing) before heading out to dinner at one of my favourite restaurants here in Barcelona. The restaurant (7 Portes) has been running since 1875. For those who know it, it’s like the Spanish version of the Grand Divan in London.

A lovely meal with lots of laughs, lots of bubbles and checking out the name plates of the famous who have graced the restaurant before us. I think we’ll all sleep well tonight 🥂

[shakespearerants]

Yay: In an unprecedented bout of productivity, since waking up today I have already:

- finished and submitted 3 papers

- made myself breakfast, lunch and train snacks

- packed my luggage for the dig

- paid for 3 sperate things online

- did the registration paperwork for 2 sports things

- cleaned my whole apartment

- wrote 3 E-Mails, not counting the paper submissions

- got on the train and am halfway to the dig site already

Nay: in a totally unsurprising turn of events, I am experiencing symptoms of:

- beginning cold

- nerve pain in both legs that could be the result of a lower back issue

- extreme fatigue

- brain fog so severe I feel like I need a light house to type this post

- ear pain

- shoulder pain

- back pain

- I also managed to agitate a piercing

VERY thankful for past me's foresight, because I'm only doing 5 days on this dig AND it's near my parents house. 3 months ago I was contemplating doing. A LOT more.

[bergeronprocess]

This prompt is from my own dome 

9/22/24

Write about the mall you visited most often during childhood.

My neighborhood mall was a small one. It only had one story of shops and, just like how I thought you were rich if your house had two stories, I also thought a mall was fancy if it had two stories. North DeKalb Mall was not that, but it was conveniently located and so it holds lots of memories for me.

I recently started to think about and collect these memories because, well, North DeKalb Mall’s time is up. It had been limping along for a few years, devoid of almost all of its food court offerings, featuring just a few shops here and there. When Macy’s left, that was a sign of things to come. When the Bath and Body Works I worked at during college left, that’s when I knew things were really bad. 

A few months ago, the demolition crews came and started to knock it all down. It’s going to be reduced to rubble, wiped clean and then rebuilt as a more bougie version of itself, one of those fancier live-play-work type joints, stores and restaurants and outdoor space and all that. Its new name is going to be Lulah Hills, which no one living in the area likes. Frankly, I’ll probably still call it North DeKalb Mall, or even its previous name, Market Square.

To mark the occasion of North DeKalb Mall’s official death, here are some memories I have of the old place.

The Macy’s was the only thing at the mall that had two stories. The first floor held clothes, makeup, jewelry and accessories. Upstairs, you could find things like bedding, kitchen appliances and luggage. We didn’t go upstairs too often. Macy’s was the place to go for Easter clothes, though. I shouldn’t even really call it Macy’s! Originally, it was called Rich’s, a department store founded right here in Atlanta that, like many other regional department stores, was absorbed into Macy’s in the 2000s. Sometimes my mom still calls it Rich’s.

There was an Applebee’s right by one of the entrance and exit points. It was cool because it was enclosed, but had a row of windows looking out into the main walkway of the mall, so you could sit in there and people watch. I often did this with my mom. Sometimes she would see some of her 6th grade students, though, and if she happened to be enjoying an alcoholic beverage with her meal, it was a bit awkward! Applebee’s also used to sell these tasty little shot glasses full of desserts - this was the 2000s, an absolute diet culture nightmare, the era of 100-calorie snack packs - and there was a chocolate mousse one that was really good. Applebee’s closed a few years before the mall really started to decline.

Across from that Applebee’s was Challenges, an arcade. At one point it even had a back room that was used for laser tag, which was delightfully 90s and very cool. They then got rid of the laser tag room and just put more arcade machines in that second room. Challenges was so cool - an absolute riot of colors and sounds - I loved it so much. Among other things, I used to play Dance Dance Revolution there. I learned the custom of putting a token above the select buttons on the machine to tell the current player “I’ve got next” without disturbing them during their dances. I even remember showing DDR to my grandmother when she came down from Ohio to pay us a visit.

The arcade version of Challenges closed some time ago, but then the name was revived as a comic, card and game shop. Even that eventually moved, though, and today it is still open at a different mall. It’s a nice shop, but I wish it would run Pokemon TCG pre-release events. 

