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fiercynn · 8 months ago

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on ao3's current fundraiser

apparently it’s time for ao3’s biannual donation drive, which means it’s time for me to remind you all, that regardless of how much you love ao3, you shouldn’t donate to them because they HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY AND NO IDEA WHAT TO DO WITH IT.

we’ve known for years that ao3 – or, more specifically, the organization for transformative works (@transformativeworks on tumblr), or otw, who runs ao3 and other fandom projects – has a lot of money in their “reserves” that they had no plans for. but in 2023, @manogirl and i did some research on this, and now, after looking at their more recent financial statements, i’ve determined that at the beginning of 2024, they had almost $2.8 MILLION US DOLLARS IN SURPLUS.

our full post last year goes over the principles of how we determined this, even though the numbers are for 2023, but the key points still stand (with the updated numbers):

when we say “surplus”, we are not including money that they estimate they need to spend in 2024 for their regular expenses. just the extra that they have no plan for

yes, nonprofits do need to keep some money in reserves for emergencies; typically, nonprofits registered in the u.s. tend to keep enough to cover between six months and two years of their regular operating expenses (meaning, the rough amount they need each month to keep their services going). $2.8 million USD is enough to keep otw running for almost FIVE YEARS WITHOUT NEW DONATIONS

they always overshoot their fundraisers: as i’m posting this, they’ve already raised $104,751.62 USD from their current donation drive, which is over double what they’ve asked for! on day two of the fundraiser!!

no, we are not trying to claim they are embezzling this money or that it is a scam. we believe they are just super incompetent with their money. case in point: that surplus that they have? only earned them $146 USD in interest in 2022, because only about $10,000 USD of their money invested in an interest-bearing account. that’s the interest they earn off of MILLIONS. at the very least they should be using this extra money to generate new revenue – which would also help with their long-term financial security – but they can’t even do that

no, they do not need this money to use if they are sued. you can read more about this in the full post, but essentially, they get most of their legal services donated, and they have not, themselves, said this money is for that purpose

i'm not going to go through my process for determining the updated 2024 numbers because i want to get this post out quickly, and otw actually had not updated the sources i needed to get these numbers until the last couple days (seriously, i've been checking), but you can easily recreate the process that @manogirl and i outlined last year with these documents:

otw’s 2022 audited financial statement, to determine how much money they had at the end of 2022

otw’s 2024 budget spreadsheet, to determine their net income in 2023 and how much they transferred to and from reserves at the beginning of 2024

otw’s 2022 form 990 (also available on propublica), which is a tax document, and shows how much interest they earned in 2022 (search “interest” and you’ll find it in several places)

also, otw has not been accountable to answering questions about their surplus. typically, they hold a public meeting with their finance committee every year in september or october so people can ask questions directly to their treasurer and other committee members; as you can imagine, after doing this deep dive last summer, i was looking forward to getting some answers at that meeting!

but they cancelled that meeting in 2023, and instead asked people to write to the finance committee through their contact us form online. fun fact: i wrote a one-line message to the finance committee on may 11, 2023 through that form, when @manogirl and i were doing this research, asking them for clarification on how much they have in their reserves. i have still not received a response.

so yeah. please spend your money on people who actually need it, like on mutual aid requests! anyone who wants to share their mutual aid requests, please do so in the replies and i’ll share them out – i didn’t want to link directly to individual requests without permission in case this leads to anyone getting harassed, but i would love to share your requests. to start with, here's operation olive branch and their ongoing spreadsheet sharing palestinian folks who need money to escape genocide.

oh, and if you want to write to otw and tell them why you are not donating, i'm not sure it’ll get any results, but it can’t hurt lol. here's their contact us form – just don’t expect a response! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#ao3 #otw #archive of our own #organization for transformative works #ao3 is not your savior #and they don't need your money #otw finances

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reasonsforhope · 4 months ago

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"For over a decade, the Yosemite toad has been recognized as a federally threatened species, after experiencing a 50% population decline during the Rim Fire of 2013.

The wildfire, which encompassed a mass of land near Yosemite National Park, made the amphibian species especially vulnerable in its home habitat.

Native to the Sierra Nevada, the toads play a key role in the area’s ecosystem — and conservationists stepped in to secure their future.

