#I will go thru today or tomorrow and fix it <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[sri-rachaa]

Redacted Artists/Fanfic writers :)

I have a small request from you, if you don’t mind <3

Could we all maybe start tagging what we make with the appropriate “Redacted Fanart” or “Redacted Fanfic”? I only say this because I see myself coming into the redacted tag less and less as the days go by, but I STILL LOVE seeing creative pieces and hate when I miss some! I often just use the ‘redacted fanart’ or ‘redacted fanfic’ tag, but a lot of pieces aren’t in that tag I miss them ;u;

A bit of a selfish request, I will admit, but it just makes to easier for those who want to see art or fics and that’s it :)

[Also you are absolutely under no pressure to do this <3]

[monsterbisexual]

things have been scary n hard n a lot but i do feel good sometimes..theres good things too they might not seem like big things or as meaningful but it still matters n makes a difference! things might get scarier n harder etc overall n probs will at least sometimes.. even when it feels like things shld be easy theyre usually not but im trying ! n thats smth i suppose

[loviingpedri]

💋 me thru the phone - joão félix

prompt: it’s hard doing long distance.

warnings: grammar issues, one suggestive comment

click to help palestine

credits to owners for all images

the moon reflected in the window as the trees are shaking from the wind. raindrops covering the glass, slowly falling down.

staring at the picture frame of you and your boyfriend on the nightstand, you sighed.

long distance was very difficult. joão was in portugal for a little vacation, while you were in spain for work and university. joão was in and out of your apartment, meaning there was barely any contact or conversation.

he tried his best. he was the sweetest boyfriend you could ever ask for. you smelled the fresh pastel tulips in the glass vase. lost in your thoughts, and about to pick up a book, a sudden noise shocked you.

ring ring

a smile formed on your face as a picture of joão holding floki in front of a sunset on a mountain, next to him was you. a memory appearing of how your lips felt against his cheek. a scent of ocean, wood, and citrus flowing through the air.

swiping to answer his call, you were met with a smiley, tan, and dark brown eyed guy.

“hey.” he says on his white couch.

“hey, how are you?” pulling your (his) hoodie over your head to get comfortable, he could tell something was on your mind.

“i’m doing pretty good. did you get the flowers i sent?”

“yeah, i did. they���re really beautiful.” flipping your camera to show him. he admired the pink tulips, reminding him of you.

“i noticed your hoodie. wonder where you got it from,” noticing his smirk, you tried to hide your face in the camera. “is something going on? you don’t seem very talkative.”

you don’t wanna admit it, but he was right. usually, you would explain in detail on how your day was. quiet on you either meant you were mad at him, or just weren’t having a good day.

“i’m okay. not really feeling talkative today.” you gave him a small smile of reassurance. he wiggled in response, not buying the response. he shrugged it off instead of trying to push it on you.

“you look good. i’m glad you’re taking care of yourself.” honestly, that small comment made you want to lay flat on your stomach, kicking your feet in the air with a soft pink rising on your cheek.

“thanks. how’s your vacation going?” trying to control your heart rate, you decided to change the topic.

he smiled as you were fixing your hair, trying to noticeably look good for him. “it’s chill, not very eventful. sometimes i think about how i should’ve stayed with you though.”

“you know i would’ve never let you do that. you needed a break.

“yeah, i know. its been awhile. i really miss you.”

with a little sarcastic hair flip, “i’m so glad you miss me,” his laughter made butterflies fly in your stomach. “but really, i miss you too. especially when you would make hot chocolate during rainy nights. i crave it literally almost every day.”

“is that the only thing you crave?” he winked at you. your smile dropped at first in shock, but you two were dying in laughter.

“ew joão, that’s so gross.” you said in between laughter.

“if i had the opportunity to climb through the phone and kiss you, i would take it.”

“and people say romance is dead.”

rolling his eyes, you saw a glimpse of an open suitcase. it was filled with clothes neatly folded and ready for a trip. you furrowed your eyebrows.

noticing your face, “what’s wrong? did something happen?”

“are you going somewhere? i thought you weren’t leaving for another 3 weeks.”

laughing it off, which you did not find it funny (cause where is he going 🤨🤨🤨), he noticed you were being serious. you did not take the hint at all.

“y/n, don’t be sour. i’m going to fly over there tomorrow morning.” your mouth flew open. he didn’t even mention it.

“what? when did you book the ticket? you didn’t tell me anything.”

“calm down, i started packing this morning. i honestly couldn’t wait to see you anymore. i just booked the tickets literally 5 minutes ago.”

“i should probably clean the apartment a little bit then.” scrambling out of bed, ready to spot every dust speckle.

“don’t worry about it. i’m just ready to see you.”

“you should sleep early then for your flight. i’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

nodding his head, “kisses?” you rolled your eyes. he think it’s so funny how you kissed the camera one time before hanging up. now, he wants you to do it every phone call.

blowing a kiss at the camera before quickly hanging up in embarrassment, you could see his cheeky smile. you laid in your bed, thinking about what just happened. you were kicking your feet, ready to see him.

[wytfut]

Aluminum siding....

I think as a kid who grew up in the 60's, we remember the hard core salesmen that bang on your door... vacuum cleaners, spices, aluminum siding, brushes. .... all humorous in a way today. There has even been movies made about this type of life.

My Pop... way back in the 60's bit the bullet and bought aluminum siding. The guy sold him the goods, and he bit hook line and sinker. The company had their contractor put it up..... Pop wanted his crushed rock roof strauss built home, to be pink for eternity. And so it was....

It was shortly after... maybe a year or 2 later, we had a historic Nebraski hail storm. And just beat the shit out of the siding. I'd say that this aluminum siding was much softer than todays products...

Anything exposed under the eaves of the house on the west and south side took the beating.

Pop about cried and tried to make a claim on his damaged siding, and of course his insurance company didn't recognize aluminum siding as a standard house siding. .... nada... nothing.

The siding remained on for I'd say at least a couple of decades, all dinged up. Finally in the late 90's Mom and Pop were financially comfortable, Pop had the dinged siding removed and covererd with red brick as a wainscoting about 6' up on all sides of the house. I wont critique the color combination, but Mom and Pop were happy. The aluminum siding higher up remained, and looked good until the house was sold.

Now I bring this humorous story up, as that most likely wasn't Pop's only upside down event in his life. And as I grew up there, I know I have picked up this behavior up.... and have applied it many times thru the years.

Examples:

I just had to have a diesel car. After the 70's embargo, it only made sense to me. So I left my brand (Ford at that time didn't quite yet have a diesel model), and ordered a brand new buick diesel.

Probably the prettiest car I have ever owned to this day. Within 6000 miles, the motor blew up. And we were without a car for close to 3 months.

Within a couple of years, the transmission went. Basically I ordered from Detroit the grand GM double joke.

Sounds innocent enough.... but if a person were to stand back and take a good look at this story or the many others, including my Pop's.... he and I get an idea in our heads, and the blinders come on. No changing of the minds here mind you. And admittedly, it is a weakness or a curse.

Not that we both would fall for salesmen....no no.... but the fact that once we get an idea, we just can't let it go.

Pop I'm sure was told by all his chronie State Troopers...."don't do it!!" ...Just I was told by many folks not to buy a GM diesel.

Here's my latest blinders mistake.

A few years ago, I was using a product called "ride on" on my motorcycle tires. It claimed to reduce flat tires substantially, and would also balance your tires. It was a gooie substance, and for all the years I had used it, I was very happy with it.

I found another company selling a "tire sealer" years ago, a friend used on his farm truck. He had tires with multiple nails in all of his tires with no flats to report.

Thru the years, I had heard that tire repair shops hated these products. Some of the earlier products were impossible to remove. Which made fixing a simple flat tire impossible.

Come up to date now.... to about 4 weeks ago.

My hunny said we were not going to drive to colorado on the tires on her car... especially the one with a double plug (being a tightwad, I fix our own tires, right or wrong, I do). Ok. So I rounded up some very nice almost new tires on facebook market place. Got them for a song.... extremely cheap.

My thoughts.... put berryman's tire sealer in them. Josh, Luke, and myself mounted each..... life was good.

I was still under the impression, that berrymans tire sealer would also balance these tires. As that was "Ride On" claim.

We got about 250 miles into the trip, and holy shit... the tires took off. Shaking the Patti's car like no tomorrow. Many miles of trying to figure out how to avoid the shaking... I determined that if I stayed under 70, it wasn't too bad or very often. It'd still do it a bit here and there.... but no way over 70.

Made it to our destination. And as the week went on I contacted several tire shops. One said he'd try to balance them.... and he couldn't. Another in Estes, said yup he'd fix the issue, but it would cost.

Being a tourist in Estes.... I was guessing $400+. I cringed, Patti said do it....

The tire shop fixed all 4 tires (cleaned the goo out and balanced)..... $160, plus 2 days.

We were ecstatic. No way .... he could of taken huge advantage to our situation, but he didn't. God bless this man.

When I went to pick up the car.... this very same guy was in the parking lot helping a much older gentleman clean fresh asphalt off of his tires. The guy drove thru fresh asphalt (no barricades).... And his tires looked like huge donuts. I talked to the old guy. He was amazed that the guy was helping him, at no charge. Attacking the tires with pry bars....

Back to the point. Folks that know me.... know I do this. My boys, friends, etc. I get the blinders on, and it is the goal to achieve, hell or high water, it'll be done. They all just roll their eyes, and shake their heads

You'd think after years of this nonsense, I'd learn, or someone would just shake the shit out of me, to get my attention.

My next odd ball mission is to drop some ajax/comet down the carburetor of our 36 ford. lolololol I've already heard murmurings from some folks not directly. ...

[yurisorcerer]

15, 30, 50,

15 yesterday, 30 today, 50 tomorrow. But I am the same person at all three points, because I do not change. Nothing changes.

I am trapped in a time loop of my very own design. Every parameter tweaked to ensure the self-fulfilling prophecies are fulfilled by the self. By remaining unfulfilled, I remain in stasis. Nothing changes.

A thousand miles of text, the world's largest Greek Chorus, pulled together just for me;

you need to do it scared

you need to learn to be ok with people not liking you

you need to learn to communicate better

you need to learn to understand art better

you need to learn to understand

you need to

you need to

you need to

be kind to yourself, but not too kind. Be hard on yourself, but not too hard. Being kind on yourself can lead to acceptance. Acceptance is change. Being hard on yourself can lead to discipline. Discipline creates change. Nothing changes.

Stop talking about what you love, stop talking about what you hate. Stop being so serious, stop being so stupid. Stop talking about killing yourself. Stop.

Nothing changes.

Maw, Paw, it's tragic!

Mr. and Mrs. *****, your sondaughtertrannything has been diagnosed with adhdepressionysphoriaism. She will stay the same her entire life, and despite trying so hard, nothing will fix her! The world moves on; Obama Era, Trump Era. Economic crises. War, disaster, and disease. She'll try apathy, passion, logic, and leftism. She'll try atheism and new religion. It won't work. She remains still.

She's going to be a passive observer in her own life forever.

It's terminal, I'm sorry.

Nothing changes.

She has lost the ability to see herself in the first person, but can still say; I hope when I die, that at least whatever blooms from my corpse is beautiful. She can still say; people say they love me but I can never really believe them. She can still say; It's all my fault. She has been saying all this for a very long time. Nothing changes.

The last

3, 4, 5 - maybe 10. maybe 20.

years have been a blur. Haze and hatred. Fear and loathing from Carbon to Cook; Walnutport to Rogers Park. Medication and caffeine and body odor and hair. Morlock than man. Worse than a woman. Same as it ever was. Her heart is putrefying. She's been thru nothing but always feels like she's fucking dying.

(nothing changes)

She makes some observations

I think I've already been everything that I'll ever be

I think my friends are basically just putting up with me

I think the people who think they love me are missing someone I might've once been

I think a spark inside my chest went out a long time ago

I think if I keep thinking maybe I'll finally have the courage to

Nothing changes!!!!

She's written like this before, too.

She will again. She always has. She's a statue in a lake. She's the ghost in the glass. She is negative space. She's a diamond she'll never dig up. She knows it's too late. She's been dead since day 1.

She's an erased tape. She's a closet of bugs. She's viscera with no context. Bones but no blood. Clean white walls stained with mold that is killing her. She's a poltergeist tossing teapots at a whisperer. She's disgusting. She's awful. She's the absolute worst. She's insulting herself. She hopes that it works. She's a wound begging for a knife. A corpse begging for life. She's a path in the woods with no exits on both ends. She didn't show up to the fight. She is already dead.

Nothing. Changes.