Speaking of Pokemon TCG, I used to get cards from a plant store in the mall called Sav-on-Plants. Being a store full of live plants, the air in there smelled amazing, so clear and fresh. In addition to plants, they also got on the late 90s collectibles gravy train by selling Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards. I remember they even had Japanese cards, including the special Southern Islands set. My parents used Pokemon cards as a reward when I was trying to learn my times tables. Every time I got one down, I’d get Pokemon cards. It worked - even though I’m terrible at math, I do know my times tables to this day. Now, I did regrettably sell my old collection of Pokemon cards…but well, everyone has regrets, right?

There was a KB Toys at North DeKalb Mall, at least until Mitt Romney killed the company just like he killed Toys R Us. Clearly I will never forgive him for these transgressions. My biggest memory of KB Toys was buying a Furby there!

The mall had a video game store. I think maybe it was called an EB Games, though perhaps it changed to a Gamestop at some point before closing entirely. I bought Kingdom Hearts for my Playstation 2 there. (Like many, many other consumers at the time, we bought a PS2 to be used as a lower-priced DVD player and the video game aspects were just the cherry on top.) Later, we had to return to that game store to buy a memory card because I was not aware that you needed them. 

A Waldenbooks location was nearby. It always smelled so good. Something about the smell of books was just so good to me. The Waldenbooks was pretty slim but deep, so the aisles were a bit cramped. I don’t think I went there to sit in the aisle and read manga for free, as was the tradition for young weebs without much allowance money. When I went there, I was fully intending to buy.

Also close to the EB Games was, for an all too brief period, a Dippin Dots location. The ice cream of the future!! Nowadays I can still get those yummy little dots at Atlanta Gladiators games. I still love the chocolate flavor. I also got a bowl of Dippin Dots when I saw a Braves game for the last time at Turner Field. These days, Dippin Dots are really just more of a sports arena kind of treat, I guess.

Another unique food place that was at North DeKalb Mall for a brief time, and my mom remembers this better than I do because I was pretty young during this point, was a place called Hello I’m Jello. It sold, well, Jello. Lots of different things made with Jello. I recall a lollipop made from green Jello. Weird, right? Too weird to last, I suppose.

The mall had a small but varied food court. It was anchored at one end by Chick-fil-a, which was well-known for hiring kids as young as 14, so it was a favored place for people to get a first job. There was also a Chinese place, because I am pretty sure every mall food court has to have a Chinese place by law. Of course the food there was cheap and delicious! I also recall a pizza place, a Subway and then the other end of the court was anchored by Wendy’s. I once snuck a whole Wendy’s cheeseburger into the nearby movie theater.

The movie theater is actually one of the last 2 things still holding on (the other is a location of Marshalls attached to the theater), and it will continue on as part of (groan) Lulah Hills. It’s going to shed a few screens, though. It has 16 right now and the trend in the industry now is to have fewer than that. I saw lots and lots of movies there, especially as a teen because that was a fun thing to do, but also when I was a small child as well. There was a weird spooky windowless back hallway that could be used to easily shortcut from the theater to the parking lot without needing to walk through the mall. I think they eventually closed off access to that hallway, which is probably for the best.

We had a neighbor named June, a sweet older woman who had a little dog that was named Emma. Clearly, she had great taste in naming. June worked at a coffee shop in the mall. This was before Starbucks really hit big, so coffee shops were not a big thing. Maybe the coffee shop was called Barneys. I was really young during that time too. I do still love the smell of coffee even though I no longer drink the stuff.

There was also a soft pretzel place situated within smelling range of Bath and Body Works. When I was working there, whatever scent we had going in the store would mix with or compete with that intoxicating smell of soft pretzels. 

Bath and Body Works. Ah, yes. I worked for them while I was in college, as mentioned. Except for my freshman year, I lived at home and commuted to school, which is very common at Georgia State. This gave me the opportunity to work close to home. Although, I didn’t usually work very often. I wasn’t scheduled for many shifts, likely due to my school schedule, and I had trouble planning things like hangouts with friends because I had to do these routine call-ins. I would call in, ask if I had any shifts coming up, usually be told no and then I could get on with things. It was tough to plan ahead with that Schrodinger’s cat of “but do I need to work though?” I think I read that practice was recently banned by the Department of Labor or something. If so, GOOD!

