#I actually invited a friend over to my dogsitting place when I’m there for a few days

[annab-recs]

Can’t Be Trusted - JJ Maybank

Kooks have never really trusted pogues, but you have gained the trust of some as you babysit and dogsit for them. After inviting JJ over as you are dogsitting, a necklace goes missing and who else would have taken it other than the infamous kleptomaniac, right?

Warnings: some curse words

Word Count: 2.9k+

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"I think someone's mom is home!" You shout from the back door. After playing little game of hide and seek, Austin and Ava wanted to play in their treehouse, so you went inside and chilled out until their two-year-old sister, Aubrey, woke up.

"Okay! We will be out in a minute!" Ava shouted to you as she poked her head out the treehouse window. You rolled your eyes playfully before returning to Aubrey who was still a little groggy from her nap. All she wanted to do was lay in your arms and watch Trolls.

"How were they today, y/n?" Sadie asked you when she walked into her home.

"Absolute angels as always. This one is a little sleepy from her nap, but she just needs cuddles and she'll be fine. The other two are in the treehouse," you tell her as you walk over to where she was standing by the kitchen counter. Aubrey makes grabby hands at her mother and you lean forward to hand her off.

"Hey, I meant to ask you this when you were here last week but how would you feel about dog sitting?" You shot her a weird look as she did not have any dogs, but nodded, nonetheless.

"My sister, Savannah, has three dogs and she and her husband are going on vacation for a week. She just needs someone to let the dogs out and feed them and stuff. I told her about you because you are so great with the kids and I knew that if I can trust you with them, she can trust you with her dogs," Sadie finished.

It was nice to hear a kook say something so kind about a pogue. The adults don't seem to have as big of a problem with pogues as the teenagers do. You were happy to hear that she trusted you so much with her children because you love her kids so much and would do anything for them.

"You can tell her I'm interested," you tell Sadie and she nods.

"Okay, I'll send her your number. Thanks again y/n," she spoke as she handed you some money for your service and you walked out after hugging each of the kids goodbye. 

...

"Okay, so that's all that you really need to know. You can stay here if you want so that you don't have to travel back and forth across the island. Let me show you the guest room." You follow Savannah through her house and to the guest room.

"You can invite your friends like Kiara or Sarah to stay with you, so you aren't too lonely. You can literally do whatever as long as you clean up after yourself, but I know I don't have to worry about anything with you. Sadie talks very highly of you." You blush at the comment and send her a smile. "Do you have any questions?"

"No ma'am. I think I got it all." She smiles at you as Bo, her golden retriever, licks up your leg. The two of you chuckle as you head back to the kitchen.

"Okay well here's the key and the code for the alarm system is 1742. I'll turn it on when we leave and when you get here, just turn it off and then turn it back on at night. Once again, thank you so much for doing this. I could not find anyone and the girl who normally keeps the dogs is going to be gone as well."

"No problem, Mrs. Savannah. I'm extremely excited to get to be with these pups all week next week," you say as you ruffle your hand through Bo’s fur. Her other two dogs, Bleu and Bailey, have been chilling but Bo has been following you everywhere. You said your goodbyes before heading over to The Wreck where your friends were.

"Hello everyone," you announce your presence as your friends greet you. You take the only empty seat at the table that sits between JJ and Pope and sneakily snag a fry from JJ's plate.

"Hey!" He shouts and attempts to grab the fry back, but it is already in your mouth. A giggle escapes your lips as he pouts about his stolen food.

"You owed me that one after all the food I share with you. At least, I have Pope. You'll share your fries with me, won't you buddy?" Pope grins at you before nodding.

"Of course." He slides his basket of fries closer to you and you gladly take one before Kie offers to get you some. You decline, saying you just wanted to tease JJ to which he frowns before ruffling with your hair playfully. After you fix your hair, the pogues ask you about your day.

"I was actually at Savannah's house, Sarah." She shot you a confused look before telling you to continue. Savannah and Sadie are cousins with Ward, so they are related to the Cameron’s. That's how Sarah knows her.

"I thought you babysit for Sadie," she wonders, and you nod.

"I do but Sadie recommended me to Savannah as a dog sitter, so I'm going to be staying there next week while they're on vacation."

"You're basically a kook now, y/n," JJ jokes as you roll your eyes at him.

"No, but I'll be living in the house of one for a week. I'm a full-on pogue right here and you know it." You say as you point to your heart. You had too many responsibilities to look after and pay for to be a kook. You have to help out your dad with money because your mom left you two when you were seven. Things would be a million times better if you were actually a kook but living like one for a little bit would be nice.

...

It was not long before you were living that dream. Savannah left a few days ago and you have been waking up to Bo’s adorable face next to you every morning. As you watched the dogs run around in the backyard, you decided to invite a friend over. You were getting kinda lonely and Savannah said you could invite someone like Kie or Sarah, so you shot Kie a text first.

Y/n: what are you doing tonight? I'm kinda lonely and wanna sleepover with my girl

Kie: my dad has me working all night and then Sarah and I are going to the mainland early in the morning

Y/n: okay I'll ask one of the guys, thanks though

You can't ask John B because you don't want Sarah to get the wrong impression and Pope has work early in the morning with his dad, so your only option is JJ. There is nothing wrong with JJ. You love him to death, but he tends to slip things away without anyone noticing. You want to make a good first impression so that Savannah will want to use you again in the future. You let out a sigh before calling JJ.

"Hello?" His voice sounded through your ears.

"Hey, are you gonna be busy tonight?"

"No, what's up?" He asks as he makes sure to pop the 'p' at the end of his sentence.

"Well, I'm kinda lonely and Savannah said I could invite a friend to stay with me, so I was wondering if you wanted to." You were kind of nervous he would say no but he didn't.

"Yeah sure. I'll be over at like seven and I can bring a pizza."

"Ooo, sounds good. I'll see you then," you said as you salivated at the sound of pizza. You two ended the phone call and went on about your days until he came over. You showed him around the house and introduced him to Bo, Bleu, and Bailey. You made sure to keep a close eye on him the whole night to make sure he didn't snag anything without you knowing.

"Okay I'm stuffed," you announce as you set you unfinished pizza slice down.

"Well, I'm not so..." he trailed off as he grabbed your slice and finished it. You playfully rolled your eyes as you hopped off the barstool and threw the pizza box in the trash. As he finishes, you let the dogs out one last time for the night before bringing them back in, locking the door, and turning on the alarm.

...

After a while, the two of you both get showered and ready for bed. JJ takes one side and you take the other before turning to face him.

"Thanks for staying with me tonight," you whisper, careful not to wake the sleeping Bo that laid between the two of you.

"No problem, y/n. You know I'd do anything for you." His words bring a smile to your face that he can barely see in the low light. You mutter another 'thank you' and then a 'goodnight' as you press your lips to his cheek before turning around and falling asleep.

...

Though the two of you fell asleep separately with Bo between you, you woke up snuggled into JJ's side, your head resting on his bare chest. Bo laid on the other side of him by his leg. You smiled down at the dog as you slid out of JJ's arms. After admiring his sleeping form, you turned off the house alarm and let the dogs out to do their business.

While they were out, you found some eggs and decided to scramble them for breakfast and serve them with some toast. A shirtless sleepy JJ appeared in the doorway as you cooked the eggs. He rubbed his tired eyes before leaning against the counter next to you.

"Whatcha cooking?" He asks as he looks out the window to watch the dogs run around.

"Some eggs. If you want to help, there's bread over there that you can pop in the toaster," you tell him, pointing in the direction of the bread. He nods and does as you asked of him. He looks around in several cabinets before finding the plates and he pulls out two for y'all. He places them down next to you as you finish the eggs and put them on the plates. As soon as you finish with that, the toast pops up.

"Do you want grape or apple jelly?" He asks as he holds the two options up for you to see.

"Grape please." He takes care of the toast as you get two forks and set the plates down on the counter where you two ate last night. You grab two cups and fill them both with some orange juice to complete your meals.

"We do pretty well together," he boasts looking down at the finished product of your work. You laugh and agree before sitting down next to him. As you eat your breakfast, you look around and really take in the beautiful home you have been staying in.

"This place is really pretty," you say softly, still looking around at everything.

"One day, I'm gonna get you a place like this," JJ says as you giggle. He's always joked that you two were going to end up together and that y’all would go full kook. You had always liked JJ but never tried anything. He never initiated anything either, so you just stayed friends. You nodded at him in agreement.

"One day, we will have a huge house and we'll have dogs too," you add on to the dream. JJ wanted to add kids to the dream too but was not sure how you would feel about it, so he kept quiet.

"Yep," he spoke before filling his mouth with eggs again.

...

"Hey y/n! Sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you had anyone over," Savannah asked you through the phone. You felt tense and unsure about what she was getting at.

"Kiara and Sarah stayed with me one night, but that was it. Do you mind me asking why?" You weren't completely lying. After JJ stayed with you, Kie and Sarah spent the night two nights later.

"Well, I can't find one of my necklaces that I thought I had left in the living room on accident before leaving. It was worth a lot of money and my husband gave it to me. I was going to ask if you had seen it and if you had anyone over, would you please ask them if they had seen it too?" JJ's name ran through your mind constantly as she spoke. That little kleptomaniac probably stole it.

"No ma'am. I didn't see it, but I'll ask the girls and get back to you. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Just please let me know as soon as possible," she said before hanging up.

"Fuck," you mutter as your mind races. She probably thinks you stole it and she'll probably tell her sister and you won't be able to babysit anymore which is your most steady and good-paying job. You don't even bother asking the girls. Your first priority is JJ.

...

When you walk up to the chateau, you notice JJ laying on the hammock in the back.

"Hey y/n! What's up?" He asked happily but his face changed when he caught sight of yours. "What happened?"

"I'm going to ask you something and I want you to be completely honest with me." He nods, waiting for you to fill him in on what is bothering you.

"Did you steal anything from Savannah's house?"

"What the hell, y/n?" He asks, anger lacing his voice.

"That wasn't a no."

"No, y/n! I didn't steal anything. Why would you ask me that?" He seethes. He's stood up from the hammock now, too angry to sit.

"Because she can't find an expensive ass necklace and you normally like to steal things. Sorry for automatically thinking it was you," you speak sarcastically.

"I didn't steal it, y/n. I never saw a necklace the whole time I was there. You were with me the whole time. The only time we weren't together was when I was in the shower and when you were in the shower, I was in bed. I promise I didn't leave or go anywhere while you were gone." He stops for a minute as he thinks.

"Is that why you watched my every fucking move while I was there? Because you thought I would steal something?" You stayed quiet which gave him the answer he was looking for. He let out a scoff before continuing to speak.

"You know what? Fuck what I said. That whole dream of you and I getting together one day and living like that. I can't do that with someone who doesn't trust me." His words hurt but you shrugged it off as if it did not matter to you.