[nardonotes]

16 oct '24

8:44pm

i literally missed the first half of my day cause i had a rave hangover... ╭∩╮( •̀_•́ )╭∩╮ BUT I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH RERE AND GEN!! (i accidentally invited gen but she stayed till we stopped :3) anyways, it's okay cause i had a free in between!! lolzz... i went in for my last class tho and that was fine, just boring..

after class,, my friend and i went to this coffee drive thru place and got coffee and i got a wrap (SO MID.) i didn't even finish it because it made me feel so disgusting. i was so hungry tho,, (｡•́︿•̀｡) and we talked and talked--- then took her dog for a walk by this walkway between our houses (we live pretty close from each other) :D im so wrecked from it honestly,,

when i got home i started learning how to play duvet by boa on my guitar that's about 12 years old (i got it when i was 12, my first ever guitar) because my electric guitar only has 5 strings,,, (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠) it snapped while i was trying to tune it one day....... but i learned like the intro of duvet and that was fun- now im learning boston by juan karlos!! it's so fun to play,, i wish i had a better guitar tho cause my small ass first ever guitar doesnt have enough frets lol (so tiny :3)

i just ate taco FRIES!!!!! was sat on my desk so i decided to write before i forget :P - and tomorrow i decided im not going to the opening day because i did more research on that college and the course i want to do isn't even there...... like i would have rlly wasted my time -_-... im still going to the city though cause im going for a quiet drink with my friends :DD (i wont be drinking much but i will be yapping.) it'll just be me, my friend i went on a drive and walk with today, and my other bestie :F kinda excited because i miss them !!!

anyways,, that's it for today- goodnight!! i get to sleep in tomorrow YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! hopefully i have energy to write tomorrow night (っ- ‸ - ς)

OH! and i fixed my main reblogging messy blog theme last night, it was so fun doing that ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´- motivated me to go on tumblr more!!

goodnight!!!!! write you tomorrow (⸝⸝ᴗ﹏ᴗ⸝⸝) ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

song of the day: Lia by Zild !! ♫

[worldwright]

Good evening ! *boops you*

Playin' some pokémon rn

Also we're back to our 12-21 ! We synced up back yesterday :3

I saw my bro today before he had to go back to that shitty town of his

I'm sooooooo tired just thinking about tomorrow, need to be downtown at 10am and wow, my sleep

Have a wonderful morning my friend !

good morning!! i think they should keep boops

i'm chilling with my partner today as well, tho i'm joining a meeting at work thru my phone bc they're talking abt the bridge collapse and i'm interested

yay (?) time zone change?? idk, i like the sun being later, but the shift suckssssss

the tattoo bandage is rlly bugging me now, but i can't take it off till wednesday ://///////// i will survive sob

my fridge is broken ughhh it has power, but it's not keeping cold in there. and the freezer still works too somehow. i'm moving critical stuff to the freezer, and rotating ice thru the fridge until it can get fixed :/

another lovely day, wonderful day to exist!!

good luck tomorrow, and i hope you have a lovely evening!!

[foegs]

love u love vb. as miss alicia keys said: everything's gonna be alright (sing it like she sang it. that sh*t got me thru undergrad <3). hope you're feeling better today btw hope that ur immune system is calming down

ok anyway bye kiss kiss we go again and there are bright futures ahead for us all <3 ily ily

my immune system is calming down! by tomorrow I'm going to be superpowered and sooooooo normal ALSO I'm going to watch a soccer game with the work bestie tomorrow so that's going to be great because we've never hung out outside work before nor have we watched soccer so this is going to be the pinnacle of fucking around and finding out <3 MUCH to look forward to. classes start tomorrow as well. life is good <3

love vb too. he's going to be okay I know it in my HART. like this is pain upon ignominy but like we all knew it was coming and PERHAPS it was the best way for things to go down. I appreciate that he said he wasn't going to sign with merc again if he didn't get a multi-year offer because man deserves some dignity :cryfool: I think it's soooo neat that he's going to get his first teammate who's younger than him and I can't wait to see what happens. like we all know he's the world's #1 dedicated teammate and I want to see how that manifests in a situation where he has the chance to be the leader. like. can I be his teammate.....please help me bestie

for real we're all going to be fine I can FEEL it. september is going to fix us <3

[stripper-patrick]

Squish🐠 Florian Munteanu

Warnings: smut, lots of fluff, pain

Tags: @mrsbanreswillseeyou

Relationship: Florian Munteanu x black plus sized reader

I walk through the true white halls of the hospital. My chest is tightening up. I’m nervous and scared as hell. I got a call from the hospital saying my boyfriend and neighbor in the hospital.

I arrive at the desk with barely enough oxygen to sustain myself. “Florian Munteanu”

“Yes he’s in room 266. Can I ask of your relationship towards him” she wraps the arm band around my wrist

“I’m his sister” I lie. She looks at my dark skin tone with confusion

“Take the elevator to the third floor and follow the arrows” without anything else being exchanged I run to the elevator pressing the button frantically.

“Please God just let him be ok” I say a silent prayer and cross myself before the door opens.

Being in this shitty thing couldn’t have been slower. Finally when the door opens I race out and look at the wall 266 on the left.

I make my way to the room and it’s silent. I knock on the door and hear a low voice telling me to come in. I walk through and go through the curtain seeing Florian with a cut on his swollen cheek. His knuckles are wrapped in ice and a nurse is wrapping his ribs up with bandage.

Tears spill over my eyes and I let out a controlled breath. I turn around and close my eyes getting myself together. “Y/N I’m ok” I dry my eyes and take another deep breath turning around

“If you were ok you wouldn’t be on the hospital what the hell happened” I ask

“You don’t know this but I’m a boxer and I set you as an emergency contact which is why you’re here but I promise I’m ok I’ve been through worse baby”

“Saying that doesn’t make anything better I swear” I sit down and he smiles

“You worry too much”

“You don’t worry enough”

“I want a cheeseburger when can I be released” he asks the nurse. A middle aged woman with a nice structure.

“Tomorrow morning. We just wanna make sure there’s no hemorrhages in the middle of the night”

“I’m staying”

“Y/N-”

“Ma’am I don’t think we can have overnight guests”

“You can today” I say. She looks down and finishes his bandage before leaving.

“You don’t have to stay”

“I’m staying and there’s nothing you can do to stop me” I say “you gave me a panic attack while I was driving so for my own sake I’m spending the night with you”

“I appreciate it”

...

I wake up and see Flo asleep. I stand up and stretch. The nurse comes in and smiles at me.

“I’m gonna go home to change and shower then I’ll be back” I whisper. She nods.

“Promise” I hear a low voice and then around seeing Flo with his eyes open. I walk over to him smiling.

“Promise” I kiss his head and leave going back to my apartment. The drive felt like the longest drive ever. Even with my nap I was still tired. I open the door and take a deep breath collecting my thoughts. My phone rings and I see it’s Flo.

“Hey Squish you ok”

“Did you just call me Squish?” His voice is raspy and deep. Ugh so hot.

“I did” I smile setting my purse down. I go in my bathroom and look at myself. I look like a raccoon.

“When you get a chance can you feed Zuni please the spare is under the mat”

“I will” I say

“Thank you princess”

“Of course” I hang up and go outside. I grab the key from under the mat and open the door revealing the beautifully structured apartment.

“Zuni” I call. A cute Savannah cat appears and meows at me. She rubs against my leg and I go into the kitchen seeing her empty bowl. I fill up her cat food and give her some water. I see the plants sitting on his window sill and I water them. I look around the house looking for cat poop just in case and surprisingly I don’t see any. My OCD makes me fluff the pillows and fix the crooked pictures of him and his family.

I leave out his apartment and lock it back before going back to mine. I grab my toothbrush and toothpaste and hair brush. I also grab a change of clothes putting them in my large purse. I grab a hair brush and some water in a spray bottle for my kinky hair.

I go into my bathroom and take a shower feeling the hot water drench me. I’m so tired.

Once I’m out I grab my phone checking the time, 4:56am. I put on a t-shirt and some leggings grabbing my slides. I grab my purse and walk out to my car feeling the warm spring weather hit me.

I turn the ignition and turn off the music just driving in silence. I do this a lot when I’m tired or emotional. He wants a cheeseburger and there’s only one place I know that’s open 24 hours. CJ’s. I drive over into the drive thru. I order food for me and him and proceed to the hospital.

I get back to the hospital and I’m immediately sent up. I get up to Florians room seeing him asleep again.

He opens his eyes hearing my movements and he tries to sit up but hisses in pain. I drop my stuff and rush to his side “lay back and chill out please”

“This is making me mad” his veins are prominent in his arms from his anger “I wanna move as a gotdamn please and hug you and kiss you and stand up without being in pain”

I lean down and hug him and kiss his lips “there now you only have two problems to work on. I bought you something”

His hand moves to my butt in my leggings caressing it. Since he’s having a moment I’ll let him feel me up a little “what’s that”

“A double cheeseburger” his eyes light up and I smile.

“I love you” he kisses me “but what about the nurse”

“I’m hiding it” she comes in and smiles at us. I sit in my seat waiting for her to take his blood pressure. When she’s finished she smiles at him.

“I’ll be back in like 2 hours to give you more pain medication if you need it”

“Thanks” he says. She leaves and I grab the cheeseburger from my purse

“Shit the sauce got in my bag”

“I’ll buy you another”

“I hate when you do that” I say handing it to him. He lifts his arm and retracts in pain. I stand up and sit next to him. I unwrap the cheeseburger feeding it to him.

“I want you to ride me and feed me” he says out of the blue.

“Squish you can’t get any until you feel better I don’t care what you say”

He whines “you can sit on my face”

“Absolutely not” I smile

“Can I at least get a kiss” I roll my eyes and lean in kissing him. I lean back and feed him the rest of his cheeseburger.

I clean off my hands and eat mine “I got us a milkshake to share” I pull out the large chocolate shake. He takes a sip and tries to sit up again. Florian groans in pain and I look at him.

“Where are you going” I ask

“I have to pee” I set down the stuff and go to his bedside helping him. I wrap his large arm around my shoulder and he tenses groaning at the pain.

“I’m sorry” I say. He’s finally to his feet and he takes a deep breath. He walks to the bathroom closing the door and I sit on the bed.

After like 3 minutes I hear his deep voice “babe come here”

I get up and open the door seeing a tent under his hospital gown.

“This is what you do to me” seeing him like this does turn me on I’m not gonna lie but what if he gets hurt more?

“I don’t wanna hurt you Florian you’d be better off waiting” I say

“I’m a big man I’ll be fine” he says “come bounce on it”

I couldn’t resist. I walk towards him and pull down my pants “promise me you’ll say something if I hurt you”

“Promise” I drop my underwear and go over to the bathtub putting my hands on the ledge. He follows me and carefully slides in with ease. I arch my back and start bouncing my ass on his meat feeling it graze my g-spot. My head drops and I spread my legs more going down further.

“That’s it shit” he moans. I feel his hand palm my right cheek before coming down hard on it. Both of his hands make their way to my hips and I grind harder. My ass is clapping against his hips.

“Look at this sight” he moans. I bring one hand up to my nipple rolling it for extra pleasure. I let out a shaky moan with his name to follow.

“Florian” He smacks my butt again making me moan out and slow down. I pick up the pace again still careful not to hurt him. Unfortunately this time my hair was in a pineapple so he couldn’t pull it.

I let my butt jiggle and come down harder feeling his dick press against my g-spot.

“Look at you bouncing on my dick like a rabbit damn you look so sexy” he slaps the side of my thigh and rubs my clit. I feel Florian move so now regardless if I’m up or down his dick is right on my spot “you’re gonna make me cum”

He rubs my clit harder and I cry out. Florian growls and I feel his legs shake as well as he cums. I lean all over him at the same time gripping the ledge of the bathtub.

My legs shake and nearly give out when he carefully moves his arm and holds me up. Despite his pain and my shaking body he continues to rub my clit making my toes curl and my eyes roll to the back of my head.

I push him off and watch him chuckle as I sit on the ledge. “You’re lucky I cant get on my knees and force you to cum in my mouth” he’s obsessed with eating me out

“The nurse is going to kick our asses if you don’t get back in that bed” I smile

“Do you need help getting up”

“I’m fine are you good” he nods. I stand up and grab the rail just in case my legs do me dirty. I grab my underwear and pants slipping back into those and he just watches me.

“You ready” I smile

“Always” I get on the non-injured side and wrap his arm around my shoulder. I help him back to the bed and he sits down slowly.

He moves over to the side and pats the bed. “Come lay with me”

I look at Flo and he pulls my arm. I get in the bed carefully and lay on his chest. After a little while I finally hear his faint snores. His heart beating is the most clamming noise to which I find myself falling asleep to.

[usernameorwhatever]

𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹?