I usually worked floor sets, which were held on Sundays from 6 pm to…whenever we were done. It was usually 11 pm or even midnight. I was a night owl in college and so that was alright with me, but these days, I couldn’t handle that. Floor sets needed all hands on deck taking down displays, building new ones, cleaning up the shelves, shelving new items and so on. Working here taught me how to break down cardboard boxes so we could take more of them out back to the dumpster. 

Every so often, though, I did get a proper shift on the sales floor during operating hours. I never got an actual name tag, so that shows you how often it happened. I do remember working until the store closed on Christmas Eve, watching men limbo under our half-closed gate (because we truly just wanted to go home as soon as possible) to demand last-minute gifts for the women in their lives. I bought a lot of stuff while I worked there because I had a lot of time to just try stuff on and they gave us a really generous discount. They also had a very stringent process for labeling employee purchases and they searched our bags after we clocked out. The store had a high shrink rate, though I never saw anyone shoplifting. 

Along with being near that intoxicating soft pretzel place, Bath and Body Works was next to a large open area. Every Christmas, Santa set up shop there in a lavishly decorated set piece. Money was a bit tight at times in my childhood and so the pricey photo package they sold was out of the question. But, that Santa was cool and he would just look the other way if, say, you brought your own camera and just took your own pictures for free. That Santa worked there every year for ages - when he left, that was another sign for me that the end was near. They also used to have the Easter Bunny visit for the same reason in the springtime, but the bunny stopped coming before Santa did.

Hanging out at the mall was one of the big things to do as a teen. There were some kids, though, who I referred to as mall punks. They all dressed in punk style and mostly hung out outside, in front of Challenges, just shooting the shit and smoking cigarettes. I hung out with them once or twice but found it quite boring. It was much more fun and exciting to actually go inside the mall with my friends and then go see what was for sale at Claire’s. After all, they sold fun little accessories in every trendy style, including Avril Lavigne style punk! 

The mall had many more things than just these memories I have…but these are the things I remember best or most of all. It’s almost entirely demolished now. I can see clear through the rubble to the other side. It’s so weird. But I know that even though the structure is gone, the memories will remain.

[ramblinggaijin]

Loong post. But today was my last day as an ALT with the JET Programme.

A run down of the last two months:

Attempting to job hunt in Japan during summer. Which is not their peak season, spring is. Also don’t have JLPT N2 or N3.

DEPRESSION. And just lots of social burnout tbh due to stress and anxiety. I’m glad I have a therapist at least.

Successfully got an apt on the first shot! Yay! Used Village House which is foreigner friendly. Definitely recommend.

The downside is my apt is on the 5th floor, there is no elevator, and carrying luggage up and down 5 floors in the summer heat is not fun.

Had to do a lot of paperwork at city hall and other places. SO. MUCH. PAPERWORK.

Had some final nomikais with my colleagues.

Lots of farewell speeches, message cards and gifts from colleagues and students, and a lot of tears.

Spending my free time cleaning, packing up everything, hauling everything to the new apt, and throwing out things.

My apt is now pretty empty and it feels weird. About to leave the place that’s been my home for the past 5 years.

[iamapolarbear]

The way my parents travel drive me mad

No, this isn't going on my real travel blog but it can go on my Tumblr mirror.

My parents are late 60s/early 70s, retired for about ten years at this point and although they travel a reasonable amount, it's generally Monday to Friday - because, you know, they're so busy at the weekends. My dad is the one who does all the bookings (my mum is the one who stands behind him and points out that those are completely the wrong dates. Again) and my mum does the packing.

Now, this is my first issue. My dad has a clean polo shirt for every day because he can't be trusted not to spill. Wears the same pants every single day but must have a clean polo shirt. Fine. But when it comes to jumpers, it's always heavy fisherman-style knitted jumpers, for both of them. Fine, if that's what you prefer. But when you travel, that takes up half the miniature suitcase on its own! Get some modern fabrics, get a fleece or a fine knit or something that actually fits in a carry-on!

Second, because my mum packs the toiletries, my dad has no idea what he's allowed. He accompanied me to Tesco one time where I bought a 75ml hairspray to use as fixative on some charcoal sketches I wanted to do. "75ml? That's a lot out of your 100ml. Are you sure you want to take that?" It took a moment to discover that although he knows about the 100ml liquid rule, he's managed to get it into his head that all you can take is 100ml. Everything has to fit into 100ml. All your toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, hairspray, sun cream etc, 100ml in total. This came in back in, what, 2001? 2003? Somewhere around there. And it's 2023 (was at the time) and he's only just discovering that it's 100ml each!