"That's fine with me. It was a dumb dream anyway. Like we could achieve that." You scoff before turning around and walking home. Tears streamed down your cheeks. You probably just lost your favorite job and your best friend. Could life get any worse? Your phone buzzes in your hand. Reluctantly you look down at it, hoping it was Kie or Pope or Sarah. Someone who could make you feel better, but it wasn't. It was Savannah.

Savannah: hey just wanted to let you know I found the necklace

"Shit," you muttered under your breath as guilt washes over you and you bolt back to the chateau. You had royally screwed up everything and have to fix it. When you walked to the back where JJ was, you saw him sitting in the hammock with his hands behind his head. He glances over at your approaching figure before returning his gaze to the tree above him.

"You here to accuse me of some more shit I didn't do?" He asks bitterly. You deserve it. You were a shit friend.

"Um, no," you whisper as you shake your head and more tears prick your eyes from all the guilt and shame you felt, "I'm so sorry JJ. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and I should've believed you. I know you wouldn't lie to me. I was just scared that I would lose my job with Sadie. You know how much I love those kids. I thought I'd never get to be with them again. I know that doesn't justify me accusing you of stealing but I love you and hope you can forgive me."

You wipe away the last of your tears before JJ stands up to pull you into a hug. You wrap your arms tightly around him, glad he seemed to forgive you for your crappy actions.

"I couldn't have stayed mad at you if I tried. I just wish you would trust me more," he whispered in your ear before pulling away from you.

"That's the thing JJ. I trust you so much, with my life and everything, but the things just added up and you'd be lying if you said stealing isn't something you would totally do." The two of you laugh together before JJ pulls you down onto the hammock with him and you lay together, looking up at the sky through the tree branches. A comfortable silence fell over the two of you before JJ decided to speak.

"You stole first," he said softly. You turned to look up at him with a questioning look upon your face.

"What? No, I didn't. What do you mean?"

"You stole my heart," he smiled goofily at you before you roll your eyes and cuddle into him.

"Oh, shut up." You feel his laugh vibrate through his chest.

"I love you, y/n," he whispered as his fingers ran through your hair.

"Love you too JJ," you hummed.

[gwoongi]

(abandoned) it’s late, just stay

john wick / reader genre: sugar daddy au rating: general, mature themes words: 2.4k warnings: sugar daddy relationship, slight john wick 2 spoilers i guess a/n: this 1 is for me. i wrote her in a heat,,,she’s literally not finished. but im adding her to my online portfolio 4 the memories. Also fyi the profile was made before i indulged in seeking arrangements and as a sugar baby i know that ur not allowed to mention 90% of brooklynbaby’s bio in ur bio but who cares man this is fiction and im making it up

At that, she tossed her head back with a laugh and leant forward. “And since when are sugar babies a relationship status?”

Sometimes, John doesn’t really know how he gets himself into awkward situations.

The first few occasions, he figured it was merely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While, actually, this always worked out in his favour, John began to notice that it was more frequent that he ended up at a bar with some people he didn’t really know, or being invited to a baby shower as the date of a woman he had never even met before. Granted, John enjoyed company whenever he could get it, and whenever it avoided conflict; however socialism has never been his strongest asset. No, he simply prefers silent gestures or glances across rooms, ‘eye conversations’ where he says hello and nothing else for the remainder of the evening.

“You just need to loosen up a bit,” is what Addy had told him, whilst slipping him a glass of straight Bourbon. It had been a relatively quiet evening in the Continental, and just when John thought he could have five minutes of peace and quiet, Addy has slipped in his line of sight. “You know, go out. Make new friends.”

“You’re my friend,” John replied. He made no room to elaborate on that statement, swallowing the contents of the drink and pushing it back to her with a short nod. She sighed and rolled her eyes, doing her job.

“No, you know what you really need?” He didn’t answer, glancing at her through his hair as she filled his drink and rested her weight on her elbows. Instantly, John didn’t like the feeling in his stomach when Addy raised her eyebrows suggestively, tugging on her bottom lip with newfound excitement: “I think you need to get laid.” 

And when John scoffed with humour, she tried again, “and not like, laid as in you have a one night stand. No- hear me out, John! You should invest in a sugar baby. You know, someone you can spend time with when you’re not doing the dirty work for everybody else. It’s fun, and frisky, and also means you can start spending some of the millions you have stashed somewhere not being used.”

She tutted like a scolding mother, “Selfish boy.” Addy then smiled, “Maybe instead of retirement, what you really need is something to help you unwind.”

John scoffed, gulping back the Bourbon. “I’m married.”

At that, she tossed her head back with a laugh and leant forward. “And since when are sugar babies a relationship status?”

That’s really all the thinking he had done on the subject of John- John fucking Wick- investing in a sugar baby. He simply took it in stride, almost complimented by the assumption that he was attractive and rich enough to have someone leaning on him for money and sex, and stored it away for future thought when he was lost and drunk. John never actually considered the possibility of “putting his bills to good use” until fucking Santino D’Antonio decided to light a bonfire inside his house. Having lost virtually everything related to Helen, he found himself back at the Continental, back to listening to Addy sympathetically give her condolences and five seconds later, introducing him to Seeking Arrangements.

John doesn’t know why he’s doing this, staring at the laptop screen that smiles at him. For circumstances, Addy had loaned him her laptop for the evening he spends at the Continental, and he’s too busy browsing the elaborately made profiles that he barely registers the fact that he is still wearing his suit. He pulls at the cuffs of his blazer and is midway through taking it off when he stumbles across a profile- one of which is oddly amusing- titled brooklynbaby. He racks his mind for the reference but can’t seem to place it.

“A sugar baby suggests that I sleep with them, and as I said,” John had mentioned back in the bar, “I’m married.”

Addy had grabbed his hands and groaned, “Look- you might surprise yourself. And, I’m not suggesting that you throw your wife away for somebody new. I’m just saying you need to...make use of yourself. Honestly, you’re too sexy to be stored away like this. Most sugar babies are dumb and unobservant, they won’t even know who you are.”

brooklynbaby makes an adorably hilarious first impression, and John is hesitant to browse her profile. If he wanted to “make use of himself” by investing all of his personal time into somebody who in truth wanted him for his dick and his bank balance, then it needed to be somebody at least near to his wavelength. Somebody who was smart, but clueless at the same time, and somebody who was the complete opposite of Helen. The last thing he needed on top of a handful of a baby was the guilt of moving on. But still, even when he pinned her tab and returned to scrolling through the profiles, John realised that most sugar babies were simply trolls hidden behind pretty pictures, or girls who wanted money for pleasure and not for need.

He went back to brooklynbaby. Three times. Three times, before he pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering a quiet, “Oh, fuck it,” and favoriting her account, and pressing to send a message.

Even online, John was never great with words. He typed, and backspaced, and typed again, trying to come up with something interesting to make up for the bland profile he made around thirty minutes ago.

From: johnwick So. You like dogs?

If Addy were here, she would have slapped him.

Almost immediately after it sends, John lets out a frustrated noise and tears his gaze away from the screen. Dating just wasn’t like how it was when he met Helen. Why did everything have to be so complicated, and mysterious, and why the hell does he even have to waste his money on somebody when he could be saving this money to eventually, whenever the day comes, retire? John wrestles with the dilemma of deleting the whole account when a notification bell rings through the laptop speakers.

From: brooklynbaby yes, I love dogs!!! :D (typing) do you have a dog?

John breathes a sigh of relief.

From: johnwick Yes. I do.

From: brooklynbaby oh, great. :) (typing)

John’s leg begins to bounce quickly, the table wavering with the glass on top, like an earthquake. Suddenly, brooklynbaby stops typing and John stills. Why did she stop? Did he do something wrong? Honestly, women are so hard to please nowadays.

From: brooklynbaby want to be my sugar daddy?

Never mind.

From: johnwick I would.

From: brooklynbaby cool

Neither him or brooklynbaby says anything for a few moments, and John doesn’t notice. After-all, he is still a working man, busy with life and revenge and trying to stay alive for more than three seconds. When he goes back to the laptop and sees no reply, he frowns.

From: johnwick I am sorry. I really don’t know what I’m doing. What am I supposed to say?

He makes a mental reminder to have words with Addy later.

From: brooklynbaby /(*u*)/ you’re cute we could make dinner reservations and talk over terms if you’d like!!! i say reservations because they’re fancy and if anything goes wrong, we can pretend we’re… business partners? discussing business?

Without even really realising, John finds himself laughing shortly, settling back into the chair. All of this feels weird, as in typing to a stranger he’s planning to spend his money on and occasionally fuck. John quickly revisits her profile and spends four minutes analysing her profile picture. If this is her, then she’s really very beautiful. A steal.

From: johnwick When are you free for dinner?

From: brooklynbaby hmm well i’m dogsitting tomorrow, but i can be free for the day after!!!! is that okay ^_^

From: johnwick That would be fine. [Address] at 7pm, does that work for you?

brooklynbaby pauses.

From: brooklynbaby omg am i gonna have to dress fancy?

From: johnwick Don’t feel pressured. I only own black.

From: brooklynbaby well….guess i’ll bring out like one of my old uni party dresses :( but you have to promise not to judge me!!!

John laughs again. At some point during the evening, he ends up with a planned dinner reservation at one of the most expensive restaurants in Brooklyn, and he’s also 2 grand poorer thanks to the generous donation in brooklynbaby’s bank account for a nice evening outfit.

When John returns the laptop to Addy the following morning, he was admittedly expecting the rant that followed. She had glared at the laptop being handed back over the bar and refused to serve him until he came up with a reasonably valid excuse as to why he wasn’t putting himself out there for a bit of company. John had blinked with an unimpressed look and drummed his fingers.

“I have dinner reservations with someone tomorrow at 7pm. Also- can I have a drink?”

But of course, with work being as tedious as ever and with his whole day being completely ruined by a blood stained shirt and poor room service for the first time in his many years of frequenting the Continental, John didn’t amuse himself with brooklynbaby until he logged onto the site on his phone, and saw that she had messaged thrice during the day. He almost felt guilty, until he saw a string of numbers at the end of the last message. He deemed it less necessary to read her above messages and instead went right to texting.

brooklynbaby ok. so should i just ask for mr john wick when i get to this restaurant??? sorry for so many texts im just kinda nervous

me Yes. I booked under my name and I will be waiting for you when you arrive. Why are you nervous? Didn’t you ask me to be here?

brooklynbaby well if we’re going to be technical then YOU asked me to dinner first :P and im nervous because i have nooo idea who you are send a picture?

John sank into bed.

me Maybe I like the element of surprise.

brooklynbaby seems a lil unfair that you get to see me but i dont get to see you :( ive seen ur dog before you thats saying something

me You could have used any image. If we’re going to be technical, I don’t even know your name, or if that is really you in the image.