There was no way Jim could keep up, not in the minivan. What the fuck was happening?! He watched the fancy car disappear in the distance, making one final turn before it was out of sight entirely. Everything was suddenly grey and numb from that moment onward...He didn’t even remember the drive home...a few hours ago, he was in the drive thru of a donut place, thinking about going to the beach or something, maybe have a date night, just do something special just the two of them after such a social weekend. But that was a few hours ago. Now he was sitting in the driveway ... minivan off, no music playing or anything since he didn’t have a playlist for whatever feeling this was. It felt like there was a hole in his chest. Like he was simultaneously empty and so full that he wanted to throw up. His gaze drifted over to the box of donuts, glaring a hole in that box because it represented a different time in his life now and he hated it for it.

Jim wasn’t sure how long he sat like that. He was startled by a knock on the window of the van. It was Dustin, asking him what he was doing. Same old Dustin. Also of average height. Greg was on the other side of the minivan — they clearly had plans. Jim reached up to run his hand through his hair before pulling on the lever to open the door. He exchanged pleasantries with Dustin and Greg for a moment, let them know that he was done with the van and that the donuts were all theirs as well. Jim didn’t hang around long enough to answer any questions — instead, he headed straight inside; the house was empty now, which was at least some small comfort. The sound of the minivan purring back to life and backing out of the driveway was the last thing he heard.

Sitting on the couch in silence, he ran over the events of the morning in his head: 1) she told him she didn’t feel good, insinuated that she wanted to be left alone. 2) immediately after saying that, he witnessed her get in her car with very formal attire ... date-like attire. 3) he followed her to a cafe where she got out of her car and went into the embrace of some guy in front of his super expensive car. 4) that guy looked like a bitch. 5) they walked in together and took a little table, just the two of them, and Anna was laughing and playing with her hair — or had his imagination filled in the hair flip? 6) after their meal, she got in his car and they left together.

Jim played with the idea of confronting her; he wrote out several text messages but then erased them all. It didn’t feel right to go in guns blazing. Each individual part was innocuous enough. A little white lie because she wanted some her time. Fine. Meeting a guy he didn’t know for brunch, BFD. He had meals with Peepee all the time, just the two of them. She got in his car and Jim hadn’t heard from her at all today. Not a peep since this morning. As much as he hated the idea of it ... puzzle pieces were only jigsaw shapes when looked at by themselves. Simple strokes of color that lacked context and could be appreciated in their simplicity. But fitting those pieces together made an image he couldn’t just ignore. So what was better? Staring at puzzle pieces ignorantly, or solving a puzzle you didn’t want to see?

Another hour or so passed by. Maybe longer. It was starting to get dark outside. Still no word from Anna. Dustin and Greg were back, and they had the wherewithal to avoid Jim at the moment. He grabbed his phone, eaten up with trepidation and irritation, and he just typed a simple “wyd?” and waited. It took a lot longer than usual for her to respond with “still sick sry I haven’t been talking🤢” to which Jim immediately replied with “maybe i should come over and bring you some medicine or something? whatever you want, and i’ll even watch those gross youtube videos with you.” And again he waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually his phone buzzed and he snatched it off the coffee table at once. “aw that’s sweet but I really just want to sleep it off. in fact i’m probably going to bed soon anyway so i’ll talk to you in the morning bye!” and that was that. Conversation over. Jim fought the urge to throw his phone. He knew she wasn’t sick. It wasn’t the truth. Why was she lying to him? She usually had no problem telling him when she wanted a night to herself. That was one of the things that worked so well between them, their respective individual time. But ... it was seeming like she wanted an out for not texting him back at all. Fine — no texts. Greg was in the kitchen getting a drink when Jim stepped onto the tile floor to grab the keys out of the little bowl on the counter. “I’ll be back.” He said in his usual lackadaisical tone, and the keys jingled in his hand as he walked through the living room and out the front door.

Jim battled with himself the whole drive, trying to will himself to turn around. This was a terrible idea. It was dark, and nothing good was going to come of this. But he just had to know. The not knowing was eating him up. Was Anna even home? Why was his trust in her suddenly shaken so badly that he wasn’t driving over to spy on her? This wasn’t him ... this wasn’t Orange Cassidy. Orange Cassidy would nonchalantly kick whoever Jim was right now. Best case scenario, her car is there and the lights are out and he feels like a prick for not trusting her. But worst case scenario....

Worst case scenario was staring him right in the fucking face.

He didn’t have to get in her driveway to see the fucking car in her driveway. The same car he’d seen earlier. The same G D car. What the fuck?! Jim glanced at the clock on the dash. Pushing 11pm. Well past the normal hours for a social visit. Rage coursed through his veins in a way he'd never ever ever felt before. White knuckles on that steering wheel, threatening to rip it off. Going to bed early, another lie. The lights were definitely still on in her place. He could make out her dark silhouette walking past a window. Very much awake. Jim didn’t need to look at the front of the box to see what this puzzle was. All the pieces fit together nice and neat ... except for his piece. No, no. His piece was all alone -- mistakenly put in the box to be cast aside when someone realized it didn't need to be there. Fine. Fine. The thought of ramming the minivan through her fucking wall passed through his mind. But he couldn’t do that to the precious vehicle. He could go knock on the door ... but why interrupt their intimate night? Nope. He made a decision right then and there to just drive home. Nothing could be done right now, and a yelling match or potential fist fight with some rich douche wouldn’t fix anything anyway. Nope. Nope. Anna didn’t want Jim to disturb her tonight and he had no intention of going against her wishes. Headlights flashed as he pulled off of her street, the red and green and orange hues flickered all around his field of vision but nothing registered; he drove simply on muscle memory alone. Jim navigated his way home in the darkness, then went straight to his room when he got back. Not even bothering to draw the covers or even take his shoes off, Jim fell face down on the bed — sure that sleep wouldn’t come easily, but hoping against hope that he’d at least have a good dream during the night. One last good dream before he did what needed to be done tomorrow.

[teannamon]

The Black Cat and the Princess (ML Fic) 6

Cover art by deryuj :>

[ Family Switch AU ]  Marinette’s the only child of fashion icon Gabriel Agreste, and Adrien is the adopted child of Sabine and Tom Dupain-Cheng, two of the best bakers in Paris. What happens when their paths meet?

↫ Chapter 5

Chapter 6: Adrien gets a visit from Marinette at the bakery.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Adrien groaned as he turned off his alarm. He was tired from last night’s party, not because of the party itself but because he spent most of his energy trying to calm down a drunk Alya from participating in another “Alcohol or Awful” drinking game. Ultimately, Nino decided to just take her home and he also decided to call it a night. At 3 am.

He rubbed his eyes and stretched to get ready for his weekend baking duties. Dropping down from his bed he grabbed a quick change of clothes and headed to the bathroom.

‘Not awful but not amazing either’ he thought to himself as he viewed his tired self in the mirror. After washing his face with cold water, he quickly changed into clean clothes. That’s when he noticed something missing from the hamper.

His favorite cardigan.

“Did I leave it at the party?” he asked out loud while double checking the hamper, but he remembered Marinette. Seeing her shiver from the gym clothes she changed into prompted him to lend her his cardigan so she would at least feel better from whatever happened to her.

“I’ll see her at school anyways, at least she’ll get home in better conditions” he said to no one in particular as he opened the trapdoor to head downstairs.

Sabine already prepared him a meal for him at the counter-three pieces of croissants, omelet, and a cup of coffee. She waited for him all night, so she knows how tired he must’ve been.

“Good morning dear, eat up so you can help your father downstairs” she greeted while taking a sip of her tea. Adrien gave her a kiss on the cheek as he sat down to eat, “Thanks mom”

“No problem hun, drunk Alya again?” she asked and Adrien chuckled while stuffing the bread into his mouth.

“You know it” he said after swallowing. He was enjoying his meal and almost choked when he heard his mother’s next question.

“Speaking of Alya, she mentioned you’re seeing a girl named Marinette is it?”

“N-no,” he sputtered out “Well technically I see her everyday because miraculously our schedules are almost identical, but she’s just a friend I swear Alya is just-and why are you laughing?”

His mom covered her mouth to stop her from laughing too loud but eventually calmed down, “You’re cute when you’re defensive, and Alya didn’t tell me anything. Actually, Marinette is at the bakery downstairs, said she wanted to bring back something for you”

She gave him a wink as she said, “I bet your father is already talking to her”

“What?!” the blonde boy ate his breakfast with much speed so he could head downstairs.

Meanwhile, Marinette and Tom were making small talk while he set the pastries on the display cases. She was in awe at the wonderful smell of fresh morning pastry, she made note to come here every morning that she can.

“I hear Alya mention your name a lot whenever she comes here, I’m guessing you’re that young designer she’s very fond of”

Said designer smiled sheepishly, “I guess you can say that. She has a lot of my outfits to say the least, and I’m glad we’re friends now”

Tom hummed in response before offering her a red velvet cupcake, “That’s great to hear, here’s a cupcake for making you wait long. Free of charge”

“Oh! that’s so nice of you, sir. It’s no bother though, I didn’t mind waiting”

“Even so, please take it. I’m sure one cupcake won’t hurt”

She happily took the cupcake and took a small bite, she was delighted by the taste “This is very delicious!” she exclaimed.

“I’m glad you like it; this is Adrien’s specialty” he gave her a knowing look she didn’t quite catch on as she’s too invested in the cupcake.

Another mental note-ask them to cater one of her future parties.

Just then Adrien burst in through the door that leads to the bakery.

“Good morning, Adrien” he greets with a large smile. Marinette peeks around the display case on the counter obstructing her view to see the person who he came here for.

“Hi Adrien” she waves with her cupcake in hand.

“Good morning dad, Marinette” he greeted back, sounding a bit out of breath.

He puts on an apron before taking his post behind the counter. At that moment his father conveniently ran out of cookies to put on display.

“Ah would you look at that, I’m all out” he said all too cheerfully and left for the kitchen door in quick strides “I’ll leave you two here then. Alone. Together”

Adrien internally facepalmed, ‘Not being subtle at all, dad’ and with that Tom closed the door behind him and as he said, leaving the two alone together.

He turned back to face Marinette who had no idea what just transpired as she just finished her cupcake. He noticed the custom cupcake liner he always used for his own cupcake recipe so he cheerfully told her, “That’s my special cupcake, what do you think? It’s a Crowd Favorite”

“It tastes amazing! I love the mix of dark chocolate and strawberry” she excitedly told him, “oh and the marshmallow frosting is such a cool idea. Does it have a name?”

Adrien resisted a chuckle, “I told you it’s a Crowd Favorite”

She rolled her eyes, “Well yeah, I meant special recipes have names right?”

He pointed his thumb towards the display case lined with his special cupcakes under the tag “Crowd Favorite”. This made Marinette groan but then chuckled after “Oh my gosh, you really are such a dork”

The blonde laughed with her and shrugged, “Well what can I say, I really am adorkable” repeating his statement last night, which reminded him.

“Anyway, I forgot to ask how you were since last night?”

“I got home safely thankfully, and speaking of” she reached down and placed a paper bag on the counter “you really didn’t need to lend me your cardigan you know but I do appreciate the gesture”

She smiled sweetly and Adrien couldn’t help but feel flustered as he recalled how close they were when he mindlessly carried her on the way out. He rubbed the back of his neck as he took the paper bag and placed it under the counter.

Just then the bell chimed and Adrien instinctively greeted whoever entered the bakery, “Good morning, how can I help you today?”

The blunette moved a little to the side to give way for the customer to approach the counter. She was wondering where the customer was until she looked down and saw a short old man wearing a red Hawaiian shirt. 

“Hello Mr Wang, the usual?” Adrien asked with such familiarity. The old man nodded and smiled. As Adrien turned around to pack up his orders the old man, Mr Wang, turned to the female visitor who busied herself looking at the other pastries on display.

“Here you go, I added an extra cinnamon roll from the burnt pile as well” Adrien handed him a small box of pastries and took his payment. 

“Thank you, Adrien. See you again tomorrow” Mr Wang took one last glance at Marinette as he left. The bell chimed as the door closed behind him.

Sensing that the day would get busier as time went on Marinette decided to say her goodbyes and leave. She approached the counter to face Adrien.

“Well, I guess I should go too since I already did what I came here to do but I’d love to come visit the bakery again” 

“No problem, Marinette. See you tomorrow at school” he waved as she left the bakery.

As soon as she left he turned to the kitchen door to see both his parents peeking through the small window obviously spying on their adorable son and his equally adorable female classmate.

———————-

“Are you done with your errands?” Gabriel asked her daughter thru the phone.

Marinette rolled her eyes, “Yes father, we’re en route to the mall like you said”

Another event that she’s obligated to attend being the secondary face of the Agreste brand. That, and she needs to make up for her mishap last night.

“Good, and don’t forget to fix how you look all the time. I wouldn’t want to go through all the trouble of trying to get rid of unpleasant images of you uploaded to the net for everyone to see”

“Noted” she snapped as the call ended. She sighed and sank to her seat as they drove thru the city.