Third, the matter of the wires. They need to take lots of wires because phones and cameras and tablets and whatnot. And every single time, they're going round the house, finding random wires plugged in, going "does this fit my tablet?", "what's this?", unplug this or that and generally making a meal out of it, to say nothing of searching drawers for adaptors. At this point, if you're going away every other month, just buy a set of wires that go in a special case just for travel, so you can charge things the night before you go and the night you get back and you don't have to wander around looking confused! Get a set of proper decent adaptors and keep them together!

Then we have the airport. I sometimes feel like I'm being OTT insisting still on arriving two hours early - and if the only bus or train gets me there a little earlier than that, so be it. I want my full two hours. But my parents are at an airport somewhere in Germany today for a flight at 5.30. Two hours means getting there at 3.30. But at 1.30 German time, I get a message - "at the airport". I point out that it's a bit early and I get "Yes, but boarding is 4.40". You've checked in online and you're travelling hand luggage only! What on earth are you going to do for three hours?

Last time they went away, all of about a month ago, I got a message that my mum had lost her keys. Must have been when they were taking everything out at security. What do you mean, "taking everything out"? You should have your liquids in a little plastic bag somewhere easily accessible and you should have your tablet and camera somewhere accessible. That's all you should be taking out, and even those are doubtful these days with the various new scanners. Actually, it turned out the keys were left in a bag she planned to take and then didn't but how on Earth are you doing an airport if you think there's a possibility of losing your keys at security? This isn't their first time! They're supposed to be experienced and expert travellers by this point!

Which brings me on to this trip. My parents have a small suitcase each (which my mum has obsessively weighed - "It's overweight, I know!". I pick it up, say "it's maybe 4kg." Weigh it, it's 4.5kg. They have a limit of 8kg and I promise you my mother couldn't lift an 8kg bag. Besides, no one ever weighs hand luggage!) and my mum also has a small backpack for use during the flight.

She left her suitcase at security, still sitting in the tray.

The excuse is "too many other things". Mother, you're carrying two things and you've managed to forget the large one, the one you're supposed to notice you're not carrying! I need to know w t actual f are they doing at security? I know my dad insists on carrying everything around in his trouser pockets, so she's got to see that he takes out wallet and keys and trash and probably a handful of coins, and that he gets his liquid bag out (remember, he knows nothing about liquids) but it's two things and if you can't remember to pick up your suitcase, maybe it's time to give up air travel.

And last, apparently my dad insists on carrying his keys around with him on holiday in his unsecured trouser pockets. You know, just in case his car or his house gets carried from southern England to Amsterdam by a freak tornado like in Wizard of Oz. Mustn't leave them safely in the hotel. No, put them in an easily accessible pocket where they're likely to fall out or get pickpocketed.

I'm adamant this is all symptomatic of the brain-melting that seems to happen when you're retired and spend most of your days staring at clickbait YouTube and the Da*ly M*il.

[ribbibbledibbles]

I have had this dream recurring since I was 15. Every time it's been incredibly vivid, and I remember every little detail about it. I'm well aware very few people, if any, will read this but I'm throwing it out here in hopes it'll help me stop thinking about it. I'll detail the dream below, chronicled in distinct parts in hopes it's easier to read.

I. The Letter

It starts as any other school morning. I get up, put my school uniform on and toddle across the road to my secondary school in time for the registration bell to ring. I head up, and find on my desk a manilla envelope. I look around, but no one else has one...

I open it, pulling out the papers inside, and the cover letter reads

Dear *insert my name here.*

We are delighted to inform you that you have been selected for our Outdoor Education programme. Transport will leave from *insert school adress here* at 2am on *today's date, it changed every time*. We implore you to be there in plenty of time.

The rest of the papers detail packing lists and a very, very vague itinerary. I tell my registrations teacher, who looks overjoyed, and instructs me to go home and pack immediately. I do so.

When my mum asks me why I'm back when I should be at school, I show her the letter. She, like my reg teacher, is over the moon, shooing me away to pack whilst she phones various family members. I, however, have no idea what's going on...completely in the dark about all of it.