In 2017, the San Francisco Zoo’s conservation team began working with the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

The goal of all of these stakeholders? To raise their own Yosemite toads, re-establishing a self-sustaining population in the wild.

“Over the past several years, SF Zoo’s conservation team has been busily raising hundreds of these small but significant amphibians from tadpole stage, a species found only in the Sierra Nevada, for the purpose of reintroducing them to an area of Yosemite National Park where it was last seen 11 years ago,” the zoo shared on social media.

By 2022, a group of toads were deemed ready for release — and at the end of June of this year [2024], 118 toads were flown via helicopter back to their habitat.

“It’s the first time anyone has ever raised this species in captivity and released them to the wild,” Rochelle Stiles, field conservation manager at the San Francisco Zoo, told SFGATE. “It’s just incredible. It makes what we do at the zoo every day worthwhile.”

Over the past two years, these toads were fed a diet of crickets and vitamin supplements and were examined individually to ensure they were ready for wildlife release.

Zoo team members inserted a microchip into each toad to identify and monitor its health. In addition, 30 of the toads were equipped with radio transmitters, allowing their movements to be tracked using a radio receiver and antenna.

The project doesn’t end with this single wildlife release; it’s slated to take place over the next five years, as conservationists continue to collect data about the toads’ breeding conditions and survivability in an ever-changing climate. They will also continue to raise future toad groups at the zoo’s wellness and conservation center...

While the future of the Yosemite toad is still up in the air — and the uncertainty of climate change makes this a particularly audacious leap of faith — the reintroduction of these amphibians could have positive ripple effects for all of Yosemite.

Their re-entry could restore the population balance of invertebrates and small vertebrates that the toads consume, as well as balance the food web, serving as prey for snakes, birds, and other local predators.

“Zoo-reared toads can restore historic populations,” Nancy Chan, director of communications at the San Francisco Zoo, told SFGATE.

Stiles continued: “This is our backyard, our home, and we want to bring native species back to where they belong.”

-via GoodGoodGood, July 11, 2024

#yosemite #yosemite national park #california #united states #amphibian #frogs and toads #frogblr #frogposting #toadblr #toad #endangered species #wild animals #biodiversity #wildlife conservation #wildlife #good news #hope

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luveline · 5 months ago

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Oooooo carmy request: him being jealous of readers friendship w richie cos they re like buddys and he thinks she doesn't like him cos shes not like that w him

—you realise what Carmy wants from you. fem, 1.4k

Richie isn’t technically an upstanding citizen, but he’s a good guy.

“I’m telling you, sweetheart, you just need to be more aggressive.”

You’re sitting on a stool behind the counter filling the ketchup and mayonnaise bottles with the huge ones from the walk-in. Richie isn’t doing much of anything, which is fine by you; he’s good entertainment for a shitty job.

“I don’t want to be more aggressive, I want people to be nicer.”

“We don’t get what we want,” he mutters.

You frown expressively. “Aw, baby, we don’t get what we want. You don’t get what you want, huh?”

“What’s your problem?” he asks, though he laughs brightly. “You’re the fucking baby. You’re not doing that right.”

You point at your extremely slow drip of ketchup. “No, you think? I know I’m doing it wrong, Richie. Doing it right is a lot of arm effort. Have you seen my arms?”

“You’ve got muscle.” Richie lifts your arm up by the wrist. “Flex. Flex your arm.”

“I’m flexing. You can’t see that?”

“What are you guys doing?” Carmy asks.

He comes up behind Richie and they’re almost twins. Not in appearance —Carmy’s lighter facially and broader physically— but in stance, their mussed up aprons and the rags on their shoulders a uniform.

You flex. “Weight training.”

Richie drops your arm. “I’m showing her how to fill the sauce bottles.”

“And you didn’t know how to do that?” Carmy asks you.

“I’m the one that taught Richie.” You absolutely didn’t teach Richie how to do it, that much is obvious. Richie laughs heartily, and Carmy frowns, and you realise that Richie thinks you’re both laughing at Carmy, which isn’t what was happening. Not totally.

It’s hard to navigate The Beef without Mikey; Carmy is nothing like his brother, and Richie’s an asshole.