Last Night…

Chloe’s limo stopped in front of the Agreste mansion’s gate. Gabriel Agreste was already waiting for Marinette as soon as he got his daughter’s call.

“Ugh this won’t be good” she groaned and Chloe looked at her friend sympathetically.

The blonde patted her back, “Hey Mari, at least you had fun. Whatever your dad will tell you now shouldn’t take that away”

Marinette smiled at Chloe, she really was thankful for her. No matter how shallow and self-centered she might be at times she really does understand her and comes through when times get hard. 

“Thanks Chloe, see you on Monday” she said as she was about to leave.

She stood next to Gabriel as the limo left. 

He looked at her current get-up, “Those were not the clothes you left with tonight”

She looked down and wrapped the cardigan around her tighter, “Yes, I know. Can we get inside and I’ll explain everything”

He didn’t say a word but both of them went inside the mansion. As soon as they stepped foot inside he looked at her for an explanation.

Taking a deep breath she told him how she got soaked in juice, had a senior let her borrow gym clothes from a schoolmate, and Adrien letting her borrow his cardigan. 

She chose to withhold some information like the blackmail from Lila or when Adrien walked in on her underwear. If Gabriel knew about those details she’s more worried about what her father is going to do to them than her.

‘He’s quiet again, what now?’ she wondered, her anxiety growing more and more each second he’s not saying anything.

He sighed, “Well it can’t be helped since you’re at a disorganized and rowdy event. Next time limit your attendance to those unless it's necessary”

“Y-yeah, of course” 

“Goodnight, Marinette”

“Goodnight, father” she mumbled as they parted ways towards their own rooms.

She flops into the bed feeling frustrated at… well, she doesn’t know exactly.

Maybe Lila, for ruining her night and her outfit or her father for not even asking if she was okay throughout the whole night’s ordeal. Either way, she’s frustrated as hell.

‘Deep breaths Mari, deep breaths’ she reminded herself and she calmed herself down after a few seconds. 

“Like Chloe said, I had fun tonight despite what happened” she told herself as she recalled the people she met that night, the live student band, the crazy games she got to witness, and her new friends.

She never would’ve guessed that Adrien would have the guts to carry her all the way outside though. Somehow that was the most memorable event of that night for her, she pondered as she fiddled with the cardigan of his. 

As she took it off she noticed something written on the tag, ‘Adrien’s favorite cardigan DO NOT TOUCH’

“He really is a dork,” she giggled.

Marinette (wearing Adrien’s cardigan) being carried by Adrien in Chapter 5

art by @deryuj​

↬ Chapter 7 (tba) ↬ AO3 Link

Its been almost a year since I last updated this but I hope you guys can forgive me QwQ... I’ll be updating this story more often though since college stuff is all done (and by done I meant holding it off til next year lmao)

But rest assured updates will be more frequent from now on, maybe every 3days or every week hehe

✦ Tag List : @conquering-medians​

[lauras-collection]

More Than I Know [Part 4]

Tom Holland x female Reader

Masterlist

Summary: You arrive at the wedding location and bump into someone you didn’t expect to be there. 

Words: almost 2.2k

Warnings: swearing, nothing else I think (let me know if there is anything in there that I should add)

A/N: I’m so excited about everything that’s going to happen in the next few parts! I hope you enjoy this one!

Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Today was the day. Today, you and Tom were going to drive to your sister’s wedding location. Kate and Daniel were basically doing a ‘wedding weekend’. Of course, your sister would do something extra like that. Everyone would arrive today, Friday, the wedding was tomorrow and on Sunday Kate insisted to do a post-wedding brunch with the immediate family, that included you and Tom. So as soon as you would arrive at the hotel you would have to pretend to be a loving couple until leaving on Sunday. 

You were packing your suitcase when the doorbell rang. After putting the shirt you had been folding down you walked to the front door. You were greeted with a smiling Tom when you opened the door. 

“Hey, you ready to go?” Tom asked and your eyes widened. Was it already that late? You turned your head to check the clock on the living room wall. “Relax, I’m messing with you. I’m early. I hope that’s okay.” A sheepish grin was on his face now and you couldn’t be mad at him. You let out a relieved breath. 

“Of course, come in. I’m still packing.” You started walking back to your room. Tom following behind you. “And I’m kind of freaking out. We can’t mess this up. What if someone notices that we’re just faking it? Someone’s bound to notice, right? Why would you ever be with someone like me?” You stopped walking and looked at him abruptly. “You know what? Let’s just stay here and not go at all. Saves me a lot of embarrassment.” You were pacing now. Tom gently grabbed your arms to stop you.

“Hey, hey, hey. Y/N. Stop that.” He turned you to look at him. “We’re going to the wedding. And your family believed us right? And these are the people that know you the best. The people that matter. Everyone else can think what they want. And just for the record, why wouldn’t someone want to be with you?” 

You huffed and looked at him, and all you could see in his eyes was honesty. You shook your head to try and get all the negative thoughts out of your head. You ignored Tom’s question and entered your bedroom. Tom followed you and leaned against your dresser while you continued folding your clothes. 

“Is that your dress?” Tom pointed at the garment bag hanging from your mirror. You nodded and watched as Tom walked towards the item, opening the zipper a little bit to get a peak. “Looks fancy.” He comments before closing the zipper again. 

“It’s my sister’s wedding, obviously it’s fancy.” You chuckled and closed your suitcase turning to look at Tom who was leaning against your dresser again. He was wearing a black hoodie and jeans, his hair curly and natural like the day you met him. A small smile made its way on your face. He looked so soft, you wanted to wrap your arms around him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Tom asked with raised eyebrows. 

“I don’t know. Your hoodie looks so cosy I just wanna...” You wrapped your arms around yourself.

“C’mere then.” He opened his arms with a soft smile and made grabby hands at you. You walked towards him, your arms wrapping around his torso. You let out a content sigh and Tom wrapped his arms around you, lightly rubbing your back.

“I was right. This is super cosy.” You mumbled causing Tom’s chest to rumble with a chuckle. One of his hands moved to play with your hair and it took everything in you not to sigh again. You felt all the stress inside you fade away. You stood like this for a while until Tom ran his hand over your head one last time, letting you know it was time to go.

It usually took about two hours to get to the place where Kate and David were getting married. But because it was a Friday afternoon the streets were busy and you were stuck in a massive traffic jam. After about an hour you both decided it was time for food so Tom exited the motorway and drove to the nearest drive-thru. It didn’t look to be the best place to get your food but you were both hungry and there was nothing else close enough.

 After you told Tom that you’d like a chicken burger he ordered for the two of you. When you arrived at the window, the cashier looked at Tom bewildered for a moment before uttering “You’re Spider-Man!” 

Tom chuckled lightly, nodding “I am.” The boy handed Tom the takeaway bag and Tom passed it on to you.

“Can we take a selfie?” He looked at Tom excitedly. 

“Of course, man.” Tom posed for the photo and then reached for his wallet in the back pocket of his jeans. 

“Oh no. You don’t have to pay. You’re Spider-Man! My treat!”

Tom paid no attention to the boy’s words and handed him the money. 

“Keep the change.” Tom smiled and the boy just looked dumbfounded. You could only grin at the situation. With a final goodbye and a wave, Tom continued driving, heading back towards the motorway.

“That was sweet.” You smiled, removing half of the wrapping of Tom’s burger and handing it to him. He took a bite while concentrating on the traffic. You couldn’t help but notice how attractive he looked casually driving with one hand on the steering wheel, the other holding the half-unwrapped fast-food burger. His elbow placed on the armrest in-between the two of you, his gaze fixed on the street. 

“Happens quite a lot recently.” He finally said after swallowing. “It’s pretty cool. Especially when they call me Spider-Man.” He chuckled and took another bite. You unwrapped your own burger and took a bite as well letting out a content sigh. 

“Enjoy this meal because after this we’ll only get fancy food for the rest of the weekend.” You said and Tom scrunched up his face.

“Ew, gross.” And you both had to laugh. 

***

When you finally reached the hotel you would be staying at, Tom parked his car. The hotel looked like an old castle and was surrounded by nothing but trees. There was nothing around for the next couple of miles. You hopped out of the car, shaking out your legs. You did a little dance to regain the feeling in your butt cheeks, the gravel crunching under your sneakers. Tom laughed at you as he opened the car boot to get out your suitcases. 

“What? My butt was numb.” You chuckled as well and opened the back door to get the garment bags that Tom had hung there. 

“Y/N! Tom! You made it!” You heard your mum exclaim as she came running from the hotel’s entrance. You couldn’t even greet her before she had engulfed you in a hug and placed kisses on both your cheeks. 

“Yeah, traffic was crazy. It took us three and a half hours.” You finally said as your mum moved on to greet Tom with a hug. 

“Oh really? You two must be starving! Come on in. I’m sure the kitchen can make you a little something before dinner.” 

“That’s alright, mum. We got something on the way. Can we just go to our room?” You asked and your mum nodded eagerly, leading you inside the hotel so you could check-in. A few minutes later you were standing in front of your hotel room. You held the key card in front of the scanner to unlock the door. When the light turned green you pushed the door open to a small but cosy room. After you held the door open for Tom so he could push your luggage inside, you closed the door and let your eyes roam the room. There were two armchairs on the right side of the entrance, the bathroom on the left. And in the middle of the room, a double bed. Of course, there would be only one bed. 

Tom seemed to have noticed the look on your face. “I can sleep in one of the armchairs. Or the bathtub.” You looked at him quickly. Was he serious?

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re two adults, I think I can handle sharing a bed with you.” You laugh and nudge his shoulder. “Or do you not want to share a bed with me?” 

“I do.” Tom was quick to answer. “I mean, I don’t mind.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Okay. That’s settled then.” 

***

After getting ready and another pep talk from Tom, the two of you made your way to join your family and the other wedding guests for dinner. Dinner was taking place in the big dining room of the hotel. As you entered you were amazed at how luxurious everything looked. You had joined Kate and David when touring the location, but the decoration made everything look so much fancier. Everything was either white or gold and stood in beautiful contrast with the quaint architecture of the building. The chandelier bathed the whole room in warm yellow light and you felt like you were in a movie. 

“Wow, this looks incredible.” Tom let out and you nodded in agreement. 

“Yeah. They’ve really outdone themselves.” Tom took your hand and pulled you towards your sister who was standing among a small group of wedding guests. 

“Hi, Kate. This looks incredible.” Tom said, greeting your sister with a hug while you were still gaping at the decorations. Initially, Kate wanted you to be part of the whole wedding planning but as soon as you noticed that Kate knew exactly what she wanted, you felt redundant and backed down from the planning. Now, you were happy because you experience the whole wedding without connecting it to the stress of planning it, unlike your mother.

“Thank you, Tom! I know, isn’t it amazing?” She replied while giving you a hug as well. “Doesn’t it look even better than when we toured it?” 

“Yes! I didn’t know it was possible, but wow! I didn’t know we were attending a royal wedding.” You were teasing, but it could easily have been a royal wedding. 

“You’ve always known I’m a princess.” Kate stuck her tongue out towards you. 

“Yeah. My princess.” Daniel, who had heard the last part of your conversation, said and wrapped his arms around his bride. He gave Kate a kiss on the cheek before greeting both you and Tom.

“Why don’t you guys find your seats? It’s almost time for dinner. There are name tags at the tables.” 

While you looked for your names on the name tags, you noticed a familiar face that you hadn’t expected to run into at your sister’s wedding.

“What the– What’s he doing here?” You let out in a breath causing Tom to look at you. He followed your line of vision.

“An ex-boyfriend?” He asked with raised eyebrows. 

“Something like that.” Your gaze was still fixed on the back of the blonds head.

“You wanna talk about it?” Tom sounded concerned so you turned to look at him.

“Maybe later. When we’re alone.” You smiled at him softly. The moment you had turned to Tom the blond had spotted you and made his way over.

“Y/N! What a surprise to see you!” He wrapped his arms around you in a hug, his hands rubbing your back before letting go of you again.

“Joe. Are you aware that you’re at my sister’s wedding?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Of course that was stupid of me.” He laughed, his grey eyes moving over your face, not even acknowledging Tom who’s arm was now moving around your waist sensing your discomfort. “How’ve you been?” 

“I’ve been excellent. This is Tom by the way.” You said and mimicked Tom’s position by twining your arm around his waist. “My boyfriend.” 

Joe looked down on Tom as he shook his hand. Joe was about five inches taller than Tom and had always prided himself with his height like he had an active part in becoming so tall.

“Oh yeah. I read all about it on the internet. Found someone better than me, huh?” You could only let out a huff at his words. 