II. The Coach.

I live across the road from the school, where the transport was leaving from, and so I'm there in plenty of time ahead of them arriving. Stood with my nags surrounding me, my mum next to me telling me how proud she is. Only three other people from my school were stood waiting with me. We stood there for what felt like forever before a convoy of clean black coaches pull into the bus lane, an armed escort getting off each of them to stand by the doors of each.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

We are each instructed to get onto separate busses, our luggage being attended to by other staff members. The busses windows are completely blacked out, and a strange light that made it very hard to see illuminated the inside. I'm shown to a seat, and sat next to someone who I usually recognized (someone from my life normally), but somehow didn't know. The light made it so that i could only see who i was sat next to, everything else in an eerie dimness. Someone would then announce to the coach the following announcement.

"Welcome aboard, I hope you're all very proud of yourselves for being chosen for this programme. You will notice you have each been sat next to someone you may not know. This person will be your partner for the duration of the residential. You may NOT speak to any others, you and your partner, from this point on, are inseparable. Use this long coach ride to get to know them. Anyone from any team caught talking to anyone other than their assigned partner will face consequences. Am I clear?"

A quiet murmer of agreement and confusion ripples through the Coach, me and my partner looking at eachother with confusion, and a hint of determination. Something in that moment makes me feel like we were going to get along.

We chat for a few hours, laughing and joking, getting along like a house on fire. It's daylight now, but the windows of the bus don't allow the light in.

III. The Camp.

It's unclear how long we were on the Coach for, but it feels like it was forever. When I emerge from it, the sun blinds me. The world is incredibly bright after sitting in comparative darkness. My partner (who for the remainder of this telling we will call Sam), stumbles off behind me in the same condition of being blinded. We find our bags, and get funneled into, for all intents and purposes, a faux town. Buildings, grey concrete and empty make up a ghost town perfect for training. It looks like something out of an action movie. It's eerie, it's quiet, and most of all it's miles away from any kind of civilisation.

We're gathered, given rooms each with our partners, and then the lessons start.

IV. The Lessons.

It starts like any other outdoor residential, team building activities with out partners. Myself and Sam gel together so well, we breeze through with unbelievable communication. The perfect pair.

The lessons, though, quickly took a strange turn. Survival skills...but not the usual ones you'd usually teach teens, no, this was bushcraft, weapons handling, outdoor survival to the maximum, strategy, all intense and stressful sessions. Sam and I find our way through them, also finding time to laugh and have fun along the way.

Three weeks the sessions went on for. The residential was set to last just over a month, all told. On the Monday of the last week, all of the pairs were gathered, the start of the end.

V. The Brief.

Without a word, each pair was handed a backpack containing food and various other supplies, a laser tag vest each, and two laser quest guns.

The brief was simple:

Survive until you hear the siren at the end of the week. We each have 3 lives om our vests. If one of us is shot out, so is our partner.

No one was told what would happen of you were shot out, only to report to the supervisors office.

We are then told we have an hour to prepare, when the siren goes off it's all men for themselves. Sam comes up with the idea to get away from the crowd before the hour is over. If we were still there when the siren went off, we'd be caught in a fire fight and put out before the first 5 minutes were up. I agree, and we quietly make our way away from the rest of the pairs to get our equipment on and try to form a plan.

We help eachother into our vests, split the rations and equipment between two backpacks and wait for the siren.

VI. The Attic.

The siren is loud, and more ominous than I think it should be for something as simple and seemingly innocent as survival laser tag. Sam and I hear the shouts from behind us as the initial fore fight breaks out. We move further from the Frey, and try to find somewhere to lay low. We keep cover as other pairs move past us, not wanting to get into a fire fight whilst adrenaline is still running high.

Eventually we stumble across a building with an attic and both make the quiet decision to clamber up into it. We planned to keep to ourselves, stay huddled in the attic and wait for it to only be the last few pairs.

There was a window in the attic, a good angle to shoot down at the mock street below, and avoid return fire with a simple duck down. In our boredom we would pick off pairs passing below, swapping stories at night and growing close. In every iteration I have had of this dream, every partner I have had has done something different in the aid of entertainment. Sometimes they would tell me heartwrenching stories, other times they would do funny skits, but each time it was totally unique.