Carmy nods at you. You’re worried his lip is gonna curl like it does when he’s mad and you’re gonna get told to do something you’re uninterested in, but it’s Richie who gets punished. “Can you finish Sydney’s prep?”

“Why can’t she do it?”

“Her stomach thing. It’s just onions.”

Richie wants to argue, but can’t. He’s paid a wage to work. “Fine. But tell Syd I’m not her gopher.”

Richie saunters away.

“He’s not her gopher,” you tease when he’s out of earshot, to Carmy’s surprised delight. “God, Carm, don’t you know anything?”

Your Richie impression isn’t your best. Carmy must enjoy it, still smiling to himself as his attention is turned to the register, where he begins wiping down the keys.

“Is that really the way to do that?” he asks, gesturing to your sauce bottles.

You’ve turned the cap upside down, feeding sauce into the bottle one drip at a time. It would be quicker to remove the cap entirely and pour straight from the big bottle, but that sometimes requires three hands, the big jugs are that heavy.

“Despite what you might think, Carm, I’ve thought it through.”

“You sure?”

You could get defensive. When Carmy first took over the restaurant, you thought, What the fuck, Mikey. Leave your shithole restaurant to your world class brother and get your entire roster of staff fired in one fell swoop. But Carmy never fired you, hasn’t cut your hours, doesn’t treat you like an asshole. He is a jerk, that much is certain during busy dinner service, but he has yet to take it too far. (Ish.)

So you won’t defend your laziness, or expect him to like it. You get up from your stool and turn the cap right side up, tapping what’s yet to drip through the spout into the bottle. You set the cap aside, and you uncap the big ketchup to decant sauce until the bottle is full.

Carmy glances at you from the corner of your eye. He looks at you, looks away again.

You think he might like you. In the don’t have a choice, grown on him like moss way. He gets cagey when you and Richie are having fun, and he stares altogether too much, but he can be pretty when he’s smiling (or really yelling) and he has nice hands, and nice arms. He has a nice way of saying things. You don’t mind his attention.

There have been worse bosses to want to push you up against a wall.

Not that you think Carmy could. He whines like a bitch at you for stupid shit, but Carmen Berzatto shoving you into a wall for a rough kiss? That’s never gonna happen.

And yet… his frown tells a different story.

“Why do you get so weird about me and Richie?” you ask.

“I don’t get weird about you and Richie.”

You open the mayonnaise bottle and set the cap aside. “He’s nicer than you think.”

“Yeah?” He sounds vaguely depressed, which isn’t uncharacteristic. Seriousness colours his voice with a strange charm. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“He is, he makes me laugh. He makes sure I eat, he shouts at guys when they’re mean to me.”

“Who’s mean to you?”

“Carmy.” You give up on the mayonnaise and wipe your hands down your apron, to his ire. You’d prefer not to smell like egg and oil during this conversation, but it’s better than smelling like burnt chicken, sort of. “Richie’s a nice guy, whether you agree or not.”

“That’s great, I’m glad he’s so nice to you.” He sounds angry now, but he’s stuck as you are —walking away is losing.

You really don’t get it. “Is he not supposed to be nice to me?” you ask.

“He can do what he wants. You can do what you want.”

You laugh, and hope to diffuse the situation with a joke, “Okay, thanks for your permission, Chef.”

“Fuck off.”

He sounds less tense, but not fixed. And you might find it harder to keep up with him, constantly wanting to impress him, knowing you can’t, but you’re not out of touch. You aren’t a huge dick.

Carmy beats you to it. “I was kidding, about the bottles. You can do it how you want.”

“I wasn’t offended.”

“But you don’t– with Richie, you– I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with you.”

You look him up and down, lengths of his arms, tattoos and the cut over his elbow. His clean t-shirt, his neck, the strong line of his nose and his bright eyes.

“You’re not doing anything wrong,” you say, smiling at him, knowing your expression says lots of weird stuff.

Working here in the kitchen makes a busy atmosphere normal. Richie’s telling a story at the top of his lungs, Angel’s swearing about a dropped plate, knives scratch on boards and ovens hum. Being overwhelmed is something you’re good at, and big feelings don’t scare you.

“You’re jealous of Richie?” you ask, playfully pitying. “Get it together.”

“Fuck off,” he says again.