“It’s not like you wanted me.” You squinted at him and felt Tom squeeze your waist a bit, his thumb slowly caressing you over the fabric of your blouse. “Now if you’ll excuse us, dinner is about to be served.” You moved further along the tables without another glance at Joe until you saw your name next to Tom’s written on the small pieces of card-stock. The two of you sat down and Tom noticed that you kept looking at Joe with a frown on your face.

“D’you want to give him a show?” Tom nodded towards him and you broke into a smile.

“Hell yes.” 

Part 5

Thank you so much for reading 💕

Taglist:

@jackiehollanderr // @alicethestral // @snowxbarryxendgame // @van-horn-dashner // @sltwins // @yeahimcrying // @ohhhotstan // @heathera101x // @xxnomercy // @bbyxk // @infamousmany // @zabdisamor  // @starsholland

Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the taglist :)

[silenceismychoir]

50 questions you've never been asked before

thank you so much for tagging me @silverkasienka and @pomegranatecurses ♡

1. what is the colour of your hair brush? black

2. name of a food you never eat? far too many lmao im incredibly fussy

3. are you typically too warm or too cold? too warm

4. what were you doing 45 minutes ago? just gave up writing an essay after writing one line but thankfully the class rep got the due date extended to monday and not tomorrow so i can forget about it for a while.

5. what’s your favourite candy bar? i love all so much and my fave changes from day to day lmao but rn my faves are top deck and chocolate log (pretty sure these candy bars arent available everywhere but yeah they're amazing)

6. have you ever been to a professional sports event? nope, i was so close to going to one of the cricket test matches in december/january but Life happened lmao

7. what is the last thing you said out loud? i think i said something about how amazing my president is lol

8. what is your favourite ice cream? chocolate

9. what is the last thing you had to drink? dalgona coffee (i can't stop making this these days)

10. do you like your wallet? i guess so lmao

11. what was the last thing you ate? chips

12. did you buy any new clothes last week? nope

13. last sporting event you watched? hmm...the womens t20 wc final? i dont remember anything after that (also damn, that's so long ago adgdkskal)

14. what’s your favourite flavour of popcorn? sweet popcorn or salted popcorn, i cant choose

15. who was the last person you sent a message to? a friend

16. ever go camping? nope, dont think i want to either

17. do you take vitamins? nope

18. do you go to church every sunday? nope, im not christian so that would be kinda strange if i did...

19. do you have a tan? nope, im almost always indoors (quarantine or not lmao)

20. do you prefer chinese food or pizza? i dont eat a lot of chinese bc most chinese restaurants arent halal here so i guess pizza

21. do you drink soda with a straw? dont drink soda anymore

22. what colour socks do you wear? any colour?

23. do you ever drive above the speed limit? do i ever drive? no.

24. what terrifies you? many things. the future. heights. snakes. looking back at my life with regret. many things.

25. look to your left what do you see? the wall

26. what chore do you hate? the dishes. i dont know how that shit is therapeutic.

27. what do you think of when you hear an australian accent? 5 seconds of summah / the aussie cricket team.

28. what’s your favourite soda? dont have one

29. do you go into fast food places or drive thru? usually fast food places

30. who was the last person you talked to? my sister

31. favourite cut of beef? i dont have one lol. dont really like beef either.

32. last song you listened to? never seen the rain - tones and i

33. last book you read? i was reading No Friend But The Mountains by Behrouz Boochani in december last year but i didnt finish it. the last book i read before that was Educated by Tara Westover

34. can you say the alphabet backwards? i thought i could but i tried now and nope i cant lol

35. how do you like your coffee? black, no sugar.

36. favourite pair of shoes? my boots

37. the time you normally go to bed? 11pm or later

38. the time you normally wake up? depends, it can range from 4am-6am some days and 1pm if i dont have to go to uni

39. what do you prefer sunrise or sunsets? sunsets

40. how many blankets are on your bed? 1 duvet

41. describe your kitchen plates? we have all sorts lmao from plain white to plates with floral patterns on the edges idk im not gonna describe every plate we have lmao

42. do you have a favourite alcoholic beverage? nope

43. do you play cards? not really

44. what colour is your car? dont have a car

45. can you change a tire? nope

46. your favourite province? this is ... an odd question lmao ... the province i live in? im not american so i could say Gdksodhwk province and yall would have to accept that what im saying is real and true

47. favourite job you’ve had? havent had a job

48. how did you get your biggest scar? my dad was fixing some things around the house and i found a saw that he left lying around and basically cut myself on it on the lateral, distal aspect of my right arm.

49. favourite day of the week? i dont have one?

50. what did you do today that made someone happy? i complimented my sister on the pasta she made which i guess made her happy? she seemed happy?

im gonna tag @talksopretty @calum-uncrowned @wastethen8 @themightyhemmings @myloverboyash @heartbreakgirlisagoodsongcalum @calumhoodaf - only if you want to lovelies!

[modern-oedipus]

Kinda a personal post that is not required to read but just first line is enough

Also I couldn’t get back to much of personal messages today because:

• i threw up in the morning and it shoookth me

• was running on 2 hours sleep

• had 8 hours of continious lecture and barely made it home just now, eaten, and calmed her shit down

•has 3 assingments and 2 quizzes due tomorrow

•did I mention, I can hear my own breath making Z z Z z Z z z Z sounds due to post-asthma hypersensitive body or SOME anNOYING THING that doctors said

• im mentally unwell because someone I love is mentally unwell and I can’t do a thing to help him regardless of my efforts and also i feel quite sad and desperate in general even though I do my best to not just let it go and get in a depresso mood

• so like. Responsibilities piled up, emotionally at my limit, physically sick, but at least not in so much physical pain.

I haven’t let anything go, though! I take care of my sick body regardless, I try to eat healthy, I /am/ doing the responsibilities one by one and making sure I finish them even if it costs me some sleep, I am trying to mentally reassure myself to things and although I haven’t got to write them down yet I planned some 2020 resolutions and cleaning; they have been on my mind for a long while now so if it all goes well I am planning to get a better start at the new year! I think I have done fairly well in 2019, most of my resolutions came to true by my own efforts anyway.

Anyway I didnt have to give a long explanation about why I was like this, I’d just say “I’m unavailable” if I didn’t want to share, but since I know that most of you care about me as friends (and I care about you as friends too, obviously, that’s a two sided thing), I thought those who care may read, just to have somr sort of idea about why Nila is shitposting but not individually replying. Those who don’t care (with no offense in them since no one is obligated to) have long scrolled past this, anyway.

Ihh I’m tired! Mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, I’m tired at all aspects but worse? I objectively don’t think it will get better. But I also objectively know that I hve no choice but to work to make it better because I love my life that I regained after so much hard work and battling with d, I love my family and friends whose days we brighten together, I (sort of) love my scientific research even tho science doesn’t seem to love me, I love the stories I am writing and the newspaper I am managing, I love walking in the soft wind, I love coffee talks and fun dates and hook ups, I love my pets and I love everyone who reached out to me and befriended me here on this account, I love reading/writing comments to the ao3 and reading/writing replies back to them, I love the fandom stuff we organize, I love working out and then having that serotonin boost, I love offering a newly baked recipte to family/friends, I love casual hook ups and if and when I’m in a relationship (my last rl lasted 3 years sooo... rip.. that was most of my life) I do love loving and being loved in return, I mean, I even love doing laundry like it is such a nice feeling to put all dirt in a machine and then take it back perfectly clean and cozy and nicely smelling, like idk, because of all these things (and more that I forgot to add) I can’t give up from my life and I can’t stop fighting for it to be better. I can’t give up from myself or my loved ones. There is so much to live for.

P.S. I also low key live for the days Given, To Die For, the “photographer Ray” au whose name I forgot, and the teacher/student norray fics ( ;) ) gets updated. I mean I’m sure I’m reading many more fics but these are the stuff I have been looking forward to ever since August or something and just knowing that one day I /MAY/ read a chapter of them sometimes make me motivated enough to go through a day. Also spaceomania’s (damn did I spell that right?! I’m absolutely NOT tagging anyone to this long ass post, don’t want them to go trouble reading it aLL) comments like I’m sure they made not just me but many other authors write a lot more happily than they normally would, oh I also live for Ardency but I am too scared to read it because itnis eNDING so I will procrastinate it, but like, yes.

I have reasons to keep going, I have reasons to stay strong. I may not be feeling my best now and my problems may not be fixed overnight but I have no choice but to have faith in myself & people I love & things I believe in (now, “believe” sounds so non-scientific but that’s subject for another day), so, I’ll go on.

I usually don’t like opening up about suicide or depression since I just think that’s way too personal to talk about (I still havent declared why it happened and I dont think Iw anna talk about it anyway), but, in case someone with suicidal tendencies is reading this (first of all congrats for coming thru this essay idk what kept you here but you’re amazing), just, remember that a year ago I was at where you are and, well, THIS is my mindset now. I am not telling you to compare your journey with mine or anyone else’s. I am just proving you that a way out of that dark tunnel is perfectly possible for you and even if my current situation may not be ideal (to be honest, is there even an ideal life? Problems will always exist), I’m gratefulthat I have got enough reasons to fight for. Sure, my energy still drains sometimes (hence why regular text talk with Nila is difficult. No she doesnt have adhd or anything. She has a fairly good attention span. She just lacks the friggin energy), but I restore it before it gets out of hand. Stuff like that. It’s possible, not for just me, but for you and for everyone. I’m not a publicly-spoken-social-norm-warrior or anything but I will always stand up for anyone who is feeling suicidal tendencies because no—

As someone who went through that, just, no.

Don’t.

Let’s make 2020 better.

*and here my friends, you went through a good representation of what it is like to be in my brain changing 485858 subjects. Anyway NOW that I let ut out I need to do my assignment. I want to reply back to you insividually bevause texting you all makes me feel warm and happy and i also wanna check on you but i need ti restrore my enrgy (i actually tried texting whdn my mood was low and I think I frightened some people over sudden agression so I’d rather text you wisely than text you randomly), so, see you all soon!

I know it is not just me going through shit in her life. So, know that I’m cheering for you and I am always in for friends bringing best of each other, so if you really read this far go do the thing you procrastinate!! Bud!! Go do it!! It’ll feel better!

What a conclusion tho

[early20thcenturynerd]

“Margetta Hirsch Doyle ’45 was a regular student at William & Mary. Her friends called her 'Getta' and she was a Kappa Delta. Doyle kept a diary and wrote about her philosophy quizzes, described how much she enjoyed making Red Cross surgical wrappings and mentioned hours spent spotting airplanes from campus buildings. Doyle was a student during World War II. 

During the second World War, William & Mary became a predominantly female campus. While many college-age males fought abroad, women kept up the war effort from Williamsburg. In between their studies and social life, students volunteered with the Student War Council and the American Red Cross. Along with other service work, they, like Doyle, made surgical dressings and spotted airplanes, sometimes in groups and sometimes alone.”

Margetta Hirsch Doyle's Entries for May, 1943:

MAY 1 

Happy May Day! It was Saturday and so we didn’t do much. Cary, Beth, Mrs. Dalthud and I went marketing and made out pretty well. Cary and I made the first major mistake of our careers as housekeepers. We bought birdseye fish for dinner (no points) and naturally thought we should keep it frozen in the ice box. By the time Lizzie and Flora arrived there were just so many chunks of ice lieing there. We all howled hysterically over it and had a vegetable plate dinner (I hope the fish will thaw by Monday!) This afternoon Cary and I went down town and to the Wigwam. I wrote some letters, changed the bedding on my bed and generally wasted time - worked tonight. I received a card from Bill Brennan - his 29 day training is almost up.

MAY 2 

Such an unusual little day! We slept unusually late and then Beth, Punchy and I dressed to go to church. As we came out of Bruton, Joy Allen pounced upon Punchy and me saying Cary had walked by with two ensigns and a lieutenant j.g. and wanted us to walk up to the Lodge and meet them. Bewildered, we looked at each other with a what-the-heck attitude and walked on up. Sure enough, there was Cary with three naval officers! We soon became acquainted and had loads of fun drinking champagne cocktails and eating dinner. After awhile we came back to the house and played the vic. It was really a terrifically pleasant afternoon. Cary, Punchy and I pored through the want ads and I wrote six or seven letters of application to see how the land lies. I tried to phone Bill Brennan to wish him a happy birthday but couldn't get the call thru.

MAY 3 

Things may seem “awfully dismal” at times but I’m really so very lucky and the bright spots of life are so nice. Tonight - brazen hussy that I am! - while down at work I placed a call through to Bill Brennan again. It wouldn't come, but the little operator kept trying (pull!) and finally just after I got back to the house the phone rang and a voice said “Boy! This is wonderful!” Ya huh, ‘twas Willy and gosh it was super talking to him. It wasn't at all like a typical long distance conversation - we just said dumb old things and deep things and you’d have thought we were both in Hollis rather than in Billsburg and Atlantic City respectively. So nice! Oh I forgot to mention that I got a perky letter from him too. I’m beaming obnoxiously. I wish…….. My life has a mysterious element too. This evening while I was out two darling marines came to see me, one of who “was a very good friend of a girl from home.” Vague, but I hope they come back!