VII. The Last Siren.

Sam and I had an established routine, and it was hard to leave it behind when the last siren went off.

We emerge from the attic as one of two pairs that survived. None of the other pairs joined us at the meeting spot, not a trace of them to be found.

A rather abruly ending to the dream, we are introduced to the other pair and told that we were now being enrolled into the military and sent for further training.

That's the point where I always wake up, and I'm forever left asking myself why. Its always so vivid, like I'm there, and I just want to know what it all means, why it puts different people from my life in Sam's place...

Hopefully now I've told you, random stranger on the internet, it may stop plaguing me.

[robert-sims]

Cozy Toes, Fun Designs: Snoozies Women’s Slipper Socks

Snoozies specializes in comfortable and cozy footwear, particularly known for their soft and warm slippers and offer a wide range of designs and styles, often featuring colorful patterns, cute characters, and plush materials.

Hot Product

Snoozies Women’s Slipper Socks | Skinnies Lightweight with Mixed Fun Designs

THE PERFECT COZY SLIPPER SOCKS: Our womens slipper socks are lightweight Skinnies that are wonderfully cozy to keep your feet warm when indoors. They aren’t too thick, have slip-protection bottoms, and are easy to pack for your next trip. They also work well as hospital socks!

GREAT FOR TRAVEL: Snoozies Skinnies slippers are perfectly lightweight and foldable sock slippers. This makes them one of the travel accessories to always pack in your luggage, so when you arrive at your destination, your travel slippers can keep you feeling at home.

SAFE, ANTI SLIP SOCKS: Snoozies for women are designed with tons of tiny grippers on the soles of these warm slipper socks to ensure safety when walking on slick surfaces. They are the perfect house slippers, since they have a soft bottom that keeps them comfortable, while the rubber dots provide traction.

EASY TO CARE FOR: Each pair of womens slippers are machine washable and won’t shrink in the wash. If your Snoozies Slippers need a quick cleaning, simply toss them in the wash for a fresh, like-new pair!

A Review Of Snoozies

I bought the extra large and I wear size 9 women’s I might’ve been able to get by with large rather than extra large. I love this kid, so I don’t worry about slipping and Pager and Lane my ankle and feet swell and there’s plenty of room yet, not so loose they fall off. I’m very tempted to buy one more pair. This was one of my 3 pairs. I wear them all day long. They keep your feet warm and cozy. Not too heavy and if you need a little more warmth, they are very comfortable with a pair of socks too. Will DEFINITELY be buying more. Absolutely recommend. 

Customer Q&As

Q: How do I change size from medium to large on this item when I reorder?

A: Maybe just place a new order instead of a reorder and specify the size then?

Q: What size if I wear an 8 1/2 shoe?

A: Hi,Since you are a half size, we suggest going up a size.For 8 1/2 shoe, please try the size Large.

Q: Is there a size chart?

A: Hi,Yes there is a size chart on the left hand side of the picture.Womens size small fits shoe size 5-6. Medium fits shoe size 7-8. Large fits shoe size 9-10. Xlarge fits shoe size 11-12.

The Perfect Gift: Treat yourself or someone special to the gift of cozy comfort and playful style with Snoozies Women’s Slipper Socks. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these slipper socks are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little extra warmth and fun in their life.

Wrap Your Feet in Warmth and Whimsy: Elevate your loungewear game with Snoozies Women’s Slipper Socks and enjoy the perfect combination of comfort and style. With their lightweight design and playful patterns, these slipper socks are sure to become your new favorite go-to for cozy relaxation. Slip into comfort and fun today!

[j-a-smiths-blog]

0543 11Sep23: I woke to the sound of a fire alarm going off in the house. So I naturally get up to figure out what one it is. The alarm stopped as soon as I got out of the bed to find out... but I still walked around. Then I came back here to my bed.

Alarm goes off again.

I find out which one is going off. There is smoke, no smell, no visual of a fire or anything. So I do what most people do.. unsafely.. I removed the battery from that one unit.

So here I am, sitting in bed writing again. I had another unsuccessful night of sleep as I was so tired that I started to fall asleep without my CPAP and when I came to; to realize that my throat was already hurting. So that was like one thirty in the morning. Guess I need to drink some water and then maybe start thinking about getting up to start my day. I checked the weather. It's supposed to be a rather nice day. That means I could get out there and use the weed Wacker to clean up the back yard and finish the front before Carson comes by the grab the mower and weed eater. Once I am done with the weeds I could clean off the back patio and try to get the painting started because I think today is going to be my one shot to get it done.