John really hadn’t been expecting a full blown nude image at 4:15pm in the afternoon, but he will admit that it was nevertheless what he needed to break some steam. He had arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes earlier than expected, but that’s okay, Mr Wick. Right this way! Now that he was sitting here, at an empty table overlooking Brooklyn and the lights, with an already ordered bottle of wine, John could understand and relate to the first date nerves. He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. Not since-

brooklynbaby uhhh im kind of here like ten minutes early should i wait outside for you :3

He laughs, mostly to himself.

me I’m already up here. I ordered a rosé, is that alright?

brooklynbaby YES IM RUNNING

And, surprising himself also, John had clammed up and reached for his glass. Thankfully, the owner of this restaurant knew John by face and order, because, after-all, this had been his go-to with Helen. These days, he doesn’t have time to go out to new places and eat new things, and so had panicked, and picked a place with sentimental value, and a history of good food. He gulped back his glass of Bourbon and waited until the door at the other side of the room opened meekly, and he tried to appear vacant as the waiter led a woman across the room and towards him.

“Your date, Mr Wick.”

He left curtly and brooklynbaby followed his body as he left, her feet firmly glued to the floor as her head looked back over her shoulder. John took this as an opportunity to look at her body, covered in a beautiful dress he felt proud of paying for. Finally, brooklynbaby looked towards him and paused, observing him and his clearly surprising appearance. John then remembered the gash on his cheekbone and the way he probably looked very off-putting with an unshaven face and long hair, but brooklynbaby smiled softly and raised her brows, beating him to helping her in her chair as she quickly sat down and looked at his glass.

“How did you know I liked beards?”

John didn’t say anything for a moment. “I didn’t.”

brooklynbaby rolled her eyes with a grin. “Of course you didn’t.” She looked up, then, properly taking in his face. John did the same, looking at every feature present and coming to the quick conclusion that yes, she was definitely the woman in the pictures, and yes, she was one of the most gorgeous humans he had ever seen on planet Earth since Helen herself.

“You’re not what I expected,” she said honestly. “But, more than my expectations. I don’t believe I’ve really introduced myself- I’m Y/N. Y/N L/N.”

He tried it out in his head. Y/N. Y/N L.N, Y/N L/N, Y/N Wick-

“John,” he replied and she sniggered and rested her chin in her palms.

“You’re seriously so handsome,” she complimented. “Are you sure you’re not married, or something?”

Her gaze panned to his hands where she noticed the wedding band, and for a moment, she hesitated. John wasn’t ashamed of the ring, nor embarrassed to be seen wearing it. He toyed with it on his finger, looking at her from across the table. “It’s complicated.”

Y/N nodded meekly. “I see.” She cleared her throat, “divorce? Planned divorce? Affair?”

“No, I’m widowed,” he tried out a joke, but she only looked more uncomfortable. Her mouth gaped and she fumbled for words.

“Oh, John, I’m really sorry- no, really, I’m so sorry,” she stumbled, and John watched her carefully across the table. “God, how fucking insensitive. Sorry, I guess that just. Wow, that never really crossed my mind. That sucks, I’m sorry.”

“It’s in the past,” John said, finding finality in that sentence. “I’m trying to move on from it.”

Y/N nodded sympathetically. “No, yeah, wow, I get it. Completely. I...hope I live up to great expectations, then?”

John smiled and looked past her, noticing the waiter rounding the corner with the bottle of rose. “You’re getting there, Miss L/N.”

[ofillyria]

I have been toying around with A LOT of WIP ideas recently and I’m not really sure where I want to focus my energy or which ones I want to add to my WIP list or make intros for. So I figured I’d make a masterlist of all of my ideas that I have a rough plot and character list for so y’all can peruse! If there’s one that jumps our at you, a few you like, or any that you have questions on please please flood my inbox! There’s no better way to get me jazzed about a WIP than to send me asks! I’m putting them under the cut since there’s so many!

NIGHT TWELVE: Vi crashes into enemy territory and is taken in by the army. She's given an assignment: win the heart of the wealthiest woman on the planet to procure war funding. But she's already fallen in love with her superior officer.

DAVID’S PEAK: In the small, Oregon town of David’s Peak people are being mysteriously abducted, and blame is placed on possessed park ranger Diane Atwood. She has a choice: prove herself innocent by finding the real culprit, or say goodbye to the friendly voice in her head.

YOUNG DEMONS: After failing her first spell Cecily Young swore off magic. Her power is building, brewing. The repressed magic is manifesting as a hurricane set to destroy Louisiana in a month's time. She must find a way to expel the magic in time, without tearing herself apart in the process.

THE GODLING TRILOGY: Lea is the firstborn child of Morpheus, making her the most powerful godling in a millennium. Which means she’s the perfect scapegoat for Zeus to send to do his dirty work. Including murdering the ancient being known as Nyx, who’s determined to plunge the modern world into eternal night.

BERSERKERS: Gal pals turned fearsome warriors. When the clique dons their fur coats they gain the strength of the animals they wear. It’s time for revenge on selfish exs, bigoted teachers, and abusive parents,. That is, if the consequences don’t catch up to them first.

THE BLITZKRIEG BREAKER: When Teddy’s clock repair shop becomes both the epicenter of a magical war and the London blitz, he is tasked with keeping a strange device out of the wrong hands. In a world filled with demon dogs, falling bombs, and a mysterious shapeshifting witch it’s hard to know which threat to focus on.

HELL’S EMPTY: Sometimes, the dead get restless. There are a few who manage to slip through the cracks and back into the world of the living. On autopilot, the soul takes the first available body and become a zombie. Over time the body, incompatible with its new soul, will begin to decay. Desperate to live, but falling apart, these creatures seek new fresh bodies to enter, even it means killing to get them. Luckily, hell, like any good business, has a lost prevention specialist. And she’s ready to go hunting.

WASTELANDERS: In a post apocalyptic wasteland, a team of two girls band together to fight to survive. When crossing the desert from ration station to ration station they encounter a man on the side of the road, he claims that his car was stolen with his young daughter inside. The two girls venture to find the lost girl in a no holds barred rescue mission through deadly dive bars, life or death road races, and russian roulette tournaments.

TRAGEDY ANNE: Anne,  a bandit known for terrorizing the rich folks of Round Rock, caught wind of the local mine owner’s plan to blow out the dam. Even if it means washing out Round Rock in the process. Anne wants to save her hometown but no one will listen to a lying, cheating thief.

SOUL: SOLD: Six years ago Jac sold her soul to a demon so that she could say goodbye to her mother. But now her contract is up and she only has a week before she becomes a demon herself. The plan: find the family heirloom, use it to barter with the crossroads demon, and avoid damnation at all costs.

AMELIA BRIGHT PETSITTER TO THE ABSURDLY RICH: Amy loves her job: nice houses, free food, and cute puppies. But when she’s accused of stealing jewelry from a rich client everything falls apart and her reputation is destroyed. She has to prove her innocence. Hopefully, before the super hot CEO she’s dogsitting for returns from a business trip.

THE TEMPEST PROTOCOL: Mira’s mission is to study the defunct pleasure planet which orbits a black hole. But the mission is overturned when the owner of the planet returns and kidnaps Mira’s team. Mira has to rescue her crew before they are all swallowed by the looming void or murdered by the psychopathic resort owner.

THE ELECTRIC PIGHT - Winona is an archaeologist that studies the fallen society of the 21st century. When her brother returns home severely injured, she’s determined to use old world medicine to save his life even if she has to travel for days to find it. But the way to the city of old is guarded by militiamen, cannibals, and rabid dogs. Winona’s attempt to save her brother and prove her theories right might kill her first.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Bee has been demon of the month over nineteen thousand times. She’s assigned a meager corruption mission and saddled with a newbie demon. Now, she’s determined to prove to Satan that she doesn’t need a partner. She has to find a way to kill her ‘husband’ without it looking suspicious. All while corrupting the perfect 1950s suburbia around her.

HELL FIRED - When one of the groundskeepers for the underworld goes on maternity leave her coworker has to find a suitable replacement. So they set up a reality show competition and the last person standing wins the role of right hand man to Hades’ right hand man. Which is sort of an honor.  

ARTEMIS AND APOLLO - Agent’s Artemis and Apollo have been working together for nearly twelve years. He’s the impulsive rogue and she’s the one who actually gets the job done. But now that she’s getting married he’s worried the agency will realize his incompetence. Instead of fighting it, he’s determined to make their final mission together the wildest ride possible.

FUN FUN AT THE BOARDWALK - Daniel works at the Santa Cruz boardwalk and knows for a fact it’s haunted. The giant stuffed animals have started to roam at night and recently, one tried to kill him. He has to round up a team to help him fight back but first, he has to make people believe him.

VIENNA - After being exposed to radiation from the sun an astronaut returns to earth to find that she is imbued with starlight. She’s recruited into an organization of mutants and tasked with rounding up others like her. But the more she uses her powers to render outside threats inert the more she risks burning out and turning herself into a black hole.

10 PERFECT DATES - Katherine Day’s website claims she can set up the most romantic date possible just for a small fee of $200. Rory, an investigative journalist, is determined to prove this offer a scam. So they buy 10 and ask Katherine to be the one to join them on these so-called ‘perfect’ dates. Rory thought this would be a disaster worth writing about, but the only problem is Katherine herself seems like the perfect person for Rory.

SOUL SEARCHING - A witch and her disembodied wife search for a body that can house the wife’s soul. The witch becomes a spiritual guide to people in comas, entering their minds and helping them through to the other side to open a space for the wife to have a body again.

CRITICALLY MISSED. After the death of David’s father he invites all of his childhood friends back to his childhood home for a reunion game of dungeons and dragons. When they start to fight they are interrupted as they are pulled into the game. The old friends are forced to fight off giant spiders, ogres, and long buried resentment. If they die in the game do they die in real life? And is an epic takedown worth risking your brother’s neck?

These ones don’t have titles yet so I’m just gonna give some comps so you get the vibe:

WES ANDERSON x THE HALF OF IT - Mindy’s life is going exactly how she wants. She has perfected her waffle recipe, a successful b&b, and no friends. But when her mom decides to get remarried Mindy is faced with the reality that the world goes on without her even when she constructs an eden for herself. So she enlists the help of a childhood friend to teach her how to deal with change.

STRANGER THINGS x PARANORMAN - Ryann drowned, and was resuscitated minutes after being declared dead. Now the kid sees ghosts: unmoving, unblinking figures staring at a singular location.  Ryann must discover why the spirits are back and what it is they want that’s in the Courthouse.

TOMB RAIDER x UNCHARTED - The Bloodright Chalice is the last unrecovered piece of known treasure, and Kel is determined to find it. With the help of a tagalong history nerd, she must fight off mercenaries, navigate perilous terrain, and withstand the draw of a magical artifact.