“Seriously? Richie Jerimovich. He’s telling Tina a story right now about how the last date he went on ended with her asking if he’d ever been abducted by aliens.”

“I’m not jealous of Richie.”

“No, I don’t think you are,” you say, taking a step too close, and refusing to take the step back.

Carmy doesn’t look mad anymore.

You wonder if anybody’s ever held his hand. You used to think he must’ve had a ton of girlfriends, he got so famous everywhere he went, but… He looks like he’s never been this close to someone before. Like you’re making him nervous.

“Me and Richie are friends,” you say quietly. “Is that what you want us to be?”

His hand twitches at his side.

“There, cousin, I cut the fucking onions. You happy?” Richie asks, and laughs as he steps back out to the front of house, unaware of the tension. “That’d be the day, right?”

“Yes, Richie, I’m happy you did your job. Thank you.”

“Was that hard for you, baby?” you ask Richie with a pout. “Here, let me kiss your poor hands.”

Richie gives you the bird with both of them.

You look to Carmy. Making fun of Richie together isn’t quite as good as holding hands, but you hope it’s a start.

Carmy catches on, can’t hide his grin, “There’s tylenol in the office if you need it, cousin.”

“Are your wrists feeling tender?” you prompt. “Or is that motion one you’re used to?”

Carmy laughs and the sound takes on the shape of his smile, nearly giddy.

“Fuck both of you.”

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evercelle · 10 months ago

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Hi!! I'm a big fan of your work and I was just wondering how you plan out compositions?

for me, the story/concept/feeling u wanna convey is the basis for all composition! technical components like line weight, posing, coloring, etc. are all in service to "what is the image supposed to say?"

example: wanted to draw valentines-themed saiou, so i drew them in a chocolate box! ...but it was kind of unsatisfying, so i re-drew ouma and moved some bg elements to try to make a more balanced and interesting composition.

posing reflects a lot of a personality, so "how does the pose express the character's own personality/feelings towards the other?" prompts ideas for how to arrange the composition. like in this case... western valentine's theme -> if ouma had cupid''s arrow? -> needs more distance to nock and draw -> ouma perching on/pinning saihara down. that's the flavor -> then, rearrange the ribbons and treats to follow the flow...

i'll also check layout and values throughout: for example, after finishing fontaine's aq, i wanted to draw smth about furina & focalor's partnership, and focalor controlling her from the shadows... so the concept was "a dance where you can't relax from your partner's lead."

the lineart's a hot mess, but the spotlight helps divide the image, direct the focal point and ties into the aq story.

tl;dr: pose, sightline and visibility are the key traits i focus on in a draw, but the bottom line is always "story" first. hope this helps... even a little bit (':

#ASK EVER #i feel like someone asked me about composition before but i can't find that ask. sorry...#the other aspect that drives all my poses and comps is just “how much can i twist these two characters into each others personal space” lol #or the third option “theres a lot of empty space in this canvas... (add wings) (add wings) (add wings)”

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wileys-russo · 9 months ago

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floral hearts II a.putellas x reader

based on this request here floral hearts II a.putellas x reader

"gracias." alexia smiled tiredly at the young boy on the register, tapping her card to pay for the bag of groceries sat on the counter in front of her.

a day off was supposed to mean rest. but for alexia it normally meant racing around tying up all the loose ends which seemed to fall apart while she was at training throughout the week.

her car was serviced and washed, apartment tidied and deep cleaned, countless loads of laundry washed, folded and put away. she'd done her groceries and was looking forward to cooking one of her mami's family recipes.

ready to relish in the comfort of a good home cooked meal eaten hot rather than the reheated meal prep she was used to throughout the week when in a rush from one commitment to the other.

but of course in her haste she'd forgotten a few key ingredients, including trash bags and toilet paper which she knew she would need and not have time to grab throughout the week.

so tucked away from prying eyes in a matching hoodie and sweats she'd raced back on foot to the corner store.

alexia's leg bounced impatiently as her payment took time to process, the boy apologizing as she sent him a small smile which never quite met her eyes.

as the machine beeped she sighed assuming that meant it had cleared, but when a large red cross flashed she inhaled sharply as the boy again apologized and fumbled about trying to reset it.