I also maybe tonight need to focus on getting the screen door fixed as it's half way right now. Other than that tomorrow is all about collecting the trash in the garage so once I get the truck on Tuesday evening I can load it up so Wednesday I can load up the last few items and go throw them at the land fill. It's all doable it just seems like so much to do with the few days we have left. Somewhere in that mix we need to pack our luggage so we don't accidently throw any of that stuff out.

Ok I guess I am done writing for now!

[solarainn1]

Your Ultimate Guide to Affordable Comfort: Motels in Anaheim

Anaheim, California, with its vibrant culture, world-renowned theme parks, and stunning attractions, is a dream destination for many travelers. While luxury hotels and resorts offer indulgent stays, there's an excellent alternative for budget-conscious travelers: motels. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of motels in Anaheim, revealing how you can experience affordable comfort without compromising on convenience and quality.

The Appeal of Motels

Motels have long been favored by travelers seeking a balance between comfort and affordability. Unlike hotels, which are often part of sprawling complexes, motels are designed for easy accessibility. They typically offer parking spaces right outside your room, making it convenient for road-trippers who want to unload their luggage with minimal hassle.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. Many motels in Anaheim provide well-appointed rooms equipped with all the essentials for a pleasant stay. While you won't find lavish amenities like spas or fine-dining restaurants, you can expect clean and cozy rooms, comfortable beds, and necessary facilities like Wi-Fi and cable TV.

Proximity to Attractions

Anaheim is synonymous with world-famous attractions like Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. One of the key advantages of staying in motels around the area is their close proximity to these theme parks. Visitors can save valuable time and money on transportation, allowing for more enjoyable and extended park visits.

Top Motels in Anaheim

Anaheim Delight Motel

Located just a stone's throw away from Disneyland, the Anaheim Delight Motel offers a convenient and comfortable stay. Its well-maintained rooms come with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing experience after a day of excitement at the parks.

b. Palm Grove Motel

For travelers seeking a retro vibe, the Palm Grove Motel delivers. With its charming exterior reminiscent of the mid-20th century, this motel captures the essence of classic road trips. Comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere make it a great choice for families and couples alike.

c. Harbor View Inn

Situated near both Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, Harbor View Inn provides easy access to both leisure and business travelers. The motel's clean and spacious rooms, combined with its prime location, make it an attractive option for those attending events in the area.

Booking Tips

Advance Reservations

To secure the best deals and room availability, it's advisable to book your motel in Anaheim well in advance. This is especially important during peak travel seasons, such as holidays and school breaks.

b. Online Reviews

Before making a reservation, take the time to read online reviews from fellow travelers. Their experiences can offer valuable insights into the quality of accommodations, service, and overall guest satisfaction.

c. Package Deals

Keep an eye out for package deals that include park tickets or other perks. Some motels collaborate with local attractions to offer discounted rates, allowing you to make the most of your stay.

Safety and Hygiene

In today's world, safety and hygiene are paramount. Reputable motels in Anaheim adhere to strict cleanliness protocols to ensure guest well-being. Before booking, inquire about their sanitation practices and measures to protect guests during their stay.

Exploring Beyond the Parks

While Disneyland is a major draw, Anaheim has much more to offer. Take advantage of your motel's central location to explore nearby attractions like the Downtown Disney District, Angel Stadium, and the Anaheim Packing House—a foodie haven with a wide range of culinary delights.

Conclusion

Anaheim's motels provide an ideal solution for travelers seeking affordable comfort without compromising on convenience. From their prime locations near the iconic theme parks to their cozy rooms and essential amenities, motels offer a budget-friendly way to experience everything Anaheim has to offer. By choosing the right motel and following our booking tips, you can create lasting memories while exploring this captivating city. So, embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that affordable comfort awaits you in the motels of Anaheim.

Solara Inn & Suites is a Motel In Anaheim. Our hotel situated off Interstate 5 is close to Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure Park, Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium and Knott's Berry Farm. While you are at Solara Inn and Suites for a business trip or leisure, you are sure to have the best stay ever. We offer our guests excellent amenities like free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, and free WIFI.