KICKASS x DAREDEVIL - Kimberly Price is trying to be the hero her powers deserve, but her moral ambiguity keeps leading her off track. Upon discovering an underground crime ring, Kim discovers her big break and that the mob boss, a mutant like her, can break any bone in her body with his mind.

INCEPTION x ARRIVAL - Dr. Parson has been having dreams recently of waking up next to a woman who he doesn’t know and she claims to be his wife. His new research partner on the particle accelerator is revealed to be the very same woman he’s been dreaming of since the beginning of the project.  He knows more about her than he should and it feels like an abuse of power, but he cannot help but fall in love, or rather stay in love. But how can he be honest when it would paint him as insane and ruin both his relationship with her and his plans for the project?

[greengay]

okay actually i am feeling chatty so i will Continue.....also i’ve had an adderall....ALSO i haven’t been able to properly express myself for a month bc a friend was crashing on my couch and my evil roommate was Not moving out, but the friend is Off the couch and the roommate is donezo.........

i am crossing my fingers that i get to shoot the strokes at gov ball this year.......i find out this week......this would be HUGE for me and i will scream if i get this opportunity........

also in a month i will be dog-sitting in this mansion w my favorite pooch and i get paid fucking $1k to do it!!!!!!!!! like capitalism is Bad but it also makes it so that i get paid to watch netflix with a dog as long as i grill her hamburgers and fork-feed it to her

i’ve been getting up early with the sun because i have a south facing window and around 7-8 am the sun shines directly in my eyes so i take a shower and i go to the park and sun bathe and then go walk dogs

and like.....you guys have seen my breakdowns, but semi-objectively my life is.....Very good????? it’s just my brain.....Is Broken........my brain wants me to throw myself into traffic and i am Always very close to doing this, but things are okay!!!

like....god. i get PAID to take photos at concerts....that’s not a REAL job, and yet it’s my job??? and i get to bring anybody i want? i get to combine my two favorite things.....music and photography........and i make MONEY doing that, which is almost unheard of. i am starting to go backstage more and more often through my Connections. i can get into any concert in town for free. i can’t remember the last time i paid for a concert ticket. i get to watch my friends go to the recording studio and i get to watch them practice in basements.

and then! i get paid to hang out with dogs! i can Survive off only walking 3-4 dogs a day but i try to walk 6-7 not because of the money, but because i want to fit as many dogs into my day as possible! and they love me unconditionally and i barely have to talk to people and i can listen to music and be on my phone while i’m with the dogs

and my last job isn’t even bad even though it’s my least favorite. i work at a Very Hip jazz bar with some of my best friends and i get paid to be on my phone basically! today i got free scallops bc i run their social media! i get paid to post whiskey memes! they trust me to train people! i get free alcohol! and if i were at all inclined to insert myself into the philly jazz scene i could lmao but.

and i see my therapist once a week and i’m taking photography darkroom classes once a week and i literally have to schedule things with friends weeks and weeks in advance because i am always so busy and this is what i’ve always wanted. i’ve always wanted community and lots of friends and i’ve been so lonely and now i have to turn down plans because i already have plans with people sometimes. saturday night i have to sneak out from dogsitting to see my friend’s band open for one of my fav bands and then i’m going to a record release show for their friend’s band.

my friend cl*ire and i are going to start a band together and i feel so free. i can express myself. i have friends who invite me over to their place at 5 am when i can’t sleep because i woke up too early and i’m too anxious to shut my eyes and they’ve been up all night and they want to keep me company. i have friends who tell me to stick up for myself and that they’ll beat up people who Wrong me because they love me. i have friends who will plan trips with me because i love to travel. i have friends who see stuff that remind them of me and they send it to let me know they were thinking of me.

i live in a beautiful neighborhood in a sunny apartment with lots of plants in a very cool city that’s close to everything and where i run into my friends on the street

things are GOOD and i have to keep reminding myself of that!!!!! i can’t let the bad thoughts suck me dry from the inside out. i have to BREATHE! like. even if everything came crashing down, i still have a safety net...not everyone can say that! i get to do what i love to make money and i have the gall to be upset that it’s not going fast enough.....i’m still in my early 20’s....maybe when i’m 25 i’ll let myself worry again, but i still have 2.5 years for that lol but a lot can happen in 2.5 years and i’ll STILL only be considered halfway thru my 20’s at that point.....even when i’m 26....27.....28....my late 20’s..........i look like a Baby.......no one has to know how old i am......only i do..........no one will be judging me for not having Made It Yet

[btsinspirationtakesme]

The Sitter (1)

Summary: A busy tour schedule means someone has to take care of RapMon, and your services are taken up by the slowly smitten leader of BTS.

Genre: Fluff, Angst, Friends to lovers

6k words 

Pairing: Namjoon x Y/N

“Good morning, Y/N’s dogsitting, Y/N speaking.” You said in your friendly, professional voice. You were currently just about finishing a paper of molecular development when your smartphone rang.

“Hello, I need a dog sitter for about a month.” The deep voice on the other end was soothing, but you pushed it back on the realisation taking care of a dog for a month was a long time. You could do it though, you were going to be off university for the next three months and had plenty of time to spare.

“That’s absolutely great. What’s his/her name?” You asked, twirling your pencil in your finger thinking about how a month of dog sitting would pay for your vacation to Hawaii next year.

“Uh,” He laughed for a second.

You patiently waited for him to tell you, you had dealt with embarrassing names before so you were sure you could deal with this.

“RapMon.”

Your hand flew to your mouth instantly as you tried to conceal your laughter. You could deal with cookie, sugar puff and creme brûlée (all names you had heard of) but RapMon? As in after the kpop group Bangtan’s leader?

“Ah, RapMon’s a Bangtan fan I see?” You asked light heartedly. Even more surprising was that male kpop fans were a rarity, so you were naturally intrigued.

He laughed on the other end, “something like that.”

“We have the same favourite, I’m sure we’ll get along.” You chuckled.

“I’m sure he’ll be pleased.” The voice on the other end replied in the same tone of banter you had.

“Well, if you just send me some of RapMon’s details like health, any dietary requirements, likes and dislikes then I can get back to you and we can go from there.”

“Great. I’ll see you soon.” The attractive voice on the end of the line said.

The phone call ended after you said your bye and you made a note to yourself to check your emails regularly for RapMon’s owner. Putting your phone down, you couldn’t resist covering your mouth in embarrassment as you laughed.

RapMon.

The voice on the phone was just so…manly. It didn’t make sense for him to name his dog after the leader of a highly successful kpop group, unless he was really a fan? He must be, you thought. In all honesty you couldn’t blame him- the stan in you came out defending all the reasons why Kim Namjoon would also have male fans.

Whilst you weren’t super active when it came to being a stan, you liked Bangtan enough to know who everyone was, their likes/dislikes and personalities. Of course, Kim Namjoon had caught your eye early on and it was his ability to rap to your soul that made you hooked on his voice for some time.

You didn’t dwell on them too much, but you were a stan and to dog sit someone who was a stan enough to name their dog after a member was pretty interesting.

You were interrupted from your thoughts by a ding coming from your Mac, alerting you of a new email.

Wow, this guy must be a real hardcore fan, you mused. The email even read KimNamjoon01342@outlook.kr.

Subject: Dogsitting

________________________

Hey there,

Here are the details of RapMon below, email me or call me on this number: 011442773926 if you need anything else.

Name: RapMon

Sex: Male

Breed: American Eskimo

Dietary: Allergic to salmon.

Health: NA, healthy.

Likes: Walks, running, playing, learning new things and tricks.

Dislikes: Being left alone (aggressive barking if left for too long).

Thanks,

Namjoon

You burst out laughing. He even called himself Namjoon.

You replied with an email including your address instantly, as RapMon seemed like a great dog to take care of which would cause no issues for you.

Later that week, you were set to welcome RapMon to your humble but dog friendly home and waited patiently in your living room to meet him and his owner. In all honesty, you were eager to meet the owner. The owner was a stan just like you, so there was bound to be some good conversation waiting, especially if he was as hardcore as his email suggested. You were also eager to meet RapMon. Whilst dog sitting paid well for a student like you, it was also fun. You loved animals and dogs especially. The whole idea of dogs being a mans best friend only was shit for you, you also thought dogs could be anyones best friend: you could make friends with most of them anyway.

The rapt dinging of your house bell broke your thoughts away, as you realised RapMon and his owner were just on time. You straightened out your dress before getting the door, afterall- first impressions were everything.

Showtime, you thought.

Upon opening the door your eyes betrayed your brain in expectations for RapMonsters owner.

You could recognise those eyes instantly, even underneath the red baseball cap which was some sort of weak disguise. Those plump lips were defining of him, and your mouth couldn’t help but open in surprise at the realisation of exactly who it was that was in front of you.

The face now staring back at you looked at you expectingly, as if to invite him in. In any other situation, you would have exchanged names, shaken hands and invited him in by now for a cup of tea. Yet, you weren’t in any other situation.

You were in front of Kim Namjoon, RapMonster from BTS.

RapMonster.

RapMonster!

You tore your eyes away from his penetratingly expectant gaze and looked to see a playful American Eskimo circling his legs.

RapMon.

“Ah, so this must be RapMon.” You said shakily, after what felt like an eternity trying to mask your surprise.

“Ah, I don’t normally do this but do you mind if I come in?” The velvety smooth voice asked, and you looked back up to him again. Right, you reminded yourself.

Time to invite an idol into your home. Get a grip, Y/N. He’s just a normal person whose pretty well known across all four continents of the world.

No big deal.

“Come in! How rude of me…” You trailed off, extending your arms in a welcoming gesture as they directed him to your cozy living room.

You shut the door behind you after RapMon happily followed his owner, gently barking to be picked up by him. You watched the owner, Kim Namjoon pick up his dog and ruffle his snowy white coat in his arms.

“Would you like some tea?” You asked politely, tearing your gaze away as he took some gentle steps into your living room looking around.

Your cozy living room was dog friendly, a customised playstation set up which saw RapMon immediately interested as he jumped out of his owners arms and into the little play area.

You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped out of your lips as seeing the cute dogs reaction and playfulness. Neither could Kim Namjoon control his laugh, “sorry, he really should have better manners.” The smile reached his eyes, and you could tell he doted on his pet.

“Nonsense, it’s there for him.” You said.

“So, we have green tea, olong, chai, english breakfast tea, coffee, juice, coke, water…whatever you’d like.” You said after a pause, surprised you could remember all the teas you had in your cupboard.

“Chai’s fine, I have to get back soon though as my flight leaves in a few hours.” He said, and the realisation hit you he probably had a tour coming up which is why he was leaving you with his dog for a month.

“Sure, take a seat and make yourself comfortable.” You said, to which he graciously accepted as you saw him sit down on one of your couches and play with RapMon.

In the kitchen, however- you were having a little crisis.