MAY 4 

I’ve still glowed all day from last night’s phone call, and even now nice things keep happening. At lunchtime the package man came bearing a gift for me: a lush "bon bon" spoon with an awfully sweet note from “Mom” Brennan -- I was so tickled with it, and love her good. We rushed today informally - Betty Marie Ellett for lunch and two other girls for dinner with the usual accompanying intra-sorority feeling. Initiation for Jinx Richardson, Ann Wilson and Eleanor Ramsdell was last night and so we had a cup service at seven o’clock this morning - then classes, marketing, fun and work. I received real nice letters from Mother and Daddy and a faintly perky one from Bill Boyd. He is trying to stall off his furlough until June when I’ll be home. Gosh, I hope it’ll work. I’m so lucky! Flat Hat mentioned Punchy’s & my badminton defeat.

MAY 5

This morning was the annual convocation for the tapping of the members of the junior class chosen to be Mortarboard and ODK. It was very impressive and full of suspense, since supposedly noone knew who was to be selected. Fran Pendleton was one of the five girls to get Mortarboard and we’re all very thrilled about the whole thing. The other girls were Margie Lentz, Katie Rutherford, Marion Ross, and [Lebe] Seay. Mary Wilson Carver is the new president. Punchy, Carolyn Harley and I went up on Barrett roof sunbathing and got faintly tanned. Then we went shopping for Mother’s Day gifts and had our pictures taken at the telephone office. Per usual when having our pictures taken, Punchy sneered and I had “my fixed look” sat on the camera, but we’re celebrities anyway. Beth & Marty won badminton matched over Gamma Phi.

MAY 6 

“Rabbit - rabbit” really worked this month cause things keep getting better ‘n’ better. Today was a usual Thursday: marketing classes (Econ outside in the Sunken Gardens), archery (I’m off the 30 yd line at last) and swimming. After that we went downtown to the official dedication of the U.S.O., with music and speeches, including one by John D. Rockefeller, ‘Jr. ‘Twas sort of impressive. Yearbooks came out today and it’s the best Colonial Echo in years. We spent considerable time in poring over it, laughing and "ohing" and "ahing". Remember the marines I wrote about Monday night? Well, Warren Ripley came back this evening and is awfully nice. He knows Mary Claire Willard from St. Mary’s and she gave him my name. -- small world. He, a goon, Mavis Bunch and I went to the movies (”Truck Busters” was horrible) and then to the Lodge coffee shoppe

MAY 7 

I’m awfully tired, and in a bad mood though still awfully happy about everything. Such a nice life? Nothing exciting happened today. I didn't go marketing, but instead went up in the Library tower for two hours - once with Cary and once with Midge - spotting airplanes. I managed to get a bit of studying done for my philosophy quiz which I sleepily took. (B- on last week’s) I went over to the office to get a social card for Warren and ended up talking in Louise’s room; then I wrote letters to both Bills and fooled around. Holly Rickis has come back for the weekend - it’s natural to have her here. Work was bitter - everything went wrong and the time dragged. A “nice voice” called me up and chatted and a sailor walked us home. Such a masculine life as I’ve been having glimpses into. I can’t get over it! Floyd wrote me from Hunter Field, Georgia

MAY 8 

The weekend has come and I’ve resolved to purely have fun - and how it has started! This afternoon Beth and I went downtown to do our weekly shopping for odds and ends and then she Punchy and I went sunbathing by the practice house with Danny and Eleanor Ramsdell, It’s really hot too! Warren came by with two other marines to tell me that they were going to Richmond and he mightn’t be back right on time for our date tomorrow night. Seeing the other two marines I promised Beth & Punchy dates tomorrow night - and I dood it. Every few minutes, after we were all together I would say “Do you really want to do to Richmond?” and finally we talked them into staying for a howl of an evening. We saw “Air Force” one of the best pictures I’ve ever seen, and went to the Lodge. Ray and Dick kept wanting to be in Richmond, and kept making all sorts of classic remarks! Such fun!

MAY 9 

Happy Mother’s Day -- and what a day! Being hot, we lazily relaxed around the house and didn't quite get to church. I wrote home and Bugsie, changed the bedding on my bed and dressed for dinner. In the middle of it Warren (who wasn't supposed to arrive until late this afternoon) came with Ray, and thus began the second day of my truly unusual experience. Since there isn’t much to do with a date here on Sunday afternoons we went for a walk through the woods and then sat and watched people playing tennis, after which we went to the movies and saw “Air Force” again. Then we went up to the Lodge for champagne cocktails and a howl of a dinner - amusing (!) episode about the time and the tip. What a boy! Mother phoned tonight - and then Harold from Camp Peary phoned me. He sounds nice but you can’t tell. He phoned the telephone co.

MAY 10 

Nothing at all new again. Classes, marketing and quite a lot of studying this afternoon! I actually did some English Lit and then typed away on an interview for Psychology, letting my imagination run rampant with information. I really did get from Warren on the subject “Alcohol and You”. This evening there was the last W.S.C.G.A. meeting of the year, and then we went to an Economics makeup, disturbed by retreat’s being blown from the naval chaplains in our right ears. After that, we had song practice and sorority meeting, made vivid by stirring remarks about the state of the treasury and the consequences of not paying fines and the like. We had a dreamy serenade by Eddie Anderson and two other boys complete with guitar and drooled out the window at its romanticism.

MAY 11 

I went to classes, and then as usual went downtown with Cary to do the marketing - was amazed that some boxes of puddings had arrived in town - it made our housekeeping have a bright spot for the day. Archery was nice in that I got off the 40 yd line in one try. I must have just been jinxed by the 30 yd line - I have a new lease on life now though. On the way back from archery, I stopped in to see Holly, Kay and Louise and talked to them for awhile before coming back to the house and getting ready to have my picture taken again for the Transmitter, the Telephone Co. periodical. Speaking of pictures, the Flat Hat came out today with our crummy picture and the writeup. Punchy and I are celebrities! Mother phoned about Daddy’s maybe coming down and to say she has the measles - imagine! Harold also phoned me!

MAY 12 

Another awfully nice day! After classes and marketing I did my philosophy and then Beth and I rolled bandages for the Red Cross with Mrs. Pomfret. Beth and Punchy played badminton intramurals with Theta and won - I silently stood by and cheered. Warren was here when we got back & stayed till I had to go to work. He wanted a date tonight and Friday night too but I work both nights and so I got out of it very easily. He’s a nice fellow but a little too eccentric to be very enjoyable. In the mail I got a “big” picture of Bill Brennan in uniform. He looks good and it’s interesting to compare it to the other big picture I have of him. He’s so neat and how I’d like to see him! He enclosed a note as did his mom.

MAY 13 

Gad! I’m weary! Today was another one of those days where nothing noteworthy happened but little thing after little thing kept piling up till I haven’t got much energy left. Why do I bother to mention classes, marketing and my athletic afternoon? I’m stuck on the 50 yd line in Archery and in swimming after I emerged from the pool, I slipped, leaped into the air and fell completely flat on my back -- I’m sore and my posterior hurts! At work everyone seemed irritable (probably just because I was) and things didn’t seem to get done right. It’s being paycheck night was the one bright spot -- by the way, with my remaining checks I’ve decided to pay for my $25 room reservation fee besides my ticket home. Then I’ll feel I’m doing something worth while and useful with my earnings.

MAY 14

Life keeps getting better ‘n’ better, excepting for some things of course, the chiefest among which being a meeting of two representatives from each sorority to which I went with Dr. Pomfret, Miss Wynne Roberts, Charlie Duke and Vernon Nunn all about eating in the dining hall next year and reductions (?) in rent, involving all sorts of amazing involvements. The fur was flying as we got in truly deep discussions. There’ll be another even hotter meeting next Monday evening. All the things that keep happening! Such a nice thing happened at work tonight! A Mr. Curyea, who has been calling New York to his wife quite frequently from Camp Peary asked me my number and when I came back from my relief a lush box of candy was waiting for me with a card which said “In appreciation of the service that I have received in my calls to New York City”. It was one of the sweetest things anyone’s ever done for me. Bugsie comes tomorrow! Life can’t get much nicer!

MAY 15 

Such a beautiful life. Bugsie was supposed to come this morning but got lost through connections and finally arrived at 3:00 P.M. on the bus; Gosh! It was super seeing her again! We came back to the house and then walked around campus -- had a screwy time at dinner and afterwards getting dressed for a mass blind date - eight couples. It was super with us walking to the Lodge, Chowning’s, Rexalls #2 and going to the dance in Blow Gym with eight army lieutenants. It was a crazy evening but loads of fun, and I hope Bugsie had a kick out of it. Other lovely events: a cute letter from Jimmy Mooney and a perky one from Bill Boyd signed “All my love”. (slurpy, huh -- I’m so glad!) News that Bill Brennan is stationed at Hamilton College, N.Y. Oh things can’t get better

MAY 16 

My poor feet! We crowded so much into this little day! First we went to Bruton for a service made completely memorable by the presence of British Admiral Pound, General Wavell & others. It seems that General Marshall and the other important allied military leaders have conferred in Williamsburg about future campaign tactics. As we prayed in church (all of us) it made me realize how insignificant I am in the powerful drama being enacted now. After church Bugsie and I went to the Lodge for dinner and then went sightseeing at the Capitol and Governor’s Palace, stopping at Lavery’s on the way. We went over to see Dossie and had supper with her in the dining hall. We had a typically crazy evening together in the house - Kay came over and we walked her home. Whee - so much done this weekend.

MAY 17 

Still everything keeps on happening! Bugsie and I went downtown and did some marketing before I saw her off on the morning train - it was so swell having her here! This afternoon I attempted to do some studying and ended up by writing letters and indulging in bull sessions - also became a bit dreamy over a card and six page letter from Bill Brennan from Hamilton College announcing that things look awfully good so far as our seeing each other once or twice this summer is concerned. (Lovely thought!) This evening Becky and I went to the sorority representatives meeting for setting the rent problem with the administration. They’ve made concessions but even with having 2 extra girls in the dining room our individual room & board will increase about $25 a semester. Oooh! Touching last sorority meeting of the year.

MAY 18 

Ooooh! I’m tired! Punchy and I slept through Philosophy, and I got up for the marketing sort of sleepily. In Economics I hesitantly began to read my report on Agriculture (1940-1942) and Doc Heidingsfield said it was one the best: therefore I love him good. This afternoon I graduated from the 50 yd line in archery and was happy to go in swimming on account of its being so very hot. At work tonight there were too many of us to record so I just sort of sat and was errand girl - terrifically boring - it’ll be sort of good not to work anymore. Mother called tonight to tell me that Daddy’s coming down this weekend - it’ll be swell and I’m awfully glad, but I can’t push off studying for exams much longer!

MAY 19

Today was the day when my conscience finally pushed me to the point of doing some studying - English Lit. - and I really got quite a bit of it accomplished, considering all that I have to do. So much work all at the end of the year (I know: it’s my own fault!) at 3:30 P.M. Beth, Punchy Carolyn and I took time out for trek towards the Wigwam for milkshakes and tin roofs to brighten our dreary outlooks on life. At work tonight I learned Rate and Route and that’s all the news there is about me. Mimi Jardine became engaged to MacGregor (a lieutenant in the navy who seems swell). Gollee - that’s the third in one little week for the KΔ house. Carolyn Harley agreed to take George’s miniature on her five hours off “campus” with him Saturday night, and Marty and Tommy are finally all set too. Such romance!!

MAY 20 

No more classes or anything, ceptin’ exams - I still can’t believe it -- Honest! ‘Tis all over but the shouting and I’ve even made up my double gym. Archery, with a tournament, was terrifically hot, and so it was super indeed to go swimming even though we didn't have a regular class. Now I can go on towards being a Junior (depending on my exams natchally!) I got a letter from the New York office of the American Tel and Til Co. telling me to come in, in June to see about a job. At least it’s something definite that I can look into to see what they have to offer instead of wandering around completely aimlessly. Mrs. Dalthud took over the marketing today; and we’re really elated about it. Three cheers! I washed my hair tonight and am comparatively smooth! So much studying to do and so little time to do it in.