her eyes darting around the store alexia's body began to tense as she noticed a group of teenage boys hovering by the doors, their gazes locked on her and trading cards in hand as her eyes squeezed shut.

they weren't unknown to her, in fact she was hardly surprised to see them given they somehow popped up everywhere and anywhere demanding she sign things for them.

the security at the training complex had photos of them and always knew to shoo them off as alexia wasn't the only player they seemed to target. but today there was only alexia and after brushing them off outside her apartment complex the midfielder knew they wouldn't be giving up so easily.

it wasn't as if they were fans, if they were alexia would have no issues signing a few cards or taking a quick photo with a polite smile. but it was never a photo they were after, or a smile, it was a signature.

a signature on something alexia knew would be copied and pasted from greed, which would then be sold online for money and the boys would re-appear another day and the cycle would start over again.

tapping again alexia was relieved when the payment went through near instantly, quietly assuring the boy it was okay as he apologized again for the trouble and she grabbed her bag.

her lips pursed into a thin line she hadn't even reached the door yet before the begging started, and her stomach clenched seeing two of them with phones up recording the interaction.

ignoring them entirely she breezed past and out the doors, hearing their voices follow after her as she suddenly wished she'd driven rather than walked, their insistent begging only drawing the attention of others.

"not today." alexia shook her head firmly as she was forced to stop at a crossing and they caught up to her, cars zooming across the road preventing her from continuing on forward.

"no photos." alexia pushed away one of the boys phones which was thrust in her face, clearly still recording as they held out pens and cards and continued their begging.

alexias chest tightened as more attention was drawn to her, not missing the judgemental eyes cast upon her by passers by who didn't know the real story, and for a moment alexia considered just signing a few things for the sake of saving her reputation.

but then the crossing turned green and she took off, long legs striding quickly and putting a small bit of distance between her and the boys who hurried after her still yelling, their words harsher now as they accused her of favoritism and refusing to sign because they weren't girls.

eyes darting about for an escape alexia quickly stepped into the flower shop on the corner, hurrying to hide herself as she heard the boys come thundering in after her and she winced, ready to just step out and give into what they wanted if she had any hope of getting home.

but before she could take another step a figure appeared, watering can in one hand and a broom in the other. "oye chicos! none of that in here, out!" you told the boys off sternly and pointed back to the street, knowing too well they weren't going to be customers.

"out!" you repeated firmly, ignoring their protests you remained unwavering, hand pointing to the door with a raised eyebrow as they deflated and retreated, insults slung your way under their breath as you rolled your eyes, door slamming after them with a jingle.

putting the broom down behind the counter alexia watched as you moved about watering some of the plants stacked up near the door, clearly talking to them quietly which caused a small smile to appear on the catalan's face.

the midfielder now finally able to breathe paused for a moment to take in the small store. she'd walked past countless amounts of times and always admired the gorgeous floral arrangements in the window, the bouquets different every day and always with the freshest and in season flowers.

"oh sorry! i didn't hear anyone else come in." you turned around and jumped slightly noticing the blonde hovering a few feet behind you, a slight blush coating your cheeks.

"no no sorry i was just-" alexia stumbled over words trying to explain the situation, a rosy pink blush on her own face as you now faced her and alexia took you in properly.

your hair was pulled back loosely with a cream coloured clip, a few loose strands framing your face and a pair of glasses pushed on the top of your head. your lips were plump and now watching her become so flustered they'd quirked up into a small smile, showcasing two tiny dimples in the corner of your mouth.

"they were bothering you?" your smile turned downward now, manicured eyebrows furrowing as you caught onto what she was trying to say.

"sí. i am so sorry for bringing them in here, it is beautiful and i would have hated if they broke anything." alexia shifted the bag of groceries on her shoulder as you waved her off.

"i am glad you felt safe enough to seek shelter here, please anytime. plus, it is a little hard to break a flower." you teased lightly with a dazzling smile that alexia swore she might move mountains for to see directed her way again.

"can i help you with anything? though i would understand if you'd like to get home now they are gone." you smiled a little softer this time, moving back behind the counter and putting the watering can down.

alexia wracked her brain for an excuse to spend a little more time, quite captivated by your beauty and a little desperate to learn more.