So, RapMon was the idol Kim Namjoon of BTS’ dog. It explained a lot, like the stronge email you had received at first from what you had just assumed to be a really hardcore male fan.

No, it was the actual Namjoon.  Namjoon who you really thought was a genius.

You took a deep breath as the kettle you had turned on stopped its boil. Taking a cup, you poured the steaming hot water over the tea bag and let it sit as the spices filled your senses, calming you down. You poured a dash of milk over and took the teabag out. After you had made yourself a cup of tea too, you went back into your living room to find Kim Namjoon petting RapMon gently on your couch.

It was a sight that made your heart clench, but you repressed it as you put on a poker face before cutting to the chase. You had to. You just couldn’t let him leave like that.

After he graciously thanked you for the chai and took a sip, you dared to sit near him on the edge of the couch and turned to face him.

“So, RapMon is named after you.” You said trying to repress your smile.

Namjoon’s dimpled smile came out as he became shy and looked down.

“I’m sorry, I should have made it clearer from the start.”

You chuckled. “It’s okay, I could have been a crazed sasang fan for all you know and planned to lure you into my abode to feed you to hungry nietzens.” You said in a mock serious tone.

Namjoon laughed, and the sound really was musical to your ears. It vibrated against your eardrums and was infectious.

You didn’t really hear it much, even on programmes.

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not, right?” Namjoon playfully mocked, looking around the room to find any hidden cameras.

“Speaking of, I’d appreciate it if this little fact stays between us.” He said, and you quickly picked up that he was referring to being outed to the press or fans that you were taking care of RapMon.

“I won’t be breaching any confidentiality, it’s even in the contract I signed over to you.” You assured him, which earned you a grateful smile.

“So, why my humble dog sitting services?” You asked.

“Well, I need someone to look after RapMon regularly even when I come back from tour, and your place isn’t too far from my residence believe it or not.”

Ah, so you’d be seeing him regularly.

Internally you gulped.

“Well you don’t have to worry about RapMon, he’ll be taken care of really well.” You said.

“I’m sure he will, normally RapMon barks at strangers but he seems to have a particular liking to you.” He pointed out, noticing how RapMon was circling your leg too.

He was right, from your knowledge American Eskimo’s were supposed to take defensively to anyone that wasn’t familiar. RapMon here clearly felt at ease with you, all before you had even picked him up.

“Is that so, do you like me RapMon?” You cooed as you picked him up and lifted him up off the floor as he licked your cheek.

Yeah, he really did like you.

“Ah, RapMon don’t you have any manners kissing someone so quickly?!” Namjoon laughed looking at you apologetically.

“He’s so friendly, we’re going to get along great.” You said as RapMon jumped out of your arms again and into Namjoon’s.

A phone call interrupted your conversation, and Namjoon looked at it regretfully before putting it back into his back pocket.

“That’s probably my manager, they offered to take RapMon to you but I just wanted to say bye to him myself before leaving. i have to go.” He said getting up.

“Of course, where are you touring this time?” You asked casually.

“It’s the leg of our East Asia tour. Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, China and Vietnam.” The countries sounded amazing to you, and of course you had been to Japan a few times yourself.

“How amazing! Is it just working then, or do you get free time to yourselves too?’ You asked, wanting confirmation just for your fan curiosities.

Namjoon laughed, ‘well do you want the fan answer or the Namjoon answer?”

“Both.”

“Well the fan answer is that we get time for both, the Namjoon answer is that we’re actually working, even when we’re out for dinner and a pic gets put on SNS- that’s still us working. We get a little free time in between. Why, have you been to any of the places?” He asked. Smart you thought, he realised where your question was leading.

“I was just going to suggest a artisan bakery I know of in Japan, you guys work so hard and their cream cakes are the best treat after a long day of work.”

“Well, we really don’t say no to food recommendations. Text me the name and I’ll be sure to have a look.” He said and winked.

Your heart stopped, but you hoped he couldn’t tell.

“My numbers in the email I sent you, any serious issues though if you can’t get a hold of me or my manager, here. call my omoni.” He said taking out a plastic card from his backpocket and handing you it. It had his mothers name and phone.

“Of course, don’t worry about RapMon too- I’m training to be a vet so I should be able to spot if anything really goes wrong.” You assured him.

“Great, I’ll see you in a couple of weeks then.” He said before taking up RapMon and making him promise to be good, like a father talking to a child. It was endearing.

“I’ll miss you buddy, be good for Y/N.”

RapMon seemed to whine after he realised his owner was about to leave him, but you enticed him away with some special dog treats and let Namjoon quietly leave.

Shutting the door, you exhaled as you leaned against it.

“Oh my God.” You breathed out, dropping to sit down against the floor.

RapMon had come back with now a inflatable dog bone and was staring at you expectingly. You took a good look at him for the first time. Like his owner, the dog was also striking. His fur was snowy white and his eyes were jet black. He was also pint sized, making him one of the cutest dogs you had ever seen.

“Right buddy, time to play?” You said. Smart dog, he reacted instantly as he jumped up and down and nudged the inflatable bone towards you.

You relaxed your breathing. RapMon’s owner shouldn’t have that much of an effect on you, just because he was one of your favourites from a band you loved. Besides, it wasn’t like this was going to lead to anything. All you had was an infatuation with the character Kim Namjoon assumed, that was all.

Right?

_______________________________________________________________________

A week into dog sitting, and RapMon was the adorable dog you had ever had the pleasure of looking after. He was smart and caught onto all the new tricks you showed him early on, learning them at an extraordinary pace.

He even got you extra paper when you were out hand writing your assignment. You had no idea how he managed to find the cupboard where you kept the spare A4, but the dog was clearly perceptive.

He made friends in the park, but barked at their owners and you scolded him for once. This afternoon you were watching some TV to wind down after a hectic assignment load, with RapMon busying himself with a chew toy in the play den when you decided to turn on Music Bank.

Immediately, as if sensing his owners presence Rap Mon started jumping up and down. Of course he would, BTS were about to perform.

RapMon made his way over to you and nudged your leg, as if to show off that it was his owner on TV. Your eyes were probably deceiving you considering how many hours you had been writing those assignments, but you could have swore Rap Mon jutted out his chest like a proud father.

“I know, that’s him isn’t it?! Do you miss him?” You cooed, taking RapMon on your lap as you both watched his performance. As usual, the dance and vocals were spectacular. Namjoon led the group so well, and you couldn’t help but admire him.

RapMon whined. It was the cutest, but a pang of sadness hit your chest as you realised his whine wasn’t positive. He actually missed Namjoon. After the performance ended, RapMon’s demeanour changed. Instead of his usual playful and curious self, he retreated into the other end of your couch and curled himself up.

He didn’t move for over two hours, it was like he was grieving.

It broke your heart to see him miss his owner so much, your attempts to coo him out to play were also lacking.

Sighing, you decided to do something that you would probably regret and over analyse later on.

Your fingers hovered over the number and contact labelled ‘KN’ because you couldn’t quite put down you had Kim Namjoon’s phone number into your phone just yet, it felt too real.

“Do you want to speak to daddy, RapMon?” You asked, ready to press the video call button. You had no idea if he was in concert, but you saw he was in Japan a few hours ago so you assumed the time was around 12, meaning he would most likely be at his hotel now. The Music Bank show was well ended too, and concerts didn’t drag into midnight.

RapMon barked in approval, finally moving out of his little curled ball and placing himself patiently on your lap, looking at your phone expectingly with doe eyes.

Screw it, you pressed call.

After four rings, the ‘connecting’ sign that appeared on your phone meant he was actually picking up.

“Y/N! How are you?” The voice and face on the other end came in union. Even through a screen it was as velvety as it was in real life. From your observations, you could see he was in a hotel room and leaning against a bed frame. He was also in pyjamas, and from what you could tell with hair sticking to his forehead- freshly showered.

RapMon jumped up and licked the phone screen.

“RapMonnie! Are you being good?”

RapMon licked the screen again, clearly missing his owner.

“We decided to call you after seeing you on Music Bank, RapMon curled up in a little ball after the show ended and didn’t move for over two hours because he missed you.” You explained.

“Ah, RapMon!”. Namjoon yelled, clutching his heart. “You know at home, he’ll sometimes act like he doesn’t need me at all and put on a macho act. This is cute.”

“Did you hear that RapMon, you’re cute. Of course you are.” You said as RapMon nestled himself in your lap and curled up.

“I’m sorry for calling you on such short notice, but he really looked distraught I just had to do something.” You said, trying to make it clear that you hoped you weren’t interrupting anything.

“We’re just having our free time for today, so it was a good time to call. What have you guys been doing this week?” He asked, looking genuinely interested.

So you started to tell Namjoon about your week with RapMon, and to your surprise you drifted into other topics that you were sure he would try and steer clear of- seeing as he didn’t know you like a friend or anything. Yet, here you were- being friendly with Kim Namjoon. The conversation was one of the most natural you had in a while, and after you got over your initial anxiety of actually talking to an idol, you berated yourself for not thinking about how Namjoon really was someone you could talk to like any other person you were interested in.

There was nothing to fear.

“It’s 2am! Namjoon, you should really be asleep now.” You said noticing the time after your 2am alarm to check on RapMon sounded. Ramon had drifted off to sleep by now though.

“Is it? We still haven’t talked about Primo Levi.” He whined, as if sleep didn’t matter to him at all.

“Don’t you have a concert tomorrow?” Whilst you were happy to talk about Primo Levi’s diary (as your conversation had drifted into favourite writers), you didn’t want to be the reason why Namjoon would give a tired performance.

“It’s okay, I haven’t spoken so freely in a long time.” Namjoon said, a wide smile on his face. That sent a tug towards your heart, as the innocence of his deep voice sent shivers down your spine.

“Okay, but this is the last writer I tell you about.” You warned, before talking to Namjoon about Primo Levi’s brilliance.

It was a rarity that you would find someone to talk to a Holocaust survivors diary about at 2.30am in the morning. Yet, here you were. If someone had told you you’d be doing this a few weeks ago, you would have laughed in their face and told them to take a hike.

Namjoon began dosing off soon enough though. Slyly, you pried him away from the phone and giggled internally at the realisation RapMon and his owner were alike in some ways. Once comfortable, they both shared their world with you. Namjoon clearly didn’t mind to be half asleep talking to you.

“Sweet dreams Namjoon.” You said gently, and he murmured something intelligible himself before you pressed the little red button on your phone that ended the call.

Safe to say, sleep didn’t come as easy to you that night as it did to Namjoon.

Four weeks had passed by quicker than you had thought. RapMon went back to his usual happy-go-lucky self after talking to his owner a few weeks ago, and you made a habit to avoid putting on music shows when RapMon was around just in case he would become sad again. From your SNS updates though, BTS were on fire with their tours and interviews: the last thing you wanted to do was interrupt Namjoon when he clearly was so busy touring.