MAY 21 

So many things have happened again today. I went downtown and then paid my $25 room reservation deposit out of my savings. At ten o’clock the train came in and Daddy got off after a hectic trip. He, Cary and I went to the Lodge and found he’s rooming with a Marine major who is quite a character and has wild parties each night. Poor dad - he came here for a rest too! We had lunch in the dining room and then I read over some philosophy notes, just for the heck of it. More relaxing and then Punchy and I went to work for the last time. I’m glad it's over in a way cause it’s getting sort of boring not to be doing anything new, but we’re going to miss the neat gang down there. A senior party back at the house with lush lovely reminiscences, singing, munching on candy bars, punch and lollypops. Such wonderful girls!!!

MAY 22 

Day after day, things pile up! I went up to the Lodge and met Daddy for lunch, then coming back to campus for an Economics Review class. Warren Ripley and his mother (down to see him) came over to the house and then they went to the movies with Daddy and me to see “American Empire” one of the corniest Westerns I’ve ever seen. - ‘twas horrible. Beth and Punchy went up to the Lodge to meet us and we had a hysterical evening, including a yummy STEAK dinner, a trek to the major’s room, (meeting him and some of his gang.) and chatting with Chuck Gondak and other interesting people. We laughed and laughed together and really enjoyed ourselves. Marty became officially engaged to Tommy with a lovely ring. Mmmm! Perky letter from Floyd.

MAY 23

Another day at the Lodge! Carolyn Harley and I walked up to Bruton to meet Daddy for church. Reverend Wood, from Toronto, Canada, preached the sermon which was one of  the best I’d ever heard (personification of the Cathedral in Coventry and St. Paul’s in London - most unusual but stirring!) Kay, Lou Holly and Danny came up to the Lodge for dinner and more idle chitchat. Kay, Lou and Holly left soon after dinner to do some studying. but Danny stayed and the three of us relaxed in the sun. We had a bite (a bite, I say?) to eat in the coffee shoppe and then I came back to the house and dove into my English Lit. - my mind’s bleary as it always becomes at this stage of the game (and I haven’t even started to study yet!) Harold called tonight!

MAY 24 

All morning I grinded over English Lit till I could scream - I’m so sick of the darned stuff! Daddy came up to the house to meet everyone and then we had a sandwich in the Greek’s. This afternoon we went back to the Lodge and sat around talking. Oh, and yes, I did some more English Lit. Dossie Hostetter came up for dinner and we reminisced some more. All the gals down here are so neat! I said Goodbye to Dad till a week from Thursday, and then came back to the house to cram some more. Such monotony! I received another cute letter from Bill Brennan and mail from mother.

MAY 25 

Dad left this morning on the morning train but along that time I was hibernating in Wren with my English Lit. exam. Twas really a corker - most of it was fair, but as always I met my Waterloo on the spot passages. At least the darned thing is over and I’ll never have to think about English Lit. again. (one exam down and four to go: Eureka!!) This afternoon I stopped at Barrett with a birthday present for Holly, went to the Wigwam and eventually settled down to studying Psychology of the interview, rather halfheartedly. My brain can’t stand too much concentrated studying all at once. Gee, I’m living and breathing for a week from now when it’ll be all over. Such fun as it’s been though. A postcard from Harold.

MAY 26 

Apologies, Diary, for the monotony of these entries but the fact remains that I’m a study bug and nothing else. My only communion with the outside world was a trek to Casey’s for shampoo with which to wash my hair; and after that I returned to Philosophy and Economics. Such a broadening intellectual viewpoint as I’m developing! Much excitement over Jinx Richardson! Supposedly she spent the night in town with Bill Lugar already married and is being shipped. Rumors are spreading fast and furiously. ‘Tis a shame cause she really is a neat girl inspite of all the confusion in which she’s been involved. Letters from Mother and Bugsie, saying she has to have her wisdom teeth dug out of her jaw. Poor gal! Also packages & empty cartons from Dad.

MAY 27 

Another day of pure studying! I’d much rather have exams day after day, than sit and cram Psych., Econ. and Philosophy into my head at the same time and then wait to find out how much I don’t remember. I can picture me writing Psychological answers on my Economics exam! All morning and part of this afternoon I spent over at the Practice House reviewing Econ. (see! I said I was in a rut!) with Danny. It helped to see the various emphasis placed on things. Then this evening inbetween perpetual feasts (from boxes à la Hollis) and a phone call from Mother, Beth, Punchy and I rambled over Psych. I got a card from Bill Boyd - he’s been on maneuvers and is going out again - doesn’t lead to a very satisfactory correspondence; but when the real time comes……

MAY 28 

My brain just keeps on getting wearier and wearier. This morning I had my Psych exams, and this afternoon Econ., both of which were entirely different from what I’d expected. Unless Doc Heidingsfield is terrifically lenient - there goes my A! Good and amazing news though: I got a B as my final grade in English Lit. Dr. Crane mustn’t have counted all my mistaken spot passages very much. I love him dearly for it. - for bringing my C up to a B when I hadn’t expected a C definitely. Then too, I learned I’d gotten B on my last Psych exam (taken weeks ago!) So, excepting for what I did on my exams today, scholastically life’s looking up. After supper, Beth, Punchy and I took a longish bike ride and it was such fun! Twas my first actual ride and rather long too. A letter from Colbie and cards from Dad.

MAY 29

All my stiff exams are now over. Three huzzahs! Philosophy this morning was completely fair and one of the nicest exams I’ve taken this period. Now there’s only Spanish left. This afternoon we were fed up with the utter filth of the room (I’m not kidding either.) and so again moved beds, dusted, vacuumed, and rolled the rug in moth balls. Then the trunks were moved in and the room looks like a confused mess of the nth degree. I thought I’d lost my keys of the trunk and called home; Mum is sending down the duplicated and “All’s Well that Ends Well” We packed, sold our books in the Wigwam (only collected $2.55 for three books though!) and revisited the telephone company.

MAY 30 

The last day of studying and working a la intellect until September - I can scarce believe it yet!! We didn’t go to church but personally improved ourselves, while I did Spanish and Beth and Punchy finished packing their trunks. Then Janie Beth Punchy and I ran a final hasty comb through our hair and went to the Lodge for claret and dinner. It was smooth and we had a lovely reminiscent time, catting and chatting about people. Gad, how I’m going to miss the super Seniors. I’m not at all anxious for the end of the year to come. It’s all been one continuously mellow feeling full of laughs and a few almost-tears which have made Kappa Delta and all the super gang in the house so near and dear to me!

MAY 31 

Such a snap of a Spanish final with translations of sentences like “How are you?” - would that they all had been like that! Anyhoo, it’s over and I’m beautifully and blissfully free. This afternoon I pulled open drawers; dumped things on my bed; and by a process of elimination, packed my trunk. I love to pack, and really enjoyed it. With frequent trips to town for returning extra board money and doing last minute shopping, the afternoon sped by till time for Cary, Janie, Mimi Boone and I to see “The More the Merrier,” a howl of a movie about the Washington housing problem, starring Charles Coburn, Jean Arthur and Joel McCray. Darling. Letters from Daddy, Audrey and Bill Brennan.

[i-write-shakespeare-not-disney]

Every Love Story Starts in a Coffeeshop- Solangelo One Shot

This is a commission done for the wonderful, wonderful @itschocolateloveme 

Thank you so much for your commission and I hope you like this!!!! <3 

Go to the Original Post if the Read More link isn’t showing. 

There were perks to working in a coffeeshop. Like the smell. The smell was… a little overwhelming, but soothing and constant. It was a homey smell. Or the sounds. The light chatter, the music, the whirring of blenders and coffee grinders. It was a symphony that complimented each other. Or the benefits! One free drink a day, flexible schedule for college courses, decent health care.

And there were also downsides, like there were to every job. Like the smell that lingered even hours after being off a shift, or the fact that the menu got old quick, or working on some of the busiest days at the busiest hours. And while some might say the worst thing about working at a coffeeshop are the pretentious customers with ridiculous orders, horrible attitudes, that eventually demand to see the manager because the drink wasn’t to their liking, that wasn’t it.

At least not for Will. He could handle those people. He was friendly enough that even the snobbiest customers would let up a bit and shrug off the inconvenience without getting him in trouble. He was good with people, with customer service, so the people he usually took orders for were typically just as friendly or reassured by his friendliness into a state of ease.

No, the worst thing about working at a coffeeshop was watching the people on dates. Every day new people were meeting for the first time at the coffeeshop whether because they met through an app or it was a blind date or just the first date. Will was always having to watch new couples in the earliest stages of falling in love and it was painful. Beautiful, yes. Cute, and often times it gave him secondhand embarrassment, but… more than anything it left him with a painful, bitter, longing feeling in his chest.

He both loved and hated seeing the couples come in for their dates, overhearing them laugh and slowly become at ease with each other. Or seeing them smile and blush at each other, slowly getting nearer as they talked. He saw so many new beginnings. So many new love stories in their genesis.

Meanwhile, he was the one preparing their coffees and teas and hot chocolates. He was the one adding the whipped cream that would be flirtatiously wiped away a few minutes later from some shy person’s upper lip by their dates. He was the one who had never gotten a coffeeshop date.

Which wasn’t to say he hadn’t dated. He had. They just never gave way to the storybook ending he often heard his half-sister Kayla go on and on about when they were younger. It never worked out and as horrible as it was, Will was losing hope.

He’d just started working at the coffeeshop to get some spare cash to splurge for October. He loved the month of Halloween and he wanted to get his costume ready in advance because otherwise, he’d be left with scraps. Of course, that meant everything would be ridiculously expensive. Thus- splurge money from a coffeeshop job.

He’d worked there just long enough to know the regulars. The customers that always came in at the same time and ordered the same thing.

Except for one.

There was one customer who came in once or twice a day, but never ordered the same thing. Will could never guess what would come out of his mouth or how simple or complex it would be.

He was a guy that looked about his own age with messy black hair that looked windswept. It shouldn’t have been a hairstyle that worked, but it did. He was darker than Will, and he was always wearing a black shirt. Different logos or designs, different pants, but always a black shirt and always a pair of scuffed and faded all-black Converse. Occasionally he came in with an aviator jacket, but if it wasn’t too cold it was just slung over his arm.

Will didn’t know his name, but he imagined he could recognize the guy in a crowd with ease. He knew he could recognize his voice without even looking, even with the few words they interchanged. It was a soft, husky sound with a slight rasp depending on how late he came in. He spoke with crisp, enunciated words and always ended his orders on a lilt like they were questions. Like Will could tell him, no he could not in fact have a pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream and no, he could not have that in a venti size.

And maybe, just maybe, this whole deal with this regular customer that wasn’t so regular was a little more to Will. Maybe… he had a slight crush on the sort-of stranger. And maybe he looked forward to the moments he would see him walk through the door and hoped that he’d come in a second time that day.

Of course, Will knew he could just ask his name with the excuse of writing it on the cup. But the guy always came in when they weren’t that busy, so Will would chicken out and just call out the name of the drink. He didn’t want anyone wondering why he asked his name when there was no one else ordering a matcha-vanilla tea, even if sensibly, no one would immediately deduce that Will just really wanted a name to go with the face of the guy who had him daydreaming cute scenarios from TV.

“October first,” his coworker said. “This is gonna be great.”

“What happens October first?” Will asked, resupplying the coffee beans into the grinder.

“You’ll see. It’s entertaining.” Will frowned, but his coworker was already heading to the window to supply the drive-thru orders.

The coffeeshop wasn’t too busy most of the day. It picked up around five to an onslaught of business people getting off of work and looking for a fix. Then it mellowed out and the chairs were mostly taken by college students studying with headphones and a hot drink.

The door opened and Will glanced over, freezing in the middle of perking up.

His favorite customer was wearing black and white paint on his face and neck. He’d morphed himself into an eerily realistic image of a skull, completing the illusion by blacking out his neck save for a trail of white up the center. As he got closer, Will noticed even his lips had been meticulously painted to look like teeth. The detail in shading was incredible, and Will couldn’t bother to stop gaping at him like an idiot.

“That’s right, you’re new.”

“Huh,” Will squeaked, raising an eyebrow.

The guy laughed. “Wait till you see me tomorrow. Can I get a… hazelnut cappuccino with cinnamon on top?”

“Size?”

“Regular?”

Will smiled to himself. “So… who did the face paint?”

“I did.”

Will’s eyes widened. “That’s… amazing,” he complimented. “I’ve never seen such good skull makeup.”

The guy smiled and pulled out his wallet. As he swiped his card, Will heard his coworker come up behind him. “Nico! I was hoping I didn’t miss you today. Classic skull, I like it.”

“Hey, Denys,” the guy said. Nico said. His name was Nico. Will finally knew his name. “Yeah, I figured I’d start off with something small.”

Will held back a scoff as he made the cappuccino. That level of work was considered small to him?

“How’s Hazel? She doing better?”

“Yeah. She’s okay. I’m hoping to help lift her spirits this month, she really likes Halloween and stuff so…. But it’s still pretty hard right now.”