"eh, a plant?" she guessed with an awkward smile. "any particular sort of plant?" you questioned with an amused twinkle in your eyes. "easy to keep alive." alexia attempted a joke, rewarded with a quick peal of laughter from you as you dropped your glasses down onto your nose and nodded for her to follow you.

as you lead her toward the back alexia's eyes were drawn to the dizzying collection of flowers in your arsenal, some of which she hadn't even seen before.

she was amazed at just how perfect all of the arrangements were. never too much greenery, all with a few fresher buds that were yet to flower so they would last longer, intensely bright pops of pinks and orange contrasted with softer tones of lavender and coral.

catching sight of herself in a small mirror alexia's eyes widened in horror and she yanked her hood off her head, running hands through her hair in an attempt to style it.

her face was bare and alexia winced at the deep seeded bags unable to be hidden beneath her eyes, run a little ragged this week with countless commitments outside of football all piling up on top of her which is what had her so in need of this day off in the first place.

"these are all very low maintenance." she caught up to you as you'd reached the back of the shop which was more of a nursery, countless pot plants hanging from the eaves and stacked up on stands, every single shade of green one could imagine.

you started to walk her through the plants which, as requested, were the hardest to kill, explaining how often to water them and where they would best be sat in either direct or filtered sunlight, indoor or outdoor.

but alexia was far too interested in a different sight.

the catalan only looking on with a pining gaze as your mouth moved and your hands gestured from plant to plant, it was as if someone put you on mute as alexia didn't register or hear a single word you said only nodding on dumbfounded.

the footballer studied each little feature of your face, delighting herself as she discovered something new. like the tiny bouquet of tulips tattooed behind your ear, or the tiny crescent moon shaped scar which lay just above your eyebrow.

"do any of those sound like they might work?" you asked, snapping alexia out of it as she panicked and hastily pointed to the first plant she laid eyes on. "one of my favorites." you smiled happily, picking it up carefully and turning to head back toward the counter as alexia hurried after you.

"oh no please, on the house." you gently pushed away her hand, card held between her fingertips ready to pay. "no no i couldn't-" alexia started but with a firm look from you she fell silent as you nodded satisfied.

"does your boss like when you give things away for free?" alexia teased, shifting her bag on her shoulder to be able to pick up the plant. "mm she doesn't mind." you smiled knowingly and alexia paused for a moment.

"did you need something else?" you asked with slight concern as the captain caught herself and cleared her throat, thanking you again and hurrying out of the store.

you watched her go with a slight smile of amusement, carefully watching out the window until she was out of sight before you grabbed your keys out, locking the front door and flipping the sign to closed.

"clean up time mis bebés." you called out with a clap, speaking to the flowers and the plants of course as you grabbed out your phone and played some music, starting to tidy up your store which you were supposed to have done a half hour ago.

now home and having eaten dinner alexia sat at the kitchen counter, empty bowl in front of her as she stared down the plant sitting in front of her.

"you better not die." alexia warned the little plant sternly as she stood, and having not listened to a word you said moved it to a little often sun bathed spot by her balcony doors.

having already showered and changed alexia washed up her dishes from dinner, putting the leftovers in a tupperware and sliding it into the fridge before sinking into her sofa.

flicking on the television and a random soap opera alexia's mind drifted anywhere but the characters on the screen, wandering back to her interactions with you this afternoon.

her eyebrows furrowed as she wracked her brain trying to remember the name of the store, but unable to and with it just on the tip of her tongue she grabbed out her phone. knowing it was within walking distance it didn't take her long to find it on maps.

opening instagram instead now she typed it in and sucked her bottom lip into her teeth, perking up as indeed the store did have an account which she clicked into and followed right away.

a small smile graced her face as she scrolled through the feed which was gorgeously draped with all every dizzying colour of the rainbow, alexia shaking her head in sheer wonder of the perfectly curated bouquets on display.

she recognized it was you holding up each one of course, though your face was always hidden by the floral arrangements adding in a thrilling sense of mystery to the page.

her chest filled with a slight sense of pride and maybe a little sprinkling of victory that she knew who was behind each one, able to map out your face in her mind, your dazzling smile haunting her as did the melodic sound of your laughter.

it was then that alexia promised herself she would see you again, and this time under slightly less ragged conditions.

and see you again she did.

you looked up from where you'd been trimming some marigolds ready for an order for tomorrow when the bell had chimed signalling you had a customer, likely one of your last ones for the day given you closed in a few minutes.

with over seven orders to get done tonight you had a long few hours ahead and so you'd be lying if you said you weren't relieved that you recognized the customer in question.