Today was the day that RapMon was supposed to leave you, as BTS’ South East Asia tour had wrapped up and they were ‘free’ or much more free than usual for the summer.

“Are you going to miss me RapMonnie?” You asked RapMon, who was happily waggling his tail finishing off the last of his meal from the dogbowl. You had just finished fixing a bowl of cereal yourself and watched RapMon devour the contents of the bowl from your sofa.

RapMon continued licking the bowl, much more interested in the sauce of his meatball meal than anything.

You laughed, and then watched the little intelligent creature make his way over to the treat drawer in the play den for some doggy biscuits. Smart kid, he figured out where you hid them.

“Fine, but only because you’re a genius!” You said, letting him take a few. You didn’t want Namjoon to think you couldn’t disciple RapMon and come back to a really unruly pet.

The doorbell rang. Namjoon was here.

“He’s here RapMonnie!” You said, and RapMon jumped all the way up into your arms.

“Come on, let’s go answer the door.”

RapMon in your arms in tow, you opened the door to see an attractive Namjoon leaning against the door frame, dressed in fashionable chinos and blue shirt tucked in.

He smiled widely.

“RapMonnie!” The dog jumped into his owners arms from yours and frantically licked his face in excitement.

What the cutest thing was next was that RapMonnie flicked his large beady doe eyes between you and Namjoon, confused as to whose arms to go into next now that he had jumped into his owners. It was like a child picking their favourite parent.

“RapMon, are you so quick to leave me already?” Namjoon asked in shock, and RapMon looked like a sense of guilt passed over him as he stayed still in his owners arms looking down.

You both laughed.

“Come on in, unlesss…you have somewhere to be?” You said, hesitating as you realised he’s just here to pick up RapMon from your place.

“No, no, I’ve just finished a world our. You couldn’t get me to be somewhere if you paid me.” Namjoon joked, stepping in.

“Tea, coffee, juice?” You asked again, expressing hospitality.

“Coffee would be great, actually. Only if you have a cup.” He said, making his way into your living room.

“Make yourself at home!” You called out from the kitchen, preparing two cups of steaming coffee.

After bringing the cups back again, a sense of deja vu hit you and you reminded yourself this was the same situation you were in a month ago when you had met Namjoon. A month in, and you were comfortable with his presence. It was like it didn’t faze you as much that he was apart of your favourite band.

Inside you were dying to ask about the other members, but resisted.

“I, uh got you something to.” He said after you sat down and handed him the mug of coffee.

You eyes landed on the cute shiny bag he had brought inside with him, and a blush crept up your cheeks.

“You really, really didn’t have to get me anything Namjoon!’ You stressed, considering your bank had been deposited with a lot of money the other day for taking care of RapMon.

“You’ve been taking care of RapMon so well, usually we have to put him through a couple of sitters when I’m on tour because so many can’t handle him.”

“So please, take it as a token of thanks. It’s really not that much too.” Namjoon stressed, making you feel guilty about not taking it from him.

Hesitantly, you did and took out the contents from the bag.

Oh, wow. You thought.

This was really thoughtful. Cute and thoughtful too, they were cream cakes from the bakery you had eventually texted him to visit.

“Jimin and Jungkook couldn’t stop once we went in on a little break, I had to pick some up to you on the way back seeing as you introduced me. I hope you like cho-“ You cut him off by embracing your arms around him. Of course it wasn’t romantic, more of a friendly pat hug but a good  hug nonetheless.

“I always crave these! I’m a student so it’s not like I can go to Japan all the time, so thank you so much!” You expressed your thank you well.

Namjoon looked flustered, and you wondered if you had embraced him for too long.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have hugged you like that!” You yelled, apologising since…it wasn’t like you were friends with him or anything. Or so you thought.

“I love appreciation, I’m not going to turn those down. Friends right?” Namjoon winked, and you felt your heart skip a beat.

You gulped internally.

“Friends.” You said meeker, not quite adjusting to how Kim Namjoon thought you were now friends.

Namjoon, RapMon and you had an afternoon tea of sorts with cream cakes and coffee. You talked more about writers, and you introduced him to your collection. Conversation flowed easily with him, and you loosened up with every minute of talking to him. He seemed to as well.

Safe to say, you had made a new friend with the unlikeliest of people.

“Ah, I’ve suddenly just had some inspiration for a song. I really don’t want to leave you but I can’t focus if this doesn’t get put out.” Namjoon said watching you, distracting you from playing with RapMon.

You understood, he needed space to pour his thoughts out.

“It’s okay, go.” You said, encouraging him with a smile.

“I’m sorry, I feel bad when I said I’d stay for dinner too.” Namjoon looked at you apologetically.

“You’re a writer, inspiration hits you in an instant. I know you need to get it out. It’s kind of like when I have a theory writing my papers. I have to get it out.”You explained.

“It’s like a block.” Namjoon added.

You were planning on saying those words next.

“Absolutely. Go, Namjoon.” You pushed.

“Here, you can’t cook right? Take some of this pasta.” You said, quickly getting a spare container and loading out some pasta that you had made earlier on in the day. You knew he couldn’t cook being a fan, but also he let it slip today whilst you were both having coffee.

“Is this carbonara? It’s mine and Yoongi's ’s favourite. We’ll eat well. Thank you.” Namjoon said, as you passed the large container tightening the lid.

“Share some with the others.” You also added.

“Of course. What kind of leader would i be, keeping all of this delicious stuff to myself?” He teased. “I’ll call you in a few days about RapMon I guess.” Namjoon said, but you had a feeling he’d be calling you a lot from now on.

You walked him out to the front door with a now sleeping RapMon in tow who said a silent goodbye to. Namjoon took a good look at you, causing you to raise your eyebrows in question.

“These locks work right?” He asked out of the blue.

“Yep. A little shaky, but I doubt anything bad will happen.” You re-assured. This was odd, he sounded very concerned for a new friend.

“Just checking.” He said after a pause.

“See you soon.” Namjoon said.

“Bye.” You said, tucking a hand behind your ear and waving him out. As soon as he was out of sight, you shut the door and did what exactly you did a month ago when Namjoon walked in to your life.

You sunk down onto the floor.

Your new friend just checked if your locks were working, which was boyfriend material.

You sighed. Everything about him screamed your type.

Your heart rate accelerated. No, he wouldn’t even think of you like that. You thought you should be pleased he would even consider you as a friend. You thought an association to someone you admired was enough- but to actually find out you guys got along really, really well? That was just out of the blue.

You knew there was always something special about him, but then what fan didn’t?

You were going to have an interesting time living across the street from him, and you would need to stock up on coffee. Meetings with Namjoon left you restless after he left.

AN: This is going to be a cute story, with just angst to drive the plot (nothing so heavy but also I love angst so there’ll be some, just not the overload I usually put in my stories). Also, it’s going to be 3 parts max.  

[celebritylive]

If This Is Us fans were to give Justin Hartley‘s character a superlative, it could be: most likely to have his impulses become catastrophes. And this time, Kevin had a hell of a week while going down memory lane.

The second part of the Big 3 trilogy series kicked off in cohesion with Randall (Sterling K. Brown) facing his anxiety while Kevin returns to their hometown of Pittsburgh to attend the funeral of former mother-in-law Claire (Jennifer Westfeldt), whom he was very close to during his adolescent marriage. After Sophie (Alexandra Breckenridge) reaches out to him, Kevin travels cross-country to support the love of his life and their reunion subsequently reminds one another of their happy times together. However, there’s a catch: Sophie is very much engaged to fiancé Grant.

Despite finally watching the ending of their favorite film, Good Will Hunting, and Kevin giving a sober monologue at Claire’s grave about how much he’s matured, he and Sophie go their separate ways, with him returning to L.A. and back on sister Kate’s doorstep. Much to his surprise, his twin’s BFF Madison (Caitlin Thompson) is dogsitting Audio while Kate and Toby are with son Jack at a retreat for families with blind children. Before we know it, Kevin and Madison are connecting over failed romances — and well, one thing leads to another. Turns out, Madison is the blonde in bed with the shirtless actor.

Before fans go off and think Madison is Kevin’s future pregnant fiancée, Hartley, 42, tells PEOPLE if she was just a one-night stand. “For now you can assume that’s what it was because they both found themselves in a very vulnerable position. She said some things to him that really caught his ear,” he says.

RELATED: This Is Us‘ Justin Hartley Breaks Down Kevin’s ‘Impulsive, Sometimes Catastrophic Decisions’

“Madison’s position in Kevin and Kate’s life, because she is a part of the family, that’s obviously a sticky and tricky situation. If she wasn’t, then it wouldn’t be a thing. But because she is, it’s like, ‘Man, of all the people, you had to choose this one?’ ” Hartley adds, laughing. “He gets caught up in the moment sometimes, he thinks more with his heart than his brain. But I also think she was this person saying the right things to him and she wasn’t turning him away. She was there for him too and consoling him in a time of need. So we’ll see.”

But the Madison cliffhanger is not what the actor wants audiences to solely remember from the Kevin-focused episode. Speaking of “heartbreak and loss,” Hartley briefly alludes to the sudden and tragic death of Kobe Bryant and the victims of the Calabasas helicopter crash that also killed the NBA icon’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

“Life is so fickle. Especially in these recent events, you see all these horrible things happen. You just never know,” he says of the death of a loved one. In TIU‘s case, Sophie and Kevin come together to mourn Claire, who succumbed to MS, as the latter also comes to terms with his past, specifically the night his father Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) died.

“The idea that you can close a chapter of your life that is painful and know that any given moment something might happen down the road that reopens that chapter. You might re-read and you might have a different perspective on it. It might be sweeter, it might have a little bit more tenderness,” Hartley says. “It’s never too late to say you’re sorry and think about the way you handled yourself. It’s never too late to correct yourself and learn. Part of Kevin going to the gravesite, speaking to Sophie’s mom and going to the place where he found out his dad passed away, all of that is part of the healing process. You heal as you heal, it’s about being human.”

Viewers have come to learn why Sophie will always have a special place in Kevin’s heart, and Hartley details why their paths were destined to be intertwined in the present-day.

“Gosh, timing is everything, is it not? She was there for him when his father passed away, and now she’s going through this. In my mind, I saw it as where you need a familiar friend in those dark days. Someone who gets you, who you have a shorthand with, who you can just sit there with,” he says. “Nothing even needs to be said as much as it is knowing that that person is there for you and feels horrible for you. Sometimes that’s all it is. When the two of them get together, they have this intense 30 years of history. They have a whole lifetime of memories, it’s a special friendship, relationship and bond. It’s hard to say whether she’ll be coming back into his life but she’ll always be a part of his life.”

After all, Sophie did end up finding her grandmother’s emerald ring, which holds immense family history and sentimental value. The jewelry is also something Kevin was never able to give to her during their marriage because Claire thought they were not ready to carry on its symbolism.