“Yeah, I can imagine. Give her a hug for me, will you?”

“Will do. Thanks, Denys.” Nico moved around and grabbed the cappuccino almost as soon as Will put it down. “Thanks,” he said.

“No problem. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” Nico’s eyebrow twitched up and his lips quirked sideways. “Um. For the makeup thing. To see what you dress up as, I mean,” Will clarified, feeling his face heat up astonishingly fast.

Nico smiled wider and chuckled. “Yeah, of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Will waved weakly as Nico left, but he caught the reflection of his smile in the windowed walls before he got through the door. Will waited to be sure no one else was coming in and let himself plop to the floor, covering his face in his hands.

“I should not speak. Ever. Especially not to him. Oh God.” His coworker came back a few moments later and furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of Will on the floor. “Um. Got dizzy for a sec. I’m good.”

“Uh-huh. Wash your hands.” Will nodded and stood up to go wash his hands, hoping he would also wash away the embarrassing moment and never think of it again.

The next day, Nico came in fully decked out as a zombie. Latex wounds, fake blood, tattered but still somehow presentable clothes. He even had leaves in his hair. Will was even more blown away this time. The day after that, he had morphed his arms, neck, and face to appear like that of a wooden puppet’s. Another day he’d been dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, which Will wrote on his cup. It had made him smile and he saluted him playfully before leaving.

For the next week and a half, Will saw the various degrees of costume and makeup that Nico indulged in.

One day when he’d come in dressed as a werewolf, complete with creepy face makeup and furry ears and canine teeth covered in fake blood, Will had finally gotten the nerve to actually hold a conversation.

“So why do you dress up every day and not just Halloween?”

Nico looked away from his wallet over to Will. He was currently sporting gleaming yellow eyes instead of his actual dark brown irises. Will kind of preferred them, but of course, he was biased.

As Will made his drink, Nico explained, leaning against the counter. “Well, when I was little, I always had a hard time deciding what I wanted to be for Halloween because I wanted to be a lot of things. I didn’t like that I had to pick one. So my sister Bianca came up with the idea that we dress up on the weekends all October, since school didn’t let us go in costumes. She came up with that idea after we watched The Nightmare Before Christmas-”

“Where everyday is Halloween,” Will said with a smile, recalling one of his favorite movies.

“Exactly. Once I got to college, I figured, why not dress up every day? It’s Halloween, it’s fun. October is 31 days. That’s way more fun than just celebrating for one night.” He shrugged. “Don’t you think?”

Will smiled wider. “Yeah. Definitely. But I’d never have the courage to go out dressed up for a normal day.”

Nico shrugged and smirked, giving the phrase wolfish grin a whole new meaning that made Will weak in the knees. “You should spend a day with me, then you’ll see it’s not too bad.” He grabbed his drink, nails filed into claws, and left the coffeeshop with a final wave back at Will.

Will wasn’t sure how long his brain decided to short-circuit. He spent the rest of that day trying to figure out if that was flirting or just a passing comment.

What he did know was that now he was staring at the costume isle in Wal-Mart at midnight. There was a part of him that was telling him this was stupid and unnecessary and ridiculous and that if Nico hadn’t figured out Will’s crush by now, this would definitely give him away. The other part of him was telling him it was a good enough reason to try something different. And that maybe this would give him a way in if Nico was flirting with him.

Finally, he grabbed one of the costumes and figured he had nothing to lose other than his dignity which was on thin ice as it was.

The next day, Nico came in and Will couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Oh my God,” he said as Nico walked up to him, his own smirk on his face. “Oh, man I love this one!” Will said, taking in Nico in his black robe, painted in silvery blue body paint, his hair styled up with blue tips to create a ridiculously attractive Hades from Hercules.

“You dressed up,” Nico noted, smiling as Will tried to stop laughing. “You would be a Hufflepuff.”

Will spread his arms, his Hogwarts robe draping down. “Newt Scamander, to be specific. See?” He pointed at the little stuffed Pickett Bowtruckle in his shirt pocket. Nico let out a laugh that made Will feel all warm and jittery inside. “I uh, figured it was enough to be in the spirit and not too much that I’d get stared at.”

“I like it,” Nico said. “Can you guess what house I am?”

Will bit his lip and leaned against the counter, mimicking Nico. “Hm. Gryffindor?” Nico scrunched his nose and shook his head. Will narrowed his eyes. “You’re… nuh-uh.”

Nico smiled wider, a smile similar to that of a Cheshire cat. “Slytherin,” he supplied. Will stared at him, realizing how close they were, how hard his heart was beating, how he had to be very, very careful not to let his eyes glimpse down at his lips. “What?” Nico asked with a smirk.

Will smiled back. “That means you’re ambitious.” Nico nodded. “And cunning.” Nico’s eyebrows went up as though in a challenge. “That’s good to know.”

“Yeah?”

Will couldn’t stop smiling. Couldn’t stop the hammering of his heart with Nico looking at him like that. Couldn’t stop wondering about what it would be like to maybe get to know Nico when they weren’t separated by a counter.

Nico started to say something, but the ringing of his phone interrupted him. “Ah, one sec.” He leaned against the counter as he answered. “Hey, Hazel.” Will frowned. There was that name again. Who was she? “Yeah, I’m nearby. I’ll stop by. Hey, I’m at the coffeeshop, did you want anything? Gotcha. See you in a bit. Love you.”

Nico hung up, and Will tried not to seem to eager to know who it was or why Nico loved her because he didn’t want to indulge the deadweight that had settled in his stomach. Will was standing upright, hand poised on the register by the time Nico turned back to him.

“So what’ll it be?”

--

Love you. Love you. The words were on a loop in his head. Was it his girlfriend? Did Nico have a girlfriend? Had he even been flirting with Will to begin with?

“Oi, kiddo,” he heard. He turned to see Denys bringing in a box of merchandise for stocking. “What’s up with the face?”

“What face?”

“You look like a kicked puppy,” Denys said. He dropped the box and heaved a sigh as he put his hands on his hips. “What gives?”

“Nothing. Really.” Denys hummed. “Hey, Denys?” He grunted in question, focused on the merchandise he had to unpack. “Who’s Hazel?”

Denys froze and turned around. The smirk on his face told Will he’d royally fucked up. He’d put himself in the guillotine willingly and now he couldn’t hide. “Hazel. Nico’s Hazel, I’m assuming?” Will gulped, figuring he didn’t have anything left to lose. The secret was out. Denys chuckled and shook his head. “Relax. That’s his sister. Sweet kid.”

“Oh. Oh.”

Denys laughed in a way that made Will blush and feel even dumber for his mini-heartache. “Ah, you’re such a kid, Will. Nico likes you. Don’t overthink it, kiddo.”  

“What? He likes me? Did he tell you that? Why do you think that?”

Again, Denys laughed aloud. He shook his head and looked at Will with a smile. “Well, he started coming in when we’re not all that busy. He started coming daily. He started coming twice a day even. Which, granted, he comes in daily for October because I know he always dresses up, but he started coming daily once you started working here. In September.”

Will furrowed his eyebrows. “That could mean anything.”

Denys rolled his eyes and smiled, muttering under his breath about being young and dumb.

Will didn’t want to indulge in the fantast Denys had given him. He didn’t want the false hope. He had bad luck when it came to crushes and relationships. And yet, if Denys noticed it… then maybe he was onto something. Besides, he knew Nico pretty well as far as Will could tell.

Maybe it was time that Will stopped waiting on the other person and just… took a chance. The idea was terrifying, but at least in the comfort of a dark room, Will could pretend he might actually be brave enough to do so.

The following day, Will insisted with himself that he would most definitely ask Nico to hang out outside of the coffeeshop. He consoled himself by remembering it wasn’t technically a date, it was just hanging out away from the smell of coffee beans. It didn’t necessarily have to be romantic, and that was absolutely normal. Besides, Nico had suggested himself before…. So technically, Will was just going to accept the offer.

Except that when Nico came in that day, he was trailed by a girl with pretty dark skin the color of dark chocolate and frizzy tight curls falling just under her shoulders. She had wide eyes and looked only slightly younger than Nico. She was wearing a dress that reminded Will of Alice in Wonderland and a headband as well as long white socks. Nico was dressed as the Mad Hatter for the day, and again Will was blown away with how he could make something silly so… attractive.

“Hey,” Nico greeted. Will smiled. “No costume today?”

Will shook his head. “Not enough in my wallet.”

Nico laughed and put an arm over the girl’s shoulders, jostling her playfully. “Alright, Miss Alice, would you like some tea?”

The girl rolled her pretty golden eyes and smiled. “Come on, Neeks, that’s the White Rabbit’s line. Can I get a hot chocolate?”

“Size?”

“Venti.”

Nico smiled and looked at Will. “And can I get a mocha frap with caramel?”

“Size?”

“Large?”

Will had to smile at that. He rang them up tried to ignore the heavy feeling in his chest. The girl was pretty. They’d even dressed up together. And Nico was so comfortable around her. And Will was happy for him, sure. Nico was a great guy, and it was nice that he had someone he liked.

Will just wished he was that person.

When he set out the drinks, he didn’t think he could handle a light conversation, so he set them down and called out Nico’s name before booking it to the supply closet to pretend he was busy. Denys was on break, so Will was free to mope for a few minutes without feeling like a kid.

A few moments later, recollecting himself and reminding himself he was perfectly fine and this hadn’t even built up to anything anyway, Will went back out to the register. Nico was laughing with the girl and hiding his face in a bashful way that was so ridiculously cute, it made Will want to scream.

The worst part of working at a coffeeshop had been one-upped. It wasn’t watching other people’s first dates or other people’s love stories begin. It was watching your crush so obviously happy with someone else during a coffee date.

The girl went up to him to get one of the pastries as Nico waited at the table. Will smiled his usual friendly smile as he rang her up. “I like your costume. Nico got you into it, huh?”

“It wasn’t too hard to. He knows I love Halloween,” she said.

Will handed over the pastry on a plate. “Enjoy your date,” he said as sincerely as he could. She furrowed her eyebrows and hesitated as she walked away, causing Will to panic. Had he been too transparent? Girls could catch on to those things so quickly.

He looked as she sat back down and ignored the way his stomach turned at the way Nico’s face changed. He stood up quickly and Will had half a mind to jump right out the drive-thru window to get away. But instead, he came face to face with the Mad Hatter and he had to take a second to catch his breath because he wasn’t expecting the urgency in Nico’s movements.

“Um hi?” Will said.

“We’re not on a date. She’s not my date. It’s not a date.”

“Uh… okay…?” Will answered, beginning to fidget nervously.

“No, I just.” Nico shut his eyes and looked back at the girl. She made a hand motion, suggesting he get on with whatever he was going to say. “She’s my sister. Hazel.” Will furrowed his eyebrows. “Half-sister,” he clarified.

“Oh,” Will said, feeling like an idiot. “Sorry about that then.”

“It’s cool, I just….” Nico took the top hat off and ran a hand through his unruly hair, groaning as he leaned onto the counter. Will glanced at Hazel who was half-wincing, half-laughing at the sight. She looked away when she caught Will looking at her. “Um. I was actually… kind of… wondering….” Nico glanced up at him and turned a deep shade of red. “Oh God.”

Will’s face quickly matched Nico’s. “A-Are you… trying to ask me on a date?”

Nico bit his lip. “Would you say yes if I was?”

This was what Will had been waiting for. What he’d been aiming for. This was Nico admitting he liked him and wanted to be around him more. Still, he was hesitating. Finally he whispered, “Dating has never gone too well with me.”

Nico tilted his head, lowering his eyes. “Well, I think that’s kind of the point. It’s not supposed to go well until it does.”

Will gulped and took a breath. Nico looked at him uncertainly, his face still red, still looking annoyingly adorable with his Halloween makeup and wacky costume. He smiled and shrugged. “As long as our first date isn’t in a coffeeshop.”

Nico’s eyebrows went up, doubly comical because they were already painted in a dramatic arch for the Hatter. “Wh- wa- so- Is that a yes?”

Will smirked, feeling a little smug that he’d reduced Nico to the same bundle of anxiety, nervousness, and embarrassment as he felt he was ever since Nico first came in with his skull paint. “Yeah. I’d love to go on a date with you.”

Before Nico could respond, Hazel called out, “Did he say yes?” from where she sat. She was leaning forward in her chair.

Will laughed when Nico let out a frustrated, “Hazel!”

“Hey, you made me come to be sure you actually asked him, I wanna know the result!”

Will arched an eyebrow at Nico. “You made her come as… back up?”

Nico squinted his eyes as he thought it over. “Yes?” Will laughed and smiled widely at him, fighting the urge to lean right over and pull him by his jacket lapels to kiss him. As Nico smiled back at him, Will couldn’t help but think that maybe his love story was starting in a coffeeshop too.