"you again." you smiled fondly at the footballer as she made her way to the counter, alexia now no stranger since your initial run in you now both felt quite comfortable around one another.

though alexia was always hesitant if your friendly demeanor was simply an impulse, or if your soft spoken tone was only thanks to your people skills and customer service background.

but today the air felt just a little different, and your smile didn't quite meet your eyes, not dissimilar to alexia's the day she'd sought solace in the shop she now knew to be yours.

the day you'd finally put her out of her misery after giving her yet another little free gift in a small bundle of poppies and wild vine was one which had her blushing in embarrassment as again she'd questioned if you would be in trouble for not charging her.

"i know the boss quite well, she won't mind." you echoed as you often did with a wink, alexia rolling her eyes and insisting she pay.

"alexia. this is my store, i can give away my flowers and my plants to whoever i like, please take them." your hand had settled on top of hers as her fingers drummed against the counter pushing for you to let her pay.

"oh." was all she managed out, and your features softened at the clear embarrassment present in hers, quickly changing subject and moving forward without another word much to the taller girls relief.

"hola chica." alexia smiled and your cheeks warmed as she gently pressed her lips against them in greeting, the two of you quite familiar now as it had been nearly two weeks since your initial encounter.

"so who are we buying for today then capi?" you raised an eyebrow in amusement as alexia pushed herself off the counter and began to wander around, eyes roaming what was left for the day with a shrug.

"because on monday it was your mami, wednesday for your hermana, friday it was another plant, saturday for your amiga's birthday, tuesday for your mami again and now..." you recounted all of the various times alexia had popped in.

"eh..." alexia struggled to think of a reason bar the actual one which was just to see you. "for yourself maybe? the right flowers bring very good energy into a home." you suggested as alexia nodded, head turning away from you to hide the flush warming her neck.

"what do you suggest then cari?" alexia asked, projecting a confidence she did not currently feel as still she wandered the store and did not meet your eye which followed her steps.

"when is your birthday?" you asked, resuming your trimming of the marigolds on the counter making sure to still keep her in your sight. "february fourth. why?" alexia glanced at you curiously over your shoulder as you smiled.

"mmm aquarias, of course." you hummed with a nod, carefully wrapping up the marigolds and setting them aside. "and what does that mean?" alexia huffed, turning to look at you properly with a slight frown as you rounded the counter.

"nothing. but your birth flower is..." you held up a finger, slipping past her and hoping you still had some out the back. alexia waited patiently as you disappeared, a few minutes passing as she contemplated checking on you.

glancing at the time on her watch guilt flooded her seeing technically you were supposed to be closed right now, and with a few steps she found herself at the front door and flipped the open sign to show so, not wanting you caught off guard by any new customers.

also knowing it was unlikely you would make her pay for whatever you were constructing out the back she took a twenty dollar note from her pocket and slid it under your bell on the counter with a small smile.

her head turned as footsteps sounded and you returned. "iris and violet, also primrose! but unfortunately i need those for an order tomorrow." you smiled apologetically, a bundle of bright purple flowers clenched in your hand wrapped in some brown paper with a lavender colored ribbon.

"they are beautiful, gracias." she accepted them as you held them out to her with a satisfied smile at her obvious delight, of course as alexia expected dismissing her attempts to pay for them.

"you look busy, i will leave you be cari. thank you again for these, they are perfect." alexia thanked you, again the taller girl kissing your cheek and with a small smile she was headed for the door as you hesitated.

"alexia." you spoke, her hand on the door she turned with a raised eyebrow.

"i might be misreading this, and if i am i apologise. but if you would like to see me you don't have to keep coming in for flowers you do not need, you can just...ask me out." you played with the sleeves of your cardigan, trying to disguise the fear of rejection as her eyes widened.

"oh." was again all she managed out seeing a flash of worry cross your face. "i have misread. i am so sorry!" you apologized, humiliation filling your chest as you darted behind the counter and ducked down as if needing to find something, hoping she would just leave.

you heard the door and deflated a little, pushing yourself up and jumping in surprise at the hazel eyes which met yours, alexia giving you a slightly awkward smile.