“When somebody tells you the whole story behind that ring — it was so big — and for her to tell him you’re not that man yet, he can’t argue with that,” Logan Shroyer, who plays teen Kevin, tells PEOPLE. “Kevin, at least at this point, is self-aware enough to know that he’s not that man yet. He’s okay with it because he’s determined to earn it. That has become a big driving force in him. For the future, he wants to be that man for Sophie. He’s talking to this woman who has supported him in almost every way and said yes in almost every way. When she says no, he really knows that it means something.”

Though Claire never ended up giving him the ring, Shroyer, 20, says her advice to “never settle” is the “gem” she passed down to him. “That’s what lives on in Kevin, in the older version now that we know that she’s gone,” he shares, adding that she was just as important a parental figure as Jack was.

“That was kind of the Jack in her. What’s crushing about that is it coincides with the philosophy of what Kevin has gotten from Jack to work hard,” he says. “When his dad dies, he has this weight to live up to these things and wants to be what his dad wanted him to be. The idea of ‘never settle’ actually likely added weight to him as well and part of the weight that brought Kevin down in his growing years.”

And Hartley agrees. “He is who he is because of who his father was, and the way he chooses to remember his father,” he says.

As for seeing more of Sophie in Kevin’s storylines, Hartley and Shroyer tease that she’s an important part of his life.

“Kevin really is a different person than he was. The regret that he has is the timing issue. If they met last year, they probably would’ve made it. But that’s just not what happened,” Hartley says.

“, you get to go back and see how much Sophie impacted him. It’s going to make a lot more sense when the show is done and when you look back,” Shroyer says. “Sophie is Kevin’s world, clearly even still when they’re older. From my perspective as teen Kevin, Sophie is his girl, the one. The fact that they separated is terrible and whether they end up together? I totally root for it.”

At the end of the episode, Kevin is in a bit of a post-Madison conundrum and Randall is spiraling due to his stubbornness to see a therapist, so they decide to retreat to the Pearson family cabin. Upon inviting Kate over the phone, she hints to her brothers that her marriage is on the brink of imploding.

While the cliffhanger will undoubtedly leave audiences waiting with bated breath, Hartley has been containing his excitement over the upcoming Kate-focused episode, which he directed.

“My whole life I’ve been surrounded by women — my mom, my aunt, my sisters and my daughter — so for me to an episode that is female-centric, around this woman and their relationship with her mother and her ex-boyfriend and how that affected her life and the relationship with her son and husband, it was really special,” he shares.

“I took a lot of pride in the fact that I was given that episode because, obviously I’m not a woman, but that was really humbling that they trusted me with the episode. I thought, ‘Wow that’s really cool.’ It could’ve just been a coincidence, but I’m going to think of it as they were like, ‘Justin would be perfect for this particular episode.’ It was great,” Hartley says.

This Is Us airs Tuesdays (9 p.m. ET) on NBC.

from PEOPLE.com https://ift.tt/3aMyFet

[buynewsoul]

International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations

I’ve had the privilege to live and travel overseas for the past six years. While my life abroad is exciting, I miss having a dog. But at the same time, I can’t imagine giving up my globe-trotting adventures. About two years ago, I was researching ways to save money on travel, when I came across the perfect solution: international dogsitting.

International dogsitting — the basics

Photography by Laurel Steele.

The general idea is that I care for a person’s dog(s), in exchange for a free home in an exciting foreign destination. It’s the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for travel with my love of man’s best friend. Plus, it saves me a whole lot of money on accommodation costs.

I got started by registering with a petsitting website and was soon contacted by an English woman living in Turkey who invited me to care for her dogs for a couple of weeks. After an unbelievable stay in her mountain village home and taking countless hikes with the three amazing pooches, I was hooked.

Favorite experiences with international dogsitting

Photography by Laurel Steele.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of petsitting dogs in three European countries. I’m currently enjoying 7 weeks rent free in a quaint Italian hamlet in the heart of Tuscany. It’s all thanks to Ivy the German Shepherd Dog, who is currently dozing at my feet. The two of us spend our mornings roaming the local vineyards and enjoying the Tuscan scenery.

My favorite dogsitting experiences have been in sunny southern Turkey. All of the dogs I’ve cared for there are rescues, many of them with sad backstories. While they now live amazing lives and are spoiled rotten, some of them have behavior issues. It can take time and patience to bond with them, but when I do it’s very rewarding.

What I’ve learned from dogsitting abroad

Photography by Laurel Steele.

International petsitting has become my preferred type of travel. It has taken me to places I didn’t even know existed and connected me with amazing people — and dogs. I constantly feel like I’m simultaneously at home and exploring the world.

After a long day of sightseeing, I get to come home and be greeted by animals who are very happy to see me. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

At first, I didn’t realize that dogsitting can be a lot of work. It’s important to consider how much time it takes to care for the dogs each day. Some dogs have strict schedules with frequent walks and feedings, while others may require medications or special creams.

It may seem like a lot sometimes, but remember that, because of you, a dog gets to stay in his or her familiar home and enjoy human company.

Full disclosure: You will end up falling in love with these dogs, and saying goodbye can be tough. However, it’s usually only a temporary separation, as the pet parents nearly always invite you back.

How to get started as an international dogsitter

Photography by Laurel Steele.

Petsitting can take you anywhere from a beachside bungalow in Thailand with a pair of Labs to a central apartment in downtown London with an energetic mutt. But before you buy your plane ticket, you have to find these opportunities.

There are three major petsitting websites: Trusted Housesitters, Mind My House and Nomador. The first two primarily feature listings in the UK, while the third mostly offers petsits in France. However, you will find assignments all around the world through all of the sites.

Each site charges an annual membership fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend on hotels wherever you go on vacation. Thanks to these sites, I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars on living expenses over the past two years. 

Pro tips for international dogsitters

Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Get references from people you’ve petsat for. Even if it was just letting your neighbor’s dog out to pee when she had to work late, a vote of confidence from a petowner will help build your credibility.

And get external references from employers or landlords. People are taking a big leap of faith in you, so do your best to show them that you’re responsible.

Add photos of you with dogs. Whether they’re your pets or a friend’s, this is visual proof for the owner that you’re an animal lover.

When you write your bio, don’t forget to mention how much you love dogs. Sometimes people carry on about their love of travel and neglect to say that they love canine company in equal measure.

Whenever you message a homeowner, include their dog’s name. This shows them that you’ve actually read their listing.

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Read more about dogsitting on Dogster.com:

Dug Up at Dogster: Dump Your Boring Day Job and Become a Professional Petsitter

10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Dogsitting

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Hire a Good Dogsitter

The post International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations appeared first on Dogster.

[stiles-wtf]

International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations

I’ve had the privilege to live and travel overseas for the past six years. While my life abroad is exciting, I miss having a dog. But at the same time, I can’t imagine giving up my globe-trotting adventures. About two years ago, I was researching ways to save money on travel, when I came across the perfect solution: international dogsitting.

International dogsitting — the basics

Photography by Laurel Steele.

The general idea is that I care for a person’s dog(s), in exchange for a free home in an exciting foreign destination. It’s the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for travel with my love of man’s best friend. Plus, it saves me a whole lot of money on accommodation costs.

I got started by registering with a petsitting website and was soon contacted by an English woman living in Turkey who invited me to care for her dogs for a couple of weeks. After an unbelievable stay in her mountain village home and taking countless hikes with the three amazing pooches, I was hooked.

Favorite experiences with international dogsitting

Photography by Laurel Steele.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of petsitting dogs in three European countries. I’m currently enjoying 7 weeks rent free in a quaint Italian hamlet in the heart of Tuscany. It’s all thanks to Ivy the German Shepherd Dog, who is currently dozing at my feet. The two of us spend our mornings roaming the local vineyards and enjoying the Tuscan scenery.

My favorite dogsitting experiences have been in sunny southern Turkey. All of the dogs I’ve cared for there are rescues, many of them with sad backstories. While they now live amazing lives and are spoiled rotten, some of them have behavior issues. It can take time and patience to bond with them, but when I do it’s very rewarding.

What I’ve learned from dogsitting abroad

Photography by Laurel Steele.

International petsitting has become my preferred type of travel. It has taken me to places I didn’t even know existed and connected me with amazing people — and dogs. I constantly feel like I’m simultaneously at home and exploring the world.

After a long day of sightseeing, I get to come home and be greeted by animals who are very happy to see me. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

At first, I didn’t realize that dogsitting can be a lot of work. It’s important to consider how much time it takes to care for the dogs each day. Some dogs have strict schedules with frequent walks and feedings, while others may require medications or special creams.

It may seem like a lot sometimes, but remember that, because of you, a dog gets to stay in his or her familiar home and enjoy human company.

Full disclosure: You will end up falling in love with these dogs, and saying goodbye can be tough. However, it’s usually only a temporary separation, as the pet parents nearly always invite you back.

How to get started as an international dogsitter

Photography by Laurel Steele.

Petsitting can take you anywhere from a beachside bungalow in Thailand with a pair of Labs to a central apartment in downtown London with an energetic mutt. But before you buy your plane ticket, you have to find these opportunities.

There are three major petsitting websites: Trusted Housesitters, Mind My House and Nomador. The first two primarily feature listings in the UK, while the third mostly offers petsits in France. However, you will find assignments all around the world through all of the sites.

Each site charges an annual membership fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend on hotels wherever you go on vacation. Thanks to these sites, I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars on living expenses over the past two years. 

Pro tips for international dogsitters

Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Get references from people you’ve petsat for. Even if it was just letting your neighbor’s dog out to pee when she had to work late, a vote of confidence from a petowner will help build your credibility.

And get external references from employers or landlords. People are taking a big leap of faith in you, so do your best to show them that you’re responsible.

Add photos of you with dogs. Whether they’re your pets or a friend’s, this is visual proof for the owner that you’re an animal lover.

When you write your bio, don’t forget to mention how much you love dogs. Sometimes people carry on about their love of travel and neglect to say that they love canine company in equal measure.

Whenever you message a homeowner, include their dog’s name. This shows them that you’ve actually read their listing.

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Read more about dogsitting on Dogster.com:

Dug Up at Dogster: Dump Your Boring Day Job and Become a Professional Petsitter

10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Dogsitting

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Hire a Good Dogsitter

The post International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations appeared first on Dogster.

[jeffreyrwelch]

International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations

I’ve had the privilege to live and travel overseas for the past six years. While my life abroad is exciting, I miss having a dog. But at the same time, I can’t imagine giving up my globe-trotting adventures. About two years ago, I was researching ways to save money on travel, when I came across the perfect solution: international dogsitting.

International dogsitting — the basics

Photography by Laurel Steele.

The general idea is that I care for a person’s dog(s), in exchange for a free home in an exciting foreign destination. It’s the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for travel with my love of man’s best friend. Plus, it saves me a whole lot of money on accommodation costs.

I got started by registering with a petsitting website and was soon contacted by an English woman living in Turkey who invited me to care for her dogs for a couple of weeks. After an unbelievable stay in her mountain village home and taking countless hikes with the three amazing pooches, I was hooked.

Favorite experiences with international dogsitting

Photography by Laurel Steele.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of petsitting dogs in three European countries. I’m currently enjoying 7 weeks rent free in a quaint Italian hamlet in the heart of Tuscany. It’s all thanks to Ivy the German Shepherd Dog, who is currently dozing at my feet. The two of us spend our mornings roaming the local vineyards and enjoying the Tuscan scenery.

My favorite dogsitting experiences have been in sunny southern Turkey. All of the dogs I’ve cared for there are rescues, many of them with sad backstories. While they now live amazing lives and are spoiled rotten, some of them have behavior issues. It can take time and patience to bond with them, but when I do it’s very rewarding.

What I’ve learned from dogsitting abroad

Photography by Laurel Steele.

International petsitting has become my preferred type of travel. It has taken me to places I didn’t even know existed and connected me with amazing people — and dogs. I constantly feel like I’m simultaneously at home and exploring the world.

After a long day of sightseeing, I get to come home and be greeted by animals who are very happy to see me. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

At first, I didn’t realize that dogsitting can be a lot of work. It’s important to consider how much time it takes to care for the dogs each day. Some dogs have strict schedules with frequent walks and feedings, while others may require medications or special creams.

It may seem like a lot sometimes, but remember that, because of you, a dog gets to stay in his or her familiar home and enjoy human company.

Full disclosure: You will end up falling in love with these dogs, and saying goodbye can be tough. However, it’s usually only a temporary separation, as the pet parents nearly always invite you back.

How to get started as an international dogsitter

Photography by Laurel Steele.

Petsitting can take you anywhere from a beachside bungalow in Thailand with a pair of Labs to a central apartment in downtown London with an energetic mutt. But before you buy your plane ticket, you have to find these opportunities.

There are three major petsitting websites: Trusted Housesitters, Mind My House and Nomador. The first two primarily feature listings in the UK, while the third mostly offers petsits in France. However, you will find assignments all around the world through all of the sites.

Each site charges an annual membership fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend on hotels wherever you go on vacation. Thanks to these sites, I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars on living expenses over the past two years. 

Pro tips for international dogsitters

Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Get references from people you’ve petsat for. Even if it was just letting your neighbor’s dog out to pee when she had to work late, a vote of confidence from a petowner will help build your credibility.

And get external references from employers or landlords. People are taking a big leap of faith in you, so do your best to show them that you’re responsible.

Add photos of you with dogs. Whether they’re your pets or a friend’s, this is visual proof for the owner that you’re an animal lover.

When you write your bio, don’t forget to mention how much you love dogs. Sometimes people carry on about their love of travel and neglect to say that they love canine company in equal measure.

Whenever you message a homeowner, include their dog’s name. This shows them that you’ve actually read their listing.

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Read more about dogsitting on Dogster.com:

Dug Up at Dogster: Dump Your Boring Day Job and Become a Professional Petsitter

10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Dogsitting

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Hire a Good Dogsitter

The post International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations appeared first on Dogster.

[daddyslittlejuliet]

International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations

I’ve had the privilege to live and travel overseas for the past six years. While my life abroad is exciting, I miss having a dog. But at the same time, I can’t imagine giving up my globe-trotting adventures. About two years ago, I was researching ways to save money on travel, when I came across the perfect solution: international dogsitting.

International dogsitting — the basics

Photography by Laurel Steele.

The general idea is that I care for a person’s dog(s), in exchange for a free home in an exciting foreign destination. It’s the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for travel with my love of man’s best friend. Plus, it saves me a whole lot of money on accommodation costs.

I got started by registering with a petsitting website and was soon contacted by an English woman living in Turkey who invited me to care for her dogs for a couple of weeks. After an unbelievable stay in her mountain village home and taking countless hikes with the three amazing pooches, I was hooked.

Favorite experiences with international dogsitting

Photography by Laurel Steele.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of petsitting dogs in three European countries. I’m currently enjoying 7 weeks rent free in a quaint Italian hamlet in the heart of Tuscany. It’s all thanks to Ivy the German Shepherd Dog, who is currently dozing at my feet. The two of us spend our mornings roaming the local vineyards and enjoying the Tuscan scenery.

My favorite dogsitting experiences have been in sunny southern Turkey. All of the dogs I’ve cared for there are rescues, many of them with sad backstories. While they now live amazing lives and are spoiled rotten, some of them have behavior issues. It can take time and patience to bond with them, but when I do it’s very rewarding.

What I’ve learned from dogsitting abroad

Photography by Laurel Steele.

International petsitting has become my preferred type of travel. It has taken me to places I didn’t even know existed and connected me with amazing people — and dogs. I constantly feel like I’m simultaneously at home and exploring the world.

After a long day of sightseeing, I get to come home and be greeted by animals who are very happy to see me. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

At first, I didn’t realize that dogsitting can be a lot of work. It’s important to consider how much time it takes to care for the dogs each day. Some dogs have strict schedules with frequent walks and feedings, while others may require medications or special creams.

It may seem like a lot sometimes, but remember that, because of you, a dog gets to stay in his or her familiar home and enjoy human company.

Full disclosure: You will end up falling in love with these dogs, and saying goodbye can be tough. However, it’s usually only a temporary separation, as the pet parents nearly always invite you back.

How to get started as an international dogsitter

Photography by Laurel Steele.

Petsitting can take you anywhere from a beachside bungalow in Thailand with a pair of Labs to a central apartment in downtown London with an energetic mutt. But before you buy your plane ticket, you have to find these opportunities.

There are three major petsitting websites: Trusted Housesitters, Mind My House and Nomador. The first two primarily feature listings in the UK, while the third mostly offers petsits in France. However, you will find assignments all around the world through all of the sites.

Each site charges an annual membership fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend on hotels wherever you go on vacation. Thanks to these sites, I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars on living expenses over the past two years. 

Pro tips for international dogsitters

Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Get references from people you’ve petsat for. Even if it was just letting your neighbor’s dog out to pee when she had to work late, a vote of confidence from a petowner will help build your credibility.

And get external references from employers or landlords. People are taking a big leap of faith in you, so do your best to show them that you’re responsible.

Add photos of you with dogs. Whether they’re your pets or a friend’s, this is visual proof for the owner that you’re an animal lover.

When you write your bio, don’t forget to mention how much you love dogs. Sometimes people carry on about their love of travel and neglect to say that they love canine company in equal measure.

Whenever you message a homeowner, include their dog’s name. This shows them that you’ve actually read their listing.

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Read more about dogsitting on Dogster.com:

Dug Up at Dogster: Dump Your Boring Day Job and Become a Professional Petsitter

10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Dogsitting

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Hire a Good Dogsitter

The post International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations appeared first on Dogster.

[grublypetcare]

International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations

I’ve had the privilege to live and travel overseas for the past six years. While my life abroad is exciting, I miss having a dog. But at the same time, I can’t imagine giving up my globe-trotting adventures. About two years ago, I was researching ways to save money on travel, when I came across the perfect solution: international dogsitting.

International dogsitting — the basics

Photography by Laurel Steele.

The general idea is that I care for a person’s dog(s), in exchange for a free home in an exciting foreign destination. It’s the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for travel with my love of man’s best friend. Plus, it saves me a whole lot of money on accommodation costs.

I got started by registering with a petsitting website and was soon contacted by an English woman living in Turkey who invited me to care for her dogs for a couple of weeks. After an unbelievable stay in her mountain village home and taking countless hikes with the three amazing pooches, I was hooked.

Favorite experiences with international dogsitting

Photography by Laurel Steele.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of petsitting dogs in three European countries. I’m currently enjoying 7 weeks rent free in a quaint Italian hamlet in the heart of Tuscany. It’s all thanks to Ivy the German Shepherd Dog, who is currently dozing at my feet. The two of us spend our mornings roaming the local vineyards and enjoying the Tuscan scenery.

My favorite dogsitting experiences have been in sunny southern Turkey. All of the dogs I’ve cared for there are rescues, many of them with sad backstories. While they now live amazing lives and are spoiled rotten, some of them have behavior issues. It can take time and patience to bond with them, but when I do it’s very rewarding.

What I’ve learned from dogsitting abroad 

Photography by Laurel Steele.

International petsitting has become my preferred type of travel. It has taken me to places I didn’t even know existed and connected me with amazing people — and dogs. I constantly feel like I’m simultaneously at home and exploring the world.

After a long day of sightseeing, I get to come home and be greeted by animals who are very happy to see me. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

At first, I didn’t realize that dogsitting can be a lot of work. It’s important to consider how much time it takes to care for the dogs each day. Some dogs have strict schedules with frequent walks and feedings, while others may require medications or special creams.

It may seem like a lot sometimes, but remember that, because of you, a dog gets to stay in his or her familiar home and enjoy human company.

Full disclosure: You will end up falling in love with these dogs, and saying goodbye can be tough. However, it’s usually only a temporary separation, as the pet parents nearly always invite you back.

How to get started as an international dogsitter

Photography by Laurel Steele.

Petsitting can take you anywhere from a beachside bungalow in Thailand with a pair of Labs to a central apartment in downtown London with an energetic mutt. But before you buy your plane ticket, you have to find these opportunities.

There are three major petsitting websites: Trusted Housesitters, Mind My House and Nomador. The first two primarily feature listings in the UK, while the third mostly offers petsits in France. However, you will find assignments all around the world through all of the sites.

Each site charges an annual membership fee, but it’s a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend on hotels wherever you go on vacation. Thanks to these sites, I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars on living expenses over the past two years. 

Pro tips for international dogsitters

Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Get references from people you’ve petsat for. Even if it was just letting your neighbor’s dog out to pee when she had to work late, a vote of confidence from a petowner will help build your credibility.

And get external references from employers or landlords. People are taking a big leap of faith in you, so do your best to show them that you’re responsible. 

Add photos of you with dogs. Whether they’re your pets or a friend’s, this is visual proof for the owner that you’re an animal lover. 

When you write your bio, don’t forget to mention how much you love dogs. Sometimes people carry on about their love of travel and neglect to say that they love canine company in equal measure. 

Whenever you message a homeowner, include their dog’s name. This shows them that you’ve actually read their listing.

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Laurel Steele.

Read more about dogsitting on Dogster.com:

Dug Up at Dogster: Dump Your Boring Day Job and Become a Professional Petsitter

10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Dogsitting

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Hire a Good Dogsitter

The post International Dogsitting: What It’s Like to Dogsit Abroad in Exchange for Free Accommodations appeared first on Dogster.