"would you like to go out on a date with me? please." "sí ale, i really would."

hearing your alarm go off you awoke on instinct, hand darting out to tap it off as you rubbed your eyes and sighed, taking a few moments to allow your body to wake up a little, the time only three in the morning.

you attempted to get out of bed but an arm caught your midsection, pulling you back under the covers with a grunt. you smiled with a shake of your head, rolling onto your side and propping yourself up on one arm.

"ale. mi amor i have to go!" you whispered softly, pushing her hair out of her face as one eye cracked open and glared up at you. "take a day off." the footballer mumbled, grip on you only tightening making you laugh.

"you take a day off." you teased, poking at her nose as her lips pushed into a slight pout and both her eyes now slowly opened. "can i come with you?" the next words out of her mouth surprised you, eyebrows raised as your finger traced across the soft and tanned skin of her face.

"querida its too early, you only went to bed a few hours ago and you have training at nine." you warned with an apologetic smile, pressing a tender kiss to the crown of her head and squirming as her nose tucked into your neck and she exhaled tiredly.

"i can sleep after training princesa, i want to come. please?" she asked hopefully as your thumb gently wiped some of the sleep from the corner of her eye. "ale i don't know, i don't want you exhausted for training." you sighed with a slight frown.

"we have been up late doing things before and i would still get up at five to go for a run and i am fine." alexia smiled suggestively, hand dragging across your stomach causing goosebumps to prickle your skin. "things hm?" you grinned, her free hand clasping the back of your neck and pulling you down into a proper kiss.

"did that convince you to let me come?" alexia smiled cheekily as she let you up, your head spinning a little as you sighed, smile ghosting your lips.

"sí, you can come."

"i told you it was too early precioso." you laughed, squishing the catalans cheeks in your hand as her chin rested on your shoulder and her body latched tightly onto yours from behind.

"m'fine, go get your flowers bebita." alexia mumbled, softly kissing your neck and nodding for you to step forward into the warehouse. the time was now just past four, the perfect time as hardly anyone had arrived to the wholesalers markets yet and you would have first pick of everything.

alexia letting go of you she settled for holding your hand instead, following after you as you went from seller to seller, making your orders and signing for them with a smile, alexia watching fondly as you conversed with the friendly faces you saw each morning.

she'd only come with you once before, blown away by the stunning flowers on offer and just how many lay ready to be bought in the large warehouse. as time passed it began to fill up with more people, alexia letting go of your hand and allowing you to be a little faster as she kept a close eye on you, sipping at her coffee.

"okay amor. done! daniel will drive the truck back with everything in it once its all loaded." you returned to your girlfriends side, waving at the man across the room who wiggled his fingers and returned to flirting with one of the sellers making you chuckled.

her arm stretched over your shoulders the two of you made your way out of the now very busy market, heading for where alexia had parked still insisting on driving despite the fact she was half asleep.

reaching the car you waited patiently by your door, knowing if you tried to open it for yourself the blonde would only tug you back and kick it closed before opening it for you.

"hola." alexia smiled as her body pressed into yours, interlocking fingers as you were pushed gently into the side of her car. you were caught off guard as her head dipped and her mouth met yours, nipping at your bottom lip and with a squeeze of your hips and a little gasp her tongue slipped in.

though just as quickly as it had started she was pulling away, hovering over you with a soft smile which was mirrored on your own features, eyebrow quirked curiously.

"and what was that for?" you asked as her hip bumped you out of the way and she opened your door for you.

"just for you." alexia grinned, stealing another quick kiss as you slid into the car and she closed the door before rounding to her own side. "oh gracias!" she laughed playfully as you leaned over and pushed her door open for her.

your head falling to the headrest you watched as she slipped her key into the ignition, lovesick smile on your face and adoration in your eyes at the woman sat across from you.

meeting your gaze alexias own face softened and she leaned across to press her lips to yours once more, mumbling a few words against them.

"mi preciosa niña de las flores."

#woso #woso x reader #woso community #alexia putellas x reader #alexia putellas #woso fanfics #woso imagine #woso blurbs

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